Gaining a heart of wisdom
Light Upon Light Compiled by Sarah Arthur: A Book Review The problem with reviewing a book like Light Upon Light is that Sarah Arthur has done such a fine job explaining her purpose in the introduction that anything I say feels superfluous. As a guide to prayer during the season of Advent, she has compiled a rich assortment of… Continue reading Slow Christmas
Redeeming Philosophy:Â A God-Centered Approach to the Big Questions by Vern S. Poythress:Â A Book Review Why does anyone exist? How do we come to know what we know? Where do commonly held moral standards come from? Do any of these questions matter to ordinary people in our "sleeping, eating, going to work, walking around… Continue reading A Lively Faith is Enhanced by a Lively Mind
When the angel announced good news to a band of startled shepherds, the heavenly messenger could not possibly have anticipated the extent of the gift or its impact. In Chapter 14 of The Mortification of Sin, John Owen puts words around the unwrapping of God's gift in his Directions for the Work of Mortifying Sin. … Continue reading Good News of Great Joy
The Invention of Lefse by Larry Woiwode: A Book Review The Invention of Lefse is a peaceful, homely Christmas tale that spins a fable for the origin of Norwegian lefse bread while also drawing the reader back into a long-forgotten day of simple celebration and elaborate joy. Thirteen-year-old Mette Iversdatter wakes early on Christmas eve to… Continue reading Celebrate What You Have
Vanishing Grace by Philip Yancey: A Book Review "Like a sudden thaw in the middle of winter . . .": this is Philip Yancey's descriptive metaphor for grace on this fallen planet. "It stops us short, catches the breath, disarms." Vanishing Grace was written out of Yancey's concern that the church is failing to demonstrate the warm and compelling grace of… Continue reading Permanent Freeze
Early in our marriage, my husband and I stumbled onto a means of cutting to the chase in determining the state of our union. Protracted silences, a perceived "mood," a brusque response, or an air of impatience always triggers THE QUESTION: "Are we o.k.?" Of course, the success of this little drill presupposes a level of… Continue reading “Are We O.K.?”
Empowered by His Presence by Kevin G. Harney: A Book Review The question that drives Empowered by His Presence is this: "Where can I receive strength as I seek to live another day?" In this four-week study, Kevin Harney unpacks the stories of biblical characters and their responses to God's presence and power within the challenges… Continue reading Empowered Living
Found in Him by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick: A Book Review Caution: This book contains theology.  However, as you are reading, you will be so caught up with the practical impact of the incarnation and the believer's union with Christ that you may not be aware of the weight of the truth you are absorbing. Throughout all ten chapters… Continue reading Truth for the Heart
I first met C.S.Lewis in the back seat of a  1970's era hatch back careening non-stop from Maine to Georgia. Like the young man who owned the car, I was on my way to college. Unlike the driver, I was not interested in the young lady in the passenger's seat. Since the driver's boxed set of Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia was piled… Continue reading “This Is Not THAT Kind of Biography”
Living Our Days 