I just loved Dallas and the Spitfire by Ted Kluck and Dallas Jahncke. In this book, Ted tells of his experience fixing up an old car with a former cocaine addict, Dallas. Along the way, Ted is able to mentor and disciple Dallas. Through this story, we are able to witness the transformational work of the Holy Spirt in the lives of both Dallas and Ted.


The best part about this book is the humor of a real, down-to-earth guy, who feels less than worthy to be discipling a guy from such difficult beginnings. I think I laughed as some point on every page. Ted is so honest and real in his delivery. He truly represents a guy who can live in this world without being of this world. I think that is what made him such an effective mentor to Dallas. And yet, it is also undeniably evident that the Holy Spirit was at work as well. The reader is given a pretty grusome picture of what trials and temptations were at work in Dallas' life. It is truly amazing what an addict has to overcome. I cannot believe that full recovery is possible without the power of the Holy Spirit.


I highly recommend this book! It is a testiment to the effectiveness of discipleship through building relationships. It is an uplifting story of redemption, and it is an encouragement to Christians to be  functioning members of the body of Christ, not merely spectators. I have never read anything by Ted Kluck before, but I am now a fan. I look forward to reading more from him in the future!

It wasn't too long ago that I was thinking that I wanted a study that focused on the teachings of Jesus. And conveniently, R.P. Nettelhorst delivered. A Year With Jesus is a 365 day devotional guide that focuses on Jesus' own words. Each daily entry begins with Biblical text and concludes with reflections on the text by Nettelhorst. The daily entries are undated so that the reader can begin at any point during the year. The contents are organized in a very detailed table of contents and include the following general headings: Love and Hate, Truths and Lies, Arrogance and Humility, Friends and Enemies, Belief and Disbelief, Patience and Impatience, Deserved and Undeserved, Good and Evil, Fidelity and Treachery, and Life and Death. These daily readings will bring the reader to a closer relationship with the Savior and to a deeper understanding of our Lord.
I give A Year with Jesus by R.P. Nettlehorst 4 stars! I have no complaints, but I would like to see future editions with a spiral binding and space for writing thoughts and reflections. Thanks to booksneeze.com for the free, advanced readers copy in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review.

I am taking a hiatus from Rick Warren's 40 day challenge. I know...I feel weak and undisciplined...but honestly, if I were to go back to that study right now, it would only be out of a sense of guilt and obligation. I lost my momentum. But I do want to share that today, I began something new. I walked my stairs for 20 minutes today, with some funky upbeat dance music in the background to keep up my pace, while reciting a verse that I wanted to commit to memory. And here I am, post workout, ready to type my newly memorized verse:

God is not the author of confusion, but of peace... 1 Corinthians 14:33

Yea! I and I didn't even have to peek :). So, now, for a while at least, I am going to focus on scripture memory during my workout routine. Thanks be to God!