Belieber! Fame, Faith, and the Heart of Justin Bieber by Cathleen Falsani (Worthy Publishing, Sept 2011). He’s a household name if you have teenagers around or are tuned into the world of pop culture at all. His amazing voice, and heart for God and others has garnered him the attention of 11.3 million followers on Twitter, and another 3.3 million of Facebook. His influence on his generation is both undeniable and unprecedented.
“The way Justin uses social media and new technology to create and maintain relationships with his fans (and friends) is emblematic of the way in which his generation views and engages with the world. “
But where did this desire to build relationships via social networking come from? Could it be that God is honoring his number 1 desire: “to express to his fans more than anything else that God loves them.”
Falsani says, “Justin has a message beyond what many critics quickly dismiss as ‘puppy love.’ But it is about love—God’s love for everyone. And his fans are listening.”
Young people his age are still seeking an authentic connection with God—whom the vast majority believes exists. Many also believe in life after death, heaven and hell, angels, and even in miracles.
Justin is from a small town in Ontario, Canada. He committed his life to Jesus Christ when he was just six years old.
What’s his life like now? Justin prays before every concert, takes a Christian chaplain with him on tour, has a Christian tutor, and takes time for a Bible study every Sunday.
The kind of celebrity status Justin has achieved has many blessings, according to the author, “Financial prosperity, a rarified kind of influence on the world, privilege and access to experiences and people—President Obama has his cell phone number—which the rest of us only dream about. But there are drawbacks to Justin’s fame as well. His life as a private person ended when he was fourteen. He’s followed everywhere he goes by paparazzi, their camera, and videophones pointed at him, waiting for him to make a mistake.”
According to author Falsani, “He is sometimes painfully aware that his behavior—good or bad—sets an example for millions of fans around the globe, and he hates to disappoint them. That said, we—should be careful not to try to make him into some sort of Christian superhero. He is just as imperfect and vulnerable as the rest of us. The only difference is that his starlight shines a bit brighter than most of ours.”
Justin Bieber is never afraid to talk about his faith. In a video interview with AP in Los Angeles, November 1, 2010, he said: “I’m a Christian. I believe in God. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I believe that … I have a relationship with him and I’m able t talk to him. And really, he’s the reason I’m here. So I definitely have to remember that. As soon as I start forgetting, you know, I have to like, click back and be like, ya know. This is why I’m here.”
This is a fun informative book for anyone wanting to know all the facts available about Justin. The author certainly did her homework in scanning every type of media to uncover the background, history, and current events in the life of this superstar. My granddaughter will be receiving it this month for her 14th birthday.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting
Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting: For Grandparents At Any Stage of the Journey by Lydia E. Harris (AMG Bible Studies). www.PreparingMyHeart.net
“Grandparenting is filled with joy and tears. During our times of tears, Jesus treats us with compassion. If we follow His example and act with compassion toward our grandchildren, they will be attracted to Jesus and us. And that brings us joy.”
Looking forward to becoming a Grandma is both exciting and challenging. We are aware there will be challenges, but little do we know about the ways we are to be prepared to instill in our grandchildren the virtues of a Christ-like character.
In five weeks of guided but interactive Bible Study Lessons, Lydia has thought of it all and leads us through a biblical study to:
Prepare for a New Role
Prepare to Pray
Prepare to Model a Godly Life
Prepare to Invest in Their Lives
Prepare for Joy and Tears
Prepare to Make an Eternal Impact
Not only for new grandparents, but also a great refresher and pick-me-up for weary grandparents that aren’t sure how to face or work through all of the challenges they’ve been presented. When you’ve used up all your “entertain them and do it together” ideas, you’ll find a helpful selection of new activities in the “Celebrate! Holidays and Ordinary Days” section of this book.
Also helpful are the tips on: establishing traditions with the grandkids; taking them on memory making trips; and regardless of how many grandkids you are blessed to have – making each one feel special (on birthdays, recitals, school programs, sports events, and anything that is especially meaningful to that child).
And most important is the emphasis on praying – not only for our grandchildren but with our grandchildren. An old saying is “More is caught than taught.” And this is certainly true of teaching grandchildren to pray.
When my five grandchildren are gathered around our dining table and we ask, “Who’d like to say the blessing?” It is normally a race to see who can answer first – and much of the time it’s a tie and two children pray for the meal and the day and all that concerns them.
Lydia says, “We touch God’s heart and impact lives through prayer.” She also reminds us, “God promises to go before us: ‘I will go before you and will level the mountains’ (Isaiah 45:2). Whenever we come to a new day or a new problem, God is already there.”
This would make a great gift for yourself, a friend who needs help and encouragement in their grandparenting role, or someone about to welcome their first grandchild.
“Grandparenting is filled with joy and tears. During our times of tears, Jesus treats us with compassion. If we follow His example and act with compassion toward our grandchildren, they will be attracted to Jesus and us. And that brings us joy.”
Looking forward to becoming a Grandma is both exciting and challenging. We are aware there will be challenges, but little do we know about the ways we are to be prepared to instill in our grandchildren the virtues of a Christ-like character.
In five weeks of guided but interactive Bible Study Lessons, Lydia has thought of it all and leads us through a biblical study to:
Prepare for a New Role
Prepare to Pray
Prepare to Model a Godly Life
Prepare to Invest in Their Lives
Prepare for Joy and Tears
Prepare to Make an Eternal Impact
Not only for new grandparents, but also a great refresher and pick-me-up for weary grandparents that aren’t sure how to face or work through all of the challenges they’ve been presented. When you’ve used up all your “entertain them and do it together” ideas, you’ll find a helpful selection of new activities in the “Celebrate! Holidays and Ordinary Days” section of this book.
Also helpful are the tips on: establishing traditions with the grandkids; taking them on memory making trips; and regardless of how many grandkids you are blessed to have – making each one feel special (on birthdays, recitals, school programs, sports events, and anything that is especially meaningful to that child).
And most important is the emphasis on praying – not only for our grandchildren but with our grandchildren. An old saying is “More is caught than taught.” And this is certainly true of teaching grandchildren to pray.
When my five grandchildren are gathered around our dining table and we ask, “Who’d like to say the blessing?” It is normally a race to see who can answer first – and much of the time it’s a tie and two children pray for the meal and the day and all that concerns them.
Lydia says, “We touch God’s heart and impact lives through prayer.” She also reminds us, “God promises to go before us: ‘I will go before you and will level the mountains’ (Isaiah 45:2). Whenever we come to a new day or a new problem, God is already there.”
This would make a great gift for yourself, a friend who needs help and encouragement in their grandparenting role, or someone about to welcome their first grandchild.
Cinderella Campaign Rapidly Gains Strong Support
According to the investigative report, human trafficking is the world's third most lucrative illegal commercial activity, generating an estimated annual profit of $8 billion dollars. About 27 million live in slavery worldwide, and nearly every country is involved in trafficking activities as a country of origin, destination, or transit.
Salem, Ore. — The tale of Cinderella is filled with magic and awe. Little girls often dream about meeting their own princes after seeing the beloved tale.
For most women and children being trafficked through prostitution and other forms of slavery, however, the Cinderella life doesn’t end with a happy marriage. Instead, they find themselves in a world of pain, abuse, drugs, and violence.
In response, Corban University in Salem, Ore. has launched what it’s calling the Cinderella campaign.
The University has announced plans to donate part of its profits from a two-weekend run of “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” to anti-human trafficking ministry Shared Hope International based in Vancouver, Wash.
Corban’s “Cinderella” musical director Tamara McGinnis and David Sanford, Corban’s director of communications and public relations, urge anyone producing the show in 2012, 2013 or later to donate part of their proceeds to a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating the suffering caused by human trafficking.
In only a week, the Cinderella campaign already has garnered strong support from influential leaders across the U.S. As of Friday, Nov. 4, supporters include:
· Linda Smith, founder, Shared Hope International, http://www.sharedhope.org/
· Hannah Farver, Texas, author, blogger and speaker, http://www.hannahfarver.com/
· Jocelyn C. Green, Iowa, award-winning author, http://jocelyngreen.blogspot.com/
· Penny Carothers, Washington, social justice editor, http://www.burnsidewriterscollective.com/
· Valerie Sjodin, Oregon, author, artist and workshop facilitator, http://www.valeriesjodin.com/
· Carma Lee, M.D., Oregon, physician and anti-human trafficking advocate
· Michael Tso, M.D., and Emily Tso, New Hampshire, director of training, His Mansion Ministries, http://www.hismansion.com/
· Ann Dunagan, Oregon, author and speaker, co-founder of Harvest Ministry, founder of Daring Daughters, http://www.harvestreport.net/
· Sheri Mueller, Illinois, co-founder of Growthtrac.com, currently working on her MBA at Olivet Nazarene University, http://www.growthtrac.com/
· Jane Kirkpatrick, Oregon, bestselling novelist and mental health professional, http://www.jkbooks.com/
· Suzie Slonaker, Washington, advocate for HIV/AIDS children and families
· Ginny Mooney, Florida, Emmy-award winning television producer and writer specializing in issues of faith and culture
· Joni Eareckson Tada, California, author, speaker and advocate for disabled persons, founder and CEO of Joni and Friends, http://www.joniandfriends.org/
· Traci Deis, Minnesota, author and editor who has been dubbed a "free agent abolitionist" by fellow anti-human-trafficking advocates in the Twin Cities, Minneapolis/St. Paul
· Clara Ruffin, Connecticut, National Christian Educator of the Year, co-founder of Ministry of the Open door, co-founder of Hartford Friendship Kids’ Camp
· Martha Bolton, Tennessee, Emmy nominated television writer, New York Times bestselling author, playwright, http://marthabolton.com/
· Julie Woodley, New York, author, speaker and founder of Restoring the Heart Ministries, http://www.rthm.cc/
· Alice Gray, Arizona, speaker and platinum bestselling author
· Jayne Schooler, Ohio, author, adoption educator, and international child welfare advocate, http://www.jayneschooler.com/
· Nancie Carmichael, Oregon, popular speaker and bestselling author, http://www.nanciecarmichael.com/
· Lindy Lowry, California, editor of Outreach magazine, http://twitter.com/lindylowry
· PeggySue Wells, South Carolina, author of a dozen books including co-author of The Slave Across the Street, http://peggysuewells.wordpress.com/books
· Tina Jacobson, Texas, mother of two daughters, advocate for innocent girls sold into slavery in India, and CEO and president of The B&B Media Group, Inc., http://www.tbbmedia.com/
· Shannon Niquette Ratliff, Indiana, fashion model, http://shannonstewartmodel.com/
· Rev. Ruth Tuttle Conard, South Carolina, founder and pastoral director, Designed To Be Pillars, http://www.designedtobepillars.org/
· Rita M. Nussli, Washington, associate director of Soul Formation, www.soulformation.org
· Lacey Hanson, District of Columbia, media rep for International Justice Mission, http://www.ijm.org/
· Tabitha Plueddemann, North Carolina, anti-trafficking activist and literary agent for God in a Brothel
· Tamara Park, author, speaker, and producer at the Halogen TV network, http://www.halogentv.com/, which frequently addresses the global human trafficking pandemic
· Elaine Wright Colvin, Founder/Director of WIN India for Jesus, which supports dozens of orphaned children whose parent(s) are dying of HIV/AIDS, http://writersinfonetwork.blogspot.com/
NOTE: To add your name to this list, please contact David Sanford at http://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/5?session_redirect=true&userinfo=90d27f7de9e785eaca7aeaf05ac6bdee&count=1320459728&type=no%2Dmagic&userinfo=90d27f7de9e785eaca7aeaf05ac6bdee&count=1274161721&randid=925571334.
#####
Corban University is an independent Christian university in Salem, Ore., and Tacoma Wash. with more than 50 majors and programs of study including professional, liberal arts, and ministries. Along with traditional and adult degree completion programs at the undergraduate level, Corban offers post-baccalaureate teacher licensure and graduate degrees in education, business administration, and counselor education. Corban’s mission is to educate Christians who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ. For more information go to http://www.corban.edu/ or call 503-375-7005.
Salem, Ore. — The tale of Cinderella is filled with magic and awe. Little girls often dream about meeting their own princes after seeing the beloved tale.
For most women and children being trafficked through prostitution and other forms of slavery, however, the Cinderella life doesn’t end with a happy marriage. Instead, they find themselves in a world of pain, abuse, drugs, and violence.
In response, Corban University in Salem, Ore. has launched what it’s calling the Cinderella campaign.
The University has announced plans to donate part of its profits from a two-weekend run of “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” to anti-human trafficking ministry Shared Hope International based in Vancouver, Wash.
Corban’s “Cinderella” musical director Tamara McGinnis and David Sanford, Corban’s director of communications and public relations, urge anyone producing the show in 2012, 2013 or later to donate part of their proceeds to a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating the suffering caused by human trafficking.
In only a week, the Cinderella campaign already has garnered strong support from influential leaders across the U.S. As of Friday, Nov. 4, supporters include:
· Linda Smith, founder, Shared Hope International, http://www.sharedhope.org/
· Hannah Farver, Texas, author, blogger and speaker, http://www.hannahfarver.com/
· Jocelyn C. Green, Iowa, award-winning author, http://jocelyngreen.blogspot.com/
· Penny Carothers, Washington, social justice editor, http://www.burnsidewriterscollective.com/
· Valerie Sjodin, Oregon, author, artist and workshop facilitator, http://www.valeriesjodin.com/
· Carma Lee, M.D., Oregon, physician and anti-human trafficking advocate
· Michael Tso, M.D., and Emily Tso, New Hampshire, director of training, His Mansion Ministries, http://www.hismansion.com/
· Ann Dunagan, Oregon, author and speaker, co-founder of Harvest Ministry, founder of Daring Daughters, http://www.harvestreport.net/
· Sheri Mueller, Illinois, co-founder of Growthtrac.com, currently working on her MBA at Olivet Nazarene University, http://www.growthtrac.com/
· Jane Kirkpatrick, Oregon, bestselling novelist and mental health professional, http://www.jkbooks.com/
· Suzie Slonaker, Washington, advocate for HIV/AIDS children and families
· Ginny Mooney, Florida, Emmy-award winning television producer and writer specializing in issues of faith and culture
· Joni Eareckson Tada, California, author, speaker and advocate for disabled persons, founder and CEO of Joni and Friends, http://www.joniandfriends.org/
· Traci Deis, Minnesota, author and editor who has been dubbed a "free agent abolitionist" by fellow anti-human-trafficking advocates in the Twin Cities, Minneapolis/St. Paul
· Clara Ruffin, Connecticut, National Christian Educator of the Year, co-founder of Ministry of the Open door, co-founder of Hartford Friendship Kids’ Camp
· Martha Bolton, Tennessee, Emmy nominated television writer, New York Times bestselling author, playwright, http://marthabolton.com/
· Julie Woodley, New York, author, speaker and founder of Restoring the Heart Ministries, http://www.rthm.cc/
· Alice Gray, Arizona, speaker and platinum bestselling author
· Jayne Schooler, Ohio, author, adoption educator, and international child welfare advocate, http://www.jayneschooler.com/
· Nancie Carmichael, Oregon, popular speaker and bestselling author, http://www.nanciecarmichael.com/
· Lindy Lowry, California, editor of Outreach magazine, http://twitter.com/lindylowry
· PeggySue Wells, South Carolina, author of a dozen books including co-author of The Slave Across the Street, http://peggysuewells.wordpress.com/books
· Tina Jacobson, Texas, mother of two daughters, advocate for innocent girls sold into slavery in India, and CEO and president of The B&B Media Group, Inc., http://www.tbbmedia.com/
· Shannon Niquette Ratliff, Indiana, fashion model, http://shannonstewartmodel.com/
· Rev. Ruth Tuttle Conard, South Carolina, founder and pastoral director, Designed To Be Pillars, http://www.designedtobepillars.org/
· Rita M. Nussli, Washington, associate director of Soul Formation, www.soulformation.org
· Lacey Hanson, District of Columbia, media rep for International Justice Mission, http://www.ijm.org/
· Tabitha Plueddemann, North Carolina, anti-trafficking activist and literary agent for God in a Brothel
· Tamara Park, author, speaker, and producer at the Halogen TV network, http://www.halogentv.com/, which frequently addresses the global human trafficking pandemic
· Elaine Wright Colvin, Founder/Director of WIN India for Jesus, which supports dozens of orphaned children whose parent(s) are dying of HIV/AIDS, http://writersinfonetwork.blogspot.com/
NOTE: To add your name to this list, please contact David Sanford at http://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/5?session_redirect=true&userinfo=90d27f7de9e785eaca7aeaf05ac6bdee&count=1320459728&type=no%2Dmagic&userinfo=90d27f7de9e785eaca7aeaf05ac6bdee&count=1274161721&randid=925571334.
#####
Corban University is an independent Christian university in Salem, Ore., and Tacoma Wash. with more than 50 majors and programs of study including professional, liberal arts, and ministries. Along with traditional and adult degree completion programs at the undergraduate level, Corban offers post-baccalaureate teacher licensure and graduate degrees in education, business administration, and counselor education. Corban’s mission is to educate Christians who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ. For more information go to http://www.corban.edu/ or call 503-375-7005.
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