Trinitas Hospital Library Spiritual Connection Collection 2006
Reader Reviews
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BOOKS
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Called by Lisa Jefferson
This is a short book:145 pages to be exact. But despite its size, it has
a powerful message.
This is the story of Lisa Jefferson, the Verizon Airfone supervisor who
spoke with Todd Beamer, a passenger on Flight 93 the morning of
September 11, 2001. When Todd called, any number of Verizon's employees
could have answered that tragic call, but it was Lisa Jefferson who took
a step into history that day.
According to Lisa, she feels she was chosen by God to be in that exact
place, at that exact time. Otherwise, Todd Beamer may not have had
someone to pray with him in his final moments.
The book is more about Lisa than Todd, but she doesn't hold center stage
for very long. Her tale unfolds its story with a simple, matter of fact
tone. While it isn't a literary masterpiece, it holds the readers'
attention. And, when you are finished, your heart will swell with
compassion for Lisa and Todd, for what must have been horrific minutes
of conversation.
But wait, it doesn't end there. Just when you think you've finished,
there is an Epilogue. This section is the treasure chest. Jam packed
with personal stories from families of those who perished along with
Todd that day on Flight 93, this is where the book takes momentum, and
makes you catch your breath. If you can make it through this part
without tearing up, you're a better person than me. This book should
come with a warning label, caution: keep tissues handy.
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How to Pray by Elmer L. Towns,
Review by Charlotte Leonard
Elmer Towns is a well known author on prayer, so this is much more than
just a "how to" book. Mr. Towns captures the essence of prayer and
presents it with scriptural documentation, a practical and progressive
instructional format.
It will inform and encourage those who want to learn to pray and those
who already pray, will learn to do so more effectively. There is an
assignment for the reader at the end of every chapter to strengthen the
knowledge by putting it into practice.
I highly recommend this book to all beginners and seasoned warrior
alike.
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Inside My Heart by Robin McGraw
Robin McGraw writes on Page 11: "My goal for this book is to tell
everyone who reads it about the power of choosing her life rather than
taking it as it come along so you'll make the choices that are right for
you."
The security and freedom that Robin has and helps to impart to others in
this book, in large part, has been nurtured by a the wonderful support
system, encouragement, and Godly insight given by her husband. She may
have gained wisdom from all the life experiences she relates so well in
the book, however, many of her outstanding choices were made with the
council of Dr. Phil. We are enriched as we learn how their good and bad
choices, as well as ours, can make a real difference in every area of
our lives
I highly recommend this book!
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Lord, Change My Attitude by James MacDonald
This book could easily be called "Exchange". Mr. MacDonald candidly
locates good attitudes, bad attitudes, and half-hearted attitudes and
addresses them in a candid and practical format. The chapters are
written in pairs, first the negative and then the corresponding good
attitude one by one, i.e. "complaining relates to situations, whereas
criticism relates to people...the only attitude big enough to replace a
critical attitude is an attitude of love". Mr. MacDonald shows down to
the basic what attitudes are all about, where they really lead, and real
solutions to make an exchange. With the help of this learned man of God,
attitudes can be changed in an enjoyable and enlightening process.
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Second Guessing God by Brian Jones
Brian Jones draws fresh water from his well of experiences to bring
refreshment to those whose hope and faith have dried up. He writes,
"This book is about recovering joy," (page 26) with many stories and
examples that lead to an ever more confident faith. It's not a book on
theology, but real examples of how to continue to believe in God as He
works in His way including both "perseverance miracles and instantaneous
miracles".
This book encourages hope even in the midst of trials, doubts, and
unanswered questions, as we learn to hope in God through it all, and see
in the end His perfect plan revealed.
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Unusual Suspect by Stephen
Baldwin
If you think Stephen Baldwin is just one more celebrity with a cause du
jour, guess again. Stephen Baldwin's book is a candid, humorous, and
oftentimes self-deprecating testimony on how he came to know God, and
consequently created an influencial teen ministry called Livin' It.
This book holds nothing back. Baldwin doesn't try to gloss over his
warts or failings. Instead, he demonstrates time and time again to the
reader why he was the most unlikely of candidates to undergo a spiritual
conversion. Yet, there is nothing phony about his changed attitude and
lifestyle. Baldwin lives what he preaches. He even backs up his actions
with plenty of scripture.
Baldwin's style is not for the weak of heart or those who like their
spiritual readings "pretty." He is a bold, on the edge evangelist who
will challenge anyone's "in the box" traditional way of thinking. Yet,
Baldwin never offended me or went too far. Instead, it had quite the
opposite effectâ€"I couldn't put this book down!
This book is a perfect read for a teenager, young adult or even a young
thinking middleager. Its contemporary style will help the reader easily
relate to what Baldwin is preaching. Yes, preaching. Baldwin does not
apologize for it either. He considers himself an evangelist, every bit
as much as Billy Graham does. Here is an excerpt from the book:
" on a commonsense level, it seems that when we talk about the Son of
God, Who He was, and what He did and why He did it, that if the last
thing Homey said was GO, we probably ought to listen. It doesn't take a
nuclear physicist to figure out the Savior meant what he said. He said
GO the last and obviously most important thing He told His followers to
do was to go and make disciples of all the nations " pg 168-69
Ok, yes he called Jesus Homey. So, if that doesn't offend you but
instead intrigues you, read on. You'll be glad you did.
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DVDS
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Ratings: 5 stars excellent, 4 stars very good, 3 stars good,
2 stars okay, 1 star poor
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End of the Spear
This movie has more of the "feel" of a Hollywood production than the
usual kinds of movies put out from producers of Christian films. The set
is lush, the actors, act, and the movie has a fast, thriller genre pace.
This is the true story of missionaries who went into the Amazon jungle
to spread the Word. Although these first missionaries meet a violent
end, the story does not end with their deaths. Rather, the message is
that their deaths created a new beginning.
One caveat: the movie is mostly subtitled. In the spirit of the Passion,
the actors speak in the native tongue of the Waodani. Don't dismiss this
important movie because of that, because believe it or not, within a few
minutes you easily adapt to this format. Now, there may have been a
choice of all English on the DVD menu, but if there was I missed it. In
retrospect, I'm glad I did. Watching the movie in the native language
gave it an authenticity I would have missed had I heard it in English.
Despite its sometimes violent storyline, it's a movie I'd recommend for
family viewing (of older children), and later discussion. There are
plenty of opportunities to open up a biblical based discussion on topics
of courage, sacrifice, and redemption. I would not recommend this movie
for children under 10 due to the violence, and suspense. This is a
perfect movie for parents to watch with pre-teens and teenagers.
RATING: * * * * *
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The Moment After
This is a better version of the Left Behind concept. This movie is
slicker, better filmed, although sometimes over acted. The actors are
pleasant to watch, but the dialogue could have been edited. At times it
gets a bit "too preachy." Still, over all it's a good movie that makes
you wonder if you'd be ready for the End of Times if it came tomorrow.
This movie is perfect for a Saturday night family gathering, young and
old alike.
RATING: * * *
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Paul the Apostle
Paul the Apostle presents the story of the Apostle Paul, who is
responsible for giving us nearly half of the New Testament of the Holy
Bible (I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Corinthians, II Corinthians,
Galatians, Romans, Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, I
Timothy, II Timothy, and Titus). The events portrayed concern the time
after the Crucifixion and Ascension of Jesus, and are faithful to my
recollections of the Book of Acts.
The Apostle Paul was also responsible for the Pauline Theology, upon
which many of today's churches are based. Paul preached the central
tenants of Christianity:
1. Man failed to attain righteousness of his own (man cannot perfectly
keep the Law of Moses).
2. The deity of Christ, as part of the Trinity.
3. The sacrificial crucifixion of the Lamb of God â€" opening the way for
salvation by grace.
4. The resurrection of Christ â€" victory over death, and that our sin
debt has been paid.
5. Believers must repent of sin and rely on God for victory over sin.
6. Christ is the center of the redemptive plan of God, but we each must
do the work the Lord has for each of us.
These tenants come out in the movie, if one is looking for them.
This movie is very well acted. It was shot on location in the Moroccan
desert, and in reminiscent at times of the HBO series ROME.
This film is a bit long for one sitting â€" it was intended as a
mini-series â€" and is 3 hours long. Some might find it preachy, but it
does present historical and Biblical truths in a powerful and
entertaining manner.
It has two brief scenes that I consider a bit racy for pre-teen viewers,
but which are appropriate (within context) for adults. These scenes
probably would have little impact on today's desensitized teens.
RATING: * * *
Paul the Apostle
Paul the Apostle presents the story of the Apostle Paul, who is
responsible for nearly a third of the New Testament, and the Pauline
Theology upon which many of today's churches are based. Paul preaches
the central tenants of Christianity: the sacrificial crucifixion of the
Lamb of God, the gift of salvation by grace, and doing the work the Lord
has for each of us.
This movie was very well acted, and is faithful to my recollections of
the Book of Acts. It was shot on location in the Moroccan desert, and is
reminiscent at times of the HBO series ROME.
The film is a bit long for one sitting â€" it was intended as a
mini-series â€" and is 3 hours long. Some might find it preachy, but it
does present historical and Biblical truths in a powerful and
entertaining manner.
It has two brief scenes that I consider a bit racy for pre-teen viewers,
but which are appropriate (within context) for adults and these scenes
probably would have little impact on today's desensitized teens.
RATING: * * *
Paul the Apostle
This isn't your ordinary "Christian" movie. This film is edgy, and
pushes the envelope at times. The music adds to the suspense of the
picture, and the sometimes flashy filming does as well. While at times,
these aspects weaken the film, overall its still very good.
The story begins with Saul of Tarsus, a soldier answering to Rome. Saul
is portrayed as a handsome, playful, loyal friend. However, he can also
be a brutal soldier. He persecutes the new followers of Jesus called
Christians without remorse. But then, on the way to capture one of the
apostles, Saul is struck blind by God. When God restores his vision,
Saul embraces and follows the teachings of Jesus. He then changes his
name to Paul.
The story is engrossing, even though the movie is rather long. The movie
also contains some brief scenes of nudity, which caught this viewer
off-guard, as well as some sexual innuendoes. Because of this, I do not
recommend this as a family film. It's a shame that the director included
these objectionable scenes because they were of no value and would not
have been missed if cut. It's my guess that this was an attempt to be
"modern." If I am right, the director made some poor choices.
The story of Saul/Paul is full of lessons for both young and old. I
recommend that parents preview this movie to decide whether they'd like
to share it with older children, preteen and above.
RATING: * * * *
This DVD has beautiful sets, scenery, and music. The life of Paul
himself is accurate, as Luke wrote in the book of Acts, but many
fictional characters and situations have been added to the film, much
like a historical novel. The screenwriter has taken literary license,
adding details that are omitted in scripture and developing them into a
plot.
It makes for an entertaining 3 hours with much intrigue, violence, and
several disjointed nude scenes, that do not keep to the historical
account.
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The Perfect Stranger
What if you one day you received a mysterious invitation on your desk
that read "You are invited to dinner with the Jesus of Nazareth." Would
you go?
This movie explores that question, plus offers a story of debate and
revelation. Using a cynical, feisty character as a tool, the movie
unfolds a fascinating premise. Over a long dinner, the lawyer debates
philosophy, biblical truth, and the meaning of life with a man who
identifies himself as Jesus.
This movie is thought provoking, and entertaining, although younger
children may get restless with the long, unbroken scenes of dialogue.
This is not an action movie. It's a simple movie of two people having
conversation over dinner. But, not just any two peopleâ€" this is Jesus
and his chosen dinner partner.
RATING: * * * *
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The Second Chance
What do you get when you mix a Grammy award winning singer and a
been-there-before kind of plot? Well, you get good singing (when its
offered) and a pleasant way to wile away the time, but just don't expect
any Oscar nominations.
This is the story of a wealthy "mega-church's" young, cutting edge
pastor who displeases his church's elders and is sent away to learn some
lessons in an inner city sister church. Sticking to formula, the two
pastors clash, experience some hard knocks along the path towards
understanding, and of course throwing in a test of faith is a must as
well. If you are a Michael W. Smith fan, this movie will be a fun couple
of hours, if not, you'll have a nice little movie fit for all ages. It
won't be thought provoking but at least it has a positive message, and
that's more than can be said for most movies these days.
RATING: * * *
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Time Changer
This is a classic favorite in Christian film libraries. It's a tale
about time travel, and political correctness â€" and what could happen if
society gets carried away with the latter. Warning, this movie is very
"in your face" preachy about choices and consequences, but it's a good
conversation opener for parents with young or pre-teen children. There
are some humorous moments in the movie when the main character, hailing
from the 1800's, is introduced to the technology of the 21st century.
This movie has some "name" actors that help carry it, such as Gavin
MacLeod, Hal Linden, Jennifer O'Neill, and Paul Rodriguez. This movie
would be perfect for a snowy afternoon with some popcorn and hot cocoa.
RATING: * * *
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