Book Review: THE SEARCH: A Memoir of an Adopted Woman

I don't think I've ever read an entire book in one day, but that's what happened with this memoir. Titia Ellis tells the story of her years-long search for her biological parents, which didn't even begin until she was in the midst of a mid-life crisis. As you can imagine, her search took many ups, downs, turns, and detours--all while threatening to damage her relationship with her adoptive parents, though that was certainly never her intent.

Titia Ellis draws her audience in by effectively describing her inner turmoil and struggle with wanting to please her adoptive parents yet needing to know the truth about her biological family and herself. She is honest about her feelings of abandonment, confusion, anger, and sadness, though she confesses numerous times how well-loved and cared for she was by her adoptive parents and how very thankful she was for them. It's a hard balance but one that is quite understandable.

What I loved the most about this book is that Mrs. Ellis didn't feel the need to embellish the truth for the sake of drama. She simply told her story, and it captivated me. I felt as if I went through her roller-coaster days with her, joining her in her moments of both elation and despair. I very much wanted her to find the answers to all of her questions, and I imagined myself being in a similar state of mind, had I ever been in her situation.

I highly recommend reading The Search. Especially since I'm not going to tell you how it ends!


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

Book Review: OBAMA PRAYER

I confess that I am not always one to remember to pray for our country's leaders. I'm not proud of this. A lot of the time, it's because I have no idea how to pray for them.

What began as an evening of prayer among Charles Garriott a few of his close friends resulted in his book, Obama Prayer. Garriott, who is a minister in Washington, D.C., offers a guide for praying for the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book and was somewhat afraid that it would be more of a book on politics than prayer. But I was wrong.

Garriott beckons his readers to pray for specific aspects of our President's life and work: direction, wisdom, words, favor, family, truth, protection, justice, mercy, and friends.

"The call to pray for President Barack Obama and his administration," says Garriott, "is first of all a call to dependency on God. It is a call to respond to the work of grace within our lives. It is a reminder that in the political realm neither we nor the President are ultimately in charge. We pray, 'Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.'"

Through reading this book, I was humbled by the fact that I so often neglect to pray for our leaders. It's much easier to simply criticize them, right? But while we are not told to blindly agree with or never challenge those in authority over us, we are to respect them and pray for them.

Obama Prayer is a wonderful guide both for individuals and groups who are in prayer for the President. And though the title makes the content sound very specific, I believe that this is a useful tool in praying for any of our leaders, since the same principles apply to all of them. And I truly appreciate Charles Garriott for taking the time to write it.

I also appreciate his reminder to us: "Our hope is never in government, but in God."


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

Book Review: SABBATH

Although I had not read any of Dan Allender's previous works, I knew of his reputation, and I both hoped for and expected great things from this book, Sabbath. I was not disappointed.

Reading this book really challenged my thinking on both the purpose and the pleasure of Sabbath. Allender encourages us to take delight in this God-created day, not to spend it in pious, legalistic solemnity. After all, God is pleased when we relish in Him and His creation.

"Sabbath is not about time off or a break in routine. It is not a minivacation to give us a respite so we are better prepared to go back to work. The Sabbath is far more than a diversion; it is meant to be an encounter with God's delight . . . [And we] will never know Sabbath delight unless God delivers us from drowning in the noise and grime of our soiled days," says Allender.

The "Sabbath Pillars," as Allender calls them, include Sensual Glory, Holy Time, Communal Feast, and Play Day, and he describes each of these in such simple yet pleasurable ways, encouraging us to consider and act upon what God bestows upon us that truly brings us pleasure. And as we indulge in and savor these gifts, we are ultimately bringing glory to God Himself.

Allender brings to light the fact that we often feel guilty for taking pleasure in things--that we somehow feel that we don't deserve to and that we should be working instead. I personally appreciate the reminder that it is actually God's command to us to rest and delight in the Sabbath--to keep it holy or set apart from all the other days. Why is this a commandment we feel okay about ignoring?

Sabbath is refreshing, encouraging, and exciting to read and then live out.

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



 

Book Review: ORPHANS AND THE FATHERLESS: Making Ourselves Known

There is a growing awareness around the globe--and particularly among Christians--of the enormous need to care for the millions of orphans in the world. In her book, Orphans and the Fatherless: Making Ourselves Known, Julie Chandler offers statistics, testimonies, Scripture, and personal insight to assist in this wake-up call for us to attend to the needs of the fatherless.

It's a strange thing, I confess, to realize that we actually need a wake-up call for something so vitally important and widespread. But we do. It is not the fault of the children that they are without a mother and/or father. It is, however, a need that they have, and it is one that many of us can meet in one way or another.

Julie Chandler offers a variety of ways to minister to orphans and the fatherless. Since many people are unable (for various reasons) to actually adopt a child, Chandler is attentive in providing a plethora of ideas for caring for these children. And the ideas range in time, money, and energy required, so that just about anyone can latch onto at least one or two of the suggestions and make them happen.

I appreciated this book, although I was expecting a more in-depth, unified work. Instead, Chandler offers numerous brief chapters that can basically stand alone. There isn't much transition from one chapter to the next. This works to one's advantage, though, if you only have time to read in short spurts. It might also be good for a small group to go through together, particularly because of the call to action in which they could participate together.

I value Julie Chandler's passion and commitment to this widespread, saddening, problem. I pray that God uses her book to challenge people all over the world to care for the orphans and the fatherless.

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

Book Review: REALLY WOOLLY BIBLE STORIES

Really Woolly Bible Stories is a sweet collection of Bible stories for babies and toddlers. Each story by Bonnie Rickner Jensen is written in rhyme, which is always appealing to young ears. The illustrations by Julie Sawyer Phillips are both charming and interesting. The language is simple and engaging, and each of the elements of this book can spark some good conversations with toddlers about God and the stories of the Bible.

Stories include Creation, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, The Ten Commandments, David and Goliath, Daniel, Jonah, Jesus Is Born, Jesus Welcomes the Children, Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand, The Good Samaritan, Jesus Walks on Water, The Cross and the Tomb, and The Great Commission. Each story also gives the chapter and verse references in the Bible.

There's not a lot of depth to this collection, but it is a good introduction for little ones to the stories of God.

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

Book Review: ONE HAND, TWO HANDS: Oh, the Ways We Can Help With Our Hands!

The wonderful illustrations are what first captured my attention in One Hand, Two Hands. Gaby Hansen has created sweet, colorful, warm, joyful illustrations that both children and their parents alike will enjoy looking at time and time again. The pictures truly invite the reader/listener to explore the book.

Of course, Max Lucado does a wonderful job with the words, too! Since the book is intended for toddlers and preschoolers, the language is very simple, and the use of rhyme engages their minds, attention, and senses. As the reader/listener observes the little girl interacting with various animals throughout the book's illustrations, the words evoke images of fun, playful, creative, and helpful things we can do with our hands.

One of my favorite features is found on the last pages, where listed are different things that Helping Hands, Kind Hands, and Loving Hands can do--things like clean my room, gather the trash, draw a get-well card for a sick person, and clap for someone else. Then the child is encouraged to think of other ways that their hands can be helping hands. So even though the book is fairly short, it can provoke some wonderful conversations between parents and children.

This delightful children's book would be a treasured addition to any family's library.   

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

Book Review: OUTLIVE YOUR LIFE

Although I really like Max Lucado's writing, it's been a while since I've read one of his books. But when I read the back cover of his newest release, Outlive Your Life, I was intrigued.

We are given a choice . . . an opportunity to make a big difference during a difficult time. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope?

Yes! This was something I wanted to read. And I was doubly interested when I read that 100% of Lucado's royalties from this book and its accompanying products will benefit children and families through World Vision and other ministries of faith-based compassion. I really, really love that.

Max Lucado's familiar, conversational style of writing is both comfortable and effective in reaching his audience. He seems to be talking with us rather than at us. His humility is something I admire, and I think it probably makes his readers more willing and wanting to hear what he has to say, too. But just because Lucado's books are easy to read doesn't mean that they aren't extremely challenging. This one especially is.

As I read Outlive Your Life, I started feeling uncomfortable. But in a good way. I knew that he was challenging how I spend my time, energy, and finances . . . basically, my life! It's all too easy to get comfortable in this world--particularly in American society. And it's all too easy to ignore the problems of everyone around us. But there are so many ways that we can help and serve and love on people, whether they live in our neighborhood or on the other side of the world. We just have to make the decision to do it.

I love the Discussion and Action Guide in the back of the book, because there are lots of thought-provoking questions but also suggestions for how to practically live out our faith and God's love for people. ALL people.

This is an important book. Read it.

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

Reality Check

I have just begun reading Max Lucado's newest book, Outlive Your Life. I know that stories and statistics bombard us daily, but these really caught my attention:

These are devastating times: 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, 1 billion are hungry, millions are trafficked in slavery, and pandemic diseases are gouging entire nations. Each year nearly 2 million children are exploited in the global commercial sex trade. And in the five minutes it took you to read these pages, almost ninety children died of preventable diseases. More than half of all Africans do not have access to modern health facilities. As a result, 10 million of them die each year from diarrhea, acute respiratory illness, malaria, and measles. Many of those deaths could be prevented by one shot.

Yet in the midst of the wreckage, here we stand, the modern-day version of the Jerusalem church. You, me, and our one-of-a-kind lifetimes and once-in-history opportunity . . .

A mere 2 percent of the world's grain harvest would be enough, if shared, to erase the problems of hunger and malnutrition around the world. There is enough food on the planet to offer every person twenty-five hundred calories of sustenance a day. We have enough food to feed the hungry.

And we have enough bedrooms to house the orphans . . . 

The problem is not in the supply; the problem is in the distribution.

Book Review: TOTALLY DESPERATE MOM

Moms, you will love this book by Wendy Hagen! This young mother of three will keep you laughing and nodding your head in agreement as you compare her crazy, messy stories of motherhood with your own. Truly, only other moms can appreciate(?) this stage of life that is just as full of joys as it is bodily fluids.

Reading Wendy's book is like reading a long e-mail from one of your best girlfriends. She spills out all the frustrations of mothering babies and toddlers with both humor and grace (both of which moms REALLY need!). But Wendy also brings encouragement and wisdom to the matter, giving practical tips on how to take care of yourself and your marriage during this hectic time of life.

Totally Desperate Mom is a quick, easy read (very important for busy moms, who may only have time to read while in the bathroom or while cooking dinner)--one that will hold your attention and make you smile. You'll appreciate this realistic approach to what life is really like in "the motherhood." Moms, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. And if you know a mom-to-be, give her a copy of it, too, because she'll want to know she's not alone when she's in the midst of "the Black Hole"! Now you're curious, aren't you?

And here's the really fun news: Wendy and I will be giving away a copy of Totally Desperate Mom next week on Stuff Mamas Like! So keep checking in to find out how to win it!

Win a book!

 I'm having a drawing on my other blog, Stuff Mamas Like, tomorrow! Tell me what picks YOU up as a mommy and be entered to win this book by Edna Ellison and Linda Gilden. Better hurry!

Book Review: BILLY GRAHAM: HIS LIFE AND INFLUENCE

As I was growing up, I was well familiar with the name Billy Graham. I can remember seeing books he had written, hearing grown-ups talk about him, and watching his evangelistic crusades on television. I think you would be hard-pressed to find any adult in America who hasn't heard the name of this famous preacher--"America's pastor," as he has been dubbed.

Billy Graham has had an amazing life, and David Aikman has well documented it in the book Billy Graham: His Life and Influence. Truthfully, I was already fascinated by Graham's life before reading his biography, but now I am even more fascinated and inspired by him. This man not only has led millions of people to faith in Christ, but he has also had incredible influence in the political world, having had personal relationships with several Presidents and other world leaders. He has also contributed greatly to racial reconciliation in various countries, including the United States. And although Aikman's portrayal of Billy Graham is incredibly positive, he still does not attempt to portray Graham as a perfect man; through both Aikman's and Graham's words, we see that Graham is a man who struggles with sin just as everyone else does. But his honesty and authenticity are what have made Billy Graham so endearing to people all over the world. Of course, his natural charm helped, too!

Though this biography is rather lengthy, it still held my interest. I thought, at first, that I might not like the fact that it isn't a chronological record of events, but the way that Aikman breaks up Graham's life into topical segments is actually helpful in portraying Graham's influence. And anyone who loves history will really enjoy the way that Aikman weaves in so many historical timelines and details throughout the book.

If you have any interest at all in the fascinating and inspiring life of Billy Graham, you will not be disappointed when you read this book!

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

Book Review: JESUS MANIFESTO

Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola have teamed up to write Jesus Manifesto--a declaration that Jesus Christ is supreme and sovereign. It is obvious that the Church can easily get swept up in and distracted by programs, strategies, doctrines, and plenty of other "good things," and this can cause us to forget that Jesus truly is our all in all. We can get so caught up in talking about Him and doing things for Him, but we might not actually be getting to know Him--He who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Sweet and Viola challenge us to know Jesus and follow Him, not actually to try to be like Him, for none of us ever can be. They say, "There is a pervasive theology of 'likeness'--'O God, make me more Christlike'--that cheapens the gospel and depresses the spirit. Christlikeness is too small a dream, too shallow an ambition, for a Christian. The call to Christlikeness is also not 'good news' . . . [T]o be 'like Christ' often implies that you don't really need Christ, since you already have the ideas and teachings of Christ . . . The fall of humanity was all about women and men assuming the posture that they don't need anyone to tell them what to do. They would decide for themselves what's good and what's bad. They would be self-sufficient and self-determining . . . We can try as hard as we wish to be like Christ, but human effort will never touch the hem of that garment."

These words were probably the greatest summons to me as I read this book, because I greatly struggle with feeling self-sufficient--not simply resting in the promise that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega. There is nothing I can do--or need to do--to add to my salvation. He is the Author and Perfecter and Completer, not me.

I found the message of this book to be both challenging and freeing. And even though I felt that some parts of it, particularly in the first half of the book, were a bit choppy, the overall message is quite clear. In a world where our minds and hearts are being summoned to give devotion to so many things, it is a relief and a pleasure to be reminded that Christ is more than sufficient. Thank you for this powerful reminder through Jesus Manifesto.


To order this book, visit bookschristian.com.

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

The Captivity of Me

"Get a fresh glimpse of your incomparable Lord, and you will be emboldened to stop spending your life on yourself. Connect with Him who is life, and you will be empowered to deny yourself, live beyond yourself, and live outside yourself. Let go, break free of the self, the captivity of me. Only Christ can set you free from yourself--the old self that He nailed to His cross. No amount of willpower or good intention can accomplish this. So lay hold of Him and escape the straitjacket of the exalted, exaggerated, narcissistic sense of self. You and your causes are not the center of the universe. You are part of a process of life that is greater than you. The self only exists at all inasmuch as it participates in the being of God. You are not the main character in your own story. God in Christ is." --Excerpt from Jesus Manifesto by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola.

Book Review: THE NAKED GOSPEL

The message of The Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley isn't a new one, but it's certainly one that isn't always preached clearly. As a woman who personally struggles with legalism and a sense of earning God's love and forgiveness and approval, I experienced a sense of relief as I read through the pages of this book.  I have always known that Jesus' blood covered my sins, but I still felt like I needed to "do my best" and "make God proud." And if I sinned (which is daily . . . for everyone), I had better make sure those sins got confessed ASAP, and I'd better try harder to do the right thing next time.  Effort, effort, effort. Thus telling God that His Son's blood must not've been quite enough. 

But Farley reminds us, "Our forgiveness and cleansing are solely because of the finished work of Jesus Christ." It is FINISHED. Once-and-for-all forgiveness.

As I read his words, I could really feel the burden being lifted from Farley's shoulders. He dealt with being driven by a guilt-based faith for many, many years, which only led to depression. When he discovered the LIFE that God intended to give us through His Son's sacrifice, Farley began to experience freedom and God's truly unconditional love.

"Jesus exposed the futility of life under law," Farley explains. No one can keep every letter of it, and God doesn't expect us to. He simply desires for us to love Him and accept His grace and forgiveness. He doesn't want us to get down on ourselves when we sin; He wants us to simply desire what He desires. And since, as Christians, He truly does live in us, His desires become our desires. If we do not desire what He desires, then He is not in us.

"The message of 'Jesus plus nothing' from start to finish is often too humbling for us to swallow. Instead, we opt for performance hoops to jump through in order to impress God . . . The secret is that grace deactivates our pride. Removing the law from our lives means our self-effort is no longer prodded to control behavior. The law excites human effort. It encourages us to depend on resources outside of Christ. But unconditional acceptance deactivates human effort and allows the Holy Spirit to be all that he wants to be through us." I love this. This is the freedom God intended.

It is vital for everyone--Believers and non-Believers alike--to be exposed to The Naked Gospel. The author's fervor is contagious; his words are well-written; and his message is clear (as is the book cover--ha!) and well-delivered. Read it. And share it.



To order this book, visit bookschristian.com.


*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free by The Ooze Viral Bloggers in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: WALK LIKE YOU HAVE SOMEWHERE TO GO

Lucille O'Neal is most famous for being Shaq's mom, but her autobiography, Walk Like You Have Somewhere To Go, is mostly about her own story. She takes her readers through her childhood, which included a broken home; her teen years, which included being a single mom to Shaquille; her young adult years, which included marriage, being a military wife, and having three more babies; and adulthood, which included Shaq's move to the NBA, their family's move from rags to riches, her earning her college degree, and eventually divorcing her husband. Throughout it all, Ms. O'Neal describes her struggles with alcohol and dealing with broken family relationships. Her mother was a great influence in her life, and Ms. O'Neal gives her the credit for helping her build a foundation of faith, which wavered greatly over the years.

Although I learned some interesting trivia about Shaq (ex: His name means "little one"!) and found Ms. O'Neal's story to be somewhat interesting, I did not at all feel inspired by her story. In truth, I felt that her son's prosperity, not her "regained faith," is what gave her the freedom and confidence of which she boasts. (To her credit, this is very understandable.) A verse of Scripture is posted at the beginning of each chapter, and it just seems very forced and unrelated, in my opinion.

The story seems a bit slow at times and seems to jump around, but I appreciate the fact that it is told in Ms. O'Neal's own words and tone. Allison Samuels, who helped Ms. O'Neal with the writing, did a great job of letting Ms. O'Neal's voice be heard. I felt like I was sitting in her living room and just listening to her tell her story. And with the addition of family photographs sprinkled throughout the book, the story held my interest and helped me to picture the characters in her story.

Overall, this book is a fairly interesting but not a very inspiring read.


To order this book, visit bookschristian.com.

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

Book Review: BEAUTIFUL THINGS HAPPEN WHEN A WOMAN TRUSTS GOD

As soon as I started reading Sheila Walsh's newest book, Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God, I began to identify with her. She is quite open and honest about her ongoing struggles with insecurity, lack of trust, and depression, and I appreciate her vulnerability to her readers. This book is filled with Walsh's personal stories, which she beautifully intertwines with stories of biblical characters' encounters with God.

While she doesn't claim to have achieved constant, unwavering trust in God, Walsh encourages us with the stories of how her faith has and continues to grow. She also speaks against the dangers of not opening yourself up to other people, because our lives are meant to be lived in community. Trying to live your life in isolation--even if that simply means being surrounded by people but still keeping your struggles and issues to yourself--is dangerous and unhealthy. We need others to encourage, support, and pray for us, just as we need to do the same for them. However, our ultimate faith should be placed in God Himself. He has proven Himself time and time again.

With a discussion guide and in-depth Bible study included in the back of the book, I feel that women's small groups would benefit from reading it together. By doing so, the participants will most likely feel encouraged and safe to share their own inner struggles, and some great conversations will come as a result. I would particularly recommend this book to women who struggle with anxiety and depression. It is a solid yet very tender story of faith.



To order this book, visit bookschristian.com.

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

Book Review: AFTER YOU BELIEVE

The title of this book--*After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters--is what drew me to it. As N.T. Wright acknowledges within these pages, there is very often an either/or factor among Christians. We either live our lives trying to legalistically adhere to a bunch of rules (though the rules vary from person to person), or we give very little thought or care to how we live, knowing that "God's grace is sufficient" (which is true). But how we live between our conversion and our funeral very much does matter, and it is not found in either of these approaches. Wright reminds us that God will one day fully combine Heaven and Earth, but the process has already begun. And so has the transformation of character, or virtue.

Wright explains that "virtue is what happens when wise and courageous choices have become 'second nature' . . . Those who follow Jesus can begin to practice, in the present, the habits of heart and life which correspond to the way things are in God's kingdom--the way they will be eventually, yes, but also the way they already are because Jesus is here . . . But virtue is always the result of work and cost" (pgs. 21, 105, 216).

Having virtue does not mean that we are to be sinless (not that we ever could be), nor is it simply a matter of following someone's example--even Jesus' example! Rather, we are to engage in what Wright calls "The Virtuous Circle"--which involves scripture, stories, examples, community, and practices--and our character will thus be transformed. Our thoughts, words, and actions will begin to reflect our love for God and for other people, and it will just be "second nature," not our pursuit of following a list of rules.

Wright states, "The key is this: the 'fruit of the Spirit' does not grow automatically. The nine varieties of fruit do not suddenly appear just because someone has believed in Jesus, has prayed for God's Spirit, and has then sat back and waited for 'fruit' to arrive . . . The point of using the term 'fruit,' after all, is that these are things which grow from within rather than being imposed from without" (pgs. 195, 206).

I had never read any of N.T. Wright's books before this one, but I am anxious now to read his previous works. Although I was a bit intimidated to dive into this Bible scholar's teachings, I found that this book was challenging but not arduous, complex but not insurmountable. Truthfully, the only negative aspects of the book, in my opinion, are that it becomes somewhat repetitive and that Wright continually tells the reader of things he is going to talk about later in the book. (I'd rather he just let me know when I get there.)

Overall, this is an excellent book and one that I recommend every Christian read.



To order this book, visit bookschristian.com.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free by The Ooze Viral Bloggers in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Virtue

I'm about a fourth of the way into reading N.T. Wright's latest book, After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters. Today I read some of his insights on virtue that really stood out to me, and I wanted to share them. I'll do a full review on this book when I'm finished reading it.

 . . . you have to grasp the fact that Christian virtue isn't about YOU--your happiness, your fulfillment, your self-realization. It's about God and God's kingdom, and your discovery of a genuine human existence by the paradoxical route--the route God himself took in Jesus Christ!--of giving yourself away, of generous love which constantly refuses to take center stage . . . 

The glory of virtue, in the Christian sense, is that the self is not in the center of that picture. God and God's kingdom are in the center . . . 

Virtue, after all, isn't just about morals in the sense of "knowing the standards to live up to" or "knowing which rules you're supposed to keep." Virtue . . . is about the whole of life, not just the specifically "moral" choices. Those who put rules or consequences first sometimes think of vocational choices as a sort of sub-branch of ethics. I prefer to think of it the other way around. We are called to be genuine, image-bearing, God-reflecting human beings. That works out in a million ways, not least in a passion for justice and an eagerness to create and celebrate beauty. The more specific choices we think of as "ethical" are, I suggest, a subset of that wider image-bearing, God-reflecting vocation.

To order this book, visit bookschristian.com.

Book Review: THE BOOK OF THE SHEPHERD

*The Book of the Shepherd is a fable that, quite honestly, didn't capture my attention or my heart. In fact, I was more interested in the story behind the story--that Joann Davis found an old book in a broken-down house that she had purchased after the former owner, an elderly professor, died sitting at his desk. He had left instructions that all contents of the house should go to the next homeowner. On the old book, he had made a note to have it translated one day.

So to fulfill the old professor's dream, Joann Davis found a way to have the story translated and now published. I think that the message attempting to be delivered through this fable is a wonderful one--one of love and forgiveness and mercy. However, the synopsis on the book's jacket is what helped me really understand what the story was about. Then again, I've never been a great lover of fables.


*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free by The Ooze Viral Bloggers in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: PLAIN PURSUIT

I don't usually read Christian romance novels, but I decided to give *Plain Pursuit by Beth Wiseman a try. This story is about a woman, Carley, who is forced to take a break from her job and life and hurts in Houston and chooses to spend some time with her friend who has married into an Amish family. I think the fact that it is set in the Pennsylvania Amish country is what intrigued me about this book. I enjoyed getting a closer look at and understanding of the Amish culture, and I can see why Carley became drawn to this way of life.

The story drew me in pretty quickly, and I found the book to be an easy and enjoyable read. Mrs. Wiseman's descriptions of her characters and settings make the images easy to imagine. Although I found the plot to be somewhat predictable, I didn't feel disappointed by this. The love story is sweet, and the Amish way of living in community is inspiring.

To order this book, visit bookschristian.com.

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