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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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?