Where are the Christians? by Eric Shuster – Overview

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Special Features
Jan 142013
 

 

Author Eric Shuster will be providing a series of blog posts summarizing various sections of his upcoming book Where are the Christians? due to be released this spring from Cedar Fort, Inc. We will feature one post each week from now until May 2013. For more information visit www.findyourchristianity.com.

* * *

Book Overview

 

Ponder if you will the state of our world; and in particular the condition of America. Although one can easily argue the United States is still the greatest nation in the world and a country so many desire to come to—risk their lives to enter into—there is no denying America’s social, moral and spiritual fabric continues to deteriorate at an accelerated pace. For many this is an alarming and discouraging trend.

Now consider the fact that 76% of Americans claim to be Christian, making the United States one of the highest per-capita Christian nations in the world. A nation full of Christians in a deteriorating society? If this indeed be the case then WHERE ARE THE CHRISTIANS? To solve this conundrum author Eric Shuster gives us a book that bears this question as its title with the promise of answers and a unique journey for readers.

Where are the Christians? uses the classic format of who, what, where and how to explore Christianity and the dynamics that unite and divide the religion into the unrealized potential it suffers from today (thus the subtitle of the book—the Unrealized Potential of a Divided Religion). The book enlightens readers as to who the Christians are from a historical perspective; what a Christian is from a spiritual perspective; where the Christians are from a behavioral perspective; and how Christianity can be strengthened and more united from a societal perspective. Where are the Christians? examines hundreds of Biblical and scholarly sources, analyzing data from a multitude of studies leading to unique perspectives and solutions to the challenges facing Christianity in the modern era.

Where are the Christians? contains 17 chapters arranged into four sections:

  • SECTION 1: WHO ARE THE CHRISTIANS?—a history: 4 chapters providing a concise history of Christianity spread across four distinct periods: Evangelization and Formation, Legitimacy and Codification, Corruption and Division, and Reform and Denominational Proliferation.
  • SECTION 2: WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?—a definition: 4 chapters examining the definition of a Christian from the perspectives of the world, the Bible, landmark religious studies, and what Shuster refers to as “Modern Day Pharisees.”
  • SECTION 3: WHERE ARE THE CHRISTIANS?—a categorization: 5 chapters profiling the five types of modern Christians including a unique and enlightening exercise to help readers understand what type of Christian they are among the five.
  • SECTION 4: HOW IS CHRISTIANITY TO UNITE?—a vision: 4 chapters describing the ways Christians in America can unite into a force for good by focusing on individuals, families, churches and communities.

For the next 17 weeks author Eric Shuster will take us on a tour through each of the chapters of Where are the Christians? providing a glimpse of what the book is all about the questions it will answer, the insights it will provide, and the vision it lays out in bringing together a deeply divided religion into realizing its true potential for America. This is one tour you won’t want to miss!

Go to www.findyourchristianity.com to watch the book trailer, find out what type of Christian you are, and to order the book.

 

10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission by Benjamin Hyrum White – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jan 142013
 

10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission

Author: Benjamin Hyrum White

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published Date: January 2013

Softcover; 106 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-4621-1149-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Are you ready to be part of the greatest generation of missionaries? This book will give you the additional mental preparation and spiritual motivation necessary to answer this call. The 10 questions found in this book will help you look deep within yourselves to determine if you have sufficiently raised the bar in preparing for full-time missionary service.

Review

With the lower age requirements for missionaries recently announced, missionary applications have significantly increased. The release of 10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission couldn’t be more timely. I found this book to be a quick read and valuable resource to those who are considering serving in the mission field.

I didn’t serve a mission, but as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints I still found the questions pertinent to my life. As a mother, am I not serving as a missionary to my children? What about as a wife, sister, daughter, friend, and neighbor?

While 10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission is directed at young men and women who are desiring to serve missions, there are a few questions that all members should consider:

  • Do I Have a Testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
  • Do I Have “An Eye Single to the Glory of God?”
  • Do I Understand How to Feel and Recognize the Spirit?

I liked the way the subjects, quotes and scriptures were organized and presented. I also appreciated that the author addressed not just preparing for the mission but what to expect after the mission. This book discusses specific topics but also provides a “big picture” view of the missionary experience. It would make a nice addition to any potential missionary’s library.

Visit Benjamin Hyrum White:  GOODREADS | FACEBOOK

Find 10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission: 

AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | GOODREADS

 

 

Living in the Light by Lacey A. West and Gary L. Anderson – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Dec 112012
 

Living in the Light: How to Fight the Darkness of Depression and Anxiety

Authors: Lacey A. West, BSN, RN; Gary L. Anderson, MS, CMHC

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published Date: January 2013

Paperback; 144 pages

Genre: Religious Self-Help

ISBN# 978-1462111480

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review

Find out more: WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK

Summary

Living in the Light provides readers with step-by-step methods to overcome depression and anxiety. It offers solutions through a combination of cognitive techniques and gospel-centered principles that will empower readers with the ability to regain their peace and happiness through eliminating all aspects of darkness from their life, embracing a life full of light.

Review

Living in the Light focuses on using the scriptures, prayer, service and a relationship with the Savior to help chase away darkness and encourage a life filled with the light of Christ. There are also mental and physical activities to help cope with negative thoughts, encourage positive self-talk, and promote health and balance.

Other than a small bout with post-partem depression that ended being related to a health condition, I haven’t suffered from any serious forms of depression. Because of this, I can’t personally say how effective I think this book might be in helping others with depression or anxiety. However, I still found a lot that would be useful in dealing with everyday stress and the discouragement that can affect anyone. Satan does want us to think ourselves unworthy and allow doubt to keep us from fulfilling our potential. Everyone can benefit from seeking out and maintaining the light of Christ in their lives.

The authors make some great analogies regarding certain scriptural events and how they can be applied in our lives today. These included the obvious example of Job, but also others such as the brother of Jared, the Lamanites who repented and were encircled by fire, and Joseph Smith.

The largest chapter of the book is Chapter Three: Self-Mastery. This is where the exercises in overcoming negative self-talk are located, as well as evaluating expectations of yourself and others, how lack of sleep and good nutrition affect mood and body, and the effects of hugs and music.

Every section ends with “Take Action” directives on how to adopt the previously discussed principles in to the reader’s life. The authors have included a handy Appendix that contains the title and page numbers to each of these which I was happy to find at the end of the book. There are a number of worksheets and note pages included in the back of the book as well.

If you or a loved one suffer from depression or anxiety, Living in the Light might be a good resource and provide some much needed encouragement.

Pre-order Living in the Light:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

 

 

 

Real Intimacy – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Sep 132012
 

Real Intimacy: A Couple’s Guide to Healthy, Genuine Sexuality

Authors: Kristin B. Hodson (MSW, LCSW), Alisha B. Worthington (BSW, SSW), Thomas G. Harrison (MSW, LCSW)

Publisher: CFI/Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published Date: August 2012

Hardcover/Kindle; 220 pages

Genre: Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-4621-1052-0

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Based on doctrinal principles and years of professional experience, counseling real people, this uplifting volume approaches marital intimacy with a genuine desire to help couples. Learn to lovingly discuss your physical relationship with your spouse, identify false worldly ideas about sex, and reconcile your differing perspectives. Informative and engaging, this book will answer all your questions as you learn to truly become one.

Review

A quick personal history: My parents divorced when I was 18 and are now each on their third marriages. My husband’s parents divorced when he was seven, his mother remarried, and his father divorced his third wife shortly before we met. By this time, both of us were frustrated with seeing marriages fail.

We were engaged within three weeks of our first kiss (yes, that was fast) but we ended up having a nine month engagement. During that time we spent almost all of our non-kissing time talking about everything we could think of before tying the knot. We wanted to know as much about each other as we could before entering marriage. We gave each other “outs,” saying if we weren’t committed to making this marriage work, we could end it all right then and move on with our lives.

Today we are celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary. Two homes, three jobs, and four kids later, we are still going strong. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but I believe the reason we have overcome these struggles so well is because we talk to each other about everything. Mutual respect and devotion to each other has resulted in what both of us consider a happy marriage. (Note: I removed the “very” before that happy because my hubby is right – there is always room for improvement.)

I am so glad I agreed to review Real Intimacy. I’ve connected with and related to more in this book than any other marriage book I’ve read.

Each section is set up with an in-depth look at the topic, a “Nuts and Bolts” overview (for those who just want to read the basics), and follow-up questions for self-evaluation and discussion with your spouse. I enjoyed reading in-depth, while my husband (who isn’t a big reader) appreciated the “Nuts and Bolts” overview. I thought that we knew each other pretty well after all of our talking these past 16+ years, but several of the discussion questions at the end of each section covered new ground for us.

Even more importantly, I am glad to have this book for my children. My oldest is almost 15, counting down to getting her driver’s permit and not really thinking about marriage yet. In just a few short years, that will change. I appreciate how the authors clarify that there are many levels and aspects to intimacy, that sexual intimacy is only one part of that, and that sexuality is a gift from our Heavenly Father with the power to bond husband and wife together as well as create life.

I love how the authors clarify that a woman’s virtue and purity doesn’t change or disappear after marriage. Here is a quote from that section:

We teach our young girls to be pure and virtuous, which they should be, but don’t discuss with them how pure and virtuous they will continue to be within the confines of an intimate, marital relationship. Their virtue doesn’t change, it becomes enhanced with the added ability to create life as well as bring “life” to the relationship with their husband.

Real Intimacy covers all four aspects of intimacy: physical, emotional, sexual and spiritual. It also covers the basics of human anatomy (“Sex Ed 101”) and later, the differences in the way men and women’s brains function. The authors don’t shy away from addressing other topics such as husband and wife acting as stewards of their sex life and decided together what specifically is okay or not okay, as well as pornography, internet infidelity, sexual disorders, and when to get professional help.

In the last few years I have witnessed more than one marriage struggle and fail because of neither the husband nor wife understood the concepts addressed in this book. I appreciate the upfront and direct way that the authors address intimacy and sexuality, not as something to be embarrassed about or ashamed of, but as a sacred gift from Heavenly Father to be appreciated and enjoyed.

I wanted to include this excerpt from the back cover:

This book will teach you how to:

  • lovingly discuss your physical relationship with your spouse
  • resolve your divinely different masculine and feminine perspectives
  • overcome guilt from past transgressions
  • identify and counter false worldly ideas about sex
  • physically cherish your partner over the course of a lifetime into eternity
I highly recommend Real Intimacy to all married or soon-to-be married couples. Intimacy is a precious part of any relationship, and even more so in marriage where a couple is able to experience a level of intimacy found nowhere else. It’s worth the time and effort to protect and develop every aspect of intimacy in marriage, and Real Intimacy is an excellent resource for married couples in all stages of life.
To learn more about Real Intimacy and the authors, visit the website HERE.

Find Real Intimacy on:  

GOODREADS | AMAZON | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK

Defined by Christ by Toni Sorenson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Aug 192012
 

Defined by Christ: Seeing Yourself Through the Eyes of the Savior

Author: Toni Sorenson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: August 2010

Hardcover; 147 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-59811-969-5

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: borrowed from the library

Summary

So many of us stretch our faces with smiles wide enough to mask the pain we hide. So many of us go through the motions, attending church, giving service, nurturing our families, learning and doing, while inside we feel empty, broken, doubtful, and even guilty for the way we feel. We tell ourselves that if we’d only work harder, we would somehow earn the blessings of peace, security, and unconditional love that we hunger for. But are we ever wrong! Simply by the virtue of being a child of God, each of us is already loved beyond comprehension, without boundaries or conditions. Yet sadly, many of us leave this heavenly gift unopened. Using the scriptures, words of prophets, insightful analogies, and stories drawn from poignant personal experiences, author Toni Sorenson illuminates the pathway toward opening this gift of divine love and finding lasting peace even amidst the shadows and storms of life. As we come to focus on God’s goodness rather than our own weakness, we will recognize our own infinite worth, develop confidence in the plan of happiness, strengthen our ability to identify and overcome the lies of Satan, discover the power within us to find wholeness and help others heal, and experience for ourselves how good trumps evil. No matter what our disappointment of failure or loss may be, allowing ourselves to be defined by Christ will lift us out of the darkness and into His light.

Review

Shortly after I started working with my trainer last year, she recommended that I read Defined by Christ. It had changed her life during an incredibly stressful and discouraging time. With all of the books on my to-read list, I never got around to reading it. However, since I was lucky enough to interview Toni Sorenson for Utah Book Month, I moved it to the top of the list.

Too often we place the value of ourselves on things or situations we can’t control and people whose opinions don’t really matter. It’s easy to lose confidence when we allow ourselves to be defined by these things that are changing, unpredictable and flawed. When I was younger I tried so hard to be what I thought everyone else wanted me to be while struggling to remain true to myself. It was an impossible goal and I failed all around. As I grew older and closer to my Savior, I realized many of the truths that Toni shares in Defined by Christ.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

In the Doctrine and Covenants we are told, “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10). We are not told to learn that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. We are not told to understand. We are told to remember. That can mean only one thing: at some point we knew our worth in the sight of God. (page 19)

I never thought of that scripture in that way until now.

God would not have sacrificed His Son to save us if these two principles wer not true: (1) We need saving; and (2) We are worth saving. (page 68)

I love this truth!

We cannot trust others to determine our worth. We can’t even trust ourselves to determine our worth. We have to train ourselves to listen, believe, and act on the only voice that matters–Christ’s voice. (page 72)

At 147 pages, Defined by Christ is a fairly quick read, but you’ll want your own copy to highlight and refer back to when you are feeling doubtful or discouraged. When I told my trainer about my interview with Toni Sorenson, she shared with me that she had just dropped off a copy to a friend who needed it.

As a woman, I know that we can be way too hard and critical of ourselves, often doubting our abilities and our worth. While I highly recommend Defined by Christ to all women, anyone would benefit from reading it. I am going to purchase my own copy and let my daughter read it. As a young woman, she is still trying to discover who she is. I want her to never doubt who she is–a precious daughter of our Heavenly Father who loves her and values her more than she can possibly comprehend.

Find Defined by Christ: GOODREADS | AMAZON | KINDLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

 

 

A Glimpse of Heaven by JoAnna Oblander – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews, Special Features
Jul 312012
 

A Glimpse of Heaven

Author: JoAnna Oblander

Publisher: Sweetwater Books/Cedar Fort

Published Date: January 2012

Softcover/Kindle; 111 pages

Genre: Religious Non-fiction

ISBN# 978-1-59955-976-6

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Through both personal and spiritual experiences, JoAnna Lynn Oblander guides us to a deeper understanding of our heavenly home. Shared within the covers of this book are experiences and insights that will convince you of God’s great love for each of His children, His desire to be a daily part of our lives, and that each of us has come to earth to fulfill a unique and important purpose.

First Line

“At day’s end I sat on my bed overcome with convulsive tears.”

Review

A Glimpse of Heaven opens with the author, in the depths of despair, praying her last prayer after planning to commit suicide the next day. That night, as she slept, an angel came to her. She followed the angel and the experience that followed affected her greatly. She still struggled, felt pain and suffered with depression, however her perspective of the purpose of her life was forever changed.

As I read A Glimpse of Heaven, several of my own experiences were confirmed to me. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believe in personal revelation. JoAnna shares her experiences with personal revelation in regard to her children, her husband’s career, and her physical and mental health.

More than anything else, the author’s message in A Glimpse of Heaven is of Heavenly Father’s unconditional love and support of each one of His children. Below are some quotes from the book that I really liked:

“Eternal truth is just that — eternal. It never goes away, and it never changes.”

“God is unwavering in His sameness ad His adherence to eternal truth. Put simply, this means that God’s laws will never change. It also means that He will always continue to know us, love us, and succor us — and He will always do it perfectly.”

“We were of infinite value and were loved unconditionally there, and we are of infinite value and are loved unconditionally here. In my Supreme Father’s eyes, my value does not hinge on my pocketbook or possessions. I am loved without reservation regardless of my choices, failures, or successes. (Note that we are loved unconditionally; we are not blessed unconditionally.)” (pages 100, 101)

I like that last line. Too often I think we attach love to perceived blessings, and if things don’t go our way we or we don’t get the blessings we think we deserve that Heavenly Father must not love us.

The last week or so, the necessity of FAITH has been made apparent to me in several ways. A Glimpse of Heaven carries a clear message of the importance of FAITH in Heavenly Father’s plan and love for us. I was brought to tears more than once, especially near the end of the book.

This book is not about whether or not you believe the author experienced what she shares with readers, it’s about believing in our divinity, our purpose here on earth, and immeasurable worth to our Father in Heaven. At just over 100 pages long, A Glimpse of Heaven is a fast read and one you will want to reach for whenever you are struggling and need a reminder that you are a valuable and irreplaceable child of God.

Find A Glimpse of Heaven on: GOODREADS | AMAZON | KINDLE | SEAGULL BOOK

 

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