Nearing Home - A Book Review

Title:  Nearing Home Author:  Billy Graham         Dr. Graham helps us to learn how to grow old and live the years before we die.  He tells us how, looking back he can see God's hand guiding his life.  This book is well written and had me asking myself what "home " I was preparing for.  While growing might be the greatest surprise of our lives, the greatest triumph is yet to come:  experiencing victory over death that will usher us into the eternal presence of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  As Dr. Graham tells us, we may retire from our jobs, but we should not retire from life.  The truth is that we gain new experiences until the day we die.  God has a purpose for each of us, and "old age" does not exempt us from fulfilling that purpose.  Dr. Graham gives us multiple examples throughout  scripture, from the patriarchs and prophets of the Old Testamaent to the apostles and followers of Christ in the New Testament, of men and women who made a profound impact on generations that followed.     We can learn that the last chapter in life can be the best.  We are not meant to live without hope.     I found this book very comforting and informative.  I give it four stars.

The Baker's Wife - A Book Review

Title:  The Baker's Wife

Author:  Erin Healy

 

Erin Healy is a critically acclaimed, best-selling novelist and an award-winning editor for numerous best-selling authors.

 

    The "Baker's Wife" is an extremely well-written story of suspense dealing with modern problems.  It deals with family dynamics and how Christian principles might come into play.  There is much to learn from this book about how God could work.  It is entertaining as well as spell-binding.  I found it a very "easy read" and hard to put down.  Erin Healy shows us that one can write a suspenseful, entertaining story and still adhere to clean dialog and descriptions. 

    This story gives us a lesson in understanding and compassion, while showing us the risks of ignoring God's call to compassion.  The hostage situation that unfolds in the story shows how the characters gain advantage over Jack by their support of each other.  Julie shows us how compassion can be stripped away leaving a desire for inflicting pain if we are not careful. 

    There are many insightful things we can learn about ourselves from this book, and at the same time be entertained.

 

    I give this book 5 stars.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book through the booksneeze program - however, I am not required to submit a positive review.

Book Review: One Call Away

Title:  One Call Away Author:  Brenda Warner       This is a memoir taking us from 1967 thru the present time in the life of the author.     Brenda Warner is a speaker, philanthropist, and New York Times best=selling author.  She is the mother of seven children, a registered nurse, and a Marine.  But most of all, she is a storyteller who candidly shares her struggles in hopes that her life experiences can help other women.  Brenda is also Vice President of the First Things First Foundation, an organization she co-founded with her husband, NFL player Kurt Warner.     At the early age of twenty-two, she found herself living through any woman's nightmare, a healthy baby tragically injured in the bathtub, a sudden end to a career she loved; betrayal and divorce; poverty; public humiliation; a deadly natural disaster that destroyed her foundation and shook her to her core.  One shattering phone call at a time.  Brenda Warner's life came to resemble little of her dream.     Her story provides encouragement for anyone facing life's challenges and shows us that our circustances don't tell us who we are, nor are they a measure of God's love.  We all have choices to make when our plans fall apart--we can collapse in the face of tragedy or press forward and survive.  God has a plan for us, even when our plans fail.  Brenda hopes that when we get to know her, they find that they share a lot in common.  Sometimes they can relate to the adversities she has faced, the mistakes she has made, or the dreams she has for her children.  Maybe they're in a dark place and wondering if there is hope.  Maybe they're feeling weak and vulnerable and badly in need of strength.  She hopes her experiences will help them understand their own experiences, inspire them to take a next step, and give them strength to make the hard choices in their lives.     Most of all, Brenda wants us to know that we don't have to be who people say we are. . . or who we were yesterday.  We all have the ability to change and grow past our expectations and the limitations others try to impose on us.     This was a "fast" read and I could not put it down.  I give this book 5 stars.

book review: the quotable rogue

Title:  The Quotable Rogue            The Ideals of Sarah Palin In Her Own Words Edited by Matt Lewis       Matt Lewis is a writer,blogger,and commentator based in Alexandria, Virginia.  He currently serves as a senior Contributor for the Daily Caller.  A former columnist for Politics Daily, Lewis hosts The Matt Lewis Show podcast, and cohosts The Week in Blog, a weekly dialog on Bloggingheads.TV.     Previously, he served as a contributing writer and blogger for Townhall.com.  Matt has appeared on Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, and C-SPAN, as well as on numerous radio shows, including The G. Gordon Liddy Show, Lou Dobbs, and NPR's Talk of the Nation.  He has been quoted by major publications, such as the Washington Post and the New York Times, and has authored columns and blogs for diverse publications, including Politico, Human Events Online, the Daily Caller, Big Government,and Campaigns and Elections Magazine.     When republican presidential candidate John McCain stepped to the podium and introduced the then Alaska governor as his running mate, few Americans had even heard of her.  Before long she was beloved by conservatives, disdained by liberals, carefully studied by centrist independents, and dissected relentlessly by an insatiable media machine.     This book gives insight into the views of Sara Palin on such isues as abortion, the Real America, living in Alaska, on Barack Obama, economics, crime, education, faith, family, politics, the recession, Washington, etc.     We are also given a glimpse into the opinions of John McCain, People Magazine, Michael Reagan, Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, as well as family and resicents of Alaska.  Minnesote Representative Michele Bachmann in the Minnesota Daily of April 7, 2010 says of Mrs. Palin "Part of it is she's so much one of us.  As absolutely drop dead gorgeous as this woman is on the outside, I'm here to testify she's 20 times more beautiful on the inside."     After reading this book, I felt that I knew much more about this fascinating, intellegent woman.  This is a very "fast" read.  I give it 4 stars.

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Washington

Title:  Washington Author:  Paul Vickery     This book was a very interesting account of George Washington's journey from becoming the "father of our military" to becoming the "Father of our country".  I found the contrast between the military of today and the military of Washington's time fascinating.     The purpose of this volume is to examine the events that led to the transformation of George Washington from a twenty-one-year-old appointed major in the Virginia militia to the commander in chief of the American forces.  Expieriences gained during his younger days laid the groundwork--by developing the character and training the mind, even as it toughened his body--for future greatness.  His successes and failures forged the tactics and strategies that allowed his poorly fed, raggedly equipped, multicultural rabble of untrained soldiers to succeed on the battlefield.  In so doing, Washington established what became the armed forces of the United States and created a legacy for all future American leaders to follow.     Although this work is not primarily intended to emphasize the religious faith of Washington, his dependence upon and belief in the power of God is evident in his writings.  He believed himself to be, as he often said, "in the hands of good Providence."     Washington was born into a family of moderate wealth on February 11, 1732 {during his life a change in the calendar converted this to February 22, 1732} in Westmoreland County, Virginia.  He was instructed in the principles of grammer, the theory of reasoning, on speaking, the science of numbers, the elements of geometry, and the highest branches of mathematics, the art of measuring, composing together with the rudiments of geography, history and the studies which are not improperly called the humanities.  In addition, the physically imposing Washington received training in the social graces such as fencing, dancing, and riding--all of which were highly prized in southern society and all of which he excelled.      Despite its constant failings, divisions, and incompetence throughout the war, Washington had submitted himself to congreeional authority.  In so doing he establishe3d the principle of civilian control over the military.  Unlike many other nations, the United States has never seriously feared a military coup--since Washingotn.  Perhaps Jefferson leaves us with the best Eulogy for Washington:  "He was indeed in every sense of the word, a wise, a good, and a great man.  I felt on his death, with my countrymen, that, Verily a great man hath fallen this day in the house of Israel."     Paul S. Vickery is a professor of history at Oral Roberts University.  He has been involved with education for nearly forty years.     I give this book 5 stars.

Max on Life - a book review

Title:  Max on Life

Author:  Max Lucado

    This book gathers Max's responses to the most often asked questions about faith, heaven,and hell,plus dilemmas about sex, managing money,and raising kids.  There are short, practical,inspirational, and bible-based essays.Being both a pastor and a writer, Max has received more than his share of questions concerning "whys, whens, whats, and how comes."  The author begins with the first chapter called "hope" and gives us his collected thoughts an this subject all the way through to the "hereafter".  There is also an addendum for would be writers.  The addendum contains information on "how to write", "when to write," "who can publish", and who can edit".  Max Lucado doesn't pretend to give the final word on difficult issues.  He does, however, keep the reader looking toward the ONE who is the ultimate Answer to all our hows and whys and wheres and whens.

    On the subject of Hope, there are questions about "God, Grace. and 'Why am I here.'"  Max answers questions about being saved, confession, and forgiveness among other subjects that people are concerned about.

    One of the big "whys" is often about "hurt"  This is a major problem that Max discusses which includes death, disease, and injured feelings.

    Max tells us where to go for "help" be it prayer, scripture, or church.  There is help for new Christians,as well as those who are struggling through some times both financially and personally.

    There are many answers regarding "Him/Her", sex, romance, and second chances. 

    "Home" gives us diapers, disagreements, and answers the question, "any hope for prodigals?"  All these issues can be put in perspective by remembering that God is a father.

    Another struggle people have is with "Have/Have nots".  The subjects in this chapter concern work, money, and "Where's the lifeline."  Starting with unglamorous jobs and including debt Max gives us many scripture references to help us with these subjects.

    Max gives us his thoughts and understanding of scriptures concerning the "Hereafter", cemeteries, heaven, hell,and "Who goes where".

    At the end of the book is a topical index and a scripture index along with the authors notes that make using this book for a bible study very helpful.

I found this book very educational and an easy read.  I give it 5 stars. 

A Conversation With God

Title:  A Conversation With GOD Author:  Alton Gansky       Imagine being able to hear GOD speak.  Better yet, imagine being able to ask God direct questions and then listen to His response, or to pull JESUS aside to ask for some insight on pressing question.  This book is an effort to show what that might be like.  What would you ask if you could deliver your question to the Creator     Together, the publisher, the book producer, the editors, and the author have tried to create something that engages the mind and heart of any person--believer or not--who has questions about and for GOD.  Every response in this book is rooted in the Bible.  Every chapter comes with biblical references situated at the back of the book so you can read the bible verses for your self.  An effort was also made to do away with what is often called "Christianese".This book was created because life is challenging and our hearts long to understand.  There are fifty-five of life's greatest questions and answers sought about the past, the present, and the future.  These questions are answered by GOD, Jesus, and key Bible characters. `You will discover the many promises GOD has for you, including, "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."     This book was very easy to understand.  It is a wonderful book that answered some of my questions that I knew I had and some that I didn't even know I had.   I give this book 5 stars.

Same Life, New Story - A book review

Title:  Same Life, New Story

 

Author:  Jan Silvious

 

    This is a ten-week Bible study that offers women a powerful truth:  one small change can have profound effects.  With humor, vulnerability, and transparency, Jan Silvious--a professional life coach--uses a unique blend of modern-day anecdotes and biblical character stories to bring you out of the land of what is and victoriously into the land of what can be,

    Each chapter examines the life of a woman from the Bible, providing unique insights into scripture as well as questions for personal reflection and journal exercises.  Learn how to overcome the past, conquer fear, say "I can," face adversity, and harness resilience.

    This is a book about writing a new story and discovering that the authentic principal character--the hero--is you.

    This is also a story about God, the God who was "in the beginning" {Gen. 1:1}, and yet is very present in every moment of today and in all the days to come.  This is a book about how we see God's pen strokes in the chapters of our lives.

    See your story through the eyes of Naomi, Leah, Rahab, and Deborah.  Discover as Hannah, Abigail, and Elizabeth did-- the irreplaceable role that God longs to play in your life.  Learn how changing your perspective can truly change your life.

    God is waiting for you to join Him in His story.  As you catch a glimpse of what He has planned for you, I believe you will willingly pick up your pen and begin to write.  You will live the same life, but you will write a new story.

Sometimes the first chapter of a new story is also the last chapter of an old story.  They overlap, and the change from old to new is seamless when we allow God to write the transition sentence. 

    This book contains many group discussion questions for a very complete Bible study.  I give this book 5 stars.  I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson.  However, I am not required to submit a positive review.

The Jesus Inquest - by Charles Foster

I was given a copy of this book to read by the publisher, Thomas Nelson.

This a case for and against the resurrection of the Christ.
Charles Foster is a writer, barrister, tutor in medical law and ethics at the University of Oxford, and a Fellow of Green Templeton College, Oxford. He has written, edited, or contributed to over thirty books.
This book is a debate between two characters: X and Y.
X presents the non-Christian view. He presents all the positions he thinks are arguable, plus some others that are too popular to be ignored.
Y presents the Christian view. Normally he uses the same headings that X has used. When that doesn't work, he adds headings of his own.
X and Y don't disagree on everything. Sometimes, in their zeal to cover the ground comprehensively, they have deployed arguments that are inconsistent with one another.
It may be that the evidence presented in this book will be insufficient to permit any conclusion at all. This book contains many arguments and facts, but it has only skimmed the surface. Behind each of the points raised by X and Y lies a huge scholarly hinterland: a mass of journals, conference proceedings, footnotes, and debate.
By and large, even the most skeptical scholars agree that Jesus existed. Most presume that He met His death by crucifixion in more or less the way described in the Gospels.
The battle lines are clearly drawn along five fronts: explanations for the empty tomb, the positive assertions about the Jesus family tomb, the evidence about post-resurrection appearances, the evidence for early belief in the "physical" resurrection of Jesus, and the influence on the development of the resurrection story of other "dying and rising gods" stories.
After all is said and done, one still has to ask, "How did the disciples come to believe that the man Jesus was the first one to emerge so shockingly from the grave?" For rightly or wrongly, they certainly seem to have believed it.
I found this book to be written in a very technical manner. In my opinion it is too difficult to understand in many areas to hold the interest of the average reader. It would probably be of more interest to a biblical scolar. I would give this book 2 stars.

The Power Driven Life

I received a free copy of the book, The Power Based Life, to review for the publisher, Thomas Nelson.  I am not required to give a positive review.

This is a review for the book - written by Mike Flynt.

Mike received national attention by being the oldest contributing member of a college football team in NCAA history.  He was a college football player turned insurance salesman.

The Power-Based Life was developed out of Mike’s desire to help others discover who God created them to be, and consequently, the work they were designed to do.  Mike explains through heartfelt personal accounts, notable sports stories, and biblical references, a power base is the center of personal strength used to meet challenges that, once discovered and maximized, will lead to a more significant, satisfying, and successful life.

He offers twelve strategies designed to tap into your specific points of personal strength, such as Cultivate a Winning Attitude, Defy the Skeptics, and Practice Radical Mercy.  These principles empower you to rise above life’s challenges and identify and embrace your goals and dreams.

We must never consider ourselves above accountability.  With no one to pray for us and to provide “tough love” where necessary, we are far more likely to fall into temptation.  We need the crucial added perspective in decision making.  The Quakers have an interesting tradition in this regard.  When a leader has a momentous decision to make, he or she will call on a “clearness committee” of about a dozen close friends.  They won’t give advice, instead, they will spend three hours asking challenging questions that help the person objectively clarify the wisest decision.  In the early Methodist movement John Wesley did something similar.  He called the practice “watching over one another in love.”  We all need both a Paul and a Timothy—that is, an older mentor to counsel us and a younger friend to counsel.