by Reneau Peurifoy
Life Skills Publications, 2009
Emotions are such a mysterious gift. They take us to heights of ecstasy. They dash us on the rocks of despair. They can bind us together and tear us apart. They can move some to noble acts of courage and self-sacrifice, and in others, they are the force behind terrible acts of evil and destruction.
Why did God make us this way? How are we supposed to manage this wonderful and mystifying gift we call emotions? In his new book Why Did God Give Us Emotions?, author Reneau Peurifoy takes a detailed look at the many sources of our emotional responses and the roles our emotions play in our thoughts, actions, relationships with others and relationship with God. Why Did God Give Us Emotions? is a book twenty years in the making, based on Peurifoy’s focused study, counseling experiences, and growing maturity in the faith.
“From the very start I’ve had two goals: I wanted to look at what science has learned about emotions from a biblical perspective, and I wanted to do it in a way that would strengthen the reader’s walk with God,” Peurifoy states. “Over the last two decades, I’ve seen the strengths of science and psychology in helping people and making our lives more comfortable. I’ve also become acutely aware of the inability of science and psychology to address the true source of human misery: sin and our separation from God. I believe that God has helped me write a book that will be useful to many.”
Peurifoy, who holds a Master’s in counseling, stresses the importance of recognizing how the individual aspects of emotions interconnect. He focuses on four main aspects of emotions: their subjective nature, their physical side, their mental side, and their spiritual side. Why Did God Give Us Emotions? addresses topics like:
· Are some emotions “good” and others “bad”?
· The role of medications in treating emotional problems
· How our core beliefs affect our interpretation of events
· How emotions are the true window into our souls
· How to stop hiding from “taboo” emotions
· What keeps us from hearing God
· The role emotions play in becoming the person God wants us to become
There is certainly no shortage of counseling and self-help books lining the shelves of Christian bookstores today. Why Did God Give Us Emotions? is destined to distinguish itself from the rest. With simple, straightforward verbiage (no pop psychology terms here), practical steps to follow, and twenty years of wisdom and insight, Peurifoy’s book is essential reading for pastors, counselors, and those struggling with emotional issues as well as the general reader who wants to understand this wonderful, yet often mysterious gift and gain skills for managing emotions more effectively. Also included is a section of discussion questions, making Why Did God Give Us Emotions? an ideal vehicle for small group study.
[Note: this book was provided by the publisher and the above information was offered for posting. I did read the first eight chapters, and think some would find the book interesting and helpful. Although I had trouble getting into it, I do plan to finish the book at some point. If I end up having a more personal response, I will pen a new review.]
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Kneeknock Rise
by Natalie Babbitt
Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2007 reprint
When Egan goes to Instep to visit his aunt, uncle, and cousin for the town's annual fair, he is eager to hear evidence of the monster, Megrimum that lives on Kneeknock Rise. Megrimum sounds his eerie groans whenever there's a rainstorm, and tourists come from far and wide for the unique auditory experience. Everyone wants to hear Megrimum, but no one wants to climb Kneeknock Rise to see him, for the word is that none come back alive.
As the fair draws to a close and raindrops start to fall, Egan and his cousin, Ada, get into a dispute. Ada goads him into proving he is not a sissy by climbing the Rise, and Egan takes up the challenge, accompanied by his uncle's faithful dog, Annabelle.
What will Egan find if he gets to the mountain's top? Does the Megrimum really exist, and if so, will he slay it or be defeated?
This well-written, thoughtful book was the recipient of the Newbery Award in 1984. Recommended for young readers or as a read-aloud.
Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2007 reprint
When Egan goes to Instep to visit his aunt, uncle, and cousin for the town's annual fair, he is eager to hear evidence of the monster, Megrimum that lives on Kneeknock Rise. Megrimum sounds his eerie groans whenever there's a rainstorm, and tourists come from far and wide for the unique auditory experience. Everyone wants to hear Megrimum, but no one wants to climb Kneeknock Rise to see him, for the word is that none come back alive.
As the fair draws to a close and raindrops start to fall, Egan and his cousin, Ada, get into a dispute. Ada goads him into proving he is not a sissy by climbing the Rise, and Egan takes up the challenge, accompanied by his uncle's faithful dog, Annabelle.
What will Egan find if he gets to the mountain's top? Does the Megrimum really exist, and if so, will he slay it or be defeated?
This well-written, thoughtful book was the recipient of the Newbery Award in 1984. Recommended for young readers or as a read-aloud.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Incident Report
by Martha Baillie
Pedlar Press, 2009
I was a bit worried when I received this library hold earlier than anticipated. But as I flipped through the pages, I breathed a sigh of relief - there was a lot of white space on most of the pages!
Forget journal entries, correspondence, straightforward plot, or stories told from differing viewpoints. This story is told in spurts - each little incident forming its own report. Mariam, the book's protagonist, is a library clerk in Toronto. Her career seems to be dictated by her dead father's love affair with books, and the library is populated by customers on the fringe of society, as well as quirky coworkers. When she meets Janko at a local park, he fills a void in her life, bringing happiness and a feeling of security. But someone at the library seems to be stalking her and Mariam can't figure out who. Is there any such thing as safety?
I found this book interesting for its experimental style. The story's climax came as a bit of a surprise and the abrupt ending disappointed. At least it disappointed me. The book was a Giller Prize nominee after all, and is the sort of book that provokes discussion and controversy.
Pedlar Press, 2009
I was a bit worried when I received this library hold earlier than anticipated. But as I flipped through the pages, I breathed a sigh of relief - there was a lot of white space on most of the pages!
Forget journal entries, correspondence, straightforward plot, or stories told from differing viewpoints. This story is told in spurts - each little incident forming its own report. Mariam, the book's protagonist, is a library clerk in Toronto. Her career seems to be dictated by her dead father's love affair with books, and the library is populated by customers on the fringe of society, as well as quirky coworkers. When she meets Janko at a local park, he fills a void in her life, bringing happiness and a feeling of security. But someone at the library seems to be stalking her and Mariam can't figure out who. Is there any such thing as safety?
I found this book interesting for its experimental style. The story's climax came as a bit of a surprise and the abrupt ending disappointed. At least it disappointed me. The book was a Giller Prize nominee after all, and is the sort of book that provokes discussion and controversy.
There Goes the Bride: An Agatha Raisin Mystery
by M.C. Beaton,
Minotaur Books, 2009
I confess - I'm in love with Agatha Raisin! There's just something undeniably attractive about this insecure, crusty, middle-aged amateur sleuth.
In episode 20, Agatha's ex-husband is on the verge of marrying Felicity Bross-Tilkington, a beautiful younger woman. In a mood of reminiscence and regret, Agatha holidays in Istanbul, where she is spotted by James, who is coincidentally visiting the same area and who concludes she is stalking him and his new fiancee. When Felicity is murdered just before the wedding, Agatha is a prime suspect, but is free to go when witnesses place her elsewhere.
Hired to investigate the death by the victim's mother, Agatha finds herself half-heartedly rebuffing the advances of a persuasive Frenchman who seems to be around whenever someone who might have information for Agatha turns up dead. Soon Agatha's own life is in danger. Will she escape or will the killer succeed in executing his ruthless plan?
Great fun. I read it in less than two hours and only wish the writer could pen her next installment as quickly!
Minotaur Books, 2009
I confess - I'm in love with Agatha Raisin! There's just something undeniably attractive about this insecure, crusty, middle-aged amateur sleuth.
In episode 20, Agatha's ex-husband is on the verge of marrying Felicity Bross-Tilkington, a beautiful younger woman. In a mood of reminiscence and regret, Agatha holidays in Istanbul, where she is spotted by James, who is coincidentally visiting the same area and who concludes she is stalking him and his new fiancee. When Felicity is murdered just before the wedding, Agatha is a prime suspect, but is free to go when witnesses place her elsewhere.
Hired to investigate the death by the victim's mother, Agatha finds herself half-heartedly rebuffing the advances of a persuasive Frenchman who seems to be around whenever someone who might have information for Agatha turns up dead. Soon Agatha's own life is in danger. Will she escape or will the killer succeed in executing his ruthless plan?
Great fun. I read it in less than two hours and only wish the writer could pen her next installment as quickly!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Shadows on the River
by Linda Hall,
Steeple Hill, 2009
The third and final book in Hall's Shadows series tells the story of Ally Roarke, a single mom in her late 30s who carries a deep wound from her childhood. After witnessing the murder of her best friend at age 13, and identifying the attacker, the son of the town's richest family, Ally is victimized herself when the incident is swept under the carpet and her accusations are not believed. Forced out of the town a year later, Ally abandoned her faith in God, and sees her life as evidence that God is not there or He doesn't care.
Now living, working, and mothering in Halifax, Ally focuses her attention on work and her profoundly deaf daughter, Maddy. Larry Fremont, the murderer of her childhood friend, lives in the same city, but it's a big enough place that they haven't run into each other.
That changes the day Larry's colleague is found in a hotel room, dead of blunt force trauma. Ally is sure the disreputable businessman is responsible, and this time she's going to prove it and show everyone that she didn't make up her long ago story. This time, too, she'll have help. Mark Bishop, a new colleague, has just as much reason to hate Larry as she does.
But can Ally really trust Mark? Or is he just using her? And what, if anything, does the mysterious Zacchaeus Plan have to do with this latest death? Hopefully Ally will find out the answers before she becomes the killer's next victim.
A quick read, with characters you'll care about and enough twists and turns in the plot to keep you wondering how it'll all pan out.
Steeple Hill, 2009
The third and final book in Hall's Shadows series tells the story of Ally Roarke, a single mom in her late 30s who carries a deep wound from her childhood. After witnessing the murder of her best friend at age 13, and identifying the attacker, the son of the town's richest family, Ally is victimized herself when the incident is swept under the carpet and her accusations are not believed. Forced out of the town a year later, Ally abandoned her faith in God, and sees her life as evidence that God is not there or He doesn't care.
Now living, working, and mothering in Halifax, Ally focuses her attention on work and her profoundly deaf daughter, Maddy. Larry Fremont, the murderer of her childhood friend, lives in the same city, but it's a big enough place that they haven't run into each other.
That changes the day Larry's colleague is found in a hotel room, dead of blunt force trauma. Ally is sure the disreputable businessman is responsible, and this time she's going to prove it and show everyone that she didn't make up her long ago story. This time, too, she'll have help. Mark Bishop, a new colleague, has just as much reason to hate Larry as she does.
But can Ally really trust Mark? Or is he just using her? And what, if anything, does the mysterious Zacchaeus Plan have to do with this latest death? Hopefully Ally will find out the answers before she becomes the killer's next victim.
A quick read, with characters you'll care about and enough twists and turns in the plot to keep you wondering how it'll all pan out.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Be...Series
by Dr. Warren Wiersbe,
David C. Cook, (updated and revised) 2009
Dr. Warren Wiersbe, associated with the Back to the Bible radio broadcast for many years, and a former pastor of Moody Church in Chicago, has penned a series of 50 useful books starting with the word "Be". These include: Be Comforted, Be Daring, Be Determined, Be Dynamic, Be Free, Be Patient, Be Real, and (the one I have) Be Hopeful.
Easily accessible for both pastors and lay people, these study guides can be used in personal Bible study or with a group. Be Hopeful consists of twelve chapters, each of which concludes with questions for personal reflection or group discussion - a typical format for the guides.
In Be Hopeful, Wiersbe addresses, among other things, the fact that where there's Christ, there's hope; how it is possible to stay clean in a polluted world; what we can learn from Noah; and how each of us can be a good shepherd.
As I get deeper into my study of God's Word, I look forward to using other titles in the "Be" series to assist me along the way. I believe you will find them a blessing as well.
(Note: This book was provided for review by David C. Cook)
David C. Cook, (updated and revised) 2009
Dr. Warren Wiersbe, associated with the Back to the Bible radio broadcast for many years, and a former pastor of Moody Church in Chicago, has penned a series of 50 useful books starting with the word "Be". These include: Be Comforted, Be Daring, Be Determined, Be Dynamic, Be Free, Be Patient, Be Real, and (the one I have) Be Hopeful.
Easily accessible for both pastors and lay people, these study guides can be used in personal Bible study or with a group. Be Hopeful consists of twelve chapters, each of which concludes with questions for personal reflection or group discussion - a typical format for the guides.
In Be Hopeful, Wiersbe addresses, among other things, the fact that where there's Christ, there's hope; how it is possible to stay clean in a polluted world; what we can learn from Noah; and how each of us can be a good shepherd.
As I get deeper into my study of God's Word, I look forward to using other titles in the "Be" series to assist me along the way. I believe you will find them a blessing as well.
(Note: This book was provided for review by David C. Cook)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Too Many Crooks Spoil the Broth
by Tamar Myers,
Doubleday, 1994
A Pennsylvania Dutch mystery with recipes.
An avid mystery reader, I am always on the lookout for a new cozy series to enjoy. Especially while I wait for the next installments from M.C. Beaton (Agatha Raisin), Joanne Fluke (Hannah Swensen), Jill Churchill (Jane Jeffry - I think I've read the last one, actually), and Robin Hathaway (Dr. Fenimore and Dr. Jo Banks).
This is not a bad beginning for what I believe is Tamar Myers' first book. It's certainly first in this series. Her main characters, straight-laced, never-married, Amish woman Magdalena Yoder, and her flamboyant, divorced, free-spirited younger sister, Susannah Yoder Entwhistle, provide delightful counterpoints for each other. Magdalena, the primary heir of their parents' estate, has turned the family property into a Bed and Breakfast establishment, with temperamental Aunt Frini as its on-again off-again cook, and Uncle Mose as its steady behind-the-scenes jack-of-all-trades.
When Magdalena messes up the weekend's reservations by allowing a group of deer hunters and a group of animal rights protesters to share space at the inn, all hell breaks loose. It isn't long before one of the guests is found at the bottom of a steep staircase and Magdalena fears a possible lawsuit. After she is shot at in the woods, she fears more than that. It doesn't help when another guest is found dead, clutching Mama's best Dresden Plate quilt.
What are the real relationships between the guests? Does one of them have a motive for murder? Can Magdalena piece the story together before there are any more fatalities?
While I was a little disappointed in the ending (the who-dun-it), I found much to enjoy in this book. The interactions between the main characters are hilarious, and I was amused by the author's inclusion of her husband and herself in the story (as good-as-gold police chief, Jeff Myers, and his mule-mouthed wife, "Tammy"). There are also delicious Pennsylvania Dutch recipes to dry. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and expect the mysteries to get better as Myers' gets more experience in the genre.
Doubleday, 1994
A Pennsylvania Dutch mystery with recipes.
An avid mystery reader, I am always on the lookout for a new cozy series to enjoy. Especially while I wait for the next installments from M.C. Beaton (Agatha Raisin), Joanne Fluke (Hannah Swensen), Jill Churchill (Jane Jeffry - I think I've read the last one, actually), and Robin Hathaway (Dr. Fenimore and Dr. Jo Banks).
This is not a bad beginning for what I believe is Tamar Myers' first book. It's certainly first in this series. Her main characters, straight-laced, never-married, Amish woman Magdalena Yoder, and her flamboyant, divorced, free-spirited younger sister, Susannah Yoder Entwhistle, provide delightful counterpoints for each other. Magdalena, the primary heir of their parents' estate, has turned the family property into a Bed and Breakfast establishment, with temperamental Aunt Frini as its on-again off-again cook, and Uncle Mose as its steady behind-the-scenes jack-of-all-trades.
When Magdalena messes up the weekend's reservations by allowing a group of deer hunters and a group of animal rights protesters to share space at the inn, all hell breaks loose. It isn't long before one of the guests is found at the bottom of a steep staircase and Magdalena fears a possible lawsuit. After she is shot at in the woods, she fears more than that. It doesn't help when another guest is found dead, clutching Mama's best Dresden Plate quilt.
What are the real relationships between the guests? Does one of them have a motive for murder? Can Magdalena piece the story together before there are any more fatalities?
While I was a little disappointed in the ending (the who-dun-it), I found much to enjoy in this book. The interactions between the main characters are hilarious, and I was amused by the author's inclusion of her husband and herself in the story (as good-as-gold police chief, Jeff Myers, and his mule-mouthed wife, "Tammy"). There are also delicious Pennsylvania Dutch recipes to dry. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and expect the mysteries to get better as Myers' gets more experience in the genre.
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