Category: Spirituality Publisher: Sword of the Spirit Publishing
ISBN-10: 061520810X
Type: Fiction
Pages: 212
Copyright: 2008
ISBN-13: 9780615208107
A boys raised in atheism searches for truth concerning God.
Jeremy has studied the theory of evolution and its inherent weaknesses. His conclusion is that the world itself is a testimony to the existence of a creator. He decides to throw himself into studying religion to find out if he can determine who that creator might be and what such a powerful entity desires of him. His motivation is strong due to his love for Maria, who introduced him to Christianity, but Jeremy won't sacrifice truth even for the love of his life. He must find satisfactory answers to all of his inquiries, in order to pave the way to a mutually dedicated relationship based on common ideals.
Excerpt
Before he could do anything, Maria drew her head back away from his and looked him in the eyes again. Jeremy's whole body was going crazy. The phrase 'I sing the body electric' went through his head. Maria seemed to be doing the singing here, but his body was tingling from seemingly every nerve ending.
"Well, Einstein. Does it feel better now?"
"Does what feel better now?"
"Your lump."
"What lump?"
"I guess it worked."
"You know, Maria, someone once said that laughter is the best medicine, but obviously they never kissed you, or they'd know laughter was only second best."
She laughed. "I don't need medicine, but a little preventive care is in order, so thanks for the laughter."
"And thank you for the ecstasy. Now I know what the agony will be."
"What's that?"
"Saying good night to you."
She threw her arms around his waist and nestled up against him until her head lay against his shoulder. Her height was perfect, and she fit into his arms as if she'd been molded for him. "You know, Preppie. This causes a little dilemma."
"Preppie? You haven't called me that for a while. And what dilemma are you referring to?"
"I miss the old days when I had to keep your heart at bay. Now the dilemma has become that I'll have to keep your body at bay instead."
"Oh – that dilemma."
"My dad had lots of talks with me on the subject of sex. One of the key points he made was: don't ever let a boy get his engine revved up because once he does, it's hard to stop him. He said the girl has better control of herself because her motor takes a while to warm up. So, I'm afraid I have to set some boundaries now that we've crossed the sexual Rubicon. I want my wedding night to be very special, so I'm not taking any chances. Are you following me here, Einstein?"
"Maria, I have to tell you I don't know much about this sex stuff. To tell you the truth, this was my first kiss. If I feel like this after one little kiss, I can only imagine what would be happening if this feeling was intensified in any way. I'm afraid I'd be almost powerless to stop."
"Exactly. Even the best intentions go by the wayside if the boundaries get crossed because human sexuality is one of the most powerful forces on our planet. Lots of kids break their chastity vows when they let things get out of hand, thinking they can stop at any time. They can't, so you need to live with the fact that we won't be walking close to the edge of this figurative cliff. So if you can't live with that, you'll need to find a new girl."
"Maria, I don't want another girl. You set whatever boundaries you want. I don't want to bring you pain or shame or anything bad in any way. I certainly don't want to ruin your wedding night. In fact, I was hoping, perhaps, I'd even be around to enjoy it myself."
Maria pulled away from him and eyeballed him again. "Why, Mr. Dillon! That almost sounds like a pre-proposal. It sounds romantic and thrilling and every other glorious word I can think up – but we have to remember that we have a lot of growing up to do yet. There's a lot of life to go through before I'm ready for marriage. I realize that if I get married before I graduate from college, my chance of ever getting my degree will be slim. So my marriage dreams lie beyond that. Are you willing to wait that long?"
"For you, I'd wait until the end of the Earth."
"OK. This is getting a little intoxicating. We better quit now because you have to drive home. Jeremy, thank you so much for a wonderful evening and for being such a gallant gentleman. Good night."
"Sweet dreams, Princess."
Without lingering to the point of wallowing in the sweet sorrow of parting, Maria opened the door and disappeared inside.
Jeremy whistled and skipped back to his car. He saw the egg on the side and then remembered that the whole evening hadn't been as pleasurable as the last fifteen minutes. Big deal! He let his memory do several instant replays of 'The Kiss' as he drove home.
Professional Reviews
AllBooks Reviews
Genre: Inspirational/Religious
Title: All the Stillness of the Wind
Author: Donald James Parker
Whether seeking personal peace, finding the path to redemption or satisfying a need for knowledge; your journey could begin by reading this book!
A `parable' is an avenue used to get a point across, by telling a fictional story, allowing the listener to make their own conclusions. It usually pertains to a moral or spiritual idea. Jesus was famous for his use of parables, and I believe that this fictional story would best be described as a modern day parable.
Jeremy is dating Maria and coincidentally, his father, Paul is dating Maria's mother, Lisa. The women are devote Christians, who know their futures lie with men of similar beliefs. Jeremy has already studied the theory of evolution and concluded that there must have been a creator. The men set out to research religion and it's many viewpoints, with special focus on Christianity, the arguments for and against. They share their newfound knowledge and acceptance with the
women, as their beliefs are discussed or debated.
The comfort level and bantering conversations between the four characters made me laugh, as I learned right along with them. Throughout their search, they `weed through', accept or reject different viewpoints on what man must do, to inherit eternal life. Along the way, they discover there are numerous ways to reconnect with God and inner peace, by way of music, prayer and more.
The couples celebrate their first Christmas together, the happy memory quickly shattered by a horrific accident, which would shake even the strongest of believers' faith. It is then that we learn about grace, "the ability to forgive people for messing up" and about the five steps of grieving. This is one of the many times that Satan feeds our anger and, only once he has been renounced, is the burden lifted. Love and faith are a true believers path to a good life, and the key to the much believed in, Heaven.
The author, Donald James Parker, has told a brilliant version of a parable, and shown us a way to begin the search for truth. It is easy to read and identify with, not heavy on scriptures. He provides a few web sites as well as scriptures for future research.
Donald James Parker, graduated for Dakota State University with a degree in secondary education, then went on to study computer programming. After 25 years of IT work, his passion for writing took over, the outcome to our benefit, is a book series involving two generations of the Masterson family. One never knows what the future holds, but I am sure more books are to follow. He is currently working on other books "engaging the cultural climate of the 21st century."
To review this book was incredible timing. Either divine intervention or just plain coincidence, as it came to me in a time of many questions. It has had a positive influence on my life, by encouraging me to reconnect with my roots and beliefs, on my own search for peace.
I highly recommend reading this book. Reviewer: Cheryl Ellis, Allbooks Review
Eighteen-year-old Jeremy is on a journey but it’s not a road trip. He’s been attending church lately with his girlfriend, Maria, and wonders about the different religions in this world. He also questions which one is the true religion. Thus begins Jeremy and Maria’s quest.
Through reading both the internet, the many books on different religions and Maria’s help, Jeremy discovers that Christianity is the one true religion. Now, Jeremy is faced with another question. Which denomination is true to Christianity? After all, there are so many!
Jeremy turns again to the internet and more books for answers. Confusion sets in when Jeremy finds ministers who have turned their backs on Christianity and who are now atheists.
Jeremy and Maria spend New Years Eve at church with their youth group so they can ring in the New Year with their friends. After midnight, the youth group decides to attend a New Years’ after-party. Little do Jeremy and Maria know, their New Year will start out with a bang! They’re in a terrible car crash that leaves Maria in a coma.
Why did God let this happen? Jeremy’s question is answered when, just a few days later, Maria has a miraculous recovery that the doctors can’t explain. They say that because of the shape Maria was in, she should have emerged from the coma with some damage.
At first I was a little put off by the links to Christian websites throughout the book. After wondering “why”, the answer slowly dawned on me. It’s for any reader who has the same questions that Jeremy does. These links give the reader a starting point for his journey.
I loved this book and highly recommend it! ‘All The Stillness of The Wind’ should be not only in every church library but in every personal library as well.
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