|
|
 | Reviews for: Surrendered  Surrendered, May 3, 2006
Surrendered, by Ann Doupont, is a devotional style book which could easily be eaten on a daily basis, one heading at a time.
With subjects that are diverse, but equally challenging and pertinent to the life of a believer who wants to live the surrendered life to God, one could come away with a new nugget in every reading.
Ann, quite conversationally at times, integrates her personal experiences with the truths of the word, complimented by occasional poetic writings. It is almost like walking through her 'journal journey' at times. This very personal aspect of the book lends a refreshing air to the readings.
Although the topics are quite varied, every one deals with a part of the 'surrendered' or truly Spirit-led life. I highly recommend this book and believe the truths contained therein will inspire the reader to examine the heart and lay down all that would inhibit this place of total surrender to our Lord and King.
  |
| | Surrendered, April 24, 2006
Ann Doupont is a divine writer. Her ability to write with simplicity and clarity resonates with my spirit and understanding. Her words speak to my spirit in a way that edifies and makes clear the teachings of scripture. The little short pieces she writes are supported by scripture and by her wealth of life experience from walking the way of Gospel truth. "Surrendered" is a collection or bundle of devotions, prayers, uplifting poems, encouragements, as well as excellent counsel for singles.
To the believer, Ann opens your understanding of what it means to have a close fellowship with the Savior of mankind, The Mediator, Jesus Christ. If you are in Christ, you will be instructed and comforted by what Ann sets forth here. This devotional book will be a notable addition to a Christian's devotional resources.
Ann Doupont's style is down to earth and straightforward. The topics she addresses are timely and serve to reinforce a believer's walk and to enlarge his spiritual depth and maturity. I love to pick it up and at random to allow God's Spirit to speak and guide me through today's confusion and secular jungle. Ann has written superbly about the prayer life of the believer. Ann's writing here goes a long way in helping us grasp the essence of trust and dependence upon the all-knowing and loving God of scripture.
Ann's earlier experiences that she shares with singles constitute good counsel, especially when she mentions her "front sliding," that ought to be highly valued by young singles. An example of excellent counsel may be had on page 24. Ann identifies with the rejected on page 44. But frankly, I wish that she had expanded or enlarged on this topic. I felt that she could offer the reader suggestions on how to deal with or cope with being left alone and feeling abandoned. I personally identify with her short testimony on page 67. Her style is appreciated, as she gets down-to-earth, no-nonsense, and matter-of-fact with sin and its consequences. Ann's discussion of meditation on God's Word versus the words of men on page 70 is well taken. On page 82, the point made of learning from the Holy Spirit rather than man is frank and true.
If you have ever wondered about prayer, what to pray, how to say it, then this little book is a sound guide for many areas of life and living. It encourages doing your own praying and making it effective. Ann gives prayer or conversations with God a good shot. Especially the admonition to ask God's help to forget is a great prayer offered here. Her little piece on forgetting is of note too. Ann has written a valuable devotional book that helps in your prayer life and in your attitude and relation with the God of Holy Scripture. As one reads, one is reminded of the great French spiritual writer, Fenelon, as he helped us with understanding the mind and purposes of God. I put Ann right up there with Oswald Chambers too.
The writing of "Surrendered" is accurately done and should bring comfort to many in their spiritual walk. I highly recommend Ann Doupont's book.
|
|
| | Reviews for: Irons in the Fire GOLDEN NUGGETS TO AID IN GROWTH, August 29, 2006
This review is being written as I wanted to tell others what a valuable book - I have found IRONS IN THE FIRE to be. This book contains deep Truths that are written in brief short teachings - yet are easy to understand which I feel makes for a great tool to aid in our growth in the Lord.
For many years I have been praying for a family member who as a child had a bad experience which had blocked spiritual growth. As a child - in those formidable years, when his mother was ill, he was sent to stay with an uncle who was stern as well as an off balance legalistic preacher. This man must have frightened this child causing a fear of spiritual teachings and "religious" people. because this book I feel is anointed to help others grow - I gave this man IRONS IN THE FIRE to read. |
I am happy to share - that the some of the golden nuggets he gleaned from this book have been instrumental in his new growth. I feel much has to do with the down to earth - short teachings contained where one can read a few pages - put the book down - and get great benefit. Then when one has time - can pick it up again and be uplifted. The book is positive - sort of a "you can do it book" - a Cheerleader - full of encouragement to say "keep on keeping on !!
|
| | a wonderfully different kind of devotional, August 16, 2006
Irons In The Fire, by Ann Doupont, is not your average devotional book. Unlike most that I have read, it is a journey through the author's own life experiences, blended into scriptural truths that meet every one of us on a day by day basis.
The book is easily styled for short devotional readings, but can also be read through as an inspirational book. I chose to read it as a devotional, because there is something completely new and different in each reading.
Ann confronts multiple aspects of our Christian walk that are profoundly significant, but in her usual manner of conversational demeanor. Every entry is in some way a journaling of her own personal experience, whether it be struggle or victory, bringing a very personal and vulnerable element into each reading.
One particular morning,I was led to open this book at random. The page I opened to was entitled 'No Mourning in the Morning',which, I knew as soon as my eyes fell upon the page, was God's specific answer to my prayer earlier that day for His encouragement.
Irons in the Fire is interesting and engaging, while still being thought provoking and challenging. I feel it is a devotional that can be read again and again, with something new gained with each reading. | |
| | Reviews for: God Can Heal Anything! Will offer hope for many, November 22, 2006 I feel that this book, placed in the right hands, can be a tremendous encouragement to someone who has ever been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. Ann is living proof that there is no such thing as "incurable" when God is involved. Ann writes in such an uncomplicated, unreligious way, that even the most simple mind can grasp what is communicated. I wish it could be in the 'waiting room' of every mental institution.
The manner in which Ann describes the events of her life is simple and straightforward, without being diluted. She gives God the glory for every little thing. I believe there are many who will find hope for themselves in their own personal situation after hearing Ann's story. |  God Can Heal Anything!, 12 Nov 2006
This book is a very believable account of a woman who was healed from a supposedly incurable mental illness, bi-polar, formerly known as manic depression. In my opinion it is suitable for all people to read, religious or non religious. Ann writes from her heart, and you feel her vulnerability as you read about her days in and out of the mental hospitals, trying to cope with this illness. There are some amusing parts, like when she phoned the Vatican and asked if the Pope would pray for her. I would recommend this book to anyone who suffers with any form of mental illness or cares for someone who does. It really gives an insight into what it feels like as a sufferer. The book is about God's healing, and so I think it is appropriate for anyone who is looking for healing of any description. Ann even writes about praying for her car speed metre to be fixed, and then praying for some trees that were diseased. I liked the part about a whole pile of cats coming into her backyard when she started singing...this is a book you will not want to miss! |
|