I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Larry Crabb, on our radio show “Kingdom Highlights”, for his new book, “66 Love Letters” A Conversation With God That Invites You Into His Story published by Thomas Nelson.
The Bible has been called a book of 66 love letters as there are 66 books in the Bible and Dr. Crabb has expanded on that idea with his new book. He tells us of when he and his wife used to communicate before they were married they would write letters to each other and how he knew that she loved him was that she would put an upside down stamp in the corner as their secret code. Late one night when Dr. Crabb could not sleep he asked God what the Bible was all about and God told him that the Bible was God’s story of His love for mankind.
Dr. Crabb was fascinated by this new concept and he then asked God to give him bullet points for each book of the Bible which God did. In “66 Love Letters” Dr. Crabb takes us on a journey through the Bible as he looks at each book and the components of each book and shows us why the events of that book declare the great love of God for mankind. For instance, in the book of Genesis, Dr. Crabb explores the events of each of the patriarchs and the tower of Babel and shows us new meaning behind each story.
“66 Love Letters” is a book that needs to be read over a period of time one chapter at a time and then needs to be thought about and considered. Then the book needs to be put away and, after a period of time, needs to be brought back out and read again, chapter by chapter, day by day. God has much to say to us and we need to take to the time to hear Him. We can do exactly that in the pages of this book. Thank you Dr. Crabb of writing this book!
If you missed the interview for “66 Love Letters” and would like to listen to it please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. 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.”
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Audiobook Review: A Daughter’s Inheritance by Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller
“A Daughter’s Inheritance” Book One in The Broadmoor Legacy series written by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller has been released in audiobook format by Oasis Audio and this is a winner. There is a reason why children love to hear stories read to them by their parents and they enjoy the reading even more when the parent uses voices to identify the characters; it makes the reading much more enjoyable. And while we may grow taller we never outgrow the love of having stories told to us in voices and Oasis Audio meets that need.
Grandfather Broadmoor had three sons and they each had, at least, one daughter and it is these three cousins that the series revolves around. “A Daughter’s Inheritance” introduces us to the Broadmoors and focuses on Fanny who, when the grandfather dies leaves her father’s portion of the inheritance to her. However she is not of legal age to receive it and her guardianship is entrusted to her uncle Jonas. Without giving the story away the plot revolves around the disposition of the inheritance and the love story between Fanny and the family boatman, Michael.
It is an injustice to say that Aimee Lilly is the reader of this book. Aimee Lilly really is the actress who, against a gentle musical background, brings the characters to full life. There are many characters and Ms. Lilly uses her voice to give unique voice to them all. I would think that, for a woman, male voices would give her a problem; that is not the case. Uncle Jonas, Michael, the lawyer and all the other men are instantly recognizable under the skillful acting ability of Ms. Lilly. Each of the cousins have their own voice as well and it is a marvel that Ms. Lilly was not only able to remember each voice but switch so effortlessly between them.
I know when you hear this audiobook you will be like me eager to hear the next offering in the series. Because of the incredible vocal acting ability of Aimee Lilly that when the last CD comes to a conclusion you will be left with a feeling of loss as if your best friends went home and left you alone. But be of good cheer, there are two more books in the series each read by the remarkable Aimee Lilly.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this audiobook free from Oasis Audio. 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."
Grandfather Broadmoor had three sons and they each had, at least, one daughter and it is these three cousins that the series revolves around. “A Daughter’s Inheritance” introduces us to the Broadmoors and focuses on Fanny who, when the grandfather dies leaves her father’s portion of the inheritance to her. However she is not of legal age to receive it and her guardianship is entrusted to her uncle Jonas. Without giving the story away the plot revolves around the disposition of the inheritance and the love story between Fanny and the family boatman, Michael.
It is an injustice to say that Aimee Lilly is the reader of this book. Aimee Lilly really is the actress who, against a gentle musical background, brings the characters to full life. There are many characters and Ms. Lilly uses her voice to give unique voice to them all. I would think that, for a woman, male voices would give her a problem; that is not the case. Uncle Jonas, Michael, the lawyer and all the other men are instantly recognizable under the skillful acting ability of Ms. Lilly. Each of the cousins have their own voice as well and it is a marvel that Ms. Lilly was not only able to remember each voice but switch so effortlessly between them.
I know when you hear this audiobook you will be like me eager to hear the next offering in the series. Because of the incredible vocal acting ability of Aimee Lilly that when the last CD comes to a conclusion you will be left with a feeling of loss as if your best friends went home and left you alone. But be of good cheer, there are two more books in the series each read by the remarkable Aimee Lilly.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this audiobook free from Oasis Audio. 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."
Reflections On Palm Sunday
What is the value of Palm Sunday? Why are we taking and receiving parts of the Palm Tree to and from each other? Well let us take a look at the verses that pertain to this event:
“A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna
in the highest!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”(Matthew 21:8-11 NIV),
“Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna! ” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna
in the highest!”(Mark 11:8-10 NIV),
“As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”(Luke 19:36-38 NIV)
“The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! ” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!” (John 12:12-13 NIV)
The events in the New Testament have their origins in the Old Testament; in Exodus God gives Moses the rules concerning the Passover, “Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household” (Exodus 12:3 NIV). Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples on Thursday so, therefore, that Sunday was the 10th of the month. Jesus is the Lamb of God for the entire world for all time so that Sunday each man took The Lamb. Jesus already had requested that His disciples go and get a colt that had never been ridden and bring it to Him so that He could ride into Jerusalem.
Now God puts it on the hearts of everyone to rejoice before the King, there were those that were in front and there were those that were behind and they shouted “Hosanna” which means “Save now! or Save, we beseech”. The Psalmist tells us, “O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar” (Psalm 118:25-27 NIV). The people put the palm branches or boughs before Him as He made His way to the temple where the altar was to sacrifice The Lamb.
God commanded Moses what to do for the Feast of Tabernacles, “On the first day you are to take choice fruit from the trees, and palm fronds, leafy branches and poplars, and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days” (Leviticus 23:40 NIV). The people were rejoicing, putting a
carpet of green before Jesus much the same way we put out a red carpet, because not only was He their King come to the capital He was also The Lamb come to be slain for the Sin of the world.
So what do we learn from Palm Sunday? Our King has come let us rejoice before Him. Let us take what we have and shout for joy! Let us go before Him and proclaim to the world that Jesus is for us. Let us make such a noise that all our cities in every nation are stirred and ask who is this and then we can tell them, it is Jesus, our Savior!
If you like what you have just read you might want to join our daily devotional, “The Word Of Encouragement”. It is easy just go to www.kingdomairwaves.org and on the left side of the page there is a box for you to sign up on. Looking forward to seeing you there. Happy Palm Sunday
“A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna
in the highest!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”(Matthew 21:8-11 NIV),
“Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna! ” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna
in the highest!”(Mark 11:8-10 NIV),
“As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”(Luke 19:36-38 NIV)
“The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! ” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!” (John 12:12-13 NIV)
The events in the New Testament have their origins in the Old Testament; in Exodus God gives Moses the rules concerning the Passover, “Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household” (Exodus 12:3 NIV). Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples on Thursday so, therefore, that Sunday was the 10th of the month. Jesus is the Lamb of God for the entire world for all time so that Sunday each man took The Lamb. Jesus already had requested that His disciples go and get a colt that had never been ridden and bring it to Him so that He could ride into Jerusalem.
Now God puts it on the hearts of everyone to rejoice before the King, there were those that were in front and there were those that were behind and they shouted “Hosanna” which means “Save now! or Save, we beseech”. The Psalmist tells us, “O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar” (Psalm 118:25-27 NIV). The people put the palm branches or boughs before Him as He made His way to the temple where the altar was to sacrifice The Lamb.
God commanded Moses what to do for the Feast of Tabernacles, “On the first day you are to take choice fruit from the trees, and palm fronds, leafy branches and poplars, and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days” (Leviticus 23:40 NIV). The people were rejoicing, putting a
carpet of green before Jesus much the same way we put out a red carpet, because not only was He their King come to the capital He was also The Lamb come to be slain for the Sin of the world.
So what do we learn from Palm Sunday? Our King has come let us rejoice before Him. Let us take what we have and shout for joy! Let us go before Him and proclaim to the world that Jesus is for us. Let us make such a noise that all our cities in every nation are stirred and ask who is this and then we can tell them, it is Jesus, our Savior!
If you like what you have just read you might want to join our daily devotional, “The Word Of Encouragement”. It is easy just go to www.kingdomairwaves.org and on the left side of the page there is a box for you to sign up on. Looking forward to seeing you there. Happy Palm Sunday
Dave Panico-The Soaring Saxman
I think Jesus plays the Saxaphone. I have no Biblical proof of this statement, you understand, but we do know for sure that He likes the Saxaphone why else would He have created it? We know that Jesus loves Dave Panico why else would He have created him and when we put Saxaphone together with Dave Panico we have a perfect blend that Jesus doubly loves.
The saxophone is considered a member of the woodwind family and is usually made of brass. Under Holy Spirit inspiration the saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax in 1841 so God had to wait a real long time before Dave Panico could come along and learn how to play it. But learn how to play it he did and God’s patience was rewarded.
The name of Dave Panico’s new CD is “Joy Rid’n and it, most assuredly is a joy and quite a ride. This is music to soothe your soul. Had a bad day? Put on this CD and let the music gently wash away all the abrasive that came into your life and be refreshed. There are eleven songs on this CD and each one of them is a winner. You will want to hear them all and then once the Cd is finished you will want to play it again. It is that good!
Of all the songs do I have a favorite? That is like asking a father which of his children is his favorite. All of them are his favorite. However there is one song that I like to listen to more than the others and that is the 6th song, “Samba”. Even if you don’t dance this song will lift you from your chair and move your feet. All of these songs will move you into the presence of God and let praise rise from your soul.
God loves Dave Panico and his soaring Saxaphone and you will also. You can listen to his music on his website www.SoaringSaxman.com
The saxophone is considered a member of the woodwind family and is usually made of brass. Under Holy Spirit inspiration the saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax in 1841 so God had to wait a real long time before Dave Panico could come along and learn how to play it. But learn how to play it he did and God’s patience was rewarded.
The name of Dave Panico’s new CD is “Joy Rid’n and it, most assuredly is a joy and quite a ride. This is music to soothe your soul. Had a bad day? Put on this CD and let the music gently wash away all the abrasive that came into your life and be refreshed. There are eleven songs on this CD and each one of them is a winner. You will want to hear them all and then once the Cd is finished you will want to play it again. It is that good!
Of all the songs do I have a favorite? That is like asking a father which of his children is his favorite. All of them are his favorite. However there is one song that I like to listen to more than the others and that is the 6th song, “Samba”. Even if you don’t dance this song will lift you from your chair and move your feet. All of these songs will move you into the presence of God and let praise rise from your soul.
God loves Dave Panico and his soaring Saxaphone and you will also. You can listen to his music on his website www.SoaringSaxman.com
TV Review: Barnaby Jones–A Quinn Martin Production
On January 28, 1973 the private investigator, Barnaby Jones made his television premiere on CBS. The networks order series in either full season or half season increments. Back then a full season was 26 episodes which makes a half season 13 episodes. If a show didn’t make it from it premiere in September then a new show premiered mid-season or in January when the shows came back from the holiday break. Barnaby Jones was a mid-season replacement in 1973 which is why the first season only runs for 13 episodes.
Buddy Epsen, who was 65 at the time, portrays Barnaby Jones, the elderly Private Investigator who comes out of his retirement to investigate the murder of his son in the first episode: “Requiem for a Son”. Lee Meriwether plays Betty Jones, Barnaby’s daughter-in-Law who, once she gets over her grief as a widow, becomes Office Manager for Barnaby Jones Investigations.
CBS DVD (distributed by Paramount) has released Season 1 of Barnaby Jones on DVD and I got a chance to view all 13 episodes. I did not watch the series when it aired in 1973 through 1980 and I deprived myself of a treat. This is a wonderful series! Barnaby Jones is played like an elderly Colombo as the murderer in this series is identified at the beginning of the show and it is up to Barnaby Jones to figure out all the details and nab him or her.
Barnaby Jones didn’t need the CSI department as he did all of his own forensic work in a lab adjoining his office. This show was clever, smartly written, well acted and was great fun to watch. I am eagerly looking forward to the release of the remaining seasons of Barnaby Jones.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Buddy Epsen, who was 65 at the time, portrays Barnaby Jones, the elderly Private Investigator who comes out of his retirement to investigate the murder of his son in the first episode: “Requiem for a Son”. Lee Meriwether plays Betty Jones, Barnaby’s daughter-in-Law who, once she gets over her grief as a widow, becomes Office Manager for Barnaby Jones Investigations.
CBS DVD (distributed by Paramount) has released Season 1 of Barnaby Jones on DVD and I got a chance to view all 13 episodes. I did not watch the series when it aired in 1973 through 1980 and I deprived myself of a treat. This is a wonderful series! Barnaby Jones is played like an elderly Colombo as the murderer in this series is identified at the beginning of the show and it is up to Barnaby Jones to figure out all the details and nab him or her.
Barnaby Jones didn’t need the CSI department as he did all of his own forensic work in a lab adjoining his office. This show was clever, smartly written, well acted and was great fun to watch. I am eagerly looking forward to the release of the remaining seasons of Barnaby Jones.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Book Review-Elisha’s Bones by Don Hoesel
On Saturday, May 9th I had the pleasure of interviewing Don Hoesel on our radio show: Kingdom Highlights. Mr. Hoesel has his new book published by Bethany House and the title is Elisha’s Bones.
Make no mistake about it this book is a thriller in the guise of a mild mannered archaeologist. An event happens in the very beginning that turns Jack Hawthorne, the hero, into a withdrawn cynic completely turned off to the world. Then multi-millionaire Gordon Reese makes him an offer he cannot refuse. It seems that the Prophet Elisha’s bones are available to be found and Reese needs Jack to find them as these bones have the power to bring the dead back to life.
If you remember Elisha asked for the double anointing from God from his predecessor, Elija. Elija did seven miracles so a double anointing would give Elisha 14. In his lifetime Elisha did 13 so God had to posthumously give Elisha his 14th miracle. A dead man fell against the prophets bones and was restored back to life. When Jack scoffs at the miracle power of the bones Reese tells him that the power of God does not fade over time. This is the major theme of the book as the reader must make his/her own determination as to the truth about the bones and, if they are true, then the power to restore to life must lie in the power of God.
So Archaeologist, Jack Hawthorne is off on a hunt that begins in Venezuela and reconnecting with his old love, Esperanza, or Espy, Habilla. Then the two of them are off on a hunt that leads them around the world to Adis Abiba in Ethiopia and on to Australia. And on every step of the hunt are people trying to kill them. This is the next great theme of the book that men will kill to prevent others from reaching the bones that will provide life.
I do not recommend that you begin this book unless you have lots of time to finish it. You will get angry with yourself when you have to put it down because you need to get to bed because it is late and you have work the following day. This is a great page turner with plenty of twists and turns, cliff hanging chapter endings and a climax that has never been done before and probably will never be attempted again. This book is well worth the price of admission and Don Hoesel does not fail to deliver with the thrills and suspense. I told him in the interview that his biggest challenge from now on is to equal or surpass what he accomplished here.
Mr. Hoesel is a terrific writer as he has an incredible ability to excite the senses: you see what they see, you smell the mustiness of the interiors, you feel the mold under your fingers, all of your senses are engaged. And the characters are extremely believable from the major ones to the minor supporting players. I still fell terrible for what they did to the butler and he only has a walk on for all of one page.
And then there is the romance. What good is a thriller without the love story? Think North by Northwest without the love story–it just won’t work. And Mr. Hoesel doesn’t fail in this department either. Jack and Espy were once in love but he walked away from her years before and it is only circumstances that force him to return to her. So they join together because they need each other but, slowly, like a well-cooked meal, their romance begins to reignite and blossom again. As good as Jack is he cannot accomplish his mission without Espy and this is part of the fun of the book as we join in the rediscovery of their love for one another.
You would almost think that God is not a character in this book but that is the gift of Mr. Hoesel. He forces the reader to make a decision about the reality of Elisha’s bones and their power to restore life. If you decide that they are true then you have to decide in the power of God. If you decide in the power of God then you have to decide in a relationship with that God. Mr. Hoesel leaves it all up to the reader.
Elisha’s Bones by Don Hoesel is a very sastifying read. It would be a blockbuster if someone would turn it into a movie. Don’t believe me? Read it for yourself then let me know if you don’t agree with me. I honestly do not belive that there will be any dissenters among you. His next book is due out next March so be prepared. In the meantime we will keep busy reading other books and praying for the movie.
Until the next time.
Make no mistake about it this book is a thriller in the guise of a mild mannered archaeologist. An event happens in the very beginning that turns Jack Hawthorne, the hero, into a withdrawn cynic completely turned off to the world. Then multi-millionaire Gordon Reese makes him an offer he cannot refuse. It seems that the Prophet Elisha’s bones are available to be found and Reese needs Jack to find them as these bones have the power to bring the dead back to life.
If you remember Elisha asked for the double anointing from God from his predecessor, Elija. Elija did seven miracles so a double anointing would give Elisha 14. In his lifetime Elisha did 13 so God had to posthumously give Elisha his 14th miracle. A dead man fell against the prophets bones and was restored back to life. When Jack scoffs at the miracle power of the bones Reese tells him that the power of God does not fade over time. This is the major theme of the book as the reader must make his/her own determination as to the truth about the bones and, if they are true, then the power to restore to life must lie in the power of God.
So Archaeologist, Jack Hawthorne is off on a hunt that begins in Venezuela and reconnecting with his old love, Esperanza, or Espy, Habilla. Then the two of them are off on a hunt that leads them around the world to Adis Abiba in Ethiopia and on to Australia. And on every step of the hunt are people trying to kill them. This is the next great theme of the book that men will kill to prevent others from reaching the bones that will provide life.
I do not recommend that you begin this book unless you have lots of time to finish it. You will get angry with yourself when you have to put it down because you need to get to bed because it is late and you have work the following day. This is a great page turner with plenty of twists and turns, cliff hanging chapter endings and a climax that has never been done before and probably will never be attempted again. This book is well worth the price of admission and Don Hoesel does not fail to deliver with the thrills and suspense. I told him in the interview that his biggest challenge from now on is to equal or surpass what he accomplished here.
Mr. Hoesel is a terrific writer as he has an incredible ability to excite the senses: you see what they see, you smell the mustiness of the interiors, you feel the mold under your fingers, all of your senses are engaged. And the characters are extremely believable from the major ones to the minor supporting players. I still fell terrible for what they did to the butler and he only has a walk on for all of one page.
And then there is the romance. What good is a thriller without the love story? Think North by Northwest without the love story–it just won’t work. And Mr. Hoesel doesn’t fail in this department either. Jack and Espy were once in love but he walked away from her years before and it is only circumstances that force him to return to her. So they join together because they need each other but, slowly, like a well-cooked meal, their romance begins to reignite and blossom again. As good as Jack is he cannot accomplish his mission without Espy and this is part of the fun of the book as we join in the rediscovery of their love for one another.
You would almost think that God is not a character in this book but that is the gift of Mr. Hoesel. He forces the reader to make a decision about the reality of Elisha’s bones and their power to restore life. If you decide that they are true then you have to decide in the power of God. If you decide in the power of God then you have to decide in a relationship with that God. Mr. Hoesel leaves it all up to the reader.
Elisha’s Bones by Don Hoesel is a very sastifying read. It would be a blockbuster if someone would turn it into a movie. Don’t believe me? Read it for yourself then let me know if you don’t agree with me. I honestly do not belive that there will be any dissenters among you. His next book is due out next March so be prepared. In the meantime we will keep busy reading other books and praying for the movie.
Until the next time.
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