Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts

Eat the Cookie...Buy the Shoes: Giving Yourself Permission to Lighten Up Review

Eat the Cookie...Buy the Shoes: Giving Yourself Permission to Lighten Up
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Eat the Cookie...Buy the Shoes: Giving Yourself Permission to Lighten Up ReviewJoyce Meyer's new book 'Eat the Cookie ... buy the Shoes' has a really simple theme: celebrate. Meyer takes on a subject that many Christians and even people in general have a hard time grasping in their lives - celebrate your accomplishments, life and the little things and stop sulking, moping, dwelling on past mistakes. Through the course of the book, Meyer explores all of the occasions a person should have reason or cause to celebrate. She also relates passages from the Bible to back-up her theory that Christians are supposed to celebrate and be happy; it's not just right but a mandate by God. It's not exactly a new, groundbreaking theory but it's an interesting read and something you don't hear or read many Christian authorities and authors writing on.
The Good: Even as a male, I found the topic refreshing. Too often in books written for the 'good and obedient Christian', we're lectured on how we're not doing right by God and how we're flawed and need to repent and will never get over the sins we've committed. Well, Meyer takes on this subject and turns it on its head. This is a very light, happy, celebratory piece of literature. She lectures the Christian but not in the manner of telling him/her that they have been bad and there's no way to recover, but to lecture them by saying 'lighten up!' She encourages us to party, to treat and indulge ourselves within reason, to take vacations and time off, to set goals and to figure out how we can improve our lives. It was refreshing and uplifting to hear such an authority in Christian faith like Joyce Meyer saying it's okay to take time out to celebrate, to have fun, enjoy life and that by doing so you may actually become a better Christian. The text is full of helpful tips on getting more enjoyment out of life and everyday living.
The Bad: My overall complaint is that while the subject is really so simple that for most of the book, I felt the introductory chapter did a good enough job of summing up the main message. The other chapters, will enjoyable, felt as if they were a bit unnecessary and elaborated on points already made. It felt as if Meyer spent more time trying to figure out how to re-phrase the same thing in each chapter, giving the book a bit of a repetitive, monotonous vibe. The first and last chapters gives the reader the message in a clear and concise way. The middle chapters elaborate over and over the points made in the intro and final chapter.
In all, a good book even though the subject matter is nothing new and is simple enough where it felt as if the author was stretching out certain themes and chapters due to it.Eat the Cookie...Buy the Shoes: Giving Yourself Permission to Lighten Up Overview

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What Would Jesus Do?: A Handbook Review

What Would Jesus Do: A Handbook
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What Would Jesus Do: A Handbook ReviewThis book is designed not so much to answer questions as to provoke them. At the bottom of each page is a question intended to assist in reflecting on that page. More general questions are found at the back. This book could feed a study group for many meetings.What Would Jesus Do: A Handbook Overview

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The Gift of Church: How God Designed the Local Church to Meet Our Needs as Christians Review

The Gift of Church: How God Designed the Local Church to Meet Our Needs as Christians
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The Gift of Church: How God Designed the Local Church to Meet Our Needs as Christians ReviewJim Samra has written an excellent book on why Christians need to re-look at their attitudes and involvement with the church. Despite all of the Church's failings, Church is God's idea, His creation, and His primary way of working in this world.
The chapter of the Church being "God in Concert" is beautiful. The entire book shows how God works in and through us being in community - both to be Christ in the earth and to deepen our relationship with God through others. Every excuss used to avoid church is addressed.
There are many things that I would have changed if I wrote the book. I would have emphasized that belonging and actively participating in 'church' isn't optional but a biblical mandate. Samra's book is primarily about what the church does for us instead of what the church means and does for God. However that lens reflects the view of our culture, at least in the Western world. Perhaps that view will motivate more people to go back to church and if so I laud the effort.
Samra gives two extensive chapters on what the church should be and do. He leaves out missions and evangelism completely. Again, I think that omission is because of his effort to appeal to what church does for us instead of what God intends the church to do for others. However those points aside this is a great book to get people thinking about their need to be in church. As Samra said, this is a book of ideas, not practice. This book is a great gift to give to fellow believers who think it is enough to believe or fellowship via a TV program, err TV preacher.The Gift of Church: How God Designed the Local Church to Meet Our Needs as Christians Overview

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Women, Spirituality, and Transformative Leadership: Where Grace Meets Power Review

Women, Spirituality, and Transformative Leadership: Where Grace Meets Power
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Women, Spirituality, and Transformative Leadership: Where Grace Meets Power ReviewYou'll feel as if you are among friends from many diverse wisdom traditions and experiences,
hearing each woman leader share her heart, her story and her lessons learned.
The glow that comes from the deep connections
radiates outward as the book encourages you
to start your own circles, meditation and collaboration with other women.
It's complete with smart practical tools and resource lists.
Perfect book for every woman who yearns for the divine.Women, Spirituality, and Transformative Leadership: Where Grace Meets Power Overview

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A Glimpse of Jesus: The Stranger to Self-Hatred Review

A Glimpse of Jesus: The Stranger to Self-Hatred
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A Glimpse of Jesus: The Stranger to Self-Hatred ReviewI read half of this book in less than an hour, seated at BORDERS. I was absolutely mesmerized by the passion, the honesty, and the integrity of the author. I was at times gripped by compassion, at times almost brought to tears, at times feeling myself smiling broadly, all this because the book is written from the heart, straight to the heart.
Brennan Manning addresses the issues of legalism, religion, and the need for the real love of Christ without holding back any punches. He shows himself as an unashamed, unapologetic defender of the truth, and of all who are downtrodden, alienated and sickened by the self-righteous, law-toting wing of present Christianity. He is fearless in his articulation, bold in his assertions, and deeply, tearfully compassionate in his appeals, so he wins the heart of this here ragamuffin Christian!
His protrayal of Jesus will melt your heart. He supplements his own views with great quotes from many notable Christians, bulking up the integrity of this book.
All in all, this is Brennan Manning at his fieriest best, but it is a fire that stands in defense for all who feel a deep need for a true sense of God's love and who aren't receiving it from the church at large. This is one of the best books on the person of Jesus Christ, as it delves deep into His heart.
If you have been hurt by the church and by legalistic Christianity, then this is a book that will bring healing to your soul. Be assured, this isn't a mushy book on God's love. It is not fluff. It is a strong, clear, articulate presentation of the love of Christ and a passionate argument for the revealing of the true heart of Jesus at the same time. Take along tissue; you may laugh and cry all at once reading this!
Enjoy!A Glimpse of Jesus: The Stranger to Self-Hatred Overview

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TrueFaced Review

TrueFaced
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TrueFaced ReviewTrueFaced has become one of my favorite books. the truths found in this book have brought me higher in my christian life than anything else. these authors tell us not to try to take care of our sins, but realize that Jesus has already done this on the cross. we must live, if we've accepted Christ's sacrifice, as though nothing, not even our sin issues, are hindering us from God. only pride, not trusting what God says, can hinder us from this peace. the Bible tells us countless times to live in the new life, to put away the old man. this is what it is talking about. God wants us to trust in Him, not take care of all of our problems. that will come later, He merely wants us to TRUST Him. what did we do in our salvation except believe? nothing. and we must live that even after our justification --that we have no power over our sin, and only God can take care of them. yes, some things are hard to be understood and pursued in this book, but the truth mentioned above and the learning of it is more than worth the price.TrueFaced Overview

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Spiritual Theology (Stagbooks) Review

Spiritual Theology (Stagbooks)
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Spiritual Theology (Stagbooks) ReviewIt is lamentable that this book is currently not in print (Feb 2006), as this is a must-have for all of those seeking a clear explanation of the spiritual life in accessible language and clear principles. Aumann is truly one of the best spiritual theologians that our age has to offer, and his work surpasses by far the work done by men like A. Tanqueray and R. Garrigou-LaGrange. Aumann splits this book into two parts, the first of which is more theological (here he sets down his first principles and gives the reader a foundational vocabulary in spiritual theology) and the second of which is much more practical (here he essentially acts as a spiritual director, and this is perhaps the best part of the book). He ends the book with a discussion on miracles and how they are able to play out in the spiritual life. All priests and seminarians should have a copy of this book, as well as anyone who wants to make clear progress in the spiritual life.Spiritual Theology (Stagbooks) Overview

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A Modern Quest For Eternal Truth Review

A Modern Quest For Eternal Truth
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A Modern Quest For Eternal Truth ReviewSharon Kumuda Janis's Memoir is an incredible journey into an incredible mind; hers. From the time of her very early childhood Kumuda displayed remarkable brilliance, compassion, and wisdom. Anyone on a spiritual path who has spent time or is thinking of spending time in an ashram, Dharma center, or is otherwise a part of a spiritual community should read this book and have the mirror of truth held up to themselves. Kumuda's journey is the archetypal one. The heroine's journey. The depth of her love, devotion, integrity and passion for truth are woven throughout the pages of this heartfelt narrative. Shedding light on the purpose and role of the Guru, Kumuda returns again and again to personal responsibility in that relationship to the Guru, and a call that we check to see if our moment to moment behavior accords with the wisdom of the ages. Are we giving hope to the hopeless as we practice our chosen paths? Are we serving as inspiring examples of committed practitioners seeking to embody the ideals of the wisdom traditions? Or are we reverting to Monstrous Spiritual Ego in pathologized relationships to the Divine, making narcissistic appeals to get what we want? Are we using our relationship with the Divine as an excuse to make more demands and judgments of others and less of ourselves? Amazing book. I will read it again soon.A Modern Quest For Eternal Truth Overview

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Seasons of Grace: The Life-Giving Practice of Gratitude Review

Seasons of Grace: The Life-Giving Practice of Gratitude
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Seasons of Grace: The Life-Giving Practice of Gratitude ReviewI don't know about you, but I've been pretty cynical the last couple of years. Watching TV has become almost intolerable. The economy ..., world peace seems like a ridiculously impossible dream, and the environment is paying the price of the money-mongers in charge of most governments. This book helped me see the rainbow in the middle of the storm. SEASONS OF GRACE showed me how that just being alive is a miraculous gift. Being grateful does not mean just sitting back and taking whatever those "in charge" will try to fob off on us -- it means being mindful and practicing gratitude for the gifts we have been given, while we mobilize to change the world for the better. Money-mongers, watch out.Seasons of Grace: The Life-Giving Practice of Gratitude Overview

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Unlikely Teachers: Finding the Hidden Gifts in Daily Conflict Review

Unlikely Teachers: Finding the Hidden Gifts in Daily Conflict
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Unlikely Teachers: Finding the Hidden Gifts in Daily Conflict ReviewIn Judy Ringers' Unlikely Teachers, she teaches the reader how to create a more enjoyable life with fewer conflicts. In this easy to follow book she gives real life examples of situations that would have turned ugly if not for her advice such as, giving the benefit of the doubt, seeing things through their eyes, looking for good intentions and much more than that.
Everything that happens to us good and bad is a lesson learned; these are the teachers. I liked the book because it empowers you to make a change in your life and use easy techniques to help you get through situations that would normally make you or the other person angry. And it is so much more.
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Grace Walk: What You've Always Wanted in the Christian Life Review

Grace Walk: What You've Always Wanted in the Christian Life
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Grace Walk: What You've Always Wanted in the Christian Life ReviewI'm so inconsistant!
I'm so tired of trying!
Why does this seems so hard?
Where is this peace and joy I hear about?
I seem to take two steps forward and four steps backward!
Does God really like me?
If I am saved by grace why am I striving so hard?
It seems something isn't right.
Either the Bible's wrong or what I'm being taught is.
If the above statements resemble your Christian walk, you're ready for a transformation, and "Grace Walk" is just what the Good Doctor ordered. Read, then let it sit and soak into your soul. Dr. Steve McVey has brought much needed alignment to todays church. Every Christian should read this to maintain balance in a culture, both inside and outside the church, which worships effort, duty, and production. It isn't meant to be like this. Relationship with Jesus is how Jesus defined eternal life (John 17:3) and relationship is why Christ provided atonement, clearing the way. Do yourself a big favor and read this book, you'll be glad you did.Grace Walk: What You've Always Wanted in the Christian Life Overview

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One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are Review

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
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One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are ReviewI think this is one of those reviews that I'm going to take some heat over because I know this book and the author are very popular in Christian circles right now. That's why I wanted to read it myself, because I had heard so much about it.
First, the positive. I know several bloggers who are sharing their own 1000 gifts/gratitude lists and I'm always blessed to read them. I have kept my own accounting of what I call "grace notes" for years so I understand the blessing of looking for things to be thankful for. Voskamp shares from her heart with stories about her family and her own spiritual journey, and I think anyone reading this book would come away with a heightened sense of looking for God's grace in daily life whether it be having one's child come through surgery or the admiring the beauty of a full moon. I appreciate the encouragement to live life fully right where we are without feeling we need to work through a "bucket list" of daring experiences or exotic locations before we can be fulfilled.
But, this was a difficult book for me to read. Voscamp is obviously a poet at heart but the entire book is sing-songy with long descriptions and awkward word phrases and metaphors that I found distracting. It doesn't read as someone would actually talk in real life conversation.
As an example: "...tonight over our farm will rise the Great Hexagon of the blazing winter stars - Sirius, Rigel, ruby Aldebran, Capella, the fiery Gemini twins, and Procyon, and in the center, scarlet Betelgeuse, the red supergiant larger than twice the size of earth's orbit around the sun - and I will embrace the skin of a boy child that my body grew from a seed. The low heavens outside the paned windows fill with more snowflakes than stars, no two-stacked crystals the same; the trees in the wood draw in collective green breath to the still of January hibernation, and God in the world with birth ice from His womb, frost of heaven, bind the chains of the Pleiades, loose the cords of Orion, and number again the strands on my head."
Those who like this kind of poetic narrative with mystical undertones will enjoy this book. Those who don't will likely struggle to find the message in the sea of words. For me, it was just too much page after page, and it took me a while to finish the book because I had to take it in small doses.
I was also wary of the mystical/contemplative spirituality/emergent church references, as she references those known to be mystics, panentheists, universalists, or New Age authors such as Brother Lawrence, Henri Nouwen, Annie Dillard, Brennan Manning, Sarah Ban Breathnach, Teresa of Avila, and Dallas Willard, among others. The influence of the teachings of these various authors is apparent in Voskamp's writing.
In addition, I was uncomfortable with the chapter on making love to Jesus in which the author speaks of seeking communion with God in what can only be termed as sexual language, taking it to a level that I personally don't believe scripture intends. Voskamp writes, "Mystical union. This, the highest degree of importance. God as Husband in sacred wedlock, bound together, body and soul, fed by His body, quenched by His blood . . . God, He has blessed - caressed. I could bless God - caress with thanks. It's our making love. God makes love with grace upon grace, every moment a making of His love for us. . . . couldn't I make love to God, making every moment love for Him? To know Him the way Adam knew Eve. Spirit skin to spirit skin. . . The intercourse of soul with God is the very climax of joy . . . To enter into Christ and Christ enter into us - to cohabit."
Scripture doesn't teach that our relationship with God is to be a sexual, orgasmic experience or that we are to know him the way Adam as husband knew Eve as his wife. Further, what are children and men supposed to do with the notion of making love to Jesus?
Despite the doctrinal and personal issues with this book, I tried to stay focused on what I felt the author's intended message of the book was: live fully and abundantly in daily life by being thankful for the gifts that come from God's grace, no matter how small. I am inspired to live more fully in this kind of gratitude.
This review is simply my opinion of what was actually in the book and not a reflection on the author herself, whom I do not know personally. Her writing style just doesn't appeal to me and I have to question some of the "theology" in the book which is why I recommend discernment when reading it.
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