Babamarusia's Christian Book Review

Christian Book Review DADDY PROMISES by Kerry Arquette

2010-10-25T15:27:00.001-05:00

DADDY PROMISES
by Kerry Arquette

Concordia Publishing House
www.CPH.org

Christian Book Review: Recommended Book
by Mary Katherine May
of Quality Music and Books

Christian Book Review GENEROUS FAITH Timothy Keller

2010-10-23T01:01:00.001-05:00

Generous Justice
How God's Grace Makes Us Just
by Dr. Timothy Keller

Published by Dutton (Penguin Group)
ISBN 978-0-525-95190-2
retail price $19.95

Christian Book Review
by Mary Katherine May
of www.QualityMusicAndBooks.com

Christian Book Review THE PAINFUL SIDE OF LEADERSHIP by Jeff Iorg

2010-10-23T00:55:00.001-05:00

Mary Katherine May of www.QualityMusicAndBooks.com
Christian Book Review

The Painful Side of Leadership:
Moving Forward Even When It Hurts
by Jeff Iorg
B&H Publishing ISBN 978-0-8054-4870-2
(softcover) retail price $14.99

Recommended Book

Christian Book Review SURVIVING IN AN ANGRY WORLD Charles Stanley

2010-10-23T00:49:00.001-05:00

Surviving in an Angry World: Finding Your Way to Personal Peace
by Charles F. Stanley

Howard Books ISBN: 978-1-4391-8356-4
retail $24.00

Christian Book Review by Mary Katherine May
of www.QualityMusicAndBooks.com

Recommended Book

Christian Book Review GENEROUS FAITH Sister Bridget Haase OSU

2010-10-20T02:19:00.001-05:00

Generous Faith
by Sister Bridget Haase OSU

Christian Book Review by Mary Katherine May
of QualityMusicAndBooks.com

babamarusia Christian Book Review NURSING A GRUDGE by Chris Well Recomme...

2010-07-25T12:56:00.001-05:00

Nursing a Grudge
Hometown Mysteries
Chris Well, author

Recommended Book

reviewed by Mary Katherine May
babamarusia's Christian Book Review
of Quality Music and Books

Barbour Publishing, Uhrichsville OH
© 2010 by Chris Well
Release date: 1 July 2010
ISBN 978-1-60260-344-8

babamarusia reviews NIGHTSHADE Discarded Heroes Series by Ronie Kendig B...

2010-07-21T22:56:00.002-05:00

Babamarusia reviews Nightshade by author Ronie Kendig, the first book of a new series title Discarded Heroes from Barbour Publishing, ISBN 978-1-60260-777-4, retailing for $12.99.

babamarusia Christian Book Review JULIAN of Norwich a Contemplative Biog...

2010-06-18T00:28:00.001-05:00

Julian of Norwich: A Contemplative Biography
Recommended Book
Julian of Norwich: A Contemplative Biography
Amy Frykholm, author
Release date: May 2010
ISBN: 978-1-55725-626-3
Paraclete Press, Brewster MA
Retail price: $19.99

Babamarusia's Christian Book Review GOD Alone Is Enough by Claudia Mair ...

2010-06-17T04:57:00.001-05:00

God Alone Is Enough: A Spirited Journey with Teresa of Avila
God Alone Is Enough: a Spiritual Journey with St. Teresa of Avila

Claudia Mair Burney, author
Release date: March, 2010
Paraclete Press, Brewster MA, publisher
ISBN: 978-1-55725-661-4
Retail price: $16.99

babamarusia reviews Christian books by Minnesota author Marette Jorgenson

2010-06-16T01:03:00.003-05:00

Recommended Author
babamarusia talks about books by Christian author, music teacher, wife and mother Marette Jorgenson who lives in Kasson, Minnesota. Mary talks about the quaint variety store on Main Street in Kasson where the books were purchased, and about the extraordinary lives lived by ordinary people.

Available Books
Dancing with the Washing Machine
There's a Grasshopper in My Shoe
But I'm Not Done with My Sins!
Cold Pop, Frozen Rolls and Honey
Bumps on a Pickle and Other Christian Stories
Talking to God on Tiptoes

babamarusia recommends Christian CD The Impulse of His Love

2010-06-16T00:21:00.001-05:00

Recommended CD

The Impulse of His Love
Karen Burgman, Piano
Distributed by Paraclete Press, Brewster MA
Published by http://www.lifespringmusic.com/
Retail price: $16.95

MusicHis Eye Is on the Sparrow
There Is a Redeemer
Nearer, My God, to Thee
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
Take My Life and Let It Be
The Solid Rock
It Is Well with My Soul
My Jesus, I Love Thee/Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Trust and Obey
I Surrender All
The Lord's Prayer

The Impulse of His Love is available at QualityMusicandBooks.com

babamarusia's Christian Book Review A QUIET REFUGE Prayers and Meditations by Emilie Barnes

2010-06-15T23:58:00.001-05:00

Recommended Book
A Quiet Refuge by Emilie Barnes is available at QualityMusicandBooks.com

A Quiet Refuge: Meditations for Hope and HealingEmilie Barnes, author
Kathleen Denis, illustrator
Harvest House Publishers, Eugene OR
ISBN: 978-0-7369-1626-4
Retail price: $8.99

Mary Katherine May Recommends book The Ten Commandments Then & Now and B...

2010-06-12T10:56:00.000-05:00

The Ten Commandments Then & Now
Barbour Publishing
ISBN 978-1-60260-702-6
Retail price: $1.99

Available at QualityMusicandBooks.com > The Ten Commandments Then & Now

Also available...
Grad's Guide to Life
31 Days with God for Grads
Bible Answers for Every Need

Charles Livingston Allen Christian Pastor and Author

2010-06-12T04:55:00.007-05:00

Charles Livingston Allen

written by Mary Katherine May
QualityMusicandBooks.com

The Christian is not one who has gone all the way with Christ.
None of us has. The Christian is one who has found the right road.
… Charles Livingston Allen

Charles Livingston Allen was born in 1913 to the Rev. J. R. Allen and Lula Franklin Allen, one of six brothers and sisters whose childhood was lived out in church parsonages, the first in Newborn, Georgia.

Allen was a very successful church leader. His style of preaching has been called “lucid and transparent.” In 1947, Charles found an homiletical Journal, Pulpit Preaching, which later became Pulpit Digest He spent the bulk of his pastoral years at Grace United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and at First Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. During his tenure, the first grew to be the largest Methodist Church in Georgia, while the latter became the largest Methodist church in the world with 12,000 members.

Rev. Allen is the author of over forty books, pamphlets and articles, many of which are still in print. His most popular book was God’s Psychiatry. One book store in Atlanta sold more copies of this book that Gone with the Wind.

In 1954, following the Supreme Court Brown v. Board of Education Ruling , several states prepared to close their public schools rather than desegregate. In Georgia, the state legislature passed laws that would allow the privatization of their school system. The pastoral community came together against the unchristian actions of the community when eighty pastors signed what has come to be known as the Minister’s Manifesto in November, 1957. Charles Livingston Allen was one of the signers. It was published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Leila Haynes Allen, Charle’s wife, were the parents of three children. One son and his wife preceded him in death. Charles went home to be with the Lord in 2005 at the age of 92.

In his biographical obituary printed in the Houston Chronicle, it states that along with the authoring of many books, he was a columnist for the Chronicle, he conducted more than thirty tours of the Holy Land, and preaching during his life time on five continents.

Despite all of his achievements, there is very little on the internet about Pastor Allen. The two links provided here contain the bulk of the information available, and following is a partial bibliography of his works.

Links and References

Wikipedia Article : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_L._Allen
Charles L. Allen Obituary: http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2005_3900507
Minister’s Manifesto: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15643777
Charles L. Allen Publications: Partial Bibliography

1943 When Christmas Came to Bethlehem 1964
19-- Two Sermons
1952 In Quest of God's Power
1953 God's Psychiatry: Healing for the Troubled Heart
1953 Change Your Life in Seven Days with the Twenty-Third Psalm
1955 The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ .
1955 When the Heart Is Hungry: Christ's Parables for Today
1956 Touch of the Master's Hand: Christ's Miracles for Today, The
1957 Christmas in Our Hearts
1958 Peace of Jesus
1958 All Things Are Possible Through Prayer : And the Healing Power of Poetry
1959 When You Lose a Loved One
1959 Candle, Star and Christmas Tree
196- Eternal Life [and] the Twenty-Third Psalm
1961 Healing Words
1961, © 1948 Our church : a brief statement concerning the origin, faith and outreach of the Evangelical United Brethren Church for members and prospective members
1961 Twenty-Third Psalm (gift edition)
1962 Life of Christ, The
1963 God's psychiatry : the Twenty-third Psalm, the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, the Beatitudes
1964 12 Ways to Solve Your Problems
Charles L. Allen speaks to you through the Sermon on the Mount.
1966 Sermon on the Mount
1967 Beatitudes, The: an Interpretation
1968 I Believe
1968 Roads to Radiant Living
1969 The riches of prayer. Selections from All things are possible through prayer and Prayer changes things,
1970 Charles L. Allen Treasury, The
1972 When You Graduate
1972 Miracle of Love, The
1973 Miracle of Hope, The
1974 Miracle of the Holy Spirit, The
1976 What I Have Lived By: an autobiography
19-- Lord's Prayer, The

Mary and Rick May own QualityMusicandBooks.com, an online Christian gift, music and book webstore based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mary hosts and produces The House United, a Christian variety problem through Northwest Community Television in the Northwest suburbs of Minneapolis, MN.

babamarusia Christian book review A Cup of Cold Water Nurse EDITH CAVELL...

2010-06-10T12:31:00.000-05:00

Recommended Book

Chosen Daughters series: 20th Century Belgium WWI
A Cup of Cold Water: The Compassion of Nurse Edith Cavell
Christine Farenhorst, author

ISBN: 978-1-59638-026-4
P&R Publishing
Retail price: $11.99

Mary & Rick May own QualityMusicandBooks.com, a Christian music, book and gift webstore.

Babamarusia talks about book terms used by booksellers to describe a boo...

2010-06-02T12:41:00.000-05:00

Babamarusia Reviews GRAD'S GUIDE TO LIFE from Barbour Books

2010-06-02T11:47:00.001-05:00

Grad's Guide to Life (VALUE BOOKS)
Recommended Book
This book is available through QualityMusicandBooks.com.

babamarusiaQMB Mary Katherine May recommends LIfe Lessons: Acts (revised...

2010-06-01T00:17:00.001-05:00

Recommended Book

Life Lessons: Acts (revised and updated)Max Lucado, author
Thomas Nelson, publisher
ISBN: 9781418509453
Retail price: $9.99

From the back cover:

Can anyone encounter the resurrected Christ and remain unchanged? Understanding and accepting the most compelling event in the history of mankind changed the disciples. Having been brought face to face with God, they couldn't remain the same.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, bold in their declarations, confidently trusting Christ daily, their days were full of witnessing, ministering, solving practical problems, and resolving differences. They lived a God-centered life, following God's leading, and saw God's faithfulness.

The disciples were transformed. They founded the early church, and gave us a legacy of faith. The earliest Christians demonstrate that what God did for them, he longs to do for you.

The Lucado Life Lessons series brings the New Testament to life in twelve lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational storytelling, profound reflectins, and space for journaling. Revised and updated, Lucado Life Lessons continues to be one of the best-selling study guide series available for small groups and individuals.

Also recommended:
Father Lawrence Farley's study on the book of acts (audio) on www.AncientFaith.com
J. Vernon McGee's Through the Bible series: Acts by clicking here.

Mary and Rick May own the Christian music, book, and gift webstore Quality Music and Books based in Minneapolis, MN. Mary Katherine as babamarusia writes and offers free Christian material for download on several blogs, as well as on the webstore site (distributed throughout by category).

babamarusia reviews The African Prostitute a Christian Novel by Dr. Pati...

2010-05-31T04:59:00.001-05:00

Mary and Rick May own QualityMusicandBooks.com, and online Christian music, book and gift store based in Minneapolis, MN. They have three married children and six grandchildren. Mary and Rick attend Lutheran Church of the Master in Brooklyn Center, MN. Mary is a composer, story writer, and host of The House United, Christian variety show, a public access cable television program produced through Northwest Cable Television in the Northwest Suburbs of Minneapolis, MN. She recently completed the writing of the Wikipedia entry on the life and ministry of Dr. Morris Vaagenes. Video from The House United may be viewed on YouTube.com by CLICKING HERE.

BabaMarusia Book Reviews the NIV Bible Compact Series from Zondervan

2010-05-31T04:57:00.001-05:00

BabaMarusia Book Reviews the NIV Bible Compact Series from Zondervan

2010-05-31T04:57:00.000-05:00

Christian Book Review I WILL SEE YOU IN HEAVEN Friar Jack Wintz reviewed by Mary Katherine May

2010-05-15T14:04:00.001-05:00

I Will See You in Heaven
Friar Jack Wintz, author
Publisher: Paraclete Press, Brewster MA
ISBN: 978-1-55725-732-1

Release date:
Retail price: $14.99

Recommended Book

Most pet owners come to know their pets as family members, and as such, those who are Christian desire to know or have confirmation that their pets will experience eternity as people will. I Will See You in Heaven answers that question, and more.

This hardcover edition has a lovely cover and is gift size with presentation page. It is well laid out and well written.

Friar Jack tells about his book much better than I could, and so I include this link to youtube where he gives a short presentation about I Will See You in Heaven. I encourage those interested in purchasing this book to watch and listen. It's only four minutes long.

Mary and Rick May own QualityMusicandBooks.com, and online Christian music, book and gift store based in Minneapolis, MN. They have three married children and six grandchildren. Mary and Rick attend Lutheran Church of the Master in Brooklyn Center, MN. Mary is a composer, story writer, and host of The House United, Christian variety show, a public access cable television program produced through Northwest Cable Television in the Northwest Suburbs of Minneapolis, MN. She recently completed the writing of the Wikipedia entry on the life and ministry of Dr. Morris Vaagenes.

Christian Book Review JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young by Mary Katherine May

2010-05-15T13:26:00.003-05:00

Jesus Calling
Devotions for Every Day of the Year
Sarah Young, author
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release date: October 2004
ISBN: 978-1-5914-5188-4
Retail price (this edition): $14.99

Recommended Book

Regarding devotional books of the daily variety, we Christians do have our favorites. Whether Max Lucado, Oswald Chambers--in the classic or updated form, or Joyce Meyers or someone else--once a favorite, always a favorite.

That God has created us each to be unique unto one's self is one of those delightful facts of creation. And because of this fact, each one of us--though hearing the same voice--hears it in the way that will be significant to our uniqueness.

God speaks to me for the most part with a more traditional voice. Some might think my mind a bit archaic, but it is what pleases me. I am particularly fond of Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest, as written by him, not with the modern language. When new authors, composers, and artists present their Christian interpretation, I do not jump in with both feet until I have tested the waters.

I found out about Jesus Calling by Sarah Young through a fellow church member who asked me to order it for her. Her recommendation was strong enough for me to order one for myself to review. Though not all books in our webstore, QualityMusicandBooks.com, are given a review before being placed for sale, many of them are.

Jesus Calling, Devotions for Every Day of the Year by Sarah Young, is one that having been tested, I find exceptionally worthy of being tested by others for their approval. The theology is basic and true, the words are comforting, encouraging, and inspiring.

I generally skip introductions in books because of the desire to get into the action ASAP. I want to start reading the actual book. When going through Jesus Calling, I read the entire introduction. Sarah Young's faith journey is not very different from many others. It began with a still, small voice, and grew. God met her where she was in life and slowly introduced Himself. Here I am, he said. Once noticed, Sarah had a desire to know more, and hungered for that completeness that is only found by living through the one and only God, whose son is Jesus Christ.

Today Sarah lives with her husband, Steve, in Australia. Steve is a third-generation missionary, whose calling is to the Japanese. Sarah's sensitive, gentle nature is used by the Lord in a counseling ministry.

Lastly, I would like to contrast this book of a true Christian nature with that of a book that I previously reviewed titled The Unfinished Cross by Dave Austin. The author of The Unfinished Cross used a process the same as what Sarah has used, that of quiet meditation and writing down the Lord's message that comes through the Holy Spirit. Sarah Young's message is Christian. God speaks to her in her life--that it also speaks to us is but for the same world and same issues that we all experience. This is not the case with the other author or his book, which goes completely against biblical teaching.

Link to books by Sarah Young published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville TN.

I recommend this book.

Mary and Rick May own QualityMusicandBooks.com, an online Christian music, book and gift webstore, based in Minneapolis, MN. Mary's internet name is babamarusia.

Mary Katherine May Christian Book Review NIV Audio Bible Dramatized from Zondervan

2010-04-11T04:37:00.000-05:00

NIV Audio Bible, Dramatized on CDsNew International Version Bible: Old and New Testaments
64 compact discs in black zipper case
Unabridged.

Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 978-0-31091-863-9
Release date: November 2001
Retail Price: $99

Recommended Audio Bible

I think one of the best things that my husband Rick and I did was invest in this dramatized audio version of the New International Version (NIV) Bible. The reading is clear and easy to understand. It is dramatized but not overly done.

What I discovered is that when I listen to the Bible I hear things that I miss when reading the Holy Bible. There are many wonderful people who are bright and intelligent that have trouble reading, there are those who are visually challenged, and there are those like me who listen when resting or doing a hobby, while in the car or on a bus, and when doing household chores.

This version is on the upper end of price, yet it is worth the money if you can swing it--it is actually less than $1.50 for each compact disc, and you get a case for all of them too--AND you can listen to them over and over again!

Zondervan also has other formats of audio Bibles in the New International Version, that are less in price than this one and can be used in those little telephones and little listening devices.

Mary Katherine May and husband Rick own QualityMusicandBooks.com, an online Christian music, books and gift webstore based in Minneapolis, MN. Their retail store is currently in the process of relocation. Special orders and book searches at no additional charge.

Mary Katherine May Christian Book Review YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS Bruce Wilkinson

2010-04-11T04:17:00.000-05:00

You Were Born for This
7 Keys to a Life of Predictable MiraclesBruce Wilkinson, author

Reviewed: Unabridged AudioBook
Compact Discs
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 978-0-307-57728-7
Retail Price: $30

Bruce Wilkinson is a very well-known author of books related to the Christian faith. His Prayer of Jabez was a best seller. His Secrets of the Vine has been read and used for study by church groups. He is a part of the evangelical Christian author circuit and has many good things to say.

The issue that I take up with inspirational works such as this is the entitlement message it brings. It is true that God blesses his faithful flock of believers, it is true that he has given us leaders, teachers and preachers to hold us up, bring His message, and give us His word to live by. What this book does is says that we Christians deserve this. We should expect it to happen. It implies the message that God is present to do our bidding, what we want--and that is absolutely backwards.

We are here to serve God, and that God is present within us by the power of the Holy Spirit, and that Holy Spirit is to flow out of us into the world where we are to serve as Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Son of God taught us to do.

What are you going to do if what Bruce Wilkinson tells you is supposed to happen if you are right with God doesn't happen? Where does that leave you? Does God exist to perform miracles for us and through us that make us happy, or do miracles happen because they glorify our Heavenly Father? If God's desire is to make us happy and life wonderful, then what does that mean if we are not happy and life isn't wonderful?

"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name." Acts 5:41 NIV. The fact is, the Christian life is not always wonderful, and included in the not-wonderful part is the expectation of suffering for the sake of the faith, for when faith is under persecution, the church grows.

This may be the book for you, and you will find it to be an inspirational, faith-building teaching. You can tell that it brought questions about what we Christians are born for to my mind.

Mary Katherine May and husband, Rick, own QualityMusicandBooks.com, an online Christian music, book and gift webstore based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mary Katherine May Christian Book Review UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN Jon Krakauer Abridge AudioBook

2010-04-11T03:46:00.001-05:00

Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith

Under the Banner of Heaven
A Story of Violent Faith
Jon Krakauer, author

Abridged Audio Book
Compact Discs
Read by the Author

Publisher: Random HouseUnder the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith
ISBN: 978-0-7393-2366-3
Retail Price: $19.99
Release date: May 10, 2005

Recommended Audio Book

This edition of Jon Krakauer's book, Under the Banner of Heaven (abridged), begins with the telling of the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping story. From this starting point, Krakauer branches out to an investigation of how this happened, and why the brainwashing of this girl into agreement could happen due to what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), founded by Joseph Smith, teaches.

You will hear about the Mormon Church of the past and the present. You will learn about the difference between the fundamentalist Mormons and Mormons of today.

I found listening to this book riveting and informative. I recommend this audio book for the telling of Elizabeth Smart's story as well as for the content of information about this Church that calls itself Christian but does not believe in the Holy Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Kudos to Jon Krakauer for his effort and hard work in the writing and telling Under the Banner of Heaven: A Violent Faith.

CLICK HERE to read the response of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to Under the Banner of Love: A Violent Faith by Jon Krakauer.

Mary Katherine May and husband, Rick, own QualityMusicandBooks.com, an online Christian music, book and gift webstore based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mary Katherine May Christian Book Review ANCIENT CHRISTIAN COMMENTARY SERIES Recommended Books

2010-04-11T03:07:00.000-05:00

Ancient Christian Commentary Series
(ACCS)
Publisher: InterVarsity Press IVP

Recommended Books

The Ancient Christian Commentary Series from InterVarsity Press is quite an undertaking for any publisher. The series contains currently 29 volumes. I don't know if more are planned. The books are fairly pricey at $50 retail for each book, though often you will find used copies and discountied new copies available.

What is contained in these books are the specific passages written by the Early Church Fathers about the Holy Bible, book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. They are excellent for exegetical study, students of Scripture, the Bible Scholar, and inspirational reading.

I currently own two of the volumes, since it is the same for me as for most people--I buy slowly because of the cost. I keep them handy for study and general reading, and have discovered many truths that the early writers of the church gleaned and wrote down for posterity.

InterVarsity Press does have a program where you can sign up for a volume to come to you on a schedule, with the first volume sent at a greatly reduced price, and each succeeding volume shipped at a good discounted price.

Mary and Rick May own QualityMusicandBooks.com, an online Christian music, book and gift webstore.

Mary Katherine May Christian Book Review RUTH BELL GRAHAM A PILGRIM JOURNEY AUDIO BOOK

2010-04-11T02:42:00.001-05:00

Ruth Bell Graham: A Pilgrim Journey
Celebrating an Extraordinary Life
UnabridgedAudio Book: 3 Compact Discs
Walter Cronkite, Narrator

ISBN: 0-8499-6380-X
Thomas Nelson, Publisher
Release date: May 17, 2005

Recommended Audio Book

A great advantage of the internet is the wealth of books, music, and other products once thought to be hard to get if not a recent production, publication or out-of-print is now more often than not readily available--just a click away.

I have listened to the three discs included in this audio edition of Ruth Bell Graham's life before, and having just listened again I thought it a good time to put in a recommended book review.

Ruth Bell Graham, the wife of evangelist Billy Graham, is no less extraordinary or inspirational than her husband. In this audiobook, one of her children states than if not for Ruth, Billy Graham could not have accomplished all that he did.

Now having known several adults that began life as children of missionaries to foreign countries, I can state that Ruth Graham's early years of life in China were not necessarily unique for someone in her position. These years are unique, however, and would still be considered unusual for the average American citizen today as they were when Ruth was a child. This does not mean that her childhood was inappropriate or bad by any means of measurement--in fact, quite the opposite.

Raised by parents devoted to God's service, the difficulty of going away from family to boarding school, the times when family members are very far apart--sometimes on opposite sides of the world. It would be unbearable for all but the most stoic if not for God's love and ever-present presence.

There is a lot that we can learn from hearing or reading about the life of this woman of exemplary character. This particular edition that contains three audio discs includes the excellent narration of Walter Cronkite, a semi-dramatic interpretation of portions of her life, recitations of her poetry, and first-hand accounts from those who have had the privilege of knowing or having come in contact with Ruth Bell Graham.

This edition is currently out-of-print. It is available both used and new through many online book sites.

Mary and Rick May own QualityMusicandBooks.com, and online music, book, and gift webstore.

Christian Book Review A CUP OF COLD WATER by Christine Farenhorst EDITH CAVELL

2010-04-11T02:12:00.001-05:00

A Cup of Cold Water
Chosen Daughter Series
Christine Farenhorst, author
P&R Publishing (Presbyterian & Reformed)
ISBN 978-1159638-026-4
Release Date: September 2007

Recommended Book

A Cup of Cold Water is the biography/semi-historical novel account of the life of Edith Cavell, an ordinary girl and woman whose father, Rev. Frederick Cavell, was a pastor in Swardeston, England. Edith was raised in a loving home and schooled by her father. The Cavell family lived to serve God through deeds done in the community of their parish. Though certainly never wealthy, they had more comforts and provisions than many--and for those who did not have the Reverend Cavell and his wife shared, cared, and brought comfort, and taught their children to do the same.

As an adult nearing the age of thirty, Edith felt it was time for her to choose a profession within which she could serve others. Previously having been employed as a nanny, it was her wish now to train as a nurse. Upon completion of her nursing education, Edith worked in various capacities within her field, after which she was contacted by Dr. Antoine Depage in Belgium to set up a nursing school (Berkendael Institute), something which was sorely needed in this country.

Edith was very successful due to her tireless efforts in creating a nursing school that would be held in high esteem by all. The time came that rumors of war were heard all over Europe. When the threat became iminent she sent off as many of her students as wished to return to their home countries.

The country of Belgium had taken a neutral stance, but could not remain immune to WWI and invasion by Germany. As for Edith herself, she felt strongly that God was leading her to remain in Belgium.

When Germany requested permission to bring their military through Belgium to invade France, the request was denied. This didn't stop Germany from doing what they wanted. The city of Brussels, the location of the Berkendael Institute was supposed to be left alone. It was not.

Miss Edith Cavell was of an exemplary character throughout her life. She was compassionate and truthful. This presented a dilemma for our heroine when asked to help Britsh soldiers flee from her city that was occupied by the Germans--how could she maintain her belief that medical care was for all, always be truthful as God commanded her to be, and yet help those who were her allies escape?

In the end, Edith's participation with those who Germany considered the enemy was disconvered and she was arrested. Edith was true to her faith and the God she loved and did not lie. For this she was executed by firing squad and martyred for her faith and her country. The Germans thought her death would create fear that would work to their advantage. They were wrong.

I recommend this book wholeheartedly for adults and teens. This is an excellent book for discussion: what do we do when called upon to compromise how the Holy Bible--God's truth--tells us we are to live? I read it almost cover to cover. It is a marvelous testimony to the Christian life well-lived. Author Christine Farenhorst did an excellent job at combining the facts of Edith Cavell's life into an historical novel that will be an inspiration to all who read it.

Mary and Rick May own QualityMusicandBooks.com, an online webstore base in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Christian Movie Review THOUGH NONE GO WITH ME DVD 018713517760 0766228118

2010-03-10T12:04:00.000-06:00

Though None Go with Me
DVD

GTMedia
© 2006
ISBN 0-7662-2811-8
UPC: 0 18713 51776 0

Running Time: approximaely 100 minutes
Color/NTSC/Stereo 05-51776

Recommended for Older Youth and Adults

Though None Go with Me is based on the book by best-selling author Jerry B. Jenkins. It begins in 1951, telling the story of a woman who is faithful to God, her commitment to marriage, and her family. She falls deeply in love with a pastor who goes to Korea during the war as a chaplain. Thinking him killed in Korea, she marries another and builds a family with him. One day the man she was to marry appears at her door, after being wounded, not killed in Korea.

In her old age the former young and in love couple meet again at a party held in her honor at the senior home where she now lives.

The story has a great deal of sadness and poignancy, yet demonstrates how God builds a life for each of us with the circumstances at hand. It shows that life can be very rewarding and fulfilling when Christians first honor God, then family, and then ministry in the world.

Included in the contents of the DVD is a discussion guide and excerpt from The Rapture, a prequel to the Left Behind series. The main character is played by Cheryl Ladd. Music by Nathan Furst.

Rick and Mary May are owners of the webstore www.QualityMusicandBooks.com, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Christian Book Review by Mary Katherine May of A VOYAGE LONG AND STRANGE by Tony Horwitz 9780739317235

2010-03-10T10:54:00.003-06:00

A Voyage Long and Strange
Rediscovering the New World
Read by the Author
Tony Horwitz, Author
Audio Book (abridged): 7 compact discs, 9 hours

Published by Random House

ISBN 978-0-7393-1723-5
Retail Price $31.95

Tony Horwitz is a Pulitzer Prize winner in the category of journalism and an author of several bestselling books. The book I am reviewing, A Voyage Long and Strange, was released as an audiobook in an abridged format in 2008. This is the version that I am reviewing.

There are many reasons why people will buy a book. Some will make a purchase based upon other books read by the same author, and some on the author's reputation alone, some because it is a bestseller in the Christian world or secular world. As a bookseller with a webstore, as well as selling on multiple other sites, I will often make a purchase to find out if it something I would wish to stock in our inventory. Because I am very interested in American History, this seemed a good book to read--or in this case, hear.

The publicity blurb, about Mr. Horwitz going on an "epic quest" to re-discover the history of early America I supposed built some pre-hearing expectations in my mind. The readers of this review will have to be the judge regarding bias. I was expecting to read about history. This was not only early history he was telling about, but very early history--before the Mayflower landing. I must say I was thoroughly disappointed.

The history is there for the telling, most of what I listened to could not be said to be hard to find information. What the book is really about is Mr. Horwitz speaking about Mr. Horwitz--for a minimum of 50% of what is told is about Mr. Tony Horwitz. He is wonderful. He tells us so. He was educated in expensive schools. He was a history major. Though he has now performed his epic quest, from what I heard on the first three CDs (that is all I wished to hear), he may need to go on another quest--perhaps a super epic quest, for it seems to me that what he learned could not fill a book, and thus he had to add a lot that is not history.

The analogies and comparisons that this author makes are something of epic proportions in themselves. I honestly do not understand how anyone, when speaking of 15th and 16th century history, can compare what happened at that time to what goes on in the 21st century. Here are some examples.

Mr. Horwitz makes the statement that Christopher Columbus was not a champion of the common man. The reason, most likely this is true but also inappropriate is that at the time Columbus lived there was no notion of the concept--the common man. There was a social class caste system in place, and I doubt anyone even thought much about the regular guy. Regarding America and this term, the era of the common man is associated with the presidency of Andrew Jackson, over 200 years after Columbus went on his first voyage.

Another example is when Horwitz speaks about Ponce de León and his quest for the fountain of youth. For some reason the author finds it difficult to understand that a man with four children can actually lose his ability to procreate. As my husband, Rick, commented, "Just watch all those commercials that sell products to take care of this problem." Yet there is more. He then goes on to insult those who live in Florida. I am almost certain he though his comment sarcastically funny. I can tell Mr. Horwitz for a fact that as a Minnesotan, a state that in not warm for months every year, why many older American citizens move to Florida--and I believe them to be of very fine character indeed.

The first stop on this epic quest was Newfoundland. He complained about Newfoundland. His next stop was the Dominican Republic. He complained about the Dominican Republic. When I left the quest he was on his way to Florida. Guess what? (Please refer to paragraph above this one.) It is truly unfortunate that countries just don't have the same culture and living conditions that Tony Horwitz has where he lives in the United States of America and that they just don't bow to his every expectation. In an attempt to get the information he wanted, he then lied to an official by telling him that he thought very highly of his country. I am again certain that the author thought the lie insignificant. I don't.

If you like Tony Horwitz, then this is the book for you. If you appreciate American History, and particularly early history of America, this may not be the book you wish to purchase. If you mind repeatedly hearing the four-letter word that begins with f used in casual conversation, then this is not the book for you--however inconsequential to its other issues to the quality of this work that I have stated here.

Mary Katherine May is babamarusia, who with husband, Richard, own the webstore www.QualityMusicandBooks.com, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Christian Book Review THE UNFINISHED CROSS by Dave Austin

2010-02-16T11:17:00.002-06:00

babamarusia of QualityMusicandBooks.com reviews

The Unfinished Cross
Dave Austin, author
Hampton Roads Publishing, Newburyport MA
ISBN 13: 978-1-57174-232-2
ISBN 10: 1-57174-232-8
This book may be out-of-print.

This book is NOT Recommended.

Dave Austin is a highly accomplished person. He tells you so himself at the beginning of his book, The Unfinished Cross. He has been, and is involved in many businesses as well in the creation of successful athletes and others. To put Austin's achievements in another way, he is a very motivational person.

What Dave Austin's autobiographical book, The Unfinished Cross is not, despite the positive reviews, is Christian in any traditional sense of what being a Christian implies. After seeing someone do automatic writing that is supposed to be inspired by God, the author takes up the practice himself. In the course of his writing, God tells Dave that he has lived before and has been brought back for the purpose of doing this writing, so that he can tell the world what God is really about.

I really do not need to say more, for reincarnation and being God's messenger to the world to set everyone straight, are just the "tip of the iceberg" in this book. Austin's "wisdom" contradicts Scripture of the Holy Bible.

Published by Hampton Roads which claims to publish books for the Evolving Human Spirit. My recommendation, other than to have knowledge of what is being taught as Christian and is not, is to stay clear of books from this publisher, whose categories include Wicca, Shamanism, ghosts and soul travel.

With a captivating title and a cross on the dustjacket cover, it goes to demonstrate once again that it is impossible to "judge a book by it's cover." Once and more than once when the Holy Bible is in contradiction, a red flag should go up that means caution. When the claim of God's purpose is for someone is to tell the world the truth and set it straight about our Lord's message, a red flag must be hoisted high.

The Truth has come.
He was Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior,
Son of God, the Word
...complete. Amen.

babamarusia is Mary Katherine May, who with her husband owns QualityMusicandBooks.com.

Christian Book Review THE AFRICAN PROSTITUTE by Dr. Patience Turtoe-Sanders

2009-10-23T11:07:00.006-05:00

The African Prostitute
Dr. Patience Turtoe-Sanders, author
Celebration International Life Ministry
ISBN: 1-4257-5434-1

Recommended Book

Have you ever wondered how some people who experience major difficulties in their lives are able to keep a good spirit? Are you curious about those who are successful despite all the problems that come their way?

Dr. Patience Turtoe-Sanders is one such person, and it was her faith and hope in God that brought triumph over tragedy. Born in Nigeria, Dr. Patience now writes Christian, faith-based stories as a part of her ministry. You can view her website by going to www.DoctorPatience.org.

The author of nine books, Dr. Patience is the founder of Celebrate Life International Ministry and also hosts a local cable television show. The book I read is titled, The African Prostitute. I don’t read much fiction, but this story captured my interest and I read it through until finished—because I wanted to know what happened next!

It is the story of two families bound by cultural custom but changed through their faith in God. It is also a story of salvation, commitment and forgiveness without taking a superior moral ground that looks down upon those caught up in sin.

The story is told through the lives of two girls in their youth, Becky and Janda, both in large families living in poverty in Nigeria. Becky comes to Jesus Christ through the pastor of The People’s Church who was himself converted from dishonesty to faith. Becky’s strong faith influences her family and others around her.

Both Becky and Janda are struggling to find the needed tuition money to keep themselves and their siblings in school. Becky believes that without a doubt God will provide. Janda, however, at the suggestion of her father, believes the only way to provide is through turning to prostitution.

It is at this point that an unlikely turn enters into the story, and the question becomes, who is going to cast the first stone? Can the faith of one girl nearing adulthood change the lives of a whole village?

This book held my attention. I recommend The African Prostitute, and think it suitable both for adults and senior high youth, women and men, for Christian homeschooling families, Christian youth groups and Christian book clubs, it is an excellent book for discussion and also cross-cultural teaching and ministries.

babamarusia is Mary Katherine May, who with husband Rick owns QualityMusicandBooks, a Christian music, book and gifts webstore. The retail location in Minneapolis, MN is currently in the process of relocation.

Review Robert Wright THE EVOLUTION OF GOD by babamarusia

2009-09-02T15:11:00.005-05:00

The Evolution of God
Robert Wright, author
ISBN: 0316734918
Little, Brown & Company, publisher

As a Christian, should I walk into a bookstore and see the bestselling book titled, The Evolution of God, my interest would mostly be tweeked enough so that I would read what is on the dustjacket endflaps. Right from the start, however, I would have at least a pre-notion as to whether I would consider the book's information authoritative, since God does not evolve. God is, was, and always will be the same.

I am not surprised that a cursory browse of the web immediately brings up descriptive terms such as "brilliant," and though perhaps my reaction to Deborah Solomon's New York Times interview should be the same, it isn't. What escapes me is how someone who works for the Times (and perhaps I am assuming too much), who should have some degree of logical thought, can ask such questions as to whether Mr. Wright has "insight into President Obama's life."

There is nothing for me to comment upon about the complete content of The Evolution of God because I haven't read it and most likely won't. What I can comment upon is the interview on Bill Moyer's Journal that I watched. I believe that the questions, answers, and comments gave a fairly clear picture upon which this book is based.

There is something very sad about Robert Wright. Mr. Wright for all intents and purposes was raised in a home where facts were presented in a black-and-white fashion. Right and wrong. This is the way it is because we say so. Our thoughts will be your thoughts and there will be no wiggling left or right. At a young age he accepted Jesus as his savior through an altar call. Then, it seems, the age of thinking came along and the author discovered that he disagreed with what he had been taught.

Well, okay, there are very few youth who do not get to the point of thinking on their own. I recall a conversation with my own mother when she told me I had to think and do as she did. My response telling her that I wouldn't is still clear in my mind. As time went on and the consequences of going my own way included a definite level of rejection, it was clear that there was no going back in some respects, but not in respect to God. God hadn't changed. Because I was now thinking on my own, the relationship between God and me actually grew.

Many youth and young adults go through a period of time where they re-think the belief systems that they have been taught. What is sad about Robert Wright and the comments he made related to his book show him to be a little lost boy who still hasn't found the way back home--because he is still relating to the world from the perspective of the age he was at when the light went on that he had ownership of his brain. The fact is, he is lost. I pray he will realize that there are alternatives to a black an white God who brings only reminders of a judgment day or no God at all.

Though the rejections that come with change can be painful, in the end there is one who offers something far better, and that is the loving one, true God. God loves and that love doesn't change. God doesn't change. Though I disagree with Mr. Wright, and recognize his extreme effort in manufacturing this misguided philosophy, my wish for him is that he will have peace always in his thoughts as can only be received from the Heavenly Father.

babamarusia is Mary Katherine May, who with husband Richard owns the Christian music and books webstore, www.QualityMusicandBooks.com.

Review YOU WOULDN'T LOVE ME IF YOU KNEW Jeannie St John Taylor 9780687657865 Recommended

2009-07-27T15:04:00.007-05:00

You Wouldn't Love Me If You Knew
children's story picture book
Jeannie St. John Taylor, author
Copyright © 2009
Abingdon Press, Nashville TN
ISBN 978-0-687-65786-5
Retail price (paperback): $10.00

Recommended Book

It is not uncommon people sometime in their adult life to do something that they feel is so bad that it is nearly impossible to speak it out loud. There are also the instances when a person has not been the wrongdoer, but still inappropriately places shame and blame within their spirit.

What we can forget is that this also happens to children. We shouldn't wait until a situation arises to talk about such times. I believe that parents and educators--both in church and school, need to bring the subject to the foreground. This most likely at some point with the use of this book enable a child who has been carrying a weighted load to seek forgiveness.

I am not surprised that the little boy in the story had to whisper what had happened in his mother's ear. There are some problems so personal that even do that may be too difficult, and it will be God only to whom we speak. Lastly, whether we know or do not know what it was that the child did, is not the issue at hand. The reader should notice that the boy is not even given a name other than "boy."

What the story addresses is the shame and guilt, and need for forgiveness. I believe that NOT knowing may reach even more children than if we did know what the boy did wrong. Children--actually, even adults, who read this story who are in a similar situation can then more easily place themselves in the position in which the boy finds himself, and receive permission to forgive themselves.

Hello! I am babamarusia (Mary May), and together with my husband Rick we own the webstore http://www.qualitymusicandbooks.com/. Our retail store in Minneapolis, MN, is current in the process of relocation.

Christian Book Review CHURCH ON FIRE! Pastor Morris Vaagenes 9781607023241 Recommended Book

2009-07-25T02:39:00.010-05:00

Church on Fire!
Pastor Morris Vaagenes, author
ISBN 978-1-60702-324-1
Retail price: $15.00

Recommended Book

Pastor Morris Vaagenes, coming upon his 80th year of dedicated Christian life, recently became the interim Senior Pastor at the church where my husband and I attend. Never having attended a large church in my life and knowing that Dr. Vaagenes had pastored not only a large church, but a HUGE church with multiple locations, I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

If you have never attended a mega church, or if you have become jaded by all those television preachers that seem to only what your money (though not all preachers on TV are in this category), you are in for a big wonderful surprise.

This book is not about how to grow a mega church as much as it is about a life dedicated to our glorious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is about a human being not afraid to get down on his knees and beg for deeper faith, the Holy Spirit, and understanding. It is about celebrating what God has done, and about a man who needed to get out of the way so that God could do HIS work.

Morris began life in Madigascar, with his parents who had come from Norway through America as missionaries. He went about life with his brother, Carl, speaking Malagasy in everyday life, English at home, and praying in Norwegian. He has spoken to large crowds, seen the miraculous wonders of the Holy Spirit in real life, and still desires to serve--when others would have stepped down to relax and enjoy the "pleasures" of life.

You will read about being sustained in sorrow, turning to God in loneliness, and be encouraged to stay the course and serve the one Lord and Master of all, the GREAT I AM.

To purchase this book through Quality Music and Books please CLICK HERE.

Hello! I am babamarusia (Grandma Mary), and together with my husband Rick we own the webstore www.QualityMusicandBooks.com. Our retail location in Minneapolis, MN, is in the process of relocation.

Christian Book Review BAPTISM God's Activity of Grace by Morris Vaagenes 1933794011

2009-07-25T01:11:00.010-05:00

Baptism: God's Activity of Grace
Morris Vaagenes, author
Publisher: Kirk House, Minneapolis MN
ISBN: 1-933794-01-1

Retail price: $15.00

Recommended Book

There is something different about Dr. Morris Vaagenes' book on Baptism than readers will generally find in the majority of books written on this subject by other authors whose background is, or who are, protestant. As a Lutheran pastor steeped in the doctrines and teachings of Martin Luther, he had no reason to believe otherwise than that through water and the Word, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that children begin their Christian life with this sacrament, and that people of any age are baptized without the practice of full immersion.

Yet, if Pastor Morris has experienced as I have the vocal and written criticism of this practice, it would be enough cause to stop and think--and that is what he did. Here is where his book begins. Dr. Vaagenes, as I have had the experience of knowing him personally, has the gift of being highly intelligent, but more importantly a person who truly listens to God. If you would have the opportunity to hear him speak, you will know that he believes in prayer first and speech second.

Pastor Morris set aside all that he had been taught about baptism and asked, "What does the Bible say?" Some of his insights may surprise you. After examining scripture, looking at every detail carefully including every form of the Greek and Hebrew words used for baptism, he found no reasonable cause to deny infant baptism or insist on full immersion.

I have two reasons for recommending this book.

First, for the cause of unity among all Christians, there is a need for understanding and respect of those who hold the same belief in salvation through Jesus Christ, God and Lord, yet practice their faith in a manner than may be unfamiliar. Second, in becoming mature Christians we need to do more than recite back what others have told us. We need to truly understand our faith practices along with those of others, and why each one of us believes as we do. This comes first from study of scripture, then prayer and meditation, and reading and sharing what is in our hearts with fellow believers.

To purchase a copy of Baptism: God's Activity of Grace through Quality Music and Books please CLICK HERE.

Hello!

I am babamarusia (Grandma Mary).
My husband Rick and I own the webstore www.QualityMusicandBooks.com. Our retail store in Minneapolis, MN, is in the process of moving to a new location.

Christian Book Review REVIVAL GOD'S WAY Leonard Ravenhill 0871236206

2009-07-16T15:04:00.007-05:00

Babamarusia's Christian Book Review
Revival God's Way: A Message for the Church
Leonard Ravenhill, author
ISBN: 0-87123-620-6
ISBN: 0-7642-0302-9 (reissue 2006)
Copyright 1983 by Leonard Ravenhill
Publisher: Bethany House
Retail price (reissue): $11.99

How the Church Can Be Brought from Where It Is to Where It Ought to Be

Reviewer: Mary Katherine May (babamarusia)

Leonard Ravenhill puts forth a very discerning look at the church in today's world regarding its flaws and faults. For some this book will come across as extremely negative and be put off. There is a way to take a critical view without being so denouncing of the church as a whole. Being as the church is the Body of Christ, and the Body of Christ is compromised of people, I am not quite sure how anyone can denounce every single person (as it seems) except one's self. Also included are quite a few poems written by the author.

Then again, this may be just the type of writing that you like.

Rick and Mary May are the owners of http://www.qualitymusicandbooks.com/, a Christian book, music and gift webstore. Quality Music and Books retail store in Minneapolis, MN, is currently in the process of relocation.

Christian Book Review LETTING GO OF DISAPPOINTMENTS AND PAINFUL LOSSES Pam Vredevelt 1576739546

2009-07-16T14:45:00.004-05:00

Babamarusia's Christian Book Review
Letting Go of Disappointments and Painful Losses
Pam Vredevelt, author
Copyright 2001 by Pam Vredevelt
ISBN: 1-57673-954-6
Publisher: Multnomah, Sisters OR
Retail price: $11.99 Out of Print used copies available online

Recommended Book
Reviewed by: babamarusia (Mary Katherine May)

Audience: Women
Pam Vredevelt is a licensed professional counselor. In this book she relates stories of how healing has taken place in women who have been hurt in relationships--by family members, friends and others. What spoke to me was her story about the woman and the jar. A woman drew a picture of a jar with a big crack down the middle that couldn't be repaired. After experiencing healing and realization of herself as a child of God, the crack was still there, but now with God's light shining through.

I also like that the book is clear and instructive without a lot of extra writing thrown in--I recommend this book.

Mary and Rick May are the owners of http://www.qualitymusicandbooks.com/, an online Christian book, music and gift store. Their retail location in Minneapolis, MN, is currently in the process of relocating to new location.

Christian Book Review KATHERINE PARR Brandon G. Withrow P&R Publishing 9781596381179

2009-07-12T17:53:00.003-05:00

Katherine Parr: A Guided Tour of the Life and Thought of a Reformation Queen
Brandon G. Withrow, author © 2009
P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg NJ
ISBN 1-59638-117-9
Retail price: $13.99

Katherine Parr was the sixth wife of King Henry VIII, the king who married eight women and brought an end to the Roman Catholic prominence in England during the Reformation Period of history. Once heralded by Pope Leo X as "Defender of the Faith," or FIDEI DEFENSOR, when not given permission to set aside his first wife by the church in Rome, he went ahead with his plans and set aside Rome altogether.

Katherine, however, went even further by embracing the protestant theology of he Reformation. As the term protestant arose from the word "protest," and though she and husband King Henry discussed the Christian faith regularly, by stepping beyond her spouse on religious matters she was treading on shaky ground. At one point, men of the King's court set out a plot to expose Katherine Parr's beliefs and thus be rid of her, but the secret mission, so-to-speak, backfired.

There is excellent biographical information in this thin volume about this interesting woman of the sixteenth-century, and to round the volume out, included are selected writings from her published works, Prayers and Meditations, and The Lamentation or Complaint of a Sinner, as well as correspondence to- and from the Queen.

There is one element of this book that I felt may have been handled in a different fashion. Throughout the first portion of the book, the biography, author Brandon Withrow included numerous mentions and citations of previous biographers' works.--so much so, that I found it distracting and disruptive of the flow of the content. How this may have been done in another way, is perhaps a good question to be answered by other biographers. For this reason, my view is to think of this edition as more of a textbook than for casual reading.

Mary Katherine May with husband Richard owns www.QualityMusicandBooks.com, an online Christian music, book, and gift webstore. The retail store, Quality Music and Books, is currently in process of relocation.

Jonathan Edwards America's Evangelical Philip Gura SAMUEL WEST Download Essays

2009-07-10T22:49:00.007-05:00

Jonathan Edwards: America's Evangelical
Philip Gura, author
Hill and Wang, publishers
ISBN 978-0-8090-6196-9
2006, trade paperback format
$15.00

Recommended Book

Always wanting to know more about Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) than the standard information I gave in various written papers for course work, a little over a year ago I obtained a few copies in hardcover format of Philip Gura's book, Jonathan Edwards: America's Evangelical, for our Christian bookstore, http://www.qualitymusicandbooks.com/. So I read it, and then shared it with my two buddies that came into our retail location weekly. In fact, I am quite surprised that I haven't written a review of the book since I do recommend it.

Find this book at QualityMusicandBooks.com.

I thought Gura's account was extremely informative, held my interest, and gave me a good accounting of Edwards' contribution to Protestant Christian faith and life in the United States, as well as an excellent overview of all that was going on at the time that Edwards lived, served as a pastor, and wrote volumes of thoughts. In this respect, Jonathan Edwards is a most likely candidate for the clergyman that we know the most about from this time period, that being 18th-century colonial America, simply because he did write so much.

When you read this book, you may be surprised to find that there is information you have assumed to be fact that isn't fact at all. It will place the events of revivals and awakenings in their proper order. It will show you that people of the 18th-century in some respects have no different attitudes than many Christians hold today.

Edwards wrote many important works. The one I wish to mention today is Freedom of the Will. Who chooses what? Does God choose who is saved? Does God knowing who will be saved because he has already chosen? Or, does God's omniscience mean that God knows who will choose? It is one of the issues that has separated protestants for centuries: Predestination vs. Arminianism.

I recommend for the serious-minded Christian: Read a book about Jonathan Edwards such as the one recommended in this article, read at least one of Edwards' works, and others from this time period. (I recommend Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God and Other Puritan Sermons from Dover Publications, for a new book the price is $3.50.) You will be amazed at how events from then have shaped our faith-thought today. Without a doubt, it is philosophical. Perhaps you like philosophy, and you will delve right in to the heart of the thought. Or, perhaps you are like me, who finds philosophy an important study, fascinating, and thought-provoking, but sometimes hard to understand. Don't give up. Stick with it, because it is worth the effort.

Lastly, I invite you to read even more. I have just finished transcribing the reply to Edwards' work, Freedom of the Will, given by Samuel West. This is free to read online, or to download in pdf format. CLICKHERE to read Essays on Liberty and Necessity; in which The True Nature of Liberty Is Stated and Defended; and The Prinicpal Arguments used by Mr. Edwards, and others, for Necessity, are Considered. by Samuel West, A.M., Pastor of the Church of Christ in New-Bedford. Boston, Samuel Hall, in Cornhill, 1793.

Babamarusia's Christian Book Review I LOVED JESUS IN THE NIGHT 9781557255792

2009-06-30T10:14:00.003-05:00

Book Review
I LOVED JESUS IN THE NIGHT
Teresa of Calcutta: A Secret Revealed
Paul Murray, author
Published by Paraclete Press
ISBN 978-1-55725-579-2
Retail: $18.95

Reviewed by Caridad C. Recommended Book
Fr. Paul Murray had met Mother Teresa on different occasions. Mother Teresa comes from a family of eight, and she said that God didn't select her from the poorest of the poor. She had dark times, but she became stronger to God and the Lord Jesus Christ in those times. Mother Teresa said at one time that she is married to Christ. In some of her private writings, "to burn myself completely--in order that Christ might become better known and loved." She was a joyful person, and her speaking was simple but to the point.

When she spoke, all would listen. Mother Teresa spoke one time in 1981 to some young people, "Young people want to see our undivided love for Christ." She would write at night on the cheapest paper, and she would speak of herself as a pencil in the hand of God. Mother Teresa has always been my role model, and she gives me the faith that no matter what size you are, God is always with you. One priest had spent a lot of time with her, and found no fault with her. The priest pointed out that Christ was the only one that was perfect. The times you have dark sides in your life, Mother Teresa points out that she became stronger in her faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ.

This book and other Christian books are available through QualityMusicandBooks.com.

Christian Book Review GODS AND KINGS by Lynn Austin

2009-06-09T08:41:00.003-05:00

Babamarusia's Christian Book Review

Gods and Kings
Chronicles of the Kings Series
Lynn Austin, Author

Plotting and intrigue in the House of David..

Reviewed by CARIDAD C: Recommended Book

I really liked the book, since I am a Christian. I compared "Gods and Kings" novel to the parts of the Bible in 2 Kings. The novel made me search out the new Testament.

King Ahaz had a second son, Hezekiah. The idol, Molech, is followed by King Ahaz. The story starts out where Hezekiah and his brother, Eliab, were woken up in the middle of the night by the king's soldiers. Instead of going to the Temple of Yehoweh where the king usually offers sacrifices, they were taken to make sacrifices to Molech. Eliab was the future king of Judah. The Molech monster devoured Eliab. They took him because he was the oldest. other noblemen and city officials offered their sons into Molech's arms.

Eliab was the brother of Hezekiah, and his mother was Abyah. Abyah tried to protect Hezekiah, and Hezekiah was very young at the time. Zechariah was Hezekiah's grandfather on his mother's side. He was an alcoholic. The high priest is Uriah, who strives for power, and he worshipped Molech.

Hezekiah's instructor was guided by Shebna, an Egyptian intellectual. Abyah's father had promised her to the House of David. King Uzziah, King Ahaz's father, went into the Holy Place against the priest's orders, and was cursed with leprosy. Then Ahaz became king, and he was a bad king. Then Assyria was given gold for the purpose of alliance.

I would recommend this book, because it has references in the Bible in regard to Hezekiah, his mother, King David, Zechariah, and Isaiah. It has you searching in the Bible. I am looking forward to reading other books in this series.

Caridad is a friend of Rick and Mary May, owner of www.QualityMusicandBooks.com, who host this blog.

babamarusia Christian Book Review A Very Present Help Testimony to the Faithfulness of God Sir William Dobbie WWII

2009-05-07T11:37:00.007-05:00

A Very Present Help: A Testimony to the Faithfulness of GodSir William George Shedden Dobbie, author

1945 Zondervan Publishing House (third edition)

Recommended Book

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46: 1 KJV

First published by Marshall, Morgan and Scott, Ltd., London, England, 1944. This edition published by Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1945.

William Shedden Dobbie gives us the story of his childhood and testimony of salvation during his teen years, each Christian’s call to follow the path that the Lord has chosen, and following that his entry into service where he played a key role during World War II for England.

“God does not always call us to walk in the path which one would choose oneself. We may think that we could serve Him better in some other calling. But God makes no mistake. He knows what He wants, and what is best.”

Dobbie writes of placing complete trust in God, and witnessing faith by never being ashamed of the Gospel – that is, for others to know of our faith. He writes about what the Bible says about Christians being in military service as opposed to pacifism, and of God’s righteousness and peace.

A Very Present Help demonstrates a life lived fully within God’s will, from the time of personal commitment and thereafter. Dobbie demonstrates how he never walked without God at his side, and explains the necessity of the daily “spiritual meal” consisting of two courses – prayer and study of Scripture. He gives three ways of discerning God’s will for ourselves – from the Bible, circumstances, and inward revelation – all of which follows first being right with God.

The author closes the book with the following thought.

Pacifism in the present state of the world may be little less than a sacrifice of Christian principle to humanitarian sentiment. The Christian attitude must be “Righteousness at any cost,” not “Peace at any price,” for the best way to preserve peace is to be strong in righteousness.

babamarusia recommends this book

I recommend this book for both reading and discussion, for the young adult and older. Issues addressed in this book, along with those that arise from reading it, are important in every era. What is our concept as Christians as to when war is to be participated in and fought? Is righteousness more important than attempting world peace? Where is God’s hand in the world, and what is to be our role? Does God call Christians to military? Is it more difficult to witness ourselves as Christians at all times in 2009 as compared to 1944?

Black & White Photograph Plates
1. Frontispiece: Lieut.-General Sir William Dobbie, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., D.S.O

2. Map shows position of Malta in relation to Sicily and the Italian mainland. Top—the harbor of Valetta, with British men-of-war at anchor. Bottom—One of the big coastal guns.

3. a. On the eve of war – British warships at Malta. b. A German plane bombing Malta – one of over 2,100 air raids endured, earning for the island the unenviable record of being “the most blitzed spot on earth.”

4. a. “Alpine climbing” in Malta after an Axis air raid. b. One of thirty underground shelters in which the heroic citizens of Malta slept and lived during the long siege.

5. On Sunday, June 20, 1943, His Majesty King George VI visited Malta. This photo was taken as H.M.S. “Aurora” entered the grand harbor. It shows the King on the bridge saluting the heroic island fortress, prior to landing.

6. Premier Winston Churchill visited Malta in November, 1943.

Contents
1. The Crisis of 1940
2. The Beginning of the Way
3. The Christian and the World
4. The Life – Letting God Guide
5. Christianity and Military Service
6. God – a Very Present Help
7. Prayer – Contact with God
8. The Bible – God’s Word
9. Service – for the King of Kings
10. The Miracle of Malta (a) The Problem of Defense
11. The Miracle of Malta (b) The Solution of the Problem
12. The Miracle of Malta (c) The Hand of God
13. The Nation and God
14. Christ the Friend
Appendix to Chapter 5

Publisher: Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids MI
Copyright: 1945 by Zondervan Publishing House
OCLC: 3502282
Printing: third edition
Format: Hardcover
Size: 20 cm
Pages: 135 + black & white plates

Mary and Rick May own QualityMusicandBooks.com, an online music book and gifts webstore.

babamarusia QMB Christian Book Review: CHRISTIANITY FOR THE REST OF US by Diana Butler Bass

2009-03-28T12:44:00.012-05:00

Christianity for the Rest of Us
How the Neighborhood Church Is Transforming the Faith
Diana Butler Bass, Author
© 2006 by Diana Butler Bass
Harper Collins, Publisher
ISBN 978-0-06-085949-7
Retail price: 13.95

Discernment vs. Judgment

discernment: keenness of insight and judgment,
understand what is true to God's Word

Christian judgment: day of reckoning

The following book review is written for the Christian reader. I do not recommend this book.

As a Christian, the question that I revisit fairly often regarding Christianity is to ask, “What people comprise the Christian faith’s greatest foes?” I look at what is preached by televangelists. I listen to Christian radio, communicate with believers and non-believers, and read articles and books.

The conclusion that I draw is always the same. It is we who call ourselves Christians are our own worst enemy— you say that's not you? I respectfully disagree, for there is some of the following in each of us, if we are truly honest with ourselves.

We are divided in so many ways, and it is Satan who gleefully does the dividing. We look at groups rather than individuals and deny that a whole group is not Christian because their ways are not ours. We decide what the rules are and judge others rather than taking what all of what the Living Word of Scripture tells us, which as it happens specifically to leave the judging to God.

We make the mistake of interchanging discernment with judgment.

This is what the world sees: Too many judgmental Christians, none of whom are without sin, who are legalistic in their beliefs.

Does this mean that we should never tell our brothers and sisters in Christ that there is a sinful issue that needs to be addressed? It doesn't mean that at all--but are we doing it because God has called us to do so, or are we doing it for self-righteous purpose?

This week a shipment of new books came in, one of them being, Christianity for the Rest of Us: How the Neighborhood Church is Transforming the Faith, by Diana Butler Bass. Published in 2006, I believe it reflects contemporary thought.

Using my discernment, I disagree with the thoughts of Diana Butler Bass on what is viable in regard to the Christian faith. On salvation I will not judge what is between Ms. Bass and God. I must confess to readers of this article that my opinion is limited to the first 64 pages with a browsing of a remainder of the book—it is just not my way of thinking and I had no desire to read further at this time.

Diana Butler Bass is certainly not alone in her theology. Holding a doctorate in religious studies, she is well-educated. On her website, she describes herself as an author, speaker, and independent scholar specializing in American religion and culture. Online, as an intro to her website, Ms. Bass calls herself as expert.

To write Christianity for the Rest of Us, Ms. Bass spoke with many people, and visited many churches of the ilk that she describes as the “new type” of Christian church body. I am assuming that she felt her history of growing up in a mainline denomination along with extensive education sufficient information for what has been taught as the Christian faith for nearly 2,000 years, because there was no mention of speaking with any Christians who are so-to-speak, "out-of-date."

What I am most uncomfortable with in the portion of the book that I read, is that Ms. Bass writes of creating a church where God is present in a manner that allows for those who attend to not compromise their own beliefs. She speaks of creating Christian community by finding out what people in the neighborhood want and think, then making Christianity conform. Not once was a passage of the Living Word of God quoted or mentioned—but then you can’t do so under her premise, because someone might disagree, and then the church would not be loving or caring.

Yet, Scripture tells us that God works through us, that He is the one who builds His church, His way, His idea.

After making that point, I still will not judge her faith, though I would like to challenge her belief system, which means I do not condemn or acquit—for that is in the hands of God.

I would like to know, however, what she thinks of the Holy Bible, because the only conclusion I can draw from her words is that it needs to be “re-written” to fit her and other’s theology of the 21st century.

Jesus will sometimes tell us to change our way of thinking, or he will tell us to stand back and to turn the other cheek, that He will be there to handle what we discern to be incorrect teaching.

Ms. Bass points out that the church which espouses her theology is growing, yet that is not the sign of a successful church. She stresses harmony and acceptance, to the point of denying the affects and consequences of sin, she speaks of “shalom” when all will come into unity with God, yet the Bible speaks of not only Heaven, but also Hell.

A valid point made by Diana Bass is that too often a church is a “gathering of saints” rather than a “hospital for sinners.” (p. 35) When a church preaches against certain sins and not all sin equally, there is a man-made created exclusivity. And, although it is sin that condemns all of humanity and we are humanly helpless against it, the sin is not where our salvation or lack of- lies.

Our salvation lies in whether or not we have accepted Jesus Christ as the Son of God, whose resurrection conquered sin and death, as a free gift to all from the Loving God. When this is the root of Christian faith, the believer will read the Holy Bible, will understand the nature of sin, will take what is and is not sin as stated in Scripture as true, will have less and less desire or will to sin, and will produce fruits through the workings of God, not by following the teachings of God that the individual has hand-picked as their choice du’jour.

I now challenge Christians to remember to love all, be faithful to Scripture, and leave judgment where it belongs. Remember that every single one of us carries sin, and that only the free gift of Grace changes us. Remember to not completely close the door on anyone—if you must walk away, leave an open “crack” of light shining through. Our God is a God of love, and His desire is to see all of His children come home.

babamarusia (Mary Katherine May) and husband, Richard, own the online webstore, www.QualityMusicandBooks.com. We invite you to browse our website.

Christian Book Review LOVE LETTERS by Annette Irby 1601541732 Recommended Book

2009-03-11T13:12:00.005-05:00

Love Letters
Annette M. Irby, Author
Wild Rose Press
© 2007 by Annette M. Irby
Trade Paperback
ISBN 1-60154-173-2
Retail price $9.99

Recommended Book

From the book's back cover:
Randy Ambrose has penned scores of love letters to his wife, but she’s never seen them. He fears she won’t receive his affections, and her rejection would destroy their marriage. He also fears strong emotions, including passion.

For ten years, he has kept his heart hidden. Jordan Ambrose is trying to pretend Randy’s emotional distance doesn’t hurt. She has erected walls to protect her heart. When she finds a box of ardent letters written from R to J, she hopes they’re to her.

Randy has some explaining to do, and their tenth wedding anniversary is right around the corner. Can he rescue his marriage by taking an unprecedented risk and making a crucial confession.

babamarusia's review:
I will say first that I enjoyed reading this book. The short length is very readable, and I read it from cover to cover in one sitting. The reason I liked the story is because the content drew me in and it was as though I was living with Randy, Jordan and family as the events happened, and that the events were plausible in every day life. For these reasons, I recommend this book.

That being said, I will say that the writing style of author Annette Irby still needs polishing. I found it a bit rough. For example, the word “agitated” is used three times on the first two pages. Also, Irby focused far too much on relatively unimportant matters--how the couple took their temperatures by placing a thermometer under their arms is one. It seemed as if the thermometer and its use were in competition with the story line.

The subject matter of LOVE LETTERS, that being the risk of being open emotionally in relationships, is an excellent topic for a story and worthy of exploration by those who are single as well as couples.

Though perfectly appropriate in a marriage, the one intimate moment between Randy and Jordan makes use of this book in a Christian group setting where older singles may be present in my opinion, uncomfortable. It also negates using the book as a teaching tool (for which I believe it would have been excellent) for all relationships, and for that reason I am disappointed that there is the inclusion of this material.

Although there is enough but not a lot of Christian-specific content in the book, I approach its use in the Christian setting because I noticed online that she was present at a Christian author book fair.

As I began the review, I again state that this is a good read for the story. I personally hope to see more fiction by Irby in the future, and look forward to watching her writing style develop.

babamarusia is Mary Katherine May, owner with her husband, Rick, of www.QualityMusicandBooks.com, an online Christian music, books and gifts webstore.

Christian Book Review TO LIVE IS CHRIST 40 Day Journey YEAR OF ST PAUL Recommended Book 9781557256386

2009-03-02T08:40:00.006-06:00

To LIVE IS CHRIST: A 40-Day Journey with Saint Paul

compiled by Peter Celano
Published by Paraclete Press, Inc.
Copyright © 2009 by Paraclete Press
ISBN 978-1-55725-638-6
Retail price $17.99

from the publisher:
Published to coincide with Pope Benedict XVI’s “Year of St. Paul,” To Live Is Christ will energize Christians of all backgrounds to study the great Apostle. It has been 2,000 years since St. Paul’s birth. This is your guide to take forty days to deepen your life with Christ by discovering him once again.

babamarusia’s review:
Practically speaking, I appreciate To Live Is Christ for the chronological Scripture presentation of Apostle Paul’s life, and for the section with his biblical prayers printed. I like the short writings written by both men and women of the church and the inclusion of a sentence or two about who they were. The format works well, with Scripture, writing, and question for thought for each day, as well as the breaking down into eight topical sections of five days each.

I believe this book will work well as an inspirational devotional for adults, for a class on St. Paul, and also for use in a Roman Catholic homeschool setting with youth twelve years and older. If used in a classroom, the five-day sections are perfect for the school week. The language is clear and easy to understand, yet you will grow from reading it.

When I read through To Live Is Christ, I found information that I can use in the future, inspirational and devotional reading, and facts that were unknown to me previously. I recommend this book.

Another book compiled by Peter Celano and published by Paraclete Press that you may like to read is Christmas with the Holy Fathers with foreword by Thomas Howard, devotional readings for the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons and including the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Children's Book Review PLENTY OF FISH Teacher Resource Curriculum Selsam Blegvad

2009-02-28T06:49:00.005-06:00

Plenty of Fish
A Science I CAN READ BOOK
Millicent Selsam, Author
Erik Blegvad, Illustrator
Harper & Row Publisher
© text 1960 Millicent E. Selsam
© illustrations 1960 Erik Blegvad
out-of-print

babamarusia's summary:
Willie is a boy who is about the age that most children begin to read. One day, Willie tells his father that he would like some goldfish, and from there the story flows. Written at a pace that a child can think, absorb and discover, Willie learns basic facts about fish and their environment. If only all of us parents were so patient as Willie’s father, letting his son set the pace on learning what needs to be known and then filling in the cracks, it would be wonderful indeed.

babamarusia's recommendation:
I recommend this book. It is good beginning science, an I Can Read format, and has a flow to the story leading from one page to another. I believe this book is one that parents will enjoy reading to their children, and one that children will want to read on their own many times.

babamarusia's suggestion for educational use: the science detective

When reading this book, have your child write a list of what is necessary to have goldfish as a pet: goldfish, fish bowl, water, fish food, plants.
A magnifying glass that can be obtained at most dollar stores is a nice addition to see thing larger and use scientific tools to obtain data/facts: fish, gills, bubbles of oxygen.
Use the internet to search out prices or go to a pet store, use math skills to add costs.
You may want to use two sources for prices and add budget/value and money skills to the project.
If available in your area, visit an aquarium or other facility where fish of many kinds and sizes can be viewed--a pet or fish store will work!

babamarusia (Mary Katherine May) and Rick together own and operate www.QualityMusicandBooks, an online Christian music, gift and book store, dedicated to providing products and materials for all aspects of the Christian life.

Christian Book Review ABANDONED TO GOD biography Oswald Chambers McCasland Discovery House 9781572930506

2009-02-27T05:02:00.007-06:00

Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God
The life story of the author of My Utmost for His Highest
David McCasland, Author
Published by Discovery House
ISBN: 978-1-57293-050-6 (paperback)
Retail price: $14.95

babamarusia's review: I recommend this book.
I have just finished reading about the life of Oswald Chambers in the biography, Abandoned to God, written by David McCasland. If you have ever used the daily devotional My Utmost for His Highest, then you are familiar with Mr. Chambers already.

Throughout his short life, Oswald Chambers energetically spent every moment humanly possible in the Lord’s service. He didn’t initially start out to do so, he began his adult student life studying art. The call to service came, however, and Chambers answered. Tirelessly he taught and preached wherever the Lord sent him. When he met the woman who would become his wife whom he called “Biddy,” she too had the same purpose. My Utmost for His Highest was compiled by Mrs. Chambers after Oswald’s death from his sermons that she had taken down in shorthand when preached.

The biography, Abandoned to God, is an interesting and informative reading experience. I truly enjoyed this account of Oswald Chambers’ life, and found it inspirational and stirring. I recommend this book.

From the publisher:
In Oswald Chambers—Abandoned to God, you trace the life of this servant of God from his boyhood home in Scotland through an astounding journey of faith and trust in God's provision.

From the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, and ultimately to a YMCA training camp in Egypt during World War I, you'll find Chambers to be a man utterly devoted to God, His Word, and to sharing the timeless wisdom of the Bible with others.

The last six years of his life were spent as principal of the Bible Training College in London and as chaplain to British Commonwealth troops in Egypt during World War I. After Chambers died, at age 43 in 1917, the books that bear his name were compiled by his wife from her own verbatim shorthand notes of his talks.

Chambers never lived to see the book for which he is best known, My Utmost for His Highest, published. He left a spiritual legacy that has touched men, women, politicians, and preachers ever since. Now you can read about this remarkable life well-lived and find inspiration to persevere for the sake of Christ.

Christian Book Review by Mary Katherine May THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

2009-02-27T04:38:00.006-06:00

The Cost of Discipleship
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Author

translated from the German Nachfolge first published by Chr. Kaiser Verlag Münschen by R.H. Fuller, with some revision by Irmgard Booth.

Publisher: Touchstone/Simon & Schuster
ISBN 10: 0-684-81500-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-684-81500-8
Publication date: 1 September 1995
Retail price: $15.00

babamarusia's Review: I recommend this book.
Since my first encounter with pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I have been enamored by how clearly he can put into words the essence of deep theological thought. As with the British teacher Oswald Chambers, Bonhoeffer didn’t live a long life, and as a matter of fact both died during a war—one with war as the cause, the other far away from home ministering to those who fought in the war. One lived imprisoned by the destructors of WWII, one lived and moved freely, leading many soldier in Egypt to Jesus Christ during WWI. Both were energetic in their faith, each given great wisdom that can only come from God through diligent daily study of the Living Word.

That God gives to some more than others is true. This doesn’t mean that wisdom is gleaned only to a faithful few, but in fact it is open to all of us. In chapter 13 of the Gospel of Matthew Jesus tells the parable of the sower. He tells us, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” (NIV).

Certainly there are variable factors, but what is common to all is the diligence of study. Daily study is the key, and this doesn’t mean reading through the Bible—as beneficial as that may be—it means study. Think of how you might prepare a text on which you will be examined. You read it, and read it again. You look for what it is telling you, and learn the important points well enough to remember them. This is also the key to study of the Holy Bible, except that it is not us seeking out what is important, it is God bringing to us what He wants us to understand in His Living Word.

Perhaps the best known of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s offerings is his book, The Cost of Discipleship. Though some may find it difficult to comprehend, I don’t think it beyond an adult Christian’s capability of understanding, and well worth reading and making the effort for the message inside.

Cheap grace is the deadly enemy of our Church.
We are fighting today for costly grace.

What is the cost? What are we to make of Bonhoeffer declaring that grace has a price? Is the underlying message of such a statement heretical? I propose not, as is proved out by the reading of his book. Should you take only two words, costly grace, that absolutely seems to be a heresy. To do so, however, is to take out of context the complete message, and is no different than taking verses from the Bible to prove whatever one wants to prove.

Grace is free. Period. What is grace? It is God’s mercy, it is complete forgiveness of remorseful sin. Forgiveness without remorse is cheap, and it is false. As Bonhoeffer states, “cheap grace is the forgiveness of the sin without forgiveness of the sinner.” Costly grace came with a price, the price was the brutal execution of God’s Son who had no sin, Jesus Christ. Jesus was obedient to his calling, though in the Garden of Gethsemane prayed for his Father in heaven to take the cross away.

Our cost is insignificant compared to the godly price. Our cost is remorse—the understanding of our true human nature that has no ability to live sinless. It is the understanding that someone who never did a wrong thing to us or anyone gave His life, and painfully so was the accomplishment of that fact. Our cost is the turning away from the nature of the world, turning our backs on a future that is short-lived without hope of change to a future where there is positive change to growing goodness and a forever throughout eternity.

I am currently leading a class that is studying the Bible along with The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. We are exploring what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ in our daily lives, and what God’ Living Word speaks to us in 2009 on this subject. The fact of the matter is that the year 2009 is the same as when Jesus lived, and that without God it is impossible for the standards are humanly beyond reach.

What seems to be going in a circular direction, in Bonhoeffer’s book become truths. That God calls us to himself first is true, and the grace bestowed upon us is true, yet faith must also be present. When faith is present there must also be obedience.

“Only he who believes is obedient, and only he who is obedient believes."

Without belief (faith) there can be no obedience to the Christian way of life, and without obedience (in the following of Jesus’ teaching on the Christian life) faith will wax and wain.

I highly recommend The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as I also recommend the reading of any of his books.

Hello! I am babamarusia (Mary Katherine May), and with my husband, Rick we own Quality Music and Books. Our retail store in Minneapolis, Minnesota is open by appointment during the move to our new location, but our online webstore is always open. To go to our website, please CLICK HERE.

Christian Book Review Dover Thrift Edition POEMS OF FAITH 0486424472 by babamarusia

2009-02-27T04:16:00.008-06:00

Poems of Faith
Edited by Bob Blaisdell
ISBN 0-486-42447-2
Dover Publications
Dover Thrift Editions
Retail price: $2.50 USA

From the publisher:
Inspiring, comforting, and fillled with profound poems with religious themes and ideals, this volume features the works of more than 60 British and American poets, including "Holy Sonnets" by John Donne, Ben Jonson's "To the Holy Trinity," "On His Blindness" by John Milton, as well as poems by William Blake, Emily Brontë, Emily Dickinson, and many others.

babamarusia's review of Poems of Faith: I recommend this book
Yesterday I used one of the poems (The Larger Prayer by Ednah Dow Cheney) in this book as a devotional at the beginning of the afternoon Bible study that I lead. Many of the poems are prayers. With some of the poems the reader needs to "listen" to the text very carefully as they are presented as written, and language use in the 1500s is not the same as language use today. I don't wish to cause any hindrance, though, because every poem in this small, inexpensive book is worthy of being used as inspirational, prayer and devotional material. Also in included are a few of the Psalms.

The book is suitable for the Christian homeschooling family, and for those who appreciate classic writings in general. The book is economically priced. The material is in public domain, but by the time you found all of this poetry by so many poets, and then used your paper and ink-- well, at that point you will have spent more than this edition's retail price--and here on our website we offer it to you with a discount!

About Dover Thrift Editions:
Hi everyone! Unless how much you spend for books is of no concern to you, and particularly if you appreciate and enjoy excellent literature and classic subject matter, Dover Thrift Editions are an excellent choice for educational purposes and your reading pleasure. Most, if not all, Dover Thrift Editions are price under $4.00--and make an economically sound purchase selection. I know that for myself during my years in college, Dover books were a relief to my pocketbook. Following those years, I have continued to appreciate the excellent publications and great prices Dover has to offer.

We sell Dover publications in our Quality Music and Books webstore. We offer excellent shipping prices, and when purchasing $25 or more shipping is free. If you would like to view Poems of Faith on our website, PLEASE CLICK HERE and you will directed right to that page.

Every day is a good day because it is the Lord's day!

Christian Review DVD AE THE ROMAN EMPERORS by babamarusia Quality Music and Books

2009-02-22T21:44:00.005-06:00

DVD A&E In Search of History™ THE ROMAN EMPERORS
Color and B&W
approximately 50 minutes
DVD, Documentary
Cat. No. AAA#72300
© 1997 A&E Television Networks
Art and Design © 2008 A&E Television Networks.
ISBN 0-7670-7033X
UPC 733961723007

Recommended DVD. Not suitable for young children for subject content.

Sealed copies of The Roman Emperors DVD are available online at QualityMusicandBooks.com. for only $8.98 To go directly to this listing please CLICK HERE.

babamarusia's Review:
This documentary, The Roman Emperors, was not produced from a Christian perspective. In fact, Christians are mentioned briefly only once and then called a "new sect." Yet, I believe this is an excellent program for Christians to view and gain personal knowledge, as well as use for educational classes. The DVD covers the most important time in Christian history, and presents an excellent portrayal of what the Roman Empire was like right before, during, and immediately after Jesus lived, and how the emperors created a society filled with degradation and fear.

Babamarusia is Mary Katherine May, who with husband Rick May owns QualityMusicandBooks.com, an online Christian music, books and gift webstore. The retail store, Quality Music and Books is in the process of moving into a new location.

babamarusia's Christian Book Review THE VISITATION DVD Frank Peretti

2009-02-01T13:53:00.005-06:00

DVD The Visitation
based upon book of same name
Frank Peretti & Brian Godawa, Authors

Starring:
Martin Donovan
Edward Furlong
Kelly Lynch
Randy Travis
Richard Tyson

Director: Robby Henson

Release date: 28 February 2006
Running time: approx. 103 min.
Rating: PG-13

This movie is not recommended.

I know there are a lot of horror genre movie fans, and it seems by the number of books sold by Frank Peretti and like authors there are many who are Christian. Without delving in-depth into the theological aspects of appreciating horror as a Christian, it is true that many times throughout Christian history events occurred that were truly horrific.

Need I bring up the most important? It would be the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, of course. The event itself is not more horrific than the martyr deaths of other Christians, it is the fact that Jesus who never sinned died the atoning death for us as a gift while we were still sinners. That Jesus was crucified, however, is not something from which I take any pleasure--as it seems the reason would be to desire watching and enjoying this genre.

THE VISITATION, in my opinion, is a movie that is within the horror genre. There are pastor and Christian character roles in the film, but to say there is a redeeming message of value that left an impression on me when the movie was over--well, it just didn't happen.

A movie of this ilk, with strange events, satanic forces influencing people and drawing them into the web of the bad guy's defeat, is not a movie I would choose to view at any time. This DVD, however, is one we stocked in our retail store, and I wanted to be informed because within books, movies, music, and other products given the name Christian, it is still very necessary to screen for content to discern that which is not inside reasonable belief parameters.

The story takes place in a town somewhere in the United States where everything is pretty much the same as everywhere else--troubled teens, single parents, bitter people, jobs, church, police, etc. Most of the roles are pretty stereotypical--this is a story of the "been there, done that" variety. Strange occurances start happening, and someone starts healing people. People are told that all that is necessary is to "believe", which is the BIG clue that anything this guy does is not from God since he doesn't mention Jesus or do what he does in the name of Jesus Christ.

People tell their tales of woe, some changes their ways--though if it is because of their belief in Jesus Christ is hard to tell. The bad guy in the end was abused as a child and no one listened or cared, so he had no choice but to turn to satan for help--that is the story line.

Folks, I can't recommend this film. It is not the acting or directing, it is a movie made too many times before from a story written too many times, and barely Christian entertainment. If the story wasn't Frank Peretti's, you may not even consider it to be Christian at all.

... babamarusia

babamarusia is Mary Katherine May,
owner of http://www.qualitymusicandbooks.com/.

Book Review REAL CHRISTIANITY William Wilberforce revised & updated by Bob Beltz Recommended for Christian Youth

2009-01-28T00:28:00.007-06:00

REAL CHRISTIANITY
William Wilberforce/Bob Beltz

ISBN 978-0-7394-7987-2
Regal Books, Ventura CA
Crossways Book Club 1227801

Hardcover/Dustjacket
8.5x7.5 inches
203 pages

recommended book

A Paraphrase in Modern English of A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians in the Higher and Middle Classes in This Country, Contrasted with Real Christianity. 1797.

From the book’s dustjacket:
He believed that slavery was wrong; and with his classic book, Real Christianity, William Wilberforce set out to describe for people an authentic expression of the Christian faith. In doing so, he changed the course of a nation—and the world. In this modern paraphrase of a contemporary classic, Bob Beltz introduces you to a set of principles critical in living an authentic Christian life.

As you read his passionate words, you’ll find that Wilberforce’s examination of what it means to have authentic faith in a time of cultural Christianity resonates strongly, even today. Discover how the concepts of sin, evil and depravity have been watered down. Find out how the essential beliefs of authentic Christianity have been distorted.

Learn how to maintain a biblical lifestyle. Although written more than 200 years ago, the timeless truths in this book will speak to you in fresh ways. It will also serve as a litmus test of the authenticity of your own spiritual values.

babamarusia's review:
My impression of this book upon reading it was very positive. There is room within the thoughts and concepts for growth in faith life and discussion. I believe that the clear text will be beneficial for teenagers, young adults and adults. Throughout the book, it is stressed that the author is writing for Christians. What is challenged is the nature of belief and depth of faith.

The term used is “Cultural Christian,” in that one is a Christian in name only, or when convenient, who bases their depth of faith not against Scripture, but upon their own reasoned criteria. The call is for beginning with the realization that we are all totally helpless to sin, and that human nature is not intrinsically good, but rather not good, and that is why we need the Cross and Jesus Christ. Bounded by total sin within and attacked by evil society from without, there is truly nowhere else to turn but to Jesus Christ.

Once on the right path, the Christian must by necessity guard and preserve what the soul contains through the in-pouring of the Holy Spirit, and then from the good stem, good fruits will follow.

I have never read the original text of William Wilberforce’s Real Christianity, and without knowledge of that I am very hesitant to judge the accuracy of a paraphrased text, as I would be to judge a paraphrased translation of the Holy Bible. Nevertheless, I believe this to be an excellent book, a good text for teaching Christian character, highly inspirational, and worthy of being read by any Christian disciple desiring to grow in faith.

Hello! I am babamarusia (Mary Katherine May), and we have a limited number of "Like New" copies in stock on our website, Quality Music and Books. CLICK HERE to bedirected right to the Real Christianity page. Thank you!

Book Review JANE AUSTEN Poems and Favourite Poems Douglas Brooks Davies 0460879596

2009-01-27T23:43:00.005-06:00

Jane Austen
Poems and Favorite Poems
Everyman's Poetry 52
J.M. Dent, London
© J.M. Dent 1998

Trade Paperback
Retail Price £2
Retail Price $3.50US

Selected and Edited by Douglas Brooks-David

I will admit that I have not read many of the excellent books by Jane Austen, but this book, Jane Austen: Poems and Favourite Poems, came my way, and today I sat down and took a look. Jane Austen wrote very few poems, 20 in all it seems is the number. They poetry is entertaining, fun, and as the editor describes, a window of sorts into the personal Jane Austen, who died in her early forties from what may have been Addison's disease.

If that were all the book contained I might wonder if it had much value, but there is so much more that will delight and aid the Jane Austen student and afficionado.

Chronology of the life of Jane Austen with a parallel chronology of times in which she lived
Introduction
Jane Austen's Poems
Excerpts from the poems Jane Austen is known to have read and valued. Included poets: James Beatti, Isaac Hawkins Browne, Robert Burns, Lord Byron, Thomas Campbell, William Cowper, George Crabbe, David Garrick, John Gay, Oliver Goldsmith, Thomas Gray, James Merrick, John Milton, Thomas Moss, Alexander Pope, Matthew Prior, Anon (Robin Adair), Sir Walter Scott, Robert Southey, James Thomson, William Whitehead
Notes

As it happens, Quality Music and Books has obtained a quantity of these books as publisher's overstock/slightly hurt copies, and is offering them at the great value of $2.50 each. Click HERE and you will be directed right to that QMB page.

Book Review SPROUT AND THE HELICOPTER by Jenifer Wayne Illustrated by Gail Owens 007068698X

2009-01-23T10:59:00.008-06:00

Sprout and the Helicopter
Jenifer Wayne, Author (1917-1982)
Gail Owens, Illustrator
Copyright © 1974 by Jenifer Wayne

Popcorn Bag Weekly Reader Book Club Edition
McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York NY
ISBN 0-07-068698-x

This is the fourth book in a series of Sprout books. The other three books are Sprout, Sprout’s Window Cleaner, and Sprout and the Dogsitter.5 Chapters, 88 pages8-1/4 x 5-5/8 inches (21 cm)

Sprout and the Helicopter is a good book, but not in the sense being a good story. It is a good book in that the story that teaches, with guidance from a parent or teacher, how not to behave. Sprout is a boy of seven years old on vacation with his family at the seaside. He is presented as cute, ambitious, and clever. What Sprout is, though, is spoiled, selfish, self-centered, disrespectful, and manipulative.

Rupert E. Smith, aka Sprout, is a chubby boy allowed to eat anything and everything he wants. Totally without discipline, he has figured out that with persistence he can get anything he wants because his parents will give in to his bad behavior. Sprout finds a sheepdog who becomes a member of the Smith household, but will not be able to bring him on holiday. He whines and mopes, and his parents change their minds.

The main focus in this story is winning a dinghy offered as a prize during regatta week. Though he knows that he is not allowed to own one, he and his friend, Raymond, secretly work to win the prize. The afternoon of the announcement for the winner Sprout could hardly contain himself. His mother wanted him to take their day visitor, Albina, swimming. Sprout sent Raymond instead, so he could listen for his name, even though Raymond doesn’t like to swim in the ocean.

When his name is announced, at first he didn’t recognize that he and Raymond had won. So used to being called Sprout, the name Rupert E. Smith sounded like someone else. Proudly bringing the yellow dinghy back to the family’s spot on the shore, Sprout and Albina’s mothers see that the little girl, prone to illness and thin, is blue with cold from too long of a stay in the ocean. He is told to take her to the family car where it is warm. Not wanting to leave his prize, he insists that she is able to go alone, and as usual he gets his way. Now the car keys have been lost, so Albina is told to climb into the open trunk until the car can be opened.

Not to long following, the families walk to the car, only to find that Albina is nowhere to be found. It seems that she crawled into the trunk of the wrong car and the car was gone. The police are telephoned immediately, and the families come to wait on the beach – only to discover that the dinghy and Sprout’s three-year old sister, Tilly, are missing. It seems that Tilly took the dinghy onto the war and the current has taken her so far away all that could be seen was a spot of yellow. As happy endings go, Albina and Tilly were both rescued. The men who saved Tilly by rescue helicopter slashed the dinghy to sink it, so that no one else would think there was a dinghy in the middle of the ocean with someone in it.

Sprout is now beside himself, but not for the danger in which he put his sister. He is beside himself because the new, bright yellow dinghy has been destroyed. He moped and he frowned. For this Sprout along with Raymond were invited to the rescue station to see the helicopters and how they conducted their rescue operations.

Sprout, was not grateful for the opportunity, and was rude to the men showing them around the site. Following this, he was given a new and larger dinghy along with life jackets and gear by one of the residents at their lodging.

This is a story of parenting without discipline and a little boy out of control, bent only upon fulfilling all of his desires without thought or care for anyone else. He is not taught responsibility or good behavior, but rather finds it acceptable to do what he knows is not allowed, thus putting others in danger, and then rewarded for his efforts.

Sprout is not cute. He is a naughty little boy, and has become so because his parents have allowed it to happen.I recommend this book. It is a lesson for parents on the consequences of not disciplining their children, and a lesson for children on the consequences of selfishness

.... babamarusia

Hello! I am babamarusia (Mary Katherine May). My husband Rick and I own Quality Music and Books. We are in the process of moving our store, but invite you to visit our website -- http://www.qualitymusicandbooks.com/.

2009-01-17T10:34:00.005-06:00

Concerning Infants in Heaven
John Linton, Author
Foreword by J. C. Macaulay, D.D.
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
Grand Rapids MI
1949
86 pages

Reviewer: Mary Katherine May, owner of Quality Music and Books.

This is an interesting topic. As stated in the book, it seems that there are many people, at least in 1949, that asked questions not only about whether unbaptized infants go to heaven, but what happens once they are there.

John Linton answers the questions with biblical verse. It will be the decision of the reader as to how far afield from Scripture the verses wander.

CONTENTS: Introduction; (1) Death Does Not End Existence; (2) Do Infants Go to Heaven?; (3) Are the Dead Conscious?; (4) The Saints Enjoy Fellowship in Heaven; (5) The Soul Grows in Knowledge and Experience; (6) The Soul Has a Spirit Form in Heaven; (7) Infants Grow to Maturity; (8) With What Body Will Infants Come Forth at the Resurrection?; (9) Summary

Many of the questions Mr. Linton answers have never crossed my mind, and the questions asked as well as the answers seemed very curious to me. One answer seemed contradictory: Linton gave two verses demonstrating that God new the person before birth (Jeremiah 1:5), / that salvation was demonstrated while the infant was in the womb (John the Baptist), yet the discussion was salvation before the "age of responsibility." I am assuming this is in regard to the never-ending baptism/salvation discussion.

So if you need answers to the following questions and more, though you may not believe the answers given, this is the book for you.

Question: Does knowledge of God grow after getting to heaven?
Question: Do babies stay babies in heaven, or do they continue to grow and mature into adults?
Question: Will you recognize your loved ones when you get to heaven?
Question: When your baby grows up in heaven, will you be able to recognize your baby who is now an adult?
Question: When Jesus judges everyone, will those who died in infancy or as children have adult bodies or infant/child bodies?

Cautionary Tales PAULINE AND THE MATCHES 1870 Complete Illustrated Download Text

2009-01-09T18:03:00.022-06:00

Mamma and Nurse went out one day,
And left Pauline alone at play;
Around the room she gaily sprung,
Clapp'd her hands, and danced and sung.

Now, on the table close at hand,
A box of matches chanc'd to stand;
And kind Mamma and Nurse had told her,
That if she touch'd them they would scold her,

But Pauline said, "Oh, what a pity!
For, when they burn, it is so pretty!
They crackle so, and spit, and flame;
And Mamma often burns the same;
I will just light a match or two
As oft I've seen my mother do."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
When Minz and Maunz, the cats, came by,
They raised their paws and began to cry,
"Meow!" they said, "me-ow, me-o!
You'll burn to death, if you do so,
Your parents have forbid, you know."

But Pauline would not take advice,
She lit a match, it was so nice!
It crackled so, and burn'd so clear,--
Exactly like the picture here.
She jumped for joy and ran about,
And was too pleas'd to put it out.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
When Minz and Maunz, the cats, saw this,
They said, "O naughty, naughty Miss!"
And stretch'd their claws,
And rais'd their paws;
"Tis very, very wrong, you know;
Me-ow, me-o, me-ow, me-o!
You will be burnt if you do so,
Your mother has forbid, you know."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Now see! oh! see, a dreadful thing!
The fire has caught her apron-string;

Her apron burns, her arms, her hair;
She burns all over, everywhere.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Then how the pussy cats did mew,
What else, poor pussies, could they do?
They scream'd for help, 'twas all in vain,
So then, they said, "We'll scream again;
Make haste, make haste! me-ow! me-o!
She'll burn to death,--we told her so."

So she was burnt with all her clothes,
And arms and hands, and eyes and nose;
Till she had nothing more to lose
Except her little scarlet shoes;
And nothing else but these was found
Among her ashes on the ground.

And when the good cats sat beside"
The smoking ashes, how they cried!
"Me-ow, me-o! Me-ow, me-o!
What will Mamma and Nursy do?
Their tears ran down their cheeks
So fast,
They made a little pond at last.

To view this article in PDF format >> PaulineAndTheMatches.pdf

Pauline and the Matches
Peter Prim's Series
McLaughlin Bros., New York
1870

Originally published as :
Die gar traurige Geschichte mit dem Feuerzeug
(The Dreadful Story of Pauline and the Matches)
by Heinrich Hoffmann

Looking for a book to give his son for Christmas of 1844, Heinrich Hoffman saw nothing that appealed to him, and decided to write something himself. The result was a series of stories titled Struwwelpeter, of which this tale was one. They were published in 1845. It is the story of Pauline, who not heeding her mother's advice and the warning of the family's two pet cats, chose to play with matches, thus bringing about her untimely demise.

By today's standards, Pauline and the Matches is quite gruesome, and would most likely not be read by children nor given as a gift at Christmas. Stories of this type were called cautionary tales. They served to educate and remind children of the dangers that should be avoided.

In 1870, however, circumstances were not as they are today. Though dreadful, a parent might have told a child a story such as this to protect their life, and as such may have been given as a thoughtful gesture. Certainly for a parent there is nothing more anxiety causing than even the thought of one's child's life ending far to soon, let alone it actually happening.

Fire was a very real part of life in 1870, and from clothing to homes most items were extremely flamable.. More than one third of all children died before the age of ten in 1870, from natural and preventable causes.

In the 19th century, research to discover the long-term results of children's reactions to threatening information such as this was virtually non-existent. There were not only stories with graphic words and illustrations, but also hymns about unrepentant children going to hell for eternity.

In one sense, the development and progress of a more developed and healthful society have made the imminence of death during childhood years far less of an issue. In another sense, we know the effects of threats to children's safety that last beyond the growing up years, and have developed ways to illustrate the dangers of our 21st-century society in a manner that won't result in vivid nightmares and even bedwetting from fear of danger.

Entered by Mary Katherine May, owner of www.QualityMusicandBooks.com, online and retail Christian music, books and gifts, as well as classics and collectibles, lesson music and homeschool materials.

Book Review PROBITY JONES AND THE FEAR NOT ANGEL Walter Wangerin Tim Ladwig 1557254575 Paraclete Press Recommended Book

2008-12-16T12:47:00.004-06:00

PROBITY JONES AND THE FEAR NOT ANGEL

by Walter Wangerin, Jr., author and Tim Ladwig, Illustrator

Paraclete Press
Brewster MN
ISBN 1557254575
Retail price: $16.95
Paraclete Press publication date: 2005

From the Dustjacket Endflap:
It ws Christmas Eve. Probity’s family was going to church for the Christmas pageant. Probity herself was to be the Fear Not Angel, the best part she ever had in her life. But Probity Jones was sick.

She could hear her family laughing outside as they walked away to church. She gazed through the window at the lonely moon, perfectly round, perfectly white. And she felt miserable.

Knock! Knock! Someone was knocking on their third-floor window. Probity caught her breath. Outside was a beautiful person dressed all in white, bright as the moon, and tall as the night. She opened the window on the tips of her fingers: Come, Probity Jones. It’s time to go.

And so begins a breathtaking flight up to the pathways of the moon, across a sea as deep as dreaming—and down, down to a Christmas pageant beyond imagining. And Probity is there, hovering above strangely familiar shepherds, joining the Fear Not Angel’s great glad tidings. This is a story that will enchant the entire family and bring warmth, joy, and new meaning to every season.

Babamarusia’s Review:
It was in the 1950s on Easter that I was sick—so sick that our family doctor came to the house. It was after my dad had died so it was after 1957. At some time during the day my grandfather came and stayed with me so that my mom and brother could go to their home for Easter dinner. I remember that though I was very sick, I felt special that my grandfather had come to be with me.

Probity Jones father has died, and her mother is struggling to give her family of four children what they need. What she couldn’t predict is that Probity’s new winter coat would be stolen. Now it was the day of the church Christmas pageant, and Probity is sick with fever. She couldn’t have been more disappointed, for she was chosen to be the Fear Not Angel, the angel that said, “Fear not, for behold I bring you tidings of great joy, a savior has been born….”

When her mom, sisters, and brother left for the pageant, their home grew silent, and in the silence came knocking… at the door? No… someone was knocking on the window! It was the Fear Not Angel come to take Probity through the sky to announce with her the birth of Jesus. When the family gets home her mama knows that something special happened……

This is a lovely, well-written story, as one would expect from Walter Wangerin, Jr. Tim Ladwig’s illustrations create the action, and like I did when reading this story, you may feel yourself flying through the sky with angel wings wrapped around you for warmth. It is a story of hope, bringing us into the presence of the greatest miracle of all, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a story that reminds us that because of Jesus, miracles still do happen in our world today.

I recommend this book. ... babamarusia

babamarusia is Mary Katherine May, owner of www.QualityMusicandBooks.com

Book Review CHRISTMAS MOCCASINS by Ray Buckley 0687027381 Abingdon Press Recommended Book

2008-12-16T12:05:00.006-06:00

Christmas Moccasins

Written & Illustrated by Ray Buckley

Published byAbingdon Press, Nashville TN

Hardcover/Dustjacket

Retail price: $18.00

ISBN: 0-687-02738-1

EAN: 9780687027385

Christmas Moccasins tells the story of a boy and his grandmother who are attacked one snowy winter day, how the grandmother reacts to her attackers, and what the boy learns from the experience.

There are some books that are excellent, but go relatively unnoticed by the general public. The fact that in 2007 I could buy a first edition of this book published in 2003, tells me that this may be one of such a kind.

The illustrations are rich and creative, swathed in purple.... for the royalty of Jesus and the Christmas season? Perhaps it is, but purple is also the color of passion and emotion. I was pleased when I read this book in 2007, and even more pleased now in 2008.

Christmas Moccasins is a storybook that is not necessarily for children, but for all ages. It is about selfless giving and forgiveness. Written and illustrated by talented author and artist, Ray Buckley, the reader has no doubt about his understanding of heritage, customs of life, and faith. The story has an ending that may surprise you as it did me, and why it surprises you will be a surprise in itself.

That doesn't make sense, does it? The story makes sense, though. It is the love message of Jesus Christ, and perfectly suited for the Christmas season. Forgiveness.... do we truly know what it means?

I invite you to read the story, and find out.

I recommend this book.... babamarusia

Book Review: Butterflies Under Our Hats by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

2008-11-29T09:48:00.002-06:00

Butterflies Under Our Hats
Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, Author
Joani Keller Rothenberg, Illustrator
ISBN 1-55725-474-5
Hardcover/Dustjacket
Paraclete Press, Publisher
Retail price: $16.95

From the book’s dustjacket endflap:
“Once there was a town called Chelm where there was no luck. If something could go wrong, it did. The roofs of the houses always leaked. The sidewalks were cracked. The gardens grew only weeds. Nothing was ever right.” So begins Sandy Eisenberg Sasso in this charming, original story inspired bya Jewish folktale.

The people of Chelm look everywhere in attempts to regain their luck. “They looked everywhere—in beds and in pickle barrels, in water wells and wicker baskets.

The people sighed resignation. They gave up. They stopped building houses, repairing sidewalks, and planting gardens. But a strange and mysterious woman, multitudes of hats, and the grace of unexpected butterflies combine to return to the people of Chelm what they had long ago lost.

Through her remarkable storytelling, Sandy Sasso has created another classic for reading and discussing with our children.

Babamarusia’s Review
This story confused me. It was written by a rabbi who has a doctor of ministry from a Christian seminary. In this town of Chelm the people have no luck and so give up. A woman with red hair and green eyes appears one day and tells them there is something better, which is hope. Using butterflies and a substance that resembles powder that is left when they fly off, Sasso shows that hope is better than luck.

I agree with that—hope is better than luck. But where is the hope pointing? There is no mention of God. Perhaps this is an allegory about the Holy Spirit? Whatever the hope, which is better than luck, may be—why does a woman with red hair and green eyes announce its coming?

The illustrations appear to be photographs of oil-on-canvas paintings. I found the illustrations to represent this town with no luck quite well. I have no art-training, and prefer to make no further comment.

Book Review: ON LIVING SIMPLY John Chrysostom/ Van de Weyer

2008-11-27T11:16:00.005-06:00

On Living Simply: The Golden Voice of John Chrysostom
A Book of Ancient Wisdom
compiled by Robert Van de Weyer

Published by Liguori/Triumph, Liguori MO
ISBN: 978-0-7648-0056-6
Softcover
Retail price: $9.95
Size: 5-1/4 x 7-3/8 inches (19 cm)
96 pages

What is on the book's back cover:
This meditational book contains more than 90 excerpts from the sermons of Saint John Chrysostom, a major but little-known spiritual thinker of the early Church. Robert Van de Weyer has selected thematic passages from the written record of these sermons in order to inspire, challenge, remind, and reassure a new generation of readers.

John Chrysostom was a spell-binding preacher and the leader of the Church of Constantinople during the 4th century. He chastised the rich for failing to share their wealth with the less fortunate, and he described generosity to another not as gift-giving but as a required repayment of a debt. He view the goal of marriage as companionship on the journey to heaven. This book brings these and other views across the centuries in a message whose modernity, bluntness, and vigor is undimmed by time.

Babamarusia's Review:
Today I read On Living Simply: The Golden Voice of John Chrysostom, A Book of Ancient Christian Wisdom compiled by Robert van de Weyer, published by Ligouri/Triumph, 1996. It’s a pretty little book, and the pages all have lots of space that is empty–-and at that, it is full of wisdom and thought that is as useful and functional today as it was in the 4th century. Beginning with a brief biography of John the “golden-mouthed,” name for his eloquence and the outspoken truths in his sermons, John was eventually forced to leave the city where he lived because the rulers and the rich didn’t care for what he was saying.

There are 84 writings–very easy to read in one sitting, and also marvelous read one each day for 84 days. However it is done, it’s a good read. Now for today. After reading this book, I understand better the nature of being a steward of all that belongs to God–which is…. EVERYthing.

Why should I take care of my home and yard, my possessions? I should take care of them as a steward, keeping all in good order for the next steward to come.

Is it possible to be humble and meek, and be wrong? Most definitely so, and here is how. As John Chrysostom points out, humility and meekness can become an idol, a worship of attitude instead of a reflection of the Christian’s nature in relationship to God. When humility and meekness, and other forms of visible display–such as living frugally, relying on other for transportation and the like create a situation where someone else is put out in an yway–cause others to inconvenience themselves in an unnecessary manner, then the humble person has elevated him- or herself to a position above others.

A lot of topics are covered by John Chrysostom, taken and written in current English usage by the author. There are strong words spoken out of love, that come across as loving rather than harsh. Whether this is the nature of John’s message or the creativeness of Mr. Van de Weyer’s writing, I don’t know. The author worked from pieces and fragments as you might expect he would, given the age of the original manuscripts.

I encourage you to read this book that I now recommend to you.

....babamarusia

Book Review: ARE YOU THERE, GOD? A Book About Faith 9780794411442 0794411444

2008-11-26T01:53:00.006-06:00

Book Review
Are You There, God?
A Book About Faith
ISBN 13: 978-0-7944-1144-2
ISBN 10: 0-7944-1144-4

Recommended book

Allia Zobel Nolan, Author
John Bendall-Brunello, Illustrator

Published by Reader's Digest Children's Books
Copyright © 2006
Third Printing
Retail Price $9.99

Hardcover Children's Storybook
8-3/4 x 8-3/4 inches (22 cm)

Ages: Pre-K, Early Elementary

What the back cover says:
When Little Cub thinks there are monsters in his room, he calls on God to calm his fears. Then his mother gives him advice that helps: "You don't have to be afraid, ever," she says, "because God is with you." Armed with this guidance, Little Cub faces the challenges of the day. Are You There, God? is the perfect book to teach children their loving Father is always there to see them through the scary parts of life.

Babamarusia's Review
An excellent book that addresses normal fears young children have: being awake in the dark at night, going to school for the first time or to a new school, talking about yourself in front of others, playground problems, making friends, and being accepted by others. I recommend this book.

Here is one of my favorite sentences in the book.... wish I could show you the picture!
And I've got big feet," he said, and then blurted out, "and...they're great for running fast."

At Qualtity Music and Books online we have a limited number of this book in stock. By CLICKING HERE you will go right to the page with this book. If you would like to come to our store in Osseo, Minnesota, please telephone first to verify there is a copy in the store.

God always leaves the light on for you!

Review MORTIMER'S CHRISTMAS MANGER Storybook 9781416950493 Margaret McElderry Book

2008-11-09T23:26:00.004-06:00

Book Review
Recommended Book!
Mortimer's Christmas Manger
(2007)
Karma Wilson, Author
Jane Chapman, Illustrator

Hardcover
Simon & Schuster:
Margaret McElderry

ISBN: 9781416950493

Retail price: $9.99
QMB price: $4.98

Mortimer is a happy little mouse, and only wished for a warmer, cozier home. One day, as he scurried about in the house, he spied a house just his size sitting on a table. It took a little effort, but Mortimer managed to get up on to the table. After establishing that the residents of the little home were statues, he moved them out and moved himself in--only each day he had to go through the whole process again.

Then, one day he overheard the people telling a story--the story of Baby Jesus who had no home of his own and had to sleep in a manger. Mortimer realized who the little baby statue represented, ... and .....

Condition: New Remainder Copy, NO black remainder line.

Babamarusia's Review: Here is a lovely telling of the meaning of Christmas and the Christ Child. Beautifully illustrated, delightfully dramatic in a childlike way. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, and suspect that it may become a favorite of many families, to be read year after year, for many years to come.

CLICK HERE to go to QMB's webpage for this book.

CD Review Gloriæ Dei Cantores be merry! Celebrate Advent and Christmas

2008-10-31T16:25:00.006-05:00

I recommend this CD
be merry!
Celebrate Advent and Christmas with
Gloriæ Dei Cantores
Director Elizabeth C. Patterson
ISBN 978-1-55725-625-6
UPC 709887004629
Total Time 67:51
Retail Price $18.95

There are a lot of Christmas CDs available for sale in a multitude of styles. If your style includes the best of traditional seasonal music, if your preference is for music done well, with energy and convincingly -- this will be a recording that you will enjoy. From traditional harmonies to more current sound, each of the 24 songs is a pleasurable listening experience.
I recommend this CD.

What Cheer? ... Seagull Seven (speech choir)
Adam Lay Ybounden ... Boris Ord
Noël Nouvelet ... arr. John Rutter
Down in Yon Forest ... arr. John Rutter
Today the Virgin ... John Tavener
Gaudete ... arr. Richard Lakey
Go, Tell It on the Mountain ... arr. Cynthia Dobrinksi, Extol Handbell Choir
Patapan ... arr. Reginald Jacques
All this Time ... William Walton
Immortal Babe, Who in Thine Own Way ... David Campbell
Shepherd's Pipe Carol ... arr. John Rutter
In a Humble Cattle Shed ... Theodora Hall, arr. Seagull Seven
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen ... arr. Valerie W. Stephenson, Extol Handbell Choir
What Child Is This? ... arr. Seagull Seven
A Boy was Born ... Benjamin Britten
My Dancing Day ... Gerald Near
Joys Seven ... arr. Stephen Cleobury
Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow ... arr. Cynthia Dobrinski, Extol Handbell Choir
Go, Tell It on the Mountain ... arr. John Rutter
The Snow Lay on the Ground ... Alfred Burt, arr. Beth P. McCoy
Ah, Bleak and Chill the Wintry Wind
We'll Dress the House
Caroling, Caroling
Deck the Hall ... arr. Seagull Seven, Gabriel V Brass Quintet

Quality Music and Books offers be merry! on its website for $13.48. Please CLICK HERE to purchase.

You can also purchase be merry! in our retail store and save in Osseo, Minnesota. Instore customers paying with cash save an additional 3%. (cash only for 3% savings, no checks or credit cards, please)

Babamarusia review two 365 One Minute Meditations books CHRISTIAN STOCKING STUFFERS

2008-10-18T17:54:00.004-05:00

My Utmost for His Highest

from the powerful, updated devotional of Oswald Chambers

365 One-Minute Meditations

Recommended books

Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville OH
Cover: Flexible
Size: 5-3/8 x 4-3/8 inches (15 cm)
Pages: 384

I know, I know.... how odd it is to think of actually having to state that stocking stuffers for Christmas are Christian! Can you believe it? The word, Christmas--well, the majority of the letters spell CHRIST.

Please remember, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, that we Christians need to demonstrate what Christmas is all about. Thoughtful gift giving as an act of love and kindness--there is nothing wrong with this. Gift giving in the spirit of St. Nicholas, who was a real, actual person is wonderful. Let's think about how we can give gifts at this time of year within the framework of our faith ...

Make a list of names of the people for whom you wish to give a gift.
Jot down next to their names what their interests are, what their current needs include.
Pray that the Lord will guide you to the right gifts for them before you shop--whether online or in a retail store ... or if homemade.
Keep in mind that it is not the cost of the gift, but the thoughtfulness of the gift that matters: cost will keep within your financial parameters, gift will be thoughtful, useful, or inspirational.
Perhaps include a prayer handwritten in a notecard or slip of paper specifically for the person to whom you are giving the gift. It doesn't need be long, only heartfelt.

Here are two newly published books from one of my favorite publishers, Barbour Books. Beautiful, inspirational messages that can be read in one minute or less, accompanied by a brief Scripture passage. Each book is less than $10 on my website or in my retail store in Osseo, Minnesota. I would appreciate the purchase, but much more than that I wish for you to keep Jesus Christ in your Christmas celebrations. There is no such thing as a non-religious Christmas.

Who is this book for?

People who work.
People who travel.
People who are alive.
People who have trouble reading or reading is slow but would like to take time for devotional meditation.
People who are busy with lots of commitments.
People who would like to share a brief word or two with another person.

What can you do with this book?

Put it in your purse, computer bag, brief case, suit pocket.
Give it as a really nice gift to someone who you care about.
Share it, read it together with another person in the car, on the bus, the subway, before starting a meal when your "eating out."
Slip it into your favorite person's purse, computer bag, brief case or suit pocket as a surprise gift.
Use it as a Christian stocking stuffer at Christmas time! (After all, Christmas is about Christ!)
Use it yourself as a starter for your Bible study time.
Take it for a shut-in or hospitalized person who is weary with illness, short readings are absolutely the right thing for them!
Sometimes elderly people have trouble reading--short readings are great for them--and if the print is too small, read it to them!

CLICK HERE to order My Utmost for His Highest 365 One-Minute Meditations from Quality Music and Books.

CLICK HERE to order God Is in the Small STuff 365 One-Minute Meditations from Quality Music and Books.

CLICK HERE to go to Quality Music and Books home page.

Book Review TIMOTHY TUGBOTTOM SAYS NO! by Anne Tyler & Modarressi 0399242554 9780399242557 Recommended Book

2008-10-14T12:54:00.004-05:00

Timothy Tugbottom Says No!
Anne Tyler, Author © 2005
Mitra Modaressi, Illustrator © 2005
G. P. Putnam's Sons, Publisher
Hardcover 9-3/4 x 8-1/2 inches (25 cm)
ISBN 0-399-242554
UPC 9780399242557
Pages: unpaged
Retail price: $15.99

AR Accelerated Reader: 2.8
Ages: Preschool, Grades K-3

Summary: Timothy Tugbottom likes things the way they are. He likes is one pair of pants, his breakfast cereal, his one storybook before bedtime, and the crib he has always slept in. But things are changing, and Timothy is growing. All day, the same as everyday, Timothy said "No!" to change. At bedtime he crawls into his crib, but he doesn't fit the way he used to anymore. The next day, Timothy starts to grow up.

Babamarusia's Review: Babamarusia's book review:Fabulous books for preschoolers and young children. It gives them permission to try new things that they aren't so sure about.
I recommend this book.

One used copy is available at Quality Music and Books online. Please Click Here to go to that web page.

Book Review CHRIST BEFORE CREATION Introducing Christ and the Unseen Realm by GENE EDWARDS 0940232049

2008-10-10T15:21:00.003-05:00

Book Review
CHRIST BEFORE CREATION
Introducing Christ and
the Unseen Realm
Gene Edwards, Author
© 2003 by Gene Edwards
Published by The SeedSowers
ISBN 0-940232-04-9
Retail price: $9.95
Trade Paperback
73 pages

I do NOT recommend this book or the series Chronicles of Heaven by Gene Edwards.

Christ Before Creation by Gene Edwards is an eye-opening, thought-provoking book. It is the introduction to his Chronicles of Heaven series. What needs to be remembered is that words that provoke thought are good. Christians need to be able to discern both that which is theologically sound, and also what is not.

My concern about what Edwards has written as his introduction is that although he has made some good points, there are portions that not only border the heretical but cross the line. The book is very mystical, in that it is attempting to explain with human words that which is not human—thus making a noble effort toward an impossible task. How can anyone explain the composition of God—an entity that is both everywhere yet cannot be seen physically at the same time? How can anyone explain what has never been seen? Quoting from the Holy Bible NIV, a passage where God speaks to Moses:

19 And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and
I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I
will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20
But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." (Exodus
33: 19,20 NIV)

Another biblical quotation, as spoken by Jesus Christ, tells us that we have viewed at least a portion of God:

Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. (John 14: 9 NIV)

Whether one believes as a revelation from God that Gene Edwards is correct, or that his conclusions have been arrived at erroneously and thus are not true overall, his is not the only speculation of the unseen nor will it be the last. However, without the reader’s good understanding from wisdom given by God and knowledge of Scripture from reading, the reader may assume Edwards to be fact—if the book is understood at all.

This is deep theological stuff here—and should not be understood or accepted without thinking it through, for a lot of it is out of the realm of traditional Christian thought. The following are examples of Edwards’ theories followed by my conclusions.

Before I do so, however, I must present one more comment. My main reason for reading this series of books was to find out how the author explained the existence of Jesus as part of the creating process as opposed to Jesus’ existence in the dual form of God and Human during His physical life, and the explanation is not there. Edwards begins by stating that before creation the Trinity was, and that it always has been. He speaks of the three separate natures as one (co-existing, cohesive) unit, and offers no premise other than it is. In this case there is part good—that he acknowledges the Trinity’s being in the manner of accepted Christian doctrine, and not so good—in that he begins his explanation with the unexplainable, offering no discourse on why this needs be where the beginning is. In my opinion, there should be Scripture supporting why the existence of the Trinity from the beginning is true.

Example 1: Edwards states that God (Trinity) has always been, and that there has never been a time when “nothingness” has existed. (I take this as fact.) He then continues to state that all that exists is God/Jesus/Spirit—gold, the sun, the moon.

My opinion: No—certainly created by God, and in this sense viewed as sacred, but only man was created in His own image.

Example 2: The author continues the thought of Example 1 by stating … “And creation was strewn with pictures of Him. That moon up in the sky is not the true reality. That moon is a picture of Christ.” [p.5]).

My opinion: This is pure heresy of the Gnostic form. To create is to bring something into being, that is, into existence—not just “pictures” or representations. We are here, gold is here, the sun and moon are here, and so are the trees, buildings and everything else.

Example 3: Before creation happened (as told in the book of Genesis) God brought into being all that would be. Names of those who are predestined to salvation (people who will return home to their place of creating) were written in The Book of Life, and were given free will during their lifetimes, in which God never interfered. God also crucified His Son (Jesus) and brought all of His chosen children home as the Bride of Christ before creation happened. At the point of creation, the timeless intersected with (created) time and the process that already happened began.

Why did creation happen at all? Edwards’ reasoning is the Jesus was lonely (not stated, but firmly implied) and thus was creating His Bride who would worship and adore Him.

My opinion: This is speculation that may or may not be true, but is based upon erroneous assumption. God is complete in Himself—always has been, always will be. As God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, His existence can want for nothing. Certainly the church as the Body of Christ is also the Bride of Christ, and this may be how Edwards arrived at his conclusion, false as it is. Jesus, if I may again say so, as God, as part of the Holy Trinity, is complete in Himself. He doesn’t need His Bride to be whole. The miracle for us is that we do belong to Him at all.

Jesus being crucified before being created is impossible. Jesus as God was not crucified. It was His flesh that was killed. Edwards also states that as we come from God and we are part of God so thus we also were crucified with Christ before being created in time as we know it—as presented below also, how can what is created be killed before it is actually created? Edwards says this is part of the mystery—I find the connection he attempts to make far beyond plausible.

Example 4: God placed His chosen within the Book of Life and sealed it until they return to the mystical, unseen realm. In the meantime God does not interfere and allows man complete free will.

My opinion: Predestination may or may not be true. My own belief is that all are created in God’s image and thus the invitation is open to all, yet some will choose with the free will they have been given to reject His forgiveness and existence.

God’s so-to-speak “interference” is present throughout the Old and New Testaments. Edward is plain old off-the-beaten-path. Look at it this way: How can God, who is everywhere and who also abides within His children not be a part of them? How can we be living our lives as Paul stated in Galatians 2:20 without God “interfering”?

The explanation the author gives regarding the co-existence of predestination and free will is plausible, and certainly if accepted would end a lot of theological controversy—but only if it includes living lives as God wills for us.

Example 5: Gene Edward uses one whole page to state the following sentence: “The ultimate end of this revelation of Christ is that this Christ lives in you!”

My opinion: This is a true salvation statement, and one that can be made without the thought process that Edwards presents.

Example 6: Edwards’ introduction to this book, which is an introduction to his series, Chronicles of Heaven, quotes Ephesians 1:3. As Edwards quotes Scripture: “You have been given all the riches of heavenly places which are in Christ Jesus.”

My opinion: He doesn’t give which translation he uses. I couldn’t find this wording.
My conclusion: I will not be reading the series, Chronicles of Heaven.

Interestingly, I have been steered toward a book titled, Sit, Stand, Walk by Watchman Nee. He also uses the Ephesians 1:3 verse. I look forward to reading and reviewing this book next.

I do NOT recommend this book or the series, Chronicles of Heaven.

...babamarusia

Book Review TONIGHT YOU ARE MY BABY Mary's Christmas Gift 978006149977

2008-10-09T13:35:00.005-05:00

Tonight You Are My Baby
Mary's Christmas Gift
© 2008 Jeannine Q. Norris, Author
© 2008 Tim Ladwig, Illustrator
Hardcover/Dustjacket
ISBN 978006149977
Retail price $16.99
Published by HarperCollins

The Nativity story, told and retold, over 2,000 years old, yet still timeless, comes to life with the story poetically told by Jeannine Norris and exquisitely illustrated by Tim Ladwig.

Truthfully, this is a fabulous book. Read it to your children, read it to your grandchildren, and read it to yourself. Become enthralled with the warmth of the illustrations--but don't stop at the point where you are still admiring them, continue on... to the real story of the real birth ...of the Son of God, Jesus, who...

"Tomorrow You will be King ... but Tonight You are my baby."

I recommend this book. ...babamarusia

Book Review WE BELIEVE IN CHRISTMAS Karen Kingsbury

2008-10-09T13:13:00.004-05:00

We Believe in Christmas
Karen Kingsbury, Author

Daniel Brown, Illustrator

Published by ZonderKidz

Retail price $16.99

Age 4-7

The family is putting on their costumes, getting ready to leave for church and the Christmas pageant rehearsal. With beautiful, realistic illustrations by Daniel Brown and text by Karen Kingsbury, those who read this book will be reminded of what Christmas is truly about as the family rides in their car to church.

I found the pictures and accompanying text heartwarming. I believe that children will relate easily to the message because the people look just like them. This is a wonderful read-to-me book, and not just for young children ages 4 to 7, but for older children as well.

I recommend this book. ... babamarusia

Babamarusia Recommends Barbour Publishing Women's Devotional Books

2008-10-07T21:54:00.004-05:00

Babamarusia recommends women's devotional books from Barbour Publishing. (Please see more photos below!)

How wonderful it is that God has created every one of us special and unique—unlike any other person that does, has or will exist. Each of us, a beloved child of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has been called to fulfill a specific purpose within our families, our church and the world.

Families are also unique, each in various shapes, sizes, and make-up. Life experiences—the happy, the sorrowful, the lows and highs—all will be used to glorify God and further His kingdom.

Barbour Publishing has within its current publications for Christian women value-priced devotional books that will speak directly to their own needs. From the Mommy to Be Devotional Journal, through the Whispers for Women series, on to the 365 Daily Devotions for Women with inspirational stories taken from Christian women throughout history, and ending with the Light My Path for Grandparents, there is truly something for all women at an affordable cost.

For example, the Whispers for Women series has inspirational writing that relates to the life-experiences of single mothers, busy women, and mothers of young children. The Devotions for Women has stories that include the grandmother of the great hymnwriter Fanny Crosby, the famous singer Marian Anderson, and evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman. Each includes Scripture verse and practical application suggestions.

I will tell you that I personally appreciate Barbour Publishing for the company's commitment to excellent publication for Christian life that is also easy on the pocketbook.

I recommend these books. ... babamarusia (My favorite is the 365 Daily Devotions for Women!)

Book Review EVERYDAY PRAYERS by Rachel Quillin Barbour Publishing 9781597890687

2008-10-01T18:36:00.003-05:00

Everyday Prayers: Spiritual Refreshment for Women
Rachel Quillin
Barbour Publishing 9781597890687
Scripture taken the King James Version of the Holy Bible
Flexible cover

If you are a woman with a life that has nearly every waking moment filled with family, work and activities this is the book for you.

If you know of a woman with a life like the above, this is the book for her.

Women are caregivers, and most women enjoy both giving and getting thoughtful, touching gifts that may or may not have a particular occasion associated with the moment. We give because we love and care, and share the lives of others.

In the small book, Everyday Prayers, housed in a beautiful flexible cover, are prayers for occasions that occur throughout the day, week, month and year. They are short--and because they are, they can be prayed in less than a minute. The prayers are in everyday language such as we use in everyday conversation, and they really fit well with our thoughts.

There are prayers for all kinds of thoughts that come along--for times when we know of lots of people with problems, when we don't accomplish what we want to during the course of a day, when our children are with children who might not have Godly behavior, or when our behavior doesn't measure up to our Godly standards...

The book will fit nicely into most purses, and the cover color and art are soft-- it can be given to a friend or loved one wrapped up, or by just adding ribbon!

I recommend this book. ... babamarusia

Book Review IF JESUS CAME TO MY HOUSE by Joan Gale Thomas

2008-09-27T09:58:00.010-05:00

If Jesus Came to My House (reillustrated)

ISBN 978-0-06-083942-0
HarperCollins Children: Harper Blessings
Text copyright © 1951 by Joan Gale Thomas
Illustrations copyright © 2008 by Lori McElrath-Eslick
9.25x9.5 inches (24 cm)
Hardcover/Dustjacket
40 pages
Retail: $16.99

Review: This is a gentle book, personal and warm. It is the message for children in rhyme of how Jesus comes and meets us right where we are, as we are. The boy sees Jesus as he as, a boy made in God's own image.

I recommend this book.

Babamarusia Reviews SPUD by Patsy Clairmont

2008-09-26T19:08:00.006-05:00

SPUD
Tales from the Pantry Book 4: Little Life Lessons from Mom and Dad
Patsy Clairmont, Author
Joni Oeltjenbruns, Illustrator
Tommy Nelson, Publisher
ISBN 140030802X
32 pages
AR 3.8

SPUD is a rat on the prowl, looking for someone to intimidate. Meatball, Soccer and Stinky MacKenzie are mice who are at home while their parents grocery shop with the twins. When Spud comes along, looking bigger and talking louder, the three team up to stop him.

My Review:
This is book four in a series, so perhaps if I had read the previous three it would make more sense. As it is, the first and only book I have read is the fourth in the series titled "Tales from the Pantry." The book didn't give any lead into what the premise was for its composition, and so I found the first pages rather confusing.

When I read it, my husband and I were riding in the car, so I read it to him, and we both had the same impressions. First, we didn't understand if this book was from a Christian perspective, but assumed it such because of Patsy Clairmont's writing for adults and the publisher. There is no corrolated biblical teaching, and no Bible translation referenced. We thought it unusual for the three mice to be left home alone while the parents shopped, and also that their first reaction to solving the bully problem was to pelt Spud with objects.

Second, when the MacKenzie parents did return, the three were commended for standing up to the bully, as sometimes it's "the only thing you can do." Our opinion was that in this day and age it isn't wise even for adults to challenge a bully, let alone children, because of not knowing how violent he/she will become.

I did appreciate the illustrations created by Joni Oeltjenbruns. I found the colors pleasing, and that Spud and the mice family were portrayed to show their personalities in a real manner.

On a scale of 1-5, I give this book a 3.

...babamarusia

Review IN THE SECRET PLACE FOR GOD AND YOU ALONE J Otis Ledbetter Multnomah Publ 1590522524

2008-06-07T19:12:00.007-05:00

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. ... Isaiah 43:10 KJV

Book Review
Reviewed by babamarusia

In the Secret Place for God and You Alone
J. Otis Ledbetter, Author
Lifechange Books
Multnomah Publishing, Sisters OR
1-59052-252-4; 978-1-59052-2523

Recommended Book

J. Otis Ledbetter has written an exceptional little book called In the Secret Place for God. It is a place to go and be alone with God and think, a shelter from the problems of life, a place to make decisions, a time to truly hear what God has to say to you and you only.

My first secret place was a pine tree in northern Minnesota where I would climb up and sit on a branch just to think. I was a young teen at the time, and I liked the idea of being close to my family where I could hear and see what was going on as though from a distance. Now my place is an antique bed—where again I must climb up to get in. The mattress is cushy-soft and the springs squeak, and God and I come together spiritually in a very special way.

From the very first word I was captured into Pastor Ledbetter’s story, as he told of how there was a little room where no one else would go except him in the church his father pastored. I can tell you as a former church musician that the children of clergy and workers can end up spending a lot of time there.

In this brief book, only 89 pages in length, is a good clear laying out of the importance of having a place to go and be alone with God, how to use discernment in life changes, when to take a problem to your secret place and when to share it with someone, and how Satan can play a role in undermining assurance and comfort. The book ends with specific Scripture to think upon when you close the door on the world and retreat within your safe harbor.

The fact of the matter is that if you are not anywhere near where your secret place is located, having this book along and reading it and using the Bible verses can be a help in retreating within as though you and God were the only two around.

The book will easily fit into most purses, a briefcase, computer bag or backpack. It is for teenagers and adults. It is a wonderful gift to give for a confirmation, adult baptism, graduation, or on a visit to someone who is troubled in any way. The cover is warm and inviting in muted sage greens, and is suitable for both men and women.

J. Otis Ledbetter lives in Clovis, California. He is the senior pastor of Sonrise Church and the cofounder of the Heritage Builders Association, a ministry of Focus on the Family. He has authored six books.

I recommend this book.

Babamarusia is Mary Katherine May, owner of Quality Music and Books, an online and retail Christian book, music and gift store. QMB also carries history, biography and classic literature in both new and used editions, as well as used homeschool books.

Review Highly Recommended Expression Series from Barbour Poetry of Helen Steiner Rice

2008-05-17T18:34:00.012-05:00

The Expression Series ... The Poetry of Helen Steiner Rice

The EXPRESSIONS SERIES from Barbour Publishing was a blessing from the moment I set my eyes on one of the books. Gentle color themes and softly brushed illustrations that are pleasant to look at are carried throughout the book, and are a comfort in themselves.

The content of the books is the best of the poetry written by Helen Steiner Rice companioned with inspirational Bible verses. The Expression Series books are for people going through difficult times, the grieving, the ill, and also for those who need a little pick-me-up from the stresses of everyday life.

Maybe the Lord has laid someone’s name on your heart today. Maybe it’s time to call that person to just say hello and “I care.” Maybe it’s time for a visit, with or without a little gift. Maybe it is time to share an Expressions book – a thoughtful gift that will continue on as a tangible reminder of God's presence where your phone call or visit leaves off ...

The Expression Series is on sale at www.QualityMusicandBooks.com and also at our retail store, Quality Music and Books in Osseo Minnesota.

Movie Review: Another Perfect Stranger

2008-05-17T14:24:00.004-05:00

Title: Another Perfect Stranger
Format: DVD, 96 Minutes
UPC 094922805140
Year released: 2007

Rated: no rating

Reviewed by Christa, age 15

Recommended Movie

The movie Another Perfect Stranger is a riveting movie! This movie is also good because of the way they perceived Jesus, and the way they perceived the Bible of not being just a "rule book" as some people have called it.

It is based on the book, A Day with a Perfect Stranger, written by David Gregory. The movie is a sequal to the movie, "Dinner with the Perfect Stranger," when Nikki Cominsky meets a stranger for dinner, who is actually Jesus. Sarah Cominsky, Nikki's daughter, thought her mom was crazy when she claimed to have had eaten dinner with Jesus Christ ten years before! Her mother and father then became extremely strong Christians.

Sarah had never really believed in God, but then she meets this man on an airplane and he starts to make her think, "Could there actually be a God out there who cares about me?" But little did she know that she was talking with the same Jesus Christ that her mom had dinner with ten years ago. Will she come to God or forget everything this man has told her? Watch the movie to see what happens next!

Babamarusia: Christa, could you please tell me why you think this is a good movie for teenagers?

Christa: I like this movie because of the way it makes you think about God in a new way, of Him being close to
you and having a close and personal relationship with Jesus. God loves and cares for us so much he would never want something bad happen to you. No matter how many times you have made a mistake or you think that He couldn't love you because of all your mistakes. That just means when you do come to God you will have a big testimony to give to bring more people to God!

Special Features

"A Conversation with David Gregory, author of 'Dinner With a Perfect Stranger.'
Behind the Scenes Scrapbook

Rare Christian Book Reviewed: For the Sake of the Faith

2008-05-14T00:34:00.005-05:00

For the Sake of the Faith: Four Stories of the Times of the Reformation
M. Rüdiger (M. Ruediger), Author
Translated from the German
Reformation Series, Vol. 1
The German Literary Board, Burlington, Iowa 1905
Copyright 1905 by R. Neuman, Burlington, Iowa
128 pages

Presented in this book are four historical fiction stories of real men during Reformation Era. They were Martin Luther adherants who sacrificed their lives or themselves for the sake of the “New Faith.”

I read through the book and found the stories interesting. The language and word order is not in use today, whether because of the early 20th-century writing style, or the literalness of the translator. I suspect it was the translator.

This book would be useful to a Christian educator as well as a nice addition to the religious book collector’s library.

STORIES
A Good and Faithful Servant (1521) After a short sketch by Klaus Harms-Kiel, 1852. : Henry Moeller / Henry von Zütphen: Burned at the stake.

Fear Thou Not, for I am With Thee (1524) : Berthold and Rosanna Amsteg, Matthew and Catharine ( Katherine) Zell, Andrew Berg: Berthold and Rosanna were among 150 people forced to leave Kenzingen because they would not renounce their beliefs.

Love Never Faileth (1552) : James Jansz Grawwinkel who lived a monastic life of ministering to the poor and ill, a witness to the Christian life.

Enduring Unto the End (1558) : Anne du Bourg ( Calvanist) was imprisoned, hung and then burned for his faith.

Condition: Good This is an ex-church library library copy with the church’s stamp used several times, evidence of a former card pocket in back and a couple pencil markings—an owner’s name and a card catalogue number. Text pages are unmarked, there are a few with an edge nick or tiny tear. Paper is age-toned with minimal soil. Sea-green cloth boards show edgewear with some fraying, light soil, bumped corners. Sewn binding is intact with no splits but I consider it on the fragile side.

mary.mary@QualityMusicandBooks.com
(763) 205-5390

Review: QuickNotes Bible Commentary Volume 9: LUKE & JOHN 9781597897754

2008-04-20T01:15:00.008-05:00

Book Review: LUKE & JOHN / Quick Notes Simplified Bible Commentary Series Volume 9
Dr. Mark Strauss with Dr. Stephen Leston and Robert Deffinbaugh
Barbour Publishing, retail price $9.97

I recommend this book.

I will tell you right from the start that I am fairly particular about what I like in a Christian book. In our world today there is so much put forth as biblical and Christian that falls far short of what is actual truth. At the same time, I pray that there will come a day when we Christians can put aside our differences, agree to disagree, and come together in unity over what are our basic uncompromisable principles.

Barbour Publishing as a whole is one of my favorite companies for books. My introduction to this company came through the most delightful, inspiring sales representative, Ida. With Ida there is no doubt about her faith, and I like that.

Another reason to like books from Barbour is that they are priced right for the average person. The average buyer will not need a separate bank account to afford these books. The third and most important reason to like books from Barbour is that they are sound in their Christian theology. From the reprinted classics to new fiction authors for both adults and children, you can almost without a doubt be assured that it will be good reading.

The QuickNotes series is fairly new, and will eventually be comprised of about twelve books in the series. It is called the Simplified Bible Commentary Series. Written in everyday, understandable language, you will read theological explanations of what is happening in Scripture without needing a dictionary.

For myself, I will say that after having attended graduate level seminary classes, I usually like the depth of a book that uses words not normally found in conversation. However, I find that Luke & John, Volume 9, holds my interest very well.

I appreciate the layout and explanations. It reads as smooth as a story. I also like the practical thoughts that I can apply to my life right now.

I think that if you use this book and others in the series as a help to go through the Bible it will work great. It will also work for you to use as a reference, like a dictionary or encyclopedia. Another way it can be used is to just open up to a section or passage and read it for inspiration.

Here is what you can find in print right now--in your local Christian bookstore, online (including my site, www.QualityMusicandBooks.com, or from right from Barbour, www.BarbourBooks.com.

QuickNotes Bible Guidebook

QuickNotes Christian History Guidebook

QuickNotes Simplified Bible Commentary Volume 8: Matthew & Mark

QuickNotes Simplified Bible Commentary Volume 9: Luke & John

QuickNotes Simplified Bible Commentary Volume 10: Acts thru 2 Corinthians (May 2008)

May our wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ, be will you right now and always.

God bless ... babamarusia (Mary Katherine May)

CD Review: The Impulse of His Love: Piano Hymn Improvisations Performed by Karen Burgman

2008-04-05T13:40:00.010-05:00

His Eye Is on the Sparrow
There Is a Redeemer
Nearer My God to Thee
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
Take My Life and Let It Be
The Solid Rock
It Is Well With My Soul
My Jesus, I Love/Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Trust and Obey
I Surrender All
The Lord's Prayer

I can't tell you how many times I have listened to this CD, that would be an excellent recommendation in itself. I can also you tell about how I hum and sing along. The best review I can offer, however, are the comments of the many retail customers of Quality Music and Books who have heard the music and bought the CD.

Mary, Thank you for giving me this beautiful CD. With my mom being sick and the long drive to get to her home, I listened to it all the way there and back. it was a real comfort. ... J.

What music are you playing? I want to buy a copy -- make that two. I want to give one to a friend too.

Who's playing those songs? It's beautiful!

Musically Karen Burgman's interpretations are stellar. The beauty of faith in her soul comes through her fingers to the piano, and then to the listener. Karen has an excellent command of the keyboard technically which allows for her to move about the keys with no hindrance to creativity.

Everyday is a good day with Jesus!!!
May your day be blessed. ... babamarusia

CD Review: REQUIEM for FATHER KOLBE by Wojciech Kilar

2008-04-05T10:55:00.007-05:00

Who was Father Kolbe?

Father Maximilian Maria Kolbe was born Rajmund Kolbe on 8 January, 1894, Those who know his story cannot help but understand how the way he lived his life continues to have a significant effect on Christians of all denominations and non-denominations.

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -- John 15:12,13

Father Kolbe lived a life of service. He operated a radio station, and hid refugees and Jews from the Nazi regime. His ultimate gift, perhaps his true purpose in life, came during this time--not only for the saving of a life but also for the witness of his life given for the whole world.

Father Maximilian Kolbe, named the "Saint of Auschwitz" voluntarily substituted himself for another man, part of a group of ten, chosen to die by starvation as an example following the escape of a fellow prisoner. Locked in a cell with the other men, he continued to uplift his fellow prisoners, and after many weeks with no food or water he was murdered by lethal injection.

Who is Wojciech Kilar?
Kilar is a classically oriented Polish composer who has also written film scores.

Review: Requiem for Father Kolbe
You may find it interesting to know that as I listened to the work I thought it sounded like a film score. It turns out that this is exactly what it is. Written for the film " A Life for a Life," the Requiem is beautiful for its stark and dark character as well as for the creative use of Polish folksongs and orchestrated effects. Kilar's imaginative orchestration of scales left me wondering a few times, "How did he do that?" At one point there is a shout, just as you might hear while dancing a polka.

I did not find fault at all with the sections that were dark, severe and stark because it is within the nature of the theme. One motive sounded like an off-toned "Beautiful Savior" to me. The close of the requiem was joyous and triumphant, cacophonous in nature and very exciting. I feel that Kilar has created an excellent composition musically and thematically for the subject presented.

I recommend this CD.

Review SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI by Joyce Denham 9781557255716

2008-03-15T16:30:00.012-05:00

Saint Francis of Assisi
Ages 5-10

Joyce Denham, Author
Elena Temporin, Illustrator
Paraclete Press, Publisher
ISBN: 9781557255716
Release Date: February 2008
Retail Price (Softcover): $9.99 QMB Price $8.99

BOOK REVIEW

I recall making a comment recently in conversation to someone who isn’t Christian, it went something like this. “You look out at the world and see objects. When I look out my window I marvel at all that God has created.” Here is the essence of St. Francis love for all that exists in the world, coming from God, a God of love who as creator made all that our earth holds.

St. Francis joyfully denied all that was his and would be his in the future out of love for God. He lived a poor life, owning nothing, and desiring to give the little that he did have to others. It is the life of the rich man in Scripture who could not divorce himself from all that he owned in reverse. Then after giving all up but life, what joy Francis experienced! What freedom to do the Lord’s work was his!

Saint Francis of Assisi was written by Joyce Denham and illustrated by Elena Temporin. It is published by Paraclete Press in Massachusetts. You will find simple, almost childlike illustrations that will spark children and adult imaginations alike. I found particularly beautiful the last pages that showed red poppies grown in the grass.

With clear, easily understood text, the story is laid out in short units that each contain a title as with chapters—but they're not chapters. I recommend taking the time to read this to children so that they can imagine St. Francis’ life while looking at Temporin’s excellent illustrations. It may get a bit long for young children to sit through in one session, but because of the way the story is presented, you can read a portion and then return later. Or, it may be a good bedtime book—reading one unit each night until finished.

This edition of Saint Francis of Assisi would make an excellent gift for special occasions such as birthdays and church holidays. I recommend it as a gift on the event of a first communion. Although no longer a child, I enjoyed the book too!

I recommend this book.

Saint Francis of Assisi is now on sale at Quality Music and Books in Osseo, Minnesota, and also on our website. Click Here to go directly to our book listing.

Quality Music and Books
208 Central Avenue * Osseo, MN 55369
(763) 424-2425
Store Hours: 11-8 Tuesday - Thursday, 9-5 Saturday, Closed Sunday & Monday
website: www.QualityMusicandBooks.com

Review EXPERIENCING THE RESURRECTION Henry & Melvin Blackaby

2008-03-06T20:27:00.003-06:00

Experiencing the Resurrection: The Everyday Encounter That Changes Your Life
Henry & Melvin Blackaby, Authors
Copyright © 2008 by Henry T. & Melvin D. Blackaby
Published by Multnomah Books, Colorado Springs, CO
ISBN 978-1-59052-757-3
Retail price $16.99 in U.S.A., 211 pages

Study Guide by Henry & Melvin Blackaby with Thomas Womack
Copyright © by Henry T. & Melvin D. Blackaby
ISBN 978-1-59052-758-9
Softcover, 105 pages
Retail price $9.99

REVIEW

Experiencing the Resurrection by Henry and Melvin Blackaby, a book new to my bookstore, piqued my interest. My own church has used Blackaby materials for classes, and somewhere in my readings I was given the impression that their books hold a good reputation among Christians.

I can give an impression only of the Blackaby book that I have read, which is the one mentioned here, and my review of what I have read must express confusion. I had difficulty with some of the statements made, found the thought-train jagged and uneven, and conclude that they failed to achieve any goal.

Henry and Melvin Blackaby write from an Arminian perspective, believing that all people have a choice to either accept or not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior from sin. This is in opposition to what is called a Calvanistic perspective in which God has chosen, or fore-ordained, each person’s future. As for myself, my belief lies somewhere in the middle of the two—that God has a plan for each of us, children of God that we are, and through circumstances of choice we either accept or reject His purpose for us in life.

At the start of the book, it is stated that many Christians do not live up to their “resurrection power potential,” and are missing out on the “abundant life”. Although much later in the book there is explanation of this power, I found the implication that I may be settling for “insignificance” demeaning, and different positive wording would have conveyed the thought much better. The “abundant life,” is used by the Blackabys rather than by the tele-evangelist who normally promotes this phrase, which leads to the impossibility for me to disassociate the term from prosper theology, where Christians deserve to have monetary riches.

On page fourteen is the following statement. “All people instinctively know there’s a God, whether or not they choose to respond to Him.” Since this statement cannot be proven, one may assume it correct or incorrect. I am not denying that I believe every person on this earth is a child of God. I do entertain the possibility that such a statement contradicts the Blackaby’s Arminian philosophy. Why would anyone who instinctively knows something is true not acknowledge and accept that truth?

The middle of the book takes the reader forth and back between sections talking about the love of God and fire/damnation from the wrath of God. I couldn’t follow the train of thought, and kept waiting for a very clear statement saying that until our last breath is taken before death we can still seek forgiveness. It never came. Personally, I don’t believe in scaring people into believing the message of love, hope and salvation. It doesn’t make sense. It’s a contradiction to God’s desiring salvation for the whole world. Rather, it just might be better to promote the disappointment God feels over a soul lost.

The last chapters of the book finally get to the point. At last this book explains and defines what these two men believe it means to experience the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its power. I still wasn’t clear who their target audience was, because of the flip-flopping between seeming to speak to those already in the Christian faith, those who assume (implied) they are Christian, and those who are not yet Christian.

I have not given enough thought to why the book doesn’t work. It may be that the book is too brief for the subject matter. Or, it may be that they wrote it too quickly and didn’t see that there was no clear train of thought throughout—which is very easy to do without putting in sufficient time. It is a good subject upon which to think and write, but I recommend reading about it elsewhere.

All of this being said, if you like what Henry and Melvin Blackaby have to say, this just might be the right book for you.

I do not recommend this book.

Book Review BEGINNING TO PRAY 0809115093 Anthony Bloom

2008-02-29T19:55:00.009-06:00

Beginning to Pray
Anthony Bloom, Author
Copyright © 1970 by Archbishop Anthony Bloom
Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ

Trade paperback, 114 pages
ISBN 08091-1509-3
Retail price: $7.95

Perhaps one of the most written about Christian subjects is prayer. Although Jesus gave us a guide for how to pray in Matthew 6 with the Lord’s Prayer, it seems that none of us really feel completely adequate about the process.

I wonder, though, if anyone can really tell someone else how to pray. When we pray we come into the closest relationship with God possible while alive. Prayer may be as simple as being silent, or one or two words. It may come from anguish so deep that it seems rooted in the ground beneath our feet, or be so deliciously joyous that we feel weightless and floating on air.

It may be that these types of prayer are the easy kind, because they spring automatically from experiences of the moment. But what about day-to-day prayer, the prayer that we think in our minds or kneel privately to do, asking God which direction to take in His service, or whether to stay on the current course? What about praying to God when, though always present, He feels to not be around?

I would be very remiss to say that authors of books and useful tools about prayer shouldn’t made their offerings, simply because there is so much written it must be necessary. God speaks to us in many ways, and that book you buy or film you watch may be how He has decided to get His message across to you.

What I am really suggesting to my fellow Christians is this. Use the tools prepared by believers to begin, repair, or jumpstart your prayer life. At the same time, remember that when you and God share your time in this personal, private way together, to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading of what is in your soul. God is always there to lead and guide in the most perfect way possible because He loves you always, and wants you to be His forever.

There is a classic book about prayer that I recently read. I picked it because of its length—short! Still, this can be a most deceiving type of book, because of all that there is to think about-only 114 pages but with a wallop.

The book, Beginning to Pray, is by an archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Church. Wait!!! Please don’t stop reading now! This book is for all Christians. Father Anthony Bloom, the author, talks about his incredible childhood, his moment of experiencing Jesus and becoming a Christian, and shares wisdom from God through true stories and life in general. This book is not a step-by-step how to organize your prayer life so as to sow and reap the best from God. Rather, the contents of this book will give you the desire to pray instead of showing you how to dutifully pray. There is a difference.

I recommend this book.
… babamarusia (Mary Katherine May)

Beginning to Pray by Archbishop Anthony Bloom is available for purchase for $7.15 from Quality Music and Books, 208 Central Avenue in Osseo, Minnesota, by coming to our retail store, by telephone at 763-424-2425, or by purchase from our online website, http://www.qualitymusicandbooks.com/, which will be re-opening the week of March 3, 2008.

Quality Music and Books Group Discounts for Churches and Study Groups

5 to 9 copies (same book) 20% discount
10+ copies (same book) 25% discount

Quality Music and Books * 208 Central Avenue * Osseo, MN 55369
Store hours: Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed to retail Sunday & Monday.

God Always Leaves the Light on for You!!

Book Review THOU PREPAREST A TABLE by William C Skeath

2008-02-28T19:39:00.006-06:00

Thou Preparest a Table by Rev. William C. Skeath received two printings, 1947 and 1957. Currently out of print, I believe it would be worth anyone's time to either pick up a used copy or check it out of either a church or public library. ... babamarusia

Thou Preparest a Table
Out of a Simple Supper Jesus Makes a Sublime Sacrament.

William C. Skeath, Author
Abingdon-Cokesbury Press
Copyright © 1947 by Stone & Pierce
128 pages
Original price: $1.25

In Thou Preparest a Table, Pastor William C. Skeath has written thought provoking commentary on subjects drawn from the story of the last Passover meal Jesus celebrated, accompanied and enhanced by well-chosen of various authors.

He begins with Judas Iscariot bartering with Roman officials over payment for turning over Jesus, and ends with the walk to the Mount of Olives where Jesus would sweat drops of blood as He prayed.

I thought that Skeath’s scene descriptions were a vivid aid in bringing the dramatic events that occurred, thus making them real and not just a story about something that happened a long time ago.

Particularly relatable to every Christian of any era was the description of the relationship between Judas Iscariot and Jesus: The close relationship between great and base action, that both can exist in one person, the fact that Jesus was betrayed by a close friend, not a stranger or acquaintance, and Jesus tries to block us from sinning, yet our human desires prevail

Judas

I doe not here impute this deede of shame
On Judas, because Judas was his name.
For of that name there have been men of might
Who the great battles of the Lord did fight,
And others more, But sure this impure blot
Sticks to him, as he’s named Iskarriott
For in an anagram Iskarriott is,
By letters’ transposition, Traitor Kis.

--- John Taylor (1578-1653)

Poets: Kate H Robison, Merab Eberle, Jessie Gray Sherman, Joseph J Share, W M Vories, Edwin Markham, George Klingle, Charles Wesley, Willard Parker, Clare MacDermott, John Taylor, Horatius Bonar, Clarence E Flynn

Contents: 128 pages
The Scriptural Story
The Setting
The Sanctuary
The Strife
The Service
The Startling Statement
The Searching
The Silver
The Sop
The Supper
The First Symbol
The Second Symbol
The Saying of Fellowship
The Saying of Comfort
The Saying of Hope
The Supplication
The Song
References and Acknowledgments

From the dustjacket flap: William C. Skeath is (was) pastor of Haws Avenue Methodist Church in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He received his education at Williamsport Dickinson Seminary and Dickinson College. A large portion of his ministry has been given to serving important congregaions in the city of Philadelphia.

He is author of His Last Words, a volume of meditations on the words of Christ from the cross, and The Joyful Mystery, a volume of meditations on the incarnation.

Haws Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, Norristown’s Sunday school was organized June 20, 1875, by Rev. M. D. Kurtz and a committee which had been appointed by the Oak Street Methodist Episcopal Quarterly Conference at the house of Mrs. Janette Richards.

Quality Music and Books in Osseo, Minnesota has one copy available for purchase for $6.00 plus $3.50 shipping/handling fee. The book and dustjacket are in Good/Acceptable condition. For more information or to purchase the book, please contact Mary Katherine May (babamarusia) at (763) 424-2425, or by email at mary.may@qualitymusicandbooks.com.

God Always Leaves the Light on for YOU!!!

Movie Review: ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING 2454340826

2007-12-26T16:36:00.000-06:00

Title: ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING
UPC: 24543-40826
Publisher: Gener8xion entertainment
Price: Rental $1.50 2 days $3.00 5 days

Reviewed by Christa, Age 15

One night with the king is a riveting movie. It is the story of Esther, Queen of Persia and her time living with the king. It is a biblical movie and has a good moral to the story. I believe this is a movie for all ages. I recommend this movie.

This DVD movie is available for rental at Quality Music and Books, 208 Central Avenue, Osseo, MN, 55369. Telephone: (763) 424 2425. email: mary.may@qualitymusicandbooks.com.

Recommended Book Review: THE GENESIS OF IT ALL 155725480X

2007-12-26T16:25:00.001-06:00

THE GENESIS OF IT ALL
Author: Luci Shaw
Illustrators: Sr. Huai-Kuang Miao and Sr. Mary Lane
ISBN: 1-55725-480-X
Publisher: Paraclete Press
Retail Price: $17.95

Reviewed by Christa, Age 15
The Genesis of it all is an exceptional book. This book is about how the first seven days were created by God, except in a more creative way. It makes you think of how God created our world we live in. I believe this is a book for all ages. I recommend this book.

Babamarusia's Review
In a larger-format storybook is a retelling of the creation story. My initial opinion after reading through the book is that the illustration on the cover and dustjacket (same) doesn't show how beautiful the pictures really are. There is something primitive in the these more contemporarily-rendered illustrations, and also something that is intriguing. I would view a page, and then catch myself going back because I thought I saw something more -- or did I? For example, pages 4 and 5 are a two-page illustration of God creating the "universes, galaxies, nebulae" and though I haven't any idea if intended by the artists, the two swirls on the page look to me to be babies in their first stage of life.

As God created out of a void, so go the illustrations from black and white to color. As the illustrations are obviously drawn to demonstrate the creation story, they are not child-like, and because of this they appeal to me at an adult age level at the same time as appealing to children at their level.

What I found unusual about the text in The Genesis of It All is the repetition of a thought that is very pertinent to today's way of thinking: that we were not there at the creation of all that is and didn't see it happening -- with the implied meaning being that God's creating is true without the eyewitness evidence. The story is laid out as the biblical acount is, with each day's creating being declared ... "This morning and evening was Day Three." I appreciate this, because the telling then is not only a Bible story, but also a biblical account from the Old Testament book of Genesis.

I recommend this book.

The Genesis of It All is available for purchase at QualityMusicandBooks.com

This book is available for sale at Quality Music and Books, 208 Central Avenue, Osseo, MN, 55369. Telephone: (763) 424 2425. email: mary.may@qualitymusicandbooks.com. Please allow 24 hours for pick-up.

Book Review: BIBLE TURN AND LEARN 9780687491766

2007-12-26T15:45:00.000-06:00

Title: BIBLE TURN AND LEARN
Author: None
Illustrator: Moira Maclean
ISBN: 978-0-687-49176-6
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Retail Price: $13.00
Our Price: $11.70

Reviewed by Christa, Age 15

Bible turn and learn is a good book. This book is about the Bible characters in the order they happened. It is very cute and it is for toddlers. Your child will have fun turning the wheels to see what will happen next in the story. I recommend this book.

This book is available for sale at Quality Music and Books, 208 Central Avenue, Osseo, MN 55369. Telephone: (763) 424-2425. email: mary.may@qualitymusicandbooks.com.

Book Review: Dear Granddaughter A Message Of Love by Marianne Richmond

2007-12-21T16:35:00.000-06:00

Dear Granddaughter A Message Of Love
Written by Marianne Richmond
Illustrated by Marianne Richmond
ISBN: 978-1-934082-01-0
Retail Price: $15.95
Our Price: $14.45

Reviewed by Christa, Age 15

Dear Granddaughter a message of love by Marianne Richmond was a wonderful book. The book is for a grandparent who wants to tell their granddaughter how much you love her by showing her your past. You can even personalize the pictures throughout the book. If you are a grandparent that loves your granddaughter and want to show her how much you care, this book is for you! I recommend this book.

Book Review: Dear Grandson A Message Of Love by Marianne Richmond

2007-12-21T16:27:00.001-06:00

Dear Grandson A Message Of Love
Written by Marianne Richmond
Illustrated by Marianne Richmond
ISBN: 978-1-934082-02-3
Retail Price: $15.95
Our Price: $14.45

Reviewed by Christa, Age 15

Dear Grandson a message of love by Marianne Richmond is a wonderful book. The book is for a grandparent wants to tell their grandson how much they love him by showing him your past. You can even personalize the pictures throughout the book. If you are a grandparent that loves your grandson and want to show him how much you care, this book is for you! I recommend this book.