Quote: Preface to Amy Carmichael's Biography

Here is a convicting quote.  It touches on why the author writes and how we should read.  Is this how I approach books?

"In spite of much that militates against quietness there are people who still read books.  They are the people who keep me going.  I write especially for those who bring to their reading a mind not hidebound by the sensibilities of their time, but prepared to contemplate the Eternally Relevant; to seek in this book specifically the truth and the hidden meaning of a single life."

~Elisabeth Elliot, preface A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael

Review: Then Sings My Soul

"Hymns are distillations of the richest truths of God,versified, emotionalized, set to music, and released in the mind and from the mouth.  They're miniature Bible studies that lead us effortlessly to worship, testimony, exhortation, prayer, and praise.  They're bursts of devotional richness with rhyme and rhythm.  They clear our minds, soothe our nerves, verbalize our worship, summarize our faith, and sing our great Redeemer's praise."  ~~page 5~~

{{I really, really like this book.}}


How the Book is Organized
Then Sings My Soul is book 3 in a series written by Robert J. Morgan.  The book is divided into four sections.  The first section called "The History of Hymnody" traces the development of hymns from the Bible through modern gospel songs and contemporary praise.  At only 43 pages in length, this is well written but brief overview.  The second section highlights 56 hymns.  Each hymn has a two page layout- the left page showing the musical score with words and the right page giving biographical information about the author and perhaps a brief story behind the hymn.  Section three highlights six of the author's favorite hymn stories and shares the full story.  And in section four, the author shares some advice and opinion on how hymns should be used in private and in practice.  


What I Thought
Well, I already gave it away the beginning, but I really liked this book.  I was fascinated by the historical perspective that he provided.  I learned the real story behind "It is Well With My Soul" (sorry, but we generally only hear the abridged version) and that "Jesus Loves Me" is actually a hymn with three full verses.  And, I was encouraged to not only sing hymns, but also memorize and read them.


Throughout the book, the author emanated a  passion for hymns.  It was clear that he thoroughly researched the stories for his book.  I don't agree with everything the author wrote in regards to how hymns should be used in public, nor do I agree that every "hymn" he included was worthy to be included (for example, "Up On the Housetop").  However, I think this book would be a worthy addition to any library.


I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze book review program in exchange for an honest review.

Book List for 12 Year Old

I didn't think of posting a book list when my oldest daughter turned 12 at the beginning of January.  So, in honor of her birthday also, I am posting it now.  

• Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
• Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
• A Little Princess by Francis Hodgson Burnett
• Indian Captive by Lois Lenski
• The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
• Dandelion Cottage by Carroll Rankin
• Sod House Winter by Clara Ingram Judson

Happy Birthday!

Book List for 10 Year Old

In honor of my daughter's 10th birthday, I am posting a list of her current favorite books.  

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart (she told me to write, "It's really, really good!)
• books written by Beverly Cleary
• Art for Kids: Cartooning by Art Roche
• Drawing is Fun! series
• Frindle by Andrew Clements

Happy Birthday!

Review: What Is the Mission of the Church?

From the publisher:

Christians today define mission more broadly and variably than ever before. Are we, as the body of Christ, headed in the same direction or are we on divergent missions?

Some argue that the mission of the Church is to confront injustice and alleviate suffering, doing more to express God’s love for the world. Others are concerned that the church is in danger of losing its God-centeredness and thereby emphasize the proclamation of the gospel. It appears as though misunderstanding of mission persists.

Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert believe there is a lot that evangelicals can agree on if only we employ the right categories and build our theology of mission from the same biblical building blocks. Explaining key concepts like kingdom, gospel, and social justice, DeYoung and Gilbert help us to get on the same page—united by a common cause—and launch us forward into the true mission of the church.

How the book is organized:


This book is divided into three sections.


The first section is called "Understanding the Mission."  In this section, which encompasses a quarter of the book, the authors do a careful study of several Biblical texts and define what the mission of the church should be.  In essence, they begin the book by immediately answering the question posed in the title.  In their words, the mission of the church is "to go into the world and make disciples  by declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit and gathering these disciples into churches, that they might worship the Lord and obey his commands not and in eternity to the glory of God the Father."


The second section of the book is called "Understanding the Categories."  Topics included are the gospel, social justice, God's redemptive role and the new heavens and new earth.  There is a lot of exposition and defining in this section.  


The last section is called, "What We Do and Why We Do It."  This is the section that people like me read first - application.


What I thought:


This book is thorough, thoughtful and Biblically based.  It is well researched and heavily footnoted.  The authors do an excellent job of anticipating objections to or misunderstanding of their position and face them head on.  This authors also wrote with a humility that should disarm the defenses of their critics.  


I received this book free from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.

From My Bookshelf: Shopping for Time

I enjoy sharing review books with you.  And I enjoy getting review books for free.  :-)  But, there are many other great books that I would love to share.  And some of them are even on my bookshelf.

So, here is one.  Shopping for Time:  How to Do It All and Not Be Overwhelmed. 


Don't let the title deceive you.  You can't do it "all."  And that is the point.  As the authors rightly point out:

"We've learned there is no such thing as simply a busy month or a busy year.  It's a busy life, pure and simple.  Around every corner  is another potential  hospitality, another counseling opportunity, another church meeting, another diaper to change or carpool to run.

But we also have learned from God's Word that it is possible to deal with life's demands without becoming overwhelmed, miserable, and exhausted.  We can surmount the numerous responsibilities that threaten to wear us down.  More than that, we can actually do all that God has called us to do.

A fantastic claim, we know.  But it's true.  We can accomplish everything that God has ordained us to do in this life.  (Hint:  It's probably not half of what's on your to-do list.)" (page 13, emphasis mine) 

This is a short book - a mere 94 pages.  The authors expand on the following five tips:
1.  Rise Early - Joining the 5 a.m. Club*
2.  Sit Still - Sitting at Jesus Feet
3.  Sit and Plan - Taking a Personal Retreat
4.  Consider People - Evaluating Relationships Carefully
5.  Plan to Depend - Being Productive in Daily Life

*OK, listen to me carefully.  The authors are not saying you have to get up at 5am.  The principle is "rise early" and their personal application is "get up at 5 am."  That is certainly not how I choose to apply it.  Early is relative to the situation you are in.*
 
While you may be able to read this book quickly, I warn you not to read so fast that you skimp on the application.  Read a chapter, ponder, pray, and apply.

We all need to be more intentional about how we live our lives.  This book will aid you in that.  I highly recommend it.

 

 

Review: The Barber Who Wanted to Pray

From the publisher:

This imaginative tale, based on a true story, begins one evening with Mr. McFarland leading family devotions. When his daughter asks him how she should pray, Mr. McFarland shares a 500-year-old story—a story about a barber and his famous customer.

Master Peter is a barber well known to all in his village. One day, when Martin Luther the Reformer walks into his shop, the barber musters up the courage to ask the outlawed monk how to pray. Dr. Luther responds by writing a letter to the barber (a letter that we know today as the book, A Simple Way to Pray!). The barber’s life is changed as he encounters a model for prayer by using the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostles’ Creed.

 R. C. Sproul’s beautifully illustrated story will engage children and help them learn to pray according to the Bible. Dr. Sproul’s unique gift for explaining complex truths will make this a treasured book to be returned to time after time—a delight for both children and their parents!

Although this is a children's book, in our home it was enjoyed more by the adults.  The concept of using the Lord's Prayer or the Ten Commandments as a model for my prayers is very thought provoking.  Although I haven't put it into action, I'm considering it.


In terms of a children's book, I would say it is o.k.  It might be understood by a older child or one studying that part of church history.  To me, it lacked the story element that some of R. C. Sproul's other children's books have.  


The illustrations are absolutely beautiful.  Except, as my husband pointed out, they portrayed Jesus very culturally inaccurate.........with a mullet.  


I received this book free from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.