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."'

Movie Review: 94 Feet

     FishFlix is a prominent Christian Movie Online Store designed to deepen your faith.  Imagine my surprise when I was contacted by their representative to do reviews for them.  What an Honor!  They are noted for '"featuring thousands of Christian dvds , everyday low prices and FREE shipping for orders over $40.'"  How phenomenal is that?  Family oriented entertainment at an affordable price.
Those that join the FishFlix mailing list and/or text 5-GIFT to 44222 will receive a $5 coupon to FishFlix.com.
With such a wide array of Christian topics to view (biographies, end times, children and sports to name a few) in film and movies they don't disappoint.  I have since become a huge fan of FishFlix.

FishFlix sent me the newly released movie  94 Feet which is the harrowing story of a small Indiana coal mining community which is met with catastrophe. Although the location is fiction based, the events are true St. Michaels is a town where people work hard.  They are family oriented and basically good people. St. Michaels has been financially spent since a number of their businesses have gone bankrupt. The movie focuses on the layoff's of the coal miners group;  which the people respected for generations.  Now it is feared that it will lend to their doom.  Long standing members of the town decide to leave.  Others are on the brink of losing hope. The characters are impeccable, making the story come to life.  While watching I felt akin to Chris and Denise Rossi who both lost their father's to coal mining collapses.  Chris has a best friend, Marco who is quite the character.  Their friendship keeps the watchers on a roller coaster of laughter and tears.  And than it happens, on what seems to be the last work for many who were laid off or who are leaving, the mine collapes 94 feet.  With little air to survive, we witnesses employees helping one another to survive and helping the dying.  The community unites together in Faith.  Without spoiling the movie I have to say it is one of the most powerful movies I ever seen .  I loved it! These type of movies are my favorite. As a Christian we all face adversity and tribulations and I enjoy learning how others get through their most difficult times.  I vow to learn from these circumstances.  I highly recommend 94 Feet!

God Loves Broken People By Sheila Walsh

Sheila Walsh reinterates that noone that walks the face of the this Earth, does so unscathed. A concept that I have tried to share with my daughters while they were growing up. The glory of it all lies between the pages of her new book GOD LOVES BROKEN PEOPLE because the Lord offers us an alternative way to dealing with pain. Oft times, human beings our deaf to God's words because they are too busy with their fulfilled lives. It's unfortunate that most of us have to reach bottom before we look up to him. It is at our lowest times that, when our hearts are broken we seek out his solace and in so doing learn the greatest secrets to Faith, Hope and His Love. Sheila Walsh makes herself vulnerable by sharing her private struggles and ultimate intimacy with God in this amazing book. If most Christians are honest, they too, have similar experiences. I know that I, also, drew my closest to God when tragedy and loss struck my family. Many things we experience in life are really blessings in disguise and with God, we can make something positive out of the negative. All humans experience pain although different times and seasons than our own what is important is how we deal with these circumstances. GOD LOVES BROKEN PEOPLE will be an inspirational source for many and offers everyone a hope to hold on during their most difficult hours. I highly recommend this splendid resource and feel priviledged that I was able to obtain a copy of this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest review.