Monday, April 20, 2009

Gardening Eden



by





Did you know that the oldest recorded profession is that of a gardener? That was Adam's job in the garden of Eden. I doubt that there were any weeds, but I imagine there were flowers to be deadheaded, fruit and vegetables to be harvested, and invasive plants to be trimmed back. I wonder if Adam was born with a sense of color harmony and an intrinsic ability to know when hostas needed divided? Did he create new paths and create new designs by moving different flowers around? Did Eve cut flowers to create arrangements for their dinner table? How about their meals? Were there exciting new salads every night?

It's easy to feel close to God when I'm elbow deep in the rich soil he created, watching the worms work their way around the entrenched roots of perennial flowers. But I don't often think much beyond my garden harvest and the smiles my garden will bring in season.

What are my responsibilities as a Christian to this world God created? While carrying out the Great Commission to bring non-Christians to the feet of Christ, what role do I have to care for the Earth God created? Michael addresses how creation care will change our faith, our lives, and our world in this important book.

Purchase it on Amazon

ABOUT THE BOOK:





Before the snake, the apple, and the Ten Commandments, God created a garden, placed humans in it, and told them to take care of it.



“Spiritual environmentalism” did not start out as an oxymoron—it was an invitation. Yet today, many believe God’s original job description for humankind has been replaced by other worthier pursuits. So when did this simple instruction become so controversial? How does one sort through all the mixed messages? Is making the world a healthier place for the next generation really a responsibility—or even possible?



]Gardening Eden is a new understanding of how the spiritual dimensions of life can find expression and renewal through caring for our incredible planet. Empowering, simple, and never polemical, Michael Abbaté outlines the Bible’s clear spiritual benefits of caring for creation, exploring new motivations and inspired ideas, and revealing the power of our basic connection to all people and living things through the growing interest in spiritual environmentalism.



Green living is no longer a fad—simple lifestyle solutions are now available to everyone.





Gardening Eden shows readers how this shift transforms not only our world, but their very souls as they’re drawn into deeper harmony with the Creator. This book invites them to discover the powerful spiritual satisfaction of heeding the call to save our world.

Go HERE to read the first chapter.

Author Bio:
A nationally recognized expert in “green” development strategies, Mike Abbaté is a founder of GreenWorks, an award-winning landscape architecture design firm. He frequently speaks to students and leaders about practical ways to minimize the impact of building and landscape design on natural resources. Abbaté’s work has been featured in national magazines such as Metropolis and Landscape Architecture and in many local newspapers and trade publications. He and his wife, Vicki, have two adult daughters and live near Portland , Oregon . You can learn more about Mike at his website.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

How Can I Run A Tight Ship . . . ?



How Can I Run A Tight Ship When I'm Surrounded By Loose Cannons?


by





My Thoughts:
Have you ever wanted to be a perfect mom or tried desperately to be the Proverbs 31 woman? If so, this book is for you! But be sure to keep a box of tissues nearby -- you'll need them to wipe your eyes because you'll laugh so hard you'll cry! A perfect book for those days when you just don't feel good enough. It will remind you that you aren't, and that's ok.
About the Book:


(Homeland, CA) - For all the Christian women in the world who dread reading Proverbs 31 and wonder who on earth could ever live up to that woman - this book is for you. Between dirty diapers, complaining children, housework, husbands and a multitude of other attention-grabbing detours women face, award-winning author and speaker, Kathi Macias finds a way to encourage and biblically instruct women of all ages and phases.


Women everywhere are the glue that holds their families together. Keeping everything under control challenges even the most organized household CEO. Kathi uses humor, God's Word, as well as practical insight and instruction to lovingly encourage women to grow in this progression of grace.


Readers will find How Can I Run a Tight Ship When I'm Surrounded by Loose Cannons?: Proverbs 31 Discoveries for Yielding to the Master of the Seas, filled with scriptural explanations and journaling pages to process and write their personal feelings and prayers. With sections of the book focused on each step of the learning process to guide our ships to safe harbor, readers will be happily surprised to find the funny without the fluff. Kathi's words are the "spoonful of sugar that makes the medicine go down." Her vulnerable approach facilitates the teachings of Proverbs 31, making it easier for women to swallow.


The truth of the scriptures is very much alive and well throughout the pages, yet the ease and charm of the author's words entice readers to press forward and embrace the plan for God's woman today.

About the Author:

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored 26 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women's clubs and retreats, and writers' conferences. She recently won the prestigious 2008 member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) at the annual Golden Scrolls award banquet. Kathi "Easy Writer" Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend free time riding their Harley.




Interview:

I understand you sometimes refer to this book as "discipleship with a grin." What do you mean by that, and why did you choose a humor format for a discipleship book?
Actually, I chose a discipleship theme for a humor title. As much as I hate to admit it, the title came to me one day and I knew I had to do something with it--just too good to pass up! So the more I thought/prayed about it, the more I realized it described my life, both naturally and spiritually. I began to try to lay out my spiritual growth via humorous life stories, and found they produced a natural pattern. From there I developed the five stages of spiritual growth into five sections for the book, and I was off and running!


Besides, I learned from a friend/mentor years ago that you can "shove a lot of truth down people's throat when their mouth is open laughing," so I figured, why not???



What are some of the funniest "loose cannons" stories included in your book?
One of my favorites is the story of my very first women's retreat as a brand new Christian back in the "Jesus freak" days of baptisms at the beach and praise-ins at the park. I shared a room with three ladies I had never met, one of whom ended up being my "bunk mate." She snored, she was quite a bit overweight (taking up much more than her side of the bed!), and she "leaked" because she was still weaning her youngest child. You'll have to read the story to see how that experience taught me a lot about "spiritual face plants."
Another favorite story is about the time I took my three sons (two pre-teens and one elementary school age at the time) to the community swimming pool. The older boys decided to use their younger brother as a human beach ball, and when they ignored my cries from the side of the pool to stop, I actually had the nerve to jump into the water and swim right up to them and order them to stop. Their level of humiliation at being seen in the pool with their mother was as close to social suicide as it gets. But we all survived and learned a lot in the process.


Your book is divided into five sections. Can you briefly explain what they are and what they have to do with discipleship and humor?
As I mentioned earlier, the five sections correspond with what I consider the five stages of spiritual growth: crawling (infants or "rugrats") on our knees; walking (toddlers who are still a bit shaky but exploring and learning); running (stronger, more mature believers who are beginning to make a difference in their world); flying or soaring (eagles with a solid foundation and maturity to share with others); resting (back on our knees and realizing that place of utter dependence on Him is really the best place to be after all). The discipleship correlation is, I believe, evident in these stages; the humor comes in simply because I'm one of those slow learners who needs God to "hit me upside the head" at times, and I haven't been bashful about explaining those times in the book.

What advice can you give to the young mom out there who is juggling two kids, a fulltime job outside the home, a husband, housework, pets and church?
Life happens in seasons! You CAN'T be all things to all people at all times. It simply doesn't work. And if you don't believe it, read about my many crash-and-burn episodes as I tried! The Proverbs 31 woman is a composite picture of many women from different walks and stages of life; when we get a grip on that, it releases us to enjoy the season we're in right now, even as we prepare for the next one.

How did raising your own children help prepare you for the parenting side of the proverbial woman? Any tips you'd like to share?
Relax and enjoy them! Yes, even the rugrats and teenagers, because "this too shall pass." There were times I thought I'd go bald from pulling out my own hair over the frustrations and failures of that season of my life, but now it's my grandchildren who are passing through those rugrat-to-teen stages, and hey, I still have my hair! You'll make it--and so will your kids--in spite of your frustrations and failures. And yes, I know there are too many of those to mention (or admit to). I'm the queen of mom-failures, and yet my kids never cease to bless me with words of love and praise. Do I deserve it? Probably not. But I love every minute of it!

Do you have a favorite part of the book or a favorite chapter?
Several, in fact, but one in particular: Chapter 26, "Back Home Again," contains the story of my precious father, a man who lived for 88 years denying God's existence and then finally turning to him in his last week of life. It's one of the more serious stories in the book, but even that one ends on a humorous note.

If the Proverbs 31 woman is alive today, what does she look like?
She looks like me--and you--and every woman whose heart longs to please God and to raise her children according to the Scriptures, even though she knows she's doing well just to make sure they all have their sack lunches before they leave for school in the morning. She's thin, overweight, short, tall, black, white, brown, red, yellow, and polka dot when she catches her kids' chicken pox. And she's absolutely beautiful!!!

Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?
I want them to learn to relax and laugh and enjoy this voyage called "life," and to trust the Captain of our souls to take us home safely when our trip is over, rather than struggling to "man the oars" ourselves.

What makes your book different than other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?
There are countless books written for "control freak" women who want to do it all and be it all--perfectly and completely at all times. This one, however, is not only written with a humorous tone, but it also takes the reader through what I call the five steps of spiritual growth: crawling, walking, running, flying--and back on our knees, totally dependent once again. I do this by exposing many of the sometimes humorous--and sometimes not so humorous--events in my own life as I progressed through the five stages.

Are there any authors that either influenced you personally or influenced your style of writing? Who are they and how did they influence you?
Brennan Manning, Henri J. M. Nouwen, and Max Lucado have to be right at the top of my favorite nonfiction authors list, simply because they call me back to the heart of worship, to a fresh appreciation of grace and a clarion call to rely totally upon God and not myself. I need those reminders on a regular basis. In addition, I love their writing styles. Their words "sing," and it is my goal to do the same with the words I write.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?
Okay, now I have to 'fess up to how nearly one-dimensional I am. If I'm not writing, I'm...well, reading someone else's writing. That's at the top of my "what I like to do" list. However, I also spend time riding on the back of my husband's 2003 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle. He's been riding HD's since 1970 and says he will never outgrow that youthful passion. On the road we are known as "Big Al" and "Easy Writer..."

Friday, April 10, 2009

Double Treat!

Experiencing the Spirit: Serve God as Never Before

The first Christians “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6) shaking the gates of hell even in the face of severe persecution. The result: People all around “were filled with wonder and amazement” (Acts 3:10).What can give Christians today the same impact?God’s Holy Spirit is ready to answer that for us in an awesome way, as Henry Blackaby and his son Mel Blackaby make clear in Experiencing the Spirit. You’ll see how the proof of the Spirit’s presence is our awareness of God’s personal assignments for us, plus our supernatural enablement to carry out those assignments. You’ll find essential clarification on the difference between natural talents and spiritual gifts. You’ll explore the dynamics of being filled with the Spirit through intimate relationship with Him, committed obedience, and radical departure from sin. Instead of considering what you can do for God with your abilities and talents, you’ll be encouraged here to seek what God wants to do through you supernaturally by His Spirit, empowering you beyond your personal competence and capacities. Release the Holy Spirit’s work at the very core of your experience of the Christian life.
Dr. Henry Blackaby has devoted his life to the ministry. A multi-faceted talent, he has served as a music director, senior pastor, college president, missionary, and later as an executive in Southern Baptist Convention. Blackaby is the author of more than a dozen books with more than one million copies sold, including the best-selling Experiencing God. As the President of Blackaby Ministries, he is a vibrant speaker and the father of Dr. Melvin Blackaby. Melvin serves as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro in Georgia , where he lives with his wife, Gina, and their three children.
Buy Experiencing the Spirit at Random House.
The Treasure Principle

Flip-Flop Your Concept of Giving! Bestselling author Randy Alcorn introduced readers to a revolution in material freedom and radical generosity with the release of the original The Treasure Principle in 2001. Now the revision to the compact, perennial bestseller includes a provocative new concluding chapter depicting God asking a believer questions about his stewardship over material resources. Readers are moved from the realms of thoughtful Bible exposition into the highly personal arena of everyday life. Because when Jesus told His followers to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” He intended that they discover an astounding secret: how joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His children maximum pleasure. Discover a joy more precious than gold! Story Behind the BookAfter years of writing and teaching on the theme “God owns everything,” in 1990 Randy Alcorn was sued by an abortion clinic (for peaceful, nonviolent intervention for the unborn). Suddenly he had to resign as a pastor and was restricted to making minimum wage. Legally unable to own anything, Randy gave all his book royalties to missions work and need-meeting ministries. He and his family have experienced the reality of The Treasure Principle—that God really does own everything, takes care of us, and graciously puts assets into our hands that we might have the joy and privilege of investing in what will last for eternity.
Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM). Prior to 1990, when he started EPM, he served as a pastor for fourteen years. He has spoken around the world and has taught on the adjunct faculties of Multnomah Bible College and Western Seminary in Portland , Oregon . Randy is the best-selling author of twenty-seven books (over three million in print), including the novels Deadline, Dominion, and Deception as well as Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, the Gold Medallion winner Safely Home, and Wait Until Then.
Buy The Treasure Principle at Random House.

Double Treat!



Summary Experiencing the Spirit:

Serve God as never before



The first Christians “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6) shaking the gates of hell even in the face of severe persecution. The result: People all around “were filled with wonder and amazement” (Acts 3:10).What can give Christians today the same impact?

God’s Holy Spirit is ready to answer that for us in an awesome way, as Henry Blackaby and his son Mel Blackaby make clear in Experiencing the Spirit. You’ll see how the proof of the Spirit’s presence is our awareness of God’s personal assignments for us, plus our supernatural enablement to carry out those assignments. You’ll find essential clarification on the difference between natural talents and spiritual gifts. You’ll explore the dynamics of being filled with the Spirit through intimate relationship with Him, committed obedience, and radical departure from sin.

Instead of considering what you can do for God with your abilities and talents, you’ll be encouraged here to seek what God wants to do through you supernaturally by His Spirit, empowering you beyond your personal competence and capacities. Release the Holy Spirit’s work at the very core of your experience of the Christian life.



Summary The Treasure Principle

Flip-Flop Your Concept of Giving!

Bestselling author Randy Alcorn introduced readers to a revolution in material freedom and radical generosity with the release of the original The Treasure Principle in 2001. Now the revision to the compact, perennial bestseller includes a provocative new concluding chapter depicting God asking a believer questions about his stewardship over material resources. Readers are moved from the realms of thoughtful Bible exposition into the highly personal arena of everyday life. Because when Jesus told His followers to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” He intended that they discover an astounding secret: how joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His children maximum pleasure. Discover a joy more precious than gold!
Story Behind the Book
After years of writing and teaching on the theme “God owns everything,” in 1990 Randy Alcorn was sued by an abortion clinic (for peaceful, nonviolent intervention for the unborn). Suddenly he had to resign as a pastor and was restricted to making minimum wage. Legally unable to own anything, Randy gave all his book royalties to missions work and need-meeting ministries. He and his family have experienced the reality of The Treasure Principle—that God really does own everything, takes care of us, and graciously puts assets into our hands that we might have the joy and privilege of investing in what will last for eternity.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Sticks and Stones

Sticks and Stones
by
Ace Collins


MY THOUGHTS:
Do you ever think about the impact of the words you speak each day? How about the words you think? What do you say to yourself when you drop something and make a big mess? Are you nicer to a visitor who does the same thing?

This book addresses the impact of language on our lives and the lives of those we come in contact with. We can't control what others say to us, but we can control what we say to them and how often we repeat their words in our heads. By addressing topics such as self talk, saying thanks, paying attention, apologizing, and even talking when we don't know what to say, Ace Collins gives practical advice and specific actions we can take to improve the world one word at a time.

This is definitely a book worth reading -- and soon! You can purchase it at Amazon. Learn more about the author at his website.

Read more reviews by checking out these websites!


ABOUT THE BOOK:
With earthy wisdom, simple action points and his trademark gift for storytelling, bestselling author Ace Collins shows how—and why—to make the words used each day count. From a friendly hello, to a handwritten thank-you note, to a thoughtful phone call, words can have a positive impact in a negative world.Of the roughly thirty-thousand words spoken by most people every day, Collins challenges readers to imagine if just a handful of them could save a life or heal a broken heart or inspire a vision that would shape the course of history. He urges that today is an opportunity to speak—or write—words of incalculable potential for good.
With simple action points and colorful stories, this inspiring book will help weed out sticks-and-stones negativism and unleash the surpassing, life-giving, destiny-shaping power of positive words.
What does it take for words to make a difference?
Perhaps a simple thank-you letter or an encouraging email, a simple hello, a thoughtful phone call, a note written on the back of a family photograph — the possibilities are endless. Sticks and Stones shows the power and importance of words and how to use the right words to have a positive impact beyond anything you can imagine.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Ace Collins is the writer of more than sixty books, including several bestsellers: Stories behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, Stories behind the Great Traditions of Christmas, The Cathedrals and Lassie: A Dog’s Life. Based in Texas, he continues to publish several new titles each year. He has appeared on scores of television shows, including CBS This Morning, NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America and Entertainment Tonight, along with appearances on CNN and MSNBC. Visit www.acecollins.com.






An Interview With Ace Collins:

Tell me a little bit about your background and your family.

I have being writing since grade school. I think my family’s Arkansas roots played into that. My grandparents were master storytellers and I loved listening as they painted pictures with their words. I came to Texas for college and majored in journalism and English. When I landed by first book contract, I was about thirty and quit my day job to write. The next fifteen years were tough financially, I did a lot of basketball officiating and substitute teaching, but I loved the challenge of creating new ideas. Still, I would not have made a go of it had it not been for my wife. She was supportive when everything else seemed like it was against my career choice. She never complained about making sacrifices for the dream. Ironically, even when we had almost nothing, our two sons thrived on the experiences. It must have made an impact as one has a communication degree from Baylor and the other is at Ouachita studying writing and film right now.


How did you get involved in writing?


I was writing short stories in third grade. I outlined and wrote part of a novel in high school. I was always writing poetry and songs ad still have hundreds of those in my files. I even put together a little newspaper for my small town and wrote a few issues when I was in sixth grade. I started a novel in college that just hit bookstores. So wanting to jot down my thoughts has always been like breathing to me.




What did you enjoy most about the writing process?


I love the creative end. I have a journal I take with me just to jot down things I think of that might work in books. Even my Bible is filled with notes on books I want to write.




What was the most difficult aspect of the writing process?


The actual writing. That is hard work. I enjoy it once I get into it, but it is difficult to get started. In fact, when you sign the contract and realize you have a deadline, there is still a feeling of panic. I still wonder if I can do it. I think that might be healthy too.




Where did you get the idea for the book?


Sticks and Stones is really my philosophy for living. It is something I have learned from people who have been placed in my life over the years. These ideas are what have sustained me through the lean times and make me happy now. Hence I thought what I had learned from others about the power of words might be something others would like to know.




What are the major themes of the book?


I once heard that folks use about 30,000 words a day in either written or oral form. It dawned on me that most of those words have either no impact or make a negative impact. In a world filled with people using words to cut others down, I opted to create a book that encouraged what I feel everyone should do — which is use our language to lift people up.




What do you hope readers will take away from your book?


I pray that they realize they do change the world with their words and actions. It all starts with how we talk to ourselves. So if they only read one chapter and learn one lesson, I hope they learn to see and then speak to themselves as if they are someone very important, because in my eyes and God’s eyes they are that and so much more.




What has God been teaching you lately?


Patience. The timing of all things is His not mine. Hence I have to wait on having dreams realized. I don’t mind telling you that when you are excited about ideas and want to see them in print now, it is hard to wait.


Where are you headed next?


Wherever the road leads. I’m having a blast right now. I have four books coming out this year, at least two more next year. I have a new novel series. After more than fifty books, I can’t believe how much fun I am having. It is just as much of a joy today as it was when I started. Oh, and I would like to find a 1932 Auburn convertible hidden away in a barn and bring it back to life.




Wednesday, April 1, 2009

MUST READ: Clutter Free Christianity



by Dr. Robert Jeffress


MY THOUGHTS:

This is one of the most thought-provoking books I've read in a long time. It has definitely been a key in my growth process and will be for a long time. Dr. Jeffress asks seemingly simple questions that can haunt you all night! Such as, do you really want to be like Christ? At first thought our answer is "Of course I do!" But think about it . . . if that's the case why aren't you spending your time and money the way He did?

By focusing on connecting our hearts to God's power, this book addresses the key elements of our faith: forgiveness, obedience, trust, contentness, service, and prayer. And instead of just telling us what we should do, Dr. Jeffress helps us create a specific plan that will help change our lives.

This book has been the focus of my daily devotions at Faith Builders Dailies. Check it out if you are interested in more thoughts from and provoked by the book! I would definitely recommend buying this one -- it is one I'll schedule to read at least once per year. You can purchase it here.


BOOK SUMMARY:

When did the Christian life become so complicated?
Your greatest desire is to please God, but with each passing week, your spiritual to-do list grows longer. As you strive to fulfill a never-ending inventory of requirements for being a godly parent, spouse, voter, employee, and more, you feel increasingly disconnected from the God you’re trying to serve.
It’s time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to please God. In this liberating look at the core principles of faith, Dr. Robert Jeffress reveals the truth about what God really wants from you–and what He wants to do for you.
Through solid biblical teaching and practical insights, Dr. Jeffress points you toward a revitalized faith centered on becoming more like Jesus in action, attitude, and affection. You’ll learn how to partner with God in the process of spiritual transformation as you choose to follow Christ in forgiveness, obedience, trust, contentment, service, and prayer.
Through a renewed focus on experiencing the kingdom of God right now, you’ll find your to-do list shrinking and your spiritual life deepening. It all comes with embracing Clutter-Free Christianity.
Includes a Bible study guide for personal growth and group discussion.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Robert Jeffress is the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, one of the most historic churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. The author of sixteen books, he is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition, live broadcasts of Dr. Jeffress’ weekly messages reach millions of listeners and viewers each week, while his daily sermon series airs on 1,100 television stations and cable systems nationwide. Dr. Jeffress and his wife, Amy, are the parents of two adult daughters.