Experiencing the Spirit, The Friends We Keep, Hero, and more

After several weeks of procrastinating, I am finally getting around to writing about a few books.

First was Experiencing the Spirit. Henry and Melvin Blackaby have penned this little volume/gift book that talks about the significance of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. As I read it, I was impressed by all the things God is doing around us that we miss because we aren't looking. Perhaps the most poignant point of this book is that we have created the notion that if it isn't my spiritual gift, I shouldn't bother to do it. This mentality is wrong at the most basic level. If it's not my talent, that's all the more reason why I SHOULD do it: it gives the Spirit a chance to work through me because I'm humble enough to realize His role in the whole thing. Here's the phrase that got me: "The result of this approach is that we don't need or rely on the Holy Spirit, because we're confident in our abilities. We're under the delusion that we have everything under control. THe world therefore, looks at the church and sees good people doing good things for God, bt they don't see the power of God working through His people to accomplish what only He can do (italics theirs). Definitely worth reading.

Next up: The Friends We Keep by Sarah Zacharias Davis. If you're familiar with much from the Christian circle, you'll recognize her middle name. She's the daughter of renowned evangelist Ravi Zacharias. In this book, we follow Davis' right of passage in discovering the nuances of female friendships. I have to admit, I kept hoping this book would get better. It was mainly a string of revelations she had about how emotions ebb and flow in our interactions.

I also scoped out a pair of Kay Arthur devotionals. Advertised as 40-minute, no homework studies, the two I tried were "How do you walk the walk you talk?"(Ephesians excerpts) and "Rising to the call of leadership" (Samuel, Eli, David, and Saul). These are great, digestible studies for someone who's wanted to try precepts but been intimidated by the depth. Highly recommended...

Last, but definitely not least, was Hero by Fred and Jasen Stoeker. You may recognize their names from the "Every Man's Battle" series. This father and son use this book as a call to action for young men facing temptations to be more like the world. I'm sure you're wondering why a girl would ever crack this one. Well, I'm getting married in a couple months, and I thought it might give me some insight into the battle waging in my fiance's bones right now. I didn't expect to like it, but I found myself drawn like a moth to the flame by the wisdom of a man who's loved and lost (his purity over and over) and the son he raised who CHOSE (of his own accord) to refrain from dating, kissing, and premarital sex. There are even a few key words from the son's wife. I learned a lot about watching the way I portray myself or speak. If you've read "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Josh Harris, you may think you won't get anything from the book. But, the comparison ends there. The Stoekers offer a perspective, a groundedness, and a boldness you won't find anywhere else. Guys are crazy to pass this up. Moms of boys are crazy to pass this up. And girls dreaming of prince charming are crazy to miss it too.

Enjoy!

The Hope of Refuge

I've been happily reading my way through the summer. I just finished Cindy Woodsmall's amish tale "The Hope of Refuge." These books make me think of one of the most tranquil places on earth, Lancaster County. Here's a synopsis of the book:

Raised in foster care and now the widowed mother of a little girl, Cara Moore struggles against poverty, fear, and a relentless stalker. When a trail of memories leads Cara and Lori out of New York City toward an Amish community, she follows every lead, eager for answers and a fresh start. She discovers that long-held secrets about her family history ripple beneath the surface of Dry Lake, Pennsylvania, and it’s no place for an outsider. But one Amish man, Ephraim Mast, dares to fulfill the command he believes that he received from God–“Be me to her”– despite how it threatens his way of life.

Completely opposite of the hard, untrusting Cara, Ephraim’s sister Deborah also finds her dreams crumbling when the man she has pledged to build a life with begins withdrawing from Deborah and his community, including his mother, Ada Stoltzfus. Can the run-down house that Ada envisions transforming unite them toward a common purpose–or push Mahlon away forever? While Ephraim is trying to do what he believes is right, will he be shunned and lose everything–including the guarded single mother who simply longs for a better life?

If you're looking for something light to get you through the heavy hot summer days, this is a good one. Cindy's books are always so engaging. To get your own copy, go here: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400073962

And if you're in the area, here are the places she's doing a book tour:

Tuesday, August 11 7 – 8:30pm
Barnes & Noble
5141 Peachtree Parkway, The Forum
Norcross, Georgia 30092
(770) 209-4244

Wednesday, August 12 7 – 8pm
Barnes & Noble Opry Mills
515 Opry Mills Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
(615) 514-5000

Thursday, August 13 6 – 8pm
Barnes & Noble
2540 Futura Pkwy. #135
Plainfield, Indiana 46168
(317) 838-7941

Friday, August 14 6 – 8pm
Barnes & Noble
1550 West 75th
Downers Grove, Illinois 60516
(630) 663-0181

Saturday, August 15 1 – 3pm
Baker Books
2768 East Paris Ave SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546-6139
(616) 957-3110

Sunday, August 16 2 – 4pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
3700 Rivertown Parkway Ste. 2058
Grandville, Michigan 49418
(616) 531-1825

Monday, August 17 7 – 8:00pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
1739 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 298-9516

Tuesday, August 18 7– 8:30pm
Joseph Beth Booksellers
2705 E. Carson Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203
(412) 381-3600

Wednesday, August 19 6 – 8pm
Hackman’s Bible Book Store
1341 Mickley Road
Whitehall, Pennsylvania 18052-4610
(610) 264-8600

Thursday, August 20 1 – 3pm
Rachel’s Country Store (Amish dry goods store)
6352 McClays Mill Road
Newburg, Pennsylvania 17240
(717) 530-9452

Can’t make the tour? You can still follow Cindy’s adventures on Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter. See you there!

blue like play dough

If you're familiar at all with Donald Miller, you mentally replaced "play dough" with "jazz". With raw honesty and insight, Tricia Goyer uses the loose reference to Miller's book as a launch to her own story of revelation and redemption.

At first, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the book. In just a handful of pages, I learned a lot about Tricia's youth. While I realize no one is perfect, her matter-of-fact tone caught me off guard a bit. But soon, that was what kept the pages turning.

Tricia proves that she is utterly teachable as a mom, a wife, a woman, and a follower of Christ. She says the things we're all thinking....not humorously, but with a realism that is encouraging but not victimized. She's come through struggles and in the process raised three great kids.

As someone who aspires to be a mom one day, I found her example to be approachable and encouraging. Her method of entwining Scripture with anecdotes didn't come off as forced or preachy. My one complaint was that at times it didn't seem like we were getting anywhere. Almost as though it was a series of revelations that, while meaningful, didn't quite connect well to the title and theme of the book. If she meant to parody "Blue Like Jazz" with the title, she did. But that was where it relationship ended.

You can learn more about her by going to her website: triciagoyer.com

To find encouragement in your journey as a mom, visit:If you're familiar at all with Donald Miller, you mentally replaced "play dough" with "jazz". With raw honesty and insight, Tricia Goyer uses the loose reference to Miller's book as a launch to her own story of revelation and redemption.

At first, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the book. In just a handful of pages, I learned a lot about Tricia's youth. While I realize no one is perfect, her matter-of-fact tone caught me off guard a bit. But soon, that was what kept the pages turning.

Tricia proves that she is utterly teachable as a mom, a wife, a woman, and a follower of Christ. She says the things we're all thinking....not humorously, but with a realism that is encouraging but not vicitimized. She's come through struggles and in the process raised three great kids.

As someone who aspires to be a mom one day, I found her example to be approachable and encouraging. Her method of entwining Scripture with anecdotes didn't come off as forced or preachy. My one complaint was that at times it didn't seem like we were getting anywhere. Almost as though it was a series of revelations that, while meaningful, didn't quite connect well to the title and theme of the book. If she meant to parody "Blue Like Jazz" with the title, she did. But that was where it relationship ended.

You can learn more about her by going to her website: triciagoyer.com

To find encouragement in your journey as a mom, visit:

Happy reading!If you're familiar at all with Donald Miller, you mentally replaced "play dough" with "jazz". With raw honesty and insight, Tricia Goyer uses the loose reference to Miller's book as a launch to her own story of revelation and redemption.

At first, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the book. In just a handful of pages, I learned a lot about Tricia's youth. While I realize no one is perfect, her matter-of-fact tone caught me off guard a bit. But soon, that was what kept the pages turning.

Tricia proves that she is utterly teachable as a mom, a wife, a woman, and a follower of Christ. She says the things we're all thinking....not humorously, but with a realism that is encouraging but not vicitimized. She's come through struggles and in the process raised three great kids.

As someone who aspires to be a mom one day, I found her example to be approachable and encouraging. Her method of entwining Scripture with anecdotes didn't come off as forced or preachy. My one complaint was that at times it didn't seem like we were getting anywhere. Almost as though it was a series of revelations that, while meaningful, didn't quite connect well to the title and theme of the book. If she meant to parody "Blue Like Jazz" with the title, she did. But that was where it relationship ended.

You can learn more about her by going to her website: triciagoyer.com

To find encouragement in your journey as a mom, visit:If you're familiar at all with Donald Miller, you mentally replaced "play dough" with "jazz". With raw honesty and insight, Tricia Goyer uses the loose reference to Miller's book as a launch to her own story of revelation and redemption.

At first, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the book. In just a handful of pages, I learned a lot about Tricia's youth. While I realize no one is perfect, her matter-of-fact tone caught me off guard a bit. But soon, that was what kept the pages turning.

Tricia proves that she is utterly teachable as a mom, a wife, a woman, and a follower of Christ. She says the things we're all thinking....not humorously, but with a realism that is encouraging but not vicitimized. She's come through struggles and in the process raised three great kids.

As someone who aspires to be a mom one day, I found her example to be approachable and encouraging. Her method of entwining Scripture with anecdotes didn't come off as forced or preachy. My one complaint was that at times it didn't seem like we were getting anywhere. Almost as though it was a series of revelations that, while meaningful, didn't quite connect well to the title and theme of the book. If she meant to parody "Blue Like Jazz" with the title, she did. But that was where it relationship ended.

You can learn more about her by going to her website: triciagoyer.com

To find encouragement in your journey as a mom, visit: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421524

Happy reading!

Happy reading!

Happy reading!

A Perfect Mess

This is the story of my life.

No, seriously.

It's the title of a book I just read, by Lisa Harper. Lisa takes 13 Psalms and applies their truths to everyday life. It's not lofty, but rather a peak through the window of her own discoveries in the songs and laments. She's down-to-earth, and someone you can relate with.

Using insightful anecdotes, you find yourself challenged to be more than you are. My favorite is the sweet memory she recalls of her mother singing "Count Your Many Blessings" while washing the dishes, ironic in contrast to the turmoil she was surviving. Not only did I find myself humming the words to that hymn; I found myself wanting to find a way to sing in the midst of the craziness that surrounds me. He is faithful, and nothing can shake that.

To check it out for yourself, visit this site:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307457882&ref=externallink_wbp_aperfectmess_sec_0526_01

Happy reading!

Amish Love

What’s all the hubbub about Amish fiction? Major media outlets like Time and ABC Nightline are covering it, and authors like Cindy Woodsmall are making the New York Times bestseller list regularly. What makes these books so interesting?

Check out the recent ABC Nightline piece here (http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=7676659&page=1) about Cindy and her titles When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and When the Soul Mends. It’s an intriguing look at Amish culture and the time Cindy has spent with Amish friends.

And don’t forget that Cindy’s new book The Hope of Refuge hits store shelves August 11, and is available for preorder now.

Living Rich for Less

I recently picked up Ellie Kay's new book "Living Rich for Less." In our current economy, I was intrigued with the subject. And hey, I'm hoping to save some money in 2009.

With lively humor, proven know-how, and practical principles for financial health, Ellie helps you stretch your dollars to realize the lifestyle of your dreams with simple steps save, spend, and give smart. She even shares tidbits she calls Cha-Ching Factor tips that keep or put money in your pocket.

It's refreshing to read this perspective from someone who's been there. She went, within two and a half years, from being a new wife and mom with $40,000 in consumer debt and seven children (and college educations) to support, to being completely debt-free and having enough to take care of her family and those she cares about.

For a fresh view at a topic that's on all our minds, check out the book here:

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=446015&netp_id=570367&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers

Happy saving!

When the Soul Mends

During the winter, I love nothing better than curling up with a good book. Recently, I found Cindy Woodsmall's "When the Soul Mends," the last in a trilogy that chronicles Amish teen Hannah Lapp.

Now when I first started to read it and realized it was the 3rd book, my immediate reaction was to close the cover and figure out how to get my hands on books one and two. And I am so glad I did. Because when I went to start "When the Soul Mends" the second time, I was so anxious to see what happened that I couldn't put it down.

In this book, Hannah's journey comes full circle. She has spent much of the last couple of years in a self-imposed shunning from her family and community, living as an "Englischer" in Ohio. She returns to help her sister through a crisis and to seek some closure. What she finds is that some of the things she's come to believe about herself and those she loves aren't what they seemed. As the truth reveals itself, Hannah finds herself longing for the simplicity of home.

This is absolutely a great way to cozy up in front of the fire, appreciating the simplicity and honesty of this girl's journey, especially in our current times. Enjoy!

Only Nuns Change Habits

I recently read the new book by Karen Linamen, Only Nuns Change Habits. It's a cute, tongue-in-cheek read that encourages readers to keep the resolutions they keep at the New Year, and all year round. The book is broken down into chapters, but tying it all together are 52 tips she's offered as tidbits to keep you on track.

This is a great book for someone who needs a refresher in meeting goals. The information isn't new or revolutionary. But let's face it, with as many distractions as we face on a day-to-day basis, we could all use the reminder. And Karen's humor keeps your pages turning.

To check it out for yourself, visit this link:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400074002

Be on your way to a new you for 2009!