Stepping Out in Faith: Former Catholics Tell Their Stories edited by Mark Gilbert

This book really spoke to me as a former Catholic.  I found myself relating to each person’s story in one way or another.  There were parts that could have come directly from me.  Each individual had a different story on what led them to move away from the Catholic Church, but it seemed that one of the common ideas was not having a personal relationship with God.  Omar Anheluk, in his story says about God “..I didn’t know him.  I knew of him, and I knew about him, but I didn’t know him personally.”  I experienced that myself and could completely understand that feeling.  Another of the authors, Angelo Porcu, says of the mass, “Although there were always Bible readings, I could never find the connection between the priest’s message and the passages that were read.”  I remember thinking those exact thoughts multiple times while attending mass – more often than not.

If you are a former Catholic, you will relate to these stories and may feel better about the decision to leave the church knowing that you are not alone.  If you are Catholic, you may find you relate to these stories and they will make you think.  I am not saying that you can’t have a personal relationship with God or understand his Word if you are Catholic, but I think it will take extra effort outside the church for that to happen.  Read the Bible yourself.  Don’t rely on the church for your salvation.  Jesus is the only way to salvation.  Being a Christian is what is important, that should come first before any denomination and, to me, that was not how the Catholic Church seemed to work.  And reading this book, I found I was not alone. 

*I received a free copy of this book from Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for writing a fair review.*

Hidden Falls: Ordinary Secrets - Episode 1 by Olivia Newport

I have to admit, I was skeptical that I would get hooked on just part of a story.  I was wrong, I am totally hooked and can’t wait for the next episode to be released.  The characters are interesting, the location is charming.  I’m reluctant to say that the secondary plot lines have peaked my interest only because at this point, I’m not sure they are all really secondary or may be part of what appears to be the major plot line – and that is definitely worth staying tuned in to see what happens next.  I don’t want to give away spoilers, but the last pivotal scene did not play out the way I thought it would.  I was expecting something, but got a slight twist to what I had imagined.  I’m glad I did, it was not, at least for me, predictable.  I will definitely be waiting for the next episode.

The first episode is free, so why don’t you check it out for yourself?  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H4MTGV6/ref=oh_d__o01_details_o01__i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here is the book description from Amazon:   "Thirty years of small-town secrets—now the key to the mystery is gone.  The small town of Hidden Falls is abuzz. Former students, friends, and loved ones are prepping for tonight's big event to honor Ted Quinn's many years of compassionate service.  Quinn is reluctant about a night in the spotlight--but is tenderly prodded by Sylvia, mayor of Hidden Falls and Quinn's dearest friend and confidante.

Ethan and Nicole won't let the shadows of their pasts stop them from returning to Hidden Falls--but only for Quinn--no matter how much it hurts.  Liam, a former student, and Jack, a town newcomer, are both hoping the night works toward their own gain--or, if they'll admit it, their chance for redemption.  Like Quinn, Dani and Lauren are mainstays in Hidden Falls. They keep close to home--and have secrets to keep close, too.

Now it's time. The guests are seated, introductions are made, the spotlight shines on center stage...and the unthinkable leaves the entire town scrambling for the truth."

Book Review: What's Your Mark by Jeremy Coward

I enjoyed reading this book.  It is a short, encouraging read.  It challenges you to look at yourself and see what kind of mark you are leaving.  It was interesting to read about the different ways the people highlighted in the book have put their mark on the world.  There were a couple stories that gave me ideas, if not something new, something that I could support. 

One of my favorite sections of the book was about Shaun King the founder of HopeMob.  HopeMob gets individual stories and needs out to the public so people can lend a helping hand.  Another of my favorites was about Caitlin Crosby and the Giving Keys.  The Giving Keys is a jewelry line that has an encouraging word printed on it.  Once you buy a piece of jewelry though, you don’t keep it forever – you give it away to someone who needs that word of encouragement.  The line employs homeless people who are trying to make it in the world. 

In addition to reading about how others are making a mark, the Book of Mark is interspersed between the pages of the individual stories.  All in all, an encouraging, challenging, fun read.

*I received a free copy of this book from BookSneeze exchange for writing a fair review.*

Book Review: Saving Eutychus How to preach God's word and keep people awake

I don’t preach (although my daughter may disagree with that) but I do teach at Church and when I read a bit about this book I thought it may be a good resource.  It was worth more than I expected it to be.  Even if you lead meetings, give lectures or just find yourself in public speaking situations that you are not comfortable in, this would be a great book to read.  Gary Millar and Phil Campbell put together lists of pointers and suggestions that make total sense once you read them and leave you wondering why you aren’t already doing things that way.  The book is written with humility and humor.  I love when I find a book that will teach me and entertain me at the same time, and this one truly does.

In addition to the pointers on creating a sermon that will not leave people nodding off, I learned to look at some things differently.  For example, the Old Testament was written for the people at the time but is still written for us. We can’t ignore the Old Testament and concentrate on the New because the Bible is to be taken as a whole.  Another point that made me think was about Jesus during his time here on earth. “...more often than we sometimes notice, Jesus is aiming his words directly at an Israel at the tail end of their old covenant with God.  It’s pre-cross Israel and pre-Spirit Israel.  Think the words of Jesus through carefully before you apply them directly to 21^st-century Gentiles like us.”  I always tell my daughter to try to see things through others eyes when she doesn’t understand someone’s actions.  I think I need to start reading the Bible with that in mind as well.  Of course we can apply Jesus’ teachings to ourselves, but stepping back and thinking about what His words meant to the people he was speaking to in person may give us a different perspective.

There are two sermons with critiques at the end of the book that tie all their pointers and tips together and both sermons are well worth the read on their own.  I would definitely recommend this book.  Even if you have the gift for preaching, you may read this and realize you could use some of their suggestions.

If you would like to check out their humor, watch the short video. http://youtu.be/cOMI3Ib-CbI

*I received a free copy of this book from Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for writing a fair review.*

Book Review: Sherlock Holmes and The Needle's Eye by Len Bailey

I was partially through the first story before I was recommending this book to my friends.  From the beginning it sounded like it was going to be an interesting, fun, informative book and it did not disappoint.  The premise of going back in time to unravel Bible mysteries had me instantly hooked.  Doing that in a Sherlock Holmes/Dr. Watson concept made it that much more fun. Some of the mysteries include what did Christ write on the ground during the encounter with the Pharisees and the adulterous woman?, why did David choose five stones to fight Goliath instead of just one?, what did Luke mean by “more opportune time” when speaking of the devil leaving Jesus in Luke 4:13?

These stories take you into the Bible and make you think about things that you may have never considered before.  I found myself pulling out the Bible to check on ideas being introduced or events being discussed.  There are studies in the back of the book that take you through the passages yourself and bring you deeper into the thought process. 

This was a wonderfully entertaining book that looked at the Bible from a “big picture” perspective to answer some riddles and I would definitely recommend it.  I would love to see another book with different stories analyzed the same way.

*I received a free copy of this book from Booksneeze.com in exchange for writing a fair review.*