WILLIAM F. BUCKLEY by Jeremy Lott

I don't know about most of you, however, I have heard the name of William F. Buckley before; therefore when I saw this biography of him I wanted to read it and learn more about this particular man.

William F. Buckley (1925-2008) was the host of a TV show "Firing Line." He would have many different people on there, including Timothy Leary, Muhammad Ali, and Ronald Reagen. (I vaguely remember watching it on my local PBS station.) Mr. Buckley was also the founder of the "National Review" magazine, a publication devoted to speaking out against collectivism, liberalism, and Communism, just to name a few of the isms.

Jeremy Lott's purpose for this book was to show how William Buckley's faith factored in all that he did in his public life, whether it was during his time at Yale, running for mayor of New York, to his final thoughts on the Cold War.

Though I found the book interesting, and I could see how perhaps his belief in God  may have had some influence, I don't think I would have considered this book a tribute to Buckley's stand with God. Perhaps if I had had a better understanding of whom I was reading about, it might have been different.

I would probably recommend that if someone is interested in the life of William F. Buckley, this book should be included in their reading. However, I wouldn't necessarily start with this one. As I said, it's well written, but I had a bit of a time trying to figure out just who William F. Buckley was. Lott does include in the back of the book some recommended reading to the reader, and I would recommend the same things, before reading this book. Just to help the reader get a better "feel" for the man.

This book was provided to my by Thomas Nelson, to be reviewed. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and not influenced in any way by the publisher.

 

Life Application Bible Studies: 1 & 2 Timothy/Titus

Life Application Bible Studies: 1 & 2 Timothy/Titus: 13 Lessons to Encourage Us to be Godly Leaders in the New Living Translation is the topic of this particular review.

Whew.... that was a mouthful. Okay.... Now I like Bible studies. In fact, I like Bible studies a lot! But sometimes I will get a hold of a Bible study that just looks intimidating. You know the ones I mean.... You pick it up at the local Christian bookstore, bring it home and then say, "What was I thinking?" Or maybe you ordered one online.... you go through the same process... get it in the mail, open it up and realize it wasn't what you were looking for.

There are lots of different Bible studies out there on the market today. It can be an intimidating process determining which study best suits your needs, especially if you are a "young" Christian looking for something to help you understand the Bible better and learn how to apply it to your life in a practical way.

Life Application Bible Studies: 1 & 2 Timothy/Titus in the New Living Translation is a real nice Bible Study. Personally, I am a New King James Version (NKJV) girl; having grown up with King James I still prefer that particular translation over all of the translations out there. But again, that's my preference. However, the New Living Translation is a nice translation, especially for those who are new to reading a Bible and have a little more difficult time with some of the more archaic terms in the NKJV. It's also a nice translation for anyone who wants to study the Bible in a more deeper manner, it can be used in conjunction with the NKJV or another translation(s) to help give you a more deeper understanding. (Of course the Holy Spirit is the One who opens our spiritual eyes and heart and ear.... if we just ask.)

This particular study 1 & 2 Timothy/Titus, also known as the Pastoral Letters is a good study for anyone to read and learn from. It addresses some very important issues that were and still are taking place in the church. It's a good foundational teaching that is beneficial to anyone in the church body, whether they are in training for leadership, parents, teachers, whomever.... and I say it like that, because even though someone may not necessarily be a teacher or leader of some type in the church, we should still develop our leadership skills since we are called to spread the Gospel, no matter what our station in life is.

This study contains 13 lessons in the back of the book. There you will "Reflect," "Read," and "Respond" to each lesson. I actually like how each lesson is broke down in similarly. Each area of the lessons (The three "R's") allows you to think about what's taking place now and what you just read. The study gives you lots of room to write (and if you're a wordy person like me, you need lots of room!)

At the end of each lesson there are additional questions that you can answer. This is to encourage the Bible student to dig a little deeper into the Bible and learn some more things.

One of the things about this particular Bible Study, Life Application, is it's purpose is to not only teach about the Bible, but the core is to show/encourage and apply each lesson to our daily walk with Christ. The one studying with the Life Application Bible Studies will grow in faith and in their Christian walk, which is what this is all about.

My three favorite verses from these three letters:

"For there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity - the man Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5 (NLT)

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to each us what it true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

"For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God." Titus 2:11-12 (NLT)

One more thing and then I might be done! The Life Application Bible Studies always include that particular portion of the Bible. It's like getting a piece of the Bible at a time and then you get to study that piece! You don't have to go out and buy a Bible in that translation (unless you want to), it's already there with the study. So again, if you are doing some deeper studying, you can use it in conjunction with another translation. I like to use it along side of my New King James Version, I find it does help me to see things better, sometimes.

At the beginning of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus there is some very useful information for every student of the Bible to read. The Life Application Bible always has this at the beginning of each book of the Bible. It's to give us a better understanding. They are: Vital Statistics - which gives us the purpose, author, original audience, date written, setting, key verses, key people, key place, special features; The Blueprint (different for each book); Megathemes (different for each book). All of this is to help the reader better understand what he/she is reading. So be sure to read it! There might be some questions about it in the lesson!

Ok, enough said. It's a good Bible study and I would recommend this to anyone who wants to grow in their walk with God.

This book was provided to me by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. I am not required to give any particular review of this book whether it be for it or against it. Everything I have said is of my own opinion.

LET THE SUMMER DRAWING BEGIN!

How is it possible that it's August all ready? In some states the kids are getting ready to go back to school this week or next! Here in Forest Grove, kids go back to school the Tuesday after Labor Day. Which is just around the corner! Where has our summer gone?

Well, to help take care of the end-of-summer-blues, I am going to have a drawing for two great books....

AND

Now, I personally have not read either book. These were given to me by Tyndale House Publishers without any stipulations on what I was to do with them. So, I am going to give them away!




A little about each book...





CHAMPIONSHIP FATHERING: How to win at Being a Dad by Carey Casey with Neil Wilson



On the back cover:



"Here's your ticket to the Hall of Fame. It's never been tougher to win as a father. You face a never-ending list of responsibilities, and your kids receive conflicting messages from the culture. It takes a real game plan to get your children to adulthood in one piece physically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally.

"Carey Casey's got the game plan. Using a lifetime of heart-touching personal stories and revealing research from the National Center for Fathering, he'll "school you up" on the most important - and rewarding - position you'll every play. Carey's three fundamentals of being an effective dad (loving, coaching, and modeling) present a proven playbook for the Championship Fathering team.

"Whether you're a fatherhood rookie or a field-battered veteran, this practical guide will change your whole family... and maybe even generations to come."



Here's what a few people had to say about the book (on the inside page)...



"I first knew Carey Casey as a young man, preparing to attend seminary, and have always had the greatest admiration for him. He has a deep love for people and a desire to lead them, especially young men, to Christ. I would highly commend to you any book written by Carey Casey. - Billy Graham"

"I've known Carey Casey for 30 yearas. He's truly one of America's most respected and trusted leaders. In Championship Fathering, Carey lays out three easy-to-follow, fundamental steps that will take every dad in the direction his kids and wife desperately need him to go. Carey is a true example. He is a fantastic dad and speaker and he loved God devoutly. - Joe White, Founder of Kanakuk Kamps and author of Sticking with Your Teen"

"Fathers today need coaches who equip them to be effective dads. Carey Casey wants to be your coach for a championship season. I want to encourage you to get this book and join his team. - Dr. Dennis Rainey, President, Family Life"



This is Carey Casey's Bio...



He is chief executive officer of the Kansas City- based National Center for Fathering. He served as chaplain for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games and several NFL teams and spent eighteen years with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has also been copastor of a church in inner-city Chicago. Carey and his wife, Melanie, have been married for thirty-one years and have four children and two grandchildren.



SHATTERED: Struck Down But Not Destroyed by Frank Pastore with Ellen Vaughn



On the back cover it says:



"One life shattered, one man saved. Cincinnati Reds pitcher Frank Pastore stepped onto the mound in Dodger Stadium to throw another fastball - something he'd done thousands of times since childhood. But this time was different. The batter connected and the ball came rocketing back to the mound, shattering not only Frank's pitching elbow - but also his dream of getting "rich and famous" through Major League Baseball...

This is a story of how the fragments of broken dreams can be reassembled into even bigger and better things. A story of how, when life's disasters and difficulties knock us down, they don't have to destroy us."



Here is what a few people had to say about this book (on the inside page):



"Frank has become one of today's leading Christian thinkers. Shattered is the story of how God worked in his life - the book will not only inspire and entertain, but it will also challenge each of us to grow in our own walk with God. - David Barton, Founder and President , Wallbuilders"

"Shattered tells Frank Pastore's amazing story of going from being a pro baseball player and an atheist to becomeing a fearless apologist and defender of the faith. Frank has a gift for taking the complex and making it understandable. He speaks and writes with passion. One of the best definitions of good communication is logic on fire. That is what Frank Pastore communicates, with great impact. - Greg Laurie, Senior Pastor, Harvest Christian Fellowship"

"Frank Pastore is not just the energetic host of a major syndicated radio show. But he is a complete testimony of the work of God. Shattered tells of Frank's compelling journey through pain and recovery to healing and wholeness in Jesus. It's a great read. - Dr. Carl A.Moeller, President and CEO, Open Doors USA"



Here's the bio on Frank Pastore:



He was the last kid picked in seventh grade PE but he went on to pitch eight years in the major leagues. He was never drawn toward academics, but he went on to earn two master's degrees in philosophy. He was a latchkey child, with a manipulative and dysfunctional mother and an emotionally distant father, but he's been happily married for over thirty years, with two great kids and a beautiful grandson. He was an acerbic atheist for twenty-seven years, but today he's the host of one of the most successful Christian radio talk shows in America. Shattered is a story of paradoxes. A story of how an unpredictable God can surprise any of us with His power and love and make beautiful the shattered pieces of our lives—even for those who don't believe He exists.



Okay! Here's how the drawing is going to work....



1. Leave me a comment on which book you would like to win and who you are going to give it to (or keep for yourself) and why. That will give you one chance to win.


2. Sign up to receive this blog via email and leave me a comment stating that you have done that. That will give you another chance to win.


3. Become a Google Follower and leave me a comment that you have done that. That's another chance for you!


4. Follow me on Twitter... you got it! Another comment and entry!


5. One more way to win! Grab either one of my buttons and leave me a comment letting me know where it's at!


6. Ok, here's the last way to win... Follow me on Networked Blogs and let me know, for another entry.

 So that give you six different entries for the drawing. Don't forget to add your email address and the name of the book to each entry so I will know who you are and what you want! Remember to put your email address in a spam-proof way...... email [at] address [dot] com


If you want to try for both books then be sure to follow the rules for each book.



For you fellow bloggers... If you post this contest on your blog let me know via email... latawniakintz [at] gmail [dot] com with your link and I will give you two additional entries making it eight entries total for you for each book. Don't forget to let me know which book you are entering for!



Sorry, but this contest is for USA residents only.



So there you have it! The drawing will end August 31, 2010. I will contact the winner via email and the winner will have one week to contact me. Have fun entering the drawing and have a safe rest of the summer! God bless you all!

THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT WORRY by Dr. William Backus

The Good News About Worry by Dr. William Backus is just the book I needed to read.

I don't know about any of you, but I worry. Often about things I probably don't need to worry about. I worry about my job, my health, the health of my husband, my kids, my finances, you name it and I probably worry about it. I even worry about this computer and wonder if it will continue to work!

Dr. Backus wrote this book I think just for me. Well, maybe for you too, if you worry.

Inside you will find yourself. He takes the time to get to the heart of your worries and explains the why. He shows how avoiding something that may make you anxious is actually making you more anxious. He uses biblical principles and points us in the right thinking. Because let's face it, it's all in our head and how we think determines how we act.

There is a page that helps you to see your personal anxieties and then throughout the rest of the book he gives you exercises to help you to biblically overcome those anxieties.

This is a easy book to read and comprehend. Dr. Backus doesn't use a lot of psychological words that are difficult to understand. He writes just like he is talking to you and me.

The only part I had a difficult time with was with the relaxation/meditaion. It's very important that when we try these exercises that our mind doesn't "go blank" but rather we meditate on a particular bible verse or passage. Leaving the mind blank opens doors that are better left closed. It's a open invitation for the enemy of our soul to enter.  So my suggestion in this portion of the book and exercise is to meditate on the word of God.

Other than that, I think this book will be extremely helpful for all of us who deal with high anxiety, getting to the root of that anxiety, looking at practical biblical application and becoming the person God wants us to be and be able to use for His glory.

This book was provided to me by Baker Publishing Group with no expectations of a positive review. Everything expressed in this review is of my own opinion.

CAST OF CHARACTERS By Max Lucado

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been so long since I wrote any reviews. I've been reading when I can. It's been a bit difficult since this is the busy time of year here in the country. My vegetable garden is really taking off and so are the weeds, so that is a priority. Especially if I want to eat what I planted! There are other things going on as well. To read a recent update go to my other website Words From the Heart. So without further ado....

CAST OF CHARACTERS by Max Lucado

If you have ever read anything by Max Lucado, you will find this to be classic Max Lucado writing. I have always enjoyed reading anything he has written. It's easy to understand, easy to read. And his style makes you want to read his books over and over again. He writes like he is having a conversation with a good friend.

In Cast of Characters, he has taken some various people in the bible and adds a little story with each one. One of my favorites is Mephibosheth. (I actually presented a teaching to a women group on him, some years ago.) I was pleased with the way he presented Mephibosheth. Because the story is about what is at the King's table for us.

At the end of each chapter, Max gives us a little time for reflection and discussion, so this book could be used as a small bible study.

I am not particularly crazy about the translation he uses for this book. Personally I am a New King James girl, King James without the hithers and thithers. Some people like the more modern translations, but I feel a lot tends to get lost.

Other than that, the book is a real good book to read. It will encourage you, make you think and even cause you to do some more digging into the Bible to see what else is in there for you.

I would recommend this as a good book to give as a gift, possibly use for a small group study for new believers, or just general reading.

This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson and I am not obligated to give any particular review of it. All that I have said is of my own opinion.