Reviewer: Mary Hemlow With all that the First Nations people have been through, the segregation, the residential school program, the disregard for their family ties and way of life and their current struggles with addiction, violence against women and racism, I have often thought how badly we each need Christ. That is why I was delighted to discover this book and even that there is a volume one somewhere. John Capecci and Timothy Cage, authors of Living Proof: Telling Your Story to make a Difference wrote, “Be an advocate for the people and causes important to you, using the most powerful tool only you have - your personal stories.” The book is a compilation of a wide variety of writing styles, each one distinguished by the authenticity of the author’s voice and the power of their experiences. Some are testimonies about what life was like before Jesus Christ and after. Unable to comment on each one separately, I’ll mention a few. Sarah Beardy’s piece is a meditation on her struggle to marry her Christian values with her indigenous ones. She is able to do this by distinguishing the Eurocentric practices of the Christian church from Jesus and His simple purpose in coming to save the souls of everyone. Thomas Michael McDonald illustrates the difference between the “nominal church” and the person of Jesus Christ. He contemplates the teachings of the New Testament which highlight Jesus as healer against the history of domination, cruelty and abuse carried out by said “church”. He argues that the nominal church was not the church of Jesus, but became a tool of Satan. He reminds the reader that Jesus was not a European, but a Middle Easterner and His message is for everyone. Especially heart wrenching is the account of a fifteen year old, desperate for the love and some connection with his older, drug addicted half-brother, while living with and being cared for by his adopted mother. Some are humorous, some are harrowing accounts of struggles with violence, addiction, living on the street and the hard-heartedness of health care providers. Uniquely, in each work the authentic voice of a person with hope can be heard, because of the Saviour who loves us all, in spite of the hurt we inflict upon each other. Reviewer: Kelly Miller This book was not at all what I expected it to be. While I was anticipating great stories of how God has worked in the lives of these indigenous authors, what I found was a collection of 30 brief and shallow testimonials and sermonettes written by First Nations authors. Although some of the authors eluded to 'issues' and 'difficulties' they had in their lives, for the most part they were glossed over, which made their testimonials unimpactful. It would be very difficult for the average reader to connect with the author and their message. If the intention of the book is to speak to fellow First Nations friends and family, I don't feel as if the stories have enough meat in them to have any kind of significant influence. I did find Thomas Michael McDonald's story, Conclusion, very interesting and agreed wholeheartedly with his statements about nominal Christianity. I wish he had gone one step further and shared what being 'born again' means, so that if any non-believers should read this works, they would understand the message of Christ. This book could have great impact if the authors had bared their hearts and shared more deeply and specifically how faith in Christ has impacted and changed their lives. As it stands now, I am unsure whom this book is meant for and what their intention for it is. 3/29/2017 The Battle of Identity
Reviewer: Camille Murray What first drew me to this book was the topic--I don't think I'd ever seen, much less read a book on the topic of mankind's dominion. Plus the cover has an amazing sword on the front, which gave me the impression that this was not going to be a laid back message. I read the entire book in two hours. Not because it was easy to read, but because The Battle of Identity presents real food, not your typical feel good candy. The sword on the cover spoke truly of a heavy hitting and challenging message. The only reason I gave this book four stars instead of five is because it could really use an editing run by someone whose first language is English. I plan on reading this book again in the near future. 3/21/2017 Fear FightingAuthor: Kelly Balarie Genre: Christian Living/Self-Help We all live with fear. It hangs around, whispering in our ears, reminding us of all we can't do or will never be. But that's not the end of the story. We also have a God who draws close to say, Fear not. I am with you. This Spirit transforms us into fear fighters--women breaking free of trepidation to find bold dedication to God's peace-, purpose-, and joy-filled callings. With remarkable compassion born from personal experience, Kelly Balarie shows women how to pull back the curtain of fear so you can find the beautiful woman God created you to be. Reviewer: Laura Thomas Kelly Balarie takes the reader by the hand and with a friendly squeeze, she encourages us to step out of our fears and comfort zones in order to see what God has in store for us: “…stopping and stepping into unsafe forces us to receive God’s new safe.” In a very personable, honest voice she discusses subjects such as comparison, worry, people pleasing, and rejection, always with a practical application and “something to chew on” at the end of each chapter. With personal anecdotes and verses of Scripture, there is plenty to consider—not least, the Twelve Week Fear-Fighting Challenge in the form of a study guide at the end of the book. One of my favorite quotes: “If you spend your whole life grasping for happy in the future, you’ll end up missing God’s transformation in the present.” A good read for any woman battling fear or desiring to step boldly into the fullness of life as a daughter of the King. This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Reviewer: Sabrina Wade Honestly, this book has been a difficult read. I have trudged through a few chapters. I was not quick to quit reading it simply because fearless is my word for the year 2017. I wanted to believe I can grasp something from the author. Each section of the book that I have read has been too wordy. Most times leaving me in a whirlwind of confusion. I found myself rereading pages to get a better understanding quite frequently. On the plus, as a non-fiction devotional book, I like how the author made the book personal. Carefully and purposefully incorporating her own struggles of fighting fear day to day. I do believe with a considerable amount of patience, when the reader overlooks the wordiness of the book a pot of gold awaits. A pot full of things like faith, hope, courage, and an understanding that you don't have to have it all together to walk in Christ. And maybe more. This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 3/20/2017 Transform Your Life
Reviewer: Edwina Cowgill In preparing to write “Transform Your Life: 7 Steps to a Better Life,” Dr. Nella Ann Roberts spent months reading, researching and interviewing people who have transformed their lives. From this, she developed the seven steps that will help every reader to transform his/her life. The steps are easy to understand, however, those who want to transform their life must 1) know what in their life they want to transform; 2) plan the steps of their transformation; 3) be committed and disciplined in their body and mind to have a successful transformation. The beauty of the program is that the steps can apply to all areas of one’s life: weight loss, improved relationships, obtaining a new job, buying a new home—the list is endless. This book is based on Biblical principles, sharing the wisdom of the ages on transformation of our lives. Dr. Roberts shares stories of people who, for various reasons, needed transformation in their lives. She also shares from her own personal experiences, helping the reader to understand they are not alone in their need for transformation. At the end of each chapter, Dr. Roberts has included a section titled “What About You?” wherein she motivates the reader by asking questions based on the chapter. She then offers exercises to help the reader to begin and carry through on their personal transformation. If I could only recommend one book for 2017, “Transform Your Life: 7 Steps to a Better Life” would be the book. It is a must read for anyone who wants to live a better life. 3/17/2017 YesterCanada
Reviewer: Laura J. Davis Who knew that our first Prime Minister's wife was such a formidable woman? Or that Manitoba had a haunted horse? Or that Nova Scotia had its very own Noah's Ark? These are just some of the stories author Elma Schemenauer shares in her book YesterCanada. These historical tales of my country had me enthralled from the first page and I wondered why I had never heard about them in school when I was growing up. I mean, who wouldn't want to know that Sir John A MacDonald's wife perched herself on the cowcatcher of a train just to get a better view of what was up ahead? Or that her husband, much to the horror of those in charge of his safety, joined her? The author has included factual stories as well as folklore, that I found incredibly intriguing. This will be a book that I recommend to many and hope that it is one that ends up in Canadian schools everywhere as "required reading". I wasn't even going to read this book because of the cover, but when I read the back story and another reviewer's opinion of it, I knew I had to read it. And that is the one thing I fear will keep people from reading this book - the cover - and that would be a shame, because this is one book every Canadian should read. Reviewer: Kelly Miller I enjoyed this book so much more that I thought would be possible. I was a student who despised History class through all my school years, finding it dull as dirt, however, when I read the back cover synopsis of this book, I was intrigued. All I can say is, it would be wonderful if all history educators used this book, YesterCanada – Historical Tales of Mystery and Adventure, in their classes. History would be SO MUCH FUN! Such an exciting and amazing trip through unknown and little known facts about Canada and the mysterious, wild, brave and arguably crazy people who lived here. From a Prime Minister's wife riding on cow catchers, all the way to unmanned ships sailing alone, this book is a page turner from beginning to end. Despite the fact that the cover itself, sadly, does not draw you to the book, the contents very quickly make you forget that from the outside it looks like one of those uninteresting school books that we were forced to read. Elma Schemenauer presented each tale in an easy to read manner that instantly drew me into the stories. Many times I didn't want the story to end and just as many times, I found myself on my computer looking up more historic details that surrounded these accounts. I couldn't put the book down, and I haven't stopped sharing these historic tales with family and friends since. I highly recommend this book for history and non history lovers everywhere. 3/8/2017 Denine
Reviewer: Gee Dixon Denine touched my heart. As a mom of a special needs son it gave me courage to keep holding on through the rough times when you feel you just cannot do it. It was heartwarming seeing the baby steps that Chris took to become one of trusting The Lord and giving all to him. Trusting through the good and not so good. Ken, Chris’s husband has a hard time dealing with the disabilities that Denine has and distances himself, later though becoming a Christian. Denine will really touch your life. She touched mine. It will make you cry so get your kleenex out. You will know Denine through the eyes, words and Denine’s life through her mother. Thank you Chris for sharing your precious Denine. I do hope your story will touch others the way it has touched mine. Reviewer: Mary Hosmar It was the description of this story which initially attracted me. Chris Forster tells the story of her eldest daughter, Denine, in a factual, apparently dispassionate, manner. Yet there is no doubt of her passionate love for her daughter. She is honest in relating how having a ‘severely disabled child’ affected her, her family, her marriage and her trust and faith in God. She admits to bouts of sorrow, depression and despair but also the joy of realizing God had chosen her to be a mother to a special child . Yet this is not a depressing story. Chris’s great love for Denine comes through each page and incident. And when she finally realizes that she needs to give everything over to God, Chris, herself, experiences God’s love and peace. Never having had a disabled child, I knew I could not understand the trials and trauma that parents of a special needs child undergo, so reading this story was, in part, to educate myself. The other reason for reading the story was to learn more about God’s mercy and grace. I was not disappointed on either count. Is this book great literature? No. Is it worth reading. Definitely. 2/19/2017 Kit Kat & Lucy
bat right out of the air. These stray cats arrive a year apart and each ask to move into the farmhouse--and ultimately DuPont's heart. From the hysterical process of getting two strange cats to like each other to the exciting years of watching those cats thrive--and inspire DuPont in the process--this book is the heartwarming story of how one woman's world would never be the same. 1/27/2017 Everything is Possible
Reviewer: Laura Thomas Jen Bricker shares her story about living her life fully and with gusto—without any legs. Born without legs and given up immediately for adoption, Jen was chosen by a loving, God-fearing family who instilled faith and determination into her young life. Feisty and humorous, Jen explains how "can't" has never been in her vocabulary, and to prove it she is now performing daring feats most of us would never even consider. With snippets of encouragement from loved ones, and a thought-provoking challenge at the end of each chapter, this book is inspirational to say the least! Jen Bricker is one remarkable young lady! This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 11/6/2016 Through the Wilderness
If God is good, there has to be a way through...even something as devastating as MS. I determined to find all the good I could along this path. Jesus knows His way around the wilderness--He has been there. He walks Through The Wilderness with us. These are some of the treasures I found. Reviewer: Laura J. Davis When I first started reading Through the Wilderness by Carol A. Brown I was immediately overwhelmed. Why? It felt like she had written the book just for me! As Carol described her symptoms of MS and her emotions that followed her diagnosis, I was taken back to the day I was diagnosed with an incurable disease and her words were like a balm to my soul. In fact, the first chapter was packed with so much that I could identify with (even though we had totally different diseases) I had to put the book down just to absorb and meditate on what I had just read. The author lists the book as a devotional, but I would list it more as Christian Living/Self-Help because there is a lot of advice and wisdom in this book to help one get through those wilderness experiences we all go through in our journey with the Lord. Each chapter will take you through something the author has learned from the Lord in relation to her illness. The most impressive was her experience of how God spoke to her through clay and pottery. This spoke to me the most. At the end of each chapter are some of the most insightful questions I've ever seen in a book, that will no doubt bring you closer to examining your spiritual life and relationship with the Lord. Every chapter is followed by a beautiful prayer. It is the questions and the prayer, along with each individual chapter that make this book a "one-chapter a day" kind of thing. You need to sit and contemplate your journey in relation to the questions put before you. I discovered through Carol's questions how remarkable her attitude was as opposed to my own when she received her diagnosis. While I felt like I had been punched in the gut when my diagnosis came, my reaction was one of, "Okay, that's one more thing to deal with...moving on." Carol on the other hand, decided that she wanted to learn everything the Lord could teach her through her disease. Thus began a time of prayer, meditation and contemplation. She began to look at MS with a spiritual mindset. Something I failed to do. I never once thought there was something I could actually learn from my disease. Whereas Carol asked God for clarity on just about everything, to help her grow into the beautiful vessel (despite MS) He was creating. If you are struggling with where God has you (especially if it is in a place of illness) you need to pick up this book! Carol uses the analogy of the potter and the clay (Jeremiah 18) quite well. There are so many steps to take before we become the people God created us to be and sometimes we need to "sit on the shelf" like a clay pot. As Carol says, "Once a pot is formed it sits on the shelf. Then when it becomes leather hard, it is taken back to the wheel and trimmed to its final shape. This is a time when any carving or decorating is done. " She goes on to explain that the drying shelf is an essential preparation for the fire. And we need our times on the shelf! Because, as Carol says, "It helps us to be adequately prepared for the fire of our next assignment. And we need the fire so that we can become what we were designed to be!" If you are going through a difficult time right now and you need the assurance that God is aware and working in your life, or you just need to hear from "someone who has been there", then I urge you to pick up a copy of Through the Wilderness, so that you can begin to see your trials through spiritual eyes and become the vessel God intends you to be! 11/1/2016 My Mother My Child
Reviewer: Kathleen Murphy
Glad to say that the experience and emotions stirred in me from reading My Mother My Child have far exceeded my expectations. As the eldest daughter of a mother in her nineties, I wanted know how best to face the challenges of caring for an aging mom. And what I received, aside from helpful tips and insights, was an intimate portrait of a tender and loving relationship. There are poignant moments, scripture verses, and signs of God's grace and favour throughout the book. Eagerly I filled the pages of my book with margin notes and bookmarks, as I am sure to return to it soon. Susie Kinslow Adams has shed a bright light on the tough path of care-giving with humour, wisdom, and love. Thank you Susie, for letting readers get to know you, your mom, and your family through your words. Your book is a great reference, and a keeper on my a bookshelf. |
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