Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski

 Written by Mike Yankoski
Published by Multnomah Books

Francis Chan said it best in the foreward of this book.  "Don't read Mike's book if you're not willing to change you attitude and actions toward the homeless."

After asking himself "what if I stepped out of my comfortable life with nothing but God and put my faith to the test alongside of those who live with nothing everyday?", Mike and his friend Sam set out on a five month journey.

Mike had 3 objectives that he wanted to accomplish while on this journey of discovery.  They are (as listed on page 9 of the book):

1) To better understand the life of the homeless in America, and to see firsthand how the church is responding to their needs.

2) To encourage others to "live out loud" for Christ in whatever ways God is asking them to.

3) To learn personally what it means to depend on Christ for my daily physical needs, and to experience contentment and confidence in Him.

Together Mike and Sam spent time in Denver, Washington DC, Portland, San Francisco, Phoenix, and San Diego before returning home.  Each destination was filled with new people, new experiences and new realizations.  They never expected this to be easy but I don't think they expected to go through the trials that they did.

What did I think of this book?  Honestly, I thought it was really interesting and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to read it.  I took away quite a bit from this book and it opened my eyes to the homelessness situation in new ways. No longer can I turn a blind eye and act like I don't notice.  Homelessness is everywhere and most people do not choose to live on the streets or in shelters.  Also there are ways that every one of us can help, if we are willing to step out of our comfort zones.  Volunteer at a homeless shelter, give a little money when you see an open guitar case, buy a meal, offer clothing, just do something!

This stuck out to me:  "When someone stopped to talk, even for a minute, the powerful underlying message was, 'I notice you, you're a human being, and you're worth my time."   Everyone wants to be noticed and treated fairly regardless of the situation they are in.

I really do suggest that people read this book.  Not just because I think it is a good read but because you will learn things from it.  Give it a chance, especially if it isn't something you would typically read.  It's all about stepping out of our comfort zones.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Who is My Shelter by Neta Jackson

source: Amazon

A couple years ago now I discovered a book series that I instantly was hooked in to.  The series is called The Yada Yada Prayer Group.

There are seven books in this original series and I breezed through them in no time.  Naturally I was left wanting more.  I mean how could I not, I felt I had gotten "to know" these characters and I wasn't ready for the story to be over!

I was so happy when Neta Jackson released the next spin-off book series called A Yada Yada House of Hope.  The fourth installment of the series just came out on March 1 and I picked it up this past weekend.

Let's just say I started the book last night and when I finally turned the light off at a little after 2am I was left wondering when the next one was coming out.  Horrible I know!

Naturally the book ended with a lot of things left unfinished.  What happened to Lucy?  What about Gabby/Phillip/Lee?  Do Josh and Edesa adopt Gracie?  So that pushed me to Neta Jackson's website.  Imagine my surprise when I read that book 4 was the LAST book in this spin-off series.  WHAT?  NO!  But then I heard that she is working on another spin-off series and while that makes it better I can only hope that some (if not all) of main characters return and we find out what happened since "Who is my shelter?" concluded.

Now I will just wait for a release date of the new series and also pick up the parallel books (for the House of Hope series) that was written by Dave Jackson.

Although I would love it if some how these Yada Yada books were picked up for a mini-series or even some movies.  Oh how I would enjoy that! {dreaming}

disclaimer: I purchased all of these books on my own and just wanted to pass along a good Christian fiction series that I know others would enjoy.  The thoughts expressed in the review are 100% mine!

A Time to Dance by Karen Kingsbury

The other day I received my recent selection from the Book Sneeze program.  What did I choose?  Well this time I chose something I love, fiction!

John and Abby's love story is one of a kind.  People look up to them as it appears their marriage is so strong and will endure forever.  But will it?  They both had a relationship with God that they deemed as strong but lately they have both drifted.  Can they rediscover their relationship with God? Are they listening to God when he speaks to them? What can their children, and complete strangers teach them about love and fighting for what they want?

The way that Karen Kingsbury tells this story had me from the first couple pages.  The wording, the descriptions, the storytelling in general, all of it was so easy to read, understand, and picture.  I absolutely loved it.  If you are anything like me you will get drawn into this family and their story.  You will not want to put it down because you will want to know what happens next.   Then when you finish "A Time to Dance" you will want to start reading the next book entitled "A Time to Embrace".

Would I recommend this book?  Absolutely!  As a matter of fact, I have already mentioned it to one of my friends. :)  So if you are a fan of fiction, christian fiction, or Karen Kingsbury, consider picking this book up.  It is a wonderful story and it reminds us that God is always speaking to us.  We just need to open our heart, quiet our minds and listen.

Disclosure of Material Connection:I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.