Thursday, January 14, 2010

New Releases

Male Factor
Shaunti Feldhahn
Broadway Business, December 2009
Based on a nationwide survey and confidential interviews with more than three thousand men, bestselling author of For Women Only, Shaunti Feldhahn, has written a startling and unprecedented exploration of how men in the workplace tend to think, which even the most astute women might otherwise miss. In The Male Factor, Feldhahn investigates and quantifies the private thoughts that men almost never publicly reveal or admit to, but that every woman will want to know. Never before has an author gotten inside the hearts and minds of men in the workplace—from CEOs to managers, from lawyers to factory workers—to get a comprehensive and confidential picture of what men commonly think about their female colleagues, how they view flextime and equal compensation, what their expected “rules” of the workplace are, what managing emotion means, and how that lowcut top is perceived. Because the men in the surveys and interviews were guaranteed anonymity, they talk in a candid and uncensored way about their daily interactions with women bosses, employees, and colleagues, as well as what they see as the most common forces of friction and misunderstanding between men and women at work. Among the subjects The Male Factor tackles are:
• how men, with rare exception, view almost any emotional display as a sign that the person can no longer think clearly—as well as what they perceive to be “emotion” in the first place (it’s not just crying)
• why certain trendy clothes that women wear may create a career-sabotaging land mine in terms of how male colleagues perceive them
• the unintentional signals that can change a man’s perception of a woman from “assertive and competent” to “difficult”
Women will likely be surprised, even shocked, by these revelations. Some may find them challenging. Yet what they will gain is an invaluable understanding of how their male bosses, colleagues, subordinates, and customers react to a host of situations—as well as the ability to correct common misperceptions. The Male Factor offers a unique road map to what men in the workplace are thinking, allowing women the opportunity to decide for themselves how to use the insights Feldhahn reveals.

Life: A Teen Devotional
Melody Carlson
Revell, October 2009
Teens are already devoted followers of Melody Carlson's fiction series. From the thousands of personal letters she's received, she knows teens want more. They're looking for substance and spiritual guidance that can make a difference in their lives. Life is the next devotional for teens from Melody Carlson. It offers readers a structured way to encounter Jesus's words for their own personal inspiration and practical application. Carlson shares with her faithful readers the life-changing message of Jesus, giving them something to lean on in the turbulent time of adolescence. This 90-day devotional will strengthen teens' faith and help them study the Bible for all it's worth.

Simple Compassion
Keri Wyatt Kent
Zondervan, October 2009
This fifty-two-week devotional invites you to discover a life overflowing with creative compassion. Poignant stories will stir your heart and fresh insights from the Bible will move you to action. As you see how small steps lead to meaningful change, you'll discover ways you can make a difference in your neighborhood and in your world.


Angels
Dr. David Jeremiah
Multnomah, December 2009
People have long been fascinated by stories of angel sightings, yet many contemporary beliefs about angels are based on misconception and myth rather than solid, biblical truth. As he's done so brilliantly for decades, respected Bible teacher Dr. David Jeremiah uses Scripture to unveil the remarkable truth about these agents of heaven and their role in our world and our lives. What are angels? What is their role in God's plan? Are they present? Do they appear? Do they give us personal insight about our work and our worship? In this broad and thorough survey of Scripture, Dr. Jeremiah clearly and simply separates fact from fiction as it relates to angels. His enlightening findings are supported with illustrations and insights from prominent teachers, such as Billy Graham, Corrie ten Boom, C. S. Lewis, and more. Dr. Jeremiah's down-to-earth style guides readers around the hype about angels and directly into the "substance of things unseen!" This fifty-two-week devotional invites you to discover a life overflowing with creative compassion. Poignant stories will stir your heart and fresh insights from the Bible will move you to action. As you see how small steps lead to meaningful change, you'll discover ways you can make a difference in your neighborhood and in your world.




Tuesday, December 15, 2009

New Releases

The Me I Want to Be
John Ortberg
Zondervan, December 2009
The Me I Want to Be by John Ortberg—the bestselling author of When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box; God Is Closer Than You Think; and The Life You’ve Always Wanted—will help you discover spiritual vitality like never before as you learn to “live in the flow of the spirit.” But if God has a perfect vision for your life, why does spiritual growth seem so difficult? John Ortberg has some intriguing answers to that question, and he has organized his thoughts and God's words into a straightforward and timely guide for living your best life in The Me I Want to Be. This book will show how God's perfect vision for you starts with a powerful promise. All those who trust in God "will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit" (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Ortberg urges you to recognize your brokenness, understand that God is the project manager, and follow His directions. The author first helps gauge your spiritual health and measure the gap between where you are now and where God intends you to be. Then he provides detailed tasks and exercises to help you live in the flow of the Spirit, circumventing real-world barriers—pain and sorrow, temptations, self-doubt, sin—to flourish even in a dark and broken world. As you start living in the flow, you will feel: — a deeper connection with God — a growing sense of joy — an honest recognition of your brokenness — less fear, more trust — a growing sense of being “rooted in love” — a deeper sense of purpose God invites you to join Him in crafting an abundant and joy-filled life. The Me I Want to Be shows you how to graciously accept His invitation.

Know Doubt
John Ortberg
Zondervan, December 2009
Without a doubt Ever "stumbled" in your faith? Wrestled with uncertainty? Wondered if you're a true believer? If the answer is yes to any of these questions—and it probably is—you have reason to celebrate. In this candid book based on his own struggle with doubt, John Ortberg traces the line between belief and unbelief and finds that it's less a dividing line between hostile camps than a razor's edge that runs through every soul. His findings point toward the relief of being totally honest. Doubt … Questions … Honest faith … Outrageous hope … It's a chain reaction that can actually strengthen our relationship with God, and that, says Ortberg, is cause for celebration.

L.O.V.E.: Putting Your Love Styles to Work for You
Les & Leslie Parrott
Nobody else on the planet is just like you. The same holds true for your spouse. That's why this book and its accompanying online assessment zeroes in on each of your personal qualities and reveals how the unique combination of your two personalities creates a "Love Style" that is unlike any other. Crack the code and enjoy the deepest love you've ever known.


Where Is God?
John Townsend
Thomas Nelson, December 2009
Hard times make us look for God. Everyone has problems. But if we could solve all our difficulties ourselves, would we ever search for God? Psychologist John Townsend says "It is actually the very unfixability of our problems and our powerlessness to bring right results that keep us asking, 'Where is God?'" With a compelling narrative, Townsend offers new insights into the pursuit for God's help and presence. Designed to give readers hope and meaning, he divides the discussion into three parts:
  • Why does a loving God allow us to experience difficulties?
  • How is God active in the middle of our hard times?
  • How can I find God?

With powerful stories and practical applications, Where Is God? assures readers that even when it feels as though God is absent it is his nature to be in relationship, to connect with, love, and guide us. And when we seek him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, he shows up in ways that transform us forever.

Happy Spouse...Happy House
Pat and Ruth Williams
Standard Publishing, November 2009
Pat and Ruth draw on personal stories, shared wisdom, and God's Word to encourage men to be the BEST leaders, lovers, and listeners they can be. And with humor and heart, they empower women to be the BEST partners and players in a winning relationship. Whether your marriage is on the road to victory, in foul trouble, or just needs a halftime pep talk, you'll find compassionate and competent coaching in Happy Spouse . . . Happy House.

• Based on the BEST acronym: blessing, edifying, sharing, and touching.

• Ideal for newly married couples as well as couples married for many years, marriage counselors, men's and women's small groups, and book clubs.

• Designed to also work as a guide for a small group study. Each chapter concludes with questions for discussion and to encourage a further look at what God's Word has to say about the topic being considered in the chapter.

How to Inherit the Earth
Scott Bessenecker
Intervarsity Press, November 2009
Ambition isn't bad; it just does bad things. In a culture that too often prizes leadership uncritically and unreflectively, a faith that calls us to take up crosses, lay down lives and otherwise submit ourselves to something outside ourselves simply sounds like a bad idea. Nevertheless, this is the faith that we find Jesus talking about. Scott Bessenecker has learned from new friar communities, from the history of Christianity and from the mouth of Jesus that there's something wonderfully subversive about saying no to ourselves every now and then, something that could even change the world.

The Screwtape Letters Audiobook
Paul McCusker, C. S. Lewis
Tyndale Entertainment, September 2009
From the award-winning audio drama team that brought you Radio Theatre’s Amazing Grace and The Chronicles of Narnia. In his enduringly popular masterpiece The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis re-imagines Hell as a gruesome bureaucracy. With spiritual insight and wry wit, Lewis suggests that demons, laboring in a vast enterprise, have horribly recognizable human attributes: competition, greed, and totalitarian punishment. Avoiding their own painful torture as well as a desire to dominate are what drive demons to torment their “patients.” The style and unique dark humor of The Screwtape Letters are retained in this full-cast dramatization, as is the original setting of London during World War II. The story is carried by the senior demon Screwtape played magnificently by award-winning actor Andy Serkis (“Gollum” in Lord of the Rings) as he shares correspondence to his apprentice demon Wormwood. All 31 letters lead into dramatic scenes, set in either Hell or the real world with humans—aka “the patient,” as the demons say—along with his circle of friends and family. This Radio Theatre release also stars Geoffrey Palmer (Tomorrow Never Dies), Laura Michelle Kelly (Sweeney Todd), Eileen Page (The Secret Garden), and other world-class actors.
Includes 10 new songs inspired by the classic book, four behind-the-scenes video documentary featurettes, and a 5.1 surround sound mix. Four CDs, approx. 4 hours total.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

New Releases

The Perfect Gift
Kelly's Filmworks
EMI, November 2009
What if the world threw you a birthday party but you weren't invited? Discover how a spoiled schoolgirl, her overworked executive mother, and a disillusioned young minister receive an uplifting message about friendship, commitment, and the true meaning of Christmas from a mysterious "drifter" named Jess. The third film in The Perfect Stranger series! Dove-approved. Approx. 86 min.


Really Woolly Bedtime Prayers
Bonnie Rickner Jensen
Thomas Nelson, November 2009
Really woolly lambs and their fluffy friends encourage your little ones to spend time with their Good Shepherd before they close their sleepy eyes. Charming illustrations, engaging verse, and comforting Scripture introduce your children to the God who loves, listens, rescues, guides, teaches, forgives, understands, and blesses them. 40 pages, padded boardbook from Nelson.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

New Releases

The True Saint Nicholas
William Bennett
Howard Books, October 2009
If you've ever been asked, "Who is Saint Nicholas?"... If you've ever wondered if he is just a commercial invention... If you've ever thought there is no such person... You may be surprised to know the true Saint Nicholas. You'll never again think of Santa Claus in quite the same way. An instant classic by one of America's most respected thinkers, The True Saint Nicholas is a book to be shared with family and friends every year to evoke the true spirit of Christmas.

Jeremy Camp Live CD
Jeremy Camp
Bec Recordings, November 2009
Energetic, passionate, and straightforward, this rocker with a preacher's heart speaks the truth through his thoughtful lyrics and resonant voice. Join the audience on this live album and open your heart to God's presence as you listen to "Give You Glory," "This Man," "Hallelujah/Never Let Go," and other best-of tunes. You're sure to feel your spirit soar!


Blueprints For City Friendships: The Anberlin Anthology 3-CD set
Anberlin
EMI, November 2009
This three disc set from Florida natives Anberlin captures the growth, emotion, energy, and explosive talent found on three of the group's major releases. Includes 2003's Blueprints for the Black Market, 2005's Never Take Friendship Personal, and the 2007 classic Cities- all in one convenient package.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

New Releases

The Love Dare Day by Day: A Year of Devotions for Couples
Stephen & Alex Kendrick
B&H Publishing, November 2009
Topping the New York Times list and already selling three million copies, The Love Dare has established itself as more than a book; it’s an unstoppable marriage movement. And like the husband in Fireproof (the film where The Love Dare originated), readers know this 40-day challenge to understand and practice unconditional love with their spouse need not end when the book does.With that in mind, The Love Dare Day by Day encourages and challenges couples toward new steps in faith and love with 365 marital encouragements, reminders, and action points worth repeating year after year.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. Whether your marriage is hanging by a thread or healthy and strong, The Love Dare Day by Day is a journey you need to take. It’s time to learn the keys to finding true intimacy. Features of this book include: 365 devotional readings on unique aspects of genuine love, 52 weekly dares to help you express love in your marriage, dozens of specific prayers to pray for yourself and your spouse, questions to get you thinking strategically about your relationship, more than 100 Go Deeper sections that enhance personal Bible study.

Love Finds a Home DVD
Starring: Patty Duke, Jordan Bridges, Haylie Duff, Sarah Jones
20th Century Fox, November 2009
The final chapter in the Love series! Belinda once again faces decisions about her life that are no less difficult than before. A very unexpected responsibility makes the choice even harder.





History Makers: Greatest Hits CD
Delirious?
EMI, November 2009
Tracks include: History Maker, Deeper, Raindown, Majesty (Here I Am), I Could Sing of Your Love Forever, Did You Feel the Mountains the Tremble, Shout to the North, Find Me in the River, My Soul Sings, Our God Reigns, Obsession, Lord You Have My Heart, My Glorious.


Fireflies and Songs CD
Sara Groves
Integrity Media, November 2009
Acoustic pop artist Sara Groves teams with legendary producer Charlie Peacock to explore the little things we sometimes miss in our marriages, families, friendships---and relationship with Jesus. Includes "Twice as Good," "This House," "Love," "Like a Lake," "Setting Up the Pins," "Something Else," "Eyes Wide Open," "Joy in Our Hearts," "Different Kind of Happy," and more.