Rumors of God

Rumors of God by Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson is very similar to many books currently on the market such as Radical, anything by Frances Chan, etc. Both men work in large churches and talk about what is wrong with the church today. The authors use many personal stories, but the first person accounts got a bit much - especially when as a reader you are trying to keep track of who is telling the story at a particular spot.

Topics covered include abundant life, dreams, generosity, generosity, love, grace, freedom, commitment, community, justice and hope.  There were times when the chapters seemed to be strings of quotes from other authors and websites.  There wasn't anything in the book that I disagreed with. However, nothing was new in the book. If you haven't read many of the current books on churches of today and how we need to return to the basics of the bible then this would be a good book to read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements  

In the Nick of Time by Tim Downs

This was my first time reading Tim Downs.  I can usually inhale a book in a matter of days. However, this one took me longer than usual to read. The characters were interesting but the plot was slow and had trouble keeping my attention.  The friction between Nick and his fiance was one of my favorite parts of the book, but the personality of each of them frankly, irritated me.

There was a prank that was taken entirely too far. I almost put the book down at that point.  I like suspense. mystery. drama. romance. But this was the wrong combination for me.

I did like the ending. Everything was not tied up neatly. It left you wondering what will happen to the couple.

If someone is really looking for something to read, I might recommend this book. But I have others I would recommend first.

I received a free copy of this book from BookSneeze to review.

Love & War Devotional for Couples by John and Staci Eldridge

John & Staci Eldredge have together written an excellent devotional for couples! My husband and I both read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. The book is divided into weeks with a different topic for each week. These include:
Remembering What We Wanted
The Two Shall Become One
The Journey
Companionship
Your Souse is Not Your Enemy
The Little Foxes
Increasing Intimacy
The Most Excellent Way

There are 5 devotions per week and these are broken down into an opening verse, a reflection, a prayer and a closing verse.  It took us less than 5 minutes to read and discuss these.  Prayer is a weak point for us so having the pre-written prayers was very helpful to give us a place to start.  the last day of the week includes an exercise.  The exercises are designed to have you reflect inwardly on the questions and then honestly and openly discuss them with your spouse.

We are always on the lookout for devotionals we can read through together. One of our favorites is 'Nightlight' by the Dobson's.  This devotional has quickly become another favorite for us. It is not time consuming, yet it encourages discussion and a closer relationship. I would recommend it to any and all couoples who want to grow closer to Christ in their marriage.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Max on Life by Max Lucado

I knew going in that 'Max on Life' was not a sit down and read straight through book.  It is the type of book that you pick up and scan through to find answers to specific questions.  The answers are mostly taken from Lucado's previously published writings with a few new writings included.

The book is divided into topics that include:
Hope
Hurt
Help
Him/Her
Home
Have/Have-nots
Hereafter

In each section are a series of questions that Lucado has been presented with by his congregation and from readers through the years. His answers often include scriptural references and stories to help illustrate his answer.  This does not dig deeply into the questions, but offers sound advice. I would encourage anyone who wants to dig deeper to do their own research on the scriptures he provides. Use this book as a jumping off place.

One of my favorite sections of the book is titled 'The Write Stuff' where Lucado describes how to start writing, where to get information about publishing and editing. He encourages us to write. To put our stories on paper. Not be afraid of the process.

Overall, this is a good reference book to have in your library.

I was provided a free copy of this book to review through Booksneeze.

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble is the 3rd in the Mercy Falls series, but it stands alone well.  This romantic mystery details a journey made by Olivia Stewart from New York City to coastal California at the turn of the century to discover who killed her sister.

The story is very well written and kept me wondering until the very end who was guilty.  I also thoroughly enjoyed the historical references throughout the story.  The turn of the century was filled with so many wonderful inventions that we now take for granted.  Reading about the joy of discovery helped renew my thankfulness for all the people who were willing to take chances in previous generations.

Coble does an excellent job of building relationships among her characters and interweaving their faith into the story.  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, romance and a good mystery.

I was provided a free copy of this book by Booksneeze for review.

Lilly's Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long

When I received Lilly's Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long, I stalled reading it. "Another Amish Christian romance?"  :::sigh::: But when I started reading it I realized just how different this book was.

The characters are real. Yes - there is the Amish theme, but they are presented in very human ways.  Some interesting topics are handled in this book ... the awkwardness of being alone with someone of the opposite sex, jealousy, sibling issues, parent/child issues ... but the most interesting was the way the writer handled the topic of grief and depression.

The story flows very well and there are moments I laughed outloud and moments tears welled up in my eyes.  The relationship between Lilly and Jacob is wonderful to watch unfold as they discover who they are as they learn how to be a married couple.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance - even if you are tired of the same old stories. Lilly's Wedding Quilt has a fresh view!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Chasm by Randy Alcorn

 The Chasm by Randy Alcorn is a surprisingly thin book, but he packs an amazing story into those 109 pages (plus a few extra for insightful discussion questions). The books tells about a journey Nick Seagrave, an average American businessman, is on to get to Charis.  It wasn't until I started reading that I realized this was an allegorical story and not your typical work of fiction.

Nick has a choice of a red road and many gray roads. Along the way he sees his life as it really was ... the fact that actions he thought no one else knew about really hurt his family to the core, the battles between good and evil that waged around him daily, the seemingly elusive search for truth.  This quote sums up how many people feel when searching for truth and satisfaction in places other than Christ, "I moved from place to place, indulging more and more, satisfied less and less. Still I came back for more." 

Nick continues on his journey and eventually realizes that the red road will lead him to his desired destination, but it isn't easy to travel either.  He finally meets the "Woodsman" who offers him passage across the immense chasm. This is such and incredible illustration of grace. Nick offers weak arguments to the Woodsman, but is told, "You don't have to understand. But in order to cross the chasm, you have to trust me. ... I am sure that what you can do will never be enough."

Nick then talks about not deserving what the Woodsman is giving him. The Woodsman replies, "Of course you don't. If you deserved it, you wouldn't need it. And I wouldn't have had to die to give it to you."

This book would be excellent for Christians young and old. Even seekers may find some answers in it. The illustrations are beautiful as well.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

The Shelter of God's Promises by Sheila Walsh

This is the first book by Sheila Walsh that I have read and based on 'The Shelter of God's Promises,' I will be reading more!

The book opens with an encounter of a time when literally hiding in the cleft of a rock helped save Walsh's life.  God promises to protect us in the cleft of a rock as well. Walsh then systematically works through several of God's promises by dividing them into categories and relating them to situations she has encountered in her life.

These include: Promises, Provision, Peace, Confidence, Love, Grace, Hope, Strength, More, Home.  In each chapter, the author uses scripture to illustrate how God gives us all of the above.  The chapters are also interspersed with bolded quotes that can be encouraging on their own. Some of these included:
- When Heaven invades your hell, it wins your heart's allegiance.
- We hold on to this promise that God has given us: He will never leave us, never forsake us.
- There is something holy that God has tucked into suffering.
- What Jesus is promising is a radical transformation in how we think and how we live.
-That's the foundation stone of this book. When God makes us a promise, He can never break it.

It is not a difficult read, but does have enough meat in it to make you think. Shelter would make an excellent women's bible study discussion book - especially for women who have struggled with depression and truly relying on God's promises.

After my own bout with depression it was a very timely reminder that God is there - always.

BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book as part of their book reviews blogger program.

Soulprint by Mark Batterson

 In Soulprint Mark Batterson takes a look at the life of David to help us 'discover our divine destiny.'  One of my favorite passages is in the opening chapter, "Our true identities get buried beneath the mistakes we've made, the insecurities we've acquired, and the lies we've believed.  We're held captive by others' expectations.  We're uncomfortable in our own skin. And we spend far too much emotional, relational, and spiritual energy trying to be who we're not. ... Somewhere along the way, we lose ourselves!"  He then spends the rest of the book explaining how we can discover who we are.

Batterson does stress that this is not a quick fix, that we've all made mistakes and that it isn't too late to begin trusting God and living our lives the way God intended for us to live.  He states that "every past experience is preparation for some future opportunity. And one way God redeems the past is by helping us see it through His eyes, His providence."  Batterson encourages readers to really examine their lives and find the defining moments that truly shape the way you live today.  One of the most striking paragraphs breaks down mathematically how statistically, 'incalculably unique' we are. Each person is a one-of-a-kind creation and we are to be ourselves ... the way God created us.

He goes on to explain how David was woefully unprepared to go to battle to fight Goliath - at least in the eyes of the army. But he was actually perfectly prepared to fight him with a slingshot due to his experience as a shepherd and protecting his flock. What God is doing in our lives may not make sense at this time, but he is preparing us for something we can't see yet ... if we let him. He also stresses that it won't be easy, but it will be worth it!

Batterson also encourages us to have 'lifesymbols' - visible reminders of our faith journey. Pictures, rocks, objects. Anything that is a positive reminder of how God has worked in our lives. He goes on to tell us that we have to 'disrobe' and be vulnerable and warns us that the simple fact of living a life that relies fully on God will make Satan mad and he will fight even harder for us. We can't do this alone, but the end rewards will be more than worth the struggle and pain. We are all unique and God has given each of us a unique destiny. Now we have to find it.

I would recommend this book to someone wanting to grow in their faith and wanting to know how to relate the life of David to our lives today.
 
"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

"Radical" by David Platt

 I tend to steer away from the trendy and popular books. I think that all too often they are full of fluff and people are hoping to get a quick fix from them - which is never the case and which is why another trendy book keeps popping up for us to spend our money on. Then I received a copy of Radical by David Platt.

Several close friends had mentioned it as life changing and thought provoking. I rolled my eyes. Then I started reading it with a pen in hand. I wrote notes in the margins, underlined phrases and basically gulped down the book in the matter of a couple of days.  His desire is clear - for all people in the world to hear about Christ.  As the pastor of a mega-church, he admits that he is living a life contrary to what he is teaching, but also talks about ways he is changing his current life-style. 

Platt begins by asking us if we are going to believe Jesus and if we are going to obey Jesus.  Are we defining our lives by the bible or by our culture's interpretation of what the bible says?  Platt describes visits to China where Christians risk friends, family and life to study and worship together - and they do it gladly!  Here in America, we get annoyed if the pastor runs five minutes over and we have to wait at our favorite restaurant for a table.  Jesus called his followers to abandon everything. EVERYTHING! To follow him.  Platt challenges us to do that today ... if we can. if we dare.

One striking illustration was from a denomination newsletter where there was an article about a 23 million dollar new building dedication alongside an article about donations that were raised to help refugees in Sudan - a grand total of 5 thousand dollars.  How does that make any sense???

Platt contends that we have watered down the gospel to fit our lifestyles.  He states, "We are afraid that if we stop and really look at God in his word, we might discover that he evokes greater awe and demands deeper worship that we are ready to give him."  Throughout the gospel, Jesus is helping others and teaching his followers how to help others. Platt emphasizes that this isn't about simply sending a check. It is about prayer and being there.

As the pastor of a megachurch - he clearly recognizes the danger of these churches to become entertainment for people. A place to lost in the crowd. To come, sit listen, check it off your list and go home.  But he also knows that authentic faith can come from any church. Jesus built his ministry in a group of 12 men. Any church can grow disciples in small groups and send them out to multiply into more groups and keep going.

Much of the book is focused on the fact that we need to minister more to the poor of the world. Yes- we need to minister to the poor in our local area too, but there are 1.5 billion (yes - that's a B) unreached people in the world and over 26,000 children die every day from preventable causes.  We can help. We have the time, the resources to help. But we need to change our hearts. 

There is a lot of repetition in the book and just plain practical advice.  Things we Christians in America need to wake up to.  He closes the book with a challenge to live radically for one year. He stresses not to make it longer than that, because it will be too hard and at times impossible. If we can do it for one year the impact we make can still be amazing. It is an interesting concept. One I am willing to learn more about and study more on my own. His strategies are practical. He begins with prayer and reading the bible.  Then asks people to live sacrificially - do we really need the newest gadget? to eat out so often? the trendiest clothes?  He also asks people to live in a different context (ie different continent) for one week helping people there. And then to help train disciples and 'multiply community.'  All things we are commanded to do in the new testament anyway.

I will recommend this book to others. It can be an eye opener or simply a refresher. In fact, I am passing on my copy to my pastor - not that he needs an eye opener or a refresher, but I think he will like that fact that much of what he teaches us is reiterated in Radical.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

The Wit and Wisdom of G. K. Chesterton

I received of copy of The Quotable Chesterton by Kevin Belmonte from booksneeze.com to review without any compensation.

I honestly like Chesterton, along with CS Lewis, George MacDonald, and others.  This book is a lovely collection of 'snacks' by Chesterton arranged by category in alphabetical order.  topics include everything from adventure to cheese to jingoism to zola and almost everything in between.  This is not a book designed to be read in a single sitting like a novel, but instead to be taken in small doses or used as a reference when looking for a quote on a particular topic.  The author has done an excellent job of scouring Chesterton's works to find these little morsels for others to use in a very easy to use format.  This book is a welcome addition to my library.

Quote

I don't buy everything I read. 

I haven't even read everything I've bought.
--Barenaked Ladies

Understanding Questions

... To those who understand, no words are necessary.

To those who do not understand, no words are possible.

When you become like a little child, 

when you open your heart to El Shaddai without reservation,

not only will you find the answer,

but you will discover an entirely new set of questions.

-Brennan Manning, The Boy Who Cried Abba

An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination

An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination, by Elizabeth McCracken

I don't remember where I first saw this book or heard about it. But I do remember feeling a very strong urge to purchase it. I sat on that feeling for a few weeks until I did purchase the book. And there it sat for over a year - actually almost 2 years.  I was scared to read it. Not ready to read it. Terrified.

Why?

It is a memoir of her journey through the loss of her son and subsequent pregnancy.  So, this year. This 6th year. This horrid, painful, weeping, wailing, gnashing of teeth year...I picked it up.  I didn't want to face this path alone.

I like EM from the start admits to not being a Christian.  "Good!" I thought. "I am not in the mood for the fluffy, happy, everything is wonderful despite a horrible tragedy christian book."  I could relate to her joy at being pregnant, normal first pregnancy jitters and excitement.  Reading to the baby, talking to the baby. Already reorganizing life to baby.  Then baby is gone.

I appreciated her transparency and willingness to share so much with us.  I cried my own grief tears while reading.  It almost gave me permission to grieve.  to miss my sweet luke.  I found myself jealous at her getting pregnant again so easily.  Or even being able to at all.  I felt anger at the nurse who tried to just blow her off.  I was cheering for her when she said that there can never be closure to something like this.

She said things that I wish I could have said.  She said things that I have said.  But we both have a hole in our hearts where our babies should have been.  Just another way I am certain I was not alone.