Book Review: The Art of the Follower

Have you ever had those great big, new year goals where you list all the things you plan to acheive, yet by March you realize you haven't even started?  Have you ever been in a situation where your plans are 'this big', yet your confidence, uncertainly keep you from accomplishing them?  Are your dreams as big as the sky yet cold feet keep you grasping that one passion you have?

This book, The Art of the Follower, by Dag Heward-Mills is a reminder of why you should.  Even more ... a reminder of why God calls us to follow - not just your personal dreams and goals, but Him.

The Art of the Follower is a christ-based, faith-filled chapter book filled with the instrument of learning biblical terms and stories in scripturally sound language.  It's not a quick, easy read.  Take your time with this book and have a high-lighter on hand as there are many points that are crucially wrapped into a story or discussion of a referenced biblical character.  It's complex, well-organized and methodical, reading like a college textbook.  The author writes with informative, definitive strokes.   As I read, I got the image of a professor lecturing at the podium on topic after topic - put the book down long enough, you might be hard-pressed to remember where you left off.  I think the book could have flowed a little better and been smoother in writing, rather than just press a bunch of facts and scriptures together in a 'textbook' form.  If you are looking for more of a learning manual or an instructually based book rather than a softer, more approachable book, then this was it definitely it.  I give this 4 out of 5 stars based on the knowledge and teaching materials this book beholds but would have much rather read a little more down to earth approach with this same material. 

 The Art of the Follower is a book filled with 3 sections: Why following is Eternally Significant: As Dag Heward-Mills states "Through the careful art of following, you will become wiser, more mature, more passionate and a more effective disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ."  It also includes a section of following God's champions with 11 insightful and refreshing views on biblical characters whose lives were effected greatly by following Christ's example, such as Abraham, David, Esther and more.  Lastly, following at home is a crucial depiction of how we not only learn following behavior outside (schools, job, peers, etc) but in our own homes - as infants and as parents with children of our own.  "God intentionally shaped your individuality to shape your relationship with the Father", says Dag-Heward-Mills and the Psalms 139.

You can read read about the author, Dag Heward-Mills, here:  http://www.daghewardmills.us/bio/

Disclaimer: I received this book free from The B & B Media Group, Inc. as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: Changing Churches: A View from the Pew

Are you a "church hopper" or thinking of becoming one?  

Do you look down on Christians who change churches? 

 Did you know that 76% of "church switchers" are devout Christians? 

 Do you wonder about vast changes in church? 

Do you wonder what will bring church unity and transformation? 

Changing Churches describes, through the eyes of one couple, the difficult journey that "church switchers" travel-a journey often precipitated by disruptive church changes. The book encourages Christ-like transformative change in churches rather than man-devised makeovers. 

As you read you will learn about: 

The right reasons to leave a church. 

 How to manage the pain and angst of leaving a familiar church. 

 How to search for another church-the anxiety and adventure. 

 How to handle conflict between spouses about leaving and searching. 

How to find the new church that fits you and fits God's plan for you. 

Changing Churches is helpful in understanding the sweeping changes in churches and what we can do to build up the church.

My Review:  Changing Churches: A view from the Pew is vastly different from the genre of christian books I read and review.  Frankly, this was the first time I've encountered this topic in print!  And let me tell you, from it's bold and brave opening glance at Dottie and Mike's personal journey with churches, I was instantly drawn in.  She speaks from the heart, opens her soul, and shares so much of her personalized christian life through her writing and journal entries.  Dottie is not only genuine and comforting in her knowledge and experience, she writes as if she is an old friend, and it's very refreshing.

Although my husband and I belonged to just one church before our previous one (and we left that one due to it's destruction from a major Hurricane!), I have personally walked the walk of wondering how you can feel so alone, so alienated, so isolated in the House of God?  How can people you deem 'christians' spew hate and cliche-ish like behavior, ostracizing the ones they do not deem worthy?  I felt sadness beyond belief, I felt shame in the not knowing and the wondering what did I do or not do and most of all, I felt very ALONE.  When I picked up Dottie's book, I can tell you, I was already enchanted with the book:  It's not always our fault, it's not always in our control, and that church just might not be the one for you.  I felt her pain, I felt her words speaking to my heart, christian to christian, because I, too, have been 'there'.

More than the two parts to this book, and the 14 informative chapters packed within, there is a journey to take in it's words.

Dottie explores that while change is sometimes good (and good for the soul), and it might not always be easy ~ The heart of the man plans his way; but the Lord establishes his steps. -Proverbs 16:9

One of the passages that jumped out to me the analogy as our spiritual tanks being like cars - we run on empty, we run out, and we need God to refresh us - fill us!  I was also moved with the author sharing her need for deep repentance and went on a 'searching and fearless inventory." I was drawn to her personal conviction and brave approach to facing personal sins and righting the wrongs she believed strongly in.  What a testimony!

This book brings a strong feeling of healing and life beyond reasons for leaving a church - whether by choice or by force or simply God-lead.   For it's specific topic and theme, this book is right on the mark!  Thank you, Dottie Parish, for the opportunity to review your book: Changing Churches: A View from the Pew.

About the Author: 

Dottie Parish brings a seasoned counselor’s wise viewpoint and the soft heart of a child of God to her first book called Changing Churches: A View from the Pew.

A longtime resident of the greater Cincinnati area, Parish holds a Master of Social Work degree from Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University.

She has more than 30 years of professional experience as a counselor at two family service agencies as well as in private practice. Her experience included diagnosing and treating individuals representing a wide variety of problems, socioeconomic backgrounds, and ages as well as short and long term therapy. Her private practice included individual, marital and family therapy with special interest in helping couples resolve marital differences.

She organized and led The Third Option educational group for married couples from 1996-2007 – in two locations

Parish also wrote a weekly advice column, “Family Counselor,” for more than fifteen years for the Hamilton Journal News, Hamilton, Ohio.

Dottie Parish is a wife, mother and grandmother and she loves Jesus and His Church. Her current devotion to God and His church stems from extreme misgivings about drifting away from God and church after graduate school. She and her husband lived for decades without faith. Their return to faith in 1990 begins the journey described in Changing Churches.

Blog: Dottie blogs on a variety of subjects at  http://www.faithnotes-dottie.blogspot.com and on Marriage and Family issues on www.taberstruths.com.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dottie.parish.5

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  

Book Review:  Changing Churches

Book Review: Get Real ~ Jamy Whitaker

Jamy Whitaker/ Get Real: Stop Hiding Behind the Mask

ISBN-10: 1449764045 | ISBN- 13: 978-1449764043 | 

List Price: $11.99 Softcover, $3.99 Kindle |Format: Soft cover and Kindle | Page Count: 122

Synopsis:  The author writes:  "As a wife and mother of five, I know all too well how destructive building a facade that everything is fine can be.  Tearing down this wall and letting people see the real me - the pain, the struggles, the tears, and the triumphs has been difficult but rewarding.  Get REAL: Stop Hiding Behind the Mask examines how to do just that.  It delves into discovering a person's true identity, centered on God's view of each of us, letting go of the insecurities that so easily entangle our lives and finally, living with eternal perspective - keeping our focus heavenward
 instead of inward.

My review:  In this wonderful journey we call life, we have probably all had those moments where we think, or say, or even act a certain way that we want others to perceive us to be.  We put on that smile even though inside the pain, betrayal, hurt, frustration, exhaustion or just plain 'ol need to 'save face' are just too much to bear and we brave it all with that mask.  There.  No one else can see anything more than what we want them to see!  Except, the problem with that?  
WE KNOW.  
It's tough on the soul, it's tough on our guilt, it's tough on our faith because God commands our honesty, integrity and full witnessing.

When I first started to read Get REAL: Stop Hiding Behind the Mask, I felt as if Jamy Whitaker was a close personal friend - the book is that spot on!  She writes from a place of great intelligence, gentle prose and thought-provoking passages that HIT HOME.
This book is for each and every one of us. 

 This book is divided into three sections:  Identity (Discovering who you truly are), Insecurities and Perspective, with 12 chapters and a bible study section for each chapter.
One analogy that was beautifully portrayed in this book was the author's description of our lives as picture frames, given to us by the graciousness of God.  Each one of us designed to go around God's artwork.  We should never cover up that frame or mask it , rather embrace the gift of God's gift!  

Another key point that was remarkable for me and spoke volumes was the feeling of having to 'dig deeper.' Just as the woman in the bible searched for her lost coin (Luke 15:8-9), it's easy to relate to those lost car keys, lost remote control, all things misplaced (even temporarily!)
While we are scrambling around looking for that which is lost, the same holds true for God's Word:  dig deeper, look further, so not only can you find it and use it, but share it with others!

The bible study section is another one of my favorite parts of this book.
For each chapter, there are a series of questions that follow that further explore the topics discussed.  It is thought-provoking and gives a great way to exercise the mind and soul and further explore the impact that hiding and putting on a facade can affect our faith.  It lets you see in writing that you just might need to Get REAL! 

5 Stars for Get REAL: Stop Hiding Behind the Mask.   I'm so impressed with Jamy Whitaker's writing style and how this book is written to the level for each of us.  With a bible in hand for cross referencing scriptures if needed, this book is essentially a how-to guide for becoming a "more real" christian.  More than that, it's a deeper grasp of how being true to one's own self and taking the faith one step further so that we may truly honor God!

About the Author: 

Jamy Whitaker graduated with a degree in English from

 Indiana State University. She lives in Indiana with her husband 

and 5 children. Visit www.jamywhitaker.org to learn more  

about Jamy, her writing and speaking.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Tempted, Tested, True by Arnie Cole + Michael Ross

When Tempted, Tested, True by Arnie Cole and Michael Ross arrived for review, I was instantly intrigued by the notion that we all probably share a similair struggle with some form of temptation.
Normally, the idea of temptation is set with a larger score of notions, such as cheating, stealing, perhaps even an addiction.  What captivated me most of all is that temptation can be as innocent as a thought - yet plaque us in the biggest form of guilt.  This book?  It's a bountiful cover to cover absolute gem of a novel to take those moments of temptation from thoughts to actions to overcoming them with a common biblical basis.  God will help you prevail - you just have to let him give you that opportunity and that freedom.

Tempted, Tested, True is 10 chapters filled with projected and insightful paths tempations could lead you on, or perhaps you are/have experienced them yet might not know the resolutions. You will with this book!  Not only do they cover many common forms of temptations, each chapter is filled with insightful prayer, words of wisdom from Christ centered experience, engaging 'nudges' in the form of a workbook space for personal writings and reflections.  True to it's title, Mr. Cole and Mr. Ross give you those same topics in the form of the temptations, theories tested and the truth to set you free. 

Simply put:  This book is a MUST HAVE!  It's not a complicated read but intense enough to cover a multitude of thoughts and their consequences and their actions.  It's profound enough that we can come away with the understanding that we as humans will make mistake - we are fallible.  But God is still, and always will be, in control and as they beautifully state:  "Learning to become God-centered is the first crucial step: Put God back in His rightful position - smack in the center of our lives."

5 stars for Tempted, Tested, True.  This book's richness, essential charts and graphs, and the amazing appendix filled with worksheets is simply top notch. This novel brings to light a topic many might shy away from but truly should embrace the wisdom and insight given by Cole and Ross.  Given that we have a choice to wallow in fear of condemnation of guilt and shame, the best gift is to live in the glory that that freedom of letting it go that God will grant you!

*As per my review:  I received a copy of the book from Bethany House for the purpose of a book review.  I was not compensation other than receipt of book to review and any/all parts of this review are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

Melissa's Wright - Giveaway!

Check out this wonderful give-away by Melissa Wright, author of the riveting, page-turning Frey series saga!

You can read about her details, books, reviews and more here!

Frey was by far one of the most exciting new author (to me!) books I've been blessed to review and I could not put the book down - exciting to scoop up the sequel for my summer reading!

Also, don't forget to enter the Kindle Fire giveaway by June 2nd! I've added another entry option, so even if you're already signed up, you can still get an extra chance with a Google+ follow.

Blessings,

Kelly Santi

Book Review: Don't Forget to Pack the Kids, CWA review

Don't Forget to Pack the Kids: Short Term Missions for Your Whole Family by Jill Richardson is a winner!  It's a tiny, quick read of just 134 detailed pages but it sure packs a punch!

Jill Richardson, author of Don't Forget to Pack the Kids, gives you an insightful look at traveling across the world to do missionary work with their 3 kids and this book can be considered a great resource in 'how to and why you should.'

On a personal note, my husband and I took our 4 children to Europe on a vacation (ages 9 months, 6, 8 and 10) and this book would have been invaluable at that time!  From the opening statements of "why would anyone take kids to do God's mission work, especially so far, with so many perils?"  It's simple.  It's what he asks of us!  Children need to be aware that the world out there is not always Happy Meals and X-boxes, but of those that go without, those that need to hear God's message and God willing, those missionaries with the resources and love in their hearts to deliver it.  

Richardson delivers this book in a detailed, organized format.  It's nearly step by step and check list oriented, so you can follow along with what's needed to be done and why. I love how this author gives detailed explanations and stories of why something should be done.  She covers many topics from language barriers to food to cultural dressing and more.  

One of the gifts of this book is the inclusion of the Spiritual Gift Inventory Appendix.  If I could have memorized just one section of this book, it would be this one!  It's insightful, uplifting, encouraging.  It gives so much meaning to the premise of what mission trips are all about AND walking a daily walk with faith!

5 stars for Don't Forget to Pack the Kids!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew

Book Review: That Summer by Jo Huddleston (CWA review)

That Summer, book 1 of the Caney Creek Series by Jo Huddleston is that fresh summer breeze on a warm summer day - welcoming and refreshing!  

That Summer is an endearing and wholesome christian novel that deals with the subject of poverty and in a rural setting in the early 1920's.  The main character, Jim, has a violent tempered father who physically abuses him as the eldest son and causes him to leave the family and strike out on his own before he is emotionally and financially ready.  He has a good relationship with his mom and siblings, of whom he is very protective.  Through-out the trials and tribulations of this book, it is clear that their faith may wane but it never completely falters.  Jo Huddleston does a marvelous job of keeping the christian theme in the forefront of this book.

Jim becomes involved with Caroline, a girl that is rich and bored with her life, and they soon get into some trouble.  However, Jim was also sweet on Louisa - they decide to get married and later start a family.  Both situations for him bring surprises, tragedy, confusion, betrayal and ultimately, triumph.  He rekindles with his father who turns away from violence and anger by repenting with the help of his brother, Orrin, who helps him remember God's plan for our Salvation.

The father states "I can't never be good enough to deserve God's grace.  I've been mean to the core."  What struck me about that particular passage is that more than just the relationship with Jim and his father, John, is that often times we feel that way in our own lives with troubles in our hearts.  We can, and should, turn those burdens over to him and know that he will give us strength and courage to get through the trials.

This book is about fortitude, faith and renewed hope despite circumstances that are just too much to bear.  It's about a family pulled apart but mended back at the seams by the bonds of love and morality.  It's an enjoyably quick read and I absolutely  cherished the sweetness of it!  I look forward to the Caney Creek Series and Jo Huddleston's writings!  Bravo!

About the author: 

I am the author of several published nonfiction books and have published numerous articles and short stories. I have completed my first novel, That Summer, which is released in December 2012. Sign up in the left column to receive my newsletters and be eligible for book giveaways! I hold a B.A. degree from Lincoln Memorial University (TN), and a M.Ed. degree from Mississippi State University. I am a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Lincoln Memorial University's Literary Hall of Fame. Now, I'll share my non-literary side. My work experience includes: in college I worked in the dining hall, typed for professors, and worked in the office of my university's president. In my adult life I have been a high school classroom teacher, high school guidance counselor, private secretary, state-wide political campaign secretary, owner-operator of two small businesses, and a real estate agent. I love to laugh with people but not AT people. The beach is my favorite vacation spot. I don't like to see or hear about people or animals being abused. I'm a spectator fan of several sports, my favorite being tennis. I don't like being in the dark and I'm fearful of snakes! You can read more about the author on her website here! http://www.johuddleston.com/ Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew