:: In.a.Mirror.Dimly ::

A year or two ago I received an e-mail from my agent. A new author needed my help with answering a survey for 20-somethings. I filled it out, hit send, and didn’t think about it again until I noticed that lots and lots of bloggers and friends I knew were filling out the same survey for the same author.

That author was Renee Johnson, whose devotional book is due out in March 2010 with the title Faithbook Jesus: Connecting with Jesus Daily. Since then I’ve had a chance to chat with Renee a little bit about her passion for twenty-somethings, and I’m excited for her as she launches this book. I trust that many will benefit from Renee’s ministry.

Renee’s use of her survey is a very unique and interesting aspect of this book. While she does offer some thoughts on small passages of scripture, you can tell that Renee has worked hard to consider the concerns spelled out in the many surveys she received.

The best way to find out if this book is for you is to check out a sample of it at the NavPress web site and then drop by her web site to read some of her most recent devotions. There’s some additional info at Renee’s Faithbook of Jesus web site.

As part of her blog tour, I figured that there are enough A-List book reviewers taking a crack at this book, so I thought it would be better to interview Renee. You can tell that she has a lot of wisdom, especially when you consider her response to my last question!

EC: I think we know what a diva is, but could you explain what exactly a "devotion" is? A lot of us grew up with "devotions," but I’m not sure I’ve ever read a definition.

RJ: Let me start first with the definition of quiet time. QT :: verb :: A spiritual discipline that consist of time spent in the word, praying, or outdoors in nature. I believe the def’n of "Devotion" is reading and meditation on the Word of God through prayer, reading, and reflection.

EC: What drew you to writing devotions?

RJ: After years of intense suffering in my health I began reading through the One Year Bible when I was 15 and never looked back. Since then I’ve read through numerous devotional books including Streams in the Desert and My Utmost For His Highest. Once I began having a difficult time finding fresh, new devotionals to encourage me in my walk with God I decided to blog them (back in 2004). At first it was purely to encourage me in my walk with God and my love for others and encouraging them in what they’re going through grew out of that.

EC: How did you end up with the title "Devotional Diva"?

RJ: My mentor, Marcia Ramsland, branded me as the Devotional Diva once she realized I had over 400 devotionals saved! I fought it at first, but once I gave in I realized how much I love the title.

EC:  How does this book fit in with your mission/ministry?

RJ: This book is pivotal to my mission and ministry. My mission is to spur people forward in their walk with God into love and good deeds. The best way, I feel to encourage someone or spur them forward is to continually point them to the Word. "Faithbook of Jesus" does just that. It helps the reader connect with Jesus daily.

EC: How do you see groups at colleges or churches using this book? Any suggestions for how to organize a small group around it?

RJ: There are very little to no books that are centered around young adults both male and female. I look forward to watching small groups take off and run with this book. The college & 20-something years are vital decision making years and if you’re grounded in the Word of God and directly applying it to your life can be a very powerful thing. I think the best way a church or small group can begin using this book is to have everyone read the devotional each day (except for Sundays) and keep a journal for discussion once a week. Here are a few questions that I might suggest for studying each day:
1. What is the devotional about?
2. What stood out to you in this devotional?
3. What can we learn about God/Christ/the Holy Spirit from this devotional?
4. What are some instructions and warnings you see in this devotional?
5. What encourages you in this devotional?
6. How does this devotional challenge you in your daily life?

EC: I’m sure you have something else in the works. Care to give us a sneak preview?

It’s top secret! But I can tell you that I am working on a devotional series relating to the top needs that young adults face and how they can use Scripture and the comfort of community to face their fears and move forward in faith.

EC: When I receive a copy of your book, choose what you’d like me to film our rabbits doing with it:

   a. Sitting next to it.

   b. Sitting on it.

   c. Chewing on it.

   d. Whatever the bunny wants to do, of course!

RJ: D for duh!

If you’re curious where else Renee’s blog tour will be heading, here’s the official list…

Blog Tour, January 25-March 15, 2010

Jan. 25, David George Montalvo – http://www.davidgeorge.tv

Jan. 27, Kyle Reed – http://www.thoughtsaboutnothing.com

Jan. 29, Brett Barner – http://www.godlysheep.com

Feb. 1, Kathi Macias – http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com

Feb. 3, Travis Mamone – http://travismamone.blogspot.com

Feb. 5, Marshall Jones – http://www.bondchristian.com

Feb. 8, Ed Cyzewski – http://www.inamirrordimly.com

Feb. 10, Michael & Amy Smalley – http://www.gosmalley.com

Feb. 12, Eric Bryant – http://www.ericbryant.org

Feb. 15. Joan Ball – http://www.flirtingwithfaith.com

Feb. 17, Scott McClellan – http://www.collidemagazine.com/blog

Feb. 19, Greg Atkinson – http://www.gregatkinson.com

Feb. 22, Anne Jackson – http://www.flowerdust.net

Feb. 24, Lynn Mosher – http://lynnmosher.blogspot.com

Feb. 26, Christy Polek – http://lifesaroadtrip.wordpress.com

March 1, Jonathan Merritt – http://jonathanmerritt.com/blogs

March 3, Jason Hayes – http://www.jasonhayesonline.com

March 5, Shawn Wood – http://www.shawnwoodwrites.com

March 8, Chad Estes – http://captainestes.blogspot.com

March 8, Pam Farrel – http://www.farrelcommunications.com

March 10, Tim Kurek – http://timothykurek.wordpress.com

March 12, Sarah Cunningham – http://www.sarahcunningham.org

March 15 – Susan Isaacs – http://www.susanisaacs.net

March 15 – Dan Kimball – http://www.dankimball.com

March 15 – Aaron Reddin – http://www.aaronreddin.com

March 17 – Tom McFarlin – http://www.morethanuseless.com

March 19 – Chris Tomlinson – http://www.cravesomethingmore.org

March 21 – Tiffani Barnes – http://creativefray.com