Small is Big- Unleashing the big impact of intentionally small churches by Tony and Felicity Dale

This book is exploring the concept of the house churches movement(or simple church movement).Theologically(and much to my surprise) I wasn’t as against what they talked about as I thought I would be. They have an extreme charismatic view on the filling of the Holy Spirit(their personal view, not necessarily the view of those in house churches), and give a nod to such things as holy laughter, which are not expressions of the Spirit found in scripture.

They attempt to address some of the big issues I have with house churches, such as accountability, and keeping sound theology, and I found their responses somewhat lacking. They basically report to saying the leader of the group will lead wild statements back to sound ground. Experience has shown, MOST leaders of small groups don’t do that.They also fail to address verses such as “don’t neglect meeting together…” the church history of getting together in bigger “units”. Yes, the New testament church started in homes, but it went beyond that... They also fail to explore the role of pastor/teacher and the work of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry adequately. Their strongest point is that a simple church allows more participation, and I heartily agree on the strength of that point, they also point out the churches expect pastors to fulfill many functions(delegate, lead, administrate, teach, do visitation, preach, cast vision, serve, etc, etc) all with high degrees of excellence, and points out the folly of such expectations, no one has all the gifts and skills, so simple church seeks to empower the people to do that. I agree, BUT it seems to lack the equipping aspect.

It is hard to argue though with their points of bringing church to where the people are, rather than trying to bring people to the church. The great commission does say “GO”, not “invite them to your church meeting”.They explore the ins and outs of simple church, and have strong use of scripture for most of them.

I am not convinced house churches are the way to go, HOWEVER this book has given me a LOT of things to consider, much more than most books have, so it gets a HIGH recommendation on that basis!

This book was provided as a complimentary copy by Tyndale Publishers, for an honest review of this title.

Why God Won't Go Away- By Alister McGrath Review

This book attempts to outline the view held by New Atheism, and point out the aspects of their argument against Christianity.

The book is well referenced, but one thing I was wary of was that early on the author would bring up a point that the New Atheist held, gave a quick rebuttal of that point, and then would say," I will explore this aspect later in the book...". I kept a check sheet of each point brought up this way, as it can be misleading to hit a point, and never really unpack it. Well, the author DOES indeed go back and address these points in more detail.

This book is good at giving the reader a feel of the main faces behind the New Atheism platform, what they are promoting, and then later unpacks those main platforms and provides some good information, in which to engage those who are professing atheists.

This book is more of an overview rather than really addressing all the points in a deeper more comprehensive argument, but provides a good starting point for those not well versed in apologetics.

It is not a light read, but it isn't too bogged down either, so again, good for those with interest in this topic, to get them started.

I received this book from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Surviving your Serengeti by Stefan Swanepoel Book review

7 skills to master business and life. What the author does in this book is take the7 skills and in a fable/story concept explains them by using animals found in the Serengeti.

I think he had to stretch the concept a bit on a couple of the animals, but by and large the connections between animal and skill taught were sound.

In his introduction he points out 3 things he hopes the book will reaffirm. One, everyone can survive their own Serengeti. Second, no journey is ever too long, and three ,nothing is impossible. Pretty lofty and he doesn’t really get there, and I don’t think this was the point of the book. First off, the first point only works if you see the Serengeti as hard, and it is obvious that he loves it there and see it so positively that the connection point misses that mark. Second, their trip was 3 days so the point about the journey of living out these traits etc fails short. Third, I think the book does give some encouragement with these practical traits that would help either a business person or other reader to keep striving, so it does well on that point. In my opinion it would be better to simply look at the book’s subtitle of “7 skills to master for business and life” and that fits what it does much better.

There are no God references in the book, I point that out simply to say it, as the publisher puts out Christian books. There is nothing in the book anti biblical, but it certainly is much more of a self help type book.

Big marks for the format he used, and for easy reading style. No ground breaking revelations, and he provides as the end of the book a website to take a short quiz to explore which animal/skill you are. I enjoy those type quizzes and self discovery aspects, but knew the animal I would be from the reading of the book. Despite my critical stance on his introduction goals, on a whole, it was a quick enjoyable read.

This book was provided as a complimentary copy by the publisher in exchange for my review, positive or negative of its contents. Thanks Booksneeze!

The Seraph Seal-Sweet and Wagner Book Review

This book is a mix of an Indiana Jones, Davinci Code, Apocalyptic/Science Fiction feel.What I liked was the mystery type aspect with some action thrown in, I liked and disliked the tie ins to the book of Revelation from the Bible(more on that later). I liked the appendix in the end that provided some notes, explanations and clarifications as the book is a long one and lots of characters popping in and out and so much symbolism thrown in.

This book is NOT a book to base theology on. Similar to aspects of The Shack, the story draws you in, but there are some things that leave a question mark. References are made the The Lamb, but His appearance is not,the focus is left on the people/characters and not the Person playing the main role in the end times.Symbolism can be read in many ways, and others have commented that there seems to be a feel of Universalism in the book. I haven't gotten all the way through to be definite on that, but it is certainly worth warning about.

There is also a love story plot thrown in. The back cover reads "...the Seraph Seal combines apocalyptic intrigue with a journey of love and discovery that blurs the lines between fact and fiction. It will lead you into a world where only you can determine the future of the earth as we know it." So I would say it delivers on that, and as long as discernment filters are on that will help when the BLUR is happening. I have mixed feelings on this. I like that there is the biblical aspects brought in, but the teacher in me gets concerned when it veers off of that. Of course in story you have the creativity to branch off, and I enjoy that, but I get concerned that it then, whether intentioned or not, teaches people untruths. The responsibility lies ultimately with the READER, the writers have not said this is a book of truth, so I appreciate that.

This book was provided to me free through Booksneeze.com Thomas Nelson Publishers with the understanding that I give an honest review.

Man, time flies...

Can't believe it has been over a month between posts...

April had us traveling a bit down to Edmonton and Calgary. We broke down and bought dvd players for the girls for the trip...definitely a sanity saver!

Katie is a snack monster and needs to be snacking from the time we pull out of the driveway until we arrive. Julia travels well during the day but made it VERY clear to us when we traveled to Edmonton to participate in the End the Wait Adoption Seminar, that driving near bed time is a no no. We ended up having to stay in Whitecourt at a hotel overnight as she protested over being in the car thinking she was supposed to sleep there.

In the hotel we quickly discovered that so many things are at Katie level. She was delighted!!!! In the first 20 minutes there she had raided the mini fridge, called front desk, turned on the air conditioner, and started empty microwaves, oh and set the snooze alarm off several times.

The room had 2 queen beds in it. Cara and Julia took one bed, and Katie and I the other. Next time I will just take my pillow and sleep in the bath tub...my precious little girl loves to snuggle which is wonderful when I don't want to sleep, but I can't sleep when someone is "in my sleep space". Once she fell asleep I moved her over, only to have her shift around to sleep vertically on the bed with feet kicking, jabbing and embedding themselves into my back all night. UGH!

The conference was excellent and I feel blessed to have played a part in it.

We did an extended family visit at the end of the month as my grandmother,dad and cousin, as well as a precious friend( who has prayed faithfully for Julia for 5 years), had not met her yet.

Julia is delightful, coming out of her shell even more and has a smile the lights up the room, melts daddy's heart. She turned one this month, I am in denial. I just can't wrap my brain around it, yet she is fully embracing it. She is so close to walking. She is cruising along the couches and walls, using the high chair as a walker. Vocally she has found crying works wonders to get mom and dad running to see if big sister has wronged her, or to see if she has tumbled from being too adventurous, or to simply communicate, "I don't see you, come back into my view!". Her most used sound(aside from the cry) is a word that sounds kind of like "up" and"fpt" combined. We are getting some dadda maa maa sounds but not connecting them to us. Her eyes tell us she know us, they light up, she will do the one raised eyebrow or bashful smile/turn to the side with a glance thing that is adorable. She LOVES being upside down and spun around, she is going to be the carnival ride queen in our group...

We are eager to embrace spring and summer this year, we plan to plant some veges among our large and often weed embraced flower garden to help reduce the work and weed quota.I am looking forward to biking to work, need the exercise. Had a few too many slurpees and 5 cent candies over the winter, combined with too little exercise and it is starting to show...

Summer plans seem to be full with me (wanting to)get Fall work prep done early, taking a week to speak at Ness Lake Bible Camp, and sticking close to church as half the staff are taking off to Rwanda on a missions trip.

Still staying busy(it is reasonable now-crazy bust start of the year)with magic shows, and Cara is delighting in trying out digital scrapbooking. We still long for some more sleep and energy, but being parents to our 2 gifts is such a privilege, even when they refuse to eat, sleep or obey as much as we would like, they bring so many more smiles, joys and delight to our hearts!!!

Daddy Dates-Greg Wright Book Review

Daddy Dates by Greg Wright

I love the idea behind this book, it was something I have planned to do even prior to hearing a book was done about it. Did this book really help me develop that further? No. BUT, and it is a big but...it is still an excellent book and one I highly recommend to ANY dad, regardless of the age of his girls( I have been planning and developing ideas for this for years already). It is written in guy language, and is a very enjoyable read. Greg comes across with wisdom, humor, and authenticity that makes it okay for dads to admit they don’t have it all together, but offers encouragement and some clear guidelines to help any dad get an idea of this concept and the exhortation to give it a try. He covers the reasons for daddy dates, ways to plan dates that will work, stories to encourage, and gives insights for preschool daddy dates right through the age ranges.

I was greatly encouraged to be affirmed that there is deep value in investing in this way in your daughters lives. The role of a Father is often undervalued, yet to help daughters grow to be confident women, the impact of a loving, committed and interested father is priceless. Daddy dates is a very helpful tool in the daddy tool belt.

Men like books that get to the point, lay out the plan,makes them laugh, and in stirs their heart(not enough to make them cry in public-that is taboo, but grabs their heart ;)) .This book delivers on that front. High recommendation for any dads.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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.”

Changed by Faith Luis Palau- REVIEW

“How many people do you know who say they believe in God . . . but you’d never know it from looking at their lives? Despite good intentions, their faith isn’t life-changing or world-shaking; they may go to church on Sundays, but God doesn’t seem to make much difference the other six days..”

From this description it would appear the target audience is church goers, but upon reading the book I feel it is an excellent book to give to someone who is spiritually seeking. Luis evangelistic heart is poured all over this book. It is an easy read, with lots of stories. He lays out the path to Jesus and his challenge is sensitive yet determined.

I feel the message better speaks to one looking at who this Jesus is and that a life in Him does result in change. I didn’t find the book offered much guidance to those who have a professed faith in Jesus but are not seeing the change the Bible promises. I think his book Say Yes! does a much better job of addressing that topic. I read it MANY years ago, and it still stick in my mind as a book I felt God used in a great way in my life. So if that is an area you want to read up on, check out that book instead. If you have friends or family seeking, give them a copy of this book.

I heartily recommend Waking the Dead by John Eldridge for a book that will bring a dead faith back to life!

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

Read and Share Stories about Jesus Gwen Ellis- REVIEW

This book is illustrated by Steve Smallman.

The back cover states there are 13 stories about Jesus-from his birth to his death and resurrection. Now in a collection that is only going to pick SOME aspects of Jesus life, the choice was good EXCEPT for the end, it felt a little like false advertising. There is one line given to his death and resurrection, “He even died and came back to life.”

This was in a 2 page story where the main focus was the ascension, so I felt it is misleading in what it delivers. It also asks kids if they have been baptized. Seeing the target group for this book, that is, in my opinion a bit early to be asking this.

The quality of the book is good, it is a board book, good binding, nice colors and art work. I really like that after each story there is an application question or comment included, kudos for that!

I would say the book is ideal for ages 5-7. I think you could use it for preschoolers for short story times, but not in a Sunday school teaching setting, they are too brief for that, but I could see using it at nap time with this age group and having a short conversation prior to the nap.

Recommend it with the content comment noted.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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.”

Sick girl again(Katie) changed our travel plans for this week, we were going to head down to Edmonton and Calgary for a visit, but that will be changed :(.

Julia is so wanting to walk, she is pulling herself up on stuff and has taken a couple of wobbly sideways steps.She is getting quite expressive and she was quite affectionate with me tonight, nuzzling my arm(partly wiping her dirty face on me, but there was also some affection :) ).

Got a couple of book reviews coming up, and looking forward to the adoption conference next weekend.

Focus on the Family has opened a new website www.waitingtobelong.ca. My article on our church journey in orphan care is there in the church stories section.

Amazing race is in China the last few episodes, so time to tune in again.

How the girls are doing

Grandma and Julia

Katie checking out videos on the camcorder.

The girls are doing well together and we have survived the "Everyone get sick in some way" month of February( I was spared).

Julia is 24 pounds and developing well. We need to get on immunizations soon(I have to find the video where I got her medical sheet on those translated verbally...).she is bouncing on her bum to get places and is so close to forward crawling, we sense she hits times of frustration over not being able to participate as fully as her sister. She has also grown to develop more of a sense of self entitlement(this is a good thing, in this case, for this stage of things),where she will cry if a toy she wants gets taken away or if she isn't getting the type of attention she wants.

I have been pleased to have her express some healthy dissatisfaction when daddy leaves and am loving seeing 2 beautiful smiling faces greet me at the door(Cara usually takes that time to run to the washroom for a "break" and know she can have a few minutes of silence and to do her thing before Katie marches in wondering what is going on and what can she turn on, push a button on, or pull off a shelf) Thus the reason why it isn't 3 beautiful smiling faces greeting me :)!

Julia is getting much more vocal and one of the things to expect each supper meal is the competition to see who is louder, Katie, Julia or Mummy(Mummy is trying to spoil the fun and have then tone it down, and she wins every time ;) ).

Julia hasn't been sleeping as well as we would like, we aren't sure if it is because we changed the sleep situation from the co sleeper attached to the bed to the co sleeper set up right beside the bed, or what. But the extra disruptions, sleep wise, is certainly wearing on my faithful wife.

We are certainly anxious for the snow and cold weather to stop so that there is more options to get out.

In other news, I will be speaking at a Focus on the Family Adoption awareness event in Edmonton www.endthewait.ca, in conjunction with the Steven Curtis Chapman concert being held later that day. Still have a bunch of prep to do, including the debut of a brand new magic trick I will close my chat with, "dreams of orphan care" where the dream a spectator creates about how to care for orphans matches the dream I had, and had displayed in a sealed envelope in front of them the entire time.Fingers crossed on that :)!