We once posted what was new in the bookstore but somehow got away from doing that over the years.  Well, I'm going to start doing that again because we have so many wonderful things in our very own store.  The prices are always discounted, and the tax is always included in the price.  We can always search and place special orders for you, especially for Bibles.  You are also welcome to suggest something that might be suitable for our eclectic mix. 

New Books

The Richness of Augustine - Theology ($10)  
   This book is a fresh approach to Augustine's contributions to theology.










Whatever Happened to Worship: A Call to True Worship

by A. W. Tozer ($11.25)            
   This is an inspiring perspective on worship.  It presents both the how and the
why and is a must-read for any worship leader or pastor.  It also includes the
1965 article "Worship:  The Missing Jewel of the Evangelical Church."
   I have read this book and consider it one of the most important books on
worship that I have ever read.






  

Conformed to His Image:  Lessons on Living Like Jesus
by Oswald Chambers ($11.75)
   Most of us are familiar with Chambers' devotional writings, but he was also a lecturer.  This book contains lectures given on how to live an authentic, Christian life.
   I have also read this book.  It too has been a tremendous influence on me.







C. S. Lewis:  Eccentric Genius/Reluctant Prophet by ($17.50  - hardback)                        

   Lewis, who has probably influenced more Christians than any other modern writer, died a little over 50 years ago, yet his literary legacy is very much alive and insightful today.  In spite of his popularity, he has always been somewhat of an enigma.  Oxford professor Alister McGrath paints a comprehensive portrait of the man from childhood to British novelist.  He also reexamines Lewis' conversion in light of new evidence.  This is a great read for any Lewis fan.




New Music
Instruments by Wind (Nori & Barbie Kelley) - $10
   I have thoroughly enjoyed this album.  From the classical to screaming Floydian guitars, these instrumentals are incredible.  This is a great collection for a road trip.

 

Cabin Fever Recordings by Barnett, Delmore, Rund - $10.25
   Well, our friends from the Northwest have done it again.  This album contains songs from the softly spoken all the way to loud and raw.  It reminds me of the varying moods found in the Psalms. It features a few solos by Marie Barnett.  I have played this cd over and over again and not just because they are our friends.                        





BARGAINS
     Books

• This Day in Christian History - $4.25 - From the beginning of Christianity, certain days have been important to the church at large.  This book tells the story of each day and presents both the glory and the shame of the church throughout its history to date.  If you love history or biography, you would enjoy this book.
• John Calvin: Reformer by Wm. Johnson - $1.75 - Just in time for the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth, this book presents a study of his insights and passion for the reformation of the church.  These insights have had an impact not only on the church at large, but also on society throughout the last five centuries.  This book was a steal at this price.
• Bible Basics - $1.00
• 101 Bible Words You Should Know - $5.25

     Music

• Musical Tribute to C. S. Lewis by 14 various artists - $5.00
• A New Hallelujah by Michael W. Smith - $6.00
• Two from Vineyard UK - Thank You for the Cross ($4.25) and The King of All of Me ($3.00)                                                                                                                     

                                                                         

My parents, Tommy and Betty Kean, celebrated their 65th anniversary on May 26, 2015.  WOW! 

What an achievement! 

What a blessing! 

What an example!

 

They shrugged off the accolades, but it is an accomplishment.  How many people do you actually know who have made their marriage work for that many years? The key's is in that question - made.

 

Staying married is not a passive endeavor, especially happily married.  My dad will be 85 this October; my mom, 82.  They are both in pretty good health and are very active.  They can run circles literally around me.   

 

A working marriage is made.  It is active work - 24-7.  It doesn't just happen.  The extraordinary thing is that after a few years, you don't realize you're working, unless something really hard materializes or until the children come along.   Children change everything, and until they are truly on their own (living away from home and self-sufficient), the active work intensifies. 

 

After all, you are sustaining relationship with your spouse plus beginning relationships with these wee ones who just popped into your life and who know nothing but how to cry, eat, sleep some, and poop.  You have to teach them everything including how to build relationships with their family and those around them.  During this time, the married couple's relationship may dwindle to a cool burning ember unless . . . they work at it.  It's not going to just happen.  You have to plan those date moments, those "alone moments." 

 

After the children are grown, many couples just drift apart because they didn't do the marriage work while the children were growing.  They gave their 100 percent to the children.

 

I really didn't mean to ramble on and on about that, but I did.  Sorry.

 

My parents did the work.  They worked at their relationships with each other while working at their relationships with their children.  When we were grown, they still had each other.  Plus, they offered themselves to others along the way - golfing buddies, friends, neighbors, other family members, church, business.  It's hard to juggle all those relationships, but it can be done with God's help and a little elbow grease and a lot of humor, patience, and wisdom.

 

I think another one of the keys is found in the Song of Songs or Song of Solomon.   This is my lover; this is my friend. (5:16)  

 

A successful marriage, one that lasts 65 years, needs both - love and friendship.  The need for God is silent but understood. 

 

What I'm about to write is going to be a little corny, but Hallmark doesn't make 65-year anniversary cards.  My sister MADE me write our own.

 

 

We are sure that after sixty-five years

filled with joys and sorrows, laughter and tears,

-there are probably some things that you understand

far better than your children can . . .

 

Like . . .

 

Grocery shopping can actually be a fun little date,

and there is nothing more important than admitting a mistake.

The one you love most can aggravate you like crazy,

but these moments often become many a cherished memory.

 

Sometimes your mate falls asleep at unexpected times,

but it's nice to wake up next to the one who's given you so many of the best days of your life.

The ten-thousandth kiss is just as sweet as the first,

and "for better or worse" really means for better or worse.

 

Yes, love takes work, lots of humor, and a little perseverance

and trust, kindness, and whole lot of patience.

But the longer you're together you come to discover:

This is my friend; this is my lover.

 

Yes, after all of the years,

the laughter, the tears,

your example has taught the rest of us

a lot about this thing called love.

 

We wish for more special moments for you to share.

You are and have always been a very special pair.

May all the coming days be as happy as can be.

Congratulations!  Happy 65th Anniversary!!!