Gray Matter

I LOVE this doctor. Gray Matter by David Levy is an excellent book. I may not have even thought about reading it if a customer hadn't special ordered it. It looked good and was on the list of Tyndale's summer reading program so why not? Dr. Levy's transparency and humility on his journey of faith is inspiring and convicting. You could understand his fears and the pressures on him as a neurosurgeon. Knowing that God was calling him to pray with his patients not just for them was a HUGE leap of faith. I was drawn into the real life drama of the patients and a genuinely caring doctor. You had to keep reading because you didn't know where God would take him or a patient next. Never have I heard of a doctor putting himself and his faith on the line, as Dr. Levy did. Spiritually the book applies to you no matter where you are in your life. His insight and passion about forgiveness and relationships changes him, his patients, and you the reader. God is good regardless and we all need to learn that and be reminded of that. A must read!

Growing Up Amish

I just finished Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagler. A relatively quick read full of emotion to keep you involved. I liked reading an Amish story from a male point of view. Better still was that Ira lived it. It isn't fiction. It was so hard to read his spiritual struggle; trying so hard to feel at peace. Within a super strict Amish community he felt his life was strangling him. Outside that community, feelings of home and the desire to belong pulled him back. He was in a constant tug of war between freedom and stability. Ira was never happy in either world, as his condition was spiritual not physical. How sad that in such a religious upbringing he constantly felt lost and so alone. Feeling God was so distant and removed from his life, Ira didn't know if there was a God. Even with a large family he never learned to communicate and therefore never knew how to let someone in. Thus became a pattern of leaving and returning. Never begin content anywhere. Ira stated "a mental choice, absent real internal change, is no choice at all." He tried to be Amish, but could never change the way he felt deep inside. Again, it was spiritual not physical. Ira knew he was lost, but didn't have any idea how to change that. I was so relieved when Sam walked into his life, and shared Jesus with his life and his words. What a revelation that Ira had when he realized he could leave and not be lost. "That the box of Amish life and culture might provide some protection, but it could never bring salvation." His yearning to be free was finally achieved when Christ set him free.

The Twelth Imam

I've checked another one off the list. The Twelth Imam by Joel C Rosenberg. I cannot believe that I read a book with well over 400 pages only to have it end abruptly. I screamed, "what? How could you end like that?" The story doesn't have a conclusion at all! There better be a sequel. I was drawn into the political novel, that reads more like current events. The story centers around the return of the Muslim Mahdi (Messiah) or the Twelfth Imam. Characters like David/Reza are constantly in a state of guilt, or conviction. David/Reza hates the life of lies he lives as a CIA operative, yet is driven to protect the world and prevent another 9/11. It was interesting to think about the Muslim's point of view versus the Christians in the rise of the anti-Christ - the Twelfth Imam. So much of Christian literature, fact or fiction, is from the point of view of the Christian. The novel spent time in Muslim eschatology, giving facts to a fictional plot. What a powerful portrayal of the lengths Christ will go to show His love to the lost. I loved the "visitations." An equally powerful portrayal of the power and influence the anti-Christ will have. As typical with Rosenberg's writing you could easily imagine things happening just as he portrays; a prophetic novel of sorts. I highly recommend this book. Just be prepared to be left hanging!

The boy who came back from heaven

I've just finished reading The boy who came back from heaven by Kevin Malarkey. Wow! This book was not only an amazing story, but thought provoking and convicting. Alex Malarey's testimony of God's continual presence and involvement in our lives is real and powerful. Pictures say a thousand words and looking at the x-rays of his internal decapitation and then his pictures now. Only God could do that!! Alex's story is full of glory to God and the power of prayer. This book made me think about how a little child should lead them. Alex's lack of spiritual "education" made his experience even more powerful. Only through the power of prayer and God's miraculous intervention could Alex still be here. As a family member of someone who was involved in an awful accident, I could relate to the emotional rollercoaster that the Malarkeys were on. Each victory is another lesson in care and adjustment. I too know that through the power of prayer and the body of Christ, one can make it through things you'd never imagine you could. God equips you when you need it. An encouraging read. Highly recommend!

I've read another - My Foolish Heart

My first 5 book reviews were all accepted so I just chose my first free book from Tyndale's Sumer Reading Program. Woo Hoo! I've just finished my 6th book - My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren. I've read most of her novels and once again enjoyed her writing. The plot was a little predictable. Boy meets girl. Sparks fly. Etc. Etc. Yet as with Warren's books the storyline is worth a read, sprinkled with gems of truth along the way. I like the characters struggles; believable and understandable. Each character in their own way was trying to love themselves, others and God. They struggled to accept themselves in God's gracious, or as Warren puts it, foolish love. She states "God loved most foolishly. He came into the dark world to rescue peple who might never love Him back." In the author's notes at the end she says, "It felt blasphemous to write that. God is not foolish. But He is love. Big, overwhelming, incogruous love that looks foolish. A love that, even now, doesn't seem wise.... But see that's the amazing part. His love is perfect. Not messy. Not uneven. Consistent. Overwhelming. Freeing. Life-changing. And He offers it to us, no strings attached." That was really the whole point of her book. Our foolish heart tries to do everything ourselves to be worth of love and we miss the point. God's love is offered to us, no strings attached. "My Foolish Heart" is worth the read.

Look to the East - Summer Reading Program

I've just finished reading #5 on my list for Tyndale's Summer Reading Program. "Look to the East" by Maureen Lang. Julitte is a very complex character that draws you into the story line. There is mystery and intrique into her personage. Why do the townspeople treat her they way they do? Why does she have the faith she does? What compels her to live life as she does? Set in occupied French territory during World War I, the plot surrending Julitte deepens and becomes more dangerous. Once again you question what Julitte will do. The story is filled with misplaced faith and the quest for real faith in God. Definetly worth your read. I look forward to the next book in the Great War Series "Springtime of the Spirit."