So you want some gift ideas for Christmas? How about some reading material? Have I got some ideas for you!
If you like real life stories:
Jolted out of his innocent, isolated and comfortable world, the author confronted the cruel realities of geopolitical forces of war, exploitation and poverty when he went to Honduras as a 19-year old Mennonite conscientious objector during the Vietnam War. Although severely tested by the extreme poverty that Clymer witnessed and the temptations of the flesh that constantly surrounded him, his core beliefs in peace and “returning good for evil,” bolstered by Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, were strengthened. Sometimes funny, sometimes shocking, but always engaging, the book is filled with personal stories of Clymer’s encounters with these and other realities through interactions with the Honduran people, their culture and the Spanish language. Honduras left an indelible print on the author’s life, his faith, and his vocation.
For some comments from readers:
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Letter From Reader
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If you like meditations on biblical themes, this one was my first book:
From the forward:
Clymer vividly defines the beatitudes in a way that opens a new circuit of thought. Because of the way he interweaves other cultures into the picture he helps us recognize our cultural blinders and encourages us to take them off. Clymer’s passionate insights override the miasmic spirituality of a prosperous society. The poignant stories which begin each chapter abruptly shift us out of our comfort zones, much like when someone jumps off the other end of a see-saw. Suddenly we force-land and take a long, hard look at what just happened.
My hunger and thirst for righteousness grew the further I went in the book . I found myself a sort of “Zaccheus”—wanting to rush ahead to climb a tree and actually SEE Jesus. Each chapter focuses on one of the beatitudes with a story which undoubtedly shed new light for me. Living the beatitudes, as Clymer puts it, teaches us “to walk in the light of Christ and… transform our impure impulses into life-giving action.” I welcomed the invitations to explore my own heart and experiences in order to understand those areas where I needed enlightenment, confession or healing. The meditations invite all of us to “come down” and “dine” with the Holy Spirit who can change our course.
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Perhaps you are interested in discussions of spiritual formation. Than this book, written with my sister is for you!
Why do people, including Christians, feel empty, estranged and cynical?
Many of us have tired of the pat answers that the church and religion have provided about our questions about faith and meaning in life. We know there’s more—and we stand on the cusp of spiritual awakening, longing to reshape our connection with God.
In the tradition of Ronald Rolheiser’s The Holy Longing, Don Clymer and Sharon Clymer Landis (brother and sister, both spiritual directors and retreat leaders) take modern spirituality and turn it on its head to flesh out a Christian spiritualty of emptying oneself. How can I know God more fully? What does it mean to be a true servant walking closely with God: brutally honest with oneself, and true to Christ? Through riveting stories and text grounded in scripture, the book speaks to the deep cynicism of soul and despair that grip so many in this age.
Anyone wanting to become more loving, in touch with feelings, friends and family will find hope and direction in this easy-to-read book on the spiritual journey. We are all hungry for a full-flavored life, yet we ignore our deepest soul and quiet our cravings with more of everything. How does one embrace a spiritually simple life—gracious, accepting and fulfilling?
How about a book about a child's experiences in Mexico? These are stories about my daughter!
The enduring cultural traditions of Mexico are magical! Experience Christmas festivities, marriage, birthdays, and even death. These are the true life experiences of a young girl living with her expatriate parents in Mexico. Even everyday experiences are magical! Visiting markets, parks, families, and learning how tortillas are made, bring Mexico alive to all levels of readers. Experience the magic of Mexico! Learn to understand and appreciate the traditions of our 120 million neighbors to the south, not to speak of the millions who live next door to us in the United States.
"Great read! It gives the reader a feel for what life is like living in Mexico, and through the eyes of a child. I appreciate it being based on a real life experiences as it adds a layer of authenticity."
