Life is crazy...throws you so many curve balls.
It seems that every time things are going smoothly...wham! The valley hits deep and low.
I am unsure if I can handle anymore corrupt countries. Anymore corrupt people that are helping children in the name of caring deeply for children. Because the best for children is more about money in their pockets. Crazy...but true!
Tell me your adoption story......
Friday, October 31, 2014
What Mask Do You Have?
I received this book to review but quickly read that there was a first book. So I downloaded the first book, To Know You on my kindle.
I really loved the first book. I can relate with the tough stuff the characters were going through. Character development was very good!
Each book tackled difficult content. Without the stigma of what comes with these issues. Life is so full of twists and turns and many times people find themselves doing or saying things they never thought they would say or do.
Veil of Secrets simply didn't have as good of character development as the first book in this series. I had a hard time following along at first with the characters. I enjoyed the over content of this book. But as I said, it was lacking better character development.
I hope Shannon Ethridge teams up with Kathryn Mackel to finish off the story of the last sister...I truly think content is what is needed in our broken society. I would love to see them build a great book with great characters.
Overall, I recommend these books. Everyone struggles in one area or another that is covered in these books, and it is done in a gentle way that doesn't leaving you feeling more guilt and shame.
I received this book from Book Look Bloggers for free. To post my review in my honest opinion. I have not been paid to post this review!
I really loved the first book. I can relate with the tough stuff the characters were going through. Character development was very good!
Each book tackled difficult content. Without the stigma of what comes with these issues. Life is so full of twists and turns and many times people find themselves doing or saying things they never thought they would say or do.
Veil of Secrets simply didn't have as good of character development as the first book in this series. I had a hard time following along at first with the characters. I enjoyed the over content of this book. But as I said, it was lacking better character development.
I hope Shannon Ethridge teams up with Kathryn Mackel to finish off the story of the last sister...I truly think content is what is needed in our broken society. I would love to see them build a great book with great characters.
Overall, I recommend these books. Everyone struggles in one area or another that is covered in these books, and it is done in a gentle way that doesn't leaving you feeling more guilt and shame.
I received this book from Book Look Bloggers for free. To post my review in my honest opinion. I have not been paid to post this review!
Thought Provoking Insight!
Not really knowing what to expect of this book when I received it, I was pleasantly surprised.
Sundar Singh was known as one of the most famous converts to Christianity of his time. He obviously was a man of great wisdom. He passed in 1929. When he was just 16 he left his home and every comfort of home to live among the Sadhu people. This is where he learned what true Christianity is. Sadhu means holy man. Mr. Singh was known as a modern day Saint Francis, from India.
The book is similar to a devotional. There are short little chapters that are written as sort of modern day parables. They are very interesting to read. These bring a fresh perspective to parables of the Bible. The titles are creative, and are very thought provoking.
Mr Singh wandered as a holy man for 23 years, and traveled through at least 20 countries and four continents. He disappeared in the Himalayas in 1929. Many mourned his death. This gentleman touched many peoples lives.
This is a great devotional to start this upcoming new year. There are just over 20 short chapters that can be read weekly or are short enough for a daily encounter. I found these so thought provoking that I would think on them throughout the day. If you like to journal these would be perfect for getting you going.
I received this book from Plough Publishing house for free to review however I saw fit! I have not been paid to share my thoughts!
Sundar Singh was known as one of the most famous converts to Christianity of his time. He obviously was a man of great wisdom. He passed in 1929. When he was just 16 he left his home and every comfort of home to live among the Sadhu people. This is where he learned what true Christianity is. Sadhu means holy man. Mr. Singh was known as a modern day Saint Francis, from India.
The book is similar to a devotional. There are short little chapters that are written as sort of modern day parables. They are very interesting to read. These bring a fresh perspective to parables of the Bible. The titles are creative, and are very thought provoking.
Mr Singh wandered as a holy man for 23 years, and traveled through at least 20 countries and four continents. He disappeared in the Himalayas in 1929. Many mourned his death. This gentleman touched many peoples lives.
This is a great devotional to start this upcoming new year. There are just over 20 short chapters that can be read weekly or are short enough for a daily encounter. I found these so thought provoking that I would think on them throughout the day. If you like to journal these would be perfect for getting you going.
I received this book from Plough Publishing house for free to review however I saw fit! I have not been paid to share my thoughts!
Monday, September 29, 2014
Never Giving Up
I recently had a chance to read over a book called "Never Ever Give Up" By Erik Rees with Jenna Glatzer.
When I received the book, I wasn't quite a sure what to expect. My first thought was...." It looks like a story my Teens would enjoy".
But, I was pleasantly surprised. The book actually starts at page 12, by page 20 I was bawling my eyes out...every parents nightmare was taking place in this book.
A families world was shaken by news no parent needs to hear. No parent should have to contemplate the anguish of burying their daughter. But through this families journey of cancer, they find a unique way to bring Joy to other children having to battle cancer.
This story is told through the eyes of Jessie's dad. Erik does an incredible job of painting this picture with utter honesty. I am not sure I could be as eloquent in this journey. Life is difficult enough at times, but to face the death of your daughter is something unimaginable. The Rees family shows us how they stuck together....along with church family support.
Grab yourself a copy and be inspired to spread Joy through your pain and sorrow.
I received a copy of this book to review from Handlebar Publishing. They have not paid me in anyway for my review. I have read this book, and gave you an honest review!
When I received the book, I wasn't quite a sure what to expect. My first thought was...." It looks like a story my Teens would enjoy".
But, I was pleasantly surprised. The book actually starts at page 12, by page 20 I was bawling my eyes out...every parents nightmare was taking place in this book.
A families world was shaken by news no parent needs to hear. No parent should have to contemplate the anguish of burying their daughter. But through this families journey of cancer, they find a unique way to bring Joy to other children having to battle cancer.
This story is told through the eyes of Jessie's dad. Erik does an incredible job of painting this picture with utter honesty. I am not sure I could be as eloquent in this journey. Life is difficult enough at times, but to face the death of your daughter is something unimaginable. The Rees family shows us how they stuck together....along with church family support.
Grab yourself a copy and be inspired to spread Joy through your pain and sorrow.
I received a copy of this book to review from Handlebar Publishing. They have not paid me in anyway for my review. I have read this book, and gave you an honest review!
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Suicide
Today is national Suicide prevention day....and are we any further in preventing suicide? Our local schools started a focus group....but I am saddened to say I have heard of nothing involving this day. Kids are hurting...why they are hurting I don't know....But it is evident that something needs to be done for this hurting world.
I have seen many discussions on how suicide is dealt with by family members. Some say, " Suicide is selfish". Then the other side says...how can you say it is selfish? Well, as I have had suicide in my husband's family, as a left behind family member, it is selfish. But it is also important to consider...I truly believe that someone cannot help it. They are so wrapped up in their grief that they can only think of themselves...I have suffered through depression. I didn't know what to call it. But felt off for several years. I finally began to understand what my sister in law lived through everyday...I could figure out ways to cope. But you literally have a dark cloud following you around, and quite frankly, the meds out there are not any good. Having lived through depression, it is selfish. I could only think of myself, and how much my life sucked. It isn't a fun place to be. I would nap as much as I could during the day, then hurry to clean to make it look like I had been busy all day, before my husband came home. I would go through lifes moments, with one foot in front of the other, but inside I was slowly dying....and crying inside all of the time.
One morning, I was at a Bible Study with a huge group of moms. We all sat at small group tables...We were doing Linda Dillows, Calm my Anxious heart book. The leaders turned to me and said, " Shannon, you sure are quiet". I remember being very uncomfortable, and wanting to run out of there. Later I journaled, "She doesn't know that inside I am crying, dying. I cannot figure out how to be happy. She doesn't know I have a story to tell. She doesn't know that my sister committed suicide, that my husband was just diagnosed with a debilitating disease. She doesn't know that I shop online just to feel good...She just doesn't know...
When I finally figured out what the heck was wrong with me, I had to tell my husband...my husband who often said...depression is just a cop out. Just snap out of it. What is wrong with people who say they are depressed...and I actually shared those opinions...but I suddenly found myself in the throws of depression and all that it entailed.
I am here to tell you, YOU CANNOT JUST SNAP OUT OF IT~! I did finally tell my husband. He was supportive, but didn't want me to go on any meds. Which, I wanted an easy fix...but I made an appointment to go see a doctor. I told her I had been suffering. She told me there was new evidence stating that exercise was recently shown to help with depression. So, we got our selves a gym membership. I started to meet with a friend 3 days a week....I am here to tell you...it took three months of going...but one morning I woke up and said...man I don't feel like crying today!
I have also started using Essential oils...Through the use, I have found other things I am dealing with in my past....which is for another day. But Essential oils are amazing in their help benefits! Orange oil, cedarwood are both great for anxiety and/depression.
Whatever path you choose...natural and exercise, or meds...depression isn't fun. It is something I battle with every once in a while....but I know what I need to do to fix it. I get stuck...because frankly, it is comfortable to be stuck focusing on myself...but that isn't where God would want us to be. So I pick myself up and get moving...cleaning...going somewhere...
I have seen many discussions on how suicide is dealt with by family members. Some say, " Suicide is selfish". Then the other side says...how can you say it is selfish? Well, as I have had suicide in my husband's family, as a left behind family member, it is selfish. But it is also important to consider...I truly believe that someone cannot help it. They are so wrapped up in their grief that they can only think of themselves...I have suffered through depression. I didn't know what to call it. But felt off for several years. I finally began to understand what my sister in law lived through everyday...I could figure out ways to cope. But you literally have a dark cloud following you around, and quite frankly, the meds out there are not any good. Having lived through depression, it is selfish. I could only think of myself, and how much my life sucked. It isn't a fun place to be. I would nap as much as I could during the day, then hurry to clean to make it look like I had been busy all day, before my husband came home. I would go through lifes moments, with one foot in front of the other, but inside I was slowly dying....and crying inside all of the time.
One morning, I was at a Bible Study with a huge group of moms. We all sat at small group tables...We were doing Linda Dillows, Calm my Anxious heart book. The leaders turned to me and said, " Shannon, you sure are quiet". I remember being very uncomfortable, and wanting to run out of there. Later I journaled, "She doesn't know that inside I am crying, dying. I cannot figure out how to be happy. She doesn't know I have a story to tell. She doesn't know that my sister committed suicide, that my husband was just diagnosed with a debilitating disease. She doesn't know that I shop online just to feel good...She just doesn't know...
When I finally figured out what the heck was wrong with me, I had to tell my husband...my husband who often said...depression is just a cop out. Just snap out of it. What is wrong with people who say they are depressed...and I actually shared those opinions...but I suddenly found myself in the throws of depression and all that it entailed.
I am here to tell you, YOU CANNOT JUST SNAP OUT OF IT~! I did finally tell my husband. He was supportive, but didn't want me to go on any meds. Which, I wanted an easy fix...but I made an appointment to go see a doctor. I told her I had been suffering. She told me there was new evidence stating that exercise was recently shown to help with depression. So, we got our selves a gym membership. I started to meet with a friend 3 days a week....I am here to tell you...it took three months of going...but one morning I woke up and said...man I don't feel like crying today!
I have also started using Essential oils...Through the use, I have found other things I am dealing with in my past....which is for another day. But Essential oils are amazing in their help benefits! Orange oil, cedarwood are both great for anxiety and/depression.
Whatever path you choose...natural and exercise, or meds...depression isn't fun. It is something I battle with every once in a while....but I know what I need to do to fix it. I get stuck...because frankly, it is comfortable to be stuck focusing on myself...but that isn't where God would want us to be. So I pick myself up and get moving...cleaning...going somewhere...
The Confession: Robert Whitlow
I recently had the pleasure of reading my very first Robert Whitlow book. I had heard good things about Whitlow's books, but hadn't ever read one.
The Confessions covers topics such as, Redemption, dealing with your past, choices we make, and doing the right thing.
I think as a Christian I struggle with doing the right thing, and what I perceive to be the truth...and realizing that what I think isn't always everyone else's truth. This book deals with these issues we as a society in general struggle with.
Whitlow knows how to build strong characters. I was drawn in and hooked from the beginning...With a little suspense mixed in with a little love...The ending could have gone a few different ways, so it was somewhat of a surprise..and I felt that alot was left up to you to decide how the story really ended...if there was a disappointment, that would have been it...the ending!
As an avid reader, I am ready to dive into some of Whitlow's other books. Go, buy his newest book, The Confession! You won't be disappointed!
I received this book from Thomas Nelson for free to review. I was not compensated in any way for my review. Grab a good book from Thomas Nelson!
Thursday, July 10, 2014
The Bridge Tender
I had to pleasure to review The Bridge Tender by MaryBeth Whalen. I simply loved this book. I have only read one other book of MaryBeth Whalens. Which I also loved! Emily Shaw is the main character who lost her beloved husband. He leaves her surprise that she had no idea about.
This book is set in Sunset Beach, which will surely make you hope to visit their someday! I love the beach and have yet to visit North Carolina's beaches.
The Bridge Tender is a tender story of losing and being open to finding love again. It also weaves in reconciliation on past relationships. You will be sure to fall in love with several of the characters in the Bridge Tender. Whalen has perfect character development, along with weaving several story lines together. This book will make you want to learn more from each character...like maybe a series?? I also lover her raw honesty about adult relationships. Christian or not, we all struggle in marriage in many ways. Marriages are human and we all fight, get mad etc. I like that honesty on what is involved in being married!
Whalen's writing is perfect for an easy beach read that is easy to pick up and put down. As often happens when you have little ones to tend to. It is the perfect length. When you find a good book, you simply want it to last! The Bridge Tender is a book I will reccomend and pass along my copy to my circle of avid readers.
I was not paid for my review. I gave my honest review based on reading this book that I obtained for free from Book Look Blogger!
Monday, May 19, 2014
Finding Passion
I recently had the honor of peeking into Shannon Ethridge's newest book, The Passion Principle. On the cover she claims to offer 40 insightful answers to your most intimate questions. Ms. Ethridge takes the time to explore the Biblical principles of what God actually says about sex. Ethridge herself has tackled the latest craze of sexually explicit novels that have recently grabbed to many's interest.
Some of the question that are explored in a Biblically practical way are:
1. What was God thinking when He created sex?
2. How can I get past his or her sexual past?
3. What if my heart is telling me I married the wrong person....
I enjoy how Ms. Ethridge takes the time to look at what the Bible says to these and more questions. Ethridge also has years of counseling women through these and many challenges. She offers many real life questions and answers. However she is sure to keep it confidential!
I think if you have struggled in any aspect of sex in marriage, this is a must read book. If you have never struggled, what could you possibly get out of it? At the end of some chapters are questions that you and your spouse can take turns chatting over and growing closer as a couple!
I received this book from Thomas Nelson publishers. I have reviewed this book on my own free will.
Some of the question that are explored in a Biblically practical way are:
1. What was God thinking when He created sex?
2. How can I get past his or her sexual past?
3. What if my heart is telling me I married the wrong person....
I enjoy how Ms. Ethridge takes the time to look at what the Bible says to these and more questions. Ethridge also has years of counseling women through these and many challenges. She offers many real life questions and answers. However she is sure to keep it confidential!
I think if you have struggled in any aspect of sex in marriage, this is a must read book. If you have never struggled, what could you possibly get out of it? At the end of some chapters are questions that you and your spouse can take turns chatting over and growing closer as a couple!
I received this book from Thomas Nelson publishers. I have reviewed this book on my own free will.
Monday, April 28, 2014
I have had the pleasure to read this book by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn. I have loved reading this book. The history that I love reading about in fiction form has broaden my understanding of a time period of time that was horrendous. I love history...but only in fiction form. Fiction with a little bit of humaness added in.
My only disappointment in this book....it was book two of a series! I don't like reading a book if I have not read the first one! However, I didn't know it was part of a series going into the book. That said, I had no idea going in that I was missing a book.
This book is set in the early 1940's during Hitlers reign. I have an obvious love for children and so to read about child rescuing is something I enjoy.
This book weaves the story of true to life feelings, friendships, families....it shows the true value that is taken from you oftentimes when you are helping someone else. The true cost of putting your life in danger during a time when the evil that surrounds you simply doesn't make sense.
Defy the Night is a must read for those that enjoy a little history.
i have not been paid for my review. I was provided a copy to read and post this review with my own thoughts! I truly enjoyed this book!
Monday, January 6, 2014
Children's Bible~
99 Stories from the Bible
I recently had the pleasure of reviewing this neat little children's Bible. The Bible covers 99 stories from the Bible that are the most well known and a few that are not as well known. From Genesis and creation to Jesus coming again.
The stories in this little Bible are short and sweet for the littlest wee one. The pictures are bright and colorful and help catch the eye of the child that loves to see each picture.
I think a little children's Bible like this is a great way for your littlest ones to learn the timeless stories of the Bible. This book is sure to be a favorite among your children or grandchildren. Once these children start Sunday School they will already be familiar with the stories that are in this Bible.
I think this a great addition to your book collection. The Bible will come to life in your home.
Enjoy!
I was not paid to post my review of this book. I obtained a free copy from Kregel Publications to review to my discretion.
I recently had the pleasure of reviewing this neat little children's Bible. The Bible covers 99 stories from the Bible that are the most well known and a few that are not as well known. From Genesis and creation to Jesus coming again.
The stories in this little Bible are short and sweet for the littlest wee one. The pictures are bright and colorful and help catch the eye of the child that loves to see each picture.
I think a little children's Bible like this is a great way for your littlest ones to learn the timeless stories of the Bible. This book is sure to be a favorite among your children or grandchildren. Once these children start Sunday School they will already be familiar with the stories that are in this Bible.
I think this a great addition to your book collection. The Bible will come to life in your home.
Enjoy!
I was not paid to post my review of this book. I obtained a free copy from Kregel Publications to review to my discretion.
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