Surprised by Oxford

I wasn't sure what to expect by this title, Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber. First, I didn't realize it was as long as it was when I requested it, but that was fine because..... it is so beautifully written and so insightful that I stayed up all night to read it! In fact, this is already on my list of books to purchase for Christmas Gifts for some of the "academics' in my life that are interested or attended Oxford, or simply are infatuated with it.

It seems that many don't believe that Intellectuals still would entertain seriously the thought that God is real, but as this memoir points out, people do and in fact, Jesus is one of those subjects that everyone has an opinion about and many are still actively seeking truth, even in places like Oxford.

This, at its heart, is a conversion story but one that is beautiful and romantic and honest as well. It is long but so well written it is a joy to read. This is an encouraging book, one that I want to share with others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <[...]> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

With

I must say, the title "With" didn't make me want to read this book but I'm so glad I did! With is the name of a book by Skye Jethani and in it he points out four ways churches and Christians are in error in their attempt to follow or experience God.

The four ways are:

Life Over God
Life From God
Life For God and
Life Under God.

As I was talking with a friend about this he mentioned that it's all about balance, but the author points to the answer as life with God, which is a relationship with God.

I thought this book did a great job of mentioning the pitfalls that each of the four positions hold but I don't think that "life with God' is as clear cut as it seems. Still, an excellent book.

I was provided with this book by Thomas Nelson for free. I am not required to write a favorable review.

Our Last Great Hope

I was fortunate enough to read the Last Great Hope by Ronnie Floyd. It is a challenging book that is mostly about evangelism, though he touches on other things as well. He encourages evangelism and mission trips, has ideas on how the whole family can get involved, entire churches, etc. He rightly says that this is not an option; the great commission is a command and we are supposed to go out and make disciples.

I enjoyed this book, though at times it came across as guilt inducing. Still, he's right to proclaim a sense of urgency.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson in their Booksneeze program.

Stained Glass Hearts

Stained Glass Hearts is a book by Women of Faith speaker, Patsy Clairmont. I hadn't ever read a book by her but know several friends that are going to an upcoming Women of Faith event so I was intrigued by this book.

It's an encouraging, easy book to read in a style that is akin what you might here at a conference from a speaker. She's funny, witty, insightful and engaging as she gives hope that it is in our broken pieces that God can create something beautiful.

Much of the book she recounts her own experience. I enjoyed reading about how she was moving and all of the sudden, when she needed it the most, several people showed up to help. Strangers even. And all because the need went out on the church's twitter feed. It reminded me the value and potential social media has.

And that's just one of the stories. She has many and they are all fun to read and with a lot of wisdom in her words. I didn't like the "fluffy" style at times but I still enjoyed reading this book.

Enemies of the Heart

Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley is a re-release of It Came From Within, and I think there's a reason it was re-released: Because it is good! Convicting, but really good. In this book Mr. Stanley addresses guilt, anger, greed and jealousy, something I think we all struggle with if we're honest with ourselves.

This is the first book I've read by Andy Stanley and I wasn't sure I'd like it or the subject matter, but it is a compelling book, written in a way that is convicting yet gentle. This is a very practical book and even if you don't think you have a "problem" with these issues, you might be surprised at how subtly these four things creep in and take ahold of life.

J.R.R. Tolkien

JRR Tolkien by Mark Horne is another biography in the Christian Encounter Series. This is a short, "introduction" type biography of J.R.R. Tolkien. It's only about 160 pages and reads quickly, as the subject itself is fascinating. So fascinating that I often was hoping to read more.

If you don't know much about Tolkien, this biography should satisfy you but if you are a LOTR lover, you might wish to choose another biography to read, not because this one was "bad" but because I'm sure there is so much more a longer, more detailed biography would cover.

Still, this short biography is worth reading and will provide you with even more reasons to love Tolkien and want to read (or re-read) his stories!

Jesus, My Father, The CIA an Me

I didn't expect this book to be as riveting or as honest as it was. It was an insightful and interesting view of childhood with an alcoholic father and the catholic religion, as well as the author's personal struggles with drinking and depression. It was beautifully written in a way that was honest yet dignified. 

This was at times painful to read but with such beautiful honesty and without a hint of being sugar coated that I think most anyone would enjoy this book. I know I did. 

Thanks Thomas Nelson for providing a copy free of charge through your booksneeze program.