Picture yourself seated in a comfortable chair, talking and laughing with a friend. Her smile embraces you like a warm hug. Her openness encourages you to share your heart. And her words of wisdom challenge you to walk more closely with the God who loves you so much. A luscious Latin melody plays in the background, adding both sweetness and spice to a golden afternoon. This experience mirrors the joy of reading Janet Perez Eckle’s new book Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta. The book takes a refreshing look at the Christ-life—with a uniquely Latina flair. Authenticity drives this project, whose author shares her wisdom through real-life stories with a sprinkling of Spanish (translations provided). The choices and challenges Eckles has faced include everything from life in a new land and language at the vulnerable age of twelve to the crushing loss of an adult son to the heartbreaking news of her own impending blindness. Reader-focused questions and challenges enhance the book’s conversational feel.  Gentle humor combines with transparency to allow readers to learn and laugh, no finger-pointing or lectures in sight. I received an advance reader copy of Eckles’ August 9 release but was not required to post a positive review. The author has found her sweet spot in this expression of her journey and its application to each reader’s walk with Christ. Thanks for sharing your heart and this book with us, chica. Dios te bendiga! When you order her book TODAY August 9, Janet is offering more than $100 worth of bonus gifts and a chance to win some amazing prices. Go here to find out more!Also. Janet is physically blind, I believe she sees more than most people. Do you know someone with a handicap whose life reveals similar strengths? Leave a comment below for the opportunity to win a copy of Simply Salsa. I’ll post the winner after I return from teaching at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference next week!I’ve missed my blog family while serving on the mission field in Ecuador and Panama this summer and would love to hear your thoughts. Please watch for a READ interview with Janet, coming this...

“You need a better attitude.” “Attitude is everything.” “Change that attitude!” How often have you heard (or made) comments like these? But how often has someone given you achievable, affirming tips that help you put such a transformation into effect? I bet I know the answer. But it can change along with your attitude as you read the latest offering by Jan Coates, motivational speaker and author: Attitude-inize: 10 Secrets to a Positive You (Beacon Hill Press, 2011). Jan writes not from the lofty platform of a perfect life but from the transformed perspective of a broken one. Name the mistake—Jan made it. Name the heartbreak—she experienced it. But instead of dwelling on the family dysfunction that fostered her wrong choices, Jan chooses to remember the works of the Lord. Instead of focusing on her son’s death at the hands of a drunk driver, she works to help others live beyond their pain. The result is a transparent, helpful volume that offers readers hope, healing, and help. Each chapter of Attitude-inize presents one simply-stated secret to a new attitude. Examples include “Forgive yourself and others,” “Prepare for obstacles,” and “Transform from the inside out.” These biblical, practical tips will help you move toward a fresh perspective or work on an area of special concern. Features such as real-life stories, apply-as-you-go activities, and questions help you take your learning to the next level. And a bonus eleventh chapter holds an Attitude Toolkit with interactive features that give practical handles for applying what you learn. The next time I’m tempted to tell someone to change an attitude, I’ll remember the impact my own can have on others. I’ll also remember this book and its encouraging, step-by-step approach.  At what point in your life did you begin to understand the importance of attitude? Did a difficult situation or circumstance lead to your growth? I’d love to hear your comments or your own tips toward attitude adjustment. Leave one here (include a link to an e-mail address so I can contact the winner)  as your entry in a drawing to win my review copy of Jan’s book. Have trouble leaving a comment? E-mail me instead using the “contact” button to the...

“God will take care of you.” “Just trust Him.” “He’s got you in His hands.” “God never closes a door but He opens a window.” “He’s got something better for you—wait and see.” These statements carry varying degrees of truth. But all are pat answers—trite statements that lose their meaning because we use them so often.As a mother whose now-adult daughter suffered severe brain damage in a car accident more than twenty years ago, Linda Shepherd could  write the book on pat answers. I’m thankful she didn’t. Her new release, When You Can’t Find God: How to Ignite the Power of His Presence (Revell, 2011) explores the mystery of experiencing the holy in the hurt.  The book combines biblical, practical teaching with powerful, personal stories that help draw readers toward God. Highlighted callouts and chapter-ending features including “Oasis” (a Psalm or other avenue for finding and resting in God) and “Prayer Experience” (the author’s own prayer to pray or adapt) point readers to the Father. Each chapter also contains a link to a brief video (check them out at www.IgniteMyFaith.com, “Chapter Videos”) in which the author shares a teaching on an important chapter concept. The book ends with a section of discussion questions suitable for personal or small group use. When I’m hurting, I need a friend—not an expert. When I’m confused, I need truth—not the enemy’s lies. When I’m in pain, I need a healing dose of Holy Spirit power—not pat answers or pious platitudes. When You Can’t Find God, with its warm, compassionate tone, contains all three. Read it and receive an inoculation against pat answers. Embrace it and allow the Truth to set you free. Could you or a friend use the insights this book offers? Add a brief explanation in your comment (use your name only, not your friend’s) before midnight on Sunday, June 5, 2011. If I draw your name, I’ll send you my review copy to share (US addresses only, please). If your browser won’t allow you to comment, send an email instead using the “contact” link to the right.PAM is the winner of my review copy! I’ll be in touch to get your mailing address, Pam. Thanks to those who entered and happy...

Would you like to spend a year getting to know God in a deeper, more intimate way? Would you like to spend time acquainting yourself with the details of His character and meditating on how they affect your life? Would you like to immerse yourself in Him? If these questions intrigue you, you’ll want to pick up a copy of Ava Pennington’s recent release, One Year Alone with God: 366 Devotions on the Names of God (Revell, 2010). The author organizes her work around God’s character and attributes rather than particular dates, so you can begin your reading any day of the year. The strength and focus of One Year Alone with God lies in its author’s deep knowledge of His Word. Pennington opens our eyes to God’s names and essential qualities by putting them into language we can understand and sharing insights that bring them life. Each devotional ends with questions and challenges that allow the reader to move from understanding to application. Would you like a theology course in a personal, practical package indwelt by the heart and Spirit of God? Spend One Year Alone with God and watch how He changes your life. Do you have a favorite name of God? Why is it special to you? Feel free to leave a comment and share the...

Sometimes less is more. And in the case of Cecil Murphey’s Knowing God, Knowing Myself: An Invitation to Daily Discovery (Regal, 2010), fewer words mean abundant wisdom. Murphey, who has served authors such as Dr. Ben Carson (Gifted Hands) and Don Piper (90 Minutes in Heaven) as ghost- and collaborative writer, uses his writing skill and passion for spiritual exploration to present this poignant, personal offering. His dual commitment to know God and know himself underlies this sensitive collection of meditations. Each moves toward an aphorism (pithy statement of truth) gleaned from the wisdom of years as a Christ-follower. The author’s distinctive voice shines through each brief (two to four pages) chapter. He uses only the most essential word-gems, polished until they gleam with truth. And his transparency about his spiritual shortcomings made it easier for me to contemplate my own. Murphey’s aphorisms both pricked my spirit and pulled me closer to God. Statements such as “I am seldom angry about what I think I’m angry about” and “Many things grab our attention; fewer things grab our heart” left me nodding my head in agreement as tears rolled down my cheeks. I thank God—and Cecil Murphey—for this insightful book.  Have you read this book or another by Cecil Murphey? Or has Cec, who ministers to many in the writing community, touched your life in some way? Please share your...

“Now, that’s a great title,” my husband commented. I agree. But wait—there’s more. Author, speaker, and humorist Connie Cavanaugh’s latest book goes beyond its catchy label to offer personal, practical truth. Following God One Yes At A Time: Overcoming the 6 Barriers That Hold You Back (Harvest House, 2011) is no spiritualized self-help tome. Instead, Cavanaugh offers readers biblical wisdom and godly insights spiced with inspirational stories. Combined, these move readers toward surrender to God’s desires and an understanding of how to reach them. The author lightens a heavy topic with her transparency about the ups and downs of her own spiritual journey. As she gains access to readers’ lives, she serves less as teacher or expert and more as funny companion, guide, and friend. Like the subjects of her stories, readers will learn to embrace grace as they see its power displayed. If you long for more in your walk with Christ or feel blocked from true intimacy with him, allow Connie Cavanaugh to help you draw near. She may be the author, but the Finisher pervades this fresh, fun volume in ways words can’t express. Read this book and experience God. That’s a gift even a great title can’t explain. Would you like to win my review copy of this book? Leave a comment before midnight Thursday, March 17, that shares the book (Bible excluded) that’s helped you grow most in your walk with God. Include a link or e-mail address. (I’ll mail to U.S. or Canada this time in honor of Connie, who lives in...