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Fight Back with Joy–seeking “a life radiant with joy”
and Fight Back with Joy Bible Study
by Margaret Feinberg
Margaret Feinberg was already an author and speaker when she had the rug pulled out from under her with a cancer diagnosis. With painfully candid honesty, Feinberg shares her journey through the medical and emotional roller coaster that her life became. She and her husband Leif struggled together to find joy in a very difficult situation. They always found God to be faithful as they pursued good health for Margaret and a closer relationship to Him.
Fight Back with Joy chronicles their struggles and recounts how they found joy in the little things. At no point does she exaggerate or minimize her spiritual, physical, or emotional battles. She includes practical advice and examples of their pursuit of joy which was often difficult. Feinberg shows how the things she learned can be applied to the many struggles that her readers undergo, not just physical illness.
The workbook is intended to be used by groups or individuals in corporation with a video series of Margaret’s teachings on joy. I did not have the videos, but that did not hinder my use of either book. The study helps the reader to dive deeper into what the Bible has to say about the struggles of life and our response to them. The book would be valuable even without the workbook, but I certainly would not advise trying to use the workbook without the teachings in the book.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Religion, Christian Life, Personal Growth
Publication: 2015—Worthy Publishing
Memorable Lines:
When we fight back with joy, we no longer size the character of God according to our circumstances, but we size our circumstances according to the character of God and his great affection for us.
When everything goes awry, we are tempted to rush past, stuff, deny, or file the situation under “unmentionables.” We will do anything to make the chaos subside. Something inside us lunges to grieve, but we stiff-arm the impulse, forcing ourselves to keep it together.
…one of the fastest ways to receive joy is to give it away. One of the best ways to be lifted up is to lift up others.
No matter what adversity we face, we can turn our eyes from what’s before us and refocus on the God who fills us with joy. Instead of only seeing adversity, we become alert to Christ, who has overcome all things and for whom nothing is impossible.
Surprised by Oxford–an intellectual’s search for meaning
Surprised by Oxford
by Carolyn Weber
Carolyn Weber had quite a culture shock when, as a scholarship student, she transported herself from Western Ontario into the revered halls of Oxford University. In that first year of working on her Master of Philosophy degree, she was introduced to a different system of learning and classes. She was expected to learn for the sake of learning and to pursue academic interests through tutorials—meetings of small groups of students with a professor. Along with tea or sherry, the groups dove into intellectual pursuits that exhilarated this future professor of literature.
Along the way, Weber discovered a diverse group of friends from a variety of backgrounds who challenged each other in the friendly way comrades can have in the pub over a pint at the end of a long day of studying. She discovered a diversity of spiritual beliefs from atheist to Eastern religions, but none kindled in her the desire to investigate like the Christian faith did. The Christian students and professors were not what she expected. No one was standing on street corners thumping a Bible. Instead, when they found she was interested, they encouraged her to actually read the Bible and to attend groups where the writings of C.S. Lewis were discussed.
Through Surprised by Oxford, I learned a lot about the University of Oxford that contradicted the stereotypes that are generally shared in media. It was interesting to watch her personal and intellectual growth, to see her search within herself for spiritual meaning and communication with God. Obviously a lover of literature, Weber begins each chapter with poetry and sprinkles other lines of poetry throughout the book, especially as she and her friends quote poetry to each other in the context of their discussions.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Memoir, Christian
Publication: 2011—Thomas Nelson
Memorable Lines:
I had no real need of believing in men, God incarnate or otherwise. Fathers especially were not to be trusted. They did not even seem relevant really. That much I had learned. That much I brought with me.
“Despair is the greatest sin,” Dr. Nuttham finally responded slowly. “It involves forgetting that God is there. Forgetting that He is good and that all He is and does extends from and works toward this perfect goodness. That doesn’t mean that He allows evil, or creates it, or perpetuates it. That’s our entwinement. Rather, He uses even our evil toward His good. We all need forms of remembering this first great love…writing, reading, creating, being.”
“Jesus brings the most radical message there is into any society at any time: you are beloved; you are worth a price that only the God of the universe could pay.”
As Waters Gone By–rescued lives
As Waters Gone By
by Cynthia Ruchti
Emmalyn has in many ways a tortured life. Her husband was sentenced to five years in prison, but she has built a prison for herself—captive to her desires to have a baby. Even before the car accident that resulted in his imprisonment, Emmalyn and her husband Max had exhausted their financial and emotional resources. Emmalyn had been a top chef, but having lost her job when the restaurant closed, she finds herself starting life again at a rustic hunting cabin that needs a lot of work to transform it into a livable cottage on Madeline, one of the Apostle Islands near Bayfield, Wisconsin. Max had cut off communication with Emmalyn so she doesn’t know if he will want to remain married when he is released from prison. With five months to go, Emmalyn and Max need to learn to communicate all over again.
When Emmalyn (M) arrives by ferry, she is quickly befriended by locals. She initially stays at The Wild Iris, a guest house and restaurant owned by the generous Boozie Unfortunate, a great cook and manager, who dispenses common sense and Christian wisdom and love, blessing all who encounter her. Another new friend, Cora, wears many hats, including roofer. Emmalyn desperately needs her help in closing a gaping hole in the roof. Cora has a team of workers, contacts to get building supplies at a discount, and a son with a tracking ankle bracelet who needs someone to take a chance on him. Reflecting on her husband’s future needs when he is released from prison, Emmalyn hires Nick to paint her house.
Just when renovations in the cottage are coming to a close, there is a major plot twist that turns Emmalyn’s world upside down, but also leads her on a journey of self-discovery as she realizes mistakes she made in her marriage and is drawn again into a relationship with God. This dramatic twist will remain a secret as this is a spoiler-free review, but it adds depth, despair, and delight to the plot.
Reading As Waters Gone By was a pleasure. It has quirky, lovable characters and a strong moral base. This book was a page turner for me. As I review M’s situation, I realize this character’s issues beckon the reader to exchange places with M and ponder her choices from a personal perspective, because all of us can suddenly find our world upended. Will we be able to stand the course as God reveals the plan behind the circumstances so that one day we can say too (Job 11:16 NIV) that “You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by.” ?
Rating: 5/5
Category: Christian Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Notes: As one of the members of my book club said, “Although this is a Christian book, there is nothing “preachy” about it.” Several members commented on the rich descriptions. I agree with both assessments. It also had many instances of gentle humor that were very enjoyable.
Publication: 2015—Abingdon Press
Memorable Lines:
Introvert? Extrovert? Boozie fit under the Tidal Wave category. But with a gentle touch that made people forget they were being carried someplace other than where they were headed.
“We brought bacon, too, if that helps your mood.”…The moment christened the cottage with tears and a laughter chaser. “Smoked meat,” Emmalyn said between gasps, “fixes everything.” “The food world’s duct tape,” Cora added.
Hope’s laughter floated through the cottage, lighting the shadowed corners. No matter what age, a child’s laughter changes things.
“That’s the thing about messes,”…”It doesn’t matter what caused the trouble. The answer’s always the same. Call out to God. Watch His rescue. Then thank Him.” Emmalyn doubted it was that simple. But she’d seen it at work on the island. Her exile. Her refuge.
The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
The Prodigal God
by Timothy Keller
You may feel the urge to read that title twice. Wait, you say, the parable in the Bible is commonly referred to as “The Prodigal Son”! One of the meanings of prodigal, however, is “recklessly extravagant,” and that is the kind of love God has for us.
The Prodigal God is a fairly short book that uses Jesus’ parable about a spendthrift son who wastes his inheritance on immoral living to explain the good news of God’s love and salvation. If you are not familiar with the tale, it’s okay because Keller shares the story as told by Luke at the first of his book. As you read it you will be reminded that there are two brothers who both have bad attitudes. The younger brother engages in wild living, but the older brother who exemplifies the religious leaders listening to the parable has an attitude problem as well. These self-righteous scribes and Pharisees try to follow the letter of the law but not the spirit of the law. One of the chapter titles is “The Two Lost Sons.” Neither son shows the respect for the father that would be expected according to the customs of their culture.
This is a great book to read if you are seeking a personal relationship with God. It is also good for those who are already followers of Jesus. I particularly appreciated the examination of the characters’ actions in the light of the time and place where they lived. It made a story I have long been familiar with come alive. Keller compares the feast at the end of the parable with “the great festival of God at the end of history” and explains four ways in which salvation is like a feast. This book will challenge your mind and heart.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Theology
Publication: 2008—Penguin Group
Memorable Lines:
…sin is not just breaking the rules, it is putting yourself in the place of God as Savior, Lord, and Judge just as each son sought to displace the authority of the father in his own life.
…the prerequisite for receiving the grace of God is to know you need it.
We must learn how to repent of the sin under all our other sins and under all our righteousness—the sin of seeking to be our own Savior and Lord. We must admit that we’ve put our ultimate hope and trust in things other than God, and that in both our wrongdoing and right doing we have been seeking to get around God or get control of God in order to get control of those things.
Reading for the Love of God–erudite and spiritual
Reading for the Love of God
by Jessica Hooten Wilson
I thought Reading for the Love of God would be the perfect book for me, channeling my reading choices in a way that points to God and shining a light on the spiritual connection of God and a reader. It did both of those things, but I have to admit that, as a whole, it was not the right book for me. Some of this well organized book was appropriate for the average reader, but much of it was clearly written by a professor with a strong background in both literature and theology. Perhaps it would be more appropriate for study in a college level course. Here is an example from the text that demonstrates the background knowledge needed to fully benefit from this book: “In Christian tradition, the anagogic sense refers to a text’s echo or reflection of the divine. Where do we see God here? Or we might equate the anagogical with the eschatological: Knowing that all will end in our death and Christ’s second coming, what matters in what we have read? It’s the cultivation of a sight that points our eyes ever upward toward heaven.”
On the other hand, Hooten presents a lot of interesting ideas about reading. She is quite knowledgeable and gathers information from and about many authors. The footnotes cover about twenty percent of the book. She extols the virtues of reading and rereading the classics, and she asserts that learning how to read various genres helps us learn to read Scripture. If we read other books than the Bible, even secular books, through the lens of Scripture, God can teach us. Even books that some Christians avoid reading (e.g. Harry Potter) can lead to examination and discussions of evil versus good, etc. We should both enjoy and use literature, but should not put the message above the story itself. She points out that there are many current and historical opinions about how to best read the Bible addressing issues such as meditation, interpretation, the role of allegory, the depths of word meanings, and symbolism.
The author carefully places essays in the book expounding on what we can learn from examining the writing and reading of St. Augustine, Julian of Norwich, Frederick Douglass, and Dorothy L. Sayers. After her Conclusion and Acknowledgments, she guides the reader through a practice session of analysis of Flannery O’Connor’s short story “The River.” O’Connor is a much referenced author in this book so this discussion seems quite appropriate. A section of Frequently Asked Questions is very practical and useful. It is followed by “Reading Lists of Great Books” which is grouped by ages. The next list is “Great Books: The Living Tradition” which contains classics sorted by time periods and followed by a list entitled “Writers Whose Works Touch the Sacred and the Profane.” I’m not sure what her criteria are for this list, but it includes authors such as Wendell Berry, Frederick Buechner, Willa Cather, G. K. Chesterton, and Dorothy Sayers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Christian, Religion & Spirituality
Notes: As I think back over Reading for the Love of God, I find I am viewing it in a more positive light than when I was working my way through it. I am not recommending it to my book club as I initially thought I would do. I will be mulling her theses over and referring to her suggestions for reading selections as I expand my personal reading choices.
Publication: March 28,2023—Brazos Press (Baker Publishing Group)
Memorable Lines:
If we are going to read—the Bible included—we should learn how to read well. We should become readers who do not read for our own gain but who read as a spiritual practice, always open to how the Lord is planting seeds in our heart, teaching us more about him, and showing us ways of living more like Christ in the world.
But we should not read Virgil’s Aeneid in order that we may check a box on a great books list. Rather, a book such as the Aeneid is to be used—for pleasure and edification temporarily—and ultimately enjoyed in how it points us to God.
We read because without books our world shrinks, our empathy thins, and our liberty wanes. We read for the same reason that people have read—and shared poems or stories—for thousands of years because our eyes are not enough by which to see. The time and place in which we live blinds us to other perspectives and ways of being that are not of our own experience. We read because we have been given the gift of imagination and intellect, and we exhibit our gratitude by using it.
Christmas: The Season of Life and Light
Christmas: The Season of Life and Light
by Emily Hunter McGowan
In reading the book Advent (reviewed here) by Trish Harrison Warren, I learned much about liturgical Protestant churches (typically Lutheran, Anglican, and Episcopalian) that follow a structured, participatory format with foundations in practices of the early Christian church. The church calendar begins with the season of Advent focusing on repentance and the anticipated coming of the Messiah, which is celebrated on December 25th at the commencement of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
I decided to follow up my reading of Advent with the book entitled Christmas: The Season of Life and Lightwhich is also in the Fullness of Time series, but is written by a different author, Emily Hunter McGowin. I was pleased that Christmas held many of the same qualities that are found in Advent. Both are short books and very readable, but are packed with theological truths. McGowan did a lot of research, as witnessed by her footnotes, and she includes a brief list of books for further reading at the end of each chapter. After a fairly personal introduction, she very appropriately begins with the origins of the celebration focusing on the debates about when Christ was actually born. Much of the book discusses God in relationship to people. God’s gift of His Son can be related to the gifts we give at Christmas. Jesus was born in a poor family, and He was concerned about the poor all through his three year ministry. He leaves Christians with the mandate to give sacrificially to the poor. Decorations are an important part of our Christmas customs in the West, and her analysis of their role is found in the chapter “God of Creation and Re-Creation.” McGowan does not gloss over the tragedy of Herod’s slaying children in an attempt to ensure his throne from the threat of this newborn King. Singing and lighting candles are highlighted in her discussion of life and light.
Christmas ends with an appendix listing the “appointed Scriptures and collects” or prayers for Christmas found in the 1979 Lectionary and the Book of Common Prayer. I look forward to reading the other books in the series, all by different authors: Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.
Christmas permeates our society in cultural as well as religious ways. Therefore, this series has benefits of instruction and understanding for all—Christians who use the Book of Common Prayer and those who don’t, as well as those who aren’t followers of Jesus. I invite you to read this book to examine the truths behind our customs and the reasons Jesus Christ is the focus of this season named after Him.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Theology
Notes: part of the Fullness of Time series which can be read in any order
Publication: 2023—InterVarsity Press
Memorable Lines:
Profligate shopping sprees and conspicuous consumption notwithstanding, the practice of gift-giving in itself remains evocative of the central mystery of Christmas: the incarnation of God in Christ. Christmas is about God’s great gift to us, which is God’s own self in the person of Jesus Christ.
In fact, children are among those people with whom Jesus so closely identifies that they become a sacramental sign. The hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the unclothed, the sick, the imprisoned, children—Jesus says of all these that to welcome and serve them is to welcome and serve him (see Matthew 18:5; 25:40; Mark 9:37). So we separate ourselves from the poor, needy, and vulnerable at our collective peril.
A Light in the Window–Mitford, a good place to live
A Light in the Window
by Jan Karon
Earlier this year the members of my book club decided that for the upcoming months each person would select a book for all of us to read. I couldn’t have been more delighted when A Light in the Window was chosen as one of our reads. It is the second book in Jan Karon’s The Mitford Years series and a reread for me.
I enjoyed so much returning to the little town of Mitford where no one is perfect and everyone has hiccups in their lives. Yet the people there are good. Miss Rose has a screw loose, Edith Mallory gets carried away with romantic intentions on Father Tim, and the town is in danger of losing its café. These are just some of the problems in Mitford, but the focus of the plot is the relationship of Father Tim, the never-married Episcopal priest, and his neighbor Cynthia, an artist and the author of a successful series of children’s books. Father Tim likes Cynthia, but his inexperience makes him a reluctant suitor.
This major plot thread dominates A Light in the Window, but many other threads are woven into the book. It is a relaxing book, full of humor. The unexpected visit of Irish cousin Meg is a source of both humor and concern as are many of the stories in the book. There is character development as the characters mature and work through their problems. Themes include love, forgiveness, and trust. There are many denominations included in the book and there is an emphasis on how Father Tim and other preachers work together for the good of the people of Mitford and to further their exposure to the love of Jesus. Father Tim is an excellent listener and very accepting of others and their differences. At the same time, it is clear that he has standards and the townsfolk know they can count on him from his cooked hams to his pastoral care. There are a lot of characters, but the author makes it easy for the reader to distinguish them by their uniqueness. Father Tim’s dog Barnabas and his foster son Dooley are two of my favorites.
I very much enjoyed my return trip to Mitford and look forward to rereading more of the books in the series.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Fiction, Christian
Notes: There are a lot of characters in this book. Most of them were introduced in the first book. This book could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first book in the series prior to reading this one. Both are relaxing and enjoyable.
Publication: 1995—Penguin
Memorable Lines:
He wanted to get at something more compelling, more life-changing—the process of personal confession, of personal relationship with Christ. He also wanted to point out that being a priest no more assured him of heaven than being a chipmunk would assure him of nuts for winter.
“Do you think God would have me batter through your locked doors?” “I think that you and only you could do it. I read something the other day—‘What is asked of us in our time,’ the writer said, “is that we break open our blocked caves and find each other. Nothing less will heal the anguished spirit, nor release the heart to act in love.’ Locked doors, blocked caves, it’s all the same. It is so hard to…” “To be real.” “Yes. Terribly hard. Frightening. But there’s no other way.”
Stolen time. He took her hand and turned it over to see the small, uplifted palm. He kissed its softness and placed her palm against his cheek. Stolen time. He would willingly be the blackest of thieves.
Becoming Elisabeth Elliot–missionary seeking to obey
Becoming Elisabeth Elliot
by Ellen Vaughn
[No spoilers in this review.]
There are some biographies so full of facts that they are boring. There, I’ve said it! Becoming Elisabeth Elliot, thankfully, is not that kind of biography. Many readers may be familiar with the basic story of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, missionaries to Ecuador to try to reach the Waodanis. This tribe had only experienced violent conflict with the outside world. Jim and Elisabeth (a.k.a. Betty) were determined to decipher the Waodani language so they could translate portions of the Bible to the native language as well as make friends with the people and introduce them to Jesus.
The basic story of their experiences are recorded in Elisabeth Elliot’s book Through Gates of Splendor. That same information appears in this authorized biography Becoming Elisabeth Elliot, but this book focuses on the first third of Elisabeth’s life and her preparation for whatever God called her to do. The author was given access to Elisabeth’s many private journals and interviewed people who were a part of her life in various ways. We are able to delve into Elisabeth’s thoughts as she poured out her soul in her journal disclosing her primary goal, to be obedient to God. We learn of her pain and suffering before, during, and after a major crushing event in her life. Her early years and education are discussed from the viewpoint of how they impacted her relationships with God, family, and friends. Then we learn how she matures in her faith, never seeking weak Christian platitudes but struggling to understand God and His plan. She has a lot of difficult seasons of waiting as she seeks God’s will and learns first hand that the question of why something happens may never be answered on Earth. The important question is not “why,” but “what”—what does God want me to do? What is the next step?
Well researched and well written, Becoming Elisabeth Elliot is a masterful biography and a page turner. It can be read as a historical document showcasing a woman who achieved fame as a missionary, prolific author, speaker, translator, professor, and radio broadcaster. It can also be read and studied by those who want to learn from Elliot’s experiences and spiritual insights to further their own personal journeys in drawing closer to God and obeying Him in following in the footsteps of Jesus.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Biography, Nonfiction, Christian
Notes: 1. Each chapter begins with a quote by various authors. They are always apropos to the chapter and worthy of pondering.
2. The book includes a Foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada, an Epilogue, and Footnotes.
3. The author has written the second in a series of three planned books to provide a complete telling of Elisabeth’s life. Being Elisabeth Elliot, which covers Elisabeth’s later years, will be published on September 12, 2023.
Publication: 2020—B&H Publishing Group
Memorable Lines:
And Eugenia had nearly vomited when Betty gave her some vegetable soup; she had absolutely recoiled at the taste of fudge. Well, Betty thought, it was just another vivid reminder that one could not assume that everyone thought and felt just like North Americans.
To opine about what God is up to in terms of results, can stray into the realm of hubris, or faithlessness. If we must see that there are worthy results in order to come to peace about what God has done or allowed, then we have no faith.
And suffering is one of God’s sanctifying tools. God is not a cosmic plumber who shows up to make things run smoothly for us. When He doesn’t fix broken situations in our lives, it’s usually because He is fixing us through them.
Saint Patrick the Forgiver–The History and Legends of Ireland’s Bishop
Saint Patrick the Forgiver
retold and illustrated by Ned Bustard
Is Saint Patrick’s Day just a great time of celebrating Irish heritage with parades, green beer, and shamrocks? Ned Bustard shares the real story of St. Patrick along with some of the tall tales that have surrounded his legacy. In his book Saint Patrick the Forgiver, Ned Bustard retells the ancient story in poem format that is suitable for young and old.
Patrick was born in 385 in England. He was kidnapped and sold as a slave in Ireland where he worked as a shepherd. He had an encounter with God and became a follower of Christ. Later God spoke to him in a vision, provided a boat, and led him safely on the long journey back to his family.
After this escape he had another vision that he was to return to the land and people who had enslaved him. He was able to forgive them because God had forgiven him.
This book is a treasure of spiritual truths, beautiful poetry, and fitting illustrations. Saint Patrick the Forgiver would be a wonderful addition to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. It shares history and legend differentiating between the two. Most importantly it teaches the lesson of forgiveness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Children’s Fiction, Christian, Religion and Spirituality
Notes: 1. The author’s note at the end summarizes the book in prose and has two discussion questions, a verse from Ephesians on forgiveness, and two resources for further reading.
2. Intended Ages—4-8, but it would make great family reading for all ages.
3. Currently Amazon has a special pre-order price for this hardback that is almost 50% off. (I have no financial connection with Amazon; I just noticed the price when I looked for the age range.)
Publication: 2/21/2023—InterVarsity Press (IVP Kids)
Memorable Lines:
Hello, my name is Patrick—
you may have heard my story.
I walked the span of Ireland
to tell of God’s great glory.
To the Irish I returned
to preach of love and grace.
I spoke first to the High King’s son
—our Lord he did embrace.
I saw the Spirit moving
all across the Emerald Isle.
It wasn’t luck—it was God’s grace,
and that always makes me smile!
The Maple Falls Romance Series
I tried to start reading the Maple Falls Romance Series with an Advanced Reader Copy of the third novel. By the time I got to the fourth chapter, I realized that Sold on Love was just not good as a standalone. I was dropped in the middle of a small town wedding where everyone, except me, knew everyone else. Very confusing! Fortunately, since bad weather closed the library for a few days, my library was able to provide me with e-copies of the first two books in the series. Each book in the series focuses on a different couple, and thus characters are introduced as necessary and show up again in later books. The books in order of publication are:
Hooked on You
Much Ado About a Latte
Sold on Love
Two to Tango (to be released on July 11, 2023)
My next upcoming reviews will give my impressions of the three published books in the series. They are all clean, gentle romances. I am attracted more to cozy mysteries than romances, but I did enjoy these.
education pathways 