New Releases

Fearless
Eric Blehm
Waterbrook Press, May 2012
 A powerful story of the faith, courage, and ultimate sacrifice of a SEAL Team Six warrior! Saved by Christ from a life of destructive drug use and imprisonment, Adam Brown served God, his family, and his country with passion and devotion. Read his incredible story and appreciate this true American hero and servant of God! 272 pages, hardcover from Waterbrook.


Unmask the Predators
Lisa Cherry
Destiny Images Publishers, May 2012

WARNING: THREATS TO YOUR CHILD AHEAD! Losing your child’s heart to the perverse world of a sexual predator is truly every parent’s nightmare. When an $800 cell phone bill revealed a secret relationship between our highachieving, Sunday School teaching 15 year old daughter, Kalyn, and a 46 year old man from our congregation, we were horrified. The aftermath of destruction, as it usually is with sexual abuse, was disastrous. Rebellion, depression, wrong relationships, eating disorders, and selfmutilation suddenly turned home into a war zone. In Kalyn’s mind we, her parents, were her enemies while the sexual perpetrator remained her hero. How could something so bizarre happen in a loving Christian home?

Five Miles South of Peculiar

Angela Hunt

Simon and Schuster, May 2012

Darlene Caldwell has spent a lifetime tending Sycamores, an estate located five miles south of a small town called Peculiar. She raised a family in the spacious home that was her grandfather's legacy, and she enjoys being a pillar of the community. Sycamores is the kingdom where she reigns as queen . . . until her limelight-stealing twin sister unexpectedly returns. Can these sisters discover who they are meant to be when life takes an unforeseen detour?

Crimson Roses (Love Endures)

Grace Livingston Hill

Barbour Publishing, May 2012

Marion Warren bravely sets out to start a new life on her own only to be disheartened by drab routine. Tickets to the symphony offered welcome relief--but when crimson roses began appearing on her seat each night, Marion is mystified. Who could be sending them? And why to her, a shy department store clerk? While Marion is transfixed by the roses, Jefferson Lyman, a wealthy gentleman, walks into her life--and brings with him the jealousy of socialite Isabel Cresson. As Marion is drawn deeper into a dangerous social circle, she might find herself wishing for the drab again.

Sifted

Wayne Cordeiro

Zondervan, April 2012

In this book, pastor and seasoned church leader Wayne Cordeiro speaks the truth in love, offering wisdom and insight to prepare leaders as they face the difficulties and hardships of planting and leading churches, while providing encouragement and inspiration for the journey. An experienced practitioner, Wayne shares the things he wishes he'd known when he was starting a new church. With additional stories from Francis Chan and Larry Osborne, each chapter includes a thought-provoking challenge question to develop a heart that is surrendered to God, focused on 'being and becoming' versus 'doing and accomplishing.' Wayne writes about a healthy integration and balance of personal care and leadership amidst the difficulties of church leadership. Instead of a 'how to' book on models and methods, this is a combination of a self-assessment book that challenges leaders' scorecards of success, encourages leaders to realize that they are not alone in what they are experiencing, and provides wisdom for the long haul to position younger leaders for a life of ministry and finish strong.

Catch of the Day

Jimmy Houston

Thomas Nelson, April 2012

Inspiring spiritual insights on the art of angling from one of the world's most "al-luring" outdoorsmen! Combining his love of fishing and faith in God, Houston shares a year's worth of daily Scripture verses, meditations, and fishing pointers to help you navigate the waters of life. Sure to reel you in, hook, line, and sinker! 400 pages, padded hardcover from Nelson.

Choose Joy

Kay Warren

Revell, March 2012

Bible teacher Kay Warren shows women that a joy-filled life is within their reach. In this inspiring book, she teaches women what joy is, where to find it, and how to choose it in both good and bad times. Perfect for small groups or individual reading, Choose Joy will empower women who feel like their emotions and well-being are at the mercy of others by helping them understand the life-giving truth that joy is within their grasp - every day. Hardcover.

That's Why I'm Here

Chris Spielman

Zondervan, March 2012

Wife of Pro Bowl linebacker and ESPN analyst Chris Spielman, Stefanie courageously battled breast cancer for 11 years, until her death in 2009. Chris traces his successful career, courtship of Stefanie, the raising of their four children, and the deepening of their faith during Stefanie's struggle. A moving tribute to a strong woman---and to God's grace. 208 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

The Wedding Dress

Rachel Hauck

Thomas Nelson, March 2012

Charlotte can dress any bride to perfection-except herself. When she discovers a vintage mint-condition wedding gown in a battered old trunk, Charlotte embarks on a passionate journey to discover the women who wore the gown before her. Emily in 1912. Mary in 1939. And Hillary in 1968. Each woman teaches Charlotte something about love in her own unique way. Woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte's heritage, the power of faith, and the beauty of finding true love.

Fathers DVD

Bridgestone Multimedia, May 2012

Two single fathers and their teenage sons take very differen t paths to coping with loss in this powerful family drama from award-winning director Chip Rossetti. Ever since a tragic accident took his wife's life, Rick Tarrino has blamed God, hiding his pain by abusing alcohol and his son, Lucas. Meanwhile, Michael Campbell has turned to the church for support since his wife abandoned him and their son, Raymond, on the same night as the crash that killed Rick's wife. Like his childhood friend Lucas, Raymond rejects his father's choices and channels his anger into football instead of Christianity. However, it's not until Lucas lands in one of the most dangerous situations of his life and Raymond finds himself fighting for his own survival that Rick's contempt for God and Michael's faith in Him are truly challenged. Dove approved (12+). Approx. 89 minutes. 

Thank You Camellia CD

Kris Allen

RCA Records, May 2012

The second studio release from American Idol season 8 winner Kris Allen places his soulful, emotive voice across a set of charming contemporary pop originals. Co-written by Kris with a team of today's top songwriters, Thank You Camellia includes hit single "The Vision of Love" plus "Rooftops," "My Weakness," "Leave You Alone," and more.

I Win CD

Marvin Sapp

Sony Music, March 2012

With one of the most recognizable and powerful voices in gospel music, Marvin Sapp taps into his personal trials to sing triumph into your life! Includes the radio single "My Testimony," "Teach My Hands to War," "I Belong to You," "More Than Ever," "Deeper," "Leaning," "Never," "Glory," a favorite "Hymns Medley," and the title track.

Live Like That CD

Sidewalk Prophets,

Curb Records, March 2012

With a passion for worship and ministry, this Dove Award-winning band offers contemporary tunes and uplifting lyrics to encourage those who question life's meaning. Includes "Into Your Hands"; "Help Me Find It"; "Making Me"; "Save My Life"; "Love's Not Safe"; "Love, Love, Love"; "This Is Not Goodbye"; "For You Tonight"; "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us"; "Heavy Heart"; and the title track.

New Releases

Conflict Free Living
Joyce Meyer
Charisma House, May 2012
Is it possible to keep conflict out of your relationships---and your thoughts, words, and attitudes? Meyer believes the answer is "yes"! Discover how every area of your life can be set free from strife---even your morning commute!---and learn to pursue health, happiness, and tranquility. Features chapter-end discussion questions. 240 pages, softcover from Charisma.

Be a Better Dad Today!
Gregory Slayton
Regal Books, April 2012
Being a dad is the toughest job you'll ever do. Equip yourself to be the father God intended with Slayton's inspiring guidebook! Whether you're parenting younger or older children, boys or girls, his wise insights and practical action steps will help you build family trust, improve your marriage, teach strong values, and model servant leadership.

Go for the Green 365 Day Devotional
Jeff Hopper
Thomas Nelson, April 2012
Strengthen your faith and your game. Golf is a lot like life. Some days every shot feels right; other days, you can't get out of the rough, no matter which iron you use. This golf-themed devotional offers 364 days of daily scipture, a brief meditation, and a golf tip to encourage you both on and off the course. With a foreward by Ben Crane, who uses Scripture to refocus his perspective as he faces "the challenges and victories" of golf, Go for the Green is a hole-in-one for your game and your faith.

Not a Fan Teen Edition
Kyle Idleman
Zondervan, April 2012
How would your teens define their relationship with Jesus? Are they truly his followers or just fans? Using humor, personal stories, and biblical truth, Idleman challenges young people to look at what it means to call themselves Christians and follow Jesus' radical call. They'll learn how to make Christ the center of their lives! 224 pages, softcover from Zondervan.

The Hurt and the Healer CD
Mercy Me
Provident Music, May 2012
Mercy Me returns to the forefront of Christian music with The Hurt & The Healer, a powerful collection of engaging contemporary pop and intimate worship anthems. The group's sixth studio album offers comforting and supportive lyrics for those in the midst of life's troubling times, pointing to the security and eternal life found through Christ. Ten songs, including the hit single title track plus "You Know Better," "Don't Give Up On Me," "Hold On," and more.

The Good Life CD
Trip Lee
Infinity Music, March 2012
Award-winning rapper Trip Lee returns with his anticipated fourth solo release---and brings his 116 Clique brothers and others along for the ride! Includes the smash hit single "Robot," "New Dreams" (with J.R. and Sho Baraka), "I'm Good" (with Lecrae), "Know Me," "Heart Problem," "One Sixteen" (with Andy Mineo and K.B.), "War," "For My Good" (with JAI), and more.

Adventures in Odyssey vol. 55: The Deep End audio CDs
Focus on the Family, May 2012
And the adventure continues with conflict and comedy with our pals in Odyssey! Rumors and false truths are flying; danger arises after Jason Whittaker follows the villainous Mr. Grote to London; and Eugene and Katrina hear startling news---but amidst the conflict and comedy will they all realize that God is in the center of it all? 4 CDs.

Here's Lily! (The Lily Series #1)
Nancy Rue
Thomas Nelson, April 2012
Meet Lily Robbins, an awkward sixth grader who, after receiving a compliment about her looks from a woman in the modeling business, becomes obsessed with her appearance and with becoming a model. As she sets her sights on winning the model search fashion show, she exchanges her rock and feather collection for lip gloss, fashion magazines, and a private "club" with her closest friends. But when the unthinkable happens the night before the fashion show, Lily learns a valuable lesson about real beauty.

New Releases

Cleaning House
Kay Wills Wyma
WaterBrook Press, May 2012
We all want to make life easier for our kids, but are we doing too much? Are we fostering an attitude of entitlement? Sharing her experiences with her own children, Kay Wyma helps you teach your youngsters real-life skills - from making their beds and controlling clutter to practicing hospitality and engaging in community service.

7 Love Letters from Jesus
Rebecca Hayford Bauer
Regal Books, April 2012
Do you long to experience a closer relationship with your Savior? Discover how Jesus sees you---as worthy of his relentless pursuit! Inviting you to join in the divine romance, Bauer draws on Revelation 2 and 3 to show how the images of courtship and marriage to the Lamb can open your heart to God's unending love.

All Pro Dad
Mark Merrill
Thomas Nelson, April 2012
 Practical pointers on how to be the best father you can be! Featuring exclusive interviews with well-recognized leaders, Merrill shares their personal stories and the wisdom of the "7 M's" - makeup, master, mission, message, motive, method, and model - that every man must know about himself to truly love and lead his family. Insightful and doable!

Uncommon Manhood
Tony Dungy
Tyndale, April 2012
Super Bowl-winning coach Dungy knows that the best definition of a man's success is who he is---rather than what he has! Adapted from his bestseller Uncommon, this gift book celebrates the special guys in your life---humble and confident men of character, integrity, and courage who know the real value of faith and family. 128 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.

She's Got Issues
Nicole Unice
Tyndale, April 2012
In She's Got Issues, counselor and mom Nicole Unice explores five everyday issues that can hold you back from living free and loving well: control, insecurity, comparison, fear, and anger (along with its cousin, unforgiveness). Includes quizzes and other personal assessment tools.

Awake: Discover the Power of Your Story
Joel N. Clark
Zondervan, March 2012
Embark on a breathtaking quest for God's presence! Combining words, photos, and film, Clark invites you to experience the spirit of Christ in the orphan crisis in Africa, the tragedy following the Haiti earthquake, and in his own quirky love story. Along the way, you'll discover the unfolding story Jesus is telling through your life. 224 pages, softcover from Zondervan.

Book review

WEIRD : Because normal isn’t working

By Craig Groeschel

Zondervan 2011

Reviewed by Diane Busch

Do you want to be challenged to go against the flow when that is the right thing to do?  What if someone thinks you are weird for doing things differently than the majority?  Weird may be the goal, when normal is not working.  “Normal” in our society includes divorce, premarital sex, pornography, pop culture, R-rated movies, etc.  Groeschel challenges us to be weird, not normal.

Instead of making a “to do” list, make a “to don't” list.  (You can’t do everything, so make wise choices for your time based on prayer.)

Instead of making your own New Year’s resolutions, try asking a trusted friend what one New Year’s resolution they want you to work on.

In conclusion, the reader is asked to reflect on questions such as “What one thing do you desire from God?”, ‘What one thing do you lack?”, and “What one thing should you let go?”

Groeschel writes in a very easy, personal and witty manner, which makes this a pleasant read at the same time as being challenging.

Book Review

Real Marriage : The truth about sex, friendship, and life together 

By Mark & Grace Driscoll 

Thomas Nelson 2012

Reviewed by Diane Busch

 

This is not your typical marriage book and it is not for the faint of heart.

Part 1 includes five chapters on important marriage issues.  The over arching theme is that marriage is about friendship.  Mark and Grace each discuss common marital issues that need addressed.  Couples need to learn to fight fair and forgive liberally.

Part 2 includes five chapters on sex.  These chapters are explicit, where no issue or question is off-limits.

Part 3 is the final chapter, which challenges the reader with the concept of “reverse-engineering your life and marriage”.  The idea here is to anticipate life forward and live it backward.

This book could be for married couples who have been together only a short while or for those married many years who have some questions and issues to resolve.

Tattoos on the Heart

by Gregory Boyle

c2010 Free Press

Reviewed by Diane Busch

Whenever I am reading or have just finished a book that I love--one that inspires me; one that emotionally connects with me; one that I believe has the power to change people--I immediately want to tell everyone else that they should read it too.  I become an evangelist for that current book and mention it to everyone I can.  Tattoos on the Heart is one of those books.  Please everybody, read or listen to this book!!

Father Boyle, also know as "G" to the "homies" of inner city Los Angeles, is a Jesuit priest who founded Homeboy Industries, which is considered the largest gang intervention program in the country.  It provides at-risk youth and gang members with a variety of services, such as counseling, tutoring, and employment.

Boyle has given his life to serving, loving, encouraging and ministering to the gang members, ex-gang members, and ex-cons in a neighborhood with the highest concentration of murderous gang activity in Los Angeles.  He has buried 172 young people killed over the 20 years of his ministry.

Homeboy Industries, which Boyle founded in 1992, is an extension of Delores Mission Church.  It provides jobs, job training, and encouragement for the "homies" seeking a better way of life.  Boyle accepts and loves them all as God loves them all, even the hard-to-love ones.  Homeboy Industries gives these hard-to-place individuals an opportunity to be employed in transitional jobs in a safe, supportive environment through its Homeboy Bakery, Homegirl Cafe & Catering, Homeboy Merchandise, Homeboy Farmers, and Homeboy Silkscreen & Embroidery.

This memoir--so honest, real, and raw--has moments of great sadness, moments of humor, and moments of great inspiration.  He writes using their language and slang.  (Be prepared for the curse words.)  He shares from his personal experience the life-changing testimonies of many hardened criminals and gang members.  He shares the highs and the lows.  Boyle gives people a chance when no one else does.  He gives them worth and value.  He let's them know they are loved by God. He mentors them to become more of what God intended them to be.  He is amazingly patient.  He is proud of their accomplishments as a father is for his children.  He is grieved beyond measure when one of them is killed.  He is a father figure, a mentor, an encourager, a friend, a teacher, a cheerleader, and a spiritual leader.  Lives are changed.

 

As you read this book, open your heart to what God may be calling you to do.  Who can you befriend?  Who can you help out of a difficult place?  To whom can you be Jesus today?

New Releases

Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders
Joel Manby
Zondervan, April 2012
After he appeared on the hit television show Undercover Boss, CEO Manby was praised for his caring leadership style. How did he avoid pride on his way to the top? Encouraging you to lead with integrity and faith, he outlines seven proven principles---patience, kindness, trust, unselfishness, truthfulness, forgiveness, and dedication---to help you cultivate a thriving corporate culture. 192 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

Linspired: The Remarkable Rise of Jeremy Lin
Mike Yorkey
Zondervan, April 2012
 From underdog to NBA star---through faith in God! Jeremy Lin was cut from two teams before joining the Knicks, where he was relegated to the bench until team injuries placed him on the court. Here's his remarkable story, featuring insights from Lin's pastor, Stephen Chen; Pat Williams; and Michael Chang. Includes color photos. 176 pages, softcover from Zondervan.

Linspired: The Jeremy Lin Story (Kids Edition)
Mike Yorkey and Jesse Florea
Zondervan, April 2012
 Linspired reveals the inside story of the remarkable and meteoric rise of Jeremy Lin, superstar of the New York Knicks the first Asian-American-born player of Chinese/Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA. Discover the journey of the underdog who beat the odds to reach his current stardom and catch the attention of the sports world with both his incredible basketball skills and his on and off-court example of faith, persistence, and hard work. After receiving no athletic scholarship offers out of high school and not being drafted by an NBA team after graduating from Harvard, Lin signed a deal with his hometown team of the Golden State Warriors. After only his first year of play he was waived by the Warriors, but he was picked up by the Houston Rockets. Again, he was let go, on Christmas Eve, 2011. In spite of this disappointment, Lin always remained positive and trusted that God had a plan for his life and talents. Soon after, Lin was picked up when the New York Knicks needed a guard. After weeks of sitting on the bench, a teammate's injury placed Lin on the court, and since then he has captivated sports fans throughout the world with his tremendous skill and humble response.

What if Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops?
Laura Story
Freeman-Smith, March 2012
 What If Blessings Come Through Raindrops? offers 30 daily devotions that will guide the reader into a deeper understanding of God's mysterious use of blessings. Based on the hit song by Laura Story, each chapter contains thoughts, prayers and quotes along with a journaling page for the reader to recall blessings they have seen in their own lives.

The Jesus Life
Stephen W. Smith
David C. Cook, March 2012
Listen . . . do you hear Jesus calling in the midst of our chaotic world? Walk in his steps and discover eight ways to intentionally follow him. Showing why many Christians have lost their way, Smith shares how to bond with your family and community; live quietly; take a proactive approach in ministry; and more. Includes study guide. 240 pages, softcover from Cook.

Hiking Through
Paul Stutzman
Revell, March 2012
 After the devastating loss of his wife to cancer, Stutzman was challenged to hike the entire 2,176 miles of the Appalachian Trail in search of peace and a renewed sense of purpose. What he learned during the next four months changed his life---and could change yours as well! 360 pages, softcover from Revell.

Mighty to Save CD
Various Artists
EMI, April 2012
 Mighty To Save features 10 of the most sung songs in churches today, including Mighty To Save, Jesus Messiah, Everlasting God,
and Here I Am To Worship. In addition to songs you know and love, Mighty To Save features an amazing group of artists, including
Chris Tomlin, Jeremy Camp, Hillsong Live, Newsboys, and Kutless.

The 6th CD
Flame
Infinity Music, March 2012
The 6th is the title of this FLAME album for two reasons. First, because this is FLAME's 6th album, and secondly because the project explores the 6th day of creation when God created man. The 6th is a study of anthropology (the study of mankind) from a Christian perspective, each element represents a crucial aspect of the personality of humanity. All this over the musical landscape of Hip Hop and Pop.