Today's book review is for "The Last Christian" by David Gregory .

My Thoughts
I enjoy a good science fiction book. And while I enjoy glimpses into the far future, I think my favorite type of science fiction is "next step" stories. This is my phrase to describe stories that are set in the near future. Stories where Google has branched out into building fully automated cars or where Facebook has acquired more information on each one of us then the NSA. Stories, from a technology view, that are completely plausible. David Gregory not only does this, but throws in the thought provoking idea of Christianity completely dying out in America and one missionaries calling to revive it.

This book impressed me. As a technology nut I found his vision of the near future completely believable. Especially the leap to complete virtual reality through implanted hardware within the body. To me, what makes these things believable are his bringing into the story the in-between hardware pieces that made these steps possible. Abigail, coming out of the jungle, does not have the implants. During the course of the story, we have descriptors of the helmet and devices she wore to enter into that virtual reality that others so free entered without. Technology builds on top of technology and that was present. Okay, enough geeking out.

Beyond the technology, the story was enjoyable. There was a nice blend of mystery, danger, and the thoughts of "wow this really could happen in America."

I guess to make a simple summary, let me just say I liked it. It was fast paced, held my interest, and gave me some things to ponder when it was all done. Definitely worth reading if you get a chance.

Publisher's Info
In the future, it’s possible to live forever—but at what cost?

A.D. 2088.

Missionary daughter Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. Abby goes to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. A curious message from her grandfather assigns her a surprising mission: re-introduce the Christian faith in America, no matter how insurmountable the odds.

But a larger threat looms. The world's leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether—but at what expense?

As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father's unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance—the spiritual future of all humanity.

In this fast-paced thriller, startling near-future science collides with thought-provoking religious themes to create a spell-binding "what-if?" novel.

Author Bio
David Gregory is the coauthor of two nonfiction books and a frequent conference speaker. After a ten-year business career, he returned to school to study religion and communications, earning two master's degrees. David lives in Texas, where he works for a nonprofit organization.

My favorite place to buy books is Amazon and you can find the book there. Or of you are inclined, you can click here to go directly to the Multnomah web site where you will be able to download the first chapter for preview, read an author interview, or even watch a promo video.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah, a division of Random House.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Today's book review is for "Indivisible" by Kristen Heitzmann.

My Thoughts
I jumped into this book really not knowing what to expect. From the description I knew it was some sort of thriller, but you never know if that is going to hold true or not. Thankfully, I was impressed by the story. I wouldn't describe it as a story building up to a major twist, but a story that has a lot of secrets that come out more and more as you read. While I had one of the mysteries pegged from the beginning, although I confess there were a lot of clues, there were many others that left me questioning to end. Take that and throw in a couple of mutilated raccoons that have been sewn together and you have the makings for something interesting.

I guess the best testament that I can give to the book is that I wanted the story to continue. The story had a a definite ending, but I wanted to see what happened next in the life of the characters. Even if it wasn't a thriller, I would read the "next chapter" if it was ever presented to me. Whenever you finish a book and you wish there was more is always a good sign.

As we head into summer I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for an enjoyable psychological read.

Publisher's Info
Battling his own personal demons, Police Chief Jonah Westfall knows the dark side of life and has committed himself to eradicating it. When a pair of raccoons are found mutilated in Redford, Colorado, Jonah investigates the gruesome act, knowing the strange event could escalate and destroy the tranquility of his small mountain town. With a rising drug threat and never-ending conflict with Tia Manning, a formidable childhood friend with whom he has more than a passing history, Jonah fights for answers—and his fragile sobriety.

But he can’t penetrate every wound or secret—especially one fueled by a love and guilt teetering on madness.

Author Bio
While home schooling her four kids, Kristen Heitzmann wrote her first novel. It became one of a five book historical series. Since then, she has written three more historical novels and eight contemporary romantic and psychological suspense novels including The Still of Night, nominated for the Colorado Book Award, The Tender Vine, a Christy Award finalist and Christy Award winning Secrets. She lives in Colorado with her husband Jim, sundry family members, and pets.

My favorite place to buy books is Amazon and you can find the book there. Or of you are inclined, you can click here to go directly to the Multnomah web site were you will be able to download the first chapter for preview.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah, a division of Random House.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Today's book review is for "Radical" by David Platt.

My Thoughts
When I was offered the opportunity to review this book, I almost didn't take it. The full title is "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream." I don't have much respect for authors that blame America for all the evil in the world of which there are quite a few. Yet, the description piqued my interest enough to go ahead and read it. I'm glad I did. After reading it, I walk away not feeling that the book is a critique of America at all. Instead, I walk away feeling that many Christians in America live as Americans first and Christians second. The book is a challenge to all believers, although specifically American believers, to refuse to allow our culture to blind us to the way Christ has called us to live.

In a nutshell, Christ has called us to reach the world for him, not to live comfortable lives. We have been called to be dangerous, not to live danger free. The book challenges our oft misguided belief that some are called to reach a lost and dying world while some get a free pass to relax.

I barely know what to write about this book. It was challenging and convicting. More than anything, it's making me want to pray about it. No one likes a punch in the gut, but if it's God trying to get our attention we need to stop and examine it.

I'll leave it as this. You need to read this book. Then, you need to get in your Bible and pray about it.

Publisher's Info
It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily...

BUT WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO LIVES LIKE THAT? DO YOU?

In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple--then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a "successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus.

Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment --a one-year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring.

Author Bio
David Platt is the pastor of The Church at Brook Hills, a four-thousand member congregation in Birmingham, Alabama. Widely regarded as an exceptional expositor, David has traveled and taught around the world. He holds two undergraduate and three advanced degrees, including a doctorate from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. David and his wife, Heather, live in Birmingham with their family.

My favorite place to buy books is Amazon and you can find the book there. Or of you are inclined, you can click here to go directly to the Multnomah web site were you will be able to download the first chapter for preview.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah, a division of Random House.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Today's book review is for "Forget Me Not" by Vicki Hinze.

My Thoughts
This book has been a tough one for me to review. It's not a bad book, but it's not great either. The story moves along at a decent pace, but sometimes I felt like the plot was being forced along and not allowed to develop naturally. And maybe I'm just extremely perceptive, probably not but I'll run with it, but I felt is was obvious from early on why Benjamin's wife and son were murdered. The other major twist, which I'll politely not even mention in case you read the book, again seemed obvious early on. In addition to those, I'm just not much for love stories that rapidly develop within matter of days. Once again, it seemed forced. Finally, I felt that scant little information was provided concerning this shadowy organization that the characters are suppose to fear. These little details hinder what overall wasn't a bad storyline.

There are some decent twists and turns that keep you intrigued. I won't deny that I was reading more chapters in a sitting than I intended to simply because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. That fact alone bodes well for any story. That's why this review is mixed. I enjoyed the story, but I think it could have been better. If you like a mystery with a little romance thrown in you'd probably appreciate the book. The call is yours.

Publisher's Info
Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He’d failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help—a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.

The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

Author Bio
Vicki Hinze is an award-winning author of twenty-three novels, three nonfiction books, and hundreds of articles. Selected for Who’s Who in America in 2004 as a writer and educator, Hinze is active in Romance Writers of America and serves as a Vice President on the International Thriller Writers Board of Directors. Vicki lives in Florida with her artist husband, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. Visit www.vickihinze.com to learn more about Vicki’s books, blogs, and writing programs.


My favorite place to buy books is Amazon and you can find the book there. Or of you are inclined, you can find out more about it from the Random House web site.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah, a division of Random House.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Today's book review is by my wife Kelly and is for "This Little Prayer of Mine" by Anthony DeStefano. Illustrations are by Mark Elliot.

My Thoughts
This is a cute children's book. It is written as a prayer to show kids how and what to pray. It shows two children in different aspects of life and how they can pray during those times. I liked that it included asking God to help in making good choices and showed asking for forgiveness when wrong. The pictures are nice and show great detail. I read it to my four year old and she enjoyed it too.

Publisher's Info
Author Anthony DeStefano’s adult books, The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven, have sold a quarter-million copies. Illustrator Mark Elliott’s cherished artwork has appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s ever-popular Princess Tales series.

Now, these acclaimed inspirational experts have come together to create This Little Prayer of Mine, a beautiful and alluring book designed to guide children into a very simple, real and expressive relationship with God.

Through engaging rhymes and alluring illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine shows children—and their parents and grandparents—that complete dependence on God is what brings peace and fulfillment. It invites children to know and believe that God is always just a simple prayer away and that He longs to respond to them with a resounding, “Yes!”
This Little Prayer of Mine appeals to readers from all different faiths. Easy-reader format allows children to read alone, or with someone older, and encourages them to openly express their fears, thanks, and needs directly to God.

Author Bio
Anthony DeStefano is the author of The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven. He has received prestigious awards from religious organizations worldwide for his efforts to advance Christian beliefs in modern culture.

Mark Elliott’s brilliant illustrations have appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s Princess Tales series. His acclaimed artwork delivers inspiration, wonder, and timeless beauty on every page.


My favorite place to buy books is Amazon and you can find the book there. Or of you are inclined, you can find out more about it from the Random House web site.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah, a division of Random House.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Today's book review is by my wife Kelly and is for "An Absence So Great" by Jane Kirkpatrick.

My Thoughts
This book is the sequel to A Flickering Light, which I read before and blogged about. When I read the first book, I was not too thrilled about the story line as some of the elements of the plot I did not agree with. After reading this one I found out that it is based on the life of the author's grandmother. The story is very good. She takes the truth of her grandmother's life and makes it an enjoyable story. I recommend both books to get the full story. It was a good book.

Publisher's Info
Inspired by the engaging stories told through her grandmother’s photographs taken at the turn of the century, award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick provides a portrait of the tension between darkness and light in the soul of a young woman pursuing her professional dreams.

Despite growing in confidence as a photographer, eighteen-year-old Jessie Ann Gaebele’s personal life is still at a crossroads. Hoping she’s put an unfortunate romantic longing behind her as “water under the bridge,” she exiles herself to Milwaukee to operate photographic studios for those ill with mercury poisoning.

Jessie gains footing on her dream to one day own her own studio and soon finds herself in other Midwest towns, pursuing her profession. But even a job she loves can’t keep those painful memories from seeping into her heart, and the shadows of a forbidden love threaten to darken the portrait of her life.

Author Bio
Jane Kirkpatrick is an award-winning author of sixteen historical novels, including A Flickering Light, the first part of Jessie Gaebale’s story, and three nonfiction titles. Known for her unique insights into the exploration of community, family and faith of actual historical women, the Wisconsin native and her husband have called their ranch in Oregon home for the past 25 years.


My favorite place to buy books is Amazon and you can find the book there. Or of you are inclined, you can find out more about it from the Random House web site.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah, a division of Random House.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

This book review gets a nice introductory story to go with it. At the beginning of this year I seemed on a roll in winning free things. I won a free iPhone app, an ebook of my choice from O'Reily Media, a book by Scott Wilson, and then a book by Margaret Feinberg. For the Scott Wilson book, my name was mentioned in a live interview as having won a copy and I replied to confirm it, but my name was never listed on the Web site as being a winner. I assumed that there had been some mistake. A few days later I had an opportunity to get a free copy of the book by agreeing to blog about it, something I already do with books from Multnomah. Since it appeared that I wasn't getting the free copy I thought I had won, I signed up for a copy to review. The very day I signed up to review it my free copy arrived. I tried to email and cancel the other book, but a few days later it arrived. So, I will do something that I haven't done for awhile. I will give away the second copy free. Just post a comment on this and I will randomly select a winner next Thursday.

My Thoughts
Great book. That was easy. I know this type of book isn't for everyone as it is primarily written for pastors and those in church leadership, but it is definitely worth reading. The book deals with the various things that we are going to face as we attempt to lead a church through change. It discusses ways of getting people on board, dealing with the struggles that arise, keeping yourself from burning out, and how to communicate. Not only that, but it goes into depth on why we need to prepare for change in advance of actually needing the change. It's a challenging read and you come away from it both thinking "I hope I never have to go through that" and "I need to prepare for this." Some books I read and then I don't mind getting rid of them. This is one of those books though that will become one of my reference books, something that I can refer to from time to time.

For full disclosure, I met Scott at a minister's conference that he taught at. He spoke on the topic that he covers in this book. So my review comes out of both reading the book, hearing him teach on it, and having the opportunity to talk to him. That, and he gave me a free copy of his previous book because I jokingly questioned his ability to teach us. Yes, making fun of the speaker before he teaches sometimes scores you free stuff.

You can read the first chapter of the book for free at www.scribd.com.

I've also embedded a YouTube vide below where Scott discusses the book. It's worth watching. I don't know if Facebook notes will pull in the video or not. If you don't see it, you can either see it on my blog or on YouTube itself.

And don't forget a comment could win you a free book. Show a little comment love if you can.



On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

The book review for today is "Start Here" by Alex & Brett Harris.

My Thoughts
"Start Here" is a companion book to the Harris brothers book "Do Hard Things", so it is probably best read after reading the first book. Full disclosure, I haven't read "Do Hard Things". I have worked with some curriculum based off of it and from my understanding, the book is a challenge to teenagers to use their teen years doing hard things for God. It's calling youth to rise above mediocrity and culture's low expectations of them. I think "Do Hard Things" answers the question of why teens should be choosing to live this way. "Start Here" then answers the question of how do I get started. Put another way, it doesn't ignite the desire to do hard things, but helps those that have already had that desire ignited get started on their journey. While this book can be read on its own, I think it makes a lot more sense to read it after having read "Do Hard Things".

As for the book itself, I think it offers a lot of practical advice for teens that want to do a little something more in this world than simply hang out at the mall and play video games. The book covers such topics as finding God's will, getting help from others, and what to do when you get overwhelmed. I particularly liked the section that dealt with how to handle yourself when people start complimenting you. Pride is such an easy thing to fall into and I'm glad that it was addressed. Another important area that is covered is the possibility that a teen might try something hard for God and it might not work out.

One nice feature is that peppered throughout the book are true stories from teens that have already taken up the challenge. Hearing the tales of youth that have accepted the challenge and then accomplished something is surely an encouragement for anyone else considering doing similar.

So my final conclusion is that it is a worthwhile book for your teenager to read, but it really only makes sense to read it after you've read "Do Hard Things".

Publisher's Info
At the age of eighteen, Alex and Brett Harris wrote Do Hard Things—and launched a movement that would change a generation. Young people around the world were ready to be inspired, ready to move beyond complacency, ready to rebel against society’s low expectations.

Now the highly anticipated companion book, Start Here, answers the questions Alex and Brett have received from thousands of teens on their worldwide conference tour and popular online community: How do I get started? What hard things does God want me to do? How do I keep from getting discouraged or burned out? What is the best way to inspire others?

Filled with stories and insights from Alex, Brett, and other real-life rebelutionaries, Start Here is a powerful and practical guide for young people who are ready to take the next step and blast past apathy. Let the rebelution continue.

Authors Bio
Alex and Brett Harris are the coauthors of the best-selling book Do Hard Things, which they wrote at age eighteen. Today the twins speak regularly to audiences of thousands on The Rebelution Tour, maintain a hugely popular online presence through their blog, TheRebelution.com, and have been featured on CNN, MSNBC, NPR, and in the New York Times. Raised in Portland, Oregon, the brothers currently attend Patrick Henry College in Virginia.


My favorite place to buy books is Amazon and you can find the book there. Or of you are inclined, you can find out more about it from the Random House web site.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah, a division of Random House.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

My Thoughts
There is no doubt that music plays an enormous part in many people's lives. Matthew Turner discusses this reality in his own life, but from a perspective of a childhood rooted in an extremely strict version of Christianity. From what I gather, anything except hymns was basically considered evil. The humor and pain I felt as he discussed his family sneaking out to a Sandy Patti concert resonated with me. Not that I was ever a Sandy fan myself, but more of a closet Petra fan.

Without ever coming out and saying it, Turner questions the validity of both Christians openly judging the motives of musicians that happen to be Christian, and the musician themselves who seek fame as a so called humble servant of Christ. This hit home because I have both heard criticism of Christian musicians for their weaknesses (uh...they are human), while also seeing musicians that claimed God had called them to their ministry (and corresponding popularity), but seemingly forgetting at the same time to give them any talent.

This seems like deep and painful things to consider, but I give Turner credit for writing from his own life experiences and doing so with humor. I can't honestly say that I agree with everything, but the book gets the mental juices flowing in a simple read. With that said, I think the book is worth picking up and reading.

Publisher's Info
If you’ve ever had the opening bars of a song transport you back in time or remind you of a pivotal spiritual moment, Matthew Paul Turner’s honest—and frequently hilarious—musings will strike a chord. Straightforward and amusing, Hear No Evil is Turner’s “life soundtrack,” a compilation of engaging personal stories about how music—and music’s ability to transform—has played a key role in his spiritual life.

Groove along on his journey as young evangelical Turner attends forbidden contemporary Christian concerts, moves to “Music City” Nashville, and dreams of becoming the Michael Jackson of Christian music.

Cosmic and compelling, keen and funny, every page is a new encounter with the people, places, and experiences that have taught the music-editor-turned-author some new things about God, forced him out of his comfort zone, and introduced him to a fresh view of grace along the way.

Author Bio
Matthew Paul Turner is a blogger, speaker, and author of Churched: One Kid’s Journey Toward God Despite a Holy Mess, The Christian Culture Survival Guide, and several other popular books. After a childhood in rural Maryland, Turner attended Nashville’s Belmont University, where he received a BBA in music business, and was the editor of CCM magazine before leaving to pursue writing as a career. Turner has written for Relevant, HomeLife, Christian Single, and other magazines. He and his wife, Jessica, have one son, and live in Nashville, Tennessee.


My favorite place to buy books is Amazon and you can find the book there. Or of you are inclined, you can find out more about it from the Random House web site.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah, a division of Random House.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Tonight I am reviewing the book "Dug Down Deep" by Joshua Harris. First a little information about the book and then my thoughts follow.

Publisher's Info
What will you build your life on?

With startling transparency, Joshua Harris shares how we can rediscover the relevance and power of Christian truth. This is book shows a young man who rose quickly to success in the Christian evangelical world before he realized his spirituality lacked a foundation—it rested more on tradition and morality than on an informed knowledge of God.

For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris's humorous and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn't just for scholars—it is for anyone who longs to know the living Jesus Christ. As Harris writes, "I've come to learn that theology matters. It matters not because we want to impress people, but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live. Theology matters because if we get it wrong then our whole life will be wrong."

Whether you are just exploring Christianity or you are a veteran believer finding yourself overly familiar and cold-hearted, Dug Down Deep will help you rediscover the timeless truths of Scripture. As Harris challenges you to root your faith and feelings about God in the person, work, and words of Jesus, he answers questions such as:

What is God like and how does he speak to me?What difference does it make that Jesus was both human and divine?How does Jesus's death on the cross pay for my sins?Who is the Holy Spirit and how does he work in my life?

With grace and wisdom, Harris will inspire you to revel in the truth that has captured his own mind and heart. He will ask you to dig deep into a faith so solid you can build your life on it. He will point you to something to believe in again.

Author Bio
Joshua Harris is senior pastor of Covenant Life in Gaithersburg, Maryland, which belongs to the Sovereign Grace network of local churches. A passionate speaker with a gift for making theological truth easy to understand, Joshua is perhaps best known for his runaway bestseller, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, which he wrote at the age of twenty-one. His later books include Boy Meets Girl, Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is), and Stop Dating the Church. The founder of the NEXT conferences for young adults, Joshua is committed to seeing the gospel transferred to a new generation of Christians. He and his wife, Shannon, have three children.

My Thoughts
I've read some of Joshua Harris' books in the past and have enjoyed them. When I had the opportunity to read this book, I jumped at the offer. I did this because the book was promoted as digging down to orthodoxy. I phrase it as theology for the rest of us. I remember being in college and working through a heavy volume of systematic theology. It wasn't something I enjoyed. So I was curious to see how the author would approach it. My opinion is that he does a good job. The book isn't written to be an exhaustive scholarly work, but the thoughts of of a regular person wanting to ground their faith. He works to make some of the foundational truths of the Christian faith more accessible. Having come across a lot of Christians that only scratch the surface of what it means to follow Christ, I feel it is very timely to encourage others to go a little deeper. Especially in the hour that we're living.

The book is easy to read, but as you do you find yourself having gut checks every so often. It comes down to confronting what you believe and asking yourself if it is Biblical. I walk away from the book tempted to pull out my Systematic Theology text that sits abandoned on a shelf and starting to dig into it with my Bible right beside it. I'd encourage you to pick up a copy and read it.

My favorite place to buy books is Amazon and you can find the book there. Or of you are inclined, you can find out more about it from the Waterbrook Multnomah web site.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Again I find myself in the position of having a book to review that I haven't finished. This time though, I think I have a pretty good excuse. I was in Kenya. When the original offer came out and I accepted it, the book was scheduled to arrive before I left on my trip. I thought the timing was going to be perfect. I would have ample time to read during the flights (I didn't know then that I would be sick). Also, for some odd reason I really wanted to read a book called Primal while I was sitting in Africa. Anyway, due to a slight publishing delay the book arrived two days after I left. My return home threw me right into the middle of my youth group's dinner theatre and the overall business of the Christmas season. Mark Batterson is my favorite author and he deserves a better blog entry, but what can I do. My only consolation is that I have some time off in the upcoming days and I'm looking forward to enjoying the book. So below you will find the publisher's info and then a brief word from me based on the little I've been able to read.

Publisher's Info
Be astonished again. We have a tendency to complicate Christianity. Jesus simplified it: Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. If we are to live out the essence of Christianity, we must commit to being great at this Great Commandment.

In Primal, Mark Batterson explores the four elements of Great Commandment Christianity: compassion, wonder, curiosity, and power. Along the way, he calls you to be a part of God’s reformation, starting in your own life.

As Mark writes, “Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you? A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God? Maybe it was a sermon that became more than a sermon. Maybe it was a mission trip or retreat. Maybe it was a vow you made at an altar. In that moment, God birthed something supernatural in your spirit. You knew you’d never be the same again. My prayer is that this book would take you back to that burning bush—and reignite a primal faith.”

Primal will help you live in light of what matters most and discover what it means to love God. It will help you become great at the Great Commandment.

Author Bio
The author of Wild Goose Chase and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. One church with nine services in five locations, NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the D.C. area. Mark has two Masters degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago. He and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children.

My Thoughts
I personally enjoy Mark's writing style and within the first few pages he has already challenged my thinking. Quoting former Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Mark discusses the idea of there being simplicity on the near side of complexity and simplicity on the far side of complexity. Near side simplicity is is only mind deep and has never been tested in fires of adversity, doubt, trial, and pain. That's where the complexity comes in. Most of us have asked the question "why" a thousand times. Why do so many things happen to us as we follow Christ. Yet, there is that simplicity on the far side of complexity. It's a place where we have been tried and maybe don't even understand completely, but we know God is the truth and we continue to follow. We find ourselves at a place of simple faith. Not immature faith, but faith that focuses on the main things that God has called to do.

Already this idea has been challenging my thinking and to be fair, I must point out this comes from page 5. Five pages in and I'm already challenged. I'm looking forward to the rest of the book. I know that Mark and his publishers are promoting the book as the first book you read in 2010. It would be a good idea, but I encourage you to pick it up and end 2009 with it.

My favorite place to buy books is Amazon and you can find the book there. Or of you are inclined, you can find out more about it from the Waterbrook Multnomah web site.

And for the government I need to let you know that this was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah

A Collection of book reviews from Kelly

Publisher's Info about "Treasured"
In Treasured, Leigh McLeroy considers tangible reminders of God’s active presence and guides readers in discovering evidence in their own lives of his attentive love.

“The idea for the book came from a cigar box filled with odds and ends of my grandfather’s life that arrived a few months after his death. Sifting through the objects in the box, I experienced him in a fresh new way. This made me wonder what treasures might be tucked away in Scripture that could frame God for me in an equally intimate, tangible way. This process also helped me uncover my own “treasures” of my walk with the Lord: objects that remind me of my history with him and his faithfulness to me,” says McLeroy.

Drawn from the pages of Scripture, the author considers twelve such treasures and personalizes their meaning for readers, such as a green olive branch that offers proof of God’s “new every morning” mercy and a scarlet cord that demonstrates his willingness to adopt “strays” of every sort.

Weaving these treasures together with scenes from her personal history, Leigh McLeroy invites readers to discover God’s heart for them and embrace their unique role in his redemptive story. Treasured offers readers a guided experience of God’s love and character and invites them to consider their own treasures that point to their part in God’s ongoing story.

Kelly's Review
I did not get a chance to read this book.

Publisher's Info About "God Gave Us Love"
In God Gave Us Love, Little Cub and Grampa Bear’s fishing adventure is interrupted by mischievous otters, and the young polar bear begins to ask questions like why must we love others . . . even the seemingly unlovable? Why is it easier to love those we like? Where does love come from? And why does God love her so much?

Grampa Bear patiently addresses each one of Little Cub’s curiosities by explaining the different kinds of love we can share: the love between friends, the love between families, the love between moms and dads, and the love for God.

He also assured Little Cub that because of the love God has given her through his Son, there’s nothing she can do to make God love her any more or any less. Through Grampa Bear’s encouraging Little Cub to love others with a “God-sized love,” children will be inspired to love others and to be patient, gentle and kind, so that in every way, they too can demonstrate God’s love.

Kelly's Review
I have read some of the God Gave Us books before and this one was a great book too. It talks about the different kinds of love in a way that kids can relate to. It also told about the difference between liking and loving. The most important love of all is the love that God has for us. Through his love he shows us how to love others. I enjoyed reading it and my kids liked it too. I know it will be read over and over again.


Publisher's Info About "God Gave Us Christmas"
In God Gave Us Christmas, as Little Cub and her family prepare to celebrate the most special day of the year, the curious young polar bear has something on her mind: “Who invented Christmas?” she asks. “Is God more important than Santa?”

Her questions reflect the confusion of so many children during the holiday season. And this heartwarming story takes them on a wonderful journey of discovery—right to the heart of Christmas.
Through Mama’s gentle guidance, Little Cub learns that God loves her and everyone— polar bear, moose, or human—so much that he gave us Jesus, the very best gift of all.

Kelly's Review
This book was another great one. It tells how God gave Christmas to us and it is not just about Santa Claus. Christmas is a special gift from God for all of us. He sent his son to earth because he loves us so much. The story shows that God is all powerful and everything about Christmas points us to God’s gift of his son for us. I enjoyed reading this book too. I recommend it to anyone wanting to get the focus off of the cultural things of Christmas and back on Jesus.

As always, you can find out more about the books at Random House or Amazon.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Here's a quick book review by Kelly.

Publisher's Info
Amanda Janvier’s idyllic home seems the perfect place for her niece Tally to stay while her vagabond brother is in Europe, but the white picket fence life Amanda wants to provide is a mere illusion. Amanda’s husband Neil refuses to admit their teenage son Chase, is haunted by the horrific fire he survived when he was four, and their marriage is crumbling while each looks the other way.

Tally and Chase bond as they interview two Holocaust survivors for a sociology project, and become startlingly aware that the whole family is grappling with hidden secrets, with the echoes of the past, and with the realization that ignoring tragic situations won’t make them go away.

Readers of emotional dramas that are willing to explore the lies that families tell each other for protection and comfort will love White Picket Fences. The novel is ideal for those who appreciate exploring questions like: what type of honesty do children need from their parents, or how can one move beyond a past that isn’t acknowledged or understood? Is there hope and forgiveness for the tragedies of our past and a way to abundant grace?

Author Bio
Susan Meissner cannot remember a time when she wasn’t driven to put her thoughts down on paper. Her novel The Shape of Mercy was a Publishers Weekly pick for best religious fiction of 2008 and a Christian Book Award finalist. Susan and her husband live in Southern California, where he is a pastor and a chaplain in the Air Force Reserves. They are the parents of four grown children.

Kelly's Thoughts
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were realistic and fun. The use of historical events to tell the story was good too. It was interesting to learn about some of the things that happened during the holocaust. The underlying theme of having hidden secrets was good. It reminds you that no matter what you try to hide it is always best to have it come into the light. Having honesty within a family is crucial for its survival. Keeping secrets will keep a family from being healthy and loving each other fully. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction.

Check the book out at Random House.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

A book review by Kelly.

Publisher's Info
Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.

Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

Author Bio
Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years.

Kelly's Thoughts
I have really begun to enjoy reading Cindy Woodsmall's books about the Amish. The Sound of Sleigh Bells did not disappoint. It was another great book. I enjoyed the story line and felt connected to the characters. In the story you see two characters that have faced hardship with different attitudes. The one who turns to God for healing is able to reach out to those around him. He helps the others to see that opening up and allowing God to heal you from the inside is better than living in bitterness. It is a good read for Christmas or anytime of the year. The story is fun to read and is captivating from the very beginning. It is a great book and I highly recommend it.

You can find the book at Waterbrook Multnomah or my favorite Amazon.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Tonight I have the pleasure of promoting a book that I really want to read. This is suppose to be a review, but I seem to have been inundated with other tasks and only read three chapters of a fairly length work. The book is "If God is God" by Randy Alcorn. It looks at the age old problem of how God can be good when so many bad things happen. It considers the difficutly of where is God in the midst of pain and suffering.

To honor my agreement with the publisher, I'm putting all the information about the book here. Hopefully in a week or so I will be able to post a proper opinion about it.

Publisher's Info
Every one of us will experience suffering. Many of us are experiencing it now. As we have seen in recent years, evil is real in our world, present and close to each one of us.

In such difficult times, suffering and evil beg questions about God--Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?

These are ancient questions, but also modern ones as well. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and even former believers like Bart Ehrman answer the question simply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God.

In this captivating new book, best-selling author Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief, and brings a fresh, realistic, and thoroughly biblical insight to the issues these important questions raise.

Alcorn offers insights from his conversations with men and women whose lives have been torn apart by suffering, and yet whose faith in God burns brighter than ever. He reveals the big picture of who God is and what God is doing in the world–now and forever. And he equips you to share your faith more clearly and genuinely in this world of pain and fear.

As he did in his best-selling book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn delves deep into a profound subject, and through compelling stories, provocative questions and answers, and keen biblical understanding, he brings assurance and hope to all.

Author Bio
Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries and a bestselling author. His novels include Deadline, Dominion, Edge of Eternity, Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, The Ishbane Conspiracy, and the Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written eighteen nonfiction books as well, including Heaven, The Treasure Principle, The Purity Principle, and The Grace and Truth Paradox. Randy and his wife, Nanci, live in Oregon and have two married daughters and four grandsons.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Here’s a review of the book Deadlock by Kelly.

Publisher’s Info
The Zarbo brothers are seasoned outlaws with a reputation for killing. Already wanted in two states, they set their sights on Colorado and a string of bank robberies. They don’t count on running into Chief U.S. Marshal John Brockman.

John arrests Lee Zarbo, but his brothers remain in hiding. Lee’s sentence to death by hanging incites them to desperate measures. They’ll do anything to get him out alive. Even kidnap the Chief U.S. Marshal’s daughter.

When John learns of his young daughter’s captivity and the conditions for her release, he must turn to the Lord for direction. It takes all the faith he can muster to wait for the answer. Without freeing a dangerous criminal, can John find Ginny before they kill her?

Author Bio
Al Lacy is an evangelist and author of more than one hundred historical and Western novels, including the Journeys of the Stranger, Angel of Mercy, and Mail Order Bride series, with more than three million books in print. JoAnna Lacy, Al’s wife and longtime collaborator, is a retired nurse. The Lacys have been married over forty years and live in the Colorado Rockies.

Kelly’s Review
I have read some of Al & Joanna Lacy's other books that deal with the characters that were in Deadlock. It was nice to read a sequel and find out what happened with the characters. While the story was good and it was fun to read, I don't think it is very realistic. I like reading books with a Christian theme, but I find the Lacy's books to be a bit over the top. It seemed like every second paragraph someone was getting saved or quoting scripture to someone. The dialog was, in my opinion, cheesy. Maybe it is just me but I don't think people really talk like that all the time. I enjoy reading books set in the past and that is what I enjoyed about this book.

If you want to check it out for yourself, you can find it Amazon.

Another review by Kelly.

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

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

Author Bio
Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years.

Kelly’s Thoughts
This was a great book. I really enjoy reading books about the Amish. I think that the author does a great job of telling how life is with the Amish. She makes it easy to fall in love with the characters and their seemingly more simple lifestyle. I enjoyed how reading how the two cultures mixed and resolved conflict within the story. It ends with room to continue the story and I would love to see if there is a sequel someday. I felt like the characters were so real and would like to know what happens in their lives. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this type of fiction. I know I will be watching for other books by Cindy Woodsmall in the future.

Check it out on Amazon.com.

Just going to toss out a recommendation for a book that I just finished. Just so it’s clear, this is not connected to my reviews that I do with free copies from a publisher. I actually got this book from the library. The book is “I Sold My Soul on Ebay: Viewing Faith Through an Atheist’s Eyes” by Hermant Mehta.

The premise is fascinating to me because the book winds up being the story of an atheist having to attend a variety of churches at the request of his Ebay buyer. What follows are some candid observations from an atheist as he finds both services he enjoys and others that wanted to fall asleep in. Having grown up in the church, it becomes easy to accept things because that’s just the way they are. Having a man that most would designate as an outsider to the Christian faith step into churches and offer critique sounds crazy, but it provides some interesting insights.

In fact, I found myself completely agreeing with his opinion that worship (singing) portions at some churches go on for extreme amounts of time and basically are filled with one chorus being repeated again and again and again. That’s a completely different blog post, but it was amusing to find myself on common ground with an atheist concerning a common (it seems) church practice.

Will you agree with everything he writes? Most assuredly you won’t. Will the ending disappoint you? If you want him a Christian by the end of the book you better not pick it up. Will your faith and the way we do church be challenged? Yeah, and that’s probably a good thing.

A book review by Kelly.

Summary
Caught up in the self-imposed pressure to do and be all the things they think a Christian woman ought to do and be, countless women are working desperately to convince everyone, including God, that they have it all together. Few have any idea that the Creator of the universe looks at them with delight even when they yell at the dog, drive a minivan littered with French fries, or think bad words about that rude clerk at the store.

A Perfect Mess offers hope to every woman who yearns for a vibrant relationship with God but worries she isn’t good enough or doesn’t do enough to merit His affection. With characteristic authenticity, speaker and author Lisa Harper shares poignant stories from her own imperfect life to showcase the real-life relevancy of the Bible in the lives of modern women.

As she guides readers on a story-driven journey through selected Psalms, they will be inspired to experience for themselves how God’s incomparable love transforms the messiness of life into a gorgeous work of grace.

Author Bio
Lisa Harper is a master storyteller whose lively approach connects the dots between the Bible era and modern life. She is a sought-after Bible teacher and speaker whose upcoming appearances include the national Women of Faith Conferences. A veteran of numerous radio and television programs and the author of several books, she also is a regular columnist for Today’s Christian Woman magazine. Lisa recently completed a master’s of theological studies from Covenant Theological Seminary. She makes her home outside Nashville.

Kelly’s Thoughts
I was able to get about half way through this book. Each chapter goes through one Psalm and helps you to see how God sees you. The questions to answer at the end of each chapter really make you reflect on what you read as well as the Psalm that the chapter focuses on. It helps you to see how much God loves you the way you are and wants you to closer to him. God does not expect us to be perfect, he just wants us to be closer to him. God wants to work in our lives to make us more like him. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to finishing it soon.

Here’s a link to Random House to check the book out.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

A book review by Kelly.

Summary
Caught up in the self-imposed pressure to do and be all the things they think a Christian woman ought to do and be, countless women are working desperately to convince everyone, including God, that they have it all together. Few have any idea that the Creator of the universe looks at them with delight even when they yell at the dog, drive a minivan littered with French fries, or think bad words about that rude clerk at the store.

A Perfect Mess offers hope to every woman who yearns for a vibrant relationship with God but worries she isn’t good enough or doesn’t do enough to merit His affection. With characteristic authenticity, speaker and author Lisa Harper shares poignant stories from her own imperfect life to showcase the real-life relevancy of the Bible in the lives of modern women.

As she guides readers on a story-driven journey through selected Psalms, they will be inspired to experience for themselves how God’s incomparable love transforms the messiness of life into a gorgeous work of grace.

Author Bio
Lisa Harper is a master storyteller whose lively approach connects the dots between the Bible era and modern life. She is a sought-after Bible teacher and speaker whose upcoming appearances include the national Women of Faith Conferences. A veteran of numerous radio and television programs and the author of several books, she also is a regular columnist for Today’s Christian Woman magazine. Lisa recently completed a master’s of theological studies from Covenant Theological Seminary. She makes her home outside Nashville.

Kelly’s Thoughts
I was able to get about half way through this book. Each chapter goes through one Psalm and helps you to see how God sees you. The questions to answer at the end of each chapter really make you reflect on what you read as well as the Psalm that the chapter focuses on. It helps you to see how much God loves you the way you are and wants you to closer to him. God does not expect us to be perfect, he just wants us to be closer to him. God wants to work in our lives to make us more like him. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to finishing it soon.

Here’s a link to Random House to check the book out.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

I have another book review tonight. The current book is “Holy Roller” by Julie Lyons. For any new readers, I make it clear that I receive copies of these books free to read as long as I write a review. With the busyness of my schedule, I was only able to make it part way through the book, but it’s defintely one that I’m looking forward to finishing in the next few days. I’ll give you the publiser’s summary and then chime in with a few thoughts at the end.

Summary
Julie Lyons was working as a crime reporter when she followed a hunch into the South Dallas ghetto. She wasn’t hunting drug dealers, but drug addicts who had been supernaturally healed of their addictions. Was there a church in the most violent part of the city that prayed for addicts and got results?

At The Body of Christ Assembly, a rundown church on an out-of-the-way street, Lyons found the story she was looking for. The minister welcomed criminals, prostitutes, and street people–anyone who needed God. He prayed for the sick, the addicted, and the demon-possessed, and people were supernaturally healed.

Lyons’s story landed on the front page of the Dallas Times Herald. But she got much more than just a great story, she found an unlikely spiritual home. Though the parishioners at The Body of Christ Assembly are black and Pentecostal, and Lyons is white and from a traditional church background, she embraced their spirituality–that of “the Holy Ghost and fire.”

It’s all here in Holy Roller–the stories of people desperate for God’s help. And the actions of a God who doesn’t forget the people who need His power.

My Thoughts
So far the book has captured my attention. It takes you into the life of the author while also focusing on the pastor of this church. His testimony is powerful. Being a pentecostal myself, I’m looking forward to seeing where the book is going to ultimately lead. From the description and what I’ve read so far, it’s a book testifying to an all powerful God that still actively works in the lives of people no matter where they are. The first few chapters have been worth the read. I’ll try to give my final conclusion in a few days.

Here’s a links to Amazon or the Random House website if you’d like more info.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

Things have been really crazy and the blog has had to take a back seat. Here’s two quick book reviews by Kelly.

A Promise for Breanna by Al Lacy

Summary
Suspense, danger, romance and spiritual truth each play a part in this heroine’s life as she faces the man who once broke her heart and led her to mistrust men.

Kelly’s Thoughts
This was a good book.  I have read many of Al Lacy's books before and find them enjoyable.  I thought for some reason that this was a new book.  I realized about half way through that I have read this before.  I kept reading.  It had been many years since I read this the first time.  It was good this time through too.  I like reading this type of fiction because it takes you to a different time and place.

A Gathering of Finches by Jane Kirkpatrick

Summary:
A turn-of-the-century Oregon coastal couples’ life is seen through the eyes of the wife, her sister, and her Indian maid who discover reasons why money and possessions can’t buy happiness, forgiveness or relieve consequences of choices.

Kelly’s Thoughts
This book was interesting to me.  I was unsure of how it would turn out and that kept me reading.  Being historical fiction it is somewhat based on true events.  I did not like most of the book is based on an adulterous relationship.  It is not something I agree with.  I am glad that the main character finally realized she was wrong for the things she had done in her life.  It was fun learning about the time period and all that happened along the Oregon coast in around the turn of the 20 century.

As always, you can find the books on Amazon.com.

A book review by Kelly.

Description:
When a mammogram result comes back abnormal, midlife mama Summer Finley makes a snap decision to relegate fear to the back burner and fulfill a lifelong dream. Summer heads for Holland where she meets up with tulips, wooden shoes, and her best friend, Noelle.

Pen pals since fourth grade, Summer and Noelle have never met face-to-face. Through decades of heart-level correspondence, they have sustained a deep friendship. A week of adventure helps both women trade anxiety for a renewed and deeper trust in God. When Summer confides in Noelle about the abnormal medical report, Noelle finds the freedom to share a long-held heartache, and both women discover they needed each other more than they realized.

Women ages 35 and up, readers of Christian Boomer Lit, and fans of books such as The Yada Yada Prayer Group will enjoy Robin Jones Gunn’s humorous and uplifting style. True-to-life characters and moments of poignancy bring a deeper understanding of the value of life and the gift of true friends. Readers guide and bonus material included.

Author Bio:
Robin Jones Gunn is the best-selling and award-winning author of over seventy books, including the Glenbrooke, Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, Katie Weldon, and Christy and Todd: The College Years teen series. The Sisterchicks® series has sold more than 300,000 units, bringing her total sales to more than 3.5 million books worldwide. A Christy Award winner, Robin is a popular speaker, both at home and abroad, and is frequently interviewed on radio and on television

Kelly’s Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. The author grabs your interest right from the start and keeps you wanting more at the end. I enjoyed reading about all the places they went to while touring in the Netherlands, especially since I had been there before. I thought the spiritual transformation that both women experience as a result of their time together was good. It was a great lesson in learning to forgive as well as learning to completely trust God. The characters learn so much from each other and have a blast being together. It was fun reading it. At times I was laughing so hard and other times I was on the verge of tears. It truly is a book about sisterhood and I would recommend it to all my friends. I have never read anything by Robin Jones Gunn before but I will be looking for more of her books in the future.

Check the book out at Amazon.

Description:
Ray Quinn is a tough, quick-witted homicide detective in love with his partner, Trisha Willis. She gives Ray something to live for—something to hope in. Until a barrage of bullets leaves Trisha murdered and Ray crippled.

Struggling with his new physical disability and severe depression, Quinn turns to whiskey, scorn, and a job as a night watchman to numb the pain. But when a pastor and dancer are found dead in an apparent murder-suicide, the pastor’s sister approaches Quinn for help.

Reluctantly, Quinn takes the case and is plunged into the perilous Orlando. Soon he discovers that, not only was the pastor murdered, but the case may be linked to his and Trisha’s ambush. Torn between seeking revenge or responsibility, Quinn is thrust into the case of his life.

Author Mark Mynheir gives readers his most profound police thriller to date with The Night Watchman (first book in The Night Watchman Private Detective Agency Series). Readers of all ages will devour this gripping murder mystery that bristles with tension and intrigue. In a taut cop-style all his own, Mynheir delivers an inside look at the thoughts, feelings, fears, and challenges police officers experience while investigating violent crimes and the lost souls who commit them.

Author Bio:
A detective with the Criminal Investigations Unit of the Palm Bay Police Department, Mark Mynheir investigates violent crimes and writes riveting Christian fiction. A U.S. Marine with a passion for martial arts and firearms training, Mark has worked on narcotics units, SWAT teams, and myriad high-risk situations. His four novels offer a realistic glimpse into the gritty world of law enforcement and the rarely seen raw emotions behind the badge. Mark lives in Florida with his wife and three children.

My Thoughts
I’ve been reviewing a lot of serious books lately so it was a nice change of pace to read a piece of fiction. “The Night Watchman” was a good read both in plot and in character development. An unwilling crippled former police detective turned night watchman who is drawn into a murder investigation makes for good reading. I will also give credit to the author for not being overly suffocating with the Christianity portrayed in the story. I know some works of Christian fiction have basically every character accepting Christ by the end. I love my Lord, but in real life not everyone accepts him. Good fiction should reflect reality. In the story, the main character begins heading in the direction of Christ, but even at the end he has a ways to go.

Overall, a good story worthy of a place in your lazy days of summer reading list.

You can check out some purchase options at Random House.

Congratulations to Todd for commenting and winning the copy of “Hero” that was reviewed last week. All entries were assigned a number and then I used random.org to pick the number of the winner. I will be getting the book out to you real soon.

I completely forgot to mention in my last post that I have a copy of the book to giveaway. Just leave a comment to this post or the actual review and you will be entered to win. I will draw the winner next Wednesday.

My next book in my ongoing book review series is “Hero” by Fred and Jasen Stoeker with Mike Yorkey. What follows is the publisher’s information and then my review.

Description
You already know it’s not easy being a single man in this culture today. But it is easy to be overwhelmed, to feel helpless and hopeless about living by God’s high standards for singles. It’s easy to cave in to the pressures of this sex-soaked world and accept defeat—blaming the media, the culture, even girlfriends who don’t know how tough it can be.

But many men have read books like Every Young Man’s Battle and Tactics and have committed themselves to stand strong and pure in the power of God, and to go on the offensive against the onslaught of negative stereotypes. Some have suffered. Some have fallen. But many have experienced victory—and you can be among them.

What makes those committed men so desirable to women? Be Her Hero is their motto. From best-selling author Fred Stoeker, along with his son Jasen, come the straightforward insight and real-life examples you’re looking for to help you take personal purity to its logical conclusion. Here’s straight truth with irrefutable evidence of what makes an ultimate hero to women who long for men of faith—men who stand by their convictions and make their world a safer and better place.

Are you ready to accept the challenge?

Authors Bios
Fred Stoeker is a best-selling author of several books, including Every Young Man’s Battle and Tactics, the president of Living True Ministries, and a popular conference speaker who challenges men to become sexually pure, to reconnect in true intimate relationship with their wives, and to train their sons to become godly men. A graduate of Stanford University, Fred lives in Des Moines, Iowa with his wife, Brenda, and their children.

Mike Yorkey, a writer living in Encinitas, California, has collaborated with Fred Stoeker in all his books for the Every Man’s series.

Jasen Stoeker is a popular conference speaker who challenges young men to be heroic in their relationships with women and to be a Christian, rather than just seem like one. Jasen is a graduate of Iowa State University with degrees in Computer Engineering and Computer Science and now lives in Minneapolis, MN, with his wife Rose.

My thoughts
I’ve read various books by Fred Stoeker and have always been challenged by them. I’m sure they don’t sit well with some people because they’re very open and honest about the struggles that men have with lust and pornography. I’ve read comments in the past mocking the books (even from so called Christians) for the books’ strong stance on Ephesians 5:3, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” I’ll be honest, there have been times where I’ve felt that it is almost impossible to live up to the standards God has commanded and that these books champion. It can be done though and the results are worth it.

While his previous books have dealt more with lust, this book tackles the issue from the perspective of being the man that women really want. A man of uncompromising standards and integrity, A man that will fight tooth and nail to preserve his purity and the purity of the women around him. Fred brings in his son’s perspective, a man that has chosen this path and had victory. The testimony is pretty amazing.

The book challenges us to lives worthy of Christ. This means taking strong stands on holiness. It means making hard choices even when those around us are willing to compromise. While the target audience is young men (single of course), it convicted me again and again as a man that has been married for several years now. It opened my eyes once again to myself and even more, it has caused me to turn my eyes to my 18 month old son. His battle is still several years away, but I need to be ready to walk with him through it.

Let me wrap up this review with one thought that hit me hard from the chapter “The Promise of Pain.” Fred writes, “Sex is not a guy’s ticket to manhood. Suffering is.” As men, we grow the most when we are put in a place of pain. We draw nearer to Christ and find true male maturity when we suffer yet remain strong. Maybe it’s just me, but that was an eye opener. The more I reflect on it the more I’m beginning to believe it. Scripture consistently tells us to be willing to suffer for the Lord. The heroes of the faith always suffered. In this fight for holiness, it will mean suffering.

This is a powerful book. I completely and totally recommend it.

Check out the book at the Random House website or buy it from my favorite bookseller Amazon.

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

This week’s books are reviewed by my wife Kelly.

Publisher’s Description for “Mama’s Got a Fake I.D
Formula for identity loss:
1. Take one multifaceted, intriguing human being.
2. Bless her with a child.
3. Mix with today’s cultural assumptions.
4. Add the demands of motherhood.
5. Presto! All identity except Mom disappears.

For every woman wondering what happened to the unique combination of gifts and abilities she was known for before kids came along, Caryn Dahlstrand Rivedeneira has good news: in Mama’s Got a Fake I.D., Rivedeneira helps moms reclaim their full identity as creative beings, gifted professionals and volunteers, loving friends, children of God—and mothers.

This inspiring and practical guide shows women how to break free from false guilt, learn a new language to express who they really are, and follow God’s lead in sharing their true self with others. After all, motherhood doesn’t have to mean losing one’s identity. Instead, being a mom makes it possible for a woman to discover a more complete identity as the person God made her to be.

Author Bio:
The former managing editor of Marriage Partnership and Christian Parenting Today, Caryn Dahlstrand Rivedeneira has been a trusted voice writing and speaking to women for more than a decade. Today she is the managing editor of GiftedForLeadership.com, an online community for Christian women in leadership. Rivadeneira works from home in the Chicago suburbs, where she lives with her husband and their three children.

Publisher’s Description for Dear Mom
Every mom knows how communicating with a teenage girl can be difficult, even impossible at times. One-word answers. Defensive conversations. Daily arguments. How typical for teens to put up such barriers. All the while, moms truly long to know what their daughters really think.
Best-selling author Melody Carlson, whose books for women, teens, and children have sold more than three million copies, bridges this chasm with trusted insight. She speaks frankly in the voice of the teen daughters she’s written for and she tells it like it is: struggles with identity, guys, friendship, and even parents—it’s all here. The straight-talk to moms covers such things as “I need you, but you can’t make me admit it,” “I’m not as confident as I appear,” and “I have friends. I need a mother.”
Instead of focusing on outward behaviors, Dear Mom looks at a young woman’s heart and reveals to moms:
· how to talk to teens so they hear,
· how to connect despite the differences of perspective or years and experiences,
· and how strengthen the bond every mom and daughter ultimately wants.
The lively chapters in Dear Mom can be dipped into topically or used as a read-through tool by moms and daughters alike to understand what motivates or deflates, troubles or inspires—and just in time for Mother’s Day and all the Mother’s Days ahead.

Author Bio:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than one hundred books for adults, children, and teens, with sales totaling more than three million copies. Beloved for her Diary of a Teenage Girl and Notes from a Spinning Planet series, she’s also the author of the women’s novels Finding Alice (in production now for a Lifetime-TV movie), Crystal Lies, On This Day, These Boots Weren’t Made for Walking, and A Mile in My Flip-Flops. A mother of two grown sons, Melody lives in central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. She’s a full-time writer and an avid gardener, biker, skier, and hiker.

Publisher’s Description for Enduring Justice
In Enduring Justice, Hanna Kessler’s childhood secret has remained buried for over two decades. But when the dark shadows of her past threaten to destroy those she loves, Hanna must face the summer that changed her life and the man who still haunts her thoughts.

Crimes Against Children FBI Agent, Michael Parker knows what it means to get knocked down. And when the system fails and a white supremacist is set free, Michael’s drive for retribution eclipses all else.

A racist’s well-planned assault forces Hanna and Michael to decide between executing vengeance and pursuing justice. When the attack turns personal, is healing still possible?

This thought-provoking novel deals with healing from sexual abuse, the balance of justice and mercy, and maintaining mixed-race friendships in the midst of racial tension. Readers who enjoy investigative thrillers by Dee Henderson, Colleen Coble, and Catherine Coulter, and who watch crime dramas like Law & Order: SVU, Criminal Minds, and Without a Trace will love this book—and the entire series.

Author Bio:
Amy Wallace is the author of Ransomed Dreams and Healing Promises, a homeschool mom, and self-confessed chocoholic. She is a graduate of the Gwinnett County Citizens Police Academy and a contributing author of several books including God Answers Moms’ Prayers and Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Diabetes. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.

Kelly’s Reviews
“Mama’s Got a Fake I.D.
I picked up this book and thought it looked exciting. I thought it would be about how I can find my true identity. And in a way it was but it was also about being okay with not wanting to be ‘just a mom’. I am a mom who loves being just that, a mom. I truly enjoy being a mom. I love spending each and every day with my children. The book talked a lot about mothers who love being a mom as part of who they are. It almost made me feel guilty for liking being a mom. I know being a mom is not all that I am. I am so much more of a complex person, but I know that being a mom is what I am called to do and I love it. I think this book is tailored to moms who may be struggling with finding a balance between being a mom and everything else they do. It had great things to say and do to help all moms discover who they are in Christ.

“Dear Mom”
This was a good book. I did not get all of it read, but from what I was able to finish I would recommend it to moms that have teenage or soon to be teenage daughters. It will give you great insight into ways to talk with your daughter. It shows ways to open the lines of communication and how to be there for your daughter without making her resent you.

Enduring Justice
I had all these books to read about being a mother and to be honest, I’ve spent the past few couple of weeks being just that. What I’m basically saying is that I didn’t have time to read this book. Looks really good and I plan on reading it in the near future.

You can find the books on the Random House website at the following links.
Mama’s Got a Fake I.D.
Dear Mom
Enduring Justice

On Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

This week’s books are reviewed by wife Kelly.

Publisher’s Description for “A Flickering Light”
Returning to her Midwest roots, award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick draws a page from her grandmother’s photo album to capture the interplay between shadow and light, temptation and faith that marks a woman’s pursuit of her dreams.

She took exquisite photographs,
but her heart was the true image exposed.

Fifteen-year-old Jessie Ann Gaebele loves nothing more than capturing a gorgeous Minnesota landscape when the sunlight casts its most mesmerizing shadows. So when F.J. Bauer hires her in 1907 to assist in his studio and darkroom, her dreams for a career in photography appear to find root in reality.

With the infamous hazards of the explosive powder used for lighting and the toxic darkroom chemicals, photography is considered a man’s profession. Yet Jessie shows remarkable talent in both the artistry and business of running a studio. She proves less skillful, however, at managing her growing attraction to the very married Mr. Bauer.

This luminous coming-of-age tale deftly exposes the intricate shadows that play across every dream worth pursuing—and the irresistible light that beckons the dreamer on.

Publisher’s Description for “Aurora”
Wrap yourself in a fantastic journey, a remarkable commitment, and a spare and splendid story. Master storyteller Jane Kirkpatrick extols the beautiful treasures, unknown to a wider public, rediscovered in the Old Aurora Colony of Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley. The people and legacy of Aurora, a utopian community founded in the mid-1800s, will stir your imagination, hopes, and dreams; and remind you that every life matters—that our lives are the stories other people read first.

~Featuring~
Unique and treasured quilt pattern variations
More than 100 photographs, many never-before published, from 1850 to today
Cherished stories from Aurora descendants
Rich images of fine crafts from the Aurora Colony and private collections
An introduction by renowned American artist John Houser

Aurora is about the difference every ordinary life can make—and a beautiful celebration of a time and place in which people expressed their most cherished beliefs through the work of their imagination and hands.

Author Bio
Jane Kirkpatrick is a best-selling, award-winning author whose previous historical novels include All Together in One Place and Christy Award finalist A Tendering in the Storm. An international keynote speaker, she has earned regional and national recognition for her stories based on the lives of actual people, including the prestigious Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Hall of Fame. Jane is a Wisconsin native who since 1974 has lived in Eastern Oregon, where she and her husband, Jerry, ranch 160 rugged acres.


Kelly’s Reviews
A Flickering Light:
I really enjoyed this story. It was fun to read and the real photographs used to help tell the story are fascinating. The author does a great job drawing you into the story using both personal narrative and third person narrative. This allows to really get inside the main character’s head and know her thoughts and feelings better. I did not want to put it down. It turned out differently then I expected and was still very enjoyable. I am looking forward to the next book based on early female photographers.

Aurora:
I did not get a chance to read all of it yet, but have enjoyed what I have read so far. This book was full of wonderful pictures. I really liked looking through each page at the pictures of beautiful quilts and other amazing things from the past.

You can find out more about “A Flickering Light” and “Aurora” at Random House.

I am a software junkie. I love testing and trying out new software. Yet, I find myself regularly falling back on certain applications that do one thing and do it well. Thanks to Tim Verpoorten for that phrase. EasyCrop is an application whose main purpose is to crop and resize a photo. I just realized today that an update that was released a while ago added the ability to perform screen captures too. The main functionality though still revolves around the cropping.

The process is simple. Drag a photo onto the left panel. Choose a predetermined crop size or just use free cropping. Once you have selected your crop, the right panel show you what your crop looks like. The program allows you to view it fit to the window or its actual size. I prefer actual size because it allows me to see at a glance how big the photo actually is. With a simple slider, I can then begin resizing the photo to a smaller size. This is great for adding an image to a webpage. Instead of uploading a large image, I can upload a small image that loads much faster. Then, when you have the crop and size where you want them, you just drag the image in the right panel to where you want it. You don’t have to save it somewhere and then come back to it in another program. I drag images from Easy Crop straight to my blog editor. Quick, easy, done.

The image below is what the program looks like. I used EasyCrop to resize the picture of EasyCrop. There’s a paradox in there somewhere but that’s for another day. I have some pretty powerful image editors that can handle cropping, but nothing works as quite as simple as this little piece of software. If you’re on a mac, you can check it out at www.yellowmug.com.

“For Couple’s Only” is a box set containing “For Women Only” and “For Men Only.” Both books are based on research studies that were conducted on how men and woman think and feel. Don’t think that the books are just dull statistical numbers though. They are an insightful look at how the opposite sex views things and how we can better relate to each other. As always, I’ll post the publishers description and authors’ bios and then weigh in with my thoughts.

Description:
Since their debut, these revolutionary guides have sold well over a million copies, been translated into fifteen languages, and sparked much fascinating water-cooler conversation around the country. Now together in the For Couples Only boxed set, these books provide the perfect resource to help you understand what you never knew about the woman or man in your life.

Each volume is based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex—including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews. This innovative approach yields candid and surprising answers about everything you don’t “get” about your significant other—even what that person deeply wishes you knew. It also produces simple but groundbreaking awareness of how you can best love and support the one who is most important to you. [Part of me wanted to make this paragraph past tense—yielded and produced—because of the first paragraph, but that took away some of the immediacy of what the books offer. I’ll leave that up to you.]

So whether you are newly dating or have been married fifty years, get ready to know each other in a whole new way. The adventure is just beginning!

Author Bio:
Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn hold graduate degrees from Harvard University and are popular national speakers, authors, and entrepreneurs. They are also active church members and the parents of two young children, and they enjoy every minute of living life at warp speed.

My Thoughts on “For Men Only”
Being the week it was, I only was able to make it part way through “For Men Only.” My wife was able to finish “For Woman Only.” From what I read, the topics twere right on with things I know about my wife. It was a good reminder to keep doing some of things I’ve been doing and more importantly, gave me reasons why I need to do those things. I think that is the key aspect, learning the why. I’ve got a lot more to read through but so far the book is a good read.

Kelly’s Thoughts on “For Women Only”
I really enjoyed reading For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn. I like to think that I know my husband pretty well and that we have a good marriage. I know that there is always room for improvement and I can honestly say I learned a few things from reading this book. It does a good job of digging into the inner lives of men and helping women understand how they are wired. It doesn’t just gloss over the topics it discusses them in depth and Feldhahn uses great illustrations and comparisons that really help women understand how men think and feel. In my reading I can say that I had several lightbulb moments where something seemed to click on in my mind of how being a man is for my husband. I would strongly recommend this book to all women. It will give you great insight into the man you love.

Buy the set at Amazon.


Reading this on Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

This is one of the books that I didn’t get a chance to read. Being a devotional, it’s always more enjoyable to read it on a daily basis over a course of time anyway. The book that the devotional is based was written by Gary Chapman. I have read his book “The Five Love Languages” in the past and really enjoyed it. So while haven’t read this book, I’ve appreciated the author’s other works. I’ll post the information below from the publisher.

Description:
In his book Love As a Way of Life, best-selling author Gary Chapman shows readers how to cultivate a new lifestyle built around the seven characteristics of authentic love. Now in a companion devotional, he provides ninety inspirational readings to help Christians consistently live out the characteristics of love in every relationship.

Each devotional entry showcases biblical truths that guide a life of love, offering fresh insight and practical guidance in how to make love a lasting habit. Over the course of three months, readers will learn to follow God’s lead as they practice the characteristics of a loving person: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty.

The Love As a Way of Life Devotional makes an ideal gift for the holidays or for any special occasion. Couples, parents, new graduates, and anyone celebrating a milestone in life will welcome this inspiring daily guide to richer, more satisfying relationships.

Author Bio:
Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-six books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. His daily radio program, A Love Language Minute, is broadcast on more than 100 stations nationwide. Dr. Chapman, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College, Wake-Forest University, and Southwestern Seminary, serves on a church staff in North Carolina.

Pick up a copy at Amazon.

Reading this on Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

I made it clear in a previous post on my blog that I was accepted along with many other bloggers to review books provided by a publisher. The books are given to me free of charge as long as I read and review them. If I desire, I can also receive an extra copy to give away on the blog. However, if time prohibits reading the book, the company asks that I at least post the information about the book. I’ve been blessed by this arrangement as it has given me the opportunity to read newer books coming into the Christian market that normally I just don’t have the money to buy. Even better, I’ve been able to read books that I wouldn’t normally pick up at the bookstore. The book “I Do Again” that I reviewed last time is a prime example. A book about a divorce and remarriage wouldn’t be high on my to read list, but I was surprised to find it worth my time. It impacted me. I like it when something like that happens.

Why the disclosure? Let me explain. Heading into Valentine’s Day, the opportunity was for four books. By the time I got them, I had about a week and a half to cover them all. I got the one finished and reviewed, but a Valentine dinner at church I’ve been working on has kept me busier than I thought. Therefore, I’ll be posting the information about the devotional that was offered in my next post without a full review. The other two books are a set. My wife has read most of the one and will assist me by writing some thoughts on it. I’ve read a little of the second book and will include my first impressions in the same entry.

I just wanted to make it very clear the reasons behind why and how I do book reviews, and the reasons why there might occasionally be a book posted without a review.

Reading this on Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.

This week I have the chance to review a few books dealing with relationships. Today I’m looking at “I Do Again” by Cheryl & Jeff Scruggs. As always, I’ll post the publisher’s description and the author bio before sharing my opinion.

Description:
With their professional success and adorable twin daughters, Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs looked like the perfect couple. But their polished facade concealed a widening chasm between two people unable to connect on an intimate, soul-deep level.

After years of frustration, Cheryl’s desire for emotional fulfillment led to an affair and, finally, divorce. Yet, incredibly, seven years later, Jeff and Cheryl once again stood at the altar, promising to “love, honor, and cherish” one another. A new and vibrant love had risen out of the ashes of this family’s pain.

I Do Again details the fascinating real-life story of a couple whose relationship seemed shattered beyond all hope until a spiritual awakening led them to reconsider their definitions of “happily ever after.” A riveting account of the power of prayer and redemption, this remarkable book offers renewed hope for even the most troubled marriages—and reveals why the rewards of restoration are well worth the wait.

Author Bio:
Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs are the founders of Hope Matters Marriage Ministries, and for the past several years they have shared their incredible story of a marriage restored with audiences across the nation. Jeff is an account manager with OshKosh B’Gosh, and Cheryl has served as director of the Frisco, Texas, office of the Center for Christian Counseling. They live in Dallas, Texas with their two college-age daughters.

My Thoughts
Just so it is clear up front, this book is not some dry marriage counseling textbook. It’s an autobiography of a couple that experienced the pain of divorce and then witnessed the power of God as He slowly brought them back together.

The authors make it clear from the beginning that they are not perfect people and that there are things that they did even while God was working in them that was not appropriate. Personally, it didn’t bother me. I saw it as a true picture of a relationship with God. Even as we draw close to Christ we blow it sometimes. Not always out of open rebellion, but often out of immaturity. God patiently keeps working to correct us. I give the Scruggs credit for being so open with their humanity and the way God never gave up on either of them.

With that said, I thought it was a great book. I enjoyed reading it and found myself rooting for the both of them to make it. In a world where marriages fall apart left and right as theirs did, I was cheering for their marriage to be restored. My wife will tell you it affected me because when I was finished I walked over to her and gave her a very long hug. She was enjoying the hug for a moment, then she started laughing and pushed me away. With a smile in her eyes she looked right at me and said, “You’ve been reading that marriage book again haven’t you?” She got me on that point, but I don’t mind if a book causes me to want to love my life in a better way.

Another point that the book stresses is that to be able to love another person fully, you must first be fully committed and in a loving relationship with Christ. Loving God with everything allows us to love others the way they need to be loved. This thought has been rolling around in my mind since I read it.

I’ll just close by saying the book is worth picking up and reading. It was worth my time and I think it would be a benefit to other couple’s.

You can pick up a copy at Amazon.

What better way to close out the year than with a book review. I received this book as we headed into the craziest time of the year with the commitment to review it before the year was up. I completely realize that I was three short hours from not keeping that commitment.

The book is “The Greatest Words Ever Spoken” by Steven K. Scott. This is not what I would consider a book to just sit down and read, but more of a reference work. Scott has gone through the entire New Testament and collected all the words of Christ. Then, he has grouped the sayings by topic. This is where the book’s value begins to shine. The back of the book contains a subject index. Curious about what Christ has to say concerning anxiety, turn to pages 190-193. Wondering if Christ ever talked about sickness? Check the index and then turn to pages 395-396. This is powerful when you are facing an issue and would like to know Christ’s thoughts on the matter.

I think it’s a worthwhile book to have as a resource. Below I’m going to post the publisher’s description of the book and a link if you should choose to purchase it.
Haven’t you wished you could ask Jesus any question and get his immediate help with the biggest problems you face? Now you can.

For the first time ever, all of the statements Jesus made in the New Testament have been brought together and organized under more than 200 topics. When you want to know his will in a specific area of life, or you’re seeking the answer to a perplexing question, or you are desperate for his encouragement, comfort, or wisdom–you can easily find the help you need.

The moment you turn to the appropriate topic heading, you will have access to the breadth of Jesus’ teaching on that subject. You can also use this book as a guide for studying Jesus’ wisdom on any topic of interest, such as prayer, forgiveness, eternity, anger, temptation, relationships, grace, or knowing God.

As you immerse yourself in Jesus’ words, your life and relationships will be transformed, and your faith and spiritual passion will be renewed. Let the greatest words ever spoken bring new vision, power, and joy into your life–one statement at a time.
Buy it here at Amazon.

This is a review by Kelly.

I really enjoyed reading “When the Soul Mends” by Cindy Woodsmall.  It is the third and final book in the Sisters of the Quilt series.  I was able to get the first two books to read after I began reading this book.  I read few pages and wanted to know more about Hannah and where she was coming from and what her life was like prior to the beginning of this story.  I would recommend getting the first two books before trying to read this one. When the Soul Mends does give a bit of back story in the first few chapters but it is best to read the others first.  It is worth taking the time to read the first two books.
        I enjoyed reading all three of these books.  I loved the story.  I was easily caught up in the story.  I could hardly put the books down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next.

Summary:
After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.
        Having fled in disgrace two years earlier, she finally has found a satisfying role in the Englischer world, as well as love with Martin Palmer, a man with whom she can safely entrust her heart. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her reopens old wounds.
        As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancé Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah’s mental health, unexpected truths surface about the events during Hannah’s absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischerworld and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life―and perhaps to her first love?
        This intriguing final novel in the Sisters of the Quilt series is richly textured with authentic details drawn from the author’s real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families.

Cindy Woodsmall is a best-selling author, who has garnered strong praise for the first two novels in the Sisters of the Quilt series. When the Heart Cries was a finalist for the ECPA Novel of the Year in 2007 and received the Reviewer’s Choice Award from the Road to Romance website. When the Morning Comes was named among the Best Books of 2007 for Crossings Book Club. Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty years.

There is one copy of this book to give away. We’ll pick the winner Friday, December 19. Just leave a comment to this post to be entered.

Truth right up front. I signed up to review this book but then I ran out of time. Planning a weekend retreat for youth takes a ton of time. That added to the fact that the book isn’t an ordinary book. It’s not one that you can do a quick speed read through. It’s a book of questions for you answer with God. I’ve perused it and it is very different from what you’d expect. My best explanation is that it is a journaling book, but maybe even a little more than that. When I have some time here soon I want to start working through it myself. It would be a great book for a person that journals regularly or for someone that wants to start.

With all that said, I’m going to wrap up my part with two things. First, I do have two free copies to give away. Leave a comment to this post and we will draw a winner on Friday, November 14. Second, I’m going to post the info from the publisher so you can get a better idea about the book.

A new experience of God comes one question at a time in this fun and provocative journal. Made up entirely of insightful, profound, and occasionally ridiculous questions, Me, Myself, and I AM invites you to open to any page, open yourself to God, and be the author of your own story.

Questions range from spiritually intriguing— You overhear God talking about you. What do hear him saying?

To thought-provoking— You are on a long car trip with a close friend who is not a Christian and the conversation turns to faith. What is your biggest fear about what your friend will ask or say?

To challenging— Do you believe that all of Jesus’s followers have a responsibility to tell others about him?

To just plain fun— If your life before you became a Christian were a movie, its title would be: Animal House, As Good as It Gets, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, It’s a Wonderful Life.

Me, Myself, and I AM will entertain, inspire, and get you thinking about your spiritual life from brand new angles. Whether you use Me, Myself, and I AM as a reflective tool, a way to start conversations with friends and family, or as a spiritual time capsule to look back on years later, their own words will create a powerful journey of self-discovery.

Buy it at Amazon

This book was read and reviewed by Kelly.

I have had the opportunity to read a new book that is coming out soon. It is The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner.  I was given a copy of the book to read and one to give away.  More details to come after the review. First, the book’s summary.

        Women of all ages will appreciate this highly-readable, layered, and fast-paced story about self-discovery at all stages of life. With rich undertones of intrigue and romance, this contemporary novel with a historical twist explores personal blinders and how upbringing and conditioning can shape people to judge others in ways that can lead to unhappy consequences.
        Lauren Durough is a college student who finds herself on the road to self-discovery as she is hired by octogenarian Abigail Boyles to transcribe the journals of Mercy Hayworth, a seventeenth-century victim of the Massachusetts witch trials. Almost immediately, Lauren finds herself drawn to this girl who lived and died four centuries ago. The strength of her affinity with Mercy forces Lauren to take a startling new look at her own life, including her relationships with Abigail, her college roommate, and a young man named Raul. But on the way to the truth, will Lauren find herself playing the helpless defendant or the misguided judge? Can she break free from her own perceptions and see who she really is?
        Readers will identify with Lauren’s struggle to break away from society’s expectations and her attempt to strike out on her own while figuring out what parts of her own story to hold on to.

I really enjoyed reading this book.  The author does a great job of getting you hooked on the story. I enjoyed how the stories of the three women are interwoven and how Mercy's journal brings them all together.  The story is very well written and it does not end as you would expect which leaves you wanting to know more of what happens to the characters.

Lauren's struggles in the book are believable and most can easily relate to them.  It left me thinking about how my own upbringing has shaped the way I view the world.  Not that it is a bad thing, but it is important not to fall into a pattern of thinking that may cause you to think negatively.  I know that others will enjoy reading this book as much as I did.  

The contest will work pretty much the same as previous ones. Leave a comment and you are automatically entered to win. We will draw a winner this coming Saturday, October 18th.

If you don’t win, you can always buy the book here on Amazon.

I am a really big fan of Mark’s book “In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day” and daily enjoy reading the thoughts he posts on his blog, so I jumped at the opportunity to review his new book here. Also, I received an extra copy that I can give away for free. More details after my review.

Most of us have no idea where we’re going most of the time. Perfect.

“Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit–An Geadh-Glas, or ‘the Wild Goose.’ The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it’s like to follow the Spirit through life. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something….

Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: Adventure.” --from the introduction.

The premise for the book is that Christianity was always meant to be an adventure as we are led by the Holy Spirit. Every day is to hold the opportunity for the unexpected. Yet, often we try to tame the Holy Spirit. We seek to have Him approve our safe choices instead of allowing Him to lead us into the unknown. No wonder that many Christians are bored with their faith. I like the way Mark puts it. We are basically trying so hard to live safe lives that it makes our guardian angels yawn.

The remedy for this incorrect way of living life? Identifying the cages that we allow ourselves to be imprisoned in and stepping out of them. These six cages are the cage of responsibility, the cage of routine, the cage of assumptions, the cage of guilt, the cage of failure, and the cage of fear. Mark tackles each one by diving into the lives of some well known individuals from the Bible.

I thought the book was an incredible read. The highest praise that I can give it is that it challenged me. Challenged me to examine if I’m playing it safe, or chasing the Holy Spirit. Challenged me to step out into the adventure. Challenged me to change.

It is a book that I’m planning on slowing down and prayerfully rereading. I really encourage everyone to pick up a copy and read it.

If you want, you can visit the website for the book to read a sample chapter or learn more about Mark. While you’re there you can download “10 Steps to Setting Life Goals” which is not only a good read but something to pray about. The site is www.chasethegoose.com.

If you go to the above website there’s a link to order the book. However, I usually use www.amazon.com for buying books and it’s available there starting August 19th.

As I said in the opening, I have a free copy of the book to give away. Here’s how it works. Post a comment to this blog entry. On Monday August 18th, I will randomly select one of the commenters to receive the book. If you are reading this post in Facebook, make sure to go to www.focusedjourney.com and post your comment there.

It’s been a little while since I’ve done a review, so here we go. I’m a big fan of going paperless as much as possible. Papers take up space, need a place to be stored, and always seems to be at the wrong place when you need them. Small headaches but still a headache. However, paperless pdf files pose their own set of challenges. You have to work from scratch creating folders to hold these files, you have to remember to place the pdf files into the proper location, and the worst, sometimes you wind up with pdf’s scattered all over you hard drive.

Enter Yep. Yep is great little piece of software designed to store pdf’s. Basically, it’s a one stop location all the pdf files on your computer. You can place the files directly into Yep, or, allow Yep to scan your entire drive for files. Yep will leave them in their location, but still show it in the browser.

The browser is where all the magic happens. Pdf files are shown in the middle window. A list of tags is in the left window. The window on the right changes with whatever happens to be clicked. When you work with a file, you have the ability to tag it. This is extremely powerful way to organize. Let me illustrate it.

I currently receive all my bank and credit card statements electronically as pdf’s. I drop them into Yep, tag them with a few keyword tags. Words like “Statements” and “Chase.” Previously, I set up some smart folders. Smart folders update themselves on the fly by looking for certain characteristics that you set up. I have a smart folder designed to look for any file that has the tags “Chase”, Statements”, “Checking”, and “2008.” So when I tag my bank statement with these keywords, it is automatically filed into that smart folder. I can either go to the folder to look at my statements or just start clicking on tags in the left column. Both ways get me very quickly to my statements. I have smart folders that search for such tags as “Manuals” and “Bills.”

I was a little dubious when I first got this software, but it has proven itself again and again. It’s the one thing that has made me a lot more comfortable moving more and more towards having completely paperless statements for all my bills.

Check it out at Ironic Software. Yeah, it’s only for Macs.

My number one software choice that I would recommend to anyone is Budget from Snowmint Creative Solutions. Not something I’m proud to admit, but before I found this software my financials were a mess. I used Quicken as a computer checkbook program, but it never helped us have enough money for our various bills. It had budget capabilities, but I never could wrap my head around how to set it up. I look back now and I am eternally grateful to God that He kept us afloat. I honestly have no clue how we made it. Thankfully, we found this software. It is a budget program that I can understand.

The concept is simple and has been around forever. They even promote it as the way your grandparents handled budgets. When a paycheck is cashed, the money is broken out and placed in envelopes that represent the various bills that you will have. Poor explanation, but a little money every week is placed in the envelope so that there will be enough when the next bill comes. Budget just takes this envelope concept and places it on the computer. When I record a pay, it automatically disperses my paycheck into the various bill envelopes that we have.

I put it this way, we went living from paycheck to paycheck to actually building some extra money over the course of the year. It really has been incredible. Okay, I think you get the idea.

Out of all the programs I love, this one has made the greatest impact in my life. Now to be fair, I use it on my Mac. However, they do make a version fro Windows too. So, if you are still trapped on that platform you can use it.

The link is following. The software has a trial period so that you can play around with and get a feel for it. It’s a great time of the year to start getting your finances in order.

www.snowmintcs.com