Talk about books

Gary Thomas has written several books beginning with the word "Sacred." Sacred Marriage is probably the best book on marriage I have ever read, and I have read many. I just finished Sacred Influence, and it was outstanding as well.

I'm just finishing up David Giffel's "All the Way Home: Building a Family in a Falling Down House," a thoughtful, funny, and genuine look at a young man's quest to move his family into a broken down, but majestic house in Akron, OH. Having just spent four years working at a church in Akron, I related to his ongoing jokes related to the Akron area. But this book expands beyond local jest...it's a worthwhile challenge to each of us on how we elevate our needs and desires above those around us. Giffel's is so self-deprecating and humorous, though, that you forget you're learning a lesson along the way. Which is how I think a lot of the most effective lessons really take hold in our lives...when we stop "trying" to learn them and they accidentally seep into our consciousness. If you've ever spent any time doing odd-jobs around the house (refusing to pay a contractor), this book is a must read.

I am currently reading Across the Threshold, Into the Questions by Caren Goldman and Ted Voorhees. They take passages from the gospels, relate them to their own lives, then ask thoughtful questions for the reader to interact with the scripture. The chapters conclude with quotations, some quite long, others short, including poetry.

I am reading this in manuscript form, but I encourage people to be on the lookout for the published title. This is a thoughtful and challenging book. I am finding the questions urge me to look deeper into Jesus' words. I love both the writing, and the content. Look for it! (To be published by Morehouse Publishing in October).