Review of "Ordering Your Private World"

Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of book in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work. 

This is a should be a must read for anyone in ministry.  It seems all we hear about nowadays, especially on social media is how busy everyone is, especially church leaders.  Some even wear busyness as a badge of honor, giving little to no thought about their own personal spiritual and physical health. 

McDonald relates the day when he hit the wall, and realized that he no longer wanted to live in a state of constant busyness or reacting to everyone else's demands.  Everything after that is about how he recovered from that day, and clear cut ways to restore order and health.  The included study guide is very helpful in reviewing your own personal journey and employing the methods that he discusses.  

The book is very well written, organized and includes examples from his own life as well as appropriate quotes from others. I would highly recommend it for anyone in ministry who is on the verge of burnout.  

We Are What We Think

So, the other day on my way to work, I was listening to NPR - what I in the past have called, "National Pagan Radio".  Through my husband, I have come to actually enjoy listening to some of the news segments.  It may be a cliche to say that you will hear news on NPR that you won't hear on other news reports - a la Fox News; but it is true.  I haven't listened to Fox News in quite some time now, for it seems like no matter who you listen to, they love to sensationalize everything.  Not so with NPR.

Anyway, the segment that caught my attention the other day was about a study that was done in the 1940's called the Clark Doll Experiment. From wikipedia:  "The Clarks' doll experiments grew out of Mamie Clark's master's degree thesis. They published three major papers between 1939 and 1940 on children's self perception related to race. Their studies found contrasts among African-American children attending segregated schools in Washington, DC versus those in integrated schools in New York.^[10] The doll experiment involved a child being presented with two dolls. Both of these dolls were completely identical except for the skin and hair color. One doll was white with yellow hair, while the other was brown with black hair.^[11] The child was then asked questions inquiring as to which one is the doll they would play with, which one is the nice doll, which one looks bad, which one has the nicer color, etc. The experiment showed a clear preference for the white doll among all children in the study.^[12] These findings exposed internalized racism in African-American children, self-hatred that was more acute among children attending segregated schools."

I found this study fascinating.  How did these (presumably) young girls establish such things in their mind?  I would hope that their families would show and/or tell them that they were of worth, that they were nice, and not bad, etc. I don't know what each family was like; or even if the girls had a stable family.  And I can only imagine that society back them told them otherwise; as I believe that racism was very much alive and well in those years.

It got me to thinking.  How much garbage  do we allow from our society into our heads?  How much do we believe and then act upon?  As a Christian, especially, it seems like the message of the Bible and of Jesus Himself is the exact opposite of the goods that the world tries to peddle.  Like these young girls in the study above, how much of this pollution do we allow to come into our brains and settle into our hearts without even giving it a second glance?  I suspect quite a bit, honestly. 

As I grow older and older, both chronologically and in my Christian faith, I realize that the only constant truth we have in this world is the Bible and God Himself - through Jesus Christ.  Everything has changed so much in the 50+ years that I have been a part of this world - so the world certainly isn't a constant.  Things that I learned in high school are no longer true.  So we can't bank on worldly truth. 

So, on this Good Friday, 2012, I come back to the truth that happened about 2000 years ago - that Christ was crucified on the cross - He died for my sins, and for yours, my faithful readers (all 1 of you, LOL); and was resurrected on Easter Sunday to sit at the right hand of the Father to make intercession for us.  He did all this because he loves me, he loves you - and that is the foundation of the truth.  All other statements must rest on that one truth. 

So I choose today, to meditate and concentrate on that truth.  By cramming my head full of God's truth, the only truth that matters, I hope that the lies that have been renting space there will be evicted.  I know they've been there for quite some time; and have settled nicely in; but the truth will push them out like yesterday's garbage. 

Review of "Road to the Resurrection" audio book

I am familiar with Greg Laurie, having read some of his previous works, and listened to him teach. That was one reason why I jumped at the chance to listen to and review this book. That said, The Road to the Resurrection was more a basic guide for new believers than anything else. I didn't really learn anything new; but parts of the book were a great review for what I learned a few years ago in an apologetics class. There was one chapter that seemed to be out of place. It sounded and felt like it should have been an appendix - he goes through in alphabetical order the places, events, and people of the Resurrection. When I started to hear this list, I thought that perhaps my phone had skipped over several chapters of the book. I had to actually stop; and go to the table of contents to insure that I was listening in the correct order. The narrator spoke well and enunciated his words very clearly, but he just didn't seem like he was very interested in the book either. So, as a basic guide to the Resurrection for new believers, I would say this was a pretty good book. For others, who have been Christians for a long time, like myself, I don't think it would add much to your understanding of this event. I was excited to listen to this book during Holy Week; but really there was nothing in this book that I didn't already know. Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this audio book as a part of the christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work. For more information about this and other Christian audio books visit christianaudio.com.

Review of "The Scent of Cherry Blossoms" audio book

"The Scent of Cherry Blossoms" by Cindy Woodsmall

This is a very well told story of 2 brothers - Aden and Roman - who are old order Amish.  Annie is Mennonite, and Aden's love interest.  Both Amish and Mennonite communities have strict rules about dating; especially dating someone outside their faith - this is strictly forbidden.  Despite all that, Annie and Aden spend much time together in the cherry orchards surrounding their homes.  The storyline continues from there, as well as following Roman while he works in the family diner.

This story breaks down the prejudices that too often entangle us, whether by hand-me-down wrong beliefs; or religious traditions.  I was very pleasantly surprised by this book, having become somewhat familiar familiar with both of these cultures.  I have visited Amish/Mennonite country in PA numerous times, and have known a few families there.

This story is warm and authentic.  I enjoyed very much the storyline.  The narrator had an engaging style; bringing in different voices to represent the different characters in the book.  This gave me a deeper knowledge and new appreciation for both the Amish and Mennonite communities.  

Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this audio book as a part of the christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work. For more information about this and other Christian audio books visit christianaudio.com.

Coexist

One example of the bumper sticker

I'm sure you have all seen the Coexist bumper stickers on cars.  You know - the one with the Muslim symbol, the star of David, the cross and other symbols.  The one I saw the other day while driving to work was a bit different than the one to the left, but the thought was the same. 

Seeing that got me to thinking.  While that is a lofty idea; but it can never happen.  Why?  Well, Islam does not allow for people of different religions or belief systems to co-exist.  They have the imperative from Allah, (their god) through Mohammad their prophet to convert everyone in the world to Islam.  If someone does not convert, they will die.  Real time example of this:  the Iranian Pastor who was convicted of "converting" to Christianity from Islam.  My understanding is that he grew up in a Muslim home, but never espoused Muslim beliefs himself.   So when he "converted" to Christianity, he was put on trial and sentenced to death for abandoning the faith of his ancestors.

In other Muslim countries, Bibles and other non-Islam religious materials are outlawed!

So I ask, with that going on, how in the world can we possibly coexist?  I don't think we can.  Not when one religion has that kind of dogma.  In their "holy" book, they are told to kill the infidels - which means anyone who does not belief the same way they do. 

Another thing that I would like to point out is the double standard.  Somehow many people seem very sympathetic toward Islams and Muslims.  However, Christians are more demonized for having closed minds than Muslims are.  But, here's the thing:  Our holy book does not tell us to kill people if they do not believe as we do.  Our holy book tells us to live peaceably among all men, as much as it is up to us.  To me, that means, that we try our best to live with everyone, with respect, with dignity and honor.  We should treat others as we would want to be treated - or I would go so far as to say, even better than we would want to be treated!  We should not be afraid to tell them about our faith in Jesus Christ, and how He changed our lives; and the promise we have in Him - but...the bottom line?  It's their decision to make - it shouldn't be made at the end of a sword or threat of death if they don't convert. 

Now before I get slammed for "hate speech", let me say this.  I love people - no matter if they are Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, black, red, yellow...none of that makes a difference to me.  But I truly get tired of hearing the "hate speech" of others that never gets called out for what it is.  I've been told that I was a racist because I didn't vote for our current President - excuse me, but I didn't vote for him because I do not have the same belief system he does for restoring our country.  Skin color means nothing to me. 

Well, in this same way, I am not using hate speech because I am making a very clear and evident distinction between Muslim and Christian beliefs.  I don't believe in the belief system of Islam, I am a Christian.   That does not make me intolerant, it just makes me not believe as a Muslim does.  It is disturbing to me that now in this world, a person can have any belief they want, without being called intolerant or close-minded, except for Christianity.  Then we're intolerant, and can't get along with everyone else.  I am not going around hurting people because they don't believe as I do - I am just trying to live in this world, like everyone else. 

So, co-exist?  Never possible in this world we live in.

Wonderful resource!

Review of: The Story of the Bible (the fascinating history of its writing, translation & effect on civilization) by Larry Stone

This is a tremendous resource of the history of the bible. First off when you open the book, on the front and back inside covers is a timeline, starting before 2000 BC, and the patriarch Abraham, and ending with the year 2000, which details the significant events in the life of the Bible.

Then there is the wonderful narrative, in which the author has recounted numerous facts and history about the manuscripts of the Bible in a very lively and readable style. I have taken a class in Bibliology (the study of the Bible); and this book has definitely supplemented what I learned there.

The added replicas of historical documents that are also comtained in the book, also helped to understand more about the authenticity and the accuracy of the Bible. The color illustrations are exquisite, and add so much to the narrative.

I am even more amazed after reading this wonderful book at how the Bible has survived through the centuries and numerous scrutinies by those who wish to disclaim it as the inspired Word of God. It is no wonder then, that the Bible continues to be the best selling book of all time. This book will help readers to understand that phenomenon.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Praying the Bible Into Your Life

A Review of:  Praying The Bible Into Your Life by Stormie Omartian (audiobook)

As I listened, the Scripture, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17) kept coming to mind.  This audiobook is a collection of 194 Scriptures and prayers, divided into short chapters. The book is 99 minutes long.

As each Scripture reading and prayer is very short, the narrator moves seamlessly into each section. I listened to this in iTunes, and each segment had a description of what the Scripture is about. In this venue, it was very easy to identify which segment would be helpful for any life situation that a person might find himself in. I thought that the Scripture and accompanying prayer meshed together very well. The narrator (Tavia Gilbert) has a very comforting voice; and added to the peace and comfort that hearing the Scriptures themselves give; this was a very easy audio book to listen to. I can definitely see keeping this book very close for those times when God's Word is needed as a reference.

Disclaimer:  I was provided with a copy of this audio book as a part of the christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work.  This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work.  For more information about this and other Christian audio books visit christianaudio.com.