If you feel the need to be well informed before making a decision on the Resurrection, this book is a must!

There are a few things to know before purchasing this book.  First, this is not a feel-good sort of book.  It was not written as one.  The object of the book is neither to provide assurance for a naïve Christian, nor to fuel the arguments of a bigoted atheist.  It is intended to be a reunion of the most cogent and complete arguments for and against the Resurrection of Christ.  It is written I order to make it possible for a prospective spiritual inquirer to receive as objective a viewpoint on the topic as possible and thus, to make an informed decision.

Second, if one has a predetermined bias regarding the subject matter, one must try to lay it aside before beginning the book.  It will not do to only read the parts that one wants to read as that will be neither productive nor wise.  The author has tried in my opinion, fairly successfully to create a work that presents both sides as fairly as possible.  If one does not see this and chooses to fixate on the section that affirms a persistent bias, then the whole book will far from being a help, be a determent.

Third, this book is fairly recent and thus contains some of the most up to date information and references available.  One can make a decision based on the data presented here without very much fear of being outdated.

Fourth, this book may present you with troubling information that may prod your towards a very large decision.  The question of the Resurrection may be the most important in all of history.  If you feel the need to be well informed before making a decision, this book is a must.  Whatever your situation, I can assure you that if you read this book with an open mind (which as a member of Foster’s jury you ought to), I can promise you that after reading it, you will not be the same as before you read it.

Precious Moments Storybook Bible

I ordered a copy of the Precious Moments “Storybook Bible” to read and review and have been delighted with it!  The “Precious Moments” illustrations are timeless and quite attractive to children.  My little niece is only 2 years old, so while she is still a bit young to understand the stories, we’ve been enjoying looking through the illustrations with her and it has been so sweet to see her face light up with enjoyment as she sees the children drawn in different stories and situations. 

The “Storybook Bible” looks like it’s made for just that, as something to be read to a child such as at bedtime.  The stories are short and concise, filling up less than 3 pages each, and come with a couple illustrations per story.  The stories are written in an easy to read and understand language for little ones from about ages 4 or 5 and on.  It gives a good springboard to add to, comment or ask questions on. 

I’ve liked the way some of the Precious Moments Bibles for kids takes it from a different angle, not just listing the Bible stories in their chronological order, but by themed sections like this one.  Some of the sections not just based on a story, but also drawing morals and character points from Bible passages and putting them in child friendly language to present to them.  Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading it with my niece in the future once she’s old enough. 

Then Sings My Soul

As a music lover, this book caught my eye as a way to learn a bit more about the story and history of the songs and hymns that I enjoy which have been passed down through the ages.

I like that way that it’s presented.  The songs are divided by theme including Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Patriotic and Other Favorites.  On the left hand side of each page you’ll find the song and on the right side is the story behind the song, words, music and translation when applicable.  It’s quite amazing if you ask me, all that went into composing each of these songs which have become a part of our lives and repertoire.  Learning a bit more about them helps me appreciate them even more.

I’ve enjoyed studying through this book with my family as we look up the song in our collection or find it on You Tube and listen to it as we read the story behind it.  It’s been a wonderful addition to our time of daily devotions and reflections.

There are precious treasures that can be drawn from each story and its history.  Some songs are written by one individual, and in the case of others, it’s been the effort of several individuals combined.  Some of them are well known composers, song writers or historical characters.  In other cases, it’s been a seemingly obscure individual that received the inspiration to do so.  One of the things that stood out to me about this is how each of us has the possibilities to make positive contributions to those around us in small or large ways.