Tony Payne

Great book for those wanting the 10,000 foot view of a biblical perspective on decision making. Jensen and Payne are wary and critical of those adopting a "secret will" approach to finding God's will, and instead advocate for more of the Compass of the Great Shepherd that guides and leads us; and leaves the choices to us.

This may rub against those arguing for Sovereignty that is probably more akin to fatalism than a true Reformed understanding of the Sovereingty of God. But Jensen and Payne are remembering that true sovereignty isn't found in a cold, dark fate; it's found in a person--the loving hands of a Father keeping us in his grip. Great read for laymen and pastors alike.… (mere)

"Portly didn't ask to be a hippo; he was just born that way. And frankly, he's starting to find being a hippo kind of boring — standing in the water all day up to his eyeballs, eating grass — no fun at all! So he embarks on a journey to figure out just what kind of animal to be, and along the way, meets all kinds of creatures.
As he tries to do everything they do, this heartwarming story of a youngster searching for his identity and trying to be somebody he's not will strike a chord with all readers. Repetitive, silly text and bright illustrations make Hippo-Not-Amus an infectiously fun read.
From the best-selling illustrator of GIRAFFES CAN'T DANCE, Guy Parker-Rees, comes a silly story about a young hippo trying to be everything he's not."… (mere)