The premise of this devotional book is that women oftentimes pretend to be something they are not, because they feel they do not measure up. Putting My Dress-up Clothes Away: because big girls live in the real world, by Martha Bailey, published in 2007 by Insight Press, Covington, La. The premise of this devotional book is that women oftentimes pretend to be something they are not, because they feel they do not measure up. As author Denise George explains in her endorsement: “With a deep understanding of God’s Word, a writing style that brings heart-warmth, and a wonderful sense of humor, Martha Bailey writes a book of brief story-illustrated meditations that will lead readers to a greater understanding of Scripture, and delight them with her own honest personal experiences.  Truly an interesting, enlightening, and inspirational book that today’s Christian woman will greatly enjoy!” Bailey is wife of Pastor Waylon Bailey of First Baptist Covington. See www.amazon.com … [Read more...]

Stories filled with humor that meet women on the go   Fast Food Diva Devotions to Go by Kathy Frady, published in 2007 by Extreme Diva Media. Fast Food Diva’s Devotions to Go – written by Kathy Frady, a Christian comedian based in New Orleans – is filled with humorous stories that meet women on the go where they spend much of their time: waiting in line at fast food restaurants. Women are encouraged to model better eating habits for their families, even in our fast-paced, fast food world. Fast Food Diva Devotions to Go helps women make healthier fast food choices for themselves and their families by offering menu suggestions from many fast food chains. The stories are short, poignant, fun to read, and easy with which to identify. Each day’s story includes a Scripture verse, prayer, and spiritual encouragement for moms and grandmas. Coming in July from Frady: Sweet Tooth Diva Devotions To Go. Available at www.amazon.com. … [Read more...]

Patsy Barber is working harder than ever these days, because she knows time is running out for entries to the fifth volume of interviews with WWII-era military personnel.   Volume 4, World War II and Korean Veterans Speaking from the Heart, by Patsy K. Barber, published in 2005 by Bayou Boeuf Publishing, Lecompte, La. Available at www.amazon.com Patsy Barber is working harder than ever these days, because she knows time is running out for entries to the fifth volume of interviews with WWII-era military personnel. About 1,300 veterans a day are dying, according to U.S. Veterans groups. Volume 4 – and volumes 1, 2 and 3 of “Speaking from the heart” – attest to the value of the work she does. With her books in excess of 400 pages each, she gives voice to memories, of a mother of seven WWII warriors, who broke her pipe from smoking it so much out of worry for their safety; of a new recruit who was unable to write home for the entire 49 months between his enlistment and discharge; of a Native American Cajun whose skin tone led to his being assigned to what then was known as a “Colored brigade.” She writes of men who endured wet winters while they sometimes evaded and other times engaged Chinese soldiers in Korean … [Read more...]

This biography provides a gracious look at the life of Roland G. Leavell, who served as minister, evangelist, author and president of what became known as the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.   He Still Stands Tall: The Life of Roland Q. Leavell, by Dottie Leavell Hudson, Dove Inspirational Press/Pelican Press: Gretna, La., 2008. This biography provides a gracious look at the life of Roland G. Leavell, who served as minister, evangelist, author and president of what became known as the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Leavell’s youngest daughter, Dottie Hudson, compiled this biography from 20 years’ worth of her father’s diaries. Excerpt: For all the complaining Roland has done about his seminary classes, he carefully said in his December 2 diary entry, ‘Three years ago today I was ordained down in Oxford, Mississippi. My three  years of preaching have meant much to me, whether much to others and the Lord or not. ... [Ellipsis in text] My seminary course studies meant much to me.’ This is as close to a summary of this year as he gives.    www.amazon.com … [Read more...]

An eye-witness to some great moments in the history of our nation and the early days of the Southern Baptist Convention   Journal John Frederick Weishampel, Jr. Baltimore, Md., 1858-1895, transcribed and edited by A.E. Weishampel and C.V. Weishampel, published in 2007 by Brentwood Christian Press, Columbus, Ga. “My role in the publishing of this work was strictly that of extracting entries from my great-grandfather’s diary and categorizing them,” wrote Alan Weishampel, pastor of East Ridge Baptist Church in Lake Charles, in a letter to the Message. He and his sister Carol compiled this book in part because J.F. Weishampel “was an eye-witness to some great moments in the history of our nation and the early days of the Southern Baptist Convention.” Excerpt: August 26, 1861 – Things are becoming more and more like actual war. The Government finding itself betrayed, cheated, imposed upon by every possible means has been compelled to adopt stringent rules regulating the intercourse between the North and South. All communications is now forbidden. (page 35) To order, contact the pastor at erbc@suddenlinkm … [Read more...]

This childrens picture book about the importance of being loved and being part of a family also provides the Christmas-based plan of salvation This childrens picture book about the importance of being loved and being part of a family also provides the Christmas-based plan of salvation which, like the rest of the book, is printed in English and in Spanish. The puppy Kat's story shows how people who share the little they have, have more to give than they realize. Kat's Journey doubles as an easy way to teach a second language. Excerpt: "Good night, puppy. I hope you find a place to sleep," said the little girl sadly. The door closed and I was alone. Standing there in the dark, I missed my family more than ever. Order by calling 877.421.7323 or check out the website: www.shoeboxbooks.net. … [Read more...]

Scriptures to claim for freedom from areas of bondage or entrapment, by Susanne Hughes, Knight Media Inc., Lake Charles, La. Rescue Scriptures: Scriptures to claim for freedom from areas of bondage or entrapment, by Susanne Hughes, Knight Media Inc., Lake Charles, La. Excerpt: Whatever your area of bondage or entrapment, whatever your area of temptation or struggle, whatever behaviors the enemy consistently woos you into, know this truth: Jesus is your Deliverer! (from the preface) Hughes, a member at Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, has compiled a listing of scriptures that do battle with 41 areas of what she calls “bondage,” such as anger, depression, judging others, spiritual dryness, and even vanity. She prefaces each with a title page that is unexpectedly directive, such as: “Break the bondage of fear; Put on the Spirit of Boldness, Courage and Security.” Each of the 41 battleground areas includes about a dozen scriptures. This could be a good reference work for those dealing with specific issues and for those who want to have a pertinent scripture for a friend/coworker’s need. Order by calling 337.496.8071 or check out the website: www.susannehughes.org. … [Read more...]

This book will be a blessing to you and to your ministry. “Brother Nick Holden’s book, Magnify The Lord: Ten Reasons to Discover, Declare, and Defend Why Christ Came is now at the LifeWay store, here in Shreveport. It is in the “Theology” section. “Some of my pastor friends like Dr. Austin Tucker and Dr. Mark Sutton, as well as other pastors, have been praying with me about Brother Nick’s writing. We have been eagerly anticipating the book’s publication and distribution. This book will be a blessing to you and to your ministry. “Brother Nick served our country in the U.S. Navy and then served our Lord in the pastorate for seven years. Brother Nick has recently answered God’s call to evangelism. His website is www.truthimpacts.org. His blog is www.truthimpacts.blogspot.com.” – Roy Davis, pastor Shreveport … [Read more...]

The nomination of Avery Willis, a former Southern Baptist missionary and retired International Mission Board administrator, for president of the Southern Baptist Convention was announced May 6 by John Marshall, senior pastor of Second Baptist Church in Springfield, Mo. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--The nomination of Avery Willis, a former Southern Baptist missionary and retired International Mission Board administrator, for president of the Southern Baptist Convention was announced May 6 by John Marshall, senior pastor of Second Baptist Church in Springfield, Mo. Willis is one of six candidates Southern Baptist messengers will consider. Baptist Press asked each candidate to participate in a survey of mostly standardized questions, but the questionnaire included at least one query individualized for each candidate. Willis’ answers to the questions posed by Baptist Press follow: 1) What has God done in your life and ministry to prepare you to be president of the Southern Baptist Convention? He has saved me, called me to preach and be a missionary and used me by the power of His Spirit as a Southern Baptist in a variety of settings. Since you ask, I’ll list them, but all the credit goes to God for whatever He has … [Read more...]

William L. (Bill) Wagner, a former Southern Baptist missionary and current chief academic officer of Olivet University International in San Francisco, announced Sept. 7, 2007, that he would allow his name to be placed in nomination for president of the Southern Baptist Convention. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--William L. (Bill) Wagner, a former Southern Baptist missionary and current chief academic officer of Olivet University International in San Francisco, announced Sept. 7, 2007, that he would allow his name to be placed in nomination for president of the Southern Baptist Convention. The identity of his nominator has not been announced. Wagner is one of six candidates Southern Baptist messengers will consider. Baptist Press asked each candidate to participate in a survey of mostly standardized questions, but the questionnaire included at least one query individualized for each candidate. Wagner’s answers to the questions posed by Baptist Press follow: 1) What has God done in your life and ministry to prepare you to be president of the Southern Baptist Convention? First, it should be said that I have been serving in the SBC for over 50 years. In the beginning, I was the New Mexico State Baptist Student Union … [Read more...]