Hope News: Book Reviews

The Modern Dad’s Dilemma: How to Stay Connected with Your Kids in a Rapidly Changing World

2011-06-06T13:57:00.000-05:00

Author: John Badalament, EdM
Publisher: New World Library
Price: $14.95

Reviewed by: Brandee Musiala

John Badalament is widely known for speaking about parenting, so it’s no wonder that Patrick F. Bassett, president of the National Association of Independent Schools, referred to The Modern Dad’s Dilemma as “The refresher course that many dads need to reconnect with their children.”

We definitely expect more of fathers today than we ever have. From their child’s birth to adulthood, they are now right there by their partner’s side and very hands-on. Yet, sometimes issues like communication and finding that perfect balance between work and family can be tricky. If this sounds all too familiar to you, then you really must read through the stories of the fifteen dads featured in this book for tips on how they worked through these issues and more.

The Modern Dad's Dilemma is an invaluable asset for those who: need to find a balance between work and family, and want to model a healthy loving relationship and establish open communication with their children.

One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land

2011-05-23T15:24:00.001-05:00

Author: Priscilla Shirer
Publisher: B&H Books
Price: $14.99

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

The Bible says abundant life can be ours. However, many of us don't understand what exactly that means and are confused about how to obtain it.

Author Priscilla Shirer wants us to break out of the ordinary, to have the confidence to face life with “spiritual stamina” and grab hold of the fullness and prosperity that God offers and receive blessings that really matter.

In using the example of the Israelites' trek through the desert to the Promised Land, Shirer draws on the parallels between their journey and the journey of every Christian ever since. Broken up into three parts – Deliverance, Development and Destiny – One in a Million is written in a conversational tone that is both explanatory and illustrative.

No matter the path, we can follow God with bold faith because He is there every step of the way. Good living ultimately opens the door to fulfillment and God moving on our behalf in miraculous and unexpected ways.

Selected Passage: “That's why I'm glad God didn't promise the Israelites a land flowing with nothing but milk – just as I'm glad Jesus didn't stop short in John 10:10 by merely saying, 'I came that they may have life.' Life is good, just like milk is good. But the life Jesus came to give is a whole lot more than good. It's not just the good life; it's the great life, the kind of life He intends for us to experience 'abundantly'.”

A Remarkable Marriage

2011-05-16T09:58:00.000-05:00

Author: David J. Whitcomb
Publisher: BJU Press
Price: $19.95

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

“God gave His guidelines so that His people would demonstrate proper relationships in the home. Therefore, it should be especially true that God's people demonstrate successful relationships.” (5)

More than ever, families and marriages are falling apart in the modern world. Author, pastor and experienced marriage counselor David J. Whitcomb wants to give you the guidance you need to protect these institutions and thrive in your relationships.

Through straightforward principles, demonstrated with relatable contemporary examples and simple-to-understand Biblical instructions, Whitcomb is effective in getting his message across. His style of writing flows seamlessly and the divided chapters (into 30 different principles) makes reading easily digestible, as well as specific categories plainly accessible.

“Without rules, we will all do what we want to do, which results in hurting or neglecting others.” (3)

A Remarkable Marriage is an excellent guidebook for those preparing for marriage and those who are already married. It is highly recommended.

The Faces of Grief: A Woman's Bible Study

2011-04-26T09:39:00.003-05:00

Author: Marian Talley-Cunningham
Publisher: BJU Press
Price: $7.95

Reviewed by: Brandee Musiala

There are many faces of grief and just as many ways to deal with it. Yet when Marian Talley-Cunningham found herself widowed for the second time, it was scripture that really helped her.

This bible study will arm you with helpful passages and advice as you begin to navigate your way through the loss of your loved one. So if you find yourself dealing with denial, anger, bargaining, depression or even acceptance, this is a great resource for you.

A Homeopathic Guide to Partnership and Compatibility: Understanding Your Type and Finding Love

2011-04-20T10:01:00.006-05:00

by Liz Lalor (2004)
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Price: $18.95

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

Although we see the effects of illness physically, there are mental and emotional factors that run alongside it. Homeopathy takes into account the simultaneous forces at work within us.

Lalor not only looks into the underlying emotional component that affects one's health and well-being, but even goes further by linking self-knowledge to finding your ideal partner (unlike previous uses and methods of homeopathy). There is a stronger connection than you may think.

“Homeopathic constitutional analysis is based on the assumption that when you know who are you are, you also know what fulfills you emotionally,” she says.

Studying movies as examples, from The African Queen to American Splendor, Lalor looks at character and emotional personalities, as well as relationship types. By observing individualized and custom approaches to life, the author is able to categorize a number of constitutions. By seeing where you match up, the result is self-understanding and finding what makes you feel fulfilled in a relationship.

“A constitutional analysis encompasses who you are, how you operate in the world, how you interact with people, and, most important for this book, what you are like in your relationships.”

A truly unique application backed up by research and experience, Lalor's book takes self-knowledge and compatibility to a whole new level.

Angel of Light: A Personal Journey Through Imagination to Find the Spirit

2011-04-06T11:02:00.001-05:00

by Richard James Cook (2001)
Publisher: Fountain Publishing
Price: $16.00

Reviewed by: Brandee Musiala

Few of us can't imagine anything more tragic than the death of a child. In the face of such a tragedy, Richard James Cook managed to channel his grief into the poems and artwork that are of Angel of Light: A Personal Journey Through Imagination to Find the Spirit.

Not to be read without a box of tissues nearby, Angel of Light chronicles the short life of Cook’s daughter Laura who was diagnosed with a rare heart disease in her first year of life. The Cooks’ were then faced with the reality that Laura would need a heart transplant. Unfortunately, despite the transplant, Laura passed away when she was just four years old.

When his journaling gives way to poems, passages and paintings that helped Richard James Cook work through his loss, the spiritual closure is evident. The paintings in which Laura is depicted as living on in heaven are especially telling.

As emotionally charged as this book is, I believe it is the depictions of Laura living on that may help someone in a similar situation. All in all, bittersweet.

From Fat to Fit: Turn Yourself Into a Weapon of Mass Reduction

2011-03-14T13:48:00.010-05:00

by Carole Carson (2007)
Publisher: Hound Press
Price: $14.95

Reviewed by: Brandee Cote

From The Biggest Loser to Village on a Diet, it seems that we can’t get enough of a great weight loss story. Not only are they inspirational, but for the subjects themselves, the shows' popularity brings accountability. For those of us who have struggled with weight loss, we know all too well that in those moments of weakness, it’s harder to give in when you have a weight loss partner to answer to.

Carole Carson’s weight loss journey is a great testament to that. Tired of the self-loathing, she courageously spoke publicly about the shame of being obese in her local newspaper. She also made a commitment to continue to be open about her weight loss. So as Carole went from 'fat to fit', she took a community with her and after two months of encouraging each other, they collectively lost 8,000 pounds!

If you’re about to start your own weight loss journey, I definitely recommend reading this book and pairing up with a friend for support and motivation.

Happy Days, Healthy Living: From Sit-Com Teen to the Health-Food Scene

2011-02-23T14:29:00.008-05:00

by Cathy Silver
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Price: $18.95

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

Cathy Silvers is most known to audiences as “Jenny Piccolo” on television's Happy Days, but now she is doing something to make sure our days stay happy by speaking on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Her book is divided into distinguishing parts of her life.

i) There are passages on growing up, with plenty of stories on Cathy's father (Phil Silvers, the famous entertainer and comedy actor), along with how the influence of show business, the experience of public speaking in school competitions, and her talent led her to win a role on Happy Days, becoming a successful actress in Hollywood right off the bat.

ii) There is Cathy's adult life: going to college, getting married, projects she took on (such as helping the homeless in form of fundraising when she was living in Washington, D.C.), having kids, a health scare, and how she was led from being a “fast food mom” to changing her lifestyle for the better.

iii) The end features insight from leaders in healthy living – from the fields of nutrition, beauty, health, and environment.

Forewards by Garry Marshall (creator and executive producer of Happy Days) and Ron Howard (Happy Days, now a famous Hollywood director), and other passages by former co-stars (Erin Moran, Marion Ross, and Henry Winkler), give a nice inside perspective of their experiences with Cathy. All mention her unrelenting energy and charisma.

We always hear about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. This book takes it even further, revealing facts that most individuals aren't aware of and would be shocked to hear. It shakes the reader out of their reverie to realize their lifestyle and diet is not good for them. Even more importantly, it inspires thinking for the better – helping to conduce real change.

Live Longer, Live Better: Taking Care of Your Health

2011-02-17T12:13:00.003-05:00

by Peter H. Gott, M.D. (2004)
Publisher: Quill Driver Books
Price: $14.95 or $23.50 (CAD)

Reviewed by: John Worobec

Dr. Gott, America's most popular medical columnist, addresses health concerns (in an organized manner) to assist those seeking information and interesting possibilities for their medical issues. Besides the clinical side of medicine, Dr. Gott does mention things that are naturalistic in methods and natural/herbal aids, but also warns about the quantity and/or use that could be detrimental or non-existent in value to health. (Note: It is not a replacement for a personal one-on-one medical advice from a qualified physician).

Each chapter fields a definitive topic in which Dr. Gott explains possible situations/scenarios that could play out based on his experiences, and his views from a medical perspective, as well. The index in the back of the book is very comprehensive in finding a more specific need. Therefore, there is no need to read the whole book or chapter(s) to become knowledgeable about a specific affliction.

All in all, it is a guide for taking charge of your health.

Breakfasts with Archangel Shecky: And His Infallible, Irrefutable, Unassailable, One-Size-Fits-All Secrets of Success

2011-02-14T11:08:00.004-05:00

by Gene Perret (2008)
Publisher: Quill Driver Books
Price: $19.95

Reviewed by: Brandee Cote

Who doesn’t love a good success story? Written by three-time Emmy Award winner, Gene Perret, this hilarious portrayal of a guardian angel attempting to turn a Philadelphia wannabe comedian into an entertainment star is hard to put down.

“Is Shecky really an angelic visitor from the other side? Or is he just a blowhard deadbeat who’s trying to con a few free drinks and a meal or two from a kid who wants desperately to make it in the comedy profession? Well, that’s part of the mystery that makes this tale so captivating.”

This book is a light-hearted, fun read that will have you applying Archangel Shecky’s advice to your chosen goals!

No Matter What, You Can Rejoice; Reflections for Teens

2011-02-01T11:11:00.005-05:00

by Michelle Grover (2008)

Publisher: BJU Press

Price: $8.99

Reviewed by: Brandee Cote

In No Matter What, You Can Rejoice; Reflections for Teens, Michelle Grover hopes to help today’s coming of age youth realize just how great God and their relationship with him can be.

Grover has a way of presenting the issues that youth are often faced with in a very analytical, yet nurturing way. Her thought-provoking questions to the situations and Psalms that are presented throughout the 12-lesson workbook will undoubtedly, help one build a strong bond with their faith.

Hand Wash Cold: Care Instructions for an Ordinary Life

2011-01-27T12:00:00.005-05:00

by Karen Maezen Miller (2010)

Publisher: New World Library

Price: $14.95

Reviewed by: Brandee Cote

Written in the same vein as the popular Eat, Pray, Love, this book is about embracing the little things in life – especially in the wake of personal trials. Whether it'd be finding “happiness at the bottom of the laundry basket, the love in the kitchen sink, and the peace possible in one’s own backyard.” Miller discovers that it’s these seemingly mundane things that offer great opportunity for personal growth.

“And I was missing it, because I thought life was something other than my life. I thought life was something envisioned and achieved. I thought it was manufactured from ideals and earned through elbow grease. I thought it was yet to arrive, and so I missed everything that had already come. I was blind to my marriage and my absence from it. I saw my job almost exclusively as a necessity, and rarely as the exhilarating invention that it was. My home was a headache, a pile of rust and dust. I was certain that I never wanted a family: not one more person to clean up after. And I had never examined my mind, my heart, or my hand in any of this.”

A captivating yet easy read, pick this one up if you’re in the mood for a little self-examination.

In Search of My Heart: An Encouraging Story of Healing from Childhood Abuse

2011-01-19T11:05:00.008-05:00

by Rebekah Huetter (1998)

Publisher: Words of Hope Publishing Company

Price: $16.95

Reviewed by: Brandee Cote

Few things are more difficult than being a survivor of child abuse. Perhaps the greatest blessing to come from all of that pain is the ability to pick yourself up, and lend some of that strength earned to help others. Rebekah Huetter manages to do just that by candidly recounting memories from her stolen childhood. Her courage will no doubt inspire others to also reclaim their lives.

Despite its heavy subject matter, this book is one filled with hope, promise and encouragement. It should be read by those who are ready to pick themselves up, work through their pain, and move on.

Noah and the Ark

2011-01-13T14:09:00.007-05:00

by K.W. McCardell and Antonella Chirco

Publisher: Bible Rhymes Publishing

Price: Become a member on BibleRhymes.com

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

This animated Biblical story comes alive with delightfully illustrated scenes of friendly-looking animals. The story is even expanded on with fun details.

The movement of the characters and animals, with sound effects and background music, adds a lot of dimension to this story, making it more tangible and real.

All in all, a very warm and uplifting read.

“The good Lord had said that he’d make it through

His family and animals, they’d make it too” (23)

The Snowflake

2010-11-29T11:03:00.021-05:00

by Jamie Carie (2010)

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group

Price: $14.99

Reviewed by: Diana Worobec

In the words of Jeanette Winterson, "They say that every snowflake is different." Just like every snowflake, so is our lives: each of us has a different story to tell.

The Snowflake is a touching story of a man and woman's journey and discovery of themselves, and each other, as they face the hardship and bitter cold of surviving an Alaskan winter. In 1897, a brother and sister are looking to reach the Alaska gold rush. Meanwhile, a man is dealing with the results of his wife's death. As the three come together due to a tragedy, we see the struggles of fear and love.

It's a pleasure to have Canada addressed in the story since there does not appear to be many books with its setting in Canada featuring a romantic twist, and characters' faith in God. Dawson City is a town located in Yukon, Canada, founded and named in January 1897 after Georde M. Dawson who had explored and mapped the region in 1887.

Those who enjoy a good romance with a touch of Christmas will definitely enjoy The Snowflake.

The Power of Prayer and Fasting: God's Gateway to Spiritual Breakthroughs

2010-10-19T08:57:00.006-05:00

by Ronnie W. Floyd (2010)

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group

Price: $12.99

Reviewed by: John Worobec

(Note: Due to physical and/or medical conditions, some individuals fasting would not be safe.)

This book is written from a spiritual perspective, and is based on the author's personal experience.

God has honoured, and is honouring, all the prayers and fasting that have taken place. Prayer with fasting is something exceptional. It can be done individually or corporately as a church or a church group. In tandem with prayer and fasting, each individual would need the dynamic personal changes to help bring natural and world change.

(1) It renews and refreshes you;

(2) It gets you away from self-gratification, self-worship, self-exaltation…of this worldly system;

(3) It brings dynamic personal change and experience to God's presence and power in your life.

But more importantly, it will help to draw one nearer to Jesus and to know Him; to better experience His presence and power in your life, and to become more effective and fruitful with vessels for Him to use.

The potential Power of this spiritual-type life of prayer and fasting lights the fuse to free God's significant power in supernatural living, including spiritual breakthroughs.

Love’s First Light

2010-08-16T12:49:00.050-05:00

by Jamie Carie (2009)

Publisher: B&H Publishing

Price: $14.99

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

Love, hope, and forgiveness are the main themes in this novel that takes place during the French revolution. Christophe, the Count of St. Laurent, and Scarlett, a young widow carrying her deceased husband’s child, are the protagonists whose lives interweave as they move between Paris and Carcassonne,

France

in the story. Christophe flees to Carcassonne to live in exile from society while being haunted by his past. It is there where he meets Scarlett and her mother and sister. An unlikely connection Scarlett has with someone of Christophe’s past threatens their deepening relationship.

The supporting characters add substance, warmth, and humour to otherwise complex situations. The descriptions of society provide a very clear depiction of what life was like back at that time, a time that has shaped history. Moreover, Christophe’s fascination of science reflects his journey of faith from darkness to light.

Everything comes to a head when Scarlett’s family must find a way to survive their barely-getting-by circumstances, and when Christophe is determined to confront his past once and for all.

Improving Intimacy: 10 Powerful Strategies; A Spiritual Approach

2010-06-02T10:41:00.011-05:00

by Tom O'Connell (1993)

Publisher: Sanctuary Unlimited

Price: $7.00

Reviewed by: Jeff deViller

Trapped in a cycle of bad relationships? Or just looking to strengthen your current relationship? Tom O’Connell’s Improving Intimacy may be the book for you. Broken up into 30 manageable sections with a strong spiritual backbone, this book offers the common sense insight needed to take any relationship to a spiritually stronger level.

Through a spiritual lens, the first half of Improving Intimacy successfully deconstructs infatuation, intimacy, and romantic love. The second half provides 10 strategies to help the “intimacy addict” overcome the shortcomings of these relationships. The goal is to relate to one’s partner in a loving and caring way. From “learning to listen” to “becoming who you are”, these common sense strategies provide a clear direction for readers looking for insight into developing a strong foundation in their relationships.

This 40 page book was developed into a course called "Creating Healthy Relationships" at Cape Cod Community College. Tom O’Connell also offers retreats and presents lectures based on the book. With such success, Improving Intimacy is clearly a book that will strengthen any reader’s relationship.

The Mindfulness Code: Keys for Overcoming Stress, Anxiety, Fear, and Unhappiness

2010-05-19T13:38:00.017-05:00

by Donald Altman (2010)

Publisher: New World Library
Price: $14.95

Reviewed by: Cindy Pomeroy

This book is very mind-refreshing in view of the fact that the stresses of life can throw you off balance. As soon as you begin to feel tired and less able to handle the daily stresses you face, this is your cue to slow down.

A Mindfulness Code offers a deeper look at understanding a healthy mind and healthy body. Find out how to familiarize yourself to positive concepts that will help recharge your physical and emotional batteries by way of revamping situations in your life.

Donald Altman’s focus is to help make certain you have plenty of energy to go the distance, as well as outlining how to spend more time thinking about where to focus your attention.

Living in the Moment: A Prescription for the Soul

2010-05-05T18:30:00.009-05:00

by Gary Null (2008)

Publisher: North Atlantic Books

Price: $23.95

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

Gary Null, PhD, has been on the radio for over two decades in addition to his work of documentary films and investigative reporting. Foremost, Null is an author who has written a number of books on self-improvement, with the frequent focus being on health and self-empowerment. He has also conquered The New York Times bestseller list and has extensively been featured in magazines.

Living in the Moment is about showing individuals that we can live our best life possible - and we all have the power to do so, says Null. Many times, we place limitations on what we can or should do with ourselves. Outside voices have placed expectations and conditioning on how we live. We start to make excuses for why can not do something or achieve our dreams. Ultimately, this heavily impacts the choices we make. By not being in tune with ourselves, we waste our time on things that don’t really matter to us because of the belief system that we are inclined to follow.

This book would be excellent for anyone looking for an educated perspective. Null gives sound advice to help individuals break free of distractions that are detrimental to our true potential.

Adventures of Faith: On Learning to Walk on Water

2010-05-05T17:29:00.018-05:00

by Faith Annette Sand (2009)

Publisher: Hope Publishing House

Price: $15.00

Reviewed by: Margaret Reid

...beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord save me" (Matthew 14:30).

Our lives are often dominated by worries and fears - whether they be health fears, money worries, marital problems, etc. - and we want to cry out "Lord save me".

This author, a mother of ten children, four stepchildren and seventeen grandchildren, spent many years living in

Brazil

before returning to the

U.S.

In spite of her experiences, and because of her walk with the Lord, she is able to give the reader some insight into the faith needed to shun fears and learn to "walk on water".

Grace for Every Trial: A Women's Bible Study

2010-05-05T17:18:00.020-05:00

by Betty Henderson (2008)
Publisher: BJU Press
Price: $7.95

Reviewed by: Margaret Reid

Many Christians find reading the book of Job depressing as they read of a God-fearing man experiencing great suffering and sorrow. Betty Henderson has developed a Bible Study on the book of Job that can be used individually, or by a group.

After each reading, there are questions to encourage discussion and to give more insight into the passage read.
In this book, the reader will discover many truths about God and come away with a new outlook about (1) how to be a better comforter to those who are suffering and (2) trusting the Lord more.

The List: Figuring Out Prince Charming, The Corner Office, and Happily Ever After

2010-04-22T11:01:00.028-05:00

by Marian Jordan (2009)

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group

Price: $11.99

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

Marian Jordan writes in a style relatable to young females of this generation. In The List, she explores what every girl is after: checking off self-made goals that must be done in a chronological and definitive way.

Jordan

is witty and insightful, giving perspective on this concept.

Some interesting points and topics include:

-Beauty: how we often focus on exterior instead of the interior, but this is an empty way of living

-What we put our hope in: this world does not provide the security and acceptance we crave

-Our agenda vs. God’s agenda: we all have a custom personality with special gifts that we are meant to use

-Our God-given niche: there are certain passions built into us that will bring fulfilment

The author also incorporates her own experience in trying to fill a void with what the world claims is an exciting way to live. In the end, it only left her hungrier than before.

It is only when we encounter Jesus that we truly feel beautiful and at peace.

Featured quote: “Anything, and I mean anything, we place at the center of our lives except him [Jesus] will crumble. If we choose to seek first a husband or career or a perfect body, then we are putting THE CENTER OF OUR LIVES SOMETHING UNFIT TO REIGN THERE. Anything we devote ourselves to other than him will ultimately disappoint and leave us wanting and searching for another person, experience, or possession” (93-94).

A Path of Colored Leaves

2010-03-26T02:00:00.012-05:00

by Rachel Carr Klippenstein (2000)

Publisher: Fountain Publishing

Price: $7.25

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

As the title implies, this book is about the seasons of life - more specifically, the journey of Klippenstein and her husband. As they deal with a painful lost reality, the author discovers a new dream and her ultimate destiny to write.

The seasons of the year and the places that the couple settles in seem to reflect their present state of prosperity. In South Dakota, it was dry. In Florida, the sunshine was an indication of a promise about to be fulfilled. In Oregon, the rainy weather was almost a cleansing and healing of the past. As spring broke through, so did a new life.

In addition, there is reflection on Klippenstein’s college education experience and stories of the ranch.

We deal with crisis and situations in our own way and in our own time: a theme that resounds throughout the book. It is also in the most difficult times that we find ourselves.

Featured quote: “The intensity of pain corresponds to the intensity of what is loved” (30).

Fear Not!: Meditations to Overcome Fear, Worry and Discouragement

2010-03-19T11:15:00.009-05:00

by Rand Hummel (2008)

Publisher: BJU Press

Price: $9.95

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

The book is broken up into manageable segments with meditations targeting a specific truth. As the back cover explains, the author gives “strategic help” through simple instructions as revealed inside: “This is what God says” / “Now think about it” / “How can it affect me?”

Part One is God’s Fear Applied to Fear, Worry, and Discouragement; Part Two is God’s Word Applies to Ten Common Fears. In the latter, there is a kind of duality between the human perspective and the fact of God. For example, “The fear of rejection vs. the fact of God’s acceptance” is one chapter that demonstrates this.

The more we focus on God and his word, the clearer our mind will be and the more happy and content we will be because we understand who God is, says Hummel.

Lest You Fall: Meditations to Fight Moral Impurity / Turn Away Wrath: Meditations to Control Anger & Bitterness

2010-03-05T14:13:00.073-05:00

Lest You Fall: Meditations to Fight Moral Impurity

by Rand Hummel (2005)

Publisher: BJU Press

Price: $8.95

Turn Away Wrath: Meditations to Control Anger & Bitterness

by Rand Hummel (2007)

Publisher: BJU Press

Price: $9.95

Reviewed by: Leslie Richardson

When the best minds in science seek out the mysteries of the cosmos, or the quirks and quarks of subatomic particles, they look first for the answers which seem to exhibit “simplicity and grace”. In today’s ultra high-tech world, we are under an aggressive assault by media, TV, Hollywood, and the Internet. So many have fallen to immorality, and let rage run wild. People flock to the book stores and spend millions on the latest self-help trendy fad ideas, making rich the “New Age” gurus.

Rand Hummel wishes to help us in a return to simplicity and grace. He has assembled short and pertinent scriptures dealing with short temper in his book Turn Away Wrath, and moral impurity in Lest You Fall. The plan is simple: one scripture per day. He calls them meditations. I think of them as medications. Don’t miss your daily dosage! Sooner than you think, a little peace and serenity may be yours!

Power, Freedom and Grace: Living from the Source of Lasting Happiness

2010-02-26T14:32:00.007-05:00

by Deepak Chopra (2006)

Publisher: Amber-Allen Publishing, Inc.

Price: $14.00

Reviewed by: Eleanor Johnston

Power, Freedom and Grace is yet another book by Chopra, the bestselling author/motivational speaker who touches a powerful chord among North Americans alienated from their own spiritual traditions. His message speaks from the ancient Indian wisdom of the Vedanta to New Age positivism, and it intrigues, comforts and provides guidance to millions of readers.

Chopra maintains that, by focusing on our essential spiritual selves, we can tap the energy of the innate intelligence of the universe, thereby discovering power, freedom and grace and freeing ourselves from the illusions of materialism and ego. He challenges us to contemplate ideas such as these: “The world exists in us; we do not exist in the world”; “Everything in the universe is alive…When we fall in love with everything that exists, the universe speaks to us and reveals its innermost secrets”.

Although many scientists reject his claim that modern science informs his discovery of the field of pure consciousness, Chopra’s message is revered by many. A very engaging quotation is from the mystic, Rumi: “I have lived on the lip of insanity, wanting to know reasons, knocking on a door. The door opens. I have been knocking from the inside.”

Prayers: A Communion with Our Creator

2010-02-19T14:36:00.006-05:00

by Deepak Chopra (2001)

Publisher: Amber-Allen Publishing, Inc.

Price: $12.95

Reviewed by: Margaret Reid

“Prayer is a communion of the human with the divine” states the author of this book. Eight topics related to prayer are expanded upon, each dealing with a different aspect of prayer e.g. truth, forgiveness, love, gratitude, etc. In each chapter the topic is developed and the chapter ends with a related prayer which helps focus our thoughts.

This book would be useful as a guide to praying and would undoubtedly expand our ideas about how to pray, as the author uses a combination of Christian awareness and ancient wisdom.

Reflections of a Wyoming Shepherd on the 23rd Psalm

2010-02-12T14:38:00.013-05:00

by Patricia McClaflin Booher (2009)

Publisher: Authorhouse

Price: $17.95

Reviewed by: Margaret Reid

The author of this book has a background of sheep farming in Wyoming.

She draws upon many of these experiences in her writing.

Each verse of the psalm is expanded upon using events in her own, her family’s and her friends’ lives. The reader can relate to many of these anecdotes.

This is another look at a very familiar psalm. It is a very readable book, and as one reflects on the various experiences described, the Good Shepherd role becomes more meaningful.

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

2010-02-05T14:42:00.015-05:00

by Don Miguel Ruiz (1997)

Publisher: Amber-Allen Publishing, Inc.

Price: $12.95

Reviewed by: Eleanor Johnston

Remember the novels of Carlos Castaneda in the 1970’s? They taught the traditions of the shamanic Toltec religion that flourished inMexico and the southwestern states before the arrival of the Europeans. Like other early American traditions, the Toltec features trickster figures, spiritual wisdom and ecstatic transformations. This book summarizes Toltec beliefs--think Castaneda without plot or peyote.

For today’s North Americans to appreciate this book, it is presented in a self-help style with New Age-style countercultural aphorisms organized in an accessible, elegant format. The Four Agreements are: ”Be Impeccable With Your Word,” “Don’t Take Anything Personally,” “Don’t Make Assumptions,” and “Always Do Your Best.” By focusing on and striving toward these practices, promises the book, the reader can lead a happy, God-filled life.

Readers who look beyond Christian orthodoxy can hope that the Toltec, like the many other religions threatened by Western secular culture, survives into the future. Reading it is like reading a book by the Dalai Lama, a manuscript of ancient Norse sayings, or a collection of Taoist proverbs. Could it be that, if we look back far enough in comparing all the world’s ancient religions, we will find a shared theology, a common wisdom, a saving mysticism?

When Trouble Comes

2010-01-29T14:45:00.007-05:00

by Jim Berg (2002)

Publisher: BJU Press

Price: $11.95

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

The author uses the Bible as a foundational base for giving wisdom and examples of getting through trouble in our life. For example, even in the most dire situation, it is all about attitude and looking to God, as well as shaking off selfishness because our flesh gets us in trouble.

Some messages include: It’s about our response to the situation. We can only control what we will do, and then the situation can only get better – not worse, if we were to react or act out the wrong way. If God can give us salvation and rescue our souls, then of course he can help us with the early crises.

The book is concise, yet provides enough detail to get the message across effectively.