In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living: July 2021 by Dr. Charles Stanley

 

5 out of 5 stars  *****

July's daily devotionals provide spiritual growth and perspective for proper Christian behavior. A routine start of each day involves introspection, a valuable exercise when communion with the Holy Spirit emits truth. This makes discernment easier in a fallen world. Each day of the month offers a reading that shifts conscious desires from worldliness to spirituality. This devotional allows peace of mind to exist in the daily struggles one may encounter because the scrutiny of free will originates with God first; then, everything else.

 

The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli, Benedict Cumberbatch (Narrator)

 

 

5 out of 5 stars  *****

Fascinating book about the fabric of space and time, the concrete and abstract, the where and the when of life. Working theories and present day models which mathematically support such theories constitute the bulk of the book. Carlo Rovelli refers to three giants in this field, Aristotle, Newton, and Einstein, who venture far beyond the familiar acceptance of relative time; but Rovelli also mentions the invaluable genius work of many who develop the study of time, represented by the letter, "T", in their formulae. A most intriguing aspect is that time is associated with events more than components that shape and form some tangible object. The laws that affect time are also not what one expects; such as gravity which pulls in and slows down time. That force also shapes space and all of its particles. This book opens the mind to the possibilities only visited in Science Fiction. It is for the curious, if they have the time.

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl, Simon Vance (Goodreads Author) (Read by)

 

 

5 out of 5 stars  *****

A profound insight into life and death can only come from one who experiences life and death at close quarters, escapes death, and lives to not only write about it but practice his logotherapy which helps people identify spiritual problems that lead to most other problems. Basically, Frankl discovers that suffering in German Concentration Camps causes one to choose how they cope and that those who have meaning or purpose in life cope best. In wartime this means survival or not. This memoir is a fascinating horror story written in the truth about World War II and of what people are capable. The indominable human spirit and a genius psychology is the product of such a tragic lesson.

An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth: What Going to Space Taught Me About Ingenuity, Determination, and Being Prepared for Anything by Chris Hadfield

5 out of 5 stars  *****

This book dispels the flashy extravagance of the life of an astronaut and documents the constant classroom and simulation testing the job requires. Retired Colonel and Astronaut, Chris Hadfield, eloquently shares his story about what it takes to be capable, competent, and composed in life-threatening situations. An autobiographic account of his historic and meaningful life includes his relationship with family, friends, places, and teams.

Many sacrifices are necessary to accomplish the goals he and his wife establish. To be an astronaut emotional stability and even general attitude are critical. Character building depends on so many factors that shape an individual's life. The author/narrator recounts days working on the family farm where he learns accountability by fixing the things he breaks. As he matures and marries he encounters difficult decisions that demand selfless sacrifices; especially, separation from family for extended periods of time.

The recall of making the elite list and getting assigned to a mission is quite a feat. With that honor comes great responsibility. Hadfield always thinks, "What could kill me next?" Because of this he sweats the small stuff. He thinks of endless scenarios about what could go wrong, then simulates them to work out solutions, ahead of time.

Reality contrasts with appearances when a hero welcome plops the returning astronauts down in front of the world to answer questions in the frenzied hoopla going on around them. The fact that most have to be carried to the interview, stopping along the way to retch, is not too apparent. Cataloging the pros and cons of weightlessness for five months and then returning to Earth's gravity provides another arena for study and improvement.

The Learning Brain by Thad A. Polk

 

5 out of 5 stars  *****

A delightful series of seminars about the brain, how it works, and how one can best utilize it to maximize potential. The expert author and presenter, Thad A. Polk, is eloquent in his scholarly explanations that include example tests and thoughtful imaginings. These lectures are both stimulating and encouraging to those who give up trying to learn because of harmful habits and other self-induced obstacles. Polk's upbeat presentation assures that anyone can improve with time and honest effort applied to any endeavor.