Sarah Holman's Blog, page 123
March 21, 2012
Book Review: Christy by Catherine Marshall
Warning: I do not recommend this book for anyone under the age of 15 due to some of the subject matter.
Recommend for: Young adults, Homeschoolers, Those looking for faith building and faith challenging fiction.
From the Back Cover:In the year 1912, nineteen-year-old Christy Huddleston leaves home to teach school in the Smoky Mountains -- and comes to know and love the resilient people of the region, with their fierce pride, their dark superstitions, their terrible poverty, and their yearning for beauty and truth. But her faith will be severely challenged by trial and tragedy, by the needs and unique strengths of two remarkable young men, and by a heart torn between true love and unwavering devotion.
There are very few books that are life changing. For me, this is one of the few.
When I first read Catherine Marshall's Christy, I was fifteen, the youngest age my mom would let us read it at. I was captured at once by the plight of the mountain people, and cheered as Christy worked so hard to make their life better. The last third of the book though forced me to ask myself the question: "What do I believe?"
This book caused me to figure out what I believed about my faith apart from parents, pastors, or anyone else. It also made me face the fact that outside my nice home bubble, there was a hurting world. I couldn't live in the bubble forever; it was only there to prepare me to reach out.
What I liked:
I liked the fact that this book got me thinking. Without being preaching, just through the story, I learned so much. Christy and I had so much in common, except for the fact my parents are doing a better job to prepare me for the outside world.
This book is based on real people and real events and you can feel that. The cast of characters are colorful and deep. There are no flat characters in this book. All of them have depth and feel so real.
What I didn't like:
Some of the things that were hard were also what made the book so powerful. Probably the hardest part of the book was Miss Alice's story. A man she trusted took advantage of her and she had a child out of wedlock. She tells the story of what happened to Christy in enough detail to make most of my readers squirm. This is why I think anyone under the age of fifteen shouldbe cautious about reading this book. If you wish to avoid the story (which is a pivotal part of the book), or if parents would like to preview it, it is chapter 33 in the book.
I highly recommend Christy to anyone who is looking for a faith building fiction story.
Book Review: Putting on a Gentle & Quiet Spirit
Recommend for; women, girls, quiet time
From the back cover:
Elizabeth George takes readers through a thought–provoking study of Peter's teachings on handling trials and persecutions, including: suffering for doing good; understanding the mysteries of God; and fanning the flame of faith. The special "heart response" sections offer readers suggestions to help them apply biblical truths to their lives and focus on the amazing glory God promises.
Sometimes, I like to take a break from doing self-guided bible study and do a prepackaged one. When I do Elizabeth George is one of my favorites. This, her study on 1 Peter, was no exception.What I liked about it:I loved the style of questions to answer. I found her thoughts and questions very helpful. This study wasn't too long either. I didn't get tired of it before it ended.What I didn't like about it:The only thing that I didn't like about it was sometime I didn't agree with her interpretation of a verse, but then, I rarely agree with an author 100%.
Over all, I would recommend to any girl or woman wanting a refreshing look at 1 Peter.
From the back cover:
Elizabeth George takes readers through a thought–provoking study of Peter's teachings on handling trials and persecutions, including: suffering for doing good; understanding the mysteries of God; and fanning the flame of faith. The special "heart response" sections offer readers suggestions to help them apply biblical truths to their lives and focus on the amazing glory God promises.
Sometimes, I like to take a break from doing self-guided bible study and do a prepackaged one. When I do Elizabeth George is one of my favorites. This, her study on 1 Peter, was no exception.What I liked about it:I loved the style of questions to answer. I found her thoughts and questions very helpful. This study wasn't too long either. I didn't get tired of it before it ended.What I didn't like about it:The only thing that I didn't like about it was sometime I didn't agree with her interpretation of a verse, but then, I rarely agree with an author 100%.
Over all, I would recommend to any girl or woman wanting a refreshing look at 1 Peter.
March 19, 2012
Book Review: Pagan Christianity
I recommend this for: curious minds, those dissatisfied with church as it is, adults
From the back cover
Have you ever wondered why we Christians do what we do for church every Sunday morning? Why do we "dress up" for church? Why does the pastor preach a sermon each week? Why do we have pews, steeples, choirs, and seminaries? This volume reveals the startling truth: most of what Christians do in present-day churches is not rooted in the New Testament, but in pagan culture and rituals developed long after the death of the apostles. Coauthors Frank Viola and George Barna support their thesis with compelling historical evidence in the first-ever book to document the full story of modern Christian church practices.
This books digs back into church history and asks a very simple question; where did the practices of the modern day church come from. If you want to read this book, prepare yourself to never look at the church the same way again.
I was amazed at all the research that went into this book. I have read many books written by the emerging church leaders, but none of them is so well researched. Even if you think that the emerging church is a bad thing, this might be a good read for understanding where people in the movement are coming from, from an academic stand point.
What I liked about this book.
As I said before, I loved the extensive research put into this book. It is amazing to find out how some things got started, practices that are not found in the New Testament. This is the best history currently available of where church practices came from.
Also, for me, it was a faith building book. Sometimes I need to be reminded that my faith is in the Living God, not in rituals of the church. Sometimes I need to rethink why I am doing what I am doing and make sure it is in line with what God wants. This book made me think.
What I didn't like.
This book was a little dry and hard to get through. I also think the author fails to see that, for some people, the institutional church can be a blessing. Although my ideas of church are more closely aligned with the emerging church, I have seen too many people who have been blessed by the institutional church to completely say it is wrong.
I recommend this book for anyone who is searching for answers and has an open mind. Book are written by fallible people, and no books should be taken as gospel truth.
From the back cover
Have you ever wondered why we Christians do what we do for church every Sunday morning? Why do we "dress up" for church? Why does the pastor preach a sermon each week? Why do we have pews, steeples, choirs, and seminaries? This volume reveals the startling truth: most of what Christians do in present-day churches is not rooted in the New Testament, but in pagan culture and rituals developed long after the death of the apostles. Coauthors Frank Viola and George Barna support their thesis with compelling historical evidence in the first-ever book to document the full story of modern Christian church practices.
This books digs back into church history and asks a very simple question; where did the practices of the modern day church come from. If you want to read this book, prepare yourself to never look at the church the same way again.
I was amazed at all the research that went into this book. I have read many books written by the emerging church leaders, but none of them is so well researched. Even if you think that the emerging church is a bad thing, this might be a good read for understanding where people in the movement are coming from, from an academic stand point.
What I liked about this book.
As I said before, I loved the extensive research put into this book. It is amazing to find out how some things got started, practices that are not found in the New Testament. This is the best history currently available of where church practices came from.
Also, for me, it was a faith building book. Sometimes I need to be reminded that my faith is in the Living God, not in rituals of the church. Sometimes I need to rethink why I am doing what I am doing and make sure it is in line with what God wants. This book made me think.
What I didn't like.
This book was a little dry and hard to get through. I also think the author fails to see that, for some people, the institutional church can be a blessing. Although my ideas of church are more closely aligned with the emerging church, I have seen too many people who have been blessed by the institutional church to completely say it is wrong.
I recommend this book for anyone who is searching for answers and has an open mind. Book are written by fallible people, and no books should be taken as gospel truth.
Multitudes on Mondays; Spring
#151. Flowers
#152. Rain drops#153. Green leaves#154. Seeds#155. A big garden#156. Good Soil#157. Thunders storms#158. Medicine for my allergies #159. Bees#160. New life
March 17, 2012
Writing Saturday; A is for Anna
Meet Anna[image error] Image found on Pintrest
She is the main character in my book Adventures and Adversities.
Anna is still grieving over the loss of her only sister, during the hard winter. However she always has a smile on her face.
Anna is brave, but quite. She is shy, but she is also friendly. She has a simple faith that blesses many, but she also has deep questions.
I can't wait to share Anna's story with you, so here is a sneak peek for my readers
"Look," the steward began with a sigh. "I have thousands of peasants that want to visit home. Almost all the peasants who work here want to go back home, where ever home just for a visit and then they will conveniently forget to come back. I'm sorry but you can't go.""Please, but my mother is ill, maybe even dyeing," Anna pleaded, touching the stewards coarse homespun sleeve."I'm sorry, I can't let you go, it's not worth my head for you to be able to see your dyeing mother," he said, sounding heartless to Anna's already smarting heart. "Unless you can find someone who will take the punishment if you don't come back, my decisions stands.""I will take it," a strong, masculine voice said.
Copyright 2012 by Sarah Holman
She is the main character in my book Adventures and Adversities.
Anna is still grieving over the loss of her only sister, during the hard winter. However she always has a smile on her face.
Anna is brave, but quite. She is shy, but she is also friendly. She has a simple faith that blesses many, but she also has deep questions.
I can't wait to share Anna's story with you, so here is a sneak peek for my readers
"Look," the steward began with a sigh. "I have thousands of peasants that want to visit home. Almost all the peasants who work here want to go back home, where ever home just for a visit and then they will conveniently forget to come back. I'm sorry but you can't go.""Please, but my mother is ill, maybe even dyeing," Anna pleaded, touching the stewards coarse homespun sleeve."I'm sorry, I can't let you go, it's not worth my head for you to be able to see your dyeing mother," he said, sounding heartless to Anna's already smarting heart. "Unless you can find someone who will take the punishment if you don't come back, my decisions stands.""I will take it," a strong, masculine voice said.
Copyright 2012 by Sarah Holman
March 16, 2012
Of Book Bashing.
Two very patient people over at Homeschool Alumni thought me a lesson a couple weeks ago. A lesson that is very fitting to share during the March of Books.
I am one of those people that very high standards when it comes to books. I am also one of those people that tries to allow people have their own standards. I found out that, sometimes, I am not as tolerant as I thought I was.
When it comes to certain books, I just can't understand how Christians justify it. All I can think about when I hear someone tell me they like the Harry Potter books/movies is all the verses in the Bible condemning witchcraft; that and J.K. Rowling's anti-Christian rants. When someone tells me that the Twilight books are so romantic, I want to throw up. When they tell me what wonderful lessons Hunger Games has in it, I shake my head and wonder why they would want to put such a gory depressing story in their head.
I got into a discussion with two very patient people, I think I mentioned that. One which made me sit and really think about my book bashing. And I realized something; maybe I am the one in the wrong.
Before you panic, I do not plan to read any of the books mentioned above. However, I have come to the conclusion that bashing books rarely helps, and maybe, just maybe, God can use the very books I disdain to teach the readers lessons. Maybe I shouldn't jump to the conclusion that, just because I shouldn't read the book, no one should.
God calls us to live in harmony with each other. You know, that outdated idea of live and let live? Somehow, we lost that in our quest to be right. We are so busy trying to be better and holier than others that we have forgotten to be loving and kind to them.
I am going to endeavor not to do anymore book bashing. This does not mean when asked that I won't share my thoughts on a book, it just means I won't actively tear down a book. Will you join me? I know that book/movie bashing is popular in some blogging circles, but I hope you will join me in showing some restraint.
I am one of those people that very high standards when it comes to books. I am also one of those people that tries to allow people have their own standards. I found out that, sometimes, I am not as tolerant as I thought I was.
When it comes to certain books, I just can't understand how Christians justify it. All I can think about when I hear someone tell me they like the Harry Potter books/movies is all the verses in the Bible condemning witchcraft; that and J.K. Rowling's anti-Christian rants. When someone tells me that the Twilight books are so romantic, I want to throw up. When they tell me what wonderful lessons Hunger Games has in it, I shake my head and wonder why they would want to put such a gory depressing story in their head.
I got into a discussion with two very patient people, I think I mentioned that. One which made me sit and really think about my book bashing. And I realized something; maybe I am the one in the wrong.
Before you panic, I do not plan to read any of the books mentioned above. However, I have come to the conclusion that bashing books rarely helps, and maybe, just maybe, God can use the very books I disdain to teach the readers lessons. Maybe I shouldn't jump to the conclusion that, just because I shouldn't read the book, no one should.
God calls us to live in harmony with each other. You know, that outdated idea of live and let live? Somehow, we lost that in our quest to be right. We are so busy trying to be better and holier than others that we have forgotten to be loving and kind to them.
I am going to endeavor not to do anymore book bashing. This does not mean when asked that I won't share my thoughts on a book, it just means I won't actively tear down a book. Will you join me? I know that book/movie bashing is popular in some blogging circles, but I hope you will join me in showing some restraint.
March 14, 2012
Book Review: Sir Rowan
From the back cover. A knight left for dead. A country on the verge of ruin. And an evil lord rising to conquer.Sir Rowan is the most decorated tournament knight in Cameria, but when he is attacked and left for dead, his world collapses. Betrayed and lingering at death's door, only a bizarre vision of his Prince and the help of a woman dedicated to the King keeps him alive. As Rowan heals, he finds new purpose in life through service to his King.But his beloved land of Cameria has fallen victim to the tyranny of the Dark Knight.Rowan's countrymen need his help taking their cities back from the enemy, but all is not as it appears. The mysterious Sir Lijah insists Rowan's purpose lies elsewhere—far away from Cameria, in an ancient city and for an ancient cause.Rowan's destiny is greater than he ever imagined. The final battle with the Dark Knight approaches, and he must choose where he will fight. Will he discover his true identity and purpose as a Knight of the Prince, or will the Dark Knight claim victory for eternity?I have to confess, I was disappointed in this book. I have loved all of Chuck Black's books, I am a huge fan, but this one just was hard to get into. It spans too many years for a book this small without enough connecting it. It was okay for a one time read but, unlike his other books; I can't see myself rereading this one
What I liked about it.It did show well that pride can ruin you, but God can take the broken pieces of your life and make something amazing out if it. Mr. Black does have a wonderful ability to teach lessons through his books.
As always, I loved the adventure! Chuck Black has filled a great need in YA fiction in my mind; fiction that is message driven, adventure filled, without too much romance. These may be 'boys books' but I love his style.
What I didn't like.This story was to broken up. I felt like the phrase "a few weeks/months/years later" was used far too many times. Okay, those exact words weren't used but the meaning was there. If the time frame had been condensed, this would have made a much better novel.
In previous books, he has killed off a lover or wife or hurt to the point of almost dying. I don't know why but when it happened in this book I rolled my eyes. Is he running out of ideas and reusing old ones? Using that tactic in two or three books was enough, making it a regular thing is getting old.
If you liked his other books, this is a good one time read, but I would put it low on your list.
March 13, 2012
Book Review: Truth
From the back cover:
"What are we living for? Just to live? What is the point? Don't you think there should be a purpose?"
Trapped in a village no one is allowed to leave, Makilien yearns for the answers to her questions about life and the world outside the village walls. Yet no one but her closest friend seems to understand or share her desire. Despite her family's fears and warnings of the consequences, she is determined to find answers.
The unexpected arrival of a stranger, and the knowledge he possesses, drives Makilien to drastic action. Confronted with a world she knows nothing about, she must choose carefully who to trust as both good and evil lurk in all places. As a battle looms, one in which will be determined the fate of all, she must decide whether to believe in the One who is truth or fall prey to the lies of the enemy.The adventure begins here . . .
I don't normally read fantasy. Most 'Christian' fantasy seems to be me just to be an excuse for witchcraft, and other things that I hate. Truth is a wonderful exception to the norm. Reading it was like breathing a breath of fresh air in the fantasy world.
I bought this book because the plot sounded compelling, and I was trying to find some fantasy that my siblings might like. I was totally unprepared for what I found, a fantasy series that I can't wait to finish; A book that at times took my breath away with its poignant words.
What I loved about this book.There was absolutely no witchcraft or magic of any kind! I was so pleased!One of the things I hate about most fantasy books is the allegories of faith. Molly Evangeline didn't make God to be a king or something in her books, even though there is an allegory. God is a deity, not anything else.
I loved Makilien. Her search for purpose and meaning in life echo the hearts cry of so many people. This message is so easy to relate to, I am sure it will bless many who read it. Makilien was a well-developed character, I feel like I know her.
Things you might want to know.Although I feel like this book is appropriate for all ages, some might find some of the creatures disturbing. Molly doesn't go into too much detail (or so I felt) but there are some evil creatures.
For my friends who don't like romance books, you are in luck! This book had no romance. I get the feeling that Makilien might have some romance in a future book, but if it is anything like Molly's other books, it will be God honoring.
If you are looking for a great fantasy book that is clean and wholesome, I recommend Truth.
"I don't think I have the faith to believe in Elohim.""But He Always believes in you." ~ From Truth by Molly EvangelineQuote used with permission.
March 12, 2012
Multitudes on Mondays; Every day Life
I love my life. I love those days when I sit for a few hours on my computer writing, editing, blogging and Facebooking, then take a walk for an hour. I love it when a sibling grabs me and hugs me just because then I chase them down the hall. I love helping my sisters in the kitchen and watering the plants in the green house. Every day life is the best. That is why I am thankful for...
#141. Hugs#142. Laughter#143. Family#144. Fun movies#145. Best friends that share your home#146. Good food#147. Pillows#148. Friendly teasing#149. Shared life#150. Normal days
March 10, 2012
Writing Saturday; ABC's
Starting next week, I will be introducing you to a new writing series called....
My ABC's
This series will highlight things from my writing beginning with that weeks letter. Hopefully we will all learn some things on the way.
Do you want to join me? Great, feel free to do your own series along with me.
