What does a Christian do with Fifty Shades of Grey? Mail it in. 

Feb. 1-14, readers are invited to mail in their Fifty Shades of Grey books in exchange for biblical answers to bondage and love in a free return copy of, Pulling Back the Shades: Erotica, Intimacy, and the Longings of a Woman’s Heart (Moody, 2013), by co-authors Dr. Juli Slattery, psychologist, and Dannah Gresh, sexuality educator.

“Erotica exploits women’s longings rather than satisfies them,” said Gresh, citing the Barna study showing that as many Christian as non-Christian women read the series. “And to the growing number of wounded women, we offer first aid.”

From her public speaking tours, radio shows and private practice, Slattery speaks of women’s natural longing for profound sexuality—and the protracted damage of the harmless-sounding “mommy porn.”

Like Slattery and Gresh, a wave of counseling professionals are warning women about the "Fifty Shades disease."

“As a clinician, the idea that women look at this relationship as anything other than absolute, categorical, profound pathology is more than I can imagine,” television’s Dr. Drew Pinsky said in an interview. “Why women would pick this up as any sort of substitute for intimacy or any sort of model for a reasonable relationship, I find just sort of disturbing.”

Applying biblical teaching to personal stories from readers across the Christian spectrum, both married and single, Gresh and Slattery address women's five core longings:  1) to be cherished by a man, 2) to be protected by a strong man, 3) to rescue a man, 4) to be sexually alive and 5) to escape reality.

From chapter one’s “We Know Why You Read It,” refreshing candor runs through chapters such as “The Sexually Satisfied Woman” and “The Spiritually Satisfied Woman,” Gresh and Slattery talk to grandmothers, pastors wives, missionaries, singles, divorcees and homeschooled teenage girls because, they say, the conversation is everywhere—as is the pain.

“God designed us with legitimate longings and he has a plan to satisfy them,” Slattery says. “We can know our intimate needs and hopes, and the richest ways to fulfill them.”

To learn more, go to pullingbacktheshades.com.

Reunion/Beach Street Records artist Casting Crowns added another Recording Industry Association of America Platinum album to its list of accolades with “Until The Whole World Hears,” making it the band’s fifth studio recording to hit Platinum status. In addition, their latest release, “Thrive,” was named the best-selling record of 2014 according the Christian/Gospel Nielsen SoundScan chart.

The record-breaking group also performed at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall on Jan. 24 as part of a full weekend with fans. The unique worship experience featured a 275-member choir (made up of fans from 44 states across the U.S. as well as Canada) and a 40-piece (professional) orchestra.

Not simply a one-day event, Casting Crowns put together a three-day package that included rehearsals, time to hang out with the band and/or explore New York City. For fans who did not perform, the band offered a “friends and family” package that boasted many perks of its own, including backstage access at Carnegie Hall and a post-concert celebration dinner cruise to the Statue of Liberty.

Casting Crowns is one of the most successful Contemporary Christian artists with its RIAA 2x Platinum record (“Casting Crowns”), three RIAA Platinum albums (“Until the Whole World Hears,” “The Altar and the Door” and “Lifesong”), and two RIAA Gold albums (“Come to the Well” and “Peace on Earth”).  Having also released four Gold DVDs and four RIAA Gold certified digital singles; the band currently holds the position as Billboard’s top-selling act in Christian music since 2007.

The AMA, GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning group features Mark Hall, Melodee DeVevo, Brian Scoggin, Megan Garrett, Juan DeVevo, Chris Huffman and Josh Mix, who have been recording and touring for more than 10 years—since they heard their first single on the radio in 2003.

Casting Crowns has been honored with three American Music Awards (seven nominations), a GRAMMY Award for its 2005 album “Lifesong” (six nominations), 17 GMA Dove Awards and two Billboard Music Awards (four nominations).

For more information, visit castingcrowns.com.

Mark Kuyper, president/CEO of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA), recently earned the highest professional credential for Association professionals and is now a Certified Association Executive (CAE) through The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

Hailed as the hallmark of a committed Association professional, the Certified Association Executive designation is designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and identify association professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of association management. The accredited and rigorous CAE Program stands as a mark of excellence and has evolved to reflect what it takes to manage an association in today's challenging climate.

“I appreciate the support of the entire ECPA community—board, staff, members—along with my family, as I dedicated hours to training and studying for this certification,” Kuyper says.  “I appreciate all I’ve learned to benefit our Association, and have already applied my knowledge to many areas.”

To be designated as a Certified Association executive, an applicant must have a minimum of three years experience with nonprofit organization management, complete a minimum of 100 hours of specialized professional development, pass a stringent examination in association management, and pledge to uphold a code of ethics.

To maintain the certification, individuals must undertake ongoing professional development and activities in association and nonprofit management. The CAE Program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Christian Retailing is now accepting nominations for the 2015 Christian Retailing’s Best awards. Vendors and authors may submit their 2014 and backlist products for the awards from now until Feb. 24 or before Feb. 13 to take advantage of the Early Bird discount.

Companies who nominate by the Early Bird deadline will receive one free product entry for every five paid entries. The nomination fee is $60 per item entered, and companies do not need to send in the physical products they are submitting.

Click here to see the 2015 categories to determine the best category for your product entries, then enter your products by clicking here.

The awards sponsored by Christian Retailing were introduced in 2001 and have been acknowledged as an important way of recognizing some of the most significant, life-changing products in the industry.

Visit the awards website (christianretailingsbest.com) for all the details, including the Official Rules. Email the awards coordinator (Jenny Rose Curtis) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

For KING AND COUNTRY and the Newsboys topped the list of nominees for the third annual K-LOVE Fan Awards Show, announced recently at a press conference at the Franklin Theatre near Nashville.

Both For KING AND COUNTRY and the Newsboys garnered four nominations each, including a nod for Artist of the Year. The K-LOVE Fan Awards show is set for May 31.

The leading Christian music radio network with a weekly listenership of over 14 million people, K-LOVE will once again bring the only fan-voted award show in Christian music history to the Grand Ole Opry House in Music City. The show will be the pinnacle event of the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend and Ultimate Fan Experience, which includes tickets to the Awards show, a three-night stay at Opryland, dinner with the K-LOVE staff and friends, a weekend kick-off concert, a late night event, two breakfasts, encouraging speakers, access to the K-LOVE Fan Zone and more.

Among the attendees at the press conference were K-LOVE President and CEO Mike Novak and K-LOVE CCO David Pierce, as well as host Steven Curtis Chapman, Colton Dixon, Francesca Battistelli, Matt Maher, Matthew West, Plumb, Nashville industry and media executives and, for the first time, a group of fans.

Additional nominees for K-LOVE Artist of the Year include Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe and TobyMac. For the first time, nominees were selected and voted upon completely by fans.

Voting for the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards will open at midnight ET on May 1 and will close at midnight ET on May 30. You can vote here. Nominees for Film/Television Impact, Book Impact and Sports Impact Awards will be announced at a later date.

Tomlin and Dixon were among the nominees for Male Artist of the Year, while Battistelli is among six, including Mandisa and Kari Jobe, up for Female Artist of the Year.

Here is a complete list of the nominees for the K-LOVE Fan Awards:

Male Artist of the Year

Chris Tomlin

Colton Dixon

Crowder

Jeremy Camp

Matthew West

Steven Curtis Chapman

Female Artist of the Year

Francesca Battistelli

Jamie Grace

Kari Jobe

Mandisa

Natalie Grant

Plumb

Group/Duo of the Year

Casting Crowns

for KING & COUNTRY

MercyMe

Newsboys

Tenth Avenue North

Third Day

Best Live Show

for KING & COUNTRY

NEEDTOBREATHE

Newsboys

Tenth Avenue North

Third Day

TobyMac

Worship Song of the Year

“Overwhelmed” Big Daddy Weave

“Jesus Loves Me” Chris Tomlin

“Come As You Are” Crowder

“No Other Name” Hillsong Worship

“How Can It Be” Lauren Daigle

“Because He Lives” Matt Maher

Song of the Year

“Hope In Front of Me” Danny Gokey

“Fix My Eyes” for KING & COUNTRY

“He Knows My Name” Francesca Battistelli

“Do Something” Matthew West

“Greater” MercyMe

“We Believe” Newsboys

Artist of the Year

Casting Crowns

Chris Tomlin

for KING & COUNTRY

MercyMe

Newsboys

TobyMac

Cupid has some tricks up his sleeve this year with plans to shower Americans with jewelry, candy and a special night out.

According to the National Retail Federation’s Valentine’s Day Consumer Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights and Analytics, the average person celebrating Valentine’s Day will spend $142.31 on candy, flowers, apparel and more, up from $133.91 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $18.9 billion, a survey high.

“It’s encouraging to see consumers show interest in spending on gifts and Valentine’s Day-related merchandise—a good sign for consumer sentiment as we head into 2015,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Hoping to draw in eager shoppers, retailers will offer unique promotions on gifts, meal options at restaurants and even experiences.”

While most (53.2%) plan to buy candy for the sweet holiday, spending a total of $1.7 billion, one in five (21.1%) plans to buy jewelry for a total of $4.8 billion, the highest amount seen since NRF began tracking spending on Valentine’s gifts in 2010.

Additionally 37.8% will buy flowers, spending a total of $2.1 billion, and more than one-third (35.1%) will spend on plans for a special night out, including movies and restaurants, totaling $3.6 billion. Celebrants will also spend nearly $2 billion on clothing and $1.5 billion on the gift that keeps on giving: gift cards.

The survey found nine in 10 (91%) plan to treat their significant others/spouses to something special for the consumer holiday, with plans to spend an average of $87.94 on them, up from $78.09 last year. Additionally, 58.7% will spend an average of $26.26 on other family members and $6.30 on children’s classmates/teachers.

A record one in five (21.2%) say they will include Fluffy and Fido in their Valentine’s Day plans, looking to spend a mere $5.28 on average—which equates to a whopping $703 million on pint-sized gifts of all varieties.

“It’s great to see consumers coming out of their shell this year, looking to spend discretionary budgets on those they love once again, though I fully expect many to continue to look for ways to cut costs where they can,” said Prosper’s Principal Analyst Pam Goodfellow. “While many will splurge, some will still look for simple and affordable ways to show their appreciation for friends and family and celebrate in a way they are most comfortable with.”

Discount (35.2%) and department stores (36.5%) will be among the most visited locations for those looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, as will specialty stores (19.4%) and florists (18.7%). One-quarter (25.1%) say they will shop online and 13.3% will shop at a local or small business to find something unique for their loved one.

It seems women are in for the biggest treat this Valentine’s Day. Men will spend nearly double what women plan to spend ($190.53 versus $96.58 on average, respectively).  Additionally adults 25 to 34 will outspend other age groups at an average of $213.04; 35- to 44-year-olds will spend an average of $176.21 and 18- to 24-year-olds will spend an average of $168.95.

About the Survey

The NRF’s 2015 Valentine’s Day spending survey was designed to gauge consumer behavior and shopping trends related to Valentine’s Day. The survey was conducted for NRF by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The poll of 6,375 consumers was conducted from Jan. 6-13, 2015, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.3 percentage points.

Author Joel C. Rosenberg has done it again. His newest novel, The Third Target, which released only three weeks ago, has earned inclusion on every major national best sellers list, including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal, and The USA Today.

The Third Target’s inclusion on The New York Times list marks the ninth time that a Rosenberg fiction novel has made the prestigious best sellers list, in addition to five of his books making the non-fiction list.

The Third Target, a fictionalized account of a New York Times foreign correspondent learning that ISIS had captured a cache of weapons inside Syria, debuted at No. 4 on the Publishers Weekly fiction best sellers list (PW uses actual book sales per Nielsen BookScan) for the week ending Jan. 11, 2015, and cracked the top 10 again this past week at No. 10.

The Third Target’s best seller rankings on national fiction lists are as follows:

• Publishers Weekly (based on BookScan numbers):  debuted at No. 4 on Jan. 12, 2015; No. 10 on Jan. 19
• The Wall Street Journal (based on BookScan but includes children’s books): debuted at No. 6 on 1/12/2015
• The New York Times (based on its own proprietary formula): debuted at No. 14 on 1/25/2015
• The USA Today (includes non-fiction and fiction soft and hardcover): debuted at No. 21 on 1/8/2015

The sales of Rosenberg’s books were buoyed by an extensive marketing and PR campaign. Rosenberg was featured in interviews on FOX News’s “Huckabee,” CBN’s “The 700 Club,” and Sean Hannity’s nationally syndicated radio show. The book was advertised on such shows as Rush Limbaugh’s top-rated national radio show, The Drudge Report, theBlaze.com, World Net Daily, FoxNews.com, Sean Hannity, and CBN’s “The 700 Club.”

In addition to Rosenberg’s media appearances, he also spoke about the book and current events in the Middle East at the following churches: Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas; Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California; Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa in Santa Ana, California; Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas; and Calvary Baptist Church in New York, New York.

Rosenbergis the New York Times bestselling author of eight novels—The Last Jihad, The Last Days, The Ezekiel Option, The Copper Scroll, Dead Heat, The Twelfth Imam, The Tehran Initiative, and The Damascus Countdown—and five nonfiction books, Epicenter, Inside the Revolution, Implosion, Israel at War, and The Invested Life, with nearly 3 million copies sold.

The Ezekiel Option received the Gold Medallion award as the “Best Novel of 2006” from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Rosenberg is the producer of two documentary films based on his nonfiction books.