This is a real book about real life. Lori Moore does not sugar-coat her experiences; she just shares how Jesus found her despite her best efforts to avoid Him. I would recommend this book to anyone who has been hurt by life and who wonders whether anyone cares.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Review: From Zero To Christian In Just 35 Years

My Synopsis:
From Zero to Christian in Just 35 years by Lori A. Moore.

This little book, just over 90 pages, from Lori A. Moore, pacts a big punch! It isn't easy for people who have had no experience whatsoever with church to understand what's going on or what it's all about. Moore, gives her readers a simple and easy guide to figuring it all out. How to turn fear and doubts into a personal relationship with Christ. It doesn't take perfection, just acceptance!

From Zero to Christian in Just 35 Years has many layers. It shadows Moore's journey from her childhood, the divorce of her parents, and even into her experience with the adult entertainment industry. It shows her struggle with self-esteem and trying to fit in and her acceptance of Christ and how that changed her life. Readers will identify with her struggles to fit her personality into a cookie cutter shape, and how she realizes that she must accept her weaknesses and her strength's and use them all because "It's not about me; it's all about God."

My Thoughts:
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first picked this book up. But, I was intrigued by the title and was hooked from the first page. I liked the author's use of the car analogy from the title, through the first part of the book which chronicled her life up until she accepted Christ. Moving from Park through 3rd gear. It was an easy to understand account of how someone who had no prior experience with God was able to find Him in spite of everything. I found it encouraging and very insightful.

One of the parts that I particularly enjoyed was the comparison of life to that of a charm bracelet. I certainly had never thought of it that way before. When I was reading through this I was imagining the charms that I would choose to represent myself to others. Then when Moore switches gears and lets the reader see that it's more important to choose things that represent their life in Christ, I was happy to see that some of my charms would have been the same.

Moore use of language is excellent and her fresh and informative voice is compelling and makes the reader feel at ease whether they are a new Christian or a person searching for Christ.

I give this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

http://debsbookbag.blogspot.com/2010/01/review-from-zero-to-christian-in-just.html

I enjoyed this book. Going on a journey with any person is a great privilege, but this journey with Lori was awesome seeeing as this is a spiritual journey.
Going into a place in life where we find the peace we need is always wonderful. Finding that place after 35 years is to be celebrated.
There are many who feel the missing part of them when they don't grow up with something. Lori knew that her life needed more and when it came she knew exactly what it was.
I could honestly relate to the charm chapter. I have done that often. Searched for charms and it seemed that I couldn't find anything that related to me. I never got one.
Thank you Lori for sharing your journey with us all.

When I was assisting in various Pentecostal churches, part of the service was always devoted to "testimonies". Members of the congregation would stand up and tell us of the wonderful things that God had done in their lives. This little book is such a testimony -- a two-hour testimony at least and a beautiful account of God's love and power! Lori A. Moore reveals how God helped her come to terms not only with Him, but with herself. Yes, with herself! One of the most important obstacles to overcome, Lori correctly argues, is a sense of our own unworthiness. I was always struck by the first words Jesus says to the paralyzed man who was lowered down to Him on a stretcher from the roof of Peter's home in Capernaum. "My son, all your sins are forgiven!" And when the priests scoffed at these words and thought to themselves, "Who does this charlatan think he is?", Jesus answered their evil thoughts by declaring, "It's easy for Me to forgive sins!" (Quoting from Mark's Gospel, chapter 2, as translated in MARK and JOHN The First and Last Gospels.) Unfortunately, many people simply can't comprehend how easy it is for God to forgive us. As a result, as Lori testifies, we make our journey through life long and difficult for ourselves. So I pray that many people will find comfort and release by reading Lori's book and putting her beliefs into practice.

Zero to Christian in Just 35 Years by Lori A Moore is a small easy to read book which i found a good piece of writing.

It is her personal experience of how she became a Christian, and some of the most memorable chapters are about defining herself as person.

Published in 2009, I was captivated by Lori when I saw her writing on hubpages. She graciously offered to let me read two of her books, this being the first one.

I found this to be at once both lighthearted and profound. She does a good job of describing how she became a Christian in less than 100 pages, and the chapters are easy to read, and as a religion book, it doesn't make a reader who has less "religious" knowledge feel she is writing down to them.

This is a good evening read, and enjoyable. Lori I am sure has plenty more where That came from.

Reader Review on Amazon:
This is an excellent first person narrative. Even though the title contains the word "Christian", the book is anything but preachy. The story is real, heartwarming, witty, and engaging.

My sister and I read From Zero to Christian in Just 35 Years while traveling home over the weekend. Lori Moore is obviously talented and creative in her use of analogies laced with humor. Moore allows the reader to gaze into her search for an authentic relationship with God. Christians will witness a perfect God, using people and circumstances, to pursue an imperfect daughter. Non-Christians will hopefully see themselves and know it is not necessary to be flawless, because God loves them anyway. The "Pause to Ponder" section at the conclusion of each chapter is wonderfully constructed and challenges the reader to personally reflect upon the author's struggles for their own life.

Lori Moore presents her journey to Christ in From Zero to Christian in Just 35 Years. Her parents never took her and her brother to church, saying they did not want to force religion on the children, but to let them choose for themselves. Her mother said that she didn't have to go to church to be a good person. Years later, Lori's boss told her, "Religion is just a crutch." She took on this mentality because of his influence on her and her respect for him. The talk about God at weddings and funerals scared her. "I thought there was no clapping in church, no smiling in church, no being happy in church, and no experiencing hope in church" (18).

A co-worker, Rick, and a neighbor, Susan, encouraged her to attend church and attending a women's event with Susan made Lori want a relationship with God. Susan helped break through all the myths Lori had believed. Lori's tastes in music and movies changed and she made new Christian friends to replace the old friends that fell away.

As she pursued education and job opportunities, Lori began to learn what God was preparing her for. She wanted "to reach out to others in pain, who feel lost, rejected, and unloved, and show them that God is who He says He is, and that they are all loved and children of God" (32).

In the following sections, Lori summarizes her lifestyle before coming to know the Lord and how she grew and learned. Each section ends with a "Pause to Ponder" and a prayer. A unique story and view of how salvation changes lives. Lori encourages readers to live a CHARMed (Choosing Him As Role Model) life.

Author Lori A. Moore does a superb job at connecting with her readers. From Zero to Christian in Just 35 Years is an intriguing story about redemption. It proves how a person's past, no matter how bad one may think it is, will not keep you from a future filled with peace and comfort. God is always reaching out to us even when we are scared to extend a hand.
I especially liked how she added prayers and questions to ponder about that relate to the readers' lives. An engaging read worth telling your friends about.
From Zero to Christian in Just 35 Years is a must read.

Lori A. Moore resides in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband, Michael, and their three cats. She teaches university classes both in the classroom and online, and has a passion for adults who have not yet experienced a relationship with Christ.

I thought the book was gripping and couldn't put it down until I finished. It's amazing that the arms of our loving God can reach and find people in any given situation. An amazing read, and I highly recommend it.

"From Zero to Christian in Just 35 Years" speaks of a charmed life. Author Lori Moore shares with us her life lived without Christ, without hope. Like all of us, it was not a life to be proud of, but it was what it was.....until she met Jesus. Lori came to realize just how loving and gracious God is.....even when we are lost and don't even know it. A charmed life. What would be on your charm bracelet if you had to pick four charms to describe it? A must read for all who need a fresh reminder of what life is truly all about.

What an uplifting story to read! Author Lori A. Moore tells of her journey to the Lord in this easy to read book.

As you read this book it will remind you that the Lord is in the small details of our lives. She talks about a charm bracelet and how picking out the charms helped her keep her life on track.

I liked how she placed poems and scripture throughout the book to reiterate the principle she was trying to get across. It is a very personal journey that is shared in a loving and non-judgmental way. If you have an unsaved friend who doubts the Lord can forgive them or even cares about them, have them read this book!

I was given this book by christianreviewofbooks.com to review.

This small, easily read book highlights the author's life and how she found Christianity. The book may be small, but the impact is large. Throughout the book she poses thought provoking questions and concepts for the reader to ponder. But her most powerful image is her C.H.A.R.M. bracelet. You'll have to read the book to find out the meaning of the acronym. I highly recommend reading it.

ri Moore came into this world in a stressful climate and was quickly thrown to the wolves by her selfish parents.
She tried living on the wild side and found it lacking in fulfillment of the soul. Through caring friends and neighbors she found Christ and became a whole person for the first time in her life. She achieved a doctorate
and has devoted her life to teaching and helping others. Lori is a heroine and living proof that it is never too
late to turn your life around. This story is definitely worth reading, especially by teens who may be thinking, as
Lori did, that true happiness was on the wild side. Robert Hewett Sr., Author.

The author was not ashamed to tell her story. It is important to share the bad parts with the good news. Lori had a life that did not include God, but she was able to survive because God had a plan for her life. Whatever your past may be, just know that God is alive and able to bring you form the pits of hell. She gave hope to those who have never accepted Christ. We need more books like this one.
Thanks Lori