Conversant Lifestyle

"Letters to God" DVD Giveaway

Conversant Lifestyle — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:45:55 -0700

Together with Grace Hill Media, ConversantLife is giving away three DVD copies of the inspirational and moving family film, Letters to God.

Letters to God is the heartfelt and inspiring story of what happens when one boy's journey touches the lives of his family, friends, and community. Hope is contagious in this uplifting new DVD, arriving on August 10 from Possibility Pictures and Vivendi Entertainment.

An intimate, moving and often funny story, the film follows thepath of a young child with a terminal illness who through his battle becomes a warrior for hope and a champion to everyone around him. Surrounded by a loving family and community, the young boy takes comfort in prayers written as letters to God. These letters find their way to a conflicted postman who is at a crossroads in his life, searching for meaning.

Inspired by a true story, Letters to God received the highest Dove Approval Rating and an endorsement from the Parent Television council. ConversantLife will give away three DVDs, with bonus features including Behind the Scenes, by drawing draw three names randomly. You are invited to submit your name by sending an email to: info@conversantlife.com. Please put "Letters to God DVD" in the subject line of your email. All entries must be received by Friday, August 13, to be eligible for the drawing.

The book is not dead nor does it sleep

Conversant Lifestyle — Tue, 11 May 2010 11:11:32 -0700

Anybody who says the book is dead hasn't been keeping up with current events. Truth is, more books are being published now than ever before. Way more.

More than a million book titles were published in 2009--a quarter of those by "traditional" publishers and the rest by self-publishers and micro-niche publishers--including five titles by ConversantLife writers published by Conversant Media Group and Harvest House:

Apologetics for a New Generation by Sean McDowell: Helping you effectively share the answers to life's big questions with a new generation.
I Can't See God Because I'm in the Way by Stan Jantz and Bruce Bickel: Showing that a fresh view of God is more accessible than you think.
The Last TV Evangelist by Phil Cooke: Knowing why the next generation couldn't care less about religious media, and why it matters.
The God Question by J.P. Moreland: An invitation to honestly explore an entirely new way of living--the way of Jesus.
The Forecast by Caroline Ferdinandsen: A counterfeit memoir the lets the author lie the entire time and still tell you the absolute truth.

Earlier this year Conversant Media Group and Harvest House Publishers released Why the Bible Matters, the latest from Mike Erre. And just this week, Simon & Schuster released Flirting With Faith by Joan Ball, one of our original bloggers. Joan's journey from atheism to a robust Christian faith makes for superb reading.

Later this summer, our own Brett McCracken's new book, Hipster Christianity will be released by Baker Books. Look for this one to stir up all kinds of conversations about the nature of culture and how it influences faith.

And then there are the books written by some of our newest ConversantLife writers. We are delighted to feature:

Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos: One person's quest to find the real Jesus, destroy all imposters who stand in the way, and finally get an answer to the question that's haunted him for years.
Not God's Type by Holly Ordway: A bold testimony to the ongoing power of the Gospel to humble and transform even self-assured, accomplished, and secular-minded young professionals.
Humanitarian Jesus by Christian Buckley and Ryan Dobson: Showing ow the curent emphasis on social investment can miss the holistic picture of Jesus' life and ministry.
Crave by Chris Tomlinson: A collection of short, real-life stories showing that life with God can be a surprising, challenging, and richly satisfying journey.
Faithbook of Jesus by Renee Johnson: Offering timeless insights as you grow daily in your walk with God, addressing your needs, challenges, and fears through relevant and inspiring daily devotionals.
Why Trust Jesus? by Dave Sterrett: Helps us answer current questions the culture is asking, such as Why Should I Trust Jesus when So Many Other Spiritual Paths Exist?

The great news about all of these books is that they aren't static. As a reader, you have the opportunity to interact with the author here on ConversantLife.com, view video interviews and download free chapters that give you a better idea of what the book is about. No longer do you have to rely on a review or the book's back cover copy. You can hear from the author directly. In fact, we'll close this little update with a video from Joan Ball, talking about her brand new book, Flirting With Faith.

Christian Music Artists Unite to Raise Money for Haiti Relief Efforts

Conversant Lifestyle — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:55:24 -0800

More than a dozen award-winning artists are combining their musical talents to help make sure desperately needed relief supplies continue flowing into Haiti, where the struggle for survival continues for hundreds of thousands of earthquake victims.

Healing 4 Haiti is a collection of 15 songs from Christian music’s leading artists and worship leaders and includes the anthem “Come Together Now (Music City Unites For Haiti),” penned by Michael W. Smith, Cindy Morgan and David Mullen. The song list also includes tracks from Israel Houghton, DecembeRadio, Kari Jobe, The Afters, Hawk Nelson and many more plus an exclusive version of Jared Anderson’s new song, “Carry Me.”

Healing 4 Haiti will be released by Integrity Music at iTunes on Tuesday, March 2 with a retail release slated for March 16. A minimum of $5.00 per copy of the album sold will be donated to Haiti earthquake relief. The donations will be used to provide clean water, shelter, medical care and other critical aid from Samaritan's Purse. It will also support the work of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Rapid Response Team, which had chaplains on the ground within 24 hours of the earthquake providing emotional and spiritual comfort to survivors. Additionally, proceeds from “Come Together Now (Music City Unites for Haiti)” will go to the Haiti relief efforts of Samaritan’s Purse and the American Red Cross.

“Every artist and every individual who can use their talent and ability to shed light on those in need, when it’s all added together, it makes a huge difference,” says Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association/Samaritan’s Purse. “My prayer is that God will use Healing 4 Haiti to touch the hearts of this nation to give generously to the suffering people of Haiti.”

Danny McGuffey, Chief Marketing Officer, Integrity Music, adds: “We are humbled to be chosen by Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association/ Samaritan’s Purse to participate in this amazing fund-raising project. The artists and labels involved have really stepped up to make this a very special album and have given cheerfully to this great cause (2 Corinthians 9:7).”

Several of the artists have traveled to Haiti and visited the work of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Additional information for Healing 4 Haiti is available at www.healing4haiti.org.

About The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association:

BGEA is a nonprofit organization that reaches millions of people each year through Billy Graham television broadcasts, Franklin Graham Festivals, Will Graham Celebrations, "My Hope" World Television Project, Dare to Be a Daniel youth ministry, The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, Decision magazine, "Hour of Decision" and "Decision Minute" radio programs, and the Internet.

About Samaritan’s Purse:

Samaritan's Purse is a nonprofit organization that provides immediate, no-red-tape response to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations - especially in locations where few others are working. Samaritan's Purse has worked in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution.

About Integrity Music:

Integrity Music is a division of Integrity Media, a privately-owned media/communications company that produces, publishes and distributes Christian music and related materials that are sold throughout the United States and in over 160 other countries. Integrity Media is committed to providing Christ-centered products and resources to individuals, families and the Church worldwide.

"Touched by an Angel" DVD Giveaway

Conversant Lifestyle — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:21:15 -0800

Every once in a while, we have the opportunity to give away some free stuff, and this is one of those times. Thanks to our friends at Grace Hill Media, we have a few DVDs of the groundbreaking television program, Touched by an Angel. This top-rated show, starring Roma Downey and Della Reese as angels who brought messages from God to ordinary people, was the first prime-time show to successfully and skillfully integrate themes of faith into everyday life in a prime-time television show. Basically, it was a program that made God look good!

Now there is a new special edition DVD series called "Touched by an Angel: Inspiration Collection" Each of these "Faith and Love" editions feature four thematic episodes specially selected by executive producer Martha Williamson. These special DVDs will be available January 26 at your local Christian store, or they can be ordered online.

We'd like to give a couple of these DVDs away to someone in the ConversantLife audience. To qualify, all you have to do is write a sentence or two in the comment section below and tell us what you remember about "Touched by an Angel" when it was running on television. Or, if you don't remember, tell us what you think of angels operating in the world today. Maybe you have a personal story to share.

We will choose two of our favorite rememberances and/or stories and send you a free DVD copy of one of these new special editions.

Zach Hunter, abolitionist and activist

Conversant Lifestyle — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:24:50 -0800

Zach Hunter is a teenage abolitionist and activist, spending much of his time working to end modern-day slavery around the world and fighting other problems in the world. When he was 12, he started a campaign called Loose Change to Loosen Chains to raise awareness and money to free people from slavery. The author of Be the Change, Zach speaks to hundreds of thousands of people each year, inspiring them to find their passion and make a change in the world.

ConversantLife: We were very excited to hear about the release of your latest book. What is ‘Lose Your Cool’ all about?

ZH: It’s my attempt to help readers discover a life of passion. I’m hoping the stories, discussion and questions will inspire people to unearth something they can invest themselves in. I think it’s really easy for my generation to be interested in a lot of things. We’re bombarded with information and super plugged in. But, breaking through the noise and becoming passionate is harder – it requires a step of action

ConversantLife: Your book interviews various characters such as Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman, and tells the stories of characters such as famous missionary Amy Carmichael, or Don Quixote . What is one goal that you hope readers might find through these stories and interviews in your book?

ZH: I think we all learn better through stories. Jesus was a master story-teller. When you can help people see themselves in the lives of others – to read a story and say “yeah, I feel just like that” or “I can really relate” -- you can help them see the reality of their hopes and dreams. I tell people I have made friends with a lot of dead people. Kinda weird, I know. But, I have learned so much by reading and hearing the stories of others – especially those who have gone before us. And, then, of course, there are many people still living who have inspired me. People like Jon who have taught me a lot about walking a life of faith and hope in the midst of great suffering around the world.

ConversantLife: What prompted you to write this book? Was there a specific problem that you saw within your generation, or a problem area that you wanted to address?

ZH: It’s the whole “plugged in but not connected” idea. I read on Facebook pages the massive list of interests and spend a lot of time with teens around the world who feel like the problems in the world are overwhelming. Or, they spend their time just feeling bad, angry or sad about the injustice they see. Feelings never really helped solve problems – but God can use them to motivate us to ACT. I really want my generation to understand that they shouldn’t wait for someone else to address the problems – or someday when they have more time, more money, more influence but that YOU are the someone and TODAY is the day to bring hope, change and help.

ConversantLife: At the end of each chapter of the book you have 5 – 10 thoughtful questions that your readers can think on and answer. Do you think your book is best read in groups, with friends sharing their answer and starting conversations? Or were you aiming to just get thoughts started in an individual?

ZH: I’ve heard of whole youth groups who are doing the book together – and just small groups of friends who are meeting over coffee to talk about the ideas. But, I also know some people who are stepping through the book alone. At the end of the book I make suggestions about seeking out other people who can help you unpack what you discover about yourself through the questions in the book. Honestly, I’m always just amazed when I hear anyone has read one of my books. It’s an honor.

ConversantLife: What was the biggest thing you learned about passion, compassion, interest, and success through talking to all of the people highlighted in the book?

ZH: I had a great conversation with Melody Green (the widow of Keith Green) that was probably one of my favorites. I learned a lot from her about Keith’s passion for people. And, my conversations with Jon, Wes and Amena were also really inspiring to me. But, I think overall, what I came away with was a longing to live a life that’s fully alive and to know that we can use our intellect, our artistic talents, our business sense – anything – to bring about hope and help to others.

ConversantLife: You have been described in your ongoing work as “working to mobilize a new generation of activist,” can you tell us a little bit about what this looks like, and what your vision for this generation is?

ZH: I would love for my generation to be written about in the history books as one that gave up ourselves in service to others – and that this would be sustainable. A generation that launched a new peace, love and justice movement with God – motivated by a love for Him and a love for others.

ConversantLife: Zach, thanks for stopping by and letting us chat with you. We loved what you had to say in Lose Your Cool, and think it would be an inspirational book for anyone to pick up. What can we expect from you next?

ZH: It’s great to talk with your readers. Thanks for giving me the opportunity. I’ve got lots swirling in my head at the moment – I’m meeting with publishers about a possible fiction series I’m really excited about. I’ve also got a concept for a book on keeping imagination and wonder alive – that’s an idea that ‘s really close to my heart and something I really hope I get to do. I’ve also just participated in an audio devotional for a new film “To Save A Life.” It’s called Devo2Go and I think they’re making the first week available free to people. Very cool project and a film I think has the potential to impact my generation in a pretty big way.

Francesca Battistelli: behind My Paper Heart

Conversant Lifestyle — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:48:48 -0700

ConversantLife: Hi Francesca, thanks for taking some time to talk with us about your album My Paper Heart. Can you tell us a little bit about the story within this record, what it’s been like to write it?

FB - It was a blast writing this record. There's nothing like the creative process, especially when it's the first time around. I loved every second of it!

ConversantLife: It seems like you’ve had some great exposure and success with the record so far. You’ve been played on MTV’s The Hills, NBC’s The Biggest Looser, and Diet Tribe, as well as some other shows. What has it been like to see your music take off on some mainstream outlets?

FB: What an experience! "It's Your Life" was on the finale of So You Think You Can Dance season 5, and it's one of my favorite shows. I think I screamed when I heard it!

ConversantLife: Some of your reviews have described you as “refreshing” and “natural and gutsy.” Your sound has also been described as “folky pop”. Is this a sound that you aim for when making your music, or was this more the result of the creative process?

FB: I definitely went into this record wanting to make authentic music, so hopefully that's what people are hearing!

ConversantLife: ConversantLife is always interested in what musicians listen to. Are there any specific artists that were inspirational or formative in the making of this album?

FB: We weren't trying to emulate any particular artist when we made the record, but I've always admired Nichole Nordeman as an artist AND a writer.

ConversantLife: Your currently touring for this record. Tell us a little but about that experience. Has it been rewarding to see all of the places that your music has impacted?

FB: Absolutely! I've loved meeting so many people and hearing stories about how my music has touched them. God has truly amazed me this year.

ConversantLife: One of your songs, I’m Letting Go, talks about the process that we go through to let go of our dreams for our lives, and accepting the reality of what is going on. Tell us a little bit about that song, and how you came to co-write those lyrics.

FB: I had just moved to Nashville and was really praying about what God wanted this journey to look like. I had left everything comfortable at home, and I was jumping feet first into what God had called me to. I wanted to write a song about that experience, so I brought it to Ian and Tony and we came up with "I'm Letting Go." I knew instantly that I wanted it to be a single!

ConversantLife: Thanks for taking your time to talk with us Francesca. It’s been great to get to know you a little bit, and hear more about your album, My Paper Heart. How can our readers get in touch or follow you as you continue tour? Do you Facebook, or Twitter?

FB: Follow me at twitter.com/francescamusic

ConversantLife: We’re very excited for all of the success you have had, and look forward to what comes next.

FB: Thank you!!

Rob Bells talks 'Drops Like Stars'

Conversant Lifestyle — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:32:02 -0700

Hey Rob, thanks for letting us take some time to chat with you about your new book Drops Like Stars. This book is a bit different than your other books, as this is more of a coffee table type book with great pictures, and artistic placement of words. Can you tell us a little bit about the book and how you came to such a different look and feel as opposed to your other publications?

The main idea for the book was birthed several years ago and right away I knew there would be a visual element, because some things have to be seen, trying to describe them just doesn't work. And then I got it in my head that it had to be big and heavy-like you'd get it in your hands and say "whoa, this is a book." and once you have a vision for something you hold on to it with all your might until it
actually exists...and then you celebrate.

This book talks about some very real topics. You discuss honesty, pain, loneliness, and failure. How have these topics impacted your life, and what prompted you to write on these things?

I'm drawn to the edges, to the corners, to the margins, to the places where things aren't clear and clean and straightforward. At the center of the Christian worldview is the cross and the resurrection-the insistence that you find God in the muck, the mire, the blood, the pain, and when you're willing to go there, to go through it and not around it, you find yourself on the other side, experiencing...resurrection. I continue to find life in the strangest, most unexpected people and places and events..

As we mentioned this book is beautiful not only in it’s content, but also in its layout, visual presentation and art. What are you hope your readers come away with after reading your book?

Perspective. New eyes to see old things. Hope. But not cheap hope. Not hope that says everything's
fine just smile and pose. Hope that can go into all of the dark and frightening places we usually avoid and then comes out the other side. So it's hope, but it's a real hope, a rugged hope. Hope that's got a limp, a bruise-like it's taken a few hits but it's real.

The stories you use to indicate your point in each section are beautiful, poetic and moving. How did you come across these stories and individuals? Was there research involved or was it more of an organic crossing of stories?

Whenever I come across things that strike me, grab me, provoke me, move me, inspire me, trouble me, make me laugh, I write them down. I have notebooks all over the place, full of stories and phrases and things people say and do...and then over time certain connections begin to be made and something arises and says "I'm a book." Haha. From there it's a ton to work to actually go from an idea to a finished work, but I absolutely love it...

The story about sculptor Harriet March and her process of bringing her art to life was particularly moving. Can you tell us a little bit more about her, and a bit of behind the scenes in your writing process of her story?

She's a character in Absolute Truths, a novel by Susan Howatch, a British writer who wrote a series of six novels called the Starbridge Series. Susan is brilliant and her novels are as well. Very powerful and insightful. So unfortunately, Harriet doesn't exist in real life! But that's the power of great literature.

Well Rob, we love what you’ve done with the publication, and thank you for taking the time to share with us. Where can ConversantLife viewers expect you’ll go from here?

It's an honor to engage with your questions-I have about five books in my head at the moment so I'll keep them coming, I just finished a novel which should come out sometime in the near future,and I'm on tour off and on for the next year doing a live version of Drops Like Stars...so we're really just getting started.

BUY THE BOOK ON AMAZON

ConversantCast Episode 1

Conversant Lifestyle — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:24:45 -0700

Rick Warren's Inauguration Prayer

Conversant Lifestyle — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:20:32 -0800

Why Jesus Matters

Conversant Lifestyle — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 22:19:44 -0800

It is undeniable and indisputable. Jesus was the most extraordinary person the world has ever known. Even atheists and those who are cynical of any spiritual nature in Christ and humanity readily acknowledge the overwhelming impact Jesus has made on our civilization. The famous historian--and self-professed skeptic--W.E.H. Lecky conceded the importance of the life of Jesus Christ with this statement:

"The character of Jesus has not only been the highest pattern of virtue, but the strongest incentive in its practice, and has exerted so deep an influence, that it may truly be said that the simple record of three short years of active life has done more to regenerate and to soften mankind than all the disquisitions of philosophers and all the exhortations of moralists."

But just as his impact cannot be denied, we can't ignore the controversy he has generated, especially at this special time of year. No individual has caused more debate than Jesus Christ. For such a central figure in history, there is little consensus about him. Jesus has split public opinion about himself into two divergent opposing camps. it seems that either he is respected and revered, or he is despised and denigrated.

So what's all the fuss about?

Is it about his morality? No. Jesus is universally recognized as the greatest moral teacher of all time. No one argues with his admonitions on interpersonal relationships or his concepts of right and wrong.

Is it about the legitimacy of his miracles? Not really. Whether they were supernaturally caused or were a grand illusion is not what impassions the debate.

Is it about the fact or fiction of the resurrection? Nope. It didn't appear to be the issue that fueled the controversy in the first century A.D., and it doesn't appear to be the center of the dispute now.

There would be no controversy if Jesus were merely: (a) a respected ethicist; (b) with a knack for supernatural theatrics; (c) who appeared to defeat death; and then (d) disappeared into thin air without a trace. Those listings in his biographical profile would make him famous and mysterious, but they wouldn't put him in the center of the world's greatest debate.

Beyond all of this, the controversy about Christ centers on his theology. In the holly hullabaloo that swirls around Christ, some consider his theological doctrine to be his greatest attraction, while others consider it to be a grand offense. The different viewpoints are understandable considering that he claimed to know God. Beyond that, he claimed to be God. And most controversial of all, he claimed that his death on the cross was the only way a sinful humanity could be forgiven by God and experience eternal life.

Any honest study of the life of Christ will embroil you in the debate. It is not possible to look only at the extraordinary part of Jesus without dealing with the controversial part. His teaching, miracles, and resurrection are integrated with his theology. His promises for a life of truth, peace, and meaning are all based on a belief in him...not just an intellectual assent of his existence, but a faith that he was and is the sole solution for humanity's spiritual void.

Every person must take a side in the controversy. Every person must decide if he was just a good man, or if he was the God-man. That decision will take you far beyond knowing why Jesus matters. On a more important level--a very personal level-you will know why Jesus matters to you.