May 19, 2012 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
“Christians have many reasons for rejoicing. The primary one is based on who God is—He is sovereign.” says John MacArthur in the opening paragraph of this book. Those who don’t live in the light of God’s sovereignty will lack peace in their lives and be left to the chaos of troubled hearts.
This 132 page book is divided into six sections: Lord of the Universe, Lord in Our Lives, Daily Submission, Holy Living, Confession and Restoration, and Ultimate Destination. Much scripture is included to establish the positions taken.
I found MacArthur’s chapter on assurance of faith (Ultimate Destination) the most helpful I have read on that topic. His book explains both the subjective and objective evidence by which believers can know they know God.
This book provides a clear understanding of what it means to follow Jesus Christ. It stands in contrast with much of the vague and ambiguous teaching of our day.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 30, 2012 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 1 Comment
>Two Scoops of Grace* affords a homey, entertaining peek into Jeanette
> Levellie’s real-life “Survivor” show, and wisdom gained in times of trial.
> Levellie’s forty-plus years as a Christian beset with disasters and
> thirty-plus years as a pastor’s wife provide a springboard to encourage
> anyone seeking more contentment.
>
> *Two Scoops of Grace* is an inspirational/humorous gift book containing
> seventy chapters of 650-750 words each, or a total of approximately 50,000
> words. Amusing, encouraging, and heart-rending stories of ditzy adventures
> and hellish nightmares fill the pages. Laugh with the author as she prays
> for a wife for the lonely new minister and ends up answering her own
> prayer. Squirm with her as she attempts to answer, “Can preachers have sex
> on Sundays?” Finally, grow with her as she seeks God’s face and some sanity
> through all the cow pies and chocolate éclairs of life in the real lane.
>
> Each chapter begins with a humorous or touching anecdote from her life. The
> tone is conversational, putting readers at ease. Jeanette weaves Scripture
> into the body of the chapters, and ends every story with an insight to
> apply. A special feature to attract readers is the *Two Scoops and a
> Sprinkle* section at the conclusion of each chapter. Here Jeanette shares
> tips for surviving and thriving in everyday, often messy life.
>
> *Two Scoops of Grace* speaks to the average Christian woman or man needing
> reassurance of a God who is interested in their hectic, often-frustrating
> life. They need confidence in their value to God and His kingdom. They
> longs to laugh more, at themselves and their crazy world. The humorous
> stories and caring suggestions in *Two Scoops of Grace *offer courage, hope
> and contentment.
February 25, 2012 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
Everyone has a story. As Regional Speaker Trainer for Stonecroft Ministries, it’s my job to help people learn to tell their stories.
Several times a year I travel to various parts of the State of Illinois to hold speaker training workshops, teaching Christians how to share their faith. Some of them will become Stonecroft speakers.
I’m currently working with six different women in five different cities to perfect their presentations. They email me their stories. I read them over and send them on to my “reviewers” — other Stonecroft leaders who make suggestions for clarification and change.
After a speaker’s manuscript is approved, a small group of Stonecroft leaders will hear her presentation and offer affirmation and encouragement.
Following approval, I will add the new speaker’s name to our Illinois Speaker’s List. They will be invited to various outreach groups to share their stories. To tell how they came to know Jesus and the difference He makes in their lives?
What makes people want to tell their stories? Why share their lilves with others? Because Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Christian faith is personal, but not private. God tells His story through ours.
It a fascinating adventure–sharing these stories. After all, if we’re not fishing, are we following?
January 28, 2012 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
Letting people know us . . .
When the late Steve Jobs was asked why he allowed his biography to be written, he replied that he “wanted his children to know him.” Apparently he felt he hadn’t spent as much time with them as he wished.
I was touched by Jobs’ comment. I asked myself, “Do I really know my loved ones?” Am I willing for them to know me? Really know me–my thoughts, my goals and dreams, or do we often spend our time together discussing trivialities?
In his book, “Why Am I Afraid to Tell You Who I am?” John Powell gives reasons why we hide from one another. The main reason is fear. It takes courage to reveal ourselves. Writers know that. Perhaps that is why writers write and readers read. Even those who write fiction know that fiction is another way to tell the truth. And the truth is always the greatest kindness I can offer you.
This is an excellent book on personal growth and interpersonal relationships. These are quotes I loved from Powell’s book:
“To reveal myself openly and honestly takes the rawest kind of courage.”
“I can only know that much of myself which I have had the courage to confide in you.”
And my favorite: “The greatest kindness I have to offer you is always: THE TRUTH.”
January 22, 2012 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 1 Comment
Depicting a Joyful God!
Surprised by Laughter, The Comic World of C. S Lewis
By Terry Lindvall, PH.D.
Whether your thoughts go to The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, Till We Have Faces, or Surprised by Joy, fans of C. S. Lewis will enjoy this book by Terry Lindvall, Ph.D.which explores the various aspects of laughter and how Lewis used them in his writing.
I began reading the works of C. S. Lewis when my children were small, sharing the adventures of mythical creatures from the land of Narnia. I read them again to several of our grandchildren. They aren’t simply books for children, however. There is much to be gained on an adult level.
“When we read religious writing (or, what is often worse, writing by a religious person), the last thing we expect to discover is laughter,” begins Lindvall in the Introduction. He continues, “Treating issues of ultimate reality with levity is the habit of the fool, the mocker, the jester, the idiot. . . . Yet an encounter with the writings of Clive Staples Lewis turns that premise on its head.”
Time magazine accused Lewis of heresy in its September 8, 1947, issue, depicting him on its cover alongside a pitchforked, horned, and tailed devil. Lewis’ heresy, it seems, was a dry mixture of whimsy and irony, or simply, merely “Christianity in world gone awry.” Many people are not used to the idea of a laughing God. “He unmakes us with joy!” is a quote I love.
Lewis, like G. K. Chesterton, presents a “happy God.” Lindvall says Lewis was a “flaming atheist who would eventually somersault into the company of Christian saints.”
My favorite chapter was the one on Fun. The author says joy often turns into fun and fun is serious business. I concur. Others chapters concern Joy, The Joke Proper, Satire, and Flippancy, which Lewis warned against.
The final chapter, “The Laughter of Love” caps the book’s depiction of a joyful God.
This 453 page book analyzes in detail the forms of humor employed by C. S. Lewis. It will be a delight to those who love Lewis and have read his various works.
I received this complimentary book as part of the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze program in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Carole Ledbetter, author of Who Am I Now? Growing Through Life’s Changing Seasons
January 9, 2012 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
I like the sound of “twenty-twelve” Sorta rolls off your tongue!
And I’m ready for a new year of adventure in sharing Jesus.
The words of an old hymn by Norman J. Clayton have been going through my mind as I begin “twenty-twelve” — it goes like this:
“Only to be what He wants me to be, every moment of every day.
Yielded completely to Jesus alone, every step of this pilgrim way.
Just to be clay in the potter’s hands, ready to do what His will commands.
Only to be what He wants me to be, every moment of every day.”
I remember ‘watch night” services from the past where we sang that hymn on New Year’s Eve and then we each chose a Bible verse for the new year. We were young then–my friends and I– and our lives were before us! How quickly the years have flown by. Time seems like water now.
A year ago on New Year’s Eve, I flew home to Ottawa after spending two weeks in a Phoenix, AZ hospital following an unexpected and painful attack of acute pancreatitis. I wasn’t sure about the new year then, but it has been a year of recovery, good health, renewed energy and opportunities to share both in speaking and in writing.
Time is one of God’s greatest gifts–time and life and health and energy. And people–loved ones and those God puts into our lives. And opportunities to serve.
Bring on ”twenty-twelve!”
December 31, 2011 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
by Mark and Grace Driscoll
“Marriage is about friendship,” says Pastor Mark Driscoll in this newly published book, co-authored with his wife, Grace. The Driscolls present an open and honest account of the disappointments and struggles that took place early in their marriage. The emphasis on married partners being good friends is a definite plus in this book.
Driscoll is the founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington, recognized as the 54th largest, 30th fastest-growing and 2nd most-innovative church in America by Outreach Magazine.
With biblical references, the authors explore topics such as confession and repentance in marriage, the plague of pornography, the effect of previous abuse on marriage relationships, God’s grace and the healing process, and the choice between selfishness and servanthood.
The authors reference the biblical Song of Solomon in the section on sex, and they address topics not normally covered in books on marriage.
While this book could be utilized by those planning marriage in the future, it would be most helpful to those already married or in positions of leadership where they may be teaching on Christian marriage.
You may not agree with everything in this book, but you will profit from reading it.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.
Reviewed by Carole Ledbetter, author of Who Am I Now? Growing Through Life’s Changing Seasons.
December 4, 2011 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
Life, Faith and Finishing Well
When I was in my teen years, Billy Graham was just hitting his stride on the way to becoming the world’s most-famous evangelist.
Now, at 93, in his recent book he looks ahead and shares what it’s like to be “nearing home.” He quotes Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom,” and other scripture portions pertaining to time, youth, life and aging.
Graham now resides in his home in the mountains of North Carolina. His health is frail, but his faith is strong. He remarks that he never expected he would live to be as old as he is.
This book is not only for those of advancing age. On the contrary, it could be a good read for young people whose lives lie ahead of them. The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us to “consider in the days of our youth” how we want to live our lives. Graham started out well following Jesus Christ and now he shares how to finish well.
Graham includes practical advice on retirement, wills, adapting to fading strength, and leaving a legacy of godly influence in later years. He shares his loneliness since the death of his wife, Ruth.
In the final chapter, “What is Heaven Like?” Graham admits the Bible doesn’t answer all our questions. But he does list five important truths about Heaven that will interest readers.
This book provides a glimpse into the mind and heart of one of God’s faithful preachers, at the close of a life well lived. It would make a great gift for anyone at any stage on life’s journey.
I received this complementary book as part of the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze program.
Reviewed by Carole Ledbetter, Author of Who Am I Now? Growing Through Life’s Changing Seasons
November 6, 2011 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
By David Murrow
Do men really hate going to church? That was my question as I began reading this book by David Murrow. I know many men who are faithful, enthusiastic churchgoers. After reading Murrow’s book, I have to admit he has made some excellent observations.
While many men are not hostile to church, they may be ambivalent, passive and detached. “Many recognize value in the church, but they cannot see a place for themselves within it,” says Murrow.
This book explores the reasons why men don’t enjoy church. The author’s main contention seems to be that church programs are designed to appeal more to women than to men, emphasizing verbal expression, singing, and being “nice” rather than confrontational and addressing problems.
Murrow says churches present two different versions of Jesus; the Lamb and the Lion—both Scriptural. While pastors beg their flocks to behave like lambs, some Christian authors encourage them to be more like the Lion of Judah a.k.a. the King of Kings.
Although most churches are led by men, Murrow says “faithful women provide matriarchal continuity in our congregations.” He says churches “feminize” over time and young boys brought up in church often leave during their post high-school years.
I found it interesting that male and female participation is roughly equal in Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Islamic men are publicly and unashamedly religious, often more so than women. “Only Christianity has a consistent, world-wide shortage of male practitioners,” says the author.
Murrow suggests ways for churches to more effectively draw men, citing the success of some mega-churches, and those that gear their services and approach to men’s interests and personalities.
GraceUnitedMethodistChurchinLaSalle,Illinois, where Rev. Dr. Jennifer Wilson is Senior Pastor, is cited in Murrow’s book as a church where there are more men than women. Rev. Wilson is quoted as saying, “I started doing all the stuff in your books. . . Other than the Bible, your book has shifted the way I do ministry more than any other book I’ve read.” (Murrow states he didn’t pay her to say this)
Church leaders will find much to think about in this well-written book. They may also find ways to increase the number of men in their congregations!
I received this free book as part of the BookSneeze program of Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Reviewed by Carole Ledbetter, author of Who Am I Now? Growing Through Life’s Changing Seasons.”
October 5, 2011 - Posted by caroleledbetter - 0 Comments
At a school program a few years ago I heard Dr. Erwin Lutzer say, “Many parents want to have good children, but they don’t want to have godly children. Because they fear their children might miss something.”
I’ve been thinking about that statement ever since.
While Dr. Lutzer’s statement was directed at the rearing of children, I wonder if we, as God’s children wouldn’t sometimes rather be good than godly.
The question is sometimes raised as to whether we can be truly good without being godly. Agnostics would say yes.
We all know good people who don’t acknowledge a relationship with God. They may be cheerful, helpful and moral. And sometimes the godly people we know can be crabby and cantankerous.
The godly know they are not by nature good–they need God. We need the righteousness of Jesus Christ. To say we are “Christian” is to admit we are broken and in need of God.
If we would rather by good than godly, is it because we also think we might “miss something?”
It’s true–we would miss His forgiveness, His righteousness, the adventure of journeying in His Will, and eternity in His presence. Who would want to miss all that?
