Christians are...Book Review by Drew Muly

I am so excited to introduce you all to my son, Drew!!  He is 19 and a Sophomore at Oral Roberts University.  Several weeks ago I was notified of this book and given the opportunity to review it.  I was going to pass, but my he thought it was something he would like to read and review, Yay!!  It’s so exciting when my kids want to read!!  So without further ado, here it is!!

About the author: 

Bradley R.E. Wright, PhD is an associate professor of sociology at the University of Connecticut. After receiving tenure, he switched his academic focus from crime to religion in order to research American Christianity. Brad received his PhD in sociology from the University of Wisconsin, the top-ranked sociology graduate program in the United States. He has a popular blog (brewight.com) based on his research. Brad is married with two children and lives in Storrs, Connecticut.

Back Cover:

What if all the bad news you've been hearing about Christians isn't true?

Here are some facts that may surprise you:

Evangelicals are more respected by society today than they were twenty years ago.

Divorce rates of Christian couples are lower than those of nonbelievers.

The percentage of young people who attend church has held steady over the past twenty years.

All these statements are true, yet we've been told the opposite time and time again. Why is the church being misled? And what is the true state of Christianity in America today?

Sociologist Brad Wright shatters popular myths by sifting through the best available data. He reveals how Christians are doing when it comes to everything from marriage and morality to church growth and public perception. While not all the news is good, it turns out there is a wealth of encouraging information that we're not being told.

Get the truth behind the statistics you've been hearing and how the numbers are being manipulated, and discover what is really happening in American Christianity.

My Review:

Throughout our lives, we are told time and time again all the negative things Christians are doing.  Over time, being a Christian, and hearing all the terrible things, such as, Christians have a higher divorce rate than non-Christians, and young people are leaving the church at a rapid pace can be extremely discouraging.  However, Bradley R.E. Wright became very curious about where all of these statistics were coming from, and whether or not they were all true.  As an experienced sociologist, he knew how to find out the truth about these awful statistics.  In his book, he shines a new, and very encouraging light on the Christian religion as a whole.  He becomes somewhat of a Christian rumors mythbuster. 

Throughout the book, Wright presents the initial rumors we have heard, and then he shows the actual facts, and makes an overall conclusion as to whether or not the things we have heard are true.  This book is very well researched, and Wright explains the facts in a way anyone can understand.  If you are discouraged about Christianity, or just sick of hearing the negative rumors, this is a book you should read.  I actually believe this would be a great book for anyone to read because sometimes we just need a reminder that not everything you here is true, not even some statistics you hear from pastors.  The thing with statistics is, they can be skewed in many ways, and become more and more exaggerated with each retelling.  Other times they are used to motivate Christians to be better, and begin acting on our feelings.  Wright explains how many times these statistics discourage people, and make them feel hopeless, like Christianity is on a downward spiral, destined for destruction. In the last chapter, he summarizes the book in a very simple, yet powerful way. 

In the end, this is a very encouraging, and well-researched book, which I believe many people need to read.  However, if you are not a numbers, graphs, and statistics kind of person, this may not be the fastest, most enjoyable read for you.  I would like to encourage you, though, to venture out, and read through this book and learn some truths about Christianity.

Thank you Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!!

Thank you for reading his review!!

Counting it all Joy!!

 

What's in the Bible #3

Phil Vischer

In 1990, 24-year-old computer animator Phil Vischer sat down to create a group of characters that could teach Christian values to kids in a delightfully weird way. Hence, a tomato named Bob and a cucumber named Larry were born. VeggieTales would go on to revolutionize Christian filmmaking, selling more than 50 million videos and placing Phil's faith-filled stories in one in every three American households with young children. Phil is highly respected by key leaders across the Christian landscape, from Joel Osteen to James Dobson. His company, Jellyfish Labs, provides faith-based daily programming via the Internet at jellytelly.com. The characters from the What's in the Bible? series are featured, but the content is not specifically from the DVDs. Phil continues to pursue innovative ways to integrate faith and storytelling through Jellyfish Labs. He chose the name Jellyfish as a reminder to remain pliable to God's plans and not his own. Phil lives with his wife, Lisa, and their three kids in Illinois.

 About the DVD

In What’s In the Bible #3, Wanderin’ in the Desert, Buck Denver and his cast of friends take us through the next three books of the Bible—Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—helping kids understand how these books fit in with Genesis and Exodus to make up the Pentateuch and to set the stage for the trials and victories of God’s people. The question “Did this stuff really happen?” is also answered. 

What is a “Pentateuch” and why does it have so many weird rules?

Part 1:  Don’t lie, don’t cheat... don’t TRIM YOUR BEARD?  The Old Testament is full of rules, and some of them are kind of, well, weird.  Learn why God gave all these rules to Israel and which ones still apply to us today!

Part 2:  What is a “Pentateuch”?  Learn about Israel’s 40-year “time-out” as we finish the first five books of the Bible!  Plus, discover why we can believe what the Bible says - even though we weren’t there to see it happen!

From the man who made vegetables talk (and sing and dance and tell Bible stories) comes this third release in the engaging new series that walks kids through the entire Bible! Each DVD is filled with an entertaining cast of characters who bring the most powerful Bible stories to life using humor, creative storytelling, and fun songs. Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer and a boatload of new friends on a wild and zany journey through the world’s most amazing book!

My Review:

I love Phil Vischer and VeggieTales, but I had never seen or heard of this dvd series, so when I was asked to review one of them, I was so excited.  We not only have 5 kids, 2 of which are still homeschooling, but my husband is a Children’s Pastor and we have been involved in that ministry, in some form, for lots of years.  That being said, I am thrilled to say, this dvd series is wonderful.  It is fast-paced and keeps everyones attention, it doesn’t matter the age, 3 year old granddaughter loves it, my twin 10 year olds love it, my 19 year old loves it, my husband loves it, and I love it.  We have all been caught singing the songs, which are cute and snappy.  I love all the new characters and I love that Phil Vischer interacts so much with them.  I think it would be a great add-in with any homeschool curriculum, or in a Children’s Church setting.  I would probably write curriculum to go with it though.

The only negative thing I could possibly say about it, is the kid riding in the car before and between parts is somewhat disrespectful to his mother, at times.  Not terribly, just more than I would allow from my kids.  I thinks as long as parents explain that this isn’t appropriate behavior and use it as a teaching tool, it would still be okay.  

I would highly recommend this dvd series to any family to watch as a family, to any homeschool family to use in their school, to any family with kids in any school, to any Children’s Church, I would pretty much recommend it to anyone.  It is fun and witty.

This is what my twins have to say about it:

Adam:  What’s in the Bible is a funny and educational video that is good for all ages .  All the characters are very different and everyone has their own special personality.  It really explains the bible in an easy way to understand.  My favorite characters are the Sunday School Lady and The Bentley Brothers.  I loved it and you will too!!

Isaac:  I think this series of bible videos will be good for kids and adults.  My favorite characters are Buck Denver and The Bentley Brothers.  It might be a little hard to understand for little kids but I thought it was really good and funny.  I am anxious to watch the rest of the them.

For more information about this dvd series go to www.whatsinthebible.com

I would like to thank Tyndale Publishers for giving me a complimentary copy of these videos in exchange for my honest opinion.

Counting it all Joy!!

Flight To Heaven - A Pilot's True Story

About the Author:

Capt. Dale Black is a retired airline pilot who dedicated his career to improving aviation safety. He has flown for over 40 years with more than 17,000 hours in a variety of commercial jets. Dale is still an active aviator and is co-owner of a real estate company. He has also been a Bible teacher, a television and radio show host, evangelist, and volunteer missionary pilot in over 50 countries. Dale and his wife, Paula, are parents of two grown children and live in Southern California.

Back Cover:

Imagine getting a glimpse of heaven, a preview of life in God's presence. 

Could life here ever be the same?

Capt. Dale Black has flown as a commercial pilot all over the world, but one flight changed his life forever--an amazing journey to heaven and back.

The only survivor of a horrific plane crash, Dale was hovering between life and death when he had a wondrous experience of heaven. What he saw, what he heard, and what he learned there continues to ripple through his life and touch others.

Against all odds, Dale miraculously recovered from his injuries and learned to fly again. Now, with his life as a testament, he shares his inspiring story--offering hope and encouragement for those dealing with serious injuries or the loss of a loved one, and those looking for assurance about this life and the next.

My Review:

I was a little leery when I agreed to review this book.  Over the years, I have read several books about someone going to heaven and then returning, but they have always left me wondering how much of it was true and how much was expanded upon to make for a better story.  I began reading this book with the same attitude, ready to give it a fair review, but also not expecting too much!!  Truth is, I couldn’t put it down.  From the prologue to the very end, it was great.  I love how Capt. Black tells his story, from somewhat rebellious teenager, to pilot, to cripple, to lover of Jesus, to doubter, and back  to pilot again.  He went through and experienced so much, and yes he did see a piece of heaven, but the choice to apply it to his life, in the way he did, was truly inspiring.  Was his walk hard, absolutely, did he want to give up at times, absolutely, but he also proved in a big way that ALL things are possible with God!! 

We were actually on vacation when I read this and I finished it with a flashlight, in the car, after dark because I didn’t want to wait to finish it.  I read out loud, a lot, to my family and we will definitely be reading this one.  I would highly recommend this one to anyone, young, old, or anywhere in between.  

Thank you Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!!

Counting it all Joy!!

Love is a Flame

Real People, Real Stories, Real Love!!!

About the author:

James Stuart Bell is a Christian publishing veteran and the owner of Whitestone Communications, a literary development agency.  He is the editor of many story collections including the Cup of Comfort, Life Savors, and God Encounters series and the coauthor of numerous books in The Complete Idiot’s Guides series.  He and his family live in West Chicago, Illinois.

Back Cover:

Happily ever after.  Does it only happen in fairy tales, or in real life?  Over the years love may burn strong and steady, but sometimes it grows cold.  However, it can be rekindled-and these stories show how.  Be inspired by true accounts of how love was revived and renewed.  

You’ll discover that love can grow stronger and burn brighter through the years as you read more than forty stories from everyday people like

 Jan - whose marriage was restored despite adultery

  Marsha - who fought pornography and won

  Bryan - who realized his family, not his career, was his most important responsibility

  Emily - who learned that real love overcomes unrealistic expectations

  Jeff - who went from dissatisfaction and boredom to falling in love all over again

The true stories in Love is a Flame will warm your heart and show you how to create a new spark in your marriage and build it into a glowing flame.

My Review:  

Love is a Flame is a compilation of short stories written by men and women who found themselves at the end of their rope, as far as their marriage was concerned, but decided to rely on God and recommit to their vows to not only rekindle the flame, but make it burn brighter.  Adultery, financial disaster, deaths, pornography, terminal illness, no matter what the problem is, God is always the answer.  At the end of each story, James Stuart Bell gives a brief summary of the story, lists questions to think about with your own marriage, and offers tips on rekindling the flame.  

It’s all about finding the JOY in your marriage again.  Getting back to why you fell in love with and married that person in the first place.  It’s not about placing blame, wondering if you married the wrong person, and giving up.  These stories prove that with God’s help any marriage can be healed.

I loved reading this book.  Some of the stories were funny, some sad, and some completely unbelievable, but all were real people with real problems who decided to depend on God and take their marriage back!!  I think anyone reading this book could relate to some of the stories and take the experience and/or advice and apply it to their own marriage, I know I will!!

I would recommend this book to anyone married, whether for a day or 60 years.  I would also recommend it to anyone planning to ever get married.

I would like to thank Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Counting it all Joy!!

Mercy Rising

Simple Ways to Practice Justice and Compassion

About the Author:

AMBER ROBINSON is an ordinary woman seeking to bridge the gap between the needs for justice and balancing family, work, and service. Her life’s passion is to write and advocate for children with Compassion International. She speaks to groups who want to incorporate justice pursuits in simple, practical ways. She is an imperfect Christ follower and reluctantly optimistic.

Amber began this journey when chronic illness forced her to reevaluate her priorities and learn to serve with limitations in everyday life. She networks with leaders in the justice movement as well as everyday women with various limitations in time, resources, and energy but long to serve in simple, practical ways. What can we do at home, shopping, in business, or with family and friends? Not everything, but we can find our “one thing”.

Back Cover:

Images from the media leave us shaking our heads.  We want to do something about the hurts of the world, but we aren’t sure what steps to take.  In Mercy Rising, author Amber Robinson offers the tools women need to make the impact their hearts desire.  Filled with helpful hints, inspired insights, and solid biblical wisdom, this organized resource will show you practical ways to find and focus on serving those who suffer.  

With clever charm and earnest exploration, Mercy Rising will help even the busiest of women find the right place to spend meaningful moments practicing justice and compassion.

My Review:

I received this book a week after we had a missionary from Africa staying with us.  Needless to say, my heart was WAY primed for this topic!!  There are so many less fortunate in our world!!  It doesn’t seem to matter how desperate someone’s situation is, there is always someone more in need.  It doesn’t matter if you are in the United States or a third world country, there are people who need the basic necessities of life that most of us take for granted.  Mercy Rising if full of ideas and information on how YOU can get involved.  Monetary ideas, service ideas, prayer ideas, and the list goes on.  It doesn’t matter if you have a lot of time or NO time, there IS something you can do and it will make a difference. 

I loved this book, the stories of real people just like us making a difference.  I loved all the ideas, big and little, the lists of organizations you can get involved with, the information to help you decide where YOU fit in.  I also love that each chapter ends with a list of questions to enhance your thoughts on what you have just read.  

I really didn’t feel this book was just for women, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to make a difference, anyone who doesn’t think what little they could do would make a difference, and especially to those who have never really thought about making a difference!!

Thank you Amber Robinson for the complimentary copy of your book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Counting it all Joy!!

Let's Go To The Hop!!

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed!  So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list at the bottom of Jennifer's blog!!  Go Here!!


The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun!  This is a weekly event!  And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added!  We get over 200 links every week!! 


Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know!  Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added!  And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

RULES:  (in hopes of simplifying things for everyone!)

1.  Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below (be sure to include how long you've been blogging and what genres you review!).  If you post about the Hop on your blog, please link directly to your Hop post (don't forget to answer this week's question - see below!).

2.  Visit other blogs in the Linky List!  Make new friends!  Follow new book bloggers!  Talk about books!  Rave about authors!  (Please do not leave your link and not visit other blogs - it's just not cool and not in the spirit of the Hop!)

3.  Post about the Hop on  your blog!  Spread the word about the book party!  The more the merrier!

This week Jennifer has asked us to tell what we are currently reading:

I am reading Mercy Rising by Amber Robinson and Angel Song by Sheila Walsh and Kathryn Cushman!!  Both for review, one to learn from and one for fun!!

Have a fabulous weekend and enjoy hopping!!

Counting it all Joy!!

Hurricanes in Paradise

Author Bio:  Denise Hildreth is a novelist and international speaker. She has spoken for the last ten years to women's ministries, churches, and for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Denise began her career over seventeen years ago writing for other people. She eventually ventured into the world of fiction with her first novel, Savannah from Savannah, and has since published several books. Her novels have been featured in Southern Living; hailed as "smart and witty" by Library Journal; and chosen for the Pulpwood Queen's and Women of Faith book clubs.

Back Cover:

From the moment Riley Sinclair stepped onto Paradise Island, Bahamas, and into her new job as director of guest relations at a five-star resort, she felt the pieces of her once-broken life finally coming together.  But the waters become choppy when Riley discovers that some who come to the Atlantis hotel arrive with more than just suitcases and suntan lotion in tow - they’re accompanied by their lurking demons, paralyzing secrets, and overwhelming fears.

Riley and three women guests are in desperate but unknowing need of each other, eventually forging unlikely yet powerful friendships.  With a hurricane headed straight for the island, together they embark on a journey of laughter and lunacy, heartache and healing.

My Review:

When I had the opportunity to read and review this book, I was really excited.  I had never read anything written by Riley Sinclair, but I love finding new authors I enjoy!!  I was not disappointed!!  This is a fabulous book.  It not only takes you on a journey to the Bahamas, it takes you on a journey through the lives of four women all of which are going through major storms of their own.  Some with storms in their spiritual lives, some with storms in their personal lives, and all with a storm threatening their physical lives!!  Through all the storms it is quite clear that God is with them, loving on them every step of the way even when they don’t see it or feel it.  I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!!  It covers everything from God working in the lives of people, to romance, to suspense.  It made me laugh out loud and it made me cry!!  Great book, can’t wait to read more from her!!

I would like to thank Tyndale Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Happy Reading!!

At the Hop!!

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed!  So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list at the bottom of Jennifer's blog!!  Go Here!!


The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun!  This is a weekly event!  And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added!  We get over 200 links every week!! 


Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know!  Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added!  And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

RULES:  (in hopes of simplifying things for everyone!)

1.  Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below (be sure to include how long you've been blogging and what genres you review!).  If you post about the Hop on your blog, please link directly to your Hop post (don't forget to answer this week's question - see below!).

2.  Visit other blogs in the Linky List!  Make new friends!  Follow new book bloggers!  Talk about books!  Rave about authors!  (Please do not leave your link and not visit other blogs - it's just not cool and not in the spirit of the Hop!)

3.  Post about the Hop on  your blog!  Spread the word about the book party!  The more the merrier!

This week Jennifer has asked us to share what book we cannot wait to get our hands on (past, present, or future):

I would have to say a new series coming out by Karen Kingsbury about Bailey Flanigan.  She is a girl I have followed in Karen Kingsbury's other series and I love them.  More than that though, I would love to just have the time to read her last book - Take Four - which I have but haven't had a chance to enjoy yet!!!

Have a fabulous weekend and enjoy hopping!!

Counting it all Joy!!

Simon's Crossing

Authors:  Charles William Asher and Dennis Patrick Slattery

Back Cover:

Enter the biblically historic world of Simon of Cyrene, where a world of grief, revenge, and tender devotion awaits.  There, families are torn apart, marauding soldiers enact their violent ways, and random events suddenly disrupt life.  Along this journey there will be encounters with Pontius Pilate, Veronica, Mary, and the sons of Simon, Rufus and Alexander, as they seek to grasp the mystery of a compassionate Nazarene, serenely putting into practice the kingdom of God.

Forced to carry the cross of Jesus, Simon of Cyrene, a little known biblical figure, reluctantly yields to his task.  At the same time, Simon struggles with personal loss and a fiery desire for revenge.  In Simon’s story, the vulnerability of our own journeys is laid bare as we cross paths with a simple wooden cross and a redemptive twist of fate.

In Simon’s Crossing, this ordinary man, from Cyrene, steps boldly our of the pages of the Bible.  He senses that his own life depends on the Nazarene staggering just ahead of him.  Persuaded by sacrificial love, we too discover what it is like to cross over into the imaginal power of a story well-told, where salvation lies close at hand.  Simon’s story compels us to carry on as well.

My review:

When I was asked to read and review Simon’s Crossing by Charles William Asher and Dennis Patrick Slattery, I was really excited and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.  I love reading biblical fiction, and was excited to read about Simon of Cyrene.  I didn’t know much about Simon and was anxious to learn.  Unfortunately, this  wasn’t the case for me.  This book is completely written from the authors imagination and except for the fact that Simon carried the cross, it isn’t very biblically based.  

I did continue to remind myself that this book was fiction, but I really felt there should have been more truth to it since it is being marketed Religious Fiction and since the back of the book describes it to be based on the real story.  I was surprised at the sexual references, very graphically described between Simon and his wife.  I understand times were different back then, but I found the description distasteful and I was somewhat embarrassed to be reading it.

Take away all the sex and rape and this book would have been a wonderful version of what could have been Simon’s reason for being on the road that day.  It did give me insight and deeper thought as to what could have and probably did go on, on that awful day, during that walk to Golgotha.  A deeper look into how Jesus felt about us, even as He was walking His last walk, to save ME.

I know there are a lot of people who would love this book, it is well written, easy to read (minus all the sex), and it is an interesting scenario, I am just probably not the right person for it.  That being said, I do not feel I could recommend it to my target audience.

I definitely think there should be a warning or rating on the book because you would never think it to have such ADULT content.

Thank you iUniverse, Charles Asher, and Dennis Slattery for the complimentary copy of your book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Counting it all Joy!!

Let's Go To The Hop!!

I have been following this meme for a few weeks and am so excited to be linking up today with people who have a heart for words like me!!  Thank you Jennifer for hosting!!  Go here to link up.

This week Jennifer has asked us to share who our Favorite Authors are and why we love them!!

My Favorite Authors:

Karen Kingsbury, her books are so true to life.  They are always about families I can relate to and learn from.  I love how she links her characters all together with the Lord!!

Beverly Lewis, her writing about the Amish fascinates me and makes we want to visit Lancaster County myself!!

ABOUT THE HOP:

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list at the bottom of Jennifer’s blog!!

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!! 

Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

DISCLAIMER:

The Hop isn't just for you to throw your link in there and not visit any other blogs. It's all about networking and finding new blogs that are of interest. So, in the spirit of the Hop, try to make some time to visit other blogs and don't post your link if you are not planning on visiting other blogs in the Hop that week. This is a weekly event, so if you don't have time this week, that's fine! We'll see you next week!

Have a hopping weekend!!

Counting it all Joy!!