Seriously Funny ... Life, Love and God ...

I am sure we all have some funny or /and embarrassing stories to tell. I certainly do. These are often stories about things that happen in my everyday life. Some of our stories may not seem funny to us at that point in time, but if we cast our minds back at them now we could find a humorous moment to laugh about.

Over Christmas 2011, the group read “Seriously Funny” by Adrian Plass and Jeff Lucas. It consists of letters between the two friends. The letters were sometimes funny, embarrassing, sad, controversial and above all honest. Although light hearted reading, it touches on many thought-provoking discussions such as:- how Christians are perceived , church life, spiritual growth, God’s grace, kindness, hearing from God, doubt, Christian conferences etc..

Adrian and Jeff were open and honest in their correspondence. They did not pretend to be “super spiritual Christians”, but shared their love for Jesus and showed that they are just ordinary people like the rest of us who also have some bad times as well as good times.

A thoroughly good read that has a combination of humour and seriousness.


Happy 2012!

Ope

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Synopsis:

A little while ago, concerned that the next time they got together, one of them would be in a coffin, Jeff Lucas and Adrian Plass decided to start exchanging letters - and this book is the result.

It was created spontaneously and uniquely; It isn't fictional nor is it predictable but what "Seriously Funny" does is combine thoughts, real life situations and express living moments of two honest Christians. It talks about serious issues, which also have funny endings and stories, hence the title "Seriously Funny". Breathtakingly honest, "Seriously Funny" is a celebration of 21st century Christianity - as well as a no-holds barred expose of its sillier side. And they are equally hard on themselves - their most embarrassing moments are a joy to read.

Amazing Grace

Hi everyone,

In November, we finished reading the biography of John Newton the man who wrote the hymn - Amazing Grace. In this book you will learn more about his colourful life, his journey through slave trading, his conversion, his Christian life and his contribution to the abolition of slave trade. This book is worth reading.

Enjoy!

Love and blessings,

Ope

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John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aitken

Synopsis

In this book, Jonathan Aitken (a former MP and cabinet minister) discovers John Newton the man, his motivation and beliefs.

JOHN NEWTON is best known as the author of "Amazing Grace" but this brilliant new biography shows how he led one of the most colourful and influential lives of the 18th century.

Using a wealth of unpublished material, Jonathan Aitken charts Newton's journey through slave trading, best selling authorship, ordination, church leadership, abolitionist campaigning and the spiritual mentoring of William Wilberforce and William Cowper.

From Newton's rip-roaring adventures on the high seas to his emergence as a pivotal figure in the abolitionist and evangelical movements this is a life of amazing achievement as well as of Amazing Grace.

Just Wondering .......

Over the summer, we read "Just wondering” by Philip Yancey. This is a thought provoking book of many questions set out in short chapters, which challenge us personally on various issues in life. Some of these issues are quite diverse and touch on topics such as religion, humans, ethics, church, Christian gospel, life with God etc.

This is a great book that leaves you feeling challenged.

It's worth reading.

Enjoy!


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"Just Wondering: A Book of Many Questions "
by Philip Yancey


Synopsis:

Best-selling author Philip Yancey writes on a diverse range of topics that touch on the fields of history, science, religion, ethics, and more in this new edition
of Just Wondering….

"Human beings, including myself, seem odd to me. Half ainimal, half angel, we keep surprising and disappointing ourselves and each other". As Yancey seeks to pin down this sense of oddness, he asks: why did God stay silent during the Holocaust; where did racial hatred come from; why do people show great interest in near-death experiences, but very little interest in Heaven; why is sex fun; and why is almost all religious art realistic, whereas much of God's creation excels at abstract design? Here are 44 "ruminations" chosen from Yancey's own awe at the world God made.
First published in 1989 as I Was Just Wondering. This revised and updated edition offers a level-headed, honest journey into questions that are just as important and challenging to readers today.

TOO SMALL TO IGNORE

Hi all,

In July, we finished reading "Too small to ignore" by Wess Stafford, the leader of Compassion international.

In this book, not only does Wess share with us his incredible boyhood experiences when growing up in an African village, he also draws our attention to the suffering and tragic deprivation that children in the world today face. He calls us to open the eyes of our heart to see the strategic importance of the children around us and why they must be protected and cared for.

One thing we need to remember is that a small pebble in the pond of one child's life may send out ripples that eventually transform many others.

On a final note, the bible tells us that Jesus entrusted the little children to our care and we should not cause them to sin (Mat 18:6). We are called to provide safe, nurturing environments for them. It is our job to train a child in the way he should go (prov22:6).

… A must read


Kind regards,

Ope






Synopsis

The time has come, argues Dr. Wess Stafford, for a major paradigm shift: Children are too important and too intensely loved by God to be left behind or left to chance. Children belong to all of us and we are compelled to intervene on their behalf. We must invest in children–all across the world.
There are strategic, persuasive reasons–beyond love and kindness–to invest in children. Today they may snuggle into your lap, if you let them. But tomorrow you may not have access to them in the corridors of power they might occupy. Now is the time to shape the future.
Dr. Stafford issues an urgent call for change. His adventures as a boy raised in a West African village provide an often-humorous and always-captivating backdrop to his profound and inspiring challenges. Wess lived the reality of “it takes a village to raise a child” and calls us to “be that loving village for children everywhere.”
This book will encourage you to turn your good, loving intentions into strategic actions and empower you to help change the world–and the future–forever: one child at a time.

Redeeming Love

Another truly amazing book by Francine Rivers….


California's gold country, 1850. Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. What she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside. Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father's heart in everything, Michael obeys God's call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel's every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance, her heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. So Angel runs. Back to the darkness...A powerful retelling of the book of Hosea, Redeeming Love is a life-changing story of God's unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love. A page-turner…

Battlefield of the mind ...

I absolutely enjoyed reading “The battlefield of the mind”. I found this book fruitful and thought provoking. The sections of the book that applied to me spoke volumes to me….indeed an eye opener. I found some of her comments and analogy enlightening, refreshing as well as challenging. I pray I will be able to apply what I have read and learnt to my daily walk with God with the help of the Holy Spirit. It was valuable listening to the thoughts and views of the other members of the book club during our meeting. It is amazing how the same book can speak to a group of people in different ways. On a closing note, I want to encourage every one of us to try and hold on to the truth and use the words of God as a weapon against the attacks from the enemy.

Stay blessed,

Ope

….And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. ….Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:32, 36)

Battlefield of the Mind

Hi there,

We have just read "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyer. Please share your comments and thoughts with us if you have read this book.

Kind regards,

Ope

Synopsis

A WAR IS RAGING.

Your Mind is the Battlefield.

Worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger and feelings of condemnation... all these are attacks on the mind. If you suffer from negative thoughts, take heart! Joyce Meyer has helped millions win these all-important battles – and she can help you, too. In this popular bestseller, Joyce Meyer shows you how to change your life by changing your mind. She teaches you how to deal with thousands of thoughts you have every day and focus your mind to think the way God thinks. She shares the trials, tragedies and ultimate victories from her own marriage, family and ministry that led her to a wondrous, life-transforming truth, and reveals her thoughts and feelings every step of the way.

Now it’s your turn to:

• Gain control over your mind and find freedom and peace

• Recognize damaging thoughts and stop them from influencing your life

• Be patient with yourself even when you make mistakes

• Arm yourself with the word of God, praise, prayer, and other powerful spiritual weapons

• Follow the light out of your mental “wilderness” – the bad attitudes and excuses people use that keep them from God – and find undreamed of happiness and fulfillment. Don’t surrender to misery another day.

Find out today how to guarantee your victory in your BATTLEFIELD OF THE MIND!