Saturday, July 2, 2011
Randolph Family Out West Adventure- opening log
5063 miles and 14 days later I find myself sitting in my office reflecting on the Randolph Family Out West Adventure. It was a journey, perhaps of a lifetime. It was filled with incredible moments, and to be honest moments where we needed to exert our parental controls with a firm voice, but non the less it was filled with MEMORIES. The saying goes Life is not about the destination it is about the journey, so now at the end of the journey I find the need to go back and journal the trip and reflect on the time spent with the family.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Book #5 and Book #6
I like to read books that have more than one book in the series. It allows the story to continue when you get to the end of the book, without it just being in your mind. This latest series was suggested by a parent on my son's hockey team, whose son was reading it for school. The book is called City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau. Apparently, it is also a movie, but I have not seen that yet, and I'm not sure I will since I really enjoyed the book.
It is an easy read, being a juvenile series, but just the same it is very captivating.
Book 1- City of Ember takes place in the underground city of Ember. Although at the time the inhabitants don't know that the city is underground. What they do know is that their city is no longer working right. Power is going out, supplies are running low. At the age of 12 the citizens must take on jobs in the city. Lina and Doon, have just turned 12 and as fate happens are also reconnecting with each other as friends. Doon is sure the city is doomed, and is desperate to fix it. Lina, only begins to realize the problem when she discovers a mystery letter. Will they get out in time? Only by reading it will you find out.
Of course, that's not entirely true since I also read book 2 The People of Sparks. Sparks is an above ground city. In this city the people are learning to live again after war, and disease has destroyed so much of their world. They are on the very of finally having enough when 400 new people show up. Should they take them in? If they do, should they help them forever or just for a little while? What if their food runs low, or they don't get along? The people are not sure what to make of the strange visitors, and not sure how to best help them. Of course everyone is feelng the stress of the living situations and when stress rises so do tempers. What will happen to the people of Sparks and their visitors? Who will be able to stop the inevitable downfall of the people?
Time to check these 2 books out to find out!
It is an easy read, being a juvenile series, but just the same it is very captivating.
Book 1- City of Ember takes place in the underground city of Ember. Although at the time the inhabitants don't know that the city is underground. What they do know is that their city is no longer working right. Power is going out, supplies are running low. At the age of 12 the citizens must take on jobs in the city. Lina and Doon, have just turned 12 and as fate happens are also reconnecting with each other as friends. Doon is sure the city is doomed, and is desperate to fix it. Lina, only begins to realize the problem when she discovers a mystery letter. Will they get out in time? Only by reading it will you find out.
Of course, that's not entirely true since I also read book 2 The People of Sparks. Sparks is an above ground city. In this city the people are learning to live again after war, and disease has destroyed so much of their world. They are on the very of finally having enough when 400 new people show up. Should they take them in? If they do, should they help them forever or just for a little while? What if their food runs low, or they don't get along? The people are not sure what to make of the strange visitors, and not sure how to best help them. Of course everyone is feelng the stress of the living situations and when stress rises so do tempers. What will happen to the people of Sparks and their visitors? Who will be able to stop the inevitable downfall of the people?
Time to check these 2 books out to find out!
Book #4 Unlocked
Book #4 is Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury
This is the story of a young man who is locked behind the wall of autism. The onset of his autism happened around age 3. At that time his Mom became his primary caregiver, and after trying desperately to unlock his son his father left the area to battle the seas of Alaska as a fisherman. His mom not only lost her husband to Alaska, but her best friend as well, who didn't know how to deal with this precious little boy changing and being locked inside his own world.
Fast forward to high school and suddenly Holden, who is very interested in music is fascinated by Ella Reynolds who has been cast as the lead in Beauty and the Beast. Life at the high school is not an easy thing. The football players rule the school and they don't like kids like Holden who are different. Will the bullying continue, what will the cost of it be? Who will take a stand?
The story unfolds to show us that we are all locked up in some way. Some of us are locked up emotionally, some of us are locked into who we are seen by others to be. Hardly, any of us know how to deal with everything going on around us. Will that change?
I could tell you more details of the book, but really you just have to read it to find out!
This is the story of a young man who is locked behind the wall of autism. The onset of his autism happened around age 3. At that time his Mom became his primary caregiver, and after trying desperately to unlock his son his father left the area to battle the seas of Alaska as a fisherman. His mom not only lost her husband to Alaska, but her best friend as well, who didn't know how to deal with this precious little boy changing and being locked inside his own world.
Fast forward to high school and suddenly Holden, who is very interested in music is fascinated by Ella Reynolds who has been cast as the lead in Beauty and the Beast. Life at the high school is not an easy thing. The football players rule the school and they don't like kids like Holden who are different. Will the bullying continue, what will the cost of it be? Who will take a stand?
The story unfolds to show us that we are all locked up in some way. Some of us are locked up emotionally, some of us are locked into who we are seen by others to be. Hardly, any of us know how to deal with everything going on around us. Will that change?
I could tell you more details of the book, but really you just have to read it to find out!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Book #3 Made to Crave
I've been doing an online Bible study called Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst. It's a really good book that has given me some valuable insight into eating better, and why I should even bother. The bible tells us that everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. 1 Corinthians 10:23. Yes, I can have fries, and a burger and a pop. Will it fuel my body and help me to run the race that life has in front of me. Maybe briefly. But there are better choices that will fuel my body for longer. It doesn't mean I can't ever eat those things, but for my life I need to avoid them as much as possible.
We spend so much time thinking about "have to" I have to do this, I have to do that. That sometimes we've missed out on the want to. Want to's don't have to be selfish. I want to take care of my family and create a smoothly run home. I want to have less stress so that my family does not feel as stressed. Those are good want tos that will find me making sacrifices such as doing laundry a little everyday, or reorganizing the cupboard or getting up early to make things run more smoothly. Having a want to attitude can help change how we focus on food and exercise as well. I want to get in better shape so I'm going to sacrifice time I could be watching tv to walk or run on the treadmill. I'm going to sacrifice time to make myself lunch instead of run though the drivethru. It's not always an easy choice, but the more the have to changes to a want to the more driven I am to do what I should.
If you're looking for a Bible study that will draw you closer to God and help motivate you to eat healthier this is a good one to look into.
We spend so much time thinking about "have to" I have to do this, I have to do that. That sometimes we've missed out on the want to. Want to's don't have to be selfish. I want to take care of my family and create a smoothly run home. I want to have less stress so that my family does not feel as stressed. Those are good want tos that will find me making sacrifices such as doing laundry a little everyday, or reorganizing the cupboard or getting up early to make things run more smoothly. Having a want to attitude can help change how we focus on food and exercise as well. I want to get in better shape so I'm going to sacrifice time I could be watching tv to walk or run on the treadmill. I'm going to sacrifice time to make myself lunch instead of run though the drivethru. It's not always an easy choice, but the more the have to changes to a want to the more driven I am to do what I should.
If you're looking for a Bible study that will draw you closer to God and help motivate you to eat healthier this is a good one to look into.
Book #2 Reshaping It All
Reshaping it All by Candace Cameron Bure is an amazing book. Yes, I started to become interested in it simply because I followed her when she played DJ Tanner on Full House. Then I started following her on Twitter and watched how even with her busy "actress" schedule she always was talking about her family, and her beliefs. Not many Hollywood people do that. In fact, most talk only about themselves. Seeing how I've decided to make 2011 about getting back in shape and healthy it seemed like a good time to pick up her book. Which, was a reward to myself for losing my first 15lbs!
The book isn't about "look what I did" it's about look what God has allowed to happen in my life, the path He has led me on, and what I can do because of Him. It's about living the way God intended us to live. Do we all need to be a size 2, no, but we should all strive to life a life pleasing to God and the holy temple that is inside of us when we have Him in our lives. Satan wants us to look at ourselves and say "guess I might as well give up since I've been like this for so long", but God wants us to pursue Him, and in the process we will most likely crave wanting to be more then we are.
She gave recipes, and insight to what has worked for her in her battle with eating well and food. She talked about choices and how what we choose reflects back on God. Whether it is a food choice, a work choice or how we raise our kids. The book talks about nothing being forbidden in terms of food, but that we need to make the choice of what is best for our bodies. Yes, you can have the brownie in moderation, but a pan of them is not good for you. It touched on the fact that our culture is supersized. That we eat more then we should, because portions are just out of control and that we need to learn to stop when we are satisfied, not when we are full. That is truly a difficult process.
Perhaps my favorite thing I've taken away from the book is whether or not the sacrifice I make today is worth it. If it's not fine, don't sacrifice, but if taking time to work out, or eat healthy is a sacrifice I'm willing to make I might miss out, in the world's terms, on something, but I will gain so much more in God's terms. Which do I want to live by God's or the world's?
I highly recommend this book. Even if weight and working out isn't a struggle for you. Maybe there is some other area that you just need to reshape, and start fresh with.
The book isn't about "look what I did" it's about look what God has allowed to happen in my life, the path He has led me on, and what I can do because of Him. It's about living the way God intended us to live. Do we all need to be a size 2, no, but we should all strive to life a life pleasing to God and the holy temple that is inside of us when we have Him in our lives. Satan wants us to look at ourselves and say "guess I might as well give up since I've been like this for so long", but God wants us to pursue Him, and in the process we will most likely crave wanting to be more then we are.
She gave recipes, and insight to what has worked for her in her battle with eating well and food. She talked about choices and how what we choose reflects back on God. Whether it is a food choice, a work choice or how we raise our kids. The book talks about nothing being forbidden in terms of food, but that we need to make the choice of what is best for our bodies. Yes, you can have the brownie in moderation, but a pan of them is not good for you. It touched on the fact that our culture is supersized. That we eat more then we should, because portions are just out of control and that we need to learn to stop when we are satisfied, not when we are full. That is truly a difficult process.
Perhaps my favorite thing I've taken away from the book is whether or not the sacrifice I make today is worth it. If it's not fine, don't sacrifice, but if taking time to work out, or eat healthy is a sacrifice I'm willing to make I might miss out, in the world's terms, on something, but I will gain so much more in God's terms. Which do I want to live by God's or the world's?
I highly recommend this book. Even if weight and working out isn't a struggle for you. Maybe there is some other area that you just need to reshape, and start fresh with.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Book #1 The House that Cleans Itself
Book #1 of 2011 is finally finished. It was a great book, but self-help type books just take longer to read. I'm always drawn to the organizing section of the book store, ask my best friend! Just the same you could also ask her and she'd tell you for the most part it's not something I really need help with, at least to the normal observer. To me, it's always something I can improve.
The House that Cleans Itself by Mindy Starns Clark was a book that I picked up because I knew it would help me improve in some way. It is a great book of ideas, and for some I'm sure the ideas and steps are intended to be followed step by step. For me, I felt I just needed to pick and choose my way through the book and pull out things that would help me. I was happy to know some of the suggestions I already use. For instance, not putting the mail down without doing a quick sort. I have been doing this consistently. As I walk in from getting the mail I put the things I need on the top and the things I don't need on the bottom. I walk straight to my desk and dump the junk mail in my recycling bin. Then sort the rest of the mail. If it is bills they go in my financial folder, the other items that need to be taken care of immediately go in my to do file on my desk. It keeps my desk neat and also helps things get into the right spot.
Another suggestion was finding the room that you feel horrible about when it is a mess. For me it's the front hall closet, my office and the kitchen sink. When those things are picked up and neat the rest of the house doesn't seem so bad. I've made it a point this year to reorganize the hall closet so it works for our family, and when hanging up my coat straightening it quickly at that point. I've made sure that each night before going to bed my office is picked up, supplies back where they go and if piles of projects are needed they are stacked neatly on my craft desk so I don't feel overwhelmed when I look at it. Lastly, either last thing at night or first thing in the morning I tackle any dishes left in the sink. That way I don't feel like they are staring at me during the day. There were lots of other great suggestions in the book, and I'm sure I will be refering back to it occasionally as I continue to improve the "mess" of our lives and reorganize the house to my standards.
I'd mark it as - great book, definitely needed for the person who wants to become, or stay more organized.
Next book- (can't wait to read!!!) Reshaping it All by Candace Cameron Bure
The House that Cleans Itself by Mindy Starns Clark was a book that I picked up because I knew it would help me improve in some way. It is a great book of ideas, and for some I'm sure the ideas and steps are intended to be followed step by step. For me, I felt I just needed to pick and choose my way through the book and pull out things that would help me. I was happy to know some of the suggestions I already use. For instance, not putting the mail down without doing a quick sort. I have been doing this consistently. As I walk in from getting the mail I put the things I need on the top and the things I don't need on the bottom. I walk straight to my desk and dump the junk mail in my recycling bin. Then sort the rest of the mail. If it is bills they go in my financial folder, the other items that need to be taken care of immediately go in my to do file on my desk. It keeps my desk neat and also helps things get into the right spot.
Another suggestion was finding the room that you feel horrible about when it is a mess. For me it's the front hall closet, my office and the kitchen sink. When those things are picked up and neat the rest of the house doesn't seem so bad. I've made it a point this year to reorganize the hall closet so it works for our family, and when hanging up my coat straightening it quickly at that point. I've made sure that each night before going to bed my office is picked up, supplies back where they go and if piles of projects are needed they are stacked neatly on my craft desk so I don't feel overwhelmed when I look at it. Lastly, either last thing at night or first thing in the morning I tackle any dishes left in the sink. That way I don't feel like they are staring at me during the day. There were lots of other great suggestions in the book, and I'm sure I will be refering back to it occasionally as I continue to improve the "mess" of our lives and reorganize the house to my standards.
I'd mark it as - great book, definitely needed for the person who wants to become, or stay more organized.
Next book- (can't wait to read!!!) Reshaping it All by Candace Cameron Bure
Monday, January 10, 2011
New Year Book 1- The House That Cleans Itself
Book 1 for the new year is the House that Cleans Itself by Mindy Starns Clark. So far it has some good ideas, about 1/2 way done though so check back for the final report!
It's a New Day Challenge/Week 2
Made it a whole week without one single can of pop! Not only that, haven't had a sip of soda since the 1st and you know what, I don't miss it! Can't believe it since so many times in my life I have felt like I can't live without it. Feels good. I've had more veggies and fruit and less sugary stuff this week then anytime I can even remember. It's been amazing! I feel good, not as tired, and to add to it all lost 6 lbs this week! Huh, I wonder if I keep doing what I did and start exercising more what will happen next week. Can't wait to find out!
This weeks challenge though isn't about exercising, it's about shopping once and cooking for a week. This one is easy for me. I've been planning menus out for years, and then hitting the store once. Not only does it help with eating issues to not wonder what is for dinner, it helps with budget and busy schedules. Tonight we did try a new type of premade frozen chicken noodle soup mix. Added water and some chicken (only 4 pts a serving) and it was awesome! Tomorrow, a found a cool new zucchini recipe to try. Kids won't like it, but oh well!
This weeks challenge though isn't about exercising, it's about shopping once and cooking for a week. This one is easy for me. I've been planning menus out for years, and then hitting the store once. Not only does it help with eating issues to not wonder what is for dinner, it helps with budget and busy schedules. Tonight we did try a new type of premade frozen chicken noodle soup mix. Added water and some chicken (only 4 pts a serving) and it was awesome! Tomorrow, a found a cool new zucchini recipe to try. Kids won't like it, but oh well!
Monday, January 3, 2011
It's a New Day Challenge/ New Year
Just read the new day challenge for the day from Weight Watchers. This week it's to try a food I've never tried before. I've chosen to try whole wheat spaghetti. We'll see if the family likes it. They weren't all crazy about tonight's dinner which was mainly vegetables! Oh, well. It's a new year and a new day. One step forward and not looking back.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Book 44 The Way to A Man's Heart
This is book three in the Miller Family Series by Mary Ellis. All three books were very well written. They are about Amish women and the struggles they face with determining the true path for their lives. The stories were all very nicely done and seemed very accurate. Is Leah old enough to stand on her own and make wise decisions, or is she too naive to understand the world around her? The characters are so real you find yourself really wanting them to succeed at what they are doing. Or, yelling at them when the mess up!
Definitely, a good series to read.
Not sure if I'll manage to finish another book before the end of the year. I had decided to read 12 novels this year, one per month. So far, at least by the ones I remembered to blog, I've read 44! Not bad. Guess next year I'll have to see if I can beat it! Happy Reading. Pick up a book, it will take you someplace you never imagined you would go.
Definitely, a good series to read.
Not sure if I'll manage to finish another book before the end of the year. I had decided to read 12 novels this year, one per month. So far, at least by the ones I remembered to blog, I've read 44! Not bad. Guess next year I'll have to see if I can beat it! Happy Reading. Pick up a book, it will take you someplace you never imagined you would go.
Book 43 Happy Ever After
The final book in the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts was Happy Ever After. It was a great end to the series, although to be honest 1/2 way through book 2 I think I could have named who would end up with who. Just the same, it was a quick read filled with love and friendship and trials. Will they work it out and make it to the end of the aisle, or will they determine they are not meant to be? Guess based on the title, you could pick which it will be, but getting there is over 1/2 the story. Still would recommend the whole series.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Book 42 Running Out of Time
Book 42 is Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This book, once you start reading is really hard to put down. The primary audience is young adults, and the book is only 184 pages, but it is full of twists and turns. In the story there is a community that believes it is 1840, the problem is it is really 1996. Some of the people in the community know that they are not living in the right time, as it was set up to be a sample of life in the 1840's for tourists to see. The problem is to begin with the people were still getting 20th century medical care and now when things are not going well that medical care is no where to be found. Seeing no other way Jessie, a 13 year old girl, that only knows life in the 1800's is sent out of the community secretly to get help. Will she succeed? Only through reading it can you find out.
This author also wrote the book Among the Hidden, which having read out loud to 5th graders through the course of subbing I highly recommend too!
This author also wrote the book Among the Hidden, which having read out loud to 5th graders through the course of subbing I highly recommend too!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The Lost Hero Book 41
Sometimes reading books written for the tweens is not such a bad thing! Since last September I have read the entire Harry Potter series, the Percy Jackson Series and most of the Artemis Fowl books. All have been wonderful. This new book The Lost Hero by Ric Riordan is a new book in a series that deals with the Heroes of Olympus. It has some characters from the Percy Jackson series but also introduces a whole different group of characters.
I had a hard time putting down this action pack, twist and turn filled book. Will they follow the quest that their friends at Half Blood Hill think they are on, or will they listen to the dreams that beg them to do something different. Who is on which side, who will betray who, who will win in the end? These questions keep the book interesting and hold the reader spell bound. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the next thing happened and threw my prediction off. Zach just started reading it today, wonder what he will think is happening. He has already made guesses, similar to what I thought, only to discover that some of what he thinks is true, and some of what he thinks is not!
Great series, great author. Now if he could just hurry up and get the next book out that would be great! Unfortunately, book 2 is not due out until next fall!
I had a hard time putting down this action pack, twist and turn filled book. Will they follow the quest that their friends at Half Blood Hill think they are on, or will they listen to the dreams that beg them to do something different. Who is on which side, who will betray who, who will win in the end? These questions keep the book interesting and hold the reader spell bound. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the next thing happened and threw my prediction off. Zach just started reading it today, wonder what he will think is happening. He has already made guesses, similar to what I thought, only to discover that some of what he thinks is true, and some of what he thinks is not!
Great series, great author. Now if he could just hurry up and get the next book out that would be great! Unfortunately, book 2 is not due out until next fall!
Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony Book 40
Ok, yes I'm possibly addicted to this series. They are fairly quick reads, and I like to know I've read every book in a series. It's a challenge I guess. Of course I've read every book Karen Kingsbury, the previous reviews author has ever written, also a challenge I suppose.
This book by Eoin Colfer introduces a new female counterpart to Artemis. She is equally smart and also knows about the fairy people. She has even discovered the demons and when they will appear in the human world. She takes a chance and actually beats him to capturing one which creates a new contest. Not only does Artemis have to figure out how to get the demons back from her, he also must do so while saving the demon world, the fairy peoples privacy and protecting the humans. The adventure is full of surprises. With more books in the series there were certainly be more reviews to come.
This book by Eoin Colfer introduces a new female counterpart to Artemis. She is equally smart and also knows about the fairy people. She has even discovered the demons and when they will appear in the human world. She takes a chance and actually beats him to capturing one which creates a new contest. Not only does Artemis have to figure out how to get the demons back from her, he also must do so while saving the demon world, the fairy peoples privacy and protecting the humans. The adventure is full of surprises. With more books in the series there were certainly be more reviews to come.
Take Four- Book 39
Love Karen Kingsbury books! Love the fact that the characters grow and change in each book and that you really don't lose the characters when you go into a different book by her. Instead you are reading about a whole community and how the people interact with each other.
Take Four was no exception. In this book you get to follow Andi, and her decision on whether or not to keep her baby. Will Bailey and Cody finally get and stay together. Who will make the next movie? All these questions get answered as the story evolves. Of course some are also left unanswered giving you the desire to read Leaving, a story about Bailey that will be out in March of 2011.
These books are full of faith, family and friends and the trials that come and go in life. She is a must read author.
Take Four was no exception. In this book you get to follow Andi, and her decision on whether or not to keep her baby. Will Bailey and Cody finally get and stay together. Who will make the next movie? All these questions get answered as the story evolves. Of course some are also left unanswered giving you the desire to read Leaving, a story about Bailey that will be out in March of 2011.
These books are full of faith, family and friends and the trials that come and go in life. She is a must read author.
Artemis Fowl and the Opal Deception Book 38
Haven't had much time to get up on my book blogs lately so I've fallen a bit behind. I actually read this book back in September, but here's the review:
In this book Artemis Fowl has had his memory wiped by the LEP (Fairy police) for the other times he has infiltrated the fairy people. Of course Artemis, being who he is, knew that they were going to wipe his mind and Butler's so he made preparations for such an occasion. Also, in the previous book Opal has been taken down in her plot to overthrow the fairy people. Of course she, also being incredibly clever, has developed a plan to fool the people into thinking that she is in a coma and trying once again to take over the world. Holly, Captain Short, Foaly, Butler and Artemis are brought back together to save not only the people but the Mud men (humans) as well. Will it be enough? Will they be able to stop Opal's Deception.
Guess you'll have to read it to find out!
In this book Artemis Fowl has had his memory wiped by the LEP (Fairy police) for the other times he has infiltrated the fairy people. Of course Artemis, being who he is, knew that they were going to wipe his mind and Butler's so he made preparations for such an occasion. Also, in the previous book Opal has been taken down in her plot to overthrow the fairy people. Of course she, also being incredibly clever, has developed a plan to fool the people into thinking that she is in a coma and trying once again to take over the world. Holly, Captain Short, Foaly, Butler and Artemis are brought back together to save not only the people but the Mud men (humans) as well. Will it be enough? Will they be able to stop Opal's Deception.
Guess you'll have to read it to find out!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
More books!! book 37?!
Realized as I was writing on the blog today that I never posted a review on Bed of Roses or Savor the Moment book 2 an 3 in the Bridal Quartet Series by Nora Roberts. Actually, read them this summer, but since I am keeping track I'll call them books 37 and 38! (think I went well above the 12 I was planning on reading this year!)
Bed of Roses is the story of the florist in the Bridal series. Emma, is a true beauty who men swarm around, but she hasn't been able to find the right one. In this book she realizes that sometimes you have to look close to home to really find happiness.
Savor the Moment is book 3 in the series. In this book pastry chef Laural finally realizes her dream of knowing true love. She has perfected her world of pastry can she perfect and keep a relationship alive.
Both books were great romance stories. Looking forward to Happily Ever After which is set to be released in November of this year.
Bed of Roses is the story of the florist in the Bridal series. Emma, is a true beauty who men swarm around, but she hasn't been able to find the right one. In this book she realizes that sometimes you have to look close to home to really find happiness.
Savor the Moment is book 3 in the series. In this book pastry chef Laural finally realizes her dream of knowing true love. She has perfected her world of pastry can she perfect and keep a relationship alive.
Both books were great romance stories. Looking forward to Happily Ever After which is set to be released in November of this year.
Choosing to See ( Book 35)
It's hard to even start this review. Book 35 was Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman. Wow, doesn't even begin to describe the life she has lived especially these past several years. As long as I can remember I have been a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman's music. So in May of 2008 when I heard the crushing news that his daughter had been killed in a car accident I felt compelled as so many across the world did to pray for his family. At the time I had just purchased a CD of his with the song Cinderella on it. It's a song about how quickly little ones grow up, and that before you know it they are ready to be on their own and gone. For days after the accident the radio stations would play the song and I'd have to shut it off, sick over what had happened to their family and wondering why God would allow this to happen to a man who had spent his adult life telling the world about God through his music.
When I heard Mary Beth Chapman was writing a book about what God has taught her over the years I knew I had to read it. Part of me was curious, would she say what really happened, at the time of the accident there were only sketchy details, would she talk about how she simply trusted God and moved on? While she did tell of the accident, and her life before and after the book was so much more about journeying with God. Yes, she absolutely trusted God, before, during and after the accident. But at the same time she trusted Him with her heart, and her family, she struggled with, and most likely still does struggle with questions that may never be answered this side of heaven. She poured her life out on the pages of the book. At times I'd find myself laughing over different stories she was telling, and the next I was brought to tears.
Real. That is what she allowed herself to be for everyone through this book. She shared with honesty her struggles, her questions, her trials. Yet, as she did I found myself drawn to the fact that regardless of the storms life may be throwing at her she was going to hang on, if only by a thread to the fact that God is in control, that His love is real, and that He will never leave us. We might not feel His presence at times, we might wonder why He would allow something to happen, and we might honestly scream out to him in anger. Yet, He knows how we feel, He has felt our pain, and He alone will be with us no matter what. I don't often buy books, but this one I knew I had to purchase. Not so it will sit on my shelf for years to come, but so that I can pass it on to someone else to read. Perhaps her story will help someone find the peace, the hope and the joy that comes from knowing the Lord. That they too will choose to see God, perhaps for the first time.
The Chapman family is till in my prayers. I pray for them as they live without their precious daughter, and as they continue to show others what it means to really walk by faith.
When I heard Mary Beth Chapman was writing a book about what God has taught her over the years I knew I had to read it. Part of me was curious, would she say what really happened, at the time of the accident there were only sketchy details, would she talk about how she simply trusted God and moved on? While she did tell of the accident, and her life before and after the book was so much more about journeying with God. Yes, she absolutely trusted God, before, during and after the accident. But at the same time she trusted Him with her heart, and her family, she struggled with, and most likely still does struggle with questions that may never be answered this side of heaven. She poured her life out on the pages of the book. At times I'd find myself laughing over different stories she was telling, and the next I was brought to tears.
Real. That is what she allowed herself to be for everyone through this book. She shared with honesty her struggles, her questions, her trials. Yet, as she did I found myself drawn to the fact that regardless of the storms life may be throwing at her she was going to hang on, if only by a thread to the fact that God is in control, that His love is real, and that He will never leave us. We might not feel His presence at times, we might wonder why He would allow something to happen, and we might honestly scream out to him in anger. Yet, He knows how we feel, He has felt our pain, and He alone will be with us no matter what. I don't often buy books, but this one I knew I had to purchase. Not so it will sit on my shelf for years to come, but so that I can pass it on to someone else to read. Perhaps her story will help someone find the peace, the hope and the joy that comes from knowing the Lord. That they too will choose to see God, perhaps for the first time.
The Chapman family is till in my prayers. I pray for them as they live without their precious daughter, and as they continue to show others what it means to really walk by faith.
Books 33, 34, and 36.
It's been awhile since I've taken the time to update my blog book reviews. I have been reading, in fact I read books 33 and 34 back in August, followed by an attempt at 2 different books that I just couldn't get into. Book 35 deserves it's own entry, so for this post I've included the books on either side of it.
Book 33 Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson. It is book 1 of a set of 9 books that focus on Betsy, who has turned into a vampire. Now if you like the Twilight series or the Vampire Diaries you might not find this book to your taste. In fact, it's not one you can really sink your teeth into. It's more of a snack. (I know enough with the Vampire analogies) This book was a fairly quick read, and despite the fact the lead character has turned into a vampire, it is a pretty light hearted book. The main character knows she died, but can't figure out why she is still alive. It takes a bit to determine why when she was killed in an accident she comes back to life. Her family and friends have to learn how to deal with this new part of her life, will they stand by her or turn away? Of course there is also the problem that she is being hunted by a group of vampires who feel that she is unworthy of the status that she has earned. Will she be able to save the vampire world from destruction? To answer these questions you'll have to pick up the book and read it. It was a fun book to read, not sure I'll read the rest of the series or not. I'm not addicted to vampires so I could take it or leave it. Guess I'll have to see what other books cross by path first.
I guess on that note I have to say that if you are really into vampires you might like the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I started book one, and was told ahead of time that it was pretty edgy. I thought I'd give it a try, as it was recommended, I made it to page 100. At that point I decided it just wasn't for me.
Book 34 Artemis Fowl and the Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer
This series is one I keep returning to. I guess mainly to see what more trouble Artemis can get into. In this book he has stolen Fairy technology that he has decided to sell. Of course that doesn't go the way he has planned and requires Fairy intervention to help him escape a bad situation. This character is like James Bond/Sydney Bristow meeting a 6th grader. It's quick, funny, and intriguing as to what could possibly happen next. I have the next book The Opal Deception in my teaching bag ready for down time. This series is perfect for your late elementary school student too, although mine is currently reading about 5 different novels depending on which one he picks up at any given moment!
Before reading book 35 and 36 I did attempt to read Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. It was a good book, I just couldn't quite get into it. I don't know if it's because at the time so much else was going on that I never found time to really read for long enough periods. I may go back to it again sometime. It's the story of friendship, love and relationships.
Book 36 UnBridaled by Eileen Rendhl
To be honest I picked up this book because I found the cover amusing. After reading the back of the book, it reminded me of the Julia Roberts movie Runaway Bride, which was pretty funny, so I decided to read the book. It was just a light, quick, read that didn't require much thinking. Sometimes, I don't want to have to spend hours contemplating the world and the relationships of people. It just unfolded. Chloe the main character leaves her husband to be at the alter. What happens next is a tale of realizing that life doesn't always happen the way we expect it, but the way it should. She does have other books with similar titles, may or may not read them. It will depend on recommendations, or other books that just leap off the shelf at me between now and then.
Book 33 Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson. It is book 1 of a set of 9 books that focus on Betsy, who has turned into a vampire. Now if you like the Twilight series or the Vampire Diaries you might not find this book to your taste. In fact, it's not one you can really sink your teeth into. It's more of a snack. (I know enough with the Vampire analogies) This book was a fairly quick read, and despite the fact the lead character has turned into a vampire, it is a pretty light hearted book. The main character knows she died, but can't figure out why she is still alive. It takes a bit to determine why when she was killed in an accident she comes back to life. Her family and friends have to learn how to deal with this new part of her life, will they stand by her or turn away? Of course there is also the problem that she is being hunted by a group of vampires who feel that she is unworthy of the status that she has earned. Will she be able to save the vampire world from destruction? To answer these questions you'll have to pick up the book and read it. It was a fun book to read, not sure I'll read the rest of the series or not. I'm not addicted to vampires so I could take it or leave it. Guess I'll have to see what other books cross by path first.
I guess on that note I have to say that if you are really into vampires you might like the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I started book one, and was told ahead of time that it was pretty edgy. I thought I'd give it a try, as it was recommended, I made it to page 100. At that point I decided it just wasn't for me.
Book 34 Artemis Fowl and the Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer
This series is one I keep returning to. I guess mainly to see what more trouble Artemis can get into. In this book he has stolen Fairy technology that he has decided to sell. Of course that doesn't go the way he has planned and requires Fairy intervention to help him escape a bad situation. This character is like James Bond/Sydney Bristow meeting a 6th grader. It's quick, funny, and intriguing as to what could possibly happen next. I have the next book The Opal Deception in my teaching bag ready for down time. This series is perfect for your late elementary school student too, although mine is currently reading about 5 different novels depending on which one he picks up at any given moment!
Before reading book 35 and 36 I did attempt to read Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. It was a good book, I just couldn't quite get into it. I don't know if it's because at the time so much else was going on that I never found time to really read for long enough periods. I may go back to it again sometime. It's the story of friendship, love and relationships.
Book 36 UnBridaled by Eileen Rendhl
To be honest I picked up this book because I found the cover amusing. After reading the back of the book, it reminded me of the Julia Roberts movie Runaway Bride, which was pretty funny, so I decided to read the book. It was just a light, quick, read that didn't require much thinking. Sometimes, I don't want to have to spend hours contemplating the world and the relationships of people. It just unfolded. Chloe the main character leaves her husband to be at the alter. What happens next is a tale of realizing that life doesn't always happen the way we expect it, but the way it should. She does have other books with similar titles, may or may not read them. It will depend on recommendations, or other books that just leap off the shelf at me between now and then.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
The Red Pyramid #32
32 books this year?! Wow! The crazy thing is I have two more at home already set to read and two at the library waiting to pick up. Truly, I am not spending all my time reading either, it's crazy!!
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan was wonderful! The books target audience is about 4th grade and up, and my 5th grader loved it too. This book is the first in the Kane Chronicles which will follow Carter and Sadie Kane, children of parents who made it their life work to study Egyptian artifacts and mythology. Through the story you discover that Mom and Dad were more then just interested in Egypt as a career, they were interested as it was a part of their lives from the time they were born. Which in turn has now made it a part of their children's lives.
Dad finds himself opening a portal and allowing multiple Egyptian gods loose. Of course in the process the evil god Set captures Dad and now Carter and Sadie find themselves on an adventure to stop Set before he destroys North America. The story has many twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. The book being based on Egyptian mythology helps you to understand their philosophy in how things were built and what their belief system taught them.
While the book was good and both Zach and I look forward to the next book in the series, I did notice that Disney was on the spine of the book. With the very remote chance that they would ever see my blog... "PLEASE FOLLOW THE BOOK IF YOU INTEND TO CREATE A MOVIE AS YOU SCREWED UP PERCY JACKSON FOR LOTS OF READERS!" Just thought I'd let them know.
(by the way, the Percy Jackson movie is good, if you don't read the book, but since Zach and I like to read...we didn't like the movie all that much!)
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan was wonderful! The books target audience is about 4th grade and up, and my 5th grader loved it too. This book is the first in the Kane Chronicles which will follow Carter and Sadie Kane, children of parents who made it their life work to study Egyptian artifacts and mythology. Through the story you discover that Mom and Dad were more then just interested in Egypt as a career, they were interested as it was a part of their lives from the time they were born. Which in turn has now made it a part of their children's lives.
Dad finds himself opening a portal and allowing multiple Egyptian gods loose. Of course in the process the evil god Set captures Dad and now Carter and Sadie find themselves on an adventure to stop Set before he destroys North America. The story has many twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. The book being based on Egyptian mythology helps you to understand their philosophy in how things were built and what their belief system taught them.
While the book was good and both Zach and I look forward to the next book in the series, I did notice that Disney was on the spine of the book. With the very remote chance that they would ever see my blog... "PLEASE FOLLOW THE BOOK IF YOU INTEND TO CREATE A MOVIE AS YOU SCREWED UP PERCY JACKSON FOR LOTS OF READERS!" Just thought I'd let them know.
(by the way, the Percy Jackson movie is good, if you don't read the book, but since Zach and I like to read...we didn't like the movie all that much!)
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