The Artist’s Daughter by Alexandra Kuykendall

May 19, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | Leave a comment

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Revell (April 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800722051
ISBN-13: 978-0800722050
Price: $13.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description

It takes a lifetime to know what–and who–defines you.

When Alexandra Kuykendall became a mother, she knew she had to go back to the beginning. To that hot July afternoon in Barcelona when she met her father for the first time. The only daughter of a single, world-traveling mother and an absent artist father, Alexandra embarks on a soul-searching trip into the past to make sense of the layers of her life–both the memories she experienced and the ones she wished for.

The Artist’s Daughter will take you on a journey of discovery through childhood, marriage, and motherhood. Through short vignettes full of both wonder and heartache, Alexandra seeks answers to three life-defining questions: Am I lovable? Am I loved? Am I loving? If you long to better understand the path your life has taken, where it is heading, and who is guiding you, this revealing and refreshing story will push you toward those answers as it changes your heart.


Review

I guess I should call myself a book reviewer of memoirs, since I seem to predominantly read them. The Artist’s Daughter does not disappoint.

Alexandra Kuykendall pens her story with such uniqueness and authenticity. I saw my reflection in many of the pages. I identified with her struggle for identity. Many of the questions she poses, I have asked myself. Reading her memoir, gave me permission to look deep within the recesses of my heart and evaluate if I am still harboring hurts, resentment and frustrations of unfulfilled expectations that were not met in my life.

Her journey parallels mine in many ways. I especially loved reading the truthfulness of her relationship with her father, her marriage and her experiences of motherhood. I appreciated the fact that she did not sugar coat or make it seem that all was perfect. I find many Christians hide behind a veneer of image and show, instead of keeping it real.

Alexandra Kuykendall doesn’t do this, she is honest as she exposes truth, even if it was messy.  I appreciated the fact that she was vulnerable in telling her story with abandon.

There is something to admire and respect about her memoir. Her struggles as a woman, a wife, a mother, a friend, a daughter, etc… I told her this in a private message and I will say it again here… Well done.

This is a beautiful memoir I highly recommend to women, whether single or married, with or without children.

In conclusion, I would like to thank Revell Publishers for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review.

Alexandra Kuykendall is on staff at MOPS International (Mothers of Preschoolers) where she encourages mothers of young children to keep growing as they take on their new mothering identity. She is a regular contributor and consulting editor to MomSense magazine, Connections magazine, and the MOPS blog. A frequent speaker for MOPS, Alexandra has been featured on Good Morning America. As the mother of four young children, she continues to refine her mothering identity. She lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, Derek, and their daughters.

Freefall To Fly by Rebekah Lyons

May 12, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | Leave a comment

Hardcover: 200 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Books (April 9, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414379366
ISBN-13: 978-1414379364
Price: $19.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN

 

 

 

 

 

Description

The Dark Night of the Soul in the City That Never Sleeps.

At first glance, Rebekah Lyons’s life path seemed straightforward: walk the aisle, take the short road to motherhood, and build a family on a suburban cul-de-sac in the South.

But life looked radically different when her family relocated to the heart of New York City. She was forced to navigate a new normal with three kids, two toy poodles, and a minivan. Blindsided by crippling despair, Rebekah wrestled with bigger questions women often ask: Why am I here? Does my life matter?

In a Western culture driven by performance and Pinterest fantasies, her story echoes the rise of loneliness, depression, and anxiety that women are facing at all-time highs. Why are expectations and lifestyles breaking us down in unprecedented ways?

In this beautifully moving memoir of vulnerability, courage, and ultimately transformation, Rebekah shares her journey into the unknown—a thrilling, terrifying freefall that eventually led to flight. Searching for meaning, she stumbled on surrender, discovering that meaning follows surrender.

Rebekah found freedom when she faced her greatest fear, and she invites other women to do the same. For it is only when we freefall that we can truly fly.


Review

As much as I enjoyed Rebekah Lyons writing style, there were certain aspects of her memoir that I found hard to relate or identify with.

I am a working mom and she is a stay at home mom. She is afforded opportunities most working and stay at home moms do not. Which is why I believe her story specifically speaks to mothers or women who are from her same socioeconomic background.

I do understand and can relate to the author’s feelings of angst and her struggles with anxiety and depression. Her struggle with wanting to find her specific calling besides that of being a wife and mother.

However, I have to be honest and say, most moms I know living in New York City do not have the time or luxury to go to someone’s apartment in the morning for bible study, or go on retreats, or even have time to just walk through Central Park while it’s snowing.

So if you are not of that lifestyle or demographic, it’s kind of hard to relate to her story or put yourself in the author’s shoes.

However, the author’s story is hers and I respect her life and experiences. I believe Rebekah Lyon’s memoir was candid, authentic and truthful. She didn’t hide, she exposed a lot of herself and her experiences, which I appreciated. I also find her to be a talented writer, so on that front, I enjoyed reading her memoir.

If there was one word I could use to describe her book, it would be surrender.

Freefall to Fly was about Rebekah Lyons journey to find God and herself. In the midst of it, God delivered her from severe and debilitating anxiety attacks. I found this aspect of her story to be encouraging, but I do not believe this is common.

Most people do not get delivered from anxiety because they cry out to God in desperation. This was the authors experience, which I respect, however, there are many who have to be on medication and that is no indication God loves them any less because they weren’t delivered.

In conclusion, I want to thank Handlebar Marketing and Tyndale Publishers for sending me a complimentary book to review.

Rebekah Lyons is a mother of three, wife of one, and dog walker of two living in New York City. She’s an old soul with a contemporary, honest voice who puts a new face on the struggles women face as they seek to live a life of meaning. As a self-confessed mess, Rebekah wears her heart on her sleeve, a benefit to friends and readers alike. She serves alongside her husband, Gabe, as cofounder of QIdeas, an organization that helps leaders winsomely engage culture.

Loving Your Enemies

May 5, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | Leave a comment

“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty give them water to drink.

You will heap coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.”  Proverbs 25: 21-22

Courtesy of Creative Commons

Who actually loves their enemies? Do you?

Recently, I am being met with challenges I didn’t think I would have to contend with in my walk. These situations have caught me off guard and by surprise.

What I’m realizing is the enemy never sleeps. He is always busy inciting others to stir up problems.

This time it’s involving a neighbor. A neighbor that we have been nothing but kind and respectful toward has been maliciously gossiping and spreading false accusations against my husband and I for absolutely no reason whatsoever.

I can’t tell you how troubling this is for me, especially given the fact that we have had no issues with any neighbor, much less this one.

It just boggles my mind, hurts my heart and discourages my spirit.

I keep trying to remind myself that this is the work of Satan and to not allow my faith to be shaken.

It’s times like this, when my faith is being tested and pushed to the limit.

This week the Lord showed me the above verse in Proverbs, and I had been meditating on it. Little did I know I would be contending with this very issue this weekend.

I can’t tell you how many scenarios I’ve entertained in my mind of what I would love to tell this neighbor in response.

Adrenaline coursing through my veins, wanting nothing more to confront and give them a piece of my mind.

Until I heard the Lord say, “Do not do or say anything, keep silent. Vengeance is mine.”

I was so upset when I heard the Lord say this to me. I want to tell this neighbor off and put them in their place. But I realize if I do so, I would be disobeying the Lord and stepping outside of His will and protection.

So here I am writing this and stewing in my anger toward this evil neighbor.

Yet God says for us to love our neighbors, love and pray for our enemies. This is probably the hardest thing for me to do right now and I can tell you that my flesh has absolutely no interest or desire to do so.

My practice and inclination is to confront and put people in their place when they are doing wrong. I have no qualms about telling someone what I think, what is harder for me is to keep silent.

What about you? Are you able to love your enemies? Have you experienced anything similar? If so, how did you handle it and what was the outcome?  I would be interested in reading your comments.

This is a song that I have gone to time and time again through the years. It’s called Psalm 3 by Salvador, here are the lyrics and You Tube video. I hope it blesses you:

Many are those that rise up against me
And many are saying of me
God will not deliver him (repeat)

Arise oh Lord and deliver me
Oh my God
Oh my God (repeat)

I cry upon my Lord
And He answers me
From His holy hill (repeat)

Arise oh Lord and deliver me
Oh my God
Oh my God (repeat)

I will not fear the tens of thousands
Drawn up against me
On every side

Arise oh Lord and deliver me
Oh my God
Oh my God (repeat)

North of Hope by Shannon Huffman Polson

May 1, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | Leave a comment

Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (April 9, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310328764
ISBN-13: 978-0310328766
Price: $16.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description

After her parents are killed in a rare grizzly attack, the author is forced into a wilderness of grief. Turning to loves she learned from her father, Polson explores the perilous terrain of grief through music, the natural world, and her faith. Her travels take her from the suburbs of Seattle to the concert hall where she sings Mozart’s Requiem, and ultimately into the wilderness of Alaska’s remote Arctic and of her heart.

This deeply moving narrative is shot through with the human search for meaning in the face of tragedy. Polson’s deep appreciation for the untamed and remote wilderness of the Alaskan Arctic moves her story effortlessly between adventure, natural history, and sacred pilgrimage, as much an internal journey as a literal one. Readers who appreciate music or adventure narratives and the natural world or who are looking for new ways to understand loss will find guidance, solace, and a companionable voice in this extraordinary debut.

Review

What could I possibly add to the wonderful description of this beautifully written book? My words are small and won’t adequately convey my true sentiments. My review will not do justice and encompass the beauty of this memoir, North of Hope.

Shannon Huffman Polson is a virtuoso. She is one of my heros. She writes with such brilliance, as she weaves her story of loss and hope. She takes you on her pilgrimage through the Alaskan Artic in search for answers. Her experiences will leave you breathless, in wonder and awe.

I love memoirs like this one, written with such depth, thoughtfulness and creativity. Besides which, Shannon Huffman Polson is an extraordinary writer.

I really enjoyed this memoir and was sad when it ended. I hope she writes more books.

I highly recommend North of Hope, it is brilliant. One of the best memoirs I have read in a long time.

Shannon Polson lives and writes in the Pacific Northwest. She was a contributing writer to More Than 85Broads, and her work has appeared in Seattle and Alaska Magazines, Cirque Journal, Adventure Magazine, and Trachodon, among others. Polson graduated with a B.A. from Duke University in English Literature, an M.B.A. from the Tuck School at Dartmouth, and an M.F.A. from Seattle Pacific University. She served eight years as an attack helicopter pilot in the Army and worked five years in corporate marketing and management roles before turning to writing full time. Polson serves on the board of the Alaska Wilderness League and sings with the critically acclaimed Seattle Pro Musica. She has looked for adventure and challenge anywhere she can find it, scuba diving, sky diving and climbing around the world, including ascents of Denali and Kilimanjaro, and completing two Ironman triathlons. She and her family enjoy backpacking, any kind of skiing, paddling, and spending as much time outdoors as they can in the Western states and Alaska. In September 2009, Polson was awarded the Trailblazer Woman of Valor award from Washington State Senator Maria Cantwell.

Tales of the Defended Ones by Beth Guckenberger

April 24, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | Leave a comment

Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Standard Publishing; First edition
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0784736979
Price: $8.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description

Ben and Joseph lose their mothers, but find a family looking just for them. Antonio is rescued from what seems like a hopeless situation. Caitlyn dares to trust that truth will set her free. Jorani is delivered from slavery into the arms of grace.

Follow these real-life stories on a journey to foreign places and extreme struggles. Travel through their challenges and see the hand of the great Storyweaver — our Defender God — shielding and defending the defenseless in amazing ways.

These are the tales of the ones left wounded…

Review

You know how much I love children and causes protecting children. So when I received this book to review, Tales of the Defended Ones, I jumped on the opportunity.

I’m so glad I did. What an amazing and powerful book this is.

I enjoyed Beth Guckenberger’s writing style; it was simple, easy to read and descriptive. I finished this book in a couple of hours, I couldn’t put it down.

I journeyed to different parts of the world and learned about precious children. Children that perhaps seemed to have been forgotten, but weren’t. Our heavenly Father watched over their lives and had a specific plan for each of them.

Beth Guckenberger refers to God as a Story Weaver. God is writing different chapters of their lives, our lives and the generations to come. We may not see the entire mosaic, but He does. He intricately weaves people’s lives and stories together in His perfect timing.

I was relieved and thankful there was a happy ending for each child mentioned in this book. Because while I was reading about these children, I couldn’t help but cry. I also thought about all the other children in the world who are undergoing similar situations and need intervention too. I get overwhelmed with emotion just thinking about it.

I admire people like Beth Guckenberger and her husband, Todd for caring enough about children in need. They were willing to offer up their lives as a sacrifice and help children. I honestly wish I could one day serve in this capacity without fearing for my life, financial security and a host of other things. I admire their courage and the work they with Back2Back Ministries.

I highly recommend reading Tales of the Defended Ones, you will definitely be stirred, moved and motivated to action.

Beth Guckenberger and her husband, Todd, live with their family in Monterrey, Mexico, where they serve with Back2Back Ministries. They both graduated from Indiana University with degrees in education and between biological, foster, and adopted, are raising nine children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Atheist’s Letter to the Christian Church by Barney Adler

April 24, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | 2 Comments


Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00C5RPA8I
Price: $2.99
Purchase: Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description

An Atheist’s Letter to the Christian Church, Barney Adler pleads with Christians to be more like the Jesus they claim to believe in. He begs the church to convince him that God is real, because this atheist wants more than anything to believe.

Review

It was approximately a month ago when I received an email from Barney Adler requesting if I would be willing to review An Atheist’s Letter to the Christian Church. Initially, I was going to respond that I could not, based on the fact that I am inundated with review commitments, but something compelled me to read this short e-book.

I’m glad I did because this was one of the most thought provoking and convicting books I have read in a long time.

Besides which, this book completely baffled me. Barney Adler is a self-proclaimed atheist after being a believer, attending seminary and having a love for the Bible.

I found myself agreeing with many points he made in his book. However, I was also left feeling deeply saddened.

Barney Adler makes a plea at the end of his book, which left me reeling. I still haven’t fully recovered from An Atheist’s Letter to the Christian Church.

What I realized is that as much as I want to save Barney Adler, I can’t. I can’t save Barney Adler, nor can I save myself or anyone else for that matter. Only God can. Only the Holy Spirit can illuminate, unlock and reveal Jesus to a lost and broken world.

There is only one difference between a believer and an unbeliever, one believes in Jesus’ sacrifice/salvation and the other does not.

After reading this book, I am convinced the Lord is who pursues us and changes our hearts of stone to love Him. It goes beyond our logical and finite minds, it’s the work of the Holy Spirit, not our own wills.

I spent years chasing after the truth. I believe the Holy Spirit revealed Jesus to me in such a way, that I couldn’t deny His existence. It was nothing of my own doing.

There is no convincing in one’s flesh, no striving, the work is done only through the power of the Holy Spirit. Not by reading and memorizing a ton of Scripture. I know tons of people who read the Bible and they are no closer to God for it because it’s only a bunch of head knowledge.

Faith is birthed from the heart of God by the Word and quickened in the hearts of man by His Spirit.

If I was going to give a response to Barney Adler’s plea, it would be this… it’s all the work of the Holy Spirit and perfection only comes when we leave this earth, not while we are on it. If we keep our eyes on man, we will always be disappointed.

Barney Adler is a Christian enthusiast and lover of the Bible—despite his atheism. He graduated from an evangelical bible college in 2008 with a focus in pastoral theology and can be found frequenting the churches of Jacksonville, FL. To talk about religion or anything else, send him an email at Barney.Adler@yahoo.com.

Fear Not

April 17, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | Leave a comment

God keeps telling me this over and over again…

Courtesy of Arno Design

Yet, I still seem to fear. I guess I should cut myself some slack because it’s not like everything is hunky dory lately. Between Korea threating to nuke us and the recent tragedy in Boston, well, we are definitely living in shaky and uncertain times.

If I’m honest, which you all know I aim to be, I have been sensing a tidal wave coming for years now. My husband and close friends have heard me refer to hard times coming when there didn’t seem to be any evidence of it.

I guess this is the reason why I related to the late Reverend David Wilkerson. Some mocked him as a “doom and gloom” preacher, however, this was furthest from the truth. 

I can tell you firsthand as I witnessed this humble and prayful pastor weep over his congregation and New York City for years. I watched in awe how God used this simple man to preach powerful sermons and use him mightily for this generation. 

I believe the mantle which was upon him was passed on to Pastor Carter Conlon. Much like Elijah with Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19. The Word coming forth at the pulpit lately has been powerful indeed.

Pastor Carter came out with a book a few months ago entitled, Fear Not: Living Courageously in Uncertain Times. He also just came out with a new book which he is encouraging every Christian to read, Unshakeable: Trusting God When All Else Fails.

He is not making any profit off of his books. One hundred percent of the proceeds goes toward helping feed children.

I need to read these books, sooner than later. I need the encouragement. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I’m not sensing peace lately. I’m uneasy, restless and feeling tension in the atmosphere for quite sometime now.

Needless to say, I have been praying a lot. Not sure, what is coming, but God knows and continues to speak to me by saying, Fear not. So I am holding on to His promise for dear life and I hope you will too.

In conclusion, I wanted to ask those of you who are reading this post, if you wouldn’t mind praying and interceeding for this country. May we all draw closer to the Father and each other in the days ahead.

Thank you for praying, interceeding and standing in the gap with me. May the Lord receive all the glory and His name be lifted high. For I know that my Redeemer lives. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

Today Is Your Best Day by Roy Lessin

April 14, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | 2 Comments

Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: New Leaf Publishing Group
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0892217103
ASIN: B00AK3KPL6z
Price: $14.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN

 

 

 

 

 

Description

Why is Today Your Best Day?

The fact that God loves you, that He cares about you, and that He is on your side are three key reasons. In addition, there are God’s faithful promises, the fellowship of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit. In all, Today is Your Best Day helps you discover 60 life-changing reasons – all with biblical perspective from best selling author and one of the world’s best known inspirational writers, Roy Lessin. Lessin’s writings help you focus your thoughts on what really matters – providing inspiration and encouragement for your day.

These heartfelt devotional thoughts will help you walk with the assurance of what your heart knows, not the uncertainty of what your eyes see. No matter what happens, remember, when your life is in God’s hands, every day is your best day.

Review

I received Today is Your Best Day over a year ago. I was finally able to pick it up and begin reading it every morning.

I have read many devotionals, but this one is the best I’ve read in a long time. I will be going through it again.

Roy Lessin pours wisdom and encouragement into his daily devotions. God’s heartbeat is evident on each page of Today is Your Best Day. I felt as if the Lord was speaking to me every morning.

Life isn’t getting easier and by reading this devotional it helped give me hope to face each day.

Today is Your Best Day is uplifting and inspiring. I highly recommend it to everyone.

In conclusion, I want to thank New Leaf Publishing Group for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review.

Roy is co-founder of DaySpring, now a subsidiary of Hallmark Inc. and the largest Christian greeting card company in the world, where he served as a senior writer for 37 years. He has written many devotional and gift books.

Roy is a graduate of Bethany Fellowship in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Following his studies, Roy and his wife Charlene served as missionaries in Mexico and Puerto Rico. They have two children, Joe and Lydia, and four grandchildren.

Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher by Chad Norris

April 6, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | Leave a comment

Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Chosen Books (March 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800795407
ISBN-13: 978-0800795405
Price: $12.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN

 

 

 

 

 


Description

Baptist Preacher Takes the “Weird” Out of the Supernatural.

Demonstrating humor, candor, and personal vulnerability, this Southern Baptist preacher offers an entertaining, non-religious look at the Holy Spirit. He shares transparently, recounting his own history of depression and panic attacks until Jesus rescued him and showed him how to do the works of the Father. As Norris explains, “I had no paradigm for that.” Then he challenges readers to engage with the supernatural.

Even though Jesus said we will do even greater things than he did, we don’t. Norris’s engaging narrative style lowers readers’ defenses and opens their minds to the idea that these “greater things” are more attainable than they think. Because we are loved more than we imagine, says Norris, we are more capable of doing the Father’s works than we have ever considered.

Review

I have been sitting on this review for over a week now. There is so much on my heart, I don’t even know where to start. I talk a little bit about it on this blog post.

To say that reading Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher turned my world upside down is a complete understatement. My mind is still spinning.

When I had selected this book to review, I had a secret agenda to discredit it. However, I couldn’t find anything to discredit; not the book nor the author, Chad Norris.

Whom, I had the sincere privilege of speaking to via Skype, not one time, but twice. I really had to see for myself if this guy was for real. Sure enough, he is.

Not only is he the real deal, but he’s also authentic, genuine, down to earth, funny and a nice guy. I want to be his friend now.

I just have one thing to say about Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher, you all need to get your hands on it and read it. There isn’t a book out there quite like it.

If you have any doubts, are skeptical or cynical like me when it comes to the supernatural, well then, this book is for you. There is nothing over the top or sensational about this book at all.  This is by far the best book I’ve read on the subject.

Chad Norris openly and transparently shares how he went from a baptist preacher who doesn’t believe in signs and wonders, to a believer. He writes about his life and he does so with depth, sincerity and a sense of humor too.

I really enjoyed reading this book and learned a lot. Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher provoked, challenged and changed me. I highly recommend it.

In conclusion, I want to thank Chad Norris for his kindness and gracious hospitality via Skype. I also want to thank Chosen Book for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review.

 
Chad Norris currently serves on the staff of City Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina, as the Director of Life Transformation. He loves the art of storytelling, and his ministry includes speaking to students and adults in a variety of settings. He has an MDiv from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, and he cofounded Wayfarer Ministries in 2000. Chad has co-written numerous Bible studies and coauthored six books. He and his family live in Greenville, South Carolina. You can follow him on Twitter.

I Want To Believe

March 30, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | 4 Comments

Do you believe in miracles? When you read the Bible, what goes through your mind? When you read about Heaven or Hell, do you believe it?

Well, I have a confession to make… I really don’t believe what I read, which is probably why I don’t feel compelled to read the Bible. But I want to believe.

I hear Jesus’ voice echoing in the recesses of my mind, asking me the same question, “Who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29)

I’m still trying to figure this out.

I have traveled far and wide seeking truth.  I shudder at the realization of how much money I’ve spent searching for God. I could have paid for a college education and owned two condos by now. No joke.

Sadly, I’m still at square one. If I’m honest, I lack faith and belief. True story.

I believe it is by God’s design I review Christian books. Because recently, I’m being challenged to the core by a book I’m reading and reviewing.

I’m sure you are curious… it’s called Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher by Chad Norris. Have you heard of the book or the author? No? Well, me either… until now.

It was simple… Chosen Books sent me an email asking me which book I wanted to review and I chose this one. However, I didn’t know as a result of reading this book, it would turn my world and heart upside down.

Secretly, I had an underlying agenda in selecting this book and it was to discredit it. I wanted to write off the author as crazy, nuts, off the wall, etc…

However, by the time I hit page 40, I needed to speak to this man! There was such a drive in me to speak with him.

Thankfully, when I did reach him, he was very gracious. He didn’t think I was a lunatic from New York City. He agreed to speak to me through Skype a few nights ago.

Chad Norris isn’t nuts, off the wall or crazy… he is one of the most down to earth, nice, laid back dudes I ever met. He is NORMAL!

I can’t discredit him or his book at all.

Now what?

Well… I was left with looking at myself… where I’m really at with all of this stuff.

Folks, I love Jesus, but I lack faith and do not believe in miracles. I’m cynical, I doubt and question everything in the Bible and otherwise. When I read the Bible I disbelieve the miracles in there too.  I gloss over the stories like they are fairy tales or fables.

I realized somewhere, somehow I determined it was all a bunch of make believe. The realization of this is brutally shocking to me, I don’t even know what to do with myself.

I admit, it’s a scary place to be.

So here I am, on the day before Resurrection Day, crying out to God… Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. (Mark 9:24).

Do you struggle with reading the Bible and believing in miracles, signs and wonders? Do you believe miracles are for today? Have you experienced a miracle in your life? Have you seen someone get healed miraculously? Have you seen blind eyes and deaf ears open? The dead raised?

Learning To Love by Heidi Baker; Rolland Baker

March 25, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | Leave a comment

Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Chosen Books (February 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800795520
ISBN-13: 978-0800795528
Price: $13.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN

 

 

 

 

 


Description

Missionary Leaders Reveal Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses from Africa

Continuing where their book Expecting Miracles left off, this narrative draws from the last five years of the life of Iris Ministries. Woven alongside fascinating narrative from Mozambique is teaching from Heidi and Rolland that communicates the distilled wisdom about the heart of the Gospel from all their years of serving the poor.

More than any of their previous books, this one has the most to say about what Rolland and Heidi have learned about love–whether in Africa or wherever home might be: finding intimacy with Jesus, concentrating on the humble and lowly, being willing to suffer for love’s sake, finding God’s supply of utterly needed miracles, and walking in the unquenchable joy of the Lord. Every reader will find incredible challenge and refreshment in these pages.

Review

I remember Heidi Baker visiting Times Square Church back in 1995. It was a 3:00pm service and she preached a touching message entitled, “Who will go?”.

I was a baby Christian. I had just started attending Times Square Church back then. The strangest thing started happening to me. To my surprise, I began to weep.

She did an altar call and I was propelled to go. I went and fell on my knees sobbing my heart out. I wasn’t familiar with the move of the Holy Spirit or anything like that. So everything was completely brand new, coming from an open and sincere heart.

I remember that day like if it was yesterday. I never forgot Heidi Baker, Mozambique or that altar call. There were only a few of us at the altar answering the call. I honestly thought I would wind up in Africa one day, but I didn’t.

It was refreshing reading Learning To Love and seeing all that the Lord has done in Mozambique years later.

Heidi and Rolland Baker share wonderful and encouraging testimonies of their work through Iris Ministries.

Granted, I personally struggle with the whole miracle element; the blind seeing, the deaf hearing and the dead rising. However, I respect the work that God is doing through the Baker’s in Mozambique.

I enjoyed reading the different stories throughout Learning To Love. The book is inspirational and I recommend it.

In conclusion, I want to thank Chosen Books for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review.

Heidi and Rolland Baker, founders of Iris Ministries, served as missionaries in Indonesia and Hong Kong before following God’s call in 1995 to Mozambique. In the face of overwhelming need, the Bakers now watch God provide miraculously for well over 10,000 children every day through their ministry, and many more through the Iris network of more than 15,000 churches, Bible schools, primary schools, and remote outreach programs. They live in Mozambique, Africa.