Book Note: The Sower, by Franklin Graham

Releasing today.
The Sower: Follow in His Steps
By Franklin Graham

From the publisher:
Throughout history, Jesus' parable of the sower has served as a beautiful word picture of the Christian life. And in modern times, no one has communicated this message more fervently than Billy Graham. His son Franklin is now carrying the torch of this vital message and has created a poignant, 31-day devotional to remind Christians what our purpose is in this life.  This book gives readers step-by-step instruction and daily inspiration for following in Jesus' footsteps.

For more information and to purchase the book, click here.

Book Notes: Whatever by Allia Zobel Nolan

Whatever
By Allia Zobel Nolan

'Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.'
—Philippians 4:8

Zobel Nolan takes inspiration for "Whatever: A 90-Day Devotional for Livin' the True, Noble, and Totally Excellent life" (Zondervan, 2012) from Paul's words in Philippians. The casual tone of the title will appeal to tweens, but there is some very focused advice within.

The author uses each of the scriptural "whatevers" to head a section of devotionals in the book. Each devotional draws the reader in with relevant language and thoughts, then offers a new way of thinking about things important to tweens.

Thinking about what to wear? Consider whether the outfit makes you a boy magnet or simply looks attractive. Tempted to gossip at school? Consider Carrie, who lost all of her friends by badmouthing someone who beats her out for a part in the drama club. Having trouble sticking to your values in the face of peer pressure? Look at a specific example of how Jesus dealt with it.

The devotional could be read in chronological order for quiet time, or for group study. It also conveniently can be a handy reference by topic for quick help when situations arise -- and it seems that almost anything that might make a tween pause and wonder what God might have to say about it is covered in this collection of wisdom.

Further, each devotion is preceded by a scripture verse, then followed by subsections:
-- Food for Thought, a two-sentence wrap-up
-- Second Thoughts, a quick piece of advice
-- Divine Thoughts, a prayer

Readers will come away with sound, scripturally grounded direction that will help them grow closer to God, change their lives in a positive way and get a better understanding of their purpose in life.

Zobel Nolan will be signing the book here:

When: October 13, 2012

Time: from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Where: Fairfield U. Book Store

1499 Post Road, Fairfield, CT

Phone 203-255-7756

When: October 20, 2012

Time: from 10:30 to 3:30 (Reading at 11:00)

Where: Morningstar Books, 72 Newtown Road

Danbury, CT 06810

Phone: (203) 791-1515

Refreshments and "Whatever bracelets" will be distributed while they last. For more information about Zobel Nolan and her many other books, visit www.AlliaWrites.com.

-- Lauren Yarger

(Note: Allia is a friend who lives her i n Connecticut. A free copy of her book was provided by the publisher.)

The Gift of Dance

A DANCE DEVOTION OF SORTS...
By Cheryl Cutlip

Founder, Project Dance

 

Many of us work to achieve a high level of discipline in a certain area. Let’s take dance for example. Some dance daily to put to work the specific technical skills and design of dance. And, we’ve done this for years and years and years.  
 
Though we understand the work it takes to dance well we treat spirituality as some sort of hall pass based solely on feelings.

If I applied this to dance it would mean that if I feel that I am a dancer, I am a dancer. If I watch dance, I am a dancer. If I read about dance, I am a dancer. We know that’s untrue. And yet we apply this concept to God and things of the Spirit. If I feel spiritual, I am spiritual. If I watch spiritual people, I am spiritual. If I read about spirituality, I am spiritual.

Why?

 My guess is that because we are all under common GRACE we recognize that God is free and his love towards us is also free. We could say that dance is free. However, as I approach the barre, focus on plie, get to center floor, and then eventually move across the room…I become a “learner” of dance. It is free, but I get to experience dance as I put myself into the form of dance.

The same is true with the Spirit of God. When I approach His Word, love my brothers/sisters, do what His Word instructs, and eventually dwell in His very presence, I become a “learner” of God. Spiritual life is free, but I get to experience it as I put myself into the form of His likeness.

 The best things in life really are free. However, let’s not take the ultimate free gift for granted. Let’s experience this free gift and offer it to others through our lives. Let’s dance.

Zondervan, Thomas Nelson Under HarperCollins Umbrella

HarperCollins Publishers today announced Mark Schoenwald has been appointed President and CEO of its new Christian publishing division. This expanded division is comprised of Zondervan and the newly acquired Thomas Nelson. Each will continue to publish its respective brands and maintain its unique editorial focus. Schoenwald will report to Brian Murray, President and CEO of HarperCollins Publishers Worldwide, and will serve on the HarperCollins executive committee. Scott Macdonald will leave his position as President and CEO of Zondervan and will serve in an advisory role.

“Mark is an experienced leader in the Christian publishing market, and we are thrilled to have him at the helm of our newly expanded Christian division,” said Murray. “The new division adds further scale and balance to HarperCollins overall portfolio, and Mark will work closely with the leadership teams of HarperCollins, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan to build on the individual strengths of each company.”

“I am grateful to Scott for his leadership and professionalism during his tenure with Zondervan. He has achieved everything I asked him to achieve at Zondervan during a most challenging time in the company’s history,” Murray continued.

Schoenwald has been with Thomas Nelson since 2004 when he joined as Chief Sales Officer. In 2009, he was promoted to president of the company and in 2011 named CEO. Under Schoenwald’s leadership, Thomas Nelson has seen both double digit revenue and operating income growth, as well as had several titles make the “New York Times” Bestsellers list, including Heaven is for Real and Jesus Calling. Prior to joining Thomas Nelson he served as President of several prestigious home décor, garden and gift companies. He began his career at Lenox Brands, serving in various sales, marketing and operations positions.

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to lead the Christian publishing division for HarperCollins Publishers,” said Schoenwald. “I am fortunate to move into this role with the benefit of a strong foundation to build on, coupled with many talented people on both teams. I anticipate a smooth transition as we begin to work together, optimizing all strengths to create an even more successful publishing program for these two distinct brands which, combined, have 300 years of publishing experience and history.”

Schoenwald will remain based in Nashville, Tenn., and will spend part of his time in Grand Rapids, Mich., where Zondervan will continue to operate from its current location. The two companies have different, though complementary, missions and both will continue to acquire and publish books specific to those missions, competing as they have in the past, but collaborating where appropriate.

Book Notes: Michael Vey 2: Rise of the Elgen

Teens, parents, teachers and community leaders concerned with the dark and violent content in today's popular young adult novels can find an alternative in the second installment of the Michael Vey series by Richard Paul Evans ("The Christmas Box"): "Michael Vey 2: The Rise of the Elgen."  

Last year, the first book of the Michael Vey series was an overwhelming success, reaching #1 on NY Times Bestseller List (Teen Fiction).

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Michael was born with special electrical powers—and he’s not the only one. His friend Taylor has them too, and so do other kids around the world. With Michael’s friend Ostin, a techno-genius, they form the Electroclan, an alliance meant to protect them from a powerful group, the growing Order of Elgen, who are out to destroy them. The leader of the Elgen, Dr. Hatch, has kidnapped Michael’s mother, and time is running out.

After narrowly escaping an Elgen trap, Ostin’s discovery of bizarre “rat fires” in South America leads the gang to the jungles of Peru, where the Electroclan meets new, powerful foes and faces their greatest challenge yet as Michael learns the extent of the Elgen’s rise in power—and the truth of their plan to “restructure” the world. 

Evans is the winner of the American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards for his children’s books, the Romantic Times Best Women’s Novel of the Year Award, and two Wilber Awards for Fiction.  Evans received the Washington Times Humanitarian of the Century Award and the Volunteers of America National Empathy Award for his work helping abused children.

WEBSITE: Visit the official site to watch the trailer, sign up for updates and download a discussion guide at: http://www.michaelvey.com.  BUY THE BOOK: Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

 

Book Review: As One Devil to Another by Richard Platt

Playing Devil's Advocate
By Lauren Yarger
Fans of Uncle Screwtape will enjoy a new incarnation of the devilishly clever correspondence between a demon and his prodigy in Richard Platt's "As One Devil to Another: A Fiendish Correspondence in the Tradition of C. S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters" (Tyndale, 2012).
Platt's debut novel casts Slashreap as the newly appointed Departmental Head for Young Tempter Development who coaches, through a series of letters, his star pupil and nephew, Scardagger.
Slashreap mentors the up-and-coming tempter of humans away from God and his truth (enhanced by drawings throughout the book by Larry Peterson.) While I wouldn't go so far to say that the language of  "As One Devil to Another" is indistinguishable from Lewis' classic (like Lewis expert Walter Hooper claims in his preface), I would recommend it simply for all of the great "truths" and sage advice contained in the text.
"We convince our clients that the way of the Adversary is too hard, or better still, impossible, without ever letting them to try it, " Slashreap writes. Some other points that have you nodding in understanding about how the enemy seeks to deceive:
"The real show is on the other side of death. You must keep this horrible truth from your client at all costs. Teach her that the only reality is under her pretty nose. Human blindness can be very advantageous to us."
"We have corrupted the institution (universities) at its very core, making it one of the most fertile grounds I know for planting, through competitive friction, the seeds that will grow into a delightful garden of envy, pride, anger and covetousness, for which university members such as your client will not even feel shame, because competition is as much a part of her environment as the air she breathes."

(Pharisaical) people can be so useful to the cause of Hell. They will spend their lives arguing about questions of high theology for which they have neither the intellectual equipment nor the education, meanwhile neglecting the obvious tasks before them."
"A small, but vocal minority proclaims that something which is manifestly preposterous is indisputably true -- that jewel-encrusted rhinoceros dung is Art, for example. Then they shout down opposing views and bludgeon them into silence, demonstrating that argument is useless against them, and personally attacking anyone remaining who dares to speak the truth. Art then becomes anything the artist -- or his agent or promoter -- says it is. Raise the price and it becomes Great Art. Raise t yet again and it is 'profpund."
These little gems are all throughout the correspondence and is a thought-provoking piece, just like its predecessor. This work reads more like a blunt commentary on modern culture and society than Lewis', where the commentary is more veiled in the revelation of how the devil controls our minds. This is entertaining and insightful in its own way.

You can purchase the book here. See a trailer here.
We have a certificate to give away for a free copy of this book. For a chance to win, send an email to info@masterworkproductions.org with "Book Giveaway" in the subject line by midnight, Wednesday, July 18, 2012. Include your name and address in the body of the email. All those entering will be included in a drawing for the certificate,  redeemable at participating Christian bookstores by Aug. 1, 2012. Winner will be notified by email on Thursday, July 19.