Lillie Ammann's Blog, page 154

Book Review: Halley's Bible Handbook

I generally review indie books at the request of the author or publicist here on my blog, but I typically write at least a short review on Goodreads of everything I read. I'm posting this Goodreads review of Halley's Bible Handbook because the book impacted me so much I think every Christian should read it.

Halley's Bible Handbook: With the New International Version by H.H. Halley


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn't realize what I was getting into when I started this. I had given up secular reading for Lent and intended to read several Christian books during that time. But this overwhelmed me and kept me reading far beyond Lent. The other books I planned to read are still waiting.





Halley's Bible Handbook began in 1922 as a 16-page hand-printed pamphlet that Henry Halley gave out to encourage people to read and understand the Bible. Halley started as a clergyman but was told by his doctor that he had to get outside and do hard physical work for his health. He gave up pastoral work and went into the construction business, but he never gave up his faith or his love of the Bible. He memorized and could quote Scripture from every book of the Bible for 25 hours. He gave recitations in churches, always beginning each one with a brief description of the book he was quoting from. When note-taking by the audience distracted him, he decided to print up the information in a leaflet. Over 80 years and 25 editions, that little leaflet grew into this nearly 500-page-book, edited by Halley's great-granddaughter and her husband.





The book begins with explaining what the Bible is: "1) The Bible is God's Word. 2) Christ is the heart and center of the Bible." Halley gives background on the setting and time of the Bible, including archaeological discoveries and historical references.





He then goes through book by book and gives the main thought of each book. I intend to go through this the next time I read the Bible straight through. This year I'm following a chronological reading plan and since the year is half over, I will finish that plan. But next year, I'll start over reading the Bible from the beginning, and I will use this handbook as I read. Although I have done a lot of Bible studies, this was more effective than anything else I've done in helping me understand how the Old Testament is part of Christ's story. Many cross-references are very helpful.





There are a lot of maps and charts and information about places and people and events. But the most important message of this handbook is, in Henry Halley's words, "that every Christian should be a Constant and Devoted Reader of the Bible; and that the primary business of the Church and Ministry is to lead, foster, and encourage their people in that habit."





View all my reviews

Related Posts:Reading the Bible: Part 1 – Bible Reading PlansNational Bible WeekReading the Bible: Part 2 – Reading to Learn and UnderstandNational Bible WeekNational Bible Week 2010Powered by Contextual Related PostsBook Review: Halley's Bible Handbook was first posted on June 10, 2011 at 12:24 am.
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EPIC's eBook Awards

[image error]The EPIC eBook Awards™ competition is open for entries between June 1 and July 15. EBooks published between June 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011 are eligible.

All electronically published works—novels, novellas, short stories, anthologies, graphic novels, nonfiction, children's books, and poetry—are eligible.  A complete list of categories, along with the cocmpetition rules and entry form, can be found on the contest page of the organization's website. Although only ebooks are eligible for the competition, books do not have to be published only electronically. You may enter a book published both in print and electronic formats.

EPIC's eBook Competition™ started in 2000 and is the oldest contest honoring eBooks and the ePublishing industry.

If you are published electronically, take a look at membership in EPIC, the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition. I have been a member since 1999 and have judged in the competition since it started.

Related Posts:Call for Entries and Judges for EPIC's eBook CompetitionEPIC eBook CompetitionEPIC Awards Are ComingA Favorite Project: Calling Young WritersEPIC New Voices 2008 Writing CompetitionPowered by Contextual Related PostsEPIC's eBook Awards was first posted on June 7, 2011 at 11:32 pm.
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Happy 44th Anniversary to Us!

[image error]Forty-four years ago I walked down an improvised aisle on my parents' enclosed back porch to meet my groom, my hero, my colorful character—Jack.

We've faced a few challenges in our lives, and each of us has cared for the others during illnesses. However, we've never lacked for love or laughter.

Today we carry more pounds and wrinkles, and we move a little slower. Some of our laughs today come from what Jack thinks I or someone else said, which is often very different from what was actually said. His hearing is poor, and he says he's filled his brain up in seventy-eight years of living so he doesn't have room for more. So sometimes his misunderstandings are pretty funny.

Jack used to do all the grocery shopping and the laundry. Now, the laundry is my job, and we share the shopping. Our trip to Walmart at 2 AM is a highlight of our week. I've always been a night owl, and Jack sleeps off and on through the day and night, so the middle of the night is a great time for us. We don't do well in crowds, so we enjoy shopping when there are few customers around.

But what makes our shopping so special are the people at our local Walmart. Jack used to shop at a local grocery store, and we ended up at Walmart the first time because it happened to be close by on my way home from an emergency room visit. I was having myoclonic seizures in the car while Jack went in to get a prescription filled, and four Walmart managers came out to the car and stayed with me, comforting me the entire time. So Jack started shopping there and got acquainted with the store general manager, Al Slavin, a fellow Texas Aggie.

After shopping became too difficult for Jack to manage on his own, we started our wee-hours-of-the-morning shopping schedule. We realized the store would be full of stockers replenishing the shelves, and we knew we could ask questions if needed help. But we didn't know how helpful and friendly the staff would be. I would love to name each one individually, but I don't even know all their names.

Both of us use the store scooters, and everywhere we go in the store, workers ask if we need help. If we happen to arrive when some of the stockers are taking a break in front of the store, a couple will go get scooters and bring them out to us. The guys cleaning the floor stop to greet us and ask how we are. The checkers and managers joke with us and go out of their way to be helpful. I never enjoyed shopping before, but now Jack and I both look forward to our Walmart outing.

After we finish shopping, we head off to breakfast at Denny's at San Pedro and Bitters. Brittany sees us pulling into the parking lot, and she has our table ready and my decaf brewing. She's always upbeat and enthusiastic and remembers what we like.

If anyone had told me forty-four years ago that we would look forward to a weekly date of grocery shopping and breakfast, I wouldn't have believed it. But anything I do with Jack is fun, and the people at Walmart and Denny's make our date even better!

Jack has a doctor's appointment today, then we'll have lunch at Mr. and Mrs. G's Home Cooking, a little hole-in-the-wall cafeteria-style restaurant that has the best Southern home cooking you can imagine.

Happy anniversary, Jack. I love you!

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Memorial Day 2011

Today many American families are enjoying a trip to a river, lake, or water park. Friends are gathering in backyards to grill steaks, relax, and gossip. Shoppers are taking advantage of the holiday sales then resting from their exertions in a movie.

But water parks, backyard barbecues, and malls hold no appeal for thousands of American families. Instead, they remember a loved one who spent every free summer minute on the water. They look at the empty chair at the table where a beloved family member should be sitting. They wonder if they will ever enjoy shopping or movies again.

These families are quietly observing Memorial Day rather than celebrating the beginning of summer because their loved ones have sacrificed their lives for our country and our freedom. Water doesn't feel so cool, steaks don't taste so good, bargains don't seem so wonderful when you're mourning the death of a loved one. And the heroes we remember today chose to put themselves at risk—not for themselves but for us.

Today in the midst of enjoying the "holiday," remember it is a "memorial day"—a day to remember and honor those who died for us. Since 1775, more than 848,000 Americans have died in combat, and  nearly 1,344,000 have lost their lives during war from all causes of death. You can find these and other interesting statistics at Wikipedia on Answers.com: United States Military Casualties of War.

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen. (1928 Book of Common Prayer)

O MERCIFUL God, and heavenly Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men; Look with pity, we beseech thee, upon the mourning of thy servants whose loved ones died in the service of their country. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy; comfort them with a sense of thy goodness; lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (adapted from 1928 Book of Common Prayer)

The video below reminds us of those who gave their lives for us.

Here are some other places worth visiting on Memorial Day:

50,000 Names on the Wall

Some Gave All

Mansions of the Lord

photo credit: LenDog64

Related Posts:Memorial Day 2009Prayers for Fort HoodPrayers for Tucson, AZ VictimsMemorial Day: In Memory of Those Who Gave Their Lives for Our FreedomMemorial Day TributePowered by Contextual Related PostsMemorial Day 2011 was first posted on May 30, 2011 at 12:42 am.
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Tribute to the Troops and Their Families

During Military Appreciation Month, we honor our military members, their families, and those who have been wounded, and those who sacrificed their lives. This video is a tribute to the troops and to their families.

Related Posts:Armed Forces Day and Military Appreciation Month 2011Armed Forces Day: America Supports YouArmed Forces Day 2009Gene Simmons Military TributeLet's Say ThanksPowered by Contextual Related PostsTribute to the Troops and Their Families was first posted on May 29, 2011 at 4:08 am.
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Thanks to April 2011 Commenters

 
 


Thank you to the 89 commenters who left 109 comments in April. Your comments extended the conversation and added value and interest, and I enjoyed replying to every one of them.


 
 


Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters.


 
 


Top Contributor (8 comments)


Christopher  Roberts
Technology Bloggers


 
 
 


Outstanding Contributors (3 comments)


Barbara
Heart to Heart Sympathy Gifts


Christopher  Roberts
Christopher Roberts 


 
 


Significant Contributors (2 comments)


Brooke
The Bluestocking Guide


cvp
Random Updates and SEO


Dominique
4 Walls and a View


Jakie
Best Peacock Costume


JanMugot
Aldaz Moulds


Kyle
Finally Fast


Lisa
Getting It Write for You


Mike
Dermaglow


Russell Davison
Russell Davison


 
 


Important Contributors


Adam
Encoded


Albert
how to get rich quick


Andrea
The Cool Mom's Survival Guide


Andy
3D Video Cameras


Anne 
Fitness Blog


Anne 
Lifestyler Treadmill


bert sandoval
Buy E-Cigarettes


Bruce
Dog Walkers Melbourne


Bryan
TurboTax Home & Business 2010-2011


Carlos
Car Loan 4 You


Casper Larsen
CL Regnskab & Revision


Charlie
Arizona Short Sale Tips


Christine Foster
Christine Foster Photography


Christopher  Roberts
Christopher Roberts Philosophy Blog


Daniel
Retirement Story


Dawn Colclasure
Dawn Colclasure Blog


Dorine
HTC Sensation


Dr. Farley
Get Rid of Yellow Toenails


Emily
How to Cure Morning Sickness


Felissa
Hattronic Hats


Francis
Franzom


Heather
First Editing


Helen Ginger
Straight from Hel


James
Titan LEDs


Jane
Recover Deleted Files Easily


Jason
Why I Love Melaleuca


Jeb
HVAC Training


Jennifer
Black Gifts


Jerry
Articles on Abortion


Jerry
The Siege of Jericho/Against Abortion


Jessica Burciaga
Maximum Men


Joe
San Diego Mobile Window Tinting


jojo kribo
Printing Diary


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n/a


Joshua Brown
Lifehouse Books and Gifts


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Gamestop


Karen Swim
Words for Hire


Karoline
Afbudsrejser


larina
Tune Digitally


Larry J
Putting Mat


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Painting and Decorating


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A Forsikring


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Vaskemaskiner


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CAN Training Class 411


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Band It Gear


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Positive Parenting Skills


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POS Versand


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Birthday Party Themes


Michelle
Classic Photographers


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Funny Pictures


Nancy
Loomis Dentistry


Noah Clark
Metal Ranch and Farm Signs


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CBizOneIndia


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Choosing the Best Room Dividers


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Cristy Cross Photography


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Carpet Cleaning Arcadia CA


Ricky
X Views


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Sally's Words


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Steam Cleaner Reviews


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Lauren Clark Photography


Sarah
Writing Consultation


Sensei Matt Klein
Fun affordable self defence karate 


Spot
Spot Cool Stuff Travel


Stefanie
Vista Maria


Steve 
Grayling Estates


Steve 
Rugged Depot


Steve 
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swati
MBA Crystal Ball


Tai Carmen
Pine Grove Literary Review


Tim
Sarasota Pro Wash


Tom Glover
Star Cannon USA


Vivian
Billigere-Flybiletter



Related Posts:Thanks to March 2011 CommentersThanks to February 2011 CommentersThanks to January 2011 CommentersThanks to November 2010 CommentersThanks to October 2010 CommentersPowered by Contextual Related PostsThanks to April 2011 Commenters was first posted on May 27, 2011 at 11:55 am.
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How Great Thou Art

Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill singing "How Great Thou Art"

Related Posts:Hallelujah!The Case Against AbortionNational Library WeekHe Died for YouJesus Washes His Disciples' FeetPowered by Contextual Related PostsHow Great Thou Art was first posted on May 24, 2011 at 12:35 am.
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Armed Forces Day and Military Appreciation Month 2011

[image error] May is Military Appreciation Month, and today is Armed Forces Day.

Last year on Armed Forces Day, I highlighted a number of troop support organizations. If you're not involved in supporting our troops, I encourage you to do so.

O LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ 1928 Book of Common Prayer

During the month of May, let's remember military families as well as military members. While the military member is deployed, the spouse has to assume the total responsibility for the family in addition to worrying about and missing their loved one. Young children miss Mommy or Daddy—even when children are old enough to be proud of their military parent, they still miss having their parent at home. The soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines choose to make great sacrifices for their country. Their spouses often choose to marry a military person, knowing the sacrifices they will have to make. But children have to sacrifice, and they have no choice in the matter.

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who settest the solitary in families; We commend to thy continual care the military families of our country. Put far from them, we beseech thee, every root of bitterness, the desire of vain-glory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness. Protect them from danger, strife, and fear. Let them feel Your presence and comfort when they are lonely. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy; endue their souls with patience; comfort them with a sense of thy goodness; lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.. ~ adapted from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer

Just watch this video of reunions of kids with their soldier parents and realize how much they have missed so the military member could protect you and me. You can see more reunion videos at Welcome Home Blog.

Related Posts:Armed Forces Day 2009Armed Forces Day: America Supports YouIn Remembrance of 9-11Armed Forces Day 2010Patriot Day 2010: Remembering 9-11Powered by Contextual Related PostsArmed Forces Day and Military Appreciation Month 2011 was first posted on May 21, 2011 at 12:43 am.
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Review: Murder on the Interstate

Murder on the Interstate: A Logan & Cafferty Mystery/Suspense Novel

Jean Henry Mead

Oak Tree Press

Copyright 2011

ISBN: 978-1610090148

Paperback, 220 pages, $14.95

Fiction: mystery/senior sleuth

Murder on the Interstate is the third Logan & Cafferty mystery. For the first book in the series, A Village Shattered, one of the characters visited this blog. Somehow I missed the second book, Diary Of Murder: A Logan & Cafferty Mystery. Although it isn't essential to read the books in sequence, I felt I missed out on a few things because I hadn't read the second book. References to the events in the second book left me wondering exactly what happened, which means I'll probably go back and read the second book.

I like the two amateur sleuths, Dana Logan and Sarah Cafferty. They are "mature" ladies—senior citizens—but at an age when many people would expect to retire and take life easy, they're active, feisty, and determined to see justice done. The mystery has enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, and many elements are drawn right from today's news.

I read an advance reading copy, so I expect that several annoying errors I encountered were corrected in the final published copy.

Several of the situations the sleuths were involved in seemed rather far-fetched. Of all the people driving down the highway, they are the only ones to witness a murder. But that problem is inherent in the amateur sleuth genre. If the sleuths are going to solve a lot of crimes, they have to be involved in a lot of unbelievable situations. Like Jessica Fletcher in the old TV show "Murder, She Wrote," Dana and Sarah attract murder so much most people would hesitate to be their friends.

Fans of amateur sleuth mysteries and people who like to read about smart and active seniors will enjoy this book.

Disclosure: I received an electronic advance reading copy of the book from the author's publicist. I have not accepted any compensation for this review and made no commitment to give a favorable review. The links to Amazon.com are affiliate links.

Related Posts:Visit from a Novel CharacterReview: It's Murder, My SonGlobal eBook AwardsReview: An Axe to GrindReview: Thumbing Through ThoreauPowered by Contextual Related PostsReview: Murder on the Interstate was first posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:15 am.
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Guest Post Policy

Recently I've had a number of requests to write guest posts here. I appreciate the interest and know guest posts can add new information and a different viewpoint. However, I want to keep guest posts as occasional treats rather than a steady diet so I generally permit only one guest post per month.

Also guest posts must be appropriate for my blog. I've created a guest post policy, and bloggers wishing to submit a guest post should review the policy before contacting me.

I welcome regular readers who wish to guest post to read the policy and submit a proposal for a guest post.

I also would love to hear what you think of the policy from your perspective as a reader. Do you enjoy reading guest posts here? Is there anything about the policy you would prefer to see changed? Would you like to see more guest posts? Or fewer? Let me know what you think.

Related Posts:Guest Post at Getting It Write for YouGuest Post Follow-UpGuest Post at Straight from Hel: How Things ChangeGuest Post at Poewar: Get Rid of Ugly WordinessA Twisted Tale of Cover Art at The Dark Phantom ReviewPowered by Contextual Related PostsGuest Post Policy was first posted on May 12, 2011 at 12:31 am.
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