Review: Finding God in the Hard Times: Choosing to Trust and Hope When You Can’t see the Way by Matt and Beth Redman

Review: Finding God in the Hard Times: Choosing to Trust and Hope When You Can't See the Way

Matt and Beth Redman

Bethany House

2005

What to say about this little book? First it is short, about 120 pages including front matter, two forwards, and a set of questions for discussion. But, the material in between all that is worth the read. The chapters are based on the different portions of a song the authors wrote in 2002, Blessed Be Your Name. Many of us know this song and love it, but haven’t given the lyrics much thought really. This book gives us a chance to do a little thinking in that regard.

For example, how heavily the contemporary songs emphasize victory and equate blessings with the plentiful, bountiful, comfortable life. Little there for when things get tough. And they do and will continue to do so. What then? That’s the point of this little book. What then? What choices will we make then? What will lift the darkness then? Good questions and there are others like “why me?”. The authors give us a great start on finding some answers. As always it seems the answers are too simple for us to believe. Another three hundred pages would not help either. And that might be the only nit I have with this book. It’s so readable and short that the reader will breeze right through it and miss the important message found in the text. But, then we could re-read it or slow down a little.

I do recommend this little book as a place to start the conversation to answer the hard questions we ask in the tough times.

This book was provided by the publisher in return for a review.

Comments

Review: When God’s Ways Make No Sense by Dr. Larry Crabb

Review: When God’s Ways Make No Sense Dr. Larry Crabb Baker Books 2018 I chose this book because the title intrigued me. When God’s Ways Make No Sense. There have been plenty of times when that seemed truer than I’d like to admit. Are we even allowed to say something like that? Even if we think it. So, an author willing to take on that topic had my attention. And mostly because I wanted his take on what to do about it? As it turns out Crabb pretty much gave away his case very early on in his book with a single scripture quote. The basic idea is God is GOD and we are not. His motives and actions are incomprehensible to mankind and He owes no explanation for them either. Crabb admits near the end of his book that he is not a theologian which I knew going into this book, but his arguments are theology. Or at least I think so. I found his repeated circling the topic a bit frustrating. ...

Review: The Little French Bistro by Nina George

Review: The Little French Bistro Nina George Crown 2017 I have to admit that I'm not a fan of romance novels, but I think this one goes beyond the boy meets girl idea. By a bunch. If adults had coming of age stories this one would fit there. Marianne travels a road many people I know would love to, but fear taking the steps needed. And that is the basis of this book. Taking the steps. Joy, sorrow, whatever comes and keep on taking the steps. I agree with many of the comments already made about George's ability to build wonderful characters, paint scenes that vibrate with energy, and tell a story too. Her writing touches the heart and not in some sappy, maudlin way. A place of real emotions and desire. Speaking of desire---her intimate scenes are just that, intimate. In body and mind. And not for just spicing things up a bit. She captures the true nature of intimacy...

Buntings and Books

Time to blog says the calendar. So OK let's blog. What about? Oil spills? Court nominees? Euro problems? Weather? The last one is the easiest to go with it looks like. Cold and windy again. What is this about? Not more than a week ago it looked like summer. Even needed fans to cool the place. Well, the fans are off now. Nature has provided some pre-cooled forced air for a few days now, complete with humidity adjustments ie rain. Keeps the ground cold and the urge to garden at bay. Protection for those of us who aren't in the best physical condition. The weather has the birds on the feeder more often and that included a new one in the area. We've decided to call it an indigo bunting. Matches the picture in the book so that's got to be who he is. Pretty little guy, all decked out in his breeding plumage. Haven't seen those colors since the last peacock came around. Just read that cowbirds like to use them to raise their chicks. Yet another reason t...

The Return

Search This Blog