Thursday, July 21, 2011

Why God Won't Go Away

"Why God Won't Go Away" by Alister McGrath was my most recent read, and I found it to be a very interesting book. This book recounts the rise of the "new" atheism movement and some of its key players. The book can basically be broken up into three sections: past, present, and future. There are discussions of the four men who spearheaded the new atheism movement, and brief histories of their contributions. These short biographies of Richard Dawkins, Sam harris, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens help to understand the key principles of atheism. I was truly fascinated and a little bit disappointed at how these atheists can make definitive claims about religion that are so far off, such as religion causes violence, or religion is irrational.

While the book itself was interesting, and I believe that it is good to know and understand the arguments of those who believe differently from what I do, I also found that the atheism movement is founded on false doctrines and generalizations about faith. There were definitely moments where I wanted to argue with Mr. Dawkins or Mr. Dennett about these generalizations.

Overall, a good book with a concise explanation of this atheism movement and explanation of the founding principles. 



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements  

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Enemies Of The Heart

Enemies of the Heart is almost like a handbook to an honest self-assessment. From the moment you start this book, you will read things that will make you think, "Yeah, that does sound a little like me". I think that Andy Stanley did a great job of narrowing down the four poisons to the heart: guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy. And honestly, who doesn't suffer from at least one of those afflictions?

Stanley provides an honest and genuine explanation and antedote for all four of those afflictions in his book. I think that if you even thing for one second that you might feel guilty or angry, you should sit down now and start turning the pages. Stanley uses a biblical approach to these secular problems, and I found his book to be supremely useful in giving my own heart an honest assessment.
I think this book is ideal for nearly anyone who wants to life a happier life, free of guilt, anger, greed, or jealousy. Stanley's wisdom and biblical vantage point make a great combination. His tone isn't demeaning, but rather empathetic and understanding. Loved it! Great job, Andy!



FTC DISCLAIMER: “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

God's Love Letters To You


God's Love Letters To You

"God's Love Letters To You" is a 40 day devotional designed to personalize your walk with Christ though a series of intimate conversations penned in this book. Each devotional focuses on a different chapter of the Bible, and each is written as if it were a short letter directly from God, encouraging, empowering, strengthening, and intensitying your personal relationship with God. The chapters are relatively short, so it is easy to pick this up in the morning with your coffee, or in the evening before bed. Each chapter contains a topic thought, that is the main focus of the devotional, followed by a bible verse to support that topic thought. Then, a short letter from God follows, elaborating on the verse. After the letter, there is also a short reflection with points and questions to help you understand exactly how this verse and letter can be applied to your life and personal walk with God. Then, the chapter closes in a short prayer. I think that this book does a great job of personalizing the relationship that we have with God, and really defining the relationship between man and God as one of a father and child. The verses and letters are relevant and encouraging. The prayers are thoughtful and honest. I truly enjoyed reading this devotional, and I think it would benefit everyone who is interested in making their relationship with God a more personal one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements  

The Quotable Rogue


The Quotable Rogue

As a conservative, I was very interested in reading "The Quotable Rogue: The Ideals of Sarah Palin In Her Own Words" by Matt Lewis. In an age where you can only believe half of what you see in the media and mainstream news channels, I was excited to read this book and hear Sarah Palin's positions and ideals in her own words. This book gives quotes directly from Mrs. Palin on a variety of topics, from abortion to drilling in Alaska. The book is split up into categories, with several quotes on each category that make Sarah's stance clear. I enjoyed reading this book (it is a very easy read), and learning more about a rising star in the Republican party.

After reading this book, I really believe that the media took so many of the things that Sarah Palin said during the 2008 elections and twisted them simply to make her look stupid and underqualified for the vice presidency. The statements found in this book show that Sarah Palin is truly an intelligent, clever, and highly qualified breath of fresh air in the stagnant world of political scheming.

I loved this book, and it will definitely be my go-to source the next time I need a real Palin quote.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements  

MacArthur


MacArthur

When I received "MacArthur", I was a little bit intimidated. I enjoy history, but an by no means a war expert or master historian, so I was a little bit concerned that this book would be hard to follow, with lots of military jargon and strategy. I was surprised and relieved when I started reading this book! "MacArthur" is a practical biography of Douglas MacArthur that is easy to read, and very intriguing. This book doesn't really read like a biography - I felt it was more of a novel, and I really enjoyed following along the storyline of Douglas MacArthur's life. This book starts off detailing the history of the MacArthur family. This is the only part of the book that got slightly confusing, but that is only because there were three Arthur MacArthurs - so it was a little confusing trying to keep track of the three generations all bearing the same name. This book follows a young Douglas into West Point and into his military career, and his successes that eclipsed those of the previous two generations of famous MacArthurs. I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to anyone who has even the slightest interest in history or Douglas MacArthur.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Fight Of Our Lives


The Fight Of Our Lives

I have to admit, I was very excited to read "The Fight Of Our Lives" by William J Bennett and Seth Leibsohn. I have been a big fan of Mr. Bennett for many years, and used to listen to him on a local conservative talk radio program. This particular book is truly fascinating, and I would recommend it to anyone who has concerns about the future of American democracy as we know it due to the decisions being made about how to deal with radical Islamists. As I expected, this book is written in very up front, logical, no nonsense tone that I find it very easy to respect. "The Fight Of Our Lives" focuses on the particular kind of threat that we face in the war on radical Islam. This book gives an easy to understand narrative on key characters and incidents that I found to be refreshing amid the whirlwind that is politically correct main stream media reports. This book essentially calls for an end to the doublespeak and demands attention be paid to the reality of this war, and the damaging effects that it could have on our country if nothing is done. This book is honest, and I enjoyed every page of it. This book is relatively short (only around 150 pages), but it was interesting, and I had a hard time putting it down. I felt that it was relevant, realistic, and a factual account of the situation that the United States is currently facing in dealing with a war on radical Islamic factions. This book is easy to read, with no overly complicated political correctness, and I would highly recommend it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Love At Last Sight


Love At Last Sight

"Love At Last Sight" by Kerry & Chris Shook is a 30 day devotional dedicated to making the most of important relationships in our lives. The title alone summarizes the mentality of this book - making sure that every interaction with those we love is as fulfilling as possible. The devotionals are slightly longer than other devotionals, which could make it difficult to read if you are short on time. I would estimate around fifteen minutes per day would suffice for reading the text of the devotional. Each devotional targets a particular mistake that we make in interacting with those around us, such as "Being All There No Matter What" (Day 6) and "Intentionally Giving Encouragement" (Day 15). The insight that Kerry and Chris offer is so profound in its effects on relationships, either for the better or worse. At the end of every devotional is a "Love At Last Sight Challenge", that offers up a few journal entry type of questions for you to answer. I think this book could be a great tool to be used in deepening my relationships with those who are most important in my life. It truly does show me how, even unintentionally, I am not getting the most out of those relationships, and offers genuine, honest advice on how to remedy some of those problems. A great book, that I would highly recommend.

FTC DISCLAIMER: “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

A Conversation With God for Women


A Conversation With God for Women

"A Conversation with God for Women" is an extraordinary book! Marcia Ford's book addresses so many questions that we, as Christian women, have in such an insightful way, completely backed with biblical reference and examples. The format of the book is genius - each chapter starts off with a question that I'm sure many Christian women would ask God if we ever had the chance, such as "Can we ever be free of guilt?" The question is then followed by two answers - one from God, and one from Jesus. The chapters are relatively short, and could easily be read as a devotional, only requiring five minutes or so each day. The format of this book and the way it is set up to resemble a conversation made me feel as if I was really making the connection with God while contemplating the issues this book addresses. It really is a great book with a lot of Christian related thought-provoking issues within. I would highly recommend this book. It would make a great Mothers Day gift for the mom/grandma/wife/daughter in your life. Absolutely loved it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Same Life, New Story


Same Life, New Story

"Same Life, New Story" by Jan Silvious is an interesting book that profiles biblical women in their most important moments. Ruth, Rahab, and Rachel are just a few of the woman Jan Silvious profiles in this book. The stories of these brave women are inspirational, and Jan Silvious does a great job of tying in the faith of the women and God's grace and plans for them. The chapters are lengthy, however. As a mother, I rarely get time to sit down and read a book cover to cover, so personally, I like shorter, more concise chapters that take only 10 minutes or less to read.

The chapters themselves are great as far as relating the chosen woman and her struggles to the everyday struggles of most women, and there is a lot of references to Scripture, which I liked. Instead of just telling you the facts, Jan gives you the tools to find them out for yourself, which I enjoy. I felt like the chapters were a little bit choppy, though. Each chapter starts out with a brief introduction to the woman of that chapter, and then Jan Silvious cuts to personal experiences or experiences of others that relate to this woman's struggle. The personal reflections are great, but they are then followed by the rest of the story of the woman profiled. It seemed a little bit discombobulated to me, which was annoying. I would rather read the entire story about the woman profiled and then read personal experiences, or vice versa, but to me, it just seemed like it wasn't placed correctly.

This book is a great tool for women today seeking biblical role models. The women that Jan Silvious discusses in this book are courageous, intelligent, faithful, committed women of God, and I think that overall, it was a great read.

I would give this book a 3/5.

Recommended for any woman who wants to strengthen her walk with God and is looking for a biblical role model.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Love & War Devotional For Couples


Love & War Devotional For Couples

I recently received "Love & War Devotional for Couples" by John and Stasi Ederedge through my bloggingforbooks.com membership. I have to admit, I read it much faster than one devotional at a time. It seemed as though the words on the page were being recorded straight to my heart, as I read page after page. I really had a hard time putting it down.


"Love & War Devotional for Couples" offers a variety of advice and insight on the personal relationship between a man and woman. Since the book is written by both John and Stasi Eldredge, it offers a unique perspective that both men and women can relate to. This devotional offers practical advice backed with biblical perspective. Each day's devotional begins with one short scripture, then John and Stasi's devotional follows. The devotional is followed by a prayer for the day, as well as another short scripture. The devotionals are short, and can be easily read in only a few minutes, which helps it fit into anyone's busy day. I found this devotional to be loaded with insight for my own marriage. This devotional offers the perspective that marriage is and was meant to be a constant work in progress, and offers up wisdom and biblical insight into not only maintaining marriage, but thriving as a couple. I thought this devotional was a great addition to my daily routine, and would highly recommend it to any couple, whether they are just starting out, or have been married for 30 years. I believe it offers something for every couple.


My Rating: 5 Stars/ 5 Stars
Appropriate for any couple, from newlyweds to couples with 30 years of marriage under their belt. There is biblical and practical truths in this devotional that apply to everyone


FTC DISCLAIMER: “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.