Soul Keeping

 

About The Book:  The soul is NOT “a theological and abstract subject.” The soul is the coolest, eeriest, most mysterious, evocative, crucial, sacred, eternal, life-directing, fragile, indestructible, controversial, expensive dimension of your existence. Jesus said it’s worth more than the world.  You’d be an idiot not to prize it above all else. Shouldn’t you get pretty clear on exactly what it is? Shouldn’t you know what it runs on? Wouldn’t it be worth knowing how to care for it? Two things are for sure. One is: you have a soul. The other is: if you don’t look after this one you won’t be issued a replacement.  Bestselling author John Ortberg writes another classic that will help you discover your soul and take your relationship with God to the next level.
About The Author:  John Ortberg is the senior pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church (MPPC) in the San Francisco Bay Area. His bestselling books include Soul Keeping, Who Is This Man?, and If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get out of the Boat.  John teaches around the world at conferences and churches, writes articles for Christianity Today and Leadership Journal, and is on the board of the Dallas Willard Center and Fuller Seminary. He has preached sermons on Abraham Lincoln, The LEGO Movie, and The Gospel According to Les Miserables. John and his wife Nancy enjoy spending time with their three adult children, dog Baxter, and surfing the Pacific. You can follow John on twitter @johnortberg or check out the latest news/blogs on his website at www.johnortberg.com.
My Thoughts On The Book:  I did not choose this book, it chose me.....or I should really say it was chosen for me.  It was an assigned reading for a book study I participate in with a group of fellow pastors.  I did not have time for this study.  I did not really want to participate, but I did and as always God knew what he was doing.  Then end of my school year is here and I have found myself grumpy and unsettled.  I discovered in this feast of wisdom that my soul was not being taken care of.  It was not well with my soul.  I should know better.  I am a Christian and I lead a flock at my church....and if my soul is not healthy then I need to fix it!  This book is a discovery of what it means to take care of your soul.  I loved it.  I wish I had written it.  I was sad when the book study ended.  I have read several books by John Ortenburg and I must say this was my all time favorite.  I plan to keep it in my library and reread it when my soul is wilting.  Great read!  Must read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from Amazon and Zondervan Publishing Company as part of a book study. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Messed Up Men Of The Bible

About The Book:  "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."-2 Corinthians 12:9.  From schlubby sitcom heroes to mommy blogs to online articles, there is a broad cultural perception that men constantly mess up and women must fight an uphill battle to fix them. Men are a burden, constant works-in-progress, pushed toward perfection but always falling short. This book asks a revolutionary question: What if these messed-up men are actually a mighty tool for God?  Tina and Dave Samples remind us that the Bible is filled with a cast of messed-up men—men who struggled and fell, and yet were used by God to accomplish His purposes. In fact, God has consistently chosen imperfect "clay pots" in which to place His light.  David was a poor father. Peter had problems with integrity. Moses had anger issues, Gideon struggled with fear, and Elijah suffered from depression--the list goes on. Messed Up Men of the Bible offers encounters with these ancient men who faced the same emotions and questions that contemporary men face, in order to reveal fresh spiritual insights and hope for modern relationships. Through personal stories, practical advice, and useful exercises, Tina and Dave provide encouragement and hope for women dealing with the messed up men in their own lives.
About The Authors:  Dave Samples is a pastor, teacher, author, and church planter. He is a native Texan who resides in Granbury, Texas. He is the Lead Pastor at Tolar Baptist Church in Tolar, Texas. Dave has held numerous denominational leadership positions and has spoken for a variety of organizations including the Gospel Music Association at their annual gathering in Estes Park, Colorado.  Dave has a Master of Divinity Degree with Biblical Languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas and a Bachelor's Degree from Union University, Jackson, Tennessee. He is also a proud graduate of Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy, Seymour, Tennessee.  Dave has served as a chaplain in the US Navy, and also in local fire and police departments. In 2008, he was nominated as Windsor, Colorado's Person of the Year in recognition of his efforts to provide disaster relief following a devastating tornado.  Dave and Tina have two sons, Jaren and Zach, and one granddaughter, Abigail.  You can find David online at www.davesamples.blogspot.com, or link with him via Facebook or Twitter (@davesamples).
Tina Samples is an Award Winning Author, Speaker, Worship Leader, and Music Therapist. She lives in Tolar Texas with her husband David who is the lead pastor of Tolar Baptist Church. Together, they have two gifted sons, Jaren and Zach - and one grandchild named Abigail.  Tina's new book (along with co-author Dave Samples): Messed Up Men of the Bible: Seeing the Men in Your Life Through God's Eyes will be released January 2016. However, you can pre-order it now on Amazon. Her book Wounded Women of the Bible: Finding Hope When Life Hurts, received the 2014 Golden Scroll Award for nonfiction book of the year. Tina's publishing credits include Wounded Women of the Bible: Finding Hope When Life Hurts, as well as, It's a God Thing: Stories To Help You Experience The Heart of God, Guideposts; Extraordinary Answers to Prayer: In Times of Change and Unexpected Answers; Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters: Real Life Stories of Supernatural Events; and The One Year Life Verse Devotional. She has also contributed to The Secret Place devotional magazine, as well as Quiet Hour magazine. Tina's passion is to minister to women. She is available for speaking events, conferences, and retreats. Tina will Skype your Bible study introduction or closing session free of charge. She enjoys getting to know women across the United States who are working through her books. Find out more about Tina @ www.tinasamples.com
My Thoughts On The Book:  I don't know what I was expecting when I signed up to review this book, but I was delightfully surprised by this book.  This was an uplifting book for women with messed up men in their lives.   The examples they provide for the reader tto learn from are spot on.  I wish I had had this book when I was married the first time.  I see so many elements of my first husband....and my mistakes within the covers of this book. I may not have spent so many years working towards something that was never meant to be.
The book was well-researched, well-written, and thought provoking.  It is a must read for anyone, especially women, who are in relationships with messed up men.  I think they need to write a sequel for the messed up women in the Bible.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from Kregel Publications as part of their Blogging Review program.   I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!