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Tag: book reviews

  • Seamus Heaney

    Seamus Heaney

    I have had on my desktop for a month an obituary (or sorts) where I wanted to honor a great poet who lived above the division and violence of politics and religion in Ireland.  (I had originally thought, “Northern Ireland,” but that is not how he thought of it anymore than identifying English as Britain.)

    As is the case for our rebellious America, English is a language (even more than a culture or land) and Seamus Heaney was a master of the English language.

    A thoughtful look back at the life of this poet, writer and recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature will reveal a man of faith who remains us to be faithful to God and country (in that order) in spite of what others think.

    I have always thought that evil leaders are evil leaders and thugs are thugs.

    Men of God must live above the fray.

    It matters not whether they divide Ireland or America.

    It matters not if evil men would separate north from south or the church east from west.

    Seamus Heaney remained above it all as example for Republican and Democrat, Conservative and Liberal, Catholic and Protestant.

    I expect to meet men like this in reunion with both faithful Catholics & dear Protestants in Heaven (as others may meet with claimers from all churches and denominations in Hell.)

    God, Jesus Christ, and relationship with the Holy Spirit ought to rule every man and guide every country; certainly churches. Let us also remain about the fray, answerable to a faithful and forgiving God who sent Christ to the Cross for all who believe.

    Here is my tribute (not to N. Ireland, not to Britain, not to Catholic, not to Protestant, but to the man and the poet)

    To Seamus Heaney:

    a man, a poet, an author

    Irish not north or south

    English not bound by borders

    English by his craft of language

    Christian unrestrained by division

    Christian by example of Christ 

     

    Now as news come in

    of each neighbourly murder

    we pine for ceremony,

    customary rhythms:

    the temperate footsteps

    of a cortege, winding past

    each blinded home.

     

    Source: BBC

    Additional article below & link to reviews of the many Seamus Heaney books.

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-23895582

    http://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=Seamus+Heaney

     

  • Christian Anger resource: How to Handle Adversity by Charles F. Stanley

    Christian Anger resource: How to Handle Adversity by Charles F. Stanley

    NOTE: Last week we posted a series: ANGRY Children of a Loving God. 

    I wanted to point you toward an additional resource I discovered from a recent study on Christian Anger.  I have not read this entire book, yet recommend it with confidence based on the attached:

    How to Handle Adversity

    It is important to support Christian authors by purchasing their books. Although many are recognized and trusted theologians like Dr. Stanley, many Christian authors are publishing wonderful contemporary resources.

    Here is a link to Dr. Stanley’s book: InTouch Ministries.

    Adversity is the chisel used by God to shape, define, and sculpt the lives of Christians into the reflection of Christ’s character.

    Dr. Stanley teaches that everyone faces adversity- and the way you respond will determine how quickly you overcome life’s trials. Learn what a powerful combination praising, obeying, and waiting on the Lord can be. Softcover book, 208 pages.

    Price reduced.

    Everyone encounters adversity in this world. Pray to handle it with Christ’s calmness.

    Please do not try to handle anger on your own.  Ask your pastor, priest, or a Christian Counselor to help you with any adversity which causes anger, destroys relationships, and hurts you and your loved ones. – Roger 

  • Getting Out Of Bed In The Morning – Alice J. Wisler

    Getting Out Of Bed In The Morning – Alice J. Wisler

    Christian Non-Fiction Review

    An Introduction by Roger Harned

    As I write this on September 21, 2013, my daughter is celebrating her 21st birthday with friends.  If you do the math from the cover photo you will see that Daniel Paul Wisler was born just 28 days before my daughter Rachel, who will be hosting our discussion on grief.

    In 1997, the year that Daniel died, Rachel’s mother, my wife Becky, also discovered cancer spreading aggressively through her body.  We prayed fervently for the Lord’s intervention, as did many of our faithful friends; but like Daniel, Becky also died 2-10-99.

    Please take a moment to read this review from Alice Wisler’s website.  Join in our discussion on grief.  And consider ordering her book:

    GETTING Out Of Bed IN THE MORNING – by Alice J. Wisler

    A book by a grieving mom for others going through sorrow associated with loss, Getting Out of Bed in the Morning: Reflections of Comfort in Heartache, is a tribute to my four-year-old son Daniel. Filled with prayers, scripture and thoughts on walking through this rocky path called Life, this is a companion for others who want to know that they are not alone.

    Written in devotional format, Getting Out of Bed in the Morning is a companion for those going through sorrow associated with loss—whether brought to the journey through the death of a loved one, failing health, job loss, broken relationships, or weakened family ties.

    Getting Out of Bed in the Morning is ideal for:

    •  Parents who have had a child die
    •  Those faced with an illness, financial dilemma or troubled relationship
    •  Those desiring to be sustained on their journey by God’s comfort, love, joy and
    • forgiveness
    •  Those who yearn to incorporate journaling and prayer into their daily routines
    •  Those who find beauty in walking and seek unique ways to pray and meditate as they exercise

    Alice J. Wisler has contributed an important resource for grieving families by authoring Getting Out Of Bed In The Morning from her own experience of faith in Christ and eternal life.

    Again, please SHARE your heart, scriptures and grieving experiences with all of us as your Christian Social Witness.

    We appreciate your COMMENTS on this or any post.

    Roger Harned