Book Review

Through My Eyes
By Tim Tebow
with Nathan Whitaker
HarperCollins Publishers 2011

Reviewed by Diane Busch

What an inspiring story!  And it's true!  Tim Tebow is an amazing young man, who in this book tells his life story so far.  He begins with the miracle of his birth, after doctors had told his mother to have an abortion to save her life.  He is the youngest of 5 children and his parents were missionaries to the Philippines.  They moved back to Florida when Tim was three years old and his father worked as a pastor and ministry leader, while his mother home-schooled all the children.
You will be inspired by the way God worked in Tim's life to prepare him for the future.  You don't need to be a football fan to enjoy this rendering of his life journey so far: as a son, a brother, a neighbor, a friend, a football player, and a Christ-follower.

New Releases

Implosion
Joel Rosenberg
Tyndale, June 2012
In the midst of financial turmoil, political uncertainty, declining morality, and the constant threat of natural disasters, can history's greatest democracy stage a miraculous comeback? Through the lens of biblical prophecy, best-selling author and international political expert Rosenberg helps you understand the economic, social, and spiritual challenges facing the United States in the 21st century. 400 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.

The Gospel of Yes
Mike Glenn
WaterBrook Press, June 2012
Are you comfortable living within the confines of "no"? Do you define yourself as a Christian by what you don't do? Listen to God---who says yea, not nay! Focusing on divine affirmation, Glenn shows how God will answer prayers of the downtrodden when we say "yes" to his call to embrace identity, simplicity, authentic relationships, and more. 240 pages, softcover from Waterbrook.

Winning Balance
Shawn Johnson
Tyndale Momentum, May 2012
wenty-year-old American gymnast Shawn Johnson is a four-time Olympic gold and silver medalist; a national- and world-champion athlete. Already a popular role model to all ages, in 2009 she captured the national spotlight again when she won the widely popular Dancing with the Stars. Yet Shawn is no stranger to hard work and adversity. Her loss of the major gymnastics prize everyone expected her to win in Beijing, the all-around Olympic gold medal, was the loss of a dream she’d worked for since childhood. And later, she suffered a potentially career-ending injury in a skiing accident that forced her life to a halt and made her rethink what was really important. She wasn’t sure who she was anymore. She wasn’t sure what her goals were. And she wasn’t sure she was satisfied with where she was with her faith and God. Could she find the right kind of success in life—the kind that doesn’t involve medals or trophies, but peace, love, and lasting joy? This is the amazing true journey of how the young woman who won an Olympic gold medal on the balance beam became even more balanced.

Mortal (The Book of Mortals v. 2)
Ted Dekker
Faith Words, May 2012
Years after the apocalypse, Earth is inhabited by dead souls living in a manufactured utopia. But Rom Sebastian has gathered a secret faction of followers who have all taken the blood to become the first living beings in centuries. When the Order creates an elite army to kill them, will they survive?

Facing the Hunchback of Notre Dame (The Enchanted Attic)
L. L. Samson
Zondervan, May 2012
When Ophelia Easterday dozes off while reading her latest favorite book, she wakes to find herself Facing the Hunchback of Notre Dame! Can Ophelia, her twin brother Linus, and their friends win a race against time to get Quasimodo back home---and keep him alive in the modern world while trying? 144 pages, softcover from Zonderkidz.

Crazy Noise! CD
Hillsong Kids Jr.
Hillsong, May 2012
Your little ones can't sit still? Channel all that youthful exuberance into singing, dancing, and praising God! Sure to get your kids on their feet, this high-energy recording created just for preschoolers features "Great Day," "Let Your Light Shine," "Tiny Little Voice," "Children of the Bible," "Song of Love," "Free As a Bee," "Life with Jesus," and other joyful tunes.

New Releases

Go and Do
Jay Milbrandt
Tyndale, April 2012
With an MBA and a law degree from Pepperdine University, Jay Milbrandt had the world at his feet. But rather than following his peers into big firms with high profile clients and even higher salaries, Jay has chosen a completely different road—a journey that has led him across large portions of the globe to “go and do likewise,” as Jesus modeled and instructed in His life on this earth. In his efforts to bring justice and healing to people all around the world, Jay’s pursuit of justice has become an adventure far greater than he could have ever dreamed or imagined. As Christians, we are called to take a step of faith for Christ, to change ourselves, and perhaps by doing that, to change those we encounter along the way. Go and Do is an invitation for all of us to join in the adventure of God’s story arc. It is an opportunity to understand why so many are finding such satisfaction and joy in reaching out to others. It is a chance to climb on board and discover exactly what role each of us can play in actively engaging this world as we, too, “go and do.”

Unstuck
Arnie Cole and Michael Ross
Bethany House Publishers, April 2012
Feel like your Christian walk isn't progressing the way it should? Drawing on extensive research concerning spiritual growth, Back to the Bible leaders Cole and Ross offer a solid plan for getting Unstuck using the power of Bible engagement. Discover a practical and proven way to encounter Scripture, connect with God, and revitalize your faith! 256 pages, softcover from Bethany.

Darkroom
Joshua Graham
Howard Publishing, April 2012
After scattering her mother's ashes in Vietnam, photojournalist Xandra Carrick moves home to New York to rebuild her life and career. When she experiences supernatural visions that reveal atrocities perpetrated by American soldiers during the Vietnam War, she finds herself entangled in a forty-year-old conspiracy that could bring the nation into political turmoil. Launching headlong into a quest to learn the truth from her father, a Pulitzer Prize winner who served as an embedded photographer during the war, Xandra confronts him about a dark secret he has kept-one that has devastated their family. Pursued across the continent, Xandra comes face-to-face with powerful forces that will stop at nothing to prevent her from revealing the truth. But not before government agencies arrest her for murder, domestic terrorism, and an assassination attempt on the newly elected president of the United States.

Murder in Miami, Cuban Trilogy #2
Noel Hynd
Zondervan, May 2012
Join U.S. Treasury agent Alexandra LaDuca as she follows the trail of a deadly global money-laundering scheme. In Murder in Miami, Alex travels to South Florida to speak to a Cuban defector---and walks into a lethal trap set by the Dosi cartel. Can she emerge from the Miami underworld with her life---and her faith---intact?

When a Child You Love is Grieving
Harold Smith
Beacon Hill Press, April 2012
Compassionate care can make a tremendous impact in a child's life; this is ever truer when the child is grieving. Distinguished grief specialist Harold Ivan Smith explains how adults can best help children who are mourning the death of a loved one. They need support and time to grieve. With an ABC-like approach, Smith offers insights and activities for the parent, teacher, or friend who wants to give their support. This new and revised edition will help you help a hurting child grieve through healthy and necessary outlets.

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.