‘Hear No Evil: My Story of Innocence, Music, and the Holy Ghost’ by Matthew Paul Turner – Book Review

Matthew Paul Turner is a blogger, speaker and author of several books.  He is also the former editor of CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) Magazine.  

Not only that, but he’s a funny guy!  I have been reading his blog, ‘Jesus Needs New PR’ and his tweets for a while now.  When I found out he had a new book coming out, I wanted to be one of the first to read it!


That latest book, ‘Hear No Evil: My Story of Innocence, Music, and the Holy Ghost,’ a memoir of his earlier years, did not disappoint! 

Here’s a video of his adorable son, Elias, helping his daddy promote 'Hear No Evil':

Matthew had a very conservative upbringing.  Here’s his take on it:

“I was raised in an ultraconservative Baptist church where emotion and honesty were even less compatible than Christian fundamentalism and self-worth.  At my church whenever somebody capable of emotional honesty became a member, it created a situation similar to my father’s lectures about a new puppy: “‘As long as it never poops on the carpet, I’ll let it be an ‘inside dog.’”  Anyone was welcome to join us for worship on Sundays, as long as they never emotionally pooped on the carpet.  Most of us kids were “house-trained” before we’d memorized our multiplication tables.” (p. 8)

Matthew muses about his childhood, and the judgmentalism and narrowness of the thinking that is pervasive in many Christian circles.  Some of his examples were so surreal, ridiculous and outlandish that they defied imagination – but they are all too true.  Sometimes, it is best to just laugh at these situations!

Music has been an important element in his life, and it is a main theme in this book.  Here is his explanation of his fandom of Sandi Patty:

“… Since many in my church deemed her evil, being Sandi’s fan made me feel edgy and full of rage, like I was bucking the fundamentalist system.  I didn’t get many opportunities to buck.  I rarely felt the need to.  But Sandi’s music was like contraband at IBBC [his church]…. Nobody garnered popularity points getting caught with a Sandi Patty cassette in their pocket.  That was like a guy admitting he sort of liked the song “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club or piercing the wrong earlobe to make a statement.  If a teacher learned about my loyalty to Sandi, they labeled me a heathen; if one of the kids at my Christian school found out, they assumed I was gay.” (p. 39)  

One more example of his clever prose:

“For as long as I could remember, I have lived a separate existence from normal people.  I don’t believe I comprehended to what extent my life was different from the lives of other people my age, but I wasn’t naïve to how detached we were.  Sure, my parents installed a chastity belt around my brain to keep out unwanted predators like Pee-Wee Herman and the anti-God protagonist who wrote 1984, but I wasn’t ignorant.  I knew my family was different.  I like being different.” (p. 112)

I could go on and on with my praise, but instead will encourage you to read ‘Hear No Evil’ for yourself!  There are just too many pages that are highlighted!  This is one book I will be reading multiple times.

I have been reading many books of late which have been stretching me (all of which are reviewed on this blog) – Mark Batterson’s ‘Primal,’ Gary Thomas’ ‘Pure Pleasure,’ Susie Larson’s ‘Embracing Your Freedom,’ Randy Elrod’s ‘Sex, Lies and Religion,’ and Mary DeMuth’s ‘Thin Places.’ among others.  This book is no exception.  I have had my bouts of being judgmental and narrow-minded over the years, and it is very clear to me that Jesus is none of those!  He operates in love, and that is what I have been learning time and time again lately.  I am glad to see that Matthew has seen that truth as well! 

Other titles by Matthew are:

Churched: One Kid's Journey Toward God Despite a Holy Mess

Provocative Faith: Walking Away from Ordinary

The Christian Culture Survival Guide: The Misadventures of an Outsider on the Inside

The Coffeehouse Gospel: Sharing Your Faith In Everyday Conversation

What You Didn't Learn from Your Parents About: Sex: A Guide to a Touchy Subject

Relearning Jesus: How Reading the Beatitudes One More Time Changed My Faith


Hokey Pokey: Curious People Finding What Life's All About

This book was provided to me for review purposes by Waterbrook Press.

The Winner of 'Finding Inner Peace During Trouble Times' is........

We have a winner of 'Finding Inner Peace During Troubled Times,' as chosen by the Random Number Generator.  


And the winner is.....


Heidi V!


Congratulations!  I will be emailing you shortly.


If you'd like to purchase a copy, you can do so here.


Thanks for entering - and there will be more reviews and giveaways to come!

'Swinging on a Star' by Janice Thompson - Book Review

There are times when I am in the mood to just be transported away to a different place.  ‘Swinging on a Star,’ Book Two in the Weddings by Bella Series, written by Janice Thompson, does just that!

This book provides a glimpse into the life of the Rossi family from Galveston Island, Texas.  The main character, Bella Rossi, is a twenty-something wedding planner who has just taken over Club Wed, the family business after her parents have run it very successfully for many years.  Bella has decided to take the business in a different direction – planning themed weddings.

This book is chock-full of colorful characters – primarily highlighting Bella’s large Italian family all living under one big roof.  Bella’s mama, Imelda, is an opera singer who is always well put together.  Her pop is lactose-intolerant – a real hindrance in an Italian family!  Her sister, Sophia, follows in her mother’s footsteps.  Aunt Rosa, the sister of Bella’s mama, is a wonderful cook who is featured on ‘The Food Network.’  Uncle Lazarro, the brother of Bella’s papa, owns a pizzeria named Parma John’s and is constantly bickering (or is it flirting?!) with Aunt Rosa.  Joining in on the frivolity is D.J. Neeley, Bella’s sweetheart of three months.  D.J. is a handsome country boy from Splendora, Texas who works in construction and is an all-around nice guy.

The latest wedding that Bella is planning is a Renaissance-themed wedding.  The couple getting married are Rob and Marian.  During one of their planning meetings, Rob reveals that his best man will be his best friend since childhood, Brock Benson – who also happens to be the hottest actor in Hollywood!  Hilarity and antics ensue as Bella works to ensure that the wedding is not ruined by reporters and paparazzi, etc….  Janice Thompson writes with humor and lots of wit!

Most of the characters in this book are Christ-followers.  The first member of the family to meet Jesus was Uncle Lazarro, after he was involved in a car accident in their hometown of Atlantic City, New Jersey. 

I was happy to see Jesus being glorified and lifted up in this wonderfully entertaining book.  Here’s one example:

Was this how God felt, perhaps, when I finally relinquished my fears and gave myself over to his protection during the storms of my life?  Did he want to reach down and pat my head and say, “It’s gonna be okay, Bella, just sleep.” (p. 178)

Here’s another powerful passage:

“I guess the real difference is in figuring out that we’re all royalty.  We’re God’s kids.  So the whole princess theme is very real.  That’s why it resonates with women so deeply.  We’re waiting for Prince Charming to sweep us away, of course, but that’s just a symbol of God sweeping in and loving us in spite of our flaws.  He doesn’t see our warts.  Or our wrinkles.  He only sees that we’re his little princesses.  And he wants us to hang out in his throne room.”  (p. 283)

Mrs. Thompson, who lives in Texas herself and has personal experience as a wedding planner (both as a business and in the weddings of her four daughters), spares no expense in the details.  For instance, each chapter of 'Swinging on a Star' is named after a song title – ‘High Hopes,’ ‘Blue Skies,’ ‘Come Rain or Come Shine,’ etc…  The only detail I found that was not accurate was that one of the characters owned a (pink!)1983 Ford Pinto; the last year of production of that model was 1980.  But I digress!     

 

This book is lots of fun!  It is not necessary to have read the first book in the ‘Weddings by Bella’ series, ‘Fools Rush In,’ in order to enjoy this one (I have not read that one as yet, and it didn’t stop me from wanting to keep reading this one!), but I imagine it is just as creative and imaginative as is this one!  I will be reading and reviewing Mrs. Thompson’s ‘Allegheny Hopes’ shortly – stay tuned!

You can order this book here.

This book was provided to me for review purposes by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

'Thin Places: A Memoir' by Mary DeMuth - Book Review

Mary DeMuth is an author and writing mentor who has written many books. Her latest work is entitled ‘Thin Places: A Memoir.’

Mary explains the concept of ‘thin places’ this way:


“I, myself, am a thin place…. The Celts define a thin place as a place where heaven and the physical world collide, one of those serendipitous territories where eternity and the mundane meet. Thin describes the membrane between the two worlds, like a piece of vellum, where we see a holy glimpse of the eternal – not in digital clarity, but clear enough to discern what lies ahead.” (p. 11)


Please take a look at this powerful book trailer for 'Thin Places,' featuring Mary telling her story:





Mary was raised by her mother. She is an only child, whose father was her mother’s first husband. Her mother subsequently married two more times. Her family life appeared to be chaotic and non-nurturing. She endured unthinkable trauma when she was five years old. Her life changed forever at age 15 when she met Jesus, and she’s followed Him ever since (according to the profile at her blog).



At time, I thought I was reading my own memoir as I read Mary’s story. I, too, had a difficult childhood. I, too, grew up fatherless. Although I did not suffer the same abuses that Mary did, I did suffer similar difficulties. Junior high was particularly traumatic (did anyone enjoy their junior high years?!....). She endured a lot of teasing and engaged in behaviors to please her peer group that ended up working to her detriment. Regardless of all that, the Lord has done a work in her. Mary admits she still has a long way to go; so do I.


I must admit that I was shocked by some of the events that have transpired in Mary’s life, and what she has overcome. It is very obvious to me that she is where she is today because of the grace and healing power of Jesus Christ; she would readily agree. I thank Mary for opening her life to us and being so truthful and transparent. It must have been a difficult journey to relive some of those event, but there is no doubt in my mind that this memoir will be read by people who have survived similar circumstances, and will be encouraged and heart-warmed by the road the Lord has placed her on today. For me, it was a difficult read in many spots; seeing how the sins of one person can scar another. In reading her memoir, I can see that there are so areas in my story that need to be addressed. If she can do it, I can do it! I encourage you to read it yourself and pick up copies for those in your life who are currently facing and have lived through difficult struggles.


Mary is an amazing wordsmith. She has a true gift for writing, as was first conveyed to her in a note from her second grade teacher, who sent the note home one day with Mary.


Here is a paragraph I found to be amazing:


“In that holy, crushing thin place, in the ethereal place of gauzy memory, God rolls the reproach of my childhood from me. Jesus comes near, so near I can nearly feel His embrace. He enters into the place I once thought my haven, shows me its flaws. He enters my refuge – the only One who truly can be.” (p. 46)


Here’s another:


“On earth, Jesus is tempted to be a people-pleaser, just like I am. Yet, He doesn’t sin. So He can help me. Jesus walks the perfect life, yet some folks don’t like Him. Even so, He maneuvers their disapproval perfectly. Which means there is hope for an approval-monger like me. Which means I can be whole without needing the masses to shout my praises (I’m reminded of the fickleness of crowds, how on one day they chant Hosanna, the next day giving way to howls of Crucify). Jesus can be unliked. I can be too.” (p. 79)

In addition to Mary’s website, she also has a personal blog she calls Relevant Blog.  She also partners with D’Ann Mateer and Leslie Wilson on the Writing Spa, where they provide mentoring on the craft of writing. In addition, on her Wanna Be Published blog, she offers daily inspiration, education and valuable publishing information.



Here is the list of Mary’s books:



Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God: Encouragement to Refresh Your Soul



Building the Christian Family You Never Had: A Practical Guide for Pioneer Parents



Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture: Practical Help for Shaping Your Children’s Hearts, Minds, and Souls



Watching the Tree Limbs (Maranatha Series #1)



Wishing on Dandelions (Maranatha Series #2)



Daisy Chain (Defiance Texas Trilogy, Book 1)



A Slow Burn (Defiance Texas Trilogy, Book 2)



Life in Defiance (Defiance Texas Trilogy, Book 3) – coming in May, 2010




Mary currently resides in Texas and is happily married to Patrick and is the mother to four wonderful, thriving children. Considering the trauma she endured in her early years, she is living an amazing and rewarding and fulfilling life. Her life is a testament to the healing power of Jesus Christ.


Mary admits that she still has a long way to go, but she is excited about the future and where Jesus will continue to lead. I look forward to following her journey.


This book was published by Zondervan, and provided to me by Mary DeMuth and the Blog Tour Spot for review purposes.

A 'Thin Place' in My Life

Mary DeMuth is a wonderful author.  To celebrate the release of her new memoir, 'Thin Places,' (which I will be reviewing soon), Mary is conducting a contest for an Amazon Kindle at her 'Wanna Be Published' blog.  The topic is this: "tell us about a time you experienced a 'thin place' in your life. These would be aha moments, beautiful realizations when the Son of God bursts through the hazy fog of our monotony and shines on us afresh, times when God has reminded or reassured you that he is real and present."  More information is available here.  


Here is my essay - exactly 259 words long!

My ‘thin place’ was during the time that my mother was dying in December 2004.  I was an only child whose parents divorced before I was born.  In addition, I had not yet been married.  Therefore, my mother and I were very close.  She was suffering from congestive heart failure and a host of other maladies.  Her 80^th birthday was December 19, 2004.  She lived to be 80, but ultimately succumbed to her illnesses on December 24, 2004.  It was, needless to say, bittersweet, as it was Christmas Eve.  I had been at the hospital for what seemed to be weeks.  I had decided to leave that day to spend some time with a friend and to get out a little bit.  I received the call from the doctor around 1 am on Christmas morning to tell me that she had passed around 11:30 pm.  I knew she was enjoying her new home with the Savior of her heart and soul.

The Lord had graciously brought Fred into my life around Thanksgiving.   He and Mom had the opportunity to meet, and she lit up when she saw him!  Fred & I knew the Lord brought the two of us together, and Mom seemed to know, too.  I think she felt safe in leaving me to his care.

Fred and I married on June 10, 2005.  It was a joyous day.  It would have been even more of a celebration if Mom had been there, but we will have a wonderful reunion one day.  I rejoice in that wonderful hope!

'Cupidity: 50 Stupid Things People Do for Love' by Hayley and Michael DiMarco - Book Review

With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching, my mind is (even more than usual!) focusing on love and marriage.  I have the great joy of reading and reviewing a fun book called ‘Cupidity: 50 Stupid Things People Do for Love’ by the husband and wife team, Michael and Hayley DiMarco  They are the perpetrators (and I used that word intentionally!) of the Babble of the Sexes website, which the DiMarcos describe as “A scattered conversation of a spiritual and/or humorous nature about life, love, and books.”  It is laugh out loud funny!

Here’s the description of this charming couple from the back cover of the book:

Michael and Hayley DiMarco are the visionaries behind Hungry Planet, a company intensely focused on feeding the world’s appetite for truth by producing books and new media, taking on issues of faith and life with a distinctively modern voice.

Plus they have a daughter - Addison.  Wow – these are busy people!

In addition to the nine books that he has authored or co-authored, Michael also created the Hungry Planet Bible Project, a 10,000 mile extreme road trip recording the faces and voices of the hungry and homeless reading the Bible aloud while raising money and awareness toward their plight. 

Sounds like a great idea; that will make a great book - and even a movie, perhaps!

In ‘Cupidity,’ Hayley and Michael identify 50 of the most common acts of Cupidity, ways to avoid them and learn from them, and what God has to say about relationships. 

The book is divided into 5 sections:

1. Emotional Acts of Cupidity
2. Mental (Gender-Specific) Acts of Cupidity
3. Physical Acts of Cupidity
4. Social Acts of Cupidity
5. Spiritual Acts of Cupidity

Cupidity # 1 is ‘Believing Love is a Feeling.’  We all start out with butterflies in our stomach and an emotional high when we first fall in love.  Those feelings will inevitably diminish over time.  Thank God for that; it can be exhausting to live all of your life with that intensity!  The DiMarcos offer this advice:

So, let’s just say, enjoy the feelings of love when it comes, but know that love doesn’t have to feel good in order to exist.  Consider Christ on the cross.  Certainly, this perfect act of love didn’t give him the amazing feeling that we associate with true love.  In Christ’s life, love hurt, to put it mildly.  But thank God he knew the hurt that had be endured in order for love to become available to all of us (p. 15).

One act of Cupidity to which we can all potentially succumb is # 44: Expecting Another Person to Bring You Hope, Joy or Peace (from the Spiritual Act of Cupidity section).  Michael and Hayley make this point:

When you put your hope solely in the hands of another person, you are sure to be disappointed.  That isn’t because there is no hope but because your hope is to be somewhere else.  And when your hope is heavenly focused instead of humanly focused, you have all the hope you need (Romans 15:4) (p. 214) 

I found there to be many valuable pieces of advice from this Godly couple.   ‘Cupidity’ is a unique combination – lots of fun and a big help to people, particularly younger people.  All of the advice is biblically based, and there is a lot of scripture interspersed throughout.  It is valuable to both single and married people, and is geared to both men and women.  I plan on keeping it on my nightstand as a reminder to be careful to not commit any acts of Cupidity! 

This book was provided to me for review purposes by Tyndale House Publishers.