Random bits of Shoz

Unleashed - by Erwin McManus

2011-06-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

My Thoughts:
Unleashed was a great, real, open and honest book. I loved it! It is a short book and a quick read, unless you stop to let it really sink in. In that case this book can take a long time to read and can completely change your life and how you see things. Be prepared to be search down to the lowest lows and ascend the highest heights, and be called so far outside your comfort zones you can't even see them any more.

Book Description

Unleashed gives a call to escape a tame Christianity and become original, powerful, untamed Christians—just as Christ intended.

Author Erwin McManus wasn’t raised in a Christian home, so when he came to Christ as a college student, he didn’t know the rules of the "religious club." He didn’t do well in Shakespeare courses, so he didn’t really understand the KJV Bible he was given either. But he did understand that prayer was a conversation, and he learned to talk to God and wait for answers. Erwin’s way was passionate and rough around the edges—a sincere, barbaric journey to Christ.

Barbaric Christians see Jesus differently than civilized Christians. They see disciples differently, and they see Christ’s mission differently. Unleashed is a call to escape "civilized" Christianity and become original, powerful, untamed Christians—just as Christ intended.

UnleashedRelease the Untamed Faith Within

By Erwin McManus
Published by Thomas Nelson

Book provided for review by booksneeze.com

The Deepest Waters -by Dan Walsh

2011-06-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

My Thoughts:

Dan Walsh is a brilliant writer! I fall in love with his books so easily and thoroughly that it makes them hard to put down. The Deepest Waters was tragic and beautiful, gut wrenchingly sad and joyous and all-round spectacular.
I never would have guessed that parts of this story were true and the note afterwards was so fascinating to read it made the book all the more wonderful.
Thank you Dan for writing such a wonderful story and brining it to life for your readers to partake of.

For John and Laura Foster, what began as a fairytale honeymoon in 1857 aboard the steamship SS Vandervere soon becomes a nightmare. A terrible hurricane strikes and the grand ship is lost in the murky depths of the Atlantic. Laura finds herself rescued with the other women and children, but how can she feel anything but despondent without her groom? Suspecting her John is gone but still daring to hope for a miracle, Laura must face the possibility of life alone.

Talented author Dan Walsh skillfully tells an epic story of hope, faith, and love through an intimate lens. Inspired by real events, this emotional and honest story will capture your heart as you sail through its pages.

Endorsements

"The Deepest Waters is a story that's been waiting to be told for 150 years. What a blessing Dan Walsh is the one to tell it. It is inspirational, spiritual, and miraculous--a hopeful message when the world needs it most."--Jason F. Wright, New York Times bestselling author of The Wednesday Letters

"A delightful story that took me back to an era when men were gallant and women were virtuous. Dan Walsh fully immersed me in a fascinating world and left me longing for the movie."--James L. Rubart, bestselling author, Rooms and Book of Days

Dan Walsh is the award-winning author ofThe Unfinished Gift, The Homecoming, andThe Deepest Waters. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years. He lives with his family in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

The Invisible World - by Anthony DeStefano

2011-06-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

My Thoughts:

This is a strangely compelling book. Growing up in the church I have always "believed" that angels and demons exists because the Bible says they do. However you never really talk about that sort of thing in polite Christian circles because... well I don't know why. This book was interesting, witty and I love that he includes the human soul and God's grace in his line-up of topics to touch on! I look forward to recommending this book to others.

Spiritual Existence Revealed in Anthony DeStefano’s

Newest Book, The Invisible World

The mystery of a spiritual world has intrigued us for ages. Is there a reality that exists beyond the senses? And can an invisible spiritual world actually become visible? Best-selling author Anthony DeStefano answers yes with certainty. The Invisible World: Understanding Angels, Demons, and the Spiritual Realities That Surround Us explores the existence and meaning of this unseen, yet very real world.

Though the pages of The Invisible World are rich in poignant stories and tangible applications, DeStefano eschews anecdotal evidence and offers instead a depth of theological and biblical evidence as he takes readers on a journey to an unseen world inhabited by God, angels, demons, Satan, Heaven, and Hell. Bravely, DeStefano traverses into the dark night of the soul and the potentially liberating power of Grace with much honesty and candor. The author both asks and answers prickly questions like, “What are the incomprehensible qualities of God?” “Why have angels captivated our imaginations and interest?” “What is the purpose of a soul?” and “Why does it seem that, despite Grace, Satan seems to win?”

Watch the video trailer for The Invisible World.

Through all the twists and turns of this eerie yet uplifting book, the author’s mission is clear. “I want to make the invisible realities that surround us more visible,” says DeStefano. “My hope is that, by doing this, these realities won’t seem so unfamiliar in the future. And the more familiar they are, the easier it will be to understand them and to have absolute faith in their existence. Once you’re armed with that kind of certitude, three things will naturally happen:

(1) It will be easier for you to act in sync with your moral beliefs.

(2) Your life will be much fuller, richer, and more exciting than you ever imagined possible.

(3) No amount of suffering—physical, mental, or emotional—will ever be able to destroy the profound inner sense of peace that you’ll experience on a daily basis.”

Anthony DeStefano is a businessman and the best-selling author of A Travel Guide to Heaven and Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To (Doubleday), as well as two highly acclaimed children’s books, This Little Prayer of Mine and Little Star (WaterBrook Multnomah). DeStefano has received numerous awards and honors from respected communities throughout the world. In 2002, he was given an honorary doctorate from the Joint Academic Commission of the National Clergy Council and the Methodist Episcopal Church for “the advancement of Christian beliefs in modern culture.” In 2003, he received a medal from the Jerusalem Center for Peace Studies. He lives in New York.

The Invisible World: Understanding Angels, Demons, and the Spiritual Realities That Surround Us

by Anthony DeStefano

Doubleday Religion ~ March 15, 2011

Hardcover/208 pages/ISBN 978-0-385-52223-6/$19.99

www.anthonydestefano.com

Angel Sister - by Ann H. Gabhart

2011-06-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

My Thoughts:
This was a fantastic book! Learning about life in Rosey Corner was a wonderful trip back in time. The life of the Merritt family was not an easy one. However, their love for each other and their dedication to following God was a great reassurance that even when we loose faith in God and sometimes turn our backs on Him, He never looses faith in us.
I also really liked the author's end note about the origins of the story. I thought that was a really cool addition.

It is 1936 and Kate Merritt is trying hard to keep her family together. Her father has slipped into alcoholism, her mother tries to come to grips with their dire financial situation, and her sisters seem to remain blissfully oblivious to all of it. Kate could never have imagined that a dirty, abandoned little girl named Lorena Birdsong would be just what her family needs.
In this richly textured novel, award-winning author Ann H. Gabhart reveals the power of true love, the freedom of forgiveness, and the strength to persevere through troubled times, all against the backdrop of a sultry Kentucky summer.

Endorsements

"What a jewel of a story. Reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird. Like a Kentucky summer, Angel Sister starts slow and easy but by the end, roars along, leaving the reader breathless and wanting more."--Lauraine Snelling, author of the Red River series, Daughters of Blessing, and One Perfect Day

Living just thirty miles from a restored Shaker village in Kentucky, Ann H. Gabhart has walked the same paths that her characters might have walked in generations past. Her thorough research provides a convincing and colorful backdrop for her Shaker novels. Gabhart is the author of several bestselling novels, including The Outsider, The Believer,The Seeker, and Angel Sister.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

A Heart Most Worthy - by Siri Mitchell

2011-04-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

My Thoughts:
This book was great. I liked the fact that it had several different storylines and that Mitchell could jump back and forth from one to another and still have the reader follow along. She got you so tied up in the story that you felt like you knew the charters. How many of us can forget the goings on of our close friends or family, that was how I saw these characters. I felt like I was transported into their lives. It is a great book and one that I would gladly recommend!

Romance Abounds in this Engaging Novel

The elegance of Madame Forza's gown shop is a far cry from the downtrodden North End of Boston. Yet each day Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana enter the world of the upper class, working on finery for the elite in society. The three beauties each long to break free of their obligations and embrace the American dream--and their chance for love. But the ways of the heart are difficult to discern at times. Julietta is drawn to the swarthy, mysterious Angelo. Annamaria has a star-crossed encounter with the grocer's son, a man from the entirely wrong family. And through no intent of her own, Luciana catches the eye of Billy Quinn, the son of Madame Forza's most important client. Their destinies intertwined, each harboring a secret from their families and each other, will they be found worthy of the love they seek?

Siri Mitchell is the author of nearly a dozen novels, among them the critically acclaimed Christy Award finalists Chateau of Echoesand The Cubicle Next Door. A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in business, she has worked in many different levels of government. As military spouse, she has lived in places as varied as Tokyo and Paris. Siri currently lives in the DC-metro area. Visit www.sirimitchell.com

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

The Grandfathers produced by EGM

2011-04-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

My thoughts:

This film was absolutely spectacular! I had heard of the missionaries that died in Ecuador growing up in the church, but it never really hit me the far reaching effects that could come from that one event so many years ago. This riveting film allows you to follow the journey of Jesse Saint and how he came to terms with the people that killed his grandfather.

Apart from the story itself I thought the film was well done, the angles were cool, the music was amazing and it even had a bunch of extras. I really like the four video journals from the director each covering a different aspect or undercurrent of the story. These would be super helpful if you wanted to use the film as a small group study or something like that.

Bottom line I can not say enough good stuff about this film and will be recommending it to all my friends!!!

From Sacrifice to Reconciliation, a Young Man Discovers His Heritage in The Grandfathers

The Grandfathers showcases both the burden and benefit of the Saint family’s legacy. Jesse Saint, Steve’s oldest son and Nate’s grandson, was not raised among the tribe like his father. He struggles to find his place under the weight of the memory of a famous grandfather he never knew and a heroic father he does not fully understand. This will all change after Jesse travels to the jungles of Ecuador with his family and gradually forms a special bond with Mincaye, one of the tribesmen who took part in his grandfather’s murder. Only then will he confront his family’s past and come to terms with his own destiny. And there he will find his place in this story.

The Grandfathers chronicles the personal quest for greater connectedness and significance. It is also a moving tribute to ordinary people living extraordinary lives in extreme situations. Jim Hanon, the film’s director, states, “Forgiveness is an awe-inspiring virtue that seems to have been passed on by the Saint family and is shared by many among the Waodani tribe—both demonstrate a profound capacity for forgiveness and healthy self-healing.”

Steve Saint consulted with Jim Hanon and Mart Green, EGM’s producer, to help bring the story of his father, Nate, to screen through the feature film End of the Spear and the companion documentary film Beyond the Gates of Splendor. These films trace events leading up to and including the deaths of these men. More than that, they show the impact these events played on the lives of both their survivors and their killers. When the widows and their children went to live among the Waodani—a tribe regarded as the most violent on earth—they became an integral part of an incredible redemptive journey.

The Grandfathers, completes a trilogy produced by EthnoGraphic Media (EGM) that includes End of the Spear and Beyond the Gates of Splendor. These first two films, also from award-winning director Jim Hanon and producer Mart Green, tell the unforgettable and inspiring story of the killing of five missionaries by a stone-age tribe deep in the Amazon jungle. The impact of this tragic event lives on today in families of these slain men as well as among those responsible for their deaths.

This inspirational film has been awarded

The Dove Foundation seal of approval.

EGM is an educational nonprofit organization exploring the critical issues of our time through film and new media. It is a community of visionary writers, artists, and filmmakers that seeks to capture true stories of compelling virtue that speak to the human condition. Visit www.EGMfilms.org.

A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck

2011-03-21T16:48:00.000-07:00

My Thoughts:

I adored this book. It may be because I see a lot of myself in the main character or it may just be because the main character is so real and believable that I find myself wishing we were best friends. I think it is a great testament to Kristin Billerbeck that I have fallen so in love with her characters, only a great writer can draw you into the story so thoroughly that you feel like you really know these people. This was certainly the case with A Billion Reasons Why. I would highly recommend this to any woman looking for an engaging book to read!

Practically Perfect

Can God’s best include passion and security?

Katie McKenna had resolved to live a quiet life, marry a practical Christian man, and leave all her “worldly” desires behind. Since moving to California, she’d made it her goal to live life logically and for the Lord. She has the perfect life—a fulfilling job, a cute apartment, and a wedding to plan with her soon-to-be fiancé, Dexter.

But then in walks Luc DeForges, the handsome ex-boyfriend who’d broken her heart. After graduating college and rejecting Katie, Luc cornered the organic food market and became one of the most eligible multi-millionaire bachelors. But now he’s back and asking her to go home to New Orleans to sing at his brother’s wedding. She hasn’t fallen victim to her emotions since leaving New Orleans, and she’s invested too much to give into them now.

When Luc was in his element, there was nothing like it. His excitement was contagious and spread like a classroom virus, infecting those around him with a false sense of security. Katie inhales deeply and reminds herself that the man sold inspiration by the pound. His power over her was universal. It did not make her special.

Katie’s boyfriend, Dexter, is a practical man. As Katie’s roommate Eileen offers, “Katie, no matter how many entries you put in that book, Dexter is not going to be a romantic. I mean, fine, you’re going to marry him. He’s a good man. I just don’t want you to be disappointed. No matter how many junior high school hearts you draw next to his name, Dexter is going to order you what the Internet says is the proper gift for each anniversary. He’ll probably have a program created that does it for him.” But Dexter is safe. He’ll be a good dad. He’s very intellectual. He’s punctual. He’s everything she needs in a husband.

And Dexter will propose as soon as she gets her grandmother’s ring from her mom. And Luc will provide her with a free trip home for just that purpose. Plus, she needs to go home to New Orleans. It’s her last chance to find out why Luc tossed her from his life like a banana peel off the back of her father’s pickup. Love is a decision. A choice. All the leading experts said so, and she’d decided she would love Dexter in a way that honored and respected him. The way she’d loved Luc left her worn out and depleted, like an empty air mattress. Then what use was she? She’d get her ring and closure as well. Then nothing would stand in the way of her life with Dexter.

But what if God has more in store for her? What if God’s desire for her is a heart full of life? Can the passions she had as a young woman, which led to many of her past mistakes, still have a place in her life?

Kristin Billerbeck is a successful novelist from northern California. She has authored more than 30 novels, including the Ashley Stockingdale series and the Spa Girls series. She is a leader in the Chick Lit movement, a Christy Award finalist, and a two-time winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award. She has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times.

A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck

Thomas Nelson/February 2011/ISBN: 978-1-59554-791-0/320 pages/softcover/$14.99

www.thomasnelson.com ~ www.kristinbillerbeck.com

Audra Jennings

Senior Media Specialist

The B&B Media Group

1-800-927-0517 Ext. 104 - ajennings(at)tbbmedia.com

Visit us on the web at www.tbbmedia.com or our blog at www.tbbmedia.blogspot.com

We are also on Facebook and Twitter (audrajennings and TBBMediaGroup)!

“A Media Communications Company”

109 S. Main - Corsicana, TX 75110

Fax: 903-872-0518

The Steels

2011-03-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

This band has partnered with International China Concern and filmed their latest video there at the children's homes that I visited to in October '10. Let me know what you think!

Voices of the Faithful - Beth Moore

2011-03-09T21:12:00.000-08:00

My Thoughts:

This a wonderful devotional style book with an entry for every day of the year, written by a different missionary from all over the world. I enjoyed this book a great deal. It is interesting and engages the reader in a purposeful devotion that has been created and compiled to draw our focus toward God’s bigger purpose throughout the year. Beth Moore did a wonderful job of putting this all together and included a short prayer for each day written by her. I would definitely recommend this book for a daily devotional book for personal use or as a group devotional. It could spark some good conversation for sure!
I think to do this book justice it needs to be read day by day and savoured and allowed to sink in to your soul. That being said even reading it through in a regular fashion it is both inspiring and uplifting.

Voices of the FaithfulInspiring Stories of Courage from Christians Serving Around the World

By Beth Moore, International Mission Board
Published by Thomas Nelson

Book Description

A 366-day devotional with inspiring stories from the front lines of faith.

"A willingness to go is all they have in common," says Beth Moore, speaking of her friends on the front lines who are spreading the gospel around the world and with whom she collaborated to create this book. This brilliant, 366-day devotional features incredible stories of God's faithfulness in the face of uncertainty and danger, written by hundreds of missionaries worldwide.

With a foreword by International Mission Board president Jerry Rankin and an introduction by Beth, this volume also includes advice on how to hear God's voice, pray for missionaries, and understand the church's and individual's role in missions.

An Interview with Missy Buchanan

2011-02-05T13:31:00.000-08:00

I have not read her books but I liked what she had to say in her interview below so I am posting it hoping that it may speak to others who are going through this and point you in the direction of further understanding and help.

Q&A with Missy Buchanan

Even when age creeps up on the body and mind, and life changes from what it once was, is it still possible to have a purpose in life? When it is no longer possible to venture out and do the things you once loved, can you still find a reason to look forward to each day? Missy Buchanan, a leading expert and advocate for senior adults, believes that you can. Buchanan wants to encourage older adults to find their purpose, share their stories, and make an impact on those around them.

Q: What made you decide to start ministering to and writing books for older adults?

Well, as a middle-aged adult, I never had any intention of becoming an author of books for older adults. But because of the journey that my own aging parents were on, I realized how they had become disconnected from their church as their lives changed. They started off as active older adults and then that circle got smaller as they had more needs and physical limitations. As I would visit them at their retirement community, I would also see so many others that were just like them. They needed spiritual encouragement. And so that’s why I got started. The first book began as a project just for my own parents. I wrote devotions and kept them in a loose-leaf notebook. But others started asking for them and things just spiraled from there.

Q: What do you think children need to know about their aging parents?

What I realized personally was that I had been so caught up in my parents’ physical needs that I had neglected their spiritual needs. They were no longer connected to their church, at least in regular worship attendance, and that had been such a huge part of their lives. I almost made that mistake of just totally missing that, and that was the point where I began to write. I looked and there were other books written about older adults but not very many that were written to them and for them. So the first thing I would tell their children is to pay attention not only to their physical needs but also to their spiritual needs.

Q: What is your opinion about role reversal with children and their aging parents?

I hear the whole idea of role reversal where the older parent becomes a child and the grown children become the parent, and I understand what they are talking about because my own parents became more dependent on me. But I think that when we refer to it as a role reversal, and we begin to think of our aging parents as children, we strip away their dignity. We rob them of respect and we overlook the fact that they are not children. They have had a lifetime of experiences that a child has not had. And I think that is an important difference that grown children need to think about and pay attention to. It’s more of a role shift in responsibilities and not a role reversal. I know how much it hurts an aging parent to feel like they are being treated like a baby or like a child.

Q: Other than aging adults, who else has benefited from your writing?

A friend of mine in an assisted living facility asked me to bring some books for one of her tablemates. Her tablemate explained that these books were for her adult children. “They don’t understand what it feels like to grow old, and I can’t seem to make them understand, but your books say it better than I ever could.” My books are all written in the first person as if an older adult is speaking directly to God. There are a lot of adult children that are buying them for themselves and older adults buying them for their grown children.

And I’ve heard of different youth groups that have been reading my books in order to better understand what it’s like to grow old. Instead of just mocking their older peers, they are learning that they share a lot of the same feelings—feelings of insecurity, feelings of fear. As a result of reading the books, one youth group in Tennessee has even adopted the residents of the senior living center across from their church.

Q: How can faith change our idea of growing older?

So many see aging as a punishment, and they dread it so much. But even though it is difficult to be limited by an aging body, they need to look at it as a gift that God has given them. They still have so much to give. They have great wisdom to share and stories to share. I always tell my older friends that their story is not yet over.

Missy Buchanan is the author of Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms and

Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults (Upper Room Books).

Click here to watch Missy Buchanan’s recent interview with

Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts and Roberts’ 86-year-old mother.

Visit Missy Buchanan’s website, www.missybuchanan.com, and blog,http://missybu.wordpress.com/.

Become a friend on Facebook (Aging and Faith) and follow on Twitter (MissyBuchanan).

Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms

In Talking with God in Old Age, Missy Buchanan sensitively address the worries, fears, and frustrations of older adults and extends hope, encouraging them to maintain an open dialogue with God. Each reading features:

· A candid conversation with God

· A related passage from Psalms

· Easy-to-read print

Seniors grappling with the aging process will readily identify with these reflections and will find reassurance of God’s Presence. Caregivers, family members, and others seeking to understand aging loved ones will gain insight into the thoughts and emotions of the elderly frail.

Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults

Birthed out of real-life experience, Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body is a big does of authentic spiritual encouragement for frail elderly who struggle to find purpose a the end of their lives. These devotionals addressed to God raise in prayer the many concerns of the frail elderly and provide opportunities to reminisce and reflect on their blessings.

Each devotional offers the following:

· Easy-to-read print

· Reader-friendly format

· Comfortable, nonacademic language

· A first-person address to God

· Brief supporting scriptures from the New and Old Testaments

The Girl In The Gatehouse - by Julie Klassen

2011-02-05T12:34:00.000-08:00

My Thoughts: Have you ever read a book that consumes you... you can't seem to put it down and when you absolutely have to, then it's all you can think about? The Girl in the Gatehouse was that kind of book for me!
The characters were well developed and the story was so believable that it drew me in and kept me fully engaged. It was not only the main characters that were so cleverly sculpted and interesting but all of the supporting characters were just as plausible. Well it seems I can not say enough good stuff about this book but I will say one more thing. I was so very impressed that Klassen chose to confront big topics that fit brilliantly into the time period of the book but still are relevant in lives of women today. This will be a book that I will highly recommend for a long time to come and to a wide variety of people

Mariah Aubrey lives in seclusion with her secrets.
Will an ambitious captain uncover her identity... and her hidden past?

Banished from the only home she's ever known, Mariah Aubrey hides herself away in an abandoned gatehouse on a distant relative's estate. There she supports herself and her loyal servant the only way she knows how—by writing novels in secret.

When Captain Matthew Bryant leases the estate, he is intrigued by the beautiful girl in the gatehouse. But there are many things he doesn't know about this beguiling outcast. Will he risk his plans—and his heart—for a woman shadowed by scandal?

Intriguing, mysterious, and romantic, The Girl in the Gatehousetakes readers inside the life of a secret authoress at a time when novel-writing was considered improper for ladies and the smallest hint of impropriety could change a woman's life forever.

Endorsements

"Klassen expertly infuses her Regency-set inspirational tale with a gothic atmosphere, resulting in a sweetly intriguing romance worthy of Victoria Holt."
—Booklist, about The Silent Governess

"The author takes the reader back in time effortlessly. If you enjoy Jane Austen or the Regency period, you will love this book."
—Romantic Times, about The Silent Governess

Reviews

"Christy and RITA nominee Klassen creates a wonderful cast of engaging characters while neatly stirring in a generous dash of mystery and danger into the plot of her latest, charmingly romantic inspirational romance." --John Charles, Booklist

Julie Klassen is a fiction editor with a background in advertising. She has worked in Christian publishing for more than twelve years, in both marketing and editorial capacities. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She enjoys travel, research, books, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends.Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group"

Have A New You By Friday - by Dr. Kevin Leman

2010-12-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

My Thoughts:

As far as self help books go, this one was pretty good. It helps you see the problem areas and gives you practical steps to changing them.
Never having read any of Dr. Leman's books before I was properly impressed with this one. The author is a great storyteller and the book overall is very engaging and interesting. I would recommend this book to those looking to make a change in their life.

You can change your life--in just 5 days!
How many times have you tried to change your own habits, only to find that changing yourself is even harder than trying to change someone else?
Now, what the bestselling Have a New Kid by Friday has done for families and Have a New Husband by Friday has done for couples,Have a New You by Friday will do for you. With his signature wit and commonsense psychology, Dr. Kevin Leman walks you through your own personal five-day action plan. You will come to

Accept the truth about yourself

Boost your confidence by identifying the lies you're telling yourself . . . and putting them to rest for good
Change your life by concentrating on becoming who you really want to be

Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, and speaker who has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and commonsense psychology. He has made house calls for hundreds of radio and television programs, including The View,Today, Oprah, CBS's The Early Show, CNN'sAmerican Morning, and LIFE Today with James Robison. He has also served as a contributing family psychologist to Good Morning America.

A bestselling and award-winning author, Dr. Leman has written more than 30 books about marriage and family issues, including The Birth Order Book, Sheet Music, Making Children Mind without Losing Yours, and Have a New Kid by Friday. He is coauthor, with his son Kevin Leman II, of a series of illustrated children's books for each child in the family. He is also featured on 6 video series on marriage, parenting, blended families, and single parenting.

Dr. Leman and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson, Arizona. They have 5 children and 2 grandchildren.

City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell

2010-12-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

My Thoughts:

This was a fantastic book! I admit that right now in my life, as I look to the future and moving into a new position at work of leading teams of people to China for short term mission trips, I may be a little biased toward all things having to do with China. That possibility aside, the book was well written and it was a wonderful story that chronicled the lives of some extraordinary people and the sacrifices they made in order to do what God had called them to do! Inspiring! I must admit that I am glad that I did not live back in those times and had to go through the hardships that they endured. But I can say that I hope that I will have the courage to live my life as faithfully as these people did.
Thanks to Bo Caldwell for sharing such a tremendously wonderful story!

City of Tranquil Light

Author Bo Caldwell shares an inspired story of a young couple

whose marriage and faith are put to the test in Revolutionary China

Bo Caldwell’s 2001 debut novel, The Distant Land of My Father, set in historic China and based on the story of her uncle, was a critical and commercial success—a national bestseller that was loved by critics, booksellers, and readers in equal measure. In 2002 Caldwell turned to the story of her maternal grandparents who were missionaries in China in the early 1900s. For years her mother had urged her to write about them and when she dove into the research she found their lives full of conflict, danger, and heartbreak, as well as joy and fulfillment. But life, in the form of a cancer diagnosis, kept her from her writing desk until 2006. When she returned, she completed City of Tranquil Light (Henry Holt and Company), a searing love story of a man and a woman, their God, and the country they jointly loved and a deeply researched and page-turning portrait of a country in utter turmoil.

At the center of the novel are Will and Katherine, two Mennonite missionaries from the heartland who have come to China because they feel called by God to serve the poor and spread the Good News. But this is more than a missionary story; it is really the portrait of a marriage set against the backdrop of a radically shifting nation that is plunging into revolution.

A novel based on her grandparents wasn’t Caldwell’s idea. “I’m embarrassed to say that before I had dismissed my grandparents’ lives as too dull and simplistic. But as I reread my grandfather’s memoir and began to ask my mom about my grandparents, I learned how wrong I’d been.” As she began to see her grandparents as her mother had seen them, and to read the biographies and autobiographies of other American missionaries in China, Caldwell found similar stories. “I saw a pattern emerge in the later lives of many of these men and women. Most eventually returned to the United States, usually to be near their children (now grown) and grandchildren, but also because of illness or frailty. I was moved by the contrast between their lives in China and their later lives in the U.S. After enduring decades of war, famine, illness, personal danger, and great hostility toward their work, these people settled safely in the suburbs where they walked in rose gardens and played with their grandchildren and lived out their days. I was struck by the sacrifice that must have been involved in leaving the people and work that had been at the center of their lives, even with the reward of the comforts of modern life. I also began to feel that missionaries often get a bad rap in fiction. While there were certainly those who exploited the people they had come to serve, there were also many who poured out their lives for strangers and for their faith. And I wanted to tell their story.”

That story is one of marriage, of leaving one home and finding another, and of faith. “When I began the novel, I tried to understand my grandfather’s faith and to present it accurately,” says Caldwell. “I tried to see the world through his eyes.” Then life intervened, including a battle to quit drinking followed shortly after with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Once Caldwell returned to writing two years later, she returned as a different person. The combination of sobriety and a serious illness had affected her faith deeply, and she was no longer writing about her grandparents’ faith. She was writing about her own.

City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell

Henry Holt and Company - September 28, 2010

ISBN: 978-0-8050-9228-8 – hardcover - $25.00

http://us.macmillan.com/cityoftranquillight

Choosing To See - by Mary Beth Chapman and Ellen Vaughn

2010-12-13T12:39:00.000-08:00

My Thoughts:
I was so incredibly moved by this book. Likely it's impact was heightened by the fact that I had just gotten back from leading a missions trip working with disabled and abandoned children in Changsha, the same town that the Chapmans adopted their children from, but it went deeper. This book is inspiring, touching, heartbreaking, raw, completely honest and so much more. The content of this book made me laugh and cry but more than that it carried some heavy life lessons, ones that I would not wish on any family and I applaud Mary Beth for putting it out there for all to see, so that others may know what God is doing in their lives. It's a bold move. I would like to thank her for all of it and let her know that it has changed my heart.

"Every now and then a book comes along that is not only great--it's a gift. An extravagant gift. This is one of those books."--Beth Moore

From the beginning, Mary Beth Chapman's life was not how she planned. All she wanted was a calm, peaceful life of stability and control. Instead, God gave her an award-winning singer/songwriter husband, crazy schedules, and a houseful of creatively rambunctious children. Most difficult of all, God's plans for her also included tragedy.
In Choosing to SEE, Mary Beth unveils her struggle to allow God to write the story of her life, both the happy chapters and the tragic ones. And as the story unfolds, she's been forced to wrestle with some of life's biggest questions: Where is God when things fall apart? Why does God allow terrible things to happen? How can I survive hard times?
No matter where you find yourself in your own life story, you will treasure the way Mary Beth shows that even in the hard times, there is hope if you choose to SEE.

Endorsements

"Mary Beth makes the deepest places of our being easier to embrace and grasp. I felt like I was looking at my own heart exposed on the pages of this book."--Denise Jonas, mother of the Jonas Brothers

"Mary Beth has an important story to tell that starts long before the accident. It's a story of heartache, betrayal, depression, and loss. Yet her encouragement to us is that there is hope--spring is coming."--Mark (of Casting Crowns) and Melanie Hall

"Mary Beth has opened the doors of her stories to us so that our deepest fears may be overcome with hope. And so that we can all walk in a deeper trust that God is good . . . all the time."--Toby (TobyMac) and Amanda McKeehan
"When the world is telling us to suffer alone in despair and hopelessness, the Chapmans are fixing their eyes on Christ and faithfully walking each step clinging to the Lord and the hope we have in the promises in His Word."--Bart (of Mercy Me) and Shannon Millard
"This tender story will capture your heart and point you back to the One who restores, replenishes, and renews . . . even when He asks us to do hard, seemingly impossible things."--Wess Stafford, president and CEO of Compassion International
"With a balanced combination of heart-wrenching honesty and absolute grace, Mary Beth shares her 'severe mercy.' I couldn't help but sense God's presence in every sentence."--Mary Graham, president of Women of Faith
"Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman are living their story in a way that brings glory to God and real, practical help to the body of Christ. You won't be able to put this book down until you've wept, laughed, and relished every page."--Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship and the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview

Mary Beth Chapman is the wife of Grammy and Dove Award winning recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman. Together they began Show Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for the world's most vulnerable children by providing financial assistance to families wishing to adopt, as well as increasing awareness of the orphan crisis and funneling resources to orphans domestically and internationally. Mary Beth serves as president of Show Hope and is a speaker for Women of Faith 2010 with her husband. She is also coauthor with Steven of the Shaoey and Dot series of children's picture books. Mary Beth and Steven have six children: Emily, Caleb, Will Franklin, and adopted daughters Shaohannah Hope, Stevey Joy, and Maria Sue, who is now with Jesus. The Chapmans live in Tennessee.
www.MaryBethChapman.com

Ellen Vaughn is a bestselling author and inspirational speaker. Her recent books include It's All About Him with Denise Jackson (wife of Alan Jackson), which debuted at #1 on the New York Timesnonfiction list. She is also coauthor with Chuck Colson of Being the Body. In addition to her nonfiction work, Vaughn is an award-winning novelist. She lives in the Washington, D.C., area with her husband, Lee.

Recent info on Little Town of Bethlehem

2010-09-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

Nationwide Launch of Film on Palestinian-Israeli Nonviolent Movement

Film Director Jim Hanon guest on FOX News HQ Sunday

Click here to view interview

Oklahoma City, OK—EthnoGraphic Media (EGM) marked the United Nation’s International Day of Peace by kicking off a 12-day launch of its latest documentary, Little Town of Bethlehem. The standing-room-only event at Boston College was hosted by the Faith, Peace and Justice Program in the Department of Sociology. The film director, Jim Hanon was interviewed on FOX Americas News HQ with Shannon Bream on Sunday September 26th.

Fox News anchor Shannon Bream introduced the film as a documentary that imagines peace in the Middle East. Showing several clips from the film, Bream and Hanon discussed the need to reach people, especially college age people with the message of nonviolence.

The film is being screened on campuses nationwide and internationally this fall, and as part of the nationwide launch, the audience was given an opportunity to dialog with the film’s director as well as representatives from both sides of the conflict. Sami Awad, one of the film’s subjects commented on the audience response, “Students less familiar were clearly moved to learn more about the conflict and what they personally could do. Conversely, some who were growing weary after decades in the struggle for peace in the region were reenergized.”

About the film.

Filmed on location in the West Bank, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem, Little Town of Bethlehem brings awareness to a growing nonviolent movement in the Middle East that rarely, if ever, makes international headlines.

Yonatan Shapira is an Israeli Jew whose grandparents were Zionist settlers that witnessed the birth of the Israeli nation. Today he is an outspoken advocate for the nonviolent peace movement, both in his homeland and abroad.

Ahmad Al'Azzeh is a Palestinian Muslim who has lived his entire life in the Azzeh refugee camp in Bethlehem. Today, Ahmad heads the nonviolence program at Holy Land Trust, where he trains others in the methods of peaceful activism.

Little Town of Bethlehem was produced by EthnoGraphic Media (EGM), an educational non-profit organization exploring the critical issues of our time. For more information visit www.littletownofbethlehem.org

Little Town of Bethlehem a documentary from EGM Films

2010-09-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

My Thoughts:

This documentary was amazing! It was well done, concise, interesting and engaging. I can honestly say that I learned something from this. It was interesting to get the story from all sides and have a deeper understanding of the difficulties that have gripped the Middle East for centuries. I was so very thankful for this information and will be actively looking for more information regarding this topic of violence in the Middle East and how peace can be brought into the situation.

Thank you so much B&B media group for supplying this copy for me to review.

To view the movie trailer click the link below:

http://littletownofbethlehem.org/

Is Peace in the Middle East Really Possible?

New film shares true stories of hope in the midst of violence

There is no shortage of opinions, emotions, and actions regarding finding “peace in the Middle East.” While some are familiar with the issue and others are personally impacted by the conflict, many more are unaware, uninformed, and unconcerned about this critical global issue. Little Town of Bethlehem is a groundbreaking new documentary that shares the gripping story of three men—a Palestinian Muslim, a Palestinian Christian, and an Israeli Jew—born into violence and willing to risk everything to bring an end to violence in their lifetime.

Filmed on location in the West Bank, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem, Little Town of Bethlehem brings awareness to a growing non-violent movement in the Middle East that rarely, if ever, makes international headlines.

Sami Awad is a Palestinian Christian whose grandfather was killed in Jerusalem in 1948. Today he is the executive director of Holy Land Trust, a non-profit organization that promotes Palestinian independence through peaceful means. Yonatan Shapira is an Israeli Jew whose grandparents were Zionist settlers who witnessed the birth of the Israeli nation. Today he is an outspoken advocate for the non-violent peace movement, both in his homeland and abroad. Ahmad Al' Azzah is a Palestinian Muslim who has lived his entire life in the Azzah refugee camp in Bethlehem. Today, Ahmad heads the non-violence program at Holy Land Trust, where he trains others in the methods of peaceful activism.

Little Town of Bethlehem honestly and respectfully shares Sami’s, Yonatan’s, and Ahmad’s stories. With all three men referencing both Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi during individual interviews, it is clear that their words, thoughts, and actions on nonviolence are still profoundly impacting today’s nonviolent movement. The images of these three men standing firm in the face of overwhelming opposition are inspirational, but Little Town of Bethlehem is not just about inspiring viewers. The filmmakers also raise the question, “Can the cycle of violence be broken?”

Little Town of Bethlehem was produced by EthnoGraphic Media (EGM), an educational non-profit organization exploring the critical issues of our time. Other feature films and documentaries from EGM include The Grandfathers (2009), Miss HIV (2008), and the award-winning End of the Spear (2005) andBeyond the Gates of Splendor (2002).

Like all EGM films, Little Town of Bethlehem was created with a global youth audience in mind. But this film will connect with any viewer who desires a deeper understanding of conflict resolution. “The major themes in the film are universal and timeless. The desire to end violence through nonviolence is not a demographic phenomenon, though often it is youth that mobilize. The theme of this film is appropriate for anyone who deals with conflict. This hopeful message of equality is for all,” says Jim Hanon, chief creative officer at EGM and the film’s director. “Little Town of Bethlehem doesn’t focus on who’s right or who’s wrong. The focus is on three men from different places and with different backgrounds who struggle together toward this common goal through nonviolence. We feel that the nonviolent approach promoted by the film is a humanitarian message with the power to transcend religions, nations, politics, languages, and cultures.” Watch the trailer at http://littletownofbethlehem.org/.

Follow EGM on Twitter @EGMfilms.

To request a review copy, contact:

Audra Jennings

Senior Media Specialist

The B&B Media Group

1-800-927-0517 Ext. 104 - ajennings(at)tbbmedia.com

Visit us on the web at www.tbbmedia.com or our blog at www.tbbmedia.blogspot.com

We are also on Facebook and Twitter (audrajennings and TBBMediaGroup)!

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The Bishop - by Steven James

2010-09-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

My Thoughts:

A brilliant book!!! The characters were amazing the story lines were riviting and the case, although decribed in graphic detail which I was warned ahead of time would be as such, was very well handled. It was so well done it was like I was watching it on screen, not just reading. Very well done!!

Thinking about it after, if I had not know it was graphic content and just stumbled onto content like this I may have been alarmed, however that was not the case. I found that the content was not sensationalizing anything but was just describing what was going on.

So without giving anything away, if you like crime scene tv shows or movies then I think you will like this book. It is easy to get wrapped up in so clear some time from your schedule! It's a thick book to get through.

The game is on.
FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers's cutting-edge skills are about to be pushed to the limit. When a young woman is found brutally murdered in Washington DC, her killers continue a spree of perfect crimes in the Northeast. But with nothing to link them to each other, Agent Bowers faces his most difficult case yet--even as his personal life begins to crumble around him.
The Bishop is a gripping, adrenaline-laced story for readers who are tired of timid thrillers. Strap on your seat belt and get ready for a wild ride.

Endorsements

What everybody is talking about
"Be warned--James's books are not for the timid."--Mitch Galin, producer, Stephen King's The Stand
"Impossible to put down."--Kathleen Antrim, bestselling author,Capital Offense
"An intense, intelligent thriller. . . . Riveting!"--Karen Dionne, International Thriller Writers website chair
"James tells stories that grab you by the collar and don't let go."--Norb Vonnegut, author, Top Producer
"Absolutely brilliant."--Jeff Buick, bestselling author, Bloodline
"As thrilling and unexpected as any five-star action movie."--John Tinker, Emmy-award-winning writer

Critically acclaimed author Steven James has written more than twenty books, including the bestselling thriller series The Bowers Files. One of the nation's most innovative storytellers, Steven developed his skill as a performer at East Tennessee State University (MA in storytelling). He lives in Tennessee with his wife and three daughters.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Healer by Linda Windsor

2010-09-16T16:46:00.000-07:00

My Thoughts:

I loved this book! It was well written and so very engaging, by the end I felt like I had become good friends with the main characters. Through all of the twists and turns it was not totally unpredictable but it was a great Summer fun read, even though it took me till September to read it.

I was also excited to see that this is actually the first in a series of books!!! I always hate when a good book ends so now I just have to be patient until the next one comes along.

I would highly recommend this book, if you like old world Celtic books especially!!

A Mother’s Dying Prophecy. . . A Daughter’s Living Hope

An epic story of healing amid the chaos of warring clans

Sixth-century Arthurian Britain provides the backdrop for Linda Windsor’s latest novel,Healer. First in The Brides of Alba Series, Healer gifts readers with the story of Brenna of Gowrys, a woman orphaned during a twenty-year blood feud and destined to spend her life in hiding with only her wolf and her faith in God as companions. Brenna flees as much from her mother’s dying prophecy as she does from the clan that seeks her life and clings tenaciously to her faith in Christ amid the lonely hills of Scotland. When a stranger is left to die surrounded by the carnage of a nearby ambush, Brenna rescues him from certain death. However, the stranger’s delirious rants leave her to wonder if his spirit will survive the darkness that enshrouds him.

Brenna’s life is trapped between an enemy clan that wants her dead and her own clan who is seeking a warrior queen to lead them to military victory over their oppressors. The stranger who enters her life makes her believe that she has found the answer to her deep loneliness. Raised by a Sister of Avalon, Brenna harbors a firm belief in Christ and His forgiveness. Yet the more she learns of her wounded guest, the more she is left to wonder how God expects her to fulfill the strange destiny prophesied by her mother those many years ago. How can she possibly “bring a peace beyond the ken of [her enemy’s] wicked soul”? Unknown to her, the wandering mercenary to whom she administers her healing finds that his own heart is softened both toward Brenna and her God. The relationship that grows between them will provide answers that both of them seek.

Award-winning author Linda Windsor creates an epic tale of two desperate and lonely people whose destinies have been engineered by the church to preserve the ancient Davidic and holy apostolic bloodlines and their Judeo-Christian faith. This well-researched tale will introduce readers to little known facts of British church history, as well as provide information for an effective witness for family and friends misled by New Age and Wiccan theories. Fans of Celtic and medieval tales as well as lovers of Arthurian legend and Lord of the Rings-like settings will find much to enjoy in Windsor’s latest novel. Healer is a story that reveals God’s hand in the lives of broken hearts and wounded souls and the grace that will heal a land and a people, replacing darkness with His light.

The Healer (Book 1 in the Brides of Alba Series) by Linda Windsor

David C Cook/June 1, 2010/ISBN 978-1-4347-6478-2/351 pages/softcover/$14.99

www.davidccook.com ~ www.lindawindsor.com

Book has been provided courtesy of The B&B Media Group

Visit us on the web at www.tbbmedia.com or our blog at www.tbbmedia.blogspot.com

We are also on Facebook and Twitter!

“A Media Communications Company”

A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer

2010-08-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

My Thoughts:

I was surprised by this book at how interested I became. I was not expecting great things as I often find romance books to be so predictable that they get boring very quickly. This one seemed to hold my attention right through to the end. There was a lot of language in the book that was time specific, and since I do not read many books from this time period I found myself loosing some of the meaning as I, like most people these days, did not have time to go search out the meanings of the words. Other than that one drawback I found the book light and fun to read and even thought provoking at times. I am amazed to know that this is Karen Witemeyer's first novel! Well done and keep up the good work!

When a dressmaker who values beauty tangles with a liveryman who condemns vanity, the sparks begin to fly!

Jericho "J.T." Tucker wants nothing to do with Coventry, Texas's new dressmaker. He's all too familiar with her kind--shallow women more devoted to fashion than true beauty. Yet, except for her well-tailored clothing, this seamstress is not at all what he expected.

Hannah Richards is confounded by the man who runs the livery. The unsmiling fellow riles her with his arrogant assumptions and gruff manner while at the same time stirring her heart with unexpected acts of kindness. Which side of Jericho Tucker reflects the real man?

When Hannah decides to help Jericho's sister catch a beau--leading to uproarious consequences for the whole town--will Jericho and Hannah find a way to bridge the gap between them?

Reviews

"Witemeyer's debut will grab fans in the historical romance crowd. She blends lively writing, storytelling prowess, and enough romance to keep readers satisfied. Hannah Richards opens her dress shop in 1881 Coventry, Tex., with little more than a dream to help women add beauty to their lives. Livery owner Jericho Tucker, however, finds nothing beautiful in her plans. Despite J.T's antagonism and Hannah's strong will, the pair find ways to meet in the middle and come out together. Sidelights include matchmaking on Hannah's part, a sinister rival, dangerous floodwaters, and two people who truly desire to follow Christ. Readers will ponder, with J.T. and Hannah, the difference between beauty and vanity: 'You may see a room full of harmless fashions, but if you open your eyes, you'll find that, in truth, it is filled with the temptations to indulge in sinful vanity,' he says. 'If God had wanted the world to be a somber, colorless place, he would have made everything in black and gray,' she says. Thought-provoking and entertaining faith-based fiction for sure." --Publishers WeeklyI found it hard to believe that A Tailor-Made Bride is Karen Witemeyer's debut novel. It is highly creative, has depth and emotion, an interesting supporting cast, and some of the most delicious bantering between a hero and heroine that I've read. I can hardly wait for Ms. Witemeyer's next book to come out. Be sure to check out A Tailor-Made Bride. This is one book you won't want to pass up. --Vickie McDonough, TitleTrakk.com
"Readers of historical romance will be delighted to discover a new author who writes like a seasoned veteran of the genre yet with a freshness that is uniquely her own. Karen Witemeyer has penned a novel as fun and feisty as the cover suggests, with a innovative heroine determined to make the most of the blessings bestowed upon her and a hero who is as surly as he is good looking. With sparkling dialogue and a thought provoking battle of wits over vanity versus beauty, Karen is set to make a splash amongst readers who enjoy Deeanne Gist, Mary Connealy and Robin Lee Hatcher. Karen has won me over and I'll certainly be on the lookout for Head in the Clouds, come this October." --Rel Mollet, relzreviewz.blogspot.com

Homecoming by Dan Walsh

2010-08-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

My Thoughts:

Homecoming by Dan Walsh

Dan Walsh is a brilliant writer in my opinion. His book The Unfinished Gift was amazing and Homecoming is the sequel to that first book. Often sequels can be less impressive than the original, that is not the case here. Homecoming is engaging and emotionally packed. It was well written and researched on the technical side of things and gripping on the emotional side of things. You find yourself, as the reader, being drawn into the story so much so that you regret the need to put it down.

Thanks again for another wonderful work Dan! I hope to continue to reading more of your books in the future!

A reluctant war hero returns home and encounters a new chance at love.
No sooner has Shawn Collins returned home from the fighting in Europe than he is called upon to serve his country in another way--as a speaker on the war bond tour. While other men might jump at the chance to travel around the country with attractive Hollywood starlets, Shawn just wants to stay home with his son Patrick and his aging father, and grieve the loss of his wife in private. When Shawn asks Katherine Townsend to be Patrick's nanny while he's on the road, he has no idea how this decision will impact his life. Could it be the key to his future happiness and the mending of his heart? Or will the war once again threaten his chances for a new start?
Dan Walsh does not disappoint in this tender story of family ties and the healing of a broken heart.

Endorsements

"One of the most delightful and touching love stories I've ever read. This heartwarming story of a little boy and his war-weary father left me with a lump in my throat and a smile on my face when I read the last page. Highly recommended!"--Colleen Coble, author, The Lightkeeper's Daughter and the Rock Harbor series
"Dan Walsh is a born storyteller . . . definitely a writer to watch."--Deborah Raney, author, Almost Forever and Beneath a Southern Sky

What the Heck Happened????

2010-08-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

I admit that it has been a while since I have posted anything on my blog but I had no idea that when I came back to it late last week it would look nothing like it did the last time I posted. I had it all fixed nice with matching colours and photo with appropriately coloured hair ... then it all vanished. Now I must admit that Summer for me is a much more hectic time due to the nature of my job, so I often skim emails and sometimes overlook notes or updates of all sorts. But I don't think I had any idea or warning that this was going to happen. Don't get me wrong, it's not the end of the world that his happened. I, for the most part, embrace change. I do however like to be aware of it before it happens. So I have just spent the last while trying to figure out what needs to be done to make it look aesthetically pleasing to me, and hopefully the other readers as well, few though you may be. At any rate, time moves on and technology changes and so does my blog. Hope you all enjoy. If there is anything that you see that I need to change or that is irritating to you, let me know and I will try to figure out how to change it.

Hungry For Life - by Dave Blundell

2010-06-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

My thoughts:

I have a bit of a unique perspective on this book and it's author as he and I have been good friends for many years and I now work for him at Hungry For Life International.

Dave and I met at Bible college and have stayed friends throughout the years. He came to me about nine years ago and said that he had this desire to start a relief and development organization. As I sat and listened to his reasoning of how and why he wanted to start this I became more and more convinced that these were not just musings that had no valid basis in reality, but that it was God's voice whispering to him all the things that He had in store. I told Dave at the end of our dinner that I would come and work for him if he ever got it up and running. And here I am after having worked at Hungry For Life for the past four years and could happily make this my life's work.

All of that to say that this book is a hard copy of all that is in Dave's heart and mind. This is the garden of his life and you can see all of the seeds that God has planted growing and coming to life on the pages before you. From the stories that he tells of himself as a child selling lemonade in an attempt to end cancer to meeting Dr. Job in India, or the harsh statistics that keep him working to make a change in this world, to the final "so what?" of this book, all of it, each word drips with his blood sweat and tears. I love this book and try to live my life by it's call because the call of this book is also the same call that God spoke into my ear many years ago when I chose to follow Him wherever He choose to lead me, even to the not so pleasant ends of the earth.

Thanks Dave for this book!

Here is a book that might interest you. In Hungry For Life Canadian author Dave Blundell takes a unique approach to world missions by not offering a prescription for behaviour modification. Instead, he offers a call for renovation of the heart, building on the premise that a deeper global commitment is the by-product of deeper spirituality.

In explaining that the spiritual poverty of the Church affects global issues, Blundell states “There is a clear link between the spiritual health of God’s people and the social health of the poor. Throughout Scripture, when God’s people lost their first love, they failed to tangibly love those in need around them. God constantly points to social injustice as evidence of misplaced spiritual affection.” Noting that there are a number of books on social justice being released, Blundell saw the need for a resource for Christian leaders that would not simply criticize or condemn the Church, but one that would provide motivation and encouragement. Hungry For Lifeidentifies three priorities: first, identifying what is broken (global imbalance); secondly, an examination of what our world should look like (the biblical vision of a compassionate church); and thirdly, identifying how the Church can help right the imbalance through making strategic changes. Blundell firmly believes that “The Church has all the spiritual resources, through the Holy Spirit, and all the physical resources to transform the world – but most of us simply don’t know where to start or how to get strategically involved for long term impact.” Encouraging churches to engage in global development as by-product of deeper spirituality.

Check out chapters 2&3 here on Google books.

Find Dave's website here and read about his other adventures and thoughts.

You can be Everything God Wants You to be - by Max Lucado

2010-06-30T18:36:00.000-07:00

My thoughts:

This was a great little devotional book. It was encouraging and meaningful. It would be great as a gift to a recent graduate or for a friend who needs a helping hand. It was a pleasant and quick read if you choose too just sit down and read it but would be ideal for daily thoughts or meditations.

Check out the first chapter here. Or comment and leave me a note if the link does not work... I am still new to this.

You can be Everything God Wants You to be - by Max Lucado

God made only one version of you. He custom designed you for a one-of-a-kind assignment.

You are heaven's Halley's comet; we have one chance to see you shine. You offer a gift to the world that no one else brings. So find it and bring it! And when you do, both you and God will smile.

Yes, you can be everything God wants you to be.

Plan B - by Pete Wilson

2010-06-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

I sit here with tears in my eyes as I write this review. Plan B is an amazing book! Who of us has never had a difficult or life changing event? Well even if your answer is that your life has never been anything but fabulous, this book will help you figure out all of us other unfortunate ones who have had our lives rocked by major catastrophes. As I am in the thick of walking through a major life changing situation this book has encouraged me and renewed me hope and trust! I would recommend it to anyone who can read, and for those that can not read, someone please take time to sit and read it to them, you will both be better off for the effort!

You can check out the video posted on Youtube as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C34l01O8rI0

"Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available May 2010 at your favourite bookseller.

The Meeting of the Waters - Fritz Kling

2010-06-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

This was a fascinating and helpful book. I work with an organization where we help facilitate groups to go on relief and development missions trips, so the global church is my everyday reality. This book was an encouraging and helpful resource that at times reinforced what I have been encountering in the church and at times it shed new light into a shadowed area for me. I have enjoyed this book a great deal! Fritz Kling has an effective writing style that I found easy to read and relate to my own life. I would recommend this book to those that are interested in current trends or those that work within the church who have ever wondered where it is heading or why.

Seven Currents that are Changing the Global Church

A Breakthrough Book by Fritz Kling details the rapid transitionary forces facing Christianity today

Two rivers meet in Manaus, Brazil, at the turbulent head of the Amazon River. The different-colored tributaries do not give way or merge, but instead strain against their common seam. For ten miles, they share the same channel but remain distinct like oil and water.

Christendom finds itself at just such a murky and perilous juncture. The church is caught between its tried-and-true past and an all-bets-are-off future. Christianity throughout the world is stunning in its scope and spiritual impact, but what is happening to the Church as new technological, promotional, and generational shifts make their unavoidable mark? And what difference does it make for Christians in day-to-day life?

The Meeting of the Waters, a new book by Fritz Kling, identifies seven trends—including migration, machines, and the growing Mercy Generation—having an impact on today’s Global Church. Neither an institution nor a bureaucracy, the global Church is incredibly adaptive and vibrant. It has long been the world’s most effective relief agent, meeting needs across the globe through justice advocacy, material aid, counseling, biblical proclamation, education, and more. But what forces are shaping the global church, and what will it take in this unique place in time for the church to continue its mission of hope? Equal parts travelogue, character study, and global documentary, this breakthrough book seeks to answer these important questions and is written for anyone eager to make a difference in a changing world.

Kling’s experience as a foundation executive who has researched and directed investments to Christian ministries around the world has taught him how to “connect the dots”—to understand how forces secular and sacred, ancient and modern, spiritual and physical, domestic and international have informed Christian ministry. Over the past eight years, Kling has met with more than a thousand indigenous church leaders from forty different countries. He has made airlines re-think their frequent flyer programs, bounced through endless van rides, and drunk gallons of Coke and chai in both slums and skyscrapers. Secular commentators have long written about globalization’s wake, but Fritz Kling has witnessed it firsthand—through a Christian lens. The Meeting of the Waters is the byproduct of these experiences and is therefore able to give an original and incredibly well researched perspective on the growing need to understand ministry in a rapidly changing world.

The Meeting of the Waters will be an important addition to the libraries of anyone who wants to make a difference for Christ in a global community. In particular, pastors, mission pastors, missions committees, seminary professors, missionaries, and mission agency employees will find this book a fascinating and useful tool.

The Meeting of the Waters by Fritz Kling

David C Cook/March 2010/ISBN: 978-1-4347-6484-3/256 pages/softcover/$16.99

http://www.davidccook.com/

A History Of Christianity; Episode One - Diarmaid MacCulloch

2010-05-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

This is a brilliant overview of Christianity in the earliest days. It is fresh, interesting and insightful and presents many new sides of the story that, even in all of my church history classes over the years, I have not heard about. MacCulloch is entertaining and so well educated on the topic that this history class never gets boring! It seems strange for me to want voluntarily decide to watch a DVD on the topic of church history but I had seen MacCulloch on TV once before and was impressed, so I thought I would try this one out and I was not disappointed. It was interesting to learn new things and have just enough information given so I was not loosing interest in the information, but not too much to make me bored of the topic and wanting to be done with it. In fact I would even look forward to seeing more of these, and that is saying volumes!

Discovering the Surprising History of the First Christians

New DVD series examines Christianity’s global roots.

Click here to view the trailer!

Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX—There are two billion Christians in the world today, a third of humanity—Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Pentecostal, and many more. Though Christians, by definition, are well-versed in the story of Christ and the apostles, many have given little thought to the details of their Christian heritage—the miraculous transferring of their faith from the first Christians huddled at Golgotha, across two centuries worth of cultures and languages, wars, and the rising and falling of empires. How did this small, obscure Jewish sect that preached humility and personal sacrifice become the biggest religion in the world? The answer will surprise you.

A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years is a six-part series co-produced by the BBC, the Open University, and Jerusalem Productions and presented by Diarmaid MacCulloch, one of the world’s leading historians and Professor of History of the Church and Fellow at St. Cross College, Oxford. As MacCulloch reveals the true history of Christianity, he explores the question, “What does it really mean to be a Christian?”

While most Christian histories start with St. Paul’s mission to Rome, MacCulloch asserts that the Christianity stayed much closer to its Middle-Eastern roots and that, in fact, the first Christians actually took the eastern road from Jerusalem, spreading their faith across Asia, even to parts of China.

“Today, Christianity is seen as a Western faith. Indeed, many in the Muslim world would see Western lifestyles as Christian lifestyles. But Christianity is not by origin a Western religion,” MacCulloch says. “Its beginnings are in the Middle East, where there still exist churches which have been Eastern since the earliest Christian era. The story of the first Christianity tells us the Christian faith is, in fact, hugely diverse with many identities.”

MacCulloch is one of the most widely traveled Christian historians, and A History of Christianity is the first retelling of the Christian story that is truly global in scope. Filmed in high definition, A History of Christianity takes viewers on a 2,000-year odyssey that reaches the farthest corners of the world, from Palestine in the first century to India in the third, from Damascus to China in the seventh century, and from San Francisco to Korea in the twentieth.

A scholar whose fascination with Christian history was cultivated at an early age, Diarmaid MacCulloch is the last in three generations of Anglican clergy. That personal connection enriches the storytelling, as he describes not only the main ideas and personalities of Christian history, its organization, and spirituality, but how it has changed our views on politics, sex, and human society.

“Religious belief can transform us for good or ill. It has brought human beings to acts of criminal folly as well as the highest achievements of goodness and creativity. I tell the story of both extremes,” MacCulloch says.

The twentieth century brought what many perceive to be the greatest threat to Christianity—skepticism and spiritual apathy. Still, MacCulloch contends that the future of Christianity is filled with possibilities.

The DVD set will arrive in stores, including Sam’s Club, in time for the Easter Season. The series will also be available on Amazon.com.

A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years 6 DVD Set presented by Diarmaid MacCulloch

March 2010

www.ambrosevideo.com

The Right Call - Kathy Herman

2010-05-15T22:13:00.000-07:00

The Right Call is apparently the third book in the Sophie Trace Trilogy. I personally have not read the previous two books yet, nor have I read any of Kathy Herman's other books, an oversight I will have to correct.

The Right Call was a great novel. The characters were well developed and I found myself easily drawn into the plot of the story. The characters are dynamic and have their odd little quirks which makes them all the more endearing.

There were quite a few references to the happenings from the previous books, but it never came across in a manner that left me, the unknowing reader, confused or lost. However it left me just curious enough to decide I need to buy the previous two books and learn more about the adventures of the Jessup family.

Overall, a wonderful story, lovable characters and an all around successful piece of writing!

Heart-pounding suspense that delivers heart-changing truth

Kathy Herman’s latest book proves to be a thrilling conclusion to the Sophie Trace Trilogy

It’s summer in Sophie Trace, the setting of Kathy Herman’s latest page turner, The Right Call. Based on 2 Peter 2:19b: “For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him,” The Right Call demonstrates how we’re all slaves to something—either to God and righteousness or to the flesh and its pitfalls.

Ethan Langley is home from college for the summer, eager to renew his friendship with Vanessa Jessup (Police Chief Brill Jessup’s daughter) and her infant son, Carter. Before Ethan is even settled his world is rocked by a random shooting that leaves four people dead, including someone close to him. Ethan tries to deal with his grief by staying busy and concentrating on his growing love for Vanessa. When a coworker from the previous summer, Stedman Reeves, seems somewhat obsessed with the shooting—but also sympathetic to Ethan’s deep loss—the two seem to connect.

While Chief Jessup is scrambling to find a suspect in the shootings, Ethan gets a late-night call from Stedman, who sounds panicked and needs to see him right away. Stedman confesses shocking details: due to a series of bad choices, he is going to be framed for the murders. All the evidence points to Stedman’s guilt, and he knows that there is no way he can prove his innocence. Stedman implores Ethan to go to Vanessa’s mother with this information.

When the wrong people find out that Ethan knows too much, those around him are placed in danger. What should he do? Going to Chief Jessup with the truth could save Stedman from doing life in prison—but it could be a death sentence for and Vanessa and Carter. He’s been dealt an impossible hand, but it’s his move. Will he make the right call?

Best-selling suspense novelist Kathy Herman brings this vivid story to life in her new book, The Right Call, the third book in the acclaimed Sophie Trace Trilogy. Filled with heart-pounding suspense that delivers heart-changing truth, The Right Call uses the perilous story of a young college student to reinforce the importance of walking closely with God, to be armed with wisdom and strength in order to face the toughest of circumstances.

The Right Call by Kathy Herman

David C Cook/March 1, 2010/ISBN: 978-1-4347-6784-4/352 pages/softcover/$14.99

www.davidccook.com ~ www.kathyherman.com

Click here to view the book trailer!

Glaen by Fred Lybrand

2010-04-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

My thoughts on: Glaen by Fred Lybrand

Gotta be honest, I had high hopes for this book and was a bit disappointed. Maybe my expectations were too high but I was really looking forward to the concept of self help and novel being combined, but it just didn't work well for me. The flow of the novel was interrupted by interjecting the self help portions. Not being familiar with Lybrand's previous work I am assuming that he shines in the self help area but is not yet a polished novelist. There were little things like fact that the characters often referred to each other by their proper names. If I am going to get into a novel I have to feel like these characters are my friends and we are hanging out together when I read. When reading this book I felt like it was one big long awkward blind date where I have to keep saying the guys name so I don't forget it.

Now apart from my above comments I did enjoy the self help parts of the book. I thought that he had some great points and made valid connections.

Overall I thought the concept of the book and the self help side of it was great, it was the novel side that I was disappointed in. Two out of three ain't bad.

Here's what others had to say:

Click on cover to see the Glaen book trailer!

What readers are saying about Fred Lybrand’s Glaen:

“This book was a creative glimpse into what freedom in relationships truly looks like and how to relate in authentic ways with those around you. For me, I found it refreshing and thought provoking because it really challenges the way many of us have looked at relationships before.” ~ Christine (27 years old)

“Glaen is has been a great tool to start discussions with my teenage daughters and help them to understand romance and dating in a healthier way.” ~ Christy (a mom)

“Glaen is a clear, straight-forward book with deep, lasting insights about a universally puzzling subject...dating. If you begin it, you will see it through to the end; if not for its wisdom, for also its engaging story. If you care about having a relationship that lasts a lifetime, you will be greatly gratified by reading this story, or sorely deprived by missing out on it.” ~ Stephen (18 years old)

“…insightful, clever, and tied together with surprising twists. I found the “lies” countered with “truths” presented within the narrative to bring clarity to the often confusing subject of relationships.” ~ Grant (a senior pastor)

Author Fred Lybrand takes an in-depth look into relationships and dating, plus a little common sense for the real day-to-day world, in his latest book, Glaen.

Glaen introduces the character of Annie Hughes just as she suffers the loss of one of life’s foundational relationships—her parents’ marriage. As a graduate student, Annie suddenly finds herself at a loss to understand how any relationship finds and maintains lifetime staying power, especially a relationship as intimate as marriage.

Lybrand’s character development of Annie Hughes allows him to outline several foundational truths. Using Annie’s “research” and “journal” entries as the vehicle to present thought-provoking ideas to the reader, Lybrand first uncovers the lies of a secular world-view and then counters those lies with the truth of God’s design for the marriage relationship. These observations are made even clearer as the reader observes Annie’s interaction with other couples and friends who are in the process of dating and considering marriage. As she questions her friends’ choices, she also takes an honest look at the relationships she is developing within her own life.

The life changing principles found in Glaen are the gems Lybrand wants readers to take from the story and experience in their own lives and relationships. Thus, Glaen is a book that demands a second reading, as those who read its story will want to go through it again and highlight and examine the truths Annie uncovers throughout her journey. This book will serve as a great teaching tool for parents to use with their children as well as for church leaders guiding couples who are seeking a more satisfying marriage relationship.

Glaen by Fred R. Lybrand

The Barnabas Agency February 2010

ISBN: 978-0-578-04652-5/softcover/171 pages/$14.99

Website: www.glaen.com ~ Blog: www.glaen.wordpress.com

Become a fan of Glaen on Facebook!

The Church of Facebook by Jesse Rice

2010-04-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

My thoughts on: The Church of Facebook by Jesse Rice
This is a fascinating book that looks at how the technology today is changing the way in which we communicate and interact. It brings to light concepts such as being "tethered" to our technology and electronic messaging systems and what effect that has on our lives.

I had feared that his book would do nothing but slam facebook and social media sites in general, but it did nothing of the sort. Rice took an objective and in-depth look at the issues and also made it fun to read.
I adore Jesse Rice's sense of humour that comes across in the form of random footnotes every once in a while. These short quips would often make me laugh out loud and found myself wishing that there would be more of them. However his website has many short video clips made to promote the book that had me laughing loud enough to make my room mate stop in to see what was so funny.

My summary and humble opinion is that his book is a great book for pastors, lay leaders, anyone wanting to understand the fascination with "that new fangled technology" as my Granny would say or anyone with an interest in sociology or new trends. So I guess in short I think that anyone could stand to learn from this book and enjoy themselves in the process.

Facebook: Where the Future Church Hangs Out

How the Hyperconnected Are Redefining Community

Watch the video trailer for The Church of Facebook!

A revolution is taking place, one profile at a time. Online social networks like Facebook and MySpace are connecting people like never before. With hundreds of millions of users, they’re creating almost limitless potential to redefine our personal worlds. It’s a movement that’s changing how we form relationships, perceive others, and shape our identity.

In his new book, The Church of Facebook (David C Cook, October 2009) author Jesse Rice takes a deeper look at the movement which, at its core, reflects our need for community. “Our longing for intimacy, connection, and a place to belong has never been a secret, but social networking offers us a new perspective on the way we engage our community,” Rice states. This new perspective raises new questions: How do these networks impact our relationships? In what ways are they shaping the way we think of ourselves? And how might this phenomenon subtly reflect a God who longs to connect with each one of us?

The Church of Facebook explores these ideas and much more, offering a revealing look at the wildly popular world of online social networking. “The new landscape of social networking tells us two basic things: One, we have a deep desire to be known. And, two, we are faced with a technology that both enables and hinders the intimacy we’re looking for,” Rice says. From personal profiles to status updates, author Jesse Rice takes a thoroughly entertaining and insightful look into what Facebook reveals about us, and what it may mean for the future of “community.”

Social networking is no fad; it has become a fact of life, especially for teens and twenty-somethings. The Church of Facebook is essential reading for parents and pastors who want to understand this trend and its impact on their children and congregations. Rice’s discussions will engage social networkers of all ages and stages who are wrestling with the very real issues of identity, meaning, purpose, and friendship within the context of virtual communities.

In the end, The Church of Facebook moves readers toward understanding God’s work in the body of Christ, the church. Driven by Rice’s thought-provoking questions, observations, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, The Church of Facebook challenges readers to consider new perspectives regarding their social networking habits and how those habits may point to deeper heart issues and, ultimately, our hunger for Jesus.

Author Bio: Jesse Rice is a writer and musician and served for eight years as the Contemporary Worship Arts Director at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, a large and thriving congregation in the heart of Silicon Valley. Jesse has a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and is an authority on the search for meaning in a fast-paced, hyper-connected world. He is a sought-after worship leader and speaker with more than fifteen years of experience working with college students and young adults. Jesse and his wife, Katie, live in Palo Alto, California.

The Church of Facebook by Jesse Rice

David C Cook/October 2009

ISBN: 978-1-4347-6534-5/192 pages/softcover/$12.99

www.davidccook.com www.churchoffacebook.com

Tinnitus... a constant ringing in your ears.

2010-03-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

So, for as long as I can remember I have lived with a ringing in my ears. My dad has had it since he was a kid and he told me many years ago that the doctor had told him there was nothing they could do about it. I never thought to question whether technology or medical advances had been made in this area. I simply resigned myself to the fact that there was nothing that could be done about it and I was doomed to be as hard of hearing as my dad somewhere down the road. Genetics, what are you going to do... right? Well today I found out that I was wrong! I have never been so happy to find out that I am wrong, because it means that I may be able to have a life without constant ringing in my ears. Now, I have lived with it all my life so I have gotten used to it, but if there is something that helps I am all for trying it!! There is a blog giveaway on right now that I will definitely enter, but in the mean time I am going on a hunt to find this stuff and get started right away!!
If you are interested read more about this product and the giveaway here.
I will let everyone know when I find it in the store and how it works out once I have taken it for a while!! I hope this works!!

I am more than just books

2010-03-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

OK, recently I have been thinking that although I started this blog as a way to review books, I never intended it to be the sole purpose. I had thought that this would be a good way to get things off my chest and work through ideas and thoughts and struggles even. Then I quickly discovered that anyone else stumbling across this can read all about the intimate thoughts I am putting down. So I quickly recoiled at this and have been using it for reviewing books and nothing more. However I wondered that with there being no personal posts on here at all, readers will never get to know me as a person and so why would they respect what I have to say when reviewing a book?

In light of this revelation I am going to try to be more personal in some of my posts. Now being an introvert, book reviews are much easier to swallow than a personal post, but I need to push myself beyond my comfort zone once in a while and this is going to be my new foray into the uncomfortable.

I guess you will have to bear with me as well on this journey as I am not really sure what to say that will be of any interest to those readers that stumble upon it. Do I talk about all my "woe-is-me" struggles? Do I include the mundane things or omit them in order to keep the reader awake? Well I guess all of these things can be mulled over at another time and I will simply begin with me and my family and friends.

My family is the only constant factor in my life. For as long as I can remember, and even before that, we have been wanderers, nomads of a sort. My dad was always working on a degree of some kind and when he finished being a student, he became a teacher. We bounced around from the Southern US to the North-East US and then back to Canada. There were many houses and schools and new friends to be made at each new place, not to mention mourning the loss of those I had just left behind. To this day the longest I have ever lived in one place is four years. To me that has become the norm, but when I state that fact I can see most people's jaw drop a little.

I don't say this to elicit any pity or even sympathy. This is just a part of who I am now and I think it created strong sense of independence in me. Some would argue that this is a defense mechanism and that I am using it as a crutch, I would disagree. If I had no working friendships and could never invest in others for fear of having them or me exit the relationship for some reason, then yes that would be debilitating and I would be in need of fixing. I however have many deep long lasting friendships that are very dear to me. We may not live in the same city but they are always close to my heart and in my thoughts often.

So why am I telling you all of this? Lately I have had several friends, that I have not talked to in quite some time, call me and we had a great talk that left me reveling in the warmth of all that a true friend is and should be. It was spectacular! My family is going through a rough time right now and it was good to reconnect with my beloved friends. Some of my best memories have been formed with these amazing people and I would love to gather them all to live close by so we could connect more often. They are a constant support for me in trouble, as they all display the love of God to me through their example.

It has also drawn me back to relying heavily on God. I am not sure about the rest of the world, but I tend to wander off the path God has set out for me. Not knowingly or maliciously, more like a curious child wanting to get a closer look at all the pretty flowers in the forest and then realizing she has wandered too far. The most comforting thing is that I just have to call out the name of my Saviour to find that he has been standing waiting for me, ever so patiently standing on the path and wanting me to rejoin Him on the journey we are taking together.

Please pray for my family if you feel so lead. Thanks!

Shoz

Transforming the Valley of Grief

2009-12-10T00:31:00.000-08:00

Transforming the Valley of Grief by Thomas O. Mason

A Review By Shoz:

Can I just say that although I am a single female who has not lost anyone close like a spouse, and I do not pretend to understand the grief and anguish that event brings, I love this book! It is a helpful narrative of a man's journey through this devastating time. It takes guts to be this open and honest and I am thankful that Mason chose to write this and that I had the privilege to read it. This book has helped me understand how to practically help others I may know who are dealing with this terrible "tsunami" of grief.

I appreciated that at the end of the chapters he gives sections of "Note to Self" and "Note to Others" that give helpful hints of how to cope during this time for the one walking through it or those of us trying to walk along side them.

I throughly appreciate his blunt honesty in statements like, "Self pity is a frequent companion of the griever. Get used to it!" p.44.

I genuinely appreciated this book, and can already think of at least one person that I will buy a copy for!

Thanks to the author Thomas Mason for having the courage to write it and share it with the world!

The following are editorials written by a talented publicist and are not my own and copied with my humble apologies as this should have been posted months ago. What can I say but that I am not perfect and have never been accused of being prompt.

Coping with Grief at Christmas

from Business as UNusual by Audra

Losing a loved one is always difficult, but so many find the grief devastatingly unbearable during the Christmas season. In his new book Transforming the Valley of Grief, author Tom Mason shares his journey of grief after the loss of his wife. This slim volume is a manual for anyone who is coping with grief and offers practical insight and suggestions to those in “the valley of grief” this Christmas.

Transforming the Valley of Grief follows Mason’s own journey from the moment the tsunami of grief crashed into his life, through the peaceful, solitary moments meeting God in the wilderness, in the times where unexpected memories triggered flash floods of emotion and to the moment when the valley opened up and he was able to fully embrace his changed life. The book includes many specific, practical tips for both grieving men and those who love them and want to support them through the valley. Each chapter concludes with a “notes to self” section with positive suggestions for men to try at different points in their journey of grief and a “notes to others” section. At the back of the book there is a collection of discussion questions perfect for use in a grief support group.

This slim volume is the perfect gift for the friend or loved one who is coping with loss, and it is essential reading for anyone who wants to support a grieving man but doesn’t know what to do or say. Mason offers beautiful spiritual insights, often drawing from the comforting words of the psalmist. But perhaps more important are his detailed directions for surviving single life—everything from how to plan an effective mini-sabbatical and how to find your way as a “pre-married” in the church singles group to what you should do with the leftovers your wife would have made creative use of (toss them and forgive yourself). The loss of a loved one always brings change, and Mason helps readers think through the various decisions they will face as a result (i.e., Should I stay here or move away? Do I want to remarry someday?).

Mason shows readers that, though the journey of grief begins in the darkness of the valley, God will reveal new light, joy and purpose as you “do the work” of grieving and He transforms the valley. “There is hope, even if you can’t believe it right now! There is light at the end of the tunnel,” Mason says. “There is an end to your dark valley, and this book is about getting there and the various steps and stages along the way.”

Tom’s journey of grief is the topic of his book, Transforming the Valley of Grief, a new manual for grieving men which documents his healing process and contains many practical suggestions for others who find themselves (or their friends) dealing with the loss of a loved one. He was compelled to write the book after searching in vain for a book on grief written from the male perspective to guide him through his own journey.

“I am absolutely convinced that men and women process grief differently. Women are from Venus, and men are from Mars, after all,” Mason says. “Women process grief verbally; men retreat to their caves to grieve in isolation, or at least, they are expected to do so.” Tom has written this book so that no man must travel the valley alone.

Transforming the Valley of Grief by Thomas O. Mason
Xulon Press September 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60791-616-1/131 pages/softcover/$14.99

http://www.stonemason1621.blogspot.com/

For review copy or interview information, contact:

Tracy McCarter - tmccarter(at)tbbmedia.com - 800-927-0517 x109

Is God Good

2009-12-10T00:23:00.000-08:00

If God Is Good By Randy Alcorn

To be totally honest this book read so much like a theology text book that it was way over my head most of the time. It took me forever to read because I would get so frustrated with being lost and overwhelmed that I would just put it down for long periods at a time.

That being said I do know a thing or two about theology, as I have taken a few classes on the topic, and would agree with this book on the whole. But if you are looking for a quick or easy to understand book that will help you understand or easily explain it, you have the wrong book.

If you are a lover of the type of book that you really have to grapple with and mull over and cross reference with many different sources, then this is the book for you.

Here is what the publisher had to say.

Does God have emotions?

from Business as UNusual
by Audra

Except taken from the chapter
"Evil and Suffering as Seen in Scripture’s Redemptive Story"
from Randy Alcorn’s new release If God is Good.

Some time ago theologians formulated the doctrine of God’s impassibility. They argued that God was “without passions.” Their motive was to distinguish God from the mood swings and more erratic and unstable aspects of human emotions. Unfortunately, many Christians came to believe that God doesn’t have emotions.

It’s critical that we know the heart of God. He genuinely loves and cares about us. If we believe he has no emotions, then we will never feel his love for us, nor will we experience deep love for him.

An abundance of biblical passages show that God experiences a broad range of emotions. God commands us not to “grieve” the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). God is said to be “angry” (Deuteronomy 1:37), “moved by pity” (Judges 2:18, ESV), “pleased” (1 Kings 3:10), and “to rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17). Genesis 6:6 says, “So the LORD was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart” (NLT).

Some explain these verses as ascribing human emotions to God so that we can relate to him better. But surely God wants us to relate to him as he really is, and passages that don’t describe him as he is would mislead us. God wants us to understand that he can genuinely grieve, his heart full of pain. Surely he didn’t choose these powerful words so we would respond, “Of course, God didn’t really feel moved—he has no emotions.”

Since God made us in his image, we should assume our emotions are reflective of his, even though ours are subject to sin while his are not. Consider a small sampling of verses illustrating God’s emotions:

Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. (Exodus 32:10)

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
(Psalm 103:13)

“In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD your Redeemer. (Isaiah 54:8)

As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. (Isaiah 62:5)

Nor does God limit his compassion to his children. He says, “I wail over Moab, for all Moab I cry out” (Jeremiah 48:31).

A passage about God’s goodness and compassion contains a remarkable statement: “In all their distress he too was distressed” (Isaiah 63:9). A form of the same word is used to describe God’s people’s distress as to depict God’s own. Yes, our distress can involve feelings which God doesn’t feel, such as helplessness and uncertainty. But clearly God intends us to see a similarity between our emotional distress and his.

The fact that the second member of the triune God suffered unimaginable torture on the cross should explode any notion that God lacks feelings. In the suffering of Jesus, God himself suffered. No one who grasps this truth can say, “God doesn’t understand my suffering.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in a Nazi prison camp, “Only the suffering God can help.”

Excerpted from If God Is Good by Randy Alcorn Copyright © 2009 by Randy Alcorn. Excerpted by permission of Multnomah Books, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8471Qo0IR9w&feature=player_embedded

If God Is Good by Randy Alcorn
Multnomah Books/September 15, 2009
ISBN 978-1601421326/Hardcover/512 pages/$24.99
http://www.mpbooks.com/

About If God is Good:

Every one of us will experience suffering. Many of us are experiencing it now. As we have seen in recent years, evil is real in our world, present and close to each one of us.

In such difficult times, suffering and evil beg questions about God—Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?

These are ancient questions, but also modern ones as well. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and even former believers answer the question simply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God.

In this captivating new book, best-selling author Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief, and brings a fresh, realistic, and thoroughly biblical insight to the issues these important questions raise.

Alcorn offers insights from his conversations with men and women whose lives have been torn apart by suffering, and yet whose faith in God burns brighter than ever. He reveals the big picture of who God is and what God is doing in the world–now and forever. And he equips you to share your faith more clearly and genuinely in this world of pain and fear.

Randy Alcorn delves deep into a profound subject, and through compelling stories, provocative questions and answers, and keen biblical understanding, he brings assurance and hope to all.

For radio interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings - 800-927-0517 x 104 - ajennings(at)tbbmedia.com

What Difference Do It Make? by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent

2009-12-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

Straight off the top I need to say everyone should read this book and the one that precedes it!

This book is a sequel to the book Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. I had the first book given to me by a friend and I loved it! It tells the stories of Ron and Denver and how Ron's wife Deborah brought them together and the journey they have been on since.

What difference do it make, being the sequel, is still telling the story of Ron and Denver's journey of friendship but also how the first book has changed their lives. You see them rising in social eye and their struggle to make people aware of the plight of the homeless. It is a riveting book. I think that the second book without the first would not make as much sense as if you read them in tandem but I think that What difference do it make could change just as many hearts and lives as the first book apparently did!

Large parts of this book are spent telling how the first book touched the lives of those who read it. This book, much like the first book, has the potential to change people from the inside out. It is my prayer and my own personal goal to make sure as many people as I can reach read these books. The issue of hunger and homelessness in our world is too great to ignore or turn a blind eye toward. We must begin to act!

Book Description

New thoughts and reflections from the authors of the inspirational New York Times bestseller Same Kind of Different as Me.

The more than four hundred thousand readers stirred by the story of Ron Hall and Denver Moore will resonate with the all new, stand-alone true stories of hope and healing offered in this intimate, authentic follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Same Kind of Different as Me.

With new "Denverisms" and reflections from Denver on his personal dealings with homelessness and disrespect from others, additional insights from Ron on what we can learn from people unlike us and from those dealing with a terminal illness, and the stories of readers who have been impacted by the book's central themes, this inspirational reader will generate a host of new fans. Topics include:

* Faith and friendship
* Racial reconciliation
* Community outreach
* Compassion
* Healing

For more information see http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh

2009-12-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

This book was brilliant!!! I loved hating Collins the curmudgeon of a man that sweet innocent Patrick had the misfortune of having for a grandfather. The loving next door neighbour Mrs Fortini who it seems is always giving Patrick cookies, easily endures herself to your heart. Miss Katherine Townsend the overly invested social worker that was handling Patrick's case was a joy to get to know. These characters and even the ones that pass through the story if only for a brief visit all became like family to me as I read. It was as if I was being transported into the story myself some how.
The story was so well crafted it captures your heart and mind and does not let go until the end. However, be forewarned, you are going to need a box of tissues near by!
Dan Walsh is a brilliant story teller and I was captivate by this book! I am looking forward to his future endeavour and the sequel to this book, The Homecoming!

Here is an excerpt from The Unfinished Gift to get you started.
http://www.revellbooks.com/Media/MediaManager/Excerpt_9780800719241.pdf

Can a gift from the past mend a broken heart?

Ian Collins is an old man without his son. Patrick Collins is a young boy without his father. On his Christmas list are only three items. He wants the army to find his father. He wants to leave his grandfather's house. And he wants the dusty wooden soldier in Grandfather's attic--the one he is forbidden to touch.

Set at Christmastime in 1943, The Unfinished Gift is the engaging story of a family in need of forgiveness. With simple grace, it reminds us of the small things that affect powerful change in our hearts--a young boy's prayers, a shoe box of love letters, and even a half-carved soldier, long forgotten. This nostalgic story of reconciliation will touch your heart.

Endorsements

"The Unfinished Gift is a poignant story about a grieving little boy and the estranged, angry grandfather who takes him in. Make sure you have a tissue nearby, because you're going to need it!"--Terri Blackstock, author of the Restoration and the Cape Refuge series

"The Unfinished Gift is one for the keeper shelf! Dan's book is a fabulous story of redemption and forgiveness. I couldn't put it down and it made me cry, which is hard to do. Loved it!"--Colleen Coble, author of the Rock Harbor and the Lonestar series

The Author

Dan Walsh is the author of The Unfinished Gift and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. He is a pastor and lives with his family in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.

Available now at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson

2009-12-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

I had mixed feelings about this book. I loved many of the supporting characters but was not fond of the main character which made it difficult to really get into the book. But despite my dislike for the main character I ended up liking the book in the end.
Check out an excerpt from the book here and see what you think.

http://www.revellbooks.com/Media/MediaManager/Excerpt_9780800718817.pdf

The first half of the book was tough getting through because you are learning more and more about the main character Betty and I just didn't like her mainly because any negative idea that was even mentioned in passing she took it as truth in her life. She decided to believe the worst in all situations and not the best. This kept me loosing respect for her the whole way through the book so that when she finally does get to the end and starts to have a small change of heart it feels anticlimactic to me.
However, the supporting characters are wonderful like her granddaughter Avery and Jack the neighbour that she misjudges and later finds out that had she just given him a small chance she would have come to realize he was a wonderful person. The dog seems to have a small part in the story but a good one as well.
Overall I don't think I would recomend giving this one as a gift berofe you have read it yourself and have made your own oppinion. I know there are many different types of readers and many oppinions so please read the book and make your own conclusions. But if your ok with taking my word for it, save your money and borrow it from the library or a friend first.

Christmas miracles can come from unlikely sources.

Betty Kowalski isn't looking forward to the holidays. She just can't seem to find Christmas in her heart. Maybe it's because her husband is gone. Maybe it's because she's missing her children. Or maybe it has something to do with her obnoxious new neighbor, who seems to be tearing his house apart and rearranging it on the lawn.

But when a mangy dog appears at her doorstep, the stage is set for Betty to learn what Christmas is really all about.

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon. Visit Melody's website at www.melodycarlson.com.

Available now at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Christmas is fast approching...

2009-11-06T21:40:00.000-08:00

Every year it seems that the celebration of Christmas becomes a little more commercial and a little less of a celebration of Christ. This year there is a Marketing group that has a lofty goal, Graf-Martin has a goal to bring 1 million houses in North America this nicely packaged gift of a small New Testament, a tract from Max Lucado and an invitation asking them to come to your church and learn about the true reason why we celebrate.

This is obviously being targeted at churches or small groups who would see the value in investing in these very economical packs of only $1.20 each. The website is also full of helpful ideas like their coordinating designed invitations and bulletin inserts that you can simply fill in the blanks to come to a function at your church and include them in the packages when delivering them. They can be distributed any way you like as well and the website gives you several ideas of how to do this.

I think that these packs are nicely designed and the New Testament has many helpful hints and indexes for first time or new readers. This coupled with the invite to come join the church service or maybe a phone number offering someone to talk to and ask questions of it may be a very useful tool.

The following is some of the official info put out by Graf-Martin and the website address is: www.goodnewsofchristmas.fdi.ca

Looking for a way to help your church effectively reach out to your community?
Join churches around North America in partnership to reach 1 million homes with God’s Word this Christmas.

The Share the Good News of Christmas program is a simple, cost-effective way to help your church bring the gospels to your neighborhood. Rally your family members, church staff, small groups, and Sunday school classes to visit your neighbors and hand out cheerful Christmas bags. Each kit includes:

* 50 cheerful door-hanger bags
* 50 ESV Outreach New Testament Christmas Editions
* 50 customizable invitations to attend a Christmas service at your church
* 50 copies of The Good News of Christmas tract by Max Lucado
* 50 cards announcing a FREE opportunity to explore the ESV Online Study Bible free for 30 days
* 1 Instruction card
* 1 Reproducible church bulletin insert

Each kit will be sold for $59.99. That’s just over $1.20 per home.

This affordable package is a great ministry opportunity for your church family. It’s also a great ministry opportunity to spread the word about children’s programs, choir concerts, Christmas caroling, and more.

God has Never Failed Me, But He has Sure Scared me to Death a Few Times- Stan Toler

2009-11-06T21:08:00.000-08:00

God Has Never Failed Me, But He Has Sure Scared Me To Death A Few Times -by Stan Toler

I have to be honest with you, this title kinda put me off. I had the impression that it would be a glib, halfhearted book that would try too hard to be funny and miss the mark at being meaningful.

I was wrong. This is a book about Gods faithfulness and it sees it through the eyes of some really touching stories and some really funny ones. The author Stan Toler uses humor to illustrate his points perfectly. In fact you can quickly tell that he is a firm believer in the authentic Christian life being filled with joy and humor, imagine that!

This was a refreshing book filled with simple practical steps to get closer to God and closer to the understanding that he will never fail us.

I was impressed with this book as a whole an would defiantly recommend it to my friends. In fact I know at least one person in my family that will be getting one for Christmas.

Rediscover Stan Toler’s Endearing Collections of Encouragement

David C Cook introduces new generation of readers to Toler’s gift for finding faith and joy in life’s tough times

Celebrated author of over 70 books, Stan Toler has touched countless hurting people with his timeless stories of hope and encouragement. This summer, a whole new audience of readers will have the opportunity to discover Toler’s best-selling books as David C Cook introduces the updated editions of two of Toler’s most beloved collections—The Buzzards Are Circling, But God’s Not Finished With Me Yet and God Has Never Failed Me, But He’s Sure Scared Me to Death a Few Times (David C Cook, August 2009).

On the landscape of life, buzzards are inevitable—those challenging events and situations that encircle us, eyeing us as prey and swooping down to cause hurt and heartache. A late-night phone call delivering bad news. Losing a job. Struggling with bankruptcy. No matter what form these buzzards take, the pain is universal.

In The Buzzards Are Circling, But God’s Not Finished With Me Yet, Stan Toler takes a lighthearted look at some of life’s more serious subjects. Drawing from his own personal struggles, Toler offers a generous dose of encouragement for the troubled heart, helping readers find hope, joy, and peace, even in the most trying of circumstances. In chapters such as “When the Fountain of Youth Has Rusted” and “I Know I’m Lost, but the Scenery Is Spectacular,” readers will find the strength they need to shoo away any buzzards and face life’s difficulties with the security of knowing that God is in control.

In God Has Never Failed Me, But He’s Sure Scared Me to Death a Few Times, Toler gives a humorous twist to the challenges that place us in faith’s waiting room. Though we know that God’s provision is always on time, we’ve all had close calls waiting for His help. For anyone who has ever felt frazzled, stressed, confused, hurt, angry, undone, or any other emotional response to the difficulties and uncertainties of life, Toler serves up a delightful combination of poignant and hilarious reminders that God is still at work in the world.

Filled with heartwarming stories and humorous anecdotes, this charming collection offers hope and peace for the weary, waiting heart. Toler combines a rich blend of spiritual truths with humorous insights as he reminds God’s children of His unfailing love. Through it all, readers will discover a God who is always faithful, worthy of our trust, and never late with His help.

Repackaged with a fresh look and design, both books will be available for purchase in August.

Author Bio

Stan Toler is senior pastor of Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and for several years taught seminars for Dr. John Maxwell’s INJOY Group, a leadership development institute. He also serves as the executive director of the Toler Leadership Center, located on the campus of Mid-America Christian University, and is the co-founder of BGW Forward in Faith. Toler has written over 70 books, including his bestsellers, God Has Never Failed Me, But He’s Sure Scared Me to Death a Few Times; The Buzzards Are Circling, But God’s Not Finished With Me Yet; God’s Never Late, He’s Seldom Early, He’s Always Right on Time; The Secret Blend; Practical Guide to Pastoral Ministry; Total Quality Life; and his popular Minute Motivator series.

The Buzzards Are Circling, But God’s Not Finished With Me Yet

God Has Never Failed Me, But He’s Sure Scared Me to Death a Few Times

by Stan Toler

David C Cook/August 2009

ISBN: 978-1-434765-94-9/224 pages/softcover/$14.99

ISBN: 978-1-434765-95-6/224 pages/softcover/$14.99

www.davidccook.com

The King's Legacy by Jim Stovall

2009-09-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

This was a totally great little book! It was a quick read and one that I really got into.

You are along for the ride as a good and benevolent king decides what it is he wants to leave his people as a tribute to his time of leadership. He settles on searching for the one piece of wisdom that will be called "the wisdom of the ages". He hears from any and all of his citizens that wish to contribute their wisdom to be considered for this honoured title. Many of them bringing great truths to ponder and leaving the reader with much to contemplate. The king is faced with the difficult decision of what to proclaim, and how it works out in the end was a refreshing and fitting end to the book.

The one thing that I was marginally disappointed in was that of all of the citizens coming to offer wisdom all were men but one woman who came to speak of the legacy of being a good parent. I realize that the author may have been trying to stay true to the time of the story in which most men were in the work force and women stayed home, but it was a bit disappointing none the less. There are always exceptions to the norm and it would have been nice to see that embraced a little by throwing in a couple of strong female characters in addition to all of the men.

That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it for a quick easy read.

The King’s Legacy: A Story of the Wisdom of the Ages

Best-selling author Jim Stovall’s classic parable returns in an updated gift edition

From the best-selling author of the The Ultimate Gift, now a major motion picture, comes an ageless tale with a profound message: Sometimes wisdom is where you least expect it. This summer, Jim Stovall’s classic parable, The King’s Legacy: A Story of the Wisdom of the Ages (David C Cook, June 2009), will return in an updated, revised gift edition. Featuring an enhanced look and new illustrations, this simple, insightful story is perfect for readers of all ages.

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was an enchanted kingdom ruled by a benevolent and much-loved king who, through his uncommon wisdom and insight, led his people through many difficult times to a period of peace, prosperity, and happiness such as the kingdom had never known.

Now, nearing the end of his reign, the king longs to leave a lasting legacy for his people. What would be a fitting memorial to his time on the throne? A monument to rival the pyramids of Egypt? A gold coin bearing his likeness? A colossal statue carved in his image? No, such an enlightened ruler would choose a very different kind of memorial.

But then the king has a remarkable idea: To discover the most profound words of wisdom in the world.

So the king invites citizens from all walks of life and all corners of the realm to share with him the best of their life lessons. Farmers and physicians, hunters and historians, jesters and judges—all come before the monarch. From the wisdom that they share, the king will select the one bit that surpasses all the others, wisdom that will be passed around the world, wisdom that will benefit all people from all lands, forever: the Wisdom of the Ages.

But as the king hears from more and more of his subjects, he becomes worried and restless. From so much profound and wonderful wisdom, how will he discern the Wisdom of the Ages? How will he know when he has found it? The answer comes in a form that no one, from the king to the lowliest peasant, could expect. For the greatest wisdom comes from the most unexpected of places….

Author Bio

Jim Stovall is a national Olympic champion weightlifter, former president of the Emmy Award-winning Narrative Television Network, and a highly sought after author and platform speaker. For his work in making television accessible to our nation’s 13 million blind and visually impaired people, The President’s Committee on Equal Opportunity selected Jim Stovall as the Entrepreneur of the Year. Jim was also honored as the International Humanitarian of the Year, joining previous recipients Mother Teresa and Nancy Reagan. He is the author of the best-selling book The Ultimate Gift, now a major motion picture.

The King’s Legacy: A Story of the Wisdom of the Ages by Jim Stovall

David C Cook/June 2009/ISBN: 978-1-434765-93-2/144 pages/softcover/$12.99

www.davidccook.com ~ www.jimstovall.com

Fearless by Max Lucado

2009-09-08T23:22:00.000-07:00

This was a great read. it was short and to the point. What I saw as a theam was to come back to God in prayer as the solution to most of the different adversities that he covers in this book. I think that it may have glossed over some of the harder subjects but those subjects may not have totally fit under the specific umbrella of fear.

All in all this book was a great reminder of the basic premis that if we are faithful in our devotions and prayer life, God will honour that. Fearless was full of reminders to fall back into the arms of our first love and learn to trust him. I was almost set on not appreciating this book as I thought to myself, "how can anyone live with no fear?" I think that if we take thse simple truths to heart it might just be possible.

Book Description

Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reasons for fear.

They're talking layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, flare-ups in the Middle East, turnovers at headquarters, downturns in the housing market, upswings in global warming. The plague of our day, terrorism, begins with the word terror. Fear, it seems, has taken up a hundred-year lease on the building next door and set up shop. Oversized and rude, fear herds us into a prison of unlocked doors. Wouldn't it be great to walk out?

Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, or doubt, what would remain? Envision a day, just one day, where you could trust more and fear less.

Can you imagine your life without fear?

Scared by Tom Davis

2009-08-26T00:25:00.001-07:00

This book is hard hitting and does not hold anything back. It is a harsh reality to read the things that so commonly happen to children in Africa. This story, although a novel, could be the story of any number of children who live in Africa or even Asia. It is often a hard life for children in many countries across this world and if this book doesn't convince you that you need to do something to help, then nothing will!
Tom outlines the life of Adanna, a girl who lives in Swaziland who seems to have wave after wave of terrible things happen around her and to her. It could be her courage or strength or her joy and hope in the face of sorrow that endears this girl to your heart. Whatever the reason you find yourself investing in this girls life. It is much the same with the central character Stuart Daniels. He is a photo journalist who has found himself on this assignment in Africa as a last ditch effort to save his career and maybe even his life. His struggles are laid out brilliantly and you quickly get caught up in this riveting story.
Tom Davis has done a masterful job on writing this book, so much so that it literally transports you into the middle of Africa right alongside the characters. He writes so well that it grips your heart and emotions so thoroughly that it will change who you are and how you look at the world. This book does not inspire guilt but encouragement and passion to get involved with the ongoing fight to help those out there that are not able to fight for themselves, to stand in the gap of justice and do what's right.
This book is a must read for everyone!

Scared: A Novel on the Edge of the World

Author Tom Davis explores today’s most vital social issues in his new international saga

The United Nations estimates the world orphan population to be over 143 million children. Poverty, war, disease, and AIDS are the primary enemies of children across the globe, leaving those who are robbed of their parents at-risk for criminal behavior, prostitution, drug abuse, alcoholism, and suicide.

In his debut novel, accomplished author and speaker Tom Davis offers readers a sweeping narrative that explores these most critical social concerns. Scared: A Novel on the Edge of the World (June 2009/David C Cook) delves into the lives of a photojournalist struggling to redeem his past and an African orphan fighting for survival.

Once a celebrated and award-winning photojournalist, Stuart Daniels is reeling from debt, a broken marriage, and crippling depression. The source of Stuart’s grief is his most famous photo, a snapshot of brutality in the dangerous Congo. This haunting image indicts him as a passive witness to gross injustice.

Stuart is given one last chance to redeem his career: A make-or-break assignment covering the AIDS crisis in a small African country. It is here that Stuart meets Adanna, a young orphan fighting for her life in a community ravaged by tragedy and disease. But in the face of overwhelming odds, Adanna finds hope in a special dream, where she is visited by an illuminated man and given a precious gift. Now what seemed like a chance encounter will forever change their lives.

In Scared, Tom Davis, also the author of Red Letters and Fields of the Fatherless, weaves a beautiful story of redemption that takes place in a world far away from our own. Readers will discover, along with Stuart, that, “Sorrow is a part of life, but our tears can leave us with clearer sight, if we look to God.”

True “fiction with a conscience,” Davis’ novel is the first in a planned series of three. Narrated in the first person by both Stuart and Adanna, Scared offers a unique perspective on the tragedies taking place in Africa today and encourages readers to step out and help the “least of these.”

Author Bio

Tom Davis is the well-known author of Red Letters and Fields of the Fatherless. He also serves as a trainer in leadership development. He holds a Business and Pastoral Ministry degree from Dallas Baptist University and a Master’s Degree in Theology from The Criswell College. He is the president of Children’s HopeChest (www.hopechest.org), a Christian-based child advocacy organization helping orphans in Eastern Europe and Africa. Tom and his wife, Emily, have five children.

Scared: A Novel on the Edge of the World by Tom Davis

David C Cook/June 2009/ ISBN 978-1-589191-02-0/288 pages/softcover/$14.99

www.davidccook.com ~ www.scaredthebook.com

Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove

2009-08-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

I absolutely loved this book. It had some seriously heavy topics that it touched on but Grove covered them well and shone a light into this otherwise dark topic that most people turn a blind eye to.

The story begins with being introduced to the main character of the book, Kate attending her husbands funeral. Shortly after she begins to hear the voice of her dead husband. We follow the story with her thinking that she is going insane and not being able to tell anyone about it. Her story seems to go from bad to worse, but through it all she keeps searching for the answers. Though her mind seems fragile she keeps persevering to find the answers that she knows are lurking somewhere in her mind.

This book sheds a great healthy light on how amazingly intricate our brains are and how when we have been hurt it often takes others helping us to get us through. This book is full of grief and hope, horror and humor. It takes you through the roller coaster ride that Kate is on as if you were right there beside her.

For her first novel, I would say it was a smashing success!

Go check out her web site! www.bonniegrove.com Or go buy this amazing, uplifting book from www.davidccook.com or anywhere else that sells it. Let's hope we can convince this amazing new Canadian first time novelist to keep up the good work!!

Talking to the Dead

In her first novel, author Bonnie Grove offers readers a tender, quirky story about grief—and second chances

"Kevin was dead and the people in my house wouldn’t go home. They mingled after the funeral, eating sandwiches, drinking tea, and speaking in muffled tones. I didn’t feel grateful for their presence. I felt exactly nothing,” writes Bonnie Grove in Talking to the Dead (David C Cook, June 2009). “Funerals exist so we can close doors we’d rather leave open. But where did we get the idea that the best approach to facing death is to eat Bundt cake?”

In her first novel, beloved author Bonnie Grove pens a poignantly realistic and uplifting story of hope, grace, and recovery from grief. Grove’s main character, twenty-something Kate Davis, can’t seem to get the grieving widow thing right. She’s supposed to put on a brave face and get on with her life, right? Instead, she’s camped out on her living room floor, unwashed, unkempt, and unable to sleep—because her husband Kevin keeps talking to her.

Is she losing her mind? Kate’s attempts to find the source of the voice she hears are both humorous and humiliating, as she turns first to an “eclectically spiritual” counselor, then a shrink with a bad toupee, an exorcist, and finally group therapy. There she meets Jack, the warmhearted, unconventional pastor of a ramshackle church, and at last the voice subsides. But when she stumbles upon a secret Kevin was keeping, Kate’s fragile hold on the present threatens to implode under the weight of the past…and Kevin begins to shout. Will the voice ever stop?

In this tender, quirky novel about embracing life, Grove patiently walks readers through the depths and mysteries of extreme sorrow after the death of a loved one. As she takes an unflinching look at the mental health industry, Grove’s training in counseling and psychology brings realism and empathy to grief and mental breakdown. While Kate must confront her own loss to find the grace to go on, readers will be led to the God who is always willing and able to comfort hearts in pain.

Trying to win a coffee maker!

2009-08-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

Hey guys I have been trying to win a Keurig coffee machine. They are so cool and if you want a chance to win go enter this contest too. http://doublebugs.com/2009/08/01/keurig-platinum-brewer-review-and-giveaway/comment-page-1/#comment-11841

more giveaways

2009-07-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

OK, so here I go again trying to win free stuff and giving you a chance to enter the same giveaway too. ... which lessens my chances of winning so how smart am I really? But go anyway and have fun looking at pretty colours of nail polish!

http://theglamorouswahm.com/index.php/2009/07/duri-for-nails-free-blog-giveaway/comment-page-1/#comment-11896

The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns

2009-07-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

In his book Stearns tries to get us to see that North American Christians are not doing what God has called us to do, love our neighbors! Millions of people die every year because we have become complacent and comfortable. This book is a wake up call and a plea for us to not be lukewarm any longer, to have our hearts break with the things that break the heart of God. The need is great and if all of us did our part it could be attained!

I will start off by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Don't get me wrong, it was often tough to read about the pain and suffering of my fellow sisters and brothers around the world, but it is all stuff that desperately needs to be said! People need to hear this and read this book! I work in this field of trying to care for the poor, orphaned and widowed, albeit on a much smaller scale than World Vision, but it was a great refresher of what God has called me and all of us to.

In his book "The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns, the President of World Vision USA,

surprised me at how honest and open he was with his own short comings and failure to realize or answer the call of God, and when he did so, it was with fear and trepidation. Seriously, he admits to just crawling in bed a weeping crying out to God before he finally decides to take the job.

Stearns is a great writer. The book is well thought out and seems to follow a logical flow of information. There are five basic parts 1. A Hole in My Gospel-And Maybe Yours 2. The Hole Gets Deeper 3. A Hole in the World 4. A Hole in the Church and 5. Repairing the Hole.

He starts off the book with several stories of people that he has met in his travels, many of them absolutely gut wrenching to read and had me sobbing by the end. All of the stories are woven together making his points and accenting them well.

Then he cautions the reader that he is going to become more statistic oriented and says that this might turn some of them off, and it did me to some extent. It takes away the feeling of connection with the heroes of the stories he is telling and lets you put them in a box with all the other 300,000,000 people who are in that same situation. For me that always makes the situation hopeless and I get overwhelmed with the enormity of it all, but to have a name and a story of one family in the country, that makes it possible for me to think that I can help. I know I cannot save the whole world but I might be able to save a few.

He does not sugar coat the problems and short falls of the church, but the good news is he does not leave us there feeling chastised. He goes on to say that there are ways we can change and if we all just do our part in what God wants and calls us to do, then this is a problem that can be overcome! He tries to motivate us to truly walk the road that God has called us to walk.

I think that this book is amazing and can roughly be summed up in this quote, "Can you also see that God has provided enough resources for all of His churches to thrive? It's just that they are not distributed evenly - that's our task" (pg 188).

My cup overfloweth

2009-07-05T23:39:00.000-07:00

Today I sit here and have had a few days off to relax. Which if you know me, you will understand what a rare occurrence this is. These few days off have come after a short trip to Edmonton for work and QFT. I have been reflecting on how amazing family and friends can be. I am realizing that I have been blessed with a great family. We have had our fair share of ups and downs but for the most part we are pretty tight in our own way.

I have over the past few years begun to have a great respect for my brother, not that I didn't before because he has always been my superhero, but it has been changing and maturing lately. I see him as a man that I respect and love. The only one of his kind, as he is my only brother and no one will ever take that place. With all of the changes in the not so distant future, I am excited to see what God has in store for him.

My relationship with my dad has always been a bit of an effort but even that one has had a few moments over the years that we have shared or connected on a deeper level and I have been pleasantly surprised.

My sister I think will always be an enigma to me. We come from different ends of the spectrum and so we don't get each other. But even she has become softer since her kids have started to grow and have an effect on her life. I love those kids!

My Gran worries me a bit. She will be turning 90 this year and has had an amazing wonderful life, by her own admission. But it makes me sad to think that she won't be around much longer. It makes me sad that I could not find the elusive "man that will take care of you and love you", as that has been her dream and prayer for me for as long as I can remember. She has been a second mom to me all my life. None of my family memories don't have her in them some where, as she has lived with us since I was only six months old. I don't know what life will look like without her. I pray I don't have to find out any time soon.

And my mom... I adore her. She has become one of my very best friends. She is my greatest cheerleader and my measuring stick of all that I want to be. She keeps me in line, or tries to, but does it with love. If I can be half the woman that she is I will be lucky.

Well these are my reflections of my family and where to start with my friends? I have been blessed with many great friends and God has been good. I wish I could gather them all up around me so I could enjoy their company more often. But even the little snippets of time keep me going for long stretches.

Thanks for the love my friends!

And thanks for reading.

Feisty, Frugal and Fabulous giveaways!!

2009-07-04T22:35:00.000-07:00

Ok this web site my friend Tara told ma about is so amazing!! They have giveaways for all kinds of stuff!! I am in love.

Check them out they have a giveaway from LUSH one of my favorite stores. There is one that she just listed for Soap Nuts, a product I would love to try as I am allergic to most laundry detergents and all the harsh chemicals they have in them. They also have a cool baby bottle givaway that are made out of stainless steel. So cool looking and made by OrganicKidz!! And a kids clothing line called Squishy Fish, come on with a name like that you know they are cool. One more cool kids clothing line called Redfish kids (what is with kids and fish?) They have amazing clothes and is from right here on my area of the world Vancouver!

HOLY CRAP!!! They have a giveaway on a kids clothing line that the designs are made by tatoo artists like Chris Garver! I have loved this guy for years! Both his art and a bit of a crush on him too if I am being totally honest. I am going to be buying things for all the kids in my life from these guys!!! Ruthless and Toothless is the name of the company and it is amazing!!!

All of these companies are giving stuff away to the readers of this blog so jump on and check it out!!

Seriously!! This is my new favorite giveaway blog!!!

Shofee free coffee giveaway from funnel full of soup

2009-06-18T23:29:00.000-07:00

Being the coffee and tea addict that I am I think this is about the greatest giveaway on earth!! And you should go to the website and see all the amazing different types of coffee and tea that you can get. But the absolute best thing about this is that it makes the coffee as close to instantly as possible without it bieng that horrible nasty substance that some reffer to as "instant coffee". This is necter of the gods at it's finest!! the giveaway is on this site: http://funnelfullofsoup.blogspot.com/2009/06/keurig-b60-special-edition-giveaway.html?showComment=1245392938032#c2420593221268489084

and the shofee website is here: http://www.shoffee.com/default.asp

ENJOY!!!

another night of feeding my addiction

2009-06-18T22:24:00.000-07:00

I found the cutest baby onsies! It says "just breath, mom" on the front! How funny is that and the little baby is in a Yoga pose. It made me laugh. There is a giveaway on this site

http://www.ahappyhippymom.com/2009/06/swami-baby-giving-voice-to-our-wise-little-ones-review-and-giveaway.html/comment-page-2#comment-4462

Go check it out!

Loving this new oppertunity!

2009-06-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

I realize that I just started blogging and have recently become enamored with all the free give aways. I also love to read and have benefited from my friend who reviews books on her blog. I went to visit her recently and she gave me a STACK of books that she had read and because her bookshelf was so full it was overflowing all over the place. I also work with a bunch of women that love to read and so I will enjoy letting them go through these as well. But today I joined two different publishing groups that are going to let me review for them! That means I get to choose books out of a list available and they will send me a copy and I get to read them and then write a review about it! How cool is that? I am seriously stoked about this (I don't know if you could tell). Well despite the fact that I still only have two followers I am hoping this may bring a few more. I am an instant gratification kinda girl and I would like to have a large base of friends who follow my blog regularly and find it interesting, right now. Is that too much to ask? ;)

aunt pam's giveaway

2009-06-17T22:51:00.000-07:00

Any one else out there ever saw some funky piece of jewlery and thought to themself, "I could do that"? Well now is your chance! Enter this giveaway supplied by House Of Gems and you could win a bracelet kit plus $75 dollars in product! How cool is that?!?!? check it out here http://www.auntpamscloset.com/

glamorous giveaways!

2009-06-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

Being new to this blogging thing I am loving it already. Who knew there was so much free stuff being given away out there? Not me... until recently. check out the Body Shop giveaway on this http://theglamorouswahm.com/index.php/2009/06/09/the-body-shop-sleep-kit-reviewgiveaway/comment-page-2/#comment-10727 website! It is a sleep set for all of us who have problems sleeping, or likr me you work shiftwork including night shifts on a regular basis, or if you have kids and could use a good nights sleep. What ever the circumstance I don't know anyone who wouldn't like to get free bodyshop stuff. Go check it out before June 19. Hurry, you only have a couple days.

Foodie Giveaway Network

2009-06-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hey if you are into food check out this cool giveaway. http://foodiegiveaway.blogspot.com/2009/06/food-network-magazine.html

Rare commodities

2009-06-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

Today has been a great day! One roommate is off on a holiday and the other one is at work so I am here in my house all by myself. I love the odd occasions where I can just enjoy the silence. I realize what a rare commodity silence is in this day and age, so I cherish it when it comes.

I just finished two night shifts and so was sleeping it off till about one. I rolled out of bed and decided I needed to make some food for lunches for the week. I really like cooking when I have the time to be creative and have fun, but sadly it turns into just another chore most of the time. But not today! I made some coconut jasmine rice to go with the "Peanut Chicken Satay" kabobs that I got from M&M Meat shop the other day, they are to die for!!! Seriously so tasty and so quick and easy. Love them! Then I made a Cucumber Mango salad with the cucumbers that my roommates mom gave me from her garden! So awesome!! I topped it with a little lime juice and a dollop of sweet chili sauce and a little honey, it ROCKED! Then made myself a coconut mango banana smoothie with the leftover coconut milk from the rice and wow it is all amazingly good if I do say so myself.

Then the phone rang. It was my mom. Now it must be said that I love my mom with all my heart. I enjoy our relationship now as adults even more than I did growing up. We have always been pretty close but in the last several years it has gotten even cooler talking with her and getting to know her in a different way. She is just amazing!

However I suck cause yesterday was her birthday... and I forgot!!! This is nothing new in my life cause I have always had a crappy memory and forget almost everything at some point or another. But she was calling to say hi ad gently remind me so that I wouldn't go kicking myself for too long. How great is she! She was not mad or upset but she knew I would be upset with myself so she wanted to call and tell me how crazy busy things were and not to worry. I love her. She gets me! I realize that this is a rare commodity as well so I try to cherish her at every chance I get as well.

As I said before today has been a quiet day and on those days I tend to reflect. I guess I could continue on and on with random bits but before I say too much and scare people off I will close up for today with one last thought.

I live my life at mock speed most of the time, with any number of "things" vying for my attention or time. It is often the rare commodities that bring the most joy to my life whether it is a quite day spent creating fun and fabulous food or talking and spending time with those people in my life that I love so deeply and really "get me" that it is not an effort to communicate and things just flow. Those are the things that fill my heart and soul up to full again and make me realize that this life is all worth living and fighting through. Today was a day where the good outweighed the bad by a long shot! I will sleep well tonight!

Greetings!

2009-06-13T14:05:00.000-07:00

So I am brand new to all this, obviously. But I have a friend who has been telling me I need to start a blog for a long time now, so here we go.

I guess I am not overly sure what to write about but I guess that will come in time. To be honest I am more concerned about how it looks than what I write on it. I want it to reflect me some how and that is no small task. For now I will see if I can shrink and crop this picture to fit just the way I want it and then I will come back and write something more interesting.

Random bits of Shoz

Unleashed - by Erwin McManus

Book Description

UnleashedRelease the Untamed Faith Within

By Erwin McManusPublished by Thomas Nelson

The Deepest Waters -by Dan Walsh

The Invisible World - by Anthony DeStefano

Angel Sister - by Ann H. Gabhart

A Heart Most Worthy - by Siri Mitchell

The Grandfathers produced by EGM

A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck

The Steels

Voices of the Faithful - Beth Moore

My Thoughts:

Voices of the FaithfulInspiring Stories of Courage from Christians Serving Around the World

By Beth Moore, International Mission BoardPublished by Thomas Nelson

Book Description

An Interview with Missy Buchanan

The Girl In The Gatehouse - by Julie Klassen

Have A New You By Friday - by Dr. Kevin Leman

City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell

Choosing To See - by Mary Beth Chapman and Ellen Vaughn

Recent info on Little Town of Bethlehem

Little Town of Bethlehem a documentary from EGM Films

The Bishop - by Steven James

Healer by Linda Windsor

A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer

Homecoming by Dan Walsh

What the Heck Happened????

Hungry For Life - by Dave Blundell

You can be Everything God Wants You to be - by Max Lucado

Plan B - by Pete Wilson

The Meeting of the Waters - Fritz Kling

A History Of Christianity; Episode One - Diarmaid MacCulloch

The Right Call - Kathy Herman

Glaen by Fred Lybrand

The Church of Facebook by Jesse Rice

Tinnitus... a constant ringing in your ears.

I am more than just books

Transforming the Valley of Grief

Transforming the Valley of Grief by Thomas O. Mason

Coping with Grief at Christmas

Is God Good

If God Is Good By Randy Alcorn

Does God have emotions?

What Difference Do It Make? by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent

Book Description

The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh

The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson

Christmas is fast approching...

God has Never Failed Me, But He has Sure Scared me to Death a Few Times- Stan Toler

The King's Legacy by Jim Stovall

Fearless by Max Lucado

Book Description

Scared by Tom Davis

Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove

Trying to win a coffee maker!

more giveaways

The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns

My cup overfloweth

Feisty, Frugal and Fabulous giveaways!!

Shofee free coffee giveaway from funnel full of soup

another night of feeding my addiction

Loving this new oppertunity!

aunt pam's giveaway

glamorous giveaways!

Foodie Giveaway Network

Rare commodities

Greetings!

By Erwin McManus
Published by Thomas Nelson

By Beth Moore, International Mission Board
Published by Thomas Nelson