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Archives For July 2011

Like a Little Child (Book Review, VBS Photos, and More!)

Renee Ann Smith —  July 26, 2011 — 2 Comments

My cousin's wife leads singing at our church's VBS

“Jesus said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’” ~Mark 10: 14 & 15~

The truths of God are so unsearchable that scholarly men have spent lifetimes plumbing their depths, yet so simple that even a child can receive them. In the verses above, Jesus reminds us that not only are we to embrace the faith of a child. We also have a responsibility to help children find their way to Jesus.

Teens helped at VBS

Many of us have done this by teaching Sunday School, Backyard Bible Clubs, and Vacation Bible School. I remember attending Child Evangelism Fellowship camp when I was seventeen (Can it really be thirty-three years ago?), to learn how to teach a Bible lesson and tell a missionary story.

Back then, the CEF leaders gave us on-the-job training by dropping us off in a neighborhood to approach kids and share the Wordless Book with them. Though this technique wouldn’t work in today’s world, it provided great experience. I can still recall the incredible thrill when a little girl listened to me share the Gospel and said that she wanted to pray to receive Christ!

Pockets the kangaroo

Ever since those days, I’ve loved checking out the creative tools folks come up with to make the Bible clear to kids. So I jumped at the chance to review My First Hands-On Bible from Tyndale Kids. This little Bible has now become one of my favorites for sharing with kids in their preschool and early elementary years.

MFHOB is special because it’s the only preschool Bible with actual Bible text. This book also provides features that help emphasize the focus of each Bible passage. Here’s an example: A reading from Luke 15:11-24, the section about the prodigal son, is called A Son Runs Away.  After the reading . . .

  • The Jesus Connection reminds kids that “we can come to Jesus by asking Him to forgive us when we’ve done something wrong.”
  • Cuddles the lamb says, “Pretend you’re the lost son. When I clap my hands and say, ‘Come home,’ run to me for a big hug.”
  • The All Gone activity is to have your child draw on a paper towel with a washable marker, then run the paper towel under water. Show your child that the drawing is all gone and relate that to how God forgives us and makes the bad things we do disappear.
  • A Let’s Talk question states: “Talk about a time you disobeyed. God loves you even when you do wrong things.”
  • And this is part of the prayer Pockets the kangaroo shares, “Dear God, thank you that you love us like the father loved his son.”

This Bible makes a great gift, ministry tool, or teaching tool. Thanks to Tyndale Kids for providing a free copy for me to review. I’ll be using it with my little niece and nephew and any other kids who come my way! You can purchase My First Hands-On Bible at this link.

And a few more photos from our 2011 VBS—just because it was such a great week!

In Blog Tour Book Reviews, Blogging, Blogging for Books
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Meet Col. Joshua Jordan (Book Giveaway, Video, Fun Stuff)

Renee Ann Smith —  July 22, 2011 — 63 Comments

UPDATE: A winner has been emailed. Congrats, Cindy!

Meet Col. Joshua Jordan. MIT grad. Retired colonel US Air Force. Former Air Force reconnaissance pilot. US defense contractor dealing with DC intrigue. His company, Jordan Technologies is a leading provider of defense systems for the US government. His wife Abigail is an accomplished lawyer. Daughter Deborah is at West Point. Son Cal is at Liberty University.

Josh even has his own Facebook page at this link. (Seriously! It’s cool. Check it out.)

Josh is the hero of The End Series authored by Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall.

Photo from Josh's Facebook page

What’s the setting of these stories? Unemployment in America is going through the roof. Natural disasters are coming out of nowhere while scientists argue about global warming. Tension is rising among the players in Russia and the Middle East. Political correctness is hamstringing government policies that would keep us safe . . . Pretty much like today!

And then—in spite of the protections set in place after 9/11—terrorist missiles take down an American plane and a bomb explodes in the Mall of America.

These events spur two men to bring their A-games to the table, Col. Josh Jordan and Pastor Peter Campbell. Both want to prepare for what lies ahead, as evidenced by their conversation in this excerpt . . .

Joshua remembered something. “I saw the blurb on your press conference in New York. Looks like a riot broke out. And here I thought I was the public instigator.”

Pastor Campbell chuckled. “Oh, it wasn’t that bad. You know how cameras can make a small group of protestors look like a major revolution.”

For Joshua it  seemed evident. “Well, pastor, you tell people that the world’s coming to an end—that the earth is going to blow up, which I gather is what you were saying—then you’re bound to get a reaction. On the other hand, you know my approach: if I know an explosion is coming, then I’ll try to stop the timer on the bomb.”

“Some explosions can’t be stopped,” Campbell said. He was pushing himself away from the table to stretch a little.

“I don’t believe that.”

“Josh, if God’s directing the cataclysm, you’re going to be sorely disappointed if you think you can stop it.”

Though Josh’s wife and children are believers, he is not . . .

“He sometimes felt that the pastor and Abby, and, yes, even his own son and daughter, were visitors from a distant world. They saw things he couldn’t see and felt things he wished he could experience.”

I loved meeting Josh and his family and following their adventures around the world! Not only is this story so timely, Josh’s spiritual journey really touched my heart. This book is first and foremost an inspirational tale set against the backdrop of a page-turning plot that escalates rapidly to a nail-biting climax. Want to know what happens? Just leave a comment below, and you can find out!

Giveaway: The publisher Zondervan wants to give away a copy of this book to one of you! All you have to do to be entered is let me know in your comment that you wish to be included in a drawing for Thunder of Heaven.

Giveaway will run from today until Wednesday, July 27th at 11:59 pm. Then we’ll let the Random Number Generator choose a name. I’ll send you name and address to Zondervan, and they’ll pop your book in the mail.

And to end with something fun, here’s a video of Josh. Take a minute out of your day to meet a hero . . .

In Blog Tour Book Reviews, Blogging for Books, Book Suggestions, Giveaways , , , , ,
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What if . . .

Renee Ann Smith —  July 20, 2011 — 13 Comments

“Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to Your Name.” ~II Samuel 22:50~

“Stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at evening.” ~I Chronicles 23:30~

“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.” ~Psalm 75:1~

In Word-filled Wednesday
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The Twelfth Imam (Must-read and Giveaway)

Renee Ann Smith —  July 18, 2011 — 28 Comments

“Don’t you know how close we are, you fool? Don’t you know how pious we must be? He’s coming at any moment. We must be ready.” ~from The Twelfth Imam~

These words from Joel Rosenberg’s latest are not uttered by an evangelical Christian but by a Muslim at the top of the Iranian power structure. His statement greatly impacts agent Reza Tabrizi (David Shirazi), the first of his CIA colleagues to realize that at the heart of the Iranian nuclear program is a group of men who believe the world is in its last days.

These men are looking for the appearance of their Promised One, the Twelfth Imam, who will come in power and might to destroy all Jews, Christians, and infidels and reward the faithful. And the men believe they can hasten their Imam’s coming by using nuclear weapons to destroy Israel and the USA.

The story is actually set in motion earlier than this, by an incident in 1979 that brings two families together. The Harpers are an American couple living in Iran while Charles works at the American Embassy. The Shirazis are conservative Iranians who risk their lives to save the Harpers when the embassy is overthrown. Thus begins a friendship that will affect world events twenty years later—through the lives of their children, David Shirazi and Marseille Harper.

Another key player is Najjar Malik. While David and Marseille are experiencing Western childhoods, Najjar is growing up in Iraq.

Eventually, he becomes a physicist for Iran. At first he is thrilled with his life. He’s married to the girl of his dreams, raising a sweet baby daughter, and working for his wife’s father, a man he greatly admires. Then he learns that the nuclear program is a front for a more nefarious undertaking. Najjar must decide if this is the way of the Promised One or if he is being deceived. However, he cannot share his doubts or he will be killed.

At first when David is assigned to Iran, he is pleased to be in his parents’ homeland. His CIA mentor Jack Zalinsky remains cynical. But David attends the mosque, prays five times a day, reads the Koran, and searches for truth. Soon enough he is drawn into a thrilling mystery, which involves the sightings of a miracle-working Imam and espionage in the nuclear facility. He also finds himself dealing with family problems and following a quest to locate an old flame. When the least likely player in this novel is converted to Christianity, the story takes an amazing turn!

I loved this book! It provided heart-stopping suspense, educated me concerning some important historical events in the Middle East and their significance, and inspired sincere thankfulness. I’m grateful that I was born in a free country, taught about God at a young age, accepted Christ, and had access to Bibles, inspirational books, and sermons that teach Truth. And I’m also grateful to know that the God of all mercy is finding ways to touch hearts all across the Middle East. As He promises, “You will seek Me and you will find Me when you search for me with all your heart.”

Giveaway: This is a giveaway post. A comment on this book review can include you in the July giveaway: a $10 Amazon Gift Card. Check back at the end of July to see if you’re the winner!

I “earned” this book through the Tyndale Summer Reading Program. All you do is review five books from their reading list to earn a free book. And you can participate even if you don’t have a blog! Follow this link for details.

About the author: Joel Rosenberg is the author of both fiction (political thrillers) and non-fiction books, which focus on the Middle East. His books are great! Follow this link to check out his Amazon’s author page.

In Blog Tour Book Reviews, Blogging for Books, Book Suggestions , , ,
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The Blessed

Renee Ann Smith —  July 15, 2011 — 2 Comments

The Blessed by Ann H. Gabhart is the engaging story of a young girl trying to make her way in the world of 1844, sometimes with the love and support of those around her and sometimes in spite of their skewed advice. Lacey Bishop is cast out from her home at age 16, when her father forsakes her in favor of an abusive stepmother. Fortunately, Miss Mona, the preacher’s wife, takes her in. Miss Mona lovingly guides Lacey and gives her the care of baby Rachel, another unwanted child Miss Mona finds at her door.

Lacey and Rachel are bereft when Miss Mona dies. In order to stay with Rachel, Lacey rashly marries the preacher. Then in a stunning development, Lacey’s new husband moves the family to a Shaker village, where marriage is considered a sin. The marriage is never consummated. Rachel and Lacey are separated. And Lacey is left hurting and lonely and longing for some love in her life. That’s when she meets Isaac Kingston, a man who is not a Shaker true believer but seems to be using the Shaker village to hide from life.

By that point in the story, I was turning pages rapidly to discover just how the author would put Lacey, Isaac, and Rachel together in a God-honoring way—because it was so obvious they were the ones who truly needed each other!

As I read, I felt immersed in the Shaker world for several reasons. One, the talented writing of the author. Two, I live in close proximity to two Shaker villages. And three, I, too, have felt trapped within a group of believers who veered from the essential truths of Scripture and formed an isolated community. Though the Shakers created beautiful furniture and buildings and music, I rejoiced when Lacey finally found a way to make her dreams come true.

Available July 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. ***Thanks to Revell for providing my copy of The Blessed. You can purchase your copy of the book at this link.

About the author: Ann Gabhart is the award-winning, bestselling author of several books about the Shakers, including The Believer, The Outsider and The Seeker. Living just thirty miles from a restored Shaker village and one mile from the place she was born in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, she has walked the same paths that her characters might have walked in generations past. For more information about Ann visit her website at www.annhgabhart.com.

***Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life.  They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

In Blog Tour Book Reviews, Blogging for Books, Book Suggestions
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Pieces of light that shine through the gloom

Renee Ann Smith —  July 12, 2011 — 9 Comments

Sometimes doubts about God and the reality of His promises assail my joy. When this happens, there’s one thing that convinces me faster than any other that all I believe is true: the opposition to God found in every corner of our world today. The louder the voices raised against Him, the more I know that He’s real, that He matters. If He didn’t matter, why would the strongest, most sophisticated, most influential folks unite in an effort to deny Him and silence us?

Pieces of Light by Julie Cave brings this message home through an exciting, meaningful story. The main suspense plot involves a bomber who targets churches. A secondary storyline explores supposed first amendment violations by Christian groups. The investigator in these cases, former FBI agent Dinah Harris, is working to enter her life again after some painful setbacks.

Julie goes behind the scenes to show the spiritual realities in each strand of her story. And I love that! I’ve read secular detective stories where critics rave that the authors delved into the depths of their characters. But I’ve wondered how that can be true when the Bible says that God figures into each man’s journey—as each of us either rejects God or searches for Him.

God certainly figures into each man’s journey in this novel. From the sad past of the bomber to the abusive family profiled in one section of the book to the God-hate behind a corrupt legislator’s agenda. Even Dinah herself is learning to incorporate faith and Scriptural precepts into her day to day living—including work and dating—as this excerpt from early in the book shows . . .

“Dinah glanced around the little group as they opened the study in prayer . . . There were times she couldn’t believe she was here, sharing her life and faith in an intimate setting. Dinah shied away from close human contact . . . certain that it only led to heartbreak. She’d built effective barriers of sarcasm, alcoholism, and anger, designed to keep people at bay. It had taken the love and persistence of a Christian couple . . . to start the process of dismantling the walls.

When it became time to pray, Dinah quickly sent one for herself. ‘Dear Heavenly Father, I am confused about how my past and my future will fit together. Am I supposed to be alone for the rest of my life? . . . What is your will for me? Please give me Your wisdom in figuring this out. I don’t trust my own judgment, and I only want to do Your will . . . Without you I have nothing. Amen.’”

I enjoyed getting to know Dinah Harris as I rode along on her adventure. And I rejoiced at the hopeful ending for this character I’d come to feel so much sympathy for!

If you enjoy an engaging mystery with godly insights woven throughout, you can grab a copy of Pieces of Light at this link.

***Special thanks to author Julie Cave and her publisher Master Books for providing a copy of the book for me to review!

Follow this link to Julie’s website to read more about her and her books.

In Blog Tour Book Reviews, Blogging for Books, Book Suggestions , , ,
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Learn about me and see old family pics (or tagging across the internet)

Renee Ann Smith —  July 11, 2011 — 28 Comments

A happy place: Bible, coffee, computer

So periodically bloggers play games across the internet where they “tag” each others’ blogs. (We’re like those nerdy tech people who make jokes about gigabytes and motherboards that nobody else understands.) When you’re tagged, you answer a few personal questions and pass the tag along.

Most of the folks I’m in contact with live in other time zones and geographic areas yet we can forge a friendship of sorts because of modern technology. How cool is that!

I was tagged by a sweet bloggy friend named Amber. It’s been a while since I’ve featured her, so I’ll review: She’s a Christian college student from the West Coast, loves the Lord, her family and books, and hopes to be a published author some day. You can follow this link to check out her blog.

Today I’m addressing only one of the fun questions, so here we go . . .

Me, my sister JoAnn ~1967~

Do you have a nickname? When I was little, I wasn’t crazy about my name. My mother named me while under the influence of a French friend. (As long as my father could spell the name, he didn’t care.) I was born in the 60′s and, growing up, ran into few other Renee’s.

My name was tough for some kids to pronounce. I remember two young playmates—boys, of course!—who always called me “Grenade.” As a friend’s son used to say, “Anything’s better with bombs!” (He’s in the military now.)

After I became a Christian, I researched my name and discovered it’s related to renaissance and other such words and means “Reborn.” Learning this reminded me of a beautiful truth from Psalm 139

Me, Mother, JoAnn ~1972~

“Oh yes, [God] You shaped me first inside, then out;  you formed me in my mother’s womb. You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth. All the stages of my life were spread out before you; the days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.“

After that time, I was glad to hear my name on my family’s lips, especially when they shortened it to Ren or Rennie.

One of my favorite renditions of my name comes from my 6-yr.-old niece. She never shortened my name as she was learning to talk (she’s determined and goal-oriented) but would struggle to come out with, “Aunt Ruh–aay.”

My niece, me (Mom in background) ~2009~

Several months ago I heard her father coaching her on the correct pronunciation. “Say, aunt,” he instructed. She dutifully repeated, “Aunt.”

“Say Ruh—Nay,” he continued. She complied, “Ruh—Nay.”

He beamed. “Great! Now say, ‘Aunt Ruh—Nay.” She shrugged, said, “Aunt Ruh-aay,” and went back to coloring . . . So that’s her special name for me. Don’t you love it?

God promises that He has a special name for me, too. When I meet Him in Heaven, He’ll share it.  From Revelation 2: “I’ll give the sacred manna to every conqueror; I’ll also give a clear, smooth stone inscribed with your new name, your secret new name.”

I can’t imagine what that day will be like, when I hear my secret name on my Father’s lips! Maranatha!

How my niece sees me! (Don't you love it?)

Now on to the tagging. Here are the blog links of some new friends I met when I joined the Christian Fiction Devourers group on Goodreads. (Follow this link to join.) And, bloggers, if I tagged you, don’t feel you have to make a special post. Just know you were thought of and have a happy day . . .

~Rachel at Thoughts from a Compulsive Reader

~Sara at Shoopette’s Book Review

~Gwendolyn Gage at The Way of Impressions

~Jodie at Mom’s Pace

~Cheryl at The Power of Story

(Bloggers, if you wish to join in the tagging, you can see the other questions at this post.)

In Blog Hop, Blogging, Devotional Thoughts, Life on Glenwood Boulevard , ,
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On good gifts, undeserved favor, and a giveaway

Renee Ann Smith —  July 6, 2011 — 80 Comments

Though Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs focuses on three female characters, in some ways it tells the tale of all women because it’s patterned after the book of Ruth. The story reminded me of this unchanging truth: No matter the culture, time period, or circumstances, God sees each woman’s most-cherished dreams, hears the cries of her heart, and works His plan into her life—if she will let Him.

The drama opens in Scotland circa 1746. Anne, Marjory, and Elizabeth have each experienced painful pasts and find themselves in unfamiliar circumstances. They’ve lost their wealth, societal position, and family members to the failed Jacobite Rebellion. As they begin new lives, they expect no special treatment and determine to accept whatever hard work and deprivation the future may require. However, God—who delights in bestowing so much more than His children could ever ask or think—fills their lives with favor, abundant joys, and unexpected love.

As I read the story, I couldn’t help but think of the many times God has surprised me with His good gifts. The accompanying verse that kept running through my mind was I John 3: 20: “For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.”

One Caution for Gentle Readers of This Tale: I opened this book in the late afternoon, thinking I’d take a short break before getting back to work. So quickly and effortlessly did I become immersed in the story world that I didn’t return to “real life” until many hours later. My advice: don’t pick up this engaging read until you’re prepared to loose yourself within its pages!

About the author: This author’s website is entitled, Liz Curtis Higgs, An Encourager. And it’s true! I watched Liz Curtis Higgs give several video talks online and would love to tune in to a “Liz Channel” for some godly encouragement each day. Since that’s not available, I guess her books and dvds are the next best thing. She’s written many excellent women’s devotional and Bible studies, which are now also available as dvds. Follow this link to Liz’s website and check them out!

***Many thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah for providing a copy of Mine is the Night for me to review. I so enjoyed it!

Giveaway: This is a giveaway post. A comment on this book review can include you in the July giveaway: a $10 Amazon Gift Card.

Rate my review: I reviewed this story for the Blogging for Books Program. If you rate my review, it opens the way for me to choose another book. Rating is a two-step process. 1. Rate my review here.

2. Check your email account for a message from Blogging for Books and click their link to verify your email. 3. Let me know that you’ve verified your email, and I’ll enter you again in the giveaway or simply say, Thanks!

As always, you can leave a comment just to say Hi!
In Blogging for Books, Book Suggestions ,
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