BOOKS
The Jubilee
It is rare to be called home and onward in the same moment.
In The Jubilee, poet John Blase naturalizes human faith so real as to transcend any hint of cultural affectation. For certain you’ll go to church, but by way of “frog song,” his father’s “instant coffee,” and in the sober burial of the prodigal “out back beneath the oaks.”
One gets a sense of reading the marrow of a man and not merely his words. In doing so, the old way becomes a true way onward, home.
- James Scott Smith, Author of Water, Rocks and Trees
Know When to Hold 'Em
Far from the conventional parenting book, Know When to Hold 'Em will encourage readers as they see parenting and fatherhood through a new lens--that of adventurer, risk-taker. Blase moves into new territory to invite fathers and parents to look at the risk and challenge--and great rewards of parenting--as he invites readers into his imperfect, yet lovable home.
Written with the raw prose of one who is there, smack dab in the middle of possibly the greatest challenge of a person’s life, Blase says, "What I’ve seen so far has convinced me that being a father is a lot like gambling--fatherhood is a risk-tasking venture."
Featuring an intensely personal voice and filtered through a brass-knuckled optimism, this book offers what very few books on parenting do--the real, true, raw reality and joys of fatherhood.
Touching Wonder
This bold retelling of Luke 1-2, based on Eugene Peterson’s Message translation, reads like a novel and invites readers to experience the Nativity with fresh wonder.
To Eugene Peterson’s The Message Bible translation, John Blase adds his own storytelling voice, exploring the familiar events from multiple first-person viewpoints. What emerges is the intimate story of unlikely people—a frightened teenaged girl, a worried carpenter, a collection of senior citizens, a disillusioned young shepherd—meeting up with the divine as they bumble and stumble toward the realization that the little one just born is the One.
This retold story of Word made flesh invites readers to react appropriately—with eyes opened wide in wonder, jaws dropped in amazement, and hearts rejoicing. The beautiful design and Amanda Jolman’s lively line drawings make this book a fitting gift as well as a Christmas tradition that families will treasure for years to come.
All is Grace
On April 27, 1934, a little boy was born who grew up to become a vagabond evangelist in patchwork pants fiercely daring us to believe a line too good to be true—God loves you as you are and not as you should be. His name was Brennan Manning. He boldly preached of the love of Jesus vast, unmeasured, boundless, and free. And he always faithfully pointed to a tender, elemental fury that blows where it wills; in a word, grace.
But before the fame of his ragamuffin gospel, Brennan Manning was a son, brother, soldier, journalist, priest, husband, father, and friend. This is that part of the story, a necessary piece of the larger puzzle of grace. These pages tell the story of a man whose name was not always Brennan.
Dear Abba
Author of The Ragamuffin Gospel and other best-selling inspirational books, Brennan Manning in Dear Abba shares his wisdom in a powerful new way.
Completed shortly before Manning’s recent death, this book lays out a month of honest prayers to God -- whom Manning affectionately calls “Abba” -- in a devotional format designed to guide and inspire the reader’s own prayers. The morning and evening entries each present a Scripture passage, a select excerpt from Manning’s contemporary spiritual classics, and a concluding “Dear Abba” prayer.
These morning and evening devotions contain poignant cries for help, expressions of wide-eyed wonder, and invitations into the comforting mercy of God. As Manning writes in his preface, “My prayer is that these words will push you closer to that place of quiet rest, near to the heart of Abba, just the two of you.”
Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love
Willie Juan said, “Little friends, what is one thing you think Abba will ask you someday when you are in heaven?”
Willie Juan and Ana couldn’t have children of their own, but somehow, their home is always full of children and laughter and love. One day, when gathered together enjoying a beautiful evening and Ana’s most delicious sopapillas, Willie Juan asks this most curious question.
As the group discusses the question, all come to the wonderful realization that Abba loves each of us, and we are all smack-dab in the middle of His love.
“Abba loves you so much and wants you to enjoy his gifts every day. Gifts like Ana’s absolute best, most delicious sopapillas. And the hummingbirds and burros. And abuelas.”
The first of Manning’s children’s books, this tender message is right on brand for the popular speaker and author who has traveled the world sharing Abba’s incredible love for His children.
No Matter the Cost
Are You Ready to Do Something Extraordinary?
Vance Brown believes most men are discouraged. They're worn out and wondering if their best days are behind them. Vance knows the feeling. There was a time he felt more dead than alive, but his friends still believed in him. "Have courage," they urged. "God needs you, here, now . . . this day."
That's what this book is about, men who stand up for each other and fight for things that matter. It's about men who fail but get back up and try again. Far from platitudes and pat answers, these are gritty pages that bleed, stories about ordinary men who are doing something extraordinary--choosing to live fully, no matter the cost. Answering this noble call is not easy, but you will never regret it.