" Just posted this weeks list of Christian Book Giveaways at The Vessel Project. We have 26 giveaways this week."
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"Another excellent resource from Missy Buchanan."
Missy Buchanan has a heart for senior citizens. Her books reflect this generous passion and is evident in all her books.
In Living With Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adul...more"Another excellent resource from Missy Buchanan."
Missy Buchanan has a heart for senior citizens. Her books reflect this generous passion and is evident in all her books.
In Living With Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults, she encourages older adults living in nursing homes or retirement facilities offering wisdom on topics such as loneliness, loss, and keeping self-pity at bay. In Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms, Missy offers select devotions for senior citizens. And now, Don't Write My Obituary Just Yet: Inspiring Faith Stories for Older Adults, Missy offers 30 redeeming stories highlighting the secret to living all of your days in peace, assurance, and honor.
Each of the 30 real life stories are followed by a scripture reference and a prayer. The book is printed in large print making it much easier for senior citizens to read.
What's inside? What kind of stories are contained in this book?
There is Flo, the straight-talking fact checker also known as 'the Annie Oakley of Medicare' that seems to impart joy every where she goes. She's a no-nonsense woman with a focus on the truly important things in this life and no time for the other.
There is Ed, the 90-year-old man who is still receiving the benefits of the seeds planted in his bible classes. His students still visit him at the retirement center just to offer thanks for the years he devoted to teaching them.
There is Roger, just a child when he vowed to his father to live an honorable life, he is still active and often vocal about Christians who put away their faith when the walk into their workplaces.
These are just a few of the thirty stories. If you ask me which one I'd like to be in my latter years, I think I would pick Flo. Matter of fact the cover photo is what I imagine Flo to look like.
Our pastor died in 2010 and during an interim time, I was given the honor of visiting the homebound members of our Church. I took copies of Missy Buchanan's books with me as gifts. The ladies I visited truly appreciated them.(less)
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" The weekly list of Christian book giveaways and contests is posted at The Vessel Project.
Click HERE"
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More than a few readers have dubbed Timothy Keller as the C. S. Lewis of our day. This is quite an impressive statement especially to me because of my particular fondness of Lewis' books. Not having read any of Timothy Keller's books, I was definitel...moreMore than a few readers have dubbed Timothy Keller as the C. S. Lewis of our day. This is quite an impressive statement especially to me because of my particular fondness of Lewis' books. Not having read any of Timothy Keller's books, I was definitely intrigued.
His words, his illustrations, and how he presented the gospel message matches Lewis' style. It did not surprise me to read that Lewis is of Keller's favorite author.
In King's Cross: The Story of the World in the Life of Jesus, Keller focuses on the Gospel of Mark and settles on some very interesting passages, not every single passage, but certain sections that point to Jesus and His Truth.
It is an exceptional book. There were many parts of this book that prompted me to think of Christianity in a different way, not a new way, but a different way.
This is what I love about reading various authors. The Gospel message is the same. It does not change. But reading it through the words of a surrendered heart, just leaves me in awe of a mighty God. Perhaps this is why we have four Gospels in our bibles. God must like that too.
What did I enjoy most? I loved reading Kellers' expansion on Lewis' view of the Trinity as a `dance`, how he constantly reminded the reader of the difference between religion and relationship, the reason he named the book as he did (ingenious), and the thought-provoking quotes like...
-"When Jesus comes back everything sad will become untrue."
-"Because faith is ultimately not a virtue; it's a gift."
-"All love, all real, life-changing love, is substitutionary sacrifice.You have never loved a broken person, you have never loved a guilty person, you have never loved a hurting person except through substitutionary sacrifice"
-"Jesus is both the rest and the storm, both the victim and the wielder of the flaming sword, and you must reject him on the basis of both. Either you'll have to kill him or you'll have to crown him. The one thing you can't do is just say, `What an interesting guy'"
My recommendation? Listen to me, if you buy only one book this year, buy this one. There is deep wisdom here, both from Keller and others. I highly recommend it for the novice to those who've walked with Jesus for years. You will read it and want to reread it again. I did.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project(less)
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The family that prays together, stays together. And the couples that allow Jesus to be the glue that keeps them together simply cannot fail.
How can I say that in our society today? Read it for yourself in I Corinthians 13:8. “Love Never Fails..“
Ever...moreThe family that prays together, stays together. And the couples that allow Jesus to be the glue that keeps them together simply cannot fail.
How can I say that in our society today? Read it for yourself in I Corinthians 13:8. “Love Never Fails..“
Everyone can spare a few minutes each day for a short devotion. If you cannot spare that much time to receive instruction that offers you a ‘never failing’ truth about love, this is not the Devotional for you.
The Love Dare Day by Day: A Year of Devotions for Couples, Unabridged Audio CD is an excellent help in cementing a marriage. A year of devotions based on the New York Times Bestselling book The Love Dare is presented in short, two minute, meditations and provides five devotions per week.
For those that are technology savvy, the product arrives in 8 CD’s that can easily be uploaded to a play list for mp3 players.
For the teachable Christian, this is an excellent resource, whether single or married. Just as in the movie Fireproof and in all other editions of the book, The Love Dare, there is one common concept presented. It is to dispel the idea that we should follow our heart and replaces that concept with the correct biblical instruction of leading our heart.
In these devotions, I found encouraging and convicting Scripture, practical illustrations, challenging questions, short prayers, and of course, the weekly dare. One of my favorite quotes from this book was …
“Love is the purest and most powerful motivator. It gives courage to a coward and wisdom to a fool.“
An excellent resource, I recommend it highly.(less)
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The subject of laws and taxes are not particularly interesting to those who are starting a freelance or consulting business. If you are considering starting a business as a freelancer or consultant, this is an excellent choice.
NOLO press publishes ...moreThe subject of laws and taxes are not particularly interesting to those who are starting a freelance or consulting business. If you are considering starting a business as a freelancer or consultant, this is an excellent choice.
NOLO press publishes exceptional resources and this book by Stephen Fishman is no exception. These 21 Chapters and 2 Appendices cover everything one would need to know about forming a freelance business and about the legal responsibilities of the self-employed.
Working for Yourself: Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers & Consultants by Stephen Fishman (8th edition) provides a vast amount of information for the writer or consultant. This is a gray area for many, especially writers, whose mind are much more oriented to creativity than to the business aspect of their livelihood.
As a paralegal, I was familiar with many of the terms, phrases, and concepts presented in this book which made it easier for me to go directly to specific sections. Even so, if I had not had any legal experience, I would highly recommend it. I plan to use it as a quick reference desk guide.
The ‘Forms and Documents‘ and ‘Sample Agreements‘ included in the Appendices were also very helpful. Sidebars, charts, and other tips as well as special sections labeled ‘caution‘ and ‘resources‘ are included throughout each Chapter.
If you are searching for a resource for the self-employed or if you are considering launching your own freelance or consulting company, I recommend this book (as all NOLO books) highly.(less)
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Do our children ever really grow up? In our culture today, parents face several a ‘new normal’ with their adult children.
If you have adult children who have made bad choices, what advice do they give them. Even if they’ve made good choices, their re...moreDo our children ever really grow up? In our culture today, parents face several a ‘new normal’ with their adult children.
If you have adult children who have made bad choices, what advice do they give them. Even if they’ve made good choices, their reality is vastly different than when you were a young adult. How then can we biblically parent our adult children both by our behavior and our instruction?
Take heart. How to Really Love Your Adult Children: Building a Healthy Relationship in a Changing World by Ross Campbell and Gary Chapman offers wise advice and solid biblical instruction to parents dealing with adult children.
Beginning with a profile of an adult child in today’s society and moving through red flag indicators and areas of concern, each chapter offers advice to parents of adult children with challenges like success (or heartbreaking failure), commitment and independence (or the lack thereof), facing lifestyle issues (sex and cohabitation.)
This is a needed book. I am the parent of adult children myself. In this changing society, I needed the advice provided here. Why, because the common thread running through all pages of this book was love. We can always learn to love better.
This book takes on some very hard topics. Homosexuality, Heterosexual Cohabitation, Addiction, among them. When each of these topics are addressed, the response of love is encouraged. Even when discussing tough love, the purpose is to make sure the adult child is confident in the bond or relationship with the parent.
Warnings signs are also discussed. Being aware of the symptoms of Depression, ADD, Passive-Aggressive behavior, and many more make the parent of an adult child much knowledgeable and aware.
So what is the most powerful advice I found in this book? It was the example of the parent. A kind, loving, prayed-up parent living out the advice they are offering goes much farther by way of instruction than any school, any book, or any intervention. This what will move your adult child …
“A by-product of good character is a legacy of stability, when a parent has made good decisions and exhibited clear thinking. Children watch when parents go through tough times and they learn how to handle difficult situations from what they see. An adult child facing tough times will ask ‘What would Mom and Dad do? How would they think this through? What advice would they seek from others? How would they pray about it?” - Chapter Ten, Leaving Your Child a Positive Legacy
Buy this book for yourself or a friend. It is wise counsel. Be prepared to contemplate some changes in your own life. I recommend it highly. Disclaimer The review copy plus one additional copy of this book was provided by Northfield publishers free of charge. One copy was donated to the library of Westwood Baptist Church and one copy was offered as a promotional giveaway.(less)
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“An eerie, engaging novel bringing to the light a unique view of those we judge as mental ill.” Being a fan of Ted Dekker, I knew the type of novel I would be reading when I selected The Bride Collector. Dekker is one of my favorite fiction authors. ...more“An eerie, engaging novel bringing to the light a unique view of those we judge as mental ill.” Being a fan of Ted Dekker, I knew the type of novel I would be reading when I selected The Bride Collector. Dekker is one of my favorite fiction authors. For instance, I knew I would find dark suspense (often not for the squeamish), tight well-written plot and dialogue, and a focus on some component of Christianity.What I did not expect was to begin to question my perception or at least to reconsider my perspective on what is truly considered ‘mentally ill.’
The story centers around Brad Raines, an FBI agent in pursuit of a deranged serial killer, who engages a select group of residents at the Center for Wellness and Intelligence, a facility for the highly intelligent mentally ill.
The killers identity is revealed early in the novel giving the reader an ‘insiders view’ of the mind of such a psychopath. He is on a mission from God, or so he believes. He kills beautiful women believing that he is delivering them to God and arranges the crime scene to display the victim as a perfect bride. The backdrop of the story is the interaction of Brad Raines with those we call mentally ill. These are exceptional bright people with mental disorders. This comparison of ideologies, the intelligent and the insane, intrigued me.
The element of frankness, innocence, and an untainted outlook on life is revealed in one of the most engaging characters, Paradise Foundry. She is intelligent but also damaged by events in her life. She doesn’t consider herself mentally ill but has no desire to leave the facility. Fear is her mental illness.
Loved this novel and appreciated that it contained no profanity or vulgarity. The best writers have no need for such things in their novels. I recommend it for those that love suspense and/or thrillers but I do warn those that are squeamish. I am looking forward to the next Dekker novel.(less)
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The Quest for Character by John MacArthur is a small book perfectly suited for anyone looking to dig into the scripture on the subject of character. Well written and logically arranged as you would expect from John MacArthur, pastor of Grace to You...moreThe Quest for Character by John MacArthur is a small book perfectly suited for anyone looking to dig into the scripture on the subject of character. Well written and logically arranged as you would expect from John MacArthur, pastor of Grace to You ministries.
Not your standard small hardcover gift book, Quest for Character contains glossy pages with beautiful images and graphics. It is a beautiful book but this doesn’t compete with the wisdom includes inside. There are four parts with 41 chapters, each focusing on a section of Scripture. Other Scriptures are also referenced and other authors are quoted adding insight and illustration.
Part One focuses on the Beatitudes from Matthew 5. MacArthur establishes the foundation by describing character in light of the Beatitudes. The topics covered here include humility, meekness, and maintaining a pure heart as well as many others.
Part Two discusses the issue of discipleship and drawing from II Peter. These chapter teach character as it relates to our actions and deeds. Topics covered in this section include: virtue, self-control, and godliness.
Part Three moves on to discuss the blessings and benefits that flow from those who first know the truth about character and the discipline required to live a life of character. Without trying, these blessings flow out of a person. These are the blessings of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Part Four discusses love, and not the wishy washy watered down version of what some understand as love. From I Corinthians 13, MacArthur relates that love is a choice. Making the choice to love, especially against our own ideas about what is right, is to triumph.
This is a short book but filled with wisdom, just what you expect from John MacArthur. I truly enjoyed reading this book. I am sure you will too.(less)
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The newest “Noir Bizarre” novel from T. L. Hines, The Falling Away, is a supernatural suspense similar to his previous novels Waking Lazarus and Faces in the Fire. It’s filled with humor, insanity, and a new take on the biblical phrase ‘..the falling...moreThe newest “Noir Bizarre” novel from T. L. Hines, The Falling Away, is a supernatural suspense similar to his previous novels Waking Lazarus and Faces in the Fire. It’s filled with humor, insanity, and a new take on the biblical phrase ‘..the falling away...’ from II Thessalonians 2:3.
Dylan Runs Ahead is a Native American from the Crow Tribe of Montana. Addicted to pain killers and running from the shame and guilt of the loss of his sister, Dylan tart running from the first few pages of the book.
This is a supernatural thriller that challenged my thinking of the term used in II Thessalonians. And it may change yours as well, at least it is a different view of the term.
What kind of characters will you find The Falling Away? Quiet an array of interesting groups of people such as supernatural exorcists, enigmatic cult leaders, and last but not least, quiet but quirky members of a sub-culture group that give their lives to ‘neutralize’ spiritual viruses.
It’s a non-stop supernatural thriller, the kind I’ve come to expect from T. L. Hines. I loved the Native American legends and the spiritual reference to end time events. This is a cleverly written book that ties several themes together. I must say it had me researching the term ‘…falling away…’ and driving me to consider whether this kind of scenario could actually happen.
This is a great read. I recommend it highly.(less)
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