Book picks similar to
Easter Experience Participant's Guide by City on a Hill


carlisle-umc-adult-grow-library
christian-non-fiction
devotional-bible-study
easter

Living Crazy Love: An Interactive Workbook for Individual or Small-Group Study


Francis Chan - 2011
    This ten-week in-depth study of God’s character helps readers embrace God’s intense, relentless love and watch that love transform every aspect of their being. Designed for individuals or small groups, this study includes weekend retreat options and tips for small group leaders. However readers choose to use this book, Francis Chan’s thought-provoking teaching will help them pursue God as they never have before, digging deep into their thoughts and beliefs about the love of God and how that love should impact their lives.After all, the spiritual journey is about so much more than what Christians have made it to be—and once they truly encounter God’s love, they will never be the same.

The Chamberlain Key: Decoding Startling Messages from God, Hidden for Centuries in an Ancient Biblical Manuscript


Timothy P. Smith - 2017
    The Chamberlain Keytells how Timothy Smith, an appraiser and conservator of artifacts and antiquities, discovered and decoded a complex message in an ancient Hebrew manuscript of the Bible--a message that applied startlingly and unmistakably tohim!The book relates the painstaking process Smith undertook to verify and authenticate this "contact"--a quest filled with adventure and mystery. But instead of using old maps to find buried treasure, this hunt uses the data calculation power of modern technology. The author's remarkable discovery shows how the Bible is even more amazing than we ever dreamed... layered with meaning and insight, a book like no other, prepared by a brilliant Creator who wants to explain his loving plans, as well as issue serious warnings that may apply to the generations alive today."

Secret Santa


Anne Osborn Poelman - 2000
    In the depths of the Great Depression, poor families like the Van Slotens are lucky to have a roof over their heads. Work is scarce, and there hasn't been enough of it to provide even the necessities, let alone a luxury like a holiday celebration. But when Tom, the oldest son, takes it into his head to provide a Christmas for his family, the stage is set for a story that will warm your heart and restore your faith in the true spirit of the season!

A Season to Remember


Carson Tinker - 2014
    But on April 27, 2011 everything changed. An EF4 tornado ripped through the small college town and changed it forever. Carson Tinker, the starting long snapper for the 2011 and 2012 National Champion Crimson Tide, was among those forever changed by the events of April 27. Tinker lost his girlfriend Ashley Harrison to the storm, but not his faith. In the midst of unfathomable destruction, Tinker saw love, companionship, perseverance, and triumph in a community torn apart by a natural disaster. Where everyone else saw tragedy, Carson Tinker saw blessing. Following the storm, the Crimson Tide suited up to face their most challenging season to date. Tinker’s personal story guides readers through what cannot be described any other way than a season to remember.

Holly Bough Cottage (Holiday Cottage #2)


Cindy Gunderson - 2021
    Facing the possibility of spending Christmas alone—or even worse, at her over-eager parent’s—she booked a two-week stay at the first affordable, well-rated winter retreat she could find: Holly Bough Cottage in the Colorado Rockies. With her interior design business slowing down over the holidays, Liv can practically smell the pine trees and warm apple cider, but most importantly? She won’t have to face anyone for at least fourteen days. Jonah wasn’t planning on being anywhere but home for Christmas, but when the owners of the Cottages posted on a community board that their handyman injured himself, he decided to pull them a solid. It didn’t hurt that they were offering a free stay and double the daily rate he usually made as a middle-school science teacher. When Liv discovers that the man who came to replace her thermostat is staying in the next cottage over, she finds herself looking for opportunities to sit on the porch while answering emails. Even if it is thirty below. Jonah, battling ghosts of his own, can’t help but walk the long way to the office in the hopes of catching a moment with her. With Liv's heart still raw from past wounds and Jonah hiding a past life that could ruin any budding relationship, their initial attraction doesn't seem to stand a chance. Will their unexpected meeting during the most magical of times be enough to open their hearts to loving and trusting again? If you adore cozy Christmas memories, down-to-earth characters, and sweet romance, you'll love Gunderson's heartwarming holiday tale.

Heaven, an Unexpected Journey: One Man's Experience with Heaven, Angels, and the Afterlife


James D. Woodford - 2017
    When he came back, he was changed forever.A successful airline pilot and businessman, Jim had it all—a loving family, substantial wealth, and all of the good things that come with it. But none of this was enough to satisfy the emptiness he felt in his heart. He always hungered for something more. And then one day, he died.Jim was never a religious man. When it came to matters of God and faith, he was ambivalent. But as he lay in the hospital bed, clinically dead for more than 11 hours, his consciousness was transported to the wonders of Heaven and the horrors of hell. When he returned to this world, he brought back the missing piece his soul had been longing for. Join Jim Woodford on this unforgettable journey into the afterlife! Awaken to the vivid sights, sounds and sensations that you can enjoy in Heaven forever. Be inspired by detailed descriptions of the “contrails of prayer” in Heaven’s skies, the “sticky love” of God, what it feels like to hug an angel, and more! Encounter the chilling realities of hell, and the sharp claws of destruction that threatened to pull Jim into eternal darkness. Take comfort in the “six simple words” that led Jim into the Presence of Christ Whether you need hope for tomorrow or strength for today, this story is your invitation to a radical transformation!

The Magic of The Christmas Box


Richard Paul Evans - 1995
    The author discusses the inspiration for his phenomenally successful book, a touching story of a widow and the young family who moves in with her, and their discovery of the first gift of Christmas and what Christmas is really about.

Live Second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First


Doug Bender - 2012
    many have stepped forward, looked in the camera, and proclaimed, "I am second." But most in the I Am Second movement are not celebrities. They are ordinary people - and they've come to the simple realization that when God comes first in their lives, everything makes sense. But living second is not easy. It takes grit and humility, submission to God's will, a willingness to listen and serve, and openness to God's healing and call. Live Second is a daily guide to making Jesus first in your life. With 365 readings, prayers, action steps, and an online community of support, what you hold in your hands is a tool built to help you make truth, Scripture, and Jesus your number one priority, each and every day of the year. Following Jesus is not meant to be easy, just worth it. Live Second is exactly what you need as you become the new, inspired, God-honoring creation he made you to be.

Finding Christmas: Stories of Startling Joy and Perfect Peace


James Calvin Schaap - 2005
    The baby. The pageant. The parties. The worship. The afterglow. The story. These are the elements of almost every Christmas. In Finding Christmas, award-winning author James Calvin Schaap takes a look at each of these elements through seven stories that show how imperfect people can find joy and grace in an imperfect world.His eyes turn on an outgoing bus driver, a passionate mother, a daughter reluctant to return to church, and even his own assumed-mediocre performance at a Christmas pageant. Along the way, readers see how the amazing message of Christmas can be found in the oddest of places. This heartwarming read is both moving and magical and will help readers usher in a joyful Christmas season even amidst the howling winds of winter

A Very Dirty Xmas Box Set


Juliana Conners - 2017
    What I want now is my younger, innocent assistant. I'll tie her up under my tree, just to experience the joy of making her come undone. There's one thing I never want: commitment. But this naughty elf has me thinking of jingling all the way to the chapel, and turning her into her my gift to keep forever. A Very Dirty Xmas is an anthology of five standalone Christmas romance novels featuring alpha male, bad boy billionaires and the curvy, feisty women who win their hearts. Warm up the season with these holiday books that perfectly blend steam and spice, naughty and nice. They have no cheating, no cliffhangers and very happily ever afters, including engagements, weddings and babies! Merry Christmas from Juliana Conners, Eva Luxe and Sierra Sparks.

Her Snow Valley Fake New Year's Eve Boyfriend


Taylor Hart - 2019
    A woman who needs a fake boyfriend. Will they find true love over a dance? Jax Casey, hot shot Navy SEAL, only cared about his team and his job—saving lives. After growing up being a military brat himself, it hasn’t been hard to keep all relationships on a commitment free basis. With two weeks off, he plans to go to a beach with his buddies, until he discovers his grandpa has had a heart attack and needs his help.Tia Snow has always wanted to be a famous singer, until bad mojo from her ex boyfriend ruins everything. Now she’s focused on being a writer and helping her aunt and uncle out in the flower shop while they are away on vacation. When said ex boyfriend shows up at the store and insists he wants to get back together, she does the only thing she can think of—tell her ex that the gorgeous hunk who came in to the store to buy flowers is actually her date for the dance and her boyfriend. Good thing the gorgeous hunk agrees, too bad he demands dinner and a kiss every night in exchange.When complications arise they have to make a choice—trust in fate or walk away from the only real thing they’ve ever had.

Baylyn, Bewitched


Christine Cacciatore - 2013
    Magic has interfered with her dating in the past, and trust issues have kept her from true love. The quirky librarian falls hard for sexy Declan Hughes and the feeling is mutual. Will Declan still feel the same when he finds out Bay's biggest secret? After all, it's not every day you find out your girlfriend is a witch.

A Little Bit of Love


Kimberly Rae Jordan - 2013
    Would she ever find hers?From Jingle Bells to Wedding Bells: Not wanting to just settle, Deidre makes a drastic decision. But is it the right one?Sudden Impulse: Tannis was Miss Predictable. Maybe shaking it up a bit would get his attention.Fountain of Love: Three years later Jennifer was back to ask forgiveness and get some closure. Would long buried hope be satisfied?

Christmas Shoppe Magic


Juliette Hill - 2012
    Now Sophia’s alone, and she can’t help but wonder. Will the magic be gone, or will this year’s love be even stronger? Brew a cup of tea, grab a Christmas cookie, and prepare for a treat. You won’t want to miss this one!

Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ


Russ Ramsey - 2011
    With remarkable attention to the facts of the matter—the water dripping from John the Baptist’s beard, the heft of Abraham’s knife, the groans of a girl giving birth on a stable floor—Ramsey brings to life the story that brings us to life. Here is glory made visible, tangible, audible. Which is to say, here is the Incarnation.Drawing from the hallowed pages of Scripture and with an eye toward both wonder and ground-level detail, Behold the Lamb of God: An Advent Narrative brings to life in 25 daily readings the people, the places, and the earth-shaking significance of the greatest story ever told—the true tall tale of the coming of Christ.