Nicole O'Meara | Blog — Nicole O'Meara

Book Review: Out of Zion

Lisa grew up in a loving family in Utah, a sixth generation Mormon. She was so immersed in the Mormon culture, she didn’t even know what a protestant church service looked like.

Then, she met a guy… and the guy was a Christian… and he asked her questions like, “How do you know your scripture is the one true scripture?” She answered what she was taught and what she believed, “Because I’ve had a burning in the bosom.” That’s the truth test in Mormonism — a warm fuzzy feeling, proof of the Holy Spirit’s touch. Without that, you can’t know if something is true. With it, something must be true despite facts and logic. The answer didn’t satisfy her boyfriend and suddenly, it didn’t satisfy her either.

Out of Zion is Lisa’s personal story of finding the Jesus of the Bible. I couldn’t put this book down.

Blog, Book ReviewNicole O'MearaMarch 12, 2020blog, grace, Spiritual FormationComment

Book Review: Adorning the Dark

Andrew Peterson is an author, singer-songwriter, and artist. He wrote Adorning the Dark as a biographical text on how to be a Christian Creative. But it’s a lot less, “How” and a whole lot more, “Here’s what you’ll learn along the way.”

I loved it. Like 5 STARS kind of love.

Peterson makes a very strong point that God created man in his image and since God is The Creator, his image-bearers must also be creative. We are all Creatives. And we are all meant to use our creativity, little or big, to glorify God in our little corner of the universe. What we create and the joy we get out of creating comes directly from understanding that we are beloved by God. Think about that, let it soak in, then do something to out of the overwhelm of being loved. That’s creating for the glory of God. Oh, it’s such a good point.

Blog, Book ReviewNicole O'MearaMarch 9, 2020book reviewComment

Book Review: Shift

Author Abby McDonald wrote Shift: Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God for those of us who could use some help to see where and how God is working in our lives. Abby tells stories of how God has worked behind the scenes, sometimes years in advance, to bless friends in unexpected ways. She also tells stories of how God’s word shifted her perspective of her own life, showing her how deeply he loves her even when, or especially when, it appears no one else notices her presence or her work.

Abby weaves stories from the Bible into little lessons that inch us closer to the perspective God has when he looks at our lives. Each chapter ends with a few questions to ponder alone or in a small group. Those questions would make this book an excellent choice for a book club or small group Bible study.

Book Review, BlogNicole O'MearaJanuary 30, 2020perspectiveComment

Book Reviews: Becoming Mrs. Lewis and A Grief Observed

Becoming Mrs. Lewis, written by Patti Callahan, is a well-researched historical fiction story of the life of Joy Davidman, the woman who married C.S. Lewis. Much of the correspondence between Lewis and Davidman has been lost but thanks to a newly discovered treasure trove of sonnets written by Joy during her friendship with Jack, as his friends called him, Miss Callahan has given us a very good picture of the woman who captured Jack’s heart.

The day I finished Becoming Mrs. Lewis, I booked it over to the library (see what I did there?) to grab a copy of A Grief Observed, written by C.S. Lewis. This book is C.S. Lewis’ journal, verbatim, of his journey through grief. It is filled with emotional turmoil and spiritual doubt. It is honest and gut-wrenching and, for me, extremely relatable.

Book Review, BlogNicole O'MearaJanuary 2, 2020book review, griefComment

Book Review: Remarkable Advent + 5 Advent Activities for Kids

In Remarkable Advent, Shauna tells the Christmas story blanketed in imagination but with gentle care given to historical and biblical accuracy. In 25 devotional readings, each just 4-5 pages, we will visit each of the main characters on the path to the birth of our Savior. Shauna’s stories start with a scriptural reading, then an imaginative reading, and then a short prayer. Just the right stories with just the right pacing. Perfect. Keep reading for my Top 5 Favorite Advent Activities.

Blog, Book ReviewNicole O'MearaNovember 22, 2019book review, ChristmasComment

Book Review and Author Interview: Loving Your Friend Through Cancer with Marissa Henley

Marissa Henley is a cancer survivor. Her book, Loving Your Friend Through Cancer is what I fondly call the textbook on how to be the most supportive friend you can be to your friend in crisis. Marissa shares how her amazing community walked with her through cancer but the practical lessons inside apply to your friend with any severe or chronic suffering. It could have been titled, Loving Your Friend Through Lyme’s Disease, or Loving Your Friend Through Divorce, or so many similar titles.

We cove topics including: knowing your place in the Circles of Friendship and Jen Hatmaker’s Ring Theory; matching your friend’s tone; and how to speak to your friend in The Pit. We finish up with a chat about Survivorship.

Blog, Book ReviewNicole O'MearaNovember 15, 2019book review, cancer, surviving, crisis support, undiagnosed Comments

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