The Noticer was a feel good, inspiring book. It was reminiscent of Mitch Albom's style of writing - a quick read, but thought provoking. A book I was glad I had read when finished.
Jones is a mysterious character who turns up when people need him the most. He proclaims himself a noticer, someone who notices things other people overlook. He offers a new "perspective" to those he encounters. He empowers them to change their lives and asks nothing in return.

This book was filled with little nuggets of wisdom that if you weren't careful you would miss. One of my favorite insights is, "Most folks figure a true friend is someone who accepts them as they are. But that's dangerous garbage to believe. The kid who works at the drive-through accepts you for who you are - because he doesn't care anything about you. But a true friend holds you to a higher standard. A true friend brings out the best in you." It was a simple insight, which delivered a powerful message.

This book is the perfect anytime read. You can read it at the beach (and not feel guilty about later). You can read it in one sitting or a little at a time. I would recommend this to anyone that may need a little "perspective" in life.

Uncompromised Faith

Uncompromised Faith by S. Michael Craven


The basic question for this book is "Has your faith become irrelevant?" I of course responded with a very animated "absolutely not." That is, until I read this book. As I read the book, I became more and more solemn, as I realized how passive our culture has become and how I have let this passivity create itself in me without argument or fight.

Craven caught my attention on page 21 when he said, "We have traded in Milton's Paradise Lost for Left Behind, the arias of Bach for contemporary Christian music, and Rembrandt for Thomas Kinkade...what passes for Christian art and literature today fails to rise to the same level of quality and achievement as that of historical Christian artists and writers." Craven goes on to discuss how are culture has changed and how we have allowed it to happen. He goes on to discuss how we have relied on our own understanding, not on God. He also discuss the modern and postmodern era and how it has effected Christianity.

The second half of the book was based on social ideas that have influenced Christianity, including sexualized culture, homosexuality, marriage, feminism, and New Age Spirituality. Every chapter was well researched (and made me want to read his resources). He used statistics without becoming boring or choppy. I caught myself highlighting line after line or making comments out to the side to share with friends.

This book was filled with facts, statistics, and resources, yet it read very fluidly. I was never overwhelmed with the information and wanted to keep reading chapter after chapter.

I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in apologetics, social issues and how they effect Christians, and/or cultural changes.

DVD Review for Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure

Adorable!! There is really no other way to describe this kid's movie. This movie is all about learning to love yourself for who you are and realizing that God created you for a purpose. It also stresses that everyone is unique and has things they don't like about themselves. Often it is those things we don't like or understand, that make us special. It addresses everything from living in someone's shadows, arrogance, and seeing past our insecurities.

All the character were fun and charming. There is bound to be one that your kids will relate to. There is Skeeter who can't see past his imperfections and is constantly reminded of them by everyone around. There is the lovable Hermie who is always around to help out. Finally, there is Sinclair who seems to have everything but has hidden insecurities nobody know about.

Included are several bonus materials. There is everything you would need to make this into a Sunday School lesson or to watch with your kids at home. There are trivia games, coloring sheets, and short films.

I highly recommend this to anyone that has small children at home or works with kids. It is a great resource