1. How long have you been volunteering in the library/bookstore?
In both, from the beginning - 8 years.
2. What's your favorite thing about volunteering here?
Being married to the manager - she's cute!
My next favorite activity is meeting, greeting and serving people.
Also, I am able to keep current on God at work through books and music.
3. What are some of your all-time favorite books?
(in order)
#1. Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis
#2. How Now Shall We Live - Chuck Colson & Nancy Pearcy
#3. The Five Love Languages - Gary Chapman
#4. The Screwtape Letters - C.S. Lewis
#5. Hind's Feet On High Places - Hannah Hurnard
#6. The Message Bible - Eugene H. Peterson
#7. The Divine Conspiracy - Dallas Willard
#8. The Best Question Ever - Andy Stanley
#9. The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien
#10. The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien
4. What is currently on your nightstand?
The Love You Make: An Insiders' Story of the Beatles by Peter Brown & Steven Gaines and Louder Than Words by Andy Stanley
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
New Releases
Here's a smattering of what's new at the RiverTree bookstore...
FEATURED PICK:
I Became a Christian and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt: Replacing Souvenir Religion with Authentic Spiritual Passion
by Vince Antonucci
Baker Books, March 2008
Raised by a Jewish mother and abandoned by his professional poker-playing father, Antonucci found Jesus at age twenty after studying the New Testament. When he finally went to church, he was disappointed to discover a "boring, stale religion." Through provocative storytelling and raw honesty, Antonucci unearths the life Jesus lived and wants us to experience, challenging us to move past spiritual boredom into a faith that's exciting, beautiful, and powerful. Recommended for all Christians thirsty for a fresh perspective on Christianity.
Looking for God: An Unexpected Journey Through Tattoos, Tofu & Pronouns
by Nancy Ortberg
Tyndale, February 2008
Nancy Ortberg, wife to bestselling author and pastor John Ortberg, opens her highly amusing and refreshingly transparent text reminiscing about bygone years as a young mom who couldn't make time for a quiet time. Recalling those nonstop, hectic early parenting seasons, Ortberg admits to feeling guilty pressure from the church at large until she experienced God's presence while sitting on a park bench, watching her kids play. She realized that particular God encounter counted as much as any quiet time did. Ortberg challenges Christians to examine their tendency to compare themselves with others, teaching them to have the courage to reach out to others selflessly and to view work as a blessed conduit to excellence. Christians will find themselves inhaling these fragrant written reminders of God's intimate care only to then exhale Christ's love to others in holy response.
Walking with God: Talk to Him, Hear from Him, Really.
by John Eldredge
Thomas Nelson, March 2008
God longs to speak. And it is our right and privilege to hear His voice. Our deepest longings could all find sufficient fulfillment in God's company. Yet, somehow, the looming discontent of most Christians is a lack of intimacy with God. Walking with God is unlike any book John has written. It moves through a year in his life showing and teaching what conversational intimacy with God can be like. It teaches readers how to make decisions aligning with God's will, understand barriers and "agreements" keeping them from the life God intends, fight spiritual battles for their own heart and for others, and much more. Ultimately, Walking with God shows readers that walking intimately with Him can be a normal part of the Christian life.
Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations
by Alex & Brett Harris
Multnomah, April 2008
A growing movement of young people is rebelling against the low expectations of today's culture by choosing to "do hard things" for the glory of God. And teen twins Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge. Do Hard Things is the Harris twins' revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential. Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life. Then they map out five powerful ways teens can respond for personal and social change.
Life with God: Reading the Bible for Spiritual Transformation
by Richard Foster
Harper One, April 2008
Too often, our study of the Bible focuses on searching for specific information or some formula that will solve our pressing needs of the moment. But what if we approached the Bible differently, and instead of transforming the text to meet our needs, allowed it to transform us?
That's exactly the idea behind Life with God, Richard J. Foster's much-anticipated book on the Bible. According to Foster, bestselling author of Celebration of Discipline, the Bible is all about human life "with God." With a wealth of examples and simple yet crucial insights, Life with God is an indispensable guide to approaching the Bible through the lens of Christian spiritual formation, revealing that reading the Bible for interior transformation is a far different endeavor than reading the Bible for historical knowledge, literary appreciation, or religious instruction.
The Secret to True Happiness: Enjoy Today, Embrace Tomorrow
by Joyce Meyer
FaithWords, April 2008
For all the technology, conveniences, and advantages we experience in today's world, many of us struggle just to get through each day. After coming through what seemed like a lifetime of abuse, hardship, and oppression, Joyce Meyer has come to live every day in victory and joy. In her new book, she spreads the word that an exciting, enjoyable life is available to everyone! The breakthrough for Joyce came when she started to look at herself through God's eyes. There, she not only saw the truth about herself and changes she needed to make, but came to know His unconditional love. Joyce has packed this book with biblical principles and practical application revealing secrets she has discovered for living a full and joyful life.
God in the Marketplace: 45 Questions Fortune 500 Executives Ask About Faith, Life & Business
by Henry & Richard Blackaby
Broadman & Holman, April 2008
Aside from Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby has made his greatest impact by ministering directly to Fortune 100 and 500 CEOs, advising them on how to effectively blend their faith with their business. Out of that ministry’s success comes God in the Marketplace, a book to help everyone from the front desk to the executive suite best experience God’s will in his or her work. God in the Marketplace will help readers better understand what the Bible says about integrating their Christian faith with their work lives and provide biblical answers to the common yet difficult questions that are often raised for Christians at work.
FEATURED PICK:
I Became a Christian and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt: Replacing Souvenir Religion with Authentic Spiritual Passionby Vince Antonucci
Baker Books, March 2008
Raised by a Jewish mother and abandoned by his professional poker-playing father, Antonucci found Jesus at age twenty after studying the New Testament. When he finally went to church, he was disappointed to discover a "boring, stale religion." Through provocative storytelling and raw honesty, Antonucci unearths the life Jesus lived and wants us to experience, challenging us to move past spiritual boredom into a faith that's exciting, beautiful, and powerful. Recommended for all Christians thirsty for a fresh perspective on Christianity.
Looking for God: An Unexpected Journey Through Tattoos, Tofu & Pronounsby Nancy Ortberg
Tyndale, February 2008
Nancy Ortberg, wife to bestselling author and pastor John Ortberg, opens her highly amusing and refreshingly transparent text reminiscing about bygone years as a young mom who couldn't make time for a quiet time. Recalling those nonstop, hectic early parenting seasons, Ortberg admits to feeling guilty pressure from the church at large until she experienced God's presence while sitting on a park bench, watching her kids play. She realized that particular God encounter counted as much as any quiet time did. Ortberg challenges Christians to examine their tendency to compare themselves with others, teaching them to have the courage to reach out to others selflessly and to view work as a blessed conduit to excellence. Christians will find themselves inhaling these fragrant written reminders of God's intimate care only to then exhale Christ's love to others in holy response.
Walking with God: Talk to Him, Hear from Him, Really.by John Eldredge
Thomas Nelson, March 2008
God longs to speak. And it is our right and privilege to hear His voice. Our deepest longings could all find sufficient fulfillment in God's company. Yet, somehow, the looming discontent of most Christians is a lack of intimacy with God. Walking with God is unlike any book John has written. It moves through a year in his life showing and teaching what conversational intimacy with God can be like. It teaches readers how to make decisions aligning with God's will, understand barriers and "agreements" keeping them from the life God intends, fight spiritual battles for their own heart and for others, and much more. Ultimately, Walking with God shows readers that walking intimately with Him can be a normal part of the Christian life.
Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectationsby Alex & Brett Harris
Multnomah, April 2008
A growing movement of young people is rebelling against the low expectations of today's culture by choosing to "do hard things" for the glory of God. And teen twins Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge. Do Hard Things is the Harris twins' revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential. Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life. Then they map out five powerful ways teens can respond for personal and social change.
Life with God: Reading the Bible for Spiritual Transformationby Richard Foster
Harper One, April 2008
Too often, our study of the Bible focuses on searching for specific information or some formula that will solve our pressing needs of the moment. But what if we approached the Bible differently, and instead of transforming the text to meet our needs, allowed it to transform us?
That's exactly the idea behind Life with God, Richard J. Foster's much-anticipated book on the Bible. According to Foster, bestselling author of Celebration of Discipline, the Bible is all about human life "with God." With a wealth of examples and simple yet crucial insights, Life with God is an indispensable guide to approaching the Bible through the lens of Christian spiritual formation, revealing that reading the Bible for interior transformation is a far different endeavor than reading the Bible for historical knowledge, literary appreciation, or religious instruction.
The Secret to True Happiness: Enjoy Today, Embrace Tomorrowby Joyce Meyer
FaithWords, April 2008
For all the technology, conveniences, and advantages we experience in today's world, many of us struggle just to get through each day. After coming through what seemed like a lifetime of abuse, hardship, and oppression, Joyce Meyer has come to live every day in victory and joy. In her new book, she spreads the word that an exciting, enjoyable life is available to everyone! The breakthrough for Joyce came when she started to look at herself through God's eyes. There, she not only saw the truth about herself and changes she needed to make, but came to know His unconditional love. Joyce has packed this book with biblical principles and practical application revealing secrets she has discovered for living a full and joyful life.
God in the Marketplace: 45 Questions Fortune 500 Executives Ask About Faith, Life & Business
by Henry & Richard Blackaby
Broadman & Holman, April 2008
Aside from Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby has made his greatest impact by ministering directly to Fortune 100 and 500 CEOs, advising them on how to effectively blend their faith with their business. Out of that ministry’s success comes God in the Marketplace, a book to help everyone from the front desk to the executive suite best experience God’s will in his or her work. God in the Marketplace will help readers better understand what the Bible says about integrating their Christian faith with their work lives and provide biblical answers to the common yet difficult questions that are often raised for Christians at work.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Book Review: In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson
In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roarsby Mark Batterson
Multnomah Books, 2006
Submitted by Diane Busch
This book is on my list of all-time favorite books! I underlined so many great nuggets. It is based on a scripture passage in 2 Samuel 23:30-21 which is about Benaiah who instead of running away from a lion, chases it into a pit and kills it.
You will be challenged to chase your fears instead of running away from them. You learn more about who God is, about yourself, about spiritual maturity, and about the "big picture".
Mark Batterson discusses regret. He says we will have more regrets over what we haven't done or tried in life, than we will have over things we tried that failed. He adds a good section on prayer as well.
I recommend this book to anyone in any stage of life.
Book Review: The Starbucks Experience by Joseph A. Michelli
The Starbucks Experience : 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinaryby Joseph A. Michelli
McGraw-Hill, 2006
Submitted by Diane Busch
An excellent book for leadership. This book is challenging for the entrepreneur and "feel good" for the Starbucks customer.
Starbucks is an exemplary company in so many ways. It is such an inspiration. Starbucks attempts to treat customers with fantastic customer service. They give to their communities in innovative and generous ways.
This book includes discussion questions and "food for thought" prompts throughout, plus five pages of discussion starters in the back.
Book Review: A Day With a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory
A Day With a Perfect Strangerby David Gregory
WaterBrook Press, 2006
Submitted by Diane Busch
A short novel written in first person by a woman who meets a man one day on two of her airplane flights. He is kind and gentle and helps her think through her life and problems--to be able to open her mind to the possibility of Jesus and his love, forgiveness and salvation. The man turns out to be Jesus himself in modern day. This may be a good book to give to an unbelieving friend.
Book Review: Dear God, They Say It's Cancer by Janet Thompson
Dear God, They Say It's Cancerby Janet Thompson
Howard Books, 2006
Submitted by Diane Busch
Any woman on a breast cancer journey would benefit from this book. It is full of information, prayers, scripture verses, and other women's stories. It includes places to journal your thoughts, places to record your journey and your questions. This book helps you feel like you are not alone on this journey.
Book Review: You Don't Need a Title to Be a Leader by Mark Sanborn
You Don't Need a Title To Be a Leader : How Anyone, Anywhere, Can Make a Positive Differenceby Mark Sanborn
WaterBrook Press, 2006
Submitted by Diane Busch
A wonderfully inspirational book, not just for leaders, but for any of us who want to improve the world around us by being a blessing to others. The book is broken up into three parts: Part I: A Leader is...; Part II: The Six Principles of Leadership; and Part III: Making a Positive Difference. The Leadership Action Points at the end of each chapter in Part II are especially helpful and motivational.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
We're Live!
We're pleased to announce the official launch of the RiverTree Bookstore and Library Blog. We hope you'll find our little home on the web to be an interesting and informative place to visit. We'll be posting about our sales and special events, book reviews, new releases, recommendations, interviews with staff and volunteers and anything else related to the bookstore or library.
If you're new to this blog, we invite you to check out the important information along the sidebar for our location, hours, policies and mission. We also have links to the ministries we support with our profits, along with links for monthly bestsellers and a link to Pastor Greg's blog.
If you'd like to submit a review of your favorite Christian book, CD and DVD, we'd love to post it. Just send us an email at RiverTreeRC@gmail.com. We'd also love to hear your ideas for this blog.
Thanks for stopping by!
If you're new to this blog, we invite you to check out the important information along the sidebar for our location, hours, policies and mission. We also have links to the ministries we support with our profits, along with links for monthly bestsellers and a link to Pastor Greg's blog.
If you'd like to submit a review of your favorite Christian book, CD and DVD, we'd love to post it. Just send us an email at RiverTreeRC@gmail.com. We'd also love to hear your ideas for this blog.
Thanks for stopping by!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Meet Diane Busch
Title: Library Manager
How long have you been working in the library? I have been working in the library since it's inception in early 2000.
What's your favorite thing about working here? Helping people connect with books and other resources that are right for them. I also enjoy learning about the new release books, CDs, and DVDs.
What are some of your all time favorite books?
What is three things you wish people knew about the library? We have over 8,500 titles in our library. We will help you acquire whatever resources you need - just ask! We have a wide range of small group curriculum available for leaders to borrow.
How long have you been working in the library? I have been working in the library since it's inception in early 2000.
What's your favorite thing about working here? Helping people connect with books and other resources that are right for them. I also enjoy learning about the new release books, CDs, and DVDs.
What are some of your all time favorite books?
- Hind's Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard
- In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson
- The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg
- If You Want to Walk on Water You've Got to Get Out of the Boat byJohn Ortberg
- Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
- 7 by Jen Hatmaker
- Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker
What is three things you wish people knew about the library? We have over 8,500 titles in our library. We will help you acquire whatever resources you need - just ask! We have a wide range of small group curriculum available for leaders to borrow.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
All About the Bookstore
The RiverTree Bookstore offers a wide variety of Christian resources:
We also offer special ordering for non-stocked items from many catalogs. And we sell at 5% discount everyday on most items. Quantity of 10 or more of the same item qualifies for 10% discount. Individual greeting cards are discounted 25% everyday.
Frequent Buyer Card
Receive one stamp for every $10.00 spent (pre-tax). When the card is full, redeem it for $5.00 off a purchase over $10.00.
Proceeds
Proceeds from the bookstore support RiverTree Christian Church missions.
All About the Library
Library Procedures:
- Sign up at the checkout desk to add your name to our library database for easy computer checkout.
- You may keep items for two weeks.
- Items may be renewed over the phone or in person for an additional two weeks.
- Library fines accrue at 5 cents per week for books; 25 cents per week for CDs and audiobooks; 50 cents per week for DVDs.
- If the item you want is checked out, we'll be happy to reserve it for you and call when it's available.
- Return library materials to the checkout desk, the library return slot located in the welcome center, or the library return bin in the west hallway.
Items Available in the Library:
- Nonfiction books
- Fiction books
- Biographies
- Audio Books (on cassette and CD)
- Music
- DVDs and Videos
- Magazines
- Bibles
- Bible Study Resources
- Multimedia Curriculum (including Noomas)
- Reference Materials
- Sermons on CD and Cassette
- Young Adult Department
- Juvenile Department
- Children's Department
Donations:
Donations of materials to the library are willingly accepted, without commitment, and are subjected to high standards of quality. Materials should be current, in excellent condition and have good moral content.
Leaf-a-Legacy:
Our library is growing, and you can help! Leaf-a-Legacy is a special plan for purchasing books and other materials to donate to RiverTree Library in honor of someone special, in celebration of a special occasion, in memory of a loved one, or just to make a great resource available to others.
How It Works:
Visit the Leaf-a-Legacy tree in the RiverTree Library. Each leaf on the tree has the title, author and cost of a book that is on our library wish list. Pluck a leaf from the tree for the book title you would like to donate and take it to a library check-out desk. You may also review our printed wish list to choose an item to donate to the library.
Three Ways To Donate:
- Make a donation to the library for the amount listed for the book you would like to donate.
- Purchase the book from the RiverTree Bookstore and bring it to a library check-out desk.
- Purchase the book or item elsewhere and bring it to a library check-out desk.
When the book you have donated has been processed, you will receive a phone call and be given the opportunity to be the first person to check out the book from the library.
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