Everything You Need to Know While Caregiving

           
                  Jane Daly realizes how bittersweet caring for our aging parents can be.  She expresses this well in the account of experiences she had in caring for her family.  The Caregiving Season, Finding Grace to Honor Your Aging Parents offers sound advice, support and consolation for those enduring the same.  Her choice of scripture brings encouragement.  Having been through this stage of Life I concur that many times our emotions feel like they are on a roller coaster.  The Author is sensitive in preparing us for the worst.  Jane Daly's book is a true gift for all caregivers.  She also shares how to find time to take care of ourselves.
I highly recommend.
I was honored to read this book for the Tyndale Bloggers in exchange for my thoughts.

Dr. Reggie Anderson Offers Hope During Life's Most Trying Times

Dr. Reggie Anderson won readers over with His best-seller "Appointments With Heaven: The True Story of a Country Doctor's Healing Encounters With The Hereafter".  He has had over twenty five years of emergency room experience witnessing diverse deaths often at the patient's bedside.  Now he gifts us with his newest publication "The One Year Book of Healing."  After witnessing suffering first-hand, he lends thoughts on overcoming these tribulations with Faith.

Presented as a devotional, the reader will be soothed and uplifted each day with a story, experience and/or scripture.  He reminds us that all of us experience heartache and that we are not alone.  This book targets physical, spiritual and emotional wellness.  The hope that he offers is priceless.  No doubt this much needed resource will rank high among best sellers as Dr. Anderson's books have achieved in the past. Tyndale Bloggers gave me the opportunity to read this stellar book in exchange for my thoughts.

Grieving the Loss of a Loved One ~

                 Kathe Wunnenberg offers a resource of daily comfort as individuals face each day without their loved ones.  She successfully shares personal experience along with scripture to help her readers tackle the roller coaster of emotionals a person goes through while grieving.  This book would make a marvelous gift for anyone whose beloved has died.  I could never figure out why individuals spend a fortune on flowers which are here and gone tomorrow.  Kathe's book would last a long time and be a help in aiding the healing process.  I have read many books on grieving and feel Ms. Wunnenberg's deserves highest honor.
Today I will be attending my cousin's mother's funeral.  My cousin, Teri and I are very close.  In the course of this last year, her father passed away and than her son died and now her mother.  I will be giving her this book, Grieving the Loss of a Loved One in hopes that it comforts her throughout this difficult past year.
I highly recommend.  I had the honor of reading for BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Our Lives Had Once Been Beautiful and Our Lives Are Beautiful Still

   
           September Vaudrey's, Colors of Goodbye has moved me more than any other book I have ever read on loss.  Her loss is a parent's worse nightmare, that of losing a child.  Katie, her amazing daughter (a daughter that any parent would be proud to have) dies suddenly of an aneurysm at the young age of 19. Any doubt of the Vaudrey's faith in God is relinquished when reading this true account.  September shares her raw struggles which match what many Christians face when facing tragedy yet I have never seen in publication.  Mom Vaudrey questions whether the loss of her daughter is somehow because of something she did in the past.  Read along as genuine friends reassure her that it is not her fault.  From the point of impact of the accident on God makes himself known with visions and miracles to aide the Vaudrey family through their heartbreak.  Real evidence that God is there and that God is Good (Author's words) even when we think He is not.  Ms. Vaudrey's growth through her pain offers Hope to all that the sun will shine again and that they don't have to give in to bitterness and anger.  This stellar publication offers tools to help all those facing horrendous loss.  Special Kudos to Katie Vaudrey for leaving a life of ripples and to September Vaudrey for having the courage to share their story.  I am more than honored to have been able to review this book for the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my thoughts.  Think upon these wise words from the writer,
'"God never promised me a lifetime with my daughter.  He never promised me any of the blessings I get to treasure everyday. He promises us comfort in sorrow, strength when our faith fails, inexplicable peace, His presence in storms and life in all its fulness for those who follow him---but not a pain free life.  And the things he promises, He delivers."'

Forgiveness Is Not An Event, It Is a Lifestyle ~Kate Grosmaire

Heart wrenching and compelling, I would rather miss a night of sleep than to put this book down.  It is imperative that the reader read Forgiving My Daughter's Killer in it's entirety to fully appreciate how Kate Grosmaire was able to forgive her sweet daughter's killer.  Something that would seem so unnatural to most parents.  Her faith began as a child when she witnesses a young person die from a gun shot wound in her house.  Her Grandparents and parents lived a Godly lifestyle, instilling a love for God in their children.  Kate grew up turning to the Lord for everything.  This true story is a testament of how those things which are impossible to man; are possible with God.  Her daughter's killer is her daughter's boyfriend.  The family formed a love for him prior to this incident insomuch that they allowed him to live with them when he had a fallout with his parents.  Both Kate (the author) and her husband, Andy share this thought...they could not define Conor (the killer) by one single moment of His life.  Their hearts were truly full of God's Spirit.  I am so grateful Kate Grosmaire despite her loss, wrote this moving book.  So that unbeliever's can see the beauty of God.  The family keeps in contact with Conor after he is incarcerated.  There is an entire chapter devoted to questions and answers with Conor.  Here he elaborates on how the Grosmaire's forgiveness develops his faith in God.  I cannot say enough about this book, it's incredible.  BookLook Bloggers gave me the opportunity to review in exchange for my thoughts.  

Brutally Honest, Could Not Put 'The Plain Choice' down.

"The Plain Choice- a true story of Choosing to Live an Amish Life" is one book I could not put down without completing.  It's not your typical amish story.  Sherry Gore's background includes a life of neglect and abuse, drugs, loss of loved ones, homelessness  and rebelliousness...certainly not the simple quiet life of the Amish.  Raised among the rich and famous in California, Sherry never feels as if she fits in.  As a young person she eludes all the glitter and ventures to Florida.  Here she comes face to face with homelessness and defeat.  She changes her name and try as she may to isolate from family, a miracle occurs when a relative takes her in to get her back on her feet.  Sherry continues to look for love in all the wrong places and suffers by the hand of a controlling mate.  Kudos to Sherry for sharing her successful plan on leaving an abusive partner.  This part of her journey is a must read for all those caught in similar conditions also answers the question as to why victims just don't leave their abusers.  Sherry Gore's true story is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn about what victim's go through.  She also shares the birth and joy of her children; the devastating loss of her best friend and sister whom also was in an abusive relationship and concludes with her spiritual awakening (the need for God) and the contentment that brings.  Sherry finds her true self in the serving of God.  This book is an excellent read.  I had the priviledge of reading and reviewing for BookLook Bloggers.

God's Tender Messages To A Grieving Father~

                  The Hope of Heaven (God's Eight Messages of Assurance to A Grieving Father) by Alan M. Hallene Jr. is a confirmation that God still speaks to us today even in our darkest hour.  The author of this true story is brave to share every detail of his son's suicide in order to reach others and spare such a tragedy from occuring to them.  Heart wrenching but uplifting, this book is bittersweet and has many powerful messages.  At times it is raw and hard to read making the message more remarkable as we realize the pain the Hallene family had to endure in order to recall and share it.  I was honored to review this book for the BookLook community in exchange for my views.  This book is an excellent resource not only for those who lost loved ones but also is instrumental for those facing depression.  All christains would benefit by reading.
     

The 13th Gift Will Renew Your Belief That There Is Still Good in the World

Joanne Huist Smith's The 13th Gift proves that there are still good Samaritan's in the world and that Charity conquers all.  This true account of a Christmas Miracle can be read at any time in the year.  Anytime you need a lift for your spirit.  The writer retell's of her first Christmas after the death of her spouse when she feels overwhelmed and totally alone.  She wants to make the Holiday's special for her children but funds are strained.  When word spreads among friends and neighbors, they get together to make Christmas special for her and the children.  A very touching book with a powerful message.  One that I can read over and over again.  I was fortunate to review this book for Blogging for Books.  To read more about the author .

Wait Until Then Is A Masterpiece For Children About Heaven

     
                  Definitely my favorite Tyndale read this year, Randy Alcorn's "Wait Until Then" supersedes all other books for children on the subject of Heaven.  Perfectly written, in easy to understand fashion and it has beautiful illustrations.  This sweet book explores the promises of Heaven, finding positive meaning in our trials and what happens when we die.  These in depth subjects are presented in such a tender way through the story of a Grandfather "Gramps" who has cancer  and his beloved grandson "Nathan" who struggles with spinal bifida.  In true Randy Alcorn style, the best selling author offers a ray of hope and joy to his readers.  Always backed by scripture, this book of only 32 pages offers numerous uplifting spiritual lessons.  I highly recommend this book to anyone facing a giant in their life to gain perspective and courage.   Excellent Read!

Lauren Scrugg's ~ Beautiful Inside & Out

 

As the founder of  LOLO Magazine little did the very gorgeous, Lauren Scruggs know what was awaiting her in the near future.  Not only was she a natural beauty but she would have to summon up all her inward spiritual beauty to survive a horrendous accident where an airplane's propellars cut off her hand and disfigured her face.  Ironically her career centered around appearance.  The rich Christian stories of faith that her parent's taught her would now become her comfort and hope.  A few weeks prior to the accident after breaking up with her boyfriend James, he had a premonition that something awful was going to happen and he begged her to be careful.  While on the airplane, Lauren began to feel overwhelmed with panic and anxiety.  Not understanding why, the only thing she could do was pray.  After surgery, Lauren slips into a coma.  The writer fills us in on young Lo Lo's life.  It wasn't always easy.  She is a twin to Brittany and they are inseparable.  The Scrugg's family faces adultery, divorce and after many prayers remarriage.  The second time around the entire family choose Christ as their main priority.  Christ would also become the reason for Lauren's healing.  This true account will inspire many never to give up in the face of adversity.  Lauren reminds us what true courage is.  She fights to regain her career back and comes back on top.  I am thankful to Tyndale Blog Network for the opportunity to read such a sensational book!

The PERFECT Remedy for Conflicted Souls~

 As a member of Tyndale Network I chose Dr. Reggie Anderson's "APPOINTMENTS WITH HEAVEN" to review with great anticipation to read of the experiences he embraces with those passing on.  These true accounts for me would become the icing on the cake.  His book has much more to offer.  Never before was I so enchanted with each aspect of a book that I deliberately took time to read and re-read my favorite parts.  I wanted to savor in what the writer was telling us without missing anything.  I enjoyed being a part of the doctor's journey from early childhood to adult.  Perhaps because I could relate so well with him, I found that the author and I come from similar backgrounds.  We were both born with a spiritual spoon in our mouths surrounded by a loving, Christian family and very protected by the harshness of the world around us.  Dr. Anderson's childhood was filled with guidance; incredible support; joy and discipline.  His faith was strong during those early years.  When a family of beloved friends are murdered his faith is shattered.  He can't comprehend that a loving God could allow such an evil act to come upon people who have always put him first.  So the young Reggie concludes that there must not be a God.  This book is the perfect remedy for all those who have lost the faith or individuals who ever doubted that there is a God.  As a young man, Reggie choses to believe in Science until he finds that it really isn't the answer.  A miracle happen's to send this prodigal back to his first love, God.  Not wanting to reveal what happens, I recommend all to get a copy of this outstanding biography.  I just couldn't put it down. 

 

Heaven Hears Proves That Nothing is Impossible With God As Pat Boone's Grandson Overcomes all Odds

 

 

Ryan Corbin's story retold by his mother, Lindy Boone Michaelis in 'Heaven Hears ~ The True Story of What Happened When Pat Boone Asked The World to Pray For His Grandson's Survival' proves that nothing, absolutely nothing is impossible with God.  The evidence of God's power is magnified throughout the chapters of this inspiring testimony.  Ryan's desire was to serve the Lord and he spent many hours reading the scriptures in hopes of completing a screenplay which depicts the Life of Christ in Modern Times.  His devotion pays off as he completes this project.  One sentence in his play stands out because of what lies ahead in his future, '"I think something is going to happen to me"' becomes a self premonition or perhaps God was getting him prepared for his future.  On June 19, 2001 there is a horrific freak accident.  Ryan steps through a skylight and falls three stories onto a cement floor.  The impact leaves the doctors wondering if Ryan will even survive.  In his comatose state, his family reaches out to everyone to pray.  Pat Boone is invited on the Larry King show where he pleads with the TV viewers to pray.  Miraculously, Ryan awakens but he has a long tough road ahead.  Some doctors claimed he would remain a vegetable.  His amazing faithful mother would not succumb to the doctors diagnosis.  She knew that her Father in Heaven could do all things.  Heaven Hears will renew the reader's faith and comfort mother's to know that their children are in God's hands.  It was a joy to read this book for Tyndale Book Network.

 

 

 

 

Lucado Explains How to Ensure Your Place in Heaven

  Numerous publications have been printed about Heaven recently, no doubt mankind is looking up for encouragement as this World sinks deeper into darkness.  Being a fan of this subject, I've had an opportunity to read the majority of these books yet Max Lucado brings fresh awareness and imperative information on this popular subject.  Max seems to excel and bring to the reader much more than the average content. Although it is a joy to read how grand Heaven will be and I would be the last to say that I tire of hearing about this yet Mr. Lucado goes a step further by supplying to us the knowledge of how to ensure our chance of getting there.  Using scripture, the author reminds us ''Not everyone who say's 'You are our Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven"' Matthew 7:21.  Max directs his readers to dig deeper into the Word of God so that they may be properly prepared and ready when Christ calls us home.  He explains how we must be spiritually clothed , '"But clothed yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and forget about satisfying your sinful self"' Romans 13:14.  Not mincing any words to gain favor, the author's only goal is to bring us the truth.  This New York Times  best selling author speaks boldly and specifically about what God expects from his children. As always, I am blown away and encouraged by Lucado's newest venture.  It astounds me that he is always able to exceed my expectations and teach me new, revelant points about our walk with God. I had the honor to review this book for Book Sneeze in exchange for my thoughts.  If you yearn for that place where there will be no more pain or sorrow than this book is for you.  If you are down in the Valley and feel overwhelmed by the trials and disappointments in your life...this book is for you.  If you can't see the rainbow and pot of gold as the storms continue to beat on your household...this is for you and if you want to see your loved ones that have passed on again, invest your time in reading this stellar book for the sake of  your soul's eternity.

We Live In a Spiritual World

 

Author Steve Sjogren's HEAVEN'S LESSONS- Ten Lessons I Learnt About God When I Died is a fascinating read.  Rarely do I read a book twice, let alone twice in a row but Sjogren's journey was so exciting I just had to reread to ensure not missing one thing.  I thank Booksneeze for the ability to read his story in exchange for my thoughts.  This book will convince the reader that miracles were not done away with years ago and that God still speaks to his people today.  He is a real God wanting to get closer to his children.  Imagine going into the hospital for a very simple  procedure like having your gall bladder removed only to find out you don't have a gall bladder.  The surgeons accidently cut into a main artery which leaks blood into the back of Steve's body and it's nearly an hour later before they discover their error.  By now Sjogren is flat-lining.  Having coded for close to seven minutes can cause enormous damage to the body.  Although Steve suffers with some necrosis he is protected by major difficulties because of the Grace of God.  The Book describes in depth the glory of Heaven that he witnessed and the meeting with Angels.  Not to take from the author's testimony, it is up to you to read.  There is shocking revelations about Bob Dylan and Robert (Bob) Kardashian who was an Elder in the church at one time.  Yes, Kim's dad.  I found great comfort and joy in this book and hope that everyone gets a chance to read it.  Don't shortchange yourself!

 

You Have to Feel The Pain In Order to Heal

On February 16th, 2013 at 5:55 am my mother-in-law took her last breathe after struggling with stage four lung cancer. My mother-in-law and I had a bizarre relationship, she was a dear friend of mine. The family found out about her cancer during the Thanksgiving holiday so for us her passing came quite quickly. For years I daydreamed about the time my husband would retire and we could spend more time with his mom, my mom and our families but life doesn't always happen the way we plan. I awake now with this overwhelming sense of sadness and emptyness. The tears come because she won't be back. I don't like the pain nor the sadness, I don't like that she has died and is gone but in order to heal one must feel the grief. I've lost my father, my best girlfriend to pancreatic cancer, my grandparents, some cousins, two brother-in-laws and aunts and uncles and it never gets any easier. Even for Christians. For some people they think that because of our faith, we don't feel the pain. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus who had first-hand knowledge of how grand Heaven is, cried for Mary and Martha when Lazarus died. He wept because he felt their pain. However comforting it is to know we will see our loved ones again in the afterlife we still feel a real loss here. Life will not be the same without our beloved departed. Shirley was a real gem, a rare find and I was blest to be a part of her family. I will ever be grateful for that and noone can take her place. In the meantime I feel like I am on an emotional roller coaster, sometimes sad and than angry that this occurred and than content that she is no longer in chronic pain. You can't stifle your pain or pretend it is not there. Some people turn to drinking and/or drugs which only will mask your feelings for awhile. I know that in time I will be stronger to deal and healed to a point where grief doesn't take up most of my day because death is part of the seasons. In order to heal you must feel the pain and go through being uncomfortable for awhile. Miss you Mom~ <

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. 

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?

Although Dying, Deb Glorifies God for Cancer

 

Margaret Terry's DEAR DEB will make us all realize there must be a God and that his miracles do exist.  This is a true account of  a young woman afflicted with both brain and lung cancer and her quest to find a miracle.  Margaret Terry knowing Deb as an acquaintance through Church has a desire to encourage her with her writings.  The finished book is a lovely account of how God truly works in mysterious ways.  Margaret digs deep into her past to send passages of hope to Deb on a regular basis.  The bond that is created is bittersweet because the author knows that it will be short lived, Deb is not getting better.  The letters are 'the miracles' that Deb needed to get through each day and Ms. Terry enjoys doing this for her.  The reader will find a real miracle in Deb's words as she states to Margaret the following '"If my illness inspired you to write these stories, the cancer was worth it."'  Deb knew God and she believed in his promises.  She knew her body would be whole in Heaven and she had no doubt as to where she was going.  This book was a priviledge to read for the Book Sneeze network in exchange for my review.  I am and will be a better person for reading this.  Deb is a hero, to be able to thank God under such circumstances and to share her last months with us and Margaret Terry is also a hero for sticking by Deb's side knowing the heartbreak she would feel when she was gone.  This book brought back memories of my best friend who passed away in 2003 of pancreatic cancer.  It was very emotional for me but also one of the most inspiring books that I have read in 2012.  I wasn't able to put it down.

Completely Submerged Underwater; A Spiritual Awaking

Most individuals must hit rock bottom before looking up and asking for God's help. Author Mary Neal literally is totally submerged underwater due to a kayak accident when she first cries out to the Lord and feels his amazing love and grace. She is comforted that all will be all right even if she dies. She experiences death and this is her story in "To Heaven & Back A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again: A True Story". For believers, this book will reaffirm their faith, for non-believer's it will broaden their perspective and hopefully encourage them to seek out more on the afterlife. The book is exciting and inspiring. Learning that there is no fear in death and that the author is full of sadness when she finds out that it isn't her time...makes Heaven seem that much more grand. I am must honored to have read this book for Walterbrook Multomah in exchange for my honest review.