Book Review - "The Hole in our Holiness"

Before I begin my review of this super great book - I need to say something, and I need every reader to hear it. My purpose in doing a review of this book is only to encourage and prompt any fellow believer in their growth and walk with the Lord, or, for anyone still seeking... to see the connection between holiness in your personal life and serving a holy God. It is in no way my intention to review Kevin DeYoung or to criticize or even argue his points for or against {although I can tell you I thoroughly enjoy his writing!}. After going through a difficult and trying time in ministry here recently,  my whole outlook on these "reviews" has changed. While I'm at it... let me clearly state the opinion that we MUST be careful when reading, reviewing and judging other peoples written word, especially as we don't always know the whole story or see the whole picture or even... {gasp} KNOW the author.

{slowly pushes soap box back into corner}

And now we begin :)

The whole premise for this book is "Why?". Why is it that holiness is no longer a chart topper need for believers? And when did it become almost taboo in some Christian circles to talk about or practice holiness? I so enjoyed DeYoung's opening description of one of the "why's" -

"Related to this first reason is the fear that a passion for holiness makes you some kind of weird holdover from a bygone era. As soon as you share your concern about swearing or about avoiding certain movies or about modesty or sexual purity or self-control or just plain godliness, people look at you like you have a moralistic dab of cream cheese on your face from the 1950's." 

Ha! How true I have found this to be even now, in 2013. DeYoung refers to our "culture of cool" among believers. How we are so good at making things "cool" and "appealing" and pushing the boundaries in our "freedoms". This comment was followed by -

"in an effort to be hip, many Christians have figured holiness has nothing to do with these things. They've willingly embraced Christian freedom but without an equal pursuit of Christian virtue." 

This one jabbed me and I think I said AMEN out loud. At least, I wrote it in all caps in my book :) How true is that?! I know even in my own life I can get wrapped up in my freedoms and forget the virtue. I forget that the ULTIMATE calling is to be a Christ imitator above all things. Love my Jesus and live like Him. Chapter one ended with the greatest sentences:

"There is a gap between our love for the gospel and our love for godliness. This must change. It's not pietism, legalism, or fundamentalism to take holiness seriously. It's the way of all those who have been called to a holy calling by a holy God."

And that, my friends... is the way to start a good book.

A big section of the book covers the topic of entertainment, and to be honest with you, I think it was my favorite part. As a believer something I am constantly wondering is "is this ok?" and feeling like the only one who is slightly uncomfortable. Like I'm all uptight. You know when you are a teen and dating and that question "how far is too far?" - well, that's where I have been so many times. Of course the answer is - how far from sin can we be?! And not how close to sin can we get. I appreciated DeYoung's view on entertainment and it's been a great help in how I view mine and other believers choices.

"I have to be careful (with movies in particular) that I don't assume my pangs of conscience mean everyone else tuned in is committing sin. But when my conscience is pricked I should not continue watching. A tender conscience is a terrible thing to waste."

"..I wonder if after most of our entertainment we could sincerely get down on our knees and say, "Thank you, God, for this good gift." Something to think about."

What an awesome and convicting thought. The shows where the wives bash and belittle their husbands - can I really be thankful for that? Usually not. Movies where the entire theme is based on sex outside of marriage {or even in marriage} -  is that helpful? Is it praiseworthy? Or, does it leave me longing for something harmful, unrealistic, or sinful? These are the thoughts I'm filtering with each thing I watch now. While I'm not here to judge or condemn anyone {I sin just as well as anyone...} I do think it's good to challenge each other. What are we filling our homes with?! What kinds of things stay on my brain long after the tv is turned off? What am I laughing at? It's so VITAL that we stop and think of the transformation that should be happening. Are we conforming or transforming to look like Christ?

"And we all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." 2 Cor. 3:18

The book ends {and there are literally so many other awesome thoughts in the middle chapters} with such encouragement for us! I really enjoyed the chapter titled "Be Who you are" - in regards to being in union with Christ. What a gift!

"Union with Christ fundamentally and irrevocably changes our relationship to sin. Our old self has been crucified {Rom. 6:6}, and sin has no dominion over us {vs. 14}. 

"Sin may get in some good jabs. It may clean your clock once in a while. It may bring you to your knees. But if you are in Christ it will never knock you out."

Just like the audience in Romans chapter 6 the same promise is for us today!

"Their identity, and yours, has been altered. You play for a different team. You live in a different realm. You go by a different name. Therefore, do no let sin reign in your mortal body {vs. 12} Don't present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness. Instead, offer yourselves to God as slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification {vs. 19}."

It's Saturday and the temptation to live for self is so present. I'm tired and a momma and wife and there are a million things to always get done. I've been so thankful for this excellent read which challenged me in many ways! Grace is wonderful and what a mighty, loving, God we serve.

Book Review: "What are you waiting for?"

Dear patient Waterbrook Multnomah...I haven't forgotten about you. It's just that, well, I had a child and then got sick as a dog. {whatever that means!} But, today is a good day and here comes that review.

Signed,

The worst book reviewer you have :)

Months ago I was able to finish reading the newest book from Dannah Gresh titled, "What are you waiting for?". Here's a little back-cover info for you:

"In What are you waiting for? Dannah follows the trail of one provocative, ancient word through the Bible to discover God's deepest thoughts about sex. The mind-blowing truth she uncovers clearly points the way to a sexuality that's satisfying and real and everything God designed it to be.

Not one to shy away from edgy topics, Dannah candidly shares:

- the ground breaking science that explains the addictive power of romantic experiences

-honest answers about the lesbian question

-a clear plan for breaking free from sexual guilt

-the unexpected key to a lifetime of truly fulfilling intimacy

If you're a young woman looking for candid insights about sex - and wondering why its such a big deal to God - you've come to the right place. In these pages you'll discover a life-changing truth that no one ever talks about - a truth that will transform everything you think you know about sex, romance, and God."

My Review:

Am I the only one who is STILL squirmy when it comes to talking about this subject? And at almost 29 years old, married for almost 6 years, and two children later... why? I'm learning that one of the reasons is because I still struggle to think through things biblically. This is why I'm thankful for writers like Dannah Gresh - who have taken the time and dedication to study God's word and bring us truth on topics like this!

"What are you waiting for?" was a quick and easy read. I appreciated the personal stories of her own life as well as those about people she has worked with and counseled in the past. I chose this book to review because of my role in life right now working with teen girls and 20-something youth leaders. Sex is something that is talked about all the time, even if that exact word isn't even used. Our culture is saturated with it. Our girls are surrounded by it - sometimes unknowingly, and I so hope to be a source of help and wisdom for them when they come asking... or even if they don't. Dannah mentions in one chapter -

"Many women who are sexually active as teens find themselves either emotionally or physically challenged by intimacy once they are married."

And that is just one more reason we HAVE to teach and train our girls to honor God with their bodies and sexuality.

Without giving away the whole element of surprise, much of the book is based on the Hebrew word, "Yada" which means, "to know, to be known, to be deeply respected". I had heard this in my college years in relation to sex - but had never studied it out much past that. What a wake up call for me to do some re-learning. Dannah was able to go through such "sensitive" topics and apply it to what "Yada" has to do with it. While she is candid, a little too candid for this bashful lady... I can see how this book would be beneficial to parents hoping to connect with their teens. I don't recommend this book as a bible study tool or even something to work through one-on-one with a mentor/mentee situation, just because I believe the topic of sex is something parents need to teach their children. I will say that it has GREAT touch points to start general conversations and great stats and facts to keep you up to date on what is going on out there. For example: 75% of graduates are finishing high school as NON-virgins. Sheesh!

The book is all from a biblical perspective with a lot of hard truth from a woman who has "been there" and "done that". She shares from her heart and has so much wisdom and personal experience to help out those who are hurting from sexual sin or who are curious about the topic. If you have children - it's worth your time to be educated and Dannah does it so well. I know I need to gear up already as I am raising two little girls myself now.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

You can purchase the book, read excerpts, and watch Dannah's video HERE.

Book Review: The Dragon and the Turtle

"Roger loves adventure. Today he's playing pirate, sailing the high seas, dancing to the hornpipe, and catching fish. But the wind's blown him of course and he's...well...lost.

When Padraig, a kitten-sized, bug-eating dragon, encounters the lost turtle, he offers to help Roger find his way home. Roger's directions take some time to follow - his house looks brown, sounds like singing, smells like baking, feels like sand, and tastes like strawberries - and along the way, Roger and Padraig become friends. And friendship always yields unexpected rewards - like cookies."

Written by Donita K. Paul and her daughter Evangeline Denmark
Illustrated by Vincent Nguyen

My Review:

I wanted to try my hand at reviewing a childrens book, obviously, as my own children (child) are just getting into books and reading. I was super impressed by Donita and Evangeline's childrens books! The story is precious as it follows these two loveable characters as they go through their normal days.

The authors use of cute phrases like, "crunchy, squishy, nutty bug" to describe Dragon Padraigs snack were perfect for my preschooler. She also loved following the story line to finding Rogers house. Using the 5 senses was a great teaching tool and a great way to gain more interaction as we read. For example - I was able to ask, "How do we smell? What do we use to smell the cookies?"

My favorite parts of this book were actually after the story was over. At the end of the book there are two pages for parents. Page one gives a bible verse to correlate with the lesson this book offered - in this case - friendship (Proverbs 17:17). I loved the idea of ending a childrens book with a quick bible lesson to plug in. Especially with my very young, wiggly child. After the verse there are several discussion questions that would be beneficial for older children, too.
And at its closing, this adorable book offers a recipe for the cookie Roger and Padraig enjoyed together once they found Roger's house. Precious! The authors make a note that encourages children to celebrate their friends and gives them ideas on how to send a letter, make a phone call, etc.

An adorable book with a wonderful, biblical message on how to love our friends. I'd recommend this to anyone with smaller children. The illustrations were incredible, too. Nguyen created two characters that are fun to look at and have beautiful details.

If you are interested in purchasing this book click here.
To preview an excerpt click here.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

"Everything Christmas" - Book Review and GIVEAWAY

While most people have now packed away the Nativity Scene, Christmas tree, house decorations, cookie tins and cutters, and all the other Christmas-themed stuff... I'm now ready to do my Christmas book review. {hehehe} Who says you can't keep the Christmas spirit alive?!

"Christmas is a time of celebration and wonder, a time to embrace longstanding traditions and establish new ones. It's a time for meals filled with memories and heartwarming stories shared around the fireplace. It's a time for worship, reflection, and remembrance of God's greatest gift.

Everything Christmas brings all of the best ideas for the holiday season together in one volume. In this book, you'll find your favorite classic Christmas stories and a few new ones destined to join them. You'll discover the most delectable holiday recipes, enjoy the words to treasured hymns and carols, and be encouraged by inspirational Christmas poems and the joy of the Nativity.

Organized by the days of Advent, Everything Christmas includes everything you need to make the holiday bright. From decoration ideas to Christmas trivia and humor - it's all here! Opening Everything Christmas is like opening a box full of Christmas cheer."

My review:

Everything Christmas, written by David Bordon and Tom Winters.

I got this book in the mail about 3 weeks prior to Christmas and couldn't wait to dig in! And the back cover description is absolutely right... it has a little bit of everything Christmas. My favorite things about this book were the historical accounts of Christmas in days-gone-by, meanings behind Christmas carols and hymns, the international Christmas dinner menus and the tear jerking stories. As a young family and new-er mom, I'm always looking for ways to build traditions into our family and this book offered so many great ideas!

This book is full of quotes and sayings about Christmas. I found myself writing so many down in my journal. The same thing with recipes and decor ideas. On day December 16th, "Christmas Gift Ideas for the Clergy" was the chapter title. Hilarious! Maybe the "Early Exit Alarm" was my favorite idea -

"Tired of all those people leaving church before the end of the service? A simple laser projector at each door sends out a piercing alarm each time the beam is broken. This splendid device will encourage church members to remain dutifully seated until dismissed."

So, while the book did have so many tear-jerking stories and heartfelt memories, it was also lively with funny quips and chapters like the above mentioned.

This book would make a lovely gift for someone who is a Christmas-all-year-round person, or would look beautiful on a coffee table during your holiday season. It's a little book full of all kinds of Christmas fun! I especially liked that it ended with some post-Christmas prayers and ideas. An adorable, thoughtful, book that will be loved by whoever receives it!

If this sounds like something you'd like to own or gift to someone - you can check out more info here. Or, catch a sneak-peek at the book here on video.

*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Now, if you like just plain ol' FREE... here's how you can win your own copy:

- Leave a comment on this post. And since Christmas IS over and you have all this spare time... {chuckle}... write your best memory made this past Christmas! I'll do a random drawing tomorrow at some time - and contact the winner after that. Be sure to leave either a link to your blog so I can let you know if you won - or, some type of contact info!

And, I think it would be appropriate to say... HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Review: Life, in Spite of Me ... WIN ONE FREE!

She wanted to die. God had other plans.

"Why does my life have to be so painful? What's wrong with me? It's not going to get better. It could all be over soon, and then I won't hurt anymore."
Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture-perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook: three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a seemingly bottomless depression.

One January night, the seventeen-year-old decided she no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited for a freight train to send her to heaven...and peace.
Miraculously Kristen's story doesn't end there.

In Life, In Spite of Me this remarkably joyful young woman shares the miracle of her survival, the agonizing aftermath of her failed suicide attempt, and the hope that has completely transformed her life, giving her a powerful purpose for living.

Her gripping story of finding joy against all odds provides a vivid and unforgettable reminder that life is a gift to be treasured.

About the author(s):

Kristen Jane Anderson has been featured on Oprah and is a popular speaker at colleges, women's and youth events, churches, and suicide-prevention outreaches. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute and the founder of Reaching You Ministries, Kristen seeks to help those who are hurting, hopeless, lost, suicidal, and depressed.

Tricia Goyer is the author of hundreds of articles for national periodicals, as well as more then a dozen novels and several nonfiction books, including Blue Like Play Doh.

My Review:

Life, In Spite of Me was a wake up call for me. Most of my life I've heard of people who battled with depression or bi-polar disorder or just sadness in general - but, rarely understood what I was hearing. Kristen and Tricia present Kristen's story in a way that really helps the reader understand what it's really like to live your life captured by depression, sadness and a feeling of hopelessness. Many times I felt like I was there with Kristen as she fought her sadness. I felt myself cheering her on through her long recovery and rejoicing at the end when... well, you'll have to read that for yourself.
As a youth leader and youth pastor's wife, I appreciated Kristen's side notes to those battling depression or suicidal thoughts themselves. She is personal and got right on the level with where so many of our teens are today in this society. Best of all - the Gospel is CLEAR and evident and she speaks of it unashamedly! There is hope for those struggling and I've been challenged to wake up and be more alert to the teens I'm surrounded by, who might be battling this quiet demon. Kristen's story will encourage you, challenge you and motivate you to get on board with helping people. If you have any kind of interaction with people, at all, this book could be a helpful tool for you in identifying the needs of people suffering with depression.

You can purchase this book HERE.

This book was provided for review by the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

So, whattaya think? Interested? Wanna win a FREE copy of Kristen's book? All you need to do it leave a comment! Tell your bloggy friends to enter, too, the more the merrier! One winner will be chosen on Friday! So, you have a day to enter! Hurry and comment now!

Radical Review

It's that time! My very first official Waterbrook Multnomah book review! I am so excited about this opportunity to preview books, digest them and then share what I've learned. So very cool! I mentioned a few days back that I would also be doing a giveaway of the companion booklet - "The Radical Question" and I had every intention of doing so... until my 1 yr old found it and made it her own personal scribble journal. (mommy's fault for leaving it unattended!) But, GOOD NEWS... Waterbrook Multnomah is giving away FREE booklets HERE, so click the link and fill out the form to get one for yourself. :) See, it all works out! God knew my heart was spazzing out about just what to do. And now, onto the review.

"It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily... BUT WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO LIVES LIKE THAT? DO YOU? In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple - then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a "successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus.

Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment - a one year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring."

David Platt is the pastor of The Church at Brook Hills, a four-thousand-member congregation in Birmingham, Alabama. Widely regarded as an exceptional expositor, David has traveled and taught around the world. He holds two undergraduate and three advanced degrees, including a doctorate from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. David and his wife, Heather, live in Birmingham with their family.

So, what did I think?

David's passion is evident from the get go in this book. I wasn't expecting the pastor of a mega church to be so concerned with what is going on in the rest of the world - as he would obviously have so much responsibility with his own flock. His passion and drive to preach the Gospel to ALL nations was convicting and left little room for our all too common American excuses. In chapter one David says, "...we (American churches today) are starting to redefine Christianity. We are giving in to the dangerous temptation to take the Jesus of the Bible and twist him into a version of Jesus we are more comfortable with. A nice, middle-class, American Jesus. A Jesus who doesn't mind materialism and who would never call us to give away everything we have..."
He goes on to share story after story of his experiences in other countrys with believers young and old. He gives poignant illustrations of the sacrifice and dedication of those who don't have it "so easy" in the faith. I was blown away by some of the experiences he had been able to have. Most of all I found great benefit in the challenge to look at scripture a little more closely to see what it really says about evangelism, spiritual gifts and following Christ, in general. Pastor Platt is down to earth, real, and shares a very contagious Christian faith. I found the general theme of the book to be very similar to that of Frances Chan's "Crazy Love" with the idea of just going, just doing, just giving. Very challenging and engaging from beginning to end. The book ends with the opportunity for you to fill out your own Radical Experiment and make plans for what you will do over the next year in service to God.

Radical can be purchased online at http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/ and you can download chapter one as a preview here.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Housewife stuff

It dawned on me this weekend that I don't think I ever posted the "end result" of our kitchen makeover/paint job. SO SORRY! How annoying is that to have someone go on and on about something like that and then never show the proof...

I can't find any "before" pics fast enough without digging through my Kodak software - but, here are two of the "after" shots. We went with the red and cream-ish colors and will be accenting with coffee stuff. (shocking, I know!) What do you think? My camera doesn't capture all the hard work put in (of course) and how it goes SO well with the dark woodwork... but, oh well.

Don't mind the cluttery table... it was a catchall that day...and somehow everyday...{Sigh}. Anyway, the kitchen is done and now I'm just slowly collecting accents for here and there. If you have any old percolators you don't want - send 'em my way! I'm looking for some antique-y looking coffee things: tins, mugs, pots, signs. We'll see. It was fun and I am praising the Lord for allowing me a home to make my own. :)

Ok, more Housewife stuff...

I wanted to give a quick review of the AMAZING book - "Passionate Housewives Desperate for God" by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald. I finished it a while ago and to be totally honest was sad to be done with it. :( It's THAT good! These ladies have challenged my thought patterns in every aspect of being a homemaker/wife/mom (not in that order) and the Word of God was convicting page after page. If you have an extra $10-16 bucks and have heart that is "hopeful" about homemaking... IT WILL BE WORTH IT! And who knows, maybe you can find it cheaper on Amazon.com or something? (click the link to find out)

In the first chapter I came across this sentence:

"Real women need to know that being helpers to their husbands, raising Godly children, and properly managing their homes takes real work, but the rich reward a woman receives by diligently tending to the ways of her household is well worth the effort."

And that's what got me motivated right away...

Jennie and Stacy shared from personal experiences and lessons learned from other women on the good, the bad and the ugly of this housewife thing. Tho my mom spent many years at home... I know that I still have much to learn, aside from observing her, and this book reminded me of that. I'm baffled as to how to 1) love my husband...really. And be his personal helper. 2) Love my Ava girl. Train her. Mold her. Influence her for Christ...really. and 3) keep up with this house! Some days the task is just too daunting, while others I wake up and just feel very clearly that this is the path the Lord has laid out and all will be well. More and more the latter feeling is taking over! :) And then I came upon a whole chapter that addressed those feelings - YES! And was encouraged with,

"When we recognize and fully embrace our calling, we are finally free to truly enjoy it; we're able to experience contentment in the uniqueness of our role and achieve overwhelming victory in our homes and lives!"

The biggest influence this book (and Scripture) had on my life was the chapter that touched on our personal walks with the Lord. I loved, loved, loved the encouragement offered through their wise words about how to incorporate our children into our walk... instead of getting cranky or even angry when we hear that monitor go off early during nap time - destroying our only chance at a "quiet time". Anyone relate? I don't know your heart...but, OH how angry I used to become if I didn't squeeeeze in those few minutes of solitary time with my Lord while Ava slept. When she was very little - I could feel my blood pressure rise. And, it never made sense to me. Why on earth was I getting angry about this?! I've had 16 months to think about it and it does boil down to selfishness. Thanks be to God for these ladies and their input - reminding me I was not alone in this feeling. Check this out...

"Rather then pouring some cereal and reading my bible with the children while they ate and I sipped a cup of coffee, I would begin my day feeling like a failure, being short with the children - perhaps even secretly feeling like God was unfair. After all, I just wanted to spend time alone with Him; why couldn't He have kept eveyone asleep? I wound up getting angry because I was trying to meet God each day "MY WAY" rather then His, and it wasn't working."

"If this is your season of little ones, find ways to include them in your spiritual life."

"We need to find Him in the commotion of everyday life. We must view serving our families as acts of service to God, rather than acts that "Get in the way" of serving Him."

I was blown away to connect with the authors this way. And to be given such wise advice from women who have been where I am now. One of the authors goes on to share her personal experience of sitting in a chair to read the Word - one of her little sons came to see what momma was doing (after wanting to know what momma was doing allll day long), and rather then becoming frustrated or angry she simply pulled him up in the chair with her and began reading her study passage aloud...with voices...and directing it toward him. It went like this, "Joshua, you came just at the right moment; listen to this, "these things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Isn't that great? Jesus gives us peace in Him! (Jn.16:33)" and goes on to talk about how her toddler went away clapping and grinning because of how excitedly momma had read her bible to him. I put the book down after reading this and wept. Literally. How many times had I selfishlessly pushed away my little one to "concentrate" on God ? How many opportunities missed? I picked the book back up and read this,

"If I strive for a "me-centered" life while I am surrounded by a family who needs me, then I will find myself frustrated and desperate indeed - with an emphasis on despair."

And, wouldn't you know it. During the days as I read this book and got more and more encouraged - it felt as if Satan was working harder and harder to get at me, get me down...whisper lies at me. So many days I battled with selfish pride - still do - and control over my tongue and attitudes. It was as if he wanted to totally distract from all of this rich learning I was taking in. (duh, I know) So, I will tell you this.... don't be suprised if that happens to you. This book is FULL of scripture and wise insight - stuff Satan hates and doesn't want us to see. He wants us to be money hungry, discontent, prideful and forget what God has called us to.

The authors go on to cover topics such as : feminism, work world, avoiding becoming weary, "stepford" husband and the battle of our men being MEN, servanthood, keeping the home, mothering, being a wife, and the list goes on. The cover says it all - I think - "Fresh vision for the hopeful homemaker." Is that you? Need some refreshing? Go for it...

This book has changed the way I view my husband, my child, my church family, the lost, homemaking, cooking, cleaning, you name it... it's changed. Praise be to God for sending this my way at just the right time. He always knows!

Another Pausley Land Adventure

It's finally happening! A few months ago I applied to "blog for books" for Waterbrook Multnomah publishers. It's a really neat program where the company sends you books - prior to their public release, usually - you read them, give a review on your blog, etc. Best of all...the book is yours to keep FREE! (and, you remember my thoughts on FREE, right?)

My first one came in the mail this week and I am so super excited! So, here in a few weeks be on the look out for review #1 on the book Radical, by David Platt. Here's a little sneak peek at the book's cover... wow! I know.

<---------

And here's a little something to whet your whistle - I get to do a giveaway right off the bat! A 54 page booklet titled - "The Radical Question". Now, I'm thinking it should probably accompany the book - but, maybe not. Like I said - I'm new to all of this! Anway, I'm super pumped to put my brain to use again (er...in this way) and learn some stuff! Wish me luck and stayed tuned!