Max Lucado tells of God's 'Second Chances' in latest release

Pastor and author Max Lucado brings his gift for relating traditional Bible stories to modern situations in the inspirational volume, "Second Chances: More Stories of Grace." With the ease of a practiced storyteller, he brings such characters as the Samaritan woman at the well, Jonah and The Prodigal Son into our world and uses them to remind us that we serve The God of Second Chances.

Cover art for "Second Chances"

I am an unashamed fan of Lucado's earlier books. His easy-going manner avoids sermonizing even as he exhorts the reader to claim the new beginning available through God's grace. Lucado gently elevates his audience rather than dragging them anywhere. He continues that tradition with “Second Chances.”

Read the rest of the review here.

'The God Who Sees You' by Tammy Maltby

Author Tammy Maltby introduces us to “The God Who Sees You” through Scripture and anecdote in her new book. She begins with the story of Hagar, the runaway maidservant of Abram and Sarai. Hagar felt invisible until God told her that He saw her and she praised Him as “the God who sees me.”

From there Maltby takes us through other scriptural references, other evidences that God not only sees us but He sees what we need, He sees what happens to us and He sees our hearts. She also uses quotations from other authors to remind us of how very much we mean to God, and what that means to us in day to day life. Maltby speaks out of her own pain and shares her own experiences of a time when she was feeling invisible.

"The God who sees you" offers comfort and inspiration that is sorely needed in today's technological and isolating world. It reminds us that we are never truly abandoned or alone; it reminds us that we are treasured to the One who created us.

In the rear of the book, Maltby provides a detailed list of notes referencing the various sites and verses she has quoted, making it easy to follow-up for further study. "The God Who Sees You" offers far more than just a reminder that God sees us. It provides the documentation to prove it.

The book’s organization makes it a great choice for small group study and its uplifting theme makes it an excellent choice for a book club. Easy to read, the book presents the information in understandable form and easily digestible portions. You may find yourself seeing portions of Scripture in a new light as you study the implications of what your visibility to God really means.

"The God Who Sees You" by Tammy Maltby with Anne Christian Buchanan

Published by David C Cook

ISBN 978-1-4347-6799-8

Book Review - ‘Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings’ by Margie Yee Webb

"Is there any animal that better demonstrates the concept of Zen enlightenment than a cat? They glide through the world, slightly aloof, as though in possession of a secret the no one else knows. Author Margie Yee Webb taps into this mystique in an elegant gift book based on photographs of Cat Mulan.

Cat Mulan entered Webb’s life in 2004 via the City of Sacramento Animal Care Services. Webb describes Cat Mulan’s present situation as the “pampered life of a spirited feline.” Even as she provides for her bewhiskered friend, Webb draws inspiration from her. The result, “Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings: Insight and Inspiration for a Wonderful Life,” offers smiles and wisdom through a combination of beautiful photos and sayings."

Click here for more about this delightful book.