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.

Book Review: The Unseen Guest

It has been a while since I've listened to an episode of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood. I probably wouldn't have picked it up again (as the narrator, who does an excellent job of providing various voices, veers on nerve-shattering with some voices), but I have only had attention for audio books. I'm always in need of new audio options and this popped up when I searched for books about England. 

The Unseen Guest is the third book in the series. Some things I enjoy and some things I tolerate. The books have a somewhat patronizing tone - I think this is intentional, though. It is simply part of the voice of the books. The idea is interesting enough and prods many questions: How did the wolf children survive in the woods of Ashton Place for so long? Where are governess Penelope's parents? Who is hunting for the children and why? Lots of puns, lists of synonyms, light-hearted banter. But, I should point out to parents that this volume includes a séance, so if you're not wanting to lead your children into such territory, stay out of the environs of Ashton Place. Unsure if I will continue.

Book Review: The Banishment

This time I got smart and searched the library holdings for audio books in the category "England." I'm so wishing my library had this whole Daughters of Mannerling series - I believe there are six books. We only have this first installment, The Banishment. Although it says it is by Marion Chesney, I discovered the author also goes by a much more familiar name, M. C. Beaton. I thank her for providing a good, clean, Regency romance (even if not my first choice in fare).

When Sir William Beverley gambles his entire fortune and loses the Mannerling family estate, his beautiful, prideful daughters cannot abide this banishment. They now live in a small cottage with few servants and are desperate to reclaim their grand property. Thus, they scheme and plot for the oldest daughter, Isabella, to woo the new owner, Mr. Judd. Of course, he is a brute (bent on destroying Mannerling). Of course, there is another love interest. I agree wholeheartedly with the back cover that proclaims, "Chesney's enchanting tale is pure joy from beginning to end. Narrator Jill Tanner provides a dignified voice for the proud Isabella as she grapples with difficult choices that will change her family forever."

Hoopla offers the second installment, The Intrigue. However, it is an audiobook. Somehow, I need to make the sound on my phone loud enough to cover the sound of the treadmill or recumbent bike. Perhaps I could get an earpiece that would solve that problem. John bought one because he was getting headaches from all the time on his cell phone, dealing with details of my mother-in-law's estate. He says this little device is a godsend. Perhaps it will solve my problems, as well.