The Academy of Cybertoria

2012-01-27T00:30:00.000-08:00

I thought I was in for another sleepness night- exausted, yet unable to sleep- filled with self pity, grief and anxiety. It certainly looked like it was going to be another long night- to top off my days of worry and anxiety...lots of loose ends, pressed for time, and not enough hours in the day to do what I need. I've been a bundle of high strung emotions and complaints. Grief counseling was suggested, and an unfilled RX sits somewhere in the stack of unfiled papers on my desk. These days I go to bed after dinnertime, wake at 12am or so and am up until morning. Around 5am I am finally able to sleep but by then it is time for work- a new day! I find that I must trudge through the day exhausted and drained. My relationships suffer- I am not the easiest person to be around anymore. I've think I've lost interest in some of my usual hobbies- writing, and reading, for example. In my kitchen I still have a stash of goodies from Christmas-cookies, chocolate and gourmet popcorn- all untouched! In a former lifetime the entire load would have been eaten in two days. My mouth is always dry, sticky, parched; my tongue swollen- yet I am too lazy to even get up and get a glass of water. My toothbrush gathers dust. I feel drained of energy. The pressures of life: work and health issues- life in general- are overwhelming.

As I said, I thought I was in for another long, sleepless night. In my despair and self pity there was nothing more I could do but to pray. And then suddenly from no where I felt a bit of hope, and peace and thankfulness. God did not take away my problems-they are still there. But, sometimes God's answer to our requests and problems is simply "no", yet I was offered spiritual strength and peace. It is through trials and storms we gain spiritual strength and the ability to persevere. I've been shortsited- overcome in my own personal grief and anxiety. Paul had the thorn in his side, that God chose not to take away and in his weakness he found strength. When Jesus pleaded with God in Gethemane to take away his cup of suffering he was given strength and peace to proclaim, "not my will, but yours." I have the spiritual strength to go on another day, and the peace to lay aside my worry and anxiety. God has the power to grant hope and change lives- God has been there for me in the past to pull me through and will do so now.

I am Second by By Dave Sterrett and Doug Bender, Forward by Colt McCoy

2012-01-19T07:01:00.000-08:00

I am Second:Real Stories. Changing Lives. by By Dave Sterrett and Doug Bender, Forward by Colt McCoy is an inspirational new book containing short stories of real people who turned to faith in God to overcome issues such as addiction, terminal illness, injuries, crime, poverty and other challenges. These short stories tell the true details of people who overcame the odds through faith in God and prevailed spiritually. This inspiring book has a story that many readers can relate to: poverty, crime, greed, addictions, terminal cancer and depression. These stories depict true suffering and true struggles and how ordinary people overcame through faith in Jesus which is available to all who believe. For example, the story of a young woman who survived a shark attack and an amputation is featured. Rather than give up, she persevered through faith and continued with her desire to surf. Another woman faced terminal cancer. Although there are no guarentees of a permanent cure, she is in remission, yet is prepared for the day when the cancer returns with full force. Another man, a minister of a church faught with concealing his addiction to pornography and another couple faced the after affects of an affair. A single mother had to overcome poverty, and had to suffer the pain of watching her son go hungry. Yet, these people faced their crisis and temptations with faith. And through the struggle found peace in faith.

With this book is a full color insert featuring artistically posed photographs of the people whose stories are features as well as dramatic black and whote photos. With each story, is a picture of the subject individual. In many cases there is minimal effort to disguise the personal characteristic features, rather than conceal, they are highlighted. For example, no attempt is made to conceal the wrinkled, stump of the young woman's amputated arm in the pohotographs, and in another, each and every tatoo of a man's covered body is visible. Some of the individuals are presented in a pensive, reflexive posture- as a tribute to the pain and tough choices they have faced. Others are depicted with proud and triumphant smiles and postures as a testament to what they have overcome. There is great attention to the photography art included in the book- which will serve to make the book more appealing to modern readers. After each story, is a link where the reader can find more inspirational stories. The links allow the reader to interact with the stories over the internet. Also, the message of salvation is not neglected in this book. Any reader who finishes this book- cover to cover will get the good news of the gospel. In a world full of selfish ambition, competion, and the divination of the self, this book teaches that we are truly second, to God who is first- and in that fact we may rejoice and find peace. As a blogger for booksneeze, I recieved this book from Thomas Nelson for the purpose of writing this review.

365 Mornings with Jesus

2012-01-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

365 Mornings with Jesus, a daily devotional book for 2012, is written especially for women by a team of inspirtational Christian women. This book contains one short themed daily devotional based on a different bible verse for each day. Each devotion is written by one of the team of inspritional writers who draw upon their experiences of motherhood and marriage and apply them to eternal biblical principles. It will bring inspiration to many young moms, stressed out from the pressures of motherhood and homemaking to see how their experiences can actually apply to the bible. For a typical carefree mother who faces the ordinary challanges presented by motherhood, this book is certain to provide relevant inspiration.

For those women readers who are not young moms, it may be difficult to relate to the number of motherhood related anecdotes and themes. There is an overwhelming number of children themed anecdotes that women who are either not mothers whether by choice or circumstance, will find difficult to relate to. Unless they are young married mothers, I believe that many readers will feel that this book is simply not relevant to their season in life. This lighthearted devotional may not provide the relief and comfort that so many readers may need when going through serious life challanges such as terminal or chronic illness, loss & grief, unemployment or depression. Rather, this devotional may even further the grief, isolation and dissatisfaction that women may harbor in less than ideal life circumstances. Furthermore, the teachings are relatively passive, as indicate in one of the early January devotionals explaining that sins will happen in a passive manner using an analogy of a leaf passively floating in a river, following the current. It seems to imply that faith consists of passively letting life happen, regardless of our duty to make difficult choices, and then simply to persevere, accept forgiveness and move on. There is very little focus on the biblical concepts of guilt which lead to repentance.

There is certainly nothing wrong with drawing from personal experiences of motherhood and marriage when writing a devotional- it can be quite effective as an outreach method for a target audience- namely young moms. In fact, Jesus used personalized circumstances tailored to his audience when he taugh in parables- using analogies with fishing, farming, finance and even parenthood. Yet, the parables were varied and intended for a wide audience, while these devotions are best suited to a targeted readership. This devotional is best described as a good introduction to Christian devotionals for the young mother in that it introduces biblical concepts in an easily digestible, non threatening manner to new believers. Personally I feel this book should have a sub-title such as "Daily Inspiration for Mothers", for the sake of full disclosure. As a blogger for Litfuse publicity group I recieved this book by Guidepost publishers for the purpose of writing this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The World of Animals

2012-01-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

World of Animals - Fascinating facts about the world of animals published by Master Books, is a fully illustrated, exhaustive fact filled book of Animals for students. The quality presentation of this book rivals that of many popular science themed books for children. From the cover that features a holographic image of a tiger that changes when you reposition the angle of the book, to the graphics, photos and text- this book is sure to capture the attention of any young reader interested in science and animals.

The beginning of the book features an introduction about the oprigin of animals in general, based on the biblical creation account of genesis. The book is further divided by chapters based on the complexity of the organism and animal, starting with simple animals in chapter one which features a suprising and diverse array of both well known and lesser known unique creatures. Even though this book is intended for students and children in general, I found many chapters of this book very informative and thorough. The format and layout of the book presents the animal kingdom in such a way as to give the larger picture to the reader. Animals are not listed in a haphazard alphabetical format which makes no scientifc fact, but rather they are organised based on complexity, species and habitat. I don't think a better presentation or arrangement could be made.

The title in of itself is rather broad- including a variety of animals grouped by species. This book, although not a scholary text book, provides a well rounded background for Animals- superior to that of a text book. The superior organization and presentation of this book of animals rivals the quality of any animal encyclopedia. Basically no living creature is left out, from the floating portists, mosss and fungi to the comples antelope and elephant. Presenting science and the study of animal life in such an appealing format makes is more obtainable for students in general. The format and presentation of this book makes the study of animals comprehensive. As a blogger for New Leaf publishers I recieved this book, published by Master Books for the purpose of writing this review.

World of Science

2012-01-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

World of Science- Fascinating facts about the world of science published by Master Books, is a fully illustrated book of popular science for students. The quality presentation of this book rivals that of many popular science themed books for children. From the cover that features a holographic image of an atom that changes when you reposition the angle of the book, to the graphics, photos and text- this book is sure to capture the attention of any young reader interested in science.

The title in of itself is rather broad- including a variety of science related topics ranging from chemistry, physics, geology and space. The final section inmcludes hands on experiements for readers to perform, suitable for the classroom or home. Concepts such as atoms, energy, electricity and climate are briefly discussed and simplified for the young school-aged reader. Complex subjects are made simple to understand and are followed up with photographs, color illustrations and charts. This book, although not a scholary text book, provides a well rounded background for science. Presenting science in such an appealing format makes is more obtainable for students in general. As a blogger for New Leaf publishers I recieved this book, published by Master Books for the purpose of writing this review.

AB4T- Answer Book For Teens by Bodie Hodge, Tommy Mitchell with Ken Ham

2012-01-07T10:15:00.000-08:00

AB4T- Answer Book For Teens: Your Questions God's Answers by Bodie Hodge, Tommy Mitchell with Ken Ham is unique, graphic apologetics book written for teenaged readers. The appealing modern color graphics, and computer- photoshop styled art is enough to compete with popular teen magazines and draw the attention of teenaged readers. Yet beneath the modern illustrated appearance is an indepth look at biblical principals and theology written in simplified language for a young reader.

Fifteen common, yet crucial questions about faith and the bible are addressed, ranging in various topics such as evolution, natural disasters, philosophy and morals. More specifically, satisfying and complete answers are provided for timely scientific questions such as the validity of evolution, the time fram of dinosours, the myths of dragons, as well as the theories of the age of the earth. Such issues in particular are important to teenagers who take science classes in highschool. I believe even college aged science students would even benefit from the scientific chapters contained. The introduction includes a words list defining the concepts discussed in the book.

One issue that I was concerned with was the interpretation of a popular passage in Romans that explains that there are those who have the truth written on their hearts even apart from direct tradition of the judeo- Christian revelation. This refers to the fact that some who have not been formally taught the truths of good inherently know the truths based on the glory of God's ever present creation. Yet, this book reinterprets this passage loosely to refer to all unbelievers and athiests as a whole when they accept certain judeo- christian traditions such as marriage and the concept of wearing clothing. While this is an interesting application of this passage, I don't believe this was Paul's intent when he actually wrote the letter. Other than this issue of interpretation,. as a whole, the explanations in the book are true to bibloical teaching as intended.

In a culture dominated by sub standard mass media, and magazines which serve to shape the impresssionable minds and morals of teenagers, finanally a publication is made to appeal to this target audience. In contrast to a bare bones text based book on CS Lewis, Aquinas or Augustine apologetics, this book captures the main themes in a repackaged, modern format that is easily digested by young readers. As a blogger for New Leaf Publishers I recieved this book published by Master Books for the purpose of review.

101 Bible Adventures by Carolyn Larsen

2012-01-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

101 Bible Adventures- The Ultimate Quest for Truth featuring the New Living Translation, by Carolyn Larsen is a new book of bible stories made just for children. In contrast to traditional bibles, each bible story featured has its own illustrated cartoon similar to the style of the cartoons one might see in the cartoon pages of the Sunday newspaper. Additionally, helpful side bars of information are also included. The cartoons each have a clever caption that might be better appreciated by older children. For example in the story "A Test for Abraham", the cartoon depicts a very worried looking son- dripping with beads of sweat- Isaiah, tied to a log with an equally concerned Abraham. The bottom caption states, "That was just a little too close".

Each story has a brief summary section titles "What's up", as well as the corresponding bible passage reference. A key verse, featuring the New Living Translation is featured next to a key icon. The "now What?" side bar explains the significance and meaning of the particular story. The two-tone pages and bold grapohics make the text easy for school aged readers to read as well.

101 stories taken from the Old and New testaments of the bible are featured in chronological order. The stories are short and simple to hold the attention of a young reader. As a blogger for Tyndale, I recieved this book published by Tyndale Kids publishers for the purpose of writing this review. I believe this book makes a great alternative to the traditional children's bible and is perfect for school aged readers.

The Essential Guide to Healing by Bill Johnson and Randy Clark

2012-01-01T07:28:00.000-08:00

The Essential Guide to Healing: Equipping All Christians to Pray for the Sick by Bill Johnson and Randy Clark is a specialized book targeted to those Christians who believe in the existence of the literal gift of physical healing. In fact, for those who believe that physical healing is a gift, this is an extensive how to guide to prayer and healing. Literal modern day spiritual gifts is one of those internal issues that have the potential to cause such controversy as to cause divisions within the church as well as subdivisions, sects and cults. After all, it is often fights over secondary issues such as this which cause splinter groups and numerous different denominations in the first place.

Basically those who believe in physical lietral healing are generally those same individuals who believe that talking in tongues, a.k.a "angel language" is an actual gift of the Holy Spirit that is common place today. Nevertheless, this book is not a defense of spiritual gifts in general and it focuses specifically on the alleged gift of physical healing.

The intense focus on physical healing as a gift of the Holy Spirit comes at a great cost. basically it dismisses the purpose of pain and the possibility that God uses pain and suffering for the greater glory. Pain and suffering are a fact of life, and it does has its purpose. While it is true that Jesus physically healed the sick, it was not the focus of his ministry. Rather the purpose of the healing was in order to give glory to God's name while he was present. In the ancient church this gift served the apostles well in fascilitating the growth of faith at a time when physical signs and proofs were most needed. But as as Paul stated in the book of Corinthians we have the word of God as a testament and that certain gifts will eventually pass away.

This book promotes important concepts such as helping others and focusing others- something that all Christians are called to do. Prayer is important, but sometimes we just simply don't get physical healing but rather and more importantly, spiritual healing and peace. For those readers who wish to learn more about the point of view of the concept of literal physical healing, this book is very thorough. The authors include a very good and detailed history of the issue of the healing debate and its origins.This book covers the growth of the controversy concerning spiritual gifts and its stem from the protestant and Roman Catholic churches. For any student or reader interested in the history of thology and the history of denominations, from the point of the spiritual gift controversy, this book is very informative. As a blogger I receieved this book from Chosen publishers, a division of Baker publishing group for the purpose of writing this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Promise of Provision by Derek Prince

2012-01-01T07:06:00.000-08:00

The new book, The Promise of Provision by Derek Prince serves to justify financial wealth. At times, this book appears to be self serving in its defence of financial wealth and proseperity. The author considers financial poverty to be a curse, rather than a blessing, explaining that the abundance life and wealth refer to financial and material abundance, and not simply spiritual abundance.

It goes without saying that there are numerous occasions that the bible tells us to store treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Nevertheless, this book goes through great lengths to redefine wealth and richness as literal richness and that poverty refers not to spiritual lack, but physical lack. This controversal book redefines many biblical terms and expressions to refer to the material sense rather than the spiritual sense. In the end, it seems this book is a justification for those who have material wealth and resources.

Regardless, this book does make a good point- and that point is this: with material abundance comes responsability to share and help the less fortunate as well as the church. In of itself, some readers may see this as a self serving statement in that wealthy Christians should be justified and encouraged so that they may don ate to chruches. Another interesting segment of this book is its discussion of generalational curses. Based on observation there is some validity to the fact that poverty, emotional illness, and health issues seem to span over generations. but the danger of this line of thinking is that it may be taken to the extreme in the belief that all sufferering: physical, financial and emotional is the result of sin. This is not always the case when one considers Jesus' words in the new testament when he explains that a man had a certain illness for the glory of God. This books dismisses the divine purpose of pain and suffering. This book most likely will serve to perpetuate the negative stereotypes of the poor and sick, rather than giving those who suffer the biblical and spiritual strength to persevere. I'd suggest that any reader who wants a balanced persepective on God's provision, would do better to read the words of scripture than this interpretation whichserves to "tickle the ears" of those advantaged readers who seek to justify their wealth and prosperity. As a blogger I receieved this book from Chosen publishers, a dividion of Baker publishing group, for the purpose of writing this review. My opinions are my own.

Alienation by Jon S. Lewis

2011-12-28T06:08:00.000-08:00

Alienation by Jon S. Lewis is the second novel in the new young adult fictional C.H.A.O.S. trilogy series. In light of the popular culture topic of alien invasions seen in countless movies and new TV series, this timely book is sure to appeal to young audiences. This book is second in ther series, so obviously reader will probably get the most out of this work if they had read the first novel. The science fiction plot will certainly hold the attention of teenaged readers. The chapters are short and simple. The youing teenage hero of the story is involved in a conspiracy involving the government and aliens. He must follow his destiny and save the world.

This book integrates the popular genre of the comic book- novel hybrid. Before the first chapter begins, there is a comic book excerpt- with authentic vintage styled text and cartoons. At the end of the book, a "Classified Top Secret" report is contained- a virtual "Digital Sketchbook" of characters drawn on an iphone background to simulate an electronic database.

As a blogger for booksneeze I recieved this book for the purpose of writing this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Enter to WIN a NLT bible

2011-12-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

Enter to WIN a NLT bible --- Enter Here

The Old Library

2011-12-06T07:18:00.001-08:00

based on a re-occurring dream

I find myself following a desolate winding dirt pathway across the desert plains region. Blinded by the scorching mid-day sun, somehow, I trudge my way along the path as if by auto-pilot. It is unknown how I actually find my way when I suddenly arrive at a large, spacious, empty, utilitarian multi- platform lobby. There is no entrance, nor door- it is as if I simply find myself placed there. Dreary, faded red commercial carpet at my feet, and above me, sterile, indistinct white walls and ceiling cannot be distinguished from the bright sky above. With a sense of urgency, I am drawn with a single mindedness to the worn, carpet covered stairs- the only visual landmark: quickly I walk up several winding levels.

Finally at the end, I reach gymnasium styled double doors as if approaching a large gym or school cafeteria. I push open the doors to find I am close to my destination: a stark contrast to the spacious, airy lobby- a dim, gloomy, cavernous library with multiple levels awaits me. I am greeted by the scent of freshly uprooted soil, and old books. Even though it is damp, and musty, it is an inviting and comforting, nonetheless. This unusual space is best described as a hybrid of an old forest, with old, twisted trees and scattered remains and relics. Dark, large antique book shelves loom above, crammed with old volumes. Dusty, long oblong boxes, rest undisturbed, in various nooks and crevices. Bookshelves, and relics and picturesque stonework are haphazardly scattered, as well as discarded, wilted, and dry roses. The neglected, old library is overgrown with soft green moss, and climbing vines. Grasping the cool, pointed, black, iron rails, I run up three levels, bypassing the first two levels without even a glance, as I know my time is limited. Oblivious to the beautifully crafted stone monuments, as soon as I reach the top of the platform, I turn to the left, to reach a small, dark, cool, encased, attic-like space and and my hurried quest is complete. Physically drained, and tired, I slip down to the ground, slumped against a cool corner, to rest for a moment, quite comfortably, in fact, not a care or concern in the world, peacefully thinking that I wish I could stay undisturbed, for a little while longer.

Healing is a Choice by Stephen Arterburn

2011-12-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

Healing is a Choice by Stephen Arterburn is a lifechanging book based on biblical teaching to help the reader address and face the tragedies in life. The author's premise is that if painful memories and experiences are left untreated or buried in the mind, that they resurface later in the form of deprerssion chronic illness or mental illness. This is not simply a secular self help book, but rather a spiritual book based on biblical teaching. This book is a sombering wake- up call, as the author warns that the sick mind is usually not capable of healing itself on its own without outside help. After each chapter is a work book or study guide to allow the reader to take a guided tour through the healing process. This author has a good insight to the purposes of pain and depression and states that depression is a sign that should not be ignored or medicated away, but rather a sign that something needs to be addressed. This book alsoteaches personal responsability for one's actions and feelings- not excuses.

In large part, I did agree with the book and its methods to help the reader overcome his or her pain. The author himself experienced a difficult and a public divorce that threatened his ministry career. He included an honest analysis of his own avoidance and dissconnection relationship issues. Nevertheless, his "faults"based on his self- accessment, seemed mild and at times self serving. Yet the author maintained a rigid adherence to certain ideas. I believe there was an undue focus on one's past. It almost seemed as if this could perpetuate a morbid fascination with digging up the past and ruminating on past events or past hurts. If somethong has been buried in the subconscious mind, that it is a survival technique and perhaps it ois best to leave it be then allow it to resurface. The mind and spirit have an amazing ability to heal and forgetting or burying the past (such as traumatic and painful events) are part of the healing process and coping mechanisms. Why go through such lengths to undue the work of the mind with an unnatural expedition into one's past? I also believe that Christian counseling (or any counseling for that matter) isn't always available and financially prohbitive for many people who struggle financially. In an ideal world everyone would get help for their issues, but this isn't an ideal world. Even if one has health insurance, the copays for counseling visits add up- especially ongoing visits. If therapy continues for an indefinate amount of time, the money expense is significant. On pages206-207 the author has a disclaimer warning the reader not to simply read the books and attemp self healing, but that outside help and counseling is essential- and that the reader may do more harm than good in attempting to help himself without the services of a professional counselor or clergy. As a blogger for Thomas Nelson publishesr I recieved this book for the purpose of writing this review.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/healing-is-a-choice-stephen-arterburn/1102008043?ean=9780785232438&itm=1&usri=healing+is+a+choice

So sick of the Holiday Greed :( :(

2011-11-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

"Every who down in who-ville, teh tall and the small was singing! Without any presents at all. Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas means a little bit more"-
from How The Grinch Stole Christmas

It is that time of year again, when so many people use the birth of Jesus to justify greed. I am so sick of hearing about "black Friday" and how commonplace it has become that most people think nothing of spending so much money- even so called "Christians". Many even flaunt about it and brag about their financial ability to spend. Hundreds and maybe even thousands of dollars are spent by the every day consumer to purchase electronics, clothing, accessories and other things- all of this in the name of the "Christmas Spirit". -Not to mention that it is already common place for the average American to think nothing of spending hundreds of dollars on a coach bag, Ugg boots, iphones, manicures, frivolous vacations, dinners out and clothes. Society centers around greed, materialism and competition.

If you can look past the amateurish quality of the following you tube video (See the link), a good point is made about how many people complain about not having enough without regard to those who do not even have basic neccessities such as food or clothing. Many don't have the luxury to worry about which iphone or tablet to buy. They don't care about a $600 coach bag or coach shoes, when they do not even have food to feed their children. How insignificant and petty and greedy are our shopping habits when compared to the suffering and lack of so many.
VIDEO (click link below)
Poor Vs Rich

How ironic that a secular children's writer, Dr Seuss summed the true spirit of Christmas: "Every who down in who-ville, teh tall and the small was singing! Without any presents at all. Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas means a little bit more"- from How The Grinch Stole Christmas.---all the while the rest of us "Christians" do our share of promtoting materialism and greed at not only holiday time but all year round.

Black Friday GREED!!!!!

Night of the Living Dead Christian by Matt Mikalatos

2011-11-22T04:25:00.001-08:00

Night of the Living Dead Christian, by Matt Mikalatos is a hybrid between a horror satire and a book on biblical spirituality. Don't be fooled by the comic book styled graphics on the cover, and its bright green block letters and cartoon zombies- this book has a relevant message for young and old alike- as well as secular and religious readers. Underneath the satire and humor, the author presents a sombering message about hypocricy and divisions among so called Christians and churches.

These days, I don't know who hasn't hasn't heard of zombies- they are the subject of many horror movies, TV shows, and apparently Christian literature as well. Yet, the analogy between zombies, warewolves, vampires and other monsters is obvious, even though it has been overlooked! Really, this books asserts that people are in fact no different from the personification of a warewolf, zombie or other horrible creature- the undead- physically alive,technically, yet dead, spiritually- alive in the form of a body, breathing, walking, existing- yet dead in spirit. Yet in an ironic twist, the self- aware, humble warewolf hero, is portrayed as more human, and more honest than the typical, hypocritical, self professed Christians that are so common.Mikalatos basically sums up Paul’s new testament teaching on false teachings, hypocrisy and faith without specifically referencing Paul’s letters. Even Paul in his New Testament letters points out that Christians often are their own worst enemy in turning other people away from God. Simply read through the vices of the unsaved. The analogy and correlation between those who are unsaved with zombies and warewolves makes a sense- and it is in a format that can be easily understood and enjoyed by Christians and secular readers, as well as older and younger readers alike.

"As for you, don't you remember how you used to exist? Corpses, dead in life, buried by transgressions, wandering the course of this perverse world. You were the offspring of the prince of the power of the air- oh, how he owned you, just as he still controls those living in disobediance. I'm not talking about outsiders alone; we were all guilty of falling headlong for the persuasive passions of this world; we all have had our fill of indulging the flesh and mind, obeying impulses to follow perverse thoughts motivated by dark powers. as a result, our natural inclinations led us to be children of wrath, just like the rest of human kind." Ephesians 2: 1-3 (the Voice NT

Matt Mikalatos challenges some common misconceptions that many readers may have about the concept of Christianity through the story of an enlightened warewolf in the midst of a spiritual battle. The warewolf, seeking relief, has amazing insight and clarity that one would not expect to see from such an untamed, wild creature. The warewold himself is the one who points out the sobering reality that many who claim to be Christian, aren’t really Christian on page 53 when he states “If claiming to be a Christian meant personal transformation, our world would be a far different place. As it is I know far too many Christians who are worse men as Christians then they were as pagans”. It also is pointed out that many religious churches and institutions are really impediments to true faith. For example, he challenges the notion that just because one says he or she is a Christian doesn’t mean that they are. He points out the divisive and cultic nature of some well known denominations and contrasts them with the true spirituality of the bible. He makes fun of those bookworms, who hide behind complicated theology and thick, expensive study bibles, pointing out how works and appearances are not enough to save. At one point, Matt adresses the controversy over translations- literal vs paraphrase, when Matt and the warewolf are arguing over what translations is best. During the debate, they are adminished by another character, Hibbs, who states "The fact is, all those translations are the scriptures. They have different styles and different purposes.....you should stop fighting over translations so much that itprevents you from reading the scriptures." page 179.
Another popular cultural icon, the vampire, (especially in light of the Twilight series), is used as another analogy in this story. Mikalatos challanges the romantic notion of the vampire and portrays the concept of the vampire for what it actually is- the representation and personification of selfish greed and ambition at the expense of others. Using a fictional vampire named Lara, to communicate the truth of the human condition, vampires are redifined as not only fictional, yet literal creatures that such blood, but as anyone who profits or gains through the manipulation of others. "You don't have to suck blood to be a vampire", she explains on page 140. "It's a question of selfishness, of putting yourself and your needs ahead of people around you." Based on that definition of vampire, then most people today can consider themselves to be vampire-like. The theme of monsters, zombies and warewolves is simply a platform that the author uses to communicate the problems that are wrong with luke- warm, modern Christianity and churches, and people in general for that matter. The quest to save a warewolf, mirrors the quest to save people- or all of us- from false, hypocritical and ineffective religion in favor of the true salvation offered by the good news of the gospel message.

The book itself includes many added bonuses: an author interview, discussion guide and even a mini handbook to the various monsters and undead creatures. The rejected titles included at the back of the book is entertaining in of itself. The monster handbook, titled, “Are You a Monster: A Layman’s Guide to Common Monstrosities”, lists some creatures such as warewolves, Vampires and Zombies. It also adds mummies, which according to the guide, are normally found in their habitats which include long established ministries. Which of course is a reference to hypocritical, ineffective and rigid religion which bears little resemblance to the biblical truth of the gospel message. This book is sure to appeal to a wide audience, and it is a unique format for outreach to may who would not normally read a spiritual book.

As a blogger for Tyndale publishers I received this book for the purpose of writing this review.

If you enjoyed this review, or if you would like more information, you may wish to visit the following sites:

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My story.....
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SPECIAL GIVEAWAY- Please comment on this review. A random winner's comment will be chosen to win a certificate for a copy of Matt's book. If chosen, you will be contacted.

Saved from death

2011-11-21T04:55:00.000-08:00

This describes me- a passage from Ephesions, a new testament book written by Paul, the apostle, "As for you, don't you remember how you used to exist? Corpses, dead in life, buried by transgressions, wandering the course of this perverse world. You were the offspring of the prince of the power of the air- oh, how he owned you, just as he still controls those living in disobediance. I'm not talking about outsiders alone; we were all guilty of falling headlong for the persuasive passions of this world; we all have had our fill of indulging the flesh and mind, obeying impulses to follow perverse thoughts motivated by dark powers. as a result, our natural inclinations led us to be children of wrath, just like the rest of human kind." Ephesians 2: 1-3 (the Voice NT). Everyone has heard of Zombies- the living dead. A body, reanimated, disgusting, grotesque and barbaric- alive yet devoid of the essential part that makes us human. I don't know who hasn't hasn't heard of zombies- they are the subject of many horror movies. At one time in my life I really was no different from the personification of a zombie- the undead- physically alive,technically, yet dead, spiritually- alive in the form of a body, breathing, walking, existing- yet dead in spirit. I had the appearance of physical life, that is true, but I was dead in all that really mattered.

Even though the actual story begins when I was very young, with the memory of my earliest of memories, for the sake of time I will fast forward to the day when I made an important decision that changed my life. That day started like any other day. There were no distinct weather conditions, special holidays, anniversaries or achievements to mark the date. In fact the particular calendar day was so insignificant that I no longer remember the date or even the exact year for that matter. It had never crossed my mind to record the date. Yet, the significance of that decision cannot be measured.

Some minimal background is required to understand the change that resulted from that important decision. Like countless others, I too had some difficult and awkward years when I was young. I did not grow up with the burden of any extraordinary impairments or circumstances. I did not have any unusual traumatic events. I was not tortured nor was I abused. Never did I go to bed hungry, not did I have to live in a shack. No PTSD memories linger to haunt me. But I did have some physical and emotional impediments which became more pronounced as I grew older. The events of my life in of themselves were neither memorable nor significant. I had three sisters who kept to themselves and two parents: my mother, nevertheless was not always around when I was young- but that was ok.

When I was really young, I was always a bit antisocial and distant from the other children. During my teenaged years, my physical and emotional deficits became more pronounced at a most inopportune time of life when appearance and social skills are paramount for normal positive social interaction. As I matured, my appearance shamed and I was distanced from the other girls my age. My physical appearance embarrassed me to such an extent that I lived in a constant state of abject discomfort and anxiety that someone would tease me. Graceless, indelicate and overgrown, I was isolated and frequently tormented by my peers. I was made fun of, humiliated and embarrassed. I was ignorant concerning the normal common social, health and hygiene knowledge that so many people take for granted. While the other girls engaged in sports, went to dances, took home economics and health class, I avoided these activities with the understanding that I would have no use for such skills which would most certainly never be put into the context of which they were intended. I lacked friends and was very lonely as a result of my physical appearance which was not considered to be even within the normal standards. I eventually reconciled myself to my fate, as well as my physical state. I did not have any hope for a better future. When I was very young, I was brought to therapists to “correct” my issues- to no avail. Attempts at brainwashing me to normalcy failed- retreats failed, counseling failed as well as writing those daily, laborious, repetitive positive affirmations in the spiral bound notebook that I was forced to do. Inside I had the same wants, goals and dreams as any other teenaged girl. Yet these were unattainable. While these problems may pale in comparison to the world’s social injustices and inequities, this was my life and my world! It was all that mattered to me at the time in my own selfish, self- centered world.

Outside I was quiet, yet within I was sad, angry, bitter and jealous. I was shy and lacked confidence and self esteem. I withdrew inward. Every night I would cry myself to sleep. . I could pass half the night awake in bed feeling sorry for myself. Sometimes I played out long scenarios of suicide despite the fact that I was too much of a coward for that. Imaginary scenarios of revenge and justice helped me fall asleep. In my dreams I lived out detailed fantasies of revenge and redemption- that is, of course- when I finally was able to sleep. I had a fear of death- not of my own but of my family. This extreme fear of others dying, made it very difficult for me to sleep. I specifically feared that my Dad would die. He had been hospitalized and had seizures, but no known diagnosis. I lived with a sick sense of dread and impending doom every night for years! In fact I would leave my bedroom sometime during the night and go out to the couch. I could barely even walk past the hall to go to the bathroom without having an intense fear of impending death. I hate nightmares often about death. I often wished my mother or older sisters were around so I didn’t have to face this fear alone. My only prayers were prayers that I would die peacefully in my sleep and never wake up. I didn’t fear my own death, however. I welcomed it. I doubted that even God existed because if He really did, I was sure that I had been abandoned by God. I wondered why I of all people deserved to have been singled out by my peers to endure such misery and frustration.

During the daytime I was withdrawn and anxious. I did not watch tv. I did not listen to music. I engaged in solitary activities: reading, writing, drawing and playing with dolls. I would clean and organize my room and my books and my dolls and my various collections. I had many collections: rocks, stickers, stamps, petrified/ shellacked hermit crabs….. All these things were my expressive outlet- especially writing. I could spend hours, and even an entire night simply writing- filling entire notebooks within a few short hours! This was the age before computers- so I would write and write and write until my fingers were red and callused and sore. I had to finish, I could not leave a piece of work unfinished! Oh, how I lived my life in my room. I lived out my dreams- reenacting a perfect world, and fulfilling my wishes for revenge and my dreams. All those little tiny people represented real people. I created a miniature replica of a town, filled with homes and schools, stores and people. After school from the time I was eight throughout high school, I lived out my life of normalcy and dreams through the fictitious town I created as well as its inhabitants. I found peace by playing within that town. Anything that happened in real life, I would reenact in my small miniature town. No detail was too insignificant to include in my little town replica. In fact, it had its own transportation system, school system, a library and even a newspaper! The newspaper was available both in miniature format as well as larger traditional format- to this day I still have some copies.

I enjoyed books and lived my life’s adventures from reading literature and novels. I also enjoyed philosophy, psychology and science as well. Much of my knowledge and experience came from books. I lived life experiences through reading, and made them come to life through my writings, my fantasies and the re-enactment through my dolls. To me this was life!

By today’s standards, my dreams as a youth were pretty mundane: my peers, normal and average by the world’s standards, represented the manifestation, and complete embodiment of my dreams. As impossible as it seemed my hopes consisted of getting a boyfriend, getting married and having children. That’s it! That was the scope of my ambition- simply to be normal like everyone else. Sure I did well in school- getting on the honor roll and honor society without ever having to study. I completed all my school work , studying and research papers in the time it took me to take the bus ride home and during the time it took finish my business on the toilet bowl. I had three cats, and these three animals were my only physical companions. I constantly feared they would get loose and run away.

The irony is that despite the anger and jealous feelings I harbored within, I felt morally superior to everyone else. I deluded myself into thinking I was righteously perfect. I believed I was so good and guilty of no wrong whatsoever. I believed I was morally superior to all those other so-called ingrates of society masquerading as “good” people. In fact everyone else had wronged me in my own mind. I believed if there actually was such a place as heaven, then I would go there with no problem. I was so puffed up with pride about my own goodness when I compared myself with all those other degenerates that dated, went to dances, listened to music or dressed in nice clothing. At least they were degenerates in my own mind. Yet at times when my father who was a believer in the bible would discuss the bible, I would silently, and without a word, stomp out in offense and leave the room. I simply did not want to hear about God or the bible. I silently and without complaint kept all my worries and miseries to myself.

One day this internal misery came to an end. I vaguely recall a young woman in her twenties associated with a high school self esteem related assembly program who somehow crossed my path and befriended me. She was a Christian, yet at the time having no interest in religion, Christianity or the bible, I do not recall any specific details concerning her associations. She invited me to lunch at Burger King during my lunch hour. We talked, or rather she talked, and I “listened”. In actuality I was more concerned about finishing my french fries than listening to whatever she appeared to be rambling about. She could not have missed my apathy and lack of response. She dutifully and in a perfunctory manner went over, laboriously page by page, a green booklet. She did not miss a detail explaining every diagram and caption- of which I barely glanced indifferently. But one statement of all the others stood out: she called me a sinner. Well she also explained how everyone was a sinner and that no one was righteous in God’s eyes. A sinner! I didn’t say anything, but immediately I took offense. How dare she assume that I was a sinner! She did not know who she was speaking to obviously. Obviously she didn’t know about my sufferings and misery. How inaccurate and ridiculous to accuse me of all people a sinner. As far as I was concerned I never sinned. I don’t remember anything else except that I felt disappointed somehow and she gave me that booklet and that somehow I made it back in time for my History class on time.

Looking back I remember the parables of Jesus about how hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, and that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle….. Well, a more formidable obstacle comes to mind- pride and self righteousness! How much easier it is for a camel to go through an eye of a needle than a self righteous, stubborn, self pitying young girl (or anyone for that matter) to humble herself spiritually and enter the kingdom of heaven. Yet, it did happen!

Later that day I tried to put the entire conversation out of my mind. I still couldn’t get over the idea that she had referred to me as a sinner like everyone else. But the thoughts of that conversation and that verse consumed me! “For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory if God”. (Romans 3:23) I was a sinner according to that statement! I pondered in my mind the implications of that statement. What if it was true? What if I was actually separated from God? The consequences were to terrible for me to even imagine. Just the thought that it may be true and I was outside of God was too much to bear.For days and maybe even weeks, I can not recall, I thought about it- deliberating and debating in my mind the consequences of that new knowledge. Oh how I wished that my comfortable vague ideas about God and heaven had not been challenged. I had grown accustomed to living comfortably within my own world with my self righteous attitude and self pity. What if it were really true? What if it was possible to have a relationship with God? What if I was separated from God? I had to humble myself spiritually and admit that I was a sinner. I had no choice and no excuse. Despite the hardships of my life, I still was guilty of sin in my actions and most of all my thoughts. My feelings of revenge and anger and envy were sinful! My fictitious fantasies were impure and sinful in God’s eyes. I was not morally perfect as I had deluded myself into believing. I had to make a choice and I had to make a change. It was a real decision. I decided to accept God’s friendship and gift of grace, admitting that I was guilty of sin. In that moment I had made the decision. There was no turning back. The message of the gospel and of salvation was truly good news. “God demonstrated his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8 For the first time in my life I felt truly happy and hopeful, as if an enormous burden had been cast off. The evil feelings I harbored within were a burden all my life, and it was liberating to release those negative feelings and to have God as my friend.

I still remember how I used to exist, as a corpse, dead in life, buried by my transgressions, wandering the course of this perverse world. I was the offspring of the prince of the power of the air- oh, how he owned me, living in disobediance, guilty of falling headlong for the persuasive passions of this world; having had my fill of indulging the flesh and mind, obeying impulses to follow perverse thoughts motivated by dark powers. Ephesians 2: 1-3 (the Voice NT). I once was dead, but now I am alive, born again- saved. Because I have heard the word of truth- and received the good news of salvation- and because I have believed in the One who is truth, marked with the Holy Spirit, who is promised as the guarentee, who frees and resuces all who belong to Him.

Heaven Is for Real DVD Conversation Guide

2011-11-17T05:56:00.000-08:00

The Heaven Is for Real DVD Conversation Guide is based on the book, Heaven is for Real -A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back, By Todd Burpo. This kit basically completes and explains the ideas introduced by the book. This kit is more like an after the fact, defense of the book and of Colton's experiences. It is an apologetic styled work written in defense of book and of Colton's experience- perhaps written in answer to the vocal skeptics. I was suprised that this conversation guide book gives a clear message of the gospel, true to the message of the bible. Theologically, this book explained salvation and heaven in simple, easy to understand and relevant terms. The errorof relativison and the ideas of nirvana were exposed and explained in light of the true message of the gospel.

Obviously, since this kit is based on the book, many references are made to Colton's specific visions of heaven, which may or may not be biblically accurate. For those who are skeptical of near death experiences and private visions, in general,such refernces to Colton's own portrayal should be taken with a grain of salt. Even Christians who believe strongly in the bible should be cautious about accepting the validity of a private vision. Whereas the original book was pretty simple and left a lot of the biblically based explanatory information out- this DVD and guide fills the gaps of information. Personally, I believe the text of the conversation guide should have been integrated into the original book- perhaps in the back as a study guide suppliment.

For those who never read the book on which this kit is based, Heaven is for Real -A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back, By Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent, claims to be an account of a true story. A pastor, writes the account of his son's trip to heaven, that happened during the emergency surgery of his 4 year old son near death experience. While alleged near death experiences are somewhat common, based on the media attention in documentaries, articles and even books, what makes this story unique is the fact that it comes from a 4 year old boy, who upon his return to his parents, reveals information that he could possibly not have known everywhere else.
Even though this story is easy to read and easy to follow, it raises spiritually complex issues such as the issue of the legitimacy of private visions apart from revealed scripture. While it is true that some NDE can be ruled out as the side effects of a dying or injured brain, not all can be scientifically ruled out. Some perhaps might be supernatural in nature. Nevertheless that does not mean they should automatically be accepted as biblical in nature or truth. I must admit I am skeptical when it comes to believing modern day visions and NDE. For example, there are so many alleged apparitions of Mary in the Catholic church, that I believe most to be hoaxes, and in other cases, demonic in nature.

Convieniently, this entire miraculous story occured to a pastor's son. The reader places his faith by accepting the word of the pastor- the author of this book- that his 4 year old son did in fact go to heaven and that it is a true account and not fabricated or embellished. While the pastor does not admit to adding to his son's depictions of heaven, he interprets them in light of scripture. In of itslef there is nothing wrong with doing that. Once the reader decides to accept the author's word that this story is legit, it is up to the reader to discern the source or supernatural power behind the NDE. This is where most readers will most likely accept with blind faith that this is a true account and that it is based on biblical truth. This is because most people want to believe this heartwarming and comforting message is true.
Any responsible reader familiar with the bible will be aware that he or she is faced with the task of determining if the experience of Colton is spiritually based on truth, or if it perhaps is an indirect attempt of Satan to mislead believers into accepting false information. Paul warned in the letters of the new testement, especially in the book of Galations, that even Satan, and evil spirits can appear as angels of light, deceiving many. So, if this is true, then is it possible that a Pastor might be decieved and misinterpret his son's experience as being from God when it possibly isn't? That possibility must be acknowledged by anyone who reads this book. While Paul acknowledged the possibility of personal visions in the ancient church, he himself did not place on any believer the burden of accepting any other private vision other than the message containe din the gospel. When Colton urgently claimed that all must know Jesus to enter Heaven, that is accurate- and perhaps the most significant piece of information that could possibly validate the experience as being in line with scripture. As far as the other details- knowledge of his grandfather and unborn sister- that information could be obtained from evil sources for the purpose of adding "authenticity" and misleading believers into believeing the other aspects of the visions Colton shared. The evil spirits are known for mixing truth with falsehood. We are in a spiritual battle, and nothing is off limits as far as the evil spirits of this world are concerned. they will try all sorts oftricky and decieving deceptions. They will try any underhanded tactic even going so far as using an innocent boy and his Pastor Dad, as tools to mislead others. It isn't always obvious to everyone to sort truth from untruth unless they are firmly grounded in the Holy Spirit. Even those involved in the occult such as palm readers and fortune tellers, can sometimes fortell the future or the past with amazing accuracy with supernatural information supplied by the evil spirit realm. The details of the throne of God, the angels and other aspects are questionable, as to their spiritual authenticity.

As a blogger for booksneeze I received this book & DVD kit from Thomas Nelson publishers for the purpose of writing this review. It is with caution I would suggest this book to anyone to read- unless of course that reader is willing to take the time to discern, in light of scripture, the validity of the message presented by this little boy's experience and his dad who authored the book. I do believe however, the kit is a neccessary part of this book- and without some explanatory material, many readers will be left with an incomplete picture.

To write in one's personal bible or not OR Why I do not write notes in my bible

2011-11-16T11:39:00.000-08:00

To write in one's personal bible or not has been an issue that I have contemplated on many occasions. I have seriously considered writing notes and underlining important passages- especially considering at how popular it is among many faithful bible readers. As I stare at two of copies of a bible I just won from entering an online facebook contest, I found myself thinking, with a pen in hand, why not write some notes and highlight passages in one of the copies. Considering that I have more than one bible- I figured why not write notes in at least one copy. That is one way to personalize one's own bible and memoralize one's own thoughts. In the end, I have ultimately decided not to write notes and not to highlight passages of my bible. (And I gave away the extra copy). Instead, I prefer to write important verses and passages in a journal or on notecards. Or perhaps I will even stick a small sticky note near an especially important or meaningful verse. And I will stick to my preference of not writing directly in my bible.

Any commentary or thoughts I have about what I read in the bible are written in a journal or typed out on a word document or blog- rather than writing them directly in the bible or on the margins of the pages. The reason I have decided not to write notes in my bible is because in my humility, I understand that my interpretations or my emphasis of certain verses are passages are probably not always inspired by the Holy Spirit. It might also be self serving or biased. So, why would I want my words or emphasis side by side with God's word, for me to see each and every time I opened my bible. Even if I went so far as to claim to have private revelations, or visions from God (neither of which, I claim), no matter how convinced I may be that they were true, it still would not compare to the authenticity or holiness of God's words. I would not put my words, or interpretations on the same level as scripture itself and I would not want to "deface" a copy of the bible with my own words. I would not want to obscure the true meaning of scripture by having it interpreted or elaborated with my words. Therefore, I keep my words and thoughts where they belong- in my mind, or if I feel so inclined, on a seperate sheet of paper where they will not interfere or obscure the actual bible's words. I am not denouncing or judging anyone else's decision to write in his or her own bible. I am just simply expressing my opinion and the reason behind it.

While I do believe the Holy Spirit can inspire anyone to read and understand the full meaning of the bible's message, the words of the bible speak for themselves! I can not add anything to the inspired words, and the best I can do is memorize them as they are written- with nothing more added or taken away. So even if I owned a million copies of the bible, if I take one off the book shelf, and see handwritten comments, I might be tempted to rely on my own comments and highlighted passages, rather than just simply reading and relying on the bible itself. At minimum, my focus would be diverted to my own notes and interpretations rather than on the bible text. If I felt so inclined to interpret the bible or add study notes-then perhaps I should simply just write them out in a seperate document. In fact, I did do this- I wrote a summary or simplified version of the entire New Testament from Acts to Revelation, which is available on this blog!

As Silver refined by Kay Arthur

2011-11-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

The new book, As Silver Refined: Answers to Life's Disappointments by Kay Arthur, is an inspirational biblically based message on how to handle the difficulties and reality of life. So many books, claiming to offer Christian inspiration avoid the issue of tragedy as if it simply does not happen in a believer's life. For so many, tragedy means minor dissapointments such as a broken computer, spilled coffee, and misbehaving children. For those who experience real tragedy: death, terminal illness, divorce, crime or finanical ruin- such readers are left without any support or comfort. The fact of the matter is that really bad things do happen- beyond the ordinary nuisances that so many materialistic, "comfortable Christians" complain about. She talks about turning dissapointments into "his appointments". This means that she challanges the reader to consider the purpose behind dissapointments and that God, ih his wisdom, uses them as appointments which serve to refine the believer, just as precious metals are refined by fire.

In fact, the author must deal with her own guilty conscious as a result of first husband's suicide. It is not so common when a writer on suffering actually went through suffering herself. Kay Arthur has the courage to admit the issues she struggles with. Although, at times, it appears as if she tries to rationalize her past as stating it occured before she was saved. Nevertheless, the simple fact she is humble enough to acknowledge her past pain puts her light years ahead of many so called "spiritual" writers who probably had never had a day of suffering in their lives. Many so called Christian authors complain and bemoan when they are rushed and have no time to get their morning coffee at Starbuck's. Often the reader is left puzzeling in wonder if the author of the alleged "inspirational" book actually has spiritual priorities or wordly material priorities. Many so called Christian writers reccomend the reader to relax and have a day of freedom at an expensive spa or a vacation. In the real world, with acute crisis, death, poverty and sickness, who, but a well- to do, prosperous person untouched by the reality of tragedy can do such worldy diversions.

The anecdotes included by the author describe individuals who show courage in the face of real pain and tragedy. This is exactly what the suffering Christian needs to read, and not simply a bunch of short feel good bedtime style stories. At the end of the book is a bible study- that is actually useful in spiritual formation, in contrast to so many superficial "studies" found in the back of other books. As a blogger for Water Brook, I recieved this book for the purpose of writing this review. My opinions are my own.

The Lucado Inspirational Reader by Max Lucado

2011-11-08T12:59:00.000-08:00

The Lucado Inspirational Reader by Max Lucado is the newest compilation of the "best" of Lucado's writings. Almost all of Lucado's works are inspirational and worthy of re-reading (with the exception of the book, "Cure for the Common Life). Earlier this year, the pocket sized "Live Loved", devotional was published- consisting of passages from Lucado's previous works. This is a similar book, but larger sized, and it is not formated in a daily devotional. Nevertheless, it was filled with inspirational; passages from Lucado's library of previously published titles. It is obviously hard to carry around an entire collection of Lucado's works, but this book takes selected exerpts from many of his popular titles. Although none of the material in this book is new, much of what Lucado writes can be re-read- especially in times of great spiritual need. I havee found that when I read Lucado's writings, I will find many noteworthy and inspiration ideas and passages- which I do mark so that I can return to at a later time. The only downside to this compilation is that the author- or publisher's oipinion of his greatest or most notable passages may differ from the opinion of the reader. Perhaps the devil's advocate may believe that the publication of this book is simply another attempt to make even more money on previously published books, while putting in minimal effort. While this may be true, in part, this book is worth reading for those familiar with Lucado's books as well as for those readers new to his works. As a blogger for booksneeze I received this book for the purpose of writing this review. The opinions expresssed in this review are my own.

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Dissapointed in this elitist dieting book, disguised as Christian literature----Awakening: A New Approach to Faith, Fasting, and Spiritual Freedom by Stovall Weems

2011-11-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

I was very dissapointed by the book, Awakening: A New Approach to Faith, Fasting, and Spiritual Freedom by Stovall Weems. The subtitle, "21 Days to Revolutionize your Relationship with God", seemed catchy enough, and drew me in. I started out reading this book, openminded, looking for inisght, yet remained skeptical, on the author's version of "fasting". After reading this book, it seemed more like a how- to book on health food and detoxification- whichis more like a veiled, yet pius sounding type of elitist diet rather than a book on spiritual fasting. For example, a variety of fasts were listed, including the fruit and veggie fast where you eat simply fruit and vegitables. Some of these were given religious sounding names like the "Daniel" fast. For many individuals from the lower rung of the socio- economic ladder, this type of fast is nothing more than an elitist diet that you will find advocated in a fancy spa, or a woman's fashion magazine. Sample menues include expensive, time consuming fruit smoothies and "whey protein"...whatever that means. This book's focus on health foods and equating expensive health food with Christian spirituality disgusted me.

I found this book too distracting and it seemed to deviate from the book's original intent to draw closer to God, and to revolutionize one's relationship with God. Is this done through a fancy, expensive- self limiting diet, made up of trendy fruit juices, smoothies, whey proteins, salads, exotic organic dressings, whole grains and legumes and other things that are too prohibitive and expensive for many lower working class readers or the poor, to follow? This seemed like a yuppie how -to book on "fasting". Many people, well at least lower middle class and financially poor readers, or those who must work full time jobs with long hours, do not have the money or time to spend on organic foods, whey protein, organic fruits, and smoothies, much less prepare them. I'm sure for anyone fortunate in financial resources and/or time, who can follow this diet/ "fast", will have a thinner waist-line, and lower blood pressure would be the result, but certainly not an increase in being filled with the Holy Spirit. This book does not portray a spiritual fast but rather a health-food indulgence based on false piety and hypocracy. Perhaps I am wrong, but I thought fasting meant you don't eat, not that you eat fancy, expensive healthy food. At least that is what biblical fasting meant. So, then, if fasting doesn't mean abstaining from all food, but rather choosing a selection of food, then why not include the John the Baptist fast which consisted of wild honey and locusts? Of course that would not be includedin this book because too much sugar isn't "healthy" and is too indulgent and locusts are too "gross" for elitists and their false religious beliefs who say its ok to fast with capuccinos and smoothies but inexpensive peanut butter is not ok for a fast. This book justifies all those spa addicts, and health food nuts. If that's the case, then almost any one with an eating disorder such as anorexia, health food freaks, or elitist, obessesive, health nuts have an automatic head start on fasting. This book belongs in the healthfood & dieting section of the bookstore and not with the Christian books. As a diet and health book- it is unique I suppose, but for any other spiritual enlightment, or empowerment I'd look elsewhere. As a blogger for Waterbrook, I recieved this book for the purpose of writing a review. The opinions expressed in this book are my own.

http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/WriteReview.aspx

The Abundant Life Day Book by Nancy Guthrie

2011-11-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Not only is the pocket sized devotional, The Abundant Life Day Book by Nancy Guthrie, inviting to look at and read, it is inspirational as well. The first thing that stands out on this book, is the embossed cover details and the bright green butterfly print. While it is important to follow the old cliche about not judging a book by its cover, obviously this book is designed to catch the reader's attention. There certainly is no shortage of pocket sized devotional books on the market- not to mention full sized- soft covered trade book styled devotionals. The idea of a pocket sized devotional is that the reader will find it convientient to carry in a pocket or a purse. Furthermore, the cover must be sufficiently stylish to carry around. This book certainly qualifies as a stylish accessory. While it seems this review has an undue focus on the external appearance of this book, it is simply because as far as devotional books go- the presentation of this book, its cover, and two tone pages, are impressive.

The point of pocket sized devotionals is that they are easy to carry and easy to read. Usually they are not rich in theological detail, but rather they offer simple advise, in a quick to read single paragraph- just like this devotional by Nancy Guthrie. If you are looking for quick inspiration in a stylish package, this is the book for you. In the genre of pocket sized devotional books, this is a good choice. The devotionals speak out to the reader to provide inspiration and biblical truth.

As a blogger for Tyndale I received this book from the publisher for the purpose of writing this review. My opinions are my own.

Top 10 WORST Halloween Candy treats: The "How To" guide to receiving and distributing/ redistributing Halloween Candy

2011-10-31T08:33:00.000-07:00

Please feel free to comment with your own best or worst candies if you disagree!!!!!

I think these may qualify as the top ten worst Halloween candy treats for any trick or treater, starting with #10.
10 whoppers or tootsie rolls
9 chocolate coins
8 individual, partially wrapped hersey kisses
7 last year's candy canes
6 dumdum lollipops
5 pretzels
4 Dots
3 Milk Duds & Sugar Daddies
2 Individually wrapped/ partially wrapped chewy candies or gum (Now &Later)
and the worst is........
1 Indivdually wrapped/ partially wrapped hard sucking candies

In theory, if Halloween treats are intended for young trick-or -treaters and not those overgrown, unruly, freeloading teenagers, this top ten list should be written with the young child in mind (age 12 and under). First of all, individually wrapped hard candies, chewy candies and gum are obviously unsuitable for young children, as they present a choking hazard, not to mention the fact that they are often partially unwrapped by the time they are received. The actual origin of these candies can be anywhere from the bottom of grandma's lint filled purse, or the candy bowl in a doctor's waiting room. Often these candies have seen higher circulation than a dollar bill. Any responsible parent or adult will immediately confiscate these deadly pieces. Therefore, these either go right to the trash as tainted candy or they are set aside for parent consumption. Or they may even be recycled and set aside in a candy bowl dedicated teenagers that come to your door.

Any other individually wrapped candy, not intended for individual distribution, which is not individually or hermetically sealed such chocolate coins, individual hersey kisses, tootsie rolls, (even if its chocolate) must be discarded because of the ease in which they can be unwrapped and rewrapped. These could be tainted with bacterium or drugs and no responsible parent would give these to their child. Of course the parent may eat them, at his or her own risk.

Any candy that actually adheres to the teeth, and causes the mandible to be glued together with the maxillae, should never be given to any child- this includes now and later candies, many carmels, dots, sugar daddies and other similar candies. These should go directly to the trash. These are too hard to chew, and take way too long to suck. Oftentimes the parent may make an attempt to eat a piece of this candy, in a desperate mood of gluttony, and this usually results in annoyance and frustration, and eventually the piece of candy must be discarded. As in the case of a hard and chewey candies, like Milk Duds, Now and Laters, or Dots, the offending piece of candy must actually be scraped or even pryed off the teeth before consumption is complete! These are not even worth the attempt to eat, not even for the parent. It only takes a couple of times before even the most gluttenous of parents, learns this candy is not really a candy.

Bagged pretzels may be lame, but at least they are a healthy alternative if they are in individually sealed bags. These can at least be used as a snack with a bagged school lunch. The other candies in the list, such as dum dum lollipos and smarties are just pretty lame in general. After all the good candy is gone, children and parents may eventually get around to eating these. More often than not, these may sit around and wind up in next year's candy bowl.

In this economy, with rising taxes and unemployment, you can't expect a homeowner or household to spend tons of money on candy that goes to strangers. The common denominator of the candy choices listed (with the exception of the lame pretzels), is that they are cheap and sold in bulk or found somewhere. You can not rule the possibility that some moms make these choices to avoid the temptation of eating the Halloween candy themsleves. Nevertheless, certain candies should never be distributed to young children as they are entirely unsitable for consumption no matter how strapped for cash you may be. If your financial situation is desperate, or your will power is low, pennies are an inexpensive, but better choice than the hazardous candies mentioned in the list. Or, just purchase a single bag of candy, and when you run out, lock the door and turn off your lights. If its just an issue of will power and expense is not an issue, why not distribute chips, granola bars, pencils, temporary tatoos or stickers? As a creative no-cost alternative, plan ahead and go online on the internet in August, do a Google search for free religious tracts and place an order, and distribute them to trick or treaters.

Keep in mind, if you give a very good, high quality candy like a Peppermint Patty or an Almond Joy or dark chocolate, you are probably just feeding the parent because most kids don't like coconut, almonds or mint- but that's okay because some parents deserve candy too. For the sake of full disclosure, other candies such as raisinettes, peanut M&Ms, Babe Ruth's, Snickers and other candy with nuts often wind up in the parent stash too. Oftentimes, parents will be subtle,as they lurk at the curb, waiting like a vulture for their child to return with their candy loot, hoping for a treat. You may think they are simply taking photos of their kids in cute costumes, but they are really waiting to check the candy. It may be more accurate to say that the safety check of the candy is as much for the parent's "benefit" as it is for the child.

If you want to give a good quality candy that the parent will not eat, then give Kit Kats, Reeses, Krackle bars, Hersey's chocolate bars, m&ms, Twix, sealed commercially made (NOT home-made) rice crispy treats and other non- nut chocolate.

Torn by Jud Wilhite

2011-10-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

In today's world of dissapointments, hardships and depression, the book Torn: Trusting God When Life Leaves You in Pieces by Jud Wilhite is very relevant. Wilhite does not present Christianity as a utopia where one's problems always go away and everything works out perfectly in finance, family and health. The prosperity gospel paints a distorted view of faith, and it results in many disolusioned individuals. In contrast, this book points out the error of prosperity teaching and the disservice it does to those seeking truth and in seeking a relationship with God.

In contrast to the previous book I reviewed by the same publishing group, Relentless, this book shows that illness, death, poverty and other adverse circumstances do in fact affect believers with a strong faith. In fact, in this fallen world, we can not escape the consequences of sin, sickness, financial issues, health issues, crime, death or natural disasters. The important thing is not to see illness or adverse circumstances as a result of weakened faith. The author shows it is possible to strengthen one's peace, and relationship with God, even when the world around you is falling apart. This book illustrates this with the examples of Job and Joseph. It even shows the suffereing Jesus went through in the Garden of Gethemane, when he too suffered and experienced pain. God does not ignore our prayers or our hardships. As a blogger for Water brook multnomah publishing group, I receieved this book for the purpose of writing this review.

Nearing Home by Billy Graham

2011-10-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Nearing Home by Billy Graham, is not simply a book for the old, infirm, depressed or terminally ill. It is a book that contains wise advise for every reader. Yet, even so, I could not exactly relate to this book as it is intended for the senior reader. Considering I don't know if I will ever reach my 50s or 60s, I did not want to seriously consider the issues raised such as retirement and other end of life practical matters. If I wasn't a blogger, I would never take the gamble and pay $19.95 for a book that speaks about my future years- since there is no guarentee I will be able to put it to use. For those readers in their 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or even beyond (if that is even possible) this book is sure to be empowering and enlightening, and well worth the money spent to purchase the book.

On numerous occasions the bible speaks of the importance of being aware of the etrnal reality- that life here on earth will end. The book of wisdom and ecclesiastes often speaks of the wise as being aware of the issues of mortality and death rather than the foolish who simply ignore the reality of death.People have only a few useless days of life on the earth; their short life passes like a shadow. Ecc 6:12 The day of death is better than the day of birth. Its better to go to a funeral tahn to a party. We all must die and everyone living should think about this. Ecclesiates 7:1-2 A wise person thinks about death but a fool thinks only about having a good time. Ecc 7:4 Paul's letters make reference to the reality of eternal life: beyond thid physical world. If I live , it will be for Christ, and if I die, I will gain even more. I don't know what to choose....It is a hard choice to make. I want to die and be with Christ because this would be much better. Philippians 1:21-23 CEV even stating if in this life only we have hope then we are to be among all the most pitiable.

Billy Graham is a well known figure by religious and the secular world alike. There is some comfort in knowing that he, as the author, takes time to ponder the truths of eternity and mortality. His words of strength give greater voice and credibility to the words of the bible in a world that worships the media, materialism, culture and greed. As a blogger for booksneeze, I have received this book in exchange for writing this review. My opinions are my own.

Heaven is for Real By Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

2011-10-19T06:21:00.000-07:00

Heaven is for Real -A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back, By Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent, claims to be an account of a true story. A pastor, writes the account of his son's trip to heaven, that happened during the emergency surgery of his 4 year old son near death experience. While alleged near death experiences are somewhat common, based on the media attention in documentaries, articles and even books, what makes this story unique is the fact that it comes from a 4 year old boy, who upon his return to his parents, reveals information that he could possibly not have known everywhere else.

Even though this story is easy to read and easy to follow, it raises spiritually complex issues such as the issue of the legitimacy of private visions apart from revealed scripture. While it is true that some NDE can be ruled out as the side effects of a dying or injured brain, not all can be scientifically ruled out. Some perhaps might be supernatural in nature. Nevertheless that does not mean they should automatically be accepted as biblical in nature or truth. I must admit I am skeptical when it comes to believing modern day visions and NDE. For example, there are so many alleged apparitions of Mary in the Catholic church, that I believe most to be hoaxes, and in other cases, demonic in nature.

Convieniently, this entire miraculous story occured to a pastor's son. The reader places his faith by accepting the word of the pastor- the author of this book- that his 4 year old son did in fact go to heaven and that it is a true account and not fabricated or embellished. While the pastor does not admit to adding to his son's depictions of heaven, he interprets them in light of scripture. In of itslef there is nothing wrong with doing that. Once the reader decides to accept the author's word that this story is legit, it is up to the reader to discern the source or supernatural power behind the NDE. This is where most readers will most likely accept with blind faith that this is a true account and that it is based on biblical truth. This is because most people want to believe this heartwarming and comforting message is true.

Any responsible reader familiar with the bible will be aware that he or she is faced with the task of determining if the experience of Colton is spiritually based on truth, or if it perhaps is an indirect attempt of Satan to mislead believers into accepting false information. Paul warned in the letters of the new testement, especially in the book of Galations, that even Satan, and evil spirits can appear as angels of light, deceiving many. So, if this is true, then is it possible that a Pastor might be decieved and misinterpret his son's experience as being from God when it possibly isn't? That possibility must be acknowledged by anyone who reads this book. While Paul acknowledged the possibility of personal visions in the ancient church, he himself did not place on any believer the burden of accepting any other private vision other than the message containe din the gospel. When Colton urgently claimed that all must know Jesus to enter Heaven, that is accurate- and perhaps the most significant piece of information that could possibly validate the experience as being in line with scripture. As far as the other details- knowledge of his grandfather and unborn sister- that information could be obtained from evil sources for the purpose of adding "authenticity" and misleading believers into believeing the other aspects of the visions Colton shared. The evil spirits are known for mixing truth with falsehood. We are in a spiritual battle, and nothing is off limits as far as the evil spirits of this world are concerned. they will try all sorts oftricky and decieving deceptions. They will try any underhanded tactic even going so far as using an innocent boy and his Pastor Dad, as tools to mislead others. It isn't always obvious to everyone to sort truth from untruth unless they are firmly grounded in the Holy Spirit. Even those involved in the occult such as palm readers and fortune tellers, can sometimes fortell the future or the past with amazing accuracy with supernatural information supplied by the evil spirit realm. The details of the throne of God, the angels and other aspects are questionable, as to their spiritual authenticity.

As a blogger for booksneeze I received this book from Thomas Nelson publishers for the purpose of writing this review. It is with caution I would suggest this book to anyone to read. unless of course that reader is willing to take the time to discern, in light of scripture, the validity of the message presented by this little boy's experience and his dad who authored the book.

The Voice New Testament

2011-10-19T05:41:00.000-07:00

The Voice, New Testament translation of the bible, is a new, modern translation. This new bible is a hybrid that melds together the usefulness of a study bible, together with the simplicity of a paraphrase- in a screen play type of format to boot! This translation is based on the Voice, originally released a few years ago with some notable changes in the 2011 edition. In contrast to the first release, Jesus is no longer the "Liberator" , but rather the "Annointed". And John the Baptist, is no longer referred to as John the "Immerser" but John the Baptist. These changes from the earlier edition of the Voice, reflect a return to the more traditional rendering of the bible text. The significance of the word "voice", is based on the idea that Jesus is considered to be the "Logos" or the "word" as referenced in the first chapter of John. Just as the word is living and alive, a translation of the bible should be a living form of communication to share the good news of the gospel.

This Voice translation, brings to life, the words of the bible in an easy to read paraphrase. This is not a literal translation, but this translation, nevertheless, gets the reader to understand the meaning of the bible. This bible is the perfect outreach method to reach out to those who have never read the bible, or perhaps find the bible too intimidating. Suitable for adults and youth alike, the life changing words of the bible are still maintained in this easy to read format. While this version does not have paragraph titles as other mordern versions, it is written in a screen play type of format. The text is broken up, based on the speaker. Each character is in a colored bold font, and the text follows just as in a play format. Paragraphs of explanatory text are inserted- yet distinct, from the actual bible text so as to not confuse the reader. The commentary makes this bible useful as a study bible!

As a blogger for booksneeze, I recieved a copy of this bible for the purpose of review and my opinions are my own.

Relentless by John Bevere

2011-10-18T06:08:00.000-07:00

As a blogger for Water Brook press, I had the opportunity to review Relentless by John Bevere, scheduled for release 13/13/2011. My copy, an advance reading copy- contained a couple of typos in the first chapter- which will probably be corrected in the final copy- an incorrect biblical reference- that should have been 1John 2:16-17 and not John 2:16-17 on page 3 and the insertion o an extra "e" on page 4, in the middle paragraph. Aside from that, this effectively written book is certain to be uplifting, and possibly life-changing for many readers. In contrast to Bevere's early writing style, this book has significantly more detail, and is more spiritually complex.

Nevertheless, the influcence of prosperity teaching is clear, as the author asserts that with enough faith anything can be overcome- sickness, health issues as well as financial issues. The author states that sickness is not used for a greater purpose and oftentimes those who eventually sucumb to sickness do so as a result of a lack of innner faith or spiritual ignorance, regardless of how steadfast they seem. He goes on to cite cases of miraculous healings in the lives of well known individuals such as Oral Roberts and Kenneth Hagin and lesser known individuals such as his mother-in-law and others. In the bible, apostles in the letters warned all of us as believers to test any teaching against scripture so as to be sure of its truthfulness and fidelity to God's word. As for Bevere's teaching on this pint, I feel as if it may not entirely be backed by the scriptural message. While God did not intend sickness and poverty and other bad things, in this fallen world they do happen, and one thing is for sure- that unless Jesus comes soon, everyone alive in this generation will eventually sucumb to a physical death. In chapter 7, he apparently redifines and exands the concept of siun to include physical sickness in general. Therefore with the concept of the forgiveness of sin, he includes also the healing of sickness. The author believes just as Jesus healed physical infirmities in the bible, Jesus will also heal physical sickness, and financial poverty- literally- here in the modern day as well. In fact, the author goes on to say that oftentimes, poverty will reduce the credability and authority of a Christian and therefore, poverty is often a poor witness of spirituality and faith. He believes that a poor Christian is less likely to be an effective apostle of the good news than an individual who has enough money to pay his bills, and that "God is not opposed to our having money" page 94. The author's assertions make me wonder if he is applying wordly wisdom or spiritual wisdom. One thing for sure, I do believe that many middle- upperclass readers will feel better to have their lifestyles validated and reconciled with the bible. Paul warns of those teachers who make converts by saying pleasing words that "tickle the ears" rather than spiritual truths.

Putting the justification of money and financial issues aside- the author makes some very good points based on observations of the moral decline, that are worth reading and re-reading. He urges the reader to choose spiritual truth over mere security, and comfort and warns the believer against complacency with this world. He dispells commonly held myths and flase teaching often held by cultic groups conccerning the end times in the bible. He urges the reader to be vigilant and not to blindly accept and consume worldy media which invades and errodes spiritual growth. He uses a good analogy to decribe an individual caught up with the materialism and immorality and greediness of this world to someone who is drunk from too much drink. This spiritually complex book raised many issues- many of which were biblical, and some of which were debatable- such as the issue of physical healing. In the end, Paul tells us as believers not to be devisive about lesser doctrinal issues and for those weak in faith there is less liberty and for thos greater in faith there is more liberty. But, if by our liberty in regards to food and drink and celebration of certain days above others, we cause another to stumble, then we hhave not acted out of love. Just as many debate the issue of tongues, the issue of modren healings is also an issue for many. But in the letters of the NT, it is clearly stated that certain miraculous gifts or miracles will pass away in these times and that the testimony we have is Jesus himself.

Why Men Hate Going to Church By David Murrow

2011-10-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

I received the book, Why Men Hate Going to Church By David Murrow in the mail in error from the Booksneeze blogger program instead of the book I actually requested. At first I was disgusted; since I am not am man this book would not apply to me, obviously. Nevertheless, since I did have the book, I decided I might as well read it. The author, David Morrow made some relevant and suprisingly true observations of the condition of today's churches. Perhaps this is something that many do not consider, as it is often overlooked, but most Church membership is made up of either women, or seniors. In general, there are few younger people that actually attend church, and especially very few men in particular. Many reasons were cited by the author to explain why churches apparently neglect men, albeit unintentionally. Outreach programs and church groups frequently cater to women and children, as well as female related issues. Furthermore, the preaching style and content is tailored towards the gentleness and preferences of women. On top of that, the decor of the church- the flowers, feminine art work, plush furniture and color schemes are geared for the tastes of women. It is as if men simply do not fit into the female emphasis of worship in most modern churches. Espcially in female run churches, with a woman as a minister- men feel alienated. The author gives a voice to many issues that are neglected or overlooked!
I believe that this book is worth considering for anyone involved in Church leadership. It offers a unique perspective on the reasons why church attendance- especially by men- continues to fall. As a blogger for booksneeze, I received this book for the purpose of writing a review. The opinions stated in this review are my own.

The Big Book of History

2011-10-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

The Big Book of History is a an educational fold-out timeline published by Masterbooks. This illustrated, full-color timeline covers all of human history from the start of creation to the modern day! Beginning with the creation acount of Genesis, and ending with the advent of computers and even Ipods, everything is covered. One major strength of this timeline is the reconciliation of world events and scientific events with the biblical acount of history. A literal 7 day period of creation is assumed, and supported as well. Nevertheless, this timeline is suitable for the secular audience as well. Basically, this timeline of events states facts, not opinions- with the focus on historical events. Nevertheless, for athiests- the 7-day creation at the start of the timeline might be a hurdle. Nevertheless, this does not detract from the credibility and accuracy of this timeline.

This timeline includes full color photos and illustrations. Biblical history, as well as world history, social events, scientific breakthroughs and acheological history are covered in a simple to read format. There is coverage from every culture and area of the world. Basically every major event is chronicled in this timeline for kids. This fold- out timeline is a perfect educational tool for students of all ages. As a blogger for New Leaf publishers I received this book for the purpose of writing a review.

The Dragons of Chiril by Donita K Paul

2011-10-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

For those who love fantasy and adventure novels, the fiction piece, The Dragons of Chiril by Donita K Paul is sure to be an enjoyable book to read. The author creates an entirely new fantasy world, rich in detail. In true fantasy fashion, an appendix of characters and a glossary is included in the back as well as a map of the world of Chiril. There is also the battle of good and evil, an essential component of any fantasy adventure as well. The characters, and creatures of the story and world in which they interact come to life. Even the non-human fantasy creatures have well developed personalities which help draw the reader into the story.
The fantasy genre is unique in the sense that the reader can leave behind the so-called bland world in which he or she lives in- a world filled with unemployment, financial problems, frustrations and unrealized dreams. A book which focuses on non human characters, in a fantasy world filled with the supernatural, not limited by physical and social and economic limitations, has its appeal for obvious reasons. Hence, the popularity of the fantasy genre. To be successful at this genre, an author has the difficult and challanging task of recreating an entire new world- rich in detail in order for the reader to enter and engage. As a blogger for Waterbook press, I recieved this book for the purpose of writing a review. My opinions are my own.

Ascent from Darkness How Satan's Soldier Became God's Warrior By Michael Leehan

2011-10-05T05:14:00.000-07:00

Ascent from Darkness How Satan's Soldier Became God's Warrior By Michael Leehan attempts to be an uplifting story that illustrates that the saving power of the cross can in fact really change people. Yet, after reading it, one can not help but feel discouraged about the spiritually poor state of many Christians, and churches. This is a modern day story of a changed life. As if the bible itself were not full of examples of changed lives: Saul who used to persecute the early Christians, and King David who repented after committing murder and adultery are just two of many examples. For those who continue doubt in this modern day that faith has the power to change here is another story, albeit, a bit extreme. It is true that no one, while still here on this side of eternity is too far gone to be born again and to make real and relevant changes- showing the fruits of the Holy Spirit. It is only after we have died, and entered eternity, when that choice is solidified and unchanging. Nevertheless, don't let this book fool you- you need not be evil incarnate to go to hell. Just because you aren't a depraved, blatant satanist, does not mean you have any advantage. Passive regection is sufficient to miss the mark. To be saved you must be born again. Being "good" won't save anyone.

Nevertheless, this obviously is an extreme story. Most people are not Satanists, and you don't have to be a Satanist to be damned to Hell. The more prevelant danger is apathy and disbelief. You don't have to be evil incarnate to be spiritually dead. Simply the passive regection of God is sufficient. Furthermore, I found this story very discouraging in a way. Despite the fact that the author noted that "Christians" seemed to be everywhere he turned, he also made many, many references to lukewarm or nominal Christians. In fact on several occasions he said it was easier to pick up a date in a bible study than in a bar! His statement that oftentimes that churches neglect the spititual health of their flock and that after they get baptised, that the new Christian is ignored, is exactly on the mark. Regrettably, it is true, more often than not- that once someone gets baptised they are on their own- left to themselves and usually in a spiritually vulnerable and weakened state. How discouraging to hear this said of people who are supposedly Christians. It is enough to make one think, is there truly anyone saved? Reading this book may deter readers from attending churches- which are filled with hypocrites and bible studies filled with frustrated single women are mainly looking for relationships, dates and one night stands. Perhaps this is not the author's intent, but his description of church, bible studies and christians in general, is certainly unappealing as being a place of spiritual growth.

Furthermore, the near death experience of the author at the start of the story reduced some of its credibility of the manifestations described by the author. Paul in the NT does not require anyone to believe in private revelation. I believe his experience seems to build a case for mental instability and addictive personality. The story is lengthy and at times repetitious, but then again it is a true life story.

The author's vivd depictions of the power of Satanism could be dangerous and even a source of temptation to weak minded or recovering persons. Though the author intended the use of detailed description to try to scare the reader from the occult, I feel that it may do more to lure the curious into the occult. For such individuals I would not reccomend this book- it might be too much of a temptation. In some ways I thought the author was "advertising" the power of Satanism. To his credit, the author is gifted with words and insight when it came to describing the influence of the occult in his life.

As the bible says, now is the time to believe and now is the time to be saved. As a part of the booksneeze bloggers I recieved this book from Thomas Nelson publishers for the purpose of writing this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

My First Hands On Bible

2011-10-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

My First Hands On Bible Featuring the New Living Translation is a new children's bible published by Tyndale publishers. There are so many new children's bibles on the market, but the unique aspect of this bible is that is actually features the word for word text of the bible- the NLT. In contrast to other children's bibles which are simply paraphrases or summaries based on the author's interpretation- this is actual biblical text! Side by side with actual bible text (the easy to understand NLT) are simple cartoon styled illustrations. Dispersed within the text and illustrations are simple prayers, interactive ideas and "Jesus Connection" statements to add clarity and to sum up important biblical ideas. This is a hands on bible for young children- preschoolers. It would not be directed to older children. With the guidance of an adult to read the text, preschool aged children are sure to understand and enjoy this bible. One thing to keep in mind is that it obviously is intended that this bible be read to a child as the text is clearly beyond a preschooler's ability to read and the thin pages could easily be torn. One main thing about this bible that I would change are the overly simple cartoon styled drawings- which artistically, I feel are basically one step above stick figure drawings. Nevertheless this style of illustration is obviously geared towards very young children. As a blogger for Tyndale bloggers I recieved this book for the purpose of writing this review and my opinions are my own.

No Wonder They Call Him the Savior: Experiencing the Truth of the Cross By Max Lucado

2011-09-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

No Wonder They Call Him the Savior: Experiencing the Truth of the Cross By Max Lucado is among the most uplifting books that I have recently read. In true Lucado fashion, Max writes in an animated, easy to understand style that communicates biblical truths to the reader. His books bring bible stories and biblical truth to life in an inspirational way that speaks out to the reader. His analogies are very relavent and insimple to understand words, he expressed the warped priorities of our society where the spitiual insignificant such as physical beauty and sucess is valued while the dignity of human lived is considered worthless.

His words spreak to everyone... "Catch God in a bad mood? Won't happen. Fear exhausting his grace? A sardine will swallow the Atlantic first. Think he's given up on you?" ..... Lucado's use of colorful language and his conversational tone, make it so that biblical truths are memorable and meaningful to the average modern reader. You need not be a theologen, educated in an expensive seminary or college to understand Max Lucado's books.
This inspirational book will be certain to leave the reader with a lasting impression. In today's self centered society, without offense Max Lucado illustrates the importance of living life based on biblical principles. Lucado illustrates with clarity the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. In vivid detail, he makes clear, in everday words and language, the significance of Jesus' life and death for us. After reading this book, and really meditating on the biblical truths communicated via Max Lucado, one can feel a renewed sense of embpowerment to live a selfless life style. Max makes use of personal anecdotes as well as bible stories to illiustrate the importance of depending on God rather than on the material things of this world. If you are a theologen, looking for an apologetic defense on the purpose of depending on God then this book isn't for you. But, if on the other hand you are simply looking for bible based motivation and a relief in a world that takes pride in materialism, selfish ambition and competition, then this book is perfect. As a blogger for booksneeze, I receive books from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for writing an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Dreams as practice for real life

2011-09-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

The world of dreams provides the perfect environment for preparing oneself for reality in the waking world. In what other environment could anyone, more effectively prepare for the unexpected range of possibilities that we can face in the real world? Even in the world of science fiction- virtual reality scenarios are limited by technology, and expensive to boot.

Dreams in of themselves should not be dismissed as useless, inconsequential, distorted images that we put up with at night. Nor should dreams be dismissed as passive wastes of time. So many simply take for granted the new world that dreams open up. While it is true that dreams frequently have little if no significant meaning other than representing disjointed images that are a part of the deep subconsous mind, yet it is not the substance of the dream that is significant, but rather the alternate sphere of reality that is opened. In contrast to this real world, where we are limited by our social, economic, genetic and physical constraints of time and space, the world have dreams has no such limitations. In dreams you can travel back in time- hundreds of years and explore! Or you can travel billions of light years into space and explore! You can meet anyone and everyone- from the past present or future. A dream can be mundane as reliving your day at work or school or supernatural in which you can carry on a conversation with those who have lived years ago. In a dream you can walk, swim or even fly. You can eat, read or speed across outerspace in a spaceship. There are no phyical limitations. There are no boundaries whatsoever!

Dreams, can be manipulated and altered by the dreamer and therefore used experimentally as a way to "practice" for the real world or reality or to resolve unresolved issues. The topics and scenarios that can be covered in dreams are limitless. These scenarios, no matter how disjointed or farfetched from reality can still provide useful for interaction and anticipation of resal world events and scenarios. Dreams can be controlled to some degree and even manipulated.

2011-09-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

Between the woods and frozen lake, the darkest evening of the year.
The only other sound's the sweep, of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely and dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
...And miles to go before I sleep. (Robert Frost)

Psalm 38

2011-09-23T09:47:00.001-07:00

The following is Psalm 38 NIV version A psalm of David. A petition.
1 LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger
or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Your arrows have pierced me,
and your hand has come down on me.
3 Because of your wrath there is no health in my body;
there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin.
4 My guilt has overwhelmed me
like a burden too heavy to bear.
5 My wounds fester and are loathsome
because of my sinful folly.
6 I am bowed down and brought very low;
all day long I go about mourning.
7 My back is filled with searing pain;
there is no health in my body.
8 I am feeble and utterly crushed;
I groan in anguish of heart.
9 All my longings lie open before you, Lord;
my sighing is not hidden from you.
10 My heart pounds, my strength fails me;
even the light has gone from my eyes.
11 My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds;
my neighbors stay far away.
12 Those who want to kill me set their traps,
those who would harm me talk of my ruin;
all day long they scheme and lie.
13 I am like the deaf, who cannot hear,
like the mute, who cannot speak;
14 I have become like one who does not hear,
whose mouth can offer no reply.
15 LORD, I wait for you;
you will answer, Lord my God.
16 For I said, “Do not let them gloat
or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.”
17 For I am about to fall,
and my pain is ever with me.
18 I confess my iniquity;
I am troubled by my sin.
19 Many have become my enemies without cause[b];
those who hate me without reason are numerous.
20 Those who repay my good with evil
lodge accusations against me,
though I seek only to do what is good.
21 LORD, do not forsake me;
do not be far from me, my God.
22 Come quickly to help me,
my Lord and my Savior.

Jesus Calling Devotional Bible, NKJV By Sarah Young, General Editor

2011-09-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

Jesus Calling Devotional Bible, NKJV- Enjoying Peace in His Presence By Sarah Young, General Editor- is another new themed bible published by Thomas Nelson Publishers. This themed bible is a nice idea. The padded cover art is impressive. Devotions from the book "Jesus Calling" are dispersed within. The main thing that would have made this bible better is if it was offered in a more user friendly version such as the NCV which is also published by Thomas Nelson. Sarah Young's writings and devotions are very easy to read and understand in stark contrast to the more literal NKJV. Therefore I believe the easier to read NCV version would have been a better translation to pair up with Young's devotional style. I hold the same opinion for the Max Lucado themed bible which I feel should have been offered in the NCV version as well. In fact, I wrote a comment about this (on the booksneeze fb web site) and the feed back I received was that an abreviated version of the bible- simply a series of selected readings- not nearly the entire bible, was available as a devotional in the NCV version. But, why not have the NCV version available as an option for their themed bibles? In the Start Bible for New Believers I really feel it was a disservice not to offer that bible in NCV version either. I think the end result is that all these nice, attractive looking themed bibles will wind up taking bookspace on people shelves with only the devotionals being read but not the actual bible text. I Simply do not understand why Thomas Nelson publishers avoids publishing its themed bibles in the NCV version which they publish as well.

As a blogger I have had the opportunity to review a number of bibles and bible translations. As a believer I read the bible because it is the word of God. A frequently used translation by Thomas Nelson publishers, the publisher I blog for, uses frequently for their themed bibles the NKJV- New King James Version. The NKJV as well as other more literal translations- such as the KJV, NASB, NRSV and ESV tend to be overly literal to the point of being difficult to understand. This is especially evident in the Psalms, and other old testament books as well as the letters in the New Testament. For example, a bible marketed for new belivers titled the "New Believers Bible- Start" ironically, is available in only the literal NKJV, rather than a more user friendly version such as the NCV. The NCV which also is available by the same publisher but under- marketed, would be more appropriate for a new believer or new bible reader. Furthermore, a Max Lucado themed devotional bible is also available in NKJV only and not the more modern yet reliable NCV- New Century Version. For those readers who enjoy Lucado's simple to understand books, the NKJV does a disservice- and a more user friendly version for this themed bible would be more appropriate.

A number of emerging Christian, and rigid individual - "leaders claim that the ESV is the "Bible of the future'—ideal for public worship and private reading, appropriate for adults, youth and children. This puzzles me, since the ESV seems to me to be overly literal—full of archaisms, awkward language, obscure idioms, irregular word order, and a great deal of “Biblish.” Biblish is produced when the translator tries to reproduce the form of the Greek or Hebrew without due consideration for how people actually write or speak. The ESV, like other formal equivalent versions (RSV; NASB; NKJV; NRSV), is a good supplement to versions that use normal English, but is not suitable as a standard Bible for the church. This is because the ESV too often fails the test of 'standard English'"...... according to Bible translator and linguist Wayne Leman in a conference in 2008.

The more literal translations are accurate and trustworthy- great for theologens and scholars and seminary students- in contrast to a paraphrase such the Message which is far, far less literal -to the point of being comedic. As far as a translations for the rest of us- who aren't theologens- as well as new believers, I believe there are perhaps better, more easy to read choices available between in the mid point of the translation spectrum. Sometimes I feel pride is an issue, and that there are some individuals in Church and elsewhere who simply feel smarter and more intelligent when they carry around a NKJV, KJV or ESV. This is nothing more than biblical snobbery. There are many who feel the NIV, the HCSB/ CSB, NLV and other such translations are beneath them. I used to feel that way until I did my own bible studies comparing the texts of passages side by side and saw for myself that modern translations do not obscure or change the meaning. In contrast, the modern translations are enlightening. There is one exception- The Message bible is too paraphrased, intended for entertainment and not serious study. Its a unique paraphrase which is appropriate as a suppliment but it does not replace the bible.

As far as bible translations, there is a spectrum of the ease of reading of a particular translation ranging from beginner/ easy reading levels such as the message and more complex/ literal such as the King James version, and revised standard version. For example, the popular NIV- New International Version, is somewhere in the middle with regard to ease of reading level and undertsanding. The NKJV - New King James Version, in particular, is a bit more literal and is written in somewhat of a higher reading level. Nevertheless, this NKJV is an easy to understand version as well. For those new to the bible entirely, The Message and Living bible as well as NIV versions are easy to read and understand, and are very good options for those who seek to understand the meaning of the bible.

Difficult to read versions such as the Old King James - though very well written and poetic- in a Shakespearian sort of way, do a disservice to the modern or new bible reader. The antique language is difficult for many in this day to understand on their own and makes it prohibitive for many to understand the truths of the bible. Having known many readers of the KJV, who do not even understand the meaning of what they read- indicates that this is not the best translation for those who really seek to know God's word. What is the point of a bible after all if you can not even undertsand it? For those new to the bible or for those who have a difficult to read translation such as the King James Version, who wish to read the bible and actually understand it, I would suggest one of the bible versions with more modern/ contemporary language. While the NKJV is relatively easy to read, it may present a challange to the literacy level of many modern adults. What really seems ironic is when the NKJV, ESV or KJV is printed as a children's bible! When I see this, I can only wonder what child on his or her own can actually read and get anything from it. This is a great diservice to a child- when a child is presented with a bible in archaic English in a tiny text font. I feel that publishers and even parents need to take time to consider visually what a child or teenager will understand when being presented with the bible. There are a number of very good youth bibles and study bibles full of colorful graphics such as the NLB themed study bible, and magazine style bibles in the NCV version which are sure to appeal to younger readers and new bible readers. The NIV and HCSB also have a number study and student bibles too.

The Christian Zombie Killers Handbook

2011-09-21T05:31:00.000-07:00

In light of the popularity of the themes of the undead and zombies, this timely book, The Christian Zombie Killers Handbook: Slaying the Living Dead Within by Jeff Kinley is sure to capture the interest of young people- both Christians and even non Christians. In the books, chapters alternate between the story - indicated by "Episodes" and the spiritual commentary in the "chapters". It is a unique format with comic book styled illustrations with each episode. The scientific explanation of the zombie "virus" is good enough to rival the storylines of popular zombie themed movies.

The book is spiritually encouraging but also true to the theology of the bible. The truth about the corruption of our state of being is not hidden, but explained. Sin is discussed as well as the spiritual battle within. The author makes references to the bible. The actual references are at the end rather than in the text- so to look up the verse you must look to the notes in the back. While the author does not dismiss personal accountability for sin, he tells the reader on page 43 that the spiritual battle that occurs and personal remorse when Christians continue to sin in of itself is evidence that we are Christians. Nevertheless I can not help but think that this feel good statement is not enough to motivate believers to try their best to put to death their old ways. In a way I think it simply is a recognition and a passive resignation to accept that we are sinners rather than a call for a Christian to deliberately fight against sin and put a death to it.
So many movies such as 28 days later and popular video games are centered around the concept of the the vampire and the zombie- the human entity that is alive- yet dead. In contrast to the vampire, there is no asthetic appeal to the distgusting and horrific zombie. Yet it would suprise the reader to know that essentially many of us are no different than zombies. Ironically, the bible says that many of us are the living dead- or more specifically, the spiritually dead. When we are no born again, we are in essense the same as a zombie- hence the premise of this book.

This book makes use of an interesting analogy, employing popular culture to introduce Christian concepts of spirituality and life in contrast to spiritual death and Christian lukewarmness. As a blogger I recieve books to review without cost and am not required to write a positive review.

Night Night Blessings by Amy Parker

2011-09-20T17:49:00.000-07:00

Night Night Blessings by Amy Parker is a bedtime story boardbook for toddlers and babies published by Thomas Nelson publishers. The highlight of this book are colorful illustrations by Mariajan Ramljak. In contrast to the simple cartoonish styled drawing of many children's books these days, it looks like the artist actually took timke and effort into illustrating this book. Other than the illustrations, this is a typical religious themed bedtime story. The little girl, who is the hero, obviously comes from a privilidged, upper middleclass family: with two parents, a pet, plenty of good food and toys, leisure time and playtime and no worries or cares in the world. This child lives in an ideal world- intact family untouched by divorce or unemployment or illness, pets, toys and two full time devoted parents. What else could a child wish for? Regrettably, there is a large segment of the population whose lives are a struggle financially and socially and could not relate to or find comfort to the happy themes of this book. It would be worthwhile to write a children's book to target such an audience- the forgotten "minority" inorder to empower struggling families and their children in times of adversity and to maintainhope and thankfulness to God even in times of want and struggle. As a blogger for booksneeze, I received this book for the purpose of writing this review. My opinions are my own.

2011-09-14T03:42:00.001-07:00

Gabby, God's Little Angel by Sheila Walsh

2011-09-14T02:58:00.000-07:00

Gabby, God's Little Angel by Sheila Walsh, an illustrated children's storybook published by Thomas Nelson publishers, makes for light reading as a bedtime story for parents to read to their young children. This simple to read story about the popular theme of angels, is suppose to offer comfort to children as well as parents- based on its intrepretation of Psalm 91:11. As a bedtime story, with no other expectations than entertainment, it is an okay choice.

For those craving spiritual truth and for those who want to impart spiritual truths to their children, this story falls short. The simple cartoon illustrations depicting light skinned blonde angels, feeds into the stereotypical depiction of an angel. The popular media conception of an angel is the basis for this story in contrast the biblical concept of angels. The light haired, pre-school aged angels, in pink and yellow dresses- with the token African American boy angel, most likely limits the target age group to very young, well dressed upper class caucasion girls who enjoy horseback riding and other elitist hobbies. The target readership of this book is obviously the intact, typical two parent, upper class, houshold with the stay at home mom. For those who grew up in "Christian" households, this is sure to be a feel-good bedtime story. But for those who are into biblical truth, whose spirituality is based on bible teachings and not popular misconceptions, this story falls short. Socially, however, I feel perhaps the illustrations as well as the focus on horseback riding might be alienating for some readers and families- but perhaps I am reading too much into this book.

Other than that, setting aside spiritual, biblical and social considerations, this would make a nice bedtime story for children. As a blogger for Thomas Nelson publishers I received this book for free for the purpose of writing this review. My opinions are my own.

Heaven Revealed by Paul Enns

2011-08-29T16:12:00.000-07:00

The title of Paul Enns book, Heaven Revealed makes a pretty bold claim. Especially bold are the promises to inform the reader about specific aspects of Heaven such as "What it is Like?" and "What Will We Do?" as well as "11 other things you've wondered about" according to the subheading. As far as marketing, this book will draw in many curious reader- religious and secular, alike. Perhaps many people may feel it is best not to speculate or speak with authority with such specific details when talking about Heaven. Nevertheless, many readers, filled with curiosity- most of which probably have only limited experience or a superficial grasp of the actual text of the bible, will find it hard to resist a book with such claims.

The author, Paul Enns was motivated to write this book after the death of his wife of 45 years. On page 10 he recounts some details of the last time he saw his wife, and his premonition of knowing the moment she died. This anecdote, as well as the other anecdotes about near death experiences or supernaturally derived information where the dying individual gets a glimpse of heaven on his/ her deathbed seem to reduce the credibility of this book. It is as if private visions and sixth senses are equated with the divine revelations of the biblical prophets. Page 44 tells an account of a death bed experience of the well known Christian speaker and author, Dwight Moody. While it is inspirational, its authenticity as being divine and biblical is questionable, nonetheless. As Paul himself suggested in his letters, it is wise to be skeptical of private visions, and he himself never endorsed or encouraged any believer to believe any private vision or revelation. They are of minimal value. In a book about heaven, for the purpose of credibility and fidelity to bible, I believe any extraneous visions, dreams, experiences etc that are not divinely inspired/ biblical should have been left out of this book.

Page 13 starts out by offering false comfort to the bereaved by stating that everyone has someone in heaven. Such as statement is misleading. Biblically, this assertion can not be true and if one is using the authority of the bible to describe heaven that private revelations, anecdotes and other non biblical statements must be left out! In fact, the author does acknowledge later on in the book on several occasions, that Heaven is reserved for the believer. Understandably, given the circumstances which promted him to write this book, the author focuses on human relationships and reuniting with spouses, family and loved ones in heaven. Nevertheless, Jesus taught in heaven there are no marriages, and that we will be like the angels in this respect. Another issue is that not everyone has family or spouses with whom they will be reunited with. The unsaved do not go to heaven, and regrettably, not all believers have a Christian net-work of friends, much less a Christian spouse. Nevertheless, we will no longer require relationships in any form to be happy since God is really all we need. On the other hand, the author did do his biblical research, correctly dispelling false claims of other false religions such as the ideas of purgatory and soul sleep.

There is no mention of hell, and no sense of urgency in encouraging the believer to share the gospel message to those who are still unsaved. This book is encouraging, yet I feel it would be even more complete if it conveyed the sense of urgency of the need to spread the good news of the gospel. As a blogger for Moody publishers I recieved this book for the purpose of writing a review. The views expressed are my own.

http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1833188

2011-08-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

Death is a reality that each and everyone of us must face- there are no exceptions! Everyone will die one day- and that includes me . I don't know when it will be, but as the bible says, now is the time to believe, and today is the day of salvation- because no one is guarenteed to have even one more day- me included. Many people fear death. More specifically, many fear dying- leaving this temporary earthly world- and therefore will stop at nothing to prolong life through preventative healthcare, and excercise to the point where avoiding death becomes an obsession. The real fear should not be in dying itself. And especially so for me, because I am a sinner no better than any other. "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather be afraid of the One who can destroy both sould and body in hell." Matthew 10:28 in other words, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul." Matthew 16:26 Ironically, this has always been my favorite bible verse. I should have taken this to heart, but I didn't.

So, just in the event of an untimely and unexpected death- and no, I am not morbid, nor am I depressed- I am simply a realist- and I recognise that I have a moral responsability- certain things need to be out in the open before its too late. I have something that weighs heavily on my mind, and though I have faith that Jesus died for my sins, the pain I have caused for others weighs heavily on my mind to the point that I fear that I will be counted among those hypocrites that Jesus admonishes, when he said as a warning to the hypocrites "depart from me for I never knew you... and I desire mercy and not sacrifice so go and figure out what that means". I find that I do not wish to die without the opportunity to confess the burden that I carry. (I wish I could do this more publically- i deserve a public humiliation- but this is the best way I could think of right now) "Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done" Proverbs 24:12 "For my inequities have gone over my head, like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness. I am troubled and bowed down greatly. I go mourning all the day long. I am feeble and severly broken. I groan because of the turmoil of my heart. For I am ready to fall and my sorrow is continually before me". Psalm 38

My separation and divorce that I am going through right now weighs heavily on me and its because it is my fault. I know I bear the responsability for it and for the pain and hardship it has caused. I can't undo anything I have done, nor the pain I knowingly have caused. What God has created- I have torn apart. Ive been married 10 years. Because I have often claimed the moral high ground, my burden of responsability is even more greater than my ex! I am responsible for breaking all the commandments of God, that even the non believers and non religious people dare not break. I have been no different than a pharisee or a hypocrite, caring more about external appearances. I have presumed to be a teacher and now I will be judged more strictly. James 3:1. I would have been better to literally take Matthew 18:6, Luke 17:2, Mark 9:42 or Matthew 5:29-30 to heart. I accept whatever I have to go through as a well deserved punishment (even if I compain about it- which I do- when in actuality the worse it is, the better for me- I must accept)

But I believe this to be true- "Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean, wash me and I will be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7 For those believers or anyone else that read this and feel so inclined- do not pray for me, but rather for those who have been hurt by my actions- my (ex) husband and Rose and Samuel.

An Anchor for the Soul by Ray Pritchard

2011-08-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

An Anchor for the Soul: HELP for the Present HOPE for the Future- by Ray Pritchard is a pocket sized book introducing the reader to the gospel's basic message of salvation. This book is analagous to the mini booklets, tracts and pamphlets that are commonly distributed as an outreach program to reach non-believers and new believers. Yet, unlike booklets and tracts which commicate their message quickly and efficiently in a few simple pages, this book is too lengthy at 179 pages to be read in a single sitting. This book is is best targeted for those who are not pressed for time- perhaps those who are shut-ins, confined to bed, or imprisoned. Nevertheless, this book is simple to read, and Pritchard brings the gospel message to life through the use of short anecdotes and simple to understand analogies. Interactive questions at the end of each chapter encourage deper thought.

At the end of the second chapter, on page 55, the following quote, "If you are still reading this, take heart! The worst is over. Good news is just around the corner", seems to imply that there are at least some readers who will simply give up reading this book at or even before page 55 before the actual gospel message is communicated. The implication that the author apparently admits is that maybe for some readers this book is a bit too wordy, and for those pressed for time, they may not even get to the point of the book to even hear the message of salvation. This seems to point to the fact that in some circumstances, a short tract me be more effective at winning souls. The message of the gospel is too important to risk losing the reader because the book delivering the message is just simply too long.

On page 61, a subsection of Chapter 3 "Amazing Grace" has a heading with the title, Jeffery Dahmer and Mother Theresa. At first glance, popular opinion would recognise these two individuals as polar opposites- one evil and one good! Unless you were raised by wolves, it does not even need to be stated who would be regarded as evil by popular opinion. Even atheists (as well as Catholics and protestants) often refer to Mother Theresa as a saint. In contrast, Jeffery Dahmer is known as among the most horrific and distasteful of all murderes among secular and religious people alike. Yet, the author uses the analogy with the parable about the hypocritical pharisee and the "sinful" corrupt tax collector in the context of these two well known individuals. In contrast to popular opinion- and falliable human logic, in the bible parable, the tax collector is justfied before God because of his humility to accept he is a sinner. In contrast the self righteous tax collector is not justified and does not receieve justification because he feels he merits salvation and is better than other sinners. In the same way, Jeffery Dahmer is mentioned in this chapter, by the author, in the context that he is a sinner, (just as we all are), and the Dahmer allegedly "professed Christ" before his death. Why is Mother Theresa mentioned by Pritchard in this passage? I hate to think the author asserts a similarity with the pharasee and that she is being compared to the self righteous pharisee in the bible parable while Dahmer is being compared to the sinner that repents. Considering the fact that Pritchard is a born again believer who acknowledges that salvation is based on grace, not merit, I can only come to the conclusion that this is his intent. In the strict biblical sense, one can not merit salvation based on good works- no matter how great and how frequent. Nevertheless, I question as to whether Dahmer's alleged confession of Christ is innocent. Not to be pessemist, I think that the possibility must be raised that Dahmer's conversion may not have been genuine. Did he bear fruits of the spirit after his confession? I believe one must consider that given the gravity of his crime, to claim conversion would be the politically correct thing to do even if he wasn't genuine. After all, weren't there many infamous historical figures who claimed to be Christian- yet there actions, or lack of spiritual fruit proved otherwise. Therefore, even though I acknowledge the point Pritchard attempted to communicate, I really wish he chose another example of conversion.

In sum, this is a good book for any reader willing to take the time to read the gospel message. Certainly, a more efficient and more effective way to share the gospel would be by word of mouth, or if that isn't possible, a shorter tract or booklet. As I mentioned earlier this book is is best targeted for those who have plenty of time, people confined to bed, the elderly, the institutionalized or the incarcerated. In the end, for anyone who reads this book- the message of salvation is clear, if not a bit too wordy. As a blogger for Moody publishers I received this book for the purpose of writing this review.

http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1833392

How Do We Know the Bible is True by Ken Ham and Bodie Hodge

2011-08-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

How Do We Know the Bible is True by Ken Ham and Bodie Hodge is an easy to read, book on apologetics that addresses timely issues and controversies raised by various secular skeptics, critics and athiests. This book is volume one, of an undisclosed number of volumes in the series, yet on its own it can be read as an independant resource. Each chapter is an independant study or essay by various writers and authors. The issues addressed begin as the standard, general basic theological issues: Chapter 1, How Do We know the Bible is True, Chapter 2, Is the Old Testament Reliable?, Chapter 3, Is the New Testament Reliable?. The subsequent chapters are more indepth addressing very interesting and important theological issues such as Jesus' physical resurrection, the concept of the Trinity, if people were saved before the death of Jesus on the cross. Issues such as miracles and the author of Genesis are discussed. Morals and evolution are covered as well. The Catholic Church's perception of Mary is also challanged as well as the popular secular fiction novel by Dan Brown, The Davinci Code. This book covers a number of long standing, ancient theological issues as well as modern social and theological issues too! The issues raised by Dan Bown's fictional work- which was turned into a movie- undermined many biblical truths and archeological evidenceses in the mind of many gulliable readers and conspiracy theorists, and this book systematically addresses those issues raised by the book. Fact is sorted from fiction- in which Brown weaves in his own fiction and conspiracy theories with some historical facts so as to create a plausible yet flawed version of ancient "history". This ambitious book of apolegetics and theology is broad and covers a lot of ground in one volume. i am curious as to what the other volumes will contain. As a blogger for New Leaf publishers I recieved a copy of this book from Masterbooks publishers for the purpose of writing this review.

Begin: A Journey Through Scriptures for Seekers and New Believers

2011-08-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

Begin: A Journey Through Scriptures for Seekers and New Believers, published by Masterbooks is an original alternative to the concept of the mass produced outreach version of the New Testament bible. Almost every publisher offers inespensive outreach New Testament and even complete bibles for the purpose of mass distribution. Basically the purpose of the concept of the "outreach" bible, is to make an inexpensive bible, often with a special introduction for the reader about the basics of the bible and how to be saved. The premise of this particular book, with its simple title, Begin, is that providing a believer with an entire Bible, or New Testament, for that matter, is too overwhelming or even complicated for someone who has never read the bible. And yes it is true that many out reach bibles are printed in such tiny font, with no sub- heading to break up the chapters, making the text difficult to read and even unappealing. In contrast, this book sticks to what it feels are the bare bones minimum books to get someone saved: Genesis, John and Revelation. The font size is easy to read, and chapter titles make it inviting as well. In otherwords, this version of the New Testament- specifically the ESV- a new, yet literal translation (not neccessarily the easiest version for a new bible reader to understand- the New Living version or CEV would be better), contains only three books of the 66 books of the bible. Nevertheless, the selection is a good representative of the bible, and the commentary is helpful to the new bible reader as well. Also included is plenty of space for personal notetaking. The idea of this book is great- but only if it is a prelude to giving the particular recipient an entire bible! You can't just give someone three books of the bible and leave it at that! So hopefully, this outreach book will be used with caution- and a disclaimer to all who distribute this book. If you do give this book away or distribute it in the hopes of saving souls, and fishing for men- in the true fashion of the early evangelists, then hopfully you will follow up by eventually giving that same individual an entire bible!!!! But regrettably, I feel that those who decide to give this book as an outreach method to reach the masses of unsaved, will probably neglect to follow up with the distribution of a complete bible. As a blogger for New Leaf publishers I recieved this book for the purpose of writing a review. I believe this concept for a book is great, but it must be used with caution- as I believe that following up with an entire bible is essential!

Upside by Bradley R.E. Wright, PhD

2011-08-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

Upside, by Bradley R.E. Wright, PhD is an optimistic book, that attempts to dispell the pessimism that many sketptics and doomsday predictions warn concerning timely issues conccerning the economy, morals, environment, health and politics. Nevertheless I found this book not to be representative of the true state of many struggling Americans. Basically, wright's pointsof view seemed to be somewhat biased in representing the upper middle class socio- economic American sector, to the exclusion of the struggling, ever growing middle and lower socio- economic american classes. For example, with unemployment- the statistic of 9.9 - 10% unemployment rate is totally innaccurate! It does not reflect those individuals, who in despair, have completely given up the job search and dropped out of the job force. A better indicator would be to use the employed to unemployed job ratio which indicates that about 40% and even more Americans aged 16 and over currently have no job!!!! Nor does his statistics or considerations include the under employed- those struggling to raise a family on minimum wage jobs and part time jobs that they must settle on do to a lack of other options. Furthermore, because these individuals have part time jobs or low paying jobs, they do not qualify for govenment assistance, yet they can not afford private health insurance so they must go without health insurance. To add further insult to injury is the injustice that these struggling mid- low class workers must pay for welfare recipients to get free healthcare while they go without!.

Therefore when he does discuss the upper middle to the wealthy class, of course their health is better! Of course there is good news for those with suffiecient financial resources!! But as far as the silent majority- who can not affort preventative care, screening or maintanence medications- these are the ones with undiagnosed heart disease, diabetes and cancer- and these are the ones that suddenly drop dead at age 49 because they coult not afford health care! There is no good news for these individuals. Of course, there is no doubt some Americans are prospering, but there still is a large majority that isn't. For America to ignore this and pat itself on the back is just simply to ignore the problem and it isn't right. This self serving book is sure to make those wealthy, carefree Americans in happy marriages to feel less guilt and to feel justified. But there is a whole world out there that suffers and goes without its basic neccesities. Sure, I agree wiuth Wright that the Earth most likely won't be detroyed by radiation due to a damaged ozone layer, but beyond that I feel his book is nothing more than false reassurance to make the upper classes feel justified. As a blogger I recieved this book from Bethany House publishers for the purpose of writing this review. http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1825243

The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead

2011-08-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead
The newly published fiction sequel to the The Skin Map, The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead is a unique hybrid of a detective story, history, science fiction fantasy and inspirational tale in one story. Yet if the reader has not read the first book in the series, then reading the Bone house, would be similar to starting a book at its mid-point. The story plot is tied to the events of the Skin Map.
As with the first novel, where the author goes into extensive detail describing a fictitious, yet well woven quasi-scientific theory of ley lines and time travel- this sequel is also based on the same ideas. In fact, the same readers that actually believed Dan Brown's intricate tales of church intrigue and conspiracy theroies in the fictional novel, The Davinci Code, may be the very same gullible readers who may believe that Lawhead's stories of the theories of traveling through the spectrum of alternate universes, a.k.a the "Omniverse", are in fact real. The ideas of travel across time and place between alternate universes is well described in layman's terms, using the London transportation and bus systems as a comparison. Access to anytime anywhere is simply a ley line away, as long as you have the special gift of navigation. This story makes traveling to different "planes of existance" seem as plausible and commonplace as navigating the public bus system in downtown New York. Portals, to alternate universes, known as "leys" are found in various, convienient locations in Kit's home of London. Apparently Kit is one of the select few, endowed with the special gift of navigation through these special pathways. This special travel ability, and the fact that the characters are able to intervene in past events in order to change history for the better, raises some interesting questions about the purpose of events and how even little actions or choices may have a ripple effect for future generations. At the same time, the implication made by the author, when the characters knowingly intervene to change past events to thwart future suffering, seems to undermine the idea of God's unique role in providence as an all-knowing, omnificient, all powerful being. In essence, the heros of the story become "god"-like in the fact that they can travel anytime, anywhere and intervene to make amends or change the future
History fans will enjoy the vivid depictions of the sites, sounds and smells in the various historical time periods and various cultures that the characters travel to. Food, clothing, buildings and other hitorical details are authentically described. Interesting scenarios of alternate historical outcomes of commonly known events in history are presented as well. The book challanges commonly held sterotypes of modern society. For example Kit, the hero of the story, outwardly appears as a successful young man, yet, is described as a lonely, unfulfilled, frustrated guy, worthy of sympathy rather than envy. He is a character that all of us, at sometime in our life, can relate to. His girlfriend is vividly described in the most unflattering of terms. In contrast, Kit's aged grandfather is depicted as healthy, happy and full of vigor, having more energy that a young man. Rather than seeking wisdom and information about tcutting edge theories on science and time travel from the the modern scientists, Kit and his great grand father must travel hundreds of years into the past, into another alternate universe! Authority and enlightenment are found in the most unexpected and remote of places, years in the past.
The classic battle between good and evil is integrated into the story- whereas the lurking danger of an ancient antagonistic presence is always there trying to obstruct Kit and his great grandfather from completing their mission to obtain a valuable skin map which is the key to valuable information. This adventure story was very enjoyable. It was well written with much detail, and is sure to appeal to a varied audience. The pseudo-scientific ideas of ley line travel, mixed with historical-like scenes make the story seem almost plausible. To truly enjoy the story, having had read the first book is important since this second book is basically a continuation of the first. As a blogger for booksneeze.com, I recieved a free copy of this book for review from Thomas Nelson publishers. I was not required to write a positive review and the ideas expressed are my own.

Unveiling the Kings of Israel by David Down

2011-08-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

Unveiling the Kings of Israel by David Down is a very well written refernce book chronicling the historical details of the bible- both the Old and New Testaments. This impressive book is a chronicle of the historical events which take place in the bible. The historicle figures, cultures, and places mentioned in the bible, come to life in this reference work. Through the use of archeological evidence, the author David Brown, proves the authenticity of the events recorded in the bible. This book validates, in a scholarly fashion, using scientific and ancheological evidence, the events recorded in the bible. This reference book is not religious propaganda, as many athiests may attempt to claim, but rather an onjective historical overview covering the events mentioned in the bible.

Not only is this book informative, but it is visually appealing- with its graphics, diagrams and photographs. It is suitable for all age groups- students as well as adults. Those interested in ancient history are sure to enjoy this book as well. Personally, I found no defeciencies or gaps of information in this book. I feel this reference work is suitible for even the most disciminating secular historian. As a blogger for New Leaf press I recieved this book for the purpose of writing a review.

The Family Illustrated Bible

2011-08-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

The Family Illustrated Bible published by Master Books, a hybrid between a children's bible, and a bible reference book. This full color book contains illustations as well as photographs which bring bible stories, bible culture and bible history to life. The world of the bible comes to life, through the illustrations, bible stories and commentaries.

The line illustrations are simple, yet unique in artistic style. They are somewhat reminiscent of a teenagers doodles. Nevertheless, they compliment the bible for their originality. The informational side bars of information as well as the photographs are perfect suppliments to give some historical background to the world of the bible. Nevertheless, the historical side bars are not neccessarily spiritual in nature, and they actually offer secular explanations for biblical stories and events, in some cases.

Overall this is a good bible to introduce young children and older children alike to God's word. This bible is perfectly suitable to be read aloud by a parent, or for older children to read themselves. As a blogger for New Leaf press, I recieved this book for the purpose of writing this review. This is a bible that I feel is perfect to read to my two children.

Peace Be With You By David Carlson

2011-08-09T14:08:00.000-07:00

Peace Be With You: Monastic Wisdom For A Terror- Filled World By David Carlson, is a timely book written in the post 9-11 world. According to the author, David Carlson, The collective American grief over 9/11 "could have become a bridge of understanding and empathy to others in the world who have known (and continue to experience) horrendous suffering. But that has not happened. I had yet to hear anyone ask, 'Was 9/11 something like what the Japanese experienced in Hiroshima and Nagasaki?' Instead, 9/11 only seemed to isolate us further from the world. To most Americans, the tragedy of 9/11 was experienced as a bubble of suffering so unique that only we could possibly feel the severity of the pain. Our grief seemed to become our private possession." Page 45 Perhaps many of the victims and families of victims might find Carlson's position harsh and perhaps simplistic. On the otherhand, Carlson may appear to be a political liberal or pacifist. After all, the events of 9/11 initiated a regenerated form of national pride and patriotism- and the focus on America is partly the definition of patriotism- which has distinguished our nation from all others.

Most people do not have the luxury, the time or means to visit monestaries- and the seclusion and wisdom that can best be appreciated within the confines of a monestary. Of course, some good points are made as well as biblical wisdom, yet peace at all costs is not a just peace. And peace without justice is in fact meaningless. Nevertheless, the extensive work that the author put into this book, reveals a unique and often untold perspective of those silent voices in response to 9/11. For those readers interested in 9/11 studies, histories and writings, this book offers a good compliment to the various 9/11 works already written.

As a blogger for booksneeze, I recieved this book from Thomas Nelson publishers for the purpose of writing this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

2011-08-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

Let the day of my birth be erased and the night I was conceived. Let that day be turned to darkness. Let it be lost even to God on high, and let no light shine on it. Let the darkness and utter gloom claim that day for its own. Let a black cloud overshadow it, and let darkness terrify it. Let that night be blotted off the calendar never to be counted among the days of the year, never again to appear among the months. Let that night be childless. Let it have no joy. Let those who are experts at cursing- whose cursing could rouse Leviathan, curse that day. Let its morning stars remain dark. Let it hope for light, but in vain; may it never see the morning light. Curse that day for failing to shut my mother's womb, for letting me be born to see all this trouble (and to cause all this trouble). Why wasn't I born dead? Why didn't I die as I came from the womb? Why was I laid on my mother's lap? Why did she nurse me at her breasts? Had I died at birth, I would now be at peace. I would be asleep and at rest. I would rest with the world's kings and ministers,

whose great buildings now lie in ruins. I would rest with princes rich in gold whose palaces were filled with silver. Why wasn't I buried like a stillborn child, like a baby who never lives to see the light? For in death the wicked cause no trouble and the weary are at rest. Even the captives are at ease in death, with no guards to curse them. Rich and poor are both there and the slave is free from his master. Oh, why give light to those in misery, and life to those who are bitter? They long for death, and it won't come. They search more eagerly for death than hidden treasure.

They are filled with joy when they finally die, and rejoice when they find the grave. Why is life given to those with no future Those God has surrounded with difficuloties? I cannot eat for sighing; my groans poor out like water. What I have always feared has happened to me. What I dreaded has come true. I have no peace, no quietness. I have no rest, only trouble comes.

Job Chapter 3

Surviving Your Serengeti By Stefan Swanepoel

2011-08-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

Surviving Your Serengeti: 7 Skills to Master Business and Life By Stefan Swanepoel is a unique motivational story that draws upon the reality of African wioldlife, and applies it to life in general. Using the wilderness of the African desert as an allegory, Stefab Swanepoel pieces together an inspirational story using observations of animal interaction to apply it to human personalities and interaction. This unique hybrid work: a blend of a fiction allegory, motivational piece, and business startegy guide, can be appreciated and enjoyed by any reader. This simple to read book can be completed in one sitting, yet the common sense truths are far reaching. While it is true that animals do not have free will and act based on instinct, much of the world around us- such as the personalities of others and the challanges we face, are for the most part, not always within our control. Nevertheless, within such external constraints, certain personality types, just as animals in the wild, can use certain traiths or conditions to their advantage. In a entertaining, and easy to read format, the author teaches the reader to harness the force and will as well as perseverance of the animal kingdom and apply it to our own unique and individual lives. As a blogger for booksneeze, I recieved this book for the purpose of writing this review. The opinions expressed are my own. Just as a side note- I recieved an email from bookszeeze informing me that booksneeze will be sutting down its blogger program and that we did not have to submit a review for our final books recieved. I do not know if its legit, ot if its a scam on the part of a fellow, competetive blogger in an attempt to thwart the competition for the top 5 blogger spots. So, as I post this on booksneeze, the mystery will be solved.

God's Promises for the American Patriot - By Richard Lee, Jack Countryman

2011-07-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

God's Promises for the American Patriot - By Richard Lee, Jack Countryman is an impressive, illustrated pocket sized book of patriotic devotionals. This book contains short stories, anecdotes and historical information about well known historical figures such as George Washington Carver, as well as Abraham Lincoln. Contemporary American heros such as Gen Patton and President Reagan are to be found as well. Devotionals covering historical documents such as the declaration of Independance and the Gettysburg Address are also contained in the pages of this book. Furthermore, this is not only a quaint book of American quotes and trivia, but an inspriting book on American history and the role of faith in this country. It can not be denied by athiests or humanists that this nation was founded on the Christian faith as taught in the bible. Our inventors, and historical figures based their lives on the words of the bible. In contrast to today's world, where ambition and materialism are the basis of our consumeritic and selfish culture, faith took a large role in the history of our nation, from the greatest of politicians and generals to inventors, and families. As a blogger for booksneeze I recieved this book from Thomas Nelson publishers for the purpose of writing this review.

Psalm 38

2011-07-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

The following is Psalm 38 in two different bible versions: NIV and the Message

Psalm 38 NIV version

A psalm of David. A petition.
¹ LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger
or discipline me in your wrath.
² Your arrows have pierced me,
and your hand has come down on me.
³ Because of your wrath there is no health in my body;
there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin.
⁴ My guilt has overwhelmed me
like a burden too heavy to bear.
⁵ My wounds fester and are loathsome
because of my sinful folly.
⁶ I am bowed down and brought very low;
all day long I go about mourning.
⁷ My back is filled with searing pain;
there is no health in my body.
⁸ I am feeble and utterly crushed;
I groan in anguish of heart.
⁹ All my longings lie open before you, Lord;
my sighing is not hidden from you.
¹⁰ My heart pounds, my strength fails me;
even the light has gone from my eyes.
¹¹ My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds;
my neighbors stay far away.
¹² Those who want to kill me set their traps,
those who would harm me talk of my ruin;
all day long they scheme and lie.
¹³ I am like the deaf, who cannot hear,
like the mute, who cannot speak;
¹⁴ I have become like one who does not hear,
whose mouth can offer no reply.
¹⁵ LORD, I wait for you;
you will answer, Lord my God.
¹⁶ For I said, “Do not let them gloat
or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.”
¹⁷ For I am about to fall,
and my pain is ever with me.
¹⁸ I confess my iniquity;
I am troubled by my sin.
¹⁹ Many have become my enemies without cause^[b];
those who hate me without reason are numerous.
²⁰ Those who repay my good with evil
lodge accusations against me,
though I seek only to do what is good.
²¹ LORD, do not forsake me;
do not be far from me, my God.
²² Come quickly to help me,
my Lord and my Savior.

Psalm 38 The Message Version

A David Psalm

^1-2 Take a deep breath, God; calm down— don't be so hasty with your punishing rod.
Your sharp-pointed arrows of rebuke draw blood;
my backside smarts from your caning.

^3-4 I've lost twenty pounds in two months
because of your accusation.
My bones are brittle as dry sticks
because of my sin.
I'm swamped by my bad behavior,
collapsed under gunnysacks of guilt.

^5-8 The cuts in my flesh stink and grow maggots
because I've lived so badly.
And now I'm flat on my face
feeling sorry for myself morning to night.
All my insides are on fire,
my body is a wreck.
I'm on my last legs; I've had it—
my life is a vomit of groans.

^9-16 Lord, my longings are sitting in plain sight,
my groans an old story to you.
My heart's about to break;
I'm a burned-out case.
Cataracts blind me to God and good;
old friends avoid me like the plague.
My cousins never visit,
my neighbors stab me in the back.
My competitors blacken my name,
devoutly they pray for my ruin.
But I'm deaf and mute to it all,
ears shut, mouth shut.
I don't hear a word they say,
don't speak a word in response.
What I do, God, is wait for you,
wait for my Lord, my God—you will answer!
I wait and pray so they won't laugh me off,
won't smugly strut off when I stumble.

^17-20 I'm on the edge of losing it—
the pain in my gut keeps burning.
I'm ready to tell my story of failure,
I'm no longer smug in my sin.
My enemies are alive and in action,
a lynch mob after my neck.
I give out good and get back evil
from God-haters who can't stand a God-lover.

^21-22 Don't dump me, God;
my God, don't stand me up.
Hurry and help me;
I want some wide-open space in my life!

Seeing the Unseen by T.W. Hunt

2011-07-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

Seeing the Unseen by T.W. Hunt, illustrates the reality of God; the reality of the Holy Spirit, and in general, the spirit world, which in large part, for most normal or ordinary people, is unseen, but just as real, nevertheless. Rather than rely on personal stories, experiences and anecdotes, T.W. Hunt draws heavily on scripture to prove the reality of God. He contrasts the physical workd with the spiritual world, and despite the fact that we can not see the spiritual world, using the bible, he proves it is just as true, just as much a reality, as the physical world. None of us doubt the physical world, and therefore why should we doubt the spiritual, which in fact is actually more important to us than the temporary, ,limited, imperfect physcial world. This brief 102 page book is only short because he leaves out the extranous anecdotes which many authors use as filler to write bigger books and to pat them selves on the back. When reading a spiritual book, I feel its best that the author leaves out the countless personal anecdotes and stories unless it is relevant. For anyone facing true crisis, terminal illness, rejection or death, this book will inspire the reader to show this temporary world is not the only thing out there. Faith is important as well as trust in the unseem. As a blogger for Navpress publishers, I recieved this book from the publisher for the purpose of writing this review.

More Than Ordinary by Doug Sherman

2011-07-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

Using anecdotes of the author's own family life with his children, In his book, More Than Ordinary, Doug Sherman illustrates the potential Father- child relationship that Christians often cheat themselves out of when they fail to recognise God's presence in their daily lives. This book brings out an important point, that God desires a relationship with us, not unlike the parent child relationships that we are familiar with. Written with child-like enthusiasm, the author draws examples and stories from his own life to illustrate the relationship of God with his children. Yet unlike our dysfunctional, and deficient human relationships, God's motives are pure and His love for us is infinate.

Nevertheless, it gets a bit tiresome when the author uses his own father- child anecdotes to illustrate God's love for us as a perfect parents throughout the book. Sure it is nice that he has a good relationship with his kids, to make up for the less than perfect, rocky relationship he had with his own dad when he was young, but it simply seems like that author is giving himself a big pat on the back at times- especially when he describes his camping trips, coaching sports and the joy he gets from interacting with his kids after a long day at the office. Its nice that he felt that seeing his "kids win was better than winning myself" page 51, and that the author is a self described example of a "godly parent" which defined in his words means "one of the greatest desires of godly parents is to enjoy the affection, appreciation, and devotion of their children. God feels the same way. My passion is to love my children well and bring them joy." page 51. Sure it is true that this is a good analogy for the pleasure God sees in us, his children, but nevertheless I did not want to read a bunch of feel good stories as the author pats himself on the back for being a good and loving parent.

This book was motivating and empowering in the sense that it used real life illustrations and parelles of ahealthy ideal father child relationship, with that of our relationship with God. Nevertheless, I am sure there are a number or readers, who may be parents wthemselves, who do not have the time, financial means or emotional energy to be the type of parent that Doug Sherman describes himself to be in his anecdotes. As a blogger for Navpress I recieved this book, published by Navpress for the purpose of writing this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Freedom From Performing by Becky Harling

2011-07-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

Freedom From Performing by Becky Harling, is a honest book written for those readers who are ambitious, perfectionists who feel they must always be the center of attention; who are addicted to power and approval. We all know people like this, yet certainly none of us likes to admit these characteristics ourselves. As the author admits, "Sometimes I recieved the kudos and strokes I craved. Other times I failed miserably, and when the applause didn't come, I felt defeated and very much a loser. I craved an inordinate amount of affirmation from others." page 15 Yet at times I felt that the author admitting to being a perfectionist, is a bit self serving as if she is patting herself on the back. After all, it is much easier to admit that you are guilty of perfectionism and over performing, than say for example, to admit that you have a problem with poor hygene, or a weight problem or a problem with theft or gambling or drinking. Additionally, even in our churches and in "Christian" circles or cliques, this drive for power is all too common the motivation for many women where as "godliness was defined by how well one followed the rules rather than by gracious life transformations", page 15. We are all aware of those hypocrites in our churches who wear expensive clothing and jewelry on Sunday, and who volunteer in key positions to be the center of attention. For example, it is all too common to see women who sing on the worship team, simply for the purpose of acquiring praises and attention from the audience rather than seeking the glory for God.

The author is very empathetic, and addresses the reader as a personal friend offering the reader gentle advice- helping her to confront her misdirected need for outside attention from others rather than seeking God. Nevertheless I found that the author was a bit too dismissive and permissive with the concept of personal sin and guilt. For example, she mentioned that oftentimes, infertile women will feel an immense amount of guilt over an abortion they may have had years earlier and even blame their infertility as a consequence of the abortion. As a result, these same women feel as if they are being punished for their abortion. The author, becky Harling discounts that possibility- the connection of an abortion to the physical consequence of infertility later in life. Nevertheless, our sins and actions, oftentimes have real life consequences here in this imperfect and fallen world. That doesn't mean that the woman who had an abortion is going to hell. Perhaps her remorse and guilt was instrumental in leading her to eternal salvation. But just because we are saved that does not mean that we are also saved from the earthly consequences of our sinful actions are always removed. To imply there is no connection between an abortion and infertility is simply wrong and misleading to the reader that may have experienced the pain and subsequent guilt of abortion and infertility. That isn't to say that infertility can always be traced to a prior abortion- its just that it is wrong to tell a half truth just to make a woman feel better about herself.

Aside from that, in general this would be a good book for any performance driven woman. It frees the reader from believeing that one must be a perfectionist. Rather, we must use our talenst, or lack of talent, for the glory of God. This book is like a course in humility. After each chapter is a bible study to allow the reader to meditate on what she has learned. As a blogger for NavPress, I recieved this book form Navpress publishers for the purpose of writing this review.

God's Love Letters To You by Dr. Larry Crabb

2011-06-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

God's Love Letters To You: A 40- Day Devotional Experience by Dr. Larry Crabb, has one devetional dedicated to each of the individual books of the bible. Each day, the reader will be greeted with a new devotional, written in a first person narative, as if God himself has written a personal letter- starting with Genesis on day one and ending with Revelation on day 40. The devotionals themselves are somewhat inspriational, yet they have little if anything, to do with the actual bible book of which they are allegedly based. For example, the devotional titled, "Romans" apparently spends more time addressing the fact that the book of Romans is the first of many New Testament letters of the bible, yet the text of the devotional does not discuss the themes or anything else having to do with the book of Romans. It is more of a commentary of the importance of understanding the truth of the bible's words, but it does not discuss specifically any spiritual theme or important biblical points of the particular book of Romans. Regretably, this is a lost opportunity which could have proven to be a spring board into deeper study of the book of Romans or any other book of the bible for that matter. In general the devotions are very short and quick. While there is some inspiration, and quotes from notable Christians and Christian writers, there are very few actual scripture quotes. Nevertheless, this soft cover devotional is attractively packaged, with its cover made to simulate a stamped envelope. Hopefully, readers of this devotional will actually use this devotional as inspiration to seek out and read the bible. As a blogger for booksneeze, I recieved a copy of this book from thomas Nelson publishers for the purpose of writing this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Complete Zoo Adventure by Mary & Gary Parker

2011-06-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

The Complete Zoo Adventure by Mary & Gary Parker, is literally a "A field trip in a book" as marketed on the front cover. This spiral bound, interactive full color book has color coded tab divided chapters for each animal category as well as a hands on tool kit, containing field fact cards, biome cards, field journal cards and name badges for the readers/ participants. This book is educational as well as interactive. This book is the perfect guid to transform any zoo trip into an educational field trip. And for those readers who are not actually going to the real zoo, this book is the next best thing.

At first glance this might seem just like a very good resource in animals and the zoo. But when you actually read the text of the book and not just the full color photographs of animals, the reader will find it is actually an educational book on biblical creation. Sadly, so many readers- and parents who read this book, will probably will look at the photos and stop there. But the actual text of this book is even more impressive! In the section "Before the zoo", there are "devotional" pages which give the biblical background of creation starting from Genesis. This book provides a simple, yet very well written background on the theology of creation and sin, the garden of Eden, and the flood. Issues of creationism vs evolutionary theories are discussed. Furthermore, within the text of the animal sections themselves, the authors do not hesitate to include biblical based commentary. For example, when commenting on a monkey exhibit at a zoo, they critique the fact that a diagram was depicted which implied than men evolved from apes. This is a bold book, and the authors are not ashamed of the gosepl message and find effective ways to promote the gospel in of all places- a book about zoo animals! As a blogger for New Leaf creations I recieved a copy of this book published by Master Books for the purpose of writing this review. I wish this book would be available to the mass market in book stores everywhere as its message is essential. This publishing company produces many great books that tie in science with biblical creation so that the readers get the whole picture.

The Doppleganger Chronicles: The Great Mogul Diamond by GP Taylor

2011-06-26T05:25:00.000-07:00

As a blogger for Tyndale publishers I had the opportunity to review the 3rd book of the graphic kids' series, The Doppleganger Chronicles: The Great Mogul Diamond by G. P. Taylor. My 10 year old Rose, really likes this series, and basically read each book non stop until completeion. Although this is #3 in a trilogy, each book can be read independantly. This new junior novel series represents the new and popular genre of graphic novels- a hybrid between a full color comic book format and text novel. The ecclectic mix of comic book style cartoon art, illustrations as well paragraphs of text make this book visially appealing as well capturing the interest of the reader. For anyone who enjoys comic books, and graphic novels- I would suggest this book- especially for those who enjoyed the first book in the series.

The Doppleganger Chronicles series, Doppleganger takes its name from a hybrid mix of the twin heros last name Dopple, and their sidekick's last name Ganger. Although marketed to appeal to ADHD/ short attention spanned readers, my ten year old- and A student who enjoys reading enjoyed this book. My five year old enjoyed listening to having this book read to him, although he found the pictures a bit spooky. The artwork is very impressive. The gothic styled artwork and cartoons are unique for a children's book, and will draw in older readers as well as younger readers. The vivid descriptive details such as when "Erik waded through the waist-high vile liquid that spewed from the roof of the vault" page 241 make this an engaging story in of itself. The mixed media of text and graphics and photographs make this a unique book that may even capture the interest of parents as well! In fact, the sophisticated language, sarcasm and irony may be appreciated more adults than by young children. The intended readership of this book is the pre-teen/ younger teenaged reader. I rate this novel five stars, not only for its unique presentation format and the unique, vivid writing style. As a blogger for Tyndale publishers I recieved this book for the purposes of writing this review. The opinions reflected are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.

We eagerly await #4 in this series.

A Place Called Blessing by John Trent with Annette Smith

2011-06-22T05:57:00.000-07:00

A Place Called Blessing by John Trent with Annette Smith tells the story about a child who grew up in the foster care system, after the unexpected death of his parents. As a young man, he had paid his entire young life for a horrendous, yet accidental death of a playmate, he caused when he was six years old playing with matches in the basement of his foster parents. His emotional story is told in such a way that he honestly accesses the gravity of his actions without excusing it away. He takes emotionaly responsability for his actions. The irony of the story is the fact that though the main character wanted to keep his shameful secret hidden from those around him, those he lived with and those who showed him love and kindness, those same very individuals which he learned to call his family, would have or should have, by the worlds standards, have been those most angered seeking revenge rather than to offer forgiveness. The story almost seems unbelievable- it is difficult to comprehend how a mother can forgive someone who was responsible for the death of her child, and furthermore, to accept him into her home as if he was her own son. As a blogger for booksneeze, I recieved a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers for the purpose of writing this review.

Creation and the Second Coming by Henry M. Morris

2011-06-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Creation and the Second Coming by Henry M. Morris is a timely book on biblical prophecy, published by Master Books. Countless books and, documentaries and movies on prophecy have been written, especially within the past few years, in light of new economic, scientific, atmospheric, political and environmental developements. Morris' book, in particular, does not appear very modern in accordance with modern professional printing press techniques- with its stiff, cardboard like pages, and antiquated type- setting/ font. Nevertheless, the text itself is very biblically based with its extensive use of scripture to back up the author's assertions. The author relates the old testament writing as well as new testament writings to modern events which are actually taking place. Political events such as those in the Mid-East, as well as religious/ spritiual trends such as the Islamic and New Age movements are considered as well. Old testament prophecy such as that from the book of Daniel are considered in great detail. If you can get past the bold, black font, and stiff pages, then this book is sure to shed light on biblical prophecy and how modern day events fit in. Perhaps a more modern update and newly designed cover for this book, might make it more appealing and professional to modern day readers. In its current form, it looks like the quality one might expect from a self publishing company or a personal computer. As a blogger for New Leaf Bloggers I recieved a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

God and Steven Hawking by John C. Lennox

2011-06-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

God and Steven Hawking- Whose Design Is It Anyway? by John C. Lennox, is 96 page apologetic work in response to Steven Hawking's well known bestselling work, "The Grand Design". Lennox concedes that Hawking has made accessible to the laymen, his God-less theories of physics, and science to the main-stream, challenging belief in God and the bible. The implications of this atheistic view of God in society are seriously damaging to faith in God. Because of this danger, Lennox feels the need to point out the holes and weakness in Hawking's theories as presented in the "The Grand Design". Specifically, he is not debating about the scientific ideas presented by Hawking but about the conclusions that he comes up with- namely that God does not exist. He feels that Hawking is in error, when he dismisses the validity of philosophy and faith in addressing crucial questions such as the purpose and meaning of life. Lennox challenges the claim that the law of gravity is the explanation for the creation and purpose of the universe and this is not a satisfactory explanation of the laws of nature and morals. In essense, Hawking creates for himself, his own god- which is the universe, or more accurately, the multiverse. Hawking's work, simply is unable to answer the questions as to the purpose or why the world was created.

I believe that Lennox's ideas as presented in his book would be more accessible to the laymen in a pamphlet or tract form rather than a 96 page book. The intended market audience of this book is obviously those who have in fact read or are actually familiar with and understand Hawking's works- which I assume is not too many. The way Lennox's book is presented, is not neccessarily the most readable- therefore I believe a smaller booklet form or tract version with graphics and bullet points would be more effective. This book seems more like a research paper and is not very readable to the average reader.

As a blogger for Litfuse, I recieved this book from Lion Book publishers for the purpose of writing this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Bombus the Bumblebee by Elsie Larsen

2011-06-16T06:34:00.000-07:00

Bombus the Bumblebee by Elsie Larsen and illustrated by David & Elizabeth Haidle is a colorful illustrated story book for young children that is sure to inspire and encourage the reader. Obviously as Christian fiction, this story upholds the idea of biblical creation as fact, from page one, with its reference to the Genesis account of creation. Bombus, a Bumblebee created by God, must face the challange of being big, fat, noisy and uncoordinated. He is made fun of and mentally abused by the slender, more coordinated Honeybees. Yet, God gives him the courage to be himself- as that is the way he is made. Young children can relate to this story about bullies and self esteem and discouragment. In the end, it celebrates the uniqueness of every living creature and how each individual is created by God for a purpose and that purpose can not be thwarted regardless of what others may say.

Also included at the end of this book are some extra features, including information about Bumblebees and activity ideas. As a blogger for New Leaf I recieved a copy of this book published by Master Books for the purpose of writing this review.

Living Fossils By Dr. Carl Werner

2011-06-16T06:05:00.000-07:00

Living Fossils By Dr. Carl Werner is volume 2, of the Evolution: The Grand Experient series. This fully illustrated, full color book is a hybrid between a science textbook, and the author's personal journal. Marketed for the homeschooled market, this science book is certain to capture the interest of any child or adult interested in science, fossils and evolution. This book does not replace a science text, as it is not all inclusive, nevertheless it would make a very good supplement to a science textbook in the private or even public school forum.

This science text chronicles the author's quest to prove/ disprove evolution. It is written in the first person point of view, including some personal, yet scientifically irrelevant facts about his trips to the escavation sites and museums. Nevertheless, the photographs speak for themselves and his personal comments and captions do not hinder the point the author is trying to communicate. Included are a series of high quality photographs of fossils. In most cases the photographs of the fossils are set side by side with photographs of modern day look a likes, illustrating that there are so many animals and plant life that have changed very little since the age of the dinosaurs. In other cases, the author relies on museum reconstructions/ illustrations of ancient fossils rather than actual fossils. This book dispells the commonly health myth- or rather, the alleged conspiracy, that mammals and other modern fish/ reptiles/ plant life did not exist until recently. One thing that I think should be changed is the physical page space dedicated to the scientists the author quoted. I think it is sufficient to include a quote and the scientist/ date of the quote but to include a full color photo of each individual quoted is a waste of space.

Another important issue the author raises in this text is the liberty that science illustators make when drawing reconstructions of ancient bones found. This liberty reflects the artist's and scientist's bias causing an illustration to make a fossil animal appear more or less ancient through the use of color and the artictic liscense used to exxagerate the non-bony, cartilage- type structures, colors, skins, fur, scales etc... The author suggests that two depictions be required- one on the modern spectrum as well as an ancient depiction because in reality, the artist must use his or her imagination to complete a drawing and fill in the gaps when only bones are available.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading vol 3 and 4 which the author teased the reader about in the end of the book. As a blogger for New Leaf publishers I revieved a copy of this book published by New Leaf publishers for the purpose of writing this review.

Cure For The Common Life by Max Lucado

2011-06-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

The "common life" is analagous to the common cold. Just as the "common cold" is boring, annoying, nagging and unwelcomed, the "common life" is unisnspired, boring and unfullfilling as well- and both seem to linger forever and are difficult to overcome. As with his many other inspirational books, Max Lucado's book, Cure For The Common Life, is sure to inspire and motivate the reader. Specifically, this book empowers those readers who are not neccessarily deeply troubled with serious life issues, but rather addresses the common, yet ordinary issues that many readers face in the modern, first world, middle class societies. The target audience for this book is not those facing terminal illness, financial crisis, or other serious issues, but rather those who simply feel they live an uninspired, unfullfilling life.

Lucado draws his words from scripture, from the New Testament letters of Paul, when he states that "The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others". page 4. He recognises that each and everyone of us has a gift regardless of whether we know it or not. In fact, Lucado has the gift of recognising the "gift" in even the most mundane and common of circumstances and individuals. This book is not for the hedonistic or narrcistic individual. This book is not about harnessing one's gifts and unique qualities simply to advance financially or to advance in a career or relationship- rather the focus of finding one's special gift or purpose in life is to serve others and serve God.

Using an original yet simple formula, the reader will find the balance between using his gift for the right purpose by considering the three factors: "everyday life", "strengths" and "God's Glory" in order to find one's "sweet spot". To consider one or only two of the factors might yield material or worldy success, but not be spiritual rewarding for God's purpose. On the ther hand, the argument might be made, to include only one, the reader might have the right spiritual motivation, but be frustrated by his or her unsuccessful attempts at furthering the work of God and the gospel. Basically, all three in balance are needed and systematically, Lucado goes through how to do this. Lucado's writing is simple, and motivational, as always is the case with his books. There are some interactive parts to the book which require the reader to actually think, plan and even journal some notes. Topics covered include the jobplace and children. At the end of the book is a review section / study guide. As a blogger for booksneeze, I recieved a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers for the purpose of writing this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

2011-06-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

Future Blog Topics:

Who Needs To Be a Vampire to Live Forever When You Can Have Eternal Life With Jesus

The Book of Genesis Disproves Alien Life: Belief in Alien Lifeform Implies That God is Holding Back in the Truth of the Bible

Bible Versions- communicating God's word through archaic "biblish" vs readability

2011-06-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

As a blogger I have had the opportunity to review a number of bibles and bible translations. As a believer I read the bible because it is the word of God. A frequently used translation by Thomas Nelson publishers, the publisher I blog for, uses frequently for their themed bibles the NKJV- New King James Version. The NKJV as well as other more literal translations- such as the KJV, NASB, NRSV and ESV tend to be overly literal to the point of being difficult to understand. This is especially evident in the Psalms, and other old testament books as well as the letters in the New Testament. For example, a bible marketed for new belivers titled the "New Believers Bible- Start" ironically, is available in only the literal NKJV, rather than a more user friendly version such as the NCV. The NCV which also is available by the same publisher but under- marketed, would be more appropriate for a new believer or new bible reader. Furthermore, a Max Lucado themed devotional bible is also available in NKJV only and not the more modern yet reliable NCV- New Century Version. For those readers who enjoy Lucado's simple to understand books, the NKJV does a disservice- and a more user friendly version for this themed bible would be more appropriate.

A number of emerging Christian, and rigid individual - "leaders claim that the ESV is the "Bible of the future'—ideal for public worship and private reading, appropriate for adults, youth and children. This puzzles me, since the ESV seems to me to be overly literal—full of archaisms, awkward language, obscure idioms, irregular word order, and a great deal of “Biblish.” Biblish is produced when the translator tries to reproduce the form of the Greek or Hebrew without due consideration for how people actually write or speak. The ESV, like other formal equivalent versions (RSV; NASB; NKJV; NRSV), is a good supplement to versions that use normal English, but is not suitable as a standard Bible for the church. This is because the ESV too often fails the test of 'standard English'"...... according to Bible translator and linguist Wayne Leman in a conference in 2008.

The more literal translations are accurate and trustworthy- great for theologens and scholars and seminary students- in contrast to a paraphrase such the Message which is far, far less literal -to the point of being comedic. As far as a translations for the rest of us- who aren't theologens- as well as new believers, I believe there are perhaps better, more easy to read choices available between in the mid point of the translation spectrum. Sometimes I feel pride is an issue, and that there are some individuals in Church and elsewhere who simply feel smarter and more intelligent when they carry around a NKJV, KJV or ESV. This is nothing more than biblical snobbery. There are many who feel the NIV, the HCSB/ CSB, NLV and other such translations are beneath them. I used to feel that way until I did my own bible studies comparing the texts of passages side by side and saw for myself that modern translations do not obscure or change the meaning. In contrast, the modern translations are enlightening. There is one exception- The Message bible is too paraphrased, intended for entertainment and not serious study. Its a unique paraphrase which is appropriate as a suppliment but it does not replace the bible.

As far as bible translations, there is a spectrum of the ease of reading of a particular translation ranging from beginner/ easy reading levels such as the message and more complex/ literal such as the King James version, and revised standard version. For example, the popular NIV- New International Version, is somewhere in the middle with regard to ease of reading level and undertsanding. The NKJV - New King James Version, in particular, is a bit more literal and is written in somewhat of a higher reading level. Nevertheless, this NKJV is an easy to understand version as well. For those new to the bible entirely, The Message and Living bible as well as NIV versions are easy to read and understand, and are very good options for those who seek to understand the meaning of the bible.

Difficult to read versions such as the Old King James - though very well written and poetic- in a Shakespearian sort of way, do a disservice to the modern or new bible reader. The antique language is difficult for many in this day to understand on their own and makes it prohibitive for many to understand the truths of the bible. Having known many readers of the KJV, who do not even understand the meaning of what they read- indicates that this is not the best translation for those who really seek to know God's word. What is the point of a bible after all if you can not even undertsand it? For those new to the bible or for those who have a difficult to read translation such as the King James Version, who wish to read the bible and actually understand it, I would suggest one of the bible versions with more modern/ contemporary language. While the NKJV is relatively easy to read, it may present a challange to the literacy level of many modern adults. What really seems ironic is when the NKJV, ESV or KJV is printed as a children's bible! When I see this, I can only wonder what child on his or her own can actually read and get anything from it. This is a great diservice to a child- when a child is presented with a bible in archaic English in a tiny text font. I feel that publishers and even parents need to take time to consider visually what a child or teenager will understand when being presented with the bible. There are a number of very good youth bibles and study bibles full of colorful graphics such as the NLB themed study bible, and magazine style bibles in the NCV version which are sure to appeal to younger readers and new bible readers. The NIV and HCSB also have a number study and student bibles too.

zondervan bible chart - a link to a chart of translations and how they compare

It's Not About Me By Max Lucado

2011-06-08T06:04:00.000-07:00

It's Not About Me - Rescue From the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy By Max Lucado is among the most uplifting books that I have recently read. In true Lucado fashion, Max writes in an animated, easy to understand style that communicates biblical truths to the reader. His books bring bible stories and biblical truth to life in an inspirational way that speaks out to the reader. "Catch God in a bad mood? Won't happen. Fear exhausting his grace? A sardine will swallow the Atlantic first. Think he's given up on you?" ..... Lucado's use of colorful language and his conversational tone, make it so that biblical truths are memorable and meaningful to the average modern reader. You need not be a theologen, educated in an expensive seminary or college to understand Max Lucado's books.

This inspirational book will be certain to leave the reader with a lasting impression. In today's self centered society, without offense Max Lucado illustrates the importance of living life based on biblical principles. After reading this book, and really meditating on the biblical truths communicated via Max Lucado, one can feel a renewed sense of embpowerment to live a selfless life style. Max makes use of personal anecdotes as well as bible stories to illiustrate the importance of depending on God rather than on the material things of this world. If you are a theologen, looking for an apologetic defense on the purpose of depending on God then this book isn't for you. But, if on the other hand you are simply looking for bible based motivation and a relief in a world that takes pride in materialism, selfish ambition and competition, then this book is perfect. As a blogger for booksneeze, I receive books from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for writing an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Strike it Rich With Pocket Change byKen Potter & Dr. Brian Allen

2011-06-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Strike it Rich With Pocket Change: Error Coins Bring Big Money byKen Potter & Dr. Brian Allen, published by KP publishers, is a unique coin guide for the beginning collector. Educational and interesting to read, this book contains black and white photographs on each page. Written in simple to understand language, with relevant photos, this book will appeal to coin collectors and non collectors alike.

Unknown to most laymen, and perhaps collectors as well, collecting error coins are a subset of the coin collecting hobby. Furthermore, a distinction is made between damadged coins and error coins. Not only does this guidebook educate the reader about these distinctions and the types of errors to be found, photographs of the errors are included in the text. What makes this book a truly great resource for the novice collector or coin student is the fact that it basically includes photos of every modern American coin minted in the U.S. Sufficient back ground information on coin collecting is included in this book. For example, collecting quaterers and commemorative dollars are a common hobby for many. In this book all the 50 States Quarters are photgraphed in a handy check list type format as well as nickels, Presidential $1 coinage, Sacagawea Dollars and America the Beautiful dollars too! Furthermore, at the end of this book is a glossary of coin collecting terms and some articles debunking common coin myths such as the popular misconception that Bicentennial coins ar e valuable. Additional resources are included to direct the collector to additional sources of information on the web or via mail. Membership applications for various coin collecting groups are included in the book as well. This all inclusive book is the perfect start to jump start any new collector's coin hobby. So, if even after reading this book and looking through change doesn't yield financial resouces, at the very least, any reader who has completed this book, will have gained an education in Coin Collecting 101, a trained eye and a new appreciation for pocket change. As a blogger for booksneeze I recieved this book from Thomas Nelson publishers for the purpuse of writing this review.

The WHOLE Bible Story by Dr. William H. Marty

2011-06-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

The trade paperback, The WHOLE Bible Story: Everything That Happens in the Bible in Plain English by Dr. William H. Marty, is a condensed 299 page summary of all the bible. For those familiar with the "Cliff Notes" books of the eighties, this book, which sums up the main events and stories of the bible, is written in a similar style. This ambitious book chronologically covers the main events of the bible in a shortened summary format at the expense of leaving out the spiritual and inspired elements. Perhaps for an history student, this is a good resource. Each chapter lists the "main characters" and geographic setting for the particular biblical chapters covered. A few simple black and white maps and simple line illustrations are included throughout the text. Chapters in this guide are listed and based on the chronology of the bible, rather than specific books of the bible.

Keep in mind this is not a replacement for the bible. In fact, this book really serves to perpetuate the misconception that the bible is too difficult to read and understand. In fact, for anyone who truly wants to get anything out of reading the bible as the word of God, I'd suggest reading a study bible in a modern translation such as the NIV or NLB and using this book as a study guide along-side a traditional bible. Basically what this book does is to reduce the bible to a history book, leaving out all the spiritual parts which could lead to salvation and focusing on the bare minimum facts and events. Unless you are simply trying to get a foundation of the bible as a whole from the historical perspective, I believe a reader would get so much more out of reading the actual bible. As a study guide to be read along the actual bible, this book would be a great resource. As a blogger for Bethany House publishers I recieved this book for the purposes of writing a review and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer

2011-06-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

The fiction- fantasy suspense novel, The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer is based on a spiritual battle between the evil occult and goodness. The book was interesting from the first chapter, when it was revealed that the heart-broken father had visual contact with the ghost of his daughter. Although not entirely biblical in scope, it is entertaining nonetheless. The spiritual storyline was based on exisiting religious entities and concepts. Elaborate detailed scenes brought the reader into the story and the plotline. Obviously, the author did some research to add authentic religious and occult details- mixing the elements of truth and fantasy.

The author goes into extensive detail describing a fictitious, yet well woven quasi-spiritual story with some facts- weaving together fables with Catholic and spitritual traditions and the occult. In fact, the same readers that actually believed Dan Brown's intricate tales of church intrigue and conspiracy theroies in the fictional novel, The Davinci Code, may be the very same gullible readers who may believe that there may be some basis of reality to this fiction piece. As with other works, the Catholic Church with its antique traditions, deep rooted history and elaborate rituals as well as the forbidden, secret occult groups has served as a good back-drop setting for many works of horror, fiction, drama pieces and thillers in movies and novels.

The classic battle between good and evil is integrated into the story- whereas the lurking danger of an ancient antagonistic presence is always there trying to obstruct goodness. It was well written with much detail, and is sure to appeal to a varied audience. The pseudo-realistic ideas presented as well as references to ancient traditions and, writings and visions make this almost plausible for those readers who have not studied the bible truths . A troubling fact as a reader for me was that rather than seeking wisdom and information about spiritism and the occult from the bible many readers will read this book and have some confusion as to the truth about the occult. .Nevertheless, this book is well written and the detailed storyline made it such that I did not want to put the book down. As a blogger for Water Brook publishers, I recieved a free copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the ideas expressed are my own.

The Waiting Place by Eileen Button

2011-06-01T05:37:00.000-07:00

As I read the Waiting Place: Learning to Appreciate Life's Little Delays by Eileen Button, it seemed like I was reading someone's personal diary or journal. The writing, recorded Button's own real life experiences- even the most mundane- as well as the associated thoughts that she felt. Each "essay" or entry covered a specific life event. The overall theme that tied these stories together was the concept of waiting patiently. The writing: the decsciptions of people, events and emotions- was very well detailed, although the stories themselves on occasion, were not neccessarily inspirational. Button's personality and interests clearly were obvious in this book, in fact, this book would certainly would be an invaluable family treasure or momento for her children and family, but as a reader not related or connected to the real life person - this book carried very little personal meaning or interest. If anything, this book might inspire the reader to keep his or her own journal.

Because this collection of essays is simply a compendium of the pages taken out of a woman's personal journal, there is not much to critque- as the author is simply presenting her own feelings and emotions about her life. If the idea of picking up someones diary and reading it does not interest you, then as a reader, you will gain very little from reading this book.

Even though the author is a pastor's wife, she still holds on to some idolic remenants of her former Catholic upbringing. Her awe at the Catholic church as she is reminded of the Catholic Church traditions are obvious- when she states "Non- Catholics don't understand the beauty, ritual and heritage. Neither can they understand the holy feeling I get when I swing open the church's heavy wooden doors and breath in the lingering scent of incense. I dip my fingers into the fount of holy water and make the sign of the cross....." (page 117). Her humorous account of the dilema she faced when trying to remove a heavy statue of Mary, left behind by the former Catholic occupants of her new home revealed her idolic superticions that lingered as she refered to the statue as the "BVM"- which is short for Blessed Virgin Mary. Furthermore, the author apparently has an obession for menstruation - referring to a book her daughter was reading- a compendium of first menstruation stories- as it was the most common thing for an 11 year old girl to read, and thereafter refering to a young adult coming of age fictional book that focused on a girl's first period, as being the first memory she could think of when visiting her child hood home for the first time in thirty years. Perhaps she grew up as a child- an an opressive, traditional home, where for females- there was an undue focus on her first period as being a significant time in one's life. If anything this book would do nothing to further the women's liberation movement and it simply furthers the common, yet antiquated sterotypes of women. Granted, some traditional female readers may relate to this author and in fact enjoy this book- but as for me, it just wouldn't be my top choice. As a blogger for booksneeze I recieved this book for the purposes of writing this review.

All you need to survive.......

2011-05-24T06:40:00.001-07:00

How important is the word of God? Top among the themes of Jesus' parables and teaching, Jesus himself answers this question on a number of occasions by explaining that the word of God is more important than food and water. In John 6:27 he advises his listeners that it is more important to work for eternal life- which is by far more important than the physical food that sustains the life of our physical bodies. Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8:3. In the barren dessert, hungry and tired, tempted and teased by Satan who tried to convince Jesus to turn rocks into bread, Jesus powerfully responded with the mighty weapon- word of God, in Matthew 4:14 that "Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God". Obviously, these passages are not suggesting that food and water are insignificant! That is certainly not the point. In fact, there is no doubt that food and water are essential to our physical survival- the continuance of our physical health and well being here on earth. A few days without water- and we would not be able to survive! There is no doubt of the importance of food and water. Even Jesus recognised that when he fed thousands of tired, weary hungry listeners on the mount after listening to his teachings. But the miraculous point that Jesus is making is that there is something far more important to our survival than food and water- of that were possible.... and that is the word of God. Just think and consider the gravity of that claim that Jesus has made- that the word of God is far more important for survival thamn food and water. And to take this a step further, our eternal life, and our eternal salvation is far more important thatn our temporary, finate, physical lives here on earth.

With that thought in mind, the importance of eternal life, and our spiritual health over our finate, temporary physical lives, and the significance of the spiritual food of God's word in contrast to food and water that simply nourishes our temporary shells of skin and bone- should allow us to put into perspective the circumstances we face during our lifetimes. With an eternal and spiritual mind-set the significance of physical pain, emotional pain and suffering during our lifetimes can be viewed from a different perspective- an eternal and spiritual perspective and perhaps, if possible, be appreciated and even used for the greater good. Though the focus on the unseen, spiritual, eternal world seems counter intuitive in today's modern society, it is in fact the true reality that we should consider according the the ultimate word of God. Romans 5:3-5 indicates that rather than despair when we meet with hardship we should be rejoicing because God uses pain and suffering to develop our characters and our strength. James 1:2-4 further explains that we should be excited in the face of suffering and pain because it tests our faith in such a way that we eventually become stronger and better able to endure. There is something unique about pain and suffering in the way that it strengthens us spiritually in a way that no other experience can. It prepares us for eternity and decreases our reliance on this finate and tempporary world. As 2 Corinthians 4:7-11 states that no matter what we go through- our spirits are not destroyed, but rather we are strengthened. Spiritually and emotionally, we may lose the physical battle, but spiritually we gain eternal life. Pain can be used for a purpose and in the end it can be used for the greater glory of God. As 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 proclaims, we should not deny the fact that pain and suffering can be used for the greater good. In fact to deny the usefulness of pain is actually ignorance because even in the face of despair, pressure and even death, such things "happen that we might rely not on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead"!!!!! Furthermore, why waste our pain? 2Corinthians 1:4-5 says we should use it to help others- and just as God comforts us in our pain and suffering, we should help and comfort others in their pain and suffering as well. At some point, each and every one of us will suffer- some less and some more. If you are one of those who seem to have a lot to endure, then re-think how you view your hardships, and try to use it for the greater good. Perhaps you should consider yourself blessed if possible- because just as fire is used to refine gold and other precious metals, harship refines and strengthens our spirits. We can not deny this one fact- regardless of religious belief or lack thereof, eventually each and every one of us will die- we will indeed sucumb to physical death at some point in the future. In the end our eternal happiness will outweigh the temporary and transient pain we experience here on earth. No matter what, God's promise to us is this: no matter what we go through in this world, the physical and emotional pain will be nothing compared to the unimaginable happiness and glory we will experience for eternity.

While most of us may not be facing a life threatening crisis at the moment, in our day to day lives, we should not neglect our spiritual health. Just as we eat every day and drink every day to keep our bodies running, we need to remember our spiritual health as well and mainatin a steady diet of God's word through the bible. The bible is like God's letter to us, inspired by God. Without it, we are without direction or discretion as we are subjected to the philosophies and ideas of the world as dictated by the media and society. As stated on several occasions, Satan is the "god" of this world.

How important is the word of God? The bible answers this question...... We are told to hold to God's word like a treasure in our hearts- Psalm 18:30 and that the word is like a lamp guiding one's feet safely through the darkness Psalm 119:105. Every word of God is pure- Proverbs 30:5 and remains forever and ever- Isaiah 40:8 and that the word of God will never ever pass away no matter what happens- Matthew 24:35. The word of God was always there, it always existed John 1:1, and took up flesh in Jesus- John 1:14 The word of God is truth- John 17:17.

The Seraph Seal By Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner

2011-05-24T06:18:00.000-07:00

The newly published fiction novel, The Seraph Seal By Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner is a timely unique hybrid of a detective story, history, science fiction fantasy and inspirational tale in one story. This ambitious and well detailed book is among the new genre of quasi-religious prophetic fiction. This piece of work is one among many popular end times themed movies/ books such as "Knowing", "Deep Impact", "2012" and the "Left Behind" Series.

The author goes into extensive detail describing a fictitious, yet well woven quasi-scientific theory of the end times, weaving together ancient Mayan fables with Catholic traditions and new age theories. In fact, the same readers that actually believed Dan Brown's intricate tales of church intrigue and conspiracy theroies in the fictional novel, The Davinci Code, may be the very same gullible readers who may believe that Sweet and Wagners's end times theatrics are in fact real.

Christianity is reduced to superticious and at best antiquated, yet quaint ideas. Catholic church traditions, such as the priest hood and, religious orders, private mystical revelations, the mass and eucharist are elevated and attributed as a legitimate authority on par with the bible. In fact, the hero of the book, Paul, comes to faith, and for lack of a better description- is rborn again. Nevertheless the priest performs a Catholic style baptism- where he is sprinkled with water from a fountain, rather than imemersed. To point out this detail, may be seen as inconsequntial, but it is indicitive of the Catholic slant of this novel which leaves me to question as to the intended readership of this book. Icons such as the Celtic cross, and private revelations of the Saints, supersticious, ancient works of art are considered to be inspired and endowed with a supernatural power of prophecy. Ancient pagan Mayan and Jewish rituals and theories are given an equal voice as well. In fact, this novel is a potluck mixture of ancient and mystical beliefs of various cultures woven into one novel.

This novel is reminiscent of an end- times supernatural scavenger hunt where prophecy and clues may be found in any time, culture or religion. Thomas Nelson publishers, in large part, produces biblical based books that are not aligned with a specific demonination. Nevertheless this book clearly has Catholic undertones which will draw in Catholic readers as well as secular readers, but may serve to alienate bible based Christian believers. Perhaps this book is an attempt at an outreach towards Catholic and secular readers? It is true, nevertheless, that the ancient Catholic Church with its antique traditions, deep rooted history and elaborate rituals has served as a good back-drop setting for many works of horror, fiction, drama pieces and thillers in movies and novels.

Apparently the main characters, coincidently, are one of the select few, endowed with the special gifts holding the balance of mankind in their power. This is somewhat like Calvanism, where the belief is that mankind is predestined for salvation or damnation. These characters I feel are given too much liberty to intervene in events in order to change history. This raises some interesting questions about the arbitrary significance of these characters to control only what God has the power to do of events and how even little actions or choices of arbitrary people may have a ripple effect for future generations. At the same time, the implication made by the authors, when the characters knowingly use their arbitrary gifted powers intervene to control events to thwart future suffering, seems to undermine the idea of God's unique role in providence as an all-knowing, omnificient, all powerful being. In essence, the heros of the story become "god"-like in the fact that they have so much power to intervene to make amends or change the future. They are like supernatural super sleuths or detectives whereas the rest of the unspecting world are merely pawns in the darkness of oblivian and ignorance. Nevertheless, science fiction fans will enjoy the vivid depictions of the sites, sounds and technologies in the future as well as the travels to variouscultures that the characters travel to. Food, clothing, artwork, buildings and other historical details are authentically described.

The classic battle between good and evil is integrated into the story- whereas the lurking danger of an ancient antagonistic presence is always there trying to obstruct goodness. It was well written with much detail, and is sure to appeal to a varied audience. The pseudo-scientific ideas presented as well as references to ancient traditions and extra- canonical works, writings and mystic visions make this almost plausible for those readers who have not studied the bible truths . A troubling fact as a reader for me was that rather than seeking wisdom and information about the end times from the bible as the sole source, authority and enlightenment are indescriminately found in the most unexpected and remote religions, cultures and traditions of the past .As a blogger for booksneeze.com, I recieved a free copy of this book for review from Thomas Nelson publishers. I was not required to write a positive review and the ideas expressed are my own.

2011-05-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

It is extremely difficult for the modern German to confront the role of his nation in the persecution of the holocaust and to acknowledge the shameful truth that people just like himself stood by, and even condoned the death of millions of innocent victims. To murder an innocent human being is the worst of all crimes, therefore to accept the responsibility for the torture and death that millions of Jews experienced is too great a burden; a punishment that Germans are unwilling to accept. Therefore, many Germans convince themselves and others that they were not responsible for the Jewish holocaust. They prefer to consider themselves to be victims “that Hitler ‘seized’ in 1933 and ‘occupied’ for twelve dark years”. (Kramer, 48) In addition to this, another strategy is to claim ignorance of Hitler’s Final Solution. This implies that they would have acted differently if they had not been ignorant. While Germans prefer to include themselves among the innocent victims of the holocaust, they would much rather leave the past behind them and avoid the issue of the holocaust altogether in order to leave the “unutterable past into what they like to call history” (Kramer, 48). They do not want their crimes of the past to “interfere unduly with the business of life at hand”. (48) Their greatest desire is not only “to be exonerated from their choices” (49), but also to be perceived as heroes. Such attitudes of the desires to avoid the memory of the holocaust, to claim victim-hood, and to claim heroism, clearly infiltrate the modern films of the holocaust from the German perspective.

Based on an analysis of the two films “Europa, Europa” and “Nasty Girl”, which provide a modern perspective of the role of “ordinary” non-Jewish Germans during the holocaust, it becomes clear that non-Jewish Germans perceive themselves as victims when they are confronted with the memory of the holocaust. Films such as these are produced out of an inherent desire to obscure the unpleasant facts of the holocaust and the Jewish victims into obscurity, in favor of “symbolic simplicities of objectification”. The tension that is evident in these films involves the issue of handling the victims of the holocaust. The way this issue is handled is to not deal directly with the German role in the holocaust, or the Jewish victims. To achieve sympathy for the German victims it becomes necessary to omit details concerning the Jewish Persecution such as the concentration camps which tortures and murdered its victims. These two films have handled and portrayed the memory of the holocaust in their own terms. There are no depictions of concentration camps, or stories from survivors. Jewish people fictional or real are not even depicted. The danger of such films have lasting implications, especially considering the fact that for many individuals, these films may be the only encounters they have in learning about the holocaust. These fantasized memories of heroism and victim-hood of non-Jew Germans are portrayed at the expense of the Jewish victims. Such sterilized accounts of the holocaust are replacing the documentaries which show the cold hard facts. These films have blurred the line between the perpetrators of the holocaust with the victims of the holocaust. The perpetrator is now defined as a vague and distant entity distinct from the ordinary German.

These films seek to convince themselves, and individuals of other nations that they were innocent of the crimes committed against the Jews. The Germans of today underestimate the role that their “ordinary” counterparts of the past played in the persecution and murder of over six million Jews. Because they were only “ordinary” Germans, who were not among Hitler’s SS command, nor executioners who tortured and murdered Jews, they feel as if they were not responsible for the atrocities committed against the Jewish people. They distinguish themselves from those individuals that they feel did play a direct role in the Jewish persecution: (Hitler and his command). Nevertheless, within their role as ordinary citizens they did allow and facilitate the extermination of the Jews.

The film “Europa, Europa” diminishes the distinctions between the Jew and the non-Jewish German; and the victim and perpetrator. Its message is that the distinction whether one was Jewish or not played an insignificant role in determining one’s level of responsibility during the Jewish persecution. In this film, an innocent Jewish boy named Simon Perel went to such great lengths to survive that he gave up his Jewish identity, changed his name to Josef, and became a student in an elite Hitler youth school. Simon even participated in anti-Semitic activities which included stabbing and mutilating a doll which represented the body of a Jew, and hailing Hitler.

Despite Simon’s betrayal and choices, the film is portrayed so that the viewer can understand and sympathize with what Simon is experiencing. Watching the film, the viewer can not help but forgive and excuse Simon’s anti-Semitic actions. Had they been committed by a “real” Nazi, they would be unforgivable. If an outsider were to observe Simon, he or she would never have known that he was really a Jew. The fact that Simon went through a great deal of internal anguish over his decisions was not externally observable. One would be unable to distinguish him from the other Nazis. In fact this is why he deceived the Nazi’s around him.

The significance of this message may be interpreted in two ways. Just as Simon, who appears to be a Nazi, though it is only to protect his life, it is also possible that the other Nazi’s are only acting so that they will not be killed. Therefore the message of this film may be that one should not be hasty in judging the deeds of the Nazi soldiers because they too may be acting only to save their lives, just as Simon had done. The films wishes to portray the following question: Who knows how many Nazis themselves were Jews in disguise? Even among non-Jewish Germans, any one who opposed the Nazi’s were endangering their lives. Therefore, may be argued that becoming a Nazi was the best way to insure the safety of one’s life. The logical conclusion of this argument is that even the Nazi’s who hoarded innocent victims into the gas chambers may have been following orders just out of fear for their lives, and therefore they should not be judged to harshly. In fact, under this rationale they may be called victims too. Even though this is an extreme interpretation, it is a valid one.

A second more plausible interpretation of this film is that its purpose is to exonerate or liberate Germans from the responsibility of their choices by showing that a Jew, just as easily as any ordinary non-Jewish German, could have been in the same position. I believe that Simon’s role, as an innocent, young boy may be interpreted as representing Germany. Just as one could feel sympathy for the choices that Simon was forced to make, one should also feel sympathy for the difficult choices that many ordinary Germans had to make in order to preserve their lives. Nevertheless, I feel that this argument does not free the Germans from the responsibility and the consequences of their choices. Nor do I believe that Simon Perel should be excused for his actions, just as I do not believe that the ordinary non-Jewish Germans should be excused from their role in the Jewish persecution. Even though Simon himself did not agree or condone the Nazi hatred of the Jews, his actions had real consequences. Though it caused him anguish to curse at the dead Jewish girl hanging by the neck, and to burn down her house, Simon’s anguish did not make the act of torching the house distinguishably less evil than if a genuine anti-Semitic Nazi had done the same deed. The consequences of the role an individual played during the Jewish persecution led to the same outcome regardless of whether the individual was a Nazis because he or she was genuinely anti-Semitic, or because he feared for his lives. The outcome reflected itself in the persecution and mass extermination of the Jews.

A powerful moment at the end of the film occurs when Simon tells the Russians that he is really Jewish, is condemned for his betrayal to his people who had been murdered by the Nazis. In disbelief they can not conceive why a Jew would wear feign loyalty to the same people that millions of Jews. As the Russian solider shows him pictures of the mass murder, Simon claims that he did not know that the Jewish people had been killed. The viewer is left with the feeling that Simon really is innocent and that if he had known that the Jewish people were really being murdered that maybe he would not have pretended to be a Nazi. Just as the film portrays Simon to be ignorant of Hitler’s Final Solution, it may be concluded that it is possible that other Germans may also have been ignorant of the Final Solution, and if they had known they may have made other choices. It is with this message the viewer of the film “Europa, Europa” is left with. To claim fear and ignorance are comfortable explanations for the German’s to explain their role during the Jewish persecution. Nevertheless, I believe that fear is a more plausible argument to explain the role of the ordinary German rather than ignorance. Yet, fear does not excuse or lessen the responsibility of the ordinary German in his role during the Holocaust

The film “Nasty Girl” is an effort to portray the heroism of the ordinary German. Sonya Wegmus is portrayed as an heroic, young, German woman who risked her own life in a pursuit to uncover the role that her hometown Pfilzing played in the Jewish persecution. It is ironic that while this film is about a woman who seeks to uncover the truth of her town’s role during the Third Reich, Jewish people are not represented in the film. The film clearly establishes Sonya, a non-Jew German, as the victim. We see her life threatened several times by terrorists; with rocks and bombs. The viewer can sympathize with her fears and frustrations. At the same time, the viewer does not have a sense of the suffering that the Jews went through. The persecution of the Jews is treated superficially. Jewish suffering is trivialized and obscured in comparison to Sonya’s persecutions whose sufferings which are vivid and real. One of the only references to Jewish persecution involved the “pants” incident as described in a newspaper article that Sonya uncovered. The vague Jewish victims are not given an identify, or even names. In a sense, they are dehumanized.

Sonya’s motives for her research present some contradictions. Because it did not appear that Sonya’s motives to uncover the truth stemmed out of a genuine concern for the Jewish victims who suffered as a result of their persecution, it seems ironic that she would risk her life and that of her children to pursue her research. With Sonya’s history of essay writing, and her dedicated personality, it seemed as if it was only natural for her to pursue a topic to its logical conclusion. Her quest for information was as if it were a mystery that needed to be solved; and Sonya played the role of detective. Sonya met with may obstacles from acquiring the needed information to complete her research. The townspeople did not want Sonya to pursue her research. They did not want to confront the memory of their role in the holocaust. One widow who did not want to speak to Sonya about her husband’s role in the Jewish persecution said that she did not want to “bring up all that muck”. The widow’s feelings are representative of most of the townspeople. In fact, at the start of her research, her mother told her to only write about the good things implying that the town’s role during the Third Reich, which involved the persecution of the Jews should be avoided or forgotten.

The reactions of the townspeople reflect those of many Germans. Many were hostile to Sonya, calling her a betrayer to the German people. Others simply wanted to forget about the past; to go on with their lives. Nevertheless, none of these individuals were villianized as the enemy. After all, they could also claim to be victims. In addition to this, the theme of ignorance was also evident in this film as with “Europa, Europa”. When she learned of the concentration camps, Sonya thought of them as too horrible to be true. Sonya had been ignorant of the mass murder of the Jews. Just as Sonya was ignorant of the Mass murder of the Jews, this film implies that it is not impossible that non-Jewish Germans may also have been ignorant of Hitler’s final solution. Not only does this film his support the fact that “Germans want their past to have happened to them. They want to have suffered from themselves, the way everyone else suffered from them.” Many Germans look with disbelief upon Hitler’s final solution, claiming that they and the Germans of the past are not responsible., while others desire to forget the past. It is the goal of this film, nevertheless, to exploit the holocaust, and use it to prove the heroism of ordinary Germans at an attempt to exonerate or liberate themselves from their past decisions.

Both of these films which I have discussed de-emphasize and undermine the painful and horrific experience of the Jewish people during the holocaust. The Jewish victims and the holocaust have been obscured as being a part of the past. Films such as these are in a sense uplifting to the Germans, as they do not dwell on images of concentration camps, piles of dead, skeletal victims, or the stories of holocaust survivors. In her article, “The Politics of Memory”, Kramer explains the role of the ordinary German, and that she could understand “how ‘normal’ it must have seemed to other Germans when, in a few years’ time, Jews were forbidden to do anything but die”. One can not underestimate the discomfort felt by the German when reflecting his role in the Jewish persecution. It is understandable that one would rather forget such an uncomfortable past, or to deny responsibility. Nevertheless it is important not to distort or to obscure the memory of the Jewish victims of the holocaust. To forget choices made in one’s past increases the likelihood that they may someday be repeated. While the holocaust has been one of the most evil acts committed by mankind, to deny the holocaust’s victims or to rationalize away one’s responsibility makes the evil of the holocaust even greater. Movies such as these are an outrage- as they undermine and even excuse away crimes committed against the Jewish people.

The Hungry Witch

2011-05-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

The Hungry Witch

It was an early autumn day, as an old raggedy woman strolled away from her home. Her thin, stringy, yellowish grey hair hung loosely around her shoulders as she tightly wrapped her musty, threadbare shawl around her shoulers. Her bulbous, wart covered, long and pointy nose dripped a clear viscous fluid in the bitter wind. Her ashen, paper soupbone -thin arms tugged tighter at the frayed woolen fringes of the woolen shawl. Her knarled grey fingers looked like knobby tree stumps. Despite the cool, chilly air, the old woman had one thing on her mind; lunch.

She was hungry and searching the woods for a meal; a special meal. She heard rumors that the woods were inhabited by juicy young fairies and elves, and she was determined to find one.

It wasn't long before she found a fairy. She was a thin girl about six years of age; not as hearty and plump as she preferred her meals. "But she'll d0'', she muttered to herself. Her long chestnut brown hair was tied in the back with a pony tail. Her cheeks and hands were dirty from playing in the leaves. The knees of her flowered print leggings were brown with mud ,and her shoelaces were untied. Before the girl knew what was happening, the hungry old hag lifted the fragile young girl over her shoulder; she dangled like a limp rag over the old woman's boney shoulder. The brown haired girl was overcome with shock; she was imobilized with fear.

''I must have one of those long tasty hard rolls to complete my sandwich'', she muttered to herself as she walked briskly towards the deli. Inadvertantly she tugged at the girl's hair as if she were nothing more than a sack of potatoes. "OWWWWW!'' yelped the girl.

Within minutes, the old bat was eyeing all the choices behind the counter; tomatoes, pickles, onions. Viscous green drool poured from her salivary glands as she stared at the pasta and potato salads. A fishy odor filled the air with each breath she took.

''May I help you'' asked the man at the counter.

''Yes, l'd like a long ,hard , roll, mayo, oregeno, onions and tomato''.

''What meat would you like; turkey, ham or salami, madam.''

''I have my own, thank you.'' Turning around towards the frightened girl, she waited impatiently with an open roll in one hand and a salt shaker in the other. "Now if you don't mind, please step into that roll. Place yourself between the onion and tomato, Then I shall sprinkle some salt and pepper.''

The man strained from the counter to look behind the old woman; seeing nothing he simply shrugged and computed her bill. He suspiciously inspected the credit card she provided. It had an expiration date from 1985. "I am sorry but we cannot accept this card, do you have another'' he asked. At that, the old crow became argumentative and threatened to boil him in a pot of steaming brew. Concerned, he called for security. Seeing an opportunity for rescue, she screamed. Immediately, upon arrival, The security guard restrained the old woman and contacted the police. Apparently, the senile, old woman had a habit of wandering away from the nursing home where she lived. It was discovered that she was responsible for the abductions of a handful of other young girls, claiming that she was simply looking for her supper. In her bedroom at the facility, the putrid remains of flesh, greasy fat and bits of bone, as well as slimy strands of assorted colored hair, were recovered from a huge plastic trash bag, stuffed under the bed.

Mother's Day 1991

2011-05-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day 1991

Shattered by Melody Carlson

2011-05-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

As a "mature" adult, I normally don't read young adult fiction, but as a blogger for booksneeze, I recieved the novel, Shattered: A Daughter's Regret by Melody Carlson, published by Thomas Nelson for the purpose of writing this review.

This is a very well written book. Not only is Melody Carlson a skilled writer with her use of descriptive and scenic details, in contrast to many modern writers- the story deals with important issues of grief, guilt and loss and detachment, which is perfect for anyone who is dealing with such issues in their own lives. The heroine in this story must face the reality of her mom's untimely and unexpected death, as well as her own secrets and guilt about the death of her mom. The emotions she faces are true to life- as if the author has insight of her own with regards to grief and guilt. The story covers the intense and painful emotions of guilt, loss and pain realistically that many teenaged stories, simply don't address. The main character is well developed and realistic.

One subplot- when Cleo starts to date within a week of her mom's death- seems too trivial and coincidental considering the other issues she is dealing with. Apparently the desire to date is one of the catalysts for her to move on to normalcy. Although faith in God and the forgivness that God offers contributes to Cleo's healing process, it appears as if getting a new boy friend is more instrumental in Cleo's decision to address her secrets and guilt issues, than mere faith in God. Near the end of the book, as she patiently awaits for the forgiveness of her Dad, she appears a bit too relaxed and free spirited. Nevertheless, this in no way overshadows the deep and intense feelings that were portrayed in the first half of the book. In typical fashion, the story has a happy ending, where the heroine accepts God's forgiveness and is reconciled with her Dad and has a new bf. With a renewed relationship with an estranged aunt and a new boyfriend, Cleo has outside strength to draw on to move on with her life.

Overall, this was a great piece of fiction for teenaged readers. Even so, it re-affirms the all-too common theme that outside relationships are required in order to have a fullfilling and secure life. Not every young person, or adult for that matter, has physical relationships- whether parents, relatives, or significant others, to draw on in times of great need. They find in the midst of death, grief and loss, they must travel alone. For some people who are truly alone- with no parents to fall back on, no boyfriends, girlfriends, bffs, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins etc... the only resource is God. That isn't to say that God is insuffiecient. In fact, God is our purpose for life. It just appears as if this book in particular does not explore that concept. This book, in which the main character had a network of caring indivduals to help her, does not address such a situation in which one finds themself totally alone- but that, would be a story in of itself- for another day.

The Gospel For Real Life by Jerry Bridges

2011-05-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Although The Gospel For Real Life: Turning to the Liberating Power of the Cross... Everyday by Jerry Bridges states in its preface that the book is not intended as a "theological treatise", is is not to be conisdered simple, beginer level reading "Gospel 101" as its author suggests. Nevertheless, the book is thoroughly written and that is a positive thing for any believer who desires to strengthen his personal faith. In contrast to all those books that focus on out reach programs and making disciples, this book focuses on the faith of the indivdual which must come first. Many neglect their own personal faith, but this book fufills the need for one to preach the goseple message to himself- which is something each and every one of us should do.

In typical Jerry Bridges style, most chapters start off simply with a personal anecdote or story to capture the attention of the reader, then progress further into biblical relevance. Then, as the chapter procedes a specific theological point or essential gospel fact is covered in systematic detail. In essense, if this is a "Gospel 101" course, then it is analogous to the sytematic detail provided by a college introductory course. Theological terms are in fact introduced in this book, but explained in detail so that the reader will have no difficulty comprehending what they mean and where they fit in with the story of salavation. Jerry Bridges is the author of many books that offer detailed explanation of the bible. This book will prove to be very informative for those individuals who wish to explore the concepts behind biblical faith. The end of this book includes a bible study for those readers who wish to apply what they learned from the book. As a blogger for Navpress I recieved a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review.

Trusting God for Everything: Psalm 23 by Jan Johnson

2011-05-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

A Personal Retreat Guide Trusting God for Everything: Psalm 23 by Jan Johnson ia a small 99 page book in a series of books specifically written to be used for guiding one's own personal retreat. The reader should know this is not a ordinary book, nor is it part of the devotional genre.

As a meditative tool for retreats, there is a lot of repetition and repetitious material built in the book. For example, the seven ideas listed under the "in Between Sessions" are repeated word for word in each chapter somewhat like a brainwashing technique. Some of the suggestions appear quite trivial and worldy in fact. The book suggests that the reader "may wish to sit in a Jacuzzi", excercise or take along some "light reading" such as a magazine. She suggests leaving home the "detective novel {which} will engage you wholly". While these activities in of themselves are not wrong to do, they are far from spiritual activities and are more self serving than anything. They are also suggestive of a wordly financial prosperous lifestyle which many in this world do not have the luxury to enjoy.
A paraphrased prayer by the Roman Catholic Mystic, Therese of Lisiux, is repeated in each chapter as well. Firstly, I question the reason for the choice of a prayer by an individual revered and honored by Roman Catholics as a Saint and Patron of Catholic missions. During her short yet noble lifetime she was known as a Carmelite nun. After her death she was beatified and cannonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Pope John Paul 11. While there is nothing inherantly wrong with the choice of this prayer, the source is questionable as Saint Therese of Lisieux was known to be an advocate of Catholic traditions such as transubstantiation of the eucharist as well as the doctrine of Many as being the sinless mother of God, and Mediatrix of heavan capable of assuming a role of intercession for prayer. In fact, countless sincere Roman Catholics actually believe that as a Saint, Saint Therese of Lisieux can intercede for prayers and perform miracles. I assume Jan Johnson is not advocating the cult of saint worship by inclusion of this prayer, nevertheless, I believe that in the spirit of the ecumenical movement to find unity between religions, the inclusion of this prayer serves only to grant credibility to such unscriptural traditions and supersticions of prayer worship.
Overall the idea behind a meditative study of Psalm 23 is a worthwhile pursuit. Nevertheless, Jan Johnson's approach, I find, caters too much towards the materialistic culture of today's society as well as the ecumenical movement which comprimises truth or glosses over scriptural truths for the sake of unity and conformity. As a blogger for Navpress publishers I recieved a copy of this book for the purposes of writing this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

A response to a post, ironically titled "The Naked Truth"......................

2011-05-05T07:37:00.000-07:00

I wrote this in response to a friend's post on a blog, which ironically is called "The Naked Truth"..... http://highwayhacker.wordpress.com/2011/04/27/the-naked-truth/#comment-6 So if you choose to follow the link before reading my post, then click the above link.

After reading your most recent post, I feel compelled to respond to some of your observations and statements. It is apparent that you are open minded, and have the tendency to seek out in the good in everyone- even where it is nonexistent! As an optimist, you project your kindness and compassion onto those around you- and with good reason! Which one of us, if given the choice, would like to find ourselves confronted with the fact that someone who had been close to us, a spouse of over ten years- who had spent a lifetime as our closest companion, had in fact betrayed us! Psalm 54 as well as many others capture the pain we feel when we are betrayed by someone close to us: “Now it is not an enemy who insults me- otherwise I could hear it; it is not a foe who rises up against me- otherwise I could hide… but it is you…. My companion…we used to have close fellowship”. And though her “buttery words are smooth… war is in her heart. Her “words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords”. I can say, wholeheartedly, that this describes your STBEW.

All the while that you perceived peace, it was a false peace- on her terms. You said there was a time your divorce was going “amicably”? It depends on how loosely you apply the definition of amicable. You said you were “talking”? Well once again that depends on how you define the word "talk" In fact, there was never communication- it was all one sided. It was more like she was making demands and you were walking around on eggshells, complying with her selfish and dysfunctional demands. She was “allowing” you to see your son, with supervised one hour visits a week! That is an outrage. Do you still think that you had ever reached a “good place”? Even the legal systems allows a criminal more time parenting time with his son than she has allowed you! Even men who are incarcerated get more time with their children! You would have been better off rolling a pair of dice and leaving the whole situation to the secular court system to deal with from the very start! You said you were encouraged at how “well” she was communicating? However, I believe that your strong desire to make this work peaceably has clouded your objectivity in this situation. Therefore I do not even comprehend how you can say she was ever cooperating or communicating. Regrettably it was all one sided. You were the one communicating, you were the one cooperating with your pastor and she took full advantage of your kindness and goodness.

Your STBEW is motivated by greed, control and money. Yet what good does it do to gain the whole world and lose your soul in the process? I believe she is one of those individuals who had an academic knowledge off the bible, but never was truly born again. And for those who have tasted the truth and have been exposed to the good news and reject it- for those unfortunate individuals who reject the power of the cross for salvation- it will be all the worse for that individual…. Than for those who had never heard the good news in the first place. In fact Paul goes on to say in his letter- that the hypocracy of members of the church make the nonbelievers blaspheme the church. And to think your STBEW was involved in the church- an “active” member, as well as considered to be a pillar of the church?!? The first impression that comes to mind is this…. hypocritical Pharisee!

But the good news is this, no matter how deeply we are betrayed, even if our own mothers should disown her infant, God is always there for us. God’s perfect love will never betray us.

There a long number of relevant psalms for those faced with difficulties of betrayal and the pain of injustice. The psalmist were not strangers to the pain and grief of betrayal. It is not wrong to recognize and despair over injustice. We feel pained when we either are the subject of injustice or observe injustice. As a outsider you’re your situation, the feelings of outrage are stirred up within me to observe what is going on. Yet, there have been times as a victim of injustice, the pain and loss – and overwhelming grief has consumed me. At times such as these, sometimes our only help is from God. Well, actually, it is more accurate to say that the best help we can get is from God! He is the best friend, counselor, advisor, heavenly father and savior! There is none other that can compare, as he alone is our God and our savior deserving of all honor and praise, who in his grace and mercy, sent his son Jesus, to die in our place for our sins- so that by believing in Him we may have eternal life.

The list is quite long but it is worthwhile to read and meditate on these: Psalms--- 3,4,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,13,14,17,18,22,25,27,28,30,31,32,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,52,55,59,62,64,69,70,71,77,88,94,102,120,130,138

I know this post is getting a bit lengthy, but I could go on and on, commenting on each and every one of the psalms I had listed. Although I wish I could, I will close with a short comment on the importance of the word of God in general.

The Skin Map

2011-05-04T07:11:00.001-07:00

The Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead

The newly published fiction novel, The Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead is a unique hybrid of a detective story, history, science fiction fantasy and inspirational tale in one story.

The author goes into extensive detail describing a fictitious, yet well woven quasi-scientific theory of ley lines and time travel. In fact, the same readers that actually believed Dan Brown's intricate tales of church intrigue and conspiracy theroies in the fictional novel, The Davinci Code, may be the very same gullible readers who may believe that Lawhead's stories of the theories of traveling through the spectrum of alternate universes, a.k.a the "Omniverse", are in fact real. The ideas of travel across time and place between alternate universes is well described in layman's terms, using the London transportation and bus systems as a comparison. Access to anytime anywhere is simply a ley line away, as long as you have the special gift of navigation. This story makes traveling to different "planes of existance" seem as plausible and commonplace as navigating the public bus system in downtown New York. Portals, to alternate universes, known as "leys" are found in various, convienient locations in Kit's home of London. Apparently Kit is one of the select few, endowed with the special gift of navigation through these special pathways. This special travel ability, and the fact that the characters are able to intervene in past events in order to change history for the better, raises some interesting questions about the purpose of events and how even little actions or choices may have a ripple effect for future generations. At the same time, the implication made by the author, when the characters knowingly intervene to change past events to thwart future suffering, seems to undermine the idea of God's unique role in providence as an all-knowing, omnificient, all powerful being. In essence, the heros of the story become "god"-like in the fact that they can travel anytime, anywhere and intervene to make amends or change the future.

History fans will enjoy the vivid depictions of the sites, sounds and smells in the various historical time periods and various cultures that the characters travel to. Food, clothing, buildings and other hitorical details are authentically described. Interesting scenarios of alternate historical outcomes of commonly known events in history are presented as well.

The book challanges commonly held sterotypes of modern society. For example Kit, the hero of the story, outwardly appears as a successful young man, yet, is described as a lonely, unfulfilled, frustrated guy, worthy of sympathy rather than envy. He is a character that all of us, at sometime in our life, can relate to. His girlfriend is vividly described in the most unflattering of terms. In contrast, Kit's aged grandfather is depicted as healthy, happy and full of vigor, having more energy that a young man. Rather than seeking wisdom and information about tcutting edge theories on science and time travel from the the modern scientists, Kit and his great grand father must travel hundreds of years into the past, into another alternate universe! Authority and enlightenment are found in the most unexpected and remote of places, years in the past.

The classic battle between good and evil is integrated into the story- whereas the lurking danger of an ancient antagonistic presence is always there trying to obstruct Kit and his great grandfather from completing their mission to obtain a valuable skin map which is the key to valuable information. This adventure story was very enjoyable. It was well written with much detail, and is sure to appeal to a varied audience. The pseudo-scientific ideas of ley line travel, mixed with historical-like scenes make the story seem almost plausible. As a blogger for booksneeze.com, I recieved a free copy of this book for review from Thomas Nelson publishers. I was not required to write a positive review and the ideas expressed are my own.

Put Your Dream to The Test by John C. Maxwell

2011-05-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

Put Your Dream to The Test: 10 Questions to Help You See It and Seize It by John C. Maxwell is the perfect book for anyone who wishes to pursue a life long dream, or perhaps those uninspired indivvduals who are simply living in fantasy world waiting for some good luck. This book is the perfect resource to for those indivduals to see if their pipe dreams actually have the potiential to measure up to reality. Although this book may be percieved as condescending, it is in actuality a wake- up- call for those who simply sit back, living in a fantasy world waiting passively for luck to make their dream come true. ANd, for those motivated readers who are truly inspired, this book is a perfect tool for helping such indivduals to actually making their dream come true.

Systematically, Maxwell, proceeds to guide the reader to the goal of turning his or her dream from the sphere of imagination into reality. Written in simple language that any reader can follow and appreciate, this book serves as a guide towards accomplishing one's goal. It is as if the reader has a lifecoach and counselor at his own personal disposal. Each chapter is dedicated to a question by which the reader can gauge the reality or or viability of his dream. Obviously some dreams will not pass the "test" as being viable. Real life issues such cost and time factors are considered. There is a hands on study guide at the end of the book for the reader, referred to by Maxwell as "My Dream Map". As a blogger for booksneeze bloggers I recieved this book from Thomas Nelson publishers for the purpose of writing this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

I Am His by Rita J. Platt

2011-05-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

I Am His: Experiencing the Comfort of Abba's Love by Rita J. Platt is an 8-week indivdual or group bible study specifically written for women. Over the course of eight chapters- intended to be read at a rate of one chapter a week, the reader will be guided into developing a personal relationship with God. Throughout the new testament of the bible, one can see that God is a personal God, and as we become children of God, through our rebirth, we can claim God as out father. In contrast to the dysfunctional relationship many have with their earthly Father figures who are imperfect and serve to dissapoint, God is the perfect embodiment of what a Father should be. In fact, many women's relationships- or lack thereof, may present a stumbling block or impediment for faith in God- especially in today's modern dysfunctional society. This book, over the course of eight chapeter- or eight weeks, systematically addresses and dispels all the stumbling blocks when women erroneously apply their imerfect and biased views of fathers and project them onto the almighty creator. Through this book, the reader can get past that psychological hurdle and come to trust in God as the perfect heavenly father who can completely meet and fulfill every spiritual need.
This book can be used as a groiup or individual bible study. This bible study is based on the bible, and therefore can be trusted as an authority. Relevant bible verses are included throughout so that the reader can followe along with God's word, side by side. Platt has also written other relevant bible studies intended for women as well. As a blogger for Navpress publishers I recieved a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this reveiw. The opinions expressed are my own.

Hannah's Hope by Jennifer Saake

2011-05-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

Hannah's Hope by Jennifer Saake is an inspirational book empowering those facing extremely difficult times in life. Specifically written for those facing life challanges and trials in the midst of miscarriage, infertility and failed adoption, this book is appropriate for anyone finding themselves facing life's difficulties. For those readers facing any type of loss, death, teminal illness or depression in general, this book helpful.

This concept of this book is based on the historical biblical heroine, Hannah, of the old testament. Hannah faced the shame of infetitlity in a culture where a woman's self worth and security was based on having children. The author, Jennifer Saake uses Hannah's life and faith as an analogy and role model of how we should face similar challanges should one find herself in the same situation. Furthermore, Saake pulls relevant biblical verses and uses them as a guide- to inspire the reader to place her faith on God inorder to draw upon God's strength in the most difficult of trials that might be faced in life. There are times in life that prove to be so difficult that nothing short of God's comfort can help. Using real life anecdotes from her own life and the torments and hardships of others, Jennifer Saake clearly has lived through some difficult times and has used them for the greater good with help from God. Overall this book provides hope and inspiration for thos who might otherwise have no hope. As a blogger for Navpress, I recieved a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review. The opinions expressed ar my own.

iShine Bibles NLT

2011-04-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

As a blogger for the the Tyndale blogger program, I had the opportunity to review a modern, yet well known and reliable translation of the bible, The New Living Translation NLT. In particular, these two copies were of the NLT is the iShine Bible, a pink, flexible pocket sized bible marketed for tween girls (ages 9-13) and a blue flexible pocket sized bible for tween boys . Believing in the importance of the Good News of the bible, and having faith that the bible is the word of God to the human race, I feel it is essential that the bible is translated into easy to read language that can be understood by all. It is a grave diservice to prohibit or condemn easy to understand translations of the bible as some cults and religions do. There is no reason whatsoever to maintain the antiquated opinion that only the King James version (or other proprietary or antique versions for that matter) have a monopoly on the word of God. After all the KJV is in of itself a translation. Regrettably, the antique English style of the KJV and many other older translations, although poetic, make it prohibitive for many to read and understand the bible's message. So what's the point of having a bible if one can not understand or appreciate it.

The NLT is among one of many respected modern English translations. What makes this iShine bible stand out from other NLTs is that this is a pocket sized bible intended for young girls and boys. There are three fully colored inserts within the bible text focusing on concepts such as: value, purpose and identity. Other than the colored inserts and the attractive duo-tone pink cover for girls and blue for boys, the text/ font size is extremely small and may be too intimidating for a young pre-teen reader. There are no graphics or helpful articles within the text either. Other than the small size making it easy to fit in a backpack or pocket, this bible in particular, is proabably not the best choice for a preteen/ teen. The packaging is appealing, but beyond that, the text is not presented in an appealing easy to read format- which is essential inj order to capture the interest of this age group. For a youne teen/ pre-teen, a study bible in a larger font would be a much better choice.

In general, the only downside to this casual translation is the fact that it may not be as literal as the original texts. But this is perfect for those who wish to have an easy to understand bible. I highly reccomend this translation. It is important to keep in mind that the text is somewhat of a paraphrase- a meaning for meaning, rather than a word for word translation. This bible is perfect for reading and for drawing close to the truths of God, but not exactly the best for an indepth theological study.Supplemetal study articles add indepth information for those readers who wish to have more knowledge. As a blogger I recieved a copy of this bible for the purpose of writing this review and the opiniosn expressed are my own- other than its small easy to carry size, this particular bible is not the most suitable for a young teen.

Blue Collar Bookkeeping LLC

2011-04-24T13:37:00.000-07:00

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	Blue Collar Bookkeeping was established to help individuals and small businesses make sense of their financial matters. We work with the people and small businesses that large bookkeeping and accounting firms don't touch - contractors, restaurants, mom and pop businesses, and people with busy lives that do not have time to pay bills or track their spending. We are Quickbooks Pro-Advisors, and have over 30 years combined experience in a variety of industries. We are small enough to give you personalized service, and big enough to handle any job - small or large. We live local, we work local, and we support our community. In addition to bookkeeping services, we are also able to provide technology solutions, such as computer repair and upgrades, web site design, advertising services, social media campaigns, SEO, blogs, press releases, graphic design, and marketing services. Call us today and see how Blue Collar Bookkeeping can offer you simple solutions to financial and technology success!

Blue Collar Bookkeeping was established to help individuals and small businesses make sense of their financial matters. We work with the people and small businesses that large bookkeeping and accounting firms don't touch - contractors, restaurants, mom and pop businesses, and people with busy lives that do not have time to pay bills or track their spending. We are Quickbooks Pro-Advisors, and have over 30 years combined experience in a variety of industries. We are small enough to give you personalized service, and big enough to handle any job - small or large. We live local, we work local, and we support our community.

In addition to bookkeeping services, we are also able to provide technology solutions, such as computer repair and upgrades, web site design, advertising services, social media campaigns, SEO, blogs, press releases, graphic design, and marketing services.

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2011-04-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

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Live Loved by Max Lucado

2011-04-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

Live Loved: Experiencing God's Presence in Everyday Life- A Devotional by Max Lucado, is a pocketsized, hardcover gift book filled with biblical inspiration on each page. This green- brown contemporary handy sized gift book would make a great encouraging gift for anyone- co worker, acquaintance, friend and family member on any occasion that a greeting card would be appropriate.

In reality, many find that the bible is most likely too large or cumbersome to carry around. Even if you have one of those thin sized pocket/ check book styled bibles, the text font is probably too tiny too comfortably read. Unless the bible contains a concordance or you have already highlighted your favorite passages, the most applicable verses are probably not readily available in your time of greatest need. My intent however is not to discourage carrying a bible. Personally if given the choice I would choose to carry a bible even if it was the size of a dictionary. But, with this pocket sized devotional, relevant biblical verses as well as Lucado's trusted and inspirational commentary is readily available. Even though I am not advocating a replacement for carrying the bible- as I believe there is no substitute for the bible, I believe this inspriartional pocket sized book has relevant uplifting biblical based devotions as well as the verses to go with them, that this would make a good book to keep handy in a car or purse or pocket. This devotional is not grouped day by day, one for each of the 365 days of the year. There are no dates assigned making this flexible for the reader to read at his/ her own pace in any order. As a blogger for booksneeze, I recieved a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Surviving on the Word of God

2011-04-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

Max on Life by Max Lucado

2011-04-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions by Max Lucado, is a great book for anyone new to Christianity or the bible. As a very popular writer and author of numerous inspirational books, Max has earned a place among the notable authority figures and apologetic Christian thinkers of the modern age. Although not as theological as Chesterton or C.S. Lewis, evidently, Max is deemed qualified to write a Q & A type of book addressing the many pressing questions that humanity may have. For those who don't have the patience or literacy to read the apologetic works of Augustine, Aquinas or Lewis, Lucado fills the gap. Presented in a Question/ Answer type of format, each topic is numbered and the answer is addressed by Max Lucado in his own words. It is as if the reader is having a one on one personal conversation with Max himself, as he addresses common topics and issues such as pain and suffering, money and finances, love and relationships. Topics are grouped into categories and specific issues. Max addressed major issues that plague mankind such as the problem of evil as well as other more day to day issues such as offering advice about hypocrites and gossips that may belong to your bible study group. Some of the questions appear to be trivial or silly, such as if the question as to the geographic location of hell residing "in the center of the Earth"..or .."out in space". (page 228) Some of the questions appear to be simplistic, child-like or naive, but they are addressed in a serious manner by Max, nonetheles. This book is a great outreach program for the non believer and the new Christian alike. Clearly, even a casual reading of the bible gospels and letters would reveal the answers contained in this book, but for those readers who are intimidated by the thought of opening up a bible, this is a good source of biblical wisdom and advice. Max Lucado isnot afraid to give biblical based advice to the reader. As a blogger for booksneeze, I recieved a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers for the purpose of writinh this review. The opinions expressed are my own/

Take Action Bible, NKJV: Together We Can Change the World

2011-04-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

The Take Action Bible, NKJV: Together We Can Change the World is yet another themed bible published by Thomas Nelson publishers. The biggest shortcoming to this bible is its small font size and the text format. In contrast to paragraphs, each bible verse is listed line by line- as mentioned as one of the features "NKJV Ultraslim Bible text", making this bible not the best choice for personal reading. Because of these textual features, this will not be a bible that I will actually use for reading. Before specifically reviewing this bible in particular, for those readers unfamiliar with bibles in general some background would be useful. As far as bible translations, there is a spectrum of the ease of reading of a particular translation ranging from beginner/ easy reading levels such as the message and more complex/ literal such as the King James version, and revised standard version. For example, the popular NIV- New International Version, is somewhere in the middle with regard to ease of reading level and undertsanding. The NKJV - New King James Version, in particular, is a bit more literal and is written in somewhat of a higher reading level. Nevertheless, this NKJV is an easy to understand version as well. For those new to the bible entirely, The Message and Living bible as well as NIV versions are easy to read and understand, and are very good options for those who seek to understand the meaning of the bible.

Difficult to read versions such as the Old King James - though very well written, do a disservice to the modern or new bible reader. The antique language is difficult for many in this day to understand on their own and makes it prohibitive for many to understand the truths of the bible. Having known many readers of the KJV, who do not even understand the meaning of what they read- indicates that this is not the best translation for those who really seek to know God's word. What is the point of a bible after all if you can not even undertsand it? For those new to the bible or for those who have a difficult to read translation such as the King James Version, who wish to read the bible and actually understand it, I would suggest one of the bible versions with more modern/ contemporary language. While the NKJV is relatively easy to read, it may present a challange to the literacy level of many modern adults.

Overall, this bible, merits a good rating as it is a good trust worthy translation with many additional informational helps. There are full color insert pages featuring photos and articles, "Take Action" themed ideas and real life stories featuring the difference that real people have made in the world. The additional articles suppliment the bible text and do not detract from it. I recieved a copy of this bible for the purpose of review. The only thing that would make it better is if it were available in other modern translations as well. I would like to see Thomas Nelson publishers make available their themed bibles in more translations.

The Doppleganger Chronicles: The Secret of Indigo Moon by G.P. Taylor

2011-04-13T05:57:00.000-07:00

As a blogger for Tyndale publishers I had the opportunity to review the second book of the graphic kids' series, The Doppleganger Chronicles: The Secret of Indigo Moon by G. P. Taylor. This new junior novel series represents the new and popular genre of graphic novels- a hybrid between a full color comic book format and text novel. The ecclectic mix of comic book style cartoon art, illustrations as well paragraphs of text make this book visially appealing as well capturing the interest of the reader. For anyone who enjoys comic books, and graphic novels- I would suggest this book- especially for those who enjoyed the first book in the series.

The Doppleganger Chronicles series, Doppleganger takes its name from a hybrid mix of the twin heros last name Dopple, and their sidekick's last name Ganger. Although marketed to appeal to ADHD/ short attention spanned readers, my ten year old- and A student who enjoys reading enjoyed this book. My five year old enjoyed listening to having this book read to him, although he found the pictures a bit spooky. The artwork is very impressive. The gothic styled artwork and cartoons are unique for a children's book, and will draw in older readers as well as younger readers. The vivid descriptive details such as when "Erik waded through the waist-high vile liquid that spewed from the roof of the vault" page 241 make this an engaging story in of itself. The mixed media of text and graphics make this a unique book that may even capture the interest of parents as well! In fact, the sophisticated language, sarcasm and irony may be appreciated more adults than by young children. The intended readership of this book is the pre-teen/ younger teenaged reader. I rate this novel five stars, not only for its unique presentation format and the unique, vivid writing style. As a blogger for Tyndale publishers I recieved this book for the purposes of writing this review. The opinions reflected are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.

The Secret Under the Bed

2011-04-11T12:58:00.001-07:00

The following is based on a dream I once had......... Any resemblence to reality is a coincidence, as this is simply a story based on fictitious events.

I kept a secret under my bed. It was a burden so great, yet a responsibility that I could not escape. Oh how I wished it would be discovered and lifted from me. I wished an intruder would ransack my bedroom or that some prying inquisitive eyes would call the authorities with a search warrant. I could barely keep from revealing the secret. Yet, at the same time, my lips remained sealed and I did my best to conceal my dark secret. I played in my mind in-depth scenarios of subtle ways that I could reveal the secret or to facilitate its discovery.

My days and nights were filled with anxiety. How I wished there was someone, anyone to confide in. But, I felt isolated and alone. While I was away at school or work, was the only time I felt a degree of freedom and peace. Though exhausted, I’d hastily jump out of bed, quickly going through the minimal formalities associated with proper hygiene and rush off to work and school. As the end of the day approached, a feeling of sick dread and anxiety grew. As I watched the clock tick, my skin would become moist and clammy in anticipation of what awaited me at home. Nervously, I’d glance at my watch; my throat tightened and my stomach felt as though it contained a lump of heavy lead. As I walked to my car, the keys would rattle and jingle in my shaking hand. My legs felt weak, as though they would buckle underneath my weight. I’d slip into my car, and with my heart quickly pounding, I’d make my way home. Unable to concentrate on the road, I’d somehow, find myself safely home, not even remembering the trip as if driven by auto-pilot.

During the daytime I was usually withdrawn and anxious. I did not watch tv. I did not listen to music. I engaged in solitary activities: reading, writing, drawing and playing with dolls. I would clean and organize my room and my books and my dolls and my various collections. I had many collections: rocks, stickers, stamps, petrified/ shellacked hermit crabs….. All these things were my expressive outlet- especially writing. I could spend hours, and even an entire night simply writing- filling entire notebooks within a few short hours! This was the age before computers- so I would write and write and write until my fingers were red and callused and sore. I had to finish, I could not leave a piece of work unfinished! Oh, how I lived my life in my room. I lived out my dreams- reenacting a perfect world, and fulfilling my wishes for revenge and my dreams. I created a miniature replica of a town, filled with homes and schools, stores and people. All those little tiny people represented real people. After school from the time I was eight throughout high school, I lived out my life of normalcy and dreams through the fictitious town I created as well as its inhabitants. I found peace by playing within that town. Anything that happened in real life, I would reenact in my small miniature town. No detail was too insignificant to include in my little town replica. In fact, it had its own transportation system, school system, a library and even a newspaper! The newspaper was available both in miniature format as well as larger traditional format- to this day I still have some copies. I enjoyed books and lived my life’s adventures from reading literature and novels. I also enjoyed philosophy, psychology and science as well. Much of my knowledge and experience came from books. I lived life experiences through reading, and made them come to life through my writings, my fantasies and the re-enactment through my dolls. To me this was life!

I looked in the mirror, and could not reconcile the image of the middle aged face staring back at me. Why did I appear so old? It couldn’t be me that I was staring out at, perhaps from lack of sleep my eyes were deceiving me. I was in a constant state of exhaustion. I read books to pass the lonely anxious hours away. I drank coffee and soda all day long to stay awake. I lived a life of quiet solitude, I was always a bit antisocial and distant- mostly keeping to myself. I did not have too many friends, and rarely entertained guests. I was mostly alone with my thoughts, except when I could escape through reading.

I especially dreaded the nighttime when it was time to retire, and loathed the mere site of my bedroom. I would stay up half the night awaiting the early hours of the morning when I was assured that everyone was asleep. At that time I would quickly sneak down the staircase, with my pillow tightly clenched in my right hand, and my blanket, clenched in the other, down to the sofa. Just before daybreak, before anyone would awake, after an hour or two of a pitiful, restless sleep, I would sneak quietly back up the stairs, back into the dreaded bedroom, and slip under the covers of my death tainted bed. I kept an ominous oppressive secret that I could neither share nor reveal, no matter how I prayed that it would be exposed or discovered. Under my bed, beneath the rusted, creaky, metal bed frame of my bed, I kept my grand-father, encased in an oversized shoebox of a coffin. Nestled safely from prying eyes I kept the secret burden of the decaying body of my grand- father. The putrefying stained carpet beneath the weakened, wet corrugated oblong box was safely concealed by the dingy, dusty ruffled bed skirt. The oppressive odor of decay was masked by a mixture of moth balls, bath salts and fresh potpourri. Don’t ask me the details or reasons, of how this came to be, because I don’t know how I came to be in possession of my grandpa. All I know was that I somehow bore the grave responsibility of keeping his remains. Why he was not buried in the consecrated ground of a cemetery, I do not know. My grandpa passed away unexpectedly when I was young, and as an adult, he was still with me. He was there under my bed after all these years. Not once did I look inside the container that encased his lifeless body – which after all these years was encased by layers and layers of sheets, bedding and towels- in an attempt to cover the stench and the fluids of decay. At one time having him with me brought me comfort and security, but now, I simply felt a strong sense of revulsion and an urge to break free and to simply get away- even if it meant running away. Oh how I had loved him in life, and deeply missed him. His unexpected death was as if it were a dream- it was unreal. I remember each and every minute detail of his last day as if it were yesterday. After his death, time seemed to have stopped. My mom as well as sisters, forever remained young as did I. I did not grieve and I did not mourn. I was strong and I simply moved on, barely acknowledging that anything had changed, pretending it didn’t happen yet knowing deep inside he was gone and I’d never see him again. His photos were hung on my wall. His button down dress shirts and his jacket still retained his comforting scent as I had remembered from my youth. His hat was collecting dust where it remained on the hook on the door, and his boots rested on the mat near the door just as they would have remained during his life. His wallet, his keychain, eyeglasses and pens and other personal effects- were safely contained in a small jewelry box on my dresser. I could not part with my grand father nor any of his things, yet at the same time, I felt a mixture of repulsion and trepidation.

I woke up one morning, it was a bright sunny day. I had no plans for the day. That same old tired reflection stared back at me as I half heartedly rubbed a dry toothbrush against my teeth. When I was finished, I let the toothbrush fall from my limp hand into the sink. In slow motion I picked the shirt and pants that had been carelessly dropped on the bathroom floor the previous evening and dressed myself. I was exhausted and did not care about anything. Yet suddenly without any warning or reason, I felt a determination that I had never felt before. As if animated by an unknown force, I quickly went back into my bedroom, taking all of my grand father’s things from the bedroom and hastily piling them in an empty laundry basket. I had an idea that I would carefully package each of the items and mail them to my aunts and sisters or perhaps place them in the attic. Next, I was drawn to my bed, and before I could talk myself out of it, I instinctively reached underneath my bed, and with a firm grip, began tugging as the layers of soiled, stiff and crusted bedding, throwing them carelessly into a pile at the side of my bed. There seemed to be a never ending supply of dusty, worn sheets, blankets, comforters and linens. I bent down bringing my face eye level to the space underneath my bed, in eager dread of what I’d find. With the rough carpet fibers scratching my cheek and ear, giving myself a bad case of rub burn, reaching my outstretched arms, as far as I could reach, under the dusty cavern beneath my bed, I found the remaining cocoon of bedding which I tugged out from underneath with the tips of my fingers. There was no stench of decay, and no stains of body fluids to be found, only years worth of dust that had settled underneath the bed. I sneezed as a puff of grey dust filled the air - as I stared at the dusty linen cocoon that I had unearthed from under my bed frame. I watched the dust particles dance in the sunbeams of light which shone through my bedroom window. With shaking hands, my anxiety mounted as I unraveled the layers of dusty, yellowed sheets, one layer at a time. Finally I reached the last layer of bedding, and after having unrolled it there was nothing at all contained within the bedding. I was puzzled as I confronted the fact that there was nothing at all inside the sheets and no indication that anything, other than just plain sheets had been under my bed after all these years. I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. The nightmare as far as I was concerned was over, there was nothing there and I was satisfied to leave it at that. I had no desire to pursue the issue any further, nor to question what I had imagined had been there. I could finally move on in peace. The only thing remaining of my grand father were the happy and peaceful memories.