Chasing Vines by Beth Moore - book review

Chasing Vines : Finding Your Way to an Immensely Fruitful Life by Beth Moore

Tyndale Momentum 2020

Reviewed by Diane Busch

 This book is honest and personal and she also encourages others in their christian journey.  She isn’t too “preachy” and she uses raw examples from her life to develop points.  Her style is inspirational and motivational while also being your friend.

Book Review: The Colson Way - by Owen Strachan

The Colson Way: Loving Your Neighbor and Living With Faith In a Hostile World

by Owen Strachan

Thomas Nelson, 2015

Reviewed by Diane Busch

The author, Owen Strachan, takes specifics from Colson’s life and writings to use as examples, but also uses the generalities of concepts that Colson wrote about, spoke about, and lived by to continue to teach us the same principles.  I could have underlined the whole book. Chuck Colson had an articulate way of writing and speaking about the culture, Christianity, world view, the Bible, etc that is so on point and outlives him, that it is all noteworthy.  

I highly recommend this book, partly as an autobiography of an amazing human being, but also for the teaching of the basics of our faith and how to live out that faith in our world/culture today. 

Book Review: Refocus by Jim Daly

ReFocus : Living a Life That Reflects God's Heart

By Jim Daly with Paul Batura
Zondervan, 2012

Reviewed by Diane Busch

I really enjoyed this book by a man of faith and virtue. He looks to God for guidance in all aspects of his life. He is transparent and honest, admitting his failures and mistakes and asking for forgiveness. He is able to speak truth without backing down and explains the scriptural and Christian perspective on issues in our culture today.

Book Review: Another Gospel? - Alisa Childers

Another Gospel?: A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity  - Alisa Childers

2020, Tyndale Momentum

Reviewed by Diane Busch

This book is so necessary!  Alisa discusses the progressive movement within the church that tried to take down her long-held beliefs of God, Jesus, the Bible, etc.  I will keep this book as a reference book to refer to when I am asked some of the same hard questions that she answers.  Sometimes we have doubts or need information to back up our faith.  She references writings by many great apologists such as Lee Strobel, Norman Geisler, and Tim Keller.  The lists of credits at the end of the book suggest many more great books to read to support your faith.

In this book Alisa discusses progressive Christianity vs historical Christianity.  And how her faith was at first rocked by the progressives’ questions. This was a catalyst for her to do extensive reading and research to gain the knowledge and proof for what she always knew in her heart was true. 

Book Review: That Sounds Fun - Annie F. Downs

That Sounds Fun : The Joys of Being an Amateur, the Power of Falling in Love, and Why You Need a Hobby  

by Annie F. Downs 

Revell, 2021

Reviewed by Diane Busch

    Annie is open and honest and, of course, full of fun, life and energy.  She reads her own audiobook, which makes sense because so many listeners are used to her voice from her podcast by the same title.  The audiobook includes extra content, such as snippets of podcast interviews with some of the fun people in her life.

    In this book, Annie uses experiences from her own life to spur you on to joy-filled living.  She champions friendship, and emboldens you to connect with others in positive and meaningful ways.  She inspires you to pursue God’s will for your life with joy.  Her energy and happiness is contagious.  But she is also very real and discusses her struggles.  She dispels any negative stereotypes of getting counseling to better yourself and work through issues.

    Above all, the author wants you to find ways to have fun and enjoy life!