The Voice - New Testament

I was so excited to receive this book from Nelson Publishing (I post reviews for BookSneeze and receive the book at no cost to me).  I typically use NIV (New International Version) for all my study.  The Voice is as dynamic as The Message was when released.  The style is very readable and unique as the writers (many collaborators contributed:  scholars (Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic), pastors, writers, musicians, poets and many other artists) brings forth an informative, narrative study Bible.  'The Voice help believers experience the joy and wonder of God's revelation by weaving these four key descriptions; Holistic - considers heart, soul and mind, Beautiful - achieves literary and artistic excellence, Sensitive - respects cultural shifts and the need for accuracy and finally Balanced - includes theologically diverse writers and scholars' (preface vii).  "The heart of the project is retelling the story of the Bible in a form as fluid as modern literary works yet remaining painstakingly true to the original manuscripts" (preface vii).  "The Voice is essentially a retelling of the story of God's love and redemption of creation" and has 5 truths intricately weaved through each chapter.  These 5 truths include: A New Retelling, Readable and Enjoyable, Personal and Diverse, Faithful, Stimulating and Creative and Transformative.  The introduction discusses the importance of a covenant.  The Bible is God's Covenant to us, His people.  One of the unique things about The Voice that I really enjoy is within the text of the Scriptures, there are text boxes with deeper information about the culture, and expands on the theme.  In the back of The Voice is an Index to Biblical References for deeper study.  The Voice also has an introduction to each book of The New Testament and also includes the author.  The introduction gives the reader rich history that gives us the idea of what has been going on in the authors life and the ministry of Jesus.  One thing I have struggled with is the word change of the Christ to the Liberator.  Although the longer I study and read using The Voice, I understand the Christ is my liberator!  Chris Seay, President of Ecclesia Bible Society says this, "I invite you to listen to The Voice with an open heart,  You will hear God as he whispers of His love to you." 

Revolve 2010 The Complete New Testament

This "Biblezine" is an awesome devotional geared for girls 14-17.  I love the layout (magazine format), the fonts, colors, pictures and inserts.  I know we live in a "busy" era, so I think this format will be easy for teens to enjoy.  As I was reading through each page (all 283) I was a bit distracted (but isn't that the idea of most magazines).  I just hope the girls are not just reading the quizzes, make up tips, True or False, Fashion 4-1-1 (etc) but really getting to the "meat" of Revolve 2010 which is the New Testament.  It's New Century Version (NCV), a very easy to read translation.  The format is fun, fresh, but I hope the young readers do not just flip though.  I hope they use this tool to get in the Word and read The New Testament. I do enjoy all the fun stuff that was creatively put into this format.  The 365 Daily Devos, the Bios ("learn about interesting Bible characters and apply their expectations to your life"), Intros for each book in the NT, and my favorite is the "goodbook" which highlights several women in the Bible in the format of "Facebook".  In Revolve 2010, many books are reviewed, and kids from "The Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament audio youth edition" are also interviewed.  "Ask Jenna" is a great segment.  Jenna Lucado has proven herself as an awesome role model for young girls.  She is a speaker/writer that tours with Revolve Tour (more info at end of this review).  I would recommend any youth leader, mom, aunt, sister, daughter, or any person working with, living with and raising a teenage girl to purchase Revolve 2010. Revolve 2010 is full of tidbits I think young girls will love.  The running theme is 4Real.  And many articles discuss and encourage the reader to be REAL.  Lots of guy/dating tips from Chad Eastham, a Revolve Tour speaker.  For more information on the Revolve Tour go to RevolveTour.com or call 877-9-REVOLVE.  I write reviews for Nelson Publishing Company and received a free copy of Revolve 2010.

Redefining Beautiful

Jenna Lucado, daughter of Pastor and author, Max Lucado creates an amazing devotional for young girls.  Two of my daughters, ages 16 and 12 will benefit greatly from this devotional guide.  As a mom of three daughters ages 16, 12 and 9 we have had some pretty intense discussions, and at times, I have been at a loss of how to effectively communicate with them.  Jenna Lucado has a style that is comfortable, trusting and helps yield discussion on many of the issues and topics that preteens and teenage girls deal with every day.  Jenna Lucado is sincere and sensible as issues are addressed such as:  friends, boys, makeup, the mirror, practical tips, and to top it off, it is filled with scripture, notes from Jenna's dad, Max and she pens this as if she and the reader are best friends!  This devotional has room in to jot notes, fill in blanks and more importantly, allows the reader to dig deeper and to journal the journey!  Although I am not pre-teen or a teenager any more, this book is beautifully written and should be curriculum for Middle School and High School  (girls) Youth Groups!  I love how Jenna shares her heart and her vibrant passion for Christ with us all.  Redefining Beautiful helps us all look at God's creation (me...and you) and helps us to see that what He has created is Beautiful!  I must say, I wish I had this book when I was going through my preteen and teenage years.  I cannot wait to share it with my daughters and remind them a promise that Jesus said,  "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."  Hebrews 13:5. 

Kabul24

This book was very different than I thought.  I was thinking it was just a fiction story about the war on terrorism, but this is a non-fiction account of 8 western missionaries: Heather Mercer, Dayna Curry, Georg Taubmann, Diana Thomas, Margrit Stebner, Peter Bunch, Katrin Jelinek and Silke Duerrkopf) who worked for SNI (Shelter Now International) being held as hostages in 2001.  This book has been an eye opening reality for me as I lived their accounts, through their story, while being held as prisoners.  I asked myself some serious questions:  in the face of evil, how would I handle myself, would I remain calm in the midst of the nightmare of being held captive, could I show loving compassion for my captors, who can I really trust, and could I forgive as Christ forgives.  So many soul searching questions that you too may be asking yourself as you are reading Kabul24.  It is a journey that you will learn about the culture in Afghanistan, their customs, family life, their religion and also the sadness and emptiness that women, children and diluted men face because of their faithful following of Allah.  As you read you get first hand knowledge of the Taliban.  The injustice of their society and the way of life they live makes me so thankful to be an American, to live in a country where I am free (free in Christ).  "Any foreigner who came to work in Afghanistan knew there was great risk involved with the volatile nature of the political situation - and of those in power - as well as a history of civil war, one knew going in that there was an element of danger and uncertainty" (pg.20).  I couldn't put this book down.  It keep my interest and I was intrigued by the working and awesome power of the Holy Spirit.  This is a great 'history' book, especially for middle school or high school students to get a better understanding the war on terrorism.  Wait until you find out how it all unfolds!

Whatsoever Things Are Lovely by Rhonda Rhea

  soon to come...Quotes from Rhonda Rhea's newest Best Seller!!!

FEARLESS by Max Lucado

Max Lucado has done it again in his new book, Fearless. As you read the pages, it is as if Max himself is sitting with you in your living room chatting like old friends. Max Lucado has a style that is comfortable and he gets to "the heart of the matter." We all 'fear' something and for many of us, we fear man things and still for others, fear we think, is part of who we are. Some attempt to give it to the Lord but we seem to take it back from Him.

As I read Fearless, I felt the timing of the release of this book and when I picked it up to read was amazing. We just recognized the anniversary date of 911. We all can recall what we were doing the very moment we found out what was happening in New York, in Washington DC and in that field in Pennsylvania. Fear did grip the hearts and minds of many of us.

Max Lucado shares real life current issues such as: "layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, flare ups in the Middle East, turnovers at headquarters, downturns in the housing market, upswing in global warming, breakouts in al Qaeda cells, a strain of Swine Flue crossing the border." These issues ought to be concern for us, but Max Lucado shares comfort through scriptures, real people testimonies, and a heart for sharing Jesus to a world preoccupied with fear.

"What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats?" We are reminded that "fear corrodes our confidence in God's goodness." Lucado also reminds the reader that "fear itself is not a sin, But it can lead to sin" and "fear mismanaged, leads to sin. Sin leads to hiding."

Lucado gives us 8 suggestions to help overcome our tendency to worry or fear. This book if full of practical loving tips to draw us to a more intimate and closer relationship with our Father. Each chapter will beg you for more until you have completed the last page. Fearless even has an awesome Discussion Guide that is designed for personal study and group study. Grab Fearless, pull up a chair and enjoy!

Remember 911

Today, 8 years ago, I believe all of our lives changed. We all have been reflecting on what we were doing that morning...we all remember...we won't forget...Did you ask this question, "Where was God that morning in NYC and DC and Pennsylvania?" I believe Jesus himself was at the foot of the cross lifting up those families, the victims, the children...I believe He was with every single person whose life was taken from them..."I AM" and He is!

I know we don't understand that kind of sin because our minds can't grasp it. We can't grasp that kind of evil...and I praise God for that. Our nation stepped out of the box and for a season, couldn't you feel God all around our country. People weren't afraid to speak His name...to pray in public, to ask for prayer, to be prayed over. It was a beautiful thing. Remember seeing flags everywhere and "God Bless America" everywhere...and now 8 years later, I am afraid that some of us "remember" because it is the anniversary of 911. Am I one of "those people?" I think I am. See, I didn't have a father, or brother or sister or child or best friend whose life was taken that morning. I wasn't on the plane or there on Ground Zero or at the Pentagon or near that field in Pennsylvania. I was at my home in Bloomdale, Ohio getting ready to do an open registration for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). My husband, Don, called me about 8:50ish and said "TURN ON THE TV NOW...YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT JUST HAPPENED."

I immediately started calling friends of mine who I knew were at home and the only thing I could say to them was, "turn on the TV and pray." My oldest daughter at the time was 7 and was at school. My 4 year old and 10 1/5 month old and I were finishing up breakfast and getting ready to go to Fort Findlay (an awesome park) to open registration for MOPS.

I remember watching the TV horrified. Praying, crying, praying and crying some more. Driving to the park was a blur and when I got there, many of my team had not heard the news and many of the Moms there also did not know...

In moments of our darkest hour...a glimmer of a light is still shinning...once we recognize it, the Light will overwhelm us...and that my friend is Jesus.

Thank you to ALL the men and women who serve our country. Thank you to ALL the men and women who are first responders (EMS, Fire Fighters, Police). Thank you for your daily sacrifice that I can't even begin to imagine how you do it, but I am so grateful! For my children, I am grateful! God bless each and everyone of you!