Prayers of a Stranger A Christmas Story By Davis Bunn

After spending the previous year trying to shut out the tragedy that befell her, Amanda Vance starts to awaken to the reality that God is leading her to deal with that which she has tried to forget. When a chance to visit the Holy Land comes, she surprises herself by saying yes, and thus embarks on a journey that allow herself to begin to heal and come to terms with what happened. Meanwhile, back in the States, her husband is able to begin coming out of what has been a trying year with his job, and seeing that his faithfulness is finally being rewarded.

This was a touching story, that developed the characters well and took them down a realistic storyline. I stayed intrigued throughout, and Amanda’s story was well thought out. However, I found the husband’s story to be a bit of a stretch, and that things just seemed to fall into place for him. He was the “perfect man”, saying the right things, doing the right things, respected by all, and able to handle the “bad guy” with a hero’s ease. While I found his part in the story interesting, it put a slightly unrealistic touch to it. I found myself wishing he’d be less sympathetic, more frustrated at his wife, just more… human. Overall, I enjoyed the book and felt it to be a nice read. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Scent of Rain by Kristen Billerbeck

After being jilted at the altar, Daphne Sweeten leaves to start the life she was supposed to have with her new husband in Dayton. In the process, she manages to lose the one thing that could propel her to the life she wishes she could still have. However, the faith a man in her, the faith of her best friend, and the perfectly packaged events created in this story allow her to realize that perhaps all is not lost, and in the end she can live happily ever after still.

I admit, that was sarcasm, and it’s the result of being rather disappointed in this story by Ms. Billerbeck. She written stories with more depth to the characters, but this is not one of them. It seemed the ex-fiance, who never officially appears as part of the story line, had more depth illustrated for him than the main character’s new love interest (though the far-stretching descriptive metaphors given to him helped). There seemed to be a disjointed-ness between events, and outer characters were very one dimensional, and only used to help make everything work out for the main character. It was a light read, good for those who really don’t want to get too involved in a story, or who want to expand their knowledge about the perfumery field. I do think this had the potential for a great story, but that Ms. Billerbeck sent it to print long before it was truly ready.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I Am A Follower by Leonard Sweet

Within the pages of “I Am A Follower” by Leonard Sweet, the reader is challenged in so many ways. He offers a very thought provoking re-definition of what our leaders should really be focused towards. He challenges Christ-followers to be exactly that, and as a result, will in turn create more Christ-followers. He shows that Christ is the only true leader; and in doing so, he outlines how we are to pattern our lives to be His followers, first. This book will challenge your walk, your mind, and if you are a leader, your leadership.

I found this book to be a challenge largely because it is very involved. This is not a light read. The truths presented are solid, well thought out, well written, and almost always, deep. The amount of sources quoted are numerable. Mr. Sweet is able to bring forth truths from the Apostle Paul, the early centuries, through the ages, and all the way through the modern era, directing the reader to look at youtube videos, tying them together in a way that is truly poetic. And yet, through that, he is able to bring out the most basic truths found in the Word. I often found myself laying the book down to chew on a thought presented, and allow his points to sink in. I recommend this to leaders, to pastors, and to anyone wanting to jump in and join the dance of following the one true leader, Christ. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

To Multi-task or not to Multi-task!

I often spend a lot of my homeschooling time sitting and waiting on my kids to work a problem, or read an article or finish up a paper we started together. This doesn't jive well with my slightly impatient, want to get done personality. (And yes, I confess, I'm doing this somewhat while waiting for a son to get a math problem worked out...) I find I am tempted to multi-task and work on something else while they are in concentration. But what ultimately results is I am then distracted, and have to work to refocus when they are once again ready for my attention. The result? So many of them, none of them really very good.
1. My "distraction" activity is not getting the focus IT needs, and does not turn out the best, or takes longer than it should.
2. I am not in tune to what they were doing and have to refigure out where we were at, thus resulting in more time and potentially, mis-teaching.
3. I am teaching my kids the art of multi-tasking in a way that is not productive.
4. At times, I end up wasting time doing something I don't normally indulge in (insert facebook and pinterest confession here!)
5. I often end up frustrated that I got interrupted in doing my "distraction" activity once they have completed their task!

So are we to multi-task? Is it really that effective? I'm sure much smarter people than me have studied it and made conclusions both for and against.
What it boils down to is - in my multi-tasking, am I short changing those involved? Me. The person(s) associated with my "distraction" activity, be it a recipient of an email or a blog-reader or my husband's company bookkeeping. And most importantly, my child. When the answer to any of that is YES, I have to reevaluate priorities and retrain my focus.
But... (insert slight whine) I get so BORED waiting, when I see they are progressing well! I can't stand to sit and do NOTHING! So how do I fill that waiting time with the non-distracting, non-disengaged activities?
I personally found the answer by doing exactly what it is. While recently waiting not-so-patiently, I allowed my mind to wander a bit, rather than sliding over to my keyboard, and pondered exactly that thought. It's found in Philippians, and is applicable to oh so many wandering thought times...

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ~ Philippians 4:8

I can use these little nuggets of time to just think, and not necessarily about what else I COULD take care of in that time, but rather - think the things of God. Things that are true. Noble. Right. Pure. Lovely. Admirable. Excellent. Full of Praise.
Be in awe of my child quietly working.
Thanking God for the opportunity before me to teach my child.
Praising Him that another child is quietly working and not distracting.
Contemplating how I might use this thing they are working on to glorify Him (did you know that math is a function of order, and God is the One who ESTABLISHED order?)
Silently claim His Word over my child as they work
Go through a current memory verse.

By taking captive my thoughts, and turning them to the things of Him, I can glorify Him in these little moments, and the usual results dissipate. Not only that, but I find when my mind is focused on the things of Him, I no longer deal with the typical frustrations of getting interrupted, because when our minds are fixed on Him - He will keep us in perfect peace! And frustrations dissipate when our minds are at peace, and the "interruptions" are the result of our natural calling!

Now THAT'S the way to multi-task!

(and just for accountability... conviction set in about midway through, and I left this writing off until I did NOT have a child sitting at my desk working through a problem! Our walk with Him is indeed a day by day, step by sometimes stumbling step process!)

Three Cups By Tony Townsley with Mark St. Germain

Three Cups is a simple book for children and parents to share together. It teaches the principles of giving, saving, and spending, and opens the door to discuss financial basics, such as saving money at a bank and interest; saving money in order to give; and saving money to spend. It is not in depth, but gives just enough to pique a child’s curiousity to ask the questions that a parent can answer, at their own age level. This book is appropriate for all ages; a small child can understand the simple concept of the three cups, while an older child, while they may initially consider this juvenile, can still begin to understand the purpose behind the three cups concept.

I read this with my 8 year old daughter, and it immediately sparked a discussion about interest and taking money to the bank. The principles are ones we have instilled in our children already, so it was fun to reiterate it in a different light, but to also present a new level to the aspect of saving.

I downloaded this book to my ipad, and perhaps it’s only because I am a new ipad user – but my only complaint was the pictures did not seem to match up to the words. I’d read, and then the picture would come later, or the picture would tell the story before we got to the words.

I appreciated the two pages at the end where the authors share a little more information with the parents to prompt discussions, and ideas, on how to implement The Three Cups system within your own home.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Encounter by Steve Arterburn

The Encounter by Steve Arterburn is a sweet story that the author based on a couple of situations he knew of. Finding that out at the end made it a little more bearable. The premise is that a man has struggled to understand and thereby, forgive his mother for abandoning him as a child. Once the truth was revealed, I have to say, I was disappointed. He ends the book with a teaching on forgiveness, the effect of unforgiveness, and the road to take to be freed from this poison. While his truth is valid, it lacked the full force of the gospel that makes it real and effective. The story, I felt, was more a parable used to teach the lesson he was trying to get across; to that effect, it was done fairly well, if not a little too neatly. For a strong, intriguing, heart pulling read, however, this book will certainly disappoint. However, if you are looking to start pursuing wisdom and healing in the area of forgiveness, you may find this book a good introduction to that often hard path. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”