Bible Savvy Series

Bible Savvy
Writte by James L. Nicodem
Published at Moody Publishers

About the series

Made up of four individual volumes (Epic, Foundation, Context, and Walk), Bible Savvy is a foundational resource for those wanting to better understand the Bible. From the whole storyline of the Bible to personal application and how to live it, this set of four accessible books is an ideal resource for small groups, Sunday school classes, youth groups, and individuals seeking to increase their breadth of knowledge about God's word.

Epic: The Storyline of the Bible unveils the single theme that ties all the various parts of scripture together: redemption.

Foundation: The Trustworthiness of the Bible explains that the Bible is God's book, not merely man made, and why it can be wholly trusted.

Context: How to Understand the Bible shows readers how to read the different parts of the Bible as they were meant to be read and how they fit together.

Walk: How to Apply the Bible helps readers put their greater understanding of the text into practice and how to draw real-life applications from it.

Who is James Nicodem?

JIM NICODEM has been the senior pastor of Christ Community Church since its start in 1984. Beginning with a group of six families, the church has grown to over five thousand people at four campuses. A significant focus on reaching spiritual seekers has resulted in scores of new believers being baptized each year.Born and raised in the Midwest, Jim did his schooling in Biblical studies (BA/Wheaton College; MDiv, DMin/Trinity Evangelical Divinity School). In keeping with Christ Community Church's mission to make passionate disciples of Jesus Christ, Jim loves to mentor others in prayer and the study of God's Word. With that goal in mind, he has authored Prayer Coach: For All Who Want to Get Off the Bench and Onto the Praying Field (2008) and the four-book Bible Savvy series (2013).Jim and his wife, Sue, have been married for more than thirty years and have three grown children. Jim enjoys biking, hiking and kayaking for recreation. He loves to hang out in Chicago, where he can watch the Cubs play (no better park than Wrigley) or listen to the world-class Symphony Orchestra. The local Starbucks also sees a lot of Jim, accompanied by books (mostly biographies) or friends.

My Thoughts

These books are apparently great for new believers and old ones too.   However, the more I discover them I personally find that these are great for new believers and youth.    There are probably a few things I can personally learn from these but at this point in my life I sense that God wants me to spend my time discovering him as my Father in Heaven – the one who always loves me no matter what.

However, I can say that I like the idea of having a series of four books helping younger Christians to possess a foundation that is solid as they advance in life.    Each chapter of the books is quickly followed by a study guide that will help the reader to deepen his understanding and apply the knowledge gleaned in his/her own life.

I also like the fact that the author has split the information in four volumes – one guiding the reader through the various books of the Bible, one  helping the reader to determine the reliability of the Bible, one to help understand the Bible and finally one that will highlight how to apply the Bible in your life.   Essentially, I think these books would make a great gift for anyone you know who has become a new believer or for youth to help them grasp a better understanding of the Bible and God himself.

The Bible Savvy Series is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

     

It is also available on Kindle.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Moody Publisher for sending me the featured product for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Missional Mom

Missional Mom
Written by Helen Lee
Published at Moody Publishers

About the book

We all must seek to be missional in our life journey. Today's Christian moms come from a full range of personal and professional context, whether they are homemakers, full-time in the marketplace, or somewhere in between. Numerous Christian mothers are living missional lives, using their gifts and abilities to further God's kingdom by engaging the world around them. They artfully, passionately, sometimes messily, juggle multiple callings and demonstrate in their modern day contexts how they are emulating the woman of noble character in Proverbs 31.

The Missional Mom will affirm Christian mothers who desire to not only to build their homes in a Christ-like way, but engage the world with their skills, abilities, and interests. It won't minimize the importance of a woman's role in her home but it will encourage her to not ignore the stirrings God has planted within her to extend her influence.

Who is Helen Lee?

HELEN LEE is an award-winning freelance writer and editor with nearly two decades of experience publishing in the Christian market. She is the co-editor of and contributor to Growing Healthy Asian-American Churches (IVP, 2006) and co-founder of the Best Christian Workplaces Institute, which runs the annual "Best Christian Places to Work" survey. Helen has written numerous articles for publications such as Christianity Today, Today's Christian Woman, re:generation quarterly and Leadership Journal (LJ). In both 2008 and 2009, her articles for LJ earned Higher Goals awards in reporting from the Evangelical Press Association. As a former editor and writer with Christianity Today, she has worked with or interviewed a wide range of evangelical luminaries, such as Michael Card, J.I. Packer, and Chuck Colson. She is married to classical pianist and Moody Bible Institute professor Brian Lee; together they have three young sons. Helen is also a homeschooling mom and seeks to provide her sons with a classical Christian education; she and her family reside in Chicagoland.

http://themissionalmom.com/

My Thoughts

As a stay-at-home mom (or SHAM), I sometimes wonder what worth I have in society.   But reading this book was like having a 2x4 hitting my head because essentially I realized that even though I am a SAHM and homeschool my kids, I am on a mission for God.    My mission is to train my kids to be men and woman of the Lord where they will be able to impact their surroundings.   

Right now, at this point in time in my life, my mission is to be present for them, to teach them, to sacrifice my desires so that they can grow in Christ.   My presence is important for each single one of them and if I am doing what God has called me to do it means the whole word for them.

This book will encourage moms to open their eyes and see where they can have an impact in their kids life but also in other children’s lives as well.    Because like it or not, you can impact other children in your life whether you are involve in the children’s ministry at church or sponsor children in a third world country.

I know that this book has impacted me in ways I was not expecting it would.   It gave me ideas on how to be present for the kids around me.   And to be honest, I suspect that this book will be the kind that I will pick up on a regular basis just to remind myself that my role is important even when I feel like I am not worth much in the world.

This is definitively a great read and I would encourage every mom to consider it.

The Missional Mom is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: I received the pdf version of the book for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Putting God Back in the Holidays

Putting God Back in the Holidays –Celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Birthdays, and 12 Other Special Occasions with Purpose
Written by Bill & Penny Thrasher
Published at Moody

 About the Book

 

It's the Most Wonderful Time

the of the Year

Instead of the joy-filled celebrations that we build up in our minds, the holidays (pick one, any one) can often become stress-filled, money-draining, joy-less days of the year that we just “want to get through.” And it is by our own volition that we have refused too many times to allow our holiday celebrations to be the spiritual experience they are meant to be.

This book has been conceived and designed over 30 years as Dr. Bill Thrasher has spoken to thousands of people, helping them realize the spiritual battle that surrounds their celebration of the holidays. Littered with practical thoughts, ideas, experiences, and stories, Putting God Back in the Holidays will help you and your family celebrate holidays and birthdays with biblical truth in mind.Instead of the joy-filled celebrations that we build up in our minds, the holidays (pick one, any one) can often become stress-filled, money-draining, joy-less days of the year that we just “want to get through.” And it is by our own volition that we have refused too many times to allow our holiday celebrations to be the spiritual experience they are meant to be.

This book has been conceived and designed over 30 years as Dr. Bill Thrasher has spoken to thousands of people, helping them realize the spiritual battle that surrounds their celebration of the holidays. Littered with practical thoughts, ideas, experiences, and stories, Putting God Back in the Holidays will help you and your family celebrate holidays and birthdays with biblical truth in mind.

Who are Bill & Penny Thrasher?

Bill Thrasher is professor of Bible and Theology at the Moody Graduate School of Chicago’s Moody Bible Institute. He is a frequent speaker for churches and retreats across the country. His experience covers pastoral internships, campus discipleship ministry, singles ministry, and evangelism ministry. Bill and his wife, Penny, live in the Chicago area.

Penny Thrasher was raised in a home given to hospitality and feels privileged to carry on that tradition, especially in hosting large holiday celebrations. She contributed to her husband's book, "Believing God for His Best -- How to Marry Contentment and Singleness." Penny is in her 17th year of home schooling and enjoys serving in their church, being part of a prayer group which supports missionaries, and mentoring younger women. Bill and Penny have three sons, Will, Michael, and David.

My Thoughts

In case you haven’t notice, Christmas is just around the corner.   The decorations and Christmas marketing is up and running since…. October believe it or not.

As much as I love Christmas time, the shopping sprees and high marketing that we receive at the door makes me sick in my stomach sometimes.   Can you believe that certain stores are open all night during the month of December?

In the midst of chaos and trying to find the perfect gift for our loved ones, where does God fit in the picture?   Seriously, stop right now and think about it…    Now think about all the other Holidays during the year.   Is God part of it?   

If you feel disconnected and wonder how you can relax and enjoy Him through the planning of various holidays during the year, Putting God Back in the Holidays is for you.

When I saw the title (and the beautiful cover) I decided that I needed to read this book.   I flipped through most the book but I read the whole section about Christmas and was touched.    I need to remember that God is in the midst of the major holidays we are celebrating and not to forget about him.   Yes family is important but my relationship with my Lord is necessary in my life so I can stay stable through whatever events come to me.

The book covers major holidays like New Year, birthdays, Good Friday and Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas.   It also includes chapters on other important dates like Valentine, St. Patrick, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Labor Day, Halloween and a few other important ones in the US.   I’m a bit disappointed not to see Canada Day in there as our country is also based on scriptures. 

Nevertheless, the book has great insights on how to include God back in the Holidays we celebrate through a year.  I particularly loved the chapter about Blessing days which is celebrated when a child turns 13 or so.   I wish that I had marked down the Spiritual birthdays of my kids – actually I might have it in my journals I just have to dig in.   But having a special celebration for each of them on the day they trusted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour is a great idea.

I highly recommend this wonderful book to anyone who feel stressed with Holidays and want to discover the true meaning of them.

Putting God Back in the Holidays is available at any bookstore even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Moody Publisher for sending me the featured product for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Imagine That

Imagine That – Discovering Your Unique Role as a Christian Artist
Written by Manuel Luz
Published at Moody Publishers

About the book

Why are we artists? How does God experience art? What is the artist's calling in the church and the world? Drawn from his own experiences performing Mozart, playing "dive bars," and leading worship and arts in the church, author Manuel Luz explores the questions that Christian artists often ask. His thought-provoking journey through the convergence of art and faith will draw artists closer to the One they imitate, knowingly or unknowingly, in every creative endeavor.

Who is Manuel Luz?

A rock musician-turned rocket engineer-turned Christian artist, Manuel Luz has been the creative arts pastor at Oak Hills Church in Folsom, California, for 17 years. He is also a working musician who has contributed to nearly 50 albums. Manuel and his wife, Debbie, live in El Dorado Hills, California, with their four children.

My Thoughts

Where does our creativity comes from?  None and other that the Creator himself i.e. God.

This book is helpful for any Christian Artist to discover their unique role and how to expand their creativity.  I am not an artist per say but I love to doodle or draw at times.   When I requested this book, we were planting a church where people could draw and express their creativity on paper and by dancing on electronic music.   Unfortunately, various things happened that forced us to close the doors.   At this time being, we don’t know what God is doing and if it will re-open in the future.

That’s partly why this review has been delayed.  Too many things going on and hurts to deal with.

But this book is good for anyone who is an artist and who is exploring arts to live out their faith.    I enjoyed reading it because it touched the part of my soul who wants to express itself in a different way.   When I was in high school, I used to be part of plays.   I also was part of the orchestra of the school and played the clarinet.   I never thought of drawing as a way of expression for me but in the recent years I have explored, experiment and enjoyed this form of art.   I’m not professional but when the Spirit guided me I have created interesting drawings.

I particularly enjoyed reading the chapter titled Art and Faith.  For me, art is more spiritual as I have a tendency to doodle when I am at church on things I am hearing.   Some people might be offended about it – just like others would be offended in me moving to the music (especially in a church where most people don’t move at all).  But for me it is a form of worship.   And when the Spirit is inspiring me to create something, who am I to resist Him?   Honestly, I wonder why I don’t bring my color pencils with me more often…

At the end of each chapter, not only you will find a summary of it but there is also discussion questions that will encourage you and other fellow artists to ponder on what you have read.

Did I picked your curiosity about this book?  If so, please read an excerpt of the book here.

You can access more interesting information about the book on http://imaginethatluz.com/.

This review was possible because I received a copy of Imagine That from Moody Publishers.

Imagine That is available everywhere even at amazon.ca.

From One Ministry Wife to Another

From One Ministry Wife To Another - Honest Conversations About Ministry Connections

Written by Susie Hawkins
Published at Moody Publishers

About the book
When a church hires a new minister, they are really hiring both him and his wife. Many women entering this role for the first time have never considered what it means to be a minister’s wife and consequently suffer stress, chaos, and confusion. In order to thrive, she needs a solid understanding of the biblical teaching on her role and how to best serve her husband as he fulfills his role.

Susie Hawkins brings thirty years of experience as a minister’s wife coupled with her role as the mother of two ministry wives. By focusing on key relationships and responsibilities in relation to the church and home, Susie guides young women to a greater understanding of how to serve God faithfully as the wife of a minister.

Who is Susie Hawkins?
Susie Hawkins has served as the director of women’s ministry at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas, taught a weekly Bible study for business women in downtown Dallas, and speaks at women’s conferences and retreats. She is also a contributor to various publications, such as Voices Behind the Veil and the Women’s Evangelical Library Commentary. She is married to O. S. Hawkins, president of GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, is the mother of two married daughters, and grandmother of five.

My Thoughts
When I requested to review this book, we were still trying to plant a church and quickly realized that something was missing for me. I had little support as a church planter’s wife. Consequently, I decided to seek support in other ways, shapes or forms. Somehow, God has guided me toward publishers who had just released some books about the subject. One of these publishers was Moody Press and the book was From One Ministry Wife to Another – Honest Conversations About Ministry Connections.

What a blessing this book has been (and still is) to me. It opened my eyes on the work of a ministry wife. While we were trying to plant our church, I had no support on how to be a minister’s wife (or pastor as my friend Tyler would say). No one came along me to offer support, counsel or just a listening ear. And through two different books (this one being one of them) I have found encouragements and guidance.

From One Ministry Wife to Another covers various subjects from expectations to how to disconnect yourself from various things. It is full of wisdom and very helpful when someone is alone in the process of helping her husband to plant a church. I recommend it to any pastor’s wife out there who feel alone and need encouragement.

As I write this I am sad to tell you that our church plant is close for the time being due to various reasons. We are currently seeking the Lord for guidance and insights on what to do next. We have realized that to be able to pursue this adventure, some things must be set in place – more people involved AND some kind of support for both my husband and me as it can be very demanding on the emotions at time. God can provide and we trust Him that in time, these things will come. In the meantime, I will continue my reading and soak myself in the knowledge of someone who has been a minister’s wife for over thirty years.

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This review was possible because I receive a copy of From One Ministry Wife To Another from Moody.
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From One Ministry Wife to Another – Honest Conversations About Ministry Connections is available everywhere even at amazon.ca and indigo.ca.

Money and Marriage God's Way

Money and Marriage God’s Way
Written by Howard Dayton
Published at Moody Publishers

About the book
Some people adopt an “It’ll all work out somehow” attitude toward marriage and finances. But sadly, it often doesn’t work out. Financial woes and marriage troubles can rob couples of precious opportunities to savor the blessings of companionship, family, and peace that God intends for His people.

Money and Marriage God’s Way will help you discover God’s approach to growing your finances and strengthening your relationship with your mate. It highlights key issues like debt, conflict, spending, investing, saving, and budgeting.

Regardless of the books, magazines, or television programs you’ve seen, nothing compares with money and marriage God’s way.

Who is Howard Dayton?
Howard Dayton is cofounder of Crown Financial Ministries, created by a 2000 merger of Crown Ministries, which he founded in 1985, and Larry Burkett’s Christian Financial Concepts. Howard’s books and small group financial studies have been used by thousands of churches and individuals. His is a former naval officer, restaurateur, and real estate developer. Howard and his wife, Bev, have been married for more than 35 years. They reside in Gainesville, Georgia, and have two married children.

My Thoughts
I like having books that my husband and I can read together and discuss. This book is definitively a book we will use during our time together. Actually, as soon as we are done with the book we are going through these days, I told him that I wanted to do this one. Finance is a subject that is touchy in many families and you can learn from professionals any days of your life.

This book is any couples who takes their finances seriously. It is divided in 6 parts from which you can learn to get a better handle of your finances and growth in your marriage.

Throughout the book, you will find various Q&A that came from various people. At the end of each part you will have a REACT section in which you will find some questions to discuss with your spouse. Also, you will find a HELP! section which will list you some resources you can look into to go deeper on the subject. Finally the part concludes with the testimony of a couple who according to the author we should know. I always find the testimonies very powerful and encouraging. I think it was an interesting concept to include this in a book about money and marriage.

Each chapter of the book also contains some examples to make the concepts more understandable. I really enjoyed looking into the Money Map and the various destinations along the way. Another idea I really liked was about celebrating your milestones. I never thought of applying this concept to finances but honestly it makes sense. It is so encouraging to celebrate some milestones. Even Weight Watchers strongly suggest doing so. Why not incorporating it in your finances? It could be as simple as inviting your friends over for a BBQ and burning your mortgage agreement when you are done paying for it. I REALLY like this idea… *grin*
The book covers everything from relationships in a marriage, communication, budgeting, conflict resolution, crisis, seasons of life and stay at home parent. There is even a website that will help you to achieve financial success in your marriage. Look at MoneyandMarriage.org. It is available 24/7!

Money and Marriage God's Way is available everywhere even at amazon.ca and indigo.ca.

Spiritual mentoring between women

Transforming together – authentic spiritual mentoring
By Ele Parrott
Published at Moody Publishers

About the book
Young women are crying out for someone older to care about them, to help them. Older women desire to be useful and productive. Those who have invested years of walking with the Lord themselves desire to be teamed up with this generation of younger women who are yearning for someone to show them how to walk through life with genuine faith in Christ.

Transforming Together presents the model for genuine spiritual mentoring through the power and work of Christ in the lives of women faithfully pouring into one another. Women, both young and old, will appreciate the dual focus on the roles of mentor and mentee. Building on real life testimonies and her experience as a committed mentor, Ele Parrott will guide women as they seek to walk with one another to greater faithfulness in Christ.

Who is Ele Parrott?
Ele Parrott, a Biblical Counselor by profession, is the Director of Member Care for the Paraclete Mission Group. She worked as a missionary in the Latin community with OCI for 12 years, has worked in women’s and children’s ministry in her local church and has also been involved in Christian Camping ministry. She continues to lead Bible studies and is the head Mentor Mom at Sun Valley Community Church in Gilbert, Arizona. In addition to Transforming Together, Ele has authored a Spanish-language musical, El Futboles es mi Vida as well as Spanish materials for use in Christian homes and Sunday School classes.

Ele Parrot and her husband of 35 years, Don, the President and CEO of Finishers Project, have four grown children and three grandchildren.

My Thoughts
Being a pastor’s wife, I was interested in the possibility on learning more about mentoring. I just wished I had a mentor with whom I could share my thoughts, my frustrations, my sadness as well as my joys. I believe that God will provide this mentor for me someday. But in the meantime, I want to learn more about becoming one for whoever will approach me in becoming their mentors someday.

What I didn’t expect from this book was to be mentored indirectly by Ele. She doesn’t know about it but she opened up some insights in me and made me think about me and my relationship with Christ. She laid down some simple facts about growing with God and I look forward to apply what she taught me.

I also discovered that right now at this time of my life, I am definitively not ready whatsoever to mentor someone but I am in need of a mentor. So I pray that God will guide me to find this mentor in my life.

Ele also suggested that “a spiritual mentor is in a season of life that requires less of her in her own sphere. Her children are grown or are old enough to allow her time to pray in depth, to be in the Word, and to give time to others outside of her immediate family.” When I read that, I was at first disappointed. You see I have 4 small children aged 8 and under (the youngest being 18 months). My 8 year old is quite independent with a book or even homeschool work but the other three is quite another story. So when I read these words, I was disappointed because I knew that God was telling me not now. Not now? But Lord I am a pastor’s wife after all I will need to guide others eventually! It’s true that at times I might be asked for guidance… but I must also understand that I do not have the flexibility necessary for mentoring.

To be a spiritual mentor to someone you need to be a woman of the Word of God, a woman of faith and a woman of prayer. You need flexibility and time to give which I lack right now due to the fact that my own kids are too young. I got the message from God. I will postpone my thoughts about becoming a mentor. I will grow in my relationship with Him and guide my own children for now.

Ele also challenges the reader to spend a three-month period to study God’s Word with only the Bible and no other kind of book. I like this idea. I think it’s important for anyone who would like to become a spiritual mentor for anyone that this person knows what he/she talks about – especially when it comes to God’s Word.

So for now, as I came to the realization that it isn’t a good time for me to become a spiritual mentor for someone, it will be Jesus and me. Plain and simple. Nothing else. And I think I will take up on her challenge to put aside all books about the Bible except the Bible itself for three months. No bible study, no fill-in-the-blanks kind of book. Just the Bible - every day - for three months.

If Ele – or anyone who knows her – would come to read this review, I just want to say that I wished that I could be mentored by you. You have opened up a whole new perspective in Bible Study for me and I am forever thankful for it. I just wished I would know you better by having you in my life. God bless!

Transforming Together is available everywhere even on amazon.ca and indigo.ca.

Five Love Languages - singles edition

The Five Love Languages - singles edition

By Gary Chapman

Published at Moody Publishers

The book
Being single or married has nothing to do with whether you need to feel loved! Everyone has a God-given desire for complete and unconditional love in all relationships. Originally written for couples, bestselling The Five Love Languages continues to revolutionize relationships.

In The Five Love Languages Singles Edition, Dr. Gary Chapman adapts this powerful message to the unique needs of single adults.

Understanding and applying the five love languages will enhance all relationships. Whether it’s parents, coworkers, classmates, roommates, siblings, dating partners, or friends, The Five Love Languages Singles Edition provides tools to give and receive love most effectively.

Who is Gary Chapman?
Gary Chapman is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages. With more than 30 years of counseling experience, he has the uncanny ability to hold a mirror up to human behavior, showing readers not just where they go wrong, but also how to grow and move forward. He is the host of the weekly one-hour radio program Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and has been a featured speaker at the Pentagon and United Nations. He is a prolific writer and conference speaker and makes his home with his wife in North Carolina.

My Thoughts
Some might wonder why I asked to review this book since it is aimed for singles. The reason is quite simple. I wanted to understand my mom… She is a single woman who has experienced divorce and lack of love in her life. I wanted to grasp how she feels. I think I have an idea… but reaching out to her will take time and patience and tons of prayers for the walls around her heart are high and thick. But with God anything is possible and I want to persevere. I love her and I sense that for years I didn’t speak her love language… This will change.

This book is wonderful for any single person on the planet. It can help you realize what your love language is and how you can speak others’ love language to ameliorate your relationship but romantically and with friends/family.

At first, the author describes the five love languages and gives plenty of examples. Then the reader will discover his/her love language first and then connect the dots with the immediate family. Gary also talks about the dating relationships and the not romantic ones like roommates, friends, classmates and coworkers. There is also a chapter for single with kids for the single parents out there. A marvelous study guide is included in the book as well as a profile to help you identify your own love language. To add it up, Gary included some questions at the end of each chapter to help you ponder on what you have just heard.

This book goes to the point. I am sure that numerous singles out there will be helped with it. You will find tons of good examples on how Gary counseled other to find the love language of a close person in their life and their own. There is nothing better that to learn through examples I think and this book has plenty of them!

The Five Love Languages –s ingles edition is available everywhere particularly at amazon.ca and indigo.ca.

Finding your child's way on the autism spectrum

Finding Your Child’s Way On The Autism Spectrum – Discovering unique strengths, mastering behavior challenges
By Dr. Laura Hendrickson
Published at Moody Publishers

About the book
It seems that nearly everyone knows a family with an autism spectrum child. Most recent figures suggest that the prevalence of all autism spectrum disorders in the United States is an astonishing one percent of the population, translating to twelve million parents and grandparents who are seeking answers.
Dr. Laura Hendrickson is a trained psychiatrist, biblical counselor, and mother of an autistic son. Building on her medical background and practical experience, Finding Your Child’s Way on the Autism Spectrum presents autism spectrum disorders as different developmental pathways rather than disabilities.

Dr. Hendrickson knows that those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders can make significant contributions to their world. She does not deny that autism is a serious challenge, but addresses specific ways to work with a child according to developmental differences. Finding Your Child’s Way on the Autism Spectrum gives the reader sound, practical tools for understanding how to guide an autism spectrum child to function more fully as the person God created him to be.

Who is Laura Hendrickson?
Laura Hendrickson is a biblical counselor, former psychiatrist, and mother of an adult son who is recovered from autism. She is a member of the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors, and the author of two books on biblical counseling issues, as well as co-author of Will Medicine Stop the Pain? For more on Dr. Hendrickson, you can visit her website at LauraHendrickson.com.

My thoughts
When I asked Moodie Publishers to receive some specific books to review, I was surprise to find two other books I didn’t asked for in the box. One of these two books was Finding Your Child’s Way On The Autism Spectrum. I was wondering why I would receive such a book as we don’t have an autistic child in our household. But I struggle with the possibility that one of my kids might have it and I think that God decided to make me understand that it wasn’t the case… Since I had not asked for this book, I decided to give priority to other ones before reviewing it. Then recently, God stirred my heart to read the book and give it away. Let me tell you how it happened… Last week, we met with our insurance representative to discuss some changes we wanted to make. While talking, we learn that her 2 ½ year old son has been diagnosed with autism. Right then, while we were talking, I sensed that I needed to give her the book. Problem was I hadn’t read it yet… We have not completed the changes we need to do as we need to think and talk about some of the options between us. This meant I had a week or two to read the book and review it before giving it away. So I brought the book at camping and read it.

This book is wonderful. Not only you would read the experience the author had with her son but she also encourage us to see a child with autism as a special person, which they are really. She takes scriptures of the Bible and explains how God can help an individual with autism.
She goes through the various things an autistic person can go through from self-stimulation to meltdowns as well as how to make sure that they are involved in various relationships with other children and adults. Sharing is hard for autistic young ones because they don’t understand why another child would destroy something they worked so hard on accomplishing. But the author, who went through this with her son, gives tips and tricks to help other parents to guide, teach and encourage their autistic child.

I also discovered that autistic children have a very sensitive hearing. Consequently when they arrive in a place where there are lots of noises, they become overwhelmed and might have a meltdown. The author gave many examples of when her son had a meltdown. One of these examples reminded me that we should not judge a parent who is dealing with a difficult child in a store simple because we don’t possess any background information about it – for example, do we know if this child has autism or just being overtired? No. Then offer a sympathetic smile to the parent instead of commenting on the situation.

Laura was able to homeschool her son during the primary years and I think it is wonderful that she was able to do so. As a homeschooler myself, there are times when I wonder if I am doing this for the good of my children. Even with reading this book and not having an autistic child myself, I know I made a wise decision, a decision that God had planted has a seed and that grew with time.

This book is encouraging for parents who have an autistic child but honestly I think it is encouraging also for me. While reading it, I took note of some ideas that I could easily do with my own children. I especially like the discipline routine that the author created with her son. We are doing something similar but I never really thought of incorporating the forgiveness part in it. Kids need to know what sin is and how God forgives us. From now on, we will try to include this part while we have to discipline our own children. It makes sense really, we just never really thought about it.

As for my copy of the book, I am putting it aside with the intention to give it to our insurance representative next time I see her. I also feel as though I need to give her a bible with it so she can research the scriptures herself.

This wonderful gem of a book is available everywhere. In Canada, you can find it at Amazon.ca and Indigo.ca.

They Called Me White Jesus

They Called Me White Jesus - I was a legend… now I’m something more
By Bill Rieser
Published at Moody Publishers

What the book is all about?

A star high school basketball player in New York City, Bill Rieser fully expected to play in the NBA. But after a serious knee injury and clashes with a coach derailed his college career, Rieser descended into a self-destructive lifestyle of drinking, drug abuse, gambling, and womanizing. He could have been just another washed-up playground legend, until he found his life turned around by an encounter with God.

Once known for his 44-inch leap, Rieser is still looking up these days, and his vertical now reaches higher than he could ever have imagined.

Who is Bill Rieser?
Bill Rieser is a former New York streetball legend who played for Eastern Kentucky University. Bill Rieser now serves as director of recovery ministries at Heartland Community Church outside Chicago. Bill also have a blog - you can find him at http://theycalledmewhitejesus.blogspot.com/.

My thoughts on the book
I must admit that the beginning of the book is a little bit overwhelming. But as the testimony of Bill is given throughout the book, you see how God brought him out of destruction and into life. You learn how much Bill went through during his years growing up in New York, how he became a Christian and how God took care of his and his family needs. I’m amazed on how some of his prayers were answered – people approaching him with the exact money he needed at various time in his life.

At one point, Bill says that when you have faith for something it will happen. I am particularly careful with that kind of statement because sometimes God’s answer can be a simple no for something that we ask for. But beyond that, I say the book is very interesting. It is always very refreshing to read about someone else’s testimony and how God worked in his/hers life.
If you want to see how God worked in Bill’s life, please take the time to read this book.

The book is available in every bookstore. In Canada, you can find it at amazon.ca and indigo.ca.