Wednesday, 15 June 2016

Divine Mercy Image Explained - Father Michael E. Gaitley


Divine Mercy Image Explained:
Includes Enthronement Prayers
Michael E. Gaitley
Marian Press
ASIN B00LWHS6RY
ISBN 9781596142770

 This was the second book by Father Gaitley that I have read this year. My introduction to his writing was his piece in the collection Beautiful Mercy, and I followed that up with his Divine Mercy Explained. From having read that book I was expecting lot from this book and it delivered in full. 

 The chapters in the book are as follows:
Author's Preface
Introduction
The Grace of the Image
  • Tradition: Sacred Art
  • Tradition: Prophetic Witness
The Meaning of the Image
  • The Rays
  • Jesus, I Trust in You
  • The Gaze
  • A Truly Sacred Image
The Enthronement of the Image
  • An Invitation to Jesus, the Divine Mercy
  • How to Make the Invitation (Offering)
  • Divine Mercy Enthronement
Conclusion
Appendix One: A Meditation on the Image
Appendix Two: Articles on the Image
  • "The Power of the Image"
  • "Fr. Joseph's Dream Come True"
Appendix Three: Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Endnotes
Divine Mercy Resources

 Father Gaitley does an amazing job of distilling the meaning of Divine Mercy image. He does so in a very accessible way. His research is extensive, her personal devotion comes through and will challenge the reader. There is a great section about meditating on the image, in our parish there is a very large version of the divine image. I love spending time praying before it, as do my three children. After reading this book I plan on getting high quality copies of the Divine Mercy image for their bedrooms. 

 This book challenged my devotion, it helped open me to more grace in my life, and to be open to growing and extending more grace to others. 

 This is an amazing read and to be honest you cannot beat the price. When you combine it with the message of Father Michael's other book Divine Mercy Explained they are excellent tools in your spiritual tool box. Give this book a try I am sure you will not be disappointed.

Other books about Divine Mercy and Saint Faustina:

Books by Michael E. Gaitley:
33 Days to Morning Glory
33 Days to Merciful Love
40 Days to Mercy
Consoling the Heart of Jesus
Divine Mercy Explained
The Divine Mercy Image Explained
The One Thing Is Three
The Second Greatest Story Ever Told
You Did It To Me
Marian Missionaries of Divine Mercy Missionary Handbook
Nine Days to Joseph: A Novena in Preparation for Consecration to St. Joseph

DVD Series by Father Michael E. Gaitley:
Divine Mercy In The Second Greatest Story Ever Told
You Did It to Me: Putting Mercy Into Action
33 Days to Morning Glory - Group Retreat
Consoling The Heart Of Jesus - Group Retreat
Wisdom And Works Of Mercy - Group Study Dvd

Contributed to:
Beautiful Mercy
Divine Mercy for Moms

(Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
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Monday, 13 June 2016

Song of the Poison Dragon - Tracey West and Graham Howells - Dragon Masters #5


Song of the Poison Dragon
Dragon Masters #5
Tracey West (Author)
Damien Jones (Illustrator)
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545913874

 This series really has staying power. With my two youngest children there are few chapter books that we have read more than once, let alone whole series. This is the first series I recall we have read through twice and are eagerly awaiting the next instalment. The Dragon Masters is a great series that children and those who read to them will both enjoy.

 One of the nice things about this series is that it is a true series. Each story builds upon the next. Now yes that are strong enough to be read on their own, but as a whole we get to watch the growth of the group as they come together as a team and learn to work together and support each other. In this latest offering the Dragon stone has chosen a new dragon master, Petra and her great uncle had also been a dragon master. She seems to know a lot about dragons and their abilities, but when it comes time for her to meet her Hydra and bond with it, something just seems off. 

 Even though Petra seems like a know-it-all, she also seems afraid. She is far from home and knows that there are high expectations upon her. When King Roland plans on show casing the dragons especially the new Hydra and Petra to Queen Rose the day after Petra's arrival, things go bad quickly. Soon the King is poisoned and all the dragon masters are searching for a cure. Will they find something in their books, or will Petra and the Hydra make connecting in time to save the King?

 My children love the illustrations by Graham Howells, the often go back to look at previous illustrations or sneak ahead to get a glimpse of what is coming next. Add to the excellent drawings wonderful stories and it makes for some great reading time.

 These books are enjoyed by the whole family. The younger kids like having them read to them. My oldest enjoys listening or taking a turn reading to her siblings. And there is a great series of questions at the end of the book to help make sure children comprehend the story. Set at a grade 2 reading level in our house these are enjoyed from Kindergarten to grade 4. The kids love these books and therefore come with their seal of approval. 

Dragon Master Books:
1. Rise of the Earth Dragon
2. Saving the Sun Dragon
3. Secret of the Water Dragon
4. Power of the Fire Dragon
5. Song of the Poison Dragon
6. Flight of the Moon Dragon
7. Search for the Lightning Dragon








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Friday, 10 June 2016

3 Methods of Prayer That Will Change Your Life - Philip Kosloski


3 Methods of Prayer That Will Change Your Life
Philip Kosloski
Philip A. Kosloski
ASIN B01CEVSJ50

 This was the second book by Philip Kosloski that I have read. For the price it is a great deal. The book reads more like an essay or university assignment, and I do not mean that in a derogatory way. It is short, concise, and yet packed with useful information. In the introduction Philip states:

 "Prayer, above all else, is a relationship. As Saint Therese so eloquently put it, "For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy (Story of a Soul)." This quote was deliberately put at the very start of the Catechism 's section on "What is Prayer" and should always be kept in mind. Prayer is an action of the heart, as we cry out to God and lay before Him all of our needs and worries."

 And later he goes on to iterate:

 "With that said, here are three methods of prayer that have the power to change your life. I am not saying that you must use these methods and do so in a systematic way. I am simply offering these to you to take on your quest to draw closer to the heart of God."

 The three methods that he highlights in this book are:

 1. Heart to Heart
2. Acknowledge. Relate. Receive. Respond (ARRR)
3. Lectio Divina

 Now he freely acknowledges there are many methods of prayer, but these are three drawn from church history, the saints and personal experience that he has found helpful for growth and deepening of a prayer life. And if a reader applies the information I am sure it will be beneficial for them as well.

 As I mentioned I picked up this book and read it, immediately after finishing The Basic Field Manual for Hearing God's Voice, This is another good read for an amazing price. I just wish some of his other books were available on Amazon also. It also has an excellent appendix with a great list of further readings. So in summary good book, great price and excellent jumping off point to go deeper in your prayer life.

(Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
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Wednesday, 8 June 2016

Divine Mercy Explained - Father Michael E. Gaitley


Divine Mercy Explained:
Keys to the Message and Devotion
Michael E. Gaitley
Marian Press
ASIN B00H59NEAW

My introduction to Father Michael Gaitley's writing was his piece in the collection Beautiful Mercy, and since then I have read a few of his books starting with this one. I must admit when I first took a look at the eBook I was a little disappointed that the main part of the book was only 17 pages long, but after reading the book and the extensive appendixes it made a lot more sense. And I was very grateful for the teaching and instruction provided via this volume.

The chapters in the book are as follows:
Introduction
The Message of Divine Mercy
Tapping Into the Graces
Conclusion
Appendix One: Divine Mercy Prayers
  • Chaplet of Divine Mercy
  • Novena to Divine Mercy
  • St. Faustina's Litany of Divine Mercy
Appendix Two: Divine Mercy Wisdom from the Popes
  • Top Ten 'Mercy Quotes' from Pope John Paul II
  • Top Ten 'Mercy Quotes' from Pope Benedict XVI
  • Pope John Paul II's Definitions of Mercy
Endnotes
Divine Mercy Resources

Father Gaitley does an excellent job of distilling the message and history of Divine Mercy in a way that easily attainable way. He provides a lot of practical examples of how to incorporate the spiritual practice in your personal and family life. The prayers broken down separately at the end make a great teaching tool, and in eBook format you can easily have them with you on your phone or tablet all the time.

The second appendix drawing from the teachings of Saint Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI from their writings help us to go deeper into this mystery. At my parish there is a very large painting of Divine Mercy, which was done by a friend of the former pastor. I have been fascinated by it since we started attending there a few years ago, as it is the parish associated my with children's school. I wish I had read this book earlier. Because I love spending time praying in church before the tabernacle, a statue or Mary and the painting.

If you are looking for a quick easy to understand introduction to the teachings surrounding Divine Mercy this is the book for you, and likely it will serve as a jumping off pint into further studies. It is a good book that I can highly recommend!

Other books about Divine Mercy and Saint Faustina:

Books by Michael E. Gaitley:
33 Days to Morning Glory
33 Days to Merciful Love
40 Days to Mercy
Consoling the Heart of Jesus
Divine Mercy Explained
The Divine Mercy Image Explained
The One Thing Is Three
The Second Greatest Story Ever Told
You Did It To Me
Marian Missionaries of Divine Mercy Missionary Handbook
Nine Days to Joseph: A Novena in Preparation for Consecration to St. Joseph

DVD Series by Father Michael E. Gaitley:
Divine Mercy In The Second Greatest Story Ever Told
You Did It to Me: Putting Mercy Into Action
33 Days to Morning Glory - Group Retreat
Consoling The Heart Of Jesus - Group Retreat
Wisdom And Works Of Mercy - Group Study Dvd

Contributed to:
Beautiful Mercy
Divine Mercy for Moms

 (Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
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Sunday, 5 June 2016

The Life God Wants You To Have - Gregory K Popcak - Discovering The Divine Plan When Human Plans Fail


The Life God Wants You To Have
Discovering The Divine Plan When Human Plans Fail
Gregory K. Popcak Ph.D.
Crossroad Publishing Company
ISBN 9780824526962

I picked up this book after listening to some audio presentations by Gregory K. Popcak. And to be honest this book was an incredible read. In the introduction Dr. Popcak uses an example of horses and zebras. The premise is that in life when we are thinking about changes either in our careers, marriages, and relationships often we are horses who want to be zebras. We want a major change and we want it now. We desire to jump the fence and join the zebras because their grass is greener. When in fact most of the time we need to work on being better horses where we are. Instead of getting a divorce and starting over, work on who you are and work on the relationship. Most of the time we what to make that chance because of being bored. Instead of changing jobs, become the best horse in the job you currently have. No he does state that for major life decisions sometimes we are being called to jump that fence but not for marriage and only after great discernment.

And that is what the rest of the book does. It teaches you how to discern if you are a horse that needs to be better at what and where you are. And if that is not the case it gives you the tools to help decide if God really is calling you to a major change and how to pursue it if that is the case. Dr. Popcak states: "That a sense of meaning comes from attempting to use fully the gifts you have been given for the good of others and the glory of God in whatever circumstances you find yourself. While certain activities may be more meaningful than others because they give you a greater opportunity to use your gifts, all activities can be the source of a sense of meaningfulness - to one degree or another - if you are constantly striving to bring everything you have to the task at hand, whether that task is a job, role, or relationship. By contrast, a sense of boredom and meaninglessness comes when we hold back. Every time we merely act as if we are going through the motions, or we treat the work or relationships we have in too casual a manner, we rob a moment of its potential to be meaningful, and therefore to be a source of joy." Basically we get bored and want change because we are not really putting in the effort. And if that is the case we need to learn to work at being a better horse, not trying to be a zebra. The grass is not greener in that other job, in that other relationship, it only appears that way and once the novelty wears off we are back in the same place.  Dr. Popcak illustrates each chapter with a number of case studies from his years in practice. The order of the book is:

Part One: Getting Started
1. "When I grow up …"
2. You Have to Start With Yourself
a. Meaningfulness Quiz
b. Intimacy Quiz
c. Virtue Quiz

Part Two: Walking in F.A.I.T.H.
3. Follow the Rules for Healthy Discernment
4. Act, Even When in Doubt
5. Investigate the Causes of Your Anxiety
6. Take Others into Account
7. Hold On Through Adversity

Part Three: Further Steps:
8. Conclusion - Moving from Suffering to Surrender
9. Epilogue: Finding Strength in Community

Throughout this book Dr. Popcak teaches us strategies to discern God's direction for our life; especially if the life we thought we were called to life is falling apart. He teaches us to seek our guidance from the Holy Spirit, from others in our circles and if needed from professional counsellors. I know many people who have been through hardships in relationships, or careers who moved to a new pasture because they thought the grass was greener; when all that happened was they ended up making major changes again often in a short time. This book could have saved them a lot of heartache, pain, uncertainty and even loss.

I highly recommend this book, and know that even I will be rereading it again.


Books by Gregory K. Popcak:
Parenting With Grace
Holy Sex!
For Better Forever
Beyond The Birds And The Bees
The Exceptional Seven Percent
Broken Gods
Just Married
The Life God Wants You To Have
God Help Me
Then Comes Baby
When Divorce Is Not An Option
Life Shouldn't Look Like This
A Marriage Made For Heaven
How To Find True Love
In Love For Life
And There Was No One There To Comfort Me
Parent Power
Rise Up And Walk

 Audio Lectures from Lighthouse:
Calming The Emotional Storms
For Better Forever
A Guide To Raising (Almost) Perfect Kids

Making P.E.A.C.E. With Difficult People

(Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
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Friday, 3 June 2016

30 Days of Optimal Living - Jared Zimmerer


30 Days of Optimal Living
Achieving Greatness in Mind, Body, And Soul
Bohemond Press
ISBN 9780692611241

Jared Zimmerer is a man of many hats, he works full time in ministry, he is an author, podcaster, father husband and friend. And in all of that he is exemplary of striving to find balance between mind, body and spirit. This is the third book of his that I have read, and it did not disappoint. Both of his other books I have read in eBook format (which is my preferred format) I waited a number of months after this book came out in order to pick it up when I was breaking down and buying a few physical books. It was my loss that I did not give it a go earlier. 

The purpose of this book is really to help you grow, but to grow in all areas of your life. It is intended to challenge the reader in all three areas of their life. It is also written to encourage us, and it was written to be a guide and help us develop skills for continuing our growth after the 30 days. At the beginning of the book is a list of Requirements of Optimal Living:
  • Desires results over comfort
  • Desires a strong body, a strong mind and a strong spirit
  • Desires integrity, courage and honesty
  • Desires work ethic and drive to succeed
  • Desires knowledge of humanity on many planes
  • Desires awareness of the unseen
  • Desires to shape one's environment rather than be shaped by it
That is a pretty serious list of requirements, but if you are willing to man up and give it a go this book can help build mental, spiritual and physical muscle for you and give you tools to continue on. After that challenging list we are provided with a limited list of approved foods; proteins, carbs, fats, veggies. The goal is also to eliminate fruits and alcohol for the 30 days. These 30 days are designed to help is establish discipline and focus so buckle down and give it a try. 

After a brief word or caveat on each of the three target areas we are presented with three pages for each day of this journey. Each day is broken down into three focuses, and you guessed it, body, mind and spirit. The physical component is some quick body weight exercises at 5am, a main workout and a target for total carbs for the day. Next is the mental component, a reading for reflection. Some of these meditations are from philosophers, Yeats, Bruce Lee, C.S. Lewis and many more. And yes some of them are hard, but read them and if needed reread them. And finally for the spiritual there is a section for meditation, we are instructed to find a quiet place, then quiet ourselves, and finally reflect and journal on 3 questions each day. 

The book is intended to be a guide; a guide to help you to establishing habits for physical, mental and spiritual growth. It will show you that you can do it. It will help you to establish new or greater discipline in your life, and how to continue that growth on after reading the book. And if you are still struggling start over and do another 30 days.

Is the book perfect, no it is not. If you do not have access to a full gym with cables and such you will need to come up with your own modifications for some exercises. It would be great if there was a substitution chart if you have only dumbbells or dumbbells and barbells. But overall it is a very very good tool to help you grow. C.S. Lewis stated "Mere change is not growth. Growth is the synthesis of change and continuity, and where there is no continuity there is no growth." This book will help you grow and what more could we ask for!

Books by Jared Zimmerer:
The Ten Commandments of Lifting Weights
Man Up!: Becoming the New Catholic Renaissance Man
Building A Classic Physique

Moses The Black:
Moses the Black Book 1


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Wednesday, 1 June 2016

Kringle - Tony Abbott


Kringle
Tony Abbott
Greg Call (Illustrator)
Scholastic
ISBN 9780439749428

 Kringle is an epic story, or really a series of epic stories woven together. We have Kringle and the Goblins, Kringle and the pirates, Kringle and the magic sled, Kringle and the elves, and Kringle and Saint Alban. But what we have most of all is story and story at its finest.   Madeline L'Engle says about the power of story: "We are all strangers in a strange land, longing for home, but not quite knowing what or where home is. We glimpse it sometimes in our dreams, or as we turn a corner, and suddenly there is a strange, sweet familiarity that vanishes almost as soon as it comes. In literature the longing for home is found in the many stories of paradise, of the forgotten place where we once belonged." This longing is filled through story, and as such, story encourages and challenges all aspects of spirituality, and if we allow it all aspects of life.  This story has that power.

 Over the last six years I have read 22 books by Tony Abbott, spanning from young readers to some very good fiction.  I have enjoyed many, reread a number with my children and loved a number of them. Yet even with saying all of that, his one is by far the best I have read yet. C.S. Lewis stated "It is very rarely that a middle-aged man finds an author who gives him, what he knew so often in his teens and twenties, the sense of having opened a new door." in On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature, and this book achieves that feat.  

 This is not your typical retelling of the story of Kringle, Pere Noel, Father Christmas, Father Frost, Father Christmas that has been taken over and obscured by popular culture. Nor is it the retelling of Nicholas of Myra or Bari depending on the legends you know. But is melds the legends, into story and the story into truth that will speak to our hearts.

 This story is set in the early 400's as the Romans are pulling out of Britain , the pirates of Saxons were raiding aplenty, and hermits and holy men like Alban roamed the countryside. Into this time of darkness, the light of the elves is fading, and the darkness of the goblins rising. And into this battle is born one, an orphan from birth, named for the sound of a bell is Kringle. And the fate of all is wound with this young man, for by his faith and his determination he slowly figures out what is to be done and how to do it. 

 The goblins have been getting bolder as the Romans retreat; they have a plan to take over the whole realm. To do this they are kidnapping children, and forcing them into slavery first in mines and then working a great war beast. For there is a prophecy of a child who will defeat the Goblin king and as such he is trying to get all children. Kringle as has been said has many adventures, and with the aid of friends and creatures is working to stop the goblins and save the children. 

 This was an incredible read. Maybe the best fiction book I have read in a long, long time. The story is wonderful, the characters amazing and the attention to detail in the scenery and travels amazing. On a side note I tend not to read many physical books these days, and this has been in my to be read pile for a few years because it is only available in physical. But it is also a stunning book to hold and read. It has a full color hard back book, the pages are edged in golden gilding, there are a number of full page illustrations by Greg Call that would be amazing to have framed in my den. There are also numerous drawings throughout the book and Celtic knots across the top of each page.

 This book is an incredible read and I highly recommend it!   
Books By Tony Abbott:
Goofballs
1. The Crazy Case of Missing Thunder (2012)
2. The Startling Story of the Stolen Statue (2012)
3. Superhero Silliness (2012)
4. The Mysterious Talent Show Mystery (2013)
5. The Scary Story of the Ha-Ha-Haunted House (2013) 

Underworlds:
1. The Battle Begins (2012)
2. When Monsters Escape (2012)
3. Revenge of the Scorpion King (2013)
4. The Ice Dragon (2013)

Danger Guys
1. Danger Guys (1994)
2. Danger Guys Blast Off (1994)
3. Hollywood Halloween (1994)
4. Danger Guys Hit the Beach (1995)
5. Danger Guys on Ice (1995)
6. Danger Guys and the Golden Lizard (1996)

Time Surfers
1. Space Bingo (1996)
2. Orbit Wipeout! (1995)
3. Mondo Meltdown (1996)
4. Into the Zonk Zone! (1996)
5. Splash Crash (1997)
6. Zero Hour (1997)
7. Shock Wave (1997)
8. Doom Star (1997)

Weird Zone
1. Zombie Surf Commandos from Mars (1996)
2. The Incredible Shrinking Kid (1996)
3. The Beast from Beneath the Cafeteria! (1996)
4. Attack of the Alien Mole Invaders! (1996)
5. The Brain That Wouldn't Obey! (1996)
6. Gigantopus from Planet X! (1997)
7. Cosmic Boy Versus Mezmo Head! (1997)
8. Revenge of the Tiki Men! (1997)

Secrets of Droon
1. The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet (1999)
2. Journey to the Volcano Palace (1999)
3. The Mysterious Island (1999)
4. City in the Clouds (1999)
5. The Great Ice Battle (1999)
6. The Sleeping Giant of Goll (2000)
7. Into the Land of the Lost (2000)
8. The Golden Wasp (2000)
9. Tower of the Elf King (2000)
10. Quest for the Queen (2000)
11. The Hawk Bandits of Tarkoom (2000)
12. Under the Serpent Sea (2001)
13. The Mask of Maliban (2001)
14. Voyage of the Jaffa Wind (2002)
15. The Moon Scroll (2002)
16. The Knights of Silversnow (2002)
Special Edition 1. The Magic Escapes (2002)
17. Dream Thief (2003)
18. Search for the Dragon Ship (2003)
19. The Coiled Viper (2003)
20. In The Ice Caves of Krog (2003)
21. Flight of the Genie (2003)
Special Edition 2. Wizard or Witch? (2004)
22. The Isle of Mists (2004)
23. The Fortress of the Treasure Queen (2004)
24. Race To Doobesh (2005)
25. The Riddle Of Zorfendorf Castle (2005)
Special Edition 3. Voyagers of the Silver Sand (2005)
26. The Moon Dragon (2006)
27. The Chariot of Queen Zara (2006)
28. In the Shadow of Goll (2006)
Special Edition 4. Sorcerer (2006)
29. Pirates of the Purple Dawn (2007)
30. Escape from Jabar-Loo (2007)
31. Queen of Shadowthorn (2007)
Special Edition 5. Moon Magic (2008)
32. Treasure of the Orkins (2008)
33. Flight of the Blue Serpent (2008)
34. In the City of Dreams (2009)
Special Edition 6. Crown of Wizards (2009)
35. The Lost Empire Of Koomba (2009)
36. Knights of the Ruby Wand (2010)
Special Edition 7. The Genie King (2010)
Special Edition 8. The Final Quest (2010)

Don't Touch That Remote
1. Sitcom School (1999)
2. The Fake Teacher (1999)
3. Stinky Business (announced, not published)
4. Freak Week (announced, not published)

Cracked Classics
1. Trapped in Transylvania: Dracula (2002)
2. Mississippi River Blues: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (2002)
3. What a Trip!: Around the World in Eighty Days (2002)
4. Humbug Holiday: A Christmas Carol (2002)
5. X Marks the Spot: Treasure Island (2003)
6. Crushing on a Capulet: Romeo and Juliet (2003)

Haunting of Derek Stone
1. City of the Dead (2009)
2. Bayou Dogs (2009)
3. The Red House (2009)
4. The Ghost Road (2009)
The Copernicus Legacy
The Forbidden Stone (2013)
The Serpent's Curse (2014

Novels
Kringle (2005)
Firegirl (2006)
The Postcard (2008)
Lunch-Box Dream (2011)

Author profile interview with Tony Abbott.

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