https://www.amazon.com/s?k=unreal+by+phil+mcdonald&crid=3DIXSIIM6TWHM&sprefix=Unreal+by%2Caps%2C162&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_9
Celebrate Freedom
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3
September 9, 2019
Book Review: UNREAL by Phil McDonald
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=unreal+by+phil+mcdonald&crid=3DIXSIIM6TWHM&sprefix=Unreal+by%2Caps%2C162&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_9
January 5, 2018
A Book Review
May 24, 2017
Book Review of Hello Stars by Alena Pitts
Hello Stars
by Alena Pitts
My tween granddaughter! |
Considering that I am an adult reader reviewing a tween-age book , I was impressed with the application of life’s lessons from a young author to her own age group. That’s a lot of insight! It certainly could be helpful for the tween reader to identify with while loving the story line and grasping the lessons.
My granddaughter (pictured) says, "I love it and it is well-written!"
December 30, 2016
Michèle Phoenix’s ‘Of Stillness and Storm’ Giveaway
December 28, 2016
A Spectacle of Glory, a Book Review
April 19, 2016
I Told My Kids NOT to Eat Dirt!
I've been diagnosed with "leaky gut" by two different doctors, but the healing plan was sketchy to non-existent at best. I fell through the cracks. I've been following Dr. Josh Axe for over a year now and have compared his guidance to other nutritionists and natural-paths along the way. It doesn't contradict, yet his presentation is so "user friendly" I get it!
"You are what you eat" was the focus of one my college speeches. I've believed that to be true for years, but Dr. Axe disagrees. He says, "you are not what you eat, but what you digest." That makes sense to me now. He says that you can take good supplements and eat healthy food, but if your gut is leaking undigested food particles into the bloodstream, it is all eliminated before it can nourish your body. So, what's the answer? In Eat Dirt, Dr. Axe gives 5 types of leaky gut:
- Candida Gut
- Stressed Gut
- Immune Gut
- Gastric Gut
- Toxic Gut
...by answering a few questions you can identify yours, if you have leaky gut, and begin the specific plan to heal your gut! Check out the leaky gut lab tests and Dr. Axe's online quiz on his website for more information.
So where does the "dirt" come in? The scientific explanation is detailed, but losing our simpler way of life has ultimately become the culprit in destroying the good stuff that we now kill with all of our sanitizers and pills. Since we've successfully killed it we are faced with getting it back into our compromised bodies. I don't plan on literally eating dirt, and neither does the author, but he gives the reader so many common sense choices to get those microbes and good stuff back.
With autoimmune diseases cropping up in epidemic proportions, it has become personally a great concern to me enough to search for some answers. This presentation by Dr. Axe specifically addresses and offers scientific and practical answers to the causes and successful treatment of autoimmune.
My book is already highlighted in yellow (my granddaughter who has an unnamed auto immune disease, highlighted in pink), underlined and tabbed for the recipes and information I need. It's a must read and potentially a life changer! I am so thankful for the opportunity I was given to read this book.
March 31, 2016
God Orders Our Steps...but Some Times It's Hard!
During our 44 years of marriage we've moved many times and all joking aside, I've loved the moves. We have children in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa and North Carolina, scattered as a result of all that moving around!! The two North Carolina daughters in residence, a son in law and two grandchildren are great reasons to be here.
March 26, 2015
Review of Rasmus and the Vagabond by Astrid Lindgren
The author, Asrid Lindren (1907-2002) created the character of Pippi Longstocking to entertain her daughter. Lindgren was awarded the Hans Chritian Andersen Medal for her contribution to international children's literature.
October 14, 2014
A Book Review of Noah
August 13, 2014
Review of The Healing Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter
The Healing Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter
August 4, 2014
Review of Woman of Courage by Wanda E Brunstetter
Had Quaker, Amanda Pearson, married her fiancé as planned she probably wouldn’t have even heard God’s call into missionary service nor been challenged to reveal the strong, courageous woman she was. This wasn’t your typical wagon train trek to the dangerous frontier. There was no train and no wagon. Was she foolish to set out on this 3000 mile journey with only her father and a guide? The guide was seasoned of course, but Amanda learned that ultimately God was her guide and protector.
I received this book from Handlebar in exchange for my honest review.
May 31, 2013
I Like Homeopathic Because It Gives Relief Without Side Affects
Recently, in the process of looking for homeopathic remedies for shingles for my mother, my husband decided to try some Homeopathic tablets that supposedly would help relieve his ankle pain. Within 3 weeks the pain is almost gone. Almost none is so much better than excruciating!
Just today my daughter and I were trying to think of all the possibilities for her baby's sleeplessness and crying. She's a little young but it is certainly possible that teething pain is the culprit. It's certainly worth a try to find a homeopathic remedy for teething pain just in case-- if not to use now, later!
April 3, 2012
"Wedding Veils by Denise"
Officially launched!
I spent many hours sewing on beads and ribbon and lovin' it. I surprised her when I flew in for her bridal shower a month before the wedding carrying in the short veil. (The plan was to wear a short and a long one so the long one would be removed for the reception.) Whew! That was a big thing to check off our growing list, but somehow, somewhere
Five days before the wedding I began re-creating her two veils.
As a result and thanks to the encouragement of my daughters I began making veils to sell at a much lower price than are sold in bridal salons.
I love deciding what I will do different on the next veil--each one unique, some with beading, some with silk ribbon or satin cording, or some with decorative stitching. Before I make the first cut I must decide will it be "simple" elegance, long, short, full, single or a double veil. Each bride has her own "idea" of her dream look!
I suggest trying on veils at the salon for length and style to catch that perfect complement for the bride and her gown.
So, today I launched "Wedding Veils by Denise" online at yardsellr.com with the help of pinterest and Facebook. Check them out.
Perhaps you'll find your dream veil that will work with your budget. Prices range from $35-$50...
January 1, 2012
Greenacre Cousins born 2 weeks apart in 2011!
Aren't Riley Faith & Annah Grace precious?! I couldn't believe how much these two little dolls looked so much alike. We are blessed! These two additions give us 18 grandchildren.
Carrie & Jayson Married!
Our youngest daughter, Carrie married Jayson Salvador November 12, 2011 in Casa Grande, Arizona. It certainly was a beautiful day for a very lovely wedding!
January 3, 2011
Yogurt Maker Beats the Oven Method!
Features:
- Yogurt maker
- Comes with on and off switch and light indicating unit is working
- Timer on the side marks time as to when yogurt will be finished cooking
- Cord storage
- Make homemade with any kind of milk and different flavor in each glass ja...
Yogurt Maker Beats the Oven Method
October 13, 2010
Review of Anne Bradstreet by D. B. Kellogg
July 9, 2010
Book review of She Still Calls Me Daddy
By Robert Wolgemuth
If you’re a Dad with one or more daughters She Still Calls Me Daddy is a must read! From the early years of doll houses to the day of their marriages, the author shares lots of practical experiences and stories that will cause you to laugh, cry and remember. You’ll be caught up in Wolgemuth’s journey as he bares his heart and soul sharing with his readers the lessons he learned about giving his daughters away to another man, adjusting to son-in laws and acknowledging the reality of getting older.
Whether you’re a new Dad just starting out, or one with years in the trenches this is a great read and one you shouldn’t miss! “This book will give you special insights and the tools you need to gracefully expand your family and continue to cherish the young woman who still calls you Daddy.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 28, 2010
Living at Mayo Clinic Hospital was like Tom Hanks in "Terminal"
I woke up in my recliner/bed in the Critical Care Waiting Room a few nights ago and reached for my empty bottle of water. I tried to go back to sleep hoping I could forget how thirsty I was. It didn't work! I remembered the vending machine down the hall... but first I had to find my keys to my lockers. I wasn't sure which one held my purse so I had to open both. Of course I ended up having to take everything out to find a dollar in the bottom of my purse...trying to do it quietly so I wouldn't wake the other ladies tossing and turning in the other chairs. It wasn't far to the vending machines on the same floor just around the corner. The wording didn't make sense, but I finally figured it out that they didn't work!
I had passed by a drinking fountain, but thought it wasn't wise to drink water in any hospital where germs are said to lurk on every surface, where sanitizer machines hang from most walls. Now I was wide awake so I thought I'd just take the elevator to the lobby floor where the cafeteria was located thinking I would surely find another vending machine. It didn't happen! Hospitals are like any large building when there are no people around--creepy! Back upstairs by way of the elevator to the drinking fountain with all the hidden germs praying for protection. At 4:00 am I was back in bed thinking I wonder how many hidden cameras recorded my wanderings.
My only connection to the outside world, my cell phone was dying another night...so I made my way down the same elevator, through the lobby, and cafeteria doors to our car a few feet away. I located my phone charger and was anxious to get back to the warmth as evenings in the desert can be chilly, especially with no jacket and slippers. The doors refused to automatically open as I neared. I had no idea that no one is allowed to reenter the facilities after 9:00 pm. Some workers were watching television looking in the opposite direction while another was vacuuming close by. Knocking on the door failed to catch anyone's attention, but I eventually caught one guy's eye. He shook his head "no" and turned away.
I went to the front door and of course it was locked too with instructions to go to the emergency room... wherever that is! About that time I heard a raised voice in the distance calling me to come back. Somebody had a change of heart! Afraid he would change his mind, I hurried back to the cafeteria door where he was holding it open. He chided me saying "when you leave you are not allowed to reenter and I am not allowed to let you enter." I said, "You mean you aren't going to let me in?" He shrugged and told me to go ahead.
While the above stories were short lived challenges for me I have found living at the Mayo Clinic Hospital a great experience as I've observed the excellent care received by my husband. Everyone has served us with compassion and a smile, not to mention the medical skill and organization exhibited consistently on every hand. I know because I've lived in Mayo Clinic Hospital!
The Worth of Second Opinions...Medically
"I have the results of your CAT in front of me. You have two huge masses sitting on the top of each kidney in your abdomen. I don't think they are cancer, but you need to see a surgeon as quickly as possible."
Our primary care physician sent us to a urologist who, after reading the radiology report recommended that we see a surgeon. The radiology report suggested that it was liposarcoma--cancer. Many days of conferring with friends, specialists, sarcoma support alliance groups and our PCP we began weeks of working with our insurance trying to find a surgeon who was very skilled in sarcomas.
We found that waiting at home for others to "get around to it" was not an option. Since we didn't know how fast they were growing and now he began experiencing periodic serious pain in the kidneys we took matters into our own hands. So...after many failed attempts to reach the schedulers we began picking up records to hand carry them ourselves to various offices in the Arizona Southeast Valley.
Surgeon #1 could not work with our insurance company but recommended another Surgeon #2 who had impressive credentials. That appointment with Surgeon #2 took place right before Christmas. We weren't prepared for his definitive Cancer diagnosis, nor his surgical plan which included removal of what he thought was only one tumor, both kidneys, partial removal of the pancreas and bowels. Following the appointment the surgery date was scheduled for January 24, 2010 with no pre-surgery biopsy option. He was very nice and confident that after the surgery Jim would feel better than ever and have a perfectly normal life! After we began sifting through that information, common sense told us that was not possible!
We began seeking advice from friends and called one cancer facility after another. All of those were dead ends for one reason or another--either they didn't accept our insurance or they didn't give second opinions. I don't even remember now when Mayo Clinic was first suggested, but with further research that seemed worthy of a pursuit. Maybe "pushing" is a more accurate word.
Everything about Mayo Clinic from start to finish has demonstrated thoroughness, caring, organised and skilled care. Surgeon #3--Dr. Wasif's specialty is liposarcoma. The appointment with Dr. Wasif took place one week before the scheduled surgery date with Surgeon #2. After a thorough exam which included listening to every aspect of Jim's medical history, he concluded that there needs to be more definitive testing before surgery. In that interview he heard what we had shared repeatedly with every other physician who did not "take note" of it. At the end of the appointment we asked, "should we cancel the other surgery?" He said, "I don't think you would survive it." We cancelled.
Jim was diagnosed at age 3 with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. He took cortisone, prednizone or dexamethazone since that time until an endocrinologist suggested it was all right to discontinue all medication at age 30, before we left for our first missionary term in the Philippines. He was still taking it on our arrival in the PI, but when he ran out and no longer could get it there, he stopped. He felt great so that was that! In all of the years that followed no PCP ever seemed concerned with his childhood disease until we met with Dr. Wasif in January.
In the days following Jim had appointments with the endocrinologist, tests and a biopsy. The new diagnosis was: no liposarcoma, no cancer; the massive tumors were NOT tumors at all, but were in fact the adrenal glands that had grown to massive sizes, previously undocumented. It's what Surgeon #3 thought all along. The surgery would not be without risk, but without removal the risks involved compromising the other organs and bleeding...they had to be removed.
Today, I write 4 days following the successful removal of both of Jim's adrenals, cancer free. He is recovering very well with all of his organs-in place-minus the adrenals of course. We will always encourage seeking 2nd opinions, but the bottom line is God is in control and directed our steps.
September 28, 2009
The Latest Greenacre Wedding
August 14, 2009
My Tribute to My Husband on Our 38th Anniversary
38 years ago this morning I was preparing for my wedding in
My marriage has been a glorious package of time-- not to focus on any one segment since individually those “times” are not always the norm of a marriage. Actually, our marriage has been a series of hundreds of happenings testing our love, patience, endurance that most might say are outside the realm of normal
As an engaged couple we typically discussed our future—size of our family, more education, where we would live, how we would raise our children... I’m the oldest of four children, but that first born instinct of mothering someone else’s children had not been given to me so my thoughts all those years ago were that two or three children would certainly be plenty. My fiancé had never met a child he didn’t like and was aspiring to be a father of a houseful. Our compromise was four in that year before marriage in 1970, but by March of 1990 we had our eighth child and I had been won over! Our eight children have been the greatest blessings of our marriage, giving us a real understanding of “children are an heritage of the Lord”.
I really don’t think we realized the importance of our wedding vows when we pledged our love on that hot, muggy
The five years we spent in college after marriage preparing for ministry, in hindsight, are very revealing to me of my husband’s total surrender to the Lord and his perseverance to keep his life long commitment to the Lord and to me. Those college days were so foundational for our family and ministry as we had to totally rely on the Lord for every provision and to learn that the Lord would provide. Now, in 2009 the Lord is still calling us to trust Him for today and our future. Even when it’s so very hard I am thankful I have a husband who continues to trust God. I am so thankful for my husband this “anniversary day” and for the Lord who leads us along. Happy Anniversary, Jim!
July 30, 2009
Free Video Camcorder for tasting Progresso's Newest Soups!
- Chicken Tuscany
- Creamy Tomato Basil
- Hearty Vegetable and Noodles
- Homestyle Minestrone
July 22, 2009
Review of the American Patriot's Bible NKJV
I wish we had had the American Patriot’s Bible to use as a devotional tool when our children were growing up. As Americans our children should know that our founding fathers believed, “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” That quote attributed to George Washington is among the hundreds of entries inserted throughout the pages of this beautiful study Bible. The inclusion and interspersion of historical documents makes it a wonderful addition to the classroom as well where the truth of our American history is allowed and encouraged.
I appreciate the thorough and easy to read subject index that allows a student to quickly find and focus on a particular time/subject in American history. Additionally, the quality of the paper used, easy to read script, the colorful drawings and overall presentation make it a joy to read. Dr. Richard G. Lee, the general editor along with Thomas Nelson Publishers is to be commended for this beautiful New King James Version Study Bible and the successful accomplishment of showing that, indeed, biblical truths and our Christian faith formed the foundation of America.
June 24, 2009
Mystery Solved! Fifth Cousin to Susan B. Anthony Found
April 26, 2009
Walking the Streets in Arizona, but it's not what you might think!
In the year 2000 I worked for the 2000 Census in Northern Colorado. It was fun because it was a followup for all the folks who didn't mail in their form for one reason or another. My husband and I had some fun trips as we drove up into the isolated areas where houses were in obscure places in the hills and valleys of vast ranch lands.
This time, though, I used a hand held computer to map each and every home in my assignment areas. I really understood why people were leary when they saw me approach their door. Was I a religious fanatic, or the government wanting to get information so more money could be taken from them, or even worse was I looking for illegal immigrants? If given the chance I quickly tried to set their minds at ease. "Not to worry! We were just gathering a GPS spot to make the maps for the 2010 Census that would be conducted next year." That information often brought an immediate facial change of relief and often a hint of a smile. Only once was a dog let loose to chase me away!
The experience, first of all was supposed to bring in the income we needed. The $15 hourly salary + mileage offered great promise. The job was supposed to be 10-12 weeks, but... we were too quick, completing it in 4. We're sure the addition of the hand held computers was the key, but they tell us that the hiring pool was immense so they could be more selective this time.
I felt blessed to get the job for the income and the exercise until I experienced my first week of severe foot pain with new blisters every time I switched to a different pair of shoes or insoles. I thought walking 8-10 miles a day would yield a significant weight loss. It didn't!
Otherwise, I have to admit the typical, beautiful March/April days here with the citrus fragrance on every breeze made it an enjoyable daily walk.
In April of 2010 the Census questionnaires will be mailed to every home in America. So, to avoid those scary Census enumerators coming to your door, just fill out completely and return them. I'm going to send mine in and opt for an office job!