Velveteen Bible - NKJV

Snack of Choice:
Breakfast is better if it's waffles. Not those crazy Belgian waffles, but the old fashioned machines past on from generation to generation.  A traditional 4 panel waffle with a classic 7x7 hole ratio. This, matched with a fluffy topping of "Peanut Butter Stuff" (1 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 syrup -- whipped) makes the morning worth getting up for. Grab your Kuerig coffee and you're ready to go.... or just grab an Eggo.


Story behind the story:
I'm building my library for the next generation (just like my waffles). Thomas Nelson helped me out with this one. They provided me with a free copy with the agreement that I will write a review (but it doesn't have to be a positive one). I hope to use these resources to encourage the faith of my future children. 

CURRENTLY READING:

"Radical" by David Platt

Snack of Choice:
Homemade hand tossed Pepperoni and Mushroom Pizza. Handed down from a long tradition (well, honestly, just my dad). And, yes, it probably did cost more than the $10 special at Pizza Rut... I mean "Hut". But with a nice toss salad, Master Card says it best -- "priceless."


Story behind the story:
Ah yes. I know you are wondering -- Where did Chris get this great resource, and how can I get this resource for me? Little known secret -- this adds to my collection of free material I have received simply for giving my opinion about these resources - positive or otherwise. This resource was provided by the blogging system of WaterBrook/Multnomah with no restrictions on my written material.
Read Chapter One Here:

http://multnomahemails.com/wbmlt/pdf/SneakPeek_Radical%20final.pdf

Story Line:
The American Dream! The striving for more. The "If I only had..." kind of living. Where am I focusing my energy and resources? What for? "Radical" challenges the norm (as it's title implies"). The tag line is "Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream." As a believer, our focus is (or should be) different. It's not simply that our eternal destination has changed. Our values have changes as well. More specifically the things we place value and importance on. This book encourages the reader to see themselves in light of the World-wide need for the Gospel. What are you willing to do to get the Message out? Does that change when you open your wallet? Does that change when the call goes out for servants? Are we living extravagantly while neglecting the physical and spiritual needs all around us? 

The Real Story:
This book is a missions manual - plain and simple, but that should become more and more "Christian Living." We all are called to step out of our comfort zone (even those who "have nothing" according to America's standards) and engage the world with some Great News. The author challenges us to evaluate what this life is about since Christ has radically changed my life. What are my goals and purposes -- to please myself or to serve others in light of His Gift. He balances the "declaration of the Gospel" with meeting real life needs -- which, by the way, IS the Gospel. His fresh terminology, especially using "Faith Family" to describe the "Church," provides a perspective on those words we've become accustom to. It refocuses our "Christian Vision." Church is not a place, but a people who are to GO OUT!


I've read many "Missions" books and "Christian Living" books, but this one takes the cake (or pizza pie -- see above for directions). It's challenging and practical and for everyone. The best part is that people are reading it. It was on the New York Times Bestseller list. I hope we move past the reading and into the doing. 


There are practical steps that we can take and commit to that will help us as we shift our focus from ourselves to the world. I would encourage you to try it out and see what God will do in your life. You may not be rich, but you will have SO much more.

Check out:

Radical... I know, this is supposed to be a different book. OK. "Radical Together" is coming out now, go for that one too.

Rating:
5 out of 5 Upside-down Houses. Is yours one of them?

Tyndale Book Giveaway

Here's a great way to get some reads -- WIN THEM.

Follow the link below and enter to win one or both of these books from Tyndale:
http://www.tyndale.com/00_home/contest.php

I also get to share this news from Tyndale:
The Book Club Hub Newsletter will be an email newsletter geared towards people who are in or are running book clubs. It will feature suggestions, discussion guides and great ideas for your book clubs. You can see a preview by clicking here.

iShine Bible - New Living Translation

Snack of Choice:
A Coke, chips, and half of a $5 foot long -- or $2.50 worth of Turkey, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, spinach, banana pepper, mayo, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Hey, you asked!

Story behind the story:
I'm on my blog tour of Bibles apparently. Tyndale is keeping me supplied with Bibles, including this one, that I can use for my own agenda (giving away to someone as their first Bible). They do not require me to give a positive review in exchange for this privilege.  

Story Line: B
This iShine Bible comes in two themes: one for early adolescent boys and one for early adolescent girls. I figured since I got a purple Bible last time, I could go for the blue one without feeling biased. Simply, it's the NLT with three glossy insert sections spaced evenly throughout. You also have direct access to videos through a smart phone QR code (or for the "less fortunate," the broadband web address). Click here for one such link. These inserts focus on "Who Am I?" a pertinent issue for this age group, but it's not just limited to inward perspective -- it's ultimately who I am in Christ. These sections are replete with reference (and page numbers) to give you a place to study. Access to Bible Studies is also a part of this Bible experience.  

The Real Story:
When a sample from the intended demographic picks this product out of the pocket of your car's back seat and says, "Dude, this is a cool Bible!" The Publisher should smile. You've done well. It's a GREAT size - so portable - and it's not just a mini, but a double dose of the Testaments (both OT and NT). 

I've seen several NLT's that have good resources in the front and back. This particular one has some great questions whose answers are given with Scripture and an explanation. In the back there are lists of Great Chapters, Great Stories, Great Verses to Memorize.

I'm very eager to get this into someone else's hands!

Check out:

Just read the recommended book this time (the Bible). Well worth it in any translation! (emphasis on translation)

Rating:
5 out of 5 "DUDE" remarks.

Reading/Review Update

Just thought I would let you know what you can look forward in regards to coming reviews. I have been told to enjoy this "free book" thing in careful moderation...If I were to have eaten all the books that I now am obligated to review, I would fit the well established and generally overused complaint against bishops and their substantial girth. Good thing my name isn't Ezekiel (3:3).

"RADICAL" by DAVID PLATT

Provided by Multnomah

Heard WAY to much about this book. Expectations are at an Everest kind of level. It makes me not want to like it. But so far so good.

Also he's a part of "The Elephant Room" coming up at the end of March, so I'm looking forward to hearing from him and others.

"LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON" ed. JOHN S. JENKINS

Provided by New Leaf Publishing Group

I thought I told you I hated biographies? Have I learned NOTHING from 5th Grade History class?? But actually, I'm pretty excited about it. It's a reprint of the 1850 version. Compact, rugged edges. Kind of exciting to look at. (I am first and foremost a book collector, not primarily a book reader)

I think it's intended to be a supplimental text for homeschooler.



VELVETEEN RABBIT BIBLE - NKJV

provided by Thomas Nelson

A nice gift Bible I look forward to giving to a special kid.

FROM THE LIBRARY OF A. W. TOZER ed. JAMES STUART BELL
provided by Bethany House Pub.

So, I thought, A. W. Tozer... it's about time I read some. Never have. Always thought I was missing out. What a great opportunity. I need to learn to read the descriptions... The book is not a compilation of HIS writings, it is a compilation of works by authors who had an impact on him. DOH! Will have to buy [gasp] a Tozer one of these days.

I am, however, eager to read this compilation of writings from authors who greatly influenced A. W. Tozer...




DRAGONS: LEGEND & LORE OF DINOSAURS
provided by New Leaf Publishers

Look at the cover. Just look at the cover! Of course I requested this book. No it does not fit on the bookshelf, but... well... I WANTED IT! It's supposed to contain a biblical perspective on such matters. Although during the "New Arrival" perusal I did see "apocrypha" more times than I wanted (i.e. Daniel "14" - "Bell and the Dragon")

SUMMARY
I think that's it. I'll let you know. If you REALLY want to hear about one over the other, let me know. I now take requests :)