2006 Books of the Month

January 2006
When the Soul Listens
By Jan Johnson

Jan Johnson encourages readers to get away from the formulas and ten-step plans to discover true contemplative prayer. Readers will discover that listening to God and learning to interact with Him through prayer is the real answer to a deeper relationship with Him. Jan leads readers to transform their outward behavior in order to cultivate their inner life. For those who are disillusioned, searching for something that makes sense, or experiencing spiritual dryness, "When The Soul Listens" offers a clear path to a fulfilling connection with God. Jan uses simple directions and real life examples.

February 2006
The Life You've Always Wanted
By John Ortberg

The heart of Christianity is transformation—a relationship with God that impacts not just our “spiritual lives,” but every aspect of living. John Ortberg calls readers back to the dynamic heartbeat of Christianity—God’s power to bring change and growth—and reveals both the how and why of transformation. But this is more than just a book about things to do to be a good Christian. It’s a road map toward true transformation that starts not with the individual but with the object of the journey—Jesus Christ. As with a marathon runner, the secret to winning the race lies not in trying harder, but in training consistently—training with the spiritual disciplines. The disciplines are neither taskmasters nor an end in themselves. Rather they are exercises that build strength and endurance for the road of growth. The fruit of the Spirit—joy, peace, kindness, etc.—are the signposts along the way. Paved with humor and sparkling anecdotes, The Life You’ve Always Wanted is an encouraging and challenging approach to a Christian life that’s worth living—a life on the edge that fills an ordinary world with new meaning, hope, change, and joy.

March 2006
25 Ways to Win With People
By John C. Maxwell and Les Parrott, Ph.D.

You've read John Maxwell's best-selling Winning with People, and now you're ready for some specific action steps to build on the knowledge you gained. 25 Ways to Win With People has just what you need!

A small sampling of the twenty-five specific actions readers can take to build positive, healthy relationships includes:

• Complimenting People in Front of Others
• Creating a Memory and Visiting It Often
• Encouraging the Dreams of Others

We all have people in our lives that we wish we had better relationships with. This book will give you to tools you need to know how to begin.

April 2006
The Purpose Driven Life
By Rick Warren

The spiritual premise in The Purpose-Driven Life is that there are no accidents---God planned everything and everyone. Therefore, every human has a divine purpose, according to God's master plan. Like a twist on John F. Kennedy's famous inaugural address, this book could be summed up like this: "So my fellow Christians, ask not what God can do for your life plan, ask what your life can do for God's plan. The book is set up to be a 40-day immersion plan, recognizing that the Bible favors the number 40 as a "spiritually significant time," according to author Rick Warren, the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, touted as one of the nation largest congregations. Warren's hope is that readers will "interact" with the 40 chapters, reading them one day at a time, with extensive underlining and writing in the margins. As an inspirational manifesto for creating a more worshipful, church-driven life, this book delivers. Every page is laden with references to scripture or dogma. Nonetheless, this is probably an excellent resource for devout Christians who crave a jumpstart back to worshipfulness. --Gail Hudson

May 2006
Tender Mercy for a Mother's Soul
By Angela Thomas Guffey

Sometimes moms get so caught up in caring for their families that they forget to care for their own souls. That's why they need the encouragement and direction they'll find in Tender Mercy for a Mother's Soul. Filled with solid teaching, heartwarming illustrations, and practical ideas for growing in a daily personal walk with Jesus, this captivating hardcover book will connect with moms in a very personal way. It will motivate even the busiest mom to take the time to nurture her own soul spending time with the Lord.

June 2006
What a Daughter Needs from Her Dad
By Michael Farris

What Special Role Does a Dad Play in His Daughter's Life?  She may be daddy's little girl today. But what about the years to come? Will you continue to be an important voice of influence, helping her to realize all the potential placed in her by God?

What a Daughter Needs From Her Dad pulls no punches, offering simple yet powerful techniques to help you be the kind of dad your daughter desperately needs. Michael Farris's insights will give you day-to-day strategies that can build character and spiritual strength in your growing daughter from infancy through the turbulent teen years and on into adulthood. Instead of glossing over common father-daughter conflicts that may arise, Farris offers solid, practical advice on issues including: choosing the right friends, setting spiritual goals, preparing for future career choices, and courtship and marriage.

July 2006
Living the Resurrection
By Eugene Peterson

Eugene Peterson --- pastor, scholar and translator of The Message Bible --- believes that after you encounter the resurrection of Jesus, everything changes. When the resurrection becomes the center of your spiritual formation, then you are brought to a place of renewal in your walk with God.

He writes: "These days, the secular world around us is giving considerable attention to Sabbath-keeping. Corporations have discovered its benefits in health, relationships, and even in productivity in the workplace. Articles and books are showing up touting the wonderful returns that come from rest, from breaking workaholic compulsions, and so forth. All this may be true. But that's not why we keep the Sabbath. We are not primarily interested in a longer life or emotional maturity or a better golf game. We're interested in God and Christ being formed in us. We're interested in spiritual formation-by-resurrection."

Overall, LIVING THE RESURRECTION is an extremely well-written and thought-provoking book that pushes readers beyond spiritual insights and into the realm of spiritual formation. Peterson pokes, prods and uncovers the heart issues behind the way we live our lives and invites us to come into a deeper life --- one rooted and fueled by Christ alone. This is a wonderful resource for Easter, and its insights and wisdom should be embraced year-round.

Graham Cooke is a speaker & author who lives in Vacaville, California where he is part of the leadership team at The Mission, formerly known as Vacaville Christian Life Centre. Graham has been involved in ministry since 1974 and is a popular conference speaker. He also acts as a consultant to churches going through a period of transition to the next level of their corporate call. He is responsible for a series of training events involving intimacy, warfare, leadership development and the internationally acclaimed School of Prophecy.

Graham examines different aspects of spirituality from slightly unusual angles. These books are filled with practical guidance in the form of prayers, exercises, actions, and meditations. Eight books are available:  Hiddeness and Manifestation, Crafted Prayer, The Nature of God, Beholding and Becoming, Towards a Powerful Inner Life, The Language of Promise, God's Keeping Power, Living in Dependency and Wonder.

All eight books will be available in the church library for you to take out one at a time. 

September 2006
The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind
By Bill Johnson

Moving in the spiritual realm should be as much a part of a believer’s routine as prayer, worship and reading Scripture. Yet all too often, Christians practice an intellectual faith, which lacks any supernatural punch. Healing, deliverance and signs and wonders are an inheritance for all followers of Jesus Christ. The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind teaches you how to remove the blinders of religious limitation to redeem the lost and transform communities. You too can tap into an abundance of miracle-working authority and unleash the power of God’s glory.

 October  2006
Enjoying the Presence of God
By Jan Johnson

DO YOU ENJOY JUST BEING WITH GOD?

Most Christians could tell you a lot about God. We're familiar with His attributes, His character, His actions, and so on. But do we really know God? Are we comfortable just "wasting" time in His presence?

Enjoying the Presence of God offers simple, tangible insights into practicing God's presence and makes them relevant to ordinary people as they play sports, dig in the garden, or rock a baby. It shows that continual awareness of God is not just for the "super-spiritual," but that anyone can sense His companionship in the mundane, in-between moments of life.

If you're tired of feeling like spending time with God is a chore or performance, Enjoying the Presence of God will give you the opportunity to surrender to His presence and enjoy just being with Him.

"Jan Johnson has expressed so simply and clearly from her own authentic experience how to develop consistent intimacy with God. My relationship with God has been confirmed and renewed. If you're looking for a closer relationship with the Lord, this is a life-changing discovery!"-Archibald Hart, professor of psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary; and Kathleen Hart, chaplain to student wives at Fuller Theological Seminary

 November and December 2006
Through the Gates of Splendor

"Through Gates of Splendor" is once again in the news in light of the movie version, "End of the Spear." Both tell the true story of five young missionaries murdered while establishing a work among the Auca Indians. In this classic telling, Elisabeth Elliot, the wife of one of the murdered missionaries, tells the story from beginning to end. For some, "End of the Spear" jumped into the story in the middle, without the dynamic background of the formation of the team, the motivation of the team, and the unity of the team. Their loss and their surviving relatives' forgiving grace can only be understood in light of this background. Elliot tells the story with great passion--for her husband Jim, for the Auca Indians, and for Christ.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Soul Physicians" and "Spiritual Friends."

2006 Books of the Month

January 2006
When the Soul Listens
By Jan Johnson

Jan Johnson encourages readers to get away from the formulas and ten-step plans to discover true contemplative prayer. Readers will discover that listening to God and learning to interact with Him through prayer is the real answer to a deeper relationship with Him. Jan leads readers to transform their outward behavior in order to cultivate their inner life. For those who are disillusioned, searching for something that makes sense, or experiencing spiritual dryness, "When The Soul Listens" offers a clear path to a fulfilling connection with God. Jan uses simple directions and real life examples.

February 2006
The Life You've Always Wanted
By John Ortberg

The heart of Christianity is transformation—a relationship with God that impacts not just our “spiritual lives,” but every aspect of living. John Ortberg calls readers back to the dynamic heartbeat of Christianity—God’s power to bring change and growth—and reveals both the how and why of transformation. But this is more than just a book about things to do to be a good Christian. It’s a road map toward true transformation that starts not with the individual but with the object of the journey—Jesus Christ. As with a marathon runner, the secret to winning the race lies not in trying harder, but in training consistently—training with the spiritual disciplines. The disciplines are neither taskmasters nor an end in themselves. Rather they are exercises that build strength and endurance for the road of growth. The fruit of the Spirit—joy, peace, kindness, etc.—are the signposts along the way. Paved with humor and sparkling anecdotes, The Life You’ve Always Wanted is an encouraging and challenging approach to a Christian life that’s worth living—a life on the edge that fills an ordinary world with new meaning, hope, change, and joy.

March 2006
25 Ways to Win With People
By John C. Maxwell and Les Parrott, Ph.D.

You've read John Maxwell's best-selling Winning with People, and now you're ready for some specific action steps to build on the knowledge you gained. 25 Ways to Win With People has just what you need!

A small sampling of the twenty-five specific actions readers can take to build positive, healthy relationships includes:

• Complimenting People in Front of Others
• Creating a Memory and Visiting It Often
• Encouraging the Dreams of Others

We all have people in our lives that we wish we had better relationships with. This book will give you to tools you need to know how to begin.

April 2006
The Purpose Driven Life
By Rick Warren

The spiritual premise in The Purpose-Driven Life is that there are no accidents---God planned everything and everyone. Therefore, every human has a divine purpose, according to God's master plan. Like a twist on John F. Kennedy's famous inaugural address, this book could be summed up like this: "So my fellow Christians, ask not what God can do for your life plan, ask what your life can do for God's plan. The book is set up to be a 40-day immersion plan, recognizing that the Bible favors the number 40 as a "spiritually significant time," according to author Rick Warren, the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, touted as one of the nation largest congregations. Warren's hope is that readers will "interact" with the 40 chapters, reading them one day at a time, with extensive underlining and writing in the margins. As an inspirational manifesto for creating a more worshipful, church-driven life, this book delivers. Every page is laden with references to scripture or dogma. Nonetheless, this is probably an excellent resource for devout Christians who crave a jumpstart back to worshipfulness. --Gail Hudson

May 2006
Tender Mercy for a Mother's Soul
By Angela Thomas Guffey

Sometimes moms get so caught up in caring for their families that they forget to care for their own souls. That's why they need the encouragement and direction they'll find in Tender Mercy for a Mother's Soul. Filled with solid teaching, heartwarming illustrations, and practical ideas for growing in a daily personal walk with Jesus, this captivating hardcover book will connect with moms in a very personal way. It will motivate even the busiest mom to take the time to nurture her own soul spending time with the Lord.

June 2006
What a Daughter Needs from Her Dad
By Michael Farris

What Special Role Does a Dad Play in His Daughter's Life?  She may be daddy's little girl today. But what about the years to come? Will you continue to be an important voice of influence, helping her to realize all the potential placed in her by God?

What a Daughter Needs From Her Dad pulls no punches, offering simple yet powerful techniques to help you be the kind of dad your daughter desperately needs. Michael Farris's insights will give you day-to-day strategies that can build character and spiritual strength in your growing daughter from infancy through the turbulent teen years and on into adulthood. Instead of glossing over common father-daughter conflicts that may arise, Farris offers solid, practical advice on issues including: choosing the right friends, setting spiritual goals, preparing for future career choices, and courtship and marriage.

July 2006
Living the Resurrection
By Eugene Peterson

Eugene Peterson --- pastor, scholar and translator of The Message Bible --- believes that after you encounter the resurrection of Jesus, everything changes. When the resurrection becomes the center of your spiritual formation, then you are brought to a place of renewal in your walk with God.

He writes: "These days, the secular world around us is giving considerable attention to Sabbath-keeping. Corporations have discovered its benefits in health, relationships, and even in productivity in the workplace. Articles and books are showing up touting the wonderful returns that come from rest, from breaking workaholic compulsions, and so forth. All this may be true. But that's not why we keep the Sabbath. We are not primarily interested in a longer life or emotional maturity or a better golf game. We're interested in God and Christ being formed in us. We're interested in spiritual formation-by-resurrection."

Overall, LIVING THE RESURRECTION is an extremely well-written and thought-provoking book that pushes readers beyond spiritual insights and into the realm of spiritual formation. Peterson pokes, prods and uncovers the heart issues behind the way we live our lives and invites us to come into a deeper life --- one rooted and fueled by Christ alone. This is a wonderful resource for Easter, and its insights and wisdom should be embraced year-round.

Graham Cooke is a speaker & author who lives in Vacaville, California where he is part of the leadership team at The Mission, formerly known as Vacaville Christian Life Centre. Graham has been involved in ministry since 1974 and is a popular conference speaker. He also acts as a consultant to churches going through a period of transition to the next level of their corporate call. He is responsible for a series of training events involving intimacy, warfare, leadership development and the internationally acclaimed School of Prophecy.

Graham examines different aspects of spirituality from slightly unusual angles. These books are filled with practical guidance in the form of prayers, exercises, actions, and meditations. Eight books are available:  Hiddeness and Manifestation, Crafted Prayer, The Nature of God, Beholding and Becoming, Towards a Powerful Inner Life, The Language of Promise, God's Keeping Power, Living in Dependency and Wonder.

All eight books will be available in the church library for you to take out one at a time. 

September 2006
The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind
By Bill Johnson

Moving in the spiritual realm should be as much a part of a believer’s routine as prayer, worship and reading Scripture. Yet all too often, Christians practice an intellectual faith, which lacks any supernatural punch. Healing, deliverance and signs and wonders are an inheritance for all followers of Jesus Christ. The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind teaches you how to remove the blinders of religious limitation to redeem the lost and transform communities. You too can tap into an abundance of miracle-working authority and unleash the power of God’s glory.

 October  2006
Enjoying the Presence of God
By Jan Johnson

DO YOU ENJOY JUST BEING WITH GOD?

Most Christians could tell you a lot about God. We're familiar with His attributes, His character, His actions, and so on. But do we really know God? Are we comfortable just "wasting" time in His presence?

Enjoying the Presence of God offers simple, tangible insights into practicing God's presence and makes them relevant to ordinary people as they play sports, dig in the garden, or rock a baby. It shows that continual awareness of God is not just for the "super-spiritual," but that anyone can sense His companionship in the mundane, in-between moments of life.

If you're tired of feeling like spending time with God is a chore or performance, Enjoying the Presence of God will give you the opportunity to surrender to His presence and enjoy just being with Him.

"Jan Johnson has expressed so simply and clearly from her own authentic experience how to develop consistent intimacy with God. My relationship with God has been confirmed and renewed. If you're looking for a closer relationship with the Lord, this is a life-changing discovery!"-Archibald Hart, professor of psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary; and Kathleen Hart, chaplain to student wives at Fuller Theological Seminary

 November and December 2006
Through the Gates of Splendor

"Through Gates of Splendor" is once again in the news in light of the movie version, "End of the Spear." Both tell the true story of five young missionaries murdered while establishing a work among the Auca Indians. In this classic telling, Elisabeth Elliot, the wife of one of the murdered missionaries, tells the story from beginning to end. For some, "End of the Spear" jumped into the story in the middle, without the dynamic background of the formation of the team, the motivation of the team, and the unity of the team. Their loss and their surviving relatives' forgiving grace can only be understood in light of this background. Elliot tells the story with great passion--for her husband Jim, for the Auca Indians, and for Christ.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Soul Physicians" and "Spiritual Friends."