It is with much regret that I have to write you this note. I am taking time off from the book club until further notice. As many of you know, I am going to school more than full time in addition to working full time. I am beginning my senior year classes at Troy University online and it is getting tough as I am seeking my Bachelor’s degree in History. I am squeaking by with my assignments and I don’t have time for additional leisurely reading and meetings. I will be taking a break from coordinating book club for at least the next year. I plan to graduate May 2013 (fingers crossed!) so hopefully after that is complete I can re-evaluate my time and see about getting things going again.
Of course with all this being said, anyone who would like to volunteer and take over the book club is welcome to volunteer. If you are interested in organizing the book each month just let me know and I can get you all the e-mail and book club information. Just a few benefits include great conversation with wise women, encouragement in your walk and an ever expanding love of our community of faith.
I know how much many of you enjoy reading new books with the knowledge others are reading right along with you. I feel confident that those of you who have had your love of reading re-kindled will continue reading and reaching out to each other for book ideas. During this time if you read something that is just fantastic, send an e-mail and I’ll share it with the group and write it down on my future reading list.
Below are just a few of the book titles that have been recommended to me for book club in the past couple months in case you are interested. Disclaimer: I have not read any of these.
A mother’s Hope by Francine Rivers
Even Now Ever After by Karen Kingsbury
Margaret of Molokai by Mel White
May’s Boy: An Incredible Story of Love by Shirlee Monty
Deadline by Randy Alcorn
The Walk Series by Richard Paul Evans
The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
This present Darkness by Frank Peretti
With all this being said, the April Book Club meeting for the book, Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman is this upcoming Saturday April 28th at 8:30 AM. Please RSVP and let me know if we are going to have a turnout. Unless someone else comes forward to volunteer, this will be the last meeting until further notice.
Thank you for your time, encouragement and patience with me. Please say a prayer for me and my family as I work to finish up my degree.
Many Thanks, Much Love and Happy Reading to you!
Amber Warner
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
April Book Selection
The April selection was passed along from Jessica Smith of Swift Church. We will be reading Choosing to See: A Journey of Struggle and Hope by Mary Beth Chapman. The book is 273 pages and is Christian Non-Fiction and here is a brief description from Amazon:
I've told my kids for years that God doesn't make mistakes," writes Mary Beth Chapman, wife of Grammy award winning recording artist Steven
Curtis Chapman. "Would I believe it now, when my whole world as I knew it came to an end?"
Covering her courtship and marriage to Steven Curtis Chapman, struggles for emotional balance, and living with grief, Mary Beth's story is our story--wondering where God is when the worst happens. In Choosing to SEE, she shows how she wrestles with God even as she has allowed him to write her story--both during times of happiness and those of tragedy. Readers will hear firsthand about the loss of her daughter, the struggle to heal, and the unexpected path God has placed her on. Even as difficult as life can be, Mary Beth Chapman Chooses to SEE. Includes a 16-page full color photo insert.(end quote)
I'm really excited as I have heard many great reviews on this book and am a little familiar with the Chapman's story.
The April Meeting will be on Saturday April 28th. Mark your calendars!
Please call or e-mail me with any questions, suggestions or comments.
Happy Reading!
I've told my kids for years that God doesn't make mistakes," writes Mary Beth Chapman, wife of Grammy award winning recording artist Steven
Curtis Chapman. "Would I believe it now, when my whole world as I knew it came to an end?"Covering her courtship and marriage to Steven Curtis Chapman, struggles for emotional balance, and living with grief, Mary Beth's story is our story--wondering where God is when the worst happens. In Choosing to SEE, she shows how she wrestles with God even as she has allowed him to write her story--both during times of happiness and those of tragedy. Readers will hear firsthand about the loss of her daughter, the struggle to heal, and the unexpected path God has placed her on. Even as difficult as life can be, Mary Beth Chapman Chooses to SEE. Includes a 16-page full color photo insert.(end quote)
I'm really excited as I have heard many great reviews on this book and am a little familiar with the Chapman's story.
The April Meeting will be on Saturday April 28th. Mark your calendars!
Please call or e-mail me with any questions, suggestions or comments.
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Mark of the Lion Series
This past February meeting was cancelled because everyone was a little too busy or didn't have enough time to read the book. Just in case you didn't know I wanted to share with you that there are two more books that complete this series. After reading, A Voice in the Wind, you can continue reading in this Mark of the Lion series. All the books are available at the public libraries.
In this final installment of the Mark of the Lion series, Atretes, the
Germanic warrior, returns to play a central role in the story. Hadassah is confined to the cells below the arena and is facing death once again. Marcus, shattered by the loss of Hadassah, goes in search of God, while his sister Julia lies dying of a strange new illness, longing for a forgiveness beyond her reach. Meanwhile, Atretes vows to move heaven and earth to find his son—the baby he thought was dead, and whose life Hadassah has saved—and take him back to Germania. Only one thing stands in his way: Rizpah, a Christian widow who has cared for the baby since his birth. Atretes has not counted on Rizpah’s fiery resistance to having “her son” taken away, nor is he prepared for the woman’s strength and beauty. From their first meeting, the two are caught in a stormy battle of wills. Marcus and Julia and, finally, Atretes, come to realize that God’s love can heal all scars and bring forth a new dawn. (from author's website)
An Echo in the Darkness (2)
Book 2 in the Mark of the Lion series, An Echo in the Darkness picks up
where A Voice in the Wind leaves off. A year has passed and Hadassah has donned veils to protect her identity as well as the scars that now mark her body. Believed dead, Hadassah finds employment helping a doctor in the poor section of the city and develops a knack for healing through the power of her faith. When Julia falls ill, Hadassah is forced to confront another difficult decision: should she return to the Valerian household, risking exposure and death, to help her former tormentor in the Christian tradition? The flame between Hadassah and Marcus is ultimately rekindled, though Marcus continues to search for meaning and faith. Turning away from the opulence of Rome, Marcus is led by a whispering voice from the past into a journey that could set him free from the darkness of his soul. Will he find God and spiritual fulfillment, becoming the man Hadassah knows he can be? (from author's website)
where A Voice in the Wind leaves off. A year has passed and Hadassah has donned veils to protect her identity as well as the scars that now mark her body. Believed dead, Hadassah finds employment helping a doctor in the poor section of the city and develops a knack for healing through the power of her faith. When Julia falls ill, Hadassah is forced to confront another difficult decision: should she return to the Valerian household, risking exposure and death, to help her former tormentor in the Christian tradition? The flame between Hadassah and Marcus is ultimately rekindled, though Marcus continues to search for meaning and faith. Turning away from the opulence of Rome, Marcus is led by a whispering voice from the past into a journey that could set him free from the darkness of his soul. Will he find God and spiritual fulfillment, becoming the man Hadassah knows he can be? (from author's website)As Sure as the Dawn (3)
In this final installment of the Mark of the Lion series, Atretes, the
Germanic warrior, returns to play a central role in the story. Hadassah is confined to the cells below the arena and is facing death once again. Marcus, shattered by the loss of Hadassah, goes in search of God, while his sister Julia lies dying of a strange new illness, longing for a forgiveness beyond her reach. Meanwhile, Atretes vows to move heaven and earth to find his son—the baby he thought was dead, and whose life Hadassah has saved—and take him back to Germania. Only one thing stands in his way: Rizpah, a Christian widow who has cared for the baby since his birth. Atretes has not counted on Rizpah’s fiery resistance to having “her son” taken away, nor is he prepared for the woman’s strength and beauty. From their first meeting, the two are caught in a stormy battle of wills. Marcus and Julia and, finally, Atretes, come to realize that God’s love can heal all scars and bring forth a new dawn. (from author's website)I am currently reading the second book because I really wanted to keep going to see where this story takes us. I have heard so many rave reviews about the series that I don't want to miss out!
I also look forward to reading the March book, The Devil in Pew number 7, and I hope that you do too! Our March meeting will be on March 31st, same time same place. As always, send me in your book suggestions as I barely have time to pre-read books.
Happy reading!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
March Book Selection
*********Reminder!!! The February meeting is this upcoming Saturday 2/25 at Chick-Fil-A in Foley at 8:30 AM - 10:00AM. I need YOU to RSVP!*******
The March selection was recently read by Nancy Hope of Swift Church. We will be reading The Devil in Pew Number Seven by Rebecca Nichols Alonzo. The book is 288 pages and is Christian Non-Fiction and here is a brief description from Amazon:
“When the Lord gets ready for me to leave this church, He won’t send the message by the devil.” Robert Nichols, 1975
Rebecca never felt safe as a child. In 1969, her father, Robert Nichols, moved with his family to Sellerstown, North Carolina, to serve as a pastor. There he found a small community eager to welcome him . . . with one exception. Glaring at him from pew number seven was a man obsessed with controlling the church and determined to get rid of anyone who stood in his way. The first time the Nichols family received a harassing phone call, they dismissed it. The same went for the anonymous letter that threatened they’d leave “crawling or walking . . . dead or alive.” But what they couldn’t ignore was the strategy of terror their tormentor unleashed, more devastating and violent than they could have ever imagined. Refusing to be driven away, Rebecca’s father stood his ground until one night when an armed man walked into the family’s kitchen . . . and Rebecca’s life was shattered. If anyone had reason to harbor hatred and seek personal revenge, it would be Rebecca. Yet The Devil in Pew Number Seven tells a different story. It is the amazing, true saga of relentless persecution, one family’s faith and courage in the face of it, and a daughter whose parents taught her the power of forgiveness. (end quote) I'm really excited as I have heard many great reviews on this book and read numerous articles online about this true story. An e-mail will be sent with ordering information but I do know there is one copy in the Public Library.
The book suggestions have been slow going.... To make this year's book club work I need YOU to e-mail me your favorite books that you think our group will enjoy. Please Please Please, e-mail me your ideas, whether you are a regular attendee or you just read along with us and don't attend the meetings, it doesn't matter!!! I need you to keep this year going. I barely have time to read other than a textbook so I can't do near the research as usual right now. The March Meeting will be on Saturday March 31st. Mark your calendars! Please call or e-mail me with any questions, suggestions or comments.
Happy Reading!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
February Book Club Selection
February's selection was recommended by Christy Bledsoe of Swift Church. We will be reading A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers which is the first book in the Mark of the Lion Series. This is a favorite author among the book club so I'm sure we will have no trouble with this one. The book is 515 pages and here is a brief description:
“The city was silently bloating in the hot sun, rotting like the thousands of
bodies that lay where they had fallen in street battles.” With this opening sentence, A Voice in the Wind transports readers back to Jerusalem during the first Jewish-Roman War, some seventy years after the death of Christ. Following the prides and passions of a group of Jews, Romans and Barbarians living at the time of the siege, the narrative is centered on an ill-fated romance between a steadfast slave girl, Hadassah, and Marcus, the brother of her owner and a handsome aristocrat. After surviving the massacre of her family and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, Hadassah is captured and sold to a well-to-do merchant’s family. Brought to Rome, she is pressed into service as a personal slave to hedonistic Julia Valerian. Hadassah struggles to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and to treat her masters in a manner in keeping with His teachings, but she is forced to keep her religious identity a secret in order to survive. Confused and alone, she has only her faith to cling to as she tries to subtly bring God into the lives of her captors. Reckless, impulsive, and villainous, Julia tries to undermine Hadassah at every turn. But Julia’s brother, Marcus, is a different sort altogether. Is it possible for a love between Hadassah and Marcus to flourish considering not only their differing stations in life, but also the gap between Hadassah’s unrelenting faith and Marcus’ lack of belief in anything? Simultaneously, Atretes, a captured soldier from Germania, is forced to become a gladiator. This is the time of Rome's decline and the decadence of a civilization on the verge of self-destruction serves as a powerful backdrop to the Barbarian’s struggle for survival in the arena. (end quote)
I'm really excited as I have heard many great reviews on this book and it's series.An e-mail will be sent with ordering information but I do know that copies are available in the Public Library. The book suggestions have been slow going.... To make this year's book club work I need YOU to e-mail me your favorite books that you think our group will enjoy. Please Please Please, e-mail me your ideas, whether you are a regular attendee or you just read along with us and don't attend the meetings, it doesn't matter!!! I need you to keep this year going. I barely have time to read other than a textbook so I can't do near the research as usual right now. Please call or e-mail me with any questions, suggestions or comments.
February Meeting will be on 2/25!
Happy Reading!
“The city was silently bloating in the hot sun, rotting like the thousands of
bodies that lay where they had fallen in street battles.” With this opening sentence, A Voice in the Wind transports readers back to Jerusalem during the first Jewish-Roman War, some seventy years after the death of Christ. Following the prides and passions of a group of Jews, Romans and Barbarians living at the time of the siege, the narrative is centered on an ill-fated romance between a steadfast slave girl, Hadassah, and Marcus, the brother of her owner and a handsome aristocrat. After surviving the massacre of her family and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, Hadassah is captured and sold to a well-to-do merchant’s family. Brought to Rome, she is pressed into service as a personal slave to hedonistic Julia Valerian. Hadassah struggles to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and to treat her masters in a manner in keeping with His teachings, but she is forced to keep her religious identity a secret in order to survive. Confused and alone, she has only her faith to cling to as she tries to subtly bring God into the lives of her captors. Reckless, impulsive, and villainous, Julia tries to undermine Hadassah at every turn. But Julia’s brother, Marcus, is a different sort altogether. Is it possible for a love between Hadassah and Marcus to flourish considering not only their differing stations in life, but also the gap between Hadassah’s unrelenting faith and Marcus’ lack of belief in anything? Simultaneously, Atretes, a captured soldier from Germania, is forced to become a gladiator. This is the time of Rome's decline and the decadence of a civilization on the verge of self-destruction serves as a powerful backdrop to the Barbarian’s struggle for survival in the arena. (end quote)I'm really excited as I have heard many great reviews on this book and it's series.An e-mail will be sent with ordering information but I do know that copies are available in the Public Library. The book suggestions have been slow going.... To make this year's book club work I need YOU to e-mail me your favorite books that you think our group will enjoy. Please Please Please, e-mail me your ideas, whether you are a regular attendee or you just read along with us and don't attend the meetings, it doesn't matter!!! I need you to keep this year going. I barely have time to read other than a textbook so I can't do near the research as usual right now. Please call or e-mail me with any questions, suggestions or comments.
February Meeting will be on 2/25!
Happy Reading!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
January 2012 Selection
Happy New Year! It's time to begin another year of Book Club. We are on our 4th year! Can you believe it? As many of you know, I am currently enrolled more than full time in school and work and have difficulty finding time to read anything other than a textbook much less try to pre-screen books. It is with this concern that this years book club selections will be selected by YOU or others in the church who would like to share their favorite selections. Each month the selection will be a featured favorite, still in the category of Christan or Inspirational. 
This month's selection is one passed along from Samford Turner, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of South Alabama. We will be reading The Noticer by Andy Andrews. This does happen to be one that I have read and had been thinking about doing for book club for quite some time. It is inspirational fiction (although you will recognize a lot of truth in it too) set in Orange Beach, AL. The book is 176 pages and here is a brief description:
Orange Beach, Alabama is a simple town filled with simple people. But like all humans on the planet, the good folks of Orange Beach have their share of problems - marriages teetering on the brink of divorce, young adults giving up on life, business people on the verge of bankruptcy, as well as the many other obstacles that life seems to dish out to the masses. Fortunately, when things look the darkest - a mysterious man named Jones has a miraculous way of showing up. An elderly man with white hair, of indiscriminate age and race, wearing blue jeans, a white T-shirt and leather flip flops carrying a battered old suitcase, Jones is a unique soul. Communicating what he calls "a little perspective," Jones explains that he has been given a gift of noticing things that others miss. "Your time on this earth is a gift to be used wisely," he says. "Don't squander your words or your thoughts. Consider even the simplest action you take, for your lives matter beyond measure…and they matter forever." Jones speaks to that part in everyone that is yearning to understand why things happen and what we can do about it. (end quote from Amazon.com)
I'm really excited about this book to start off the New Year, maybe it will make us all notice things a little more often throughout the year. An e-mail will be sent with ordering information but I do know that copies are available in our Church Library and the Public Library.
The Chick-Fil-A meeting was a nice change and we are going to meet there again this January 28th at 830 AM and will meet until 10AM. Invite your friends and family, the more the merrier. If you would prefer us keep meetings at the church, let me know. Your opinion counts, no feelings hurt here!
Now one last thing I need from you. To make this year's book club work I need YOU to e-mail me your favorite books that you think our group will enjoy. Please Please Please, e-mail me your ideas, whether you are a regular attendee or you just read along with us and don't attend the meetings, it doesn't matter!!! I need you to keep this year going. I have provided a list of books we have already read at the bottom of the email so you can see what has already been done.
Happy Reading!
Past Book Selections
2011
January – The Help by Kathryn Stockett
February – The practice of the presence of God by Brother Lawrence
March – Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza
April – Have a little faith by Mitch Albom
May – Heaven is for real by Todd Burpo
June – Under the overpass by Mike Yankoski
July – Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
August – What different do it make? by Ron Hall & Denver Moore
September – The Book of Ruth (The Bible)
2010
January – The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall
February – The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer
March – God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew
April – A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers
May – Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin
June – The Measure of a Lady by Deanne Gist
July – A shepherd looks at the 23rd Psalm by Phillip Keller
August – Redemption by Karen Kingsbury
September – For One More Day by Mitch Albom
2009
January – Traveling Light by Max Lucado
February – Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
March – Same kind of different as me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
April – The Shack by William P. Young
May – Having a Mary heart in a Martha world by Joanna Weaver
June – The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
July – The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
August – The Five people you meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
September – One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury
This month's selection is one passed along from Samford Turner, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of South Alabama. We will be reading The Noticer by Andy Andrews. This does happen to be one that I have read and had been thinking about doing for book club for quite some time. It is inspirational fiction (although you will recognize a lot of truth in it too) set in Orange Beach, AL. The book is 176 pages and here is a brief description:
Orange Beach, Alabama is a simple town filled with simple people. But like all humans on the planet, the good folks of Orange Beach have their share of problems - marriages teetering on the brink of divorce, young adults giving up on life, business people on the verge of bankruptcy, as well as the many other obstacles that life seems to dish out to the masses. Fortunately, when things look the darkest - a mysterious man named Jones has a miraculous way of showing up. An elderly man with white hair, of indiscriminate age and race, wearing blue jeans, a white T-shirt and leather flip flops carrying a battered old suitcase, Jones is a unique soul. Communicating what he calls "a little perspective," Jones explains that he has been given a gift of noticing things that others miss. "Your time on this earth is a gift to be used wisely," he says. "Don't squander your words or your thoughts. Consider even the simplest action you take, for your lives matter beyond measure…and they matter forever." Jones speaks to that part in everyone that is yearning to understand why things happen and what we can do about it. (end quote from Amazon.com)
I'm really excited about this book to start off the New Year, maybe it will make us all notice things a little more often throughout the year. An e-mail will be sent with ordering information but I do know that copies are available in our Church Library and the Public Library.
The Chick-Fil-A meeting was a nice change and we are going to meet there again this January 28th at 830 AM and will meet until 10AM. Invite your friends and family, the more the merrier. If you would prefer us keep meetings at the church, let me know. Your opinion counts, no feelings hurt here!
Now one last thing I need from you. To make this year's book club work I need YOU to e-mail me your favorite books that you think our group will enjoy. Please Please Please, e-mail me your ideas, whether you are a regular attendee or you just read along with us and don't attend the meetings, it doesn't matter!!! I need you to keep this year going. I have provided a list of books we have already read at the bottom of the email so you can see what has already been done.
Happy Reading!
Past Book Selections
2011
January – The Help by Kathryn Stockett
February – The practice of the presence of God by Brother Lawrence
March – Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza
April – Have a little faith by Mitch Albom
May – Heaven is for real by Todd Burpo
June – Under the overpass by Mike Yankoski
July – Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
August – What different do it make? by Ron Hall & Denver Moore
September – The Book of Ruth (The Bible)
2010
January – The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall
February – The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer
March – God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew
April – A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers
May – Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin
June – The Measure of a Lady by Deanne Gist
July – A shepherd looks at the 23rd Psalm by Phillip Keller
August – Redemption by Karen Kingsbury
September – For One More Day by Mitch Albom
2009
January – Traveling Light by Max Lucado
February – Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
March – Same kind of different as me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
April – The Shack by William P. Young
May – Having a Mary heart in a Martha world by Joanna Weaver
June – The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
July – The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
August – The Five people you meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
September – One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Holiday Break!
Our book club is on holiday break until January 2012. We finished up our Book Club year this month with a meeting at Chickfila! Jody Beth led a great mini study of The Book of Ruth. THANK YOU JODY BETH!!! We had 6 people in attendance. It was a good meeting and it was nice to have the new atmosphere. Please be sure to give me feedback on what you thought of the meeting at Chickfila, Like or Dislike?
I hope you have enjoyed reading along this year. Here is a list of all our book selections for 2011 just in case you missed one and would like to catch up:
January – The Help by Kathryn Stockett
February – The practice of the presence of God by Brother Lawrence
March – Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza
April – Have a little faith by Mitch Albom
May – Heaven is for real by Todd Burpo
June – Under the overpass by Mike Yankoski
July – Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
August – What different do it make? by Ron Hall & Denver Moore
September – The Book of Ruth (The Bible)
As many of you know I am in school full time right now and I am extremely busy with school work and that absorbs most all my "extra" reading time right now. Please be sure to share with me good books that you have read or read during this time of break from the club. I'm trying to listen to books on CD to get in my non-school related reading. I will probably need a lot of help and suggestions to really get 2012 off to a great start!
I pray that each one of you has found something good and unexpected from our readings this year and have been blessed in some way by being a part of this club. I pray that each of you have a peaceful and wonderful holiday season. Thank you for your participation, attendance, opinions, suggestions and words of encouragement. I truly appreciate each and every one.
Happy Reading!
With Love,
Amber
I hope you have enjoyed reading along this year. Here is a list of all our book selections for 2011 just in case you missed one and would like to catch up:
January – The Help by Kathryn Stockett
February – The practice of the presence of God by Brother Lawrence
March – Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza
April – Have a little faith by Mitch Albom
May – Heaven is for real by Todd Burpo
June – Under the overpass by Mike Yankoski
July – Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
August – What different do it make? by Ron Hall & Denver Moore
September – The Book of Ruth (The Bible)
As many of you know I am in school full time right now and I am extremely busy with school work and that absorbs most all my "extra" reading time right now. Please be sure to share with me good books that you have read or read during this time of break from the club. I'm trying to listen to books on CD to get in my non-school related reading. I will probably need a lot of help and suggestions to really get 2012 off to a great start!
I pray that each one of you has found something good and unexpected from our readings this year and have been blessed in some way by being a part of this club. I pray that each of you have a peaceful and wonderful holiday season. Thank you for your participation, attendance, opinions, suggestions and words of encouragement. I truly appreciate each and every one.
Happy Reading!
With Love,
Amber
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
September Book Selection
Our September selection will be something we have never done before.... We are going to read the Book of Ruth from the Bible. And luckily no need for a book order or much introduction unless you need help finding a Bible! :)
With every one's crazy busy schedules (especially mine) and as I had difficulty for September, Jody Beth felt God leading her to lead a mini review/Bible Study on Ruth for our Book Club. We touched on reading about the Book of Ruth back in Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers you can click on the title to refer back to the Blog to refresh your memory.
And one more surprise.... At our last meeting of the year on Saturday September 17 at 8:30 AM we are going to meet at ChickFila in Foley. We will have our discussion, led by Jody Beth and you can have some coffee or breakfast as well if you so desire. :)
NOTE: We are not meeting on the last Saturday of September because this is Cursillo weekend. And since we don't have to wait on getting The Book of Ruth, our readers shouldn't have any problem meeting a week earlier. :)
Thanks so much for your participation!!! Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check out the blog and see what other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment. Happy Reading!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Mere Christianity
July has passed and we did not have a meeting with everyone having such a busy summer schedule. I haven't heard much feedback on who did or didn't read the book. I know of a couple who couldn't get into it but then others who remarked that they had read the book previously and it has always been a favorite. I wish that when I had first read the book, I wasn't listening to a library copy and could have gone through and marked it up with a highlighter or pencil. There were so many interesting things that Lewis said and the manor of the way he explained things are so simple and real. From an intellectual standpoint, he really opens the door for those who have problems wrapping their minds around Christianity and makes it easier to grasp and understand.
I did have one favorite quote that I remember that I would like to share with you here:
God made us; invented us as a man invents an engine. A car is made to run on gasoline, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God Designed the Human Machine to run on himself. He himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about religion. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from himself because it is not there. There is no such thing. (end quote)
I love this statement and I love the truth of it and the way that Lewis makes it so simple when others try to sometimes make it more complicated. My reading time is becoming increasingly "booked" as I attend classes through Troy University but I do hope to one day go back and read this again now that I have my own copy. I still urge you to read it sometime if you haven't. I also would pray you check out some of Lewis's other writings. Happy Reading!!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
When Crickets Cry
I finished up the book, When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin. This is a Christian Fiction book and is 352 pages. Here is a description of the book from online:
A man with a painful past. A child with a doubtful future. And a shared journey toward healing for both their hearts. It begins on the shaded town 
square in a sleepy Southern town. A spirited seven-year-old has a brisk business at her lemonade stand. Her latest customer, a bearded stranger, drains his cup and heads to his car, his mind on a boat he's restoring at a nearby lake. But the little girl's pretty yellow dress can't quite hide the ugly scar on her chest. The stranger understands more about it than he wants to admit. And the beat-up bread truck careening around the corner with its radio blaring is about to change the trajectory of both their lives. Before it's over, they'll both know there are painful reasons why crickets cry...and that miracles lurk around unexpected corners. (end quote)
square in a sleepy Southern town. A spirited seven-year-old has a brisk business at her lemonade stand. Her latest customer, a bearded stranger, drains his cup and heads to his car, his mind on a boat he's restoring at a nearby lake. But the little girl's pretty yellow dress can't quite hide the ugly scar on her chest. The stranger understands more about it than he wants to admit. And the beat-up bread truck careening around the corner with its radio blaring is about to change the trajectory of both their lives. Before it's over, they'll both know there are painful reasons why crickets cry...and that miracles lurk around unexpected corners. (end quote)
This book was a slow read but a good one. I know that doesn't sound quite right but I really did enjoy the story and the characters. The author went to great care to be extremely descriptive and make sure the reader knew everything necessary about Heart Transplants which is a huge part of the book. I think one of my favorite things was the outlook of the little girl Annie. She is amazingly brave in the face of having to receive a new heart by transplant and her faith is unshakable. She tells one of the other main characters not to worry because, "Whether or not I wake up...I'll have a new heart." Annie knew what was at stake and trusted God to bring her through it all on this side of heaven or not. I love the eternal optimist.
There are also some other themes to help in forgiveness, healing from the loss of a loved one and how much family matters. While this book will not be a book club selection I do hope that if you choose to read it you enjoy the book and keep going. Just because it's a little slow doesn't mean it's not worth your while. I look forward to maybe reading some other books by this author at some point. Happy reading!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Under the Overpass Recap
Better late than never. I want to write a bit about this book from where I have marked sections that I found interesting. There are three particular ones that I want to bring attention to that God really spoke to me about and helped widen my thinking about the lost and homeless and how we treat them. So many wonderful learning experiences but these are just a few that jumped out at me to write to you about.
1) In Denver, pages 36-39. "If we are the body of Christ-and Christ came not for the healthy but the sick-we need to be fully present in the places where people are most broken." I think that is one of the biggest reminders that many Christian's and non-Christians constantly need to hear. You don't have to wait until your "better" to be good enough to come to Christ. He came to save the sick and the sinners. A page over Mike describes the speakers who come to preach to the homeless. And in a lengthy description he wonders, "Why the speakers so often focused on the "hell, fire and damnation" theme and so little on hope, joy, love, peace, or really anything positive." Mike ponders over why the speakers think that this type of sermon is what is going to help these people who are so down and broken. He uses this example: "Telling someone who is suffering deeply that he's going to suffer more is probably a waste of breath. It's like warning someone who is already starving that they're about to get really hungry. But tell him of the restaurant that serves heaping meals to all who come no matter where they're from or what they look like, and he's more than likely to listen." I have always wondered about those who do preach this theme and if it ever actually works and "scares" people into coming to Christ. I felt like Mike really showed me how wrong that thinking can be and that we could be more effective by loving people to Christ. I know which option I would choose if I didn't already know the Lord...I would be much more willing to listen to the hope than the hell.
2) Now in Portland, pages 96-97. "Sitting there with Sugar man, I felt my carefully established definitions of a Christian crack and expand. Here was an admitted addict and user openly proclaiming Christ in his community and asking how he could serve us." This is the part where Mike is trying to determine what do you do with your definition of a Christian when you encounter someone like this, you end up having to expand your comfort level. He says, "Why do we reject the loving, self-sacrificing, giving, encouraging, Jesus-pursuing drug addict but recruit the clean, self-interested, gossiping, loveless churchgoer? Which one do you suppose Jesus would rather share a burrito with under a bridge?" I don't know about you but that really made me think about the way I judge and treat others.
3)Lastly in San Francisco, pages 134-136. Sam and Mike have just received some left over pizza from a man and are extremely grateful for the leftovers. They discuss how the prayer of thanking God for our food has a whole knew meaning when you are out on the streets. Mike brings up the idea about how we pray for provision but then don't make the effort to get it when God provides it. He made the observation, "What do you think would have happened if the Israelites hadn't gone out and picked up the manna God sent?" "We'd be a lot more hungry if we hadn't asked for that pizza. God answered our prayers for provision, but we still had to ask these guys for it. We still had to 'pick up the manna.'" Then as the conversation continues he said, "It's like asking God to Bless your day, then when He puts a needy, smelly person in front of you that you could really help, you wonder what you did to deserve such rotten luck." It was an interesting conversation about how we ask for things and sometimes God provides just not in the way we anticipated and we still have to receive it... we can't just sit around and do nothing.
At our meeting we talked about so many other wonderful things we learned and the interesting experiences of these men as they lived on the street. If you haven't already, I encourage you to read the book and I pray you are blessed by it and find something unexpected and good! Happy Reading!
1) In Denver, pages 36-39. "If we are the body of Christ-and Christ came not for the healthy but the sick-we need to be fully present in the places where people are most broken." I think that is one of the biggest reminders that many Christian's and non-Christians constantly need to hear. You don't have to wait until your "better" to be good enough to come to Christ. He came to save the sick and the sinners. A page over Mike describes the speakers who come to preach to the homeless. And in a lengthy description he wonders, "Why the speakers so often focused on the "hell, fire and damnation" theme and so little on hope, joy, love, peace, or really anything positive." Mike ponders over why the speakers think that this type of sermon is what is going to help these people who are so down and broken. He uses this example: "Telling someone who is suffering deeply that he's going to suffer more is probably a waste of breath. It's like warning someone who is already starving that they're about to get really hungry. But tell him of the restaurant that serves heaping meals to all who come no matter where they're from or what they look like, and he's more than likely to listen." I have always wondered about those who do preach this theme and if it ever actually works and "scares" people into coming to Christ. I felt like Mike really showed me how wrong that thinking can be and that we could be more effective by loving people to Christ. I know which option I would choose if I didn't already know the Lord...I would be much more willing to listen to the hope than the hell.
2) Now in Portland, pages 96-97. "Sitting there with Sugar man, I felt my carefully established definitions of a Christian crack and expand. Here was an admitted addict and user openly proclaiming Christ in his community and asking how he could serve us." This is the part where Mike is trying to determine what do you do with your definition of a Christian when you encounter someone like this, you end up having to expand your comfort level. He says, "Why do we reject the loving, self-sacrificing, giving, encouraging, Jesus-pursuing drug addict but recruit the clean, self-interested, gossiping, loveless churchgoer? Which one do you suppose Jesus would rather share a burrito with under a bridge?" I don't know about you but that really made me think about the way I judge and treat others.
3)Lastly in San Francisco, pages 134-136. Sam and Mike have just received some left over pizza from a man and are extremely grateful for the leftovers. They discuss how the prayer of thanking God for our food has a whole knew meaning when you are out on the streets. Mike brings up the idea about how we pray for provision but then don't make the effort to get it when God provides it. He made the observation, "What do you think would have happened if the Israelites hadn't gone out and picked up the manna God sent?" "We'd be a lot more hungry if we hadn't asked for that pizza. God answered our prayers for provision, but we still had to ask these guys for it. We still had to 'pick up the manna.'" Then as the conversation continues he said, "It's like asking God to Bless your day, then when He puts a needy, smelly person in front of you that you could really help, you wonder what you did to deserve such rotten luck." It was an interesting conversation about how we ask for things and sometimes God provides just not in the way we anticipated and we still have to receive it... we can't just sit around and do nothing.
At our meeting we talked about so many other wonderful things we learned and the interesting experiences of these men as they lived on the street. If you haven't already, I encourage you to read the book and I pray you are blessed by it and find something unexpected and good! Happy Reading!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
They Thought for Themselves by Sid Roth
A wonderful member of our book club allowed me to borrow this book, They Thought for Themselves by Sid Roth, Ten Amazing Jews. This is 240 pages of true stories by 10 different people who share testimonies of how they came to Christ. Here is a description of the book from online:
What is the connection among these people? How did they end up in the same book?
Atheist, Holocaust survivor, multi-millionaire, Media Executive, PhD. They all defied the status quo and thought for themselves. They dared to explore and confront the forbidden. The result? Everything in their lives changes for the better! Author Sid Roth was instructed in a dream to find and interview people who had broken through the mold of their previous experiences to achieve their destiny. These are the people he interviewed. These are their stories and this is your time for your breakthrough! Everyone has a supernatural destiny, but few reach it. Too many want the safe and comfortable life of following the same old roads or fitting in with the same old crowd. How boring! Have you ever wondered if there is something more to life? Have you dared to reach beyond your comfort zone? Only when you dare to think for yourself, will you reach your supernatural destiny. Start today! (end quote)
I love reading personal testimonies like this and seeing the extraordinary changes that God can make in people's lives. And this book is even more interesting since the people giving the testimonies are Jews. According to their religion, they aren't "supposed" to believe in Jesus Christ. The perspective in the book definitely opened my eyes to the culture that I haven't been very exposed to in my life. I loved the personal stories but a few times when the reading gets technical about the Torah and the Jewish traditions, I would get a little lost and it was hard for me to keep interest. But I'm sure to someone who already understands this information and is curious about how these Jews came to believe in Christ on a theological perspective, it can be helpful. At this time, I do not feel that this will be a book club selection but I do encourage others to read it for the incredible testimonies. To God be the Glory! Happy Reading!
What is the connection among these people? How did they end up in the same book?
Atheist, Holocaust survivor, multi-millionaire, Media Executive, PhD. They all defied the status quo and thought for themselves. They dared to explore and confront the forbidden. The result? Everything in their lives changes for the better! Author Sid Roth was instructed in a dream to find and interview people who had broken through the mold of their previous experiences to achieve their destiny. These are the people he interviewed. These are their stories and this is your time for your breakthrough! Everyone has a supernatural destiny, but few reach it. Too many want the safe and comfortable life of following the same old roads or fitting in with the same old crowd. How boring! Have you ever wondered if there is something more to life? Have you dared to reach beyond your comfort zone? Only when you dare to think for yourself, will you reach your supernatural destiny. Start today! (end quote)I love reading personal testimonies like this and seeing the extraordinary changes that God can make in people's lives. And this book is even more interesting since the people giving the testimonies are Jews. According to their religion, they aren't "supposed" to believe in Jesus Christ. The perspective in the book definitely opened my eyes to the culture that I haven't been very exposed to in my life. I loved the personal stories but a few times when the reading gets technical about the Torah and the Jewish traditions, I would get a little lost and it was hard for me to keep interest. But I'm sure to someone who already understands this information and is curious about how these Jews came to believe in Christ on a theological perspective, it can be helpful. At this time, I do not feel that this will be a book club selection but I do encourage others to read it for the incredible testimonies. To God be the Glory! Happy Reading!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The Reagan Diaries
My grandmother was the one that referred me to this book when it first came out. My grandfather had worked at the White House during Reagan's presidency. I have signed pictures and other miscellaneous Reagan memorabilia at home. After my grandmother told me about this book, I was intrigued. The Reagan Diaries were written by Ronald Reagan and edited by a historian. President Reagan kept a diary during his time in office and we now are able to get a personal glimpse into his day to day thoughts and personal activities that we may not have given to much thought to before. The book is about 784 pages but I happened to listen to it on CD and would recommend that as well. Here is a description of the book from online:
The diaries our 40th president kept while in office—edited and abridged by historian Brinkley (The Great Deluge)—are largely a straightforward political chronicle. Reagan describes meetings with heads of state and antiabortion leaders, reflects on legislative strategy
and worries about leaks to the press. He often used his diary to vigorously defend his polices: for example, after a 1984 visit with South African archbishop Desmond Tutu (whom Reagan calls "naïve"), the president explained why his approach to apartheid—"quiet diplomacy"—was preferable to sanctions. Reagan sometimes seems uncomfortable with dissent, as when he is irked by a high school student who presents a petition advocating a nuclear freeze. And he often sees the media as a "lynch mob," trying to drum up scandal where there is none. Reagan's geniality shines through in his more quotidian comments: he muses regularly about how much he appreciates Nancy, and his complaints about hating Monday mornings make him seem quite like everyone else. Brinkley doesn't weigh down the text with extensive annotation; this makes for smooth reading, but those who don't remember the major political events of the 1980s will want to refer to the glossary of names. Reagan's diaries are revealing, and Brinkley has done historians and the broad public a great service by editing them for publication. (May 22) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (end quote)
I do believe in some parts, if I wasn't particularly in the mood to read it, it was hard to get through. I think it gives me a greater appreciation for the man and the life he lead. It's funny how things he talks about back then are still true today. I love how he calls the media the "lynch mob," so true. And I loved so many of his policies that seem like they would work now if anyone would think about history and doing what has worked in the past to help our current economic situation. I also enjoyed the way he would talk about his wife, Nancy. It was very sweet and beautiful in a simplistic way. Well if you like history I think you will enjoy this one, especially if you are a Reagan fan. This will not be a book club selection but I wanted to share it with you anyway. Happy reading!
The diaries our 40th president kept while in office—edited and abridged by historian Brinkley (The Great Deluge)—are largely a straightforward political chronicle. Reagan describes meetings with heads of state and antiabortion leaders, reflects on legislative strategy
and worries about leaks to the press. He often used his diary to vigorously defend his polices: for example, after a 1984 visit with South African archbishop Desmond Tutu (whom Reagan calls "naïve"), the president explained why his approach to apartheid—"quiet diplomacy"—was preferable to sanctions. Reagan sometimes seems uncomfortable with dissent, as when he is irked by a high school student who presents a petition advocating a nuclear freeze. And he often sees the media as a "lynch mob," trying to drum up scandal where there is none. Reagan's geniality shines through in his more quotidian comments: he muses regularly about how much he appreciates Nancy, and his complaints about hating Monday mornings make him seem quite like everyone else. Brinkley doesn't weigh down the text with extensive annotation; this makes for smooth reading, but those who don't remember the major political events of the 1980s will want to refer to the glossary of names. Reagan's diaries are revealing, and Brinkley has done historians and the broad public a great service by editing them for publication. (May 22) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (end quote)I do believe in some parts, if I wasn't particularly in the mood to read it, it was hard to get through. I think it gives me a greater appreciation for the man and the life he lead. It's funny how things he talks about back then are still true today. I love how he calls the media the "lynch mob," so true. And I loved so many of his policies that seem like they would work now if anyone would think about history and doing what has worked in the past to help our current economic situation. I also enjoyed the way he would talk about his wife, Nancy. It was very sweet and beautiful in a simplistic way. Well if you like history I think you will enjoy this one, especially if you are a Reagan fan. This will not be a book club selection but I wanted to share it with you anyway. Happy reading!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
When God Winks at You by Squire Rushnell
Earlier this year a good friend let me borrow the book When God Winks at You: How God speaks directly to you through the power of coincidence by Squire Rushnell. This is a non-fiction Christian book with a collection of different stories from people who have received "God-winks." The book is about 240 pages and makes for a quick read. Here is a description of the book from online:
Those extraordinary little events in your life happen for a reason.A
coincidence-sometimes a silly little thing-changes the course of your day . . .or even your life. Is it chance, or is God communicating with you?
When God Winks at You is packed with true stories demonstrating that God does communicate with us, making incredible things happen in our lives every single day. As you read the riveting accounts of everyday and famous people-including Tim Conway, Rudolph Giuliani, Billy Graham, and Don Knotts-you will begin to recognize the Godwinks in your own life, both past and present. Through these tangible signposts from God, we receive personalized messages that reassure us, stop us from worrying, chart our path in life, and help us keep the faith.
When God winks, He is reaffirming that there is absolutely nothing about us that He does not know-our every hurt, our every desire.And that to me is very comforting. -Squire Rushnell (end quote)
I loved reading all these stories and it caused me to reflect on some Godwinks of my own that I might have had without recognizing it at the time. I know I have heard others stories before but didn't really have a name to put on it. I am undecided yet as to whether or not this will be a book club selection but I do recommend it. I love being reminded how much God is here for us in all things, big and small. Happy Reading!
Those extraordinary little events in your life happen for a reason.A
coincidence-sometimes a silly little thing-changes the course of your day . . .or even your life. Is it chance, or is God communicating with you?When God Winks at You is packed with true stories demonstrating that God does communicate with us, making incredible things happen in our lives every single day. As you read the riveting accounts of everyday and famous people-including Tim Conway, Rudolph Giuliani, Billy Graham, and Don Knotts-you will begin to recognize the Godwinks in your own life, both past and present. Through these tangible signposts from God, we receive personalized messages that reassure us, stop us from worrying, chart our path in life, and help us keep the faith.
When God winks, He is reaffirming that there is absolutely nothing about us that He does not know-our every hurt, our every desire.And that to me is very comforting. -Squire Rushnell (end quote)
I loved reading all these stories and it caused me to reflect on some Godwinks of my own that I might have had without recognizing it at the time. I know I have heard others stories before but didn't really have a name to put on it. I am undecided yet as to whether or not this will be a book club selection but I do recommend it. I love being reminded how much God is here for us in all things, big and small. Happy Reading!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Mistaken Identity
I'm trying to play catch up on books I have been reading outside of the book club. A little while back I read the book Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope by Don & Susie Van Ryn and Newell, Colleen & Whitney Cerak. This is a Christian non-fiction real life story about two families and their worlds colliding. Here is a brief bit about the book from online:
Five lives were lost in a tragic accident involving a Taylor University van, 
and one young woman, severely injured and comatose, was rushed to the hospital. Families, faculty, students, and communities grieved their losses and joined in prayer and hope as the one young woman, Laura Van Ryn, fought for her life in a hospital bed. The national news spread the story, and people everywhere shared the grief and the hope. Five weeks passed for the Cerak family. Believing they had buried their daughter, the Ceraks clung to their faith and worshipped God through their tears, learning to look forward with hope to an eternal reunion with their lovely daughter Whitney. They spent weeks in mourning and grief, slowly moving toward healing. Five weeks passed for the Van Ryns. Keeping a constant bedside vigil over their precious daughter Laura, they sat and prayed and hoped. They rejoiced at each tiny advance toward recovery. They celebrated each sign of Laura's healing. And then the shock! "Okay, Laura, I would like you to write your name for me," the occupational therapist said. W-H-I-T-N-E-Y. An event that could be seen as pure tragedy becomes a celebration of life's unfathomable gifts and mysteries. (end quote)
and one young woman, severely injured and comatose, was rushed to the hospital. Families, faculty, students, and communities grieved their losses and joined in prayer and hope as the one young woman, Laura Van Ryn, fought for her life in a hospital bed. The national news spread the story, and people everywhere shared the grief and the hope. Five weeks passed for the Cerak family. Believing they had buried their daughter, the Ceraks clung to their faith and worshipped God through their tears, learning to look forward with hope to an eternal reunion with their lovely daughter Whitney. They spent weeks in mourning and grief, slowly moving toward healing. Five weeks passed for the Van Ryns. Keeping a constant bedside vigil over their precious daughter Laura, they sat and prayed and hoped. They rejoiced at each tiny advance toward recovery. They celebrated each sign of Laura's healing. And then the shock! "Okay, Laura, I would like you to write your name for me," the occupational therapist said. W-H-I-T-N-E-Y. An event that could be seen as pure tragedy becomes a celebration of life's unfathomable gifts and mysteries. (end quote)This book is about 288 page long and goes back and forth with the story from the point of view of the two families. The book also includes pictures and a message from Whitney. It is truly amazing how these families handled this bizarre mix up and truly only their faith in God could have pulled them through it all. I felt that the book was a bit difficult and awkward to get through at times even though the story was quite miraculous. I haven't felt like it will be a book club selection but do urge you to read and take note from the extraordinary faith of these two families. I believe anyone who may also be grieving the loss of a loved one may find help in healing in reading how these two families handled their confusion and grief.
Happy reading!
Monday, July 25, 2011
August Book Club Selection
Our August selection will be What difference do it Make? by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent. This is a Christian non-fiction book and has about 224 pages. Here is a description from online:
The more than four hundred thousand readers stirred by the story of Ron Hall and Denver Moore will resonate with the all new,
stand-alone true stories of hope and healing offered in this intimate, authentic follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Same Kind of Different as Me. With new "Denverisms" and reflections from Denver on his personal dealings with homelessness and disrespect from others, additional insights from Ron on what we can learn from people unlike us and from those dealing with a terminal illness, and the stories of readers who have been impacted by the book's central themes, this inspirational reader will generate a host of new fans.(End quote)
If you will remember we read Same Kind of Different as me, back in March 2009. The first book was a huge hit with our group and I feel that this follow up will be as well. I especially felt like it was a good follow up book to read after our discussion on Under the Overpass back in June. It truly is amazing the difference one person can make in the life of someone else. I can't wait for you to read it and gain even more "Denverisms."
Our August meeting will be Saturday August 27 at 8:30am-10:00am in Swift's new building. Thanks so much for your participation!!!
Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check out the blog and see what other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment.
Happy Reading!
The more than four hundred thousand readers stirred by the story of Ron Hall and Denver Moore will resonate with the all new,
stand-alone true stories of hope and healing offered in this intimate, authentic follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Same Kind of Different as Me. With new "Denverisms" and reflections from Denver on his personal dealings with homelessness and disrespect from others, additional insights from Ron on what we can learn from people unlike us and from those dealing with a terminal illness, and the stories of readers who have been impacted by the book's central themes, this inspirational reader will generate a host of new fans.(End quote)If you will remember we read Same Kind of Different as me, back in March 2009. The first book was a huge hit with our group and I feel that this follow up will be as well. I especially felt like it was a good follow up book to read after our discussion on Under the Overpass back in June. It truly is amazing the difference one person can make in the life of someone else. I can't wait for you to read it and gain even more "Denverisms."
Our August meeting will be Saturday August 27 at 8:30am-10:00am in Swift's new building. Thanks so much for your participation!!!
Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check out the blog and see what other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment.
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Amazed Clay by Wendy McMillan
I recently finished up a book that I had on loan from a friend for a long time. It was a bit of a difficult read depending on where you are in life at the moment so I kinda had to read it in pieces. Some days I was able to get through it faster than others. The book is Amazed Clay by Wendy McMillan. It is a Christian Non-fiction and tells about her journey in faith. I really enjoyed all the similarities between the potter and the clay. Because of her being a potter herself she is really able to go into details that you wouldn't get from verses in the bible that mention how He molds us. It was very interesting. The book is 139 pages and the author is a local of Baldwin County. Here is a description of the book from online:
Is life so busy that it's flying by and you wonder if you're missing something?
Do you wonder what life is really all about? Maybe you just need a little relief from a crazy schedule. Wendy McMillan reveals how she too has lived amongst the screaming distractions of a very busy life and was horrified to find she nearly missed it.
Find real peace, security, understanding, love that never fails, joy, protection, and hope in Amazed Clay. Through the pages of this book, Wendy reveals how she found the treasure of life and offers you her 'treasure map' to the same amazing adventure. Should you accept to go on this journey, your life will never be the same after reading Amazed Clay.
Learn how to have peace of mind when anxiety and worry scream for attention, find joy though the troubling circumstances may not change, and finally understand the purpose of your specific life.
Wendy Langley McMillan is a weekend potter and currently resides in Robertsdale, Alabama, with her husband. She loves to help others be molded by the Master into thriving vessels. (end quote)
I have a few favorite passages that I want to quote and share with you. On page 86, the author is talking about how many of us live in a virtual reality, “We try to fit Him into our lives (schedules) instead of living ours for Him.” Wow. is that not true or what? So often times we go to church and do what we think is right as the author talks about but we only “fit” God time in. On page 88 she says, "He's (the enemy) dropping bread crumbs of busy schedules, service at church, nice homes, good deeds for others, and whatever else he can think of to possibly convince you all is okay while he lures you into dangerous territory." These are not always bad things but when we are too busy "doing things" and miss out on truly getting to know our Father and the role he has for the Holy Spirit in our lives we are missing out. I pray that I can get better at this myself and live my life more for Him than for my schedule.
The author continues on page 99-100 talking about this virtual reality we have made for ourselves and our relationship with God. She talks about a lesson she learned from another Bible Study and it was called, “The Captivity of Activity.” She said the lesson had two main points that were significant for her and I marked this as well. Point 1:“If the enemy cannot tempt us with destruction, he will settle for distraction.” Point 2: “Every day I’ve got a new choice, a choice to get up and in prayer give my anxiety-driven cares (distractions) completely over into his tender care then, trust that my God always protects and fights for what is always best for me.” She says again, “If the devil can’t tempt us with outright destruction, he’ll settle for distraction. The end result is the same.” Whoa. That really spoke to me. I think about all the times I do get distracted and loose sight of God and his plan for me in the sometimes messy day to day activities. I pray that I can become more aware of the tricks and traps that the enemy uses without me even noticing. I pray the same prayer for those of you reading this.
This will not make it on our book club selections but I would recommend the read if after you read the author’s description you feel a tug on your heart to read it. Happy Reading!
Is life so busy that it's flying by and you wonder if you're missing something?
Do you wonder what life is really all about? Maybe you just need a little relief from a crazy schedule. Wendy McMillan reveals how she too has lived amongst the screaming distractions of a very busy life and was horrified to find she nearly missed it.Find real peace, security, understanding, love that never fails, joy, protection, and hope in Amazed Clay. Through the pages of this book, Wendy reveals how she found the treasure of life and offers you her 'treasure map' to the same amazing adventure. Should you accept to go on this journey, your life will never be the same after reading Amazed Clay.
Learn how to have peace of mind when anxiety and worry scream for attention, find joy though the troubling circumstances may not change, and finally understand the purpose of your specific life.
Wendy Langley McMillan is a weekend potter and currently resides in Robertsdale, Alabama, with her husband. She loves to help others be molded by the Master into thriving vessels. (end quote)
I have a few favorite passages that I want to quote and share with you. On page 86, the author is talking about how many of us live in a virtual reality, “We try to fit Him into our lives (schedules) instead of living ours for Him.” Wow. is that not true or what? So often times we go to church and do what we think is right as the author talks about but we only “fit” God time in. On page 88 she says, "He's (the enemy) dropping bread crumbs of busy schedules, service at church, nice homes, good deeds for others, and whatever else he can think of to possibly convince you all is okay while he lures you into dangerous territory." These are not always bad things but when we are too busy "doing things" and miss out on truly getting to know our Father and the role he has for the Holy Spirit in our lives we are missing out. I pray that I can get better at this myself and live my life more for Him than for my schedule.
The author continues on page 99-100 talking about this virtual reality we have made for ourselves and our relationship with God. She talks about a lesson she learned from another Bible Study and it was called, “The Captivity of Activity.” She said the lesson had two main points that were significant for her and I marked this as well. Point 1:“If the enemy cannot tempt us with destruction, he will settle for distraction.” Point 2: “Every day I’ve got a new choice, a choice to get up and in prayer give my anxiety-driven cares (distractions) completely over into his tender care then, trust that my God always protects and fights for what is always best for me.” She says again, “If the devil can’t tempt us with outright destruction, he’ll settle for distraction. The end result is the same.” Whoa. That really spoke to me. I think about all the times I do get distracted and loose sight of God and his plan for me in the sometimes messy day to day activities. I pray that I can become more aware of the tricks and traps that the enemy uses without me even noticing. I pray the same prayer for those of you reading this.
This will not make it on our book club selections but I would recommend the read if after you read the author’s description you feel a tug on your heart to read it. Happy Reading!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
July Selection
A real quick June update, We had 4 people at our June meeting with great fellowship and conversation. Thank you to those who were able to attend and I hope that if you didn't make it, you get to join us another time! :)
Kathy will let you know about a book order if needed for anyone. The library also has copies and there are several different covers available because of the age of this book so don't be surprised if it doesn't look like the one I attached to the e-mail. Our July meeting will be Saturday July 30 at 8:30am-10:00am in Swift's new building. Thanks so much for your participation!!!
Our July selection will be Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. This is a Christian non-fiction book and has about 227 pages. Here is a description from online:
"Lewis seeks in Mere Christianity to help us see religion with fresh eyes, as a radical faith whose adherents might be likened to an underground group gathering in a war zone, a place where evil seems to have the upper hand, to 
hear messages of hope from the other side" (from the foreword). One of the most popular and beloved introductions to Christian faith ever written, Mere Christianity has sold millions of copies worldwide and its popularity continues to grow. The book brings together Lewis's legendary broadcast talks of the war years, talks in which he set out simply to "explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times. (end quote)
hear messages of hope from the other side" (from the foreword). One of the most popular and beloved introductions to Christian faith ever written, Mere Christianity has sold millions of copies worldwide and its popularity continues to grow. The book brings together Lewis's legendary broadcast talks of the war years, talks in which he set out simply to "explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times. (end quote) This is a book that has been on my reading list forever (with most all C.S. Lewis books) and I take one off here and there. Finally one day I got it from the library to listen to on CD and have to say I really learned a lot and gained a broader perspective on Christianity and am even more thankful that I believe. This book is filled with so many bits of wisdom and wonderful quotes that I can't wait to get my hard copy and a good highlighter.
BUT I have a confession. I didn't want to pick this book for book club. I loved it but knew at times it can be difficult to keep moving forward and just didn't know if you would enjoy it. I told God over the past couple of weeks with time ticking by towards July, that we needed to come up with something different and He kept bringing me back to this one. But I came around to see things his way (which is often how it happens isn't it?) and finally decided yesterday that this is the pick for July. (I even had the e-mail ready to go on a totally different book) I told God that I was going to do what he was telling me and that some in the club may not like the book but that it was OK and that I knew He had someone in mind that needed to read it. So here it is, a bit heavy at times and a push to get thru at points but I think you will be happy that you did read this classic. And I also understand if you skip this month too. :)
Kathy will let you know about a book order if needed for anyone. The library also has copies and there are several different covers available because of the age of this book so don't be surprised if it doesn't look like the one I attached to the e-mail. Our July meeting will be Saturday July 30 at 8:30am-10:00am in Swift's new building. Thanks so much for your participation!!!
Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check out the blog and see what other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment. Happy Reading!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Love at Last Sight by Kerry and Chris Snook
I just finished reading Love at Last Sight by Kerry and Chris Shook. This book is excellent and far exceeded my expectations. The book features 30 chapters of quick devotions that are made to help you strengthen the relationships in your life. All different kinds of relationships are addressed so that you can create better more fulfilling relationships with others as well as growing closer to God. The authors use excellent stories and lots of scripture to back up the lessons they are teaching. At the end of each chapter the book features a Love at Last Sight challenge with questions that challenge where you stand in your relationships. This book is one you can read and refer back to time and time again. 
At the age of 23, my mom passed away unexpectedly at only 53 years old. Ever since this happened and after growing more in my faith I have been striving to become more of a “Love at Last Sight” person. I never like to leave the house or get off a phone call with any bad feelings going on. I always like everything clear and to be sure that others know how much I love and appreciate them. I don’t always practice this perfect, obviously… but reading this book really helped re-energize me to be better at living like today is your last. I feel like the authors did an amazing job of using scriptures to teach us how God wants us to live our relationships with him as well as others. The stories the authors told were relatable. This is a book I will recommend to others and will continue to refer back to many times for the wealth of wisdom inside. I am so thankful that it was one I chose to review. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
At the age of 23, my mom passed away unexpectedly at only 53 years old. Ever since this happened and after growing more in my faith I have been striving to become more of a “Love at Last Sight” person. I never like to leave the house or get off a phone call with any bad feelings going on. I always like everything clear and to be sure that others know how much I love and appreciate them. I don’t always practice this perfect, obviously… but reading this book really helped re-energize me to be better at living like today is your last. I feel like the authors did an amazing job of using scriptures to teach us how God wants us to live our relationships with him as well as others. The stories the authors told were relatable. This is a book I will recommend to others and will continue to refer back to many times for the wealth of wisdom inside. I am so thankful that it was one I chose to review. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Final Summit by Andy Andrews
Recently I read the book, The Final Summit, by Andy Andrews. This is a work of fiction about a man named David Ponder and his journey to help save the world. David Ponder is a character we met in a previous work of the authors in which he gained extraordinary amounts of wisdom from famous historical people. In this new book, David meets and works with several of these people such as Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill and Joan of Arc, just to name a few. Here in The Final Summit, David is forced to put wisdom to good use as he and several others try to solve what two words will help save the world and get us all back on the right path.
I came into this book having previously read the novel, The Traveler’s gift,
where we first meet David Ponder. Having that previous knowledge is not necessary to read The Final Summit but it is helpful. This book followed a pretty simple pattern as the setting and time were all in the same place throughout most of the entire book. Each chapter went thru a repeating cycle of motions as David and the others try to figure out the answer to the two words that can save the world. I did enjoy the conversation between the characters and enjoyed learning pieces of history along the way. I think this is a great book for history lovers since the main character is getting to converse with so many of the amazing people we read and learn about in school. Although repetitious at times, the author did succeed in making me anxious to find out the two words and along the way I was able to gain a wealth of advice and wisdom about life lessons. I felt that the message is encouraging but felt the book still lacked a “wow” factor. It is in fact a powerful positive message that could help a lot of people if they would listen. I would recommend the book to others because the wisdom found here is too good to pass up.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.combook review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I came into this book having previously read the novel, The Traveler’s gift,
where we first meet David Ponder. Having that previous knowledge is not necessary to read The Final Summit but it is helpful. This book followed a pretty simple pattern as the setting and time were all in the same place throughout most of the entire book. Each chapter went thru a repeating cycle of motions as David and the others try to figure out the answer to the two words that can save the world. I did enjoy the conversation between the characters and enjoyed learning pieces of history along the way. I think this is a great book for history lovers since the main character is getting to converse with so many of the amazing people we read and learn about in school. Although repetitious at times, the author did succeed in making me anxious to find out the two words and along the way I was able to gain a wealth of advice and wisdom about life lessons. I felt that the message is encouraging but felt the book still lacked a “wow” factor. It is in fact a powerful positive message that could help a lot of people if they would listen. I would recommend the book to others because the wisdom found here is too good to pass up.I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com
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