Never Forget...

11 Septembre 2001 - 11 Septembre 2012

A day which shall remain in our hearts forever...

Everything The Bible Says About Prayer, Book review

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
ISBN-13: 978-0764210297

Synopsis:

What the Bible Really Says about Prayer...

Countless books have been written about prayer, how to pray, and when to pray. This book includes exactly what God says about prayer, straight from his Word. It is organized by subject, such as prayer in the Old Testament, types of prayer, prayers of the psalmists, and prayers of Jesus. All the scriptural prayers and primary references to prayer are collected in this clear, concise book, with enough explanation to help even those new to the Bible. Its length and focus make it perfect for readers who love the Word of God.

My thoughts:

It is certain all of us at one point or another in our life have wondered if God truly hears us! I rather like to believe that as often as I speak to him he certainly cannot ignore me and must know a sign or two would be truly appreciated. Then again, do I express myself as He taught us?
And what is a prayer? The answer is "A prayer in its simplest definition is merely a wish turned Godward".

In 'Everything the Bible says about Prayer' Keith Wall and series editor Andy McGuire have included all the scriptural prayers as well as primary references to prayer organized into categories, making it this much easier to find a helpful prayer.
We know the Bible gives many examples of prayer, both in the Old and the New Testaments with Jesus Himself teaching us how to pray. In Chapter 3 titled 'Count on it' this little book shows us also God hears our prayers!

Others chapters includes Elements of Effective prayer, Prayer for guidance, wisdom, protection, healing, times of hardship and heartache followed by Timeless Tutors: Biblical prayers to follow. Found in chapter 13, this chapter will gently guide you in the right way to approach God.
You will find the author gives many examples of prayers found throughout the Bible to illustrate his views.
Finally the complete appendix offers a collection of thoughts on prayers by such classical Christian writers as Charles Spurgeon, D. L. Moody, Andrew Murray,...

At a mere 126 pages, 'Everything the Bible Says About Prayer' seems to address any of our requests about how better to pray alone or as a group minus one... 
I could find little fault with this book but for a (surprising) lack of a family prayer chapter. 
Even so, it is well worth adding to your personal library.

4 Stars!

I received this book free from BETHANY HOUSE as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Cold or Flu?

All the symptoms are there...Aches everywhere, stuffy nose, sniffles, high/low temperatures...
No appetite - not even for chocolate (albeit there is none to be had in the house...sigh...)
How many days has it been?
Feeling miserable...Blah...
See you tomorrow (or the next)!

Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz, Book review

Publisher: Revell
ISBN-13: 978-0800720414

Synopsis:
 

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in York. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other's jealousy destroy their love?

In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. Love's Reckoning is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.

My thoughts:

Laura Frantz needs little introduction as each of her Christian novels resounds with spirited historical authenticity and good fellowship! This latest novel promises to be as well received as her book 'The Colonel's Lady' - see review (here).

In 'Love's Reckoning', first book in The Ballantyne Legacy, you find yourself stepping in a tableau of 18th Century American frontier of such dimension, you can be certain to experience even the heat of a blacksmith's forge or the bitter cold of the winter of 1784!
Such is Laura Frantz's exquisite penmanship! She is well on her way to become the grand Dame of American Frontier Historical Fiction!

Silas Ballantyne is a man skilled in the art of ironwork and a wonderful fiddler, a Scotsman determined to carve a future for himself in the American wilderness. His stern devious master is inclined to hold with tradition: this new apprentice shall marry in the family thus establishing a stronger place for the blacksmith in the county.
Cunning Elspeth holds little appeal for Silas however once he meets Eden, the gentle daughter who thirsts for the 'Buick' word.

Once again Laura Frantz offers us a beautiful story to discover, each character richly defined, her historical research impeccable and the opportunity to learn about a country carved out of the wilderness by sheer audacity surely with God's blessings!

'Love's Reckoning' spans over a decade of bittersweet events leading us to witness the often heart wrenching events which plagues Silas and Eden's feelings for each other, their lives steadfastly promised to each other.

A novel as beautiful as the cover hinted at, the main characters' faith shining like a beacon in a storm, this first installment in the Ballantyne Legacy has much promise for a historical fiction aficionado such as myself!
Laura Frantz' special attention to such details as billets doux placed by Silas for Eden to uncover during her long hard days of toil are nothing but genial! There is a chance for us all to feel the quiver of tender feelings anew!
To say nothing of such lines as James Thompson Poetry:
'Thine is the balmy breath of morn, 
Just as the dew-bent rose is born...,

Love's Reckoning is a graceful story you will want to share with others, no matter their age, a story of strong will, determination and pure love. Standing fast despite the odds, Silas and Eden's love reflects the teachings of the Lord of the universe's love letter to us, as read in the Book of John!

Bravo! 5 Stars!!

“Available September 2012  at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

 

About the Author:

Laura Frantz tells us:
'I was born and raised in Kentucky, living first in Ashland, Mammoth Cave, Bowling Green, and then Lexington. But my heart has always been in Berea, Madison County, the place my family has resided since the 18th-century. I came to know Christ there at the age of 12, was baptized in our Baptist Church, and spent my childhood roaming through the woods and swimming in the rivers of my books.
My earliest memories are of the public library, standing in front of shelves filled with those little biographies of famous historical figures like Daniel Boone and George Washington and Sacajawea. I began scribbling stories at age 7 and thankfully never stopped. My passion then and now is history and all the wonders of past centuries...'

Read more about this lovely lady on her website (here).

I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Menu Du Jour...

Day three...This cold will not go away...
Age catching up? Blah...
See you tomorrow with a great review (Psst, just a hint...Laura Frantz is the author!)

Feeling Under the Weather

Day two of this nasty cold...
See you tomorrow...

All Is Now Quiet...

Labour Day (U.S.) is over...Which means peace and quiet for all year residents such as ourselves...
Until next year...Absolute bliss...

All that remains of a beach party...

Only this jelly fish on the beach...

The mainland seems so near! In a few days we will have dry dock, no ferry will run for weeks and we will gladly embrace our castaway state!

Nursing a cold, drinking peppermint tea and reading yet another good novel...