Back Roads to Belonging by Kristen Strong

Every once in awhile I read a book that feels different. The words leap off the page and feel less like text and more like sitting in the kitchen over coffee with a friend sharing and learning more about life. Back Roads to Belonging is one of those kitchen conversation books.

Honestly, Kristen has a way of cutting right to the heart of the matter within this conversational tone, weaving hard earned wisdom, grace, and humour through her narrative while anchoring everything with Scripture. I especially appreciated the structure of her work, each chapter including introducing the chapter's theme, sharing a story from friend or personal past, and ending with a blessing. 

I also appreciated the way in which Kristen unpacks the topic of belonging, one often charged with so much meaning and emotion in our lives, in such a clear and gentle way. There's no denying each chapter clearly points to a central theme of belonging but each chapter also stays true to exploring belonging from a different perspective that both builds and expands understanding.  

This constant fleshing out and broadening means that most readers, will find a chapter that resonates with their own journey of belonging while also simplifying the ability to use this book as a reference. 

If I had to choose one book to recommend this year, this would be it.

5 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Unseen by Sara Hagerty

In a culture that applauds what can be produced and noticed, it’s hard to spend time hidden from others—the long afternoons with a toddler, the fourth-floor cubicle, the laundry room. Aren’t those wasted hours? Wasted gifts?

In Unseen, Sara Hagerty suggests that God created every heart to be seen—and it’s the unseen moments that draw hearts closest to the One who sees them best.

Through an eloquent exploration of both personal and biblical story, Hagerty calls readers to offer every unseen, “wasted” minute to God so that they might find new intimacy with Him. She looks in particular at the story of Mary, who wasted perfume at Jesus’s feet. Mary had such love for Jesus that she was able to pour herself out for Him, though no one applauded. In doing so, with nothing tangible to show for her actions, she changed the world.

God is in the secret place. The beautiful news is that He doesn’t relegate His children to those hidden seasons, those unseen hours. He invites them.

(book description)

I have  been a fan of Sara Hagerty's blog for as long as I can remember. Her writing style, so full of honesty, story, and truth often appeared on my computer screen at opportune times with messages I couldn't help but ponder in subsequent days. When I heard Sara had released a new full length book I was curious to see if the beauty and truth  of  her  messages on line would convey adequately in a different, more drawn out setting.

They did.

I love Sara's honesty because she allows herself to be vulnerable with her readers and go to topics  that aren't often discussed with the perspective Sara brings.
For years I've listened to my generation asking how does one live their faith during the mundane times,the common days when life simply goes on. Sara re-frames  this mundane, unseen reality into a  gift of  being hidden that is  sure  to bring about discussion and reflection for those who read  the book. I  couldn't get over how many times while reading  I considered the practicality of these chapters as a devotional aid or group study,  the message really is that important and potentially transformational. Sara has a way of bringing thoughts and ideas forward that  makes me long for  a group of women  to discuss this with.

I really believe Sara Hagerty has provided  a timely message content wise as well. Sara brings such a wisdom and uniqueness  to her approach. Let's  face it there are hundreds of books out there on self-help or life growth devotionals or how to grow your faith. Sara, however, has  the most clear and concise message  I've read yet, keep turning your focus back to God. I love those simple to understand  yet fundamentally changing to implement lessons.
By focusing in on the story of Mary pouring out the perfumed oil, Hagerty locks readers  into a story that ties her message together with  a strong anchor point. Her provision of further reading at the end  of each chapter allows readers to take  the book further and see just how widespread the message of spending that intimate, hidden time  with God  is spread throughout scripture. Sara really sets up readers to see the contrast between our social media driven society and it's quest for superficial recognition with the desire to know and be known by the creator.

5 out of 5 stars 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Imperfect Disciple by Jared C. Wilson

Too many discipleship books are written for perfect people who know all the right Sunday school answers.

This book is for the rest of us–people who screw up, people who are weary, people who are wondering if it’s safe to say what they’re really thinking. With incisive wit, warm humor, and moving stories, Jared Wilson shows us how the gospel actually works through us and in us, even when we can’t get our act together. The result is a faith that weathers storms, lifts burdens, and deepens our friendship with God.

(excerpt from the back of book)

The Imperfect  Disciple takes what  most  readers expect in a book on Christian discipleship and turns it on its head in all the right ways. I have read many books in the last few years and most books on discipleship and life growth are at best engaging and at worst exhausting in their never-ending list of things to do. Wilson strikes a fascinating balance in his simplicity - keep pointing back  to the gospel while sharing what you know best. The result is a book that is not only engaging but eye-opening, encouraging, and unflinchingly honest in it's message.

I loved Wilson's method of delivery. 

He's not one to pull punches, stating his case without pretense. However, this directness is tempered  by the  ever present infusing of grace, openness, and vulnerability as Wilson invites readers into the gospel as it  interacts with every day life.

Wilson's background in preaching definitely comes through within his writing as the book is less a to do list (as many books on this topic are likely to fall  back on) and more teaching intermixed and conveyed through story. This allows the teaching not only to feel more personal but also more achievable. Wilson makes the concept of discipleship  not only a possibility but impractical and harder  to not involve in daily life as a Christian.

I really feel this is one of those  books that can be reread multiple times with different gleanings each time one goes through it just due to the  scope of material and the practicality of how life changes as we journey on.

5 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

First off, I love the versatility of this book and if my thoughts  are somewhat disjointed I apologize sometimes information takes more time to come out fluently  than time allows  :)

(Re)Union at it's heart has a simple message, easily condensed into 30 words or less and yet has  the ability to touch hearts and shift the worlds of its readers be they   "seekers, saints, and sinners."This is because Cavey presents not just  a book about the church,  or evangelism, or religion  instead he presents  a book about Jesus and how everything about faith points back to God in all his wholeness not just aspects and facets.

I was struck  by the versatility with which Cavey opens up his message. Filled with easily relatable cultural references alongside solid Biblical and theological understanding, Cavey doesn't insult his readers intelligence but simply introduces them to Jesus in ever increasing measures  (for example the one, three, and thirty words sections exploring the good news). This result in a book that is truly reader friendly in layout and material (although application and reception may be harder), and  is easily accessible to anyone willing to take a look, which,in my option, is how the gospel should be given.

For some more conservative or traditional evangelicals, the message of( Re)Union may come across as shocking. Though acknowledging many traditional ways of presenting the gospel (Romans Road, 4 laws) he also acknowledges the  sense of incompleteness the bring to the gospel and the need to broaden the picture. For some, it may be difficult to adjust to this new presentation of a Jesus-centered gospel rather than an Easter-centered one. For those who are patient enough to get through any reservations they will find Cavey presents a well-thought out and obviously well researched message of hope and  maybe even healing.

Bruxy Cavey is a talented writer who presents engaging stories, a sincere heart for people and faith, and a solid gospel message that it accessible to all. I cannot wait to see how the study version unfolds  during it's  release next year.

5 out of 5 stars

"An Advanced Reader Copy was provided courtesy of Menno Media and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Between Heaven & the Real World by Steven Curtis Chapman

When reading Between Heaven & the Real World by Steven Curtis Chapman a few  things become abundantly clear.

1.  He loves deeply whether it is his God, his family, or his music.

2. Chapman has a tendency to ramble when he isn't reined.

3. He believes he has been given a message to share and the gifts and space to convey that message.

I firmly believe all three of those points.

While Between Heaven & the Real World can ramble at times, this book overflows with the open, honest testimony of a man in his highest moments and most broken hours and the God who was faithfully walking with him every step of the way. The result, even in an advanced reader copy, was captivating.

The book itself has an easy, natural flow throughout its pages, hearkening to Chapman's gift at storytelling which comes out in full force. Despite being easy to read, this is by no means an easy read. Chapman openly talks about everything from childhood hurts and career uncertainties to challenges in adoption, health (mental and physical),and the death of a child. While some of these stories may not be unfamiliar to those familiar with Chapman as a musician or advocate, the frankness and faith with which he discusses his life and family opens up conversations that are often overlooked within the church.

For fans of Chapman's music there is plenty of background information shared throughout. Everything from his introduction to music, to the beginning of his career, to inspiration for some well known songs. Although I've been listening to Chapman since high school I was surprised to see what an up-and-down road he's traveled in his career and find his music more meaningful and accessible (to my surprise) seeing the story behind the song.

For those familiar with his work in advocacy and orphan care, a solid portion of the book covers his family life including the journey to bring home the three youngest Chapman girls and the process of grief and healing the Chapman's underwent as a family with  the sudden, tragic loss of Maria. I  don't cry often in books but this is definitely one to have the kleenex nearby as you read through Maria's incredible journey to becoming a Chapman, her sudden loss, and the honest grief, confusion, and eventually hope that came out of the family's vulnerability and faith centered grieving. 

This is not an easy book to classify. It runs the gambit of emotions, highs and lows, victories and successes, but always clearly and boldly points back to the faith and God that has carried Steven Curtis Chapman through it all.

5 out of 5 stars

To get your own copy check out http://stevencurtischapman.com/ or Amazon.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

A Mile Wide Trading A Shallow Religion For A Deeper Faith By Brandon Hatmaker

As a host and guest judge for HGTV and DIY Network (My Big Family Renovation, Brother v.s. Brother, Tiny House Arrest), Brandon Hatmaker understands what it takes to rehab a home. But after twenty-plus years of working with the local church (and as husband to bestselling author Jen Hatmaker), he has an even greater understanding of what it takes to rehab an everyday faith. In A Mile Wide, he helps readers see more clearly how the gospel works in us and eventually through us to transform an anemic spiritual life into a deeper, fuller, and more effective faith.

Offering fresh perspective on eight essentials of Christianity—the gospel, identity, scripture, discipleship, kingdom, mission, community, and justice—Hatmaker provides biblical insight and practical applications that tap into the richer life Christ promised his people, individually and as a community. God wants more than simply to save us; he’s also determined to transform us, restore us, and use us to reveal the coming of his kingdom right here, right now.

(excerpt from back of book)

Confession time! I totally and completely only noticed this book due to the HGTV  in the title. However, even though my motives for choosing this book were a little hazy and magpieish, Brandon Hatmaker's A Mile Wide stands to be one of the most impacting and powerful books of 2016 for this reader.

Brandon's style is honest, straightforward, and backed with scripture first then practical experience. His story-telling style with the openness he so easily displays when talking  about his love of people digging in deep to community, and areas he's personally wrestled with  on his own journey make this book engaging. I love how this book takes readers through new perspectives and, I think, that's something important to Brandon. Throughout the book assumptions are being challenged, mainly through stories be they of soccer skills, homeless encounters, or his children's reactions to television. Each story has a purpose and a lesson to share. 

Brandon openly acknowledges some readers may have issue with his views due to the tension that exists in some congregations regarding social justice vs. evangelism. I loved how Brandon built a solid foundation regarding faith in general before launching into this particularly outworking allowing it to become a natural next step and one that was defined by scripture rather than just defended.  

I would highly recommend this book 5 out 5 stars.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Beloved Mess by Kimm Crandall

Life is messy. Yet the pressure to appear to others as though you’ve got it all together is a powerful force. We strive to act morally, look good, and set a positive example. After all, as others may tell us, we’re the only Jesus some people see–so we better make him look good. That’s a heavy burden.

But the Christian life is not about being less of a mess. It’s about admitting that we need to be saved from trying to clean ourselves up. In Beloved Mess, Kimm Crandall frees you to live with the assurance that God loves you right here, right now. He’s not waiting for you to clean up your act before you’re worthy to come to him. In fact, he wants you to stop trying to fix the mess and allow him to wash it away.

(excerpt from back of book)

Have you ever read "one of those books". 

The type of book that pops up in your head repeatedly even though you finished it ages ago. 

The type of book that you're out with a friend and can't resist sliding it into the conversation. 

The type of book you put on your "must read" shelf.

For my summer, that book was Beloved Mess by Kimm Crandall.

In my opinion, Kimm's book  revolves around the premise that we've shifted the law and made it gospel thereby squeezing grace and Christ out of their rightful place. Over the course of the book readers are invited to explore the far reaching ramifications of that shift in both personal and communal faith.

Kimm's book really resonated with a lot of issues I've been struggling with. I loved her chapter on doubt and the honesty which resonated out of each page. The use of scripture was well placed throughout the book and Kimm's own commentary really helped bring passages to light in a new way, especially regarding the concept of the "light burden" which so often comes across as an exhausting effort these days. I loved that her book helped find peace between law and grace once their proper order was re-established and that each page held the law in its place while pointing firmly back to Christ.

I also appreciated the format Kimm chose to present her book. It's one of those easy to read, harder to apply books that is written in accessible language without sacrificing the heart of the message. I love when I find a book that I'd feel comfortable suggesting to an audience with a wide variety of backgrounds and Beloved Mess  is one of those books that has the added benefit of being extremely re-readable.

5 out of 5 stars.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."