Life After Death: The Evidence

This book seems fitting for all of us to read during this lenten season

Life After Death: The Evidence 

by Dinesh D’Souza

This is an amazing book. Dinesh D’Souza explores in detail near death experiences, modern physics, biology/evolution, neuroscience, philosophy, morality, and practical reason to show that death is not the end of life. The chapter on neuroscience interested me especially. It showed that “the realm of subjective experience lies outside its domain and outside the domain of objective science altogether. Two features of the mind – consciousness and free will – define the human soul. These features seem to operate outside the laws of nature and therefore are not subject to the laws governing the mortality of the body. The body dies but the soul lives on.” Pg.270 

Each chapter is fascinating and detailed. The final chapters of the book present clear reasons to show that the resurrection of Jesus was real and true and changed history in its tracks. D’Souza also explains the choice between hell and heaven which we all must make. Read this book and learn there is life after death! And seek him if you do not know him.

"I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and eveyone who lives and believes in me will never die." John 11:25-26

Blessings, Dottie

BOOKS TO READ DURING LENT

Killing Jesus: A History

By Bill O’Reilly

O’Reilly writes a gripping and detailed historical account of the trials, scourging and crucifixion of Jesus. The book is well researched and gives valuable information about Caesar Augustus, Herod the Great, and Pontius Pilate. It also explains the concerns of the Roman officials and the Jewish religious authorities in power at that time. Jesus ministry is touched on briefly and only to explain the outraged response of the religious authorities. The book describes the last week of Jesus’ life in depth, giving vivid and brutal details about his treatment from the time of his arrest to the crucifixion, burial and empty tomb.

The author leaves out much. The birth of Jesus in a manger is omitted but the book tells of Herod having all babies killed due to the report that a prophesied king had been born in Bethlehem. He also leaves out the voice of God “This is my son in whom I am well pleased”, but not the dove at Jesus Baptism. There is scant mention of his miracles, his teaching and his resurrection. He notes that women were treated very well by Jesus and his disciples – something not common at that time.

Though O’Reilly writes this as a secular history it is a worthwhile book for Christians to read. In addition it may well give pause to nonbelievers who want to learn more about Jesus. O’Reilly clearly states the worldwide impact of Jesus which continues to this day.

God’s Grace from Ground Zero: 

Seeking God’s Heart for the Future of Our World

By Jim Cymbala

God’s Grace at Ground Zero is a powerful book about the impact of the 911 disaster on New York in particular and on the United States as well. The Brooklyn Tabernacle opened their church doors to minister to those who walked by covered with soot and in shock. As time passed four members of the congregation were still missing. This is a gripping account of two who died and one who lived and how “God longs for us to place our faith in him, to trust him, no matter what happens.” Cymbala also says that many people who doubted God’s existence before 911 now are seeking him. This is a powerful book that can help us make sense of the tragedies and difficulties in life.

Edge of Eternity 

by Randy Alcorn

Edge of Eternity is an amazing novel written by Randy Alcorn in 1998. The story is about a business man, Nick Seagate, whose life is a wreck. Suddenly he finds himself in another world in which he faces many torments and trials but also meets and makes friends with fellow travelers as they attempt to reach the city of Light. There are many twists and turns to the plot. The writing is full of beautiful and profound words. Early in the book Nick walks with the Woodsman who tells him about a King. He tells Nick: The King is the fountain of life…The King is a rose full of beauty but also thorns…The King is the true vine, the tree of life, the giver of grain…The King is light…The King is a singer and a song and more. Pg 43 This is a very special book full of wisdom with word pictures of our journey in life with the God of the universe.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” John 11:25

Blessings, Dottie

FASCINATING BOOKS ABOUT PEOPLE & EVENTS IN HISTORY

Here are book reviews of four good books. Enjoy! 

Sons and Soldiers: The Untold Story of the Jews who escaped the Nazis and Returned with the U. S. Army to Fight Hitler

By Bruce Henderson

Sons and Soldiers is a New York Times best seller for good reason. It is a truly amazing history about World War II but with a twist – a story never told before. Many German Jews sent their children to the United States to save them from the Nazi’s slaughter. As adults many were drafted to fight in the war – and they were eager to do so. After basic training the Army selected new recruits proficient in German to join a special unit. They were then trained to interrogate prisoners and were sent to the front lines to help us win the war. The book is spell binding, describing in detail each individual’s experiences in battle just behind the lines and in great danger. Their methods of interrogation are also fascinating. The atrocities of the Nazi’s are awful but we need to remember them.

Dreamers and Deceivers: True Stories of the Heroes and Villains who made America

By Glenn Beck

Dreamers and Deceivers is a fascinating book describing many unknown tales behind a variety of famous or not so famous people in recent history. There are ten chapters each offering a gripping account of ingenious little known people and well known people– one who launched the radio and another the tech age of computers. Two presidents are in the mix – Grover Cleveland and his mysterious disappearance and Woodrow Wilson’s deception. In addition we learn about Ponzi and his deceptive scheme and the genius and flaws of Desi Arnez. This is a very interesting book.

Strength in What Remains

by Tracy Kidder  

This is an amazing though disturbing book. It tells the true story of a medical student, Deo, who escaped from the devastating civil war and genocide in Burundi and came to the United States. The author details the traumas he encounters both in his home country and as an immigrant who doesn’t speak English. The story is told with a number of flashbacks and flash forwards which give almost agonizing detail about his trials and his pain through all this. Deo is amazingly persistent and determined to complete his medical training and to help his people heal. Deo should inspire all of us to overcome our troubles and pursue difficult goals in life.

7 Women and the Secret of Their Greatness

By Eric Metaxas

The stories of seven amazing women are featured in this best selling book. Each chapter describes a woman who has changed the course of history.  These women lived difficult lives yet boldly and courageously changed the world. The women are Joan of Arc, Susanna Wesley, Hanna More, Saint Maria of Paris, Corrie ten Boom, Rosa Parks, and Mother Teresa. Hanna More played a role in the abolition of slavery in Great Britain; Saint Maria of Paris was a hero of the Greek Orthodox Church. I knew nothing about these two before reading this book. Each woman lived an amazing life of influence and integrity. The chapter on Rosa Parks gave me more appreciation of her story. The chapter on Mother Teresa inspired and challenged me. She lived a truly holy life ministering to all.  Each chapter is well researched and beautifully written with brilliant insight into these role models of greatness. I highly recommend this book.

Blessings, Dottie

BEST BOOKS READ IN 2018

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption

By Bryan Stevenson                                                   

Just Mercy is a sobering account of a multitude of injustices done against many blacks and poor people by the criminal justice system in the United States. Caution: This book will make you cry and will make you very sad. Yet we need to know about this and do what we can to help correct the many problems. Bryan Stevenson, a lawyer, has built a non-profit organization to represent people wrongfully imprisoned. He has worked tirelessly for decades and has managed to save hundreds from life in prison. The most unbelievable injustice includes children as young as thirteen being put in solitary confinement for life! Stevenson’s writes with warmth, kindness and intense emotion. This is a powerful book.

God and the Transgender Debate: What Does the Bible Actually Say About Gender Identity?

By Andrew T. Walker

God and the Transgender Debate is a ground breaking book! Andrew Walker lovingly and thoughtfully describes the issues, problems and caring solutions for helping people struggling with gender identity. He spells out the fact that we must love every person as Jesus did. We must listen to them to understand their struggle. We must accept them and learn from them. We must also help them understand that we are all sinners, we are all created in the image of God, and we are all created as either male or female.

Should feelings about who I am trump what my body says about who I am? Walker tells about a white man in his thirties who interviews college students and asks them what they would say if he said he is woman? What if he said he was Chinese? What if he said he was seven years old and wanted to enroll in first grade? What would they say if he said he was 6 ft 5” tall? (10 inches taller than his actual height.) None of the students would say he was wrong. They said it was OK for him to view himself as very tall, or Chinese, or a woman.

Walker gives a wealth of information. A chapter on how to talk with children about this issue is excellent, loving and helpful. He also has a chapter in which he answers questions and a chapter on how the church must lovingly deal with this issue. I hope many will read this book and learn from it. I hope parents with children facing this culture in their schools will read this book. Walker offers valuable information and insights along with loving kindness, grace and truth. Here’s the link for You Tube “College Kids Say the Darndest Things.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4S0gHlKiho

Little Soldiers: An American Boy, a Chinese School, and the Global Race to Achieve

By Lenora Chu                                                                                

Little Soldiers is an excellent, detailed book about the educational system in China. Lenora Chu, an American journalist and her husband move to Shanghai to live. Chu’s parents had emigrated from China and she was an American citizen born and raised in Texas. Her husband was a blond American with Norwegian roots. He worked in China with the Peace Corp for some years as a young man and was eager to return there. They settled in Shanghai both with jobs there. When their son, Rainey, was three they enrolled him in a Chinese school. Rainey was a rambunctious toddler. The school was very authoritarian. Toddlers were held captive in small chairs and punished or even banished if they didn’t obey every order.

Chu writes in depth about their experiences with Rainey and how he adapted. Chu had many misgivings and uncertainties about continuing Rainey in the system. Over a period of several years she details their journey and she goes on a quest to understand the effects of a Chinese education on children. She befriends Chinese students in their teens and in college who share their ideas about education. She visits Chinese schools out in the country where poverty and poor teaching prevail.

She describes the extreme pressure on the children and on their parents regarding home work and testing. This becomes more extreme as they approach the higher grades. She ultimately decides that the early years of Chinese education with memorization, high expectations and very hard work produces more intelligent children who then can reason effectively and still be creative in what they do.

This is an excellent and thorough exploration of the Chinese educational system. Parents, grandparents, educators and all who value learning should read this and be informed. Hopefully the information here will influence the American schools to expect more from young children.          

          

Educated: A Memoir

By Tara Westover

Educated is an amazing memoir of the author’s life growing up with an abusive, disturbed, fanatic father and a disturbed brother. She is the youngest of seven children, five of them boys. She grew up in the mountains of Idaho and received no formal schooling.The family avoided all medical treatment, using natural remedies even for serious injuries. The book is disturbing, going from one accident or injury to another. The family dynamics are shocking and unbelievable. 

Tara, tough and strong, worked with the men and boys through her childhood as well as with her mother concocting various health remedies or learning to be a midwife. When seventeen she left the family against her father’s will and enrolled at Brigham Young University. This transition was not easy. Nor was it easy for her to come to terms with her past. She has a list of degrees including a PhD in history from Cambridge. As an adult she struggled with how to stay connected to her family without being sucked back into the morass.

I couldn’t put this book down. I read it in two days. This book is disturbing. It is also a New York Times best seller.

Blessings, Dottie

Two Books about the Secret Service

Here are two fascinating books about the Secret Service who guard the President of the United States day in and day out.

Five Presidents: An Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford

By Clint Hill

Clint Hill is a member of the Secret Service, an elite and highly disciplined group who protects and guards the leaders of our country. Hill details his experiences with five presidents. This is both fascinating and horrifying to read as history unfolds on every page – history I have lived through! There is much to learn about our country, the five presidents and about the job of the Secret Service men. Their work demands long hours, careful preparation of every location the president visits or lives in and vigilant eyes while in crowds of people.

Hill tells his own story – how his service affects him throughout these decades. He is traumatized by the Kennedy assassination as he attempts to protect both the president and his wife. He rides on the back of the open vehicle as the shots ring out from the Book Depository in Dallas. Following this he is assigned to protect Mrs. Kennedy and remains with her for a year afterward. The book gives insights into the personality of each president and also details the many events of this tumultuous period including the Vietnam War with all the protests, the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr., Bobby Kennedy and Watergate.

I am most impressed with the humility and dedication of the Secret Service. They work with world renowned leaders with daily exposure in the media yet remain in the background, silent observers true to their purpose.

Here are the five presidents:

Dwight Eisenhower – Republican –1958 - second year of his term

John Kennedy – Democrat     1961-1963

Lyndon Johnson – Democrat 1963-1968

Richard Nixon – Republican 1968-1974

Gerald Ford – Republican 1974-1978

*                *

In the President’s Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect

By Ronald Kessler

In the President’s Secret Service the New York Times author, Ron Kessler, interviewed more than one hundred agents past and present. He gives much information about the Secret Service organization and the problems and frustrations of the men who guard our presidents and other dignitaries. Kessler offers a glimpse into the character and kindness or lack of it by many our presidents and president’s wives from Kennedy through Obama.

There is gripping detail about assassination attempts on the presidents, problems with preventing an attack and more. He details the ways in which the management of the Secret Service in recent years (2009 and before) has rigidly prevented agents from transferring to other areas and has added more and more work without additional agents or money to do the job. This, he believes puts our presidents at risk. The book borders on gossipy yet also gives much needed transparency to the office of President of the United States. A listing of Secret Service Dates and a complete index are helpful for referring back to specific people or events.

In reading both books it is obvious our culture has changed a great deal and many agents may have quit rather than sacrifice being with their family a reasonable amount of time. Both books are fascinating.

Blessings, Dottie

Two Books about Powerful Praying

I’m including two books in which the authors “hear” God speak to them. I previously reviewed Hearing God in Conversation. Then last year I read the second book which I had some questions about, but it inspired me to pray more so seemed worthwhile for others to read. I reread both of these books this year and they have sparked a deepening in my own prayer life.

Seven Secrets to Powerful Praying: How to Access God’s Wisdom & Miracles Every Day

By Jane Glenchur

A blurb by the author on the back of the book says: “Learning to partner with God is the heart of this book. In so doing, you, too, will develop an intimate relationship with the Lord and experience miraculous answers.” Jane Glenchur writes with wit and wisdom about her practice of praying about every decision no matter how mundane. 

At the beginning of the book she runs to a store to find a good stain remover for carpet in the midst of a household emergency. She kneels to see the stain removers, puts her hand on each one and prays, God, “Is this the one?” Miraculously on the fourth one she hears a voice (two women walking by) saying, “That is the best stain remover.” She bought it and it worked!

Throughout the book Glenchur spells out her prayers in virtually any and every household, family or personal situation and often “hears” God’s voice offering his wisdom. She says his “voice” is always gentle and calm. Over years of experience with this she developed a very deep and personal relationship with God and has experienced many miraculous answers.

Out of the blue one day she heard God saying “Your mother won’t die this year.” Her mother was 88 but healthy, so this puzzled her. Three months later her mother fell and broke her pelvis and her shoulder. Doctors were grim about her recovery and suggested calling a family meeting. She hung on to God’s words and said, “She’ll be OK.” And in a couple of months her mother had recovered and was able to go back to her home.

One of the seven secrets in the book is “Toss the pros and cons lists.” Instead of trying to mentally figure out the best course of action – making lists and poring over the alternatives – She now prays and waits for God’s answer. As a compulsive list maker this impressed me!

The book is divided into three parts: Part 1 Partnering with God, Part 2 Applying the Seven Secrets to Power Praying, and Part 3 Stepping Up to the Next Level

Part 3 includes excellent chapters to guide such as Unmasking Deception, Day to Day Decisions, Praying for the Impossible, Time Management and more.

Using her seven secrets will involve going all in with God, letting go of old ways and surrendering to his instructions. She gives simple steps to manage and to learn to hear God’s voice.

I have questions about some of this though it is hard to argue with her results. Also, in reading this book I was inspired and convicted about needing to spend more time with the Lord. I have been in prayer groups and conferences in which this kind of reliance on prayer lifted up God and glorified him. This is a book to be read and reread and to be put into practice.

Hearing God in Conversation: How to Recognize His Voice Everywhere

By Samuel C. Williamson

Samuel Williamson in his book Hearing God in Conversation affirms the primary importance of hearing from God via Scripture but goes on to encourage believers to cultivate an ear for hearing from God and having conversations with God in a variety of ways. His parents taught him how to hear God and he assumed everyone expected to hear from God directly.

This is an excellent book, true to the Word and also citing the fact that God wants a personal relationship with us. This means we can converse with him daily; we can dialog with God, not just share our thoughts but “hear” (in our minds) from him as well. The author’s convincing unfolding of this idea is inspiring. He weaves his own life stories thorough out as well as citing many biblical examples.

Chapter titles include: The First Time I Heard God’s Voice, Conversation is the Point, How to Recognize the Voice of God, What are Scriptures for?, Brainstorming with God, God Speaks in Our Detours, Hearing God in the Ordinary, God Shouts in His Silence and The God Who Guides and more. He also includes two excellent appendixes Answers to the Arguments and Questionable and Excessive Practices.

Williamson says that sometimes God will nudge us to make a phone call, sometimes we’ll hear a verbal message and sometimes we see a picture. He tells of his grandfather in 1915 seeing red capital letters which spelled the name of a province in China. He prayed and felt called to be a missionary. He lived in that very province for two decades and planted four China inland churches. Pg 31

Williamson notes that God guides us with his voice in conversation but he also carefully orchestrates our lives. There is much good information in this book that can teach us how to hear God in conversation and recognize and better know our mighty God.

“Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding.” Proverbs 3:13 NRSV

Blessings, Dottie

Two Books in One - About God

IN THE LIKENESS OF GOD

By Dr. Paul Brand and Phillip Yancey

In the Likeness of God by Paul Brand and Phillip Yancey is perhaps the most remarkable book I've ever read. Actually it’s two books in one. Phillip Yancey combines two award winning books of Dr. Paul Brand - Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and In His Image. Both books describe incredible and fascinating incidents in the life of Paul Brand and both books show the reader how the human body works, and what doctors or surgeons see and experience when they operate on and care for patients.

Paul Brand, a missionary doctor who worked with people with leprosy, discovered that leprosy silences nerve cells and as a result its victims destroy themselves because they cannot feel pain. Therefore, he sees pain as a gift!

Brand and his coauthor Philip Yancey explain very intricate body processes in terms laymen can understand. The first book includes sections on the human body’s Cells, Bones, Skin and Motion. The second book presents sections on Image, Blood, Head, Spirit and Pain. In connection with each of these Brand offers gripping and heart warming stories about his experiences as a mission doctor.

On top of this Brand and Yancey expand the readers understanding of the church and Christianity by linking insights about the human body with spiritual insight into how the Church – the Body of Christ operates. The Bible refers to the Church as the Body of Christ – so the authors are on biblically solid ground here.

Enjoy this book.

“You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”  Psalm 139:13-14

Blessings, Dottie

Novels for Summer Reading

The Help

by Kathryn Stockett

I read The Help by Kathryn Stockett in the car while on a trip and time flew by. It’s as beautifully written as To Kill a Mocking Bird and is similar in its southern setting and racial and class separation and intolerance. The setting is Jackson, Mississippi in the sixties. It's about black maids in white homes - from their viewpoint. There are many plot twists and turns and it was a NY Times best seller. Excellent book!

Where’d You Go, Bernadette

By Maria Semple

This novel revolves around Bernadette, her husband Elgie, and her fifteen year old daughter Bee. At the beginning the book seemed silly to me and I almost quit reading. I’m glad I didn’t. The story has many unexpected plot twists and turns that surprised and delighted me. I couldn’t put it down. I had to find out what happened next….and at the end. This is a very creative story with no moral purpose – just fun reading.

Life of Pi

By Yann Martel

Life of Pi is a New York Times best seller and a major motion picture. This book differs from every novel I’ve ever read. I decided to read it when I discovered that the pastor at my son’s church planned to do a message on it. Also, early in the book the claim is made that this story will make you believe in God. The story centers on a boy by the name of Piscine Molitor Patel – Pi for short - and is told from his viewpoint. His father owns a zoo to the delight of Pi and his brother, Ravi. The information and insight into zoo animals is stunning.

Due to political changes in India, Pi’s father sells the zoo and the family embarks on a cargo ship to Canada and a new life. The ship sinks and the only survivors are Pi and a few of their animals - together in a life boat drifting on the Pacific Ocean for about 190 pages! The story is riveting, clever, humorous, detailed, and intense.

There are spiritual themes - it could be thought of as a parable of life. Pi explains convincingly that animals in the wild are not happy because they’re free. (Are we?) Life is an adventure and brings both crisis and delight in unexpected ways. We’re adrift and hoping to be rescued. Whether redemptive or not Life of Pi is a great story. I will not see the movie as it would get my adrenalin going way too much.

Blessings, Dottie

Christian Novels for Summer Reading 2

Christian Novels for Summer Reading 2  

The Book of Hours

By T. Davis Bunn

The Book of Hours is an interesting Christian novel both historical and a mystery. Set in a small town in England, the story revolves around Brian Blackstone, a young man who has inherited Castle Keep from his deceased wife. The estate is about to be foreclosed and sold to entrepreneurs who plan to demolish it. Brian and his new friends in the village discover a sequence of letters from his wife’s deceased Aunt. The letters, each with a puzzle to solve, reveal many secrets hidden at the estate. Through twists and turns of this they struggle to hang onto Castle Keep. A renewal of faith and recovery from grief by Brian is well described and inspiring and affects the entire village.

Lord Foulgrin’s Letters: How to Strike Back at the Tyrant by Deceiving and destroying His Human Vermin 

By Randy Alcorn

Lord Foulgrin, as a senior devil, writes letters to a student devil instructing him how to deceive and tempt humans and thus entice them into sin and away from God. This excellent book is as good as The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. Alcorn has added alternate chapters about Fletcher and his family, who the student devil is assigned to, bringing the issues to real life.

Throughout the letters God is referred to as the Tyrant or the Enemy – the way a demon would think of him. This fact is a bit unnerving when reading the book. The advice given the student devil is ingenious, teaching him to be subtle and to know his subject. The book touches on many of the issues of our day including moral relativism, diversity, honestt, money and possessions, anger and more. We are told by Scripture that Satan prowls around like a lion seeking who he can devour. We are also told that our battle is against the principalities and powers in the heavenly realms. This book confronts us with our own sin temptations and adaptations to the world that keep us from our God-given purposes. There’s much to ponder in this excellent book.

The Ishbane Conspiracy

By Angela, Karina & Randy Alcorn

This novel is similar to Lord Foulgrins Letters (above) and the Screwtape Letters of C.S. Lewis in which we hear demons reflect on how to defeat or lead astray the main characters. Randy Alcorn and his two daughters present a fascinating work of fiction with great truth in it. The story focuses on four youthful characters and their families. We learn the trials and temptations that beset each of them. Some are dabbling in Ouija boards and the occult, others are depressed and thinking of suicide, all are unaware of each other’s problems and needs. Letters between two demons reveal the strategies they use to keep us from the Enemy (God). This is an excellent book for both young and old.

Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard Von Bingen

By Mary Sharratt

Illuminations portrays the life of Hildegard Von Bingen, a woman of note who grew up in the Middle Ages. The youngest of ten children, Hildegard’s mother gave her to the church as the family “tithe” at the age of eight. Her father and older brothers were fighting in the Crusades and she reported having visions which greatly distressed her mother. In the monastery she was sequestered in one room with a disturbed young nun. This powerless, imprisoned child nevertheless grew up to be a powerful leader, a writer of visions and a champion of her sisters. The story is beautifully written and riveting with many twists and turns. It sheds light on life in the Middle Ages as well as the life of young women dedicated to the Church. This is a very good read.

Blessings, Dottie

Christian Novels for Summer Reading

Safely Home by Randy Alcorn

Safely Home is a profound and brilliant novel about the plight of Christians in the house churches in China. The story revolves around an American executive and his Chinese college roommate – twenty years after they have graduated from Harvard. Woven throughout are delightful Chinese proverbs, intense meaningful conversations between the two roommates, the truth of the Bible, and many trials and adventures. The book gives insights into various Chinese eras and subjects including Buddhism, the Dali Lama, Mao, the Boxer rebellion, and Tiananmen Square. The corruption of people in power and the blind collusion of big business are vividly shown. Safely Home beautifully depicts the humble acceptance of suffering for Christ. The ending gives a thrilling view of the doorway to heaven.

Seven Days in Utopia: Golf’s Sacred Journey

By David L. Cook, PhD

Seven Days in Utopia is a profound book that can enhance your golf game and also your life. A friend loaned the book to my husband who read and enjoyed it. The title and plot intrigued me. So I opened the book and read it all - though I am not a golfer, nor have ever played golf! There is great wisdom in this book. The story is about a professional golfer devastated by his disastrous play at a recent tournament. He meets an unusual rancher and owner of a small driving range and golf course in Utopia, Texas who offers to help him find his game if he will spend seven days there. This is a book to read and put into practice. An online study guide is available for individuals or groups. Golf groups take note.

Seeker of Hearts

By Stephen P. Smith

Seeker of Hearts by Steven P. Smith is a recounting of the life of Jesus in a modern day setting. And I do mean modern day. Think Jesus and the disciples wearing blue jeans, driving vans and using cell phones. The setting is an America-like land, currently occupied by foreign troops. Much of the dialog is straight from the NIV Bible following the gospel accounts accurately. This gives readers a fresh way of thinking about Jesus and his mission.

Seeker of Hearts is written in every day language and the scenes flow smoothly from one location or view point to another. Smith very adeptly describes, for example, the healing of the man born blind and the hullabaloo following it. He is inventive in scenes such as the raising of Lazarus from the dead - in a modern cemetery. Smith also fills in behind the scenes stories we've always wondered about, for example, dialog between Caiaphas, the chairman of City Council, and Judd (Judas).

The events from the Last Supper on are riveting. I couldn't put Seeker of Hearts down. It reminded me of Riven by Jerry Jenkins! I won't tell more or I'll spoil the surprises. This is a must read for Christians and seekers will also learn from it. The book can also be read aloud to children, with discussion to help them understand. Teen-agers also will find this book inspiring, even life-changing.

Blessings, Dottie

Two Book Reviews on Health Remedies

If you’re uncertain about your doctor’s orders for medication, surgery or testing or if they don’t help, you may be interested in these two books. The second one will cure you by dealing with unconscious issues! The first book will teach you ways to improve your health by taking less medication, eliminating toxins and boosting the immune system through diet, exercise, probiotics and supplements.

Natural Remedies for Essential Tremor     

By Donna Gagnon

Natural Remedies for Essential Tremor by Donna Gagnon is chock full of information about remedies other than drugs and surgery that may offer symptom relief for those suffering from essential tremor. Gagnon supplies background information on Essential Tremor and on conventional drugs and surgery treatments and then covers a multitude of natural remedies that will help our health today including food choices and life style choices, eliminating toxins, nutritional supplements, alternate therapies and more. The book is well written and easy to understand plus it is documented with references. At the end of the book Gagnon puts it all together with a step by step plan for implementing lifestyle changes gradually. The information in this book will help all of us be healthier and hopefully will reduce or even eliminate tremors.

The Divided Mind: The Epidemic of Mindbody Disorders

By John Sarno

The Divided Mind by Dr. John Sarno is about the principles and practices of psychosomatic medicine written by a well known doctor who for decades specialized in helping people with back trouble using mindbody methods. Sarno is concerned that medical care in this country is in crisis. He says that over six million Americans suffering from fibromyalgia are being treated by specialists who don’t have a clue about what causes this disorder. The same is true for other disorders. He says there are hundreds of disorders that are psychosomatic. In spite of the prevalence of these disorders psychosomatic medicine is almost unknown today. Instead, doctors treat the symptoms.

Sarno writes the first four chapters in this book – about half of the book. He writes excellent chapters on the history of psychosomatic medicine, and the psychology and treatment of psychosomatic disorders. Case examples amplify his convictions about proper treatment for many people. His treatment involves teaching patients to at least keep an open mind to the fact that their problems are often due to underlying unconscious anger and the pain experienced by patients is to protect them from these feelings of rage. The patients who are open to this are often helped by realizing their unconscious issues and some accept a need for psychotherapy. Their unbearable pain goes away.

The second half of the book is written by six doctors who studied with Sarno and who use his methods. They support with their stories the need for an understanding of psychological needs and childhood or background issues. They include a doctor who specializes in hypertension, one who works in rehabilitation, a rheumatologist, an orthopedic surgeon, a doctor in sports medicine, and a family doctor. All of these doctors have similar stories of success with helping many people who were hopelessly sick prior to using this method. Chapter six by the orthopedic surgeon is terribly long and not well edited. The rest are excellent.

For those of us who recall seeing a family doctor in a leisurely setting in which time was not rushed and the doctor really knew you – I wish many of you could realize what we are missing today with managed care and doctors looking at their computers and doctors pushing medication or surgery for every ill. I know most doctors are caring but are trapped in the system. I hope some doctors will read this and open up their own practice to a kinder, more helpful way of treating illnesses. People need to exercise and eat right and quit most meds

“O Lord, my God, I cried out to you and you healed me.” Psalm 30:3

Blessings, Dottie

Two Books on Improving Your Health

If you’re reluctant to follow your doctor’s order for medication, surgery or testing you may be interested in these two books. You will learn ways to improve health by eliminating some medication, and eliminating toxins plus boosting the immune system through diet, exercise, probiotics and supplements.

Mind Over Meds: Know When Drugs are Necessary, When Alternatives are Better – and When to Let Your Body Heal on its Own

By Andrew Weil, MD

Mind Over Meds by Andrew Weil, MD, is an important book about the over use of medication and the importance of life style changes in order to improve health. Weil reports that “adverse drug reactions are the fourth leading cause of death in our country and rank between the fourth and the sixth more common cause of death in hospitalized patients.” He also says “antibiotics that we use to kill or inhibit the growth of disease-causing bacteria may alter liver and kidney function and interfere with digestion.”

Through chapter after chapter Weil gives examples of people who have been terribly over medicated, describes in detail the medical issues of over use and misuse and then explains the integrative approach using meds when needed, plus diet, exercise, supplements, and mind/body approaches to achieve health.

The medications he found most concerning are “over prescribed, mis-prescribed, over used and misused.” They include antibiotics, statins, GERD medications, antihistamines, sleep aids, steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin and ibuprofen) and more. Even over the counter medications can have many side effects that cause more harm than help.

There is a wealth of information in this book. Most of us need to at least reduce the number of medications we take and learn from this book how to be healthier without them.

The End of Alzheimer’s: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline

By Dale E. Bredesen, MD

This is an exciting and amazing book that describes Dr. Bredesen’s careful scientific research to find a way to reverse Alzheimer’s and to also prevent the disease. His cure for Alzheimer’s is not a simple fix and many doctors will not admit cure is possible. (Your doctor may pooh, pooh it.) After studying brain abnormalities over some decades the author found that Alzheimer’s is not one disease but several. He discovered that thirty-six metabolic factors impact the brain. The way to reverse these changes requires a complex array of tests to rid the body of toxins and changes in life style. Some of the changes in my layman’s terms include eating organic food, taking vitamins and supplements, exercising daily, fasting 12-14 hours to give the digestion a rest and ridding the body of all toxins.

I learned about Dr. Bredesen’s protocol from a former neighbor whose wife in her fifties developed Alzheimer’s. To gain more understanding of this you can read my former neighbor’s blog. He writes beautifully and details his wife’s improvements since they went on the protocol in September 2017. She has improved already! See Matthew’s blog at www.savingjacquelynn.com. The book also describes this in detail and with case examples of cures.

“O Lord, my God, I cried out to you and you healed me.” Psalm 30:3

Blessings, Dottie

Best Books RE-READ in 2017

I re-read 18 books last year. Here are the two best books RE-READ in 2017. I first read ALL IN in 2013 and JESUS CONTINUED in 2014. I appreciated them more the second time!

All In: You are One Decision Away from a Totally Different Life

By Mark Batterson

Mark Batterson makes a case for the fact that Christians often say they are following Jesus when they really are inviting Jesus to follow them. Many of us have "bought in" to Christianity but we haven’t "sold out." Missionaries a century ago bought a one way ticket on board a ship when going to the mission field. And they each packed all their belongings in a coffin. They didn’t expect to return.

Batterson says: “Jesus didn’t die to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous.” All In is a challenging book with many stories and biblical examples of those who did go “All In”; totally committed and giving their all to Christ. As I read this book two songs came to mind – “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no holding back” and “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to thee…” 

This book will teach and inspire us to consecrate ourselves to Him and do everything for His glory.

Jesus Continued: Why the Spirit inside you is better than Jesus beside you

By J. D. Greear

This is an excellent book about the Holy Spirit. The book is divided into three sections: The Missing Spirit, Experiencing the Holy Spirit and Seeking the Holy Spirit. Throughout the book Greear weaves Bible stories or references and the words of well known scholars, as well as sharing his own experiences and stories. For example, a touching story to illustrate God’s adoption of us brings this concept to life as he tells of he and his wife adopting four siblings at once. 

Are there times when you can’t feel God’s presence? Greear says “If you are a believer the feeling of being alone is always an illusion.” The section on seeking the Holy Spirit is challenging. We long for revival and for Holy Spirit power. “Revival is the intensification of the normal operations of the Holy Spirit.” Greear outlines steps to revival. These are not easy steps – think humility and repentance. “The Holy Spirit… is power for those who know they are powerless.”

This is a life changing book.

Blessings, Dottie

BEST BOOKS READ IN 2017

 Much of the year was spent rereading old books, packing and getting rid of stuff – even books, because we downsized and moved. We gave away 189 books. I read 42 books this year and 52 in 2016. I read only 22 new books in 2017. Of the new books the four books below are among the best. The best book is first. In January I will post three reviews of the best books REREAD in 2017.

SEEKING ALLAH, FINDING JESUS: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity

By Nabeel Quresh

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus is a brilliant, profound book that will inform and teach all of us many things. It surprised me how carefully children in Muslim families are taught the history and doctrines of their faith on a daily basis. Nabeel Quersh grew up in the United States, a rare Muslim at that time. His family was devout, loving and close. He excelled in school and was a devout and obedient child.

Quersh tells the story of his life from childhood to college and beyond. He was sheltered – not allowed to go to overnights or parties in high school and commuted in college until his senior year. His best friend through high school and college was a strong Christian. Their friendship is beautiful, real and fun and their discussions lead to Quersh thoroughly studying his faith and the Christian faith and digging into the historical proofs of each one. He shares his painful struggles about how hurt and ashamed his family will be if he becomes a Christian. His approach to each faith can inform us all.

The book includes additional information from experts that is helpful. I was spell bound while reading his story and highly recommend this book for all Christians and all seekers.

Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical

By Timothy Keller

Making Sense of God is an excellent exploration and comparison of the beliefs of the secular culture versus faith in God. Timothy Keller invites skeptics to read and follow his logic. Keller has thoroughly researched the in and outs of philosophy, history and religion as it applies to faith and he carefully explains the reasons we can make sense of God. He suggests that we can’t live without meaning, satisfaction, freedom, identity, hope and justice.

Part One of the book is titled Why Does Anyone Need Religion? Many skeptics believe religion will eventually go away. Keller cites many facts to show the opposite is true; religion is growing. Skeptics also believe religion is based on faith and secularism is based on evidence. Keller shows that both faith and secularism are based on faith as well as evidence.

Part Two, Religion is More than You Think It Is, covers eight meaty chapters. In Chapter Six, The Problem of Self, I particularly liked his comparison of an Anglo-Saxon warrior in Britain in AD 800 who examines his heart and sees two strong inner impulses or feelings. One is aggression which fits his culture so he says “That’s me.” The other impulse he sees in himself is same sex attraction. He suppresses that and says “That’s not me.” Keller compares this to a man today walking around New York who has the same two inward impulses. Sensing an impulse to aggression he says, “This is not me.” Sensing same sex desire he says “That’s me.” Keller shows that identity is not just an expression of inward desires and feelings. We use a set of beliefs and values to sort through and decide what we will incorporate into our identity. “Identity is determined not by our feelings and desires but rather by our beliefs about our varied, contradictory, changing feelings and desires.” Pg127

In Part Three, Christianity Makes Sense, Keller shows that Christianity offers “A meaning that suffering cannot remove, a satisfaction not based on circumstances, a freedom that does not hurt but rather enhances love, an identity that does not crush you or exclude others, a moral compass that does not turn you into an oppressor, and a hope that can face anything, even death.” Pg 216 This section includes information on the historical evidence about Jesus, his life, death and resurrection. The qualities of Jesus and his claims are detailed beautifully. The Epilogue offers an illustration that vividly demonstrates how God makes sense. This is an outstanding book.

The Problem of God: Answering a Skeptic’s Challenges to Christianity

By Mark Clark

Through ten amazing chapters Mark Clark explains and explores the questions many people have about God. I have read a number of apologetic books and yet this book covered many aspects of belief and unbelief I had not read about before. Clark came up with new and clear ways to explain and convince doubters that God is real and powerful and Christ is the son of God. The chapter on Evil and Suffering is outstanding. The problem of Hell is another brilliant chapter. He even tackles the apparent Hypocrisy of believers and the Problem of Exclusivity. And he ends with the Problem of Jesus.

The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important That Happens in Between

By Gregory Koukl

The Story of Reality is an amazing book giving clear and profound answers to questions about our life on planet earth. Why are we here? Why is there evil? Koukl says “Christianity is a picture of reality.” Every worldview has four parts: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. He compares worldviews to puzzles and says that all the pieces have to fit together. Also, pieces from a different puzzle can’t be mixed in. They were made for a different picture. When the pieces are fitted together we can see the picture. He tells the story of the Bible through five words: God, Man, Jesus, Cross, Resurrection. His clear reasoning should help unbelievers and believers better understand the story and come to faith in Christ or deepen their faith. This is a very helpful book.

Blessings, Dottie