Monday, January 20, 2014

Redeemed Book Review

Redeemed...A Devotional Based on the #1 Classic Song That Has Inspired Millions

Redeemed is a devotional book based on the song by Big Daddy Weave.  I enjoyed this collection of 30 devotionals all around the theme of Redemption.  Each of the 30 devotionals is titled Redeemed by...______.  They each contain a short devotional, followed by scripture, quotes pertaining to the subject at hand, a prayer and then an area to journal your own thoughts on each topic.  Topics include: Redeemed from Ghosts of the Past, Redeemed from Struggle, Redeemed by His Promises, and others. 

At the end of the book there is a section devoted to scriptures to consider on various topics such as Worry. Worship, Miracles, Difficult Days, etc.

This book would be a great gift as well as something to purchase for your own use during daily quiet time.  I love that each day's devotion could be done in a short amount of time, if you are short of time, but also, there is a lot of food for thought and you can meditate on the scriptures provided and then journal your own thoughts.  You will get out of it what you put into it. 

This book was given to me by Worthy Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review.  I don't have to give it a positive review, but I highly recommend it because it is a good book and a useful tool in drawing you closer to God. 

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Food Triggers Book Review

Food Triggers: End Your Cravings Eat Well and Live Better - The title of this book had my attention.  I wondered if there are things I eat that cause me to crave other not so healthy foods and so I thought I would give this book a read. 

Rhona Epstein is a certified addictions counselor and she wrote this book not only based on her expertise in the field, but also because she has struggled with food addiction in her life.  In the beginning of the book she tells her story about how sugar was her trigger food and what eating sugar did to her. 

While I do not suffer from food addiction, I found this book an interesting read.  As I read about how some people have an emotional attachment to food and the negative talk that goes on in their heads about how they are alone and the only ones who overindulge and/or binge, I felt compassion toward people who suffer from eating disorders. I have known people in my life that have suffered from eating disorders.  I think that we probably all know people who struggle with food and we don't have to look too hard to find them. 

Epstein talks about not only addressing the chemical triggers that certain foods cause, but also dealing with the emotional baggage people carry that cause them to eat when they aren't hungry.  Some people eat to fill a void that food can't fill and because it will never be filled, they continue to eat.  It's a vicious cycle.  I appreciated that Epstein addresses the whole person, physical, emotional and spiritual.  She talks uses scriptures throughout the book and encourages people to look to God to fulfill that missing part of themselves. 

While I didn't think this book necessarily applied to me, the information in it was good information for others that I have known or may come across.  Epstein gives practical ways people with eating disorders can overcome their behavior and not repeat this crippling cycle.  I would recommend this book if you or someone you know struggles to have a healthy relationship with food. 

I received this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review.