Review of Both of Me by Jonathan Friesen

Genre: YA Fiction

Not Recommended.

This story is intriguing: Clara is a teenage runaway who is traveling the world to get away from a tragedy in her past. On an airplane she meets Elias, who struggles with an unusual case of Dissociative Identity Disorder. The two accidentally switch backpacks, then become unlikely companions as they each search for healing, identity, and belonging.

I don’t expect Christian fiction to always be spiritually oriented (often the indirect message is more powerful), but I do expect it to be in some way edifying. As much as this story interested me–and would likely catch the attention of readers within the identity transition of young adulthood–the underlying spiritual message was not positive or beneficial. Elias has deep problems that are not appropriately addressed or resolved. Clara receives partial healing, but the Christian element is brought into her life awkwardly and without the necessary depth (actually, the “healing” spirit is more “New Age” than Christian).

The ending solidified my dislike for this book. Despite the difficult themes and attitudes of the characters, I think there was still room for a redemptive message. The circumstances of the ending did not bother me as they were true to the characters; but the overall spirit of the story was uncomfortable for me, as was the absence of God’s truth. The characters’ journeys were not completed in an inspiring or godly manner, rather in the poetic realism that often characterizes “good” secular writing. The writing itself is strong: metaphors and imagery are pulled together, the characters are vivid and likeable. But I would not recommend this to a Christian teen.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blink.

Crazy (Prophetic?) Superbowl

Superbowl Sunday is one of the great American holidays that I typically ignore. But as a Washingtonian at heart, I had to see how my home-team would compete. (Can I be a “fan” if I only watch the last game of the season? I won’t pretend I remember all the player’s names.)

The Superbowl is one of the times when so many Americans are focused on the same thing all at once that it becomes a sort of spiritual experience, with the halftime show and commercials a revelation of the state of our nation (for better or, usually, worse). And then there’s the game itself… I wonder how much God speaks to us through stuff like this? It seems frequent. I won’t say that I know what God is saying, or what the game means; but it feels significant to me that both teams received a last minute miracle.

Do we know that God is for people, giving each of us the miracles we will receive? Fans of each team may be praying to win games, but I don’t think God works like that. I think it’s more like His blessings are available without prejudice and part of the process is that we take those opportunities and make the play.

I was floored when Seahawks receiver Jermaine Kearse caught the ball even after he’d fallen. I had had a brief impression in the third quarter that the Patriots would have to win (I felt it was something about the team’s name, though that was just the feeling I had); so when the Seahawks made their way down the field I had hope that they would still win. With so little time left, the Patriots’ end of the game interception by Malcolm Butler was even more unbelievable. I believe God was working on both sides to give each player incredible opportunities.

After the game an interviewer asked Butler why he was so emotional, and he described how he’d had a vision that he would make a big play and was so blessed that it had come true (I wish I could find the full clip). Super touching, right?! Despite rooting for the Seahawks, I was moved by Butler’s humility and emotion.

Whether or not we can call this game “prophetic,” I felt like there was much to “hear” through it. We should listen for God to speak to us through abnormal situations and events, and watch for the opportunities the Lord is giving to step into new blessings in our lives.

Word of the Year 2015: Release

I pray for a personal word for each new year, usually in December or early January; but with the shmita year (sabbatical year) having started this past September at Rosh HaShanah on the Jewish calendar, I chose my new word much earlier, and have been living with it in mind for a handful of months. My word of the year is: release. The shmita year is a release and restoration season, in general, so I have been intentionally following the refreshing winds of change in the Spirit that I began feeling in September. So much has been happening spiritually and physically that I haven’t (and don’t) have time to record.

With the “double new year” this January, I have been so excited for the new things God is doing. Funny enough, our whole family came down with walking pneumonia in the last days of December (we are now recovered), so this first month of the year has been for resting, developing strategy, and seeking God’s wisdom rather than the jumping into new things that we expected. I have been reminded to release my expectations to God, even as I release myself into His freedom. I have also been purposefully releasing things of the past (both the hurtful memories and expectations of the past, and the good things that have prevented me from necessary change). I feel like this is a time to press into the Lord for spiritual understanding of what He is restoring in our lives this year, and how we can partner with Him to receive those blessings.

A few days ago I began to pray for strategy and insight regarding one of my chronic health conditions, and received an amazing encouraging dream answering my questions, and giving me the endurance to continue trusting God with this area of my health.

God wants to talk to us, to encourage us, and to help us to submit our lives to Him completely. This is a great time to pray about the new year and any desires, resolutions, or unanswered prayers you might have, and to watch and listen expectantly for the Lord to reveal supernatural understanding into how His Spirit is moving in your life, and how you should respond.

The Parent Seed

I was recently honored to be able to give a short devotional at my sister-in-law’s baby shower. I searched the web in preparation, and was surprised to find only a handful of baby shower devotionals, so thought I would add mine to the mix in case anyone else is looking:

2 Peter 1:3-8 is one of my very favorite passages because it tells us that we have everything we need for life and godliness through our Lord Jesus Christ; but also that we are not expected to be mature in “everything” all at once, because there is a progression of building character and virtue. This is wonderful news for all of us, and especially for those who are parents in some capacity (parents, grandparents, mentors, etc.). Through the Holy Spirit we have full access to all the resources to win at life. And if and when we feel like we are failing, we can remind ourselves that if we are dependent on Him, then indeed we are not failing after all, but rather slowly building our character in partnership with one proficient in all our weaknesses.

After reading and commentating briefly on this passage at the shower (I prefer not to work from an outline, so it is a mystery what I said exactly ;-)), I passed around a bag of mixed wild flower seeds, inviting everyone to take as many as they liked. The seeds are small and don’t look like much, but when they are planted in the right environment, they grow into beautiful flowers. The miracle of God’s Creation is that within each seed God has placed everything necessary for the seed to grow into its preordained plant. The nurturing of the seed is important, but nothing needs to be added to the seed itself. It will grow, or it will not grow; but the growth that occurs will be in line with God’s design as wrapped up in the nature of the seed.

There are “seeds” of all different sorts of things: seeds of spiritual gifts, and jobs, and missions… and within these, a “parent seed.” When God calls us to be parents, we are not alone in a mess of figuring out what to do with little people–though maybe it feels like that sometimes. In fact, to those who are parents, God has given not just the gift of life, but the ability and privilege to blossom as a parent through Him. Each parent, when partnered with the Holy Spirit has the right personality and resources to parent the particular blessings He has given us.

If you are a parent, no one can raise your kids better than you. You are the right one for the job. And regardless of how many times you may feel that you are not up to par, the Lord is with you to give you the wisdom and endurance you need to be successful. In difficult moments, pause, pray, and remember Peter’s wisdom: you have everything you need for life and godliness through our Lord, and as you continue to seek Him and His ways, your character is being strengthened so that you can withstand the obstacles and temptations, and be fruitful in this calling. The parents who plant themselves in God produce godly fruit–and if you are a parent, this includes you! We can trust God with our children; and with our parenting.

Review of Old Fashioned by Rene Gutteridge (based on the screenplay by Rik Swartzwelder)

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Recommended.

978-1-4143-7933-3 Rene Gutteridge is among my favorite authors, so I could not pass up her novelization of Rik Swartzwelder’s screenplay. The movie version will be released February 13, 2015, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

The players are Clay: a former frat boy, now “old fashioned” Christian, who is uncomfortable even being in the same room alone with a woman; and Amber: a free-spirit who moves around a lot, and enjoys adventure. They enter into a humorous courtship, emphasized by the differences in their personalities. There is also a more serious side as they deal with their past pains.

The narrative is cute, romantic, and funny. There is not much more to it. I think some of the themes could have been better developed–especially in dealing with their past issues. And the content toward the end felt a bit rushed to me.

I am not actually an advocate of “courting” in general as I think it tends to rush relationships toward marriage prematurely, so this bias probably aids in my not loving the book or the ending. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it for what it was (a light, quick read), and think it has the potential to be a great conversation starter in a book club, or a feel-good romance for those who want something appropriate and fun.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

Review of The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery/Romance

Recommended!

Abigail Foster is practical, intelligent, and worried she may end up a spinster when the man she has admired since their childhood seems to have eyes for her younger, prettier sister instead.

When a bad investment forces her family to look for a more affordable living arrangement, an interesting opportunity arises for them to rent Pembrooke Park. The manor has been abandoned for many years, and is rumored to be haunted and to hold treasure in a secret room.

The narrative twists and turns through mysterious happenings and suspense, love triangles, strange neighbors, long lost family members, formal parties, hidden secrets, and a very real treasure. The story and characters are so engaging, I hardly noticed the 450 page length as I read through it quickly.

There is a direct faith based message, which I felt was slightly awkward toward the end as Abigail seemed to jump from non-practicing Christian to preaching Christian without enough spiritual build-up. Even so, the message is a good one. It’s not overdone, but could just use a better transition, and the strength of the overall narrative makes up for it. The complex mystery is fun to read, especially as it becomes a meaningful illustration of faith and God’s love.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

Review of Unplanned: The Dramatic True Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader’s Eye-Opening Journey across the Life Line by Abby Johnson with Cindy Lambert

Genre: Autobiography/Social Issues

Highly Recommended!

This is one of the most moving biographical testimonies I have read!

Abby Johnson’s passion for helping women prompted her to volunteer with Planned Parenthood, where she eventually became the director of a clinic in Bryan, Texas, counseling and aiding hurting women–and yes, aiding in abortions as well. She even had a couple abortions herself.

It is an exciting miracle, then, when God progressively transforms her heart to recognize the harm and injustice of abortion, despite her good intentions, and to confront the lies she had believed about abortion being a helpful and viable option when God has better plans to make all things good–even in the most difficult situations.

Her testimony is powerful, vivid, and emotional; sharing honestly from both sides of the pro-choice/pro-life conflict. This is a difficult topic, but I felt the story was balanced in revealing the good and the bad from both sides of the “fence” (e.g. the pro-choice love for women that may be unexpected from a pro-lifer, or some of the hate-filled methods of protest by the pro-life crowd). In eventually partnering with the “enemy” (the Coalition for Life), Abby finds God’s love, and begins partnering for social justice in God’s way. It is truly a remarkable story; and the new ending in this revised version is exciting for the pro-life camp!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers (it is co-published with Focus on the Family).

Review of An Insider’s Guide to Spiritual Warfare: 30 Battle-Tested Strategies from Behind Enemy Lines by Kristine McGuire

Genre: Christian Living/Spiritual Warfare

Recommended.

This devotional guide to spiritual warfare is engaging and approachable. Separated into 30 short chapters, Kristine McGuire shares openly and candidly from her apostate experience as a practicing witch. Now a born-again believer, she outlines the basics of the spiritual battle, the armor of God from Ephesians 6, several of the most common battlefields (e.g. suffering, fear, and anger), and how to relate to God and the supernatural within our identity in Him.

McGuire writes in the style of oral language, which makes the grammar a bit “creative” at times, and I admit to having been slightly distracted by this. However, her sweet and honest tone make her words come to life as if she were presenting live to a friend, and some readers may even find this style more engaging and relatable.

Having experienced the occult myself, I also think she could have gone into more detail regarding the nature of the spiritual battle as it overlaps with the physical realm–but maybe this would be better in another separate book.

Finally, the reflection questions at the end of each chapter are particularly good, and would make an excellent outline for a discussion based study group.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Chosen Books.

Review of Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More: Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist by Karen Swallow Prior

Genre: Biography/History

Hannah More is one of the most incredible historical people I had never known about or studied. She was dedicated to educating women and the poor, was a recognized writer, fought to abolish slavery, and rubbed shoulders with many prominent men including David Garrick, Samuel Johnson, William Wilberforce, and Horace Walpole. Her influence is particularly astonishing considering her standing as an unmarried British women in the late 18th and early 19th centuries; and she was motivated by her great faith for God and His work of social justice.

As interesting as I found this book, I would have like it to have been more story-oriented and less “text-book” style. I did not enjoy reading it so much as I afterward appreciated the facts I learned through the reading process. The cover-art captivated and drew me to choose this book; but the writing itself (while strong and well researched) was a bit of a let down: dry, uninteresting, and hard to get through, with some unnecessary repetition due to its non-linear structure. I feel as if I learned the facts about Hannah More, without that personal insight into her person, faith, and the chronology of what moved and influenced her into dramatic action.

I would recommend this as a resource for one studying Hannah More, but not as a fun-read for those who enjoy a captivating biography.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson.

Review of The Heretic by Henry Vyner-Brooks

Genre: Historical Fiction

Not Recommended.

The Heretic takes place in Reformation England from 1536 to 1539. There are many layers to the story. The two main groups of characters are a monk, Pacificus (who is actually a disguised knight, Sir Hugh Erpingham, and has interactions within both his personas), and a family of “heretics” who are persecuted for believing and practicing outside the official church (becoming an “extended family” as the children are sent to live with a family of Anabaptists while the parents are charged). There are also some recognizable historical figures.

I have only basic knowledge of this time period, so I was hoping this novel would help me to learn a bit of history in an enjoyable way. I did feel as if I could envision the scenery and setting, but otherwise I had trouble following the overarching historical-political events. I would summarize that the writing is historically very strong, but only to those who are already familiar with the period.

The story is good, but also very slow (603 pages, covering a span of years). It is overly thorough in some areas, while neglecting to fully connect the dots of the historical picture in other places. I was interested just enough to keep reading, but not enough to truly engage in the story. I would have liked either much more action and suspense (there is some suspense in the plot, but not in the style of writing), or a stronger emotional pull to the characters–or both!

There were also a couple very gruesome scenes that were much too graphic for me, though aptly reflecting the spirit of the times.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lion Fiction.

Awaiting the King

The Personal Blog of Theresa C. Shell