Easter

Resurrection DVD
Max Lucado
Bridgestone Group, February 2011
In the tumultuous events following Christ's crucifixion, Roman guard Claudius finds himself in the middle of a cover-up that has religious leaders, the government, and his closest friends attempting to hide something from the world. Will he uncover the truth at the risk of losing his life? Based on Max Lucado's short story. Dove approved. Approx. 50 minutes. Closed-captioned.

Resurrection Eggs, updated edition
FamilyLife, February 2011
Crack open the glorious story of Jesus' resurrection! Stored in a plastic carton, a dozen rainbow-hued eggs are filled with surprises. Pop them open and find miniature symbols of Easter inside! An updated companion booklet in English and Spanish features Bible stories explaining the significance of each object. Includes 12 stickers corresponding to the eggs. Ages 5 and up.

Read n Share: The Story of Easter
Gwen Ellis
Thomas Nelson, March 2011
Read this simple retelling of the Easter story and share the joy of Christ's gift with your little ones! Drawing from Gwen Ellis' popular Read and Share Bible, this retelling of the Easter story is explained in a way that helps young children understand the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The bright illustrations and easy-to-understand text trace Jesus' journey from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his glorious ascension. Children will discover what an amazing gift Jesus gave us on Easter! Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

VeggieTales 'Twas the Night Before Easter DVD
Big Idea Productions, February 2011
It's the night before Easter and all through the town, not a creature is stirring---except a gigantic 20-foot robotic rabbit! He's ready to star in the biggest show ever to open in Crisper County: the musical egg-stravaganza "Up with Bunnies!" But with all the excitement surrounding this "hare"-raising production, will folks forget the true meaning of Easter? Closed-captioned. Approx. 45 minutes.

New Release

King's Cross
Timothy Keller
Penguin Group, February 2011
New York Times bestselling author and nationally renowned minister Timothy Keller unlocks new insights into the life of Jesus Christ. King's Cross is Timothy Keller's revelatory look at the life of Christ as told in the Gospel of Mark. There have been many biographies of Jesus, but few will be as anticipated as this one by Keller, the man Newsweek calls "a C.S. Lewis for the twenty-first century." We might also add, that like Lewis, Keller has effectively--more than anyone else--translated the core message of the Gospel in the language and idioms of the historical context in which he lives. In this book, Keller shows how the story of Jesus is at once cosmic, historical, and personal, calling each of us to look anew at our relationship with God. Like Keller's other books it has tremendous crossover appeal, but it is also ideal for the faithful, those who are looking for a closer connection to Jesus and Christianity.

New Releases

The James Dobson Parenting Collection
James Dobson
Tyndale, March 2011
Parenting expert Dr. James Dobson has written numerous books on child raising. Now you can obtain three of his bestsellers in just one volume. Inside Parenting Collection you'll find The New Dare to Discipline, The New Strong-Willed Child, and Parenting Isn't for Cowards, all offering biblically based parenting wisdom. Paperback.

Leaving (Bailey Flanigan series vol. 1)
Karen Kingsbury
Zondervan, March 2011
The Bailey Flanigan series begins with Bailey leaving Bloomington for the adventure of a lifetime. She has won an audition for the ensemble of a Broadway musical in New York City. She's determined to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of the city? And what of Cody? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive. In order to be closer to his mother in jail, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey Flanigan.

How to be God's Little Princess
Sheila Walsh
Thomas Nelson, March 2011
What does it take to be a princess? Featuring the delightful character Gigi, Walsh's guidebook offers important answers for every girl, including how to make the best pink cookies, wear a tiara, earn money at home, bathe a royal dog, be respectful, use good manners, help Mom, follow Jesus, and much more. Ages 6 to 10.

New Releases

The Prayer Dare
Ron Kincaid
Regal Books, January 2011
Has your prayer time become rote or irregular? Kincaid "dares" you to transform your devotional life in just 30 days! In this no-nonsense handbook, he challenges you to pray daily, engage in simple exercises, apply key scriptural principles, and record your progress in the journaling space provided. A stimulating resource for individuals and small groups!

Heaven Revealed
Paul Enns
Moody Publishers, March 2011
What is the afterlife like? What will we do there? Diving deep into Scripture, theologian Dr. Enns answers these questions and others while reflecting on the very personal nature of what is to come. Filled with thought-provoking insights, his easy-to-read book will help you look forward to heaven---not be confused about it. 192 pages, softcover from Moody.

Running with Joy
Ryan Hall
Harvest House Publishers, January 2011
From the fastest American-born marathoner of all time, here is an intimate, day-by-day account of what it takes—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—to be one of the best in the world. This journal chronicles Ryan Hall’s 14-week preparation for the 2010 Boston Marathon, providing practical insights into the daily regimen of someone training at the absolute peak of human performance. It also reveals the spiritual journey of an elite athlete who is a follower of Jesus Christ. Readers will discover how Ryan deals with nagging injuries and illness, bad weather, disappointing workouts, and a slavish focus on results that can take the fun out of running. Ryan runs 140 miles a week, often at altitude and a blistering pace. Yet millions of everyday runners will identify with and appreciate his intentional return to running with joy and his lifelong goal of glorifying Christ on and off the racecourse.

Rock-A My Soul
David Nantais
Liturgical Press, February 2011
Few styles of music engage the human body as much as rock and roll. From toe tapping to air guitar, listening to rock music requires attention to the present moment and can help the listener reclaim a sense of identity as a creature of God. Rock music and organized religion have suffered a tense relationship for over sixty years but what if rock music can actually aid one's religious faith and spiritual life? Perhaps it's time to bury the hatchet and start rocking your religion!

Book Review

Lazarus Awakening : Finding your place in the heart of God
Joanna Weaver

WaterBrook Press
February 2011

Reviewed by Diane Busch

I call this a pleasant surprise book.  I am not sure I would have chosen to read it, except that I was given an advance reading copy from WaterBrook.  So I started to skim the book and found that I actually wanted to read it word for word.  Readers with varying years of walking with Jesus will glean good nuggets from these pages.  One main theme of the book is that Jesus wants us to be his friend (not just a worshipper; not just a worker; not just an admirer).  Friendship is reciprocal. 

Joanna also talks about our doubts that eat away at the bedrock of our faith, leaving us floundering, gasping for air as we try to keep our spiritual heads above water.  We need to realize that some of life's greatest gifts come wrapped in disappointments.  Faith is often learned in the crucible of pain.  It must be difficult for our loving Father to hold back from constantly running to our rescue, yet in his merciful wisdom he does.  God has always been more interested in shaping the character of his children than simply providing them comfort.

We need to learn to listen.  We need to learn to discern his voice.  Our heavenly father knows the best kind of communication flows out of a relationship.  Anything less is just information.  Since intimacy with us has always been God's goal, it makes sense that hearing His voice would be linked to that very thing.  He wants us to lean in and listen carefully.

"If we want to hear from God, we must learn to respond to what He says.  Obedience opens the ears of our hearts.  The best way to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength is to love the people who happen to be standing next to us."

"If we want to live resurrected and experience the exchanged life so many heroes of the faith describe, we must first get around to dying.  Dying to ourselves until we're dead to the world.  This may mean giving up our desire to direct our own lives; giving up our right to be treated fairly; giving up our need to be well thought of; or giving up our appetites for escape (food, television, books, movies, etc.)"

"It is the dark night's of our souls--in those deathlike, midnight places where nothing seems to be happening--that God often does His best work.  Preparing our lives--so barren at the moment--for an even greater outpouring of life.  For winter always precedes spring."

The final takeaway from the book is that God created us for eternity.  We were not created for this earth alone but for an infinite future with God.

New Releases

A Young Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus
Elizabeth George
Harvest House Publishers, March 2011
Between peers, the media, and the Internet, teen girls are urged to "fit in" by imitating role models who demonstrate worldly values. With her practical, biblical insights, George encourages young women to cultivate godly attitudes; make smart choices; follow Christ's example with confidence; and rely on God's strength. Includes a study guide.


How to Really Love Your Adult Child
Ross Campbell and Gary Chapman
Northfield Publishing, February 2011
Has your nest not emptied yet? Economic stress and changing values have upended traditional family relationships. Chapman and Campbell explore the reasons behind this phenomenon to help you navigate major conflicts with your adult child over lifestyle issues; discern between closeness and dependence; adjust to becoming an in-law; and becoming friends.

Songs Inspired by Jesus Calling
Various Artists
Sparrow Records, March 2011
Sarah Young's best-selling devotional has inspired millions to pay closer attention to the voice of God. This collection of familiar favorites and fresh reflections will help you hear him more clearly! Includes "God Speaking" (Mandisa); "Softly and Tenderly" (Amy Grant); "Rest" (Matthew West); "None but Jesus" (Hillsong United); and the radio single "O Great Love" (Robbie Seay Band).

Here For You
Passion
Sparrow Records, March 2011
An exciting new movement is sweeping the nation's colleges---and at the heart of it all beats a passion to reach the next generation with the compelling message of Christ! Recorded live in front of more than 20,000 students, this high-energy album features "Here for You" (Chris Tomlin), "Always" (Kristian Stanfill), "Carry Your Name" (Christy Nockels), "Shadows" (David Crowder Band), and more.

Aftermath
Hillsong United
Sparrow Records, February 2011
Formerly known This Means Love, Aftermath is the latest release of Hillsong United. This amazing studio album includes twelve worship-fueled songs such as "Awakening," "Like an Avalanche," "Light Will Shine," "Aftermath," and more!

Book Review

Primal: A quest for the lost soul of Christianity
By Mark Batterson
Multnomah c2010

Reviewed by Diane Busch

I was a huge fan of Mark Batterson's first 2 books "In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day" and "Wild Goose Chase".  This third book did not disappoint.  I enjoyed the first chapter and his references to Rome, as I am going there in a few months.

Mark reminds us to focus our lives on the most important thing--loving God.  We shouldn't spend our time on earth being great at things that don't matter or that don't have heavenly value.  We must succeed at what matters most--the great commandment.

Mark also teaches that the Bible was not meant to be read reactively; it was meant to be prayed proactively.  We should pray the words of Scripture.  We should pray in alignment with God.

Our obedience to God is our own unique translation of the Bible. When we read the Bible do we skip quickly over the parts we do not want to obey?  Maybe we should make our "to-do" lists from our daily Bible reading.

Doing the will of God is energizing.
Everything - God = Nothing
Nothing + God = Everything

At the end of the book, Mark invites us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves and longer lasting.  He invites us to be a part of the next reformation--a primal movement that traces its origins back to ancient catacombs where our ancestors were martyred because they loved God more than they loved their life.

New Releases

Inside and In Between
Tenth Avenue North
Provident, February 2011
Towing a trailer-full of accolades, awards, and critical acclaim, Florida natives Tenth Avenue North light up the stage with Inside And In Between, a CD/DVD combo disc featuring audio and video of the band performing live, plus tons of DVD extras! Experience the very heart of Tenth Avenue North through their music videos, behind-the-songs chats, and the history of how Mike, Jeff, Jason, and Ruben met and formed the band.

Hundred More Years
Francesca Battistelli
Fervent Records, February 2011
The reigning female vocalist of the year returns with a smashing follow-up to her best-selling debut, My Paper Heart! Features the hit single "This Is the Stuff"---plus "Angel by Your Side," "Motion of Mercy," "Constant," "You Never Are," "Don't Miss It," "Worth It," "Good to Know," "Emily (It's Love)," "So Long," and the title track.


What Are You Waiting For?
Dannah Gresh
WaterBrook Press, January 2011
If you're a young woman (age 16 +) longing for true love, you can find the answers to your unspoken questions about intimacy and sex. In what are you waiting for?, author Dannah Gresh directly confronts wrong ideas prevalent in our culture today and explains why a casual attitude toward sex results in pain and disappointment. Paperback.


Vicious Cycle: Intervention series #2
Terri Blackstock
Zondervan, February 2011
When fifteen-year-old Lance Covington finds an abandoned baby in the backseat of a car, he knows she's the newborn daughter of a meth addict he's been trying to help. But when police arrest him for kidnapping, Lance is thrust into a criminal world of baby trafficking and drug abuse. His mother, Barbara, looks for help from Kent Harlan-the man whom she secretly, reluctantly loves and who once helped rescue her daughter from a mess of her own. Kent flies to her aid and begins the impossible work of getting Lance out of trouble, protecting a baby who has no home, and finding help for a teenage mother hiding behind her lies. In this latest novel of suspense and family loyalty, bestselling author Terri Blackstock offers a harrowing look at drug addiction, human trafficking, and the devastating choices that can change lives forever.

Making Room for Neighbors small group guide
Max Lucado and Randy Frazee
Hendrickson Publishers, February 2011
The participant's guide to Randy Frazee and Max Lucado's Making Room for Neighbors Curriculum is a catalyst to help Christian men and women intentionally go deeper and get more engaged in personal relationships with friends, family and neighbors.
Themes:
• Session One—Making Room for Life
• Session Two—Making Room for Family
• Session Three—Making Room for Neighbors
• Session Four—Making Room to Chill
• Session Five—Making Room for Service
Enjoy the rewards of the kind of relationship that Jesus modeled for us, a life of engagement with others that builds true community.