Beautiful Lessons of Mother Teresa

              A CALL TO MERCY Hearts to Love, Hands to Serve is a lovely compilation of the words of Mother Teresa and explanations on how we should serve the Lord and treat all human beings worthy of service.  The book is difficult at times for those less educated on the Catholic Faith and their rituals.  I fall into this category and could have become frustrated to the point of not reading.  Yet I desired to learn more about Mother Teresa and found much inspiration and understanding in her words.  Whomever she came in contact whether a dying poor man or the President of the United States, she showed the same respect and Love of Christ to all.  She confirmed the importance of treating all men/women equally and that is still very important today, in the time we are living.
She stresses the importance of visiting the sick and those who are imprisoned.  Our service should include praying for all individuals and being patient in our trials.  There is a multitude of testimonies from individuals who knew Mother Teresa. 
I was given the opportunity to examine this book for Blogging for Books in exchange for my thoughts.  It is an excellent read.

Christmas 2015

                 Last night I was sitting back reflecting on the past year and my heart swelled with such gratitude. I got everything I wanted and feel spoiled not just by my family and friends but also by God.  It's amazing to see how circumstances worked out when I was close to losing Faith.  The end result being much joy and many blessings.  I would plea, never ever give up because God's way truly is the Best even when we cannot see.
       I can't help but contemplate on the things my husband does for us (his family) and always with such love.  What a wonderful world it would be if there were more Harold's; a true gentleman who bends over backwards to help others out.  I could never ask for a better spouse.
       This year my little sister came home twice (spiritually & naturally).  My soul sings with such joy renewing our relationship which was hard to keep up when she lived miles away.  Now back in Michigan it's like we never ever were apart.
        The Lord saw my many fastings and prayer for my youngest daughter.  He initiated a wonderful Miracle in her life and no sooner did things resolve in her life than an unexpected emergency occurred in my eldest daughter's life.  Nicole & Nick being close to twenty years of marriage and who gave me Bailey & Cara (Bailey being 17 years and Cara 16)  became pregnant again.  She had a very difficult delivery and withstood many blood tranfustions but Thank God she is ok today and we are all loopy with love for our newest addition, Brayden,
        Through our Church I became very close friends with a sweet sister from Georgia.  Sister Kenah Knowles.  Although we have never met in person, it's like we knew one another all of our lives.  She has become an inspiration by sharing her experiences and a prayer partner for life.  Pray for our dear sister who lost her husband not long ago.  He being a member and she is my age.  Their love and bond through God was great and the separation has been difficult.
       Oh the Great Love of God.  He is so real and real in our lives if we would but have Him.  I began 2015 with many concerns and I watched as the Lord worked through each situation and only through Him was I able to make it through to enjoy the end results...of pure joy~

Never Too Old For God's Service

Billy Grahams latest biography is a beautiful testament to that God can use us at any age and that we can be a testimony whether we are in our nineties or a young person.  He will never fire us nor do we have to retire or resign because we just can't be of assistance.  Nearing Home  made the New York Times best selling list and also won the 2012 Christian Book of the Year.  I recall my mother telling me many times that the elderly in the Church were the wisest individuals because they had the most experience in life and that we can learn a lot from them.  There is a wealth of information in Mr. Grahams Nearing Home.  His priority now is finishing well that walk he made the decision to take as a young lad.  He looks forward to meeting up with his beautiful wife, Ruth again who passed away a while back.  Chapter two , 'Don't Retire From Life' is meant for senior citizens but could also encourage anyone who is facing depression.  He covers many subjects that the elderly face and are going through, such as retirement; money matters; physical pain and looking forward to our Heavenly Home.  I highly recommend this excellent book which I had the opportunity to review for BookSneeze.

The 5 Love Languages for Kids by Dr. Gary Chapman

 

Award Winning Author, Dr. Gary Chapman teams up with Rick Osborne and Illustrator, Wilson Williams Jr  to create this phenomenal book with interactive website to teach children the values and importance of Love.  Selling more than 7 million copies confirms the success of the #1 New York Best Seller.  The author categorizes the way love is given and received in five forms; words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time and physical touch.  He has written numerous books not only for children but also adults to teach all ages about the greatest gift of all...charity.  More information can be obtained at The 5 Love Languages Website .  A Perfect Pet for Peyton is the lovely story that I was allowed to review for Moody Press in exchange for my opinions.  The twins, Peyton and Penny are celebrating their birthday and are excited to be going to The Perfect Pet Pal Emporium for their gift.  I was thrilled to see that the children pray throughout their day.  I got attached to this fictional Christian family.  It's a wonderful read for the children to learn respect and manners.  Peyton opens the car door for his mother.  Their parents decide to hold their Birthday party at the Pet Emporium with all their friends. The friends will also  choosing pets for themselves. What's awesome about this peticular place is that it is part zoo, part farm and part aquarium so there is dozens of pets to encounter and choose from.  Without giving away too much of  the story, it centers on the young peoples journey and their great excitement.  It promotes family unity and support.  The Perfect Pet for Peyton is a positive tool for young parents which I highly recommend~

Goodbye to Yesterday~Awesome Amish Fiction!

  New York Times Best selling Author, Wanda E. Brunstetter, presents us with The Discovery Part 1 of 6 in the Lancaster County Saga Series.   For this amish fiction fan, the book  was a big win, leaving me excited to read more.  I am intrigued to learn how this religious sect fares under trials and turmoils and the main characters...Luke and Meredith encounter their share.  Readers will also yearn to find out if their love will survive separation and tragedy.

Lack of communication is one of the top reasons for divorce in our era.  In this Amish Saga, old school Luke Stoltzfus forbid's his loving wife to work after losing his job (the only family income).  Instead Luke shuts down in self-pity.  Meredith fears that anything that she has to say will set her husband off.  Her days are full of walking on eggshells and trying to hide the newly discovered fact that she is pregnant.  Luke feels it is an answered prayer when his Uncle Amo's wants to train him to take over his gravestone engraving business while Meredith is doubtful if it is worth traveling out of state to Indiana for a career her spouse knows nothing about.  The two cannot afford for both of them to go so that means Meredith will be left behind.  Facing obstacles that many married couples encounter really made this book becoming to me.  The book is small and easy to read in less than a couple days but it is also engaging.  I highly recommend this new series and thank Handlebar Cental for the fond opportunity of reviewing.

 

 

 

             

Encomium for Nick Vujicic

Just when society thought that there were no adequate role models, along comes Nick Vujicic.  A young man who was born with gargantuan challenges yet celebrates Life with a thankful heart and incredible courage.  If  we all could emulate the strength and willingness to encourage others like Mr. Vujicic, our lives could be a beacon of  God's unfailing love such as his is.  In his book,  Your Life Without Limits: Living Above Your Circumstances the author proves that nothing can quench the human spirit except ones self.  Nick Vujicic shares his testimony of  how he was not born with any limbs (arms or legs) and how he wants to acheive some type of  normalcy.  He struggles with not wanting to be a burden to others and prays to find his place.  He also shares his fight with suicide which would befall any of us had we been in his position.  His prayers are answered as he discovers hope in his maker and he begins to take challenges and overcompensate with what he can acheive to overcome his impediment.  In time, Nick is defying all the odds as he learns that he can gain victory.  His amazing journey will inspire all who read it.  The author successfully gives all a recipe to follow to overcome any obstacle they may be facing and how to retain hope and joy through suffering. His story is number one in my best books of 2012.  I have been given the wonderful opportunity to examine his biography for Walterbrook Multnomah Blog Program in exchange for my review.  Please enjoy the trailer of  this best seller below and than get on the bandwagon and obtain your own copy!

 

Bobby Richardson ~ World Series MVP

World Series MVP for the New York Yankee's "Bobbie Richardson" was not just an outstanding baseball player.  In his book "Impact Player Leaving a Lasting Legacy on & off the Field" the reader will discover what his first priority was in life.  Mr. Richardson remained a humble individual while playing baseball but his first love was his faith in God.  He was a man devoted to much prayer and demonstrating Christian qualities.  He was never embarrassed to talk about the goodness of God.  Though he was fortunate enough to play along with Yogi Berra; Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris these things never swayed him from his life long purpose.  Even when starting his relationship with his wife, he had these important words inscribed in stone, '"Only one life, it will soon be past.  Only a life for Christ will last."'  This autobiography which was supplied to me by the Tyndale Network in exchange for my honest review has proven to be such a blessing.  It would make a great gift for husband, sons and grandsons  so keep in mind with the Holidays coming up around the corner.  Bobbie Richardson's history raises warm feelings within me.  When I was growing up, many a sports team player could be looked upon as a role model and Author Richardson can be revered in the same way.  He is a true mentor who encourages the readers to be grateful in everything.and to stay focused on your goals.  '"Bobby Richardson Impact Player A Memoir-Leaving a Lasting Legacy On & Off The Field"' is a work of excellence worth reading!

 

50 Days of Hope Encourages those facing Cancer

Lynn Eib, colon cancer survivor, shares her messages of encouragement to others facing cancer. Ironically, one day before I received my copy of 50 DAYS OF HOPE to review for the Tyndale Blog Network my mother called to relate to me that the doctors discovered another lump in her breast. Our family was looking forward to her reaching her five year cancer free diagnosis which was right around the corner. Our faith is in God as we await the results of the biospy. This book is the perfect gift to give your loved ones if only to share the awareness that they are not alone. Lynn Eib is able to relate on a more intimate level having experienced the ups and downs of treatment that others must face. She is able to share how her illness brought her closer to God thus finding the positive during difficult times. Yes, I highly recommend!