10. The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
Although other books I have read by Sproul have been like opening a textbook, this book was unlike his usual writing style – more like cracking his journal. Full of inspiration, stories,
doctrine, challenge, apologetics, and encouragement, I enjoyed this book immensely and learned much from it about what holiness means and how God manifests it to us.
11. Discipleship Counseling by Neil Anderson
I read this book for a small group. It goes along with a booklet the group is doing, “The Steps To Freedom In Christ”. I would say that this book definitely helped explain the reason behind said booklet, and gave clarity to the steps in it. Unless you’re planning to work through the steps, I’m not suggesting that you read this one, but it is certainly helpful to read in advance if you want to work through the booklet.
12. Restored by Neil Anderson
This book was another one I read for small group preparation. It is basically the shortened and condensed version of the second half of Discipleship Counseling (book #11), with the exact stories and wording in parts. A quick read, but if you’re going to go through the steps, I would suggest Discipleship Counseling over Restored.
13. Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris
Dug Down Deep is the story-telling of Joshua Harris’ journey in faith while also digging into main doctrine of salvation. This book is engaging, and an easy, quick read; it will inspire and challenge; you will laugh and take time to ponder.
14. Putting Amazing Back Into Grace by Michael Horton
The title drew me in quickly, but the content lacked that same way of engagement. This is a book full of doctrine and teaching of the Reformed faith. The last few chapters go beyond the scope of the five points of Calvinism, and teach about baptism, communion, and eschatology. It was a long, slow read for me; it didn’t help that some of the last chapters I don’t agree with. I am not recommending it.
15. Freedom From Fear by Neil Anderson & Rich Miller
Once you have read one book by Neil Anderson, you have read them all, it seems. This is my third of his in the past month; I’m reading them for small group preparation. This one explains anxiety and panic and how to break free of it by fearing God instead.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Read and Reviewed: Feb 2012
6. Nine Marks Of A Healthy Church by Mark Dever
This book is nine chapters about what Mark Dever sees as the nine most forgotten facets in our present church culture for a healthy church. While I enjoyed reading all nine essays, I think the nine marks website, although more briefly, does a better job in explanation. (http://www.9marks.org)
7. All of Grace by C.H. Spurgeon
In All of Grace, Spurgeon pleads with the unbeliever to repent and believe. He explains the doctrine of grace, and discusses sin, faith, repentance, justification, forgiveness, and assurance of
salvation. Although a short work, it is of great depth and discusses doctrines plainly.
8. Living The Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney
Mahaney walks the reader slowly and carefully through the gospel of Jesus. Then he gives practical ways to make that gospel a focus and reality in everyday life. Legalism, condemnation, and feelings centeredness are addressed and ways to escape these bondages are laid out. This book engages both one’s heart and mind.
9. The Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias
This book is overflowing with stories that ultimately point to a Sovereign God who is working through every event and happenstance in our lives. If you love a good story-telling that combines humor, inspiration, and intellect, this is the book for you!
This book is nine chapters about what Mark Dever sees as the nine most forgotten facets in our present church culture for a healthy church. While I enjoyed reading all nine essays, I think the nine marks website, although more briefly, does a better job in explanation. (http://www.9marks.org)
7. All of Grace by C.H. Spurgeon
In All of Grace, Spurgeon pleads with the unbeliever to repent and believe. He explains the doctrine of grace, and discusses sin, faith, repentance, justification, forgiveness, and assurance of
salvation. Although a short work, it is of great depth and discusses doctrines plainly.
8. Living The Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney
Mahaney walks the reader slowly and carefully through the gospel of Jesus. Then he gives practical ways to make that gospel a focus and reality in everyday life. Legalism, condemnation, and feelings centeredness are addressed and ways to escape these bondages are laid out. This book engages both one’s heart and mind.
9. The Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias
This book is overflowing with stories that ultimately point to a Sovereign God who is working through every event and happenstance in our lives. If you love a good story-telling that combines humor, inspiration, and intellect, this is the book for you!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Read and Reviewed: Jan 2012
As mentioned in last post, I plan to post my brief reviews of the books I am reading as part of my year's resolutions each month. Below are the books I have read in January.
1. Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman
Not a Fan challenges the reader to be more than just a fan of Jesus, but to be a follower; to not just go to church, have a Christian music ringtone on his cell phone, and be able to quote the Lord’s Prayer from memory, but to take up his cross and follow Jesus at any cost. Idleman poses practical questions about where, when, and what Jesus is calling His followers to do and to be that challenge and inspire. Although not very theological, it is motivational in nature, written simply, and the reader is bound to put the book down pondering his commitment to the words of Jesus.
2. Come Thirsty by Max Lucado
This book is full of stories of people seeking refreshment from Jesus, the Living Water. The questions for thought in the back of the book are helpful to connect the stories of each chapter with one’s own story. Although the book is a quick read and inspirational, reading only the first and last chapters would be sufficient for understanding the point of the entire book.
3. The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton
This novel tells the story of Gabriel Syme, a police detective, who goes undercover as a member of the anarchist council by the name of Thursday. Because of a vow he takes early on in the story, he cannot disclose his findings to the police. It follows his adventure running from the very group of people he is posing as, and fighting to stop the murder the council has agreed to carry out. Syme honors his vow of secrecy, but somehow finds comrades along the journey. This allegorical, suspense novel is a page turner, written in poetic detail. A joy to read.
4. Finally Alive by John Piper
Finally Alive tells the story of the born again believer. Piper explains what the new birth is, why it is important, how it comes about, what happens afterward, and how we can share it with other people. I thoroughly enjoyed the read; it brings a beautiful, fresh perspective to the gospel and salvation. It was an encouragement to my faith.
5. Slave by John MacArthur
MacArthur gives insight Biblically and historically into slavery and the paradox that it is for the believer. Explained within its pages is slavery to sin, being slaved by grace, going from slaves to sons in God’s eyes, and serving God as our Master. Deep, rich, and insightful, but not a difficult read. I would highly recommend.
1. Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman
Not a Fan challenges the reader to be more than just a fan of Jesus, but to be a follower; to not just go to church, have a Christian music ringtone on his cell phone, and be able to quote the Lord’s Prayer from memory, but to take up his cross and follow Jesus at any cost. Idleman poses practical questions about where, when, and what Jesus is calling His followers to do and to be that challenge and inspire. Although not very theological, it is motivational in nature, written simply, and the reader is bound to put the book down pondering his commitment to the words of Jesus.
2. Come Thirsty by Max Lucado
This book is full of stories of people seeking refreshment from Jesus, the Living Water. The questions for thought in the back of the book are helpful to connect the stories of each chapter with one’s own story. Although the book is a quick read and inspirational, reading only the first and last chapters would be sufficient for understanding the point of the entire book.
3. The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton
This novel tells the story of Gabriel Syme, a police detective, who goes undercover as a member of the anarchist council by the name of Thursday. Because of a vow he takes early on in the story, he cannot disclose his findings to the police. It follows his adventure running from the very group of people he is posing as, and fighting to stop the murder the council has agreed to carry out. Syme honors his vow of secrecy, but somehow finds comrades along the journey. This allegorical, suspense novel is a page turner, written in poetic detail. A joy to read.
4. Finally Alive by John Piper
Finally Alive tells the story of the born again believer. Piper explains what the new birth is, why it is important, how it comes about, what happens afterward, and how we can share it with other people. I thoroughly enjoyed the read; it brings a beautiful, fresh perspective to the gospel and salvation. It was an encouragement to my faith.
5. Slave by John MacArthur
MacArthur gives insight Biblically and historically into slavery and the paradox that it is for the believer. Explained within its pages is slavery to sin, being slaved by grace, going from slaves to sons in God’s eyes, and serving God as our Master. Deep, rich, and insightful, but not a difficult read. I would highly recommend.
2012 Resolutions
I have not blogged in months. There has truly been nothing noteworthy to say. I'm not sure anything I say is ever noteworthy, but today I will post my new year's resolutions.
Resolutions 2012
#1 My first resolution is financial. I will say little more specifically, except that I give God only what first comes from His hand. (1 Chronicles 29:14) I want to view all of my finances that way.
#2 To practice my femininity. This resolution has so many aspects.
Some of it is physical: being careful to wear modest clothing. I want to cover my head more often, and wear skirts more.
Some of it is in lifestyle: To be the one who sits on the floor when there aren't enough seats. To clean. To learn how to cook and bake exceptionally well (and without boxed food). To practice hostessing and hospitality. To let men be the man and be the lady when they open doors for me, or ask to carry my laundry, or whatever - to be the weaker instead of trying to be so independent and strong all the time. To learn more sewing techniques instead of just throwing fabric together and hoping it works. To learn and practice skills that will be useful in marriage and motherhood, especially at work as a nanny in nurturing, caring for, and training children. Doing good, especially in the community and neighborhood. Learning skills to be a homemaker. Being a good listener, and a good helper.
And some of it is inward: Cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit. Submitting to authority inwardly as well as outwardly. I’m sure the list could go on and on.
#3 To read 52 books this year (that's about 1 book a week). I plan to write a brief review of every book I read this year too so that I can keep them all straight in my head. I will hopefully post these once a month.
Resolutions 2012
#1 My first resolution is financial. I will say little more specifically, except that I give God only what first comes from His hand. (1 Chronicles 29:14) I want to view all of my finances that way.
#2 To practice my femininity. This resolution has so many aspects.
Some of it is physical: being careful to wear modest clothing. I want to cover my head more often, and wear skirts more.
Some of it is in lifestyle: To be the one who sits on the floor when there aren't enough seats. To clean. To learn how to cook and bake exceptionally well (and without boxed food). To practice hostessing and hospitality. To let men be the man and be the lady when they open doors for me, or ask to carry my laundry, or whatever - to be the weaker instead of trying to be so independent and strong all the time. To learn more sewing techniques instead of just throwing fabric together and hoping it works. To learn and practice skills that will be useful in marriage and motherhood, especially at work as a nanny in nurturing, caring for, and training children. Doing good, especially in the community and neighborhood. Learning skills to be a homemaker. Being a good listener, and a good helper.
And some of it is inward: Cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit. Submitting to authority inwardly as well as outwardly. I’m sure the list could go on and on.
#3 To read 52 books this year (that's about 1 book a week). I plan to write a brief review of every book I read this year too so that I can keep them all straight in my head. I will hopefully post these once a month.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Be Happy
Happy has not been the word I would use to describe my life lately. In fact, tears are what have left their mark in the past few weeks, and wrinkled the paper as my pen poured my heart out in my leather journal. Just for fun, I bought a little book at Barnes & Noble called, Be Happy.
The first page says, "Show up."
Today, I laughed. Finally. All because I showed up.
Megan (one of the babies I watch) learned how to roll a ball today, and she couldn't stop laughing. She was so proud of herself, and amazed at the ball that she rolled across the floor over and over again. Every time she pushed it and the ball rolled, she laughed. Every time I pushed it back toward her, she laughed again. And I laughed too. Because the ball was all that mattered for a minute. Megan was all that mattered for a minute. And her laughter.
The first page says, "Show up."
Today, I laughed. Finally. All because I showed up.
Megan (one of the babies I watch) learned how to roll a ball today, and she couldn't stop laughing. She was so proud of herself, and amazed at the ball that she rolled across the floor over and over again. Every time she pushed it and the ball rolled, she laughed. Every time I pushed it back toward her, she laughed again. And I laughed too. Because the ball was all that mattered for a minute. Megan was all that mattered for a minute. And her laughter.
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