tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7721505436653508532024-03-13T11:00:22.713-04:00Grace, Peace, & Glory"The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."
(Numbers 6:24-26, ESV)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger292125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-50537518066393072062021-10-15T11:33:00.001-04:002021-10-15T11:33:43.027-04:00A Barefoot Shoe?<h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSi7icstJ8TxQMvvpKoX86spcmzuzL69UTOeiUmpAjA7KN1e51vJ30LsejIhUTdzY6pYtWGvvfUAODSGElZIr36RxjPx3M5EqWmD8jwedlWjgrQJLWiBK3i73KQiFuvx-k7JqGqFhCkQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="818" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSi7icstJ8TxQMvvpKoX86spcmzuzL69UTOeiUmpAjA7KN1e51vJ30LsejIhUTdzY6pYtWGvvfUAODSGElZIr36RxjPx3M5EqWmD8jwedlWjgrQJLWiBK3i73KQiFuvx-k7JqGqFhCkQ/" width="163" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><font size="4"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I may be one of the fussiest shoppers in the world. For years, I've contented myself with hand-me-downs (Thanks, Sis!), kept things simple (jeans & a t-shirt), and avoided purchasing new pieces for my wardrobe unless absolutely essential, not necessarily because of budget considerations as much as because I love the comfort of things that are well broken in. I'll be the first to admit that it has always been a chore for anyone to drag me on shopping excursions to purchase new clothing, especially footwear. (Sorry, Mom!) I can't<br /> tell you how many of my childhood back-to-school clothing trips were accompanied by tears because it was so hard for me to find things I loved (not to mention the fact that I have always had zero fashion sense). Which brings me to present day...not much has changed... except, thanks to Katy Bowman, I have begun to discover a whole new footwear world: the barefoot/minimalist shoe movement. Where have these folks been all of my life?!? </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">After decades of kicking off my shoes every chance I got, I have finally discovered shoes that allow me to feel barefoot while shod. Wonder of wonders!</span></font></h2><h2><font size="4"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br>So, what makes these shoes so special? First off, the </span><i>soles are thin and flexible</i><span style="font-weight: normal;">, allowing for natural movement of the foot (as opposed to stiff shoes which require the majority of movement to come from the ankle). Did you know that 25% of the bones in our entire body reside from the ankles down? Our feet our comprised of 26 bones and 33 joints allowing for the front and back halves of our feet to move separately from one another and our toes to move separately from our feet, as well as, one another! Conventional shoes function more like a cast, restricting movement, whereas barefoot shoes allow for an incredible amount of movement and sensory feedback. Upon initial consideration, it may seem silly to gush about feeling moss, sticks, and plush carpet under one's shod feet, but upon further reflection, one begins to realize that we were designed with an incredible number of nerves in our feet such that our brains would be able to absorb all of this sensory feedback and make course adjustments accordingly resulting in better balance and maneuvering across varied terrain. Katy Bowman refers to this as "vitamin texture", and I've learned to see it as a gift. One of the benefits of a thin flexible sole that I have noticed in particular is the fact that I am far less prone to twisting my ankle when traversing uneven ground. The only place for give when wearing conventional shoes, with their stiff, inflexible soles, is the ankle. However, thin, flexible soles allow for a wide variety of movement from the 26 bones and 33 joints of the foot, an amazing design that I've come to appreciate more fully. I've also noticed that thin, flexible soles result in my stepping more gently because I can feel the ground underneath my feet, as designed, which results in less impact to my joints.</br></span></font></h2><h2><font size="4"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br>Furthermore, barefoot shoes have an </span><i>upper </i><span style="font-weight: normal;">that </span><i>connects well</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> to the foot, allowing the shoe to stay on well without any kind of toe gripping (which can lead to all kinds of foot pain and issues). We are talking about footwear that acts like a second skin, albeit a bit tougher in order to protect us from potential hazards awaiting us on the paths ahead.<br /><br />Additionally, the </span><i>toe box</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> should be </span><i>anatomically correct</i><span style="font-weight: normal;">; that is, they should allow our </span><i>toes </i><span style="font-weight: normal;">to spread out </span><i>(splay) naturally</i><i style="font-weight: 400;">, </i><span style="font-weight: 400;">while also remaining level with the rest of the shoe. (Conventional shoes, especially athletic shoes, tend to have a toe spring that artificially forces the toes upward into an extended position.) The benefits conferred by this design are improved stability. (Though this may not be noticed initially if your feet have been crammed into the narrow toe boxes of conventional shoes because this mild foot binding results in deformed feet that lose the ability to splay naturally. Thankfully, I've been a bit of a shoe rebel my entire life, have kicked off my shoes at every possible opportunity, and have worn over-sized shoes to give me piggy toes more room to wiggle while shod. I no longer need to do this now that I've stumbled upon shoes that conform to my feet rather than making my feet conform to them. :)<br /><br />Finally, barefoot shoes are </span><i>zero drop</i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> which means that the thickness of the sole is the same at the heel and the toe. Believe it or not, while I list it last, this feature is the first thing that drew me to the barefoot shoe movement. You see, what I learned after I gave birth to Baby #9 is that a lifetime of poor movement habits had caught up with me and culminated in a condition that made postpartum recovery more of an uphill battle. I needed to make some changes...big and small. Perhaps the simplest one was to change what I was wearing on my feet. You see, nearly all conventional footwear (including the athletic shoes that I wore most frequently) have a positive heel which prevents the ankle from coming to a 90 degree angle while shod. This lack of vertical alignment throws off the alignment of the rest of the body causing changes to joint function and the way the body manages internal pressure. It's quite amazing but, sadly, beyond the scope of this post. (For more information, check out any of Katy Bowman's informative titles like <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2yGRFg5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Move Your DNA</a></i>, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3bctxPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Whole Body Barefoot</a></i>, or <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ckGubw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diastasis Recti</a></i>.)<br /><br />So, what shoes "fit the bill"? Katy Bowman maintains <a href="https://www.nutritiousmovement.com/shoes-the-list/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a helpful list</a> to serve. However, I've also had the opportunity to work with some fantastic folks and will share my discoveries in future posts.</span></font></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><i><br>The best shoes let you enjoy all of the comforts of being barefoot while protecting your feet from any potential hazards that might present themselves on the paths ahead.</i></span></h2>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-76915350629865267162019-12-17T16:36:00.000-05:002019-12-17T16:35:59.999-05:00Who is the Greatest?: A Book Review<br />
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<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41VkPu1K4vL._SX354_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41VkPu1K4vL._SX354_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="142" /></a>If you're still thinking about a gift for a preschooler in your life, you might consider introducing him or her to Charles Haddon Spurgeon by means of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2PQwahn" target="_blank">Who is the Greatest?</a></i>. The latest title in the <a href="https://amzn.to/2PQwahn" target="_blank">Little Lights series</a> written by Catherine Mackenzie and published by Christian Focus 4 Kids, these books are miniature biographies carefully designed for those with limited attention spans. Each durable page set features a short paragraph of text and colorful illustrations. Mackenzie is honest about Spurgeon's life struggles and lessons learned and encourages kids to turn to Jesus for comfort and help, just as Spurgeon did. Best of all, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2PQwahn" target="_blank">Who is the Greatest?</a> </i>clearly communicates the most important message that Spurgeon learned and proclaimed, the good news that Jesus came to save sinners. I'm happy to commend it to you!</div>
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*Many thanks to <a href="https://www.christianfocus.com/series/36/little-lights" target="_blank">CF4K</a> for sending me a complimentary copy of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2PQwahn" target="_blank">Who is the Greatest?</a></i>! This is my honest opinion.</div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-24706532889420783982019-12-10T16:33:00.002-05:002020-03-06T15:06:08.405-05:00Safe and Sound: A Book Review<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/800x800/products/1976/3633/Safe_and_Sound_Thumbnail__04792.1547668934.jpg?c=2&imbypass=on" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Safe and Sound: Standing Firm in Spiritual Battles" border="0" class="productView-image--default lazyautosizes medium-zoom-image lazyloaded" data-main-image="" data-sizes="auto" data-src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/800x800/products/1976/3633/Safe_and_Sound_Thumbnail__04792.1547668934.jpg?c=2&imbypass=on" data-zoom-target="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/1976/3633/Safe_and_Sound_Thumbnail__04792.1547668934.jpg?c=2&imbypass=on" height="320" sizes="646px" src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/800x800/products/1976/3633/Safe_and_Sound_Thumbnail__04792.1547668934.jpg?c=2&imbypass=on" style="text-align: justify;" title="Safe and Sound: Standing Firm in Spiritual Battles" width="235" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"<i><span style="text-indent: 25px;">For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12, ESV).</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></span></i></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">What is this spiritual battle that all face yet cannot see? How does one fight an unseen enemy? How do we think biblically about spiritual warfare?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">David Powlison wrote <i><a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/safe-and-sound-standing-firm-in-spiritual-battles/" target="_blank">Safe and Sound</a></i> because he wanted "...us to be awake and alert to the real battles we face" (pg. 1). In Part 1, he carefully examines Scripture to answer questions regarding the nature of spiritual warfare, the role that the Evil One plays in this world, and how we are to stand against him. Powlison faithfully unpacks Ephesians 6:10-20 by examining the Old Testament Messianic passages in Isaiah and Psalms to which Paul alludes (as opposed to the more common, but erroneous, teaching that Paul has the Roman centurion in mind). In so doing, Powlison helps us "...learn how to fight well, how to put on Jesus Christ himself, wearing the weapons of light with which he defeats the power of darkness" (7).</span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> In Part 2, he helpfully illustrates what spiritual warfare looks like and applies the wisdom of Scripture to these scenarios. This section, in particular, </span></span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">makes this book unique with its emphasis on and application to personal ministry to other believers. In addition to tackling difficult topics like the occult and animism, Powlison addresses battles with anger, fear, escapism, and death.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Coming in at around 100 pages, <i><a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/safe-and-sound-standing-firm-in-spiritual-battles/" target="_blank">Safe and Sound</a> </i>is incredibly concise, making it easily accessible to those who are short on time and looking for a biblically faithful primer on the subject of the unseen spiritual warfare in which we all engage daily. I'm happy to commend it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">*Many thanks to <a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/safe-and-sound-standing-firm-in-spiritual-battles/" target="_blank">New Growth Press</a> for sending me a copy of <i><a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/safe-and-sound-standing-firm-in-spiritual-battles/" target="_blank">Safe and Sound</a></i>! This is my honest opinion.</span></span><br />Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-32880130274300033232019-09-05T17:56:00.000-04:002019-09-05T17:56:50.453-04:00Beyond Authority & Submission: A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVwabomyJGMQC9aTjxLgQqI8nXG3T5-gCpXsSZXN92JDkMx3oUdQ31U2QQDHH3l1zLui0Pa6MYSYL5EZ_78uoOqdwtGOqunDmYeX42tN2fGCaVCv7Tcm15nXXHoz09hgo1Fwjm205pVY/s1600/prpbooks_images_covers_md_9781629956114%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVwabomyJGMQC9aTjxLgQqI8nXG3T5-gCpXsSZXN92JDkMx3oUdQ31U2QQDHH3l1zLui0Pa6MYSYL5EZ_78uoOqdwtGOqunDmYeX42tN2fGCaVCv7Tcm15nXXHoz09hgo1Fwjm205pVY/s400/prpbooks_images_covers_md_9781629956114%255B1%255D.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Abuse of authority
is an abomination to God. Misusing and/or going beyond Scripture sets us up for
just such abuses. That's why I'm so grateful for women like Rachel Green Miller
who are being like the noble Bereans, examining the Scriptures to see if what
religious teachers are teaching is in accord with the whole counsel of God's
Word, which is exactly what she sets out to accomplish in her newly released
book, <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2ZUGCYp" target="_blank">Beyond Authority and Submission</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Miller begins her
work by examining the source and nature of authority and submission according
to Scripture. To be clear, she isn't seeking to find a loophole that allows
women to disobey the clear teaching of Scripture. However, she does make some
very helpful observations of where the plain teaching of Scripture has been
misapplied and misused. Miller carefully demonstrates that authority and
submission are important but limited aspects of relationships and widens her
lens to include the biblical themes of unity, interdependence, and service.
After laying this foundation, she moves to examine cultural influences
throughout history that have been imposed upon our definitions of
"biblical" womanhood with particular emphasis on Greco-Roman society
and the Victorian Era. She examines the first-wave feminist movement, its
subsequent developments, and the conservative Christian response to these
movements followed by an examination of what the Bible has to say about the
nature of men and women. Miller closes with sections devoted to prevalent
teaching on women and men in three different spheres: marriage, the church, and
society, and closely compares what is being taught with what we encounter in
Scripture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2ZUGCYp" target="_blank">Beyond Authority and Submission</a> </span>is a much
needed start to a conversation that has needed to happen. Again and again,
Miller illustrates areas where conservative religious leaders have gone beyond
Scripture, imposing cultural definitions of manhood and womanhood upon folks
while claiming they are biblical standards. Her careful attention to the whole
counsel of God's Word reveals where mistakes have been made and where we need
to bring our views into closer alignment with Scripture, representing "the
full diversity of expression that is seen in Scripture" (pg. 125). Some
errors have already been discussed at length on blogs (ex. The Trinitarian
error of eternal subordination of the Son). Others have been less discussed.
For example, Miller writes of the damage caused by mistranslation and
misinterpretation of Scripture that leads men to be suspicious of
women:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"When conservative Christians teach men to suspect women's counsel because
women are prone to deception and will try to usurp their leadership, interactions
become antagonistic. If women can't be trusted to make wise decisions, and if
men have to be careful not to let women lead them, then men and women are
pitted against each other. These teachings undermine the unity,
interdependence, service, and co-laboring that should define Christian
behavior." (pg. 119).</span></div>
</blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Again, Miller
doesn’t' go beyond Scripture in allowing women to lead men where the Bible
clearly forbids it (ex. Women as elders), but she is careful to warn against
going beyond what is clearly stated in Scripture. She highlights many examples
of women who lead, initiate, protect, and provide in Scripture. She examines many instances in which biblical women exercise theological discernment. Miller is careful not to flatten out the distinctions between men and women but does highlight the many instances when we have conformed "to narrow or wooden definitions of masculinity and femininity" (pg. 148). For example, we rightly recognize that "...godly women should be submissive, gentle, quiet, and responsive...helpers and life-givers...", but we err when we limit these attributes strictly to women as many times in Scripture, godly men are to exhibit these characteristics as well. As a lover of theology and a bit of a "tom boy", it was so refreshing to read a more broad view of femininity and masculinity....one that doesn't pigeon-hole men and women into traditional cultural constructs OR compromise biblical truth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Miller doesn't throw out the baby with the bath water and is careful to recognize that much of what conservative Christian leaders are teaching is good, but she does bring much needed balance to a movement that has made a severe overcorrection. Perhaps the greatest concern that Miller and others are highlighting is the damage these overcorrections do to the Gospel and the Church. She writes:</span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"When marriage is emphasized as living out a picture of the gospel as the highest calling for women, along with bearing children, it tends toward making marriage and family into idols. This is especially harmful for singles and widows and for those who don't fit the neat box of a nuclear family unit...Marriage, while a good and necessary thing, isn't the gospel. Conflating the two obscures the actual gospel and presents a truncated understanding of what Christ actually accomplished for believers through His death and resurrection" (pg. 165).</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Additionally, Miller addresses unbiblical teaching on the purpose of marriage, divorce and remarriage, the subtle prioritization of men over women in the church, abuses perpetuated by abusive teaching that treats women like children, and many traditions that have crept into some teaching that is far more cultural than biblical.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2ZUGCYp" target="_blank">Beyond Authority and Submission</a> </span>challenged
some of my presuppositions and caused me to think more carefully about some of
my positions. Many folks in conservative Christian circles will benefit from a
thoughtful read of this book but particularly those in conservative circles who
have been influenced by (or whose teachers/leaders have been influenced by)
works on biblical womanhood/manhood such as those by John Piper & Wayne
Grudem (as well as other contributors to <span style="font-style: italic;">Recovering
Biblical Manhood and Womanhood</span>), The Council on Biblical Manhood and
Womanhood, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Mary Kassian, Elisabeth Elliot, Voddie Baucham
Jr., Anna and Elizabeth Botkin, Douglas Wilson, Debi Pearl, Gary Thomas, etc. If you think
all feminism has always been evil or pine for the good old days, <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2ZUGCYp" target="_blank">Beyond Authority and Submission</a></span> will serve to
bring a much greater balance to your perspective. Rachel Green Miller raises important questions
with careful attention to and handling of God's Word. May we all handle
Scripture as faithfully as Miller as we continue this valuable conversation!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">*Many thanks to <a href="https://prpbooks.com/book/beyond-authority-and-submission" target="_blank">P & R Publishing</a> for supplying me with an advance copy of<i> <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZUGCYp" target="_blank">Beyond Authority and Submission</a></i>! These are my honest thoughts.</span></div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-57576833346370848562019-08-27T10:38:00.001-04:002019-08-27T10:38:44.955-04:00Don't Blame the Mud: A Book Review<br />
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<a href="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/1024x1024/products/1916/3734/Dont_Blame_the_Mud_Thumbnail__41642.1542396674.1280.1280__56812.1560789301.jpg?c=2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Don't Blame the Mud: Only Jesus Makes Us Clean" border="0" height="320" src="https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/1024x1024/products/1916/3734/Dont_Blame_the_Mud_Thumbnail__41642.1542396674.1280.1280__56812.1560789301.jpg?c=2" width="233" /></a></div>
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Our family has been incredibly blessed by a number of resources written by Marty Machowski, most notably, his <a href="https://amzn.to/2HsW73f" target="_blank">Old</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/2LeIxBL" target="_blank">New</a> Testament devotionals for families so, I was excited to read his latest work for children, <a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/dont-blame-the-mud-only-jesus-makes-us-clean/" target="_blank">"Don't Blame the Mud"</a>. The Gospel message communicated through the parents was crystal clear and the follow-up questions provided in the parent section were helpful for drawing the kids out to think about ways that they struggle to obey, seek to blame-shift, etc. We honestly didn't love the story and read it repeatedly. Perhaps some of your kids will receive the story better. The Gospel message and follow-up questions certainly make it worth giving a shot. :)</div>
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*Many thanks to <a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/dont-blame-the-mud-only-jesus-makes-us-clean/" target="_blank">New Growth Press</a> for sending me a complimentary copy of <a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/dont-blame-the-mud-only-jesus-makes-us-clean/" target="_blank">"Don't Blame the Mud"</a>! This is my honest opinion!</div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-78479921443023396682019-06-26T12:36:00.000-04:002019-06-26T12:47:36.722-04:00The Power of Christian Contentment: A Book Review<a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0021/5210/3983/products/f5ffdfb10fd76180da2cec0eedb21e24_1024x.jpg?v=1550581571" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Power of Christian Contentment: Finding Deeper, Richer Christ-Centered Joy" border="0" class="img-fluid mb-5 lazyloaded" data-src="//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0021/5210/3983/products/f5ffdfb10fd76180da2cec0eedb21e24_1024x.jpg?v=1550581571" data-variant-title="The Power of Christian Contentment: Finding Deeper, Richer Christ-Centered Joy" height="200" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0021/5210/3983/products/f5ffdfb10fd76180da2cec0eedb21e24_1024x.jpg?v=1550581571" width="128" /></a><br />
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Having stumbled across Andrew Davis earlier this year, I was excited when the opportunity arose to review his latest book, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2GQHCGx" target="_blank">The Power of Christian Contentment</a></i>. Based on Jeremiah Burrough's excellent work, <i>The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, </i>Davis seeks to make that work more accessible to a new generation, explaining dated words, unpacking complex sentences, and adding many new illustrations and content. Amidst the new content is a chapter on contentment in prosperity which is particularly relevant for many in the Western world. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2GQHCGx" target="_blank">The Power of Christian Contentment</a> </i>is Scripture saturated, Christ-centered, and an edifying read that is sure to bless a new generation of readers.<br />
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Many thanks to Baker Books and the <a href="http://www.bakerbooks.com/bakerbooksbloggers" target="_blank">Baker Books Bloggers program</a> for sending me a complimentary copy of <a href="https://amzn.to/2GQHCGx" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The Power of Christian Contentment</a>! The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the <a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html" target="_blank">Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255</a>.</div>
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Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-40519606615916704132019-04-15T19:15:00.000-04:002019-04-15T19:20:57.178-04:00Assured: A Book Review<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Am I truly saved?</i></div>
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<a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0021/5210/3983/products/bf0dbb6a9be6329a76bf3c1a4e07cb7d_1024x.jpg?v=1549314918" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Assured: Discover Grace, Let Go of Guilt, and Rest in Your Salvation" border="0" class="img-fluid mb-5 lazyloaded" data-src="//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0021/5210/3983/products/bf0dbb6a9be6329a76bf3c1a4e07cb7d_1024x.jpg?v=1549314918" data-variant-title="Assured: Discover Grace, Let Go of Guilt, and Rest in Your Salvation" height="320" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0021/5210/3983/products/bf0dbb6a9be6329a76bf3c1a4e07cb7d_1024x.jpg?v=1549314918" style="cursor: move;" width="207" /></a>When I was a child, I prayed "the sinner's prayer" many times wondering if it had really "worked". Truth be told, "Am I saved?" is a good question to ask. After all, Paul encourages his readers to:</div>
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"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)</blockquote>
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The author of Hebrews also warns his readers about falling away from the faith. It was this author who put the fear of God into me a little more than a decade ago as our pastors preached through that book. I was sure that I currently believed that Jesus Christ died for my sins and that I wanted to follow him, but I wondered how I could be sure that I would continue to believe. How could I be sure I would never fall away like some of my other friends had over the years? The thought still brings tears to my eyes, but I have far greater assurance these days than I did when these questions first plagued me. Thankfully, my pastors wisely worked through my questions alongside me, directing me to the Word of God where I would find a rock solid foundation for my faith and for assurance of my salvation, but what about those who don't have this luxury?</div>
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Greg Gilbert's book, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2UoDbXa" target="_blank">Assured: Discover Grace, Let Go of Guilt, and Rest in Your Salvation</a></i>, addresses some of the same questions that troubled me years ago and then some. Again and again, Gilbert demonstrates how the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the promises of God provide a firm foundation for Christian assurance, "fountainheads from which our sense of certainty of our salvation erupts" (20). Gilbert faithfully unpacks Scripture passages that reveal the role of good works with regard to assurance (including ways we might misuse this tool) and speaks of the witness of the Holy Spirit as the seal of a believer's salvation. Further, Gilbert discusses ways to strengthen assurance or regain it if it's been lost (19).</div>
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Truth be told, much of this ground has been covered in previously published titles, but Gilbert also includes a helpful chapter on lies we tend to believe that undermine assurance and another especially encouraging chapter on besetting sins which make this title a unique and valuable contribution to the discussion. Gilbert's writing is accessible, edifying, and utilizes memorable illustrations. I'm happy to commend it to any who find themselves wrestling with this subject or seeking to minister to others who are.</div>
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*Many thanks to <a href="http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/assured/385410" target="_blank">Baker Books</a> for sending me a complimentary copy of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2UoDbXa" target="_blank">Assured</a></i>! These are my honest thoughts. I'm praying <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2UoDbXa" target="_blank">Assured</a></i> brings fresh warning and conviction where needed and lead to the peace the surpasses all understanding for those who are trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ for their salvation!</div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-19562238953582916622019-04-09T14:18:00.003-04:002019-04-09T14:18:45.864-04:00None Greater: A Book Review<a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0021/5210/3983/products/fae5557e9da62ba2bcd5ffb8a0aa0a7b_1024x.jpg?v=1549315173" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God" border="0" class="img-fluid mb-5 lazyloaded" data-src="//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0021/5210/3983/products/fae5557e9da62ba2bcd5ffb8a0aa0a7b_1024x.jpg?v=1549315173" data-variant-title="None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0021/5210/3983/products/fae5557e9da62ba2bcd5ffb8a0aa0a7b_1024x.jpg?v=1549315173" /></a><br />
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"God is someone than whom none greater can be conceived...What must be true of God if he is the most perfect being?" (10) This is the central question explored by Matthew Barrett in his recent book, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2P2fG4N" target="_blank">None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God</a></i>.</div>
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Throughout church history, men like Aquinas, Anselm, Augustine, John Calvin, Stephen Charnock, Herman Bavinck, as well as others, have written rich, Scripture saturated volumes on the character of God. Barrett has done the Church a great service by bringing his readers to this stream and bidding us drink from this classic teaching concerning God, making it all the more accessible to our generation. Far from being abstract, intellectual theology fit primarily for academia, this book is richly devotional and leads its readers to worship. Granted, there are times when such a grand topic exercises the mind a good deal, but Barrett has written with the lay person in mind, and those who climb to the summit with him will be rewarded with breathtaking views of our glorious God. I am pleased to give <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2P2fG4N" target="_blank">None Greater</a></i> my highest commendation!</div>
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"...if we think about God, we should say to ourselves: 'This is not God; God is more than this: if I could conceive him, he were not God; for God is incomprehensibly above whatever I can say, whatsoever I can think and conceive of him' " (Stephen Charnock as quoted by Matthew Barrett, 40).</blockquote>
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*Many thanks to Baker Books for providing me with a complimentary copy of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2P2fG4N" target="_blank">None Greater</a></i>! These are my honest thoughts.</div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-20353807959415176892019-02-01T09:35:00.002-05:002019-02-01T09:35:39.965-05:00Broken Pieces - A Book Review<a href="https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/prpbooks%2Fimages%2Fcovers%2Fmd%2F9781629953960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them" border="0" class="product_image" src="https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/prpbooks%2Fimages%2Fcovers%2Fmd%2F9781629953960.jpg" title="Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them" /></a><br />
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When we walk through the valleys and storms of life, where can we find an anchor for our souls? What is our true comfort? How can we care for others who are suffering? In <i><a href="https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/broken-pieces-god-who-mends-them-simonetta-carr-9781629953960" target="_blank">Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them</a></i>, Simonetta Carr shares her painful journey through the unknown waters of schizophrenia and offers support and encouragement for others who are going through similar trials. Again and again, she turns her eyes and directs ours to: "...the triune God--not only as a helper and comforter of sorrows, but in all his greatness and the perfection of his attributes" (pg. 106) demonstrating that God's unchanging character (Ex. 34:6-7) is the anchor for our souls in any and every aspect of life. She writes:</div>
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"Ultimately, Christ is my only true comfort and my only anchor in this sea of uncertainty" (155).</div>
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The struggle of faith is to see God the Father rightly and then act in light of what we know to be true, rightly imaging Him. This "Faith is not defined by our feelings. What we feel doesn't change what's objective" (190). One of Simonetta's pastors, Michael Horton, encouraged her with the words of John Calvin:</div>
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"All things around us are in opposition to the promises of God: He promises immortality; we are surrounded with mortality and corruption: He declares that he counts us just; we are covered with sins: He testifies that he is propitious and kind to us; outward judgments threaten his wrath. What then is to be done? We must with closed eyes pass by ourselves and all things connected with us, that nothing may hinder or prevent us from believing that God is true" (191).</blockquote>
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In response, Simonetta writes: "And so I continue, day after day, to divert my mind from all the many things that pull me away from God’s promises" (191).</div>
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<a href="https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/prpbooks%2Fimages%2Fauthors%2Fweb%2FCarr_Simonetta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simonetta Carr" border="0" class="contributor" height="200" src="https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/prpbooks%2Fimages%2Fauthors%2Fweb%2FCarr_Simonetta.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="160" /></a><br />
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And this is exactly what Simonetta seeks to do for her readers as well. While <i><a href="https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/broken-pieces-god-who-mends-them-simonetta-carr-9781629953960" target="_blank">Broken Pieces</a></i> shares the Carr family story, ultimately, this book isn't centered on Simonetta and her family but on the good God who faithfully carries all believers through life's trials and the promises of the gospel that sustain us in these struggles. She shows us what it looks like for one mom to "...run 'to the rock that is higher than' us (Ps. 61:2) and point our loved ones in that direction" (213). Simonetta is honest and transparent about the wrestlings of her heart and illustrates how one family's relentless love of a sufferer speaks of Christ's relentless love for us when we were in no condition to love him back (83).</div>
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<i><a href="https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/broken-pieces-god-who-mends-them-simonetta-carr-9781629953960" target="_blank">Broken Pieces</a> </i>is full of wisdom and offers lots of practical advice to support caregivers including resource recommendations. It seeks to fuel compassion and empathy, allowing us to enter someone's pain, feel deeply, and weep with those who weep. Simonetta teaches us the importance of guarding our speech and judgments as Christians and how to be a friend to sufferers. She also highlights the primacy of the gospel and the ministry of the Word in the life of the church revealing the intricate inter-relationship between what we believe about God and how we live and walk through trials. I'm very grateful that Simonetta and others have reopened their tender wounds to build up the Body of Christ and help all of us image God more closely as we care for sufferers!</div>
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"It’s only when we realize who God is in Christ that we can not only accept his sovereignty over all but welcome it with joy and relief. And this realization comes when we understand the Bible as the unified story of a loving God who is redeeming a rebellious human race. God is not just an abstract sum of his attributes. He’s a God who acts in history, and his acts constitute an integral part of his revelation of himself as an omnipotent, omniscient, all-just, all-loving, all-good, and all-wise God. No one will ever know our loved ones like he does, and no one will ever love them more than Christ, who has died on the cross for them" (272).</blockquote>
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*Many thanks to <a href="https://www.prpbooks.com/book/broken-pieces-and-the-god-who-mends-them" target="_blank">P & R Publishing</a> for a complimentary digital copy of <i><a href="https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/broken-pieces-god-who-mends-them-simonetta-carr-9781629953960" target="_blank">Broken Pieces</a></i>! These are my honest thoughts.</div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-11465205649801687952019-01-31T16:21:00.000-05:002019-01-31T16:21:35.146-05:00Real Change - A Resource Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/1024x1024/products/1697/3604/real-change-thumbnail__61359.1544123494.jpg?c=2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Real Change" border="0" height="320" src="https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/1024x1024/products/1697/3604/real-change-thumbnail__61359.1544123494.jpg?c=2" title="" width="233" /></a></div>
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Do you ever feel like you're spinning your wheels, not making much progress in areas where you'd like to see change in your life? Often, change is difficult and slow going. It can be easy to get discouraged and abandon the effort. <i><a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/real-change-becoming-more-like-jesus-in-everyday-life/?aff=31" target="_blank">Real Change: Becoming More Like Jesus in Everyday Life</a></i> seeks to come alongside believers as they pursue a personal change project, encouraging; instructing; and pointing people to Jesus.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for dynamics of biblical change ccef" class="irc_mi" height="173" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dr5ZZguXgAEsZt6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created by CCEF. www.ccef.org. Available in <i>Real Change</i>.</td></tr>
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Based on the diagram from "The Dynamics of Biblical Change" course offered by the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation, <i><a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/real-change-becoming-more-like-jesus-in-everyday-life/?aff=31" target="_blank">Real Change</a> </i>unpacks <a href="http://www.tapestryofgrace.com/company/conferences/handouts/Three%20Trees%20Diagram.doc" target="_blank">"The Three Trees Diagram"</a> in six concise lessons, offering questions for reflection, study, and discussion, as well as, an included Leader's Guide. Users will find this guide Scripture-saturated consistent with the authors' stated goal:</div>
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"This model is not intended to supersede Scripture but to summarize Scripture. Please use the model in such a way that it encourages people to run toward the Bible rather than seeing it as a stand-alone model" (53).</blockquote>
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For those who are familiar with the CCEF materials from which this derives it's inspiration, <a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/real-change-becoming-more-like-jesus-in-everyday-life/?aff=31" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Real Change</a><i> </i>isn't merely a re-hashing of previously published material but takes more of a small group, Bible study approach as opposed to the lecture format of previous material. It's a welcome addition to the Three Trees "family" of resources and should prove edifying as those who utilize it examine their hearts and look to Christ, the Author of all real change.<br />
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*Many thanks to New Growth Press for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book! These are my honest thoughts.</div>
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Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-22967743939756928052019-01-02T13:28:00.003-05:002019-01-02T13:31:17.236-05:00Idols of a Mother's Heart - A Book Review<br />
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<a href="https://christianfocus.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/products/small/6ba99ffb4b1c08d6d6518d09dc55050a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Idols of a Mother’s Heart" border="0" height="320" src="https://christianfocus.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/products/small/6ba99ffb4b1c08d6d6518d09dc55050a.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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"It had been one of those 'terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days.' The kind where nothing went the way it should. I must have corrected the kids every five minutes. I refereed fights, cleaned up mess after mess, repeated instructions, and tried to create order out of chaos. I was exhausted, irritated, and impatient.</blockquote>
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Sitting at the dinner table that evening, it was my oldest son's turn to give thanks. When I heard him say, 'And God, could you please help mommy to be patient with us?' I realized I wasn't the only one affected by our difficult day. I was part of the problem" (24). </blockquote>
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"Before I had children, I considered myself a patient person." Who can't relate to that? Motherhood is hard. Seeing our sinfulness exposed is harder. Applying the good news about Christ's life, death, and resurrection to our lives is glorious! Christina is a wise and relate-able companion for the journey.</div>
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In <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2S9zmEL" target="_blank">Idols of a Mother's Heart</a></i>, Christina Fox begins by laying a strong, Gospel foundation which remains central throughout the book. She writes about how we were created to glorify, enjoy, worship, and image God and about how things went terribly wrong. She follows Tim Keller in defining an idol as:</div>
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"...anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give. A counterfeit god is anything so central and essential to your life that, should you lose it, your life would hardly feel worth living. An idol has such a controlling position in your heart that you can spend most of your passion and energy, your emotional and financial resources, on it without a second thought" (Tim Keller as quoted by Christina Fox, pg. 56).</blockquote>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Christina then moves to help her readers identify and dethrone idols. To this end, she offers heart-probing diagnostic questions and reminds us that idols fail again and again and again to deliver on the promise of ultimate happiness, pointing us to Christ who is all-satisfying.</span><br />
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"As much as we seek happiness in the idols we pursue, they can never give us the joy we find with Christ...the infinite abyss can only be filled by an infinite and immutable object, that is to say, only by God Himself" (78).</blockquote>
<span style="text-align: justify;">While I am aware of several other books on this subject, many of them cater to a male audience and/or perspective and focus on idols like sex, money, and power. Christina has thoughtfully applied the same truths found in those excellent books to the area of motherhood, specifically addressing the common idols of: children, achievement and success, comfort, control, and approval. </span><i style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2S9zmEL" target="_blank">Idols of a Mother's Heart</a></i><span style="text-align: justify;"> is a welcome addition to other works on this subject!</span><br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2S9zmEL" target="_blank"><i>Idols of a Mother's Heart</i></a> a Scripture saturated book that is full of sound doctrine. Each chapter closes with rich prayers, insightful questions, and Scriptures for further study and reflection. I love that Christina is humble, real, and transparent with her readers. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2S9zmEL" target="_blank">Idols of a Mother's Heart</a> </i>is a useful book to encourage us daily so that we might not be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. It is my joy to commend it to you!<br />
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**Many thanks to Christian Fox for sending me a complimentary copy of this book!! These are my honest thoughts!</div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-71354760306494972082018-12-05T14:32:00.000-05:002018-12-05T15:45:13.846-05:00Amazing Grace - A Book Review<br />
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<a href="https://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server2500/cb550/products/8385/images/14829/Amazing_Grace_front_cover__09532.1540840533.1280.1280.jpg?c=2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server2500/cb550/products/8385/images/14829/Amazing_Grace_front_cover__09532.1540840533.1280.1280.jpg?c=2" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.heritagebooks.org/products/amazing-grace-najapfour.html" target="_blank">Amazing Grace</a></i> recounts the story of John Newton and one of his most beloved hymns in an engaging way for children ages three to six. It has a large font with just the right amount of text per page to match the (generally short) attention spans of this age group. Additionally, the authors seek to retain the listener's attention by asking simple questions along the way. Although simple enough for this age group, these questions are not simplistic and have the potential to lead to helpful discussions about family, discipleship, companions, rebellion, fear, prayer, God's forgiveness, and grace<i>. </i>Additionally, these questions may serve to draw listener's into Newton's story and make him more relate-able. Best of all, each of these components leads the child on a journey to see themselves, like Newton, as a sinner in need of God's forgiveness freely offered through Jesus Christ. <i><a href="https://www.heritagebooks.org/products/amazing-grace-najapfour.html" target="_blank">Amazing Grace</a> </i>paves the way afresh for the Good News of Christ's life, death, and resurrection.</div>
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One note: Like many Christian resources, this book seems to summarize Gospel. It's closing pages say:<br />
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"Do you know what 'grace' means? It means God gives us what we don't deserve. Because we sin, we deserve God's punishment. But when we believe in Jesus and ask for forgiveness, God forgives and saves us..." (39).</blockquote>
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While it is essential to believe in Jesus, the question may remain, "What are we to believe about Jesus?" Unfortunately, due to brevity, this didn't seem as clear as it could be in this book. I would encourage everyone reading this book to go one step further with their kids and read First Corinthians 15:3-4:</div>
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"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures..."</blockquote>
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This will help present the Gospel more clearly to one's listener(s). The book closes with three suggested questions for discussion, and a fourth would complement these well: "Why can God give sinners grace?" (The First Corinthians passage above answers this question well: Because Christ died for the sins of all who would believe, and God accepted His sacrifice.)</div>
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As soon as we finished <i><a href="https://www.heritagebooks.org/products/amazing-grace-najapfour.html" target="_blank">Amazing Grace</a></i>, my kids asked me if we had the next book in the series. We thoroughly enjoyed this title, and I am happy to commend this title to you, my readers.<br /><br />If you're in Canada, you can purchase this book through <a href="https://reformedbookservices.com/product_info.php/stories-behind-favorite-hymns-for-ages-amazing-grace-p-4476?fbclid=IwAR1ekFmqSO3yGTu-JaY4IBmwOgHFhqrtQQe10GGpaNNAm2w6M8Sje1666EE" target="_blank">Reformed Book Services</a>.</div>
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*Many thanks to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/biblicalspirituality/" target="_blank">Biblical Spirituality Press</a> and <a href="https://www.heritagebooks.org/products/amazing-grace-najapfour.html" target="_blank">Reformation Heritage Books</a> for sending me a complimentary copy of this book!! This is my honest opinion.</div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-49252291247186481112018-12-03T14:34:00.000-05:002018-12-18T17:09:33.239-05:00God Counts - A Book Review<h2 class="single-product-tabs-section-title" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: "Work Sans"; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; text-transform: uppercase;">
<span style="font-size: small;">PUBLISHER's DESCRIPTION</span></h2>
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<a href="https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/2048x2048/products/1890/3469/God-Counts-Thumbnail__38054.1533647421.jpg?c=2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/2048x2048/products/1890/3469/God-Counts-Thumbnail__38054.1533647421.jpg?c=2" style="background-color: transparent;" width="235" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">In this engaging, illustrated children’s book by Irene Sun, young readers learn how numbers declare the glory of God, discovering Bible stories and the truth, beauty, and goodness of our sovereign God through numbers and patterns. With countable illustrations and an easy-to-learn structure, children who are always seeking, finding, tracing, and counting numbers will be captivated by<span class="apple-converted-space" style="box-sizing: inherit;"> </span><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">God Counts</em>.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Through simple language kids will understand,<span class="apple-converted-space" style="box-sizing: inherit;"> </span><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">God Counts<span class="apple-converted-space" style="box-sizing: inherit;"> </span></em>shares theological truths and helps children become familiar with Scripture, exploring the patterns of creation, numbers in the plan of redemption, and the intimacy of a personal relationship with God. This children’s book explores how God counts every fish in the sea, every star in the sky, every hair on their heads, and every tear in their eyes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">By discovering numbers in God’s world and in his Word, parents help their children foster a deeper love and knowledge of who God is and how he counts them as his. Families will be enriched as they learn together how numbers magnify God—just as a telescope magnifies the stars—and each numbered lesson points to a larger redemptive story of Scripture. On each page, the illustrations engage readers, displaying not only a picture but a mosaic of patterns.<span class="apple-converted-space" style="box-sizing: inherit;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This playful children’s book serves as a beginner’s theology book for young readers who love numbers and patterns, introducing the Trinity, the God of order, the holiness of God, the problem of sin, the rescue and love of Jesus, and much more. Children who love to count will be filled with wonder, leading them to understand deeper truths about God, themselves, and the world around them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><b>MY IMPRESSION</b></span></div>
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<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2SunvB3" target="_blank">God Counts</a> </i>is colorful and contains much biblical truth. It's fun to count various objects with littles throughout the pages of this book. I appreciate that it included Scripture references. At times, the organization seemed a little random and scattered to me. It goes from:<br />
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God<br />
to humans as image bearers<br />
to the Trinity, cross, & resurrection (without mentioning sin)<br />
to the beauty of creation<br />
to new creation<br />
to God speaking<br />
to sins that God hates<br />
to God's presence with us (like Joshua)<br />
to the rescue of his children (like Noah)<br />
to imaging God through the Holy Spirit<br />
to God seeking his lost children<br />
to forgiveness (of the disciples)<br />
to eternity<br />
to infinity.<br />
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One concern that I have about this book is that <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2SunvB3" target="_blank">God Counts</a> </i>seems to assume that preschoolers are saved and heaven bound which could lead to a false assurance of faith if parents aren't careful to balance out what is presented here. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2SunvB3" target="_blank">God Counts</a></i> lacks any call to repentance and faith. That being said, Number 11 does lend itself well to this discussion when it mentions that Judas did not return to Jesus for forgiveness, but the other eleven disciples did return and were forgiven. The final number reads:<br />
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"Twelve tells us we will live with God forever"</div>
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and the book concludes with:<br />
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"God counts all of your steps</div>
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Until you walk with him side by side.</div>
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God counts all of your days</div>
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Until you see him face to face..."</div>
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While there is much to commend in this book, in light of these particular issues, I would only recommend this to those who are grounded well enough in Scripture to balance out what they read with their listeners.</div>
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*Many thanks to <a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/god-counts-numbers-in-his-word-and-his-world/?aff=31" target="_blank">New Growth Press</a> for sending me a complimentary copy of this book! This is my honest opinion.</div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-85194295539116140082018-11-28T18:38:00.002-05:002018-12-18T17:10:37.452-05:00A Fever, a Flight, and a Fight for the World - A Book Review<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/1024x1024/products/1889/3444/A_Fever_A_Flight_and_A_Fight_for_the_World_Thumbnail__50646.1529507710.jpg?c=2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A Fever, a Flight, and a Fight for the World: The Rwendigo Tales Book Four" border="0" height="320" src="https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/1024x1024/products/1889/3444/A_Fever_A_Flight_and_A_Fight_for_the_World_Thumbnail__50646.1529507710.jpg?c=2" style="font-family: inherit;" width="235" /></a>What is it like to grow up in Africa? That's what J.A. Myhre sought to depict for her children through her Rwendigo Tales. Originally written as Christmas presents, but now, a gift shared with a wider audience, Myhre shows rather than tells her readers what it is like to grow up in Africa. Her experience as a doctor who has served with Serge in East Africa for over two decades uniquely qualifies her to present the distinct challenges of those living in the African jungles. <i><a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/a-fever-a-flight-and-a-fight-for-the-world-the-rwendigo-tales-book-four/?aff=31" target="_blank">A Fever, a Flight, and A Fight for the World</a></i> is the fourth book<span style="font-family: inherit;"> in her series, aimed at youth, which takes us on a journey with "A doctor volunteering in a village plagued by a mysterious virus...and a young girl...the only other survivor..." who find themselves on a deserted island. Each chapter leaves you wanting to read the next.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like <a href="https://www.hankinsfamily.com/2017/10/book-review-forest-flood-and-unlikely.html" target="_blank">the previous title in this series</a>, I thoroughly enjoyed</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/a-fever-a-flight-and-a-fight-for-the-world-the-rwendigo-tales-book-four/?aff=31" target="_blank">A Fever, a Flight, and A Fight for the World</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">over an afternoon and evening. Although it doesn't expressly tell how the Gospel makes a difference in the character's lives or how the Gospel gives hope to those facing sin and suffering, it lends itself well to that discussion. Myhre's writing continues to be engaging, wholesome, and age-appropriate while avoiding </span>over-simplicity<span style="font-family: inherit;"> in vocabulary, plot, and conflict and is a thought-provoking introduction to life in Africa.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;"><a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/content/Samples/A-Fever-A-Flight-and-a-Fight-for-the-World-Sample.pdf?aff=31" style="cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">READ A SAMPLE OF A FEVER, A FLIGHT, AND A FIGHT FOR THE WORLD</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Book Synopsis from the Publisher:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">A Fever, a Flight, and a Fight for the World </em><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">is a compelling African adventure story that will enthrall eight- to fourteen-year-old youth who love adventure and learning about faraway places. In the exciting fourth and final book in the <em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Rwendigo Tales Series</span></em>, readers will be inspired by ordinary people who make the extraordinary choice to stand against great evil. Written by J. A. Myhre, a doctor living and working in East Africa, this adventure story teaches readers of all ages important truths about justice, overcoming evil, and the courage to make a difference.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In <em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">A Fever, a Flight, and a Fight for the World</span></em>, A doctor volunteering in a village plagued by a mysterious virus wakes up on a deserted island injured, sick, and near death—with no memory of how he got there. As Dr. Mujuni slowly regains his memory, he pieces together the horrific reality of what happened to the community and learns just how far the government-backed officials will go to silence all knowledge of the epidemic. As a young girl named Nyakato, the only other survivor, nurses him back to health, Dr. Mujuni must devise a plan to make their way back to the mainland, but what they discover on their journey is even more dangerous than they could ever imagine.</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Through a series of perils and hazards, Mujuni and Nyakato must fight for more than their own lives, learning the true cost of overcoming evil and greed. Through their adventures, readers will find hope in the midst of great loss, triumph and courage in the midst of death and injustice, and love in the midst of darkness.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>*Many thanks to <a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/a-fever-a-flight-and-a-fight-for-the-world-the-rwendigo-tales-book-four/?aff=31" target="_blank">New Growth Press</a> for sending me a complimentary copy of this book! This is my honest opinion.</span></div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-33617208505253522122018-11-14T07:59:00.000-05:002018-12-18T17:12:22.098-05:00God Made Me and You - A Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/1024x1024/products/1659/3054/God_Made_Me_AND_You_Thumbnail__85324.1516033539.1280.1280__43478__12159.1520709007.jpg?c=2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="God Made Me and You: Celebrating God's Design for Ethnic Diversity" border="0" height="320" src="https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/1024x1024/products/1659/3054/God_Made_Me_AND_You_Thumbnail__85324.1516033539.1280.1280__43478__12159.1520709007.jpg?c=2" width="235" /></a></div>
<b><a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/god-made-me-and-you-celebrating-gods-design-for-ethnic-diversity/?aff=31" target="_blank">PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION</a></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This beautifully illustrated children’s book invites kids to explore God’s design for ethnic diversity and challenges readers—both parents and children—to learn and live out counter-cultural, biblical views, fostering a lifelong celebration of diversity for the glory of God. Designed for four- to eleven-year-olds, God Made Me and You by Shai Linne is the second book in the God Made Me series, starting with God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb.</span></div>
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<b>MY THOUGHTS</b><br />
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My preschoolers and I enjoyed <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2z8newp" target="_blank">God Made Me and You</a></i>. The combination of colorful illustrations and lyrical rhyme make this book a lot of fun. Shai Linne communicates that His readers are image bearers who exist for God's glory, love, praise, etc. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2z8newp" target="_blank">God Made Me and You</a></i> primarily focuses on externals (tall/short, hair/eye color, disabilities, etc.) and would serve as a good starting point<i> </i>for further conversation(s) highlighting what it means to be made in the image of God. Most of all, I appreciate that this book follows the redemptive story line (creation, fall, redemption, consummation) and has a clear Gospel message. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2z8newp" target="_blank">God Made Me and You</a></i> is a useful picture book to help preschoolers appreciate the diversity of God's design in creation.<br />
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*Many thanks to <a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/god-made-me-and-you-celebrating-gods-design-for-ethnic-diversity/?aff=31" target="_blank">New Growth Press</a> for sending me a complimentary copy of this book! This is my honest opinion.</div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-61464584216787601412018-11-13T17:13:00.000-05:002018-11-13T17:13:51.668-05:00All That's Good - Book Review<br />
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<a href="https://www.moodypublishers.com/mpimages/Book%20Covers/Covers%20(High%20Res)/A-cover/without%20spine/9780802418555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hannah Anderson (3 Book Steal)" border="0" class="image is-shown" src="https://www.moodypublishers.com/mpimages/Book%20Covers/Covers%20(High%20Res)/A-cover/without%20spine/9780802418555.jpg" title="Hannah Anderson (3 Book Steal)" width="225px" /></a></div>
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"How can we, imperfect as we are, develop an instinct for recognizing and embracing the good? How does discernment equip us to navigate a broken, complicated world with confidence and joy?" (13) These are the central questions that Hannah Anderson attempts to answer in her latest book, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2FuiOFQ" target="_blank">All That's Good</a></i>. Her goal is not simply to tell her readers what to think but to shape how they think, and she desires to "lead you away from our common disposition to fear-based thinking toward a place of hope and abundance" (14).</div>
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Skillfully weaving stories and teaching together, Hannah Anderson's writing is a delight to relish! Rather than focusing on the evil from which we ought to abstain, Anderson directs us to focus our gaze on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable as defined by Scripture, not as an end in itself but as a means to a greater end, namely, seeing and savoring Jesus Christ.These chapters are not intended to be exhaustive but contain thought-provoking insights which challenge the reader to think deeply about these adjectives.</div>
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Perhaps the section that ministered to me the most in this season of life was the last chapter in which Hannah was honest and transparent about how <a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/gift-temptation-discerning-whats-good/" target="_blank">the gift of discernment is "dangerous"</a> (see The Gospel Coalition article by this title for further explanation of this) and can lead the one who has it to feel incredibly lonely at times. She notes that, sometimes, the gift of discernment can feel more like a burden than a gift. Hannah Anderson writes:</div>
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"If your experience is anything like mine, you will quite possibly feel alone in this. Instead of relishing being the 'prophetic' voice, you'll agonize over it. If you truly have the gift of discernment, you'll also know the weight of what you are about to say. But because you see good and evil more clearly, you'll also see more clearly what's at risk, and like Jeremiah, even if you try to keep quiet, you'll find the weight of God's message stronger still...(209).</div>
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I know there have been times when I have sinned by silence and other times I have spoken in arrogance. I also know there are times when I have frustrated people by simply being a dissenting voice. I know some would prefer I be the proverbial meek and quiet female tasked with maintaining social norms. And if I'm honest, I'd prefer that too. As I've confessed to Nathan [hubby] on more than one occasion, 'I'd be anyone else if I could.' But at the end of the day, none of us can tell God that He has made a mistake in forming and gifting us the way He has" (pg. 182).</blockquote>
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She goes on to write about the natural longing for communion and belonging that we have but how brokenness creeps in, even in the life of the church. But she doesn't leave her readers in that hopeless state but shows how Christ also suffered and how coming to the Lord's Table forces us "...to reckon with the fact that nothing else is good enough to draw us together. In coming together, we defy the brokenness and proclaim a greater, shared good" (pg. 184).</div>
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<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2FuiOFQ" target="_blank">All That's Good</a></i> is not a "x"-steps-to-decision-making book. At times, the content will likely complicate your decision making process(es), but it will make you think about how you can glorify God as you seek to embrace the good of His creation. Like Hannah Anderson's previous books, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2DzT6xT" target="_blank">Made for More</a> </i>and <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2DknWtm" target="_blank">Humble Roots</a></i>, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2FuiOFQ" target="_blank">All That's Good</a></i> offers much food for thought and is a joy to read.</div>
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Many thanks to <a href="https://www.moodypublishers.com/books/evangelism-and-discipleship/hannah-anderson-3-book-steal/?fbclid=IwAR3dfbRtD8GFgK-7Hlo1WHUXebV3uAoiVmHbGXNG_SwUvnOtNpQbWxL--DA" target="_blank">Moody Publishers</a> and <a href="https://www.moodypublishers.com/authors/a/hannah-anderson/" target="_blank">Hannah Anderson</a> for providing me with a complimentary copy of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2FuiOFQ" target="_blank">All That's Good</a></i>. These are my honest thoughts!</div>
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Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-44340979314256963542018-11-08T15:52:00.000-05:002019-01-15T16:44:50.514-05:00Book Review: Good News for Little Hearts<a href="https://www.wtsbooks.com/common/images/good-news-for-little-hearts-3-bundle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://www.wtsbooks.com/common/images/good-news-for-little-hearts-3-bundle.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="256" /></a><br />
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I remember the first time the fine pastors at Living Faith Church introduced me to the world of biblical counseling. I was hooked! I longed for someone to make these ideas more accessible to a wider audience, especially my children. I've never been particularly good at writing fiction, but I knew that there was a gem of an idea there. Finally, a like minded sister has watered that idea seed and allowed it to grow and blossom.</div>
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At present, there are three volumes in the "<a href="https://www.wtsbooks.com/good-news-for-little-hearts-3-book-bundle" target="_blank">Good News for Little Hearts</a>" series which seeks to help kids and parents face anxiety, failure, and anger in a God-honoring way. While these animal stories don't quite have the enduring charm of classics such as the Beatrix Potter books, Little Bear, or Frog and Toad and some conversations between characters seemed to come off a little unnatural (and maybe even a little "preachy") at times, my little ones enjoyed them nonetheless. The volumes are sturdy and full of creative, vibrantly colored illustrations. Each book concludes with Tips for further helping your child and four "Back Pocket Bible Verses" in the New Living Translation that you can cut out and give to your child.</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.wtsbooks.com/zoes-hiding-place-david-powlison-9781948130233" target="_blank">Zoe's Hiding Place: When You Are Anxious</a> </i>begins in a mouse house and contains some of my favorite illustrations. The mouse house contains all kinds of treasures lending itself well to an "I Spy" game. Unfortunately, content-wise, it was my least favorite. It reminded me of the type of moralistic Christian books with which I grew up. While Jesus was mentioned by name, the Gospel wasn't clearly proclaimed. This book makes it seem as if God is with everyone for good all of the time and doesn't make any distinction between those who are His people and those who are not. However, that being said, the book does lend itself well to a Gospel presentation. You'll just want to continue the story by explaining to your kids that the reason why a holy God never leaves or forsakes His children in spite of their sin is because <a href="https://www.gty.org/library/bibleqnas-library/QA0231/why-did-jesus-cry-my-god-my-god-why-have-you-forsaken-me" target="_blank">Jesus was forsaken</a> in place of all who would believe and bore the penalty for their sins when He died on the cross and that Jesus didn't remain forsaken but was raised from the dead on the third day and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God the Father making intercession for us and that He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within all who trust in Him. All in all, <i>Zoe's Hiding Place</i> is an okay title but not my favorite of the bundle.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2SXD9Wr" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><b><i>Buster's Ears Trip Him Up: When You Fail</i></b></a><span style="text-align: justify;"> has the clearest Gospel message of the three books, and both it and </span><a href="https://amzn.to/2JPNMq5" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><b><i>Jax's Tail Twitches: When You Are Angry</i></b></a><span style="text-align: justify;"> mention the need for Jesus' forgiveness. I love that these books clearly point our kids to Christ! As far as articulating biblical counseling material, </span><a href="https://amzn.to/2JPNMq5" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><i>Jax's Tail Twitches</i></a><span style="text-align: justify;"> seems to have the most content as it models the proper way to handle conflict: going to God in prayer, taking the log out of one's own eye first, asking forgiveness, and being reconciled. Parents will want to make sure to avail themselves of the parent tips at the end for the clearest Gospel presentation in this work. </span><a href="https://amzn.to/2SXD9Wr" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><i>Buster's Ears Trip Him Up</i></a><span style="text-align: justify;"> came in close but, in addition to confessing sin to God, parents will likely want to follow the example and parent tips in </span><a href="https://amzn.to/2JPNMq5" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><i>Jax's Tail Twitches</i></a><span style="text-align: justify;"> and encourage kids to apologize and reconcile with those who have been hurt by their prideful boasting.</span><br />
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All in all, <a href="https://www.wtsbooks.com/good-news-for-little-hearts-3-book-bundle" target="_blank">these titles</a> are useful picture books that will serve adults as they seek to minister to children in their lives and help them to better image and glorify their Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ.</div>
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Many thanks to <a href="https://newgrowthpress.com/busters-ears-trip-him-up-when-you-fail/?aff=31" target="_blank">New Growth Press</a> for sending me complimentary copies! I was not obligated to write a positive review. These words are my honest opinion!</div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-58045043534338108142018-10-27T14:55:00.000-04:002018-10-27T15:00:31.864-04:00Book Review: The First Testament, A New Translation<a href="https://www.ivpress.com/Media/Default/Products/5199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The First Testament" border="0" class="img-responsive product-image-link" height="320" itemprop="image" src="https://www.ivpress.com/Media/Default/Products/5199.jpg" title="The First Testament" width="207" /></a><br />
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One of the aspects of writing that I most love is playing with words! As a matter of fact, I'm one of those nerdy people who relishes pouring over a thesaurus to find just the right word. In some respects, translation work can be something like that as well since the translator must find precisely the right word(s) to capture what is communicated in the original language, and this isn't always an exact science as languages don't always have perfect word-to-word correspondence. This is why it is so valuable to consult multiple translations when studying a particular passage of Scripture. To that end, John Goldingay has sought to serve the Church with a fresh translation of the Old (First) Testament.</div>
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<b>STRENGTHS:</b></div>
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<i>- Fairly easy-to-read (minus the transliteration of names and places which might be hard on the average lay person)</i></div>
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<i>- Consistent translation of Hebrew words across the entire work due to single translator completing the entire project</i></div>
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<i>- Incorporates word plays directly in the text and headings where they can be better noted and appreciated rather than relegating them to footnotes.</i> (Ex. "Babel becomes Babble-on" is the title for Genesis 10:21-32)</div>
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<i>- Fresh word choices help readers to slow down over familiar passages, taking them in afresh. For example,</i></div>
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<ul>
<li>"Yahweh" replaces "LORD"</li>
<li>"Yahweh's instruction" replaces "law"</li>
<li>"awe" replaces "fear" </li>
<li>"sacred" replaces "holiness"</li>
<li>"deliverance" replaces "salvation"</li>
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<li>"wrongdoing" replaces "sin"</li>
<li>"rebellion" replaces "transgression" </li>
<li>"waywardness" replaces "iniquity"</li>
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<i>"I acknowledged my wrongdoing to you;</i><i>I didn't cover my waywardness.</i><i>I said, 'I shall confess my rebellions to Yahweh',</i><i>and you yourself carried the waywardness of my wrongdoing."</i><i>Psalm 32:5</i></blockquote>
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I'm no Hebrew expert, so I'm a bit neutral on replacing sin and iniquity. However, I do tend to think "rebellion" is more clear in modern-day culture than "transgression". My understanding is that there is something of a progression between these three terms with sin being a failure to hit the target, transgression being rebellion (ex. seeing the line and choosing to cross it), and iniquity being premeditated rebellion.</div>
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<b>WEAKNESSES:</b></div>
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<i>- Every word choice didn't seem to be an improvement. Word replacements in this translation were frequently less vivid and seemed to result in reduced clarity.</i></div>
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Most notably, "righteousness" was substituted with "faithfulness". Again, I don't know Hebrew, but my understanding is that there is a distinct Hebrew word to convey the idea of faithfulness, and it isn't the same word that is used to convey righteousness. While faith is an aspect of righteousness, faithfulness and righteousness are not equal concepts. (Paul Helm has a <a href="http://paulhelmsdeep.blogspot.com/2009/07/why-covenant-faithfulness-is-not-divine.html">helpful blog post</a> dedicated to this if you want to read more about it.)</div>
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Another example is that "authority" is utilized in place of judgment. Genesis 18:25b is far less precise and makes little sense when translated:</div>
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<i>"Isn't the one who exercises authority over the entire earth to exercise authority?"</i></blockquote>
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Clear as mud, right?</div>
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"Steadfast love" is replaced by "commitment". Again, while steadfast love involves commitment, it is far more than mere commitment.</div>
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<i>- In some places, gender neutrality obscures the original Hebrew. Vern Poythress has a helpful article on this subject with regard to the TNIV. While Goldingay doesn't make every mistake made by the TNIV, he does make the same mistakes in Psalm 1 and 8, Genesis 1:27, and others which seems worth noting.</i></div>
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<i>- Book introductions seemed to reflect a weak doctrine of the Word in favor of modern historical criticism.</i></div>
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This is perhaps my greatest criticism. For example, the introductions to Genesis and Exodus question the historical accuracy of the original authors saying that the accounts are more like a Hollywood movie based on fact. The introduction to Deuteronomy suggests a late authorship and/or compilation during the reign of Josiah contrary to Christ's affirmation of Mosaic authorship. Goldingay writes that Jonah is merely an allegory.</div>
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<i>- As mentioned above, transliteration of proper nouns made this translation a bit clunky, at times and seems as though it would present more of a hurdle for a lay audience with no language background.</i></div>
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<b>FINAL THOUGHTS:</b></div>
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Overall, this translation could be helpful for a seasoned reader of Scripture who wants something fresh to stimulate thought. However, I'm not sure it warrants the price tag.</div>
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*Many thanks to IVP for sending me a complimentary copy of this title! These are my very own, honest thoughts. ;)</div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-51574127595935446412018-05-07T19:26:00.001-04:002018-05-07T19:39:21.438-04:00For the Love of Discipline - Book Review<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11, ESV).</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/prpbooks%2Fimages%2Fcovers%2Fmd%2F9781629953571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="For the Love of Discipline" border="0" class="product_image" src="https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/prpbooks%2Fimages%2Fcovers%2Fmd%2F9781629953571.jpg" title="For the Love of Discipline" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify;">Discipline. Does that word carry a positive or negative connotation for you? What is "discipline"? What does it look like in the context of parenting? Should one do it? If so, when and why? </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;">Does discipline differ from punishment? If so, how? </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify;">Perhaps few subjects carry the weight of this one, with a diversity of strong opinions running the gamut, and so, we tend to avoid talking about it, and yet, discipline is hard work and a thankless job with eternal consequences, so we could really use support and encouragement along the way. To this end, Sara Wallace joins the sea of voices with </span><i style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2I6Nx8N">For the Love of Discipline</a></i><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Building
upon the foundation laid by folks like Tedd Tripp (</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2K3VYSN">Shepherding a Child's Heart</a></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify;">) and Elyse Fitzpatrick (</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2rsLLaz">Give Them Grace</a></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify;">, <a href="https://www.hankinsfamily.com/2011/07/book-review-give-them-grace.html">previously reviewed here</a>), Sara supplies
practical applications for those who already have a solid foundation in
applying the Gospel to a child's heart. She successfully combines sound
theology and amusing word pictures for a book that is fun, gracious, and edifying.
Again and again, Sara points parents to Christ's finished work and demonstrates
the difference that the Gospel makes in one's parenting.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify;">At approximately four and a half pages per
chapter</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">, <a href="https://amzn.to/2I6Nx8N">For the Love of Discipline</a> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify;">is a
quick read that addresses some common parenting challenges. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify;">Among the questions addressed in this book are:</span></div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">How do we use rewards in a way that addresses the child's heart, points him/her to the Gospel, and glorifies God as opposed to merely modifying behavior temporarily?</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">What is the difference between a reward and a bribe?</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">How do we celebrate obedience rather than simply doing "damage control" for disobedience?</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How do we find the balance between too much or too little discipline?</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">How do we set realistic expectations with our kids?</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Are there times when we should "let things slide" and just "let kids be kids"?</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">How should we respond when our child tells us, "No!"?</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">How do we handle tantrums in toddlers and bigger kids?</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Additionally, Sara shares </span></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">practical</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> tools that are serving her in her parenting journey including:</span></span></div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">the benefits of utilizing
structure and routine;</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">how using stories and
"word bundles" can be beneficial alternatives to lecturing;</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">how to navigate sibling
relationships, teaching children how to be peacemakers rather than peace
breakers, as well as, how to show love and serve one another.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Furthermore, Sara raises some thought-provoking questions for her readers throughout the book such as: "</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;">Who or what are you teaching your kids to fear?" and "</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you offering your kids comfort that will persist throughout their entire lives?" A</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;">t the close of each chapter, Sara includes questions and/or activities for reflection to help her readers apply the chapter's content.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like many books, I
found some chapters more helpful than others, and there were places where I
didn't agree or would do things differently, but all-in-all, Sara Wallace has
written a wonderfully encouraging book with much practical advice that will serve parents as they seek to
faithfully run the race set before them, planting seeds for the Gospel all
along the way. While I wouldn't consider this a replacement for some more foundational parenting works (like those mentioned above), I'm grateful that Sara has added this Gospel-centered contribution that is personal, winsome, and warm! Sara's heart for God's glory shines through on every page, and I am happy to commend this book to others for their edification.<br /><br />*Many thanks to <a href="https://www.prpbooks.com/book/for-the-love-of-discipline">P&R Publishing</a> for providing me with an advanced reader copy of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2I6Nx8N">For the Love of Discipline</a></i>, offering me the opportunity to share my honest opinion regarding the contents!</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><i></i></span>Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-44842648648436760362018-02-10T12:46:00.001-05:002018-02-10T12:46:46.482-05:00Graciousness: Tempering Truth With Love (Book Review)<a href="https://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server2500/cb550/products/7738/images/14177/Crotts_John._Graciousness_cover__52015.1515524014.1280.1280.jpg?c=2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="396" src="https://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server2500/cb550/products/7738/images/14177/Crotts_John._Graciousness_cover__52015.1515524014.1280.1280.jpg?c=2" width="263" /></a><i></i><br />
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<i><i>"Peacemakers are people who breathe grace to others in the midst of conflict. Since we cannot breathe out what we have not breathed in, this process hinges on our moment-to-moment relationship with God" (Ken Sande as quoted by John Crotts, pg. 68).</i></i></div>
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Zealous for truth. That's me. Expressing the truth with more zeal than love. Sadly, that is also me at times. This side of heaven, I imagine I will always be able to benefit from some practical methods for cultivating graciousness. That's why I was excited to read John Crotts' latest book, <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2H3JpWM">Graciousness: Tempering Truth with Love</a>.</i></div>
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Crotts spends the first half of his book laying a biblical foundation by examining the Bible's commands for Christians to be gracious, setting forth the Lord Jesus and the apostle Paul as positive examples and the church at Ephesus as a cautionary tale of sorts. The second half of the book aims at highlighting practical ways to cultivate graciousness by considering our hearts, the value of others, and our actions, as well as specific suggestions for cultivating graciousness in community.</div>
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<i><a href="http://amzn.to/2H3JpWM">Graciousness</a></i> is well written and offers wise counsel. For example, Crotts advises his readers not to merely read books <i>about </i>graciousness but to read biographies about those who exemplify it and adds this beautiful explanation:</div>
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<b>"Theoretical kindness provides instruction, but lived kindness adds authenticity and tangibility to principles" (pg. 127).</b></div>
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To that end, Crotts makes excellent reading recommendations. The influence of outstanding works such as Ken Sande's <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2nRSxpH">Peacemaker</a></i>, Paul Tripp's <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2C8yK9v">War of Words</a></i>, David Powlison's <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2nVu6HZ">Speaking the Truth in Love</a></i>, and Donald Whitney's <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2BQtFXI">Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life</a> </i>(among other titles) can be clearly seen within the pages of <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2H3JpWM">Graciousness</a>.</i></div>
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All-in-all, if you are looking for a book that will remind you afresh of the truths of God's Word and the Gospel which will help you to infuse your conversations with graciousness, you will find this to be a worthwhile companion. It is a short, easy read in which Crotts handles Scripture faithfully and is a good, general primer on the subject. Crotts writes: <b style="text-align: center;">"Raw conviction without gospel hope produces despair" (pg. 130). </b><span style="text-align: left;">Readers are likely to find both within the pages of </span><i style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2H3JpWM">Graciousness</a></i><span style="text-align: left;">.</span></div>
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*Many thanks to <a href="http://crossfocusedreviews.com/2018/02/graciousness-book-review-tour/">Cross Focused Reviews</a> and <a href="https://www.heritagebooks.org/products/graciousness-tempering-truth-with-love-crotts.html">Reformation Heritage Books</a> for sending me a complimentary copy of <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2H3JpWM">Graciousness</a></i> in exchange for my honest opinion!</div>
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Here are some additional excellent books that have helped me cultivate graciousness in specific areas:</div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">General - <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2CaJQLg">Practicing Affirmation</a></i> by Sam Crabtree (This book does a really great job of practically demonstrating ways that we can affirm others when we are particularly tempted to be critical, especially when it comes to unbelievers with whom we have very little in common and even often find ourselves in disagreement. It has been a number of years since I have read this book, but I can still helpfully recall examples from this book. The illustration that I probably mentally re-visit most frequently is one in which he strikes up a positive conversation with a pro-choice protester while on a pro-life march. It's quite the conversation and wonderfully instructive! For more of my thoughts on this book, you can read <a href="https://www.hankinsfamily.com/2011/04/book-review-practicing-affirmation.html">my review</a>.)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Marriage - <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2C94Fqz">When Sinners Say, "I Do"</a></i> by Dave Harvey</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Parenting - <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2Ez2OR8">Everyday Talk</a></i> by Jay Younts</li>
</ul>
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Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-40738917134232940102017-12-01T15:00:00.000-05:002018-12-18T17:16:35.664-05:00Book Review: The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible" height="301" src="https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/1024x1024/products/1657/3052/the-beginners-gospel-story-bible__30054__40047.1520709006.jpg?c=2" width="320" /></div>
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<b>Notable features </b>of <i><a href="http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/the-beginners-gospel-story-bible/?aff=31" target="_blank">The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible</a></i> by Jared Kennedy from the Publisher:</div>
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<a href="http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-yp39j5/uh4v4/products/1228/images/2685/BGSB.jpeg__46969.1510779484.350.450.jpg?c=2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"></span></a></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 2px; outline: none; padding: 2px 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b>Gospel-centered Bible stories</b> expressed in ways that speak to <b>toddlers and preschoolers</b>.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 2px; outline: none; padding: 2px 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Children will learn the good news of God’s love for them.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 2px; outline: none; padding: 2px 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Traces God’s perfect promises through <b>fifty-two Old and New Testament stories</b>.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 2px; outline: none; padding: 2px 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b>Brightly colored illustrations</b> by Trish Mahoney highlight each story and add <b>fun [teaching] elements</b> [such as counting, opposites, patterns, and object recognition] to keep young children’s attention.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 2px; outline: none; padding: 2px 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b>Each story ends with a question</b> that parents and caregivers can use to reinforce the message.</span></li>
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<a href="https://newgrowthpress.egnyte.com/dl/Cw4eGL3wtr?aff=31" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c4944; cursor: pointer; font-family: Avenir, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">VIEW A SAMPLE OF <i>THE BEGINNER'S GOSPEL STORY BIBLE</i></a></div>
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<span style="color: #636363; font-family: "avenir" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>My Thoughts:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #636363; font-family: "avenir" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">There is much to love about <i><a href="http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/the-beginners-gospel-story-bible/?aff=31" target="_blank">The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible</a> </i>by Jared Kennedy. As noted in the Publisher's description, this book has a lot of visual appeal and fun elements that make it a joy to read with toddlers and preschoolers. These engaging teaching elements combined with frequent questions make it a delightfully interactive book. <i><a href="http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/the-beginners-gospel-story-bible/?aff=31" target="_blank">The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible</a> </i>also contains a lot of amusing words and interjections like "Pop!", "Sssluuuurrrrrp", and "Hooray!" Most importantly, the entertaining aspects of this book are not an end in themselves but a means to communicating the glorious truth of the Gospel to young people: they are sinners in need of a Savior, Jesus Christ. Throughout the story Bible, key truths to remember, most often pointing to God's character and work, are highlighted in bold letters, and each lesson seeks to point to Jesus Christ in some way. While the connection to the larger redemptive storyline wasn't always clearly demonstrated and the main point of the Biblical account wasn't always the focus of this author's retelling, this story Bible was generally faithful to the text of the Bible and </span></span><span style="color: #636363; font-family: "avenir" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">clearly presented the Gospel throughout</span><span style="color: #636363; font-family: "avenir" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">. </span><i style="color: #636363; font-family: Avenir, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/the-beginners-gospel-story-bible/?aff=31" target="_blank">The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible</a> </i><span style="color: #636363; font-family: "avenir" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">is a fun and worthwhile addition to the libraries of those with toddlers in their lives.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #636363; font-family: "avenir" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">(Please note, <i><a href="http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/the-beginners-gospel-story-bible/?aff=31" target="_blank">The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible</a></i> does contain artistic depictions of Jesus Christ.)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #636363; font-family: "avenir" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">**Many thanks to <a href="http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/the-beginners-gospel-story-bible/?aff=31" target="_blank">New Growth Press</a> and <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PxYMGW7wl5dtaChbTczT8jy0gG9sdSANEULC8hS0e2m9SKpL2q_GksJFrhz0z_uqI2nFNveI4Jllsififooo6sS-7FU0gkSj9Ho97a8bzhxTwjrtT1AhgRKRclCqdLPQGDLW2n1VdTYt5ZRd8XZPhLwB18Xc7SZ8YegQGptBkuLOH-JnuAchITtBuZ6i24c-&c=9ktG5-1JcjnLotiDyrlw6_4zjh-7d1DVw860dxiPArQke_tOsqoSDA==&ch=mycTuxn2xBLUMxdN-oAMufVmx30oGdKQYXB964fg452-kkBB0cJVJQ==">Litfuse Publicity Group</a> for sending me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!</span></div>
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Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-44885893167096527252017-11-22T17:03:00.000-05:002017-11-22T17:03:51.798-05:00Book Review: The Good Portion: Scripture<a href="http://www.christianfocus.com/images/items/9781781919781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.christianfocus.com/images/items/9781781919781.jpg" style="background-image: linear-gradient(45deg, rgb(238, 238, 238) 25%, transparent 25%, transparent 75%, rgb(238, 238, 238) 75%, rgb(238, 238, 238) 100%), linear-gradient(45deg, rgb(238, 238, 238) 25%, white 25%, white 75%, rgb(238, 238, 238) 75%, rgb(238, 238, 238) 100%); background-position: 0px 0px, 10px 10px; background-size: 20px 20px; user-select: none;" width="209" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i>"…happiness cannot be fully discovered as long as we remain
ignorant of God's Word" (95).</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do you long to hear from God and to know Him more intimately? Do you spend time in the Bible daily, share it with others,
and turn to it first in the face of trials, suffering, and weakness? Do you
find yourself longing for and delighting in the Word each day? Are the Words of
God in the Bible more precious to you than your most valuable possession and
sweeter to you than the sweetest treat? How and when we approach the Bible
betrays what we believe about the Bible <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.christianfocus.com/item/show/2528/-">Christian Focus Publications</a> has begun a promising ten-book series
called <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2zcTuMW">The Good Portion</a></i>. In in its
first volume, <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2zcTuMW">Scripture</a></i>, Keri Folmar shows
us where and how we can hear God most clearly. Her
ultimate goal is to "shed light on the treasure and the sweetness of the
sacred Scriptures" (pg. 17). She begins by addressing the nature of the
Scriptures as God's revelation of Himself and then, progresses to the
characteristics of the Bible that naturally flow as a result of its Author.
</span>She shows us that the Bible is, above all, about a relationship with the
living God. Utilizing insightful analogies, she demonstrates the practical
implications of what we believe about
Scripture, including how those beliefs influence our handling of the Word.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At first glance, Folmar asks questions that may appear to have
easy answers:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Can we know God?</li>
<li>How can we know God?</li>
<li>Is the Bible really God's Word?</li>
<li>Has the Bible been corrupted?</li>
<li>Can we trust the Bible? (and what difference does it make)?</li>
<li>Can we understand what God has to say?</li>
<li>Is the Bible really necessary to know God?</li>
<li>Is the Bible enough for us today?</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">However, Folmar reveals that there is much more to these questions
than initially meets the eye. Most importantly, she encourages her readers to
keep their eyes on Jesus Christ as the central character of the Bible. Folmar
rightly recognizes that we need the help of the Holy Spirit to understand
Scripture and yet, reminds her readers that this help does not negate the need
for hard work (111). Affirming that "there is only one right
interpretation" to the text before us, Folmar helpfully shares
"several overarching principles or guidelines for interpreting the
Bible" (111-112). Additionally, she illustrates the importance, role, and
limitations of historical and cultural context for determining meaning. If we
fail to answer these questions in accordance with the Scriptures, we will
believe the wrong things and live in ways that do not honor God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Keri Folmar’s bibliography includes some of the best works on the Scriptures
including John Frame's <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2zYpkAd">Doctrine of the Word of God</a></i>, Michael Kruger's <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2hLS9oW">Canon Revisited</a></i>, and Wayne Grudem's <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2jhn7pv">Systematic Theology</a></i>. Throughout <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2hW7MhC">The Good Portion: Scripture</a></i>, Folmar seeks to make biblically faithful, Scripture
saturated, sound doctrine accessible to a wider audience. She avoids getting bogged
down by over-technical vocabulary without diluting the truth. At the close of each chapter, Folmar includes a chapter
summary and numerous questions covering both content and practical application
making this book<i> </i>a good option for
group or individual study.</span> Although there were a couple of places
where I would have liked to see more depth, Folmar intentionally weeds out
excessive details to keep this book manageable and ultimately, provides an
excellent introduction to the subject. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In a day when women are longing to hear a word from God, Keri
Folmar shows us that we need look no further than the Book that He has already
graciously given us. All we need to do is take it up and read it well. I pray
that this will open many women's eyes to the wonder of the Word and its Author
and whet their appetites to study with vigilance seeking to rightly divide the
Word of truth!! May we derive sustenance from the Scriptures that enables us to
bear fruit (128).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i>"Believer! There is enough in the Bible for you to live upon
forever. If you should number the years of Methuselah, there would be no need
for a fresh revelation [Methuselah lived 689 years!]; if you should live until
Christ should return to the earth, there would be no necessity for the addition
of a single word; if you should go down as deep as Jonah, or even descend as
David said he did, into the depths of hell, still there would be enough in the
Bible to comfort you without a supplementary sentence" (Spurgeon as quoted
by Folmar, 165).</i></span></blockquote>
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*Many thanks to <a href="http://www.christianfocus.com/item/show/2528/-">Christian Focus Publications</a> for sending me a complimentary copy of <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2hW7MhC">The Good Portion: Scripture</a></i> in exchange for my honest opinion!</div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-25384500033592639472017-11-10T20:39:00.000-05:002017-11-10T20:39:15.637-05:00Book Review: Irenaeus of Lyon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.graceandtruthbooks.com/images/store/aaaDurandlg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teaching faithfully, traveling frequently, and writing fervently, the Apostle Paul was one man who took Jesus Christ's command to make disciples seriously. In his first letter to his disciple, Timothy, he closed with these endearing, fatherly words of exhortation:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"O Timothy, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called 'knowledge,' for by professing it some have swerved from the faith" (First Timothy 6:20).</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul repeats his exhortation and continues this thread in a second letter to Timothy, even going so far as to mention, by name, specific people who had turned away from the glorious, saving truth of the Gospel. Paul's warnings to Timothy were not unique; he also warned many others to whom he wrote. Sadly, false teachers presented a frequent challenge in the early days of the church. As a result, Paul instructs Timothy, saying:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"...and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV).</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul was not the only apostle with concerns for the purity of Jesus Christ's teaching. The Bible reveals that Peter, John, and others also warned against false teaching and sought to equip faithful men and women who would continue to preserve the faith and defend it when it was attacked. Where the Bible leaves off, church tradition informs us of those who imitated the pattern such as John who discipled Polycarp of Lyon who went on to disciple Irenaeus and so on up to our present day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankfully, in our generation, Simonetta Carr has taken up the baton of faithfully teaching the Gospel and of sharing the accounts of those throughout history who have done likewise. The latest title in her <a href="http://search.wtsbooks.com/?FullText=christian+biographies+for+young+readers&x=0&y=0?utm_source=ehankins&utm_medium=blogpartners">"Christian Biographies for Young Readers"</a> series focuses on <i><a href="http://www.heritagebooks.org/products/irenaeus-carr.html">Irenaeus of Lyons</a> </i>but also features faithful saints such as Polycarp, Justin the Martyr, Blandina, and Pothinus who stood firm on the truths of the Gospel, even in the face of persecution. Each of these believers sought to faithfully serve God in their generation, guarded the good deposit that was entrusted to them, and taught others to do the same. Ms. Carr shows us that we have much to learn from those who have gone before us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Church history is never dull when Simonetta Carr takes up her pen. She seeks to write about aspects of her character's lives that will be interesting and relatable to her audience. In <i><a href="http://www.heritagebooks.org/products/irenaeus-carr.html">Irenaeus of Lyons</a>, </i>she relays aspects of his education, travels, friendships, strengths, and weaknesses. Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects of Irenaeus's life was his sense of humor. It's hard to imagine a reader who wouldn't be amused by some of Irenaeus's antics for proving the absurdity of false teaching, especially when Ms. Carr includes a comical photo of a royal Gourd, Melon, and Cucumber. Less relatable to most Christians in America, but no less dull, are the age-appropriate accounts of persecution and martyrdom faced by the saints of which she writes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most importantly, Ms. Carr relates accounts that demonstrate his commitment to the Scriptures and its over-arching redemptive story line as demonstrated by this quote:</span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Most of Irenaeus's arguments, however, were based on the Scriptures, which he quoted freely. God, Irenaeus said, has revealed Himself in the Bible, giving all the truth men and women need to know about Him and our relationship with Him. And the Bible teaches that there is only one God, in both the Old and the New Testament, and He is good, perfect, and just. In fact, from Genesis to Revelation we read one long, beautiful story: how God saved His sinful people" (38).</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time and again, Simonetta Carr succeeds in going "beyond the simple story of someone's life by teaching young readers the historical and theological relevance of each character" in an age appropriate way (2). As with previous titles in the series, readers of <i><a href="http://www.heritagebooks.org/products/irenaeus-carr.html">Irenaeus of Lyons</a></i> will encounter a carefully researched account that is edifying complete with a map, a timeline, fun facts, and an excerpt from Irenaeus's major work, <i>Against Heresies</i>. Captivating artwork and an abundance of vivid photos on thick, glossy pages in a sturdy hardcover make this book yet another collectible title that will endure many years of enjoyment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.graceandtruthbooks.com/images/store/CarrSetSmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="182" src="https://www.wtsbooks.com/common/images/carr-set-11-vol.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><i><a href="http://www.heritagebooks.org/products/irenaeus-carr.html">Irenaeus of Lyons</a></i> </span>is a thought-provoking children's biography that is sure to encourage many to guard the good deposit entrusted to them, reading "...the Scriptures faithfully and with humility, seeing both the Old and New Testaments as one unified story" (54). I pray that many will be motivated to preserve the faith handed on by the apostles, to entrust it to faithful men and women who are able to teach, and to defend it when it is threatened by false teachers just as Irenaeus and those who followed him sought to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simonetta Carr maintains <a href="http://www.cbfyr.com/books/">a delightful website</a> where you can discover more about her "Christian Biographies for Young Readers" including insightful videos of the writing/illustrating process, <a href="http://www.cbfyr.com/activities/">activity and/or notebook pages</a> for several existing titles (<a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/augustine-of-hippo-christian-biographies-for-young-readers-simonetta-carr-9781601780737?utm_source=ehankins&utm_medium=blogpartners" style="font-style: italic;">Augustine of Hippo</a>, <i><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/john-calvin-christian-biographies-for-young-readers-simonetta-carr-9781601780553?utm_source=ehankins&utm_medium=blogpartners">John Calvin</a>, <a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/athanasius-christian-biographies-for-young-readers-simonetta-carr-9781601781512?utm_source=ehankins&utm_medium=blogpartners">Athanasius</a></i>), as well as, a study guide for <a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/john-owen-christian-biographies-for-young-readers-simonetta-carr-9781601780881?utm_source=ehankins&utm_medium=blogpartners"><i>John Owen</i></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Related Reviews: <a href="http://www.hankinsfamily.com/2016/12/book-review-martin-luther.html"><i>Martin Luther</i></a>, <a href="http://www.hankinsfamily.com/2015/07/book-review-marie-durand.html"><i>Marie Durand</i></a>, <i><a href="http://www.hankinsfamily.com/2014/10/book-review-jonathan-edwards.html">Jonathan Edwards</a>, <a href="http://www.hankinsfamily.com/2014/03/book-review-john-knox.html">John Knox</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.hankinsfamily.com/2012/07/book-review-lady-jane-grey.html">Lady Jane Grey</a>, <a href="http://www.hankinsfamily.com/2011/09/book-review-and-giveaway-athanasius.html">Athanasius</a>, <a href="http://www.hankinsfamily.com/2013/07/book-review-anselm-of-canterbury.html">Anselm</a>, </i>and<i> </i><i><a href="http://www.hankinsfamily.com/2012/03/book-review-weight-of-flame.html">Weight of a Flame</a></i><i>.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Many thanks to <a href="http://crossfocusedreviews.com/">Cross Focused Reviews</a>, <a href="http://www.heritagebooks.org/products/jonathan-edwards-christian-biographies-for-young-readers.html">Reformation Heritage Books</a>, and Simonetta Carr for providing me with a complimentary copy of <i><a href="http://www.heritagebooks.org/products/irenaeus-carr.html">Irenaeus of Lyons</a> </i>in exchange for my honest opinion!</span></div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-8575467335247630202017-11-06T20:00:00.000-05:002018-12-18T17:18:44.585-05:00Book Review: Descriptions and Prescriptions<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/1024x1024/products/1638/3033/descriptions-prescriptions-thumb__18717.1487257333.1280.1280__48439__97938.1520708996.jpg?c=2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medications" border="0" height="320" src="https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/1024x1024/products/1638/3033/descriptions-prescriptions-thumb__18717.1487257333.1280.1280__48439__97938.1520708996.jpg?c=2" width="235" /></a></div>
Quick Overview of <i><a href="http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/descriptions-and-prescriptions-by-michael-emlet-ccef/?aff=31" target="_blank">Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses & Medications</a> </i>from the Publisher:<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">OCD, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder . . . these are no longer just technical terms and medical diagnoses, they are part of our common vocabulary and culture.</span></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit;">As Christians, we shouldn't isolate ourselves from this discussion or dismiss these important issues. But we also should be careful not to accept the entire secular psychiatric diagnostic and treatment enterprise without question. What we need is a balanced, biblically (and scientifically) informed approach that neither blindly accepts nor harshly dismisses psychiatric labels, diagnoses, and medicines that are prescribed to help those who are suffering.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">As both a Biblical counselor and medical doctor, Michael R. Emlet, MD, gives readers a Christ-centered approach to psychiatry and guides both lay and professional helpers through the thicket of mental health labels and treatments with a biblical lens. In a clear and thoughtful way that puts the person experiencing mental health issues at the forefront, Emlet uses Scripture to show how the Bible engages in the discussion of psychiatric labels and the medications that are often recommended based on those labels. The first book in the "Helping the Helper" series, </span><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Descriptions and Prescriptions</em><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"> will give readers a biblical, gospel-formed perspective to help them understand and minister to those struggling with mental health issues.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span></span></span></span></div>
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<b>My Thoughts:</b><br />
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As a Christian woman with a Bachelor's degree in psychology and who maintains an interest in biblical counseling, I thoroughly enjoyed this concise read. <i><a href="http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/descriptions-and-prescriptions-by-michael-emlet-ccef/?aff=31" target="_blank">Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses & Medications</a></i> is fabulously focused and concretely concentrated on the issue at hand. I found it helpful to formally consider the strengths and limitations of the DSM (<i>The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) </i>from a biblical perspective. I especially appreciated Emlet's references to our fundamental nature as image bearers and worshipers and how that influences our ministry to sufferers and sinners "...who struggle with disordered thoughts, emotions, and behaviors" (pg. 9). In addition to applicable Scripture references, there are a number of insightful word pictures to aid the reader in thinking through these sensitive issues. Most importantly, Emlet keeps the Gospel of Jesus Christ central to the discussion. In the end, Emlet doesn't offer a "one-size-fits-all" approach but helps guide the reader toward a careful wisdom framework.</div>
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*Many thanks to <a href="http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/descriptions-and-prescriptions-by-michael-emlet-ccef/?aff=31" target="_blank">New Growth Press</a> and <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0013VdtyOSSVJ87pWXLo5KShTFo7cQxKsUgVBxqiUn_GrsNYLysraM9gEEGUBR-a5xBcnokE9OVr-kyuPYZgstBTBSmDn9Yz2unsnhrJyevc4f4b2ry-8HXU3q4SvdQPtSV2I7EWG66OA-KTtB-bqB3p3MKxAXuGVew5NCGDMzaG3dgf4oX2vzNTBxBabVBiyaX&c=3tku1y_rZ8BF16B08Fho3XpwigNqLJvsTWyuswuDgqB-8qNrdtZDlQ==&ch=hZHy4SbHqiqe_QXDWvtZULgu2T7fY406W1wzKzACRyaz-jrwMTMoog==" target="_blank">Litfuse Publicity Group</a> for sending me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!</div>
Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772150543665350853.post-79828213568855375822017-10-30T15:11:00.000-04:002018-12-18T17:19:31.495-05:00Book Review: A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star<br />
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<a href="https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/1024x1024/products/1658/3053/a-forest-a-flood-thumbnail__78510.1487175951.1280.1280__70004__97402.1520709007.jpg?c=2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star" border="0" height="320" src="https://cdn8.bigcommerce.com/s-uh4v4/images/stencil/1024x1024/products/1658/3053/a-forest-a-flood-thumbnail__78510.1487175951.1280.1280__70004__97402.1520709007.jpg?c=2" style="font-family: inherit;" width="235" /></a>What
is it like to grow up in the jungles of Africa? That's what J.A. Myhre sought
to depict for her children through her Rwendigo Tales. Originally written as
Christmas presents, but now, a gift shared with a wider audience, Myhre shows
rather than tells her readers what it is like to grow up in the jungles of
Africa. Her experience as a doctor who has served with Serge in East Africa for
over two decades uniquely qualifies her to present the distinct challenges
of those living in the African jungles. <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/a-forest-a-flood-and-an-unlikely-star/?aff=31" target="_blank">A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star</a> </span>is the third book in her series, aimed at youth, which
takes us on a journey with thirteen-year-old Kusiima and his family. Each book is set in the same general region and follows different characters, so they do not have to be read in a specific or<span style="font-family: inherit;">der. In her
Introduction, Myhre informs us that:</span></div>
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"Events in this book have their roots
in the real lives of real people who love each other and raise their families
in places increasingly affected by the same injustices the boy in this story
struggles with: loss of those he loves, disease [AIDS], poverty, deforestation,
poaching, and rebel movements" (pg. v).</blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">I
thoroughly enjoyed</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> <a href="http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/a-forest-a-flood-and-an-unlikely-star/?aff=31" target="_blank">A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star</a> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>over
a rainy Sunday afternoon and evening despite the fact that it is a somewhat
"heavy" book gently introducing young people to the brokenness and complexity
of this world. Although it doesn't expressly tell how the Gospel makes a
difference in Kusiima's life or how the Gospel gives hope to those facing sin and suffering,
it lends itself well to that discussion. Myhre's writing is engaging,
wholesome, and age-appropriate while avoiding </b></span><b>over-simplicity</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> in vocabulary,
plot, and conflict and is a thought-provoking introduction to life in the
jungles of Africa.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;"><a href="https://newgrowthpress.egnyte.com/dl/2EtIvNjAhp?aff=31" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial;">READ A SAMPLE OF </span><em style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;">A FOREST, A FLOOD, AND AN UNLIKELY STAR</em></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Book Synopsis from the Publisher:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />"<span style="background-color: white;">Just thirteen-years-old, Kusiima has no time for school, sports, or hanging out with the other boys in his African village. With no father or mother to take care of him, he works long hours to support his grandmother and sickly baby sister. Then one day, Kusiima’s life suddenly changes when he travels into a nearby protected forest. In the forest, Kusiima is presented with many choices, all with uncertain outcomes. Should he go along with illegal logging? Help to save an endangered baby gorilla? Follow a donkey to who knows where? With each choice, Kusiima has to make yet another decision about what is right in front of him. As he does, he meets a mysterious doctor who holds the key to his past and his future. In the end, Kusiima is faced with the hardest choice of all. Can he forgive a great wrong and heal a broken relationship?"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>*Many thanks to <a href="http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/a-forest-a-flood-and-an-unlikely-star/?aff=31" target="_blank">New Growth Press</a> and <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/jamyhre" target="_blank">Litfuse Publicity Group</a> for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!</span></div>
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</span>Mrs. David Hankinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154701437866023859noreply@blogger.com0