Tennessee Christian Reader

I Am a FOLLOWER by Leonard Sweet

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:09:00 +0000

"It's never been about leading" appears in very small print on the cover of this book. And that's the initial message. How did we Christians ever get so obsessed with leadership when Jesus explicitly asked us to be followers? In I Am a FOLLOWER: The Way, Truth, and Life of Following Jesus, Len Sweet asks that question and provides a framework for a return to "followership."

We should strive to be followers, guides, or coaches, people who follow Jesus and help others be followers, too. A leader usually is more accomplished and/or knowledgeable than the followers. To be a follower of Jesus (or "first follower"), all you have to do is follow, model yourself after Jesus. Then, as you follow, invite others to go with you. No special credentials required.

I chose this book because I heard the author speak at a writers' conference a couple of years ago. I was impressed with his knowledge of theology and the Bible. I think I bit off more than I could chew. It took me a long time to read it. I felt that he was saying the same thing over and over, just with different words and illustrations. He goes into great detail, even providing what he calls interactives at the end of each major section to help drive home his point. The interactives might include scripture to read, quotes from poetry, discussion questions, hymns to learn, URLs for videos online, and quotes from other authors.

I Am a FOLLOWER is not light reading, but it does have an essential message for today's church. I think it appeals more to theologians and pastors than "regular" people. However, I think it would be a great resource for a small group study.

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

No, We Can't by Robert Stearns

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:37:00 +0000

Full title is No, We Can't: Radical Islam, Militant Secularism and the Myth of Coexistence.

Author Robert Stearns methodically describes the three world-views among which the world’s cultures are divided: Judaeo-Christian, secular humanist, and Islamist. He maintains that Christianity and Islam are diametrically opposed to one another and that it is impossible for them to coexist due to the basic tenets of their faiths. The secular humanists stand between, often saying, "Can't we all just get along?” They want to live in a world where everything is relative and where the individual is king. Jews and Christians honor God by living the Ten Commandments, one of which requires that we love our neighbor. But, Islam does not require adherence to these commandments. They have their own rules set out on the Koran, and the faithful obey the rules or die. Islam does not recognize any religion besides their own, and the mission of Islam is to convert the world by force. Christians want to convert the world, but they believe it's up to the individual to decide whether to be Christian.

I could not put this book down. I know people say that all the time, but, for me, it was true. When Stearns mentioned that Muslims may lie to non-Muslims without any condemnation from their religion, I realized how serious the situation is. Judaeo-Christians assume that others are being truthful. He used Yasser Arafat as an example. Think of all the times he made promises in peace talks but failed to live up to those promises. And, the secular humanists are the ones trying to remove Christian influence from American society. They don't realize that the freedom to do and think what they want will be destroyed if they embrace the advance of Islam into the western world.

Stearns urges us all to wake up and understand what's happening to our culture and our heritage. If we truly can't “all get along,” we need to be prepared to defend our faith and our culture. Other reviewers have criticized this author for being biased toward Christianity. That's not surprising since he is the head of Eagles' Wings, a Christian non-profit organization that promotes interfaith communication and charity work. I, for one, am glad that he wrote this book, and I hope that everyone will make time to read it. It will change your outlook on “getting along.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Year with Jesus by R. P. Nettelhorst

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:24:00 +0000

Subtitle: Daily Readings and Reflections on Jesus' Own Words, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Last year, this author gave us A Year with God, 365 daily readings using scriptures in which God speaks. See my review here. This book follows a similar format. Each page is about half scripture and half commentary. Pages are numbered, not dated, so that you can start at any point or skip around. The book is organized in twelve topical sections. You can see the topic list here.

I found it odd that there is no biographical information on the writer inside the book or on the cover. A quick search yielded this short bio on his blog. Nettelhorst is a professor of Bible and Biblical languages at California seminary. That gives him a unique perspective from which to write his commentary.

A quote from theologian William Barclay in the front matter tells us why we should read this book. "Jesus is not a figure in a book; He is a living presence." I think it would be a great gift for anyone, but especially for someone new to the Christian faith.

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

Behind the Veils of Yemen by Audra Grace Shelby

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:48:00 +0000

Subtitle: How an American Woman Risked Her Life, Family, and Faith to Bring Jesus to Muslim Women, Chosen Books (Baker Publishing Group).

I chose to review this book because I found the cover so striking. It epitomizes the life of the Muslim woman, showing nothing to the world except the eyes. Behind the veils, though, are wives, mothers, and daughters abused and undervalued by their culture.

Audra Grace Shelby and her husband were missionaries to Yemen for a number of years. Audra was particularly interested in witnessing to women, but the culture allowed them few freedoms. I found the story to be fascinating, although not particularly thrilling. I think the subtitle gave me high expectations for danger. The story is more about their family life (and how they interpreted God’s will for their lives) than about the people they wanted to reach. Perhaps this was because, if she gave too many personal details about the women, they would be put in danger. The names of all persons mentioned in the book were changed to protect their real identities.

I recommend Behind the Veils of Yemen because of the content. However, the writing was overdone in places and sometimes grammatically questionable. For example, in one place, she wrote, “Anger gritted my teeth.” Since anger is not an animate object, it cannot do anything at all, much less grit teeth. There were other instances where the writing got in the way of the story.

The book ended as the author travelled back to the U. S. to have a baby. I was very disappointed that the end of the story was not shared. The epilogue stated that the Shelbys went back to Yemen later and served a few more years. Why was this not included in the story? I wanted to know what happened to the baby that lay crying in the dirt and about Audra’s friend, Fatima.

Shelby noted that they accomplished little in Yemen until they stepped up requests for American Christians to pray for them. Perhaps all of us can help missionaries if we all pray for them regularly.

See Audra’s website here: http://audragraceshelby.com. Buy it here.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, Chosen Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Where Has Oprah Taken Us? by Stephen Mansfield

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:58:00 +0000

"The Religious Influence of the World's Most Famous Woman" is the subtitle and the subject of this book. Funny, I never thought about Oprah's influence on religion. But, author Stephen Mansfield does a thorough job of examining and exposing Oprah's departure from the Christianity of her childhood. Yes, she talks like a Christian, but the doctrines and "spiritualities" she embraces are not Christian.

Mansfield, a New York Times best-selling author, first gives us Oprah's life history. She's the product of a dysfunctional family, yet she came to believe that she was destined to be famous and that she had a special purpose in the world. Yet, as it turns out, everything she does and aspires to was (and is) ultimately about her and her vision for herself. She became infatuated with New Age thinkers and adopted practices and doctrines of other world religions, primarily Hinduism. The author states that, for Oprah, the self replaces God and experience replaces truth.

Not a fan of Oprah myself, I will say that I found the book interesting. Mansfield gives you the facts, and, at the end of each chapter, he states his opinion about those facts. This portion is set in italics so that you will not be confused about what is fact and what is opinion. I liked this feature. So many authors and news reporters don't distinguish between the two. I found it refreshing.

Oprah has used her fame and fortune to help others. But, she's also done her fans a disservice by trying to influence their religion. I recommend the book to Oprah fans and foes alike.

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

Heaven Is Real: Lessons on Earthly Joy by Don Piper & Cecil Murphey

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Have you read 90 Minutes in Heaven? It’s still on the Christian Booksellers Association best-seller list today, even though it was published in 2004. This book is a sequel by Don Piper, the man who spent 90 minutes in heaven, and co-writer Cecil Murphey. And, it is not to be confused with Heaven Is for Real, another current bestseller.

Heaven Is Real chronicles lessons Piper has learned from his visit to heaven and his recovery from the accident. To his amazement, God is still using his experience to reach others. First, he briefly recalls his accident, his visit to heaven, and his difficult recovery. Then, he presents 24 specific life lessons he has dealt with since. He shares many stories of his encounters with his readers since 90 Minutes came out. Some of them are heart-warming, while others are heart-breaking.

Has something terrible happened to you? Are you having a hard time dealing with it? Piper says you have to realize that you have “crossed a bridge” and that there is no returning to your former situation. Some tragedies are the result of choices you have made. Others happen for no apparent reason. Piper’s primary lesson is that, because there is no going back, you must find a “new normal” for your life. It’s not easy, but God’s help is available for the asking.

Although Heaven Is Real was not intended to be a study book, I think it could be used that way. Each chapter is full of potential discussion topics. I recommend that you not rush as you read it. Give yourself time to absorb and reflect.

Buy it on Amazon.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from coauthor Cecil Murphey without any strings attached. I was not required to publish any review at all. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Secret Holocaust Diaries by Nonna Bannister

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:57:00 +0000

Nonna Bannister was a Russian girl who came to America after losing her entire family during WWII. She married an American and raised a family in Jackson, Tennessee. Neither her new family nor her friends knew much about her former life. But, she had a story to tell, and she finally decided to share it with her husband in the 1990s.

Nonna had kept a diary since she was a young girl, but she hid her dairies and her Russian family’s photos, keeping them with her throughout her tragic journey from Russia to America. She had been a member of a wealthy Russian family, but they lost most of their property following the Russian revolution and in the run-up to WWII. Nonna and her mother fled Russia for Poland and then Germany, where her mother died in a concentration camp. Nonna was very ill at war’s end and was cared for in first a Catholic hospital and then an Allied hospital for a couple of years. When she was well enough, she persisted in her dream to come to the U.S. mainly because that’s what her parents wanted for her---to get out of Europe.

All of her original family were either dead or their whereabouts were unknown. So, Nonna put her old life behind her and started a new one. Through the years, she kept the diaries and the few mementos of her family, but she never showed them to anyone. She had a ticking-striped pillowcase that she had kept with her since Russia. Her husband said she slept with it every night and that she was buried with it when she died in 2004.

Working with the family, coauthors Carolyn Tomlin and Denise George compiled and edited Nonna’s writings for this incredible book. Nonna’s courage and endurance in the face of danger, loss, and illness is remarkable. She wanted her story to be told because she did not want the world to forget the atrocities that she witnessed at the hands of her own countrymen and the Germans.

I saw the promotional material about this book on Carolyn Tomlin’s website, and I knew that I had to read it. Luckily, I found it at my public library. I recommend that everyone interested in WWII and the Holocaust, read this book. The stories are as interesting as they are touching. It is well organized, and editors have made notes where Nonna’s diaries were unclear.

The book was published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2009. The publisher also provides a website where they provide additional information.

Taking Back Christmas and Other Family Celebrations by Lettie Kirkpatrick Burress

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:17:00 +0000

Well, it's September, and the stores have replaced the school supplies with Halloween merchandise. I guess that means it's time to start thinking about Christmas---the shopping, the gift-wrapping, the cooking. Just thinking about it makes me tired.

Don't you wish you could find ways to make Christmas a holy day as it was intended? If you want to put Christ back in Christmas, you need a copy of this book. Author Lettie Burress said she didn't intend to write a book, but she's written so many articles that she wanted to publish them as a collection.

The back cover says this book "will equip families to welcome Christ into the joyful and memorial moments of celebration." It does include a wealth of ideas on celebrating with purpose. Every activity, every decoration can point out why we celebrate Christmas. But, the author does not limit herself to one holiday. Others are included: Valentine's Day, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and birthdays.

The book is available online here. Also, visit Lettie's site for a sample chapter and a link to a radio interview about the book here.

Has God Spoken? by Hank Hanegraaff

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:53:00 +0000

Is the Bible really the word of God? Or is it just a book of interesting stories and poetry? Hank Hanegraaff, the Bible Answer Man of radio, is the author of this very thorough book purporting to prove that the Bible is divinely inspired and historically correct. The full title is Has God Spoken? Proof of the Bible's Divine Inspiration.

Hanegraaff sets out to prove that the Bible is God's message to everyone and that it is a true account of God's interaction with his people. He also intends to discount the Bible's critics, some of whom are noted professors.

He uses a number of anagrams to help readers remember his main points. The basic outline of the book is as follows:

M represents the strength of the manuscript itself as many actual fragments have been located (accuracy of the text).
A stands for the archaeological proofs that have been uncovered (historical accuracy).
P is for the prophecy that has accurately predicted events.
S represents the scriptural synergy found in the unity, consistency, and harmony of the sixty-six books.

In thorough and well-documented fashion, Hanegraaff organizes each main point with a new anagram as outline for the supporting chapters. The anagrams would be more useful if you took the time to memorize all of them before you start. I have to admit that I had trouble reading very much at a time. I think the book must be thoroughly studied rather than read straight through as I was trying to do.

Hanegraaff's critics point out that he has no seminary training, yet he certainly knows his Bible. His writing style is engaging, and he provides plentiful documentation in the end notes. I would recommend the book to anyone wanting to learn more about the Bible and its origins.

Check it out on Amazon.com where you can see the table of contents.

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

Committed But Flawed by Cecil Murphey

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:36:00 +0000

Are you looking for a new way to pray, to get closer to God? Then, take a look at what Cecil Murphey offers in Committed But Flawed: Seeking NEW Ways to Grow Spiritually.

Murphey examines how people in the Bible related to and served God. Each chapter is dedicated to one character, However, this is not just a parade of cameo appearances. The author takes it one step further by investigating how that person's relationship with God developed. Then, he includes a prayer for each chapter that encapsulates the message each person's life offers us.

For example, Mary, the mother of Jesus, is known for her obedience in the role God gave her. She had questions. God gave her answers, and she accepted them. Her chapter title is "True Believer," and her prayer is as follows:

I am Mary. I want to believe without questioning. May I be able to say confidently as she did, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants."

The book has 26 chapters, and every one is a jewel. The characters we've heard of for years are presented as real people with good points but also with flaws. Try reading one chapter a day using the prayer at the end as a theme for your day's meditation. I think you will learn a lot about yourself as you get to know your predecessors in the faith.

Visit Cecil Murphey's site for more information on this remarkable man, his writing and speaking. New and used copies are available on Amazon.com.

Knowing God, Knowing Myself by Cecil Murphey

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:47:00 +0000

Guest Post today is by Jeanette Levellie, a spunky, sometimes-reluctant pastor's wife who writes columns, articles, books, and notes to herself so she won't forget her name. Find her mirthful musings at www.jeanettelevellie.com.

Book full title: Knowing God, Knowing Myself: An Invitation to Daily Discovery, Regal Books.

How refreshing to find a Christian leader not ashamed to admit they stumble and fall. Reading about Mr. Murphey's journey to wholeness makes us love and trust him. He is one of us, right beside us on the path, not pompously marching ahead, shouting, "See how I do it and follow me!"

But he doesn't only share his struggles. He invites us to know God better. The One who is faithful and merciful through all our failures can also be trusted with our lives.

This book is changing the way I view myself and my Heavenly Father. I recommend it to every Christian, and everyone seeking to know the one true God--as He really is, not how you might have been told He is.

My favorite line: "Loving God, show me the truth about myself, no matter how wonderful it may be."

Check out the table of contents on Amazon using the Look Inside feature. Link here.

Cecil (Cec) Murphey is an award-winning author. He has written or co-written more than 100 books, including the NY Times bestseller 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (with Dr. Ben Carson). He is also the author of When Someone You Love Has Cancer, When God Turned Off the Lights, and Christmas Miracles.

Aging Is an Attitude by Cecil Murphey

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:18:00 +0000

Subtitle: Positive Ways to Look at Getting Older, AMG Publishers.

"You're not getting older, you're getting better." This quote from an old Clairol commercial is the attitude many people want to take toward aging. Guess, what? You are getting older, there's no denying it. But, you can get better, too. It's all in how you approach aging.

In the 27 chapters of Aging Is an Attitude, author Cecil Murphey covers every concern I've ever had about getting older. First, he deals with fears, which is at the heart of the matter for most people. We fear losing our looks, losing control of our bodies, and being dependent on others, to name just a few. Murphey discusses each issue beginning with the "why" and progressing to what to do about it. He reminds us that some things are beyond our control but that we can control our attitudes and reactions. Plus---not everything about aging is bad!

A veteran writer, former pastor and missionary, Murphey has done a masterful job of treating this difficult subject in a caring and practical manner. He was co-writer for the New York Times best-seller, 90 Minutes in Heaven, but he has also authored or co-written over 100 other books.

I recommend this book to anyone over age 50. You might even consider giving it to your friends and family in that age group. Buy it on Amazon.com.

Stained Glass Hearts by Patsy Clairmont

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:18:00 +0000

Subtitle: Seeing Life from a Broken Perspective, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Author Patsy Clairmont is a Women of Faith speaker known for her knowledge of the Bible and her use of humor in her writing and speaking. I had never heard of Women of Faith or Clairmont before I read this book. I chose Stained Glass Hearts from the available books based on its title and cover. Plenty of book shoppers do the same thing, so I'm not alone.

The stained glass theme is interesting in that it is an example of how broken pieces can be assembled to create beauty. Clairmont wants us to understand that, no matter how "broken" our lives are, God can help us make something beautiful from the pieces. She uses stories from her own life along with Bible verses and quotes to illustrate her point. Each chapter ends with an Art Gallery. Here she connects various art forms to the content of the chapter. Sometimes she lists art works, poems, or Bible verses. Other times, she suggests music or provides web URLs that you can access to enhance your understanding of her point.

I enjoyed parts of the book, but some chapters felt like they would be more effective if they were spoken. I suspect that Clairmont has used some of this material in her speaking ministry. Some parts were very well-written, but others felt a bit disjointed. It can be a quick read if you don't tarry over the end-of-chapter material. It could be used as a study book, too.

Thomas Nelson, publisher of this book, is also the current owner of Women of Faith. It is common practice for speakers to sell their books at their speaking engagements. People who have heard Clairmont speak would probably appreciate this book more than someone, like myself, who had never heard of her. At $16.99 SRP, I don't think I would have bought this book off the shelf.

To summarize, I have mixed feelings about the book. I suggest that you go to Stained Glass Hearts on Amazon.com where you can use the Look Inside feature to check it out for yourself.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Be the People by Carol M. Swain, Ph.D.

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:02:00 +0000

Full title: Be the People: A Call to Reclaim America's Faith and Promise.

Thomas Jefferson once said, “Every generation needs a new revolution.” The current generation is faced with a country that is drifting further and further away from the Christian principles on which it was founded. Be the People shows us the way back.

Be the People sounds the alarm about America's decline. Author Carol M. Swain is a professor of political science and law at Vanderbilt University. You might have seen her representing the conservative point of view on cable news interviews or panels. She's a Christian and a patriot who is concerned about the direction our country is taking--away from the Christian values that shaped our government and our culture.

Swain covers current topics like the breakdown of the family, immigration, the rule of law, racism, and racial politics. She maintains that we are losing our very identity as a nation by abandoning truth and justice as the founding fathers envisioned it. She gives historical background to show how we've arrived where we are today. She explains why our current situation is not consistent with Christian principles and with the founders' intentions.

But, she doesn't leave us in despair. She gives us hope by informing us that it is not too late. We can save our country and our culture if we go back to our founding documents and re-discover our true identity as a nation. At the end of each chapter, she suggests Action Points, things we can do to help. Also, on her website, she provides discussion questions for each chapter. The book's appendix includes The Ten Commandments, The Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution. Swain recommends that we get familiar with them again so that we can put them into practice.

Have you ever read a book that was so thought-provoking and so true to your own thinking that you find yourself wishing you had written it? That's the way I felt as I read this book. I think every American citizen should read Be the People and take it to heart. Whether you call yourself liberal or conservative, you need to be aware of the information in this book.

Buy it on Amazon.com.

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

Gifted Hands by Ben Carson, M. D.

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:42:00 +0000

How does a child of a broken home from the streets of Detroit become one of the most renowned neurosurgeons in the world? Dr. Ben Carson tells how his mother, divorced and with a third-grade education, raised two boys who both became professionals. He's the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.

First published in 1990, the book tells of Carson's early life, his struggle to succeed in school, and the role his faith played in the advancement of his career. He decided he want to be a doctor despite the fact that the odds were against him. Believing that God would help him find a way, Carson managed to get his education and land his dream job at Johns Hopkins.

He also shares his trail-blazing surgery techniques, giving details of some of his most challenging cases. Now that he has "made it," Carson wants to give back by encouraging kids who have no advantages and, often, no hope, either. He tells them to go for their dreams, to work hard and not give up.

I bought this book at a writers conference where the ghostwriter, Cecil Murphey, was featured speaker. I had heard about Gifted Hands, but I had not taken the time to read it. I did not know that TNT made a television movie in 2009, but, now that I know, I want to see it. This is truly an inspiring story, well-written and engaging.

Buy the book on Amazon.com or choose the video version.

Read more about Dr. Carson here.

Deliver Me compiled and edited by Dianne E. Butts

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:59:00 +0000

Do you know someone who has been touched by unplanned or unwanted pregnancy? I was not sure this topic would interest me, but then I recalled friends who had been in that situation. Once I started reading, I was hooked.

Hope, Help, and Healing through True Stories of Unplanned Pregnancy---that's the subtitle of Deliver Me. Married women as well as unwed mothers find themselves in this situation. Often, they think abortion is their only option. Deliver Me proposes to debunk that myth.

Sometimes heart-warming and often heart-rending, the stories come from mothers, fathers, extended family, and pregnancy center workers. Mothers who chose to keep their babies share their decision-making experience. Those who had abortions tell of the mental anguish they suffered and how they found healing. Pregnancy center workers describe their successes and failures. Mothers, fathers, husbands, and boyfriends touched by this situation also are players in the stories.

Deliver Me presents a Christian perspective to the unwanted pregnancy dilemma. Believing abortion is wrong, the story-tellers want to help women keep their babies or give them up for adoption. But, they also offer the healing power of Jesus Christ to those who suffer the after-effects of abortion. What touched me the most was the "unplanned" father's point of view. As one of them said (p. 96), "Abortion is a direct attack on our identity as protector of our children."

Interspersed with the stories are facts about abortion and lists of resources. At the end, there's a list of "featured" pregnancy centers with contact information.

This book would be a great resource for pregnancy centers. I plan to donate my copy to a local center and encourage them to have copies on hand for their clients.

Buy it on Amazon or directly from Dianne E. Butts.

Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Book that Made Your World by Vishal Mangalwadi

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:49:00 +0000

Subtitle: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization.

The Holy Bible has influenced Western culture in ways that never occurred to me before I read this book. The author is from India, and that gives him a unique perspective from which to show us how the introduction of the Bible and Christianity changes a culture. He maintains that the West leads the world primarily because operates using Christian values set forth in the Bible.

The author shows how everything that's great about Western culture is based on Biblical principles. Without the influence of the Bible, democracy itself might not have developed. Everything from education to our medical system to the status of women is the result of Christian teachings, disseminated by the Bible. He also shares his distress over how the decline of Christian values in America and Europe threatens the exceptionalism that the Biblical foundation fostered.

The work is scholarly, but the personal stories the author shares keep it interesting for the average person. He includes an extensive index along with copious notes. He often compares Christian values to those of other religions, but I think he does it in a fair way. While some will think he is criticizing these religions, I think he's merely telling it like it is.

I must admit that I found it hard to read for very long at a time. I had a choice of a print version of the book or e-book version. I chose the e-book, and that was a mistake. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had the print version. With nonfiction, I like to go back occasionally to review previous material. This is harder to do in the electronic format. Suffice it to say that I recommend you get the print book. It's worth the extra cost.

Check it out on Amazon.com.

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

The Blessed by Ann H. Gabhart

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:51:00 +0000

Lacey Bishop is in a heap of trouble. She’s a young woman who, for several years, has lived with a Kentucky pastor’s family. Rejected by her father, Lacey earns her keep by taking care of the pastor’s wife and an abandoned child. When the pastor’s wife dies, Lacey “does what has to be done.” She up and marries the pastor so that she can continue to care for the child. Through a troubling series of events, Lacey and her new family finally join the Shaker community.

Isaac Kingston is a widower, shunned and vilified by his former wife’s family. He encounters a Shaker man who invites him to the Shaker life, also. Isaac is attracted to Lacey, even though she’s legally married to the preacher. This isn’t supposed to happen among the Shakers because they believe romance, marriage, and having children are sinful.

Conflict, intrigue, romance, deception, forgiveness, redemption---all figure in this engaging story. In some of the earlier Shaker books, the story seemed to bog down in the middle. Not this one, though. The characters are compelling, and the story moves at a pleasing pace.

The author lives near one of the now-deserted Shaker villages, and she has thoroughly researched their living habits and their beliefs. Not only does she tell a great story and create fascinating characters; she also educates the reader about Shaker life and beliefs.

The Blessed is the fourth novel in Gabhart’s Shaker series. And---based on this story, I think the Shaker series has a bright future.

Read the first two chapters on Ann's website.

See my reviews of the first three Shaker books.

Purchase the book on Amazon.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this author's copy at no charge from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Riven by Jerry B. Jenkins

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:57:00 +0000

Most people know Jerry B. Jenkins as the author of the Left Behind series.

Even if you are not a fan of Jenkins' earlier works, give this one a chance. The style is totally different, and the characters are much more developed. And, for those who wonder what "riven" means, according to Dictionary.com, it means "to tear or rend apart."

The story traces the development of two main characters. Brady Wayne Darby is the disadvantaged and rebellious youth who messes up everything he comes in contact with. Finally, he ends up on death row. Rev. Thomas Carey is a has-been pastor who takes a job as a death-row chaplain, where he becomes Brady's spiritual mentor.

The book is very long with a number of characters to keep up with. I almost lost interest a couple of times, but I made myself continue reading. Brady is redeemed at the end, but I won't spoil it by telling you how it happened. There were many points in the book where I could have put it down and left it for days, but not during the last few chapters. Suffice it to say that I found that part riveting.

You can purchase the book on Jenkins' site or from Amazon.com.

Good Grief by Granger E. Westberg

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:55:00 +0000

This book was recommended to me by a friend. She said it helped her cope with the grief of losing her sister at a young age. I looked for it on Amazon and found that the latest edition is the 50th anniversary edition. Any book that has helped people for that long deserves a reading.

Author Westberg was on the faculty of both the Chicago Divinity and Medical Schools as a professor and chaplain. This book is the outgrowth of a very popular sermon on grief that he preached at Rockefeller Chapel in 1961. In the sermon, as in the book, he described ten stages of grief, maintaining that each was necessary in dealing with loss, especially the loss of a loved one.

Only 63 pages long, the book's appearance suggests that it's not a difficult or lengthy read. The writer of the Foreword says it's "simple but not simplistic." The author's daughters wrote the Afterword, mentioning that Mamie Eisenhower received a copy of "Good Grief" as a gift following the death of her husband. She let Westberg know that his book had helped her deal with her grief. They also say that pastors, doctors, nurses, and even veterinarians often gave a copy of this book to their patients who experienced a loss. I agree it would be a great gift for someone in that situation.

Buy it on Amazon. An older edition is online at Google Books.

Johann Sebastian Bach by Rick Marschall

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Sun, 08 May 2011 23:28:00 +0000

This biography of J. S. Bach is part of Thomas Nelson's Christian Encounters series. Author Rick Marschall has attempted to present the depth of Bach's Christian faith while also educating the reader about Bach's formidable place in music history. He points out that, while others have concentrated on Bach's music, his main objective is to let the world know that Bach was a devout Christian and Bible scholar. Bach's music was his life's work, but it was also an expression of his faith.

The author does a good job of describing Bach's professional and family life as well as cultural developments of Bach's time. Realizing that the average reader may not be familiar with Bach's music, the author spends some time describing his major works. I think he does not give enough emphasis to Bach's organ works, but that is probably because people just don't appreciate organ music nowadays.

I did not expect to learn much that I didn't already know. I majored in organ in college, and I wrote a couple of papers on Bach during those years. But, there were details about Bach's personal life that I had not read about before. Mainly, the author portrayed Bach as an outgoing, gregarious person. Other biographers made him seem as stuffy as his powdered wig. I knew that Bach always signed his compositions with SDG (Soli Deo Gloria, to God alone the glory). However I do not recall having heard that he wrote Jesu Juva (Jesus help me) at the beginnings.

My favorite Bach quote is found on page 78: "The aim and final reason of all music should be none else but the glory of God and refreshing the soul. Where this is not observed there will be no music, but only a devilish hubbub." I wonder what Bach would think of the stuff they call music today.

It was a fascinating read for me, but I wonder how it will be received by people not familiar with Bach. Don't be put off by your preconceived notions about Bach and his music. Read it to learn about his Christian faith and his devotion to his work. I commend Thomas Nelson for including Bach in this series.

Buy in on Amazon.com.

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

The Fight of Our Lives by William Bennett with Seth Leibsohn

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 21:48:00 +0000

Subtitle: Knowing the Enemy, Speaking the Truth, and Choosing to Win the War Against Radical Islam, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

William Bennett is a conservative political pundit and author of a number of patriotic-themed books such as America: The Last Best Hope. The publisher describes the book's theme this way: "Want to know the dirty little secret in the war on terror? Some of us have already surrendered."

Do you remember where you were on 9-11-2001? Do you recall how you felt in the days following that tragedy? Members of Congress stood on the steps of the Capitol and sang "God Bless America." President Bush stood on the rubble of the World Trade Center and told the people, "I can hear you." And, America launched its War on Terror to bring the perpetrators to justice. We were together then, resolved to do justice and win the war.

Almost ten years later, some of us don't even realize that the war has not ended. We seem to have lost our will to obtain justice for the 9/11 victims and to protect ourselves from the terror threat. Bin Laden is still at large. The perpetrators in custody have not been prosecuted. We seem more interested in not offending Muslims than in protecting ourselves.

Bennett begins with the Fort Hood incident and describes the peculiar treatment the Army gave the investigation. From there, he cites one incident after another where we seem to have lost our will to "call a spade a spade." Bennett's narrative is backed up with facts supported by extensive notes and a detailed index. I recommend this book to every American who is concerned about the future of our country. Whether you consider yourself conservative or liberal, you owe it to yourself, your children, and your grandchildren to read this book and take its message to heart. We are indeed in the fight of our lives.

Buy it on Amazon.com.

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

In the Company of Others by Jan Karon

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:59:00 +0000

In the Company of Others is the second novel in the Father Tim series. While Father Tim Kavanaugh is the primary character, his wife, Cynthia, is prominent in this story. The other Mitford folks are mentioned only when Father Tim communicates with them. But, there were plenty of Irish characters to keep the story interesting.

Father Tim and Cynthia are on vacation in Ireland, the reverend's ancestral homeland. They are settled at a cozy Irish inn. They have planned a relaxing vacation jaunting around Ireland with another couple who are on their way. But, right away, their plans are thwarted when Cynthia sprains her ankle. Bad goes to worse, and they never do get to travel as they planned. However, they are not bored because get involved in Irish family secrets and a crime investigation. And, Father Tim finds that a man of the cloth can never really take a vacation from saving souls.

I've loved all of Jan Karon's books, but I was disappointed in this one. Like many other reviewers, I missed the folks in Mitford. But, that wasn't my biggest problem with In the Company of Others. It started slow, and I had hard time maintaining my interest. The story was interspersed with entries from the journal of an Irish doctor, trained in America, who had lived in the area. I found the journal sections irritating. I felt that they interrupted the story and that the information provided in the entries could have been provided in some more interesting way.

And, toward the end, Karon used an peculiar writing technique. For example: "Warm, humid: birdsong in the beech grove." It felt like she had outlined this section and had never come back to finish it. These incomplete sentences increased in frequency toward the end of the book. Perhaps, she thought it added to the suspense. I just know it became very annoying for me.

It's a good story, but, again, it wasn't as good as Karon's earlier books. And, I'll still want to read her next one.

Check it out on Amazon.com.

Daily Devotions Inspired by 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper & Cecil Murphey

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 14:21:00 +0000

Subtitle is 90 Readings for Hope and Healing, Berkeley Publishing Group/Penguin Books.

These devotions are based on Don Piper's experience described in his best-selling book, 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life.

Written by veteran ghost-writer Cecil Murphey, the devotions begin with a Bible verse and end with a short prayer. The content is based on responses to 90 Minutes in Heaven that Piper received through his website, the mail, and personal contact with readers at book-signings and speaking engagements. See my review of 90 Minutes in Heaven here.

The devotional book is an easy read, inspirational and well-written. Who would ever believe that a person could get so much inspirational material out of one experience? I salute Rev. Piper for using a master writer like Cecil Murphey to help him get his message out. I don't think he could have made a better choice. And, I'm glad he gives Murphey equal billing. Many well-known people use ghost-writers but don't give them the credit they deserve.

I like this book because it's only 90 days of devotions, one for every minute Piper said he was in heaven. You get the message without having to devote a whole year to one book.

Buy Daily Devotions on Amazon.com. Also, see Piper's website for more information on his speaking, books, and ministry.

The Band That Played On by Steve Turner

noreply@blogger.com (Emily M. Akin) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 23:58:00 +0000

Subtitle: The Extraordinary Story of the 8 Musicians Who Went Down with the TITANIC. Published by Thomas Nelson.

April 15, 1912---that's the date that the Titanic sank on her maiden voyage from England to New York. It was the newest, the biggest, the fanciest, and supposedly the safest passenger ship in the world. But, that wasn't enough. Because the ship didn't have enough lifeboats, a great many people died that night. Most of the staff went down with the ship.

The musicians, who had not played together before this trip, were asked to play during the evacuation of the ship. The thinking was that it would calm people down. When it was no longer possible to play inside, the band went to the deck and continued to play until the very last.

Never before has so much detail been provided about the members of the band, eight men who spent the last minutes of their lives inspiring others. Author Steve Turner is a journalist who has done a number of biographies. He takes that approach with this book, telling the story of the sinking but also devoting a chapter to each of the men in the band. He provides pictures and details about their lives that may be more than you want to know. He spends quite a bit of time on the conflicting reports about what the band was playing as the ship sank.

I found the topic fascinating, but it was a slow read. The information was presented in history-book style, and the reading felt more like homework than entertainment. This would be a good addition to public library shelves, as it includes details about the Titanic story that have not been told before. I think it would have created more interest in the band's story if this had been presented as historical fiction.

Buy it on Amazon.com.

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