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SHARED BLESSINGS Inspiration for a Woman's Soul Connected in Faith
gift book Circle of Friendship ISBN 978-1-60260-986-0 Barbour Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
This small devotional serves up large portions of inspiration, challenge
and encouragement with scripture and a short devotional wisdom from well-known writers and speakers, past and present.
The volume easily fits in pocket and purse to take along for those quiet
moments that happen during the day or for those times we need a word of inspiration. The pages have a subtle flower background,
making holding and reading the book a pleasure.
SHARED BLESSINGS can be used to set the tone for the day as it encourages
us in our faith walk. A delightful gift for ourselves or a friend.
Faith element: high
CHURCHED One Kid's Journey Toward God Despite a Holy Mess By Matthew
Paul Turner ISBN 978-0-307-45801-8 WaterBrook Press Reviewed by Cynthia Hickey
Matthew Paul Turner
had a normal childhood in normal suburbia. Or so he thought. It wasn't until his family joined a fundamentalist Baptist Church
in their search for a church where God resided that he realized how wrong he was. Matthew found himself in a church full of
legalism and rules from everything from how he should dress, think, and cut his hair. This had to be the truth, right? God
lived within those four walls. From the age of four through adulthood, we live a crazy "weird" life with Matthew, until he
finds the Truth.
Funny, often poignant, CHURCHED is a book that anyone raised within a denominational church
will be able to relate to. It wasn't until adulthood, when Matthew begins to search for God with his wife, that Matthew finds
the real house that God dwells in and finds a freedom that sets him free.
High on the faith scale.
NAMED BY GOD: DISCOVERING THE POWER OF GOD'S NAMES FOR YOU 50 Meditations By
Mary Foxwell Loeks ISBN 978-0-8007-3420-6 Revell Reviewer Carrie Padgett
Named by God is 50 devotionals on different names God has bestowed on
His Beloved.
Some names are a bit generic and one-size-fits-all, such as Living Stones,
Clay, and Branches. Others were for very specific people or circumstances in the Bible. Simon Peter. Mary of Bethany. Saul
of Tarsus. Yet each name Mary Loeks talks about has plenty of application for individuals who may not feel that a particular
name could apply to them personally.
The meditations begin with a verse, and are followed by a short narrative
to reinforce the lesson behind the name. The devotional concludes with an instructional point, application questions, and
a prayer.
If you’re looking for something a bit different but with plenty
of meat and thought-provoking insights, Mary Foxwell Loeks writes her lessons with thoughtful key strokes and gracious exhortation.
Faith element: High
MOMOLOGY A Mom's Guide to Shaping Great Kids By Shelly Radic ISBN
978-0-8007-3449-7 Revell Reviewer Carrie Padgett
MOMOLOGY is perfect for the reader who must read a book straight through,
cover to cover and for the reader who prefers to dip in and look for inspiration at random.
The book is divided into four areas: being a healthy, resilient mom at
your CORE; building FINESSE and knowing what you’re capable of; building a CIRCLE of support and relationships; and,
engaging with God in a GRANDSCAPE.
Each area also has four sections that include anecdotes, field studies,
research information and comments from real moms.
MOMOLOGY is a practical, faith-based parenting book, just the kind of
guide I would have dog-eared and worn out in my child raising years.
As an empty-nester, I can look back and see the wisdom of many of Shelly
Radic’s suggestions and guidance.
Faith element: High
BLIND HOPE An Unwanted Dog & the Woman She Rescued By Kim Meeder
and Laurie Sacher ISBN 978-1-60142-281-1 Multnomah Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Laurie tried to keep up a front of being kind and good and successful,
but inside she was dying. As a Good Samaritan she would rescue a dog. She didn't know the dog would be a dog that looked bad,
smelled bad and had so many problems that she wasn't sure whether it was worth the effort to keep the dog alive. Except the
animal had a joy of life, except from the first the dog called to something in Laurie. So began a journey for Laurie and Mia
that leads into the heart of love and back to God's heart.
BLIND HOPE is more like a devotional than a biography or memoir. It is
a series of interactions between the author Kim and Laurie that focuses in on the spiritual lessons Laura learns from a very
special blind dog.
I loved this quote from page 140: ...the grass isn't greener on the other
side—it's greener where you water it.
How true. Something to keep in mind.
Faith element: high
WHY WE LOVE THEM SO: Surviving the Loss of an Animal Friend By Father
Paul A Keenan ISBN 978-1-4401-4340-3 iUniverse Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
We pet owners can be very invested in our companions. When they die,
often we're devastated. Too many pass off the grief of those who've lost a pet as unimportant. They do not understand the
depth of loss or that grieving can be every bit as difficult as when losing a human loved one.
Through personal stories of love and loss, Father Keenan in WHY WE LOVE
THEM SO shares stages of grief through loss and recovery. He understands the deep grief and helps those who've lost pets,
back to wholeness. While some of his spirituality may be metaphysical in nature, the steps to recovery are right on target
and useful for loss of human as well as loved pets.
Too often we discourage the dreams of the young, because they are young.
Most don't know history well enough to know many of the figures of history started young—like Daniel and Alexander the
Great. This books shares the stories of entrepreneurs who started before they understood the word.
Their success boils down to family support and encouragement, hard work,
passion and a desire to not only succeed, but also to help others. WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE MORE MONEY THAN YOUR PARENTS should
be in every school and every home with kids.
Note: there is a couple of incidences of mild language. This is not a
“Christian” book, but a book to help you dream big dreams and go for them—kids on up. If the kids can do
it, why can't we?
Faith element: N/A
WHAT HAPPENED TO MY LIFE? Finding New Passion, Purpose and Joy By
Donna Demetre ISBN 978-0-8007-3352-0 Revell Books Reviewer Clint Walker
Danna Demetre is the president
and founder of Women of Purpose, an outreach ministry to women. She is a well-known and well-respected teacher, especially
in women’s ministry circles. In WHAT HAPPENED TO MY LIFE? she helps women find contentment and joy in their lives.
The
first half of the book teaches about contentment, helping women manage their expectations of themselves, and to have realistic
expectations of those people in their life that they love. The other half of the book is a devotional that functions as a
workbook to help the reader make the journey from discontentment to a life of peace and joy.
I enjoyed the author’s
intentionality in both teaching wisdom, and in helping those she is trying to reach to become wiser. Demetre’s street
smarts often comes from personal failures and lessons she has learned from them. She is easy to relate to. In the process,
she encourages women to use their minds to think themselves a happier and more contented life. In the devotional workbook
section, Demetre is very practical, often giving the reader some simple steps for personal growth.
WHAT HAPPENED
TO MY LIFE? springs from the faith journey of the author. She shares her testimony of accepting Christ amidst failed expectations
of herself and of her marriage. Demetre calls the reader to reject the lies of the world, and live by the truth of Christ.
Although most readers will find the first part of the book more therapeutic in nature, the devotional half of the book shows
that the author clearly intends the reader to bring all of their troubles to the Lord.
This is an excellent book
for women of all ages. It is especially helpful for those who are nearing mid-life, are a little dissatisfied, wonder why
things don’t feel right, and are trying to figure out what to do about it.
Faith element: high.
UNTAMED How the Wild Side of Jesus Frees us to Live and Love with
Abandon By Lisa Harper ISBN 978-1-4000-7480-8 WaterBrook Press Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Who is the Jesus we worship? Often it is some meek and mild Jesus with
no power, a condemning Jesus always pointing a finger, or some variety we've shaped in our image. In other words, a Jesus
who isn't real.
In UNTAMED we find the wild and wonderful Jesus who wasn't afraid to
stand up to religious hypocrites and mingled with the hurt, the poor, the unclean. We learn of the Jesus who loves us beyond
imagination and only wants us to come and be healed with His love.
As UNTAMED points out, we don't have to dumb ourselves down as Christians
or as women to follow Christ. He lifted up women and the roles they played. He didn't tear down or consider them or their
roles as “less than.”
UNTAMED is amazingly, wonderfully freeing for women as we discover the
Jesus we can't put in a box, who isn't yawningly boring and who truly makes a difference in our lives. .
Faith element: high
OUT OF THE SPIN CYCLE Devotional By Jen Hatmaker ISBN 978-0-8007-3448-0 Revell
Reviewed by Cynthia Hickey
As mothers, women have to-do lists a mile long. They have other mothers they compare
themselves with, other women who give overwhelming advice. How does a woman balance it all? How do you fit time with God into
this list that never ends?
OUT OF THE SPIN CYCLE is a devotional for mothers whether you have one child or ten.
It leads the reader into a freedom of fellowship with God without adding another thing to be juggled. With humor and scripture,
Jen Hatmaker shows us how to obtain relief from the endless cycle of doing more, more, more.
Starting your morning with these short devotionals will help you lean
on God for support and wisdom and get your day off to the start you need.
TURN IT AROUND A Different Direction for a New Life By Frank
Santora ISBN 978-1-4165-9757-5 Howard Publishing Review by Cynthia Hickey
What can you do with your
life when there seems as if there's no way to turn? When the obstacles seem insurmountable. Turn your life around!
Life
is full of second chances. When we take the wrong road, make the wrong choice, or get hit with life's unfair punches, there
is a path to take to make it right. There is hope when things seem hopeless.
Frank Santora shows us how to turn
our life around and take a the positive way. God's way. God has a destiny for us. We need to find out what it is. Instead
of fighting against the challenges in our life, we need to find a way to make them work for us.
TURN IT AROUND
is a practical approach to life's disappointments. In easy layman language, we are led on a journey of self-discovery and
triumph.
High on the faith scale.
PLAN B What do you do when God doesn't Show Up the way you thought
He would? Includes CD By Pete Wilson ISBN 978-0-8499-4650-9 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Clint Walker
Have
you ever wondered why you have to struggle the way you do? Do you ever feel like your life isn’t the way you planned
it to be? At one point in your life did you have all your plans together and all of your “ducks in a row,” only
to have some circumstance or tragedy destroy those dreams and plans that you based your life upon? If you can say yes to any
of these questions, then you might find Pete Wilson’s PLAN B both enjoyable and helpful to read.
PLAN B
is a book for people who are seeking how to move forward when their initial hopes, plans, and dreams have been shattered by
life’s circumstances. The author does not lay out a step-by step prescriptive plan for moving forward from heartache.
Instead, Pete Wilson guides the reader through their heartache like a trail guide walking with a friend on an unfamiliar hike.
Each section of the book explains how God works through trying circumstances from a different perspective. For example, one
chapter points out the danger of languishing in disappointment. Another chapter explains to the reader how to allow God to
care for their injured soul.
PLAN B is a pleasant read. The author is conversational in tone. He is compassionate.
The book is well-researched with quotes from Christian thinkers of the past and present. If you are like me, you will not
only want to read this book for yourself, you will want to pass PLAN B on to friends and family you love.
Faith
element: high.
PEACE FOR PARENTS OF TEENS A Devotional By Beth Shriver ISBN
978-0-9824832-5-1 Sheaf House: Journey Press Reviewer Carrie Padgett
PEACE FOR PARENTS OF TEENS is a wonderful devotional book. While the
back cover says it’s specifically for parents whose teens are struggling through adolescence, it will be useful to all
parents.
The book consists of 365 devotionals, arranged into 52 groups of 7. Each
week’s readings are grouped around a theme, such as Authority, Brokenness, Faith and Hope. Each day’s selection
consists of a verse, a response-provoking question, a short homily, an inspirational quote, and a prayer designed to be said
with your teen in mind and their name inserted into the prayer.
The questions will be excellent conversation starters with your spouse
and would be a great journalling exercise. The readings are designed to be short, but there is lots of good material in there.
Parents of all ages, with children of all ages, will find PEACE FOR PARENTS
OF TEENS a great addition to their nightstand reading.
Faith element: High.
UNCOVERED: REVEALING THE SECRETS OF A SEXY MARRIAGE By Susie Davis ISBN
978-0-8007-3392-6 Revell Books Reviewer Clint Walker
Many authors write books about finding a way to have
a happier, healthier marriage. Women buy these books by the millions each year. Men purchase these books at the pace of a
few dozen each decade. Thus, author Susie Davis proves herself to be both a wise marketer and a savvy communicator by writing
a book about having a “sexy marriage” and orienting that book to women seeking a little spice to their otherwise
strong marriages.
The format of the book is very appealing. At the end of each chapter there are questions for
the reader to ponder. Following the questions, there is something the author calls the “male room”. In the “male
room” the author has asked several men to reflect on the content of each chapter by asking these men pointed questions.
The guys’ answers vary from the cliché to the painfully honest. Mrs. Davis also does a great job of grabbing the reader’s
attention by putting the chapters on sex at the beginning, and then moving on to deeper relational issues as the book progresses.
Susie
Davis is a fun author who comes across as both authentic, and as having a good sense of humor. I found myself laughing
out loud at some of the stories she shared about her marriage. She is honest about her stubbornness, the things that her husband
does that annoy her, and how they have worked through their struggles to form a happy marriage together. I found her hard
won insights about guys like myself insightful, and I found myself hoping this book would find a wide audience.
Faith
element: high.
DAD'S BIBLE (New Century Version) The Father's Plan Notes by Robert
Wolgemuth ISBN 978-0-7180-1942-6 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
This is as impressive as the MOM'S BIBLE, except, of course, this one
is geared for fathers. DAD'S BIBLE has a rugged quality to the pages that draw Dad in with helps, explanations and notes of
encouragement. Right from the beginning, I was drawn in by the point that Adam was a wimp who folded under pressure, instead
of doing what was right. This “Dads in the Bible” portion, shows the incredible privilege of leadership a father
has been given. Later we get a comment on Eli as an absentee Dad who put “serving” God above being there for his
family, and the result.
DAD'S BIBLE includes insights and commentary on passages showing how
a Dad can have the courage and the strength to stand up for what is right...and take his family with him. Fathering advice
gleaned from Biblical passages is practical and doable.
Commentary shows how Dads can raise Godly, caring children by drawing
near to the Father and following Christ's example in loving his kids.
While the Bible study guide THE FATHER'S PLAN written as a companion
to this Bible is great, DAD'S BIBLE itself is like have a Bible, a devotional and a parenting guide all in one.
As the Insights segment on page 945 states: Being a good dad always starts
with being a humble servant...arrogance always makes men lonely and miserable.
And as with MOM'S BIBLE, loved the Q&A section to help dad answer
those questions asked by inquiring minds.
A real winner. Highly recommended.
Faith element: high, of course
THE FATHER'S PLAN A Bible Study for Dads By Robert Wolgemuth ISBN
978-1-4185-4305-1 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
While this Bible study references the DAD'S BIBLE, any Bible version
can be used with this study as to what a Dad is and the role he can play in the lives of his children. This book really brings
home the importance of being a Dad and gives practical ways Dad can be the father the kids need—spiritually and every
other way.
From page 72: ...when we consider the many roles every father has to
play...the task can seem nearly impossible. But don't let your gaze stop with the job description; let it go far beyond that.
Look instead for the fresh perspective that comes with knowing God is with you and that He has promised to strengthen you,
and fit you—get it?--for the task ahead.
A study I wish every Dad would go through.
Faith element: high
FORGED IN FAITH How Faith Shaped the Birth of the Nation 1607-1776 By
Rod Gragg ISBN 978-1-4165-9629-5 Howard Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
In one of my newspaper columns, I dealt with our faith-based founding.
My column was inspired by a letter to the editor from a professor who claimed otherwise. It amazes me how twisted and revisionist
history has become and what is being taught to our children and grandchildren in some public schools.
FORGED IN FAITH takes us back to the beginning and brick by brick builds
the case that, indeed, America was based on the principles of the Christian faith and that our foundations were solid, because
they were built on the belief that God is our highest authority. The author is careful to document his conclusions.
Though much primary material is used, the book is not ponderous, but
a refreshingly practical, effortless read. My copy is well marked and has already inspired another column.
This is one book that is a must for every public, school, church and
home library. I'd like every school child to have access to the truth about America.
Faith element: high
Highly recommended.
THE NEW ATHEISM 10 Arguments that Don't Hold Water By Michael
Poole ISBN 978-0-7459-5393-9 Lion Hudson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Poole takes the arguments of several well-known atheistic scientists
on how God cannot exist and, through their own logic, shows how the arguments just don't “hold water” or anything
else. Often these scientists confuse the process with the act, they twist reality and stretch credibility.
While many scientist have been led to a position of faith because of
their work and because their work reveals an ordered universe, others refuse to see anything beyond their own dogmatic perceptions.
They put themselves in a box and stop allowing the evidence to lead--as it will if a person has an open mind.
THE NEW ATHEISM gives the Christian, especially students, more than a
leg to stand on in their exchanges with teachers/professors.
I was disappointed at the author's dismissal of ID and young-earth creationism--his
own blind spot maybe. However, THE NEW ATHEISM has valuable insights for those who find themselves wondering about or dealing
with the issues of God and creation.
ONE TOUCH FROM THE MAKER (2nd Edition) Compiled by Pat W Kirk ISBN
978-0-97776522-5 Puckett Brown Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Think “Cup of Comfort” or “Chicken Soup” books
and you have some idea of this book. ONE TOUCH FROM THE MAKER contains stories of people in crisis and how they found comfort
and healing through God's intervention and grace. These are not a pat “everyone is healed” or “everything
is all right” stories.
Yes, there are stories of healing and amazing “coincidences”
of God's intervention. But there are others stories of great personal and family tragedy and how God worked in those situations
as well.
Unlike the book series mentioned above, ONE TOUCH FROM THE MAKER fits
into pocket or purse. The stories are real, drawing the reader into the arms of a God of love.
Faith element: medium to high
GOING ROGUE By Sarah Palin ISBN 978-0-06-193989-1 Harper Collins Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Most of what you've heard in the national media about Sarah Palin is
trash talk with very little substance or reality. Unfortunately, too many in the national media are more interested in seeking
attention-getting “sound bites” than in truth, especially for those of a different political persuasion (read
Conservative/Christian).
Like Sarah herself, GOING ROGUE is a down-to-earth, common sense telling
of her story. She is a woman who values faith, family and freedom. It is that simple. Everything she does is founded on those
three core beliefs.
If you want the true “scoop” on how opponents and the media
trashed her and her family in really despicable ways, destroyed her effectiveness as a governor, after the election, and how
even truth can be twisted when clips are taken out of context and announced with subtle, but false, implications, read the
book.
Sarah has a way of staying positive, even under very awful circumstances,
circumstances that would have made me certainly consider some nasty acts of revenge. She appreciates her faith, her family,
her friends and the opportunities she has been given. She loves her state, her country and people of all stripes.
The first chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book, a bit slow
going, but necessary foundation. With each chapter the book gets better and by the end I wanted to stand up and give a “shout
out” not to Sarah Palin, but to America.
Well worth the time and effort to read.
MOM'S BIBLE (New Century Version) God's Wisdom for Mothers Notes
by Bobbie Wolgemuth ISBN 978-1-4185-3788-3 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
As a reviewer, I don't have the luxury of savoring the books I review.
I succeed because I can speed-read and turn around a book review quickly. Usually, that isn't a problem. With this Bible it
is. I love the “feel” of the MOM'S BIBLE. There is a soft “feel” to the easy-on-the-eyes ivory pages.
The edges have a sculpted look as though someone took time to make the book extra special.
There is so much to the MOM'S BIBLE. Each chapter has an introductory
segment explaining the basics of the book. There are passages to help moms grow in their faith walk, to help them grow as
moms and help them “Walk in Joy.” The version of the Bible used, The New Century Version, reads without struggle
and still feels like God's Word—not the newspaper. The tips, information, helps, enlighten and broaden our understanding
of the passages, always from a mother's point of view.
In the beginning .Pg. 2: ...have you considered that God's loving generosity
includes the gift of setting boundaries.
Pg. 4: ...work was God's idea. It wasn't the result of sin...
Pg. 965: Insights into Joel uses the tornado shelter as an example. That's
an example to which I can relate. We in tornado country know what room to go to when the sirens sound. God is also our place
of shelter.
Pg. 1027: In a work this complicated, hard to find all the little things
that crop up. Did find this “God has planned every regnancy” ...a misprint of pregnancy, but a concept we need
to hear.
At the end of the MOM'S BIBLE, I loved the section of questions and answers.
Those kids know how to stump us with questions we're often not equipped to answer without some study. This section asks those
questions and provides the answer. When Mom is asked the question, she can flip to this section and have the answer.
This was quite a project. It was worth the time and effort. I wish I'd
had this Bible when my kids were small.
So when will a Bible like this be released for Grandparents or for the
single gal?
Highly recommended.
GOD'S WISDOM FOR A MOTHER'S HEART A Bible Study for Moms By
Bobbie Wolgemuth ISBN 978-1-4185-4304-4 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
While this directly correlates to the MOM'S BIBLE, this Bible study can
be use with any Bible. The information at the beginning is helpful and encouraging. There are tips for using the study and
tips for leaders. The study itself is very hands on and interactive and even has activities to do with the family.
Scripture passages are the foundation of the questions and suggestions
offered. Topics include priorities (we mothers usually have problems with this one), prayers, discipline, obedience, Godly
character and more. These studies are not just to help us as mothers grow in Godly character, but how we can instill God's
character in our children as well.
There are things to learn, do, review and remember as well as fun activities.
If we don't deal with our own problems, they will and do effect the lives
of our children. I hadn't really thought that through before. When I don't deal with my problems—jealousy, bitterness,
etc—my children will most likely mirror and magnify my problems. Good motivation to deal with them.
I liked the idea of praying each child's name through the love chapter
of I Corinthians 13.
I'm almost ready to gather a group of women and start using this study.
Excellent. Faith element: high.
FREE BOOK By Brian Tome ISBN 978-0-8499-2006-6 Thomas
Nelson Reviewed by Cynthia Hickey
America, land of the brave and home of the free. But is it? Society
puts many demands on people; to be a certain way, live a certain lifestyle, look a certain way. What is true freedom?
FREE
BOOK shows us the way to true freedom in God's Word. Using scripture and practical application, Brian Tome shows us the difference
between strongholds that lead us down the wrong path and the road God wants us to travel.
He shows us that religion is not a list of rules to keep us in a box,
but a relationship that allows us to be who God created us to be. That is true freedom.
360° LIFE By Billy Joe Daugherty ISBN 978-0-307-45932-9 Waterbrook
Press Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Who are we in Christ? This is answered in 360° LIFE, which deals with
overcoming fear and anxiety, how to make a difference, the power of our words, hearing God's voice, restoration and more.
With a style that draws in the reader, the author draws us to Christ with each new chapter. He uses information, examples
as well as personal stories and stories of others to bring home his points.
360° LIFE is very readable and filled with Scripture that helps us find
out who we are in Christ and how we can live lives of joy and fulfillment.
It's not about living for yourself.
Pg. 35 God sends you in exactly the opposite direction to find fulfillment.
When his love floods your life, you naturally begin to ask, What can I give of my life to help someone else? Fulfillment comes
when you discover the divine purpose for which you were born! Once you discover the passion God planted inside of you and
you connect your purpose and passion with the opportunity to touch another person's life, supernatural joy is unleashed!
Pg. 43 ..God made each of us special. Stop comparing yourself
with others. Stop discounting what God counts precious—your life. Remember that somebody needs your
love right where you are—someone whom God has appointed for you to touch!
Pg. 100 People who don't value themselves generally don't value other
people properly either. ...He (God) loves you and values you for who you are.
This is a book that should be read, savored, reread, discussed and shared.
Highly recommended.
Faith element: high
MY BANGS LOOK GOOD AND OTHER LIES I TELL MYSELF The Tired Supergirl's
Search for Truth By Susanna Foth Aughtmon ISBN 978-0-8007-3418-3 Revell Books Reviewer Casey Pitts
Lies are pervasive in our culture: God doesn’t care. I am in Control.
I can’t be real with God. Can I really know that God loves me?
Susanna Foth Aughtmon launches a head-on attack against the lies we tell
ourselves and defeats those lies with truth from the Word of God. Conversational, relevant language speaks volumes to women
as they face exhaustion from being “supergirls.” Imagine a stand-up comedian/group therapist tackling your deepest
fears, then replacing them with reassurance.
Struggling with doubt? Give the enemy some Scriptural sassy-ness. Think
you have to hide from God? Get real!
This is not just one more formula, one more checklist to be a better
Christian. Engaging thought provoking questions and memorable word pictures will make you laugh and cry and want to kick yourself
all at the same time. The truth will change your life.
HIS BATTLE God's Plan for Victory By Jacob A Shepherd with
Sheri Rose Shepherd ISBN 978-0-8007-1923-4 Revell Books Reviewer Clint Walker
Everyone has felt discouraged at one point or another in their spiritual
journey. HIS BATTLE is a book written for men who are seeking a devotional guide to encourage them to stand strong in their
faith. The book is written in fifty sections. Each section includes a fictional letter from God to the reader. Then, the reader
turns the page and reads a prayer for him from the authors of the book. On the opposite side of each entry are Scripture passages
that correspond to the letters and prayers.
As one reads through HIS BATTLE, it becomes apparent that the book is
not so much to be read through as to be savored. Each day, a person could read one letter and one prayer and feel like they
have had their life-coach give them their spiritual pep-talk for the day. The text of this book is challenging, encouraging,
and inspires whoever reads it to be strong and stay strong in the Lord. It would be an excellent gift book for a father, husband,
brother or son on a special occasion.
Faith Element: 10/High
FROM BUDDHA TO JESUS An Insider's View of Buddhism and Christianity By
Steve Cioccolanti ISBN 978-1-85424-956-2 Monarch Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
What we know about Buddhism is mostly hearsay and the Westernized revisionist
practices of this religion. Buddha himself was a seeker of truth and his words often mirror our own truths of the Ten Commandments
and other Biblical passages. The author Cioccolanti, a former Buddhist, through stories, and teachings of Buddhism, shares
what the founder actually taught.
Cioccolanti shows how American ideas of Karma are not at all what is
taught in actual Buddhism. Karma in its most basic form is sin. We sin and all our good deeds cannot make up for the sin or
Karma we accumulate. Buddha made it clear he was not god and wanted no one to worship him. In fact, this man who lived 500
years before Christ, pointed his own disciples to someone who would one day come to take that sin.
Buddhism is about escaping suffering, not about bringing about peace—something
not possible in the world today because of sin, because of Karma.
Cioccolanti questions the role of reincarnation in Buddhism today. Since
Buddha turned away from from Hinduism with its many gods and reincarnation, the author believes that reincarnation became
part of the mix as Buddhists intermingled with the people around them and incorporated beliefs not sanctioned by Buddha himself.
The main point of this book is that by using their own beliefs, Buddhists
can be led to the one who can offer a way out of their suffering, a way to hope. An excellent book that certainly changed
my knowledge base and my perspective.
Recommended for every Christian. We need to understand and share truth
with those who talk about Karma and other beliefs they think stem from the Buddhist religion.
Faith element: High
THE SELFLESS GENE Living with God and Darwin By Charles Foster ISBN
978-0-8499-4654-7 Thomas Nelson Reviewed by Cynthia Hickey
We're bombarded by two main ideologies today.
Creation or Darwin. Which is true? Must we choose just one, or see the truth in both? Not a light read, THE SELFLESS GENE
compares these two principles with indepth study into each.
Darwin saw the unpleasant in the world, the bacteria
that feeds on its host, not realizing the purpose and creativity behind the organism, thus disputing that a benevolent God
could have created said creature. THE SELFLESS GENE helps explain God's reasoning behind even the most malevolent life form,
rather than Darwin's claim that God would have to be a brutal rather than a loving Heavenly Father.
If you're
a scientist, or enjoy scientific reading that digs deep into the earth's living organisms, human and otherwise, this book
is a must read.
HOW DO YOU TUCK IN A SUPERHERO? And Other Delightful Mysteries of
Raising Boys By Rachel Balducci ISBN 978-0-8007-3372-8 Revell Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
My best friend and I had our first children two months and one day apart.
I had a boy. She had a girl. She never understood how Chris could go all day without stopping or why he had to dump every
toy out of the toy box before finding something with which to play. Her daughter neatly took one toy out at a time. She didn't
understand until her second...and her third...children were boys. Boys are wired differently. I know this even more now that
I have three grandchildren—two of them boys.
Raising any child is a challenge, but raising boys usually means raising
the roof—unless you want to raise wimps and unless you want to destroy what makes a man courageous and protective.
Through personal experiences, the author of HOW DO YOU TUCK IN A SUPERHERO?
shares how to deal with raising boys, raising them with joy, with faith and to be the men God created them to be. The book
is practical and humorous and right on. It takes away that sigma that just because your boys have lots of energy and can think
up dangerous activities faster than either parent can forbid stunts that aren't even on their wildest imagination, doesn't
make you a bad parent.
A book for every parent raising boys.
Faith element: low
A JOYFUL MARRIAGE FORTRESS Building and Restoring Joy-Filled Marriages
and Families By Terry Scerine ISBN 978-1-60696-951-9 Tate Publishing Reviewer Carrie Padgett
A JOYFUL MARRIAGE FORTRESS is a manual for restoring Biblical marriage.
Scerine asserts that the breakdown of families and marriages can be traced
to women with a Jezebel spirit who refuse to give their husbands the honor and respect God’s word commands. He uses
numerous Bible verses to back up his position and also points out the man’s responsibility in the marriage as well.
The author is careful to identify the difference between being an authority
and a bully. He makes it clear that women are not to remain in abusive situations where they or their children’s physical
and/or mental health and safety is at risk.
Scerine lays his groundwork well and does a good job asserting positions
he knows will draw fire from both within and out of the faith community.
Faith element: High. Scripture quotes are plentiful throughout.
APPARENT DANGER The Pastor of America's First Megachurch and the Texas
Murder Trial of the Decade in the 1920's By David Stokes ISBN 978-1-935456-11-7 Bascom Hill Books Reviewer Carolyn
R Scheidies
APPARENT DANGER, the true story of manipulation, arrogance, murder and
faith. Texas is big and bold and fit the image of preacher J. Frank Norris. You don't mess with J. Frank Norris, even when
he caused waves.
Was the flamboyant Fundamentalist preacher really defending himself when
an angry D. E. Chipps marched into his office or was the killing murder most foul?
Well researched, well documented and, while not an easy read, a very
interesting one.
DUETS Still In the Word...Still In the Mood A devotional for couples By
John & Anita Renfroe David Cook Publishing ISBN: 978-1-4347-6543-7 Reviewed by Cynthia Hickey
The
Song of Solomon, the most romantic book in the Bible. Add DUETS to that, and you've got the tools to keep things shaking in
your marriage. Full of scripture references and Bible couples as examples, DUETS takes married couples on a sure-fire way
to put zing back into your romance. Make your marriage, fun, exciting, and sexy. Whether you've been married one year or fifty,
these devotions and exercises will have couples looking forward to their next devotion time.
This book is not
just about romance, but also ways to make you closer as a couple. It helps you reach out to others, in return, enriching your
own life together. God did not intend a man and woman to be solely alone, but to reach out and share their love with others.
DUETS belongs on the nightstand of every married couple.
I WISH YOU ENOUGH By Bob Perks ISBN 978-1-4041—8763-4 Thomas
Nelson Reviewer Carrie Padgett
I WISH YOU ENOUGH by Bob Perks is a gift book based on an inspirational
piece of writing.
The book is divided into segments such as, “I wish you enough sun
to keep your attitude bright,” and “I wish you enough loss to appreciate all you possess.” Each has several
stories and quotes pertaining to its topic.
The anecdotes are drawn from the author’s work as a motivational
and inspirational speaker and are about loss, good-byes, even depression. Rather than being gloomy, each tale reinforces the
central theme about developing appreciation for even the hard things in life. Perks reminds us to be grateful for the good
and to acknowledge them as blessings.
I WISH YOU ENOUGH is a small, hardcover book designed to be dipped into
and savored, like a warm cup of comfort on a dark and cold day.
Faith element: high. Stories are interwoven with homilies and verses.
DOCTOR JESUS The Doctor who knows no bounds By Dr. Robert Peprah-Gyamfi ISBN
978-0-9564734-0-0 Thank You Jesus Books Reviewer Clint Walker
So often we read through the miracles we see in Scripture and take them
for granted. For instance, very few of us give much thought to exactly what Jesus is doing on a biological and cellular level
when he heals someone. In DOCTOR JESUS, Dr. Peprah-Gyamfi does not let his readers skim over any of the miracles of Jesus
and the early church. Instead, he takes away the mystery behind diseases, and gives a visual picture of how Doctor Jesus is
performing his healing work.
Dr. Peprah-Gyamfi begins by discussing the miracle of the Virgin Birth.
From there, he finds different kinds of health conditions that Jesus healed. With each health condition, he shares the possibilities
of the causes of the particular ailment, and thus what Jesus would have to do biologically to heal them.
Once finished discussing the healings of Jesus, the author also discusses
the resuscitation of people from the dead, including the raising of Lazarus. As Dr. Peprah-Gyamfi shares about this, he goes
into vivid detail on how the body would have decayed after the people died and before Jesus raised them. Then, the author
discusses the death and resurrection of Christ.
After talking about the resurrection of Christ, DOCTOR JESUS puts its
focus on healings in the early church and today. This is the climax of the book. What Jesus did while he was on the earth,
Jesus can do today through his followers.
DOCTOR JESUS is thought-provoking book. It is; however, difficult to
read. Much of the writing comes across as disjointed and awkward. If readers can get past the stylistic issues, they will
be rewarded. This is especially true if readers have an interest in biology, human anatomy, or medicine.
Faith Element: High
FATHER FICTION: Chapters For A Fatherless Generation By Donald Miller ISBN
978-1-4391-6916-2 Howard Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
We live in a culture where fathers are often not valued in a family setting.
Too many fathers have walked away, never been there for their families, or are so caught up in work and other pursuits they
seldom interact in a meaningful way.
Donald Miller, author of BLUE LIKE JAZZ, has written about his experience
with an absentee father and the scars it left on his life and his soul. Lacking affirmation as a man, he grew bitter and hurt
and angry. In telling his story, Miller shares his heart and hurt with so many other young men. He also shares what makes
a man and how to overcome the lack of a positive male role model father.
I was not happy with his use of “sh...” in the Introduction.
I see no need for such language in a book meant to share faith. The book also uses the anatomical term for the male part several
times, not in a graphic way, but to get his point across. It is startling and unexpected, but should not keep someone from
reading this book.
This book has unexpected depth and is a real need for the many men questioning
if they are men, wondering if being a “real” man is some sort of club, and curious how to become a man worthy
of love and acceptance.
Faith element: medium to high. Recommended.
WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO PRAY By Linda Evans Shepherd ISBN 978-0-8007-3313-1 Revell
Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Sometimes we're broken, angry, frustrated and don't think God is listening,
don't think He cares and won't do anything to help. But the problem isn't God. Sometimes it is what we believe about God,
how we approach Him and our problems or that we give up because we hurt so much.
God can't be bossed around. God isn't a Sugar Daddy waiting to do
our bidding. He doesn't follow our plans or time schedule. And He can't be tied up in a nice little box.
What He is, is the God of all the universe. He is Creator, Lord and
Savior. And He has a plan and a purpose for our lives that is often very different from our own. Most of all God loves
us so much He died for us.
Prayer is interaction with this God who cares, and it is a two-way communication.
We need to come to God with an attitude of seeking, listening and with a willingness to follow His leading. But hearing God's
voice takes a commitment to know Him and His Word. We need to trust God even when we can't see the way and know God doesn't
give us answers that will have us doing things contrary to His principles.
In WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO PRAY, Linda shares through Scripture and
her own experiences, what prayer is and is not, how, what and when to pray and how to find the answers we seek. WHEN YOU DON'T
KNOW WHAT TO PRAY is a book that lifts up and draws us nearer to the One who desires our best.
An excellent resource.
Faith element: Very high! Recommended.
REMBRANDT By Greg Watts ISBN 978-0-8254-7925-0 Lion Books: Kregel
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
In his book REMBRANDT, ISBN 978-0-8254-7925-0, Lion Books: Kregel, author
Greg Watts, draws from historians, other artists and contemporary records to build a portrait of the artist Rembrandt. Most
of those who've research the subject, tentatively place the birth of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn July 15, 1606. Rembrandt
was born in Leiden Netherlands.
This book takes us on a journey of his life, a life filled with ups and
downs, of growing popularity and arrogance as well as losing his influence with the royal court and learning humility. He
studied with great artists and mentored others. He married, lost babies in infancy and often struggled financially because
he didn't handle his finances well.
In a time of deep division between different protestant sects, between
protestants and Catholics and Jews, Rembrandt showed remarkable tolerance, partly due to coming from a home where one parent
was protestant and one Catholic.
His paintings, over and over, dealt with the subjects of repentance,
grace and forgiveness.
While there is still controversy over some of his paintings, controversy
to how many paintings in existence can be attributed to him, even controversy about aspects of his life, it is clear Rembrandt
made an impact on the world of art. Those who've viewed his paintings, especially his Biblically themed paintings, come away
with a deeper appreciation not only for the artist but for His insight into the human condition.
A thoughtful, readable, well-researched book that gives depth to the
man Rembrandt and to his remarkable paintings that still impact today.
MOTHER TERESA Faith in the Darkness By Greg Watts ISBN 978-0-8254-7870-3 Lion Hudson: Kregel Review
by Cynthia Hickey
"We can do no great things; only small things with great love." Mother Teresa was famous for
her humble quotes and un-expiring love for the hurting people of this world. Often putting her own life in danger, Mother
Teresa would storm the battlefronts, invade poverty and disease-ridden countries, and bring love to those who hurting. She
rarely asked for anything in return, doing all this for the love of the God who saved her.
MOTHER TERESA is a
history book of full-color photos, taking us from the moment Mother Teresa left the convent to follow God's call, until her
death. A woman whose heart and faith was unquestionable, larger than the universe, and full of heaven's light. A must read
for history buffs and those who yearn to know a humble woman.
A 10 on the faith scale.
THE TWILIGHT GOSPEL The Spiritual roots of Stephenie Meyer's Vampire Sage By Dave Roberts ISBN 978-1-85424-976-0 Monarch
Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
The Twilight Gospel Provides a Resource for Parents Questioning the Twilight
Vampire Series. Is the Twilight Vampire Series Harmful for Your Teen?
Many concerned parents wonder about Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series
of vampire books, not to mention the movies. The Twilight Gospel by Dave Roberts will help sort through the good and
the bad about this series.
J. S. BACH By Calvin Stapert ISBN 978-0-8254-6333-4 Lion Books:
Kregel Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
J. S. Bach was born in 1685 into a large, already established, musical
family. He also knew loss, losing his parents by the age of ten as well as close relatives. But others took him in and he
grew in his musical knowledge, showing exceptional ability.
Bach never lived all that far from home, did not travel widely—though
his compositions have traveled not only around the world, but also through time. His music still speaks to individuals and
audiences today.
What was he seeking to convey with much of his music? Page 154: ...he
saw music as a powerful rhetorical art for conveying the truth of the gospel. Overarching it all, he saw music as an art to
glorify God.
He had every reason not to believe. He lost relatives, he lost his first
wife and many of his children died young, and yet he believed and lived the faith he was taught as a youth. He loved God,
his work, and his family. Unlike many other musicians before and after, Bach did not live a wild life. At heart he was an
ordinary man with an extraordinary gift who built his life on faith.
Had he wallowed in sorrow, Bach's story would have been so different.
But, as the author of J. S. BACH points out using Bach's life, biography and musical compositions as illustrations, here was
a man who trusted God's grace no matter what and allowed God to use him to create some of the most profound and moving music
the world have ever known.
This is an excellent read, a great resource and a book that should be
in every school and library.
Faith element: high
AS LONG AS WE BOTH SHALL LIVE Experience the Marriage You've Always
Wanted By Gary Smalley and Ted Cunningham ISBN: 978-0-8307-4680-4 Regal Books Review By Cynthia Hickey
It's
your wedding day. Your heart is full of dreams. Everything is perfect, the honeymoon is magical, and you're off to begin your
new life together. Then reality slowly seeps in between the cracks. You realize this person you married comes with dreams
of their own--and baggage. When the little ones arrive you discover your parenting skills couldn't be more different than
your spouse's. How can you make this marriage all you want it to be?
In AS LONG AS WE BOTH SHALL LIVE, Gary Smalley
and Ted Cunningham show us how to leave our past where it belongs and look forward to a brighter future. If you've been married
for any length of time, you know how different men and women are; both physically and emotionally. Smalley and Cunningham
help us decipher, and appreciate, these differences. Set your expectations high, and use this book as a guide and Scripture
as a map to help you and your spouse make your marriage the best!
FOXE'S CHRISTIAN MARTYRS Abridged Christian Classics By John Foxe ISBN
978-1-60260-857-3 Barbour Publishing Review by Cynthia Hickey
In today's world, martyrs in America are
few and far between, but in the early world of Christianity, matters were far different. Early Christians were raised on stories
of the brave people who died in God's name. Even though we may not be called to this purpose today, the stories of the brave
ones who've gone before should be an example of the strength of God's love.
Updated in today's language, FOXE'S
CHRISTIAN MARTYRS belongs on every Christian's bookshelf as an example of to-the-death faith. What our ancestors were called
to do in His name. This book is not for pleasure reading, but rather for a deep searching of how strong our love for our Heavenly
Father is. With dozens of stories, there is bound to be one that will strike at your heart.
A ten on the faith
scale.
A BASKET OF GEMS A collection of wise, witty and wonderful quotes
and anecdotes Compiled by Mark Stibbe ISBN 978-0-8254-6319-8 Monarch Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
A BASKET OF GEMS contains, in alphabetical order, any number of subjects
from Age and Anger, through Fear and Hope to Wisdom, Worship and Zeal. The tone is British and the content ranges from
serious and spiritual to “off the wall” puns, anecdotes and jokes. There are quotes from modern and historical
figures and bits that have made the rounds of the Internet. Not everything is “politically correct.” Whimsical
cartoons embellish the subjects presented.
Pg. 94: The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good
men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it. --Theodore Roosevelt.
Pg. 117: I believe in my heart that faith in Jesus Christ can and will
lead us beyond an exclusive concern for the well-being of other human beings to the broader concern for the well-being of
the birds in our backyards, the fish in our rivers, and every living creature on the face of the earth. --John Wesley (1703-91)
Many of the pieces would add to a talk, a sermon or a newsletter, though
because of the restrictive copyright, permission would have to be asked for and granted before such usage. It might be worth
the effort.
Faith element: low/medium
IF GOD IS GOOD: FAITH IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING AND EVIL By Randy
Alcorn ISBN 978-1-60142-132-6 Multnomah Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
In IF GOD IS GOOD, Randy Alcorn delves into the age-old question of the
problem of evil and suffering and God’s goodness. It is a meaty book, delving into issues such as false philosophies
that attempt to diminish God to reconcile apparent contradictions, the problem of goodness for an unbeliever, the origins
of evil, why God permits suffering, and so on.
Throughout the book, Alcorn stresses the importance of having a solid,
Biblical worldview in relation to evil and suffering so that our faith will not waver in times of trial. He provides ample
Scripture and theological discussion along with personal stories of those who have battled through suffering and hardship
and grown deeper in faith. At the end, he provides a large index of Scripture along with a topical index for deeper study
and consideration. At all times, he emphasizes the goodness of God.
While I don't agree with every conclusion Alcorn draws, overall, this
is a valuable resource on a difficult subject that will go a long way toward giving understanding of what the Bible says about
evil, suffering, and God's goodness.
HIS PRINCESS WARRIOR Love Letters for Strength from Your Lord By
Jacob A Shepherd with Sheri Rose Shepherd ISBN 978-0-8007-1922-7 Revell Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
I loved the format of HIS PRINCESS WARRIOR. The book is compact enough
to fit in a purse, but still fits nicely in the hand for reading. HIS PRINCESS WARRIOR has short “Love Letters”
on such subjects as The Power of Your Prayers, A Cry for Help, Battlefield of the Mind, Truth is Your Armor and many, many
more. Each letter includes a Scripture verse culled from a variety of versions. The background has muted colors and soft photos
that draw in the eye while the “Love Letters” and the Scripture draw in the heart.
HIS PRINCESS WARRIOR is a small volume packing a huge punch of spiritual
truth and encouragement for the battle we face each day.
Faith element: high.
A great way to start the day. Recommended.
300+ SIZZLING ICEBREAKERS By Michael Puffett and Blair Mundell ISBN
978-0-8254-6318-1 Monarch Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
This book has a wealth of icebreakers to spice up church, youth and discussion
groups. There are single activities and themed evenings. There are silly icebreakers and those that lead into deeper discussions.
There are openings provided for dealing with serious, even controversial subjects, and to do so Biblically.
The icebreakers range from old favorites and new twists on old favorites
to new and different activities. The book is British, so there is some minor deciphering to do with numbers, etc, but nothing
major.
Need one activity to kick off your event or are looking for the whole
program, 300+ SIZZLING ICEBREAKERS might just be the answer you're looking for. A good resource for the large or small church.
Faith element: medium
BECOMING YOUR SPOUSE'S BETTER HALF Why Differences Make a Marriage
Great By Rick Johnson ISBN 978-0-8007-3250-9 Revell Books Reviewed by Cynthia Hickey
The old adage
of opposites attract may not be as far off the mark as some people think. We meet someone of the opposite sex, we're attracted
to them, we form a relationship, get married, etc., then reality sets in. We're completely different! Instead of celebrating
these differences, some people pull apart and dissolve something that, with a little work, could be beautiful. Who wants a
cookie-cutter marriage?
God designed men and women to be different for a reason. He designed us to complete our
other half. In BECOMING YOUR SPOUSE'S BETTER HALF, Rick Johnson points out these wonderful differences and shows us ways to
celebrate them. He takes us into the physical and emotional make-up of men and women and shows us why we are the way we are
and how to celebrate the wonderful way we're different. This book should be on every married couple's nightstand.
BLESSINGS FOR A BABY GIRL Written & Compiled by Sophia Piper Illustrations
Caroline Williams ISBN 978-0-8254-7915-1 A Lion Children's Book
BLESSINGS FOR A BABY BOY Written & Compiled by Sophia Piper Illustrations
Caroline Williams ISBN 978-0-8254-7914-4 A Lion Children's Book
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Through verse, both new and traditional, these books offer blessings
for the new little one, along with appropriate illustrations, as well as color—pink or blue. Illustrations are simple
and whimsical and just right for a book mother will want to read by herself and to that little one. There is even a place
for a picture.
These books would make a lovely addition to any baby shower gift.
50 WAYS TO FEEL GREAT TODAY Keys to Beating stress, Worry, and the
Blues By David B Biebel, Dmin; James E Dill, MD; Bobbie Dill, RN ISBN 978-0-8007-3291-2 Revell Books Reviewer
Elisabeth H. Bantz
David B. Biebel, DMin, is a minister, an award-winning author, a health
educator, and editor of Today’s Christian Doctor. James E. Dill, MD, and Bobbie Dill, RN, were among the first husband-wife
Christian medical teams to help establish a truly holistic medical practice. These authors offer personal expertise as well
as practical tips for beating stress, worry and the blues.
Starting with “A” (Accentuate the Positives in Yourself),
to “W” (Watch an Inspiring Movie), they work through the alphabet giving practical ways to refresh your perspective.
Some suggestions are seasonally specific, like Go Fishing, Fly a Kite, Work in Your Garden, and Go to a Water Park, but there
are plenty that are sure to brighten any day of the year, like Count Your Blessings, Do Something Spontaneous, Make Someone
Laugh, or Decorate Something.
The chapters are short, just long enough to entice you to step beyond
your blahs. Not every suggestion will fit everyone, nor do the authors expect it. But doing the ones you like will take your
mind off problems long enough to see life with new eyes. And that is their objective.
Easy to read. And fun. Faith element: light; low.
THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL Why Many Christians Will Not Make Heaven By
Bill Fonte ISBN 978-0-9819067-0-6 Ranell Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
We live in a culture of easy grace. Accept Jesus and get a free pass
to heaven. Churches often function more as social clubs than a hospital for the hurting to find healing, forgiveness and hope.
We also live in a culture where what we say we believe often isn't backed up by actions.
Yes, the author points out, we come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ
through grace, what Jesus did on the cross, but it isn't enough to “come as you are” unless you leave that person
at the altar. Salvation is about repentance, about change, about being new in Christ and letting Him make us whole, holy and
new creatures who put Him first and foremost.
Pg. 37: “Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more
than going to a fast food restaurant makes you a hamburger. Christians are known by their love –the love of Christ.”
If we truly know Him, we will love and reach out to others regardless
of denomination, race, color or status.
Works won't bring us to Christ, says the author, but works after coming
to Christ, is an indication of where we are in Christ. If we truly know Him, truly follow Him, what we say and do will reflect
that, will reflect who controls our heart, thoughts and behavior.
This is a small volume, but it cuts to the core of much of what passes
as Christianity today and what must surely grieve our Heavenly Father. This would make a good guide for Bible Study groups.
Faith element: High
66 LOVE LETTERS FROM GOD By Dr. Larry Crabb ISBN 978-0-8499-1966-4 Thomas
Nelson Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Have you ever wanted to know for certain what every book of the Bible is meant
to tell you? Have you wanted a private conversation with God in order to ask questions and receive a direct answer?
66
LOVE LETTERS, A Conversation with God That Invites You into His Story, does exactly that. Dr. Crabb has composed a book that
lets you talk to God about every one of books of the Bible. Feeling exactly like you're sitting across the table from God,
coffee in your hand, asking probing questions and receiving direct answers. This book is one of the most informative devotionals
I've had the pleasure of reading.
Even the "dry" books of the Bible leap off the page when presented as a love
letter from God. The most boring sections rendered comprehensible as God tells you exactly what He wants you to glean from
His story. A must for every Christian's shelf.
JESUS CAREER COUNSELOR How to Find (and Keep) Your Perfect Work By
Laurie Beth Jones ISBN: 978-1-4391-4906-5 Howard Publishing Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
God wants us to
go before him with every decision of our lives. How much more so when we are seeking a job that we will spend forty hours
or more a week doing? Do you sit behind a desk wondering why you're there? Have you jumped at job only to find yourself miserable?
Jesus
is the ultimate counselor. Seek him to find your talents. Ask him to find the perfect job for you, then be happy in the career
you have both chosen.
In JESUS CAREER COUNSELOR, Laurie Beth Jones will help you find your talents, what type
of job you're looking for, then lead you to the feet of Christ in order to petition Him. To often we find ourselves leaping
ahead without waiting for guidance.
JESUS CAREER COUNSELOR, uses examples from God's Word of people who leaped
ahead, and people who waited. God has a plan for us. Let's wait and see what wonder He has in store!
VALENTINE PROMISES Heartfelt reminders of true love By LeAnn Weiss ISBN
978-0-8307-4695-8 Regal Books Review by Cynthia Hickey
February; the month of love. Valentine's Day, a
time for romance and starry eyes. But were we intended to express our love once a year or to celebrate it every moment?
In
VALENTINE PROMISES you'll be swept away by beautiful poetry, brought to tears by stories of real-life romance, and how God's
valentine to us is beautiful beyond compare. We are to celebrate love
every day of the year, between ourselves and God, between ourselves and our mate.
This book, while not entirely a devotional, will have you rethinking
your love and striving for ways to make it special. To leap off the pages of your own love story.. And to put God's love above
all else. Only when you do this, can you reap the rewards our Heavenly Father intended when he created the wonderful, mysterious
love between a man and a woman.
A MOTHER'S LOVE Edited by Tanith Carey Illustrations Sam Wilson ISBN
978-0-8254-7845-1 Lion Hudson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
We expect a book for mothers to be sentimental and sweet. Sentimental
maybe, but this book goes beyond the usual sweet to something a bit deeper. A MOTHER'S LOVE is a collection of true experiences,
anecdotes, folklore and traditional stories from around the world that seeks to encapsulate what motherhood is all about.
There is sacrificial love, bonding and passing on what we've learned
to our own children. Each piece is short and easily read in a couple of minutes, moments that encourage us as mothers and
help us know our value and worth. There can be no price on motherhood.
This would make a nice gift for that special mother in your life.
LIFE LESSONS FROM A HORSE WHISPERER By Dr. Lew Sterrett with Bob Smietana ISBN
978-0-8254-6316-7 Monarch Books: Kregel Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Life Lessons From A Horse Whisperer is a Primer on Relationships With
Both Horses and People
DEWEY By Vicki Myron with Bret Witter ISBN 978-1-60751-259-2 Grand
Central Publishing: Doubleday Large Print Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Dewey was just a cat, rescued by Vicki and the library staff of Spencer,
IA from the book drop box. Who could have known how many lives Dewey would change just by being who he was, the cat who loved
the patrons of the library in one small town. But Dewey's story is also the story of the librarian who found him that freezing
Iowa morning and began a journey of mutual respect and love that, through ill health and other personal heart-aches, lasted
19 years.
Having lost my cat last fall after 18 years, reading Dewey's story brought
back memories, made me swallow, tear up...and smile.
A BEAUTIFUL DAY 40 Devotions By Gwen Ford Faulkenberry ISBN
978-1-935416-59-3 Summerside Press Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Many devotional books are large and cover a long span of time. Others
are thick, some are themed, some meant for a year. Most have a Scripture passage, a short devotional, which includes a personal
experience, and a wrap up prayer. There is nothing wrong with most of these devotionals. Each serves a purpose. Over the years,
I've enjoyed many different devotional books.
A BEAUTIFUL DAY is different. It is small—purse sized, should I
say “cute,” with a pink flowered cover and 40 devotionals. But these devotionals are more like short articles,
drawing the reader deeper into important subjects and encouraging the reader to dig a little deeper into the subject and into
the Word for answers.
A BEAUTIFUL DAY is small, short and deep enough to give the reader the
incentive to start all over again once the 40 days are over.
Faith element: medium to high
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS Updated in Today's Language Abridged Christian
Classics By John Bunyon ISBN 978-1-60260-853-5 Barbour Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
I've read the original Bunyon's classic work several times and wasn't
sure what to expect from the updated, abridged version.
As intended, I found it readable. I also found that while this contemporary
version does not convey all the nuances of the original, this version does convey the story in a way that will reach today's
reader. I was drawn in to the story and was amazed at the depth of Bunyon's wisdom and reminded me again of all the ways we
can be drawn away from Christ, even into “good” pursuits.
This is book for every Christian, and every seeker's, library.
Faith element: high
SCARS AND STILETTOS
By Harmony Dust ISBN 978-0-8254-6309-9 Monarch Books: Kregel Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Harmony was abused in some fashion her whole life. All she knew was making
her own way. She pursued an education, while holding on to the “relationship” with the man that took everything,
gave little, cheated on her and left her feeling valueless. She held on because it was her one security even though she was
doing all the giving, supporting him. She had dreams. He had expenses. Harmony sank lower and lower until finally she began
to strip to support them. Only stripping didn't solve her problems. Stripping shredded her soul.
But Christ didn't leave Harmony in her darkness. A Christian reached
out. She found friends, a church and slowly God began to work, enough to begin to heal, enough to tell her boyfriend good-bye,
enough to stop stripping. Freedom came with a price—a burden for those still trapped in a system that used, abused and
spit out.
With Christ's love, Harmony led other women back into the clubs on a
mission of caring, rescue and hope. This is not a nice, cleaned up story. It is story of hurt, of horrible choices, and a
God who rescues and restores.
SCARS AND STILETTOS is Harmony's journey, a journey that touches the
heart and helps us see beyond the tawdry, glitz to the broken women who need our love, our prayers and maybe more.
Faith element: high
REAL CHURCH: Does it Exist? Can I Find it? By Larry Crabb ISBN
978-0-7852-2920-9 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
What is “church” at its core? In REAL CHURCH, Larry Crabb
gives his answer to this question. From his thoughtful presentation, it is clear he has considered this extensively, combining
his life experiences, those of individuals he has counseled, and Scripture to formulate his opinions.
This is a significant topic, and one worth considering, rather than simply
continuing to do church as usual. While I did not agree with some of his conclusions and would have liked to see a stronger
Scriptural backing for some of his statements, I appreciated that he addressed with sensitivity very real problems in modern
day church and presented potential solutions. I found a tendency to be more people-focused than God-focused at times, but
he is clear to state that at the heart of things, he wants a church that encourages him to participate in the dance of the
divine—the growing in intimacy with God’s heart which is vital to the Christian walk.
If you’ve ever experienced frustration with the current state of
the church or longed for something more, you are not alone and you may find insight in REAL CHURCH. At the very least, it
will provide fodder for thought. As always, I would encourage you to weigh everything shared against Scripture.
Lord, when I am hurt or I see what many are doing to undermine my country,
help me pray for them, help me stand up for truth and to do so without hated. Amen.
LIVE BIG!: 10 LIFE COACHING TIPS FOR LIVING LARGE, PASSIONATE DREAMS
By Katie Brazelton ISBN 978-1-4391-3560-6 Howard Books Reviewer Narda McCarthy
Relax, face your fears and expect miracles.
With action steps and reflections on every chapter, Katie Brazelton reminds
readers that trusting God and asking Him for guidance are the key to achieve life dreams and fulfill our purpose as designed
by His might hand.
Faith element: Strong.
A MOM'S ULTIMATE BOOK OF LISTS By Michelle LaRowe ISBN 978-0-8007-3382-7 Revell
Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
I love lists. They help me organize my time and my life. But all lists
are not the same. Some lists are much more helpful than others. The lists in A MOM'S ULTIMATE BOOK OF LISTS are very helpful.
As a mom (who wrote HELP! I'M A NEW MOTHER when my daughter-in-law was carrying our first grandchild) I know how overwhelming
motherhood can be.
Having several children in the home gets to be a nightmare of scheduling,
figuring out what each person needs in food, clothing, education, socializing, and attention gets complicated. And then there
is time for hubby.
A MOM'S ULTIMATE BOOK OF LISTS takes those stresses and, through lists
and practical information in all areas starting with pregnancy and up through handling a household with multiple children,
helps tame the time monster and gives control back to Mom. There is information and lists to deal with medical treatment,
pregnancy, shopping, conflicts, and so much more.
If a mom has one book this year, this should be it. Highly recommended.
Faith element: high
BEAUTIFUL THINGS HAPPEN WHEN A WOMEN TRUSTS GOD By Sheila Walsh ISBN
978-1-4002-0243-0 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
I always liked Sheila on the 700 Club and followed her after she left.
I admired her courage in admitting she'd spent time in a psych ward and struggled with depression. She found wholeness not
in an instant healing, but in walking day by day, moment by moment in God's way and timing. Eventually she wrote a book about
her journey. BEAUTIFUL THINGS HAPPEN WHEN A WOMEN TRUSTS GOD is “the rest of the story.”
In BEAUTIFUL THINGS HAPPEN WHEN A WOMEN TRUSTS GOD Sheila shares her
brokenness and how God showed her she didn't need to be “the perfect Christian.” She just needed to walk with
God and not be afraid to share her brokenness with others. While some could not accept her journey in depression and a psych
ward and medication, others find release to share their own hurts.
And that's OK. If we could be perfect in and of ourselves, we wouldn't
need a Savior. Through her story and the truths gleamed from ten Biblical people including Anna, Paul, Tabitha, Joseph, Samson
and more, Sheila reveals our need and helps us come to a place of freedom and hope.
Recommended.
Faith element: high
HOW TO REACH YOUR FULL POTENTIAL FOR GOD By Charles Stanley ISBN
978-1-4002-0092-4 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Feel like a failure? Feel your life is going no where—fast? Feel
like you've disappointed God or others, or God has failed you? Then HOW TO REACH YOUR FULL POTENTIAL FOR GOD is the book that
could change your life.
Using Scripture, his and the experiences of others, Charles Stanley shows
us how much God loves us, that God has a plan and purpose for our lives, and how to appropriate God's best—how to, in
fact, HOW TO REACH YOUR FULL POTENTIAL FOR GOD.
While I enjoyed reading and learning from this book, it would have had
an even greater impact if used with a Bible Study group. Another solid, Biblically grounded, practical book from Charles Stanley.
HERO: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart By Derwin
L. Gray Summerside Press ISBN: 978-1-935416-22-7 Reviewer Kristine Pratt
Every man has a hero’s heart.
From the time a boy first picks up a stick and pretends it’s a
sword, holds in his heart to be a hero. As he becomes a man, society and secular life wear away at those desires. But they
linger still, in the heart of every man. And in this devotional by Derwin Gray, the hero will live again!
Set forth in an outline that’s easy to follow, Hero gives short
stories that carry enough bite to make a man think. This is followed with a call to action, starting with your head…getting
your thoughts in line with God’s. This is followed by the Heart…a look at what feelings have arisen in the devotion.
Lastly the man is called to put faith into action, though his Hands.
Although this devotional is written for a man, a woman can also get a
lot out of this slender volume. Derwin’s wife gives her thoughts in each section, and the questions asked will stay
in your heart and mind long after you’ve shut the book and gone about your daily life.
This is a book I want to give to every man in my life. The world needs
more heroes…especially Godly ones.
Faith level: High
POINTS OF POWER: Discover a Spirit-Filled Life of Joy and Purpose By
Yolanda Adams ISBN 978-0-446-54578-5 FaithWords Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Yolanda, through her experiences and those of others, shows how each
of us can live victorious, joyous, lives in Christ. Yolanda points out that God is our protector, provider and our peace and
that there is real power in prayer and praise. He is with us during and on the other side of problems and pain, as we rely
on Him.
Though we are to work with diligence, we work knowing God has a plan
and purpose for our lives. As we depend upon Him, He will guide us to our life's purpose. Being open to God's direction, and
following in faith--not fear, will lead us to discover what He created us for and to find fulfillment and joy in following
the passion He's placed within.
Over and over, Yolanda shows us that God is real and He works in our
lives for His, and our, ultimate good.
A book of God's power and presence in our lives. A book that lifts up
and encourages. A book that draws us to praise.
Faith element: Medium to high
RAIN ON ME Devotions of Hope & Encouragement for Difficult
Times By Holley Gerth ISBN 978-1-934770-49-8 Summerside Press, Inc. Reviewer Narda McCarthy
Every
Storm Begins with One Drop that might become a hurricane and then, where is God when it rains? Right there, ready to walk
through the storm, side by side the painful soul until it can step beyond the rain and stand in the midst of a garden of blessings.
He might not be the cause of the rain, yet, he will redeem every drop of it.
Forty beautiful, insightful and
Biblically-based reflections that can be read over and over, tirelessly, knowing that with the Lord's presence in one's life,
hope and resilience will be within reach, regardless of how strong the storm can be.
With space in every chapter
for the reader's own reflections and prayers, these book is a great and comforting companion in every day's journey.
Element
of faith: Strong.
I DON'T WANT A DIVORCE A 90 day guide to saving your marriage By
Dr. David Clarke with William G Clarke ISBN 978-0-8007-3401-5 Revell Reviewer Kristine Pratt
Is any marriage past repair?
In I DON’T WANT A DIVORCE by Dr. David Clarke argues that there
is hope. Whether your marriage needs a little fine tuning, or whether you’ve already decided to end things, you won’t
save your marriage with this book. Instead you’ll rebuild it into the marriage that God intended for you and your spouse
all along.
This book is no quick fix, nor is it a pat supply of ready answers. This
is no book to read in one sitting, rather it’s a course meant to last several weeks – 90 days to be exact. The
only way to succeed is to commit fully to the assignments, and to your marriage.
While this book isn’t for the faint of heart, it is for the troubled
and hurting. There is healing within this pages…and a chance to change your life. This reviewer never expected the impact
upon her own marriage…and it forever grateful for the ways in which God has used Dr. Clarke to impact her life.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone with marital issues, be
they large or small. The communication skills alone are worth the cover price. Isn’t your marriage worth it?
Faith level: Moderate
FULL SAIL A 21st Century Spiritual Cruise on Board The Flower By
Beverly Pierce Stroebel (Mayflower Passenger Descendant) ISBN 978-1-933204-94-9 VMI Publishers www.mayflowerfullsaillogbook.com Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
A descendant of Mayflower passengers has released a book tying the past
to the present. FULL SAIL takes us on an imaginary journey that addresses the foundation of the nation, the positive and spiritual
aspects of America's history as well the failings. Readers come away having a much deeper appreciation for those who went
before and what they accomplished with so little. There is an appreciation and an acknowledgement of our very real spiritual
foundations.
But all that America and Americans have done has not been positive. This
book takes the reader on a journey of repentance and restoration for the sins we've also committed.
FULL SAIL is filled with quotes, Scripture, lyrics, information and interaction
between past and present “passengers.” When the reader closes the book, there is the sense that FULL SAIL accomplished
what it set out to do...a voyage of discovery of our past and of hope for the future.
Faith element: high
CALLED TO WORSHIP By Vernon M. Whaley ISBN 978-1-4185-1958-2 Thomas
Nelson Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
CALLED TO WORSHIP examines portions of the Bible that speak about worship
in order to impart an understanding of what worship is and what role it should play in our lives. Whaley uses a simple, straightforward
style that makes this discussion of worship easy to grasp and apply.
We were created for worship and intimate communion with God, and from
that perspective, Whaley delves into what the Old and New Testaments reveal about worship and God’s heart. He addresses
some important points, such as the importance of worship as a lifestyle, reflected in obedience to God and personal integrity,
and the value of worship in increasing our intimacy with God. In addition to his review of Scripture, Whaley shares from his
personal experiences as a worship leader and gives principles for worship today.
Starting in Genesis with creation and God’s desire for fellowship
with his people and culminating in Revelation with a reminder that we will have an eternity of worship and communion with
God to enjoy, CALLED TO WORSHIP offers a solid overview of Biblical worship and its importance in our lives.
A Cup of Comfort BOOK OF CHRISTMAS PRAYER Prayers and Stories that
Bring You Closer to God During The Holiday Edited by Susan B Townsend ISBN 978-1-4405-0051-0 Adams Media Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
This book was given to me as a gift from a writer friend whose heart-warming
experience is told on page 234. I noticed another friend has a piece just before this. Both stories drew me to tears, partly
because I know both women.
But I didn't need to know the different authors to be brought into their
stories or to have them bring me, over and over, into the very heart of Christmas—Jesus come to earth. The collection
of stories made me smile, sometimes through tears as I had to read just one more true story.
Whether you are in the Christmas spirit or struggling this year, BOOK
OF CHRISTMAS PRAYER is truly A Cup of Comfort.
Highly recommended.
START-UP NATION The Story of Israel's Economic Miracle By Dan Senor
and Saul Singer ISBN 978-0-446-54146-6 Twelve: Hachette Book Group Review by Cynthia Hickey
START-UP
NATION takes the reader on a text-book style journey of Israel's rise to economic power. The facts within the pages will help
any CEO or entrepreneur use helpful insight into creating their own economic dynasty.
God's chosen nation rises above chaos and conflict, giving the world
great minds and people of strength to use as inspiration for any nation downtrodden and persecuted. With quotes from some
of the financial genius's of our time, the reader is led down a path of triumph.
Although not an inspiration
self-help book, START-UP NATION definitely shows God's hand in the rise of a nation.
FIERCE STYLE How to be your most fabulous self By Christian Siriano
with Rennie Dyball ISBN 978-0-446-54601-0 Grand Central Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
This book didn't quite “fit” the guidelines for ACR due to
some common language profanities. OM---, etc. They are not pervasive and this book has many other good qualities about looking
and feeling self-confident.
40 LOAVES: BREAKING BREAD WITH OUR FATHER EACH DAY By C D Baker ISBN
978-0-307-44490-5 WaterBrook Press Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
In 40 LOAVES, C.D. Baker asks and answers difficult questions of the
faith, such as “why am I so uncomfortable with doubts?” and “why can’t I overcome sin in my life?”
He succeeds in authenticity and honesty, but at times his answers fall short of Scripture.
This is perhaps due in part to the fact that the short, daily devotional
format doesn’t lend itself to delving into tough questions, and in the brevity of answers there is room for misunderstanding.
Despite its weaknesses, 40 LOAVES does encourage the reader to approach
God with questions and may impart comfort in knowing you are not alone in times of doubt and questioning. Just be sure to
examine all the answers through the lens of Scripture.
A HEART EXPOSED Talking to God with Nothing to Hide A book of prayers By
Steven James ISBN 978-0-8007-3173-1 Revell Review by Cynthia Hickey
Sometimes, even in our darkest moments,
words fail us when we bring our petitions to our Heavenly Father. We groan with frustration. Our spirit yearns to grow closer
to God.
In A HEART EXPOSED, Steven James has crafted beautiful words of prayer to fill these empty moments when
we feel as if our prayers don't get past the ceiling. With Bible quotes and words of poetry, James has given us the words
to pray when we can find nothing else to say. Words that lay us bare before the throne.
No formula, no empty
phrases, just beautiful beseeching prayers to draw us closer to God.
THE POWER OF RESPECT By Deborah Norville ISBN 978-0-7852-2760-1 Thomas
Nelson Reviewer Elisabeth H. Bantz
Just like love is a decision, respect is also a decision. A wise decision.
For instance, “treat others as you would like them to treat you,” and “honor that which [God’s] fingers
have made,” illustrate the power of respect.
Norville give examples of the consequences of disrespect, as well as
the amazing results respect brings. When a parent respects a child, when a teacher respects a student, when a boss respects
a worker, an incredible transformation takes place. And they, in turn, gain respect.
“Now that I’ve seen the research [on respect], I am stunned
to see the impact of being respected and giving respect," Norville concludes. "I am also mystified. Why wouldn’t someone
want to put it to work?” .
This book is the key to successful parenting, leading, marriage, and relationships.
I recommend it highly. Faith level: quite biblical, but not religious.
GOD ENCOUNTERS Stories of His Involvement in Life's Greatest Moments By
James Stuart Bell ISBN# 978-1-4391-0949-6 Howard Books Review by Cynthia Hickey
In the hustle and bustle
of everyday life, during the uncertainty of the fragile economy, when we feel like giving up, God is there. Often, we miss
Him, expecting him to make his presence known with fanfare and trumpets. Most of the time, this isn't the case. Instead, God
visits us with a whisper.
From putting gas into an empty tank, to the mission field of Africa, to the center
of a tornado, He is there. Knowing what we need when we need it. We only need to stop and listen.
In GOD ENCOUNTERS,
James Stuart Bell uses touchy, true-life stories to show us God in the midst of turmoil. To help us see His love and mercy
when life seems bleak. It's when we don't take the time to slow down and really "see" Him, that it appears he's forgotten
us.
Take a few quiet moments each day, read a chapter of GOD ENCOUNTERS, and spend time with God. You'll see
Him in a whole new light.
AUTISM'S HIDDEN BLESSINGS By Kelly Langston ISBN 978-0-8254-2977-4 Kregel
Publications Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
INTIMATE CONVERSATIONS Devotions to Nurture a Woman's Soul By
Alicia Britt Chole ISBN 978-0-8007-3289-9 Revell Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
When was the last time you held an intimate conversation with God? Were
you waiting for the right mood? Until you had time? Can you spare a few moments a day? How about fitting it into your already
busy schedule? Do you need to sit down and make the time?
God desires a closer relationship with us. In fact He yearns for it.
In INTIMATE CONVERSATIONS you will indulge in the rare treat of spending time reflecting on real-life issues. Scriptures and
questions will lead you closer in your personal walk with our Heavenly Father.
Alicia Britt Chole helps us find time to grow closer to God in our everyday
lives. A few minutes here and there can strengthen and refresh your soul. This book should be on every woman’s nightstand.
YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS 7 Keys to a Life of Predictable Miracles By
Bruce Wilkinson ISBN 978-1-60142-182-1 Multnomah Reviewed by: Cynthia Hickey
Everybody wants to witness
a miracle. Life is full of them. We only need to know where to look. God crafted us in his image. He's given each of us a
plan. And, he's given us a map to follow. His Word.
YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS is a helpful guide in knowing what
God has planned for each of us and stepping out into faith; knowing He will help us accomplish the impossible. With examples
from his own life, prayers, and scripture, Bruce Wilkinson leads us in a journey of discovery. We were not created to sit
back and let God do the work, we were created to join Him, hand-in-hand, to perform His works among his creation.
Sit
back, grab a cup of coffee, open the pages of YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS, and enter into a partnership with God that will enrich
your life and those around you. See the miracles in the everyday.
Life is full of miracles. We just need to be
able to spot them.
SO LONG, STATUS QUO What I learned from women who changed the
world By Susy Flory ISBN 978-0-8341-2438-7 Beacon Hill Press Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
As women, and primarily American women at that, we collect stuff. Not
only material possessions, but things like comfort zones and time schedules. We are often so busy with our lives we fail to
see the world around us--and the places where we are needed.
Tired of the cozy little box she lived in, Susy Flory studied the lives
of nine remarkable women and decided to get off her couch and do something to show God to the world. Some of the women who
influenced her are well-known, others ordinary, like you and me, but all made a powerful impact on the world around them.
From giving up possessions to feeding the poor, to getting their hands dirty to build homes.
How are we making an impact? By staying in our comfortable homes, or
meeting the down-trodden on their own turf? Jesus walked the streets during his time on earth. Can we do less? Use your God-given
talents and change the world!
TREASURED Knowing God by the things He keeps by Leigh McLeroy ISBN
978-1-4000-7481-5 WaterBrook Press
Reviewer Narda McCarthy
God is God! The God that covers; the God that includes and provides.
With wonderful stories that could be the stories of all individuals, this beautiful book delivers the warm message of his
love and presence.
A book to keep always near as a reminder of God’s merciful and
mighty hand.
Faith element: Strong.
Please note that in page 86 she quotes Harry Potter. The quote is applicable
to the message.
EVERYDAY GREATNESS Inspiration for a meaningful life Complied by David K Hatch, Stephen R Covey ISBN 978-0-7852-8959-3 Thomas
Nelson Reviewed by Elisabeth Bantz
A compilation of encouraging stories reprinted from Reader’s Digest
on twenty-one topics such as Integrity and Respect, EVERYDAY GREATNESS is the type of book that can be read a little at a
time. Insightful remembrances of a wide variety of people such as Abraham Lincoln and Jack Benny, this 435-page compilation
and commentary is full of meaningful quotes and commentaries.
If stories of human achievements are what you like
to read, then this will fill the bill. But if you prefer inspiring stories of what God has done through ordinary people in
response to prayer and obedience, then this book will disappoint you.
Faith element: negligible.
TOUCHING WONDER Recapturing the Awe of Christmas By John blasé ISBN
978-1-4347-6465-2 David C Cook Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Christmas has been dumbed down to a crèche, a nice little Nativity scene,
on the mantel. But the birth of Jesus was neither simple or easy. It required faith and tremendous sacrifice. It meant questions,
doubt, even ridicule and the loss of reputation within the community.
A priest who couldn't speak. A young woman pregnant outside of wedlock.
A fiancé required to break his engagement to a, supposedly, fallen woman. Yet, God's intervention and their choices brought
forth the promised Messiah. But not without cold, rejection, pain and exhaustion.
Using passages from THE MESSAGE, an expansion of the passage as well
as author's personal notes, the author brings the story back to reality and, like THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, helps us see
how much God was willing to do to reach us with His love.
Not your typical Christmas book. Not always an easy read. Nevertheless
this book brings us back to the heart of Christmas and helps us see the birth with fresh perspective—something we all
need.
THROUGH THE RIVER Understanding Your Assumptions About Truth By
Jon and Mindy Hirst with Dr. Paul Hebert ISBN 978-1-93406-803-8 Authentic Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Have you tried to communicate with someone else, especially about matters
of faith, but felt you were missing each other? Though you might both have been Christians, somehow your perspectives were
so different you could not communicate.
Maybe the problem came from the lens with which each of you viewed the
world. This book talks about three different lens.
The Rock Dwellers are founded on truth and knowledge. They seek to persuade
through logic and argument, but they are so sold on defending the “truth,” they have trouble with the need for
relationship. The Island Dwellers are experiential and personal. Faith is so personal, it cannot be shared because everyone's
reality is different. They want to dialogue and get along, but are isolated by their self-centeredness.
The Valley Dwellers are anchored in truth, but realize the importance
of continual learning and growing and reaching out beyond their own little worlds. They seek to balance truth with relationship
and have a strong sense of community.
As the authors take us on the journey of the three lenses, we begin to
understand what lens we're peering through and why we miss on communicating with others who see through a different lens.
We can also begin to realize we don't need to defend truth for God is truth and we don't need to dump truth for tolerance.
What we can do is integrate love, faith, truth and hope.
While I can't say I agreed with everything set forth, it did give me
a new appreciation that not everyone sees things through the same lens as I do. If I realize that, I can more readily understand
their point of view and, maybe even, truly communicate.
EMBRACE THE STRUGGLE Living Life on Life's Terms By Zig Ziglar
and Julie Ziglar Norman ISBN 978-1-4391-4219-6 Howard Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
We're used to Ziglar commanding the stage with energy as he encourages,
but age and circumstances catches up with every one of us. For Ziglar a fall down a flight of stairs changed everything. He
now has little short term memory, changing how he does everything. He needs help now in areas where he was independent.
But, he now touches people who realize he not only understands, but still
lives by his faith, a faith that lifts up and encourages. EMBRACE THE STRUGGLE shares not only his own struggle, but also
the struggles of others. In the book, he shares stories of physical, mental, spiritual and marital problems and how each person
embraced the struggle and through God's grace and the support of caring people, found purpose.
It is a book of hope. It is as he says, “Living life on life's
terms.”
WHEN A WOMAN MEETS JESUS Finding the love every woman longs for By
Dorothy Valcárcel ISBN 978-0-8007-3379-7 Revell Reviewer Kristine Pratt
What kind of woman are you?
When I opened WHEN A WOMAN MEETS JESUUS for the first time and looked
at the table of contents I saw some headings that spoke to me. Insecure? Yes. Worried? Have that one down pat. Broken? Well
sorta…
But some chapters though, didn’t seem to be written for me. Ambitious?
Hardly. Hungry? Not a chance. Isolated? Nope, that must be someone else entirely.
What I didn’t realize was that every chapter would speak to my
soul. Dorothy took eighteen women from the Bible, some that aren’t even named in their stories. Through personal anecdote,
Biblical wisdom, and a lot of Godly teaching showed me how in fact I am every woman, at least on some level. From there she
showed me how God speaks to that aspect of myself, and can bring healing to the woman who is all of these things.
I didn’t come away from this book the same person I was when I
picked it up. No matter who you are, or where you are in your life this is a book that will speak to you. I’m calling
this one a ‘Must Read’ and is the book I want to give to every woman in my life.
Faith level: HIGH
BREAKING THE BARRIERS Overcoming Adversity and Reaching Your Greatest
Potential By Jason Frenn ISBN 978-0-446-54620-1 FaithWords Reviewer Narda McCarthy
“Never judge a book by its cover” comes to mind regarding
BREAKING THE BARRIERS. At first glance, it could be just another of the many self-help books so popular today. Dig in,
and you will find a gentle book, full of peaceful assurance and encouragement.
The book starts with the fundamentals: Are you who you want to be?,
Have you a clear idea of what your purpose in life is?, Do you know where your accountability lies?
Frenn reveals three steps that will guide through the decision making
process, and that shows God's unsurpassed peace, while keeping the reader on track, on course.
Good use of the language. This book is a great read, recommended for
audiences in their late teens to one hundred.
Faith element: high
RECONNECT When Your Kids are Connected to Everything but You By
Al Menconi ISBN 978-0-942925-11-1 Menconi Publishing Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
RECONNECTED explores the importance of close family ties and the role
of parents as it relates to shepherding children through today’s media. Written originally as a series of articles,
each chapter of the book explores a single topic. For example, in “Fix my Kid,” Menconi discusses how overindulgence
in various entertainment—Internet, television, etc—can splinter the family and take away from time better spent
together.
This topic ties into a theme developed throughout the book: the importance
of parents staying in relationship with their children, so that children gain an understanding of why the correct choices
are so important, rather than obeying simply because they must until they are outside their parents’ authority.
Each chapter is short and peppered with questions intended to prompt
reflection and action. In addition, a Scripture anchors every section. RECONNECTED provides a strong and necessary reminder
of the importance of ensuring your family is connected to each other, as well as practical tips on how to do so.
A PERFECT MESS Why you don't have to worry about being good enough
for God By Lisa Harper ISBN 978-1-4000-7479-2 Waterbrook Press Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
A PERFECT MESS brings concepts from the Psalms into modern, everyday
life, with a focus on the extraordinary grace and love God has for us even in our brokenness, and his power to heal and transform.
Rather than adopting a traditional devotional style, Harper writes from
a personal perspective and weaves life experience together with Scripture in a manner that encourages readers to engage with
the Word in their own lives. Through it all, Harper’s message emerges clearly: God’s love for us is abundant and
extravagant at all times. And that is something worth dwelling on.
Julie's personal honesty is at times shocking, but catches us all in
the truth that it is easier to criticize and run rather than repent and change and let God move in our lives. An honest portrait
of someone willing to not just report a story, but to make a difference across racial and cultural lines.
WHAT DIFFERENCE DO IT MAKE? Stories of Hope & Healing By Ron
Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent ISBN 978-0-8499-2019-6 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
A sequel to the popular SOME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME, WHAT DIFFERENCE
DO IT MAKE continues the story of Ron and Denver, a former homeless man, since the death of Ron's wife Deborah, whose desire
to reach out to the hurt and hurting started the journey that has led to new hope for thousands of homeless.
Ron and Denver, now solid friends, have criss-crossed the country, making
others aware of the homeless and providing the motivation to do something real. WHAT DIFFERENCE DO IT MAKE not only shares
what Ron and Denver have been doing, but also includes stories of how the first book made a difference in people's lives,
both those who needed help and those who reached out.
A touching book that helps us “see” beyond dirty clothes
and smelling bodies to real people with real stories who need healing, help...and hope.
DON'T MISS YOUR LIFE An Uncommon guide to Living with Freedom, Laughter
and Grace By Charlene Ann Bauumbich ISBN 978-1-4165-6299-3 Howard Books Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
In today’s world, it’s very easy to lose ourselves in busyness.
It is easy to shelve ourselves and our family somewhere in the back of a dusty bookshelf, waiting to be pulled out when we
have a free moment. We are filled with the guilt of not having enough time.
God wants us to live life to its fullness, to laugh and love,. to forgive
and receive his grace. But how can we do that when the days aren’t long enough?
We can do it by throwing aside the negative thinking, by forgiving ourselves,
by not being afraid to laugh and by forming friendships that last a lifetime--friendships with others and with ourselves.
DON’T MISS YOUR LIFE gives practical advice and lessons on learning
to live again, to live each day to the fullness God intended, to not be afraid to take that step offaith and to stop and smell
the roses. A ten on the faith scale, this book is a must for every library.
JESUS: Why the World is Still fascinated by Him By Tim Lahaye ISBN
9781-4347-6625-0 David C Cook Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Why is the world still fascinated with Jesus? No other name is so revered
or reviled. No other name has made such a difference in so many lives. And no religion can claim as many solid documents to
back up the truth of it's claims as the Christian faith.
Yet, this documentation is ignored while many seek to spin another story,
without a divine Savior who loves, died and rose again to save humankind. In fact, many so hate the very name of Jesus or
Christianity they positively explode with fury at the name.
Many are seeking to revise American history, claiming the US wasn't founded
on Biblical principles. To do so, they must bury the words of our founders like President John Quincy Adams who said, “The
birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birth of the Savior. The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone
of human governments upon the first precepts of Christianity.”
Lahaye lays out the truth about Christianity, from Scripture, secular
sources, and other documentation, in a way to help each of us recognize it's validity and have an answer for those who seek
to undermine our faith. He pops the balloons of those who make claims such as that of the Da Vinci Code.
A valuable tool for the Christian, the Christian family and educator.
Faith element: high
TWELVE STONES: A memoir Notes on a Miraculous Journey By Barbara
Carole ISBN 978-0-8307-4606-4 Gospel Light/Regal Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Barbara Carole is a misplaced Jew, searching for life’s significance.
Life’s truth. Her journey leads her to exotic places and from relationship to relationship. She knows there’s
a “higher presence”, nature confirms it. But still she is seeking, looking for love and self-worth. Her true love
isn’t who she thought he was and the dissolution of that relationship leaves her with a lack of trust in love. Her childhood
leaves her with a sour taste toward marriage.
Then Barbara experiences her own “Road to Damascus” experience
and life will never be the same. TWELVE STONES is the true life story of one woman’s search for God through the trials
of living life outside of Him. With brutal honesty, Barbara invites the reader into her life with all its up and downs, sins
and shames, to find a heavenly Father with open arms waiting to accept His children. A truly inspiring story. A ten on the
faith scale.
THE FRIENDS WE KEEP A Woman’s Quest for the Soul of Friendship By
Sarah Zacharias Davis ISBN 978-1-4000-7439-6 Waterbrook Press Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Are friendships really important? Can a woman exist through life without
bonding with other women? Do we want to? What are the benefits to friendship and are there any bonds that will last a lifetime?
Life isn’t meant to be traveled alone. God did not create us to
be solitary people. But where do we find these friends? The true ones willing to walk with us through the ugly as well as
the beautiful?
THE FRIENDS WE KEEP takes us through the process of bonding with other
women and shows us the priceless gift a true friendship can bring. Sometimes, life dissolves a friendship for one reason or
another. Sarah Zacharias Davis uses real life accounts of remarkable stories of friendship and shows us how to deal with friendships
gone sour. She also helps us with knowing when and how to let go of a relationship going nowhere. A ten on the faith scale.
THE POTLUCK CLUB COOKBOOK By Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson ISBN
978-0-8007-3349-0 Revell Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
This is a perfect complement to the Potluck Club books. THE
POTLUCK CLUB COOKBOOK is more than a lot of mouth-watering recipes. This
cookbook gives us more insight into our favorite ladies from Summit View as well as background on the authors Linda and Eva.
It is obvious they have a blast writing about the very individualistic ladies of the Potluck Club.
As for the recipes, there are a wealth of recipes for all occasions.
Each recipe includes a short blurb about the recipe, how either Linda or Eva came across the recipe or how they have used
the recipe and the occasion.
The perfect gift for that Potluck Club fan.
Faith element: N/A
Gluten note: A glitch got into one recipe—page 106 Yoder's Old
Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies. In the blurb, Linda talks about a wheat-free recipe, but the one listed includes flour.
SECULAR SABOTAGE How liberals are destroying religion and culture
in America By Bill Donohue Book: ISBN 978-0-446-54721-5 FaithWords
Unabridged audiobook 7 CDs Read by Bill Donogue ISBN 978-1-60024-937-2
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
I know too many liberal leaders are doing whatever they can, with whatever
tactics they can to change our democratic republic into a socialist state. I didn't realize until I read SECULAR SABOTAGE
how many are going far beyond such a freedom-destroying system to one that attacks everything that is moral and good because
destruction is their system—and their goal. These are nihilists and they are doing their best to make evil sound good
and righteousness, evil. They destroy what they do not like or cannot change.
Worse, within all major Christian faiths both protestant and Catholic,
are those who stay not because they hold to the traditional values and beliefs Catholics and protestants hold dear about Jesus
being the Son of God who came to save humankind, about faith and family and Scripture, but because they seek to destroy faith
from within.
Donohue chronicles what has been going in seminaries, in churches, in
the media, in governments and, of course, in Hollywood. The picture is horrifying and grim. But he doesn't leave us in despair.
SECULAR SABOTAGE is a wake up call that if we want to pass on our faith and values to another generation, we need to stand
up and be counted NOW. We can do it. After all, we're the ones who know almighty God.
Both the print and audiobook versions are excellent.
However, the audiobook version has an interview with the author, giving
more details, sharing what has happened since the print book was released and giving some interesting background on Donohue
and the Catholic League.
Recommended reading.
WHAT’S A MOTHER (IN-LAW) TO DO? 5 Essential Steps to Building
a Loving Relationship With Your Son’s New Wife By Jane Angelich ISBN 978-1-4165-8780-4 Howard Books Reviewer
Cynthia Hickey
What should you expect when you son marries? Have you found a new best
friend? A daughter? An enemy? Someone who will compete with you for your son’s attention? Life is full of horror stories
about the relationship between a new wife and her mother-in-law. This relationship is often the brunt of jokes. But it doesn’t
have to be this way.
With true life stories and practical suggestions, Jane Angelich offers
steps enabling you to form a special relationship with the other woman in your son’s life. WHAT’S A MOTHER (IN-LAW)
TO DO? gives you the tools to deal with the issues from where will they spend their holidays to when will they start their
own family, to whether or not she should call you mom.
This book is a handy tool for mothers who are about to welcome a woman
into their son’s life, and their own.
Although there are no biblical references, this book is straight forward
and honest with a common sense approach.
THE LOVE REVOLUTION By Joyce Meyer ISBN 978-0-446-53856-5 FaithWords
Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
God commands us to love one another. It’s not a request, it’s
a direct order. Often as we choose to follow this commandment, we are put to the test. The unlovable are put in our path.
God wants us to practice compassion and mercy on our fellow man. Just as He did for us. We are to take care of the needy,
the hurting, the lonely, the afraid. Even when it takes us out of our comfort zone or away from doing something we’d
rather do.
Using examples from her life and others, Joyce Meyer gives us practical
advice on how to follow God’s desire for us. She gives us scripture to guide us. Often the real-life stories will tear
at our heart, prodding us to care for those in war-torn countries. Children forced into unspeakable acts. THE LOVE REVOLUTION
forces us to open our eyes and arms and take a step toward making our world a better place. We are to practice forgiveness
and to give freely of our gifts. Joyce
Meyer is honest and forward with her own struggles and she seeks to guide
us to live more freely in God’s will. A ten on the faith scale.
THINK NO EVIL Tragic violence meets gentle forgiveness Inside the
story of the Amish Schoolhouse Shooting...and beyond By Jonas Beiler with Shawn Smucker ISBN 978-1-4165-6298-6 Howard
Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
ORGANIZING YOUR DAY Time Management Techniques That Will Work
for You By Sandra Felton & Marsha Sims ISBN 978-0-8007-3315-5 Revell Reviewed by Elisabeth H. Bantz
Time management can be fun, well, maybe not at the beginning of the day,
but at the end when you see what you’ve accomplished and can say, “I did a good job.” And it’s even
more satisfying when you get in the habit of doing “a good job” every day.
The authors take us gently through the process of making the right choices
to bring about the desired results, like settings aims, staying focused, doing it now, controlling your projects, delegating
work, managing interruptions, scheduling, using the right tools, developing useful habits, and organizing your stuff.
Each chapter begins by identifying a problem, and concludes with helpful
tips to implement solutions. And the end of the book even includes ten sessions for those studying the book as a group, listing
several activities for each session.
Has this book changed the clutter in my life? Well, it’s changed
my outlook at least. One has to actually work at it in order to see results. Yes, I’m working on it, and yes, it does
feel good to see changes. An organized day really is possible.
Faith element: negligible.
LOVE IS A WAY OF LIFE Seven keys to transforming every aspect of your
life By Gary Chapman ISBN 978-1-4000-7259-0 Waterbrook Press Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Most people desire to become more loving, but have few ideas of how to
go about it. LOVE AS A WAY OF LIFE is a resource that will assist in the journey of cultivating love in your life by taking
the vague concept of love and breaking it down into concrete, easily applicable, parts.
Chapman identifies seven components of love: kindness, patience, forgiveness,
courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty. In each of these spheres, he provides stories of how this aspect of love changed
lives, a test for self-evaluation, and practical advice and discussion on how to incorporate it into your daily life. While
his use of Scripture is rarely overt, his advice rests on a solid biblical foundation, and he shares aspects of his faith
as appropriate throughout the book.
This is not a guide to read once and be done with, but to delve into
deeper over time, making use of all the discussion questions, self-evaluation tools, and application ideas to start to more
intentionally love the people in your life.
THE MISUNDERSTOOD GOD By Darin Hufford ISBN 1-935170-05-1 Windblown
Media Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Do you see God as someone to bargain with, someone who loves you only
when you behave in a certain way? Maybe you see God as some sort of monster who plays chess with people's lives, just because
He can. If so, you need to read this book. THE MISUNDERSTOOD GOD takes the reader from a self-centered, mean-spirited God
to the truth, a God who wants you to know Him—the God, not just of might and miracles, but the God of deep, passionate
love for His creation.
Too many have a warped view of God and it impacts how they view themselves
and how they treat others. But God is so much more than a God who loves conditionally. I grieved the author grew up with such
a twisted view of God, but his journey to God's love can help others find the depth of God's heart as well.
While I had problems with some of what he said, mostly I am saddened
that even Christians serve a false God out of fear rather than love. This book can show them the truth.
MOVIES THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE REALLY, REALLY BAD Everything a Christian
Needs to Know About Movie-Going By Phil Boatwright ISBN 978-1442142152 Word Crafts Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
LIT-N-LATTES Adding Faith & Fun to Your Book Club ISBN 978-0-7644-3714-4 Group Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Book Clubs are a fun way to mix faith and fellowship with friends with
the love of books and discussion.
LIT-N-LATTES pushes this up a notch by providing a discussion guide for
an eclectic selection of both Christian and secular books that carry messages of imagination, faith, trials, mystery, gender
roles and so much more.
LIT-N-LATTES offers more than well thought out discussion questions--though
it does that. It also offers a total themed environment from appropriate recipes to decorations to getting everyone involved.
I'm not much of a cook, but some of these recipes are too good to pass up.
Some of the books covered are classics such as JANE EYRE and TO KILL
A MOCKINGBIRD. Some I'd read like Francine River's haunting THE SIN EATER. Others I've not read, but now I plan to.
LIT-N-LATTES covers 24 books. This discussion guide is small, but holds
the key to offering directions or starting a fun, faith-filled book club.
Great selection of books. Recommended reading for readers and book clubs.
THAT MAKES TWO OF US Lifestyle Mentoring for Women By Connie Witt
and Cathy Workman ISBN 978-0-7644-3828-8 Group Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Life is full of kindred spirits. Bosom buddies. We only need to know
where to look. To open our eyes to the possibilities of close friendships and the opportunity to mentor a younger woman.
THAT MAKES TWO OF US is an easy-to-understand bible study that shows
us how easy it is to connect with other women and form relationships that last a lifetime. This bible study dispels the myths
that we don’t have what it takes to make a positive impact on another woman’s life. Not only is mentoring sharing
God, but it’s a chance to share life. What has life taught you that you can pass on to someone younger?
Learning to keep our eyes open and look for opportunities presented will
change our life with the people we open up to. Share a piece of yourself. You won’t regret it.
COMFORTING WOMEN IN CRISIS Know what to say, not to say, and what
you can do ISBN 978-0-7644-3831-8 Group Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Who doesn't have friends who've gone through painful situations in their
lives? What can we do? What can we say that won't make things worse instead of better for our friend? No matter how much we
care, most of us have little idea of how to help.
COMFORTING WOMEN IN CRISIS may be a small, purse-sized book, but it packs
a lot of information, common sense and help. COMFORTING WOMEN IN CRISIS has helps for the individual and the group (such as
a Bible Study or discussion group of women who care about one another) in dealing with painful situations such as divorce,
infidelity, empty nest, rape, miscarriage, menopause and other things we women may deal with in our life time.
COMFORTING WOMEN IN CRISIS lists scripture references, book resources
and the practical help of what not to say or do, and the things we can say or do to affirm the person, and to steer them to
whatever help they may need. Each chapter has Care Tips, Counseling Tips, Group Tips, What Not to Say, What To Say, along
with additional resources.
For example, in the chapter on Infertility, Care Tips includes the following
in the list: Make yourself available to talk, but don't force the issue. Scripture Help includes references to I Samuel 1:9-2:11,
Psalm 147:3-5 and more. Counseling Tips includes, among other suggestions, Help her identify her strengths. One thing not
to say: So when are you going to start having kids? What to say: I'm so sorry for your loss.
COMFORTING WOMEN IN CRISIS helps us become part of the healing process.
Each chapter also has tips to help us know when professional assistance is needed and what to do.
This small volume can take the uncertainty out of being there when a
friend turns to us in a time of need. Recommended for all women and women's groups—and friends.
STILL GOING IT ALONE
Mothering with Faith and Finesse When the Children Have Grown By Michele
Howe ISBN 978-1-59856-241-5 Hendrickson Publishers Reviewer: Elisabeth H. Bantz
Launching each chapter with short snippets from other women’s lives
on subjects like endurance, making wise choices, and in-laws, Michele Howe begins with a study, and ends it with a prayer.
STILL GOING IT ALONE: Mothering with Faith and Finesse when the Children
Have Grown, follows Howe’s previous book, GOING IT ALONE: Meeting the Challenges of Being a Single Mom, and helps us
choose life instead of defeat, forgiveness instead of bitterness, courage instead of fear, joy instead of sorrow, contentment
instead of envy, thankfulness instead of grumbling, and love instead of hate.
As children leave home, mothers’ roles change. This book helps
them face the challenges of an empty nest. It could be read like a devotional, a little at a time as time permits. Faith element,
medium.
PEARL GIRLS Encountering grit, experiencing grace Compiled by Margaret
McSweeney ISBN 978-0-8024-5862-9 Moody Publishers Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Life isn't perfect. Christians aren't perfect and being a Christian does
not wipe away all problems, not in this world. PEARL GIRLS is a compilation of stories of women who've gone through “stuff”
and not only survived, they've learned to thrive. Adversity drew them to God's amazing forgiveness, comfort, grace and hope.
In Him, they've found a reason for living and a reason for joy beyond the hurt, problems and pain.
The stories grip the heart, sometimes eliciting laughter, but more often
tears as the reader identifies and is drawn back, over and over, into God's loving heart.
A good read and a good gift.
Faith element: high
PRESS PAUSE BEFORE YOU EAT Say good-bye to mindless eating and
hello to the joys of eating By Dr. Linda Mintle ISBN 978-1-4391-4864-8 Howard Books Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Food is meant to sustain our bodies, caress our palates, yet we often
turn to it in times of stress or boredom. Food has many names such as comfort food, mood food, relaxing food, etc. Hence the
reasons why America is one of the most overweight nations in the world. A reason why dieting often fails.
In PRESS PAUSE BEFORE YOU EAT, Dr. Linda Mintle explains the reasons
why we eat and the reasons why we should eat. Using simple applications and exercises, she helps us look at food as God intended,
not as mindless grazing, but a joyous endeavor. Eating should be a pleasure, not a crutch to lean on when we’re troubled.
This book will guide you in finding the reasons why you eat mindlessly, and encourage you to eat as you were intended, without
feeling deprived.
This is not a “diet” book, but a guide in helping us have
the correct perspective. It is God we should lean on, not food.
THE PRINCIPLE OF THE PATH How to get from where you are to where
you want to be By Andy Stanley ISBN 978-0-8499-2060-8 Thomas Nelson Reviewed by Elisabeth Bantz
If you don’t want to end up saying, “This isn’t where
I thought I’d be at this point in my life,” then this book will help you get back on track.
The thing about any principle is that it is in effect whether you are
aware of it or not. Like the principle of sowing and reaping, you can’t plant oats and expect a crop of sweet corn.
Yet we go about our lives making random choices, not realizing that they set us on a path toward a certain destination, and
we’re surprised when we arrive where we don’t want to be. Good intentions are not enough. Following the right
directions is.
The Principle of the Path steers us onto the right path. Stanley gives
real life examples and scriptural pointers so we can reach our desired destination. It’s all about choices and decisions
and consulting the map. Faith element, medium.
WHAT'S HE REALLY THINKING? How to be a relational genius with the
man in your life By Paula Rinehart ISBN 978-0-8499-1880-3 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Have you ever wondered what the man in your life is thinking? Paula Rinehart
tackles this big question by explaining the difference between men and women, how men view the world, and why they respond
in the way they do. She bases her conclusions primarily on psychological research and her years of experience as a counselor,
with some Scripture incorporated.
Part one of the book covers “understanding the man you love”
and part two addresses “loving the man you understand,” both of which are important in strengthening your relationships
with significant men in your life—husbands, brothers, sons, or even friends. For example, Paula shares how men often
process a request for change inwardly, not verbally, so their lack of response does not indicate lack of consideration. Greater
understanding helps facilitate stronger relationships, and the information she shares is aimed at that end. At the book’s
conclusion, there are resources to dig deeper into the material.
Personally, I would have liked to see a stronger Biblical foundation,
but there is still excellent food for thought here that will assist you in relating to the men in your life.
SERENITY PRAYERS By June Cotner ISBN 978-0-7407-7918-3 Andrews
McMeel Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
In our busy, hectic, never-stop schedules, we often long for a moment
of peace and serenity. During times of pain and hurt, we search for that elusive something that centers us and helps us find
peace. Of course, God is, or should be, our center. His Word is the calm in the storm.
Sometimes though, a turn of phrase, a verse, a poem draws us back to
that center in old and new ways. Cotner has once again compiled a small book that speaks to the heart and soul of each of
us, this time with a collection of prayers, poems and prose from classic and modern authors as well as new voices that lead
us to that place of serenity in each one of us. The poems draw us to the beauty of creation, of stillness of appreciating
the small things. I especially liked Alfred Grant Walton's poem “The World We Make,” that included the line “We
make our world by the life we lead.” How true.
SERENITY PRAYERS makes a nice lead in to that quiet time to walk, to
contemplate, to find that place of peace inside. A good gift.
BLUE LIKE PLAY DOUGH The shape of motherhood in the grip of God By
Tricia Goyer ISBN 978-1-60142-152-4 Multnomah Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Before my husband and I had kids, I wanted to wait until I could be the
perfect parent though I knew how impossible that would be. Once we had kids I realized, sometimes with despair, how far from
perfect I really was, Motherhood is exhaustion, constantly on the move, constantly second guessing decisions and a house
that often looks like a tornado hit full force.
Motherhood is much more as Tricia points out in BLUE LIKE PLAY DOUGH.
Using her own experiences, Tricia shows mothers the joys of motherhood and how God can shape each of us as we mold our children
God's way. BLUE LIKE PLAY DOUGH is right where young mothers are today.
Since my kids are grown and gone, how do I know? Because my dear, daughter-in-law
shares her heart with me. This book deals with so many of the things she struggles with faith, responsibility, misbehavior,
home-schooling, death, growing up and so much more. I'm going to make sure she gets a copy of this book.
I recommend this book for all those stressed out young moms. Give it
to one you love.
PARENTING YOUR TEEN AND LOVING IT Being the Mom Your Kid Needs By
Susie Davis ISBN 978-0-8007-3318-6 Revell Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
And we thought parenting toddlers was hard. From tempter tantrums and
yelling to covering up for our little “darlings’” mistakes, PARENTING YOUR TEEN is a hands-on guide to a
biblical way of raising teenagers. Susie Davis shows us how to set our expectations, choosing which battles we really want
to fight about, and how to enjoy the growth in our child, while keeping our focus on what God would want. With humorous examples
from her own parenting, she helps us see the importance in the job God has set before us.
As a parent of several teens, two at home and several moved out, this
book would have been an invaluable tool during those tumultuous years. Now, it will have a place of prominence as I hope to
improve the parenting of the two still under my wing. PARENTING YOUR TEEN should be a must read for anyone dealing with teenagers,
whether they be teachers, parents, or church staff. A ten on the faith scale.
THE G-FREE DIET A Gluten-Free Survival Guide By Elisabeth Hasselbeck ISBN
978-1-59995-188-1 Center Street Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
THE G-FREE DIET is more than Hasselbeck's personal journey to the discovery
that her lethargy and pain had a cause—celiac disease. She is intolerant to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley
and rye. Unfortunately, gluten is a glue, a binder, that is now found in a high percentage of processed products from bread
to meat. This makes grocery shopping challenging and eating out a nightmare.
However, as Hasselbeck shares, the blessing with celiac disease/gluten
intolerance is that it is directly tied to diet. Medicine can't cure, but a diet change can. This book shows what the problem
is and how to deal with it with sanity and humor as well as offering a wealth of information and resources.
Highly recommended for parents of children showing abdomen pain, and
for anyone who questions if their problems might be tied to a gluten intolerance. Mine were.
THE FAMILY BLESSING By Rolf Garbprg ISBN 978-1-934770-62-7 Summerside
Press Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
God’s Word encourages us to bless others; even those who curse
us. If we are to do this, how much more so should we bless our families? Our children, in particular? As gifts from God, our
children are to be cherished. In what better way can we cherish them, but by blessing them?
In THE FAMILY BLESSING, Rolf Garborg tells us how he and his wife came
to bless their children each night before the children fell asleep. The impact this act had on their family was huge. It’s
not always easy to bless someone, even your offspring, when they’ve upset or hurt you, but the benefit to both parties
is priceless. Who can’t use a daily blessing?
This book is a wonderful gift for mothers-to-be, parents-in-training,
or those who’ve been around the block a few times. It will become a cherished book on anyone’s shelf as a constant
reminder to bless those we love.
KISS ME LIKE YOU MEAN IT Solomon's Crazy in Love How-to
Manual By Dr. David Clarke ISBN: 978-0-8007-3329-2 Revell Reviewed by Elisabeth H. Bantz
Sometimes
funny. Sometimes tragic. Dr. Clarke tells stories from his own experiences and those who have come to him for counsel. "Why
doesn't passion between us last?" he is asked. "What's killed that glorious, heart-pumping feeling of love and desire we had?"
Dr.
Clarke has the answer. And it's not pretty. Ready? The person you fell passionately in love with is replaced by an alien.
You have both been replaced by aliens. He doesn't talk to you anymore. She talks too much. He snores. She hogs the blankets.
Who can be passionate with an alien like that.
Step by step, Clarke reveals how to find the spouse you fell in
love with. The secret is doing it God's way. Here are a few of his tips: Put your wife/husband ahead of your job, your children,
and yourself. Ask each morning, "Honey, what are your needs today. What can I do for you?" And periodically ask, "How am I
doing meeting your needs? How can I do better?" And instead of pointing out each other's faults, praise their good qualities.
I
heartily recommend this inspiring message of restoration. Your marriage can only get better.
THE HOLE IN OUR GOSPEL What does God expect of us? The answer that
changed my life and might just change the world By Richard Stearns, Pres. Of World Vision ISBN 978-0-7852-2918-6 Thomas
Nelson Reviewed by Elisabeth H. Bantz
As a kid from a broken home, raised in relative poverty, Richard Stearns
worked hard through two ivy league colleges and went on to become the CEO of not just one, but two large corporations. He
had everything he could ever want: a wife who shared his faith, five children enrolled in fine Christian schools, and a magnificent
house in a gated community. Until two telephone calls rocked his safe little world.
“Don’t ask me to explain it, but God told me that you are
going to be the next president of World Vision,” his friend Bill said.
And try as he might, Rich could not fight the Holy Spirit any longer
when six months later the second caller forced him to face the real question: “Are you willing to be open to God’s
will for your life?” To answer it, he had to let go of the things in his life that possessed him, and stop hiding behind
the fallacy that God could not use him.
Are we willing to be open to God’s will for our lives? If not,
there may be a hole in our gospel. And before we can offer the whole gospel to the rest of the world, we have to fill that
hole. There is no “whole gospel” without compassion and justice shown to the poor. It’s that simple, he
says.
Be prepared to be as challenged as Stearns was. Faith element: very high.
HOLY ROLLER Finding redemption and the Holy Ghost in a forgotten Texas
church By Julie Lyons ISBN 978-1-4000-7495-2 Waterbrook Press
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Julie was a white crime reporter for a Dallas newspaper. What she was
searching for was a good story, a church in dangerous South Dallas that made a difference in the violent, drug-infested
mostly black neighborhoods. She found not only a story, but also new life—and a church home.
With the title HOLY ROLLER, not usually a positive description of a pentecostal
phenomenon, I expected an examination, more likely a critique of some kind. But this book is, instead, Julie's personal
journey not only into the darkness of South Dallas, but into the healing, saving power of Jesus Christ and how it not only
changed a neighborhood, but also her life.
THE WOMAN OF MYSTERY Unveiling the secret of true romance Hayley
DiMarco ISBN 978-1-4143-2468-5 Tyndale House Publishers Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
THE WOMAN OF MYSTERY sets forth the belief that all women seek mystery
and romance in life and that these longings can only be satisfied in the context of relationship with Christ. It encourages
women to spend their lives focused on this true romance, rather than expending all our energy on seeking earthly romance and
to become women of mystery by living life in such a way that we reflect Christ.
In this context, the book tackles practical subjects such as modesty,
the words we speak, the attitudes we hold, and the way we relate to others, suggesting that these things and more are all
part of cultivating a God-centered lifestyle as a woman of mystery. Scripture is sprinkled in lightly, with the main focus
on sharing advice and stories of real-life women.
The chapters are focused and easily readable, each concluding with some
ideas for application of the topics discussed.
Since this book is geared toward women, at times it gives an imbalanced
picture—for example suggesting if there are problems in a marriage, the woman needs to change.
Therefore I propose some caution in reading it. If you take it as intended—a
guide for women seeking to live a Christ-like lifestyle rather than a complete picture of the dynamics of a healthy lifestyle
then you will likely benefit from the tips and stories shared.
MISPLACING GOD (And Finding Him Again) By Joanne Heim ISBN 978-0-8254-2759-6 Kregel
Publications Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
In today’s world, life is busy, and constant demands drain both
time and energy. All too often, we fail to make room for what’s most important: God. Joanne Heim provides a powerful
reminder of this in MISPLACING GOD. She shares her journey from being a believer that kept God low on her priority list to
being a believer that made room for quality time with God each day and learned to “practice his presence” even
through the most difficult days.
Heim doesn’t simply stop at pointing out a problem and detailing
the solution, she also gives practical pointers on how to make God the center of daily life. She starts with intentionally
making God a priority, and covers topics such as how to make the time and how to delve into the Word and prayer once you have
set aside the time. An abundance of Scripture throughout supports the whole work.
A solid resource, especially for new believers.
LIFE ON PLANET MOM A down-to-earth guide to your changing relationships By
Lisa T Bergren ISBN 978-0-8007-3365-0 Revell Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Want a practical guide on how to handle the relational changes motherhood
brings? I suggest trying LIFE ON PLANET MOM, an easy-to-read, encouraging book on the importance of relationships to a mom
and how to rightly handle them when raising small children.
Lisa T. Bergren tackles six areas of relational change for new moms:
relationship with God, yourself, your husband, your parents, your friendships, and your community. Each chapter delves into
one of these topics, starting with a short fictional illustration, then moving to practical advice, words from other moms,
and helpful tips. Questions for further thought conclude the chapters.
While I am not yet a mother, I found much of value in LIFE ON PLANET
MOM and will keep it on hand as a reference for the future. Moms with small children will benefit from the frank discussion
on the joys and hardships of motherhood, and the helpful suggestions this book contains.
FAITH SET FREE Pray for Yourself with Reckless Abandon By Will
Davis Jr. ISBN 978-0-8007-3247-9 Revell Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Praying for ourselves? Imagine. It’s easy to pray for others. Most
of us do it all the time. But does God want us to seek him for our own desires and needs?
According to scripture He does. Even going so far as to tell us we can’t
live this life without praying for ourselves. So how do we do something we aren’t used to doing?
FAITH SET FREE is a handy, easy-to-read guide that will lead us on a
journey of self-discovery and worth. Will Davis Jr. uses humorous examples from his life as examples. FAITH SET FREE is much
more than just a book on prayer; it will show you how to burst into a new relationship with God.
Within these pages are exactly what God tells us to pray, and what the
prayers mean. And, yes, the prayers are centered around us as individuals. This guide is a must have for anyone who believes
in the power of approaching God’s throne, and for those who are still seeking. A ten on the faith scale.
CHRISTIANITY IN CRISIS: THE 21ST CENTURY By Hank Hanegraaff ISBN
978-0-8499-0006-8 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
I recently finished a book dealing with problems with the theology of
Emerging Church Movement, Open Theism and other serious departures from Biblical Christianity. In this book, author Hanegraaff
tackles another part of the drift away from Biblical faith, something that holds many desperate people in it's grasp. It is
the radical Faith "Name it and Claim it" Movement.
I had no clue how far off-base some of these proponents have become,
elevating man to a god-like status while sublimating the sovereign God to the status of beggar, loser and puppet.
Well known faith proponents such as Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, and TD
Jakes hold radical views of faith, the cross and the finished work of salvation. It was a wake up call for me. I've read works
by each and never realized how far off base they and other faith teachers had become. Though couched in spiritual terms much
of what they teach has roots in paganism, New Age, and Scientology.
Hanegraaff doesn't just point out the errors, but points the reader to
the truth, to Biblical reality, to Christ and how to discover truth from error. He quotes liberally from the works and teachings
of the faith movements teachers and drills home his points in a heavy and detailed volume.
Recommended study for every Christian.
SHE STILL CALLS ME DADDY By Robert Walgemuth ISBN
978-0-7852-2170-8 Thomas Nelson Reviewed by Elisabeth H. Bantz
Building a new relationship with your daughter
after you "give her away" is one of the hardest things a man must do. It takes faith, faith that you've instilled everything
she will need for her new role as wife and eventually mother, and faith that God will fill the low places she may face, as
you walk her down the aisle and answer that milestone question: "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
It's
a turning point, a moment of relinquishment. Robert Wolgemuth knows what he talking about. He has given his two daughters
to the men they had all been praying for from the time the girls were born. And he guides the reader through the roller coast
of emotions a father (and mother) feels at this turning point in life.
I wish I had known this sage advice when
we :"gave away" our daughters . . . and sons. But having read it "after the fact," I can still put his guidelines into practice
as I see my sons- and daughters-in-law in a new light. This book will bless all parents. Period. Even new parents, because
now you can faithfully pray for your children's future mates.
Faith element: high.
MAKING WORK AT HOME WORK Successfully growing a business and a family
under one roof By Mary M Byers ISBN 978-0-8007-3275-2 Revell Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Those of us who've juggled family and a work-at-home business know just
how hard it is to balance our priorities. When we're at home, it is hard to shut out the conflicting obligations that, at
times, seem to assault us.
Using her own and the experiences of other stay-at-home entrepreneurs,
Byers takes us on a journey of discovering how we can be home with our children and run a business. But there are some definite
guidelines to follow.
Of course, we need to be flexible (we're Moms, after all). We need
to realize one size does not fit all and our solutions might be different from another stay-at-home business woman. We need
to realize we can't “do it all” which means we need to schedule our time around priorities we've already decided
upon in advance with input from other family members involved.
We need to get and stay organized, regularly plan for the next month,
year, etc., setting down our goals and objectives. Then be honest and open about what we can actually achieve while leaving
time for ourselves, our husband and our kids. There needs to be constant communication with our family and our clients.
We need to learn to say “no,” even if that no means a client is not happy.
Of course, we need to treat our work at home like a business, keeping
accurate records. (The tax man will be in this mix.)
Don't forget, says the author, to network with other moms and stay-at-home
women and others, recognizing our need for advice and support. A positive, never-give-up attitude is also important.
Pg. 117 “Act like the person you want to be.”
Most of all, found your life on the best support and advisor possible—Jesus
Christ.
Finally, from page 110, Byers advises, “I've come to the conclusion
that I often make things harder than they need to be.”
Good advice from a stay-at-home entrepreneur who's been there. I wish
I'd had this book when my kids were small and I was juggling my writing and my career. Recommended.
Faith element: Low to medium
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF GOD Dangerous beliefs in the new spiritual openness By R Albert Mohler Jr ISBN 9780-1-60142-081-7 Multnomah Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Our society has gods. Those gods haven't disappeared. They are more in
evidence than ever. What has disappeared, is disappearing, and is being twisted and morphed into an “acceptable”Jesus
and legislated and criminalized out of existence, is GOD, the God of the Bible. This all-knowing, all-present God who gave
His life that we may live and who offers life to those who come to Him, but death and Hell to those who don't, has been marginalized
by many of the very ones who sought to make Him more relevant.
From the Open Theists, who don't believe God knows the future (doing
away with most of the Bible), to those who've shifted away from the foundations of the faith in many other ways, our culture
is in a crisis of faith. Many churches no longer believe or teach the gospel message and are little more than social or self-esteem
parlors and with about as much long-term positive benefits.
Many are led away, not realizing the very ones who should be upholding
Biblical truth (such as those in the Emerging Church movement) no longer believe in knowable truth, some are ashamed to be
known as Christians, and way too many so-called “Christian” leaders are leading their people down a path of quicksand
to the very Hell they no longer believe in.
This book helps God's people realize what is happening, recognize the
signs of apostasy, and become pro-active personally and within the church to restore the faith of our fathers.
This is a small, easily read and absorbed book. Highly recommended for
every Christian and every seeker both individually and in Bible study or discussion group settings.
THE AMERICAN PATRIOT'S BIBLE General Editor: Dr. Richard G Lee ISBN 978-0-4185-4153-8 Thomas Nelson Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
This Bible is much more than a family keepsake, for it is a keepsake
with pages to record family genealogy and records of births, deaths, military service and more. It is also a piece of art
with careful attention to detail and appearance as well as attention to functionality and readability.
Scripture is taken from the NKJV version and THE AMERICAN PATRIOT'S BIBLE
has maps and a very nice concordance as well as a subject index. But, what makes this Bible unique is the juxtaposition of
Bible principles alongside the values, quotes of both founding fathers and other great American leaders.
Included are such things as "The Bible and American Presidents," "Christianity
in Colonial America," "The Bible and American Education," and many more inserts tracing each subject to it's Judeo-Christian
source.
Size harks back to those hefty Bibles every family treasured and passed
down from generations to the next. <I have two such family Bibles--both in Swedish.> This is a new generation of family
Bible, one carefully crafted for the American family.
This would make a wonderful family keepsake, a great source for families,
especially homeschooling families, and have a valued use for personal or family devotions.
As a journalist, I've already gotten several article ideas from this
Bible.
Beautifully and reverently done.
EXPERIENCING THE SPIRIT By Henry & Melvin Blackaby ISBN
978-1-59052-911-9 Multnomah Christian Living/Spiritual Growth Reviewed by Elisabeth H. Bantz
It’s all about experiencing Jesus; when the Spirit comes, He reveals
The Messiah to us. It’s not about us getting gifts, but having the giver of gifts within us. It’s not about going
out on assignments for God, but going out with Him on His assignments and watching Him work miracles--through us.
To give our best—what we can do in our own strength, is to cheat
the world of God’s best—what the Holy Spirit desires to do through us. God asks us to serve outside our areas
of strengths, so that His strength is what others see. Without the Holy Spirit, the world sees the church doing good things
for God, not God doing what only He can do through us.
"Are you content merely to give the world your best? Or do you want people
to experience the power of the Holy Spirit when they encounter your life? What a difference!" Jesus is actively at work in
the world, and He gives you the gift of the Holy Spirit so you can join Him in that activity.
I encourage you to read Blackaby’s book, along with his companion
books, "Experiencing the Cross," and "Experiencing the Resurrection." It’s all about a relationship with God. How awesome
is that?
PLANTING CHURCHES THAT REPRODUCE By Joel Comiskey ISBN 978-0-9790-6769-9 CCS Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
For too long, Mega-Churches have gotten most of the attention in the
Christian community. But another movement has started to gain ground. One that doesn't depend on enormous outlay of funds
or programming. House and cell churches, small gatherings begun in homes, are gaining ground for a culture disintegrating
and people, tired of church as usual, who desperately need to connect with others and God.
But many of these small cell churches fail. Others thrive and become
the foundation for growth, spiritually and into other home/cell gatherings. Of course the basic is prayer and God's leading,
but other factors also play a part.
PLANTING CHURCHES THAT REPRODUCE is a practical, common sense, easy to
read manual of the principle of multiplication and how to grow into a vibrant community of believers who continue to reach
out.
Every church should use this book in a study to kick-start God's people
into understanding the basic principle of the gospel—reproduction. My copy is all marked up. (And I'm part of a church
plant.)
THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON JOY A Revolutionary Program for Balancing Mood, Restoring Brain Health, and Nurturing Spiritual Growth By
Dr. Earl Henslin ISBN 978-0-7852-2873-8 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
In today’s society, Depression is everywhere. Postpartum blues,
negative thinking, fatigue, and just plain brain weariness. We’re bombarded by it. Sometimes even glorifying it, saying
this is normal in today’s world. Dr. Earl Henslin asks, “What does your brain have to do with experiencing joy?”
THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON JOY uses science and biblical truth to guide us
to true joy; to help us overcome depression and experience joy as we were meant to. Dr. Henslin gives readers books, movies,
and scripture to lighten our hearts. He gives us reasons for being unjoyful and ways to pull out. For anyone suffering from
depression, anxiety, or working in the psychology field, this book should not only sit on your bookshelf, but be tattered
from flipping through the pages to find a way to help yourself or someone else.
Faith element 8
GO BACK AND BE HAPPY A devastating brain injury left Julie at the gates of heaven By Julie Papievis as told to Margaret
McSweeney ISBN 978-0-8254-6276-4 Monarch Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Julie had her life planned out, though she hadn't planned on the divorce.
But that was the least of her problems when a young man ran a red light and crashed into her car. No one thought Julie could
survive. She had massive head and body injuries that included traumatic brain stem injury.
So began a long, long journey back to life, but was the life she'd be
living post accident worth the struggle—especially after getting a glimpse of Heaven? Julie discovered that even in
the depths of despair, God is there and with His help she not only survived—she has thrived. That's not to say, she
doesn't struggle, she does. But Julie has learned that in the midst of problems, life is precious.
From someone who went from health to a wheelchair due to Juvenile Rheumatoid
Arthritis, I could identify with her humiliation at needing help for even the simplest of personal needs, her struggle to
regain independence, and her triumph. A story of hope that we need today when it is too easy to pull the plug and turn off
the machines.
DANGEROUS DEVOTIONS FOR GUYS Dare to Live Your Faith By Tim Shoemaker ISBN 978-0-7644-3734-2 Group Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Guys don't do well sitting around listening to lectures. They usually
tune out the speaker and begin to get into trouble, poking the person next to them, moving around, etc. Young men don't sit
still. In fact, when they do, there is probably something wrong. Something wrong is the problem with lots of programs and
devotions for teens, especially young men. Young men like to be active, at least have something in their hands, and are drawn
to danger and excitement. DANGEROUS DEVOTIONS FOR GUYS builds on that reality.
Using exciting and often rather risky experiments (if safety isn't of
primary importance), these devotions graphically illustrate important Christian concepts from God's plan for our lives and
how to treat others, to avoiding temptations such as premarital sex and porn.
The book is clear about safety protocols while giving guys opportunities
to “get” the point with hands-on illustrations. There are suggestions as to how to make these devotions more effective
and drawing the young men to Christ.
The devotions are focused on those with some foundation of the Christian
faith. I'd like to see a book like this for those who do not yet know Christ.
DON’T LET ME GO What My Daughter Taught Me About the Journey Every Parent Must Make By David W. Pierce ISBN
978-0-30744-468-4 Waterbrook Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
David Pierce and his daughter Chera climb many mountains and run many
marathons together. When Chera first approaches David with this desire, he realizes she is growing up and decides to hold
on to her for as long as possible. Even if it means miles of climbing. What they learn through the process is priceless. Not
only does David write of their exploits; he writes a love story. One between him and his daughter.
The relationship between a father and a daughter parallels how our relationship
with our heavenly Father should be. In DON’T LET GO, David gives us deep, sometimes humorous glimpses into the love
he has for his daughter and takes us with him when he must “let her go” and give her to another.
Most parents don’t literally climb high mountains, but there are
obstacles to raising a child. DON’T LET GO helps us through our own climbs; our own marathons, gently nudging us to
hold on and then let go when the time is right.
DON’T LET GO is not preachy, not full of scripture, yet interlaced
with nuggets of God’s love and wisdom. A great read for any parent.
DRED SCOTT'S REVENGE A Legal History of Race and Freedom in America By Judge Andrew P Napolitano ISBN 978-1-5955-5265-5 Thomas
Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
The author is obviously distinguished, educated and intelligent. He has
also done his homework on this issue. And, there is much in this book that we as Christians need to know about our own history,
and the need for repentance for horrific acts of violence against our fellow human beings.
However, I had problems as well. At times there were assumptions made
that were not backed up. He sees “government” as a single entity, whose policies have been enacted specifically
against African-Americans at almost every turn. However, he focuses on the race issue from such a narrow perspective that
he can't seem to see there might be broader reasons for certain political leanings that have nothing with race. Coming from
my perspective, this seems to be jump. Government has never been one entity even as Americans are not one entity, but a conglomeration
of individuals, sentiments and beliefs. For all the evil, there has also been much good. That aspect is missing in this book.
From his perspective, policies of both right and left have devastated
African-Americans. Yet, he seems to have sympathy with men such as Jeremiah Wright. But while slavery imprisons the body,
hate always imprisons the soul.
What is missing in this book is the Christian perspective, not just man's.
Nonetheless, this is a valuable resource in a continuing growth and education for each of us in treating one another with
respect.
LIVE YOUR JOY By Bonnie St. John ISBN 978-0-446-57925-4 FaithWords Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
She is Afro-American and female, has dealt with childhood abuse,
surgeries and relearning not only to walk but ski with one leg, has dealt with divorce and being a single parent...and yet
she has found joy. St. John finds joy comes not from outside, but from deep within. It is a well we draw from when our resources
are low. Joy is not pleasure or happiness. It is accepting who we are and where we are and moving forward. Joy is a choice.
If St. John can know joy and accomplish all she's accomplished with what she's gone through, so can you and I.
In chapters that deal with such topics as confidence, hope, humility,
authenticity and friendship, St. John builds the foundation for joy in our lives. She uses personal examples as well as the
examples from others to point us in the right direction.
But while joy comes from within and is a choice, the real joy is built
on a solid foundation of faith in God and prayer. LIVE YOUR JOY is motivating as it is freeing.
THE POWER TO CHANGE TODAY
Simple Secrets to the Satisfied Life By Gregory Dickow ISBN 978-0-446-50414-0 FaithWords Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Unhappy with your life? Think that if you were smarter or had a better
background, education, a better job or more money things would be better? They won't. As Dickow points out we will never be
successful or satisfied if we spend our time living in the past or desiring a different future rather than living with and
dealing with the here and now.
A satisfied life begins with viewing ourselves as God sees us and building
a foundation on the truth of who He is and who He created us to be in Him. With God as our foundation we can let go our fear
of failure to cultivate a positive outlook of friends, goals and lifestyle.
THE POWER TO CHANGE TODAY takes us from fear to faith with practical
information, anecdotes, and real-life stories. A positive contribution to a life of faith, joy...and satisfaction.
MAMA’S GOT A FAKE I.D. How to Reveal the Real You Behind All
That Mom By Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira ISBN 978-1-4000-7493-8 Waterbrook Press Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Before our bundles of joy came along, we “were” something.
A secretary, a CEO, a teacher, an artist, etc. Then came baby, and we became Mom. Our college degrees, our talents, our dreams,
are often set aside and our new role consumes us. But is this what God intended for Moms? Were we to set aside our identities
and “become” something else?
Christian women are often stereotyped, losing who we used to be. Relabeled
into something new. But what if this “something new” isn’t exactly what we want? What if we feel lost in
the process?
God designed us. With all our quirks, our gifts, our dreams. He doesn’t
intend for these to be tossed aside when we take on the role of Mom. Instead, we are to add this new facet to our many others.
In, MAMA’S GOT A FAKE I.D., Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira uses practical
advice from God’s Word to show us our true identity. Who we are in Christ, and how to let others see the “real”
us.
HERO Becoming the Man She Desires By Fred Stoeker & Jason Stoeker
with Mike Yorkey ISBN 978-1-4000-7109-8 WaterBrook Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Pg. 78 Alex had a serious stronghold of thought. ...strongholds are sympathetic
attitudes toward sin, or buying in to the wisdom of this world...
Both men and women have bought into the world's idea of love. Myths abound
that undermine relationships and that lead to perversion and lifelong addictions. The myths devalue women and encourages women
to devalue themselves while almost deifying sexual expression and experimentation. Who cares that hearts and lives are destroyed
in the process.
HERO tackles the myths head on with facts, figures, and examples from
real people. The foundation of this book are the stories of father Fred and son Jason and the different paths they took. Fred
was a child who bought into the 60's “free” love idea until he realized if something didn't change, he'd pass
on to his son the heartbreak his father passed onto him. Jason took the path of purity and, despite rejection and ridicule,
came to his marriage whole and pure—and it made all the difference.
Pg. 172: Respecting boundaries is an act of love.
An eye-opening look at truth. This book should be a must for every father
talking to his son about “the facts of life,” every youth group dealing with the subject of dating, husbands and
wives and men and women in general.
Don't let your kids leave home without a grounding in the truths presented
in HERO. Highly recommended.
Faith element: high
REAL SOLUTIONS FOR BUSY MOMS Your Guide to Success and Sanity By
Kathy Ireland ISBN 978-1-4165-6318-1 Howard Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
What can Kathy Ireland tell me about being a mom? She's famous and wealthy
and seems to have it all together. Appearance isn't reality. The more visible the person, the more open to often scathing
criticism. Only she has learned to deal with the many hats in her life with confidence and balance.
No matter how high profile her life, Ireland doesn't have all the answers.
She has built a solid foundation of faith and family and speaks to moms from a platform of experience about those things that
matter mos--like how to stay sane and raise responsible kids in today's culture. What hit home to me was her sharing that,
now as a mom, she wishes she'd said "no" to certain photo shoots.
Ireland is not afraid to be transparent as she shares strategies for
dealing with finances, health both physical and emotional, safety, letting go, taking care of yourself as well as your family,
and learning to lean on God.
She says... Pg 91 Your family interactions will be most effective
if everyone strives to meet three goals: communicate clearly, communicate directly, communicate with love.
Pg 183 Figure out what you value, and put boundaries in place to
protect you and your loved ones from time-eating, compromising, or dangerous situations.
She also includes practical do-able suggestions and checklists. A winner
for that mom in your life.
Faith element: High
THE LIGHT AND THE GLORY By Peter Marshal and David Manuel ISBN 978-0-6007-3271-4 Revell Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
America was a safe haven for those willing to sacrifice for their faith.
But as the authors of THE LIGHT AND THE GLORY reveal, from extensive research, was that the founders saw America not just
as an escape, but a mandate to build a nation of, by and for God and God alone. America was to be a Light to the rest of the
world, a City on the Hill of people who put God first.
This mandate dimmed and brightened with revivals and complacency, but
it is clear from the written records that God had a hand in forming and maintaining the United States of America. THE LIGHT
AND THE GLORY reveals the revisionist secular historian position that America was not founded on the Christian faith for the
blatant lie it is.
A revealing look at America, warts and all. This should be mandated reading
for every high school and college student and for every Christian.
Time for Christians to get back on their knees in repentance.
Faith element: high
A POEM A DAY By Philip Comfort and Daniel Partner ISBN 978-0-8254-6278-8 Monarch
Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
This devotional contains a year's worth of some of the choicest poetry
written in the last several hundred years. You'll find the more well-known authors, Longfellow, Keats, Milton, Byron, and
one of my personal favorites, William Blake (The Lamb, The Tyger), authors whose verse ended up as well-known hymns and many,
many others. The opposing page takes the poems, clarifies the spiritual aspects, adds interesting information about the authors
as well as an appropriate Scripture verse.
Each day, the reader can experience the depth of human expressions as
the poetry leads to a deeper walk with Christ.
Making sure each book is completely read before a review is to be written
is a mark of an ACR review. With this volume, I am breaking this rule. To get a review out in a timely manner, I'd have to
gallop through this beautiful, uplifting, sometimes haunting and always challenging book of poetry and devotional thought.
Though I am a speed reader, hurrying through this volume would be a crime. Such poetry, even those with which I am well acquainted,
needs to be read out loud and savored. And though I am certainly reading more than one a day, I am savoring this book.
So while I have not finished this fat volume, I am writing my review.
For all who love poetry, this devotional makes a delightful and thoughtful start (or end) to each day.
LIFE EQUITY Realize your true value and pursue your passions at any
stage in life By Marsha Blackburn ISBN 978-1-5955-5159-7 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
In her book LIFE EQUITY, US Congressman Marsha Blackburn shows we women
our potential. Using practical helps and information along with her story and the stories of other women, Blackburn helps
us evaluate our skills in the light of reality. (Mothers learn leadership, management and negotiator skills in mothering,
in volunteering, in surviving the childhood of our children with sanity intact.)
Blackburn has much to share. Pg 4: “It's not about demanding our
rights. It's about displaying our gifts.”
Pg. 191: “While some vestiges of glass ceilings still exist here
and there, the most formidable barriers to our our achievement now lie within our own minds and hearts.”
Pg 171: “I believe women instinctively know that you manage things
but you lead people.”
Too often we women do not value what we've learned by life expediences or recognize
them for skills that can be transported into a work environment. We downplay strengths and undervalue our achievements and
skills. We tend to magnify our weaknesses or use them to keep us from reaching our full potential.
Blackburn encourages us to focus on the possible positives not just the
negative outcomes. To reach our potential we need to be bold, look failure in the face and be brave even when it isn't at
all how we feel inside. We also need to be women of integrity, honesty, stick to our commitments and be willing to stretch.
It isn't about comparing ourselves to others, but focusing on our unique gifts, skills and abilities. Be intelligent risk
takers, confident that we have something to offer.
Blackburn's book gives us the focus and courage to do just that. Recommended.
Faith element: N/A
Click picture to read first chapter
NEVER GIVE UP By Joyce Meyer ISBN 978-0-446-58035-9 FaithWords Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
We often sabotage our lives by giving up, not letting go the past. We
play the blame game, making our own and everyone else's life miserable, instead of appropriating God's promised forgiveness
and freedom.
Meyer tackles the things, like fear, that undermine our relationship
with God and others and keeps us from living the life of freedom and abundance God plans for each of us.
As always, Meyer's book is practical, readable and solidly based on God's
truth. It certainly hits home as it enlightens, opening that door so we can step confidently into a future of hope.
Of all Meyer's books, this really meets a huge need for every one of
us. My copy is all marked up. Highly recommended.
LEFT AT THE ALTAR My Story of Hope and Healing for Every Woman Who Has
Felt the Heartbreak of Rejection By Kimberley Kennedy ISBN 978-0-7852-2878-3 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Love is patient; Love is kind, the Bible tells us. But what about the love
between a man and a woman? What happens when one is rejected, cast aside, unwanted, by the person you’ve given your
heart to?
Using her own painful example, Kimberley Kennedy shows a path to healing
and moving forward. In an often poignant, sometimes humorous guide, we are given an insight to her pain and the experiences
of others who were also rejected. She also helps women see into the heart and mind of men. They are not always the cause of
pain and hurt, but often experience the same for themselves.
What are some of the reasons love is rejected? How can we prevent this?
How can we recover? LEFT AT THE ALTAR helps us not to dwell on what might have been, but on what can be. Kennedy uses scripture
to give the reader strength while traveling the difficult road to recovery.
ESCAPING THE DEVIL'S BEDROOM By Dawn Herzog Jewell ISBN 978-0-8254-6165-1 Monarch
Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
They are the men and women we try to pretend don't exist. We don't frequent
their hang-outs and even when we believe in God's amazing grace, we somehow don't think it extends to those in the prostitution
industry. But the truth is, these are hurting people often forced by sexual exploitation and circumstances into something
that binds them as it destroys their souls.
ESCAPING THE DEVIL'S BEDROOM is a book about second, third, fourth chances,
about restoration and hope and about those rescued and those who rescue. It is an eye-opening glimpse into a world of degradation,
fear and hopelessness. It is a book about patience and a God who, unlike us, doesn't give up on those He loves.
Warning note: some language has not been cleaned up, but such expressions
are not pervasive.
Christians need to read this book and reach out.
A CELEBRATION OF MOTHERS Featuring the verse of Helen Steiner Rice ISBN
978-1-60260-299-1 Barbour Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
This gift book combines the heartwarming verse of Helen Steiner Rice,
with short, sweet devotionals, vignettes of lessons learned from family. Add in appropriate Scripture and soft-focused background
pictures and you have a book that is both encouraging and inspiring. It will become a classic gift for that beloved mother
in your life.
Beautifully put together. I plan to give a copy to my daughter-in-law
for Mother's Day.
PRAYER POWER 30 Days to a Stronger Connection With God By Peter
Lundell ISBN 978-0-8007-3263-9 Revell Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Do you feel like your prayers touch the ceiling and never go any further?
Do you feel like God isn’t listening? That what you’re asking doesn’t count or matter?
In PRAYER POWER, Peter Lundell gives us practical and biblical tips on
how to be more effective in our prayer life. The Bible tells us that God hears all our petitions. But there are ways to be
more effective in our communication with Him.
Like praying scripture, praying out loud, writing our prayers, etc. These
are only a few of the ways Lundell uses as examples. How can we have passion in our prayer life? This, and many more questions
are answered in an easy to read guide. This book is a must read for all Christians. Especially those new to the walk. An invaluable
resource for any Christian library.
ULTIMATE PRODUCTIVITY A Customized Guide to Discovering Your Personal
Path to Success By Jim Stovall ISBN 978-0-7852-2888-2 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Why aren't we working up to our full potential? What steps can I take
to make success happen?
Stovall provides broad principles to help each of us find our ULTIMATE
PRODUCTIVITY. He explores what we think we're doing as opposed to what we're really doing in terms of communication, activity,
motivation and more.
He points out that activity is not the same as productivity. We can work
less hours if we work with more efficiency. We need to realize productivity isn't a group sport and what works for someone
else may not work for you.
Pg. 111 To communicate skillfully and effectively, you must communicate
in a manner that is appropriate to the message's content, using the best avenue for the receiver's needs and preferences.
Pg. 22 Have a personal missions statement....
Pg. 98 Ultimate Productivity profile: www.UltimateProductivity.com The code to take this test free is in the book. Well worth the price.
ULTIMATE PRODUCTIVITY is about learning to develop and use skills and
abilities. It is about both motivation and implementation.
Stovall is more than a motivational speaker without a clue. He is a creative
businessman, who did not allow his blindness to keep him back, and who now helps the rest of us to "see."
MERE CHRISTIANS: INSPIRING STORIES OF ENCOUNTERS WITH C. S. LEWIS Edited
by Mary Anne Phemister & Andrew Lazo ISBN 978-0-8010-7184-3 Baker Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
I can't recall the first time I was introduced to C. S. Lewis. I do know
I am a life-long fan. In college I read his Space Trilogy and other works. When my children were young, we read through the
Narnia series every Winter for years. It has made my son also a life long fan of Lewis. (I will be giving him a copy of this
book for his birthday this year.)
This particular work is a compilation of contributions from authors,
pastors, professors and more, including many eminent scholars and Christians, who've been profoundly influenced by C. S. Lewis
and how. It is a revealing work not just about the contributors, but also about the heart of Lewis himself and his influence
on Christian thought, talk and walk.
This book is intriguing and very readable. Lewis aficionados will want
to add this book to their collection, while those who don't know Lewis's works will be drawn to check them out.
CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT The Terrifying Global Implications of
Islamic Law By Noni Darwish ISBN 978-1-5955-5161-0 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Noni was like a prisoner of her country simply because she was female
in a Muslin country. She didn't know anything different. She didn't realize it wasn't normal for men to be able to beat their
wives for any provocation or that it was ok to rape a woman who wasn't completely covered. She didn't know that Jews and Christians,
in fact anyone other than Muslims, were loved by God.
What she discovered is that Muslim women are seen as just one step above
the pigs and dogs, as Muslims refer to non-Muslims. There is no freedom in any country ruled by Sharia law, the Muslin system
of government. It is basically a survival of the fittest that harks back to another time and place when might was the only
way to hold the desert land.
Once she escaped to the West, Noni discovered freedom for women, freedom
of worship and a looming crisis of ignorance and apathy. The West has no clue of what Islam really is. In her book, she clearly
shows how Islam is not a religion of peace. In fact, with Sharia, it is a complete and total governmental system of enslavement.
It is a system that cannot survive in a free society.
Muslim terrorists are not extremists, but adherents actually following
the violent, anti-women, anti-freedom methods taught by their scriptures, by their laws, and by both secular and religious
leaders. Moderate Muslims either aren't always aware of their own history or scriptures and try to put a positive face on
a system that has destroyed nations and peoples for hundreds of years.
It is a system with adherents bent on destroying the West anyway it can,
intermarriage with American women, intimidation, violence—anything. And we need to beware.
A book that should send us to our knees and to doing what we can to protect
our country from an invasion that would enslave us all. Highly recommended.
PRAY BIG FOR YOUR CHILD The Power of Praying God's Promises for Your
Child's Life By Will Davis Jr ISBN 978-0-8007-3246-2 Revell Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Parenting is stressful, to say the least. We worry about our kids, where
they are, their friends, their future. What can we, as parents, do to help our children make wise choices and become all that
God created them to be? PRAY BIG FOR YOUR CHILD takes our concerns and channels them into positive prayer for our children.
Things we can do. Model the faith and attitudes we want our kids to have.
Teach God's promises to our children and pray God's promises over them. Pray God-centered, Biblical prayers.
The author says, “Let God direct your praying for your child. Seek
a vision from Him for your child's future, and then pray that vision.”
There is so much practical information in this book. It empowers parents,
taking us from fear to boldly coming to the throne of grace for our kids. A must have for every parent.
SHOCKED BY THE BIBLE The Most Astonishing Facts You've Never Been
Told By Joe Kovacs ISBN 978-0-8499-2011-0 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Unfortunately, we live in an era of abysmal Biblical illiteracy. The
author is correct to point out many, even of those who consider themselves “Christian,” have little knowledge
of Scripture. What knowledge many do have is little more than tradition, hearsay and speculation with little real basis in
the very real Bible.
As a life-long student of the Bible, little of what Kovacs revealed was
new to me. While he was dead on with many of his conclusions, I did not agree with all of them. Sometimes things left out
of would have put a little different spin on the picture presented. Some conclusions reached did not adequately differentiate
between Old and New, Jew and Gentile requirements. It did bother me that at some points the author implied that if the reader
did not accept his particular take on a subject, the reader was most likely deriving his/her point of view not from Scripture,
but from pagan beliefs. Not necessarily so.
However, Kovacs has done his homework. In SHOCKED BY THE BIBLE, he explodes
certain common concepts, brings shocking stories and revelations to light and gives the reader motivation to dig deeper into
the the very Word of God. A valuable resource for today's jaded but Biblically illiterate audience.
IN STEP WITH GOD Understanding His Ways and Plans for Your Life Charles
F. Stanley ISBN: 978-1-4002-0091-7 Thomas Nelson Reviewer: Elisabeth H. Bantz
I understand that God
can and does speak to us directly, but sometimes he uses a brother. At the time I began reading this book, I was about to
have a small spot removed from my right lung. I already knew that this spot would prove to be cancerous, and I already knew
the treatment they were going to prescribe for the other spots they had discovered.
Charles Stanley's words
leaped out of the page at me: "God [is] saying, 'The more you trust Me; the more I will do for you.' . . . God says to open
your mouth wide, that is: 'Expand your faith, trust Me in a big way, and watch what I will do in your life.' And I wonder
if God is saying this to someone reading these words: 'Oh that you would walk in My ways. If you knew what I had planned for
you; if you understood that the best lies ahead of you; ...If you knew that My plans and purposes are far greater than anything
you could do on your own for yourself; I HAVE ALL THE RESOURCES AT MY COMMAND.'"
Somehow I have been prepared
to face this very situation, because I already knew I was not going to go the chemo route. God had a different path for me
to take, and He had been showing it to me in various ways over the years. I knew He was going to heal me in a natural way,
building me up with the nutrients He created, which are powerful enough to defeat and expel the intruders from this
Temple of the Holy Ghost. And Charles Stanley's words confirmed that God would indeed use all the resources at His command.
The best is yet to come.
No matter what your circumstances look like, this book will bless you as you hunger
for intimacy with God. I recommend it.
BILLY The Untold Story of the Young Bill Graham And The Test of
Faith That Almost Changed Everything By William Paul McKay & Ken Abraham ISBN 978-0-8499-2067-7 Thomas Nelson Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
From the time I was a child, I was aware of Billy Graham. My parents
admired and prayed for him. I think they may have met him since they, too, were from the Minneapolis area and my father was
a pastor. I've heard Billy preach on TV and saw his impact for Christ. I've read books and articles and news stories about
him.
But BILLY isn't so much about his ministry, but an intimate portrayal
of those younger years that gave him foundation for his ministry. BILLY contrasts his life and ministry with that of his friend
Charles Templeton, who turned his back on God and the ministry God had for him. It is a story that grabs the heart of the
reader. Reads like fiction, unlikely fiction at that, but with the truth and impact and depth of the gospel. This book stays
in the heart and mind long after the last page is reached and the book closed. Highly recommended.
WORDS TO WRITE BY Author Devotionals Compiled by Robin Bayne ISBN
978-1-932695-79-3 Treble Heart Books: MountainView Publishing Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
How do authors write, get their ideas and inspiration, keep going when
problems—family or otherwise—overwhelm? Authors are as different as the books they write, each offering a different
perspective on writing and being an author. This book brings together the experiences of a host of authors (many very well
known), giving the reader not only inspiration, but also very real “how to's” as they struggle in that dream to
become an author.
Each author does one thing more, brings us to the heart of their inspiration—Jesus
Christ.
A good book to give that budding author, bring hope to a discouraged
author or new inspiration for the author further along on the journey. With the scripture for each short chapter, this book
makes a nice devotional to start the day.
Note of bias. I contributed to this book. Truth is, I am asked to contribute
to any number of projects. Many never get to the publication stage. This one did. It did because it is good. That I don't
know until I read it cover to cover. This one indeed is a book of value to inspire an author.
COME ALONG 10 Illuminating Encounters With Jesus By Jane Rubietta ISBN
978-1-4000-7352-8 WaterBrook Press Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
The busyness of life can easily distract from the most important thing—knowing
God and loving Him. COME ALONG is an invitation to set aside distraction and enter into deeper intimacy with God.
In this devotional book, each chapter illuminates portions of Scripture,
incorporates personal experiences, and challenges the reader to sit in the presence of God and hear what He has to say. Topics
covered include transparency, healing, relationship, and hope. At the end of each chapter there are prompts related to the
subjects discussed that encourage the reader to focus on Jesus, renew their minds by dwelling on Scripture, and become transparent
in the place of prayer.
While geared toward women, COME ALONG contains encouragement for the
journey of every believer that seeks to walk in greater intimacy with God.
REFUEL An Uncomplicated Guide to Connecting With God By Doug Fields ISBN
978-0-8499-2054-7 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Ever tried to have a daily quiet time with God, but gave up in frustration
that you couldn't follow some book or follow the example of some super (in your eyes) Christian? Author Fields takes the formula
and frustration out of connecting with God. As he shares, our time with God has nothing to do with a formula and everything
with pursuing a relationship.
I don't have time. Pg 41: The truth is, there is always enough time to
do what God's wants us to.
I don't know how. Pg 81: Connecting with God isn't about mastering a
formula; it's about a heart that desires to be closer to God. It's an attitude...
Fields shares several simple steps. Stop. In our busy scheduling we need
to stop, a few seconds, a few minutes or more and focus on God.
Seek moments of silence. Turn off the TV, ipod, radio. A moment before
the next student, client, patient. A moment in the car. Hide away in the bathroom. We know our schedules and where we can
seek those fleeting moments.
Make a connection by coming with an attitude of thankfulness and trust.
Pursue God. Share your heart, give thanks, and, in those moments of silence, listen to His still small voice.
Yes that close connection includes time in God's Word for that is one
way He speaks to us. Keep His Word handy--in a purse, online, on that PDA or ipod.
We all need to refuel in our relationship with God or, like a car without
gas, we'll be running on empty, empty of God's love, peace, hope and grace.
Need to REFUEL in your faith walk. This small, pocket-sized book might
just be the key to finding the way to do just that.
Make a good gift. Questions for each chapter also makes this good for
discussion groups.
THE POWER OF A MAN Using Your Influence as a Man of Character By
Rick Johnson ISBN 978-0-8007-3249-3 Revell Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
What makes a man? Is it a macho attitude? A lot of money in the bank?
Or a true love for Christ and a desire to follow God’s will?
Today’s culture expects men to go along with the flow, having low
expectations. A man will rise to what is required of him, given the chance. God gave man power. But where can he obtain it?
The role of man is to help others, even if they fail when stepping out in faith. It is better to strive to do good, than not
to try at all.
Rick Johnson has given the men of today an easy-to-understand tool to
lead them to be the men of romance novels. The men of hero novels. The men God has called them to be. And to show them how
to lead others along the same path.
High on the faith scale.
LET GO Live Free of the Burdens all Women Know By Sheila Walsh ISBN
978-0-8499-0135-5 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Be thin, be beautiful, wear designer clothes, stay home, juggle work
and family. Women today are bombarded with rules and regulations about what we are supposed to be. But what does the Bible
say? God wants to set us free from the world’s view and make us His.
With Biblical scripture and Godly wisdom, Sheila Walsh gives us a book
full of positive enforcement. A guide to help us see who we are in Christ. Who we are meant to be by God’s standards.
LET GO uses women from the Bible as examples, showing us their role in history and God’s grace in their lives.
LET GO is a must have for the modern woman. A ten on the faith scale.
Without being preachy, and in easy to understand examples, we are led to a closer relationship with our Father.
ONLY NUNS CHANGE HABITS OVERNIGHT 52 Amazing Ways to Master
the Art of Personal Change By Karen Scalf Linamen ISBN 978-1-4000-7400-6 WaterBrook Press Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Most people desire change in some area of life, yet dread making it or
find themselves unsure how to approach it. For those seeking to make difficult changes, large or small, Karen Linamen offers
tools to master the art of change.
Linamen takes a practical approach to change, but her humorous tone prevents
an otherwise serious subject from becoming overwhelming. Each chapter explores dimensions of personal change—becoming
aware of harmful habits, forming new habits, letting go of past hurts, and similar topics, along with specific principles
to implement the topic under discussion. Reflection questions at the end of each chapter provide the opportunity for greater
personal exploration. Most importantly, Linamen highlights the ultimate “change agent” in our lives—God—and
explores the power of His transforming work in our lives.
By the end of the book, you will have a wealth of information on how
to tackle changes in your life. If you are dissatisfied, or struggling with needed change, ONLY NUNS CHANGE HABITS OVERNIGHT
will be an excellent resource.
I'M NOT YOUR FRIEND, I'M YOUR PARENT Helping Your Children Set the
Boundaries They Need...And Really Want By E D Hill ISBN 978-0-7852-2810-3 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Too many parents have just given up or they seek to be a buddy instead
of a parent. Others just can't imagine little Johnny or Jane doing anything wrong. Others figure if you can't beat them, join
them. But that isn't parenting.
As the author of I'M NOT YOUR FRIEND, I'M YOUR PARENT, when we abrogate
our responsibilities as parents we raise monsters or losers rather than well-adjusted children. How we raise our children
does make a difference not only for their future, but often for their friends and many, many others influenced by your children
and your style of parenting.
Yes, parenting is both a blessing and a responsibility and there are
some very specific ways we can help our children grow into self-confident, responsible adults. ED Hill shows us how through
information as well as examples from her life and the lives of other parents. In fact, after I read the introduction to this
book I told my husband the introduction itself was worth the cost of the book.
If you are a parent, especially if your children are elementary or teen
age, this is an absolutely MUST READ!!! Highly recommended.
THE TODDLER BOOK By Rachel Waddilove ISBN 978-0-8254-6274-0 Kregel:
Lion Hudson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Advice for parents for the 21st century. Not that the basics change.
Parenting is about affection, firmness, faith and lots of common sense. It is taking time for yourself, working with your
spouse, and enjoying this exhausting but satisfying stage of your child's life.
The author deals with schedules, feeding, potty training, siblings and
pretty much whatever else comes up during these years.
There is more emphasis on paid help than most books I've read, but that
seems a more British thing than for the average American. Still, the information is solid and, from a mother of two and grandmother
of three and the author of HELP! I'M A NEW MOTHER, this book is a valuable resource for the confused, exhausted parent of
a toddler.
Recommended.
SUZI ORMAN'S 2009 ACTION PLAN By Suzi Orman ISBN 978-0-385-53093-4 Spiegel
& Grau Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
When I first had the opportunity to download Suzi's new book, I put it
off until another author recommended it. I didn't need it. I'm very on track with Dave Ramsey. And yet, this was brand new.
I've watched Suzi on Public TV and Oprah and liked her common sense approach, not that different from Ramsey's. So I got the
book and was glad I did.
The information is practical and doable and must if we're going to survive
in today's economic environment. Orman deals with credit, income, college expenses and debt, retirement, investing and much
more. Her plan of action is both simple and difficult, because as with any change in life, commitment is the path to success.
What does the plan include? Financial honesty Make a reasonable
plan and stick to it Don't rob Peter (retirement) to pay Paul (college or credit card debt) Save, not spend Pay off
debt. And that's just the beginning.
Orman says, “Crises force us to take a clear-eyed view of what
went wrong and compel us to make necessary adjustments to avoid the same pain and suffering again.” (pg. 207)
I recommend this practical volume.
CHRISTIAN WRITER'S MARKET GUIDE 2009 By Sally Stuart ISBN 978-0-30744-643-5 WaterBrook
Press Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Received my copy and began to look it over. It is thicker than ever and
yet the print version doesn't carry some of the resources we're used to. Why? Because they are on the accompanying disk, making
accessing them easier and keeping the print version manageable. I do like seeing the resources in print as well, so I plan
to print out these resources and keep them in a notebook by my desk.
More resources, new markets, new updates. What's not to like about the
new CWMG?
With all the changes in the publishing business, this is one book that's
a must for both would-be and the serious author.
AURORA An American Experience in Quilt, Community, and Craft By
Jane Kirkpatrick ISBN 978-1-4000-7428-0 WaterBrook Press Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Quilting as long been a pastime and way of living for people across America.
In AURORA, historical author, Jane Kirkpatrick, takes us into Oregon’s history, primarily the Old Aurora Colony of the
lush Willamette Valley. With photo and facts, Kirkpatrick brings to life this period of America’s west. Full color photographs
of handmade quilts decorate the pages.
With such an accurate depiction of early Oregon life, the reader is taken
into the early colony with each flip of the page. AURORA is a beautiful coffee table book for historical lovers everywhere.
This book is sure to please someone who loves beautiful books or someone wanting to research the time and place. A wonderful
gift no matter what season! AURORA isn’t an inspirational book in the traditional sense, but as the reader turns the
pages, we see what a difference faith makes in the founding of a colony.
THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE MORAL DILEMMA By G R Evans ISBN 978-0-8254-6250-4 Kregel:
Lion Hudson Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
In today’s politically correct world, we are bombarded by choices
of right and wrong. Not only personally, but pertaining to the world around us. Will my choices hurt someone else? Will it
hurt the environment? What about the financial stability of our economy? Questions abound from as small as a white lie to
whether war is moral. How is the best way to discipline our kids?
In THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE MORAL DILEMMA, Evans asks questions throughout
the book to prompt us to think through these issues ourselves. To dig deep inside to find out what is right for us and our
world. Evans doesn’t give personal opinion, but rather leads us to finding the answers by looking at scripture.
Although the book reads similar to some text books, it is full of mind
probing information to many of life’s questions. A nine on the faith scale.
I DO AGAIN How we found a second chance at our marriage--and you can
too. By Cheryl & Jeff Scruggs ISBN 978-1-4000-7445-7 WaterBrook Press Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
When we say “I do” we believe our love will take us through
anything—together. But what happens with it is all surface and the soul begins to starve for something deeper? I DO...AGAIN
is the story of a real-life couple who loved, betrayed, divorced, found real love—and each other again. It is a story
of love that perseveres with a real life couple with all their faults and failures who, nevertheless, find healing in Christ
and begin extending forgiveness to each other.
This is a book that every couple should read, not only once their marriage
begins to crumble, but long before, when safeguards can be put in place and when there is still hope. Even so, I DO...AGAIN
shows that God can bring hope and love into the most hopeless of situations when the couple seeks not their will, but His.
A must read for every couple.
UNCENSORED GRACE Stories of Hope from the Streets of Los Vegas By
Jud Wilhite with Bill Taaffe ISBN 978-1-60142-146-3 Multnomah Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
As Christians, we know we are to hate the sin, but not the sinner. But
in many of our churches what plays out when someone comes through our doors, is a cringe if that person is different, is grungy
or does not measure up to our standards of behavior or lifestyle. Often, we turn our backs on the very ones that need Christ
the most. In turning our backs or forcing a person to clean up before acceptance, we're adding to the simple message of the
gospel our traditions, our works, our efforts. And it isn't what Jesus called us to do—extend grace.
UNCENSORED GRACE does just that. The stories and basic principles of
the Word take us back to the basics of salvation by grace, God's grace and a people to who reach out no matter what. It doesn't
take much imagination to have an idea of the stories contained within this book, since they take place in, of all places,
Los Vegas--stories of broken lives made whole by God's grace as played out in a caring Christian community. The stories draw
us to rejoice in God's love and power and force us to our knees in repentance for not reaching out beyond our own comfort
zone.
A sobering, yet joyful read. Recommended for discussion groups and Christ
followers who wish to make a difference.
Faith element: high
THE ECHO WITHIN Finding Your True Calling By Robert Benson ISBN
978-1-4000-7434-1 WaterBrook Press Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
From the time we're young we're constantly being asked what do we want
to become when we grow up. Sometimes we know. Sometimes we desperately seek direction. In THE ECHO WITHIN, Benson takes us
on his journey of discovering his calling. Along the way he shares a concept of calling that isn't all about education and
knowing, but about listening to what God breathes within. The keys are prayer and listening.
Pg. 89 Our search for our calling leads us to listen deep within ourselves...But
we are not meant to stay withing ourselves forever. We are meant to be given away, to sound our word in the world, to give
it to others...our calling is about something considerably larger than our own fulfillment.
Pg 88 We church folks sometimes do things in the name of ministry and
vocation for a host of other reasons. Just because it is done in and around a crowd of church folks does not mean it is a
ministry. Just because we think God approves of what we're doing does not mean it is a calling.
We need to ask, “What can I do that no one else can do, write,
say...?” It is living your life, not someone else's life.
As for writers we need to learn our craft and find our voice, know what
we want to say...and say it.
A valuable resource for those who haven't quite found their calling,
have doubts or are just plain discouraged. Just don't expect a simple answer—just an encouraging one.
Faith element: Medium to high
WIN THE DAILY BATTLE By Steve Goss ISBN 978-0-8254-6190-3 Kregel:
Monarch Books Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
As Christians, we are in a war as real as any battle involving guns and
tanks. We fight a spiritual war. One in which we must choose sides and fight. Not to, leaves us open to attack from Satan’s
army. With repentance, prayer, and God’s word, this is a fight where God gives us the tools necessary to win the battle.
In God’s strength, the war has already been won.
Steve Goss has given us, in addition to the Bible, a soldier’s
handbook. One that clearly draws the lines and gives us the weapons needed to stand firm. We have the tools to stand against
the physical world, and the supernatural.
WIN THE DAILY BATTLE is one of four books in Goss’s Freedom in
Christ series. Each book is written to stand alone, or be used with the Freedom in Christ course. These books rank a ten on
a faith scale and should be in every Christian’s personal library.
DOG BLESSINGS Poems, Prose and Prayers Celebrating Our Relationship
with Dogs By June Cotner ISBN 978-1-57731-616-9 New World Library Reviewer Carolyn /R Scheidies
Those who've had dogs know how they crave attention. How they like nothing
less than to be hugged and petted and, in turn, shower affection. Puppies are all wiggles and run. Old dogs are sedate and
wise. In between are years of friendship and unconditional love. Dogs love their owners to distraction. They lend an ear when
we pour out our hearts, because the heart of a dog is huge. The rewards of dog ownership are so much more than the drawbacks.
Cotner's book takes us on a journey, reminding us of all stages of ownership
and a dog's life from that first puppy kiss to letting go. Poems are silly, sad, poignant and profound. From many different
authors, the poems, prose and prayers in this book show us God's love through the eyes of one of his special friends to humankind—the
dog.
“PARENTING IS YOUR HIGHEST CALLING” AND EIGHT OTHER MYTHS
THAT TRAP US IN WORRY AND GUILT By Leslie Leyland Fields ISBN 978-1-4000-7420-4 WaterBrook Press Reviewer Carolyn
R Scheidies
How many of us have bought into one or more of our society's beliefs
about child rearing: having children brings happiness and fulfillment; good parenting leads to happy children; if parenting
is difficult, you aren't following the right plan; you will always feel love for your child; your success as a parent can
be measured by your child's behavior? Each of these has spawned whole methods of child rearing with numerous books and adherents
that swear the method works.
Unfortunately, these parenting myths effect the way we parent. When we
don't always feel warm and fuzzy toward our children, we feel guilt. In the book “PARENTING IS YOUR HIGHEST CALLING”
AND EIGHT OTHER MYTHS THAT TRAP US IN WORRY AND GUILT page 94, the author says, “It is possible to spend ourselves in
the preserving our children's happiness only to have them grow up weak, unable to withstand life, seeking their immediate
happiness over lasting holiness and blessing.”
Parenting is realizing we're raising human beings with their own ideas
and will. Children aren't perfect and neither are we, their parents. What we can do is keep the long-term goal of raising
loving, caring, strong children that have a solid foundation of faith. God calls us to let go the guilt, do the best we can
and leave the results to Him.
This book helps us do just that. It should be a must read for every parent.
Faith element: high
FOUNDATIONS OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION A Community Approach to Becoming
Like Christ By Paul Pettit Editor ISBN 978-0-8254-3469-3 Kregel Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
We, as Christ followers, were never meant to walk alone. The message
of the gospel is one of relationship between the individual and God and between God and a fellowship of believers—community.
It is through community we grow, stay on track (accountability), and know the fullest joy of security in fellowship.
FOUNDATIONS OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION takes the academic reasoning behind
our need for community and, using the foundation of Scripture, shows us how and why community is a vital element of our faith
walk. The varied, learned authors deal with their respective aspect of community in different styles—some more academically
than others. But the whole work provides a solid foundation for what is so needed in our individualistic, self-centered culture—each
other.
Pg. 275: ...Christian spiritual formation consists of knowing your identity
in Christ, so that you can make yourself known to others in the Christian community, so that you can pursue a lifetime of
integrity in the context of community, so that you are fully equipped to glorify Christ by serving others in ministry.
My copy is now well marked and there is so much, I will be going back
for a second go-over.
Recommended.
GROWING TOWARD GOD Life Lessons Inspired by the Wonderful Words of
Kids By Doreen Wright Blomstrand & Barbar J Kosher ISBN 978-0-8254-4186-8 Kregel Publications
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
How many lessons have we learned from our kids? Too many to count. Somehow
they manage to get to the heart of an issue, our rationalizations and our petty hypocrisies, leaving us with new insight into
ourselves and the heart of God.
GROWING TOWARD GOD uses anecdotes from children to share spiritual truths.
The short devotionals based on childrens' comments and/or actions start with a verse and end with prayer.
What better way to begin a day than with spiritual lessons gleaned from
kids, just being their honest, observant selves.
Faith element: high
THE SENIOR My Amazing Year as a 59-year-old College Football Linebacker By
Mike Flynt with Don Yeager ISBN 978-0-8499-2063-9 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
He was 59 and trying out for his college football team, the team he got
kick off of so many years earlier for one fight too many. Mike regretted his actions leading to that life-altering situation.
He went on, made something of his life, found Christ and returned to make a difference.
He'd kept in shape, even coached and he wanted a chance to make things
right at his alma mater. This is the story of one man and what happened when he faced his past. As Mike says, “..the
past does not have to define your future; step out in faith and become someone you like and admire.” (Pg. 181)
Moving, entertaining, challenging and inspirational—for any age.
WHISPERS OF WISDOM FOR MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS A Year of Inspirational
Readings ISBN 978-1-60260-138-3 Barbour Publishing Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Being a mother is one of the most daunting tasks a woman can undertake.
Being the mother of a preschooler is even tougher. In today’s modern world of hustle and bustle, we can find help for
our struggles as a mother in God’s word.
With 365 nuggets to help busy or harried mothers of preschoolers, this
devotional keeps the readers eyes focused on the goal of heaven, and riveted in the blessings of motherhood.
I no longer have small children at home. Mine are mostly gone or entering
the turbulent years of teens. But, within the pages of this book, I found many sources of encouragement. A must-have for any
mother.
A BELIEVERS GUIDE TO LEGAL ISSUES By Stephen Bloom ISBN-10: 0-89957-031-3 ISBN-13:
978-0-89957-031-0 Living Ink Books Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Most likely everyone will have some interaction with the legal system
in their lifetime, even if it is in a matter as seemingly simple as estate planning or creating a will. However, not everyone
will know how to evaluate the issues they face from a Biblical perspective and make informed decisions. That’s where
A BELIEVER’S GUIDE TO LEGAL ISSUES comes in.
Stephen Bloom, a Christian lawyer, shares from his years of experience
how to evaluate common legal situations from a Scriptural perspective. He takes the often complex world of law and makes it
understandable, then holds up the legal situations to the lens of Scripture.
Each chapter of the book explores an issue—such as living wills,
litigation, prenuptial agreements. In every chapter, lists of Scriptures are given, alongside a thoughtful analysis of the
issue at hand. To give a fuller understanding to readers, Bloom also uses examples of fictitious individuals faced with legal
circumstances, contrasting what happens to those who use a Biblical approach with what happens to those who go their own way.
A valuable resource for those seeking to live all aspects of their lives
according to Biblical principles.
FREE TO BE YOURSELF By Steve Goss ISBN 978-0-8254-6189-7 Kregel/Monarch
Books Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
The Bible tells us that in Christ we are a new creation. The old is cast
away. But the world tells us different. We must conform, perform, and model what society says is acceptable. Being ourself
is not something the majority seeks. God tells us not to conform to the world. But when we follow the guidelines the world
gives us to follow, they can not only take us away from God?s will, but make us miserable living a lie.
FREE TO BE YOURSELF is a book about freedom. About searching for God’s
will. Seeking God’s expectations. Finding out who we are. There is only one we need to please, and that is God himself.
Imagine a life free from worldly restrictions and expectations. A life where we are FREE TO BE OURSELVES. A life of security.
Steve Goss gives us godly guidelines to help us achieve this freedom
in a short, easy to read format. A ten on the faith scale.
MORE PAGES FROM THE RED SUIT DIARIES By Ed Butchart ISBN 978-0-8007-1904-3 Revell Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
The spirit Santa Claus is real and he spent 18 years being a professional
Santa at Stone Mountain, Atlanta, Georgia. Ed Butchart has written another book of Santa stories that will make you laugh,
cry, and be fully convinced Santa Claus is alive and well.
He also shares stories of reaching out to those with physical, mental
and spiritual needs through the organization, Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) he start to do just that--reach
out in a very real way.
But Ed does more than simply portray Santa. He also shares the real story
of St. Nicholas and draws us back to The Christ of Christmas.
A Perfect complement to Christmas.
Faith element: Medium to high
WHISPERS OF WISDOM FOR BUSY WOMEN A Year of Inspirational Readings ISBN
978-1-60260-137-6 Barbour Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
In our busy days, sometimes we just don't take time for what is most
important—time with God. This volume gives incentive to take that time to start the day out right with a verse, a short
devotion and a prayer. WHISPERS OF WISDOM FOR BUSY WOMEN covers those topics that make up the days of women from all walks
of life who have one thing in common—we're busy.
It also helps us slow down, take time for God, for ourselves, for our
families.
Prayer from Day 51: Lord, correct my thinking and clear my clutter. Help
me to work a margin into my day so that Your plans, last-minute notes, corrections, and additions can find a place in my life.
Let me not be so busily focused on my own agenda that I miss Yours. Amen.
This prayer is a good summary of this book. Recommended for busy moms
everywhere.
HEAVEN HAS BLUE CARPET A Sheep Story by a Suburban Housewife By
Sharon Niedzinski ISBN 978-0-8499-2004-2 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
What happens when a city family buys a farm? What happens when the wife,
Sharon, decides a farm needs idyllic sheep on the pasture land? Sharon discovers, though sheep are usually docile and innocent,
they are also self-centered, greedy, frustrating and often totally disgusting.
Sharing incidents sometimes poignant, sometimes sad and often humorous,
Sharon draws in the spiritual insights she learned from being a shepherd. She came to understand why God likens us to
sheep and just how like sheep we are. She knows from experience.
I like non-fiction, and expected HEAVEN HAS BLUE CARPET to be an average
read. Instead, it was so delightful and had such spiritual depth, I found it difficult to put down. Though HEAVEN HAS BLUE
CARPET reads like fiction, it is grounded in reality and truth.
This one is for all God's lambs.
PROJECT PEARL By Brother David with Paul Hattaway ISBN 978-0-8254-6195-78 Kregel:Monarch
Books Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
After being saved at a Billy Graham crusade, Brother David asked God
to use him to draw others to Him. A former football and marine, Brother David had only a small inkling of what that prayer
would entail for him. While working in Manila for a broadcasting company, Brother David became introduced to the plight of
Chinese Christians hungry for the word of God. In PROJECT PEARL, we read a first person accounting of the trials taking the
word to China entailed.
In an act of insurmountable bravery and trust in the Lord, Brother David,
with a handful of servicemen, sail a barge into Chinese waters to deliver one million Bibles to the starving Chinese people.
When life throws one trial after another at this amazing man, he continues on the path God chose for him. China will never
be the same. Even after Brother David’s death, his legacy lives.
A ten on the faith scale.
THE WOMAN WHO OUTRAN THE DEVIL The extraordinary story of one Woman’s
search for real love. By Shirley Baskett ISBN 978-0-8254-6095-1 Kregel: Monarch Books Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Shirley Baskett grew up in the shadow of a mentally-challenged brother.
Her over-zealous mother had no time for a rowdy, constantly questioning little girl. Thus began Shirley’s search for
love.
She begins her search in church, but the immediate satisfactions available
in the world draw her into its clutches. For many years she lives a lesbian lifestyle, drowning her guilt and pain in bottle
after bottle, and living in one slum after another. During her down-slide, she turns periodically back to her childhood faith,
only to be lured away again.
It isn’t until Shirley contemplates ending it all in a final act
of desperation that she truly turns to the Living God and receives the strength to pull her life out of the gutter. She finds
more than an earthly love when she turns back to God’s arms.
THE WOMAN WHO OUTRAN THE DEVIL is an amazing story of one woman’s
redemption and God’s powerful mercy. High on the faith scale.
THE GREATEST WORDS EVERY SPOKEN Everything Jesus Said About You, Your
Life, and Everything Else By Steven K Scott ISBN 978-1-4000-7462-4 WaterBrook Press Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Sometimes we want to know what Jesus said about a particular topic. Pretty
difficult to wade through the entire New Testament searching for Jesus' thoughts on certain issues. Many of us turn to the
lists in the back of our Bibles, but these are not complete.
But what if there was a book that contained all
of Jesus' words in an easy to find topical reference? That day is now.
THE GREATEST WORDS EVERY SPOKEN has done
just that. What does Jesus say about sin? Look it up. About faith? Find the topic and every single verse, laid out in this
handy, if weighty, volume. In fact it contains over 1,900 of Jesus' statements under 200 topics.
What a blessing.
What a handy tool for Bible study and group discussion.
As the author put it "As you study the words of Christ
on the matter of faith, you'll discover that faith always includes an act that demonstrates that faith." (Pg.444)
"...true
faith is founded on the Words of God." (Pg.445)
THE GREATEST WORDS EVERY SPOKEN is a great resource to help us
know the Words of Jesus--and follow them.
Highly recommended.
MOM, YOU MAKE IT ALL BETTER Encouraging words from real moms Edited
By Elisa Morgan ISBN 978-0-8007-1910-4 Revell Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Pg 108 Moms are the best at creative problem-solving, conflict resolution,
motivational training, bringing out the good in others, multitasking and delegating to name just a few.
Pg 85...the journey of motherhood is more like a choose-your-own-adventure
novel than a fairy-tale story in which the ending is always known.
Such is motherhood and such is this fat, little book that inspires and
encourages moms with short, poignant, inspiration and/or humorous devotional stories with an “aha” moment of hope,
Scripture and inspiring quotes. As a reviewer I tend to speed through books, but this book forced me to slow down and savor
the stories and learning, growing moments between moms and kids. I was reminded of all those moments with my own two and how
we all grew in the process.
Need a lift or feeling overwhelmed, check out this book. MOM, YOU MAKE
IT ALL BETTER shares the very real joys and struggles of motherhood and helps us all to realize we can do it with God's help
and a sense of humor. Makes a beautiful gift, not just for that new mom but for moms of older kids as well.
LIFE IS MOSTLY EDGES A Memoir By Calvin Miller ISBN 978-0-8499-2057-9 Thomas
Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
This autobiography is no small volume. All Calvin Miller, the writing
is rich and thoughtful and personal, drawing the reader into the story of his life and leaving the reader with deeper understanding
of Miller and his faith. Miller does not shy away from the topics that make Christians uncomfortable, ie sex, the emerging
church, dissension within the church, and yet writes with understanding about the all too human foibles of people, Christians
and churches. The more I read, the more I wanted to read until I was reluctant to close the last page. While this may be an
autobiography, it is so much more with insights into faith and walking the walk each moment.
Well worth the time and effort to read, especially for Miller fans. LIFE
IS MOSTLY EDGES might bring his other books new fans.
Pg. 318: ...good teachers teach what they are, more than
what they know.
Faith element: High
PATHWAYS THROUGH DEPRESSION By Sue Atkinson ISBN 978-0-8254-6260-3 Kregel
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Many of us think someone deep in depression can simply “Get over
it,” but depression is more than having an off day or two. It effects every part of a person emotionally, spiritually
and physically.
But even in the worst of circumstances there is a way out of the maze.
PATHWAYS THROUGH DEPRESSION, written by one who has been there, takes the reader on a journey of discovery and hope. It is
small, purse-sized book that provides real answers and practical help that can be read over and over as depression overwhelms
and as healing begins.
RECOVERING ME, DISCOVERING JOY By Vivian Eisenecher ISBN 978-0-9814871-5-1 KTW
Publishing Reviewed by Elisabeth H. Bantz
At birth, some of us are given a deck of cards to play that seem
stacked against us. How does one recover from her mother's suicide? How does one recognize the presence of social anxiety
and depression? Vivian didn't, and turned to alcohol in order to just get by. But the remedy turned into a nightmare.
The
author takes us lovingly through her climb back out of the black hole she found herself in, and up to a place of triumph.
The process is an ongoing one, and not easy, especially if you think you can do it alone and by your own strength, but joy
is definitely possible. There is hope for those who seek it, hope in God.
This spiritual, physical, and mental
journey is for everyone seeking freedom from addictions. Faith content: high.
COUNTDOWN TO THE APOCALYPSE Learn to read the signs that the last
days have begun By Grant R. Jeffrey ISBN 978-1-4000-7441-9 WaterBrook Press Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Jeffrey takes a new look at Daniel, interpreting Daniel's prophecies
in the light of today. Is it the end time? Certainly could be. Certainly Daniel's prophecies have proven remarkably accurate
over the years. And why not, God himself gave Daniel a glimpse of the future.
But will anyone listen as our world disintegrates around us? Whether
or not, we're in those final days, COUNTDOWN TO THE APOCALYPSE cautions us to draw near to God. Though carefully researched,
this book is easy to read and comprehend. For those serious about the future, this book is a place to start. A definite discussion
starter for small groups.
WHEN GOD GOES TO STARBUCKS A Guide to Everyday Apologetics By Paul
Copan ISBN 978-0-8010-6743-3 BakerBooks Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
As Christians, we are faced every day with questions tackling today’s
tough issues. Sin, lying, homosexuality, miracles, wars, poverty…the list goes on in an endless stream. From the beginning
of history, people have questioned the foundation of Christianity, and many Christians try to clarify their beliefs with apologies.
In WHEN GOD GOES TO STARBUCKS, Paul Coban uses biblical references and
research books to back up what Christians believe. He points those who question in a direction where they can find the answers
themselves.
WHEN GOD GOES TO STARBUCKS is not an easy read.
Instead, it is a thought provoking book that will take time to go through,
often having the reader thumb back through the pages to gain more insight. For those who are questioning, or want to be able
to answer tough questions in a more insightful way, this book is a valuable resource.
GETTING THE BLUES What Blues Music Teaches Us About Suffering &
Salvation By Stephen J Nichols ISBN 978-1-58743-212-5 Brazos Press Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Is it possible that blues music that bemoans the problems of life has
a spiritual component? Yes, according to Nichols who takes us on a journey into the deep south from early in the last century
to the present and into the lives of those who sang the blues. In sharing the lives of many of these men and women, he makes
a case for the spiritual roots that infiltrated the music of gospel and blues.
Some of these musicians waffled back and forth in their musical preferences,
singing songs of both faith and blues that still touches our hearts today. He shares how the enslaved people saw themselves
in the story of Moses and in the suffering Jesus and in redemption through Him and shows how the blues cannot be separated
from this influence.
Though not an easy read, this book, filled with history most of us have
never heard, plays a vital role in the musical history of America, opening our eyes in ways history class never did. A well
researched book that should take it's place on the shelves of libraries and those who love music.
IN THE BEGINNING: THE ART OF GENESIS By Chuck Fischer ISBN-13:
9780316118422 Little, Brown & Company: Hachette Book Group Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Wow! That's my response to this unique creation. Yes, creation. IN THE
BEGINNING: THE ART OF GENESIS is so much more than a mere book. And, though it is a pop-up book, it is not really for the
little kids—though they will enjoy the pop-ups.
Using the main themes of Genesis from the creation to Joseph in Egypt,
IN THE BEGINNING: THE ART OF GENESIS takes the reader/viewer on an informational and visual journey. Each double page three
dimensional spread opens to a magnificent, colorful, intricately detailed pop-up image. It is flanked by mini-books on each
page filled with pictures of classical art and a synopsis of the Biblical story as well as further details. (Some classical
art, as we all know, features semi-nude depictions and so must carry a parental caution for the little ones.)
This is a visual experience that will grace a coffee table or shelf with
room enough to keep the book open to one or another page spreads. A definite conversation starter. (I have mine open to Jacob's
ladder.)
Beautifully executed.
48 DAYS TO THE WORK YOU LOVE By Dan Miller (Foreword by Dave Ramsey) ISBN
978-0-8054-3188-9 Broadman & Holman Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Whether you are a stay-at-home Mom, wanting to use your abilities to
bring in some extra income, an out-of-work employee, a worker unhappy on the job, or someone just entering the work force,
this book is for you. It takes you to the core of who you are, your abilities and capabilities and helps you shape them into
into positives for the work force.
This book helps you realize doing work that empowers rather than drains
is important to health for yourself and your family, and good for business. But it does more than send you off with high-sounding
rhetoric. 48 DAYS TO THE WORK YOU LOVE gives you the tools needed (assessments, samples, examples, information, etc.) to re-assess
and find work that best suits YOU!
GOING ROGUE
MOTHER TERESA 
THE TWILIGHT GOSPEL
EVERYDAY GREATNESS 
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF GOD
THE AMERICAN PATRIOT'S BIBLE 
THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON JOY
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