DEC Reviews
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Teenagers! By Rob Parsons
Rob Parsons does it again, with another brilliant book on parenting.
Having read one of his other books, "The sixty minute mother" which he very kindly sent to me many years ago, I was interested to see what Rob had to say about teenagers. Even the best parent in the world can be, at times, totally confused at this time of their relationship with their child. Certainly, the teens themselves are probably just as confused as their parents on many occasions, and there comes a time in when each person seems to speak a different language from the other.
This is OK! This is normal! It is all a part the very natural process of a child growing up to find their own identity and place in the world, and growing away from their parents for a time is an essential part of moving on to being a confident and responsible adult.
Parsons includes such problems as:
Understanding what's going on in your teenager's brain
Why reading your child's school report can fool you
Keys for dealing with the really testy teenager
The big issues: sex, drugs, self-esteem...
Why teenage boys sometimes act as though they hate their mothers
Danger signs for teenage high achievers
In every chapter, the writer makes the reader feel extrememly comforted to know that what they are going through is all very, very normal, and does pass, along with providing insight into just what to do and how to react when you run into difficulties.
I can thoroughly recommend this book to every parent - whether your kids are already teens, or not yet even close to being teens. As for the parent who feels they "got it wrong" first or second time around - there is still hope. This book can help you to look back and understand why things didn't work out too well and you will suddenly find yourself looking at your young adults in totally new light - with new understanding and a new desire to reach out and rebuild your relationship.
Published by: Hodder & Stoughton, 2007; ISBN 978 0 340 86276 6
Having read one of his other books, "The sixty minute mother" which he very kindly sent to me many years ago, I was interested to see what Rob had to say about teenagers. Even the best parent in the world can be, at times, totally confused at this time of their relationship with their child. Certainly, the teens themselves are probably just as confused as their parents on many occasions, and there comes a time in when each person seems to speak a different language from the other.
This is OK! This is normal! It is all a part the very natural process of a child growing up to find their own identity and place in the world, and growing away from their parents for a time is an essential part of moving on to being a confident and responsible adult.
Parsons includes such problems as:
Understanding what's going on in your teenager's brain
Why reading your child's school report can fool you
Keys for dealing with the really testy teenager
The big issues: sex, drugs, self-esteem...
Why teenage boys sometimes act as though they hate their mothers
Danger signs for teenage high achievers
In every chapter, the writer makes the reader feel extrememly comforted to know that what they are going through is all very, very normal, and does pass, along with providing insight into just what to do and how to react when you run into difficulties.
I can thoroughly recommend this book to every parent - whether your kids are already teens, or not yet even close to being teens. As for the parent who feels they "got it wrong" first or second time around - there is still hope. This book can help you to look back and understand why things didn't work out too well and you will suddenly find yourself looking at your young adults in totally new light - with new understanding and a new desire to reach out and rebuild your relationship.
Published by: Hodder & Stoughton, 2007; ISBN 978 0 340 86276 6
Sunday, May 28, 2006
CAPTIVATING
"Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldridge
This story is about woman - her heart, her beauty and the opposition which prevents her from fulfilling her role as the crown of creation and man's "exer kenegdo" - his strong, lifesaving sustainer.
This book deepened my understanding of a woman's place in creation more than any book I have read. It spoke to my heart and renewed my awareness of the excitement and challenge of the great romance Jesus offers us. This is not a book which provides "ten easy steps to become a good Christian woman" but goes to the heart of what God has designed a woman to be and to offer, and that is exciting. Women are not squeezed into particular roles in church or society but released to accept Jesus' invitation to reveal the strength and beauty within each one of us.
I would recommend this book to women and to men. I'd also recommend "Wild at Heart" by John Eldridge, the corresponding book about men. I returned the library copies and went out and bought my own!
This story is about woman - her heart, her beauty and the opposition which prevents her from fulfilling her role as the crown of creation and man's "exer kenegdo" - his strong, lifesaving sustainer.
This book deepened my understanding of a woman's place in creation more than any book I have read. It spoke to my heart and renewed my awareness of the excitement and challenge of the great romance Jesus offers us. This is not a book which provides "ten easy steps to become a good Christian woman" but goes to the heart of what God has designed a woman to be and to offer, and that is exciting. Women are not squeezed into particular roles in church or society but released to accept Jesus' invitation to reveal the strength and beauty within each one of us.
I would recommend this book to women and to men. I'd also recommend "Wild at Heart" by John Eldridge, the corresponding book about men. I returned the library copies and went out and bought my own!
Thursday, April 27, 2006
The English Garden Series
The English Garden Series by Lori Wick
Lori Wick is one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers today with more than 2.5 million copies in print.
This particular fiction series takes place between 1810 and 1813 England.
Book One - The proposal
Set in 1810 London. We meet the first of our character's William Jennings. Jennings left to look after 3 young children when a relative dies. Will Jennings find himself drawn to the women he loves and to the God she so obviously loves? And will he be able look after the children. This is a moving story of Christ's love at work in the most stubborn of hearts.
Book Two - The rescue
Set in 1811 Collingbourne, England. The main characters we meet this time is Anne Gardiner. Anne slips from a ladder into the arms of a handsome stranger, her unstable father, Colonel Gardiner, deems the innocent embrace cause for immediate marriage. Will they trust God as they step into a new relationship and will they recognise love when it finally reaches them?This is a tender story of God's amazing love and kindness toward His own.
Book Three - The visitor
Set in 1812 in the English countryside. In this book we meet Alexander Tate who is left with bandaged eyes and prayers for healing. One of the Steele sisters to read to Tate daily, the voice of this visitor sparks new light in the heart of the young man. Will these two young hearts trust God's healing touch, however it may come? This is a very touching story of God's faithfulness in every circumstance of life.
Book Four - The pursuit
Set in 1813 Collingbourne, England. Edward Steele has enjoyed many adventures with his brother Henry, his latest was in Africa. Now on his way home he meets two strangers who are a lot more than they seem. A story of betrayal and learning to trust and a story of God's sovereignty in every moment of life.
Other Series by Lori Wick include:
The Kensington Chronicles, A Place called Home, Rocky Mountain Memories .....
Lori Wick is one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers today with more than 2.5 million copies in print.
This particular fiction series takes place between 1810 and 1813 England.
Book One - The proposal
Set in 1810 London. We meet the first of our character's William Jennings. Jennings left to look after 3 young children when a relative dies. Will Jennings find himself drawn to the women he loves and to the God she so obviously loves? And will he be able look after the children. This is a moving story of Christ's love at work in the most stubborn of hearts.
Book Two - The rescue
Set in 1811 Collingbourne, England. The main characters we meet this time is Anne Gardiner. Anne slips from a ladder into the arms of a handsome stranger, her unstable father, Colonel Gardiner, deems the innocent embrace cause for immediate marriage. Will they trust God as they step into a new relationship and will they recognise love when it finally reaches them?This is a tender story of God's amazing love and kindness toward His own.
Book Three - The visitor
Set in 1812 in the English countryside. In this book we meet Alexander Tate who is left with bandaged eyes and prayers for healing. One of the Steele sisters to read to Tate daily, the voice of this visitor sparks new light in the heart of the young man. Will these two young hearts trust God's healing touch, however it may come? This is a very touching story of God's faithfulness in every circumstance of life.
Book Four - The pursuit
Set in 1813 Collingbourne, England. Edward Steele has enjoyed many adventures with his brother Henry, his latest was in Africa. Now on his way home he meets two strangers who are a lot more than they seem. A story of betrayal and learning to trust and a story of God's sovereignty in every moment of life.
Other Series by Lori Wick include:
The Kensington Chronicles, A Place called Home, Rocky Mountain Memories .....
Taming the Tiger
Taming the Tiger By Tony Anthony
From the moment you pick up this book you have to keep reading. This is the gripping, remarkable and true story of Tony Anthony.
Tony is a Kung Fu World Champion who has had an extraordinary career. Some parts of his story are worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. The book documents the personal tragedy that turned a 'disciple of enlightenment' into a bloodthirsty, violent man which took Tony to the depths of hell in Cyprus's notorious Nicosia Central Prison. If it had not been for a visitor to that prison all would have been lost.
This book is a truly remarkable story, a must read.
ABOUT TONY ANTHONY NOW:
In early 2004, Tony committed himself to full time evangelism and currently manages a busy itinerary throughout the work of "Avanti Ministries Limited" (An organisation Tony set up in 2003 - Avanti is Italian for Go) The organisation's name is derived from Jesus' great commission in Matthew 28: 19/20.
Tony is married to Sara and live in Essex with their two sons.
From the moment you pick up this book you have to keep reading. This is the gripping, remarkable and true story of Tony Anthony.
Tony is a Kung Fu World Champion who has had an extraordinary career. Some parts of his story are worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. The book documents the personal tragedy that turned a 'disciple of enlightenment' into a bloodthirsty, violent man which took Tony to the depths of hell in Cyprus's notorious Nicosia Central Prison. If it had not been for a visitor to that prison all would have been lost.
This book is a truly remarkable story, a must read.
ABOUT TONY ANTHONY NOW:
In early 2004, Tony committed himself to full time evangelism and currently manages a busy itinerary throughout the work of "Avanti Ministries Limited" (An organisation Tony set up in 2003 - Avanti is Italian for Go) The organisation's name is derived from Jesus' great commission in Matthew 28: 19/20.
Tony is married to Sara and live in Essex with their two sons.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Tales of Total Forgiveness
“TOTAL FORGIVENESS”
The book of this title, written by R. T. Kendall, one-time Pastor of London’s Westminster Chapel, presents us with a most powerful challenge to forgive those who have harmed us in one way or another.
Several times Christ challenged His hearers with such words as, “If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matt 6:14-15; Matt 18:32-35; and Mark 11:25, where some manuscripts add, “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your sins.”)
This book, published by Hodder & Stoughton (£7.99) has a sub-title, “Achieving God’s Greatest Challenge” and is very difficult to put down.
To ignore its challenge would be extremely dangerous.
The book of this title, written by R. T. Kendall, one-time Pastor of London’s Westminster Chapel, presents us with a most powerful challenge to forgive those who have harmed us in one way or another.
Several times Christ challenged His hearers with such words as, “If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matt 6:14-15; Matt 18:32-35; and Mark 11:25, where some manuscripts add, “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your sins.”)
This book, published by Hodder & Stoughton (£7.99) has a sub-title, “Achieving God’s Greatest Challenge” and is very difficult to put down.
To ignore its challenge would be extremely dangerous.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Books: Billy by Sherwood Eliot Wirt & Just as I am by Billy Graham
Billy by Sherwood Eliot Wirt
Just as I am by Billy Graham
A review on the above
While browsing round a stall recently I spotted a book entitled 'Just as I am', an autobiography of Billy Graham with a picture of his smiling face on the cover. It took me back to the early 1950s when this remarkable man came to Britain and held crusades in places such as Harringay, Wembley, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness to name but a few. I remember clearly the never-to-be-forgotten sight of hundreds of people going to commit their lives to Christ at the end of Billy's simple explanation of the gospel.
So I bought the book and found it fascinating. What stood out most clearly were the humility and honestly of the preacher. He recalls his boyhood, milking cows on his father's farm; he explains how he was called to preach and tells of the loyal team of those who joined him; we read of his courtship and marriage and of his children; we learn how the way opened for him to tell presidents and others in high places about the way of salvation, and how God opened doors for him to preach behind the Iron Curtain.
Now in his 80s and with a form of Parkinson's disease, which is limiting, his compulsion to preach the gospel is still as strong as ever.
That book was written by Billy Graham, so when my attention was later drawn to a book about him, written by someone else, I borrowed it from our church library. This is called simply "Billy" and is written by Sherwood Eliot Wirt, who has ministered and travelled with Billy Graham for nearly 40 years and knows him intimately, not just when he is in the public eye. Mr Wirt was originally a newspaper journalist but eventually became the founding editor of 'Decision', a monthly magazine which Billy Graham established in the 1960s and which is still in circulation today.
If you want a good and challenging read, I recommend both these books. They are an encouragement to Christians to be prepared to leave their comfort zones and spread the good news of Christ's self - sacrifice for us in a world where there is very little good news about.
'Just as I am' ISBN 0-551-03144-1'
Billy' ISBN 1-85078-274-1
Just as I am by Billy Graham
A review on the above
While browsing round a stall recently I spotted a book entitled 'Just as I am', an autobiography of Billy Graham with a picture of his smiling face on the cover. It took me back to the early 1950s when this remarkable man came to Britain and held crusades in places such as Harringay, Wembley, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness to name but a few. I remember clearly the never-to-be-forgotten sight of hundreds of people going to commit their lives to Christ at the end of Billy's simple explanation of the gospel.
So I bought the book and found it fascinating. What stood out most clearly were the humility and honestly of the preacher. He recalls his boyhood, milking cows on his father's farm; he explains how he was called to preach and tells of the loyal team of those who joined him; we read of his courtship and marriage and of his children; we learn how the way opened for him to tell presidents and others in high places about the way of salvation, and how God opened doors for him to preach behind the Iron Curtain.
Now in his 80s and with a form of Parkinson's disease, which is limiting, his compulsion to preach the gospel is still as strong as ever.
That book was written by Billy Graham, so when my attention was later drawn to a book about him, written by someone else, I borrowed it from our church library. This is called simply "Billy" and is written by Sherwood Eliot Wirt, who has ministered and travelled with Billy Graham for nearly 40 years and knows him intimately, not just when he is in the public eye. Mr Wirt was originally a newspaper journalist but eventually became the founding editor of 'Decision', a monthly magazine which Billy Graham established in the 1960s and which is still in circulation today.
If you want a good and challenging read, I recommend both these books. They are an encouragement to Christians to be prepared to leave their comfort zones and spread the good news of Christ's self - sacrifice for us in a world where there is very little good news about.
'Just as I am' ISBN 0-551-03144-1'
Billy' ISBN 1-85078-274-1
Post all your reviews here
Well here it is the reviews from DEC.
What I suggest is that each time we want to review a new item we start a new post ...
Any queries let me know
Fi
What I suggest is that each time we want to review a new item we start a new post ...
Any queries let me know
Fi
