Putting God Back in the Holidays by Bill and Penny Thrasher
This is a very good book about ways to celebrate pretty much every major holiday in the United States with a God centered focus.
Most chapters are laid out in a similar manner. Bill writes about the historical and theological aspects of the holiday, then Penny adds her thoughts as a wife and mother. Finally, most chapters offer practical suggestions to help you celebrate or at least stimulate your thinking about the holiday.
Overall, the book is an excellent source for valuable and practical ways to put God back into your holiday celebrations. This is a book that I will be keeping at hand on my "reference" shelf.
December 14, 2010
December 02, 2010
Book Review
True Faced by Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol, John Lynch
The theme of this book is the idea of living your life as yourself, just as God made you. Many people put on a mask to try and look good and try to please God with their behavior. In reality, God simply wants us to be what He made us to be and to trust Him with our lives.
One of the interesting ideas I picked up was about the way we view other Christians. Instead of looking at others and criticizing them for their (sinful) ways, look at them as an imperfect believer just like yourself.
Overall, this is a good book. However, I found myself loosing interest in some of the detailed areas. At the end of each chapter is a "Did you discover" section, which summarizes the main points of the chapter. I believe most people can simply read the summary and get the main idea of the chapter.
The theme of this book is the idea of living your life as yourself, just as God made you. Many people put on a mask to try and look good and try to please God with their behavior. In reality, God simply wants us to be what He made us to be and to trust Him with our lives.
One of the interesting ideas I picked up was about the way we view other Christians. Instead of looking at others and criticizing them for their (sinful) ways, look at them as an imperfect believer just like yourself.
Overall, this is a good book. However, I found myself loosing interest in some of the detailed areas. At the end of each chapter is a "Did you discover" section, which summarizes the main points of the chapter. I believe most people can simply read the summary and get the main idea of the chapter.
December 01, 2010
Schick Hydro 5
My next adventure in shaving involved a Schick Hydro 5 razor. I purchased this razor which included two blades on sale for about $1.00. I was eager to compare this razor with Gillette's 5 blade system.
After the first shave I knew right away that this razor was not as good as Gillette's. The shave was close in most areas. However, I found the head of the razor to be too large to get close in some places. After about 2 weeks the razor was no longer cutting close and it did indeed cut me a few times. There is also this clicking noise that the head makes when it is lifted from your face. I found it to be very annoying after a while.
For the second month of testing I decided to shave every other day after the initial two week period. I found that the razor did a little better with the longer stubble, but it didn't pass my test.
The price of the replacement blades is about $2.75 a piece. This is slightly cheaper than Gillette's blades, but not as good either.
Because of the price and the inability to comfortably shave for a month I will give this razor a 60% rating.
The last razor system I currently have is the Mach 3 by Gillette.
After the first shave I knew right away that this razor was not as good as Gillette's. The shave was close in most areas. However, I found the head of the razor to be too large to get close in some places. After about 2 weeks the razor was no longer cutting close and it did indeed cut me a few times. There is also this clicking noise that the head makes when it is lifted from your face. I found it to be very annoying after a while.
For the second month of testing I decided to shave every other day after the initial two week period. I found that the razor did a little better with the longer stubble, but it didn't pass my test.
The price of the replacement blades is about $2.75 a piece. This is slightly cheaper than Gillette's blades, but not as good either.
Because of the price and the inability to comfortably shave for a month I will give this razor a 60% rating.
The last razor system I currently have is the Mach 3 by Gillette.
November 26, 2010
Book Review
Reinventing Paul by John Gager
The author's goal of this books is to challenge the assumption of the traditional view of Paul and present a new view(s). There are 5 chapters in this book:
Second, the author focuses on and compares Galatians and Romans. When trying to understand the meaning of a particular portion of Scripture you must compare it with all other Scripture of the same topic. The author does not do this, rather limits his use of Scripture to attempt to prove what he thinks and wants to accomplish with his book.
It seemed to me the real purpose of this book was to simply publish something. Often times academic institutions strongly encourage the faculty to produce something. It looks as though this book is an example of that mentality.
Much of the book is simply quoting what other people have already wrote. In fact, there are over 400 footnotes that take up over thirty pages in the back.
Overall, in my opinion, this book is totally worthless and filled with nonsensical ideas. To give an example, Gager says of himself on page 151 that he is "a non-believing 'Christian'". I am not sure what that means, but I am certain he will figure out what it means someday.
Skip this book!
The author's goal of this books is to challenge the assumption of the traditional view of Paul and present a new view(s). There are 5 chapters in this book:
- The Traditional View of Paul
- New Views of Paul
- The Letter to the Galatians
- The Letter to the Romans
- Loose Ends
Second, the author focuses on and compares Galatians and Romans. When trying to understand the meaning of a particular portion of Scripture you must compare it with all other Scripture of the same topic. The author does not do this, rather limits his use of Scripture to attempt to prove what he thinks and wants to accomplish with his book.
It seemed to me the real purpose of this book was to simply publish something. Often times academic institutions strongly encourage the faculty to produce something. It looks as though this book is an example of that mentality.
Much of the book is simply quoting what other people have already wrote. In fact, there are over 400 footnotes that take up over thirty pages in the back.
Overall, in my opinion, this book is totally worthless and filled with nonsensical ideas. To give an example, Gager says of himself on page 151 that he is "a non-believing 'Christian'". I am not sure what that means, but I am certain he will figure out what it means someday.
Skip this book!
November 23, 2010
Book Review
Can America Survive? by John Hagee
This book is separated into 4 parts:
In part two, the author looks at several problems with America. He believes a bomb will be used to wipe out our electrical system for months or years. He then talks about the world rejecting the dollar and the United States rejecting Israel's plea for help. Finally, he believes Christianity will become a crime in the United States.
The last two parts of the book are a little more focused on what the bible has to say about the return of Christ and the end of life as we know it on earth.
I am not sure of the purpose of this book. I would guess that it was wrote to simply get people (Americans) thinking about these topics. The author goes into a lot of detail about Iran, which I do question his "expertise" on Iran. However, he also goes into a lot of financial and economic detail about the United States, which I believe he has his facts correct for the most part.
I also question the title of the book, Can America Survive?. The ultimate answer of course is no, but as far as Christians are concerned it won't really matter since they will all be taken to be with Christ right before the tribulation.
The subtitle is also a little misleading, maybe it is just a marketing gimmick, 10 prophetic signs that we are the terminal generation. The 10 signs are given only in chapter 9 and are things like: oil, knowledge, television, and deception.
Overall, this book was interesting and easy to read but was otherwise unimpressive. Like I wrote earlier, I am not sure what the point of the book really is. What is the motive of the author: to get people thinking, to lead people to Christ, or to simply get his name out there and sell books about a provocative hot button issue?
While there is nothing really wrong with this book, if you have read the bible and are familiar with Revelation then you can probably skip this book. If you are not familiar with the bible then go read it first.
This book is separated into 4 parts:
- A Nuclear Iran
- The Fall of America
- The Beginning of the End
- The Final Days
In part two, the author looks at several problems with America. He believes a bomb will be used to wipe out our electrical system for months or years. He then talks about the world rejecting the dollar and the United States rejecting Israel's plea for help. Finally, he believes Christianity will become a crime in the United States.
The last two parts of the book are a little more focused on what the bible has to say about the return of Christ and the end of life as we know it on earth.
I am not sure of the purpose of this book. I would guess that it was wrote to simply get people (Americans) thinking about these topics. The author goes into a lot of detail about Iran, which I do question his "expertise" on Iran. However, he also goes into a lot of financial and economic detail about the United States, which I believe he has his facts correct for the most part.
I also question the title of the book, Can America Survive?. The ultimate answer of course is no, but as far as Christians are concerned it won't really matter since they will all be taken to be with Christ right before the tribulation.
The subtitle is also a little misleading, maybe it is just a marketing gimmick, 10 prophetic signs that we are the terminal generation. The 10 signs are given only in chapter 9 and are things like: oil, knowledge, television, and deception.
Overall, this book was interesting and easy to read but was otherwise unimpressive. Like I wrote earlier, I am not sure what the point of the book really is. What is the motive of the author: to get people thinking, to lead people to Christ, or to simply get his name out there and sell books about a provocative hot button issue?
While there is nothing really wrong with this book, if you have read the bible and are familiar with Revelation then you can probably skip this book. If you are not familiar with the bible then go read it first.
November 19, 2010
Book Review
Serenity - a companion for the twelve step program (NKJV Bible)
Serenity is a bible for those in the twelve step recovery program. This is a red letter New King James Version with the entire New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs.
The first eighty pages explain the twelve step program. Scattered throughout the bible are examples and scriptural support for each of the twelve steps.
I believe the bible is an excellent book to live by, but especially for those struggling with an addiction. While I also believe the NKJV is an excellent translation, I think there are other translations, like the ESV for example, that maintain biblical accuracy, yet are a little easier to read and understand, especially for someone struggling with an addiction.
Overall, I would recommend this bible to anyone struggling with addictions or learning about the twelve step program.
Serenity is a bible for those in the twelve step recovery program. This is a red letter New King James Version with the entire New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs.
The first eighty pages explain the twelve step program. Scattered throughout the bible are examples and scriptural support for each of the twelve steps.
I believe the bible is an excellent book to live by, but especially for those struggling with an addiction. While I also believe the NKJV is an excellent translation, I think there are other translations, like the ESV for example, that maintain biblical accuracy, yet are a little easier to read and understand, especially for someone struggling with an addiction.
Overall, I would recommend this bible to anyone struggling with addictions or learning about the twelve step program.
October 28, 2010
Book Review
The Cheapskate Next Door by Jeff Yeager
The intention of this book is to give the reader secrets about living happily below your means. The author starts by giving the reader 16 attitudes that cheapskates have. Here are a few examples:
Other ideas and examples are potentially dangerous and unhealthy like going through other peoples garbage to look for anything usable or eating from other people's leftover plates in restaurants to avoid purchasing appetizers.
Most of the tips though are already common knowledge:
The intention of this book is to give the reader secrets about living happily below your means. The author starts by giving the reader 16 attitudes that cheapskates have. Here are a few examples:
- cheapskates don't keep up with the Joneses
- cheapskates value time more than money
- cheapskates know and buy value in products
- cheapskates know the difference between needs and wants
- cheapskates avoid debt
Other ideas and examples are potentially dangerous and unhealthy like going through other peoples garbage to look for anything usable or eating from other people's leftover plates in restaurants to avoid purchasing appetizers.
Most of the tips though are already common knowledge:
- live at home for college
- go to a community college
- buy a used car and pay cash for it
- go to the library for books
- shop around for the best prices
- turn down your hot water heater
- wash clothes in cold water
- use public parks for entertainment
October 26, 2010
Book Review
An Angel's Story by Max Lucado
This is a fictional account of the birth of Christ. Lucado tells the story of Christ's birth through the eyes of the angel Gabriel. This is a quick easy read and is a good story to read to children.
Overall, Lucado writes a very interesting story. The goal is not to embellish or make the bible more interesting or exciting. Of course, like any good story many parts are true to the word of God. However, Lucado makes his point of the book clear in the afterward section.
"Whether or not you like the fiction is insignificant. But whether or not you see the truth is essential." The truth is that God cares for His children. That's the point of this book and that is the point of God's word.
This is a fictional account of the birth of Christ. Lucado tells the story of Christ's birth through the eyes of the angel Gabriel. This is a quick easy read and is a good story to read to children.
Overall, Lucado writes a very interesting story. The goal is not to embellish or make the bible more interesting or exciting. Of course, like any good story many parts are true to the word of God. However, Lucado makes his point of the book clear in the afterward section.
"Whether or not you like the fiction is insignificant. But whether or not you see the truth is essential." The truth is that God cares for His children. That's the point of this book and that is the point of God's word.
October 21, 2010
Book Review
Traveling Light by Max Lucado
This book is an interesting look at the twenty-third Psalm. The object is to show the reader how to release their burdens based upon Psalm 23.
Some of the burdens addressed are:
In each chapter Lucado always has a story illustrating the concept. Of course, he uses his vivid and descriptive writing style to make his point. He also pulls over examples from Scripture as well.
Overall, I recommend reading this book simple for its unique view and explanation of Psalm 23. However, if you are struggling with the burdens mentioned then you should find this book extremely helpful in letting go and trusting your life to God.
This book is an interesting look at the twenty-third Psalm. The object is to show the reader how to release their burdens based upon Psalm 23.
Some of the burdens addressed are:
- Self reliance
- Discontentment
- Weariness
- Worry
- Hopelessness
- Guild
- Arrogance
- Grief
- Fear
- Shame
In each chapter Lucado always has a story illustrating the concept. Of course, he uses his vivid and descriptive writing style to make his point. He also pulls over examples from Scripture as well.
Overall, I recommend reading this book simple for its unique view and explanation of Psalm 23. However, if you are struggling with the burdens mentioned then you should find this book extremely helpful in letting go and trusting your life to God.
October 19, 2010
Election 2010 - Update
In my last post, I was unable to make really any recommendations because all of the candidates are no good for Pennsylvania.
On Saturday, I received information from the Action Committee for Rural Electrification (this is the political group for our energy supplier, REA).
They too could not make a recommendation for:
Governor
US Senate
US Representative
But they did also recommended Dave Reed.
I will say it again, Pennsylvania is in trouble!
On Saturday, I received information from the Action Committee for Rural Electrification (this is the political group for our energy supplier, REA).
They too could not make a recommendation for:
Governor
US Senate
US Representative
But they did also recommended Dave Reed.
I will say it again, Pennsylvania is in trouble!
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