Bread and Wine - Readings for Lent and Easter

Bread and wine is a beautiful devotional book filled with poignant readings for Lent and Easter. 

I especially enjoyed the selections written by Oswald Chambers, Watchman Nee, and Madeline L'Engle. 

Readers will enjoy this book because each devotional points to what Jesus did for us on the cross. 

As I read the selections, I felt closer to Christ as my spirit was fed, and  being able to read the thoughts of different authors helped me reflect on various points I had not considered before.

I'm so thankful Plough Publishing offered me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

To Go on Living by Narine Abgaryan

Recently, I was given a complimentary copy of the book, "To Go on Living," by Narine Abgaryan. I had no idea what the book was about until I started reading. 

I was captivated after reading the first chapter. I knew nothing about the country of Armenia or about the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. I've never been much of a history buff, but found these very poignant stories touching my heart. 

The author uses a very descriptive writing style and immediately draws the reader in. Though the  stories were very difficult to read, I was thankful to have the opportunity to read them. They helped me understand the realities of war. 

I was astounded at the ability of the people mentioned to rise above their situations. Their resilience was astounding. I don't think I'd I've been able to respond in the same way if I'd experienced the tragedies they had experienced. I would like to think that I would be able to have a positive outlook on life as they did, but I'm not sure I would have been able to do that.

As I read, it seemed to me that each person in the story had accepted war as an integral part of life and had learned to either accept or reject it. As they learned to accept it, they managed to find a way to keep on living. 

Two quotes in the book really touched my heart: "To write about a war means almost destroying any hope within yourself. Like staring death in the face while trying not to avert your eyes. Because if you do, you will have betrayed your own self." And the other one, "Life is fairer than death, and that's what encapsulates it's unbreakable truth. It is necessary to believe this in order to go on living."

Those powerful words gave me a new perspective. 

I would like to thank Plough publishing for allowing me the honor and privilege of reviewing this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in history but also to those interested in learning how to overcome tragic circumstances.

Easter - The Rest of the Story by Rick Renner

Recently I had the opportunity to read the book easter, the rest of the story by Rick Renner. It's a beautiful book filled with truth and told in a way that's very easy to understand even for non-believers. I enjoyed the beautiful artwork and a constant references to scripture to support the author's points. 

Pastor Renner uses both Hebrew and Greek word studies to help readers understand more in depth the things the Bible teaches about the resurrection of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. 

I've been a Christ follower for 60 years and have read the Bible more times than I can count but this book brought forward some points I had not focused on in the past. 

I think readers will find this book a very worthwhile investment and a very coveted edition to their personal library. 

I would highly recommend this book not only for its faith value but for its historical value as well. 

When readers understand the depth of the sacrifice our lord gave for us on the cross, I'm sure their hearts will be touched deeply and in ways they never expected.

Jesus Changes Everything

This is the first book that I have read about writings by theologian Stanley Hauerwas and I must say, it was pleasantly surprising. Not only did it open my eyes to new viewpoints about living the Christian life, but I found his works to be enlightening. 

I was most struck by the concept presented regarding the difference between being a disciple versus being an admirer of Jesus. As a believer for 50 plus years, I had never even considered this before. I always assumed the two were melded together but Hauerwas gives a different picture. Of course believers admire Jesus and long to be his disciples, but to truly be a disciple of Christ, one must allow every aspect of their being to be permeated by the person of Christ while at the same time loving and supporting his or her community. 

This was a quick read and I would like to thank Plough publishing for providing me with an advanced reader copy. I would recommend this book to anyone desiring to understand how to live more like Christ. 

Come Again, Pelican by Don Freeman

I've always loved Don Freeman's books and have found them particularly enjoyable while sharing them with my children and grandchildren. I was pleasantly surprised to find he'd recently written another one and was privileged to receive a complimentary review copy from Plough Publishing. 

This story is fairly short and sweet. It's a story about a young boy named Ty and his family visit to the beach. 

When Ty arrives at the beach, he's excited to be in a familiar place and immediately goes off to look for his favorite bird, a large pelican. 

As Ty continues his adventure, the story takes an unexpected turn where both Ty and the bird share a special exchange. 

The story focuses on important character values such as kindness, patience, and diligence. 

I think children of all ages will enjoy this book but especially those between the ages of 3 and 10. 

I can't wait to read this book to my granddaughter, Heather, who loves not only the beach but also wildlife. I think she'll relate to the story well and enjoy learning how Ty and the Pelican help each other. 

Thank you, Plough Publishing, for allowing me to review this book in exchange for my honest review. It was my pleasure to read it. 

Bonnie Annis
 

By Water - The Felix Manz Story by Jason Lansel A book review

 

Recently, I was given the opportunity to review the book, By Water, The Felix Manz Story written by Jason Landsel and published by Plough Publishing. It is a true story of persecution and martyrdom.

I must say, I was surprised to find this book was written in a comic book style with many graphic images. 

As I began to read the book, I was taken aback. In the first chapter, entitled "The Dream," I found myself offended by language I was not expecting to find in a Christian book. The first page of the chapter features some very violent comic book style graphics. In one scene, the word, "Bastard," appears in a comic bubble and in another, the phrase, "Son of a whore," appears. I almost stopped reading the book at that point, but I'd promised to give an objective review of the book so I continued on. 

As a former seminary student, with 2 degrees in ministry, I knew a lot of the religious history behind the book, but for some without any knowledge of religious persecution, the comic style of the book would be challenging to understand. 

On a positive note, the author made a point of including historical facts throughout the book and gave a much more detailed explanation at the end of the book. He also included a timeline and details geared more toward the adult reader. 

The intended audience for the book was unclear. Did the author believe it would appeal to teens or young adults or was it written more for the enjoyment and entertainment of grounded believers? 

The story is an important one and one worth telling. Felix Manz was a brave man to stand for his convictions even to the point of death. Without the sacrifices of many Christian martyrs, we wouldn't have the freedoms we enjoy today. 

I would like to thank Plough Publishing for giving me an opportunity to review this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The epilogue contained vital information for the reader and I was thankful it was included. 

The book can be purchased through Plough Publishing by clicking this link:

 https://www.plough.com/en/topics/faith/anabaptists/by-water

I Can With I AM Sheila M. Luck, a book review

Sheila Luck's book, I Can With I AM, is a wonderful book. It's small but filled with Biblical truths and practical helps. I received a preview copy of this book from Aneko Press in exchange for my honest review and it's my honor to give it a big thumbs up!

As I read Sheila's book, I was impressed with her optimism. She admits she didn't always feel this way but felt a deep desire to be somebody. It took her years to understand her definition of being somebody and God's definition of the same thing were vastly different. She says, "Simply by our faith in Jesus Christ, we are somebody. But it doesn't end there. With God, the Great I AM, we can become somebody by the way we live. We can make a real difference in the world around us."

Throughout her book, Ms. Luck helps the reader understand God is the One who sets the plans for our lives. She quotes Jeremiah 29:11 from the Holy Bible and reminds us God's plans are good for us. They are plans to prosper us and not to harm us. They are plans to give us a hope and a future. Ms. Luck includes an example of her daughter, Chelsy, and how she discovered God's plan for her life through stepping out in obedience. Chelsy had no idea why she felt the need to travel to Guatemala but as she surrendered to God's will, she found complete peace in her decision.

Sheila says we must do what we can. She says it's important to understand the concept, "start doing what I can where I am. What I can is something i can do today, with the time, materials, and skills I have today. It is step one. Maybe if I take step one, step two will become apparent, and the means to accomplish step two will become available."

I Can With I AM, is a book that helps the reader first grasp the concept of the great I AM by explaining a little more about God's character and plans for our lives. By using Scripture throughout her book, we don't have to assume Ms. Luck knows what she's talking about. The very Words of Christ give clear direction to the reader on how to live, how to love, and how to show compassion to others.

Each chapter of the book goes into great detail on understanding how we, as Christians, can learn to follow the example of Christ and live out that example in our daily lives. One of my favorite chapters in her book was titled Love God Out Loud. Ms. Luck says, in that chapter, "When we love, it causes us to do things for the one we love. We love out loud." I'd never thought about my love for others being displayed in action but as Sheila points out, "Love is a verb, a word of action."

Along with her practical instructions on how to walk in love, Ms. Luck also gives helpful tips on carefully loving. Using the example of her relationship with her daughters, Ms. Luck explains that sometimes, when she offers to help, her daughters see her wanting to help as criticism. She says, "sometimes unsolicited help is viewed in the same manner. Our daughters occasionally view my help as criticism. Their perception is that I don't believe they're sufficiently competent to handle the situation on their own. That is not my intent. In my heart, I'm trying to help make their lives more pleasant." As I read this, I felt like Ms. Luck was describing a recent situation with one of my children. I was impressed, as I continued to read, her next piece of advice - "To do love, in the most loving way, we must understand what the one we love wants us to do, and not just assume we know what's best." Wow! I'd never thought of that concept before. I would certainly implement it at the next opportunity to assist my daughters.

If I had to sum up the message contained in I CAN with I AM, I'd have to say Ms. Luck wants the reader to understand the capability to do anything rests in the strength God provides. As we understand who we are in Christ and how He equips us to love others, we can do anything if we are only willing.

Purchase the book here from Aneko Press.