Has God Spoken? Book review

Book description:

Compelling evidence that the Bible is God's Holy Word.

Using the memorable acronym MAPS, radio host and Bible scholar Hank Hanegraaff masterfully reveals four proofs that confirm the divine origin of the Bible.

• M represents the strength of the manuscript itself as many actual fragments have been located
• A stands for the archaeological proofs that have been uncovered
• P is for the prophecy that has accurately predicted events
• S represents the scriptural synergy found in the unity, consistency, and harmony of the sixty-six books

These clearly presented proofs provide powerful indicators that confirm the trustworthiness and divine nature of Scripture, that God has indeed spoken, and that the Bible is the reliable repository of His words.

My review:

Some of you might be familiar with the 'Bible answer man' on Christian radio or perhaps with the books Hank Hanegraaff has written. When it comes to bible topics he is very knowledgeable as many college students will attest!

In 'Has God Spoken: Proof of the Bible's Divine Inspiration', Hanegraaff's biblical knowledge manifest itself again with extensive historical facts, archaeological discoveries and countless research. You might not always agree with him, but there is no doubt this man is knowledgeable and speaks in such a way, you listen and found yourself living your faith!

In typical Hanegraaff fashion, he uses acronyms and personally I found it a very helpful tool to remember specific facts, keeping the information flowing, all in a clear and concise format!

'Has God spoken?' is the author's answer to anyone who questions the authenticity of the Bible and would prefer to think of its contents as yet another faerie tale. 

Hanegraaff believes with all his heart this is truly God's inspired word and uses archeology, predictive prophecies, manuscripts evidences and historical facts in a format readily understandable for all: the Bible is Divine!

With compelling evidences he demonstrates the Gospel of Mark was definitively written in a first hand account, the disciple witnessing many of the related events. As to the prophecies of Daniel, Isaiah and John, again Hanegraaff clearly demonstrates these were written as described in the bible.

Archaeological finds also shows that so called errors brought about by Scriptures copyists due to copies made from others copies are in fact style errors, not emanating from any deliberate cause or fatigue as some would have us believe.

Perhaps the most interesting factor in 'Has God Spoken?' is pertaining to Daniel's words regarding the abomination of desolation and the rebuilding of the Temple of Jerusalem. In this Hanegraaf shines once again when he reasons the abomination has already happened and Jesus IS the rebuilt Temple!

An excellent addition to any Pastor's library or interested Christian, this is a compelling book worth 5 stars!

Meet Hank Hanegraaff:

Hanegraaff is the author of several award-winning, best-selling books, including The Prayer of Jesus, Christianity in Crisis, and Resurrection, the latter providing a stirring and persuasive defense of the central event in Christianity. 

Resurrection and Christianity in Crisis each won the Gold Medallion for Excellence in Christian Literature awarded by the Evangelical Christian Publisher’s Association. 

More (here) and you might like to check also his blog (here).

I received this book free from BOOKSNEEZE as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Love And Capital, Book Review

Book description:

Brilliantly researched and wonderfully written, LOVE AND CAPITAL is a heartbreaking and dramatic saga of the family side of the man whose works would redefine the world after his death.

Drawing upon years of research, acclaimed biographer Mary Gabriel brings to light the story of Karl and Jenny Marx's marriage. We follow them as they roam Europe, on the run from governments amidst an age of revolution and a secret network of would-be revolutionaries, and see Karl not only as an intellectual, but as a protective father and loving husband, a revolutionary, a jokester, a man of tremendous passions, both political and personal.

My review:

As a biographer, Mary Gabriel is indeed ranking high on my list of researchers! There is little doubt 'Love and Capital' is an amazing compilation intended to illustrate the life of the man behind the movement we call Marxism.

Of course Karl Marx is a name few people would not know but it is abundantly clear Mary Gabriel has uncovered much many of us never would have known otherwise despite learning something of his life and ideology in the course of studies.

A biography nothing short of brilliant, it is worth noting also 'Love and Capital' can be read as the incredible history behind the father of the birth of 'scientific' socialism or simply as a novel! It is also Marx's love story with the Baron's daughter.

With 594 pages, a list of impressive characters, a political timeline which should not be overlooked and not including the 110 pages or so covering acknowledgments and their copyrights, notes and bibliographies or the index, or the surprisingly extensive photos, this is not a light bedtime story! 

It is however the best source of information written in years on the subject of Marxism. I found it interesting that he lived for i.e. in Bruxelles and later loved to do his extensive research in the British museum!

Marx is best understood if one studies not only his economics, but also his theory of history and politics.

I found that reading Mary Gabriel's flowing accounts of his family's life, particularly his nomadic ways, brought to light the myth behind this legendary philosopher, revolutionary economist and leader. By all accounts and despite its many sorrows, this was a man who focused on living a full life!

That is not however to say, I espouse any or all of his thinking on socialism!

For the sake of arguments, we will agree that the economy in world  history is determined by current ideas and in turn, history keeps up with the phases brought about by various economic institutions.

I wanted however to understand something of the historical background of Marxism and in such a system involving people holding all property and goods in common. I can not conceive letting just anyone share my house, my car or anything else I call 'mine'! Loaning it would be something else perhaps with certain exceptions.

However thanks to Mary Gabriel excellent prose, I learned much more about Jenny and Karl Marx and have now reached a better understanding of what transcended of Karl Marx novel ideas during the years he lived abroad and his eventual influence on world figures such as Lenin.

George Bernard Shaw described Marx: 'He did the greatest literary feat a man can do. Marx changed the mind of the world.'

I would be hard pressed not to give a respectful 5 stars to this one! Bravo!

About Mary Gabriel:

Mary Gabriel was educated in the United States and France, and worked in Washington and London as a Reuters editor for nearly two decades. She is the author of two previous biographies: Notorious Victoria: The Life of Victoria Woodhull, Uncensored, and The Art of Acquiring: A Portrait of Etta and Claribel Cone.

I received this book free from HACHETTE as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Autumn Weather, Preserving and reflecting...

Autumn is here, rainy weather is 'de rigueur' of course in these parts and I only wish I could say the above canning jars were mine!

Somehow we were able to salvage a few veggies after 'feeding' those cheeky deer, pesky raccoons, even chinchillas (!) and of course fending off the never ending slugs due to the constant pacific rains! These went straight to the table and we enjoyed every morsels!

I do not think we saved much considering the cost of heirloom seeds but we all agreed we love the taste of 'homegrown'!

And since daily news reminds us the Economy everywhere is at one of its lowest, perhaps we should do well to get back to basics! It is nothing short of frightening when you shop and face yet another increase in the cost of food! Packaging however seems to decrease...Fancy that!

And Charity shoppes also reflects a blatant inflation so that one would scarcely step into one! 

Sad, I use to enjoy a trinket or two...

 (Painting by A. Albright)

The following is a wonderful recipe for 'Preserving Children' written by an Amish Mum. 

Absolutely lovely!

• Take one large grassy field, one half dozen children, all sizes, one dog, one long narrow strip of   brook.  
• Mix children with the other ingredients and empty them into the field, stirring continually.  
• Sprinkle with field flowers.   
• Pour brook gently over pebbles. 
• Cover all with a deep, blue sky and bake in a hot sun.  
• When children are well browned, they may be removed.  
• Will be found ready to cool in the bathtub with lots of soap and warm water. 

Happy preserving!

Thunder In The Morning Calm, Book review

Book description:

Lieutenant Commander “Gunner” McCormick is assigned as an intelligence officer to Carrier Strike Force 10, being deployed to the Yellow Sea at the invitation of South Korea for joint exercises with the US Navy. During his pre-deployment briefing, he discovers a TOP-SECRET MEMO revealing rumors that the North Koreans may still be holding a handful of elderly Americans from the Korean War in secret prison camps.

As it happens, Gunner’s grandfather, who was a young marine officer in the Korean War, disappeared at Chosin Reservoir over 60 years ago and is still listed as MIA in North Korea. Sworn to silence about what he has read, the top-secret memo eats at him. Gunner decides to spend all his inheritance and break every military regulation in the book to finance his own three-man commando squad on a suicide mission north of the DMZ to search for clues about the fate of his grandfather. Risking his career, his fortune, and his life, Gunner will get his answers, or he will die trying.

 My review:

Reviewing Don Brown's latest fictional suspense on this blog was a conscious choice!

As a toddler growing up during Allied occupation, I reenacted la 'Vielle Kwai' or River Kwai by covering my head with a 'gant de toilette" (washcloth) and sliding across the tub as commandos do...William Holden had nothing on me! I just could not pronounce  the R in 'Riviere, and called it 'Vielle' Kwai! 

Beware Parents of what you children perceives in their early years!

Seriously, Alistair MacLean was also a favourite during my teenagers years and 'Five years to Freedom', a loan from my sibling, was one of the first books I read in English! An incredible true story of the survival of an American  POW who despite countless atrocities never lost his faith, this book is one of my favourite!

'Thunder in the Morning Calm' is a Christian novel about American POWs, captured at Chosin reservoir and possibly detained in North Korea. 

Written by none other than the eloquent Don Brown ( ex USN-JAG), this is a story of duty and bravery but also filial love for one USN officer who risks everything to find out the truth behind the rumoured reports that elderly American POWs are still detained beyond the DMZ lines. 

Captured some 60 years ago these men have endured daily deprivation and unimaginable torture at the hands of their cruel adversaries awaiting their rescue. No Marine is left behind! 

But it is also the story of unsung heroes, the nameless Christians who work tirelessly to help others escape tyranny and keep faith alive in the most dangerous environment on earth, one riddled with countless danger, called the DPRK, or the land of Morning Calm! 

'All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing'

(E.  Burke)

Growing up as I did in a military family, I have always known that soldiers, Marines or others, believe no man should be left behind, dead or alive. POWs remain to date a controversial dilemma for many nations as politics requires a delicate hand in uncovering the truth. 

Nevertheless, this particular subject has always been close to my heart and like many in the seventies, I wore a bracelet to remind me of the USAF pilot who in the course of duty, went MIA over Vietnam. His remains were later found and are resting now in his homeland.

From the battlefields of WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War and Afghanistan there is an alarming number of MIA servicemen whose fate is still unknown, too many families who are left wondering!

(National Alliance of POW/MIA Families see web site here)

Don Brown brings the readers the very possibility that these rumours are well founded and in his unmistakable flair, weaves a daring story of rescue based on his military background. 

There is a part of me that feels always a pull for such subject and I cannot deny I wish with all my heart such discovery and the ultimate climax could only be true! 

An amazingly detailed plot which true to form, will leave you holding your breath until its climax.

Let me add I give it 4 stars (the subject is well worth 5 stars but the editing made me revise my rating)!

Semper Fidelis!

For more on the Author:

Don Brown is the author of Malacca Conspiracy, The Navy Justice Series and Black Sea Affair, a submarine thriller that predicted the 2008 shooting war between Russia and Georgia. Don served five years in the U.S. Navy as an officer in the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, which gave him an exceptional vantage point into both the Navy and the inner workings of "inside-the-beltway" as an action officer assigned to the pentagon. He left active duty in 1992 to pursue private practice, but remained on inactive status through 1999, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

More here

I received this book free from ZONDERVAN as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Alaska - BC Canada Tour, Part two

 

Vancouver, BC is the only disembarkment for the last cruise of the season so whilst we had not planned to visit this metropolis, we discovered AFTER we booked our tour that we had no choice.

Vancouver welcomed us however with a warm balming sun and we decided to make the most of this opportunity!

The best way to see Vancouver, BC: buy a ticket to the lovely trolley which will take you around in two colourful loops (one red and one blue) and you can hop in and hop out betwixt such places as the Stanley Park, the Art museum, the Aquatic centre or Chinatown!

Sculptures abound in the city and this one was eye catching!

And this little mermaid, reminiscent of her European counterpart caught my eye as well!

Finally, let me add that if stopping in Vancouver, BC and looking to enjoy some fine cuisine, I recommend a stop at The Italian Kitchen! Mama mia! Bellisima!

Alaska Tour, Part One!

I never thought to join a cruise ship but it seems you should at least try something once in your life so here a quick peek at our home away from home!

Our scheduled stops: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Prince Rupert, BC.

Remember those 7 to 12 ft swells I mentioned a few days ago? No photos of that part of the cruise...can you guess why?

Not exactly Iceland or Norway's fjords but the floating ice surrounded us very quickly and this was only Septembre!

Alaska is apparently a favourite with bargain shoppers for jewelry, furs, nick knacks of all sorts so we steered away from the tourist areas and instead looked for Alaska's true art. 

This First Nation lady sits on the waterfront in Ketchikan.

Skagway was by far our favourite stop. This amazing facade is made of twigs!

The White Pass and the Klondike have a wonderful history. Books, maps and postcards (just in case any or all photos failed) filled my backpack!

There are incredible stories about the Gold Rush (here) for those of you who like me, can never have enough of story telling!

This train snow removal's device is the first of its kind for me!

There is such a yearning in this sculpture commemorating the thousands who climbed the golden steps!

Our Steward enjoyed my delight at his latest creation just as much as I loved to go back to our stateroom to discover yet a new 'friend' on our bed!

The monkey and the pig were my favourites! I also found a rabbit, a penguin and a seal awaiting me like old friends!

And for dessert...What can I say, I love chocolate!

And just in case you are interested, I will post tomorrow part two of our trip, this time to BC, Canada!

Deeply Devoted, Book review

Book description:

When Catharine Olsen leaves Holland for America as a mail-order bride, she brings along some extra baggage: two sisters, her mother's set of Blue Willow china, and a tragic past. When she arrives in Cheyenne, Wyoming, she promptly marries Peter Andersen and dreams of starting life over in this rugged land. Peter is kind and patient with Catharine and accommodating to her sisters. His mother, however, is not. When she begins a campaign to sabotage Peter's marriage, Catharine is distraught, worried that her secret past will be discovered. Will her life end up as nothing but broken pieces? Or will these trials make her stronger?

My review:

I love reading and it is also essential for me to balance fiction and non fiction, this way I never get bored. 

I seek hordes of treasures betwixt the pages of a new book and I enjoy particularly reading about the research involved in setting up the new plot. A good book like a good movie, is certain to make you wonder about the who, what, where, when, how and whys. 

I make a point to read the back cover, dedication and prologue if any. Special features such as notes and acknowledgements, I check ONLY afterward just as I NEVER peek at the ending. That is not to say I do not read a book after seeing a movie based on it. In fact it is often another enticement.

I will add it is startling to see some people reading books from the back to the front page. Why bother reading it in the first place?

'Deeply Devoted' is Book # 1 in the series 'The Blue Willow Brides' and written by Maggie Brendan. Historical Romances have always held a special attraction for me. Well researched, it allows readers to discover a world our romantic souls yearns for whilst learning something of a past we would hardly know otherwise. 

With the stroke of a pen (most likely a laptop key these days), authors have the opportunity to open for readers a small window on history, unfold the often brutal Wild West era, the intrigues of a seedy London infamous neighbourhood for i.e., feel the stifling heat of a Wyoming summer, the cold of a harsh Montana snowstorm or perhaps a whiff of the unforgettable odour of spices and herbs in a souk. 

A few well written lines will let a reader feel the Eros and pathos of characters, their fears, their hopes and even their despair. Additionally, inspirational historical fiction allows us to witness their faith and share  messages of hope.

'Deeply Devoted' is the light and gentle tale of a mail order bride who arrives in the Spring of 1887 from Holland, to make a new life for herself in Wyoming. Accompanied by her two younger sisters, she carries a secret, a few pieces of a Blue Willow China set, and is eager to learn to please her young bridegroom.

I found myself loosing interest in the plot unfortunately quickly and felt somewhat relieved to see the ending. 

There is little in this fiction work that struck me as inspirational. Neither rich in historical setting nor intriguing characters, it lacks conviction and brings little entertainment. Yet the ideas are there: mail order bride, in laws friction, past secret and the locust plague. 

Catherine's description however was far more American than European and not even the few Dutch phrases exchanged by the three sisters helps to reinforce their origin. Peter Andersen was not very convincing as a 1800's wheat farmer either. Perhaps the best described character happens to be Peter's mother, Clara as her emotions have a real ring of truth. 

I will let you discover for yourselves 'Deeply devoted'.

A worthy note: the author's notes page 327 through 330 were by far the most interesting! It would appear Maggie Brendan is surprisingly a good researcher. I only wish she had used more of her notes to develop her characters. 

I also applaud her heartfelt dedication! Too often we forget the many men and women whom in the service of their country, gives us our Freedom!

I give it 3 stars.

I received this book free from BAKER REVELL as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.