Archive for the ‘Books’ Category

Memorial Day Reading List

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Ambassador International Remembers

 

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On Memorial Day, America honors the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Military. Below you will find books written by military spouses and by military members who have faithfully served America.

The Home Team

The Home Team by Dave Pratt drops readers into the minds of a special forces team with a dangerous mission. Readers will love this book written by retired Air Force veteran, Dave Pratt.

 

The Warrior’s Bride by Carrie Daws

The Warrior’s Bride is a book written by military wives Kathy Barnett and Carrie Daws. In this book, Barnett and Dawes give biblical strategies for helping other military wives thrive based off their own personal experiences and what God has spoken to their hearts.

 

A New Home for Allie: Carrie Daws, Joanie Bruce, Joanie Bruce: 9781620207994: Amazon.com: Books

A New Home for Allie by Carrie Daws, illustrated by Joanie Bruce

A New Home for Allie is a heart-warming children’s story written by military wife Carrie Daws and illustrated by Joanie Bruce. Allie’s story mimics what it’s like for military family kids to have to move around as Allie has to move from Kenya to Somalia. This is the perfect choice for any military family!

 

Repurposed Faith by Rosie WilliamsRepurposed Faith: Breathing New Life Into Your Quiet Time: Williams, Rosie: 9781620205587: Amazon.com: Books

Repurposed Faith is an inspirational book written by military spouse Rosie Williams. Repurposed Faith is designed to reignite the fire in your heart for Christ and his Word. If you are looking to reignite this fire once again, then this is the book for you!

 

 

 

 

For Christ and Country: A Biography of Brigadier General Gustavus Loomis: Lawson, Kenneth E.: 9781935507475: Amazon.com: BooksFor Christ and Country: A Biography of Brigadier General Gustavus Loomis by Kenneth E. Lawson

For Christ and Country is a biography about General Gustavus Loomis written by army chaplain Kenneth E. Lawson. Lawson writes of General Loomis’ unwavering faith and heart to serve his country. General Loomis was a man who was eager to speak about Jesus to anyone who would listen!

 

 

 

A Biblicist View of Law and Gospel
by Lester L. StephensonA Biblicist View of Law and Gospel: Lester L. Stephenson: 9781620201565: Amazon.com: Books

A Biblicist View of Law and Gospel is written by retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Lester L. Stephenson. Stephenson argues for an in-depth interpretation of the law and stresses the importance of the Old Testament while also arguing for how the testaments work together.

 

 

 

 

Armorbearers: The Revolutionary Choices of Servant-Leadership: Watford, Gerald: 9781620202999: Amazon.com: BooksArmorbearers: The Revolutionary View of Servant Leadership by Gerald Watford

Armorbearers, using scripture as its guide, dives deep into what it means to be a servant leader. Armorbearers author Gerald Watford knows exactly what it means to be a leader; he’s been a Marine, pastor, State Trooper, and teacher. Read as Watford encourages his readers to be servant-hearted leaders!

 

 

 

Miracle Man: A Bullet That Ignited a Purpose-Filled Life
by Brett Parks

Miracle Man is written by Brett Parks about his own real-life miracle. In 2012, Navy airman Brett Parks was shot as he ran to aid to someone being mugged. Read about Parks’ near-death experience and how God showed up during his time of need.

 

 

Persuaded: The Story of Nicodemus, A Novel - Kindle edition by Harder, David. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.Final Grains of Sand - Kindle edition by Harder, David. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Persuaded and Final Grains of Sand by David Harder

Persuaded and Final Grains of Sand are both written by David Harder who served in the United States. Navy. Persuaded is a biblical fiction novel following the life of Nicodemus and his encounters with Yeshua. Read along as Nicodemus realizes the joy and power in the Good News!

Final Grains of Sand is a fiction book about how a man named Jim leaves behind his legacy after getting a cancer diagnosis at 60 years old. This novel will help you realize the value of your life and how much your words and actions can touch the hearts of others.

 

Evocatus by Burke SpeedEvocatus: A Novel: Speed, Burke: 9781620207307: Amazon.com: Books

Evocatus is a fiction book written by Burke Speed, a retired Colonel and command pilot who served in the United States Air Force. Speed writes about the story of Jamie, a young veteran who is called again to a new type of duty and faced with the call to fight again.

 

Every day and especially on Memorial Day, we are so grateful for all those who have served America so well!

The Mother’s Day Booklist We Can’t Forget

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It’s almost Mother’s Day!

That day of the year that we celebrate the women who birth us, raise us, and read to us.

In honor of mothers, we’re highlighting a few (of the many) great books that we have – written by mothers.

The Longest Goodbye

What happens when your mother no longer remembers you? When her body remains but her mind bids you the longest goodbye? Shelly Calgano goes into that and more in her book, The Longest Goodbye.

What Now? Finding Renewed Hope in Christ After Loss

Kaitlyn Odom Fielder became a mother long after she had lost her own mother…and father…and siblings. Her story of waking up in a hospital bed orphaned and without her beloved siblings and the life she lead after that tugs at every heartstring. What Now? is available now, and is sure to move your heart.

Help! I’m a Foster Parent

Written for anyone who loves foster kids or their parents, and shows the real-life, on-the-ground experiences of families who operate in the foster care system.

Help! I’m a Foster Parent is a must-read for everyone. But again – we encourage you to bring tissues.

Waiting is the Night

What do mothers do at night? Wait. Pray. Wonder.

Waiting is the Night is written for anyone who has stared at the darkness and waited for light to break. But for mothers, this title speaks to their very fiber of being. This is the book for the tired, weary mother. For the mother who desperately needs encouragement. For the mother who does not sleep at night, but waits.

This Mother’s Day, give the mothers in your life the gift of a book that speaks to her.

#Throwback Thursday: Esther: Reflections From An Unexpected Life by Jennifer Westbrook Spivey

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As we reminisce on the over forty years that God has blessed Ambassador International to remain in business, we are highlighting a different #backlistbook each week in a series called #ThrowbackThursday.

This week’s featured book is Esther: Reflections From An Unexpected Life by Jennifer Westbrook Spivey which was published by Ambassador International on March 14, 2008.

Through Queen Esther, the course of history was changed. It is nearly impossible to imagine our world today had Haman been successful in his attempt to wipe out the Jews altogether. Her story is, in the easiest terms and by the most convenient definition, an historical account of how God delivered the Jews from total destruction at the hands of an evil man. However, to describe Esther’s story as a mere historical account does not do justice to this powerful and dramatic life. Esther’s life was, in every way, unexpected. The untrained observer looking at this young Jewish woman may not have thought much of her at all. Certainly there was nothing extraordinary about where she lived, when she lived, how she lived, or even who she was.

In Esther: Reflections From an Unexpected Life, readers will come to know several important people: Esther, the Jewess still living in the city of her captivity, even though the captivity has been over for many years; Mordecai, Esther’s guardian and cousin; Ahasuerus, king of Persia; and Haman, the evil man using his influential position with the king to plot and against the Jews. Readers will also come to know a few others who have smaller roles in this story, but are equally significant: Vashti, the dethroned queen; Memucan, one of Ahasuerus’ many advisors; and Zeresh, Haman’s wife who unwittingly encourages her husband to his own tragic end. Whether good or bad, each of these people have something to teach us in their examples.

This inspirational study is divided into ten weeks, each week divided into five days of “mini lessons.” Each lesson begins with an illustration that introduces the idea of the personal application for the day before getting into the Word. Each lesson may take about ten to twelve minutes, so it can easily be added to your daily quiet time. If you do not currently have a daily quiet time, this little study may serve as a great tool to help you develop that important discipline. Also, after reading through Esther and studying this book, you will see that it is not at all just dry history: it is a powerful and timeless example to what God can do with a person completely submitted to Him, regardless of personal cost.

Esther: Reflections From an Unexpected Life is a thought-provoking must read for all Christian women. For a limited time, you can grab this ebook for .99! Don’t miss out!

 

You can add Esther: Reflections From an Unexpected Life to your Goodreads HERE and you can learn more and find purchase links HERE. This book is available in paperback and ebook.

#Throwback Thursday: Biblical Leadership: Becoming a Different Kind of Leader by Ken Collier and Matt Williams

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As we reminisce on the over forty years that God has blessed Ambassador International to remain in business, we are highlighting a different #backlistbook each week in a series called #ThrowbackThursday.

This week’s featured book is Biblical Leadership: Becoming a Different Kind of Leader by Ken Collier and Matt Williams which was published by Ambassador International on April 1, 2004.

Biblical Leadership is written by two long time Christian leaders who have had years of practicing Biblically based servant leadership. At age eleven, Ken Collier accepted Christ as his Savior at a Christian camp in Alabama. In the years to follow, the Lord continued to use camp ministries to mold his life in service for the Lord. After receiving a degree at Bob Jones University, Ken joined the full-time staff of The WILDS in North Carolina, where he now serves as the camp director. In addition to his camp responsibilities, he is a deacon in his local church where he teaches the adult Sunday School class. He and his wife, Mardi, have three sons and one daughter.

Matt Williams is Associate Pastor of Tri-City Ministries in Independence, Missouri where he has served for thirty-two years. He is also Executive Director of the Mid-America Association of Christian Schools and the Missouri Association of Christian Schools. He has spoken at numerous churches, conventions, and the American Association of Christian Schools Student Leadership Conferences across the nation. He is the author of How to Be a Team Player and Enjoy It. Pastor Williams and his wife, Donna, have been married for thirty-three years and have five children.

There are many different types of leaders—leaders in the business world, in government, in the home, and in the local church, but sadly, many times leadership has been completely contrary to what the Bible teaches.

Many leaders are focused on what they can get from their positions of authority rather than on what they can give to the works in which they are involved. While some view it as a tool for popularity and power, leadership is a privilege. Leadership requires responsibility.

Biblical Leadership teaches biblical leaders how to be people of integrity and humility—leaders who are willing to be different.

Biblical Leadership  will open up your understanding to a complete new look at Biblical leadership, and for a limited time, you can grab this ebook for 1.99! Don’t miss out!

You can add Biblical Leadership to your Goodreads HERE and you can learn more and find purchase links HERE. This book is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

Books for Celebrating Easter

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Easter is a great reminder of not only God’s sacrifice for us, but of His powerful love for us. Whether you need a book to stuff inside a little one’s Easter basket, or a title to encourage your child’s walk with God, here are some books that are great for Easter:

Guess How Much God Loves You by Karen Ferguson for Easter basketsKaren Ferguson reminds children of God’s love for them in her book Guess How Much God Loves You. Guess How Much God Loves You is the story of seven-year-old Lucy Lu, a colorful, creatively curious first-grader, who is starting to have serious questions about God.

How old is He? Does He sleep? What does He do all day? And the biggest one of all—does God love me?

After one particularly hard day of being bullied by her classmates at school, Lucy feels like she doesn’t matter. She sits with Papa Joe, who has promised to answer her questions about God, launching them onto a journey to discover God’s never-changing, never-failing, never-ending love.

What follows is a wild adventure through the Bible, where Lucy and her papa find themselves in the middle of each page of the exciting story of God’s love and faithfulness for all people throughout all of history.

I Know the Plans by Jennifer Bosma for Easter basketsIn I Know the Plans, author Jennifer Bosma seeks to show God’s love for us through the perfect plan He has for each and every one of us. It is so important for children to have a firm foundation to build upon. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path(Psalm 119:105). This children’s book, with its beautiful illustrations, points children to that plan.

God has a plan for each child before they are even created. But in this noisy world, it’s easy for our children to not hear God’s voice and forget who they were created to be.

I Know the Plans presents God’s promises to young children with a fun, engaging rhyme, planting the seeds of Scripture into their hearts to help them grow in their love for Him. With vivid illustrations accompanying each passage, I Know the Plans captures a little one’s attention from start to finish and should be the first book in every child’s library.

The Easter Donkey for Easter basketsThe Easter Donkey brings the story of Easter into the modern day through a donkey named Drupelet, who gets chosen to play a role in a reenactment of Palm Sunday.  This heartwarming tale introduces the topics of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, the heaviness of Maundy Thursday, the sorrow of Good Friday, and the joy of Easter Sunday without weighing down the story or character with too much information, making it the perfect addition to your Easter basket. Author Donna Thornton wrote this sweet book not only to offer a fresh telling of the Easter story but also to remind everyone of its wonder.

Don’t forget to check out our pinterest boards with more great ideas for your holidays and more!

#Throwback Thursday: Walking in the Word: A Family Journey From Genesis to Revelation

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As we reminisce on the over forty years that God has blessed Ambassador International to remain in business, we are highlighting a different #backlistbook each week in a series called #ThrowbackThursday.

Today’s #ThrowbackThursday book isn’t quite as old as the others have been, but that doesn’t make it any less important! In fact, while all our books are important to us, we are especially fond of this book because as Christian families it is good to discover how to apply the whole of God’s Word to our lives, and this family devotional helps us do just that. 

Walking in the Word: A Family Journey From Genesis to Revelation was written by Carolyn Wells and published on December 1, 2015. Carolyn lives near Glasgow in Scotland, has been married to Alan for twenty-four years, and has three grown children. They have been involved in church pastoral ministry for over twenty years. As well as being a pastor’s wife and a mother, Carolyn works as a radiographer in a local hospital and is involved in the children’s ministry in their church.

The readings in Walking in the Word give your family a chance to read God’s Word together, discuss the things that affect your lives, encourage each other in your faith, and helps you reach out to tell others the Good News of Jesus.

Walking in the Word will help your family read through the story of the Bible together, finding out how it all fits together and how it can affect our lives today, and this family devotional includes some practical activities, memory verses, and encouragement to pray for others and will encourage spiritual growth for both the parents and the children.

Walking in the Word is a flexible book, to be used in the way that suits your own family best, and we hope it will be a wonderful resource for you and your family.

 

You can add Walking in the Word to your Goodreads HERE and you can learn more and find purchase links HERE.

Our Top Picks for a Chilling Read!

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Do you enjoy books that bring chills to your spine and keep you from falling asleep at night? Look no further, Ambassador International’s staff picked our top three titles to do just that for you!

Staff Pick

1. Clear Confusion by Kathy Howard

What am I going to do, God? Who am I?

Charlotte Hallaway needs to come to terms with her father’s death. He had been her only family, and she wasn’t handling her grief well. It was just supposed to be a few weeks of peace and quiet to process it all, but then she saw them-a drug deal and a murder within seconds of each other.

And they saw her.

Now running for her life, Charlotte boards a bus to escape her pursuers and wakes up the next morning in the woods of Jennings, Georgia, without a memory of how she got there or of who she is. All she knows is an underlying fear she can’t seem to shake.

When two hunters find her battered and scared, can she put aside the clear confusion she’s experiencing to trust them? She wants to trust them, especially Nicholas, but fear is holding her back. Trust is incredibly hard when one is so clearly confused. Could it be he and his friend are not who they claim to be?

Who are they really . . . and who is she?

         christianbook.com

2. Fate of the Redeemed by Chad Pettit

An angel with amnesia. A demon with a vendetta. The man caught in their crossfire.

Lester Sharp has been given a second chance to live a life of compassion, but his decision to follow God will be tested when his estranged father calls to tell him his brother has been killed in combat. A demon unleashes a series of attacks on him, and someone he thought was lost to his past emerges.

Lester is guarded by the angel, Draven, but when Morane catches the watcher off his guard, Draven loses his memory and finds himself being held prisoner in a remote Somali village. His only ally is Ibrahim, a man who finds out his son has been murdered by extremists when his granddaughter appears out of nowhere and somehow possesses supernatural powers.

As Morane’s fury is unleashed, time is running out for Lester, and Draven’s fate is in the hands of a man whose faith is being pushed to the limit.

While Lester fights for his life—and for his soul—will he make the right choices, or will he decide—once and for all—that he doesn’t need God? And why is one man so important in the midst of spiritual warfare?

         christianbook.com

3. Hope by Josephine Walker

After two and a half years of deep depression, anger at God, and guilt over the death of her husband and twin girls, all bestselling romance writer Jessica Lynn Morgan wants is to buy a house, get back to writing, and live out her life alone in peace. And the little town of Hope, Wyoming, seems to offer the peace she needs. Or does it?

Unfortunately, her dream house is rumored to be haunted. Not one to believe in ghosts, she fights for any logical explanation for the things happening that seem to warn her off.

Once she moves in, the threat against her life becomes real. Clearly, someone or something wants her out. Now. And her stubbornness could cost Jessica her life.

          christianbook.com

Have a chilling read!

A Mother’s Day Book Gift-Guide

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This May, in honor of Mother’s Day and the great moms in the world, Ambassador International would like to highlight books written for mothers with its Mother’s Day Gift Guide! The perfect Mother’s Day gift for a mom in your life, and a gift that keeps on giving. 

The High Calling of Motherhood (Book and study guide): written for the mom who seeks so much more.

Why Did You Choose Me: a book for the adoptive or foster mom to share with the children of her heart.

Time Out for Tired Moms: a book for the exhausted mom, in need of her own time out and rejuvenation.

The Inconceivable Truth: a book for the woman struggling with the heartbreak of infertility.

The Life She Once Knew: a book for the mother struggling against impossible odds and searching for faith.

52 Conversations to Have With Your Teen: a book for the mother looking to reconnect and grow in her relationship with her teenage children.

Chickening In: a book for the mother searching for a guide to quenching anxiety, fear, and hopelessness, and turning her gaze towards God.

Chronic Love: for the mother struggling to parent and love her children in the midst of chronic illness.

Enough of Me: a study for mothers looking to win in the tug of war between an Instagram-perfect life and the truth of the Bible.

The past year, the world has relied heavily on the capabilities of mothers everywhere, as many women balanced it all, all while striving to still grow in their faith and relationships. This year, give Mom the gift of a good book, a cup of coffee, and a quiet space to enjoy it.

Happy Mother’s Day from Ambassador International. 

 

Just Who Was St. Patrick?

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It’s a question we all ask ourselves on the one day that we’re all Irish. Except for those pesky orange-wearers.

We all wear green and say funny things like “top ‘o the mornin’ to ya!” But have you ever wondered what’s at the root of St. Patrick’s Day? Journey back to the early part of the 5th century, a time we knew little about until the discovery of Saint Patrick’s writings, through the pages of Saint Patrick: The Man & His Mission.

SaintPatrick

Those writings provide a vivid picture of this faithful man, offering a voice from the distant past, spreading hope and joy. You’ll be amazed to discover the real St. Patrick. And here’s a hint: it has nothing to do with corned beef, cabbage or even leprechauns! Pick up Saint Patrick: The Man & His Mission to learn more about the man and missionary so oft-celebrated yet misunderstood in the modern world.

 

Fancy a pot o’ gold? The kindle price is even better!