The Oath-Frank Peretti

On cold rainy days, I love nothing better than curling up on the couch with a fluffy blanket and reading books! Since I have already read this book multiple times, I figured that I would do a book review of a classic christian fiction novel that I LOVE! The Oath, by Frank Peretti. This book is perhaps my all time favorite christian fiction book! I swear I’ve read it at least 8 times, and I am sure that I could probably read it at least once a year, and still be entranced in the story!!! I was introduced to this book around the age of 13, and have since read it so many times, I’ve lost count!

I love the way that Frank Peretti brings together timeless characters, and weaves a story together that will not likely be forgotten for your whole life! Yay for great books to read!

“When the partial remains of nature photographer Cliff Benson are found in the woods near Hyde River, his brother, Steve, investigates the mysterious attack. After finding problems with a theory involving a bear attack, he teams up with local sheriff’s deputy Tracy Ellis. As the deaths continue and the townsfolk are pressed for information, they close ranks, under the mysterious “Oath” made when the town was founded. Steve and Tracy grow closer to each other as they peel away the mystery and come face to face with the dark evil behind the deaths. ” (wikipedia.com)

I absolutely love how Peretti weaves together an intense story, characters and the gospel theme all throughout the book! Because there is a theme of good and evil all through the pages, I love how, in the end, the “good guys always win”!

Just talking about this book makes me want to grab it off of my shelf, get a blanky, brew some coffee and settle in for an amazing story! This book is so good, I may have to read it again soon! 😉

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have throughout the last two decades of my life!

God Bless!

-Zaneta

Z's Book Reviews

The things we cannot say

November 4, 2019November 4, 2019 zhealthyhousewifeLeave a comment

Im just going to be honest here…I don’t usually read secular books. But when I find one that is not only EPIC, but also based on HISTORY…Oh baby, I’m in heaven! I could hardly put this one down! I absolutely loved the story line! the characters were instantly endearing, and the historic backdrop of Nazi occupied Poland, was fascinating.

The story basically surrounds the Dziak family: Papa, Mama, Alina and her twin Brothers. It depicts a simple, yet lovely life on a farm outside of a tiny rural town in Poland. Once World war 2 breaks out and the Nazis take over Poland…all of that changes.

The story centers on the Dziak’s Daughter Alina. She dreams of a life where she, and her sweetheart, Tomasz can be married, and start a life of their own. Her somewhat naive thinking gets her in trouble many times, and it isn’t until her Tomasz disappeares that begins to worry about her idealistic dreams.

I love how the author weaves together the past and present, in a way that leaves you coming back for more! It was very hard for me to put this one down, and I’m pretty sure that I read it in less than a week!! I literally dreamt about the story whenever I went to sleep, and woke thinking about the characters!

I highly suggest this book to anyone who loves a good story, but especially anyone who loves history. Check it out!

The front description doesn’t even do this book justice!!!

Anyways…I hope you love this book as much as I did! Enjoy!

-God Bless!

-Zaneta

Z's Book Reviews

The Hidden Enemy by Michael Youssef

May 14, 2018 zhealthyhousewifeLeave a comment

Aggressive secularism, radical islam, and the fight for our future.

A book review, by Zaneta Francis.

Reality Check

This book has been an eye opener and a reality check for me personally. So often, I get into the “daily grind” of life, and stick my “head in the sand” when it comes to knowing what is going on in our world. It is easy to become complacent. It is easy to say to yourself, “I just don’t want to watch the news because it is too depressing”.

Although I am inclined to agree with that thought process, and occasionally catch myself thinking that way, I do believe that as christians it is our duty to stay informed and speak Truth. There is too much going on in our world right now that goes extremely against the Word of God. There is so much “wrong” being declared “right.” It is time for us to stand for Truth. To stand for what is right.

In this book, Micheal talks about how fundamental secularism and radical Islam is infiltrating our society. How it has been “rearing it’s ugly head” lately, but in fact has been in the background for decades. Only current events have made this issue stand out.

“[Secular fundamentalists]…They are so utterly convinced of the rightness of their rationalism and atheism that they cannot tolerate religion in any form and cannot allow religious parents to teach their faith to their children. They ridicule, mock and satirize the idea of God, and they have no empathy whatsoever for the people they have scorned and persecuted. They feel justified and self-righteous.”

Secular Fundamentalist, unfortunately, are the ones being voted into office and are having influence over the laws being passed, the tone being set and the overall morality of our culture. This is the reality that is our culture. This is the reality of our government (in a lot of cases).

The Great American Delusion

“If the founding fathers could visit America today, they wouldn’t recognize the nation they established. Where is the industrious, liberty-loving nation for which they risked their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor? It has largely become a place where antisocial behavior is rewarded, where industriousness is penalized, and where our First Amendment freedoms are giving way to political correctness.”

This was my favorite paragraph of the whole book!

The issues that plague our tv screens and social media are a disgrace to our founding fathers! Same-sex marriage, LGBT “rights”, political correctness, and the like are not only moral issues, but are the core of so many idealogical and moral declinations. Our nation was founded on the fear of God. It was founded with the vision of “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. Where is the life, liberty and happiness? Where is the fear of God?

Conclusion

I don’t want to give too much of this book away, so I will let you read it! It really is a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Micheal Youssef has a way of bringing up current events and exposing Truth, while keeping an encouraging tone throughout the book. He is a gifted author and a well researched journalist.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about the current state of our culture, government and events. Micheal encourages christians to stay informed, to get involved and to stand for Truth. He also encourages us to pray for our world.

I hope you get a chance to buy this book and read it! Here is a link to buy it. If you buy it from here, I get a tiny commission :). Thanks!

<br />

God Bless!

-Z

Z's Book Reviews

Risen

February 25, 2018February 24, 2018 zhealthyhousewifeLeave a comment

Z’s Book Review of “Risen” by Karen Hunt, with a short devotional.

Happy Sunday!

As you all know, I take the day off on Sundays to spend time with my family and focus on worshiping God. I usually pre-schedule my posts for Sundays. This Sunday I am giving a book review on “Risen”. It is a book written by Angela Hunt. It is the story of the crucifixion of Jesus through the perspective of a Roman soldier. Join me as I share how impactful this book was on me, and share a short devotional about what it meant to my heart!

Jesus-The Example

I always think about how God sent his only Son for a sinful world. I don’t know about you, but I sure wouldn’t give up my child for anyone, let alone a bad guy!

There is just something about that scenario that goes against every fiber of my being. I don’t know why. Maybe other people have more mercy inside of them, but I find it difficult to be able to fathom being able to let my child die for some other persons sin.

That is our God though! His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” -1Tim. 1:15-17

I love how we can look at Jesus, and see how we are to act, how we are to think, how we are to pray, etc. He is our example. Of How to be. Of everything.

He hung out with the outcast, he healed the sick, he cared for and loved those that were deemed “unloveable”. He spent time with prostitutes, tax-collectors, and people who no one else would even go near. He dined with the “less desirable”. He loved those who needed love. He gave of his time and energy. He loved with a fierce love.

Ultimately, He would freely give up his life. He would die an agonizing death for me and for you. He died, and then in three days, He rose again! He was risen! He conquered death!

Man o man! I know that I will never live up to His standard. Not even close! But I can sure learn from His life and strive to live like Him! To try to love others the way He did.

I love how you see all those things about Jesus in the book Risen.

The Book

The thing I really loved about this book was, the story of Jesus was put into a completely different perspective! It wasn’t just from the “Sunday school bible story” version. It got into the “nitty-gritty” of all the “behind the scenes”.

What might have taken place inside of Jesus’ “inner circle”, but also as seen from an outsider. A guy that was not a “follower of Yeshua”. A guy who had to discover the great and amazing grace of God.

Imagine being part of the crew instructed to kill Jesus! Being the one to make sure that He was dead!

Clavius (the main character), who was ordered to crucify Jesus, goes on a journey, both physically and spiritually to search for Truth. What he discovers is love. Love, in a way he never thought he could. He discovers Jesus.

Without giving the book away, I just have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It really did give me new insights into the death and resurrection on Jesus Christ.

I would encourage you to read it!

I pray that today, as you spend time with your family, fellowship at your local church and focus on the Lord, that you would just remember that Jesus is our example. His unconditional and incredible love gives us such a clear picture of how we are to be. How we are to act.

I pray that your day is blessed!

-Z

Home · Z's Book Reviews

The Salvation of an American Icon

February 18, 2018February 17, 2018 zhealthyhousewifeLeave a comment

Hello, and welcome to my Sunday Devotional post! I take the day off of blogging on Sundays so that I can concentrate on worshipping God and spending time with my family. I pre-schedule these posts for Sundays. Please join me in this short devotional/book review!

Perfection Is Not What It’s About

I recently bought the book “Steve McQueen-The Salvation of an American Icon”. It is written by Greg Laurie. I am a total “nerd” and love biographies and autobiographies! It is so exciting to me to be able to learn someones story. To see where they came from, where they went, what they did in life. I don’t know why, but I have always been fascinated to look into a person’s life.

I guess you can call me Observant. I may not seem like it, but behind all of my many roles and especially “public” roles as worship leader etc, I usually sit back and observe. Like I said before, I find it fascinating to watch and see what people do, how they act, what they say etc. A lot of times, I am very disappointed, but a lot of times, I am in awe. There are so many strong, independent and awe-inspiring people in this world!

Although I didn’t get to actually “watch” Steve McQueen, I was very inspired by his story!

He was not perfect, in-fact he was far from it!In essence, he was just an ordinary guy who had a hard life. But, he was a guy who persevered and pushed through his circumstances. He spent most his life pursuing vanity, money, fame and a bunch of other things that were less than “desirable”. At the end of his life though, he was empty.

“All is Vanity and Grasping at the wind…”

Have you ever heard of a dude names Solomon?

Solomon was a pretty wise guy. If you have never heard about King Solomon, here is a little snippet of who he was: He was the son of King David, who was king over Judah. I’m talking about way back in the day…before Jesus was born. He was a super successful king who not only prospered individually, but also for the nation of Israel.

It was said that Solomon was the “wisest man who ever lived”. He even wrote a couple of books in the Bible (song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes). He built up wealth, stature and above all….Wisdom.

Although there are a lot of good things about this guy…He was also very foolish. He squandered a lot of things because he started to pursue vanity, money, fame and a bunch of other things that were less than “desirable”.

Steve McQueen reminds me of Solomon.

You know what King Solomon ended up saying about all the “success” he acquired?

“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.” -Ecc 1:14

My Review

All this to say, Steve McQueen finally did find Jesus. He found God at a time in his life where nothing else could quench his need. His heart need.

You see, we all have that need. We all have that “hole” inside of us. We need Jesus. Just like Steve McQueen, who had everything he could have ever wanted. Nothing really did satisfy him like Jesus Finally did.

Steve McQueen realized this important truth, just like Solomon, who finally concluded:

“He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”

-Ecc. 3:11-13

I loved this book! I would highly suggest reading it if you are able to! It is so great to see what God does in other people’s lives. THAT is the most satisfying form of observing a person’s life!