2021 - Fourth Quarterly Review

To assist my blog readers, I summarize my reading four times a year, providing a brief description, the page count, and a grading scale (5 thumbs up - Highly Recommend, 4 thumbs up - Enjoyed, 3 thumbs up - Good, 2 thumbs up - Meh, and 1 thumb down - Regret, wishing I could get back the time invested). I read the following books during the fourth quarter of 2021 (for my full review, click on title):

The Banishment by Marion Chesney (or M.C. Beaton) - First in the Daughters of Mannerling series. The Beverley sisters attempt to win back the childhood home their father has lost through gambling. 192 pages (I listened in audio form, 5 CDs, 5-1/4 hours), 👍👍👍-1/2

The Unseen Guest by Maryrose Wood - Third in The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series. Puns, synonyms, and light-hearted banter, as more comes clear about how the wolf children survived in the wild. 357 pages (I listened in audio form, 6 CDs, 6-3/4 hours), 👍👍👍

Ghost Knight by Cornelia Funke - After he is sent to boarding school and chased by ghosts, Jon Whitcroft seeks to reclaim the heart of a murdered knight. 352 pages (I listened in audio form, 4 CDs, 5 hours), 👍👍

Romans 13 and Covid 19: Knowledge, Warnings and Encouragement for the Church and World by J.L. Fuller - A must-read for every Christian who wants to seek God's will and God's way in this perplexing and problematic world. 469 pages, 👍👍👍👍👍

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo - Despite many negative reviews for this children's book, I enjoyed this (a third time around for me) delightful tale about a mouse who overcomes the darkness to reach the story's redemptive end. 272 pages (I listened in audio form, 3 CDs, 3-1/2 hours), 👍👍👍👍-1/2

Tea Time for the Traditionally-Built by Alexander McCall Smith - Mma Ramotswe must enter the unfamiliar world of soccer to discern why a team is losing. Mma Makutsi must endure another woman's attempts to steal her man. 240 pages (I listened in audio form on Hoopla, 8-1/2 hours), 👍👍👍

You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen - Loneliness drives Shay Miller to embrace the friends of a woman who committed suicide, but is their friendship too good to be true? 368 pages (I listened in audio form, 9 CDs, 11 hours), 👍👍👍👍

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth - Stick-to-it-iveness! Numerous studies that reflect the following questions: Why is it important? Who has it? How do you get more of it? 277 pages, 👍👍👍👍-1/2

The Double Comfort Safari Club by Alexander McCall Smith - Book 11 in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. The thrills of a safari, the troubles of a swindler, and the threats of an interloper. 254 pages (I listened in audio form, 8 CDs, 8-1/2 hours), 👍👍👍

It's Not Your Turn: What to Do While You're Waiting for Your Breakthrough by Heather Thompson Day - Waiting is hard, but we can rest in God's plan. His ways, His timing, His purpose will always be best. 194 pages, 👍👍👍

The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith - Episode 12 in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. As Mma Makutsi's wedding looms, she must anticipate possible disruptions and locate the perfect shoes. Mma Ramotswe must identify the culprit in a handful of cattle slayings. 240 pages (I listened in audio form, 7 CDs, 8-1/2 hours), 👍👍👍 

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty - Once again, Moriarty has presented a story of complex characters facing difficult odds. A mother gone missing. The father a suspect. Four siblings with varying perspectives on the truth of their parents' marriage. 464 pages, 👍👍👍👍👍

Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie - Something precious has been hidden away inside a young girl's luggage as she heads off to the Meadowbank girls' school. Who will find the treasure and what will they be willing to do to keep it for themselves? 290 pages (I listened in audio form, 6 CDs, 6-3/4 hours), 👍👍👍

Fighting Forward: Your Nitty-Gritty Guide to Beating the Lies That Hold You Back by Hannah Brencher - Fight song (pep-talk) essays of encouragement to battle fear and anxiety. Faith-filled inspiration that will destroy discouragement and doubt. 197 pages, 👍👍👍👍👍

Window on the Bay by Debbie Macomber - Two divorced women, with life-long plans to journey to Paris, each fall for men who don't fit their usual desired profile. 432 pages (I listened in audio form, 8 CDs, 9-1/2 hours), 👍👍

Making Room for Christmas by K.D. Sullivan - This brief advent guide, written by a friend, provides stimulating thoughts and accompanying songs and activities to walk you through the advent season. 37 pages, 👍👍👍

The Hollow: A Hercule Poirot Mystery by Agatha Christie - The wife is always the first suspect, especially when she stands holding a gun above her dying husband. 320 pages (I listened in audio form, 6 CDs, 7-1/4 hours), 👍👍👍-1/2

Maggie's Miracle by Karen Kingsbury - Eight-year-old Jordan's request for a Christmas miracle brings hope and love for his single mother, fulfilling years of prayers on her behalf. 167 pages (I listened in audio form, 3 CDs, 3-1/2 hours), 👍👍👍-1/2

Where Do We Go From Here? How Tomorrow's Prophecies Foreshadow Today's Problems by Dr. David Jeremiah - God has already outlined what will happen and we have front-row seats today. The problems in our world were foretold and can be faced with assurance that God is in control and has a plan that He is fully capable of completing. 220 pages, 👍👍👍

Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter - Sophie Lawson has a lot on her plate. Now Aiden Maddox wants to worm his way back into her heart by helping her open her dream bookshop. 335 pages (I listened in audio form, 6 CDs, 7-1/2 hours), 👍👍👍

2021 - Gifts for Me Beneath My Tree

I received so many lovely gifts this Christmas. Thought I'd share them with my book and/or Britain-loving readers:

This lovely tissue box holder - from my sister, Dawn. An excellent addition to my book room.

Don't know where I'll hang this gift from my husband. Book room? Devotional desk downstairs? Although it would change the rhythm of the caption, this year I hope to bump the first word to the last word and, in order of importance, pray, then read, then eat.

Bryce bought me these books by Andrew Peterson. I so enjoyed Adorning the Dark (borrowed it from a mega-church library nearby) that I asked for my own copy. He obliged and also purchased the newest book by Peterson, The God of the Garden. I'm looking forward to another inspiring read about creating for God's kingdom.

Love this Writer's Block pencil holder from John!

John also recognizes my love of London - 😁

I can't wait to work that puzzle and use a recent $5 acquisition - this lovely end table with removable trays, where I intend to store the categories of shaded puzzle pieces. I also found that delightful White Mountain cereal puzzle at a garage sale for only $3. Score!

Blessed beyond measure!

2021 Holiday Greetings

Holiday greetings to my faithful readers! May you be blessed by a word I write! May you grow in number! May God minister to your souls through the words he weaves from my pen (or keyboard 😉). No matter what transpires in the coming year, may He draw you ever closer to Himself!

We are grateful for a holiday visit from our eldest son, Bryce. He flew in from Dallas, TX, on Tuesday and is able to stay for a full week. Such a blessing to see him and spend time with him.

Especially grateful for our comfortable back porch where we open stockings and gifts. A plethora of blessings:

I have enjoyed this holiday season - especially taking it easy for the most part.

Favorite gift finds: I found two adorable and funny gifts for John. He loves squirrels (despite feelings of ire when they eat all the food he scatters for the birds, or bring down his window feeder by squeezing in with their girth). I snagged a big squirrel head feeder from Kohls at great discount:

Then, I found an adorable matching sock set to give him from the dog - ha!

Best deal: Sean wanted cologne. Thank you, CVS for your deals: I snagged a $40 bottle of Drakkar for 40% off and then received $10 in ECBs for purchasing a cologne over $19.99. Score!

Favorite funny gift: A Facebook friend posted photos of these gifts she gave her co-workers:

Mine didn't turn out quite as polished as hers, but the boys loved them anyway.

I have highly creative Facebook friends. Another friend, Laura (my CBLI friend-selfie buddy), added a unique twist to her holiday cards this year. She posted this in November (plenty of advance notice):

For the Holidays I would like Holiday cards. I want a tiny (index card size) artwork inside the card. Even if we hardly talk. Message me for my address if you don't have it. I would gladly send you one also if you would like! How nice it would be to have my mailbox flooded with Holiday cards. I'd love to keep your unique artwork forever. It doesn’t matter how fancy, simple, childlike it is, as long as it is creative and you. Oh and make sure you sign it please.

Love this idea! Stolen from a friend except they were asking for recipes.

I loved the idea, despite not being as artistic or crafty as others. I'd love the recipe version, as well, but as I only receive a dozen cards, it didn't seem worth it to ask for anything more, ha! Here's a photo of the artwork I sent to Laura on a plastic magnetic frame:

Here's the art she sent within her Christmas card to me:

And here's a photo of the tiny artwork my niece, Billie Jean, sent us:

Visits, gifts, and cards all make Christmas special. Celebrating the birth of the Savior makes it extra special, indeed! May you and yours enjoy this Christmas day, as well!

As a parting gift, enjoy this euphonium selection of "Carol of the Bells." Melodic and amazing.

Book Review: Bookshop by the Sea

I loved the enticing cover on this audio book. Bookshop by the Sea, by Denise Hunter, is a perfect fit for a book-lover seeking a clean, Christian read. Even though sometimes preachy, the story line was interesting enough to keep me going. I also could have done without the whiny voicing of the grandmother character. Thankfully, she wasn't at the heart of the story.

Sophie Lawson has plenty of reasons to distrust her ex-boyfriend Aiden Maddox. Unfortunately, she can't stop looking at him across the room during her sister's wedding reception. She staves off the attraction by dredging up all the old feelings from when he ditched her to take a job five hours away, leaving her on the same day her father abandoned her family. But it's a lot harder to fight the attraction when holed up in a cottage with him, riding out a hurricane. She attempts to keep her focus on her primary goals: meeting the needs of her siblings and starting up her dream bookshop. An author is coming to pitch his books on her opening day. She doesn't have time for a storm, nor for the damage it leaves in its wake. Will Aiden prove reliable in his efforts to help her realize her dream? Will the sparks prove overwhelming? Can she learn to forgive and trust again?

 

Book Review: Where Do We Go From Here?

Dr. David Jeremiah, in Where Do We Go From Here?, poses ten current signs of the end times: socialism, globalism, pandemics, economic chaos, apostasy, increasing evil, cancel culture, spiritual famine, Jerusalem, and the gospel's triumph. I don't agree with everything Jeremiah says and does. Yet, I could glean some enrichment from reading this book. He writes with a natural speaking style that is easy to understand. The structure flows nicely, and he ends each chapter with an action point. He encourages the reader to understand what is going on today and to take action to live as God would have us live.

In the section on pandemics, I saw myself in one illustration. At the outset of the pandemic, I was uptight. Convinced I would succumb and die, my imagination created a larger shadow to the real threat. Many times, my imagination has led me to fear and those unhealthy thoughts are not God-honoring. Jeremiah tells of a woman who battled cancer by reminding herself that her imagination was often more deadly than the disease. He quotes her as saying, "I had to refuse to allow my imagination to play with my future. The future... is ordered by God, and no man can guess it. For me to let myself imagine how or when the end would come was not only unprofitable, it was definitely harmful, so I had to bring my thoughts into captivity that they might not dishonor Christ."

In that same section, I appreciated his reference to Elisabeth Elliot's recasting of Minnie Paull's poem, "Doe Ye Nexte Thynge." It reminded me to remove my fixation on the future and potential ills, and to focus my mind and heart on God and the next thing He would have me do. One step at a time, the race is run! I stand with Dr. Jeremiah, intent on banishing fear of the future by recognizing all is in His prophetic plan. He carries us each step of the way. God calls us to be wise, be alert, be dependent as we await His return.

If short on time, you can view this information in his sermon series of the same title.

Book Review: Maggie's Miracle

Many years ago, I read Karen Kingsbury's Red Glove series. Eager for the Christmas "feels," I picked up Maggie's Miracle. If I read this before, I didn't remember the storyline. It was a quick and easy read. At only 3-1/4 hours, I devoured it in only a handful of treadmill sessions.

Eight-year-old Jordan is grieving the loss of his father and feeling like a burden to his mother and grandmother. He writes a letter to God asking for a Christmas miracle. He wants his mother to believe in love again and he wants a daddy. When his mother chances upon an article about a program pairing adult volunteers with grieving children, she hopes it will change his life. She never dares to believe it will change her own, as well. Nor can she imagine the depths of prayer leading to these changes.

You can count on Kingsbury's Red Glove series for inspiration and Christmas charm. Perhaps I should revisit the rest of the series. Maggie's Miracle delivers a delightful little Christmas story (made into a Hallmark movie in 2017). It follows Gideon's Gift, the first book in the series. Yet, each is a stand-alone, so order is not absolutely necessary.

Book Review: The Hollow

I enjoyed this Hercule Poirot mystery more than the last one. Again, I was fairly sure Agatha Christie would provide a clean audio book to consume. This time around, a murder occurs at a country estate and Hercule Poirot is invited to tea for a neighborly visit. He arrives just in time to find Gerda Christow, a guest at the home, holding a gun in front of the dying body of her husband, John. Dr. John Christow is beloved by many, yet some may wish to kill him. Was he murdered out of jealousy? Was he murdered by a lover? By his wife, the most obvious culprit? Or was it someone from outside the Angkatell estate? All leads seem to head toward dead ends (no pun intended). But, with Poirot, we know we'll discover the truth at last.

Book Review: Window on the Bay

Thankfully, you can always trust a Debbie Macomber book for a clean read. Window on the Bay was no exception. Although I wasn't in the mood for romance, this fit the bill for an engaging story to fill my treadmill time. The story centers on two divorced women who have all but written off love and find it in the least expected places. I found the book while seeking stories about Paris. This book only mentions Paris as a destination the two friends hope to visit. 

Sadly, this wasn't my favorite Macomber book. I struggled with the main characters, never drawn to either woman. One is out of touch with her children. She seems to have no idea how far her college daughter is going off the rails. Plus, she's unaware her son has abandoned school for a job she considers beneath him. The other woman is a librarian who supposedly has never encountered and cannot grasp football. She thinks her sports loving boyfriend would enjoy a night at the ballet to observe the dancers' far superior athletic abilities. Perhaps the author painted the women with too broad of strokes to draw the reader in entirely. I wanted to root for them more and feel connected to the story. In the end, it was only a fair distraction from my exercise regimen. Yet, I will give Macomber another try, if only for the promise of a clean listen.

Book Review: Fighting Forward - Highly Recommend

This book is so inspiring! How have I never heard of this author? Hannah Brencher is a blogger and TED Talk speaker. She is also the founder of The World Needs More Love Letters. (This is a fascinating story. In a moment of despair and rootlessness, instead of focusing on her own anxiety, Hannah began leaving love letters around town for others to find, and it led to a movement. As I said, how did I miss this?) If you have seeds of doubt, that "I don't have what it takes" feeling, Hannah Brencher's fight song essays battle the lies of fear.

In Fighting Forward: Your Nitty-Gritty Guide to Beating the Lies That Hold You Back, Brencher offers hope-inspiring, action-driven word capsules to rally the forces for battle against the enemy within ourselves. The chapter titles alone entice: Just Show Up, Rebuild on the Ruins, Commit to One Mile, Watch for Foxes, Count the Ravens, Hold Me in the Light, Walk Me Through the Rain, Go Find Sarah, and Operate from the Overflow (a few of the encouraging essays in this book). I had been reading Ezekiel and a passage about God rebuilding on the ruins, so that essay was especially timely. [Ezekiel 36:36 - "Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate."] Foxes are things that compete for our strength, and ravens are indications of where God has supplied provisions previously. I loved the Quaker phrase, "I will hold you in the light," and could think of a few individuals I wished to share such a sentiment with now.

You know you are doing something right when Satan seeks to attack vehemently. Brencher shares about a woman who created a whole blog intended to attack Brencher and her ministry. Not only that, but this person emailed her to make sure she kept up on the offensive entries. Really? Who does something like that? A sad, sad individual who gains energy by attempting to destroy others. 

Hannah Brencher's ability to inspire is a gift. She motivates readers to listen to the nudge and participate in the story. She encouraged me to fight the lie that God will use everyone else and leave me on the sidelines. As she reminded, my presence and my gifts are not an accident. I loved her story about the neighbor who offered her flowers and then brought plants from her garden. The woman's comment, "When you have overflow, you can't not share it," was tremendous. It triggered the thought, "where in my life am I not sharing overflow?" I intend to follow her send-off instructions: "make waves with [the] life you've been given." Moreover, I can't wait to check out her other books, If You Find This Letter: My Journey to Find Purpose Through Hundreds of Letters to Strangers, and Come Matter Here: Your Invitation to Be Here in a Getting There World. If you are craving grace-filled pep talks to get you back in the game, Hannah Brencher delivers!

Book Review: Cat Among the Pigeons

Another spate of bad luck with audio books! Two went by the wayside after investing several discs into the story. It makes me sad, but I don't have time for literature that cannot stay out of the gutter. Thus, I picked up Agatha Christie's book, Cat Among the Pigeons. This clean read held my interest.

All is not well at Meadowbank School for Girls. Teachers keep turning up murdered. In  this mystery, the reader knows from the outset what the perpetrator is after, but doesn't know the identity of the perpetrator. Is it a teacher from within the school or is it an outsider intent upon finding hidden treasure? Hercule Poirot took quite a while to appear on the scene. Nonetheless, he wraps things up, and the mystery comes to a satisfactory conclusion.

I may look into Christie's autobiography. I'm encouraged to learn she experienced the same self-doubt all writers encounter. At her website, I found this quote: "You start into it, inflamed by an idea, full of hope, full indeed of confidence (about the only times in my life when I have been full of confidence).... You then get into difficulties, don't see your way out, and finally manage to accomplish more or less what you first meant to accomplish, though losing confidence all the time. Having finished it, you know that it is absolutely rotten. A couple of months later you wonder whether it may not be all right after all."

Book Review: Apples Never Fall - Highly Recommend

It is thrilling to read a book by a skillful writer. I shake my head in wonder at Liane Moriarty's expert ability to pace the plot, reveal clues with gradual aplomb, people vivid scenes with three-dimensional characters, and keep the reader turning pages (even when there are a lot of them). Somehow I didn't pick up Apples Never Fall until four days before it was due back to the library. I had no idea whether I could finish it in time. My reading mojo seems hit or miss. But I read the first half in three days and the last half in one. Setting it down, I wanted to pick the book up all over again to take notes on each well-timed clue. I wish I could chat with the author about the writing prompt she said propelled the story and about how she knows what bits to milk and what bits to cut. This was an adventure.

The book portrays the children as an extension of the parents. Joy and Stan Delaney run a tennis academy. Tennis is their life. Their four children grow up in this driven environment and develop competitive natures, not unlike their parents. But when Joy Delaney goes missing, the siblings must ferret through their past and decide if they believe their father is guilty or innocent. To complicate things, perhaps their unanticipated house guest plays a role. The Delaney's welcome Savannah, a victim of domestic violence, into their home. Now the siblings must also deal with feelings of jealousy and protectiveness.

I marveled at how each seemingly insignificant detail comes into play when the dust settles. Moriarty weaves an intricate web of emotional fragility and personality quirks! And then, there is the undercurrent of human truth upholding the responses of the characters. The author expertly taps into the fatigue of motherhood, the intensity of sibling rivalry, and the fear of inherited failures. I would have picked it up again and dissected the master strokes of character and plot development if not due back. This was a supremely satisfying read. Far better than Nine Perfect Strangers and even worth wading through some material that might have caused me to set it aside if I hadn't trusted the skill of this author. I even wondered if the author wrote the final chapter first. It had that feel. Moriarty is a true artist. She paints with words and knows from the outset the image she desires to craft. I am in awe of her talent! 

Book Review: The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party

The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party is the 12th book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series and the last installment I had read over a decade ago. From here on out, I will enter fresh territory with plenty more to devour. At this point, there are a dozen more books in the series, so I'm only halfway through. Plus, somehow I'd like to watch the movie versions of the books.

As Mma Makutsi's wedding approaches, she determines to find the right shoes. I love how the author gives each character particular individuating characteristics. For Mma Makutsi, it has always been her 97 percent score and her love of shoes. For Mma Ramotswe, it is the love of her tiny white van. Is the van reappearing or is it simply a ghost van she is spying? For Charlie, the apprentice, it is his love of girls. His recent girlfriend is pregnant with twins and he is fleeing his responsibilities. For the orphanage matron, it is her manipulative ways. Will she finagle an invitation to Mma Makutsi's wedding because of her troubleshooting expertise? As always, this little slice of life in Botswana is ripe with humanity and grace.

Wading Through Car Woes

For the past three or four months, we've had cars in the repair shop almost continuously. I had joined my Bible Study Fellowship group in September, but car trouble continues to plague us. For now, I am considering joining an on-line group, despite my discomfort with Zoom. That's saying something. The silver lining is that my sister suggested we join an on-line group together (how she can swing that when Salvation Army officers hit their busiest season in the weeks leading up to Christmas, I don't know).

In September, the Pontiac needed a cylinder repair. Shortly after that repair, it began leaking oil. We took the car to two shops before it was finally fixed. Then, Trevor's car broke down not far from our house, just a week after a thorough check declared it in great shape. We had it towed, and the mechanic said it was a blocked fuel pump. While his car was in the shop, he drove the Pontiac to his girlfriend's house. When he went to come home, that car wouldn't start (the other cylinder). The repair costs overtook the value of the car. Thankfully, we sold it (only for a few hundred dollars - ugh) to the mechanic in a repair shop we frequent all too often. The mechanic's son had just totaled his car, so he was needing a vehicle for a teen. Still, it cost us well over $200 for the lengthy tow all the way from the girlfriend's house to the mechanic's shop nearby. 

Because the Pontiac gave up the ghost on us, I had to take my retirement money out early and purchase a used vehicle to replace the Pontiac as the car I drive. 

This 1-owner, 78K miles, Chevy Malibu is a very smooth ride and a joy to drive. However, within a week of having this new-to-me car, the engine light came on. Groan. The issue is deep within the engine, requiring a dismantling that will cost around $500 just to get to the part. Given the troubles with Trevor's car, we are holding off on that repair because the mechanic said it is not an urgent repair.

After the fuel pump repair, Trevor's car was in the body shop for well over a week to repair the damage from his collision with a fox. Not long after getting the convertible back, he drove to his girlfriend's house and the car would not start when he intended to return home. This is always a major pain because his girlfriend lives so far away. To avoid towing it all the way back to our regular mechanic, we had it towed to a shop near them.

This time around, it was the starter. However, given supply delays and staffing issues, the car was in that shop for over a week (requiring lots of trips back and forth to take and pick up the boys from school). The same day the car wouldn't start, he also informed us that when he turned on the defrost, the windshield cracked. We had noticed a small crack after the fox collision. However, the insurance wouldn't cover that because we couldn't prove it was a consequence of the fox. Oh joy! Yet another period without his vehicle.

Bryce has been dealing with car woes, as well. In September, during a drive home from work (he lives in Dallas now and has a lengthy commute to his plant), his brakes went out. Luckily, he wasn't going fast, and he discovered an auto shop right off the interstate. They diagnosed a blown vacuum pump. In October, his car began to shudder. Somebody mentioned a free diagnostic test at O'Reilly Auto Parts. They fixed the issue. Praise God.

Car troubles are taxing emotionally. Trevor has started a new job at Pizza Hut and needs reliable transportation. All told, John says we have spent $10,000 in car towing and repairs over the last few months. Still, even with these car woes, we have so much to be thankful for. I'll take car issues over health issues any day. Yes, it has been expensive, but God has provided for our every need and He is greatly to be praised. Plus, the repairs have seemed to be by honest mechanics. That, too, is a blessing in this day and age. We've never been unable to get where we absolutely need to go, so we'll continue to wade through these woes and withstand discouragement by trusting God to provide.

Book Review: Making Room for Christmas

I'm always excited when a friend publishes a book. Eager to support my friend Kimberly, I purchased her new advent guide entitled Making Room for Christmas: An Advent Journey Toward a More Meaningful Christmas. K.D. Sullivan's simple little devotional will inspire your advent worship. It will help you be more intentional in celebrating the season of Christ's birth. The inn-keeper missed out on an outstanding opportunity to make room for the Savior's birth. How often do we fail to set other priorities aside in our focus on the Lord? He arrives to provide life. Yet, we settle for putting him in the stable. Each daily devotional draws attention to our need for the Savior and His eternal purpose in our lives. The guide suggests accompanying activities and carols. I bumped this ahead on my scheduled reviews because the paperback copy of the book is on sale through Thanksgiving for only $5. The Kindle version is available for $2.99. Please support my friend and join her on a journey this Christmas. If you purchase, post a photo of the book on Facebook (tagging Kimberly Sullivan, so she'll know), and write a brief review, you can be entered into a giveaway drawing for a set of advent cookie cutters - how fun!

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12/5/21 - YAY!! I won! I won! I can't wait to use my new advent cookie cutters!

Book Review: It's Not Your Turn

Okay, so this idea of waiting for my turn to come around resonates with me. How long can one throw oneself into a passion before the lack of fruit causes one to till over the entire garden and erect a chicken coop? Seriously! I agree with this author's main point: It may not be your turn YET, but there is a purpose in the waiting and we must clap for others when they take home the prize and we don't. Moreover, I loved many of the stories and illustrations Heather Thompson Day shares in It's Not Your Turn: her conversation with a man on a plane, her husband's fall from a mountain, and a friend's loss of a husband to an errant wave that broke his neck (unthinkably tragic).

I appreciated her reference to Paul J. Meyer's SMART goal process. Our goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time bound. At the end of that chapter, she emphasized friend selection. How important it is to find others who are running in the same direction as you. This was so good, I had to type it out for my teenaged sons to read. 

However, I disagreed with some of her perspectives. She divides Christians into two categories: happy Christians with a loving God and unhappy Christians with an angry God. Somehow progressives believe a HOLY God, who wants more for you than bondage to sin, is NOT a loving God, but an angry God. In reality, God's love demands His holiness, just as His holiness demonstrates His love for those of us who readily admit we fall short. Holiness threatens the status quo and the common desires of sinful man. Thus, progressives delude themselves into thinking a holy God doesn't care about who we are in Him, just wants to smother us with the warmth of His love. 

The author outlines progressive theologian James Fowler's "Stages of Faith." Considering his diagram, they might say I haven't progressed far enough in my Christianity. Again, with Alisa Childers, I ask: Can it even be called Christianity? For example, in looking up more about Fowler, I read this explanation of his supposed Stage 5: when a "Christian" questions "those myths and taboos and standards that we took in with our mother's milk.... We... examine those, which means we're ready for a new kind of intimacy with persons and groups that are different from ourselves. We are ready for allegiances beyond our tribal gods and our tribal taboos." According to Fowler, if I progress far enough, I will arrive at a universal acceptance of everyone and every action, the great equalizer that renders salvation from sin impotent for demanding or achieving any change. 

So, while I enjoyed her Oprah methods, I couldn't agree with her Oprah conclusions. Indeed, it may not be my turn. And I'm fine with waiting for His provision. Truly, I'd rather bank myself in Jordan Raynor's perspective in his most recent book, Redeeming Your Time. He reminds his readers that God doesn't need us to be productive, but the gospel frees us to be productive. He still wants us to show up and leave the results to Him!

Book Review: The Double Comfort Safari Club

The Double Comfort Safari Club is the 11th book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. In this installment, a jealous and meddlesome aunt threatens Mma Makutsi's relationship with Phuti. Her nemesis, Violet, is up to mischief again. This time, she attempts to swindle a kind gentleman. Mma Ramotswe must solve a case for a deceased woman who wished to bequeath a settlement on a kind safari guide. Unfortunately, she lacks the name of the camp or the guide. Throughout this formulaic series, humanity and the "old Botswana morality" shine again and again.

Book Review: Grit

 

A few months back, I was again pushing the writing boulder up the hill and questioning the time, energy, and passion invested. I'm aware fear often renders my efforts halfhearted. For example, that particular moment of despair came after four query rejections. Four is, as they say, a drop in the bucket. After all, Dr. Seuss pitched his first book 27 times to repeated rejection. Four is nothing. Still, depression took hold. I wondered when a person just gives up and says "it must not be in the cards for me." 

I continue to place my efforts before the Lord and wait on His timing for their use. Meanwhile, I wrote a quick letter to Jordan Raynor (author of Called to Create, Master of One, and Redeeming Your Time). Something in his newsletter hit a nerve and my knee-jerk reaction was to bend his ear with my pain. Gracious author that he is, he responded to my letter with a video response. So cool! He encouraged me and then, right up my alley, made some book recommendations. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth, is an excellent study of the trait I need. It may feel like an uphill battle, but if I let the rock slide down even an inch, it will never make it up the hill.

This book is fascinating. Duckworth makes a thorough study of the key character trait that sets achievers apart from dabblers. Writing demands passion and perseverance. Too many writers give up mid-stride. Or, like me, have written and edited many books only to hear crickets. The frustration is palpable. But can I let these set-backs immobilize me if I believe God desires me to continue putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard)?

I appreciated the section discussing deliberate practice. Indeed, I wonder if my efforts have been deliberate enough. Perhaps I need to focus more on the stretching goals and push myself to ship more, despite the rejections. I also enjoyed the parental instruction for instilling grit in children. I'm not sure my parenting falls in the wise parenting quadrant of her chart. Still, I shuddered to read of John Watson's approach in his book, Psychological Care of Infant and Child (1928). His encouragement to never hug or kiss or even keep consistent caregivers (for fear the child will form unhealthy attachments) sounded so severe. Plus, I loved the John Wooden quote, "Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts."

As Duckworth proclaims, grit is more important than genius. All the talent in the world won't matter if you don't push through obstacles. Thankfully, you can foster grit. I intend to institute her "Hard Thing Rule," and to push myself to ignore the rejections and send my writing into the world regardless of the setbacks. Grit paired with God's grace can only bring growth. And if you're not growing, what's the point?

Book Review: You Are Not Alone (thriller)

Since I recently read another book with this same title (entirely different and written for parents of prodigals), I felt I should identify this title. I wondered if this might be a book I'd have to set aside. I devoured a previous page-turner (An Anonymous Girl) by this writing duo, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, but worried this one might have inappropriate passages. What a pleasant surprise! Apart from a few (careful, detached) descriptions of some sexual attacks, this book was cleaner than most modern thrillers. The authors even referred to foul words rather than include them (when a young girl heard her mother express curses). The story enticed and held my interest.

When Shay Miller watches a woman fall to her death in front of a subway train, it devastates her. Lonely and disillusioned, she attends the woman's memorial service, hoping to learn more about her. Instead, she meets a few of the woman's glamorous friends. They bend over backwards to be helpful. As they slowly suck her into their sphere, she must decide if they are friend or foe.

With fully believable characters and a fast-moving plot, You Are Not Alone is alluring. I loved Shay's specific affinity for statistics and data. The story kept me guessing throughout. And, as I mentioned, despite covering some dreadful details, it handled such aspects with grace and poise. I'm hoping this writing team continues to churn out psychological thrillers and hoping future ones provide a clean read. 

October Things That Made Me Happy

My dad used to lead the Kid's Club at our church in singing a little chorus called "Today I Will Be Happy." I can still hear him ringing out, "Today I will be happy, today I will be glad, today I'll make it the best day, that I have ever had." These days I need a fortifying song. I need a reminder to look for the things that bring joy.

We don't get out much. Indeed, our idea of a date these days is a trip to Sam's Club together and it is always colored by John's desire to browse and my conflicting desire to get in and out as quickly as possible. On one such occasion in October, John suggested we stop off at a local furniture resale shop that is soon going out of business (sob, I loved browsing that store). He spotted this lamp before I did and insisted on buying it for me for my book room. 

Yes, it brings me joy. Sometimes I sit in that room just to soak in the positive book vibes - ha! 

While we don't get out much, I was thrilled that my oldest son was able to take another trip, this time to Hawaii. He had a wonderful time and the photos he sent were so vivid I felt like I travelled with him:

So, even when life is restricted and uncertain, God gives blessings that make me smile.

Link for Published Personal Essay

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

My essay, "Smoke Signals in the Purple Haze" has been published on the War Cry website. Follow this link to give it a quick read. Thanks. Brownie points if you comment, 😉 

Book Review: Tea Time for the Traditionally Built

This tenth installment in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series pushes Mma Ramotswe into men's territory. The owner of a football team hires her to discover why his team is losing all the time now. I think my favorite part in the whole book was a brief section describing a tea time with a potential client. This woman has a unique problem. She has two boyfriends and one has gone to work for the other. Now the one wants her to cook a dinner for this employee guest, while the other wants her to attend the dinner as his date. I loved the hilarity of this tale. As always, delightful fun in the neighborhood of Mma Ramotswe.

Book Review: The Tale of Despereaux

Kate DiCamillo is one of my favorite children's authors. Her books hold timeless truth and suck the imagination into alternate realities with compelling characters and plots. I will never forget the experience of listening to Ms. Sharon McKee read this book aloud to her third-grade class in DeKalb all those years ago. The eagerness of the students for each read-aloud session was palpable. That is the sign of a truly outstanding book (and also of a truly great narrator, Ms. McKee).

The Tale of Despereaux tells of a small mouse, an abused servant girl, some rats, and a princess. It communicates the light available for our dark world through story. It emphasizes the tremendous power of love. In a kingdom saddened by the death of a queen, Despereaux is born to fulfill a purpose he cannot imagine. Even though all the mice are against him, love drives him to right a wrong. Every child needs to hear this story as a reminder you can overcome darkness with light, and hatred with love. 

Of course, in seeking an accompanying photo from Amazon, I discovered many negative reviews (in most, the readers didn't finish the story). They argue the tale is "incredibly dark," and "promotes evil and torture," "makes light of child abuse and death." I would argue that children are going to encounter darkness in this world where sin is rampant. Yes, they might even encounter death (indeed, one boy in that class mentioned above had already lost his 2-year-old sister). Some may know what it is like to be abused or to be dismissed because they do not fit the mold. If you stop there, of course it is incredibly depressing and demoralizing. But redemption shines throughout the tale. We live in a dark world, yet the light can penetrate the darkness if you bother to light a candle. (Sin exists to reveal our need of a Savior.) Kate DiCamillo's message is clear. Story holds healing power, but only if you see it through to the end. One abandoning reader remarked, "at what cost for the journey?" Journeys that cost are often the most worthwhile. If you've never read this book, please do so now and let me know if, after fully reading it, you regret that decision.

Book Review: Romans 13 and Covid 19 - Highly Recommend

If you are a believer, a child of the one true King, you must ask yourself: Is this a spiritual war we are in, or a health war? What is the true nature of the battle? And what would God have me do in response to the developments in our world at the present time? Don't be one of the wedding guests who failed to bring enough oil for their lantern (Matthew 25). 

Some guests use the argument, "God's got it all under control. I'm just going to leave it in His capable hands." Is that a cop-out for actively looking for His coming and doing His will? God is very clear in his instruction to be alert, to stay awake and ready for the return of Christ. I want to be ready at the trumpet call. Will you be?

Now is the time to be seeking His will in His Word. Guidance is available if you will avail yourself of it! Don't leave it on the shelf gathering dust. The day is nigh and you will not want to be left behind.

Now is the time to be in prayer. Seek His covering for you and your family. Seek His wisdom for how to respond to every ratcheting development. Seek His inspiration to remain courageous in the face of those who perpetuate fear.

Now is the time to be fasting. Set aside what hinders and holds you back. Set yourself apart for God's use. Set your mind on things above.

If you are busy with those things, you could not do better than to read this book. It is full of truth and light. I fully intend to go back through it again and watch/listen/read the many footnoted supports given for his perspective. Moreover, if you read this timely treatise, you will gain even more motivation to be in His Word, in prayer, and in fasting. The King is coming! Will He find you sleeping?

Book Review: Ghost Knight

Despite hearing of Cornelia Funke, author of the Inkwell trilogy, I had read none of her books. I've been seeking lighter fare and seem only capable of audio books, for now. I wanted to like Ghost Knight more. Perhaps the timing was off. It was quite difficult to focus, so I'm sure I wasn't in best reading mode.

When 11-year-old Jon Whitcroft's mother sends him off to boarding school, he expects to hate the entire experience. Thanks to a host of murderous ghosts and the friendship of a beautiful girl, Jon ends up enjoying his time at school. Jon and Ella go on a quest to find the heart of a murdered knight. The narrator's voice made for easy-listening and the story contained enough difficulties to hold my attention (as I said, perhaps I am just distracted these days). I would consider more from this author, but may not seek it out soon.