Tell about the latest book you've read

[Eileen Hinkle Rife]

I've enjoyed reading the novel, The Debt, by Angela Hunt. It will forever change the way I view ministry.

[Sandra Walker Paden]

This isn't a book to teach Theology. It is a book that is ministering to people who for one reason or the other are really "ticked off" at God. How can God be God when he let my Child/Wife/Parent die? I am a hospice nurse. I help minister to people who are losing the love of their life to cancer at age 48. I have watched this little book melt the wall that people have built up of anger and even hate toward God and give Him another chance. I have the chance to minister to people who have been "burned" big time by seemingly well meaning"Christians" who by their judgemental hateful actions and words caused them to beleive that God behaves like this. I truly know what Jesus meant about harming one of the "little ones". I think one of the dangers of being in the Christian world is that we isolate ourselves and become little Pharasees. May God forgive me for the harm I did when I was younger- when I knew all the words to say about God- but had never truly experienced the Grace of God. I have walked through some experiences since Southeastern that allow me to truly understand the song:Amazing Grace. If you are struggling with issues I suggest the Book "What's so Amazing about Grace" by Philip Yancey.

Jenny Ellison said:

I did not like "The Shack." Didn't agree with some of the theology behind it. While some ideas are intriguing, some were just down-right "out there."

Started the "Hunter Sisters" book, but gave it up.

On to "Delta Force."

[Eileen Hinkle Rife]

Yes, God has a way of getting the job done in our lives to polish the rough edges with His grace. What an amazing God we serve! I've read several of the Yancy books. Always thought-provoking and life changing.

[Eileen Hinkle Rife]

I just finished reading a fun, but inspirational novel titled, One Little Secret by Allison Bottke, founder of the God's U-Turns ministry. I suppose the book resonated with me because it's about an empty nest, middle-age mom who fulfills a lifelong dream. While I haven't won a Grammy, I'm excited that God has gifted me with some Grammy-like moments through my writing and speaking. By the way, in your reading travels, check out my latest novel, Journey to Judah, Book One in my Born for India trilogy. If you have a heart for missions and enjoy adventure and romance, this book is for you! Consider gifting it this Christmas to a friend or family member. Available at any online store or from the author if you'd like a signed copy. Email me at [e-mail]. Secure payments through PayPal. Couldn't resist the ad! :)

[Jenny Ellison]

Reading an older book, "Three From Gallilee." I've mooched "The Debt" and will read it when it gets to me.

[Jennifer Mitchell Evans]

I know this book isn't for every one and in say that....
I am only to Ch. 8 of "The Shack", and I am one who seems to not be able to get though the tragedy of losing my son. It has been three years, one month and seventeen days. It took me over a year to get back in Church, and I have to say, I am only there because I know I need to be there. You think I have some pain and anger and is it towards God "ticked off", you betcha.
So far this man’s experience has help me to realize that the pain I felt and still feel so does God. And that He hasn’t left me. And He still feels my pain even now. And remember Mack studied theology and he had a hard time with what he was hearing. I now fell like I can have a true relationship with God again. This is something I have really missed.
And I will be reading "What's so Amazing about Grace" by Philip Yancey I am to the point if it can help me though this I am for it!

Sandra Walker Paden said:

This isn't a book to teach Theology. It is a book that is ministering to people who for one reason or the other are really "ticked off" at God. How can God be God when he let my Child/Wife/Parent die? I am a hospice nurse. I help minister to people who are losing the love of their life to cancer at age 48. I have watched this little book melt the wall that people have built up of anger and even hate toward God and give Him another chance. I have the chance to minister to people who have been "burned" big time by seemingly well meaning"Christians" who by their judgemental hateful actions and words caused them to beleive that God behaves like this. I truly know what Jesus meant about harming one of the "little ones". I think one of the dangers of being in the Christian world is that we isolate ourselves and become little Pharasees. May God forgive me for the harm I did when I was younger- when I knew all the words to say about God- but had never truly experienced the Grace of God. I have walked through some experiences since Southeastern that allow me to truly understand the song:Amazing Grace. If you are struggling with issues I suggest the Book "What's so Amazing about Grace" by Philip Yancey.

[Eileen Hinkle Rife]

Wow! I'm loving all the interaction on this topic. I'm so thankful God uses many varied writings to touch the deep places of a person's heart and draw him/her to Himself. I think you will love "The Debt" by Angela Hunt, Jenny. I am a huge fan of Angela and have read all her books. Looking forward to checking out "The Face" that has recently been released. PRAY for me, y'all, as I proof my second book, Restored Hearts, in the Born for India trilogy and get it out into the market. I am especially passionate about the message of this novel since it deals with an MK who struggles with homosexuality.

[Alison Branyon]

Eileen Hinkle Rife said:

Alison Branyon said:

I am reading Wilkie Collins' The Woman In White. It is a period piece murder/mystery story told from different accounts of the people who were involved.

Sounds intriguing!

It really is. Masterpiece Theatre shows a cinematic adaptation of the book from time to time. That's how I found out about the book. I've yet to make it completely through the book. Sad times. Hahaha! It is definitely one of those books that you cannot be distracted while reading.

[Eileen Hinkle Rife]

Let's tiptoe over to nonfiction. Chuck and I have been working our way through "The DNA of Relationships for Couples" by Greg Smalley and Rob Paul in preparation for our marriage ministry in Uganda this March. This is a unique work in that it is the fictional portrayal of four troubled couples who attend a four day Marriage Intensive at a Bed & Breakfast. Group counseling is the main fare, but I'll tell you, with these couples' problems, it reads like a soap opera! :) Many good principles throughout and a great help for those who work with marriages. Alot of emphasis on creating a safe environment for the relationship to thrive.

[Eileen Hinkle Rife]

Just finished the novel, Grace, by Richard Paul Evans, author of The Christmas Box and Timepiece. If you have a tender heart for abused children, you will be touched by this book.

By the way, Restored Hearts, Book Two in my Born for India trilogy, is hot off the press as I type. It takes Ingram Distributors about 30 days to get it established in the system and into the public market, so look for it around March 30 online. In the meantime, I have signed author copies if anyone is interested. Email me: [e-mail].

I am especially passionate about this book since it deals with a heated topic in our culture: homosexuality. My main character, an MK from India, struggles to leave a homosexual lifestyle while at the same time being scorned by his older brother yet wooed by an Indian girl. Ah, the plot thickens.

A portion of book sales will help support Exodus International, a Christian organization who helps those who want to regain their heterosexuality. The Lord has answered prayer in that I will be able to get copies of the book into the hands of some key leaders at the Love Won Out conference (Focus on the Family) Feb. 21 in Charlotte.

[Eileen Hinkle Rife]

Just finished a book passed along by my son-in-law who is working on a D.Min. during furlough from India. The book is titled They Like Jesus But Not the Church, insights from emerging generations, by Dan Kimball, pastor and author. Challenged my thinking, bumped me out of my comfort zone, and gave me some new ideas to try for connecting with those outside the Church.