PARENTS and KIDS: New Children’s Books!
Several books for children have just been added to the Children’s Collection in the library. Two of them will be especially meaningful for Christmas reading.
(1) Christmas Moccasins is a compassionate story told within the American Indian culture. One cold winter night, a young boy and his Grandmother are out walking and are accosted by three drunken youth. Grandmother’s moccasins are taken as she is pushed into the snow, and she must walk barefoot the long distance home. Losing 2 frostbitten toes, she teaches her grandson a strong lesson in forgiveness, utilizing her skill of making exquisite moccasins.
Christmas Moccasins is a short book for all ages. It is a true story written and illustrated by Ray Buckley, part Lakota Indian. The message of our Creator’s love is shown by the colorful description of the Grandmother’s actions.
(2) Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story, written by Sally Lloyd-Jones, is a new perspective on the birth of our Savior, nature’s advent preparation. A quote from the book jacket gives the overview of the book: “the entire universe is breathless with anticipation, the joyous news spreads out across fields, deserts, oceans - - - from stars, to trees, to robins, to flowers. Sheep tell their young. Angels sing to the shepherds . . . ”
For me, it is the paintings on each page that give increased meaning to the Christmas message shared in this book. Beautifully illustrated by Alison Jay, Song of the Stars makes the reader see that Jesus not just born for us humans, but for the universe. It is a book aimed at children over 4 years of age, but adults will appreciate the beauty on each page even more.
Our library also has new acquisitions for all ages. Come check them out!
Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived, by Rob Bell
Have you ever thought: "Can there really be a hell? If God loves us and He is Love, as Scripture says, would God really do that?"
Rob Bell is pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Attendance in 2008 was over 7500 every week. He has authored several books and this is by far his most controversial. He's made the weekly cover of Time magazine in April 2011.
We've grown up being taught about hell. That, if we aren't good, then God will punish us! Pastor Rob Bell provides some titillating evidence that will make us think otherwise. Everyone goes to heaven? Does Hitler or Stalin conjure up the negative?
An easy book to read and quite an interesting discussion to follow!
The Body
Being Light in the Darkness
Charles Colson with Ellen Santilli Vaughn
Charles Colson takes a very detailed look at the Christian Church (The Body). He discusses its history, purpose, and current state. Particularly impressive are the three points that the author discusses: unity, described as tolerance; within the Body of Christ, active faith; and regular church attendance.
Colson's concerned not with specific Christian churches but with "The Church" of Jesus Christ, and he demands that the Church be the Church! He claims that the heart of the problem lies with the understandable desire to "succeed," to amass impressive statistics, to count in a calculating culture. In the midst of such endeavors, the Gospel slips away.
The book provides the reader with some history. It provides up-to-date illustrations of this: in Romania, Timisoara's Hungarian Reformed Church played a central role in challenging and ultimately overthrowing the tyrant Ceausescu; in Czechoslovakia, playwright Vaclav Havel spent years in prison before being elevated to the leader's role in a liberated land; centuries earlier, launching the Reformation, Martin Luther dared stand up for his convictions.
In the United States, Colson praises Joe Gibbs, NFL coach of the Washington Redskins, who in word and deed makes it clear how central Jesus is to all he does.
The book, a very interesting read, focuses on a truly significant issue, the health of Christ's Body, the Church. It's rooted in Colson's considerable personal contacts and remembrances of the corridors of power, as well as a familiarity with the basic theological truths central to Christianity
Lost and Found: One Daughter’s Story of Amazing Grace
If you have ever dealt with family addictions, had a strained parental relationship, or struggled to care for an elderly parent while juggling other responsibilities, you will relate to this memoir by Kathryn Slattery. Those who grew up in the 50’s and 60’s will also enjoy a stroll down memory lane as the author refers to songs and shows from her youth.
Kathryn Slattery tells the story of her problematic relationship with her mother and Kathryn’s struggles with alcoholism and eating disorders. She also discusses the conflict of caring for her family, her elderly mother, and herself all at once.
Slattery’s childhood talks with God seemed to fade away as she became a teen until a friend reintroduced her to God by inviting her to a college Christian organization. This renewed relationship with God and his unconditional love as well as the support of her husband helped her beat her anxiety and addiction. She was finally able to form a bond with her elderly mother after years of a stressful relationship.
This short biography is easy to read in one sitting. A Reader’s Guide is available from Guideposts for reading groups or individual use.
DVD - The Miracle of Passover, presented by Dr. Zola Levitt
This DVD gives the viewer a complete explanation of Passover, and explains it as the "crown jewel" of the Biblical feasts. It explains how the Messiah is in every moment of it and gives a better understanding of the Lord's Supper.
DVD - A Child is Born, presented by Dr. Zola Levitt
Dr. Levitt discovered, quite by accident an amazing series of biblical coincidences. It seems that as we develop in the womb, this schedule follows the seven feasts of Israel that God gave Moses on Mount Sinai. This half-hour program illustrates the surprising similarities of these two chains of events, each established by God according to His purpose.
In the St. Mark Library -- Learning about Sheep
A Book Review by Anita Bearden
Kids from one to 92 and more are welcome to browse in our St. Mark Church Library. That’s what I did a few weeks ago to find a book to read for myself and to tell you enough about it to pique your interest. No, I’m not telling you my “kid age”!
Now the books on our shelves are mostly the old-fashioned kind – you know, with covers and spines and pages you turn yourself. There is a selection of taped and digital videos, too, along with viewing equipment. I’ll eventually write a few reviews of those, too.
For now, though, I recommend that you read A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, especially if you are in the grip of difficult times and need encouragement. Philip Keller, the author, was born in Kenya to missionary parents and eventually trained at the University of Toronto in agrology. For eight years, he had his own sheep ranch and has used this experience to explain the Twenty-third Psalm from a real shepherd’s point of view.
This perspective led me to a much deeper understanding of what the psalmist David meant when he wrote, “The Lord is my shepherd.” I began to see just what our Christ does for us sheep to make sure that we shall not want, that we can lie down in green pastures, that we walk with our Shepherd through the valley, and that our Shepherd anoints our heads with oil. There are agricultural reasons for each action our Lord does for us, the “sheep of his pastures.
Fewer of us now have direct connections to farming and ranching. Both sets of my grandparents had big farms that required them to develop a close relationship with the cycles and vagaries of nature. Neither family had sheep, though. The only sheep I know about locally are the flock on Sheep Farm Road in Seneca and the flock on a ranch near Townville.
After reading A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, I have a deeper appreciation of these flocks’ owners and what they do daily to make sure their sheep stay healthy. Sheep do not know how to take care of themselves. They are totally dependent on the skills and love of their shepherd. Just like you and me – totally dependent on our Good Shepherd.
In the introduction to his book, Keller cautions readers to read his book with “an open mind and an unbiased spirit” as he leads us into experiencing what being a sheep and caring for sheep really means as we grow into “a bold, new appreciation of the endless effort put forth by our Saviour, for His sheep.”
Look for call number 223.K in the St. Mark Library; we have two copies of this book.
If I Live To Be 100: Lessons from the Centenarians by Neenah Ellis
This outstanding book was given to the Church Library in memory of our own Myra Lowie, and as I read it, I remembered some of the conversations Myra and I had over the years. The book gave Myra's messages from back then a new spin for me, and set me to thinking about how much our world needs the sage life journies and wisdom of the elderly. The stories are sometimes inspirational and sometimes disheartening, but always, amazingly touching. The author shows in this book how to connect with the people she interviews, how to make the best of the listening process and turn the experiences into relationships. Her examples and thoughts about each interview make me hope my future people interactions can be turned around for sharing love and learning. - - - for growing
The author, Neenah Ellis, spent several years interviewing individuals all over the country that were over 100 years old, and this book is a culmination of that project. She also broadcast parts of the interviews on National Publis Radio. I think most will find If I Live To Be 100 a touching reading experience.
The Twelfth Imam, Joel C. Rosenberg
Tensions are rising in the Middle East. As the apocalyptic leaders of Iran call for the annihilation of Israel and the U.S., CIA operative David Shirazi is sent into Tehran with one objective: use all means necessary to disrupt Iran’s nuclear weapons program, without leaving American fingerprints and without triggering a regional war. At extreme personal risk, Shirazi executes his plan.
A native Farsi speaker whose family escaped from Iran in 1979, he couldn’t be better prepared for the mission. But none of his training has prepared Shirazi for what will happen next. An obscure religious cleric is suddenly hailed throughout the region as the Islamic messiah known as the Mahdi or the Twelfth Imam. News of his miracles, healings, signs, and wonders spreads like wildfire, as do rumors of a new and horrific war.
With the prophecy of the Twelfth Imam seemingly fulfilled, Iran’s military prepares to strike Israel and bring about the End of Days. Shirazi must take action to save his country and the world, but the clock is ticking.
The Fingerprint of God, Hugh Ross
Dr. Hugh Ross, astronomer, tells the fascinating story of how the latest research into origins not only has sealed the case for divine creation, but has revealed the identity of the Creator Himself.
A Long Time Ago Today by Sally Warner. (A Young Adult novel)
Dilly and her Dad are making it “just fine” together, sharing the memories they have of her Mom, who died 6 years earlier. But why is Dilly forced to take the summer visit every year to the rambling old Adirondack farmhouse that her Mom left to Dilly in her will? What about a strange letter and where did it disappear to? And are her friends really her friends? In the search for the letter, Dilly finds much about the past that she did not want to dig up. And she discovers the mother she never really knew.
With dialogue that is realistic and rich, the author weaves a warm, gripping, and compassionate story. She has written over fifteen other highly acclaimed novels for preteens and teens. Adults will also enjoy reading A Long Time Ago Today.
The Mitford series by Jan Karon (Nine Adult novels)
The nine heartfelt and engaging adult novels in this wonderful series depict life’s challenges for families living in Mitford, a small town snuggled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As you read these books, you will relax with your new Miford friends and Father Tim, the Episcopal priest who shares love, frustration, and difficult decisions. Eccentric and beloved characters intermingle in joy, poverty, and caring love with plenty of fireworks among the friends. Father Tim’s trials seem real and they become so personal you feel like a participant.
The Wall Street Journal called the Mitford books by Jan Karon a “true oasis of wholesomeness." The tales are full of laughter, tears and hope. Although they need not be read in the order published, the timeline and happenings are even more meaningful if the novels are read in sequence. The St. Mark Library has most of the series, and Oconee County Library may have the others. Find yourself comforted and entertained in the Mitford series books: (1) At Home In Mitford, (2) A Light in the Window, (3) These High Green Hills, (4) Out to Canaan, (5) A New Song, (6) A Common Life, (7) In This Mountain, (8) Shepherds Abiding, and (9) Light from Heaven.
Jan Karon moved to Blowing Rock, NC, and after a 40 year career in advertising, began writing. She has also published best seller children’s books, a cookbook, and several other books of personal reflections and experiences mingled with what might have been. She is now writing a “Father Tim series," and the second novel in that series came out in paperback this fall.
Creation As Science: A Testable Model Approach to End the Creation/Evolution Wars by Hugh Ross
An easy read for professional as well as lay folk. Dr. Ross provides formulation in his model on the assumption that the creator is identified as the God of the Bible. The problem with the popular Intelligent Design scenario is that it does not identify any creator or causal agent. Many scientific resources are used to support his position. Dr. Ross uses many books of the Bible, not just Genesis 1, to enhance his theory and provide the reader with a more systematic Biblical approach. This approach of offering a testable model will hopefully encourage the kind of meaningful discussion that Dr. Ross wants to foster.
It will probably be easier for naturalists and theistic evolutionists to enter into discussion, than it will be for the young-earth creationists. There has been a lot of opposition to Dr. Ross from young-earth groups, but scientists of the naturalist and theistic evolutionist persuasions often applaud Dr. Ross on his humble and scientific approach, when they actually hear his arguments.
Dr. Ross repeats Paul's responsible challenge to all to "test everything and hold on to the good" (1 Th 5:21).
The Bobbsey Twins' are back!
Four Bobbsey Twins' books have been given to the library for nostalgic and wholesome enjoyment with your child or grandchild. These classics, written by Laura Lee Hope in the 1960's for 7-12 year olds, were reissued in hardcover. The Children's Library copies include: (1) The Bobbsey Twins' Mystery at Meadowbrook; (2) The Bobbsey Twins' Big Adventure at Home; (3) The Bobbsey Twins' Search in the Great City; and (4) The Bobbsey Twins' Mystery on Blueberry Island. The storyline of each book revolves around the Bobbsey twins and their two siblings having great adventures as they solve mysteries in their daily lives. Action-packed and full of emotion, these are good reads for any child (or adult seeking to remember when he or she used an allowance and bought one of the books Kreske's, then, after reading it, begged parents to do chores to earn enough to buy another book in the series).
Do you feel like you are stuck in a cage?
Cages is a juvenile chapter book laced with humor and heartache. Kit is jealous and angry about not getting the lead in the school play; then she has another fight with her stepfather. Acting on impulse, she steals a bracelet, and has to face the consequences of her actions. With determination and courage, Kit works through her mistake and her feelings. And the reader wonders, can you ever make up for your mistakes? (Author: Peg Kehret, Paperback)
A true story about being a parent of a child with Down Syndrome . . .
Road Map to Holland is an adult non-fiction book that is "rich with honesty, wisdom, and a deep appreciation of everyday miracles". "When Jennifer Groneberg and her husband learned they were going to have twin boys, their main concern was whether they would need an addition on their house. Then five days after Avery and Bennett were born, Avery was diagnosed with Down Syndrome."
In Road Map to Holland, Jennifer shares the story of the first two years of the family's life after this. "She deals with doctors---some helpful, others disrespectful, even dangerous. Her definition of the word family expands. New relationships flourish, but an old friendship ends. Throughout, Jennifer comes to understand the contours of her life's new landscape, which is both harsh and stunningly beautiful." This book intimately shares how Avery transformed his mother's broken heart into one that discovers profound love and a wonder-filled journey into parenthood. Road Map to Holland is a "powerful perspective on" (some of) "life's greatest lessons."
A Must-Read Book for All Ages!
Perhaps I am the only grown-up who reads children’s books to shed light on topics I
don’t pretend to understand. Perhaps not! For children of all ages, The Jesus Storybook
Bible shines more light on the Bible story of mercy, grace, and redemption. Even the
chapter titles are delightful. “The Story and the Song,” the first chapter, is a simple
explanation of what the Bible is and isn’t and describes the book as many stories telling one
great Story – “…how God loves his children and comes to rescue them” (p. 17).
Sally Lloyd-Jones has written an easily understandable version of the Greatest
Story Ever Told. Charmingly illustrated by Jago Silver, the pictures provide a fresh look at
familiar stories from Genesis through Revelation.
Each chapter provides Scripture references for the story it tells, and the writing
throughout the book uses simplicity and winsomeness to let the stories of the Bible lead the
reader – regardless of age -- toward an ever deeper understanding of The Story.
The Jesus Storybook Bible
Every story whispers his name
Written by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Illustrated by Jago
©2007 by Zondervan
For more information: go to www.zonderkidz.com
Located in the “E” books of the Children’s Section in the St. Mark Church Library