The history of this book began almost immediately after the wounding of our beloved coastland by hurricane Katrina in August of 2005. Returning and spending a greater part of the day accessing the damage to our home, was a task I never expected to be called upon to do. It was like pressing “fast forward” on my old tape player, but unable to “rewind” to the comforts of yesterday, however Philippians 4:19 took on new meaning as help came from the disaster relief team from Meadowview Reformed Presbyterian Church of Lexington, N. C.

Written mostly from inside prison walls, the poems in Words from the Brother are testimony to God’s work in one man’s life. Powerful and honest, author James Hayes’s poetry tells it like it is from someone who has been there. He has the courage to share his past (“I fought and stole and lied and killed / I did not care whose blood got spilled”), and what it’s like to spend Christmas morning in prison while his children are gathered around the tree without him (“The Gift”).

The real power of this book, however, lies in James’s transformation, the type of change possible only with God. His poems range from expressions of faith and joy to prayers for his oldest son, whom he learns is using heroin (“Pattern”). Some are based on specific verses, whereas others call us to live out our faith by following God’s plan, such as the poem “Real Men.” Some even reveal a gentle, self-deprecating humor, as found in “Motormouth,” about learning to slow down, say less, and listen more.

James’s personal story is a dramatic one of a man saved from addiction and sin. Yet he has put God at the center of each poem, and it is God’s all-powerful love that shines through the book. No matter who you are or what your life experience has been, Words from the Brother is sure to speak to you.

The proceeds from this book will fund the Iron Saints Motorcycle-Prison Ministry!

“Live to Read Read to Live”

Written mostly from inside prison walls, the poems in Words from the Brother are testimony to God’s work in one man’s life. Powerful and honest, author James Hayes’s poetry tells it like it is from someone who has been there. He has the courage to share his past (“I fought and stole and lied and killed / I did not care whose blood got spilled”), and what it’s like to spend Christmas morning in prison while his children are gathered around the tree without him (“The Gift”).

The real power of this book, however, lies in James’s transformation, the type of change possible only with God. His poems range from expressions of faith and joy to prayers for his oldest son, whom he learns is using heroin (“Pattern”). Some are based on specific verses, whereas others call us to live out our faith by following God’s plan, such as the poem “Real Men.” Some even reveal a gentle, self-deprecating humor, as found in “Motormouth,” about learning to slow down, say less, and listen more.

James’s personal story is a dramatic one of a man saved from addiction and sin. Yet he has put God at the center of each poem, and it is God’s all-powerful love that shines through the book. No matter who you are or what your life experience has been, Words from the Brother is sure to speak to you.

The proceeds from this book will fund the Iron Saints Motorcycle-Prison Ministry!

“Live to Read Read to Live”

The modern practice of Communion, of taking the body of Jesus Christ into the temple of our own bodies, is rooted in the rituals of the Temple of King Solomon, who ruled Jerusalem at the height of its power and greatness. In Bread of Presence, author and artist Roslyn Gatts Alexander lovingly retells the “Bread of Life” story through original prose and artwork, celebrating the history of the temple and how Christ became the focus and true meaning of fellowship with God.

No child should be baptized or take Communion without understanding the foundational truth in Alexander’s beautiful illustrations and deep insights on our relationship with God. Bread of Presence is a worshipful, uplifting journey about God’s covenant of love and His new covenant—Jesus came so we can go before our heavenly Father’s holy throne.

It was 1892 when James Earl Mead was born in a one room log cabin on the banks of Barren Creek, Missouri. He was born a leader and a chicken farmer, but he soon felt the call of God pulling him to serve the church and not the family business. At a young age, he served as the music director at Fall Creek Encampment. Then Mead felt God calling him to Texas—the First Baptist Church in Beaumont, in particular.

In Beaumont and in Sheveport, in the Baptist Churches there,  Mead found his true calling: to build a strong Baptist religious education program. Through dedication and hard work, he eventually became the leading education director in the Southern Baptist Convention. But even in the most focused religious life, there are inevitable trials.

From Chicken to Churches is a memoir that looks back upon one man’s life of faithful service. As a leader, Mead felt responsible for Christian flocks all across the nation. He used his God-given talent to motivate others to do their best for the Master—to teach and witness to the entire world. He inspired countless Christians on their paths to salvation. His emotional memoir will inspire all who read it.

It was 1892 when James Earl Mead was born in a one room log cabin on the banks of Barren Creek, Missouri. He was born a leader and a chicken farmer, but he soon felt the call of God pulling him to serve the church and not the family business. At a young age, he served as the music director at Fall Creek Encampment. Then Mead felt God calling him to Texas—the First Baptist Church in Beaumont, in particular.

In Beaumont and in Sheveport, in the Baptist Churches there,  Mead found his true calling: to build a strong Baptist religious education program. Through dedication and hard work, he eventually became the leading education director in the Southern Baptist Convention. But even in the most focused religious life, there are inevitable trials.

From Chicken to Churches is a memoir that looks back upon one man’s life of faithful service. As a leader, Mead felt responsible for Christian flocks all across the nation. He used his God-given talent to motivate others to do their best for the Master—to teach and witness to the entire world. He inspired countless Christians on their paths to salvation. His emotional memoir will inspire all who read it.

We are all familiar with the biography of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Most of us learned about him through the stories told about and by him in the Bible. There are, however, other ways to learn about Jesus Christ, his life, and his love.

Rob Garnes’s A Perfect Him is a biography of Jesus Christ told through poetry. It begins with Old Testament prophecy and proceeds through his young life and introduction to the ministry. The poems conclude with his crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Readers will also find a poetic study of the parables Christ used during his ministry.

A Perfect Him is relevant for everyone, no matter where they are in their spiritual walk with Christ. For one seeking Christ, the poems can be used as a guide, as the gospel is fully explained within the poems. For a new Christian, the poems may be used as a study resource in their developing journey. Finally, for the mature Christian, the poems offer a great devotional.

The earth made in seven days—could this be?

A loving God imagined and longed for me?

At one time or another, we all ask ourselves about the Genesis account of creation. How we view creation, and how we understand the lessons in Genesis, deeply affects how we view our lives and our faith. Through original poems, artwork, and photography, In Seven Days?, by author and artist Roslyn Gatts Alexander, presents a fresh, positive outlook on God’s creation of the universe and offers new understanding of the Bible account for readers old and new.

Anyone can benefit from believing and understanding God’s intentions. Through gentle, insightful style and uncomplicated rhyme, Kaptain Obvious simplifies the complexities of life and offers a fresh perspective on just what the world demands from us and what we deserve to demand in return.

If you’ve got it all together

Then this book is not for you

But if you change the way you’re thinking

Then you change the things you do

Or if you’re under the impression-

That where you are then you must stay

Then perfect keep on reading

You’ll see things a different way

……Everyone has a story

It may be painful but it’s true

This is just part of my journey

I hope you see you have one too…

Anyone can benefit from believing and understanding God’s intentions. Through gentle, insightful style and uncomplicated rhyme, Kaptain Obvious simplifies the complexities of life and offers a fresh perspective on just what the world demands from us and what we deserve to demand in return.

If you’ve got it all together

Then this book is not for you

But if you change the way you’re thinking

Then you change the things you do

Or if you’re under the impression-

That where you are then you must stay

Then perfect keep on reading

You’ll see things a different way

……Everyone has a story

It may be painful but it’s true

This is just part of my journey

I hope you see you have one too…

Be at peace; be at rest. Lay down your burdens and live in glory and delight. The gifts of God are many, and by spending some time in prayer with a pen, we open ourselves to discerning the Lord’s voice and receiving his Word. In Encounters with the Lord, writer, mother, and devout believer Jean Bowen-Smith offers guidance and a framework for learning to dialogue with God through devotional journaling.

If you possess the desire for an intimate relationship with God, you will find Encounters with the Lord an indispensible companion on your daily Christian walk, regardless of whether you have written for years or have never before opened a journal. The encouraging journal prompts and topics Jean presents come from the messages she has received over her years of journaling, and space is provided beneath each prompt for your reflections at your own pace.

The Lord desires to speak and commune with us daily, and as believers we have the ability to hear His voice. This devotional journal does not simply teach us to hear the Word of the Lord; it brings new life to our quiet time with our Savior, Jesus Christ, and opens up to us new worlds of opportunity and blessing.

Be at peace; be at rest. Lay down your burdens and live in glory and delight. The gifts of God are many, and by spending some time in prayer with a pen, we open ourselves to discerning the Lord’s voice and receiving his Word. In Encounters with the Lord, writer, mother, and devout believer Jean Bowen-Smith offers guidance and a framework for learning to dialogue with God through devotional journaling.

If you possess the desire for an intimate relationship with God, you will find Encounters with the Lord an indispensible companion on your daily Christian walk, regardless of whether you have written for years or have never before opened a journal. The encouraging journal prompts and topics Jean presents come from the messages she has received over her years of journaling, and space is provided beneath each prompt for your reflections at your own pace.

The Lord desires to speak and commune with us daily, and as believers we have the ability to hear His voice. This devotional journal does not simply teach us to hear the Word of the Lord; it brings new life to our quiet time with our Savior, Jesus Christ, and opens up to us new worlds of opportunity and blessing.