The Vertical Self

I didn't know what I was going to expect from the book. Okay, maybe I did know a little since I knew what the “vertical self” meant. I was actually drawn in more by the cover of the book than anything. I liked the contemporary feel. For some reason, that's usually how I pick the books I read-by the cover. Then if I like the summary of the book I'll read it. Sometimes I have success, sometimes I don't.

This book was a success for me. I have always been battling with “myself”, as it were, instead of just letting God take control. And even though I knew most of the stuff in the book, it was nice to have a refresher course on why I wasn't letting God consume all of me. It's amazing how this world can really be an influencer in your life without even realizing it. Even in the Christian world. So many times we are caught up in pleasing ourselves, that really this life is all about pleasing God.

Stayer plays out The Vertical Self in eleven chapters. He breaks down how society has played a huge roll in the development of our cultures from generations past to present. He convieniently places Scripture where it needs to be said to bring us back to the truth of things: GOD is in control; not us. At the end of the book, there is a short “Bible Study” that a group can use for their weekly meetings. I used it on an individual level and my journal is jam-packed full of pictures, diagrams, scripture, and thoughts.

I recommend reading this if you are new to the Christian faith and are struggling with at the battle lines on “who's side to be on” or even if you have been a Christian for a long time and just need a good dose of reminding who you really belong to.

Revolve for the Future

Revolve 2010 Edition
Thomas Nelson Publishing

It's hard for a teen girl to fit in and be liked. It's even harder for a teen Christian girl to fit in and be liked. It's not like she can just break out her Bible in the middle of lunch period or study hall and have time with God. I mean, I know she could, be since religion is not allowed in most schools anymore, it makes things a little harder.

Revolove,The Biblezine, as it’s called, has a wonderful blend of quizzes, beauty tips and stories of kids doing good mixed in with the New Testamnet while looking just like a regular teen girl magazine. The format is easy to understand and it helps bring problems in today's society to be more understandable and relatable to the problems faced back in Jesus' day.

I think one of the new elements that I really enjoyed was the “goodbook” bios on the characters of the bible. The column is set up much like a facebook page with all the statistics of the character. There are also interviews with musical artists that the girls would be following. Free downloads are included as well.

I think one of the only downfalls is that since it’s set up like a magazine, it’s not as sturdy as a BIble should be. It will tear, bend, peel easily like a regular magazine.

Any teenage girl would love reading this. I know there is another version for guys as well. As a 28 year old I really enjoyed reading Revolve.

The Voice of the Psalms

The Voice of the Psalms
Published by Thomas Nelson Publishing

I have always loved the Psalms. I always found them comforting and a great worship and prayer.

The Voice of the Psalms is a wonderful book to add to your collection. Published by Thomas Nelson Publishing Company and written by the people from the Friends of Ecclesia Bible Society, this version of the Psalms is, I think, one of my favorite.

The Voice of the Psalms is the newest edition to the family of The Voice. They have published versions of readings from the final week of Jesus’ life on earth, the Gospels, Acts, Romans, and more.

The first few pages give a great layout of the book. You get a great overview of what the Psalms is supposed to be, understand the vision of The Voice Project and receive a welcoming from the President of the Friends of Ecclesia Bible Society

I love that the Voice of the Psalms also provides devotionals for Lent, Advent, Worship, and Seeking.

The reading is easy to follow and understand. Sometimes I have found myself wandering while reading the especially longer Psalms. Spread out among the psalms are mini devotionals that help you feel more connected to the writers of the Psalms. You can bring what they wrote thousands of years ago to life in your own walk.

I enjoy this book very much. I highly recommend anyone to pick it up and deepen your love and relationship with God.

For more information on The Voice, please visit www.hearthevoice.com. There is a lot of great information on the project including free downloads. Right now they have the Voice Revealed: The Gospel of John

Where is God?

Today, hard times come to us in several ways:


~Functional Problems.
~Health Issues.
~Catastrophes
~Relational Conflicts and Losses.
~Emotional Struggles.

**part of an excerpt from the Introduction**

This is a great book for those who are going through a hard time in their life, or have had a hard time and having trouble letting it go. I’m sure we have all questioned, “Where is God?” at some point in our lives.

Dr. John Townsend, best-selling author of Boundaries, begins the book with his story to Antarctica. This is a very gripping story that catches you right from the beginning.

As the book moves on, we are taken on a journey through the lives of others. I could relate to some of the stories being told. We learn what is holding us back from loving God and experiencing the freedom that he gives us. He does not force us to love him, but he waits patiently for us to come to him.

To learn more about the book or Dr. Townsend, please visit:

http://www.thomasnelson.com/
http://drjohntownsend.com/

What Difference Do It Make?

"What Difference Do It Make?” is a wonderful read. Blending stories of other folks that read the previous book called “Same Kind of Difference As Me” by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, it’s great to see how God is moving and working through all of us. In between chapters of Ron and Denver, are stories that were “inspired” by Denver and his struggle with homelessness. Hearing Ron and Denver’s stories helped change the lives of people and their actions that they took when doing through their daily lives. I haven’t had the chance to read “Same Kind of Difference As Me” yet, but I love how they brought snippets of the book into the new book so you could piece the stories together. I would recommend reading “What Difference Do It Make?” to anyone who is struggling in their life with anything from finance, to a loss of a loved one, to a betrayal. In the words of Jason Gray- Everything Sad is Coming Untrue. Even if you are going through a rough time in your life, there is a light on the other side that will help guide you through your trial. These stories are truly ones of healing and hope and proof that God is looking down on us and will take care of us in our need if we call out to him.