What’s New in the Cross Reference Library? Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan

What it’s about: From New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan comes an exquisite novel of Joy Davidman, the woman C.S. Lewis  called “my whole world.” When poet and writer Joy Davidman began writing letters to C.S. Lewis—known as Jack—she was looking for spiritual answers, not love. Love, after all, wasn’t holding  together her crumbling marriage. Everything about New Yorker Joy seemed ill-matched for an Oxford don and the beloved writer of Narnia, yet their minds bonded over their letters. Embarking on the adventure of her life, Joy traveled from America to England and back again, facing heartbreak and poverty, discovering friendship and faith, and against all odds, finding a love that even the threat of death couldn’t destroy. At once a fascinating historical novel and a glimpse into a writer’s life, Becoming Mrs. Lewis is above all a love story—a love of literature and ideas and a love between a husband and wife that, in the end, was not impossible at all. 

What I love about Becoming Mrs. Lewis: When I was 11 years old, my aunt gave me a beautiful box set of The Chronicles of Narnia for Christmas. As I began to read through those seven books, I fell in love with the world of Narnia. Talking animals and mythical creatures. A mighty lion. And children who stumble upon a magical land, and go on adventures when they least expect it. As I got older, I became interested in how C.S. Lewis created the world of Narnia. I wanted to know his story. So when I was around 13 years old, I came across a biography on C.S. Lewis in the local Dollar General. I was so excited when my mom let me get it, that I didn’t even wait till I was in the car to start reading it. I learned about his childhood, how he fought in The Great War. Did you know C.S. Lewis was close friends with J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Rings? I remember reading through that biography so many times that the cover was worn. But something that I always wanted to know more about was his relationship with Joy Davidman. And that is exactly what Becoming Mrs. Lewis gave me. Her friendship with Jack (C.S. Lewis) was so inspiring to read about. This novel gave so much more depth to who Joy Davidman was, than my biography ever did. When she would ask Lewis about Narnia and other things, it’s like us as readers are learning about C.S. Lewis with Joy. Another one of my favorite things about this book, was how it was in a diary format. That really helps in experiencing everything through Joy Davidman’s eyes. In the author’s note in the back, Callahan talks about all the research she did in order to represent Joy’s story well. If you choose to check out this book, I recommend that you read the author’s note. It is truly fascinating. And the synopsis really describes this novel well when it says that it’s, “a love story—a love of literature and ideas and a love between a husband and wife that, in the end, was not impossible at all.” Come on in to the Cross Reference Library and check out Becoming Mrs. Lewis! You’ll find hope, faith, hardships, and of course JOY.

What’s New in the Cross Reference Library? Discovering the Will of God

The God You May Not Know - Our personalities inevitably conform to our gods. We have witnessed this down through history. When we worship inferior versions of God – money, status, security, power, pleasure, you name it – we become like our idols. If your god is money, you’ll become materialistic. If your god is sex, you’ll become increasingly sensual. If your god is yourself, you’ll become more self-focused. But if your God is the almighty Creator of Scripture you’ve got a lifetime of joy ahead of you. So it is no exaggeration to say that the study of God is the supreme study of a lifetime. It lifts our thoughts, steadies our nerves, purifies our motives, expands our confidence, and strengthens our influence. It’s the greatest subject we could ever study, for God is the apex of all reality. One of the reasons we don’t love God as much as we should is because we don’t know Him as well as we ought. Trying to comprehend the person of God is like trying to capture all the galaxies of the universe in a child’s prism. Yet the Bible encourages us to try, for God seeks to be known. In this teaching series, I want to personally introduce you to the God you may not know—to His knowledge, holiness, all-pervasive presence, unlimited power, love, and the other qualities that make Him who He is. Knowing our eternal God changes our daily lives—and He is well worth knowing, for He alone is worthy of all praise!

The 4 Wills of God - Should you take the job? Quit the job? Begin a relationship? End a relationship? Move? Plant roots? How do we find God’s will for life's big decisions? What if you had total freedom? Emerson Eggerichs believes there is a clear answer to finding God’s will. The Bible itself reveals the clue–a secret hidden in plain sight. Before launching his Love & Respect marriage ministry with wife Sarah, Emerson was a senior pastor for nearly 20 years in East Lansing Michigan. Before that, Emerson and a friend ran a free counseling center called “The Open Door” in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. As Emerson navigated his career he found both he and the people he was counseling were wrestling with big decisions and knowing if that decision was really what God wanted. Immersing himself in God’s word for over 30 hours a week for 19 years, he discovered simple, clear truths that set him and many others free. There is a starting point to discovering God’s Will for your next decision and for your entire life. Begin here to read stories of people in the same situations you face today. You’ll be able to discover the freedom you’ve been searching for, and then, like Emerson, you’ll help others find that freedom too.

When I go to write these posts, I try to bring together books that are similar in context. And sometimes when I do posts on new books that come in, that isn’t always easy. So I was definitely surprised when both of this week’s books have to do with knowing God and His will. In David Jeremiah’s  The God You May Not Know, it gives great insight on how he got to know God personally, and how we can take the journey from knowing about God to knowing God. One of the first things that he says in the first chapter (and I’ve heard about other people doing this as well), is how he has a special place out in the country where he can spend time with the Lord. I have spoken with people who call this their prayer walk time. They set aside 30 minutes or so in the morning or afternoon to spend time with God in His creation. “We are made to know God—to know about Him and to know Him personally.” How many of us have allotted time set aside to actually spend time with God? David Jeremiah had an analogy in his book which illustrates a tough reality. “Suppose the only time you communicated with your spouse was once a week (Sunday morning), and you gave them a box of chocolates or flowers. If your entire relationship with your loved one consisted of a box of chocolates every seventh day, the marriage would wither. That’s what some people do to God.” I know that was tough for me to read. There have been seasons in my life where I go into church on Sunday and I join in worship and listen to the sermon, but then wonder why I feel hopelessly lost for the rest of the week. Proverbs 9:10 comes to mind: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Our other new book this week was The 4 Wills of God by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. This one really fascinated me, because it seemed to aid in answering a question I’ve had recently. “What is God’s will for my life?” What’s great about this book is: I’m not the only one who has asked this question. But most of the time, when people ask this, they want to know about their career, relationships, finances, etc. Here’s what Dr. Eggerichs says about that, “The question, ‘What is God’s will?’ explores what I call the universal will of God for all believers. I contend that the best way to know God’s unique will is to know and follow His universal will for all believers, and this book is about four universal wills of God, which serve as a great starting point.” The wills that he expands on are as follows: 

Believe in Jesus Christ (John 6:40)

Abstain from sexual sin (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

Give Thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Submit in Doing Right (1 Peter 2:13-15)

Now, Dr. Eggerichs makes sure to say, “Though all of God’s commands in the Old and New Testament that apply to the church fall under God’s will for us, God reveals in four passages, four specific wills. This doesn’t mean we can ignore the rest of God’s commands, only that we probably will ignore the rest if we ignore these four.” Then again, reading the whole Bible, along with these four verses would also be beneficial. But if you want to know more about what Dr. Eggerichs has to say about God’s will or even Dr. Jeremiah’s thoughts on truly knowing God, come on into the Cross Reference Library to check out these books.

—”Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:35-36

What's New in the Cross Reference Library?

Disruptive Thinking - For most of our lives, we are encouraged to trudge along the well-worn paths of those who have come before us. We learn the rules – in our families, in our schools, in our workplaces, in our churches – and most of the messages we receive tell us that following the rules will allow us to arrive at the lives we desire. But when change becomes not only desirable but also urgently necessary, this way of being no longer serves us. In fact, in every human endeavor, every major leap forward, has involved a cataclysmic challenge to existing ways of thinking and being. Breakthroughs, by definition, run against the grain and almost always encounter skepticism and opposition. In this book for leaders, thinkers, doers, and creators, Bishop T.D. Jakes illuminates the pathway to encouraging and unleashing disruptive thinking and provides the wisdom and practical skills we need to evolve our most original and potentially transformational ideas from vision to reality. Through his insight into how our minds and emotions work and through his experiences as a pastor, entrepreneur, and creator, Bishop Jakes leads us into a new way of relating to and transforming the world around us for good. Disruptive Thinking will show you the mindset and the tools you need to create groundbreaking and meaningful change in your own life and in the world around you.

Relationship Goals - Wondering if you should break up? Feeling like you could break down? How about discovering a breakthrough in all your relationships and finding fulfillment like never before? This start-right-here study guide based on Michael Todd’s Relationship Goals takes the targets you have for your relationships and adds the coaching you need to steady your aim. As you and your small group, friends, or significant other write, reflect, pray, listen, and discuss your way through this guide, you’ll discover the practical tools and strategic space you need to move your relationships from “We’re okay” to “We’re better than ever.” We’re talking friendships, marriage, dating, even ideas for relating well to the person in the next cubicle. Because having strong relationships means having a strong purpose in life—and who doesn’t want that? So set your eyes on the goals that will help you win in relationships.

What's in The Cross Reference Library? Family at Christmastime!

Epiphany - Richard Lee may be gone, but he’s not yet departed. In this captivating Christmas novella, as the unseen observer of the family events that follow his own death, Richard watches his children return to their hometown to attend his funeral, settle the estate…and come to terms not only with their father’s passing, but with the disappointing direction each of their lives has taken. There is Jonathan, the starving artist whose talent languishes beneath a burden of failure. David, the family success story: practical, capable, worldly-wise…and cynical to the bitter bone, dying inside. And Ruth, a small-town girl who left for the big city in search of fulfillment she has yet to find. Powerless to act, Richard can do nothing to help his children resolve their struggles. He can only watch as pain and truth surface in each of their lives. But as secrets ;and surprises are revealed, the depths of a departed father’s love for his children and those around him emerges with poignant and redemptive clarity. And for Richard’s loved ones, healing at long last begins. 

A Family Christmas -Dr. James Dobson's A Family Christmas transports you to the delightful places you've been ... or perhaps to where you want to be. Featuring glowing scenes by internationally acclaimed artist G. Harvey, this richly meaningful gift book illustrates the importance of showing and celebrating love for our family, our friends, and our God. True stories of Christmas past, complete with Dr. Dobson's insightful and thought-provoking commentary, will bring warmth and rekindled joy to you and yours.

What’s in the Cross Reference Library? How can you spread kindness this Christmas Season?

Pony Express Christmas - Jeremiah Sparling, an inexperienced rancher, and his oldest son Noah are stranded on the trail from town when a blizzard hits. At home, Grace Sparling tries to hide her fears from her three young sons and feels guilty over the harsh words she exchanged with husband that morning. A Pony Express rider pushes himself and his horse through the storm, picturing a warm room and a hot meal at the other end. Will he stop to help Jeremiah and Noah? Does he sense the danger that lurks? And does he know that he carries with him the meaning of Christmas in a most unexpected way? 

Christmas Jars - Where did it come from? Whose money was it? Was I to spend it? Save it? Pass it on to someone more needy? Above all else, why was I chosen? Certainly there were others, countless others more needy than I…Her reporter’s intuition insisted that a remarkable story was on the verge of the front page. Rising newspaper reporter Hope Jensen uncovers the secret behind the “Christmas Jars” – glass jars filled with coins and bills anonymously given to people in need. But Hope discovers much more than she bargained for when some unexpected news sets off a chain reaction of kindness and brings above a Christmas Eve wish come true.

Every Christmas season, I tend to find so many blessings everywhere. Delicious Christmas food, light falling snow, and a big cup of hot chocolate. It’s a blessing to decorate the Christmas tree with my parents while listening to the Trans Siberian Orchestra Christmas Album. And I always get goosebumps when I hear my Grandma Purple play Hark The Herald Angels Sing on the piano. There are little things like these that make me feel very blessed during the Christmas season. One thing that makes me feel blessed through the whole year, and not just at Christmas, are good stories and books! And that is exactly what I get to be surrounded by everyday here at the Cross Reference Library. With that in mind, the Christmas books that I wanted to share this week are Pony Express Christmas and Christmas Jars. I chose these ones, because when I found them in our library, something really stuck out for me. The pony express rider and the family behind the Christmas Jars went the extra mile to show kindness on Christmas. The rider literally did. My challenge for anyone reading this is to not only show kindness during the Christmas season, but everyday. Demonstrating God’s love to everyone you come across. So come on into the Cross Reference Library and check out how you can spread kindness this Christmas season.

What’s in the Cross Reference Library? Max Lucado Christmas Books

Cosmic Christmas - We know the Christmas characters well: the singing angels, the simple teenage girl, the surprised carpenter. But do we know all the characters? Do we know the whole story? What about the hidden happenings that might have led to the Savior’s birth? Was the arrival of Jesus a quietly profound event? Or could it have been the result of heavenly battles, angel armies, and a scheming Satan? Envision a confrontation in heaven between the King of creation and the rebellious Satan. Threats. Challenges. A gauntlet laid on the floor of the sky. And then the passage from heaven to earth - “There was a war in heaven” the Bible states (Revelation 12:7). Angels battling Satan’s armies as they transport the essence of heaven itself. Come along as author Max Lucado takes us on a journey into his imagination - pulling back the curtain as we see what might have taken place one “Cosmic Christmas.” 

One Incredible Moment - In one incredible moment the whole world changed when Jesus came to earth as a baby boy! Best-selling author Max Lucado has penned a Christmas book for the entire family as he examines how one unbelievable moment forever altered the lives of every person who has ever lived....from Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men to those of us living in the new millennium. This unique Christmas gift book from Max Lucado features original photography and design.

Christmas Stories - These stories - like your favorite Christmas ornaments - come in all shapes and sizes. They unfold in a variety of settings, from ancient Bethlehem to rural England. From a small Texas town to the heavenly realms. Some are short. Others are many chapters long. Some offer reflections. Others imagine Christmas through the eyes of a burnt-out candle-maker, a lonely business man, or heavenly angels. “In the mystery of Christmas,” Max writes, “we find its majesty. The mystery of how God became flesh, why he chose to come, and how much he must love his people. Such mysteries can never get solved, just as love can never be diagrammed. Christmas is best pondered, not with logic, but imagination.” That’s what each of these unique christmas stories help us do. IN the midst of the bustle and hurry that often distracts us this time of year, these stories free us to explore the ways in which Christ’s coming has forever changed history - and us.

What’s New in the Cross Reference Library?

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus - Brother Lawrence lived through the drudgeries of monastery kitchen duty during the turbulence of 1600s France. Joni Eareckson Tada suffered a terrible accident that broke her neck and left her paralyzed. This tragedy led her from a life of distant faith to a life as a devout Christian, and she later became a worldwide disability advocate and influencer, sharing her experiences of suffering with grace. In both their lives, they each found the secret to peace, joy, and a way of being in constant conversation with the Father . . . every day and every hour . . . practicing the presence of God. The Practice of the Presence of Jesus ushers in wisdom from these two everyday saints, more than 400 years apart, to teach and inspire you to experience the nearness of God in your life. Through rich devotional content from Brother Lawrence’s The Practice of the Presence of God, accompanied by original art and never-before-published insights from Joni, you’ll experience a unique blend of past and present wisdom on such themes as humility, thankfulness, fear, worship, obedience, and more. Each devotion ushers you into the peace of the Good Shepherd.

What’s in the Cross Reference Library? A Story Worth Telling

Epic - This dramatic retelling of the gospel illuminates the unique role we can play in the amazing story God is telling. Sure, good things happen, sometimes beautiful things. But tragic things happen too. What does it mean? We find ourselves in the middle of a story that is sometimes wonderful, sometimes awful, usually a confusing mixture of both, and we haven’t a clue how to make sense of it all. No wonder we keep losing heart. We need to know the rest of the story. For when we were born, we were born into the midst of a great story begun before the dawn of time. A story of adventure, of risk and loss, heroism . . . and betrayal. A story where good is warring against evil, danger lurks around every corner, and glorious deeds wait to be done. Think of all those stories you’ve ever loved. There’s a reason they stirred your heart. They’ve been trying to tell you about the true Epic ever since you were young. There is a larger story and you have a crucial role to play.

Keeping a Princess Heart - How can a woman live with hope . . . in the midst of reality? You were once a little girl, dreaming of "happily ever after" like a fairy-tale princess. But unlike the fantasy world of Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella, reality has hit you hard. Living in the not-so-fairy-tale world of laundry, kids, carpools, and your sometimes not-so-charming prince, you wonder how your heart will survive, because what you have isn't even close to what you hoped for. Hang on! Real hope is found in the tension between the two?in an invisible kingdom. This place is where you discover the true heart of a princess. One full of dreams, wonder, delight, and joy. With rich insights and compelling stories, Nicole helps you discover the timeless truths that can transform a woman's heart into the heart of a princess. You are recognized by the King, loved by the Prince, and promised the happiest "happily ever after" of all times.

A Different Kind of Love Story - For anyone who has ever struggled with their identity, Landra Young Hughes has a radically simple message: give up. Specifically, give up your need to be in control of how other people see you. Instead, let God's words--not yours and not others'--define you. Through her own deeply personal story of trying to control her circumstances and others' perceptions of her through an eating disorder, Landra points the way toward a life free from self-obsession and self-resentment. She shows you how to listen to God's voice, let go of the struggle for perfection, and live authentically from your deepest self.

People love stories. Whether it’s a TV show, movie, a book, or even the news, we want to know what happens next. Plots and characters, different places and journeys. And you know, if you start to read through the Bible, every book from Genesis to Revelation, has a story to tell. In Genesis, there is a new character and plot revealed with every chapter. I will say, God is probably THE BEST AND ULTIMATE AUTHOR! His penmen did not hold back when they were going about writing everything that was going on. One of my favorite examples of this is the last verse of Nehemiah 1, “O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.’

Now I was cupbearer to the king.” 

I just think it is so epic how right after this heartfelt prayer there is a real statement of, “this is who I am and I am ready to serve the Lord.” The story of Esther is another good example, because God isn’t really mentioned but He sure-as-heck had a part! In Esther 4:14 it says, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” For such a time as this. You know, when I was reading Epic for this post, one of the things that John Eldredge said was, “What will happen next? You don’t get to know—you have to enter in and take the journey as it comes.” As THE author, God knows our stories. He knows our stories better than we do. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” So as sons and daughters of the King, how are we living out the stories that have been established for us? Are we remembering to trust the Lord as we continue to move forward? Let’s live our stories well, honoring the author everyday. I greatly recommend all 3 of these books! So come on into the Cross Reference Library and check them out.

What’s in the Cross Reference Library? The Left Behind Series

Left Behind - When the trumpet sounds, where will you be? Passengers in an airborne Boeing 747 find out in this riveting novel by renowned Christian speaker Tim LaHaye and master storyteller Jerry Jenkins. Without any warning, passengers mysteriously disappear from their seats. Terror and chaos slowly spread not only through the plane but also worldwide as unusual events continue to unfold. For those who have been left behind, the apocalypse has just begun. This fictional account of life after the Rapture delivers an urgent call to today's readers to prepare their own hearts and minister to others.

Tribulation Force - Rayford Steele and Cameron ("Buck") Williams find themselves pressed into service for the man they believe could be the Antichrist. Nicolae Carpathia takes over the United Nations, signs a peace treaty with Israel, and begins to lure the nations of earth together to form one global village. Meanwhile, the judgment of God begins to fall on the earth. Buck and Rayford, along with their pastor and Rayford's daughter, must fight to stay alive and battle the forces of evil in the strength of their fledgling, newfound faith.

Next Tuesday is Halloween and for some people, it is a time to dress up and get candy. But for others, there is the reminder of ghosts, monsters, and serial killers. They look forward to this time of year, because it can bring a spooky supernatural thrill that they find exciting. I’m definitely a part of the first group of people I mentioned. Dressing up as a thing or character is just as fun as getting candy every year. But a couple of things that you will NEVER see me doing is: watching a horror movie or exploring a haunted house. NEVER!! I did each of those once and had nightmares for weeks. NEVER AGAIN! So for this week's post, instead of telling you about Ted Dekker’s, Alton Gansky, Frank Peretti, or even James Rubart’s Christian Thrillers—if this genre is your thing, their books are found in our library—but we also have the whole Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. I would recommend the Left Behind series during this season, because it’s kinda scary how true it could be. Within the first few pages, the authors basically spell it out that the pilot, Rayford Steele, was going to be left behind. “Rayford Steele’s mind was on a woman he had never touched,” was the very first sentence of chapter one. His inner mindset continues to talk about how he finds his wife less attractive because of her, “obsession with religion.” It soon after says, “God was OK with Rayford Steele.” The other character that gets left behind is Buck Williams, a journalist who traveled for Global Weekly. On a job in Israel, he had witnessed something that might’ve changed his life and, “Christian friends wanted Buck to take the next step and believe in Christ, now that he was so clearly spiritually attuned. He wasn’t prepared to go that far, but he was certainly a different person.” Buck had no idea how closely he had missed his chance.

Whether you decide to read the Left Behind series or not, I want you to take into consideration one of the scariest things about it. Rayford was committing adultery in his mind against his wife and he had drifted 100s of miles away from God. AND THEN THE DAY CAME. Buck Williams had seen the evidence of God’s existence, and he wasn’t prepared to take the next step. AND THEN THE DAY CAME. Read Matthew 24:36-44: 

36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. 42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Our two main characters weren’t ready, and became two of many who were left behind. When the trumpet sounds, where will you be? Are you living a god-fearing life? Have you asked Jesus to come live in your heart? These are questions that we should ask ourselves everyday. So come on in to The Cross Reference Library and check this thrilling book series. 

What’s New in the Cross Reference Library?

The Woman from Lydia - Widowed Euodia, known to her neighbors as “the Lydian woman,” seeks to make a fresh start by moving to the foreign city of Philippi. She finds new purpose after meeting Paulos, apostle to the Gentiles, who opens her eyes to helping those in need, particularly women and those who have been enslaved. Retired Roman soldier Hector has settled in Philippi with dreams of a future filled with wealth and status, pooling his army earnings with Lucious, his fellow comrade-in-arms turned business partner. His hopes are dashed, however, when Paulos robs their youngest enslaved girl of her lucrative ability to foretell the future, rendering her worthless to Hector’s ambition. Determined to find someone to restore the girl’s valuable “gift,” Hector is willing to travel to the ends of the earth to do so. Following close behind him, Euodia and her servants embark on a journey to rescue Sabina and set her free forever. 

Seeing as Jesus Sees - “Jesus, how do You see this?” Discover a new, simple prayer, brief enough to change your whole life. It’s a request the Savior loves to grant because when you see yourself, others, and the world through His eyes, you’ll

• Discover the wonder and beauty you’ve been missing

• Clear away misunderstandings and defeat the lies that hold you back

• Take the limits off your life

• Rekindle genuine compassion for others

• Find hope again for the world

If you’re looking for a Spirit-filled life of freedom and joy, you don’t need to do more—you just need to see more. Let pastor Alan Wright lead you through the Scriptures to the Savior’s side to see everything from His perspective. You’re going to love the view.