Book Review: Really Bad Girls of the Bible

Liz Curtis Higgs is the award-winning author of the Bad Girls series.

In Really Bad Girls of the Bible: More Lessons from Less-Than-Perfect-Women, Higgs takes a fresh look at 8 more of the most infamous women of the Bible:  Jael, Bathsheba, Tamar, the bleeding woman, the adulteress, Athaliah, Herodias, and the medium of EnDor.

Higgs places each of these women in one of 4 categories:

• Bad for a good reason (Jael & Tamar)
• Bad, but not condemned (the adulteress & the bleeding woman)
• Bad moon rising (Bathsheba & medium of EnDor)
• Bad, and proud of it (Athaliah & Herodias)

Each chapter begins with a modern-day version of the historical account.  These proved very effective in bringing an ancient dilemma into perspective.  

I liked Higgs's writing style; she takes a sort of "girlfriend" approach that's very conversational.  You get a good feel for the kind of woman she is: a hilarious straight-talker, who spent her share of time in the pit before the Lord rescued her.  

I appreciated her attempts at digging deeply into the cultures and customs of the women she described.    It was evident that Higgs had "done her homework."  

Each chapter ends with 2 sections--"Lessons we can learn," and "Good girl thoughts worth considering," though the latter are nearly all questions to promote further introspection and study.  I found these helpful.

While she did take care to admit on several occasions that the Bible was not clear about such-and-such (for example, we do not know Bathsheba's thoughts or intentions when King David summoned her), I was a little concerned about some of Higgs's commentary about these women, with Tamar being the most blatant example of this.

After God took the lives of Tamar's first two evil husbands, she seduced her father-in-law in an effort to get pregnant by him and thereby secure her future and maintain her dignity.  It seems Higgs can't really make up her mind about Tamar.  Higgs calls her "brilliant" and "clever."On page 220, Higgs says, "Her method wasn't noble, but her motives were.  In God's economy that counts for something, simply because none of us gets either the actions or the motivations right much of the time."  

I was shocked when she said plainly, "Her sin was deliberate... That reality does not make her actions "good," but it does make her motivation clear.  Sex with her father-in-law was a necessary evil to produce a necessary good.  (It goes without saying, the rules have changed.  Don't try this at home. Ever.)"

But then, three pages later, Higgs again says plainly, "Tamar sinned too."  Higgs cautions us, "Yet if we allow the fact that she is in the lineage of Christ to excuse her "badness" in the situation, we lost the ability to learn a lesson from her story.  Tamar is not to be praised--God is."

Higgs's desire is to display God's sovereignty in each situation.  I believe she could have accomplished this without seeming to condone or excuse sin, whether intentionally or not.

I'd give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging For Books review 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Yay for the Library!

We love our local libraries.  Love them!

The girls used to run off to play with the dollhouses and toys and thingamajigs.

Now they grab an armful of books and sling them onto the closest surface they can find.

We actually have two libraries, and we love them both.  The smaller, older one has a giant cart in the children's section, with stamping supplies, coloring books, and a stack of fresh, blank paper.  GLORIOUS.

This week we found a whole slew of books by Sally Lloyd-Jones.

She authored our beloved and very popular Jesus Storybook Bible.  

Did you know she also wrote such adorable picture books as 

The Ultimate Guide to Grandmas and Grandpas?

and How to be a Baby...by Me, the Big Sister.  Adorable!

and Being a Pig is Nice:  A Child's-Eye View of Manners

also:  How to Get Married... by Me, the Bride

"No one will marry you if you don’t ever brush your hair and it looks like a bird’s nest back there.  And never get married when it’s dark, because you might not see the groom, and marry the wrong person.  When you have found your Own True Love, you must ask permission.  'Can I marry you please?' you say.  'Yes, please,' he says."

We will soon be walking into our library not with a tote bag, but with a giant Rubbermaid tub and a dolly.  These girls are voracious readers, and I couldn't be more thankful!

**Sally Lloyd-Jones doesn't know me, and she didn't pay me to promote her books.  We just love 'em!

Book Review: The Truth About Grace

In his book, The Truth About Grace, author John MacArthur performs a rigorous academic study of grace.  This is not a feel-good book or an easy read.  Many criticize the book on this basis, but I appreciate the attention and the detail paid to the subject.

MacArthur's writing style was simple, and yet the topic commanded such focused attention.  I found myself re-reading sentences and paragraphs, so as to allow the weight of the words to sink in.  My heart was renewed in its thankfulness for the undeserved and abounding grace which God bestows on all mankind.  The book is chock-full of Scripture.

It seems to me to be ideal for a pastor or a teacher, as sort of a topical reference guide.  The Truth About Grace is just one book in a series, "designed to give readers a focused experience that centers on God's character and how it applies to their daily walk of faith."

It's a short book--105 pages and 5 chapters--but again, not a quick or "easy" read.

MacArthur doesn't disappoint.  He's thorough, focused, Biblical, and passionate!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Booksneeze.com as part of their Blogger Review 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: Johann Sebastian Bach

"The aim and final reason of all music should be none else but the glory of God and refreshing the soul. Where this is not observed there will be no music, but only a devilish hubbub." -J.S. Bach

Rick Marschall's short biography of the great composer, J.S. Bach, gives a broad--albeit sometimes dry--overview of his life and musical career.  I was less interested in the former as I was the latter, though I do appreciate the importance of a thorough understanding.

Bach possessed an unmatched gift for composition:  able to compose entire arrangements without hearing one note.  During his lifetime, Bach composed somewhere in the ballpark of 2,000 different pieces of music. Around 1,200 are in existence today.  

As a Christian, however, I most enjoyed Marschall's explanation of Bach's Christian worldview and his singular driving passion:  the glory of God.  Bach recognized God's rightful central place in his life and in the church, and he endeavored to write, perform, and live everything for His glory.  Bach ended every composition with the letters SDG, which stand for Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory). 


Much of the musical information is heavy, though Marschall wisely includes an appendix of musical terms in the back of the book.  I believe that even those with little or no musical knowledge would come away with a profound appreciation for Bach's gift, and especially his dedication to use that gift for God's glory alone.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Booksneeze.com as part of their Blogger Review 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: God's Promises Devotional Journal

With this daily devotional book, you have to take the mediocre with the excellent.

It's entitled, God's Promises Devotional Journal:  365 Days of Experiencing the Lord's Blessings.  A whole slew of Christian authors have contributed to the work, most of whom I'd never heard of prior to reading it.  Among them:

• Anne Graham Lotz
• Robert Morris
• Jack Countryman
• Elisabeth Elliot
• Dr. Larry Crabb
• John Hagee
• Neil Clark Warren
• David Jeremiah
• Henry & Richard Blackaby
• Thomas Watson
• RC Sproul
• Richard Foster
• Mary Graham
• Patsy Clairmont
• John MacArthur
• Criswell Freeman
• Max Lucado
• Billy Graham

I had to resist the temptation to skip forward to read those excerpts by Elliot, Sproul, MacArthur, and Jeremiah.  Their contributions, as usual, reflected a sound, Biblical view of God and excellent applications for the reader. 

While much of the material could be deemed good, the book as a whole is not great.  A few of the less notable reflections waxed on regarding the importance of boosting one's self-esteem/self-image, forgiving oneself, and the like.  Regarding prayer, one author stated, "... if we persist in knocking, the promise is that God will eventually open the door." 

One very well-known author paints a picture of God, looking down on Earth, "doomed, damned, crushed...He saw you and me, struggling beneath our load of sin.  He made His decision [to become a man and atone for sin.]."  The Scriptures clearly state that Christ's incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection was in God's plan, even before the foundation of the world!

These less-than-stellar excerpts were the worst of the bad ones.  Most of the remainder (except for those authors I mentioned previously) were good and fine and nice.  Just not excellent.

Subject matter aside, I would've liked to see more material in general.  Each day has one page, with about half the page devoted to the author's words.  The bottom half of each page is lined, so the reader can record his notes/reflections/thoughts each day.  If used, this book should certainly be supplemental to one's regular devotional diet and not the main course.

Disclaimer:  I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: 31 Days of Drawing Near to God

Ruth Myers, a former missionary wife to China and bestselling author, has put together a devotional book entitled, 31 Days of Drawing Near to God:  Resting Securely in His Delight.  Many of the excerpts were lovely to meditate on, and my heart often soared in agreement as I worked through the book. 

Myers quotes lots of poetry in 31 Days, as well as excerpts of many song texts.  I found these references to be just a much a blessing--possibly more--than the devotionals themselves.  Her writing style is pleasant and passionate, which makes the book easy to read. 

One thing I didn't appreciate was her many references to Bible translations which appear to be quite loose, such as the The Moffatt Translation, The Wuest Translation, and The Berkeley Version.  It should be noted, however, that I have read almost nothing of these particular translations and can certainly not call myself an expert on them. 

I also raised an eyebrow when the author recounted her conversion experience.

...Mother did something so simple.  She quoted a verse I'd known for as long as I could remember.  But as she spoke, the truth dawned in my heart and I believed [quotes John 3:16 and states that she believed in Christ].  That night, for the first time I remember, I felt God's love.  All this happened in an instant as Mother quoted John 3:16.  When she finished, I bowed my head and thanked the Lord that He had given me eternal life.

Myers never really does lay out the Gospel in plain terms, start to finish.  I wonder if it's because she assumes that the devotional will be read only by the Christian who is serious about growing in his walk with God.  Still, it seems irresponsible not to proclaim the Truth, given the opportunity! 

I did find some benefit from Myers's insights and passion, though I wouldn't recommend or give this book to someone about whose salvation I was uncertain.

Disclaimer:  I received this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: God Gave Us the World

"Why didn't God make us all the same?"  Little Cub wonders.  He and his mama are wandering through a museum exhibit called, "Bears Around the World."

In God Gave Us the World, author Lisa Tawn Bergren moves even the youngest readers to marvel at God's wonderful creativity, His care for that creation, and each person's special place in His world.  As is true for Bergren's other God Gave Us-- books, the appeal lies in the adorable, simple questions asked by Cub, and the loving responses given by Mama.  I especially appreciated these:

"Every bear has a special place in God's great, big world."

"...the world reflects God's work.  How big, big, BIG he is."

"God created our world and everything in it, because it's in his nature to create.  Understanding that is part of why he put us here...to serve and worship him, our amazing God..."

The illustrations are just as darling as the story and dialogue.  Now if I can just wait til one of my kids' birthdays to give it to them!

Disclosure: I received this book free from the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group's Blogging for Books program. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: The Faith of Ronald Reagan

Best-selling author Mary Beth Brown has written a warm tribute to America's fortieth president, Ronald Reagan, entitled simply, The Faith of Ronald Reagan.  In the book's introduction, Brown pulls no punches about her primary goal for the work:

The purpose of this book, then, is to help individuals who are studying Ronald Reagan to learn that his Christian faith was what accounted for his success. 

Brown makes good on her promise, too.  In fact, if I were a casual reader with no particular devotion to Christ, I would likely be annoyed at best after reading this book.  Scripture passages and Biblical themes abound, many of which are pulled from Reagan's own speeches or letters. 

Brown leads the reader on a journey from Reagan's humble birth and upbringing all the way to his death on June 5, 2004.  She includes a treasury of Reagan quotations--exceprts from his handwritten letters, portions from his autobiographies, snippets from important speeches he delivered, and interviews by those closest to him.

Brown's writing style seems overly simplistic at times, but the nature of the book lends itself well to such a style.  She restates eagerly and often the theme of her book, in varied fashions.  Reagan firmly believed that the sovereign God ruled in his everyday life, and his mission was to fulfill God's plan for him, with God's grace and help.  While some deem this redundant, I thought it suited her purpose just fine.  It never hurts to be reminded of Truth! 

I kept looking and waiting for Reagan's salvation experience and never saw it.  Perhaps Brown thought it unnecessary to include the actual circumstances surrounding the President's conversion.  I was disappointed by that.

I found it interesting that Brown includes the five eulogies given at President Reagan's funeral--by his son Michael, his daughter Patti Davis, Margaret Thatcher, President George H.W. Bush, and President George W. Bush.  

I'd give The Faith of Ronald Reagan 4 of 5 stars.  It was an inspiring read!

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: The Goodness of God

The world has gone terribly wrong. 
God is going to fix it.
For his eternal glory.
And for our eternal good.

This is the theme of Randy Alcorn's little book, The Goodness of God:  Assurance of Purpose in the Midst of Suffering. 

The note on the back cover indicates that The Goodness of God is a condensed version of Alcorn's If God is Good (I haven't read it.).  In this little book--117 pages--Alcorn continually turns the reader's focus toward God's goodness and Christ's redeeming sacrifice.  I thought he did a wonderful job of thoroughly addressing a wide spectrum of material in such a brief space!  I was incredibly blessed by such a driven focus, and I'm not even "suffering" right now!

Alcorn begins by discussing the origins of evil and suffering, going back to Satan and the Garden.  He discusses many alternative explanations for suffering, firmly repudiating each one with Scripture.  Although he devotes one chapter to Christ's redemptive work on the cross, he refers to it throughout the entire book.  One particular sentence was really striking:

Because Jesus willingly entered this world of evil and suffering and didn't spare himself, but took on the worst of it for my sake and yours, he has earned my trust even for what I can't understand.

Alcorn presents such a clear picture of the gospel and man's responsibility to accept Christ's atoning work.  He pulls no punches, ending the book with a call to repentance.

In addition, Alcorn staunchly denies false teachings regarding suffering and evil:  "health and wealth" teaching, relativism, atheism, and more.

Once you see Jesus as he really is, your worldview, your goals, your affections, everything--including your view of evil and suffering--will change.

Disclaimer:  I was given a copy of this book in exchange for honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: True Treasures

Chock full of godly wisdom and encouragement, True Treasures is a super resource to keep handy! 

True Treasures is a compilation of articles from TEACH Magazine.  (Click the hyperlink, or paste this address into your browser:  http://www.homemakingwithteach.com/).  It's sort of a treasury of the classics!   

True Treasures is divided into six chapters, with special focuses on the particular responsibilities of women: 

1. Jewels that Make the Heart Sparkle (matters of the heart)
2. Marriages of Solid Gold
3. Parenting Pearls:  Practical and Priceless
4. Homemaking that Dazzles like Diamonds
5. Homeschooling Nuggets of Wisdom
6. Godly Living that Glitters (spiritual growth)

The articles and testimonies are written by a variety of seasoned, wise women; the encouragement and challenges seemed to jump right off the pages and into my heart.  The articles which most blessed me:

• "Slow and Steady," which encouraged me to correct my view of my heavenly-assigned job (all the seemingly mundane duties which mothering young children involves!).  Oh, how I need this one--every day! 
• "It's Raining, It's Pouring," which reminded me why godly submission is so beautiful and powerful.
• "Do Your Children Rise and Call You Blessed, or Grouchy?" which called me to discipline myself to become a "morning person." (Ugh!  Apparently, I can not be both a morning person AND a night owl.)
•  "In Search of Serenity," how to find rest for my soul!  Physical rest is not nearly so essential as spiritual rest and trust in God!
• "A Strong Woman versus a Woman of Strength"  There's a BIG difference!

True Treasures is attractive enough to give as a gift--and what a gift this would make!  (I'm having trouble deciding whether to add it to my library or to bless someone else!)  Through May 31, 2011, TEACH is offering a coupon code for $4 off of True Treasures (only one per customer, per order):  GabbyMom

Disclaimer:  I received this product for honest review from TEACH Magazine as a part of The Gabby Moms blogging program.  All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Book Review: On this Day in Christian History

It would make a nice gift for any church history buff:  On This Day in Christian History:  365 amazing and inspiring stories about saints, martyrs, and heroes, by Robert J. Morgan. 

Unless you're particular about your definition of a hero, that is.  The entries, which are dated like that of a daily devotional book, herald the deeds of such men as Ulrich Zwingli, C.H. Spurgeon, and Hudson Taylor.  Inspiring, for sure! 

Littering the pages also are folks such as Simeon, a monk who spent thirty years atop a tall pillar, and Elizabeth Hooton, a Quaker preacher.  Morgan doesn't seem to be overly choosy in his inclusion of religious figures; however, it certainly does make for some interesting reading.  I could imagine a pastor or inspirational speaker would find it especially interesting, both for general knowledge and for illustrative use.  The book also includes an index of selected topics, a handy resource for such purposes.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: Outlive your Life

"No one can do everything, but everyone can do something." 

I've got mixed reviews for this particular book by Max Lucado.   

On the one hand, Outlive your Life is a powerfully written call to reach out to the underprivileged, the sinners, the orphans, the poor, the lonely, the lost.  Each chapter begins with a heart-wrenching story of an unlikely person who made a big difference.  In addition, Lucado makes a great point that Jesus called some very unlikely disciples to aid him in his earthly ministry. 

I was also pleased to find that Lucado's fourth chapter, "Don't forget the bread," reminds us that our primary focus must always be on the eternal, not just on food, water, compassion, and shelter for those in need.  However, this concept comes across as just that--one little chapter, rather than true answer for man's problems.
I can't wholeheartedly recommend this book, for a few reasons.  For one, Lucado cites corrupt Bible translations and paraphrases, for a grand total of 9 translations.  In addition, Lucado gives references to ungodly personalities.

[God] is U2, and we are the neighborhood garage band.   

Lucado also says that Jesus saw something in his disciples John and Peter (and others) that was "worth developing and saving."  This goes contrary to what thhe Bible teaches about salvation:  that we're altogether unworthy.  God doesn't save sinners for the sinners' sake, but for His own sake.  Lucado also consistently refers to all people as "God's children."

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: Love and Respect for a Lifetime

"Women absolutely need love.  Men absolutely need respect.  It's as simple and as complicated as that..."

In this sharp gift-style book, married couples learn what makes husbands and wives "tick."  Love and Respect for a Lifetime, by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, gives time-tested, practical suggestions for ministering to your spouse in the way he/she most needs it. 

I'd read similar books before, but this was a terrific choice because of its brevity.  I read it in just under an hour.  Eggerichs cites lots and lots of Scripture, and he reminds us that our first commitment is to Christ and then to our mate. 

Other points of interest:  Specific sections for the husband and the wife, Five foundation truths about communication (from Ephesians 5:22-33), and Four keys to a God-ordained marriage.

Love and Respect is succint and practical; this would make a wonderful wedding or anniversary gift!

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: The King's Christmas List

I was utterly smitten by the front cover.

I wanted this book for myself, actually!

Bonnie Leick's beautiful illustrations completely steal the show in this sweet children's book, The King's Christmas List, written by Eldon Johnson.

It's Christmastime, and Emma and Shu-Shu are off to the King's birthday party, and they're excited to give him the lovely cake they've made.  But along the way,  Emma crosses paths with several needy people, and she generously gives of her own possessions--her cake, her Christmas cape, and her teddy bear.

When they arrive at the castle, Emma begins to apologize to the King for showing up without a gift, but He assures Emma that she has unknowingly given Him just what He wanted:

Anyone who desires to give Me a gift, behold!
Give food to the hungry and clothes to the cold,
Give care to the poor, both young and old,
Whatever gift you've given to a person in need,
Is indeed a gift you have given to Me.

Based on Matthew 25:37-40, this story is a good reminder of what sacrificial giving looks like.  In my opinion, the storytelling is a bit rough, amateurish, especially when the King reveals that the needy people along the roadside were really angels in disguise.  Parts of the language were quite cliche, i.e., "the greatest Christmas present of all," and "the true spirit of Christmas."  But the illustrations more than make up for the somewhat rough delivery!

One unique feature of The King's Christmas List is the last page, which gives families an opportunity to get involved in ministering to the needy.  Families are directed to two charities for giving opportunities (I'm unfamiliar with the ins & outs of these particular ministries, so I'm unable to speak to their integrity.)  The book also provides fun, free ideas for children to give their own Christmas gift to the King.

I've worked hard to hide this lovely book from my kids; I'm saving it for Christmas!

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: The Boy who Changed the World

The Boy who Changed the World is the children's version of The Butterfly Effect.  It shows children that every action, no matter how big or small, can make a big difference.

This is the amazing story of Norman Borlaug, a farm boy from Iowa who had a passion to feed the hungry.  But he couldn't have accomplished this great task without the help of Henry Wallace.
And Wallace couldn't have done all that he did without the influence of George Washington Carver, who was rescued by a man named Moses Carver. 

The Boy who Changed the World is simply told; even the (almost) 4-year-old in this home can understand it.  And yet it teaches an important truth--that which we sow, we (and future generations) will reap.  The book is beautifully illustrated, with butterflies on every page.

Like its predecessor, The Boy who Changed the World is not a strongly Biblical book.  But it's a good conversation starter and a nice children's book.  I'm happy to add it to my kids' library.

The English teacher in me cringes at the one blatant typographical error; how in the world can you mess up the grammar in a short children's book!?? 

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: The Butterfly Effect

"A butterfly could flap its wings and set molecules of air in motion, which would move other molecules of air, inturn moving more molecules of air--eventually capable of starting a hurricane on the other side of the planet."

Fascinating! 

This is the premise of The Butterfly Effect:  that everything we do has a dramatic effect on the future.

Bestselling author and motivational speaker Andy Andrews demonstrates this principle by highlighting singular, pivotal decisions by men such as Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, a Colonel in the Union Army during the Battle of Gettysburg.  Andrews asserts that Chamberlain is a dramatic human example of the butterfly effect, one man who made one move whose effects still ripple through our lives today.

Andrews also gives compelling examples of men such as Norman Borlaug, Henry Wallace, and George Washington Carver. 

A short gift-style book (I read it in about 15 minutes), The Butterfly Effect certainly falls under the umbrella of both inspirational and motivational.  It's an interesting and nice enough read, although it's not a Biblically-based book by any means.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: One Hand, Two Hands

It's a sweet, simple book that will be perfect for Olivia's birthday (a mere eleven days away!).   Bestselling author Max Lucado writes One Hand, Two Hands, which shows that even small children can use their hands to help, love, and show kindness to God and others. 

Adorable illustrations and a catchy rhythm make this picture book fun to read.  And Lucado cleverly transitions from all the fun and silly things we can do with our hands...

Pick flowers, they smell sweet.
Squish cheese, they smell stinky. 
Ooey, pooey,
Right down to your pinky.

...to the ways we can use our hands to serve and love others:

Wash dishes with Mommy. 
Put toys in the box.
Clean this and wipe that.
Even pick up our socks.

And the last page spread lists some specific ways in which children can use their hands to serve.

I know Livvie will love it, and I'll enjoy teaching her this essential life lesson through such a lovely book!   

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: Same Kind of Different as Me

A New York Times Bestseller, Same Kind of Different as Me is the true story of two men--a homeless modern-day slave (Denver), and a self-made millionaire (Ron)--who form an unlikely friendship. 

At first, I found this true story intriguing--gripping, actually.  Denver's accounts of his sharecropping experiences and the hard life on the streets tugged at my heartstrings. 

So did Ron's story of a crumbling marriage and an empty, things-driven lifestyle. 

The story and the friendship progress nicely, with both characters fumbling around in their own minds to find meaning to their lives and a purpose for their existence.  I found the plot to be a bit predictable, yet still enjoyable. 

Then, halfway through the book, Ron's wife Debbie gets sick.  That changes things.

Ron struggles, as any devoted husband would, with the meaning of life and the purposes of God.  While I appreciated the honesty of the struggle and the peek into his raw emotion, I finished the book discouraged.  Ron never comes to accept God's ways as best.

Bitterly, I wondered if He could have managed to build [the new homeless mission] without taking my wife...  One of the phrases we evangelicals like to throw around is that Christianity is "not a religion; it's a relationship."  I believe that, which is why I know that when my faith was shattered and I raged against Him, He still accepted me.  And even though I have penciled a black mark in His column, I can be honest about it.  That's what a relationship is all about.

While the book does drive home several noble truths (God can save anybody; God's call must be obeyed; people are more important than things; one person can make a difference.), it sorely misses the mark theologically. 

For one, the authors do not present a clear Gospel message.  One would expect that, at the very least, from a book such as this.  How can a message of redemption truly hit home to anyone, unless it proclaims the truth of the Redeemer?  How can a story of faith inspire hope, unless it clearly presents the Object of that faith?  This was extremely disappointing. 

In addition, during Debbie's illness, Denver claims to have several visions and revelations from God, which he imparts to Ron on God's behalf.  What's more, Denver supposedly sees Debbie's spirit one night shortly after her death.  Debbie speaks to him, and he's filled with peace. 

And if the story didn't discourage me enough, the Q&A section at the end of the book did me in.  Two of Ron's answers were especially disappointing.  When asked, "What is the message you hope the reader will receive from reading this book?" Ron answered, "One person can make a difference."  Not, "Jesus is all you need."  Not, "Christ came to seek and save the lost."  Not, "Repent and be saved!"

And when asked, "What is your current definition of success?"  Ron says, "A successful person is one who is living a joyful life with the hand he or she was dealt."  Really?  That's it? 

For storytelling and characters, I give this book four stars. 
But for its theology and Biblical accuracy--the important stuff--I wouldn't recommend it to a bum on the street.  He'd be no better off after reading it than he was before.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: John Bunyan's biography

Part of the Christian Encounters series by Thomas Nelson Publishers, this quick little read (166 pages) by Kevin Belmonte sheds a lot of light on a little-known man...his meager education, his familial background, his mental state, and more.

While Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress is immortal, the tinker, father, soldier, husband, dissenter, and preacher is somewhat of a mystery to historians.  Belmonte's affection for Bunyan is easily seen through his careful attention to historical detail, and also through his praise of the man.

Sprinkled generously through the book are quotations from well-known personalities, such as C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and Lord Byron.  Quotations from Bunyan himself are included as well, along with plenty of historical background to lend further understanding of the tumultous environment in which Bunyan became a man.

As a wife and a mother, I appreciated Belmonte's attention to Bunyan's wife's continued impassioned pleas for her husband's release during his unjust imprisonment.  Bunyan was also a devoted father, which struck a chord as well.

Belmonte has done a super job--enough details are given to lend a thorough understanding; at the same time, the book is concise enough to read in a weekend.  I give this book four stars.  Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: "Don't Make Me Count to Three!"

I'd heard lots of good things about Don't Make Me Count to Three!, so when I saw it in the Creation Museum gift shop last week, I began reading the back cover.  Two sentences in, I knew it was for me!

"Do you find yourself threatening, repeating your instructions, or raising your voice in an attempt to get your children to obey?"

[yes, yes, and OH YEAH.]

"Are you discouraged because it seems you just can't reach the heart of your child?"

[Precisely.  Day in and day out, it seems!]

And let me tell you, reading this book was just about the most encouraging, exhausting, refreshing two hours I've spent in a long time!

Following are some of the highlights:

• 
  
  Plowman discusses in great detail the importance of learning to draw out the issues of your child's heart.  Not only that, but she also gives practical, real-life scenarios, with dialogue, so one can see what that means in everyday life.  Heart-probing is a delicate skill which requires not a little practice and prayer.
• 
  
  Plowman devotes quality time to the issue of training in righteousness--not simply telling your child what he's done wrong, but also telling (and more importantly showing) him how to do it right.
• 
  
  I love, love, LOVED her section on role playing.  The back-and-forth conversations were so insightful.  Talk about fleshing out the "put off/ put on" principle!
• 
  
  5 Worldly Methods Used by Parents in an Attempt to Obtain Obedience... guilty as charged.
• 
  
  Finally, a solution to the "Who had it first?" dilemma.  (It's a trick question!)
• 
  
  There's a whole chapter entitled, "Managing the Manipulator."  A new day has dawned, my friends. 
• 
  
  5 instances in which it is inappropriate to use the rod. 
• 
  
  Appendix C--How to Pray for Your Child is helping me to re-vamp my intercession for my children.

I've become so burdened with the fact that reforming the girls' behavior will not help them learn to conform to to Christ's image.  In the midst of all my shouting and frustration, I've often skipped or cut short the all-important step of addressing the heart issues.  This paragraph (page 34) has been swimming around in my brain since I read it:

When we focus on our child's behavior and neglect what is on the inside, we will cause our children to become manipulators.  They will learn to please us by... acting the way we tell them to act out of a fear of punishment... but they will not learn the righteousness of Christ.  As a matter of fact, if we only focus on the laws of outward behavior but fail to train their hearts in accordance with God's Word, we risk them viewing Christianity as a set of burdensome rules.  As a result they may never experience what it means to truly know Christ and His power to transform lives.   (emphasis mine)

Unlike some other parenting books I've read, Don't Make Me Count to Three! is "easy reading."  Not that it's easy to do, but it's easy to read.  Enjoyable, too!

What book are you enjoying these days?