Counseling Under the Cross: How Martin Luther Applied the Gospel to Daily Life by Robert W. Kellemen

Counseling Under the Cross: How Martin Luther Applied the Gospel to Daily Life

by Robert W. Kellemen

This is a thorough biography of Martin Luther's life. It focuses on Luther's teachings of Biblical grace in daily life. As I mentioned, it is detailed, full of interesting information and history. Not only that, it includes Luther's beliefs and shares his Biblical insight and wisdom. Although this book took me some time to complete, I enjoyed it and learned from it. If you were not already aware, this year marked the 500-year anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his 95-theses to the door of Wittenberg Castle and sparking the Reformation. Thus, Counseling Under the Cross is a perfect read for this year!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Martin Luther not only reformed theology, but his understanding of the gospel revolutionized soul care. In Counseling Under the Cross, biblical counselor and noted author Bob Kellemen explains how Martin Luther s gospel-centered and cross-focused pastoral care transformed his own approach to soul care. As Kellemen mines Luther s own writings and other first hand accounts, readers will gain a new understanding of how Luther richly, relevantly, robustly, and relationally applied the gospel to suffering, sin, sanctification, and our search for peace with God. Counseling Under the Cross will guide pastors, counselors, lay leaders, and friends toward a rich understanding of the gospel that will directly impact their personal ministry to others. Through lively vignettes, real-life stories, and direct quotes from Luther, readers will be equipped to apply the gospel to themselves and others so together they find their hope and help in Christ alone.  

Book review: Blessed, Blessed ... Blessed by Missy Robertson

Blessed, Blessed ... Blessed: The Untold Story of Our Family's Fight to Love Hard, Stay Strong, and Keep the Faith When Life Can't Be Fixed

by Missy Robertson

   I love how I found the Robertson family. Surprisingly, it was not through watching Duck Dynasty (although I have watched several episodes randomly since), but through Sadie Robertson. After discovering her and all that she stands for, I read both books The Duck Commander Family and The Women of Duck Commander followed by A New Season by Al and Lisa Robertson. By the time I had read those books, I was completely amazed by what God had done in this family and fascinated by their faith and strength. It goes without saying that by the time Blessed, Blessed...Blessed was released for publication and consequently reviewing by such fortunate bloggers as I, I was so excited to get my hands on a copy of it! I had already been touched by Missy's gentleness paired with her obvious strength; this book brings both character aspects to light in a whole new way. And what I absolutely love about the book is that Missy doesn't want applause or admiration- she wants Jesus to get all the glory. She is open and candid and humble and I love her the more for it. Moreover, I praise God more for what He does in people's lives! Perhaps you have heard of Missy and Jase's story and that of their daughter Mia....but you will have no idea of the struggles behind their harmonious and close family life until you read their story in Blessed, Blessed....Blessed. After reading this book I was overwhelmed by not only God's goodness in general, but His graciousness to me! I truly am blessed as well, and hope you come away from this book with the same conviction.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you!

Missy Robertson knew that marrying duck-hunting family man Jase Robertson would be an adventure . . . and she was up to the challenge. Their life together was good (even after Jase grew the beard). They had two children, worked hard to help build the thriving Duck Commander business, and loved and served God.

But after a difficult and risky pregnancy, their daughter, Mia, was born with a cleft palate―a serious condition requiring multiple cranial and facial surgeries. As their baby struggled to breathe, and Missy and Jase faced a life that suddenly looked very different than the one they’d planned, they found themselves staring down one of life’s biggest questions: Where is God in all this pain?

This is the Robertsons’ story. It’s for anyone scared and overwhelmed by a problem they can’t fix; anyone lost and searching for a way through. You’ll meet the young girl Mia who captured A&E’s Duck Dynasty viewers’ hearts, and learn how Missy and Jase have raised her and their sons to be faithful, confident, and secure in who they are. You’ll be inspired by how the Robertson family stuck by each other through the hardest times. And you’ll discover that God’s blessings are bigger than you ever dreamed―and there when you need them the most. 

Bitesize Biographies: Samuel Rutherford by Richard M. Hannula

Samuel Rutherford by Richard M. Hannula

   In this concise biography about Samuel Rutherford, author Richard Hannula has done a wonderful job of summarizing the life and works of this great Scottish preacher of the 1600s. Richard Hannula has a rich background of studies  to his name as well as two other literary works. He now serves as principal at the Covenant High School in Washington. Writing a biography on Samuel Rutherford is no easy task; a 'bite-size' one even less of an easy endeavour! But, as one reads this book one gains a great amount of insight for such a small volume into the life and works of this great Presbyterian preacher. The author covers, in an understandable way, the personal history of Rutherford as well as the history of Rutherford's contemporary world. To my pleasure, this book also contains a good deal of Rutherford's theology and quotes. Although I cannot agree with Samuel Rutherford's theology in its entirety, I learned so much from the majority of his quotes in the book. I share a few...

   ''Believe Christ's love more than your own feelings...your Rock does not ebb and flow, though your sea does.......Your heart is not the compass that Christ sails by....
...Woe unto us for these sad divisions that make us lose the fair scent of the Rose of Sharon!

 I love how Samuel Rutherford relied so much on Christ's love! He was all about the love of His Saviour...that is what kept him alive! We need to read more from authors such as he.


   ''His relationship with Christ sustained him: 'My Lord Jesus has fully recompensed my sadness with His joys, my losses with His own presence. I find it a sweet and rich thing to exchange my sorrows with Christ's joys, my afflictions for that sweet peace I have with Him.'''

  As the author pointed out in this small biography, Rutherford was not perfect. He struggled with bluntness for one thing, which is a common thing when one has so much knowledge and experience and those around are blindly heading the wrong way. But he was also incredibly humble and broken over his own sin.

   ''Contempt of the communion of saints hides us from on another an d Christ from us all....
...When the head is filled with topics, and none of the flamings of Christ's love in the heart, how dry are all disputes? Far too often, fervour of dispute in the head weakens love in the heart...''

This biography is the perfect introduction to the life and times of Samuel Rutherford. It is neither prolix or too simple; which enables it to appeal to both history and theology buffs as well as those who know nothing about the Reformation!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

More about Samuel Rutherford;

Samuel Rutherford was 36 years old when he was exiled to Aberdeen, feeling that he was ‘an outcast and withered tree.’ He had served the little church at Anwoth in Galloway faithfully, but in those August days of 1636 he seems to have felt for a while that his useful service was over.

Little could he have known that his exile would end in less than two years when Scotland rose up to resist the king’s domination of the church. He could hardly have imagined that he would serve a key role in reasserting biblical doctrine, worship and government to the Scottish church. He would also play an important part in the Westminster Assembly, defining Christian doctrine for much of the English-speaking world for centuries to come, and nearly two dozen influential books would flow from his pen, winning the admiration of the Reformed churches of Britain and the Continent. He would even have the most prestigious universities in the Netherlands and Scotland clamor to have him fill their chairs of divinity, and as a professor of theology, he would mold the minds of a generation of Scottish pastors and theologians.

Alexander Whyte wrote, “No man of his age in broad Scotland stood higher as a scholar, a theologian, a controversialist, a preacher and a very saint than Samuel Rutherford.”

Nor could Rutherford have envisioned in his wildest dreams that a collection of letters that he sent to friends from his exile in Aberdeen would rank among the most beloved Christian classics, a timeless source of spiritual inspiration to millions of readers.

The Daring Heart of David Livingstone book review

The Daring Heart of David Livingstone by Jay Milbrandt

   Missionary? Explorer? Scientist?
David Livingstone has been attributed each of these titles. Which most embodies the worth of his life?
   This in-depth biography of David Livingstone's life and adventures will help you understand what the famous Englishman should really be entitled. From the depth and detail of this biography, the reader can safely assume that author Jay Milbrandt has taken great pains to study in depth the life of Mr. Livingstone. The book is well-written: full of details yet not prolix; in depth, but not overwhelming. As you read this book, you will gain an excellent understanding of the life (and death) of David Livingstone. Travel with this great explorer through the wilds of Africa and experience the hardships and strain of that land in that slave trade-torn era. The author reveals the full character of Livingstone, including his faults and weaknesses. But what shines out most of all is this man's undying faith in his Lord, Jesus Christ! Read this book and be touched.
   I am passionate about studying history, and I love reading biographies. Therefore, this book was an easy read for me! However, although it isn't necessarily prolix it is so in-depth that some reader may find this a more difficult read. Especially so if you are not familiar with the characters in the book or the places in 19th-century Africa!
Once you finish this book, you will know whether or not this man is best described as: Missionary, Scientist or Explorer!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review

About the Author

Jay Milbrandt is a professor at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is a Senior Fellow in Global Justice with the Nootbaar Institute at Pepperdine University School of Law where he formerly directed the Global Justice Program. He travels throughout the world as a human rights lawyer, manages global initiatives in Africa and Southeast Asia, and consults with organizations engaged in human rights and legal development efforts. JayMilbrandt.com

In Her Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from Grandmas Around the World book review

In Her Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from Grandmas Around the World by Gabriele Galimberti

   This is a touching and beautiful tribute to grandmothers! Photographer Gabriele Galimberti has traveled the world, interviewing women who have served their families in the home for decades. Each and every woman has cheerfully sacrificed hours of their lives to make their husbands, children, grandchildren and neighbours feel comfortable and loved and I think it is wonderful that this photographer embarked on this interesting project.
Read short biographies from beloved matriarchs and try making the recipes which they are known for! This book is quite varied; the author includes countries from South America, Africa, North America, Asia and Europe. Dishes go from easy to prepare and palatable to even including a recipe for roasted Iguana! This book is a delight to look through. I love the feeling one gets as one reads this book that we are all one blood! Looking at these grandmothers, I see the same expression in each one: love. commitment. joy.
This is truly a special keepsake book. I read it in one sitting!
The recipes are not impossible to re-create. (apart from the roasted iguana, that is. And the pot of caterpillars!) There are many tasty stews, dips and desserts.
I did not get the impression that the book was well organized, but there is a good index at the back which should be fine for finding recipes.
The recipes all seem very traditional. I would definitely say that this book has more value as a photographic/autobiographic work than a cookbook because although there are many great recipes, and many of the grandmothers whose recipes are featured just happen to be professional chefs, the author just speaks from experience as a eater. I was disappointed that many of the recipes were too basic for my liking. Very traditional...which is not a bad thing! Again, this book is to be treasured mainly for the photographs and short biographic sketches about each beloved grandmother!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

In a gorgeous keepsake volume based on the slideshow that captured the world’s attention, Gabriele Galimberti’s beautiful portraits of grandmothers from all over the world with their signature dishes stunningly illustrates the international language of food and family.
On the eve of a photography trip around the world, Gabriele Galimberti sat down to dinner with his grandmother Marisa. As she had done so many times before, she prepared his favorite ravioli—a gesture of love and an expression of the traditions by which he had come to know her as a child. The care with which she prepared this meal, and the evident pride she took in her dish, led Gabriele to seek out grandmothers and their signature dishes in the sixty countries he visited. The kitchens he photographed illustrate both the diversity of world cuisine and the universal nature of a dish served up with generosity and love. At each woman’s table, Gabriele became a curious and hungry grandson, exploring new ingredients and gathering stories. These vibrant and intimate profiles and photographs pay homage to grandmothers and their cooking everywhere. From a Swedish housewife and her homemade lox and vegetables to a Zambian villager and her Roasted Spiced Chicken, this collection features a global palate: included are hand-stuffed empanadas from Argentina, twice-fried pork and vegetables from China, slow-roasted ratatouille from France, and a decadent toffee trifle from the United States. Taken together or bite by bite, In Her Kitchen taps into our collective affection for these cherished family members and the ways they return that affection.

In Her Kitchen is an evocative, loving portrait of the power of food and family, no matter where in the world you sit down for dinner.

Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking: A Memoir of Food and Longing by Anya Von Bremzen

Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking: A Memoir of Food and Longing by Anya Von Bremzen
  This is acclaimed author Anya Von Bremzen's newest book! Having enjoyed her cookbook ''Please To the Table'' for years, I was excited to read this one. Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking is really a honest telling of the author's life growing up in tumultuous Russia. In this auto-biography, Anya writes with unusual flair concerning memories of the food experienced-or not- in Russia.
I personally don't know if the title of the book represents the content completely. Rather, the subtitle reveals what the book is truly about. This is definitely a ''memoir of food and longing''! This account is completely honest, sometimes dubbed ''brutally honest!'' Truly, life in Communist Russia was far from delightful. I thought that since this book painted such a truthful picture of a normal citizen's life in Russia, it would be a good addition to curriculum for a study on Russia.
As for the recipes, there are several at the back of the book. I would not categorize this book as a cookbook; rather as a memoir with accompanying recipes.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

book review: Defending the Line the David Luiz story

   Defending the Line by Alex Carpenter (Zonderkidz biography)
This is small book about Brazilian soccer star David Luiz. It is quite a thorough biography and I enjoyed reading it. It definitely gave me more of an interest in Brazilian soccer and David Luiz. 
It's a small book and the reader can sense that it is directed to a younger audience yet simultaneously it's a wordy read even for an adult. I know that sounds confusing! I wonder if a young boy who is aware of all the ins and outs of the soccer world would find it less prolix? I just felt like it was too technical. I am disappointed that the book doesn't focus on the faith of this supposedly faith-driven athlete. There were some good mentions, but not enough. I would say that the author is a soccer fan who knows so much about the sport that he couldn't leave out any of the details of the games in order to focus on David Luiz's personal and faith life. No offense. I love soccer myself. But I'm definitely an amateur, so many of the terms went over my head. I would recommend this book for the intense soccer fan. I must say this book is without a doubt a book you can feel safe handing to your son or daughter to read! Even if it is not centered on faith, it has enough in it that I am sure it will inspire your young athlete to do their best for God!

More about the book (from the publisher's website)
The story of David Luiz, 2010 player of the year and a rising star in international professional soccer, whose faith and success are inspiring to young athletes.

For kids ages 8-12 and soccer fans of all ages comes the newest addition to the Zonderkidz biography series,Defending the Line: The David Luiz Story. One of the rising stars in international soccer, David Luiz made his debut in professional soccer as a teen and has since become a star player whose faith and success inspire athletes young and old around the world.

As part of the Zonderkidz biography series, Defending the Line reveals the true story behind this sports celebrity, motivating young readers and giving parents, youth leaders, and librarians an inspirational new hero.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.