A warrior. That is the theme woven throughout this book. Rather than a pampered princess, a woman seeking a life after God's heart should be a warrior in the spiritual battle around us.
Kim Meeder shares adventurous stories from her own experiences and the lessons she learns about faith from those experiences. God uses sea turtles trapped in netting, crumbling ice bergs, and wounded dogs and horses to reveal his truths to Meeder. Amidst these mini-lessons, Meeder reminds the reader that she must make a choice to live for herself, her desires, her whims OR to live for the King, to serve the King, to fight for the King!
I enjoyed the presentation--adrenaline pumping to very emotionally charged--of the lessons. And found myself wanting to serve the King with all that I am. Thanks, WaterbrookMultnomah, for the free copy of this inspiring book that you sent to me for purpose of review!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
A Christian's review of The Hunger Games series
Maybe it's my fascination with history. Or my interest in preserving our nation and its heritage. Perhaps it's my strange love of politics. Could be there's a bit of a rebel hiding inside of me. I'm not entirely sure why, because when I read the back of the book I was disturbed and disgusted, but I loved the Hunger Games book series.
I initially thought I'd not read these books. I'm not one to enjoy war literature. I shy away from gory, violent books. I've even been one to judge such things as immoral, a threat to our society and sinful for me to read! So, I'm not even sure what prompted me to even begin reading the books. I think, maybe, it was the glowing reviews from friends and the promise that while it's clear when a wrong has been committed in the book, it is not terribly graphic. Not sure.
But I did read all three and grew from them. They are action packed, no doubt. There are huge amounts of human lives lost. Materialism and greed. Shallowness. There is government overstepping its bounds. Sacrifice based on love. Tenderness. There are disparities between rich and poor, powerful and weak. Rebellion against tyranny. Gluttony. There are families and children involved. Friendship amid forced opponents. Freedom.
As a Christian, I found the setting and circumstances of the book abhorrent. I often find such disgust in literature. And in life. Yet, the overall theme is redeeming. The message of freedom from a tyrannical government rings clear. The idea that there are limits to what people can and should do to one another is overwhelming. The theme of rebellion against torture and trodding on the weak is woven throughout. The sinfulness, the shallowness of a culture, the devaluing of human life is clearly condemned by the writer--and a better way is sought. While the author does not indicate such, the most excellent way is through Jesus and the love He brought to us!
While the author does not seem to be a follower of Jesus (there is no indication of such belief in her writing!), sin is not glorified in these books. Rather, it is condemned. Yes, the story is gruesome. Children are forced to fight to the death and their deaths are recorded in the pages of these novels. But the murders are clearly portrayed as wrong. The society that requires such "games" is fake, shallow, and hardly even look human any longer. The government that instituted such a requirement of its children is the obvious villain. The author's message is clear.
And the descriptions (which, I might add, are not as vividly described as some Christian authors may even include in their writings!) of the atrocities are not so far off from what has happened in our past, happens today, and may well be part of our own future if we do not protect the heritage our forefathers laid before us! While I would not recommend the book for any reader under age 15 (I'm a strong believer in shielding children from the atrocities of life as much as possible!), there is much truth to what is contained within these novels. A lover of literature will appreciate the themes and symbolism throughout. A lover of history will take notice of the allusions to American and human history. And a lover of our nation may be compelled to work to preserve our freedoms and the futures of our children after reading The Hunger Games. As Suzanne Collins might say--there are much worse books to read.
* As a side note, I watched the movie based on the first book in this series. It was a disappointment. Critical pieces of information and meaning are omitted. And it seems far more gruesome to see the hideous requirements of the tributes carried out on a screen than it does to read about them. This visual picture seems to be more graphic than the books were, in my opinion....
I initially thought I'd not read these books. I'm not one to enjoy war literature. I shy away from gory, violent books. I've even been one to judge such things as immoral, a threat to our society and sinful for me to read! So, I'm not even sure what prompted me to even begin reading the books. I think, maybe, it was the glowing reviews from friends and the promise that while it's clear when a wrong has been committed in the book, it is not terribly graphic. Not sure.
But I did read all three and grew from them. They are action packed, no doubt. There are huge amounts of human lives lost. Materialism and greed. Shallowness. There is government overstepping its bounds. Sacrifice based on love. Tenderness. There are disparities between rich and poor, powerful and weak. Rebellion against tyranny. Gluttony. There are families and children involved. Friendship amid forced opponents. Freedom.
As a Christian, I found the setting and circumstances of the book abhorrent. I often find such disgust in literature. And in life. Yet, the overall theme is redeeming. The message of freedom from a tyrannical government rings clear. The idea that there are limits to what people can and should do to one another is overwhelming. The theme of rebellion against torture and trodding on the weak is woven throughout. The sinfulness, the shallowness of a culture, the devaluing of human life is clearly condemned by the writer--and a better way is sought. While the author does not indicate such, the most excellent way is through Jesus and the love He brought to us!
While the author does not seem to be a follower of Jesus (there is no indication of such belief in her writing!), sin is not glorified in these books. Rather, it is condemned. Yes, the story is gruesome. Children are forced to fight to the death and their deaths are recorded in the pages of these novels. But the murders are clearly portrayed as wrong. The society that requires such "games" is fake, shallow, and hardly even look human any longer. The government that instituted such a requirement of its children is the obvious villain. The author's message is clear.
And the descriptions (which, I might add, are not as vividly described as some Christian authors may even include in their writings!) of the atrocities are not so far off from what has happened in our past, happens today, and may well be part of our own future if we do not protect the heritage our forefathers laid before us! While I would not recommend the book for any reader under age 15 (I'm a strong believer in shielding children from the atrocities of life as much as possible!), there is much truth to what is contained within these novels. A lover of literature will appreciate the themes and symbolism throughout. A lover of history will take notice of the allusions to American and human history. And a lover of our nation may be compelled to work to preserve our freedoms and the futures of our children after reading The Hunger Games. As Suzanne Collins might say--there are much worse books to read.
* As a side note, I watched the movie based on the first book in this series. It was a disappointment. Critical pieces of information and meaning are omitted. And it seems far more gruesome to see the hideous requirements of the tributes carried out on a screen than it does to read about them. This visual picture seems to be more graphic than the books were, in my opinion....
Monday, March 19, 2012
The Captive Heart
I've long been fascinated by the Amish people. Maybe because in my neck of the woods there are frequently horse-drawn buggies on the roads and bonnet-headed little girls at the country store. Maybe it's just my love of Laura Ingalls Wilder and stories of days-gone-by. Or, perhaps, (and probably most likely!) it's my own secret dream of a simpler, quieter life (though I do not think I'd enjoy the very dark nights or cold trips to the outhouse!)
Whatever the cause of my fascination, the book The Captive Heart, by Dale Cramer, intrigued me and even taught me some of the history of these people, the Amish.
The book is the second in a trilogy--which I didn't realize until it came in the mail--and is certainly best read after reading the first. Cramer follows a group of Amish with a real historical basis from their days of persecution in the 1920s in the U.S. through their flight to Mexico. I was interested to learn of the religious persecution the peaceful Amish endured in our nation -- and the ends to which they were willing to go to avoid the loss of their children and right to practice their faith.
Cramer bases the novels on actual historical characters and the outline of their lives, but the majority of the story is fictional. He infuses adventure, love, and faith in this story from his own history (his own ancestors were among those who fled the U.S. in hopes of more religious freedom in Mexico!)
If you enjoy reading books about the Amish or simply enjoy love and adventure stories, this book may be a perfect fit for you! It may even give you a new perspective on an old culture--the Amish!
Thanks Bethany House for the free copy of this book for purpose of review!!
Whatever the cause of my fascination, the book The Captive Heart, by Dale Cramer, intrigued me and even taught me some of the history of these people, the Amish.The book is the second in a trilogy--which I didn't realize until it came in the mail--and is certainly best read after reading the first. Cramer follows a group of Amish with a real historical basis from their days of persecution in the 1920s in the U.S. through their flight to Mexico. I was interested to learn of the religious persecution the peaceful Amish endured in our nation -- and the ends to which they were willing to go to avoid the loss of their children and right to practice their faith.
Cramer bases the novels on actual historical characters and the outline of their lives, but the majority of the story is fictional. He infuses adventure, love, and faith in this story from his own history (his own ancestors were among those who fled the U.S. in hopes of more religious freedom in Mexico!)
If you enjoy reading books about the Amish or simply enjoy love and adventure stories, this book may be a perfect fit for you! It may even give you a new perspective on an old culture--the Amish!
Thanks Bethany House for the free copy of this book for purpose of review!!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Has God Spoken?
To some, perhaps to many, the answer to this title seems obvious. Whether it's affirmative or negative may vary from person to person, yet many Americans hold an opinion as to whether God has spoken.
Yet, in his book, Has God Spoken?, Hank Hanegraff answers the question, not based upon opinion, but rather based upon fact and logic. Hanegraff explores evidence based on the Biblical manuscripts, archaeology, prophecy fulfilled, and logical principles of literature, grammar, and more.
This book is filled with great information and logic--great for a mind that works best with this type of presentation. While the reading is organized and informative, it's so deep and somewhat overwhelming that it may take the average reader a while to get through the entire book. (It did for me!) But the prize is worth the effort! Hanegraff's well written book is convincing and convicting. I learned much and better understand the history and setting of the Bible, the mindset of the Biblical authors, how nature speaks to truth, and the overall picture presented by the Bible.
While I didn't agree with every bit of Hanegraff's understanding of historical/literary interpretation, I certainly appreciate the information, facts and logical approach in Hanegraff's book. After reading this book, I can certainly answer, "Yes, God has spoken!"
Monday, January 16, 2012
101 Bible Adventures
We've been enjoying the new children's devotional book, 101 Bible Adventures by Carolyn Larsen. Our family reads one adventure each night and the children, ages 4-12, are engaged and learning. While the devotional book itself doesn't present many questions to consider, the reading material contains great thought-provoking, question-inducing information.
Each lesson includes a short, usually one paragraph, introduction by the author. This is followed by a story straight from the Bible (NLT) and concludes with a thought from the author again. Each adventure contains a one frame cartoon and a memory verse.
While the pages are not very colorful (ok, not at all colorful--mostly shades of black & while with one box in light blue on each page) it's really not a problem since the book is more of a read-aloud for the parent to read, rather than for young kids to read/look at.
I do like that each adventure is mostly comprised of scripture--from The Book. Many children's Bible story books are paraphrased--and this is appropriate for small kids. But my children are all at ages now that they can comprehend the Bible itself (especially the New Living Translation that is presented in 101 Adventures)--and I'm so happy to be reading it to them! The author chooses selections of the actual Bible that are concise and clearly tell the story without being too much for little ones. We've really enjoyed it!
Much thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the free copy of this book for purpose of review.
Each lesson includes a short, usually one paragraph, introduction by the author. This is followed by a story straight from the Bible (NLT) and concludes with a thought from the author again. Each adventure contains a one frame cartoon and a memory verse.
While the pages are not very colorful (ok, not at all colorful--mostly shades of black & while with one box in light blue on each page) it's really not a problem since the book is more of a read-aloud for the parent to read, rather than for young kids to read/look at.
I do like that each adventure is mostly comprised of scripture--from The Book. Many children's Bible story books are paraphrased--and this is appropriate for small kids. But my children are all at ages now that they can comprehend the Bible itself (especially the New Living Translation that is presented in 101 Adventures)--and I'm so happy to be reading it to them! The author chooses selections of the actual Bible that are concise and clearly tell the story without being too much for little ones. We've really enjoyed it!
Much thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the free copy of this book for purpose of review.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
The Harvest of Grace
Sylvia Fisher is not like most other Amish girls her age. Instead of marrying and managing a home, she prefers to milk dairy cows and manage a farm. This different and independent attitude is not so appreciated by her father or her beau and she soon loses all that she holds dear because of it. When further problems arise, Sylvia finds herself forced to leave her home and work for another Amish couple in a different district. While there, she learns about herself and others in a way that changes her life forever. This book is the third in a series called The Ada House Series. While the author fills the reader in on some pertinent information and plot lines from the first two books, this book would be best read after reading its predecessors in the series. I didn't realize it was part of a series when I ordered it and while I enjoyed it, it was difficult to follow the numerous characters whose stories were told in previous books. I really think I would have enjoyed it much more had I started at the beginning of the series.
But, regardless of my lack of attention to detail and thus mistake in ordering the third in a trilogy, the book was fun, entertaining, and had a good message. I'd certainly recommend it to any avid reader of Amish fiction novels--after you've read the first two: The Hope of Refuge and The Bridge of Peace. Great work, once again, Cindy Woodsmall!
Thanks, Waterbrookmultnomah, for the complimentary copy for purpose of review.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Swagbucks Bonus!
I LOVE to get free or cheap items from Amazon (do they have at least one of everything in the world? I can most always find what I'm looking for there!). I do this by using giftcards that I earn from Swagbucks on a regular basis.
Swagbucks is a search engine, like Google or Yahoo, that rewards the searcher with points that are redeemable for various prizes (including Amazon giftcards!). There is no monetary cost involved (however, I'm pretty sure they track what people are searching for advertising purposes, so if it's something you'd rather not have tracked, it might be best to use another search engine...though I'd not be surprised if google and yahoo sell information collected as well...) This has been an inexpensive way for me to earn a little extra spending $ without doing any extra work since we use the internet daily anyway!
Right now, Swagbucks is offering a 70 point bonus for new sign-ups when you use the promo code HOLIDAYSWAG (good through December 31, 2011) and after sign up you should receive an additional 30 points--so that's a 100 point bonus (nearly 1/4 of the way to an Amazon giftcard already!). If you don't already have an account, you can register HERE and start earning swagbucks for prizes. One of the easiest ways to use this search engine is to download the toolbar so it's always showing on your screen and convenient to use when you wish to serf the web.
Disclaimer: I will receive swagbuck points for each new account through my link. However, my review of Swagbucks has not been tainted by this fact, it is my honest review.
Swagbucks is a search engine, like Google or Yahoo, that rewards the searcher with points that are redeemable for various prizes (including Amazon giftcards!). There is no monetary cost involved (however, I'm pretty sure they track what people are searching for advertising purposes, so if it's something you'd rather not have tracked, it might be best to use another search engine...though I'd not be surprised if google and yahoo sell information collected as well...) This has been an inexpensive way for me to earn a little extra spending $ without doing any extra work since we use the internet daily anyway!
Disclaimer: I will receive swagbuck points for each new account through my link. However, my review of Swagbucks has not been tainted by this fact, it is my honest review.
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