Friday, June 20, 2008

Christ the Lord

First of all, happy 55th wedding anniversary to my grandparents, John and Sue Moore! Thanks for building a legacy of love, devotion, perseverance through loss, and serving each other with joy. I'm proud to be your granddaughter.

Second, I have two more books for your summer reading. Does the name Anne Rice ring a bell to you? Anne Rice is a best-selling mainstream author of 28 novels, the first of which was Interview With a Vampire. (Remember that movie from the 90's with Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise?) Rice returned to her childhood faith in Christ in 1998. Four years later she consecrated her writing to Him, vowing only to write for and about Christ for that point on. (Here is her bio and here is her profession of faith.)

Here is a quote from Rice's "Essay on Earlier Works":
"For me, the entire body of my earlier work, reflects a movement towards Jesus Christ. In 2002, I consecrated my work to Jesus Christ. This did not involve a denunciation of works that reflected the journey. It was rather a statement that from then on I would write directly for Jesus Christ. I would write works about salvation, as opposed to alienation; I would write books about reconciliation in Christ, rather than books about the struggle for answers in a post World War II seemingly atheistic world. My books reflect now, as they always have, what I see and feel and struggle to understand."

Anne Rice has written two fabulous books that have enriched my personal faith in Jesus Christ and helped me understand what life was like when He walked the face of the earth. The books are Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt and Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana. I've always loved Christian fiction, but my husband has never given it the time of day. He got his hands on these books before I did and I've never seen him so excited and eager to talk about any book. And he loves to read. If Curtis likes these fiction novels, that's saying something!

The first book, Out of Egypt, is set when Jesus is seven years old and his family is returning to Israel from Egypt. He is just beginning to understand who he is. The second book, The Road to Cana, takes place when he is thirty years old. I'm not going to say much about it because it is just better to read it than to hear my book report. These books are written in first-person narrative, so they read like an autobiography.

If you are feeling skeptical right now, that's okay. Just get the first book and see if it does not get you thinking about, praising, and loving Christ more than you do now. There's a whole section at the end of Out of Egypt in which Rice shares her conversion story and explains why she believes Jesus is the Son of God. She also describes her research for the book in detail. It is awesome. To read about our Lord from such an exceptionally talented, intelligent writer is a treat.

So, if you have a long plane ride coming up or some extended time to lay by the pool or beach and read, I highly recommend taking these books along with you. You can find them at Barnes and Noble (or any major bookstore) or on Amazon.com. If you do get them, let me know what you think!

61 comments:

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

Thanks for the recommendations - I need some beach reading for next month that no where near resembles a commentary.

I've wondered about Out of Egypt before so I'll def. check the library for it!

Anonymous said...

Oh Amanda...

I have to quickly share! About 4 years ago we moved to a new community and my son started 3rd grade at a new school. It was about this time that I caught a MSNBC Biography on Anne Rice. She shared about the death of her child and how it caused her to turn from the God of her childhood. The rest of the story of her life was very, very dark and, to be honest, just plain scary. I immediately felt the urge to pray for her and I've NEVER gotten her out of my mind since. Not kept up with her, but just thought of her many times and prayed that the deep, deep hurt that caused her to blame God and turn from him would somehow be eased and she would find Him once again.

My son at the same time befriended a little boy whose mother is also a cult writer of vampire novels and it was reiterated what an overwhelmly dark and evil culture this form of literature has become. Again, I still couldn't forget Anne!

Think of her often and pray for her, but still never "investigated" to see if anything had changed -- wasn't sure if I would really even know how to do that.

Then I read your post! It gave me the answer I had been praying for all these years later after having seen that first documentary.

I'm not a fiction reader, but I'm thrilled to know that the prodigal who has been on a very long journey has returned home.

Thanks for sharing!

Blessings,
Dori

Deidre said...

Thanks for the recommendation, Amanda! I'm going to check it out now. I'm up for anything that I can 'get lost' in and will bring me closer to Him at the same time.

Michele said...

Thank you Amanda for sharing those books. I will definitely pick them up. I am about to start The Shack by William Young, which I have heard really good things about. I have committed my summer to being lazy and reading lots (despite being a mother of 3). I have until August 1, so I had better get busy. Thanks again for sharing.

Holly said...

You know, I have never picked up one of her books before. Growing up, I read a LOT of Stephen King and other books that did not glorify God. When I saw Anne Rice and heard about her movie, I had by then dedicated my life to Christ and that meant no more of that style of fiction--guarding my heart.

I am so GLAD to go and check Anne Rice out--I had not heard of her conversion and look forward to reading what God has been teaching her.

Thanks Amanda! I'm reading "The Shack" right now. What do you and Curtis think of it?

Longmeadow Mama said...

I'm not much of a reader, sad to say, and it takes alot to get me motivated to read novels. You've managed to do it though and I just reserved a copy of each of these books from the local library!
Thanks for the recommendation and the motivation.
Kelli

Anonymous said...

Well where have I been? I had no idea Mrs. Rice had had a turnaround. Glory to God!! When I first glanced at your blog and saw her name I was like, "What in the world has gotten into Amanda?" So glad I read the whole thing.

I will definitely pick up both books. I am a bibliovore and I can't WAIT to get my hands on these. Thanks for the info.

Shan said...

Amanda--I just saw the new Anne Rice Book at our little library today. I immediately assummed that it was not something that I should read, so I'm glad to hear your take on it. :) I'm going to have to check it out now!
Thanks for the reccommend!
XO,
Shan

Anonymous said...

Thanks Amanda!

Much love,
Sharon, NC

ocean mommy said...

I'm so glad you recommended these. I saw a snippet of an inverview with her a couple of months ago where she was discussing Jesus and her faith. I saw the very end and could not get grasp on her belief. I'm always looking for GOOD Christian books and will be getting copies soon!

Blessings to you!
steph.

Amanda said...

Thanks for the recommendation! I've been looking for a new read, and Anne Rice is such a beautiful writer! I had no idea she had renewed her life to Christ! I've already put them on hold for me at the library. Can't wait to read them! By the way, have you taken Jackson to the Houston Aquarium? I've been wondering if it's a good place to entertain a toddler for a few hours.

Anonymous said...

I had wondered about these but was unsure when published reports (on CNN) said she'd announced she'd be doing more "vampire" writing. But hey, I've recently rediscovered the joys of the public library, so I may just check them out...literally!

Anonymous said...

THanks for sharing... I love reading and now that VBS has come to a close (granted supplies still have to be put away) I should have some time to read again. I love that type of fiction and look forward to it. Thanks again!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for being a reader, Amanda! And I love it when you suggest books! I am going on a mission trip to Zambia with my sweet pastor/husband and will get this book to read on the looooong flights. We would appreciate your prayers July 2-16. You are an amazing young woman!

Anonymous said...

This is funny- I'm at the beach on vacation reading Christ the Lord now. I read the first one when it first came out. I love them both. They make me feel like I'm right there with Jesus. I think her ideas about what Jesus might have felt and thought are so interesting, very thought provoking. I am going to have to read this one again when we get home, though. They take a little more time and thought than my normal beach read material. Great recommendations! I second them.

Mary Jane said...

amanda, thank you so much for the recommendations. i am always looking for a great read for the summer. and if you are interested i just finished The Shack by william young. WOW what a great reconciliation story. i could not put it down. mj

Anonymous said...

I had not heard that she became a Believer until I read your comment to Big Mama's request for reading material. I've seen the first one at our library. I too am about to start The Shack.

Anonymous said...

I love Christian Historical Fiction. Francine Rivers is a favorite because as you read a fictional account, it is so much easier to picture, understand life in the biblical culture. I will definitely be looking for these books. Thanks for the recommendation!

Missy said...

Yeah! More books for my summer reading list. :) Thanks for the suggestions!

su said...

Amanda,

Thanks for telling us about these books. A friend loaned me Out of Egypt but didn't tell me anything about it. I kept putting off reading it because I couldn't get past the author. So I dug it out and will begin it today!

Anonymous said...

going to the library today..hope they have 'em!

Kelly S. said...

thank you so much!! I love reading christian fiction, specially historical fiction. I'm also doing 90 days with the One and Only so how interesting these books will be!!

I am interested as are others about the Shack. I read it this summer and I would love to read a solid christian review of it. I would love to know what you and Curtis think of it.

mariel said...

Thanks so much for these recommendations, Amanda!! I saw Rice's books and wondered if they were worth reading...I'm not too keen on fiction...but if they have Curtis and your stamp of approval, I will give them a try!!

Praise the Lord for a beautiful legacy of faith your grandparents propelled! Oh, to look back on 55 years and still be in love with one another and Jesus Christ!

Tiffani said...

I can't wait to read them! I don't know if you've read anything by Francine Rivers but she is AWESOME! Totally changed my life...I've yet to ready anything as emotionally stirring while drawing me closer to Him..so I can't wait to check out your suggestions!

Ashley said...

I just read Out of Egypt a few weeks ago...it was in my last stack of library books--and it was beautiful! I didn't realize there was a second one, though, so I'm off to check online and see if our little bitty library has it.

Thanks for the recommendations!

Jenna said...

Thanks so much for letting us in on this! I can't wait to get my hands on these. Some good summer reading for sure!

Hope y'all are having a great weekend!

FitzandMolly said...

yes. i will have tons of time to read while lounging around at camp. HA! can't wait to see you!

Jaclyn said...

These sound good. I will be purchasing for my hubbies birthday! Thanks :)

katiegfromtennessee said...

Hey Amanda!:)

Happy Anniversary to your grandparents-that's a testimony there!:)-devotion, love, perseverance through loss, serving each other in joy-that's great! Praise the Lord!!! They stayed together!!

I actually have never heard of Anne Rice, and usually I read christian topic books, but I have read a few fiction books like "Redeeming Love", and others. I will add these to my "list" too. I think I could definitely spend bunches of $ on books (I like to read too, esp. if it helps explain life and living from a sound, biblical perspective). I need all the help and prayer I can get:) Amen,Truth!! I'm still thinking about getting Marla Taviano (spell right) books real soon too:)

Thanks Amanda! God bless you my Sis-in-CHRIST,

Love,

katiegfromtennessee

Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! said...

L-o-v-e to read so thanks for the tip!

Don't forget pictures of your new office! I'm waiting on pins and needles. :)

Grace said...

Amanda,
I just reserved them from our library and can't wait to get started reading them! Thanks for the recommendation. :o)

Bev Brandon @ The Fray said...

I leave for the beach, alone for one week, this coming Friday, and couldn't be more delighted to read this post. I thought Anne Rice was secular. So, I'll try it. I have only read one fiction book (hate fiction) and it was the best Christian book I ever read---I mean God was all over me!--- and you can probably guess which one it was...

jennyhope said...

I am so getting these!! Thanks for the recommendation! I love Christian fiction.

Anonymous said...

I have read Anne Rice for many years. I think the pain of losing a child caused her to lose faith in God.

The lesson is- he never loses faith in us.

I will put these books on my to read list.

Janelle and Ella said...

I think The Road to Cana will have to be my read for my long flight to Africa. Seems pretty perfect for that!

Cheryl@2911Promise said...

I just read your post today (Monday). I was at the library this morning and my eye caught a glimpse of a book and I saw the words, "Ann Rice.....Jesus Christ." I didn't check it out further cause (not knowing her vow to only write to honor Him) I thought it was probably blasphemy! Oops....I didn't know! I will be heading back asap to get that book!

lori said...

I have so been looking for a good read, so thanks I will be looking for those

The Self Cottage said...

it was soo good to see u last week even though it was brief thx for the recs. Oh and by the way, the new building was incredible...tyler and i are jealous that you and Curt get to work there. What a beautiful place! we love you guys

Holly said...

Praying for you and your family, as you go to youth camp--good weather, health and a happy Jackson!

Love,
holly

PS Out of Egypt just came in at the library for me--can I read them out of order? Hmm, I will see!

Holly said...

I'm such a goof-ball. Out of Egypt is the first one! Hee hee!!

Jill said...

This is my first comment but have read you for some time. Thanks for making it real and honest. I have always treasured this heritage your mom has passed to you and Melissa. It makes me encouraged with my own two girls. Thanks.

Jan said...

Thanks Amanda!

I've been in the hospital and need some new reading material.

thanks for the heads-up.

Jan

Jenny said...

I read her books before I became a Christian and had heard she had returned but I had been a little nervous about reading her new stuff. But I'm going to the library today and it sounds like I need to give it try.

Jen

Marla Taviano said...

I walked in the library yesterday and Christ the Lord was sitting right there on the table. I snatched it up. Thanks for the recommendation!

Ashley said...

Hi Amanda! Thanks for more great reading material!! Always love the insight! Hope to see you this weekend at the BIG 10 yr. reunion...WOW are we officially old now?!

Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! said...

Okay, I'm soooo missing you. A new blog, please? :)

JenB said...

I just bought Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt! So excited to read it. Thanks for the recommendation!

Kristi said...

Amanda,
I'm looking for wisdom. I've been inspired by you and so many other great women to start blogging. I've only been blogging for 6 days and I have loved it until this morning. I noticed today on my sitemeter that some awful blogging sites have looked at my blog and my daughters. I knew this might happen but now I am starting to freak out a bit. I am so careful but very protective of my girls. I know God meant this blog for good but the evil one has plans too. My dear sister in Christ, can you give me any words of wisdom?

Thank you,
Kristi

kris said...

WoW! I had NOOOO idea...thanks for that. Her work had always creeped me out and I'm glad to hear of where she is NOW. Glad I found your blog...I'm a friend of Steph Richardson!

Melinda said...

This is due in from Booksfree.com this week! Thanks for the recommendation!

And isn't that the coolest story that Dori posted?

Have a great day,
Melinda

Sunni at The Flying Mum said...

One of my activities today (so I will keep my mind off Atlanta) is to go to Barnes & Noble and buy that book. I've had it written on a piece of paper in my planner since you told me about it your last visit. Can't wait to start it!

one of four said...

I just went to the library and got the Out Of Egypt book. Can't wait to read it on vacation.

Anonymous said...

I just read Out of Egypt a month ago - LOVED IT! It really brought the story to life for me!

Rita Loca said...

I already purchased both books to take to Paraguay!

Anonymous said...

Anne Rice being my #1, absolutely favorite author of my secular past i wasn't sure how to take the news of "Out of Egypt".....from your review it seems like she has brought her passion to a better place....or should i say her passion has been "DIRECTED" towards the Truth....Now i can't wait to get hold of both titles! I keep neglecting to check in here and am glad i did.....was so fun to see your latest Atlanta pics!

Holly said...

(To The Hairbrush Song)
Oh where...is Amanda?
Oh where...is Amanda?
Oh where, oh where, oh where, oh where, oh where, oh where, oh where, oh where??? ...is Amanda?

Just to make you smile! Praying for you today and your group tonight!

Chelle' said...

Amanda- I just finished John Ortberg's The Life You've Always Wanted and was going to start reading from Dallas Willard's recommended reading resource list but I think I will throw these two in first.

I loved Hinds Feet on High places which is a Biblical Allegory so I'm certain there's a place in me for Christian Fiction.

:)

Thanks for the recommendation.

Gayle @ thewestiecrew said...

Where for art thou, AmJo?yb

Gayle @ thewestiecrew said...

Duh. Nevermind.... I forgot that you mentioned that you were going to camp this week, until I saw your Mama's video with Beckham.
What a cutie-pie!

Julie and Alberto Robles said...

Hey Amanda, I miss you friend. I'm excited about Anne Rice's books. When I heard about her change from the vampire series (and HORRIBLE Beauty & the Beast series), I was so happy. It again proved me wrong with my attitudes about some people being unreachable. She was so thoroughly in her own dark element and very monetarily successful at it. It was great to see that God can change anyone. Even ANNE RICE!! So it's good to hear the books are actually good after all the hype. I'm going to get my hands on a copy. BTW, I won NOTHING at last month's Bunco! Love ya.

Melinda said...

I'm about half-way through Out of Egypt upon your recommendation, as I probably would never have picked it up. It is FABULOUS! I've found it hard to tear myself away!

Thanks for giving us a heads up about these books...I look forward to reading the other one as well.

Joyfully,
Melinda