Everyone is familiar with the question of "What Would Jesus Do?," but few people actually ask, "How would Jesus do?" In Invitation to the Jesus Life, Jan Johnson gives us plenty of food for thought and practical application. Johnson encourages the reader to think about attributes that Jesus had and how we can practice those same disciplines in our own lives. She definitely challenges her audience to step outside their comfort zone.
I enjoyed this book very much. I was pleased that not only did it come with application ideas at the end of each chapter, but there is a group study guide in the back as well as a thorough bibliography. I have lots of other books to look into now. Just don't be mistaken and think this is an easy step by step guide. There is a lot of opportunity for introspection and personal challenge. This is a book I am proud to have on my shelf, although I think it will spend a lot of time in my hands instead.
Invitation to the Jesus Life by Jan Johnson published by Navpress
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Return to Sullivan's Island
Return to Sullivans Island by Dorthea Benton Frank Published by HarperCollins Publishers
I had a chance to read and review this book through Mom Central. I send many thanks their way because I did not even know that there was a new DBF book coming out and she is one of my favorite modern writers. Before I get into the official review write up, let me just say this: "go get this book." It's out, in stores, get thee gone people. I love her writing style. So many times she hits on the true emotions and thoughts a person has. Sometimes crazy things happen to her characters, but that's true to real life. And then she uses a fantastic setting, the coast of South Carolina, a place steeped in history and salt water. It's just fantastic! When I read her books I know I will laugh and cry, possibly at the same time. So there's my unofficial review in general, where I drool all over. Now here's the official write up which will find it's way to amazon sometime today in between diaper changes and slicing stuff for our cook out.
I had a chance to read and review this book through Mom Central. I send many thanks their way because I did not even know that there was a new DBF book coming out and she is one of my favorite modern writers. Before I get into the official review write up, let me just say this: "go get this book." It's out, in stores, get thee gone people. I love her writing style. So many times she hits on the true emotions and thoughts a person has. Sometimes crazy things happen to her characters, but that's true to real life. And then she uses a fantastic setting, the coast of South Carolina, a place steeped in history and salt water. It's just fantastic! When I read her books I know I will laugh and cry, possibly at the same time. So there's my unofficial review in general, where I drool all over. Now here's the official write up which will find it's way to amazon sometime today in between diaper changes and slicing stuff for our cook out.
~~~
A new generation is stepping up on the history drenched Sullivans Island. What happens when the ghosts of the departed (all dearly for the sole reason that they're family) come head to head with modern life? Beth Hayes, the daughter of Susan Rifkin is about to find out. Dorthea Benton Frank takes us into the world of evening cocktails, sandy beaches, and rocking chairs on porches to witness what the Hamilton family is up to now. Most of the family is scattered around the globe, but Beth, fresh out of college, comes home to make sure all stays well with the Island Gamble.
Benton Frank stays true to the spirit of her other books. You will want to laugh and cry and not put the book down until you are finished. As the story unfolded, I kept making guesses as to what would happen with Beth and those around her. I was right only on a few minor points. Benton Frank was able to bring out surprise after surprise and keep me on the line until the very end. Return is as tightly written as her other novels and she continues to bring her other much loved characters in when you least expect it. I highly recommend that you add this to your summer reading list. Just make sure you have access to a library because when you finish, you'll want to scoop up more of her books.
Benton Frank stays true to the spirit of her other books. You will want to laugh and cry and not put the book down until you are finished. As the story unfolded, I kept making guesses as to what would happen with Beth and those around her. I was right only on a few minor points. Benton Frank was able to bring out surprise after surprise and keep me on the line until the very end. Return is as tightly written as her other novels and she continues to bring her other much loved characters in when you least expect it. I highly recommend that you add this to your summer reading list. Just make sure you have access to a library because when you finish, you'll want to scoop up more of her books.
How Can A Good God Let Bad Things Happen?
How Can A Good God Let Bad Things Happen? by Mark Tabb Published by NavPress
Every day horrible things happen around the world. Many times we stop to wonder why because our Lord is a good God. How can a good God let bad things happen? And how can these things happen to believers? Mark Tabb attempts to address these questions and more. Can we trust God? Is there a purpose to the suffering? How are we supposed to go on after trials?
I was a bit reluctant to read this book for a couple of reasons. The first being that I was in the middle of some trials and didn't want to read a bunch of cliches. The second was that there are many books out there dealing with the topic, some of which are quite good. Obviously, I read it anyways. By the time I finished the book my trials had subsided and I came to the conclusion that such books are to be read during times of relative peace and calm in our lives so that we can store the Word in our hearts. In times of need, they will come back to us. How does this book rank with the others I have read? I found it to be different, so I can't rank it with others. This book is for the believer. It is for someone who has acknowledge God in his or her life. Many other books on this subject are addressed for the doubters. My one negative thought regarding this title is that it does seem to get a bit repetitive at times. I found myself skimming parts. Overall, I would recommend it if you wonder about accepting both the good and the bad from God.
Every day horrible things happen around the world. Many times we stop to wonder why because our Lord is a good God. How can a good God let bad things happen? And how can these things happen to believers? Mark Tabb attempts to address these questions and more. Can we trust God? Is there a purpose to the suffering? How are we supposed to go on after trials?
I was a bit reluctant to read this book for a couple of reasons. The first being that I was in the middle of some trials and didn't want to read a bunch of cliches. The second was that there are many books out there dealing with the topic, some of which are quite good. Obviously, I read it anyways. By the time I finished the book my trials had subsided and I came to the conclusion that such books are to be read during times of relative peace and calm in our lives so that we can store the Word in our hearts. In times of need, they will come back to us. How does this book rank with the others I have read? I found it to be different, so I can't rank it with others. This book is for the believer. It is for someone who has acknowledge God in his or her life. Many other books on this subject are addressed for the doubters. My one negative thought regarding this title is that it does seem to get a bit repetitive at times. I found myself skimming parts. Overall, I would recommend it if you wonder about accepting both the good and the bad from God.
Faces in the Fire
Faces in the Fire by T.L. Hines Published by Thomas Nelson
Dreams and visions of catfish, numbers written on a napkin, cancer, drugs, amnesia, murder, fire; a jumble of things that make up the lives of four strangers. Four people who do not realize that something draws them together. One by one T.L. Hines introduces us to Kurt, Corinne, Grace, and Stan in his novel Faces in the Fire. These four souls are searching for something and they don't know what it is until they find it. Life is hard, but it doesn't have to be miserable.
I chose to review this book because I read something else by Hines and enjoyed it. This was no different. I was immediately drawn into the story. Although I couldn't identify with (100) the situations the characters were in, I could identify with the human condition, the questions of their hearts. There is a lot of supernatural in the book and you shouldn't read it if you want every little question answered. Personally, I found the unanswered questions adding to the tale. While I don't want to say more and give anything away, I will say most readers will be very pleased with the end results.
Dreams and visions of catfish, numbers written on a napkin, cancer, drugs, amnesia, murder, fire; a jumble of things that make up the lives of four strangers. Four people who do not realize that something draws them together. One by one T.L. Hines introduces us to Kurt, Corinne, Grace, and Stan in his novel Faces in the Fire. These four souls are searching for something and they don't know what it is until they find it. Life is hard, but it doesn't have to be miserable.
I chose to review this book because I read something else by Hines and enjoyed it. This was no different. I was immediately drawn into the story. Although I couldn't identify with (100) the situations the characters were in, I could identify with the human condition, the questions of their hearts. There is a lot of supernatural in the book and you shouldn't read it if you want every little question answered. Personally, I found the unanswered questions adding to the tale. While I don't want to say more and give anything away, I will say most readers will be very pleased with the end results.
Fearless by Max Lucado
Fearless by Max Lucado Published by Thomas Nelson
Most people are afraid of at least one thing. Many are afraid of more than one thing. Our fears range from flying and illness to the economy and natural disasters. We wake up in the morning with them and go to sleep with them. It isn't often we can leave them behind and they leave their mark on us. We end up sleepless or with health problems. In Fearless Max Lucado explores some of our common fears and the fears of those in the times of Jesus. He then examines those fears in the light of the words and life of Jesus. Lucado states that we do not have to live in fear.
Just trust Jesus. Don't worry. In fact, you have no reason to worry. Sounds really simple doesn't it? I was a reluctant reader of Fearless at first. The more I read, the more Lucado made sense. He gives many Scripture references which makes it easy to go through and reread them, memorizing them for times of need. There are many things of concern in this world, but we do not need to be owned by them. The one downfall with this book is that I know some of the Bible translations he uses are weak and I most likely will go through with a stronger Bible to reread the references. Overall though, an excellent book.
Most people are afraid of at least one thing. Many are afraid of more than one thing. Our fears range from flying and illness to the economy and natural disasters. We wake up in the morning with them and go to sleep with them. It isn't often we can leave them behind and they leave their mark on us. We end up sleepless or with health problems. In Fearless Max Lucado explores some of our common fears and the fears of those in the times of Jesus. He then examines those fears in the light of the words and life of Jesus. Lucado states that we do not have to live in fear.
Just trust Jesus. Don't worry. In fact, you have no reason to worry. Sounds really simple doesn't it? I was a reluctant reader of Fearless at first. The more I read, the more Lucado made sense. He gives many Scripture references which makes it easy to go through and reread them, memorizing them for times of need. There are many things of concern in this world, but we do not need to be owned by them. The one downfall with this book is that I know some of the Bible translations he uses are weak and I most likely will go through with a stronger Bible to reread the references. Overall though, an excellent book.
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