In Swimming Upstream, Christine Roush offers her story as one who earns and spends money as the typical canvas on which so many families paint their lives. As she grows in her understanding and fiscal discipline, she learns that the apostle Paul's invitation to not be conformed to the pattern of this world any longer is an invitation for all followers of Jesus to begin swimming against the currents of our consumer culture. Christine invites the reader to join her swim team. Chris fills the pages with stories from her own life and those offered by friends, thoughtful questions, and resources for further information. In a time of economic downturn her book offers hope. In a time of prosperity her book reminds the reader of what really matters. "I am becoming convinced that not only does the broad concept of stewardship need to be restored in the church, but that the practice of biblical stewardship in this consumer society is essential to healthy spiritual formation. Chris's book is an important step towards learning to be faithful Christ-followers in our day and time. Don't be deceived by the friendly and approachable nature of this text; it is rooted in excellent research. It has been a privilege to journey with Chris in the preparation of this study. My prayer is that the hard work represented in these words bears fruit for the Church and God's kingdom." - Dr Daniel L Brunner Professor of Christian History and Formation George Fox Evangelical Seminary "Chris asks those questions we all think about as we go through life's journey and helps us see what scripture and life have to teach us about stewardship. Good Stuff!" -Robert J. Crandall, CFRE I challenge you to find a more timely book than this one. As the collapse of Wall Street on 09/08 proved, the god of the market is not only a false god. The god of the market is now dead. Read here why, and what we can do to worship the one and only true God. -Leonard Sweet, Drew University, George Fox University, sermons.com. In Swimming Upstream, Chris Roush bares her heart, mind, and soul as she describes the anxiety and personal struggles that accompanied her and her family as they were swept downstream by the relentless forces of American consumerism. . . . The book points to an alternative way-a way to move from anxiety and greed to divine abundance, which, for Chris, is epitomized in Romans 12:1-2. It is the road of Christian discipleship. -Dr. Ronald E. Vallet, executive director (retired) Ecumenical Stewardship Center "Reading Chris' story led me to retrace much of my own personal history and coming to terms with how to swim against the Consumer culture. Anyone wanting their household to be a legacy for the kingdom of God benefits from time spent with this book." -mark l. vincent, Ph.D. CEO/Design Group International