I just read a book called Guarding the Treasure. It is about how God’s people preserved God’s word through the ages. In this book it discusses many people who translated the bible into different languages and dialects and some even had to make up alphabets because some peoples didn’t have a written language. Some of those people were King Arthur, William Tyndale, Martin Luther, Jo Shetlar, William Wycliffe and Cameron Townsend. All these people are examples of Godly men and women who valued the Bible. I really enjoyed this book and some of the reasons are: interesting and easy to read, and it inspired me to serve the LORD as a missionary or a bible translator. I would recommend it for ages 9 and up.
Archives For Book Reviews
I just finished a fantastic book! I got to read it mostly in smallish snatches while feeding Kaylah. But God has used it to nourish my soul. Last year, A Praying Life, was probably the most transformational book of the year for me. I think Grace For the Good Girl might just get the prize for 2012. Where do I start sharing about this book? It’s so full of truth and wisdom from God’s Word. In fact, I am just about to print out some of the verses and put them up around the house so the Holy Spirit can remind me of God’s amazing grace towards me.
I think I’ve been a “good girl” most of my life – trying hard to maintain a good reputation, perform well and practice the spiritual disciplines, while making sure not to fail and being strong and responsible. The first half of the book identifies these typical behaviours of “good girls” as masks that we hide behind to convince others around us that we are “good.” These masks keep us living a lie and living lives characterized by fear and shame. As I was reading about these masks, I couldn’t believe how accurately the author was writing about the exact things I do (although often subconsciously) to try to be acceptable to God and others. We trust Christ for salvation by faith, but then we try to live the Christian life by works, by our own fleshly efforts. The author quotes a ton from the book of Galatians and other parts of the Bible to make the case that we are free in Christ, not under the law. We are not just saved from sin, but we are new creatures, filled with the Spirit and we are free to let go of the “try-hard” life and embrace the amazing grace that He offers us. I am fully accepted by Jesus and I can admit my failures and weaknesses and let His life fill me.
I would recommend that every woman read this book! I think in some way, we are all “good girls,” trying hard to maintain an image or filled with guilt over real or perceived failures. This book is a breath of fresh air, filled with God’s truth to combat the lies we often believe. It would be an excellent book for a ladies’ group as it has a wonderful study guide at the back.
So much more I could write . . . as a good girl, I am never satisfied with how well I have reviewed a book! But I hope this whets your appetite and you spend some time reading and savouring this book this year.
Little Lord Fauntleroy, written by Frances Hodgson Bennett, is a great book for children. It is about a little boy named Cedric. He lives in America with his mother who he calls “Dearest.” Cedric is a kind, loving, gentle boy. His deceased father was the youngest son of an English earl.
When Cedric’s father married an American woman, the Earl disowned him. One day, a lawyer arrives, and says that all of the Earl’s sons have died. That means that Cedric is the Earl’s heir. Cedric and his mother are to go toEngland, but Cedric’s mother is not to live with him.
Instead his mother is to live in a house by herself, while Cedric lives with the Earl. The lawyer tells Dearest that the Earl is a cross, grumpy, mean old man, with no friends whatsoever. But Dearest asks that Cedric is not told that his grandfather is a horrible man. When they get to England, Cedric is taken to his grandfather’s house. Little by little, Cedric wins his grandfather over, till he is much nicer. Then one day, a lady appears saying that her son has more right to be heir than Cedric does.
What will happen? Will Cedric keep the right to the Earldom? To find out you will have to read the book. I enjoyed this book so much for several reasons. First, I really like the way the author writes. She portrays her characters in a way that captures your imagination. Second, it is an exciting story, full of suspense. This is an outstanding book for ages 8 and up.
