Julia L. Roller

25 Books Every Christian Should Read’s editor Julia L. Roller presented readers with much information about these books. In each chapter a brief background was given about a book’s author. What followed was a summary of each book’s major themes. To help readers there was further guidance, and a key to excerpts selected from each selection. At the end of every chapter there was a study guide with questions.

It was recognized the Bible couldn’t be supplanted as a premiere text. So it wasn’t included as one of the books to be read. Excluded too, were works of living authors. This book was a compilation of a reflection of over 2,000 years, of saints, poets, and thinkers. It provided a profound look about faith, showcased the cost of discipleship, and was meant to be a devotional for the contemplative.

There were benefits to reading such a work. Readers would experience a renewal of the soul that would lead to a transformative life. Each book’s material was challenging, and should be read, and reread. This would certainly lead to a greater intimacy with God. People would also be blessed in their lifelong quest in knowing their Creator.

Books that stood out in the 25 entries were: Confessions - St. Augustine was noted as the first Christian spiritual autobiography; The Imitation of Christ - Thomas à Kempis offered instructions about Christian living; Dark Night of the Soul - St. John of the Cross commented on the journey of purification; The Cost of Discipleship - Dietrich Bonhoeffer elaborated on submitting to the yoke of Christ; Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis puts controversies of the moment in proper perspective; and The Return of the Prodigal Son - Henri J.M. Nouwen demonstrated what is meant to have an affirmation of love.

These selected works that were presented chronologically were not a list of the best Christian classics. They represented various literary genres including: poetry, fiction, and biography. The contributing authors dug deep in the subject matter. These books are available free on the website of Christian Classics Ethereal Library: .… (más)

I read this book in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. I wanted to review the book because I am a mom, who seeks God. Raising children is hard work. Raising special needs kids is no picnic. I am constantly asking God for guidance, patience, and understanding. I still have to find time to do homework, clean, and have a few peaceful, quiet, moments to myself. I also need God during moments of chaos such as when Brad acts up at school or when Kalen has a breath holding spell.

Mom Seeks God is a good book to read. Roller discusses the ups and downs of mother hood and how she truly needs God all the time. She talks about not being in control at times of her schedule because the kids can alter plans. You want to do homework and the baby wakes up. You want to clean, but the teenager has a meltdown. Roller also discusses how she found ways to cultivate a relationship with God.… (más)

Mom Seeks God: Practicing Grace in the Chaos was another great read I finished. I have to say I was really looking forward to this book and asked to read & review it. The author Julie Roller writes about a year she divided to help her connection with God get back on track. After juggling a toddler, my nephew, school, working from home, cooking, cleaning and everything else I can totally relate! She tries to use contemplative prayer and prayer of Examen. She tries to pray out load, as well as give herself free time with God all whilst keeping her responsibilities. She reminds us it is all or nothing with motherhood. Which is a direct correlation to God who is our father. "If you want children, you also get the moments where you're peeing with an audience or your beloved son is pelting you with cereal from the backseat or dinner is frozen nuggets because naptime prevented you from getting you to the grocery store or your child is really, truly sick and you're so scared you can't stop shaking. Do you want it all or do you want none of it(pg. 56)"? This book really makes you stop, laugh and relate! It has great bible verses to help keep you learning something as the author struggles or makes life actualizations about herself. I would suggest to a reader rather then beginner. Although this is a short read of 179 pages it is rather deep and spiritual.

Not for everyone but rather a specific genre of readers.… (más)