My Crazy Life

Book Review - Courting Miss Amsel

2011-06-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

I usually enjoy historical fiction, and this book is no exception. Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer deals with the topic of women's suffrage in addition to the requisite romance.

Edythe Amsel is the new teacher in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Her teaching methods are at first considered outlandish and inappropriate by many of the town's citizens, but as the school year progresses and the children are excited about going to school at least a few of the parents are beginning to reconsider their initial opinions. This changes when Miss Amsel wants to take her older students to hear Miss Susan Anthony speak about women's suffrage.

Kim Vogel Sawyer's writing style is engaging and this story draws the reader in to the town of Walnut Hill. However, I wasn't as caught up in this story as in her last story, In Every Heartbeat. The only real antagonist in this book is public opinion against changing techniques in teaching and women's suffrage, although one of Miss Amsel's students does provide a challenge as well. This does provide enough motivation to move the story along, but just barely. Overall, the story is interesting but is not a nail-biter by any stretch. Just a good summer read.

I received a copy of this book to review from the publisher, however the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Book Review - Larkspur Cove

2011-04-24T13:46:00.001-07:00

This is the second book I've read by author Lisa Wingate, and I have thoroughly enjoyed both of them. My only regret is that I didn't save this book to read on vacation, because it is a perfect book to enjoy while relaxing at the beach or in the mountains! The setting of this book is Moses Lake, a lake community where everything moves at a slower pace. Maybe that's why I wanted to read this book on vacation - because every time I picked it up I could feel myself relaxing as I returned to this wonderful little community.

I enjoyed following Andrea and Mart as they learned more about each other and as they became more involved in the life of a little girl who suddenly appeared at Moses Lake. The book held my attention all the way through and the ending was especially exciting. I hope Lisa Wingate plans to write more books about the people of Moses Lake. It is definitely a community worth visiting again!

Although I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from the publisher, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Book Review - On This Day In Christian History

2011-04-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

The book On This Day In Christian History is a fascinating compilation of stories of Christ followers through the centuries. Each story is a short, one-page synopsis of a well-known or not-so-well-known person from Christian history. In general the stories are fascinating. I've learned a bit about several names from Christian history and many of the stories are intriguing enough to follow up and learn more about. The stories are short enough to read quickly each day and are very interesting. At the bottom of each page is a short scripture which applies directly to the story that day. I like this feature since it allows you to use this book as a devotional with a scripture to meditate on throughout the day. Because each day's reading only takes one page the stories are by necessity abbreviated. Many of the people highlighted in this book lived fascinating lives and this book can easily serve as a catalyst to cause readers to learn more about those people. I also like the topical index located in the back of the book. If you want to find a story on a particular topic (for example pride or perseverance) the index is very useful.

Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Book Review - Masquerade

2010-12-03T12:22:00.000-08:00

What an intriguing story! The plot of this book centers around two young women from England - Charlotte Gleason and her maid Dora. Charlotte's parents are in financial straits and decide to marry their daughter to a rich young American who is more interested in their family name than anything else. Charlotte detests this idea, so on the voyage from England to America she decides to switch identities with her maid Dora. What follows is the "tangled web" that deceit always brings.

This was an exceptionally well-written story with interesting twists and turns. I was especially interested to see how Charlotte and Dora would manage to extract themselves from the mess they created. In the end each of the main characters learned that relying on God is much preferable to attempting to manipulate a situation by altering the truth.

Although I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Book Review - Within My Heart

2010-12-03T12:12:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed reading this latest book by Tamera Alexander. The plot centers around a widow, Rachel Boyd, who is trying to keep her husband's dream of running a ranch alive, all while raising two young boys. After losing her husband, Rachel is hesitant to marry a second time even though she has been encouraged to marry just to keep her ranch afloat.

Dr. Rand Brookston, the town physician, wants to help Rachel out, but she does her best to avoid him since he reminds her of her father, also a physician. As the plot unfolds both Rachel and Rand are forced to face their fears and learn to trust more fully in God's plan for each of their lives.

This book is very well written and held my attention from beginning to end. I hope a sequel is planned so we can learn more about some of the other characters in the book.

Although I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, the opinions expresed are entirely my own.

Book Review - The American Patriot's Almanac

2010-11-12T10:10:00.000-08:00

The American Patriot's Almanac is an excellent collection of interesting excerpts from American history. The book is meant to be read one page a day, with each day's reading outlining an important event from that day in American history. In addition to focusing on one main event each day, at the bottom of each page is a brief synopsis of as many as half a dozen other important events that occurred on that day. At the beginning of each month - or chapter - various interesting topics from American history are covered. One month outlines 50 All-American movies, another month covers 50 American quotes. Each month is a different topic.

This book is excellent for students or anyone who wants to learn more about American history. It covers topics that range from defining moments in American history to more obscure but interesting facts. I can see where it will be a catalyst to encourage my children to learn more about the history of America as they read each day's story.

One other thing about this book that especially appeals to me is its appearance. The cover is attractive and "historic" looking - it reminds me of the look of parchment. The pages are thick with a torn, rough edge, making them look old - a perfect look for a book on history.

Although I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher as part of their book review program, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Book Review - In Every Heartbeat

2010-10-24T13:58:00.001-07:00

This latest book by Kim Vogel Sawyer is an inspiring and entertaining read. It follows the journey of three young adults who grew up together in an orphanage as they journey to college. The book is set just after the turn of the century. Each of the three main characters struggles with a slightly different issue from their past as they attempt to come to terms with the fact that each of them was abandoned in some way by their birth parents.

As a prospective adoptive parent I found this book interesting just from the standpoint of looking at an orphaned child's perspective of relating to birth family and the myriad emotions they must deal with. Of course, the lives of two of the main characters end up satisfyingly complete without any ugly loose ends while I suspect in real life that would not necessarily be the case - even when an orphaned child has a personal walk with Christ. Still, this book is well written and does take at least a bit of a journey into a type of life that many of us have not given more than superficial thought to.

This book is very well written with life lessons the reader can take from the book in addition to being entertained.

As part of their book reviewer program I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book Review - Big Red Bible

2010-10-22T05:05:00.000-07:00

As a book reviewer for Thomas Nelson publishers, I received a complimentary copy of this Bible. The first thing I noticed when I received it is the bright, eye-catching front cover which will appeal to the young children for whom it is designed. On the front cover is the phrase, "The translation children can read and understand". I agree that this translation is ideal for younger children who often do not understand other, more advanced translations. It is not appropriate for older elementary children or even young children who are advanced readers.

The illustrations in this new edition of The Big Red Bible are also eye-catching. They appear to me to be computer-generated versions of what look like 3-D dioramas - like you would find in a museum that has created dioramas of scenes from the Bible.

In the back of this Bible there is a dictionary of words that young children especially might not know. For example, firstfruits and covenant are defined. Beyond the dictionary are short sections entitled, "Where Do I Find It?", "What God Promises About...", and "Memory Verses For My Life". Each of these is geared toward younger children and can be a useful tool to enhance Bible study. In addition there is also a set of maps which are clearly marked and are easy for younger children to read.

The one negative aspect in my opinion is that this version is not hardback. My younger children don't always treat books as carefully as a grownup would and this book would be very easy to bend.

Book Review - Seeds of Turmoil

2010-09-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

The focus of the book Seeds of Turmoil: The Biblical Roots of the Inevitable Crisis in the Middle East was fascinating to me. I was hoping to come to a new or deeper understanding of the current state of that part of the world by looking at current world events from a Biblical perspective. Unfortunately, I feel this book doesn't go far enough in its analysis.

Part One of the book is a thorough synopsis of the several chapters of Old Testament history beginning with God's promise to Abram and how he and Sarai tried to "help" God by having Abram father a son with Sarai's maid Hagar. Clearly, from a Biblical perspective this is the root of the problems in the Middle East, but this book contained little if any information that most Christians do not already know.

I found Part Two of the book a bit more interesting. It looks at the current relationship between Muslims, Jews and Christians and also covers several prophecies found in the Bible (some of which have already been fulfilled - others of which have not). It also focuses on the how today's Christians should relate to Jews today.

Overall, in my opinion this book did not delve deep enough into the subject at hand. While there is some interesting information in here, most of it is not as enlightening as I had hoped.

Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher the views expressed are entirely my own.

Book Review - The Boy Who Changed the World

2010-09-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

I always enjoy childrens' books that have a Christian theme. I am happy to add this book by Andy Andrews to my collection. This story is a childrens' version of Andrews' book The Butterfly Effect.

The story starts with a little boy named Norman Borlaug who grew up and saved over two billion people from starving. Then of course, Andrews leads young readers from Borlaug down a chain of people showing how one life impacted another which in turn impacted another. The message is clearly conveyed to young readers that each life matters - including their own - and that the positive, God-honoring decisions we make today can have a lasting impact far beyond what we might imagine.

This book is beautifully illustrated and well-written. The message to young readers is clear. On the last page in colorful bold print is the line, " That means YOU can be the kid who changes the world!"

What a wonderful, positive message to send children. This would be an excellent book to give as a gift to encourage both a love of reading and to encourage with this inspiring message. I don't think enough children in today's society are told that they matter or are encouraged to use the gifts and talents God has given them to help others. This book does both.

Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Book Review - Outlive Your Life

2010-09-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Max Lucado's newest book, Outlive Your Life. The title - "Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference" gives a hint of the inspiring message in this book. It is filled with snippets of true stories of how God has used His followers throughout history to draw others to Him.

Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of how God uses His people. In addition to referencing scripture within each chapter to prove his point, Lucado also quotes a different scripture at the end of each chapter which succinctly captures the message of that chapter. For example, one chapter focuses on how we do not need to be impressive or amazing in the world's eyes in order to be useful to God. At the end of this chapter, Lucado quotes I Corinthians 1:26-27 - a passage which I love and which is very appropriate to the topic.

At the end of the book is a section called Discussion and Action Guide. I can see where this book would be an excellent book for small group study when used with this guide. But even if you're reading the book by yourself as I was, don't skip over this section. It is thought-provoking and you can use it as a jumping-off point to put what you read into practice. Many of the Ideas For Action are not difficult or time-consuming but they will cause you to reevaluate your actions and hopefully become more intentional in serving God. For example, when you enter a room instead of sitting with the people you always do (which is a habit for most of us) choose to sit with someone who is sitting alone.

One thing which everyone who reads this book should take away is that we need to move outside our comfort zones when God calls us to. And He will call us to move outside our comfort zone in some way. Open your eyes and heart to ways God is wanting to use you to help others TODAY. Every interaction we have is an opportunity for God to use us to reach someone else. "Determine how your gifts, passion, and opportunities best fit into God's plan to serve your neighborhood, community, and world." Then choose to use those gifts, passion, and opportunities to serve God by serving others.

Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Book Review - Captured by Grace

2010-08-23T17:06:00.000-07:00

I couldn't wait to start reading this book because I wanted to learn more about the life of John Newton, writer of the song "Amazing Grace". When I started the book the prelude immediately drew me in with two vignettes from the lives of John Newton and the apostle Paul. I had never really stopped to think about Paul's life before he became a follower of Christ. This book drew beautiful parallels between Paul's life, Newton's life and all our lives before we choose to follow Jesus.

This book isn't so much a biography of Paul or Newton as a focused look at God's grace as evidenced in both their lives. Of course, it also discusses how grace affects the lives of all who accept God's gift of grace. In addition to looking at the lives of the apostle Paul and John Newton, the book also introduces other Christians who have chosen to trust God even in extremely difficult circumstances. I especially enjoyed learning the stories of missionary Helen Roseveare and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Even though each of these women suffered in different ways, God used each of them to further His kingdom. One quote from Helen Roseveare which especially tugged at my heart was, " Can you thank Me for trusting you with this experience, even if I never tell you why?" We may not always understand why we are suffering but God's grace is sufficient in all circumstances.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to spend more time focusing on God's grace. It is thought-provoking, yet easy to read.

In the interest of disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the views expressed here are entirely my own.

Book Review - The Butterfly Effect

2010-08-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

I'm not normally a big fan of gift books, but I couldn't resist reading this new gift book by Andy Andrews since I enjoy his books. I was not disappointed in this one. As a gift book, I really enjoyed both the design and layout of the pages and the story itself. Of course, as with all gift books this one was a quick read, so it's appropriate even for someone who doesn't consider themselves a reader.

The story itself, though, will make you think more about the impact your life has not only on those around you but also on future generations. Truly, our words and actions matter. I love the illustration of how one life impacts another, which impacts another and so on. One of the two illustrations in this book of how every person's life is important, began with a person I'm sure few people have ever heard of named Norman Borlaug (read the book to find out just who he is!). And the two lives who were highlighted are only examples. Your life matters just as much as Norman Borlaug's.

This would be such a great gift to anyone who thinks their life doesn't matter. It will give its readers a more eternal perspective on the importance of every human life. The decisions we make today to serve God can make a difference in someone's life we may never even meet.

In the interest of disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Book Review - She Walks In Beauty

2010-08-09T07:13:00.000-07:00

Based on the back of this book, I wasn't sure I would enjoy it, but it didn't take me long to become engrossed in this story of New York's Gilded Age. The main character, Clara Carter, is being trained by her aunt and father to "catch" a proper husband. In fact, they have a particular person in mind, and not one that Clara wants to marry. But Clara feels that as a woman she doesn't have any other choices since she has no marketable skills.

As the book progresses, Clara begins to question the direction that has been laid out for her. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her character grow as she began to realize that she alone was responsible for the decisions she made and that making moral choices was preferable to following the crowd ("everyone else does it").

This book is very well written and well researched. I learned several new details about the Gilded Age. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the views expressed are entirely my own.

Book Review - Same Kind of Different As Me

2010-07-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

What an amazing story! I loved this book from the first page to the last (and would love to read an update). For some reason, when I started this book I thought it was fiction. About halfway through I figured out these were real people and I was amazed at how God brought Denver and Ron into each others' lives. It was wonderful to read how two people whose paths would ordinarily never cross became closer than many families.

This book was inspiring on several levels. On a personal level I believe that every Christian who reads this book will be challenged to listen and to act on the call to follow Christ in His work. He won't call everyone to the same place, but He does call each of us to move outside our comfort zone just as He called both Denver and Ron to move outside of theirs. It was wonderful to read a first hand account of how God is working in our world today in miraculous ways. So many of these stories are never told, so it was great to get to read Denver and Ron's story.

This book is very well written and it is so much more than an inspiring story. It's a call to action for every Christian to follow Christ in His work - where He has called us. If you don't read another non-fiction book this year, you should do yourself a favor and read this one.

In the interest of disclosure I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Book Review - Somewhere To Belong

2010-07-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

This book by Judith Miller seems to be the first in a new series called Daughters of Amana. The book is set in a Christian colony called Amana - similar to an Amish or Mennonite colony but no particular group is named. This story follows two girls - Berta and Johanna - who are both trying to figure out what direction their lives will take. Berta just moved to Amana while Johanna has lived there her whole life.

The story line of this book caught my attention from the beginning. Watching two young women whose lives to this point had been so different and who were thrown together in a unique environment at a pivotal point in both their lives was very interesting. I enjoyed watching Berta and Johanna mature as they also became good friends. While this book is complete in itself, I can see several other stories waiting to be told. I'm also looking forward to learning more about the citizens of Amana in future books.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the views expressed are entirely my own.

Book Review - Sarah's Garden

2010-07-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

I thoroughly enjoyed Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long. Perhaps it especially appealed to me because it centered around both simple living and gardening - two of my favorite subjects. The main female character, Sarah King, is a member of the Amish community in Pennsylvania and is an avid gardener. Unfortunately for her, she falls in love with an outsider - the new veterinarian to the community.

As Sarah and Grant, the vet, get to know each other they reach a point where they can no longer deny their love for each other. They seem to be at an impasse since Sarah will not leave her community for the outside world and Grant is not Amish. The resolution of the book is a testimony to allowing God to work in our lives. When He calls us to go in a certain direction He can overcome any obstacles blocking our path. We just have to be faithful to continue to walk in the direction He calls.

This is a very enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more books in this new Patch of Heaven series.

Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Book Review - Hand of Fate

2010-07-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

I love a good mystery novel, so I looked forward to reading Hand of Fate by Lis Wiehl, although I hadn't read the first book in the series. This book follows the murder of conservative radio personality Jim Fate from the perspectives of three friends, each with her own point of view of the crime.
I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the lives of each of the three main characters - FBI agent Nicole Hedges, television crime reporter Cassidy Shaw, and Federal prosecutor Allison Pierce. The murder and process of solving the crime was good, but the part of the book that caught my attention the most was getting to know the three friends with their ongoing problems. I would be interested to read more books in the series to see how some of the ongoing issues in their lives get resolved.

This mystery takes plenty of twists and turns, and although some may solve the crime before the end of the book, the murderer was a bit of a surprise until several pages before the official reveal. Although this is a Christian novel, the underlying theme of Christianity is not in-your-face. I really liked the way it was incorporated into the book, and I can see how it could become a more major theme in a later book in this series.

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publisher.

Book Review - Hearts Awakening

2010-06-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

This novel by Delia Parr tells the story of how a young widower with two children and an "old spinster" named Ellie fall in love. The story revolves around Ellie first becoming the nanny for Jackson's two sons, then entering a marriage of convenience with Jackson just to provide the children with a mother and Ellie with a home. Of course as with all marriages of convenience in novels, Ellie and Jackson eventually discover they love each other.

Overall I enjoyed this book. The descriptions of the island where Jackson lives with its large apple orchard make me want to visit it - even though it's a fictional place. The conflict Jackson must resolve of still thinking he's in love with an old girlfriend is also interesting. I wasn't completely sold on the conflict resolution between Jackson and Ellie, though. I can't put my finger on it, but it didn't quite ring true. Maybe because Ellie was so understanding and long suffering. I'm not sure how realistic her reactions were to Jackson's emotional unfaithfulness to their marriage - even if it was a marriage of convenience. That said, it was still a good book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, however the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Book Review Sixteen Brides

2010-06-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

Before I began this book I wondered how in the world the author was going to follow the stories of sixteen different women and create a coherent story out of it. Well, it turns out the story is really only about five of them - and the author does a great job of making each character's story interesting and easy to follow.

The premise of this book intrigued me. Apparently, in the aftermath of the Civil War when many families immigrated West there was also a subset of women - mostly widows from the war - who also went West in search of a new start. The fictional women in this book represented women who planned on homesteading on 160 acre tracts of land free to anyone (man or woman) who would live on it for five years. Although the people of the town of Plum Creek, Nevada had been told they were out west looking for husbands the women themselves had no intentions of marrying and left the "bride train" as soon as they found out they had been promised as brides at the next train stop west. From that point onward the book follows the stories of the five women as they settle their property and earn the respect of the people of Plum Creek.

This was an engaging book and quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and although no sequel was hinted at I would love to continue following stories of the homesteaders in Plum Creek.

Although I received a free copy of this book from the publisher the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Book Review - Mystically Wired

2010-06-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

I will readily admit that my prayer life as a Christian is not as strong as it should be. Yes I pray daily but I often seem to find myself in a prayer rut of sorts. Therefore I was excited to get this book and work toward improving my prayer life. Unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. The first several chapters are more of a "science meets religion" primer on how the brain is wired to pray. I'm a science-oriented kind of person, but this book seemed poorly written and almost confusing as it jumped from topic to topic on how our brains are wired for prayer and where our brains "take us" when we pray.

My faith is strongly grounded, but for someone who is still searching or who is a new Christian, this book could get very confusing as it compares the Christian faith to Eastern religions and how meditation can be an important part of prayer life. Not that I don't see the author's point of view - meditating on Scripture should be a part of the Christian walk, but the way the book approaches the topic is off to me.

There were several good suggestions that I plan to implement, especially setting aside a quiet place to pray and praying outside in God's creation. Other suggestions were less appealing to me, especially praying through a particular set of pre-written prayers. I believe speaking to God is personal and I prefer using my own words when I pray. If pre-written prayers work for someone else, that's great, but this author really seemed to be pushing this particular book written by someone he knows. The book's title came up in several different chapters, which automatically turned me off from even considering it since he seemed to be pushing it at me.

Overall, I'm convinced there are better books on prayer out there than this one.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, but the view expressed here are entirely my own.

Book Review - I Am Hutterite

2010-05-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to begin reading this first person narrative of life in a Hutterite colony and of the transition the author faced when her parents decided to leave the colony for the English world. This is an amazingly honest and heartfelt accounting of both the positive and negative aspects of communal religious life. Although Mary-Anne Kirkby left the Fairholme Hutterite Colony when she was a young girl the book is rich in detail about colony life. Some of the stories made me laugh while others, one in particular, made me want to cry because it seems that the rigid rules of the colony may have cost her young brother his life.

The transition that Mary-Ann Kirkby lived through after leaving Fairholme was also touching. Although it is told without remorse or bitterness, the reader can certainly feel the heartache of a young child as she attempted to fit into a society that was completely foreign to her. Again, some of the stories she tells of trying to fit into the English world are amusing (for example her first experience with dish washing detergent) while others are difficult to read because you can clearly see the intolerance of children who do not see the person beneath the unusual manner of dress.

This story is very well written and engaging from the first chapter. The book reads very quickly and I especially enjoyed the photos at the beginning of each chapter and at the end of the book. This is an excellent book for anyone who wants a glimpse into the life of the Hutterite community.

As a daughter of the Appalachian Mountains, I was reminded that each of us has a unique heritage and while the world at large may not appreciate our roots those of us with less tolerated or understood backgrounds should be proud of where we come from, because our heritage plays a significant role in who we are today.

While I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the views expressed here are entirely my own.

Book Review - Plan B

2010-05-03T07:20:00.000-07:00

Pete Wilson's book Plan B is an excellent resource for all Christians because we've all been faced with difficult circumstances in life. On the cover of the book the question is posed, "What do you do when God doesn't show up the way you thought He would?" I don't know anyone who hasn't at some point prayed and gotten a response of "No" , "Not now", or "That's not part of My plan for you". This book is an excellent reminder that God's ways are not our ways and that just because He doesn't answer your prayers the way you thought He would He still loves you very much and has a plan and purpose to draw you closer to Him through whatever trial you face.

This book offers no easy, pat answers. It isn't a "feel-good" book - if you do items A,B, and C God will always answer the way you want Him to. But we all know that isn't how God works anyway. As Wilson says in his book, "God does His best work in hopeless situations."

There are several biblical examples of how God worked in the lives of His people - often in unexpected ways. There are also many excellent examples of situations faced by believers in recent times. Many of these examples do not have a "happily ever after" ending. But in every one you can see the transforming power of God working in an individual's life to bring that person closer to Him. There are many types of "plan B" situations - sickness, relationship issues, the death of personal dreams such as marriage or family, financial trouble to name a few. These situation are very different from each other. Some we bring on ourselves and some just seem to randomly happen to us. No matter what the situation, God is with His children but His focus is on our growth, not just making our lives easy.

This book will make you reevaluate your relationship with God, especially when you're in the middle of one of life's Plan B's

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Book Review - Wonders Never Cease

2010-04-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

This book was a very quick read. One of the main characters, Kemp McAvoy, is a nurse who wants to live the high life but doesn't have the means at his disposal to afford his tastes. To solve this "problem" he concocts a scheme to write a book about a series of visits from an "angel" to one of his comatose patients. The angel will deliver a message that must be shared with the world in the form of a best-selling book - which will solve Kemp's financial woes. The problem is his scheme gets increasingly complicated as more and more people discover what he is doing.

The secondary plot revolves around Kemp's girlfriend Olivia and her daughter who keeps seeing angels. While Kemp is scheming - and consequently ignoring Olivia - Olivia contends with school officials who want to have her daughter tested because she keeps having what the school counselor considers psychotic episodes where she claims to see angels.

This book is very interesting with an uncomplicated story plot that moves quickly. Kemp is so easy to dislike since he's the quintessential sleazebag who can't see past his own wants to others' needs. We've all known folks like him who are so shallow you wonder how a great girl - like Olivia in the story - would get stuck with someone like him. I wondered at the beginning of the book how the topic of angels would be addressed, and while there's no great theological discussion in this book it makes you rethink angels and how they might be working in today's world.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Book Review - Not A Sparrow Falls

2010-04-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

The back cover on the back of this book especially intrigued me - "Two desperate people - one with all the answers... one with none." I couldn't wait to find out about these people and how their lives would intersect.

Mary Bridget Washburn's life up to this point had been defined by tough breaks and poor choices. As a result she is running from her past and attempting to begin a new life without facing the consequences for choices made in her past. Alasdair MacPherson is also trying to ignore his past instead of face it, with ominous consequences for his children. They both learn an important lesson about the power of God's grace.

I enjoyed this book more than most Christian fiction books, probably because of the character of Alasdair's oldest daughter who is twelve years old. She is suffering the fallout of her father's inability to face the past and what happened to her mother. I enjoyed watching the healing of the relationship between father and daughter.

Overall, this book is well written with a plot that stays interesting, and an incredibly good ending. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House publisher.

Book Review - Lonestar Homecoming

2010-04-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

This is the third book I've read from author Colleen Coble and I have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Her characters are three-dimensional and believable, the plot of each book has unique twists and the underlying message in each book is excellent.

Lonestar Homecoming begins with Gracie Lister and her daughter running from a drug cartel in which she discovered her fiance Cid is involved. She is rescued by border patroller Michael Wayne who deals with the cartel on a daily basis. Gracie is very secretive about her past but eventually learns to trust Michael and face up to her fears. Michael in turn realizes that family is more important than his job.

I loved the way the author weaved several different story lines together - Gracie's strained relationship with her father, Michael's relationship with his children, and of course Gracie's relationship with her former fiance and how that threatens her new family. Although it was complete as written I really wish the subplot of Gracie's relationship with her father could have been slightly expanded (or perhaps commented on in the epilogue).

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House to review.

Book Review - Beguiled

2010-04-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book by Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand. The plot unfolds around the main characters, Rylee Monroe, a dog walker for families in Charleston's elite historic district, and journalist Logan Woods who is covering a series of thefts occurring in the same neighborhood.

This story combines romance and suspense which in this case works well. I was drawn into the story from the very first chapter and didn't want to put the book down until I had read the entire thing. There was continual action as the book built to a suspenseful climax. I also enjoyed the epilogue which tied up a few loose ends, a feature often lacking in fiction books.

Overall, this is an engaging story, a great combination of romance and suspense.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Book Review - Hunter's Moon

2010-03-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

When I began reading this book I had in mind that it would be filled with intrigue and mystery. It is classified as suspense. And yes, there is an element of suspense but not really until the very end of the book. It started out slowly to me, with the first hundred pages or so not really accomplishing much in the way of plot advancement. I enjoyed the last half of the book, when CJ, the main character, realizes that his current state of mind - the anger he can't seem to get past - is driven in large part by a lack of forgiveness on his part for something that happened in his childhood. The action and suspense scenes at the climax of the book are riveting. I just felt the first part of the book didn't draw me in like I want to be at the beginning of a book. Overall, it's an okay book, but not one I plan on reading again.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Book Review - Popes and Bankers

2010-03-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

For those like me wondering, "How did America get into its current financial mess?", Jack Cashill's book will go a long way to answering your question. This book takes a comprehensive look at debt and society's dealings with it - starting with Aristotle and ending with the housing crisis in America. Specifically, Cashill links society's acceptance (and American society's current dependence) on debt with its prevailing religious viewpoint.

In Biblical times Jewish society looked very unfavorably on going into debt and, in accordance with Mosaic law loaned money only to "strangers". Early Christians held a similar opinion of "usury" (then defined by most as the practice of loaning money to be repaid with interest). This opinion was based on a combination of Mosaic law and New Testament instruction. However, as our economy became more global and the handling of money became more sophisticated in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, new concepts of investment lending, speculating, others became accepted practice. The setting was finally perfect for consumer debt to become widely accepted in early 20th century America.

I especially found the final chapters on the creation and bursting of the housing bubble in America fascinating. I don't even begin to understand the economics behind what went on, but Jack Cashill makes an excellent attempt to explain it in terms the average American can grasp without "dumbing down" the explanation. The beginning of the book was a bit of a slow read for me, but overall this book is packed with fascinating information on the link between society's religious viewpoint and its acceptance of debt.

Americans today would do well to take to heart one piece of information from this book. First, in the form of a quote from Michael Novak: "How can a people govern a whole society that cannot, each of them, govern themselves?" - referring to a lack of ability of many to restrain themselves from spending more than they earn. And second, as Dave Ramsey puts it, "Live on less than you make."

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers.

Book Review Never Say Never

2010-03-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

This new novel by Lisa Wingate takes place in Daily, Texas. Although this is the third book in a series I did not feel like I was jumping into the middle of a story. This book follows two people (one a native of Daily and the other who has never been there) as their lives intersect during a hurricane and in its aftermath. The book alternates chapters between the two characters as the story progresses in chronological time.

This book captured my attention from the beginning and held it for the entire story. Going between the two main characters was a bit difficult at times as I would just get involved in what was happening to one character then I would have to switch mental tracks and jump to the other. Overall, though, the device worked well. I felt like the ending of the story was a bit abrupt. I think the author really needed to extend the last chapter by a few pages to finish tying up loose ends that were left. All in all, it was a very interesting story. I especially loved how the lives of two people who had never met became intertwined by an uncontrollable external force (the hurricane). So many of the people in our lives arrive by seemingly random acts like this - acts which in fact are not random at all.

I was given a free copy of this book to review by the publisher.

Book Review - What Your Son Isn't Telling You

2010-03-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

The title of this book caught my eye and, although I don't yet have a teenage boy I hoped to get a glimpse into the future and prepare myself. This book deals specifically with boys ages eleven to nineteen and covers a wide variety of topics. This book is aimed at helping mothers understand their teenage sons - why they act the way they do, the pressures they face from peers, and what they need (and don't need) from their parents.

One very helpful aspect of this book was the scripture references included for dealing with specific situations. Most, but not all, of them were very appropriate to the situation and will allow teenagers (both boys and girls) to see what the Bible has to say on the topic at hand. For a few of the scripture references (in particular the section on competition and "survival of the fittest") I didn't see quite as strong a connection as I wanted.

I also thought the emails from teenage boys were eye-opening. I was aware of many of the temptations facing teenagers but the emails gave me more perspective on their struggles as they grow toward adulthood.

Overall, I feel like this book is worth reading to make mothers more aware of what your teenager may be facing (both struggles everyone knows about, e.g. drugs, and newer issues created because of today's technology) and to give you ideas on how to approach him in dealing with those issues. It also gave me a new perspective on how my role as a mother changes as my son gets older.

I received a copy of this book to review from the publisher.

Book Review - The Clouds Roll Away

2010-03-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

I had never read a book by Sibella Giorello before I picked up The Clouds Roll Away, but I am already anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. Written in the first person, this book is told from the point of view of Raleigh Harmon, an FBI agent with a unique perspective on her coworkers and her job.

First and foremost this book is a suspense novel with twists, turns and (for me at least) a somewhat surprising ending. The best part about character Raleigh Harmon is that she is a regular Christian and not a "super-Christian" who always makes the right(eous?) choice. Her Christianity is part of what makes her who she is, but the author doesn't attempt to make it replace her personality.

When I started reading this book I wasn't sure how I would like the first-person narrative, but it really was helpful in getting into Raleigh's head and seeing plot unfold through her eyes. It did limit the reader's perspective, but in a suspense book that is a good thing.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next one in the series.

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers.

Book Review - The Silent Governess

2010-02-26T16:48:00.000-08:00

This is the first book I have read from author Julie Klassen and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Silent Governess blends romance with a hint of mystery and the result is a very interesting story. It caught my attention in the first chapters and I never lost interest. I usually don't enjoy books set in nineteenth century England but this one was an exception. Although it deals with British titles you don't have to understand the peerage to enjoy the story. The plot has several twists and turns and although I wouldn't consider this a mystery there is an element of mystery to it.

A copy of this book was given to me by Bethany House publishers.

Book Review - Tithing Test Me In This

2010-02-05T08:02:00.000-08:00

Tithing has long been a controversial subject within the Christian community, and most Christians have a very strong opinion on it one way or the other. I believe that tithing, while it began as an Old Testament practice, is also clearly a New Testament directive (see this book for several good Scripture references to back this up). Now you know my mindset as I began to read Douglas Leblanc's book. I was excited to read about fellow believers' attitudes toward tithing.

Each chapter is the result of an interview with one person/couple/church and outlines how and why they have chosen to tithe. In and of themselves the stories are interesting and well written. But - and for me this was big - there seems to be no cohesiveness to the book. Yes, there is an overarching theme of tithing, but nothing ties these stories together, nothing grabs the reader by the collar and says, "This is the reason you should tithe, too!" . It seems that the only reasons you would read a book like this are if you 1) already tithe or 2) don't tithe but are seriously considering changing your stance. The book certainly did not change my opinion of tithing and I agreed with most of the reasons the interviewees chose to tithe. But if I didn't already choose to tithe I don't believe anything in this book would make me change my opinion. It's a good book, but it seemed to be missing something.

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Book Review - Regret-Free Living

2010-02-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

I had no preconceived notions of what to expect when I picked up this book by Christian counselor Stephen Arterburn. I have never listened to his talk show so I didn't know what to expect. What I got when I read the book is sound, practical advice on how to approach relationships from a Christian perspective, offering ways to heal difficult relationships and make good relationships better as well as how to recognize when an unhealthy relationship cannot be mended.

Regret-Free Living is a broad based book that covers relationships in general. You can apply the advice to close relationships such as husband/wife or father/son but the advice also works well for relationships with coworkers, friends, etc. This is NOT a marriage book but much of the advice is very applicable for anyone interested in improving their marriage relationship. I would not recommend it as the only book to read if you have serious marriage problems. I found the book most helpful in taking a good look at my relationships with those who are close to me and finding places where I can improve the way I relate to them. One of the most meaningful quotes for me was,

" What we should be doing in life - our highest purpose as humans and followers of Jesus - is to be a conduit of God's love."

This applies not only to our relationships with people we already know, but to people God places in our lives on a daily basis - whether their lives intersect our for a few moments or for the rest of our lives.

Book Review - How to Reach Your Full Potential for God

2010-01-17T13:20:00.000-08:00

Are you ready to experience God's best? This book is an excellent place to start! Charles Stanley's newest book flies in the face of the prosperity gospel so popular in America today. But if you want to truly prosper as a Christian you would do well to not only read but also act on the information outlined in this book.

As always, Dr. Stanley backs up everything he writes with copious solid scriptural references. In each chapter he outlines a principle essential in reaching your full potential as a follower of Christ. I especially enjoyed the chapter on on using your gifts, and the distinction Dr. Stanley makes between your gifts from birth and your ministry gifts (given by God when you become a Christ follower) and how they work together. This chapter very clearly outlined how to recognize your gifts - so much more clearly than any aptitude test or spiritual gift assessment I've seen. For the first time I believe I understand how God has gifted me and how He intends for me to go about His work while utilizing the gifts He has given me.

This book does not have the power to change your life - only God will do that. But I believe He will use this book as a tool to show you where He wants to make changes in your life to draw you into a closer walk with Him. Your life can be so much more than it currently is - and God does want the best for you. The best not by the world's standard but by His.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book to read and review by Booksneeze.

Book Review - The Rose Legacy

2010-01-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

As a fan of inspirational historical fiction, I was excited when Bethany House publishers offered me a free copy of this book to review, and I was not disappointed. This is the first book of a trilogy and is set in the late 1800's in a mining town in the west. This book grabbed my attention from the first page. It is fast paced with plenty of action and suspense in addition to the romantic story line. The characters were compelling and "real" and at the end of the book I was left wanting to know what happened to them next. This book is an excellent and quick read but if you pick it up plan on reading the entire trilogy back to back.

Book Review - Closer

2009-12-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to have the opportunity receive a free copy of the new Bethany House couple's devotional book Closer by Jim and Cathy Burns. In the introduction the authors explain that they wrote this book with couples' busy lifestyles in mind, so instead of daily devotions this book is designed to be read together once a week. This format works so much better for us as a couple since we find it difficult to spend enough time together reading devotions daily.

The devotions themselves are each only a few pages long but they cover an incredible array of topics all designed to grow your marriage and make you stronger as a Christian couple. The topics covered are timely and applicable to all marriages and the devotions are written in a way that make them easy to apply to daily life. Although the devotions only take a few minutes to read through they often cause you to begin dialogue with your spouse which can continue for several days. Each devotional includes two features that I especially enjoy, the Faith Conversations and A Step Closer. My single favorite aspect of the devotions is A Step Closer which suggests an action you can each take to strengthen your marriage relationship. For the most part these are easy to incorporate into your daily life, but they cause you to be deliberate in showing love to your spouse.

Overall, this is the best couples' devotional book I have seen.

Book Review - The Lightkeeper's Daughter

2009-12-15T16:42:00.000-08:00

This is the first book I have read by author Coleen Coble and I am very impressed. The Lightkeeper's Daughter combines mystery and romance in a historical setting. I enjoy both historical romance and mystery, but this is the first book I have read which combines those two genres, so when I was offered the chance to review this book through Thomas Nelson's book review blogger program I was excited to receive it. The characters were well developed and believable. The story line caught my interest from the beginning and held it through the entire book. The romantic story line proceeded in a fairly predictable fashion, but the mystery had several several surprising twists and turns. One reason I enjoyed this book so much is that it is a "grown up" version of the style of mysteries I enjoyed as an adolescent.

At the end of the book I found myself wanting to learn more about the citizens of Mercy Falls and I look forward to reading the next book in this new series by Colleen Coble.

Book Review - Let God Talk To You

2009-12-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

I received this book from Bethany House publishers in order to read and review it. In this book the author, Becky Tirabassi outlines varied ways God talks to His people. Most Christians, at one time or another, have been in a place where they felt they couldn't hear God talking to them. This book focuses on ways that God communicates with His people, such as through the Bible, prayer, and through other people.

There's nothing surprising or new for most Christians in this book. It doesn't offer some amazing new revelation on how God will talk with you. It focuses on what most of us already know - that if we want to hear from God, we must spend time listening to and for Him by daily Bible reading, prayer time and seeking input from fellow Christians. However, although the information isn't surprising or new, it is something most of us need to be reminded of. God doesn't make a relationship with Him complicated or something that must be achieved through a difficult process. It happens simply by seeking His presence.

This book offers solid, Bible-based information on a subject of great importance. It is well-written and includes many personal anecdotes from the author. Of course the only book you really need to communicate with God is the Bible, but this book will help to focus your attention on communicating with God and make you think about how important your relationship with God is versus how much time you put into that relationship.

Book Review - The Silent Gift

2009-11-21T14:54:00.000-08:00

The Silent Gift, a historical novel written by Michael Landon, Jr. offers a glimpse into the lives of the unlovely and those who feel unloved - but who are loved deeply by God. The story centers around Jack, a little boy growing up during the Great Depression and who is deaf and mute and around Jack's mother Mary who wants to protect Jack from those who want to either hurt Jack or exploit what appears to be a unique gift from God - the ability to prophesy - but ends up in a seemingly unending series of ever more perilous circumstances.

This book is not what I would call a typical religious historical fiction book because it deals with deeper subject matter than the typical historical fiction. It makes the reader consider what it means to be gifted by God and how those gifts might not appear like gifts to the world. Or perhaps the world would have us use our God-given gifts to benefit ourselves or others and not to serve God. Another subject focused on to a lesser degree is that of how God takes the broken and unloved and makes them whole in Him.

About halfway through The Silent Gift I was almost ready to put it down because I thought the author was going down a road I didn't agree with. But I kept reading and I'm glad I did because in the end he brought out the exact point I thought he was contradicting - that God-given gifts are not to be used for gain and that our faith belongs in God and not in what we can do to provide for ourselves.

Overall, this is an excellent book and might just make you take a second look at society's outcasts and realize that everyone is worthy of love.

Book Review - Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain

2009-11-16T15:06:00.000-08:00

I received the book Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain by Drs. Paul Meier and David Henderson from Thomas Nelson Books for the purpose of reading the book and then blogging about my opinion of it. When I first picked up this book I assumed the intended audience was those who are in the midst of intense pain in some form. As I read I learned that, to the contrary, this book is intended for anyone who has ever found themselves in a pain-filled situation - in other words, it's for everyone.

The authors divide the painful events of life into seven categories: injustice, rejection, loneliness, loss, discipline, failure and death. I discovered that, while I have never faced a dramatic instance of pain (such as job loss, death of a close loved one, etc) this book offers practical, Christ-centered advice on how to deal with painful situations of any proportion. Anyone should easily be able to recall instances that fit into most if not all of these seven categories and will realize that when they face similar situations in the future they will be able to look at them from a different standpoint - the standpoint of what does God want to accomplish in your life as you experience this painful event/situation? The book makes it clear that God does not cause these situations but He does want us to learn from them and especially learn to lean more fully on Him as our Source of strength.

Throughout the book the authors use a combination of Scripture and anecdotes from their own experiences to show how God grows us through the painful experiences of our lives - but only if we choose to grow. Everyone suffers pain in this life. It's a part of existence on Earth. But we learn from it and grow through it only by looking to God for the greater purpose the pain serves in our lives.

Book Review - Take Your Best Shot

2009-10-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

This book, which in part tells the story of the beginning of the organization Hoops of Hope, will challenge you even while it shares with you one story of God's amazing power to transform lives. From the first page to the last Take Your Best Shot is a powerful testimony of how God can make a difference in the lives of thousands of people using one willing follower.

Austin Gutwein was only ten years old when he watched a video telling of the suffering of children in Africa. From that video was eventually born an organization which has touched the lives of thousands of people across the world.

A small step in the story of Hoops of Hope is shared in each chapter of the book. But even more important is the background as to how God was working in the lives of many individuals to accomplish much more than any of them could have conceived and how He can and will do the same thing in the lives of all His people who are willing to step out in faith and do what He is calling them to do. This book can be life-changing for everyone who reads it - both teenagers and adults. But it will only change lives if you heed the message Austin clearly communicates throughout the book. You must discover your passion, see a need and look for where they intersect. Trust God and He will lead you step by step. And serving Him doesn't necessarily mean you will create an international aid organization. God uses us in many ways, not all of them visible to those around us or even to ourselves.

Although this book is written to young people it has a message that needs to be heard by teenagers and adults alike. This book is well-written, though-provoking and will challenge you to reevaluate your purpose on this earth. Don't invest all your energy on things that expire. Redirect it where God is calling you - even if it takes a giant step of faith.

Book Review - That Certain Spark

2009-09-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

This newest book by Cathy Marie Hake is an entertaining, well-written work of fiction. The main character is a female doctor who faces and overcomes the prejudices common against females in traditionally male-dominated professions in the 19th century.

The author, Cathy Marie Hake, gives us a glimpse into late nineteenth century medicinal practices by including accurate and interesting historical details as the protagonist practices medicine in a Texas frontier town where the overwhelming sentiment is that women are not capable of being physicians. Not only her abilities but the appropriateness of her chosen profession is questioned by the town's citizens

The overarching romantic story is well-developed and believable as the characters learn more about each others beliefs and motivations for making the decisions they do.

As a female who chose to enter a male-dominated profession I appreciate the very real look this fiction book takes at the struggle our female antecedents faced to break through the "glass ceilings" of so many male-dominated professions and the equally valid appeal that being a Christian and pushing the envelope of society's standards are not mutually exclusive activities.

Yes, this book is a Christian historical romance. But it is also much more than that. It touches on topics that were volatile during the period this book was set and reminds us that Christian women play many roles in our society.

Book Review - Voices of the Faithful Book 2

2009-09-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

I was excited to read this new book of devotions written and compiled by missionaries around the world. Even with sources like the Internet, Christians in America are incredibly insulated from the realities of life for Christians in many parts of the world as they share Christ's love. Through these daily devotional readings I have become more aware of the both the joys missionaries experience and the difficulties that are a part of daily life for many of them. It has made me more aware of how I can pray more effectively for missions work as well as giving me the ability to pray for the work of many Christians on an individual basis.

I enjoy the way this devotional book is organized. Each month of devotions is introduced by Kim Davis, who lived for many years in South Asia and each month is grouped by themes. My favorites included Lessons from the Young (September) and From Adversity to Triumph (October). Each devotion consists of a Bible verse corresponding to a short story written by a missionary. Following is a short prayer pertaining to the story as well.

This book is an excellent resource to help make us more aware of the work of Christ followers around the world. It is different from many devotional guides in that it takes the focus off of me (and how I can better myself) and places it on Christ (His work around the world and how we can join that work where we are). And as far as I'm concerned, that's the way it should be.

Book Review - Fields of Grace

2009-09-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of faith embarked on by the main characters of Kim Vogel Sawyer's latest work of fiction, Fields of Grace. In this book Reinhardt and Lillian Vogt as well as Reinhardt's brother Eli journey from the steppes of Russia to a new life in America - a decision made so that they won't have to compromise their Mennonite faith. Along the way, tragedy strikes the family and difficult decisions must be made.

The faith of the family is solidly interwoven into the fabric of their lives, and when a crisis of faith comes for Lillian, the story remains believable and true to the character created. Although this is a work of fiction I learned a bit more about religious and cultural heritage of a segment of immigrants to the midwest. Although the book has a firm conclusion I hope the author is planning a sequel to this story so that we can learn more of son Henrik's journey into adulthood and whether he will choose to remain true to his religious roots.

Book Review - Love Has a Face

2009-09-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

As a strong advocate of missions and missionaries I was excited to begin reading Love Has a Face by Michele Perry. Unfortunately, by the time I was a few chapters into the book I realized how disappointing this book is. This poorly written book has no real direction, jumping from random glimpses of Michele's life in Sudan (which were interesting) to experiences in which she speaks with Christ incarnate in her room (which quite frankly were disturbing to someone who was raised in the Christian faith and who believes that the next time Christ returns to Earth will be at its ending).

Michele Perry truly seems to adhere to a social gospel with all hatred, pain and suffering being eliminated on earth by those who follow His direction to love our neighbor. As Christians we are called to help our brother who is suffering but with the intent of introducing him to One who can remove suffering for eternity if our faith is placed in Him - whether He heals our earthly sickness or not. God never intended His kingdom to be established on Earth except in the hearts of His followers - not as a physical place. This book does not clearly communicate that Michele Perry believes this tenet of Christian faith. She relies heavily on "faith-healing" as a purpose of knowing God - not as a way of being introduced to His power.

To be fair, Michele Perry truly has a heart for the people of Sudan. Overall, though, this book is both poorly written (with no real direction or conclusions) and distinctly disturbing as it seems to confuse and combine mysticism and Christianity. More Christian missionaries are desperately needed in Sudan and around the world to help the suffering in the name of Christ, but don't rely on this book to give you a glimpse into a missionary's life - the information just isn't there.

Book Review - Fearless

2009-08-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

Max Lucado's latest book is so applicable to Christians today. In today's society where there is a techno-gadget to solve every problem and medical research is extending our lives it is so easy to forget that we serve the all-powerful Creator of the universe. My default reaction to almost any problem is, "What can I do to fix this?" In his book Fearless, Max Lucado gently reminds us that our first reaction to any fear-inducing situation should be to turn to God.

I enjoyed the way Lucado separated the chapters of this book into types of fear. For example, he addresses fear of not protecting your children, fear of worst-case scenarios, and fear of life's final moments. But throughout the book he continues to emphasize - often by quoting Scripture - that while we are not in control God is, and He walks with us.

I was especially moved by the anecdotes Lucado shares from the lives of several Christians including Boris Kornfeld (of whom I'd never heard) and C.S. Lewis. When I am tempted to give in to my fears I hope I remember that nothing God calls us to do is ever wasted, as evidenced by many of the stories in Fearless.

One point I disagree with is Lucado's explanation of why Christ prayed at Gethsemane the night before He was crucified. According to Lucado, He was afraid of what was to come. I've never read the Scripture that way, but instead feel that He prayed because He dreaded or dismayed what was facing Him. Dread and fear are not the same emotion. Despite this portrayal, the book Fearless is overall an excellent reminder that as Christians we have nothing and no one to fear - except God.

First Day of School

2009-08-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

Let me start this post by saying I've imagined this day for years - over ten years. And especially for the past oh, five years or so, I've wondered (okay, obsessed) what would it be like to have all my children in school? What will I do with my time? How will I fill it? Should I get a "real job" (since we all know being a stay-at-home-mom isn't really work)? If so, what job? Engineering? Go back to school and pursue a different career track? Nursing? Teaching? I've polled all my friends and acquaintances who are/were SAHMs and everyone seemed to know exactly what choice to make - everyone except me that is. So needless to say, I've given this day some thought - a lot of thought. So much of my identity the past ten years has been wrapped up in being Mom to my children. Will I lose my identity when they're all in school?

Now, with the first week of the school year almost behind me, I can honestly say I believe I have made the right decision on how to fill my time - the right decision for me, that is. In a few weeks I will begin my second year as a math tutor at a local community college. The job takes less than 15 hours a week, doesn't pay well, and is incredibly low stress. In other words, it fills just about as much time as I am willing to give to a job at this stage of my life, allows me to contribute a tiny amount to the family finances, and is the perfect complement to being a mostly-SAHM of school-age kids. I'm always home when they are, work will never take precedence over my children, and I really ENJOY helping college students figure out how to solve math problems (especially Calculus and Statistics).

Even though they don't require my presence as much now, I know my kids need me now as much as they ever have. I want to be available to them for parties, field trips, homework, and just to talk to about whatever is on their minds. So I have finally, after years of soul-searching, discovered the answer to the question, "What will you do when your kids are all in school?" I will work a few hours a week while the kids are in school, but more importantly than that I will remain available to be a mom to my children. And that is the most important job I will ever have.

Book Review - Love and Respect

2009-08-15T07:23:00.001-07:00

This book offers an excellent perspective on Christian marriage. Clearly speaking to Christians, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs shares insight on Ephesians 5:33 which is the basis for the book.

The first section seemed to move very slowly as Dr. Eggerichs restated over and over that in a fundamental way men and women speak different "languages" - he desires respect and she desires love. Perhaps this section could have been condensed, but it didn't seem to grab my attention like the rest of the book did. I also felt that some of the letter excerpts from couples who had been to his conferences could have been removed and others letters elaborated on. I would have enjoyed more background information from some of the letter writers to know exactly how the information from the book changed their marriages in concrete ways - not just that it did.

The aspect of this book that I struggled with most is that Eggerichs never connects respecting you husband with loving him. Maybe as a woman it still all comes back to love for me, but I believe that when I choose to be respectful to my husband I am really loving him. I enjoyed the second section ("The Energizing Cycle") with its practical suggestions on how men can be more loving and women can be more respectful. Again, though, the suggestions for women on being respectful seemed to me to be ways I can show my husband love by respecting him. Each chapter concludes with a short bulleted list of practical ways to put the chapter's topic into practice. These lists are excellent starting points and made me want to sit down and write my own list of ways I can implement the ideas Eggerichs outlines.

This book continued to get better the further I read. The last section ("The Rewarded Cycle") is aimed directly at Christians and is strongly Bible-based (like the rest of the book). In the back of my mind as I read this book I was wondering, "What about couples who are in extreme situations - perhaps where one spouse doesn't want to change his/her sinful behavior?" This section addresses that concern. To quote from the book, "My response to my spouse is my responsibility". Ultimately when I choose to love or respect my spouse I am loving or reverencing Christ. This section has so much excellent, Bible-based material that it is worth buying the book just for this information - but you should really read the entire book for the full perspective on Love and Respect in your marriage.

This book is excellent for couples at any point in their relationship, from newlyweds to those who feel their marriage is coming to an end to those who want to make their "good" marriage even better. Although the concept flies in the face of popular culture, God truly made men and women differently with unique needs. We complement each other but we don't always know how to speak each others language. This book helps decode our differences and offers ways to strengthen the marriage bond.

Lego Races

2009-07-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

Big Man, like most boys, is competitive - very competitive. He can turn almost any activity he participates in into a race. Want to work a puzzle? Mom has to work one too and it becomes a "puzzle race" to see who can work their puzzle first. Need to take a bath? Well, Big Man can take his bath faster than you can. Want to play Legos? Of course, it has to be a race!

Just how do you race with Legos, you may ask? Big Man gives each participant (himself and Mom) an empty base on which to place Legos. Mom is only allowed to use 2x2 pieces and he only uses 1x1 pieces (which makes it harder to win). The first one to fill their board completely with the correct size pieces wins. And since our Lego container is a huge toy box (Big Man inherited all his dad's Legos as well as receiving many lego sets of his own) this can take awhile.

Another favorite race - and Big Man just now challenged me to yet another one - is a coloring race. In this race we each sit down with a coloring page and box of crayons and the first one to finish their coloring sheet neatly wins. Now this race is a bit subjective, but Big Man NEVER rushes just to win. He colors as neatly as possible. I see this as the OCD coming out, but I'm also very glad he always does his best.

My favorite type of race is our puzzle races. In this race we each work our own puzzle. The puzzles must have the same number of pieces to make things fair. Big Man would never consider himself at a disadvantage because of his age. On the contrary, he knows that he's faster because he's younger. After all, I've told him that very thing countless times after trying to chase him down when he's running away from me. He loves our puzzle races. And at age five he can work a 100 piece puzzle in an amazingly short amount of time. Maybe there's something to this race idea after all. It's certainly more fun for him than having Mom help him. Because he never needs help when working a puzzle. When he was younger he would get furious at me for suggesting he try certain puzzle pieces in certain spots.

Well, I have to go. I've been challenged to a coloring race and I'm currently losing because I'm sitting at my computer instead of coloring my sheet.

Book Review - Everyday Greatness

2009-07-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

Everyday Greatness by Stephen Covey is really a compilation of short stories, essays and book excerpts by various authors, organized by what Covey calls principles of Everyday Greatness. Each story and quote has at one time appeared in Reader's Digest magazine. Covey ties the stories together and offers commentary and additional insight on what makes each story an example of everyday greatness.

Although over 400 pages in length this book is easy to read. Each outlined principle is accompanied by three examples of individuals who demonstrated that principle in their lives. In reading through these stories I learned more about the background of several famous people - background of which I was previously unaware. I was also introduced to many people who have - other than among a few who keep their names alive - have passed into obscurity but who truly epitomized many of the principles of Everyday Greatness. I plan on following up on the stories of several of these people to learn more about their lives.

Additionally, at the end of chapter there are several pages of short quotes and paragraphs which instill the essence of the principle being studied. This is one of my favorite aspects of this book. Although some of the quotes are a stretch to apply to the given principle most are incredibly accurate and excellent quotes. Many are also funny, which to me was a bonus. For example, when highlighting the principle of quality, this quote by Claude McDonald was listed, " If hard work is the key to success, most people would rather pick the lock."

Also included in each chapter is a page called Reflections with several questions for the reader to ponder. I also very much enjoyed these questions since they made me pause to think about how I can better apply these principles to my life. This is an excellent resource and would also be a great jumping-off point for discussion of the book with a good friend or loved one, although they were written mainly to use for a time of introspection since they ask very pointed questions about your own values and principles.

My overall opinion of this book is very favorable. I enjoy Reader's Digest so it follows that I would enjoy a compilation of works that have previously appeared in that magazine. My main critique as a Christian reading a book published by a Christian publisher is that I would have enjoyed more discussion as to why these principles should be important to me as a Christian and Biblical references which would tie them to my personal walk as a Christian. I understand that Reader's Digest is secular and the stories in this compilation do not represent a religious undertaking, but because of the publisher I perhaps expected at least some reference to Christianity. - Most of these principles - integrity, respect, charity, responsibility, simplicity to name a few - are directly applicable to me in my Christian walk. But when you remove Christ from the equation I am left to wonder why they would be important. And that of course is what each of us must answer for him/herself, and is not the purpose of this book.

Garden Camp

2009-07-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

Princess accomplished a new "first" in her life this week - she went to a new camp without knowing anyone else in the camp. This was a big deal for her since she has always balked at going to any camp, with or without friends. Just a week before garden camp started she was trying to convince me that she didn't need to go but mean mommy stood firm and insisted she had to try it - and she absolutely loved it!

The first day of camp she didn't cry or use any excuses but I could tell she was unsure of being left with strangers. When I picked her up she had an entire flat of plants to take home and she talked the entire way home about her experience. She learned how to mix dirt, make cuttings and transplant plants. But even better in her opinion was the snack machine. I gave her $1 each day for a snack but she decided to use her own money to buy more snacks most days (I don't have a clue how much she ended up spending). She also made a good friend at camp - Will. She and Will played frisbee in the afternoons and in general enjoyed each other's company. For some reason Princess always takes up with boys and not girls. Perhaps this is a bad sign for the teenage years? But at least she had fun! She was excited to go every day and ended up with lots of plants for the house. And the best part? She wants to go to camp again next year - success!

Book Review - The Hole In Our Gospel

2009-07-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

When I first picked up The Hole In Our Gospel by Richard Stearns I thought it would be about Stearns' personal journey to becoming the president of World Vision. What I discovered as I read the book was so much more powerful and potentially life-changing for readers. While Stearns does share parts of his life before and after becoming president of World Vision this book focuses on how Christians can have an enormous impact on the poverty and injustice in our world by actively being the hands and feet of Christ.

This book is directed at Christians, particularly Christians in America. It is human nature to focus on what is in front of us and not to be overly concerned with those things which are far removed from our presence. Christ, however, calls His followers to show compassion toward our neighbors in need (see Luke 10:25-37 and Matthew 25:31-46 ). In America the 21st century Christians have both the financial and physical means to literally reach our neighbors in the remotest parts of the world. This book is a call to all Christians to work together to reach these people for Christ by showing His love in tangible ways - feeding the hungry, providing for orphans, and helping the sick among others.

Stearns does not confuse works with faith. He makes it completely clear that he in no way thinks works replace faith. But in an excerpt from his book, "...God expects our lives - our churches and faith communities too - to be characterized by these authentic signs of our own transformation: compassion, mercy, justice, and love - demonstrated tangibly."
This Biblical principle should be familiar to all Christians. The book of James makes it quite clear that faith without works is dead (see James 2:14-26)

The only part of this book I struggled with is the title. I believe the gospel of Christ is whole in that "..while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 The gospel of Christ can be demonstrated in the ways Stearns shares in his book, but I don't believe those acts are the gospel - they are ways to share the gospel of salvation through Christ's death on the cross and resurrection. This did not take away from the underlying message that I as a Christian in America have been entrusted with financial blessings over which God made me a steward. I don't believe I was given these blessings just so I could live comfortably or "keep up with the Joneses". I am called to love my neighbor and one way to do that is to share these blessings with those who are, in many parts of the world, starving to death.

After reading this book I believe most Christians will be convicted to reexamine how they are using their time, talents and treasure to share the love of Christ with those in need.

Camping at Rock Island

2009-06-23T13:11:00.001-07:00

Our family loves to camp - in our camper of course. This year with our Disney vacation falling when it did we've only managed to go on two camping trips so far. This past weekend we spent a few nights at Rock Island state park. Since we'd never been there before we weren't sure what to expect. Well, I can honestly say Rock Island is beautiful - and HOT and HUMID in the summer.

The whole family was looking forward to this trip since we hadn't been camping since April - highly unusual for us. After a pleasant trip to the campground we checked in at the front office. There were lots of activities planned for the weekend and the kids wanted to participate in most of them. After setting up the camper we went to the first activity - making animal footprints. Princess made a new friend at the activity. We headed back to our campsite and the kids and T changed into swimsuits while I waited around to sign up for canoeing the next day (limited spots available - signup sheet to be posted in an hour or so). The kids cooled off in some beautiful waterfalls along the side of a hill. They were fairly small falls scattered along the hillside so that you could wade through them and even get underneath a few of them. We ate supper - which no one was very interested in because we were so HOT. Finally signed up for the canoeing - Yeah!.

The next day dawned HOT and HUMID. T was sweating while he cooked breakfast outside. Princess didn't want to go out because she was afraid she would get cold - not this trip sweetheart! Canoe trip was at 10 am. It was lots of fun - saw more waterfalls. Watched one couple tip their canoe twice. Miss Bee ended up with an asthma attack at the end of the trip because she got so hot paddling her canoe. The kids caught minnows in the lake while Miss Bee and T went back to the campsite for her inhaler. We ate an early-ish supper and discovered an idyllic pool of water known locally as "the warm hole" where we swam for an hour or so. We had to get back for the bat show at camp but promised ourselves we would return the next day. The bat show was fun, but there were no bats out since it was so HOT and HUMID. Apparently bats don't like heat either.

By the third day T was tired of sweating while making breakfast, but what could we do? We decided to spend at least part of the day in the water, so we packed a picnic lunch and headed back to the warm hole (I really think they could've come up with a better name for such a beautiful place). We swam, laughed at Miss Bee when she wouldn't get in the water because it had fish and crawldads in it, swam some more and ate lunch. After lunch Miss Bee learned she loved to snorkle in the water where she could watch fish. The warm hole is part of a river but is set apart from the main body of river so that it forms a calm pool of water like a lake (but not gross like lake water). Great for snorkeling. We were at the warm hole for about three hours and for most of that time we had the area all to our selves. So unlike the Smokies where you almost literally trip over people wherever you go. We hiked about half a mile to get to the pool, but it was well worth it.

That evening no one felt like eating supper because it was so HOT and HUMID, so we took off for Dairy Queen about 20 minutes away (thank you gps). On the way back we stopped at a little castle-like structure inside the park. It was an old water reservoir system from CCC days - so cute! We also walked to an overlook where we could see what was on the other side of our idyllic pool that we loved - it was a huge waterfall! We could hear the waterfall from the warm hole, but to get to it required climbing up a steep rock face - and the kids just weren't ready for that. (And as far as I'm concerned they never will be)

By the fourth day we were so tired of the HEAT and HUMIDITY we decided to just pack up and leave. Bottom line - we had a great time but won't return to Rock Island in summer any time soon.

Dragons on the Stove

2009-06-16T16:19:00.001-07:00

Big Man is currently going through a stage where he's fascinated with dinosaurs and dragons. One day he informed me that his dragon lives in the kitchen. Huh? "Yes, Mom! My dragon lives in the stove." Apparently his dragon does indeed live in the stove and comes out when I cook. Especially when I boil water or any other substance that produces lots of steam. I was cooking the other day and Big Man walked into the kitchen. He was sooo excited when he looked at the stove. "The dragon's back, Mom!" He will pull up a stool as close to the stove as I will allow him (which isn't close) and sit and watch his dragon. He loves it when I remove the lid from a pot of boiling water and allow a huge cloud of steam to escape. That's when the dragon is really mad.

The dragon also makes appearances on camping trips. He is the source of all campfires. Big Man loves campfires (what boy doesn't - including Big Man's daddy) and is thrilled when the dragon roasts his marshmallows.

I wonder if he'll be as fascinated with cooking when he gets old enough to help? Maybe if I convince him the dragon is doing all the work. Or maybe not...

Princess and the Play

2009-06-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Since the day she was born my red-headed Princess has kept me on my toes. Among her more notable exploits as a toddler were the potential careers she tried out:

1. Plumber - at age two she took the back off the commode and pulled the hose that fills the tank out of its moorings. When I walked by the bathroom (thankfully only a few minutes later) I saw a jet of water spurting through the air.

2. Cook - Also at age two she decided she wanted a scrambled egg, so she got the eggs out of the fridge, broke one and mixed it in a bowl and poured it into a skillet on the stovetop. Thankfully she didn't know how to turn on the stove.

Now that she's older and more mature Princess uses her overactive imagination and flair for drama to make life more fun for herself and her siblings. In the past week I've observed her as a:

1. Lifeguard - When we hooked up the waterslide in the back yard she decided that instead of sliding she would sit at the top and be the lifeguard. She stopped Miss Bee from going down the slide headfirst and made sure everyone had on their sunscreen

2. Bus Driver - She pulled Big Man in our wagon in the backyard last week. Every so often she would stop to pick up and discharge passengers. Every so often Big Man had to get out for his stop. She also required exact fare for boarding the bus. She did, however, take requests for drop off location.

Splinters

2009-06-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

A small but integral part of any active kid's life is getting - and removing - splinters. Since my children spend as much time as they possible outdoors they get their fair share of splinters. Which brings me to the topic of this post.

Big Man (who is currently five) has had maybe five or six "splinter incidents" that I can recall. And somewhere along the way he decided that water removes splinters. I believe that idea came about because once when he had a small splinter in his foot his Nana told him that if he soaked his foot in the bathtub that it might come out. Thus water removes splinters. Big Man is a brave boy, but when it comes to splinters he is terrified of having one removed with a needle. Now I'll admit most kids aren't crazy about needles but he will not under any circumstances allow me to remove a splinter. "No Mom, water will get the splinter out."

A few days ago he got a rather large splinter in the palm of his hand. By that evening it was starting to look infected. But every time I tried to convince him to let me remove it he insisted it would come out in the water. If you think for a minute about how sensitive the palm of your hand is, you'll realize the predicament I was in. I had to get that splinter out before infection set in. But there was no way he was going to let me take the splinter out. He would barely let me look at his hand - and only if my own hands were behind my back. So I waited until nighttime. Thankfully Big Man is a sound sleeper. So over the course of about 15 minutes I gently worked the splinter out. He never realized what had happened. The next morning he noticed his hand felt better. He came to me so proudly and said, "Look Mom! No more splinter!" When I asked how that happened he said, "The water got it out of course!"

I apologize in advance to his wife who will undoubtedly some day wonder why her otherwise intelligent husband believes water removes splinters.

Book Review - The Noticer

2009-06-08T10:22:00.001-07:00

I just finished reading Andy Andrews' latest book The Noticer and was impressed with its simple yet powerful message. Andrews is well known for his thought-provoking motivational books and this one is no exception. The focus of this book is perspective and how changing one's perspective of a situation will change how you react to that situation. Throughout the book different characters with a variety of apparently insurmountable problems find themselves talking to Jones who introduces them to a different way of viewing their problems. "It's all a matter of perspective" is the order of the day. And with new perspective insurmountable problems can become the groundwork for an even better future than we can imagine. From marital problems to depression, to business practices a wide variety of issues are addressed.
The "noticer" Jones remained an enigma to me. I could never decide if he was simply a gifted individual or a supernatural being (angel?) sent by God to help guide individuals. I lean toward interpreting him as just a gifted man concerned about those around him, but his character is definitely open to interpretation.
While this book is written from a Christian perspective the theme is not overtly Christian. As a Christian I would have preferred a few more concrete references to how changing your perspective directly applies to the Christian walk. However, the way this book is written even non-Christians could read it and gain a beneficial new perspective on their own lives as well. As stated in the book, "Think, learn, pray, plan, dream. For soon... you will become.
At 156 pages this book is a very quick read with a powerful message. This is one book I plan to keep on my shelf and re-read, as well as give to my children to read when as they enter adulthood.

Getting Ready For Disney

2009-05-29T03:07:00.000-07:00

It's vacation morning. In a few minutes I'll be waking up the family so we can leave for Disney. I've always loved vacation morning since I was a kid (who doesn't!) and last night brought back memories of my excitement just before vacation. Miss Bee, who usually has no problems falling asleep on her own, just couldn't get to sleep last night. She read a book for awhile, then around ten o'clock came to me with her "can't get to sleep" problem. I lay down with her for a little while and talked about all the fun we would have at Disney and she finally relaxed enough to go to sleep.

I didn't have any problem falling asleep last night but I am up too early this morning! That's okay, though. In about an hour we'll be on the road and all my obsessive planning will be ended - I'll be On Vacation!

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T05:46:00.000-07:00

It's Memorial Day weekend, so on Saturday (after deciding against a trip to D*) we decided to go to Metcalf Bottoms for a picnic. In past years it would've been almost impossible to get a good picnic site at this particular place on a holiday weekend, but for some reason even with the current economy it wasn't a problem at all this year. After enjoying a delicious charcoal-grilled hamburger the kids wanted to go inner-tubing in the river. Keep in mind the temperature was in the mid-70's and this river is always C-O-L-D, even in the middle of August. But they jumped right in and had a great time! Miss Bee couldn't believe that something this fun was free! I guess we haven't taken her tubing nearly enough. It was an integral part of my childhood. While in the river the kids found a total of four snakes. This river is known for its water snakes. You can't visit it without seeing at least a few. For better or worse the kiddos weren't frightened of them. As long as they know to be scared of the poisonous ones, I guess it's okay to be comfortable around the non-poisonous snakes.

After tubing and enjoying some watermelon (another staple of summer picnics in our family) we decided to go on a short hike to an old homestead close by. The hike is a bit over a mile each way and is fairly flat the whole trip, so it's an easy hike and also very pretty this time of year with mountain laurel blooming along parts of the trail. Part of the trail follows a creek and we saw - you guessed it - three more water snakes sunning on a branch over the water. Like I said, the snakes didn't bother the kids in the least, but about halfway up the trail Miss Bee suddenly screams the loudest, girliest scream I've ever heard her scream. If you know Miss Bee you know she just doesn't scream like that - ever. She's the biggest tomboy you'll meet. So instead of panicking and asking her what's wrong I turn to her and laugh. Probably the wrong response, but it was just so funny because she was in the middle of the trail and had scared herself into thinking a bee was stinging her because she brushed her hiking stick against the back of her leg. To add to the humor there was a couple passing us going back down the trail - the first of only two groups we met on the trail - so I'm sure they got a kick out of the city kid who was scared of the outdoor critters. Like I said, Miss Bee just doesn't do things like this, so it really was funny! Not to be outdone, on the way back as we were passing over a creek I looked down and screamed myself. There was a craw-dad (old Appalachian term - not sure what the "technical" name is) sitting at the side of the trail. It startled me because these things are crayfish that can't live out of water (imagine a small lobster). I imagine some other creature had gone fishing and come up with a craw-dad then left it since it heard us coming down the trail. I know for sure that crayfish would never voluntarily be sitting outside water. DH helped it back into the water and we continued down the trail, again saying hi to the water snakes as we passed them. When we were almost at the end of the trail Princess had to sit down to get a rock out of her sandal and what should be crawling on her ankle but a tick. As soon as I pointed it out she screamed. She hated ticks ever since getting bitten by one who's pinchers got stuck in her skin. It took me a long time to dig them out and I know it was painful for her. So she now hates ticks passionately. Thankfully this one was stil crawling and not stuck so we brushed it off.

In all, this was one of the most adventure- and scream-filled trips to Little Greenbriar our family has ever taken. But it was also a relaxing start to the summer.

End of the School Year

2009-05-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that another school year has already come and gone. For the past several days Princess had been creating new excuses to stay home faster than the pumpkin vine in the garden is producing new blooms. I've been offered the typical "my stomach hurts, my throat hurts, my head hurts" as well as the slightly more creative "my hip hurts, my elbow hurts, my tongue hurts (that one was an infected taste bud)". Honestly, though, I sometimes doubt her a bit too much. A couple of weeks ago she complained of her throat hurting and I decided that rather than take her out of school the next day to go to the dr we would go to the walk-in clinic that evening. I was 100 percent sure it was just allergies - until I saw the positive strep test. So she isn't always just trying to skip school.

I can't say that I blame her efforts, either. It's been so pretty here outside lately. Princess is definitely my nature lover. She tends our small backyard garden with all the love she has. She faithfully waters the garden (even when we've had days of rain) and visits each of the plants, talking to and about them. For example, "She's looking good today, isn't she Mama" (said about one of the tomato plants). Or, "She's the prize winner today" (said about a different tomato plant). Princess can make anything grow. She planted radishes last year and we had fresh radishes all spring. The plants reseeded themselves and we are again enjoying fresh radishes - all from the first time she scattered her seeds in one tiny row. I've helped foster her love of plants by helping her plant several veggies in our garden this year - corn, okra, tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers and cantaloupe.

With all the "graduation" ceremonies, birthday parties, end-of-school year parties, sports parties, and various other activities, I may be coming down with a case of summer fever myself. That way Princess and I can spend a little while in the garden talking to our plants.

The Principle of the Path

2009-05-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

I have just completed reading Andy Stanley's new book "The Principle of the Path" and I wanted to share a few of my thoughts on it. When I picked this book up I originally thought it would outline steps I could take to figure out what career path to choose. As I read it I was surprised to discover that this book is much more than that. It does not offer a personality test or set of steps to take to get you to where you want to be. Instead it challenges you to live your life intentionally by focusing your attention on what matters to you.

After I started reading I couldn't help but think of Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken". We all make choices on a daily basis that determine our direction in every aspect of life - physical, relational, spiritual, financial and so on. Andy Stanley, with humor and anecdotes from his own life as well as Bible times, guides you in choosing the right path on a daily basis.

When we find ourselves at a place in life we never intended to be it is easy to blame someone or something else. "It's not my fault" has become the mantra of our society. This book challenges that notion on every level. The decisions you make today will - not may - affect where you end up. The book contains excellent Biblical examples that clearly highight several components we should consider when deciding direction.

This is an excellent book for all adults, but is especially appropriate for young adults. It will make you reevaluate the choices you make on a daily basis and hopefully make decisions based on long-term goals and priorities. Another excellent aspect of the book is the Study Guide in the back. It it very useful for revisiting the ideas presented in each chapter.

We all choose the paths we take and our direction - not intention - determines our destination. What's more, the things to which we devote our attention determine our direction. So make sure you are giving your attention to the things (people) that matter to you.

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2009-05-09T17:54:00.001-07:00

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Mother's Day Meal

2009-05-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

Every family has its traditions on special days, and Mother's Day is no exception. Our family usually tries to visit all our mothers and grandmothers which means grabbing fast food after church so we can make the one hour plus drive and have as much time as possible in the afternoon for our two to three stops. In other words, we have NEVER fought the Mother's Day lunch crowd. Well, this Mother's Day will be different. We've decided to go to early church service and eat at a local Japanese steak house for lunch. I've even made a reservation. Only problem is, Princess and Big Man do not like Japanese. So I told them we would pick up a fast food meal for them and take into the restaurant (which is not a problem - lots of children do that at this particular place). When I mentioned this to Princess she immediately knew where she wanted her food. "Mom, can we get chicken from that gas station? You know, it comes in a box." I wanted to burst out laughing, but restrained myself. I know exactly the place she's talking about - Popeye's. She's been to the one in the gas station exactly one time and I believe it was last Mother's Day! She definitely has a great memory and wonderful descriptive capabilities. And yes, she will get her "gas station chicken" - for supper, though. It's too far a drive to get it for lunch, so Nana and Pooh will pick it up on their way to visit us for supper.

Saying Goodbye

2009-05-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we said goodbye to my grandfather "Pa". He'd had emphysema for 30 odd years, so it wasn't unexpected, but it was still hard. My daughters have now said goodbye to two great-grandparents. As a Mom I never quite know if I'm handling situations like these well or not. Each of my children reacted a bit differently to Pa's death, but in general they initially accepted my explanation with no questions. My oldest Miss Bee told me that "At least Pa won't have to use his wheelchair any more." Each of them came to me later and asked questions and made comments. I'm so thankful that as a Christian I could give them the promise that truly this is just goodbye for now, that we will see Pa again and that his spirit will live eternally and without pain. It has been almost a week since Pa left this earth and the children still make at least one comment about him a day. I know that since we spent at least one Sunday a month at his house they won't soon forget him. I wonder if they should journal/draw some of their memories of Pa so they can look back on those later? Maybe I'll suggest that to them tonight.

As for me, I've realized that I'm Finally maturing a bit when it comes to saying goodbye to loved ones. As I joked with my sister when we were at the hospital, she and I could've made a fortune as professional criers if we'd been born a few hundred years ago. My waterworks just aren't controllable. And yet, for the first time ever I was able to not sob like an idiot every time I turned around last weekend. I was there when he left this earth (and crying - but then the whole room was crying), I went to the funeral home to support my dad as he helped with arrangements (and only broke down in the casket room), listened as the siblings wrote the obituary, watched as my children said their goodbyes to Pa at the funeral home (and would've loved to have sobbed the whole time, but kept it to discreet tears - although I sent DH with them when they had to go back to the casket a second time), and sang with all the grandchildren at the funeral (okay, maybe I didn't make it through the whole song, but at least I sang most of it). And lest you think I did all this with fewer tears because I wasn't as close to Pa let me tell you I've spent almost every other Sunday my whole life at Pa's house. I was honestly closer to him than to any of my other grandparents (mostly because I lost two of them when I was a child). I could turn on the waterworks right now and not stop for an hour, but I won't. Because of my children. While they need to see me grieve, they also need me to be strong so they can grieve in my arms. One of the hardest things I've done as a Mom so far is telling them that Pa died. But death is part of life and they must accept that and understand that we only hurt because we have the capacity to love. And loving another person is worth it.

Some of my favorite memories of Pa and spending time at Pa's house:

* When I was young I read all the time. I would bring a book to Pa's house every Sunday. And every Sunday Pa would tell me "You're gonna ruin your eyes if you keep reading so much." I guess he was right. I had LASIK surgery two years ago!

* Pa loved to draw. When I was a girl he would always have drawings laying around. I loved to look at his drawings, especially the mountain scenes and wildflowers. He often gave me a drawing or two and if they were chalk he would spray them with aerosol hairspray first so they wouldn't get smeared.

* Pa also loved to carve. I have great memories of sitting across the creek from his house watching him turn an ordinary piece of wood into a bird or a toy.

* Before Pa's emphysema got really bad I remember going on one last walk with him on the trail to the cabin on his property. He showed me several plants and told me their names. He loved the mountains and communicated that to his children.

* These last few years Pa always kept candy on the table near the couch where he sat. Big Man is a huge fan of orange slices as was Pa. Pa always offered him orange slices whenever Big Man came through the door on Sunday afternoons.

Pa was a Christian. He was a child of the Appalachian Mountains and he never had much in the way of material possessions. But he left an incredible legacy. His nine children have raised their children to know Christ and to love others just like Pa taught his children. He gave his family a moral compass that is sorely lacking in our society today. Things aren't important - how you live your life is what counts. Thank you Pa.

Dinosaur Dilemma at D*

2009-04-27T16:17:00.001-07:00

On Sunday afternoon after church I took Princess and Big Man to a nearby theme park for an afternoon of fun. Miss Bee stayed home with Daddy since she had a case of allergies combined with needing to recuperate from her slumber party. We met Nana at the park and rode some of our favorite rides - shooting star, bumper cars, and swings - ate at the pizza parlor (an absolute favorite and must-do every trip) and planned on ending the day with an ice cream cone. Before leaving, though, Big Man decided he needed a "prize". There are children's games with a guaranteed prize of a cheap stuffed animal. Instead of "winning" a prize, I talked him into using some of his Easter money to buy a snake at one of the gift shops. He loves the snakes there and the added bonus is that the smallest snakes cost less than playing a children's game. So we headed to the gift shop where Big Man proceeded to analyze each of the snake bins and compare the snakes one by one. He had to choose between the "tiny" snakes, "medium" snakes and "big" snakes. In addition he had to choose which color snake he wanted. He already had a medium orange snakes and a tiny purple snake, so those choices were eliminated. His favorite color is orange, so he considered the tiny orange and big orange choices. He also considered the lime green tiny snake, the irridescent orange medium snake and the red big snake. As he went from bin to bin looking at the snakes he talked about the pros and cons of each choice. For example, the big orange snake would really scare his friends, but the tiny lime green snake would fit into his backpack so he could take it to school to show his friends or take it to Disneyworld or on trips. Princess tried to talk him into the big orange snake, and one of its pros was that he could use it as a jump rope. Finally after 15 minutes of serious deliberation he chose the tiny orange snake. It won out because 1) it's his favorite color and 2) he could take it with him anywhere he went. It was fascinating to watch him consider and reject choices, then go back to them and reconsider one more time. He took the decision very seriously. If he spends at least that much time choosing a major in college he will be on the right track.

After buying the snake, we all went for ice cream - except Princess got a funnel cake on a whim (which she thoroughly enjoyed). I got to finish off Big Man's ice cream as we rode the trolley (one of the kids' favorite rides) back to our car. All in all it was a great day for creating memories.

Hay Day

2009-04-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

I was outside with Big Man on this beautiful spring morning and as I walked through the freshly cut grass it occurred to me that we haven't had a "hay day" yet this year. Hay day is a special day created by Princess and is celebrated every time the grass gets cut. It consists of tossing handfuls of cut grass into the air and shouting "hay day!" We've celebrated hay day several times each of the past two summers. As I watch the kiddos get older I know they are gradually becoming more "sophisticated" and "mature" and eventually will be much too old to enjoy activities like hay day. So will this be the summer that hay day ends? Or will it continue to be celebrated in our house? The children still seem so young and yet I know that every day brings us closer to the day we take each of them to college. I'm just not ready to celebrate the last hay day yet. I pray it continues for at least one more summer.

Shot-In-The-Dark Career Predicitons

2009-04-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

Since the first time I held each of my babies I wondered what their lives would be like - their likes and dislikes, their friends, their spouses, and of course, what careers they would choose. As they have gotten older I know a lot more about their unique personalities, their likes and dislikes, and I'm using that knowledge to attempt to deduce their future careers. So I figured, for a good laugh later (when they're all settled into their careers of choice), I would commit to print(?) my predictions for each of my kiddos' careers:

Miss Bee, the oldest, is the toughest for me to predict at the moment. She has told me at different times that she would like to be a teacher and a veterinarian. I think I'll go out on a limb, however, and say that with her drive (if we can ever focus it in a single direction) she might possibly choose to be a missionary. Either that or a professional wrestler - after all she gets lots of practice with her brother.

Princess is a true middle child. She's creative, the family peacemaker, and has been completely self-sufficient since she was two. Honestly, at this point she would be thrilled if I let her prepare all her own meals - that way she would always get to eat exactly what she likes. My prediction of her career choice is so easy - she will undoubtedly be a physician. I say this not only because she is a nurturer but also because she is absolutely drawn to all things medical. She loves to watch MASH just for the medical scenes. DH caught her watching a typical (graphic) episode of ER the other day and instead of being repulsed she was fascinated with how they were treating the "patient" on the show. She loves visiting the hospital for any reason. So unless she gets burned out before medical school she will go into the medical field.

Big Man is still somewhat of an enigma for me since he's just five. But he is very particular about keeping things in order and doing things the "correct" way. Because of that character trait it is so easy for me to predict he will follow in his daddy's footsteps and be an engineer. I think I can safely say he will choose a career where things are black and white - where there is a definite right and wrong. Then again, he could also own a confectionery since he is always looking for something sweet to eat. Yeah, on second thought, I could totally see him creating his own sweet confections to sell - that is if he learns how not to eat everything he makes. Right now self-control is not a virtue he possesses. But that will come with maturity.

I've written these predictions down mainly as something to look back on and laugh about. There's no way to predict what your children will choose to do with their lives. However, since they were tiny I've been praying that they will seek God's guidance and direction in choosing their career paths. Because if they do that I know they will find themselves fulfilled and at peace with their choices.

Ask-A-Nerd

2009-04-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

I work as a math tutor at a local community college. Today at work I had my most unusual request to date. Now, as a mom I'm quite familiar with the "Ask-a-Nurse" concept whereby after-hours non-emergency medical questions are fielded to an RN who helps panicked parents and other hypochondriacs. Today, however, was my first foray into the newly emerging field of "Ask-a-Nerd" whereby panicked college students phone math tutors with impossible-to-answer-over-the-phone math questions. Actually, I think I did a pretty fair job answering the questions I received considering I couldn't see the graph of the function I was trying to create the equation for. You know, on second thought maybe this could be the business model for a whole new concept in tutoring. Yeah - I can see it now - "You've just dialed 1-800-math-geek. If we don't know the answer we can make one up. Using our amazing powers of E.S.P. we will visualize your math problem and telepathically send you the answers to your questions." Honestly there are plenty of math questions you can answer over the phone, but I really don't know how this girl thought I could come up with the equation of a function that she had a graph of but that I could not see! Ya know, sometimes it does help to be able to see those pesky graphs. After all, that's what they were printed on the paper for.

I love my job!

Adoption Non-news

2009-04-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

Since I was 16 years old and read a magazine article about a family that adopted I have been drawn to adoption. Before DH and I were married we discussed adoption and the place it would have in the creation of our family. Now I find myself 18 years after my initial decision to adopt and I am feeling incredible internal urgings to begin the adoption process NOW. About eight years ago DH and I started the process and had our passports, I-171H, homestudy, and fingerprinting finished. All we had to do was choose our country (Guatemala) and agency (never got that far). Before we received our homestudy paperwork in the mail I got a positive result on a pregnancy test. This was our second child. I still wonder how our lives would have been different if we had continued to pursue that adoption even after discovering I was pregnant. It would have been difficult to adjust to two new children in our house in such a short amount of time (estimate to adoption completion of an infant from Guatemala at the time was 12-18 months). I don't regret not continuing with that adoption since we hadn't reached the point of being matched with a child. I don't think I could've stopped the process, though, if we had already had a match.
Now that our third child is five years old, I realllly want to begin the process to adopt our fourth (and final?) child. Guatemala is currently out of the question, but there are several countries DH and I can agree on, particularly the Philippines and India. DH is onboard to begin again - after we save $10,000 toward the adoption. International adoption appears to have become exponentially more expensive since the first time we started the process. So the problem becomes where to find the $10000 needed plus the $5000 we also need to replace the roof. I know, know, know that when the time comes for us to begin the process God will provide the means. We will not borrow the money, so my current thought is that I (as the keeper of the household books and spender of most of the household money) should start saving as much as I can find out of our household budget. Since I love having financial goals that are attainable within a reasonably short time frame, I am fired up to start working on this one. (Unlike paying off the house which won't happen for years...). It also makes me feel like I'm working toward welcoming our second son into our home. Is this wrong? In leaving the timing for our adoption up to God should I back off and just assume the money will magically appear? I just can't see doing that. For one thing I feel that God expects me to be faithful to the direction He is calling me by being a good steward of the financial resources He has entrusted to us. For another, if He wants us to adopt I don't think He's just going to drop a child to adopt on our doorstep (although He certainly could if He chose to). I believe He expects us to invest some effort in following the plan He has directed us to. And that includes setting aside a portion of our income to go toward the expenses. Does that mean I know exactly how things will turn out? Does that mean He couldn't choose to provide the money in a miraculous way next week or next month? Of course not! But it is my belief that He also expects me to be a good steward of what He has already entrusted to us and that we shouldn't do irresponsible things with our money then say, "If God wants us to adopt He will have to provide the money". Maybe He has already provided the money and we just can't see it because we've chosen to spend it on other things...
This has been a rambling post, but it helps me when I can put my thoughts down on cyberpaper so I can organize and clarify them. And I know it will help years from now after we have completed this adoption to see that God was faithful to provide. I just don't know yet how He will choose to do that!

On Becoming a Mom/Birthday Happenings

2009-04-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

At about this time on this day 10 years ago I held my first daughter for the very first time. I remember the room was dimly lit (ambiance lighting!) and I'm pretty sure I was in shock as I looked into that perfect little face. I couldn't fathom being responsible for that tiny life for the rest of MY life. Those first days and weeks lasted foreeeever because I was so tired, and at times I didn't think I'd ever have a "real" life again apart from diapers and feedings (but what new Mom doesn't feel that way?)
Fast forward ten years. Where has the time flown? That tiny little creature now has a unique personality that I've become intimately familiar with. She is quite a tomboy, loves roller coasters - the faster and more loops in them the better, plays soccer aggressively and is especially good at goalie ( she hates to let a ball get by her and loves to dive in front of them). She's a typical firstborn in that she orders her siblings around (do this, you aren't allowed to do that...) and is type A about following the rules. She enjoys helping my clean house and cook, especially when there's a commission in it for her and wants to learn all my recipes so she can cook on her own (she's still supervised for now, though). She's a voracious reader and loves mysteries, sci-fi (trying to discourage that one), and biographies. She can tear up a ski slope and is currently the unofficial mascot of our local ski patrol. I have no doubt that in 5 years she will be a full patrol member.
How could I have known all that 10 years ago when I first held her? I couldn't have imagined the new worlds she would introduce me to - asking me the tough questions, forcing me to really think through my beliefs as I answer, at times pushing my patience beyond where I thought it could go, challenging me to become so much less self-centered. Today may be Miss Bee's birthday, but in so many ways it's my birthday too - my birthday as Mom.

On a less introspective note, we spent Miss Bee's birthday at a local(ish) aquarium. It was so much less crowded than last time we went and we got to spend time talking to the volunteers about the fish. After watching the divers in the tank Miss Bee decided that she wanted to learn to scuba dive. No problem, we'll just get Grammy and Papaw to teach you since there's no way on earth I'M going to learn. On second thought, maybe she and Daddy can learn together - hmmm, might be a good birthday present in a few years. For lunch we ate a nearby restaurant and Princess decided she was going to get herself on the kid's hamburger wall of fame by eating a half pound hamburger (Miss Bee did this the last time we ate at the restaurant). I knew there was no way my little 6 year old Princess could eat that much, but we let her try anyway and guess what - she did it! Don't know where she put all that food?! I teased her the rest of the afternoon asking her if she was still hungry and she would just grin and say "Yes!".

All in all this was a great way to spend my 10th birthday as a mom - enjoying our family and making memories (I'll leave out the minor squabbles in the car - kind of like the labor pains, no one really wants to have a permanent record of them).

First Post!

2009-04-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

I've unsuccessfully attempted two times to start blogging, so I'm hoping that the third time's the charm! To my credit, I did keep a blog for the 8 months I was pregnant with my third kiddo, so I know I CAN do this if I just WILL. This blog is mainly for my own personal enjoyment, so it has no real purpose other than being a vehicle by which I can record memories of my children. You know, things you think you'll NEVER forget, but which two weeks later all you can remember is that they said/did something you thought you'd never forget....

A bit about the family to start... For the past 10+ years I have been a SAHM. This past school year I took a part time job as a math tutor at a local college (yes, I'm a math geek! I can't help it - I love numbers). DH and I have three beautiful kiddos Miss Bee(10), Princess(7) and Big Man (5). Big Man will start kindergarten next fall and it has recently occurred to me that my kiddos won't stay kiddos forever. Yes, they'll always be MY BABIES, but reality is that they will some day leave the nest. Thus, this blog. So that one day, too soon, when they enter the teenage years at least I can look back at the cute things they said, the funny stuff they did and remember why I chose to have these kids!

Since today was a pretty typical weekend day in our family's life and nothing noteworthy occurred, I'll make this post brief. Something did happen last weekend, though, that I want to record. Big Man and Princess spent Saturday night with grandparents and on Sunday after church they went to their great-grandfather Pa's house. They played with a cousin and found their way to the creek - not unusual since they seem to have a magnetic attraction to dirt. In the creek they found (f0r the first time? not sure) the small snail-like creatures that live in freshwater streams in the area. As kids we always called them pennywinkles (kinda like periwinkle - don't have a clue where the name originated). Anyway, Big Man misunderstood the name and started calling them teeny winkles. They are very small and he is currently fascinated with all things small, so the name at least makes sense. As much sense, anyway, as penny winkle! I love observing how my kids (and all kids) try to make sense of their world, and when something doesn't quite fit, they alter it to fit in with their sense of order.