- "Christian knowledge and understanding are grounded in God's revelation in the Bible through the Holy Spirit, who revealed the truth and illuminates- "Christian knowledge and understanding are grounded in God's revelation in the Bible through the Holy Spirit, who revealed the truth and illuminates its meaning." (pg. 179) ...more
Some definite faults that I saw were that Amy seemed independent and headstrong, which are two qualities that don't seem in keeping with a Christian life. She often refused counsel from others, seeing all other opinions as being contrary to what God wanted. On one hand I can see this as being necessary in some cases, however the Bible does advocate the act of seeking advice, wisdom, and counsel from older Christians. Amy was known for taking "unnecessary risks" (pg. 32) (the opposite of the Godly character trait of prudence), she would do things just to prove that others were wrong, and she was extremely controlling. It was her way, or no way.
I am not denying that Amy Carmichael led a life far removed from what anyone then, or now, would attempt, and that she was upheld by the Lord. There were many instances where I was convicted by an inspiring quote or by her ceaseless activity for the Kingdom of God. She refused to waste a single moment of her time. How different from our society today when we beg for a break or mindless activity!
~ "I would rather have two who came in earnest than a hundred who came to play," she said. "We have no time to toy with souls like this. It is not by ceremonial teamaking and flower arranging, not by wool chrysanthemum-making and foreign-sewing learning, but 'by my Spirit' saith the Lord." (pg. 84)
Regina Strahm is an innocent nineteen-year-old girl in tumultuous times. The teachings of the Anabaptists are spreading throughout Switzerland, butRegina Strahm is an innocent nineteen-year-old girl in tumultuous times. The teachings of the Anabaptists are spreading throughout Switzerland, but the state church is firm in it's attempts to suppress it's spread. Regina doesn't know what to think, and she is kept miserable by seeing Anabaptist prisoners being marched away, by the increasing silence and confusion of her father, and the weekly struggle the pastor has with choosing a passage to read to the church. She doesn't know what to think, but as time goes on her heart begins to yearn for the peace and assurance that the Anabaptists seem to have. It is after she witnesses the public execution of Felix Manz that she truly desires this new way of life for herself. Events then move quickly when she becomes re-baptized (her first baptism having been as an infant), is accused of associating with the Anabaptists, and is placed under arrest herself. Sweet Regina remains firm in her new-found faith, despite the many friends who beg her to remain true to the state church.
Not Regina started out slowly, as the writing is far from spectacular and the complete innocence of Regina was somewhat hard to believe. Her speech and manner seemed to be that of a much younger girl. Later on, however, as the tale went on and I became more drawn into the story it didn't bother me as much.
It was easy to sympathize with her confusion though. I am not a strong thinker myself, and I could easily place myself in that situation and understand that I would have been no more decided than she started out, probably less so. Fear kept her silent for so long, and that too is understandable from a human perspective, but she finally took the step of faith and proclaimed her new allegiance even if it meant imprisonment or death. The peace that she had so long searched for finally came.
It is not a brilliant book, yet it is interesting look at what it meant to truly follow Christ in 1500's and the turmoil that came of it. ...more
Katie was just a teenager when she began loving the beautiful people of Uganda, and started off on her first, short-term trip there. In no time sheKatie was just a teenager when she began loving the beautiful people of Uganda, and started off on her first, short-term trip there. In no time she was captured by how much these people needed to be cared for and loved. She realized that she could do something to help these people. She also realized that she would rather be doing that than anything else. It is not too long after when Katie finally goes to Uganda to live, to adopt children, and to serve God by serving the poor.
Kisses from Katie gives a few stories of the people and her children, but mainly the stories are told to illustrate a spiritual lesson that she was learning at the time. In some ways I really wanted to read more stories of the people and of Katie's work among them, but at the same time Katie's work was driven and directed by her trust in God and it was clear that she did not want to minimize that aspect of it. You cannot separate those two sides of the coin.
Several themes were mentioned again and again, emphasizing points that many Christians tend to forget or overlook. Again, I felt that this was because Katie really wanted to open people's eyes and didn't want to minimize what God can do in hearts, as well as in circumstances.
"Everywhere I looked in the Bible, from the beginning of the Old Testament to the end of Revelation, people who believe in God are supposed to share with the poor. Helping the poor is not something God asks His people to do; it is something that, throughout all generations, He instructs us to do." (pg. 32, Kisses from Katie)
This realization of our call to the poor, as well as a few other topics that are important to Katie (such as trust in God), are discussed several times in a manner that is easy to understand, yet convicting.
I was very excited to start reading this book. It is a story that deeply resonated with many of my longings and fears. Katie often discusses her own fears and shortcomings in the book, and during those times I could completely relate and sympathize. She also shares the circumstances or realizations that helped her through. It is helpful to remember that Katie is very young and she is human. Yes, she makes mistakes in her home, in her ministry, and in her walk with God, like the rest of us.. However, the Lord has certainly blessed Katie and her ministry in many ways.
This story is truly an inspiration, even to those who may never leave their hometown in the USA. Are you fully living a life abandoned to God? Are youThis story is truly an inspiration, even to those who may never leave their hometown in the USA. Are you fully living a life abandoned to God? Are you willing to give up everything and everyone, including yourself, in order to serve Him? Serious food for thought.
Millard Gingrich is a young lad whose life is not that put together. He completely respects his mother, yearns to be close to his father, and knows heMillard Gingrich is a young lad whose life is not that put together. He completely respects his mother, yearns to be close to his father, and knows he needs to be right with God, but in the last two areas he is held back by his father's stand-offish manner. In a moment of weakness and in a small way, despair, he enlists with the military at the start of World War II, only to discover that this very thing is the last thing his mother wished for him. With no way to back out, Millard just sincerely hopes that he will never actually see any action.
When he is sent to the front lines, Millard is forced to see how ugly and pointless war really is. His agonized days are spent carrying out orders, but trying to desperately make sense of it all. One night when he is knocked unconscious from a blast he finally decides to release his life to the Lord. In doing so, he is utterly convicted of the sin of killing any of mankind, and realizes he can no longer fulfill the obligations of his job and wants to go home. Perceiving his difficulty he goes to the camp priest and shares his conviction only to be told that he should sleep it off.
The rest of this true story shares Millard's journey as he waits to travel home to his loved ones in the States, and how he finally found peace, forgiveness, and love for every man, including the Germans and Japanese that he had fought against. It is a testimony of non-resistance, and how God does amazing things for and through those who are obedient to Him.
This book receives four stars, not for great writing, but for a great message that is powerful and convicting. For another fabulous read by the same author, check out For One Moment: A Biographical Story....more
Usually when we think of becoming a missionary, or read stories of those who were missionaries, we hear of having to go through the mission board.Usually when we think of becoming a missionary, or read stories of those who were missionaries, we hear of having to go through the mission board. There's nothing wrong with that, and that is how many missions are supported, but it was amazing to read the story of Bruce Olsen who only had enough money to get him to Venezuela and had no idea what he was going to do once he arrived. The only thing he knew was that God had called him to serve the Indians in South America, and so he went.
Beginning with an unhappy childhood, Bruchko follows young Bruce through his conversion to Christianity, his call to become a missionary, and how he followed that call to serve the Motilone tribe in Columbia. It took time for the Indians to accept him, and then it took time for them to accept the gospel message, but once they did it spread like wildfire, reaching into the souls of many tribes. In many ways, it was the Indians' faith that strengthened Bruce's. Their simple belief would bring him back to the ground time and again with it's brilliant truth.
Another fascinating aspect to Bruce's work is that he never tried to make the Indian's become like North American people. He didn't try to force away their customs or try to get them to wear the clothes that he felt they should wear. He simply introduced the Gospel, medicine, and schools to teach them to read the Gospel.
~
It was beautiful to read of God's work in South America and to see a different method to overseas missions. Although this is probably not my favorite missionary story simply due to how brief I felt it was in the telling, it is a very interesting account of what the Lord has done in Columbia. I would definitely recommend Bruchko....more
What I liked about this book was the engaging style, the intense events, and the emotion that is naturally drawn out by those events. The inward What I liked about this book was the engaging style, the intense events, and the emotion that is naturally drawn out by those events. The inward struggles that Katniss must constantly face are things that just about any person can sympathize with.
As with most books, however, there are many things that I disagree with. I understand that without conflict and problems there would hardly be a story, but as one reads a story like this you can't help but ask yourself what you would do in such a situation and think that you would do it differently. Sometimes it's a relief that we probably won't know until we get there....more
Beginning with the continuation of the story of Llew Silver Hand, The Endless Knot tells of the golden age when all of Albion is united under the AirdBeginning with the continuation of the story of Llew Silver Hand, The Endless Knot tells of the golden age when all of Albion is united under the Aird Righ (High King). Llew is established among the people, and even takes a bride. The book shows how he helps to build up his city and his people, until little things start showing up, saying that not is all right with the land. When his most beloved treasure is stolen, he goes on a journey that shows destruction and despair like never seen before, yet ends in the renewing of two worlds.
I must admit this third book was somewhat of a disappointment to me. It started out rather slowly, just following general life in Dinas Dwr. That was fine and dandy, but it was a change of pace from what the rest of the series had been and an unexpected one. As I mentioned with the previous two books in the series, I do not recommend this series for younger teens, and anyone else should be smart enough to use their own discretion. This last book in particular discussed married life a little more than I was interested in reading.
The end caused mixed feelings. I could see how it fulfilled everything that the author had intended from the beginning, but it left questions in my mind that I may never have answered.
Overall I would recommend the series, although the last book was certainly not my favorite of the three....more
The Silver Hand continues the story of Lewis Gillies, now called Llew a name he earned by noble deeds, and his task righting two worlds that are tiedThe Silver Hand continues the story of Lewis Gillies, now called Llew a name he earned by noble deeds, and his task righting two worlds that are tied together. Prince Meldron, goaded on by Simon's treacherous words, is seizing all of Albion for himself, and bringing destruction and cruelty wherever he goes. His only quest now, however, is to slay Llew and assert his false claim to the kingship.
It is through the vision of Tegid the bard that we see these events happening. He has his own personal path to fulfill and that is to see Llew as rightful king of Albion. When the two friends are viciously maimed, he still keeps up his hope that Llew will be king, despite the fact that a king must be without blemish.
Also despite their wounds, Llew and Tegid strive to build something out of a vision. Tegid has seen a large city built on the waters of the lake that he and Llew have come to call home. They begin to create the vision in reality, and it is not long before they are joined by many who were driven away by the wicked Prince Meldron. The renown of their vision spreads, and it is not long before there are two groups in Albion. Those with Llew and those coerced to serve the Prince and it is not long before the Prince makes his way to Llew's northern stronghold.
Battle is made. Tegid struggles to make sense of things that have been floating on the edge of his mind, knowing that the culmination of these thoughts could be a deciding factor in the fight. When the battle is lost and all hope has been destroyed, the hope is reborn by the emergence of a silver hand. The Silver Hand
The second book in The Song of Albion Trilogy, I was enthralled with the story for the whole day, and stayed up late into the night to finish. After saying that, at this point in my journey through the trilogy I will say that while I enjoyed this second book, I would rank the first book first in a list. As I also mentioned in my review of The Paradise War, I would certainly not recommend this book for younger readers. It is an intense world, full of intense happenings. While I think that much of what is portrayed is more realistic than what is often portrayed, there were some moments where I felt the events could have been a little more subtly told.
Stephen Lawhead skillfully weaves words together to hold the reader's attention throughout the novel. The only sections that leapt through were the songs and verse, which is my own fault. On the whole, I enjoyed this book greatly, and am excited to read the third installment!...more
The first in a trilogy, The Paradise War follows the amazing and fantastic adventure of a young college student by the name of Lewis Gillies. When heThe first in a trilogy, The Paradise War follows the amazing and fantastic adventure of a young college student by the name of Lewis Gillies. When he follows his friend on an sudden and unlikely urge to explore the strange appearance of a long extinct beast in Scotland, he is shocked when his friend disappears inside a cairn and does not return. It is only when he attempts to follow Simon that he understands why.
Albion is where he finds himself. It is the Otherworld, and he is thrust into it so quickly and violently that he doesn't even have time to protest the series of events that lead to his warrior training and the events that will follow. Lewis is in Albion, a land so steeped in Celtic myth, lore, legend, and culture that the novel resonates with this fantastic framework and thrills the reader with their own discovery of it.
Lewis comes to love Albion so well that the thought of returning to the drab, gray, meaningless life that he left behind him makes him sick. How could a person desire to take a shadow of a thing over the reality? He comes to realize, though, that the presence of strangers has brought a new influence in to the ancient ways and traditions of the country, and that it is steadily bringing about the downfall of the world. Simon is a changed man, and his greedy words of dissent whispered into the right ear causes waves that cannot be stopped. Lewis realizes that he must prevent anything else from taking place, and though it grieves his heart, he tries to force Simon back to their own world, only to be met with surprise.
This book is my introduction to the works of Stephen Lawhead, and I must say that I am very impressed. He has created a rich and colorful world that so thoroughly held me captive in a way that books have not done for a while. I fell in love with the beautiful descriptions, the wonderful lore that made the skillful foundation for the work, and the very characters themselves caught at my mind and are still clinging there.
I personally loved The Paradise War and can't wait to finish the second book in the series, The Silver Hand, although I would probably not recommend the series for younger teens and below.
Finally, I just want to say, I think I love Great Britain more than ever! At the very least I find the ancient history and mythology fascinating. ...more
From childhood, Darlene had promised the Lord that she would go where ever he wanted her too, that she wanted to be a missionary. How the Lord usedFrom childhood, Darlene had promised the Lord that she would go where ever he wanted her too, that she wanted to be a missionary. How the Lord used her, and where He took her is an incredible story of faith and miracles, and blessings amidst unbelievable hardships.
Evidence Not Seen is the story of Darlene Deibler, who lived, survived, and perhaps in an odd way, thrived in a Japanese prison camp during World War II. It details how she was captured, and many of the day to day occurrences that took place in a camp full of undernourished and overworked women separated from their husbands, brothers, and sons.
It is amazing to read of the many, many miracles which the Lord blessed Darlene with. She thought herself foolish to ask her Heavenly Father for one banana, and yet He gave her 92 bananas as a gift. The camp commander was a horrible, hateful man, and yet Darlene's hope for a bright, eternal future changed him, and he in turn was able to save her. Prayers for healing were answered, and so much more that can only be discovered by reading the book.
I was extremely impressed by this book. It was inspiring to me to be faithful in the little things, and "bloom where you're planted" for that is exactly what Darlene did. It was also an amazing reminder to me to serve others and not myself.
I would highly recommend this book to others!...more
Loading...
