Why You Shouldn’t Visit That New Mom and Her Baby

Close your eyes and think about the last time you visited a brand new mom, either in the hospital or at home.  Did you call first? If you did, how long did you stay? Did you just sit there and hold the baby and ask about the delivery or did you do something useful, like the dishes?

Here’s a thought, the next time you hear about someone having a baby, let them have their (very short) time in the hospital to rest – they’re paying enough for it – and ask if you can come visit after they get home.  When you do visit, don’t sit on the couch and expect to be entertained by the new mom and her baby; clean something, bring a meal or something else useful, DO something.

Why? Because parenting is exhausting. Because it’s the best and worst thing in the world to have a new baby; no sleep, poop like you’ve never seen, breastfeeding alone can be hell. Throw having to entertain people you haven’t seen in months or years into the mix and it’s no wonder our young moms suffer from depression!

We pressure young mommies to do everything in a Pinterest-perfect way, including being ready to entertain the moment your child pops out.

STOP IT! She is learning to do the most important job in the world and no part of that job description includes entertaining you.

My sweet daughter is having a baby next month (we hope, but it could be April) and it breaks my heart to think she’ll have to go through what I did as I learned to do this mommy-thing. If you know her and plan to come visit, please don’t visit her in the hospital, please call ahead and please bring cleaning supplies.

Instead of shaming her, love on the new mommy you know! It will be the little thing you do for the betterment of our society’s mental health.

BTW, I would officially like to apologize to all the new moms I've foisted myself on over the years. I love you and you're awesome.

End of rant.

Here's some more stuff to read:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randi-hutter-epstein/finally-a-strategy-to-help-prevent-postpartum-depression_b_9133504.html

http://semiproper.com/ways-to-help-a-new-mom/

http://www.scarymommy.com/rules-for-visiting-a-new-mom/

http://www.mommypotamus.com/18-ways-to-help-a-new-mom/

I’m 50. Now what?

So, I turned 50 in January. It was a wonderful birthday – the best I can remember for a long time – but in the aftermath, I'm sort of floundering.

I'm looking at myself and evaluating where I am, where I WISH I was, where I really want to be and how to get there.

In 2013, I joined a relationship marketing company, Nerium International.

At the time, I felt sort of hijacked into it (sorry Amy), but in the fall of that year I attended a national conference with my sweet friend, the aforementioned parenthetical, Amy, and fell in love with the company.  The product (at the time there was only one) was good for me – but my skin was already great (thanks Denlinger and Nies genes) and it hasn't changed much.  But, I've seen amazing results for other people, such as my husband:

              

. . . so I knew the results were real and, after that conference, I felt like there was a genuine chance that I could make something very big happen with Nerium.

Then came February of 2014.

I got fired. Again.

I’m not sure if whoever is reading this has ever been through the indignity of being sacked, but it’s not a pleasant experience.  I hadn't liked that job. I'd been looking for another one for many months, but it was still a difficult transition.

And yet.

God was SO good.  I needed to not be working. The timing was perfect.

·        My eldest daughter, Mary, was planning her wedding – May 24^th – and I would never have had the time to devote to that if I hadn't been let go.

·        There were several health issues that needed attention and I was able to play nursemaid to my family members as each needed me.

·        I attempted to work my Nerium business full-time but I’m not a brave person by nature and forming new relationships is out of my comfort zone. . .so that didn't work out so well.

And yet.

Eight months after I lost my job and two weeks after my unemployment ran out, I was called to work at UK through their temporary support office, S.T.E.P.S.!

After eight VERY dry months, when I'd applied for job after job and not had one call for an interview, I had FIVE interviews during the time I was serving at UK!

I started a job as a contractor through TEKSystems in November and it’s the best job I've had in a long time.  I’m so grateful for it. I’m making more money than I've EVER made (gone are the days I could mutter “They don't pay me enough for this” . . .) and, more importantly, I’m supported.  By my on-site supervisor. By the company through which I am contracting. I already know that I won't be asked to do anything my supervisor hasn’t okayed. And, a week after I started, when I tried to give notice so I could work closer to home and for a higher hourly rate, they increased the offer and allowed me to work from home every Friday! That has NEVER happened.  I’ve given two weeks’ notice countless times over the years. No one ever tried to get me to stay.  They want me here and I want to BE here!  It’ a heady feeling. . .

And yet.

We circle back to the birthday-thing.

This is not really where I'd pictured myself ending up.  Not that I'd ever really spent much time actually picturing my future. Truthfully, I've never been very introspective, nor have I been one to dream much.  I'm a day-to-day type person.  And now this.

How did I end up here? I’m not necessarily unhappy. I have a wonderful, loving, handsome husband to whom I have been married 28 years this year.  We have three beautiful, brilliant young-adult children and one amazing son-in-law. I have a home. I have a car that I don't have to share. (We've been pretty much major-car-repair free for the better part of 3 years.)  Life is good.

So why am I so unsettled?

Because I know in my heart I can do better.  Not as far as the people and things that surround me, but inside. My heart, spirit, soul . . . I'm somehow out of alignment.

This is the year.  I can't continue to say: “I'll do that later.”  It’s become a now or never thing.

This year I will lose (and learn to make the changes to keep off) that extra, oh, 40 pounds I've accumulated that’s neither healthy nor appealing. By eating less and moving more; by sticking to my WeightWatchers points and swimming 3 times a week and going to the yoga classes that are included in our Y membership.

This year I will be a successful entrepreneur – I will build back up to a team of 3 brand partners and 3 preferred customers . . . and MORE; I will earn a Lexus!  Before 2016!

This year I will work on myself.

I will be brave.

I will know myself.

I will like myself.

I will communicate love to those around me in tangible ways.

I will reflect the Jesus I profess to know.

I will be held accountable.  By you, friend reader.

In my first act of bravery, I invite you to ask me how I'm doing. With my weight loss. With my exercise. With my business. With my Jesus.

Please help me as I start to become a grown-up. I’ve been acting like a child for far too long. It's about time, because I'm 50.

Thanks in advance.

Love, K

REVIEW: The Daniel Cure: Over 75 Recipes & a 21-Day Devotional

I'll be honest. I have not done this fast -- yet.  I have been considering the Daniel Fast for a couple of years; ever since our friends did it and had wonderful results.  They felt better, lost a bit of weight and, from what I understand, had better results on their physicals at the doctor!

The book begins, appropriately enough, with an introduction to what the authors call, "The Daniel Cure" (hence, the name of the book) and an explanation of the Daniel Fast.

The fast is based on the story of Daniel in the Bible (see the book of Daniel -- go figure). Daniel and his friends are taken to Babylon as captives and brought to the palace.  When food was brought to them, it included things the Hebrews were told not to eat so Daniel, brave youth that he was, said,

12 “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” Daniel 1:12-13

Funnily enough, Daniel and his friends were healthier after 10 days than the other captives. Whodathunk!

The second part of the book is crammed with health information.  Moving from a general explanation of your body, how it uses food and its status as a temple of a Holy God, to chapters on Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease and general inflammatory issues, it book sheds light on the health issues our country is facing. There are helpful tables with information about healthy cholesterol levels, Body Mass Index, obesity rates in the US, blood sugar ranges during fasting, and much more.

Part Three helps you prepare to start the Fast and adapt it for LIFE!  It's all well and good to do a 21-day fast and purge all of your free radicals, but a truly useful book helps you transition good eating into habit and lifestyle.  The authors do that; and more.

The fourth, fifth and sixth sections of this book provide recipes, a devotional for your journey and helpful Appendices with organizational tools and, saving the best for last for those who like these things, the science behind the Daniel Fast.

I think this book is perfect for someone looking for help with understanding how to both fast as a spiritual practice and for good health.  This book is written, first and foremost, as a guide to the spiritual practice of fasting; even though it seems the overwhelming bulk of it is about nutrition and food. There is a tone of education but also awe and reverence for a God who could make something as complex as the human body.

Anyone who is looking for a way to take a step toward a more healthy, God-honoring lifestyle will find this book extremely useful.

I'm going to ask my two remaining "chicks" - a 22-year old, working-two-jobs-and-going-to-college daughter and an 18-year-old soon-to-be-college-freshman-son and, of course, my wonderful husband to read this book and, together, we'll decide if we want to take this journey.  I hope the answer will be "yes."  It already is for me.

I received this book for free from http://booklookbloggers.com/ in exchange for my honest review.

Nearing Home: Life, Faith and Finishing Well by Rev. Billy Graham (2011)

I received a free Kindle copy of Nearing Home by Reverend Billy Graham in exchange for an honest review of the book.

It's taken me a while to get this review.  When I received it, yes, at least 3 YEARS ago, I wanted to read it but it didn't catch my interest and other things were going on. . . so I put it aside (electronically speaking).

I guess it was turning 50 a couple of weeks ago that has me interested in the text now but, for whatever reason, I'm so glad I picked it back up a couple of days ago.

For those who aren't familiar with Dr. Graham, here's a link to his bio on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Graham.  Even if you ARE familiar with him, I suggest you mosey on over and read this, and wear your chinstrap, my mouth was in my lap while reading about his family . . . .

Anyway, Nearing Home is written by Dr. Graham as a sort of primer for those reaching retirement age -- or anyone who may EVER reach that age (read: anyone).  He aims his magnifying glass at those who are past 60 and uses scripture to back up his advice and teaching (as ever).  He urges:

• Planning - Do you have a retirement plan -- for your finances, your time, your spiritual growth? He also touches on Wills and Living Wills.
• Participation - Don't just sit back and do nothing, you'll get bored, find ways to live and participate in life; and
• Proclamation - God calls all ages to preach the gospel -- see Matthew 28:19-10. (Why yes, I am a Baptist, why do you ask?)

Nothing in this book is particularly earth-shattering but Dr. Graham is transparent in his struggles and triumphs with the issues he brings up and peppers his narrative with scripture and stories -- as any good grandfather would.

While not particularly timely for me, this book has been an excellent reminder that time does move faster than we think and before I know it, retirement age will be upon me.  I am forced to ask myself what my plan is . . . and if I don't have one, what will it be?  I recommend it as an "in-between" book  -- when you want something that will teach you a bit but you don't want to have to think too hard and you want to continue to respect the author when you're through.

Thank you Dr. Graham, for your life's service to the cause of Christ and for this book, what may be your final advice to a weary world.

You can find Nearing Home here: http://www.amazon.com/Nearing-Home-Finishing-Thorndike-Inspirational/dp/1594154465

What I'm doing now

In March of this year I was introduced to a new company: Nerium International. I started using their introductory product, Nerium AD, and LOVED it!  My good skin has become great.  The overlarge pores on my nose are now smaller, a scar I got when I was two years old, is disappearing before my eyes and I have a glow I have only experienced when pregnant. . .and I'm definitely not in that condition now.

I became an Independent Brand Partner and I'm excited about learning to be a Professional Network Marketer.  It's an amazing company -- very family-oriented, great professional development, an awesome opportunity to make my dreams come true.

Before (13 MAR 2013) and After (15 APR 2013)

My scar (13 MAR 2013)

My scar (15 APR 2013)

Before and after of my forehead . . . deep line above my eye is fading!

So . . . . I'm writing this blog to let you all know what I'm doing and let you know I'd love to show you a DVD about the product and/or the company.  Visit my website: www.knhamilton.nerium.com or e-mail me at k.n.hamilton2013@gmail.com.

My Review of Hipthong Two EcoTread Sandal (Men's)

Originally submitted at Rock Creek Outfitters

More than a flip, lighter weight than a ‘Z,’ the Hipthong Two is the perfect combination of both. Stretchy webbing cradles your instep, keeping pace with your every move. No flop in this flip, with Custom Adjust’em straps and our LUVSEAT™ platform for fit and alignment.

Hipthong Two EcoTread Sandal (Men's)

My new GO-TO shoe

By Kelly.theQueen from Lexington, KY on 8/6/2012

 

5out of 5

Pros: Comfortable, Well Made, Pretty

Best Uses: Every Day Wear, Outdoor work

I am not a sportswoman . .. but everyone I know has Chacos so I had to have some, too. I'm not sorry! I got them on sale and they are the most comfortable shoes I've worn in a while. I wear them as often as I can get away with it!

(legalese)

Deal

So, I am totally addicted to Groupon.  Here's a link you can use so I can get a $10 credit if you purchase one: http://www.groupon.com/r/uu20423221.  Today I bought this: http://www.groupon.com/deals/booth-no-5?c=dnb&p=2.  Can't wait to have a girls day with Mary and Sara!

Book Review: Hell, Rob Bell and What Happens When People Die

We live in a society where "truth" is relative and saying you know what the truth is gets you called names like "intolerant," "hypocritical," and "judgmental."


Rob Bell is a controversial figure in Christian circles because he's hard to pin down when it comes to "truth."  Bobby Conway isn't.  He believes what the Bible says and, despite being an "apologist," does not apologize for embracing the inerrancy of Scripture.  Conway has written Hell, Rob Bell and What Happens When People Die to disprove Love Wins but also to show how unashamed he is of the gospel and all that it teaches.


While I have not yet read Bell's book, Love Wins, I intend to -- I am not afraid of it and I like to know what I'm refuting.  However, I got the chance to read Bobby Conway's book for free and, well, free is good.


Conway was an unknown quantity to me before I opened his book so I came in without expectation -- well, that's not entirely true.  The book cover is so stark, I thought it looked like something someone would have published personally so my expectations were probably pretty low.  I was pleasantly surprised by the scholarship, honesty and urgency with which it is written.


I wonder why Bell continues to call himself a Christian.  He seems to think he can pick and choose what he wants to believe from the Bible and, if he truly believes as he states in the ads for his book that, "billions of people have been taught that . . . Jesus rescues you from God," [i.e. hell], what part does the Trinity play in his religion (because I think he's made one up)?


Bobby Conway takes his readers step-by-excruciating-step through the mess that is humanity's depravity and sin.  Through the amazing gift God offers to those who will believe on his son, Jesus; His life offered freely for that very depraved humanity.  To salvation.


If Bell is right and there is no hell; if there is no punishment for not believing in the only "name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12), then why did Jesus have to die?  Why believe in Him at all?  Isn't God sending His son to die the ultimate cruelty if it was all for nothing?


The answer is that the Bible teaches that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)  This means that a loving, just and holy God must punish that sin.


Conway walks us through it; invites us to understand and, in the end, if you do not feel an urgency to tell others about Jesus, you need to read his book -- and the Bible -- again.


LOVE does win.  Bell's definitions of "love" and "winning" are just incorrect.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Dug Down Deep: Not Your Ordinary Theological Primer

I had, of course, heard of Joshua Harris; having been in church for 17 years and served as a youth counselor for many of those, I couldn't avoid hearing about how he "kissed dating good-bye."  I made many bad decisions as a young adult until ultimately led to Christ, and had mixed feelings about what I heard about his suggestions but I never had the chance to read the book for myself.

Harris is a married man now, with three children and a thriving pastoral ministry.  As many of us do, he has matured and he has knowledge to impart.  Knowing about, but never having read anything by him, I opened this book with eager anticipation.  I was not disappointed.

The subtitle of Dug Down Deep is "Building Your Life on Truths that Last," and the central scripture is Luke 6:47-48 where Jesus described "the only true foundation for life."  Harris sets the stage with his own experiences and his longing for us to have a solid foundation on which to build our faith.

There are many books that can teach you about the definitions of "church-y" words like "doctrine," "theology," "atonement," and the like.  You can pick up a dictionary -- or visit dictionary.com as I often do.  However, this book is so much more than a mere list of definitions.  Neither is it a dry recitation of those definitions with fancy words and difficult-to-follow sentences.  Harris walks us through systematic theology using glimpses of his own walk, timely and relevant scripture references and the works of theologians both past and present.  The definitions are relatively easy to understand and the examples are often poignant, always appropriate.

This book is useful both as a source for the beginning of your study of church doctrine and orthodoxy, and as a reference as you mature in your faith and come to your own realizations of what those words actually mean to you personally.

It is both easy to read and understand AND mature.  I'll want all my children (ages 14, 18 and 21) to read it but also my husband, who leads a growing men's ministry.

Thank you, Mr. Harris, for a text that is  informative and riveting; useful and meaningful; literate and loving.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This Blog should be called: Fits and Starts

. . . because I don't write anything for LONG stretches and then I vomit something out and then I do a few book reviews (and I use that term VERY lightly). . .well, you get the picture.

Today I am feeling introspective and somewhat philosophical. Those who know me will KNOW that's very unlike me. I'm not deep. I'm not thoughtful (in any sense of the word). I just prefer not to dwell.

But today is Saturday. Unusual in my life because only one thing is on the calendar. I'm sitting alone in a quiet, albeit messy, kitchen and I just made a "collage" of my son on picnik.com:

Say it with me: WOW!

I prayed for this. I've told the story a thousand times. Friends of ours have a son who is 3 years older than Noah and he was built the same way as Noah all through elementary and most of middle school. All of sudden, in about 7th grade, he started to shoot up. It seemed like every week at church, when I saw him, he was taller, leaner, more of a man.

I never saw Noah as anything but a handsome boy but I knew he wasn't "lean". . .not unhealthy, just not athletically built. I prayed he would pull a "Clint Bacon" . . .there, I said the kid's name.

He's doing it. Every day I feel he's grown another fraction of an inch or more. Every day his voice is deeper, he's more of a teenager, less of a boy. And he's becoming a man in so many ways other than just physically.

Marching band started in July. It can be fun but it's also torture on many levels. Sometimes he complains but he keeps going. He's trying things. Pushing his limits -- yesterday was a day off from school and he and his friends went to the local elementary school park and practiced "free running" and "planking" -- nothing dangerous (well, TOO dangerous) but nothing like I'd have seen them doing a year or two ago. More importantly, he is becoming a strong young man after God's heart. He is in the Word. He is trying to live his faith every day and feels compelled to share it -- not in a judgmental way but out of empathy and love for those who don't know Jesus.

I'm so proud of him. At the same time, I'm so sad. There are countless things I wish I'd done differently.

I've had the pleasure and privilege lately of meeting many young moms who stay at home with their children; either homeschooling as they reach school age or just being there when they get home. I'm blown away by them. Many of them do things to earn money from home or on the side -- photography, etsy stores with handmade items, Mary Kay, etc. I'm awed by their love for their families and their ability to sacrifice. I'm humbled by their lives. And I'm sad that I didn't see that as an option when I was a young mother myself.

However, I'm not one to dwell. God has blessed our family so richly. I wasn't the best mom ever but my children seem to see me that way -- talk about GRATEFUL!

Last night was a rare "family game night" -- no one had to work (too late) and so we all had pizza and played Cranium and Balderdash together. We have SO much fun and laugh SO hard on these nights. I'm so amazed at the love we share and so excited about the future. How can I dwell on the mistakes I made when hardly any of it seems to matter when we are all together laughing and loving each other? I can only pray that they learn from my mistakes and observe all the different ways there are to lead their lives and are able to discern God's will for themselves. That would be the greatest blessing of all.

So Noah is becoming a man. And my daughters are amazing young women. I guess I should feel like I've done a good job. But I know my job is never done -- at least while I'm still breathing. I'm grateful for this moment of quiet, when I can feel like at this point I'm doing okay.

I'm trusting God with all the tomorrows. . .

How full is your basket?

Bruce, her husband, may be better known but Darlene Marie Wilkinson does an excellent job of presenting the ideas first presented in his book, Secrets of the Vine.

Mrs. Wilkinson takes women on a journey through a vineyard with a father and daughter . . . and OUR father.

Using lessons from growing grapes, and using Jesus' words from John 15, we learn how to grow toward an abundant life. Where are you in your spiritual walk? Are you being disciplined? Pruned? Have you learned to abide? This little book will help you begin to recognize just that.

It's a short but insightful read; one you will return to again and again because the lessons are important and refreshing.

I highly recommend it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: The Corruptible by Mark Mynheir

This was such a pleasant surprise! The second installment in Mr. Mynheir's Ray Quinn mysteries, I'll definitely be playing catch-up and reading The Night Watchman...

Ray Quinn is an ex-homicide cop turned PI with a young and slightly impulsive partner, Crevis. Together with their young, tutor/Girl Friday, Pam, they become embroiled in a high stakes hunt for another ex-cop turned security officer. Mayhem ensues. The characters are fun and well drawn. The language is campy film noir but not to the point of distraction from the tense action of the story.

Quinn is typical of a noir-ish gumshoe but modernized and, while macho, also vulnerable. The ex-cop he's after was once a co-worker and Quinn sees a lot of himself in the sad road taken by his target. No one is perfect in The Corruptible world and that's as it should be. There is just enough detail thrown in by Mr. Mynheir, an ex-cop himself, to make things interesting but not mind-numbing as can often happen when a writer is exceedingly proud of their knowledge/research...

All of the supporting characters are well fleshed out, if a bit numerous. I'll be interested to see how the recurring characters develop.

In the end, Quinn, Crevis and Pam get their man and Quinn even starts down a possible road to redemption. Can you say cliffhanger?

I thoroughly enjoyed this easy but compelling read and recommend it with no reservations!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Judgment Day by Wanda L. Dyson

I opened this book hoping for a suspenseful read. I hoped for a riveting storyline and engaging characters. As the Rolling Stones sang: "You can't always get what you want."

Ms. Dyson puts forth a good effort but there are details that are oddly disjointed: For example, why does Alex always mess up colloquialisms? Because she's a blue blood? It doesn't add to the character, it's just annoying. What happens to the bodies at the end?

Many things fall neatly (almost too neatly) into place but some things are left untied and those are the things I wanted double knotted. The characters are one dimensional and, especially in the case of Alex, stiff. The motive behind all the mayhem is sketchy.

However, if you are looking for a great beach read; something to keep you on the towel for a couple of hours, this is your book. The relationships are compelling to the extent you will get a good, even tan and, when it's time to go inside, you won't be loathe to put the book down and it will be easy to remember what was going on when you pick it up again.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Devil You THINK You Know. . .

The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer is a very easy read. Unfortunately, it's a bit simplistic in other ways as well.

While the beginning of the book is intriguing and draws the reader in with a story of a teacher wrongfully accused, the supporting characters are mostly cliches as are the legs of the plot. Do demons exist and are they the engines that drive the evil in the world, or at least some of it? If so, could the very Papacy itself be threatened by demonic possession? It would be a wonderful premise if more research had been done and detail added -- not to mention the fact that the "advance reading copy" I have is very poorly edited.

While I found myself liking the characters of the teacher, Crockett Grey, and the student, Jaimie Piper. However, the first two-thirds of the book takes a long time to get anywhere and the last third of the book is so choppy, you wonder if it was worth the wait. You find yourself asking when the book will actually end.

And, surprisingly, you get to the end of the story without any real answer as to whether Mr. Brouwer believes in demons or not. It doesn't matter, as with many of the poorly executed good ideas called books these days, I see a movie in this one's future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Get Cozy for this Read

River Jordan presents a spellbinding tale in The Miracle of Mercy Land. The characters are well written and likeable. The plot is compelling.

Mercy Land is a young woman in 1930’s Alabama who proves to be exceptional despite her seeming plain exterior. Mercy’s combination of plain spoken country common sense and journalistic curiosity draw the reader along as her quiet existence is turned upside down by a handsome stranger… or is he?

Miracle is a quick but compelling read and just in time for the beach. Take it along but be sure to set an alarm so you turn over regularly… Mercy wouldn’t want you to burn!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Review of Multicolor Lei Personalized Banner

Originally submitted at ShindigZ

Deocrate easily and affordable with a vinyl banner!

Dare to Compare!

• Prices as low as $14.79
• Quick and Easy!
• Over 1,000 designs to choose from
• Our exclusive customizing tool allows you to move, rotate and size.

Multicolor Lei Personalized Banner

Luau-vely!

By Kelly the Queen from Lexington, KY on 2/28/2011

 

5out of 5

Pros: Attractive Design, Colorful, Good Value, Quality Construction

Best Uses: Celebration, Themed Parties

Describe Yourself: Frequent Host

Was this a gift?: No

I haven't had the opportunity to use this yet but it's a great value -- grommets included!

(legalese)

Book Review: Soulprint by Mark Batterson

What do you want to be when you grow up? What is my destiny? What am I supposed to do?

These are questions we are asked and that we ask ourselves our entire lives. As Christians, we begin to ask, "What is God's Will for me?"

Mark Batterson takes on these seemingly enigmatic questions in his book, Soulprint.

Following the blueprint of the life of King David, Batterson leads a treasure hunt. He encourages the reader to dig deeply into the past to discover moments and memories that defined his or her life and to follow the clues in those memories and in the Bible to discover God's Will for what is to come.

Almost every page is filled with sentences "that'll preach," as we say in Christian circles (i.e., "The only thing between you and your destiny is awkwardness. Are you ready to embrace it?"), but allowing those seemingly shallow phrases to sink in and meditating on what makes them "cliche" allows the reader to begin the very search that is the point of the book.

Don't let the size -- or seeming lack thereof -- fool you into thinking it's an "easy" read. It is easy TO read but take it slowly and allow the gems of truth you find along the way to really sink in. You'll be better off having done so and you'll want to recommend this little treasure of a book to many folks you know, believers and unbelievers alike.

This is not the first book I've read that uses David as an example for the Christian life, but, as only God can, each one has built on the other and Soulprint is no exception. The best recommendation any "Christian" book can receive in my mind is that it points back to and plants a craving for Scripture. This book does that. It's a great book for a "retreat weekend" or any time you can set aside for introspection -- because you'll want to set aside that time when you start reading this book, whether you've planned to or not.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

If God is Good by Randy Alcorn

I recently signed up with Blogging for Books through Multnomah Publishing so I could try my hand at reviewing. I am a voracious reader -- or was before I had children -- and was excited at the idea of paying for a book by simply reviewing it. Yes, I was sent the book free of charge in exchange for a review in a timely manner.

As my maiden voyage, I chose If God is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil by Randy Alcorn (Multnomah, 2009).

Having suffered a bit and walked with friends and loved ones through their suffering, I've wondered like everyone where God is in the midst of it. I've learned from those experiences that He is... in the MIDST of it. However, I've never been able to explain how I know that or felt ready to give an answer to anyone who might question me on it.

If God is Good gives solid reasoning to what I have learned from experience.

By walking the reader first through a discussion of the origins of evil and suffering and then through arguments against God's very existence on to how and why God uses suffering, we reach Mr. Alcorn's conclusion with him, having learned a lot of terminology and theology along the way.

And the conclusion? God IS good because God is God. We are not. The real question is why a fallen human race expects to live without suffering. We really don't deserve the wonderful things God gives us every day; beautiful sunrises, laughter, breath... but He gives it. Suffering and evil are not from God but they certainly put His love in sharp relief for us... and that is ultimately why He allows it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The More Things Change

Mary has come home from Florida. She is living with us (Tim, Noah, me, our two dogs (Woodie and Dash), my cat (Beau) and the two kitties she brought home with her (Elphaba and Nessa Rose)), working at the Crocs kiosk at the mall and preparing to begin classes at UK in January.

Last night Sara came home from Western Kentucky University for Thanksgiving. All five us spent the first half hour laughing and enjoying each other. How wonderful it is when we are all together!

Life has changed so much.... God has seen to that, but it's a comfort to know that our family dynamic of unpretentious, authentic love has not changed.

Today I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; my wonderful partner in life, Tim; my beautiful, intelligent daughters, Mary and Sara; and my handsome and talented son, Noah. No matter what, the love we have never changes.

Hmmm

What to say. Eight months have now passed since my last entry. Not much has changed but everything has.

We are now members of Center Point Church. It's an amazing experience to be in the midst of a group of people genuinely seeking Christ and to help others become closer to Him.

Mary and Justin came home for Thanksgiving. They live together now and, while I'm not thrilled with that, I do like him (as do the rest of the members of our family) and feel he's a good fit for Mary. She is now an Assistant Manager at Pet Supermarket in North Ft. Myers and I'm proud of the hard work she is putting in. She's a bit lost. Trying to figure things out -- something we all go through sooner or later and I'm trying not to interfere.

I love so much more than I ever have now. I find I am forgiving more. I am more willing to grow. I pray for even more patience and maturity. It makes me sad that it took 44 years to get to this point but I hope it's never too late.

I'm so grateful for my job at the Ronald McDonald House. So happy and proud to be able to say I work there and that I make a small difference in someone's life. I like the people I work with , some I even love very much.

Today, more than any other time in my life I see that God IS good all the time.

That's it. Nothing profound. I'm just glad and grateful today and wanted to tell someone. K