The Classroom Called Life by Christian Author Darren Bennett

The Classroom Called Life

Darren Bennett

A CBM Christian Book Review

10.0 out of 10.0 stars

The Classroom Called Life by Darren Bennett is a collection of 40 life lessons from the author’s life and experiences. With a wonderful and delightful Christian perspective, witty quotes complement his short stories that tie into each “Life Lesson.”

Writing from a positive and inspiring attitude on life, he shares these life lessons, coupled with a few do’s and don’ts. He speaks with candor and humility, sharing his life as an open book with others, as he endeavors to teach what he has learned in what he calls, “the classroom of life.” What else would you expect from a life-long teacher.

Readers will enjoy, being given the opportunity to reflect upon their own lives from a man who has been a high school teacher for 25 years and recently retired. Bennett seems to have a real and genuine zest to live life that is certainly catchy. Quickly, readers understand that he is an outgoing personality that appreciates God in His goodness, family, and friends. Some of his stories share laughter, joy, as he shares such details as his own conversion to Christianity, and reflects back upon the Lord’s work with great thankfulness. Certain stories wake up one’s soul. Others, are quite funny, while others will really make one think about the issues of life. 

Surviving a cyclone, crocodiles, a praying friend, and a sinking ship come to mind, all memorable, yet this man’s tales, even the mundane, like visiting his old house growing up become interesting. A sprinkling of photos add to the book and each experience he shares. 

My personal favorite is when he talks about the presence of God entering a busy room of kids and what happened next. God is all about winning souls, and for the most part, this story reveals God goes after the lost, the one – and one at a time. The author’s joy and humility shine through each particular life lesson. 

Overall, this was a fun book to read! The author’s love for life and God give hope and will put a smile on your face. Readers will not be disappointed! 

You may get your copy of The Classroom Called Life at Amazon, in Kindle and in Audiobook.

Christian Book Reviews for the Christian Author

The Mysteries of the Hidden Parables: Red Letter Edition

Title: The Mysteries of the Hidden Parables: 

Red Letter Edition 

By: Rick Hamlet

A CBM Christian Book Review

10.0 out of 10.0 stars

“To You it Has Been Granted to Know the Mysteries of Heaven” ~ Jesus

Rick Hamlet has written a concise and easy-to-read booklet (only seventy-three pages) that speak of the difference between once saved, always saved, and receiving the “inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven.” 

Erroneous teachings have merged the word “saved” to mean always saved. 

A person cannot be born again and continue in unrepentant sin, nor backslide into sin. Yes, rewards are different. Salvation, inheritance and entering the Kingdom of God are all conditional. Christians mistakenly think that just accepting salvation saves them from all sin. 

Fifteen parables include the exact words in red from Jesus in the Bible. Step-by-step the author interprets and comments on each parable giving great insight to the meaning of the parables as written in scripture. 

From The Talents, The Prodigal Son, The Costly Pearl And The Hidden Treasure, The Dragnet, The Fruitless Fig Tree, The Land Owner, The Two Sons, The Ten Virgins, The Rich Young Ruler, Tares Among The Wheat, The Wedding Feast, The Two Debtors, The Sower And The Seeds, The Mustard Seed And The Leven, readers will gain great insight directly from Scripture. 

This is a must-read for all, to include non-believers, Christians, and skeptics alike. 

The author gives a wake-up call that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven is a serious thing. (Just as serious as not getting there and falling short.) 

You may get your copy of The Mysteries of the Hidden Parables at Amazon. Be sure to check out Rick Hamlet's previous release, Who Goes To Hell?: The Lie Christians Believe.

Christian Book Reviews - Sharing Christian Books With The World

Christian Book Reviews

 

David Howell – Houston, Texas - Breaking Into Prison

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A CBM Christian Author Press Release

David Howell – Houston, Texas - Prison evangelist, multi-published Christian author and businessman, David Howell, has a call from God to “Reach millions with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

David Howell’s new release, Breaking Into Prison, presents God’s unfathomable love, grace, and kindness through the showcasing of God’s glorious working through the transformation of an unredeemed life to be filled with zeal to spread the Gospel to prisons and detention centers across the United States and abroad. God in His kindness brought the author out of his old ways of being self-centered, a drug addict, an alcoholic and a womanizer to reveal an unending story of God’s abundant Grace! 

Yet, this book is not a biography on David Howell. This amazing book reveals how God wastes nothing, even past failures, and creates a new vessel of honor and glory to represent God and in such a way that is pleasing to God. Faith, hope and the new life in Christ are found. Freedom and peace can be one’s portion in life. 

Howell’s book sheds light on the importance of the atonement of Christ, God’s gracious gift of salvation, and is bringing freedom in Christ to millions of prisoners. His ministry and books offer an in-depth and an easy-to-understand format with Scripture and visual representation that helps prisoners grow spiritually. Foundational truths of coming to Jesus represents the importance of the regeneration of the spirit, the renewal of the mind in Christ Jesus and brings the truth of the Gospel in simple ways. David Howell also includes shocking statistics of prisons, jails, and detentions centers, that despite the common myth that Christian material is easy to come by in prison, the material is often missing and insufficient. 

David Howell’s nationwide prison ministry is serving the local prison, chaplains and inmates with salvation and true discipleship. As founder of Prison Evangelism (www.prisonevangelism.com), his books have reached over 5 million in prison. Lives and families are being transformed through such. David Howell’s Prison Evangelism’s mission and goal is to fully “reach the incarcerated for Christ in Federal, State and local prisons, jails, and detention centers throughout the United-States and beyond.”

As a multi-published author, David Howell, has published such next step books such as: How to be a Child of God (Witness Edition), Fully Alive and Finally Free, Seeking God Through Prayer and Meditation.

Breaking Into Prison
Publisher ‏ : ‎ David Howell (November 5, 2021)
Language : ‎ English Paperback ‏ : ‎ 244 pages 
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0578923550

For more information about David Howell, his prison ministry, or his books, visit: Prison Evangelism, The Prison Evangelism Mission Page, Media Page and How To Be A Child of God.  You may also get your copy of Breaking Into Prison at Amazon in paperback and at Kindle in ebook. 

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CBM Book Review - Westward Lies the Sun

Westward Lies the Sun ( A Novel)

Robert H. Kono

A CBM Christian Book Review

10.0 out of 10.0 stars

A Must Read - Westward Lies the Sun (A Novel) by Robert H. Kono is an epic novel blending historical fiction of the Japanese internment camps during WWII with the grandeur of love, romance, legacy, Samurai and Japanese heritage with the question of God and the reality of the spiritual realm. 

The novel unfolds revealing Greg, his life and past, as the author captures each time period of his life well. Greg’s conversations with his friends and his own self-doubt being a Japanese American experiencing his own subculture being Japanese, which has caused Greg to question his own self-worth stemming from teenage years. Feeling culturally divided coupled with the trauma he had to endure throughout his growing up years, he feels displaced culturally. “He felt as though he were a pioneer or explorer, out to hack his way through the wilderness of the identity question.” (p. 11) This is just an example of the writer’s way of conveying this mental tug-of-war within the main character, Greg. 

From a Christian perspective, the novel speaks on Greg’s personal reflections upon God, His existence and why bad things happen upon the Earth without cramming the Christian religion down one’s throat. This is much appreciated as the author gives enough information and Scripture to just make readers “think for themselves.” 

Greg, as a staunch humanist, spends time with his four friends at their poker games that reveal much conversation about God. The book reveals a dark past for Greg and his family, being of Japanese descent during WWII and the horror of the camps. Their only crime, being Japanese, Greg reveals the loss of a family heirloom, in which he goes searching for. The epic continues as Greg and his family survive a shipwreck on an island, which ends up giving them life amid their tragedy. This book is a movie in the making with a dreamy, mysterious, and memorable title! 

With a beautiful ending, surprises and twists along the way, the book keeps the attention of readers. I was hooked from chapter one. The beautiful descriptions of the lake and the cultural tensions that the Japanese experienced during the time of WWII provide an interesting backdrop. The author gives readers a true appreciation for family, love, patriotism, combined with dark overtones of racism prevalent during the WWII era, while also sharing Christianity in such a way that makes sense, giving equity a voice. 

An absolutely fascinating novel with an epic title made for the big screen!  You may get your copy of Westward Lies the Sun at Amazon and in Kindle as a download.

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Book Review - Fully Alive, and Finally Free: Knowing God as Father

Title: Fully Alive, and Finally Free: Knowing God as Father

By: David Howell

A CBM Christian Book Review

10.0+ out of 10.0 stars

Fully Alive and Finally Free: Knowing God as Father by David Howell is the next step book after “How to be a Child of God.” This book is written to teach those who have accepted Christ as Savior, but need to be taught about the victorious life available in Christ. Becoming fully alive in Christ is knowing your identity in Christ. Knowing God as Father sets you free to become who God created you to be. As a step-by-step guide with full color illustrations, the author makes understanding of the deep truths of the Gospel that brings real change in one’s soul. 

This is a powerful read that addresses the real issues of life in a simple way. This book explains in four easy steps what happens when God becomes our Father: our sins are forgiven, a new heart comes, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside each person, and now we have the same Father as Jesus, as we are Jesus’ brothers and sisters. The author further includes “Next Steps as God’s Child” in order that individuals become renewed in their spirit and grow spiritually. Such issues as forgiveness extended to family members, and others who have hurt us, give a deeper understanding of how to live in this freedom. David Howell has included insight from his personal experiences and upbringing from a godly dad that lend to each example, along with the pictures that help explain each scriptural truth. 

Promoting spiritual growth, this book is greatly inspiring and true to foundational Biblical truths and Scripture.  This book is a much-needed tool in discipleship, giving fresh insights and full explanations of the new life available in Christ. The author has a keen sense of knowing the issues that face readers, such as dying to one’s self, and presents the spiritual reality with such ease. This is a wonderful and highly recommended book that should be presented to every new believer as well. Too often, one accepts salvation, but falls away. With that said, this book is a must-read after “How to be a Child of God.” 

Pastors, teachers, evangelists, junior and senior high ministries might consider also to include the book, Fully Alive and Finally Free, as Bible study material. Included are additional reading resources and full scriptural content for additional study and meditation.   

You may get your copy of Fully Alive, and Finally Free: Knowing God as Father At Amazon. For more information about the author, his ministry, and additional books, visit Prison Evangelism. Be sure to visit How To Be a Child of God.

Book Review - Seeking God Through Prayer and Meditation - Devotional Edition

Title: Seeking God Through Prayer and Meditation - Devotional Edition

By: David Howell

A CBM Christian Book Review

10.0 out of 10.0 stars

Seeking God Through Prayer and Meditation by David Howell is the companion book to “How to be a Child of God”, and “Fully Alive and Finally Free”, that offers a manual to discover and develop the Christian disciplines of prayer and meditation. Stating that these are “the principle means of communicating and spending time with God” as “two habits Christians are encouraged to learn and practice.” Based on an acronym of ACTS Model of prayers created by the author, ACTS stands for Adoration, Confessing, Thanksgiving, Seeking or Asking. 

In this way readers are encouraged to learn to talk to their heavenly Father in prayer, study, with a second section in the book that teaches Christian meditation. This is fully Biblical, as we are instructed to meditate on the Word, His goodness, etc., day and night. As a division of the author’s Prison Evangelism, this is booklet has been designed to include a fully-illustrated guide with over 563 Bible verses. 

Each section is designed to inspire and encourage intimacy with God as one becomes renewed in the spirit of their new heart and mind, engaging in the model prayer presented from ACTS. Group prayers and meditational prayers are given, songs, insight into fasting, along with a Quiet Time 31-day devotional in the back of the booklet for personal use. 

The Foreword presents this book as a useful way to enter into the 11th step of Alcoholics Anonymous, “(We) Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the ability to carry that out.” 

Seeking God Through Prayer and Meditation comes highly recommended for those who want to know God and Scripture in a more personal way. The powerful impact of this booklet is that those caught in sin are given understanding and a new perspective. A new way of living free from addiction, lust of the world, and the old ways, is taught as instructed from the Bible and those who read it are discipled. 

This is a wonderful guide book teaching the deep things of Christ and the new life available in Him. A highly recommended tool for encouraging spiritual growth and setting the captives free.

You may get your copy of Seeking God Through Prayer and Meditation - Devotional Edition at Amazon. For more information about the author and his ministry visit Prison Evangelism. 

Book Review - How to be a Child of God Witness Edition

Title: How to be a Child of God (Witness Edition)

By: David Howell

A CBM Christian Book Review

10.0 out of 10.0 stars

How to be a Child of God by David Howell (Witness Edition) is a beautifully illustrated, full-color, 49-page booklet offering a step-by-step guide to salvation, redemption, and sanctification through Christ, His crucifixion, and His blood that brings an invitation to the family of God and presents a new life in Christ to prison inmates across America. With 223 full-text Bible verses combined with the full-color illustrations, inmates, despite education or reading ability, are presented with a clear Biblical overview of the free gift of salvation and the truth of the Gospel that transforms the old life into a new life in Christ. 

In Colossians 1:27 Christ is in you and your identity is in Christ. We were crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20), buried with Him, resurrected with Him, ascended with Him and now are seated with Him in Christ in heavenly places at the right hand of the Father. (Romans 6:1-6, Ephesians 2:6) 

Designed to be used as a study guide by encouraging prayer and meditation of the Scriptures, the booklet can be used as a group, or individual Bible study, and the author has included a witness edition that explains how to effectively witness to others for Christ. The booklet brings deep understanding and individual transformation through the power of Christ as stated in Colossians 2:12 NLT, “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with Him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”

Captured on each page through the hand-drawn and full-color sketches, the true meaning of the conversion process, knowing God as Father, and becoming born again through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross sheds light on the powerful transformation process. The pictures, text, and scripture verses give understanding as the reason and purpose for atonement. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, is portrayed as the only One who was able to make this perfect sacrifice. The captives are set free as the author explains scriptural truths in a simple format, giving understanding that becoming a child of God is not difficult, but a privilege and an invitation to them to enter into a new family - the Family of God. 

What makes this book incredibly unique is the ease at which the author describes deep spiritual truths in such a simple way, along with the vivid pictures, even a child can understand the truths presented. The author also clearly gives representation of what moving from the old life into this new life means by delineating from the generational bloodline, coming from Adam, that each of us was born into, and helping them understand that a new family lineage is the only remedy. The old baggage and the old ways are buried, and the new life has been raised with Christ. 

How to be a Child of God (Witness Edition) comes highly recommended to anyone who is incarcerated, but is also a wonderful evangelism tool that could be handed out to anyone. The story of redemption comes alive through the pictures, reaching many in the name of Christ. As an added bonus, the author has included complete scriptural references in the back, and also additional books for further study and reading. 

You may get your copy of How to be a Child of God Witness Edition at Amazon. For more information about the author, his ministry, and additional books, visit Prison Evangelism  and be sure to visit How To Be a Child of God. 

Book Review - Breaking Into Prison

Title: Breaking Into Prison:

How God Used One Ordinary Guy to Get the Gospel to Millions

By: David Howell

A CBM Christian Book Review

10.0 out of 10.0 stars

 

David Howell gives glory to God through his testimonial book, In Breaking Into Prison: How God Used One Ordinary Guy to Get the Gospel to Millions. The book shares God’s abounding grace, kindness, and the incredible patience of God, as Howell states God wastes nothing, through David’s life and eventual prison ministry. God in His unfathomable love, took David, a “less than ordinary guy”, a drunkard, and drug addict, to include one who had been in and out of prison, “a rebel” as Howell put it, and partnered with David to reach those who are at the “end of their rope” –  those souls languishing in prison.

What is most evident about this book is that it provides insight into God’s ways and how God can use failures, even over a lifetime, to create something worthwhile and beautiful. The author credits his life to this Scripture, and hopes to encourage others to follow:

 

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who

live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the

flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave

Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20

 

The author includes many copies of the letters received from prisoners that will bring tears to the reader's eyes. Displaying his book, How to be a Child of God, 1.1 million copies have gone to 2100 prisons and jails across America. God has multiplied that number with approximately 5 million actually having read the book. What is also truly inspiring is the honesty, the sincere repentance from inmates, and the asking for more material. This helps remind one that Jesus said, “Forget not the prisoners.”

 

Through the author’s prison ministry and book, evangelists are being made and a mending of many families’ lives is occurring. This is such a wonder to see and readers will be delighted to read all the handwritten letters and testimonies included. As such, this book gives all the glory to God, while also presenting surprising information about the lack of Christian materials available in prison.

 

What an amazing story and life David Howell has led. Surely this is a testimony and offering to the One, the only One, Jesus, Who can bring real change into one’s life. Good news indeed. A highly encouraging must read!

For more information about David Howell, his prison ministry, or his books, visit: Prison Evangelism, The Prison Evangelism Mission Page and Media Page.

You may get your copy of Breaking Into Prison:  How God Used One Ordinary Guy to Get the Gospel to Millions at Amazon and Kindle ( links to be added ). For additional information be sure to visit How To Be a Child of God.

When Skies Aren’t Blue: A Physician’s Personal Journey

Dr. Andy Laurie had a great life. He was living the American dream, happily married, four kids and two great careers. One as a board certified emergency room radiologist, and the other, as one of the pastors at The Bridge Christian Church. 

In When Skies Aren’t Blue, Dr. Andy Laurie shares his personal journey as a sudden and unexplainable illness brought dark clouds into his blue skies of life at the early age of thirty-nine. Following, he offers Ten Powerful Steps as prescriptions that present real hope amid those dark skies that tend to drift in without warning. With clear and an easy-to-understand Biblical teaching, coupled with prayers at the end of each step, he encourages readers to remain steadfast in hope, persevere, and hold onto their faith in a God - Who is near and real in times of trouble. 

Further shedding light on evil and sickness in our world, the author speaks candidly to all that are battling with failing health. His book offers fundamentals that teach and reveal not only the characteristics of God and our Heavenly Father as a good Father, yet he also highlights Satan and the role he plays upon this fallen world. His book presents simple truths of the Bible by helping readers understand that God is not causing sickness and thus, helps readers gain a healthy perspective. Satan is the one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Yet, there is hope to be found! Jesus Christ is our anchor of hope in this life and eternally. 

Dr. Laurie presents 10 powerful steps to victory. Each step is designed to point the reader to a God that is real and present, offering comfort, inspiration and scriptural insight bringing the absolute love and magnificence of God Almighty into the forefront. Dr. Andy Laurie states with unequivocal belief from the facts that God is real, He’s listening to you, and He cares for you. These 10 steps are powerful for life because they speak truth and give real help and hope for those in desperate need. 

This book comes highly recommended for those who are currently suffering with failing health (or other life storms), and are in need of hope and encouragement that is real and tangible. This is an amazing book borne out of the author’s own suffering that will surely bless others immensely!

When Skies Aren’t Blue

A Physician’s Personal Journey

By: Dr. Andy Laurie

A CBM Christian Book Review

10.0 out of 10.0 stars

You may get your copy of When Skies Aren’t Blue at Amazon and in Kindle as a download. Be sure to visit When Skies Aren’t Blue for more information about the author, his book, and his ministry.

Spiritual Formation: Attention Along the Way

Title: Spiritual Formation

By: Eldon E. Fry

A CBM Christian Book Review

10.0+ out of 10.0 stars

Spiritual Formation: Attention Along the Way by Eldon E. Fry is designed to reflect a twelve month calendar with “vignettes” sharing his experiences based on a two-fold approach as stated in the Introduction. He states his book encompasses, “…two contemplative practices that are essential for Christian formation. One is stillness or contemplation, the other is watchfulness or awareness.” Thus, the author advocates a life of spiritual transformation and renewal based upon Christianity that will spur readers into the ancient spiritual practice of mindfulness of daily activities, the author hopes to encourage. The author journals his observances, coupled with insight into his personal life of experiences and environments that offer readers inspiration. The beauty of the seasons, the mystery of the wind and so much more challenge readers to stop, and breathe. 

Metaphorically, he speaks on many different subjects, offering special memories, or perhaps comparing a campfire that was mesmerizing, etc., so that the reader can also reflect and build from their own daily life mindfulness. In this way, readers come to understand how to slow down a bit, pay attention as the title denotes, turning one’s attention towards God, His creation, your own life, and your own spirituality. The inclusion of scripture verses, insight from famous people such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and an analysis of these experiences enhance and engage readers, leading readers to ponder their own life. This is an enjoyable, unique, and reflective read. 

Creatively speaking this book can be used in several ways: As an inner journey to seeking God, daily or bedtime reading, or simply reading under the shade of a tree. The book is laid out in a simple and easy-to-read format that includes the months of the year: 

• January speaks of: A  Memory, Mesmerizing, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Play, Surprise, Wind; 
• February gives insights into the changing seasons, Anticipation, Ash Wednesday, Beauty, Ode to a Valentine, Contrasts and Waiting;
• March gives way to Fog, I Love the Cool, Melting, Tonight, Underground Railroad, Wait;
• April offers fresh insight with spring on the way in Focus, Helping Me, Muddling Selma, Sabbath, and Snipes;
• May brings A Seasoned Tree, Chipmunk, Life Story, My Desire, Peeking; 
• June presents Caring, Choices, Fragrance, Leftovers, Mirror, Next Step;
• July shares Be Attentive, Big Sky Country, Exploration, Grass is Greener, Monastery, Old Friends;
• August alludes to Dark Nights, Garden, The Snakeskin, Travelling, Unexpected Gifts, Wind Blowing;
• September brings Autumn Arrives, Burnable, Cool Breeze, Leaves, Memories, Prayer as Desire;
• October reminds with Attentive, Celebrate a Life, Darkness, Fall, Foliage, Leaves of Fall, Listening;
• November brings Treasured Gifts, Facades, Scarcity, Brother, Lonely, Refusal;
• December ends with Advent (Day Three), Advent, Squirrels, Lights in the Snow, Sentimental and Shadows. 

Spiritual Formation: Attention along the way would make a nice gift for someone that likes to contemplate, is interested in Christianity, or one who enjoys learning, history, and appreciating nature and the seasons. 

I found this book to be relaxing. A wonderful book, this comes highly recommended for those who want to pay attention to their surroundings and understand that our experiences on a daily basis give way to “intentionally” engaging in a spiritual reformation process. Perfect to read to start the day with a cup of coffee, or at the end the day preparing for sleep. This is a highly recommended must read book. Christian Book Reviews sharing Christian books with Christian readers.

You may get your copy of Spiritual Formation: Attention Along the Way at Amazon or in Kindle as a download.

If I Had Ten Dollars by Craigh Feigh

Title: If I Had Ten Dollars

By: Craigh Feigh

CBM Christian Book Reviews

10.0+ out of 10.0 stars

Craig Feigh writes a fun and delightful Children’s Picture book telling the story of the many different ways young children might be able to earn and spend ten dollars. With wonderful full color graphics, each page brings delight, as the cute character (a ladybug), along with a brother and sister are having fun in their adventures. Craig Feigh teaches young children responsibility and life lessons, as only Craig Feigh can as a popular children’s author, capturing the essence of dreaming and wishing in this fun and wholesome book for families, If I Had Ten Dollars.

This book is so much fun (even as an adult, I enjoyed finding the dollar sign on each colorful page). Children will be inspired to earn their ten dollars by doing chores, recycling, selling lemonade, or simply raking leaves. In this way, children come to understand that money is earned and they learn it’s fun to spend, dream, and wish too!  

In the end, the life lesson offered is a Biblical principle that will bless your child for their entire lifetime into adulthood – It is more blessed to give than to receive.

If I Had Ten Dollars will put a smile on your child’s face and is one of those books parents and children alike will enjoy together, and also want to read over-and-over. With a coloring page in the back, well, how can you beat that? (See the next paragraph.)

All proceeds through August 1^st go to Make a Wish Foundation (Missouri and Kansas City), granting 4-year-old Lea the wish of a year-round playhouse! Born with 2 holes in her heart that had required surgery, Lea also has Down Syndrome. At birth she was also diagnosed with a form of Leukemia that went away after 9 months. On April 27, 2020, she was diagnosed with a different form - acute lymphoid leukemia, in which her maintenance treatment will end in July of 2022. CBM Christian Book Reviews.

You may get your copy of If I Had Ten Dollars at Amazon. For more information about granting 4-year-old Lea the wish of a year-round playhouse, visit Craig Feigh. 

Christian Book Review Marketing, sharing Christian books with the world.

CBM Book Review - In Light of Women: One Woman’s Journey with Icons

Title: In Light of Women: One Woman’s Journey with Icons

By: Mary Jane Miller

CBM Christian Book Reviews

10.0 out of 10.0+ stars

In Light of Women: One Woman’s Journey with Icons by Mary Jane Miller brings the beauty and majesty of Iconography in an uplifting journey of 24 iconic images of women represented in Christianity and the Bible.  

Filled with beautiful photography of her original and exquisite iconographic artwork that blends elegant and historical contextual commentary, these divine images inspire, encourage, and capture the feminist voice in Scripture that is sometimes absent in Church history. They bring intimacy with the divine nature of God and reveal the beauty of humankind. Her book unfolds the purpose and unique place that women have held in the Church throughout the ages.   

Divided into 3 categories: Mary Icons, The Gospel of Mary Magdalene, & Feminine Voice, she brings to life such women represented in Catholic and religious artwork that paints a picture of ancient history across the landscape of time blending traditional of iconography, therefore preserving these gospel truths from these wonderful paintings. 

Mary Jane Miller is a professional artist using traditional egg tempera and a master iconographer. Specializing in this genre of ancient iconography, her book is an amazing journey into contemporary iconography. Each photo has a snapshot of historical and contextual writing that brings the stories and icons to life. She states, “…changing the slant and interpretation of Byzantine style iconography does not threaten the history of Christian thought. Gazing at an icon influences a profound effect on humanity. There is potential in a well written byzantine style icon to open our heart and mind. Contemporary Christians are on an endless journey of watching their consciousness unfold in an effort to find the divine.” Mary Jane Miller knows and has experienced that unfolding, as she tries through this ancient technique to preserve a continuous interpretation of who God might be. 

This is an absolute beautiful collection of iconography with a contemporary addition, thoughtfully written as to the impact of women in their time. 

This book comes highly recommended for those that understand and admire iconic artwork, and for those also that understand the tradition of this iconic religious artwork. This is also a beautiful coffee table book or a gift for someone special. 

Mary Jane Miller’s work is unbelievably touching and beautiful. As with iconography, this is the tradition of symbolism that is deeply meditative and has been prevalent in the Russian Orthodox and Catholic religions for centuries.  CBM Christian Book Reviews.

You may purchase In Light of Women: One Woman’s Journey with Icons by Mary Jane Miller at Modern Catholic Iconography. You may also purchase Mary Jane Miller's books at LuLu. 

CBM Christian Book Editing

 

CBM Christian Book Editing

The Freedom of God

A labor of love told by Cindy Scott, the daughter of Marion Ghent Jose Lau. Her mother’s memoir reaches back in time to the early 1900’s, through WWII, to present day. 

Cindy Scott spent two years gathering the several manuscripts her mother penned over fifteen years and combined them with taped interviews to fill in the gaps. The finished work fulfills her promise before her mother's death to see this book, Never Forsaken, published. 

Never Forsaken is a true-life testimony of survival and restoration after WWII, including the big move to America for a better life. I was hooked from the first chapter. Marion’s rendition of life back then, her father’s radical transformation, becoming born again after being a drinker and gambler, reeled me right in. With a tinge of humor in the section of Papa’s new life, this is a touching sentiment of how the Word of God broke through such a calloused heart. 

Readers will find Marion Ghent’s harrowing journey as a young girl in the Philippines an amazing adventure. Being the youngest of eleven living siblings and the daughter of a colporteur for the American Bible Society, surely this story is an inspiring read that relates God’s absolute faithfulness and how He works in the humblest of ways. The book also relays the efforts of the foot soldiers of the Gospel, and reveals the treasure of how the Gospel goes forth.   

The Ghent’s surviving the shock of war and the tragedies that followed, shed light on loss, but a strong, persevering faith that comes to fruition in finding a new life in America. Certainly, this may be a movie in the making. Exciting, touching, and a powerful story, amazing endurance unfolds during some of life’s pivotal moments, relating Marion’s tale of never being forsaken by God. 

Leading to a triumphant restoration with long lost family members after the scattering of the War years, the author takes readers from beginning to an end of an era long gone. One will be left in awe and find inspiration to all that Marion Ghent and her relatives had to go through during those humble years in the Philippines, escaping and hiding in the jungle for three years. In this miraculous book, history literally unfolds as the awful horrors of war in a foreign country. 

Cindy Scott has culminated history and the telling of Marion's story, and her life experience that also includes photos, maps, text and indexes explaining these far off and quite exotic places in the Philippines. What an amazing read! CBM Christian Book Reviews.

Title: Never Forsaken

A young woman’s gripping account of faith, courage,
and survival during and after World War II

By: Cindy Scott

CBM Christian Book Reviews

10.0+ out of 10.0 stars

One will find that faith, courage, and overcoming do not come without struggles. Yet, God is ever faithful!  This book comes highly recommended for those that enjoy true-life war stories, happy endings, with God in the mix! I sincerely hope this book becomes a movie. For me, as one who reads many books, this one was truly memorable and unforgettable. 

 

Never Forsaken at Amazon and in Kindle.

CYD Publishing