Emphasizing personal style, Joan Barzilay Freund’s Defining Style is a freeing, inspiring and extremely innovative look at interior design.
Emphasizing personal style, Joan Barzilay Freund’s Defining Style is a freeing, inspiring and extremely innovative look at interior design.
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Budding with new life, spring marks a time of beginnings and growth. For Christians who want to reflect on their own spiritual development, the spring publishing season offers several new books to provide inspiration and enlightenment.

Unexpected Wisdom: Major Insight from the Minor Prophets (Baker Book House, $12.99, 174 pages, ISBN 0801063795) by Dan Schmidt uncovers truths from the 12 “little guys” tucked into the back of the Old Testament. Their names including Habakkuk, Malachi and Nahum don’t receive the billboard coverage of Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, but hidden within their brief testimonies are nuggets of wisdom and insight that still carry weight thousands of years later.

Using easy-to-read prose, Schmidt mines the writings of these often overlooked fellows to uncover spiritually time-tested truths. The message of grace both extended and received is found in the life of Jonah and his encounter with a large fish on the way to Ninevah. The dangers of pride are unearthed in the short writing of Obadiah. A reminder of the appropriate use of power is drawn from Micah. Throughout the book, Schmidt reflects on themes, including fear, wisdom, courage, integrity and hope. After finishing this book, you’ll be reminded that good things still come in small packages. Another wonderful surprise is The Unexpected Teachings of Jesus: Encountering the Gospels All Over Again (Jossey-Bass, $18.95, 256 pages, ISBN 0787959839) by John Coleman. Like Schmidt, Coleman has an eye for detail and a talent for uncovering that which seemed already naked. Mining the Gospels, Coleman’s work reads more like a devotional than an in-depth study. Each small section begins with Scripture, then follows with a reflection on the passage. A short list of probing questions follow.

Sometimes the author reflects on the overall portrait of Christ’s actions or words while at other times he relies on a mere phrase from the reading. In the process, Coleman reveals that the teachings of Christ are sometimes very different than what we thought or understood. They usually go against our natural instincts or desires. The book is both challenging and fresh. The humanity of Christ, including the fact that He was a criminal, is placed before readers to consider and reflect upon. Whether you believe Christ was a man or a savior, there’s much to learn from The Unexpected Teachings of Jesus. Digging a bit deeper, Authentic Faith: The Power of a Fire-Tested Life (Zondervan, $18.99, 272 pages, ISBN 0310236924) by Gary L. Thomas explores spiritual disciplines that many Christians don’t want to talk about. They’re the ones that make us a bit uncomfortable, but also those which deserve a deeper examination. Chapter by chapter, the book explores the disciplines of selflessness, waiting, suffering, persecution, social mercy, forgiveness, mourning, contentment, sacrifice, fear and hope. Like an oyster developing a pearl, Thomas shows how the things in life that make us the most uncomfortable can produce the most beautiful character in our lives. The book is loaded with fascinating and revealing stories from Thomas’ own life, but what makes the book truly unique are Thomas’ references to classic Christian writers including Augustine, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Jeanne Guyon, John Calvin and John Wesley. From these and others, he shows the timelessness of faith principles and sets a benchmark for how lives can be lived with reckless abandon to faith. This is a standout title. The newly redesigned edition of The Cross by Max Lucado is an excellent gift selection. This small-sized hardback is filled with dramatic color photos of crosses. Whether it’s a cross found atop a church steeple or one naturally etched in nature by the junction of two branches, this book celebrates the ancient symbol. The artwork is accompanied by inspirational thoughts drawn from Lucado’s best-selling books, including And the Angels Were Silent, God Came Near, No Wonder They Call Him the Savior and Six Hours One Friday. Margaret Feinberg is a freelance writer based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. She is the co-author, with S.J. Hill, of Enjoying God: Experiencing Intimacy With the Heavenly Father (Relevant Books).

Budding with new life, spring marks a time of beginnings and growth. For Christians who want to reflect on their own spiritual development, the spring publishing season offers several new books to provide inspiration and enlightenment.

Unexpected Wisdom: Major Insight from the Minor…
Review by

Budding with new life, spring marks a time of beginnings and growth. For Christians who want to reflect on their own spiritual development, the spring publishing season offers several new books to provide inspiration and enlightenment.

Unexpected Wisdom: Major Insight from the Minor Prophets (Baker Book House, $12.99, 174 pages, ISBN 0801063795) by Dan Schmidt uncovers truths from the 12 “little guys” tucked into the back of the Old Testament. Their names including Habakkuk, Malachi and Nahum don’t receive the billboard coverage of Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, but hidden within their brief testimonies are nuggets of wisdom and insight that still carry weight thousands of years later.

Using easy-to-read prose, Schmidt mines the writings of these often overlooked fellows to uncover spiritually time-tested truths. The message of grace both extended and received is found in the life of Jonah and his encounter with a large fish on the way to Ninevah. The dangers of pride are unearthed in the short writing of Obadiah. A reminder of the appropriate use of power is drawn from Micah. Throughout the book, Schmidt reflects on themes, including fear, wisdom, courage, integrity and hope. After finishing this book, you’ll be reminded that good things still come in small packages. Another wonderful surprise is The Unexpected Teachings of Jesus: Encountering the Gospels All Over Again (Jossey-Bass, $18.95, 256 pages, ISBN 0787959839) by John Coleman. Like Schmidt, Coleman has an eye for detail and a talent for uncovering that which seemed already naked. Mining the Gospels, Coleman’s work reads more like a devotional than an in-depth study. Each small section begins with Scripture, then follows with a reflection on the passage. A short list of probing questions follow.

Sometimes the author reflects on the overall portrait of Christ’s actions or words while at other times he relies on a mere phrase from the reading. In the process, Coleman reveals that the teachings of Christ are sometimes very different than what we thought or understood. They usually go against our natural instincts or desires. The book is both challenging and fresh. The humanity of Christ, including the fact that He was a criminal, is placed before readers to consider and reflect upon. Whether you believe Christ was a man or a savior, there’s much to learn from The Unexpected Teachings of Jesus. Digging a bit deeper, Authentic Faith: The Power of a Fire-Tested Life by Gary L. Thomas explores spiritual disciplines that many Christians don’t want to talk about. They’re the ones that make us a bit uncomfortable, but also those which deserve a deeper examination. Chapter by chapter, the book explores the disciplines of selflessness, waiting, suffering, persecution, social mercy, forgiveness, mourning, contentment, sacrifice, fear and hope. Like an oyster developing a pearl, Thomas shows how the things in life that make us the most uncomfortable can produce the most beautiful character in our lives. The book is loaded with fascinating and revealing stories from Thomas’ own life, but what makes the book truly unique are Thomas’ references to classic Christian writers including Augustine, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Jeanne Guyon, John Calvin and John Wesley. From these and others, he shows the timelessness of faith principles and sets a benchmark for how lives can be lived with reckless abandon to faith. This is a standout title. The newly redesigned edition of The Cross (Multnomah, $12.99, 64 pages, ISBN 1576739201) by Max Lucado is an excellent gift selection. This small-sized hardback is filled with dramatic color photos of crosses. Whether it’s a cross found atop a church steeple or one naturally etched in nature by the junction of two branches, this book celebrates the ancient symbol. The artwork is accompanied by inspirational thoughts drawn from Lucado’s best-selling books, including And the Angels Were Silent, God Came Near, No Wonder They Call Him the Savior and Six Hours One Friday. Margaret Feinberg is a freelance writer based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. She is the co-author, with S.J. Hill, of Enjoying God: Experiencing Intimacy With the Heavenly Father (Relevant Books).

Budding with new life, spring marks a time of beginnings and growth. For Christians who want to reflect on their own spiritual development, the spring publishing season offers several new books to provide inspiration and enlightenment.

Unexpected Wisdom: Major Insight from the Minor…
Review by

For parents, the scariest part of Halloween night isn't the roving bands of pint-sized ghouls and goblins canvassing their neighborhood but their little one's earnest question, "Mom, where's my costume?"

Here to the rescue is Homemade Halloween, a simple Halloween how-to for parents who are neither super-crafty nor uber-organized. The book's ideas for creating a "spooktacular" night are easy to create and even easier on the wallet. Colorful illustrations and photographs, historical fun facts and important safety pointers fill each page, and all the basics are covered, from simple and effective costumes and decorations to tasty culinary treats. Examples include carving a jack-o'-lantern with "pumpkin panache," serving "creepy cupcakes" and "sherbet wizards," and creating theatrical costumes in three steps or less with no sewing. Yes, no sewing! (Parents, it's all about the glue gun.)

JACK O'LANTERN
In the eyes of author Tom Nardone—founder of the website ExtremePumpkins.com—pumpkin carving is ripe for irreverence and perfect for mayhem. Last year he gave the world the best-selling Extreme Pumpkins; this year he's returned with a sequel, the equally gory (and perfectly titled) Extreme Pumpkins II: Take Back Halloween and Freak Out a Few More Neighbors. His suggestions for success include adding jigsaws and routers to a "tools for terror" arsenal and going for the outrageous with designs such as Angry Mob Pumpkin, Alien Invader, and Suburban Nightmare Pumpkin. His Sno -Shooter Pumpkin will give joy to 13-year-old boys everywhere.

Breathing new life into Halloween's traditions, Nardone's "Extreme Pumpkin Design Manifesto" encapsulates his cause best. He writes, "My hope is that Extreme Pumpkins II will give you some extremely gross, tasteless, scary pumpkin-carving ideas, or at least lots of cool things to copy. And if you hate this book, well, maybe that will inspire you too."

For parents, the scariest part of Halloween night isn't the roving bands of pint-sized ghouls and goblins canvassing their neighborhood but their little one's earnest question, "Mom, where's my costume?"

Here to the rescue is Homemade Halloween, a simple Halloween how-to for parents who are…

Review by

Budding with new life, spring marks a time of beginnings and growth. For Christians who want to reflect on their own spiritual development, the spring publishing season offers several new books to provide inspiration and enlightenment.

Unexpected Wisdom: Major Insight from the Minor Prophets (Baker Book House, $12.99, 174 pages, ISBN 0801063795) by Dan Schmidt uncovers truths from the 12 “little guys” tucked into the back of the Old Testament. Their names including Habakkuk, Malachi and Nahum don’t receive the billboard coverage of Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, but hidden within their brief testimonies are nuggets of wisdom and insight that still carry weight thousands of years later.

Using easy-to-read prose, Schmidt mines the writings of these often overlooked fellows to uncover spiritually time-tested truths. The message of grace both extended and received is found in the life of Jonah and his encounter with a large fish on the way to Ninevah. The dangers of pride are unearthed in the short writing of Obadiah. A reminder of the appropriate use of power is drawn from Micah. Throughout the book, Schmidt reflects on themes, including fear, wisdom, courage, integrity and hope. After finishing this book, you’ll be reminded that good things still come in small packages. Another wonderful surprise is The Unexpected Teachings of Jesus: Encountering the Gospels All Over Again by John Coleman. Like Schmidt, Coleman has an eye for detail and a talent for uncovering that which seemed already naked. Mining the Gospels, Coleman’s work reads more like a devotional than an in-depth study. Each small section begins with Scripture, then follows with a reflection on the passage. A short list of probing questions follow.

Sometimes the author reflects on the overall portrait of Christ’s actions or words while at other times he relies on a mere phrase from the reading. In the process, Coleman reveals that the teachings of Christ are sometimes very different than what we thought or understood. They usually go against our natural instincts or desires. The book is both challenging and fresh. The humanity of Christ, including the fact that He was a criminal, is placed before readers to consider and reflect upon. Whether you believe Christ was a man or a savior, there’s much to learn from The Unexpected Teachings of Jesus. Digging a bit deeper, Authentic Faith: The Power of a Fire-Tested Life (Zondervan, $18.99, 272 pages, ISBN 0310236924) by Gary L. Thomas explores spiritual disciplines that many Christians don’t want to talk about. They’re the ones that make us a bit uncomfortable, but also those which deserve a deeper examination. Chapter by chapter, the book explores the disciplines of selflessness, waiting, suffering, persecution, social mercy, forgiveness, mourning, contentment, sacrifice, fear and hope. Like an oyster developing a pearl, Thomas shows how the things in life that make us the most uncomfortable can produce the most beautiful character in our lives. The book is loaded with fascinating and revealing stories from Thomas’ own life, but what makes the book truly unique are Thomas’ references to classic Christian writers including Augustine, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Jeanne Guyon, John Calvin and John Wesley. From these and others, he shows the timelessness of faith principles and sets a benchmark for how lives can be lived with reckless abandon to faith. This is a standout title. The newly redesigned edition of The Cross (Multnomah, $12.99, 64 pages, ISBN 1576739201) by Max Lucado is an excellent gift selection. This small-sized hardback is filled with dramatic color photos of crosses. Whether it’s a cross found atop a church steeple or one naturally etched in nature by the junction of two branches, this book celebrates the ancient symbol. The artwork is accompanied by inspirational thoughts drawn from Lucado’s best-selling books, including And the Angels Were Silent, God Came Near, No Wonder They Call Him the Savior and Six Hours One Friday. Margaret Feinberg is a freelance writer based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. She is the co-author, with S.J. Hill, of Enjoying God: Experiencing Intimacy With the Heavenly Father (Relevant Books).

Budding with new life, spring marks a time of beginnings and growth. For Christians who want to reflect on their own spiritual development, the spring publishing season offers several new books to provide inspiration and enlightenment.

Unexpected Wisdom: Major Insight from the Minor…
Review by

Budding with new life, spring marks a time of beginnings and growth. For Christians who want to reflect on their own spiritual development, the spring publishing season offers several new books to provide inspiration and enlightenment.

Unexpected Wisdom: Major Insight from the Minor Prophets by Dan Schmidt uncovers truths from the 12 “little guys” tucked into the back of the Old Testament. Their names including Habakkuk, Malachi and Nahum don’t receive the billboard coverage of Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, but hidden within their brief testimonies are nuggets of wisdom and insight that still carry weight thousands of years later.

Using easy-to-read prose, Schmidt mines the writings of these often overlooked fellows to uncover spiritually time-tested truths. The message of grace both extended and received is found in the life of Jonah and his encounter with a large fish on the way to Ninevah. The dangers of pride are unearthed in the short writing of Obadiah. A reminder of the appropriate use of power is drawn from Micah. Throughout the book, Schmidt reflects on themes, including fear, wisdom, courage, integrity and hope. After finishing this book, you’ll be reminded that good things still come in small packages. Another wonderful surprise is The Unexpected Teachings of Jesus: Encountering the Gospels All Over Again (Jossey-Bass, $18.95, 256 pages, ISBN 0787959839) by John Coleman. Like Schmidt, Coleman has an eye for detail and a talent for uncovering that which seemed already naked. Mining the Gospels, Coleman’s work reads more like a devotional than an in-depth study. Each small section begins with Scripture, then follows with a reflection on the passage. A short list of probing questions follow.

Sometimes the author reflects on the overall portrait of Christ’s actions or words while at other times he relies on a mere phrase from the reading. In the process, Coleman reveals that the teachings of Christ are sometimes very different than what we thought or understood. They usually go against our natural instincts or desires. The book is both challenging and fresh. The humanity of Christ, including the fact that He was a criminal, is placed before readers to consider and reflect upon. Whether you believe Christ was a man or a savior, there’s much to learn from The Unexpected Teachings of Jesus. Digging a bit deeper, Authentic Faith: The Power of a Fire-Tested Life (Zondervan, $18.99, 272 pages, ISBN 0310236924) by Gary L. Thomas explores spiritual disciplines that many Christians don’t want to talk about. They’re the ones that make us a bit uncomfortable, but also those which deserve a deeper examination. Chapter by chapter, the book explores the disciplines of selflessness, waiting, suffering, persecution, social mercy, forgiveness, mourning, contentment, sacrifice, fear and hope. Like an oyster developing a pearl, Thomas shows how the things in life that make us the most uncomfortable can produce the most beautiful character in our lives. The book is loaded with fascinating and revealing stories from Thomas’ own life, but what makes the book truly unique are Thomas’ references to classic Christian writers including Augustine, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Jeanne Guyon, John Calvin and John Wesley. From these and others, he shows the timelessness of faith principles and sets a benchmark for how lives can be lived with reckless abandon to faith. This is a standout title. The newly redesigned edition of The Cross (Multnomah, $12.99, 64 pages, ISBN 1576739201) by Max Lucado is an excellent gift selection. This small-sized hardback is filled with dramatic color photos of crosses. Whether it’s a cross found atop a church steeple or one naturally etched in nature by the junction of two branches, this book celebrates the ancient symbol. The artwork is accompanied by inspirational thoughts drawn from Lucado’s best-selling books, including And the Angels Were Silent, God Came Near, No Wonder They Call Him the Savior and Six Hours One Friday. Margaret Feinberg is a freelance writer based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. She is the co-author, with S.J. Hill, of Enjoying God: Experiencing Intimacy With the Heavenly Father (Relevant Books).

Budding with new life, spring marks a time of beginnings and growth. For Christians who want to reflect on their own spiritual development, the spring publishing season offers several new books to provide inspiration and enlightenment.

Unexpected Wisdom: Major Insight from the Minor…
Review by

There’s no denying that Southern authors are uniquely bound to their home turf just think about the kind of writer William Faulkner might have become if he’d been born someplace besides Mississippi. In Writers of the American South: Their Literary Landscapes, the remarkable relationship between Southern authors and their native soil comes alive as 12 popular novelists take readers on a tour of their home regions, revealing what they love best about the towns where they live and providing fascinating insights into their domestic routines and work habits. Pat Conroy, Barry Hannah, Josephine Humphreys and Ann Patchett, among other authors, demonstrate some good old-fashioned hospitality and offer fans a peek inside their private residences. From the majestic, museum-like manor with gothic accents maintained by Allan Gurganus in Falls, North Carolina, to the two-story hurricane-proof bunker bright, airy and built on stilts overlooking Florida Bay, where Carl Hiaasen does his work, each place is unforgettable in its own way.

Acclaimed architectural writer Hugh Howard provided the volume’s delightful text, while Roger Straus III son of the publishing giant who co-founded Farrar, Straus and Giroux contributed elegant, evocative photos. With 21 stops on their itinerary, including the estates of late authors like Kate Chopin and Flannery O’Connor, the pair traveled more than 10,000 miles to complete the book. The result: a magnificent showcase of the places Southern writers call home and a loving act of literary preservation.

Julie Hale keeps her old copies of The New Yorker in Austin, Texas.

There's no denying that Southern authors are uniquely bound to their home turf just think about the kind of writer William Faulkner might have become if he'd been born someplace besides Mississippi. In Writers of the American South: Their Literary Landscapes, the remarkable relationship between…

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