Christmas Un-Wrapped with Hearts of Saints

Jason Killebrew drummer for Hearts of Saints is a Christmas traditionalist—right down to the chestnuts roasting on the fire (well, he likes the song at least). Hearts of Saints whose name derives their name from Philemon 1:7, will release their self-titled debut album on Revolution Art on Jan. 26.  But first Kentucky born and bred band member is going to celebrate the holidays with his family.  That is, of course, after participating in Christmas Un-Wrapped with Backseat Writer.

Did you score any good deals on Black Friday?  Is it a day of great deals or terrifying chaos?

Definitely a day of great deals!!  For the past half – decade, I have stood in the freezing cold at 3-4 am on Black Friday trying my hardest to score some great new items that were on sale!  Last year, I stood in line at Best Buy to buy an Xbox 360 with Guitar Hero 3.  I think I got it for $199…and may have gotten a bit of frostbite too.

What is one of your favorite Christmas memories?

My aunt is the only other musician in the family.  We used to have a traditional Christmas dinner at her house.  After dinner, the entire family would retire to the living room, sit around the piano, and sing hymns and Christmas carols.  There was really no better “family time” than Christmas at my aunt’s house.

Let’s talk Santa.  Did you believe in him as child?  How did you find out he’s not real?

Santa was VERY real when I was a small child.  I remember at age 8 I was starting to have my doubts so I took fingerprints of my whole family.  In my traditional note to Santa on Christmas Eve that I placed right beside the cookies and milk, I left an ink pad and asked Santa for his fingerprint too.  He left a print and to my very skeptical eye…it was NOT a match to any of my family’s prints!!  Santa was REAL! I found out years later that it was my sister’s boyfriend’s fingerprint.

Describe one of the biggest Christmas-related catastrophes that happened.

Wow – I honestly can’t think of a single catastrophe.  Unless you count the time that my grandmother decided to make mashed turnips instead of mashed potatoes and didn’t tell anyone.  There was nearly a riot when my uncle and grandfather simultaneously ate a big scoop of the turnips and spit them out “projectile style”.  They were both caught off guard by the bitterness of the turnips!

What’s your fave Christmas song/Christmas movie or cartoon/Christmas cookie?

Christmas Song – Oh Holy Night  /  Christmas Movie – A Christmas Story  /   Christmas Cookie – Gingerbread, of course!

Bonus Question:: New Year’s resolution—yes or no? If yes, what is your resolution?

YES!  Make a valid attempt to love others with the thought and compassion of Jesus.  New Year’s Resolutions generally get broken, but I do want to make a valid attempt to lead a life more like Jesus.

Book Review:: The Advent Conspiracy

I love to shop.  While I’m not a shopaholic, I still love a good deal.  I love to give gifts to others (especially those of the handmade variety).  Often, I pointed to James 1:17 and not that God is the Giver of all good things and like any Father adores bestowing presents upon His children.  And He does.  Sadly, our hands are open to greedily receive His gifts without so much as a thank you—and really, that’s the problem.  We are so plagued by consumerism; we treat God’s gifts as a commodity.

A book like Advent Conspiracy: Can Christmas Still Change the World? has the ability to convict even an avowed bargain, Black Friday-loving shopper like me.  While I’m not hanging up my purse for the holidays, Advent Conspiracy gave me plenty of food for thought.

Gripping at the get-go, Advent Conspiracy makes a simple case.  We as Christians (and a culture) miss the whole point of Jesus’ birth year after year.  In fact, on the Bethlehem night so many years ago, the world barely took notice of a pregnant teen giving birth to Messiah in a dirty stable, even though Heaven opened wide and angels heralded His birth.  And now in the 21^st Century, we shove the nativity under our enormous Christmas tree—wedged between a stuffed Santa and a Wii (wrapped in pretty paper, of course).

The authors of Advent Conspiracy Rick McKinley, Chris Seay, and Greg Holder decided this shouldn’t be the picture of an American Christmas.  Moreover, it was a sad depiction of “the foundational narrative of the Church.”  Instead, these men decided to challenge their congregations to spend less, give more, and worship more fully.  The results were amazing, so now the trio has written down their story to inspire others to do the same—all for $12.99 a pop.  C’mon, you have to see the humorous irony in that!  But it’s less than $10 on Amazon.com.

Spending less, giving more, worshiping more fully, and loving all—the four facets on which the movement is based are things that we all need to incorporate into our lives.  The authors are careful to note that spending less does not mean that we should not spend nothing—they urge us to spend cautiously (and within budget), know what we are buying, and make recommendations on products that help impoverish peoples, such as journals handcrafted by women in the slums of Calcutta or Bible covers made by residents of a Buenos Aires “shantytown.”

By giving more of ourselves in our relationships, we share something that can’t be found in a store bought item wrapped in pretty paper.  Also, through these relationships, Christians have the opportunity to share the Gospel with actions and with words, if necessary.  Instead of getting overwhelmed by preparations for the holidays, the Advent Conspiracy is about simplifying so we can focus on the miracle of God becoming an infant—a baby born to die for our sins.

What I don’t like about Advent Conspiracy is that the $12.99 price tag perpetuates the spirit of consumerism and it cannot be overlooked that Zondervan, a big publishing company owned by a bigger publishing company, stands to profit from book sales.  Plus, the book makes mention of Living Water International A LOT.  While the organization, which builds wells in towns that desperately need clean water, is a good one, does LWI have to be the main example for so many stories?  The authors urge consumers not to buy products that were manufactured in China (saying this leaves more stores in the mall out).  Meanwhile, I have a living room full of toys I need to wrap which were manufactured in—you got it—China.  These toys were donated by well-meaning folks to kids in foster care who wouldn’t receive any presents this Christmas, even though their friends are sure to get some good loot.

I know this isn’t going to be a popular review, especially among die hards who are screaming, “Right on, man!”  Even some of the craft supplies I buy to make my presents were made in other countries.  I mean, I don’t know how to start making my own Styrofoam balls, you know?  Or clothes!  Because where was the fabric created?  It is very difficult, if not impossible, to buy consumer products that were not crafted in countries with less-than-desirable labor practices.  Do I feel sick about it?  Of course!  Will I stop buying these things?  Probably not.  That is the problem with the Advent Conspiracy—I don’t know that we can truly enact the authors’ ideas about shopping in a global economy.  Fortunately, Advent Conspiracy offers shoppers like me hope.  We can start in places like craft fairs and buy from 10,000 Villages.

Advent Conspiracy is an interesting read, and definitely a worthy project.  The book could be half as long (perhaps cutting its price in half?) and still communicate its central message, which is bogged down in personal testimonies on how Advent Conspirators gave to worthy causes.  Honestly, I don’t want to pay to read the testimonies of a bunch of anonymous conspirators or read questions dedicated to an Advent Conspiracy DVD I didn’t even get with the book.  Perhaps Zondervan and Advent Conspiracy should have been more thoughtful about the marketing of this.  Instead of paying twelve dollars and change for a book that’s preaching to the choir, I think I’d rather buy one of those handcrafted journals from the women living in the slums of Calcutta.

For more information on the Advent Conspiracy movement, visit the movement’s website at adventconspiracy.org.

*I did not buy the Advent Conspiracy, but was provided a review copy by the Conspirators themselves.*

Christmas Un-Wrapped with Wes Pickering

Singer/songwriter Wes Pickering’s easy vocals make for a delightful listen, especially with his latest project In Work and Worship.  Compassion is a way of life for Wes, who adopted his dog Esther from a Nashville-area dog shelter and works with Songs of Love to craft original melodies for sick children. So, of course, Backseat Writer is pleased to un-wrap Christmas with Wes Pickering, who is sure to make Santa’s “Nice List” (even though Wes doesn’t believe in Santa).

Did you score any good deals on Black Friday?  Is it a day of great deals or terrifying chaos?

Nope, on Black Friday I drove home from North Carolina to Nashville and made no stops to shop.

What is one of your favorite Christmas memories?

When I was 3, we lived in Germany.  For some reason, my parents didn’t celebrate Christmas on December 25 that year.  Instead they woke us up one morning (I’m still not sure what day it was) and gave us a fuseball table and an electric race car track.  Even being so young, I still have a really vivid memory of that morning. 

Let’s talk Santa.  Did you believe in him as child?  How did you find out he’s not real?

Nope, my parents raised us on the story of the real St. Nicholas, who you may not know, was a theologian, attended the council of Nicaea, and was imprisoned for his faith in Jesus Christ.   One time, my uncle asked my older brother what Santa was bringing him for Christmas.  He looked up and simply responded, “Santa Claus is dead.”

Describe one of the biggest Christmas-related catastrophes that happened.

There weren’t ever any major Christmas catastrophes in my household, although my sister did once back into a candle and catch her hair on fire.  We caught it pretty quick and avoided any major disaster.

What’s your fave Christmas song/Christmas movie or cartoon/Christmas cookie?

Song – “Labor of Love” from Andrew Peterson’s Behold the Lamb of God, Movie – It’s A Wonderful Life, Cookie – well, it’s not really a cookie, but Mom usually makes buckeyes for Christmas

Bonus Question:: New Year’s resolution—yes or no? If yes, what is your resolution?

Yes.  Thirty new songs and 100 shows.  I definitely need help on the latter, so let me know if you’re interested!

Christmas Un-Wrapped with Alli Rogers

Since giving birth to a bouncing baby boy, life has changed for singer/songwriter Alli Rogers travels with a guitar in one hand and a diaper bag in the other.  Still, Alli wouldn’t change it for the world—dearly loving music and her family.  Alli’s newly released Christmas album, The Silent Stars, is a beautiful addition to her body of work.  The album is true to Alli’s singer/songwriter style and includes original material and a new spin on favorites.  The Silent Stars is my favorite album of the holiday season, so I am thrilled that Alli is Un-Wrapping Christmas here at Backseat Writer.  Also, head over to NoiseTrade to download Alli Rogers’ music by paying what you want or telling five friends about how cool Alli is.

Being a new mom with a beautiful baby son, have you thought differently about the story of Jesus’ birth this year?

When I was pregnant last Christmas I saw everything through the eyes of Mary.  I suppose I will this year as well, after having met the little life that grew inside me.  I can’t imagine what it was like for her and I hope we can sit down and have coffee one day.  I have a few “Mary” songs that I started for the Christmas record that didn’t make the final cut; they were fun to write for myself I suppose.  Every baby is such a miracle; I love thinking of Jesus as a little baby and wonder what he was like.  I reference this is one of my songs called “Adorn”.  What a mystery!

Why did you decide to release a Christmas album this year?

I’ve always loved the holidays because I love spending time with family and coming together to remember why we have hope.  I also know there are plenty of people who dread the holidays, or who have lost loved ones and their absence is louder than ever at Christmas.  I wanted to write some songs that would speak to everyone, the traditionalist, the cynic, the heartbroken.  I didn’t want to just write a bunch of happy, shiny songs to listen to while you throw tinsel on the tree.  Not that there is anything wrong with happy songs!  I just wanted to put my spin on it I suppose, look at the idea of Christmas music from a different angle.  Make people think.  Shed some light, hopefully.

Which of the songs on THE SILENT STARS is particularly special to you?  (You can name more than one!)

It changes.  Today, as I’m answering these questions I’m thinking of “Adorn” and am really happy with that song.  It speaks of the great mystery of the incarnation and wonders at what really happened at the moment Christ was born.  It’s so crazy to think about!  The Creator–entering creation.  I also really loved writing a new melody and arrangement to the song “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”.  The lyrics of that old hymn are very relevant and speak to me everything time I sing or listen to it.  I need reminding, that as Frederick Buechner puts it, “What’s lost is nothing to what’s found, and all the death that ever was, set next to life, would scarcely fill a cup.”

Describe one of the biggest Christmas-related catastrophes that happened.

No catastrophe comes to mind at the moment, but I am remember a year when there was so much snowfall that our garage was covered and my brother and I jumped off the roof of our house into the snow!  That would never happen in Nashville!

What’s your fave Christmas song/Christmas movie or cartoon/Christmas cookie?

A family favorite Christmas album is the Alabama Christmas album.  Listen to it every year!  As well as Amy Grant, gotta have some Amy Grant Christmas.  Favorite song might be:  “Have yourself a merry little Christmas/ Let your heart be light/ Next year all our troubles will be out of sight” With those three lines and instantly I’m 8 years old in my plaid flannel nightgown watching the snow fall before we go to bed on Christmas Eve.

Read the review and win the book 40 Loaves!

When my friend saw 40 Loaves sitting on my coffee table, she excitedly picked it up thinking it was a cookbook for bread.  I told her it was a devotional as she began flipping through its pages, stopping at different places of interest to read.  No, C.D. Baker’s 40 Loaves isn’t a cookbook for bread, but it definitely had the right ingredients to engage with the Bread of Life.

40 Loaves invites readers to take a 40 day journey into some of the toughest questions that plague to hearts of Christians (and non-Christians)—questions like “Why do I only pray in emergencies?” “Why does God seem silent in my life?” “Why don’t I feel safe at church” and “Why do I try so hard to fit in?”  These are questions that have not only kept me awake at night—doubting my faith in God, doubting my passion for His Kingdom, and doubting my own salvation—they are also questions an unbelieving world wants answered.

While author C.D. Baker doesn’t have a neat and tidy answer for everything, he does good job of presenting his ideas in short three pages, which also include questions to consider (called “Food For Thought”) and a brief prayer from Scripture, the saints, or written by the author himself.  Each entry is written in a friendly, easily understood manner that invites engagement with the text.

What I really enjoy about this book is this—the other day I was pondering a deep question in my heart.  I just needed a bit of encouragement, so I opened 40 Loaves to distract myself.  As I perused my table of contents, I saw my question there among the others.  I turned to the page, read what Baker had to say, and I felt a little better.  Did I still wrestle with the issue on my own after that?  Absolutely.  But I felt better knowing someone else felt the same way and presented a well-crafted, logical, and biblical answer to what bothered me.

This is a great gift book or one to keep by your bed or even to use in your own 40 day journey—a journey into doubt, fear, and questions—one you will no doubt keep taking.

*This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.*

:: :: :: ::

Guess what?  The powers that be over at Random House have given me a copy of 40 Loaves to bestow on one special reader.  Here’s how to win::

Leave a comment telling me your favorite type of bread—that’s it!  As always, we’re opening up this question to Twitter and Facebook followers, too.

If you’re on Twitter, simply Tweet, “My favorite is [insert your fave type of bread here—don’t type that, actually enter your fave type of bread] What’s yours?  Win the book 40 Loaves from @backseatwriter http://bit.ly/7NCOYx ”

If you’re not a fan of Backseat Writer on Facebook,  fan BSW and then leave a comment telling me your favorite type of bread.

If you do all three, you get three chances to win (leave an individual comment for each thing you do because I’ll pick the winner by post number.)  The contest ends on 12/23 at 9 AM.  Winner will be announced here on 12/23. Make sure you use a valid e-mail address so I can contact you should you win.

Christmas Un-Wrapped with Big Daddy Weave

Big Daddy Weave is doing something special for military families this Christmas.  As part of the “Be Brave” Campaign, the band has featured military families on their website and invited their fans to donate to the families. The project was inspired by the song “I’ll Be Brave This Chrsitmas” from the band’s new Christmas album, Christ is Come (Fervent).  Also, as part of Amazon MP3’s 25 Days of Music promotion, you can download Big Daddy Weave’s “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Front man Mike Weaver shares about the album and his holiday memories in this version of Christmas Un-Wrapped.

Why did you decide to release a Christmas album this year?

After we’d completed our fifth studio record with Fervent, it just seemed like the right thing. Over the past few years we’d had a couple of Christmas singles that had been included in various compilations and what not, so we felt like we already had a place to start. It was kind of weird tracking Christmas music in June though. Hard to feel the Yuletide with ninety degree weather outside!

Which of the songs on the album is particularly special to you?  (You can name more than one!)

Well the carols that we created new arrangements for were all special because we’d grown up singing them every year. There are a couple of originals on the record though that I have really enjoyed since we’ve finished though.  The song “Glory” is a real worship moment on the record for me. It was a different feeling lyric  for me as a writer as well and the verse lyrics didn’t show up until it was literally time to go in and record vocals. The other song that really sticks out message wise is the tune “I’ll Be Brave This Christmas”. It’s about a little boy writing a letter to his dad, who’s off at war, around the holidays. I really have a great respect for the sacrifice our soldiers and the families that they leave behind to follow what I believe to be a very noble calling from God.

What is one of your favorite Christmas memories?

My parents always put on the Santa things really well! When we woke up on Christmas mornings, I mean it all HAD to be true by looking at what had transpired in our living room over night. I love them so much to this day for making such a big to do over us growing up. They were by no stretch of the imagination wealthy, but we never wondered if they cared about us. We KNEW it because of how great of an effort was shown, and this was just a small example.

What’s your fave Christmas song/Christmas movie or cartoon/Christmas cookie?

I always loved the old Rudolph movies and certainly I cried when the Grinch was so cruel to that poor little dog of his, but more recently I never seem to get tired of the Will Ferrell movie Elf. “You REALLY like sugar don’t you? Is there sugar in syrup? THEN YES!!!”

Bonus Question: What’s your New Year’s resolution?

This last year my resolution was to lose 90 lbs in ’09. I’m almost there right at 80. I figure I have plenty left to lose, so how bout another 60 or 70 in 2010.

Christmas Un-Wrapped with Brad Hooks

Just when you thought you couldn’t stomach another version of “Silent Night,” Brad Hooks comes along with such a unique rendition of the class your opinion changes completely.  A singer/songwriter and worship pastor from L.A., when Brad hooks isn’t putting fresh new spins on church hymns and writing fresh material, he is leading worship at Calvary Church Montebello.  He and his wife have partneredwith West Coast Care, an organization which aids the homeless.  Check out Brad’s bran spankin’ new album Hymnastics, which adds elements of alternative rock, folk, pop and hip-hop to traditional hymns.  Not only did Brad agree to Un-Wrap Christian with Backseat Writer with hilarious anecdotes, he also gave BSW a copy of his version of “Silent Night” for readers to download for FREE.  Thanks for the early Christmas present, Brad!

LISTEN TO or DOWLOAD “SILENT NIGHT’ BY BRAD HOOKS

What is one of your favorite Christmas memories?

Well, the one that sticks out the most in my mind is when we visited Grandma’s house in 1986. I was 5 years old. Upon arrival I immediately headed for the swing set, decided to swing standing up and without holding on, fell forward onto a cement square (the only one in the entire backyard), and split open my face just above the nose and between the eyebrows. Christmas was a bit like a “Grey’s Anatomy” holiday special from that point on- a combination of bickering family members, apathetic hospital attendants and me being stitched up in the ER. I have the scar to this day.

Let’s talk Santa.  Did you believe in him as child?  How did you find out he’s not real?

Yes. Believed whole-heartedly. In 1989, my brother and I snuck downstairs in the middle of the night to discover that Santa was in fact Mom and Dad, and Santa was losing his mind trying to assemble the season’s hottest race car track. The following morning there was no race car track. It didn’t make it through the night. My sister then proceeded to sit on top of her new doll house, crushing the roof in so much that Barbie and Ken had to remain downstairs in the kitchen and living area; only Kelly and her school buddies were able to stand upright second level. It was a Christmas catastrophe. But don’t worry, Santa still managed to polish off all the cookies and milk.

What’s your fave Christmas song/Christmas movie or cartoon/Christmas cookie?

Song- O Come All Ye Faithful, Movie- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the original), Cookie- Sugar. Preferably shaped and decorated like Christmas trees.

Review:: The Glo Digital Bible and The Mosaic Bible

I’ve written before that I love reviewing Bibles and I have two I’ve been using that are extremely useful and visually appealing.  While the Word of God is just as powerful in black and white text on thin white paper with red letters for Jesus’ words, it’s nice when publishers go a little further to invite readers into the story.  They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but when looking at the Mosaic Bible (Tyndale House), I want to rip open its covers and start reading

The beginning of the book is filled with 52 weekly meditations from church history to modern musing that show a true connectedness between the worldwide communities of Christians.  There are meditations for Advent, Lent, Epiphany, fasting, worship, justice, and many more.  Each meditation includes suggested Bible reading, commentary, and quotes pulled from saints, both living and dead.  To make things even more marvelous, each meditation is also accompanied by traditional and contemporary artwork, which thrills one’s aesthetic sensibilities as well.  Written in the easy-to-read New Living Translation (NLT), the Mosaic Bible contains the Word of God, liturgy and art.  It is truly a magnificent Bible.

The other Bible I’ve been using is GLO: The Bible for a Digital World (Zondervan).  Even though Glo takes a bit if time to install (under two hours), it is time well spent.  You can sit at your computer and catch up on some reading like I did.  Once familiarized with Glo’s navigation, using the program is easy (and to be honest, I found it pretty user-friendly, which is good because the “help” section isn’t all that helpful.)

Scripture is available in both NIV and KJV with easy-to-read text whose size can be adjusted to the reader’s preference.  Although, admittedly, I hoped Glo would have more translations like The Message or NLT included.

Of course the coolest thing about this digital Bible are its interactive media features.  While reading Bible text, one can also peruse study notes; look at historical maps, timelines, and art, as well as modern maps and photos.  Also included are videos that delve further into various topics, including one featuring William P. Young, author of The Shack, speaking about Satan’s showdown with Jesus in the desert.

Glo is not without its problems though.  The interface can be slow, the text notes in an NIV Study Bible can prove more interesting, and errors do pop up from time to time.  The benefits of this program far outweigh the negatives.  Glo would make a great edition to anyone’s media library, primarily Bible teachers or pastors that use digital projectors.  Instead of just talking about places in the Bible, a teacher can actually show his or her audience the Temple Mount or Golgotha, which helps the Bible come alive—literally.

Christmas Un-Wrapped with Josh Rosenthal

Josh Rosenthal is a man for all seasons, which is why it’s no surprise that he’s released another Christmas album this year called For A Day, which is the culmination of his Villages Suite.  This is the follow-up to Saturday’s post where Josh offered BSW readers a chance to save 10% in his online store (read post). Because he’s that kind of guy, Josh also graciously agreed to take part in BSW’s Christmas UnWrapped.  Plus, read Josh Rosenthal’s blog for chances to win his merchandise!  And this just in–Josh’s song “Renaissance” could appear in the 2010 Possibility Pictures’ movie, Letters to God.  Make this happen by voting for “Renaissance” here.  Voting will continue through 12/16 and you can vote as many times as you’d like.

Why did you decide to release a Christmas album this year?

I released one last year too.  I did it for two reasons.  (1)  December is a slow month for me unless I let my music reflect Christmas.  It keeps me working through the month.  (2)  Christmas concerts bring out a whole different crowd.  The people don’t care if the music is good or great, they just want to celebrate the season.  It’s low pressure with a high reward.

Did you rework classics or write original material or both?

Both.  I wrote a song with my friend Asher Seevinck (Seafinch) and Jason Stevens.  I also did a few classics.

(Video Note: “This Changes Everything” is from Josh’s 2008 Christmas album, Narratives)

Which of the songs on the album is particularly special to you?  (You can name more than one!)

“Do You Hear What I Hear?”  I did the song with Susie Hirsch.  She came to Salt Lake City from Michigan to record the song.  The song is special to me because the experience was special.  She wrote me a really encouraging email telling me how much that time meant to her.  She’s never released anything and she’s really talented.

By and large, the whole album was special to me.  I got to work with a different artist on each song – Ben Robie, Susie Hirsch, Jason Stevens, Hope Glenn and Seafinch.  It was a pleasure to learn from them and support them in their love for music.

Describe one of the biggest Christmas-related catastrophes that happened.

Hmmm…we always had really great Christmases.  I’ll keep thinking.  I’m bound to have screwed something up.

What’s your fave Christmas song/Christmas movie or cartoon/Christmas cookie?

Elf or Christmas Vacation.  Both are traditions for my family.  I actually just watched Elf last night.  I’m ready for Christmas.  My favorite Christmas song is “Baby, it’s Cold Outside”.

Bonus Question:: What’s your New Year’s resolution?

I want to be a better husband for my wife.  She’s an amazing wife and struggle with believing I’m anything comparable to her.  A few specifics – take my shoes off at the door, thank her every time I notice her doing something around the house, candlelight, picnics

Grab Bag Blog Tour Book Reviews:: MORE THAN A MATCH & 99 TO FIGHT WORRY AND STRESS

This week Backseat Writer is taking part in the “Grab Bag” Blog Tour sponsored by WaterBrook Multnomah.  The first book, More than a Match by Michael and Amy Smalley is from WaterBrook’s Value Non-Fiction, which offers insightful books on love, marriage, relationships and personal growth. At just $6.99, WaterBrook Press is offering readers on the most limited budgets, valuable resources to help them grow and succeed in their personal lives.

The second book, 99 Ways to Fight Worry and Stress by Elsa Kok Colopy, is part of the “99 Ways” series– practical and up-to-date ways to help families flourish despite present economic challenges, priced at just $5.99 per book. These books are not only timely, but also inexpensive enough to fit into everyone’s tightening budget.

MORE THAN A MATCH by Michael and Amy Smalley

Husband-and-wife team Michael and Amy Smalley, both certified marriage counselors, have come together to write More than a Match: The Five Keys to Compatibility for Life. This book is intended to be a multipurpose read. It is good for dating singles, dating couples, engaged and married couples. Whether you agree with all or none of it, there is a smattering of information for everyone. The book does tackle a few details in depth–online dating, dating, compatibility, communication, and sex.

The first major issue covered was online dating sites that match individuals by compatibility.  Using five of Dr. David Olsen’s twelve issues that couples need to understand and communicate the Smalley’s make the case that there is much more to a lasting marriage than mere compatibility. From their experiences they believe that spiritual beliefs, personality issues, financial management, children and parenting, and sexual expectations are among the most important issues facing couples in today’s society. The book also devotes whole chapters to individuals’ preferences, beginning and ending a relationship, conflict and sex.  The last chapter was written for celibate couples, who may not know what to expect on their first night together.

More than a Match is easy to read and filled with many, many personal stories. Both authors share openly about their personal contributions to positive and negative during their marriage. While all may not agree with the authors’ strong beliefs on marriage, relationships, dating, and sexual activities, they do offer some helpful advice to the importance of communication for couples who might have headed to the altar blinded.

Compatibility is not the only defining key to a relationship; it is also important to communicate about important relationship issues.  Once a partner has expressed his or her ideas and feelings on these issues, both partners need to decide if they can respect, work through and live with one another’s differences. Moreover, communication, respect, love, and most importantly, God, need to be included in a long-term relationship, so it can more than just a match.

Shari Transue writes for Examiner.com, Associated Content, and Miss Shari’s Story Time Blog . She’s a Keystone College graduate, holding Bachelors in Communication Arts & Humanities and Education certification. Formerly a preschool teacher, Shari loves collaborating with parents, teachers, and reading children’s literature. Contact Shari here.

99 WAYS TO FIGHT WORRY AND STRESS by Elsa Kok Colopy

By Donna Savaki, special to Backseat Writer I guess you really can’t judge a book by its cover. Or by its title.  I understand Elsa Kok Colopy’s new book, 99 Ways to Fight Worry and Stress (Waterbrook) is part of “The 99 Ways” book series, but this book stands on its own.  I wasn’t too excited when I was assigned to review this book (Not another how-to book!) so I put off reading it. But instead God handed me a special gift—one that was best to unwrap. After all, He knows what I need. I needed this book, and perhaps so may you.

The first sentence echoed the wishes of my heart, “I wish I could say I handle stress and worry with ease.”  After detailing some of the stressors in her life, Colopy continues, “I need more than oatmeal and exercise. I need tools. I need day-to-day coping-with-life tools so I don’t follow through on my temptation to move to the mountains with twenty pounds of chocolate, a few warm blankets, and an armload of romantic comedies.” I tried that and felt far away from civilization, gained 30 pounds, still was cold (it did get to -37 degrees Fahrenheit), but I did enjoy those romances! The stress increased dramatically and thirty years later, I still find it difficult to manage stress.

Colopy’s “99 Ways to Fight Worry and Stress” are suggestions are rooted in Scripture advising readers to savor friendships, rest, journal, dream, laughing, pursue interests, and find God’s truth.. Now this all sounds ordinary when I list them, but the 99 ideas are thoughtful, fanciful, practical and true and they’re easy to do—if we just slow down and actually do them! To start, just choose one of the 99 suggestions and do it. Let’s see, #15 is “Nap Often.”  Now, that I can do!  Number 50 suggest readers savor food—to slow down whole eating and relish each bite of food. Hmm, good idea.  Number 65 says beating stress is all about “Finding Humor in Movies” while #90 reminds us that “God is Bigger than Anything We Face”. So very true!

Each suggestion is followed by a paragraph or two illustrating the main concept. This book needs to be read and followed one chapter, one idea at a time. I am going to incorporate these ideas into my daily life as I seek to enjoy (rather than stress about) the life that I have chosen in following God. I loved this book and I am thankful for Elsa Kok Colopy for writing this book. Maybe this book is what you need to fight the worry and stress plaguing your life—and you can one idea at a time.

Donna Savaki is a retired teacher (over 30 years of teaching kindergarteners was enough).  She has one daughter, Amy, who is the head honcho of Backseat Writer.  She lives with her husband and two dogs, Katie and Clifford, in Pennsylvania.

(Both of these books were provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.)