"40 Days in the Man Cave" (Todd Stahl)

TITLE: 40 Days in the Man Cave: Men's Devotional
AUTHOR: Todd Stahl
PUBLISHER: Winnipeg, MB: Word Alive Press, 2015, (96 pages).

Too busy? Spaced Out? No time for any leisure? Wanting to find a place to chill out but can't? If you belong to that category of men who are constantly on the run but unable to find a place to rest, this book may very well be a safety float for people drowning in an ocean of responsibilities and anxieties. Using the popular 40-days method to inculcate focus and intentional doing of the same discipline, Todd Stahl has written this devotional for men to experience what Jesus had experienced during his quiet time with God. For Jesus, time with God means time alone in a quiet secluded place away from people. For Stahl, it is a metaphorical mancave where one can squirrel away from the world into a place to refresh, to recharge, and to be renewed from the inside out. It is not just an escape from the world. It is a retreat in order to have a more meaningful and purposeful work out there. With forty brief devotions based on a biblical verse, Stahl helps readers to refocus their minds on God's Word. He shares simple examples on the day to day problems in this world and how we need to learn to exchange doubt with faith, uncertainty with assurance, irritation with patience, enslavement with the past to liberation for the future.

There is encouragement in the pages of this book geared particularly to men in positions of leadership. Stepping back to a mancave is not some cowardly act, but a sensible breather in order to catch a fresh perspective of the whole situation. With God's Word as a guide, the encouragement is always God-centered but human-sensitive. Toward the end of each chapter, there are a few biblical verses for further reflection. It is tempting for one to simply skip this, which is why I suspect the main devotional is intentionally kept brief. A devotional should not be too lengthy or theologically heavy. It needs to be simple and to inspire one to pray and to seek God more. At the end of the 40 days, it is hoped that the reader would have cultivated a regular time-out and to be more independently assured to do his own devotion, hopefully with regular reading of the Bible.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This book is provided to me courtesy of Word Alive Press and Graf-Martin Communications in exchange for an honest review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"The Ben Ripple" (Lisa Elliot)

TITLE: The Ben Ripple - Choosing to Live through Loss with Purpose
AUTHOR: Lisa Elliot
PUBLISHER: Winnipeg, MB: Word Alive Press, 2012, (192 pages).

This book is a moving account of the life of Ben Elliot, whose one life of pain, loss, and grief, brings about many ripples of joy, hope, and love. Written by his mum, the daily "raw journal" was meant to help Lisa process her inner thoughts and turmoil surrounding the discovery of Ben's leukemia. It is a life changing experience not just for Ben but for many friends and loved ones who surround him. His story has also made waves on the social media front, especially the Facebook blog called "Prayer for Benjamin Elliot" or "The Ben Ripple." The first journal entry begins on Sunday, August 17th, 2008, and the last on August 18th, 2010.

The prayers express Lisa's helplessness with regards to Ben's condition, but hopefulness with regards to trusting God's hand to work according to God's time and will. It speaks of the deep desire to get back to a "normal" life, but only seems to become a "new normal" in which the whole family tries to make the best of Ben's remission, or whatever sense of normalcy the Lord allows for. It reveals the courage and love life of Ben: Sarah, and how the love of the family drives them to seek out a bone marrow transplant. Chemotherapy brings about a deeper emotional challenge amid the physical angst. If Ben was suffering physically, the rest of the family was enduring emotional stress. Christmas becomes more like "Christ"-mess. The much talked about faith becomes a real life journey of faith happening before their very eyes. Every hope of Plan A has been supported by thoughts of Plan B. Finally, after all the mad rush for cures and treatments, freedom and living begins when Ben simply seeks to be assured that any option does not matter, as long as the family will stand with him regardless. This is the beginning of the Ben ripple of hoping, of living, and of loving.

True enough, there lies pages and pages of gratitude and encouragement from Canada, and other parts of the world, from people who have been inspired by Ben's courage and purposeful living. When Ben died, the pain continues. So does the gratitude to God for Ben, and the trusting in God for the future.

There are many messages of encouragement and inspiration.

• "Living in the moment doesn't live in the land of 'what if.' It doesn't forecast the future, in case seeds of worry, anxiety, and fear take root. Ninety percent of what we worry about never take place anyway, so it's a waste of time and energy that I don't have to spare right now." (20)
• "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass; it's learning to dance in the rain." (115)
• Ben's final message to his Church is a moving tribute to many of his supporters. (118-120)

Closing Thoughts

With Ben-centric vocabulary such as "Ben-efit," "Benspective," and "Ben Ripple," the entire book essentially describes the ups and downs of living with the illness of Ben Elliot. The journal entries make the whole book looks like an unabridged version of telling the story as each day reveals itself. It is deeply personal, from the heart of a loving mum. It is intentional and can be used as a guide for others feeling pain and struggling in their own challenges of life. It is inspirational as we can read how one life can bring about hope and motivation to live. The photos in the book provide a visual impact to bring the words of encouragement alive through the smiles and the vibrant faith of Ben. It is a book that provides lots of biblical "lifelines" and many practical tips for anyone experiencing trying moments of their own. If you are down, and looking to be inspired, this book will very likely exceed your expectations.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

---

Book has been provided courtesy of Word Alive Press and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now from your favourite bookseller.

Book Review: "Chasing the Wind"

TITLE: Chasing the Wind - Finding meaningful answers from ancient wisdom
AUTHOR: Robert White
PUBLISHER: Winnipeg, Word Alive Press, 2011.

This is an honestly written book about three key issues of life, as highlighted by the biblical book of Ecclesiastes. It deals with meaninglessness of wisdom, wishes, and work;  the futility of deeds and desires; and the frustrations of toil, treasures, and termination. Each chapter begins with an engaging story with a biblical text from Ecclesiastes. This is the biblical anchoring part. Then, the author shares intimate details about his life, and how the issue has impacted him personally. This is the weaving part. Finally, White drives home his insight. This is the learning part.  Each chapter concludes with a series of questions to ponder. This is the discussing part.

I like the look and feel of this book. Designed in a glossy easy to hold manner, readers can use this as a devotional to reflect upon life. The biblical texts are conveniently printed to allow the reader to follow the book's argument with ease. What I appreciate most is the level of openness and honesty of the author. It makes the book very authentic. He does not pontificate but shares his learning in a non-judgmental way. I like his reminder to readers not to wait for perfection before doing anything. He links faith and works nicely as follows:

"Our salvation isn't dependent upon our works, or toil. But faith and works are the soul's two legs in our spiritual walk - first faith steps out, and then works, until each are striding rhythmically in a solid walk. In a sermon a long time ago, I once heard the comment that you need to work as if everything depends on you, and pray as if everything depends on God." (Robert White, Chasing the Wind, Word Alive Press, 2011, p73-4)

Nice one.

conrade

---

"Book has been provided courtesy of Word Alive Press and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available now from your favourite bookseller."