Award winning author John Roynesdal, is a retired English teacher who has written for more than 15 years and produced 3 books for his Phillip Michael Carnegie Mystery series. Throughout the series, John focuses on issues that prevail on mankind: greed, prejudice, poverty, dysfunctional families and the conflict between traditional and modern societies. Living in Darkness, a 265-page mystery novel, is the third book in this series.
Here, we have a serial killer at large. Detective Carnegie and his coworkers Paul and Nick are out to solve the case. Clues point to many possibilities and keep the team working hard. Is it the work of a homophobe? Or a case of mad revenge? Or pointless youth rage? Juliana, their insightful and caring friend has often aided in cases in the past – and this one is no different. Inspired by the work of another man, Juliana is attempting to open a safe house for runaway gay children but she is obstructed by zealous religious leaders.
The boss, "Fats", wants to see the serial killer case closed and it seems that it should be – but Detective Carnegie feels something is not quite right. He continues the investigation without consent and stumbles on some clues that change everything.
This book promotes freedom and a willingness to live and let live regarding sexuality. Good points were made about prohibition making various sexual urges into something secretive and devious. I felt that John did a wonderful job depicting the stresses of the homosexual. Readers are shown the stigma that is placed on them as soon as they are known as "gay". The reaction of employers and family was interesting and the prejudice homosexuals endure was enlightening. The story line definitely brings awareness to the hateful and disgusting crime of gay-bashing.
Kamis, 09 Februari 2012
Living Better
Is your life full of chaos?
Challenges such as stress, anxiety, illness and depression all contribute to a chaotic life. So how do you rid your life of the obstacles to your happiness and change it for the better?
Yehuda Berg says the answer lies within a group of sacred letters from the biblical story of Moses and the Red Sea. In his book "The 72 Names of God," Berg says that through 72 three-letter combinations taken from three biblical verses, you can find the strength to eliminate negative forces that keep you from living a fulfilling life.
The book explains that the 72 names are not "names" in the literal sense, but visual mantras that are activated spiritually rather than vocally. These spiritual tools come from a tradition called Kabbalah, which is today the fastest-growing global spiritual movement. Contrary to popular belief, Kabbalah is not a religion and you do not have to be Jewish to study it.
According to the teachings of Kabbalah, everything, including our destiny, begins and ends with our own individual behavior. The apparent randomness that we encounter in life is actually a system of cause and effect. Furthermore, the ability to overcome challenges lies in the power of mind over matter.
"The 72 Names of God" encourages readers to meditate on the names and follow through with a physical action to implement positive change in their lives.
Here are a few of the names and their applications:
* Healing: Think about others who also need healing. Be accountable. Blaming someone or something else absolves us of responsibility. Accepting 100 percent responsibility brings about the energy of healing.
* Unconditional Love: You should offer unconditional love to others if you want to have peace and serenity in your life. Love has the power to eradicate all forms of darkness. When you offer love to your enemies, you destroy their darkness and hatred.
* Eliminating Negative Thoughts: When negative thoughts - worry, anxiety, fear, pessimism, uncertainty - invade your mind, focus on thoughts that move you forward, not backward.
* Letting Go: Human nature is to hang on to past regrets and earlier traumas. But you cannot live a fulfilling future if you are hanging on to an unhappy and cynical past. This name gives you the courage to let go.
Challenges such as stress, anxiety, illness and depression all contribute to a chaotic life. So how do you rid your life of the obstacles to your happiness and change it for the better?
Yehuda Berg says the answer lies within a group of sacred letters from the biblical story of Moses and the Red Sea. In his book "The 72 Names of God," Berg says that through 72 three-letter combinations taken from three biblical verses, you can find the strength to eliminate negative forces that keep you from living a fulfilling life.
The book explains that the 72 names are not "names" in the literal sense, but visual mantras that are activated spiritually rather than vocally. These spiritual tools come from a tradition called Kabbalah, which is today the fastest-growing global spiritual movement. Contrary to popular belief, Kabbalah is not a religion and you do not have to be Jewish to study it.
According to the teachings of Kabbalah, everything, including our destiny, begins and ends with our own individual behavior. The apparent randomness that we encounter in life is actually a system of cause and effect. Furthermore, the ability to overcome challenges lies in the power of mind over matter.
"The 72 Names of God" encourages readers to meditate on the names and follow through with a physical action to implement positive change in their lives.
Here are a few of the names and their applications:
* Healing: Think about others who also need healing. Be accountable. Blaming someone or something else absolves us of responsibility. Accepting 100 percent responsibility brings about the energy of healing.
* Unconditional Love: You should offer unconditional love to others if you want to have peace and serenity in your life. Love has the power to eradicate all forms of darkness. When you offer love to your enemies, you destroy their darkness and hatred.
* Eliminating Negative Thoughts: When negative thoughts - worry, anxiety, fear, pessimism, uncertainty - invade your mind, focus on thoughts that move you forward, not backward.
* Letting Go: Human nature is to hang on to past regrets and earlier traumas. But you cannot live a fulfilling future if you are hanging on to an unhappy and cynical past. This name gives you the courage to let go.
Little Morning
The Little Mornings, by C M Albrecht is a murder mystery with 262 absolutely absorbing pages. We have three main characters here – the grandfather, an alcoholic of questionable character, a slightly off balance woman (Angie) and an impressionable young man (Darcy) who becomes mixed up in a whirlwind of events. Murder, thievery and lies keep the unsteady relationship between Darcy and Angie on edge. Keeping a secret is no easy task, especially when someone else pops into the scene with inside knowledge to the truth. Darcy, unable to control the events, becomes another person entirely from the one we knew in the first few pages of the book.
Perhaps because I am a writer, and this book has to do with the publishing industry, I am partial to the theme. Grandfather’s description of a writer’s methods to reach their creative dreams had me laughing out loud – because it was so true. As were the frustrated, aspiring writers and the over worked publishers. I felt the book was very realistic in this regard.
I loved the first few paragraphs – they really pulled me in. I kept hearing Humphry Bogart’s voice in my head narrating the story as I read along. I sat on the edge of an uncomfortable plastic chair 2 days ago and opened the first page to begin reviewing The Little Mornings. I meant to take only a ten-minute break from my day to enjoy the sunshine. The next thing I knew, my leg and butt-cheek were both completely numb and lifeless… and I was on page 50! So be warned, readers, this book may very well take you out of commission for a few days. I could not wait to get back to it every minute I had to spare!
Perhaps because I am a writer, and this book has to do with the publishing industry, I am partial to the theme. Grandfather’s description of a writer’s methods to reach their creative dreams had me laughing out loud – because it was so true. As were the frustrated, aspiring writers and the over worked publishers. I felt the book was very realistic in this regard.
I loved the first few paragraphs – they really pulled me in. I kept hearing Humphry Bogart’s voice in my head narrating the story as I read along. I sat on the edge of an uncomfortable plastic chair 2 days ago and opened the first page to begin reviewing The Little Mornings. I meant to take only a ten-minute break from my day to enjoy the sunshine. The next thing I knew, my leg and butt-cheek were both completely numb and lifeless… and I was on page 50! So be warned, readers, this book may very well take you out of commission for a few days. I could not wait to get back to it every minute I had to spare!
Life Lines
Joyce Meyers has been inspiring Christians for decades with the pearls of inspirational wisdom which she has faithfully shared via her radio program and books. Now, her husband Dave shares a powerful devotional crafted from a strong, personal walk with the Lord. Let's take a look at the book that will certainly capture the attention of those drawn to Christian devotionals.
Dave Meyers is one of those rare men who works quietly in the shadow of their wife's ministry. Joyce Meyers, who has been inspiring and motivating Christians for decades is a strong inspirational and motivational speaker in her own right. Still, Joyce credits the quiet, strong leadership of her husband in keeping her ministry on track as well as debt free. In reading <b>Life Lines</b> you will fully appreciate the saying, "still waters run deep" and quickly understand that Dave's relationship with his Savior is a strong one.
<b>Life Lines</b> is only 126 pages in length, but each page is a separate devotional that stands by itself. On any given page the first thing that you will read is a Biblically based saying followed by the chapter and verse that the saying is based upon. The body of the devotional is a 1-2 paragraph exposition of the text full of wisdom and laced with nuggets of truth. Indeed, on page 98 Meyers states: God is more interested in your stability than your tranquility. He then references Psalm 1:2-3 for supporting text and sums up how "a life rooted in God and His Word is like a tree rooted in the eternal stream."
The devotional is composed of five chapters featuring five separate themes:
Faith
Grace and Forgiveness
Characte
Life in Christ
Secrets of Daily Living
I personally like to read devotionals from varying themes on one day or several devotionals from the same theme on another day. You may find yourself cracking open the Word and reading the supporting chapter to glean the most out of every devotional. Truly, Meyer's book exhorts believers to seek God's will for every aspect of their lives. In that, this book is a real gem.
<b>Life Lines</b> is published by Warner Faith, New York, 2004 and is available at Christian bookstores everywhere or through Joyce Meyers Ministries.
Dave Meyers is one of those rare men who works quietly in the shadow of their wife's ministry. Joyce Meyers, who has been inspiring and motivating Christians for decades is a strong inspirational and motivational speaker in her own right. Still, Joyce credits the quiet, strong leadership of her husband in keeping her ministry on track as well as debt free. In reading <b>Life Lines</b> you will fully appreciate the saying, "still waters run deep" and quickly understand that Dave's relationship with his Savior is a strong one.
<b>Life Lines</b> is only 126 pages in length, but each page is a separate devotional that stands by itself. On any given page the first thing that you will read is a Biblically based saying followed by the chapter and verse that the saying is based upon. The body of the devotional is a 1-2 paragraph exposition of the text full of wisdom and laced with nuggets of truth. Indeed, on page 98 Meyers states: God is more interested in your stability than your tranquility. He then references Psalm 1:2-3 for supporting text and sums up how "a life rooted in God and His Word is like a tree rooted in the eternal stream."
The devotional is composed of five chapters featuring five separate themes:
Faith
Grace and Forgiveness
Characte
Life in Christ
Secrets of Daily Living
I personally like to read devotionals from varying themes on one day or several devotionals from the same theme on another day. You may find yourself cracking open the Word and reading the supporting chapter to glean the most out of every devotional. Truly, Meyer's book exhorts believers to seek God's will for every aspect of their lives. In that, this book is a real gem.
<b>Life Lines</b> is published by Warner Faith, New York, 2004 and is available at Christian bookstores everywhere or through Joyce Meyers Ministries.
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