A nice, short book (I listened to the audio which was an hour 1/2) about the local church and its relationship to Christ, its members, and why is is sA nice, short book (I listened to the audio which was an hour 1/2) about the local church and its relationship to Christ, its members, and why is is so important to love it. Benge makes the point of showing that Christ’s bride is the church, and how holy and vital the church is to a Christian’s walk....more
This was an absolutely wonderful, must read book that enters my core library. In this book, Edith Schaffer gives practical ways we can value art and cThis was an absolutely wonderful, must read book that enters my core library. In this book, Edith Schaffer gives practical ways we can value art and creativity throughout all aspects of our lives to glorify God, even if our jobs are not centered in these skills. She makes a point that Christians are called to be the most creative people of all, appreciating the beauty that God has made and striving to reflect it in our own lives. This is a must read for those who are creative, or want to be more creative, but feel like their small contributions make no difference. Just as we “do ALL to the glory of God”, so we can also reflect His goodness and creativity in little ways. The book features chapters on: The first artist- what is God’s view of art and why do we have creativity in the first place? What is hidden art? Music Painting, sketching and sculpture Interior decoration Gardens and gardening Flower arrangements Food Writing- prose and poetry Drama Creative recreation Clothing Integration Environment: she here makes the point that WE are the environment. More so than physical space, the people we surround ourselves with make our environment. Shouldn’t we strive to make ourselves the most God honoring, uplifting and inspiring examples then? “Whatever form art takes, it gives outward expression to what otherwise would remain locked in the mind, unshared. …. Art in various forms expresses and gives opportunity to others to share in, and respond to, things which would otherwise remain vague, empty yearnings.”
“First of all, be satisfied with the fact that although your art or talent may never be accepted by the world as anything ‘great’ and may never be your career, it can be used to enrich your day by day life; and secondly, come to a recognition of the fact that it is important for you to be creative in this area to the extent of your talent: important for you as a person who is a creative creature.”
“There is no need to lock up your capacity for expression because you have not been able to make a career out of it. Develop it for your own sake, for the enrichment of the lives of those you live with, and as an unconscious spark to set fire to other dry wood, other creative creatures on a finite level.”...more
Lovely little book of prayers Jane Austen wrote. Pretty illustrations and meaningful thoughts; the perfect little book to have for guests to look throLovely little book of prayers Jane Austen wrote. Pretty illustrations and meaningful thoughts; the perfect little book to have for guests to look through quickly, on a coffee table or in a guest room....more
Very nice Advent book that talks about the characters crucial to the Christmas story that go overlooked or not fully explored. I really liked how therVery nice Advent book that talks about the characters crucial to the Christmas story that go overlooked or not fully explored. I really liked how there were practical applications for how we relate to Christ, also mixed with historical details and background to better understand the Biblical narrative....more
Very compelling novel following many different characters whose storylines collide; I always love this plot structure. This was a heartfelt book aboutVery compelling novel following many different characters whose storylines collide; I always love this plot structure. This was a heartfelt book about what Christianity really is, and what living for it means. Some of the plot was a bit obvious and sometimes a little unbelievable, but maybe that is also because we have trouble believing that miracles can happen and fully trusting God. What I enjoyed most about this book was the focus on listening to God’s prompting and being unafraid to share the gospel. Now I want to watch the movie. I’ve never heard of a book written after a movie, but I recommend this !...more