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For more information, contact Jean
O'Hanlon at 743-1854, or
habanera@dakotacom.net.
September 25th
Walking On Water Madeleine
L’Engle
Madeleine “has written & spoken wisely &
widely about the connection between religion and art. The gist of her
understanding is as follows:
To try to talk about art and about
Christianity is for me one and the same thing, and
means attempting to share the meaning of my
life, what gives it, for me, its tragedy and its glory. It is what
makes me respond to the death of an apple tree, the birth of a puppy,
northern lights shaking the sky, by writing stories.”
October 23rd
The Language of God Francis S.
Collins
“Does science necessarily undermine faith in
God? Or could it actually support faith?” Collins worked on the human
genome project. In fact, President Clinton in hailing this achievement
said, “Today, we are learning the language in which God created life.”,
a statement Collins fully supported. He was a former atheist (as a
science student), and was converted to faith as he became a doctor. His
faith has been confirmed & enhanced by his studies in biology,
especially the human genome project.
November 20th
Amish Grace Donald B. Kraybill,
Steven M. Nolt, & David Weaver Zercher
“The communities collective & radical act
of forgiveness-the loving & compassionate response to the shooter & his
family- gives us insights into who the Amish are & how they live their
faith.”
December 18th
Home to Holly Springs Jan Karon
In this
book Father Tim is returning to his childhood hometown of Holly Springs,
Miss. He discovers a long-buried family secret, and struggles with some
heavy emotions. “We see Father Tim in a new light as he wrestles with
his past & explores the origins of his religious convictions.”
January 22nd
The Faith Club Ranya Idliby,
Suzanne Oliver, & Priscilla Warner
“After September 11th an
American Muslim of Palestinian descent, Ranya Idliby faced constant
questions about Islam, God, & death from her children” She found
inspiration in a story about Muhammad, & searched for 2 other mothers
(Jewish & Christian) to write an interfaith children’s book showing the
connections between the three great monotheistic religions. They
eventually formed a club for an honest & open environment to talk about
concerns, stereotypes, & misunderstandings.
February 26th
Laughing in the Dark, A Comedian’s Journey
Through Depression Chonda Pierce
Pierce, a Christian comedienne, had a
“winter breakdown” which led her to explore some of the causes of her
depression. She feels her slow recovery came from the support of family
& friends, Zoloft, rest &counseling, plus donning the spiritual armor of
God. She feels people who struggle with depression must “proactively
stay on the road to recovery.”
March 26th
Full Circle Davis Bunn
This book is a romance between Adam
Wright, a financial analyst who has lost his company, and Kayla, the
boss’s daughter, who has returned to Oxford from a failed African relief
project. The review I read was lukewarm, but they said the “one bright
spot is the story’s sensitive handling of faith. Much of the plot
hinges on what various characters intuit about God’s leading.”
April 23rd
The Practice of the Presence of God
Brother Lawrence
Brother Lawrence lived in the 17th
century & was a monk within the Carmelite Order. The Abbe of Beuford
compiled the thoughts of Brother Lawrence in 4 conversations with him, &
16 letters to others. Brother Lawrence was a simple & practical man who
believed each task can be offered up to God in an act of love & worship.
May 28th
It’s All about Him-Finding the Love of my
Life Denise Jackson
“Take an inspiring behind-the scenes
glimpse at one of country music’s most famous couples. Learn about Alan
& Denise’s struggles & success, their love story & the near failure of
their marriage. and how rediscovering their faith dramatically shaped
their lives.”
June 25th
Jesus, The Greatest Life of All
Charles Swindoll
“Charles Swindoll dives into the life of
the Savior, taking His truth claims at face value.” The book’s
theologically rich content and straightforward, honest, & chronological
journey appeals to reader’s hearts as well as their minds. Along the
way, Dr. Swindoll’s trademark warmth & insight offer up life application
for the reader drawn straight from the words & works of Jesus.”
July 23rd
The Heavenly Man Brother Yun
This book was awarded Christian Book of
the Year in 2003. A reviewer at the Amazon website says, “These
recorded experiences show in a concrete way what it is for Chinese
Christians to live hard lives of extreme danger because of their faith:
police raids in the night, long imprisonment without trial,” etc. “But
from this, God produces lives of commitment to Christ… “After reading
this book, you’ll appreciate the impact Jesus has on civilization as we
know it. You’ll see how dark & brutal civilization becomes without
Christ.”
August 27th
The Gift of Forgiveness Charles
Stanley
“Charles Stanley, one of the most
influential spiritual leaders of our day shares the key to personal &
even world peace in this book. He points out that no sin is so
shockingly evil it blocks God’s forgiveness or is so trivial it negates
the need for mercy.” He shares the specifics of how to go about
receiving and giving forgiveness. This book tells the heart of his
ministry. In it, he addresses how to practice a life of forgiveness, &
how to make forgiveness an ongoing, practical experience in your life.
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