January 28, 2012 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
Why Am I Afraid to Tell You Who I Am?
by John Powell
When the late Steve Jobs was asked why he allowed his biography to be written, he replied that he “wanted his children to know him.” Apparently he felt he hadn’t spent as much time with them as he wished.
I was touched by Jobs’ comment. I asked myself, “Do I really know my loved ones?” Am I willing for them to know me? Really know me–my thoughts, my goals and dreams, or do we often spend our time together discussing trivialities?
In his book, “Why Am I Afraid to Tell You Who I am?” John Powell gives reasons why we hide from one another. The main reason is fear. It takes courage to reveal ourselves. Writers know that. Perhaps that is why writers write and readers read. Even those who write fiction know that fiction is another way to tell the truth. And truth is what we really desire–or do we?
This is an excellent book on personal growth and interpersonal relationships. These are quotes I loved from Powell’s book:
“To reveal myself openly and honestly takes the rawest kind of courage.”
“I can only know that much of myself which I have had the courage to confide in you.”
And my favorite: “The greatest kindness I have to offer you is always: THE TRUTH.”
January 22, 2012 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 1 Comment
Depicting a Joyful God!
Surprised by Laughter, The Comic World of C. S Lewis
By Terry Lindvall, PH.D.
Whether your thoughts go to The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, Till We Have Faces, or Surprised by Joy, fans of C. S. Lewis will enjoy this book by Terry Lindvall, Ph.D.which explores the various aspects of laughter and how Lewis used them in his writing.
I began reading the works of C. S. Lewis when my children were small, sharing the adventures of mythical creatures from the land of Narnia. I read them again to several of our grandchildren. They aren’t simply books for children, however. There is much to be gained on an adult level.
“When we read religious writing (or, what is often worse, writing by a religious person), the last thing we expect to discover is laughter,” begins Lindvall in the Introduction. He continues, “Treating issues of ultimate reality with levity is the habit of the fool, the mocker, the jester, the idiot. . . . Yet an encounter with the writings of Clive Staples Lewis turns that premise on its head.”
Time magazine accused Lewis of heresy in its September 8, 1947, issue, depicting him on its cover alongside a pitchforked, horned, and tailed devil. Lewis’ heresy, it seems, was a dry mixture of whimsy and irony, or simply, merely “Christianity in world gone awry.” Many people are not used to the idea of a laughing God. “He unmakes us with joy!” is a quote I love.
Lewis, like G. K. Chesterton, presents a “happy God.” Lindvall says Lewis was a “flaming atheist who would eventually somersault into the company of Christian saints.”
My favorite chapter was the one on Fun. The author says joy often turns into fun and fun is serious business. I concur. Others chapters concern Joy, The Joke Proper, Satire, and Flippancy, which Lewis warned against.
The final chapter, “The Laughter of Love” caps the book’s depiction of a joyful God.
This 453 page book analyzes in detail the forms of humor employed by C. S. Lewis. It will be a delight to those who love Lewis and have read his various works.
I received this complimentary book as part of the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze program in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Carole Ledbetter, author of Who Am I Now? Growing Through Life’s Changing Seasons
January 9, 2012 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
I like the sound of “twenty-twelve” Sorta rolls off your tongue!
And I’m ready for a new year of adventure in sharing Jesus.
The words of an old hymn by Norman J. Clayton have been going through my mind as I begin “twenty-twelve” — it goes like this:
“Only to be what He wants me to be, every moment of every day.
Yielded completely to Jesus alone, every step of this pilgrim way.
Just to be clay in the potter’s hands, ready to do what His will commands.
Only to be what He wants me to be, every moment of every day.”
I remember ‘watch night” services from the past where we sang that hymn on New Year’s Eve and then we each chose a Bible verse for the new year. We were young then–my friends and I– and our lives were before us! How quickly the years have flown by. Time seems like water now.
A year ago on New Year’s Eve, I flew home to Ottawa after spending two weeks in a Phoenix, AZ hospital following an unexpected and painful attack of acute pancreatitis. I wasn’t sure about the new year then, but it has been a year of recovery, good health, renewed energy and opportunities to share both in speaking and in writing.
Time is one of God’s greatest gifts–time and life and health and energy. And people–loved ones and those God puts into our lives. And opportunities to serve.
Bring on ”twenty-twelve!”
December 31, 2011 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
by Mark and Grace Driscoll
“Marriage is about friendship,” says Pastor Mark Driscoll in this newly published book, co-authored with his wife, Grace. The Driscolls present an open and honest account of the disappointments and struggles that took place early in their marriage. The emphasis on married partners being good friends is a definite plus in this book.
Driscoll is the founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington, recognized as the 54th largest, 30th fastest-growing and 2nd most-innovative church in America by Outreach Magazine.
With biblical references, the authors explore topics such as confession and repentance in marriage, the plague of pornography, the effect of previous abuse on marriage relationships, God’s grace and the healing process, and the choice between selfishness and servanthood.
The authors reference the biblical Song of Solomon in the section on sex, and they address topics not normally covered in books on marriage.
While this book could be utilized by those planning marriage in the future, it would be most helpful to those already married or in positions of leadership where they may be teaching on Christian marriage.
You may not agree with everything in this book, but you will profit from reading it.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.
Reviewed by Carole Ledbetter, author of Who Am I Now? Growing Through Life’s Changing Seasons.
December 4, 2011 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
Life, Faith and Finishing Well
When I was in my teen years, Billy Graham was just hitting his stride on the way to becoming the world’s most-famous evangelist.
Now, at 93, in his recent book he looks ahead and shares what it’s like to be “nearing home.” He quotes Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom,” and other scripture portions pertaining to time, youth, life and aging.
Graham now resides in his home in the mountains of North Carolina. His health is frail, but his faith is strong. He remarks that he never expected he would live to be as old as he is.
This book is not only for those of advancing age. On the contrary, it could be a good read for young people whose lives lie ahead of them. The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us to “consider in the days of our youth” how we want to live our lives. Graham started out well following Jesus Christ and now he shares how to finish well.
Graham includes practical advice on retirement, wills, adapting to fading strength, and leaving a legacy of godly influence in later years. He shares his loneliness since the death of his wife, Ruth.
In the final chapter, “What is Heaven Like?” Graham admits the Bible doesn’t answer all our questions. But he does list five important truths about Heaven that will interest readers.
This book provides a glimpse into the mind and heart of one of God’s faithful preachers, at the close of a life well lived. It would make a great gift for anyone at any stage on life’s journey.
I received this complementary book as part of the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze program.
Reviewed by Carole Ledbetter, Author of Who Am I Now? Growing Through Life’s Changing Seasons
November 6, 2011 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
By David Murrow
Do men really hate going to church? That was my question as I began reading this book by David Murrow. I know many men who are faithful, enthusiastic churchgoers. After reading Murrow’s book, I have to admit he has made some excellent observations.
While many men are not hostile to church, they may be ambivalent, passive and detached. “Many recognize value in the church, but they cannot see a place for themselves within it,” says Murrow.
This book explores the reasons why men don’t enjoy church. The author’s main contention seems to be that church programs are designed to appeal more to women than to men, emphasizing verbal expression, singing, and being “nice” rather than confrontational and addressing problems.
Murrow says churches present two different versions of Jesus; the Lamb and the Lion—both Scriptural. While pastors beg their flocks to behave like lambs, some Christian authors encourage them to be more like the Lion of Judah a.k.a. the King of Kings.
Although most churches are led by men, Murrow says “faithful women provide matriarchal continuity in our congregations.” He says churches “feminize” over time and young boys brought up in church often leave during their post high-school years.
I found it interesting that male and female participation is roughly equal in Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Islamic men are publicly and unashamedly religious, often more so than women. “Only Christianity has a consistent, world-wide shortage of male practitioners,” says the author.
Murrow suggests ways for churches to more effectively draw men, citing the success of some mega-churches, and those that gear their services and approach to men’s interests and personalities.
GraceUnitedMethodistChurchinLaSalle,Illinois, where Rev. Dr. Jennifer Wilson is Senior Pastor, is cited in Murrow’s book as a church where there are more men than women. Rev. Wilson is quoted as saying, “I started doing all the stuff in your books. . . Other than the Bible, your book has shifted the way I do ministry more than any other book I’ve read.” (Murrow states he didn’t pay her to say this)
Church leaders will find much to think about in this well-written book. They may also find ways to increase the number of men in their congregations!
I received this free book as part of the BookSneeze program of Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Reviewed by Carole Ledbetter, author of Who Am I Now? Growing Through Life’s Changing Seasons.”
October 5, 2011 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
At a school program a few years ago I heard Dr. Erwin Lutzer say, “Many parents want to have good children, but they don’t want to have godly children. Because they fear their children might miss something.”
I’ve been thinking about that statement ever since.
While Dr. Lutzer’s statement was directed at the rearing of children, I wonder if we, as God’s children wouldn’t sometimes rather be good than godly.
The question is sometimes raised as to whether we can be truly good without being godly. Agnostics would say yes.
We all know good people who don’t acknowledge a relationship with God. They may be cheerful, helpful and moral. And sometimes the godly people we know can be crabby and cantankerous.
The godly know they are not by nature good–they need God. We need the righteousness of Jesus Christ. To say we are “Christian” is to admit we are broken and in need of God.
If we would rather by good than godly, is it because we also think we might “miss something?”
It’s true–we would miss His forgiveness, His righteousness, the adventure of journeying in His Will, and eternity in His presence. Who would want to miss all that?
October 5, 2011 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
Book Review: Where Has OPRAH Taken Us? The Religious Influence of the World’s Most Famous Woman
by Stephen Mansfield
New York Times best-selling author, Stephen Mansfield describes Oprah Winfrey’s rise to fame, recounting her birth as the illegitimate daughter of a part-time maid in 1950s Mississippi, her impoverished childhood, her beloved and godly grandmother who took her to church and taught her right from wrong, her father, who later turned out not to be her biological father after all, but nonetheless took responsibility for her upbringing, the heartache of a teenage pregnancy and the death of her child, from her feelings of insecurity to an exalted vision of her own destiny, to her fantastic rise to fame, riches and stardom.
Mansfield, an evangelical Christian, admits to bias in his treatment of his topic. In the Introduction to the book, he states that he hopes to approach from an objective point of view, while admitting his writing will probably still be shaded by his Christianity.
A major turning point in Oprah’s life occurred the day she heard a sermon telling her that God is a jealous God. This didn’t set right with her and from that point on she began seeking a more appealing God. Leaving behind her biblical roots, she searched the teachings of New Age philosophers such as Eckhart Tolle, Gary Zukav, Deepak Chopra, and others who appeared as guests on her shows.
The book provides a look at Oprah’s failures and successes, loves and losses, and her search for identity and self esteem, leading finally to a conviction that she has been “chosen” for greatness. In a generation where experience triumphs over truth, she searches for meaning in Hindu religions and New Age philosophies.
“She had already pushed away the faith of her youth but she was still hungry and went searching with the seekers of her generation,” saysMansfield. “She had convinced herself that she could keep that faith and practice its opposite at the same time.”
Mansfield outlines points on which he agrees with Oprah, and lauds her charitable acts, but nonetheless sees her as one who has “stepped off the certain path. . . She began well but faltered and chose a thin religious jumble instead of a bold, tested connection with God.” Mansfieldrues the “damage done to the millions who have followed her into a vain and self-serving spiritual mix.”
I received this complimentary book as part of the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze program. The opinions are my own.
Reviewed by Carole Ledbetter, author of Who Am I Now? Growing Through Life’s Changing Seasons”
August 31, 2011 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
Book Review:
WITH, Reimagining the Way You Relate to God, by Skye Jethani
A gospel song from a previous century, “Living for Jesus,” brings memories of my teenage resolve to live “FOR Jesus.” After reading Jethani’s book, I questioned whether that emphasis was the right one. But it’s “where I was” then.
If you were to define the way you relate to God with a single preposition, would you say you live UNDER, OVER, FROM, FOR or WITH God? That’s the not-so-simple question Sky Jethani explores in his recent book simply titled, “with.” The author is out to change how we think about God by defining the various mental “postures” that relate to how we understand God.
At first the concept seemed simple. When I tried to explain it, it was a bit more illusive. (If I can’t define it, do I understand it?)
Here’s a quote that sums up the main idea:
“To begin we must understand how the life with God posture differs from the other four. Life under, over, from and for God each seeks to use God to achieve some other goal. God is seen as a means to an end. For example, life from God uses him to supply our material desires. Life over God uses him as the source of principles or laws. Life under God tries to manipulate God through obedience to secure blessings and avoid calamity. And life for God uses him and his mission to gain a sense of direction and purpose.
But life with God is different because it’s goal is not to use God; it’s goal is God.”
I found the line-drawn illustrations helpful in explaining the concepts presented.
Living with God changes our vision of the world. “If we fail to live with God, if we opt for one of the other postures of religious life, our vision of the world will remain unchanged,” says Jethani.
Living a life with God enables us to live lives of faith, hope and love, says the author. The conclusions reached in these later chapters seem to me to be less defined.
The book includes quotes from Chesterton, N. T. Wright, Dallas Wright and other authors familiar to many readers. Discussion questions for each chapter are at the back of the book.
In order to gain a more complete understanding of the ideas presented, I would need to read it again, or better yet, study it with a small group. Those seeking a deeper understanding of what it means to “know” God experientially may find this book helpful.
I received this complimentary book as part of the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze program.
Reviewed by Carole Ledbetter, author of Who Am I Now? Growing Through Life’s Changing Seasons.”
August 18, 2011 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
