We
are now the New Zealand distributors for Bright Ideas
Press, who are the publishers of the Mystery of
History books.
The Educated Child
William J. Bennett
Review ...
"As a mother of three -- one in public school, one in private and
one home-schooled -- I am deeply concerned about my children's
education. I've lost count of the number of books I've read in the
past 16 years on educating children. Some books were worth my time,
many were not. Mr. Bennett's book is standing tall at the top of my
list of "best reads". I'm sure we all have horror stories coming out
of our kids' education (i.e., the huge amount of wasted time in the
classroom, the lack of control in the class, the political
correctness of revisionist history), but this book really can help.
Mr. Bennett begins by explaining the importance of a solid education
that engages a child's imagination by first making sure that child
can read well. He builds on that by reminding parents that the main
responsibility for educating our kids rests on our shoulders, not
the school's. The book goes into detail about more than the Three
R's, but covers those subjects extremely well, also. He reminds us
that as parents it's up to us to speak up and go to bat for our kids
throughout their education thus insuring they get the help they
need. Throughout the book are checklists, questions to ask your
child's teachers, book lists for you to insure that your child reads
what is truly worthy of his time, and tips for incorporating the
arts into your child's life. This book is like having a one-on-one
conversation with a great educator who will give you the confidence
you need to take control of your child's education. Help your child
succeed by reading this book and then putting it into practice!"
With the wide variance in teaching content and styles, it can be
difficult to know if your child is receiving a good education.
The Educated Child defines what a good education is, breaking
down subjects into specific books, concepts and repeatable skills.
Included are goals from the Secretary of Education, excerpts from
the Core Knowledge Series and the latest research for a
comprehensive, clear curricula and list of objectives for children
K-8. Questions to ask teachers, what to look for in your child's
classroom, warning signs of bad teachers, how to opt-out (or try to
change!) controversial classes and additional hints and standards
about public/private schools are included for you to find the best
education for your child. 664 pages, Hardcover
Special this month: $19.95
The Lord's Day
Joseph A. Pipa
Description...
Joseph Pipa takes an authoritative look at
the 'first day.' This is an area of Church practice in which we find
liberal interpretations practiced by evangelical churches and vice
versa. Many of the issues which he discusses are considered unclear,
with the result that we tend to adopt the unhealthy viewpoint of
avoiding the subject all together. Joseph Pipa asks the question: Are we
missing out on God's blessing by the way we celebrate the Lord's Day,
are we too legalistic, too lax? Is the Spirit grieved by our disrespect
to God or frustrated by our thralldom to unnecessary restrictions? These
and other questions are addressed by Pipa in a thoroughness in using
Scripture and also in reference to the sayings of the Early Fathers of
the Church. $26.00
Doctrine according to Godliness
Ronald Hanko
Description...
When the older youth or adults in a church
have questions on Reformed theology, where do they go? To their busy
pastor? To a lengthy book on dogmatics? Often searches for answers
become to daunting to pursue. But not any more. With the publication of
Doctrine according to Godliness, the average reader, late teens
through senior citizens, members in the pew or officebearers, will have
exactly the tool they need to get informed quickly.
The author has prepared short, easy-to-read explanations of more than 235
topics in Reformed theology. The sections are, amazingly, both comprehensive
yet succinct, each only a page or two long. An index to the subject titles
will allow the reader to find a title under any of its key words. The book
makes an especially good resource for older young people in doctrine
classes, for newcomers to the Reformed faith on domestic or foreign mission
fields, and for those studying doctrine with a view toward church
membership. $39.00
Raising A Modern-Day Knight
Robert Lewis
Review...
Robert Lewis has written a top-notch, easy to understand,
easy to implement book to help Christian dads rear godly, masculine
sons. He defines a man as "....someone who rejects passivity, accepts
responsibility, leads courageously, and expects the greater reward." His
definition of ideal manhood is excellent, especially his emphasis upon
"rejecting passivity." Although he does not always lay out an exact plan
for readers to follow without variation, he shares his own experiences
and ideas as a suggested approach. The book is divided into five parts:
The need for a modern-day knighthood, The Knight and his ideals, The
Knight and his ceremonies, the Knight and his round table (community of
men), and the Knight and his legacy. Part two, "The Knight and His
Ideals" is alone worth the purchase price of the book. His suggestions
for cermonies that celebrate a boy's advancement into manhood are
creative. This book helped me come up with some related ideas. As a
result of reading this book, I implemented a "Knights of Light" training
seminar for our junior high boys (I am a pastor); I compiled info on
courtesy, respecting women, etc., and we had a knighting ceremony for
the guys that completed this training. Lewis has written a book that
addresses a real gap in our culture; he understands masculinity,
particularly Christian masculinity. Go for it, dad!
$26.95
Ransomed Healed Restored Forgiven
Michael Bentley
Description...
Ransomed, Healed, Restored, Forgiven tells the story of a man who , in
the normal course of events, would have spent his days working as an
unknown fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. However, when his brother
Andrew brought him to the Lord Jesus Christ, Peter's life changed
forever... $22.50
Life in the Father's House
Wayne A Mack-Dave Swavely
Review...
This book is great I really started to look closely at myself and the
Church as a whole. This book is a must needed book in Christendom
because not many authors are writing material like this Wayne Mack does
and his church practices it. I highly recommend this book.
This book introduces us to the meaning of church membership, the traits
of a good church, and how we are to function as parts of the body.
Written for lay men and women, it includes practical discussions on
church leadership, male and female roles, worship, spiritual gifts,
confrontation, unity, and prayer. Revised and expanded with study
questions and new conclusions. $19.50
Stark Raving Dad
Dave Meurer
Review...
I noticed this book at a local Christian discount bookstore two days
ago, and I almost didn't pick it up. That would have been a huge
mistake! I purchased this book for my husband, who normally doesn't read
anything except Reader's Digest. He hasn't been able to put this book
down! He keeps laughing out loud, which of course, prompts me to read
over his shoulder :) We've had a great time and shared many laughs while
reading this book, which is a bonus I didn't even consider when I gave
it to him.
I went back to the bookstore yesterday to purchase a few
more copies for my gift closet, and I also discovered Dave's book on raising
boys. Now my husband is reading both at the same time!
Not only is this a funny book, it has many great insights
regarding Christian parenting, and is thought provoking as well. I will be
looking forward to new material from this author and highly recommend this
book! $7.95
Glastonbury
Donna Fletcher Crow
Review...
Myths
and legends do not appear out of thin air. Behind them lies, somewhere, a
kernel of truth. The author has skillfully taken many of the old stories of
England, arranged them in cronological order and given them very plausible
explanations as she develops the theme of the arrival and spread of
Christianity in England. It is a masterful work and one in which the reader
becomes fully immersed. One cannot help but mourn the death of King Arthur
and the apparent loss of Christianity. The flame, however, is never
extinguished. It may burn low or uncertain like a guttering candle in the
wind but it recovers to burn brightly once more. For those readers familiar
with the spiritual darkness that has overtaken Britain in these last
generations, one can see a message of hope in this story. Dark times have
prevailed before but the darkness is always dispelled by the light. It is
truly a story of encouragement and a great read too. As a follow up, I would
also highly recommend "The Fields of Bannockburn" and "The Banks of The
Boyne" which do for Scotland and Ireland that which "Glastonbury" has done
for England. $15.00
Devotions for boys #2
Description...
The One Year Book of Devotions for Boys,
Volume 2 offers a mix of engaging stories, thought-provoking
questions and memory verses to help preteen boys get into the Word. Boys
ages 8 to 12 will relate to the contemporary characters with real-life
dilemmas, and they'll learn to apply the lessons to their own lives
through the practical application sections. Indexes at the end provide
additional resources for studying specific topics and verses. This daily
tool will help boys to discover the joy of daily time spent with God.
$23.95
Spiritual disciplines for the christian
life
Donald S. Whitney
Description...
It's not uncommon for an accomplished
musician to be able to sit down in front of a new piece of music and
play it through without a hitch. To make it seem easy, as if it required
no effort. Yet the "freedom" to play with such skill comes only after
years of disciplined practice.
In the same way, the freedom to
grow in godliness---to naturally express Christ's character through your own
personality---is in large part dependent on a deliberate cultivation of the
spiritual disciplines.
Far from being legalistic,
restrictive, or binding, as they are often perceived, the spiritual
disciplines are actually the means to unparalleled spiritual liberty. So if
you'd like to embark on a lifelong quest for godliness, Spiritual
Disciplines for the Christian Life will help you on your way. Based on
the rich heritage left us by the early church fathers, the Puritan writers,
and Jesus Christ Himself, Whitney takes you through a carefully selected
array of disciplines that includes Scripture reading, prayer, worship,
Scripture meditation, evangelism, serving, stewardship, Scripture
application, fasting, silence and solitude, journaling, and learning.
By illustrating why the
disciplines are important, showing how each one will help you grow in
godliness, and offering practical suggestions for cultivating them on a
long-term basis, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life will
provide you with a refreshing opportunity to embrace life's greatest
pursuit---the pursuit of holiness---through a lifelong delight in the
disciplines. $27.00
Children of the Storm
Natasha Vins
Review...
I opened the book for the first time Sunday afternoon in the car, and
finished it on Monday night. Natasha tells of her girlhood, and the
persecution her family endured for Christ. I really appreciated her
telling of how she came to the Lord; until she graduated from high
school she was a "Christian" because her parents were, and wondered how
important it was. Then she understood the gospel and her parents faith
became her own, and she lived for Jesus. She has an engaging manner of
writing, perhaps because she writes as one real person would speak to
another, not with studied eloquence.
I was encouraged by the testimony of the trials and severe hardships her
family went through. It made me reflect on how easy I have it here, and
what I am willing to sacrifice for my Lord. I would encourage
Christians, young or old, to read "Children of the Storm."
$13.10
George Mueller:A Father to the Fatherless
Rebecca Davis
Description...
"These dear little ones know nothing about
our great need," wrote George Mueller in his journal. "They do not know
if we have much money in the bank or nothing at all. They always have
good nourishing food and the clothes that they need."
For about seven years the little
children ate their meals one prayer at a time. Never, never, did any of the
orphan children go without a meal. This biography for young readers explores
the life of one of the most remarkable men of faith and prayer known outside
of the Bible. But Mr. Mueller would want neither praise nor attention. He
would want tall the glory to be given to God. Recommended for ages 7 to
9. $13.10
