The Acrylic Painter by James Van Patten

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
I took my first painting class to find out about brushes, paints, and other options. With this book on my desk, I could have saved myself the trip! 

Beautifully illustrated samples and photographs explain the tools and methods of painting with acrylics. Color wheel to framing - it's all here for the beginner. I enjoyed it very much because it explored the "why" of painting with acrylics and why we choose the paintings we create, as well as art theory.

I like the blank spaces beside the text, perfect for making notes as you go along. This is an interesting and useful primer for anyone interested in painting with acrylics.

First comes love by Emily Griffin

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Choices determine how life goes. Some people choose "the right path," one decided by others. Some are "free spirits" who find their own path. And sometimes other peoples' choices and experiences limit our own.

Josie and Merideth are sisters, different as different can be. After the death of their brother, the family defines itself by the accident. The sisters wonder if the other sibling has made better decisions toward happiness. When Josie decides it's time to have a baby, she chooses a good friend as the father. Meanwhile, Merideth isn't sure she has the right husband or can be content in a marriage that is conventionally good but not exciting.

Told from each point of view, the sisters and their families work through life and issues of happiness and contentment together. Though the process may be unconventional, the ending opens up a future filled with possibilities and hope.

I became thoroughly engrossed in this strange and wonderful telling of the inner life and love of family. I'd happily read another by Griffin.

Teaching The Faith At Home by David Rueter

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Scripture teaches that parents are responsible for the indoctrination and training of their children in matters of faith. Rueter urges parents to teach the catechesis toward ritual confirmation to children of elementary school age. He notes today's trend for self-interpretation - finding oneself in the scriptural text - rather than the historical approach of letting the text speak to us.

Rueter views children as "blank slates" who probably are open to learning the basics of Christian faith, rather than assuming their resistance to religious formation. The author reviews the learning processes of children, their willingness to mirror their parents' faith during childhood, and the necessity of teaching the basics of biblical narratives, including the sacrificial cross and powerful resurrection of the Savior.  He insists that moral guidelines without the whole picture of Christ-with-us is less effective in producing life-long believers who life in a Christlike manner.

Rueter asks many questions along the way. He cites studies and history to prove the increased happiness and learning ability of those who follow the Way. Not light reading, but well worth considering.

Old Paths, New Power Daniel Henderson

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Written by a Western pastor for Western pastors, Henderson exhorts ministers to seek spiritual renewal. How? We should pray and preach just like the apostles did in the Early Church, rather than depending on programs and gimmicks.

The book is full of examples of "the richest church on earth" (American) and contrasting models from early church history. Henderson includes links and quotes from Christian leaders in his examination of power, distraction, and other issues undermining the church's influence. He encourages his readers to focus on leadership in prayer and sound theology based on scripture. There are practical how-tos for starting a personal prayer time, leading others in prayer, and preaching with the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

This is a strong call for the American church to return to the basics of sharing Good News with a congregation, to change both them and the world around them.

On Purpose How We Create the Meaning of Life by Paul Froese

★★★☐☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Froese notes how every culture (and most individuals) look for purpose in living our lives. Packed with studies and personal observations, this book brings together environment, personality, and experiences that shape us.

An interesting look at purpose as "the personal meaning we give to any experience." If you're on the hunt to find out what gives life meaning, this reviews many paths that people pursue to self-discovery.

The open-ended "your purpose is whatever you believe it to be" left me unsatisfied. I don't want to be told what my purpose is by other people, but neither do I want life to be so meaningless that any path can get me to the goal. No journey I've ever been proves that to be the way home - or forward. Why would I entrust my life to a random self-assignment?

Rediscovering Discipleship: Making Jesus’ Final Words Our First Work by Robby F. Gallaty

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Disciples are followers of Jesus, ideally unleashed in their talents and areas of interest to multiply the work of God around them. Starting with what we can understand about God is the Hebrew method of education. Western (Greek) systems began with knowledge of self.

Jesus made disciples by modeling life, including his disciples in his work, mentoring his disciples in action, and releasing them into ministry. Do we do the same? This practical manual, packed with scriptures and real-life examples, shows us how to become better disciples as we train others.

You'll enjoy historical examples and interesting stories while you learn and grow in faith. Well worth the time to read it.

Sensing God Learning to Meditate During Lent by Laurence Freeman

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Sooooo.... I'm really late with this review. Lent has come and gone. Instead of clicking out, I'd like to recommend this book for your own spiritual discipline of 40 days, sometime this year.

We hear so much about meditation, usually from practitioners of Eastern religions and New Age combinations who are emptying their minds in order to find peace.

In contrast, Christian meditation sets aside daily cares and obligations in order to focus on the beauty, wonder, and goodness of God-with-us. With very practical tips on posture, attitude, and readings, Freeman offers 40 days of reflection originally designed for the Lenten season. I'm choosing twice-a-day disciplines in my own 40 days of stillness and seeking the Presence.

I recommend this for an immersion in thoughtful contemplation, a desire to be more compassionate, and in understanding God's desire for a relationship - communion - with his creatures. Enjoy!