Thursday, April 30, 2009

Christian Readers Challenge 2009 Completed


Christian Readers Challenge 2009
MizB
Jan 1 - April 30th 2009
participant decides

I had hoped to read six books from a specific list. But I only finished five.

A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
A Passion Redeemed by Julie Lessman
The Courtship of The Vicar's Daughter by Lawana Blackwell
Heart of a Lion by Gilbert Morris
No Woman So Fair by Gilbert Morris


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Question of the Week #17

Welcome to the seventeenth edition of the Question of the Week! Please consider sending me your ideas for future questions :)

What's your worship style? Do you prefer hymns or praise songs and choruses? Or perhaps a blend of the two? Do you have a favorite hymn or two that uplifts you? How about praise songs? Do you have any favorites?

My favorite hymn is without a doubt Because He Lives.

This is a song that I just clung to when my dear-dear friend (grandfather-figure), Bobby died back in the fall of 2005. And it's a song that proved itself even more when a year later, I could hold Bobby's grandson in my arms.

Other favorites would include What A Friend We Have In Jesus. And Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus. (I'm not a fan of midi hymn files.)

I also love, love, love Leaning On the Everlasting Arms, I'll Fly Away, and Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.

I do love praise songs. Mostly. But it is easier for me to tire of them than hymns. A few weeks in a row of singing Lord I Lift Your Name On High doesn't thrill me all that much. I tend to like modern praise--artists like Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Delirious, etc. But these are songs that aren't in my church at least.

Chris Tomlin's Indescribable

Third Day's My Hope Is You



© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Monday, April 27, 2009

DVD Review: Read and Share DVD Bible Volume 1

Read and Share DVD Bible: 13 Stories From the Old and New Testament: Volume 1

This DVD has thirteen bible stories (cartoon) designed to be watched (and enjoyed) by preschoolers. Eight stories are taken from the Old Testament--all from the book of Genesis to be exact. Five stories are from the New Testament--from the gospels.

These cartoon bible stories are based on the popular Read and Share Bible by Gwen Ellis. I would imagine--though I haven't fully looked at the book--that the book is more enjoyable than the DVD.

I love the Bible. I do. And I think it is good to immerse kids in the Bible early on. While it is important for bible stories to be on the level of the child, I do think it is important to start sharing as soon as possible. More details, more stories can always be later on as the child begins to grow and develop.

What is good about the DVD is that the bible stories presented are short and simple and age-appropriate.

What isn't so good about the DVD is that the animation is at best mediocre. While the animation matches the quality of some Christian programming on TV, it doesn't really hold up all that well compared with the best Christian programming out there. And don't even think about comparing the quality of this animation with secular cartoons and movies.

It might be difficult when it comes to holding attention spans because the quality just isn't there. Of course, that would depend on your child--your preschooler/toddler. And it might hold the less active, easily entertained crowd.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Sunday Salon (Week In Review April 19 - 25)

What I read this past week

John 8-15 KJV Ryrie Study Bible
Revelation 10-22 Tyndale New Testament
Mark 1-8 Tyndale New Testament

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Friday, April 24, 2009

Completed Challenge: New Authors


Jackie of Literary Escapism is hosting the New Author 2009 challenge. I'm joining in and I hope to read twelve new-to-me Christian authors for 2009.

1. Judith Miller, In the Company of Secrets
2. Michelle Moran, Nefertiti
3.Gingham Mountain by Mary Connealy
4. The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter
5. The Desires of Her Heart by Lyn Cote
6. Heart of a Lion by Gilbert Morris
7. Just Another Girl by Melody Carlson
8. The Passion of Mary Margaret by Lisa Samson
9. Journey to the Well by Diana Wallis Taylor
10. Michal by Jill Eileen Smith
11. Fireflies In December by Jennifer Erin Valent
12. Before The Season Ends by Linore Rose Burkard

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Before The Season Ends


Burkard, Linore Rose. 2008. Before The Season Ends. Harvest House. 338 pages.

Something would have to be done about Ariana.

Meet our heroine, Miss Ariana Forsythe, a young woman--the second daughter of the family, by the way, who loves God with all her heart and soul. She's looking for a godly man to marry. That is her only qualification. He must love God. He must know God, not just know about him. Her parents are preparing to send her away to London to visit her aunt, Mrs. Agatha Bentley, for the season. (For those not in the know, 'the season' is the social season in London where the fashionable and oh-so-wealthy elite did everything to make much of themselves. In other words: one big season of parties and dances and trips to the theatre and the like. This meant that mothers tried to match make for their daughters (and sons). Young women would naturally try to find husbands.)

Ariana doesn't think she's going to London to catch a husband on the marriage mart. But her aunt has different plans. (She thinks she is going to see the sights, not to be seen by all the eligible young men.) Like most Regency romances, the plot revolves around a bachelor who is resolved to remain a bachelor. A stubborn, often-aloof (hard-to-get-to-know), ever-handsome bachelor. Our hero is Mr. Phillip Mornay. He is the paragon of society. He's known for being a bit grumpy (anti-social) and a lot fashionable. (It doesn't hurt that he's very wealthy and associates with only the best people. He's also got a bit of bite to him, known for his banter.)

Ariana bumps into Mr. Mornay--quite by accident and very literally--at a party (a picnic I believe) and his first reaction is a bit anti-social. She knows she didn't make a very good first impression. Later on (that same day I believe) he rescues her from a very embarrassing situation. While out on a walk, Ariana gets inspired to climb a tree. While most of the party searchs for her, she's hiding in the tree hoping to avoid public humiliation. Mornay does spot her, but does not put her to shame. After directing people away from her hideaway, he helps her down from the tree and sees her safely to the house. Lecturing all the way of course.

And that might have been the end of things. If. If only Ariana hadn't made an enemy. Lady Covington has decided to spread false rumors about Ariana and Mr. Mornay. Rumors that while untrue could ruin not only her season, but potentially her chances for marriage as well. Mr. Mornay though he would never in a million years do this for another young woman has decided to court Ariana quite publicly to prove that Lady Covington is crazy. (You see, he has a rep for brushing aside young women who throw themselves at him. If a woman acts all swoon-y (think of the three swooning ladies in Beauty and the Beast who follow Gaston around), he doesn't hesitate from rejecting and humiliating them. He will have nothing to do with silly (mindless) young women who want to manipulate him into saying 'I do.')

Will this show-of-a-courtship prove to be the real deal? Does Ariana want it to become real? Can she catch the uncatchable bachelor? Can she capture his heart? There's no denying he's easy on the eyes. And Ariana does begin to find him charming. But there's something standing in her way. She believes that he doesn't believe. That is she believes he's a "Christian" in name only. He doesn't have personal, saving faith in her opinion. He doesn't know the price Christ paid for him. As long as it's all a game, a show, then it's a non-issue, though she prays for him often, but what if it becomes real? Could she really and truly marry a man--even if she does love him heart and soul--if he doesn't share her faith?

If you love Regency Romance, but like it on the smutty side, then you'll probably find this lacking. But if you love Regency Romance and you love clean romance novels, then I think you'll find Before The Season Ends to be giddy-making. For example, if you love Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen, then you'll probably find it to your liking. It is much more accessible than Heyer and Austen. (There is even a glossary in the back of the book to bring you up to speed on Regency England.) I will say this, I found almost all of it to be giddy-making for me. I was in heaven reading this book. Thought it practically perfect in every way. Loved the hero. Loved the romance. Loved the writing. Thought the dialogue worked well. But. Close to the end, it becomes very heavy in the preaching and sermons. A little too heavy in my opinion. (To each their own I know). So, do I still love it? Yes. Even though I didn't *love, love, love* the direction it took towards the end...I'll still be recommending this one.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Question of the Week #16

Welcome to the sixteenth edition of the Question of the Week! Please consider sending me your ideas for future questions :)

This one may seem a bit out of place, but I'm going for it anyway. Do you participate in reading challenges? Why or why not? Would you be interested in participating in more reading challenges? Perhaps Christian-related reading challenges. Perhaps Bible-related reading challenges. I've been contemplating having mini-challenges--nothing certain, nothing planned out yet. And I was curious if they'd be any interest. If there's not that's fine :) Do you have any ideas of what you'd want to see in a mini-reading challenge?
I do participate in reading challenges. A lot. There are many reasons why I so easily succumb to temptation when it comes to reading challenges. But I'm always open for 'just one more' even if I *know* that one really means a dozen. As I'm the one asking the question, it's a bit obvious that I'm interested in having more Christian reading challenges. :) I haven't planned out anything yet, I want feedback before I do. But several things kept coming to mind. Like a Gospel-mini-challenge. Where readers would pick one gospel to read/watch/listen to three times hopefully in three different translations (and/or adaptations). Meaning you could watch The Gospel of John, listen to the gospel of John (I've got the NKJV Word of Promise New Testament that I still haven't listened to) and read the gospel of John. Or you could read the gospel (any gospel) in three different translations: for example purposes only, let's say NIV, NLT, and The Message. It's always interesting--at least to me--to compare and contrast and appreciate. Bibles can be word-for-word translation or thought-for-thought translation. (Not to mention all the in-betweens). And then there are paraphrases. That's just one idea I have. I am curious in reading your ideas and if seeing if there is any interest.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Monday, April 20, 2009

Book Review: No Woman So Fair


Morris, Gilbert. 2003. No Woman So Fair. #2 in Lions of Judah. Bethany House 350 pages.

Biblical fiction. This is the second title in Gilbert Morris' Lions of Judah series. It is the story of Abram and Sarai. It begins off shortly before their courtship, and it spans til the fateful day when Abraham listens to God, (the Eternal One) and prepares to sacrifice his son, Isaac. So to say the least, it spans a LOT of time. Much more than the traditional novel.

It's always interesting to see how biblical fiction goes. After all, the main threads of the novels are inspired by the bible. And the writer usually tends to follow the story as laid out in the bible. Though almost always they add their own touches: new characters, secondary story lines, inner motivations, and character growth. Because it is true that while we know what bible characters did some of the time--we don't know how they felt.

I liked this one. I liked it more than the first novel in the series actually. But I still have a few little concerns here and there. I'm not liking the whole medallion/necklace/talisman-esque theme going on. How there is this lion-medallion necklace that has been passed down through the generations. It tracing all the way back to Seth. This necklace as proof that that individual is the chosen one, the one through whom "the lion" will come, the messiah who will save the world from their sins. First of all, while I can respect that it is playing on the prophecy that Jacob (then named Israel) is giving to each of his sons on his death bed. There is no indication at all that this "lion" foreshadowing has been going on for thousands of years. What I do believe is that messianic prophecies and signs are sprinkled throughout scripture--beginning with Genesis 3. And it is entirely possible that faithful generations taught their children that God would provide a Messiah. Though it always seems that the unrighteous outnumber the righteous. But I just have trouble grasping that a family heirloom could pass through that many generations...as a symbol of God's blessing and grace...and as a sign of his promise...that it will be your line (your geneological line that is) through whom it will come...and at the same time...not become a hindrance whether than a blessing becoming endowed with mystery, mysticism, and magic. (The bearer of this necklace is "the one" of his generation. The blessed. The favored one.) I don't think that was his intent. At all. And I can see why he'd want to employ a symbol to tie the generations together. To weave the story into a whole. To prepare readers to grasp the big picture.

So it's not that I didn't like the book. I did. Mostly.


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Sunday Salon (Week In Review April 12-18)

What I read this past week:

Genesis 28 - 50 KJV Ryrie Study Bible
John 4 - 7 KJV Ryrie Study Bible

I took a break from reading my ESV Study Bible because I'm sick and paranoid. Anyone else worried about getting germs on their bibles? Or am I the only one that has to "protect" their bibles from potential germs?

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Question of the Week #15

Welcome to the fifteenth edition of the Question of the Week! Please consider sending me your ideas for future questions :)

Do you listen to the Bible on audio? Why? Why not? Do you have a favorite audio edition? Do you prefer dramatized editions or voice only editions? Do you have any you'd recommend?

I've tried listening to the Bible on audio--several times--but I have yet to find the perfect match for me. Either I like the narrator, but am not so fond of the translation the narrator uses. Or I like the translation, but the narrator creeps me out. Or I like the narration--mostly--but there are weird sound effects put in for dramatic purposes that snap me out of it. It's hard for narrators--I'd imagine--they have to treat the Bible with respect and not make too light out of it. But if they're too glum, or too monotone, or too robotic, or too anything really...then it can be hard to listen to. Also, I've found that some narrators sound like they're reading it for the first time. That they're surprised by where the sentence actually goes and they've ended up putting emphasis on weird words.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Sunday Salon (Week In Review (April 5-11)

Happy Easter!

Ev'ry morning is Easter morning from now on!
Ev'ry day's resurrection day, the past is over and gone!

1. Good-bye guilt, good-bye fear, good riddance! Hello, Lord, Hello, sun!
I am one of the Easter People! My new life has begun!

Ev'ry morning is Easter morning from now on!
Ev'ry day's resurrection day, the past is over and gone!


2. Daily news is so bad it seems the Good News seldom gets heard.
Get it straight from the Easter People! God's in charge spread the word!

Ev'ry morning is Easter morning from now on!
Ev'ry day's resurrection day, the past is over and gone!

3. Yesterday I was bored and lonely; But today look and see!
I belong to the Easter People! Life's exciting to me!

Ev'ry morning is Easter morning from now on!
Ev'ry day's resurrection day, the past is over and gone!
Ev'ry morning is Easter morning,
Ev'ry morning is Easter morning,
Ev'ry morning is Easter morning,
From now on!

Music for the song can be found here.

What I read this past week:

Finished Numbers. (Numbers 29-36) ESV Study Bible
Deuteronomy 1-10 ESV Study Bible
Genesis 23-27 KJV Ryrie Study Bible


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Buddy II

Earlier in the week, my Book Buddy II arrived! This is a fun little product designed to make reading more comfortable. And I must admit, it does. True, I don't know that it's absolutely necessary for reading lightweight books--mass market paperbacks and such--but for heavier books--hardback books, chunksters--it's a true help. I tried using it three different positions--lying down in bed, sitting up in bed, and sitting in a recliner. And I tried using it with a variety of books.

There are two ways to use it--the pillow itself nestles books--both hardbacks and paperbacks--within its straps. Depending on how your book spreads--lies flat--you may or may not need to use the corner straps for holding pages (like the illustration). But it's nice to have the extra support for when you do. (All three straps are adjustable). The second way to use the Book Buddy II involves using an acrylic desktop attachment. This attachment--which comes with all book buddies--is ideal for those with laptop computers. I don't have a laptop computer. But I found other uses for it :) I actually prefer using this desktop surface for reading my Bible. (A book I found a bit too bulky for the pillow.) It sat better--opened better--on the flat desktop surface. Perhaps because it was a leather bible and leather is naturally floppy and can be unwieldy.

I found it worked best when sitting up in a recliner. I imagine a comfortable couch would work as well. (Not having a comfortable couch, I wasn't able to test it out. For the record, it's a bit of a misnomer to label that thing in my living room a couch. I would imagine it being in worse condition than most you'd find by the side of the road. As it has zero springs and is supplemented by all the packing materials (styrofoam mainly) I receive in my book packages. But that's neither here nor there.) When used in bed, it needed extra pillows to get everything to the right height. That could be in part my bad vision and/or the size of the print of some books. Still I've never suffered from a shortage of pillows. (My family would call me a pillowholic.) And adding pillows all around helped me get comfortable and cozy. And it would prevent hands/wrists cramping up when reading. If you just read paperbacks, then this might not be something you think about often. But if you're like me--if you like books big and hefty--when you're tackling projects like The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Don Quixote, where weight is a BIG issue, then this little pillow is an answer to prayers. I wish I had known about this product back in January when I was suffering through the very delightful Don Quixote.



And it comes in different colors/designs. (Mine was maroon. Though you can't tell the color or design--it's much more attractive than it looks. But that's the built-in-camera for you.) My favorite design? Jeannie or Strictly Stripes. I didn't try this next product at all--but they do make matching lap blankets. Anyway, you should stop by ReadingComfort.com.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Faith 'n Fiction Saturday: Not So Fiction Easter Edition


Welcome to Faith 'n Fiction Saturday. If this is your first time participating, please read this post. It will tell you everything you need to know!

This week is more about faith and less about fiction. Since Resurrection Sunday, aka Easter, is one of the most important celebrations of our faith, I thought it would be fun to share with each other one or more of the following:
1) How do you celebrate Easter?
2) Do you have a special Easter memory?
3) Do you have a favorite verse or song for this time of year?

My answer:

Most Easter's have involved a church service. But that is pretty typical--I go every Sunday except when I'm an ill person. (I wish you could make it a law that you can't go to church if you're sick and contagious! Because in my experience people are rarely courteous. It's hug, hug, hug. Then with "joys and concerns" they mention how sick they are.) But that's a side tangent, isn't it?

Some years I "prepare" better than others. I might plan in advance to watch a movie like The Gospel of John or Hero! or Veggie Tale's An Easter Carol. But this year, there was none of that. So it may not happen at all.

As far as Easter memories go, I have had a few really really fun Easter weekends back in the day. For about seven years or eight years, I'd (along with most of my family minus dear old mom who was happy to sit these out) go to a series of Christian concerts on Easter weekend. Friday & Saturday night. Six Flags. We saw groups like Third Day, Audio Adrenaline, Newsboys, Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, Carman, Steven Curtis Chapman, dc Talk, Caedmon's call, etc. It gets confusing because Six Flags would have two Christian weekends a year--one for Good Friday/Saturday and one in mid-July. So I might be crossing which groups went where. And some groups I saw multiple times. Like I saw Audio Adrenaline at least four times through the years. At least. But back to task, the concert that may be most memorable was my very, very first concert: Michael W. Smith. This was back in 1990, I believe. Good Friday. I was in sixth grade (not that that is relevant, but still). And I remember him singing "Secret Ambition." Which you may or may not be familiar with. But that is his song about Jesus.

Young man up on the hillside
Teaching new ways
Each word winning them over
Each heart a kindled flame
Old men watch from the outside
Guarding their prey
Threatened by the voice of the paragon
Leading their lambs away
Leading them far away

Chorus:
Nobody knew His secret ambition
Nobody knew His claim to fame
He broke the old rules steeped in tradition
He tore the Holy Veil away
Questioning those in powerful position
Running to those who called His name
(But) Nobody knew His secret ambition
Was to give His life away

His rage shaking the temple
His word to the wise
His hand healing on the seventh day
His love wearing no disguise
Some say Death to the radical
He's way out of line
Some say Praise be the miracle
God sends a blessed sign
A blessed sign for troubled times

Chorus:
Nobody knew His secret ambition
Nobody knew His claim to fame
He broke the old rules steeped in tradition
He tore the Holy Veil away
Questioning those in powerful position
Running to those who called His name
(But) Nobody knew His secret ambition
Was to give His life away
no, no
no, no
I tell you nobody knew,
until he gave his life away


So for me I can't hear Secret Ambition without the added soundtrack of rollercoasters (the concert arena is close to one of the rides) and the screams of happy riders. It's a good thing.


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Friday, April 10, 2009

Book Review: A Passion Redeemed


Lessman, Julie. 2008. A Passion Redeemed. Revell. 477 pages.

She's back. And with more snap, crackle, pop than ever before! Perhaps because I knew what to expect this time around, perhaps because Charity is just naturally more exciting than Faith, but there was a little extra-something about this one that just made me love it just that much more. This time round, the narrator is Charity, the younger sister of Faith. When we meet Charity, she is still living in Ireland with her grandmother and great-grandmother. Still working in a shop. Still flirting a bit with the guys. It suits her in a way to put her natural charms to use. And she doesn't see the harm in having said charms appreciated. But Charity's got eyes--really truly--for one man alone. Mitch. Her sister's former fiance. But Mitch is unavailable. He's close-minded. He's so convinced that Charity will always-ever be up to no good that he can't stand to look at her. But Charity won't take no for an answer. And she'll do everything in her power to make him notice her. Even if it means pretending to date Mitch's boss' son, Rigan. Even if it means allowing him certain liberties that no 'true' lady would. Even if it means getting all hot and bothered with a man she has no love or respect for. And notice Mitch does...but does he like what he sees? What do you think? Is there a way for Charity to get her man? How many wrong ways will she try before she resorts to the right way?

Charity is a complex character in this one. In the first novel, the thing with Charity is that she was flighty and heartless and silly. Think Lydia from Pride and Prejudice. She was immature and disrespectful and you found yourself wanting to slap her. But in this one, Charity stays true to Charity, yet somewhere this Charity has substance and heart. Before I thought she might be a character only a mother could love. But this time round, I began to understand in a way Charity's appeal.

So do I recommend this series? Yes! It's a bit of a soap opera--I won't lie--and it won't be for everyone. Because Lessman goes places that might make a few people squirm. But it's a satisfying read. I can't wait for the third book to be released!

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Question of the Week #14

Welcome to the fourteenth edition of the Question of the Week! Please consider sending me your ideas for future questions :)

Do you have a favorite biblical film? If you don't have a favorite film, do you have a least favorite?


My favorite, favorite is The Gospel of John. I love this movie, I do. True, I could love this one more than any other because it is the gospel of John, my favorite gospel. But everything about this one is so well done. I liked that it uses the text of the gospel both in its narration and dialogue.

I also enjoyed The Nativity Story.

And I liked In the Beginning. I found it a pleasant surprise.

This box-set looks a bit terrifying. I have seen snippets of Jeremiah, and if that is any indication the other three couldn't be good.

But without a doubt the worst, worst movie ever is Noah's Ark (1999). And it appears I'm not alone! Of the 111 reviews, 85 are one star! 8 are two star! 3 are 3 star! Leaving just 15 people who would rate it four or five stars!!!

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Monday, April 6, 2009

Ryrie Study Bible KJV


Genesis 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Exodus 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

Leviticus 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

Deuteronomy 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Joshua 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Judges 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Ruth 1 2 3 4

1 Samuel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

2 Samuel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

1 Kings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

2 Kings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

1 Chronicles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

2 Chronicles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

Ezra 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Nehemiah 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Esther 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Job 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

Psalms 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150

Proverbs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Ecclesiastes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Song Of Solomon 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Isaiah 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66

Jeremiah 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52

Lamentations 1 2 3 4 5

Ezekiel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

Daniel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Hosea 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Joel 1 2 3

Amos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Obadiah 1

Jonah 1 2 3 4

Micah 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Nahum 1 2 3

Habakkuk 1 2 3

Zephaniah 1 2 3

Haggai 1 2

Zechariah 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Malachi 1 2 3 4

Matthew 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Mark 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Luke 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

John 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Acts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Romans 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

1 Corinthians 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

2 Corinthians 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Galatians 1 2 3 4 5 6

Ephesians 1 2 3 4 5 6

Philippians 1 2 3 4

Colossians 1 2 3 4

1 Thessalonians 1 2 3 4 5

2 Thessalonians 1 2 3

1 Timothy 1 2 3 4 5 6

2 Timothy 1 2 3 4

Titus 1 2 3

Philemon 1

Hebrews 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

James 1 2 3 4 5

1 Peter 1 2 3 4 5

2 Peter 1 2 3

1 John 1 2 3 4 5

2 John 1

3 John 1

Jude 1

Revelation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22


© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Sunday Salon: Week In Review: March 29 - April 4

What I read this past week:

Numbers 8-28 ESV Study Bible
Genesis 1-22 KJV Ryrie Study Bible
John 1-3 KJV Ryrie Study Bible

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Book Review: A Passion Most Pure


Lessman, Julie. 2008. A Passion Most Pure. Revell.

"Sisters are overrated, she decided."

I don't know if I can do this one justice. Because while I enjoyed it, I found it a tiny bit uneven. There were scenes that had snap, crackle, and pop. They sizzled. Pure and simple. But in other places, I felt that it was all tell and no show. When she showed, man, did she show and then some. It was just incredible.

I felt it was both stereotypical and unique. If that makes sense. On the one hand, you've got scenes, conversations, plot twists that go where you'd never in a million years expect Christian romance to go--and not in an obscene or inappropriate way. But on the other hand, you'd have scenes that I felt were a tad too preachy. Places where I felt the Christian message got a bit heavy-handed.

It was predictable. But fun. What do I mean by predictable? Well, if you've ever watched a soap opera you can see all the plot twists coming. There were no big surprises along the way. You could guess each and every one. But is that a bad thing? Not really. If you like soap operas, you'll absolutely love A Passion Most Pure. It is appealing. It is delightful. It is fun. It's a novel that you can feel warm and cozy with. A novel that is satisfying. It was time well spent. And reading this one only made me want more.

This one is complex in a way. It is the story of two sisters who fall in love with the same man--not once, but twice! On two different continents! Charity is courting Collin McGuire. But her sister, Faith, has been crushing on Collin since before she was a teenager. Seeing him with her sister only magnifies her attraction to him. He's not doing anyone any favors when he "accidentally" kisses her--the wrong sister--now and then. Collin, it seems, is fighting off feelings for the older sister since his engagement to the younger. With the start of World War I, the family is off to Ireland. Faith in an attempt to get over Collin, begins seeing Mitch. The man she eventually becomes engaged to. But Mitch has an accident of his own with the wrong sister...and well...a big tangled mess is the result.

There are some pretty steamy scenes in this one. More than you might expect.

If I were to compare this one with Gone With The Wind--and you might start questioning my sanity, but go along with me here--Faith reminds me of Melanie. And Faith's sister, Charity, reminds me of Scarlett. Charity is the attention-getter. The manipulator. The boy-crazy, foolish one. The selfish one.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible