New Releases: January 14, 2009

Just Another Girl
Melody Carlson
Revell, January 2009

At seventeen, she'd like to date, hang with friends, maybe even find a summer job. Instead, she's stuck at home with her younger sister who seems to get needier by the minute. Her older sister is all about, well...herself. And Aster's parents...don't even ask. But things are about to change. Or so she hopes. Enter: a cool guy and some new friends, and Aster is ready to get out and grab a slice of normal life. But will her family get in her way?



Jesus Is Alive!
Sean McDowell
Regal, February 2009

Jesus' followers believed that he was the person God promised to send who would free them from the Romans, the cruel invaders who had taken over their land. So when the Romans sentenced Jesus to die on a cross, his followers' hopes were crushed. How could Jesus free them if he was dead? But his death wasn't the end of the story. Because people don't normally come back to life, it might be tempting to believe that is has never happened. But now you can see the proof for yourself!


Kiss
Ted Dekker & Erin Healy
Thomas Nelson, January 2009

I woke up in a hospital bed missing six months of my memory. In the room was my loving boyfriend. How could I have forgotten him? Also there was my uncle and my abusive stepmother. Everyone blames me for the tragic car accident that left me near death and my dear brother brain damaged. But what they say can't be true can it? I believe the medicine is doing strange things to my memory. I'm unsure who I can trust and who I should run from. and I'm starting to remember things I've never known. Things not about me. I think I'm going crazy. And even worse, I think they want to kill me. But who? And for what? Is dying for the truth really better than living with a lie?



Vintage Church
Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears
Crossway Books, January 2009

This book begins with a focus on the person and work of Jesus and then exploring the confessional, experiential, and missional aspects of church. This study grows out of the vintage concept of taking timeless truths from Scripture-truths about church leadership, preaching, baptism, communion, and more and blending them with aspects of contemporary culture, such as multi-campus churches and the latest forms of technology, to reach people with the gospel.



The Power of Prayer to Change Your Marriage
Stormie Omartian
Harvest House, January 2009

Only prayer can change your marriage. It's hard to change yourself. and you can't change your spouse. But by His power working through your prayers, God can change you both. When you invite the Lord to rule in your marriage, He will transform both of your lives in ways you never thought possible. Whether you are a husband or a wife, if you want your marriage to be strong and protected, this book is for you. The author addresses the deeper issues of marriage.



Experiencing the Words of Jesus
Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, January 2009

You know what He did for you. Now experience the power of what He says to you. Though Jesus' ministry was brief-only three and a half years-the words he spoke have stood the test of time. In his day, the Savior's words turned heads, turned hearts, and untimately turned the world upside down. They do the same for us today. His words: our heritage. We memorized them in Sunday school, we quote them, we even have Bibles that print them in red letters. When we experience them, they come alive. This workbook takes a fresh look at the words of God's Son. There are a total of six lessons. Read the stories and hear the voice of Jesus for yourself.



Overcoming Challenges
Bill Hybels
Zondervan, January 2009

Face the tough times with confidence. The question is not, "Will I face challenges?" The issue is, "How will I deal with the tough times that come my way?" No one travels far down the road without confronting the sobering reality that life can be hard. The book of Nehemiah is a case study in overcoming life's challenges. Wave after wave of pain pounded on the shores of Nehemiah's life, but he kept standing strong. As we meditate on Nehemiah's story, we discover the hope and victory that come when we walk in God's wisdom through the challenges of life.


The Love Dare
Stephen & Alex Kendrick
B & H Publishing Group, September 2008

Unconditional love is eagerly promised at weddings, but rarely practiced in real life. As a result, romantic hopes are often replaced with disappointment in the home. But it doesn't have to stay that way. The Love Dare is a 40-day challenge for husbands and wives to understand and practice unconditional love. Whether your marriage is hanging by a thread or healthy and strong, this is a journey you need to take. This book includes challenging lessons on love, space for journaling, and a specific "dare" for each day.



Raising a Modern-Day Joseph: A Timeless Strategy for Growing Great Kids
Larry Fowler
David C. Cook, January 2009

This test is pass or fail. Imagine this scenario for a typical teenager in your church: He's separated from his family and sent to live in a hedonistic, no-holds-barred culture. He's stripped of his spiritual support, left alone, and treated unfairly. His ego is stoked with power. Throughout this ride, would he continue to serve God? This very test was given to Joseph, whose faith remained rock-solid. Research shows that when young people leave home, many also leave the church. So how can we forge sons and daughters of faith? The vital answers are found in the story of Joseph. This book offers a biblical plan for growing children who will love and serve Jesus Christ.




This Side of Heaven
Karen Kingsbury
Center Street, January 2009

Annie Warren always wanted the best for her son, Josh. but years of failure and bad choices created a heartbreaking distance that has grown far worse since the day Josh was hit by a drunk driver. Now on medical disability, Josh has put his life on hold for years, waiting for the insurance company to send a settlement that never seems to come. Worse, he believes the story of a scheming woman who claims they have a seven-year-old daughter named Savannah. Despite the unlikelihood, Josh dreams of being a father and is determined to one day claim the child. His family doesn't know the full story. They haven't seen that Savannah's eyes are his, and they don't know how desperately the little girl needs her family. When the settlement is threatened, Annie sets out to defend her son. But she might find a treasure more valuable than money, one she never expected, one that is the greatest gift her son could ever give her.



Revolutionary Parenting Workbook: How To Raise Spiritual Champions
George Barna
David C. Cook, January 2009

Learn how you can raise a spiritual champion. As parents our deepest desire is to raise children who succeed in life. This is also our greatest challenge. How can we foster traits such as honesty, compassion, and dedication in young minds? How can we raise children who will love and serve God as adults? This workbook will help you create a plan for your family to do just that. Drawn from a landmark study of Christian twentysomethings and the parents who raised them, this guide is designed to help you build a solid foundation of faith in your child.