Medications That Kill

 

Author James L. Marcum MD explores our nation's escalating problem of drug abuse, particularly prescription drug abuse .  Too many individuals are blinded by the fact that a drug can be fatal if it is prescribed by a physician.  Nothing is further from the truth as is outlined in this recent publication.  This book is a must read for everyone because drug abuse is so prevalant in society today and most everybody knows someone perplexed by this problem.  Dr. Marcum does a fine job in covering the following topics:  medications can kill, medications that do kill and medications have killed.  My only concern being that he tends to overlook the fact that there are people who do need specific medication and that this can safely be done if the patient follows as prescribed.  Ironically, I have been in a chronic pain clinic for six years and have a stellar specialist.  The pain that I live with daily causes my hypertension to skyrocket even with high blood pressure medication.  My doctor prescribes my medication to also keep my blood pressure at a reasonable rating.  The pain clinic I am a part of is very strict.  All patients must get all of their medications from one pharmacy location that keeps a record of everything you may have to take from all doctors, this way there is no duplication of  prescriptions.  Every client must have urine testing often and blood testing.  I have always known the seriousness of the medications that I am on and have always feared taking too much.  I am thankful for the safe enviroment provided by our Chronic Pain Clinic.  Not everyone is tempted too take to many or abuse drugs and likewise there are doctors who are concerned for their patients.  I was offered to read this book for the Tyndale Network in exchange for my review.  I do applaud Dr. Marcum for pointing out the dangers of drug abuse but I also know that it is of  utmost importance to follow your doctor's plan of care first.  No one should ever stop taking prescription drugs without your doctors consent as many medications require weaning.  This book tends to lean more towards individuals who use drugs for recreation or getting high.  Marcum list a number of alternative solutions to taking drugs, again check with your physician. 

Life Lessons From Pets & Wildlife

 

When Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging Group extended me the ability to review this fine book, "God of All Creation~Life Lessons From Pets & Wildlife" by James Robinson in exchange for my honest opinions I pounced on this.  I awaited in excitement and anticipation because of my personal experiences with our  cairn terrier which was given to our family as a gift.  My very first reaction when we were given 'Lincoln" was that the last thing we needed was a puppy in our brand new house and I put a struggle up during the first few weeks.  My patient spouse on the other hand was like a school boy voting for the dog and trying to get me to see his side.  Long story short, I became physically limited in the last few years and many days I am in dier pain and the one thing I can count on daily to lift my spirits is our pet, Lincoln.  He took a liking to me right away and would follow me like a little sheep and cry when I wasn't in sight for him.  I could never figure how he latched onto me, the only one who really didn't want him but Oh what love and loyalty.  It didn't take him too long to melt my heart and now he is constantly at my side and momma's boy.  Nobody can tell me that pets don't know when you are sick or down because they do...he is a constant source of joy and I can't imagine life without him.  James Robison compares our love of our pets to God's love for us in a very sweet way throughout the pages of the book.  The author goes on to say that '" If a dog can be trained to act according to it's purpose and not get sidetracked , how much more than should we learn to live the kind of life God designed for us?"'  This is the underlying thought throughout God of Creation and the author gives us numerous examples of how well each animal species obeys it's call.  l found delight reading and learning much about God's creation.  The illustrations are stellar.  Yes, I would highly recommend especially for pet lovers.

Recipe for Happyness~ Live Second

Author Doug Bender gives us the recipe for happyness in his recent daily reader "Live Second 365 ways to Make Jesus First".  His book describes this movement and the reader is also given tools online at http://www.iamsecond.com/join-the-movement/  to put these lessons into practice. 

This book is for anyone who is looking to enhance their relationship with God along with those who have reached the end of their rope and are tired of this world's misgivings.  If you are ready to give God control and be the type of character he intended us to be...Live Second is the answer.  Learning to lean on Jesus and fully submit our wills is difficult because it goes against our human nature but with God's Spirit we can overcome all obstacles.  There is no greater joy than living in the service of our King and our brothers and sisters.  Step by step and day by day Doug Bender gives us inspiration to continue on this sacred journey.   The writer supplies the student with plenty of support through online resources and websites.  We all can be the light that this dark world so badly needs, can you think of a higher calling?  This marvelous book is easy to read and understand and will be an uplift to the spirits of those who read it.  I am grateful to Booksneeze for the opportunity to review this book which is life-changing in exchange for my honest review.

 

 

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Oh No Not the Children, Dec. 14 The Day The World Changed

          Although there have always been deranged individuals wreaking havoc in society, something  more hurting and unexplainable  occurred on Dec. 14, 2012...A hunter determined to make his prey innocent young elementary students...an awful mind blowing act which rid our realms of any security we might have once felt in the past leaving everyone, everywhere wondering what is happening in our world.  Life has sadly changed since I was a child when my biggest concern was whether or not my older brother found my favorite toy that I hid on him. We lived in a more safe enviroment in those days when neighbors spoke kindly to one another and faithful friends knew that there were certain boundaries that you just didn't cross in for the sake of  true kinship.  It's just not like the good ole' days anymore and my heart bleeds for the parents who must worry when their offspring are doing the right thing by going to school.  What has this world come to and who is to blame?  I imagine it is a number of factors  that have contributed to this lack of concern with human life as I recall some of the things I suggested as a college student majoring in Psychology.  Young and full of passion I suggested in my essay that lawmakers should make Mental Health a mandatory class in all schools just as physical educucation is.  Agreeing that Physical Health was an asset in establishing the importance of  keeping our bodies up to par but I felt that mental health should also be addressed with that same ferver.  For one this would erase the stigma that has been attached to mental illness since forever but also teach individuals on how to identify those who may be afflicted and guarantee that they get some kind of help.  My professor was pleased with my report and gave me a bright A+ while leaving a question for me to ponder...'"How would this class be funded?"'  Since than I felt that there was a negative possibility of ever seeing this proposal come to past.
   So instead today, twenty little innocent victims will be buried.  Hearts are broken, many will lose faith and there will be a void which will not be filled.  The news has left us all with apprehension and uncertainty.  The holiday holds less meaning with the true lights of our lives smothered out.  As a mother and grandmother of thirteen I beg that strickter background checks be made with anyone purchasing a gun and that it include background checks of everyone in the family and/or who may have access to that person's home.  I wonder how many people know that our beloved Abraham Lincoln who suffered through many nervous breakdowns  had his assistants at his home hide the silverware on the days that he was most depressed.  This has been written in his history books as he struggled with his own dark thoughts on certain days.  We can't put all the fault on the media although there is way too much violence being portrayed to the children these days, nor can we put it all in any one egg basket but we can each do our part.  Needless to say our Nation would be a better place if we each were a little more loving and respectful to one another.  Is it possible to make that change?

Enriching Father Daughter Relations

 

   This beautiful one year devotional opens the doors to a more intimate relationship between fathers and daughters.  Fathers are called to be the spiritual leaders in the family and this book will solidify open doors of communication between parent and child.  The One Year Father Daughter Devotions By Jesse Florea, Leon C Wirth & Bob Smithouser is the perfect tool for caring parenting.  Not only is there a daily story to discuss but the authors suggest an activity to go along with the lesson.  After reviewing this copy sent to me on behalf of Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my thoughts I would have to establish that this book is intended for pre-teens or young adult.  This is when parents find that it is the most difficult to have discussions with their offspring.  The lessons are geared towards questions that may arise in a young persons mind while going through struggles and difficulties at their age.  I am envious that this is available now for parents and know that the book will prove to make a positive impact in families.  It will also ensure that young people are aware how proud their parents are of them as seen on Oct. 20th where the topic is A Father's Joy.  It expounds upon the many things that can make a father happy but points out that the most joy a father feels is in his children and backs this up with scripture.  In this case, where a person might not be able to adequately show his love to his child, the doors are opened to a discussion of how he truly feels.  There are so many more beautiful topics which will enrich  father and daughter relationships.  This book is a must have and must read.  The One Year Father Daughter Devotions would make a loving gift for dads and daughters.  I highly recommend~

Holiday French Vanilla BANANA walnut Dessert

Thanks to Torani I know that noone will come close to baking anything as special as my Holiday French Vanilla Banana Walnut dessert.  Rather than baking ordinary banana bread I desired to surprize my family with a sweet treat.  Torani made this possible and had my spouse begging for more.

 

Ingredients

 

1 box quick bread Banana

2 eggs

1/4 cup of water

3 tablespoons of vegetable oil

1 small bag of walnuts

3 tablespoons of Torani Sugar-free French

Vanilla

 

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees

grease pan

mix together all the ingredients

pour in pan

bake for 45 minutes

Let cool for about a half hour

 

The french vanilla added the perfect amount of sweetness.  Not only was the warm dessert delicious but my home carried a heavenly scent for the remainder of the day.  Optional ideas include placing a scoop of french vanilla ice cream on the dessert when serving and have your favorite java brewing and bottles of Torani on hand.  Enjoy~

I would like to thank She Speaks again for the wonderful opportunity to try the Torani Syrups in exchange for my honest review.