I'm not sure how I missed out on this book until now. Perhaps it was because this book would have likely been a bit too "religious" in the public school that I attended. Whatever the reason, I'm glad a copy of it made its way to my bookshelf!
Set in South Africa during the 1940s, Alan Paton's novel is the story of a man's search for Absalom, his lost son who had left home to go to Johannesburg. For a rural priest to make the trek to the big city was quite an undertaking. The experiences Kumalo faced in the big city were frightening for him, and yet he continued his quest for his son. Every time he would get a good lead on his son, he found that Absalom had already moved on. He knew he was getting closer to finding him when he heard news that a young black man had shot and killed a white man. Kumalo worried that it was his son.
While in Johannesburg, Kumalo also found his brother, who had also "disappeared" into the big city. His brother had become a man of power. However, in becoming a man of power, he had lost his moral compass.
Kumalo also found his younger sister and her young son. He took them under his wing as he continued to search for his son. In his quest he found a young woman who was carrying Absalom's child-- Kumalo's grandson. This young woman was hardly older than a girl, and Kumalo, being a righteous man, took her under his wing as well.
Kumalo finds his son in prison-- for the murder of the prominent white man.
After a trial, where Absalom was found guilty and sentenced to death, Kumalo takes those in his care back to his rural village.
Two scenes stand out in my mind. One is a contrast of brother to brother. Kumalo is such a trusting, giving man that his brother's deceitfulness causes him great sorrow.
The other scene that I enjoy replaying in my mind is the scene with Kumalo and the young son of the man Absalom had killed. What joy and what healing this encounter brings to the old man!
This is a story of love and forgiveness.,, of injustice and selfishness... of racism and inequality. It is a story of finding hope in the midst of despair.
If you are looking for a good book that will increase your understanding of the events that occurred in South Africa, take a look at Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton. You'll be glad you did.
Showing posts with label What I'm Reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What I'm Reading. Show all posts
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
What I'm Reading - Growing Up Amish
So, I saw this book sitting on the new bookshelf at our local library, and it intrigued me. The Amish lifestyle has always interested me. I love the simplicity of it. At the time I picked up this book, I wondered if I would enjoy it. I wondered if it would bash the Amish, and I told myself that if it did, I wouldn't bother finishing it.
Growing Up Amish is the story of Ira Wagler coming of age. Born and raised Amish, he waffled back and forth and back and forth as to whether he wanted to be Amish or not. The waffling got a bit "old" after awhile.
In the end, he decided to quit living as a Amish man.
There, I saved you a bunch of time reading the book. ~smile~
I had hoped to gain a few insights into the world of the Amish, but this book was a disappointment in that regard as well.
On the Melissa scale: I did finish the book, but if I owned the book, I'd give it to Goodwill. I wouldn't recommend it because there are so many other books out there that are really good!
Growing Up Amish is the story of Ira Wagler coming of age. Born and raised Amish, he waffled back and forth and back and forth as to whether he wanted to be Amish or not. The waffling got a bit "old" after awhile.
In the end, he decided to quit living as a Amish man.
There, I saved you a bunch of time reading the book. ~smile~
I had hoped to gain a few insights into the world of the Amish, but this book was a disappointment in that regard as well.
On the Melissa scale: I did finish the book, but if I owned the book, I'd give it to Goodwill. I wouldn't recommend it because there are so many other books out there that are really good!
What I'm Reading - Vanya
Our kids always like it when I read books to them. But since they are 15, 11, and 7, they are a wee bit beyond the "Green Eggs and Ham" stage. So, I pick books to read together that are longer. It may take us a couple weeks to read through a book, but we enjoy finishing our lunch and spending a half hour or so enjoying a good book together.
The latest "read aloud" has been Myrna Grant's Vanya. It's an older book (published in 1974). I remember reading it in high school over twenty years ago.
Ivan Moiseyev (Vanya) was drafted into the Russian military in 1970. In 1972 Vanya's parents buried their son. Why? Because Vanya was a believer who would not recant his faith. He stood firm to the end in spite of the torture he endured at the hands of his superiors.
The things Vanya experienced during his years in the military are beyond words. Required to stand in sub-zero weather for hours in nothing but his summer uniform, Vanya was warmer than the soldiers who periodically came out to check on him, even though they wore big heavy coats, boots, and winter uniforms.
The miraculous accounts go on and on.
What I appreciate about the telling of Vanya's story is that it is appropriate for young children to hear. The details of the torture were things they could comprehend, but not things that would rob them of their innocence. (However, there were a few words that must have been translated a bit more harshly than intended. I skipped those few words in our read-aloud.) This book also provided a good (and fairly recent) example of martyrdom.
This book must have made an impression on me, because even after twenty years, I remembered many of the details of Vanya's story. His rock-solid faith is one that I wish to emulate. If I ever face persecution to that degree, his story will be an encouragment to me to stand strong.
Definitely a book worth reading and re-reading.
On the Melissa scale: This is a book that I will keep on my shelf to re-read at a later date.
The latest "read aloud" has been Myrna Grant's Vanya. It's an older book (published in 1974). I remember reading it in high school over twenty years ago.
Ivan Moiseyev (Vanya) was drafted into the Russian military in 1970. In 1972 Vanya's parents buried their son. Why? Because Vanya was a believer who would not recant his faith. He stood firm to the end in spite of the torture he endured at the hands of his superiors.
The things Vanya experienced during his years in the military are beyond words. Required to stand in sub-zero weather for hours in nothing but his summer uniform, Vanya was warmer than the soldiers who periodically came out to check on him, even though they wore big heavy coats, boots, and winter uniforms.
The miraculous accounts go on and on.
What I appreciate about the telling of Vanya's story is that it is appropriate for young children to hear. The details of the torture were things they could comprehend, but not things that would rob them of their innocence. (However, there were a few words that must have been translated a bit more harshly than intended. I skipped those few words in our read-aloud.) This book also provided a good (and fairly recent) example of martyrdom.
This book must have made an impression on me, because even after twenty years, I remembered many of the details of Vanya's story. His rock-solid faith is one that I wish to emulate. If I ever face persecution to that degree, his story will be an encouragment to me to stand strong.
Definitely a book worth reading and re-reading.
On the Melissa scale: This is a book that I will keep on my shelf to re-read at a later date.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Saturday, December 17, 2011
What I'm Reading - God's Smuggler
I'm usually always reading a "real" book to the kids. That's one of the perks of homeschooling... having time to read together. Today we finished reading the book "God's Smuggler" by Brother Andrew.
I remember reading this book many years ago, likely while I was still in high school. I remember that it made an impression on me, and I thought our kids might appreciate it as well. So, I dusted off my copy, and we dug in.
I loved re-reading it, and the kids loved hearing it for the first time. We loved hearing the different ways in which God answered prayers. We loved hearing about a "hopeless" situation, only to find that God turned that situation around. We were challenged to think about areas in our lives where we lean too much on our own understanding.
The book has been around for awhile (obviously, since I read it over 20 years ago!), and I know that not all of those countries are currently closed to Christianity. But there are other countries that are closed to Christianity. Believers in these countries need our prayers and our support. My kids grasped this. During prayer time now, they often pray for Christians who don't have access to a Bible or who are being persecuted for their faith.
What struck me the most about this book was Brother Andrew's attitude that "A child of the King wouldn't have to do _______." God doesn't want His children to grovel. He doesn't want us to be devious. He wants us to live lives that are noble. He wants us to trust Him in all things and for all things.
What a mighty God we serve!
If you want to be encouraged in your faith, I strongly recommend (and I'm sure my kids would, too!) reading this book!
I remember reading this book many years ago, likely while I was still in high school. I remember that it made an impression on me, and I thought our kids might appreciate it as well. So, I dusted off my copy, and we dug in.
I loved re-reading it, and the kids loved hearing it for the first time. We loved hearing the different ways in which God answered prayers. We loved hearing about a "hopeless" situation, only to find that God turned that situation around. We were challenged to think about areas in our lives where we lean too much on our own understanding.
The book has been around for awhile (obviously, since I read it over 20 years ago!), and I know that not all of those countries are currently closed to Christianity. But there are other countries that are closed to Christianity. Believers in these countries need our prayers and our support. My kids grasped this. During prayer time now, they often pray for Christians who don't have access to a Bible or who are being persecuted for their faith.
What struck me the most about this book was Brother Andrew's attitude that "A child of the King wouldn't have to do _______." God doesn't want His children to grovel. He doesn't want us to be devious. He wants us to live lives that are noble. He wants us to trust Him in all things and for all things.
What a mighty God we serve!
If you want to be encouraged in your faith, I strongly recommend (and I'm sure my kids would, too!) reading this book!
Friday, September 17, 2010
What I'm Reading - Somewhere Inside
A couple weeks ago I picked up the book "Somewhere Inside: One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home." I normally don't read stuff like that, but every once in awhile I just need to read a "lighter" tome.
The subtitle of the book gives the plot of the book in a nutshell, and while the story did hold my attention, what I found most interesting was the mindset of the North Korean people. Apparently, they still think we are at war with them! This blew my mind. Most young people today have no idea what the Korean War was about or when it was fought. Good grief, I never even studied it in school. The only thing I can say for certain about it is that when I was in elementary school, my best friend's dad had fought in the Korean War. Hey, at least I knew there was such a war!
The people in North Korea live a life without luxuries, and in many cases, without the most basic of necessities. The government blames the United States for this. According to the North Korean people, "If America didn't have sanctions on us, we would be able to live much better. It's all because of America that we live like this."
While the author was a captive in North Korea, the North Korean government were running tests on their missles. So, let's take a country that thinks they are at war with us and not get upset when they work to gain nuclear weapons. Hmmm... I don't think that's so smart.
Anyway, the book was an okay read. I'd never read it again, but it was a good "escape" book when I needed one.
The subtitle of the book gives the plot of the book in a nutshell, and while the story did hold my attention, what I found most interesting was the mindset of the North Korean people. Apparently, they still think we are at war with them! This blew my mind. Most young people today have no idea what the Korean War was about or when it was fought. Good grief, I never even studied it in school. The only thing I can say for certain about it is that when I was in elementary school, my best friend's dad had fought in the Korean War. Hey, at least I knew there was such a war!
The people in North Korea live a life without luxuries, and in many cases, without the most basic of necessities. The government blames the United States for this. According to the North Korean people, "If America didn't have sanctions on us, we would be able to live much better. It's all because of America that we live like this."
While the author was a captive in North Korea, the North Korean government were running tests on their missles. So, let's take a country that thinks they are at war with us and not get upset when they work to gain nuclear weapons. Hmmm... I don't think that's so smart.
Anyway, the book was an okay read. I'd never read it again, but it was a good "escape" book when I needed one.
Friday, July 30, 2010
What I'm Reading - God Has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life
Hmmm... I hesitate to even write the title of the book at the head of this blog. Why? Because it's a myth! The subtitle of this book is "The Myth of the Modern Message." For anyone familiar with the writings and/or teachings of Ray Comfort, his book will be a review. If you've never heard of Ray Comfort, your eyes may indeed be opened by this book.
Comfort teaches that when sharing Christ with others, we can't just tell them that Jesus loves them. Rather, they need to heart the bad news. They must see themselves as who they really are - sinners who will one day stand guilty before God. Sinners who deserve to spend an eternity of torment in Hell. Until they realize this truth, they will never be ready for the good news of God's grace.
To accomplish this, Comfort turns to the Law. He constantly takes people through some of the Ten Commandments. I mean, who hasn't told a lie? That makes a person a liar. Who hasn't stolen something, regardless of how big it was or the value of it? That makes a person a thief? Rare is the person who has not lusted after another individual. But according to Jesus, when you look at a person lustfully, it's the same as committing adultery. So, in the eyes of God, someone who "merely" lusts is an adulterer. (Matthew 5:27-28) The person who has used the name of God as a swear word is guilty of blasphemy.
So, the Law is vital in showing people that they are indeed guilty before God. Comfort bases his teaching on countless Bible verses. One of which is Galatians 3:24. It says, "Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." The law was what brought people to Christ 2000 years ago, and the law is what will continue to bring people to Christ today.
Multitudes of people profess to be Christian, but their hearts are far from Him. They turned to Christ to find out what His wonderful plan was for them. They didn't repent. They didn't agree with Him that they deserve eternal torment in Hell. They didn't believe that Jesus, and Jesus alone, is the only way to forgiveness and Heaven. They didn't flee to Jesus because they were fleeing the wrath that is yet to come. They don't realize that to sin against man-- to tell a lie, to steal, to have an affair-- isn't a sin against another human. It's a sin against a holy, a perfect, a righteous God!
According to Comfort, these people believe they are going to Heaven because they "prayed a prayer" a long time ago. But Jesus doesn't want a prayer prayed a long time ago. He wants your heart, broken from the weight of its sin. He wants your life. Are you ready to confess your sins against Him? Are you ready to submit yourself to His authority in your life? Are you ready to forsake all else in order to follow after Him?
Unfortunately, too many people profess to be saved but lack those necessary steps. Are you one of them?
Comfort teaches that when sharing Christ with others, we can't just tell them that Jesus loves them. Rather, they need to heart the bad news. They must see themselves as who they really are - sinners who will one day stand guilty before God. Sinners who deserve to spend an eternity of torment in Hell. Until they realize this truth, they will never be ready for the good news of God's grace.
To accomplish this, Comfort turns to the Law. He constantly takes people through some of the Ten Commandments. I mean, who hasn't told a lie? That makes a person a liar. Who hasn't stolen something, regardless of how big it was or the value of it? That makes a person a thief? Rare is the person who has not lusted after another individual. But according to Jesus, when you look at a person lustfully, it's the same as committing adultery. So, in the eyes of God, someone who "merely" lusts is an adulterer. (Matthew 5:27-28) The person who has used the name of God as a swear word is guilty of blasphemy.
So, the Law is vital in showing people that they are indeed guilty before God. Comfort bases his teaching on countless Bible verses. One of which is Galatians 3:24. It says, "Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." The law was what brought people to Christ 2000 years ago, and the law is what will continue to bring people to Christ today.
Multitudes of people profess to be Christian, but their hearts are far from Him. They turned to Christ to find out what His wonderful plan was for them. They didn't repent. They didn't agree with Him that they deserve eternal torment in Hell. They didn't believe that Jesus, and Jesus alone, is the only way to forgiveness and Heaven. They didn't flee to Jesus because they were fleeing the wrath that is yet to come. They don't realize that to sin against man-- to tell a lie, to steal, to have an affair-- isn't a sin against another human. It's a sin against a holy, a perfect, a righteous God!
According to Comfort, these people believe they are going to Heaven because they "prayed a prayer" a long time ago. But Jesus doesn't want a prayer prayed a long time ago. He wants your heart, broken from the weight of its sin. He wants your life. Are you ready to confess your sins against Him? Are you ready to submit yourself to His authority in your life? Are you ready to forsake all else in order to follow after Him?
Unfortunately, too many people profess to be saved but lack those necessary steps. Are you one of them?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
What I'm Reading - With Christ in the School of Prayer
I was at the used book sale at the Home School Building a month or so ago when I stumbled across the book "With Christ in the School of Prayer" by Andrew Murray. I'd heard of the author before, and so I gave the book a second glance. Skimming through the first chapter, I noted that the book was certainly "readable." Sometimes a book sounds good, but when I get it home and crack it open, I find that the language just doesn't resonate with me. It's a struggle to comprehend just because of the way the author writes. Not so with this book.
The problem was that the book was $3. That's quite a bit to shell out for a used book, but it was in excellent condition. It doesn't even look like anyone's read it. So, I handed the lady my money and tucked the book into my big bag with all my other "treasures."
Fast forward a month...
That was the best $3 I've spent in a long time, and I'm not half-way through the book!
Why do I like this book so much?
For one thing, the chapters are very short. Usually about 5-6 pages. And the author states that he really doesn't want you to read more than one chapter in a sitting. He wants you to take the time to apply what you have learned. Obviously, some chapters need less application than others, depending on where an individual is in their walk with Jesus. But I can sit down with this book, and in just a few minutes have some great "meat" to chew on throughout the day.
For another thing, every chapter that I've read so far has been eye-opening. Even chapters that I thought, "Oh, I already know about this." have taught me things that I didn't know. I like that in a book.
For example, in the chapter about God being our Father, I thought I wouldn't learn anything new, but the following sentence opened my eyes to what the disciples must have felt when Jesus taught them to pray, "Our Father,..." Here's the sentence: "To appreciate this word of adoration aright, I must remember that none of the saints had in Scripture ever ventured to address God as their Father. The invoation places us at once in the centre of the wonderful revelation the Son came to make of His Father as our Father too."
So, yes, this book has been worth the $3 I paid for it. And in fact, if something happened to my copy, it'd probably be one of the books I'd replace at full cost! (And that says a lot!) So, if you get a chance to read it, take the opportunity to do so. It will open your eyes for sure, and the Spirit may even use it to change your life!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
What I'm Reading - The Narrated Bible
Oh, I know... that doesn't sound too exciting. But it is! I read this Bible a couple years ago, and I picked it up and I'm reading through it again. Yes, I have other Bibles, but I like coming back to this one for reading. Why? Well, I have a couple reasons.
First, it's NIV. That means it's the New International Version. Typically I read/study from either the New King James or from the New American Standard. While I appreciate those versions, sometimes I get the verses so memorized that my eyes just gloss over them as my mind recites them. This often results in mindless reading. Not a good thing. By reading another translation, the words are just a bit different. (The meaning is the same.) This makes me slow down a bit and grasp the meaning rather than just subconsiously skim over something because "I've got it memorized."
Second, it's written in chronological order. I really like this aspect of it. I've tried to read through a "normal" Bible, but it jumps back and forth a lot. And I never understood where the different kings fit in with the different prophets. This Bible puts everything in the order in which things happened. (As best as the editors could put it together, of course!) So, I'm reading about the kings at the same time I'm reading about the prophets that were alive during that time. This makes the pieces fit together much more quickly for me.
Third, another thing I like is the narration. I didn't think I would, but I do. Before reading a section, the authors summarize the section, so I know what's coming. This also helps me to fit the pieces together a bit more easily. The narration isn't vital for me in accounts that I know really well, but in some of the more less-known passages (I'm thinking Ezekiel, for example), these narrations are very helpful.
Fourth, the print is a good size for my eyes. Many Bibles have such small print. This one isn't super-huge, but I can easily read it without straining. (A definite plus!)
Fifth, if you would like to read through the Bible in a year, the passages you need to read each day are clearly marked. And the year doesn't have to start with January 1! It goes by weeks. So, you'll start with week one. That could be January 1, or it could be July 7.
And so, that's what I'm working my way through. It proved to be a good read the first time through, and I expect it will be this time as well. If you're Bible reading is in a bit of a rut, you may want to check out this Bible. It may provide just what you need.
Here's a link to it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Narrated-Bible-Chronological-Order-NIV/dp/0736902392/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278503769&sr=8-1. I don't get a kick-back or anything if you purchase it from there, but at least you'll have all the information about it if you want to buy one, and you can read what others are saying about this Bible.
First, it's NIV. That means it's the New International Version. Typically I read/study from either the New King James or from the New American Standard. While I appreciate those versions, sometimes I get the verses so memorized that my eyes just gloss over them as my mind recites them. This often results in mindless reading. Not a good thing. By reading another translation, the words are just a bit different. (The meaning is the same.) This makes me slow down a bit and grasp the meaning rather than just subconsiously skim over something because "I've got it memorized."
Second, it's written in chronological order. I really like this aspect of it. I've tried to read through a "normal" Bible, but it jumps back and forth a lot. And I never understood where the different kings fit in with the different prophets. This Bible puts everything in the order in which things happened. (As best as the editors could put it together, of course!) So, I'm reading about the kings at the same time I'm reading about the prophets that were alive during that time. This makes the pieces fit together much more quickly for me.
Third, another thing I like is the narration. I didn't think I would, but I do. Before reading a section, the authors summarize the section, so I know what's coming. This also helps me to fit the pieces together a bit more easily. The narration isn't vital for me in accounts that I know really well, but in some of the more less-known passages (I'm thinking Ezekiel, for example), these narrations are very helpful.
Fourth, the print is a good size for my eyes. Many Bibles have such small print. This one isn't super-huge, but I can easily read it without straining. (A definite plus!)
Fifth, if you would like to read through the Bible in a year, the passages you need to read each day are clearly marked. And the year doesn't have to start with January 1! It goes by weeks. So, you'll start with week one. That could be January 1, or it could be July 7.
And so, that's what I'm working my way through. It proved to be a good read the first time through, and I expect it will be this time as well. If you're Bible reading is in a bit of a rut, you may want to check out this Bible. It may provide just what you need.
Here's a link to it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Narrated-Bible-Chronological-Order-NIV/dp/0736902392/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278503769&sr=8-1. I don't get a kick-back or anything if you purchase it from there, but at least you'll have all the information about it if you want to buy one, and you can read what others are saying about this Bible.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
What I'm Reading - Raising Chickens for Dummies
Yeah. Enough said?!? A few weeks ago we brought four little chicks into our lives. I had done a lot of internet research on how to raise chickens, and so I thought we were ready. And we were, but then I heard about this book, "Raising Chickens for Dummies," and I saw that it had receieved high ratings on Amazon. So, we welcomed yet another book into our home! ~smile~
I was really looking for a book that included blueprints for building a chicken coop when I noticed this book. I never did find what I was originally looking for, but "Raising Chickens for Dummies" will be a very valuable book as time goes on.
I haven't read the whole book yet. (Since we have just three week old chicks, I'm not worried about breeding them!) I've just read the pertinent information, and, as with all the dummy books I've read, it's thorough and well-written. It includes everything I was looking for in a basic chicken care book.
If you're just getting started with chickens, this will be a book you'll at least want to browse through. And, while you could probably find a lot of the same information online, there's just something cozy about being able to snuggle up with a book. And so, this book will be on the table next to my tub for awhile as I continue to glean information from it.
I was really looking for a book that included blueprints for building a chicken coop when I noticed this book. I never did find what I was originally looking for, but "Raising Chickens for Dummies" will be a very valuable book as time goes on.
I haven't read the whole book yet. (Since we have just three week old chicks, I'm not worried about breeding them!) I've just read the pertinent information, and, as with all the dummy books I've read, it's thorough and well-written. It includes everything I was looking for in a basic chicken care book.
If you're just getting started with chickens, this will be a book you'll at least want to browse through. And, while you could probably find a lot of the same information online, there's just something cozy about being able to snuggle up with a book. And so, this book will be on the table next to my tub for awhile as I continue to glean information from it.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
What I'm Reading - Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret
This book has been recommended to me many times. So much so that I purchased it, but for some reason I never got around to reading it. So, when our Pastor recommended it from the pulpit a few weeks ago, I thought it was time to dust it off and delve into it.
Hudson Taylor was a missionary to China. I'm not too far into the book, but what I do appreciate already is his reliance on God. He doesn't seem to worry about things, but rather he leaves them in God's capable hands. One example of this is before he left for the mission field. His boss forgot to pay him, but Hudson Taylor didn't feel right about asking his boss for his pay. Well, Hudson needed to pay a bill by a certain time, and while this was a pressing matter, he put the whole situation in God's hands and was content to rest in Him. The boss remembered, but by the time he did so, it was too late to go to the bank. Hudson still continued to trust that God would meet his needs. As they were closing up shop, a man rushed in to pay his bill. He paid in cash and Hudson received his pay.
So often we say we leave something in God's hands, but then we start worrying about it. Deep down we wonder if God will really take care of us. If He will really provide our needs. (A discussion on needs vs. wants is a whole different topic!) Worrying about something we've turned over to Him is akin to ripping it from His capable hands because we think we can do it better ourselves. Oh, how this must grieve our Father!
Instead of worrying (who of you by worrying can add a day to his life or a hair to his head?), we are to remember that God promises to provide all our needs (Philippians 4:19). We are told to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us (1Peter 5:7). God faithfully provides for His children. He longs for us to trust Him fully. He wants us to cast our cares on Him so that we won't concern ourselves with worry. If He is your Father, trust Him... completely... all the time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh Father in Heaven,
How often we fail You. How often we tell you the troubles of our heart, laying them at Your feet, only to pick them up again. Forgive us for not believing. Increase our faith. Increase our trust. Teach us to love You more.
Hudson Taylor was a missionary to China. I'm not too far into the book, but what I do appreciate already is his reliance on God. He doesn't seem to worry about things, but rather he leaves them in God's capable hands. One example of this is before he left for the mission field. His boss forgot to pay him, but Hudson Taylor didn't feel right about asking his boss for his pay. Well, Hudson needed to pay a bill by a certain time, and while this was a pressing matter, he put the whole situation in God's hands and was content to rest in Him. The boss remembered, but by the time he did so, it was too late to go to the bank. Hudson still continued to trust that God would meet his needs. As they were closing up shop, a man rushed in to pay his bill. He paid in cash and Hudson received his pay.
So often we say we leave something in God's hands, but then we start worrying about it. Deep down we wonder if God will really take care of us. If He will really provide our needs. (A discussion on needs vs. wants is a whole different topic!) Worrying about something we've turned over to Him is akin to ripping it from His capable hands because we think we can do it better ourselves. Oh, how this must grieve our Father!
Instead of worrying (who of you by worrying can add a day to his life or a hair to his head?), we are to remember that God promises to provide all our needs (Philippians 4:19). We are told to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us (1Peter 5:7). God faithfully provides for His children. He longs for us to trust Him fully. He wants us to cast our cares on Him so that we won't concern ourselves with worry. If He is your Father, trust Him... completely... all the time.
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Oh Father in Heaven,
How often we fail You. How often we tell you the troubles of our heart, laying them at Your feet, only to pick them up again. Forgive us for not believing. Increase our faith. Increase our trust. Teach us to love You more.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
What I'm Reading - Square Foot Gardening
While we were on vacation recently I stopped by the local Dollar General. They often carry inexpensive books, but I rarely, if ever, see anything worth purchasing. However, there was a book that caught my eye this time. I knew the first edition was sitting on my shelf at home, and I also knew I had learned quite a bit from that first edition. But this one didn't appear to be just a remake with the same text and updated color on the same photos. It appeared to have new content. New ideas. Better ideas.
And since it was only $5, I put it in my shopping cart. ~smile~
I'm so glad I did. I have thoroughly been enjoying Mel Bartholomew's "All New Square Foot Gardening." I can't even begin to list the major improvements over his first book, and I enjoyed that one! He has learned a lot since he wrote his first book, and the new one is much more simple. The directions are easy-to-follow. The diagrams make sense. And the concepts seem basic enough. It made me wonder why no one thought of this eons ago.
Mel's gardening method involves making raised beds 4' by 4'. And then, instead of filling these raised beds with regular dirt or topsoil, Mel has a special "mix" that he recommends using. It's composed of compost, vermiculite, and peat moss all mixed together. The advantages of doing it this way are numerous. One of the biggest advantages being that it's the perfect mix, so you won't have to worry about testing the pH. Another huge advantage is that you'll be starting with a weed-free garden. The only weeds you should have will be the ones that blow in.
Of course, the book goes into much more detail than I can here. Mel describes how to do plantings, how to arrange your garden so that it functions better and so that it's more pleasing to the eye. He describes how to keep pests at bay and how to train vegetables and fruits (even watermelon) to grow up on a trellis-type thing.
If you've never gardened before, read this book first. You won't need a tiller or all the big fancy gardening tools. Just a few things you can easily pick up at the dollar store. If you already garden, you will also appreciate Mel Bartholomew's "All New Swaure Foot Gardening." It is likely to seriously change the way you approach gardening!
Here's a link to his book on Amazon. I don't get a kickback for this, but this way you'll know what the book looks like and you'll know what other people are saying about the book:
http://www.amazon.com/All-New-Square-Foot-Gardening/dp/1591862027/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267044936&sr=8-1
And since it was only $5, I put it in my shopping cart. ~smile~
I'm so glad I did. I have thoroughly been enjoying Mel Bartholomew's "All New Square Foot Gardening." I can't even begin to list the major improvements over his first book, and I enjoyed that one! He has learned a lot since he wrote his first book, and the new one is much more simple. The directions are easy-to-follow. The diagrams make sense. And the concepts seem basic enough. It made me wonder why no one thought of this eons ago.
Mel's gardening method involves making raised beds 4' by 4'. And then, instead of filling these raised beds with regular dirt or topsoil, Mel has a special "mix" that he recommends using. It's composed of compost, vermiculite, and peat moss all mixed together. The advantages of doing it this way are numerous. One of the biggest advantages being that it's the perfect mix, so you won't have to worry about testing the pH. Another huge advantage is that you'll be starting with a weed-free garden. The only weeds you should have will be the ones that blow in.
Of course, the book goes into much more detail than I can here. Mel describes how to do plantings, how to arrange your garden so that it functions better and so that it's more pleasing to the eye. He describes how to keep pests at bay and how to train vegetables and fruits (even watermelon) to grow up on a trellis-type thing.
If you've never gardened before, read this book first. You won't need a tiller or all the big fancy gardening tools. Just a few things you can easily pick up at the dollar store. If you already garden, you will also appreciate Mel Bartholomew's "All New Swaure Foot Gardening." It is likely to seriously change the way you approach gardening!
Here's a link to his book on Amazon. I don't get a kickback for this, but this way you'll know what the book looks like and you'll know what other people are saying about the book:
http://www.amazon.com/All-New-Square-Foot-Gardening/dp/1591862027/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267044936&sr=8-1
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