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Archive for the ‘Books I Love’ Category

What I’m Reading…

Posted in Big Announcements, Books I Love, Promoting Friends on April 11, 2011| 2 Comments »

March blew in like a lion and out like a…lion. Whew! I’m so glad that month is behind me. It’s been awhile, so I have a lot to share. First up, you may have noticed that I didn’t have a March de-cluttering post. With the tax season looming before me, I decided to de-clutter my many Wal-Mart sacks of papers. White trash. Literally. Come on, I know you’re smiling. 😉 So, I’m still working on it and the countdown to April 18th has begun.  AFTER the 18th, I will post the March/April joint effort that is/was my pile of paper clutter. I’ll be so relieved…

I’ve been reading a few new blogs that I think you should check out when you have a minute.

My Denver friend Don and his wife Ami moved to France a few months ago, and he’s blogging about the experience. He’s a writer, artist, Dr. Pepper enthusiast, and one heck of a Spades partner. Visit his blog, “Expatriatism: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Excellent Cheese” at http://donhillson.wordpress.com/

My college friend, Beckie McCord, has been blogging for a while, I just didn’t know about it until recently. Over the past year, Beckie and I have discovered a bazillion things we have in common, and I like her more every time I read her blog or chat with her on Facebook. She’s a passionate, funny lady, and one of my kindred spirit friends. Visit her blog, “Free To Be Too Much” at http://free2b2much.blogspot.com/

Speaking of blogs, did you know you can subscribe to mine over there in the sidebar? It can even be delivered right to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to the SEVENS blog to receive stories and news about our ministry, and my Sex, Love, and Marriage blog, which I haven’t posted on in over a year, but will be resuming in May. That’s my big announcement for the day. More on that later.

The list of books I’m reading has grown considerably over the past week. Allow me to take a moment and express my appreciation for the Denver Public Library. Never mind. That will be tomorrow’s post for Gratituesday. 😉

What I am reading: The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture by Peggy Orenstein, and God Alone is Enough by Claudia Mair Burney.

What I am reading with the kids: (Max)Ranger’s Apprentice, Book 1: The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan, (Zoe) The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler, and (Pete) 100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson.

What I checked out at the library today: Choosing To SEE by Mary Beth Chapman, and Pure Scum:The Left-Out, the Right-Brained, and the Grace of God by Mike Sares, Pastor of Scum of the Earth Church in Denver. (Several of my street friends/former street friends attend that church.)

What the mailman should delivering in the next few days: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare, and Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived by Rob Bell. (Yeah borders.com!)

That’s  a lot of reading, so I’m starting something new on my blog. It’s called “Niki’s Book Look”. I’ve done book reviews before, but in most cases it was to get a free book from a publisher in exchange for spreading the word about the book/author via my blog. This new thing I’m doing is for books that I am choosing to read on my own and the only thing I’m receiving is a sense of time well spent, relaxation, free entertainment, and the renewing of my mind. With rewards like that, it’s a win-win situation for me.

What are you reading? What books do you think I should add to my 2011 reading list?

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Jesus Loves You…This I Know

Posted in Book Reviews, Books I Love, Growing Faith, Promoting Friends on September 12, 2009| 1 Comment »

I’ve been a long time fan and supporter of XXXChurch.com and it’s co-founders, Mike Foster and Craig Gross. Two years ago I read what has become one of my favorite books, The Gutter written by Craig. I was so deeply moved by the amazing job he did communicating the heart of what it looks like to love people right where they are, I made the book suggested reading for everyone participating in our summer program this year. I told all my friends about it, and bought extra books to give away. So when I heard Craig had a new project coming out this year, I was ecstatic and signed up to promote it. I am SO glad I did.

jlyou
Jesus Loves You…This I Know

Craig and his friend and co-author Jason Harper, outdid themselves with Jesus Loves You…This I Know. The message they offer is one of the most misunderstood and often rejected phrases of our time. To believers, “Jesus loves you” has become a cliche. To those who don’t yet know Jesus, it’s offensive and unbelievable, after all, some of the people who claim to represent Jesus are sending a different message- a message that does not communicate love, but judgment and condemnation. Through their book, Craig and Jason share their desire to live a life compelled by love and share their passion to tell everyone that they are loved no matter who they are, what they’ve done, or what they do.

It is essential to show people that they can belong in your world even if they don’t act, think, behave, or believe like you do.

I was glad they wrote about the process of belonging before believing or behaving differently. The idea didn’t start with them, but with Jesus when he loved those whom people hated. He dined with tax collectors, accepted water from adulterous women, and met privately with a Pharisee who had questions. His encounter with people changed them and they behaved differently after they knew the belonging He offered them. What a beautiful picture of God’s grace and mercy.

The world divides. Jesus Unites.

Jason’s story “Water for the Thirsty,” had me simultaneously weeping and cheering “YES!” while Craig’s story about Jesus loving the religious – those who judge (and who happen to be those I tend to judge) hit me where it hurts. I wept some more, this time with a repentant heart.  Craig and Jason aren’t your typical Pastors, and their book is filled with stories of how their calling has brought them into community with unlikely friends and earned them hate mail from others.

Why should you read this book? Because it will challenge, inspire, and change you. Visit jesuslovesyou.net to download a pdf sample or audio sample, read what others think of the book, watch films, share your story, purchase the book, and more. Buy a copy for your brother or your best friend, then tell others about it and do your best to live the message. Find Craig and Jason on Facebook and Twitter. You can never have too many friends. 🙂

Other Books by Craig:


The Gutter: Where Life is Meant to be Lived


Questions You Can’t Ask Your Mama About Sex…


The Dirty Little Secret: Uncovering the Truth…


Starving Jesus: Off the Pew, into the World

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Blue Like Play Dough

Posted in Book Reviews, Books I Love, Promoting Friends, Uncategorized on July 30, 2009| 5 Comments »

Just this morning I hid in the bathroom so I could finish reading Tricia Goyer’s new book, Blue Like Play Dough. I had forgotten about my commitment to be a part of her blog tour, and though I was excited to receive her book in the mail, I thought it would have to wait until August after our summer groups ended. Then I got the email telling me my review was scheduled for July 30th. What? I’m in the middle of our busy summer schedule and barely have time to breathe let alone read and review a book!

BlueLikePlayDough

My desire to be a woman of my word won out and I began reading. By the end of the first page, Tricia’s conversational style had drawn me in. After the 50 or so parenting books I’ve read, I wasn’t expecting any new information, or to have the condition of my heart challenged.  I thought I would have to rush through the book looking for highlights I could share to encourage you to read it as well. I was unprepared for all that God would speak to me through Tricia’s words – busy or not.

In Chapter One, Tricia writes:

“He loves me just as I am. He knows my to-do list and that I’ll never get to the end of it. Ever. God sees my heart… My flaws neither surprise Him nor dissuade him from entering my life. It’s not as if God says, `I was going to visit you today, but I think I’ll wait until you balance that checkbook, clean out your fridge, and start the Bible study you’ve been meaning to get around to.’ God’s not like that…”

She wrote these words months ago, but God knew I’d need to read them now. That’s where I’m living this summer, in a place of thankfulness that God comes to me IN my mess. I’m an organized mess which puts me in the category of being a walking, breathing oxymoron.

Throughout her book, Tricia speaks of the ways God has molded and shaped her through the trials of being a teen mom, having 3 generations living under one roof, and the realization that THIS is life, it’s not something that happens after…(you fill in the blank.) I felt the check in my spirit as she spoke of that inner nudging moms get when they know something is wrong or when they feel convicted of God’s leading in certain situations. But the real zinger came when I read these words:

“Lord, what’s up? Why do I feel so heavy hearted?  I paused as my whispered prayers caught in my throat. Deep down I knew what was wrong. ..I’d been lazy about my spiritual health. I’d made time for ME. I’d even found time to write about God, but I hadn’t made time for God.“

Ouch. She nailed me, and the explanation for my weariness crystallized in my heart. I knew she was right. I updated my Facebook to say Tricia was kicking my butt, and my friend Margie responded with “Tricia? Or God?” Ouch. Nailed again.

I like the play dough analogy. It fits. God squeezes me in unexpected ways as he forms me into the woman I’m meant to be. I have my own shape, and like the mood ring I treasured in junior high, my colors change with the amount of heat I’m feeling. I’ve been blue a lot over the past year. Today I’m green – peaceful, knowing I’m right where I’m supposed to be, and addressing the things in my life that the Holy Spirit has shown me.  This book played a part in my shaping as God used Tricia’s life to remind me that I need Him just as much as she does – as we all do – and that He wants me too.

Why should you read this book? Because it’s one part “we’re all in this together”, one part kick in the big girl pants, one part encouragement, and one part words of life. It was worth every minute spent reading during this busy season I’m in. Thank you Tricia!

Check out her website at http://www.triciagoyer.com

Be a part of the Get One-Give One Campaign! For details click here:

(http://triciagoyer.com/gogo.html)

To read other reviews on Tricia’s blog tour, click here:

http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/what-is-new/87-blue–like–play–dough-blog-tour

To read an excerpt from Blue Like Play Dough, click here:

http://triciagoyer.com/cmsdocuments/Blue_Like_Play_Dough_Prologue_CH_1.pdf

To purchase the book, click here: http://triciagoyer.com/store.html


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Post-Conference List

Posted in Books I Love, Promoting Friends, Writing on May 27, 2009| 4 Comments »

The writer’s conference exceeded my expectations and then some! I was able to serve by doing what I do best…organizing people. Here’s my list of the top ten things I’ve done regarding the conference:

  1. Attended several workshops and took 22 pages of notes.
  2. Encouraged and teased a few of the agents and publishers. They’re real people too.
  3. Prayed with and for some hurting folks.
  4. Connected with some new friends in the Denver area.
  5. Had a blast with Jan, Kathy, Paula, and Kristi, some of my best friends in the writing world AND in the world where normal people live.
  6. Returned home with several story ideas for books and articles, which I’ll be writing during my vast amounts of spare time this summer. HA! I’ll be lucky to pick up a pen between June and August.
  7. Was completely convicted about my blogging habits, so I’ve begun redesigning this blog to fit my style and personality better, and I’m working towards a more user friendly, streamlined site. Bear with me.
  8. Decided that the next year will be my time to dig deep and find my writing voice while I’m learning the craft. I’m starting with Terry Whalin’s must read book, Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. Thank You Terry! I’ve already begun reading with my highlighter in hand.
  9. Paid attention to what topics kept rising to the surface when asked what I’m passionate about and what I write.
  10. Began making plans for what I’m going to be pitching to the pros next year. 🙂

If you’re a writer and you’ve never been to a conference, it’s time to find one and GO! Get those fingers typing into the Google search bar for conferences in your area. Right now. Make it happen. You’ll thank me later. And go buy Terry’s book!

JumpstartFront

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What’s Been Happening?

Posted in Books I Love, Family, Learning to Cope, Prayer Requests, Promoting Friends, Random, Uncategorized on March 7, 2009| 2 Comments »

The past few weeks have been rough for our family. Our friend and neighbor, Terry, committed suicide two weeks ago.  We spent a week doing our best to hold up his wife, make phone calls for her, and attend memorial services.  It was with sadness that Benny spoke at Terry’s memorial service in the same place he had performed their wedding last April.  Please pray for Nell as she deals with this major loss.  She feels responsible though we keep telling her she’s not.  😦  The one good thing coming from this terrible situation is that we’re getting to know Nell’s son James and his wife Cris, who are our age.  This week our friends and neighbors on the other side of us told us that they are splitting up.  They have 3 little boys ages 4 and under.  Our neighborhood is a mess.  Once again we find ourselves right where we’re supposed to be, but sometimes it’s difficult not to be discouraged. Our family has also dealt with several bouts of illness and dental issues.  Please pray for us too.

We had a group from San Antonio bless our socks off a few weeks ago.  (Which is o.k. They brought us 750 pairs of new ones.)  Read about it on the SEVENS blog when you’re finished browsing here.

I just finished reading the Harry Potter books.  I’ve seen all of the movies up to this point, but reading the books gave me the richness of the tale that I didn’t realize was missing.  As far as children’s and young adult fantasy fiction is concerned, I loved them.  Especially the themes of love, loyalty, courage, and perseverance.  Max has been asking about the movies for quite awhile now, so a few weeks ago we borrowed the DVD’s from the library and watched them.  After each one we had really good discussions about the themes, good vs. evil, who represented which side, how the characters treated each other and the adults in the story, and a whole host of other things.  We also agreed that a “room of requirement” would be quite handy to have in our house. 🙂  I know the Harry Potter series  and other fantasy books can be controversial in Christian circles.  I’m making a statement of opinion and do not wish to debate this with believers who have opposing ideas about these books.  I respectfully ask that if you want to talk about how evil they are, please do it on your own blog. 🙂

I was finally able to order a few extra copies of the anthology book my story was published in.  I’ll be holding a drawing for a chance to win a copy beginning Monday. Be sure to stop back for more details.

Speaking of writing, I attended a one day conference in Colorado Springs last Saturday.  One of the speakers, Donita K. Paul, whom I’ll be blogging about soon, challenged us with homework.  I took a story idea that’s been floating around in my head for months, and actually put the skeleton outline down on paper.  There are other stories in there too, but this one won’t leave me alone.  I guess that means I’ve officially begun writing my first novel.  I find that both exhilarating and terrifying. lol

I’m blogging on yet another blog now.  As a board member of a Colorado Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers, I’m required to post on the last Friday of the month on our blog, The Inkwell.  Please come and check it out.  There are lots of great writing tips, thoughts from Colorado authors, and links to great stuff on there.  Maybe I need to require myself to post here at least once a week.  My writing friend Donna recently kicked my butt when she said if we’re going to call ourselves writers we should act like it.  Writers write.  Novel idea, huh? lol


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