My friends at Thomas Nelson are looking for a top-notch marketing mind to fill the Senior Director of Marketing position in one of their non-fiction publishing divisions.
Does working with a team of professionals who love books, love publishing, and have a great team chemistry sound right up your alley?
Some notable authors this team publishes include Donald Miller, John MacArthur, Mark Driscoll, and Michael Hyatt among many others. They also have a passion for discovering and developing new voices. The chosen candidate will lead a full marketing team and have the chance to shape the vision and marketing philosophy of the group.
Here are a few more specifics on what they are looking for:
5-7 years of marketing experience in Christian publishing or a related field
Has a strong passion for books in general and Christian publishing in particular
Can articulate a clear and compelling philosophy of effective book marketing in a digital age
Have a track record of building, developing, and motivating teams
Be experienced at building a strong relationships and strategic partnerships
Be well versed in connecting customers with content and integrating direct-to-consumer and retail
Possess strong presentation skills
Has strong technical and creative writing skills
Embraces new technologies and innovative approaches
I have never met Cindy Beall in person but after following her blog and her tweets for the last few years I am absolutely certain that when we finally get to sit down for that long overdue coffee date I will just adore her.
Cindy and her husband, Chris, speak openly about their difficult journey through Chris’ infidelity and pornography addiction that nearly destroyed their marriage and ministry. Through God’s grace they have inspired thousands of couples and have returned to full-time ministry where Chris serves as the Oklahoma City Campus Pastor at LifeChurch.tv.
I LOVE the way that God has redeemed the Beall’s brokenness and used it to cast vision of forgiveness and restoration. That is why I am so excited about the release of her new book, Healing Your Marriage When Trust is Broken: Finding Forgiveness and Restoration. Check out this glowing endorsement from Cindy’s pastor, Craig Groeschel.
Even though I’m biased, this is an amazingly transparent and powerful book.
Cindy’s gut-level honesty grips your heart from the first page and doesn’t let go. She writes with brutal honesty about the pain of betrayal and the hope to heal.
As a pastor, I’ve worked with way too many couples trying to heal from adultery, sexual addictions, and broken promises. Cindy’s wisdom, spiritual depth, and practical insights will help any couple that is desperate for healing. I’ve already given my copy away and will buy many more to give.
Not only do I love Cindy’s writing style and spiritual content, but I love her family. It’s been an honor to watch God do miracles in a marriage that could have easily ended. Cindy and Chris have demonstrated that while adultery may be grounds for divorce, it’s also grounds for forgiveness and healing.
Here is a quick run-down on a few books that have been keep me busy lately.
1. The Hunger Games – I started this book, which is the first of a three book series, two weeks ago. And I have already finished it. And I have finished Catching Fire, the second book in the series. And I have finished Mockingjay, the third book in the series. Yep, obsessed. Do yourself a favor and get lost in this series. You might lose a couple of weeks, but you will rediscover your childlike love for reading.
“…a superb tale of physical adventure, political suspense, and romance.” Booklist
2. Streams in the Desert- A couple of weeks ago Amanda suggested I pick up a copy of this timeless devotional by L.B. Cowman. And I am LOVING IT. Every day I find comforting words that offer truth and perspective. It is a powerful daily read for anyone who is struggling. And if you are like me, you know someone that is struggling, or more likely, lots of someones who are struggling.
“Fresh water from a time-tested fountainhead of faith” Gary Smalley
3. Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir…of Sorts – I read Ian Cron’s stunningly beautiful memoir a couple of months ago. It’s about time to read it again. It is that good. I know it’s not out until June, but you should go ahead and pre-orderit. I guarantee you won’t regret it.
“Simply the best memoir I have read in years. It is engaging, clever, heartbreaking, and God-drenched in all the right ways.” Phyllis Tickle
While I was cruising last week, The Voyage of Dawn Treader, the latest theatrical release in C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, came out on DVD. It is such an incredible film. I had the opportunity to see it on the big screen and can’t wait to watch it again in the comfort of my own home.
Here’s the trailer in case you missed it:
I’m stoked to be giving away a Blu-Ray DVDs of The Voyage of Dawn Treader (thank you Different Drummer) to five lucky readers. Just leave a comment below with your favorite C.S. Lewis book and I will choose five random winners on Wednesday.
Check back tomorrow for a post on The Voyage of Celebrity Century, better known as The Recreate Cruise.
A couple of weeks ago, my sister sent me this quote by Henri Nouwen. (Because that is type of well-read, thoughtful sister she is.)
Somewhere we know that without a lonely place our lives are in danger. Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, without distance closeness cannot cure. Somewhere we know that without a lonely place our actions quickly become empty gestures. The careful balance between silence and words, withdrawal and involvement, distance and closeness, solitude and community forms the basis of Christian life and should therefore be the subjects of our most personal attention. Let us therefore look somewhat closer, first at our life in action, and at our life in solitude.
This evening, I did a quick little Google search to discover what I should already know about Nowen. I read what he had to say about caring for others. Then I read what he had to say about solitude, community and ministry. And without skipping a beat, I hopped over to Amazon to order a copy of Out of Solitude. Because I so want to learn to embrace moments that are just me and my Gods, to live a life with space to breathe, recharge, dream, and connect, to revel in the juxtaposition between solitude and community, to be better acquainted with that which is known somewhere.
Have you read Out of Solitude? Or other Nouwen books? What did you think?
I have a growing stack of books on my bookshelf. It is getting so out of control that it is stressing me out and causing me to avoid reading all together. (I know that makes no sense, but sometimes I don’t make sense.) I continue to buy books that friends recommend, get freebies in the mail, and pick up titles that look interesting at work. All of which add to my problem. My book problem. Seriously, I have all these books in my queue right now. (Don’t judge me.)
One Thousand Gifts(Ann Voskamp) – This one I have started (and sometimes starting is half the battle). So far I have been stunned by Ann’s insight, honesty, and way with words.
The Next Christians(Gabe Lyons) I am fascinated by the conversations about what is next for Christianity. Fascinated.
Margin(Richard A. Swenson, M.D.) I bought this book two years ago. Still haven’t found enough space to read it. And over the last couple of weeks I have heard 3 people recommend it. (Sometimes God’s nudging is not very subtle.)
Bonhoeffer(Eric Metaxas) I’m a little scared by the shear size of this tome but I have heard NOTHING but good things about this New York Times bestseller.
Advertising Headlines that Make You Rich (David Garfinkel) Michael Hyatt suggested this one. And what kind of idiot doesn’t read the books her boss suggests? Pretty sure that once I finish it I will have to go back and rename this blog post.
When You Reach Me (Rebecca Stead) Reading this with some girls at work. It’s the only fiction on my list and it’s actually written for young adults, which will suit me just fine.
Radical (David Platt) Just ordered this one today, because everyone is talking about it and frankly I am sick of not being able to add value the conversation.
Today I am guest posting on Mary DeMuth’s site. I absolutely love Mary’s heart for people. She is the ultimate encourager. And she is a beautiful writer. Her memoir Thin Places is a powerful look at moments in life when God comes near. Here is one of my “thin places.”
I know that God is always with me. Always with me. I do.
But there are times, brief moments, when He feels so near that the lines between heaven and earth are beautifully blurry.
A couple of weeks ago I finished John Ortberg’s The Me I Want To Be. I LOVE this book. It got me thinking, brought clarity to the cloudiness, answered questions I didn’t know I was asking, and offered peace to replace some of my stirring. My copy is all marked-up with underlines and notes of promptings that need to be further explored. To force myself to do the hard work and dig into some of the dark corners of my soul, I’ve asked my extra-small group if we can read and discuss. I am so grateful that they agreed. This morning as I flipped back through the book, this passage stood out:
God has existed from eternity – but he has never had a relationship with you before. He wants to do a new thing with you. The problem many people face when it comes to spiritual growth is that they listen to someone they thing of as an expert – maybe the pastor of their church – talk about what he does, and think that is what they are supposed to do. When it doesn’t work for them – because they are a different person – they feel guilty and inadequate; they often give up.
God has a plan for the me he wants me to be. It will not look exactly like his plan for anyone else, which means it will take freedom and exploration for me to learn how God wants to grow in me. Spiritual growth is hand-crafted, not mass-produced. God does not do “one-size-fits-all.”
He goes on to say:
A spiritual discipline is simply an activity you engage in to be made more fully alive by the Spirit of Life.
So I’m curious, what do you that makes you feel most fully alive?
Here are a few of mine:
Going to hear a great singer-songwriter perform at an intimate setting
An impromptu afternoon drive with my windows down, music blaring
Sunday mornings at Cross Point (and the inevitable long lunch afterwards)
Spending time investing in (or being just plain silly with) my nieces and other favorite kids
I’ll go ahead and admit it. I am a huge Don Miller fan. I love EVERYTHING I’ve read that he has written. And I love EVERYTHING I’ve heard him say. His words simply resonate.
I readBlue Like Jazz when I was in my late twenties and pretty skeptical of the religious rigamarole. Don’s candor and sense of humor made me want to reexamine my religion, and more importantly my faith. A few years later I devoured A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. Again, Don challenged my thinking and encouraged me to explore what it means to live a great story.
Always warm and engaging, Don feels like a kindred spirit, walking just a few steps ahead, talking me through the path he has taken, and subtly warning me of its pitfalls.
That is why I can’t wait to read the rerelease of Searching for God Knows What. (I know, I can’t believe I haven’t read it yet, either.)
I’m also jazzed because my buddy, and Thomas Nelson editor extraordinaire, Bryan Norman crafted this amazing game that I can play (and potentially win prizes) while I read. So for the next several weeks I’m going to read, play-along, and possibly blog about the journey.
Would you like to join me? Details about the game are below.
Twelve games played over eight weeks are built into the book Searching for God Knows What. Each game requires you to sleuth, decode, think, and find…well…God knows what. Be one of the first to decipher the clue and claim your reward: Incredible prizes exclusively for those who play the game. Plus, you’ll find new opportunities to connect with Don directly, meet other fans, and earn points with every action you take. It’s fun, easy, and addicting. So take just two minutes, and let’s start searching!
Starting the week of July 19, 2010—for eight weeks—you will receive clues.* Each clue will lead you to a game hidden in Searching for God Knows What. To play the game, here’s what you need to do:
Step One: Go to www.DonaldMillerFan.com and sign up for an account or use your Facebook account to sign in. Step Two: Take actions, create groups, and get new clues each week. Step Three: Decode the correct answers and enter them at www.SearchingForGodKnowsWhat.comto solve the puzzles and be eligible for prizes. Step Four: Win!
*If you’re joining the game late, no worries. All clues will be available at SearchingForGodKnowsWhat.com until the end of time so you can play whenever you want.
If you’d like to win a copy, leave a comment below sharing a few words about an author that has impacted your life.
Winners will be selected on Monday at 12 PM.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Update: Winners Selected and Notified on July 19th. Thanks everyone for your comments. I loved hearing what authors have impacted you.
Today is the day we all have been waiting for, or at least the day I have been waiting for.
Today is the official release date for my pastor and Thomas Nelson author Pete Wilson’s debut book Plan B.
Have you ever had a shattered dream? An unmet expectation? A failed plan?
Does it feel like life is full of disappointment?
If so, you need this book.
If not, you still need this book. (Because unfortunately sooner or later, I’m pretty sure that you will be knocked down, feeling hopeless, and desperate for understanding.)
Plan B is a life-changing reminder that God does his best work in hopeless situations.
