Winner of 'By Faith, Not By Sight' by Scott MacIntyre is......

The Random Number Generator has chosen the winner of Scott MacIntyre's 'By Faith, Not By Sight'! That blessed person is......


Janice! 


Congratulations, Janice! I will be sending you an email shortly.


To those of you who did not win, I highly recommend this wonderful book by this incredible young man! You can place your order through Amazon here.

‘Passages: How Reading the Bible In A Year Can Change Everything for You’ by Brian Hardin – Book Review

Even as a seminary student, I find myself not spending enough time in the Bible. So when I became aware of ‘Passages: How Reading the Bible In A Year Can ChangeEverything for You’ by Brian Hardin, I thought it would be helpful in my own life.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

         How A Few Minutes a Day          Will Change Your Whole            Life.

Many of us would love to read the Bible more often, but we rarely make time for more than a few verses on the run.

But the Bible was never meant to be read in short segments here and there when you can fit it in. The Bible is meant to be experienced in sizeable chunks – in passages – and read daily. It is not a book of mystical incantations, but the story of God’s passionate love – for you. It is not a distant relic, but a best friend offering counsel and companionship – for today.

Through his remarkable story, Brian Hardin shows how reading through the Bible in a year changed his life, and how it will change yours too. Passages goes beyond exploring how the Bible was meant to be read, providing three distinct Bible reading plans to help you get started doing it right now.

Hardin, whose daily podcast has more than a million listeners a month, guarantees you a life revolution, if you will only commit to a few minutes a day to read through the Bible in a year.

As you rediscover the joy of reading the Bible, visit www.dailyaudiobible.com and join a community of fellow readers to share your thoughts on your new adventure.

Here is the biography of the author:

Brian Hardin is a speaker, photographer, record producer, and an ordained minister. In 2006, he created the Daily AudioBible, an online podcast that now delivers 1.5 million downloads a month. He has produced over 150 albums and works with artists and the arts extensively. He is married to Christian musician Jill Parr.

Here is an interview with Mr. Hardin, telling the story of the creation of the Daily Audio Bible and this book:

I found this to be a really well-written book; Mr. Hardin really has a way with words! Here are some ‘passages’ that I found particularly enlightening:

I considered the poverty of the semi-agnostic life I’d been living. Let’s be honest: Isn’t that pretty much how many of us live as Western Christians? We acknowledge God and possibly even go to church regularly. Perhaps we even donate generously. But when push comes to shove, what kind of spiritual foundation do we really have? I had little. There was a little boy with the faith of a warrior in mothballs locked away in the attic of my heart, but now as a father with little boys of my own, my faith was anemic and my existence was balanced on a frail ledge. To say I was a good spiritual leader for my wife and children would be like calling Billy the Kid a good pastor to his band of outlaws. (p. 18)

The Bible isn’t hocus pocus and reading it doesn’t give you magical powers, but it does reveal to you who you really are and illumines a path that you were created to walk. When I began to believe its words and obey its instructions, life began to align with what it said, and this has made all the difference. My heart has been transformed completely. I find myself passionate about things that previously seemed drudgery. The neon blinking lights of culture do not seduce me as they once did. I have little use for the plastic life that made me promises but rarely delivers on anything at all. (p. 26)

I’ve read through the Bible in large portions seven days a week for well over two thousand days consecutively. The man that I was is no longer there. I don’t look at the world the same in any way. I liken this to working out at the gym. If you stick with it a month, you begin to feel healthy. Sweat it out for a quarter of a year and new lines of lean muscle begin to appear. Hang with it for a year and you’ll have a new body and the energy to go along with it. Our hearts seem to work the same way. I’m inviting you to the adventure, and I am quite certain that if you expose yourself to the Scriptures every day for a while, there is no way for you to remain the same. (p. 27)

I love his description of the Bible:

The Bible is written as a story, a story that has not yet reached its conclusion. The story has wound its way through battlefields, and wedding nights, through birthing chambers and funeral parlors, from transcendent pleasure to utter hopelessness. The story has come through voices around Bedouin campfires to stone tablets, from the skins of animals to the printing press. It has passed through ages long forgotten to ages dark and forgettable. Its echoes bound from enlightenments to reformations. This is the unstoppable story of God and his profound love for humanity. (p. 35)

Brian shares with us some of the benefits of Scripture:

The Bible offers us a baseline for hope. It also gives us a reason to hope beyond ourselves because it reveals how interconnected we are, not only with everyone around us but also with the story that’s been told for thousands of years. Scripture’s plumb line that provides us a straight and narrow path through life is irreplaceable – especially when we’ve lost our own internal coordinates and connection to life. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12). This we know to be utterly true. The irony is in the verse that follows: “Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded.” (p. 45)

He also shares with us the importance of love in the Bible:

Basically we’re being commanded to love one another; if we don’t, nothing will work and nothing will matter. The Bible couldn’t be clearer on this. This is the posture of community, of marriage, of life. This is what our lives are supposed to look like. What would happen to the body of Christ if we believed it? (p. 94)

Prayer is also very important, as exemplified by Jesus:

Jesus regularly and habitually withdrew to pray and be restored, yet the Bible gives no indication that his ministry (his productivity) suffered as a result. If anything, he was able to accomplish more because he took the time to orient himself to his Father and to renew his body and mind. There are no instances in the Gospels in which Jesus has a nervous breakdown. There are also no depictions of Jesus staring at the twelve disciples blankly wondering what they should do next. His commitment to making space in his life to listen to God was a vital component of his life and ministry. (p. 102)

This book also includes several Bible reading plans: the Daily Audio Bible Reading Plan, the Chronological Bible in a Year, and the Historical Bible in a Year. I think my husband, Fred, and I will adopt one of these plans.

I think this is a wonderful book for anyone who needs to kindle or rekindle their interest in reading the Bible. Brian’s life has definitely been transformed – and so can everyone’s!

This book was published by Zondervan and provided by LitFuse Publicity for review purposes.

‘By Faith, Not By Sight: The Inspirational Story of a Blind Prodigy, a Life-Threatening Illness, and an Unexpected Gift’ by Scott MacIntyre with Jennifer Schuchmann – Book Review + Giveaway

I have been a pretty faithful ‘American Idol’ viewer since Season One. One of the most inspirational contestants on that program, in my opinion, was Scott MacIntyre, the blind singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist from Season Eight. When I found out he had written his autobiography, I knew I wanted to read it, to learn more about this amazing young man. Make sure you check below for details on how to win a copy of this great book!

Here is the synopsis of 'By Faith, Not By Sight:'

A piano prodigy, a nineteen-year-old college grad, a Marshall scholar, and an American Idol finalist. This guy had it made. He could sing. He could ski blind. What couldn’t he do?

Even if you saw him in concert, you might not believe that Scott MacIntyre is blind, and you’d never guess that at nineteen, he faced a diagnosis that rocked his family and nearly took his life.

So how did he do it? How did he overcome the odds?

This is Scott’s story, but he’d be the first to tell you that it’s not really about him. This is the story of how God used a dedicated family, a selfless acquaintance, hardship, and a host of characters to give him life, faith, determination, and experiences most can only imagine.

Peek behind the scenes to see how he learned to overcome his disability, how he made it in the music industry, how he found the love of his life, and how God taught him that in all things, we can truly achieve our dreams By Faith, Not By Sight.

Here is the biography of the author:

Scott MacIntyre captivated the nation as the first blind finalist on American Idol. As an acclaimed singer-songwriter, he has toured in arenas across North America, headlined concerts in Japan, Austria, England, Canada, and the US, and written and released his latest CD Heartstrings debuting at #18 on the iTunes Pop Album Chart. As an in-demand inspirational keynote speaker, Scott has shared his unique and dynamic life story with many different audiences.

Outstanding graduate. Marshall scholar. Recording artist. Inspirational speaker. American Idol. Blind from birth, Scott has had to work harder and longer to achieve his goals. But when a silent killer begins to undermine his success and threaten his very life, Scott cannot work it out alone. Once again, he must lean on his faith, his close-knit family, and the life-giving aid of friends to survive.

Follow Scott’s roller-coaster ride to see how God used the mountains and valleys in his life to give him perspective, hope, and ultimately triumph.

Here is Scott being interviewed on ‘100 Huntley Street,’ a Canadian talk show:




And here is Scott performing one of his original compositions, 'No Fear;' SO beautiful!:

I love Scott’s outlook on how all of us have a common denominator. The setting is his graduation from Arizona State University at the age of 19; he is a featured speaker:

I spoke with confidence. I knew each person in the room had doubts and fears. Though each of our concerns may be different than our neighbor’s, the fact that we have them unites us in a kind of anxious human bond. There was no shame in that, as far as I was concerned. In the past, I’d had momentary doubts and lingering fears. But I’d also found that when I let go, when I gave my concerns to God, his presence and assurance became more real to me. It was my dependence on him – and not on my own strength – that helped me progress toward my dreams. (p. 4)

Clearly, his ‘can-do’ attitude came from his parents:

Knowing that I just had a visual impairment and not some life-threatening illness, my parents chose to move forward and not look back. They gave up searching for a cause [for his blindness]. Instead, they wisely focused their time and energies on helping me succeed at all the things I could do rather than worrying about things I couldn’t. But seeds of doubt about traditional medicine and a healthy skepticism of doctors had been planted in my mother. That skepticism would later play a role in the medical decisions we made as a family. (p. 12)

I love the story of how Scott came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior:

I was five when I first understood that I had a choice about how to live my life. One day, at Vacation Bible School, a speaker told us we could choose to live for ourselves or we could choose to live our lives for Jesus. I knew I wanted to live for him. When I got home that night, I told my parents what I’d decided and together we prayed – asking God to forgive me of my sins, telling him how much I loved him, and promising to try to live like him. After that, I knew that Jesus was my Savior and that one day I would spend eternity with him in heaven. (p. 54)

Scott learned positive life lessons from many people along the way (in addition to his parents). Here he explains what he learned from one of his piano instructors:

Gregg taught me to be a more confident piano player, but I carried that confidence with me for the rest of my life. I learned many lessons from that experience – like not being afraid to step out of my comfort zone, how it was okay to make a mistake, and how through dedicated practice I could overcome even my most ingrained habits. But more importantly, I learned that I could do whatever I set my mind to. Though I only studied with Gregg for a few months before we moved to Toronto, his lessons have stayed with me for life. (p. 74)

Scott closes out the book this way:

Looking back over my life so far, I realize that many times when I was on the verge of experiencing incredible success, that’s when the trials came to knock me down. I don’t think that was a coincidence. God works through us during the good times and the bad – when we are on the mountaintop, and when we trudge through the valley. I have experienced both extremes in my life, often at the same time. But I learned that he used the worst days of my life to bless me the most. And he’s not done with me yet. I continually find myself in new places, doing things I never imagined I’d be doing. Like motivational speaking. Or writing this book. Although my gratitude is given to many, the glory is all his. (p. 271)

I was so incredibly moved by Scott on ‘American Idol’ – and even more so when I learn what he has accomplished and overcome in his life!! It was also awesome to get an update on the positive things that have happened to him in his personal and professional life since 'Idol.' I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be uplifted and encouraged by the spirit of this amazing man!

This book was published by Thomas Nelson Publishers and provided by the author for giveaway and review purposes.

-------------

I have been given the opportunity to give away a copy of this book to one blessed person! There are several ways to enter:

1) Leave a comment here telling me one thing that you appreciate about Scott. Please leave your email address in this format: 

yourname at domain dot com.

2) Follow this blog; please leave a comment to that effect in the above format.

3) ‘Like’ Scott’s page on Facebook. Please leave a comment to that effect in the above format.

4) Follow Scott on Twitter. Please leave a comment to that effect in the above format.

5) Follow me on Twitter. Please leave a comment to that effect in the above format.

6) Tweet the following: 


Enter to win @AmericanIdol @ScottDMacIntyre’s book ‘By Faith Not By Sight’ http://goo.gl/p3AuT #giveaway. Please RT!

The deadline for entry is Monday, July 23, 2012 at 11:59 pm. The winner will be chosen by the Random Number Generator on Tuesday, July 24, 2012. All the best to you!

‘Treasures of Healthy Living: A Journey Unveiling God’s Plan for Ultimate Health and Relationships’ by Annette Reeder and Dr. Richard Couey – Book Review

One of the priorities of my husband, Fred, and I, as the years add up, is to maintain good health. We know that staying close to what the Lord has in mind is best. The latest book on my reading book is perfect for that – ‘Treasures of Healthy Living: A Journey Unveiling God’s Plan for Ultimate Health andRelationships’  by Annette Reeder and Dr. Richard Couey focus on many vital areas.

Here is the synopsis of this book: 

Did you know you can find the answers to many health problems in the pages of Scripture? Think of God’s Word as a treasure map that leads straight to the healthy life you’ve always dreamed of. It reveals how you can move from a sickly, lackluster life to one that is full of energy and hope. This practical Bible study will reveal the truth about the foods you eat and provide simple tools to begin improving your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. You won’t believe how much your life can change when you grab hold of the treasures God has provided for you.

In this Bible study, you will:

·         Discover the basics of nutrition to build a firm foundation for your health

·         Obtain the tools you need to evaluate and improve your health

·         Examine the harmful effects of altered food and household products

·         Find healthy alternatives to unwholesome foods

·         Learn how diet, exercise, and your spiritual health go hand-in-hand

·         Lay the groundwork for a lifetime of positive health

Here are the biographies of the authors:

Annette Reeder will lead you on this journey to biblical health – a journey she knows all too well, as her own family once traveled this same path to discover God’s treasures. Annette is a biblical nutrition consultant and the founder of Designed Healthy Living, a consulting program that teaches individuals how to follow a biblical nutrition plan. Her degree in Nutrition from Huntington College and diploma in biblical studies from Liberty University gives her a combined insight and expertise into how to use the gift of food and health from God's perspective to lead others to recognize this treasure in their eating and lifestyle. She is a living, happy and healthy example of the victory possible as her family has overcome problems such as cancer, heart disease, cholesterol, obesity, and much more.

Dr. Richard “Dick” Couey is Professor Emeritus of Health Sciences at Baylor University.  Dr. Couey has spent nearly fifty years studying the physiology of the cell. He has especially studied how nutrition, exercise, and stress affect the cell’s biochemistry and physiology. Dr. Couey’s students praise how he can make the complexities of the cell seem understandable.

Here is an overview of this valuable study, featuring both authors:

Treasures Of Healthy Living Bible Study Promo from Sowing Seed Designs, LLC on Vimeo.

This book is a 12 week study, with the following topics:

·         Week 1:   Treasure of Health

·         Week 2:   Beverages

·         Week 3:   Grains

·         Week 4:   Vegetables and Fruits

·         Week 5:   Herbs, Spices, Oil, and Vinegar

·         Week 6:   Protein and Meat

·         Week 7:   Fasting and Self-Discipline

·         Week 8:   Sweets

·         Week 9:   Environment and Toxins

·         Week 10: Stress and Forgiveness

·         Week 11: Exercise

·         Week 12: The Fullness of Christ and Health

Here are some of my important ‘take-aways’ from this awesome book:

·         Today, scientific research is providing evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, Purdue University researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improves the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol. (p. 59)

·         One of the fun discoveries I have discovered in this hunt was the meaning of the word cruciferous. Cruciferous refers to plants that have flowers with four petals that botanical historians describe as resembling the crucifix or cross; thus, they are called cruciferous. Many authors and health books refer to them as the “Magnificent Twelve” because of their ability to dramatically reduce and prevent disease. Only our God could design foods like that and then place a reminder on the plant that the ultimate healing was given to us on the cross!

The following are the Magnificent Twelve Cruciferous Vegetables:

Broccoli             Kale                      Rutabaga     Brussels Sprouts

Kohlrabi            Turnip                   Cabbage       Mustard Greens

Cauliflower        Radishes                Watercress   Horseradish  

(p. 95)

·         Salt has healing properties. It kills most germs on contact. It burns when it hits a raw spot, but is very effective in cleansing a wound so it can heal. “Don’t rub salt in my wounds” is a statement often heard when a person is hurt from good advice. We bring healing to those around us with words of comfort and encouragement. (p. 129)

·         Stretching is essential for maintaining flexibility, reducing muscle soreness, and preventing injury. Take at least ten minutes each day to stretch out all of your main muscle groups; this will help keep you relaxed and limber. Stretching in the morning will help keep you ready for the day. (p. 278)

This book offers a great overview of how to gain and maintain health of mind, body, and spirit – all three are very important! I think this would be a terrific study for ladies looking for a book for the summer season. In fact, I may talk my friend Natalie into studying it with me! I will definitely refer back to this helpful resource time and time again.

This book was published by Pleasant Word, and provided by Glass Road Public Relations for review purposes.

‘A Place to Belong’ by Circle of Friends – CD Review

I am normally not one to listen to music when I am driving (I am more of a Talk Radio person). However, I do get in a mood to groove – and to praise the Lord! So I was excited about the opportunity to review the ‘A Place to Belong’ CD by Circle of Friends.

Here is the press release pertaining to this CD and its companion book, ‘A Place to Belong:Out of Our Comfort Zone and Into God's Adventure’ by Lisa Troyer.

Every woman needs acceptance, love and a place to belong. That’s the underlying theme of the new music CD, A Place to Belong (Lifeway Worship) from singer/songwriter Lisa Troyer, president of Circle of Friends Ministries. Refreshingly authentic and dynamic, the companion worship CD to Troyer’s recently released book, A Place to Belong: Out of Our Comfort Zone and into God’s Adventure (Barbour Publishing), tenderly draws women into a place of true freedom and belonging in the very heart of God. In her book,Troyer shares her own journey to acceptance as well as the story of a group of dynamic “women helping women” who call themselves the Circle of Friends. Troyer encourages readers to form their own circle of friends, a safe place of truth and love where women can develop lasting relationships and discover together the purposes of God for their lives. Obviously noticeable in both the book and CD is Troyer’s passion to lead others into the bottomless love of God. This fierce desire compelled her to plunge deeply into the heart of the issues all women face, but most keep to themselves. With tendencies toward depression, anxiety attacks and an eating disorder, Troyer knows firsthand the bondage of secrecy and shame. “Living with a secret,” Troyer admits, “doesn’t make it go away. It doesn’t change your heart. As well hidden as your secret is, that is how deeply lonely you will be. I’ve been there. I know it’s true.” The newly released companion CD reinforces her book’s admonition that there is complete freedom and acceptance to be found in the Father. “This CD was birthed out of the knowledge that music is so often used by God to solidify a written and/or spoken message,” says Troyer. “Dawn Yoder and I have been blessed by the friendship and songwriting partnership God’s given us, and songs like ‘Let Us Bow Down,’ ‘Lifting My Praise Up’ and ‘I Found Grace’ (Circle of Friends theme song) are reflective of how, by finding a place to belong, we are inspired to share encouragement, while keeping our focusing on worshipping in ‘Spirit and in truth.’” A Place to Belong has the potential of changing the way women think about themselves, about others and about doing God’s work in this world. In both her book and worship CD, Troyer challenges women to connect to one another, comfort each other and affirm each other in using the gifts God has given them. Ultimately, A Place to Belong offers a healing dose of real hope that life can be rich, life can have purpose and no woman need ever be alone.

Here is Lisa Troyer performing one of the songs on the CD, ‘Your Love Endures:’

This song is indicative of the other 7 tracks on this CD in terms of tempo and style. This song was written by Susan Ashton, John Hartley, and Gary Sadler. I have been an admirer of Ms. Ashton since her debut release, ‘Wakened by the Wind,’ in 1991.

I enjoyed this CD. I can get a little riled up when I’m driving (….), so I will definitely keep it in my vehicle to help me focus on the Lord, not my fellow crazy drivers! Each song is soothing and ‘mellow’ and perfect to listen to at home or on the road.   

This CD was released by LifeWay Worship and provided for review purposes by the B&B Media Group.

‘Son of the Underground: The Story of Isaac Liu, Son of Brother Yun, The Heavenly Man’ by Isaac Liu with Albrecht Kaul

In September, 2008, my husband, Fred, and I had the great opportunity to meet and hear Brother Yun, the Chinese Christian evangelist, speak at a church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. When I learned about the blog tour for his son, Isaac Liu’s, book, ‘Son of the Underground: The Story of Isaac Liu, Son of Brother Yun, TheHeavenly Man,’ I knew I wanted to jump on that train!

Here is the synopsis of this interesting book:

His father was an enemy of the state. His mother was told to have an abortion. His teachers mocked him. He first met his father when he was four years old. He and his family lived for years on the run.

Yet Isaac Liu, son of Brother Yun, survived to develop his own faith and character, and today is serving the Lord from his home in Germany. This is his story.

Isaac is currently a pastor in Germany

Here is Isaac, talking about his greatest influence (translated from German):

Pastor Isaac started out his book by talking about the miracle of his survival from his difficult birth:

The fact that I survived those first weeks without an incubator and with no medical assistance was another miracle from God. I am said to have been tiny, wrinkled and pale. Yet, when I see myself in the mirror now – and when I think about how girls look at me – I have to admit that God actually made me quite good-looking! (p. 10)

And with a fine sense of humor, as well!

I love his description of his grandmother:

Even some of the Christians made fun of my grandmother, calling her “the lady with the horny knees”.  Prayer was her great passion. She didn’t know what a mathematical equation was, but when it came to prayer she would impress this equation on me time and time again: “Much prayer, much power – little prayer, little power. Prayer equals power.” (pp. 22-23)

I LOVE that equation!

Isaac shared his observation that demons and evil spirits are real; he saw examples in person. His grandma Nai Nai battled one, and won!:

Finally, my grandmother asked again whether the evil spirit would now like to come out of the man. At this the man let out such a terrible cry that we all shrank back in fear, and then he fell to the ground as if dead.

Nai Nai went up to him, shook him gently and asked whether he would accept he would accept Jesus into his life. He was free now and would need a new master, or the demons would come back.

The man wept and could only stammer that he would gladly have Jesus in his life. He didn’t want to be tormented by such a dreadful spirit ever again.

My grandmother spoke a long prayer of deliverance over him, and he repeated every word haltingly, but clearly deeply moved. Now the whole gathering praised Jesus and his power, and at last the visitors made their way home, visibly shaken.

I have known ever since then that demons are real, but I have also experienced the greater and stronger power of Jesus. (p. 52)

WOW – powerful story!

And I love his interpretation of the plus sign in math (they call it maths in Europe!):

Because my head was full of maths, it struck me for the first time that the cross is the great plus symbol. Jesus is the plus symbol for my life, for our country, for the whole world. That was more important than maths. My heart grew a little lighter at this. The next day I would have to redo the work, and I intended to plead with the great plus symbol to let me pass the exam this time. (p. 77)

The book also details the journey of Isaac, his mother, and his sister, out of China and into Thailand, and finally to Germany. Miracle after miracle; the Lord was with them every step of the way!

It was really wonderful to see the legacy of Brother Yun as exhibited in his son! It was also interesting to see the same story from both points of view! Here is a photo of my husband, Fred, Brother Yun, and me (not my most flattering photo, alas!) at the book signing in 2008.

This book was published by Kregel and Monarch Books and provided by them for review purposes.

Winner of 'Continuer in Christ ' is......

We have a winner of the lovely Lona Bailey's 'Continuer on Christ: Being Stubbornly Faithful to the Call.' That blessed reader is.....


Gloria McKellar


Congratulations, Gloria! I will be emailing you shortly!


Special thanks to Lona for providing the review and giveaway copies! I highly encourage you to read this wonderful book by this lovely lady!