Dept of Speculation - Jenny Offill

Dept. of Speculation
Jenny Offill
Alfred A. Knoff a division of
Random House
ISBN 9780385350815
AISN B00F1W0DV8

The title of this book grabbed my attention immediately. The book is written as 46 short chapters. They read like journal entries, blog posts or random thoughts. Our heroine only ever referred to as 'the wife' if reflection on life, love, lose and challenges. While dating her husband and her exchanged letters postmarked to the 'Dept. of Speculation' and later in the book during shaky times for their marriage she resumes the habit. The stories in the chapters loosely follow a progression of time but some throw back to old memories as events are recalled and compared. But the main focus is reflections around an affair, and if the marriage can and will survive. The individual chapters oscillate with a random mixture of hope, longing, despair, frustration and rage.

The book is very well written and hard to put down. I found that I often flipped back and reread previous chapters after reading later pieces. The story as a whole feel's like a car heading off a cliff, we are racing towards the edge with no certainty of survival, and following 'the wife's' thoughts not even sure we want to survive. I can say I really enjoyed reading this book. I will likely flip through it again.

Saints Alive - Saints of Empire - Andrew M Seddon - News Stories of Old Saints Volume I

Saints Alive - Saints of Empire
News Stories of Old Saints 
Volume I
Andrew M. Seddon
Bezalel Books
ISBN 9781936453191
ASIN B00BHLZNWG

I was recently asked about writing a few words about a forthcoming book,  that book happened to be Saints Alive Volume II - Celtic Paths. After reading the first story in the new volume I went back and purchased the first volume and alternately read chapters in each book. But now let us focus on Saints of Empire, Saints Alive Volume I. This wonderful little volume with take you many places and give 12 examples of faith. The stories are written around legends of saints, to quote the introduction: "Edification was their reason for existence. The hagiographers were concerned that the lives, deeds, words, and examples of the saints would endure, encouraging and inspiring later generations of Christians." The saints who's stories we evaluate in this volume are:

1. Wheat of Lions (St. Ignatius of Antioch) Rome, c.107
2. Ariadne's Angels (St. Ariadne) Phrygia, c.117-161
3. The Informer (St. Cecilia) Rome, c. 177-250
4. The Governor's Eyes (St. Sabinus) Etruria, c.303
5. A Vision of Theodota (St. Anastasia) Illyricum, c.304
6. The Sword of Dioscorus (St. Barbara) Heliopolis in Syria, c. 304
7. Relics (St. Boniface of Tarsus) Rome, c. 306
8. The Fortieth Martyr (The Forty Martyrs of Sebastea) Armenia, 320
9. The Lure of Terenuthis (St. John the Dwarf) Egypt, c.390
10. The End of the Games (St. Telemachus) Rome, c. 404
11. Bishop Martin's Cloak (St. Martin of Tours) Gaul, c.407
12. The Penitent Pigeon (St. Pelagia & St. Nonnus) Antioch, Late 400s.

Some of the Saints will be familiar but few of the stories. Seddon has chosen to present lesser known stories for some saints and some lesser known saints. Each story entertains, and yet also challenges. And is that not what the Saints are supposed to do. Seddon also states: "These stories are not strict retelling of the lives of the saints involved and should not be read as such. They are, rather, literary creations, tales based upon an incident in the life of a saint. They do, however, contain as much factual detail as could reasonably be accommodated." This book was an amazing read and left me wanting to read more. Thankfully Seddon provides extensive notes and list of resources at the end of the book. I loved this book and have already read it twice and know I will read it again. I cannot give it a higher recommendation.

Books by Andrew M. Seddon:
Non-Fiction:
Walking with the Celtic Saints (with Neil & Gerlinde Kennedy-Jones)

Dr. Andrew's Curious and Quirky Compendium

...

Historical Fiction:

Imperial Legions

...

Saints Alive Series:

Saints Alive Volume I - Saints of Empire
Saints Alive Volume II - Celtic Paths

...

Saints Alive Second Editions:

Saints of Empire

Celtic Paths

...

Volume 1 & 2 Omnibus Edition

...

Stories Of The Supernatural:

Tales from the Brackenwood Ghost Club

What Darkness Remains

In Death Survive

The Deadliest Sins

… 

 

Science Fiction:

Red Planet Rising

Iron Scepter

Ring of Time

The DeathCats of Asa’ican and Other Tales of a Space-Vet

Farhope

Wreaths of Empire

…

German Shepherd Wanderings Series:

Bonds of Affection

Ranger's First Call

…

Contributed to:

Sky Songs

Sky Songs II

Infinite Space Infinite God II

Fungi #20

The Tanist's Wife and other stories

Unintended Consequences

Silent Screams: An Anthology of Socially Conscious Dark Fiction

Eldritch Embraces: Putting the Love Back in Lovecraft

Tails from the Front Lines

Rejected

Misunderstood

Incarceration

Legends of Sleepy Hallow

Wolf Wanderings

Pilgrim Tales An anthology of fiction by the Catholic Writers Guild 

...

Author Profile and interview with Andrew M Seddon.

 

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2014

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2014

First I must state the last few years have seen serious changes in my reading habits and volume. Some of the changes if that now I have three children ages 7,6 and 3. Some if it is ever new and expanding responsibilities at work and the volume of training involved with that. This quarter I only read 23 books and of those 23 only 5 were fiction books. You can see the list of all books read here, and favourite books here. There is even a favourite list of authors each year here. 

Fiction:
1. Lucky Day - I Hunt Killers Prequel - Barry Lyga

2. The Coldest Girl in Coldtown - Holly Black

3. Little Green Men at the Mercury Inn - Greg Leitich Smith and Andrew Arnold

Non-Fiction
1. Saints Alive - Andrew M. Seddon
Volume I Saints of Empire - Volume II Celtic Paths

2. Books of Prayer - Stormie Omartian
Prayer Warrior Book Of Prayers 
The Power of A Praying Husband Book Of Prayers
The Power of A Praying Parent Book Of Prayers

3. Be A Prayer Warrior - Glenn Langohr

4. The 7-Day Prayer Warrior Experience - Stormie Omartian

5. 7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting & Prayer - Bill Bright

6. The Road We Must Travel - Francis Chan, Eugene Paterson, Bill Hybels, and many more

7. Pope John XXIII The Good Pope - Wyatt North

Relates Posts: 
Top 10 Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2010
Top 10 Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2010
Top 10 Reading Goals for 2010
Top 10 Fiction Books 3rd Quarter 2010
Top 10 Fiction Books 4th Quarter 2010
Top Ten Reading Goals For 2010 - Recap
Top 10 Fiction Books 2010
Top 10 Picture Books of 2010
Top 10 Non-Fiction Books of 2010
Top 10 Graphic Novels for 2010
Top Ten Reading Goals For 2011 
Top Ten Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2011
Top Ten Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2011
Top Ten Reading Goals for 2011 Update 
Top Ten Fiction Books 3rd Quarter 2011 
Top Ten Fictions Books 4th Quarter 2011
Top Ten Fiction Books 2011
Top Ten Reading Goals 2011 - Recap
Top Ten Reading Goals 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 3rd Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books  4th Quarter 2012
Top Ten Fiction Books 2012
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2012
Top Ten Reading Goals 2012 - Recap
Top Ten Reading Goals 2013
Top 10 Fiction Books 1st Quarter 2013
Top 10 Fiction Books 2nd Quarter 2013
Top 10 Books Second Half 2013
Top Ten Fiction Books 2013
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2013 
Top Ten Books First Quarter 2014
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2014
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2014
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2014
Top Ten Fiction Books 2014
Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2014
Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2015
Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2015

All Top Ten Lists on Book Reviews and More 

Statistics Books Read By Year:
23 - 2014 - January-March
88 -  2013
176 - 2012 
163 - 2011
302 - 2010
142 - 2009
98 - 2008
83 - 2007
191 - 2006
151 - 2005
60 - 2004
52 - 2003
97 - 2002
50 - 2001
41 - 2000
71 - 1999
73 - 1998
131 - 1997
101 - 1996

The Road We Must Travel - Francis Chan, Eugene Paterson, Bill Hybels, and many more

The Road We Must Travel
Francis Chan, Eugene Paterson, Bill Hybels and more
Worthy Publishing
ISBN 9781617952913

I read a lot of books and I have read a number of books by authors in this collection going back many years. Few books really captivate me from the beginning these days. This book did, from starting to read the introduction I could hardly out the book down. The book beings with this example:

"It's all about the blue highlight.
The paper roadmaps earlier generations used to fold, crease, scribble on, repair with Scotch tape, and spread out on kitchen tables, shady picnic benches, and the front seats of station wagons and minivans have mostly faded from view.
It's all digital now.
The new maps are bright, intuitive, up-to-date, high-definition depictions glowing on the screens of smart phones, tablets, laptops, and sleek GPS units. These are maps that don't tear along the folds, wedge themselves between car seats, or soak up spilled coffee. You don't have to turn the glove compartment inside out to find them, and it doesn't take an engineering degree to refold them. You simply type in where you are, where you want to go and . . . voilà. There it is. The sweet certainty of what you wanted to know.
The blue highlight.
That calming, comforting, unmistakable sapphire line overlaying your course, illuminating your way, boldly directing you from Point A to Point B by the most efficient route.
Now . . . if only we had a blue highlight in life.
Wouldn't that be something? Key in where you are right now, enter "Heaven" as your final destination, and push the button. And there before your appreciative eyes is the course for the rest of your life-from now until you step across the threshold of glory.
But it doesn't work that way, does it? It's good and it's comforting to have a Point A and a Point B in our lives, but where is the line marking our route? What's around the bend? Where are the intersections?
What's the mileage? Will it be an eight-lane freeway or a winding, backcountry road with a few bridges washed out along the way?
How long will it take? Where are the exits, vistas, scenic byways, and rest stops?
We can ask all the specifics we like, but it really won't help. No one knows the precise route each of us will take to the other side.
There may be a clear destination-and thank God for that-but there is no blue highlight marking the course from here to there.
Sometimes that's okay, and sometimes it is not. We might even identify with Thomas who, in the grip of sorrow and fear, blurted out, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"1
Jesus, of course, told his anxious friend, "I am the way."
And he is! But he doesn't show any of us a highlighted route.
That remains a day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment proposition.
As Solomon noted: "The mind of man plans his way, but the
Lord directs his steps."2
We can, however, do this much: We can make sure we are prepared for the journey, no matter what the route might be. This book is all about that. It's not a road atlas, it's more like a travelogue, with strong ideas and helps for navigating life. No, it's not exactly like Rick Steves Does Europe, but here are twelve wise, seasoned, and companionable travelers who offer thoughtful, biblical counsel for our problems, solutions to common roadblocks, and welcome encouragement for the highway that lies ahead.
Yes, like it or not, we're all on the same road trip.
But not all of us travel with peace and perspective.
With a little help from these friends, maybe we can."

I was part way through reading this and stopped and read it out loud to my wife. We both thought of people who would love it. And the book goes on from there and just keeps getting better. This book was an amazing read. It is a wonderful collection of articles to help you on the journey of life. The contributors are:

Francis Chan
Eugene Paterson
Bill Hybels
Ruth Barton
Gordon MacDonald
Mark Buchanan
Nathan Conrad
Steve May
Tullian Tchividjian
Skye Jethani
Mark Labberton
Donald Sunukjian

And the chapters are:

Contents:
Introduction
Part I: Roadworthy
1. The Need for Honest Self-Assessment - Gordon MacDonald
2. Look at Yourself First - Bill Hybels
3. Avoiding Cultural Contamination - Mark Buchanan
4. The Fall - Nathan Conrad
Part II: Necessary Repairs
5. Tuning Your Engine - Francis Chan
6. Sharpen Your Sixth Sense - Bill Hybels
7. Reading the Bible Spiritually - Eugene Peterson
8. Tame the Restless Evil - Steve May
Part III: Washouts and Detours
9. Trouble Happens - Tullian Tchividjian
10. The Art of Managing Conflict - Gordon MacDonald
11. Bad Situations Are Great Opportunities - Mark Buchanan
Part IV: Traveling Light
12. A Steady Rhythm - Ruth Haley Barton
13. The Crucial Need for Regular Rest - Gordon MacDonald
14. Striving for Simplicity - Mark Buchanan
Part V: Peripheral Vision
15. Mentoring Others to Spiritual Maturity - Gordon MacDonald
16. Yield the Right-of-Way - Skye Jethani
17. The First Rule of the Road: Love - Mark Labberton
18. See with the Eyes of a Doctor - Donald Sunukjian
Notes

I think my favourite chapters was Mark Buchanan's - Avoid Cultural Contamination. This was an awesome read and I highly recommend it!

7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer - Bill Bright

7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting & Prayer
Bill Bright
New Life Publications
ISBN 1563990733
ISBM 9781563990731

This little booklet packs a lot of spiritual punch. I first read this book about 25 years ago while in university. Based on some life circumstances both in our own family and so many friends lives I have started going back and have been rereading many of the early books from my spiritual formation. I remember reading a lot of books by Bill Bright, but this volume is short and directly to the point. The chapters are:

A Personal Word
How to Begin Your Fast
Step 1 Set. Your Objective
Step 2 Make Your Commitment
Step 3 Prepare Yourself Spiritually
Step 4 Prepare Yourself Physically
While You Fast
Step 5 Put Yourself on a Schedule
Breaking Your Fast
Step 6 End Your Fast Gradually
A Final word
Step 7 Expect Results
Appendix
How to Experience and Maintain Personal Revival
Six Vital Questions About Prayer

I really believe that all Christian's so be fasting as part of their spiritual development and practice of spiritual disciplines. So many people I know have tough life circumstances, finances, marriages, work the list of things that can go wrong in life is almost endless. I do not believe fasting will always get you what you want. But I do believe that fasting with a purpose and intent changes you and how you respond to situations, and how you see God working in them. In the gospel of Mark 9:29 Jesus states, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting." Bill bright in this book give simple clear instructions on why too fast and also how to fast. He guides you through successful fasts, from 1 mean to 40 days. 

Fasting is like any other muscle or exercise it takes work, but this book is a great starting point for the beginner or someone getting back at it. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey this book can be for you and your growth!

Lent 2014 Some Reflections

Lent 2014 Some Thoughts

We are almost half way through Lent and this year has been different for me than many before. Lent is usually a time of intense reading, or to be specific intense spiritual reading for me. This year I did not build a list of books I wanted to read or reread. Instead I found myself struggling prior to Lent even with what to give up this year. In the past I have given up coffee, ice cream, meat and many other things over the years. I was at a loss for what to do. Then a few days before Lent began Kevin Lowry posted a great article from Our Sunday Visitor called the 1-1-1 Plan by Greg Erlandson - basically 1 sin to work on, add one thing to your routine and give up one thing. The concept of this from Father James Shafer really caught with me. It has been an interesting walk during these first 20 days.

The second thing that has been very powerful for me this Lent is Father Robert Barron's daily reflections from Word on Fire. But to be honest the one that has stuck with me the most was Lent Day 7 - How to Make Room for Life's Biggest Questions in it Fr. Barron States: "The 17th-century French philosopher Blaise Pascal said that most of us spend our lives seeking diversions in a desperate attempt to avoid the hard and simple questions: Who am I? What is the purpose of my life? What does God want of me?

We eat and drink, gamble and gossip, seek out the most banal entertainments, surrender to television and social media, attend party after party-all in order to avoid those questions.

Right now, identify the diversion that most distracts you from these questions. Then take some practical steps to rid yourself of it, or at least reduce it.

Are you preoccupied with eating and drinking? Then fast regularly. Do you watch too much television or spend too much time on Facebook? Then give yourself a specific limit. Do you indulge in idle chatter? Then resolve not to say anything mean about anybody (you'll find that your conversations are a lot shorter!) Do you socialize too much? Then refrain from non-essential parties for the rest of Lent.

Clear the ground. Clean out the system. Make room for yourself to ask and reflect on life's most important questions.

To follow Jesus into the desert is to divest yourself of diversions. It is to sacrifice the superficial so that the depth may rise. It is to still the chatter so that God's voice might be heard." I have left it in my inbox. Gone back an read it every day. I have shared it with Catholic and Protestant friends. It is an amazing piece.

Another great resource that really has me thinking and implementing it a website called What To Give Up For Lent. Basically each day you get an email or a tweet with something to do or not do for that next day. Some of them are really challenging, and some of them you will carry with you for days.

The next thing was a book I read this weekend. It also happen's to be free currently in eBook format from a number of sites. The book is Pope John XXIII the Good Pope by Wyatt North. It was a great little read and has inspired me to dig deeper in to John XXIII's life before his canonization later this spring. You can get the Wyatt North ebooks from amazon.com, amazon.ca, amazon.co.uk, iBooks, Kobo, Google Play, and Barnes & Nobel.

The last thing that really impacted me this weekend was the song and video Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher. This song completely blew me away. About my 5th time listening through it I started to cry. There is also a version of it he did live at World Youth Day 2013 in Rio. The song is incredible and is my prayer for the rest of Lent 2014.

Blessings and prayers on you my friends and readers this Lenten season and beyond.

Peace and Strength!
Yours, learning to be
Steven R. McEvoy
 

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"Now we can travel with more books stored in our telephones than the ancient Egyptians kept in their vast library at Alexandria."
           Mike Aquilina

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           Erasmus

Coconut Vanilla - Smoothie Saturday

Coconut Vanilla

Ingredients:
1tbsp Chia Seeds
1tbsp Flax Seeds
3tbsp Hemp Hearts
2tbsp Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
1 Cup Frozen Raspberries
1 Cup Vanilla Almond Milk
1 tsp Vanilla extract
Water to max line

Place seeds, hemp hearts with enough cold water to cover. Add rest of ingredients and cold filtered water to max line then blend until thick and frothy. Makes 2 - 8.25 ounce servings.

Nutritional Information:
236 Calories
15g Carbs
17g Fat
10g Protein
7g Sugar
11g Fiber

Quick Tips:
I put the chia seeds, flax seeds and hemp hearts in the blender with a touch of water and let them soak while prepping the rest.

I will continue to post new recipes from time to time on Saturday as I experiment with Smoothie and Juice recipes. And I collect mine and favourites from around the web you can find them shared here in a OneNote notebook, there are subsections for Juices, Smoothies, Gluten Free Options and Other.