TITHING: TEST ME IN THIS

Religion/Christian Life/Spiritual Growth
TITHING: TEST ME IN THIS
by Douglas LeBlanc
Thomas Nelson, ISBN 978-0-8400-4608-0, PB, 165 pages, $12.99

My paycheck is small and my budget is tight. Does God really want me to tithe? Of course, I already know the answer, but in my struggle to trust God with my finances I hoped to find people like myself in Douglas LeBlanc's book Tithing from the Ancient Practices Series. I wasn't disappointed.

Tithing profiles a wide-scope of real people who, regardless of their personal and financial circumstances, give faithfully in plenty and in poverty. From struggling clergy to best-selling authors, in each profile the words of the Bible ring true: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out much blessing..." (Malachi 3:10).

LeBlanc writes in a journalistic style, exploring all sides of the topic. His profiles, while including, but not limited to conservative Christians, covered the theological spectrum, breaking "giving" and "giver" stereotypes. We learn the motivations for giving are as diverse as the givers. Each surprising and inspirational story maintained a theme of joy found in obedience and generosity. I was encouraged to find page after page, examples of God's faithfulness and provision. My paycheck might still be small. But my faith is increased.

Tithing is recommended to the seeker, the doubter, the tight-fisted, the anxious, the worrying, the curious, the generous, the joyful or anyone who just likes good stories.

LAF -- member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program (http://www.booksneeze.com)

THE SEARCH FOR GOD AND GUINNESS

History/General
THE SEARCH FOR GOD AND GUINNESS: A BIOGRAPHY OF THE BEER THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
by Steven Mansfield
Thomas Nelson, ISBN - 9781595552693, HB, 273 pages, $24.99

"Beer has a noble history and... the great saints of old, loved it, drank it, wrote about it and celebrated it to the glory of God."  

The Search for God and Guinness is the true story of the beer that changed the world through a family that used their wealth and influence to help millions. New York Times best-selling author, Steven Mansfield, takes the reader through the chronology of beer, documenting its origins and role in early Christianity, and of the Guinness family influence on the people of Dublin.

The Guinness legacy is a shining example of what it means to find one's purpose and to strive for excellence for the glory of God. If you're interested in beer, Christianity, business, management, or history, The Search for God and Guinness is for you. In the vein of Guinness advertising: Guinness is Good for You!

LAF - - member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program (http://www.booksneeze.com)

FINDING AN UNSEEN GOD: REFLECTIONS OF A FORMER ATHEIST

Spirituality/Apologetics/Inspirational/Religion

FINDING AN UNSEEN GOD: REFLECTIONS OF A FORMER ATHEIST
by Alicia Britt Chole
Bethany House, ISBN - 0764206028, PB, 176 pages, $13.00


In Finding an Unseen God: Reflections of Former Atheist, Alicia Britt Chole shares her journey as an Atheist not looking for a Divine being, who's worldview is abruptly shattered one day. "I sincerely believed that there was no God," she says. "As a young Atheist, I simply considered myself a realist who preferred unanswered questions over fairy tales."

Chole's story is creatively told in two threads. Thread one gives a chronological account of her journey and conversion experience, while thread two alternately presents intellectually stimulating commentary on Atheism and Christianity and an informative perspective on faith, spirituality and religion. With warmth, intellect and honesty, Chole invites us to carefully examine what we believe and do not believe, while she testifies of a God who tirelessly pursues even those who deny him.

I found this book to be captivating and fresh, and would recommend it to anyone of any belief or background. It is a short, 160 page read, devoid of dull, drawn out points or immaterial fluff. Its clear and concise two-page chapters are composed of words of purpose.

FRESH START

Religion/Christian Life/Spiritual Growth
FRESH START
by Doug Fields
Thomas Nelson, ISBN - 978-0-8499-2055-4, HB 212 pages, $19.99

Are you stuck? Do you feel as though life has defeated you? Doug Field's book, Fresh Start, identifies the areas of our lives where we most commonly encounter resistance and "stuckness". He writes, "the things that keep us stuck can eventually grow to destroy us." Fields encourages us to break free of our self-defeat by recognizing the power of God within us to start anew.

Fresh Start is written simply and humorously. Includes a journal and small group guide to encourage reflection, dialogue and action. While this book contains some valuable gems of wisdom, it is recommended for those who are new to faith and concepts of Christianity.

LAF - member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program (http://brb.thomasnelson.com/)

THE NOTICER

Bibliography/Inspirational
THE NOTICER
by Andy Andrews
Thomas Nelson, ISBN - 978-0785229216, 176 pages, $17.99


Based on his true-life story, best-selling author and inspirational speaker, Andy Andrews, blends fact and fiction in his allegorical book, The Noticer.

The people of Orange Beach, Alabama live ordinary lives, but among them lives a man with an extraordinary gift. Jones, a mysterious transient of indeterminable age and race, has the gift of noticing things that most people miss.

A series of unexpected, yet timely visits from Jones, helps turn Andy Andrews from a young homeless man, to a modern-day success. But Andy isn't the only one in this town who Jones has noticed. As marriages teeter on the brink of divorce, businessmen are threatened with bankruptcy and young people's lives seemingly hit dead-ends, Jones appears amid their distress proclaiming, "Sometimes all a person needs is a little perspective." Through simple interactions, he refreshes their outlook, helping them realize their time on earth is a gift to be used wisely.

Using simple, but profound principles, The Noticer provides powerful insights on life and relationship and has generated a worldwide movement called "The Noticer Project" (www.thenoticerproject.com). A quick, easy and engaging read, aided by a chapter-by-chapter reading guide, The Noticer is not aimed to just inspire life-change, but propel it. Recommended.

LAF - member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program (http://brb.thomasnelson.com/)

WHAT BOTHERS ME MOST ABOUT CHRISTIANITY

Religion
WHAT BOTHERS ME MOST ABOUT CHRISTIANITY: Honest Reflections from an Open-minded Christ Follower
By Ed Gungor
Howard Books, ISBN - 978-1-4165-9255-6, 256 pages, (no price listed)


In his book, What Bothers Me Most About Christianity, pastor and author of best-selling book, There's More to the Secret, Ed Gungor addresses the criticisms that challenge Christianity. He examines difficult questions such as "Why does God hide?" and "Why are science and faith incompatible?" urging people of faith to engage in critical thinking. Gungor asserts that "faith is not the quelling of all doubt" and that to wrestle with its tensions can bring us to a deeper, more mature understanding. Gungor is down-to-earth and refreshingly honest. He encourages readers to dig deep, while also accepting the mystery that is part of faith.

Backed with hundreds of scriptural references, What Bothers Me Most About Christianity, paves the way for amiable discussion between opponents of faith and its dedicated believers. A challenging yet accessible read. What Bothers Me Most about Christianity, is for anyone who struggles with doubt. Recommended.

LAF

JUST BETWEEN YOU AND ME

Fiction/Christian/General
JUST BETWEEN YOU AND ME: A Novel of Losing Fear and Finding God
By Jenny B. Jones
Thomas Nelson, ISBN - 978-1-59554-851-1, PB, 320 pages, $14.99

Cinematographer, Maggie Montgomery, lives life on the edge. There seems nothing this feisty redhead is afraid of. But when family catastrophe erupts, Maggie is forced to confront the one thing she does fear: her past.

Her mentally unstable sister has run off, leaving 10-year-old Riley in the care of Maggie's estranged father. Hoping to help her troubled niece, she reluctantly returns home. There, she reconnects with Conner - a once shy, awkward nerd, turned handsome veterinarian. Their attraction is undeniable, but fear of rejection and the pain of an undisclosed past keep her walls intact. Will Maggie find the courage to pursue the things that matter most?

Honest and comical, Just Between You and Me will take you on a thoughtful journey about learning to fear less and trust God more. Good character development, identifiable subject matter. A light-hearted, socially relevant read for teen and young adult women. Just Between You and Me is recommended.

LAF

FEARLESS

Religion/Christian Life/General
FEARLESS
by Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, ISBN -978-0-8499-2139-1, HB, 240 pages, $24.99


We live in an era that gives us every reason to fear. Moreover, as followers of Christ, adversity is not just possible, it's inevitable. Yet Jesus' life example gives us every reason not to fear. How do we bridge the gap?

Each of the fifteen, easy-to-read chapters of Lucado's book, Fearless, address our most common fears and draw our attention to Jesus' most common command, "fear not." Through the indisputable words of Christ and a chapter-by-chapter discussion guide, Lucado teaches that, by faith, we can fear less tomorrow than we do today. Fearless is recommended. A good resource for small discussion groups and individuals seeking to examine, expose and battle their fears from a biblical perspective.

LAF

IAMSECOND

IAMSECOND.COM

Abuse. Pride. Satisfaction. Success. What do you struggle with? I Am Second is a movement where “significance and purpose in life is a value shared by people of all kinds.”

In engaging and artistic videos similar to Rob Bell's Nooma series, individuals share how God became first in their lives. From famous “Seconds” such as Jason Castro of American Idol, Brian Welch, formerly of KoRn and Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers, to your average Joe, I Am Second pops the Sunday-school-Christian bubble and addresses real life and the temptations that so often take first place in it.

Featuring a seeker-friendly FAQ section designed to answer the ultimate questions, “Who is first?” and “How can I become second?” viewers can discover the gospel message and connect with someone through phone, email or live online chat.

Are you second? Then you can get involved by sharing your own story, connecting with an I Am Second social group in your area, or helping to spread the word.

LAF

BELLA

BELLA (2006)
Eduardo Verástegui, Tammy Blanchard, Manny Perez, and Ali Landry
METANOIA FILMS, $14.98


In this People's Choice Award winner of the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival, rising soccer star, José, is on his way to sign the deal of his dreams when a tragic accident takes a young life too soon. In that instant his life takes a drastic turn.

Now working as a chef in his brother's restaurant, a deeply troubled José befriends waitress, Nina, who has just received the unwelcome news that she is pregnant. When she loses her job, José acts out of concern, at the expense of his own job, and the two set out on a day's adventure.

As the film follows José and Nina through the winding streets and bedlam of the city, to the wide open roads of the countryside and the peaceful calm of the shoreline, their stories unfurl in a similar line of passage. One is damaged by the past, the other afraid of the future; the two help each other make a pair of life-altering decisions that will carry them to a place of healing and redemption. A movie truly befitting if its name, beautiful.

LAF