A Simple Woman's Daybook - August edition

Outside my window...
The sudden afternoon rainstorm is over, giving way to blue skies with some white fluffy clouds.

I am thinking...
That I am overwhelmed by how much I have not yet accomplished for this summer that I had originally planned.

I am thankful...
For family visiting from the West.

In the kitchen...
Couple things still need to be handwashed, and my island is rather cluttered, as usual.

I am wearing...
Workout gear - black capris and coral tank top

I am creating...
Three hair do's for three girls and a video they're making.

I am going...
to relax and watch some TV tonight - Bomber game, Amazing Race Canada, and possibly Castle.

I am wondering...
how long it will take to catch up on my office work

I am reading...
way too much instead of working

I am hoping...
to find my motivation

I am looking forward to...
going out tomorrow with Emma for our annual mother/daughter day - optometrist, dentist, lunch, shopping

I am learning.....
John 1-3.  Memorizing it in moral support of Emma as she's memorizing it in order to go to the youth retreat for free.

Around the house...
let's not go there

I am pondering...
the sadness of suicide (with the recent news of Robin Williams death).  What I find the most sad is that he likely ended his life thinking nothing could possibly be worse than what he was currently experiencing, but (unless he cried out to God in his final moments) he has just discovered how much worse it can actually be, except now it truly is never-ending.  So sad for the families of everyone (whether well-known or unknown) who has lost a family member this way. Thankful for God's mercies which are new every morning - great is His faithfulness.

A favorite quote for today...
Psalms 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

One of my favorite things...
relaxing by our pool in this beautiful summer heat

A few plans for the rest of the week:
day out with Emma tomorrow, more swimming, a niece's birthday party, Tinkertown and other get togethers with out of town family

A peek into my day...

Book Review: Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

About the book: 

His mission.

His team.

Captain Dean Watters keeps these parts of his life in laser-like focus. So when hackers threaten both his mission and his team, Dean's Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Ten military super-secure computers are missing-which if opened, would give America's enemies a blueprint of US military intelligence. Failing to stop the hackers isn't an option.

Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. She's also a target. Her expertise in quantum cryptology makes her an unwitting pawn in the hackers' deadly game. They're coming for her, and Dean and his team must stop them.

Before the team can get to Zahrah, she disappears. Now Dean must race to rescue her and stop the hackers from unleashing terror on millions across the globe. But to do so, Dean will be forced to crack open the steel box around his heart-a move that might come at the highest cost.

My Thoughts: Along with historical, romance, and drama - I also really enjoy action movies and books.  Especially when it combines suspense and action with faith and even a little romance.

The realities of military life are not glossed over in this book, neither are the faith struggles that can go along with this reality.  Though this is a work of fiction, it still pays tribute to the sacrifices made by our military heroes.

I enjoyed the story line, the characters, the relationships, the suspense (the mole!), the writing - everything!   This was my first read by Ronie Kendig but it won't be my last.


Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy

Book Review: Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

About the book: 

Abby's shattered faith in both God and man is challenged when the terrible earthquake hits 1906 San Francisco.

While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn't expect, however, is for God's answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best.

As they work together toward a cure, Abby's feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?

My Thoughts: I really love reading historical fiction, especially when the author does her job well and you feel transported back in time as though you were there yourself.  Barnett achieves this and more in this great read.  

I also enjoy it when books explore theological issues such as, in this case, God's sovereignty throughout the good and bad in our lives.  Barnett addresses this but does so in a way that doesn't make it feel like a heavy or ponderous read.  God is with us, He is good, and He is faithful.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy