A short Break

Today I need a breather.  I would appreciate prayers of healing on behalf of my extended family.  We've had three major surgeries (over the past two weeks), one extended hospital stay that won't end until the end of the month, an emergency hospitalization over this past weekend, and more tests upcoming.  Thankfully, I am not a patient in all of this, but both me and my children are taking the role of caregiving help.  We are exhausted.  I haven't had much time for reading.  So stay tuned.....I should have reviews to post in a couple of days.

I appreciate your prayers and support.

Hide the Word - Bible Songs for Kids by Steve Green

LEGENDARY CCM ARTIST STEVE GREEN RELEASES  HIDE THE WORD: BIBLE SONGS FOR KIDS  Project Features Bible's Most Beloved Scriptures Set To Music

From: McCain & Co. PR NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 6, 2014) - Steve Green Ministries has announced the release of Hide The Word: Bible Songs for Kids, the latest children's music project from multiple Grammy Award-nominated and Dove Award-winning CCM recording artist Steve Green.   Hide The Word, the recording artist's ninth kids project, is aimed at bringing Scripture into children's lives through music. The new project is designed to help make memorizing God's Word a part of everyday life.   Green wrote the music and adapted the Bible verses for all 15 tracks on Hide The Word, using some of the Bible's most precious promises, including John 3:16-17 ("For God so loved the world...."), Psalm 119:105 ("Thy word is a lamp unto my feet...."), John 14:6 ("I am the way, the truth and the life...."), Matthew 11:28-29a ("Come to me all you are weary and burdened and I will give you rest...."), and Psalm 23:1-3 ("The Lord is my shepherd...."). Steve Green and his brother and manager, David Green, served as Executive Producers, with Dick Tunney as Producer.   In addition to featuring Green on lead vocals, the CD also features   a children's choir with individual kids quoting the verses. Green's granddaughter, Addy, made her recording debut on the project as well.   "There is nothing more powerful or lasting than God's Word!" says Green. "In the Scriptures, God has told us all we need to know for life and godliness. These Bible Promises set to music remind us who God is and what He has done for us. What's more, the songs are just plain fun!"   Green, whose breakout 1985 album He Holds The Key, earned the vocalist that year's Dove Award for Male Vocalist of Year, began releasing children's recordings simultaneously with his CCM projects with Hide 'Em In Your Heart Worship in 1998 and Hide 'Em In Your Heart: Bible Memory Melodies, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 in 2003.  Among his children's projects are three volumes of The Adventures of Prayer Bear, released on VHS by Capitol Christian Music Group.     Hide The Word is available online at www.stevegreenministries.org, iTunes and Amazon, and at all Steve Green live events.  For more info about Hide The Word and Steve Green, visit www.stevegreenministries.org.

About Steve Green: Steve Green is a four-time Grammy Award nominee and seven-time Dove Award winner, with 18 No. 1 songs and more than three million albums sold. The son of missionary parents, Green was raised in Argentina and first responded to the Gospel at age 8. He is now celebrating 30 years in Christian music ministry. Green lives in Franklin, Tenn., with his wife of 35 years, Marijean. Their daughter, Summer, and son-in-law, Mark Schulz, along with their two granddaughters, Addy and Ava, live in Atlanta. Their son, Josiah, and daughter-in-law, Jamie-Lee, are both pursuing degrees at Covenant Seminary in St. Louis.  For more information about Steve Green, visit www.stevegreenministries.org.

Our God is Unstoppable - The Summit Church Worship Album

New Independent Label Launches to Highlight Emerging Talent and Artistry

in Unique Church Setting

 

The Summit Church Music dedicated to creating

“songs for all seven days”

 

Latest project OUR GOD IS UNSTOPPABLE in stores today

Raleigh-Durham, NC – When a community of musicians organically comes together for a common purpose, sharing core values and creative focus, something amazing happens.  For the past few years, an incredible group of talented songwriters and musicians have been drawn to Raleigh-Durham, forming a vibrant collective, writing original music that has already been embraced by churches around the world.  From this community, a new independent label – THE SUMMIT CHURCH MUSIC - has emerged, creating a new avenue to share these songs with the Church and community at large.

 

Today, May 6^th, the label officially launches with the release of Our God Is Unstoppable from the worship collaborative Summit Worship.  The album lauds God’s sovereign lordship over all creation.  This certainty of God’s kingdom is an unshakable hope, and the songs on this album were written and compiled to help us realize God’s greatness in our every day lives.  Our God is Unstoppable features the talent of the Summit Worship team, including Matt Papa, Hank Murphy, Kelby Dover, Mike Passaro, Kaimy Masse, Donovan Beadle, Branden Williams, Haven Sink and Raudel Hernandez.  

 

With a shared desire to create culturally relevant, theologically sound songs that help inspire the listener to live in a state of worship, the common phrase heard among the community is “songs for all seven days.”  The Summit Church Music is committed to producing songs that reach an audience outside the walls of the church and into the every day lives of listeners.

 

Our God is Unstoppable has already received early online success. When the music stream appeared on SoundCloud, a staggering 5.000 listeners logged on and listened to the project in 24 hours.  Then on April 8, the album had an early launch as an iTunes exclusive, selling over 1,200 copies digitally in its first week.

 

The debut single “Create in Me” features artist Kelby Dover, and has just been released to radio. As worship leader at Summit Church, Kelby has been able to not only develop as a songwriter by creating music for their individual church body, but as a pastor, encouraging their church body to instill all forms of worship into their daily lives.

 

A key voice in the Summit community is singer songwriter Hank Murphy.  His debut LP ‘One’, released in September 2013 and unofficially the first release from The Summit Church Music, debuted at #30 on Billboard’s Heatseeker Chart after selling nearly 2000 units in its first week of release. Hank’s immense vocal talent and passion for discipleship has helped build the music community at the Summit Church.

 

At the helm of this new label is Samuel “Sam” Fisher, Jr., who has spent his career developing artists in a variety of genres.  After stints with powerhouse indie music distributor Redeye Distribution and independent label Yep Roc Records, Fisher’s intensive knowledge of label and publishing administration and music marketing, paired with a love and passion for developing songs and artists made him an easy choice to establish and direct The Summit Church Music.

 

“We believe in corporate worship, having the church body participate together in musically sharing our adoration of the father, but we also want to honor our commitment to raise up a community of musicians who write music that is entertaining as well as being theologically sound,” explains Fisher.  “Songs that are made for the global church, yet stand alone as inspiration for every day life.”

 

Our God is Unstoppable  is available today, May 6, 2014, online and at retail outlets.  The Summit Church Music is a member of and is affiliated with the American Association of Independent Music, The Gospel Music Association and the Recording Industry Association of America, and has distribution to the Christian market through Central South, and to the general market through Red Eye Distribution.

 

http://www.summitchurchmusic.com

One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon - REVIEWED

About the Book:
Independent single mom Claire Summers is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Workaholic Keith Watson is interested only in the bottom line--until a letter from Claire's eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk and changes everything. 

As the executive assistant to a philanthropic businessman, Keith is used to fielding requests for donations. But the girl isn't asking for money. She wants help finding the long-lost son of a neighbor. As Keith reluctantly digs into this assignment in his usual results-oriented style, he has no idea how involved he and Claire will become--nor how unusual the results will actually be. Who could have guessed that a child's kindhearted request would bring love and hope to so many lives . . . including his own?

Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, fan favorite Irene Hannon offers this tenderhearted story that demonstrates how life is like lilacs--the biggest blooms come only after the harshest winters.

My Thoughts:

“Maybe my quest didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped….but it did turn out the way God intended.”      (p. 295)

What a true statement!  And at the point Maureen utters these words, she has taken quite a significant journey! The journey begins when her eleven-year-old neighbor sends a letter of request to a well-know, and quite wealthy businessman.  Haley loves her neighbor, Doctor Chandler, and her only wish is to give her the greatest birthday gift she can think of – a chance to find the son she gave up for adoption decades earlier.

Only Irene Hannon can weave such a moving, intimate and yet profound story that begins with such an innocent and heartfelt request of a child.  That letter sparks a sovereign move of God in the lives of several people.  Keith Watson, the executive assistant tasked with answering Haley’s request. Doctor Chandler – Maureen.  Claire Summers – Haley’s mom. David McMillan and his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter.  This precious cast of characters begin a journey that intersects, overlaps and ultimately result in a stunning picture of God’s redemptive grace!

Oh, dear readers, don’t miss this precious story!  You may cry.  You may laugh. You may grieve.  You may rejoice.  You may do all of these things over the course of this story!  You probably will.  But the journey is just too precious to miss!!

Go. Buy a copy. Borrow a copy from a friend or the local library.  But don’t miss this story!! God redeems every situation in the lives of His children!  What a blessing!! 

 
About the Author:

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty romantic suspense and contemporary romance novels, including the Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers' Choice Award, and a National Readers' Choice Award. In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. Irene lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

360 Degrees of Grief by Kayla Fioravanti - stories from 64 Authors

SELAH PRESS TO RELEASE NEW ANTHOLOGY, 360 DEGREES OF GRIEF, ON MAY 19 Kayla Fioravanti's New Book Shares Stories from 64 Authors, Including Steve Green, Wayne Watson

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 1, 2014) -  Selah Press announces the May 19 release of 360Degrees of Grief: Reflections of Hope, Volume 1, a collection of first-person stories detailing how scores of people from different walks of life, including Christian recording artists Steve Green, Wayne Watson, Clay Crosse and Melodie Tunney of First Call, have dealt with grief in a myriad of circumstances. The book was borne out of author and editor Kayla Fioravanti's grief following the death of her mother.  "After my mother died, I started looking for resources to help me make sense of my emotions," Fioravanti says. "I quickly realized most of the books on the subject deal with grief from only an individual perspective. I was definitely grieving as a daughter losing her mother, but I also knew my father was grieving as a husband losing his wife. Others were grieving the loss of a friend, or grandparent, or mentor. We were all impacted differently."  Fioravanti's experience ignited in her a passion to provide comfort to people in the midst and aftermath of a crisis, resulting in the book, which will be available in both digital and print formats on May 19.   Realizing there are a multitude of different relationships, circumstances and types of grief, Fioravanti tapped into her network and invited writers from around the country to contribute their stories of dealing with this most universal of emotions. She was astounded by the response.  Sixty-four authors, poets and songwriters shared their faith-based experiences of grief from death, divorce, miscarriage, abortion, empty nest, job loss, broken dreams, addiction, pornography, unplanned pregnancy, sickness, mental illness, abandonment, abuse, infertility and more.  "God uses these stories of brokenness to shine His faithfulness," Fioravanti says.  Contributors include a broad spectrum of writers; including theologians and pastors, like Bruce Fong, dean at Dallas Theological Seminary, and Tom Burgess, executive director of Global Missions International; recording artists like Steve Green, Wayne Watson, Melodie Tunney and Clay Crosse; entrepreneurs like Bethany Learn, founder and CEO of Fit2B Studio, and Joyce Bone, co-founder of the environmental service company, EarthCare, in addition to educators, performing artists, ferriers, life coaches and housewives. "Writing about grief is an intimidating process," Fioravanti says. "Even though I felt God nudging me to reach out to people for contributions, I wasn't sure anyone would want to share such raw emotions. The response was overwhelming. In the end it was a very healing process for everyone involved, including both the writers and the editors. We already have material for Volume 2."  Fioravanti, who contributed to the book and also served as managing editor, points out that the book was about a diverse group of people coming together to share transparently about their experiences with grief in order to minister to a broader spectrum of hurting people. 360 Degrees of Grief: Reflections of Hope, Volume 1 will be available online through major retailers including Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com.  For more information on 360 Degrees of Grief, visit 360degreesofgrief.com. For more information on Fioravanti, visit kaylafioravanti.com.  About the Author: Kayla Fioravanti is a wife, mother, author and speaker, and happily married to her entrepreneur husband, Dennis. The couple live with their three children, Keegan, Selah and Caiden, in Franklin, Tenn.  An expert in the natural cosmetic, aromatherapy and skin care industry, Kayla has published  five books and has contributed or been featured in scores of publications, including Real Simple, Self Magazine, Prevention Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Home Business Magazine, Women Entrepreneur, Elle, Redbook, InStyle Magazine, Woman's World and GQ.  For more information about Fioravanti, visit KaylaFioravanti.com.

Defy The Night by Heather and Lydia Munn - REVIEWED

About the Book:

In the midst of war, one teenager is determined to make a difference

If no one will do anything, she'll have to do it herself.

In 1941 France is still "free." But fifteen-year-old Magali is frustrated by the cruel irony of pretending life is normal when food is rationed, new clothes are a rarity, and most of her friends are refugees. And now the government is actually helping the Nazis. Someone has got to do something, but it seems like no one has the guts—until Paquerette arrives.

Smuggling refugee children is Paquerette's job. And she asks Magali to help.

Working with Paquerette is scary and exhausting, but Magali never doubts that it is the right thing to do. Until her brash actions put those she loves in danger.

My Thoughts:

“When you walk unarmed into a lion’s den to take his prey, do not tell me that it is not dangerous, permission or no permission.”   (p. 47)

The CIMADE walked into the lion’s den over and over and over again.  They are responsible for saving the lives of countless children displaced, orphaned and imprisoned during WWII. This is Magali’s story.  She may be only fifteen years old, but she represents some of the most heroic young women in history.  Her thoughts, written as though she were saying them directly to your heart, represent the very heart of this true and important part of history; “I do what I can, that’s all.  I do what I can for them.  And there’s nothing I’d rather be doing. Nothing at all.”

This is a book that is painful in the victory it represents.  To realize such sacrifice was made over and over again for the children of total strangers….it takes my breath away!  To know that young women sacrificed so much and made such a difference in one of the darkest times of history makes me tremble with respect and joy.  I know that this same sacrificial spirit still operates in the world today, because it is God’s Spirit moving in the hearts of women and men of all ages.  It is my prayer that I will be as brave and courageous as Magali if the Lord ever gives me the opportunity to sacrifice for others.

Heather and Lydia Munn write a powerful story of some of the most unsung heroes in history.  I was moved to tears as I read.  I was transported to a place and time where life had taken on hellish hues under the shadow of Hitler’s regime. Yet there was victory. There was salvation of children.  There was a passion to do something against this evil that spread itself over Europe.  Magali represents this passion – this movement. 

I ask you to allow Defy the Night to inspire you.  To challenge you.  To awaken the hunger to stand up for those who are unable to stand for themselves.  Defy the Night.

About the Authors:

Heather Munn was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in southern France where her parents were missionaries like their parents before them. She has a BA in literature from Wheaton College and now lives in a Christian intentional community in rural Illinois, where she and her husband, Paul, host free spiritual retreats for the poor, especially those transitioning out of homelessness or addiction. When not writing or hosting, she works on the communal farm.  

Lydia Munn, daughter of missionary parents, grew up in Brazil. She received a BA in literature from Wheaton College, and an MA in Bible from Columbia Graduate School of Bible and Missions. With her husband, Jim, she has worked in church planting and Bible teaching since 1983, notably in St. Etienne, near the small town in the central mountains of France which forms the background of How Huge the Night. The Munns now live in Grenoble, France.  

Defy The Night by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn

ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the midst of war, one teenager is determined to make a difference. If no one will do anything, she'll have to do it herself. In 1941 France is still "free." But fifteen-year-old Magali is frustrated by the cruel irony of pretending life is normal when food is rationed, new clothes are a rarity, and most of her friends are refugees. And now the government is actually helping the Nazis. Someone has got to do something, but it seems like no one has the guts—until Paquerette arrives. Smuggling refugee children is Paquerette's job. And she asks Magali to help. Working with Paquerette is scary and exhausting, but Magali never doubts that it is the right thing to do. Until her brash actions put those she loves in danger.

Historical background of the story: (sent from the author)

- When France was conquered by Germany in 1940, it was divided into two halves: the "occupied zone" in the north, where German troops were in charge, and the "free zone" in the south, where there was still a French government.

- My apologies for the phrase "In 1941 France is still 'free'" in the book description; it's not quite right. This was my fault & due to a miscommunication between me & Kregel; it was the "free zone" that I meant to describe as "still 'free'." France was conquered and the northern half of France was clearly not free.

- Magali lives in the "free zone," and the camps she travels to are also in the free zone.

- The French government in charge of the free zone was known as the Vichy government (and the free zone is also known nowadays as Vichy France.) This government collaborated with the Germans and was under pressure from them but it did have some freedom and did some evil things on its own as well--because it was also racist in itself, believing that Jews and other foreigners were bad for France.

- The internment camps in the free zone were set up and run by the Vichy government; this was their own idea. The Nazis were not in charge of this, though they must have approved. It was also the Vichy government that allowed aid workers into the camps and released children, because in its early stages it wanted to appear humane and/or there may have been some people in that government who still had some heart. 

- In the summer of 1942 (not long after the book ends) all the internees in the camps who were Jewish were given over to Germany at Hitler's demand and got sent to the death camps in Germany and Poland. The Vichy government also cooperated with the Nazis after that in arresting other Jewish people in France. The camps in France became transit camps, way-stations where people who had been arrested would be locked up for a brief time on their way to concentration camps in Germany and Poland. (There will be more about this in--Lord willing!--the third book in the series.)

 "the internment camps (or maybe "detention camps") in Vichy France from which Jewish people were sent to the death camps later in the war."

DUE TO FAMILY ILLNESS I WON'T BE ABLE TO REVIEW THE BOOK UNTIL NEXT WEEK.  CAN'T WAIT!!