Do you believe God is sovereign? Bryan Clay does, and his life is a testimony to that fact. In Redemption, Bryan tells of his journey from a rebellious kid who was almost always in some kind of trouble to a world-class athlete, with Olympic medals – gold and silver - in the decathlon. This was not an easy path: there were ups and downs, unexpected victories, and devastating defeats. His mother never doubted that God had an amazing plan for her son’s life; her prayers for him, and confidence that the plan would be fulfilled, were at times an irritant, and at other times a tremendous encouragement. We learn about “stones of remembrance”: remarkable events that worked together to put and keep Bryan Clay on a path he would not have chosen, and to bring him to his own personal faith in God. Included is the story of the key experience that revolutionized his life, changing him from a man with an intermittent awareness of God to whole-hearted commitment to a life lived for Him.
Redemption provides well-drawn parallels between the benefits of physical discipline, and the even greater benefits of spiritual discipline. It should inspire each and every reader to put consistent effort into using the gifts and abilities which God has given us to bring Him glory; to do what He calls and equips us to do … and leave the results to him.
I greatly enjoyed this book, and would highly recommend it – particularly to those who enjoy physical activity, and testing personal limits.
I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson publishers, and was not required to write a positive review.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Book Review: The Truth About Grace
The Truth About Grace is a small book, but packed with insight about the grace of God, the foundation of our very belief system. John MacArthur opens our eyes to “the free and benevolent influence of a holy God operating sovereignly in the lives of undeserving sinners”, as he uses hundreds of verses to thrill us with the richness of that grace. The author also explains how human misunderstanding or twisting of that grace has led to some of the greatest errors in theology and church conflicts.
The depth of knowledge packed into a few short pages is tremendous; the reader is reminded of his/her own sinfulness, but the goal is victory, not defeat. It is as we come to the reality that God gives grace in each and every situation, we are encouraged to submit to His authority, and claim that grace to face each and every circumstance in our lives – to cooperate with the transforming work of the God who has begun, and will complete, His work in our lives.
The Truth About Grace is not an “easy” read, but the truths it reveals are more than worth the time and effort. Take your time, take it in, live it out!
I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers via the Book Sneeze program, and was not required to write a positive review.
The depth of knowledge packed into a few short pages is tremendous; the reader is reminded of his/her own sinfulness, but the goal is victory, not defeat. It is as we come to the reality that God gives grace in each and every situation, we are encouraged to submit to His authority, and claim that grace to face each and every circumstance in our lives – to cooperate with the transforming work of the God who has begun, and will complete, His work in our lives.
The Truth About Grace is not an “easy” read, but the truths it reveals are more than worth the time and effort. Take your time, take it in, live it out!
I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers via the Book Sneeze program, and was not required to write a positive review.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Book Review: Simply Grilling by Jennifer Chandler
If you limit your backyard cooking to burgers and steaks, Simply Grilling by chef Jennifer Chandler will give you plenty of new ideas! Included are a number of recipes for chicken, pork, beef and fish on the grill, but that is only the beginning. Appetizers, veggies, salads, sandwiches, even desserts are also prepared on the barbeque, with a variety of flavours to suit any taste. The author also includes a number of basic information to help the amateur become confident, from tool selection to heat selection, grilling times and “dressing up” with marinades and rubs.
I can’t claim to have tried every recipe in the book, and some are too exotic for my family's taste, but those I have prepared are delicious. A number of dishes require a special grocery list, but it was interesting to read about the origins and uses of some of the rarer ingredients. There are quite a few dishes prepared using only staples which are on hand in many kitchens: much easier for the last minute decision on what to have for dinner. The instructions are clear and easy to follow; the cooking tips provided extra information on how to avoid common problems when cooking on a barbeque, as well as suggestions for substitutions for some of the ingredients. I greatly appreciated the tips on what can be “done ahead” to make final preparation a cinch. Grab simply grilling, fire up your grill, and prepare a hot and tasty meal without turning on the oven.
I can’t claim to have tried every recipe in the book, and some are too exotic for my family's taste, but those I have prepared are delicious. A number of dishes require a special grocery list, but it was interesting to read about the origins and uses of some of the rarer ingredients. There are quite a few dishes prepared using only staples which are on hand in many kitchens: much easier for the last minute decision on what to have for dinner. The instructions are clear and easy to follow; the cooking tips provided extra information on how to avoid common problems when cooking on a barbeque, as well as suggestions for substitutions for some of the ingredients. I greatly appreciated the tips on what can be “done ahead” to make final preparation a cinch. Grab simply grilling, fire up your grill, and prepare a hot and tasty meal without turning on the oven.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson publishers through the Book Sneeze program, and was not required to write a positive review.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Book Review: Simple Secrets to a Happy Life
Luci Swindoll, renowned Women of Faith speaker, provides some delightful insight into what it takes to have a happy life. Her musings on lessons learned over a lifetime of loving and serving God are served up in 50 short chapters, divided into five sections. Each chapter is titled with a modern day proverb – an instructional five word sentence – which is neither complicated nor difficult; a child could understand most of the basic premises. Each is colourfully illustrated by an incident or example from her own life, as she encourages us to begin with the basics, develop our own style, achieve balance, live a good life, and stay connected.
I have enjoyed listening to Luci Swindoll at Women of Faith events, both live and via dvd; I found this book as interesting and challenging as the woman herself. Her joy shines through when she speaks; it is similarly apparent in “Simple Secrets to a Happy Life”, as she provides godly wisdom for practical living. I would encourage others to not only read this book, but also embrace Luci Swindoll’s prescription for true happiness in our own unique circumstances: these simple truths are sure to yield profound results if we will accept and apply them!
I have enjoyed listening to Luci Swindoll at Women of Faith events, both live and via dvd; I found this book as interesting and challenging as the woman herself. Her joy shines through when she speaks; it is similarly apparent in “Simple Secrets to a Happy Life”, as she provides godly wisdom for practical living. I would encourage others to not only read this book, but also embrace Luci Swindoll’s prescription for true happiness in our own unique circumstances: these simple truths are sure to yield profound results if we will accept and apply them!
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson publishers through the Book Sneeze review program, and was not required to write a positive review.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Book Review: Surprised by Laughter - The Comic World of C.S.Lewis
I have long been a CS Lewis fan, and was drawn to this book when the publisher offered it (free) for review for that reason. “Surprised by Laughter” sure surprised me, but my initial reaction was not laughter! I really struggled to get into it: if it hadn’t been for the need to write a review, I likely would have quit. However, with perseverance came the reward. The more I read, the more it caught my interest.
The author, Terry Lindvall PhD, gives an indepth look at Lewis’ writings, dividing his “dissertation” into 6 sections: The Idea and the Legacy, Joy, Fun, The Joke Proper, Satire and Flippancy, and Conclusion: the Laughter of Love. Lindvall draws from books, letters, conversations, and shorter works of C.S. Lewis, revealing his ability to find joy and laughter in his surroundings. He also introduces us to other authors who had an effect on Lewis: Chesterton, Milton, and Tolkien, among others.
Although I ended up enjoying this book a lot more than I thought I would, I would not recommend it very highly. There is a lot of repetition; reducing the book by about half would have been a good idea. The author is a PhD, and the pedantic language in some sections would be a deterrent to many. If you’re looking for a light read, don’t pick this book! If, on the other hand, you love C.S.Lewis, and want to learn more about those who influenced him, as well as his satirical sense of humour, you will enjoy “Surprised by Laughter”.
I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers, and was not required to write a positive review.
The author, Terry Lindvall PhD, gives an indepth look at Lewis’ writings, dividing his “dissertation” into 6 sections: The Idea and the Legacy, Joy, Fun, The Joke Proper, Satire and Flippancy, and Conclusion: the Laughter of Love. Lindvall draws from books, letters, conversations, and shorter works of C.S. Lewis, revealing his ability to find joy and laughter in his surroundings. He also introduces us to other authors who had an effect on Lewis: Chesterton, Milton, and Tolkien, among others.
Although I ended up enjoying this book a lot more than I thought I would, I would not recommend it very highly. There is a lot of repetition; reducing the book by about half would have been a good idea. The author is a PhD, and the pedantic language in some sections would be a deterrent to many. If you’re looking for a light read, don’t pick this book! If, on the other hand, you love C.S.Lewis, and want to learn more about those who influenced him, as well as his satirical sense of humour, you will enjoy “Surprised by Laughter”.
I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers, and was not required to write a positive review.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Women of Faith - AWESOME!!
This past Friday and Saturday I had the wonderful privilege of attending a Women of Faith event in Rochester, NY with some friends. The Imagine event was fantastic! I laughed, I cried, I laughed until I cried ..... From the Friday daytime events with Sheila Walsh and Dr. Henry Cloud, through the evening event featuring the humour of Ken Davis, and concluding with Saturday presentations by Natalie Grant, Lisa Harper, Nicole Johnson, Angie Smith, and Luci Swindoll each and every speaker touched me, taught me, showed me a life lived "for real". Music - and commentary - by Mary Mary revved up the atmosphere; the Women of Faith worship team did an excellent job leading all of us in times of praise.
It was refreshing and inspiring to hear the stories of real women - and men - who had faced life with all its challenges and difficulties, and had learned that only in Christ can we live fully, but that in HIM, we can have more than we can ever ask or imagine. None of them claimed to be prefect; most showed that at some time or another they had come through a time of deep discouragement, but .... God was faithful, and by turning to Him, they had come through their trials. I was encouraged and inspired by what I heard, as were the others with me. Each speaker had a different life story, a different message, yet all had something that could be taken "home" and used in my own life. No matter how different our life experiences, we all know the same God, we can all be confident that He is sovereign over all the things He allows in our lives, and we can know that we aren't alone! Not only is our God with us in each and every circumstance, He has given us others to come alongside and encourage us, to be with us in what we are facing - the "other monkeys" in our cages!
This weekend was fantastic, and I would encourage any women who have the opportunity to attend an event to grab that opportunity! I hope to go again next year - and take friends with me.
Tickets to Women of Faith were provided to me at no cost through the BookSneeze program; I was not required to write a positive review of this event, but honestly - I have nothing but "positive" to share!
It was refreshing and inspiring to hear the stories of real women - and men - who had faced life with all its challenges and difficulties, and had learned that only in Christ can we live fully, but that in HIM, we can have more than we can ever ask or imagine. None of them claimed to be prefect; most showed that at some time or another they had come through a time of deep discouragement, but .... God was faithful, and by turning to Him, they had come through their trials. I was encouraged and inspired by what I heard, as were the others with me. Each speaker had a different life story, a different message, yet all had something that could be taken "home" and used in my own life. No matter how different our life experiences, we all know the same God, we can all be confident that He is sovereign over all the things He allows in our lives, and we can know that we aren't alone! Not only is our God with us in each and every circumstance, He has given us others to come alongside and encourage us, to be with us in what we are facing - the "other monkeys" in our cages!
This weekend was fantastic, and I would encourage any women who have the opportunity to attend an event to grab that opportunity! I hope to go again next year - and take friends with me.
Tickets to Women of Faith were provided to me at no cost through the BookSneeze program; I was not required to write a positive review of this event, but honestly - I have nothing but "positive" to share!
Book Review: The Baker's Wife
Audrey, the Baker’s Wife, races against time as she attempts to determine just what happened when her car struck a motor scooter in an early morning foggy intersection. The scooter is wrecked, blood is everywhere … and there is no body in sight. The situation is complicated by the conflict between Audrey’s husband (the baker) and the detective whose wife owned the scooter. The tension between the two men is not new: accusations by the detective cost the baker his earlier career as a pastor. When the detective cracks, and takes Audrey’s husband and son hostage along with some bakery employees and patrons, Audrey must use her ability to empathize with others’ pain to solve the mystery and release the hostages, aided only by an anxious ex con with her own agenda, and a sneering teen who despises all that Audrey stands for.
The Baker’s Wife by Erin Healy shows a sharp contrast between two men: one who interprets the letter of the Old Testament law very literally, and uses it to judge and try to control the actions of others, and the other who lives a live governed by the love of Christ, and attempts to demonstrate it to everyone who crosses his path. I appreciated that contrast, as well as the skill shown by the writer as she wove the lives of her characters together, but this book did not appeal to me as strongly as I thought it might. The protagonist’s ability to feel others’ agony in excruciating detail didn’t strike me as real, and stopped me from getting caught in the story line. I finished the book, but it didn’t inspire me with a desire to go and find others by the same author.
This book was provided to me free of charge by Thomas Nelson publishers, through Book Sneeze. I was not required to give a positive review.
The Baker’s Wife by Erin Healy shows a sharp contrast between two men: one who interprets the letter of the Old Testament law very literally, and uses it to judge and try to control the actions of others, and the other who lives a live governed by the love of Christ, and attempts to demonstrate it to everyone who crosses his path. I appreciated that contrast, as well as the skill shown by the writer as she wove the lives of her characters together, but this book did not appeal to me as strongly as I thought it might. The protagonist’s ability to feel others’ agony in excruciating detail didn’t strike me as real, and stopped me from getting caught in the story line. I finished the book, but it didn’t inspire me with a desire to go and find others by the same author.
This book was provided to me free of charge by Thomas Nelson publishers, through Book Sneeze. I was not required to give a positive review.
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