Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Update for Blog
Due to recent life events, deaths and births alike, I have not had the time to update and be as active as I would like with my blog. Please accept my apology and I hope to get back into the blogging full-swing in the near future. Thanks for reading.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Passages by Brian Hardin
"How Reading the Bible in a Year will Change Everything for You."
When I saw the cover of this book with the above printed on it, I said to myself, "Oh great, another one of those books". I started reading and at first was thinking that this was going to be like other books of this nature. The kind of books that start off with some sort of sob story and then end with this big Christian triumph with God smiling down on the protagonist.
After reading Passages, I found myself with a much better understanding of the importance of daily scripture reading. From early on in the book I found things like, "The struggle was time. I began to rationalize that I was reading something I didn't really understand anyway". I thought about that statement for a while. A long while. Then I came to this conclusion: If I can't make time for God, how can I expect Him to make time for me?" I realized that He does make time for me and I began to weep. What a revelation!
From the command to do His great works to the command to love one another as Christ does, this book explores a realm of thought that traditional Christians seem to be unaware of. It is staggering to hear statistics from Christian organizations that tell the Christian community that the United States is becoming less of a Christian nation. Brian shows us that in order to be a Christian nation again we must become a nation of Christians by becoming more Christ-like. We must not only read the Word but we must act upon it.
I really enjoyed what Brian had to say on the reading of God's word and am thankful for God using him to reach so many people around the world with the Daily Audio Bible Ministry.
I received this book from LitFuse Publicity Group through Zondervan Publishing free of charge in exchange for this review. I give Passages an 8 of 10.
The Other Stops on the Blog Tour!
When I saw the cover of this book with the above printed on it, I said to myself, "Oh great, another one of those books". I started reading and at first was thinking that this was going to be like other books of this nature. The kind of books that start off with some sort of sob story and then end with this big Christian triumph with God smiling down on the protagonist.
After reading Passages, I found myself with a much better understanding of the importance of daily scripture reading. From early on in the book I found things like, "The struggle was time. I began to rationalize that I was reading something I didn't really understand anyway". I thought about that statement for a while. A long while. Then I came to this conclusion: If I can't make time for God, how can I expect Him to make time for me?" I realized that He does make time for me and I began to weep. What a revelation!
From the command to do His great works to the command to love one another as Christ does, this book explores a realm of thought that traditional Christians seem to be unaware of. It is staggering to hear statistics from Christian organizations that tell the Christian community that the United States is becoming less of a Christian nation. Brian shows us that in order to be a Christian nation again we must become a nation of Christians by becoming more Christ-like. We must not only read the Word but we must act upon it.
I really enjoyed what Brian had to say on the reading of God's word and am thankful for God using him to reach so many people around the world with the Daily Audio Bible Ministry.
I received this book from LitFuse Publicity Group through Zondervan Publishing free of charge in exchange for this review. I give Passages an 8 of 10.
The Other Stops on the Blog Tour!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Forever Hilltop / Saving Grace by Judy Baer
In this most delightful second installment in the Forever Hilltop series you can rest assured that the residents of Grassy Valley will continue to amaze you and cause you to burst out into laughter. The characters that Judy has written into existence come to life fully and vividly. So much so, you could swear you know of people like this. It is a continued picture of what the life of a mid western pastors' life may be like. I hope that if my wife and I are called to minister somewhere other than South Carolina that it could be a place like this little township in North Dakota.
In the first book we have spent the Spring with Alex Armstrong and his friend Dixon. We know that he can only tell Alex so much about the people of Grassy Valley, church members and non-church members alike, that he ministers over so much- the rest he must experience on his own. This next book picks up right off where the first book leaves off; with Summer and goes into the harvest time. You find people that were once estranged find common ground as they come together to help sustain the town they care so much about.
I HIGHLY recommend this series. I was so upset when the first book ended and there was not another available to read and continue to find out about the folks in the book. These characters come to life so that you find yourself thinking about them long after you put the book down. (Not that I put it down for long!) I really enjoyed this book and I am sure that you will. I raved about it so much to my wife that she started reading in and we are talking about the characters and what not. I can't wait to find out what she has to say about Alex and Natalie. Those of you who have read these books know what I am talking about and also about what will happen with Dixon's sister Emily.
I received this book from LitFuse Publicity free of charge. In return I am providing a review. It was my pleasure reading and reviewing this book. I give this book a 10 out of 10. I can not wait to see what Judy has in store for us in the next installment.
@JudyKBaer is giving away a Kindle for YOU … and one for a Friend in her Forever Hilltop Giveaway!
Celebrate with Judy by entering to win a Kindle for you and a friend!
One lucky winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 22nd. Winner will be announced 5/24/12 on Judy's Blog.
Don't miss a moment of the fun. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!
About the book:
The charming and often hilarious Forever Hilltop series follows the experiences of former city dweller Alex Armstrong as he settles into his new role as pastor of a Scandinavian community in rural North Dakota. Alex is sometimes baffled by his parishioners and their colorful ways, but he comes to appreciate their simple wisdom. One thing's for sure -- life in Hilltop Township is never dull! This new two-in-one format features An Unlikely Blessing along with its sequel, Surprising Grace.
In An Unlikely Blessing, Alex Armstrong is a former city dweller who has just accepted his first parish assignment to a small community in the wilds of North Dakota. In Hilltop Township, Pastor Alex becomes familiar with the residents and their odd traditions, from julebukking to King Oscar's fish balls. And then there's the excitement the single pastor creates among the unmarried women in the community! Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he has to teach them.
In Surprising Grace, Alex Armstrong is settling into his new role as pastor of Hilltop Church, and he's even starting to understand the strange ways of the people who populate this barren stretch of North Dakota prairie. But he also finds that his flock needs help and counsel like he never imagined. In this cozy and entertaining read, Alex must choose between the woman he once loved -- and the home he's come to love.
About Judy:
Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, experiencing many of the same things as her Hilltop characters. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head.
Baer graduated from Concordia College with majors in English and education and a minor in religion. While at the time, she was simply studying what interested her, Baer later realized that she was educating herself for her future career as a Christian writer. She certainly put her education to use as she is the author of more than 75 books.
A certified professional life coach now certified in three coaching disciplines, Baer coaches primarily professional and aspiring writers. She is also a faculty advisor in the Department of Human Development at St. Mary's University in Minneapolis, MN. Baer has two daughters and three step children. She and her husband live in Minnesota.
She invites you to visit her at her web site www.judykbaer.com for more information on her and her books.
Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/azv7s
Blog Tour Schedule: http:/www.litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13467681/foreverhilltop
In the first book we have spent the Spring with Alex Armstrong and his friend Dixon. We know that he can only tell Alex so much about the people of Grassy Valley, church members and non-church members alike, that he ministers over so much- the rest he must experience on his own. This next book picks up right off where the first book leaves off; with Summer and goes into the harvest time. You find people that were once estranged find common ground as they come together to help sustain the town they care so much about.
I HIGHLY recommend this series. I was so upset when the first book ended and there was not another available to read and continue to find out about the folks in the book. These characters come to life so that you find yourself thinking about them long after you put the book down. (Not that I put it down for long!) I really enjoyed this book and I am sure that you will. I raved about it so much to my wife that she started reading in and we are talking about the characters and what not. I can't wait to find out what she has to say about Alex and Natalie. Those of you who have read these books know what I am talking about and also about what will happen with Dixon's sister Emily.
I received this book from LitFuse Publicity free of charge. In return I am providing a review. It was my pleasure reading and reviewing this book. I give this book a 10 out of 10. I can not wait to see what Judy has in store for us in the next installment.
@JudyKBaer is giving away a Kindle for YOU … and one for a Friend in her Forever Hilltop Giveaway!
Celebrate with Judy by entering to win a Kindle for you and a friend!
One lucky winner will receive:
- Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi
- Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi to Giveaway to a Friend!
- Forever Hilltop by Judy K Baer for you and a one for a friend
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 22nd. Winner will be announced 5/24/12 on Judy's Blog.
Don't miss a moment of the fun. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!
About the book:
The charming and often hilarious Forever Hilltop series follows the experiences of former city dweller Alex Armstrong as he settles into his new role as pastor of a Scandinavian community in rural North Dakota. Alex is sometimes baffled by his parishioners and their colorful ways, but he comes to appreciate their simple wisdom. One thing's for sure -- life in Hilltop Township is never dull! This new two-in-one format features An Unlikely Blessing along with its sequel, Surprising Grace.
In An Unlikely Blessing, Alex Armstrong is a former city dweller who has just accepted his first parish assignment to a small community in the wilds of North Dakota. In Hilltop Township, Pastor Alex becomes familiar with the residents and their odd traditions, from julebukking to King Oscar's fish balls. And then there's the excitement the single pastor creates among the unmarried women in the community! Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he has to teach them.
In Surprising Grace, Alex Armstrong is settling into his new role as pastor of Hilltop Church, and he's even starting to understand the strange ways of the people who populate this barren stretch of North Dakota prairie. But he also finds that his flock needs help and counsel like he never imagined. In this cozy and entertaining read, Alex must choose between the woman he once loved -- and the home he's come to love.
About Judy:
Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, experiencing many of the same things as her Hilltop characters. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head.
Baer graduated from Concordia College with majors in English and education and a minor in religion. While at the time, she was simply studying what interested her, Baer later realized that she was educating herself for her future career as a Christian writer. She certainly put her education to use as she is the author of more than 75 books.
A certified professional life coach now certified in three coaching disciplines, Baer coaches primarily professional and aspiring writers. She is also a faculty advisor in the Department of Human Development at St. Mary's University in Minneapolis, MN. Baer has two daughters and three step children. She and her husband live in Minnesota.
She invites you to visit her at her web site www.judykbaer.com for more information on her and her books.
Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/azv7s
Blog Tour Schedule: http:/www.litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13467681/foreverhilltop
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Sandy Rayla's - The Beautiful Wife
Sandy Rayla's The Beautiful Wife is
a very good read! I should start out, though, by mentioning that this
book should be read with a grain of salt and Bible in hand. I say this
because this book assumes two things about the reader: 1) that she is a
"typical" woman, and 2) that she is married to the "typical" man.
While reading this book, I found that not all of the tips and encouragement applied to me in my marriage. You see, I am the one who enjoys football and golf, and I was raised to hold my own in a household and be an equal partner with my husband. My husband enjoys cooking, cleaning, and is very good with kids and parenting. He also believes that a wife is on equal footing with the husband in the eyes of God. With all this in mind, I sat down to read, and mentioned some of the points I knew didn't fit our marriage to my husband. I was met with "I married you because you're NOT like that," "That doesn't fit me at all! It would not work the way she says if you started doing that," and "it works out better if I am the one to hold that position in our marriage." All of which I agree with. So - bear in mind that, while this book is an incredible wealth of information, you may not find it will work well for you in your marriage. I suggest keeping in mind God's view of a man and woman in marriage while you read this book. Doing this, you will find much of the book beneficial while not feeling guilty that some parts would mean disaster if you tried to implement them as illustrated in the book.
There are things this book does well. One is focusing (repeatedly - that's a good thing) on the importance of prayer and communication in marriage. These are two things that seem like they should go without saying, but it's always good to have a reminder and the tools and tips she gives to keep these two important parts of your marriage in tact are all beneficial to just about any couple. I also liked her focusing on the fact that marriage and your spouse should be placed ahead of your children. The marriage and relationship between husband and wife is what makes the rest of the house run smoothly. These, along with other topics, are well discussed and well fleshed out in this book.
I highly recommend this book, as long as you promise to read it with that grain of salt and Bible in hand! Happy Reading!!
While reading this book, I found that not all of the tips and encouragement applied to me in my marriage. You see, I am the one who enjoys football and golf, and I was raised to hold my own in a household and be an equal partner with my husband. My husband enjoys cooking, cleaning, and is very good with kids and parenting. He also believes that a wife is on equal footing with the husband in the eyes of God. With all this in mind, I sat down to read, and mentioned some of the points I knew didn't fit our marriage to my husband. I was met with "I married you because you're NOT like that," "That doesn't fit me at all! It would not work the way she says if you started doing that," and "it works out better if I am the one to hold that position in our marriage." All of which I agree with. So - bear in mind that, while this book is an incredible wealth of information, you may not find it will work well for you in your marriage. I suggest keeping in mind God's view of a man and woman in marriage while you read this book. Doing this, you will find much of the book beneficial while not feeling guilty that some parts would mean disaster if you tried to implement them as illustrated in the book.
There are things this book does well. One is focusing (repeatedly - that's a good thing) on the importance of prayer and communication in marriage. These are two things that seem like they should go without saying, but it's always good to have a reminder and the tools and tips she gives to keep these two important parts of your marriage in tact are all beneficial to just about any couple. I also liked her focusing on the fact that marriage and your spouse should be placed ahead of your children. The marriage and relationship between husband and wife is what makes the rest of the house run smoothly. These, along with other topics, are well discussed and well fleshed out in this book.
I highly recommend this book, as long as you promise to read it with that grain of salt and Bible in hand! Happy Reading!!
This
review was done by my wife because of the content matter of the
book(s). I would like to thank LitFuse for this free book for the
review. I would also like to thank my wife for agreeing to review this
book. I apologize that I was late in posting this as I thought that
today was the scheduled day for my post about this book. Thanks for
reading!
Celebrate with Sandy by entering her Kindle Touch Giveaway and coming to her "Beautiful Womanhood" Facebook Party {3/8}!
One beautiful winner will receive:
- A Brand new Kindle Touch with Wi-Fi
- The Beautiful Wife By Sandy Ralya
- The Beautiful Wife Prayer Journal and Mentor's Guide
So grab your copy of The Beautiful Wife and join Sandy and friends on the evening of March 8th for an evening of fun.
About the
book:
The Beautiful Wife uses
these inspiring stories along with biblical principles to guide and encourage
any wife looking for God's best in her marriage. The Beautiful Wife answers
serious questions women have about their roles as wives. Discussing everything
from romance and money to beauty, communication, and sex, Sandy challenges women
to open up and share their journeys so that together they can see God's plan for
their marriages. "It is my passion to help women discover God's heart for their
marriage, just as the other women helped me," writes Sandy. "When women share
with each other the details of their journeys with God as wives, it's a
beautiful thing indeed." The Beautiful Wife has two companion resources
- Prayer
Journal and Mentor's
Guide.
About Sandy
Ralya:
Sandy Ralya is the founder and director of Beautiful
Womanhood, a marriage mentoring ministry based near Grand Rapids, Mich. Her
marriage testimony was the focus of a popular three-day interview on FamilyLife
Today, TV's Walking by Faith, and Time Out for Women. Sandy is a sought-after
speaker, presenting Beautiful Womanhood seminars to hundreds of women each year
at MOPS groups, women's retreats, and church leadership conferences across the
country and in Canada. Sandy and her husband Tom have been married since 1980,
and have a growing number of grandchildren. www.beautifulwomanhood.com
Link to buy the bookhttp://www.amazon.com/dp/0825442206/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0825442206&adid=1W3K2YQ18448XYFD3ZQ8
Video
Links:
1. Sandy’s Testimony. This is directed primarily at wives.
Sandy speaks to the mentors for a few seconds near the end, but her testimony
will be one that resonates with wives as well.
2. About BEAUTIFUL WOMANHOOD Ministry. This uses Sandy’s
experience to speak directly to the marriage mentor to encourage and equip her
role as a mentor.
Blog tour schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13457272/beautifulwife)
Monday, February 6, 2012
Mornings with Jesus 2012 (Daily Devotional)
I have had the pleasure over the last couple of weeks to read some of the daily devotionals from the book below. I have enjoyed them immensely! They have shown insight into the very heart of our loving savior, Jesus Christ. I better let all those male readers out there that know this book is written by a team of women, but I was able to glean a lot out of it.
The stories shared in this book are from the heart and from everyday life. It is very easy to get caught up in our own lives that we often forget to include the one who makes every day possible. I have had two friends from high school pass away recently and that has hit very close to home. I have thought of the loved ones they have left behind and the children affected by the loss of life. It has shown me that every day is indeed a gift from God.
This devotional has helped me see that I can include God in my every day life because He included me, yes even lowly me! As I stood in the line waiting to greet the family of the most recently departed friend today I saw many walks of life. I saw young people, old couples, people there on their lunch breaks from work, and people with and without Jesus. I inched closer to the family during the course of about an hour I stood in line. I kept going over what I would say to the family, I had plenty of time to rehearse, and when I got to them all I could remember was the devotional from the 17th of January in the book.
On this particular day in the book it talks about the time when Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane before the Crucifixion praying to the Lord for the cup to pass from Him. The books tells us that, "His prayer wasn't answered". I thought about the unanswered prayers that the husband of my friend would be praying as well as the ones possibly uttered by her mother. I thought to myself that there was nothing I could say to bring their wife or daughter back. I thought of those three precious young children who won't know their mother. Then I remembered that I feel helpless and hopeless I can get through it because I know others are praying for me.
The book says,
" Our prayers rise before God's throne. Our prayers reach Him. So even if I feel like my prayers are worthless, or I've become repetitive, I have to remember that they're valuable; they can please God and move Him."
I could only do what others have done for me and tell them that I would be praying for them and I will humbly pray for them and the grief they will endure. God will honor them as He opened His arms for my sister in Christ just three days ago.
" Our prayers rise before God's throne. Our prayers reach Him. So even if I feel like my prayers are worthless, or I've become repetitive, I have to remember that they're valuable; they can please God and move Him."
I could only do what others have done for me and tell them that I would be praying for them and I will humbly pray for them and the grief they will endure. God will honor them as He opened His arms for my sister in Christ just three days ago.
 |
| Buy the book here. |
I would like to thanks LitFuse Group and Guideposts for this book! It it a great read and help daily.
About the book:
"Be still and know that I am God.” is one of the most beautiful verses from the Bible, but it’s not easy to practice in this busy world.Mornings with Jesus will help you do just that—“be still” in Jesus’ beautiful and powerful presence. For those who are seeking a deeper experience in their relationship with Christ, Mornings with Jesus offers a fresh perspective of who Jesus is (the Healer, the Son of God, the Comforter, the Good Shepherd) and what that means for day-to-day life. With a warm and friendly voice, 365 short devotional writings on the character and teachings of Jesus encourage readers to greet each day by drawing near to Him and inviting His presence into their day. Spend time with Jesus at the beginning of each day and experience His nearness and peace in a new way throughout the year. Each day’s selection includes: • a Bible verse • an entry based on Jesus: His words, miracles, and parables; His wisdom, compassion, and comfort; His mystery, power, divinity, and humanity • a “faith step” that will inspire and challenge readers to apply the day’s message to their lives
Blog tour schedule: : http://litfusegroup.
Friday, January 13, 2012
The Shadow of Your Smile - by Susan May Warren
The Shadow of You Smile – by Susan May Warren
While this is the first of this book series that I have read
I must say that I enjoyed it greatly. I have heard this type of story before,
the kind where a tragic event happens and someone loses their memory and a
loved one helps them rediscover who they are. It is almost like a rebirth type
of opportunity that this person is given. Not always does the person recognize
the opportunities that they are given but I think those around them do.
This book is no exception to those statements. I highly recommend this book!
While the main characters are well written and the story easy
to follow it did not become a story that you could weed out what was coming
next. From the onset you did know that this story would have a happy ending but
I do not think that I expected the twists that this book allowed. As much as
this book shares the lives of the characters and develops them with a good
sub-plot I think that using a similar situation of events between the mother
and daughter with the tragedy helped the reader get a better feel for the
family dynamic and what would cause someone to consider divorce.
I thought it was a very sweet story about rekindling the
love of two folks who at one time loved each other so much to produce three
children. I think it is a shame that marriages are not as rock-solid as they
once were and I am glad that the author makes the reader aware that God does
indeed work for our good. Kudos goes to Ms. Warren for a great addition to the
series. I look forward to seeing more in this series and catching up on those
already available.
I would like to thank LitFuse Publicity and NetGalley for
this free book.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The Shadow of Your Smile (Book Review on the 13th)
About the book: The Shadow of Your Smile
A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the quaint town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can’t quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston’s marriage.
After twenty-five years, they’re contemplating divorce . . . just as soon as their youngest son graduates from high school. But then an accident erases part of Noelle's memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn’t remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped their family apart. What’s more, Noelle is shocked that her life has turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. As she tries to regain her memory and slowly steps into her role as a wife and mother, Eli helps her readjust to daily life with sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can’t remember?
Will their secrets destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for a future? Read the story behind the story here: Shadow of Your Smile
About Susan: Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.
Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of http://www.mybooktherapy.com/, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.
Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)
A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at:http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.
click here to buy the book......
Sometimes love requires a little forgetting ... Come back to Deep Haven and find out what's been happening in your favorite quaint hamlet. If you're new to the Deep Haven series - this is the perfect book to start with - each book in the series is a stand alone story.
Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28.
One grand prize winner will receive:
A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to rekindle a little romance, treat yourself to a spa day, snap up those shoes you’ve been eyeing, or purchase a few great books!)
The entire set of Deep Haven Books
The winner will be announced on 1/30/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles! Just click one of the icons below to enter and tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Blog tour schedule:
1/9
Julie Arduini: The Surrendered Scribe http://juliearduini.com
Wendy at Wall-to-wall books http://wall-to-wall-books.blogspot.com
Brenda at WV Stitcher http://www.kittycrochettwo.blogspot.com
Renee at Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot http://steelergirl83.blogspot.com
Valerie at let's just give it away http://www.letsjustgiveitawayagain.com
Janelle at Cole clan adventures Www.usmajcole.blogspot.com
1/10
Kalyn at The Feminine Intellect www.thefeminineintellect.com
Stacey at WORD up! word-up-studies.blogspot.com
April's Lifestyle Show http://aprilslifestyleshow.com
Chelle at Chasing the Divine http:www.chelled.blogspot.com
Thou Art Jules http://thouartjules.com
1/11
Kianna's Corner http://kiannaskorner.blogspot.com
Laurie's School Days http://www.lauriegauger.blogspot.com
Michele at My Blessings From Above http://koreamom.blogspot.com
Shari at The Knit Wit by Shair http://www.theknitwitbyshair.com
Elizabeth at Count It All Joy http://texasjoy.blogspot.com
1/12
Casey at Writing for Christ http://enjoyingthewritingcraft.blogspot.com
Kaylea at My Scrappy Life http://www.myscrappylife.com
Net's Book Notes http://www.annetteirbyreviews.blogspot.com
Michelle at Our Little Corner of the World http://littlecornerofworld.blogspot.com
Roxanna at The Jolly Blogger www.roxannajolly.com
Lisa Jordan http://www.lisajordanbooks.com
1/13
Christen at Mom, Writer, Crafter, Coffee Drinker www.ChristenKrumm.com
Charity at Hosanna's Journey http://hosannasjourney.blogspot.com
Scott LaVigne's Blog http://lavignesblog.com
Whitney at Rambles of a SAHM http://ramblesahm.blogspot.com
Maopa at Luscious Deals http://lusciousdeals.blogspot.com
1/14
Lydia at The Overweight Bookshelf overweight-bookshelf.blogspot.com
Lauri at Knits Reads and Reviews http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com
Charla at For What It's Worth www.quiet-rebel.blogspot.com
Dineen at Kittens Come From Eggs http://dineenmiller.blogspot.com
1/16
Jodie at Mom's Pace http://www.moms-pace.com
Pam at Daysong Reflections http://daysongreflections.com
Kendra at Happily Managing a Household of Boys http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com
Jill at Frugal Plus http://www.frugalplus.com
Lesley at Dragonflies 'n Daydreams http://www.lesleypeck.com
Linda's Lunacy http://lindaslunacy.com
Cara at the Law, Books & Life http://blog.caraputman.com
1/17
Tammy Is Blessed http://tammyisblessed.blogspot.com
Becky at Christian Chick's Thoughts http://christianchicksthoughts.blogspot.com
Angela at All Grown Up? http://pantylesspreacherswife.wordpress.com
Donna at Books and Such http://bookworm56.blogspot.com
Tiffany at A Cozy Reader's Corner Reviews http://www.acozyreaderscorner.com
Heather Scoomer http://scoomerblog.blogspot.com
1/18
Kelli at The Zen of Motherhood http://www.thezenofmotherhood.blogspot.com
Kat at Reviews From The Heart http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com
Renee at Doorkeeper http://reneeannsmith.com
Betsy Ann - Writer at Large http://www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com
Jacque at Good Family Reads http://www.familyreads.blogspot.com
Susan at New Every Morning http://hismorningglory.blogspot.com
Amber at Seasons of Humility http://www.seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com
1/19
Megan at The Joys of Life http://www.raunandmegan.blogspot.com
Nancy at Amusing Reviews htttp://amusingreviews.blogspot.com
Laurel at Let's Go on a Picnic! http://headant.com
Margaret at The World As I See It http://theworldasiseeitbloganddesigns.com
Loni at Writing Canvas http://writingcanvas.wordpress.com
Jennifer at A Heart Full of Love http://aheartfulloflove.com
Ariel at The Librarian's Bookshelf http://thelibrariansbookshelf.blogspot.com
Anna at The Cross Is All http://annawood.wordpress.com/
1/20
Sarah at Growing For Christ http://homeschoolblogger.com/ohiosarah
Becky at In the Pages http://inthepages.blogspot.com
Amy at Bow of Bronze http://bowofbronze.com/amysblog
Barbara's Thin Line Between Truth & Fiction http://www.barbarasthinline.blogspot.com
Debra at Footprints in the Butter http://debrakb.blogspot.com
Jill at Book, Books Everywhere http://bookbookseverywhere.blogspot.com
Heidi at Starts At Eight http://www.startsateight.com
1/21
Vida at Sunflower Faith http://sunflowerfaith.com
Tanya at In the Dailies http://www.TanyaDennisBooks.com
Kimberly at Living on limited income http://loliloves2save.com
Trish at In So Many Words http://trishdoerrler.com
Lena at A Christian Writer's World http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
Lori at Morning Glories and Moonflowers http://www.perfectisboring.blogspot.com
Molly at Reviews By Molly http://reviewsbymolly.com
Katy at A Few More Pages http://fewmorepages.blogspot.com
1/23
Crystal at My Reading Room http://myreadingroom-crystal.blogspot.com
Caroline at Happy Four htt://happyfour.blogspot.com
Karla at Quiet Quilter http://karla-hanns-karla.blogspot.com
Holly at The Bookshelf http://bookshelfreviews-holly.blogspot.com
Jennifer at A Peace Of Mind http://mommybugg.livejournal.com
Karen's Korner http://stillmagnolias.blogspot.com
1/24
Jamie at Little Blurbs http://littleblurbs.wordpress.com
Erin Connected 2 Christ http://connected2christ.com/theblog
Chrystal at The Self Employed Writer http://www.selfemployedwriter.com
Lisa at A Casual Reader's Blog http://ellsey.blogspot.com
Beth at For the love of books mommiebethers.wordpress.com
1/25
Brooke at I blog 4 books http://iblog4books.blogspot.com
Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books http://www.crazy-for-books.com
Joan at Book Reviews from an Avid Reader http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com
Laura at Day by Day in Our World http://daybydayinourworld.com
Pattie at Fresh-Brewed Writer freshbrewedwriter.blogspot.com
Staci at 7 on a Shoestring http://7onashoestring.com
JHS at Colloquium http://www.jhsiess.com
Carol at Books Before Food http://bookbeforefood.blogspot.com
Naasom at The christian fiction's place in Brazil http://ficcaoevangelica.blogspot.com
1/26
Rachelle at Sojourner's Journey http://ww.landofmysojourn.net/blog
Maureen's Musings http://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com
Andi at Radiant Light http://www.frommipov.blogspot.com
Michelle at Life in Review http://lifeinreviewblog.com
Lisa at Baron Book Review http://baronbookreview.blogspot.com
1/27
Jennifer at Book Reviews from a Book Lover http://bookreviewsfromabooklover.blogspot.com
Ashley's at Bookshelf http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com
Patty at Broken Teepee http://brokenteepee.com
A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the quaint town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can’t quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston’s marriage.
After twenty-five years, they’re contemplating divorce . . . just as soon as their youngest son graduates from high school. But then an accident erases part of Noelle's memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn’t remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped their family apart. What’s more, Noelle is shocked that her life has turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. As she tries to regain her memory and slowly steps into her role as a wife and mother, Eli helps her readjust to daily life with sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can’t remember?
Will their secrets destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for a future? Read the story behind the story here: Shadow of Your Smile
About Susan: Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.
Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of http://www.mybooktherapy.com/, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.
Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)
A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at:http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.
click here to buy the book......
Sometimes love requires a little forgetting ... Come back to Deep Haven and find out what's been happening in your favorite quaint hamlet. If you're new to the Deep Haven series - this is the perfect book to start with - each book in the series is a stand alone story.
Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28.
One grand prize winner will receive:
A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to rekindle a little romance, treat yourself to a spa day, snap up those shoes you’ve been eyeing, or purchase a few great books!)
The entire set of Deep Haven Books
The winner will be announced on 1/30/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles! Just click one of the icons below to enter and tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Blog tour schedule:
1/9
Julie Arduini: The Surrendered Scribe http://juliearduini.com
Wendy at Wall-to-wall books http://wall-to-wall-books.blogspot.com
Brenda at WV Stitcher http://www.kittycrochettwo.blogspot.com
Renee at Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot http://steelergirl83.blogspot.com
Valerie at let's just give it away http://www.letsjustgiveitawayagain.com
Janelle at Cole clan adventures Www.usmajcole.blogspot.com
1/10
Kalyn at The Feminine Intellect www.thefeminineintellect.com
Stacey at WORD up! word-up-studies.blogspot.com
April's Lifestyle Show http://aprilslifestyleshow.com
Chelle at Chasing the Divine http:www.chelled.blogspot.com
Thou Art Jules http://thouartjules.com
1/11
Kianna's Corner http://kiannaskorner.blogspot.com
Laurie's School Days http://www.lauriegauger.blogspot.com
Michele at My Blessings From Above http://koreamom.blogspot.com
Shari at The Knit Wit by Shair http://www.theknitwitbyshair.com
Elizabeth at Count It All Joy http://texasjoy.blogspot.com
1/12
Casey at Writing for Christ http://enjoyingthewritingcraft.blogspot.com
Kaylea at My Scrappy Life http://www.myscrappylife.com
Net's Book Notes http://www.annetteirbyreviews.blogspot.com
Michelle at Our Little Corner of the World http://littlecornerofworld.blogspot.com
Roxanna at The Jolly Blogger www.roxannajolly.com
Lisa Jordan http://www.lisajordanbooks.com
1/13
Christen at Mom, Writer, Crafter, Coffee Drinker www.ChristenKrumm.com
Charity at Hosanna's Journey http://hosannasjourney.blogspot.com
Scott LaVigne's Blog http://lavignesblog.com
Whitney at Rambles of a SAHM http://ramblesahm.blogspot.com
Maopa at Luscious Deals http://lusciousdeals.blogspot.com
1/14
Lydia at The Overweight Bookshelf overweight-bookshelf.blogspot.com
Lauri at Knits Reads and Reviews http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com
Charla at For What It's Worth www.quiet-rebel.blogspot.com
Dineen at Kittens Come From Eggs http://dineenmiller.blogspot.com
1/16
Jodie at Mom's Pace http://www.moms-pace.com
Pam at Daysong Reflections http://daysongreflections.com
Kendra at Happily Managing a Household of Boys http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com
Jill at Frugal Plus http://www.frugalplus.com
Lesley at Dragonflies 'n Daydreams http://www.lesleypeck.com
Linda's Lunacy http://lindaslunacy.com
Cara at the Law, Books & Life http://blog.caraputman.com
1/17
Tammy Is Blessed http://tammyisblessed.blogspot.com
Becky at Christian Chick's Thoughts http://christianchicksthoughts.blogspot.com
Angela at All Grown Up? http://pantylesspreacherswife.wordpress.com
Donna at Books and Such http://bookworm56.blogspot.com
Tiffany at A Cozy Reader's Corner Reviews http://www.acozyreaderscorner.com
Heather Scoomer http://scoomerblog.blogspot.com
1/18
Kelli at The Zen of Motherhood http://www.thezenofmotherhood.blogspot.com
Kat at Reviews From The Heart http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com
Renee at Doorkeeper http://reneeannsmith.com
Betsy Ann - Writer at Large http://www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com
Jacque at Good Family Reads http://www.familyreads.blogspot.com
Susan at New Every Morning http://hismorningglory.blogspot.com
Amber at Seasons of Humility http://www.seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com
1/19
Megan at The Joys of Life http://www.raunandmegan.blogspot.com
Nancy at Amusing Reviews htttp://amusingreviews.blogspot.com
Laurel at Let's Go on a Picnic! http://headant.com
Margaret at The World As I See It http://theworldasiseeitbloganddesigns.com
Loni at Writing Canvas http://writingcanvas.wordpress.com
Jennifer at A Heart Full of Love http://aheartfulloflove.com
Ariel at The Librarian's Bookshelf http://thelibrariansbookshelf.blogspot.com
Anna at The Cross Is All http://annawood.wordpress.com/
1/20
Sarah at Growing For Christ http://homeschoolblogger.com/ohiosarah
Becky at In the Pages http://inthepages.blogspot.com
Amy at Bow of Bronze http://bowofbronze.com/amysblog
Barbara's Thin Line Between Truth & Fiction http://www.barbarasthinline.blogspot.com
Debra at Footprints in the Butter http://debrakb.blogspot.com
Jill at Book, Books Everywhere http://bookbookseverywhere.blogspot.com
Heidi at Starts At Eight http://www.startsateight.com
1/21
Vida at Sunflower Faith http://sunflowerfaith.com
Tanya at In the Dailies http://www.TanyaDennisBooks.com
Kimberly at Living on limited income http://loliloves2save.com
Trish at In So Many Words http://trishdoerrler.com
Lena at A Christian Writer's World http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
Lori at Morning Glories and Moonflowers http://www.perfectisboring.blogspot.com
Molly at Reviews By Molly http://reviewsbymolly.com
Katy at A Few More Pages http://fewmorepages.blogspot.com
1/23
Crystal at My Reading Room http://myreadingroom-crystal.blogspot.com
Caroline at Happy Four htt://happyfour.blogspot.com
Karla at Quiet Quilter http://karla-hanns-karla.blogspot.com
Holly at The Bookshelf http://bookshelfreviews-holly.blogspot.com
Jennifer at A Peace Of Mind http://mommybugg.livejournal.com
Karen's Korner http://stillmagnolias.blogspot.com
1/24
Jamie at Little Blurbs http://littleblurbs.wordpress.com
Erin Connected 2 Christ http://connected2christ.com/theblog
Chrystal at The Self Employed Writer http://www.selfemployedwriter.com
Lisa at A Casual Reader's Blog http://ellsey.blogspot.com
Beth at For the love of books mommiebethers.wordpress.com
1/25
Brooke at I blog 4 books http://iblog4books.blogspot.com
Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books http://www.crazy-for-books.com
Joan at Book Reviews from an Avid Reader http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com
Laura at Day by Day in Our World http://daybydayinourworld.com
Pattie at Fresh-Brewed Writer freshbrewedwriter.blogspot.com
Staci at 7 on a Shoestring http://7onashoestring.com
JHS at Colloquium http://www.jhsiess.com
Carol at Books Before Food http://bookbeforefood.blogspot.com
Naasom at The christian fiction's place in Brazil http://ficcaoevangelica.blogspot.com
1/26
Rachelle at Sojourner's Journey http://ww.landofmysojourn.net/blog
Maureen's Musings http://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com
Andi at Radiant Light http://www.frommipov.blogspot.com
Michelle at Life in Review http://lifeinreviewblog.com
Lisa at Baron Book Review http://baronbookreview.blogspot.com
1/27
Jennifer at Book Reviews from a Book Lover http://bookreviewsfromabooklover.blogspot.com
Ashley's at Bookshelf http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com
Patty at Broken Teepee http://brokenteepee.com
Come Back to Deep Haven and Win a $200 Visa Card from @SusanMayWarren!
Sometimes love requires a little forgetting ... Come back to Deep Haven and find out what's been happening in your favorite quaint hamlet. If you're new to the Deep Haven series - this is the perfect book to start with - each book in the series is a stand alone story.
Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28.
One grand prize winner will receive:
The winner will be announced on 1/30/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles! Just click one of the icons below to enter and tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to rekindle a little romance, treat yourself to a spa day, snap up those shoes you’ve been eyeing, or purchase a few great books!)
- The entire set of Deep Haven Books
The winner will be announced on 1/30/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles! Just click one of the icons below to enter and tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Monday, October 10, 2011
"Reclaiming Lily" by Patti Lacy
I just recently finished ready a novel by Patti Lacy entitled Reclaiming Lily. I must say that out of the gate I was not sure that I would like this particular book. I had read a previous work by Patti Lacy and liked it well enough but was not sure that I would be able to get through this book by my deadline. I was SO wrong! This book was wonderful and I could not put it down. From the time I finished the first chapter until I turned the last page I was fully engulfed in this book. I even spoke to my wife about it many times and raved about how well-written this book is. I count myself very privileged to have read this book. I found myself thinking about the characters and what choices they would make and how the story would unfold. It has been quite some time since I was so engaged by a novel. I hope that Patti will continue to write many more of this nature and even write a sequel to this one. I would like to see how the story really ends. I will have to say, in all fairness, that the last couple of chapters really seemed to go quickly. Events seemed to happen much quicker near the end of the story than at the beginning. This could merely have been my interest in the book but I wanted to make sure that I was being completely honest. I do not like to spoil a book by sharing what happens in it. I will say that you will NOT be disappointed in this book, nor will you be sorry you read it. I think that Patti has a great talent for writing and I hope I get the privilege of reading her works for many years to come. This book gets a definite 10 of 10!
About the book:
A storm the size of Texas brews when Gloria Powell and Kai Chang meet in a Ft. Worth hotel. They have come to discuss the future of Lily, the daughter Gloria adopted from China and the sister Kai hopes to reclaim. Kai is a doctor who had to give up her little sister during the Cultural Revolution and has since discovered that an inherited genetic defect may be waiting to fatally strike Lily.
Gloria's relationship with her daughter is tattered and strained, and the arrival of Kai, despite the woman's apparent good intentions, makes Gloria fearful. Gloria longs to restore her relationship with Lily, but in the wake of this potentially devastating diagnosis, is Kai an answer to prayer--or will her arrival force Gloria to sacrifice more than she ever imagined?
About Patti:
Patti Lacy graduated from Baylor University with a BS in education and completed master's-level courses in English at Indiana State University. She taught at Heartland Community College until May 2006, when she resigned to pursue her passion of writing. The author of three previous novels, Patti is the mother of two grown children and lives with her husband in Normal, Illinois.
Patti Lacy is celebrating the release of her latest book, Reclaiming Lily, with a KindleTouch Giveaway, blog tour and FB Book Chat Party!
Patti Lacy is celebrating the release of her latest book, Reclaiming Lily, with a KindleTouch Giveaway, blog tour and FB Book Chat Party!
Follow the blog tour and read the reviews!
Patti and her publisher, Bethany House, are giving away a Reclaiming Lily prize package worth over $150 to one lucky winner!!!!
Enter the Reclaiming Lily Giveaway and you could win:
- A brand new just released KindleTouch with Wi-Fi
- $25 gift cetificate to Amazon.com
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. Giveaway ends on 10/19! Patti will be announcing the winner of the Reclaiming Lily Giveaway at her Party on Facebook October 20th! She’ll be hosting a book club chat of Reclaiming Lily (it's okay if you haven't read it - you could win a copy!) and giving away other fun prizes! (signed copies of her books and gift certificates to Amazon.com, Starbucks, & iTunes!). Don’t miss the fun at Patti’s FB Author Page on 10/20/11 at 5pm PST ( 6 pm MST, 7 pm CST, & 8 pm EST)! RSVP today!
Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/
Please visit the blog tour stops! Thanks!
10/10
Laurie's School Days http://www.lauriegauger.
Vic's Media Room http://vicsmediaroom.
Michele at My Blessings From Above http://koreamom.blogspot.com
Sundi Jo at Lead. Love. Laugh. http://sundijo.com
Caroline at Happy Four http://happyfour.blogspot.com
Karla at quiet quilter http://www.karla-hanns-karla.
Stacie at Hobbit Door http://hobbitdoor.blogspot.com
10/11
Elizabeth at Count It All Joy http://texasjoy.blogspot.com
Janet at Along the Way http://a-long-the-way.
Lori's Book Reviews http://lorisbookreviews.com/
Ruth at Thoughts from a princess http://ruthkaup.wordpress.com/
Scott at LaVigne's Blog http://lavignesblog.com
Whitney at Rambles of a SAHM http://ramblesahm.blogspot.com
Lydia at Overweight Bookshelf http://overweight-bookshelf.
10/12
Katie at Legacy of a Writer http://katie-mccurdy.blogspot.
Paige at Page by Paige http://thesweetandthesassy.
Lauri at Knits, Reads and Reviews http://knitsandreads.blogspot.
Kendra at Happily Managing a Household of Boys http://familymgrkendra.
Joan at Book Reviews from an Avid Reader http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.
Michelle at Beyond The Silver and The Gold http://beyondsilverandgold.
Jill at Frugal Plus http://www.frugalplus.com/
10/13
Jettie Ramblings http://jettiesramblings.
Vera at Luxury Reading http://www.luxuryreading.com
Linda's Lunacy http://lindaslunacy.com
Tina at GivingNSharing http://GivingNSharing.
Paula at The Phantom Paragrapher http://www.
Tammy at Tammy Is Blessed http://tammyisblessed.
Kristinia at Loving Heart Mommy http://www.lovingheartmommy.
10/14
Becky at Christian Chick's Thoughts http://
Jennifer at Mrs Q Book Addict http://www.mrsqbookaddict.net
Donna at Books and such http://bookworm56.blogspot.
Staci at 7 on a Shoestring http://7onashoestring.com
Melanie at So many Books.. So Little Time http://www.melanieski.
10/15
Krista at Pitching Pencils http://pitchingpencils.
Kim at Teaberry Cottage http://teaberry-cottage.
Dusty at To the Moon and Back http://reachtothemoonandback.
JHS at Colloquium http://www.jhsiess.com
Kelli at The Zen of Motherhood http://www.thezenofmotherhood.
Tracy's Treasure of Books http://tracystreasureofbooks.
10/17
Jacque at Good Family Reads http://familyreads.blogspot.
Lisa at Book Nook Club http://booknookclub.blogspot.
Megan at The Joys of Life http://www.raunandmegan.
Tracy's Nook http://www.tracysnook.com
Michelle at Life in Review http://lifeinreviewblog.com/
Linda at Christian Book Reviews http://www.onedesertrose.
10/18
Suzanne at Cows and Lasers and Everything in Between http://
Preslaysa at The Literary Mama http://www.preslaysa.com
Ariel at The Librarian's Bookshelf http://thelibrariansbookshelf.
Patty at Broken Teepee http://brokenteepee.com
Lisa at Life Full of Laughter http://lifefulloflaughter.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Branded by Tim Sinclair
This new book by Tim Sinclair was a fantastic read!
Here is a little about the book:
The church spends $1.5 million for every one new follower of Jesus. Apple sells 26 iPads every minute What is it that makes Apple so exciting and Jesus so boring? What is it that compels someone to bring their iPod everywhere and their Bible nowhere? In a word: marketing. Jesus is a life-changing product with lousy salespeople-people who are intimidated and embarrassed by the word "evangelism" and who show more enthusiasm for their gadgets than their God.
What would life look like if we could market our faith like Nike and Apple market their products? Using examples from these and other successful companies, author Tim Sinclair challenges Christians to throw out their casual attitudes toward faith and sign on for a marketing campaign for the Savior.
Other books on evangelism encourage readers to share their faith but fall short of practical application and fail to address intimidation. Written with the wit and wisdom of an experienced marketer, Branded peels away the feelings of fear and shows readers how to share their faith in ways that are creative, effective . . . and fun!
My take on the book:
Like many others who have read this book, I was too, at first a little apprehensive in what the book represented at the onset. I was quickly amazed at how "spot on" Tim is about the way our culture views Jesus and how we must change the way that He is "marketed". We try too hard, or not at all, sometimes to tell others about the wonderful person Jesus IS. I hear people all the time talk about Jesus as just a story from a book or a fairytale. I also hear people talking about Jesus and wanting to be intentional when they talk to others about Jesus. It is not simply a Saturday morning walk around a neighborhood knocking on doors and inviting people to church. We must take the time to seek out those who do live next door, but not as a solicitor. We need to market ourselves as well as our Savior.
I think the principles that Tim incorporates into the book are ones that many of us in the corporate world are aware of. The question, for me, that comes to mind is; "Should we market Jesus like we market the next big thing to come about?" My answer to this questions is, YES, if it means that one more person gives their heart and life to Jesus Christ, then of course we should! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and although I missed the LitFuse Group tour a little while back I would like to thank them for sending me the book! I rate this book 8 out of 10. Very good take on things Mr. Sinclair.
I just wanted to let everyone know that I have already had a request in the book after posting and am forwarding the copy of the book I received to that person free of charge. Let me know if you like one of the books that I have reviewed. :-)
Here is a little about the book:
The church spends $1.5 million for every one new follower of Jesus. Apple sells 26 iPads every minute What is it that makes Apple so exciting and Jesus so boring? What is it that compels someone to bring their iPod everywhere and their Bible nowhere? In a word: marketing. Jesus is a life-changing product with lousy salespeople-people who are intimidated and embarrassed by the word "evangelism" and who show more enthusiasm for their gadgets than their God.
What would life look like if we could market our faith like Nike and Apple market their products? Using examples from these and other successful companies, author Tim Sinclair challenges Christians to throw out their casual attitudes toward faith and sign on for a marketing campaign for the Savior.
Other books on evangelism encourage readers to share their faith but fall short of practical application and fail to address intimidation. Written with the wit and wisdom of an experienced marketer, Branded peels away the feelings of fear and shows readers how to share their faith in ways that are creative, effective . . . and fun!
My take on the book:
Like many others who have read this book, I was too, at first a little apprehensive in what the book represented at the onset. I was quickly amazed at how "spot on" Tim is about the way our culture views Jesus and how we must change the way that He is "marketed". We try too hard, or not at all, sometimes to tell others about the wonderful person Jesus IS. I hear people all the time talk about Jesus as just a story from a book or a fairytale. I also hear people talking about Jesus and wanting to be intentional when they talk to others about Jesus. It is not simply a Saturday morning walk around a neighborhood knocking on doors and inviting people to church. We must take the time to seek out those who do live next door, but not as a solicitor. We need to market ourselves as well as our Savior.
I think the principles that Tim incorporates into the book are ones that many of us in the corporate world are aware of. The question, for me, that comes to mind is; "Should we market Jesus like we market the next big thing to come about?" My answer to this questions is, YES, if it means that one more person gives their heart and life to Jesus Christ, then of course we should! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and although I missed the LitFuse Group tour a little while back I would like to thank them for sending me the book! I rate this book 8 out of 10. Very good take on things Mr. Sinclair.
I just wanted to let everyone know that I have already had a request in the book after posting and am forwarding the copy of the book I received to that person free of charge. Let me know if you like one of the books that I have reviewed. :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)