Come Rain or Come Shine by Jan Karon - REVIEWED

About the Book: (from the publisher)
Over the course of ten Mitford novels, fans have kept a special place in their hearts for Dooley Kavanagh, first seen in At Home in Mitford as a barefoot, freckle-faced boy in filthy overalls.
 
Now, Father Tim Kavanagh’s adopted son has graduated from vet school and opened his own animal clinic. Since money will be tight for a while, maybe he and Lace Harper, his once and future soul mate, should keep their wedding simple.
 
So the plan is to eliminate the cost of catering and do potluck. Ought to be fun.
 
An old friend offers to bring his well-known country band. Gratis.
 
And once mucked out, the barn works as a perfect venue for seating family and friends.

Piece of cake, right?
 
In Come Rain or Come Shine, Jan Karon delivers the wedding that millions of Mitford fans have waited for. It’s a June day in the mountains, with more than a few creatures great and small, and you’re invited—because you’re family.
 
By the way, it’s a pretty casual affair, so come as you are and remember to bring a tissue or two. After all, what’s a good wedding without a good cry?

My Thoughts:

“Tonight everything is better than okay. Bu it isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning.” (p. 264)

Dooly Kavanagh is a miracle that was born out of the love and sacrifice of many, but especially Father Tim and Cynthia.  I’ve been with this family from its very foundation, and I KNOW these people.  The Mitford series and all of its characters have nurtured me, challenged me and changed me, and this novel – the Big Knot – the wedding I’ve waited years to attend – it was phenomenal!!

Come Rain or Come Shine is a novel I saved for a time when I could savor its story. It was SO WORTH the wait!! If you have readers on your Christmas list, you need to introduce them to Jan Karon’s Mitford series.  Today.  And if they have read the series, then this is the book that will complete their gift list! It’s been a long time since I’ve cried at a wedding, but I cried at this one!  So tender, such a hard fought battle to arrive at this point in time.  And such love, lavished out of hearts that have been touched by tragedy time and again…and still they love.

From the dogs in bowties and the long lost sibling from across the globe, to all of the pot luck dishes and a very unusual and unexpected guest, this is a wedding you will never forget!  And your heart will be reminded of what covenant love looks like in its truest form!  Come to Mitford for the wedding you’ve been waiting to attend for years!!

My heart is full.  Thank you Jan Karon.  Thank you!!!

About the Author:

Jan Karon is the author of the bestselling series of twelve Mitford novels featuring Father Timothy Kavanagh, an Episcopal priest, and the fictional village of Mitford, the most recent of which, Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good, has spent two months on the New York Times bestseller list. She is also the author of thirteen other books, including two Father Tim novels, a cookbook, and several books for children. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The Christmas Project by John Schiltt - REVIEW

My Thoughts:

 Dance your way through the celebration of Christ's birth with this amazing project! This is a rockin', groovin', electronic  combination of sounds that gives listeners a new way of hearing the words of traditional carols.  There are some slower songs, but even these more thoughtful songs have a great new sound that will set your toes tappin' and your feet groovin'!  You have GOT to check this out!!

Grammy and Dove Award winning vocalist John Schlitt released his first-ever recording of holiday music, The Christmas Project, to brick & mortar retail outlets in Fall 2014.

The CD, available through

Elevate Entertainment and Send The Light Distribution, can be found at retailers including Lifeway Christian Stores, Family Christian Stores and Munce Group member stores, as well as online through BestBuy.com, Walmart.com, Amazon, iTunes and others.

"This is the first time I've had almost a full year to promote a CD, and The Christmas Project is worth it," says Schlitt, who released the project in digital format only in November 2013. "We have created a wonderful package, thanks to the skill and belief of my producer and the musicians who gave 100 percent. The reaction to the digital release last year was amazing and I'm excited that this project is now in retail stores. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year and I'm so humbled to have a CD out there celebrating this blessed season."

The full-length CD is comprised primarily of beloved traditional Christmas carols, but that doesn't mean The Christmas Project is all egg nog and holly. This album rocks with the unmistakable John Schlitt style that legions of fans have come to know and love. The icing on the Christmas confection is an original tune, "What Christmas Needs to Be," which is destined to become a seasonal classic.

Schlitt launches The Christmas Project with what is arguably the greatest Christmas song of all time, "The Hallelujah Chorus." While Handel's masterpiece has been interpreted by a multitude of musicians over the past 250 years, no one sings

"hallelujah" like Schlitt. "The Hallelujah Chorus" transitions seamlessly into a guitar-driven, barn-burning version of "Do You Hear What I Hear." "Little Drummer Boy" gives Schlitt the freedom to explore his full range of vocal prowess, starting at a muted whisper before embracing his full-throttle, wailing rock roots while holding fast to the traditional melodies of the beloved carol. A music video of "Little Drummer Boy" by the award-winning Saylors Brothers (Israel & New Breed's Live From Another Level DVD) is available on YouTube (YouTube.com/LittleDrummerBoy)

Schlitt reins in his potent vocals for a gentle, reverent interpretation of "Oh Holy Night," then ratchets up the intensity on "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," a rock-inflected fist-pumper that is guaranteed to get the listeners' blood flowing. The versatile vocalist shifts moods to one of pure fun with the funky Irish reel "Good Christian Men Rejoice," then slides comfortably into the mellow, bluesy "That Spirit of Christmas."

Melancholy keys and strings embellish Schlitt's emotion-laden vocals on the traditionally arranged "We Three Kings." The gently rocking "What Christmas Needs to Be" leads into the project's closing tune, the reflective "What Child Is This." "What Child Is This" provides the perfect foil for Schlitt's signature vocal stylings, allowing him to channel his passionate delivery through a filter of awe at the enormity of this central event in history.

Schlitt utilized the popular crowd funding platform Kickstarter to raise financial support for the new album. To purchase The Christmas Project, visit schlittshop.com. For more information on Schlitt and The Christmas Project, visit johnwschlitt.com  or follow him on Twitter (@johnwschlitt) or Facebook (facebook.com/johnwschlitt).  

Grace Chapel Worship: Songs of the Incarnation EVER WITH US

Grace Chapel Worship has released  Songs of the Incarnation: Ever With Us, a new 7-song Christmas EP, through iTunes, Amazon Music and Google Play. (Grace Chapel Worship photo)

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 8, 2015) - Merry Christmas from Grace Chapel Worship! Hailing from beautiful Leiper's Fork, Tennessee, the worship team from Grace Chapel is thrilled to announce the release of their beautiful new 7-song Christmas EP, Songs of the Incarnation: Ever With Us on the Grace House Music label. The project is now available for purchase online through iTunes, Amazon Music and Google Play.

"My primary goal was to create a recording that people would want in their music collection at Christmastime," declares producer Scott Williamson (Point of Grace, Three Strand). "I think we did that. But, in doing so, we found our way into something even better--something truly worshipful that reflects the spirit of the season."

The EP kicks off with a decidedly Nashville version of the beloved carol, "Joy to the World," featuring an eclectic combination of electric guitars, keys and banjo, before seguing into the project's debut radio single, "Ever With Us." Written by music industry veterans Mia Fieldes ("Proof of Your Love," "He Knows My Name") Rick Cua ("I Can, I Will," "Above All Else") and Jonathan Allen ("All of Me," "Mighty Redeemer"), "Ever With Us" features lead vocals by Dove Award winner Alisa Childers (ZOEGirl). This lovely holiday-themed carol employs understated piano leads, gently strumming acoustic guitars and sweet strings to accentuate Childers' pristine vocals, as the lyrics remind listeners of the true meaning of the Incarnation--that the Word came down and walked among us. He is God with us! Worship, joy and awe collide in a song that is destined to become a holiday classic.

The EP's worshipful mood continues with the project's other original composition, the sweetly evocative, piano-driven "Peace Be Still," before subtly shifting into the more up-tempo "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" which merges the Old English mood of the original with contemporary sensibilities. A joyful atmosphere emerges on "Angels We Have Heard On High," then is imbued with a hovering sense of awe as veteran CCM recording artistAmy Morriss Lowry takes lead vocals on "Oh Holy Night." The project closes with a lovely and peace-filled rendition of perhaps the most iconic of all Christmas carols--"Silent Night." 

Contemporary Christian music pioneer and Grace Chapel pastoral care pastor Rick Cua credits Grace Chapel worship pastor Jonathan Allen with creating an atmosphere of worship that was conducive to producing the project. "Jonathan Allen's nurturing leadership has made a way for the worship team to pour it all out for Jesus each time we worship, while at the same time get out of the way so the congregation can stay focused and draw close to the Lord," says Cua. "Every track on Grace Chapel Worship's new Christmas EP is a reflection of what God is doing musically from week to week and song to song at our church. The foundation of it all is our desire to worship God by giving back everything He's given us."

"I've had the joy of serving with the worship community of Grace Chapel for years now, and I'm so excited to share our first Christmas project!" says Allen. "This project is the fruit of our annual Christmas Eve services where we take a quiet hour to remember that Jesus has come into our world and changed everything. We went into the studio with a few members of our community to capture the heart of those nights. The result has far exceeded my expectations, thanks to the brilliant contributions of our team and particularly Scott Williamson, who produced the project. My hope is that this recording, and everything we do, will make Jesus famous and be a blessing to worshippers."

In keeping with Grace Chapel's heartbeat for missions and in response to God's call to "look after orphans" (James 1:27), a portion of the proceeds from all Grace Chapel Worship sales will go towards Josiah's House, a boys' home started by Grace Chapel in the Dominican Republic.

About Grace Chapel Worship:Grace Chapel Worship is a community of gifted artists who love to worship God and love serving the church. They value authenticity and passionate biblical response to God. It is their hearts' cry to look at the God who loved us first and say "I love You too." For more information about Grace Chapel and Grace Chapel Worship, visitgracechapel.net. About Josiah's House: Located in San Pedro De Marcoris, Josiah's House, once completed, will be a complex of four homes housing a total of 32 boys, along with one married couple (house parents), in a family setting. The mission of Josiah's House is to give each child an education, Biblical guidance, life skills, and dailyaffirmation of God's love for them. In partnership with SCORE International and Grace Chapel, Josiah's House provides destitute boys with a place of hope. The vision is to expand the project to include a similar facility for destitute girls. For more information about Josiah's House visit josiahshouse.net.

Proverbs Prayers by John Mason - REVIEWED

About the Book:
Experience the wisdom of God in your life as never before
The book of Proverbs is a wellspring of wisdom, offering practical guidance for life and the tools to make good choices, withstand pressure, prioritize relationships, and avoid unnecessary trouble. 

Now bestselling author John Mason helps you make that wisdom a part of your inner life. For thirty-one days, he takes you through each chapter of Proverbs, unpacking the wisdom within and providing a heartfelt prayer based on the insights from that chapter. As you read and pray, you'll discover the principles found in this wisdom-packed book coming alive in your life in ways you may never have imagined.

My Thoughts:

“Lord, I choose today to pay close attention to wisdom and listen intently to understanding.  By doing so, I will exercise discretions, and what I say will be wise and fill of knowledge. In what areas do I need to grow in wisdom and understanding?”  (p. 29)

Praying God’s Word is a concept that was introduced to me in and past year or so, and, if I’m honest, sometimes I can’t seem to figure out what that looks like in regard to some scripture.  John Mason has been led by God to pen prayers using Proverbs.  This is a powerful prayer devotional, and a great teaching tool to model praying scripture. 

This devotional also includes a breakdown by topic for someone wanting to pray specifically and directly for areas of their own life or someone else who needs wisdom and direction from God in a certain area.  This would make an amazing gift for a spiritual leader in your life, and will serve as a powerful tool in your personal prayer time as well!

Please, consider this powerful encounter with Proverbs today!

About the Author:

John Mason is a bestselling author, minister, and speaker. He is the founder and president of Insight International and Insight Publishing Group, organizations dedicated to helping people reach their God-given dreams. He lives in Oklahoma.

Called to Pray by Linda Evans Shepherd - REIVEWED

About the Book:
When you feel a nudge to pray, what will you do?
Most of us have felt it at one time or another: that unexplained prompting in our hearts to stop and pray for a friend, a loved one, or even a stranger. Sometimes we are even awakened from a deep sleep with an even deeper need to go to God in prayer. Where do those urges come from? Are they truly from God? Or are they merely stray thoughts? And if we respond in prayer, are others' lives affected at all?

In Called to Pray, Linda Evans Shepherd shares dozens of inspiring true stories of people who have heeded God's call to pray and the astonishing results of those impromptu prayers. Through accounts of people being protected from harm and rescued from danger, of needs being met and hearts being encouraged, you'll see that God is involved in an active and dynamic relationship with us--and that we can be part of his plan to bless others.

If you have ever wondered if prayer has any real effect or doubted that God communicates with us personally, this heart-stirring book will amaze, inspire, and equip you to respond to those holy promptings.

My Thoughts:

“Let me proclaim you power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” (Psalm 71: 18 NLT)

This verse is one of many that appears throughout Linda Evans Shepherd’s book, Called to Pray. God has given her Scripture that reflects the essence of the intercessory call to pray that guides each person in their particular situation.  God’s Word faithfully equips His children to hear and respond to His voice.  The Holy Spirit does indeed call us to pray for others, and the more often we respond to these nudges, the more effectively, promptly and eager we are to pray for others.

Many times the urgency of the matter is not revealed until the situation has passed, and other times we may never know exactly why we are prompted to pray.  Shepherd’s book illustrates this beautifully.  As you read, you may recognize similar occurrences in your own prayer life, and you will become strengthened in your prayer life and eager to learn more about God’s call to pray in your life.

Once again, God has purposefully placed this book in my life, “for such a time as this.”  I’ve been learning more and more about following the Holy Spirit’s direction in my life, and I’ve recently experienced  answers to prayer that have been very encouraging indeed!! 

I highly recommend this book as a source of encouragement and strength for all Christ-followers! 

About the Author:
Linda Evans Shepherd is an award-winning author, a popular speaker, and a radio personality. The president of Right to the Heart Ministries, she is the author of several books, including When You Don't Know What to Pray, Experiencing God's Presence, and The Stress Cure. She and her husband live in Colorado.

The Fervent Tour!!

Brother & Sister Duo Priscilla Shirer & Anthony Evans Join Together for Nights of Worship & The Word on The Fervent Tour To Launch in 2016 New York Times Bestselling Author Shares How To Experience God to the Fullest  & The Voice Alumni Performs Hits from Chart-Topping Album Real Life Real Worship Select Markets to Feature Their Father Dr. Tony Evans

Los Angeles, Calif. (Dec. 1, 2015)-  On the heels of the #1 box office hit Warroom, author and speaker Priscilla Shirer will join her brother, celebrated worship artist Anthony Evans, for the nationwide Fervent Tour in February 2016. Registration will be open starting December 1. The winter event is the follow up to the fall leg of the tour that was a sold out success. Produced by Anthony Evans Productions/Entertainment in conjunction with Jerry Shirer and Going Beyond Ministries, the inspirational event will kick off in Springdale, Ark., on February 15 and visit major markets including Austin, Texas, Oklahoma City and Nashville, Tenn., closing in Cumming, Ga., on February 26. See a full list of tour dates below. The evenings of Worship and the Word will include the New York Times best-selling author’s dynamic teaching approach on how everyone can experience the power of prayer in miraculous and practical ways. Additionally, Evans will perform songs from his Billboard chart-topping album Real Life Real Worship.This will be the first major event Evans will make after his acting debut in the feature film Caged No More, where Evans co-stars alongside Emmy winning actress Loretta Divine and Kevin Sorbo. The film, produced by the team who brought you God’s Not Dead, is set to open in theaters nationwide January 22. Lastly, guests in select markets will even witness the preaching of their father, mega church pastor, author and radio personality Dr. Tony Evans. For more information on The Fervent Tour, please go towww.theferventtour.com. FerVent Winter Tour - February 2016 February 15 - Springdale, AR February 16 - Austin, TX February 17 - San Antonio, TX February 18 - College Station, TX (Kingdom Family Conference featuring Dr. Tony Evans) February 19 - Houston, TX (Kingdom Family Conference featuring Dr. Tony Evans) February 20 - Oklahoma City, OK February 21 - Wichita, KS February 22 - Memphis, TN February 23 - Nashville, TN February 24 - Charlotte, NC February 25 - Charleston, SC February 26 - Cumming, GA

Every Crooked Path by Steven James - REVIEWED - and releasing today!!!!

About the Book:
Who is the Piper? . . .

Special Agent Patrick Bowers returns in an electrifying prequel to the Bowers Chess series from critically acclaimed, national bestselling novelist Steven James. 

A mysterious suicide and a series of abductions draw Patrick into a web of intrigue involving an international conspiracy where no one is who they appear to be and the stakes have never been higher.

Soon, Patrick discovers that the secret to stopping the Piper’s current crime spree lies in unlocking answers from an eight-year-old cold case—and the only way to do that is by entering the terrifying world of the conspirators himself.

Dark, probing, and chilling, Every Crooked Path takes an unflinching look at the world of today’s cybercrimes and delves into a parent’s worst nightmare as it launches a new chapter of Patrick Bowers thrillers.

My Thoughts:

Love sets us free.  But in many ways it also holds us captive.”  (p. 274)

This statement captures the essence of Steven James’ latest novel, Every Crooked Path.  This novel takes readers back to Patrick Bowers' relationship with Christie and introduces us to our first glimpses of Tessa.  The novel fills in much of the backstory that makes Patrick Bowers such a memorable and vibrant character in the minds of the readers who have come to care so much about this broken FBI agent.

To me, this is one of the darker books in Patrick Bowers’ life.  It deals with a subject that has ripped the hearts out of many lives and something that feeds the darkest addictions known to humankind.  James’ still writes with great clarity, and each of his characters’, no matter which side of the law they fall on, are so well developed that you come away from the pages feeling as though you KNOW these people, and somehow, they touch the essence of your heart. 

This is an unbelievably difficult journey for these characters.  By the end, you wish you could read with your eyes closed.  It’s pretty intense!  But, that is why I remain a very ardent fan of Steven James’ writing.  He captures the human spirit directly, succinctly and so truly, that anyone who comes to the pages of his novels has to do some honest self-evaluation.  He shines the light on some of the darkest places of the human heart, but he also weaves in the truth of redemption – couched amid honest and probing questions.  It’s like looking at your faith through the lens of intense trauma and deciding where your heart lies within the scope of that faith - or lack thereof.

RUN to the store and buy this book!  RUN!! You will not sleep much as you devour this story, but you will come away changed.  Once again, I must say with deepest appreciation, BRAVO!!!

About the Author:

Steven James is the national bestselling author of nine novels including the critically acclaimed thrillers Checkmate, The King, Opening Moves, and The Queen. He has won three Christy Awards for best suspense and was a finalist for an International Thriller Award. His thriller The Bishop was named Suspense Magazine’s book of the year. Publishers Weekly calls him ”[a] master storyteller at the peak of his game.” He has a master's degree in storytelling and has taught writing and creative communication around the world. When he's not writing or speaking, you'll find him trail running, rock climbing, or drinking a dark roast coffee near his home in eastern Tennessee.