Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

I read this as an untested boy and didn't get it. Over 30 years later and a bit of life lived, I not only understand it, but enjoyed his insights, especially how quickly young Henry justified his running away and then became angry with the idea that anyone would question him. Once fear had gotten hold, he saw the danger everywhere and in every place - even where it wasn't. His guilty conscience proved to be a more formidable foe than those he fought against.

Proverbs 28:1 "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion."

Or, a modern proverb:

 "Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway." - John Wayne

Preaching in the Holy Spirit by Albert N. Martin

A good introduction to the subject of the Holy Spirit's role in the preaching of God's Word. Some good and convicting thoughts, to be sure. Refreshing to read a book with a little balance on the Spirit of God - meaning he is by no means Charismatic but does not deny the supernatural element in preaching because it is not one or the other. If you have ever listened to an Al Martin sermon, there is no question as to the authorship. His distinctive voice is clear, even through the printed page. The book was an expanded sermon, so it is a good, quick, primer. Not my favorite book on preaching, but I found it profitable. 

John Adams by David McCullough - Marginalia

John Adams by David McCullough

This was a good book. I didn't know much about Adams, other than the basic trivia but I grew to admire him as a man. We could use a John Adams right now. There isn't much about Adam's faith, but from what is there I believe that he may have been a Christian man.

He had a hard time as a politician but he persevered. Adams put the task of governing ahead of personal pleasure, ease, and finances. He had many critics but stayed the course with manly determination. Think about it -- John Adams had a very difficult undertaking as being the first Vice President under George Washington and then the first President after George Washington. Neither proposition would have been easy and took a humble man, one who loved his country more that his pride, to have achieved it. Good book.