SIGNS, WONDERS AND A BAPTIST PREACHER

    What a person reads gives insight as to their true outlook on life; we have a tendency to read books that we agree with ideologically.   Reading books that challenge us is like letting go of  a favorite shirt particularly when the book represents change.  “Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher ” by Chad Norris is one of those books you purchase out of curiosity and then realize after you have read it that the shirt (ideology) does not fit anymore.

    In “Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher ” Chad Norris shares with the reader his transformation  towards a better understanding what it means to have a personal relationship with God by learning  who God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit are.

   The sub-title is the best synopsis of what this book is about: “How Jesus Flipped My World Upside Down”.

   The reader will learn how a personal relationship with God is important for deliverance, healing and any of the other blessings promised within the Word. Upon completion of “Signs, Wonders and a Baptist Preacher” the  reader will have a better appreciation of the Bible, the gifts of the Spirit and why one needs a relationship with God.

I recommend this book.

 I was given a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

THE BARISTA

What is redemption? It is the rescue of the soul. What is a Barista? A person who specializes in the preparation of coffee, in particular “espresso.”  “The Barista ” by Elijah G. Clark is the story of one persons rescue from a life of skepticism to one of understanding  aided by the Barista.

“The Barista ” is written in my favorite genre:  Biblically inspired  Christian Fiction and presented in a way that makes the story believable.    The main character, George, is introduced to the reader as he shares with his wife his opinion of the church as it stands today. You will either agree or disagree with George I pray that you are not so religious that you cannot appreciate the words written.

 “The Barista” is a story which inspires contemplation and is told as such thus the pace of the book is steady but not bang- bang action.  The character development is appropriate and the book is not to long or to short; it is just right.

Everything is relative thus the book title and the chapter titles are purposeful. If you are not a coffee drinker you may not appreciate the steps involved in making the perfect cup of coffee however I believe it is ingenious to utilize the process in such a way.  The Preparation, The Ingredients, The Cup are just a few of the chapter titles which have a corresponding thought. For example: 

“The fact that I don’t deserve forgiveness is the true beauty of God’s grace”

What powerful words found in “The Barista ” by Elijah G. Clark, Chapter Twelve “ADD THE CREAM”. 

This is a book written for Christians however I would challenge anyone to read this book and not glean some truths from it.  Of course as a believer we know the Truth. I recommend this book and would encourage you purchase it.

SUNDAY GRIEF M.D. by Renee Sunday MD

    I did it again! I received a book for review, glanced at the first few pages, and started reading it ahead of schedule! The book: “Sunday Grief, M.D. ”  written by Renee’ Sunday M.D.  is an 82 page biographical discussion about grieving with faith.

 Each chapter is a meditation of different aspects of the authors’ experiences during the process of bereavement.  Though a unique experience  in terms of her:   personality, faith, family dynamics and knowledge of medicine;  the information she shares  is beneficial in that it addresses the physical and emotional processes we encounter after the death of a loved one.

      I read “Sunday Grief, M.D. ” as a person who experienced the death of a son and a mother within 30 days of each other.  Unlike Dr. Renee’ Sunday I had a few months to get use to the idea of their no longer being here on this earth with me. Like Dr. Sunday, it was my faith that has allowed me to cope with the loss.

    One thing is very clear as I read this book it is evident, from page one, that Dr. Sunday is a woman of faith with a personal and trusting relationship with Father God. Her faith began long before her brother died and it was her faith that has strengthened her in her weakest moment.

I recommend this book.  Though this is an excellent book for anyone who has experienced grief timing is everything, please do not go out and purchase this book for someone who has recently experienced a loss. I would suggest you READ THIS BEFORE you experience the loss of a loved one. PURCHASE THIS BOOK for a friend but read it yourself first, pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as to when to share Dr. Sunday’s testimony.  This book was not scheduled to be read until July- oops!  Marsha L. Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review of which I have done.