Book Club: Book Review of The God Shot by Tara-Leigh Cobble

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

Over the past several years, I have enjoyed reading the Bible in a year using The Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble. I was excited to have the chance to review another book by the same author. In The God Shot: 100 Snapshots of God's Character in Scripture, Cobble presents different characteristics of God through New Testament quotes.

The God Shot is a high-quality, 216-page hardcover book with a ribbon for you to track your place. After a brief one-page explanation of the book, Cobble takes readers through 100 days of New Testament quotes and examinations. Every day looks at a name or attribute of God. These "snapshots" are geared towards directing the reader to the Word of God - to Scripture.

There are 27 different names or attributes of God examined in The God Shot. We see quotes from the four Gospels, Acts, all of the letters of the New Testament, and the book of Revelation. Some quotes are explained over more than one day, while others are only explored for one day.

Just what names or attributes of God does The God Shot examine? Here are just a few: The God of Peace, The God of Love, The God Who Protects Us, and The God Who Saves.

Some of the important truths shared: 

• "Prayer is a conversation with God" (31)
• "The three persons of the Trinity - Father, Son, and Spirit - are eternally united and eternally distinct." (37)
• We are all part of God's family.
• Satan wants to mislead us.
• God equips us with the tools we need in our everyday lives.
• We are God's forever.

I would recommend The God Shot to anyone looking to dig deeper into Scripture. You do not have to be familiar with Cobble's other works to enjoy The God Shot. My only recommendation would be to include space to take notes or reflections in the book. But even without that direct space, one can take notes in the book. I really think The God Shot is a valuable resource for your Bible study. 

Book Club: Book Review of Carved in Ebony

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

I am always looking to expand our daughter's library collection of books featuring Christian women. Having the opportunity to read and review the young reader's edition of Carved in Ebony: Lessons from the Black Women Who Shape Us by Jasmine L. Holmes was a true blessing! The short, paperback nonfiction book features the stories of ten Black women whose lives spanned the 1700s to the 1900s. 

About Carved in Ebony 

The 117-page paperback book is divided into an introduction, note for adults, 10 chapters on the women, notes, and pages for reflection. Each of the chapters on the Black women includes discussion questions and opportunities for further research. There is an emphasis in the early part of the book on distinguishing between primary and secondary resources (this history teacher loved this!).

The Black women featured in Carved in Ebony are: 

• Elizabeth Freeman
• Maria Stewart 
• Sarah Mapps Douglass
• Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
• Charlotte Forten Grimké
• Sara Griffith Stanley 
• Amanda Berry Smith 
• Maria Fearing
• Lucy Craft Laney
• Nannie Helen Burroughs 

For a quick glimpse into the book, let's look at Sara Griffith Stanley. She was born in 1837 in the South. She grew up in New Bern, North Carolina, but she and her family would eventually move to Oberlin. She wrote and gave speeches on the evils of slavery, referencing the Bible and other contemporary works. The chapter also discusses her work as a teacher and how she was a servant of Jesus. Before the discussion questions, the chapter closes, "There are always faithful people doing the work of the Lord in obscurity. And it is better to be a servant of the Most High God in the hidden places than visibly doing anything else. Let Sara teach you this." (71). I love this message to young readers.

My Thoughts 

As an adult, this is a very easy read. I was able to read several chapters at one time and completed the book in about a week. The text is clearly written but does not leave out 'big words.' Those words that might be difficult for young readers are bolded so they can go back to them and perhaps define them. 

I really love the fact that the author, Jasmine L. Holmes, brings all the women's hard work back to God. Even where they faced difficulties, they persevered because of their faithfulness. "They each have something to teach us about what it means to live fullheartedly as someone created in God's image. And whether that image is carved in ebony, alabaster, or some shade in between, his purpose is steadfast." (111) 

So many of the women featured taught in schools at one time or another. While I understand their reasons for being teachers, and I agree that they were needed in the field of education, as a homeschooling mother, I do wish that Holmes had included something that emphasized the learning that some of them received before they were able to go to public or private schools. Quite a few of the women were taught by their families how to read, many were taught the Bible, and I wish that home education had found a stronger foothold in Holmes' work. 

I think this book would be an excellent addition to your homeschool. I can easily see my daughter and me on the sofa, reading Carved in Ebony aloud and discussing the vocabulary and the questions. Even if you don't homeschool, I think this book would make a nice addition to your home so your children can learn more about Christian Black women and how they shaped America and the world around them. They are wonderful role models to share with your children. 

Interested in reading more book reviews? Please check out my reviews of 3-Minute Devotions to Laugh and Reflect, When the Day Comes, or The Deadly Shallows. 

Book Club: Book Review of Farmyard Faith

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

I am fortunate enough to receive many homeschooling resources in my position as the Social Media Manager for the Homeschool Review Crew. I don't write many reviews of the products anymore, but I felt I had to share my experiences while reading Farmyard Faith by Kinsey M. Rockett. Of the three books the Crew is reviewing from Whatsoever Stories, I picked this one to read first as it detailed the experiences of the author over the course of ten years on their family farm.

About the Book 

Farmyard Faith is a work of Christian non-fiction that shares stories of the Rockett Family Farm. It starts with a funny but scary story about bees and takes readers on a journey through ten years of taking care of goats, geese, chickens, barn cats, and other animals. 

In Farmyard Faith, the author shares two poems, a glossary, and 101 things that most farming books don't tell you about, in addition to the stories about the animals and the farm. While their farm did not resemble the storybook farm with cows and sheep, the farm provided many valuable lessons about animals and about one's relationship with the Lord. In just over 200 pages, one will read about two potential fires, a goat with a scary but curable condition, three geese that shared a tight bond, and pigs who thought they were in control. 

To accompany these stories, Rockett shares how these experiences can further one's relationship with God. For example, in the chapter "Who's in Control?" the family tries to move several pigs into the trailer with great difficulty. They ended up calling the mobile slaughter in the end, which they could have done at the beginning of the ordeal but they decided to do it their own way first. She closes the chapter by reminding the readers in this work of Christian non-fiction that "If you will face life in God's strength rather than trying to get through it on your own, it will spare you a whole lot of trouble too" (151).

How Did I Use the Book in our Home? 

Initially, I was reading the book because I wanted to preview it before sharing it with our younger children. I thought it would be interesting to read as I had worked at a zoo and cared for the goats and sheep in the children's zoo for a while. Most often, I would read a chapter or two at the end of the day. But then, I decided to read a chapter aloud to my mom during mealtime. 

My mom moved in with us in 2019. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in January 2021. While we have been taking care of her during all this time, her daily needs intensified in February of 2022. My husband and I found it necessary to feed her meals as she could no longer feed herself. 

In addition to reading the Bible aloud to her, I decided to read Farmyard Faith aloud because she had also worked at the same zoo as me. I felt she would enjoy the stories about the animals and that the devotional parts would provide encouragement for all of us. 

I was only able to read three chapters aloud before her care intensified again and then she went to the hospital, but I really feel like those three chapters were just what I needed to read on those days. It is amazing how Christian fiction and non-fiction provide just the encouragement, inspiration, and solace we need. 

In the one chapter I read aloud to my mom, Rockett asks: "What kind of example are you setting for those who are watching you? If someone were to imitate you, what would their life look like?" (55). These questions went through my mind a lot as I was taking care of my mom. Through all the sacrifices our family was making to take care of her what were my children learning? What were they seeing? When I was too tired to play games with my children, would they understand? Was I setting a good example for them? 

I think I was answered in a later chapter about heavy rains and the potential for damage to their barn. Neighbors came to the Rockett family's aid. Rockett reminds us that "Jesus set the ultimate example, and He calls each of us to follow Him in serving others" (73). In those moments when I questioned whether I was doing the right thing by sacrificing our family time, space, and experiences, I was following the example set by Jesus. I was loving the Lord and my neighbor. I was loving my mom. 

What Do I Think? 

If you can't tell, I really enjoyed Farmyard Faith. I feel blessed that the author chose to have her books reviewed by the Homeschool Review Crew. I can't wait to read the other two books, which are Christian fiction.

I will be adding Farmyard Faith to our children's list of books to read. I believe both our son and daughter will enjoy reading about the animals, especially the goats and the cats. I think they may also find some of the same encouragement that I did while reading Farmyard Faith. 

I finished reading Farmyard Faith after my mom died, and I found the closing chapters to be of great solace. Our journey was very long and difficult, and like Rockett speaks of in "Cancel That Prayer," it was "painful and unrewarding" at times, but Jesus never promised that it would be easy. Taking care of my mom was not easy but it was worth it. I am thankful for the reminders in Farmyard Faith of that. 

I would recommend Farmyard Faith for homesteading families, homeschooling families, and families who enjoy funny and uplifting stories. I think it would make a lovely gift for the animal lover, mother, father, or young teen who wants Christian non-fiction to read. 

Do You Want to Learn More? 

Please visit the Crew Website to learn about the other two books and see what the rest of the Crew shared in their reviews. You can also read more about all three books by Kinsey M. Rockett by visiting here: Products.

Book Club: Book Review of Flooded

I received a FREE copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

Sometimes a book ends up proving to be more impactful than you thought it might be when you first read the title and description. This was the case for me when I began reading Flooded: The 5 Best Decisions to Make When Life is Hard and Doubt is Rising by Nicki Koziarz. My original reason behind selecting Flooded to read and review was because I was interested in reading more about Noah. I had no idea that the book would have so many relatable applications to my present-day life. 

In the 197-page paperback book, Nicki Koziarz presents five lessons we can learn from Noah and his interactions with God. When our hearts are heavy and there are difficult circumstances we must navigate, doubt enters our lives. Koziarz shares her own personal situations, which led to hopelessness and doubt, and presents five decisions we can make to help push doubt aside. I really appreciate Koziarz's openness in sharing both funny moments (like the escapes of their farm animals) and difficult moments (like the suicide of her brother). An author who is open and honest is most welcoming on a journey to self-improvement.

Content and Organization of Flooded 

Flooded is divided into five sections, with each focusing upon a different decision. 

1. To Walk with God 
2. To Listen to God 
3. To Rise Above the Doubt 
4. To Remember Who is in Charge 
5. To Find the Familiar Faithfulness of God 

These units are then divided into three chapters each. This division makes for easy reading. Readers would probably skip around the book to read just the section they are interested in, but I think there is more value in reading Flooded from cover to cover. This is especially true as we follow the story of Noah from before the building of the Ark to the time when the land was dry and ready for Noah, his family, and the animals. 

What Did I Think? 

From the appealing cover of Flooded to the heartfelt and honest stories shared by the author, I enjoyed reading this book. I personally struggle with doubt, so tools to help overcome that monster are most welcome. I appreciated that Koziarz spoke to the fact "a large portion of our world believes in God but does not consider the Bible absolute truth" (47) and shared the truth that not much has actually changed in the hearts of humans since the days of Noah. 

As someone who likes to know what is going to happen, to be in control, I enjoyed reading the reminder that we must let go and trust God. Even just the second decision, listening to God, can be difficult because "we don't know exactly where we're going" (60). It is not easy to remember that God knows what He is doing even we do not know. I find myself needing this reminder daily as I take care of my mom, who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. I need to put my trust in God, who is the one who is in charge. Much like the author, I find myself whispering, "Please, God, no more hard things" (107). 

I would recommend Flooded to those who are seeking help in a world of doubt. There is so much we can learn from the life of Noah, even though his story may seem small in the Bible. We know he came from a long line of faithful-to-God men, was married with three sons, a farmer, and preached. Most of us today are probably not that different from Noah. Hopefully, through reading Flooded, we can rise above doubt and find the familiar faithfulness in God. 

Book Club: Reviewing Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more information please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy. Thank you.

I recently read Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See by Jennifer Marshal Bleakley published by Tyndale Momentum – the nonfiction imprint of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. At the heart of the novel is a horse named Joey who was "a former prizewinning jumper who had been abandoned, neglected, and malnourished to the point of blindness" and Hope Reins – "a ranch dedicated to helping hurting kids who had been abused, emotionally wounded, or unwanted." 

Joey opens with the finding of an Appaloosa at an abandoned horse farm where there were several deceased horses. It continues with the story of Kim Tschirret, the retrieval of Joey and Speckles for Hope Reins, and a brief background history of Hope Reins. From an early accident with the blind horse to his finding a friend in his paddock mate, Speckles, the story of Joey is a riveting one. 

Besides telling the story of Kim – the owner of Hope Reins – and Joey, the book also details the experiences of several of the volunteers at the ranch. You will read about Lauren, her life of chronic pain, and how she teaches Speckles to share and eventually care for Joey. You will also read about Sarah and her own journey to find healing. 

What Stands Out 

There are two parts that stand out the most to me: the description of the fundraising event and the events surrounding Spirit.

Christmas Fundraising Event 

At the first Christmas Fundraising event, Kim speaks about the mission of Hope Reins - "to pair a horse with a hurting child, to help open that child's heart." Furthermore, "Hope Reins is based upon 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, which explains that God comforts us in our time of need, so that we can comfort others in their time of need" (141). I love the idea that the ranch is focused upon the idea that God is the "Father of mercies...who comforts us in all our affliction" (2 Corinthians 1:3). What an uplifting message!

Spirit

While trying to find Joey a companion, Kim is filled with "What-Ifs" in her mind. This is a great reminder that even people who succeed at doing great things – like the founding of Hope Reins and the rescuing of both horses and children in need – can sometimes let doubt get the better of them. Yet we are reminded that with faith we will be able to erase those doubts.

Reading the Book 

I enjoyed Joey so much that if I had no other commitments I would have gladly sat and read the entire book in one or two sittings. It was that good! I wanted to know if Hope Reins would succeed. What would happen to Speckles and Joey? Would Aly trust others and find her voice? 

The book ends with several pages of black and white photographs from Hope Reins and 16 Group Discussion Questions. One of the questions discusses the catalyst for Kim in starting Hope Reins: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Personally, I love the connection emphasized between the events of the story, how the individuals sought encouragement, and the Bible. It makes the book more than just a story about a rescue horse and a rescue ranch. It brings meaning to the lives of the individuals and the horses they are entrusted with by God. 

I also liked the fact that Bleakley did not overwhelm her readers with detailed horse-related or rescue-related vocabulary. One who has the slightest experiences with horses and the world in which they live, could easily understand when Sarah was working with Aly as they took care of Joey in a session. For example, after Sarah asks Aly if she wants to learn how to brush Joey, the paragraph reads: 

"Aly's bobbing ponytail spoke volumes. Sarah led the girl to the tack shed, where they collected supplies – a halter and lead line, a grooming bucket full of brushes, and a hoof pick. Then they walked back to Joey's paddock." (106) 

I think that most people who have any interest in animals or horses would be familiar with these terms. And as Sarah led Aly through the grooming of Joey, the reader also receives a brief lesson in what the grooming brushes are and what they are used for in the daily care of the horses.

Who Might Like Joey

I recommend this book for individuals who are interested in horses, rescues, animal therapy, and those who enjoy seeing how God helps us help others. Even though the book deals with some weighty topics like abuse of animals and people, I think older, mature teens might really get something out of reading the book as well. 

To learn more about the publishing house, author, ranch, and book, please visit the following: 

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc - Jennifer Marshall Beakley Website - Hope Reins  - Joey the Book

Release Date: May 8, 2018

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