Tag: book review

Life and Favor Publishing

Our New Family Business

By Kathy Pollard

For a few years now Neal and I have been playing around with the idea of self-publishing. That dream was realized about three months ago with the launch of our new business, Life and Favor Publishing. Even with all of our planning, there were still some surprises. First, we didn’t realize how MUCH we’d have to learn (and still do). Second, we were thrilled to discover that our grown kids wanted to be involved. From editing and formatting to designing a cover and building a website, they’ve all played a part in bringing our first project to life.

Our first book, “In His Line of Work,” by Neal

We had our first book printed in October. Neal’s book is a practical study of Jesus’ ministry life…how He interacted with others, found balance in life, put His Father’s will first, and more.

Neal unboxing his book

The moment Neal held the finished product in his hands felt a little surreal for both of us. God is so good! We have other book projects in the works, and it’s our prayer that each one will encourage the readers.

Real writers. Everyday matters. Our promise to you.

I’ve also been having some fun handcrafting “book accessories.” We now have velvet bookmarks, journal charms, and Bible case zipper charms (my favorite because I love the way they feel…cool and smooth)!

Double-sided Dutch velvet bookmarks
Journal charms with authentic olive wood beads from Bethlehem
Bible case zipper charms with natural gemstone crosses and agate beads

If you’re interested in a copy of Neal’s book or any of the book accessories, you can find them at Life and Favor Family Publishing. For updates and news, you can follow our facebook page.

We found it slightly terrifying to share something with the world that we made ourselves, but helpful family, supportive friends, and lots of prayer made this venture an exciting new chapter!

“You have granted me life and favor, and your care has preserved my spirit.”

(Job 10:12)

“Perfected: God’s Best Reserved for You”

Perfected_Book_Cover__76267.1443461480.1280.1280Colorado is lovely today with a blanket of fresh snow.  It’s ideal weather for staying by the fireplace with a good book and a hot drink, and I have the perfect book for the occasion!  I’ve been enjoying “Perfected:  God’s Best Reserved for You” by Erynn Sprouse.

I’ve been looking forward to this book because I love Erynn’s mind.  She’s the brilliant creator and editor of Come Fill Your Cup, and every time I hear her speak I think, “I wish I had her brain.”  She is a real student of the Bible, but even more impressive is her ability to present what she has learned from her studies in a practical and interesting way.  This is exactly what she does in Perfected, which is a study of Hebrews.

Whether you’re ready for growth and challenge in your personal Bible study or you’re looking for a new book for your ladies’ Bible class, I highly recommend Perfected.  For that matter, I think it would be a great study for teen girls, too.  They love to be challenged!  This book is no light-weight.  Erynn goes deep into the Word (both Old and New Testament, which is appropriate for Hebrews) to help us understand one of the most pivotal books of the Bible.  Why is this an important study?  The answer can be found in one of Erynn’s own comments on Hebrews 5:11-14:

“Did you know that if one stops consuming meat for long enough,the stomach will stop producing the acids required for their digestion?  Similarly, when we fail to challenge ourselves in learning God’s word, we begin to find difficulty in understanding.”

Here are some of the things I love about Perfected:

  • Wonderful, engaging writing style
  • Erynn’s delightful sense of humor
  • Thorough teaching on subjects such as the purpose of miracles, the purpose of Jesus’s suffering, and the possibility of falling away
  • Interesting illustrations for easier understanding of the text
  • Suggestions for Bible-marking in every chapter (yay!)
  • “Side Studies” sprinkled throughout
  • Variety of interactive opportunities, like thought-provoking questions, fill-in-the-blanks, charts, and outlines

Each chapter is noteworthy, but I particularly appreciated a couple of them.  Chapter three (“Confidence Required”) is about the hope and assurance we can have as heirs of God’s promise.  It is faith-building, comforting, and oh so needed in a world of doubt and insecurity.  Chapter five (“Beware of Complacency”) is a real eye-opener.  See for yourself:

“Failure to grow doesn’t just lead to falling away; failure to grow is falling away.  Take a moment to absorb that thought and reflect on your own spiritual life.  Are you growing?  Where are you now as compared to a year ago?  Are you stronger?  More able to resist temptation?  Bolder in proclaiming the faith?  Less anxious and more trusting of God? More apt to pray than worry?  If not, then you need to heed this warning!”

Erynn then includes a list to make it easier for personal introspection in areas of spiritual growth.  You will also enjoy the last chapter (“Tips on How to Run”), which includes several  suggestions and assignments for growth in the areas of hospitality, marriage, Christian sacrifice, and a renewed appreciation for the magnificent God we serve.

Thanks to Erynn’s hard work, I now have a greater understanding of the life-changing truths found in the book of Hebrews.  I also have a new Bible and can’t wait to mark up the pristine pages of Hebrews with Erynn’s Bible-marking suggestions!

Perfected:  God’s Best Reserved for You is a brand new book by Kaio Publications, Inc., and can be found here.