The Point: The Redemption of Oban Ironbout

William E. Jefferson is a message maker, artfully weaving words of truth.  Jefferson invites you to journey with him, to explore the world of Estillyen.  Jefferson holds an MTh in Theology and Media from the University of Edinburgh and an MA in Communications from Wheaton Graduate School.

Jefferson attempts to "create imaginative fiction which frames compelling truth".  "Estillyen is a world where truth and life conquer lies and death."
(Quotes taken from the Estillyen website HERE.)

Searching for peace and inspiration, Hollie and Goodwin Macbreeze travel to the Isle of Estillyen - a distant harbor known for bringing ancient words of worth to the present.  Their lives become unexpectedly and inseparably intertwined with the reclusive Oban Ironbout - and a mystery from the past that will transform them all. 

It is a tale of pain...and redemption.

My Thoughts:
The Point is not a quick read.  While a work of fiction, the book's style is allegorical with the flavors of John Bunyan and C.S. Lewis.  Jefferson's book is one to take in slowly and contemplate.  The story is largely dialogue driven. And the surprising twist at the end is one you won't see coming!
I don't typically highlight my fiction books, but there were many places in The Point that I did.  Take this portion for example:
"Estillyen is an ancient word for still...On Estillyen, the whole idea is about stilling, contemplation, reflection.  Those message makers are very much a mind of mission, they are.  They see words from ancient paths as pillars for the present...The further you go, the less you'll have and the more you'll find...That's the ticket, by Job - 'In this life look fr peace, not paradise...Christ was the medium and message of God...Something will consume you, even i it appears to be nothing, and that nothing will be the something."
Those portions and many more were taken from just the first chapter.
Scattered throughout the book are the "readings" that Hollie and Goodwin attend while visiting the metophorical Isle of Estillyen.  I particularly loved these portions.  Jefferson does an excellent job of presenting key portions of Scripture in telling the redemption story of the Bible.  Particularly intriguing is the story aspect of these readings and the way Jefferson puts on display satan's role in opposing God's truth.
Take this portion from one reading as an example...it comes from the first reading presented titled "Did God Really Say?", which covers Genesis 3:1-5:
"We must trust beyond our knowing...God chooses to reveal what He reveals; the drama is His.  Beyond knowing are God's reasons for the mysterious moves He makes.  This, however, is exceedingly good, not bad."
There is a companion book to The Point titled Redemption:  Twelve Readings from the Monks of Estillyen.  In Redemption, the reader gets the twelve readings in their entirety, while in The Point, the readings are abbreviated.
Jefferson through his gift of writing has given us a remarkable work that clearly is centered on the person of Jesus Christ - the Word made flesh.  He shares through Oban's story of coming back to God the amazing story of the Bible which is redemption and abundant life offered in Christ and the idea that "Words matter...some forevermore."

INTERVIEW WITH WILLIAM JEFFERSON IN TWO PARTS ABOUT THE CONCEPT OF THE ISLE OF ESTILLYEN AND THE BOOK (I think you will find it very interesting.):

Part One


Part Two


Thank you Julie Busteed with Handlebar for sending me the complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of this review!  This is a rich book that I highly recommend!

Blessings,
Jennifer

Clear Winter Nights

Theology in Story

What an amazing concept for a work of fiction!

Our church began using The Gospel Project as our Sunday School curriculum last year and I love it!  So, when he Blogging for Books program (Waterbrook Multnomah) offered Clear Winter Nights:  A Journey Into Truth, Doubt, and What Comes After by Trevin Wax for review, I jumped at the opportunity!

A little about Trevin from The Gospel Coalition website:
My name is Trevin Wax. I am a follower of Jesus Christ. My wife is Corina, and we have two children, Timothy (9) and Julia (5).
Currently, I serve the church by working at LifeWay Christian Resources as managing editor of The Gospel Project, a gospel-centered small group curriculum for all ages that focuses on the grand narrative of Scripture.
I have been blogging regularly at Kingdom People since October 2006. I frequently contribute articles to other publications, such as Christianity Today. I also enjoy traveling and speaking at different churches and conferences.
I received my bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Theology from Emanuel University of Oradea in the country of Romania, where I was involved in mission work in several village churches from 2000-05. I received a Masters of Divinity at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. I spent several years serving the wonderful people of First Baptist Church in Shelbyville, TN as Associate Pastor.
Trevin's books include:

• Holy Subversion:  Allegiance to Christ in an Age of Rivals
• Counterfeit Gospels:  Rediscovering the Good News in a World of False Hope
•  Gospel-Centered Teaching:  Showing Christ in all the Scripture

Snyopsis of Clear Winter Nights:
Searching for real faith - or no faith at all...
Chris Walker has everything.  A career, a beautiful fiancee, a promising ministry opportunity, and a faith instilled in him from a young age.  But when a revelation about his family comes to light at his grandmother's funeral, Chris finds himself facing questions he didn't even know he had about...well, everything.
Fighting a battle within and without from those who don't understand his sudden doubts, Chris seeks refuge in a weekend with his grandfather to ask the rough questions and sort through the issues where faith meets life and disillusionment collides with truth.

My Thoughts:
At only 157 pages, Clear Winter Nights is a mighty powerful little book.  Wax employs engaging dialogue between a grandfather and his grandson to give his reader a lesson in theology - Theology 101 if you will.  In these conversations, Chris (the grandson) and his grandfather Gil discuss everything from what makes Christianity distinct among all the other world religions, does settling on truth really matter, the relevance of truth in a world where things change daily, forgiveness, evangelism and the power of forgiveness in living out the gospel of Jesus Christ.
While I appreciated the rich conversation between Chris and Gil, I felt the overall book was lacking in story.  I think if expanded a little more in sharing Chris's background (years growing up, the divorce between his mother and father, his dating/engagement to Ashley etc.) and filling in a little more on the things that lead him to his crisis of faith, the book would have more draw. 
The message in this book is very much needed.  Many people come to a place in their life where they maybe begin to question faith, much like Chris finds himself doing, and the last thing they want to do is pick up another Bible study or maybe even the Bible.  But they might read a novel.  The concept behind Clear Winter Nights is exceptional and I'm so glad Trevin Wax has written this book.  The book includes an engaging discussion guide - perfect for use with someone who may be beginning to question their faith or with someone who is exploring the Christian faith for the first time.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waerbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program in exchange for my review.

Blessings,
Jennifer

The Quarryman's Bride

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.

You can visit her website by going HERE.

The latest book in the Land of Shining Waters series.
Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan were destined to be together . . . until the tragic deaths of Emmalyne's youngest sisters. Family tradition mandates that the youngest daughter should remain single to care for her parents in their old age, and now that daughter is Emmalyne. Her father unyielding, Emmalyne surrenders to her duty, heartbroken. Tavin leaves town, equally devastated.
Years later, Emmalyne's family moves, and she and Tavin meet again. Their feelings for each other are as strong as ever, but their painful past and Emmalyne's father still stand between them. Soon both families are in the midst of the growing conflict rising between the workers at the granite quarry that Tavin's father owns and operates. When a series of near-fatal accidents occur, Tavin must figure out who is behind the attacks before someone gets killed.
Bound by obligation, yet yearning for a future together, can Emmalyne and Tavin dare to dream that God could heal a decade-long wound and change the hearts of those who would stand in the way of true love?

You can order your copy by going HERE.

My Thoughts:
I read the first book in the Land of Shining Water series - The Icecutter's Daughter - and LOVED it!  I knew I would want to read the rest in the series.  I WAS NOT disappointed!  I haven't typically liked the historical romance genre until I read my first Peterson novel.
Peterson captures the surroundings and characters with such vivid description and transports you to another time and place in her story of Emmalyne and Tavin.  I just loved them!  I appreciate the way Peterson weaves biblical truth about God and His character into the dialogue.  Chapter 15 was particularly rich in theology regarding God and the purpose of trials and suffering in our lives.  It was worth reading twice!  Peterson is at the top of the game in allowing the reader into the thoughts of her characters.  You truly get the story from all angles.
While The Quarryman's Bride is part of a series, the book can be read as a stand alone novel.  It will be placed on my keeper shelf right along any other Tracie Peterson book I come across!
*I received a copy of The Quarryman's Bride from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my review and participation in the blog tour promoting the book.  You can read what others are saying about the book by visiting HERE.

Don't miss the $200 Anthropolgie Giveaway from Tracie Peterson and Litfuse Publicity:


Enter Today - 6/20 - 7/9!


Happy Reading,
Jennifer

Pieces of the Heart

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Pieces of the Heart Abingdon Press (June 1, 2013) by Bonnie S. Calhoun  

 

Bonnie S. Calhoun is Owner/Director of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, owner/publisher of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Northeast Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), the ACFW ‘2011 Mentor of the Year,” President of (CAN) Christian Authors Network, and Appointment Coordinator for both the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC) and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference(GPCWC).
For the last six years she has taught workshops in Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, and creating Social Media promotions at both CCWC, and GPCWC, and in 2011 at the Montrose, Pa Christian Writers Conference. She also taught a Facebook workshop at the 2012 ACFW conference.
Bonnie and her husband live in a log cabin in upstate area of New York with a dog and cat who think she’s wait-staff.
Her sites are: https://www.facebook.com/bonniescalhounsnarkandsuspense 

 https://www.facebook.com/bscalhoun

Cordelia Grace watched Bernard Howard, the love of her young life, go off to fight for our country in WWII. And she has spent the last three years creating the Pine Cone quilt that will grace their marriage bed when he comes home. Each row of triangles signifies a layer in her life, sets of memories, hopes, dreams, and

prayers for her future, enough spoken words to cover them forever. Her image of their “happy-ever-after” grows proportionally as the quilt expands.

But is the man that returns from the war, the same man that she remembered? Are the dark shades of color that she had to use for the outside edges of the beloved quilt prophetic of her life to come? Can love and faith overcome all?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Pieces of the Heart, go HERE.

My Thoughts:

I've been associated with Ms Calhoun for a couple of years now through the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance; however, I had never read one of her books until reading Pieces of the Heart.  To say I was blown away by her writing talent is an understatement!  In her book, Bonnie approaches the topic of "battle fatigue" (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as it is more commonly known today), battered women, and racial tension with careful attention and honesty.  I loved Cordelia and the relationship she has with her Grandmother.  I teared up many times at the emotion in this book; Bonnie captures it so well.  She also does an excellent job of capturing the WWII era.  I wasn't ready to leave these characters.  I want to know what lies ahead for Cordelia and her family...maybe a peak into the lives of her children and their families...maybe a sequel Bonnie????

Don't miss this one in the Quilts of Love series!

Happy Reading,

Jennifer

Reign: The Chronicles of Queen Jezebel

Ginger Garrett is the critically acclaimed author of Chosen:  The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther, which was recognized as one of the top five novels of 2006 by the ECPA, and Dark Hour.  An expert in ancient women's history, Ginger creates novels and nonfiction resources that explore the lives of historical women.
A resident of Atlanta, Georgia, Ginger frequently appears as a guest on television news and talk shows.  She is the co-host of the new inspirational program, Deeper Living.  Ginger is an graduate of Southern Methodist University and is passionate about creating art from history.
*Author photo by Don Sparks.
*You can learn more about Ginger Garrett and her books at her website found HERE.

From the moment her marriage to prince Ahab thrusts her into the intrigues of palace life, Jezebel’s exotic beauty opens doors and her will breaks down walls. Torn from her homeland and wed to power in a strange country, Jezebel vows to create a legacy and power all her own. Some might call her a manipulative schemer, bent on having her way. But they don’t know the whole story, and she was much, much worse. As she moves through the halls of power, her heart struggles between devotion to the gods she worships, the prince who loves her, and her thirst for revenge. She sparks a battle between her strangely powerless gods and the God of palace administrator Obadiah—a God who confronts her with surprising might. She will fight, though victory may cost her everything.



My Thoughts:
I had the privilege of "meeting" Ginger Garrett several weeks back online during a chat sponsored by Fred St. Laurent over at BookFun.org.  During that chat, I jumped at an opportunity to review Reign:  The Chronicles of Queen Jezebel.  Ms Garrett was delightful to chat with and get to know better.  Due to the generosity of David C. Cook (publisher) sending not only a copy of Reign but all three books in this amazing series, my daughter (age 15) and I were able to read all three books.  The previous books in the series are Chosen:  The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther and Desired:  The Untold Story of Samson and Delilah.  
Ginger is a gifted writer.  She captures the time period and history of her characters well.  While reading Reign, I was taken back to the time of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel through Ginger's vivid description.  I appreciated hearing the story from the different perspectives of Ahab, Jezebel and Obadiah.  Ginger's attention to detail in characterization shows the level of research undertaken to produce a biblically accurate account.  The artistic liberties taken to fill in the story in no way take away from Scripture but appear true to the time period and historical accounts.
While the story was disturbing to read at times due to the nature of Queen Jezebel and her worship of false gods, Ginger does an exceptional job of capturing the depravity of man in his/her sin.  The voice of Obadiah showed the challenge of standing and speaking up for truth in the midst such depravity.
As stated earlier, my fifteen year old daughter loves Ginger's writing.  She has actually read Chosen twice.  She's a very discerning reader and doesn't bother to read many books twice, but has stated she will read Ginger's again.
Thank you again Fred for introducing me to Ginger Garrett!  If you have never visited The Book Club Network you really should.  Not only is it a fun place for avid readers, but the monthly online magazine is full of author, publishing and book information.  The site also has several groups of which to be a part.  There truly is something for everyone.  Go...visit...now right HERE.
And thank you again David C. Cook for sending the entire series and for publishing solid biblical resources and fiction.

Happy Reading,
Jennifer

Cafe Chocolat: Women's Ministry Retreat Director's Kit

Do you like chocolate?  Maybe I should ask if you love chocolate?  Yep...you are shaking your head in the affirmative aren't you?

Let me ask you this...do you like getting together with other women...just hanging out...getting to know them better...studying God's Word together and learning what's going on in their lives and offering support to each other?

I LOVE both...chocolate and fellowship with other women of all ages and in all different seasons of life.

Now you may be asking how any of this is related.  My answer:  CAFE CHOCOLAT!

Cafe Chocolat is Group Publishing's latest resource for Women's Ministry.  Rick Roberson with The B&B Media Group, INC. was kind enough to send me a Cafe Chocolat Director's Kit to review.

According to Amy Nappa, who heads up the adult ministry resources team for Group, "We chose to use chocolate as a metaphor for God's grace.  Those participating will taste God's goodness through in-depth Bible study, unforgettable worship and a host of fun activities designed to help them slow down, enjoy their time together and grow closer to Jesus."


Included in this kit are the following:

• Director Guide:  The director's guide helps you through every possible aspect of planning a Women's Ministry event including an overview of the theme, basics of women's ministry, how to plan a retreat, already established schedules, step-by-step instructions, service opportunities for your group, recruiting help for the event, training session guides, promotion materials, registration materials, decorating ideas, master supply list of everything needed and even steps for following up with the attendees of your event.
• Worship Leader's Guide:  This guide includes easy to follow directions for leading worship at the event including supplies needed, explanation of the worship leader's role at the event, personal preparation, partnering with the session leaders, and detailed direction through each session regarding songs to use, which track on the cd the songs are located.
• Six easy to delegate session leader guides:  Included are supply lists, and detailed step-by-step directions in leading each separate session.
• Training and Promo DVD:  Includes video training for volunteers, plus professionally produced retreat commercials.
• Graphics & Other Goodies CD:  Includes ready-to-use retreat-themed clip art, registration tools, publicity items, and more.  Also includes intrumental tracks for worship music and additional background music.
• A sample of each of the following participant items:  Journal, God's Grace Bracelet, Music CD, and Tote Bag.  The journal includes lyrics to the songs used during the retreat.

The sessions designed for Cafe Chocolat focus on the following passages of Scripture:

1. John 2:1-11
2. Mark 2:1-12
3. Ephesians 1:6 (Theme Verse for the retreat.)
4. Luke 22:47-51 and John 18:10-11
5. Psalm 34:8
6. Romans 5:6-8, Luke 23:32-46, Romans 3:21-26, John 20:1-9

There is much to like about this resource and reasons why I highly recommend it to you for your next Women's Ministry event/retreat:

• Price:  In today's economy, this resource is doable for most any budget.  Because of the flexibility the resource provides, your team can order all or just a few of the resources offered to suit your needs and budget.
• User friendly:  You absolutely can not fail using this resource.  The Director's Kit contains everything imaginable in order to pull of a successful and well-planned event.  Group Publishing has put together a resource that absolutely anyone can use whether they have led many events or have never led an event before.  So many times it seems hard to get people to help in planning something like a retreat and especially to agree to be the "director".  No worries here...this kit includes everything you need.
• Flexibility:  The resource is adaptable to a large or small group, any age, a one day event or a weekend event.  The step-by-step guide is detailed and takes the fear out of leading, but while being very detailed the resource is not "written in stone".  It is very easy to follow and adapt to your group and their needs.

Blessings,
Jennifer

Glimpses of Grace

Gloria Furman is a wife, mother of four young children, doula and blogger.  In 2008 her family moved to the Middle East to plant Redeemer Church of Dubai where her husband, Dave, serves as the pastor.  She blogs regularly at The Gospel Coalition, Domestic Kingdom, and Desiring God, and is the author of the forthcoming book Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full:  Gospel Meditations for Busy Moms.

Sometimes life feels a lot like a burden—day-in and day-out its the same chores and tasks, challenges and discouragements, anxieties and responsibilities. Dust bunnies show up on the stairwell, social commitments clutter the calendar, and our families demand daily attention and care. At times, just catching our breath seems like an impossible feat.
So where is God in all of this? Does he care about the way we unload the dishwasher or balance the budget? Do the little things like changing diapers or cooking meals make a difference? And how can we use our spheres of influence for God’s glory and our joy?
Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a working woman splitting time between the office and home, Gloria Furman—writer, pastor’s wife, cross-cultural worker, and mom—encourages us to see the reality of God’s grace in all of life, especially those areas that often appear to be boring and unimportant. Using personal examples and insightful stories, her richly theological reflections help us experience the gospel’s extraordinary power to transform our ordinary lives.

You can read an excerpt and order the book from Crossway by going HERE.



My Thoughts:
Gloria Furman has truly blessed wives and mothers with gospel infused truths with which to bath our weary hearts and minds.  As women, we can not fulfill these important roles in our own strength.  In Glimpses of Grace:  Treasuring the Gospel in Your Home, Gloria shares the gospel message in a thoroughly biblical way by pointing to Scripture and then showing how we translate those truths into our every day lives.  This book isn't just for stay-at-home moms who are nursing and homeschooling their children, but for every wife and mother who has found herself weary and discouraged by the mundane tasks and duties and responsibilities of life.
The book is divided into two parts:  Your Foundation in the Mundane and The Miraculous in the Mundane.  In part one, Gloria clearly helps women see the foundation that must be laid.

"I just think it's wonderful to teach children that fellowship with Christ is not constrained to formally religious experiences or places...Peace and quiet are not ultimate.  Activity and responsibility are not ultimate.  Because Christ is ultimate, the loss of any of these things - solitude or circus - makes no difference in the sufficiency of Christ or in His ability to give you everything you need for life and godliness."

In part two, Gloria helps her readers peel back the layers of daily life and see the miraculous transformation the gospel brings to our lives.

"Whatever the 'this' that you desperately feel you can't do anymore, it's ultimately not about your circumstances.  It's about peace with God...This is a declaration of dependence on Christ in all things for the sake of His glory.  Believing God's good intentions toward us in making us more like His Son makes all the difference."

I can highly recommend Glimpses of Grace!  Gather a group of friends, get them a copy of the book and meet together to discuss.  You will be blessed beyond measure as you lay all of your life in the grace of the gospel and your life will be infused with gospel power for all you are called to be and do!

I'm also linking this post to "Word Filled Wednesday" over at Woman to Woman:

 
Blessings,
Jennifer