Children's book review: My Little Life of Jesus

 My Little Life of Jesus
by Karen Williamson, Amanda Enright (Illustrations)


This padded hardcover book will surely please your 3-5 year old child! The colors with which this book is illustrated are bright and cheerful, perfect for little eyes. Your child will want to read this book over and over again, and it is a good idea for keeping your little one occupied during church!

 This small book, perfect for very young children to hold and carry around, covers events in Jesus' life on earth. It begins with the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary and telling her that she would have ''a special baby''. The book follows the life of Jesus up to his crucifixion and resurrection.

One thing I appreciated about this book is that it includes the Biblical reference for every single incident! This is great for parent to be able to quickly find the text and perhaps read further to their interested child. This will also encourage children to look up the original passage themselves.

  Major issues with the book were as follows;
  The illustrations are fun for any kind of kids' book. Even Bible stories. However, I just can't recommend the way Jesus is illustrated in this book. I would not want my child growing up with such a picture in his or her mind! The Jesus pictured in this Bible is typical: pale, brown hair and beard...and during his trial incredibly sad, mournful and weak! I know the trial and crucifixion was immensely painful to our Saviour.  But he did NOT look like a lost puppy dog. And that's a fact.
   Secondly, this book really missed the salvation message which I thought was unusual for such a book! Truly, although the book follows Jesus' ministry, it doesn't mention salvation. Or why Jesus died! Is this too deep for a child? I think not!

  As a small but important note, I thought it good that the illustrator pictured Jesus as older than an infant when the wise men came to worship him. Details like this are important!

In the portion about John the Baptist, I thought it was good that the author worded John's message as follows: ''He told people to turn away from the bad things they were doing.'' The term turn away is a good one and can lead to important discussions between children and their parents. 'Turn away' implies more than just ''sorry''. It means true repentance, true change from all  you did before.

However, in the portion where Jesus is explaining the parable of the shepherd and the lost sheep, I thought the author confused the meaning of the Bible text. In ''My Little Life of Jesus'' it states: ''God is just as happy as the shepherd when anyone turns away from doing bad things.'' I think that is a weak explanation for children. If I were a child, I would get, from this the idea that all God wants is people to ''be good''. We all know the meaning of this parable is the the Good Shepherd seeking lost souls and saving them...not simply hoping that people will ''be better''. Just a thought you might want to consider explaining to your young one as you read this book.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

The Paleo Chef by Pete Evans- a review

The Paleo Chef by Pete Evans

   The very fact that has brought television personality Pete Evans criticism from the general public is what had me the most interested in reading his Paleo cookbook!
Wondering what topic that could possibly be? Simply the aspect of activate almonds!
Yes, you can believe that I was delighted when I opened Pete Evan's cookbook ''The Paleo Chef'' and discovered in the beginning chapters that he highly recommends soaking and slowly roasting all nuts and seeds! I knew I could trust this guy. ;)
I was also pleased to see that this author doesn't recommend overdoing it on grains! I am not Paleo, but my diet corresponds often to that of the Paleo eater so I am able to benefit from such cookbooks and recipes.
Yet again I was delighted from this cookbook published by 10 Speed Press. Will they ever disappoint?
This new recipe book is packed with interesting and healthy recipes which I am eager to try.
The ones which have especially caught my eye include: Licorice Root Sausages with fried eggs and greens, Moroccan carrot salad, Roast chicken thighs with garlic, lemon and herbs, and I am definitely going to be making chocolate beet mudcakes for Valentines this year!

For your interest, this Australian chef uses raw honey for the sweet things in this book but that can be substituted or left out by the talented stevia-lover. Pete Evans also uses coconut oil and other wonderful fats and-to my delight- avoids soy products.

The recipes concentrate mainly on vegetable dishes, but there is enough variety that any cook will be fascinated and pleased with this book!

More about this cookbook:

Acclaimed international chef and television personality Pete Evans takes a whole new approach to making gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free meals that are worthy of a restaurant but effortless to prepare. More and more people are discovering the health benefits of the Paleo lifestyle by cutting out processed, sugary foods and instead eating quality proteins and fats, fresh vegetables and fruits, and nuts and seeds. However, following this way of eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or spending a long time in the kitchen. In The Paleo Chef, Evans provides more than 100 recipes for gorgeous food that is satisfying, distinctive, and good for you, including Kale Hummus, Vietnamese Chicken Wings, and Key Lime Tart.

Each and every one of Evans’s innovative recipes pops with flavor and is brought to life with stunning, full-color photography. Living—and eating—the Paleo lifestyle has never been so effortless and so delicious

A Beautiful Reflection by Sarah O Maddox review

 A Beautiful Reflection

by Sarah O. Maddox

 

 

I was primarily intrigued by this book's exceptionally beautiful cover. It is uncommon for a Christian publication from a relatively small company to have such a well-designed cover, and I was delighted with this one. The woman pictured corresponded perfectly with the heroine of the novel.

Secondly, I felt great interest in the book since the distribution company recommended it for singles. I- unfortunately- qualify.

So it was with excitement that I received this book and began reading it.

It is with mixed emotions that I carefully perform the task of rating and reviewing it.

 

First, I will say that I think highly of the author's desire and vision in completing such a novel. It is biblically-sound in many ways and thought-provoking. The latter is especially helped by discussion questions which are found at the conclusion of the book.

The author is Sarah O Maddox, who has also written Five Things I Did Right & Five Things I Did Wrong in Raising Our Children, and A Woman's Garden of Prayer/A Woman's Garden of Prayer Journal: Cultivating Intimacy with God Through Prayer. She is a Christian who is actively involved with women's ministry in her church.

In A Beautiful Reflection, her first (Christian) novel, Sarah Maddox deals with a topic which is obviously important to her as it should be to all believers: that of the marriage union of a believer with an unbeliever. She tackles this weighty and sometimes controversial subject in this fictional work of hers.

The story opens with a scene in which the heroine, Susan, realizes she cannot marry her childhood sweetheart unless it is God's will for them both. The story then fast forwards at least 8 years or so and still single Susan is the successful manager of  a store in her hometown. Having won an award for top manager of her state, North Carolina, she is invited to a convention hosted by the President of the company she works for. She attends this event with a careful state of mind, fully cloaked in the word of God. While there, however, she meets the young, handsome President Jim Hitchenson and in response to his instant and obvious ardent dmiration, finds herself falling in love despite herself.

I do not wish to give away the story, but the tale follows the journey this couple takes as they speedily develop their friendship and relationship.

Susan finds herself head over heels in love with this man she hardly knows despite the frequent cautions she tries to give herself as she reads God's word. The relationship progresses so quickly, and Jim is such a typically fun American as well as showing rare gentlemanly traits that Susan can't help living in the moment and simply enjoy herself. This mindset is entirely understandable; we've all pushed important thoughts to the back of our minds until ''later''.

Only the time coninues to pass and Susan becomes almost afraid to address issues which may disrupt her relationship with Jim.

Will Susan be able to face reality and ask Jim the questions which may bring a halt to their plans for marriage forever? Will she stay true to her convictions as a Christian to not become unequally yoked?

On a personal note, I wasn't as impressed with this book as I expected to be.

I don't read novels consistantly, but I have finished several Christian romance novels, some of which I really loved because the faith message and the story line were wonderful.

In A Beautiful Reflection, the author doesn't go very far with the storyline. The whole book consists of detailed descriptions of what Susan and Jim did together.

As for the romance contained within, I really really appreciated the author's stance and therefore the heroine's strong views on saving sex for after the wedding! That was evidently a very strong point. As was modesty somewhat, faithful marriage and close family, etc.

However, the book has far too many (although not incredibly sensual) descriptions of the words of endearment and the kisses this couple share during their time together!

I also found it hard to relate to Susan since she assumed that Jim was a Christian because he attended church...yet he mentions a few times in the book that he would love to spend the night with her.

A girl of Susan's semi-conservative upbringing might not necessarily restrain from kissing her love, but would have more sense to see red lights in a relationship with a man so far removed from her Christian world. But again, love can be so strong that one is blinded. I don't know...

What I do know is the that the description of kisses was overdone.

The style of writing was better than many childishly-simple Christian novels. However, A Beautiful Reflection does have a variety of grammatical mistakes, and the dialogue tends to have an awkwardness to it.
Those of you who are looking into reading this book might be pleased to hear that this book contains no sexual scenes whatsoever and not a single word of profanity. One can tell that the author was careful when she wrote this book. Even Jim's past sins, although alluded to, are not described in detail.

I appreciated the goal and motive behind the writing of this book, for sure and agree with the stance the author takes for sexual purity, and oneness in marriage!

 

I received this book from the publisher through BookCrash.com in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.

 

Juvenile Fiction The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues (a Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper) by Cindy Vincent

The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues 

(a Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper) by Cindy Vincent 

This is a fun fictional tale for young readers from author Cindy Vincent! It is the third in her Buckley and Bogley Cat Detective Capers series, which is a series of mystery novels for kids and cat lovers everywhere!

  Written by a Christian, these books are appropriate for your children to read! Of course since the heroes of the tales are cats, there aren't any Christian lessons implemented. However, you as the parent can rest assured that your young readers won't gain any wrong ideas from reading these books. The cat does seem fond of the expression ''holy mackerel'' and ''holy catnip''- you may decide upon your own discretion if you want to risk your child adding those words to their vocabulary. 

  The storyline of The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues is interesting; it will captivate the very young reader and continue to interest older readers (9-12). If reading aloud, I don't believe the parent or older sibling reading the book to a child will be bored either. The setting and characters are extremely easy to comprehend from the very first chapter. Likewise, the active story line begins immediately- something which will please young readers, especially boys. 

Children will be delighted when they see that Buckley and Bogey are real live cats! 

This fictional book is a good way to keep children interested in a chapter book without resorting to complete fantasy!

As for the tale in this book, it involves Buckley and Bogey secretly helping their humans to reveal the truth behind recent mysterious antique-shop break-ins and leads them on an adventure involving the Museum and its special exhibit. Will the talented cat detectives be able to help the humans solve this puzzle before the villains succeed in their crafty plot? Read the book to find out!

From the website:

The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues is sort of a take on the Maltese Falcon, done Buckley and Bogey style. Complete with a mysterious package left in their Mom's antique store, as well as jeweled statues and lots of shady characters, this is the boys most complicated case EVER. Whew . . . it certainly keeps Buckley and Bogey on their paws! Especially when the whole thing turns into a treasure hunt that teaches them a lot about the history of their town, St. Gertrude. But one thing's for sure, as complicated as this case is, it sure pays to have friends who can help out. Holy Catnip! 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Thanks!

The Evangelism Study Bible from EvanTell a review

The Evangelism Study Bible by Evantell

It is such a blessing to live in a country where one can have access to such a variety of publications of God's Holy Word! It was a pleasure to be able to read and review this particular printing of the Bible!
The Evangelism Study Bible holds to the truth and power of the original New King James Version® text. It is published by the company EvanTell, Inc. which a ministry focusing on evangelism training and outreach ministry. Founded by Dr. R. Larry Moyer and located in Dallas, Texas it's goal is to perpetuate the gospel in a clear and simple fashion. It has kept faithfully to that desire for over forty years. EvanTell is finally producing this beautiful, large study Bible in accordance with the beliefs they have held to for four decades.
The Evangelism Study Bible presents all you need to share the gospel in a clear fashion.
It includes the following :

• a brief, informative introduction to each Bible book, focusing on its contribution to evangelism
• more than 2,600 study notes pertaining to evangelism
• over 260 tips on practical issues in evangelism
• 125 in-depth articles on crucial issues
• 85 how-to features that provide hands-on advice
• 45 inspirational devotions
• easy-to-follow double-column format with explanatory notes
• helpful cross references
• biblical concordance
• full-color maps

To further understand the position this company takes and thus the notes provided in this study Bible, watch the below video...

from Evantell

The 5 Love Languages Singles Edition (10th Anniversary) by Gary Chapman

The 5 Love Languages Singles Edition (10th Anniversary) by Gary Chapman
published 2014

2015 has barely begun, and I've already discovered number 2 of my top 15 reads of 2015! The first I will mention later, and needless to say, this book by Gary Chapman is the second! I love practical books like this; I read it in one afternoon. As in yesterday afternoon. :)
I will begin by saying that although I had heard glowing reports of ''the 5 love languages'', I hadn't really thought much on the subject and I certainly had never read any of Mr. Chapman's books. This is my introduction into the love languages and I am very interested!

  This particular version is the 10th anniversary of the single's edition of this popular theory. The author published it after realizing that many of the readers of his original book ''The 5 Love Languages'', intended for couples, were actually singles! With the knowledge that not only married couples, but every young person desiring to be married needs advice on relationships, they author prepared this version for singles.
To go further, the author also knows that it is most certainly not just eligible singles who would benefit from this book! The fact is: every individual person on the face of this earth has relationships with people around him. If we desire actual working relationships with people, we must know how to love them. I appreciated how this book would be appropriate not only for Christians, but for non-believers as well. I know that the foundational importance is salvation and the state of the soul. But I love how practical the author is in explaining how to understand how to love each human being around us. Although it would be best if the reader is saved, the practical information contained in the chapters of this book should benefit every living being created in the image of God!
Such a variety of relationships is covered in this paperback book. I highly recommend it for singles and even for couples if this is the only available copy!
The author is considerate in including a variety of singles in this chapter book: young people (and their roles as children, and friends), older unmarried people, single parents, divorced adults, widowed adults/parents...Mr. Chapman is quite thorough and wise as he considers each group of people. A good portion of the book also concentrates on singles who are in a dating/courting relationship which I appreciated since the author doesn't assume that all singles will stay single. ;)

It's hard to write a review about a book which is full of good and helpful truths! All I can say is, read it and let it change your relationships! This method, combined with the wonderful book Equipped to Love by Norm Wakefield and the useful brain typing method can change lives, save marriages and salvage many relationships!

I received The 5 Love Languages Singles Edition (10th Anniversary) by Gary Chapman from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you!

Clean Slate cookbook/guide from the editors of Martha Stewart Living

Clean Slate: A Cookbook and Guide
 from the editors of Martha Stewart Living published by Clarkson Potter
336 pages

What better way to start the new year than with a clean yet delightful diet? 
  I was overwhelmed by the beauty of this cookbook! In keeping with Martha Stewart Living's clean and fresh style, this book is a pleasure to the eyes. It makes a great coffee table book. But it goes much, much further than that of course! To my great surprise and delight, this cookbook is packed with incredibly healthy, very inspiring and too delicious to be true recipes! 
   I am extremely rigid with my rules in healthy living, and usually have to ignore half the recipe in even a ''healthy'' cookbook. This book, however, overwhelms me with it's thoroughness and attention to health concerns. Happily, the reader/cook can rest at ease concerning the foods presented in this book. Martha Stewart Living has long provided healthy and absolutely delicious recipes; this cookbook continues with that tradition. 
Contained within this new large paperback cookbook are dozens of exciting recipes which follow the mantra of the cookbook: Reset your health, detox your body and feel your best! 
  I must insert a note to fellow extreme nutritionists: this book doesn't include soaking or sprouting the grains used in the recipes. On that note, it does include many recipes involving grains (quinoa, etc). However, I am assuming we can simply prepare the grains as we normally would, while following the recipe for the remainder of the preparation. The desserts don't seem to incorporate stevia, but use honey. A couple of the recipes include brown sugar. But they seem simple enough to play around with according to each cook's level of ''fanaticism''!
I would say that this cookbook's strong point is in the vegetable dishes and snacks! 
For those of you who are curious as to how many new recipes this book presents...I can't answer you precisely, but I did recognize many recipes from the Martha Stewart Living magazines. However not every recipe is a double. 

Helpfully, this book also includes guidelines for restocking your pantry with whole grains, beans and legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats; glossaries of the best sources of detoxifiers, antioxidants, and other health-boosting nutrients; and menus for a simple 3-day cleanse and a 21-day whole-body detox, with easy-to-follow tips and strategies for staying on track.

Clean Slate is organized into sections as follows....
Replenish: Get off to a good start
Whole-Wheat Waffles with Strawberries and Yogurt;
Poached Eggs with Roasted Tomatoes

Reboot: Drink to your health
Grapefruit, Carrot, and Ginger Juice;
Green Machine Smoothie

Recharge: Load up on vegetables
Roasted Mushroom Tartines with Avocado;
Steamed Vegetable Salad with Macadamia Dressing

Reenergize: Choose your snacks wisely
Warm Spinach-White Bean Dip;
Trail Mix with Toasted Coconut

Restore: Make meals with substance
Wild Salmon, Asparagus, and Shiitakes in Parchment;
Grilled Chicken with Cucumber, Radish, and Cherry Tomato Relish

Relax: Have a little something sweet
Dark Chocolate Bark with Hazelnuts;
Berry-Almond Crisp

I am excited about using this cookbook, and hope you will as well!
I received Clean Slate from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

The Name Quest: Explore the Names of God to Grow in Faith and Get to Know Him Better by John Avery

The Name Quest by John Avery

Morgan James Publishing
328 pp.

This is a large paperback book exploring the names of God. With such a simple explanation, you would expect a basic book. But instead, the author brings the reader on an in-depth study of every name and title given to God throughout the Bible. I was impressed by the depth and value of this book. The author uses great care and detail and relies heavily on his knowledge of Hebrew to help the reader glimpse the greatness of God through His names and titles throughout the Bible. 

To be honest, it took me some time to gain motivation to read this book since it is so large, and initially appeared quite intense what with all the Hebrew words in the margins. However, as I began reading this book, I was drawn into the interesting chapters without much effort. I still admit it is a long book, but that isn't a bad thing! 

Secondly, the author does include many personal illustrations from his life which can be bad or good, depending on the reader. These stories and examples helped me get into the book, yet at the same time distracted me from remembering the point of each chapter. Nevertheless, I believe these examples will help most readers gain the point of each chapter. 

Lastly, I would have preferred more organization to the book. I found it hard to understand the structure the author had in mind when publishing the book. 

Again, I emphasize that this is an incredibly in-depth book! As the title in whole insinuates,  The Name Quest: Explore the Names of God to Grow in Faith and Get to Know Him Better

goes further to draw readers to a deeper relationship with their Saviour! The author is evidently a passionate student of God's word who leaves no detail unmentioned. 

I recommend The Name Quest, but encourage you to be motivated to read it, because it isn't the casual reading style of book. It is great for the devoted, studious reader. 

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of The Name Quest through BookCrash.com

My top 14 reads from 2014!

It is now time for me to share with you the top 14 books of 2014! Although I kept an organized list of all the books I completed during the year, and even highlighted my favourites from each month, it was very difficult to come up with just 14 favourites.

So I didn't. 

But I'm calling it the top 14 of the year.

Rules: All these books were NEW reads for me! 

Because I read so few rereads this year (sadly enough),
 I was able to tack them on at the end of the list.
As a bonus.
You're welcome.
Oh, and for those of you who don't know me, I assure you I am not boasting concerning what I've read and such.
If I wanted to boast, it would be about the fact that I remembered every author from my very own noggin without having to look them up. But I didn't remember every author so that would have to categorize as only half true.

Reading isn't too super-heroic for me and my kin (who all read constantly even before we had mastered the English language-or any language for that matter).
It's putting what I read into practice that's special.

Starting with fiction...
No. Starting with non-fiction:
They are in chronological (as read) order...

Six Days- Ken Ham

Apologetics
Read it!

Hitler's Cross- Erwin Lutzer

1940 history
Hitler's belief system
Read it!

Prophet on the Run- Baroz

Excellent study of the book of Jonah

Choosing Gratitude- Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Life-changing devotional-style book. Not just for ladies, guys!

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus- Nabeel Quereshi

Quite interesting. I love reading salvation stories.

Ex-Muslim- Naeem Fazal

Both these books were good. I can't remember which I preferred
 though. Sorry. Perhaps the first. yes.

Singled Out- Nikki Derouin

I appreciated a slightly different approach to the topic. Uplifting.

Spoken For- Robin Jones Gunn
 
Finding your identity in Christ.

Privilege of Persecution- Dr. Karl A Moeller

Wonderful picture of believers in other countries.
Read it!

Afro-Vegan- Bryant Terry

Full of delicious and healthy recipes!
Get it. 

The Nourished Kitchen- Jennifer McGruther

In the style of Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon-
lots of recipes and techniques!

25 Ways to Communicate Respect to your husband- Jen Flanders

(I know: so practical, right? But then again, I hope to someday be able to put into practice the truths learnt from this book!)
Excellent for wives and those hoping to be.

Bible Revival- Kenneth Berding

Great stand for truth

The Knock at the Door- Margaret Ajemian Ahnert

Armenia 1915 genocides biography
Heart-rending and exciting semi auto-biography. See my link above however as there was stuff not all readers should read.

Secret Believers- Brother Andrew

Love the  stories of faith!

The Home Team- Clint Archer

Read it! It's an easy read, but full of foundational truths for the family!

Journey Through the Night- Anne DeVries

World War 2  Christian historical fiction...yes!
One of the top recommendations from 2014, I assure you!

Journey to the River Sea- Eva Ibbotson

Sweet and humorous children's adventure with the allure of fantasy.

Daisies Are Forever- Liz Tolsma

World War 2 fiction
This is the best Christian romance I've read. Like a movie.
Wouldn't recommend for young readers though.

I am David- Anne Holmes

WWII historical fiction
Sweet and wonderful story!
Good for all ages.

Just 18 Summers- Rene Gutteridge and Michelle Cox

Loved this contemporary fictional book.
I guess it's inspirational fiction. We got a lot of laughs out of it. And inspiration.

The Heretic- Henry Vyner-Brooks

This ends up being such an exciting story! But see my review...there were some things...that weren't very conservative or tasteful. And it's hard to read aloud, so I don't know what your family is going to do! It's not a book you'll die if you don't read. Like with Robert Louis Stevenson's books. But it was good. Actually, what's odd is that it can't compare to Robert Louis Stevenson's adventures yet the salvation message in The Heretic was excellent!

The favourite re-reads of the year: 

The Hiding Place

By Far Euphrates

The Scarlet Pimpernel

God's Smuggler
If you haven't read these, DO!

No, I am not going to share the worst books I read in 2014!

Check out my Goodreads page if you're curious.
And connect with me on Goodreads; it's a great place to share book ideas!

Ordinary by Tony Merida

  I was interested in this book from the moment I first held it in my hands because of its unique format. A small, easy-to-carry size, it features a pleasantly rough canvas-like binding which, as you can tell from the above picture, if unusually designed!
  The pages of this book are aesthetically-pleasing and the chapters well-organized. Tony Merida is an excellent author who has a talent for engaging readers with his upbeat style yet not disappointing the reader desiring deep truths.
Tony Merida is the founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, N.C. He also serves as Associate Professor of Preaching at Southeastern Baptist Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. His books include:Faithful Preaching;Orphanology; Ordinary: How to Turn the World Upside Down; Proclaiming Jesus; Eight volumes in the new Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series (B&H), of which he also serves as a general editor, along with Danny Akin and David Platt.
He is happily married to Kimberly; and they have five adopted children.

I was able to stay focused and interested in this book as a traversed it chapter by chapter. Mr. Merida writes with depth and enthusiasm. I included just a couple of the many portions of the book which I thought were really good:

''Spiritual maturity isn't merely something you do with your mind. It;s not about the books you've read. It's not about the conferences you attend or speak at. It;s about the life you live. It's possible to listen to ten podcasts weekly, and to sing with the hottest bands, and be in four Beth Moore Bible studies, but miss the call to care for the least of these- and all the while live in a deceived state of thinking you're mature. '' pg. 15

As is evident by this inspiring quote, Tony Merida is passionate about practical, Christ-like living! Read this book and you will be convicted to live a more humble, Christ-like life!

''As a Christ-follower, we must not replace truthfulness with tolerance. No one loved like Jesus, yet He was bold and direct. Respect others? Absolutely. Show grace to those who disagree? Yes. Fail to speak the truth in the name of tolerance? No. Paul said it this way, ''Speak the truth in love.'' We don't love the world the way Jesus loved the world if we don't call others to repentance. And we should do so in a spirit of brokenness and repentance ourselves. Love doesn't equal tolerance.'' pg. 19

Release Date: January 1, 2015 
Pages: 140 

What if the path toward an extraordinary life is becoming more ordinary?Ordinary is not a call to be more radical. If anything, it is a call to the contrary. The kingdom of God isn’t coming with light shows, and shock and awe, but with lowly acts of service. Tony Merida wants to push back against sensationalism and “rock star Christianity,” and help people understand that they can make a powerful impact by practicing ordinary Christianity.

Through things such as humble acts of service, neighbor love, and hospitality, Christians can shake the foundations of the culture. In order to see things happen that have never happened before, Christians must to do what Christians have always done­. Christians need to become more ordinary.

Let’s think together about how we, ordinary people, doing ordinary things, might turn the world upside down.