Rediscovering God in America by Newt Gingrich

Rediscovering God in America, by Newt Gingrich and featuring the photography of Callista Gingrich was an interesting look into the faith of our founding fathers. The book is a "walking tour" of thirteen buildings and memorials of our nation's capital. Each of these buildings, Mr. Gingrich points out, have references to God or quotes from the Bible, indicating the importance of faith in the founding of our Nation. In a day where every effort is being made to strip God and faith from America, it was refreshing to read quotes from George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams,and Abraham Lincoln, to name just a few, and see evidence of the role God played in our country's history. The amazing photography captured the spirit of America and was "proof" of the things described in words. The photos added to the overall appeal of the book.

Though I have visited Washington, D.C. in years past, and noticed many references to God as I visited the Memorials and Historic Buildings, this book renewed my desire to revisit these sites, with even more awareness of the implications of the role of God in the hearts of our founding fathers. The book was beautifully designed and small enough to pack in a tote bag and use as a guide book if you visit our Nation's Capitol.

After reading this book, one realizes how difficult it would be to erase the evidence of God without totally defacing these buildings which have become symbols of our nation and it's history. So, until you can take a walking tour of Washington, D.C. in person, enjoy the tour in word and picture through this wonderful little book.

Invisible

Have you ever been in one of those "new-fangled" bathrooms where everything works by sensors. I guess they think it will save water and paper, but I'm not convinced that it is best invention for me. The other day when I was in one of those bathrooms, the silly commode flushed twice before I got up, and then wouldn't flush when I was through! I waved my hand in front of the sensor several times. Even sat down and got up again hoping to trick it into flushing, and then finally found the little button and flushed it manually.

Next I went to the sink. GREAT -- automatic soap dispensor and faucet. I did my thing and waved my hand for some water....no luck. Maybe you have to do the soap first....no luck. I took a quick glance in the mirror. Yes, I was really standing there. One more attempt and the water did come on, got a little squirt of soap and the water stopped. Another few attempts got the water running again. YEAH!! Clean hands. As I glanced over to the paper towels, you guessed it, sensor driven again! That too gave me trouble. As I was waving my hand in front of it, a woman walked into the bathroom. I asked her, "Am I really here, or am I invisible, because the paper won't dispense for me." She just laughed, I wiped my hands on my pants, and left the bathroom.

We can laugh when the situation involves a sensor on an object, but what about the times when we feel we are invisible to the people around us? Have you ever been to an event and wandered around hoping someone would notice you and invite you into the conversation? Have you been stressed and pleading for family members to help around the house only to be ignored? Have you ever been talking to someone when someone else, "seemly more important," comes in and the person leaves you mid-sentence? When these things happen, you feel invisible and it's easy to get discouraged. We feel no one really sees our needs or cares about us. It's in times like these, that we need to remember there is Someone who does see us and knows us better than we do ourselves. We are never invisible to the Lord.

So, when you have those moments when you wonder if you really ARE invisible, take a look in the mirror -- the mirror of God's Word -- and know that you are precious in His sight.

Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away. You observe my travels and my rest; You are aware of all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, Lord. You have encircled me; You have placed Your hand on me. (Psalms 139:1-5)

Jesus Lives by Sarah Young

Jesus Lives is an intimate devotional book that intertwines Scripture in dialogue form. The book contains 180 individual devotions written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to the reader. Each one is like a personal letter of love as Jesus speaks words of encouragement, hope, guidance, correction and acceptance, drawing you into a more intimate and practical daily walk with the Lord.

The book is compact and attractive. It is visually appealing both inside and out, and well organized with a table of contents that lists the devotions by themes. Opposite each one page devotion are 3-4 Scriptures on which the devotion was based for further reflection.

Sarah Young does an outstanding job incorporating solid biblical truths in each devotion. Her purpose, "to increase the awareness of Christ's Love" in the reader's life is accomplished.

I would highly recommend this book. Read it carefully with your heart ready to hear His voice, and you'll see His love in your life and know that Jesus Lives!