Is the Bible credible?

Hank Hanegraaff, better known as the "Bible Answer Man," tackles Bart Ehrman thesis that the Bible is not credible by countering with his book Has God Spoken.In God Has Spoken, Hanegraaff uses an extensive arsenal to give support to the credibility of the Bible ranging from ancient manuscripts to archaeological evidence. But I think what makes this book different from other apologetics is his usage of acronyms to help remember and internalize the information. For instance, he uses the subacronym S-P-A-D-E to help remember the archaeological evidence providing support to the places and people of Bible times. There were times I felt I was getting bogged down by so much information. Yet, it was needed to grasp a full understanding of Hanegraaff's view and the world's view.
By the end of the book, one can't help but shout "Yes, I knew it!" The Bible is credible. God is real. If you walk away still not sure, then you need to read it again.

An Amish Christmas

Cindy Woodsmall takes us back to the heart of Amish Country in her latest book The Christmas Singing. Mattie Eash and Gideon Beiler are childhood friends but an unexpected illness makes Gideon decide to break it off his relationship with Mattie. Brokenhearted Mattie moves to Ohio to make her dream come true of owning her own shop as a cake decorator. In the process she finds a new beau but she can not get Gideon out of her thoughts. Then disaster strikes her shop and forces her to return back to her home in Pennsylvania and face Gideon. In this Christmas story love and truth win out.
The characters from Woodsmall's previous Christmas tale, The Sound of Sleigh Bells are woven through out the book. A quick read to help put you in the Christmas spirit. View video clip

A Gut Plain Love Story

This is the third installment of the "Ada's House Novel" by Cindy Woodsmall entitled The Harvest of Grace. Sylvia Fisher is not your typical Old Order Amish woman dreaming of marriage and running a household and tending to children. Maybe once she had that dream but then it burst. Even worst, her old beau becomes her sister's husband, moving to the farm to help her dad with the farming. Sylvia's dream now is to tend to the family's dairy herd but not with her new brother-in-law. So she hires herself out to another Amish farmer who needs help since his only son has disappeared. Sylvia begins to build a new life with the Blanks becoming almost like a daughter to them. Then Aaron Blank returns home with thoughts of selling of the farm, giving his parents an easier life. Instead, he finds a new farm hand, clashing goals and a father who refuses to see the "new" Aaron. This story of the Amish is full of twists and turns. Cindy Woodsmall does not let her readers down in this dramatic conclusion to her Ada House Series. The only downside was that the story came all too quickly to the end!
Stop by and pick up the copy in the library-you won't be disappointed!

Wit Goes Green

Looking for a fast paced witty book-southern style? Then look no further than Tamara Leigh's Restless in Carolina. Our heroine, Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan, is an eco-friendly, thirty something widow who must find a buyer for the family estate. The cast of characters is a real mix from five year twins to an elderly uncle suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Add in two developers who profess to be eco-friendly and will not destroy the surrounding acres of unspoiled land that the house sits on. But Bridget is in for more than she bargains for with developer J.C Dirk who holds his own secrets. Secrets that could change the way she looks at her families past. To find out the secrets, who is really interested in the land and who is interested in Bridget, you have to read the book!

To Be Blessed

Authors John Trent and Gary Smalley have championed me, as a parent, to not only embrace the blessing but to live out its message with my children. The Blessing, revised and updated edition, shares why the blessing is important and what happens when the blessing is not received. Both authors provide many personal accounts of how each of them have received the blessing and passed it on as well as others stories. Also, this new edition puts forth the blessing challenge. That is: "calling one million parents to choose to change the life of one child by giving them their blessing. And equipping one thousand churches to create an ongoing culture inside their church that helps parents live out the blessing for a lifetime." One can only imagine the exponential effect this could have on our society.

Awesome friendship!

I've had an interest in the Amish lifestyle ever since I first learned of the Amish. Reading Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud's book Plain Wisdom was like stepping into the kitchen and sitting at the table listening to them talk,sharing their story. This book shows that friendship can cross cultural barriers. And isn't that what God wants us do-to step out of our comfort zone and reach out to others. An inspiring read!

Suspense+Wit+Murder=One Fast Paced Read

From the very first page until the very last page there is never a dull moment in this suspenseful who-dun-it by author Mark Mynheir. Mynheir's lead detective, Ray Quinn, is an unforgettable character in *The Corruptible* as he delves into his new job as a private investigator. What he doesn't bargain for is that the missing person, an ex-cop, turns up dead with more than one person being the murderer. So who really is the murderer? And why? The list grows and along the way Ray realizes immortality is not his. His friend Jim Beam may not be the answer.

A Lifestyle Make-over

Love Food Live Well by Chantel Hobbs is like having your own personal fitness and wellness coach sitting across from you at the kitchen table sharing tips over a cup of tea. Motivating. Inspiring. Transforming. A lifestyle make-over resulting in a healthier, happier you. If you have tried other diets, or read other diet books, and feel this is just another one in a million-wrong! Chantel's been there. She teaches you how to reach your potential in a healthier, minus a few pounds, lifestyle that glorifies Christ!

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307457844&view=excerpt

Lioness Arising

Author Lisa Bevere has a new book out entitled Lioness Arising. It is a motivational book aimed mostly for women to rise up and change their world. The author uses the analogy of the lioness to portray how women can act together in strength to make change. Each of her characteristics is backed up with Biblical scripture as supportive evidence. Read the first chapter at the following link.

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307457783&view=news-videos

God is Good

The Goodness of God by Randy Alcorn




"Where was God when my husband (or anyone you know) died?" Why didn't God cure him? He was a good person." "Where was God when I was abused as a child?" These statements and more are examined by author Randy Alcorn in his book *The Goodness of God*. Although this book is a slim volume it is packed with substance on this complex subject of suffering and evil. Alcorn explains that being a good Christian does not offer a warranty on not suffering in this lifetime: "Genuine faith will be tested by suffering; false faith will be lost-the sooner, the better."

Alcorn explains the dogma of sin and our cultural response to it. Basically, we take no responsibility. Reminds me of saying "The devil made me do it." Our worldview is not the Bible's perspective. Once we change to a Christian view, then we can change how we view suffering and evil.

The thesis of the book is presented in a well thought out manner with Biblical scripture throughout to back up Alcorn's argument. He uses many examples and stories from others who endured suffering and sin showing how they responded to this conundrum.

I highly recommend this read to acquire a better understanding on the topic of suffering and evil and what our response as Christians should be in order to magnify God's goodness.



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