Book Review: Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts by Sara Frankl & Mary Carver

 Habakkuk 3:18 was Sara's life verse.
"If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
-Dolly Parton"

Habakkuk 3:17-19(MSG)

Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen, 

Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, 

I'm singing joyful praise to God. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. 

Counting on God's rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!

"Sara's story only grew louder, braver, bolder with her death. It's a story that we all need to keep hearing." --Lisa-Jo Baker, bestselling author of Surprised by Motherhood

Sara Frankl knew she had a terminal disease, but she didn't let it stop her from living. In the face of immeasurable pain, Sara chose joy--again and again. Her unforgettable message of hope and purpose lives on, even after her death, in her words.

CHOOSE JOY is a compilation of the lessons Sara learned while she was dying, written in her own words and sewn together by her close friend Mary Carver. It is a reminder to see the beauty in life, even when it looks nothing like you hoped or planned.

In a world full of tragedy, choosing joy is no small task--but, as Sara knew, the importance lies in the choosing. Once you learn to make that choice, every day, no matter what happens, joy will come.

My Personal Review:

Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver is a tender love story between Sara & God, whereby she allows the reader to peek into her world of chronic illness. Her clearly communicated message of  hope that life is really a precious gift from God, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in, is one of encouragement and immeasurable faith!

Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver is a newly released candid writing filled with inspiring advice that will not only make you "feel" joyful, but will actually teach you how to choose joy even if your plans don't line up with what the Lord has assigned for your life. The book is presented as a series of blog posts from the deceased Sara Frankl and narrated by Mary Carver. 

Where do I begin with this book? First off, I had no prior knowledge or connections with either of these writer's blogs. I simply chose this book for it's title, because I want to "choose joy" in my life. I mean who doesn't want that, right? However, this quickly became more than just "another book" for me. It's depth and stripped down simplicity for all things pertaining to the true meaning of a well lived life are present in every single chapter.

Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author writes on the back cover, "This isn't a story about dying. It's a story about living." I would have to disagree with part of that. I think this is a story about living and dying. The book is pertinent for all of us, but I would quickly hand this book to anyone with a terminal illness, as Sara's walk through the valley of death could be very comforting to another who is in the same situation. 

Her contagious trust in a loving God and her ability to express it in an encouraging manner are incredible! She brings an authenticity that only someone actually enduring such suffering and one having been given the finality of a death sentence could manage. Those of us who have never experienced this kind of life altering illness can talk about how we would respond, but until we are living it, we don't know. Sara knew. This book transparently reveals her choice to stand firm in her conviction that God is a loving God and that He only does good. She doesn't throw out cliche' phrases, but instead provides a blueprint on how she chose joy...and how we can too. That is what makes this book so unique.

Sara shares that life is a series of moments. We need to make a conscious effort to be completely present in those moments with attentive intention, so that we don't miss a single opportunity that God has for us. Her statement that, "It's not easy, but it is simple," sounds like an oxymoron, but in fact is a profound thought that Sara applied to her everyday life and it served to fuel her fire to continually apply joy in every situation. Sara believed deeply that there was a purpose for her illness and she wanted to be sure she didn't miss the assignment God had given her by wishing for a different one.

Mary Carver flawlessly utilizes her talented writing skills to connect each of Sara's blog posts throughout the book. This gives the reader insight into what was happening in Sara's life at the time of the different entries. Mary helps to give perspective into Sara's emotional, physical, and spiritual state and therefore provides even further dimension to Sara's story.

The only regret I have in reading Choose Joy by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver is that I never got to meet Sara. I'm pretty sure, however, that if she were sitting here and heard me say that, Sara would laugh and inform me that God had another plan for our meeting and the timing of that introduction wasn't to be on this side of heaven. In honor of Sara and her life mission, Sara's blog (click here to go to blog) continues and there is a link to the "Choose Joy Sara Gitz Frankl Memorial Foundation" (click here) that clearly identifies the importance of spreading joy through the love of Christ to all who will listen. It is also a place for community, which was one of Sara's many passions. 

I will leave you with Sara's "favorite all-time quote" by Victor Hugo: 
"Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones.
And when you have finished your daily task, got to sleep in peace. God is awake."

Thank you to FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc for this review copy of Choose Joy by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver. The opinions within this review are strictly my own. I was not required to write a favorable review, but only to read this book in it's entirety in exchange for honest feedback.

Book Review: Touching Heaven by Dr. Chauncey Crandall

John 14:2-3(NIV)

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

This book has the potential to challenge
boundaries and break down the walls
of hopelessness.

Overview

How a doctor's glimpses of eternity confirmed everything he believed about God, suffering, life on earth, and what happens after death. 

Dr. Chauncey Crandall knows his patients well. When they are dying, he sits at the bedside with them and holds their hands. He prays with them. Sometimes he can feel what they feel and see what they see. At other times his patients have near-death experiences and "come back" with astonishing descriptions of the afterlife. In TOUCHING HEAVEN, Dr. Crandall reveals how what he has seen and heard has convinced him that God is real, that we are created for a divine purpose, that death is not the end, that we will see our departed loved ones again, and that we are closer to the next world than we think.

My Personal Review:

Touching Heaven by Dr. Chauncey Crandall is a very unique and thought provoking book.

https://chaunceycrandall.com/

Touching Heaven by Dr. Chauncey Crandall piqued my interest for many reasons. At the top of my list is that the author is a cardiologist. Dr. Crandall’s experience and background in medicine is impressive. The book states that, “He is chief of the cardiovascular transplant program at the Palm Beach Cardiovascular Clinic in Palm Beach Gardens and is on staff at three medical centers.” Having worked for fifteen years as an RN, CCRN in a Cardiac
Intensive Care Unit myself, I am always drawn to the medical story, especially acute cardiac related events. There are many detailed stories within the book that chronicle the resuscitation procedures given to a dying patient. I was quickly immersed in the bedside care and high level of energy that fuels these life retrieving protocols. One particular narrative Dr. Crandall shares, where by the defibrillator did not fire when discharged, had me on the edge of my seat. That is a nightmare scenario for a code blue team!

 A close second on my list for reading this book is the idea that Touching Heaven intersects faith with facts. The collision of spiritual and physical will always make for an interesting read. I am a very logical, formulaic, algorithm sort of gal, so when I have an opportunity to be stretched outside of my comfort zone to a place that is intangible, I will never turn that opportunity down.  

Finally, I was drawn to this book simply because the author is courageously discussing heaven within the context of his personal experiences and observations. Given today’s culture, I feel this is a brave thing to do. I have much admiration for anyone who will take a stand on their convictions with such passion and unwavering resolve. I wanted to digest an evangelical physician’s perspective on healing, heaven, and our earthly purpose. I was not disappointed.  

Touching Heaven is a very personal story of life events in the author’s life. Dr. Crandall’s desire to share the importance of inviting Christ into every situation could not be missed. He effectively communicates the message that we do not need to wait to “go to heaven”, but rather the kingdom of God is wherever believers call upon the name of Christ. One of the most powerful statements in the book encompasses this idea. Dr. Crandall writes, “As we take up our spiritual authority, the situation we’re in switches from defeat and darkness and death to victory and light and life. This is the invisible but very real power of the kingdom of heaven.”

Dr. Crandall boldly interprets a large volume of scripture references throughout this book. His Biblical knowledge and application of God’s word within the pages of this work are inspiring. The unfathomable premature death of his son in the peak of his life, make the author’s testimony personal, credible, and urgent. Crandall’s transparency and willingness to share the painful grief, questions, and finally the assurance he found in Christ, provide enough content for an entire book all on its own!  

I read through the pages of Touching Heaven by Dr. Chauncey Crandall with an open mind, as well as a sensitive heart. I greatly appreciated all of the faith filled stories of healing that the author conveyed have taken place in a direct response to Jesus being “invited into your situation.” This is a beautiful and intriguing work. Crandall’s writing has the potential to challenge boundaries and tear down walls of hopelessness.

Thank you to Faith Words Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc for requesting my review and supplying me with a copy of Touching Heaven by Dr. Chauncey Crandall. I was not required to write a favorable assessment, but only to completely read this book and give my honest opinion.

Book Review: Miracles From Heaven: A little Girl, Her Journey To Heaven, And Her Amazing Story Of Healing by Christy Beam

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out it's roots by the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes; it's leaves are always green. Jeremiah 17:8 

This book is a faith builder!! Five Stars!

In a remarkable true story of faith and blessings, a mother tells of her sickly young daughter, how she survived a dangerous accident, her visit to Heaven and the inexplicable disappearance of the symptoms of her chronic disease.

Annabel Beam spent most of her childhood in and out of hospitals with a rare and incurable digestive disorder that prevented her from ever living a normal, healthy life. One sunny day when she was able to go outside and play with her sisters, she fell three stories headfirst inside an old, hollowed-out tree, a fall that may well have caused death or paralysis. Implausibly, she survived without a scratch. While unconscious inside the tree, with rescue workers struggling to get to her, she visited heaven. After being released from the hospital, she defied science and was inexplicably cured of her chronic ailment.

MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN will change how we look at the world around us and reinforce our belief in God and the afterlife.

My Personal Review

Annabel Beam

Miracles From Heaven by Christy Beam is a captivating story of faith, family, and the tangible glory of God revealed through a miraculous and touching story of hope and healing.

Miracles From Heaven by Christy Beam is one of those books that you don't want to put down until the last page has been consumed! The author, Christy Beam, manages to smoothly volley back and forth between the action of the day and events from their past, as she chronicles the detailed struggles of their life with their sweet daughter who was suffering the effects from a dreadfully painful and dangerous intestinal disorder. Christy skillfully pens a fascinating journal of their family's life prior to a horrific accident that ultimately ends in the healing of their daughter. As I read this, I couldn't stop inserting myself into the picture, thus producing intense feelings of compassion toward this sweet family and a deep level of introspection with regard to their experiences. 

Christy Beam 

Miracles From Heaven will challenge the reader to think beyond what is tangible. It will force you to look at the facts of their story and decide for yourself how to interpret them. Whether you are skeptical about heaven and an afterlife or not, you will find yourself mesmerized by the interactions and authenticity of this family. Every father and mother should read this book for the mere positive parental interactions alone! What a gracious and loving home!

And then of course, there is the accident itself, as the drama unfolds and Beam skillfully describes the event with enough detail that the reader actually feels like they are right there. My heartbeat picked up and I could feel my palms getting sweaty. How will they get this sweet little girl out of the tree? Will she truly be okay? What injuries will she have incurred? Although we know the outcome from the start, the events leading up to the accident and the interactions between the sisters, parents, extended family, health care workers, and rescuers are what push this book over the top and into the "excellent" range!! 

This is such a great book filled with inspiration, faith, commitment, sacrifice and love. Not only did I enjoy it, but I can't think of anyone, young or old who would not be changed after reading it! 

Book Review: Healing is a Choice~Ten Decisions That Will Transform Your Life &Ten Lies That Can Prevent You From Making Them by Stephen Arterburn

Healing is a Choice~Ten Decisions That Will Transform Your Life & Ten Lies That Can Prevent You From Making Them by Stephen Arterburn

Healing is a Choice by Stephen Arterburn 
This is an incredibly well written, meticulously organized, extremely powerful book!  This work has the potential to bring about authentic change in your life. 

Healing is a Choice by Stephen Arterburn is a beautifully written book on the complex subject of pain.  I chose this book for two reasons.  First, I am a nurse, and as such, I am always on the look out for material about our health.  Secondly, the title’s claim of healing being a “choice” immediately sparked my curiosity.  What one of us would not chose healing over sickness? 

The book is methodically laid out into ten chapters.  Each chapter defines what decision we must make to embrace the healing that we long for in our lives.  That determination is then countered with the lie that, if believed, can prevent us from making that particular choice which will in turn block a life centered on health.  This book is filled with more than a few quick suggestions to make your life rosier, but rather it is full of concise directives that if applied consistently over time, could have a lasting positive impact on the reader.   

 

The author encourages the reader to give up their old ways for God’s ways.  He asserts that emotional, relational, and spiritual healing is available to us if we will apply the ten choices to our lives.  Each chapter is followed up with a workbook section that is provided to reinforce the truths and help the reader with application of those said truths.  The final chapter of the book addresses the issue of differed physical healing in a very compassionate and sensitive manner, for which I was thankful to see.

 

The recurring theme present throughout this book is that healing is ultimately God’s choice for us, but we have an opportunity and responsibility to be an active partner in that process.  In my estimation, this book is actually about ten books for the price of one!  The length of the book is approximately 450 pages each of which hold important words of tangible wisdom, sound advice, and Godly encouragement from not only the author, but other esteemed colleagues in this field.

This is an exceptional piece of work that I found to be a privilege and honor to read.  It is obvious that Stephen Arterburn's heart is to provide accessible resources to hurting people.  He consistently throughout the book, offers a number that the reader can call for live assistance.  I feel compelled to include it in this review.  That number is:  1-800-NEW-LIFE (639-5433). 

There is also a website offered:  www.newlife.com  

Thank you to BookSneeze (where “reading is contagious”) and Thomas Nelson Publishing Company for this complimentary review copy of Healing Is A Choice by Stephen Arterburn.  The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

The Unbroken Side Of The Window

Proverbs 5:14 (MSG)

 My life is ruined!  I haven't one blessed thing to show for my life!"

As I open the paper, look on-line, or even drive down the street, brokeness is what I see.  Hearts are breaking and crumbling all around me.  Is your heart shattered like the window in this picture today?  

I still get a newspaper delivered to my door.  I know I am dating myself by sharing that information with you, because it seems that only us "older" folks are hanging onto that tradition.  I can't help it though, I love everything about the paper...the smell of fresh ink, the feel of soft trees, the sound of the crackling pages as they turn, the anticipation of some great knowledge to be gained, and the taste...no I don't really eat it...I was just kidding about that part! 

Each day, after my run, I take our neighbor's paper and quietly place it on their front step so they don't have to get out in the weather.  Then I proceed to my driveway where I snatch up our paper and head inside.  It is like a birthday gift to me.  I never know what's inside until I tear it open and peer in!

With the passing of time, the number of stories with dark and tragic endings seems to be increasing.  Most recent headlines involve that of ridiculous crimes against children, natural disasters claiming unsuspecting lives, horrendous illnesses, and tragic accidents involving vibrant lives taken from us right in the middle of their prime.  If left to my own accord, I would curl up in a tight ball and cry for the rest of my existence here on planet earth.

Thank goodness I am not left to my OWN "not so brilliant" ways of handling things.  I am learning that I need to look through the side of the window that is not broken.  Go back to the above picture and study it for a minute.  Do you see what I see?  The crack is right down the middle of the pane of glass.  When I look through the side that is shattered, everything outside  is blurry and distorted by the crack.   However, when I look through the side that is not broken, I can see all the details and colors outside the window.

I am not suggesting that we put on blinders and do some happy-positive-weird chanting technique to help us ignore all of the bad stuff that is happening to us.  Nor am I even hinting at the fact that I understand what someone is going through who is suffering a tremendous loss.  What I am saying is that I have observed the deep despair of a mother who lost her child.  I have witnessed a wife's immeasurable grief to the news of suddenly losing her husband.  I have seen a young woman fight after being diagnosed with a life threatening illness.  I have watched the grace in the life of an elderly person as their physical strength faded away.  I have experienced a mother's angst as she stands by while her child makes unhealthy choices that will set the course for that child's life on a difficult path.  The list goes on and on.

The one similarity that I observed in each of these people during their trials, nevertheless, was their unwavering devotion to the Lord.  Was there window (life) broken?  Absolutely!  Did they ignore that damage?  No!  But, what I noticed them all doing, regardless of their circumstances, was making the decision to grasp onto the Lord!  Instead of crying out...as in the verse above...."My life is ruined!!"....they chose to cry out...Psalm 91:2 (MSG)-"God, you're my refuge.  I trust in you and I'm safe!"  They fell to the foot of the cross and stayed there until they had a firm hold on Him~The Giver of Life, because He promises to carry us through and direct our gaze to the unbroken side of the window.

My prayers are not always me talking....but me listening.  Today's prayer is all listening....and this is what He is telling me!

Psalm 91:14-16 (MSG)
"If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God, "Ill get you out of any trouble.  I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me.  Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.  I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!" (Bold and italics mine.)

Did you hear Him?  He loves you so much....and He's calling each of our names!  I have to go now...my phone is ringing too!