The Innovator's Field Guide by Jeff Standridge

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
The common ordinary person with a big dream needs encouragement as well as ideas. With quotes from successful entrepreneurs and thinkers, each chapter starts with accelerators - a boost to get you moving.

This book is chock-full of role models, how-to, and tips on moving forward from dreams or ideas to action. I highly recommend it, especially if you need something to read on a "down" day when your plans aren't working out the way you'd hoped.

Christian Ethics An Introduction to Biblical Moral Reasoning by Wayne Grudem

★☐☐☐☐The publisher has provided a copy for review.

I very rarely give such a low review, and then only if I fundamentally disagree with the premise of a book. Here's an example of why I cannot recommend this.

By the time I got to Grudem's views on the roles of men and women (and the way the author twists scripture to fit American patriarchal culture), I was ready to give the book one star.

I will leave the reader with this one example, though others caught my attention. Anyone who claims authority to teach believers how to think, and in the same breath says God voluntarily becomes our subordinate as our "helper" in the Old Testament - for whatever logic or proof of his ethics and gender presuppositions - is a danger to young minds. Making up theologies is a peculiar pastime of academics; it's their job to think deeply. Yet Grudem's statements about the Son being "eternally subordinate" to the Father (not just in his incarnation) give an indication of cultural hierarchy that goes beyond the biblical revelation and mandate.

To prove his point on male headship in every area, Grudem refuses the clear meaning of Paul's instruction of "mutual submission." He extends his model of hierarchy to create a subordinate chain of authority in the family, with the wife slightly higher than the children in a serious case of scriptural re-wording.

He excludes the possibility of husbands and wives as peers, serving in the gospel, despite scriptures about the empowerment of the Spirit on male and female, Jew and Greek, etc. All are empowered for ministry, without limits as to who can serve. So, can a Greek preach to a Jew? Can a slave preach to a master? Can a woman preach to men? Grudem would say no to the latter and perhaps to the second as well, since his hierarchy is so ingrained. Women are only advisors to men, mothers to children, and therefore constrained against serving in full gifting and capacity.

In addition, Grudem completely ignores the Pauline practice of biblical inclusion (i.e. instructions to female prophets in the church), relegating women to exercising their spiritual gifts only within the chain of command "below" them. Paul's instructions for orderly worship (for example, in 1 Cor 11:2-16; 14:26+), include men and women and offer a truer model of what was intended. Paul's practice contrasts with the patriarchal models invented by the time of Chrysostom and existing until Grudem. (Chrysostom acknowledged that the practices of his day differed greatly from the New Testament; Grudem is even more extreme, yet claims to be true to scriptures.)

Don't buy it unless you want to set back your understanding of a biblical worldview by 100 years. Instead, use current commentaries with biblical scholarship of how the Spirit shaped the practices of the New Testament Church.

Drawing School: Fundamentals for the Beginner by Jim Dowdalls

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
What I really like about this was the variety: when you think of drawing, what comes to mind? A pencil sketch? An accurate framework for painting? A charcoal rendering?

You'll find them all in this book. Dowdalls explains how to draw with different mediums, not just paints or pencils. I learned from the illustrations and the clear instructions. Whether you working in love color or black and white, you'll find something you can draw following the directions. You'll have the basics in hand once you follow the demonstrations.

The cover isn't very inspiring and may not catch your eye on a bookshelf. Still, it's worth picking up a copy and getting started.

The Complete Photo Guide to Hand Lettering and Calligraphy by Abbey Sy

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
If you have an event coming up and you need placards, a customized art piece, or just want to memorialize a saying, you'll love this photo guide. You'll see the how-to for lettering, find projects to make your own, get practice sheets and spacing grades, and find out how to use and combine various alphabets.

I recommend this for people with great appreciation for beautiful letters but limited skill, as well as for those of us who have taken calligraphy courses before. The nice thing about this is that you'll pull it out again and again: finish one project, put it aside for a while. I promised that you'll find yourself reaching for the book again when you're ready for your next lettering exploits. Pretty as well as practical!

Anywhere, Anytime Art: Colored Pencil by Cara Hanley

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
How long has it been since you colored with pencil? There are all kinds of pencils out there now - ones to use dry or wet (draw or paint), expensive and cheap versions with dense color or just a bit of pigment. Regardless of what level of equipment you have in your bag, take out those pencils and start to record what you see. Entertain your kids with the how-to illustrations - art made easy.

If you wish you could go back to high school and learn how to sketch and play around with colored pencils, you'll enjoy this book. It's like having a basic tutorial without the pressures of making perfect pictures.

Art should be fun. This will help make it so for you!

Brush Pen Illustration: More Than 200 Ideas for Drawing with Brush Pens by Sho Ito

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
What a delightful manual. If you've ever wanted to use a brush pen, this beginner book is for you. Every page is full of colorful instructions and demonstrations. It's a pleasure to browse or to follow the demos step-by-step.

If you're looking for a guide to painting quick sketches for your journal, illustrating notes, or drawing for children, you'll have so much fun with this. The simplicity of line, of how-tos, and ideas will make you smile, and - even for that alone - I'd recommend it.

How to Grow: Applying the Gospel to All of Your Life by Darryl Dash

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
You get a bit of here and there in Christian living books. You apply a bit of this and that, but it's not very satisfying. Dash takes us through the application of the life and principles of Jesus for all areas of life.

That makes it a book worth reading. It's simple (almost simplistic sometimes), so you can read it without having to wade a thicket of theological language. It's an encouraging manual for discipleship groups

or for those trying to figure out this life of faith without friends to bounce ideas around with. Hey, if that's you, go find some friends! This life with Jesus is meant to be lived in community, right?

Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Finally, a decluttering book that makes sense. White combines various ideas about decluttering with an honest look at what did and didn't work for her.

This book of practical how-tos, offered after looking at what makes our spaces so crazy and "full-to-the-max," will help you find ways to clear out the excess.

I highly recommend it - esp if you've gotten snarled in Japanese emptiness, business organization, or other methods that don't make sense in a Western household. Go buy it. And then rehome it when your house is in order.

Living the Life That You Are By Nic Higham

★★★☐☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
In various seasons of life, we may wish that parts of our lives (or even the whole thing) were different. Most of us have compared ourselves to others, felt alone, or have been confused about who we are, negotiating life.

So we suffer. We try to make life better. That's common to all of us. But how do we respond to difficulties?

If you believe each person has been created as a unique creation, you are confident that we have been set into the world for a reason. God centers us in his wholehearted love and asks us to love and serve others (Jesus: Mark 12:30-31). Therefore, life has great meaning. Christ-followers seek to understand our special personhood and our personal contribution to the world.

This book comes from a different direction. A Western Buddhist, Higham attempts to explain humanity as a vast cosmic flow moving through meaningless cycles of reincarnation. He explores human suffering and aloneness, where a cultivated mindfulness can endure suffering without strivings or passions.

In Zen Buddhism, life at its best means cultivating emptiness, where our efforts bring escape. Attaining nirvana means life's candle winks out into cosmic nothingness. But there's no great attraction for me in viewing humanity as our ultimate limitation (in contrast to viewing humans as God's ultimate and beloved creatures.)

The life and teaching of Jesus offer a radically different path. Jesus said he came to bring "life in abundance" (John 10:10). For his followers, life on earth and into eternity is a gift of utter fullness to be enjoyed by savoring the love of God and others. I'm passionate and thrilled to be alive! not trying to dampen this wonderful and sometimes-terrible life into nothingness.


I believe all truth is God's truth, so in Higham, you will find insights into how a self-centered and emptied life can seem desirable for some people. The book offers a closer look at some aspects that may be present or absent in our lives. Personally, ongoing cycles of reincarnation and escapism in order to attain nothingness make ZERO sense to me. I find nothing attractive in trying to escape from another life cycle, attempting to set aside passions and striving, and ideally gaining less and less meaning with each return. WHHHHAAAT? That's no fun and not meaningful (which is, I guess, the point.)

This book may help you may understand the pull of Westernized Buddhism for those trapped by materialism and over-the-top consumerism. I found this glimpse into a very different vantage point very interesting indeed.

Home Life around the World by Anita Martinez Beijer

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

Do you ever wonder what other peoples' houses look like inside? Have you ever wanted a peek to see the personality and surroundings that make a house a home?

Here's your chance - come along to become part of the journey to see how people personalize their spaces. These photos include people in their spaces, which helps make the rooms come alive. you'll enjoy the visits.

Portfolio: Beginning Color Mixing by Kimberly Adams

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
If you've wondered why your paint colors are not intense or muddy, this book provides a manual for choosing a basic palate to mix colors. It includes instructions for choosing tools, values, and various color schemes.

The styles demonstrated are varied and interesting. This would be a good primer for those beginning to paint or working with intermediate skills. I enjoyed it and recommend it.

Heavy Duty Sewing: Making Backpacks and Other Stuff by Anton Sandqvist

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Have you ever tried to sew canvas, leather, or thick denim? It can be a challenge - but this book explains the process with clear instructions and photos, and offers tips to make it easier.

Sandqvist includes patterns for the projects shown on the cover. This is a thoroughly enjoyable way to start designing useful containers or garments with your own heavy-duty work fabrics.

The Art of Map Illustration by James Gulliver Hancock, Hennie Haworth, Stuart Hill, Sarah King

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
I loved this book. I wanted to grab a pen and map my childhood neighborhood right away. This is a manual for all kinds of maps. It provides directions for both manual and digital map-making in the most delightful ways. From start to finish, it was full of interesting illustrations, ideas on what to map, instructions on making significant marks, and how to choose landmarks.

Loved it. I think I already said that. Sold. Go get a copy!

Hypertufa Containers Creating and Planting an Alpine Trough Garden by Lori Chips

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
I remember reading about hypertufa and making a pot about 20 years ago - so it was great to be reminded of the simple process of creating a plant container. The rough look, the natural colors, and the flexibility of size and shape make this a worthwhile DIY.

Though the idea is not new, it's still fun. Clear instructions and good illustrations will put you on the way to your own creative garden. Give it a try! This book will help you figure it out.

Pocket Art: Portrait Drawing The quick guide to mastering technique and style by Joanna Henly

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
I've enjoyed this modern look at perspective and personality in portrait drawing. If you've ever wanted to make faces come alive, you'll find a lot of ideas here.

There are great illustrations, how-tos, and tips that will boost your work and help you appreciate existing portraits. The movement, style, and fresh look at drawing faces will make you smile - and grab your sketching tools.

Recommended. 

Modern Drawing by Chelsea Ward

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
The ideas, clear illustrations, and finished artwork make this book a pleasure.

If you've wondered about recent trends in drawing and illustration, Ward's book is a treasure trove - from sketchbooks to architectural sketches, everyday objects, to figure drawing with various mediums ... you'll find it here and have fun following the lessons.

Interested in pursuing the basics? Here's a great start.

Artists and Their Books / Books and Their Artists by Marcia Reed and Glenn Phillips

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

Many artists have expressed their creativity by creating or recording in a book.

The author presents artists from various fields, including their intentions, how they worth through their creative processes, and the development of ideas to art in their book or books.

Love books? You'll enjoy this walk into the creative life of those who love and work as artists.

The Missionary Call by M. David Sills

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review

The book's forward says, "Many of us have misunderstood that there is only one priority in serving God. We are to be His faithful servants and good stewards of his mysteries. We are supposed to obey." (Nick Saint)

What does that mean when one feels called to obey as a missionary? In the changing mission landscape, danger and other challenges are realities for those who go across culture, whether through creative access, willing to be martyred, or more traditional options.

Missionaries may be motivated by the lostness of souls, obedience to the Great Commission, human need, or possibilities to tell the Story. However, the author says that scripture mandates that each person is responsible to serve the world, whether by going, giving, or praying. Sills also traces the missionary call in history and its effect on the nations.

This examination of what it means to be called into cross-cultural ministry will benefit those who feel called to go, those who call them to go, and those who send them.