Inspirational Zingers Jumble by Christopher Hudson

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of Inspirational Zingers Jumble.

Do you love words?

This book reminded me of puzzles that I did when I was younger. It would be great to have with you if you were waiting for an appointment or had a few minutes to spare. I think I will keep this in my car for lunch breaks or surprise appointments.

There are six types of jumbles provided in this book. It’s not only a jumble but there’s a reward at the end. You complete a quote, sentence, or identify a mystery person.

Each jumble has a main theme. Word search jumble number 9 is about perseverance. There are six words to unscramble. There is one or two letters circled in each word. Those you need to unscramble to fill in the zinger. Then you find the word in the word search.

As for me, I’m going to keep it handy in my car. There have been many times that I’ve thought I should have had something in the car to read (besides facebook).

I recommend this for upper elementary students who love words and learn a lesson at the same time.

The Word of Promise Next Generation - How Should a Christian Live?

A great devotional for youth, the Word of Promise Next Generation is easy and fun to read. As an adult, I enjoyed it immensely. It teaches without preaches.

This is part of a devotional guide series. It is focused on How Should a Christian Live? It includes a MP3 CD to help youth cement the concept in their hearts.

As stated in the description, Thomas Nelson used the eye-catching approach to help understand the stories and concepts in the bible. It’s described as GET-IT, GRAB-IT, HOLD-IT, GIVE-IT, DEFINE IT, and LIVE IT. How does that look? In session four, it’s about the concept of faith. Thomas doubted Jesus had come back to life. He had to see it. Faith is belief that Jesus exists even though we cannot see Him (GET-IT). A fun word search (look for faith) cleverly titled Finding Faith. The GRAB-IT is comparing the wind with knowing Jesus. We can feel the wind but cannot see it. The scripture for this lesson is Hebrews 11:1. The DEFINE-IT portion is the heart and how it relates to the human spirit. This is only a portion of what the lesson offers.

I loved this book even though it’s designed for youth. It includes many puzzles like word searches, scramble, fill in the blank, code deciphering, etc. For some, reading the Bible may be daunting but it makes it much easier when there’s a devotional to go with it. You can read the scripture in context and the devotional to bring it to life.

The best part of the book is how it applies to our lives today and a journaling section. Journaling is a great way to document spiritual growth. I highly recommend this book for today’s youth!

**Thomas Nelson Publishers has provided me a free copy of this book**

I Love God's Green Earth by Michael and Caroline Carroll

Great Devotional!

I loved this devotional book!

It’s a 90-day devotional and each day it’s broken down by the following parts:

• It starts each day with a scripture verse that correlates with the lesson.
• A short story of facts that surround our earth.
• Connection – how does it relate to us today or to the bible.
• Fun or amazing fact or news flash.
• Jokes
• What can I do?

There are drawings/pictures each day, which make it more fun for the kids. My son flipped through the book and found the devotion that he wanted to start with. It was Day 32 entitled ‘Disneyland’s Green Train.’ It talks about how Disneyland opened in 1955 and now the Disneyland Railroad has gone green. It’s estimated that this change has saves 200,000 gallons of diesel fuel each year! The What Can I do portion tells us that we can rejoice in God’s power. There is nothing stronger than the Power of God.

Our action step as a family is to remember that God is in control over all of His Creation. Jesus reminds us that we will have trouble in the world but He has overcome the world. When things get difficult, we will look towards God instead of away from Him.

I recommend this book for kids up to age 12. I highly suggest a small discussion afterwards on how each family can make a difference on God’s Earth. If everyone took one small step, it can make a huge difference. We each need to do our part.

**Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC**

Everyone Connects Few Connect by John C. Maxwell

Connection is the key to all communication. This applies whether it’s personal or business. John Maxwell has taken the communication to the next level by including excerpts of the people that he has come across via the Internet. His book design is represented of that fact. They are all people who sent their picture in to him with permission to use for this book. In the back, he lists each and every name that contributed to his book by participating in his website http://johnmaxwellonleadership.com

One concept that seemed to be apparent throughout the book is caring about people. People are not going to listen to you or care if you do not care about them. You cannot fake it. They will know the difference.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is in a leadership position or anyone who has to speak in front of the audience. He delves into the specifics of speaking in front of others including how to be comfortable which may be sitting instead of standing. He covers how to engage the audience. Using humor is an excellent way to achieve that goal. Wondering how to connect one on one versus a group? He covers it. This book is not limited to high-level managements business owners and speakers. Speaking for a longer period of time doesn’t necessary make it a better speech. It’s like writing. You can write 1000 words but if 700 are fluff, that’s a waste. This is the same with connecting with others especially with an audience. Go on too long and they will tune out.

If you are looking for a way to connect better with others, this may be the book you have been waiting for.

Thin Places by Mary E. DeMuth

This book is best described as poetic bravery. This is a moving, heart-wrenching story about the effects of sexual abuse on a child. It’s difficult to find God during those times. But He’s there. Mary meets God in those thin places.

The book cuts deep to the core. It’s easy for someone on the outside to expect the abused to ‘get over it.’ Mary cuts deep. She shows the emotional impact on her life. The pain is like being cut with a knife. It’s there. Yes, it heals but the scar is there. The book delves into those scars which are really invisible to everyone else. The depression, worthless feelings, thoughts of suicide is real to those who have been victimized. It carries forward to your marriage, your kids, and your friendships.

Mary’s book reads like poetry. She has an innate ability to string words together like a beautiful song. She can find God in the ugly places. I admire her to being the voice for many. If you or you know someone who has been abused, please steer them towards this book. It will show them that they are not alone. God was there with them in the thin places.

If you are looking for novels that show characters finding God in the thin places, I highly recommend Watching the Tree Limbs and Wishing on Dandelions, novels written by Mary E. DeMuth.

The Gospel According to Lost by Chris Seay

I gobbled this book up. Chris Seay is a pastor who made me think outside of the box. This is not only a great book for LOST fans but for other authors to analyze. Seay analyzes each character in depth.

Who is the man of faith? Who is the man of science? Who is the leader at the beginning of the Season One? Who is the leader by the end of Season Five? Why?

Chris Seay delves deep into the goal, motivation, and conflict of each character. Like all good characters, there is plenty of conflict: internal and external. This is why we love this show. We all are motivated to reach a goal but conflict stands in our way.

One aspect is clear. We are all shaped by our past. This is evident in each of the characters in LOST. It can have a huge impact on how you view life today. I believe the trick is to not be fooled by that. The negative influences do not have to overtake your life. Dig deep into the Word of God and your path will be made straight.

The LOST TV show has broken precedent by taking several diverse people and throwing them together. They learn to work together as a team. Then they find out that there are OTHERS. Then there’s the mysterious Jacob.

Seay, being a church planter and pastor, ties the LOST show to specific scriptures. There appears to be a correlation between characters in the bible versus the TV show. If you are a true fan of LOST, I believe you will love this book. I highly recommend it.

The book includes fabulous artwork by Scott Erickson (see http://www.thetranspireproject.com) for more information about these prints.

Out With The In Crowd

Skylar Hoyt has changed. She left the party life behind. She’s with a great guy, Connor. All appears to be going well. It seems like every time she turns around, her old friends pop up. It would be great except she’s not like them.

Not only is Skylar dealing with her mom who seems to disappear and reappear, she’s dealing with her younger sibling (Abbie) who is pregnant. Part of her wants to escape. She is given an opportune time to do that. But can she leave Connor and Abbie behind? Connor has breached her trust. Why should she stay?

Like her first book, she had great characterization, great plot, and satisfying ending. At the end of the book, you take a deep breath and say, “Now that’s a good story.” If I had to name the theme of the story, it would be learning to trust. Ultimately, people may fail us but Jesus never does.

Stephanie is one author that I will keep my tabs on. She is going to be such a great impression to our young people today.

I loved Stephanie’s first book. This book is even better! Her next book is coming out in July 2010. I almost wish I read this later. Then I could jump right into the next one. Maybe I’ll put this on my June list to read again.