Four Good Reads

I’m still not mentally prepared to return to our good versus evil topic, so good reads seems good to me right now. Hope it’s good for you too. Good. Of course, we will find that the good versus evil theme threads through most writings of any genre in various ways — it’s a ubiquitous reality. (I love the word, ubiquitous.) For now, I have four books to mention to you as good reads. Take your choice.

1.  The Israel Test, by George Gilder. c 2009. Amazing book.

“As with all nations and cultures faced through history by the plain facts of Jewish excellence and success, we have a choice.  We can resent it or embrace it as a divine gift to the world. But although our choice is free, the result of our choice is intractably set by the moral law that governs the outcome of human endeavor as strictly as the laws of physics govern the planets. The envy of excellence leads to perdition, the love of it leads to the light” ( p. 254 in Gilder’s conclusion).

2. Conscious Capitalism, by  John Mackey and Raj Sisodia. c 2013, hot off the press.  A great complement to the above book.

“We believe that business is good because it creates value, it is ethical because it is based on voluntary exchange, it is noble because it can elevate our existence, and it is heroic because it lifts people out of poverty and creates prosperity. Free-enterprise capitalism is the most powerful system for social cooperation and human progress ever conceived…. But we can aspire to something even greater” (p. 273 under “The Conscious Capitalism Credo”).

3. Down a Garden Path, by Karla Dornacher. c 1999. Here’s a lighter selection with lots of beautiful, down home art work.

“Whether you are an avid gardener, a casual cultivator or one who simply enjoys the beauty and bounty of a garden well-tended, I invite you to stroll with me along the fragrant path of this special garden. Together we will delight in its beauty, discover some of its secrets, and even share in its bountiful harvest,” writes Karla in her “Welcome friend” on page 7.  Karla invites her readers to “join me as we follow the path of the Master Gardener. Walk slowly, listen carefully, and you will surely hear His voice.”  Her beautiful watercolors adorning Scripture verses are delightful, as are her vignettes.  A refreshing read.

4. Wheat Belly, by William Davis. c. 2011.

“Modern wheat, despite all the genetic alterations to modify hundreds, if not thousands of its genetically determined characteristics, made its way to the worldwide human food supply with nary a question surrounding its suitability for human consumption ” (p.30). Davis explores the history and “evolution” of wheat, its impact upon cultures, and its changes that impact our health. He presents solutions and recommendations as well as recipes for living  without consuming altered wheat which he claims is exacerbating or causing so many health and weight issues.

Oh! I have muscled my self-control in order to avoid exploring more of each book with you and to avoid my meandering commentary!  “Google” the authors and check out their websites, writings, and books.  I’m not saying I agree with everything they’ve written or all their views, but each author has something if not much to contribute to life’s conversation.

I’ve given you a variety. From economic, political, racial, and character issues to a creatively visual presentation of spiritual ideas, and finally to physical health. All topics are important. The unifying factor of all these issues, as I see it, is the Lordship of the Triune God over all of life.

His Kingdom come, His will be done — in all areas — on earth as it is in Heaven.  Amen.