The Return

Review: Radical Spirit: 12 Ways to Live a Free and Authentic Life Joan Chittister Convergent 2017 I had heard of this author, but not read any of her work until now.   The front flap says this book contains “twelve simple rules derived from the Rule of Saint Benedict” of which I had little, make that no, prior knowledge.   So, this book initiated me to that way of life and the writing of Chittister.      “Joan Chittister entered the Benedictine Sisters of Erie at the age of 16 and has remained a faithful and instrumental member for over 60 years.” ( http://www.joanchittister.org/about-benedictine-sisters-erie ) “She is one of the most influential religious and social leaders of our time. For 40 years she has passionately advocated on behalf of peace, human rights, women’s issues, and church renewal.” ( http://www.joanchittister.org/about-joan-chittister ). In this book, she tells of her own journey through the “12 simple steps.”  ...

Review: Tranquility: A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal Compiled by Amie Carlson Tyndale House Publishers 2017 I have become a believer in the adult coloring books, an admission that will sway my opinion of this book.   Coloring books in general require me to stop, slow down, and relax.   Add a time to consider what a Bible verse says and things are good.   Very good, in fact.   That’s what this journal is about.    Tranquility describes this journal well.   The introduction page says tranquility is a state of calmness, peacefulness, quietness, serenity.   Sounds wonderful already.   Just typing those words felt good.   The book has small drawings on nearly every page that may be colored, a few lines (or more) to use as the reader sees fit, and a short paragraph to encourage some prayer.    The overall size doesn’t exceed a child’s book.   No giant designs to labor over.   One a day woul...

Review: The Blessing of Humility Jerry Bridges Navpress 2016 Humility.   According to this book we know it when we see it, but how do we recognize it?   That’s pretty much what this book covers.   What it looks like and how does it happen?   Bridges uses the verses known as the Beatitudes from Matthew 5 as his starting point.   Well that’s not entirely accurate---his starting point is the gospel and he returns to it regularly throughout this work.    This approach helps the reader understand his own person in relation to God.   Understanding who he is leads to humility, but not without some serious changes.   Bridges guides the reader along this path of discovery gently, but firmly.   Simple explanations and applications make this journey sound easy.   It isn’t and he admits that.    Here's a sample of his simple yet insightful work.   “I still vividly remember a statement I heard at a Bible stu...