Married to the Cloth

I have seen this book categorized as "radical" and for "college students". Which I think really says a lot about the state of things in our churches. As if taking risks and being "radical" is only for the young. I am, I hate to admit it, not considered young. I am really close to 40. But in our town and congregation where most are retired, I am still just a "whipper snapper". I would like to think that this book is aimed at the Church Body, not the youth and college ministry. The whole body needs  gospel-driven discipline, to working for God's glory and not our own, committing to the you attend church (which might mean the scary M word- membership ), and building an evangelistic witness that is not shameful. The "cultural lingo" maybe considered younger in general , but the lesson applies to all generations.  "God's awesomeness should propel our faithfulness." Book Description: How do you access a real, thrivi

I remember the Pastor's annual sourcebooks from the late 1990's. This is not a planned order of service with which hymns to sing. This is better. It is not a book of "cheats". The sermons are indepth sermon outlines. Which always amazes me. I would have to have every word written out. When my husband writes his own sermons, they really are basic outlines, a couple bullet points, and Bam! a sermon comes out of all of it. As Dr. Hawkins says, “It is not designed as an ‘easy fix’ for late Saturday night sermon preparation. Rather, it is a sourcebook designed to lay alongside all your other tools of word studies, exegesis, commentaries, prayer and analytical thought that goes into a fully developed and crafted sermon.” I have known too many pastors in the past who have said they do not study for their sermons, they just trust that the Holy Spirit will give them the words. THIS IS NOT something I advocate! It is how we get too many scriptural inaccuracies preached f

The story was intriguing and interesting. Sadly it was not a "beginning of a series" book, so I feel like there was some back story I could have used in the characters themselves. ( I think this is supposed to be book 1, so a prequel book would be lovely, dear author). Be sure to check out the reference in the back Still I enjoyed it. Dystopian rebel honeymooners, Chase and Trista, serve a King, dis-enthroned by the Legacy. In trying to help Chase, Trista takes an assignment for him. This leads to her capture by the Legacy. Chase refuses to believe that Trista has been executed.Throw in time manipulation and sci-fi technology and the whole book is quite inventive. Over all a decent book, from an author who has promise. Looking forward to reading more in the future.

Based on Romans 12, this is a discipleship and mentoring study for men. "Don't be fooled, spiritual mentorship is not something to be left to "the professionals". If you know what it means to follow Christ, each day just one step at a time, you are ready to begin this adventure" -Phil Downer from the forward The author brings out the fact that on any Sunday 39% of a church (if you are lucky) are men. For decades churches have been decorated in a mauve fashion, to be welcoming to women. Men have been neglected and even thrown under the bus in some ministries that cater almost completely to women or small children. This book focuses on the man's role in the church, manliness, how to start a mentoring ministry in your congregation and pass on the vision for a healthy church. "Jesus didn't tell us to go and make a church; He told us to go and make disciples.We should not be focused upon building big churches, but should focus our efforts on

In "No Cape Required". Kristen Parrish gives you a fictional hero and a character trait that we can learn from them. 52 lessons, one a week. Heroes range from comics, movies, beloved books, from The Chronicles of Narnia to Shawshank Redemption. This is a book that will connect to many, using pop culture icons to speak of truths and remind you that you don't have to be a mutant or alien to be a hero. The devotions are written to remind you that the ability to be a hero is in you and has been all along. I am a SciFi and comic book geek. This book was replete with characters I adore. It would make an excellent gift and is not generation specific. Have some one in your life that just needs to be told "I believe in you"? This is for them. Topics include: Spock and Kirk's Friendship Superman’s Justice Robin Hood's Charity Eustace's Repentance Dorothy’s Courage Description What do Katniss Everdeen, Spider-Man, and Huckleberry Finn have in com

Treskillard brings a new tak on the Arthurian legend and builds a character in Merlin that you want to win. Lawhead's Pendragon series is still one of my absolute favourites, But Treskillard does a decent job with his own twist on the legend, so the book is far from disappointing but engaging. Christianity in Britain is in a battle with the ancient druidic beliefs. With a meteorite;s strange power , the druids seek to take  control of the people and ultimately all of Britain. Merlin, the partially blind son of the  blacksmith, and a handful of others seem to be immune. Their ability to resist the druids and the meteorite may be the only thing that can save the village from spiritual and physical oppression. Merlin's struggles have molded him into the hero this village needs. Is Merlin willing to become that hero? My 15 yr old son took over my  nook to read this and enjoyed the story as well. From the Publisher:  When a meteorite crashes near a small village in f

Noel Hynd has millions of books in print from decades of writing. Payback in Panama is the final book in Noel Hynd’s Cuban Trilogy. U.S. Treasury Agent Alex LaDuca has a battle between her faith and her job. How will her faith also influence her choices? When the choices boil down to kill or be killed what will she choose? Alex has stuggled in her faith and she experienced loss. She had given up hope for a happy life shared with some one she loved. In this final book she has found love again but may not get to have a life together as death stalks her every step. Dosi Cartel, her long time enemies, come after her with a vengeance. The whole series is a thrilling adventure, and the character has been well developed through out the series. The final book brings  together all the pieces, but with unexpected plot twists. You are never quite sure that if things will actually work out for Alex.  Can Alex survive the assassination plots and have a life with the man she has come t

"Why not place certain religious themes at the heart of a story?" The Christian themes are subtle, It is a story that you may not see as a "christian book. Which is a refreshing thing. The goal was to have a good story, faith naturally comes into it.  Well written and captivating.  A thriller with secret codes, secret societies, and deathbed confessions.  Nothing is as it seems and  no place is really very safe. Bethany is on the run from a murderer and the government is after her. What is the real reason her friend was killed? Can she prove that the evidence against her is false? What is truth? No spoilers, you have to read the book, it is well worth reading. I love these names: The Wilderness dedicated to the destruction of all religious faith. \ The Garden, seven members led by  the Builder, try to protect the church. From the publisher: "Bethany Barclay is running for her life. She’s a struggling attorney who’s been framed for the murder of a c

Julia has had  two daughters by fathered by two different men that she has given up for adoption. Neither of the men stuck around, and she has not seen the children since they were given to their adoptive families. 20 years after those choices, her son is dying and the only one who can help is one of these daughters. But can Julia face her choices and consequences, and find healing? Can she find ask a young woman—a stranger really, to save a brother she’s never known? Can the daughter get to a place of forgiveness so this boy may live? Will her daughter repeat Julia's own mistakes? Can a family be redeemed? This is a great story about how G-d uses different circumstances for His glory and for His healing.  The imperfect lives and broken pieces are brought together to make a whole family. Like Stitch says "This is my family. I found it, all on my own. Is little, and broken, but still good. Yeah, still good." This is a lovely book. From the Publisher:"

This edition includes the entire NIV Bible text (NIV and TNIV combination) with the world’s best notes for learning. One of the nice things is that in the table of contents, the spotlights are also listed.  Sample Pages HERE Besides the archaeological study notes, and the historical back grounds, there are study notes to help break down "Christian-ese" so newer believers can decipher what is being said. It does not take for granted that the reader knows "what does it mean to pray?" "...to love my neighbor?",  "...are good works necessary for eternal life?". This brings together all levels of one's spiritual journey.  Page 1203 Has a Reflect and Respond devotional section prompting you to read, think, live and take it to the next level on prayer. Why do we pray? What does G-d's word say and why?  It is suitable for those just discovering the Bible and those who are interested in what Josephus said, timelines, charts, and cultu

“Catch ideas like fireflies in a jar, and write what only YOU can write.” Coleen Paratore teaches writing workshops for kids and teens. Passionate about sharing the joy of writing,  Fireflies, coming out in 2014, is a book on that subject. This book is like a series of 'writing prompts' for kids. A wonderful gift for aspiring writers. This book will encourage and teach them to "see" without them even realizing it.  "In the Firefly fields of imagination, Ben learns the secret connection between his hands and his heart: his ideas. Disguised as an encounter between an author and a shy student, this charming lesson on the magic of inspiration will have children of all ages reaching for their notebooks and watching for the spark of "fireflies." Along with Coleen's "Read*Write*Dream*Speak" program, she is also partnered with other literacy programs as well to   to encourage aspiring writers through workshops and talks through

A sisterchicks devotional. What is a sisterchick? A sisterchick is: a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and provides a reality check when you're being a brat. This devotional is undated so you dont feel the "I missed a day" pressure, but can dive in when you want/need to. The book is full of scripture, stories and a swift kick in the pants, just like you would expect from a friend. I grew up on Robin's Christy Miller books. So I feel as if it really is getting advice from a friend. The authors bid you to press in further with journaling pages and key scriptures. Through out each devotion are "wit and wisdom" highlights as well. With Lessons like: Grace...it bids me fly and gives me wings.Don't let fear make the decisions for you. True friendship is that it can survive separation, both by time and distance. (Truth!23 yrs and separate coasts, but LeeAnn is still my best friend.) As with any

Christa Parrish's book "Home Another Way" is still one of my favourites. I was excited to be given this book to read.  With a past that has left her empty, Liesl strives to achieve perfection in bread. Making bread is a legacy passed down from her mother and grandmother, kneading their memories into the dough.   ( I wished my great grandmother had passed down the instruction for her dough along with the basic recipes.) Bread may not seem like a craft that artists would be drawn to but we all KNOW when we have bit into the perfect loaf. Christa brings into the story history of bread along with the history/depth of her character. The language of the book is specially crafted with poetry. "Modern home-cooks think nothing of tearing open a bag of silken flour and a package of active dry yeast, and pouring the dry ingredients into a machine with a couple measures of water and a tour hour wait for a fresh loaf. Breads dark history is unknown to them. And the sacrif

“Fatal Tide” Book Three in the East Salem series. Sadly I have not read the first 2 books, Waking Hours and Darkness Rising. With suspense and supernatural battles between angels and demons, a dark prophecy starts to come about in East Salem. Occultic leaders are in league with an East Salem pharmaceutical company in developing a drug, Provivilan, that is attacking  the brains of children, turning them into a violence-addicted murderous army. Even with the supernatural battles the characters seem rather realistic and relate-able. The characters have to decide who they can trust when faced with evil and find they must rely on God to see them through. Awesome book, thrilling and suspenseful story. Read the whole series! Book Description from the publisher: In East Salem, the elite St. Adrian’s Academy is at the nexus of a satanic apocalypse—and the fatal tide is rising. When Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights is reunited with the pagans who commissioned it, a

A collection of Brennan Manning's devotions, meditations and his personal reflections are collected along with the NIV Bible. (As previously noted, NIV after 2011 although marked "NIV" on all packaging in a blend of NIV and TNIV.) There are several new Brennan Manning publications,  one which was reviewed previously in this post HERE . I have already stated how much I love Brennan Manning in that post. The Bible is for the lost and hurting, the ones who wonder if any one sees them. Maybe you have tried and failed...again and again. Instead of being filled with the historical and intellectual notes, this one is filled with notes to pierce through the callouses built up on your heart, getting to the flesh of the matter. Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/zHQGwCsQBI0 From the Back Cover:  Do you believe that God not only loves you, but that he also likes you? It's just one of the soul-searching questions posed by bestselling author Brennan Manning who confesses

Being married to a man who pastors 2 churches, sabbath rest is really bard to find. Saturday we are at the schul, Sunday at the church. We try to eek out lil bits here and there. Friday nights all the electronics turn off. They stay off til late Saturday afternoon. Dinner at home, together. But it can all change in a moment. Last minute dropins at the church office keep him late, dinner gets cold...dried out...or worse. Some one has an emergency and the only person who can help is the guy Iam married to. There are days I get a bit angry, even days I get really angry. I knew I would have to share him and his time. But does it have to be every month? Week? Day? This is when we decide we will have anannversary get away. Which is not easy with 8 people living on our income. A campervan, a few groceries and an off season camp spot, which means cold in these mountains. But there are no cell signals. And a sky full of stars. We have learned a nite away really is not worth the effort. I

Brennan Manning inspired music (Rich Mullins Ragamuffin Band). He wrote of G-d's love for imperfect  individuals, and spoke on issues such as shame, alcoholism, brokenness and more. There are 20 other books by Brennan Manning. This one was almost finished when he died earlier this spring. Thankfully Greg Garret both co-wrote and completed the work. I love reading Brennan's writings. Drawing on the stories of the ragamuffins, we find a broken man in need of the love of a mighty G-d. The book has the storyline that has become all too familiar in church settings, pastors and their affairs. Men in the limelight, and on the pedestals we as people have placed them on, and the down falls of humanity. The message of grace and forgiveness found in Brennan's works overflows into this one as well. Brennan summed up this message. He said that Jesus comes to each of us and says, "I have a word for you. I know your whole life story. I know every skeleton in your closet. I kno

. Hurt and pain are universal. What we do with those hurts and the pain we carry, can shape us. It can cause us to hide away, to build fences, or it can cause us to live with abandon. Over the decades, I have experienced pain. I am guessing you have as well. We have often talked about how the worst bosses or those above us in our jobs, have always been the christian ones. We have left congregations never wanting to return to those building, or denominations, or any other ones. Dee Brestin has an analogy of roses and alligators. (in her book The Friendships of Women) There are people in our lives who are roses. There are thorns with roses, but for the most part, we are willing to over look the thorns because of the beauty they bring to our lives. Then there are alligators, they are the ones who are basically out to just get you in a death roll. Recognizing who is safe, and who isn't, having healthy boundaries is very important. However I had gotten to a point where I tr

Over 10 years ago, my husband and I read Love and Respect, together. We of course had a fight. As we read the book, we both were convicted over what we were reading and the emotions that were at the surface ignited. It has had a profound impact on how we respond to each other...after the initial fire works, of course. The book was and still is an excellent resource. When my friend Rhonda Stoppe shared a little about her book,  Moms Raising Sons to Be Men , in May of this year, I was struck by a comment. She brought up treating our boys with respect, the respect men desire. To treat them as men. It sounds simple, but this is a new stage in our lives with 14 and 15 yr old boys who are becoming men before my eyes. That wisdom is exactly what this new book is about. This newer book from the ministry of the Eggerichs, brings the elements of love and respect not just in to the marriage relationship but into the whole family dynamic. http://loveandrespect.com/ From the website:

This book comes on the coat tails of a wonderful weekend in San Francisco where I took a design and creativity class. It has had smatterings of the same insights such as the fork in the road anaology.  We often view a fork in the road in our creativity as "Choice A" or "Choice B". And one of those is the "wrong" choice, right? One leads to success and the other to failure. Failure is ofcourse BAD....or is it? Instead of viewing the forks in our paths this way, we should look at them as opportunities for exploration letting us see what could happen, and being able too take either fork or both. More than just using helpful tools such as blueprinting your business, and creating a mission statement. In thi sbook you will be encouraged to discover how to: ignite innovation accelerate innovation what sabotages innovation and leaving a legacy of innovation take chances, make mistakes...... http://www.youtube.com/v/NCFoQad1dYE?version=3&autohi

The perfect Movember book! Maybe it has grown to be more than just a western society's view, but men are viewed through failures. Seen unreliable, those who can not be trusted or those who will abandon their families.Men have become baby daddies rather than fathers. Stephen sets out to show a true man is honest, humble, compassionate, responsible, courageous, and faithful. He uses the true stories of some great men. He has some great research from having authored books such as: Lincoln's Battle with God, The Faith of Barack Obama, and Benedict XVI, Searching for God and Guinness, and Never Give In: The Extraordinary Character of Winston Churchill. This is a great book to give the man in your life. Reminder: It is not in the biceps!  In  Mansfield's Book of Manly Men , http://www.youtube.com/v/tCE9CdRonRQ?version=3&autohide=1&showinfo=1&autohide=1&feature=share&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=YI0NB8u5TbSXZtSKlIbAaw Masculinity is more t

Incredibly researched and an amazing story! Based on true stories, filled with drama scenes and  vivid details, make it not a book that you would label an "easy" read. But it is well worth the reading. A powerful work of historical fiction that will stir up your emotions.    The story of  Maximilian Kolbe, a Catholic monk, being a calming force has always been a beautiful and inspiring story. I love the way the true event of his life was woven into the fictional story.How to not blame God for evil and stand for justice is a timeless lesson that we often need repeated to us. Shawn Hoffman presents a compelling story, and film, in Samson. (video link below) "Samson Abrams makes a life-or-death decision that lands him, and his entire family, in the notorious concentration camp Auschwitz. When Samson is recognized by Dr. Josef Mengele and Commandant Rudolf Hoss as a former boxing champion, he is ordered box for their entertainment. A win means extra rations, but the

The Caleb Series In "Blessed Child"(originally published in 2001) we are introduced to Caleb, a 10 year old with amazing healing abilities, who grows up in a monastery orphanage with basically no contact with the outside world. All Caleb wants is to serve G-d, animals follow and listen, people flock to him as well and experience healing. In the beauty and joy of it all Caleb poisoned, shot, abducted and maintains his innocent, pure faith. Father Nikolous believes Caleb has "psychic powers" and begins to book public events with high costs for admission. Like every Dekker book there are plot twists to keep you from figuring out the whole story as you read. (which I love about his writing) Jason, a Peace Corps worker, asked to rescue Caleb Jason works his way through war zones to find him. Add to the list of rescuers is a Red Cross nurse, Leiah. "A Man Called Blessed" Caleb is now a twenty-ish man, living back in Ethiopia, with Jason & Le

City on Fire by Tracy Higley  (This is a reissue of the 2011 book for those who have previously read the author's books.) It is the story a Jewish girl who has fled the destruction of  the burning of the Temple in Jerusalem and the persecution of the Jewish people by Nero, to Pompeii, a city we know is a city doomed. The rumbles of Vesuvius are warnings to us who know the fate of the city. Ariella, Lioness of G-d as her names translates, becomes quite the lioness as she goes from slave to gladitor. " I am invincible," she claims. Angry and bitter, she no longer trusts God, but in her own strength. The author has done well with researching the culture, and lifestyles of those in Pompeii. Pompeii was a vile city, the culture and morality portrayed in the book are what you would expect of a Roman Empire under Nero, with fewer details thankfully. This sets the scene for the contrasts of that culture and the culture of the early Christians and their faith. Well w

I was sent Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay for review. This is a very sweet book written in a letter format. The author combines some of the beast of literature, Austen, Bronte and Dickens themes through out the book. The main character, Samantha Moore, seeks to make her own way in the world. The choices of submission, obedience and being willing to look  at other options are constantly being presented. Will Sam be willing to take advice? Will she stick to her own plans? Is she willing to learn what grace really means? This is a lovely story. Having 4 daughters who love literature and are at just the right age for this book, this was a good choice. From the Publisher: Sam is, to say the least, bookish. An English major of the highest order, her diet has always been Austen, Dickens, and Shakespeare. The problem is, both her prose and conversation tend to be more Elizabeth Bennet than Samantha Moore. But life for the twenty-three-year-old orphan is about to get st

With 6 children, we have gone through many children's Bibles and Bible Story books over the years. This is definitely a " story book ". Of the 50 stories included, you will find more than Noah and Moses, there is even Paul's journey to Malta. The author tells of the accomplishments of each character, but not always the motivating factor or "why" (such as out of obedience to G-d) that those things were done. There are also speculations and "factoids" that are unsupported. Some liberties were definitely taken with the stories. Catherine DeVries has been influential in the development of many bestselling children's Bibles and Bible storybooks including The Adventure Bible, The Beginner's Bible and the Jesus Storybook Bible. The Beginner's Bible was a great favourite of our children. The cds are a nice quality, a bit too young for our almost 8 year old daughter, but the 2 year that the older girls babysit likes them. Layers o

I am conflicted in my response to this book. We have a need in our country for spiritual guidance while we lack mentors. Many are desperate to know what a fast is and how to fast. We have a nation that is rebellious and individualistic. Isaiah 58 calls this out. What is the MOTIVATION of the fast? This book is a good resource for looking at a health/diet cleanse. Having had a friend who eradicated cancer from her body with a strict diet, I can attest to the health benefits. The introduction cites our need for spiritual, emotional and diet changes. We do seasonal juice "cleanses", stay away from GMOs, eat kosher...even a low-gluten intake. When faced with a breast cancer scare, my response was definite and focused on diet changes. I have not read the Original book "The Daniel Fast", which this book builds off of. This review is strictly based on "The Daniel Cure".   In chapter 5 the authors state,"Weight-loss products along with related  el

"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine" Isaiah 43:1 “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” Psalm 20:7 Covering 40 names of God mentioned in the Bible, the authors hope you will find new insights as to who God is and what He does on your behalf.  As you discover Who God is and His character is revealed in His Names, the more you know Him, the more you'll trust Him. "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you" Psalm 9:10.This book shares how you can know God by name and you can trust Him. His children are eager to know more about and apply the names of God in their daily spiritual life. The book is set up with  five day devotional entries and a Bible study to serve as a guide for an 8 week study, along with a discussion and journaling page. Includes a pronunciation guide for God’s Hebrew and Greek name