Comforts from the Cross

I just found out about this new title by Elyse Fitzpatrick, being published by Crossway in March. I was so blessed by her book Because He Loves Me that came out last spring -- this looks like it will be along the same lines: shorter passages to read everyday to cause us to reflect on the gospel! I would read a few paragraphs of Because He Loves Me each morning right before work, and it was so encouraging. This will be just the same thing. Here's a review I read (not sure why the font, spacing and color are doing this):

"Nothing comforts a woman’s soul more than a fully understood and embraced gospel. But many women aren’t finding solace in their relationship with

Christ because they don’t see how his life, death, and resurrection connect

with soccer practices and swim lessons. Besides, they just don’t have time

to sit down and read a theology book, no matter how much they might hunger
for God’s truths.

That’s where Elyse Fitzpatrick’s latest book comes in. Comforts from the
Cross provides those well-intentioned women with bite-sized readings to
remind them of their place in Christ and of his love and ministry in their
busy lives. It also dusts off the facts of the gospel to show how ancient
truths such as justification, sanctification, and redemption can free and
enliven their souls every day. Even more, these five-minute celebrations of
the gospel relieve readers of legalistic condemnation and empower them for
joyful obedience by engendering fresh love for the Savior.

A perfect choice for gift-giving or personal encouragement, Fitzpatrick’s
book helps active women grasp the practicality of the gospel message and
experience its deep comforts."

Looks like a good one!  Here I am with Elyse last March when
she came to campus.

Pastor Daddy Story Hour

Yesterday we had the pleasure of hosting the authors and illustrators of the book Pastor Daddy for story hour at the bookstore. Lindsey Blair, Bobby Gilles and Tessa Janes were delightful to meet, just the sort of folks I knew I'd be friends with. You can read a good interview and more insight to their ministry and collaboration on the book here.

We had a great crowd come out for story hour, which was great! Here are some of the kids listening to Lindsey and Tessa read. I think it's hilarious how the little boy in the front is more interested in the gummy bears the girl next to him is eating. She clasped them to her chest and shook her head every time she wasn't eating one because of his steadfast gaze.

Here I am in my maroon-ness with Tessa (the illustrator) and her husband, who was the original model for the dad in Pastor Daddy. What great people! I love this little book! Let me know if you are interested in getting a copy, because I'd love to help you out.

A Delightful Visit

I've written before about my job here at the bookstore on SBTS campus, and how I'm frequently surprised when authors come to visit and buy books from us while they visit the school. In this way, I've been able to meet quite a few of my favorite grown-up authors (or their husbands).

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Bill and Carine MacKenzie -- visiting Kentucky from Inverness, Scotland. Bill is the founder of Christian Focus Publishing, and his wife Carine writes children's books -- a LOT of them! She has sold over 3 million children's books worldwide! Her books are great. They are so solid, and so clever. The MacKenzie's sat down with me and showed me the upcoming children's titles for CF4K (children's branch of Christian Focus), and highlighted some of the thought put into these books. "That book is about the gospel" Bill told me when I had Carine sign a copy of My 1st Book of Memory Verses. "It's not in the title, so not to be off-putting, but when children memorize these verses, it takes them through the gospel so they've memorized it." Carine told me about the interactive aspects of an upcoming book she has for preschoolers about the life of Jesus, Little Hands Life of Jesus. "How do you think of all these things?" I asked. Carine humbly nodded toward her husband, which was precious. I can tell they are such intentional people. They don't just produce children's books to make cute children's books and sell cute children's books. They are considering every aspect of what they publish. They want significant doctrines to be instilled into the little ones that read them. They want to equip parents to teach important doctrines to their children.

I appreciate Christian Focus' no-nonsense attitude. Perhaps it stands out a bit to me, being an American, but even CF's catalog descriptions of materials reveal a measure of dry wit and clear outlook on what a larger part of the publishing world is about. Take, for instance, this catalog blurb before their list of VBS curriculum: "Do you have a Holiday Bible Club (VBS) coming up but don't want to go down the whole Hollywood ballyhoo that so many expensive programmes involve? Here are some alternatives." Hmm. I can think of some VBS programs that fit the "Hollywood ballyhoo" bill.

What a providential encounter! I'm so glad to work where I do on days like these. If Christian Focus is new to you, please check out some of their outstanding titles!