The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart

*A NON-SPOILER REVIEW*

Really, really, really, really, really, really COOL book! Best "bought on a complete whim!" book that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I'm so sad it's over however, I'm equally excited to be reviewing it. I'm also very glad to know there's a sequel, which, btw, I will be purchasing post-haste!

I've put a lot of thought into this book while reading it and I'm going to make some pretty bold statements here. I've rephrased things a lot in my head before I even began to type. You'll have to read what I say here very carefully because there are a lot of things I AM saying about this book and a lot of things I'm NOT saying about this book.

First off, (no spoilers, don't worry), the Wikipedia summary of this book is as follows (and you need to know this before reading this review):

Four children, Reynie Muldoon, George "Sticky" Washington, Kate Wetherall, and Constance Contraire, pass a series of tests advertised in the newspaper and meet Mr. Benedict, a man trying to stop something known as "The Thing to Come". Mr. Benedict sends them to The Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened (L.I.V.E.), where they meet Ledroptha Curtain, a man trying to take over the world using subliminal messages.

That's the gist. Also, don't go to Wikipedia for more insight on the book because the information there is full of plot spoilers. I looked up as much information as I could find about this book and its author after reading the book. It's probably better that you do that otherwise the story will unfold for you over the internet instead of its proper source: the book itself. Just a note of warning from me to you.

I found an interview of Stewart online which you can view here if you'd like. It confirmed my suspicions that he wrote this book "all in good fun" and had no hidden or ulterior motives. His main idea which he hoped to communicate in this book is that "kids are people too." His message is that children are often underestimated and can do great things. The following is a direct quote from the interview:

I’ve read accounts of kids who felt so passionate about a cause that they single-handedly raised incredible amounts of money to donate --- and did it while going to school, playing sports, learning to play oboe, you name it. Kids are capable of amazing things. Of course, in the real world doing good on a large scale usually requires many people --- be they kids or adults --- to work together with dedication and passion. And there are people, including kids, doing exactly that every day. That kind of work may sound less exciting than what my fictional kids do, but it’s extremely important --- and much less dangerous.

So there's that. No great message intended other than "pay attention to the kids because they may surprise you."

Now that I've clarified what I believe that the author's intentions of this book are, I'm going to do something that I don't think I've ever done. I'm going to recommend it as one of the greatest children's allegories that I've ever read. I think this is one of the best allegories (completely unintentionally) of spiritual warfare that I have seen. It's more clear than Narnia and certainly Lord of the Rings. In saying that, let me say that I'm not putting Stewart above C.S. Lewis (because everything in me rejects that comparison) but that I AM reading The Mysterious Benedict Society as a Christian. I cannot do otherwise for that is what I am and that is how I view the world.

I know that many Christians tend to jump the gun and claim "worldly" items for the kingdom and I'm not trying to market this as a Christian book. It isn't. I've done my best to lay out for you the facts: this is written by someone who I can assume is not a Christian (unless I see somewhere that he says so, and I haven't!) and he clearly stated his reason for writing it was for the kids. It is an entertaining story. No more, no less. However, just because he does not seem to be a Christian does not mean that he cannot communicate scriptural truths. Every human being is capable of doing such. (I'm not going to argue general/special revelation here but maybe you know what I'm talking about.)

I do not intend to manipulate it into being something it is not. At the same time, it needs no sort of manipulation to state that it perfectly describes spiritual warfare. In this story we are faced with an adversary who secretly desires control of the world and believes he has it. He manipulates people into following after him by pleasant words and subversive actions. It is hard to see that he is wicked at times. Yet it is certain that he most definitely is, however hard it is for various characters of this book to realize it. (Think Lewis' Screwtape Letters here.) The only way to defeat the bad guy is by fighting for truth and through the giving and receiving of love. It is not written as a complicated plot, but is simply spoken and imaginatively told. I think it could be used by Christian parents as an allegory precisely because the story is so straight forward. By that I mean that he wrote it without use of subplots that can distract from the main story. It's an easy read because of it. There's not a lot of bantering and bickering that can be done to argue whether this is a good allegory or not (in my opinion). I don't really think you'll need to spend a lot of time explaining to a child that there is an allegory here, "minus this" or "plus that." It just is.

I do not buy into the Harry Hoopla. Lewis himself said that Narnia was merely a way to familiarize children with truth so that they would not be startled or confused by it when they were adults (my paraphrase). Narnia is not a perfect allegory and he didn't set out to make it so. (But Lewis WAS all about sharing Christian truths, make no mistake about it.)

I do think that stories are excellent vehicles for truth and principles. It is by story and imagination that God's love and truth are frequently communicated. Perhaps you do not agree? Look at Jesus' parables. He spoke through stories to communicate solid truths to the people around Him. The way to move someone is sometimes through written or spoken word pictures, spoken to the mind and heart. Our Christian adversary knows this as well as the next person. Satan also uses stories to sway people. Stories are powerful and effective tools.

The Mysterious Benedict Society is nothing short of a great story that can be used to communicate a great truth. Because it is clean, enjoyable and entertaining, children will love it. A reader of this blog asked if I thought it would be good for her 9 year old son. My answer is YES! I would say ages 8 on up would really love this book. For my part, with a boy 22 months of age, I can say that I'm going to be hanging on to this book and presenting it along side spiritual lessons. I think it's fabulous for it and I wouldn't hesitate to use it as such. If it will spark his imagination and grow a Biblical world view then that's something I'm going to be all about. I am all about this book.

If it disturbs you to think about this book as a translator of truth, well, then, I really don't know what to say. All books do that in some form or fashion. Every author has a presupposition and whether they intend to do so or not, it's written into their stories. You can count on it. However, do you need to think beyond the surface level of this book to enjoy it? No, you don't. You can completely enjoy this book as just for an entertaining story. It is possible.

I feel like I can safely recommend this book to anyone. You can miss a message if you like and take a different one away than I myself did. But this is how it spoke to me and this is where I stand with this book. It's creative and well-told and I intend to not only read again myself, but to use it with my children also. Through good books like these, I trust they will learn to view the world.

A Bit of a Thinker, Round 2

Go play the same game over at my friend Sarah's blog, Library Hospital. And while you are there, check out the rest of her blog. She just started it but it's really neat and I think you will enjoy it. I do. (So I'm glad she posts frequently!)

A Bit of a Thinker

I got this idea after reading Ronnica's post over atTale of a Kansas Girl. (BTW, I found Ronnica through the bloggy giveaway carnival and subscribed to her blog instantly, finding quite a bit of her very familiar.)

Basically the idea is to list the first lines of 11 of your favorite books. I don't think I'm going to go that high, mostly because I do not have 11 books that I just absolutely LOVE. I think I'll post the first lines of 8 of my most favorite books, beginning with my ultimate favorite of all times. If you can guess them (all) correctly, I'll mail you a copy of one of my favorite books (which are all listed here in this meme). Feel free to guess as many times as you like. Just make sure you leave me with some way to contact you if you guessed correctly. Also, please play honestly. Don't google search for the answers. That's no fun. Be fun, be fair and get to the guessing! I guess I'll go ahead and link up at the carnival also to give people a chance.

1. "Mrs. Rachel Lynde lived just where the Avonlea main road dipped down into a little hollow, fringed with adlers and ladies' eardrops and traversed by a brook that had its source away back in the woods of the old Cutherburt place . . ."

(Seriously. If you can't get this first one - don't try guessing at the rest!)

2. "Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edumnd and Lucy."

(Again, just stop now if you haven't clued in.)

3. "I was the youngest of three daughters."

4. "In 1815 Monsieur Charles-Francois-Bienvenu Myriel was Bishop of Digne."

5. "On February 24, 1815, the watchtower at Marseilles signaled the arrival of the three-master Pharaon, coming from Smyrna, Trieste and Naples."

6. "Mr. George Lawrence, C.M.G., First Class District Officer of His Majesty's Civil Service, sat at the door of his tent and viewed the African desert scene with the eye of extreme disfavor."

7. "He left the coffee-scented warmth of the Main Street Grill and stood for a moment under the green awning."

8. "Three men watched intently as peculiar events occurred, one right after the other, on opposite sides of the globe."

I'm curious to know if anyone can guess them all. And if it gets too hard at any point, I'll probably give a prize to the person who guessed the most correctly. Contest open through Friday, August 1st.

Let the games begin! (And if you decide to participate in this meme, leave a comment about that too! I'd like to guess on yours if you'll let me!)

What's On My Nightstand

I used to have a list on my sidebar indicating what book I was reading now and what books were standing in line. I finally gave up and removed that list because I choose books by mood and not by list. Most of the time anyway. This "What's On My Nightstand" meme forces me to share what's on the docket for now and this meme I can do. Since the rules about what I discuss here are flexible, you'll not always hear about what it is I'm reading now. But for this go around, I will.

Currently I am in the middle of reading Foxe's Books of Martyrs because I think it's important to the Christian faith. I still think so. However, I cannot say that I am enjoying it. Really not very much at all. I have an interesting review of it revolving around in my brain so stay tuned.

I used to read several books at once but as I got older and my son became more "distracting" I found that I had to narrow down the pile and only read one book at a time. This boosts concentration levels.

That being said! Foxe's Book of Martyrs was putting me in quite a funk so I broke my newly established rule and picked up a book on the fly, knowing absolutely nothing about it, and hoped for the best.

I picked up two copies of The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart, this past week. One copy for me, and one copy for my mom who was visiting (and is also an avid reader). It is very fun. And I'm discovering it is kinda dark. I can't really say whether this is going to be a book that I hands down LOVE, despise or have raised eyebrows about. You can chalk me up for a "tentative like" but check back. I'm sure I'll have lots to say about it. It demands a lot of thought and I don't want to jump the gun and presume anything that isn't so.

So there you have it, folks! Those books are what are on my "nightstand" at present. Now I'm looking forward to hearing about what's on yours!

Giveaways

Last year I missed participating in the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival so I thought I'd give it a go this year. There's a lot of fun stuff being given away over there so go check it out!

Because I want to participate in the giving department (as well as hopefully the winning department!) I'll do a giveaway myself.

Because I'm all about reading, and love a good laugh, you can win a copy of P.G. Wodehouse's Bachelors Anonymous. (If you've never read Wodehouse I can't recommend him highly enough for a clean, good time. Everyone should read at least one Wodehouse in their lifetime. If you haven't, I'm here to help.)

Because I'm all about finding quiet time alone to read a good book, you can also win a $5 gift certificate to Starbucks so that you can enjoy the drink of your choice, while enjoying this quick and fun read.

You know the ropes! Leave a comment indicating you'd like to win. Must have a U.S. mailing address in order to win. Please also leave some information in your comment as to how I can contact you, should you be the winner!

Enjoy the carnival.

P.S. As per all the other contests and giveaways, this one also ends on Friday night, August 1st.

What's coming . . .

This is going to be a monthly feature at 5Minutes for Books and I'm thinking about, well, mostly what kind of picture I want to create for my post. =D (The photographer in me, I think, is overwhelming the reader on this point.) At any rate, I'm curious to know what my "particular friends" are reading so I hope you'll join in. (There's a button for this on the 5 Minutes for Books site if you want it.)

Brain Rules, by John Medina

I'm over at 5 Minutes for Books today talking about Brain Rules which, I have to say, I really, really liked. I'd really like to know what you think about it if you get a chance to read it.

P.S. This book was (and is!) right up my alley and is prompting all sorts of thoughts and arguments. Take a peek at the review and follow the comment trail. This is a great example of what books are supposed to make you do -- THINK!

Bookworm Meme

Lisa over at Lisa Writes (one of my fellow reviewers over at 5 Minutes for Books) posted this meme and blindly tagged any other book bloggers to participate. I'll do the same. If you want to do it, great! Have fun.

Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?
I know it came from both sets of parents. My mom was the one who drove us to the library once a week though to load up on books. We'd check out the maximum amount allowed and enjoy.

What are some books you read as a child?
I was big into mystery stories so I gobbled up Nancy Drew, The Dana Girls, Hardy Boys, Trixie Belden and the more recent Mandie series Louis Gladys Leppard.

What is your favorite genre?
Hmm. Favorite of all? I absolutely really cannot say. I like a little bit of everything.

Do you have a favorite novel?
Anne of Green Gables. For always.

When do you usually read?
I have a 21 month old, so I read when he naps. Naptime is my sacred reading time and I really try my best to guard it.

Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time?I used to read several books at once but I can't really get away with that anymore. I'm not sure why the change, but I'm pretty much a one book woman these days.

Do you read non-fiction in a different way or place than you read fiction? I think I read at the same speed no matter what I'm reading.

Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library? All of the above.

Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them? I tend to keep all the books that I buy. However, I've been getting into the habit of giving away books I either didn't enjoy or know I won't read again.

If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some of the same ones you read as a child?Yes! Dr. Suess early readers! I'm writing up a blog post about the glories and merits of Dr. Suess books in the near future . . . just really fun books!

What are you reading now?
Foxe's Book of Martyrs.

Do you keep a TBR (To Be Read) list?
I don't know that I'd say I have an official TBR list . . . although I have a mental list that changes and varies from day to day and Semicolon Saturday reviews. Does that count?

What's next?
The Testament, by John Grisham

What books would you like to reread?
Anne of Green Gables (series) by L.M. Montgomery, The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis, and Gleanings in Joshua, by A.W. Pink.

Who are your favorite authors?
Lucy Maud Montgomery, C.S. Lewis, Jan Karon, Randy Alcorn, P.G. Wodehouse, Victor Hugo.

A Comedy of Conscience, by S. Weir Mitchell

On a recent family vacation, we stopped in an antique store which advertised old books. I wished I had brought my camera in with me because there were rooms and walls covered with these old treasures! Of course, I wanted to pick a few out. I just love the way old books with their bindings look. (Sometimes its more about the look than the story.) I wanted to pick something out to read but nothing I stumbled across sounded remotely familiar so I went out on a limb (a small limb) and selected A Comedy of Conscience by S. Weir Mitchell. (The title, I thought, had a winning chance!)

For those of you that are as unaware of who S. Weir Mitchell was as myself, I will fill you in on a few details. He was born in 1829 and died in 1914. He was the son of a physician and became one himself. He practice medicine during the Civil War and at the end of the war became a specialist in neurology. He has a disease named after him (erythromelalgia) which, of course, would be anyone's great honor. To best that (perhaps) Wikipedia notes that he held "a leading place among the American authors of the close of the 19th century." However that's Wikipedia and I'm not sure how much I trust that. I had never heard of him before but that doesn't really mean very much. Perhaps you have and have read something by him? I'd love to know of it, if you have.

A Comedy of Conscience was written in 1904 according to all the online sources that I checked. However, the copy I hold in my hand was copyright 1900 and published March 1903. (It's weird to think that the book I hold in my hand is over 100 years old!) And a hundred years forgotten! And really - it could stay so!

The dialogue in this book, while being a bit confusing, reminded me of Go, Dog, Go! by P.D. Eastman.

"Do you like my hat?
No, I do not like your hat!
Good-bye!
Good-bye!"

Comedy had about the same amount of clarity. The story line was a bit on the ridiculous side and I have a hard time believing that anyone, at any period in history, could have found it that fulfilling. It's the story of Serena Vernon, a "spinster by choice" who, taking a ride on public transportation and has $34 stolen from her purse. During the theft, the thief accidentally loses a valuable diamond ring which slips off his finger during the crime. She spends the rest of the (mercifully short) story agonizing with her conscious over whether it is proper for her to keep the ring, find it's rightful owner and whether or not the rightful owner is, in fact, the thief who stole from her.

But the cover! The binding! Well, that's classic.

I'm not sure what kind of physician Mr. Mitchell was. However, I'm inclined to think that medicine was more his gift than writing was. This being the only work I have read of his though, I cannot say with certainty. I CAN say that I won't be hunting out any more of his books. It was an interesting enough read but nothing exciting. That being said, it sure looks pretty on a bookshelf!

Washington's Lady, by Nancy Moser

Today I'm over at 5 Minutes for Moms on a brief "guest post" talking about Washington's Lady, by Nancy Moser. Which I totally think you should read. Just to let you know how very much I enjoyed reading this book - I promptly went out and bought several other books by her including Mozart's Sister and Just Jane which I am very anxious to get to! I liked it that much!

You can win a copy over at 5M4M today if you sneak over and leave a comment.

Cordelia Underwood, by Van Reid

Van Reid sounds like a last name. But that's his first and last. Thankfully, Cordelia Underwood is not the last but merely the first of the adventures of the un-famed Moosepath League.

There are four books (currently?) in the series:
Cordelia Underwood (1998)
Mollie Peer (1999)
Daniel Plainway (2001)
Mrs. Roberto (2003)
Fiddler's Green (2004)

If this review of Cordelia Underwood seems a little ambiguous, it is only because Van Reid makes himself so. Not even Wikipedia could offer very much in the way of information! (I'm not really sure if that's saying very much.) You can check out the official Moosepath League website if you are curious.

The best way to describe this book is that it's a "historical" account of the fictional Moosepath League, a group of bumbling men, (very Wodehousian in nature), who solve other people's issues in a charming way. It's like P.G. Wodehouse with a serious and significant plot. (400 pages worth, to be precise!)

Van Reid tells his story in a skillful manner that keeps you entertained, laughing, feeling suspenseful and, above all, keeps you reading to the very end. I'm all ready to go out and buy Mollie Peer to continue on with their adventures! (If not for the other books in the stack demanding my immediate attention!)

My favorite little dialogue from the book was between Mister Walton (chairman of the league) with a Mrs. Eccles:

"What a lot of folderol!" she said when Mister Walton entered, but it was clear that she was enjoying herself. "What is that young man with you?"
"A friend of mine, traveling with me," said Mister Walton.
"Yes, I guessed that, didn't I? I like him, though. He's not too handsome and he stands straight. I would like my great-granddaughter to marry someone who isn't too handsome. Her father was very good-looking and he slouched, and I was never very fond of him. He used to look at himself in the mirror, and he denied cheating at solitare."
"Did he cheat at solitare, then?" wondered Mister Walton cautiously.
"Of course he did! Everyone cheats at solitare! Denying it, though, indicates a lack of character. Do you cheat at solitare?"
"Well," said Mister Walton, chuckling heartily, "I have flipped an extra card now and then. It seems so much trouble to reshuffle the deck."
"There! Do you see? You have character."
"It's very kind of you to say so. I shall remember your rule."
Mrs. Eccles waved a hand impatiently. "Folderol!" she said.

I read this book along with my online bookclub, Bookfest, and could not be more happy with it. Our QOC gave the initial review of it, which you can view there.

If you have a chance to pick up this book, I would strongly encourage you to do so. Yes, it is 400 pages long but the chapters are short and I found it a very easy candidate to pick up and set down when time allowed for it. It's fun and engaging and not at all difficult to follow along with. Cordelia Underwood is good for a laugh, good for adventure and boasts incredible character development as well. Seriously. This book was a lot of amazing things rolled into one. (Clean, witty, charming, etc.) The New York Times branded it a "Notable Book" but don't let that be the thing to either encourage or drive you away (depending on your bent towards big recommendations.) Just take MY word for it. You want to read it. You really do!

Begin Smart

CONGRATULATIONS to The Angel Forever who won the contest! I'll be mailing the book off shortly. Enjoy! Carrie, RTK, 7/18/08

****
I reviewed the Begin Smart series over at 5 Minutes for Books and you can my opinion of them over there. Rather, you can check out my son's opinion of them over there!

I'm giving away a copy of What Does Baby Say? (earmarked for ages 12-18 months) here on this blog and if you'd be interested in winning a copy for yourself, or some baby you know, leave a comment below and some way for me to get a hold of you (by e-mail or blog) to let you know of your win.

I will accept comment entries through Friday, July 18th and will contact the winner on Saturday the 19th.

Something old, something new . . .

Book reviews and blogs are old but there's a new way to be involved with both!




Jennifer at Snapshot has been writing book reviews over at 5 Minutes for Moms for the past year. Based on the success of her reviews, they decided to launch a sister site for books! Jennifer is managing editor and has put together a cracker jack team of reviewers to work on this site with her.

I'm honored to be a part of the team and excited to continue reading, learning and networking with other reading women in this way! Visit the site and let us know what you think!

It's pretty fun.

Walking from East to West, by Ravi Zacharias

This isn't a book that I'd like to review so much as I'd like just to feel, privately, and keep to myself. But it is precisely this type of book that cannot be kept to one's self. If I had the money, I'd buy everyone I know I copy of it.

This book is an autobiography (co-written with R.S.B. Sawyer) of Zacharias' life and the beginning of his ministry, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM). I became familiar with Zacharaias years ago when our local Christian radio station would play some of his sermons. I would always catch the tail end of the talks - certainly never more than a brief moment or two. Those few moments though were always packed with solid truths and I respected him and the message that he was bringing. He seemed well thought out.

I really could not tell you very much about him before reading this book other than, "He seems like a real solid guy." In fact, I picked up this book because I was curious to know more. This book reveals a lot of him, a lot of his heart and a lot of his mission. Christian autobiographies and biographies are typically good sources of spiritual and inspirational material. You learn, very much so sometimes, that you really are not alone in this Christian walk. It is the people that you choose to read about that can shape and mold you. I think it is important (so much so that you should never try to avoid it!) to find heroes of the faith that you can look up to and follow after.

My mother-in-law wrote down the following quote (that I do not know who to attribute to): "You will be the same person that you are now in five years except for the books that you read and the people you meet." So imagine reading books about real people who have suffered or succeeded and have solid advice to give!? It's a win-win situation.

We were not meant to walk the Christian road alone and thankfully we neither have to, nor are we required to blaze new trails. At this "stage of the game", given the conveniences of this modern world and culture, we seldom have to pioneer new paths (with some exceptions but very few). However, we must learn how to respond individually to the situations and positions that God has placed us in. By reading about other Christians and their faith we are motivated to grow and pursue truth. The saints who have gone before (i.e., Jim Elliot, C.S. Lewis, etc.) can inspire and cheer us on as can the ones still living (and we can be grateful that they are so)!

Ravi Zacharias is "worthy" of spending time learning about. He speaks to the present populace on matters relevant to us - yet with strength and determination to truth.

Born in India, Zacharias spent his growing up years in a culture that was closed off to sharing personal experiences, emotions and feelings. It is amazing that he wrote an autobiography at all and is a great testimony in and of itself. He grew up in the East and offers explanations as to the mindset and traditions of people in India and the surrounding cultures. Every culture has its own positives and negatives and I thought he did a good job of presenting both for his homeland, as he did for Western culture. It is clear that he loves his place of birth. At the same time, he has spent the large majority of his adult life in the West.

As this title suggests, he is explaining his transitions both in life and in culture in this journey God has called him to. As a Westerner, I appreciated hearing his reservations in sharing his life story. I'm not sure who this autobiography is written more for - the Western hemisphere or the East. Mr. Zacharias would have to say. His underlying message is certainly meant for both but this book was obviously driven by western curiosity.

I have bookmarked many, MANY pages in this book. It is hard for me to narrow down what I would most like to highlight about it. I think I shall boil it down to the message that I received for me personally in reading this book:

"You must keep in mind that God does have an appointment with you, that there is a cost to serving Him." (Page 197, emphasis mine)

In quoting a friend of his, D.D. Davis, who said:

"There are no accidents in life -- just incidents that remind us who is boss." (page 217)

"When God puts a broken life back together, He removes the scars because He builds from the inside out. And when God steadies a faltering life, He puts you on His footing." (page 171, emphasis his)

Zacharias quotes David Livingston:

"Lord, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. Sever any ties but the ties that bind me to your service and to your heart." (page 239)

Zacharias gave me a powerful reminder that my life is not my own. I have been bought with a price. I can hand everything over to the Author of my life and know that He can be trusted with it. I am not alone.

I am encouraged to remember that God is sovereign over all things. He does have an appointment with me. He is keeping it.

The other night I had to walk across our yard of over grown grass to get to my in-law's house in order to take care of my sister-in-law's dog, which we had committed to watching in her absence. There was little to no light to see the small path through the yards. I brought along a lantern to help me find my way in the dark, and wished the whole time that I had remembered to go over and let the dog out before the sun had disappeared for the day. I held the lantern close down by my feet in order to see where I was stepping, making sure to avoid deer droppings and snakes. In the meantime, I was surrounded by mysterious rustlings in the tall grass and trying to ignore the shadows which the lantern was casting in every direction. I wasn't exactly comfortable in my surroundings.

I started repeating the verse, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" and was reminded of an old sermon that a former pastor once gave to me in which he said God sometimes only gives enough light in order that we might take the next step. In other words, we aren't always given the opportunity to view the path as complete. We must obediently place one step in front of the other and acknowledge the Giver of Light to help us cross the dark terrain. One step. Baby steps. Obedience.

The other lesson I learned on that dark walk was that if I held the light directly in front of me, I was not casting weird and distracting shadows onto my surroundings. I was easily distracted by the unknown if the light was pushed a little to my left or a little to my right. I needed to keep it fixated directly in front me so that I would not be misled.

In life I find myself very distracted by the world, my personal responsibilities and commitments and, sometimes, my desire to have a good time. It is in those times that God's word, that lamp, is pushed to the side. Suddenly I'm overwhelmed by shadows. I lose sight of where my feet are supposed to be landing. I'm confused and then overwhelmed. It is not until I move the "lamp" back to the forefront that my mind and heart are at ease again.

The night walk, combined with this book, encouraged me that God is still in control. Whether I'm focused or not - His hand is upon me.

"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Ravi Zacharias is not here to preach himself. He is here to preach the Gospel. He himself was called out of darkness and into the light. God did that, as He has done in my own life, for which I am (and will be) eternally grateful.

Again, I would encourage you to read this book and allow yourself to feel and be moved by his message. Let the reservations fall away and just listen to see what God might have you learn. It is, at the very least, certain that you have something to learn.

You can learn more about Ravi Zacharias and his ministry here at RZIM.

We Were Tired of Living in a House, by Liesel Moak Skorpen

This book is copyright 1969 and might be a little hard to find. However, it's well worth it if you can.

I found it at a garage sale last week and picked it up on vague memories from my childhood past. I'm not sure when I read it, but it was familiar. We're talking intense de ja vu feelings while browsing through the book in some stranger's driveway.

It's a short and simple (yet extremely imaginative!) tale of a group of siblings who think it's boring to live in just any old house and decided to explore alternatives. They live in a treehouse, in a cave and on the beach. In the end, they decide that their original home is best. But the story, like I said, is very imaginative. The illustrations are done by Doris Burn and are all black & white with red highlights. I wasn't sure what my son would think of it, because we haven't visited many books that are in black and white. However, each page had a picture of something he was familiar with (a balloon, the beach, etc) and he sat still for and interacted with the entire story.

My son is 20 months old and stayed tuned for the entire tale. Some pages are more detailed than others, but many have only a few sentences per page. If your kids are "acquinted" with bears, balloons, socks & shoes, then the chances of them liking this book are high.

This is a classic worth passing on. If you stumble across a copy, by all means pick it up! I'm so glad I did.