Surviving in an Angry World by Charles Stanley
The goal of this book is to help people deal with anger. This includes their own anger as well as anger from others that is directed toward them. The book goes beyond helping people merely survive in an angry world and encourages them to live as peaceably a life as possible.
The book essentially answers the question of "How should we deal with anger in ourselves and respond to it in others?"
Stanley does a good job of answering that question based upon biblical values. In my opinion, he does not use enough Scripture to support his statements, rather he relies on personal stories instead.
While I agree with most of the author's ideas and suggestions, I was hoping for more examples from Scripture and less stories from Stanley's life.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone (christian or non-christian) who is struggling with their anger or with ways of responding to others anger.
October 08, 2012
October 01, 2012
Gillette Custom Plus 3 Sensitive
Continuing my quest for the best shave, I tested out the Gillette Custom Plus 3 Sensitive disposable razor for the past two months. I really could have stopped after only one month because it is the same as the Sensor 3 disposable razor from Gillette.
I decided to contact Gillette to find out what the difference is between the Custom Plus 3 and the Sensor 3. I also asked if they would fit on the Sensor handle. Here is the response:
"Thank you for contacting Gillette.
The only difference between they are two different products and the Sensor3 Sensitive Skin disposable razor has more lubrication on the lubrastrip. These systems are disposable and they do not fit on to any of our permanent razor systems.
I hope this helps."
I decided to contact Gillette to find out what the difference is between the Custom Plus 3 and the Sensor 3. I also asked if they would fit on the Sensor handle. Here is the response:
"Thank you for contacting Gillette.
The only difference between they are two different products and the Sensor3 Sensitive Skin disposable razor has more lubrication on the lubrastrip. These systems are disposable and they do not fit on to any of our permanent razor systems.
I hope this helps."
I think I failed to mention in my original email that the Custom Plus 3 was also the "sensitive" model. So, therefore, there is no difference between the Custom Plus 3 and the Sensor 3, except of course for the price. The Custom Plus 3 are a little cheaper than the Sensor 3, about $.05 per razor. Not a significant difference.
Also, even though the Gillette representative states the razors do not fit on to any of their permanent razor systems, she is wrong. They both fit nicely onto the Sensor handle.
I stocked up when Gillette had a few $2.00 off coupons so I will be good for a while, but up next are some BIC Flex 3 that I picked up for about $0.50 a razor. I will report back in two months after the testing is completed.
September 10, 2012
Thru the Bible with Dr. J Vernon McGee
I finished listening to Dr. J. Vernon McGee's five year thru the bible radio program last week.
The format of the program is simply McGee talking about, explaining, and giving his thoughts about the entire bible. This program is an expansion of his two year thru the bible radio program.
I started the program with Genesis 1 and went the entire way to Revelation 22. This is not how they air on the radio. At first, I found Mcgee's comments interesting and often times insightful. However, by the end o the program I found him to be rather annoying.
He seemed to tell the same stories/illustrations over and over again. I also found his pronunciation of several words annoying as well. For example, the word humble. Most people pronounce it with the 'h' as in hum-bull, but it is also acceptable to leave the 'h' silent and pronounce it um-bull. But not Dr. McGee, he liked to emphasize the silent 'h' so it sounded more like uuuummm-bull. After a while it became annoying.
Another aspect I found annoying was his constant mention that he uses his translation for many portions of Scripture, but he doesn't recommend it for others to use. It was as if his ego was creeping out each time he mentioned his translation.
When explaining certain verses he would often times say something like "many fine scholars believe it means this ..., but here is what it really means ... so you can go along with the other folk, but if you want to be right then you'll agree with me." I am sure he meant this to be humorous, but it just didn't work for him. In fact, he attempted to use humor throughout the five year program, but in my opinion in never really worked for him.
Overall, I would recommend skipping this program, simply because it wasn't very insightful. There are many other better programs to listen to. If however, you are just studying a book or passage, then you may want to listen to what McGee has to say.
McGee probably has about two years worth of material in this five year program. The rest is just banter and him blathering on about nothing in particular. This is just my opinion though.
The format of the program is simply McGee talking about, explaining, and giving his thoughts about the entire bible. This program is an expansion of his two year thru the bible radio program.
I started the program with Genesis 1 and went the entire way to Revelation 22. This is not how they air on the radio. At first, I found Mcgee's comments interesting and often times insightful. However, by the end o the program I found him to be rather annoying.
He seemed to tell the same stories/illustrations over and over again. I also found his pronunciation of several words annoying as well. For example, the word humble. Most people pronounce it with the 'h' as in hum-bull, but it is also acceptable to leave the 'h' silent and pronounce it um-bull. But not Dr. McGee, he liked to emphasize the silent 'h' so it sounded more like uuuummm-bull. After a while it became annoying.
Another aspect I found annoying was his constant mention that he uses his translation for many portions of Scripture, but he doesn't recommend it for others to use. It was as if his ego was creeping out each time he mentioned his translation.
When explaining certain verses he would often times say something like "many fine scholars believe it means this ..., but here is what it really means ... so you can go along with the other folk, but if you want to be right then you'll agree with me." I am sure he meant this to be humorous, but it just didn't work for him. In fact, he attempted to use humor throughout the five year program, but in my opinion in never really worked for him.
Overall, I would recommend skipping this program, simply because it wasn't very insightful. There are many other better programs to listen to. If however, you are just studying a book or passage, then you may want to listen to what McGee has to say.
McGee probably has about two years worth of material in this five year program. The rest is just banter and him blathering on about nothing in particular. This is just my opinion though.
September 07, 2012
Book Review
The New Testament - Recovery Version by Living Stream Ministry
I finished reading the New Testament Recovery version this past weekend. This version is a translation by Witness Lee and others that "attempts to provide the best utterance for the revelation in the divine Word, that it may be expressed in the English language with the greatest accuracy."
This bible contains the entire New Testament along with cross references and footnotes for many verses. Here is John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that everyone who believes into Him would not perish, but would have eternal life."
Overall, this is an acceptable translation. However, I didn't always agree with the explanation of the Scripture in the footnotes. In fact, sometimes, I didn't think a footnote was even needed and actually made the Scripture more confusing. Also, the print of this bible was very small and challenging to read. That being said, I would probably not recommend this version to others.
I finished reading the New Testament Recovery version this past weekend. This version is a translation by Witness Lee and others that "attempts to provide the best utterance for the revelation in the divine Word, that it may be expressed in the English language with the greatest accuracy."
This bible contains the entire New Testament along with cross references and footnotes for many verses. Here is John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that everyone who believes into Him would not perish, but would have eternal life."
Overall, this is an acceptable translation. However, I didn't always agree with the explanation of the Scripture in the footnotes. In fact, sometimes, I didn't think a footnote was even needed and actually made the Scripture more confusing. Also, the print of this bible was very small and challenging to read. That being said, I would probably not recommend this version to others.
July 30, 2012
Book Review
He Still Moves Stones bu Max Lucado
This is an inspirational book by Max Lucado that includes about 20 different life events that people typically have to deal with. Some of the topics are: shame, discouragement, growing old, wondering if prayer matters, wondering if God cares, and understanding death.
Each chapter is devoted to a particular topic. Lucado uses Scripture and personal antidotes to demonstrate his points and lessons.
This is the type of book you read to know what in it. Then you put it on your shelf and refer to it throughout your life as you encounter the particular situations.
Overall, I recommend this book not only to read, but to make it a permanent part of your library to refer to when the situation arises.
This is an inspirational book by Max Lucado that includes about 20 different life events that people typically have to deal with. Some of the topics are: shame, discouragement, growing old, wondering if prayer matters, wondering if God cares, and understanding death.
Each chapter is devoted to a particular topic. Lucado uses Scripture and personal antidotes to demonstrate his points and lessons.
This is the type of book you read to know what in it. Then you put it on your shelf and refer to it throughout your life as you encounter the particular situations.
Overall, I recommend this book not only to read, but to make it a permanent part of your library to refer to when the situation arises.
July 06, 2012
Anonymous Comments
Years ago I had open comments on this blog. However, I started to receive some nonsensical comments so I felt I had to approve each comment before posting to the website. I have always posted comments if they are related to the topical discussion.
I frequently get nonsense comments or comments that seem legit, but are really just advertising their website.
For example, here is the comment I received yesterday on my Amish Miracle Heater post.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Amish Miracle Heater!":
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it
seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You obviously know what youre talking about, why throw away
your intelligence on just posting videos to your site
when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
my site - find out more
The poster likes my writing? I am wasting my intelligence with videos on my site.... wait a minute I don't have any videos on my site! Then the poster adds a link to his site (which I removed).
I followed the link to his site and it is just selling strollers. No place for me to add my comment, so I thought I would send them my interest in a stroller.
Here is my message to them:
I am interested in a stroller that I can connect to the back of my tractor, so I when I have to baby sit I can always cut the grass at the same time or in the winter plow snow.
I also like to ride 4wheelers so the stroller would also need to attach to the 4wheeler hitch. I would prefer the stroller to have large wheels since I often need to drive through deep mud. A camouflage design would also be nice for hunting season. It would also be nice to have the ability to store a cooler that holds a six pack of beer.
Do you know where I can get a stroller like this?
Thanks
I frequently get nonsense comments or comments that seem legit, but are really just advertising their website.
For example, here is the comment I received yesterday on my Amish Miracle Heater post.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Amish Miracle Heater!":
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it
seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You obviously know what youre talking about, why throw away
your intelligence on just posting videos to your site
when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
my site - find out more
The poster likes my writing? I am wasting my intelligence with videos on my site.... wait a minute I don't have any videos on my site! Then the poster adds a link to his site (which I removed).
I followed the link to his site and it is just selling strollers. No place for me to add my comment, so I thought I would send them my interest in a stroller.
Here is my message to them:
I am interested in a stroller that I can connect to the back of my tractor, so I when I have to baby sit I can always cut the grass at the same time or in the winter plow snow.
I also like to ride 4wheelers so the stroller would also need to attach to the 4wheeler hitch. I would prefer the stroller to have large wheels since I often need to drive through deep mud. A camouflage design would also be nice for hunting season. It would also be nice to have the ability to store a cooler that holds a six pack of beer.
Do you know where I can get a stroller like this?
Thanks
June 04, 2012
Book review
John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock by Iain H. Murray
This was a good attempt at summarizing John MacArthur's life. It touched on the major events, episodes, successes, and controversies during his life and ministry. However, it wasn't enough for me. Each topic, each chapter left me wanting more details about the events. Murray even writes in the forward that his book is "little more than a 'sketch'" of MacArthur's life.
The most reoccurring theme throughout the book is the fact that MacArthur tries to live what he preaches and teaches.
I believe this to be true and have enjoyed reading and listening to MacArthur for many years and I have definitely benefited from his ministry. However, it would have been nice to see a picture of his home, or car, or how much he really makes. To me, this shows what a person is really like.
I have heard MacArthur state that he makes no money from Grace to You (GTY), yet on GTY's IRS form 990, he is listed as making over $200,000 for the fiscal year 2011. GTY also pays for his first class or business class airfare. Digging further into the form 990 you find that MacArthur's son in law has a sizable contract with GTY. And, of course, MacArthur's sons are members of the GTY board.
I am not saying that MacArthur doesn't deserve these things or is even abusing his position, I am just curious about the reconciliation of the Gospel preaching and teaching to the Gospel living on a daily basis.
Overall, a good read for anyone interested in the life and teaching of John MacArthur.
This was a good attempt at summarizing John MacArthur's life. It touched on the major events, episodes, successes, and controversies during his life and ministry. However, it wasn't enough for me. Each topic, each chapter left me wanting more details about the events. Murray even writes in the forward that his book is "little more than a 'sketch'" of MacArthur's life.
The most reoccurring theme throughout the book is the fact that MacArthur tries to live what he preaches and teaches.
I believe this to be true and have enjoyed reading and listening to MacArthur for many years and I have definitely benefited from his ministry. However, it would have been nice to see a picture of his home, or car, or how much he really makes. To me, this shows what a person is really like.
I have heard MacArthur state that he makes no money from Grace to You (GTY), yet on GTY's IRS form 990, he is listed as making over $200,000 for the fiscal year 2011. GTY also pays for his first class or business class airfare. Digging further into the form 990 you find that MacArthur's son in law has a sizable contract with GTY. And, of course, MacArthur's sons are members of the GTY board.
I am not saying that MacArthur doesn't deserve these things or is even abusing his position, I am just curious about the reconciliation of the Gospel preaching and teaching to the Gospel living on a daily basis.
Overall, a good read for anyone interested in the life and teaching of John MacArthur.
May 28, 2012
Book Review
Glock: The Rise of America's Gun by Paul Barrett
This book gives a nice overview of the history of the Glock gun and company, focusing mainly on it's popularity and controversy in the United States of America. To be honest, I expected the book to be an anti-gun, Glock bashing, liberal written book.
I was surprised to find out it wasn't quite as bad as I thought. Sure, the author bashes the NRA, Republicans, and even pokes fun at Sarah Palin if you can believe that, but overall the author did an okay job at describing the rise of Gaston Glock and his gun in America.
I was unaware of the history of Glock and this book really put it into perspective. Glock was sneaky and ruthless, but made some prudent moves to capitalize the market. At times, I think he just happened to be in the right place and the right time as well.
By the end of the book you can clearly see the authors left-winged approach. It is strange though, that several presidents were mentioned in detail about their attitude and actions toward guns, either pro or anti. However, only one sentence in the book mentioned President Obama. It simply alluded to the fact that Obama didn't seem to be interested in jumping on the anti-gun agenda. Hmmm.
Overall, I recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about how the Glock came to be.
This book gives a nice overview of the history of the Glock gun and company, focusing mainly on it's popularity and controversy in the United States of America. To be honest, I expected the book to be an anti-gun, Glock bashing, liberal written book.
I was surprised to find out it wasn't quite as bad as I thought. Sure, the author bashes the NRA, Republicans, and even pokes fun at Sarah Palin if you can believe that, but overall the author did an okay job at describing the rise of Gaston Glock and his gun in America.
I was unaware of the history of Glock and this book really put it into perspective. Glock was sneaky and ruthless, but made some prudent moves to capitalize the market. At times, I think he just happened to be in the right place and the right time as well.
By the end of the book you can clearly see the authors left-winged approach. It is strange though, that several presidents were mentioned in detail about their attitude and actions toward guns, either pro or anti. However, only one sentence in the book mentioned President Obama. It simply alluded to the fact that Obama didn't seem to be interested in jumping on the anti-gun agenda. Hmmm.
Overall, I recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about how the Glock came to be.
May 25, 2012
Book Review
6 Rules Every Man Must Break by Bill Perkins
After reading another book by Perkins, (Six Battles Every Man Must Win) I wasn't too excited to read this book. While I disagreed with much of the material and conclusions of the Six Battles book, I found myself agreeing with most of what Perkins wrote about breaking these six rules.
The six rules are:
Passivity - never get into a fight
Playing it safe - never risk it all
Perseverance - never give up
Independence - never ask for help
Restraint - never lose your cool
Impress others - never look stupid
These are indeed many rules or ideas that people, especially men, try to live by. However, these are "rules" that people should break and the author uses Scripture to demonstrate his point.
Overall, this was a good book and is a quick read at only around 130 pages. I especially recommend it to those people who try to live by the six rules.
After reading another book by Perkins, (Six Battles Every Man Must Win) I wasn't too excited to read this book. While I disagreed with much of the material and conclusions of the Six Battles book, I found myself agreeing with most of what Perkins wrote about breaking these six rules.
The six rules are:
Passivity - never get into a fight
Playing it safe - never risk it all
Perseverance - never give up
Independence - never ask for help
Restraint - never lose your cool
Impress others - never look stupid
These are indeed many rules or ideas that people, especially men, try to live by. However, these are "rules" that people should break and the author uses Scripture to demonstrate his point.
Overall, this was a good book and is a quick read at only around 130 pages. I especially recommend it to those people who try to live by the six rules.
May 03, 2012
Gillette Sensor 3 Sensitive
Continuing my quest for the perfect shave, I picked up a pack of 4 Gillette Sensor 3 Sensitive disposable razors from Wal*Mart. I had a $2 off coupon so the razors were about $1 a piece, without a coupon they would be around $1.50 a piece.
For the past two months I have been running it through my rigorous testing methods. I know many people are not fans of Gillette. They think the razors are over priced and don't cut well. I must say, however, that I find Gillette to make some of the best razors that I have come across. The Sensor 3 Sensitive compliments the product line.
The shave was very close and smooth. I didn't cut myself with the razor at all. It wasn't painful when applying aftershave either. The sensitive strip was still going strong at the end of each month. The shave was very similar to the Mach 3. However, the Sensor 3 was able to get closer to the nose on my upper lip. I have always found that to be a problem with the Mach 3.
Another nice feature of the Sensor 3 is the fact that you can pop off the blade and install it on the Sensor handle if you don't like the lighter weight plastic handle of the disposable razor.
I find it interesting that these razors cost about $1.50 a piece for the blade attached to a cheap handle. If you purchase the Sensor 3 cartridges for the Sensor handle they cost about $2.50 a piece. When you buy the cartridges you are actually paying MORE for LESS!
I will give this razor my highest rating yet, a 95%. It shaves as well as the Mach 3 but at a lower cost. Plus if you don't like the handle you can place the blade on your Sensor handle.
I have a few more Mach 3 and BIC Flex 4 razors to use at home, but once those are gone I will be purchasing the Sensor 3 disposables for regular usage. They seem to be the best shave for the buck for me so far, but I am always looking for new options to try out.
Next month I will use the razor attached to my Sensor handle to see if it makes any difference.
For the past two months I have been running it through my rigorous testing methods. I know many people are not fans of Gillette. They think the razors are over priced and don't cut well. I must say, however, that I find Gillette to make some of the best razors that I have come across. The Sensor 3 Sensitive compliments the product line.
The shave was very close and smooth. I didn't cut myself with the razor at all. It wasn't painful when applying aftershave either. The sensitive strip was still going strong at the end of each month. The shave was very similar to the Mach 3. However, the Sensor 3 was able to get closer to the nose on my upper lip. I have always found that to be a problem with the Mach 3.
Another nice feature of the Sensor 3 is the fact that you can pop off the blade and install it on the Sensor handle if you don't like the lighter weight plastic handle of the disposable razor.
I find it interesting that these razors cost about $1.50 a piece for the blade attached to a cheap handle. If you purchase the Sensor 3 cartridges for the Sensor handle they cost about $2.50 a piece. When you buy the cartridges you are actually paying MORE for LESS!
I will give this razor my highest rating yet, a 95%. It shaves as well as the Mach 3 but at a lower cost. Plus if you don't like the handle you can place the blade on your Sensor handle.
I have a few more Mach 3 and BIC Flex 4 razors to use at home, but once those are gone I will be purchasing the Sensor 3 disposables for regular usage. They seem to be the best shave for the buck for me so far, but I am always looking for new options to try out.
Next month I will use the razor attached to my Sensor handle to see if it makes any difference.
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