I received  Bonhoeffer: Pator, Maryr, Prophet, Spy from Booksneeze so that I may provide a review.

I was so looking forward to reading this book as I have seen many reviews about it and the historical aspect piqued my curiosity.  Unfortunately, I was very disappointed in the author’s style of writing.  The book is told in 3^rd person and is very dry.  This could have been an exciting non-fiction book and I do hope a movie is made that will captivate the audience as I think a well written book could have. 

The book begins with long detailed writings about Bonhoeffer’s family background and tedious details to his childhood.  I was so bogged down by the testimonies of family and friends evaluating Dietrich’s life.  A quick synopsis would have been better leading up to the actual detail of his planning and effort to assassinate Hitler.   

This is one book where a Scripts notebook would come in handy!

Book Review

I received a free book from Booksneeze to review on my Kindle. 
The book was The Water's Edge.
Why is it that life never proceeds as simply as you'd like them?  Tom Crane is the son of now deceased John Crane, esquire.  Tom plans to return home and within a few weeks wrap up his father's business.  Twists and turns happen one after another. 
This is a light read although enough to keep me interested to find out in the end what happens.  Will Tom remain in small town Bethal or return to the big city Atlanta.  With examples of trust and faith by his dad and uncle will Tom now "see" the light? 
Water's Edge ultimately is about coming full circle to deeply buried feelings and how to move forward.

Book Review

I received this free book from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.

Final Summit was a compelling fictional read that involved numerous historical characters as together they discussed the answer to one question.  With only 5 chances to find the answer before time runs out one is brought through many thoughts and ideas that all have potential. 

This is a well written and thought provoking book. A few of the historical characters include Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc and Eric Erickson.  I know! I never heard of him, either.
Fascinating guy, but unfortunately he was never included in our history text books.

I was completely enthralled throughout this book and had to highlight a few of the quotes they were so good.  I was also wrong with what I thought would be the final answer!   Final Summit is a quick read and quite delightful. Upon learning of the final answer I think it makes great sense and I will apply it to my own life.

Go North to go West

I once heard a very wise man say he walked with God.  Not always hand in hand and at the same speed, but he tried to walk with God. 

That brings a great visual to me.  As a parent of a small child there were many times I would grab hold of my child's hand so that we may walk together-across a busy street , through a crowded mall.  Having someone hold your hand can be very comforting.  We naturally assume they are in charge and a peace settles down over us.  With someone else doing the leading, we can now look around and check out the scenery fearless of running into a light pole! 
Evan today,I am comforted by my companion's presence through the touch of his hand. 

As an adult compared to my child, my legs were much longer and thus I could easily walk faster, but I match my pace to that of my young child.  We would stroll hand in hand enjoying the day.  Sometimes, I would be in a rush and wish to move faster and would "drag" that young one with me.  Other times, I was able to "see" as they did and appreciate all the new things they were seeing.  Sometimes, I just enjoyed the touch of that little one's hand in mine. 

There are many poems about God holding our hands and walking with us.   
I certainly know for sure that He does hold my hand through scary situations-and that does make me feel at peace.  Other times I think he stands with me while I'm dawdling that I almost feel as if He has let go of mine hand.  Sometimes, I even feel Him tugging on my hand as if to say, "Let's go, walk this way."

Can you see this "child" pointing her finger across the way and telling her Daddy that she wants to go "that way"!  He graciously states, "Yes, we're going that way, but first we've got to go this way."

Here in Tampa Bay in order to get to Clearwater, across the water, you drive over a bridge.  Years ago, before the bridge was built you could get to the peninsular on the West of Tampa only by driving North and then South. 

If I walk with God, hand in hand, I will hear him say (pre-bridge), "We need to walk North to go West." 
And I, as a trusting child, experienced in hand-holding, will walk in the wrong direction because my Father said so. 

The Sacred Meal

My complimentary book to read for review from BookSneeze was The Sacred Meal.
I had mixed emotions develop while reading this book.  Initially, I could tell it was coming from a liturgical point of view, something of which I don't adhere to.  Many times I disagreed with the author's philosophy and spiritual understanding.  Then the author, Nora Gallagher, would state a very poignant point that made me stop and ponder a bit.  Communion is a sacred act of worship commanded by Jesus.  How we participate and appreciate this act is personal and unique. 
Over all, it was a quick read, simplistic and detailed enough to be interesting, yet not boring.   I appreciate the difference of opinions and beliefs and was able to learn a bit more of the Episcopalian faith.  I think by reading this book it made me aware of my own treasures of the heart and what the Sacred Meal means to me. 

Swimming

James 5:7

            Be patient, then, brothers until the Lord’s coming.  See how the farmer waits  for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.   You too, be patient and stand firm

While swimming at the beach today with this scripture in mind I challenged myself to swim from buoy to buoy.   I felt that it would be a good representation of life and desired destinations that I so long for and yet I haven’t arrived at.   

It was a long way.  If I looked back it seemed overwhelming-so far from each buoy.  A boat came towards me and I knew it would make the swim harder, but persevere I must. While pushing through those waves I remained consistent.  Push, pull, glide, push, pull, glide. 

As I was about ten feet away I realized that I could give up.  I was close enough, but no, I must complete the challenge of getting TO the other buoy. 

I felt God speaking that this is much like life and my prayer requests.  “Persevere, don’t give up no matter how long it takes.”  He kept saying. “One more day, one more week, one more month….” 

My answer to my heart’s desire could be right around the corner.  How awful if I were to find that I gave up one day away from the answer!

Life is Good

I had no idea what fun being a Grandmum would be!  With each addition life gets better and better. 
I am the hero to my 7 year old granddaughter when she asks me to make her a matching dress to her Barbie doll and I'm able to accomplish it.  There's nothing like going to the toy store and buying a choo choo to fulfill a little boy's wish.
What fun to "play" all day and sleep all night! 
My grand kids are so unique.  I enjoy the opportunity I have to sit back and truly "see" the strengths of each one. 
The are inquisitive and curious, full of talents and will conquer the world 
While I'm looking at my little ones I see my big ones with the same traits.  There's not too much my kids can't do!  I thoroughly relish the pleasure of watching such great ones live.