66 Love Letters by Dr. Larry Crabb is Incredible!

From God To You: 66 Love Letters (A Conversation With God That Invites You Into His Story) by Dr. Larry Crabb is one of the most unique books and profound books I have come across. I loved it! I am so happy I won this book in a giveaway because I found myself underlining something in just about every chapter. It is like a summary and commentary on the Bible but is written in such a way that held my attention and made me eager to read more. The writing is incredible because the whole book is written as a conversation between God and a man about each of the books of the Bible. So often, the man is asking the same questions I have about the different books. Through “God’s” part of the conversation, the author shows how all the books come together to point to Jesus and God’s plan to get people to His “big party (heaven).”

I took my time reading this one since I own it, and because there is so much to comprehend and chew on. It is very thought provoking and will be treasured as a great reference book in my library. I plan to re-read the chapters that relate to the book of the Bible I am currently reading. I recommend this to anyone who is interested in spiritual things or who has questions concerning things in the Bible.

Here's my teaser.
(Karen’s review)

About the Author:

Dr. Larry Crabb is a well-known psychologist, seminar speaker, Bible teacher, author, and founder/director of New Way Ministries (www.newwayministries.org). He serves as Spiritual Director for the American Association of Christian Counselors.


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? You can help Canine Lifeline (a dog rescue organization that saved our dog, Abby) by leaving a comment on any of our blogs in March. We will donate 50 cents per comment at the end of the month.

"Sabrina" by Lori Wick

Prostitute to Preacher's Wife, a story of Deliverance and Transformation

Sabrina by Lori Wick is a Christian historical romance book that is fairly predictable and contains a lot of scripture, including the plan of salvation. Sabrina, the main character, was a prostitute who is befriended by the sheriff and his wife who share God's plan of salvation with her and help her get out of prostitution. She leaves town and starts a new life, supporting herself by being a seamstress and working in a mercantile. She tries to help other prostitutes and finds love in her new town.

Sabrina promotes compassion and forgiveness, but pretty predictable although it leaves some loose ends. The author did not go into a lot of detail when handling the prostitution aspect of this story. I enjoyed reading it.
(Karen's review 4/7/09)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"The Way Back To Mayberry—Lessons From A Simpler Time" by Joey Fann

The Way Back To Mayberry—Lessons From A Simpler Time by Joey Fann is a nostalgic trip back to the “Andy Griffith Show” from the 60s, but with lessons we can learn from 30 different episodes to apply to our life today.  The author, Joey Fann, uses specific episodes to illustrate a point and take it further to reflect on how God can be at work in similar situations in our lives today by sharing from his own experiences.  Each episode is connected to some scripture which the author has included to give each lesson a spiritual application.  Some churches throughout the country have used Finding The Way Back To Mayberry as material for informal Bible classes. 

For those unfamiliar with the show, Mayberry is a small, quiet town and Andy is the Sheriff.  The show was just about everyday life and experiences that happened in the small town and in the lives of the different characters.  Andy’s son, Opie, is often the one to learn the lessons, but also is the one who is first to “get” it. 

Here is a quote from one of my favorite episodes, “What’s Your Hurry?”:

Consider .. . consider how we live our lives today.  Everything is run, run, run.  We bolt our breakfast, we scan the headlines, we race to the office.  The full schedule and the split second:  these are our gauges of success.  We drive ourselves from morn to night.  We have forgotten the meaning of the word relaxation.  What has become of the old-fashioned ways, the simple pleasures of the past?

I don’t know about you, but this sure sounds a lot like our life.  The chapters are short so this could easily be used as a family devotional book.  This was a fun read for me because I used to watch the show.  Goober, the auto mechanic in the show, wrote the foreword.  I think anyone who enjoyed the "Andy Griffith Show" would like The Way Back To Mayberry—Lessons From A Simpler Time and those who haven’t seen the show would find this book wholesome and inspirational. 

(Karen's review)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

Tuesday Teasers From "The Insane Train" and "The Way Back To Mayberry"

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should  Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just do the following:          

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on  that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away!   You don’t  want  to  ruin the  book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can  add the book to their TBR  Lists  if they  like your teaser. 

Gerard's:

"Now," he said, tugging at his nose, which had now disappeared altogether, "about this proposition. You're telling me you want to hire on as security to help transport mental patients from California to Oklahoma?"

from p. 74 of The Insane Train by Sheldon Russell (The review will be posted Saturday (1/8/11) for this one)


Karen's:

Because of his appearance and social status, Rafe never had a chance with the mayor and Mrs. Jeffries. Look at what they missed--a warm, funny, and talented individual. It makes you wonder about the relationships we may miss because we are too quick to judge people on external appearances.

From p. 33 of The Way Back To Mayberry: Lessons From A Simpler Time by Joey Fann

"A Closer Look At The Evidence" by Richard & Tina Kleiss

(I did a video review of this because it was such a rare thing for Spunky Doodle to let me pet her for so long sitting next to me in the chair. You really have to look close to see her tucked sweetly under my left arm.)

 A Closer Look at the Evidence is a collection of facts that support the truth and accuracy of the the Bible from different branches of science.  "The primary purpose of this book is to help people understand what makes Christianity so trustworthy."  This book is formatted as a devotional with one page for each day covering one shred of evidence in support of a creator and the accuracy and authority of the Bible.  It has a verse and references the source of the information shared for that day.  There is an Index by topic and subject in the back for easy reference.

Subjects include: Anatomy, Anthropology, Archaeology, Astronomy, Biblical Accuracy, Biblical Uniqueness, Biology, Botany, Changed Nature, Chemistry, Common Sense, Comparing Religions, Creation Foundation, Earth's Ecology, Fossil Record, Genetics, Geology, Great Scientists, History, Language, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, Prophecy, Psychology, and Worldwide Flood.

I recommend this to anyone who is interested in science, evolution, or curious about God, creation or the Bible.
(Karen's review)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"Letters From A Skeptic: A Son Wrestles With His Father's Questions About Christianity" by Dr. Gregory A. Boyd and Edward K. Boyd

I read this book because it was recommended by Kris, a friend of mine who ministers to college students at Kent University.  I found it extremely thought provoking and interesting.

Letters From A Skeptic:  A Son Wrestles With His Father’s Questions About Christianity.  This is an unusual book because it is all letters back and forth between a father and son.  The son, Greg Boyd, is a professor of theology and an ordained evangelical minister.  The father, Edward Boyd, was raised Catholic but with numerous questions about Christianity which the son patiently tries to answer over a period of time through correspondence.  The questions fall into four major categories:  Questions about God, Questions about Jesus Christ, Questions about the Bible, and Questions about Christian life and doctrine. 

Here is a small sample of some of the tough questions the father and son discussed:

Why has Christianity done so much harm?
Why is the world so full of suffering?
Why did God create Satan?
Why trust the Gospel accounts?
How can you believe that a man rose from the dead?
Why do you think the Bible is inspired?
What about the “holy books” of other religions?
Why does God make believing in Him so difficult?
Do all non-Christians go to hell?
Isn’t the Christian life impossible to live?
How can I be sure it’s all true?

If you have questions about Christianity or know someone who does and would like to know how to answer them, I highly recommend this book.  I loved seeing how the father slowly became more open to Christianity and finally accepted Jesus as His Savior when he was 73. 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"Christmas Blessings" by Helen Steiner Rice

I just finished reading a book of Christmas poems called Christmas Blessings by Helen Steiner Rice that I really liked.  They were all about the true meaning of Christmas, God's gift  to us, His Son, Jesus Christ.  Instead of Christmas cards she would write poems for her friends at Christmas time.  Here's one I chose that was short to share with you:

A Christmas Blessing for You

May Jesus, our Savior,
Who was born on Christmas Day,
Bless you at this season
In a very special way.
May the Beauty and the promise
Of that silent, holy night
Fill your heart with peace and happiness
And make your new year bright!

Her poems are also used on greeting cards today.  In fact, I just got one from a friend this week with the verse by her.

(Karen's review 12/23/09)

Please tell us: What categories of literature do you like? What are you reading now? Who are your top five favorite authors? Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"Love Your Life" by Victoria Osteen

Love Your Life by Victoria Osteen moves right along and gave me the feeling that Victoria was a friend chatting with me. It is packed with lots of good advice and is very encouraging and uplifting. I liked that she included summaries of “anchor thoughts” at the end of each chapter.  This is a book I actually own--got it from www.paperbackswap.com. 

A few of the things that really made an impact on me were:

1) “Make your relationships a priority and find simple ways to enjoy the people you love. No one gets to the end of life and says, “Boy, I sure do wish I had worked more hours in the office,” or, “I wish I would have had a cleaner house.” No, at the end of their lives, most people say, “I wish I would have spent more time with my family and loved ones.”

2) Be a people builder—encourage someone every day.

3) Your hands may be tied, but God’s hands never are. Always remember, there is a “God option.”

4) Do not hold on to past mistakes, nor allow them to keep you from who you were created to be.

5) Keep stretching, growing and learning and don’t allow fear to hold you back.

6) Stay flexible and be willing to change in order to embrace the new things God has in store.

7) Keep a list of all the things you love about your spouse and all the things they do for you so you don’t forget. Keep it handy and add things as you think of them with the first pen you get.

8) Look for ways to find common ground with the people in your life. Don’t push your point of view but let others be heard for the sake of peace.

9) Help others succeed.

10) Don’t hold on to offenses.

11) Be willing to make adjustments to improve relationships.

12) Live each day in faith.

(Karen's review 12/08)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"Become A Better You" by Joel Osteen

I thought Become a Better You by Joel Osteen was a great book—Inspirational, Practical & Biblical!  It was upbeat and encouraging.  He gives interesting examples for all his points.  I really liked this book and felt there was a lot of good stuff in it.  His wife wrote a book as well and I liked that too!

Things that stood out to me:

1) Keep stretching because my best days are yet to come. Your best days are not behind you, they’re in front of you.

2) Develop a Habit of Happiness. Choose to put a positive spin on things and be happy-even in bad circumstances.

3) Remember who you are and act accordingly—child of God Almighty, redeemed, talented, creative, have potential to fulfill your destiny.

4) Find work you are passionate about.

5) Relationships are more important than accomplishments. Build others up—compliment someone each day. Be the head cheerleader and encourager for your spouse.

6) Leave places better off than they were before I came by.

7) Celebrate other people’s victories.

8) Keep a running record of the good things God has done for you.

9) Listen to the small still voice that nudges. Keep a tender conscience so God can hear God’s voice.

10) Plan on a long and healthy life, don’t plan for failure!

11) Keep a song of praise in your heart all through the day.

12) Enjoy life, be happy and stay thankful.

13) Make a list of all that is right with your life and read it frequently (daily) to keep your passion for living alive.

(Karen's review 1/08)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"Armed With God's Power--Changing Brokeness To Victory Through God's Love" by Nora White

Armed With God's Power--Changing Brokenness to Victory Through God's Love by Nora White is about how God helped Nora through very difficult situations in her life including, depression, divorce, domestic violence, and losing a husband to cancer. She tells an amazing story of how God spoke to her and brought her through some terrible times.

I couldn't put this one down because I was anxious to see what happened next.  It certainly gives hope to anyone in similar situations. She is an example of a woman with great faith. I would recommend this book to any woman.


Nora White attends our church and is actively involved in leading women's Bible studies, does counseling and is founder of Healing Hearts Ministries.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven" by Kevin & Alex Malarkey

At age 17, Alex recanted this story, saying he made it up.  See Boy Who Claimed He Went to Heaven Recants.  It's still a good story, but fiction.

This video is by the publisher of The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven which I thought really told about the book well:



The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin and Alex Malarkey is the true story told by the father and son who were in a terrible car accident together.  Alex, the 6-yr. old son, was severely injured and was in a coma for two months.  Many people gathered to pray for him and when Alex woke up, he told his parents about seeing Jesus and how beautiful heaven was.  Angels ministered to him and he was able to see five angels surround his dad at the scene of the accident.  Alex is the first child to have the “Christopher Reed” surgery so he could breathe without a ventilator.  Alex talked about Jesus to everyone he met.

This is an inspiring story of hope to those who have loved ones in comas or who are trusting God for healing.  The purpose of writing this book is to show the power of God and be an encouragement to others.  It is a remarkable story and the things Alex mentions about heaven are scriptural and consistent with what Captain Black wrote about in his book, Flight to Heaven.  It was heartwarming to see how believers in Jesus supported the family and came through for them time and again to meet their needs. 

The father also shares about the struggles their family was going through in addition to taking care of Alex which included, a new baby who came home just the day before the accident, financial struggles, marriage issues. The message of what an amazing God we have is throughout the book.

It is thought provoking and although maybe not a page turner, I liked it. If you are interested in reading a modern-day account about angels, heaven and spiritual warfare, I highly recommend this book!
(Karen's review)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"Flight To Heaven--A Plane Crash--A Lone Survivor--A Journey To Heaven and Back" by Captain Dale Black

Flight To Heaven:  A Lone Survivor--A Journey To Heaven and Back is an amazing true story about Captain Dale Black who was the lone survivor of a plane crash.  He wrote about how he recovered and what he went through which is the essence of this book.  What a testimony to his faith in Jesus this book is.  Flight To Heaven is a remarkable read.  I enjoyed it very much! 
(Gerard's review)

I never read a book like this before.  It is Captain Black’s true story about his Flight to Heaven—a plane crash…a lone survivor…A Journey To Heaven—And Back.  At age 19, he was the lone survivor in a plane crash.  His body was wrecked and he was in a coma for three days, during which time he experienced a bit of heaven.  His story is both interesting and amazing!  The book takes the reader through his spiritual journey as well as his physical one of making a recovery to fly again just a year after he crashed and became a pilot giving God the glory!  It was when he surrendered his will completely to God and let God be the “pilot” of his life instead of the co-pilot that his ankle was healed.  Dale Black shares his personal testimony about his faith in God, the time of testing he went through and how he came out with a deeper desire to take them along on the flight to heaven.  My favorite quote from this book is “. . . although I am small, I am connected to a very big God!” 

Flight to Heaven by Captain Dale Black is a fantastic story that I highly recommend to anyone.  It was interesting to me that he said love from and for others is the closest thing on Earth to heaven.  I liked that this book looked at his life on two levels, not only the physical recovery but also his personal spiritual journey.  This one is a "must read."

(Karen's review)

visit www.flighttoheaven.org
Related Review by The Parchment Girl

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

“The Listener—What If You Could Hear What God Hears?” By Terri Blackstock

The Listener--What If You Could Hear What God Hears? by Terri Blackstock is a short Christian fiction book that gets across the urgency to share about Jesus with people we come in contact with on a daily basis.  It’s about Sam, a Christian who hasn’t led anyone to Jesus in years and really never thought about it until God gives him a supernatural ability to actually hear the thoughts of people around him like God hears.  At first when he starts hearing voices, he thinks he’s going nuts, but then he sees how many people have spiritual needs and need to hear about Jesus that he tries to get more people from his church to go with him to witness.  The whole theme of this book is that people need the Lord and Christians need to introduce them to Him.

I enjoyed this book because it showed the urgency of reaching people with the gospel of Christ in such a fun way.  I recommend it to any Christian
Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace

"The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace has a wealth of scriptural advice for wives concerning their call to be a wife.  I never thought of it this way before.  The most foundational tip was to respect and be submissive to your own husband, seeking to be a "helper suitable" to him and to practice "mutual sanctification."  Any woman who wants to be a better wife should read this book and start practicing the principles discussed.   It also has encouragement and advice for Christian women who are married to unbelievers.  It makes for a good women's Bible study.

(Karen's review 1/09)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"Having A MARY Heart in a MARTHA World" by Joanna Weaver

When I saw this title, it peeked my curiosity because I have been making more of an effort to be more like Mary than a Martha.  It is a reference to a short story about two sisters in the Bible.  Martha is the busy frazzled one preparing the meal for the company and Mary is the one who visits with Jesus instead of helping Martha.  Jesus said Mary chose the better part.  I think Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World Joanna Weaver would make an excellent Bible study.  It is loaded with scripture and practical suggestions on how to have peace in the midst of our busy lives.  I loved the hula hoop and teetertotter analogies she included.  Peace is the result of spending quiet time with God each day in prayer and reading His Word, being teachable and obedient by abiding in Christ. 

Throughout Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Joanna draws from resources that she has found helpful, including Navigators 2:7 material.  I thought it was interesting that both the author and I were impacted by the same quote from the Navigators 2:7 material which was that “Christ is waiting for me to come spend time with Him.” 

The main point of Having a Mary Heart in  Martha World is to have a balance between our worship and service.  We should be a combination of both Mary and Martha!  Much of this book was already familiar to me but served as a good reminder to keep abiding in Christ and guarding my quiet time with Him.   Something that jumped out at me was about hospitality and being willing to help the less fortunate because I pass by beggars all the time going to or from work.  Joanna said, "As Christians, as a church, we are called to be hospitable, the very root of hospitality.  Our lives should be a refuge for the hurting, not a country club for the comfortable."  That really spoke to my heart.

This is not a book that goes fast.  There is a lot of “meat” in it and things to think through and apply to your life.  It gives you a lot to “chew” on.  In the back of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World were discussion questions for each chapter with more scripture, a list of suggested devotional books, recommended books related to ministry, sample forms for journaling and more.  I highly recommend Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World to anyone who is feeling overwhelmed with all they have to do or who is looking for a Bible Study that is practical and will make a difference in your life.   

NOTE:  I got this in paperback from the library.  I noticed on Amazon that apparently (according to one of the customer reviews) the hardback copy they sell does not include the discussion questions in the back.  Just a warning to be careful if you order this for a Bible Study. 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"You Can Do It" by Tony Dungy

You Can Do It by Tony Dungy is a children's book about his younger brother, Linden, who was worried about what he wanted to be when he grew up. It shares how Tony prayed for his brother and encouraged him.  It is a book that encourages children to dream and trust God for the future.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"Quiet Strength" by Tony Dungy

Quiet Strength is Tony Dungy’s autobiography (Colts head coach). I was very impressed with Tony Dungy's definition of success:

God gives each one of us unique gifts, abilities, and passions. How well we use those qualities to have an impact on the world around us determines how “successful” we really are.

I liked this book because it was about so much more than football, although he did include some coaching techniques and philosophy. 

Two of his teaching/coaching principles that stood out to me were:
1) Treat everyone fairly but not necessarily equal. What motivates one, doesn’t work for everyone.
2) Focus on those behind or who struggle and help them succeed.




Quiet Strength is an inspirational book that I highly recommend.  He shares how he relies on God in his daily life.  If you wonder where the role models are in sports, Tony is definitely one of them.  I enjoyed this book very much but couldn't get Gerard to read it because he just doesn't like the Colts.



(Karen's review 1/08)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"One Simple Act" by Debbie Macomber

If you want to be inspired to become more focused on others, read One Simple Act—Discovering the Power of Generosity by Debbie Macomber.  It inspired me from a Christian perspective to not only be more generous with money, but with so much more such as kindness, time, encouragement, forgiving, hospitality, gift giving and simply listening.  Debbie has written many Christian fiction books but wanted to share what she has learned about being “extravagantly generous.”  One Simple Act is loaded with scripture and practical examples of putting each principle into practice as well as some scientific research that lists physical and emotional benefits to those who practice an attitude of gratitude.  It is very well organized and a pleasure to read! 

 

This is the second book I have read in two weeks that has inspired me to be more focused on others.  I think God is telling me something here!  Generosity basically comes from thankfulness for all God has given us and compassion comes from empathy.  I am now going to look for ways each day to do a good deed, brighten someone’s day, show a little kindness and spend more time with people—yes, that means less time on the computer and less time with my nose in a book!  (The first was Season of Life--A Football Star, a Boy, a Journey to Manhood by Jeffrey Marx.)  I don’t own many books, but this is one I would like to have.  I highly recommend it!

Please tell us: What categories of literature do you like? What are you reading now? Who are your top five favorite authors? Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"Season of Life--A Football Star, A Boy, A Journey To Manhood" by Jeffrey Marx

Season of Life by Jeffrey Marx is about Joe Ehrmann, an ex-football player who became a minister and a high school football coach.  The author was a ball boy for the football team when he met Joe.  They lost contact but then got back in touch when the author, who grew up to be a journalist, decided to track down the former players and write about what they were doing.  Jeffrey Marx followed Joe's high school team for a year and found out that winning and losing is not the only things that Joe teaches them.  He taught them life lessons on how to be a man by being focused on others and not themselves.  With High School football coming up soon, this is a good book to read.  I enjoyed it a lot!
 (Gerard's review)

Season Of Life by Jeffrey Marx is a inspirational book that I highly recommend to any man, teen boy, parent, coach or teacher. It does not read like a text book at all.  I really enjoyed following the High School Football team through the eyes of the author.  Joe Erhmann is an example of a Godly man putting God’s Word into practice.   Season of Life is all about teaching boys to become men.  The author learns to improve his relationship with his father through watching Joe Erhmann model the basic strategic masculinity principles he learned from God’s Word as he teaches them to the high school football team he coaches. 

Jeffrey Marx looked up to Joe as a football player when Jeffrey was just a kid and connected with him again as a man.  Joe had a father who was always telling him to “be a man” and would punch him and tell him to be tough, that real men don’t cry.  He was into the “false masculinity” mindset of athletic ability, sexual conquest and economic success until his brother died.  While waiting at the hospital during his brother’s illness, he came across a poem that impacted his life by Edwin Markhm:

There is a destiny that makes us brothers;
None goes his way alone:
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own.

Then he searched for some real meaning to life and through talking to the team’s unofficial Chaplain and studying the Bible God transformed him into a devout Christian.  Joe became a minister and a high school football coach whose program included “building men for others.” 

He came to the realization that masculinity is all about relationships, being focused on others, and a code of conduct that includes accepting responsibility, leading courageously, enacting justice on behalf of others and empathy.  From here on he not only models these principles but also teaches them to the boys on his football team. 

The book that Joe gave to Jeffrey Marx that helped him get to actually know his father better is Questions For My Father—Finding The Man Behind Your Dad.  It’s just a collection of questions to ask to get communication flowing on a deeper level.  This may be helpful to someone so just thought I’d mention it.
(Karen's review)

Please tell us: What categories of literature do you like? What are you reading now? Who are your top five favorite authors? Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"Hannah's Hope" by Karen Kingsbury

Hannah's Hope by Karen Kingsbury, part of the Red Gloves series, is a nice story but very predictable and not very believable about a girl whose mother was traveling a lot and not home who married an ambassador to Sweden and the girl thought he was her father but later found out he wasn't, but that her real father was in the army over at war in Iraq. Prayed for her parents to be home for Christmas and mother came home to clear up all the media mess about their family that the girl created by going on a public search for her biological father and he got sent home early once he was rescued from being held prisoner.

This is a quick read but it contained some good suggestions in the back on ways to encourage servicemen.
(Karen's review 11/07)

Please tell us: What categories of literature do you like? What are you reading now? Who are your top five favorite authors? Have you read this one? What did you think of it?