While Away

We haven’t posted any grammar links for a while; this post should satisfy readers awhile.

 

 

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Books Crux Staff are Reading for Advent

Advent is almost upon us — Sunday, November 29, is Advent 1. Happy Church New Year everyone!

If you are still looking for an Advent read, have a look at the books staff are reading this Advent. Sometimes the reasons we pick the books aren’t super spiritual, but maybe the books themselves will help us with that.

For Advent, Cindy is reading Light Upon Light compiled by Sarah Arthur

Why did you pick this book Cindy? “Because more than one person recommended it to me.”

For Advent, Ed is reading Against An Infinite Horizon by Ronald Rolheiser

Why this book, Ed? “Because the church librarian told me I needed to read it.”

For Advent,Heather is reading After You Believe by N.T. Wright

So, Heather, why’d you pick this book? “Because it has been sitting on my coffee table for a while.”

During Advent, Carolyn is planning to read Preparing for Christmas by Richard Rohr.

Carolyn, why did you choose this book? “Because I got it free.”

For Advent, Sheila is reading Every Valley: Advent with the Scriptures of Handel’s Messiah compiled by Jessica Miller Kelley

Why did you pick this book Sheila? “Because I love listening to Messiah.”

For Advent, Connor decided to read The Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen.

Connor, why this book now? “Because It’s red like a Starbucks Holiday Cup and is as directly related to advent as a Starbucks Holiday Cup; further, it is of interest to me because it invites self reflection.” (Way to jam all that into one sentence Connor.)

For Advent, Andrew boldly chose On the Incarnation by St. Athanasius.

Why this particular book for Advent, Andrew? “Because that’s what its all about.” (Do the Hokey-Pokey much?)

One Woman’s Plain Choices

A review of The Plain Choice: A True Story of Choosing to Live an Amish Life by Sherry Gore (Zondervan, 2015).

by Cindy Hayley

The book is the true story of a woman who chose to live an Amish life. Her story is that of a troubled young woman, whose lack of self-esteem, sense of worthlessness, and belief that she was unloved took her on a deep, dark journey of bad decisions and their resulting consequences—a journey that too many young people take. The book is brutally honest in parts and heartbreaking in others. As you read you can feel the emotional roller coaster ride of her life.

One day Sherry discovers Jesus and feels Him calling her toward a different life. Slowly,  her faith is built, a faith that can sustain her through changing circumstances. Becoming a Christian not only doesn’t solve all one’s problems, in some respects, it creates new difficulties. Sherry chooses to live her Christian life in an Amish Mennonite community, a decision that will change her inside and out. This path will lead her and her children in a direction that is different than the the direction most people’s lives take. Sherry’s choice isn’t for everyone, but everyone can read and learn from her story.

For All the Saints, or November Staff Picks

This month, in honour of All Saints Day (Nov. 1) our staff pick theme is biography. Here are our picks for the month. Stay tuned to this space for reasons for our picks.

Cindy’s Pick:

Ed’s Pick:

Heather’s Pick:

Carolyn’s Pick:

Sheila’s Pick:

Connor’s Pick:

Andrew’s Pick: