Ann Lovell

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Monday, July 18, 2011

Review of "Out Live Your Life" by Max Lucado

In "Out Live Your Life" Max Lucado, the well-known writer and pastor of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, challenges Christians to move beyond their padded pews and stained-glass windows into the world God has called them to serve. Building on the trend among a younger generation of evangelical believers to embrace social justice issues, Lucado urges American Christians to reject the materialism so prevalent in today's society and spend their time and money investing not just in causes but in people that are hurting. Lucado backs up his challenge with action of his own; he is donating 100% of his royalties from the sale of this book to World Vision and other ministries of faith-based compassion.

As always, Lucado's book is Biblically-based, weaving Biblical narrative with modern illustrations in a storytelling style that is both compelling and comfortable. His study guide at the end of the book also makes this a good candidate for small group study. I highly recommend "Out Live Your Life." Read it, digest it and act upon it. Allow God to use you to make a difference to those who are hurting. 

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Sunday, July 17, 2011

Review of "Seeds of Turmoil: The Biblical Roots of the Inevitable Crisis in the Middle East" by Dr. Bryant Wright

Dr. Bryant Wright does a thorough job of explaining the Biblical roots of the tensions in the Middle East along with the post-Biblical historical background. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on "the Islamic perspective" where he discussed in more detail the birth of Islam in the AD 600s and its spread throughout the Middle East. That chapter alone inspired me to research the history of Islam more carefully. The book is a well-researched and in-depth look at why the Middle East turmoil will continue until the return of Jesus Christ. The discussion questions at the end make this a good candidate for small group study. 


The challenge, of course, with any book of this nature is to avoid the temptation to demonize the followers of Judaism or Islam. Dr. Wright stresses the need to pray for both Jews and Muslims and for the peace of Jerusalem. I couldn't agree more. "Love your enemies," Jesus said. "Pray for those who persecute you." As Dr. Wright notes, Christianity is the only faith of the three Abrahamic religions that stresses the need for love and forgiveness. We are wise to remember that Christ died for the sins of all of us - Muslim, Jew and Christian - and that He is not willing that ANY should perish but that all should come to repentance.

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Saturday, July 16, 2011

"Grace Gets a Job"


"Grace Gets a Job" is now available! This story - the second in the "Connie and Friends" series - focuses on how animals, especially horses, can provide therapy to assist disabled children with muscle tone, balance and self-esteem. I dedicated this book to my cousin, Robin, and to my husband's aunts, Faye and Sandy. All three live with special needs, and all three have brought meaning, depth and purpose to the lives of those who love them. You can order the print version from Amazon here and the Kindle version here. Please feel free to post a review on Amazon - especially if you like the book! As always, if you have suggestions, I'd love to hear from you, too!

The third book in the "Connie and Friends" series - a story on international adoption - is written and illustrations are in process. Keep checking here for updates!

Blessings!

Ann