5 of 5 stars *****
The Pocket Catechism of the Constitution of the United States is written just under 40 years after the Constitution is ratified. Even then, the bulk of the population in America prove to be deficient in knowledge about this incredible document. The onus is on parents and teachers to educate subsequent generations about the beauty of this cogent, thoughtful concept of law which recognizes God as the Supreme Being without the coronation of any one religion as the ruling faith in this country. The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land. This small catechism is written for young men, back in the day, but is a refreshing update for today's youth and adult men and women. Since its writing, one can see how the conniving nature of man tries to interpret its wording, the Spirit of the Law, to fit their own agenda, whether for party or individual. Their efforts restrict American individuals' and states' sovereignty, their liberties and their rights as government grows larger and the masses become placated to indifference. This free work of importance is highly recommended lest the greatest society to exist in all of history be undermined by the power-hungry evils of avarice.
3 out of 5 ***
Beth Moore recounts David's life in the Bible and describes how he demonstrates the best and the worst of mankind as a sinner and the apple of God's eye. This book elaborates on scripture to show the qualities necessary to please God, to praise God, and to repent wholeheartedly when the transgressions and iniquities occur as they do with David. David is the the best example of one who does not give up on God, one who attributes all of his success and glory to God, and one who receives the unconditional love of God. Beth Moore points out that David conscientiously shepherds his sheep as a boy and continues that considerate protection for his people as a man. In times of trial and desperation, David finds a way, with his faith in the Lord, to come out better because of it. In this way God hones the brave David into a man after His own heart.
4 of 5 stars ****
This book is well researched and very interesting. The descendants of the real characters from Salem of 1692 are quite different than the personalities that populate this story. Stacy Schiff does an excellent job presenting the documentation in a professional manner. All of that information can read a little dry, at times, but the knowledge that this is the actual history of this Massachusetts colony intrigues the reader.
Schiff provides a privileged peek into the psycho-social interactions of a British colony led by a sophisticated Harvard graduate whose border disputes, tax structures, and religious hysteria cause strife and shame upon the people who perpetuate the madness with a conversion of fear and hate into Satan's mischief. The Witches: Salem, 1692, demonstrates that bad decisions coupled with bad enforcement of such decisions breeds the worst results. Salem, Massachusetts, is forever a reference to man's attempt to control human behavior based on one's interpretation of man's law rather than observing God's law with the compassion of the Gospel, the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.
5 of 5 stars *****
The Explore the Bible series of adult personal study guides by LifeWay is an excellent Bible study that is enriched every Sunday in a classroom atmosphere known as a Life Group. This edition, Matthew 1-13, includes a bonus article at the end of the 13 chapters studied over 13 weeks. That article is a current testimony by Grammy Award-winning artist, Lecrae, who confesses a decision he makes in his youth that haunts him until he stops suppressing the Spirit with alcohol and drugs. His prideful ego keeps him from obeying his conscience which knows right from wrong. Since admitting his sinful ways publicly, he is now a happy man with a family, closer to God. Matthew 1-13 is the gospel that shows how Jesus teaches in parables. Matthew, once a tax collector, stops serving the earthly king to serve the King of kings. He presents Jesus as the one the Old Testament prophesies. The study includes Christ's baptism, His temptation in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights, miracles in public to show His divinity, and His public teaching; the Sermon on the Mount, in particular. This reader, the class, and the teacher of this Life Group, learn more about the Beatitudes and their application than we ever have.This edition also provides social media sites for Explore the Bible so each study is available on Twitter, Facebook, and a blog to which one may subscribe.
5 of 5 stars *****
Ron Paul writes a very compelling book for the free market, freedom, and liberty. His points are well substantiated with credible research and common sense logic. This author has the inside scoop on the workings of government which make him privy to the truth behind the intentions that crank the wheels of policies and regulations. His point is well taken that the more regulation, the larger the size of government, the less liberty there is. This structure favors only those in power who deceive the voters into thinking what they do for their constituents is for their good; when actually, their efforts only lead to increases in poverty and suppressing freedom while enriching those in power. This book covers the controversial subjects of today: Abortion, Economics, Bipartisanship, Big Business, Capital Punishment, the CIA and Homeland Security, Civil Disobedience, Democracy, Discrimination, Education, Foreign Policy, Global Warming, Gun Control, Insurance, Lobbying, Medical Care, Morality, Political Correctness, Racism, Religion, Slavery, States Rights, Taxes, Terrorism, Unions, and Zionism. I left a few chapters out but they are related to these subjects which are comprehensive. The author is sensible enough to realize that the changes needed to recapture the liberties that made America great are not easy to restore. This author has a higher opinion of Ron Paul since reading Liberty Defined: 50 essential issues that affect our freedom.
3 of 5 stars ***
Evil possession drives people to go mad and kill. This is a story about that realization as a man shoots his friend but swears who he shoots is not his friend but something else. In an attempt to kill the evil, a woman is beaten with a candlestick and buried in a basement. Incarceration of the murderer in an asylum reveals a juxtaposition with that corpse; the evil, once again, loose.
H. P. Lovecraft writes a chilling story that inspires others who write and produce spin-offs of his theme of evil among us. He takes the reader inside the psyche of a killer who rationalizes his actions and experiences insanity as a result. The Thing on the Doorstep is a short, macabre tale worthy of Edgar Allen Poe mention.
4 of 5 stars ****
The Chimes, is classic Dickens rich with description and mood. The narrator for this Audio version is Richard Armitage, who is superb delivering its content. More than the story, itself, the richness of Dickens's choice of words creates visions and sensations worthy of captivating audiences, whether they be listeners or readers. Case in point, quote from, The Chimes:
Chapter Three, Third Quarter:
Black are the brooding clouds and troubled the deep waters when the sea of thought, first, heaving from a calm, gives up its dead. Monsters uncouth and wild arise in premature, imperfect resurrection. The several parts and shapes of things are joined and mixed by chance and when and how and by what wonderful degrees, each separate from each and every sense an object from the mind, resumes its usual form and lives again. No man, though every man is, every day, the casket of this type of the great mystery, can tell.
Listening to this short novel requires the listener to pay attention 'lest they miss the beauty of such prose.
