Elephant Room Gift Pack!

Just received my pack from James MacDonald. Those who attended the "Elephant Room Conversations" could sign up online for this great bundle. It includes:


the Book - "Downpour" He will come to us like the Rain. God's best when you need Him most.


the DVD - "Time to Pull Over" Instruction on Endurance from Revelation 10. Includes "Special Features" -- Oh, I hope they have a gag reel!


the Audio Sermon Series - "Authentic" Developing the Disciplines of a Sincere Faith. Six sermon series. 



On an Elephant Room note: I just requested Stephen Furtick's (ER participant/ Charlotte, NC pastor) book, "Sun Stand Still." Looking forward to learning more about him. He's kinda seen as a radical, but he sure does have a passion for sharing the Gospel.

"That's When I Talk to God" by Dan & Ali Morrow

Snack of Choice:
Warm cup of milk... and some Oreos with Peanut Butter... and make that COLD milk.

Story behind the story:
I JUST got this book. In fact, I JUST requested it as well. This is the first book I have received from the B&B Media Group. They are NOT the publisher, they are the media promoters. I'm very impressed with their swift response. The publisher for this particular book was published by David C. Cook. I am not required to give a positive review in exchange for this free product. 

Story Line:
When can you talk to God and what do you talk to Him about? This children's book brings the parent and child who are reading it through a day in the life of a young girl who is discovering what it means to pray. When you wake up, on the playground, and under the stars – from praise and honor, to repentance and needs – we can follow the advice of Thess. 5:17 (“Pray continually). Story illustrated by Cory Godbey.

The Real Story:
I'm so glad to get some of these resources that I can use for YEARS. There are going to be kids in our house. Some will stay for a while and some will never leave (maybe after they turn 18), but how do I provide a godly base for them? Where do I start? No matter how much or how little a child knows about God, this story book provides the example and the opportunity for questions and for foundational truths to be unveiled. The book includes some great Scriptures on prayer that can be a part of the reading of the story.

The one thing I wonder about has to do with the mother and daughter in the story. I could see my wife sharing this with our little girl, and I could even see me sharing it with her. My thought is about a boy's reaction to the story. Would he connect the way a girl would with the character (a girl)? Either way, I'm gonna give it a try! What a great book!

Just a note, Ali is Lee Strobel's daughter. Lee writes a letter included at the back of the book encouraging parents to the use the resource.

Check out:

“That's where God Is” by the same authors

Rating:

5 out of 5 conversations with God

"For Men Only" by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn

Snack of Choice:
Stewart's “Colombian Coffee” Ice Cream. FLAVOR OF THE WEEK! Ya know, some people have it shipped to them across the country, but I picked it up on Bay Rd.

Story behind the story:
I have other books on the reading list that I was supposed to get to first. Yeah... sorry other guys. This book was provided by the Blogging for Books program of Multnomah Books. One of the best programs out there – but that doesn't mean I have to give this book a positive review. I also am not required to give this book a negative review either.

Story Line: 
I'm not supposed to tell you what's in this book unless you're a guy – hence the title – but I'm going to anyway. The subtitle is “a straightforward guide to the inner lives of women.” It's a quick read, but with valuable insights.

Written from Jeff's view, but you can tell Shaunti had quite a voice. Chapters begin by clearing our (men's) view about how women think (and you thought it was impossible. Each chapter ends with practical steps we can take to improve our relationship with our spouse. This book IS primarily for married couples, but those who ever want to talk to a woman would be wise to take a read.

There is a complementary book, “For Women Only,” which was written first. But it was so easy to figure us guys out, they wanted to write a book that would actually challenge them.

The Real Story:

The very first thing you see when you open the book is Quick Start Guide – ha ha, just cracks me up! If you ever find your self in trouble, no need to read it all again – just use the Quick Start Guide (“Why does she...?”, “Here's why”, and “What to do.”)

I've been married for 5 ½ years. I have grown in wisdom, understanding, and all that stuff I'm supposed to know by now. But as I was reading, I thought, “Patti has been telling me these things for YEARS!” Amazing how we sometimes just need a new perspective in order to provide clarity.

Per the authors advice, if you are a lady who is reading the book, please don't have conversations with us about it – just let us work through it. Be excited that we are actually reading this book. It means we're trying :)

It is a GREAT resource! If you're thinking about marriage, dating, etc. – improve your communication with the one you love.

Check out:

“The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman (a classic); “For Women Only” (I haven't read it, obviously)

Rating:

4.5 happily communicating couples out of 5 (hey, you can't help everyone!)

The Elephant Room Conversations

The Elephant Room from Harvest Bible Chapel on Vimeo.


You will be able to watch these sessions through MacDonald's blog one conversation at a time in the days to come: http://jamesmacdonald.com/blog/

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.