Tag Archives: courage

Book Review & a Giveaway: Brave Beauty

At an age when girls are beginning to make some of their own decisions, they need a friend to come alongside and give encouragement. Lynn Cowell has written Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless You with 8 – 12 year olds in mind, and provides a calm voice for the tumultuous growing up years. Brave Beauty is a devotional, a short story compilation and a journal, wrapped up into one great resource.
Lynn Cowell is a mom of three who is passionate about helping others find confidence in God’s unfailing love. She brings fresh insights to stories from the Bible, telling them in ways preteens and adults alike can relate. Lynn puts her thoughts into words that draw the reader into character-building values.


Brave Beauty incorporates quizzes and questions to prompt brainstorming and introspection in the process of self-discovery. A Topical Index makes it easy to come back to favorite issues, and projects to tackle include writing a note, sitting with a new friend at lunch, ways to be brave, planting seeds, making bath salts, starting a gratitude journal, taking action steps and thinking about dreams to pursue.
In our world of easy access to news via social media, what child is immune to fear, the comparison trap or bullying? Lynn’s voice provides a safe haven to talk about the issues at hand, and reassurance of a God who sees and hears. She describes what a Brave Beauty Girl does to treat people with dignity and kindness. Lynn tackles self-esteem issues, reinforcing self-worth, defeating insecurity, and embracing courage and bravery.

I am a fan of this book! It speaks to me as an adult who also faces life-tests, and reminds me to cling to the One who helps me be brave. Isn’t that the best kind of gift we can give to the preteens in our lives?
Enter the drawing! I am giving away a gift pack of Brave Beauty and the NIV Faithgirlz Backpack Bible, courtesy of Zonderkidz Publishers, to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and answer this question, “How have you taught 1 Timothy 4:12 to the preteens in your life?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held six days from today, September 27. For an extra chance to win the drawing, leave a comment on my review of the NIV Faithgirlz Backpack Bible!
Sally
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The BlogAbout Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day

Do you have a lion you’re facing, that project looming larger than life? What about a fear you just can’t tackle? In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day will help you stare down your obstacle with a bravery you just didn’t know was possible. And, yes, it is that good. Mark Batterson has lassoed a beast many of us face, as we seek the courage to dream big dreams with God.

Mark Batterson is the author of a dozen books, including The Circle Maker, and the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. His innovative look at the definition of success will cause you to rethink your view of God’s work in your life.
I promise this book will make you stop in your tracks. Batterson says when we fail to step out of our comfort zones, we rob God of the glory He wants to showcase in our lives. When there is no problem to be overcome, there will be no miracle experienced, because we’re not fully relying on the Lord to do the unexpected. He says we’re called to chase opportunities and take risks for God’s best.
Are there any irrational fears and misconceptions that keep you from God’s best for your life? It’s time to reframe them.
Are there difficult circumstances you’re asking God to get you out of? It’s time to ask Him what He wants you to get out of them.
Is uncertainty rocking your faith? It’s time for your faith to embrace uncertainty. Batterson contends risk taking is at the heart of righteousness.
I chose to read this book because of the tagline: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars. Are there times when you feel like me, an opportunity is scarier than the potential? This book helps with that! Batterson provides tips to develop the skills needed for the path. Get your own copy today and go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention!
Sally
FTC disclaimer: “I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.”