Book Review: Eric Liddell: Pure Gold

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I was perusing the newest selection of books at our church bookstore when this book caught my eye.  I had heard of Eric Liddell and had even watched the movie based on his historical race in the 1924 Olympics (Chariots of Fire); but other than that I didn't know much about his personal life.  Here was my chance to find out.

Eric was born on January 16th, 1902 in Tientsin, China.  His parents were LMS (London Missionary Society) missionaries and much of his early life was spent at the mission station in Zhaoqing, China.  He eventually traveled to England to complete his formal education.  While in college he was given the opportunity to compete in the 1924 Olympics.  After several months of training he was physically ready for the games.  He finally received his schedule where he learned that he would have to run on a Sunday.  Refusing out of personal conviction he had to run in several races that he didn't train for.  The Lord was on his side though and allowed him to win in several of his competitions.  He used his newly won popularity to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever he went.  Several thousands were touched by his testimony and quiet, persistent love of the Savior.
When he graduated college, he decided to return to China as a Science teacher in one of the Christian schools nearby to where his parents still ministered.  After several years of teaching he finally met a girl he felt he could love.  The daughter of a missionary doctor, Florence MacKenzie was a God-given gift that Eric soon treasured greatly as his wife.  He was blessed with three beautiful daughters in the ensuing years.  During this time political turmoil forced many missionaries to leave but Eric refused.  The LMS mission board soon asked him if he would be willing to assist some of the missionaries who were staying in China.  Always the man to do whatever he could for others, he agreed.  As the turmoil increased so did his prayers.  He finally decided that would be better for his wife and 3 little girls to go back to Canada (where she was from) and he would join them when things settled down.  Unfortunately before they could be rejoined the Japanese invaded and overtook China.  Eric, along with several other missionaries, were placed in the Civil Assembly Center at Weihsien, Shantung Province, China.  They were not allowed to leave the camp and had very little contact with the outside world.  While there Eric made himself useful and organized sporting activities along with prayer meetings and worship services.  Near the end of his time there Mr. Liddell began experiencing severe headaches.  Without the proper medical equipment on base his friends could do nothing to help him or find the source of the problem.  Soon he suffered a stroke and not long after that he lay in a coma.  On February 21st and 9:20 p.m., Eric died at the age of 44 from what they later learned was a brain tumor.  He had indeed run his race and now he had been forever joined with his Savior.

I learned so much from this amazing biography and encourage you to read this book if you can!
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah                 

Book Review: Preparing to be a Help Meet

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"And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”

Genesis 2:18

As soon as this book came out I knew I wanted it!  I had watched as Mommy read and diligently applied Debi Pearl's book "Created to be His Help Meet" and I knew I needed to know more about this seemingly forgotten subject of being a help meet.  On my 16th birthday my younger brother kindly surprised me with my very own copy of "Preparing to be a Help Meet".  Over the next couple of months my mamma and I studied this well-written, sometimes humorous book.  Sprinkled throughout are true stories of how the Creator of the universe orchestrated the amazing love between a man and a woman and how they used it all for His glory.  You will learn about the different types of men and women and how the Lord uses both genders together to portray a fuller picture of Himself.  You will also read of tragedies and learn from the mistakes others have made.  Gently yet firmly, Mrs. Pearl explains some of the things that will either build your marriage up or break it down.  She also warns that the habits you form now will effect your relationship with your man (if the Lord has one for you) in the future.  She urges you to wait, save as much as you can (especially physical and emotional purity), and pray for your future beloved.  You will receive practical and spiritual advice in how to better prepare to be a help meet to the one the Lord gives you.  Personally, this book reaffirmed many convictions and goals I already had.  It also pushed me to study more, prepare more, and pray more for my husband-to-be. 
Please read this.  It will encourage you, it'll challenge you, it'll prepare you to the best help meet you possibly can be for His Glory!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah           

Book Review: The Kingdom Series

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled."

2 Corinthians 10:4-6

My parents bought this book series by Chuck Black, a retired F-16 fighter pilot, in mid-June for family reading every night.  As soon as we picked up the first book we could not put it down.  Within 2 months we were done all 6 books and wanted more (we soon after bought the Knights Of Arrethtrae Series and have enjoyed those so far).  Anyway, about these books...........

Set in the 14th century A.D. be prepared to enter a world of knights, ladies in distress, sword fighting, dragons, etc.  Originally written to increase his children's interest in the Scriptures, Chuck Black expertly and eloquently weaves in an allegory of the entire Bible, starting in Genesis and ending with Revelation.  Your heart will beat with excitement during every encounter of good with evil; it will cheer in victory every time "The King reigns...and His Son" is proclaimed; it will be filled with sorrow when it seems as if evil has conquered only to be lifted out of the depths of despair when the Prince's Silent Warriors come to the rescue!  Prepare to be encouraged in your walk with Christ and challenged to give your ALL to the King to do with as He desires.  This isn't just a book for boys but courageous young women who desire to serve the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength.  Suitable for all age ranges I highly recommend this series for the whole family to read.

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah

To find out more go HERE 

Book Review: Tortured for Christ

"Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth."

"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12

A little over one year ago we received the book "Tortured for Christ".  I've read it twice and have been much affected by the godly example of the late Pastor Richard Wurmbrand.  Pastor Wurmbrand endured a total of 14 years in Romanian Communist prisons for his faith and love in Jesus Christ.  He was eventually able to leave his country and settle in America where he soon printed this book.  Inside you will find his amazing testimony from Communist turned Christian, his steadfast love for Jesus Christ, and his undying commitment to preaching the gospel to all who would hear.  Challenging and convicting, he shares not only his own story but also the story of other brave Christians who stood up and continue to stand for Christ, no matter the cost.  He also encourages Christians in the West to be aware of the sufferings of their fellow believers in other countries.  Gently he sends a much needed rebuke to the spiritually sleeping saints of America.  "Wake up!" he says, "Be aware of the trials and tribulations of your fellow believers, and see what you can do to help them!"  Another message he sends is that of love.  Story after story he shares, showing the amazing power of the love that can only be manifest if you have a living relationship with Jesus Christ.  Oftentimes the persecutors were won by the love of the persecuted.  Beaten and near death, they continued to pray for the salvation of their guards, executioners, and commanders.  The Lord often answered these prayers and lives were changed...all because one person was willing to "take up his cross and follow Him."

This book encourages, rebukes, and teaches.  If you can, read it, see what the Lord wants to do with you through it.         

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah    

Book Review: Through Gates of Splendor

Kimber received this wonderful book for Christmas last year.  Surprisingly she's been too busy to read it yet so I previewed it for her ;-)!  Written by Elisabeth Elliot, this book tells the amazing story of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Pete Fleming, Roger Youderian, and Ed McCully, in their attempt to reach the isolated savage tribe, the Aucus (now known as the Waodani tribe).  I'm pretty sure most of you have heard of Jim Elliot and perhaps some of you adults have seen or heard of the documentary  Beyond the Gates of Splendor (2004) which is based on this book.  If you have heard of the story but have never known the details than I highly recommend this inspirational book!  Beginning with Jim Elliot, Elisabeth shares the backgrounds of each of the men involved in Operation Auca and how the Lord brought them all together to reach this heathen tribe.  Enjoy tidbits of their personal journals, notes, and prayers before their attempt to reach the Aucas.  You will find out the excitement that each one had to simply share the salvation of Jesus with this lost people.  You'll learn how the wives stood by and assisted the men in their mission, even though they knew the danger involved.  You'll be encouraged to place your ALL in the sovereign hands of the Master, knowing that He will use you in the best way He sees fit!  I highly recommend this book to anyone who is desiring to go deeper in their walk with Christ, be encouraged in their faith, or just to know the story of modern faithful martyrs.  May you be blessed as you read, just as I was!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah       

Book Review: Joyfully At Home

The book as seen at Vision Forum About 3 years ago I received a DVD for Christmas, "Return of the Daughters", and through it I was introduced to Jasmine Baucham.  Shortly thereafter my sisters and I began following her blog and just last year found out she was writing a book based on her blog.  I immediately wrote the book down on my Christmas wish-list and guess what??!!...I got it!!  If anybody knows me well they know I love to read!  I just finished the book, Joyfully at Home, last Tuesday (I would have finished it before but....just look at my book list :-) and thought now would be a great time to write up a review. Inside the pages of this well written, humorous book you'll find tips on how to have a joyful life while at home, how to increase your relationship with your siblings and parents, and ideas on how to minister for the Lord during your single years.  You'll be encouraged to consider using your single years to further your father's vision rather than pursuing a career outside the home; minister to those around you while waiting for the one the Lord has for you (if He has one ;-); and to pursue higher education from your home (see Collage Plus for more info).  I enjoyed this book most because it encouraged me in my convictions, which I see very few people playing out, and helped me know how to answer the "So what are you going to do after high school" questions (there may be a post coming soon about that if the Lord leads).  I highly recommend this book for those wondering if there's another option out there other than the 21st century route of collage away from home with huge boarding fees and student loans.  Also, if you just want to be encouraged as to your role while under your fathers roof, your role as an older sister and helper to your mother, or what to do after high school.....this is for you!  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Learning to delight in Jesus, Hannah

Book Review: William Borden

Hello All,

I've decided to every now and again post a book review.  These reviews will contain what I've learned from the book, things I disagree with, and things I need to work on.  So first things first.... 

About a month ago I finished reading the book to the left "Borden of Yale" by Mrs. Howard Taylor.  I LOVE to read, especially a book about young evangelists/missionaries and this book hit the spot!!  I've read most of the books on our shelves several times when one day I spotted this one and realized I hadn't read it yet.  I immediately began reading and could hardly put it down (not unusual for me :).  William Borden was born into a well to do family in Chicago on November 1st, 1887.  Although raised wealthy he was also raised by a father and mother who not only went to church but had a real relationship with Jesus Christ.  As he grew older his parents religion became his.  He never closed a day without reading the Bible and praying, no matter how tired he was!  After high school, at the age of 16, his parents proposed a trip around the world for an entire year with a godly family friend before starting collage.  This trip would open the eyes of William to the need of Jesus so many people have, sometimes entire nations.  In one of his letters to home he stated that he felt the Lord calling him to the mission field.  When he arrived back in America, his calling to the mission field and relationship with Jesus had only strengthened during the previous year.  He had felt the Lord require complete surrender of him while in England and to quote the author's words, "Surrender in his case meant not only giving up worldly amusements and indulgences, it meant taking on his Master's yoke, living with Him for others, always and everywhere."  Wow, did that convict and give me a yearning to be in COMPLETE surrender to Jesus and His will for my life!  To continue with my biography, William, soon after arriving back in the US, began attending Yale College.  While at Yale he began attending the local YMCA and started a Bible/Prayer study group of his own with other college students.  Near the end of his freshman year he attended his first missionary conference.   He heard the appeal of Mr. Samuel Zwemer of the need for the gospel in the Muslim world, specifically China.  At that time China had more Muslims than all of Persia, more than all of Egypt, and more than all of Arabia - where Islam started.  Seeing the overwhelming need, William heard God say "Yes" and immediately his heart was given over to the Lord and what He wanted to do.  After finishing Yale he attended Princeton Seminary then headed to Egypt to study  two of the hardest languages, Arabic and Chinese, in preparation for his calling to the Chinese Muslims.  Also while in Egypt he began evangelizing and preaching to the Muslims there, in practice for China.  Sadly, while in Egypt he contracted cerebral meningitis and died before ever reaching his final destination...China.  I cried at the end of this book.  He simply wanted what the Lord desired for him.  He was wealthy, donating several thousands of dollars to various missions in his will, but was willing to give it all up to preach the gospel to those dying every day without the knowledge of Jesus.  What about me?  Would I be willing to give up ALL to preach the gospel?  Am I living the true Christian life now, as a young teenager?  The Lord does not put an age on when He can use us, He's simply looking for those willing to be used.  Are you willing? Am I?

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah