Aley United
Methodist Church
Beavercreek, OH
- - - - -
Copyright 2001
Book Review
Archives
The
Good Life
by Max Anders
God created us to
live a good life. He not only gives us the desire
for it, He gives us the means to achieve it. Max
Anders brings us his interpretation of wealth,
purpose, love and power written from "The
book of Ephesians" which reveals the abundant
riches that can be ours. But God's definition
of "the good life" is totally different
from anything the world can offer.
In The Good Life the author teaches:
What it means to
have the "blessings of the heavenly places"
while we still live on earth
How to enjoy people and use things instead of
the other way around
How to make love come alive
How to walk the path to peace
How to live for the next world and get this one
thrown in
This book is for anyone seeking hope, encouragement
and practical advice for day-to-day living. If
you are ready to live with a meaning in a never-enough
world, The Good Life is for you. The author uses
self-psychology to direct and counsel the reader
in every phase of life, while providing inspirational
reading and interesting topics for group discussion.
Hearts
at Home
by Lori Copeland and Angela Hunt
In Book Five of the
Heavenly Daze series, the residents enter the
month of February and face an unexpected farewell
and an unanticipated voyage. Edith Wickham, wife
of the pastor of Heavenly Daze Community Church,
is struggling with a weight problem. With her
heart set on wearing her special designer dress
to a wedding, which is just a few days away, she
must find a diet that works. Does she have the
determination to stick with it or does she endanger
her health?
Annie Cuvier is at peace with her life until tragedy
presents her with some unexpected decisions. Should
she say farewell to Heavenly Daze and move to
Manhattan or stay to try to make a life on the
island where she was protected as a child?
In Book Five you will find an abundance of love
among our islanders and their newfound faith in
God. Their heavenly angels stand guard as the
residents face their biggest challenges.
A
Perfect Love
By Lori Copeland & Angela Hunt
The hustle and bustle of the holiday
season is over and the islanders start the New Year
suffering from the bitter cold as they await the beginning
of the tourist season. The residents are beginning
to feel irritable, so their blessed angels are beginning
to be concerned and are working overtime to care for
their charges. Dana Klackenbush's brother, Buddy Franklin,
is known as the island misfit. Seeking comfort and
love he sends away for a lovable companion-a cuddly
creature who will listen to his poetry and accept
him for who he is.
Barbara Higgs is torn between her mother, Cleta, and
her husband, Russell. Cleta still thinks of her as
her child and refuses to cut the mother/daughter strings.
Russell has been dropping hints of finding a place
of their own and Barbara wants to have a baby. If
Cleta had her way, the couple would stay with her
forever.
Will Buddy find happiness with his newfound friend?
Will Barbara and Russell be able to get a home of
their own? Will Barbara have the baby she wants so
desperately? And will Salt and Birdie confirm their
plans for their wedding?
This is Book Four of the Heavenly Daze series. Continue
to follow the loving citizens as they struggle with
the problems and decisions and their heavenly angels
that watch over them.
A
Warmth in Winter
by Lori Copeland and Angela Hunt
As winter approaches
the residents of Heavenly Daze are faced with blustering
winds and an approaching snowstorm causing the ferry
from Ogunquit to shut down.
Vernie Bidderman, owner of the Mooseleuk Mercantile,
is in a state of shock as she receives a phone call
from her husband, Stanley. She hasn't heard from
him since he left her to go bowling…twenty
years ago. Is he dying or has he returned only to
break her heart once again.
Salt Gribbon, the stubborn, seventy-year-old lighthouse
keeper, is living with the secret of hiding his
grandchildren, Bobby and Brittany. They were warned
to stay out of sight for if the State of Maine officials
were to find them they could be taken to live in
a more stable home. He is at risk of having his
secret revealed when he comes down with the flu.
As Christmas draws near, will Vernie's heart soften
and allow Stanley to return? Will old Salt open
the doors he closed to shut out the world? Will
Annie and Dr. Marc's son make it home in time for
Christmas? Gavriel is making sure his angels are
in full guard of the Heavenly Daze residents as
they face their problems.
Take the touching journey into the realm of forgiveness
with our friend of heavenly Daze. Look forward to
following our friend adventures in Book Four of
the Heavenly Daze series.
The
Island of Heavenly Daze
By Lori Copeland & Angela Hunt
This is the story
of a beautiful island off the coast of Maine, once
a quiet peaceful site, founded by Captain Jacques
de Cuvier. Too old to fight the seas and ready to
meet his maker, he must rid the town of its drunken
revelers and bring serenity back to his island. If
his prayers are answered, he will be able to build
a church, his lasting tribute to God and the crowning
glory of Heavenly Daze for generations to come. Now,
generations later and into another century, you will
see how the Lord answered the prayers of Jacques de
Cuvier.
Rev. Winslow Waldo Wickam is celebrating ten years
as pastor of Heavenly Daze Community Church. Five
years earlier he made a request to the board for a
grant to make badly needed repairs to the church.
He gives up on his request after overhearing rumors
of parishioners plotting to replace him with a younger
pastor. When his wife, Edith, hears similar rumors,
they begin to have doubts about their future at Heavenly
Daze.
In the meantime Olivia de Cuvier, a direct descendant
of Jacques de Cuvier, is waiting for the ferry from
Ogunquit bringing her estranged niece, Annie, to spend
the weekend with her Uncle Edmund, who is dying of
cancer. Annie, who was raised by her aunt and uncle
after the tragic death of her parents, led an unhappy
life with her disagreeable Aunt Olivia. Will they
give each other the love and forgiveness they need?
Will Rev. Wickam prove himself worthy?
You will enjoy meeting all of the heavenly characters
(and some not so heavenly) as you visit the Island
of Heavenly Daze. Spiritual, humorous and full of
love, you will enjoy Book I of our new Heavenly Daze
Series now available in our church library.
Grace
in Autumn
by Lori Copeland and Angela Hunt
In Book Two of the Heavenly Daze Series,
the tourist season has ended and the residents of
the island are beginning to feel the financial strain.
The Graham Gallery is badly in need of a new roof
and the young owners, Charles and Babette Graham,
are faced with the heavy cost of replacing it. Babette,
bookkeeper for the gallery, knows there is not enough
money coming in to cover the cost. Charles is working
on a new novel and leaving the financial worries
to his wife. An art dealer from Boston shows an
interest in their five-year-old son's painting.
Feeling desperate Babette sees this as the answer
to their financial dilemma, but later questions
her judgment.
In the meantime numerous bags of mail arrive at
the post office addressed to postmistress, Beatrice
Coughlin. They each contain a different request,
but the salutations are the same, reading "Dear
Angel". Feeling the need to respond to one
of the letters, Bea and her sister, Birdie, answer
the request of one family. Having stirred up anger
among the residents of the island, the sisters must
find a way to handle all of the requests without
causing a financial strain on the community and
regain the confidence of their neighbors.
As Thanksgiving approaches, will the irate islanders
make peace and break bread? Will they finally see
God's hand of provision for their needs? Looks as
though our "Heavenly Angels " have their
work cut out for them if old Jacques de Cuvier's
prayers are to be answered.
Look forward to reading Book Three of the Heavenly
Daze Series, Warmth in Winter.
Getting
Out of a Stress Mess
by Michaelene Mundy
Stress is a kind of pressure on a
person's mind that isn't always easy to eliminate.
It can attack you while getting ready for a test
at school, trying to perform in front of an audience
or even when excited about a big event to take place
in your life. There are many kinds of stress in
our lives, some we aren't even aware of. As a human
being you are always going to have stress. In this
book, the "Elf-Helpers" are going to tell
us what stress feels like and how to get out of
a "Stress Mess" that has taken over our
minds. As you find out more about what gives you
stress and what helps you to relax, you will feel
freer to enjoy life.
To parents: Some stress is natural as children face
developmental challenges, but when society pressures
a child to be something he can't be, or we try to
expose them to all things we think they need, they
may end up in a "stress mess". May this
Elf-help book enable you to recognize a child who's
feeling pressured and guide them toward healthy
productive ways. This guidebook combines wise insight
with compelling art to help kids learn to manage
the stress in their lives.
Left
Behind, The Kids
By Jerry B. Jenkins & Tim LaHaye
Previously a review was presented on
the first 4 books of this series. We now have Books
5 through 18 continuing the adventures of Judd, Vicki,
Lionel and Ryan, four young people who were left behind
during the vanishing, losing their parents and siblings.
Stumbling onto one another and a young pastor, they
go on with their lives by accepting God's forgiveness
and spreading their newfound faith to others who were
also left behind. They are known as the "Young
Tribulation Force". They face horrifying dangers
as the Global Community, led by the Anti-Christ, tries
to take over the world promising peace but not through
the power of Jesus. As the Young Trib force grows
in numbers, they face new challenges. They study the
Bible together, and listen to their leader in Israel
for guidance as the judgments, prophesied in the Book
of Revelations begin.
Follow the Young Trib Force as they encounter new
dangers and a world that is crumbling beneath them.
The worst disaster the world has ever seen separates
the kids and leaves them to wonder if they will ever
see each other again. Will the group be strong enough
to stay together in spite of anger and disagreements?
How will they be able to handle the loss of their
members? How will they escape captivity? Follow this
exciting series as the kids rely on God's help to
get them through the earth's last days and fight the
evil forces around them.
Look for this series and many other new books in
our new Young Adult section.
Thunder
From Jerusalem
by Bodie and Brock Thoene
The second book in the best selling Zion Legacy
Series, opens in the early-morning hours of May
19, 1948. The new state of Israel is just five days
old, and the entrenched Muslim and Jewish forces
fight furiously over a holy land for which they
are willing to die. At this moment, after months
of struggle, the siege of Jerusalem's Old City is
lifted as patriot soldiers break through the Zion
Gate. But the celebration cannot last long, for
this is only the beginning of a long battle, ancient
in its roots, and as harrowing as it is glorious.
This series transfixes readers by bringing to life
the stories of a striking cast of characters who
are involved in this momentous turning point in
the history of the world's most sacred city. The
extraordinary blend of superb storytelling, historical
authenticity, and heart-stopping adventure that
the Thoenes capture in this superb saga make these
books impossible to put down.
Help
Is Here for Facing Fear
by Molly Wigand
Have you ever been afraid? Don't feel
bad or that it is wrong to be afraid. Everyone has
faced fear at one time or another, even grown-ups.
You shouldn't ever feel that you are alone in you
fears. You can talk to your parents or a trusted
friend. God is here to watch over you and to help
you. "Elf-Helpers" will give you lots
of guidance about how you can overcome these fears.
By listening to them and trusting in God, you can
feel safer and help your fears to fade away.
To the parents: Childhood fear is normal, but can
sometimes become a problem. This Elf-Help book gives
simple and concrete advice for dealing with childhood
fears and worries . It helps kids to be more confident
and free of fear. It will give the child an opportunity
to learn that their world is a friendly place to
live and learn.
Let's
Roll!
by Lisa Beamer
9-11 United Flight 93. You read all about it.
You heard hero Todd Beamer's last words. But is
that the end of the story? In Let's Roll! Todd's
wife, Lisa, reveals what really happened on that
ill-fated flight, as well as poignant glimpses of
a genuine American hero. She talks candidly about
Todd's growing-up years, their marriage and last
week together, and then family moments without him
- the devastating day her children learned their
daddy had died, how they celebrated this first birthday
without him, the mix of grief and joy when she gave
birth to their third child, and how she's found
the confidence to go on in the face of such tragedy
and loss. It's no wonder that, through this unpretentious
homemaker and mother, an entire nation can find
hope, inspiration and strength.
Let's Roll!
Mad
Isn't Bad
by Michaelene Mundy
A Child's Book About Anger tells us that being mad
isn't bad. It's how you handle it that tells you whether
it's bad or good to be angry. Our "Elf-Helpers"
are here again to guide us in what we can do to control
our anger. They tell us that you have choices in how
you can deal with it. You can hurt someone by getting
out of control with anger or you can just stay calm.
It is up to you to choose. Listen carefully to the
Elf-Helpers for their guidance, helping us to understand
what anger feels like and what causes it as they teach
ways to handle it.
To the parents: Another Elf-help book that you will
appreciate because it offers children of all ages
a positive and honest view of anger and what to do
with it. By helping children better understand what
anger really is, we can teach them healthy ways to
handle it.
Jerusalem
Vigil
by Bodie and Brock Thoene
It is early afternoon on May 14, 1948 in the world's
most sacred city. Tension is high, as this is the
day when British troops will hand over the key to
Zion Gate and depart. They will leave Jewish and Muslim
forces that have been fighting for months over control
of a holy city that they are willing to die for. Caught
up in this historic moment are a striking cast of
characters, whose stories make Jerusalem Vigil an
unforgettable novel that is impossible to put down.
As they have in their earlier series, The Zion Chronicles
and The Zion Covenant, Bodie and Brock Thoene have
written a magnificent novel of the momentous events
that unfold in the days after the British departure.
Known for telling gripping stories rich with historical
authenticity and drama, the Thoenes present an enthralling
saga that will remind you of your favorite book by
James Michener. I was promised that if you like the
Left Behind series that you will also love this series.
This book is the first in the Zion Legacy Series.
Our library currently has the first four books in
this series.
"A
Miracle for St. Cecilia"
by Katherine Valentine
A heart warming story of the small town of Dorsetville,
New England, whose citizens band together to save
the closing of their parish, St. Cecilia. Due to the
woolen mills closing down, workers were forced to
leave their homes for work elsewhere. St. Cecilia
lost many of its parishioners and is no longer able
to support itself. Father James Flaherty, their young
parish priest, carries a heavy burden on his shoulders.
The church, badly in need of repairs, has become a
liability to the Catholic Archdiocese and they can
no longer support it. Father James was notified on
Ash Wednesday with orders that the church will be
closed after mass on Easter Sunday. A bitter cold
snap and heavy snows crippling the town adds further
burden to the young priest. He has made countless
efforts to turn their finances around and save the
parish, but it's not enough. He worries what will
become of his flock and even more so about Father
Keene, St. Cecilia's 82 year old senior priest. Not
only does Father James carry the responsibility of
closing their church, but he was also given orders
to place Father Keene in a nursing home. This has
become the main topic of the diners at the famous
Country Kettle, who are hoping for a miracle to save
their beloved parish. The waitress at the diner, Lori
Peterson, has a miracle of her own to hope for while
her husband awaits a bone marrow match. Even a young
computer genius, who recently got into trouble with
the law by being a computer hacker, is trying his
best to perform a miracle to save their parish. With
enough faith, hope and prayers, maybe a miracle will
be performed. You will enjoy this inspirational story.
Katherine Valentine is an American folk artist who
has been a regular guest on Lifetime's Our Home show
and an instructor with the New York City Museum of
American Folk Art and the Brookfield (Connecticut)
Craft Center. Her 1980 near-death experience, the
subject of several books, has been featured on television
shows. She lives in Litchfield, Connecticut. Through
their own tragedies, she and her husband found their
miracles. She feels this is where God gave her the
inspiration and ideas to write this book.
In
This Mountain
by Jan Karon
In Book VI of the Mitford Years, the Kavanaugh's
return home after their devout journey to Whitecap
Island. They discover some changes in their town
but, their friends haven't changed a bit. Dooley
looks forward to a career as a Vet, and in his search
for his siblings, he finds surprising news awaiting
him. Percy makes a big change in his menu, Billy
has run out of jokes and is pressured for new ones
and the "Man in the Attic" returns to
Mitford, causing fear amongst the citizens. Father
Tim is beginning to dislike retirement. He feels
unhappy and incompetent for the first time in his
life. While his wife, Cynthia wins awards, receives
bouquets and is invited to tour the country, Father
Tim can't even find words to write the essay he
had planned. Fighting his health as a diabetic and
being unable to accompany his wife on her tour,
he feels a total darkness shadowing his life. When
he decides to take on a difficult ministry, an uncontrolled
event takes over his life. It shakes his faith,
his marriage and the whole town of Mitford. It is
after this unfortunate event that he begins to realize
the light and the happiness that is still left in
his retiring years. Look forward to all the exciting
adventures and changes that have come to our beloved
Mitford friends.
Donald
the Doormouse - Where's Our Baby Jesus?
A pop-in-the-pocket book
An adventure story with Donald, a furry little doormouse
who helps to tell the Christmas story. Pop him into
pockets - from his bed behind the stage curtains of
a school, into the hay of the nativity play, up high
among the rafters where Rosie, Donald's friend, lives
and even onto the donkey's very ticklish ears! - all
in search of baby Jesus.
When
Mom and Dad Divorce
by Emily Menendez Aponte
This book from "Elf-Helpers" will help
you to deal with the painful news that your parents
are about to become divorced. You feel like your life
has been turned upside down. Your first question will
probably be, "What's going to happen to Me?"
In this book our "Elf-Helpers" are going
to give you some suggestions that will help you. First
of all, you must believe that it isn't your fault
and that your parents still love you. Read this story
with your mom and dad as they will be able to ease
your mind about your feelings.
To the parents: This book gently guides children
through painful experiences of divorce. With compassion
but realistic guidance, it reassures children that
divorce is not their fault. They need the feeling
of security that they will always be loved and cared
for by both parents. Helpful suggestions for working
through the problems that will come up are included
in this essential reading.
The
Gift of Grandparenting
by Eric Wiggin
As parents get busier and schedules get more crowded,
the role of the grandparent is gaining new ground
as an important influence in the lives of grandchildren.
The Gift of Grandparenting acknowledges the one-of-a-kind
place in a child's life that only a grandparent can
fill. From passing on family history and imparting
wisdom to sharing special times and traditions, this
book guides grandparents in taking an active role
in creating a family that's strong spiritually and
emotionally. Whether the grandchildren live around
the corner or around the country, this book gives
every grandparent new ways to enjoy the marvelous
gift of grandparenting.
The
Preacher Had 10 Kids
by Frances Bradsher
Jeremiah Taylor Cherry, the eldest son of nine
boys, left home with his wife, Lesty, to become
a Methodist minister in the Louisville, Kentucky
Conference. Together, they brought into this world
three sons and 7 daughters. This story, told by
their youngest daughter, Frances Willard Cherry,
is what life is like growing up in a family of 10
children whose father is a preacher. The Louisville
Conference valued his forceful shepherding of wayward
Christian flocks. Every two years the church officials
transferred the Cherry household to a new parish,
a strange parsonage, town and friends, uprooting
their brief ties with their schools and community.
Financially dependent on the generosity of each
parish, preachers were overworked, critically underpaid
and certainly never expected to complain. Papa Cherry
was a disciplinarian preacher who expected total
obedience from his family. Examinations of the parsonage
kitchen by church ladies, shabby clothes from the
missionary barrel and the avoidance of "worldly"
pastimes (that were thoroughly enjoyed by the average
kid), were all part of a life as a preacher's kid.
The Preacher Had 10 Kids takes a look at the human
side of the families of men called to serve the
Lord. This story is also a reminder that congregations
need to show more compassion towards the needs of
a private life for a preacher, his wife and his
children. Her first book, Frances Bradsher tells
a heart-warming story of an old-fashioned parsonage.
Respect
- Dare to Care, Share and be Fair
by Ted & Jenny O'Neal
Another Elf-Help Book for Kids helps us to teach
our children to have respect and that childhood
is the time for virtues to start. To the child asking,
"What is respect?", it is a way to care
about others as well as ourselves. Anyone who is
kind, helps you and loves you, deserves respect
from you. In fact, everyone deserves respect. By
reading all the ways the "Elf-Helpers"
show us how to treat one another, you will learn
some very important messages. By listening to them,
you will feel real good about yourself, and others
will treat you with respect too.
To the parents: This useful guide, in easy-to-understand
language is a wonderful way to help children learn
about respect, a virtue desperately needed in our
world today.
The
Gift of Grandparenting
by Eric Wiggin
As parents get busier and schedules get more crowded,
the role of the grandparent is gaining new ground
as an important influence in the lives of grandchildren.
The Gift of Grandparenting acknowledges the one-of-a-kind
place in a child's life that only a grandparent can
fill. From passing on family history and imparting
wisdom to sharing special times and traditions, this
book guides grandparents in taking an active role
in creating a family that's strong spiritually and
emotionally. Whether the grandchildren live around
the corner or around the country, this book gives
every grandparent new ways to enjoy the marvelous
gift of grandparenting.
Jesus
Freaks
by dc Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs
If you enjoyed Pastor Ditto's sermon on martyrs
you will want to check out the book some of the stories
came from - Jesus Freaks. This book is now in our
church library and tells the stories of those who
stood for Jesus: the ultimate Jesus Freaks. It might
surprise you as it did me that there are more Christian
martyrs today than there were in 100 AD - in the days
of the Roman Empire.
According to the World Christian Encyclopedia, there
were close to 156,000 Christians martyred around the
world in 1998. This book tells the stories of some
of these martyrs from the Apostle Paul's day to modern
times.
"Remember the Lord's people who are in jail and
be concerned for them. Don't forget those who are
suffering but imagine you are there with them."
Hebrews 13:3 cev. Their stories must be told!
A
Common Life
by Jan Karon
You will enjoy this 6th book of the Mitford Years
series. The author brings to us in detail, Cynthia
Coppersmith and Father Timothy Kavanaugh, joined
together in holy matrimony by their dear friend,
Bishop Stuart Cullen. Through all the excitement
and bustling about, all of their Mitford friends
are trying to become involved. Their worries dwell
on who is going to bake the cake and who will prepare
the flower arrangements. Even Uncle Billy is praying
for a joke to tell at this big event. Does Father
Tim get up enough courage even to propose? Will
they try to back out the last minute? Will Cynthia
be late for her own wedding and where will they
spend their honeymoon? Sit back and relax and join
this beloved ceremony with all of our Mitford friends.
Speaking
the Truth in Love
by Ruth N. Koch & Kenneth G. Haugk
This deeply spiritual
book gives you the chance to experience the freedom
and joy of Christian assertiveness. You will discover
how a scriptural understanding of assertive living
builds wholesome relationships with others. This
book enlightens on what assertiveness is, the biblical
foundation for assertiveness and other essential
topics.
Speaking the Truth in Love will also show you how
to handle anger, criticism and other relational
issues. You will also learn to relate to others
with greater honesty and respect. To prepare to
behave assertively, it teaches us to ask God to
govern your use of assertive skills so that your
behavior will bring honor to God and to the whole
body of Christ.
In interpreting
these topics, I found it very interesting that I
would react by observing my own behavior. What would
I do in the situation? What would I change about
what I do? How would I like to behave in the future?
Would I act assertive, passive or aggressive. I
found this book very essential in everyday living
and would be an excellent subject for a study group.
He
Sets His Captive Free
by Corrie ten Boom
From the Federal Penitentiary in Holland to the
Ravensbruck concentration camp in Nazi Germany, Corrie
ten Boom had experienced the horror of imprisonment.
By keeping her faith in Jesus and in God's hand, she
was able to tolerate her days of agony.
At the age of 85, she wrote this book, which tells
how she was able to help other prisoners through her
own experiences.
Upon her release from prison at the age of 52, she
took her message to other prisoners. Sharing experiences
of how she was able to survive, she preached that
they, too, could be set free in their minds and their
hearts by accepting Jesus as their Savior and asking
Him to forgive their sins. By accepting Him into their
hearts, they, too, might obtain forgiveness from the
Heavenly Father.
This is another of this author's inspiring books…
The
Circuit Rider's Wife
by Corra Harris
In the late 1800's, a happy and independent Mary
Thompson begins a new life as the wife of a circuit-riding
Methodist minister serving his itineracy in the
Redwine Circuit. As a former Episcopalian, she is
taking on a completely different life, and must
adjust to living in a backwoods, mountainous area
of poor people. William Thompson becomes a devoted
pastor to his people and develops a divine relationship
with God. But will his love of God interfere with
his love for Mary, and is she prepared for the hardships
and loneliness of life with a circuit rider minister?
Enjoy this inspirational novel of faith, love and
courage with a touch of humor as the fictional Mary
Thompson, through her letters, relates thirty years
of experiences as a circuit-rider's wife.
Donald
the Doormouse Why We Have Rainbows
A pop-in-the-pocket book
This is a wonderful, watery adventure with Donald,
a friendly little dormouse, and his faithful friend
Rosie. Children will enjoy this fun parallel to the
Bible story of the flood and the antics of the two
dormice as they sail in a tiny boat through a flooded
school.
Donald pops in and out of pockets - from his suddenly
flooded home in the corner of the school stage, into
the safety of a toy ark, sailing down the school staircase
and hallways - all just in time to stop the raging
water and save the day, as the children return to
their classroom.
Standing
On the Promises
by Lewis Smedes
Hope is an amazing
, God-given gift. It fuels your dreams, lightens
your spirits, and lifts your despair. When life
becomes a battlefield, hope digs in and fights the
good fight.
Are you one who easily embraces hope, or have fear
and worry duped you into believing that hope will
only lead to disappointment? When life crashes around
you and everything you have wanted most seems to
be dissolving, does your hope in God keep you going?
Or are you paralyzed by fear?
Find inspiration, practical guidance, and real-life
stories that will help you nurture a hopeful spirit
in Standing on the Promises. Respected author and
scholar Dr. Lewis Smedes reflects upon the resiliency
of the human spirit and the precious gift of hope
that God has given you.
This inspirational book brims with practical ideas
and real-life illustrations that will encourage
you to:
develop
hope-building habits
discern
false hope from true hope
trust
that God will strengthen you in hard times
access
God's power through hope
invite
God to transform your hope into faith
look
beyond difficult circumstances to an eternity
with God.
No matter what life
brings you, God's hope and comfort can sustain you.
As you delve into the power and promise of hope
in Standing on the Promises, you will learn afresh
of this amazing gift.
The
Exodus: Moses' Story from the Bible
with notes from Charles
R. Swindoll
If your kids loved
The Prince of Egypt movie they will love this book.
It is one of the greatest stories of all time. And
even though the epic drama of Moses took place more
than 3,500 years ago, it continues to thrill and teach
us important lessons today.
Now you can experience Moses' story as written in
the first fourteen chapters of Exodus from the Bible.
Surrounding the text are powerful illustrations from
the Dream Works animated film, The Prince Of Egypt,
as well as spiritual insights from best-selling author
Charles Swindoll. The Exodus: Moses' Story from the
Bible presents enduring themes of the Bible in a new
way for a new generation.
For ages 8 and up.
Desecration
by Tim Lahaye and Jerry
Jenkins
Rayford Steele and
his ragtag team of flying rebels - having arrived
by the dozens from around the globe - ready themselves
to serve as agents of rescue for God's chosen people.
Led by soft-spoken Chaim Rosenzweig, believers in
Jerusalem must flee or take the mark of the beast.
His excellency Global
Community Potentate Nicolae Carpathia, no longer pretending
to be a pacifist, has ordered every Morale Monitor
armed as he prepares to travel along the Via Dolorosa
and then onward to the temple, where shocking surprises
await. Crowds loyal to Carpathia gather to see their
potentate and are eager to take the mark in his presence.
Buck Williams, unsure
of Chaim's leadership abilities, questions whether
he should take charge. Chloe Steele Williams fears
for Buck's safety and acts on her own desire to be
more involved. Tsion Ben-Judah prepares for his trip
to meet with fellow believers in Petra. Meanwhile,
Rayford struggles with the idea of using arms to protect
believers from the GC.
The lines are drawn
between good and evil as God inflicts the first Bowl
Judgment upon the flesh of those who have taken the
mark, while his chosen ones flee to the wilderness,
on the brink of Armageddon.
Veggie
Tales Kids' Books
by Phil Vischer
You
have always looked to Veggie Tales to provide hilarious
videos with wit and wisdom. Now you can use their
books to teach your kids fundamental concepts about
the world God made.
Archibald's
Opposites
When Archibald Asparagus needs two veggie volunteers
to play the Opposites Game, he recruits Bob the
Tomato and Larry the Cucumber. But every time something
good happens to Larry, the exact opposite happens
to poor Bob. The world of opposites has never been
so hilarious.
Bob
and Larry's ABC's
What better way to teach young children their ABC's
than with everyone's favorite Veggie characters?
From the same zany team that created the million-selling
Veggie Tales videos comes this series that teaches
kids fundamental concepts about the world God made.
Veggie
Tale Videos Are in the Library!
Don't miss the whole series of the Veggie Tales
videos that are in the church library and now ready
to be checked out! Your kids are guaranteed to learn
more about God and their faith while laughing up
a storm with Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber!
Two
From Galilee
by Marjorie Holmes
This book relates
the true story of the love between two people chosen
by God to provide a spiritual home for his heavenly
son. In a fictional love story of Mary and Joseph,
the author tells her version of their devoted love
without omission of the true scriptures.
In spite of parental discord forbidding them to become
betrothed, Mary and Joseph's love for one another
overwhelmed the parents and they had to accept the
union. When a messenger was sent to Mary to disclose
God's plan, she was troubled as to what would become
of her plans for marriage to Joseph. But she felt
blessed and honored to become the chosen mother despite
the ugly rumors spread by parents and villagers. Joseph,
too, had received a message from God that he was to
become a chosen parent. He was able to accept Mary's
story and remain steadfast in his love for her.
After an arduous journey to Bethlehem, suffering,
pain and despair, a beautiful child was born who would
become the King. This is a beautiful love story that
really happened.
The
Prince of Egypt A to Z
by Eric Metaxas
Moses'
life was full of inspiration and adventure. Now
kids can learn about the people, events, and themes
of Moses's life through this rhyming tour through
the alphabet.
Each page features breathtaking art from the DreamWorks
animated film The Prince of Egypt. And each page
includes a delightful verse by best-selling author
Eric Metaxas, whose delight in wordplay appeals
to kids and grown-ups alike.
Dearest
Anna
by Deborah Rau
Orphaned at the death
of her mother, Anna Logan has lived happily and securely
in her grandfather's Kentucky home since infancy.
Her dead mother is only a beautiful memory, and she
knows nothing about her father. The death of her grandfather
now leaves her alone in the world with unanswered
questions about her father: who was he, and is he
alive or did he die in the war as her grandfather
had told her?
With no other family to turn to, Anna is welcomed
into St. Matthew's Orphanage. Pleased that God is
taking care of her, she performs various duties and
receives an education at the orphanage, growing to
be a talented young lady. At the age of fifteen, she
is sent out to work for a family, which eventually
moves to Rosita, Colorado.
With permission from St. Matthew's, Anna accompanies
them to Colorado, sadly leaving the only family she
has ever known. In Rosita she will find friends and
a new family. And after several years, God will bless
Anna with the special friend who will bring new meaning
into her life.
Dearest Anna is a spiritual novel that will appeal
to young and old alike.
The
Ragamuffin Gospel
by Brennan Manning
As a sufferer of
alcoholism, the author tells his story of how one
feels being a "Ragamuffin." Through quotes
and scriptures he has prepared this book so others
may someday be able to understand and accept the
Gospel of Grace. He describes how Jesus loves, accepts
and forgives everyone, not only Christians who feel
they have failed or educated and successful people
who have been unable to find God's grace, but the
very lowliest people who label themselves "Ragamuffins"
and have lost all hope of ever being saved.
He writes "One must earn forgiveness, do repentance
before they can accept God's grace, but only through
unconditional love." If you question How does
one seek the grace of God? you may find your answer
here.
Trial
by Fire
by Terri Blackstock
In the quiet community
of Newpointe Nick Foster, fireman and pastor, finds
that his church has been burned to the ground. Found
in the rubble is the body of a young black man with
a gunshot wound to his head. Shocked by the young
man's identity, the townspeople ask themselves who
would do this, and why, as they work together to rebuild
what they have lost.
Issie Mattreaux, a paramedic, knows who is behind
the violence. Despite a lack of spiritual virtues
in her own life, she puts herself in danger and singlehandedly
tries to stop the violence, realizing that the lives
of the congregation and Nick are threatened. When
Issie turns up missing, Nick fears that time may be
running out for her.
Will Issie seek God's help in changing her way of
life and accept Jesus as her Savior? Find out! You
will enjoy the mystery, suspense and love that fill
Trial by Fire, Book IV of the Newpointe 911 series.
The
Hiding Place by
Jan Corrie ten Boom
The Hiding Place
is the extraordinary adventure of a courageous woman
who became a militant heroine of the anti-Nazi underground.
Corrie ten Boom, her family, and other members of
the underground were sent to German concentration
camps for helping the Jews. They experienced torture,
anger and hate, but kept their faith alive. Christ's
spirit and words were their guide in their daily prayers.
Sadly, her sister Betsie did not survive, although
she never lost her faith. But on New Years Day, 1945,
Corrie ten Boom was released from prison. She then
went on to deliver Christ's message to others. She
was able to forgive the Nazis for inflicting pain
and suffering on the innocent, and, through her messages,
to inspire other Christians.
An outstanding story!
Six
Hours, One Friday by Max
Lucado
When a hurricane
strikes, good sailors know to anchor deep. At times
in your life, you've been caught by life's storms.
Maybe you are going through one right now.
Perhaps the storm
is futility. You have a house, a good job, a little
money in the bank. But external success doesn't answer
the question that keeps you awake at night: "What
is the meaning of it all?"
Perhaps the storm
is failure. You blew it. You let everyone down. You
did the very thing you swore you'd never do.
Perhaps the storm
is finality. You are suddenly separated from one you
deeply love. Tears. Words. Flowers. Dirt. Open grave.
No matter what storm clouds bring, you can face your
pain with courage and hope. For two thousand years
ago - six hours, one Friday - Christ firmly planted
in bedrock three solid anchor points that we all can
cling to:
Our lives are
not futile. Our failures are not fatal. Our deaths
are not final.
For the heart
scared with futility, that Friday holds purpose. For
the life blackened with failure, that Friday holds
forgiveness. And for the soul looking into the tunnel
of death, that Friday holds deliverance.
What do those
six hours hold for you?
The
Mitford Series by Jan Karon
This series allows you to enter the world of Mitford and
you won't want to leave! It's easy to feel at home in Mitford.
In these high, green hills, the air is pure. and the village
is charming, and the people are generally lovable.
Yet, Father Tim, the bachelor rector, wants something more.
Enter a dog the size of a sofa that moves in and won't go
away. Add an attractive neighbor who begins wearing a path
through the hedge. Now, stir in a lovable but unloved boy,
a mystifying jewel theft, and a secret that's sixty years
old.
Suddenly, Father Tim gets more than he bargained for. And
readers get rich, provincial comedy in which mysteries and
miracles abound. The first book in the series is called
At Home in Mitford.
Jan Karon was an award-winning advertising executive before
she left the fast lane for the village streets of Blowing
Rock, North Carolina where she now lives and writes. At
Home in Mitford was nominated for an ABBY Award by
the American Booksellers Association.
At
Home in Mitford Book I of
The Mitford Years by Jan Karon
In this,
the first book of the At Home in Mitford series,
Author Jan Karon, takes us to the fictional South
Carolina town of Mitford, where Father Timothy
Kavanaugh, a native of Mississippi, has gotten
his calling from the Lord to become the priest
at the Episcopalian Church.
Father Timothy, a bachelor of 60, finds his work
cut out for him from the day of his arrival. In
this little town he meets many people who have
captured his heart, from Emma Garret, the church
secretary and right arm, to little Miss Puny,
his housekeeper. Miss Sadie Baxter, an important
pillar of the city, becomes his closest friend
and confidante. Forbidden to marry by an overbearing
father, she is an elderly spinster who has redirected
her love and considerable resources to her church,
and to the people of Mitford.
As we stroll down the streets of Mitford, we find
places of business to serve the people, the Town
Hall, the office of the town's famous doctor,
Dr. Hoppy Harper and churches of other denominations.
We now come to "The Grill", owned by
Percy and Verna Mosely. Here is where many of
the men folk meet for breakfast and lunch. This
is where you can get not only a good meal but
the latest gossip of Mitford.
Learn of
the unruly dog who came into Father Tim's life
who will not leave the rectory no matter what,
and the unique way the Father discovered to get
the dog to settle down.
Another person
who came into his life was a hostile young boy
named Dooley Barlowe who shares an important part
in the life of Father Timothy Kavanaugh.
Here in Mitford
you will meet many more goodhearted (and some
bad) people who play an important role in the
Lord's Chapel and the town; for instance, the
lovely lady who moved in next door to Father Tim
and suddenly becomes an attraction to him. You
will find many parties, church activities, holiday
festivities, adventures and mysteries in this
little southern town that you won't want to miss.
You will find that these people not only capture
each other's heart but will capture yours as well.
Look forward
to the next review of Book Two of "The Mitford
Years."
A
Light in the Window Book II of
The Mitford Years
by Jan Karon
As
we continue our visit to Mitford and follow the
daily activities of the village people, we find
Father Tim busily caring and praying for the friends
he loves so dearly. Not only does he counsel his
people, he turns to them for counseling. He can
no longer deny his love for the beautiful lady
in the little yellow house next door, Cynthia
Coppersmith, but is afraid to listen to his feelings.
Meanwhile Cynthia, a children's book writer who
keeps busy with the demand for stories about her
cat, Violet, shares Father Tim's feelings. Fear
comes over him when rich widow Edith Mallory pursues
him with her delicious casseroles! The widow's
persistence causes problems in his relationship
with Cynthia. By the time Father Tim finally finds
courage to reveal his feelings to Cynthia, he
finds that she has moved to New York! Wrought
with worry and regret, he turns to prayer.
Follow this beautiful love story about people
whose prayers and devotion to God lead them to
a surprise ending.
Other prominent citizens of Mitford include Sadie
Baxter and Olivia Davenport, connected through
a suspenseful plot line; Puny, Father Tim's cook
and housekeeper; Emma, his secretary, who is always
full of advice; Uncle Billy, with his jokes; and
Buck Leeper, building contractor for the new nursing
home. Finally, Father Tim Dooley, who at times
gets into real trouble, continues to bring joy
and love to Father Tim and Cynthia. You will laugh
and cry with these unforgettable characters.
These
High Green Hills Book III of
The Mitford Years
by Jan Karon
Book III
of the Mitford series brings special events, some
unfortunate problems and the loss of a prominent
citizen in the village. And as in any large family,
there are little arguments now and then.
Father Tim, no longer a bachelor, learns there
are going to be major changes in his life since
he took Cynthia as his wife. He is astounded when
his new bride makes some adjustments to the rectory!
Upset by this sudden upheaval, he turns to his
old friend and bishop, Stuart Cullen, for advice
on accepting the changes.
Cynthia continues to work on her "Violet"
books, but also helps Father Tim with his duties
and becomes active in activities at the Lord's
Chapel. There are exciting events and lessons
that even Father Tim isn't too old to learn.
Dooley, grown into a lovable boy in Mitford, starts
in his new Prep school. As Father Tim senses,
he also continues his silent search for his mother
and siblings.
Finally, the world of technology comes to Mitford.
Father Tim and Emma are not ready to adjust themselves
to the presence of a new computer. Guess who wins
out.…
Revisit these and other old friends as you continue
the Mitford saga in Book IV.
Out
to Canaan Book IV of
The Mitford Years
by Jan Karon
As we open
Out to Canaan, Book IV of Jan Karon's The Mitford
Years, the villagers awaken to a freezing and
snowy May morning. As well as losing their beautiful
plants to the frost, they are about to lose good
friend and mayor Esther Cunningham in an upcoming
election. Mack Stroupe intends to become mayor
and make his mark in Mitford. This will not be
the last you hear of the slightly shady Mr. Stroupe.
Cynthia's second tea party at the rectory is a
resounding success. The husbands have to control
the traffic generated by record-breaking crowds.
The town's outdoor festival at the Willard Porter
mansion and a community softball game organized
to entertain residents of Hope House round out
the social calendar.
Young Lace Turner comes to the rectory badly bruised
and in need of help and finds a home. Her mother
is installed at Hope House to receive the necessary
medical care. Now all of the people are working
together with the help of Father Tim and the chaplain,
Scott Murphy, with special concern directed towards
the uneducated inhabitants of the poverty-stricken
area known as the "Creek". One such
person, Harley Welch, quickly becomes an asset
to the rectory and the community.
Dooley, with the help of Father Tim and Emma Newland,
makes positive discoveries concerning his mother
and siblings and looks forward to being reunited
with the family he had thought was lost forever.
Finally, Father Tim and Cynthia ponder the uncertainties
of retirement and come to a difficult decision.
Next: Don't miss Book V, A New Song.
A
New Song by
Jan Karon
We are now
at Book V of The Mitford Years, the final book
of this series. A New Song takes place on an island
off the Atlantic coast, called Whitecap. After
finally reaching the decision to retire as the
rector of Lord's Chapel, Father Tim accepts the
position of interim pastor to the small parish
of St. John's in the Grove in Whitecap. He and
his wife Cynthia look forward to this adventure.
The only problem they have is leaving the town
and the people they love and much more, leaving
the boy they love dearly.
After sixteen
years of living at the rectory, Father Tim decides
to buy it and rent it out. He and Cynthia would
keep the little yellow house next door. Mule Skinner,
the local Real Estate agent, informs Father Tim
that he has a renter for the rectory. It isn't
a family, as Father Tim had hoped, but a little
lady from Boston, Helene Pringle, who plans to
teach piano lessons in Mitford. Surprisingly,
Miss Pringle will bring mystery and suspense into
Mitford.
The boy Dooley
has developed into a young gentleman, but not
without sampling the daring adventures that young
boys often get into. Although he is left with
proper guardians, unfortunate events occur, and
Dooley ends up on the wrong side of the law.
After attending
many going-away parties given by their friends
and parishioners, Father Tim and Cynthia load
up their brand new red Mustang convertible with
all their baggage plus the dog and cat, Barnabas
and Violet. Through violent storms, vicious lightning
and various other serious difficulties, they finally
reach the lovely island of Whitecap, where they
find new friends similar to the ones they left
behind. It doesn't take them long to establish
a close bond to the people of Whitecap.
In A New
Song you will meet a number of unforgettable characters:
a young woman suffering from mental depression,
her young son Jonathan, the three year old boy
who has touched the heart of Cynthia Kavanaugh;
and a gifted musician who never ventures outside
the gates of his home.
After a devastating
hurricane hits the island of Whitecap, people
bond together to rebuild their homes and St. John's
Church. At the first service, the newly-rebuilt
church and the hearts of the parishioners are
filled with the presence of God.
We hope you
have enjoyed The Mitford Years.
Everlasting
Love
Everlasting
Love is a three-in-one collection of historical
romances. Amidst trials, danger and hardships,
three brave women learn to trust in God and to
believe in Him entirely as He guides their lives.
The Starfire
Quilt tells the story of Meredith
Elliott, trapped in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary
War. She finds purpose in her life as a courier
for the Patriots while helping her father, Dr.
Lawrence Elliott, tend the war wounded. As Meredith's
family faces the dangers, hardships and conflicting
loyalties of wartime, she is shown the path that
God has chosen for her life.
In Journey
Toward Home, an orphaned girl moves
west to escape a cruel and domineering guardian.
Finding herself abandoned along the Santa Fe Trail,
she disguises herself as a boy and joins up with
a cattle drive. Her deceit is soon discovered
and she is again left behind, this time with the
Bradleys, a ranch family. Just as she fears she
will have to return to her cruel aunt, her prayers
are answered: love enters her life, and God lights
the path to her future.
In The
Will and the Way, a young Irishwoman,
Key Calhoun, proves her mettle as a Union Pacific
"snow expert." She experiences violent
Indian attacks, unexplained accidents, and sabotage
by her own crew, learning to trust in God and
His timing rather than her own. When the last
spike made of solid gold is drilled into the rails,
Key has found love and realizes that God has been
with her all the way.
Left
Behind, The Kids by Tim La Haye
In
the Left Behind, The Kids series, Jerry Jenkins
and Tim La Haye take you through the trials and
tribulations in the lives of four young people
whose lives collapsed when millions of people
around the world vanished, including their parents
and siblings. As they search for help and answers,
they learn the truth behind the vanishings. Now
they must fight the evils that are threatening
their lives. Faced with the truth, they must now
make a decision. Do they accept Christ's forgiveness
or blame God for abandoning them and taking away
their families.
With the help of a young minister who was also
left behind, they pave the way to gain their faith
and begin to know God. Through periods of danger
and helping one another, they try to learn who
is the antichrist and how they themselves can
be prepared to accept God when Christ returns
for them. Excellent reading that young adults
won't want to miss.
365
Read To Me Bedtime Bible Stories
by
Melanie M. Burnette
Looking
for a great book to read to your child?
Check out this comprehensive collection, from
the creation to the resurrection the best-loved
stories from the Bible are re-told. The
sweeping story of the Bible comes alive one day
at a time. Children will get a head start
on their Bible learning when they read (or are
read) these compelling daily reminders of faith.
Getting
Ready for a Great Retirement -
A Planning Guide by Barbara Deane
If you are
an adult today, you may spend as much as one third
of your life in retirement. And if you 're like
most people, you've spent more time planning for
your two-week vacations than for your retirement!
Retiring
in today's world means more that perfecting your
golf game or having more time for hobbies. Whether
you're decades or months away from retirement,
the kind of planning you do now can mean the difference
between years of fulfillment and years of restlessness.
Getting
Ready for a Great Retirement will help you plan
for a productive, purposeful way of life in your
later y
