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Keith G. Wright is the author of the “Ain’t No Joke” Book Series. He is on a mission to inspire teenagers and parents to lead exceptional lives. After reading his book, The Life Of Teenagers, I think he may just be on to something. Especially, when you look at some of his "teen truths" and how they can impact someone's life.

Teen Truth #257: Daily Reading is the single most important life building activity you can possibly do. Reading gives your dreams the freedom to soar through the universe.

Kevin exclaims to teenagers that it doesn't matter how tough the world is, how unforgiving, or even how messed up your own family is. He tells them that they can overcome, achieve, and do great things regardless of their circumstances. He proclaims to them that the world is theirs and that they must take responsibility for it and their futures. He even gives some great examples of people that have come far in life regardless of their circumstance.

He also gives quite a few examples that I wasn't particularly fond of. For example, he called Eminem's music "pedophile-ish." The book can be quite repetitive. Even when he speaks of Eminem, he states twice that the music is "pedophile-ish," but that he is not saying Eminem is a pedophile. Some of the same concepts are repeated as well. I know that one MTV series is mentioned numerous times with pretty much the same thing being said each time it is brought up.

The good definitely outweighs the bad, though. The book is inspirational. After I finished reading it, I handed to my pre-teen and she didn't give it back for two weeks. We had some really good conversations as a result as well. It was nice to hear her agreeing with what she read and seriously thinking about her life and future. I give The Life Of Teenagers 4 stars!

- The Life Of Teenagers "Ain't No Joke" by Keith G. Wright was reviewed by me for Active Christian Media.

Have you ever heard of a Liberal Republican? What about a Conservative Democrat? Did you know that there are atheists in the Republican Party? What about Christians in the Democratic one? If you answered "yes" to these questions, then you are probably your average citizen. You probably realize that while some would like to use stereotypes to explain just about everything ... that the truth of the matter is that such generalizations only succeed in segregating and dividing us further. Unfortunately, Why Christians Don't Vote For Democrats by Richard Miller fits right in. It is full of generalizations, half-truths, and stereotypes all geared to make the reader think that Democrats are nothing more than atheists looking to destroy the world, our culture, and our religion.

In the authors own words:

The author hopes to communicate to the Democratic Party why Christians don't vote for Democrats. How do Christians communicate to atheists their legitimate objections to the Democratic Party in a mature and loving way?

But, you know, Richard Miller isn't the first to proclaim such a thing. He isn't the only one that is guilty. There are other authors out there that would like to say anyone that is not a Republican is just a godless heathen. There are some out there that claim Republicans are nothing more than Right-Wing fanatics looking to force everyone to live under a theocracy. Those same people also claim that Republicans are doing nothing but promoting the hatred of homosexuals and Muslims, while promoting fiscal irresponsibility and war. Yet, we know that is not true. There are Muslim Republicans. There are homosexual Republicans. And, there are Republicans that are totally against the pre-emptive strike and all for free will, democracy, and saving money!

And, you know, I might have bought into all these generalizations if it weren't for the fact that I am a Christian and a Democrat. I am also not the only one. I know many of them. I go to church and I am surrounded by them. I know far more Christian Democrats than I know Christian Republicans. I am also blessed to go to a church that does not endorse systems of government or any political party. My church teaches that while civil government is ordained by God, should be supported by all citizens, and that we should pray for rulers and government officials in order to maintain peace and civility ... that the role of government and politics is different from the role of the church. It also teaches that both institutions are both ordained by God, and should respect each other, that it is imperative neither institution overstep its given role and that as citizens our involvement should be guided by God's will for our lives.

My church encourages it's members and adherents to influence society and the political process by voting, maintaining strong moral convictions and holy lifestyles, praying for government officials, encouraging and promoting legislation that strengthens the nation morally, and speaking out both corporately and individually against any political issue that would have an adverse affect upon the kingdom of God or His moral absolutes ... regardless of which political party or candidate is advocating them.

I think that Why Christians Don't Vote For Democrats would have been better if it had focused on the struggle we have as Christians to filter through what the Secular Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and Independents try to get past us instead of seeking to divide the Body of Christ based on misguided half-truths. Unfortunately, Christians will continue to remain divided until we put partisanship aside and focus on everything our Lord calls for us to do. I give the book 3 stars for writing and getting it half-right.

Richard Miller claims to be firmly non-affiliated with any political party. He is married to a Republican and has three daughters, two of which are Democrats. He graduated with a BA degree in ministry from Bethany Bible College and wishes to encourage Christians to exercise good stewardship of their collective citizenship. Why Christians Don't Vote For Democrats is Richard's second book and was published by Xulon Press.

- Why Christians Don't Vote For Democrats by Richard Miller was reviewed by me for Active Christian Media.

Divine by Karen Kingsbury is a truly touching novel about a woman whose terrifying abuse leads to a life of ministry. This book details how one life can alter the lives of many and Mary Madison's life does just that. Her life not only touches the other characters in the book, it also touches the reader. I found myself having to put the book down a number of times just so I could grab the tissue.

Spiritually, I found this book to be quite uplifting at this time in my life. It was refreshing to read about a person redeemed by Christ who didn't live the perfect life and who wants to reach others that have been damaged by sin. I get so tired of perfect characters, with perfect lives, who have nothing better to do than sit in judgment of everyone else. It was nice to read about a person who has sinned, who has been saved, and is out to do as Christ has called them to do ... not out of a sense of self-righteousness, but out of true love. The kind of love Christ has for us.

This is the third book that I have reviewed that is considered to be Christian fiction. I am finding that I really like this genre. Karen Kingsbury does an excellent job of reaching out to her readers through the lives of the characters she so beautifully creates. Divine, published by Tyndale House Publishers, really is Life-Changing Fiction. If you know someone who has been abused or is being abused, I would highly recommend giving them this book. Five stars!

- Divine by Karen Kingsbury was sent to me as a gift by Active Christian Media. I was not paid for this review.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on He Talk Like A White Boy by Joseph C. Phillips. As a fan of his work as an actor, I was interested in what he had to say. I was also intrigued by the title. As the mother of a black daughter who is told that she "talks like a white girl" ... I wanted to hear what he had to say about it and wondered if it was similar to what I had to say about it. It was.

While I was interested in the book for the reasons stated, I have to say Mr. Phillips has a lot more to say and he knows how to say it. He can definitely turn a phrase. His writing style keeps your attention and I caught myself laughing out loud, nodding my head in agreement, and even reading particular passages out loud to anyone that would stand still and listen. I even handed the book over to my oldest daughter at one point just so she could read what I had been saying all along about boys and their relationships with girls ... but from a man's perspective.

Now, of course, Mr. Phillips did have some things to say that I didn't agree with. We didn't agree on Bill Clinton or George W. Bush. We somewhat agreed when it came to Ronald Reagan and we agreed with each other completely when it came to Colin Powell. Even though I don't agree with some of his politics and was kind of discouraged to read some of the same old Republican talking points, I really did enjoy the book and what Mr. Phillips had to say. He also reminded me that while we won't always agree with someone on everything, there is still value in their opinions. Unless it is regarding Bill Clinton and then I will just have to call hogwash, hogwash. ;)

He Talk Like A White Boy is not just about politics and race. It is about family, love, faith, community, and a multitude of other topics. He writes about what it means to be a man and a father. He writes about ethics and values. He writes about honesty and commitment. You will definitely find yourself agreeing with Mr. Phillips on much of what he has to say, conservative or not. Honestly, I don't think his views have as much to do with conservative ideology as it does with just plain old-fashioned common sense. I warn you, this book is hard to put down. I recommend it whole-heartedly.

- He Talk Like A White Boy by Joseph C. Phillips was sent to me as a gift by Active Christian Media. I was not paid for this review.

If you are like most people, Christians included, you have wondered about The Da Vinci Code and where Dan Brown gets his "facts." A lot of people have even bought into the story, believing the "facts" Dan Brown uses to spin his story of intrigue and ancient mystery. But, just how accurate are those "facts" Dan Brown speaks of? Well, look no more! James L. Garlow has written the book that will clear up all those pesky misconceptions.

The Da Vinci Codebreaker is an easy-to-use fact checker that covers all the terms, jargon, locations, and people used in The Da Vinci Code. If you want to know who Isis was and who was her lover, it's covered. If you want to know what the Dialogue of the Savior is, it's in there. From who Richard Abanes was to what is the zodiac ... James Garlow spells it out without fictional spin or mysterious code. All you get is the facts, pure and simple.

I found this book to be extremely valuable. While it started out as an intention to include a glossary in his previously published book, Cracking Da Vinci's Code, time constraints prevented that. I think that was a good thing. This book really should stand alone as the resource it is. Whatever book you read, whether it is The Da Vinci Code or any of the numerous books written as a result, keep this book handy. It will be the book you will come to again and again.

- The Da Vinci Codebreaker by James L. Garlow was sent to me as a gift by Active Christian Media. I was not paid for this review.

I was excited to review Dirty Dancing At The Prom. As a mother of three daughters, the oldest being twelve, I admit I need all the help I can get. Especially, when my oldest is already dealing with "freak dancing" and friends who are having sex. Being a parent is a scary job, especially when you have made so many mistakes yourself. I knew that I could use a little encouragement and Barbara Curtis delivers.

Interestingly enough, a lot of the book didn't really appeal to me. I know that doesn't make sense considering what I wrote in the previous paragraph, but I will explain. My children are facing problems that, according to the book, Barbara's children didn't have to deal with at such an early age. Her children were in their late teens. Where I live, "freak dancing" is all too common and ten year old children are doing it every weekend at parties hosted by their parents. Sex ... my next door neighbor's daughter is already sneaking out of the house and meeting boys for sex and she is only twelve. She lost her virginity when she was eleven. And, this is a child that my daughter has been friends with since she was two years old. Which, left me wondering if I was going to find some value in Dirty Dancing At The Prom, especially after I had already read a few chapters and was feeling like I wish life was as easy, and teaching my kids what God has for them was as simple, as Barbara made it sound.

Then I read Chapter Six. I cried through the whole chapter, thanking God that not only was the author willing to admit her mistakes, but that she shared how she dealt with that when it came to her kids. It is hard to raise children in today's world. It is even harder to actively raise them, keep tabs on them, know who their friends are, what they are doing ... especially when there are so many more parents who treat you like you are some kind of alien for trying to raise your children right. And, it only makes it harder when you have failed in so many areas of your own life. It makes you feel like some kind of hypocrite to tell your children not to do things you, yourself, have done ... even when you know they shouldn't do those things. Barbara helped me get past that and showed me a way that I could do so in humility and obedience to God, while showing my kids how much I love and value them. She also showed me how I can deal with their mistakes in the spirit of Christ. I so appreciate it.

Honestly, that one chapter alone makes this book worth the read ... though I am sure you will find value in the rest of the book as well. While I sometimes felt the author was a little out of touch, she still delivers a solid message. And, I happen to agree with her. She definitely has her own little spot on the "how to be a better parent" shelf. I thank God for her spot. Dirty Dancing At The Prom gave me some much needed insight that I was praying for.

- Dirty Dancing At The Prom by Barbara Curtis was sent to me as a gift by Active Christian Media. I was not paid for this review.

Okay, let me be honest up-front. I have never read a "Christian" thriller before. I didn't even know they existed! So, I was a little curious about The Witness and couldn't help but wonder how good it would be. I mean, come on ... part of the "thrill" of a thriller has to do with not so "Christian" subjects. It was hard to imagine what one would be like if our faith was considered in the writing of it, but I was pleasantly surprised. The Witness is well written and a definite page-turner.

I am not going to ruin the book for you. I am not going to give the story away. What I am going to do is sing the praises of Dee Henderson. I love her writing! This is the first book I have ever read by her, but it won't be the last. I am definitely a fan and plan on getting my hands on a few of her books, if not all of them. She has a delightful way of building her characters until you feel like you know them. They are so believable! So much so that I can't help but wonder if she doesn't base them on people she actually knows.

I have no qualms when it comes to recommending this book. It is full of suspenseful moments that tempt you to look ahead just so you will know how it all turns out. I had to stop myself a few times! I also loved the concept of the story and the twists Dee incorporates into it. I so did not see what was coming and I am usually pretty good at guessing how a book will end. Not with this one. The Witness will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat!

- The Witness by Dee Henderson was sent to me as a gift by Mind & Media. I was not paid for this review.

The first thing that struck me when I received Credo was the cover and the style of the book. The texture of the pages, the uneven edges, the old world style type--made me feel that I was opening a treasure of sorts. It was like I was opening an old scroll of secrets yet untold. My impressions were correct. Credo is definitely a treasure.

The Apostles Creed is the oldest and most widely accepted creed within the Christian faith and Credo sets out to explain it like no other book has ever done. Not only does it tackle why the Apostles Creed matters, but it also breaks it down point by point. Pritchard even goes so far as to show why we should believe the creed and what it means to our lives. I was not only drawn to his arguments, I found myself nodding my head constantly in agreement.

Each section ends with questions that can be used to further study the creed individually or as a group. I honestly think this book would be great for churches to use to study the creed and why it is important to our faith. Those new to the faith and those that have been Christians all of their lives will enjoy this book. It made me look at the creed in a whole new light. It isn't just something I say at the end of service anymore. It is a statement of my belief in God, in my salvation through Christ, his resurrection, the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of sins, and so much more. I agree with Pritchard that some things are not negotiable and you must believe in certain things to actually be a Christian. Our faith is founded on truth and it means something to believe in the tenets of Christianity. The creed reminds us of that.

I highly recommend this book and will consider it required reading for my children as they grow in their faith. As Christians, we believe in something worth dying for and Christ is the cornerstone of everything we believe. Credo expresses that in a fundamental and powerful way.

- Credo by Ray Pritchard was sent to me as a gift by Mind & Media. I was not paid for this review.

When I first laid eyes on the cover for Living Under God I was immediately apprehensive. I will be honest, overt displays of hyper-patriotism make me nervous. It is one thing to enjoy where one lives and support our nation and quite another to commit idolatry, which is how it comes across to me when one starts mixing patriotism and faith. But, we have all heard the old adage to not judge a book by it's cover so I said a little prayer and sat down to read.

The meat of this book matches it's cover. It's all about America and it's heroes. Fortunately for the reader, it makes for an interesting read. That holds true even more so if you enjoy history, which I do. Each chapter focuses on a biblical principal, features a historical figure of faith in American history, includes scripture to compare the principal and story to, and then explains how you can live that principal in your own life and why you should from a biblical standpoint. In the back of the book you will find some closing thoughts, a statement of faith, a theme and scripture index, and a brief bio of the authors. The only thing that I found lacking was there are no sources listed for the stories of our heroes.

Each devotional is presented in a compelling manner. They draw you into the story of each historical figure and their faith. The stories themselves are quite touching as well. I actually cried reading the story of Harriet Tubman. And, I loved how they included such a diverse group of historical figures. It is also very interactive as it makes you think about your own life and the changes you may need to make to fully live under God. This book is definitely worth the read.

- Living Under God by Toby Mac and Michael Tait was sent to me as a gift by Mind & Media. I was not paid for this review.

Let me say up-front that Sex And Love In Intimate Relationships is an interesting book. As a former psychology student--it was one of my minors in college--I was quite encouraged with the approach taken. It is quite unique, in my opinion. Usually when the psych field takes on sex, they take on sexual dysfunction from a purely technical standpoint or they focus on the deviant. This book takes on sex from an intimate point of view. It focuses on our internal makeup and the deep inner psychological defenses we form throughout our lives. It also discusses sexual intimacy in relation to love and how rewarding they are together.

There are a lot of case studies documented as well. While the book is quite easy to read and understand, the case studies help give the principles espoused a more personal flavor. They help the reader better understand the concepts they are reading and how they can better utilize them in their own life. The case studies also allow the reader to see their own triggers and circumstances in the lives of others. I really like that! Readers immediately see themselves and that they are not alone. They see that someone else, and in some cases many others, have went through similar experiences and have had similar reactions.

For anyone looking to expand their sexual pleasure and the ability to love and be loved, I highly recommend this book. Not only will it help you pinpoint the defenses you have built, it will help you overcome them. This book provides a valuable resource to individuals and couples alike. Also, couples would do well to read this book together. With the right tools and a "can do" attitude, any couple should be able to attack the internal demons that prevent them from obtaining true sexual intimacy. This book will definitely put them on the right track.

- Sex And Love In Intimate Relationships was sent to me as a gift by Mind & Media. I was not paid for this review.

When I offered to review SCP Journal, I really wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. I am more into books than I am magazines. I like the in depth analysis a book can make on a particular topic--the kind of analysis that a magazine just doesn't have room for. Or at least, so I thought. Upon receiving Volume 28:4-29:1, I was immediately struck by how researched and detail orientated the writers of SCP Journal are.

The first article, The Soul Under Siege II, was written by Lee Penn and is an extension of a previous article on world politics, terror, and the New World Order. While the writing is pretty high-end, the subject matter is fascinating. I was amazed by how much I didn't know and I enjoyed educating myself on the issues as they were outlined.

The second article, From Old Gnosticism to New Age I, was written by Alan Morrison. I really enjoyed this article, as I have become more and more interested in what Gnosticism is and how all these old orders we hear about like the Order of the Rosy Cross, Freemasons, the Theosophical Society, and such fit within Gnosticism. This article definitely attempts to define and explain that. I look forward to reading part two of the article in the next journal.

The third article, The Suicide Option: When Life Has Lost Meaning, by Josh Ong really hit home for me. The article is the written testimony of a young man who faced depression and despair. His diary entries really touched my heart and reminded me of my own bout with depression as a teenager. The article goes on to discuss what role psychiatry can play in healing, but more importantly that God is the true healer of such conditions. He gives us hope and meaning to our lives.

I would really like to recommend SCP Journal to anyone who has an interest in the impact that cults and the New Age movement are having on our society and why. If you are interested in Christian Apologetics at all, I truly believe you would benefit from this ministry. The journals are jam-packed and the newsletters are as well. You get two journals and four newsletters with a one year subscription.

If you would like to check out their website, you can find it at http://www.scp-inc.org/.

- SCP Journal was sent to me as a gift by Mind & Media. I was not paid for this review.

When I sat down to read God Is The Gospel, I have to admit that I was feeling a bit world-weary. I was even dreading to read this book. I didn't want to read anything. I just wanted to wallow in my self-pity. It is sad, but true.

But, I sat down to force myself to read this book. After two pages, I wasn't forcing myself anymore. I felt myself being sucked into a profound theological philosophy. I was reading words that didn't just tell me what I should be doing as a Christian--these words told me why I am a Christian and how wonderful the gift of God is to me. The words I was reading were seeping into my heart and reminding me that I am to savor the glory of Christ.

We are privileged to worship and enjoy God. While we do not deserve the attention and love God gives us, He has done everything to get our attention. He wants to bring us to Him so that we can enjoy Him. He wants us to know Him! He wants us to realize that the gospel is about Him! God is the gospel!

John Piper really hits home with this book and reminds us that it is really all about God. If you are looking for something more filling, something to quench your thirst for truth, then this book is for you. You will walk away with a greater understanding of the gifts God has given us--especially the gift of Himself.

• God Is The Gospel by John Piper was sent to me as a gift by Mind & Media. I was not paid for this review.