From time to time, I offer free books. This time, I'm giving away a copy of "The Deuteronomy Project" by Richard R. Couser. I mentioned this book on the blog a little while back.
This book offers the most unique method for studying a book of the Bible that I have ever seen. Couser has taken the entire book of Deuteronomy and explained it by using dialogue between two main characters and several other characters within the book. Much of it is a conversation between Hal, a retired pastor, and Chris, a lawyer who persuades Hal to be his mentor.
Narrated by Chris, the book isn't a dry commentary on a book of the Bible, even though the entire book of Deuteronomy is quoted in the text. Instead, it's a creative way of teaching the reader about scripture without lecturing. There is enough dialogue and description to make the book read like a work of fiction and all of the interaction between the characters is fiction. However, there is no doubt that what Hal teaches to Chris is pure truth. Hal gives Chris reading assignments and then they discuss those passages in their next encounter. The reader participates as an observer of every discussion and every scripture that Chris reads with Hal. It's easy to imagine how beneficial it would be if we each had our own Hal, a mature Christian to explain difficult passages of scripture! For the reader who doesn't have a spiritual mentor, Hal will become one through Couser's work. The reader will walk away understanding use of repetition in scripture, carefully constructed patterns in the text, and the cultural backgrounds that flow throughout the passages.
The reader who is looking for a deeper understanding of Deuteronomy minus the sermon or dry theological commentary will love this book. It's long, and it's an in-depth analysis, so it isn't for the reader who has just ten minutes to read before bed each night. It's a work to be tackled by the brave reader who is up for a good thought-provoking read. The author obviously studied and knew scripture well. This review is a tribute to Couser's life, a life cut short by cancer, but a life that continues to bless many others through words that live on.
To enter the drawing, send an e-mail to michelle@michellerayburn.com along with your name and mailing address. Winner will be drawn on April 22, 2009. (Names and addresses will not be used for purposes other than this drawing and will not be distributed in any way).
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4.13.2009
3.19.2009
The Power of Networking
I spent four days this week with people who gave me a sense of camaraderie that doesn't exist in most of my other social circles. As nearly 200 people gathered in the north woods for an annual convention, we had one thing in common; we were all involved in camp ministry in some way. From executives, to maintenance people, interns, housekeepers, secretaries, and ministry wives, we connected because of our common goal of reaching people through outdoor ministry. We celebrated our diversity. We bunked together in cabins and snored in harmony with one another (while some of us shared a mutual affliction of sleep deprivation). We broke bread together. But it was more than that.
We nurtured one another in prayer and shared our burdens. We fed our souls from God's Word. We came away refreshed. It's important that we not forget the value of networking with others who share our interests and understand our heart desires. Through networking relationships we gain more than a career association or the potential to discover industry secrets. We gain a connection with people, a connection that provides a source of encouragement when we're slumping into discouragement. We build relationships that stretch us and challenge us to pursue excellence. And like a distant cousins at a family reunion, we know we'll pick up where we left off the next time we see one another.
Who's in your network? What do you share in common? How are you building one another up and encouraging each other to keep pressing on? Take time to thank the people in your network today.
We nurtured one another in prayer and shared our burdens. We fed our souls from God's Word. We came away refreshed. It's important that we not forget the value of networking with others who share our interests and understand our heart desires. Through networking relationships we gain more than a career association or the potential to discover industry secrets. We gain a connection with people, a connection that provides a source of encouragement when we're slumping into discouragement. We build relationships that stretch us and challenge us to pursue excellence. And like a distant cousins at a family reunion, we know we'll pick up where we left off the next time we see one another.
Who's in your network? What do you share in common? How are you building one another up and encouraging each other to keep pressing on? Take time to thank the people in your network today.
3.10.2009
Writers, Connect Your Dots
Recommended Reading for Writers
I'm speaking for a group of writers tonight and thought I'd create some quick links to my favorite resources that I'll be recommending. If you are a writer or you know a writer, here are some great books for connecting the dots between your spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional health as a writer.
If you have a favorite writing resource, feel free to leave it in a comment and I'll add it to a future post.
Michelle
I'm speaking for a group of writers tonight and thought I'd create some quick links to my favorite resources that I'll be recommending. If you are a writer or you know a writer, here are some great books for connecting the dots between your spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional health as a writer.
If you have a favorite writing resource, feel free to leave it in a comment and I'll add it to a future post.
Michelle
3.05.2009
Taking On Deuteronomy
Can Deuteronomy be the basis for a fiction story that contains solid Biblical truth? I'm about to find out. This week I'm tackling a 500 page work of fiction titled "The Deuteronomy Project" by Richard B. Couser. Several months ago, Couser went to be with the Lord after a battle with cancer, and in honor of his life and his writing, I'm hosting his last writing project on tour on my blog. In his preface, Couser said this is "a valuable resource for those who long to understand the Scriptures but are reluctant to read dry, academic, or narrowly sectarian commentaries."
Couser uses fiction characters to tell the story and explore scripture through conversations between retired pastor, Hal, and new Christian, Chris Green, and through reflections and thoughts of these characters. The book contains all 34 chapters of Deuteronomy woven throughout. I'm looking forward to sampling a writing style I haven't previously explored, and I'll post back with a review when I finish.
Couser uses fiction characters to tell the story and explore scripture through conversations between retired pastor, Hal, and new Christian, Chris Green, and through reflections and thoughts of these characters. The book contains all 34 chapters of Deuteronomy woven throughout. I'm looking forward to sampling a writing style I haven't previously explored, and I'll post back with a review when I finish.
3.03.2009
The Cattle on 1000 Hills
Recently, I spent a week in California and it was a refreshing break from the Wisconsin Narnia. For the non-Narnia fans that's never-ending winter. Now, lest the rest of you who live in tundra climates feel a twinge of envy, I must admit that I was near San Francisco and the February temps there were in the 50's and 60's. Not exactly basking in the sun, but certainly a reminder of Spring! And I'll also admit that they're in their rainy season, so I didn't see the sun until the fourth day of my trip. But the rain made it worth the wait! The last time I was in California, it was wildfire season. This time, everything was lush 
and green.
One afternoon, as we traveled from sightseeing in San Francisco back to my sister's home, I had a moment of déjà vu. As I took in the beauty of the rolling green hills and valleys, I recalled a previous trek on this same highway several years earlier. At that time, anxiety and sadness mingled in my mind and circled like the smoke rising from the burning hills. I was nervous about my upcoming flight home and sad about leaving my sister behind, so far from Wisconsin. I didn't speak to the others in the car about my thoughts. As the others chattered, I noticed black, tan, and brown cattle dotting many of the hills, and despite nearby charred spots from extinguished fires, these cattle grazed in calm, unharmed.
I remembered a line from scripture about God owning the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). Peace washed over me and I knew that everything was in His hands--my flight, my sister's future, my unspoken worries. I pulled out my camera and snapped a picture so I could remember how God spoke to my heart through those scattered herds. Just a few verses after the one about cattle, Psalm 50:15 says, "Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory."
Now, in the moments of remembering, I found renewed hope in seeing those cattle once again. And once again, I pulled out my camera.
and green.One afternoon, as we traveled from sightseeing in San Francisco back to my sister's home, I had a moment of déjà vu. As I took in the beauty of the rolling green hills and valleys, I recalled a previous trek on this same highway several years earlier. At that time, anxiety and sadness mingled in my mind and circled like the smoke rising from the burning hills. I was nervous about my upcoming flight home and sad about leaving my sister behind, so far from Wisconsin. I didn't speak to the others in the car about my thoughts. As the others chattered, I noticed black, tan, and brown cattle dotting many of the hills, and despite nearby charred spots from extinguished fires, these cattle grazed in calm, unharmed.
I remembered a line from scripture about God owning the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). Peace washed over me and I knew that everything was in His hands--my flight, my sister's future, my unspoken worries. I pulled out my camera and snapped a picture so I could remember how God spoke to my heart through those scattered herds. Just a few verses after the one about cattle, Psalm 50:15 says, "Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory."
Now, in the moments of remembering, I found renewed hope in seeing those cattle once again. And once again, I pulled out my camera.
2.24.2009
"Daniel's Den" Book Review
Michelle's Review of "Daniel's Den": With today's economy, it isn't difficult to imagine an investment scheme complete with government involvement. And it isn't hard to envision the desperation of a criminal who wants to cover his tracks. In "Daniel's Den" author Brandt Dodson had the foresight to craft a plot that seems more like non-fiction in light of everything happening recently in the news. Successful stock analyst Daniel Borden's career is on an upward track until a co-worker's crime snags him in a web of deception. Ironically, proving his innocence is going to mean running.
The book begins with two separate stories, that of Daniel Borden, and that of bed and breakfast operator Laura Traynor. Dodson does an excellent job of keeping the reader in suspense for a good amount of time until the two cross paths. It's a well-crafted mystery with just the right amount of thrill. Readers should be cautioned that it isn't exactly a cozy mystery--it has it's share of dead bodies. Yet, it's tastefully done without gore and bloody violence.
Want to know more about the author? Here's a word from the publicist. "Brandt Dodson comes from a long line of police officers, spanning several generations, and was employed by the FBI before leaving to pursue his education at Indiana Central University (now the University of Indianapolis). A former United States Naval Reserve officer, Dodson is a board Certified Podiatrist. It was during a creative writing coarse in college that a professor said, 'You're a good writer. With a little effort and work, you could be a very good writer.' Dodson has published five novels, currently resides in southwestern Indiana with his wife and two sons, and is at work on his next book. Learn more at www.brandtdodson.com."
To read other reviews see Amazon through the link below:
The book begins with two separate stories, that of Daniel Borden, and that of bed and breakfast operator Laura Traynor. Dodson does an excellent job of keeping the reader in suspense for a good amount of time until the two cross paths. It's a well-crafted mystery with just the right amount of thrill. Readers should be cautioned that it isn't exactly a cozy mystery--it has it's share of dead bodies. Yet, it's tastefully done without gore and bloody violence.
Want to know more about the author? Here's a word from the publicist. "Brandt Dodson comes from a long line of police officers, spanning several generations, and was employed by the FBI before leaving to pursue his education at Indiana Central University (now the University of Indianapolis). A former United States Naval Reserve officer, Dodson is a board Certified Podiatrist. It was during a creative writing coarse in college that a professor said, 'You're a good writer. With a little effort and work, you could be a very good writer.' Dodson has published five novels, currently resides in southwestern Indiana with his wife and two sons, and is at work on his next book. Learn more at www.brandtdodson.com."
To read other reviews see Amazon through the link below:
2.14.2009
Private Investigators, Writers, and Scrapbookers
What do P.I.'s, writers and scrapbookers all have in common? They are the main characters in my recent reading. I picked up three debut novels this month to expand my horizons a bit. We all have favorite writer's don't we? But it's fun to read some new authors sometimes!
Private Investigator
In "Original Sin", author Brandt Dodson makes his debut with a story that has enough mystery and murder to keep male readers intrigued, and enough description and romance to hold the attention of female readers. In the book, former FBI agent and current P.I. Colton Parker is hired to investigate a murder. It looks like a classic open and shut case, until Parker discovers what local police have overlooked.
Dodson's latest book, "Daniel's Den" arrives on the market this month and I'll be posting a review as soon as I'm finished reading it. A former FBI employee and US Naval Reserve officer, Dodson is now a board certified podiatrist.
Writer
Another debut novel caught my attention this month. In "Ezekiel's Shadow," David Ryan Long has a gift for weaving a mystery. I couldn't put the book down until I knew how the story of writer Ian Merchant turned out. Plagued by writer's block and a struggle with his faith, Merchant suddenly begins receiving threatening notes, but the creepiest part is that the stalker comes right to Merchant's home to deliver the messages. What could be scarier than having your own sanctuary feel like a prison? I'll certainly be looking for other novels by Long.
Scrapbooker
Rebeca Seitz makers her living as a publicist who promotes other writers, but she's also a writer herself. In Seitz's first book, "Prints Charming" she blends a bit of personal experience into her main character Jane who is a publicist and event planner. Jane is also an avid scrapbook enthusiast. In fact, most of the book centers around Jane's scrapbook sessions with three friends who she calls "The Sisters". Mutually helping one another through life's ups and downs, these sisters help Jane as she tries to sort of the remnants of a failed marriage and the desire to move on with her life. For fun, Seitz includes some scrapbook ideas and page layouts at the back of the book along with a group reading guide for the book. A lighthearted read that will delight the "chick flick" fan with some "chick lit."
Private Investigator
In "Original Sin", author Brandt Dodson makes his debut with a story that has enough mystery and murder to keep male readers intrigued, and enough description and romance to hold the attention of female readers. In the book, former FBI agent and current P.I. Colton Parker is hired to investigate a murder. It looks like a classic open and shut case, until Parker discovers what local police have overlooked.
Dodson's latest book, "Daniel's Den" arrives on the market this month and I'll be posting a review as soon as I'm finished reading it. A former FBI employee and US Naval Reserve officer, Dodson is now a board certified podiatrist.
Writer
Another debut novel caught my attention this month. In "Ezekiel's Shadow," David Ryan Long has a gift for weaving a mystery. I couldn't put the book down until I knew how the story of writer Ian Merchant turned out. Plagued by writer's block and a struggle with his faith, Merchant suddenly begins receiving threatening notes, but the creepiest part is that the stalker comes right to Merchant's home to deliver the messages. What could be scarier than having your own sanctuary feel like a prison? I'll certainly be looking for other novels by Long.
Scrapbooker
Rebeca Seitz makers her living as a publicist who promotes other writers, but she's also a writer herself. In Seitz's first book, "Prints Charming" she blends a bit of personal experience into her main character Jane who is a publicist and event planner. Jane is also an avid scrapbook enthusiast. In fact, most of the book centers around Jane's scrapbook sessions with three friends who she calls "The Sisters". Mutually helping one another through life's ups and downs, these sisters help Jane as she tries to sort of the remnants of a failed marriage and the desire to move on with her life. For fun, Seitz includes some scrapbook ideas and page layouts at the back of the book along with a group reading guide for the book. A lighthearted read that will delight the "chick flick" fan with some "chick lit."
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