The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. – John 1:4 (NLT)
sonya
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The Scroll, A Novel by Grant R. Jeffrey and Alton L. Gansky
01 month ago
by sonya
in Book review
The Scroll was an enjoyable book with a fast paced energy. The authors take you on a journey through the heart of Christianity, beneath the great city of Jerusalem. As the story begins, Archeologist David Chambers, captures your imagination as he shines his flashlight on his biggest discovery yet, or so he thinks. Chambers past studies focused on biblical research for the Holy Land, but after some recent losses, including the death of his mother, his faith is rocked and he suddenly has doubts about who he is and what he really wants.
While struggling with his past, Chambers is recruited by an old friend to take part in an archeological dig which is shrouded in secrecy. A copper scroll is believed to hold the key to the greatest treasures of all times, that can change the course of history. Unbeknownst to him, others are recruited as well, including a nemesis from his past and his ex-fiancee. As the story unfolds for what this secret dig is really about, Chambers fights against everything around him, casting about like a reckless teenager. And just about the time he thinks he’s on solid footing, people begin dying around him. Caught up in the cloak and dagger world of secrets and espionage, Chambers fights for his very life and the safety of the objects yet to be found. As governments converge, and civil war threatens to explode, can Chambers find the greatest discovery of all time?
The Scroll by Grant R. Jeffrey and Alton L. Gansky (ch. 1 excerpt)
This book captured my imagination while teaching me about the past. Although a fictional book, I loved the way the authors wove actual scripture and history into the book. At times, it almost felt real. I would have loved to have seen sketches and maps for some of the details of the book, but enjoyed it nonetheless. I definitely will share this book with others.
Watch a video trailer for The Scroll:
Order this book from your local bookstore or www.amazon.com.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
To rank my review, go to: http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/view/15376/blogr:7807
Restless in Carolina by Tamara Leigh
02 months ago
Set in the North Carolina Mountains, Tamara Leigh’s tale of Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan, is a wild and bumpy ride. Although struggling to get over the loss of her husband 4 years ago, Bridget is on a mission to save her family’s land. Her family, like all families, is a mix of crazy and downright embarrassing, but it doesn’t stop Bridget from trying.
I must admit, the story was a little difficult to get into. Bridget talks to herself, argues with herself (and others), all in her head, all while narrating her story. The banter back and forth is as realistic as what I hear in my own head, but a little disconcerting nonetheless.
Once you get used to Bridget’s “frame of mind” it’s easy to fall in love with her. Bridget’s shedding of her “widow’s weeds” gets tangled into a story of her family’s sorted past. While her family holds tight to their beliefs and pray that Bridget can find her way back to her own faith, Bridget becomes the family spokesperson to JC Dirk, a Developer from Atlanta, who’s dealing with demons from his own closet full of ghosts.
The “widow sniffers” abound in this story, chasing poor Bridget and confusing her with what their true intentions are. The competition for JC Dirk is Caleb Merriman, who seems to have all the right answers. JC on the other hand, is poking holes in Caleb’s story faster than a treehugger chased by a bulldozer. Bridget thinks JC’s heart seems like it is in the right place, but his heart is exactly what she’s afraid of.
Can Bridget find her own “happily ever after” or will her heart remain, “constipated” in the words of her little nephew? Readers wont be disappointed as Bridget’s road through family strive and intrigue find her renewing her relationship with a God she left behind.
Tamara’s story makes a trio of others including Leaving Carolina and Nowhere, Carolina, in her “Southern Discomfort” series. After reading “Restless” readers will be wanting to pick up the other two.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Order this book from your local bookstore or www.amazon.com.
Dreamhouse Kings, by Robert Liparulo
03 months ago
by sonya
in Book review
Dreamhouse Kings – a Young Adult Book Series
By Robert Liparulo
I love series books. I happened upon one of Robert Liparulo’s books in a used bookstore, not aware that it was a young adult series. From the book’s description, I was intrigued, from the first few pages, I was hooked. And so began my wanderings through the King house, page by page and room by room, I discovered a wonderful series for any age.
When the Kings move to a small town in northern California, they have no idea of the adventures – and terrors – waiting for them. Fifteen-year old Xander and his twelve-year-old brother David make a game of exploring the old Victorian home they move into. One night, they discover an intruder and follow him to a hidden hallway of doors. Each door transports them to far off places in long-ago times. But not only can they go from the house to the past, people from the past can come through into their house. Someone does- and kidnaps Mom, taking her into some unknown place in the past. The family begins a quest for Mom, which takes them to the most dangerous and fascinating places throughout time. Then the Kings learn a terrible secret: Their being in the house is no accident, and they must do much more than “simply” find their mother. (description from www.dreamhousekings.com – check out website for great information.)
The amazing thing about Liparulo’s books, is that you’re alongside the characters… creeping up the stairs to the third floor where they hear footsteps, running for their lives from cannibals in some long ago time, or fighting a Gladiator in Rome. Liparulo’s imagination runs wild on a face-paced chase through time and people. It’s a wonderful way for young adults to learn a little history by “being” in the middle of fighting in the Civil War, or watching the Titantic slip beneath chilly waters (just to name a few).
This book carries a warning however, once you start with the first book, you can’t put them down. I was borrowing these from the library (as I usually do) and as I started the first book, I would request the next one in the series. This worked fine until the last book, Frenzy, which took much longer to get (apparently a fellow library patron was reading along with me). It took 6 weeks to get the last book, and I nearly drove my librarian nuts asking if it was ready yet (even though I could clearly check online).
If you enjoy a great story with mystery and suspense, no matter your age, find this wonderful series and read them. My hat is off to Robert Liparulo, with a request to do another series soon!
The Books:
Book 1- House of Dark Shadows
Book 2 – Watcher in the Woods
Book 3 – Gatekeepers
Book 4 – Timescape
Book 5 – Whirlwind
Book 6 – Frenzy
Waving on the River
Recently my family and I had the opportunity to spend a day on the Ocklawaha River. We loaded up the pontoon boat with fishing rods and tackle, lunch fixin to graze through and the family.
We launched the boat at the ramp and started to cruise down the river. I’m sitting in my usual seat, the front chair of the pontoon boat. The wind is blowing through my hair, the sun is shinning on my face, and the water is gurgling along side, it’s a happy day.
I love water. I was born under the sign of pisces, if you believe in that sort of thing. And although I don’t put much stock in the horoscope business, I must admit that I am at my happiest when I’m around water. You can ask my husband, I can get down right cranky if I don’t get to a lake or ocean ever so often. When that happens, he knows to go dunk me in somewhere in the closest watering hole to keep peace in the family.
Cruising down the Ocklawaha River
As we’re cruising along, we met another boat travel towards us. It’s a young couple with a small child cinched up tight in a life jacket. The couple waves as we pass each other. We raise our hands in mutual greeting, as is the custom, and it strikes me that I cant think of another place where you get such friendliness with total strangers anymore. I wonder where this unspoken tradition comes from. Sadly, it probably used to be that way everywhere. Walking along your neighborhood or perhaps on a busy sidewalk, you’d pass an unfamiliar face and say hello. But today it seems, we don’t have time for a smile and wave. We’re all too busy getting where we’re going to be bothered with friendliness. We’ve got a schedule, places to be, people to see. When did we get so busy that we forgot to be a neighbor to our neighbor?
It’s nice to see we haven’t lost that bond on the water. Maybe because it’s such a relaxing place. If you’re spending the day out on the water, you just feel better. Things are slower. Perhaps we can slip into a “nicer” version of ourselves.
By the end of the day, we had caught a few fish, laughed often and enjoyed the company of family. Part of me regretted having to head back in. It was so tranquil, so peaceful out among the cypress trees and lilly-pads, that it was easy to let go of the stress of every day life. I feared that once among the concrete, calendars and chores, I would loose my peace. I guess that’s up to me. I can choose to keep my peace and cherish the memories of a great day. I can also choose to take the river’s peacefulness and traditions with me… smile at a stranger, even take a chance and say, “Have a great day!” Who knows, fishing just might make the world a better place.
Finding Hope at Walmart
It always amazes me when I see the creative ways that God works. He can use the simplest things to make such a huge impact. At my job at Interfaith Emergency Services, every day I see His handiwork. Whether its a box of diapers for an unemployed single mom that cannot afford them, or a box of food for a family trying to make ends meet, He finds ways to answer prayers.
Recently, while setting up a display at our local Walmart for our High $5 Campaign, I was approached by a young girl. Though I was busy trying to unload my car so we could set up, she caught my eye immediately. Ashley was a thin, young girl, beaten and bruised by her boyfriend the night before. The second I smiled at her she burst into tears, and began begging for help. I pulled Ashley out of the bustle of people and got her to calm down. Her story, like so many others, starts with a boyfriend that her parents didn’t approve of. She had stayed with him for over a year, even with family begging her not to. He had convinced her to move away from family. He lied to her as he promised a good time, while Ashley lied to herself that he would stop drinking, drugging and beating. Somewhere between her busted lip and bruised ribs, Ashley realized she couldn’t take it anymore and called the police. With the boyfriend in jail, she had the courage to try for a clean start. Ashley had no money, no clothes, just a small purse with an empty wallet and ID card.
I watched Ashley rubbing her ankle, and I noticed her boyfriend’s name branded there. I’m sure she wished at that point to rub it away, along with all the pain and hurt.
“Family. I need my family,” she kept said. “I just need to get to my family, and everything will be okay.” Ashley remembered her grandmother’s phone number in Tampa. She told me that she was afraid to call because her grandmother would think her boyfriend was still around, and the grandmother was done with the abusive boyfriend. “I don’t want that boy around here anymore,” she had told her, and closed the door on her a year before. Now, Ashley wanted the love only her grandmother could give her. I picked up the phone and called Grandma Sarah. I explained who I was and that I worked at a local help agency and was with her granddaughter. Sarah asked about the boyfriend, and I assured her he was long gone. I put the two on the phone together, and through her tears Ashley spilled her sorrows and laid her soul bare. She admitted her mistakes, and just wanted to come home and start over. Sarah talked with me again and told me that she’d pay for a Greyhound bus ticket for Ashley. I told her that I would get her safely to the bus station, and that afternoon at 3:05pm, a smiling Ashley said a grateful goodbye.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
My husband asked me later, how she knew to come up to me. It’s not like I had a sign over my head that said “Have experience helping people.” I believe that God knew to send her to me, and had confidence in me that I would help. That day I was blessed to be used by God to reunite a young troubled girl with her family.
To find out more about Interfaith Emergency Services, visit: www.iesmarion.org
Enemies of the Heart, by Andy Stanley
5 months ago
Andy Stanley has once again hit one out of the ballpark. Enemies of the Heart, just like his other books, has one solid point to make – a single message to convey to his audience. Just as easily as if you were sitting in a coffee shop across the table from him, Andy eases back into his chair and speaks from his heart. It’s easy for the reader to follow along, open their mind and really feel a connection to the message he’s conveying.
Enemies of the Heart focuses on 4 emotions that can erode away the fulfillment of our very lives… guilt, anger, greed and jealousy. Gone unchecked, these emotions can poison our relationships, our faith and our character. The reader isn’t bogged down with charts and graphs, or “meditative questions for self-enlightenment” but instead follows along on a simple journey to check the pulse rate of their own spiritual heart. Often relating problems of a physical heart, Andy uses clear cut examples of how gone untreated, our spiritual heart can be in just as much danger. Andy explains how to recognize the signs of trouble and offers suggestions for improvement.
Andy has one of those rare abilities of being able to sense our deepest needs, but talk about them in a compelling way. We may think, “How did he know I felt that way?” as if we’re the only ones, when in fact, we’re not so unique at all. Andy pulls questions out of you that you wouldn’t normally ask, making you examine yourself in a whole new light – the penetrating light of God’s truth. Sometimes even an uncomfortable light that causes us to stop and think about applying what he’s saying instead of agreeing and moving on.
Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley (Chapter 1 Excerpt)
The reader is captivated by the honesty of Andy’s own personal experiences. Laughing out loud at his childhood rebellion in one moment, and seriously contemplating our own past troubles, Enemies of the Heart pulls you along through the pages without judgment or condemnation. Once he feels you have a handle on how to set yourself on a good path with healthy new habits, Andy touches on how to influence your children and those around you. The reader is provided with examples of how those around us absorb the emotions and feelings we’re broadcasting. Impacting the lives of those we love keeps us focused on the 4 emotions that can cripple our family or friendships.
As senior pastor of North Point Community Church in Atlanta, and founder of North Point Ministries, Andy is used to the spotlight but engages his audience (either through sermons, books or conferences) with a simple model: Using God’s Word to answer life’s most compelling and often difficult questions. His strong beliefs and love for his family shines through no matter what media he is reaching out with. Enemies of the Heart is a must read for everyone.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review through their Blogging for Books program.
Order this book from your local bookstore or www.amazon.com.
Advertising…with a Twist
Have you noticed that we’re being inundated with advertising? It seems to be everywhere – billboards, newspapers, television, radio. Magazines are so full of ads that it is sometimes hard to find the articles anymore. Ads blast through your car speakers at mega volumes, and commercials are winding their way through your favorite TV shows faster than the sport cars they’re trying to sell you. Recently while driving in Ocala at lunchtime I noticed a blimp floating by. It was too high of course, to see what was actually written on it, but I’m sure it was trying to advertise something. My guess would be it was a personal injury attorney or insurance company, since the distraction it was causing in traffic was bound to cause a pile up. And of course, who isn’t tired of pop-ups? They’re not just on your computer anymore either, the television networks are now advertising other TV shows over the top of whatever you may be currently watching.
I have to admit, I sometimes feel overwhelmed and wish they would all go away. But, then I remember why they are there. Advertising is all about attracting attention to something and promoting the latest do-dad you can’t live without.
Want to know what you really cant live without? God. And did you know that God advertises too? His ads are the coolest. They are made to make you feel good and be glad that you’re alive. No purchase required and no gimmicks.
Did you notice that gorgeous sunrise this morning that stretched out over the horizon? How about that beautiful blue sky today? That was God. Did you feel the cool breeze that washed over you at the game, or while you were working in the backyard? That was Him too. When was the last time you stopped to admire the beauty of a rainbow? God created all those things just for us.
The beauty in this world is all around us. It’s not hard to find. God is trying to remind us that He is with us every minute of every day. We need to appreciate Him and remember how wonderful His presence can be. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t just hang out at church on the weekends, waiting for us to show up. He is every where. He wants us to know to that he can be a part of our whole lives if we’ll let Him.
God works awfully hard to get our attention and to let us know He’s there. Shouldn’t we try harder to keep Him with us all the time? So remember the next time you’re sitting at that stoplight in traffic, forget the billboards. Check out God’s advertising.
Stormy Seas
We’ve all heard the story – Jesus and his disciples were in a boat crossing a lake, after Jesus had spoke to the crowds on the banks of the Galilee. Jesus grabs a cushion and stretches out at the back of the boat and goes to sleep. Suddenly a fierce storm comes, tossing the little boat. His disciples, many of whom were fisherman by trade, being familiar with the sea, were afraid. Afraid enough, to wake the sleeping Jesus, which probably took courage of its own. The disciples said “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” (Mark 4:38)
Picture it. Jesus had spent the entire day preaching to the crowds. Drain and exhausted, he falls asleep to the rocking of the boat as they crossed the lake. Now picture a big, burly disciple (we don’t know who it was – perhaps it was even Peter), shaking Him awake, to say “I’m afraid!” as if a child that’s afraid of the dark and the monster that’s hiding in the closet. Grown men, admitting they were afraid. Now I know it is said that the Sea of Galilee was known for violent and unexpected storms, and I’m sure anyone would have been afraid during that squall. Storms, no matter what their origin, can humble even the strongest of souls.
We learn that Jesus simply wakes up, rebukes the wind and waves to be still, and they obey. Jesus says to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Now the disciples are even more terrified, realizing that this man can calm a storm with His voice.
But did you catch it? Jesus had faith in the disciples in order to sleep in that little boat. He knew about the dangerous storms that came up suddenly on the Galilee, and He probably knew about that particular storm long before it happened. But He slept. Trusting the disciples with His life.
How often does Jesus trust us with something? How often do we say, “I’m afraid.” The storms we face in our lives often make us feel as though we are tossed and battered at sea, feeling at the mercy of the winds of fate. Whether it is the death of a loved one, financial struggles, battling a disease, or just day to day conflicts. Storms are everywhere.
Jesus knew the disciples could handle the storm. Jesus had faith, the same faith He was asking of them. Jesus has faith in us too. He knows what we are made of, our strengths and limitations, and our fears. Don’t be afraid of the storm. Jesus has faith in us. We need to have faith in Him.
Talking to God
Every once in a while, I pause and think about how cool heaven is going to be one day. Last year I read the Left Behind series, and made a startling revelation. One day, I’m going to be able to talk to God and he’s going to talk to me.
I know that sounds like a “duh!” But have you really thought about it? Those of us that are sure of our salvation, know that one day we’ll be in heaven. And we sometimes think about getting to see loved ones, kicking back on the “proverbial puffy cloud” and chatting with family and friends. However, have you ever really thought about meeting God face to face, and talking to Him…in person?
That thought got me thinking. I pray to God every day. We probably all pray at one time or another. Do we believe He’s listening to our prayer… really listening? Do our words become “lip service” to Him? Does it become a practiced set of things we say or ask for? If we really believed that our prayers were from our lips to His ear, would we be more reverent and less demanding? Would we complain less and praise more?
Getting a little nervous? Why does it sounds so scary to know that God will be face to face with us one day, and we’ll talk like best buddies? Will our words be different if we’re standing before Him? Why? It shouldn’t matter if we’re bowing our heads to pray or talking to Him in person. Our respect and awe for Him should be the same. He is our Heavenly Father, the King of kings, the Maker of all creation.
When I tuck my daughter in at night, I watch her bow her head, close her eyes, tent her little hands to pray, and wonder what she says to Him. Her reverence is clear. She is pouring her little 8 year old heart out to the God she knows loves her dearly. I don’t think she has any doubt that He’s listening. So as adults, how did we loose that reverence along the way? We have become so distracted and lackadaisical with our prayers, that they have become boring, monotonous and sad.
Jesus prayed with respect and emotion. Hebrews 5:7 says,
“While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.”
Jesus’ prayers were not “lip service.” Jesus didn’t get distracted in the middle of a prayer with thoughts of tomorrow’s “to do” list. He didn’t fall asleep in the middle of a prayer, because even he was bored with it.
The next time you stop to pray, stop. Psalm 46:10 says,
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Be still. Take the time to reverently bow your head, focus your thoughts, and talk to Him, just like He was in the room sitting beside you. He is hanging on to your every word, make those words count.
Fireproof
The movie Fireproof was shown to a sold out crowd last night at the Hollywood 16. The lobby was packed, and it was nice to see friends from church and around town, talking excitedly about the long-awaited movie. Our small group decided to do “date night” together this week for the movie. It was great to have such community of believers share in the experience.
Sherwood Pictures, a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, did an amazing job with Facing the Giants, and left big shoes to fill for their latest film. However, they certainly did not disappoint.
Fireproof is a story about a typical marriage you would find in America today. Caleb Holt, played by Kirk Cameron, is a captain with the Albany Fire Department. Caleb is a hero on the job, but struggles with his marriage at home. His wife, Catherine, played by Erin Bethea, finds herself unloved and alone as she juggles her marriage and taking care of elderly parents. Their marriage is dying a slow death, and neither seems willing to fan the flames of a failing marriage.
Kirk Cameron and the rest of the crew did an incredible job bringing real life drama onto the big screen. There are times in the movie when you ache for the hurt and loneliness and cry for the pain of brokenness. Sprinkled in between, you find humor at life’s every day journey.
At the heart of the movie, lies the most important issue. A Christ-sized whole in the hearts of those that are struggling. They try to fill the void with materials things or dreams of something better, but eventually come to find that only God’s love will complete their lives. Life change happens with a commitment to God, and only through understanding God’s love, do they learn to love each other.
For more information, visit fireproofthemovie.com.
I'm SO glad that […]
3 years ago