Charismatic Christianity by Helen Collins

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review. 
I'm researching for a doctoral course on Spirituality of the Pentecostal Minister. Then I came across Collins' book. What a godsend to my classroom in reviewing ongoing scholarship on the gifts as well as a fresh look at the use and meaning in scripture and the historical Church.

The author examines the gifts of the Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 and Galatians 5 as they come alive on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Many current believers are cessationists - that is, they assume that these gifts ended with the deaths of the first generation of the Early Church - but there is no such indication in scripture. This book gives those streams of theology food for thought.

The instructions given by Paul for orderly worship and Christian gatherings include gifts of the Spirit as normative and expected in koinonia. He offers no expiry date for their practice or usefulness. Paul's writings indicate that if the gift of knowledge has not yet passed away, the other spiritual gifts he mentions (such as prophecy and tongues) are an ongoing part of the Spirit's work that will continue to enhance the Body of Christ until "completeness comes" - when only love remains (1 Corinthians 13:8). Therefore, charismatics expect the Holy Spirit to continue to build the Kingdom of God through the activity of these gifts within the Church.

This scholarly and practical look at prophecy, miracles, healing, a word of knowledge and wisdom, tongues, evangelism/proclamation, and worship is a welcome addition to other books written on the topic. It's a joy to see emerging by Pentecostals and charismatics. In addition to definitions and explanations, Collins examines the strengths and dangers of misuse, offering encouragement and cautions within charismatic traditions and practices.

This will be required reading for my students.

The Pastoral Epistles by Stanley E. Porter

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

The delightful thing about this volume is that how comprehensive and engaging it feels. When I preach, I want to be certain not to make up things or read impossibilities into the text. This is my new guidebook to the Pastoral Epistles.

For a linguist interested in details for accurate translation, the phrase by phrase, in context treatment of these letters is a pleasure. This book offers insights into how the language was normally used as well as innovations of use and form by New Testament writers.

For a preacher like me, it offers a breadth of background, dictionary, lexicon, and function. I've long ago left my Hebrew and NT Greek classes behind, as have so many Bible and theology students. To have a gifted scholar teach us and remind us of structure, culture, and meaning is a true gift. It will change what you say to your congregation and classroom as well as how you say it. My husband is a theology prof so he'll be picking up a copy as well. 

Highly recommended.

How Art is Made: the Craft Behind the Masterpieces by Debra N Mancoff

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
You've just seen an amazing painting or sculpture, a fresco or drawing ... and thought, "I wonder if I could do that?" Or maybe you realize, "NO WAY could I ever do that!" Or "How did that happen?"

Well, you can't know until you spend years perfecting your creativity. 

Some ongoing questions that pop up in blogs and discussions are: "Is this a craft project or an art project?" and "How do you know the difference between something made a hobby and something made as a job?" (Usually the latter is identified by remuneration.) "When do I know/do enough to qualify as a 'real' artist?"

Mancoff spotlights various arts by how they're made. If you like art history, this is for you. Same if you're a student of art who wonders how that masterpiece "happened" with basic materials. And ... you'll learn a lot whether you identify as an artist or crafter, especially if you want to broaden your repertoire of techniques and skills. 

Special Effects Lettering and Calligraphy by Grace Frösén

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
If you've got an event coming up and are expected to dress it up,

if you've wanted to dip your pen into new ideas,

if you want to shake up your boring text in journal or artwork ...

c'mon, you'll want a copy of this. So much fun, cool methods, and good illustrations in one volume.

The 10-Minute Budget by David Lewis

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Ugh. I hate budgeting. My husband has refused to do it for 46 years of marriage. Focus, discipline, thought, and control - those are the building blocks offered by Lewis. They're good ideas. It's a workable process.

If you're looking for simple, practical advice on starting or maintaining a budget, I recommend this book. It highlights how to make decisions toward financial balance and freedom. Good for those starting out and those digging themselves out of a financial hole.

Children's Ministry and the Spiritual Child, edited by Robin Turner and Trevecca Okholm

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review before publication. 
Sometimes you get a lot of counsel in one volume. This is that.

How do you know the needs of child or where they are spiritually and relationally? How do you serve a family as you touch a child? And how does this express itself in the community of faith? Those basic questions lie at the core of a successful outreach and ongoing service to children.

Experts in psychology and ministry weigh in with advice and practical ideas for serving children and their families. Recommended for senior leaders and ministry staff that serve families and children.

Let Food Be Your Medicine by Dr. Steve Kringold

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

Intake affects output, right? That's good science and practice. We're all thinking about health, aging, and staying active with maximum energy. 

What if a fix (or bump up) was as simple as eating well?

Kringold puts it all together - nutrition, motion, rest, reducing stress ... and a volume that doesn't offer startling new insights. But if you pick up this one book, you'll have a compilation of sound counsel for eating well, rounding out your nutritional needs, examining your lifestyle for natural prevention, and a boost in the right direction if you need cures for unhealthy habits. 

A bonus is link to a short how-to: "Health Coach Secrets."