This Is Your Brain in Love by Dr. Earl Henslin - a book review

The subtitle of this book drew me in - New Scientific Breakthroughs for a More Passionate and Emotionally Healthy Marriage. Now, seriously, who doesn't want that?

However, I want to be truly honest with you...this is one of the hardest book reviews for me to write. There are so many emotions and thoughts swirling through my brain that I'm not sure I can actually put down a coherent review for y'all!

One of my favorite sentences in the book is, "Cheap sex never satisfies. Soul sex, however-now, that is a gourmet experience." Oh, my...I believe this may be the whole crux of the book, that the writer wants us to experience soul sex in our marriages! Isn't this what our Creator desires for us, as well?

Dr. Henslin, before he begins the scientific explanation of how our sex lives are fully wired in our brains, shows us what we can learn from Jewish tradition. I got stuck on this section for several days because our 'western' thinking is so far from the Jewish tradition. After reading this section, and letting it sink in, I feel that if we begin to teach some of these points to our children there might not be as much divorce in the next generation. Of course, that is my very personal opinion.

Dr. Henslin then goes on to show us the five types of imbalanced lovers - and aren't we all imbalanced from time to time? He also gives practical tips to help us and our partners learn how to live and love in spite of these imbalances!

I learned that I am a Scattered Lover...a bit ADD!

Dr. Henslin balances a very scientific book with stories from his own counseling experience. He also shows "Ways to Foster Honesty in Marriage" and has an appendix on "The Joy Diet", which will also boost our brain power! (and physical stamina, as well.)

I'm not so sure that this is fully a self-help book. Yes, the basics of a self-help book are there, but I found so much more inside these pages. I hope you can read it for yourself and truly find hope for a better marriage - the one you are in now!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....like an awesome marriage!

God's girl,

Pamela

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze 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.”

Focus Weekend!!!

If you have followed this blog for anytime, you know we love our church! Focus weekend is one of the reasons we love it! Our Student Pastor has taken bits & pieces of various youth retreats and sifted the good from the bad and each year, it gets better!

This year, Brad Fogarty was the speaker. Actually, I would have to say the Holy Spirit was the speaker because Brad did a terrific job of setting aside his agenda and letting God lead the services! IT WAS AMAZING! I should have taken a box of kleenex because I cried at every service...no kidding!

It is so cool to see our children choose to become a Christ-follower or watch them find a deeper way to love their Lord and Savior. I have been so blessed this weekend!

I only have two children, both girls, but this morning when I went into the sanctuary, I learned my quiver had doubled!!! Seriously...I sat my stuff down in a chair, stood up and there were four beautiful teens, two boys and two girls, standing there waiting to hug me and say Good Morning! Only one of them was my natural child! I so love getting hugs from kids...especially the big ones!

I hope to post more on this weekend in the near future but right now, I really need to process some of what went on for myself. I have been challenged to guard my heart more closely as I continue to follow Christ on a daily basis. Please understand, I am so far from perfect, only forgiven and covered by the blood of Jesus Christ!

I pray that as you read my little blog, that you will be blessed by the Creator of the Universe! I pray that you see His light, not me!

I'm so Praising God from whom all blessings flow....like teenagers!

God's girl, Pamela

A Fitting Memorial

Do you remember Kevin from this post?

He passed away last Monday, January 4, 2010. Peacefully. So ready to meet his Lord. So ready to be HOME!

We learned that Kevin had family here in the Dallas area but chose to live independently, even when that meant homeless. His Aunties and several cousins were there. And the family that brought Kevin into our church, into our lives, was listed in the obituary as his family!!!

The memorial Friday morning, Jan 8, was officiated by the Pastor that oversees S.O.U.L. Ministries and I love how he blended Kevin's favorite scriptures in his brief message! One of Kevin's favorite scriptures has stood out to me during these few days...Hebrews 11, the Hall of Faith!

I desire to have the same level of faith that Kevin did. To know, beyond knowing, that the path I am on is the perfect path God has for me...the same way Abraham, and Noah, and Enoch did. I desire to live surrendered, the way Kevin did, to whatever it is the Lord has for me - whether pain, trial or a sense of comfort, like Paul! As you can see, God has really used the end of this man's life to shape some of my thoughts to look more like His, and the journey has been awesome.

I was totally moved by some of the stories when the podium was opened for audience members to say something about Kevin...oh, and the audience....HUGE!!! The funeral home was somewhat small but the room was filled, wall to wall with people there to remember Kevin and pay their respects! The last audience member to speak, though, (if I can stop crying long enough to type this out!) totally got to me! He was a homeless man that never met Kevin. NEVER! Someone had invited him that morning at The Bridge, Dallas homeless shelter, and again, someone invited him at The Stewpot.

It was no random invitation, though! NO, SIR! He was meant to be in that packed room on a very cold Friday morning - and it wasn't just to get warm. He heard the gospel preached, and he saw how people from all walks of life had loved Kevin. And he had a word to share - stay in touch with family. Don't start walking a path so alone.

I struggle with this, to a degree. I get busy and forget to call my Mom - I did it just this past Sunday...so sorry, Mama! I spend my time writing this blog to give family a glimpse of our lives, but then forget to e-mail or write them later on.

Now, I am trying...to be available, first for my sweet man and our girls!

I don't think I can convey in this little blog just how much of a blessing Kevin was to me. I know I cannot give enough glory to God - He deserves it ALL!!! I'm thankful we found a sitter for Miss PD (man, it was hard leaving her!) and found our way to Oak Cliff for a memorial service that I won't soon forget.

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow....

God's girl, Pamela