I found "Nearing Home" by Billy Graham to be a very interesting and down to earth book. Billy Graham has been a highly respected evangelist known the world over who is now, as the title suggests, "nearing home". He writes as though he were talking in person to each reader. It's like he is carrying on a one-to-one conversation with just you. At least that was my impression of this, his latest, and maybe his final, book.
It's a short read-only 180 pages-but he says so much. He covers old age, commenting on both it's advantages and disadvantages and, now, at 93, he knows whereof he speaks. He also talks about death and relates a bit about what losing his dear wife, Ruth, after nearly 64 years of marriage was like-how he misses her terribly but, yet, knowing he will be re-united with her in heaven. He says one needen't fear death if you are a Christian because, in Christ, death has been conquered and when we die we are ushered into the presence of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Billy Graham writes to the reader explaining how one can best cope with old age and how not to "retire from life". He stresses the importance of being sure you have accepted Christ as your Savior before you leave this world. He says that while it's never to late to become a Christian while you are still living, once you die it, then is too late so he encourages the reader to make sure because knowing you belong to God and are, therefore, heaven-bound is very comforting as you enter the sunset of your life.
He also stresses that seniors have a lot to share with the younger generation both in terms of life experiences and by example and how demonstrating to the young how you live your life goes much farther in making an impression on them than merely telling them how to live ever will.
The most important thing he wants us to know, regardless of our age is how to make sure Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior and he shares the gospel beautifully on pages 177 and 178.
I enjoyed reading "Nearing Home" very much and highly recommend it.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Grace Effect by Larry Alex Taunton
"The Grace Effect" by Larry Alex Taunton is certainly appropriate and needed for the world we are living in today. In it, he shows how a Christian influence is sorely needed in any society and what happens when it is lacking. He ties together the "New Athiests" agenda of wanting to eliminate all Christian influence with his compelling argument of what the results would be. In recounting the story of his family's journey to the Ukraine in order to adopt a precious little girl whose name is Sasha, he gives examples of how the Ukrainian government and most of the people live their lives not caring about the poor among them. The government is extremely corrupt and the children, like Sasha, who are in orphanages, are not cared for beyond the most minimum of basics, barely enough food to survive and living conditions not fit for animals let alone people.
The corruption in the Ukranian government is, of course, evident in other countries, including the United States. However, over all, the people, due in a large part to Christian influences are much more caring of those less fortunate. I can't imagine how our country would end up should we lose what Christian influence we still have.
"The Grace Effect" is comprised of twenty chapters and, also, includes the debate with atheist, Christopher Hitchens, as well as a dicussion guide at the end of the book.
I found the book quite interesting and an easy read that flowed nicely. I had a difficult time putting it down because it's the type of book that makes you eager to know what comes next. I appreciated the author's inclusion of the debate with atheist, Christopher Hitchens because it gave me a sampling of an atheist's views in a shortened form. I liked that because I could not find myself reading an entire book written by an atheist, espousing his views.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It is a very interesting book and little Sasha shines. An added bonus are the pictures of Sasha and the author with his family.
I received "The Grace Effect" free from the Thomas Nelson book review program in return for giving an honest review. The words are my own.
The corruption in the Ukranian government is, of course, evident in other countries, including the United States. However, over all, the people, due in a large part to Christian influences are much more caring of those less fortunate. I can't imagine how our country would end up should we lose what Christian influence we still have.
"The Grace Effect" is comprised of twenty chapters and, also, includes the debate with atheist, Christopher Hitchens, as well as a dicussion guide at the end of the book.
I found the book quite interesting and an easy read that flowed nicely. I had a difficult time putting it down because it's the type of book that makes you eager to know what comes next. I appreciated the author's inclusion of the debate with atheist, Christopher Hitchens because it gave me a sampling of an atheist's views in a shortened form. I liked that because I could not find myself reading an entire book written by an atheist, espousing his views.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It is a very interesting book and little Sasha shines. An added bonus are the pictures of Sasha and the author with his family.
I received "The Grace Effect" free from the Thomas Nelson book review program in return for giving an honest review. The words are my own.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Ascent From Darkness by Michael Leehan
"Ascent From Darkness" by Michael Leehan is the disturbing, but true, story of a man's encounter with the dark side and satanism. Michael spent twenty years of his life in the service of Satan experiencing the dangerous power of the devil resulting in the loss of his family, jobs, friends, and almost his life until he encountered the love of Jesus and the salvation the Lord died to give him.
Over all, the book was a good read and two parts in particular really affected me. The first was as a result of his satanic dealings when he was told to kill a cat as a sacrifice by smothering her. Then he disposed of the cat by putting her in a bag and tossing it in a trash can. As a cat lover, I found that section very difficult to read and it had me in tears. The other part, fortunately on a much better note, was after Michael accepted Christ as his Savior he stopped to see his mother who he hadn't seen for quite awhile and who was in a nursing home. He told her of his salvation experience and prayed for her that she, too, would experience the love and salvation of Christ. Michael learned later that she died just a few weeks after his visit.
The book has several dark and depressing moments but ends in a very positive way showing what Christ can do even with someone as far gone as Michael was. He now ministers to others and encourages them to know that they, too, can experience a good life when they let Christ take the place of the Enemy. I recommend this book to everyone who is searching for the answers to life's cruelties. They, too, can know that Jesus Christ is the answer.
I received a free copy of "Ascent From Darkness" from the publishers in return for my written review. All that was asked was that give an honest assessment of the book. The words are my own.
Over all, the book was a good read and two parts in particular really affected me. The first was as a result of his satanic dealings when he was told to kill a cat as a sacrifice by smothering her. Then he disposed of the cat by putting her in a bag and tossing it in a trash can. As a cat lover, I found that section very difficult to read and it had me in tears. The other part, fortunately on a much better note, was after Michael accepted Christ as his Savior he stopped to see his mother who he hadn't seen for quite awhile and who was in a nursing home. He told her of his salvation experience and prayed for her that she, too, would experience the love and salvation of Christ. Michael learned later that she died just a few weeks after his visit.
The book has several dark and depressing moments but ends in a very positive way showing what Christ can do even with someone as far gone as Michael was. He now ministers to others and encourages them to know that they, too, can experience a good life when they let Christ take the place of the Enemy. I recommend this book to everyone who is searching for the answers to life's cruelties. They, too, can know that Jesus Christ is the answer.
I received a free copy of "Ascent From Darkness" from the publishers in return for my written review. All that was asked was that give an honest assessment of the book. The words are my own.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
One Call Away by Brenda Warner
"One Call Away" by Brenda Warner is a wonderful and inspiring true story about a young single mother's struggles to raise her two children, one of whom is a special needs child. Brenda is proof of what a person can do when they have faith in God. Upon graduation from high school she realized her dream of serving in the military like her dad. She bacame a Marine and, in the book, she shares her tough experience in boot-camp. She also tells shres her troublesome relationship she had with her first husband who was abusive. Just prior to leaving him, he was watching their first child while she worked until she was called home because of an accident involving the baby. According to her husband, he accidentally dropped him in the bathtub while giving him a bath. In the hospital, the baby was in critical condition and the medical team, suspecting abuse called the authorities which involved several interviews and court hearings. The baby when released from the hospital was blind and suffered some mental retardation. The marriage suffered and she finally left with her, then, two children and moved back home with her parents. While she worked, her parents took care of the children. Life was difficult and Brenda had to make do on welfare and food stamps for awhile.
Later, she met Kurt Warner, a well-known football player. Not long after, tough times struck again when Brenda's parents were killed when a tornado struck their town and what was their newly built home where they were living out their retirement years. Brenda was impressed with how Kurt stuck by her and helped her through the tragedy. Her love and admiration for him grew as his did for her and they were married in the same church that her parents were going to be baptized in, had they lived. After marrying Kurt, Brenda shares the ups and downs of being a football players wife and what being in the limelight is like including the lack of privacy, etc.
Today, Kurt and Brenda are doing well. Kurt has retired from football but with seven children and an organization they founded to help those less fortunate, their lives are full.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and found it difficult to put down. It was written like a novel and the words just flowed beautifully. I highly recommend it.
I received this book free from the Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze review program and all I was asked to do was give an honest appraisal, positive or negative. The words are my own.
Later, she met Kurt Warner, a well-known football player. Not long after, tough times struck again when Brenda's parents were killed when a tornado struck their town and what was their newly built home where they were living out their retirement years. Brenda was impressed with how Kurt stuck by her and helped her through the tragedy. Her love and admiration for him grew as his did for her and they were married in the same church that her parents were going to be baptized in, had they lived. After marrying Kurt, Brenda shares the ups and downs of being a football players wife and what being in the limelight is like including the lack of privacy, etc.
Today, Kurt and Brenda are doing well. Kurt has retired from football but with seven children and an organization they founded to help those less fortunate, their lives are full.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and found it difficult to put down. It was written like a novel and the words just flowed beautifully. I highly recommend it.
I received this book free from the Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze review program and all I was asked to do was give an honest appraisal, positive or negative. The words are my own.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Thunder Dog: The True Story Of A Blind Man, His Guide Dog & The Triumph Of Trust At Ground Zero by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory
"Thunder Dog" by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory is one of the most inspiring and uplifting books I have read in quite awhile. I see it as actually two stories in one. Not only does Michael tell of his extraordinary and terrifying experience of living through and escaping the North Tower of The World Trade Center on 9/11 guided by his faithful seeing-eye dog, Roselle, but he tells his life story of being blinded at birth and how he has lived a successful life as a blind person. He attributes much of his ability to his parents who helped and encouraged him to be the best he could be in a world designed for the majority of people who are sighted.
One particular section of the book really touched me and that was when he heard the cries for help from a woman trapped trying to escape the tower. Though she wasn't blind, her eyes were filled with dust from the debri of the blast so she couldn't see. Michael, guided by his ever faithful Roselle, made their way to her. He told her he was blind and he took her arm and together, with Roselle in the lead, they would be okay-she would lead them to safety. In the book, after relating that story he added, "This time the blind really is leading the blind, but why should that be unusual? After all, helping this lady is what teamwork is all about."
Reading his book taught me that the blind are much more capable than many of us with sight realize. Michael not only decended 1,463 steps of the North Tower with his guide dog, Roselle, which would have been quite a feat for those who can see, he learned how to ride a bicycle. drive a car and even fly a plane. He is one amazing man who doesn't let obsticals stand in his way of doing what he wants to!
I enjoyed reading "Thunder Dog" very much. It's one of the ones that leave you feeling really good inside and inspired, thinking, maybe I can do it to.
I was given this book by the publishers review program in return for posting a review. I was not required to give a favorable review. I was only asked to give an honest one.
One particular section of the book really touched me and that was when he heard the cries for help from a woman trapped trying to escape the tower. Though she wasn't blind, her eyes were filled with dust from the debri of the blast so she couldn't see. Michael, guided by his ever faithful Roselle, made their way to her. He told her he was blind and he took her arm and together, with Roselle in the lead, they would be okay-she would lead them to safety. In the book, after relating that story he added, "This time the blind really is leading the blind, but why should that be unusual? After all, helping this lady is what teamwork is all about."
Reading his book taught me that the blind are much more capable than many of us with sight realize. Michael not only decended 1,463 steps of the North Tower with his guide dog, Roselle, which would have been quite a feat for those who can see, he learned how to ride a bicycle. drive a car and even fly a plane. He is one amazing man who doesn't let obsticals stand in his way of doing what he wants to!
I enjoyed reading "Thunder Dog" very much. It's one of the ones that leave you feeling really good inside and inspired, thinking, maybe I can do it to.
I was given this book by the publishers review program in return for posting a review. I was not required to give a favorable review. I was only asked to give an honest one.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Book review: Be The People
"Be The People" by Carol M. Swain is a call to Americans to stand up and be counted and to help return our country to the former days of the foundation its founders envisioned when the Constitution and Rule of Law were adhered to. Dr. Swain does an excellent job in explaining how America is sliding at a rapid pace away from the values religious roots we once had. She lists many examples and explains how and why we are losing the country we once held dear.
She writes about several issues that are risky to tackle in the "politically correct" society we are living in, including racism, abortion, and immigration, to name a few. In tackling racism, she points out that whites, blacks, and Hispanics are all guilty of inspiring racial hatred and she reminds us that "Racism came from man, not God. It attests to the sinful heart of man."
Chapters include: Reshaping Our National Identity, America's Religious Roots, Family Matters, Immigration, the Rule of Law, and National Sovereignty, Moving Beyond Race and Racism, etc.
In the back of the book are copious notes and she also includes "The Ten Commandments", "The Constitution Of The United States", "The Delaration Of Independence", and "The Bill Of Rights".
I found her book very interesting and in the way she writes, she demonstrates that she knows what she is talking about. I came away from the book with a real admiration for her and what she says. In reading her book, I learned things I did not know. I highly recommend "Be The people". Every American should read it.
I received this book free from Booksneeze, a book review program and all I was asked to do in return is write an honest review of the book. The words are my own.
She writes about several issues that are risky to tackle in the "politically correct" society we are living in, including racism, abortion, and immigration, to name a few. In tackling racism, she points out that whites, blacks, and Hispanics are all guilty of inspiring racial hatred and she reminds us that "Racism came from man, not God. It attests to the sinful heart of man."
Chapters include: Reshaping Our National Identity, America's Religious Roots, Family Matters, Immigration, the Rule of Law, and National Sovereignty, Moving Beyond Race and Racism, etc.
In the back of the book are copious notes and she also includes "The Ten Commandments", "The Constitution Of The United States", "The Delaration Of Independence", and "The Bill Of Rights".
I found her book very interesting and in the way she writes, she demonstrates that she knows what she is talking about. I came away from the book with a real admiration for her and what she says. In reading her book, I learned things I did not know. I highly recommend "Be The people". Every American should read it.
I received this book free from Booksneeze, a book review program and all I was asked to do in return is write an honest review of the book. The words are my own.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Doing Virtuous Business by Theodore Roosevelt Malloch
In "Doing Virtuous Business", author Theodore Roosevelt Malloch contends that truly successful businesses couple free enterprise with religeous liberty. This means not only providing a needed product or service but treating each employee and customer with dignity and respect..
Mr. Malloch lists virtues which are important to the real success of businesses, large or small, including faith, hope and charity. Along with those are what he terms "hard vitures": leadership, courage, patience, perserverence, and discipline and "soft virtues": justice, forgiveness, compassion, humility, and gratitude.
He puts forth the idea that while some businesses focus on profits as their main motive, the truly successful businesses do not. One of the main complaints of anti-capitalists is that capitalism fosters greed, and while that is true among some businesses, the author sets out to demonstrate that ones who do, end up not doing well for very long. Those whose businesses are successful long term see the need to focus on honest business pracices that gain the trust of their customers and when that happens, profits follow. Also, treating the employees with value and respect ensures productivity and profitability for the company and a low turn-over rate.
In the back of the book, the author lists virtuous companies by name along with a brief mention of what makes them virtuous. For example, under faith, he lists William Pollard, chairman of Servicemaster. Mr Pollard credits the success of Servicemaster to "its commitment to honor God and develop its people." The author goes on to list a business for each of the virtues.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. However, I felt that portions of it were a bit "dry" because I found parts of it difficult to focus on. I would still recommend it, though, because I feel it offers words of wisdom for all businesses, no matter what their size or type.
I received this book free from the publisher in return for writing a review for their booksneeze review program. I was not required to write a favorable review. I was only asked to be honest. The words are my own.
Mr. Malloch lists virtues which are important to the real success of businesses, large or small, including faith, hope and charity. Along with those are what he terms "hard vitures": leadership, courage, patience, perserverence, and discipline and "soft virtues": justice, forgiveness, compassion, humility, and gratitude.
He puts forth the idea that while some businesses focus on profits as their main motive, the truly successful businesses do not. One of the main complaints of anti-capitalists is that capitalism fosters greed, and while that is true among some businesses, the author sets out to demonstrate that ones who do, end up not doing well for very long. Those whose businesses are successful long term see the need to focus on honest business pracices that gain the trust of their customers and when that happens, profits follow. Also, treating the employees with value and respect ensures productivity and profitability for the company and a low turn-over rate.
In the back of the book, the author lists virtuous companies by name along with a brief mention of what makes them virtuous. For example, under faith, he lists William Pollard, chairman of Servicemaster. Mr Pollard credits the success of Servicemaster to "its commitment to honor God and develop its people." The author goes on to list a business for each of the virtues.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. However, I felt that portions of it were a bit "dry" because I found parts of it difficult to focus on. I would still recommend it, though, because I feel it offers words of wisdom for all businesses, no matter what their size or type.
I received this book free from the publisher in return for writing a review for their booksneeze review program. I was not required to write a favorable review. I was only asked to be honest. The words are my own.
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