A Father's Stew: The Biblical Integration of Family, Work & Ministry
By Stephen Beck
http://www.curriculumconnection.net

Stephen Beck has written a book that is so challenging that it should be read alongside a bible over and over, yet it's so simple and straightforward, that it can be enjoyed and savored much like a stew. This book is so basic in its focus on obedience to the Word of God, but so profound in its capture of principles of the faith that it is pertinent to believers and non-believers in capturing that which we are instructed to do in the Bible. What a simple concept, what a difficult concept.

Mr. Beck has managed to explain in down-to-earth language, using scripture, how to biblically integrate family, work and ministry and, in that integration, where responsibility, faithfulness, and obedience fall. While written for men, it is appropriate for women as well since both often fall into many of the same worldly traps.

Mr. Beck offers no excuses, nor does he seek to soft-pedal difficult issues. Rather, Mr. Beck clearly shows the importance of discipline and devotion to the Lord. As stated in the preface to his book, work, family and ministry are all ingredients to a stew. A stew that is described in Philippians 4:18 as a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

This book provides a comprehensive, but understandable, compilation of the biblical ingredients for that stew. All who have any interest in biblically integrating family, work and ministry, or who have an interest in understanding basic principles of our faith, should read A Father's Stew: The Biblical Integration of Family, Work & Ministry.

-- Product Review by: Dr. Heather W. Allen, Senior Analyst, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine

My Recipe Book
By Beck, Ashley, & Gentry
Bryan, Texas: Ranger Press
http://www.curriculumconnection.net

Ashley and Gentry Beck have compiled a book organized by appetizers, salads, breads, vegetables, main dishes, and desserts. Each color-coded section of the book includes a few of their favorite recipes, followed by empty pages to be completed by the cook. Their hope is that when a favorite recipe is discovered, that recipe could be added to this book, never to be lost or misplaced.

My Recipe Book would be a nice gift for a young girl beginning to cook. This book would enable her to try Ashley and Gentry's recipes, as well as record many of her own favorites. As her repertoire of favorites increased, a more extensive and flexible system would probably be necessary, but this book is a nice start on a recipe keeping system.



-- Product Review by: Dr. Heather W. Allen, Senior Analyst, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine