by Kelli Garms | Jul 16, 2021 | Book Review
I don’t typically review the fiction I read, but since this is a classic, I thought I’d share my thoughts.
The storyline of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë was excellent. Although I remember watching the movie at some point in my life, so I knew some of the climactic moments in the story, I was sucked in and really enjoyed the character interactions and the turmoil Jane endured.
However, the amount of description in the book is over the top. I was left with no doubt as to the color of the third rose on the bush half a mile away. Maybe that was Brontë’s point. The amount of description made the interesting moments in the story seem a long time coming.
I truly enjoyed this audio version of the novel. The narrator did a great job of changing her voice for each character consistently, and her emotional inflection was spot on. I could feel Jane’s angst, joy, and sorrow.
I am so glad I pushed through and finished this book. I am also glad this is not one I assigned in my literature class. I don’t think I would’ve heard the end of it!
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by Kelli Garms | Jul 10, 2021 | Book Review
Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer is one of the most important books I have read in a long time!
I’ll admit that I’ve known about it for a while, but I assumed it was written for moms of kids younger than mine. I was wrong! The fact is you don’t even have to be a mama to read this book.
If you are wondering about all the craziness in our world today, you must drop what you’re currently reading and pick up this book. It provides a fantastic foundation for the different philosophies and worldviews being promoted, not only in our culture, but also in our churches.
And, yes, you will also get tips to teach your children, grandchildren, or others about the lies the enemy uses and how to combat those lies with the Truth.
I truly wish I had picked this book up sooner!
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by Kelli Garms | Jun 17, 2021 | Book Review
Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald is a great read! He begins the book by explaining the difference between our public worlds, where we tend to invest most of our energy, and our private worlds, the battleground of our lives.
He helps the reader distinguish between being driven, with all of its pitfalls, and being called and how that calling can change. MacDonald also breaks down many of the spiritual disciplines including journaling, meditation, and prayer. The book had a bit of a slow start, but was a helpful read overall.
My favorite chapter was chapter 8: The Better Man Lost. In it, MacDonald discusses the importance of thinking and training the mind. We do this through listening, reading, and study.
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by Kelli Garms | May 26, 2021 | Book Review
Michael Reeves’s book, Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith, is a great explanation of the Triune God.
While the Trinity is something we may never be able to completely understand this side of Heaven, Reeves explains what each member of the Trinity does, how the Trinity works together, and how the members of the Trinity complement one another. He also draws out how only a triune God can be everything God claims to be in His Word in contrast to the gods of other religions.
This book was a quick and interesting read (though when he quotes other theologians, the language can be a bit difficult). I highly recommend it to new and even seasoned Christians because Reeves presents ideas I had never heard in my 40 years as a believer.
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by Kelli Garms | May 19, 2021 | Book Review
“Freedom = personal responsibility” is the main message of Candace Owens’s book, Blackout: How Black America Can Make Its Second Escape from the Democrat Plantation.
Owens not only relates her own family stories and experiences, but she also takes the reader through America’s history and the intentional steps that have been taken by the government to keep Black Americans enslaved. While this book came out before the election and is an argument to re-elect President Trump, it’s message continues to resonate as we watch the current administration undo so much of what Trump accomplished.
Owens explains the agenda in such a clear way that it becomes obvious as we hear politicians sugar coat their plans and policies.
While Owens does reference God and religion, this book is political and not religious in nature. There is some explicit language when Owens quotes others.
It is a great book for teens and young adults to read as they prepare to make decisions for the future of our country.
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by Kelli Garms | May 5, 2021 | Book Review
I purchased David Mathis’s book, Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines, when all of my business friends were reading personal development books about habits. While there is nothing wrong with the books they were recommending, I wanted a book that would help me create a spiritual routine rather than more systems for my business.
Mathis breaks the spiritual disciplines into 3 categories:
- Hear His voice (Word)
- Have His ear (prayer)
- Belong to His body (fellowship)
Within these categories, he defines the disciplines and provides very practical suggestions for implementing them into your routine. He encourages you to spend time with God even if you can’t fit every discipline into your schedule. He also encourages you to make it about getting to know God, instead of seeking perfection or simply checking a box.
I will be implementing many of his suggestions. I am most deficient in the fellowship disciplines and will be looking for ways to do life with others better.
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