Ted Witham

REVIEW BY JOAN PARKE
I have just read The White Dove and enjoyed it. One part of me likes being left with the suspense and imagining what would happen, would Lance get the family farm back etc, the other part wants to read more so that I would get the answer as per you would, as the writer, uncover for me! If this was developed into a full novel, I would be keen to read it!  When I was young, I used to raid our book-shelves that had quite a number of war-based stories (true and fictionalised) on the exploits of courageous escapes by captured British soldiers from German prisoner of war camps. I always liked them; not because of the war aspect but the courage displayed by those who were determined to escape. I guess I always like the idea of those who in any aspect of life are able to, or enabled by others, to rise above adversity. Emily, The White Dove, seems to be one of these people.

Joan Parke… (altro)

Review by The Rev'd Chris Albany for the Anglican Messenger (Perth, WA).

This book is a little gem that while designed for individual devotions could easily be adapted by those with children as the basis for family Advent devotions. In these meditations Ted Witham tssf creatively links the daily lectionary readings with ordinary events of daily life and also some of the major issues that confront us in the 21st Century world.
We benefit from Ted's Biblical scholarship as he provides historical and cultural insights into the daily readings and helps us make connections with our own experience. The linking of the readings with the nitty gritty of our lives is incarnational theology at its best. Just as significant, perhaps even more so, is the way that Ted encourages us to use a variety of media: music, art, clay, writing, play, to get in touch with our inner child with all of our senses. "With all of me," as Anna of Mister God, This is Anna would say. Ted speaks not only yo our own inner child but also to the inner Christ-child, the Christ within.
Through the daily invitation in response to the meditations, “Let us play”, the author invites us to allow this unique Child to lead us out of ourselves into a larger reality. The wisdom and creativity of this little book reflect the author’s ministerial experience in Christian Education, nurture and formation over many years.
Jesus the Child we Worship will help those who use it to arrive at Christmas ready to celebrate with faith and hope and love enhanced. I commend it warmly.

Available through St John’s Books, Fremantle and from the author.
Chris Albany, Parish Priest.… (altro)

I was chosen through Member Giveaway to receive and review this book. I decided to ask for the book because I am a chronic pain sufferer. As such, I am always looking for new and possibly better treatments of ideas to help deal with my constant, sometimes debilitating pain. This book is a companion book, it will not take the place of what I am already doing to cope, but it will be used in conjunction. I had several realizations while reading this book and know that every time I do an exercise I will have more. Ted Witham, the author and fellow chronic pain sufferer also made this journey and this is how the book was born.
Mr. Witham came up with 12 Steps to living spiritually with chronic pain based loosely on AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) 12 steps to sobriety program. These two programs are different, yet related by the ability of a person to realize, accept, understand, work through, decide and live with whatever their ailment or condition may be. Not the ability to destroy or overpower, but to overcome through understanding your inner self and how it relates to what you feel.
Through this book I was able to realize my unconscious choice to let my pain rule my everyday life. I am learning that I need to accept my pain on a daily basis and then look at managing that pain. It is a learning process that will take time.
I have always been a proponent for being in charge of your health. Know what your body is doing, become educated and make informed decisions with your doctor. You should never just take your doctor's word for it, they have the education of healing, but they are not all knowing. Become 100% involved in you, you know your body and in order to make a good decision your doctor needs to have that partnership with you. I have had several doctors tell me I am intimidating, but it doesn't stop me because I realize I know ME, they don't. They may know the "medical me" or the "test me", but they can't feel what I feel or explain that pain. This book talks about becoming a partner in your own health, take stock in yourself. This was one area I had luckily figured out early on and continue to practice.
Mr. Witham also talks about the need to compare the bad with the good. Look at your many blessings in life and do not allow your pain to fog yur lenses. Admit failure when you must, but know that you will feel good again. Let go of your past wrongs so that they do not continue to burden your heart, mind and soul making your pain load greater. Pray for help in dealing with your pain, not for it to be just swept away.
Mr. Witham has written a very informative book that is short, to the point and easy to read. Each of the 12 steps are described for better understanding and each step has an exercise to incorporate that step into your life.
I have started 12 new steps in my journey. Thanks for the extra help Mr. Witham.… (altro)