Author and former missionary Faith Annette Sand points out that while Jesus was on earth, he never displayed fear. So to be made into the image of Christ we must learn to shed our fears and anxieties. Yet so much of our energy centers on trying not to drown in the turbulent waters where we find ourselves−sinking with worries about our security problems, money problems, health problems, insurance problems, retirement problems, and then all the interpersonal problems of dealing with feuding family members, estranged friends and those who would cheat us, berate us, not give us credit where it is due and generally try–too often successfully–to make our lives miserable. In the face of this, what can we do to be serious about our faith walk?

When Linda Hale Bucklin's mother died, an apparent suicide, nothing in her staid world remained the same. Her father, scion of a wealthy San Francisco family, already enamored with Denise Minnelli, fell under her control and Denise managed to end up the sole heir of his vast estate. Linda recounts her pilgrimage of gradually learning to stand up for herself and make peace with her history. But more than the uncertainties about her mother's death, Linda finds herself estranged from her controlling father. Alan Jones, dean of San Francisco's Grace Cathedral, calls this a "hard yet tender story" and commends Linda for "a near miracle in telling the truth with compassion." You can e-mail Linda Hale Bucklin at linda@lindahalebucklin.com

In this lovely book, lifelong entertainer and church musician Mark Paulson uses the world of music to shed light on many Biblical principles. With music as the ongoing metaphor, the author has beautifully illustrated the various relationships we have with God and with other Christians in the community of faith. Since Christian musicians constantly have to balance musical excellence and the accolades this brings with the Christ-like humility our commitment to Christ demands, the author also challenges us to put our life in perspective of what is required of us. By using musical metaphor, Scripture, life illustrations and music history to explain Biblical truth, this book is an excellent choice for adult forum discussions.