To Heaven and Back : A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again
by Mary C. Neal
WaterBrook Press 2012

Reviewed by Diane Busch

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.  I had set out to read the book merely to be informed of its content since it was on the best-seller list.  I was skeptical about reading another book about a "near death experience".  But I found the author to be genuinely encouraging and insightful.  She tells her story with honesty and truth--no gimmicks here.  Due to her knowledge as a doctor, she adds many medical details that help you understand the situation better.  She shares scripture where applicable.  As a believer in Jesus, she leaves you looking forward to a future in heaven with Him.

New Releases

Every Good Endeavor
Timothy Keller
Dutton, November 2012
Do you find it challenging to be a Christian in a competitive workplace? Discover how to enjoy a successful career without sacrificing your soul! Encouraging you to hold firm to your faith in win-at-all-costs corporate environments, Keller helps you carry your beliefs from church to job, stay true to your values, make God-honoring choices, and more. 288 pages, hardcover from Dutton.

Once-A-Day 25 Days of Advent Devotional
Zondervan, October 2012
Prayer and anticipation are now in season: 25 Devotions for Advent Beginning on December 1, this Once-A-Day Christmastime devotional booklet takes you through the entire Advent season with thoughts on the person of Jesus: his involvement at the creation of the world, his life in the Gospel accounts, and who he is today. Along the way you will meet and examine the lives of various individuals involved in the incarnation, and during the week of Christmas examine the response to this miraculous and gracious event, both in heaven and on earth. Written by Dr. Kenneth Boa, president of Reflections Ministries, these 25 devotions offer select Scripture passages that allow readers to gain a fuller perspective on Jesus' presence throughout the Bible. In addition, each devotion provides thoughts and questions for meditation, along with a prayer for each day, making them perfect for your own personal, family, or small-group use. The 25 days of reading are broken out as follows:* The Old Testament presence of Jesus: who He was at creation, where He shows up in other parts of the Old Testament, and more* The people associated with the Nativity: Zechariah and Elisabeth, Mary and Joseph, John the Baptist, Herod, and the Magi* The specifics and the people directly involved in the nativity: the shepherds, the angels, and the baby Jesus himself * A Christmas reading that points ahead to his ministry, his passion and his rule as King.

Cross Roads
Wm. Paul Young
Faith Words, November 2012
Anthony Spencer is egotistical, proud of being a self-made business success at the peak of his game, even though the cost of winning was painfully high. A cerebral hemorrhage leaves Tony comatose in a hospital ICU. He 'awakens' to find himself in a surreal world, a 'living' landscape that mirrors dimensions of his earthly life, from the beautiful to the corrupt. It is here that he has vivid interactions with others he assumes are projections of his own subconscious, but whose directions he follows nonetheless with the possibility that they might lead to authenticity and perhaps, redemption. The adventure draws Tony into deep relational entanglements where he is able to 'see' through the literal eyes and experiences of others, but is "blind" to the consequences of hiding his personal agenda and loss that emerge to war against the processes of healing and trust. Will this unexpected coalescing of events cause Tony to examine his life and realize he built a house of cards on the poisoned grounds of a broken heart? Will he also have the courage to make a critical choice that can undo a major injustice he set in motion before falling into a coma?

Jesus Culture with Martin Smith: Live from New York CD
Jesus Culture
Integrity Music, November 2012
Pairing Martin Smith's powerful songs of worship with Jesus Culture's signature call to bold praise, this album was recorded live in concert. Includes "Fire Never Sleeps," "Forevermore," "Pursuit," "Walk with Me," "Waiting Here for You," "Our God Reigns," "Song of Solomon," "Set a Fire," "Allelujah," "Holy Spirit," "Did You Feel?" "God Is Coming," and "I Belong to You." Two CDs.

New Releases

ReFocus
Jim Daly
Zondervan, October 2012
ReFocus redefines Christianity in our culture and re-draws its role in our social and political environments. It demonstrates the way Christian faith must transcend political agendas and partisan battles and, instead, consistently reveal the heart of God to a desperately hurting world. Using a variety of historical and contemporary sources, author Jim Daly examines evangelicalism in today's world and concludes that it's time to consider a new approach to living our faith. He urges readers to rise above the current confluence of faith with politics and patriotism, and return to the work of sharing God's grace through the compassion and humility modeled by Jesus. Christians will be inspired by this thoughtfully-drawn blueprint for leading and serving those around them. Non-Christians will welcome this source of hope that doesn't couch a political agenda. ReFocus shows how the faithful can open the door to a new way of evangelical living, by showing the world an inexplicable taste of grace with no other intention than revealing the heart of a loving God.

At the Feet of Jesus
Joanna Weaver
WaterBrook Press, September 2012
This 365-day devotional encourages and inspires women who want to deepen their spiritual lives as they spend a year at the feet of Jesus. Based on material adapted from Joanna Weaver's Bethany trilogy, this inspirational resource offers perspective-shifting insights gleaned from Jesus's interactions with his friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Each page-per-day devotional includes a brief inspirational reading, a point of action for the day, and a suggested Bible passage. In addition, each month's entries are accompanied by a sidebar that explores a topic more deeply. Content includes material adapted from all three books in the trilogy, but the most direct connection will be to the perennial favorite, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. Readers will be spiritually refreshed and renewed as they daily move toward a richer, more abundant life.

My Grandma & Me
Crystal Bowman
Tyndale, September 2012
My Grandma and Me is the book every grandmother wants to share with her toddler-age grandchildren. Each devotion includes a scripture, a rhyme explaining the theme of the verse, and an interactive song or prayer. In addition to the fun yet faith-filled words, children will enjoy the sweet full-color art throughout the book that has a nostalgic tone for Grandma. The book closes with additional scriptures grandma can use to pass along her faith: the Lord's Prayer, Ten Commandments, 23rd Psalm, Beatitudes, and a special prayer for her grandchildren. This delightful book will not only become Grandmother's favorite, but it will leave a lasting and important impression on the faith development of many toddlers.The introduction of the book also gives grandmothers who are far-away from their grandkids tips on using the book via phone or Skype. 

New Releases

Welcome to Our Table
Shirley and Danae Dobson
Harvest House Publishers, October 2012

As the wife of Focus on the Family founder, Dr. James Dobson, Shirley has devoted her life to the ministry and embraced many opportunities to entertain guests. From dignitaries to backdoor neighbors to the family, Shirley has opened her heart and spread the table for all. Danae, James and Shirley's daughter, remembers the gatherings and lovingly recalls what her mother taught her about being kind and extending hospitality.
Now mother and daughter have gathered the stories of those celebrations and get-togethers to inspire others. They've collected time-honored family recipes and dreamed up more than a dozen seasonal parties to share with readers. Award-winning photographer Julie Johnson has artfully photographed each one with special attention to the delicious dishes and lovely table settings. This beautiful book, as much a family memoir as it is a cookbook and a lesson in blessing others through the art of hospitality, will captivate readers, cooks, and party planners alike.

Everyday Matters Bible for Women
Hendrickson Bibles, August 2012
A new Bible for busy women transforms daily life into a life that matters every day
Today’s Christian woman is so busy handling the challenges of day-to-day life that spending time in the Word can easily become yet another ‘should’ buried in that growing list of daily ‘musts.’ Created in partnership with Christianity Today’s women’s magazine, the Everyday Matters Bible for Women is designed to help women develop spiritual practices that will make their lives richer, not harder. It offers practical encouragement and tools to renew, reinvigorate and restore meaning to everyday life.
This Bible features twenty-four disciplines—or practices—that position us to receive power and strength to do those things that we cannot possibly do on our own and make everyday life fuller and deeper. Each discipline is represented by a colorful icon whose illustration is a reminder of its meaning.
The contemporary language of the New Living Translation combines with content from today’s foremost Christian leaders to help readers understand and apply spiritual discipline.
Every discipline is explored in four ways

• Everyday Matters. Two-page articles introduce major themes and focus on an essential part of understanding and practicing a discipline.
• Everyday Profiles. Profiles of twenty-five Biblical women highlight a particular discipline.
• Everyday Q & A’s. Short articles delve into a difficult aspect of the spiritual practice and offer practical help on incorporating the discipline into your daily life.
• Everyday Reflections. Selections illustrate ways to personalize and apply God’s Word to your own situation.

More than 300 articles and features by more than 140 of today’s most well-known Christian leaders and writers, including: Kay Warren, Priscilla Shirer, Elisa Morgan, Nancy & John Ortberg, Richard Foster, Liz Curtis Higgs, and Lauren Winner.


Miracle CD
Third Day
Provident, October 2012
On their heavily anticipated new studio album, Third Day joins forces with veteran producer Brendan O'Brien to help them forge a new sound. The result is a dynamic new offering of mold-breaking styles, while still draped in the group's signature sounds. Miracle includes the hit single "I Need A Miracle" plus "Hit Me Like A Bomb," "Believe In Something," "The Victory," and more.

The Friendly Beasts
Rebecca St. James
Zondervan, September 2012
See the birth of Jesus through new eyes with this beautifully illustrated story. Your little ones will discover the wonder and joy His birth created through the eyes of these stable animals---a donkey, a dove, a cow, a sheep, and a camel---with this illustrated story that's based on an old English Christmas carol. Includes song music and lyrics and an accompanying CD that features a story narration and song performance by Rebecca St. James.

New Releases

A Woman's Daily Walk with God
Elizabeth George
Harvest House, October 2012
Are you looking for a light to brighten your spiritual path? Here's a ray of biblical sunshine! Glowing with Elizabeth George's practical wisdom and encouragement, these brief meditations feature inspiring Scripture and illuminating insights that will lead you to strength, peace, and confidence as you deal with life's ordinary moments and challenges. Padded hardcover ribbon marker.

A Hobbit Devotional
Ed Strauss
Barbour Publishing, August 2012
"The road goes ever on and on. . . . " Here's some encouragement for when you sit down to rest! Drawing 60 life lessons from Tolkien's beloved book and the companion movie, this engaging devotional offers Scripture and narrative insights to help you identify with humble-yet-courageous Bilbo and his triumphant journey "there and back again."

Sinner's Creed
Scott Stapp
Tyndale, September 2012
The uncensored memoir of Scott Stapp---Grammy Award-winning leader of the rock band Creed! Raised by an abusive stepfather, Scott was always aware of God's presence. But despite his success, it was his band breakup, divorce, ongoing battle with addiction, and 2006 suicide attempt that brought him to a place of life-changing reconciliation with Christ. Riveting! 326 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.

Until We All Come Home
Kim De Blecourt
Faith Words, October 2012
When Kim de Blecourt and her husband decided to adopt a child from Ukraine, they knew that the process might be challenging. Nothing, however, could have prepared de Blecourt for the twisted nightmare she would endure. During her year-long struggle to extricate her newly adopted little boy from that post-Soviet country's corrupt social service and judicial systems, de Blecourt was insulted, physically assaulted, and arrested. Worse, her months of loneliness, worry, and fear drove her to the brink of spiritual despair. But God had no intention of abandoning de Blecourt or her family. Her amazing story-culminating in a spine-chilling race to freedom-offers dramatic proof that God's light shines on even in the deepest darkness.

Journey to Jamaa DVD
World Vision, September 2012
The true and deeply moving account of the difficult and often dangerous journey two orphaned children are forced to make to find their only remaining family. With their mother's last dying wish to guide them... and nowhere else to turn... young Margaret and Derick set out on a journey across Africa that will touch your heart. Produced by World Vision and directed by award winning producer Michael Landon Jr., Journey to Jamaa is a poignant and inspiring story.

The Fantasy Fallacy
Shannon Ethridge
Thomas Nelson, September 2012
For years, best-selling author and speaker Shannon Ethridge has counseled women and men on the complexities of marriage and sexuality. During that time she's noticed that most people either fall into one of two camps when it comes to sexual fantasies. They either beat themselves up for every sexual thought they have, heaping guilt and shame upon themselves, or they have gone to the other extreme, following their thoughts and acting out on their desires to unfortunate consequences. Ethridge believes a balance can be found between these two extremes. In The Fantasy Fallacy, she takes a closer look at the role of sexual fantasy in our hearts and minds, to show what can be learned from these powerful thoughts. Rather than running from them, or ignoring them, there is truth to be found about ourselves and our relationships hiding under the surface. By discovering the meaning behind the lie that your fantasies present, you can face your fears, heal your heart from past wounds, and find spiritual and physical freedom.

Idol Lies: Facing the Truth About Our Deepest Desires
Dee Brestin
Worthy Publishing, August 2012
Every woman longs for security, happiness, and love, yet many settle for weak substitutes like control, materialism, sex, and food. Using biblical examples and personal experiences, Brestin reveals the hidden idols that destroy a woman's heart. You'll learn how to move past your self-destructive cravings and enter into freedom through Jesus. Includes study reflections. 256 pages, hardcover from Worthy.

NLT2 The Love Languages Devotional Bible
Gary Chapman
Moody Publishers, September 2012

Devoted…to God…to each other. Spend each day growing in the Word of God and drawing closer as a couple with the practical counsel of #1 New York Times bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Gary Chapman's readers call his teaching relevant, helpful, simple, effective...and he brings this style to The Love Languages Devotional Bible. As you read through Scripture together, you will enjoy brief devotional readings that apply the text to your relationships, and you'll deepen your understanding of God and of each other. Research has shown that couples who read their Bibles and pray together enjoy a much healthier relationship. The Love Languages Devotional Bible is designed to make reading God's Word and praying as a couple enjoyable and rewarding. It covers numerous topics, including: communication, expectations, roles, sex, conflict, money, children, in-laws, and more.

Key features include:

• New Living Translation, clear and elegant, ideal for reading aloud
• Scripture reading plan, making it easy to read through the entire Bible in a year
• 260 daily devotions, one for each weekday
• 52 Bible studies, one for each weekend
• Prayer guides, providing specific cues that challenge and encourage
• Select readings, addressing a wide variety of couple-oriented topics
• Bible book introductions, providing context and essential background information
• Relationship applications, about how to meet each other's needs

Additional features include:

• Topical index/Concordance
• Two-column layout
• Translation and textual footnotes
• Presentation page
• Family record pages
• 9.75" x 6.75" x 1.25