Tackett's Top Five Marriage Books

In a recent post for ChristianityToday.com—the Web site for Christianity Today magazine—Charles W. Tackett, CEO of PursuingHeart.com, listed his top five marriage books. Included as the fourth book on his list is Sexual Intimacy in Marriage, published by Kregel Publications.

The third edition of the book discusses the basics, like the definition of marriage, and the not-so-basic topics, such as achieving sexual pleasure and biblically "OK" sexual activity. This highly acclaimed, medically and biblically accurate book covers all the bases about sex in marriage with a sensitivity and frankness that every couple will appreciate.

Congratulations to Melanie Dobson, author of The Black Cloister!

ForeWord magazine has just announced the winners of their annual Book of the Year Awards for 2009, and among the Gold winners is The Black Cloister: A Novel by Melanie Dobson (Kregel Publications, 978-0-8254-2443-4, $13.99). The purpose of the awards program is to discover distinctive books across a variety of genres.


About The Black Cloister:

The Black Cloister: A Novel (Fiction-Religious)
by Melanie Dobson (978-0-8254-2443-4)

On Elise Friedman's eighth birthday, she lost her mother and any connection to her mysterious past. Raised by her loving stepfather, Elise has spent years trying to learn the truth about her mother, Catrina, and her birth family in Germany, but still knows very little. Now a young woman in college, Elise is traveling to her homeland of Germany to uncover her family's past, but what she finds is much more harrowing than she ever suspected.

Faith Like Potatoes Film Edition Goes to Press

Kregel Publications and Monarch Books are pleased to announce the release of the new movie edition of the popular and inspirational book Faith Like Potatoes: The Story of a Farmer Who Risked Everything for God (978-0-8254-6335-8) Made and released in South Africa in 2006, the movie, also titled Faith Like Potatoes, is inspired by the story told in the original edition of the book. The movie is now available in the North American market for the first time through a DVD released earlier this month by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Faith Like Potatoes is the true story of Angus Buchan--a tough, straightforward South African farmer whose gentle but uncompromising faith has carried him through drought, financial crisis, and family tragedy. When an impending El Niño drought threatened to devastate his country, this faith moved him to dramatic action. A South African crowd stared in stunned silence as he proclaimed to them, "This year we are going to plant potatoes!" They thought he was crazy. But, despite their reluctance, Buchan believed the promises of God. He had a faith like potatoes--a "real, tangible faith that will sustain us every day." Faith Like Potatoes has sold 40,000 copies in the English edition during its first year of publication.

The new film edition of the book features a scene from the movie on the cover and will include two sections of color stills inside the book. This new edition will be released in May 2009, and will be available to all book retailers. The original Faith Like Potatoes is still currently available through Kregel Publications, and will continue to be available as long as supplies last.

ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Awards Name Four Kregel Titles as Finalists

Kregel Publications is excited to announce that four of their titles from this past year have been selected as finalists in the 2008 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards. The purpose of the awards program is to discover distinctive books across a variety of genres.

According to the ForeWord Web site, “More than 1,400 books were entered in 61 categories. These were narrowed to 668 finalists from 376 publishers. These books represent some of the best work coming from today's independent press community.” The winning titles are chosen based on editorial excellence, professional production, originality of the narrative, author credentials relative to the book, and the value the book adds to its genre. Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners, as well as Editor's Choice Prizes for Fiction and Nonfiction will be announced at a special program at BookExpo America at the Javits Center in New York City on May 29, 2009.

The finalists from Kregel Publications include:

An Irishwoman’s Tale: A Novel (Fiction-General)
by Patti Lacy (978-0-8254-2987-3)
Mary Freeman's life has taken her a long way from a family that didn't want her, and a long way from her Irish home, to the Midwest United States. Now married with two teenage daughters, Mary's loneliness and torment are as acute as ever. It takes a crisis in her daughter's life—and the encouragement of Sally, a plucky Southern transplant—to propel Mary back to the rocky cliffs of her home in County Clare, Ireland.


The Black Cloister: A Novel (Fiction-Religious)
by Melanie Dobson (978-0-8254-2443-4)
On Elise Friedman's eighth birthday, she lost her mother and any connection to her mysterious past. Raised by her loving stepfather, Elise has spent years trying to learn the truth about her mother, Catrina, and her birth family in Germany, but still knows very little. Now a young woman in college, Elise is traveling to her homeland of Germany to uncover her family's past, but what she finds is much more harrowing than she ever suspected.


I’m Not Crazy, But I Might Be a Carrier: Infectious Inspiration from Comedian Charles Marshall (Humor)
by Charles Marshall (978-0-8254-3419-8)
Charles Marshall is a comic expert on daily living, because life is crazy and so is he. More than a decade of experience in comedy has given Marshall a quick wit and sharp edge, and his love of God and people has cultured a warm heart. He's already shared his outrageous insights with thousands through his syndicated column Laughing Matters, as well as entertaining audiences at hundreds of stand-up performances across the nation. Now his versatile and vibrant humor has been collected in this new book. Each of these hilarious sketches gracefully segues into an encouraging and pertinent Christian message, reassuring readers that life may be a zany ride, but God is at the controls.


Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey (Religion)
by Jonathan Morrow (978-0-8254-3354-2)
In this engaging guide, Jonathan Morrow encourages students to consider and engage the issues they will face in the dorm, on campus, and in the college classroom. Topics vary from dating and friends, classes and homework, to avoiding the temptation to just “check out” spiritually while in school. A great gift idea for the soon-to-be graduate.

KREGEL TITLE GAINS RECOGNITION FROM CHRISTIANITY TODAY

To the Jew First is given an Award of Merit in the 2009 CT Book Awards.

Christianity Today Magazine announced their 2009 Book Award winners this week, and among the Award of Merit recipients in the Apologetics/Evangelism category is To the Jew First: The Case for Jewish Evangelism in Scripture and History (Kregel Academic & Professional 2008), edited by Darrell L. Bock and Mitch Glaser.

To the Jew First is based upon the biblical mandate to take the gospel “to the Jew first.” There has been a renewed effort among Christians to bring the gospel of Jesus to the Jewish community. The book is a comprehensive resource that looks at the historical, theological, and biblical context for doing so, and provides encouragement for Christians and Messianic Jews engaged in evangelism.

Darrell L. Bock is research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. A former president of the Evangelical Theological Society, he is the author of the best-seller Breaking the Da Vinci Code and numerous works in New Testament studies, including Jesus According to Scripture.

Mitch Glaser is the president of Chosen People Ministries. Mitch and his wife, Zhava, are Jewish believers in Jesus and have each labored for more than twenty years in ministry among the Jewish people. Mitch holds a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies.

For two decades, the Christianity Today Book Awards have drawn attention to books that illuminate people, events, and ideas that play a pivotal role in shaping evangelical life, thought, and mission. According to a CT press release, this year’s judging process began with 436 titles from 67 publishers, and was narrowed down to ten winners and eleven notable Award of Merit winners.

In response to the news of the award, Kregel publisher Dennis Hillman said, “To the Jew First has received a well-deserved honor, and we are thrilled to have partnered with Darrell and Mitch to produce this needed resource. Our hope is that this book will achieve its purpose: to equip Christians to share the good news of Messiah’s coming with the Jewish people.”

Videos that Rebuild Families

Author, step-parenting expert, and author of the Rebuilding Families Web site Maxine Marsolini wants to encourage step-parents to take the next step in making your family experience the best it can be. She says, "When husbands and wives, parents and children, stepparents with blended families, and the long list of relatives important to every household member are able to harmonize, the load is lighter. Sometimes we all need a little coaching to find the next fresh idea and move away from cycles that are hurtful and tiring."

In an effort to help families grow and flourish in 2009, Maxine is incorporating webTV video content to her ministry. "WebTV gives me the privilege of uploading program content in short 5–15 minute segments," Maxine says. "It also allows you to access that content when it is most convenient for you from your computer or Web-based phone. As of January 5, you can visit 'Women of the Word' or 'WebTV4Women'and select the program you'd like to see and hear. Doing family well is so important. Think forward. What values do you one day want your children to leave home with? Those values are built today. The best part is they promise to strengthen tomorrow."

Blended families are becoming more common in today's society. Regardless of the circumstances, children often experience deep feelings of hurt, anger, and depression when two families join together. In Maxine's book Raising Children in Blended Families—a book focused on children from blended homes—she uses her experience in a blended family as well as advice from recognized experts to teach the art of stepparenting.

About Maxine . . .

Maxine Marsolini is an author, speaker, pastor's wife, and member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Together with her husband, Charlie, they are a blended family with seven children, which makes her a valued resource for stepfamilies. Maxine's articles have appeared in magazines such as Decision, Lifewise, Bible Advocate, and Whispers from Heaven.

Brand New Fall 2008 New Release Catalog Now Available!

ATTENTION MEDIA: Click below to access our brand new seasonal new release catalog!

Instructions for downloading & printing the flyer and/or order form:

1. View the catalog below by clicking the back and forward arrows (13 pages, total).
2. To print the catalog and/or order form (page 13), click on the down arrow next to "iPaper".
3. If you would like to download the PDF version to view and/or print, click HERE.
4. If you have questions or problems viewing, please e-mail us.

Fall 2008 New Releases Catalog

Get your own at Scribd or explore others: Business Health art catalog

Christian Comedian Charles Marshall talks about the use of Automatic External Defibrillators

If you cannot view the video below, please click here to see it.


Catch Charles at any of his upcoming shows:

• November 20—Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce, Charlottesville, VA
• November 22—Salem Baptist Church, McDonough, GA
• December 2—First Baptist Church of Fort Smith, Fort Smith, AR
• December 5—Cobb Engineering Company, Oklahoma City, OK
• December 6—Long-Lewis Ford of the Shoals, Muscle Shoals, AL
• December 7—Foothills Church, El Cajon, CA
• December 8—Family Community Church, San Jose, CA
• December 13—The Bank of Elk River, Rogers, MN
• December 14—Hillcrest Church of the Nazarene, Vancouver, WA
• December 17—Grove City Church of the Nazarene, Grove City, OH
• December 20—Commercial Bank, Harrogate, TN
• December 22—Shadowbrook Church, Suwanee, GA
• December 28—Grace Assembly of God, Spring City, PA
• December 31—Westview Baptist Church, Opp, AL

Charles Marshall began his career on stage as a singer/songwriter. When his singing voice gave out, he turned to stand-up comedy and was much more successful. He is now a nationally syndicated Christian humor columnist and has contributed to Focus on the Family magazine. He is the author of Shattering the Glass Slipper: Destroying Fairy Tale Thinking Before It Destroys You and has filmed two stand-up comedy videos, I'm Just Sayin' and Fully Animated.

His new book I'm Not Crazy, but I Might Be a Carrier: Infectious Inspiration from Comedian Charles Marshall is now available, just about anywhere that books are sold.

ABOUT THE BOOK . . .
Charles Marshall is a comic expert on daily living, because life is crazy and so is he. More than a decade of experience in comedy has given Marshall a quick wit and sharp edge, and his love of God and people has cultured a warm heart. He's already shared his outrageous insights with thousands through his syndicated column "Laughing Matters", as well as entertaining audiences at hundreds of stand-up performances across the nation. Now his versatile and vibrant humor has been collected in this new book. Each of these hilarious sketches gracefully segues into an encouraging and pertinent Christian message, reassuring readers that life may be a zany ride, but God is at the controls.

For more information, or to book Charles at your church, business, or school, please contact us!

Pastor & Author Jonathan Morrow talks about how college students can maintain their faith

How can Christian college students stand firm for their faith? Can the Bible be trusted? Does God exist and why is He silent sometimes? Why is there evil in the world? Can Christians drink? What role does sex play in the life of a single Christian college student?

Pastor and author Jonathan Morrow answers these and many other tough questions in his book Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey. Morrow was interviewed about his highly acclaimed book over the weekend on Apologetics.com's radio program which aired on KKLA in Los Angeles.

The Apologetics.com Web site says, "Receiving endorsement from the likes of Drs. J.P. Moreland and William Lane Craig, Welcome to College is a superb guide for Christians who desire to live a 'life of apprenticeship' in their most formative years. Tune in as host Rich Park, special guest Joshua Paul, and author Jonathan Morrow discuss and describe these important issues."

Click here to listen to the interview!

Jonathan Morrow spent his college years at a large state school. In between classes and hanging out with friends, he ministered to fraternities and sororities and served with Campus Crusade. Jonathan recently graduated with an M.Div. and an M.A. in philosophy of religion and ethics from Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, CA. Jonathan lives with his wife and son in Tennessee.

For more information, visit Morrow's Web site: www.thinkchristianly.org.

His book Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey (Kregel 2008) is an engaging guide that encourages students to consider and engage the issues they will face in the dorm, on campus, and in the college classroom. “What will you do with your life?” In college, whether we know it or not, we answer this question every day with each decision. That’s why it’s important for students to know how they will handle college before they find themselves in the thick of it. College is a great time, with new friends and new experiences, but it is also a time that will shape the future of every student there.

Brand New Spring/Summer New Release Catalog Now Available!

ATTENTION MEDIA: Click below to access our brand new seasonal new release catalog!

Instructions for downloading & printing the flyer and/or order form:

1. View the catalog below by clicking the back and forward arrows (13 pages, total).
2. To print the catalog and/or order form (page 13), click on the down arrow next to "iPage".
3. If you would like to download the PDF version to view and/or print, click HERE.
4. If you have questions or problems viewing, please e-mail us.
   

Spring/Summer 2008 New Releases from Kregel Publications - Upload a Document to Scribd

Q & A with Christy Barritt—Author of the Sqeaky Clean Mystery Series

Q: Tell us about your newest novel Suspicious Minds.

A: In Suspicious Minds, crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire takes a mold remediation job to make ends meet. While in the crawlspace of a dilapidated old house, she finds Elvis—dead and still wearing his blue suede shoes! Gabby can’t resist sticking her nose into another investigation. Along the way, she tries to figure out her love life, her spiritual life and the wacky world of Elvis impersonators!

Q: Where did you get the idea for Suspicious Minds?

A: I’ve been writing for my local newspaper for five years now. One interview I did was with an Elvis impersonator (or, an Elvis Tribute Artist, as I was quickly informed) performing at a senior citizens’ center. I had no idea what to expect before I went. After I finished the interview (and I’ve had easier times getting interviews with senators than I did with this guy after his show), the president of his fan club came running after me as I walked to my car. She presented me with an autographed picture of him. I thought, this man has a fan club? The ideas spun from there.

Q: Your book touches on the issues of loneliness and abandonment. Is this something that you’ve dealt with?

A: In some ways, the more I write, the lonelier I become. Writing is such a solitary job and best writing times are often my worst times of isolation. I struggle with being alone and feeling unconnected. For my mental well-being, I make sure I get out of the house several times during the week. Sometimes I’ll take my computer to Starbucks and work there. Other times, I’ll participate in different “mommy groups.” It takes effort, though. I’m a more effective writer if I’m out and among people. But, as the book points out, you can be surrounded by people and still be lonely.

Q: I heard you’re doing some local Mystery Dinner Theaters featuring characters from your book. Can you tell us more about that?

A: I’m so excited! The way everything has come together for the Suspicious Minds Mystery Dinner Theater is truly because of a Higher Power. I had the crazy idea to write a mystery dinner theater for the release of my book. But doors began opening up and it’s evolved into something much bigger. I actually have a troupe of actors who are willing to perform the play several times in the summer and once a month after that. Churches, libraries, schools and clubs are hosting the event—they’re in charge of the food and advertising. Any donations for the event will go directly toward whatever project they’d like. The actors will come in and act, giving them an outlet for their talents. And I’ll sell my book afterward, a portion of the proceeds going toward whatever cause is featured. It’s going to be a blast! We still have some dates open. If anyone is interested, they can email me at cebarritt@yahoo.com for more information.

Q: Do you ever find it hard to balance being a mom and writing?

A: Definitely! But I’m learning to trust my gut to know when I’m off-balance. Then I need to take time to evaluate how I’m spending my hours. Life is constantly a process of learning, changing and adjusting!

Q: What’s next for you?

A: I’m writing the third book in the Squeaky Clean Mystery series. Gabby, of course, has to get into some more trouble! But she also explores her relationships… from friendships, to romance, to God. She has some unresolved issues from her past that she needs to lay to rest. And, of course, she has crime scenes to clean!

Visit Christy’s website www.christybarritt.com for more information!

The Charles Marshall Comedy Blog Tour Continues . . .

As the Charles Marshall I'm Not Crazy, But I Might Be a Carrier blog tour continues, here are some additional stops you may want to check out:

• Reviews by Jewelz
• Finding Hope Through Christian Fiction
• Woven by Words
• Loves to Read
• Jeanie's Heavenly Treasures
• My Book Reviews
• The Book Tour Spot

Christian Comedian Charles Marshall Begins Blog Tour

Christian funny man Charles Marshall begins his blog tour on Friday (August 15), talking with bloggers about his comedic ministry and the release of his new book I'm Not Crazy, But I Might Be a Carrier (Kregel 2008).

Charles began his career on stage as a singer/songwriter. When his singing voice gave out, he turned to stand-up comedy and was much more successful. He is now a nationally syndicated Christian humor columnist and has contributed to Focus on the Family magazine. He is the author of Shattering the Glass Slipper: Destroying Fairy Tale Thinking Before It Destroys You and has filmed two stand-up comedy videos, I'm Just Sayin' and Fully Animated.

His new book I'm Not Crazy, but I Might Be a Carrier: Infectious Inspiration from Comedian Charles Marshall is now available, most anywhere that books are sold.

Current stops on the I'm Not Crazy, But I Might Be a Carrier blog tour include:

Mimi's Pixie Corner
Bibliophile's Retreat by ForstRose
Novel Spotlight
Upon Reflection
Books, Movies, and Chinese Food
Ponderings from My Heart
Another Road to Ramble
Deena's A Peek at My Bookshelf
I Need to Read
Window to My World
My Life
Corn Husker's Academy
A Book Lover
Christy's Book Blog
Reviews by Heidi
Write by Faith
His Reading List
Creative Madness that Makes Me Myself
Lynnae's Bookshelf
Book Junkie Confessions
Great Reads from Jasmine
Heart for God
Critty Joy
Christian Work at Home
Carolyn's Serenity
Faith Webbin
Todd's Straitjacket Chillers
So Many Books . . .
Iz it Jo Reading
Sparks of Lava
Stifled Scream
Daughter of the King
Laura Williams' Musings
A Spacious Place
Books Galore
Seven Dogs and a Baby
Cece Lane
The Blog Tour Spot
Sunny Island Breezes
Incurable Disease of Writing
Somewhat Official Woodside Bible Blog
Bow of Bronze
Christian Fiction
Can See God
Word Up!
Quiverfullfamily
4 the LOVE of BOOKS
There is a Season
Rhonda's Beach Reads
I Don't Wanna Blog
Cathi's Chatter
Faith-Walkin
Private Reflections
Bookmark Cafe
Froggy Reviews
Wandering, Wonderings of a Whacked-out Woman
Open Book
My Book Reviews


ABOUT THE BOOK . . .
Charles Marshall is a comic expert on daily living, because life is crazy and so is he. More than a decade of experience in comedy has given Marshall a quick wit and sharp edge, and his love of God and people has cultured a warm heart. He's already shared his outrageous insights with thousands through his syndicated column "Laughing Matters", as well as entertaining audiences at hundreds of stand-up performances across the nation. Now his versatile and vibrant humor has been collected in this new book. Each of these hilarious sketches gracefully segues into an encouraging and pertinent Christian message, reassuring readers that life may be a zany ride, but God is at the controls.


For more information on Charles and his comedic ministry visit www.charlesmarshallcomedy.com!

New Fiction Book Trailer: AN IRISHWOMAN'S TALE

AN IRISHWOMAN'S TALE: A Novel
by Patti Lacy
978-0-8254-2987-3
$13.99p · 320 pages · FICTION/Christian/General
Release date: July 2008

Available Now!

Mary Freeman's life has taken her a long way from a family that didn't want her, and a long way from her Irish home, to the Midwest United States. Now married with two teenage daughters, Mary's loneliness and torment are as acute as ever. It takes a crisis in her daughter's life—and the encouragement of a plucky Southern friend—to propel Mary back to the rocky cliffs of her home in County Clare, Ireland.






Patti Lacy graduated from Baylor University in 1977 with a B.S. in education. She taught at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois, until she retired in 2006 to pursue writing full time. She has two grown children with her husband, Alan, and lives in Illinois.

Wisdom for the College-Bound

Monday's Point of View radio program focused on issues that college students face as they attempt to remain Christian on their college campuses. Host Kerby Anderson talked with author and philosopher J. Budziszewski, as well as pastor and Kregel author Jonathan Morrow. The two-hour program dedicated both hours to dealing with the different philosophies, religions, worldviews, and ideas that Christian college students face. During the broadcast, Jonathan Morrow shared insights for parents and students from his book Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey (Kregel 2008), and offers tips for how to survive the college years.

To hear Monday's broadcast, click HERE.

Jonathan Morrow spent his college years at a large state school. In between classes and hanging out with friends, he ministered to fraternities and sororities and served with Campus Crusade. Jonathan recently graduated with an M.Div. and an M.A. in philosophy of religion and ethics from Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, CA. Jonathan lives with his wife and son in Tennessee.


For more information, visit Morrow's Web site: www.thinkchristianly.org.

His book Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey (Kregel 2008) is an engaging guide that encourages students to consider and engage the issues they will face in the dorm, on campus, and in the college classroom. “What will you do with your life?” In college, whether we know it or not, we answer this question every day with each decision. That’s why it’s important for students to know how they will handle college before they find themselves in the thick of it. College is a great time, with new friends and new experiences, but it is also a time that will shape the future of every student there.

Jonathan Morrow tackles the hard questions and tough issues that college raises, such as:

• How do you grow spiritually?
• How do you share your faith in a hostile environment?
• How do you manage your time so that you can study and have fun?
• Are there good reasons to be a Christian?
• How should you view issues like dating and sex as a Christian?

Grounded in his personal experience as well as biblical truth, Morrow writes short, easy to read chapters packed with good advice. Each chapter is summarized into “big ideas” and includes a handy list of related resources.

Featured Author Web Site: Traveling Home by Charlotte Hill & Don Waite

Learn more about the new book Traveling Home: A Young Man's Story of Courage and Faith (by Charlotte Hill & Don Waite) by visiting the book's website. Read news and reviews about the book, read an excerpt, learn more about the authors, find local book signings and events, sign the guestbook, order a copy of the book, and much more!

Click on the image below to be taken directly to the site!

Kregel Fiction Author Signs Books in Her Hometown

Fiction author Melanie Dobson recently took some time to stop into a local coffee shop in her Oregon hometown, to greet fans and sign copies of her most recent book The Black Cloister: A Novel.

































Melanie is an author as well as the owner of the publicity firm Dobson Media. A former corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family, Melanie has worked in the fields of journalism and publicity for more than twelve years. Melanie lives in Oregon with her husband, Jon, and their two adopted daughters, Karly and Kinzel. She is also the author of Together for Good: A Novel.

In The Black Cloister, Elise travels to Germany to unearth the secrets of her late mother’s past, only to find something more horrible than she ever could have suspected.

For more information, be sure to visit www.melaniedobson.com.

Shelly Beach's First Novel, Hallie's Heart, Chosen for Prestigious 2008 Christy Award

Hallie's Heart wins the Christy Award in the Lits category.

The winners of the 2008 Christy Awards were announced Saturday evening, July 12, and Kregel author Shelly Beach, author of Hallie's Heart: A Novel, was among the recipients, winning in the Lits category. The ninth annual Christy Awards banquet was held at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida, prior to the opening of the annual International Christian Retail Show. Beach was in attendance to accept her award.

The well-respected Christy Awards—named in honor of Catherine Marshall's novel Christy—have recognized novelists in several genres of Christian fiction since 1999. Previous winners include Jerry Jenkins, Ted Dekker, Beverly Lewis, Karen Hancock, and Kregel's own Debbie Wilson.

The setting of Hallie's Heart is based on a number of local features from the community in which Beach grew up-Muskegon, MI. Beach's main character, Mona VanderMolen, an antique dealer in a small West Michigan town, is trying to keep her business alive. As Mona faces the uncertainties of her own future, Hallie, her fifteen-year-old niece, suddenly arrives on her doorstep. Guilt-ridden over her sister's drowning several years earlier, Hallie has run off to her aunt's cottage. As the two women work through their problems and learn to forgive, an unfortunate accident threatens to tear them apart once again.

Beach hopes Hallie's Heart will help readers better understand "the message that a loving God stands with open arms, ready to forgive us and accept us, wherever we may be-whether we're a fifteen-year-old teenager struggling with guilt or a middle-aged woman struggling with anger toward her father; and the message that we're responsible for taking steps to restore relationships and forgive those who have wounded us."

Shelly Beach is a Christian communicator who speaks at women's conferences, retreats, seminars, and writers' conferences. She is a college instructor and writing consultant in Michigan, and is also the author of Precious Lord, Take My Hand (Discovery House Publishers, 2007), which was a finalist for the 2008 ECPA Christian Book Awards in the Inspirational & Gift category.

Kregel publisher Dennis Hillman, who also attended the banquet in honor of the Kregel nominee, commented, "We applaud Shelly for producing such exceptional and creative fiction. We are elated that Hallie's Heart is being recognized as the superior work of fiction that it is."

For more information about Shelly Beach, visit her website: www.shellybeachonline.com.

The complete list of 2008 Christy Award nominees can be viewed at www.christyawards.com.

Blood Brothers Blog Tour Today!

The Blood Brothers blog tour starts today!

Author Rick Acker begins his tour of the blog world, today.

Sibling rivalry, black market deals, and a dangerous new wonder drug interrupt Ben Corbin’s plans for early retirement in Blood Brothers—the riveting sequel to Dead Man’s Rule.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Karl and Gunnar Bjornsen have built a pharmaceutical empire from the ground up. Now they are developing a revolutionary new drug, a neural stimulant that increases strength and intelligence, but its potential for success is rapidly destroying them. Warring for control of the company and the drug, Karl sues Gunnar, and Gunnar hires Ben to defend him. But the case involves more than bitter sibling rivalry. Signs of embezzlement, black market deals, and the grisly consequences of the Bjornsens’ new drug begin to emerge. Soon, Ben and his wife, Noelle, find themselves in Norway where the case takes a personal and violent turn.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rick Acker does his best work while traveling, and he pecks out pages every day on the commuter train to his “real job” as a San Francisco attorney. He met his wife, Anette, in their college biology lab when he impressed her with his fish expertise . . . and made the best catch of his life. Rick’s other books include Dead Man’s Rule and the Davis Detectives series for tweens.

Follow the tour by visiting the various links below:

• 4 the Love of Books
• A Mom Speaks
  
• A Peek at My Bookshelf
• Advanced Fiction Writing Blog
• Ashley—A Daughter of a King
• Books, movies, and Chinese Food
• Bookmark Cafe
• Book Splurge
  
• Camy's Loft
• Christy's Book Blog
• Daysong Reflections
• God Uses Broken Vessels
  
• Laura Williams' Musings
• Pam's Private Reflections
  
• Projecting A
• Relz Reviews
  
• Somewhat Official Woodside Bible Blog
  
• Sparks of Lava
• WORD up!

Also, visit the Novel Journey blog to read a recent review with author Rick Acker.

Download the Book Club Reading Guide.

For more information about Rick Acker and his books, visit www.rickacker.com.

Nancy C. Anderson speaks to a women's group about marriage

Click below to visit Nancy C. Anderson's blog and watch as she speaks to a recent retreat group of 300 women about how God saved her marriage.

The Flower of Grass

The Flower of Grass: A Novel
by James E. Robinson
Monarch Books (U. K.) and Kregel Publications (U. S.)




ABOUT THE BOOK: John Allen returns to his Tennessee home after the death of his alcoholic, abusive father. He has been gone 16 years and has become a successful writer, but with major addiction problems of his own. Now he struggles to make amends with his careworn sister and dropout younger brother, and perhaps, to pick up the pieces of his teenage love affair with Jessie. But Jessie has grown tired of waiting for letters that ceased to come and has married. At what cost might their love be rekindled? An exquisitely written, passionate and thoughtful novel, this is a classic love story framing deeper themes of mortality and passing time, the true nature of faith, and the delicate balance of human relationships.

For more information, visit www.jameserobinson.com.

Christian Comedian Charles Marshall on Today's Harvest Show!

Wacky Christian comedian Charles Marshall says that his comedy has a purpose. Today, he sat down to talk with the folks at The Harvest Show on LeSea Broadcasting. Click on the image below to be taken to the link for today's show, where you can watch Charles talk about his newest projects.

If you cannot see the video image, click here.

Charles Marshall began his career on stage as a singer/songwriter. When his singing voice gave out, he turned to stand-up comedy and was much more successful. He is now a nationally syndicated Christian humor columnist and has contributed to Focus on the Family magazine. He is the author of Shattering the Glass Slipper: Destroying Fairy Tale Thinking Before It Destroys You and has filmed two stand-up comedy videos, I'm Just Sayin' and Fully Animated.

His new book I'm Not Crazy, but I Might Be a Carrier: Infectious Inspiration from Comedian Charles Marshall is now available, just about anywhere that books are sold.

ABOUT THE BOOK . . .
Charles Marshall is a comic expert on daily living, because life is crazy and so is he. More than a decade of experience in comedy has given Marshall a quick wit and sharp edge, and his love of God and people has cultured a warm heart. He's already shared his outrageous insights with thousands through his syndicated column "Laughing Matters", as well as entertaining audiences at hundreds of stand-up performances across the nation. Now his versatile and vibrant humor has been collected in this new book. Each of these hilarious sketches gracefully segues into an encouraging and pertinent Christian message, reassuring readers that life may be a zany ride, but God is at the controls.

For more information visit www.charlesmarshallcomedy.com!

---

Watch Charles Marshall on YouTube!

If you cannot see the player below, click here.

The Black Cloister Book Trailer

The Black Cloister is a suspense novel about two young women—one who is traveling across Germany in search of answers about her past and another who is trapped in an abusive religious cult and doesn't know how to break free.

Find out more by visiting author Melanie Dobson's Web site.

Click here if you cannot see the video below.

Christian Comedian Charles Marshall on Airline Security

If you cannot view the video below, please click here to see it.


Charles Marshall began his career on stage as a singer/songwriter. When his singing voice gave out, he turned to stand-up comedy and was much more successful. He is now a nationally syndicated Christian humor columnist and has contributed to Focus on the Family magazine. He is the author of Shattering the Glass Slipper: Destroying Fairy Tale Thinking Before It Destroys You and has filmed two stand-up comedy videos, I'm Just Sayin' and Fully Animated.

His new book I'm Not Crazy, but I Might Be a Carrier: Infectious Inspiration from Comedian Charles Marshall is now available, just about anywhere that books are sold.

ABOUT THE BOOK . . .
Charles Marshall is a comic expert on daily living, because life is crazy and so is he. More than a decade of experience in comedy has given Marshall a quick wit and sharp edge, and his love of God and people has cultured a warm heart. He's already shared his outrageous insights with thousands through his syndicated column "Laughing Matters", as well as entertaining audiences at hundreds of stand-up performances across the nation. Now his versatile and vibrant humor has been collected in this new book. Each of these hilarious sketches gracefully segues into an encouraging and pertinent Christian message, reassuring readers that life may be a zany ride, but God is at the controls.

PODCAST: Intelligent Design 101—State of the Debate

Listen to this recent episode of "ID the Future"—a podcast that carries on Discovery Institute's mission of exploring the issues central to evolution and intelligent design—during which Casey Luskin announces the release of Intelligent Design 101: Leading Experts Explain the Key Issues, a new anthology that tackles intelligent design from scientific, philosophical, and legal perspectives. Luskin shares from an insightful new essay by Phillip Johnson about the state of the debate over intelligent design and evolution.

Click below to download the podcast. If you can't see the image, click here.

Welcome to College:A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey

Author Jonathan Morrow reveals how college life and all its experiences are a time that will shape your future, and share's tips from his new book, Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey. Watch his interview on The Harvest Show by clicking on the image below. The interview with Morrow is a 10-15 minute segment near the end of the show.

If you can't see the image, click here to view the interview.

Jonathan Morrow spent his college years at a large state school. In between classes and hanging out with friends, he ministered to fraternities and sororities and served with Campus Crusade. Jonathan recently graduated with an M.Div. and an M.A. in philosophy of religion and ethics from Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, CA. Jonathan lives with his wife and son in Tennessee.

For more information, visit Morrow's Web site: www.thinkchristianly.org.

His book Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey (Kregel 2008) is an engaging guide that encourages students to consider and engage the issues they will face in the dorm, on campus, and in the college classroom. “What will you do with your life?” In college, whether we know it or not, we answer this question every day with each decision. That’s why it’s important for students to know how they will handle college before they find themselves in the thick of it. College is a great time, with new friends and new experiences, but it is also a time that will shape the future of every student there.

Jonathan Morrow tackles the hard questions and tough issues that college raises, such as:

• How do you grow spiritually?
• How do you share your faith in a hostile environment?
• How do you manage your time so that you can study and have fun?
• Are there good reasons to be a Christian?
• How should you view issues like dating and sex as a Christian?

Grounded in his personal experience as well as biblical truth, Morrow writes short, easy to read chapters packed with good advice. Each chapter is summarized into “big ideas” and includes a handy list of related resources.

Check out Welcome to College on Amazon.

Outreach Awards recognize Kregel Publications titles

Outreach Magazine announced the finalists for their Outreach Resource Awards in February of this year. This is the fifth year that the magazine has sponsored theses awards, and this year's finalists included two titles from Kregel Publications—Join the Movement: God Is Calling You to Change the World by Alvin L. Reid (Kregel 2007) in the Youth Outreach category, and A Heart for Africa: Rosemary Jensen and the Story of Rafiki by Annie Jensen (Kregel 2007) in the Global Outreach category.

Outreach Media Editor Tamara Rice said, “These resources represent the innovation and excellence church leaders today are seeking in ministry resources. We are very excited to present this list to our readers and panel of experts for evaluation and voting.”

The winners of the Fifth Annual Outreach Resource Awards will be announced in the cover story of the magazine’s May/June 2008 issue.






FINALIST: Youth Outreach



















FINALIST: Global Outreach

8 Principles for Seeking God's Will in College

“What will you do with your life?” In college, whether we know it or not, we answer this question daily with each decision we make. That’s why it’s important for students to know how they will handle college before they find themselves in the thick of it. College is a great time, with new friends and new experiences, but it is also a time that will shape the future of every student there.

Author Jonathan Morrow spent his college years at a large state school. In between classes and hanging out with friends, he ministered to fraternities and sororities and served with Campus Crusade. He recently graduated with an M.Div. and an M.A. in philosophy of religion and ethics from Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, CA.



Check out the recent excerpts from his new book, Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey (Kregel 2008), on Crosswalk.com:

• 8 Principles for Seeking God's Will in College, Part 1
• 8 Principles for Seeking God's Will in College, Part 2

Welcome to College is an engaging guide in which Jonathan Morrow encourages students to consider and engage the issues they will face in the dorm, on campus, and in the college classroom. Topics vary from dating and friends, classes and homework, to avoiding the temptation to just “check out” spiritually while in school. A great gift idea for the soon-to-be graduate.

Find out more at Jonathan Morrow's blog: http://thinkchristianly.blogspot.com

Upcoming Blog Tour with Virginia Smith

Popular fiction author Virginia Smith will be doing a blog tour May 12–16, 2008, to help promote her new book Sincerely, Mayla: A Novel.

Virginia Smith is a writer of humorous novels, a speaker, a snow skier, a motorcycle enthusiast, and an avid scuba diver. Since leaving her twenty-year profession as a corporate director, she has written numerous books, including her debut, Just As I Am (Kregel Publications, March 2006) and Stuck in the Middle (Revell, February 2008). An energetic speaker, she loves to exemplify God's truth by comparing real-life situations to well-known works of fiction, such as her popular talk, “Biblical Truth in Star Trek.”

In Sincerely, Mayla—the heartwarming sequel to Just As I Am—Mayla Strong’s life is starting to seem normal. She has been working at the same job for four years, living with a good friend, and enjoying a deep relationship with God. But when Mayla is suddenly laid off, she learns the hard way that things aren’t always what they seem. One disappointment after another drops into her lap: her budding relationship with her pastor, Paul, turns out to be less than she has hoped; her friend Stuart refuses to talk to her; and Lindsey—the younger sister of her late friend Alex—calls her in a panic looking for a place to stay.

Mayla decides to take advantage of her newfound “vacation time” and sets out for Florida. She hopes to spend a few quiet days visiting her aunt and grandmother, but one by one her problems catch up with her. Mayla comes face-to-face with the responsibilities and joys of friends and family. As Mayla tries to help her friends, she realizes that God has all the answers—the trick is letting go long enough to let Him prove it.

Current stops on the Sincerely, Mayla blog tour include:

• A Book Lover
• A Musing Mom Speaks
  
• A Peek At My Bookshelf
• Ausjenny
  
• Bibliophile's Retreat
• Blue Mountain Editorial Services
  
• Book Splurge
  
• Bookmark Cafe
• Books, Movies, and Chinese Food
• Christian Devotions
• Clear Shining After Rain
  
• Cornhusker Academy blog
• Craftie Ladies of Suspence
  
• Creative madness that makes me myself
• Dandelion Momma
  
• Edgy Inspirational Author (Michelle Sutton)
• Everything Moms
  
• Grace Lessons
• Great Reads from Jasmine
  
• Laura William's Musings
• Life in the Midst of Writing
  
• Lighthouse Academy
• Margot's Moments
  
• Michelle Sutton
• My Friend Amy
  
• Pix-N-Pens
• Ponderings from My Heart
  
• Rhonda's Writing Journey
• Relz Reviewz
• The Road I'm Traveling
  
• Sips 'n Cups Cafeteria
• So Many Books . . . So Little Time
  
• Tara's View of the World
• Window to My World
• The Write Message
  
• Writer's Corner
• www.cballan.wordpress.com

If you would like to participate in the blog tour by posting a review of Sincerely, Mayla, or hosting an interview with Virginia Smith, please contact fiction@kregel.com.

---

What others are already saying about Sincerely, Mayla:

“Sincerely, Mayla is an honest book touching many issues young adults face today. Smith writes vibrant characters and tackles taboo subjects with grace and intelligence. She helps readers understand the beauty and complexity of every human being.”

—Mary E. DeMuth
Author, Watching the Tree Limbs

“If Mayla stole your heart in Just As I Am, she’ll own it in Sincerely, Mayla. Juggling unemployment, unrequited love, and shepherding a runaway teen takes hilarious and poignant turns in Mayla’s quirky hands. Throw in a visit to the grandmother she hasn’t seen in thirteen years, and readers will savor a rich dish of laughter, tears, and life-lessons sure to leave a permanent mark."

—Jill Elizabeth Nelson
Author of the To Catch a Thief series

“Virginia Smith has crafted another winning story with Sincerely, Mayla. Once again, Mayla Strong leads a cast of characters who will live in your heart long after the last page has been turned. Anyone who doubts that the Lord can use even the most unique among us will have a change of heart after reading this endearing novel.”

—Kathleen Y'Barbo
Author of Beloved Castaway and Louisiana Brides

“In Sincerely, Mayla, Virginia Smith gives a graphic depiction of hating the sin but loving the sinner, just the way Jesus would. In the process, Mayla develops a greater spiritual awareness of her own shortcomings. This is a book that all Christians should read.”

—Lena Nelson Dooley
Award-winning, best-selling author of Minnesota Brothers,
Carolina Carpenter Brides, and Montana Mistletoe.

“Becoming part of Mayla’s challenges, frustration, and resolutions totally grabbed my heart
. . . Mayla’s character is developed very realistically, as we experience her mind being transformed into a new creation.”

—Jacqui Markowski
Client Services, Pregnancy Resource Center of Salt Lake

Shelly Beach’s First Novel, Hallie’s Heart, Announced as a Nominee for the 2008 Christy Awards

The 2008 Christy Award nomination list has been formed, and Kregel Publications author Shelly Beach is on it. Her novel, Hallie’s Heart, was named among the nominees in the Lits category.

The novel’s setting is based on a number of local features from the community in which Beach resides—Muskegon, MI. Beach’s main character, Mona VanderMolen, an antique dealer in a small Michigan town, is trying to keep her business alive. As Mona faces the uncertainties of her own future, Hallie, her fifteen-year-old niece, suddenly arrives on her doorstep. Guilt-ridden over her sister's drowning several years earlier, Hallie has run off to her aunt’s cottage. As the two women work through their problems and learn to forgive, will an unfortunate accident tear them apart once again?

Beach says that she hopes readers of Hallie’s Heart will better understand “the message that a loving God stands with open arms, ready to forgive us and accept us, wherever we may be—whether we’re a fifteen-year-old teenager struggling with guilt or a middle-aged woman struggling with anger toward her father; and the message that we’re responsible for taking steps to restore relationships and forgive those who have wounded us.”

Shelly Beach is a Christian communicator who speaks at women’s conferences, retreats, seminars, and writers' conferences. She is a college instructor and writing consultant in Michigan, and the author of Precious Lord, Take My Hand (Discovery House Publishers, 2007).

For more information, visit Shelly Beach's website.

The well-respected Christy Awards—named in honor of Catherine Marshall’s novel Christy—have recognized novelists in several genres of Christian fiction since 1999. Previous winners include Jerry Jenkins, Ted Dekker, Beverly Lewis, Karen Hancock, and Kregel’s own Debbie Wilson. The Christy Award winners will be announced at a dinner on July 12, 2008, at The Rosen Centre, Orlando, Florida, from 6:30 to 9:00 PM (Eastern). The awards are traditionally announced before the opening of the annual International Christian Retail Show (ICRS).

The complete list of 2008 Christy Award nominees can be viewed at www.christyawards.com.

“To have published Hallie's Heart is a privilege,” said Kregel managing editor Steve Barclift. “Working with authors like Shelly Beach reminds us why we do what we do. We witnessed the cross-generational appeal of the book when Shelly signed books at the recent Festival of Faith and Writing at Calvin College, and saw the interest of teenagers and more seasoned readers alike. Shelly’s tenacity and heart come through in her writing, and make Hallie’s Heart the compelling story that it is. This is a terrific book, and Shelly Beach is certainly deserving of this recognition.”

Authors Announced as Finalists for ForeWord Magazine Book Awards 2007

ForeWord Magazine has announced the finalists for it's 2007 Book of the Year Awards. Numbered with this year's finalists are two books from Kregel Publications—Sexual Intimacy in Marriage (3rd Edition) by William Cutrer and Sandra Glahn in the Family & Relationships category, and Remember Me: A Novel by Maureen Lang in the Historical Fiction category. This is the tenth year that ForeWord has awarded their Book of the Year Awards. According to the magazine, "These books represent some of the best work coming from today's independent press community."

Winners will be determined by a panel of librarians and booksellers, selected from ForeWord's readership. Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners, as well as Editor's Choice Prizes for Fiction and Nonfiction will be announced at BookExpo America at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles on May 30, during a special program that is open to all BEA attendees. The winners of the two Editor's Choice Prizes will each be awarded $1,500.

Here are the Kregel Publications finalists for the ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards 2007:







Sexual Intimacy in Marriage (3rd. ed.)
by William Cutrer and Sandra Glahn

Finalist: Family & Relationships













Remember Me: A Novel
by Maureen Lang

Finalist: Historical Fiction

Blackout: Brutal Betrayal (Part 5 of 5)

by Meg Wilson

Adapted from Hope After Betrayal: Healing When Sexual Addiction Invades Your Marriage


Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, or Part 4 of "Blackout: Brutal Betrayal".

The next lie women often buy into is believing that they are somehow to blame for their husband’s betrayal. Whether they conclude they should be more attractive, available, supportive, thinner, curvaceous, or less of a nag, the lie is the same—they think it’s their fault. The Enemy feeds this lie with whatever our weakness is.

For me it was my secret belief that only really beautiful people find happiness. It sounds silly even to write it now, yet something deep within me believed that I wasn’t woman enough.

When I was growing up, some of my family members placed too much emphasis on appearance and weight. No one actually criticized me, but I watched family members struggle for years with body issues and be critical of themselves and others. The message was clear as glass. Slender, attractive women have more value. Movies, commercials, media, and the school yard continually supported this belief. There was plenty of misinformation to reinforce the lie that attractiveness equals self-worth.

Having dozens of “beautiful” types come into our support group has really blown this lie out of the water. I’ll never forget walking into that first support group. There were thirty to forty women—and they were all beautiful! There simply is no connection between a wife’s attractiveness and her husband’s sexual addiction. Those who think otherwise don’t understand how the addiction works.

Sexual addiction is simply someone’s using the natural drugs found in his or her brain chemistry to medicate emotional pain. It’s not about sex. Let me say this again, because I know people have a hard time grasping this truth: Sexual addiction is not about sex; it’s about escaping and avoiding pain.

Every story I’ve heard begins with how the addiction started when the man was young. On average, the young man’s first sexual exposure occurred when he was between nine and fourteen years of age, with the earliest at age five. So most men are deep into the addiction long before any real relationship with the opposite sex begins.

Since boys at these young ages can’t easily buy beer or illegal drugs, many discover a different way to dull their pain or cope. Through sexual arousal, all of their problems seem to disappear. When they look at or read sexually graphic material, endorphins and enkephalins are released in their brains, causing a high. These chemicals give the feeling of euphoria and a false sense of manliness. Addicts in their own minds are kings.

It’s important to understand the basis and nature of this addiction, not as an excuse or justification, but as a point of reference. The facts simply do not support the belief that the wife is at fault; the husband came to her already dependent. Most men assumed it would end once they were married. Their feelings of love for their wives were sincere, so why would they need anything else to satisfy them? The sad truth is that the addiction already had taken control.

As you read other resources, you’ll find these same facts. I needed to hear the same thing repeated several times before I finally heard it. In listening to or reading the stories of recovering sex addicts, I encountered the same things described over and over. The truth at last sunk in. My husband’s addiction was not about me. I wasn’t there when it started. I didn’t do anything to cause it. And I could not change it.

Truth is a powerful healer.

My hope is that these pages give you a flicker of light, or perhaps a voice that whispers, “There is hope and a future. The present darkness will not last forever. Vision will be restored as you find God’s light of truth and cast off the shroud of lies.” To get there, though, is a process. And I won’t minimize the time and hard work it takes.

What kind of work? A lot of it is spiritual work. Though it was not part of God’s plan for people to become addicts and create pain for those who love them, He can use everything we give to Him to make us stronger and more faithful followers. As we learn to stay in the arena of truth, we change, and so does the world around us. We gain a measure of control over our responses, we learn who we are in Christ, and we face obstacles with more confidence. The world becomes less threatening and no longer defines us.

Take this opportunity to see if God really exists. Unlike man, God will never leave nor could He ever be unfaithful. Let Him hold you, heal your broken places, and guide your next step.

Don’t be surprised, though, if you hear another voice—that of despair, which would love for you to believe you are alone. Don’t believe it! You don’t have to get stuck in the pain, nor should you be defined by it. God is with you right now, and He will bring others into your life as ministers and encouragers. I pray that this book is a part of His process as we move forward together along this path.

Here are the first few glimmers of light to help guide you. Say them and let them penetrate your dark place:

• There is pain.
• There is hope.
• It’s not my fault.
• I am never alone.
• I can place my entire situation in God’s hands.

---

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track. (Prov. 3:5–6)

I’m absolutely convinced that nothing . . . absolutely nothing
can get between us and God’s love because of the way that
Jesus our Master has embraced us. (Rom. 8:38–39)

There’s far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There’s
also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as
the trusting. (Phil. 1:29)

So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable
inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that
keep us going. He always keeps his word. (Heb. 10:22–23)

Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk
off and leave you,” we can boldly quote,

God is there, ready to help;
I’m fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?
(Heb. 13:5–6)

---

Biblical languages expert answers questions about his recent trip to Albania

The executive director of Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts, Daniel B. Wallace, recently made a trip to Albania to photograph some ancient New Testament manuscripts. The CSNTM was founded in 2002, with the goal of photographing and transferring all 1.3 million pages of Greek New Testament manuscripts, early translations of the New Testament, and patristic commentaries on the New Testament into print. Their early review of the recently photographed Albanian manuscripts have raise some more questions about a certain passage in the book of John. Christianity Today recently posted a new Q&A with Wallace about his trip and findings (read more).

Daniel B. Wallace (Ph.D., Dallas Theological Seminary) is professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, director of the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts, and senior New Testament editor of the NET Bible. He has written Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament.

On the topic of textual criticism, one of Wallace's most recently published works is Reinventing Jesus: How Contemporary Skeptics Miss the Real Jesus and Mislead Popular Culture (Kregel 2006), which he co-wrote with fellow scholars J. Ed Komoszewski and M. James Sawyer. From the worldwide phenomenon The Da Vinci Code to the national best-seller Misquoting Jesus, popular culture is being bombarded with radical skepticism about the uniqueness of Christ and the reliability of the New Testament. Reinventing Jesus cuts through the rhetoric of extreme doubt to reveal the profound credibility of historic Christianity. Meticulously researched yet eminently readable, this book invites a wide audience to take a firsthand look at the primary evidence for Christianity's origins. Reinventing Jesus shows believers that it's okay to think hard about Christianity, and shows hard thinkers that it's okay to believe.

For more information, visit www.reinventingjesus.info.

Georgia Tech Football Chaplain Derrick Moore's Appearance on "The Big 4-0" on TV Land

Former NFL running back, and current Georgia Tech Fellowship of Christian Athletes chaplain Derrick Moore just turned 40. He didn't just throw a party to celebrate, either. He decided to gather some of his former NFL teammates to play a touch football game with some of the best players from the Georgia Tech lineup. His "over-the-top" celebration caught the attention of the TV Land channel's "The Big 4-0", and Moore's fortieth birthday was chronicled on the debut episode.

To watch the full episode featuring Moore's birthday celebration, click HERE. You can also hear interviews and view behind-the-scenes footage.

Moore's first book, It's Possible: Turn Your Dreams into Reality, will be released from Kregel Publications early next month. According to Moore, everyone has an “It” in his or her life. “It” is the elusive desire that drives us forward in life, our most cherished dream or goal. We say, “Maybe someday 'It' will happen.” Derrick Moore understood that to attain his impossible dream, he had to entrust it to the One with whom all things are possible. Using a faith-based approach, Moore offers inspiration and coaching to help you achieve your dream.

Former NFL Running Back Derrick Moore Appears on TV Land, Tonight

Derrick Moore, author of the upcoming faith-based motivational book It’s Possible! Turn Your Dreams into Reality, will be featured on the new reality series “The Big 4-0,” premiering April 16 on TV Land. This warmhearted reality program takes viewers behind the scenes as men and women plan, plot, and celebrate unconventional fortieth birthday festivities.

The premier episode tells the story of Moore’s celebration. A former running back for the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions, Derrick Moore had an exciting career in the NFL. To celebrate his fortieth birthday, he arranges a football game between former NFL players and some of the finest collegiate players from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where Moore works with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

View the official "The Big 4-0" Web site

There was a time when Derrick Moore’s professional football aspirations were still a dream—a goal driving him forward or what he calls his it. Everyone has an it in their life, he says, and we can’t just wait for it to happen—we have to find a way to make it happen. But we can’t do it alone. Whether a dream as big as playing in the NFL, as serious as conquering an illness, or as practical as getting out of debt, Derrick Moore shows how faith in God and the Bible can help people see their dreams turn into reality.

“Derrick Moore’s It’s Possible! is absolutely inspiring! So often we forget just how big of a God we serve, and we give in to discouragement and despair. But Moore reminds us that with God, all things are possible—even the most lofty of goals.”

—Les Steckel
President and CEO, Fellowship of Christian Athletes

For more information on It’s Possible!, click here.

Derrick Moore is a former NFL running back for the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, and Arizona Cardinals. He is now on staff with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He shares his inspirational and motivational messages with more than 100,000 people annually. He is married to Christian-fiction novelist, Stephanie Perry Moore. They have three children and live in the greater Atlanta area.



Below you can find a number of YouTube videos featuring Derrick's motivational pep-talks with the Georgia Tech football players, and an interview in which he reflects on turning 40.