Deus Misereatur

Beauty, Order, and Mystery: A Christian Vision of Human Sexuality by Gerald L. Hiestand My rating: 5 of 5 stars The book quickly catches your attention! Early on the editors claim that the profound mystery of human sexuality “has been exchanged for a constructivist and reductionist vision of sexuality, where these gloriously sexed bodies are viewed as little more than cultural products or biological necessities” (3). That’s how “Beauty, Order, and Mystery: A Christian Vision of Human Sexuality” begins, and then it masterfully moves outward, onward and upward. This recently published 229 page softback compiles papers from fourteen different authors that were presented at the 2016 annual conference of the Center for Pastoral Theologians (CPT). It is edited by Gerald L. Hiestand and Todd Wilson, both pastors at Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Illinois, as well as cofounders of the CPT. The writers collectively seek to display a Christian portrayal of human sexuality that revels i...

Mom, Dad ... Can We Talk?: Insight and Perspectives to Help Us Do What's Best for Our Aging Parents by Dick Edwards My rating: 5 of 5 stars What can you expect when your parents draw near to their later years? Are there any way-points that can help you navigate this period and keep it from becoming a dark time in your relationship with your older parents? Dick Edwards draws from decades of experience in eldercare and shares it with the reading public in this 155 page softback. It is written for folks from all walks of life, and is a solid resource. "Mom, Dad...Can We Talk?" unfolds in fifteen short chapters that cover a number of subjects. Some chapters prepare readers for what is before them, and how it may affect them. Others talk about family dynamics, the ways these play out, and how siblings can learn to communicate with one another, especially between those who are giving immediate care and those who are at a geographical distance. A few sections present ideas...

Glory be to God on high, and in earth peace, goodwill towards men; we praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you, for your great glory. O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takes away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us. You that take away the sin of the world, receive our prayer. You that sit at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For you only are holy; you only are the Lord; you only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit, are most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen . Great King and Sovereign, look upon our country and the nations of this world; including East Timor; Ecuador; Egypt; and El Salvador. May all know your peace on earth, becoming men and women of goodwill. O God of armies, send forth your angels to preserve and protect our firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers, and our military members. Ya...