Nick of Time by Tim Downs

Nick of Time by Tim Downs

Nick of Time is a story about a want to-be detective. He’s actually a bug guy but his exclusive knowledge in that area aids in the resolution of cold cases. Unfortunately his one-track mind on these cases leads him into an investigation that is all consuming much to the concern of his fiancée. Following the lead of a recently deceased friend, Nick Polchalk involvement leads him further and further away from the upcoming wedding and deeper into the suspense of the more than one related murder.

Nick of Time was a very enjoyable read. It was able to hold my attention which is not easily done. Descriptions are vivid but not so wordy as to leave the reader without the ability to use own imagination in developing the mental pictures unfolding. I think this gives the reader more involvement in the reading. Content outweighs the descriptiveness, which I prefer. Characters were likable and I loved their dry sense of humor and witty exchange. I really enjoyed the suspense at the point of capture but was a little disappointed in the before the end climax. I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others.

Max on Life by Max Lucado

As a fan of Max Lucado’s work, I favor his usual writing style but Max on Life answers questions much in the same manner that he writes. The questions and answers vary from the concrete to the spiritual.
The beginning of the book was mostly a refresher for me but would be excellent for new believers. The book addresses a lot of “why” issues? Why am I here? Why go to church? Why bad things happen? I like that it also addresses real life issues for daily living, like relationships, children (especially the prodigals), work and finances. Although Max is very diplomatic with some responses, there are also times when he plainly draws the line using the Bible as his authority.
My favorite section was the one on the hereafter. It was nice to be reminded of the plan God has for us, of the reality of his angels and the Holy Spirit. Addressing the often asked questions about who goes where, is there a hell, and why God would send any one there, Lucado is matter of fact, again using scripture as his authority.
I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it for anyone.

DREAM

Did you ever have one of those dreams that haunts you when you awake? One that brings up memories, thoughts, and even feelings from long ago. I had one last night that has disturbed me. The dream itself was pleasant enough but the residual effect is one I am surprised by. It was about people from my past and one I can't even put a name to. I find myself bewildered by the feelings it exposed and made me seriously question my handling of past situations and relationships. It amazes me even more that I can't quit thinking about it and have both the desire to examine it more and to shake it from my memory completely. I can't seem to do either. I can't shake it or the feeling it gave me. I also can't seem to examine it any deeper to find understanding or resolution. So I must leave it as it is. ...but still it haunts me.

The Nativity Collection by Robert J.Morgan

The Nativity Collection

The Nativity Collection is a collection of 6 Christmas stories told by Robert J Morgan to his congregation on the Sunday before Christmas. The stories include characters from different walks of life. The nativity in each story effects the characters for the remainders of their lives this is the connecting element for all 6 stories.
The nativity story has always held a special wonder for me. Each of these stories tie a navitity to the main character and reveal miraculous and inspiring endings. Each one is very different and only when the story was finished was I able to understand it in comparision to the other stories. Without it being overstated a nativity takes center stage. This makes for a delightful read and each story leaves that warm feeling that we have come to expect from Christmas stories. I would recommend this book to friends and would consider it a fine gift for those who enjoy sharing stories as part of their Christmas tradition.

One Hand, Two Hands by Max Lucado, Illustrated by Gaby Hansen

This children ‘s book is all about the ways we can use our hands and ultimately how God can use our hands. I feel the book would be appropriate for toddlers learning to use their hands for a variety of tasks as well as for children with basic reading skills. The story features a little girl but would also be appropriate for little boys.

The whimsical illustrations show various examples of how to use our hands. Hands are described as helping, kind, and loving and the story not only addresses how we use hands for ourselves but also how we can use our hands for God’s service. I would recommend this book for parents of young children that want a way to teach children a practical application of service to God.

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

Outlive Your Life is one of Lucado's finest works. It is a work that challenges the reader to service.With lots of examples of those who have been used to reach the world with the gospel, it leaves little excuse for why we cannot serve today, regardless of our circumstances. Even a small kindness can mean the world to the one receiving it.
I was challenged from the first chapter to consider what more I can do help others to know the truth. Lucado has a way of writing that does not offend yet exposes your heart. It also gives you validation that your service is important to God. The book is written in an easily understood manner and helps the reader identify with characters in the book, whether they be history's disciples or today's homeless. The usual study guide includes action plans to motivate and inspire the reader with practical applications of how they may put their faith to work to impact their community and their world.

Cast of Characters book review

I chose this book because of the author – he is one of my favorites. And he did not

disappoint.. Lucado manages to retell the old Bible stories in a modern day venue. He transports the reader deeper into scripture by asking questions beyond what we know but by asking these questions he lays open the reader’s heart for self inspection. Each character reveals their humanness and how they respond to their own circumstances. Several remind us that God can take what was meant for harm and use it for his glory. Others stress focusing on how big our God is not how big our problem is. Still other characters make us aware of the unfathomable love, mercy and grace of our God. The humanness of these characters negates all our excuses for why God could not use us. Among them we will find those who have denied Christ, who persecuted his followers, and those who sacrificed all to follow him.

Following each chapter Lucado includes questions for reflection and discussion that further the readers self inspection. Throughout the book we are reminded of God’s great love for us and that his love covers a multitude of sins.