More than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell

by Carol4 Comments
More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell I read this as part of a Sunday School Class David and I attend at our church. Actually, David was one of the people who voted for it. I think it was the wood shaving on the front that drew his attention. I do find apologetics interesting, but I didn't particularly like this book. It's more of an introduction, I guess, than I was looking for. It provides a superficial look at several issues, including the historical accuracy of the Bible, how Christianity and science interrelate, and the reliability of of the eyewitness accounts recorded in the New Testament. This is an updated version of the classic that was published in 1977. I found it very similar to The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel, which I actually feel like I got more out of. I did like the discussion questions that were peppered throughout the book. And the authors did have some...
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Love and Justice

by Carol5 Comments
We should remember that God is not only one hundred percent love - which might have allowed him to forgive our sins without the cross. He is also one hundred percent justice. (pg. 62 ) Christ comforts and heals, saves and forgives - we know that; but we must not forget that he judges too. If we truly love him, we will love everything in him; not only his compassion and mercy, but his sharpness too. It is his sharpness that prunes and purifies. (pg. 63) Both of the above quotes are from "The Center" by J. Heinrich Arnold, one of the selections in Bread And Wine. Like last year, during Lent I'm working my way through this books of readings. They inspire me, cause me to reflect, and challenge me. Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Play along. I cheated, but the rules are easy. Grab your current read, open to a random page,...
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Mailbox Monday and Library Loot

by Carol17 Comments
Thanks to Marcia at The Printed Page for hosting Mailbox Monday. I got one in the mail this week. Escapade by Walter Satterthwait (from Paperbackswap.com) Amber received one in an early birthday package. The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder I also picked up a couple at the library this past week. Library Loot is co-hosted by Eva and Marg. Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz Heart of Stone by C. E. Murphy Let's see. There's two more on the stack. The Help by Kathryn Stockett (I bought with a gift certificate.) More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell (for our Sunday School class at church.) What books found their way to your house this week?...
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Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer

by Carol3 Comments
Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer I'm looking forward to reading these daily devotionals, starting tomorrow. A new year, a fresh start, a new habit. I probably won't be reading them first thing in the morning, since I'm useless before my shower, and too busy trying to get out the door on time. Just typing that makes me think, well, I could actually just wake up ten minutes earlier and take a short time out from the hectic morning, sit down with a cup of coffee and start the day on a positive note. If you are too busy for time with God, then you are definitely too busy! (p. 327) Browsing through the book, I see topics dealing with listening to God and making time for Him, faith and trust.  Each devotional is only a page long, but they seem powerful. The cover says the book offers "reminders of how to reconnect with His plan and persevere through common obstacles...
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The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado

by Carol1 Comment
The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado, illustrated by Liz Bonham (Suggested reading level: Ages 4-8) This story was read aloud during an Advent workshop we attended at our church. It is a perfect Christmas story to share with kids. Joshua is the crippled lamb of the title. He hates being different from all the other lambs, but he has a special friend, Abigail the cow, who always reminds him that he is special. One night, Joshua has to stay in the stable, because he can't keep up with the rest of the flock who are heading to a new pasture. That night, though, he is one of the first to meet Jesus, and gets to help him stay warm. This is a touching story, but not a tear-jerker. The sweet story reminds us that we are all special and that our difficulties can end up being blessings, a wonderful lesson for all of us, not just kids. I wish I had gotten this book...
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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

by Carol10 Comments
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis I don't know how many times I've read this book. My copy is from a box set that was bought sometime in the 80s, but this is the first time Amber (9) and I have read it together. The story is always magical. Four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, are sent to a Professor's house in order to avoid the London bombings. While there, they discover a wardrobe that leads to the land of Narnia, which is under the spell of the White Witch. She make sure it always winter in Narnia, but never Christmas. The four children help the mysterious, powerful Aslan defeat the Witch and bring spring to Narnia. They then become kings and queens, fulfilling an ancient prophecy. There is a lot of Christian symbolism throughout the story, which I enjoy and appreciate more, I imagine, as an adult than I did when I was younger. Amber recognizes...
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