The Gospel According to Lost, by Chris Seay Review

Ok I admit it, up until recently I never really understood or followed the TV show LOST on ABC. However many friends and coworkers could not get enough of the mysterious show which generally leaves you with more questions than answers each week.

Recently I had the privilege of reading Chris Sealy's book the gospel according to LOST. After merely reading the publishers synopsis I was inspired to seek out the first season of LOST on DVD and begin the journey that many LOST fans have been on for a few seasons now.

The parallels and symbolism explained with respect to the gods word encourages you to use LOST as a Mechanism to share your faith as well as see normal everyday things and events as events to share God's word.

From the beginning I was challenged. Following LOST, you become connected and drawn toward a cast of strangers who were composed of a surgeon with addiction problems, a murderer, a con man, a junkie, a lottery winner and an Iraqi soldier. The book expands on each character. It challenged me to consider the people whom I surround myself. None of them would be accepted as characters on LOST. It encouraged me to expand my circle of friends to allow "the others" in.

One word of warning if you are a few seasons behind there may be a few secrets revealed in this book. You may want to finish watching season 5 before reading this book.

Currently available at your favourite bookseller.

The Hidden Flame by: Davis Bunn and Janette Oke

My first read of 2010 that was actually published this year. Such a great book to begin the year with. The Hidden Flame by: Davis Bunn and co-authored by Canadian author, Janette Oke who has written many historical fiction books thru the years but this was my first experience reading such a genre by choice. The scene of the book is quickly set at the beginning, my mind begins to race as to where abouts in the bible the story is happening.

The story draws you in. The vivid descriptions take you there. Envisioning the city, the dangers that seem so far removed from today's "Western" world brings you to a new place. Being encouraged by one woman's faith and reminded that love is present in many forms when faced with challenges and turmoil.

Synopsis provided by the publisher:

In first-century Judea, the followers of the Way have burgeoned into a vibrant, growing community that cannot be ignored. Jerusalem is in turmoil as its religious leaders on one side, and their Roman rulers on the other, conspire to stamp out the fledgling Church. And Abigail, who thought she had finally found home and safety, is caught between the opposing forces.
Two suitors desire the lovely Abigail's hand in marriage. Ezra, a successful Hebrew merchant and widower with important connections among the Sanhedrin, is looking for a mother for his children. The Roman soldier Linux is fascinated by her winsome charm and possibly could offer the sanctuary--maybe even the love--for which she yearns. But her heart has been captured by neither of these. Will her faith and courage survive a heartbreak beyond comprehension as the followers face a gathering storm of persecution they never could have foreseen?
A glimmer of hope beckons Abigail forward•.

**Available now at your at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group