30 Day Writing Challenge - Day 2 - Your Earliest Memory

Day 2 - Your Earliest Memory

I have a notoriously bad memory - at least when it comes to remembering things from the past.  The earliest moments I can remember are in Grade 1. I have several memories from that time period.

I remember an assembly where a performer of some kind came and brought a caged tiger or some other sort of wild cat for us to see.

Another assembly where they had a moonwalking contest.

There was a time when I was jealous of my best friend Becky because the teacher publicly praised the way she was coloring in her circle, which was different than the way I was going it.  Yup, those perfectionist tendencies began a long time ago!

And there was a time when Becky got hurt on one of the structures on the play ground - that one where you hold on and you swing around and around a pole?  She ended up going flying off it. Yeah, they don't have that one anymore nowadays.

I also remember someone I know, who shall remain nameless (not me!), getting pantsed.

There you have it - memories from Grade 1!

30 Day Writing Challenge - Day 1 - Five Problems with Social Media

I haven't written anything on this blog, aside from book reviews, for a long time now.  When I saw this challenge, I decided to take it!

Day 1 - Five Problems with Social Media

1) Gives the illusion of intimacy and friendship.

There are a lot of things good about social media, including ways we can use social media to enhance our friendships.  It's a great way to send someone a quick note of encouragement and to keep up somewhat with people we simply don't have time to get together with.

At the same time, if I just read updates about someone, without actually interacting with them or discussing things with them, they don't even know that I know about it, and it certainly isn't deepening our relationship.  It gives the illusion of knowing someone without actually knowing them. It gives the illusion of being friends when you're actually just "Facebook stalking".

2) Venting

Social media is not the place for people to vent, and yet they do it all the time, saying things publicly that should be kept private.  It's always good to remember the 24 hr rule when you get upset - give yourself 24 hrs to think things over before confronting someone.  And if you still need to confront them - don't do it on Facebook!

3) Depersonalization

Social media causes people to not seem like actual human beings.  Some of the comments people make about the people in a news article or opinion piece are horrifying!  Even if you don't know them personally, they're still real people.  It's also given rise to sexting and all sorts of inappropriate behaviour online.

4) Rudeness

A combination of #2 and #3 - people tend to say things online to and about people they actually do know that they would never say to their face.  The depersonalization of social media makes people forget this is a real person with real feelings that they're addressing.  That combined with the false anonymity barrier it provides, can cause people to go off in a way they never would "in real life".  The problem is, the people they are addressing ARE real, and the effects ARE felt in real life.

5) No room for mistakes

There is no room for our teenagers to make mistakes - at least, not without that mistake getting broadcast for all the world to see.  No matter where you are or what you're doing, there is someone with a cell phone that is ready to document your most embarrassing moment, or the moment in time you wish you could go back and erase - but now you'll never be able to because it's preserved in internet history.

I think this list could go a lot longer than just 5!

Book Review: Pass it On by Jim Burns & Jeremy Lee

About the Book: Parents often experience a "freak out" moment when they realize their children's view of God will primarily come from what they learn at home.
Most parents spend more time helping their kids succeed at academics or athletics than infusing shared spiritual experiences into the rhythm of everyday family life.

While the idea of strategically passing down our faith can seem intimidating, the annual Rites of Passage Experiences contained in Pass It On make it easy for your family to celebrate milestones from kindergarten through high school graduation. Forever change the direction of your family's spiritual legacy . . . starting now!

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1jCKyrU

My Thoughts:  Something that often bothers me about many Christian parenting books is the fact that they are great (and long) on theory but short on practical ways to implement what they are teaching.  I often come away from those books thinking that I agree about what to do, but I have not the first idea of how to accomplish it.

This book gives you the practical in spades!

Each chapter of the book covers a different grade level and has a specific purpose of something spiritual you want to work on instilling into your child.  It gives several examples of ways to accomplish this and ideas of how to celebrate it in your child's life.  It is flexible - you can switch years if it's more appropriate for your particular child, you can combine some of skip some, and of course, you can always add your own!  Each chapter includes sample scripts and questions - you truly will feel like you're being guided step by step through the process, yet left with enough flexibility to make it unique and applicable to your family and child.  

This is a great book to have for every step along the parenting journey!


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

Book Review: The Oaks Remain by Julia J Gibbs

About the Book: 

In a world divided by blood and race, Veralee Harper comes of age under the guardian oaks of her family’s isolated plantation in southern Alabama. Red Oaks stands frozen in time, a haven for Simulacrum people for generations, against the chaotic world of the Friguscor. Life quickly unravels when her own split second decision breaks the Simulacrum law she is bound to keep. The blood moons have begun, the watchers have returned and war with the cold-hearts, the Friguscor seems inevitable. As she struggles to reconcile deep love for her family and loyalty to her people with the reality she is coming to know and the love she finds for a mysterious man, she realizes she is marked by more than the tseeyen on her arm. Many have a plan for Veralee Harper, but only she can decide which way it will end.

My Thoughts: Books that fall under the fantasy category, even if only just barely, do not generally interest me.  This book, however, thoroughly captivated me.

The author writes with such stunning detail that you can picture yourself within the pages.  At times her writing style can only be described as beautifully poetic, far different than the "dumbed down" style we're used to hearing spoken in our modern society, yet it does not seem out of place.

You can read this book somewhat superficially if you are so inclined, but any sort of in-depth reading at all will have you pondering all sorts of questions.  What is my purpose? Who am I? How do my life choices affect the lives of those around me?  Is the law to be followed blindly or interpreted through circumstance? Should there ever be exceptions to the law? Do our motives matter?  Do the ends justify the means?

People are separated into two different races - Simulacrum and Friguscor.  The differences between the two are internal at the core, yet manifest outwardly as well.  The blood of the Simulacrum protects them, causing them to age slowly and heal quickly.  The cold hearted Friguscor begin dying and decaying immediately after birth.  Though they live and work side by side, the Simulacrum try to limit their contact with the Friguscor for safety reasons.  The Friguscor can sense the sweet smell of the Simulacrum, and once they've gained a taste of their blood, they have an insatiable hunger for more and are capable of inflicting monstrous atrocities in order to obtain it.  Veralee begins to question the long-standing rules and traditions of the Simulacrum and questions whether it is possible for the Friguscor to be saved.  And if it's possible, is it worth the risk?  

The book clearly wrestles with themes contained in the Bible - the differences between Jews and Gentiles of the OT; the Jews' struggle to decide who Jesus was; the tendency of many to blindly cling to law over grace; the offering of a perfect life in order to take the punishment of the guilty; the power of the blood of Jesus; and the reality of eternity. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for Book 2 in this series!

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.   Thanks Julia! 

Celebrate the Whit Award with Adventures in Odyssey

 

Most people can think of one or two figures whose love and life example had a great impact on the formation of their spiritual foundation. It might be a coach, a Sunday school teacher or a parent or grandparent. Whatever the role, it’s hard to put a value on the investment these people make on a daily basis. In an effort to bring honor to these countless, quiet heroes, Adventures in Odyssey announces the John Avery Whitaker Award. Named after Odyssey’s resident leader and the namesake of Odyssey’s most famous attraction, Whit’s End, the award will be bestowed annually on one deserving mentor.

Like the Adventures in Odyssey character John Avery Whitaker, or “Whit” as he’s known by fans of the show, the person should be someone who is passionate about innovatively teaching children the truths expressed in the Bible. Those who create Adventures in Odyssey know that while Whit might be a fictitious character, there are thousands of real people just like him. “Our hope is that by bringing those people into the light, others will be inspired to follow their example,” says Dave Arnold, the executive producer of Adventures in Odyssey. “If we can spur mature believers in Christ to mentor and influence a generation being barraged with messages of compromise, we can turn the tide and encourage revival in our youth.”

Nominations are being accepted now through October 31 for the “Whits” out there in the world. Beginning on November 1, one nominee will be selected daily and awarded with a prize package including Adventures in Odyssey's latest album, Taking the Plunge, and a DVD of the movie Beyond the Mask. One grand prize winner will be chosen and announced on November 20. This worthy recipient will receive more than $500 worth of Focus on the Family resources, including an Odyssey Adventure Club (OAC) membership. The OAC offers 24/7, on-the-go access to more than 800 episodes of Adventures in Odyssey, as well as a new, members-only episode every month. It is a safe, fun environment where the whole family can explore, create and imagine, all while learning biblical truth.
Nominations can be submitted via this form, or the information can be emailed to contest@whitsend.org. (See the Official Rules for all the details.)
To learn more about the John Avery Whitaker Award, visit www.whitsend.org. Discover the Odyssey Adventure Club at www.oaclub.org or on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Book Review: Counting on a Cowboy by Debra Clopton

About the book:
After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk.

Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the cozy town of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby . . . if she's brave enough to reach out and take it by the reins.

Bo Monahan isn't interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become---or the women who might be looking at him like he's their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn't looking for serious romantic commitments. But when the infant son he never knew about shows up at his doorstep, his world is turned upside down.

This confirmed bachelor might not think he needs a wife, but he sure needs help. Even Abby can see that, and despite her best efforts to keep her distance, she can't help but be drawn to this new father-son duo. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1fniSV6

My Thoughts:  After reading, reviewing, and loving Book 1 of this series I was really looking forward to reading this one.  I wouldn't say I was disappointed in the book, but I did like the first book better than the second.

That being said, Clopton knows how to make a town and it's people come to life.  My favourite characters are probably Pops and Pebble, but the author does a great job of getting you to be invested in all of them.

I was, however, disappointed in how some of the topics were handled, particularly since this is a Christian novel.  I thought the themes of sin and forgiveness could've been fleshed out a lot more and that it was missing some solid doctrine.  When topics like that are brought up but then not dealt with from a Christian standpoint, it makes you wonder what the point is.

That said, it was a quick and easy read, and I'm hoping for more from Book 3.


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

Book Review: Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

About the Book: Faced with an uncertain future, sometimes all you have left is the courage to dream.

Brianna and Colleen O'Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he's put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.

Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry---as long as her father's choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men
quickly complicate everyone's plans.

As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O'Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father's machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Mi7dDS

My Thoughts:  I loved the cover of this book, but I was a bit disappointed in the content.

There were things I loved about the book and things I didn't.  I loved the setting and how it was portrayed, but wish the storyline revolved more around the horse farm and the family possibly losing it, instead of just the romance.  The romance between Gilbert and Brianna never really seems natural, and I enjoyed watching the relationship between Rylan and Colleen develop more than Gil & Bree.

I don't believe every Christian fiction novel needs to contain the salvation message, but when it does come up it needs to be accurate, and this one wasn't.  It does talk about turning to God, but doesn't mention Jesus or His sacrifice for our sins, but rather talks about confessing to a priest.  Confession is good for the soul, but absolution can only come through Christ, not a priest.

I also didn't like the focus on following your heart vs your duty.  As the Bible says, the heart is deceitful, and we are much better off following Scripture than following our feelings.

Overall, I wanted to like this book more than I did, but it fell a little short.

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

Book Review: Among the Fair Magnolias

About the book:
In the most turbulent decade of our nation's history, four Southern women---destinies forged by birth, hearts steeled by war---face near impossible choices on their journeys in life . . . and in love.

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home. So when new owner, Aidan Bedford, a Boston attorney and former Union soldier, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, Savannah jumps at the opportunity. But the clock is ticking. Can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed? And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front. This time, one of the heart.

An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray
When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he's determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother's homestead, he discovers she's very ill, and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love
Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser
Emily has a secret: She's in love with one of the freedmen on her family's plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.


My Thoughts:  I thoroughly enjoyed all 4 novellas in this collection, but my favourite one was probably To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander.

My favourite quote from the book occurs when Savannah asks Aidan why he considers the cottage on the property a haven and he says that it is "a haven from everything in the world that is not this". And Savannah replies "But if everything in the world were such as this, where would the longing for heaven be?"

I found this book in particular to be filled with nuggets of wisdom and humility, without being pretentious or fake.

I enjoy works of historical fiction and these 4 novellas did not disappoint!

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

Get Access to Every ‘Adventures in Odyssey’ Episode Ever!

It's August, which means it's nearly time for your kids to pack up their pencils, zip up their backpacks, and hop on the school bus. Aside from prepping them for their new teachers, new classes, or maybe even a new school, it's important to prep their faith. Sign your whole family up for Adventures in Odyssey's Odyssey Adventure Club for a special price of $9.99US/month. The club is an essential tool to teach your children to share their faith at school, to be bold, and to grow in their relationship with God.

 


Join during the month of August for $9.99/month, and you'll receive these benefits for being a member:

Unlimited streaming of Adventures in Odyssey library (800 episodes) retail value over $1,500 USD

New monthly exclusive episodes

Monthly Web Quests

Monthly Clubhouse magazine subscription (U.S. Residents Only)

Daily devotions based on Adventures in Odyssey episodes

OAC monthly member newsletter

OAC exclusive video stories

Animated Odyssey videos, Last Chance Detectives, and more!

Spend the last few weeks of summer vacation with your kids listening to Adventures in Odyssey episodes and build their faith!


Ready to join? Head over to the website and sign up today!

Book Review: A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears

About the Book:  Abandoned by his mail-order bride, Silas Jonesey has fought an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true and his estranged wife has contacted him with her whereabouts.

Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but upon realizing she'd been deceived about her intended groom, she's now settled into life as a schoolteacher. When the mother of a student passes away, Kate assumes she'll take on care of nine-year-old Anthony-until two men suddenly show up in town, claiming to be the boy's father.

Silas can see Anthony loves Kate, so he enlists her help in reaching out to the boy and attempting to prove his paternity to the court. When a common interest in Anthony leads to an interest in each other and Silas and Kate begin to think they can overcome their rocky start, neither is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony's wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?

My Thoughts:  I've always enjoyed reading books about the pioneer days and the times of the mail order bride.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I did feel like it dragged on a little long and that a slightly more condensed version of the story would have been more effective.  The book dealt well with a few heavy issues such as addictions, lack of trust, fear of abandonment, and running from your problems.  One thing I really appreciated was how the author draws you into the lives of the characters and makes you invested in each one of them.

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