Book Description
What does the Bible teach about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? What do angels, Satan, and demons have to do with reality? What place should the Bible or a church have in my life? Perhaps you think you know what others are telling you to believe, but deep down inside you wonder, "What is really important to my own faith?" If so, you need to know...a Christian's faith must be grounded in truth! "I have deeply admired [Paul Little} as a man of God with Extraordinary insights into the work of God and boundless enthusiasm for communicating the Word of God" -Billy Graham "There are just a few timeless treasures in Christian literature. Know What You Believe is one of them. I am confident that the expanded and updated version of this book will be as important to this generation as it was in the days when I was a student." -Joseph M. Stowell, President, Moody Bible Institute "This updated classic stands ready to serve a whole new generation. Read it and let Paul help you understand the timeless biblical truths that will prevent you from being 'blown here and there by every wind of teaching.'" -Mark Mittelberg, Executive Vice President, Willow Creek Association
Customer Reviews:
WONDERFUL resource!.......2007-04-06
This resouce helped my college-aged daughter evaluate and nail down her own beliefs.
An Excellent Primer to the Christian Faith.......2006-07-16
Know What You Believe is an excellent synopsis of the fundamentals of the Christian faith. Paul E. Little proceeds with commendable logic by covering a low-level defense of the Bible, the properties of God and what sets Him apart from other gods, the nature and life of Christ, the significance of Christ's death on the cross, the relationship of man and sin, the work of the Holy Spirit, the implications and requirements of salvation, the biblical description of angels, demons, and Satan, the church universal and local, and a brief overview of the competing theories for the end times. If you are looking for a summary of all the elements of mere Christianity, this may be the book for you. If you are looking for the best scholarship has to offer on the nature of the Trinity, I recommend you look elsewhere.
Nevertheless, I do have one complaint against the book, and that is concerning the unfair treatment of Roman Catholocism. Although Know What You Believe will tend to be accepted by most mainline Protestant groups and some Roman Catholics, he does not give certain Catholic doctrines fair treatment, although he is quite willing to be fair to the Armenian/Calvinist debates. For instance, he denies the doctrines on Purgatory without giving at least giving a Catholic defense. It is fine to say that Purgatory is not a necessary element of Christian faith, but it would be better to leave it out of the book entirely than to set it and other Roman doctrines as straw man arguments and proceed to knock them down.
Despite this problem, I have found Paul E. Little's summary of the faith very useful in completing a sometimes fragmentary knowledge of Christian faith and ideas as they are taken from Scripture. This book is often useful even to long-term knowledgeable Christians as a reaffirmation of the faith, and sometimes an eye-opener to smaller details one might not have thought of before, such as the relationship between the body, spirit, and soul. The competing theories of the end times, although not comprehensive, is laid out in a very clear and readable format, allowing for even a more knowledgeable Christian to benefit from Little's style.
Good book no matter where you are on the Christian journey.......2006-06-26
The front cover description by Billy Graham of this book is amazingly accurate - "Scholarly, articulate, simple." Paul Little really does an amazing job of addressing the core essentials of the faith in less than 150 pages - from the nature of God, to the nature of man, from the importance of Christ's substitutionary death on the cross to His imminent return for His Bride, the Church. I especially liked the way that Little handed controversial issues, by giving an adequate description of both sides without seeking to interject his own opinions on several matters.
I also liked the flow of the book, beginning with the essential element of Scripture from which God has revealed Himself to man in a special manner to a chapter on the nature of God Himself. From there, Little explores the historical person of Jesus Christ and the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, upon which the entirety of Christianity rests. Once the concept of God's creation and the god-head itself are addressed, Little turns to the problem with the world - sin and the separation of man from his designed status as a child of God. Little then follows that with the chapter on the Holy Spirit, introducing the reader to the remainder of the Trinity and the special work of the Holy Spirit to convict man of his sin. Following this, Little turns to the good news of salvation and the redemption of man through the blood sacrifice of Christ. The remaining three chapters deal with other spiritual issues facing believers, including angels, Satan and demons, the role of the Church in the life of the believer, and the fundamentals of eschatology, or the "things to come" as Little phrases it.
The book is simply profound in its ability to cover such a wide gamut of ideas and principles giving just enough to address the issue without either boring the reader or leaving the reader without a proper understanding. A great book to suggest to every believer, regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey.
very good on basics.......2006-06-15
The author handles basic Christian faith very well, and uses some helpful examples and analogies that I haven't seen elsewhere.
I would unreservedly recommend this book to anyone who wants to become grounded on basic Christian docrine.
reinforced dogma.......2005-10-30
If you want your dogma reinforced then this is a great book. It blazes through philosophical arguments with proposterous nerve.
example 1. The problem of evil is solved thus:
"And God has done something about the problem of evil. He has done the most dramatic, costly, and effective thing possible by giving his Son to die for evil men."
example 2. To John Wisdoms damning parable, the book argues: "For in Christianity we do not have merely an allegation that the garden of this world is tended by a loving Gardener; we have the actual, empirical entrance of the Gardener into the human scene in the person of Christ (cf. John 20: 14,15), and this entrance is verifiable by way of His resurrection."
All of the arguments assume the ignorant position. The argument from design is entertained in the most ridiculous manner -arguing from the specific to the general. Reality is simple -we are here because things are the way they are -if they weren't, we wouldn't be here. Too many leaves in the teacup being read by those who want to see things that are not there. I'm afraid for humanity if they think this is knowledge.
Book Description
In 1960, five young men arrived at the imposing gates of Parkminster, the largest center of the most rigorous and ascetic monastic order in the Western world: the Carthusians. This is the story of their five-year journey into a society virtually unchanged in its behavior and lifestyle since its founding in 1084.
An Infinity of Little Hours is a uniquely intimate portrait of the customs and practices of a monastic order almost entirely unknown until now. After five years each man must face a choice: if they stay to make "solemn profession" they will never leave. But if they leave, they will be turning their backs on a journey to find God in solitude--their life's ambition. A remarkable investigative work, the book combines first-hand testimony with unique source material to describe the Carthusian life. And in the final chapter, describing a reunion forty years after the events described elsewhere in the book, Nancy Klein Maguire reveals which of the five made it to the top of the mountain.
Customer Reviews:
Many are called but few are chosen.......2007-09-03
I have to admit to an historic link with Parkminster (the location of this book) and the monastery in Switzerland through professional work not religious in the 1980s. My dealings with one of the monks named (Dom Bruno Sullivan) entailed a one day visit to Parkminster and the memory still lives with me (the bus trip into the middle of forest land from Worthing after a train ride from Victoria station and the long walk from the bus stop to the Carthusian abbey gate to ring the bell to gain entry are exactly as depicted in the book). The photo contained of the two floor library with all its old priceless editions of religious books was one of my fondest memories during my visit.
But this book is much more than just story telling - it is a well recorded journey of how five novices in the early 1960s took the step close together in time to enter Parkminster to see if they had sufficient spiritual vocation to be able to remain for life in a virtually silent contemplative religious order where monks, brothers and novices spend most of their time in their private cells praying or involved in solo activity, mainly leaving their cells to only participate in set daily services with the rest of the Order. The repetitive daily routines little changed from the Middle Ages with no major routine changes except in diet and religious prayer when holy feast days arise, would be a test of anyone's spirit. The fact few made it through the five years to becoming a monk did not leave any of those failing as bitter - rather they saw it subsequently when the author contacted them recently as the high point of their lives.
What makes this book so exceptional is that in covering a very private and personal approach to religious life where the inward thoughts and emotions are everything, is all accurately captured by the writer, herself a lady married to one of the ex-novices. Over the nearly seven years writing the book she was surprised at the level of openess and honesty she encountered both with the ex-novices and the monks currently still at Parkminster. She also is able to balance the personal stories with the history of the Order, the Order's approach and administration in their chosen life and the wider context within the Catholic church.
Overall she writes lucidly and keeps your interest - never once in the 240 odd pages did I find the lack of action or her coverage of the simple repetitiveness of the lifestyle boring.
As with the almost contemporary film release "Into great silence" on the French monastery at Grande Chartreuse, one wonders why the Order has decided to open itself up in this way at this point in time but we are certainly the richer for the knowledge gained as a consequence.
Much food for thought.......2007-08-21
Reading this book is like finding an oasis in our hectic world. It moves the reader to look at the pace of his/her life and distinguish the "worthwhile" from the "not as important as I thought" - a fascinating study.
Interesting look into the lives of 5 young men.......2007-08-21
I found this interesting as I learned more about the monk's structured society and the types of men they enticed to join them. The five young men that rang the bell that day had a path that most wonder about. This book helped explain how a person's seeking to get closer to God can influence others as well. Nancy has done a lot of research and it paid off.
A life of simple, quiet contempation.......2007-08-10
I concure with many of the reviews posted and would also recommend both the movie and the soundtrack as means of having a little quiet conememplation added to our already hectic modern lives.
By the way, Amazon has the BEST price I've found on the hardcover edition, it's even CHEAPER than most people want for the paperback edition.
A Beautiful Sojourn.......2007-07-22
A nearly perfect book, AN INFINITY OF LITTLE HOURS is one of the best non-fiction works I've read on any subject in some time. Meticulously researched and beautifully written, the book serves as a guide to the austere, eremitic Carthusian life as it was experienced prior to Vatican II. As the author, Nancy Klein Maguire, notes, there's not a lot available for the layperson to read about this order of monks cut off from the world, and whose way of life has changed little since the 11th century. We are truly fortunate, then, to have Maguire as our host for this journey.
Maguire follows the lives of five young men who entered the Parkminster Charterhouse in England in the years 1960 to 1961: three men from the U.S. (Chicago, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn), one from Germany, and another from Ireland. That they do not all stay in the life quickly becomes clear, but wondering who stays and who leaves is part of the charm. (Warning: the photos are spoilers for the ending.) What's really wonderful is how Maguire gives the reader a chance to experience vicariously these men's lives from the point they literally approach the door of the Charterhouse and enter into its life to the time they leave or become professed. We are seduced by the life, but also acutely feel its physical discomforts. We grow with the men as the initial romance wears off, and the political reality of divisions between the monks becomes apparent. In the end, we are enchanted by the monks who persevere in the life, but also embrace the men who leave, fully sharing their relief. Maguire is a gifted writer; her prose is like freshly made butter, smooth and delicious. I think I could read anything she chose to write next, and plan to.
What profoundly struck me in reading Maguire's book was how these men, in entering the Carthusian life presumably to stay to the end of their lives, were essentially preparing for their deaths. At first I found the notion bewildering, even suffocating. I mean, our culture celebrates youth and fears death, doesn't it. Reading this book really made me think a lot about death. Could I forgo all that the world offers, close myself off forever within stone walls, and search for God while awaiting death under the same routine for decades? Happily married and middle aged (the Carthusians don't accept candidates older than 45), I know that the question is moot--but would I have been able to accept the life at 21? And am I ready now to look straight in death's face? How deep is my faith?
If you have any interest at all in the Carthusians or in monasticism, you will want to read this book. It makes a nice companion to the recently released, splendid documentary on the Grande Chartreuse, INTO GREAT SILENCE.
Book Description
You're a reasonable person. And you know there are some tough questions that Christianity should be able to answer. Paul Little does just that, and in a way that Billy Graham lauds as "scholarly, articulate," and yet "simple." Revised and expanded to explore the central truths of Christianity in a more contemporary format, this companion bestseller examines the claims of the Christian faith. Discover for yourself what such great Christian minds as Bill Hybels, Josh McDowell and Ravi Zacharias have found to be a must-have classic for any critical thinker's library.
Customer Reviews:
Great book on apologetics.......2006-08-21
This book is an excellent introduction to apologetics. The chapters are organised according to questions that unbelievers often ask. The chapters are easy to read and they present the facts in a concise, intelligent, and convincing way. This book helped me realise how little I know, for example about the historical evidence for Jesus, and I found myself wanting to memorize portions of the book. I have been memorizing parts of this book, and I have been reading it over and over. I recommend it to all believers who need an introduction to apologetics.
Nice summary of answers to common questions.......2003-10-22
My wife asked me to read this book to see if it was any good- so I did. Like most reviewers, I enjoyed this book despite its simplicity. It is pretty short, easy to follow, and worth the time spent reading it. I was somewhat familiar with certain sections of the book, but enjoyed the pragmatic way that Paul Little presents the Christian view to the reader.
The context for the book is that Paul Little wanted to provide answers to the 12 most common questions he received when discussing Christianity on college campuses. He fulfills his purpose, and provides many references, and additional materials to research if you want to go deeper into any particular subject.
You will most likely not be interested in all 12 topics discussed, but it makes sense that most Christians should have some familiarity with these questions, and the basic answers provided in this book. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick introduction to apologetics, or different ways to answer the questions that may arise as you share your faith with others.
Some good, Some bad.......2003-07-11
A lot of other reviewers have highlighted the positives so I'll concentrate on the negative. I'ts obvious that his bible interpretation is a literalist,inerrant view most compatible with conservative evangelicism or fundamentalism. As such it repeatedly leaves itself open to attack of the historicity of certain events in the bible.
The worst section of the book is clearly the one on science and religion. To imply that the age of the earth is a question still open because of uncertainties in geology is just intellectually
dishonest. There was good evidence through geology about the old nature of the earth long before even the first edition of this book came out.
As well there has been evidence found about transitional life forms in fossils (nowhere complete yet I will admit).
When you see that he is quoting Michael Behe and Hugh Ross you know well, that just about does the chapter in. Even honest christian scientists dismiss much of the ideas of those two.
Bottomline: there's better than this to read out there.
A place to start for beginners........2002-11-26
I read Little's book and was disappointed with it. My criticisms of this book are derived not from an anti-Christian perspective, but from a practical pedagogical perspective. With that said, I am not trying to disprove any of Little's statements on Christian faith that he derives from his readings of the Bible. But I do have some criticisms of this book. My criticisms against this book should assist the prospective reader in selecting (or not selecting this book).
-Simplistic style. This is not a college level book, despite what one review states. It is written at the seventh or eighth grade level. If you read at the college level, this is a Dick & Jane book. Sometimes it is like reading a PowerPoint presentation. It is basic and not challenging.
-Slow pace. The pace of this book is very slow. Part of what makes this a slow read is the book's repetitious style. Little keeps making his point over and over. After a while, you get the point and no longer have to have it made again.
-Errors (or over-simplification). For example, Little refers to a Greek Empire (page 12). There was never one. With that said, it is clear he is referring to the `Greek' linguistic and cultural hegemony created in the western Mediterranean by Alexander the Great's conquests.
-Academic credentials. Little holds an MBA and is not a theologian. He holds no advanced degrees in that field. The method by which Little postulates his arguments resembles those made by Fundamentalist - a lot on what the Bible says and little on historical context or liturgical perspective. In other words, his sources are limited and it shows. And, he tends to make circular arguments.
With all of this said, I do consider this to be fine book for a novice to Christianity. The basics are here, without any complications. However, it is not illuminating. So if you are looking for a place to start, this might be it. However, don't stop here - this is way too basic.
WOW!.......2002-05-24
I'm very interested in apologetics, and this is exactly what I wanted! The language is easy to understand, but the meaning and explanations go much deeper. Some of the points Little discusses are a little confusing, but for the most part, he explains it very well. There are separate chapters for each reason we believe. The major reasons are covered in this book, and because of that, the book doesn't drag on and on, covering each minute detail. This is a wonderful read for someone wanting to know why they believe.
Book Description
www.faiththedog.net is a great source for information regarding the subject matters of this book. Faith the dog is a major portion of this book, but the Faith´s family had circumstances of their own to overcome before she became a part of that family. Faith comes in all shapes and sizes, from the fist of a little girl who simply won´t take anymore, to the two back legs of a little deformed puppy who decided to walk when life had demanded that she be put down.
Customer Reviews:
Heart warming story.......2007-09-28
This a good book about a family adopting a dog. Not just any dog though. Read the book and see how remarkable Faith is. The way this family and dog teach each other, is very touching.
I Wish I Would Have Read the Reviews!.......2007-08-14
The other reviewers hit it right on the mark ~ this book uses the ploy of an amazing story about a dog to sell a book that is poorly written about someone's messed up (and yet still not interesting) life. The author goes off on everything that is wrong in her life and how it is all her ex-husband's fault but no one sees it . . . hello, I picked up the book to read about the dog! I don't know how this book ever got published in the first place. Save yourself the time and look up the dog's inspiring story on the internet and skip reading this author's poorly written ramblings.
Not to nitpick but..........2007-07-31
If the book is published by Xlibris that is a self-publishing firm. You are responsible for your own copy editing. You are responsible for picking the font and correcting spelling and grammar. Just seems a little strange to blame the publisher for these errors. I haven't read the book, by the way. I considered it but I found some of the author's statements to be a little difficult to understand given her use of a self-publishing company.
The dog is inspiring, the writing and this book are not........2007-07-04
I completely agree with the reviews below. The story about the dog was what I was interested in. The book is marketed as a book about the dog, but it ends up being about how awful her ex-husband is and all of the bad cards she was dealt. I didn't buy a book so that I could read about a bitter custody battle similar to the woman's down the street. It's written so poorly I couldn't even finish it.
a story about a bitter child custody dispute.......2007-06-30
I was so disappointed in this book that I was compelled to write my very first book review. This book is so poorly written that I'm amazed it was ever published. As an animal lover, I was hoping to read a warm, inspiring story about a handicapped dog. Instead, the main focus of the book is a bitter child custody battle between the author and her ex-husband.
This is a story about the author, not about the dog. The part that bothered me most was that the author capitalized on the fact that the dog was handicapped, even going so far as to approach car dealers to request a donation of a new car. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
Book Description
Faith, family, and forgiveness are at the heart of this powerful story collection from four bestselling African-American authors. Meet a group of unforgettable women in these tales of hope and inspiration and discover how doors can open if you just
Have a Little Faith
JACQUELIN THOMAS
Signs of Light
Businesswoman Lorna Hamilton has always looked down on unemployed single mothers, but she learns a valuable lesson when she befriends devout single mom Brittany Spencer and finds the family she's been praying for.
R
ESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY
Faith Will Overcome
Determined to leave her small town and broken family behind, Faith Logan believes finding a man is the solution to all her problems. But a chance meeting with Darius Williams helps her realize that all she needs is faith to find true happiness.
J. D. MASON
Maybelline
Olivia Phillips's world is falling apart, and the last thing she needs is her elderly neighbor knocking on her door. But kindly Maybelline won't take no for an answer, and an uplifting friendship takes hold thanks to a little persistence and some homemade pie.
SANDRA KITT
Survival Instincts
Even after an attempted mugging, librarian Lynn Hayes is devoted to her work in the bad part of town. Her rescuer, reporter Davis Manning, isn't so forgiving, and it's up to Lynn to show him that it is possible to save a community, one person at a time.
Customer Reviews:
gale's review.......2007-07-08
I read this book in one day,very good story line,four story with a good message,inspiration at its best.
Friends until the end.......2006-09-15
Signs of Light- by Jacqueline Thomas
Signs of Light tells the story of Lorna a middle age, bakery owner who is financially secure. She has always wanted to be married, settle down and raise a family. Very negative, Lorna passes judgment on people just by sight. Her bakery is near a public aid office for mothers with dependent children, but to look at most of the mothers, their nails are done, every single hair in place, with designer clothes. She can't understand why these women can't simply get a job. But, what she doesn't know is the entire story in most cases. Will an unanticipated situation revamp Lorna's reality?
Faith will Overcome-by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Raised by mean spirited Grandma Pearl, Faith found herself on a hunt for love in all of the wrong places. She isn't a bad person, just a confused young lady that has a semi reputation. With aspirations of working as a salon owner, Faith is employed as a maid with her own place and only visits Grandma Pearl out of obligation. Every single man that has entered Faith's life, she believes wholeheartedly that he is "the one." Can it be that her true destiny has finally come?
Maybelline-by J D. Mason
A lot of times we as black women tend to push the people who love us the most aside. But, we do that because we're afraid of being hurt in the end. This is the case for Olivia Phillips. She's just fought a hard battle in her life and she's decided to go it alone, dismissing her long time boyfriend, Quinton. Wallowing in loneliness and self loathing, Olivia finds herself bonding with Maybelline, her talkative neighbor. Maybelline tells a great tale about everything not being as it seems.
Survival Instincts- by Sandra Kitt
Lynn is barren, divorced and one evening while leaving work late she's attacked. Luckily, Davis Manning, a passerby, helps. Lynn is able to return to work and take everything in stride with the belief that there is still some hope for her attackers. However, Davis can't seem to understand how she can act like that after what she's been through. Will Lynn be able to assist Davis?
HAVE A LITTLE FAITH is a compilation of great stories by great authors that come highly recommended by me. I was laughing, crying and even sharing one of these stories with the children in my Sunday school class. After you have read HAVE A LITTLE FAITH, I wonder if you can figure out which story it was. The title, HAVE A LITTLE FAITH is an excellent title because that is all we have, a little Faith!!!!!!
great Faithful Companion.......2006-07-20
Have a Little Faith is a four short-story compilation about faith, love and forgiveness. In (Thomas)Signs of Light gourmet bakery owner, Lorna Hamilton fears that she will never have the family of her heart's desire. But when she meets a single mother and her son, Brittany and Kendall, she realizes that the only things hindering her from having what she wants are her own prejudices and her lack of faith. In Billingsley's Faith will Overcome Faith Logan must overcome condemnation and a self-defeatist attitude, if she's ever going to get out of her dead-end job at the Super 8 Motel and leave Beaumont, Texas, a hometown that is suffocating her ambitions to own her own beauty salon. She doesn't realize her worth until she meets a man, who implores her to take back her life through God. In Maybelline(Mason)Olivia Phillips has overcome breast cancer, but not self-loathing. When she befriends noisy neighbor and busybody, Maybelline she surrenders to the possibility of a new life and embraces the love of a man who sees her for who God made her to be. In Survival Instincts(Kitt) Investigative reporter Davis Manning saves Librarian Lynette Hayes life. But-- surprisingly--Lynette's faith saves Davis' soul.
Lorna's dismissal of disenfranchised persons was realistic and the way she manifested God through Lorna's change was well written. Billingsley's story albeit reminiscent of Elect Rome Parks Almost Doesn't Count has a refreshing ending that follows Christian orthodoxy and is a great resolution for young readers. Mason's Maybelline has a twist that is a testimonial treat.
Survival Instincts is a nice and realistic conversion story. All stories blend together well and buttress the anthology's title. However, only two reinforces the point that woman shouldn't define themselves by maternity or husbandry, but by their faith.
Loved It!.......2006-07-05
I really liked this book; took it on my cruise and really enjoyed them. I felt the lady in the first story was a bit snobbish; I understand that you should hold your own, but how can you if you cannot get the resources you need to make it? When I got to the end of that story, I was truly inspired; The second story made me feel that love is still attainable despite of mistakes you made in the past.the third story lets you know that you can receive hope after an illness and the fourth just kept hope alive; Good book; really enjoyed it;
Faith is the Substance of Things Hoped For.......2006-06-18
Four renowned authors meet in an inspirational romance anthology in Have a Little Faith. The four stories showcased include Signs of Light by Jacquelin Thomas; Faith Will Overcome by ReShonda Tate Billingsley; Maybelline by J.D. Mason and Survival Instincts by Sandra Kitt. The stories are light hearted yet present words of wisdom and lessons learned without being overly preachy, thus the label Inspirational rather than Christian Fiction.
In Signs of Light, Lorna Hamilton, owner of a gourmet bakery, who is continually frustrated by the string of welfare recipients who come into her establishment which happens to be near the local Social Services department. In Lorna's mind, these young women are lazy, don't want to work and sit around having babies on the county. The fact that she cannot have children weighs heavily on her mind as her relationship with Walter Reynolds becomes more serious. One day a young woman, Brittany, comes into the bakery with her three year-old son, Kendall and asks to pay for her son's birthday cake with food stamps. Lorna is at first antagonistic and judgmental but Little Kendall's sweet ways and sickly appearance tears at her heart strings. Lorna learns that what seems to be is not always so.
Faith Will Overcome finds Faith, a young woman who constantly makes poor choices when it comes to men, was this reviewer's favorite. A local college basketball star has disrespected her and humiliated her in public. Faith thought Xavier was the one. But then Faith thinks every man that comes across her path is the one, even the married deacon she had been having rendezvous' with in cheap motels. Faith has dreams of owning her own hair salon but feels she is stuck in Beaumont, Texas working as a housekeeper in a second rate motel. Darius Williams is the epitome of a gentleman and a Christian young man but it is hard for Faith with her low self-esteem, to believe that he could possible care about her. Darius sees a young woman who needs to learn to love herself.
Olivia Phillips feels her life is over when she loses one of her breasts to cancer in Maybelline. She drove her boyfriend, Quinton, away and is living a miserable existence. Her only pleasure is going to a local jazz club where the proprietor, Nate, plays his horn and sets an atmosphere of peace and calm. But even that is not enough to keep Olivia from trying to harm herself when her despair becomes overwhelming. But in steps an angel, Maybelline, in the guise of a funny looking wig, gold teeth and a bodacious personality, something right out of a cartoon who intrudes in Olivia's life with her home-made pies. Olivia wants no part of Maybelline but soon learns she is not in control.
In Survival Instincts, Lynn Hayes is a librarian in a library slated to be torn down in one of the worst areas in of the city of New York. She is dedicated to the clientele there who she feels need the services. Walking to the bus stop late one evening she is attacked, her purse stolen and about to be raped when reporter Davis Manning happens by and scares off the attackers; but not before he is shot. Davis recovers quickly from his superficial wounds but while Lynn is forgiving of the young men he is bitter and wants them to pay for their deeds. Lynn, who was divorced by her husband because she could not have children, feels that the young men, especially one in particular is worth saving and refuses to give up on him. Can two people with such divergent views come to a happy medium?
These stories are recommended to those who enjoy inspirational reads with a romantic bent.
Dera Williams
APOOO BookClub
www.apooo.org
Book Description
It's no wonder the best-selling Little Herb Gardens, now with a fresh new cover, has been so popular. Herbs are the instant gratification project of the gardening world, and people love to grow them. This friendly guide to homegrown herbs is perfect for beginners, featuring plans for simple garden projects ranging from outdoor garden beds to window boxes and container gardens. Growing instructions for over 30 herbs are rounded out with ideas for garden planning and maintenance. Tips on harvesting and cooking with nature's bounty make this charming volume as useful in the kitchen as it is in the garden. With colorful photographs and warm and informative text, Little Herb Gardens is inviting to gardeners, cooks, and herb novices alike.
Customer Reviews:
A book to get you started........2007-05-31
If you're the type of person that likes to do things without a lot of theory, this is a great book.
I'm a novice gardener and the introduction gardening instructions just didn't have enough information for me. I decided to purchase Gardening For Dummies and various other books to satisfy my need for detailed information before setting some serious time, money, and effort into a balcony garden for my apartment.
This book has great ideas and did a good job of introducing me to different herbs and plants to grow to be used in cooking. But if you want to get more "hardcore" with gardening I recommend getting other texts as well.
A sweet useful gem of a book...........2003-01-08
First let me admit I am biased, since this gem is written by someone I know and admire, here in Northern California. But it nonetheless a gem of a book with superb photographs as well as excellent advise on Do's and Don't of raising a variety of herbs. I also like the book because it shows that one can successfully raise year round fresh herbs, and do so on an acre or on a small patio. And the author also covers edible flowers another favorite of my families.
Great little book............2002-09-19
LITTLE HERB GARDENS is a great book for the novice. The authors have assembled a lovely collection of photographs and interspersed them with succinct text that explains how to identify and select easy to grow herbs; when and where to buy them (spring, fall, summer, nurseries or catalogs, plants or seeds); how to pot them (containers, soil, etc.); and where to place them (balconies, patios, or in small gardens).
This little book will inspire you to create a green space in a kitchen window, an assemblage before a patio or balcony door, or a collection of pots on the balcony. Herbs grow best in full sunlight, so if your balcony faces south, you are in luck. If you live in a town house or have a small patch of ground you can think more expansively, but this book does not really deal with garden design, or the issues associated with herb gardening. Herbs are frequently garden thugs that run amuck in the open. I suggest you find a more in-depth book such as RODALE'S ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HERBS if you intend to go beyond pots and are thinking of growing mints, yarrows, violets, or some of the other "easy" to grow herbs suggested by this book. RODALE'S book also covers the poisonous aspects of herbs. (Some of them can kill you.)
The last section of LITTLE HERB GARDENS briefly covers kitchen uses of herbs including making herb-infused vinegars and herb-flavored sorbets. If you want to know more, once again you will have to turn to something more comprehensive such as THE COMPLETE BOOK OF HERBS by Lesley Bremness. Even if you can't grow herbs, you can buy them at the farmer's market and some food stores. LITTLE HERB GARDENS is not the only book available for learning how to grow herbs or use them, but it will get you started.
Concise and Beautiful.......2000-06-16
This book has it all--eye-pleasing photography and concise, useful information. The heart of the book is an herb-by-herb description of how to grow the plants. It's organized in a unique way according to where you could keep them--windowsill or fire escape, inside porch, outdoor pots, pantry, etc. There are suggestions for special ornamental techniques (such as topiary) and recipes for culinary herbs. Finally, the book lists seed and plant sources in the U.S. All in all, a real pleasure to read.
Book Description
Now the principles of Elizabeth George’s bestselling A Woman After God’s Own Heart (more than 730,000 copies sold) are shared in sweet poetry for little girls. Teaming up once again with popular artist Judy Luenebrink (God’s Wisdom for Little Girls) Elizabeth George shares the gift of pursing a heart filled with:
- love
- gentleness
- faithfulness
- kindness and goodness
- joy and peace
With charming paintings and easy–to–learn rhymes, this is the perfect way to give a little girl the gift of knowing God and His love for her.
Customer Reviews:
An uplifting source of inspiration for young female children........2006-11-06
Written by Elizabeth George with paintings by Judy Luenebrink, A Little Girl After Gods Own Heart is a picturebook written especially for Christian little girls, listing positive qualities to strive for in one's heart. Love, Joy and Peace, Patience, Kindness and Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control are all extolled as precious virtues to cultivate in God's eyes, as revealed in quotes from holy scripture. The illustrations reveal the adoration and wonder of the artist, in this giftbook meant to be cherished as an uplifting source of inspiration for young female children.
Wonderfully girly way to teach character.......2006-10-24
Beautifully illustrated and with all of the girly frills, A Little Girl After God's Own Heart is an attractive and sweet story that is sure to reach every little girl's heart. Characteristics of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control are the focus of the story.
Elizabeth George brings the meaning of those traits to life in a poetic form, and by using practical illustrations and catchy rhymes that a child can easily memorize. Short prayers are inserted where they fit and demonstrations of how to better handle situations are highlighted. For example: (on gentleness) "When things go wrong, take a step back--calm down, be thoughtful, and please, don't attack!" These are words of wisdom to live by. I recommend this book as an instruction guide for children as young as 18 months old, and up through about second grade. - Michelle Sutton, Christian Book Previews.com
Makes me wish I had a little girl..........2006-10-06
This review was written for Christian Book Preview's site.
Beautifully illustrated and with all of the girly frills, A Little Girl After God's Own Heart is an attractive and sweet story that is sure to reach every little girl's heart. Characteristics of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control are the focus of the story. The author brings the meaning of those traits to life in a poetic form and by using practical illustrations and catchy rhymes that a child can easily memorize. Short prayers are inserted where they fit and demonstrations of how to better handle situations are highlighted. For example: (on gentlesness) "When things go wrong, take a step back--Calm down, be thoughtful, and please, don't attack! Words of wisdom to live by. I recommend this book as an instruction guide for children as young as 18 months old and up through about second grade.
Book Description
"So you want to witness! I did too, but I didn't have a clue about how to do it without stubbing my toe in the process." So begins the book that has helped a million people give their faith to others. Paul Little's humor and down-to-earth approach help show how friendly and natural evangelism can really be."Impossible!" you say? "I just don't know what I'd tell people. What if I can't answer their questions? And what if they think I'm just strange?" Paul Little has faced these same fears himself and has found effective and biblical ways to overcome them.This edition, thoroughly revised by Marie Little, brings all these issues up to date and adds practical suggestions from several of Paul Little's lectures. It also includes a study guide for individuals or groups.Now, more than ever, here is the book to excite you and equip you to give away your faith.
Customer Reviews:
Ambassadors for Christ.......2005-09-02
Paul Little's classic work, How to Give Away Your Faith, offers a simple yet often times profound look at one of the "hardest" tasks of the Christian life: evangelism. Witnessing is hard. Most Christians try to stay away from it and those who do evangelize often prove to be more of an embarrassment to the faith than a witness. How are we to faithfully proclaim the gospel of Christ to a world in need? How do broken clay jars carry an eternal message of hope and life to the thirsty and starving? In seeking to answer such questions, Little charts a helpful course for those who seek to be Christ's ambassadors to the world.
Be Real! The world's need for Christ is real and his help is a necessity. Christ and Christianity are the only real answers to the world's need. We must be aware of this need and we must sincerely and truthfully proclaim the wonders of his name. It is our duty to live a life of genuine faith and sincerity of mission because superficial Christianity is empty and meaningless. Our focus should be ultimately placed on things eternal while seeking to remedy things material. Our goal is to have others not just assent to the facts of Christianity but to believe in the Christ of Christianity.
How then are we to witness? First, Little highlights the necessity of evangelism for our own personal spiritual growth. It is necessary to witness the power of the gospel. Then we must obey. Evangelism is a matter of obedience. Obedience to Christ brings forth proclamation of his truth. Little proceeds to list seven steps toward active evangelism. First, we must have contact with others in a social context. Secondly, we must seek to establish a common interest with the purpose of bridging communication. Then we must provoke an interest in spiritual things. Fourthly, we must recognize when we should stop and when we should continue on sharing. We also must not condemn those whom we are witnessing too for their various sins. Sixthly, we must not become sidetracked. We must stick to the main message. Lastly, we must call them to repentance. We must call them to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ that they might be saved.
How do we handle those "ticklish" awkward situations? Our desire is to have the unbelievers with whom we are in contact to begin to respect us even though we are different. As they begin to respect us so they will also begin to listen to us instead of viewing us as weird or insane. But awkward moments will come and the best thing we can do is to be prepared for them. We should anticipate difficult situations and have alternatives to comfortably work through them.
As ambassadors of Christ it is our duty to proclaim his message. The messenger must know and understand the message for the purpose of being a faithful and knowledgeable ambassador. Little sums up the gospel message in Jesus Christ himself - "who He is, what He has done, and how He can be known in personal experience" (56). He suggests following the pattern of problem, diagnosis, cure for setting forth the message of the gospel.
Further, ambassadors cannot just know the message but they must also believe it and live it. We don't have all the answers, but we nonetheless must be ready to give a reason for the hope within us. There are many questions, which non-believers have, but their basic problem is one of moral unbelief. They have rejected their creator and traded his truth in for a lie.
Christ is the answer to those questions, which are asked. However, he has left it as our duty to show the helpless and lost the importance and relevance of Christ in answering those questions. Christianity is true because Jesus is the truth. He is the relevant truth the world needs.
So how are Christians to witness to a corrupted world without compromising our holiness? It is our duty to reach out to the world, but we must not succumb to worldliness. We must recognize that all of our life is God's and we are to live as unto him and for his purposes. We should live all of life cognizant of being stewards of God's time and we must strive to live a life of constant witness to the truth.
The gospel is not just for a one-time salvation event; the gospel is for life. Faith in Christ, the object of our salvation, must continue throughout the Christian life. We are in a daily battle but with Christ it is a victorious battle. We battle against our secret self; against sins both external and internal. This battle must be fought with the Sword of the Spirit and it must be waged through the power of prayer. We also battle over time and priorities, which must be aligned with God's prerogative. In doing so we will have fought a victorious battle.
Witnessing is not optional for the Christian. In fact, as Little has shown, it is vital to the Christian life. It is a matter of obedience to our Creator and Redeemer. Little, offers a helpful guide toward developing better witnesses. While he offers various witnessing helps he goes beyond the task of evangelism and hits the witness himself. This is where Little is most valuable and while this work will be used for some years to come.
Best practical evangelism book.......2005-03-01
The book had many positive and negative aspects. In one example Little says that a Christian may allow a roommate to leave pornographic magazines around the shared area but he or she should put his or her "foot down" when the roommate invites someone of the opposite sex to sleep over (82); however both circumstances should not be tolerated. A few pages prior, Little mentions, "Do not condemn the other persons and do not compromise your own convictions" (75)-tolerating pornographic magazines to be left out in the open is a compromise and a possible source of temptation. Christians are called to be holy, and to say nothing about the porn magazines is the same as condoning it. The Bible exhorts that Christians are to "take no part in the worthless deed of evil and darkness (Eph. 5:11 NLT)." The Christian should ask that the roommate keep porn magazines in his or her own personal living space.
Little mentions that there is an "absence of an explicit biblical standard" regarding alcohol consumption. He states that French Christians often drink wine because it is part of their culture (149). There is a certain people group in the United States who was infamous for making "moon shine" and would probably consider alcohol consumption as part of their culture. Just because one is accustomed to certain practices does not mean that the act is acceptable. Christians are called to put an end to selfish desires that impede on a relationship with God (Galatians 5:24 and Romans 21:1).
Little asserts that praying over a meal before eating is not a "witness vehicle" so he suggests that Christians ought to pray with eyes wide open so as not to offend anyone (79). Jesus states, however, "For whoever is ashamed of Me...of him the son of Man also will be ashamed (Mark 8:38 NKJV)." Praying in public may not be a witnessing tool, but Christians should not be afraid of what others would think if he or she prays silently before a meal.
On a positive note, the inclusion of study questions and the suggestions for group leaders would be helpful for a church evangelism class. The questions evoke a response from the student, forcing him or her to make practical applications of the chapter's content. For instance, one of the questions in chapter five, "What is Our Message," asks, "What would you reply to a person who said, `I'm glad Christ will forgive my sins but I haven't got anything to repent of. I'm as good as the next guy'? (103)." Another from the same chapter asks a question but also poses a challenge, "Prepared with new insights from this chapter, would you like to contact someone in order to explain or clarify the gospel or to help the person continue in Christ? Consider doing so this week (103)."
Little explains that sometimes non-Christians refute or seriously doubt the reliability of the Bible. To this, Little counters by asking for specific examples, which he observes very few people ever give (121). In fact Little insists, "We don't have to be answering questions all the time. We can pose a few questions for him, too" (114). For example, Little's question for those who deny Jesus Christ as the only way to God is "Since you don't believe Jesus Christ was the Truth, which of the other three possibilities about Jesus Christ do you believe? He was either a liar, a lunatic, a legend or the Truth" (114).
The first edition of Paul Little's book was published in 1966 and was updated by his widow, Marie Little, who republished it as a second edition in 1988. It is amazing how the examples are still relevant. Little's quest to help people present the good news in a "relevant" way and to communicate the gospel effectively to those who find it strange or foreign was achieved (13). Not only does Little equip people with the purpose, method and challenge of evangelism, but also devotes several chapters on strengthening the inner spiritual qualities of Christians. Two reflective questions he posed were, "Are we convinced that our behavior is giving glory to God?" (153), and "Am I doing this and not doing that because of love for Jesus Christ and a desire to honor and glorify Him? Or is the real reason a cultural bias that won't hold if I move from one social or cultural group to another?" (158). Little believed that an "inner spiritual reality" of spending time with God in prayer, worship and fellowship is crucial for becoming an useful witness (190). Little's book prompts the reader to realize and to act according because "the greatest favor you can do for others is to introduce them to Jesus Christ" (11).
My Story, HIS Story.......2005-02-25
Picture it as an 'energy-drink' kind of book. It makes me so excited about my Jesus and my faith. Mr. Little gives some hard-core suggestions on sharing your faith, and at the same time he doesn't forget to teach you to stay connected with the ultimate Power. Now I have real facts about my faith. I feel more confident that I can tell my friends about what I believe in. I use his suggestions in my Bible studies, and they're drawing me closer to my God.
I can't wait to let my friends know!
My Testimony.......2004-01-11
We do not have to be able to lead others to Christ to be loved of Christ. However, as a friend always wants to share the best gifts with other friends, any excited Christian has an inner desire to share his faith with those who are floundering in life.
As a young Christian I was bashful and never quite able to tell my nonChristian friends about my faith. I never led another person to faith in Christ . . . until . . . someone gave me a copy of this book. It was so simple, honest, and natural that it changed my life. Now, years later, I have been present when several dozen persons have experienced a new birth of faith in Christ.
For years this book that helped me so much was out of print. I am glad that a new generation of Christian is learning from this master of evangelism.
Inspirational & eye-opening :).......2001-10-17
How To Give Away Your Faith is an ingenious book that points the followers of Christ to where their ministry should be focused: on showing and telling others about Him. Paul E. Little's book is very helpful in showing where our attitudes should be in witnessing (see Chapter 2: The Effective Ambassador) and how to do so properly (see chapter 3: How To Witness). In addition to these essential areas, Little explains common questions that non-Christians and some Christians ask (see Why We Believe, chapter 6). Probably the most important part of this book is Chapter 5: What Is Out Message? It is crucial for Believers to know what they believe, how to express such things, and what relevant facts must be shared in witnessing.
There are simply too many intriguing scenes in this text to mention here, so I will simply state those that most affected me. It is amazing that somewhere in every chapter was a concept I had been longing to grasp, something I knew I had needed to know. And then there were such things I had heard before, yet saw in a new light (such as the "Roman Road" in Chapter 5: What Is Our Message?). In my sincerest opinion, it is essential that the entire book be read. I have learned more than I ever thought possible with this book. Paul Little covers almost every known topic needed in witnessing.
Just so you know, this book (though revised) was originally written in 1966. And so, society having changed slightly since then (and since it was revised in 1988), the dialog and certain phrases, etc. are not completely relevant (yet still understandable). Such things as neighbors having close friendships are mostly restricted to television now in our busy 21st-Century society. Also, words such as "phooey" and "outlandish" are used every now and then. Yet, this book is still widely read, used, understandable, and effective. Its importance cannot be understated. Evangelist Billy Graham was quoted describing How To Give Away Your Faith as "A tremendous help in witnessing."
Book Description
If you want to talk about Jesus, but you're not sure what to say--or how to say it, this Bible study guide is for you!Six studies, based on Paul Little's popular
How to Give Away Your Faith, will deepen your understanding of the essentials of faith and strengthen your confidence as you talk with others about the very best news of all.
Customer Reviews:
great witnessing tool.......2000-05-23
If you are unsure how to witness, or are afraid to witness, this book is a must read. In simple, down-to-earth language, Little shows the reader how easy and spiritually uplifting sharing your faith with others can be.
Book Description
With the help of daughter Cathleen Kaelyn, Lynda Dahl looks at tired old "fallacies" we assume to be the facts of our existence and offers in their place stunning new thoughts that redefine reality. The result is a beautiful and life-altering little primer.
Customer Reviews:
A wonderful little book!.......2001-08-30
Thank you, Lynda and Cathleen, for writing this delightful little book! It's simply ... perfect.
Reviewers, buy this book! It matters not if you're an accomplished metaphysician or a beginner, the information it contains is presented with such clarity that you'll enjoy every word. I especially appreciate the very clear writing and total lack of wordsmithing. This jewel of a book contains the Facts of Reality and explains them quite concisely in short paragraphs for easy digestion and quick review. Use this Primer to consciously create that which you desire to manifest; after all, what else is there to do with our wonderful lives?
Again, Marvelous Ladies, thank you! You've done a wonderful job and I for one deeply appreciate your work.
A philosophical primer on a variety of issues.......2001-07-04
The mother/daughter team of Lynda Dahl and Cathleen Kaelyn effectively collaborate to provide a kind of philosophical primer on a variety of issues having to do with life, relationships, personal growth, and metaphysics. They discard the traditional "fallacies" assumed to undergird reality and showcase a new way of thinking which redefines reality and results in beautiful, fulfilling, life-altering understandings and experiences. The Book Of Fallacies is highly recommended to students of metaphysics, as well as those seeking self-improvement and enhancement in the quality of their life and a deep felt appreciation for what life truly has to offer the living.
Book of Fallacies.......2001-04-14
This is a very nice little book. The authors give a very clear definition of the ideas presented in a form that's easy to understand. They present the ideas as old thoughts, then offer new thoughts for you to ponder. Personal stories expressing the ideas presented are thrown in to help you understand what they are trying to say. I would say that the only real problem that I had with this book is that it is definitely a beginner book. I f you have already studied metaphysics for a little while, this book will have nothing new to offer you. On the other hand, if you are new, this is a book that will help out and giving you stepping stone to more intense books.
Books:
- Laced: A Regan Reilly Mystery (Regan Reilly Mysteries)
- Lady in Waiting: Developing Your Love Relationships
- Little Old Big Beard And Big Young Little Beard: A Short And Tall Tale
- Managing Human Resources (5th Edition)
- Many Lives, Many Masters: The True Story of a Prominent Psychiatrist, His Young Patient, and the Past-Life Therapy That Changed Both Their Lives
- Maximum Ride #3: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (Maximum Ride)
- MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, 70-294): Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Core Requirements, Second Edition
- Messenger of Truth: A Maisie Dobbs Novel (Maisie Dobbs Novels)
- Mirror Mirror: A Novel
- Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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- The Solomon Sisters Wise Up
- Mosaic Art and Style: Designs for Living Environments
- St. Patrick of Ireland: A Biography
- Romantic Style: Lovely homes, pretty rooms, gentle settings
- The Neatest Little Guide to Stock Market Investing
- The Little Book of He and She
- Architect's Essentials of Ownership Transition
- The Annotated Arch: A Crash Course in the History Of Architecture
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Faith
| Christian Living
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Know Why You Believe: Connecting Faith and Reason (Know What)
How to Read Slowly (Wheaton Literary Series)
Know Who You Believe: The Magnificent Connection (Know What)
The Deadliest Monster: A Christian Introduction to Worldviews
How to Give Away Your Faith (Ivp Classics)
