Book Review

I read a variety of books about spirituality, the paranormal, self-help, and the occasional detective books that feature cats. I was recently contacted by the author, Betsy Otter Thompson, via email to review a new book she just wrote. The last time I did a book review I was in college, so to say the least I am a bit rusty. But I agreed and she sent me a copy in the mail. I have to admit I was thrown off at first because it was about Jesus.... not that there is anything wrong with that but I remember reading another book a long time ago that seemed spiritual but the last few pages started preaching about salvation and anyone who disagreed with the author's point of view was taking the express lane to Hell... anyone who knows me knows that if anyone who says (spiritually speaking) it is my way or the highway.... I always take the highway. However, after I put my prejudice aside, I saw that the author was giving a hypothetical interview with Jesus and how he affected the people lives he knew in the Bible. There is a question and answer sheet after each chapter, as well as the personal insight from the author. It is not a quick read and I suggest that anyone reading this book take the time to really think about the questions and write the answers down in a journal. I usually started my day reading and spending part of my day pondering the questions. It is a good book for anyone who would like to explore their belief system about religion, spirtuality and how it affects their choices in daily life. My favorite quote in the book is " We don't take our beliefs with us when we leave here; we take the love we found from having them."
If you would like to know more about the author and her book check out her website or go to Amazon.com to buy a copy.
http://www.betsythompson.com/

Hope your week is thoughtful and fun.

xo Inge

Have you noticed how many mega churches are springing up lately? Remember the small neighborhood church where everyone knew each other? I wonder if religion has become yet another big business swallowing up the small neighborhood church much like agri -business is taking the place of the family farm. This particular church is only a few miles from where I live. The huge steeple got my attention when I was driving the other day and you know my fascination with cemeteries... I also like to snoop around churches... mostly missions but I couldn't keep away from this one. I googled the church and found out they broadcast the sermons... I bet you have heard of these people... I recognized their picture from the "Hour of Power" t.v. show when I was flipping channels one Sunday morning. I just figured they were broadcasting from somewhere in the bible belt of the Carolinas. Back in the 70s I saw the compound where Tammy Faye and Jim Baker used to preach. Their property was big too but definitely not as elaborate as the Crystal Cathedral. http://www.crystalcathedral.org/

I arrived at the same time school was getting out so there were alot of parents sitting in their expensive cars waiting for their little ones. I just wonder how many of these people believe all this stuff or are they sending their kids to get a better education than what is available from the public schools. I find religion fascinating. I think ones religious views tell alot about a person. As for me... I would call myself pagan-buddhist... at least this week but next week who knows.

I find this sign amusing. Must people be able to do everything from their cars?

Great words to live by. Too bad alot of us have forgotten what it means.

I wonder what Jesus would think about all this extravagance.

This place is the size of Disneyland!

Religion seems to be a profitable business these days. Maybe taxing them would help us out of this debt crisis. Hope you weekend will be fun and don't forget to laugh out loud!

xoxo Inge

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxo81Ok9Urk