Book Review: UNREAL by Phil McDonald

You think you know someone, until you read about ‘all those years you missed’, means you don’t!

More often than not, I don’t get caught up with details of a story, probably because I don’t retain facts well anymore.  But the non-stop drama in UNREAL was so gripping and compelling that I’m sure I read every word.  I lost sleep because I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.  

Lots of descriptive words for the author came to mind at the conclusion of this read, ie. Transparent, brave, faithful, foolish, daring, intelligent, compassionate, American (not ugly) …  Some of those should not be a surprise to a close friend, but while reading this memoir, they became more alive with vivid word pictures of jungles, snakes, other lands, rich colors of the Orient, Middle eastern cuisine and strange foods, near escapes, disease and protection of family.  Of course I can't leave out "lions" and "pirates"!

I certainly would loved to have read UNREAL many years ago before we left the states with our children to live cross-culturally.  I highly recommend it as a must read for anyone preparing to live outside the United States.  The 60 principles Phil learned and shared would be invaluable to take to heart for a serious student in preparation for successful overseas work and living.  They are easily referenced throughout, but do not take away from the story line at all. 

Additionally, the adventures of this unique, precious American family who raised their children in and out of the States can be such an encouragement to any family meeting 21^st century challenges wherever they live.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=unreal+by+phil+mcdonald&crid=3DIXSIIM6TWHM&sprefix=Unreal+by%2Caps%2C162&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_9

A Book Review

Faithful Finance

by Emily G. Stroud

I wish I'd had this book 40 years ago!  Even though there was friendly encouragement along the way to invest and plan, we were suspicious, not knowing who had our best interests in mind.  As a result of 2 failed investments and having to cash out retirement accounts twice in health crisis, we definitely have not been prepared for our retirement years.  Ultimately, as we have all along, we must trust God to show us each step of the way even with the plans! 

Emily Stroud, the author of Faithful Finance has done a great job outlining a plan that can work and includes the Lord in all things.  As a Christian, missionary and pastor's wife I have a great appreciation for not only giving to the Lord, but understanding why!  E. Stroud says, "If you cannot be trusted to manage a small amount of money wisely, then why would God trust you with much?"

A young reader could start from the beginning of this book to outline a plan with all the resources at their fingertips while any of us would benefit from the practical steps to estate planning. 

Do you have a will?  Without that legal document notarized in the state you're living, your wishes cannot be guaranteed—even where your children would live.  I was surprised to find out that our last will needed to be updated since we now live in a different state.  I especially intend to use the notebook idea so that in my passing my family will not only know my desires and intents, but where to find everything.  Having this completed could give you and me peace of mind in 2018.

I received this book from Handlebar for this review.

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.  

The story is cute with a predictable ending, but maybe not so realistic for many families where money is limited.  That's ok, though; it's fiction, and it isn't a bad thing to be encouraged to "reach for the stars" and trust God for difficult dreams--that's faith!

My granddaughter (pictured) says, "I love it and it is well-written!"

Good job, Author, Alena Pitts! 

Michèle Phoenix’s ‘Of Stillness and Storm’ Giveaway

Of stillness and storm—a Book Review

By Michele Phoenix

My eyes are blurry and I’m very emotional after spending the day reading Of Stillness and Storm from cover to cover.  I love to read but I don’t usually read a 320 page Christian novel in one sitting.  Once it touched a nerve in my missionary heart, in my own life and ministry I couldn’t put it down.  Parenting on a foreign field as missionaries has more challenges than most people know.  Before I knew anything about the author, personally, I was impressed that she intimately understood the challenges of the missionary call and parenting.

For a while I couldn’t understand the darkness I felt through most of the story.  Most missionary stories tell all the glory that folks back home expect to hear. This fiction was so real to me, I felt so much disappointment and even anger--I wasn’t happy with the missionary husband’s attitude from the very beginning in his approach to his calling and consideration for his family.  The choices of both missionary husband and wife profoundly affected and overshadowed the good.  Ultimately, the missionary child suffered.     

Even though this book is fiction, it can be an eye-opener! I will recommend it to pre-field missionaries as they evaluate their call, to missionaries on the field as they balance ministry and parenting and to those who love and hold missionaries accountable on the field.

A Spectacle of Glory, a Book Review

A Spectacle of Glory

God’s Light Shining through Me Every Day

By Joni Eareckson Tada 

with Larry Libby

I don’t expect a “devotional” to be a bible study, but I do expect to get at least one piece of encouragement or challenge for my day.  I keep A Spectacle of Glory on my desk.  It’s a small, beautiful book so it doesn’t get in my way, but reminds me just to take a minute to read some practical, encouraging words.  They are words that always point to the Savior and an evaluation of my relationship to Him. 

 

I was impacted by Joni Eareckson Tada’s testimony many years ago when her life changed in a diving accident.  She doesn’t ever disappoint me; on the contrary I am so challenged by her walk with the Lord that I also want that closer relationship with Him.  This devotional, authored by someone who has walked the walk a long time would be a great gift for a new believer as well as one who has been walking with the Lord a long time!

I Told My Kids NOT to Eat Dirt!

I'm sure they did it anyway, but now I would say making mud pies is a good thing!  I learned that and so much more from Eat Dirt,  Dr. Josh Axe's newest book.  He says "all disease begins in the gut."  With that in mind I dug into his book to figure out what I needed to do to help my family, friends, others and me!

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:

1. Candida Gut
2. Stressed Gut
3. Immune Gut
4. Gastric Gut
5. 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. 

God Orders Our Steps...but Some Times It's Hard!

We moved to North Carolina the end of 2014 and really believe God brought us here.  Perhaps we know now one of the reasons why!  

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. 

Ashley, age 19 leads the pack of our 22 grandchildren and we are very proud of the godly woman she has become.  Ashley has begun to share her story on her own blog and I couldn't possibly share it any better as God is ordering HER steps. Her blog "Between the Detours" is her health journey from her point of view.

Review of Rasmus and the Vagabond by Astrid Lindgren

Review of Rasmus and the Vagabond

by Astrid Lindgren

I don’t know how I missed reading this delightful story growing up.  It was first published when I was 3 so I didn't expect to even like it a little bit!  I’m a grandmother of 22 children, reading this to recommend, or not, for them, not expecting to be enthralled!

9 year old Rasmus lived in an orphanage, kind of like the stereotypical orphanages of years gone by with strict, non-loving discipline.  He ran away with many misgivings, but was compelled to search for parents who would love him… even though he had straight hair!

He stumbled on a tramp, the “vagabond” who became his best friend-- leading him in and out of trouble, good times, hunger, with music and freedom on an amazing journey.  The end of their journey was quite a twist to the story that would delight any reader, young or old. 

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.

Thanks to Plough Publishing for sending me Rasmus and the Vagabond to review.  It was a delight!

A Book Review of Noah

A Book Review of Noah by Marky Ludy

Noah took dinosaurs on the ark!  I was thrilled to see dinosaurs included in the beautifully illustrated book by Mark Ludy.  It makes sense, though, since the author/illustrator certainly took a non-traditional approach to a wordless retelling of this all important biblical account and so many don’t include dinosaurs in their depictions.  

When I decided to review Noah (A Wordless Picture Book) by Mark Ludy I had no idea that it would take longer to finish than a book with words!  Each page is full of detail that children love and adults will too.  Parents will love sitting down with their children giving details the pictures bring to life and perhaps they hadn’t thought of before.   It can be opened many times and with each telling there will be more to see and tell.  The caricatures of the very real people are so unique they made me smile. 

All the important details of the account including Noah’s direction from God, the building of the ark, the rejection of everyone except Noah’s family, and the flood are there.  The most intriguing point for me personally was the birth of Noah’s children which caused me to look into the scriptures to see when they were actually born.  The author’s interpretation is a different point of view which you must see! Ultimately, I could reimagine the rejection, joy and sorrow of the time and experience the great deluge that God doesn’t want us to forget!  

I received this book from Handlebar in exchange for my honest review.

Review of The Healing Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter

The Healing Quilt  by Wanda Brunstetter

The intriguing title, The Healing Quilt, coupled with the cover picture of contrasts--an Amish woman in very modest, plain dress sitting on a beautiful quilt with an Englisher woman in traditional summer shorts and tank on a beach (whew!)-- causes the reader to want to dive in to the story right away! 

Wanda Brunstetter weaves the lives of six men and women in a quilting class with their challenges and mysteries as only a skilled storyteller can do.  Of course main characters Emma and husband, Lamar  held the keys to success for their quilting students, if they would only follow the kind directions given!

As each student faces life changing decisions, their lives interact with their previously unknown classmates there in Florida as well as students from Emma’s former Indiana quilting classes from a year or more in the past.

As a lover of Amish fiction I enjoyed the change of the typical setting from the Amish in the north to snowbird Amish in sunny Florida.  Amish folk are encouraged to adhere to their church doctrine, but in this story the main Amish characters became missionaries to the English community with their kind, non-judgmental treatment of all the folks in their quilting classes and relationships.  They certainly portrayed a convincing scenario of “winning a hearing” by their kindness and generous lives.  As the quilts come together in the end, so does the story for a great ending.

I received this book from handlebar in exchange for my hones review.

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.

This was a bit of a detour from the author’s previous Amish story lines, giving a little insight into the Quaker mindset and speech.  Additionally, Amanda’s first convert, Indian Mary gave a glimpse into the culture of the Indians.  Their very real feelings and struggles in 1800’s America through Mary and her family gave the story a depth that it lacked in the beginning. 

I loved Woman of Courage because its story of danger, courage and romance brought to focus missionaries as real people in their daily lives and ministry.

I received this book from Handlebar in exchange for my honest review.

I Like Homeopathic Because It Gives Relief Without Side Affects

Homeopathic relief should not be under-rated!

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!

Have You Read This Fictional Amish Book?

A Wedding Quilt for Ella

 

"Wedding Veils by Denise"

Officially launched!

When our youngest daughter, Carrie  was preparing for her wedding last year she naturally tried on veils at the same time she purchased her beautiful gown. We were shocked by the high cost of veils so she asked me if I could make her veil.  A little scary!

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

the veil disappeared

following the last gown fitting!

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...

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!

Yogurt Maker Beats the Oven Method!

Originally submitted at CSN Stores

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

Yogurt Maker Beats the Oven Method

By Denise the Blogger from Queen Creek, Arizona on 1/2/2011

5out of 5

I had a yogurt maker years ago and wasn't always pleased because it didn't consistently make great yogurt. Recently I made a batch using the oven method and then another with an ice chest. They both turned out great, but quite a hassle! My new Cuisine Yogurt Maker, a review gift from CSN, was so easy to use and made the tastiest, thick and creamy yogurt. The easy to understand directions gave me the choice to use different fat percentages of milk as well as the option to add fruit or flavorings in advance. I love the 6 ounce jars that conveniently go from the machine... to refrigerator... to table.

(legalese)

Review of Anne Bradstreet by D. B. Kellogg

 

     Anne Bradstreet has impacted my life!  I’ve read many biographies of many great people, but I identified with Anne, the Puritan more than any other.  The country she helped create is mine and her God is mine as well!  It was quite a shock to realize that I would have chosen to be a Puritan!  They were not what I’d always believed them to be, but were simply a courageous, God fearing people who paved the way for our religious freedom.  Anne Bradstreet was an integral part of the group who fled England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony, who chose to live according to the Word of God.

     Of course Anne’s life was very hard once she landed in America as she moved from place to place, struggling with a lifetime of sickness, tragedies and giving birth to her eight beloved children.  In the midst of it all she was a prolific poet who influenced her world.  Women in the 1600’s were typically NOT writers, nor educated.  One of the last things she wrote with a challenge, “Children do naturally rather follow the failings than the virtues of their predecessors, but I am persuaded better things of you” is one of my favorites.

     This Christian Encounter series biography of Anne Bradstreet can be a comfort and challenge to us all as we read of a Christian woman who recognized her own failings, yet in the midst of it all, humbly raised a family, honored her husband and loved God with all heart, while remaining “above reproach”.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I must post that Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book to review. I also must say that the opinions are all mine.

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.”

Living at Mayo Clinic Hospital was like Tom Hanks in "Terminal"

Walking through the huge expanse of the Mayo Clinic Hospital Arizona at 3:30 in the morning made me realize I was like Tom Hanks living in the airport 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!