Are you a single mom? Did you know that God loves you?

Teresa Whitehurst has written a book full of practical help for finding confidence, strength, and hope as you raise your children on your own.

{From the Back Cover:}

Teresa Whitehurst knows what it’s like to be a single mom. She faced many challenging times when money was short, when her back was aching, and when her spirits sagged from trying to “do it all” without letting anyone know she needed a little rest or assistance. Over the years she learned that both she and her children benefited when she stopped trying to be perfect; admitted her needs, frustration, loneliness, or fatigue; and reached out to God and to supportive family and friends.

In God Loves Single Moms, she offers you down-to-earth advice on navigating the world of single motherhood with confidence and hope for the future. Packed with practical tips, smart strategies, and ways to improve your family’s well-being, this book tackles your most pressing issues, like self-care, developing a support network, organization, finances, discipline, and more.

It can feel like you’re struggling through life on your own. But you have a partner who wants you to succeed and wants your children to flourish. God loves you and wants to guide and support you every step of the way. Whether you’ve never been married, you’re divorced, or you’ve been widowed, you and your children deserve the best life has to offer. And while you may get weary, you need never feel alone.

{My Thoughts:}

All moms can benefit from the practical advice and tips that the author gives in this quick and easy read. Single moms, especially, though, need to know that they are not alone, and the author speaks from personal experience when she shares the guidance that got her through the difficult times.

I pray that this book would bless your life as you read it, drawing you closer to God. I’d love to hear from you after you read it – I’d love to know how it impacted your life!

Thanks to Revell, a division of Baker, for providing this book for review.

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The Strategically Small Church

Strategically Small Church, The: Intimate, Nimble, Authentic, and Effective by Brandon J. O’Brien

{From the Back Cover:}

Our culture’s infatuation with bigness – bigger cars, bigger house, bigger businesses – has infiltrated the church. But smaller doesn’t equal second rate. Leadership Journal editor and former pastor Brandon O’Brien shows how small churches are uniquely equipped for success in today’s culture.

O’Brien celebrates churches that are taken full advantage of their small size and analyzes how other churches can learn from their strategies. For example, strategically small churches:

• facilitate a higher level of commitment from laypeople
• focus attention on fewer programs, increasing effectiveness
• nurture close relationships across age and life-experience barriers

But perhaps most important, O’Brien ask churches to rethink what it means to be success. Sometimes small is just right.

{My Thoughts:}

As a layleader in my own small church, I was very interested to read this book to determine what I might be able to apply to our church. I am definitely a pro-small church advocate, especially in terms of relationships and discipleship, and I appreciated the author’s boldness to advocate the same.

Somewhere to Belong

Somewhere to Belong (Daughters of Amana, Book 1) by Judith Miller

{From the Back Cover:}

Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages settled by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she’s always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in Amana. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered. Is this truly where she belongs?

Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, so when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, her rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?

{My Thoughts:}

Set in 1877, this story of two young women, as different as can be, will introduce you to a different way of life. Oh, to live in simpler days, and yet…

I have enjoyed reading many Judith Miller books over the past couple of years {including A Surrendered Heart & The Carousel Painter}, and she never fails to please. I look forward to reading the future books in this Daughters of Amana series.

Homosexuality and the Christian

Homosexuality and the Christian: A Guide for Parents, Pastors, and Friends by Mark A. Yarhouse, PsyD

{From the Back Cover:}

Homosexuality is one of the most controversial topics of our day, and we all need clear, biblical answers that are grounded in love and compassion. As a Christian and a leading expert in the field of sexual identity, Mark Yarhouse provides honest, accurate information about hot-button questions like:

• What causes homosexuality and same-sex attraction?
• Can attractions or orientation be changed?
• What is “sexual identity” and why does it matter?
• What should I do when a friend opens up to me about his or his homosexual attractions?

Always keeping in mind the real, hurting people – Christians and nonbelievers alike – who are struggling with the issue, Dr. Yarhouse provides a balanced and accessible look at today’s research. He also introduces a new way to think about the topic, carefully separating “same-sex attraction” from a “gay identity.” This book provides a much-needed, deeper understanding of homosexuality that will help our churches, our communities, and our families speak the truth in love.

{My Thoughts:}

I picked this book up because homosexuality is one of those topics that the church is almost too afraid to address, other than to say it’s “bad”. The problem is that the people struggling with this sin {hey, I’m a sinner, too – I just struggle with different sin issues} are often “shunned” by the church rather than loved by the church.

Are these sinners not the same as the sinners who Jesus came to minister to? The tax collectors, the prostitutes, the downtrodden of society? Why are we running away from them?

This book answers some of the “tough” questions with grace. This is a great resource for anyone who knows somebody struggling with this sin issue.

Thanks to Bethany House for providing me with copies of these books for review.

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