Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Reason Why Faith Makes Sense



by Mark Mittelberg

Publisher:
Almost a hundred years ago, successful business leader Robert A. Laidlaw wrote a small book, The Reason Why, to explain in a thoughtful and accessible way why he was convinced that faith in God makes sense. Mark Mittelberg has updated and expanded his discussion of this perennial topic for the twenty-first century. In addition, he highlights some of the more recent evidence relating to these themes:

Is there a God?
Can the Bible be trusted?
Are we accountable to God?

My Review:

This small book is a very easy and quick read. I do recommend it. It would be a great tool for witnessing to someone who questions faith, God or his salvation. The book also will reinforce your beliefs and faith in God. It also is an excellent book for Christians who just “believe” but who have never asked questions about their beliefs – why they believe the way that they do, why they may have questions, etc. If you are just curious, if you have questioned that God or Jesus Christ exists, then this book is for you.

Another reviewer states that this book should be on every Christian’s shelf – make that two copies. One for you and one for someone who is in serious need for it. Good advice.

DISCLAIMER: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale 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.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic



From the Publisher:

Life Without Limits is an inspiring book by an extraordinary man. Born without arms or legs, Nick Vujicic overcame his disability to live not just independently but a rich, fulfilling life, becoming a model for anyone seeking true happiness. Now an internationally successful motivational speaker, his central message is that the most important goal for anyone is to find their life’s purpose despite whatever difficulties or seemingly impossible odds stand in their way.

Nick tells the story of his physical disabilities and the emotional battle he endured trying to deal with them as a child, a teen, and a young adult. “For the longest, loneliest time, I wondered if there was anyone on earth like me, and whether there was any purpose to my life other than pain and humiliation.” He shares how his faith in God has been his central source of strength and explains that once he found his own sense of purpose—inspiring others to make their lives and the world better—he found the confidence to build a rewarding and productive life without limits.

Nick offers practical advice for realizing a life of fulfillment and happiness by building trust in others, developing supportive relationships, and gaining strength for the journey. He encourages the reader by showing how he learned to accept what he could not control and focus instead on what he could. “I do believe my life has no limits! I want you to feel the same way about your life, no matter what your challenges may be. As we begin our journey together, please take a moment to think about any limitations you’ve placed on your life or that you’ve allowed others to place on it. Now think about what it would be like to be free of those limitations. What would your life be if anything were possible?”
—Nick Vujicic, from Life Without Limits

My Review:

This book should be ready by all tweens and teenagers - it should be a requirement in school. In fact - this book should be read by everyone!!! There are so many obstacles out there to overcome and so many become so distraught because they do not feel that they fit in, that there is nothing to live for and that they have no future. Nick Vujicic shows in his book, in his videos and in his speaking that anyone can do anything - even when they have physical limitations. God loves everyone and has a plan for everyone - no matter who you are and no matter what your circumstances are. His videos make me cry, he inspires me as a human being and I hope that you find the same for you when reading this book and that you never forget the lessons to be found inside it's covers!

NOTE: I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for free . I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I paid for this review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Staff Sgt Jason Rogers of Brandon, MS



April 9, 1982 - April 7, 2011

There are hundreds of FaceBook and Twitter posts as well as news media coverage about this young soldier, so I'm not going to repost those here. However, here are the funeral arrangements:

Visitation is 6-9 pm Friday April 15, 2011 at Pinelake Church in Flowood. Services are 3 pm Saturday at the church with burial in New Brandon Cemetery with full military rites. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon.

The church will be full Saturday and there are people from controversial church Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, KS coming to protest at his funeral. There is a post on FB asking people to stand and block them. I only hope that local folks will exercise restraint for the sake of his widow and family---block them but show them how Christians should conduct themselves with love while standing up for the Truth. Instead, let's concentrate on asking ALL local media, and national media if necessary, to NOT give any media coverage on Saturday to this group of people. Ask them to please concentrate on Jason's story, his life, his death and how our soldiers are fighting for the world's freedoms.....even if you don't believe in war. From what I hear, Jason was a wonderful young man who deserves respect and a peaceful funeral and burial.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Jason's memory at Wounded Warrior Project.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

3 Things Thursday

Short & sweet again - I have to get to work to check email before a meeting that lasts most of the day.

1. Crow's Neck Fun - Monday and Tuesday, I was with Bailee's third grade Venture class in the middle of nowhere called Crow's Neck Environmental Education Center outside of Tishomingo, MS. It is in the northeast corner of the state and is a wonderful facility that, unfortunately, too many people do not know about. Go here to read more about it: Crow's Neck. We took two buses but the next morning I wondered where the second bus had gone. Found out the drivers took one bus to drive 35 miles away to stay at a hotel in Booneville which shows how far out we were. Wonderful experience for the children in the RCS gifted program.

2. Favorite Time of the Year - As our federal government has tried to reach a "budget" deal (I use the term budget loosely), it is also tax season. The title of this #2 is actually written as sarcasm. You totally understand if you or your spouse is self-employed :-( There are tons of people who are committing income tax refund fraud around our nation. The IRS does not have many checks in place to prevent this fraud and I don't know how they could catch them. But it sort of ticks me off that they can't get them - especially when I sit here ready to write a check at some point to pay my taxes. If you get any type of refund - don't complain - at least you get one. I just had to vent a little about that. However, I can tell you that the IRS customer service has improved by a ton over the years. I have had to call them on several occasions over the last 9 months and everyone is very helpful, willing to listen and answer questions, etc. That is more than I can say about Comcast customer service (ready my earlier posts about that LOL).

3. School's Almost Out - and I am ready this year as much Cassie is. Bailee would probably go year round if she could. Some of you have read that I've had issues this year with some things - for the first time in six years. It doesn't help that the school system has recently been in the news with some contractor issues. The scary statement in this article Pinestraw Missing is the one that says "Pickering says he expects additional arrests." What happened to audits, following up on complaints for school lawns not being taken care of, etc? I see $$ signs going out the door to unknown places and it's my tax money. Let me state emphatically that I love public schools and that this issue could happen anywhere (for those of you who think private schools are the only way to go), but nobody takes care of business any more with morals, with work ethic, with a giving attitude. It's shameful. Enough said.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Military Will Not Get Paid? by CH (CPT) Ronnie Irwin



Below is written by a long-time friend from Brookhaven who serves as a Chaplain in our military. He says this so well - exactly what many of us as civilians have been thinking for the last two days.

Military Will Not Get Paid? by CH (CPT) Ronnie Irwin

"Military members will continue get paid through April 8th, but after that are only earning and will get money when the government is funded again." Really??? We've been to war to preserve this country's freedom and peace and we aren't important enough to get paid? Whose bright idea was this? Here's what I'll do to "earn" while not getting paid: I'll continue to bury your Heroes of wars past and present. I'll continue to help keep your Soldiers' marriages together. I'll continue to counsel your Soldiers through the often devastating effects of Post-Traumatic Stress from which I also suffer. I'll continue to do physical training so I'm ready to deploy even on short notice. I'll continue to preach the Word and make sure our Soldiers have the opportunity to exercise their freedom of religion. I'll do my best to help other Soldiers get through a financial crisis if it comes to not getting paid. Bottom line---if the military doesn't get paid NO ONE in the government should get paid.

Another quote from Ronnie: "We are a volunteer force. We volunteer to experience things that 99% of America's population will never understand. Don't ask us to go without pay."

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR GOVERNMENT - THAT THEY MAKE UNSELFISH DECISIONS!! OUR LAWMAKERS & OUR PRESIDENT ARE ALL WEALTHY PEOPLE - ESPECIALLY COMPARED TO OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL. PRAY THAT THIS ISSUE IS RESOLVED & THAT OUR GOVERNMENT WAKES UP - THINGS HAVE GOT TO CHANGE IN AMERICA!!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

3 Things Thursday!

A quick one again:

1. Running Update - I am increasing my distance every week but had a setback this week due to not running for 4 days. It was HARD last night but I managed 2.54 miles. It didn't help that The Club's 24/Hr facility was stuffy and hot. I wonder if they have a/c in there. Going to call them today - I want to run, not go to a sauna. There are more and more people coming there - at only $25/month who can blame them. I pay to use both facilities and will continue that so the girls can swim at the main facility. However the 24/hour facility is great when I can only get there at 4:30 a.m. or 8:30 p.m. Thanks to The Club at Crossgates for doing this!

2. School Frustrations - for the first year since my girls have been in school (6th year) I have year-long teacher issues. My oldest daughter's teacher just does not seem to have it together this year....and I've heard from parents who've had her in previous years that they were not happy with her because she just didn't care. I don't understand how someone with that attitude continues to teach while another teacher (who is HIGHLY REQUESTED) was asked to resign by the principal because she dared to disagree with the principal. Stupid egos and power playing needlessly affecting children's educations.

3. Spring!! - I don't know about you guys but I still have spring fever. I'm ready to get our house painted, plant a garden, update my flower beds (which I can't do until the house is painted), finish inside work, etc. Maybe it's because I feel so much better this year than in previous years and maybe it's because I want to teach the girls more about taking care of your possessions, how to can food, saving money by having a garden and the joy of planting beautiful plants. I wish we lived outside the city limits where we had 3 acres or so - I'd have chickens too! LOL - nothing like fresh eggs:-) People who have never had them do not have a clue at the difference in taste. It's amazing.

Have a good week and enjoy the weather!!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

The Fight of Our Lives



By William J. Bennett & Seth Liebsohn

The inside of this book sleeve says "America's devotion to political correctness had crippled its ability to accurately interpret and respond to the motives of its fiercest enemies." After reading this book - I wholeheartedly agree.

Some people will not like this book because it really hits it's subject straight on beginning in the first paragraph. However this is a very good book. It shows the reader that although the US found Saddam Hussein, our war on terrorism is FAR from over - VERY far from over. Bin Laden is still at large, terrorists live among us and the entire US seems to now have decided that we dare not offend anyone - even Muslims.

The book starts with the Ft Hood murders committed by Dr. Nidal Hasan. All the signs were there of his demise - his change of attitude, his unfriendliness, his words agains the US, his words in support of terrorism/radical Islam.....and the entire Army ignored them, allowed him to continue to serve. Unfortunately, our military's tolerance of his behavior and the obvious signs is just as much to blame for what happened as Dr. Hasan himself. Therefore the theme of this book ensues..........because the US tolerance of things is unacceptable and is to blame for much that has happened in recent years.

The Fight of Our Lives strives to show that American has become too complacent. People forget that Islam is not a tolerant religion as is Judiasm or Christianity. The fundamental basis of the religion is that everyone should be Muslim - period - and all Muslims should defeat their "enemies". Tolerance and complacency are America's two greatest enemies - we are destroying ourselves. We live in a "free" country where everyone wants everything........and how dare you or the government disagree or prevent anyone from having what they want. This complacency has now evolved into complacency with the war on terrorism.

This book is very well documentated and very well written but it is not preachy - it demonstrates the writers knowledge of ths subject very well with many facts to back up what is written. If nothing else can be learned from the book - it should convince the reader that our nation needs to begin thinking about right vs. wrong, good vs. evil, peace vs. terrorism, again. If you are looking for a well-researched, well-written book that explains what the war against terrorism and radical Islam is about, read The Fight of Our Lives. You won't regret it.

**I received a copy of this book through Book Sneeze in exchange for my review. Opinions expressed are entirely my own and I was not required to write a positive review. See FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the User of Endorsements & Testimonials in Advertising.**

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I am a mother who works full-time but who is also a chauffer, chef, seamstress, fitness instructor, teacher, maid, gardener, runner, organization expert, salesperson, secretary and wife. I love my family and life is always busy but fun! Come along with me for the ride:-)

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