Category Archives: Books

Reviews of interesting books the author has read that might be of interest to her readers.

LOVE REVOLUTION: Rediscovering the Lost Command of Jesus by Gaylord Enns (Xulon Press, 2005, 2011 Revised)

This is just one of those books! I’ve read it. Reread it.  Given away copies to my pastor, worship leader, family and friends. I’ve mentioned it when I speak, referenced it in my writings, and referred to it in casual conversations. This book’s message resonates with me. Gaylord Enns has started a movement toward the center. The message of this book cuts through the layers of separation found in religion and meets on one uniting truth. The words are for the Church found in Christ’s words to all who put their faith in Christ. We are to love one another. Profound. “A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34,35)  When love comes first, walls come down. The strength and validity of Christ’s command comes to Pastor Enns rather late in his pastoral ministry. He is in his prime, a well-known and respected minister in the Chico area, a loving mentor of Christian people. A personal crisis stops him in his tracks. The year is 2001, it is in the early hours on a Sunday morning before a day of scheduled preaching. But it soon becomes the day he can’t preach, is unable to preach.  Depression hit hard. Then cancer. Time away from ministry. Soul searching. A personal longing begins to gnaw at him. He wants to hear his father say the words, “I love you.” Enns’ interesting and amazing journey leads us to the words, “This is my command: Love each other.” He is startled as he contemplates these words. Why is this command is so little emphasized, ignored, almost brushed aside? A quest is undertaken. He searches for the command’s historical church context from deep in the archives. Little is found. He knows he is on to something. He writes Love Revolution and begins to share with local church leaders. The book’s message of love multiplies. Sessions are held in local churches to bring Christian people together. They are uniting in love. It is a beautiful movement of God. I know this because I attended some of these sessions to fellowship with my sisters and brothers in the faith, people I didn’t know prior to the meetings. . .   In 2008, a friend gave me this book. Its words are timely for there is much truth written in its pages. I highly recommend Love Revolution.

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THE HERMIT BIRD’S SONG: Echoes of Heaven on Earth by A Hermit Monk of New Clairvaux (Abbey of New Clairvaux, 2006)

 It’s not often that one reads a book by a hermit monk. I purchased this book from the book store at the Abbey of New Clairvaux in Vina, California. It is a delightful read for the person who enjoys meditative writings. Reflective prayers and poetry, many in haiku style, are written like a prayer journal with 114 separate entries. The author uses expressive language to highlight the beauty of what it is to live in close relationship with the Divine. The content includes references to many spiritual concepts: the Incarnation, the Holy Trinity, the love of God, and what it means to have a heart for God.

One of the mysteries that people debate, what it is to talk with God in an interactive voice, is presented in the form of a prayer written directly to God. We are allowed a few glimpses into the monk’s thought life. I enjoyed reading these reflections in the evening as a way to end my day on a positive note. It was comforting and a blessing. I am not of the Catholic tradition, but it didn’t matter.

The Hermit Monk’s perceptions enhanced the book’s message. Bits of the Hermit Monk’s life and history are included. He was a theology student at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky during the time of Thomas Merton’s hermitage. If you have read Seven Storey Mountain or other of Merton’s writings, that little fact is interesting to ponder.