Jody’s Reading Recommendations, 8/9/2000

I really enjoy sharing with you some of the books I have read.  God has gifted so many with words to share with us about “His mighty deeds”. 

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller Zondervan Publishing House. ISBN 0-310-26790-0 This book is a classic. Originally written in 1970, it is still in print, including large print. The author has extensive personal experience in agriculture and writes from that perspective to tell us about the characteristics of the Shepherd. This is a wonderful gift book that I gave to my parents who grew up on farms and could experience the peace of knowing the heart of their Shepherd.

When is it Right to Die? by Joni Eareckson Tada Zondervan Publishing House. 1992.  ISBN 0-310-58570-8

As a Christian and a nurse who has worked with hospice patients for 15 years, I struggled with this question and many others related to physician assisted suicide, euthanasia, and suffering. Mrs. Tada addresses the prevalent “quick fix” that some propose and deal with the real issue of life with dignity. She draws on her own experience with paralysis as well as the death of her father. Truly an excellent, thought provoking book.

The Power of the Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian Harvest House Publishers. 1995.ISBN 1-56507-354-1

As a follow-up to her Power of the Praying Wife, Mrs. Omartian shares with us her growth and “good news” about parenting.“It’s the best of jobs.It’s the most difficult of jobs.It can bring you the greatest joy. It can cause the greatest pain.There is nothing as fulfilling and exhilarating.There’s nothing so depleting and exhausting.No area of your life can make you feel more like a success when everything is going well. No area of your life can make you feel more like a failure when things go wrong.  PARENTING!” Again, Mrs. Omartian offers prayer models at the end of each chapter to help us along in our prayer victory for our children, whether they are ours biologically or spiritually.

The Chalice of Repose video by Therese Schroeder-Sheker. 1997. ASIN 1564554910

An insightful video that addresses one of the “alternative therapies”, music therapy. This video takes us to Missoula, Montana where a group of volunteers bring beautiful music, usually through the harp, to terminally-ill patients demonstrating how music can be used to sooth, relax, and create an atmosphere of peace and security. This may enable the patient and family to experience reconciliation, intimacy, and ultimately, gentle letting go. An interesting option to be explored and utilized.