"Average Joe" by Troy Meeder

I'd like to thank Blogging for Books for the opportunity to read and review "Average Joe", by Troy Meeder. Meeder takes the reader on a journey through literary experience of just how God uses the what may be called the run of the mill man, to further His Will. As the reader first opens this book, they will find themselves engrossed in how the author begins his story of what each of us thinks about how our lives should develop and grow, only to find that God has a purpose for each and every one of us.
As Meeder states in Chapter One, "God seems to have a special fondness for average Joes. Before they accomplished extraordinary deeds, normal guys like Gideon, David, Peter and Paul, went about their farming, sheep herding, fishing and tent making. Even Jesus, our Redeemer, Healer, and coming King, started out using a hammer and saw in a carpenter's shop."
Not every "Average Joe", will reach a notoriety of champion or recognition of note, but as Meeders explains, God is in control and He knows what He wants from each and every one of us. We need to be listening, so that we will know what His plan for us is.
Follow Meeder's story as he takes you through the hurdles in his life. You will not be disappointed at the outcome. What comes to my mind is the quote, "The Meek shall inherit the Earth." I can only say that the average Joe's of the earth represent the meek.
Here is an excerpt from Chapter Ten, entitled 'The Test.' - The Responsible Husband - The marriage relationship between a husband and wife is an earthly image of the church and Christ. Ephesians 5:32 says, "This is a great mystery, but marriage is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one." Within the context of marriage, no failure in a relationship is one-sided. It takes two. However, I strongly believe that the health of a marriage is directly related to the spiritual health and leadership of the husband, the 'pastor', of the home. When things go south, more often than not, it is because we husbands have failed to embrace our role in the manner God intended."
Thank you Troy for the above statement. Sometimes as husbands we forget our responsibilities.
This book also has a study guide at the end for further contemplation and reflection. Thank you again Troy Meeder for providing such an insightful book, and Thank You again to Blogging for Books for providing me the opportunity of reading such a wonderful book. This book can be added to any Christian Library and it also provides the tools for every man to serve God and his family.

"Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me" by Ian Morgan Cron

"Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me" (A memoir of sorts), is a life story of the author, Ian Morgan Cron.

Cron, an Episcopal Minister, takes the reader on a ride of Ups and Downs as he tells the story of his life. Usually, I have found, memoirs of this sort, tend to be of interest to the writer and to their family, however, Cron has woven a story that once picked up, the reader can not put it down.

I found my self laughing and crying (depending on the situation), while reading through this memoir. As Cron states a memoir is what we remember and how we remember the times of our lives. No one can remember every little detail of their lives, but how it is remembered and the way Cron writes his memoir is captivating. He has a wonder way of pulling the reader into the story and keeping them there.

Cron speaks in detail about his struggles with his Faith, his father's life, drunkenness and actions. He also learns of his father's involvement with the CIA. All this while growing up in the affluent community of Greenwich, Connecticut. Cron does not leave any thing out regarding his own feelings in this story. He spares nothing in bringing his life alive in the readers mind.

What I learned from this story is that nothing is impossible and that our faith and closeness to God can and will prevail.

I was able to read and review this selection, through the kindness of Booksneeze/Thomas Nelson Publishing, and thank them for this opportunity. I would like to send out a special Thank You to Ian Cron for writing and sharing this memorable story. "Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me is a must read.

"Ashes, Ashes" by Jo Treggiar

The world has changed due to plague and apocalypse. Lucy feels very alone and vulnerable, but also strong in maintaining her safety. Any thoughts of a better tomorrow vanish from her mind when she thinks about the hunters, the wild dogs, and the lack of real human contact. But Lucy is not alone. There are others who are working for not only daily survival, but also for a better tomorrow. They want to do more than exist. Lucy has to make a choice when she meets Aiden. She can either continue to live alone and continue to face terrifying ordeals like tsunamis, or she can find him and join his group. As the story unfolds, you will be captivated and continually turning the pages.

This is a powerful story. Jo Treggiar wrote so that we can see through the eyes of young people, but find the scenarios appropriate for older adults as well. Cassandra
Campbell does a great job reading this audio book. I received my free copy from Oasis Audio, and encourage you to get a copy for yourself.

"Into My Father's Wake", by Eric Best

"Into My Father's Wake", by Eric Best, is a true story of a man's attempt at reconciling his deepest feelings about his father, while he is sailing solo 5,000 mile Pacific journey. This story begins with the purchase of a forty seven foot ketch, named Feo. Feo is a story in it's own right, as it has served it's former owner well. Throughout this journey, the reader can certainly feel like they are right along side the author as he attempts his first solo aboard the Feo. Each day and moment has been recorded here so as you read this memoir, you will feel taste and endure along with Best.

Throughout the book, there are hints and glimmering insights into the authors family life, especially when it comes to his father's appreciation for sailing and his hard taught lessons to his son. Along the way, the author comes to the realization of his father's love for him. There is also some interesting dilemmas which arise from time to time and this is where Feo takes over and sets the soloist on the right path or coordinates so to speak.

This story was very compelling throughout the first section of the book, entitled 'In the Path of My Fear'. However, this is where I had some difficulty. It appeared that the second part of the book became blurry as to what the author was trying to convey. It was disjointed and hard to follow, and this came abundantly clear especially in the last part of the book. To me. the second part of the book didn't flow with the first part, and this is too bad.

"The Lady of Bolton Hill" by Elizabeth Camden

Gentlemen, don't let this cover fool you! This story is full of all kinds of adventure. There's industrial espionage, explosions, death and a story to boot. For the Ladies, there is also a love story and a story of commitment to family, life and love. Not only is this story a wonderful read, but there is also the message of Salvation wrapped up within the pages.

Daniel, Tremain is one of the main characters who has come from rags to riches in this story and his long lost friend and possible love of his life Clara Endicott a female journalist, is there to both support him and help him come to grips with his past and hopefully to see the error of his ways. Once you start to read this story, you will find it hard to put the book down as with each turn of the page, something new is exposed.

Will Daniel completely destroy his main competitor, or will there be a reconciliation between the two. Will Clara be able to help Daniel see his ways are or could find him in turmoil? Clara is hoping to tame this man (Daniel), and Daniel is struggling with his feelings of love towards Clara. Hopefully they will meet somewhere in the middle and live happily ever after, or is that what should happen?

A little history about Clara and Daniel. There were childhood friends, she from the better side of town where there was no want for anything, while Daniel came from the seeder side of town where everything had to be earned and usually the hard way. Daniel witnesses his father's death. Both Daniel and Clara have a love of music. You will have to read this story to find out just how the story develops and how it ends.

Elizabeth Camden has written and wonderful story and is to be commended for her outstanding work. Thank you so much Elizabeth Camden for this walk through history. I will certainly be looking for other stories by Camden.

"Primal" A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity, by Mark Batterson

"Primal, A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity", by Mark Batterson, is a DVD based Bible Study which I found to be of great value. As it's title entails, as Christians look to where they are, they may find themselves searching for something more. Batterson does a wonderful job of narrating this DVD based study by breaking it down into section to look at and study. The sections which came to his mind came from Scripture. He chose Mark 12:28 - 30 "Love the Lord Your God with all your Heart and with all your Soul, and with all your Mind, and with all your Strength." Heart, Soul, Mind, Strength. Simple right? Maybe not. But it should be.

As Batterson explains, all Christians when they, and this includes me, accepted God's gift and accepted His salvation, we accepted it with gladness and readiness. We didn't question nor did we challenge His Word or expectations.

This became relevant, when Batterson and his wife were touring underground remains and finds while on a vacation, only to find that they were finding that they too may have developed a core or crust about the relationship with God. Batterson challenges us, through this study, to come back to the basics or "Primal" desires to commune with God.

As each segment of the DVD presentation comes to a close, a provoking question or question is presented that will provide for interaction and study. There is also Scripture available for further study. This DVD based study can bring you back to your roots of coming to Christ. Thank You Mark, for pointing out that as Christians, we tend to over complicate Christianity, he has allowed us to look back to Jesus as He simplifies it. "Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength.

At the end of the DVD study, a section is available known as Resources, where the listener/ attendee can go for further information and resources to follow up on their own or in a group. Again Thank You Mark Batterson for making this DVD. I know that it has already helped me to simplify my life through Christ again.

"Fatal Judgment" by Irene Hannon

I have just had the pleasure of reading a wonderful selection from The Crossing Book Club, entitled "Fatal Judgment", by Irene Hannon. Hannon has written a novel/story of intrigue, drama, hope, compassion and fear, all rolled up into one fantastic novel. The main characters in my opinion, are a U.S. Deputy Marshal by the name of Jake Taylor, who is charged with protecting a Federal judge, by the name of Liz Michaels, following the murder of the judge's sister. Was the murder intended to be that of Liz Michaels sister, or was there another intention. Until that question can be answered, Taylor must protect this Federal Judge at all costs.

There is also another twist to the protective detail. This Federal Judge and the U.S. Marshal have a past. Michaels was married to a now dead friend of Taylor's and the reasons for his death are yet unclear to Taylor or Michaels. Jake must attempt to put his feelings aside in order to do his job and protect Liz Michaels from harm and possible death.

Follow the characters as the story unfolds right through the conclusion. This story is riveting and as the reader, I have a feeling you won't be able to close this book until you have finished it completely.

Irene Hannon is a wonderful writer and "Fatal Judgment" is a testament to her abilities and determination. Bravo Irene Hannon. I for one will most certainly be reading more of her work. Thank you so much.