roybauer

Book Review: My Mother’s Wish

// November 17th, 2008 // No Comments » // Featured

UPDATE: The book, My Mother’s Wish, was poignant and timely. It is a short book that is long on humor and heart. It is hard for me to believe that a book that took less than an hour to read could stir up so many emotions.

The main character, Elle, is hilarious; like a modern day Anne of Green Gables. And yes I have to admit I’ve seen Anne of Green Gables. The relationship Elle has with her sister, dad, teacher and mom is identifiable with all of us in one way or another. The ending, which comes way too quickly, was magical.

I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting a feel-good Christmas story this holiday season. It will lift your spirits and may even spark a desire to reach out to someone in your own family who needs to be lifted up this Christmas.

Click Here to purchase this book at Amazon.com

I HAVE A COPY YOU COULD WIN! LEAVE A COMMENT TELLING ME YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MEMORY AND I’LL SELECT ONE LUCKY COMMENTOR TO WIN A COPY.

Summary:

A grandfather’s song turns a diner into hallowed ground, like a church. A contrary girl with a gypsy heart feels the tug of home. A mother, far away, confronts impossible expectations. And a truck driver named Jedidah keeps his foot on the gas to sweep you into an unforgettable story of belonging and grace.

Readers looking for a meaningful, powerful read on a winter’s evening or with the family will love the rich 1960s nostalgia captured in the Midwest of Jedidiah’s and Ellee’s story; the peace found when family strife boils over, and the gentle reminders of the influence and effect every life has on another.

My Mother’s Wish is an unforgettable, powerful tale that ends on a memorable Christmastime note, but will be cherished and reread year-round for its bold message of grand hopes, impossible expectations, and the gift of grace that comes in between.

Author:

Jerry Camery-Hoggatt, Ph.D., is professor of New Testament at Vanguard University, in Costa Mesa, California. A professional storyteller, he is the author of the highly-acclaimed Christmas stories When Mother Was Eleven-Foot-Four (in trade adult and children’s picture book editions) and Givers of Gifts; plus Irony in Mark’s Gospel and Grapevine: A Spirituality of Gossip. His passion is theology and storytelling, which he believes are meant to go together. Jerry and his wife, Shaleen, are the parents of three children.

Can Worship Music Have The Blues?

// November 13th, 2008 // No Comments » // Featured

I sure hope so, because I have been craving good blues music lately. I had the pleasure of playing behind a great musician named Ron Goodman a few years ago. We were leading a “watch” at the Succat Hallel in Israel and Ron’s type of music was incredible to me because it wasn’t traditional “worship” music. It was somewhere between blues and country.

I’ve noticed over the last couple of years that anytime I get to just play or jam with a group, I end up leaning towards a blues feel. So that leads me to my initial question: Can worship music have the blues?

I like nontraditional worship music. I guess to me, blues music sounds great is because it feels improvisational, from the heart. If you watch blues musicians you can tell it is something that is coming from the inside, not just notes on a page. And isn’t that what we want our worship to be: From the heart, not just from rote memory?

It just seems to fit.

Check these out.

Bring Them In by Ron Goodman

Friend of Sinner by Ron Goodman

Also, check out Enter The Worship Circle. They have some great music.

Book Review: “For Young Men Only” by Feldhahn and Rice

// October 5th, 2008 // No Comments » // Book Reviews, Featured, society in general

Have you ever said, “I wish I knew then what I know now”? Well, after reading For Young Men Only, by Jeff Feldhahn & Eric Rice, I have been saying just that.

For Young Men Only is a book for teenage guys about having healthy relationship with girls, especially ones they are interested in (which is most of them). It tears down wrong perceptions us guys have about girls and what they are thinking.

This is essentially a handbook –or cheat sheet—for teenage guys; to give them a leg up on the competition.

It gets into the minds of teenage girls and helps teenage guys know what girls are looking for in a boyfriend, which I can tell you is not the same thing most guys are looking for in a girlfriend.

It does deal with the subject of sex, but in a very matter of fact, non-intrusive, bible-based way.

I’m 35, have been married for almost 8 years, have two kids and I still learned a lot. Either that means I was clueless or the book was very informative. I’ll go with the latter.

The book was presented in a way that you knew the writers were telling the truth and not just making up statistics to fit their own agenda. I appreciated the fact that they let their faith be known in a way that didn’t keep them from learning the truth. Sometimes as believers, we can ignore what is really going on because it clashes with what we are comfortable talking about.

Jeff and Eric, as they call themselves in the book, put their personalities in their writing and it made the book even that much easier to read. I will keep a copy at the house for my two little guys, ages 2 and 4, to read when they get a little older.

I served as youth leader at my church for 3 years and have worked with and ministered to hundreds of teenagers. Undoubtedly on a missions trip, a weekend retreat or even a simple youth service, there will be a guy who does something stupid to try and impress a girl…without fail.

Knowing guys are like that, wouldn’t it be great to hand them a book that can help give them a new perspective on what to do and not to do. It may not keep them from jumping into a lake in January, but it could at least help them understand why his girlfriend won’t talk him anymore.

Most books written for teenage guys are cheesy. They are written by people who are trying to be cool but can’t,  and they are really designed more for younger kids. This book is written specifically to guys who are teenagers and keeps the I’m-trying-to-be-cool stuff to a minimum.

I highly recommend this book to youth leaders, parents, or anyone who has a teenage guy in their life somewhere.

Click here to Win a Free Copy of the Book

Click here to buy this book at Amazon.com.

Click here to go to the website for For Young Men Only.

Lord Save Us From Your Followers: a book

// October 3rd, 2008 // No Comments » // Book Reviews, Devotions, Emergent Church, Featured

I guess I’m on a controversial writer’s kick. While in the airport on my way to Peru a few months ago, I bought a book by Dan Merchant. I knew it would be interesting because of the title, Lord Save Us From Your Followers. Luckily I am a sucker for a good book whether I agree with everything they say or not.

This book was different; not in a bad way, just different.

It was essentially about us, as believers, listening to each other and not getting hung up on our personal agendas. Believe me, we all have them.

Don’t believe me? Look at this election…Palin is adored by us southerners because she stands for all of the right things: she’s against abortion and gay marriage. As soon as we heard that we were happy.

Before you go crazy, the reverse is true as well. There are people here in the south and else where who will vote for Obama because he is against the war, not caring that he is pro-abortion and for gay marriage, even though they are personally against it.

Now don’t get me wrong, there is something to be said for letting your morals determine your candidate, but we tend to get hung up on things and ignore stuff that is just as important.

This book talks about some really hard stuff. It is a book of interviews: interviews with people on the street, interviews with famous people, interviews with controversial people. One of the interviews is with a transvestite nun.

I found this book fascinating because even though the writer is a believer, rarely does he give his opinion. He conducts interviews and expects us readers to make up our own minds about how to process the information we just read.

Here in the south it seems, at times, that you can beat your wife and kids, not pay taxes and shoot someone, and as long as you are against abortion and gay marriage then you’re fine. I am exaggerating, but not by much. We tend to lose focus on all of the other ’sins’ that are committed by people. We prioritize sin; and as long as it isn’t one of the two biggies then hey, it will work out.

Lord Save Us From Your Followers was a book that forced me to reevaluate how I look at certain things. Am I caught up in the right vs wrong (republican vs democrat) mentality? The left coast seems to be convinced that Republicans are racist, backwards, uneducated, money-hungry, step on poor people, wife-beaters. All of us in the south assume Democrats are liberal, trees-are-more-important-than-people, baby killing, free sex for all, there is no such thing as sin, weirdos. And I’m talking about inside the church.

True story. Eight years ago, when Bush was running against Gore, I saw a car that had two bumper stickers on it, “Bush/Cheney” and “God is My Co-Pilot”. In the front yard, where the car was, was a Bush/Cheney sign. I talked with the lady next door, who had a Gore/Lieberman sign out front, and she said, “no self-respecting Methodist would ever vote for a Republican.”

Now explain to me how two “Christians,” who I assume are strong believers, can be so diametrically opposed to each other when it comes to politics? I understand a believer and non-believer being on opposite ends. But what makes the terms Republican and Democrat send people over the edge. Bible believing, God-fearing people.

Shouldn’t we as “Christians” be above that mess? Do all Methodists vote for Democrats only? If so, why? Do all Baptists vote Republican? Again, if so, why?

This actually leads me to another Book I have been asked to review. It is called How Would Jesus Vote and will be out soon, if it isn’t already. I can’t wait to read it and get their perspective on all of this.

My fascination this election isn’t with Obama vs McCain, but with the Democratic Christian vs the Republican Christian. Who will win?

As for the book, I would recommend it. It is both thought-provoking and infuriating at times. Read it, like the last one I talked about, with an open mind. Open to understanding how someone thinks and why.

As for the Christian vs Christian battle: I guess we’ll see in November.

Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell

// October 2nd, 2008 // No Comments » // Book Reviews, Emergent Church, Featured, society in general

If you google Rob Bell or Velvet Elvis you will undoubtedly find all kinds of criticism thrown his way. If you look at his Wikipedia page it is even on there. And rightly so, to an extent, because he phrases things a certain way to get people to discuss topics. If you can get an audience riled up they will talk.

I can see why believers are up in arms about him and this book. He says things that, if you aren’t reading with an open mind, will get traditional Christians hot. And when I say open mind that isn’t a liberal, everything is alright open mind, but an open mind that reads things through before commenting. An open mind that doesn’t take one sentence, most often out of context, and crucify someone for it.

My background: I believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God. I believe there is absolute truth in this world and that is comes from God. I do not believe that every human who has their own version of truth is right. I believe Jesus was born of a virgin, died on a cross for our sins and rose again 3 days later. I believe He is coming back for His bride, all believers. I not only believe He is the way, the truth and the light, but He is the ONLY way. So, with that said I still can read a book like Velvet Elvis, Blue Like Jazz or Searching For God Knows What and not lose my religion or salvation.

But not only do I believe in all of the above, I am a conservative from the deep deep south: South Carolina to be exact. And if you’ve ever read any of the books I mentioned you know that I am one level below the anti-christ.

Now that you know my background, let me say this: I think Velvet Elvis is one of the best books I’ve read in recent memory and here’s why: Velvet Elvis is about setting aside all of the religious ceremonies we all do (Baptist, Pentecostal, Catholic, Presbyterian, etc…) and getting back to the root of our faith, Jesus Christ. Rob Bell is obviously anti-institutional – ironic because he has a giant church. Velvet Elvis strips off the facade of churchianity and makes us look at our motives; are we looking for the approval of men or Jesus?

I know Rob Bell says things that will make your skin crawl, but that doesn’t make him a wolf in sheep’s clothing, as he was called on website I read somewhere (I would post it but I don’t remember where it was). It makes him controversial. And if you know anything about writers or publicists that isn’t a bad thing; it is how they sell a million books instead of a couple thousand. I am all for stirring up a hornet’s nest if it is done to get people talking and moving towards truth. But if it is done just for the sake of controversy then there is a problem.

Velvet Elvis is not for everyone. It is not for those who get offended easily and aren’t sure what they believe or why. It is, in my opinion, not for new believers. This book has to be, as he states on the back, weighed and studied. Don’t just take it at face value. Look at it from the Bible’s standpoint. If you strip away all of the things he says just to push people’s buttons you’ll find a book that has some awesome truth in it.

Our culture is evolving, but God’s word isn’t. The truths that God set forth in the beginning are just as relevant today. What is changing, or in some cases isn’t changing, is the “church’s” attitudes towards our culture. It seems we, as believers, have two choices: we can either hide in our churches and hope the world out there doesn’t get us, or we can dive in head first and bring light to a dark world.

The churches that are taking it to the street are growing exponentially. The ones that are scared to get  little dirty are dying… and soon will be irrelevant.

Is Velvet Elvis walking that line between absolute truth and tolerance, yes, but don’t miss the forest for the trees. Read it and weigh it.

Review for Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson

// August 18th, 2008 // No Comments » // Book Reviews, Featured, Relevant Faith

“Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit–An Geadh-Glas, or ‘the Wild Goose.’ The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it’s like to follow the Spirit through life. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something…” The opening paragraph of Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson

“Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: Adventure.” –Mark Batterson

Over the last few days I have had the privilege of participating in a Blog Tour of the new book, Wild Goose Chase, by Mark Batterson. My blog was chosen to receive two advanced copies; one to read and review and the other to give away to one of my lucky blog readers. Here is the review.

From the opening paragraph it is rife with practical, Biblical advice on living a life of spiritual adventure. Wild Goose Chase is an excellent read and it will entice you to stop and take inventory of your life and your walk with Jesus. It will challenge you to look at things from a different perspective: one full of adventure, not routine.

Mark Batterson has identified 6 Cages we get trapped in that keep us from living a life of spiritual adventure:

1. The Cage of Responsibility: “Too many of us allow our human responsibilities to get in the way of our primary calling: pursuing the passions God has put in our heart.”
2. The Cage of Routine: “Somewhere along the way, your relationship with God became more of a routine than an adventure. Listen, if you don’t disrupt the routine, you will eventually stop living and start existing.”
3. The Cage of Assumptions: “Where have you made God in your image? And where does God need to remake you in His image? You have to be willing to go somewhere you’ve never been or do something you’ve never done.”
4. The Cage of Guilt: “Satan wants to remind you of past mistakes over and over again. Why? So you don’t have any emotional or spiritual energy left to dream kingdom dreams.”
5. The Cage of Failure: “Failure handled improperly can be devastating, but failure handled properly is the best thing that can happen to us…and sometimes our plans have to fail in order for Gods plans to succeed.”
6. The Cage of Fear: ” We need people who are more afraid of missing opportunities than making mistakes. People who are more afraid of lifelong regrets than temporary failure. People who dare to dream the unthinkable and attempt the impossible.”

This book has both confirmed and challenged my spiritual barometer. We are all capable of getting stuck in a routine; some of us may be in one now. Whether you are or not, this book is definitely for you. If you are stuck in ritualistic Christianity, going to church because that is what you did last week, then Wild Goose Chase will encourage you to let go and follow the Wild Goose as He leads you on an adventure: the adventure he set for you from the beginning. If you feel like you aren’t in a rut then this book will give you practical advice on how to avoid a life mired in routine and how to help others break out.

YOU CAN WIN A FREE COPY of the book by clicking here.

You can also buy this book at Amazon.com or check out further information at www.chasethegoose.com

I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading it again as soon as I can.