Julie Arduini's Blog, page 28

Book Review: Roar Like a Lion by Levi Lusko +#GIVEAWAY

Kids are wrestling with tough issues these days—peer pressure, purpose, unexpected change or loss, and wondering where their faith fits in with it all. Roar Like a Lion encourages your kids to “run toward the roar” as they face their fears, knowing that God is with them every step of the way. 

Pastor and bestselling author Levi Lusko is known for making tough topics accessible while drawing his readers toward a richer spiritual life. In his first children’s devotional for ages 6 to 10, Levi tackles real issues our kids face with a lighthearted and approachable tone. Kids are equipped to approach both fun moments and tough times with their hearts set on God’s faithfulness with the help of fascinating stories and facts, eye-catching art, Bible verses, prayers, and simple action steps. 

This 90-day devotional covers highly relevant topics such as: 

facing fears about school and friendships having courage to try something new handling new challenges, past disappointments, and grief dealing with peer pressure and bullying understanding how we each fit into God’s great story 

As a parent and pastor, Levi is able to address real-life situations with compassion, grace, and biblical authenticity. Roar Like a Lion is a great way to spark discussion with your kids on meaningful topics and get them in the habit of reading a biblically-based devotional. 

Offering practical approaches to faith in everyday life, Roar Like a Lion will inspire your kids to nurture their personal faith in a God strong enough to protect and guide them as they run toward the roar during the challenges in their lives. 

JULIE’S REVIEW:

This book is perfectly timed for kids. As I look at the world around them, the need to be courageous and bold is a must. Roar Like a Lion gives all the info on how kids can strengthen their faith—and their roar. The devotions are not long, but packed with color, information, Biblical wisdom, and even a visual hunt for anchors. There are also animal facts, general trivia and history. Like I said, short readings, packed with so many resources kids can use. I was impressed as an adult. I really hope kids are given the opportunity to read Roar Like a Lion. They will not be disappointed.

Order Roar Like A Lion today!

 Many thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

Giveaway: Leave a comment and I will choose one winner via online generator to receive one copy of Roar Like a Lion. This giveaway is limited to US winners only.

Book Review: Chasing Her Dream by Jennifer Slattery

She needs his help…

But can she trust him again?

After she inherits her uncle’s mismanaged ranch, single mom Rheanna Stone’s not sure she can also handle saving abused horses from a nearby property. So when rancher Dave Brewster offers to stay in town to help, she can’t say no—even if he left her once before. As they grow closer, old secrets are uncovered…but can they heal past heartbreak to give themselves a new beginning?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Julie’s Review:

Chasing Her Dream is a perfect reading escape. I always enjoy an inherited property and a hero and a heroine with a past. What I really enjoyed was the added element of a single parent and abused horses in need of rescue.

This is a sweet story full of hope and romance. I really enjoyed this, and I think you will, too.

Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who’s addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She’s the author of six contemporary novels maintains a devotional blog found at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com. She has a passion for helping women discover, embrace, and live out who they are in Christ. As the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, (http://whollyloved.com) she and her team partner with churches to facilitate events designed to help women rest in their true worth and live with maximum impact. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall dates with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband.

I received a copy of Chasing Her Dream in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated and all opinions are my own.

The King’s Daughters by B.J. Bassett

I Said Yes to God’s Call

I enjoy reading about the story behind the story. And I hope you do too because I’d like to share mine with you.

My book, The King’s Daughters—A Women’s Devotional, began unexpectedly. I was in between fiction projects when I felt a call from the Lord to write a devotional book.

I’d written devotionals for many years for several Christian publishers, and per the contracts, I’d sold my rights to them. Could I come up with 366 new devotional ideas for a book?

Obediently I set my fiction writing aside, answered God’s call, and began to write. The working title for the project was Your Crown Awaits, and it took two years to write. When completed, I began to submit the manuscript to literary agents and soon learned devotionals are hard to sell, especially if you aren’t a recognized name in the Christian realm.

After receiving rejection after rejection, I stowed the manuscript in a box and said, “Lord, if you called me to write this book for your eyes only, that’s okay with me.”

Months later, I received a love-offering check from one of my cousins. At first, I planned to rip it up or send it back. Then, I thought, is this God working through my cousin? Does he want me to use the check to self-publish my book?

Technology is not my forte, but I plowed ahead and did my best to format my manuscript. I wasn’t happy with the cover because the pictures I took of a crown on a purple background didn’t upload correctly. I also changed the title to The King’s Daughters—A Women’s Devotional at the last second.

Today, The King’s Daughters—A Women’s Devotional is blessing others and helping them grow spiritually. It is also posted on Facebook daily, reaching a broader readership.

That’s the story behind how The King’s Daughters—A Women’s Devotional came to be written and published. I said yes to God’s call.

The King’s Daughters—A Women’s Devotional is available on Amazon.com. Signed copies can be purchased at bassett106@charter.net. They are $10, plus shipping and handling. Enter The King’s Daughters in the subject line.

B. J. Bassett

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher, and speaker.

Her books include Lily, Gillian’s Heart; Sweet Charity; and co-author of a children’s devotional, My Time with God, which sold 55,000 copies while in print.  

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life but also as a writer. She also offers book talks.

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam, and sipping earl grey tea. A native Californian, she now lives in Roseburg, Oregon.

Fiction Finder: September 2021New Releases

September 2021 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary/Women’s Fiction:

The Gathering Table by Kathryn Springer — Winsome Lake, Wisconsin, is postcard pretty, but for personal chef Jessica Keaton it’s also a last resort. Fired from her dream job, Jess is starting over as a live-in cook and housekeeper. When she arrives, she finds her new employer is in rehab after having a stroke, and Jess expects she’ll be all alone in Elaine Haviland’s quaint house. A chef with no one to cook for. Instead, she encounters a constant stream of colorful visitors who draw her back into the world. (Contemporary/Women’s Fiction from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

Contemporary Romance:

The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipston — When Brianna Porter’s father unexpectedly dies, Brianna is steeped in grief and guilt—then left alone to clean up the mess. To make matters worse, a constant stream of real estate brokers begins marching through her property, offering to buy the family land. In particular, she keeps running into handsome real estate mogul Scott Gibson. As Brianna struggles to keep it all together, Scott finds his way into her heart. And as the two fight against their feelings, they just might find themselves forging a surprising and exciting new love at Splendid Lake. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan))

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano — All theater romances are tragedies. Ella Blythe knows this. Still, she cannot help but hope her own story may turn out different than most–and certainly different than the tragic story of the Ghost of Craven Street Theater. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan))

Historical Romance:

Brides of the Old West by Amanda Cabot — Four unlikely couples. Four unexpected chances at happiness. Four unforgettable stories of love and faith in the Old West. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Daria’s Duke by Linda Shenton Matchett — After the death of her father, Daria Burke is thrust into the role of a servant by her stepmother. Locked in her room one night, Daria watches as the woman and her daughters sashay from the house wearing her mother’s gowns and jewelry. Realizing she’ll never be accepted as family, she flees the house and applies to be a mail-order bride. Then the sheriff arrives on the eve of her wedding with an arrest warrant. Can she prove her innocence or will she go to jail and lose her one chance at happiness? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Hers to Love by Sherrinda Ketchersid — Fiona McGowan, a beautiful Scottish widow without hope for a family of her own, travels to St. Mary’s Convent to become a nun. In route she is kidnapped by handsome Highlander Adam MacIntosh in a case of mistaken identity. Adam, laird of the MacIntosh clan, is attempting to free his brother held captive by the rival Fergus clan. The failure of his plan leaves him reeling with betrayal, death, and a wee babe in sore need of a healer. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Mystery:

The Notorious Noel Caper by Sally Carpenter — A former teen idol investigates murders at a Christmas theme park while he tries to figure out his relationship with his girlfriend. (Mystery/Cozy from Cozy Cat Press)

The Secret of Emerald Cottage by Julie Lessman — Twenty-five-year-old Molly Stewart—ex-Navy nurse and former evidence technician for the Charleston Police Department—has been burned by love. So when her friend, Pastor Chase Griffin, begs her to move to scenic Lake Loon to be a nurse and companion for Miss Lilly, his elderly landlady, she jumps at the chance. The secluded and cozy cottage on a clear mountain lake seems the perfect place to heal from her fiancé’s betrayal as well as indulge in one of her greatest passions—cozy romance. First with reading them by the bookcase and then hopefully, if dreams come true, writing and solving them one day as an author and detective. But when Miss Lilly’s estranged great nephew shows up, it’s no mystery as to why he and Molly butt heads. Because it only takes one stolen kiss—while she’s sleeping, no less—to discover he’s an even bigger player than the ex-fiancé who broke her heart. (Romance/Mystery, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:

Home Run by Cathe Swanson — Phoebe Schenstrom’s always been a bit bossy. After all, she’s the oldest of ten children, has worked as a nanny and run the children’s ministry at the Unity Plenkiss Community Center for three years. But when a clash – or two – with clients leads to her suspension, she needs to prove that she’s more than a babysitter. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Personal Threat by Kimberly Rose Johnson — Christmas is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but when Sally’s young daughter, Emma, becomes the target of child traffickers, and the little girl’s biological father wants Sally dead, the Christmas season takes a dark turn. Police officer, Dillon Brady, responds to a call for help at the home of his friend and Protection Inc. bodyguard, Sally Wilson. When their relationship tips beyond friendship, Dillon is determined no one will hurt Sally or her daughter again. Will his resolve be enough? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Speculative Fiction:

The Next Fithian: An Ordinary Teen on a Strange, New World by Rick Barry — Was this a new life – or a death sentence? When Rankin Johnson boards a flight to Israel, he expects an adventure in archeology. But the airplane comes under attack and explodes in midair. Rankin shouts, “God, I’m yours!” Instantly, he’s in some other place. An angel informs Rankin the Lord is pleased to accept his offer. He dubs Rankin “the next Fithian” – a messenger from God, not to Earth, but to planet Zemna in the alternate dimension. What happened to the previous Fithian? “He was killed,” the angel says before vanishing. (Speculative Fiction/Soft Science Fiction, Independently Published)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

 

  A Summer in Shady Springs by Sarah Anne Crouch, How can Madeleine help A.J. discover a passion for the career he’s always wanted? And how can A.J. convince Madeleine to give God and Shady Springs a second chance? (Contemporary Romance)

 

  Engaged: A Novel by K.L. Gilchrist, One bride. One groom. One unapologetically dope trip to the altar. (General Contemporary)

 

  Moose Ridge: Ending to Beginning by Craig Hastings, Jazmine just knows, for once, everything is going to be exactly how she always dreamed it could be. Then she’s handed the letter. (Contemporary Romance)

 

  Requilted with Love by Carrie Fancett Pagels, Find humor, family relationships, and romance blossoming at the 1889 Michigan State Fair in Lansing when a quilter finds herself literally falling for a balloonist! (Historical Romance)

 

  Cold Case Double Cross by Jessica R. Patch, They’re on a cold trail and running out of time. (Thriller Suspense)

Book Review: Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong

How far would you go to find the perfect husband? All the way back to the 1950s?

In a world full of happily-ever-after love, Meri Newberg feels like the last young woman on the planet to be single, at least in her Christian friend group. So when she’s handed a strange present at the latest wedding–a 1950s magazine article of “ways to get a husband”–she decides there’s nothing to lose by trying out its advice. After all, she can’t get any more single, can she?

Her brother’s roommate sees the whole thing as a great opportunity. Not to fall in love–Kai Kamaka has no interest in the effort a serious relationship takes. No, this is a career jump start. He talks Meri into letting him film every silly husband-catching attempt for a new online show. If it goes viral, his career as a cameraman will be made.

When Meri Me debuts, it’s an instant hit. People love watching her lasso men on street corners, drop handkerchiefs for unsuspecting potential beaus, and otherwise embarrass herself in pursuit of true love. But the longer this game goes on, the less sure Kai is that he wants Meri to snag anyone but him. The only problem is that he may not be the kind of husband material she’s looking for . . .

With droll comic timing, unbeatable chemistry, and a zany but relatable cast of characters, Angela Ruth Strong has created a heartfelt look at the reality of modern Christian dating that readers will both resonate with and fall for.

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Julie’s Review:

I love the premise behind this book. Although I’d be insulted if I was gifted with how to land a man with suggestions from the 50’s. Meri’s spunk makes the challenges charming and fun instead of drudgery. I didn’t find Kai as appealing but as the book went on I was rooting for him.

Husband Auditions has a strong voice, lots of smiles, and a perfect way to end the summer.

I received Husband Auditions in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated.

Book Review: Psalms—Real Prayers for Real Life

How long? Why is this happening? Where are you, God? For centuries, God’s people have learned to go to God with their real questions, struggles, and everyday needs by reading and studying the Psalms. In this practical, gospel-rich small group study, authors Barbara Juliani and Patric Knaak guide participants in learning how the Psalms give us words to pray about the real struggles in our lives.   Faith in Christ brings us into a living relationship with God, which means we can go to God in every circumstance and with every reaction of our hearts. We don’t need to pretend things are good when they are not, or that we are strong when we are not. The Psalms are God’s gift to his people—his own words we can pray to strengthen our hearts and faith.   


About the authors:
Barbara Miller Juliani, MA, is an author, Bible teacher, and editor. She cowrote Come Back Barbara with her father, C. John “Jack” Miller, edited a book of his letters, The Heart of a Servant Leader and a daily devotional, Saving Grace, authored several minibooks, and is the coauthor of Psalms: Real Prayers for Real Life. She is also the Vice President and editorial director for New Growth Press where she oversees acquisitions and content. Her husband Angelo is the founding pastor of Bridge Community Church and they have four children and eleven grandchildren.
Patric Knaak, MDiv, is the Area Director for Renewal at Serge where he leads their publication, teaching, training, and mentoring ministries. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America, Patric has worked in curriculum development and was the pastor for spiritual formation at Naperville Presbyterian Church (IL) before joining Serge. He is the author of On Mission: Devotions for Your Short-Term Trip and coauthor of Psalms: Real Prayers for Real Life. A veteran of nearly a dozen mission trips, he’s seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to living out grace at the fray.  

About the authors: Barbara Miller Juliani, MA, is an author, Bible teacher, and editor. She cowrote Come Back Barbara with her father, C. John “Jack” Miller, edited a book of his letters, The Heart of a Servant Leader and a daily devotional, Saving Grace, authored several minibooks, and is the coauthor of Psalms: Real Prayers for Real Life. She is also the Vice President and editorial director for New Growth Press where she oversees acquisitions and content. Her husband Angelo is the founding pastor of Bridge Community Church and they have four children and eleven grandchildren. Patric Knaak, MDiv, is the Area Director for Renewal at Serge where he leads their publication, teaching, training, and mentoring ministries. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America, Patric has worked in curriculum development and was the pastor for spiritual formation at Naperville Presbyterian Church (IL) before joining Serge. He is the author of On Mission: Devotions for Your Short-Term Trip and coauthor of Psalms: Real Prayers for Real Life. A veteran of nearly a dozen mission trips, he’s seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to living out grace at the fray.  

My Review:

Psalms—Real Prayers for Real Life is an uplifting and inspiring Bible Study. Although perfect for groups, I went through it alone and learned a lot and came away encouraged. The authors take various Psalms and explain them in ways that make sense for whatever you might be facing. There are exercises to work through and questions for discussion.

My favorite was Psalm 91. I’ve read it several times but there was so much this study showed that I never considered before. It took several lines and showed what a fear might be and how the Psalm gives answers on how to have victory in fear.

The authors also used the Psalms to show how to lament. That’s an aspect of Christian living I think we don’t understand or apply to our lives. The Psalms are a great way to bring lamentation to our prayer life.

If the Psalms are new to you or you think you know them well, I believe Psalms—Real Prayers for Real Life will be a positive addition to your Bible study experience. I highly recommend.

I received this study in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated and all opinions are my own.

Book Review: Relying on the Love of God (1 John)

What do you rely on to get through your day? The things we rely on are also what define us—our family, education, job, accomplishments, money. For the apostle John, nothing defined him more than the love of God in Jesus, and that is what he relied on every moment of every day. Scotty Smith takes readers through 1 John and shows how a rich understanding of the love of God prepares us to thrive in times of great stress and strengthens us for every season of life.   Relying on God’s love brings true joy that empowers us to be faithful in the face of opposition. Discover how we are to live in this world as children of light and how the best way to defeat spiritual warfare is to be preoccupied with Jesus. Participants will learn how knowing Jesus equals loving Jesus, and loving Jesus equals loving others. Because the Father already loves us as much as he loves Jesus, he is committed to making us like Jesus. About the author:

Scotty Smith, DMin, planted and pastored Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN, for twenty-six years. He worked on the pastoral staff of West End Community Church as teacher-in-residence and also served as adjunct faculty for Covenant Seminary, Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia), Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando), and Western Seminary (Portland, OR). He is the author of Everyday Prayers, Every Season Prayers, Ephesians: The Love We Long For, Revelation: Hope in the Darkness, and 1 John: Relying on the Love of God. Scotty and his wife, Darlene, live in Franklin, TN. 

My Review:

This is a great group study for those longing to know more about Christ who are fairly new to the Bible, or those in need of a reminder of His love for you. The author breaks down 1 John in a way that is easily understandable and relatable with author stories. There are also articles to read that further help, as well as group discussion and individual reflection. Each chapter is easy to navigate and go through without too much time, yet there’s much to learn about yourself and Christ’s love.

If you’re looking for a life-changing Bible study that is easy to go through, consider 1 John: Relying on the Love of God.

This study was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated and all views are my own.

The Difficult Words of Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine

 
 

There are times when Jesus taught things that seem problematic to contemporary readers. His comments lead to difficult questions about family values, economics, social justice, and religious respect. Jesus spoke 2,000 years ago, but the questions he raises are the ones with which we continue to struggle. In The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings (Abingdon Press), Vanderbilt University professor Amy-Jill Levine gives cultural, historical, and biblical context to some of the most difficult teachings of Jesus to help readers better understand how those teachings spoke to his first-century audience, and how they continue to speak to us today.  

Part 1 of an Interview with Amy-Jill Levine,
Author of The Difficult Words of Jesus
Q: Introduce us to your new Bible study, The Difficult Words of Jesus . In what ways are these words of Jesus “difficult”?
 
There are passages where Jesus tells his followers to hate their families, suggests the impossibility of a rich person entering the kingdom of heaven, appears to threaten individuals and entire cities with damnation, sanctions a positive image of slavery, denies an initial mission to gentiles, and says that Jews are children of the devil. These are only a few of the difficult sayings the Gospels ascribe to Jesus. Readers from antiquity to the present have wrestled with them. Different generations have found different interpretations, for what worked five hundred or even fifty years ago may no longer work today.
 
Similarly, the Scriptures of Israel (the Old Testament, the Tanakh) have difficult passages about rape, holy war, and divine violence. Our task as readers is to wrestle with these passages; that is what “Israel” traditionally means, to “wrestle with God.” The Bible is not simply to be read, it must also be interpreted. That’s what makes the text a living document. More to discuss texts, especially difficult texts, with others keeps a community healthy. I find that every time I teach a biblical text, my students ask questions I had not considered; they find new insights that I had not seen. Each time I read a text, I find new connections not only to other biblical texts but also to what I read in the morning’s headlines.
 
Q: You start right off in the introduction of the book by writing that the role of a religious community is not to be like sheep, despite all the sheep and shepherd metaphors found in scripture. Why is it important to wrestle with passages that confuse us rather than simply take them as we’ve been taught in the past?
 
We were taught many things in the past: that slavery was part of the natural order, that genocide is part of divine will, that belief should be based in fear of hell. Our task is not to be sheep—surely, we can have better career aspirations. Our task is to interpret the text in light of ongoing revelation provided by science, sociology, and recognition that everyone is in the image and likeness of God. We are not restricted to living in “first-century Bible land”—we live in the twenty-first century, and our task is to see what the Bible says to us today.
 
A mature faith wrestles with these questions, and it wrestles with the texts that prompt the questions. The courageous move is to address our problematic texts rather than to ignore them. The pastoral move is to acknowledge that they have caused harm and can continue to do so, rather than tell the people worried about holding a bank account or fearful at the end of life of a fiery hell or dismissive of the Gospels because they see an acceptance of slavery, “You’re overreacting,” or “Let’s just look at some other verses.” The theological move is to let the Holy Spirit guide our readings so that we can find life abundant, rather than fear and hatred. One does not need to be a biblical scholar to address problematic texts. I am more worried when people don’t find anything in the Bible that is at all problematic; I am even more worried when they dismiss the questions that others raise. We do our congregations, and especially our youth, a disservice when we do not question what a text means or wrestle with what we believe a text is saying. Discipleship does not mean becoming sheep.
 
Q: Please explain what you mean by the Bible is less a book of answers than a book that helps us ask the right questions.
 
The Bible speaks to issues that cross time and space—of family values, economics, life after death, ethnic prejudice, resource allocation, sin and salvation. It gives different answers to different people at different times, which is entirely appropriate, since human culture and knowledge, economic resources and national concerns differ across time and space. A message for a rich master may be inappropriate for a poor slave; comments that sound inspirational to members of one group may sound hateful to members of another. But in all cases, the messages and comments require our engagement. In that engagement, we ask the right questions even as we learn that answers may vary depending on time and place.
 
If we look at the Bible as a book that helps us ask the right questions rather than as an answer sheet, we honor both the Bible and the traditions that hold it sacred. For example, the Bible forces us to ask questions about economics: the sources of our resources, the way we use them, the hold they have on us. It raises questions not only about family values, but also about our identity both in relation to our parents, siblings, partners, and children, as well as the identity we want to construct for ourselves. How and for what do we want to be remembered? It reminds us of how normal the institution of slavery was to people in antiquity—and to people across the globe not only just a few centuries ago but also, in some places, even today. It demands that we take seriously what we proclaim to be the heart of our tradition: How can we claim that everyone is in the divine image and at the same time think of people as property, or as less than human? Congregations today may want to wrestle with the image of the ideal disciple as a slave, and with the image of Jesus as a slave to all: for some the images are liberating, and for others they are death-dealing.
 
Q: What are some things that a twenty-first century reader should keep in mind when trying to get to the root of a message originally written to a first century reader?
 
Jesus spoke to Jews living in the first-century Roman Empire, not to Christians living in a twenty-first century participatory democracy. Jesus spoke to people who were a minority in the Empire, not to people who are in the majority in North America or Europe. Jesus spoke in the vocabulary of the traditions of Israel, of Deuteronomy and Isaiah and Amos, a vocabulary substantially unfamiliar to the increasingly biblically illiterate readers of today. If we do not know the commandments and traditions of this earlier Scripture, and if we do not know how Jews of the first century interpreted those texts, we will inevitably misunderstand Jesus.
 
The books of the Bible were written in specific times and places by specific people who had messages for their readers. Sometimes those messages do not make a good transition from the first century to the twenty-first. And sometimes the questions we in the twenty-first century have do not find good connections to the Gospel texts.
 
In no case will we fully understand what a Scripture means. First, we can make educated guesses as to what Jesus said and did, but we do not have access to him directly; rather, we only have the memories, as flawed as memories always are, of what the Gospel writers, themselves not necessarily eyewitnesses, recorded. Moreover, Jesus spoke in Aramaic, the New Testament is written in Greek, and we are reading the English translation. Second, the meaning of Scripture is not static, for along with questions of history, we also bring to the text our own questions. People who hold the text as sacred or authoritative will always bring to the text new questions and find in it new lessons.
 
Q: In addition to the study itself, what other resources are available to go along with The Difficult Words of Jesus ?
 
The Difficult Words of Jesus is a book can be read independently or used with the companion study resources in a group setting. In addition to the book there is a Leader Guide as well as video sessions available. The Leader Guide includes session outlines for each group meeting with Scripture, prayer, opening activity, discussion questions, activity, and closing call to action.
 
On the six-session DVD, I guide participants through each chapter. The videos are also available via digital download from Cokesbury.com, or streaming through a subscription to Amplify Media. The video sessions are 10-12 minutes in length and, when combined with the six chapters from the book, make an ideal six-week group study.
  ###
The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings
 
Available August 3, 2021 from Abingdon Press
 
Paperback ISBN: 9781791007577 / $16.99
eBook ISBN: 9781791007584 / $16.99
 
Leader Guide Paperback ISBN: 9781791007591 / $14.99
eBook ISBN: 9781791007607 / $14.99
 
DVD ISBN: 9781791007614 / $39.99
    About the author
  Amy-Jill Levine is University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies and Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies Emerita at Vanderbilt Divinity School and College of Arts and Sciences.
 
An internationally renowned scholar and teacher, she is the author of numerous books including Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi, Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week, Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent, and Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven. Her latest release is The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings. She is also the coeditor of the Jewish Annotated New Testament.
 
Professor Levine has done more than 500 programs for churches, clergy groups, and seminaries on the Bible, Christian-Jewish relations, and Religion, Gender, and Sexuality across the globe.

Vacation Revelation

Ah, vacation. The sun. The sand. The people. The traffic. The long lines. Wait. Why is this appealing?

That tends to be how fast my mind goes when it comes to vacation. I’m an introvert, and my home is a nice place for me to land. If anything, my ideal vacation is when everyone else leaves the house so I get alone time. It’s not normal, but that’s me.

Yet I knew this year I needed away. After a cruise to Hawaii to mirror our parent’s dream trip got canceled, we settled on meeting my sister and nephew half-way from our homes in Lancaster, PA, and then spending a few days in Ocean City, Maryland. On paper, sounds fantastic.

And for the most part, it was.

Our time in Lancaster started with the Sight and Sound theater to see Queen Esther. It was everything I was told, and more. Esther is my favorite book in the Bible aside from the gospels, and I cried watching it unfold in front of me. The stage was amazing. We sat up front and could hear the electronic ramp when it turned on, so we knew horses were able to gallop by. Doves flew. The music brought my husband and I to tears. The costumes were outstanding. That was a highlight and I’d go back in a minute.

Ocean City was tougher. The hotel room was gorgeous with bay views. The customer service was not friendly. The elevators were for the guests, the staff and their humongous carts, and guest dogs. I’m a dog lover but I would never take him with me to a tourist town. Not only am I anxious, Tucker is. And he’s not the only one. We heard one dog cry and scratch at the door for hours. It broke my heart. The dogs who vacationed were all shapes and sizes. There was one dog that was 140 pounds of fluff and dude took up the elevator. That’s just not my thing, so the elevator wait and cramming got old fast.

We did enjoy the ocean, shopping, I absolutely loved Assateague Island, putt-putt, and the boardwalk started nice. Then a storm blew in and decided to stay despite the forecast. No one was prepared. I was already sore and moving slower because of tension. A wet boardwalk with waterlogged shoes with no support was disaster. I froze. I could barely walk. It took grabbing the boardwalk wall with one hand and the back of benches with another to even move. It was awful. The pain stayed and by the time I returned home, my chiropractor adjusted my back, neck, and gave exercises for my strained knees and hamstrings.

Yikes.

It certainly wasn’t a vacation fail but honestly? I came home feeling like a failure. Even my husband suggested I “see someone” to talk about my fear. As he watched me walk, he noted it was as soon as I got fear. I’d walk fine, see something, stop, and start walking on my tip toes. That added pain to my back, knees, and hamstrings. Counseling is not something that flows from my husband’s mouth easily, so I knew it was time to do something.

I listen to The Office ladies podcast and they have a discount for listeners through Better Help. I checked it out and used the discount. Already I have worksheets and exercises that have helped a lot. I saw my chiropractor and am at about 95% at my normal walking. I went forward (actually backward) for prayer as a pastor mentioned knee and back problems. Although the prayer team was capable, a name kept coming to mind who was behind me. I barely reached her before I burst into tears. It wasn’t my knee and back that needed healing.

It was my broken heart and anxiety.

On the other side of vacation I am able to admit I’m not a vacation person. It is difficult for me. I don’t like to be rushed. I hate escalators and those weird moving sidewalks. I don’t like being crammed with strangers. But I do love being around my family. Watching sunsets. Trying new places to eat. Shopping for souvenirs.

I’m not done traveling this year. That’s hard because I want to be home and return to my schedule. But that’s where things are and they are family related trips. During prayer I received a huge revelation.

I live as if I have to bring my “A game” to every situation or I fail my family.

Julie ARduini

No wonder my body gave up. Who can survive under that kind of stress day in and day out, especially after some pro-longed trauma and grief?

What I find hilarious is I write with a surrender brand.

What do I need to do the most right now?

Surrender.

And that’s what I learned on vacation.

Fiction Finder: August 2021 New Releases

August 2021 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

 

Amish Romance:

 

 

The Cowboy’s Amish Haven by Pamela Desmond Wright — Her home and her heart are on the line…

On the same day Gail Schroder’s faced with losing her Amish family ranch, her old crush Levi Wyse shows up on her doorstep. He doesn’t know that when he left ten years ago he’d taken Gail’s heart with him. Now Levi’s her only hope of keeping a roof over her head. But can this cowboy teach Gail the ropes in time to save her home? (Amish Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

An Amish Schoolroom by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray — From three bestselling authors of Amish fiction come three charming stories of new school years and new romance. (Amish Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan))

 

Contemporary Romance:

To Bring You Back by Emily Conrad — He’s determined to confront the past she’s desperate to forget. When Adeline Green’s now-famous high school crush descends on her quiet life, a public spotlight threatens to expose her deepest regret. After eight years of trying to bury her mistakes under a life of service, she’s broke financially and spiritually. The last thing she can afford is feelings for the man who took center stage in her past—even if he does claim to know the secret to her redemption. But when Gannon’s fame and their mutual regrets jeopardize their relationship anew, will grace be enough to bring them back to God and each other? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

 

Cornerstone by Nancy J. Farrier — She’s been hurt one time too many—can his patience and love may heal her empty places. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson — When Meg Whitaker’s father decides to sell the family’s lobster-fishing business to her high school nemesis, she sets out to prove she should inherit it instead. Though she’s never had any interest in running the small fleet–or even getting on a boat due to her persistent seasickness–she can’t stand to see Oliver Ross take over. Not when he ruined her dreams for a science scholarship and an Ivy League education ten years ago.
(Contemporary Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

The Cottage on Seagull Lane by Patti Jo Moore — Mindi Kirkland hopes her move to the quaint town of Ocean Mist, Florida, will help her move forward in her life. The widowed introvert is happy to live closer to her grown daughter, and has no interest in romance after enduring a painful marriage to an alcoholic. (Contemporary Romance from Winged Publications)

A Mother’s Strength by Allie Pleiter — Will finding her son a friend lead to forever love? Single mom Molly Kane will do anything to help her son overcome his anxieties—including enlisting former police officer Sawyer Bradshaw to give him golf lessons. Sawyer’s a loner, yet he quickly forms a bond with little Zack. And with Molly. But protecting Zack means Molly must keep her heart off-limits from Sawyer, even as her little boy draws them together…(Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

 

Historical Romance:

 

A Warrior’s Heart by Misty M. Beller — Brielle Durand is a key defender and hunter for her people’s peace-loving French settlement in the Canadian mountains. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret homes, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. She won’t allow another massacre like the one that killed her mother a dozen years before. But now, what to do with this man who looks at her in a strange way? (Historical Romance from Bethany House (Baker) Publishing)

The Debutante’s Secret by Mary Davis — Will Geneviève open her heart to a love she never imagined? Geneviève Marseille, a French socialite, has only one purpose in coming to Kamola—stopping her brother from digging up the past. She has reluctantly journeyed alone to the quaint college town in central Washington State. Kamola is so different from her beloved Paris that she is tempted to abort her mission, but the kindness of a handsome deputy tempers her desire to flee. (Historical Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)

Beyond These War-Torn Lands by Cynthia Roemer — The War brought them together ~ Would it also tear them apart?
While en route to aid Confederate soldiers injured in battle near her home, Southerner Caroline Dunbar stumbles across a wounded Union sergeant. Unable to ignore his plea for help, she tends his injuries and hides him away, only to find her attachment to him deepen with each passing day. But when her secret is discovered, Caroline incurs her father’s wrath and, in turn, unlocks a dark secret from the past which she is determined to unravel. (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)

Rose Among Thornes by Terrie Todd — War might be raging overseas, but Rose Onishi is on track to fulfill her lifelong goal of becoming a concert pianist. When forced by her government to leave her beloved home in Vancouver and move to the Canadian prairie to work on the Thornes’ sugar beet farm, her dream fades to match the black dirt staining her callused hands. Though the Thorne family is kind, life is unbearably lonely. In hopes that it might win her the chance to play their piano, Rose agrees to write letters to their soldier son. Will Rusty survive the war only to encounter the Japanese on his own doorstep? Can Rose overcome betrayal and open her heart? Or will the truth destroy the fragile bond their letters created? (General Historical from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

 

Speculative:

 

 

Into the Unknow by Daphne Self, Daniel Peyton, Lauren Smyth, Eric Landfried, Allen Steadham, P.S. Patton, and Jake Tyson
— Humanity has spread and colonized regions of the galaxies. As their reach expanded, countries, colonies, and planets joined to form the Federated Nations, providing a centralized government among the stars. Along with the Science Conglomerate—who explores and researches the unknown regions—and the Judicial Clerical Court—purveyors of truth, history, and justice—humanity discovers new beings, wondrous worlds, old temptations, and strength in horrendous trials. (Speculative from Ambassador International)

 

Mystery/Thriller/Suspense:

 

 

One Hundred Proof Murder by Mary Ellis — ravel writer Jill Curtis is in Louisville, Kentucky, on the next stop of her bourbon tour assignment, and is keen to explore the local distilleries with her videographer, Michael Erickson – especially since her new beau, Lieutenant Nick Harris, lives in the city. But the night before Jill’s first tour at Parker’s Distillery, she is shocked to learn that the master distiller, William Scott, has died suddenly of a heart attack – and even more shocked when she discovers William’s daughter, Alexis, suspects foul play. Is there more to William’s death than meets the eye? Jill is soon drawn into a deadly blend of rivalry, jealously, and cold-blooded murder as she attempts to uncover the truth behind William’s unexpected demise. (Cozy Mystery from Severn House)

Exile by Brian Shotton — Gone for three years, Scott returns home to find Aurora in decay. A curse has descended on the small Kentucky town. Someone is convincing the young to take their own lives, and with each suicide the death-cycle grows stronger, entangling all it touches. Scott and Father Stan must find the source of the evil if they hope to heal and restore community. Meanwhile, Dee and Tim find their own trouble at the Order of the Third Sister. A demon has infiltrated the Sisters, hellbent on discovering the truth behind the prophecy of the Scion and secretly ushering in the destruction of the enclave. (Thriller/Suspense/Biblical, Independently Published)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

 

 

Hunt for a Hometown Killer by Mary Dodge Allen, Small towns have secrets and skeletons… what happens when a sinkhole uncovers them? (Thriller/Suspense)

 

 

Counterfeit Captive by Susan Page Davis, A chance for escape takes two unlikely allies on a romantic adventure along a desert trail. (Historical Romance)

 

 

P.W. Stone and the Missing Kingdom by S.C. Easley, Sometimes the planets and stars do align. Enter the Kingdom Realms, where the unseen is seen, and battles must be won… (Children’s/Middle Grade)

 

 

The Fire Within Us by Greg N. Ford, About to turn thirty, Tom Barton’s life as a fireman/farmer is turned upside down when he meets a beautiful, intriguing woman and someone starts attacking him. (Action/Adventure/Contemporary)

 

 

Justice at Dawn by Valerie Massey Goree, When a training exercise turns deadly, can Agent Callahan save the rookie, the abducted family, and himself? (Thriller/Suspense/Romance)

 

  Entering the Zone: Helena by Barbara James, Visiting Mrs. Caldwell on Sunday afternoons was one thing. Dealing with Leon, her skeptical grandson, was another.
(Contemporary Romance)

 

 

In Search of True North by Kathleen Neely, She lost her son twelve years ago. Now that she’s part of his life, will history repeat itself? (Contemporary Romance)

 

 

Betrayal of Genius by Robin Patchen, Join Jacqui and Reid as they navigate this pulse-pounding, faith-filled adventure into the high-stakes world of medical research, innovation, and greed. (Thriller/Suspense/Romance)

 

 

Mendicant by Brian Shotton, In the shadows of New Orleans, evil hunts children. And Dee, a one-time Voodoo princess, has discovered why. (Thriller/Suspense/Biblical)

 

  Sweet Summer by Christina Sinisi, Can Shelby let her sisters, Tyler, and even
more importantly, God, show her in one Sweet Summer, that love is worth taking the risk? (Contemporary Romance)

 

 

Potato Flake Christmas by Cathe Swanson, It seemed like such a good idea at the time… (Contemporary Romance)