Book Review

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Struggle

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

FACT OF LIFE:  We all struggle. 

Many of those struggles are caused by our own bull “headedness.”  Some of it is something that seems to follow us wherever we go.  Most of the struggles we do have are often tied to our EGO.  While we may attempt to justify our ego, what God wants from us is much more.

Here is my story:  I grew up knowing the Bible.  I memorized it. I read it.  I would get up early in the morning to meet with God and my mom, even in high school.  She said I always had a sensitive heart for God.  But deep down inside was an insidious monster: my ego.  I masked it the best I could but enjoyed the accolades that came with basketball.  As I grew older, I became real good at masking my Pharisee-ism in the pulpit and in my daily life.  My ego grew while I feigned commitment to Jesus.  I now realize it for what it was.  It took someone’s boldness and another year before it hit home.  I was in my office one day when another preacher (whom I think I ticked off) came to my office and told me “You are an arrogant so-and-so and one day will be brought down.”  It took almost a year before I realized he was right on both counts.

I also now realize my arrogance was a way of covering up who and what I really was.  Words like FAKE and PHARISEE and FALSE IDENTITY come to mind.  In my case, I had allowed accolades and ambition to cloud my vision of who I was.  I was trying to find identity in myself and my abilities, instead of in Christ.  Along the way I sacrificed who I really was.  After all, how can you know when you are too busy being someone else?

I wish I had read Craig Groeschel’s book years ago.  Then again, maybe I wouldn’t have paid attention to it.  Craig’s premise is when we lay aside all our false and broken concepts of who we are, then and only then can we become God’s vision of who we are.  I wrote this post referencing Craig’s book and the fantastic news it included.   Along the way Craig  talks about living with patience, integrity, honor, and gratitude, as well as sacrificing self-justification for obedience.

MY OPINION: This is Craig’s best book to date.  IMHO he seemed to be “juiced” with this one.  There was a passion in his writing that drew me in.  There were challenges issued that cannot be ignored.  Not by me. Not  by anyone reading it.

Have you read Altar Ego yet?  Craig is a friend, and I did not buy this book; it was a gift.   Nor was I asked to give a positive (or any) review.  Friendship notwithstanding, I would say, “Go buy this book now!”  

 

Posted in Book Review, Christian living | 23 Responses »

Persecution

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

The Apostle Paul

Polycarp

John Hus

Watchman Nee

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Saeed Abedini

 

Those names, and more, are pretty familiar to those who follow the church, especially the persecuted church. For more on modern day Saeed Abedini, go here. (Under news stories type in his name)  I have something more pressing I ask every time I read of a past martyr or a present martyr for the cause of Christ.

One Question haunts me:  Could I take the stand these and thousands of others have?  If I was arrested for my faith, put under intense scrutiny, suffering extreme persecution, could I would I be able to remain strong?

My answer?  I hope so.  But really, how would I know?  I won’t until or unless I come under that type of fire!

Enter Captive in Iran, a book by two Iranian ladies who became followers of Jesus and were arrested for their faith.   Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh converted to Christ from Islam; met at a theology school in Turkey in 2005; then decided to work together by returning to Iran in order to share Jesus. All was going well until one day they were arrested for promoting Christianity.  The charges were for apostasy, anti-government activity, and blasphemy, for which they faced execution by hanging.  They languished in a detention camp enduring endless questioning and impossible conditions, until being transferred to the dreaded Evin Prison (ironically a prison they could see from their apartment window).  They then endured 259 days in Evin while awaiting their “day in court.”  They were pawns in a very broken and biased court system.  Their case garnered international attention thanks to the internet and other media.  Appeals were being made by all corners of the world (except the Muslim world) for their freedom.  Finally, their freedom became a reality. Eventually, the two moved to Atlanta, Georgia.

This is a story of a faith that haunts me with the questions I asked above.  They made it through totally deplorable conditions only by the strength and grace of God.  Along the way, they show their faith is more than words. They befriend women of all ilk, status, political persuasion, and beliefs.  Some are hostile, but most come to them for prayer, encouragement, help, and friendship.  Even guards and government people realize there is something that holds these two together.  Their faith moved from the streets of Iran to the prison of Iran.

While I had a few minor issues concerning beliefs, that would not stop me from recommending this book. I learned of two women whose faith was tested and found real under horrendous circumstances.  Along the way, I learned a lot more about Islam, its beliefs, the lopsided court system, and the oppressive regime many believers languish under.  It is well worth your read.

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review.  I was not required to give a good review.

Posted in Book Review, Church | 22 Responses »

Craveable

Monday, February 11th, 2013

craveable150

 

I want to shift gears for a moment in this post.   I mentioned in this post last week that I planned on reviewing the new book by Artie Davis.  I want to call Artie a friend, but calling someone a friend implies a “relationship” with that person.  Well, I know Artie.  I read his blog.  I have corresponded with him.  I have attended theSticks conference in Orangeburg, SC that he hosts.  But to call him a friend would be a little much.

TO CALL HIM SOMEONE I WOULD LOVE TO WORK UNDER AND/OR PICK HIS BRAIN WOULD BE FAR MORE ACCURATE!!

When I saw that Artie was releasing a book called Craveable and he was looking for people to help get the word out, I couldn’t jump fast enough.  I gotta tell you folks…I was NOT disappointed.  I wasn’t sure what to expect to be honest.  Would it be another “Here’s how to do church” book?  Would it be another one of the thousands of “Here’s how you fix yourself” books?  Would it  be another “We-all-need-God-more-so-here-are-xxxx-easy-steps-to-get-there” book?   I repeat: I honestly had no clue what to expect.  But I pre-ordered it and waited.  When it came I was in the process of reading another book, but laid it aside to get into Craveable.

I was not disappointed.  I attacked this book like most others. I read the Forward by Pastor Ron Edmonson, then Artie’s Introduction, and was ready to jump into reading the book.  Craveable is not designed to  be read in huge chunks.  It is designed to be read a chapter a day (3-4 pages average).  Each chapter includes a target statement, a bullet point, and a burning question.  Artie wants you to think as you read.  Mull things over.  Meditate on them.   He has actually set it up to be read in 40 days (no comparison though to that other 40 day book).  :)   For the purpose of this review I read a few chapters here and there, but I cannot give a complete review until I have done all 40 days.   My plan is to begin using Craveable on March 1 during my daily encounter time with God.  I plan to keep my journal handy and transfer some of my highlighted thoughts to my journal.  If it does what I think it will do, I will definitely be recommending it to the church.

I DON’T SUGGEST YOU GET THIS BOOK AND THINK “I WILL READ THIS ALL THE WAY THROUGH JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER BOOK.”

I suspect Artie would be disappointed with anyone taking that approach.  His premise is simple: Peoples’ perception of Jesus comes from  His followers.  “If we act like a jerk, they will think Jesus is a jerk.  If we act out in love, they will think Jesus is love.”  (p.6)  We need to become craveable to those around us.

Have you ordered Craveable yet?  You can do so by clicking on the icon in the margin.   Artie asked me to read and review his book-good or bad.  I received no compensation for it.

Posted in Book Review, Christian living, Church | 19 Responses »

LoveWorks

Tuesday, January 8th, 2013

NOT YET…

The series of posts on the book that is.

Love ought to work all the time.  Especially when it comes to leadership.

Leadership has been defined many ways: 

“Everything rises and falls on leadership.”

“Leadership is attitude.”

“Leadership is action, not attitude.”

“Leadership is servanthood.”

“Leaders don’t flock; you find them one at a time.”

And so on.  You can actually find a whole slew of quotes on leadership by visiting this site and picking up his ebook.

Love Works is a book by Joel Manby.  It is subtitled “Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders.”   Personally, I think Joel hit, not just a home run, but a grand slam.   This is not a book you will have to put your higher education hat on to read and understand.  No…Joel is down-to-earth in real life and down-to-earth in this book.  Maybe that is why I like this book so much.  He didn’t make me feel stupid.  He didn’t overwhelm me with countless machine gun bullet points.   His examples/mentors were Jack & Peter Herschend, CoFounders of Herschend Family Entertainment (they run over 14 different theme parks).  To give you an idea of what Joel was taught, listen to what Jack wrote in his Forward:

Wise leaders use their personal ethics to effectively manage the tension between corporate values and corporate profits…Love works. Trust me-I see the proof every day that I go to work with Joel.

Beginning next Wednesday, Jon Stolpe and I will be blogging about the lessons we learn from reading the book.  We will blog for 10 weeks: Chapters 1-2 next week;  the 7 Principles; 1 week on The Choice; one final week for wrap-up.   It isn’t too late to get into the game.  I/we would love to have you join with us on this 10 week journey.  I learn a whole lot more when I actively participate in some venture than if I just read and lay the book down when done.  I was so impacted by this book I went out and bought copies for Ryan, our new youth pastor (so we can study and discuss it as staff); the Gen Mgr of the Bloomington Harley-Davidson; and my youngest daughter, who is the new Director of a Daycare in Powell, OH.  Whether you pastor a church, lead a dealership, or direct a daycare (or whatever else you may do that requires leadership) you need to get a hold of this book.  Maybe with our posts Jon & I (and hopefully others) can convince you of that.

So…until next week.  What is your idea of leadership?  Do you consider yourself one?  How do you show it?  Would you like to participate in the blogging?  Let me know.

Posted in Book Discussion, Book Review, Church, Leadership | 28 Responses »

Review(sort of)

Tuesday, January 1st, 2013

You have read your share of year end reviews.  Guess what?  I am not going to do that!  I will simply say

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I pray you will know God’s blessings in a way you have never known…be it through joy, trials, suffering, laughter, family, friends, this blog  :) , or doing something for someone else.

I’d like to say I have worked and worked, thought and thought, sweated and sweated drops of blood over making this blog better…but that would be lying.   Well, I take that back. Maybe in content I hope to offer more and better “stuff.” But a makeover is not in the plans (although I have given that some thought).   I am not cutting back on the number of times I post, unless God says otherwise.  I may throw in a fitness one every now and then (so I can make my daughter’s list for inspiring posts for the year).  Gotcha! ;)

One series of posts I am doing beginning with Wednesday, the 16th, is on Love Works by Joel Manby.  I say this with all honesty: it may have been THE best book on leadership I have read so far.  I would love to have others join me.  Let me know if you would like to and we can discuss by email or phone the content and schedule of the posts.

I told a half truth.  It is time for a review.  My online friend, Glynn Young, blogs here.  He has also written two fantastic books and I was honored when he asked me to review his latest, A Light Shining.    I share it with you here.

Glynn young has written his second novel, a follow-up to Dancing Priest (DP).  They will both stand alone, but in my opinion, you would be doing yourself a great disservice by not reading DP first.  While he does summarize some of the story for the reader in A Light Shining (ALS), getting the whole picture is much better.  

When I read DP I was immediately captured by the breadth of Glynn’s story.  It was, at the same time, an action story; a love story; a story about spiritual struggles; and also a story about one man who believes he can make a difference.  That same approach carries over into ALS.  Glynn spends less time with cycling (my one sad thought about the book), but develops the characters in so much more vivid color.  Michael and Sarah Kent-Hughes are brought into sharper focus and their unique love and relationship become the basis for taking in two orphans, as well as their walk of faith.  They have a great influence on the church in San Francisco. They travel to Italy where Michael’s early background and upbringing are brought into clarity.  We read more about his deepening relationship with his brother, Henry. We even have a sinister, but mysterious character make his appearance throughout the story. But all of this is “prep work” for the last half of the book where the friends and family of Michael Kent-Hughes “come through.”  I simply cannot say any more lest I give away the story line and ruin the excitement and anticipation for you. 

Here is what I think:  First, if you haven’t already done so, go out and buy Dancing Priest.  Be prepared to leave long blocks of time to read it non-stop.  Second, read A Light Shining any way you can: Kindle, Nook, paper.  Again, be prepared to leave long blocks of time to read. Guaranteed. Third, be prepared to be captured with this story.  I found myself going through a range of emotions as I read, yes even tears.  Finally, be prepared to want others to read this book (both actually).  Even before you are finished, you will be talking to your friends and family about “a book you just have to read.”  I do really wish I could tell you more about the story, but I can’t do so without giving it away.  Just suffice it to say you will close the cover and say, as I did, “Okay Glynn. When is number three coming out?”  It is just THAT good. 

I received this book with the request to review it.  I was not told I must give a good review.  It isn’t hard to give one.  I believe you will agree.   

Hope you had a good start to your new year.  See you in the funny papers, oops, I mean 2013. 

Posted in Book Review, Leadership, Miscellaneous | 32 Responses »

MeasuringSuccess

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

I have to admit that I have debated whether to do this post or not for over a week.  Not because I think success hasn’t been written about.! It has. A LOT!!  But I have debated about it for several reasons:

1) Who am I that I should write about it?  Looking at my life in the ministry is a contradiction of terms: ministry longevity = success.

2) Who would really care if I should write from a pastor’s viewpoint on the misnomer called “success?”

3) What could I say that hasn’t already  been said, written, blogged, and/or spoken about it?

Answers to questions: 1) Who better to?  2) Probably nobody but who better to than a pastor?  3) Probably nothing but someone has said written something significant.

SUCCESS = ????

Numbers

Big buildings

Attendance

Small groups

Crowded auditorium

Smoke and mirrors

SRO

Worldwide ministry

Multiple services caused by mucho people

Pastors as CEOs

Multi-site churches

Notice a trend?  Hint: they are in red.  “Houston, we have a problem,” to borrow a phrase.  Worst part of it all: I spent way t-o-o-o many years caught up in that whole fiasco.   Now please…before you read too much into this: I am not against the above list.  If God blesses a man and his ministry, Go for it!  Craig Groeschel and Artie Davis (to name two) are two of my favorite pastors/”friends” so don’t get any ideas I am against things.

WHAT. I. STRUGGLE. WITH. IS. THE. FEELING. OF. INFERIORITY. THAT. COMES. FROM. COMPARISON.  HERE IT IS:

WHAT IS SUCCESS?  HOW DO YOU MEASURE IT?

That is the big time question Shawn Lovejoy tackles in his “most excellent book” entitled “The Measure of Our Success.”   I mentioned it briefly in this post, but I have been so impacted by it, I wanted to devote at least one post primarily to it.  I honestly felt like Shawn was sitting next to the couch I was laying on and he was reading my thoughts.   I heard things like, “You preach God’s Word and you won’t want for an audience.  People will come to hear you speak.”  Aaaah yeah. Try telling that to a kid eeking out a living in a small country church that hasn’t seen new blood for eons.  Feelings of inferiority.  Try telling that to a kid who supposedly had “Success” written all over him, but spent most of his ministry wondering what happened.  Feelings of inferiority.  In case you are wondering…that kid would be me.

Finally someone has said it is okay to be the pastor of a small country church. Finally someone has said success is not measured by standards the world church thinks matter.   Finally someone has written a book saying the pastor is not a CEO, he is a shepherd.  (I know there have been others, but this one sticks hard).   I believe so strongly in this book if I had the money I would put it in the hands of every pastor and every graduating seminary student/pastor.  No…I would make it required reading for graduation.  I would  also put it in the hands of every church leader to read.  I plan to here. To you I say read it.  You never know how much it will mean to your pastor to do so…and finally understand.  :)

Yeah…I’m that sold on it.  BTW: I do know a couple of guys I will be sending this to.   Thank you Shawn for writing a much-needed book. Now…how do you measure success? I’d like to hear your thoughts.  

Posted in Book Discussion, Book Review, Church, Leadership | 34 Responses »

LoveDoes

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

I AM GOING TO BE VERY UP FRONT AND HONEST WITH YOU (what other way is there to be):

There are very few books I would recommend so highly that I would go out and buy extra copies for my two daughters (oops give away) and a young man I once mentored (whom I mentioned the book to this past weekend).  I am THAT sold on this book.  Okay…with that honesty and endorsement out of the way, let me tell you why I say that.

If you are reading my blog for the first time or do not know me very well, I am what you might consider an old fogie.  I’m so old the spell check wants to tell me fogie is spelled wrong.  :)   What does it know?  Like many who read this book, they cannot fathom someone as old as me.  Okay, so I am still 4 months away from 60.  I say that because very little of the newer stuff turns my crank.   I no longer feel like I have to have 3-point sermons, but I still preach with an outline and points.

But in my estimation this book sets a bar for the younger generation that I personally believe will be one to strive for and will not be reached easily.  I am talking about writing.  I am mostly talking about living.  Like many of you, I tire quickly of those who spout off scream out platitudes of what a life in Christ is like, but then have little in the way of application.  Even less in the way of example. Bob doesn’t do that.  I also DO NOT have ADD or ADHD or any of the other alphabets, but I bore easily when reading a book that does not catch my attention.  My library is littered with partially read books.   :)   But Love Does is not one of them.   Bob captured me in his Introduction about his office  being on Tom Sawyer Island (how unique is that?) and kept me hooked until the last page.  What really caught me was this:

Living a life fully engaged and full of whimsy and the kind of things that love does is something most people plan to do, but along the way just kind of forget.  Their dreams become one of those ‘we’ll go there next time’ deferrals.  The sad thing is, for many there is not ‘next time’ because passing on the chance to cross over is an overall attitude toward life rather than a single decision.  They need a change of attitude, not more opportunities.

Bob spends the rest of his book talking about a life fully engaged and full of whimsy (his word).   There is no way I can adequately convey to you the depth of this simple book in one short post, but I plan to whet your appetite to buy it with a series of posts over the next week or so that will hopefully spur your thoughts and creative juices to consider a life of whimsy.

Here is your thought to think about today:  If you were to describe your life from 1 (low)-10 (high), how would you describe your life right now in engagement and whimsy? Do you feel like you have “settled for” or do you still live a life of adventure?  

Posted in Book Discussion, Book Review, Christian living, Just Wondering | 32 Responses »

Toxicity

Sunday, June 17th, 2012

THE BEGINNING

God doesn’t seek for golden vessels, and does not ask for silver ones, but He must have clean ones.

THE END

Contrast toxic religion with the pure gospel.  Religion is all about what I do.  The gospel is all about what Jesus has done.  Religion is about me.  The gospel is about Jesus.  Religion highlights my efforts to do what is right. The gospel highlights what Christ has already done.  Religion lures me to believe that if I obey God, He will love me.  But the gospel shows me that because God loves me, I get to obey Him.  Religion puts a burden on us.  We have to do what is right. A relationship with Christ puts the burden on Him.  And because of what He did for us, we get to do what is right. Instead of an obligation, our right living is a response to a gift.

IN BETWEEN

Some really good stuff.  How’s that for an educated writer’s thoughts. :)   I’m talking about the book, Soul Detox, by Pastor Craig Groeschel.   I had already shared the first quote with you previously, but that was as I was just beginning the book.  I finished his book last week, but due to time constraints and the fact that I wanted to let it stew a bit, I am just now getting around to writing about it.  I could  be very succinct with three words: GO. BUY. IT!!  But it deserves a few more words than that.  Craig divides his book into three sections: Toxic Behaviors, Toxic Emotions, and Toxic Influences.  Along the way Craig digs up nasty smelling garbage- garbage that we all have had or will have to deal with.  In the first section, he talks about our thoughts, language and “hidden” sins.  In the second section, he really gets down to the nitty-gritty and takes on with the force of a linebacker hitting a running back, the emotions of bitterness, envy, anger and fear.  In the third section, he pulls no punches in confronting our preoccupation with materialism, sex, unhealthy people, and moldy religion.

To be fair and honest, Craig is one of my favorite people.  He has taken the time to chat with me; to call me; to write me; and to pray for me, but I can honestly say that if he had written a “stinker” of a book, I would say so. He spared me that!!  :P    This book has definitely put a bug in my ear for a sermon series sometime in 2013.  I’ve said enough.  You simply need to buy it here, or somewhere.

How would you define a toxic relationship?  Did any of the ones mentioned ring your bell?  What are you going to do about it?  Share if you like.  Pray for all you’re worth. 

Posted in Book Review, Christian living, Miscellaneous | 28 Responses »

DeepWater

Tuesday, May 8th, 2012

A QUOTE TO CONSIDER:

God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse them. John H. Aughey

That quote was in the Epilogue of a book I just finished reading-a fiction book.  It is called Hearts That Survive: A Novel of The Titanic.  I bought the book because, as some of you may already know, I like reading and studying about Titanic.   While this novel was not specifically about Titanic (which slightly disappointed me), it became a story of history, of lives changed forever by the disaster.  While it mentions a few historical characters and events, this is a work of fiction.  Good fiction.  Not action-packed, but good story-telling fiction.   Fiction that didn’t preach at the reader,  but fiction that developed several themes over its 400+ pages.  I got over my disappointment quickly and embraced the story of the book. :)

The quote may have been used by the author to close out her novel, but I saw a “gem” there that spoke volumes.  Back story: the book begins on Titanic and follows certain individuals through that disaster and then as their lives develop in the years that follow.  Her use of the quote is clearly in reference to the effect the disaster had on their future.  I saw in the quote spiritual truth.

We will often read of “being broken.”  Speakers or authors will say, “It was only when I was broken that I was able to ‘see’ God’s hand in my life” or something to that effect.  How that brokenness occurs varies. Some face incredible family hardship.  Some face a financial downturn that sweeps their feet out from underneath them. Some face a loss of a job; a divorce; a broken heart; or (fill in the blank).  As we all know, hard times can either make us or break us. Many break and never recover. Others are like diamonds:  refined and polished and shining like the sun.  They weather the storm and find their foundation is built on the Solid Rock, and not shifting sand.  The truth contained in John 14:27 screams “I am true!” at them.

I don’t want to belabor the point.  I think you already get it.  But I do know that I plan to make that quote a “remember me” quote.  More than that, I want to make the Author and Builder of the house on the rock my cleansing fountain.  Have any thoughts you would like to share?  I would like to hear them.  What do you think of the quote? 

Posted in Book Review, Christian living, God, Just a Quote, Just Wondering, Scripture look | 29 Responses »

Intersection

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012

Look up the intersection in the dictionary and it gives a pretty straightforward definition:

“A place where two or more roads cross each other.”

All neat and tidy.  In fact, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.  Strange then how confusing it is when peoples’ lives intersect. We will hear things like:

“Lorraine, my density has brought me to you.”  “What?”  “What I meant to say was, ‘I am your density, I mean, your destiny.’ ” (shortened version from Back to the Future)

“I’m sort of glad dad hit you with that car.  If he hadn’t we wouldn’t have met and fallen in love.”  (same movie)

“I guess it was fate that brought us together.”

“If you build it, he will come.”

Fate. Destiny. Chance. Planet alignment.  Karma.  (None of which I believe).  We use all sorts of words to describe the intersecting of our lives as we move through life and experience various events.  From my perspective I don’t see it as any of those offerings.  I see it as God’s intervention.  Not puppet-like, but “there is a purpose” type.  That word (intersection) kept running through my mind as I read the book, HE HEARD HANNAH, by Lynnette Kraft with Courtney Becker.   This is my review of the book, and I am honored to be part of Lynnette’s blog tour.   I honestly have no clue how or why Lynnette contacted me and asked if I would read her book, review it, and be involved in the blog tour.  I told her I would do all of them.  :)

Anna was Kyle and Lynnette’s sixth child: older brother, Jared, and two sisters, Abigail and Cecily would greet her.  Two other brothers had already gone to heaven (she tells about that in the book).  In the womb, Anna was diagnosed with a condition called Heterotaxy Syndrome.  Her form of HS was called Asplenia.  Needless to say, life took on a unique pattern, one that had its ups and downs.  Fine one minute, but requiring surgery another became almost an expected occurrence for the Kraft family.

Life intersected when Anna was six years old and stopped breathing early one morning.  A call to a dispatcher at 911 would be all that Courtney Becker would need to have his life radically changed.   Not right away…at least not in the way this story ends.  But how does a dispatcher deal with hearing the pleadings of parents over the phone for their daughter to breathe?  What drew him in even more was the name: he thought he heard the name Hannah…the name of his daughter.  His story is best told by him, so I won’t even try to do so.  Ironically, years pass before they officially meet face-to-face, and if I might interject, it is a God-thing.  His life was going downhill for more reasons than one, and it was his “chance” meeting with the Krafts that began the change which would turn into an eternal change as well.  It would be unfair for me to unfold all the nuances of their lives,  and how the intersection of them made a difference in both families.  That is best left up to them to tell.

Let me put it this way: YOU GOTTA READ THIS BOOK!  Every pastor ought to read it.  Every woman/man who has a heart to help others ought to read it.  Every heart-broken parent dealing with the death of a child ought to read it.   You will cry, laugh, ache, and even wonder who you could help.   This link here will take you directly to the book.  Oh, but don’t take my word for it.  You can read other reviews and interviews here, and here.

I am grateful the publisher (and Lynnette) has graciously offered two books to give away if you comment here.  You also get another entry for linking to fb or Twitter.  I will take your word on the latter two since I am not on either.  :)   Just let me know.  You can also visit Lynnette’s site here.

Posted in Book Review, Christian living, Family, Friendship | 34 Responses »

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