[adoptionblessings]

Most books written on Rev. John Newton of London and Olney England from the 1700's focus on his radical conversion from a wretched slave trader to a pastor. Few share his personal life in his family. The following book shares a most wonderful side of this amazing man! (Letters and Reflections to My Adopted Daughters) compiled by Jody Moreen, 2005 Pleasant Word Publishers, a division of Wine Press Publishing)
John Newton, 1700's British pastor and Hymn writer of the famous hymn, "Amazing Grace" penned 21 letters to his adopted daughter Elizabeth Catlett that were published in the 1800's, also He wrote his reflections of his other adopted daughter Eliza Cunningham, sharing the last 3 weeks of her young 14 year life (she died of tuberculosis in England) He shares her strong faith in God and her amazing courage and compassion for others, even in her fragile state. Both Elizabeth and Eliza were cousins, both orphaned when their parents died of illnesses in the 1700's. Newton and his wife Polly were unable to have children and through prayer chose to adopt their orphaned nieces. This 126 page volume is softcover and can be viewed on adoptionshop.com, Amazon.com, Half.com, barnesandnoble.com, christianbooks.com and Ebay.On Ebay search under "John Newton". Amazon.com shares the book contents and sample chapters of his loving letters.
(The words to the famous hymn "Amazing Grace" are printed at the end of the book.
Great New book for parents, adoptive parents and young girls and adopted girls! Or ask your local library to order a copy and you and others can enjoy it! (Most reference departments have forms for book suggestions)

Jody Moreen, adoptee, Editor, Adoption Blessings Journal

[adoptionblessings]

This adoptive father is a great example of a godly father whose main aim in parenting was to share God and His word with his daughters! A great read with Father's Day approaching- The same one whose pen wrote the famous hymn "Amazing Grace" penned beautiful words of love, edification and spiritual counsel to his precious daughters- his 2 orphaned nieces that he and his wife adopted.

[QueenAngie]

"Amazing Grace" is one of those hymns that everyone loves.

As Paul Harvey would say, "And this is the rest of the story."

Makes this song even more special.

[adoptionblessings]

As a daughter of a father who had a difficult time expressing his love, I was So encouraged by John Newton's beautiful writings on Christian faith and life to his daughters. Wonderful fatherly godly counsel. Years ago the written letter was one of the primary ways of communication and the letters were newsy and full of counsel and edification. No cell phones or e-mail or answering machines and it took a long time for letters to even travel from the writer to the recipient. When I read this book I felt as if John Newton was writing to me and it was written in the 1700's!! It is beautiful how he shares the character and attributes of God to his daughters. A lovely example which has prompted me to be more proactive in sharing my faith openly with my 3 sons. And written letters are often saved and read over and over. Do write your kids and your closest loved ones and friends. They WILL treasure your written words and the time you took to show you cared. A written letter speaks volumes in this day and age, when persons are too BUSY to write! Do any of you write written letters anymore?? I hope you will and revive the lost art of letter writing! Who can you touch this week with a lovely written letter with pen and ink and a stamp??
Blessings, Jody Moreen

[adoptionblessings]

Has anyone been to Olney England or to the Cowper Newton Musuem in Olney that shares history and artifacts from the lives of John Newton and William Cowper- 2 men who wrote many famous hymns of the Christian faith. When I was in London a couple years ago I thought about visiting this musuem, but it was not easy to get to on public transportation. John Newton and Cowper lived in Olney part of their lives and John Newton is buried there. And when I compiled the book of John Newton's letters to his adopted daughter- I was thrilled when the musuem placed the book in their book store.I guess many of the books on John Newton deal with his conversion but few focus on his personal life and many beautiful letters he wrote to family, friends and members of his church where he pastored.
Blessings, Jody

[~Kimberley~]

John Newton was a great hymn writer. His life is truly an example of God's forgiveness, if we ask. Have you all seen the new movie out about Amazing Grace? It is actually more about William Wilberforce (the man who brought Newton to Christ and helped to bring the slave trade to an end in England). Chris Tomlin was asked to write a refrain to the song Amazing Grace. If you get a chance to hear it, it is awsome. The refrain goes:
My chains are gone,
I've been set free,
My God, My Savior has randsom me;
And like a flood, His mercy reigns,
Unending love, Amazing Grace.

[mcmama]

I want to see this movie soon. My kid is a history buff and is very interested in the American civil war and the history of slavery. So I guess we will go this weekend and bring several boxes of tissues.

Man, I need some deals on some Kleenex just after watching the trailer!

[adoptionblessings]

My husband and I and our 18 year old son went to see "Amazing Grace" on its opening night Friday Feb. 23rd. They planned the movie date to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in England. It is also 200 years ago that John Newton died.
Go see the film! It is wonderful and share the news with others. The more that we support these quality films that honor God, show men of integrity and great faith, the more films like this will replace the typical Hollywood menu of worldly films.
My husband and son loved the movie too! Often when viewing today's movies one might be concerned about what inappropriate language or godless values your children or youth might "catch" while watching the films. In "Amazing Grace" their were so many beautiful quotes of truth, honor and beauty that I kept thinking " I want my son to "catch" all of these words of wisdom! One of John Newton's actual quotes in the movie and from his life:
" I am a great sinner, but Christ is a great Savior" and MANY others quoted by Wilberforce and his small band of supporters/clergy that for 21 years fought the British Parilament to abolish slavery.
I want to see the movie again! A good suggestion is to take a friend, co-worker or relative with you to the film. Too good not to share. On opening night I saw a number of church youth groups- such a good film for them to watch and later discuss.
Hope others will share their responses to this great movie!!

Blessings, Jody Moreen