Matt's Books - 2012

Matt’s Books Completed in 2012:

1. The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie
2. The Bait of Satan by John Bevere
3. Checkmate by Dorothy Dunnett
4. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
5. Folly, Grace, and Power by John Koessler
6. Sunrise in the West by Edith Pargeter
7. The Dragon at Noonday by Edith Pargeter
8. Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright
9. The Hounds of Sunset by Edith Pargeter
10. Man Alive by Patrick Morley
11. CrossTalk by Michael Emlet
12. Partners in Crime by Agatha Christie
13. The Fields of Home by Ralph Moody
14. Afterglow and Nightfall by Edith Pargeter
15. Gossip: The Untrivial Pursuit by Joseph Epstein
16. Marriage Matters by Winston Smith
17. Showdown by Ted Dekker
18. The Message of Acts by John Stott
19. Not in the Heart by Chris Fabry
20. Created for Work by Bob Schultz
21. N or M? by Agatha Christie
21. Acts by Darrell L. Bock
22. 42 Months Dry by Zach Bartels
23. Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright
24. The Last Enemy by Michael E. Wittmer  [Review]
25. The Hawk and the Dove by Penelope Wilcock
26. The Wounds of God by Penelope Wilcock
27. The Long Fall by Penelope Wilcock
28. The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
29. One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp  [Heather's Review]
30. The Hardest Thing to Do by Penelope Wilcock
31. Man on the Run by Zeke Pipher
32. Sherlock Holmes and the Star of India by Carole Bugge
33. By the Pricking of My Thumbs by Agatha Christie
34. The Hour Before Dawn by Penelope Wilcock
35. The Gift by Bryan Litfin
36. The Master Puppeteer by Katherine Paterson
37. Work Matters by Tom Nelson
38. The Summons by John Grisham
39. Getting A Way With Murder by Ralph McInerny
40. Requiem For A Realtor by Ralph McInerny
41. Jungle Doctor Meets a Lion by Paul White
42. Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James
43. The Widow’s Mate by Ralph McInerny
44. Leepike Ridge by N.D. Wilson
45. Last Things by Ralph McInerny
46. Curtain by Agatha Christie
47. Murder in Baker Street ed. by Martin Greenberg et al
48. Jungle Doctor’s Tug-Of-War by Paul White
49. Seabird by Holling Clancy Holling
50. Tales of a Korean Grandmother by Frances Carpenter
51. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
52. The Tears of Things by Ralph McInerny
53. Postern of Fate by Agatha Christie
54. The Litigators by John Grisham
55. The Ouija Board: A Doorway to the Occult by Edmond Gruss
56. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart
57. As Good As Dead by Ralph McInerny
58. Thrift and Generosity: The Joy of Giving by John M. Templeton Jr., MD
59. Platform by Michael Hyatt
60. The Last Juror by John Grisham
61. Pastoral Graces by Lee Eclov  [My review]
62. Loving Well (Even If You Haven’t Been) by William Smith  [My review]
63. Thicker Than Water by Ralph McInerny
64. Triple Pursuit by Ralph McInerny
65. The Deep Things of God by Fred Sanders  [My review]
66. Jungle Doctor Looks for Trouble by Paul White
67. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart
68. Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze by Elizabeth Foreman Lewis
69. Remember Me by Penelope Wilcock
70. Post Captain by Patrick O’Brian
71. Do Butlers Burgle Banks? by P.G. Wodehouse
72. H.M.S. Surprise by Patrick O’Brian
73. The Mauritius Command by Patrick O’Brian
74. Wrestling with an Angel Greg Lucas  [My review]
75. Right In Their Eyes by George M. Schwab
76. Judges: Such a Great Salvation by Dale Ralph Davis
77. Stained Glass by Ralph McInerny
78. Desolation Island by Patrick O’Brian
79. The Fortune of War by Patrick O’Brian
80. Avalon Falls by L.B. Graham  [My review]
81. The Surgeon’s Mate by Patrick O’Brian
82. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein
83. The Kingdom by Bryan Litfin [My review]
84. David Livingstone: Africa’s Trailblazer by Janet & Geoff Benge
85. The Ionian Mission by Patrick O’Brian
86. Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher  [My review]
87. From Famine to Fullness: The Gospel According to Ruth by Dean Ulrich
88. New American Commentary: Judges, Ruth by Daniel I. Block
89. The NIV Application Commentary: Judges, Ruth by K. Lawson Younger, Jr.
90. Overcoming Gossip by Mark Michael
91. The House of Sixty Fathers by Meindert Dejong
92. The Confessions of Augustine
93. The Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
94. Treason’s Harbour by Patrick O’Brian
95. The Far Side of the World by Patrick O’Brian
96. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
97. The Surprising Education of Nicholas Benedict by Trenton Lee Stewart
98. Killer Dolphin by Ngaio Marsh
99. The Reverse of the Medal by Patrick O’Brian
100. So Brave, Young, and Handsome by Leif Enger
101. Reverberation by Jonathan Leeman
102. The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan
103. The Icebound Land by John Flanagan
104. The Letter of Marque by Patrick O’Brian
105. A Child’s History of the World by Virgil M. Hillyer
106. The Battle for Skandia by John Flanagan
107. The Thirteen Gun Salute by Patrick O’Brian
108. Wired That Way by Marita Littauer
109. Grieving with Hope by Samuel Hodges & Kathy Leonard
110. The Nutmeg of Consolation by Patrick O’Brian
111. The Sorcerer of the North by John Flanagan
112. The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan
113. Torches of Joy by John Dekker with Lois Neely
114. The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie King
115. Red Sails to Capri by Ann Weil
116. The Unlikely Remnant by Tracey Lewis-Giggets
117. The Truelove by Patrick O’Brian
118. Undiscovered Country by Lin Enger
119. The Wine-Dark Sea by Patrick O’Brian
120. A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie King
121. Erak’s Ransom by John Flanagan
122. For the Love of God: Vol 2 by D.A. Carson
123. The Holy Bible, New International Version (2011)

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Robin's Books - 2012

Robin’s Books Completed in 2012 (check out how many books are about rabbits!):

1. Haunting of Lowell Lanes by Angela Elwell Hunt
2. Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Secret Pitch by Donald Sobol
3. Encyclopedia Brown Finds the Clues by Donald Sobol
4. Annie Henry and the Redcoats by Susan Olasky
5. A Heart Full of Hope by Robin Jones Gunn
6. Encyclopedia Brown Saves the Day by Donal Sobol
7. Attack of the Bandit Cats by Edizioni Piemme
8. True Friends by Robin Jones Gunn
9. A Cheese Colored Camper by Edizioni Piemme
10. The Mystery of the Whispering Witch by Kathryn Kenny
11. The Case of the Exploding Plumbing by Donald Sobol
12. The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid by Edizioni Piemme
13. Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Disgusting Sneakers by Donal Sobol
14. Encyclopedia Brown Keeps the Peace by Donald Sobol
15. Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Treasure Hunt by Donald Sobol
16. The Happy Valley Mystery by Kathryn Kenny
17. The Mystery of the Vanishing Treasure by Robert Arthur
18. The Mystery of the Whispering Mummy by Robert Arthur
19. The Mystery of the Talking Skull by Robert Arthur
20. The Clue of the Dancing Puppet by Carolyn Keene
21. Encyclopedia Brown: Boy Detective by Donald Sobol
22. The Crooked Banister by Carolyn Keene
23. The Mysterious Mannequin by Carolyn Keene
24. The Phantom of Pine Hill by Carolyn Keene
25. The Secret of the Caves by Franklin W. Dixon
26. The Clue in the Crumbling Wall by Carolyn Keene
27. The Secret of the Old Mill by Franklin W. Dixon
28. Mystery at Devil’s Paw by Franklin W. Dixon
29. Encyclopedia Brown’s Book of Strange But True Crimes by Donald Sobol
30. The Riddle of Baby Rosalind by Angela Elwell Hunt
31. The Case of the Mystery Mark by Angela Elwell Hunt
32. Haunted Waters by Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry
33. The Door in the Dragon’s Throat by Frank Peretti
34. Traitor in Williamsburg by Elizabeth McDavid Jones
35. The Mystery of the Crimson Ghost by Phillis Whitney
36. Escape from the Island of Aquarius by Frank Peretti
37. The Tombs of Anak by Frank Peretti
38. Trapped at the Bottom of the Sea by Frank Peretti
39. Stolen Secrets by Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry
40. Missing Pieces by Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry
41. Wild Rescue by Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry
42. By the Great Horn Spoon! by Sid Fleischman
43. The Indian Burial Ground Mystery by Kathryn Kenny
44. The Legend of Annie Murphy by Frank Peretti
45. Mayday at Two Thousand Five Hundred by Frank Peretti
46. The Deadly Curse of Toco-Rey by Frank Peretti
47. The Secret of the Desert Stone by Frank Peretti
48. The Mystery of the Emeralds by Kathryn Kenny
49. The Black Jacket Mystery by Kathryn Kenny
50. The Crimson Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
51. The Mystery at Bob-White Cave by Kathryn Kenny
52. The Mystery of the Fiery Eye by Robert Arthur
53. The Mystery of the Silver Spider by Robert Arthur
54. The Invisible Intruder by Carolyn Keene
55. The Clue of the Broken Locket by Carolyn Keene
56. The Clue in the Crossword Cipher by Carolyn Keene
57. The Strange Message in the Parchment by Carolyn Keene
58. The Haunted Fort by Franklin W. Dixon
59. The Shattered Helmet by Franklin W. Dixon
60. Mandie and the Shipboard Mystery by Lois Gladys Leppard
61. Mandie and the Foreign Spies by Lois Gladys Leppard
62. The Masked Monkey by Franklin W. Dixon
63. The Mysterious Carvan by Franklin W. Dixon
64. While the Clocked Ticked by Franklin W. Dixon
65. The Wright Brothers by Quentin Reynolds
66. Mandie and the Silent Catacombs by Lois Gladys Leppard
67. Mandie and the Singing Chalet by Lois Gladys Leppard
68. Mandie and the Jumping Juniper by Lois Gladys Leppard
69. Mandie and the Mysterious Fisherman by Lois Gladys Leppard
70. Mandie and the Windmill’s Message by Lois Gladys Leppard
71. Mandie and Fiery Rescue by Lois Gladys Leppard
72. Mandie and the Dangerous Imposters by Lois Gladys Leppard
73. Mandie and Her Missing Kin by Lois Gladys Leppard
74. Mandie and the Invisible Troublemaker by Lois Gladys Leppard
75. Mandie and the Secret Tunnel by Lois Gladys Leppard
76. Mandie and the Cherkokee Legend by Lois Gladys Leppard
77. Mandie and the Ghost Bandits by Lois Gladys Leppard
78. Mandie and the Forbidden Attic by Lois Gladys Leppard
79. Mandie and the Trunk’s Secret by Lois Gladys Leppard
80. Mandie and the Medicine Man by Lois Gladys Leppard
81. Mandie and the Charleston Phantom by Lois Gladys Leppard
82. Mandie and the Abandoned Mine by Lois Gladys Leppard
83. Return to Gone-Away by Elizabeth Enright
84. Mandie and the Mysterious Bells by Lois Gladys Leppard
85. Mandie and the Hidden Treasure by Lois Gladys Leppard
86. Mandie and the Holiday Surprise by Lois Gladys Leppard
87. Mandie and the Washington Nightmare by Lois Gladys Leppard
88. Field Trip to Niagara Falls by Edizioni Piemme
89. Mandie and the Midnight Journey by Lois Gladys Leppard
90. Mandie and the Schoolhouse’s Secret by Lois Gladys Leppard
91. The Pumpkin Head Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner
92. Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Dead Eagles by Donald Sobol
93. The Case of the Lef-Handed Lady by Nancy Springer
94. Oh, Those Harper Girls! By Kathleen Karr
95. Blackwater Creek by Deborah Kent
96. Four Mice Deep in the Jungle by Edizioni Piemme
97. The Mummy Case by Franklin W. Dixon
98. The Apeman’s Secret by Franklin W. Dixon
99. The Stone Idol by Franklin W. Dixon
100. The Vanishing Thieves by Franklin W. Dixon
101. The Mark on the Door by Franklin W. Dixon
102. The Short-Wave Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon
103. The House on the Cliff by Franklin W. Dixon
104. Emil and the Detectives by Erich Kastner
105. The Secret of Shadow Ranch by Carolyn Keene
106. Henry Reed, Inc. by Keith Robertson
107. The Clue of the Velvet Mask by Carolyn Keene
108. Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry
109. Mystery at the Ski Jump by Carolyn Keene
110. The Secret of Mirror Bay by Carolyn Keene
111. Red Sand, Blue Sky by Cathy Applegate
112. Mystery of the Glowing Eye by Carolyn Keene
113.  The Mona Mousa Code by Edizioni Piemme
114. The Mystery of the Blinking Eye by Kathryn Kenny
115. Mandie and the Courtroom Battle by Lois Gladys Leppard
116. Mandie and Jonathan’s Predicament by Lois Gladys Leppard
117. Mandie and the Unwanted Gift by Lois Gladys Leppard
118. Mandie and the Long Goodbye by Lois Gladys Leppard
119. Mandie and the Buried Stranger by Lois Gladys Leppard
120. Mandie and the Seaside Rendevous by Lois Gladys Leppard
121. Mandie and the Dark Alley by Lois Gladys Leppard
122. Mandie and the Tornado! by Lois Gladys Leppard
123. Mandie and the Quilt Mystery by Lois Gladys Leppard
124. Mandie and the New York Secret by Lois Gladys Leppard
125. Mandie and the Night Thief by Lois Gladys Leppard
126. Mandie and the Hidden Past by Lois Gladys Leppard
127. Mandie and the Missing Schoolmarm by Lois Gladys Leppard
128. Mandie and the Graduation Mystery by Lois Gladys Leppard
129. Mandie and Joe’s Christmas Surprise by Lois Gladys Leppard
130. Mandie and Mollie and the Angel’s Visist by Lois Gladys Leppard
131. Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Midnight Visitor by Donald Sobol
132. The Pentagon Spy by Franklin W. Dixon
133. Mystery at Devil’s Paw by Franklin W. Dixon
134. Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Sleeping Dog by Donald Sobol
135. The Secret of Pirate’s Hill by Franklin W. Dixon
136. The Secret of Skull Mountain by Franklin W. Dixon
137. The Sign of the Crooked Arrow by Franklin W. Dixon
138. The Mystery of the Chinese Junk by Franklin W. Dixon
139. The Mystery of the Spiral Bridge by Franklin W. Dixon
140. The Haunted Bridge by Carolyn Keene
141. Big Nate on a Roll by Lincoln Peirce
142. Encyclopedia Brown Gets His Man by Donald Sobol
143. The Ghost Town Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner
144. A Horse Named Dragon by Gertrude Chandler Warner
145. The Clue in the Diary by Carolyn Keene
146. Nancy’s Mysterious Letter by Carolyn Keene
147. The Secret in the Old Attic by Carolyn Keene
148. Password to Larkspur Lane by Carolyn Keene
149. The Crooked Banister by Carolyn Keene
150. The Secret of the Mansion by Julie Campbell
151. The Mystery of the Trail of Terror by M.V. Carey
152. The Mystery of the Death Trap Mine by M.V. Carey
153. The Mystery of the Green Ghost by Rober Arthur
154. The Way of the Samurai by Edizioni Piemme
155. The Red Trailer Mystery by Julie Campbell
156. The Gatehouse Mystery by Julie Campbell
157. The Mystery of the Laughing Shadow by William Arden
158. The Missing Chums by Franklin W. Dixon
159. The Great Airport Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon
160. The Big Wave by Pearl S. Buck
161. The Viking Symbol Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon
162. The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth
163. Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr
164. A Figure in Hiding by Franklin W. Dixon
165. The Ghost at Skeleton Rock by Franklin W. Dixon
166. The Phantom of Pine Hill by Carolyn Keene
167. The Great Wheeel by Robert Lawson
168. The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr
169. Moccasin Trail by Eloise McGraw
170. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth Speare
171. The Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes by Carolyn Keene
172. The Christmas Toy Factory by Edizioni Piemme
173. The Secret of Cacklefur Castle by Edizioni Piemme
174. Geronimo’s Valentine by Edizioni Piemme
175. Valley of the Giant Skeletons by Edizioni Piemme
176. The Mouse Island Marathon by Edizioni Piemme
177. Merry Christmas, Geronimo by Edizioni Piemme
178. The Way of the Samurai by Edizioni Piemme
179. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
180. The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
181. Sing Down the Moon by Scott O’Dell
182. Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan
183. Toliver’s Secret by Esther Wood Brady
184. Phoebe The Spy by Judith Berry Griffin
185. The Mystery of the Flaming Footprints by M.V. Carey
186. The Mystery of the Stuttering Parrot by Robert Arthur
187. The Temple of the Ruby of Fire by Edizioni Piemme
188. Singing Sensation by Edizioni Piemme
189. The Secret of Phantom Lake by William Arden
190. The Mystery of Monster Mountain by M.V. Carey
191. Rabbits by Helga Fritzsche
192. The Masked Monkey by Franklin W. Dixon
193. Geronimo Stilton, Secret Agent by Edizioni Piemme
194. The Bombay Boomerang by Franklin W. Dixon
195. The Hooded Hawk Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon
196. The Melted Coins by Franklin W. Dixon
197. The Secret of Shark Reef by William Arden
198. Zia by Scott O’Dell
199. The Mystery of the Aztec Warrior by Franklin W. Dixon
200. The Secret Warning by Franklin W. Dixon
201. The Secret of the Wooden Lady by Carolyn Keene
202. My Name Is Not Angelica by Scott O’Dell
203. Thunder Rolling on the Mountains by Scott O’Dell
204. The Amazing Voyage by Edizioni Piemme
205. The Secret of the Forgotten City by Carolyn Keene
206. The Double Jinx Mystery by Carolyn Keene
207. The Witch Tree Symbol by Carolyn Keene
208. The Clue in the Crumbling Wall by Carolyn Keene
209. The Giant Diamond Robbery by Edizioni Piemme
210.  Taken by Brock Eastman
211. The Door in the Dragon’s Throat by Frank Peretti
212. Trapped at the Bottom of the Sea by Frank Peretti
213. Escape from the Island of Aquarius by Frank Peretti
214. Encyclopedia Brown Boy Detective by Donald Sobol
215. The Tombs of Anak by Frank Peretti
216. Mandie and the Secret Tunnel by Lois Gladys Leppard
217. Mandie and the Cherokee Legend by Lois Gladys Leppard
218. The Haunted Showboat by Carolyn Keene
219. The Thirteenth Pearl by Carolyn Keene
220. The Mystery on the Mississippi by Kathryn Kenny
221. The Mystery of the 99 Steps by Carolyn Keene
222. Mystery on Cobbett’s Island by Kathryn Kenny
223. The Return to the Kingdom of Fantasy by Edizioni Piemme
224. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
225. The Spider Sapphire Mystery by Carolyn Keene
226. The Clue in the Old Album by Carolyn Keene
227. Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Treasure Hunt by Donald Sobol
228. The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid by Edizioni Piemme
229. Piper Reed Clubhouse Queen by Kimberly Willis Holt
230. Piper Reed Navy Brat by Kimberly Willis Holt
231. Piper Reed Campfire Girl by Kimberly Willis Holt
232. Oh, Those Harper Girls! by Kathleen Karr
233. Stormy by Jim Kjelgaard
234. Indian Captive by Lois Lenski
235. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart
236. Encyclopedia Brown Tracks Them Down by Donald Sobol
237. Red Pizzas for a Blue Count by Edizioni Piemme
238. The Mummy with No Name by Edizioni Piemme
239. Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard
240. Irish Red by Jim Kjelgaard
241. Outlaw Red by Jim Kjelgaard
242. More Missionary Stories by Aunt Theresa Worman
243. The Phantom of the Subway by Edizioni Piemme
244. Risk by Brock Eastman
245. Valentine’s Day Disaster by Edizioni Piemme
246. Into the Land of the Unicorns by Bruce Coville
247. Song of the Wanderer by Bruce Coville
248. Dark Whispers by Bruce Coville
249. Snow Dog by Jim Kjelgaard
250. The Gecko & Sticky and the Villain’s Lair by Wendelin Van Draanen
251. The Last Hunt by Bruce Coville
252. The Kite Fighter by Linda Sue Park
253. The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards
254. The Great Brain by John Fitzgerald
255. The Mystery of the Ivory Charm by Carolyn Keene
256. Castles and Dragons by the Child Study Association of America
257. The Gecko & Sticky: The Greatest Power by Wendelin Van Draanen
258. The Gecko & Sticky: Sinister Substitute by Wendelin Van Draanen
259. The Gecko & Sticky: The Power Potion by Wendelin Van Draanen
260. The Story Girl by L.M. Montgomery
261. The Clue of the Dancing Puppet by Carolyn Keene
262. The Book of Dragons by E. Nesbit
263. The Whispering Statue by Carolyn Keene
264.  The Double Jinx Mystery by Carolyn Keene
265. I’m Too Fond of My Fur by Edizioni Piemme
266. The Search for Sunken Treasure by Edizioni Piemme
267. Down and Out Down Under by Edizioni Piemme
268. Encyclopedia Brown Keeps the Peace by Donald Sobol
269. Encyclopedia Brown Takes the Case by Donald Sobol
270. The Orange Fairy Book
271. The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict by Trenton Lee Stewart
272. The Mystery of the Whispering Witch by Kathryn Kenny
273. God’s Adventurer by Phyllis Thompson
274. The Apprentice by Pilar Molina Llorente
275. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
276. Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards
277. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart (second time)
278. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart (second time)
279. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart (second time)
280. Li Lun: Lad of Courage by Carolyn Treffinger
281. The Mystery of the Crimson Ghost by Phyllis Whitney
282. The Mystery in Venice by Edizioni Piemme
283. It’s Halloween, You ‘Fraidy Mouse! by Edizioni Piemme
284. A Cheese-Colored Camper by Edizioni Piemme
285. Field Trip to Niagara Falls by Edizioni Piemme
286. The Arm of the Starfish by Madeleine L’Engle
287. Tales of a Dead King by Walter Myers
288. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (2x)
289. Ranger’s Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan
290. Castaways of the Flying Dutchman by Brian Jacques
291. Jason’s Gold by Will Hobbs
292. Firegold by Dia Calhoun
293. My Name is Stilton, Geronimo Stilton by Edizioni Piemme
294. The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan
295. The Icebound Land by John Flanagan
296. The Battle for Skandia by John Flanagan
297. The Sorcerer of the North by John Flanagan
298. The Mona Mousa Code by Edizioni Piemme
299. The Moonstone Castle Mystery by Carolyn Keene
300. The Thirteen Clocks by James Thurber
301. Baseball in April by Gary Soto
302. The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan
303. Hang Tough, Paul Mather by Alfred Slote
304. Erak’s Ransom by John Flanagan
305. The Enormouse Pearl Heist by Edizioni Piemme
306. Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Carnival Crime by Donald Sobol
307. The Dragon Prophecy by Edizioni Piemme

308. Mystery of the Tolling Bell by Carolyn Keene

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Drew's Books - 2012

Drew’s Books Completed in 2012

1. The Clue of the Broken Blade by Franklin W. Dixon

2. The Mystery of the Flying Express by Franklin W. Dixon

3. The House on the Cliff by Franklin W. Dixon

4. The Mystery of the Aztec Warrior by Franklin W. Dixon

5. The Secret of Skull Mountain by Franklin W. Dixon

6. The Missing Chums by Franklin W. Dixon

7. The Secret of Pirate’s Hill by Franklin W. Dixon

8. The Bombay Boomerang by Franklin W. Dixon

9. The Masked Monkey by Franklin W. Dixon

10. The Wright Brothers by Quentin Reynolds

11. The Mystery of the Chinese Junk by Franklin W. Dixon

12. The Secret Agent on Flight 101 by Franklin W. Dixon

13. Hunting for Hidden Gold by Franklin W. Dixon

14. The Flickering Torch Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon

15. The Mystery of the Samurai Sword by Franklin W. Dixon

16. The Terrible Wave by Marden Dahlstedt

17. The Mysterious Caravan by Franklin W. Dixon

18. The Adventures of Al Scabbard by Lawrence Crabb Jr & Sr

19. Teddy’s Button by Amy LeFeuvre

20. The Wilderness Survival Guide by Joe O’Leary

21. The Yellow Feather Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon

22. The Shatterd Helmet by Franklin W. Dixon

23. The Great Airport Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon

24. Danger on Vampire Trail by Franklin W. Dixon

25. Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Midnight Visitor by Donald Sobol

26. Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Sleeping Dog by Donald Sobol

27. The Mystery of the Lake Monster by Gertrude Chandler Warner

28. The LEGO Ideas Book

29. Leprechaun in Late Winter by Mary Pope Osborne

30. The Phantom Freighter by Franklin W. Dixon

31. What Happened at Midnight by Franklin W. Dixon

32. The Clue in the Embers by Franklin W. Dixon

33. The Witchmaster’s Key by Franklin W. Dixon

34. The Candy Factory Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

35. The Mystery in Washington, D.C. by Gertrude Chandler Warner

36. The Mystery at Skeleton Point by Gertrude Chandler Warner

37. The Tattletale Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

38. The Mystery on Blizzard Mountain by Gertrude Chandler Warner

39. The Disappearing Staircase Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

40. Three Remarkable Journeys Around the World by Matt Phelan

41. Caboose Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

42. The Melted Coins by Franklin W. Dixon

43. The Secret Warning by Franklin W. Dixon

44. The Mystery of the Spider’s Clue by Gertrude Chandler Warner

45. Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan

46. The Basketball Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

47. The Ghost Ship Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

48. The Castle Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

49. The Apeman’s Secret by Franklin W. Dixon

50. The Vanishing Thieves by Franklin W. Dixon

51. The Double Jinx Mystery by Carolyn Keene

52. The Ringmaster’s Secret by Carolyn Keene

53. The Mystery of the Singing Ghost Gertrude Chandler Warner

54. Wild Trek by Jim Kjelgaard

55. Snow Dog by Jim Kjelgaard

56. Forest Patrol by Jim Kjelgaard

57. The Book of Psalms by King David and Others

58. The Stone Idol by Franklin W. Dixon

59. Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry

60. The Story of Thomas Alva Edison, Inventor by Margaret Davidson

61. The Clue of the Hissing Serpent by Franklin W. Dixon

62. The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

53. The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan

54. The Icebound Land by John Flanagan

55. Born in the Year of Courage by Emily Crofford

56. The Battle for Skandia by John Flanagan

57. The LEGO Ideas Book

58. Silkworms by Sylvia Johnson

59. The Matchlock Gun by Walter D. Edmonds

60. The Sorcerer of the North by John Flanagan

61. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

62. The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth

63. The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan

64.  Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr

65. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart

66. Erak’s Ransom by John Flanagan

67. The Secret of the Golden Pavilion by Carolyn Keene

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Peter's Books - 2012

Peter’s Books Completed in 2012:

1. Nate the Great and the Missing Key by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

2. The Case of the Missing Ten Speed Bike by John Shearer

3. Nate the Great and the Snowy Trail by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

4. Nate the Great and the Mushy Valentine by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

5. The Mystery of the Silent Idol by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

6. The Mystery of the Double Trouble by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

7. The Mystery of the Tattletale Parrot by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

8. The Mystery of the Vanishing Present by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

9. The Missing Mummy by Ron Roy

10. The Runaway Racehorse by Ron Roy

11. The Kidnapped King by Ron Roy

12. The Mystery of the Carousel Horse by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

13. The Mystery of the Silver Dolphin  by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

14. The Mystery of the Messed-Up Wedding by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

15. The Mystery of the Gravestone Riddle by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

16. Olivia Sharp: The Sly Spy by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

17. The Mystery of the Second Map by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

18. The Orange Outlaw by Ron Roy

19. The Invisible Island by Ron Roy

20. The White Wolf by Ron Roy

21. Asterix and the Great Crossing by Rene Goscinny

22. Asterix and the Golden Sickle by Rene Goscinny

23. Asterix and Caesar’s Gift by Rene Goscinny

24. The Berenstain Bears and the Wheelchair Commando by Stan and Jan Berenstain

25. Charlie Brown’s All-Stars by Charles M. Schulz

26. The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog by John Erickson

27. February Friend by Ron Roy

28. Detective Camp by Ron Roy

29. The Goose’s Gold by Ron Roy

30. January Joker by Ron Roy

31. The Ninth Nugget by Ron Roy

32. The Absent Author by Ron Roy

33. The Canary Caper by Ron Roy

34. April Adventure by Ron Roy

35. The Bald Bandit by Ron Roy

36. The Panda Puzzle by Ron Roy

37.  The Empty Envelope by Ron Roy

38. The Further Adventures of Hank the Cowdog by John Erickson

39. It’s a Dog’s Life by John Erickson

40. The Mystery of the Second Map by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

41. The Mystery of the Tattletale Parrot by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

42. The Mystery of the Carousel Horse by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

43. The Mystery of the Double Trouble by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

44. The Mystery of the Silent Idol by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

45. The Mystery of the Gravestone Riddle by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

46. The Mystery of the Vanishing Prsent by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

47. The Mystery of Silver Dolphin by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

48. The Messed-Up Wedding by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

49. Squanto Friend of the Pilgrims by Clyde Robert Bulla

50. Friska My Friend by Patricia St. John

51. May Magic by Ron Roy

52. White House White-Out by Ron Roy

53. The Lucky Lottery by Ron Roy

54. The Yellow Yacht by Ron Roy

55. The Falcon’s Feathers by Ron Roy

56. The School Skeleton by Ron Roy

57. Sleepy Hollow Sleepover by Ron Roy

58. The Quicksand Question by Ron Roy

59. The Deadly Dungeon by Ron Roy

60. Ghost Town at Sundown by Mary Pope Osborne

61. Civil War on Sunday by Mary Pope Osborne

62. Tonight on the Titanic by Mary Pope Osborne

63. Twister on Tuesday by Mary Pope Osborne

64. Buffalo Before Breakfast by Mary Pope Osborne

65. The Knight at Dawn by Mary Pope Osborne

66. The Candy Factory Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

67. The Mystery in Washington, DC by Gertrude Chandler Warner

68. The Tattletale Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

69. The Stuffed Bear Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

70. The Mystery at Skeleton Point by Gertrude Chandler Warner

71. The Unwilling Umpire by Ron Roy

72. The Talking T. Rex by Ron Roy

73. The Jaguar’s Jewel by Ron Roy

74. Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne

75. Mummies in the Morning by Mary Pope Osborne

76. Pirates Past Noon by Mary Pope Osborne

77. Lions at Lunchtime by Mary Pope Osborne

78. Vacation Under the Volcano by Mary Pope Osborne

79. Earthquake in the Early Morning by Mary Pope Osborne

80. Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne

81. Dingoes at Dinnertime by Mary Pope Osborne

82. Day of the Dragon King by Mary Pope Osborne

83. Tigers at Twilight by Mary Pope Osborne

84. Hour of the Olympics by Mary Pope Osborne

85. Viking Ships at Sunrise by Mary Pope Osborne

86. Stage Fright on a Summer Night by Mary Pope Osborne

87. Thanksgiving on Thursday by Mary Pope Osborne

88. Good Morning, Gorillas by Mary Pope Osborne

89. Season of the Sandstorms by Mary Pope Osborne

90. Carnival at Candlelight by Mary Pope Osborne

91. High Tide in Hawaii by Mary Pope Osborne

92. Night of the Ninjas by Mary Pope Osborne

93. Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve by Mary Pope Osborne

94. The Haunted Hotel by Ron Ray

95. The Zombie Zone by Ron Ray

96. The X-ed Out X-Ray by Ron Ray

97. Summer of the Sea Serpent by Mary Pope Osborne

98. Dark Day in the Deep Sea by Mary Pope Osborne

99. Monday with a Mad Genius by Mary Pope Osborne

100. Eve of the Emperor Penguin by Mary Pope Osborne

101. The Mystery of the Star Ruby by Gertrude Chandler Warner

102. The Littles by John Peterson

103. The Mystery of the Mummy’s Curse by Gertrude Chandler Warner

104. The Mystery of the Spider’s Clue by Gertrude Chandler Warner

105. The Mystery on Blizzard Mountain by Gertrude Chandler Warner

106. The Runaway Racehorse by Ron Roy

107. Afternoon on the Amazon by Mary Pope Osborne

108. The Vampire’s Vacation by Ron Roy

109.  The Deadly Dungeon by Ron Roy

110. Sunset of the Sabertooth by Mary Pope Osborne

111. Peanuts 2000 by Charles Schulz

112. Midnight on the Moon by Mary Pope Osborne

113. Dolphins at Daybreak by Mary Pope Osborne

114. Polar Past Bedtime by Mary Pope Osborne

115. Winter of the Ice Wizard by Mary Pope Osborne

116. Night of the New Magicians by Mary Pope Osborne

117. Garfield Weighs In by Jim Davis

118. Garfield: Life in the Fat Lane by Jim Davis

119. It’s a Dog’s Life, Snoopy by Charles Schulz

120. Blizzard of the Blue Moon by Mary Pope Osborne

121. Dragon of the Red Dawn by Mary Pope Osborne

122. The Disappearing Staircase Mystery by Gertrdue Chandler Warner

123. The Basketball Mystery by Gertrdue Chandler Warner

124. Garfield Gets Cookin’ by Jim Davis

125. Small Bear Solves a Mystery by Adelaide Holl

126. The Mystery of the Lost Mine by Gertrude Chandler Warner

127. The Canoe Trip Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

128. The Ghost Ship Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

129. The Mystery of the Lost Village by Gertrude Chandler Warner

130. The Mystery of the Purple Pool by Gertrude Chandler Warner

131. Caboose Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

132. The Castle Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

133. The Mystery at the Dog Show by Gertrude Chandler Warner

134. The Mystery Horse by Gertrude Chandler Warner

135. The Carp in the Bathtub by Barbara Cohen

136. Summer Wheels by Eve Bunting

137. The Spy on Third Base by Matt Christopher

138. Johnny No Hit by Matt Christopher

139. The Lone Arthur by Alan Coren

140. The Lucky Lottery by Ron Roy

141. Buffalo Arthur by Alan Coren

142. The Great McGoniggle Rides Shotgun by Scott Corbett

143. Hat Trick by Matt Christopher

144. The Great McGoniggle’s Gray Ghost by Scott Corbett

145. Secret Weapon by Matt Christopher

146. Butterfly Battle by Nancy White

147. The Great Shark Escape by Jennifer Johnston

148. Food Chain Frenzy by Anne Capeci

149. The Fishy Field Trip by Martin Schwabacher

150. Space Explorers by Joanna Cole

151. The Mystery in the Snow by Gertrude Chandler Warner

152. Meet Thomas Jefferson by Marvin Barrett

153. Jack Stalwart: The Search for the Sunken Treasure by Elizabeth Singer Hunt

154. Free Climb by Bob Temple

155. Moonlight on the Magic Flute by Mary Pope Osborne

156. The Great Custard Pie Panic by Scott Corbett

157. Robert Henry Hendershot by Susan E. Goodman

158. Lucky Dog Days by Judy Delton

159. Send in the Clowns by Judy Delton

160. Cabin in the Snow by Deborah Hopkinson

161. Go-Kart Rush by Jake Maddox

162. Hoop Hotshot by Jake Maddox

163. Volcano! by Jake Maddox

164. Snowboard Duel by Jake Maddox

165. Your Backyard is Wild by Jeff Corwin

166. Soccer Shootout by Jake Maddox

167. Gridiron Bully by Jake Maddox

168. Earthquake by Matt Christopher

169. The Marzipan Pig by Russell Hoban

170. Hickory by Palmer Brown

171. Camp Ghost-Away by Judy Delton

172. The Haunted Hotel by Ron Roy

173. The Unwilling Umpire by Ron Roy

174. Christmas in Camelot by Mary Pope Osborne

175. The Ninth Nugget by Ron Roy

176. Motocross Double-Cross by Jake Maddox

177. Blizzard: A Survive Story by Jake Maddox

178. Shark Attack by Jake Maddox

179. The New Our Friends by Scott Foreman and Company

180. The Disappearing Friend Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

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Isaac's Books - 2012

Isaac’s Books Completed in 2012:

1. K12 PhonicsWorks Reader #7 by Susan Ebbers and Sue Jones
2. K12 PhonicsWorks Reader #8 by Lori Burgess and Susan Ebbers
3. K12 PhonicsWorks Reader #9 by Susan Ebbers and Sue Jones
4. Bob Books First! (Set 1, Books 1-4) by Bobby Lynn Maslen
5. Bob Books First! (Set 1Books 10-11) by Bobby Lynn Maslen
6. Bob Books Fun! (Set 2, Books 1-4) by Bobby Lynn Maslen
7. Bob Books Fun! (Set 2 Books 5-6, 9) by Bobby Lynn Maslen
8. Bob Books Fun! (Set 2 Books 11-12 & Set 3 Book 1) by Bobby Lynn Maslen
9. K12 PhonicsWorks Reader #10 by Susan Ebbers
10. Bob Books First! (Set A, Books 5-8) by Bobby Lynn Maslen
11. Bob Books First! (Set A, Books 9 &12) by Bobby Lynn Maslen
12. Bob Books Fun! (Set 2, Books 7-8, & 12) by Bobby Lynn Maslen
13. Bob Books (Set 2, Books 2-5) by Bobby Lynn Maslen
14. Bob Books (Set 3, Books 6-8) by Bobby Lynn Maslen
15. Bob Books (Set 4, Books 1-4) by Bobby Lynn Maslen
16. Bob Books (Set 3, Books 9-10) by Bobby Lynn Maslen
17. Bob Books (Set 4, Books 5-8) by Bobby Lynn Maslen
18. K12 PhonicsWorks Reader #11 by Lori Burgess and Sue Jones
19. The Fire Cat by Esther Averill

Read More

Gliding to a Stop for the Books of 2012

Praise the Lord! The Mitchells had another good year of reading in 2012.

I was able to read more for fun now that my doctoral project was turned in.

Robin read fewer but more substantial books.

Drew found some adventure series that he really enjoys.

Peter's reading took off, especially with books about active people who do sports.

And Isaac has taxied onto the runway for a strong launch in 2013.

The next four posts are our lists with a picture of each of the readers (sans Robin) enjoying some winter fun down the sledding hill.  (Yes, even I got on a tube--though in this picture I was having a hard time getting it started.)

****

Remember:  Just because we read them, doesn't mean that we recommend them. Read with discernment!

Why our family keeps these lists.

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[Matt's Messages] "A New Year Online" at CORE Community Church

“A New Year Online”

CORE Community Church

December 30, 2012

CORE Church, it is a joy to be with you again and to be asked to open God’s Word.

We are facing a new year: 2013 is right ahead of us, and your teaching team has announced a new series for the new year called “All Things New” from 2 Corinthians 5:17.  Great idea!

And my assignment today is to help us to think together about All Things New ONLINE in 2013.

And I’ve got some snazzy powerpoint slides to help me with that. Here is a Google search for you.  “A New Year Online”

I think this is going to be a different kind of sermon than you normally hear.

How are should Christ-followers behave when they are out in the world ONLINE?

Especially when they are using social media technology.

As many of you know, I wrote a book on resisting gossip that is due out in the Fall, and in the process of studying for that, I studied the effects of social media, as well.

There is a lot to think about here and a lot to say—more than I can say today. But I think that Christians haven’t thought enough about this area, and we need to desperately.

There is a new year stretching out in front of us and, we need to be thinking about how we are going to use the opportunities and meet the challenges of a new year online.

Now, of course, the Bible does not mention the Internet.

[You did know that right?  It’s not in 2 Hesitations or 4 Zecherezekiel!]

The Bible does say that knowledge will increase, but the Internet itself is not named in the Bible.

And yet, the Bible has the most important things to tell us about the Internet and about how we should and shouldn’t use it.

Including the parts of the internet that are socialized for interaction.

Didn’t I tell you that this was going to be a different kind of sermon?

Now a few of you are saying, “I don’t use the internet.”

And maybe some of you don’t. There may be a few people here who have never touched a computer and probably never well.

That’s fine. This sermon is not aimed at you, though I think you can take the principles and apply it to many other things in life that do affect you.

But for most Americans social technology is a given.

How many here, show of hands, have at least one of these things (wait till I’m done to raise your hand):

A Facebook Account

An Email Address at Work or at Home

A Twitter Account

A Google Plus Account

A Pinterest Account

A Blog

And/Or A mobile telephone with some kind of data plan, at least texting?

Ok. Now raise your hands.

Yeah. That’s what I thought. Most of us are affected. Some of us are in deep.

Anyone here have all of them?

A Facebook Account

An Email Address at Work or at home

A Twitter Account

A Google Plus Account

A Pinterest Account

A Blog

And a mobile telephone with some kind of data plan?

Now, here’s the next question.

Is social technology like this a good thing or a bad thing?

That’s your trick question for today.

Is social technology/social media like this a good thing or a bad thing?

The answers is (to me) obvious: it’s both.

It can be either. And it often is both good and bad.

It depends on how you use it.

For example, in our community, there is a little 7 year old girl named Emily Whitehead who has a form of leukemia. You might have heard about her on Fox News or in another major news outlet. She underwent an experimental procedure and came back from the jaws of death this year.

In our area, Emily is an online sensation with 12,000 Facebook friends, many many of whom are praying for her.  And we count the success of her procedure has as answer to our prayers spurred on by social technology.

On my birthday last year, I heard from over a hundred friends with birthday greetings over social media technologies like Facebook and email.

That’s a good thing! I never got that many cards in my life!

Obviously, your church has gotten into it, as well. You have a website and a Facebook page.  I saw prayer requests on your FB page when I checked it yesterday.

I’ve always said that CORE is the coolest church in the district.

The internet, social media, is a good thing.

Lots of good things can come from it.

But it can also be a terrible thing.

The pornography industry makes billions of dollars each year on the Internet.

The gambling industry makes billions of dollars each year on the Internet.

And all kinds of destructive behavior goes on online.

The online world is the world.

And it is populated by sinners just the like the rest of the world is.

So, it can be a pretty awful place where awful people do awful things to one another.

And Christians need to think deeply about how they will live and interact online.

What they will and will not do.

When Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.” and “You are the light of the world,” He meant ONLINE as well.

You are the salt of the Internet.

You are the light of the world wide web.

Core Church, what are you going to do about it in 2013?

I have just five quick points to make this morning.

Here’s number one.

#1. YOU CAN HAVE TO TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING. 

Here’s an Yahoo email background for his one.

Social media technology is a good thing. I’m really glad that we have telephones.

I am really glad we have email.

Email is my favorite way of communicating.

You send an email when it is convenient for you.

It gets there basically automatically, and then they read it when its convenient for them.

How cool is that?!

Social media technology is a good thing.

But you can have too much of a good thing.

Does the Bible teach that?

Turn with me to Proverbs chapter 25, verse 16.

If I had another piece of gum for you, I’d pass it out and you could chew on this verse with me for awhile.  

(By the way does anyone remember Proverbs 15:3 from last April?  “The eyes of the LORD are everywhere keeping watch on the wicked and the good?”)

Of course, maybe I should have passed out little packets of honey today.

Because Proverbs 25:16 says, “If you find honey, eat just enough–too much of it, and you will vomit.”

Is honey good?  You bet it is!  Best natural sugar in the world.

Amazing. Honey is good. “If you find honey, eat just enough–too much of it, and you will vomit.”

You can have too much of a good thing.

You can have too much email.

You can have too much blogging.

You can have too much Pinteresting.

You can have too much Facebook.

How much is too much?  

Well, that’s between you and God, but you better figure it out.

Because if you don’t figure out, it can suck you in, and you will get sick.

Here’s a great way to decide:

Ask your loved ones.

If you’re married, ask you spouse.

“Do I spend too much time online?”

“Do I check my email, too often?”

“Do I spend too much time on my phone.”

Phone is another word for computer these days. They’re just little computers you hold in your hand.

And listen to what your loved ones say.

“Yes, you do. Can you put that down?  Can you pay attention to what is going on here?”

I know that I struggle with that.  I have laptop computer and often work from home.

And it’s easy to just slide into being online when I’m at home when I’m not supposed to be working as well.

And to be really distracted.

Because somebody might want to get my attention!

Well, probably somebody does. She’s called Heather.

Or she’s called Robin.

Or he’s called Andrew, Peter, or Isaac.

They take priority. More and more, I recognize that I need to close the lid on the laptop and focus on here and now and these folks that I live with.

I read a great book this year that says, “Where you are, be all there.”

That’s really good.

Because you can have too much of a good thing.

Don’t let your Christmas card next year look like this one from Stuff Christians Like.

Very honest!  And very funny!  But very scary if it’s true.  

“If you find honey, eat just enough–too much of it, and you will vomit.”

Here’s number two. It goes with the first one.

#2. FACE TO FACE IS ALMOST ALWAYS BETTER.

It’s down here in this little box on this fake Facebook page.

If you have never used Facebook, this is kind of what it looks like.

And thought it was great to make this point on the Facebook page.

Face to face is almost always better for communicating.

Turn with me to 2 John, verse 12. 

The Apostle John was using the social media of his day. Paper and Ink!

But look what he says in verse 12,  “I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.”

He says something very similar in 3 John.

There he says, “I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink.”

Why not?

Not because paper and ink is bad. This is God’s Word in paper ink!

Not because social media is bad.  It actually allows us to communicate over vast distances and over different times. It’s awesome!  It’s a gift from God.

But there is (most of the time) something better. V.12

“Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.”

Now, I know that the apostle John wasn’t trying to make a theological point about social technology, but I still think it’s there in this verse.

Most of the time, face-to-face is better than social media because the relationship has  to have a medium between us.  

And face-to-face is by definition, non-mediated.

Now, what is my point here?

I can think of a few applications of this principle.

First, don’t substitute technological time with someone for physical presence time with someone (and don’t make the mistake of thinking that they are equal).

Facebook friends is not the same thing as real life friends.

Don’t think that you’ve got someone figured out that you’ve met on a dating website until you’ve been with them face to face.

Now, I’m not saying to not use those websites. I’m saying be careful about substituting techno-time for face-to-face time.

And here’s another application.  Email and other text-based technologies are a terrible way to process disagreements.

Don’t use email or Facebook to try to work out your differences with someone.

My wife and I use email during the day, and we have had so many misunderstandings...because you can’t see them or hear the tone of voice or body language or whatever.

Email is okay for information, but if things are going to get emotional, email is a terrible medium for emotion.

Here’s an idea: Maybe you write that email. But don’t send it.

Tell the person that you need to talk with them and then do it face to face.

Now, that sounds harder sometimes, but that’s part of the point. Don’t be lazy. It won’t help. Don’t use a text-based technology to process conflicts if you can at all help it.

Face to face is almost always better.

John said, “I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.”

Is this helpful?  I don’t think that many of Jesus’ followers have thought through these things.

We have not been salt. We have not been light. We have just gone along with the flow.

#3. REAL CHRISTIANS ACT LIKE REAL CHRISTIANS WHEN THEY ARE ONLINE.

The point is down here in this text box. This is YouTube.

If you haven’t seen a YouTube video, this is what that page looks like.

I thought that this was a good one where the key word was “act.”

Real Christians act like real Christians when they are online.

Being a Christian informs everything that we do.  It isn’t just something we do on Sundays at church.

Turn over to Ephesians chapter 4 for this one.  Ephesians chapter 4.

Paul is telling the Ephesians here how to live now that they have become Christians.

And he calls it living as “Children of the Light.” And Paul says that this is a process of putting off the old self and putting on the new self.  Look at verse 17 of chapter 4:

“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.”

Sounds like some particular corners of the Internet, doesn’t it? V.20

“You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Put off, put on. V.25

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”

There’s a principle for what we say online.

Only the truth. Nothing but the truth. So help us God.

And that includes only posting things that we know are true. V.26

“‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

There’s another principle. Our Facebook account should not be full of our sinful anger.

Our blog should not be pages and pages of unholy screed.

Social media is broadcasting. When I started blogging back in 2005, I realized that I had gotten into broadcasting. Anywhere you have the Internet, you have the potential of looking at my blog. Anywhere in the world.

That’s broadcasting.

And the same thing is true to a lesser extent on Facebook. Most people have over a hundred friends.

If you post something on Facebook, that’s telling at least 100 people that thing. And they can easily turn around and share it with someone else.

It’s broadcasting!

Remember that before you hit the “share” button.  V.28

“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

Verse 29

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths [or your thumbs!], but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Would that cut out a lot of our social media interaction if we obeyed that?

Real Christians act like real Christians when they are online.

And if they don’t, maybe they’re not. V.30

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [And getting rid of it doesn’t mean posting it online! It means repenting of it. V.32] 

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. [Chapter 5...]

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Don’t you just love people like that?

Be the kind of person you love online.

Be an imitator of God.

V.3 “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person–such a man is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.”

V.3 says “not even a hint of sexual immorality...”

Do your emails have a hint of sexual immorality?

Does your Facebook account have foolish talk or coarse joking? Those are out of place.  And “sharing” what someone else posted is saying it yourself.

Obscenity. Does your blog have obscenity?

Or greed. Do you say over and over again in your social media how unhappy you are with your lot in life and your desire to become rich or gain this possession or that possession?

V.7  “Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. 

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’

Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Now there is a short of things that you CAN do online!

Text one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

Share out prayer requests.

Post thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Real Christians Act Like Real Christians When They are Online.

Not because they are faking it, but because they are living out the reality of their relationship with Jesus in the online world.

What are you going to say and do online in 2013?

#4. WE MUST GROW IN WISDOM TO BEST USE SOCIAL MEDIA TECHNOLOGY. 

This is Wikipedia. 

In chapter 5 here of Ephesians it said, “Find out what pleases the Lord” (v.10) and it says, “Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise.”

That takes effort. That takes thought. That takes meditation and prayer.

The world of online interaction is not all black and white.

Do this. Don’t do this. It takes discernment and growth in wisdom.

When I first approached writing this message, I thought of a bunch of proverbs that address online interaction, and I was going to give it as just a message on that.

Like Proverbs 18:17, “The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.”

Get both sides of an issue.  Don’t just listen, for example, to what your political party says online. Listen to both sides. Listen to a fair representations of both sides.

Remember that there is another side to whatever story you are reading.

I actually read as many blogs from people I don’t normally agree with as blogs that I read of those that I like!

I keep up with about 200 blogs, probably 50 of which are very active and 25 of them are people that I really disagree with.

But I listen to them because I don’t want to just get one side (the side I like) of any issue. Proverbs 18:17, “The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.”

We need to grow in wisdom to best use social media technology.

When you are reading your Bible, think about how it applies to every area of your life, not just your prayer life or work life or your church life, but also your online life.

Grow in wisdom.

Number 5 and last.

#5. THE MAIN THING IS TO KEEP THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING.

And the main thing is the gospel.

That’s a phrase that we use around our church, and I’ve said it here before, too. I got it from someone who got it from someone else.  

The main thing is the keep the main thing the main thing.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important message to:

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The gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important message to communicate.

So whatever I do or say or post online, it needs to be secondary at best to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing–even online.

Especially online.

2013 begins on Tuesday.

What is your plan for being a follower of Christ in the New Year ONLINE?

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Astute readers will recognize this as a new version of a message given last year at Lanse Free Church titled, "Salt and Light Online."  It was a joy to get to preach it to the folks at CORE today.

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Hothouse (Longing for Summer Again)

Heather's front window sill last Summer.

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What's Your Plan for Intentional Reading in 2013?

It's that time of year--time to decide what you're going to read and how you're going to read it in 2013.

Read your Bible. 

This is the most important thing to read in 2013.  What is your plan to get into the Word and get the Word into you?

As in past years, I highly recommend picking out a Bible reading plan and plodding systematically through it. That doesn't mean that you have to read the whole Bible in a year. Many will do that. I'll do it again in 2013, if all goes according to plan.  But it does mean that you will be disciplining yourself to do what you think is most important.  Remember: Real Christians Delight in God's Word.

Read good books that help you to understand and apply the Bible to life.

I've recommended a number of books on this blog this year. One of the best for intentional reading is Heart of the Matter by the folks at CCEF. It is 366 daily readings culled from their excellent books.

Read good books that bring insight into and engagement with the world that God has made.

God's Word has the most important things to say about everything, but the Bible is a short book and doesn't say everything that can be said. Read widely. Dip into various interests. Find out what is going on in the world and how it works.

Read books for enjoyment!

In the next few days, I'll be posting our Mitchell family annual book lists, and most of them will be novels full of rip-roaring good stories.  I think it's amazing that God not only wrote the best of stories and placed us within it, but also gave us the ability to tell stories, as well.

If you can read, then plan to read.

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