In reading the book, " Doing Well at Being Sick: Living with Chronic and Acute Illness", the author, Wendy Wallace , hit on topics that hit close to home , both medically, and emotionally in my own journey of living with physical hardship.
Questions that I have had many times , about how my day to day struggles with health issues can allow me to do things that bring me joy, and fun - when knowing that some days I am so wiped out, I can't do anything but bring frustration to those I might disappoint.
Wendy Wallace writes , from her own struggles, which are MANY, of what to do with that guilt that comes when having to disappoint, or burdening her own loved ones. This topic/ question is one that ANY who live with chronic illness of any kind, whether it is physical or emotional in nature can fully say " I feel that guilt , too. How do I get rid of it? "..
This book, written from half personal experience, and half scholastic, will bring those hurting, or their caregivers/ family/ friends a deeper awareness of how to embrace the trials that we have in a journey of illness. Though the book is written from a Christian standpoint, it is , however, a book that speaks deep to the heart of anyone, Christian or not.
It drew me, as a reader, into the practical, honest, and heart rendering view of how best to deal with struggles that I have struggled with in the past, and gives me hope, to deal with struggles in the future - and it is with encouragement in Ms Wallaces' transparency, that I know I will make it day to day, with the steps of personal growth that I have found in between the two covers of this book. A book, difficult in the reason it was written, but so easy to read by the writing ease that Wendy Wallaces' style of writing takes her reader on.
The book was provided to me through the publisher, Discover House for review. I am writing my own thoughts, as they are, as I am under no obligation to post only positive remarks.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Sweet Hour of Prayer.. a journey in Song...
In reviewing for Discovery House Publishers ( thank you Katy Pent) , the CD " Sweet Hour of Prayer" which included devotional readings from Oswald Chambers , author of " My Utmost for His Highest" ,and selections from hymns of old, I was led on a pilgrimage of spiritual lessons from the daily writings, and classical musical pieces of well known hymns such as:
Sweet Hour of Prayer
Take my Life and Let it Be
When Morning Gilds the Skies
and the favorite, I Need Thee Every Hour..and 9 other beloved hymns of the Christian faith.
Narration was quiet, gently flowing readings that led me to thinking about what Oswald Chambers was conveying in his writing. Not one to like "books on tape" for the fact they put me to sleep, I found myself both quieted in spirit, yet fully alive to wanting to be in the presence of God, as each song, complimented the entire CD. From gentle flowing musical selections, to powerful movement of the Holy Spirit in each writing,this CD, and it's contributors ,ministered great peace to my soul, even in the busyness of life.
Each reading selection, taken from the book I currently am using as a daily devotional, was shared with the listening audience, knowing that each one would be quick to listen to, yet powerful enough in it's presentation to remember, and think about the entire day. Because of my own personal time of reading the actual book, listening to the songs in the background just heightened the experience of the morning knowing I was being ministered to in a deeper way.
I will say, in all honesty, it would not be one I would choose to purchase on my own. I found myself day dreaming to the classical ensemble, because I like classical music - and as the premise of the CD was to me, a daily devotion, I found it hard to concentrate on the message of Oswald Chamber's writing.
This would be a very good devotional project for those that are home bound, and who would like music, as well as listening as a " book on tape" would be for their quiet time.
Sweet Hour of Prayer
Take my Life and Let it Be
When Morning Gilds the Skies
and the favorite, I Need Thee Every Hour..and 9 other beloved hymns of the Christian faith.
Narration was quiet, gently flowing readings that led me to thinking about what Oswald Chambers was conveying in his writing. Not one to like "books on tape" for the fact they put me to sleep, I found myself both quieted in spirit, yet fully alive to wanting to be in the presence of God, as each song, complimented the entire CD. From gentle flowing musical selections, to powerful movement of the Holy Spirit in each writing,this CD, and it's contributors ,ministered great peace to my soul, even in the busyness of life.
Each reading selection, taken from the book I currently am using as a daily devotional, was shared with the listening audience, knowing that each one would be quick to listen to, yet powerful enough in it's presentation to remember, and think about the entire day. Because of my own personal time of reading the actual book, listening to the songs in the background just heightened the experience of the morning knowing I was being ministered to in a deeper way.
I will say, in all honesty, it would not be one I would choose to purchase on my own. I found myself day dreaming to the classical ensemble, because I like classical music - and as the premise of the CD was to me, a daily devotion, I found it hard to concentrate on the message of Oswald Chamber's writing.
This would be a very good devotional project for those that are home bound, and who would like music, as well as listening as a " book on tape" would be for their quiet time.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
One Call Away.. A Journey of Strength
"One call away" , written by Brenda Warner, is a true-life story written from the heart of a woman, whose challenges in life , from a child with extraordinary needs, to the death of both parents by an act of nature, all show the true character of one woman who took life by the horns, and turned hardship into a personal success story.
This memoir, of Brenda Warner, mother, wife of well known NFL player, Kurt Warner, showed that even through devastating events in life, or challenging, and painful hardships in an earlier marriage, and subsequent divorce, her life by her choice, was willing to be rebuilt because of faith in God, and personal choice to live to the best of her ability. Brenda Warner showed true grit , just as the Marine attitude that began to be instilled in her since her high school years, as her story led me, as a reader, on her personal journey into healing, and personal ministry to many others who hurt as she once hurt.
This book made me feel as if my struggles in life are conquerable, and if I pull myself up by the same sorts of bootstraps that Brenda wore, I , too , can accomplish whatever my mind sets out do to, no matter the situations that life might present to me in that journey.
Brenda , as a down to earth, detailed, and straight forward writer, is clearly a strong woman, made stronger by her faith. God gave Brenda Warner a purpose and a plan, and as she walked by faith, and probably by a little guts thrown in, she earned her place of true Godly character, and to me, that kept me glued to the entire 354 pages of her journey..I was deeply humbled by her honesty written about sensitive matters, while at the same time, I was inspired , strengthened, and also greatly blessed and encouraged.
This is a book , in my opinion , not for those that want some light hand holding as you read. It is a book that will challenge even the one whose life is difficult , and painful, to see outside the box, and begin to work steps to accomplish your own dreams, even through challenges.. Ms Warner instills strength ( by her faith in God ) to those that believe their lives are not worth the fight - she instills courage, and grace , and that only can come from one who personally experienced the same..
I have read this free book, from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
This memoir, of Brenda Warner, mother, wife of well known NFL player, Kurt Warner, showed that even through devastating events in life, or challenging, and painful hardships in an earlier marriage, and subsequent divorce, her life by her choice, was willing to be rebuilt because of faith in God, and personal choice to live to the best of her ability. Brenda Warner showed true grit , just as the Marine attitude that began to be instilled in her since her high school years, as her story led me, as a reader, on her personal journey into healing, and personal ministry to many others who hurt as she once hurt.
This book made me feel as if my struggles in life are conquerable, and if I pull myself up by the same sorts of bootstraps that Brenda wore, I , too , can accomplish whatever my mind sets out do to, no matter the situations that life might present to me in that journey.
Brenda , as a down to earth, detailed, and straight forward writer, is clearly a strong woman, made stronger by her faith. God gave Brenda Warner a purpose and a plan, and as she walked by faith, and probably by a little guts thrown in, she earned her place of true Godly character, and to me, that kept me glued to the entire 354 pages of her journey..I was deeply humbled by her honesty written about sensitive matters, while at the same time, I was inspired , strengthened, and also greatly blessed and encouraged.
This is a book , in my opinion , not for those that want some light hand holding as you read. It is a book that will challenge even the one whose life is difficult , and painful, to see outside the box, and begin to work steps to accomplish your own dreams, even through challenges.. Ms Warner instills strength ( by her faith in God ) to those that believe their lives are not worth the fight - she instills courage, and grace , and that only can come from one who personally experienced the same..
I have read this free book, from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Broken Perfection..A Stained Glass Aproach
In her latest book, Stained Glass Hearts, Patsy Clairmont shares the brokenness that has touched her life. Her sharing her own pain, though not in detail of various experiences, led me to find some glimpse of sunlight in my own struggles personally , for such a time as this.
I found it to be a book that took me, as a creative type, to places of exploration as I began seeing God's creation through music, art, and other forms of creativity.
As the subtitle caught my eye with this thought, " Seeing Life froma Broken Perspective", I felt that this book would touch on many things that most , or all of us, at one time or another, could relate to - being broken, wounded, or in pain.
Ms Clairmont takes her readers into her world of both struggles that she has felt, and experienced , while at the same time in each chapter ending, into the world of a better space - one filled with a perspective of joy in music, words of inspiration from the Word of God, artistry from different avenues of color, and inspiration that takes the sting out of life's sometimes, hardest journey.
This book , if you just give a passing glance to the title, and subtitle, would lead one to think it is a book of self help. That is what I first thought, and would have put it out of my mind, thinking " just another self help guru's interpretation of life".. However, reading the first few pages, and allowing myself to think outside the box, I began seeing in my own understanding of being broken, that there is joy in the outcome, and the outing of personal pain that we all feel inside..
Ms Clairmont takes us on a journey of her own experiences, and though they are not like mine, I found myself relating in many ways, and for that very fact, I am thankful I did not put the book aside when choosing it to review.
Would I share this book as a journey to encourage another friend, in their time of brokenness? No.. because it wasn't a book that I see is useful for helping.. It is more a book, in my humble opinion, to bless those who are in the healing process , as they begin to see joy in the experiences that being broken and beautiful , provide..
Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I found it to be a book that took me, as a creative type, to places of exploration as I began seeing God's creation through music, art, and other forms of creativity.
As the subtitle caught my eye with this thought, " Seeing Life froma Broken Perspective", I felt that this book would touch on many things that most , or all of us, at one time or another, could relate to - being broken, wounded, or in pain.
Ms Clairmont takes her readers into her world of both struggles that she has felt, and experienced , while at the same time in each chapter ending, into the world of a better space - one filled with a perspective of joy in music, words of inspiration from the Word of God, artistry from different avenues of color, and inspiration that takes the sting out of life's sometimes, hardest journey.
This book , if you just give a passing glance to the title, and subtitle, would lead one to think it is a book of self help. That is what I first thought, and would have put it out of my mind, thinking " just another self help guru's interpretation of life".. However, reading the first few pages, and allowing myself to think outside the box, I began seeing in my own understanding of being broken, that there is joy in the outcome, and the outing of personal pain that we all feel inside..
Ms Clairmont takes us on a journey of her own experiences, and though they are not like mine, I found myself relating in many ways, and for that very fact, I am thankful I did not put the book aside when choosing it to review.
Would I share this book as a journey to encourage another friend, in their time of brokenness? No.. because it wasn't a book that I see is useful for helping.. It is more a book, in my humble opinion, to bless those who are in the healing process , as they begin to see joy in the experiences that being broken and beautiful , provide..
Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Fatal Judgement..
Fatal Judgment is book one in the " Guardians of Justice " series from author, Irene Hannon. I have read one other from the author, and found it quite enjoyable, and suspenceful, and was hoping this was of the same caliber as her other one.
Fatal Judegement has plenty of drama, action and some romance thrown into the mix, and to some readers of her books, my opinion, though not all bad, is that it seemed a little predictory in knowing what was to come.. Her style of writing is engaging, yes, but I had found it to be almost TOO similar in the outcome of the book.
In Fatal Judgement, Jake Taylor, who is a U.S. Marshal, found himself assigned to protect a federal judgenamed, Liz Michaels. Liz , in the story , happened to be the widow of one of Jake's college good friends. And into reading the book, Liz's sister, we find out was murdered at Liz's house, and the police believe Liz may have been the actual target.
This book is turned into a very good read, with a combination of suspense with the murder investigation, as well as romance with the feelings that began to evolve with Jake and Liz. The murder details were not so graphic that readers who are squirmish about ' crime stories ' would shy away from finishing the book, and the romance isn't too sickening sweet, which does turn me away from most reading material. The Christian faith was, and is not preachy at all, in fact..even non Christians, in my thinking , would like this authors writing style.
A very good read... I recommend it, and though not required to post a postive review for www.ChristianReviewofBooks.com,
I give this a thumbs up, because it was a captivating story line.
Fatal Judegement has plenty of drama, action and some romance thrown into the mix, and to some readers of her books, my opinion, though not all bad, is that it seemed a little predictory in knowing what was to come.. Her style of writing is engaging, yes, but I had found it to be almost TOO similar in the outcome of the book.
In Fatal Judgement, Jake Taylor, who is a U.S. Marshal, found himself assigned to protect a federal judgenamed, Liz Michaels. Liz , in the story , happened to be the widow of one of Jake's college good friends. And into reading the book, Liz's sister, we find out was murdered at Liz's house, and the police believe Liz may have been the actual target.
This book is turned into a very good read, with a combination of suspense with the murder investigation, as well as romance with the feelings that began to evolve with Jake and Liz. The murder details were not so graphic that readers who are squirmish about ' crime stories ' would shy away from finishing the book, and the romance isn't too sickening sweet, which does turn me away from most reading material. The Christian faith was, and is not preachy at all, in fact..even non Christians, in my thinking , would like this authors writing style.
A very good read... I recommend it, and though not required to post a postive review for www.ChristianReviewofBooks.com,
I give this a thumbs up, because it was a captivating story line.
No Safe Haven.. A book Review
"No Safe Haven," the first novel by mother/daughter writing team Kimberley and Kayla Woodhouse.
It is a work of christian fiction, but to me, an avid reader of suspence, I can easily see this book, and it's story line , turning into a movie worthy of the best suspence shown on screens today. Captivating, exciting, a bit sad in the fact that 12 year old , suffers from a medical condition so rare that not much is known about its someimes " deadly" outcome.
The story line takes Andie, and her mom, Jenna, and a pilot of a small plane on a collision course straight into an Alaskan mountainside, where people are waiting to kill them for reasons unknown until you dive further into the book.
Without radio or flight communication, they are unaware of a winter storm heading their way, and so the survival that is needed means trusting in Cole, stranger who was a late arriver on board the small plane, piloted by Hank, Jenna's late husbands, soldier friend, who ended up being no friend at all.
Exciting read, especially from a new mother/ daughter team .. Looking forward to possible more books from the Woodhouse gals, at least thats my hope -
I am not obligated to post a positive review, just an honest one per the website rules.
It is a work of christian fiction, but to me, an avid reader of suspence, I can easily see this book, and it's story line , turning into a movie worthy of the best suspence shown on screens today. Captivating, exciting, a bit sad in the fact that 12 year old , suffers from a medical condition so rare that not much is known about its someimes " deadly" outcome.
The story line takes Andie, and her mom, Jenna, and a pilot of a small plane on a collision course straight into an Alaskan mountainside, where people are waiting to kill them for reasons unknown until you dive further into the book.
Without radio or flight communication, they are unaware of a winter storm heading their way, and so the survival that is needed means trusting in Cole, stranger who was a late arriver on board the small plane, piloted by Hank, Jenna's late husbands, soldier friend, who ended up being no friend at all.
Exciting read, especially from a new mother/ daughter team .. Looking forward to possible more books from the Woodhouse gals, at least thats my hope -
I am not obligated to post a positive review, just an honest one per the website rules.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Stand Up! and Swing your way into Big Band Praise!
Out of the blue a few weeks ago , I recieved in my email box , a request sent from someone I did not know. At first I was going to delete it, as I usually do with email I am not sure about.. But for some reason, I did not do that, and I opened and read..
OK.. so it was from someone asking me to write a review on one of two CD selections that were availiable.. After reading about the two, I chose to review the music DC project called, " Stand UP - Big Band Praise".. As i read the email from the one to share it with me, I was hesitant about the Big Band Praise part.. I am not a huge big band era follower to be honest.
But Oh how I was surprised in listening as it arrived to my home not more than a week later. I first looked at some of the song choices below, and decided that it might be an interesting musical project to listen to.. and it was, yes, a pleasant surprised as I listened not only once, but twice in the very same day.
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Forever
Hosanna ( Praise is Rising )
What a Friend we have in Jesus
Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho
Stand up, Stand Up for Jesus
From the very first song, " Just a Closer Walk ", I could not help but move .. It was if every fiber of my being was taken on a culinary musical ride as the promised " Big Band" swing took me right away to a place of wanting to praise in dance.
So with toes wiggling, body wiggling,and voice warbling ( not such a good singer :-( ) I sang along to the new, and the old praise songs of all time that were included in this CD project...
With every song, a different part of the big band musical instrumentation, from horns to other instruments all just seemed to flow nicely from song to song. Nothing seemed predictable to me in listening . It all was as if each song had it's own swing band orchestra, yet , in all the different types of songs that we all might know, and love, each performance was as if it was its very own Big Band leader. It was, and is a CD project that I am hoping there will be MORE OF..
I highly enjoyed this .. and for to recieve it free , just for listening to it from the comfort of my own home, and now permenant place in the car, I am most grateful that I have it in my repotoire of " fine Praise Music"..
OK.. so it was from someone asking me to write a review on one of two CD selections that were availiable.. After reading about the two, I chose to review the music DC project called, " Stand UP - Big Band Praise".. As i read the email from the one to share it with me, I was hesitant about the Big Band Praise part.. I am not a huge big band era follower to be honest.
But Oh how I was surprised in listening as it arrived to my home not more than a week later. I first looked at some of the song choices below, and decided that it might be an interesting musical project to listen to.. and it was, yes, a pleasant surprised as I listened not only once, but twice in the very same day.
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Forever
Hosanna ( Praise is Rising )
What a Friend we have in Jesus
Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho
Stand up, Stand Up for Jesus
From the very first song, " Just a Closer Walk ", I could not help but move .. It was if every fiber of my being was taken on a culinary musical ride as the promised " Big Band" swing took me right away to a place of wanting to praise in dance.
So with toes wiggling, body wiggling,and voice warbling ( not such a good singer :-( ) I sang along to the new, and the old praise songs of all time that were included in this CD project...
With every song, a different part of the big band musical instrumentation, from horns to other instruments all just seemed to flow nicely from song to song. Nothing seemed predictable to me in listening . It all was as if each song had it's own swing band orchestra, yet , in all the different types of songs that we all might know, and love, each performance was as if it was its very own Big Band leader. It was, and is a CD project that I am hoping there will be MORE OF..
I highly enjoyed this .. and for to recieve it free , just for listening to it from the comfort of my own home, and now permenant place in the car, I am most grateful that I have it in my repotoire of " fine Praise Music"..
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