Keller is the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. He takes a fresh look at the parable of the "prodigal son." While most concentrate on the younger son, Keller also draws our attention to the elder son. He was the one who had been good, had always done the right thing. He felt that now the father (God) "owed" him.
Sound familiar? Perhaps there are those of us who think we are pretty good. We are at church every time the doors are open... Could it be? Might it be that there are religious Christians (elder brothers) who are no more pleasing to the Father than the rebellious (younger brother)? At least the younger brother repented!
If you even think you might be doing good deeds for the Father so that He will be impressed with you and give you what you think you deserve, this book will shake you up!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
What's Age Got to do With It? by Robin McGraw
Robin McGraw loves to do research and it shows. There is more information in this book than I ever wanted to know about exercise, weight loss, maintaining the skin, make-up and hair. There are very practical suggestions for taking care of your body, regardless of your age. The section on achieving the right body weight is great (including an eating plan from Dr. Phil’s book). The information on perimenopause and menopause is worth the price of the book.
Readers might be put off by the number of doctors Robin has used in her own experience and the number of treatments she has undergone (and undergoes) to maintain her appearance. One aspect of keeping her skin young looking is monthly treatments (“it isn’t too pricey”) that cost between $150 and $300 (depending where you live). That might be someone’s monthly grocery allowance, gone in 45 minutes of pulsating electrodes. One minute I am upset with her because of the expense she thinks her readers should go to in keeping up their appearance. The next minute I admire her for using a homemade exfoliating scrub made from oatmeal, almonds and honey. She does offer several alternatives to expensive skin care but I still get the impression you get what you pay for.
Robin is not put off by the expensive treatment she recommends. She says, “I suggest giving up whatever you need to afford it … even a costly birthday party for your kids.” In her view, “nothing is more important than your health.”
And then there is the time involved. It takes her about 20 minutes to prepare her face for going out in public. Just reading of her daily face washing, cleansing, moisturizing, etc. and all the products she uses is mind boggling.
We find towards the end of the book that Robin has high levels of the human growth hormone and testosterone. She says the high level of these hormones “is one thing that has kept my skin from wrinkling.” If that’s the case, do the rest of us with normal levels of hormones really have a chance to have skin like Robin’s, regardless of the treatments we pursue?
Robin says, “In a perfect world we would all be okay walking around with our blemishes or lines exposed, but that’s simply not realistic.” She adds, “I know the confidence boost you can get from making that one blemish a little less noticeable. In turn that confidence boost lifts your self esteem and mood, and then this good feeling permeates and improves everything in your life from your relationships to your work to how you carry yourself through this world.”
If someone were to meet me on the street and tell me I’m beautiful, I would rather it be from what they have seen on the inside of me, not the outside.
By the way, at the end of the book, and I mean at the very end after eight blank and unnumbered pages, is “IMPORTANT CAUTION – PLEASE READ THIS”. Why wasn’t that placed at the beginning of the book?
Readers might be put off by the number of doctors Robin has used in her own experience and the number of treatments she has undergone (and undergoes) to maintain her appearance. One aspect of keeping her skin young looking is monthly treatments (“it isn’t too pricey”) that cost between $150 and $300 (depending where you live). That might be someone’s monthly grocery allowance, gone in 45 minutes of pulsating electrodes. One minute I am upset with her because of the expense she thinks her readers should go to in keeping up their appearance. The next minute I admire her for using a homemade exfoliating scrub made from oatmeal, almonds and honey. She does offer several alternatives to expensive skin care but I still get the impression you get what you pay for.
Robin is not put off by the expensive treatment she recommends. She says, “I suggest giving up whatever you need to afford it … even a costly birthday party for your kids.” In her view, “nothing is more important than your health.”
And then there is the time involved. It takes her about 20 minutes to prepare her face for going out in public. Just reading of her daily face washing, cleansing, moisturizing, etc. and all the products she uses is mind boggling.
We find towards the end of the book that Robin has high levels of the human growth hormone and testosterone. She says the high level of these hormones “is one thing that has kept my skin from wrinkling.” If that’s the case, do the rest of us with normal levels of hormones really have a chance to have skin like Robin’s, regardless of the treatments we pursue?
Robin says, “In a perfect world we would all be okay walking around with our blemishes or lines exposed, but that’s simply not realistic.” She adds, “I know the confidence boost you can get from making that one blemish a little less noticeable. In turn that confidence boost lifts your self esteem and mood, and then this good feeling permeates and improves everything in your life from your relationships to your work to how you carry yourself through this world.”
If someone were to meet me on the street and tell me I’m beautiful, I would rather it be from what they have seen on the inside of me, not the outside.
By the way, at the end of the book, and I mean at the very end after eight blank and unnumbered pages, is “IMPORTANT CAUTION – PLEASE READ THIS”. Why wasn’t that placed at the beginning of the book?
Whispers Through the Trees by Susan Plunkett & Krysteen Seelen
Living on an island in Puget Sound, it's difficult to find novels set in this area. A pleasant surprise, Whispers Through the Trees takes place on a fictitious island in the San Juan Islands. Successful East coast Abby comes back home to the island to help her sister Mary recuperate from an automobile accident in which Mary lost the use of her legs. Abby and Mary struggle with their relationship. Abby struggles with her successful career back east and a slower yet more rewarding opportunity on the island.
This book is a delightful read. There is nothing heavy or depressing. The readers learns the importance of embracing individuals, regardless of their appearance or abilities. One gets a sense of what island like is life (there is a different lifestyle and thinking process for islanders) in the Pacific Northwest. Perhaps that explains Abby hearing God whisper to her in the quiet o the island. I highly recommend the book for light and inspirational reading.
This book is a delightful read. There is nothing heavy or depressing. The readers learns the importance of embracing individuals, regardless of their appearance or abilities. One gets a sense of what island like is life (there is a different lifestyle and thinking process for islanders) in the Pacific Northwest. Perhaps that explains Abby hearing God whisper to her in the quiet o the island. I highly recommend the book for light and inspirational reading.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Christless Christianity by Michael Horton
Horton is always thought provoking. This book is no exception. Horton argues that much of what we read in popular Christian books (such as Osteen and Schuller) and see on TV (such as Osteen and Schuller) is "feel good" Christianity, a sort of moral therapeutic deism. The salvific work of Christ is missing.
Horton is also critical of the "emerging" and "missional" concepts. He declares, "The church has a very narrow commission. It is not called to be an alternative neighborhood, circle of friends, political action committee, social club, or public service agency; it is called to deliver Christ so clearly and fully that believers are prepared to be salt and light in the worldly stations to which God has called them." (Pg. 228) At the same time, Horton does acknowledge that, "...the Emergent church movement has reminded us that there is a serious call to discipleship in the New Testament." (Pg. 234)
Horton is Reformed and therefor emphasizes creeds and community spirituality (as opposed to private spirituality).
Even though I am thoroughly Reformed, I did not agree with everything Horton advances. I think he makes an unreformed distinction between the sacred and the secular (pg. 207). I was disturbed that he used a Barna report published in 1996 to "prove" that the church growth (or seeker-driven) movement (with emphasis on its missional aspect) shows no growth in professed conversions. (Pg. 227, footnote 44.) Not only is that data 13 years old, the term "missional" did not become prominent in church growth circles until the 1998 publishing of Missional Church, ed. by Darrell Gruder (Eerdmans Pub.).
Nonetheless, Horton is good for stimulating thought and lively discussion.
Horton is also critical of the "emerging" and "missional" concepts. He declares, "The church has a very narrow commission. It is not called to be an alternative neighborhood, circle of friends, political action committee, social club, or public service agency; it is called to deliver Christ so clearly and fully that believers are prepared to be salt and light in the worldly stations to which God has called them." (Pg. 228) At the same time, Horton does acknowledge that, "...the Emergent church movement has reminded us that there is a serious call to discipleship in the New Testament." (Pg. 234)
Horton is Reformed and therefor emphasizes creeds and community spirituality (as opposed to private spirituality).
Even though I am thoroughly Reformed, I did not agree with everything Horton advances. I think he makes an unreformed distinction between the sacred and the secular (pg. 207). I was disturbed that he used a Barna report published in 1996 to "prove" that the church growth (or seeker-driven) movement (with emphasis on its missional aspect) shows no growth in professed conversions. (Pg. 227, footnote 44.) Not only is that data 13 years old, the term "missional" did not become prominent in church growth circles until the 1998 publishing of Missional Church, ed. by Darrell Gruder (Eerdmans Pub.).
Nonetheless, Horton is good for stimulating thought and lively discussion.
Monday, January 5, 2009
For These Tough Times by Max Lucado
Tragedy happens. We experience loss. We begin to wonder where God is in all of this.
Lucado reminds us that God’s thoughts are very unlike our thoughts. “We aren’t even in the same neighborhood.” God’s goals for our lives are not those of physical comfort but are of eternal consequence. God lives in a different dimension yet He bends down to be a part of our lives.
Just as small children do not understand the decisions and actions of their parents (say, to withhold a high sugar treat), so we do not understand the ways of God. Our small minds cannot comprehend how God’s actions are truly acts of love.
Lucado reminds the reader that God is for us (Rom. 8:31). He sent His Son to die for us. Should we fret over lesser things?
We are reminded that God’s goodness prevails, even in the midst of something evil. “Satan is still a servant of God…He is pressed into service to do God’s will in the world…” God used Satan to refine us, to wake us up, to provide an opportunity to encourage others, to learn to forgive, and to dwell in the silence where we can hear God. Lucado assures us that when we cry out to God He will answer.
Lucado is a wordsmith. Using examples from Scripture, he provides encouragement and strength for tough times. This is not a theological treatise as to why God does what He does. You won’t find any deep answers to persistent question of why bad things happen to people. This short (80 page) book will, however, provide encouragement to keep believing that God loves us, is for us, and will bring good out of evil.
Lucado reminds us that God’s thoughts are very unlike our thoughts. “We aren’t even in the same neighborhood.” God’s goals for our lives are not those of physical comfort but are of eternal consequence. God lives in a different dimension yet He bends down to be a part of our lives.
Just as small children do not understand the decisions and actions of their parents (say, to withhold a high sugar treat), so we do not understand the ways of God. Our small minds cannot comprehend how God’s actions are truly acts of love.
Lucado reminds the reader that God is for us (Rom. 8:31). He sent His Son to die for us. Should we fret over lesser things?
We are reminded that God’s goodness prevails, even in the midst of something evil. “Satan is still a servant of God…He is pressed into service to do God’s will in the world…” God used Satan to refine us, to wake us up, to provide an opportunity to encourage others, to learn to forgive, and to dwell in the silence where we can hear God. Lucado assures us that when we cry out to God He will answer.
Lucado is a wordsmith. Using examples from Scripture, he provides encouragement and strength for tough times. This is not a theological treatise as to why God does what He does. You won’t find any deep answers to persistent question of why bad things happen to people. This short (80 page) book will, however, provide encouragement to keep believing that God loves us, is for us, and will bring good out of evil.
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Truth About You by Marcus Buckingham
Marcus Buckingham, a successful speaker and author, has crafted a mini seminar on finding our strengths. The 22 minute DVD that comes in this toolkit is captivating. While Buckingham inspires us with his words, we view the story of a young man who is good at one discipline yet is highly motivated to move to another discipline. This visual story highlights a myth Buckingham points out: our strengths are not what we are good at and our weaknesses are not what we are bad at. Our strengths are what energize us and our weaknesses are what drain us (whether we are good at the particular tasks or not). Unlike those who may have told us that to advance we have work on our weaknesses, Buckingham encourages us to play to our strengths. Our strengths are what will energize us, make us feel fulfilled, and advance us in our work. A successful team is one where each player plays in his strong position.
Buckingham has a plan where we pay attention for a week to those activities that we look forward to doing and energize us, as well as recognizing those activities that drain us. A “rememo” pad is included in the toolkit to help with these observations. Evaluating the notes we’ve made during the week will help us determine our strengths and be able to write three clear strength statements.
Buckingham emphasizes that each of us has strengths, no one else has exactly the same strengths we do, we will be the most creative and resilient when we play to our strengths and everyone will win when we do so. He reminds us to start the day thinking of our strengths and how we can contribute to them today.
Buckingham also reminds us of the risks involved. Supervisors may not understand when we describe our strengths and weaknesses. (Buckingham’s advice goes against some commonly accepted career strategies.) The money may not be there right away. Working in our strengths, however, will make us better at our job and will lead to advancement in the long run.
This toolkit is great for those entering the career market or for those making a change in careers. Buckingham estimates that eight out of ten people are not working in their strengths in their career. Going through this toolkit will help each of us to find fulfilling and energizing career paths. This is not a book to merely read (although we’ll read it through several times). This is a toolkit with which to work over time, developing our strengths into a fulfilling life of work.
Take the challenge. Find out the truth about you, who you really are.
Buckingham has a plan where we pay attention for a week to those activities that we look forward to doing and energize us, as well as recognizing those activities that drain us. A “rememo” pad is included in the toolkit to help with these observations. Evaluating the notes we’ve made during the week will help us determine our strengths and be able to write three clear strength statements.
Buckingham emphasizes that each of us has strengths, no one else has exactly the same strengths we do, we will be the most creative and resilient when we play to our strengths and everyone will win when we do so. He reminds us to start the day thinking of our strengths and how we can contribute to them today.
Buckingham also reminds us of the risks involved. Supervisors may not understand when we describe our strengths and weaknesses. (Buckingham’s advice goes against some commonly accepted career strategies.) The money may not be there right away. Working in our strengths, however, will make us better at our job and will lead to advancement in the long run.
This toolkit is great for those entering the career market or for those making a change in careers. Buckingham estimates that eight out of ten people are not working in their strengths in their career. Going through this toolkit will help each of us to find fulfilling and energizing career paths. This is not a book to merely read (although we’ll read it through several times). This is a toolkit with which to work over time, developing our strengths into a fulfilling life of work.
Take the challenge. Find out the truth about you, who you really are.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Bon Appetit by Sandra Byrd
This is the second in the Lexi Stuart series. In the first one, Let Them Eat Cake, Lexi gets a job at a French bakery in Seattle. In this book, Lexi is in France going to pastry school and working in the French bakeries,origins of the Seattle one. There is a bit of romance, much of Lexi relying on God and a great deal to learn about French pastry. While eating all of those delicious creations, how do they not get fat? A fun read.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Less than Dead by Tim Downs
This is the latest in the "Bugman" series. Nick is asked by the FBI to look into recent graves found on top of older graves in rural Virginia. The land in which the graves were discovered is owned by a popular senator soon to be running for president. The recently buried skeletons show evidence of murder and Nick sets out to find the murderer. He engages the help of a "witch," a young woman recluse who trains cadaver dogs. The plot thickens as another murder ensues and the less than perfect heritage of the senator and his wife is exposed. There is no overt Christianity in this book although there is a Bible reference to the witch of Endor at the beginning of the book. Downs is back to his engaging style of portraying Nick and the other quirky characters.
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