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Vatican studies reported visions of Virgin Mary at shrine in Bosnia
Faith Family Church opens new home in former Hoover plant
Spiritual growth is focus of conference in Akron
Unitarian Universalists to install new minister
Pope's former diocese admits error over priest
Vatican criticizes condom machines in Rome school
Pope's brother says he ignored physical abuse reports
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Intoxicated, suicidal educator apprehended after chilling drive in park
Teen accused of drinking, dancing topless in club
Area Marine shot in Afghanistan dies
Akron intersection closed by gas leak
Barberton man hit by vehicle after fight dies
Portage County woman, 19, gets jail time for having sexual contact with boy, 11
Woman accused of killing 6 of her newborns
Cuyahoga Falls woman's killer executed
Blogs:
Akron Docs in Haiti:
Almost home
First Bell - On Education:
Strange, sad story from Canton
Pets:
Happy St. Patrick's Day from Joey
The Heldenfiles:
NBC OK's New Non-Celebrity "Apprentice"
Akron Zips:
Akron vs. Green Bay — CBI preview
Tribe Matters:
Tribe claims infielder from Mets
Cleveland Browns:
Benard, Costanzo and Jennings resign with Browns
Balanced Ledger:
How times have changed?
Kent State Sports:
Tulsa @ Kent State – NIT preview
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Cavs Shift Start Time for Sunday Pistons Game
Buckeye Blogging:
Bucks High Seed – Turner High Praise
Varsity Letters:
Report: Boston College offers Smith
All Da King's Men:
ObamaCare To Reduce Premiums By 3000% ?
Blog of Mass Destruction:
Why Republicans Are Acting So Crazy
Akron Law Café:
Can Corporations Be Shamed?
Car Chase:
2010 CONCOURS SEASON IS UPON US
Let's Talk Real Estate:
A St Patty's Day Kiss!
Sound Check:
Willie Nelson & Family coming to the Akron Civic Theatre May 11
See Jane Style:
Who Wore What – The Oscars
HRLite House:
John Tesh Radio Show
Akron Gamer:
PlayStation's Move ups the interaction, fidelity
Women are called to confront life's hardships and God is counting on them to do his work
Published on Saturday, Mar 29, 2008
THE GOSPEL OF RUTH
Carolyn Custis James
(Zondervan, $16.99, 220 pages)
Fans of Carolyn Custis James' first book, When Life and Beliefs Collide, have come to expect much from this fresh-thinking, push-the-''evangelical''-envelope author.
Even James' new title is provocative. She proposes that the Book of Ruth, often perceived as antiquated Sunday school flannel-graph fodder, teaches the same countercultural, rule-breaking gospel that Jesus offered, and that it has life-changing insight for today.
James unearths information on the historic and cultural setting as well as qualities of the two main characters, who pursue God's purposes with some of the most creatively bold obedience found in the Bible.
''Ruth emerges as a surprisingly gutsy risk taker; Naomi as a female Job,'' said the author, who believes that this brave twosome calls women to greater honesty in confronting life's hardships with a willingness to pursue God instead of running from him.
In her usual straightforwardness, James asks readers, ''Is God good for women?''
She then lays out a map to radical levels of thinking conveying a message that God is not only good for women, but also counting on them to do his work.
HELLO
After Edmund
(Slanted Records)
Produced by Scotty Wilbanks (Decembe-Radio, Third Day), After Edmund's debut album Hello brings a wonderfully original and surprisingly mature sound to the scene.
The diverse background of each musician forms a modern indie rock sound with British rock influences — which fans of bands like Muse will appreciate.
The vocals are solid and melodious, with influences from modern pop-rock bands such as Fall Out Boy and Falling Up.
The band also demonstrates its classical training in several well-composed sections of piano and strings.
The album includes a good balance of upbeat, driving songs and mellow, more laid-back ballads.
The lyrics vary from worshipful to introspective in nature, and as a result are fit for a broad range of listeners. Expect to hear more about this new band out of Georgia in the near future; the refreshingly unique sound they bring to Christian music will not go unnoticed.
Web site to try
http://www.positivelyfeminine.org
Mike and Brenda King lead the nonprofit Positively Feminine and its site ''to encourage respect for femininity, and provide practical as well as spiritual encouragement and support for Christian women.''
The site features hundreds of essays on topics familiar to anyone who has read a women's advice magazine — decorating on a budget, how to avoid sunburn, tips on how to balance work and family life.
What sets most of the content apart is its foundation in Scripture, tying Bible verses to advice on avoiding gossip in the office, keeping your kitchen pantry well-stocked and making friends.
Regular columnists contribute devotionals and inspirational anecdotes about their lives as mothers, wives, grandmothers and friends.
THE GOSPEL OF RUTH
Carolyn Custis James
(Zondervan, $16.99, 220 pages)
Fans of Carolyn Custis James' first book, When Life and Beliefs Collide, have come to expect much from this fresh-thinking, push-the-''evangelical''-envelope author.
Get the full article here.
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