Book Review: Bringing Heaven Here

(This book review is being done in exchange for a copy of the book. No money exchanged hands for this review, and all opinions are my own.)

Have you ever experienced a time where you were struggling and feeling really discouraged, only to have God step in like a light breeze on a spring day? I experienced just that when I began to read, Bringing Heaven Here by Brad Gray and Brad Nelson. (Published by W. Publishing, a division of Thomas Nelson, 2025.) When I signed up to review this book about the Lord’s Prayer, I had no idea how much depth there was to this seemingly simple prayer Jesus prayed. I signed up out of curiosity and perhaps because I felt a tug at my heart saying, “This is something important for you to really understand.”

Most people who identify as Christian know the Lord’s Prayer and can recite it from memory. Even if they haven’t memorized it, they know it is something of importance to the church for nothing more than the reason that Jesus was the one who prayed it. I am not sure how many understand the significance of this prayer and the importance of delving into the cultural and historical context of the words and phrases that Jesus used. It is with this in mind that Brad and Brad wrote the book.

The book is laid out in phrases. For example the first two chapters are devoted to the phrase, Our Father. Each author then takes a chapter to discuss different aspects of what the phrase meant to the audience that Jesus was teaching it too, in other words his own disciples and the Jewish people who were listening to him speak. The following image gives you an idea of what each chapter looks like according to the table of contents.

In Chapter 1, Strong Enough for the Weight of Life, the authors write of this book:

“ It offers not just clarity but courage. Not just comfort but calling. In a noisy, disorienting world it will show you how the Lord’s Prayer can recenter your life around what matters most.
If you’ve felt like your faith can’t bear the weight of your real life, if you’ve ever wanted to start over with God but didn’t know how, if you’re hungry for something deeper than performance, more grounded than hype, and more human than reliegious cliches, this book was written for you”

— Bringing Heaven Here - p. 9

After experiencing the death of my mother on Christmas, traveling, helping my brothers and family plan and implement her funeral, traveling home, having both my spouse and I get the Flu (which took us several weeks to fully recover from), and then on February 11th having the university where my spouse taught for nearly 37 years announce its closure at the end of this semester, I can tell you I needed something to remind me that God was in it. By the end of Chapter 2, I knew God, in His amazing love and knowledge of me, brought this book along at just the right moment.

“There was a time I simply believed that God was love. But now, I experience him as a Rescuer, crashing into my pain and lifting me from the things that hold me back. He wants the exact same things for you, right now, with whatever pain you’re holding or whatever barrier you are stuck against.””

— Bringing Heaven Here - p. 23

Brad Gray and Brad Nelson use easy to read language as they walk us through the context of each phrase explaining why Jesus chose those words, and yes they explain the Hebrew and the Greek as needed. Jesus knew what these phrases would mean to his audience and the importance of Israel’s history pertaining to each phrase. After they have established context, the authors show how these phrases pertain to us as believers in Christ.

These are just a few of the things I was reminded of as I read about each phrase:

Our Father - He is the Father who hears, rescues and makes himself known. He is also the the Father that enters into the times between times; the wandering in the wilderness times; the time between what was and what will be, inviting us into intimacy during the span of delay.

“Part of the genius of the Lord’s Prayer is that it summons us to resist the lie that ‘nothing’s happening’ by daily reminding ourselves of the truth that God is a loving Father who is leading us somewhere good. Even when we can’t see it.”

— Bringing Heaven Here - p. 32

In the Heavens - Our Father sits above it all. He is the God of the heavens where the birds fly. He is the God of the heavens where the stars and planets hang. He is the God of the heaven where he is King and Lord. When I keep this idea in mind, I know that there is nothing he does not see and care about. He is also the Father who comes to us in the enchanted moments and brings heaven to earth. It’s those moments we remember his compassion and mercy.

“Praying ‘Our Father in the heavens’ invites us to live with the conviction that the heavenly, unseen realm is as real and present as the air we breath—that every place can become holy ground if only we have eyes to see it.””

— Bringing Heaven Here - p. 56

Holy Be Your Name - Holiness is not about turning God into who I think he should be, but reorienting my life around his person and character. My response to his holiness should be one of fear (terror), awe and reverent respect. It also is meant to transform me from being a slave to sin and selfishness into a representative of the freedom I have in him.

“...God’s holiness isn’t dangerous because he’s volatile or reckless or cruel. It’s dangerous because we’re fragile. His greatness and power don’t diminish to fit our expectations. He comes as he is: pure, radiant and blazing.”

— Bringing Heaven Here - p. 69

Your Kingdom Come - I was created to be God’s representative and to co-rule with him as a queen through worship, and service. His kingdom isn’t some far off, heavenly realm it is “the rule and reign of God advancing here on earth, bringing healing and wholeness by pushing out the chaos.” (Bringing Heaven Here - p. 100.) I am able to look at my life as a ministry of Jesus, not because of who I am, but because of who he is.

“This is how the kingdom comes: not all at once, but in small, faithful choices to live differently. Little by little, your kingdom will reflect more of heaven’s priorities, proving that the gospel really is good news for the world.”

— Bringing Heaven Here - p. 114

Daily Bread - I will experience Christ’s sufficiency as I surrender to him. The idea of just enough keeps me dependent on him. Christ is our real contentment.

“Contentment is the posture of heart that says, I don’t need more to be at peace. It’s one of the most powerful antidotes to the when-then thinking that fuels our scarcity-induced anxiety.”

— Bringing Heaven Here - p. 131

As I read on about Forgive us Our Debts, Lead us Not into Temptation, and Deliver us from Evil I was amazed at the depth of understanding these two authors had and how praying this prayer on a regular basis with these truths in mind will change our lives. Brad and Brad also include a wealth of quotes from both secular and Christian authors supplying a hefty list of end notes at the back of the book. Many of whom would be other good sources to read.

I think Bringing Heaven Here is a book every Christian, from pastors and ministry leaders to parents, to business leaders, to government officials, to married couples, to aging seniors should own and read more than once. This is a book you will want to hang on to and read again and again.

Also check out this trailer for The Lord’s Prayer video which is streaming on Angel.

Book Review: The Weight of Mercy

(This book review is being given in exchange for a copy of the book and small monetary stipend. All opinions are my own.)

When life becomes too difficult, I often turn to books to take my mind off my own circumstances. I read lots of non-fiction Christian books, and I have read my fair share of novels written by secular authors. I used to be in a book club with our daughters back in our home schooling days, and we also used numerous literature based curriculums for history, and other subjects like geography. I have read historical fiction, romance, science fiction, and mystery, but my all time favorite has been fantasy. I particularly enjoy faith based books where I don’t have to worry about explicit sex or language. When I read the synopsis for Weight of Mercy (Book 1 of The Chasm Cycle) by Nigel Poh, I was intrigued, so I signed up to do a review. I was not disappointed.

In this alternate historical time period we step into a fantastical world that is somehow both strange and familiar. The year is 1305 AD. The world has changed due to “The Chasms — fissures that birthed a tide of demons…” leaving “…the Holy Roman Empire in ruins and the Kingdom of France a scattered memory. Much of what should be has vanished, replaced by things that shouldn’t exist…” (p. 5, The Weight of Mercy). We see eras trickling together, and timelines upended.

Poh builds a world using a cast of characters; ones we cheer for and ones we want to see vanquished; but all who are part of humanity. In a world that is overrun by demonic entities and powers, humanity is what binds them together. It is in this combined humanity we are immediately introduced to Lord Stephern, a knight of the Church, serious, quiet, but a man with deep principles and faith; his fellow soldier Sir Bessian, a man of humor, and strength; and Captain Dosh, a ranking member of the Crown and commander of Lady Horst’s guards.

Weaving the workings of the Church with the undercurrents of political power mongering, we are drawn into the society of Clairval, home to one of the citadels of the church housing a training ground for new paladins, a great hall able to seat 1,000, an armory stocked with normal and blessed weapons, and several libraries where military strategy and church doctrine are stored. It is in this city where much of Poh’s story unfolds.

As this drama continues a dark weight descends throughout the land. There are skirmishes with otherworldly beasts like ghouls, vampires, massive demonic bears, and revenants, the living armor of knights long dead. The hefty hand of evil shows up all over the city in the form of chanting children drawing strange patterns in the dirt; fists fights between friends, and even a young woman who throws herself off a building. We see our heroes suffering through hunger, wounds, wrongful imprisonment, attempts on their lives, and the pain of seeing their own friends die. However, they know the God of the universe is in it. This faith and the willingness to be humbled in His service is what eventually helps to bring light back into the darkness.

This book was an unexpected treat. It combines fantasy, historically accurate details, exciting battles, close friendships, political intrigue and faith in a tale that moved me from fear, to laughter to tears. If you are a person of faith, and love to read historical fiction, and fantasy combined, The Weight of Mercy is for you. I loved how the author was able to create a feeling of investment in me, the reader from page one. Poh has a talent for description, dialogue, and character building that is so important in any novel, but particularly in the complex layers of the fantasy genre.

I am lookin forward to the next book in The Chasm Cycle.

Book Review: The Wonders of the First Christmas by Andy McGuire

I was given the opportunity to review a children’s book, and since I have a four year old grandson, I opted in. This is not a paid review. The book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review posted on my blog and on my social media accounts.

Christmas is now right around the corner, and the month of December will fly by as we add in the sweet sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the season. I have always been a fan of Christmas media in the form of books and movies. I have a bin in my house that is just filled with holiday books, including Halloween, and Easter, but mostly Christmas.

The Wonders of the First Christmas by Andy McGuire is a beautiful book revolving around the birth of Jesus. Andy doesn’t just tell the typical Christmas story, he includes all sorts of interesting details about the culture and the times surrounding Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and the birth of the Son of God.

Throughout the book, the author includes short paragraphs inset on the picturesque story pages that give information about the Hebrew and Roman culture of the time, as well as interesting facts about words used in the Biblical text, and details about materials used by the Romans to build roads and cities.

Andy McGuire’s book includes beautiful pictures, illustrated by Andy himself, readable text, interesting historical facts, a map, and a bibliography of the sources he used for his details.

“Andy McGuire is the author and/or illustrator of eighteen books ranging from picture books to middle grade fiction....his nature illustrations have been included in The World Book Student Encyclopedia....”

— Author flap on book jacket - The Wonders of the First Christmas by Andy McGuire

The Wonders of the First Christmas is the perfect Advent/Christmas book addition for families with young children ages 4-8. This is also great for grandparents to read to their grandchildren during the Christmas season. This book could also be used by churches in their children’s ministry programs.

If you are interested in adding this beautiful, Biblically based, easy to read book to your children’s Christmas story collection just click on the link to purchase.

Have a great day!

Book Review: The Ghost You Can't See

(This is a paid book review. I was gifted the book and a small monetary payment in exchange for an honest review.)

Lucy and her best friend Schuyler, are ghost hunters. Not only that, but they fight daemons too. In fact, they have been fighting spirit beings ever since Lucy was given an old trunk full of odds and ends at a flea market by a strange old man named Iam Reynard. The odds and ends in that old trunk turned out to be magical tools and weapons for seeing ghosts and creatures who have come into the physical world to do harm.

The Ghost You Can’t See, is the third installment of the Issachar Gatekeeper series by L.G. Nixon. As the story unfolds we find Lucy Hornberger, her mom, and her grandmother preparing for the grand opening of their new home and business, Carriage House Bed and Breakfast. Using many of the antiques they inherited from great-aunt Isabel, their new home is decorated with a charm and uniqueness that makes it perfect for housing future guests and travelers. Lucy is still uncertain about sharing her home with strangers, but she is trying to get used to the idea for her mom’s sake.

Lucy, and Schuyler once again find themselves encountering the dark forces of Darnathian, a being who once inhabited the realm of the High King of Ascalon, but who rebelled against him. Taking numerous of his own followers with him, his purpose is to get rid of the High King and obliterate Ascalon. Planet Earth has become a battle zone, and Darnathian’s dark minions, at the behest of their master, are constantly trying to cause problems which keep Lucy, Schuyler and their friend Paul looking for trouble around every corner.

In this book we see the opening of another portal, battles in the underworld and one of their toughest assignments yet, Mathias Sasson. Mathias and his mom and dad are the bed and breakfast’s first guests. His father’s job is taking them to Lucy’s hometown of Grand River Valley, and with their house already sold they need a place to stay until they can find a new home. Mathias is not happy about any of it, and Darnathian decides to monopolize on Mathias’ already dark attitude.

With the return of past characters and the introduction of new ones L.G. Nixon, once again, writes a page turning tale, that leaves the reader wanting to know more. Watching each difficulty Lucy and her friends encounter, we see them grow, becoming braver, but also more humble, realizing battles in the unseen realm are not won just by a warrior’s skill with the right weapons, but by his or her understanding and relationship with the High King.

This series of books is perfect for teens and young adults who like a story that combines mystery, intrigue, action, and feel good moments. These stories are spooky, but not the stuff of nightmares, and for someone like me, who is older, they are a nice break from the divisive, negative content filling up our news, and social media feeds. Written with a Biblical foundation, and with the perfect blend of tension and resolution, The Issachar Gatekeeper series has been a delight to read. I am looking forward to more from L.G. Nixon.

If you are a Christian and are not sure if these are appropriate books to read check out L.G. Nixon’s note here.

Book Review: The Ghost Writer

(This is a paid book review. I was gifted the book and a small monetary payment in exchange for an honest review.)

“ Darnathian cupped his hands together. When he opened them again a glowing orb sat in his palm. A smile spread across his face as he studied the colors within the circle.
‘Mene ru’ach tsava yara,’ he uttered and tossed the orb at the boy. It exploded over the bed, and diamond-like dust settled on the boy. The particles sank into his pores, luminescing under his skin before the light disappeared completely.”

— The Ghost Writer p. 16

Thus, begins the second installment of three in the the teen/young adult Issachar Gatekeeper series by L.G. Nixon. You can see my review of the first book, The Ghost of Darwin Stewart here.

Lucy Hornberger and her best friend Schuyler Williams are more mature and a little older since their introduction to the reality of a spiritual world by Iam Reynard, a flea market vendor, who ends up selling Lucy an old trunk full of ancient, otherworldly artifacts. Lucy has been chosen by Iam, who is really the High King of Ascalon. These old items end up being tools and weapons for fighting ghosts, daemons and other dark entities from the spirit world. The two friends learn how to wield the weapons through trial and error, Iam’s help and the support of Bill and Vivian McGoo, who turn out to be more than just good neighbors.

Another academic year has commenced and the teen girls find themselves battling numerous ghosts in their school, causing all sorts of damage which Lucy get’s blamed for. In addition, Lucy’s mom looses her aunt and might also lose her job creating addition stress and difficulties at home. What Lucy and Schuyler don’t realize is the difficulties are just beginning.

The hauntings become more frequent, and with each encounter, battle and vanquishing the girls learn these ghosts are not specifically trying to obtain the ancient Spectrescope she uses to see them, but are somehow connected to several people in their school. The mystery is who, and why is it happening.

Throughout the book we see Lucy growing, not just in her compassion for others, but in her love for the High King. She helps her mom as she maneuver’s her impending job loss by making meals, and taking on tutoring at school to help earn money. She also learns the importance of orison (prayer), and abnegation (self-sacrifice). Lucy helps Schuyler gain the seal of the High King, and helps break the curse another friend is under. Even after a terrible personal loss, Lucy learns the High King and His son Ishi, are always there for her.

L.G. Nixon weaves an interesting tale of mystery, friendship, and resilience while threading the truth of the Bible and the reality of the spiritual world throughout. She also uses the realities of the difficulties of life to show how God is for us, not against us, and how He always provides just what we need. Through ghostly details, lighthearted moments and the comfort of food, family and friendships we are ushered through the story, leaving us anxious for the final installment in the series.

Right now L.G. Nixon is running a special on her website where you get all three books in the series plus and additional book free. Click on the following link to purchase.

To learn more about the author follow this link to view her podcast appearances. You can also read more about her thoughts on Christians reading ghost stories here.

If you are looking for a fun story with mystery, ghosts, fearsome daemon creatures, otherworldly battles, and real world struggles this series is perfect to take along on vacation, or give as a gift to your daughters, granddaughters or nieces. With strong female characters, clean dialogue and action, the Issachar Gatekeeper series is a must read.

Book Review: The Good for Nothing Puddle

This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review and posting on my blog and social media. No money exchanged hands for this book.

The Good for Nothing Puddle by Jana Jackson, and illustrated by Abby Jartos is a story of loss, the subsequent grief over that loss and the lessons learned through that loss. It is written for children ages 4 to 8, although I found it quite apropos for adults as well.

I thought it would be fun to take a few pictures of my three year old grandson and I reading the book together, but he would not stand for it…he wouldn’t sit for it either! Ha, ha. However, I did read the book to him and he seemed quite engaged, especially since the girl in the story looses her balloon, one of my grandson’s favorite things. In fact, he has his own story of a lost balloon that he and I experienced together on a very windy day, so I am pretty sure he could relate, even at that young age to the loss the girl feels. In addition, my grandson experienced the loss of a dearly loved pet, a large dog named Beatrice, just this past year.

This is a lovely book, with beautiful illustrations and short, easy to read sentences that will hold a young child’s attention. The content is easily understood, especially by children who are a little older, and the pictures perfectly illustrate the emotions that surround a loss, whether it be a balloon, a toy, a pet or a person. I love the facial expressions and body language that Abby Jartos uses to help convey feelings associated with grief.

In a realistic way Jana Jackson leads us through the stages associated with grief, and includes how we often try to hide it by throwing ourselves into activities, or by disguising it behind a happy facade.

In addition, she shows how in our grief we try to bargain with God to make the pain go away.

Through well positioned words, easily understood sentences and beautiful illustrations Jana and Abby convey the difficult reality of grief, but as the story unfolds we are led through three encounters the girl has with a puppy, a farmer and another child who benefit from her “good for nothing puddle.”

I love how this simple children’s book relates the heaviness of loss, but leaves us with an undeniable feeling of hope. We all want to know that our pain counts for something and this shows how something as difficult as grief can be a help to others along the way. It also reminds us that over time, grief will lessen in intensity and from it beautiful things can bloom.

I would definitely recommend The Good for Nothing Puddle for any parent, grandparent, therapist, or church library. It is well written, beautifully illustrated and brings light into the darkness of loss.

If you are interested in hearing more from the author and the illustrator here is an interview with them both - Carrie On with Jana Jackson and Abby Jartos.

Book Review: The Ghost of Darwin Stewart

I decided to move this book review over to my Fluff page since it is not a Bible study or Christian self-help book. This is the first fiction book I have done a review on. Once again, this was presented to me by FrontGate Media. I was gifted the book and will receive a small monetary reimbursement for my time.

The Ghost of Darwin Stewart is the first in a three part mystery fantasy series called the Issachar Gatekeeper by L. G. Nixon, and is published by Fitting Words. You can learn more about the author on her website - L. G. Nixon. The intended audience for this book includes teens and young adults. The Ghost of Darwin Stewart is both a mystery and a ghost story written with a Biblical foundation.

Lucy Hornberger and her bestie Schuyler Williams are looking forward to a fun filled, sun soaked summer, completely unaware that both of their lives are about to change in ways they never would have imagined. Unbeknownst to them the forces of good and evil are about to drop right into Lucy’s lap and they will both play an integral part in a battle that has waged for centuries.

We meet Lucy and her single mom at a flea market where Lucy is perusing the wares at a vendor’s booth. Lucy finds an old looking magnifying glass along with a few other items in a trunk. When she looks through the glass she is terrified to see a world of dark spirits swirling and following people. She is mesmerized by it, until one of the hooded beings turns and points his boney finger directly at her.

Lucy learns from the vendor, whose name she finds out later is Iam, that the magnifying glass is actually an ancient tool and it has chosen her to wield its power. Lucy is skeptical, but within the trunk is a bracelet that she knows would be a perfect present for Schuyler’s birthday. The trunk and all its contents, both visible and hidden, including the Spectrescope, end up going home with Lucy. Thus begins an adventure for her and Schuyler that keeps the reader turning the pages to find out what happens.

The girls meet creatures who were present at the foundation of the world from Malpar, the bird-like Hayyothalan, to the Irredaemon, a fallen angel that poses as the ghost Darwin Stewart. All of them want to take the Spectrescope away from Lucy to give to their Master, Darnathian whose ultimate goal is to find The Life Tree and become more powerful than the High King of Ascalon.

Lucy and Schuyler learn to use the weapons and tools contained in the trunk and together work against, not only the evil that Darnathian unleashes upon them, but the frustration and misunderstanding of their parents. Will they be able to close the portal that allows the creatures to transverse back and forth between worlds before the evil steals the Spectrescope from Lucy? You’ll have to read the book to find that out.

When I first started reading the book, like Lucy, I was skeptical. L. G. Nixon does a good job of exploring the idea of the existence of ghosts, and what that looks like for us as Christians. You can read more about her thoughts and hear her interviews by clicking on the link. I personally agree with her in that Satan and his demons can pose as otherworldly entities, and in today’s world can appear to be “good'“. The Bible tells us that Satan himself poses as an angle of light (see 2 Corinthians 11:12-15), but we know his motives are only evil and meant for the downfall of God’s people and His creation.

The Ghost of Darwin Stewart is a great book, especially for young to middle aged teen girls. It reinforces the ideas that girls can be smart, brave and extremely strong even when they face criticism, false accusations, and evil itself. It provides heroines who are real and who struggle to grow up while still being under the headship of their parents. They are not perfect and that makes them easier to relate to. The book is free of bad language, innuendo or sex.

I do feel that due to the innocent nature of the main characters that this might not be as appealing to young adults. Let’s face it, we live in a world where 12 year olds can get an abortion. I appreciate that Nixon may have geared it towards young adults because of the horror aspect to it. However, having seen plenty of horror movies back in the day, I think this is mild by today’s standards. That being said, I strongly recommend The Ghost of Darwin Stewart for teens, especially those who like a mystery with lots of action and plenty of ethereal vibes. I also recommend this series for anyone who likes a good, clean read where good overcomes evil. I will definitely be investing in the other two books soon.