Ok, so I haven’t blogged in a while, but there is reason for that….I’ve been reading.  Actually only partly true.  Somehow I got hooked up, with the coolness of previewing books and writing blogs about them before they are released(hints the last boring, blog).  Here’s the deal going forward, as I will continue to review books.  I’ll post my true feeling about book, not just what the publisher wants me to say.  I must say, I think that’s what they want us to do, but I feel the pressure to write a good review since I get free books. No more. Starting with this book, it’s all what I think, honestly: Me Myself & I AM.  

Probably the best devotional that I’ve done.  It’s not your typical book.  No paragraphs to read, start wherever you please, but be honest with yourself, because it’s fill in the blank.  WHAT?!?  A book that I’m supposed to write in!  Awesome.  A get to know yourself, get to know God, kind of book.  Get it, fill in the blanks, do it.  

Buy It

The 2008 election is shaping up to be one of the most important political contests in American history. In fact, Dr. D. James Kennedy believes it will be a watershed moment that could impact our very survival as a nation under God.

Values voters—people whose political views and votes are based on their faith in God—are being targeted as never before. As the campaign season moves forward, the significant players will debate terrorism, radical Islam, nuclear threats, global warming, social issues, gay marriage, immigration, education, health care, and many other essential issues that can create sharp ideological divisions.

Into this overwhelmingly complex political situation, Dr. Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe bring a clear, compelling, and nonpartisan exploration of what God’s Word has to say on these critical matters. How Would Jesus Vote? isn’t intended to tell readers which candidates to support; rather it offers a Christ-centered understanding of the world to help readers draw their own political conclusions.

You can pick up the book HERE.  Vote. 

This past week, I got the opportunity to get my hands on a pre-released copy of Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson.  I read the book almost as soon as it came out of the packaging it was shipped in, and was instantly hooked.  I began reading at an incredible pace, but soon decided that I wanted to do more than just read the book, I wanted to really digest the words that the author had penned.   So I slowed down, took a breath and broke out my journal.  This book speaks to the mystery and beauty of God, and how He leads those, who dare to follow Him, on an incredible journey.  It challenges us to get out of the cage that keep us locked up.  In a day of dry, lame religion, it shows the face of an adventurous Jesus.  And He calls us to join him.

Get the Book. Chase the Wild Goose.

It’s not very often that my brother sends me a book in the mail. In fact, he has never sent me a book. He knows of my obsession with pages of black on white. Time after time he calls me to see what book he should read next. I suggest various titles. This tends to work pretty good. I get to suggest books that stretch traditional thinking and he grows through the process. But for the first time he not only suggests a book for me to read, but takes the step further and sends me a copy via Amazon.com. I figure if he is going to not only suggest a book, but spend his hard earned money to send it to me, I better read it. And read I did. Here is what I learned through this beautiful book:

God is Different.
God is Incredible.
God is Ever-Loving.
God is Concerned.
God is Beautiful.
God is Funny.
God is Caring.
God is Giving.
God is Involved.
God Is.

I knew these things before, but now they seem to ring more true. Buy the book, read it, and be challenged.

It’s been a long time since I’ve done a “Book Report” maybe since 6th grade.  The difference between then and now, is that now I’m actually reading the books…and I don’t  have to.  So I’ll cover a few topics that I think are important or maybe unimportatant in the book.  OK, here goes Book Report #1.

Title: I Sold My Soul on eBay: Viewing Faith through an Atheist’s Eye

Author: Hemut Mehta.  Which for some reason always came together in my head as Helmet Meat.  But I have no room to talk, D’Art can be confusing as well.  So as a side note I know that when I write my first book I need to include a little section on my name.

Theme: An Atheist decides he should go to church, so he figures why not have some fun with it, and he made his church going experience a matter of an ebay auction.

Struggle: An Atheist goes to church.

Tension: While reading the book, I kept saying to myself, “you don’t know what you are talking about, because you are looking through critical lenses.”  But after all that is the purpose of the book.  A tough read if you aren’t ready for it.

Resolve: Hemant is still an Atheist after all is said and done.  He had solid reviews on churches and what that meant to him.

Takeaway:  It’s good to get a different perspective on reaching out and the impact we are making as a church in general.  Will I try to implement everything that Hemant says we as Christians should do?  No.  I’m still going to raise my hands when I worship, even if it is a bit distracting.  But I’ll try to see things though eyes I haven’t seen before.  All in all, a decent book.  I read the whole thing, so that says something positive.

D’Art’s Final Score:  3.5 darts out of 5 darts.