Between Heaven & the Real World

Between Heaven and the Real World: My Story by Steven Curtis Chapman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure how this was going to go. When you are a fan of someone/something, expectations are high. & coming out of the Beauty & the Beast book & being a little disappointed, I was hoping this book written by favorite artist wasnt going to let me down.
Oh mercy - it didn't for one second.
The story of Steven Curtis Chapman's life growing up with his brother & his family & meeting Mary Beth, working in Opryland (I now wonder if he was working there when I was there with my family when I was little!!) & how he started in Christian music. All the way through his amazing story of becoming a husband & a father & then the adoption of his 3 girls... & then the tragic story of loosing sweet Maria. & how the family has endured since. The Lord gives & takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Being a fan of his since way back in the day, & seeing him in concert so many times, I actually felt really familiar with a lot of these stories, but they didnt seen old to me. I loved reading them again & seeing little extra inside information in the stories. But there were plenty of new stories I've not heard or wasnt aware of. All of it making me just love the Chapman gang even more.
I just appreciated the honesty in this book about his marriage & sharing about the loss of his daughter. It tore me up all over again reading it & hearing about the days afterwards. But it's just so cool that they share to show how God works in it all. There's one picture & story they talk about after deciding to tear their house down that gave me total chills. I've not heard that story before & the picture... just wow.
I thought I was going to be overwhelmed when I saw how thick this book was (over 400 pages)... I zoomed through this book. Couldnt put it down.
Again, I may be biased because I have been such a Chapman family fan since I was a teenager so this to me was just like the cherry on the ice cream sundae to me. Couldnt get enough & wanted more.

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Starting Now

Starting Now by Debbie Macomber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I always enjoy Debbie Macomber. Clean stories that are refreshing & laid back, always holding good values & sense of faith, grace & all the good things of God.

I really was excited to see another book in the Blossom series. When "A Good Yarn" came out, it was one of my favorite. A story revolved around a yarn store & knitting? I'm so there! And its been nice to see all the books following including all the people who have stopped into this little store & we've gotten to know. It was nice to visit with Lydia, Brad, Casey & Cody again.

This time, we meet Libby. A lawyer who has no time for knitting... until she gets laid off. Her life changes completely. How do you go from being a workaholic whose only concern is making partner, to someone who spends her time rocking babies in a hospital & mentoring a young middle school girl.

Libby learns what friendship is, what it means to invest in others, how it feels to fall in love again... but what happens when she gets her old life back.

I enjoyed reading about Libby's life & decisions she had to make, but as most Macomber books, I could tell you how it was going to end, & how it was pretty predictable. That's my only grief with it... but I still enjoyed it... & looking forward to meeting more people who stop on Blossom Street.

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A year of Living Prayerfully

A Year of Living Prayerfully: How a Curious Traveler Met the Pope, Walked on Coals, Danced with Rabbis, and Revived His Prayer Life by Jared Brock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I cant say enough about this book.

The journal a man took over a year to find out what prayer means to others, to different religions, to different countries - how it can change in his own life & bring he & his wife closer to God.

The travels & adventure took him literally over the world as he went to Italy, England, North Korea & leading him to leaders of churches, including a face to face with the pope, getting near Benny Hinn & even trying to get in to see Billy Graham.

This book is so full of insightful information about the different ways people believe in God & the way we can relate to Him, but its also full of real life experiences, full of history of how things came to be & of course, full of humor. The little side notes marked on the bottom of the pages usually had me laughing - literally - out loud.

It was also so sad to see how people believe in North Korea, to the opposite side of South Korea in the biggest church that has 7 buildings that are basically sky scrappers. Or the people in Westboro Baptist Church that feels so selected by God & has the most messed up view of God's love & grace then anyone I've ever read about. But the call Jared has to pray for these misguided people is something that still lays on my heart. God can reach them as well as the people of North Korea, as the people who live Anywhere, USA that all need Jesus.

Not to give any spoilers because I think we all get this - but like Jared found out, a trip around the world doesn't show what prayer is - its basically a Dorothy moment - in your own back yard. It's about your faith in our Father. Returning to our first love. Spending time with your Father. Just talking. Just communicating.

I can't recommend this book enough - I really can't. It's full of amazing words that will stir your soul... & maybe change the way you pray daily yourself.



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Anchored: Finding Hope in the Unexpected

Anchored: Finding Hope in the Unexpected by Kayla Aimee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So I'm not a big fan of reading about babies or births or anything that hurts my heart about not having a child of my own, but for some reason I was drawn to this book... & so glad I did.

This is the story of Kayla Aimee & the birth of her daughter Scarlette as she came into the world earlier then she should have. The things that precious baby went through & the story of her life & the way that Kayla survived it all, with her humor, with her heart, with her family, with her faith & hope in God, its such a good story.

Its written in such a grabbing way. I didn't want to stop reading. One second, you are aching for this little tiny baby that is so small she can fit in your hand & the next, you are laughing at the memories that Kayla shares with you reflecting on her life & memories. It's such a mix of emotions - all making up a fantastic read.

I have since found out Kayla Aimee is a blogger & I just love reading her writing even more when I can. She's got such a joy that shines through her words. I'm going to be adding her to my list of people that I know that we'd be best friends if we lived near one another. :)

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Fearless

Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear by Max Lucado
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"You would have liked my brother"
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I love Max Lucado... I also love any book on the study of Fear in the Bible. Why? Because I'm a fearful person. Anxiety gets the best of me at all times. Worry? That's my best friend.

So I try to flood myself with books on scripture & fear. "What Women Fear" is another one of my favorites I just finished reading not too long ago.

When I saw this on sale in Amazon for my Kindle, I jumped on it... pretty much like the cover of the book.

I'm never disappointed with Max Lucado's writing, his illustrations, the way he brings Scripture to life.

I'm just thankful for the highlight feature on my Kindle... If I had the book in hand, I'm sure it would be glowing yellow.

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"Amen William. And Amen.

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Ask Billy Graham

Book:  Ask Billy Graham

Compiled by:  Bill Adler

The World's Best-Loved Preacher Answers Your Most Important Questions


Would you like to know what Billy Graham thinks about the most important issues of daily life? What about politics, presidents and terrorism? This book contains answers to questions many of us would ask Billy Graham if we had the good fortune to sit down with the person many call "America's Pastor". Best-selling author Bill Adler arranges topics from Graham's sermons, speeches, interviews, television appearances and writings in an easy to follow Q and A format.

Topics include Billy Graham on: Humor, Politics, Prayer, Technology and Religion, Race, Money, the Church, and Growing Older.

Hear Graham's responses to questions like

*What will heaven be like?
*Why does God bring on natural disasters?
*What do you think about the mixing of religion and politics?
*What do you say to an atheist who doesn't think there is a God?
*What is the greatest spiritual threat facing the United States?
*How can we achieve world peace?
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First Line:  Would you like to know what Billy Graham thinks about his life, his work & his family?
 
I love Billy Graham.  Love his teaching, love his passion, love him.  I think his presence is powerful for God.  I have had the privilege of seeing him in person twice.  I have read most of his books, including his autobiography.  I think he's a treasure of our country, as well as the world.
 
So I was excited when I found this book on a clearance shelf. 
 
This book is made up of different questions that has been asked to Mr. Graham over the years from different media sources.  The chapters are broken up into topics - Faith, death, Jesus, Presidents, family ...
 
It is such a quick read ... I literally got through over 200 pages in one afternoon.  And such a good 'quote' book - so much in simple sentences that I want to write down to remember.  A few of his simple answers even brought tears to my eyes...
 
The only downside to me on this book (& its not really a downside - just something that bothered me) - was some of the questions were repeated in different chapters.  I was just wanting more & more & didnt want to waste time with the things I've already read.  But if you were just going to a chapter for the topic, I can see why that would be helpful.
 
If you love Billy Graham (& who doesnt) then this book is a must!
 
My Rating:  4 skeins

Max on Life

Book:  Max on Life

Author:  Max Lucado

We have questions. Real, important & challenging questions.  Questions about sex, finances & forgiveness.  Unsettling questions regarding illness, suicide, & eternity.  Don't we crave answers to these queries that tug on the deepest parts of our hearts?

In Max on Life, one of the most trusted pastors & authors of our time takes on life's most important questions.

_____________________
I am a huge fan of Max Lucado anyways so I always look forward to his next book.

This one didn't disappoint either. 

This is a book FULL of questions from ordinary folks.  All asking questions about every topic you could imagine.  I especially appreciated it because there were questions that I have had myself & also because there were questions that I never even THOUGHT of before...

All the answers, Mr. Lucado brings answers strictly from the Bible - with scriptures to back up his thoughts for his answers.  Some of the answers bring peace, some are in your face, but all of it is from God's breathed Word.

It really does cover so many topics... I think this book is perfect just to have around for when someone may have a question that you cant answer yourself.  This book would be a good "spring board" to find an answer or to lead to another answer that will suffice someone whose asking a question.

This, to me, is a book that needs to just be kept around for a good reference tool...

My Rating:  5 skeins

Streetwalking with Jesus

Book:  Streetwalking with Jesus

Author:  John Green

For over two decades John Green's vocation has been ministering to inner city men on the margins of society in downtown Chicago.


Green didn't set out to be another Dorothy Day or Mother Teresa, and would be quick to tell you he hasn t become one. A product of middle class, church-going comfort and values, he heeded God's challenge to found Emmaus Ministries, which serves some of the modern-day lepers that are in our midst. Struck by the words of Micah 6:8 and the act of a homeless man who gruesomely ended his life in Green's presence, Green vowed to constantly ask himself: How can I live justly? To whom do I show mercy? How may I walk humbly with God?

Deacon Green's lessons learned regarding these hard questions are set against stories of men who struggle to escape poverty, addiction, and sexual sin while encountering Christ in the process. But this book is much more than the account of how one ministry combats a social problem to which most of us wish to remain blind. It is about finding joy in service to others and experiencing love in reaching out to the suffering, all under the shelter of God's unconquerable, abiding love.

Yes, Streetwalking with Jesus will sober you, but with links to evocative songs, a scripture selection to reflect upon, discussion questions, and a prayer at the end of every chapter, you ll come away challenged and inspired to live a deeper, more missional life.
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First Line;  Meeting & walking with male prostitues might seem far from the road to Emmaus that Jesus walked after his resurrection.

"Under the Overpass" is one of my favorite books so when I saw this title & knew it was a story about a Christian going into the streets to help the homeless, I was intrigued.  I didnt realize it was a story of a man who had a heart mainly to help men in prostitution... I didnt even realize that existed.  I learned about myself that I am in the group of "learned blindness" that the author talks about...

This book is really great.  First - it touches in 3 different sections on Micah & how we are to act justly, love mercy & to walk humbly with our God... & it breaks it down into how this man is doing it in his mission to help these people that see no God in their life.

Its an easy to read book, in the sense that its an "everyday" kinda talk.  Like you can imagine this man sitting down & telling you these stories face to face... not easy in the sense that some of these stories are TOUGH.

I especially love at the end of every chapter, there is a moment to stop... reflect.... John's wife is a musician & she has written songs that you can go & listen to after each chapter... & there are scriptures or quotes that reflect on the thought of that chapter... then questions for you to reflect personally.  Because of that - I think it would be a great "study" for college kids - those who are ready to change the world.

This is a book that I wrote down MANY MANY quotes from as well... powerful thoughts... (that is one reason why I have started using Goodreads.  You can write down quotes there)

My Rating:  5 skeins ... was going to give it a 4, but the end of the chapter reflections made me go ahead & give it a 5

Last:  Perhaps God is begging us to remain.

Heaven Revealed - with a GIVEAWAY!!!

Book:  Heaven Revealed

Author:  Paul Enns

Not one of us has been there.  But we all have questions about it.  Where is heaven?  What will we do there?  Who will we know? How do we get there? 

These questions & more are what Heaven Revealed was written to answer.  In this personal & biblical study of heaven, Paul Enns draws upon Scripture to answer our questions about life beyond the grave.

Whether you wonder about a loved one now in heaven or are curious about your own future destination, Heaven Revealed will help with any fears you might have about the lift to come.  You'll discover that heaven isnt far away.  That your new body will be much improved - & new!  And that actually being in heaven is a far cry from floating in the clouds.
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First Line;  After I had parked the car, Helen & I walked to the sanctuary, holding hands as we always did when we walked together.

The topic of Heaven always interests me.  I know Randy Alcorn had a big book about Heaven that was popular... which I did not personally care for.  So I was leery going into this one.

I have to say - I was very impressed with this book.  Mainly because it is totally based off Scripture.  And while a lot of things are repeated in this book with the same scriptures, it applies to all the questions that are asked.  The book is broken up into different questions for each chapter - like "What is the Transition to Heaven"  - "What will life be like in Heaven" - "What kind of Body will we have"... & in each chapter, it is broken down with answers that are all based on scriptures... so yes, some of the scriptures apply to different chapters.

For me- its an easy read - easy to understand with personal touches in it.

This is a topic that really, when it comes down to it - something we'll never know until we're there.  And until then, its all based on faith... but its good to be reminded on what God's word says about it.

One of my favorite quotes though from the Bible really made me look differently at death:

"God prevented Adam & Eve from eternal sinfulness by giving them the gift of death, the ability to exist this life & arrive safely in the wondrous life to come.  Death, though it would appear to be man's greatest enemy, would in the end, prove to be his greatest friend.  Only through death can we go to God"

Isnt that a different view?

I was lucky enough to be given an extra book to give away.  So if the topic of Heaven interests you, then all you have to do is comment.  I'll leave it open until the end of June & then draw a name...

My rating:  3 skeins ... only because it got a little too repetitive & also because some of the questions, they personally didnt hold my interest.  That's just my personal taste.  Those questions may be exactly what someone else is searching for....

Crazy Love

Book:  Crazy Love

Author:  Francis Chan

Have you ever wondered if we're missing it?

It's crazy, if you think about it.  The God of the universe - the Creator of nitrogen & pine needles, galazes & E-minor - loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrficing love.  And what is our typical response?  We go to church, sing songs, & try not to cuss.

Whether you've verbalized it yet or not ... we all know somethings wrong.

Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo?  Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions?  God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself.  Because the answer to religious complacency isnt working harder at a list of to-do's & don't... its falling in love with God.  And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same.

Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.
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First Line:  We all know something is wrong.

This was the book of the year at Family Christian Bookstore... it's also been read I think by every Christian I know.  And I had never read it.

I have seen videos & messages from Francis Chan & take his wisdom with a great respect.  So what was holding me back from reading this?

I got it & started reading.. & then life kicked in - I think it took me longer to read this book then any other book - but I didnt want to skimp on it or move too fast... because it was good... it was powerful.... it was a kick in the gut.

Chapters on the "lukewarm" & "Profiles of the Obsessed" really showed me how short I fall.  I actually closed out the chapter called "Profile of the Lukewarm" so upset & feeling like, "No one is going to make it..." - not what Mr. Chan was thinking when he wrote this book... but it was that eye opening to me. Thank God that he ended the chapter reminding the reader that we do have God's mercy & grace... but that should inspire us to kick off some of that "lukewarm-ness"

This book is filled with so much GOOD STUFF... here are a few of my favorite quotes/lines

*We are slow to listen, quick to speak & quick to become angry.  The wise man comes to God without saying a word & stands in awe of Him.

*WORRY implies that we dont quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.  STRESS says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace towards others or our tight grip of control.  Basically, these 2 behaviors communicate that its OK to sin & not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional.

*Harsh words & the loving truth often go hand in hand

*The irony is that while God doesnt NEED us but still WANTS us, we desperately NEED God but dont really WANT Him most of the time.  He treasurers us & anticipates our departure from this earth to be with Him - & we wonder, indifferently, how much we have to do for Him to get by.

*Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers.

*How much would my life change if I actually thought of each person I came into contact with as Christ...

I have many many more things I wrote down... each so powerful to me...

This book is definitely eye opening, thought provoking, inspiring to make you want to rethink your relationship with God.. to think about how Crazy in Love He is with us.. are we with Him?

My Rating:  5 skeins
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Last Line
May you be able to say at the end of your life, along with Paul:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth, there is laid for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, & not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing." -2 Timothy 4:7-8

Mere Churchanity

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review
Book:  Mere Churchianity

Author:  Michael Spencer (The Internet Monk)

Have you left the church in search of Jesus?  Studies show that 1 in 4 young adults claim no formal religious affliation, & church leaders have long known that this generation is largely  missing on Sunday morning.  Hundreds of thousands of "church leavers" have had a mentor and pastor, however, in Michael Spencer, known to blog readers as the Internet Monk.
Spencer discovered the truth that church offiicals often miss, which is that many who leave the church do so in an attempt to find Jesus.
In this book, Spencer's writing continutes to point the disenchanted & dispossessed to a Jesus-shaped spirtuality.  And along the way, his teachs show how you can find others who will go with you on the journey.
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First Line:  This book began with an athiest in a Diary Queen, 33 years ago.

The first words that come to mind when I think of this book is: THE TRUTH HURTS

Ouch...

The things Mr. Spencer says about the church, I have to say, I tend to agree with his views & his reasoning. 

One of my favorite things he said is:

"Following Jesus does not require you to pledge allegiance to a religious instituion"

He made some amazing points about how people view Christians - how churches view Jesus & how churches also pick & choose what they want to see of Jesus... & what they teach of Jesus.

"What would atheists see if Christianity were something Jesus himself wouldnt recognize?"

"Would Jesus invest in 80 acres of prime suburban real estate so he could build a "campus" as a way to chagne the world?

I was reading this, shaking my head so much at the beginning.... but then, it just got depressing.  Because again, THE TRUTH HURTS... & I also see everything he was saying about the church... & it became over whelming to keep reading it & reading it &  knowing what he was saying had bits of truth in it.

I kept waiting for an "answer" at the end - what to look for in a church - a good church... but never really got that answer.  And Mr. Spencer wasnt saying there arent good churches out there... but there was definitely more of what is wrong in churches... which again, I see his point.

The saddest part... I can see where Jesus would feel that way too...

In the end, it was a good reminder that we arent to follow a CHURCH - we are to follow JESUS... & we are to read about Jesus ourselves - we are to learn what Jesus lays on our hearts .... its not always about having a set of rules set by a church - or feeling like the churches judgement on us is the final judgement we will have.  (Amen!) ... the answer is easy really.. Look to Jesus... that's all...

"There is little need for large churches stuffed with satisfied audiences.  There is a great need for a movement of disciples going inot the over looked places of the world to see & serve the Kingdom of God."

My Rating:  3 skeins .... because I'm so torn on how it made me feel.  Pumped up... then very discouraged...

Very thought provoking though... I think everyone that belongs to a church - & every Pastor - should read this book... see if you find yourself in the things He says... or if you ARE standing & preaching & teaching for ONLY Jesus....

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Last Line:  And finally, when we come home, we will find that Jesus has made us like himself, & yet, amazingly, we will have remained in every way ourselves.

Saved Without a Doubt

Book:  Saved Without a Doubt

Author: John MacArthur

Am I really going to Heaven?  Am I really saved?
At some point, everyone has experienced thoughts like these.  Is there any way to overcome those nagging doubts?  Now you can put them to rest by answering a resounding "YES!"
Author John MacArthur carefully examines classical biblical texts affirming the forever quality of salvation, without ignoring the troubling passages that seem to indicate otherwise.  Eleven biblical tests show how those truths apply to you, helping you determine once & for all whether you've experienced salvation.  you can make your feelings with your faith & by taking an encouraging look at victory in the spirit & the unshakable promises of God, persevere!

_______________________

First Line:  It's a heartache to me, as a pastor to realize that so many Christians lack assurance of their salvation.

That first line is why the book is called "Saved Without a Doubt"

Can I tell you - I have NO IDEA how I got this book.  It literally came in the mail one day to me - & I have no idea how it got to me - no return address, nothing in it, but the book.  But the title intrigued me, so I read it. 

I will say, its not an easy read... I got confused in areas, got totally lost in other places & even had to skip some sections after getting nothing but frustrated for not understanding.

But it did have areas that really spoke to me & that I really loved... lines like:

"Jesus serves as the anchor of our souls, who forever keeps us from drifting away from God"

"He that lacks assurance of God's love, converses too much with Satan...." (that's goood stuff there!)

There was a section on forgiveness - my favorite topic - & I loved these 3 things:

"What you can't forget - God cant remember!' .... how awesome is that line?

"You may never be able to forget the years of wandering, the many sins of which you have been guilty.  But that which gives peace is the knowledge that God will never recall them again.  He has blotted them from the book of remembrance & he has done it in righteousness, for the account is completely settled.  The debt is paid"

And I loved this - it was from a new believer who was saying why he believed he would be in Heaven:
"If anyone is ever to be kept out of Heaven for my sins - it would have to be Jesus - for He took them all upon Himself & made Himself responsible for them.  But HE IS IN HEAVEN! - never to be turned out - so now, I KNOW I AM SECURE" .... isn't that a cool way to think about it?

Because it was hard, it takes my rating down - but with some wonderful stuff like I mentioned, it raised it back up a little - averaging it out...

My rating:  3 skeins
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Last Line:  He will see to that for sure.

Under the Overpass

Title:  Under the Overpass (A journey of faith on the streets of America)

Author:  Mike Yankoski

(This book was given to me in exchange for a fair, unbiased review)

Ever wonder what it would be like to live homeless?  Mike Yankoski did more than just wonder. By his own choice, Mike's life went from upper-middle class plush to scum-of-the-earth repulsive overnight.  With only a backpack, a sleeping bag, & a guitar, Mike & his traveling companion, Sam, set out to experience life on the streets in six different cities:  Denver, Washington DC, Portland, San Francisco, Phoenix & San Diego.

For more then 5 months, the pair experience firsthand the extreme pains of hunger, the constant danger of living on the streets, exhaustion, depression & social rejection - all by their own choice.  They wanted to find out if their faith was real, if they could actually be the Christians they said they were apart from the comforts they'd always known... to discover what it feels like to be homeless in America.

Mike & Sam's story is gritty, challenging, & utterly captivating.  What you encounter in these pages will radicially alter how you see your world - & may even change your life.
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First Line:  Real punches arent as sharp & clean as Hollywood makes them out to be.

I have to say - I think EVERY PERSON - EVERY CHRISTIAN - EVERY CHURCH GOER needs to read this book!!!!!  This book has totally changed the way I look at the world, the homeless, the way the church handles people - so many things... this book has opened my eyes & my heart...

The journey of these two men is so powerful...to see the people that they meet along the way, from people who are struggling to survive, to people who are drug addicts & have mental disorders, to the experiences they have to go through - it will move you... it SHOULD move you... because its the real world.  A world that we dont like to think about & a world we try to ignore....

The most earth shaking moments for me were when they would encounter churches that would turn them away because they were "dirty" or "smelly"... CHURCHES!!!!!!!!!  A Pastor of a church told them they werent "that kind of church" to offer any food to them... wow... the reactions of Christians just made me look in a mirror at myself - how would I react? 

And then, yes, there were some amazing Christians who live their faith!  My favorite story was about a young man the homeless called "The Jesus Guy" - he said he never once preached Jesus - just came down & offered pizzas & conversations once a week... He said, "Isnt it amazing that when we live as we're called & do what we're commanded, the gospel still gets preached" ... Amen

I have a journal of 7 pages of nothing but quotes from this book that rocked me...

From stories of Christians preaching "Fire & Brimstone" to people who are already suffering: "... it seemed they were accusing these broken people of being broken...."

From people kicking out these men out of churches while drug dealers on the street could preach a mighty word of God: "Why do we kick drug users out of the church while quietly over looking those who are ignoring their own different but equally destructive sins?  Why do we reject the loving, self-sacrificing, giving, encouraging Jesus-pursuing drug addict, but recruit the clean, self-interested, gossiping, loveless church goer?"

From youth groups coming  & serving the homeless:  "Something critical is missing in places that care for the broken & needy if the only people there are also broken & needy"

I could go on & on... I'm telling you... if you want a powerful read - that is easy to take in - READ THIS BOOK!!!!!

Last year, for Christmas, I got everyone "The Noticer" .... if I can find this book in time, I will be purchasing this for everyone I know... that's how good it is!!!

If you want to see more about it and/or sample a chapter of the book, go here:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/2010/09/14/sneak-peek-under-the-overpass-5th-anniversary-edition/

My rating:  5 Skeins (no doubts!!!!)
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Last Line:  Walk off the Edge with Him

Sun Stand Still

Book:  Sun Stand Still

Author:  Steven Furtick

This book is not a Snuggie.  The words on these pages will not go down like Ambien.  I'm not writing to calm or coddle you.  With God's help, I intend to incite a riot in your mind.  Trip your breakers & turn out the lights in your favorite hiding places of insecurity & fear.  Then flip the switch back on so that God's truth can illuminate the divine destiny that may have been lying dorman inside you for years.

In short, I'm out to activiate your audacious faith.  To inspire you to ask God for the impossible.  And in the process, to reconnect you with your God-sized purpose & potential.
-Steven Furtick

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First Line:  I can't lie - its a pretty cool feeling to have Bono as your opening act.

In the Bible - Joshua was in the midst of a battle... the sun was getting ready to set & Joshua knew he'd lose his advantage if it got dark... he prayed to God for help... & God answered... by making the SUN STAND STILL... the sun stayed in the same place ... causing Joshua to become the overcome... God being the VICTOR!

So the book is about having that same sort of prayer - an audacious kind of prayer...

I'm a fan of Steven Furtick anyways & his messages online.  I've always said I've GOT to get to Elevation church one day & experience it in person.  But this book is exactly how he talks - & its why I really soaked in every word.

From stories of what a "Page 23 Vision" is - to being a "Wave Jumper" & "Praying like a Juggernaut" - I loved every chapter.  My favorite was "Mistake into Miracle" - when you feel like God cant use you & your vision & listen to your audacious prayers because of your mistakes you've made... when its for those mistakes that usually God WILL use you!!!  The story of Norm & his mistakes & his journey had me in tears.

I loved how the chapters had personal stories - from Steven's life - or from others in his church - examples of today & of Biblical examples, that made the point hit home.

I dont think I've ever highlighted more of a book in my life!... Here are some of my favorite lines:

*If the size of your vision for your life isn't intimidating to you, there's a good chance it's insulting to God.

*How radically different would modern American youth culture be if we stopped raising our kids to survive their world & started empowering them with a vision to change it?

*Biblical audacity is a mind-set that approaches God with confidence & believes him for the impossible.

*You might be thinking you're unimpressive & unqualified.  That's good.  God performs the most impressive feats through the most unimpressive people.

*Maybe you're afraid that if you pray a Sun Stand Still prayer & live by audacious faith, you'll end up letting God down.  But the reality is, you were never holding him up!

... I have TONS more... believe me...its just that full of good stuff!!!

I'm leaving this book thinking about MY Page 23 Vision & how I pray - how specific I am going to God in what I want for that Vision... I'm excited to see the change it makes.

So - My rating:  4 skeins ..

& its only 4 because I struggle with "non fiction" books... this is the BEST I've read out of that area... but still, this is a personal rating...

Last Line:  Welcome to the middle of a move of God.

Out Live Your Life

Book:  Out Live Your Life

Author:  Max Lucado

(This book was provided in exchange for an unbiased review)

These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did. (Please note: International Bloggers will receive International Edition.)
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You were made to make a difference..

That's what the front cover says...

& once again, Max Lucado has a way of bringing "Godly" topics & making them understandable...

We learn in this book so many ways to look at the world with new eyes...

I loved this book because it was broken down in short chapters - you could get through one very easily & each ended with a prayer & a scripture.  So you could actually even do this as a great devotional daily.  There is also a study guide in the back of the book if you wanted to even take it deeper into a study.

However you choice to read this book, you're going to find something that speaks to you... some of the stories made me look at myself & get a little humbled... some of the stories made me stop & think, WOW, people are amazing... all the stories, I learned something from them.

I marked up so many pages of this book for quotes, stories, points to remember... things I will be turning back to for many references...

But one of the things that was said repeatedly in different ways is something that will stick with me....

No one can do everything, but everyone can do something

The story of the football team that were from a prison & the story of real life "Paul's" & their "Anninas'" just about had me cheering on people in this world who still are showing God to others... How people are out there living their life in the best way to make a difference to others...

My rating:  5 skeins