Faith Creativity Life

Muted Monday - Photo of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:06:00 PST

Isaiah 51:11-13(NLT)
"Those who have been ransomed by the LORD will return.

They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy.

Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.

'I, yes I, am the one who comforts you.

So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear?

Yet you have forgotten the LORD, your Creator,

the one who stretched out the sky like a canopy

and laid the foundations of the earth.'"

Free Kindle and Nook Books - January 27

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:12:00 PST

If you are an e-mail subscriber, lately, there has been a delay with my posts getting to your inbox. It's an automated system where Feedburner generates an e-mail every time I post something. However, it seems that those sometimes go to your right away and other times a day later. I'm not sure why.

Anyway, by the time the e-mail gets to you, many of the links are already back to full price. You may want to check directly at the blog at www.faithcreativitylife.com for updates, or follow me on my Writer Speaker Facebook page where I manually post links to this blog.

Kindle Version:

Always the Baker, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker (Abingdon Press)

Highland Sanctuary by Jennifer Hudson Taylor (Abingdon Press)

A Time for Peace (Quilts of Lancaster County) by Barbara Cameron (Abingdon Press)

To Love Anew by Bonnie Leon (Revell)

Daughter of Joy by Kathleen Morgan ( Revell)

A Hearth in Candlewood (The Candlewood Trilogy, Book 1) by Delia Parr (Bethany House)

A Texan's Promise (Heart of Hero) by Shelley Gray (Abingdon Press)

Nook Version:

A Texan's Promise by Shelley Gray
Always the Baker Never the Bride
A Time for Peace
Highland Sanctuary
Daughter of Joy
To Love Anew

Book Review - I Love to Tell the Story by Susan Braun

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:54:00 PST

Sometimes, I receive e-mails from authors requesting a review of their books. The following is my review of I Love to Tell the Story, by Susan Barnett Braun.

I Love the Tell the Story: Growing Up Blessed and Baptist in Small Town Indiana is Susan Barnett Braun’s memoir. It’s written for an audience who grew up similar to the author in a conservative Christian environment. I’m near the age of Susan Braun, so I could relate to many of her stories. Like her, I grew up in a conservative Christian home. We sung the same songs she quotes at the beginning of every chapter, and her stories of Sunday School brought back memories. It stirred memories of getting a baton for Christmas, fainting in biology class, playing with Little People, Scholastic book orders, and so much more. In many ways, her story is my story.

From a writing standpoint, the author has a conversational style in her storytelling, and includes dialogue that’s natural. She’s warm and not condescending. As a tough critic, I noticed the author uses a peppering of clichés such as “been around the block” or “go the whole nine yards” throughout the book, but most readers won’t likely notice these, and they aren’t excessive. Each chapter in the book begins with an excerpt of lyrics from a traditional song or hymn, and each is titled from that song.

Readers will likely see that this book has a very narrow audience. Those who didn’t grow up in a Christian environment might read the book to get a perspective on someone who did, but they’ll likely not see some of Braun’s experiences as positive as she does. They will likely not understand. And those who grew up in Christian homes probably won’t stumble over a few creative similes, but those unfamiliar with the Bible won’t understand “she signed us up quicker than Saul lost his vision on the road to Damascus.” Or the phrase, “feeling about as happy as John on the island of Patmos when God gave him the revelation.”

My biggest critique of the book is that it’s missing a real takeaway for the reader. There are a few lines at the end that sum up the author’s thoughts, but they don’t contain something to prompt any response from the reader. I’d like to have seen something here and there about how these experiences made the author who she is today. Or something about the experience that changed or didn’t change her church experience now. In the end, I was left with a feeling of, nice story, sweet girl, but how does this affect the reader?

In places, I responded with my own reminiscing, but I had mixed feelings about some of what the author might see as positive. In many cases, similar experiences in my upbringing made me think of the church as a place for legalism and artificiality. When I got older, I realized that so much of the legalistic environment of my childhood stifled the gospel rather than spread it. All in all, I think the responses to this book are going to be very subjective, and my response may not be exactly what the author may have hoped for when she requested that I read and review her book.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book from the author for review purposes.

Free Kindle and Nook Books - January 24

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:56:00 PST

Freebies from Christian publisher Abingdon. Several of these titles have been on the free list before and they are back again. The Abingdon Press ones go back to full price quickly, so get them while they are free.

Kindle:

The Narrow Path by Gail Sattler (Abingdon Press)

Diagnosis Death by Richard Mabry (Abingdon Press)

Wildflowers of Terezin by Robert Elmer (Abingdon Press)

The Dead Saint by Marylin Brown Oden (Abingdon Press)

Nook Version

The Narrow Path by Gail Sattler (Abingdon Press)

Diagnosis Death by Richard Mabry (Abingdon Press)

Wildflowers of Terezin by Robert Elmer (Abingdon Press)

The Dead Saint by Marylin Brown Oden (Abingdon Press)

Free Book for Kindle and Nook - January 23

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:16:00 PST

Free Kindle Book (limited time promotion):

Finders Keepers by Catherine Palmer (Tyndale House)

Nook Version: Finders Keepers

New Pinterest Interest

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 04:35:00 PST

This weekend, I explored Pinterest and it's addicting. For those who haven't heard of it, it's a newer social networking site where people can share media such as photos and videos. It's different from Facebook in that there is no status to update. However, people can comment on pictures you post and those you share through a process called "pinning" and "re-pinning".

I added a little tool to my web browser and any time I see something I like on the web, I can "pin" the photo to my Pinterest boards. And while browsing on Pinterest, I can always reshare or "repin" what someone else has shared.

The unique thing about the site is that it works best with websites that have a lot of photos because there's lots to share. I'm still exploring, but check out these things I found:

Sometimes it's a clever homemaking idea.

Other times, it's a clever decorating idea.

I've found phrases to inspire.

And I've collected recipes and fun ideas.

Pinterest is a way of collecting ideas and coming back to them later. Once you find a picture that interests you, you can click on it to see the original website or blog post where the idea and often the instructions or tutorial are located.

I've found hairstyle ideas, decorating and craft ideas, craft patterns, fun photography, places I dream of visiting, and so much more.

A New Clothes Dryer With an Amish Influence

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:36:00 PST

This morning, my dryer gave out. The motor has been overheating and squawking for the past few days and I chalked it up to the frigid air shooting down the vent and frosting up the insides of the mechanism. However, it shuts off frequently and won't restart until the motor cools down. Denial over. It's broken.

Since it would be cheaper to purchase a decent used dryer than to buy parts for this one, I'm shopping on Craigslist, which is an experience in itself. It's a little bit like standing in line in Phy-Ed class in elementary school waiting to be chosen. I send e-mails and make phone calls and each time, I'm either ignored, or I get, "Sorry, someone else took it." So, I start the process all over again. I AM going to find a dryer. And fortunately, I just found a buyer for our old portable dishwasher and that will likely fund the "new" dryer purchase...that and the price my husband will get at the metal recycling place for the demolished pieces of the old dryer.

In the meantime, my husband came up with a new clothes dryer. It involves a wood stove and a box fan.

We've heated the family room (which used to the the sanctuary of our church house) to 80-something degrees, strung up a bunch of lines, and plugged in a box fan to move the air around. Voila! An Amish inspired clothes dryer...except they wouldn't have the box fan. And their clothes would probably smell like kerosene from the lamps.

Kind of reminds me of the way the house looked in the Hee-Haw segment I used to watch when I was a kid. The wife was missing teeth and had rollers in her hair. Whew! At least we haven't gone that far down hill. Yet.

The sheets actually billowed in the breeze...as the deer looked on. Sounds a lot more quaint than it was, as you can see.

Hmm...maybe we should make this a permanent thing and skip shopping on Craigslist. Or not.

Book Review - Heart Echoes by Sally John

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:59:00 PST

I'd like to introduce you to a brand new book, Heart Echoes, by Sally John. It isn't out yet, but it's available for pre-order, and I'm so glad I got to read a preview copy.

From the Back of the Book:

In the aftermath of a massive Los Angeles earthquake, the perfect existence Teal Morgan-Adams has built begins to crumble. Teal’s daughter, Maiya, is determined to learn the identity of her biological father, despite the loving devotion of her stepdad, River Adams. But that’s a secret Teal hoped would remain buried forever. She has never shared the truth with anyone . . . not her family, not River, not even Maiya’s father.

As Maiya’s rebellion escalates, Teal receives tragic news from her sister and decides to take Maiya home to Cedar Pointe, Oregon, a place she’s avoided most of her adult life. But will her already-strained marriage survive the distance and the secrets she’ll be forced to face there? And can Teal erase the lies that echo in her heart?

My Review:

Sally John creates characters who are multi-layered and believable. In Heart Echoes, I felt an instant connection with both Teal and her daughter Maiya and their desire for a bond with a biological father. Although, I never experienced the absence of a father, I understood the longing because I have a great father and I can’t imagine life without that security. That’s what’s great about Sally’s books. The reader doesn’t have to have experienced what her characters experience to feel a connection. She creates a story that draws the reader in. I was in Teal’s shoes, watching a highway crumble in an earthquake, feeling the panic of wondering if my daughter and husband were okay somewhere. I felt Teal’s anxiety over revealing the biological father of her daughter and her own pain over the rejection of both a step-father and a biological father. I saw myself in the family relationships and marital interaction.

A highly successful attorney, Teal has buried her pain in her work. But as she begins to heal, a new and beautiful future unfolds. The story line has multiple layers as we watch Teal go back to her hometown for the first time in many years and as she reconnects with a half sister whose love she hasn’t realized until now. Her husband, River has his own pain from the tragedy of losing his first wife in a terrible accident.

This is a story about reconciliation. It’s about healing the pain of the past in order to move forward. And it’s about the ups and downs in a relationship during the reconciliation process. Readers will see themes of insecurity, parent/child relationships, teen rebellion, the devastation of verbal abuse, the beauty of redemption, and much more.

I highly recommend Heart Echoes. Sally John is a talented writer and I loved it. That’s pretty high praise from a self-proclaimed tough book critic!

(I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this book from the author for review purposes).

About the Author:

Author Sally John’s passion is writing stories about relationships. Her seventeen novels explore marriage, family, and friendship in today’s world. Initially inspired to write after penning a computer software manual, Sally has also published nonfiction articles in a variety of magazines and speaks at workshops and conferences about writing and family issues.

Three-time finalist for the Christian Bookseller Association’s Christy Award, she has two married children and two granddaughters. Illinois natives, Sally and her husband Tim live in Southern California.

Free Kindle and Nook Books - January 19

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:34:00 PST

Free Kindle Book:

Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker (Abingdon Press)

Nook Version: Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride

Books are free at the time of posting, but may return to full price at any time.

Free Kindle and Nook Books - January 16

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:28:00 PST

Get your copy before these e-books return to full price:

For Kindle:

Directed Verdict by Randy Singer (Tyndale House)
More Glimpses of Heaven: Inspiring True Stories of Hope and Peace at the End of Life's Journey by Trudy Harris (Revell)
Delivered With Love by Sherry Kyle (Abingdon)

Nook Versions:

Directed Verdict

More Glimpses of Heaven

Delivered with Love

Duluth, MN - A Photo Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:41:00 PST

Last weekend, we went to Duluth, Minnesota for our anniversary getaway. We love Canal Park and are here a few photos from our trip.

I like taking panoramic views

Free Kindle and Nook Books - January 9

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:00:00 PST

Amazon has a long list of free Kindle books from Christian publishers this week!
Free Kindle Books (temporarily free):

Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden (Bethany House)

Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn (Bethany House)

They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti (Abingdon Press)

Transforming Prayer by Daniel Henderson (Bethany House)

Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise by Joyce Magnin (Abingdon Press)

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow by Joyce Magnin (Abingdon Press)

Commentary on Ephesians by Robert Gundry (Baker Academic)

Highland Blessings by Jennifer Hudson Taylor (Abingdon Press)

Awakening Mercy by Angela Benson

Nook Versions:

Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden (Bethany House)

Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn (Bethany House)

Transforming Prayer by Daniel Henderson (Bethany House)

Commentary on Ephesians by Robert Gundry (Baker Academic)

Awakening Mercy by Angela Benson

23rd Honeymoon

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 23:27:00 PST

Phil and I have been married for 22 years and we're taking our 23rd honeymoon this week. We try to get away with the two of us at least once a year just because the pace of life doesn't allow us much time together without distractions. Now that I think of it, we might have missed a few honeymoons in there when we just got too busy. But this year, we're spending 3 days together, away from home, away from the phone. We don't usually go all that far from home, just an hour or two, but we need the time together more than we need a huge bill for plane tickets and tourist attractions.

Our getaways weren't always without incident. There was the time when we got a fantastic deal at a hotel with their "Lucky in Love" package. We got the second night free, breakfast at Denny's each morning, a free dinner at the nearby casino each night, and $20 in quarters to spend in the slot machines. Neither of us had ever been in a casino, and neither has since then, but we got our free dinner, asked the nice man working there how to operate a slot machine (he looked at us like we'd just flown in from outer space, but complied with our request), spent the roll of quarters and left.

When we returned to our hotel room, the red light was blinking on the phone. Since we'd left our 2 1/2 year old and 6 month old at home with grandparents, we figured that blinking red light wasn't likely good news. I called the front desk and retrieved the message to call home.

No parent likes to hear, "Now, don't come home, but..." on the other end of the line. My brother explained that Mom and Dad were at the emergency room with Dallas who had broken his arm in ~~a leap from the top of the steps~~ ~~a tricycle accident~~ ~~a fall from the swing~~ a tiny little jump from the footrest of the La-Z-Boy chair. Since my mom is a nurse and perfectly capable of caring for a child in a cast, we did stay on our getaway both nights. Please don't think I'm a terrible mom. This is why parents write medical permission slips when they leave their children with relatives, isn't it?

On the time we left our teenagers alone for the first time to attend a conference, it snowed 10 inches and they had the whole next day home alone on a snow day. Of course, my mind conjured images of all of the things they might be doing and I called home often. By that time, we'd installed padding around all of the La-Z-Boy chairs and put 911 on speed dial.

Before we leave tomorrow, I'll stock the freezer with pizza and the fridge with Mountain Dew. I'll make sure my cell phone is on and our teenagers can reach me, but it's sure a lot easier to get away than it was back in the days when I had to pack up diaper bags, formula, feeding instructions, emergency numbers and special blankies.

More Free E-Books

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:43:00 PST

In case you missed several of the links to free Kindle books I've posted over the past few weeks, some of them are still available at ChristianBook.com. Check out the list: Free E-Books at Christian Book

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=928515&sp=110934&fb_source=message

free Kindle and Nook Books - January 4

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:11:00 PST

Books from Christian Publishers on the free list today:

The Witness by Dee Henderson (Tyndale)

Ruby (Dakota Treasures, Book 1) by Lauraine Snelling (Bethany House)

Back again on the free list:

The Centurion's Wife (Acts of Faith, Book 1) By Davis Bunn and Janette Oke (Bethany House)

Talk of the Town by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House)

Nook Versions:

Talk of the Town by Lisa Wingate

The Witness by Dee Henderson

Ruby by Lauraine Snelling

The Centurion's Wife by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke

Free Kindle and Nook Books - January 3

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:17:00 PST

Temporarily free from Kindle and Nook Books:

Paradise Valley (The Daughters of Caleb Bender) by Dale Cramer (Bethany House)

Left Behind (Book 1) by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins (Tyndale House)

Back on the Free list again:

Code Blue by Richard Mabry (Abingdon Press)

Gone to Green by Judy Christie (Abingdon PRess)

NOOK Book Versions:

Left Behind Book 1 by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins

Code Blue by Richard Mabry

Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer

Kindle Free Books - December 27

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:20:00 PST

For anyone who received a Kindle for Christmas, here are a few books to get you started. Some have been free for a long time, and some are free just for a day or two. Stop back regularly, or subscribe via e-mail to get links every week to more free books.

The Pawn (The Patrick Bowers Files Series, Book 1) by Steven James (Revell)

Fools Rush in by Janice Thompson (Revell)

To Love Anew by Bonnie Leon (Revell)

The Holy Bible - English Standard Version (Crossway Books)

Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith (Revell)

Free Kindle and Nook Book - December 22

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 07:35:00 PST

Kindle Version:

A Texan's Promise (Heart of Hero) by Shelley Gray (Abingdon Press)

Nook Version:

A Texan's Promise by Shelley Gray

These e-books are free when I post the links, but sometimes within hours the offer ends and they go back to full price. Check the price at checkout.

Fresh Coffee From Burundi Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:33:00 PST

I just have to share the yumminess I'm enjoying this afternoon.

These coffee beans were roasted in Africa just a week ago. Amazing!

On Sunday, I received a bag of freshly roasted coffee that arrived on a plane from Africa just days before with Ben and Kristy from Long Miles Coffee Project. This couple is working to help the people of Burundi get a fair price for their coffee. They have sacrificed the things we take for granted her in America to show love to the people in Africa. While they are in the US, Ben and Kristy have to stock up on things they can't get in Burundi. Things like chocolate, soap, toothpaste and hugs from family...things I get every day here. I'm moved every time I read more of their adventure in Africa and their heart for the people.

This is delicious coffee.

Getting a whiff of my favorite smell.

Ready for brewing in the espresso machine.

Waiting for it to cool down. I like my espresso iced.

I make my blended espresso with 60 calorie almond milk, shaved ice, and a shot of sugar free flavoring.

60 calories of delight.

Thanks Ben and Kristy for making my coffee extra special today!

Check out Long Miles Coffee Project for more about Ben and Kristy's adventure in Africa.

Why Men Hate Going to Church - A Review

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:21:00 PST

Why are there more women than men in the pews? What are the real reasons—not the excuses—for why numbers of men in mainstream churches is dropping more each year?

David Murrow has studied the subject for years and he has updated this book from the first edition he released. He’s kept only 30% of the content from the first edition and done a major overhaul in his book Why Men Hate Going to Church.

Murrow proposes that men see church as a feminine activity because of what we do there. I’ll state some of Murrows arguments and also include my impression of his statements. Keep in mind, I'm filtering my impressions through my female perspective, but I did ask my husband his thoughts on some of the concepts too.

First, he says the décor of churches looks very feminine from the moment men walk in the door. Many churches are decorated in mauves, feminine shades, lace doilies and feminine stencils, flowers on the altar and scattered around the building.

Second, he says we use feminine language at church when we talk about relationships, sharing, personal relationship with Jesus, and intimacy with God. Murrow says these terms appeal more to women and effeminate men. I have to agree with some of what he says, but he implies that only effeminate men are at church (enforcing the stereotype) and I know that there are many masculine men in churches. His ideas may apply to some men, but not all masculine men are turned off by these terms.

Third, Murrow says we do too much hand-holding and hugging and encourage expression of emotion that makes men uncomfortable. He includes the dress code in this argument stating that women usually care more about their appearance and enjoy getting dolled up more than men do (p. 103). The fact that he uses the term “dolled up” to refer to wearing classy clothing is odd, since men dress up in suits for the office and business and no one labels that as getting dolled up.

The author makes a great argument in that many church activities and ministry centers around female leadership and planning. He’s persuasive in showing the ways churches can take a different approach that would appeal to men more. He says men want to think in terms of warriors and kingdoms and see God as a mighty conqueror where women think of the family of God and how he loves and holds them close. He gives ideas for how churches could be more deliberate about appealing to me in how they present God and in the songs they sing.

Murrow’s major argument for the songs we sing is that they are too intimate for men. In fact, he goes as far as saying men see it as gross (p. 99) when they sing or speak of an intimate relationship with another guy (Jesus, God the Father). He says this is a barrier for heterosexual males. However, I think he’s made a massive stereotype with that application. I asked my husband’s thoughts and he said singing a song about loving your father is way different than singing a song about loving another guy. So, Murrow’s argument might be true for some men, but others may not feel that way at all.

There are a couple of places where Murrow contradicts himself. He says the problem with more women in church than men came about in the 70’s when we starting singing more intimate praise songs instead of hymns. He says, “With hymns, God is out there. He’s big. Powerful. Dangerous. He’s a leader. With P&W [praise and worship], God is at my side. He’s close, Intimate. Safe. He’s a lover” (. 74). Seems like a persuasive argument, until later in the book, we read that the battle to reengage men began in 1844 with the industrial revolution, when large numbers of men began disappearing from local congregations ( p. 127). This was more than 100 years before praise and worship music started replacing hymns in the church, proving the problem runs deeper than the music we sing.

Overall, this is a helpful book for the reader who can read objectively. Some nuggets will revolutionize churches. Other information may not hold up under further analysis. Either way, it will help pastors and leaders think carefully about what they do.

This statement from the author ought to wake up many church leaders: “Eventually the church is no longer fishing for men. Instead, it’s creating a comfortable aquarium for the saints. Members no longer go to church anticipating a life-altering encounter with God. Instead, they come to see friends and to participate in a comforting ritual that’s changed little since childhood” (p. 109).

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers for review purposes.

What do you think? Why do you think more women attend church than men? Do Murrows arguments make sense to you? Leave your comments below.

Free Kindle and Nook Books - December 20

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:33:00 PST

Flight to Heaven: A Plane Crash...A Lone Survivor...A Journey to Heaven--and Back by Capt. Dale Black and Ken Gire (Bethany House)

Faith (Brides of the West) by Lori Copeland (Heart Quest)
In Irish Christmas by Melody Carlson (Revell)

Nook Versions

An Irish Christmas by Melody Carlson

Faith (Brides of the West) by Lori Copeland

Free Kindle Book - December 16

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:17:00 PST

Free Kindle book:

A Simple Amish Christmas by Vanetta Chapman (Abingdon Press)

This book is not free on Nook at this time.

Free Kindle and Nook Books - December 12

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:20:00 PST

Free books from Christian publishers for your Kindle and Nook. Be sure to check the price at checkout. Free books return to regular price after a few days.

Kindle Version:

30 Scripture Readings for Christmas by Christopher Hudson

The Christmas Dog by Melody Carldon (Revell)

Money, Possessions and Eternity by Randy Alcorn (Tyndale)

Game Plan for Life by Joe Gibbs, Tony Dungy, and Jerry Jenkins (Tyndale)

Nook Version:

The Christmas Dog by Melody Carldon (Revell)

Game Plan for Life by Joe Gibbs, Tony Dungy, and Jerry Jenkins (Tyndale)

Living Close to God When You're Not Good At It - A Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:20:00 PST

Have you ever opened the Bible and read something but felt nothing? No response. No real connection. Does your mind wander when you pray? Gene Edwards can relate. He calls himself spiritually handicapped because he didn’t feel the same things other people described when they spoke of their relationship with Christ. He couldn’t imagine himself spending an hour in prayer every day, even though he as a very successful speaker and author in the Christian realm.

Gene Edwards has written his quest for closeness with God in Living Close to God (When You're Not Good at It: A Spiritual Life That Takes You Deeper Than Daily Devotions. Edwards started out by researching the life stories of great Christians and read many books about prayer. He had a desire to have a consistent closer walk with Christ, but couldn’t make the connection needed to make it happen. His first breakthrough came when he realized that he could break out of the traditional way others defined their spiritual walk and come up with creative ways to read God’s word and pray.

When he decided to memorize Psalm 23, it changed everything. That progressed to walking and talking with the Lord and from there, his spiritual life changed to the point where he now would describe a vibrant Christian life. His journey involved slowing down and listening to God.

This book describes Edwards’ process of learning to fellowship with God all day long and he says it’s the key to stop feeling like a failure at daily devotions and start walking with God. The book is a great reminder for the busy person and the one who struggles with establishing time with God. This is a fairly quick read, with about 130 pages plus about 45 more for discussion and end notes.

The one negative about this book is that I think he draws it out to make it book length, when much of Edwards’ discovery could be easily communicated in an article. After a while, it seemed repetitive. However the study guide in the back is helpful for discussion with a group, with a friend, or for deeper personal reflection.

Kindle Edition for $9.99
Nook Edition for $9.99

I received a copy of this book from Waterbook Multnomah for review purposes.

Free Kindle and Nook Books - December 6

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rayburn) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:08:00 PST

Free E-books from Christian Publishers. They're only temporarily free and then they go back to regular price.

Kindle:

A Victorian Christmas by Catherine Palmer (Tyndale)

The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul (Tyndale)

Freedom from the Lies You Tell Yourself by Marie Chapian and William Backus (Bethany House)

NOOK Versions:

A Victorian Christmas by Catherine Palmer (Tyndale)

Freedom from the Lies You Tell Yourself by Marie Chapian and William Backus (Bethany House)