Aug 27 2007

I can’t believe it’s over!

Tag: Books,Emily,General,MoviesEmily @ 12:38 pm

I finished reading the 7th and final Harry Potter book this weekend.  It’s kind of bittersweet. I knew from the very first book, just as anyone else that have read the books, that there would only be 7, but even as I turned the last page, of the last book, I kept saying to myself “I can’t believe it’s over!”  I was so happy to have so many loose ends tied up and so many surprises about characters revealed!  There wasn’t anything off the top of my head that I would change about the last book or the way it ended.  I can’t say that about many books!

I still need to hit the theaters and watch Order of the Phoenix (book 5).  I, of course, find that the movies pale in comparison to the books, but isn’t that always the way? 

As my disbelief that the series is finally over sets in, I have a feeling I’ll be re-reading all the books again in the coming years.  🙂

 


Oct 15 2006

Renewal

Tag: Books,General,ReligionEmily @ 9:46 pm

I got back from The Walk to Emmaus tonight. I had an absolutely wonderful time. I was humbled to be a part of the team for this walk. I met some wonderfully beautiful souls this weekend and feel very close to them, even after only 3 days. I feel blessed to have been a part of their lives at that special time.

I found my next book…I know, I know, I already had the “kick the dog book” in mind, but one I purchased the weekend takes precedence over the other. It’s called “Surprise me, A 30-Day Faith Experiment” by Terry Esau. He says “Surprise me, God. What if you started the next thirty days with those three words? No agendas, no plans other than waiting on God with eager anticipation of what is about to happen next. Surprise Me, invites you to approach your spiritual life with openness and an eye for the unexpected to discover God working in the everyday moments in your life, from the spectacular to the mundane.”

Read the Amazon review here.

Looks like an entertaining and self-reflective book, something that I need after going on the walk. I’ll save the prayer book for after this one.

-ec


Sep 25 2006

Next book

Tag: Books,General,ReligionEmily @ 9:56 pm

I think I’ve found my next book! Thanks for the suggestions, on here and in person. I was thinking about going with one of the books suggested, but tonight I came across a book that I just have to read. It’s called “How to pray after you’ve kicked the dog” by Terry Teykl. It’s a book about prayer, and how to develop your prayer life based on your personality.

Renewal Ministries says this about the book: “Just why is it so hard to pray? You may be surprised at some of the hidden reasons. This, sometimes humorous, look at how to defeat intimidation, shame and fear of failure will give you a new freedom for your prayer life. Explore your prayer temperament and learn how to pray in a manner that is effective and personally satisfying. No matter where you are in your faith walk How to Pray After You’ve Kicked the Dog will encourage you.”

I’m looking forward to reading it; I make an effort to include prayer in my life as much as I can each day, but probably like many others, feel that it’s just not enough or that it’s just not ‘as good as it could be.’ I’m hoping that this book will give me a new spin on things and teach me to pray more effectively and personally.

My friend Phyllis gave a devotional tonight in our Emmaus team meeting about changing ourselves and our prayer lives. The point that hit me hardest was that she said that we need to change our prayer habits: that prayer is meant to change and grow us, not to give God a list of to-do’s. So…I look forward to reading it, and will let you know how it is!

-ec


Sep 18 2006

What next?

Tag: Books,General,ReligionEmily @ 1:31 pm

I’m now halfway through the final book of the Left Behind Series. I’ve been reading these books for so long…I don’t know what I want to read next…

Has anyone read any really good books lately? I think I may want to stay on the Christian book-track for awhile…
Help?
-ec


Jun 13 2006

Left Behind

Tag: Books,General,ReligionEmily @ 8:58 am

On to book #5: “Apollyon”

By this time in the series, the 7 Seal Judgements (Rev. 6:1 – 8:1) have happened, as have the first 3 of the 7 Trumpet Judgements (Rev. 8:2 – 11:19). “The Appolyon” focuses on the 4th and 5th Trumpet Judgements; the darkening of the earth and the plague of locusts…ooooo….

Something I really enjoy about these books are the references to the bible on almost every page, and the reiteration of salvation and how to go about being saved. I think our salvation is a great thing to be reminded of on a daily basis for all Christians, as well something great for non-Christians who may be thinking about becoming saved. Just a little tidbit of my thoughts…

Philip, my little brother, has begun to “race me” in reading the books. He has in 2 weeks, read the first 3 books. Guess he’ll be overtaking me soon.


Jun 05 2006

Left Behind

Tag: Books,General,ReligionEmily @ 8:03 am

…on to book #4…

My little brother Philip has started reading the series again too.
Still waiting on that ‘currently reading’ Paul… 🙂

The last book, Nicolae was pretty good. A little slow in the beginning b/c of all the political stuff (which I’m not a big fan of politics), but got better toward the end and more fast-paced.
The books are finally getting into what I consider “the good stuff,” of the judgement seals and big-time action.

The next book is “Soul Harvest:”


May 30 2006

Left Behind

Tag: Books,General,ReligionEmily @ 8:24 am

Since Paul hasn’t installed the “now reading” feature on our website, I’ll keep everyone up to tabs on my books 😉

I started the 3rd book in the series Left Behind over the weekend:

I can’t believe (and niether can Paul) how fast I’m reading these books. They are really gripping and you can’t put them down. And…they keep getting better the more you read. I’m trying to get Paul to read them too, we’ll see if he jumps on the bandwagon with me.