Examine Your Faith!

Examine Your Faith!: Finding Truth in a World of Lies Well-meaning people want to believe that all roads lead to the same God and heaven. But wanting something to be true is far different from truth lining up with reality. Unless you make an intentional effort to examine what you believe and why you believe it, it’s quite possible you are living your life on the basis of a lie, and don’t know it. • What is truth? • Is it relative or absolute? • Is it personal or universal? • What are the differences among the various religious faiths? Can they be blended? • Are we creating faith—a belief system—that is impotent by trying to accept all religions as equal? (This book has been endorsed by Josh McDowell, Dr. Craig Hazen, and Dan Story.)

You can purchase Examine Your Faith! at:

~~~ Pamela Christian Ministries ~~~

~~~ Amazon ~~~

~~~ Barnes and Noble ~~~

~~~ Deeper Shopping ~~~

About the Author For over twenty years, coast to coast, Pamela Christian, “the Faith Doctor,” has been helping people in matters of faith. Pam compassionately wants people to confidently discover and live in, life-giving truth. Her ministry experience began as Teaching Director for Community Bible Study, (an independent, interdenominational, international organization). This led to her receiving invitations to speak nationally, followed by work as radio talk-show host in two major markets. She is a contributing writer to various books and magazines. Her education includes a certificate in apologetics from Biola University. As a book author and media personality Pam's desire is to reach as many people as possible. She and her husband live in Orange County, CA, with their two grown children living nearby. Follow me on: Good Reads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7179552.Pamela_Christian Book Fun: http://www.bookfun.org/profile/PamelaChristian Twitter: http://twitter.com/plchristian Facebook: www.facebook.com/PamelaChristianMinistries Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/pamelachristian/

Blog Tour Schedule

October 14

Diane Estrella, www.dianeestrella.com

October 15

Lindsey Zimpel, http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/

October 16

Rebecca Stoneking, www.inaminute-beckie.blogspot.com

October 17

Krysta Osweiler, http://bookreviewsbykrysta.wordpress.com/

October 18

Lisa M. Buske, http://www.lisambuske.com/blog.html

October 19

Ruth Hill, http://mydevotionalthoughts.net/

October 20

Cindi Clubbs, http://ccclubbs.com/

Cindy Loven, http://cindylovenreviews.blogspot.com/

October 21

Vera Godley, http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com

October 22

Tara Box, https://www.notperfectonlyforgiven.blogspot.com

jesusandme4eva Beverly Terry, http://www.beverlylynnt.wordpress.com

October 23

Darlene Arroyo-Lozada, http://lovebookslozada.blogspot.com/ Paulette Harper Johnson, http://pharperjohnson.wordpress.com/

October 24

Donna Safford, http://bookworm56.blogspot.com/

Karen Lange, http://karenelange.blogspot.com/

Tara Fairfield, http://tarafairfield.com/going-deeper-blog.html

October 25

Adrian, seattlefreelancewriter

October 26

Elizabeth Sanders Towns, http://31daysearlyirise.com/

jeannegowendennis

October 27

Cassandra M's Place, http://star95011.blogspot.com

Cheri Fields, http://creationscience4kids.com/

October 28

Susan J. Reinhardt, http://susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com

Crystal Scott, http://agreateryes.wordpress.com

Grace Fox, www.gracefox.com/blog

The Giveaway For anyone that’s interested, the author is giving away one copy of Examine Your Faith! and a $25 Gift Card to Amazon or Paypal for one lucky reader! U.S. addresses only. Please use the Rafflecopter below to be entered: a Rafflecopter giveaway The winner will be chosen from those entries and announced November 15, 2013. Good luck!

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as e-mailed, and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Diane at That's What I'm Here For... and sponsored by the author, Pamela Christian. The author provided me with a free copy of Examine Your Faith! to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a giveaway in return for the free book.VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Advanced Copy - The Emotionally Destructive Marriage

I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Emotionally Destructive Marriage.  It's a great book written by author Leslie Vernick.  This book is targeted towards a woman audience though, so personally I would not say that it is a perfect read.  The key points covered by this book include learning how to identify damaging behaviors; gain the skills to respond wisely; promote healthy change; stay safe; understand when, why, and even how to leave; as well as recognize that God sees and hates what is happening to one in a bad unfortunate situation.

The author is a licensed clinical social worker and relationship coach.  She has over 30 years experience in the field and previously written books on this subject.

The book is divided into 3 parts, in a total of 13 chapters. The first part discusses how to see your marriage clearly.  Are you in a good marriage?  Or bad?  The second part talks about change and the theory behind how things can get better.  The third part talks about steps you can take to drive change.

1) Identify the problem.
2) Come up with solutions.
3) Execute!

It's like a how-to guide to resolve marriage and relationship issues!  Good read!

Note: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher Waterbrook Multnomah.  Check it out!

Fearless about SEAL Team SIX

Fearless about SEAL Team SIX.  A deep story about Adam Brown, a Navy SEAL who fought in Afghanistan.  It is a story about the extremes in the military and how that tied into faith, family and love.  While in the military, not only was there a war against the enemy, there is a war against one's own habits and impulses.  In this story, we see one's drug addiction and perseverance to become a leader, the best of the best.  While combating personal impulses and the enemy, there is a decision that needed to be made, what is the right thing to do?  Is utilitarianism a good ideal to follow?  Should we think of the big picture and forget the ultimate sacrifices?

Eric Blehm is a vivid writer about military stories from the recent Afghanistan war after 9/11.  In the beginning of the book, we already find out that the main character, Adam Brown dies.  So, we already know what happens. But the author is able to craft the story in fine words, such that the suspense remains!

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher Waterbrook Multnomah.  Check it out!

[[ASIN:0307730700 Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown]]

God's Solution to America's Economic Crisis

The author claims that this book is God's solution to America's economic crisis.  Economics should not be a political issue.  It shouldn't have to deal with left-wing or right-wing.  It should follow the teachings of the bible.

The book is divided into nine parts which applies the beliefs of God to the view points of different groups of people, ranging from America's founders, Adam Smith, John Maynard Keynes, FDR, Alan Greenspan, Jim Wallis, Karl Marx, IRS and everyday Americans like you and me.

In summary:

"The greater the freedom, the greater the wealth. The greater the government, the greater the poverty."

YES - FREE MARKET IS GOOD!  It is what makes America powerful and strong!

To learn more about the book, I would check out the awesome website - http://www.godonomics.com/

Chad Hovind  is a great author!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Romeo and Juliet, Westside Story, Beloved Enemy...

"Beloved Enemy" is a novel set in the Civil War.  We follow the story of Jenny.  She is faithful to her home country, the southern half of the United States.  But she is in love with a northerner, from the other half of the country.  What to do!?  Oh, the suspense!!

Essentially, this is a great book with a similar theme as Westside Story and Romeo & Juliet.  There is also a Christian theme in the novel which I find to be great!! 

If you like American history, war stories, romance,  and books that reinforce strong Christian values, I highly recommend this book!!

This is definitely a good read!! http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1957668.Beloved_Enemy

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

God's Extraordinary Calling to Ordinary Men

Troy Meeder writes this exciting book, Average Joe: God's Extraordinary Calling to Ordinary Men.  It discusses how ordinary people add up to make a big difference in serving God.  Personally, I thought this book can have parallels in real life, where each person doing something small can lead to a huge impact in the society we live in.

The first section is about two stories: The Island and The Hole, both documenting about life as youth and growing up.

The second section describes several personas.  We meet everyday people: the gardener, the mark, the soldier, the cowboy and the mentor.  Everyday Average Joes end up become extraordinary people by doing their part.  We see resemblance in all large organizations, where each person's work adds up to a bigger picture.

Later, we hear stories about the friend, the test, the deep, the boy, the round pen and the rock.  Each of these chapters provide an exciting account of different stories.

The end of the book has a wonderful study guide which makes this a perfect read for fellowship groups and  mid-week discussions.  I would recommend it for male groups especially, since this book does have that focus.

I would also encourage you to look at the sneak peek provided by the publisher: http://multnomahemails.com/wbmlt/pdf/SneakPeek_AverageJoe.pdf

Enjoy!!


Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Do you live in God's YES?

Do you live in God's YES?  That is the question of the day.

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him/"
-John 3:17

I was fortunate enough to get a review copy from the publisher and read this book before it's available to the public!


"The Gospel of Yes" by Mike Glenn is a book about your life and how you interact with God.  The book's objective is to enable you to find your true value, identity and unique purpose of life.  It reminds you to think of the positive things in life.


The author Mike Glenn is truly a talented writer.  This book is divided into 15 chapters of short readings, on your pathway to discovering your YES relationship with God.  In a positive manner, it is important to first understand the problems of living with "No."  Then, we see "Yes" = positive described in many ways.  In a convenient format, the book also includes a discussion section perfect for fellowship and small groups.  It also relates it's teachings to valuable quotes in the Bible to support the key points.

I would say that this is more of an advanced read.  Its short chapters provide for deep discussion.  It was for a deep dive discovery of the unique purpose of life with respect to God.  Not for the faint at heart.

Here is a video to the interview with the author: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QXJ8bLaUgo

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Who will be next?

The Next Christians written by Gabe Lyons is a book about seven ways one can live the gospel to restore the world.  He has a very optimistic outlook for the future.  He states that Christianity's best days in 2012 years are yet to come. However, to begin, one must feel that there exists a negative perception of Christianity.  Do you currently agree with that?

If so, I think this book is great as it addresses those negative perceptions through 12 chapters in 3 main sections about how the world is changing, the restorers (which talk about 7 types of people and ways to drive this effort) and it ends with a discussion about the new era.

The seven categories he explains are as follows:

Provoke, not offended
Creators, not critics
Called, not employed
Grounded, not distracted
In community, not alone
Civil, not divisive
Countercultural, not "relevant"

These seven ways are a story of its own and make good weekly or monthly book group discussions.  In addition, the book also includes questions for discussion at the back, so this is perfect for fellowships or small groups.

For those of you who are visual, here is a link of a video about the book: http://www.qideas.org/video/the-next-christians.aspx

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Viral.. Social Media for the Church

Web 2.0. Social Media. Crowdsourcing. Viral Marketing. All big buzzwords in this time and age. "The gospel is nothing without relationship. And no one gets it like the Google Generation." Do you agree or disagree? I believe that this is very true. New technology and digital media helps extend the reach of the gospel by providing another medium and another demographic. Music is one way to reach out to people, kind actions are another, but the newest trend is to combine everything together with the help of Google, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and other social platforms to bring together people. From the Bible on the smart phone or tablet to groups on Facebook, viral marketing has been proven a success. But now, the big question is, can one maintain a relationship with God through the use of all these technologies?

Today, many schools are extending their reach by offering classes online and later MIT pioneered the OpenCourseWare method where people can peruse content from its classes. Most recently, the new trend from UC Berkeley and Stanford is to deliver actual classes to hundreds of thousands of people at once for free. Learning has become crowd-based and free. Likewise, could traditional brick-and-mortar churches do the same? That is a question for you to answer. "Viral" is separated into six different parts. First, there is a discussion about where we stand today, then it is all about Twitter, Google, the iPhone and Facebook. Last but not least, the author discusses the culture of this new revival.

I'd like to invite you to read an excerpt of the book here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/77355514/Viral-by-Leonard-Sweet-Chapter-1-Excerpt

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Do you want to go to graduate school in the United States?

Every year, there are thousands of students from different countries in the world that flock to universities in the United States for graduate studies, whether in business, law, engineering, social sciences, humanities, sciences and other fields. Yet, it can definitely be a terrifying experience for many. In this essential guide, Dr. Alexander Mamishev offers comprehensive advice on all aspects of graduate life and admissions. Dr. Mamishev graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) with a minor in Technology Management from Harvard Business School. With a combination of wit and candor, Dr. Mamishev gives students a rare insider’s perspective on the American education process. Inside, you’ll find valuable advice to help you make sense of the American education system, craft an irresistible application package, survive the transition to your new environment, live and work while studying, work with your adviser to get the most out of your education, and more! Whether you are coming to grad school from somewhere else in the United States or from the other side of the world, let this book be your guide to success in grad school and in your academic career beyond. This is definitely a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to those who are interested in applying to graduate schools.

 I am currently applying to several graduate programs in the US: MIT, Stanford, USC. Since MIT is the author's alma mater, the book provides some tips and secrets that pertain to MIT. Although this book was designed for international students, I feel a lot of the information can be used for domestic/local US students as well. It gave me good direction on what to and not do in grad school applications. This book also has good sense of humor and witty illustrations!

This book is sold in print and also as an e-book.  http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/breaking-barriers-a-practical-guide-to-getting-into-graduate-school-in-the-united-states/17363920?productTrackingContext=author_spotlight_76756817_

In my opinion, the e-book is a great value for under $6, but for under $20, one can get a printed version here.
http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Barriers-Practical-Getting-Graduate/dp/1257835459

5 STARS!

An Amazing Thriller!!

No, this is not about the Canary Islands.  Sigmund Brouwer's The Canary List is a suspense novel.  It is a tale about a twelve-year old girl that has been bumped around numerous different foster homes and sent to different classrooms for kids with behaviorial issues and/or low test scores.  Yet, she has a special ability to sense evil.  I would say that this novel pertains to elementary/middle school teachers and their interactions with students.  Even though, it is a fictional story, it does resemble real life in ways.  It is also supposed to vaguely touch Christian values.

The beginning of the book has a lot of various stories that don't seem to be cohesive.  However, from my point of view, it simply adds to the mystery.  The book starts out by the beach in beautiful Santa Monica.  But as you read on, different things happen.  Who knew Santa Monica could be so horrifying?  Evil filled the streets and she had to look for help.  I don't want to spoil the book but I will briefly mention the two main characters: Mr. G, a teacher mourning the death of his daughter over alcohol and a mysterious female student who makes Mr. G think of his daughter.  Then the CIA and the Vatican get involved...

This book is classified as Christian fiction; it does have some religious themes, but for the most part I found the book not totally about Christian values and such.  I would consider it a thriller and I can definitely envision this to be a potential Hollywood blockbuster.  The chapters are relatively short; average few pages, which add to the excitement of the novel.
So I would suggest that you read this novel assuming that you are a thrill seeker.

Here is a link from Google with an excerpt from the book: http://books.google.com/books?id=rZqisdBE5DkC&lpg=PT287&ots=hwQIjn33MI&dq=canary%20list&pg=PT287#v=onepage&q=canary%20list&f=false

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Don't Just "Date" The Church!

Why Church Matters: Discovering Your Place in the Family of God is written by Joshua Harris, the best-selling author of Dug Down Deep.  This book discusses about church not as a place to go once in a while or every Sunday, but is should be part of one's life.  He says "Church isn't where we go.  It's who we are."  His opinion is further supported by Charles Colson, "Cristians belong in churches - the only places where we can thrive and grow spritually." 

Whether you agree or disagree, this book discusses on how the brick and mortar church is not just a building, it is a place for growth.  An analogy would be a school, which can also be considered as a place of growth and encouragement.  We learn and hopefully we give back to others through tutoring, mentoring and providing guidance.

An essential statement of this book is "Think globally, love locally."  If you think about it, this applies to many situations in life.  As one person, we can only do so much, so we should think about how our actions can make a positive impact on others around us.  In theory, any human action can grow exponentially.  If we bring 2 friends to church, and each of the friends each bring 2 more friends to church, we can see the effect of 2^x growth.

The author cleverly divides the book into seven (7) distinct sections which enables one to journey through God's love.  In addition, this book has a discussion section that enables groups of people to read these books and share with each other what they think.  Ideal audiences would be fellowship groups in churches.  Each chapter is accompanied by related scriptures that support His words.  This book is designed to be shared over a period of 4 weeks.  I think it could be shortened or extended, depending on how you want to split it up.

Here is an excerpt from the book: http://www.scribd.com/doc/57398149/Why-Church-Matters-by-Joshua-Harris-Chapter-1-Excerpt

First step, don't just "date" the church!  Let's thrive together!!!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Let's Go for a Workout! A Money Workout!

The 60 Minute Money Workout!  This basically is a personal fitness guide for personal finance!

Similar to how you dedicate 60 min of time to workout, this, this book shows how personal finance goals can be achieved in the same way as fitness ones.  It has 14 chapters, consisting of 14 different "workouts" you can do to become financially in shape!

In addition, the book features a Christian perspective and emphasizes integrating giving into part of a personal finance plan.  It explains that wealth is limited by time, which is always limited.  So you must seize the day and know how to make the most of it. 

First step is to achieve financial freedom.  Subsequently, one must take into account personalities.  Then the book discusses about planning for spending/budgeting, retirement savings, debt, paying less, travel and fun, allowances for kids, kid entrepreneur, college plan, home-based businesses, couples and giving.  You can read them one at a time or read them all.  The modular format is great, as it enables one to utilize sections that apply to each personal case.

This is meant to be a review, but I hope to invoke conversation and discussion.  For those of you who have not read the book, I highly encourage you to do so.  What do you do with your personal finances?  How do you manage them?

For more information about the book, I would suggest reading an excerpt from the publisher:  http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307446039

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

(Not) For Married Couples Only

For men only.  This book is designed for married couples to read.  However, I think this book is not for married couples only.  It provides some simple ideas for men to communicate and interact with women.  For those of you who do not read the book, I discovered that my version of the book has a "Quick Start Guide."  It is basically an outline of the book.

The premise of the story revolves around six key ideas that are important to women.  They are: reassurance, emotions, security, listening, sex and beauty.  This book is indeed about for interactions between married couples, but one can easily take the ideas and apply them to any men-women relationship.  Most importantly, the ideas presented also connect to ideas from the Bible, which make this an effective solution to solving problems, assuming you do believe in the Holy Bible.

As a non-married person reading this book, I find that it provides helpful tips.  I do not consider myself a socially awkward person, but I think these ideals are good to follow and will help me interact with women.

If you want to get a better understanding of the inner lives of women, I highly recommend that you read this book.  If you are interested in seeing how Christian beliefs can help improve your existing relationships, this is also a great book.

Here is a link to the first chapter of the book provided by the publisher: http://www.scribd.com/doc/36075639/For-Men-Only-by-Jeff-Shaunti-Feldhahn-Chapter-1

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

A Story for Mothers and Sons

Out of a Far Country is a story about the relationships of mothers and sons.  It contains 32 chapters of stories, which each tell a separate idea, but are interwoven together to become this remarkable book.  And it is a biography told by both the mother and son.  It is where we get two perspectives in one book.

It combines Christian values with the subject of drugs and sexual addition in an Asian American family.  I have to agree that the niche is small, but it would definitely be an interesting read for those who are passionate about the subject.

The book describes a story that shows the path from sex and drugs to living a Christian life.  Talks about one going to grad school and instead he becomes a drug dealer and gets caught.  It describes how a dental student made decisions that were good and bad, where one may argue whether the decisions were out of his control of not.

Certain excerpts of the book emphasize the pressures given to early Asian American immigrants to take care of their family and to show obedience by sending money home.  The Confucian concept of filial piety is passed on to the next generation regarding Christopher and his relationship with Angela (mom) and Leon (dad).

If you like books that describe one or more of the three things (Asian American life, gender and Christianity), then I would suggest reading this book.

For more information, I would suggest reading an excerpt from the book: http://www.scribd.com/doc/52594679/Out-of-a-Far-Country-by-Christopher-Yuan-and-Angela-Yuan-Chapter-1-Excerpt

Here is a link to the trailer of the book prepared by the author: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnnVSfBlhro

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Complexities of Politics and Religion: Free Market and Abortion?

Raised Right is an interesting title and I am surprised that no other book has used it as one.  Right?  What do you mean by right??


One would think, "Were you raised wrong?"


Or another possibility could be, "Were you raised left?"


Everyone has a different childhood, but I'm sure there are many people who have had proper ones. In this story - right meant conservative-Republican Christianity.  I'm sure many people can associate their childhoods with this label.  Yet, Alisa Harris was the first to write a book called "Raised Right" and how her views progressed as she swayed from her family's homeschooling to adulthood.  Yet, she is still able to keep that respect of her parents, analogous to the ever-popular classic Chinese Confucian ideals of filial piety.


One issue I stand strong on is taxation and free market.  The book discusses her dislike against bank bailouts for banks that don't pay taxes to the American government.  I am a strong advocate of free market politics and I feel that this is indeed unfair.  Entities and people who don't pay taxes should not be entitled to benefits associated as such.  Unless, it is a good financial investment for the American people to be bailing out the banks, such as generating a positive return on investment.  Free market would call for zero tolerance for bailouts and in essence, be a positive ideology for the American people in this situation, contrary to many who argue against it.


Abortions are also a major subject in this book.  In childhood, she spent her life picketing abortion clinics.  But what about adulthood?  That's for you to find out!


This is meant to be a review, but I hope to invoke conversation and discussion.  For those of you who have not read the book, I highly encourage you to do so.  This book is not only for rights of lefts, it is intended for all audiences: moderate, conservative or progressive.  An excerpt of this book is available here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/58103657/Raised-Right-by-Alisa-Harris-ch-1-excerpt


Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.