Curiosities of the Civil War - a book review and a give-away

My favorite historical time period is the 1860's. My Mother's favorite movie is Gone With the Wind and I grew up in Middle Tennessee where the Battle of Stones River was fought so it really is no surprise! As a teen, I watched John Jake's, The Blue and The Gray and loved it!!!

However, this blog is not about my love of the Civil War, or of my teenage years, but rather about a new book by Webb Garrison in which he details some unknown facts surrounding the Civil War.

I really don't like this book. There is really nothing wrong with the book itself, but it is not my style and therefore I have struggled to get through it.

It is written in small chunks of information, not as a story. For some, this is a terrific way to learn trivia but not for me. When I would see a name for the second or third time, I would begin trying to envision how their story would go - and be stuck for the next hour writing a very fictional account in my head!

This is not to say the book isn't worth reading. There are some very interesting tidbits of information in here, such as the chapter "Rally Round the Flag, Boys!" in which he talks about the flag bearer and the color guard protecting him.

I did learn some facts, but trying to read through this book was torturous for me. I will say, though, that I may be totally alone in my reading style!

Bottom line, if you are fascinated by the Civil War or just love the time period, it is an intersting book to check out because it sure was a curious time for our country.

Now, for the give-away portion....
I have two books up for grabs and both of them are aimed at ladies. One that I have reviewed here A Time to Embrace by Karen Kingsbury and one that I simply read, Though I Speak by Kim Pearson Wiese, a local writer in my area. They are both Christian based and tend to have a romantic theme. Leave me a comment and let me know what you are reading now and which book you would like to recieve. I will choose two winners by Saturday evening. Please only enter for the give-away if you live in the US or have a military address - My Dear will strangle me if I spend too much money!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....

God's girl,

Pamela

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.”

Fasting by Scot McKnight - a book review

This book is part of "The Ancient Practices Series"

Fasting has always been such an odd Christian discipline for me to understand. I have previously approached fasting with the end goal of receiving something for my hard work - even though at the end of my fasting, I would not see that goal come to fruition. I have spent years absolutely STUCK on Isaiah 58, the Biblical chapter that talks about a fast acceptable to the Lord. STUCK!!

When I saw this book available, I got excited because Isaiah 58 has been in the forefront of my studies lately, and I really desired to see a viewpoint that was different than my own....I desire to see God's viewpoint on this subject.

Mr. McKnight defines fasting this way: "Fasting is a response to a sacred moment, not an instrument designed to get desired results."

Okay, so he just blew my thinking totally out of the water!

Mr. McKnight uses many references in the book, many from Isaiah 58 and other Biblical references. He has also done tremendous research on the subject, going back to writings of monks and early church leaders, i.e. St. Augustine, to contemporary authors as John Piper and Dallas Willard.

This is not just a sit down and read book - it is very educational and invites the readers to examine why we feel the way we do and to see how that lines up with God's Word.

I could sit here and type quote after quote that tugged at my spirit but I want you to read the book - not just take my experience for yourself. Mr. McKnight shows the benefits and dangers of fasting, not just the spiritual side. However, he always emphasizes that our body and spirit come together in a sacred moment to naturally fast.

I want to end with a quote that sums up the book, for Mr. McKnight and for me (since my heart and mind has changed through reading this), "Communication with God is, in my opinion, the intent of fasting."

I desire to seek God with my whole heart(Jeremiah 29:13), and sometimes that includes pulling my body into the seeking by fasting. I pray that I do it according to God's ways and not my own!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow...

God's girl,

Pamela

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.”

A Time To Embrace by Karen Kingsbury - a book review

I enjoy reading anything from Karen Kingsbury but this book came at a difficult time in my life and I am thankful that it did. This book leaves a reader with hope...not the Pollyanna, pie in the sky kind of hope but REAL HOPE based on love and faith in Jesus Christ and standing with one another.

My Dear and I just recently celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary so I already felt a connection to the main characters, Abby and John Reynolds, who already celebrated two decades of marriage and didn't get there without some difficulty. Ms. Kingbury's honest look at real relationship will have any reader pulling for the couple shortly after the book begins!

She also shows how our relationship with our children can impact our marriage relationship when one of the younger characters goes a bit far with his computer usage. The love that Ms. Kingbury wrote into the Dad's character really was heartfelt from me, the reader.

Just like in life, though, our daily struggles seem to dim in comparison when an absolute crisis hits our family.

Ms. Kingbury writes with real emotion as the reader walks through a time of crisis with the Reynolds family. She doesn't lessen the daily struggle of life but rather shows how a family unit can draw closer to God and one another through those struggles and crisis!

I strongly recommend this book, especially if you like contemporary Christian fiction. It is a romance, but not sappy according to this hopeless romantic!

I won't give away the whole book, but be prepared to smile through your tears in the last chapter!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow...

God's girl,

Pamela

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.”

Love and Respect for a Lifetime...a book review

by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

I believe I have found a new 'go-to' wedding and anniversary gift!!!

This little gift book packs a whole lot of scriptural and practical ways to relate to our wonderful spouses in a mere 152 pages...and I love it!!! (yes, I pretty much just love books, but this one is really cool!!!)

A quick summary of the book is on page 106..."Winning or losing during conflict is not the goal. Oneness is..." Oh, how true and how my heart was lifted to read these words in black and white!

We are coming upon 22 yrs of marriage and while I wish someone would have given us something similar in the beginning, I think the fact that we have fought through so many areas and issues makes this book even sweeter now...so, it really is for every stage of marriage!

I hope that if you do purchase Love and Respect as a gift, that you will take the time to read it for yourself and ask God to help you apply the principles in your own relationships, not just marriage!

The book is an easy read, and while it can be convicting at times, Dr. Eggerichs is never condemning or condescending, in my opinion. This is a companion book to Love and Respect; The Love She Most Desires, The Respect He Desperately Needs. I'm hoping to read that one soon!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....like my wonderful husband of 22 yrs!

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.”

Cast of Characters by Max Lucado - a book review

Common People in the Hands of an Uncommon God

2 Corinthians 12:9 My power shows up best in weak people.

Common Sense....Common Courtesy....Common Good
These are phrases that I have heard all my life. What does it mean to be common?
One of Webster's definitions is "occurring or appearing frequently; familiar."
I think that is fair because I believe we can see something of ourselves in the characters of Lucado's book, Cast of Characters.

Some of his characters are famous, like Matthew and Paul and Moses. Some of his characters are less known, like Abigail and Mephibosheth. However, famous or not, we can relate to the 'common folk' of the Bible and that gives me hope that our lives count in the eyes of a loving God.

I love how Max Lucado takes a biblical principle and makes it simple yet profound! Through this book, I see 1 Cor. 13 in a new light; you know, 'the love chapter.' He says, "Many people tell us to love. Only God gives us the power to do so." We cannot live out a love that 'is not proud' or 'does not boast' unless we have surrendered our heart to the God who calls us to love like that!

My favorite chapter is on Job, though. I've read the book of the Bible, I've heard the sermons preached, I've sat in Bible study and thought I had picked Job's life apart...until now. "Before he heard God, Job couldn't speak enough. After he heard God, he couldn't speak at all." Oh, the power of Almighty God!

If you have ever wondered if you would be able to be one of God's chosen in life...for a mission trip, a Sunday school teacher, or maybe even just to speak into someone else's life, then I would encourage you to read this book!

Near the end of the book, Mr. Lucado writes about the common bond between Sarah, Peter and Paul and how Uncommon God changed their minds about Him. I love one particular sentence used in this chapter and feel it sums up the point he is trying to make. "...when they gave up, God stepped in, and the result was a roller-coaster ride straight into the kingdom."

I want to be ready to give up and truly give it all to God and let Him make my very common life uncommon for His glory!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....

God's girl,

Pamela

MOM'S BIBLE; God's Wisdom for Mothers

A BOOK REVIEW Notes by Bobbie Wolgemuth

What emotions come to mind when you see the title, Mom's Bible?
Do you see your own Mom's hands lovingly turning the pages of her Bible, or see her tears falling on well-loved, onion skin pages? Do you picture in your mind's eye, her sitting on the second pew, taking notes from the pastor's sermon?

When I finished my review of This is Your Brain in Love, I asked my youngest daughter, Cupcake, to help me choose the next book. I was stuck between two books and truly could not figure out which one I wanted to review. She suggested Mom's Bible. I could not see just how important this decision would be in the next few weeks.

You see, the struggle of the last few weeks in our household has centered around our precious Cupcake. She's 16! Need I say more?

This Bible,Mom's Bible, has been a tremendous source of comfort and strength during these difficult weeks. Even more so than my 'normal' Bible. It's not perfect, I have found some minor flaws, but my overall opinion is that it came into my life just when I needed it and is perfect for this season of my life. Hmm, I believe God knew that when it was a presented choice!

Mom's Bible has devotional areas written by a team of ladies headed by Bobbie Wolgemuth. These devotionals are excellent, I did not find one that I could find fault with - theological or otherwise! They are under such headings as "Walking in..."(areas such as awe and tenderness), "Insights", "Passing It On", "Moms in the Bible", "Godly Character" and "Our God is..."(like Exalted and Holy One). These devotionals all fall on pages close to their scriptural foundations so it makes it easy to find a context for each devotional. At the back of the Bible is a topical index for each of these devotionals.

If you can't tell, I have been very impressed and impacted by these devotional areas. God has used many of them to show me a new way to pray for the situations going on in our home! These devotionals are written for all Moms...from new babes to adult children, we can all learn something about relationships with our children from the hand of God.

As much as I have loved this Bible, I have found some design flaws.
I'm not sure just how I feel about the particular version, New Century Version. I grew up on KJV and have used NIV and New American Standard for the last several years, so a 'new' version is a bit difficult to embrace!
There is also a problem for me with the numbering of individual verses...I have my 'quiet time' in the early morn by a soft, incandescent light and have found it problematic some mornings to find a particular verse. The numbers are small and tend to blend in with the lettering.
While I like the idea of the 'First Touch' verses, inspirational verses in a different color, the actual font color is lighter and was difficult for me to read in various lighting situations...even in fluorescent lighting at church.

If you are in need of a new Bible, I would suggest you look into Mom's Bible. It is truly meant for Mom's of all ages and stages of life. Mom's Bible does a great job of reaching into our emotional state of Motherhood, in my opinion.

It is sold in hardback and leatherbound versions. I like the hardback for this time in my life and it has synthetic oninon skin pages, so while reading I could truly feel I was holding a Bible in my hands...because I was!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow...like His Holy Word

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.”

HEAR NO EVIL – My Story of Innocence, Music and the Holy Ghost by Matthew Paul Turner (A Book Review and A Give-Away!)

UPDATE: Beth...One Blessed Nana is the winner of Hear No Evil!!! YAY Beth! I will try to get in touch with you over the weekend to get your book to you! The winner was chosen by random.org!


Have you ever been afraid that listening to a syncopated drumbeat would cause evil spirits “ to shimmy their way inside” your head?

Have you ever been part of “covert operation, See Sandi Sing” so that your fellow church members would not be aware of your love for all things Sandi Patty?

Have you ever questioned, “Should I know who Dylan is?”

If you can answer yes to at least one of these questions, then you should read Matthew Paul Turner’s latest memoir, Hear No Evil and be prepared to laugh!

I would say Mr. Turner had been a fly on the wall of my life as I grew up in Fundamental Baptist churches in the Southeast but I can’t because he is younger than I am. However, our experiences with music and culture are very similar! The difference is, he can tell his story with humor and make us laugh!

After graduating from his small Christian school in Maryland, Matthew chose to go to Belmont College in Nashville to study music business. While there, he was confronted with different theologies and ways of relating to God. He also was exposed to secular culture and lost his “movie-theater virginity.” His fellow students questioned his beliefs and his upbringing and he questioned theirs. Then, he began visiting a church that some fellow students attended, and it wasn’t a Fundamental Baptist church…it was Presbyterian!

He went to church with his friend, Josiah, who was a Calvinist. Matthew says, “Talking to Josiah made me feel dumb,” only because Josiah knew why he believed a particular theology. Matthew responds in the book with, “I didn’t study God. I just memorized scripture verses and practiced Bible Trivia….I knew a thousand Bible verses by heart, but I couldn't explain why God’s story was important to me personally. At least not without using hell as a starting point.”

Matthew went on to manage a Christian coffee house in Nashville, booking Christian talent and hosting open mic night for people trying to become Christian talent! Oh, the stories he has to tell...I'm sure he left out more than he included in the book! He was also editor of the popular CCM, a magazine dedicated to Comtemporary Christian Music. While working for CCM, Matthew had opportunity to interview several well-known gospel artists, including Amy Grant. He even tells a bit about that interview in a chapter of the book titled "Chasing Amy."

While Matthew’s writings stir up many memories in my own life, I appreciate the fact that he can do so with laughter and wit. I also appreciate the heart this man now has for God…you can get to know Matthew a bit by reading his blog and visiting his website.

This book, Hear No Evil, is seriously funny and worth reading!

I'm excited to say I have been given one copy of Hear No Evil to giveaway!!! Just leave a comment below by Thursday, Feb 18, and I will have random.org choose a winner on Friday, Feb 19. Thank you to Matthew Paul Turner, Ashley Boyer and WaterBrook Press for this opportunity to bless one of my dear blog readers!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....like really good books and really cool authors!

God's girl, Pamela

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. If you would like to purchase this book or for more information please visit Random House.

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.”

Take Your Best Shot - by Austin Gutwein

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!

Austin has left me with a sense of anticipation to see just how God will use my family as we begin to simply take our best shot!!!

In his first book, Austin Gutwein tells the story of how Hoops of Hope began when he was just 9 yrs old! Austin is the founder of Hoops of Hope....THE FOUNDER!!! He founded Hoops of Hope at the tender age of 9!!!

Austin blew me away in the introduction when he said, "...I'm a normal kid who heard, 'Austin, God wants to use you' enough times that I started to believe it." He tugged at the very heart of my being with the statement, "Kids are really trying to make a difference in the world."

Yes, dear Austin, that is exactly what they desire to do! I've seen it over and over again in my daughters lives...the crisp dollar bill given for birthday money goes straight into the offering plate for the missionary family visiting from who knows where, the love that went into choosing a Jesus gift to share with the homeless ministry at church - for our family, this meant one of their favorite toys as we taught them to give Jesus their best! - tediously choosing a warm blanket for someone they will probably never meet!

My own precious daughters have warmed my heart as they have given from within themselves...and they are not alone. Austin says it so well, "They're reaching out to people in need, and they're stepping out of their comfort zones....They want to do something bigger than themselves."

Austin's heart was touched when he watched a video of a girl named Maggie that lived in Africa. Watching the video started a fire in his heart, one that he could not extinguish...and didn't! With his parents support, his family began sponsoring a child through World Vision. However, it didn't stop there....

Austin wanted to do more for the aids victims in Africa and as I read his story, I was shaken to the core to see how God used the gifts a 9 yr old boy could bring to change so many lives in a far off continent! This book...the Hoops of Hope organization...they aren't about Austin, and he knows it. They are about reaching out to the orphans and those less fortunate, just as God calls us to do.

I pray that you will pick up this book, especially at this Christmas season. Pray as you read it, and ask God what you can do...maybe not in Africa but what about your neighborhood, church or community. Then, pass the book on, maybe even to a teenager, because you never know who God is calling to take their best shot!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....

God's girl, Pamela

P.S. Today is World Aids Day...check out Hoops of Hope to see if there is an event near you...they have several scheduled in various places for this weekend.
My family is headed to a concert tonight, featuring Kari Jobe and the Watoto Children's Choir from Uganda to celebrate this day. We really are excited to see just what God has in store for our lives...starting tonight.

What Difference Do It Make? by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent

A book review

Warning: This book made me cry....buckets!!! From the beginning, I found myself with tears in my eyes.

I have heard of the book, Same Kind of Different as Me, but not yet had a chance to read it. What Difference Do It Make? is a follow-up of sorts to that book. It is not just a non-fiction work, but rather a true 'story' of how many lives can be changed by one woman's obedience to God.

Ron Hall and Denver Moore have spent the last several years developing a very strong friendship based on their shared love of God and a very special lady, Ron's wife, Deborah. Deborah reached out to the homeless at the Union Gospel Mission in Ft. Worth, Tx and simply brought husband Ron along. Deborah passed away from cancer but Ron and Denver have continued their friendship, written a book and now speak about homeless issues to various audiences.

This book, What Difference Do It Make?, highlights ways that other people reached out in their own neighborhoods and home towns after reading Same Kind of Different as Me. The subtitle, Stories of Hope and Healing,is definitely fitting. The true stories show how one person may not be able to change the world, but they can change one person that can start a chain of giving hope to the masses.

I could not pick just one story to highlight....too many of them tugged at my heart! However, I love Ron Hall's Thirty-Day Plan to End Homelessness! Do I think I can do it, or convince my friends or church to do it? I don't know. So, why do I like it?

I like the idea of being able to reach out to those 'less fortunate' than us without being judgemental. I will be honest, in my Dallas suburb, I don't see many homeless, but I do see those 'less fortunate'. I desire to have the freedom to just give...not expecting anything in return. If I give money and they blow it on alcohol, drugs or clothes, it doesn't matter. The point is that I give and then it is no longer mine...because I gave it up.

I am walking away from this book with a new perspective on giving. The people that shared their stories simply gave without judgement, without expectation, other than waiting and watching what God would do with the gift. When I consider that I have nothing that has not been given by God, how can I not give of my life, my faith?

The book is written primarily to Christians, those that already know Christ. However, the principles shared in the book are needed in every walk of life; To simply give of ourselves. I highly recommend the book to anyone that feels the tug of God on their heart to give more, give deeper.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....

God's girl, Pamela

FEARLESS; Imagine Your Life Without Fear by Max Lucado - a book review

Every day we face reasons for fear: our children, our marriages, our jobs, traffic, family issues...and the list could go on, depending on our circumstances! This is exactly what Max Lucado tackles in his latest book, Fearless. With chapter subtitles such as Fear of Disappointing God, Fear of Worst Case Scenarios, and Fear of What's Next, he uses his simple but eloquent writing style to bring fresh perspective in a fearful world.

I learned an interesting Bible tidbit near the end of Facing the Giants: "Well, in God's word He said 365 different times, "Do not fear." Now if He says it that many times, you know He's serious about it, don't ya?" Mark Richt, the football coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, mentions this to Grant Taylor as his underdog team is about to head into the state championship. I remember thinking that was once for each day of the year! "Do not fear" must be an important mandate!

Max Lucado uses several of those 365 scriptures to lead us into an eye-opening view of a Holy God! He lists just twelve scriptures on pp 11,12 that deal with having courage and not being afraid. He begins each new chapter with a different verse that reminds us, again, not to fear!

I appreciate how Max Lucado can be so honest in his writings, really transparent at times. He begins this book with a very personal, emotional story about his brother, Dee. Lucado later tells a story of Molly, the family dog, that most everyone can closely relate with. When he shared about his personal feelings before heart surgery, I came away hoping I can learn to face death bravely.

I am walking away from reading Fearless with a deeper insight into the grace of God. My favorite quote is from the chapter on Fear of Disappointing God, "Nothing fosters courage like a clear grasp of grace. And nothing fosters fear like an ignorance of mercy." I was reading through this book as our pastor was bringing a series of messages on the types of grace that God gives! It still amazes me that that is usually the way God works!

I suggest this Lucado book, not only for the faithful Lucado readers, but for anyone that lives, works and relates in this present world! Even if you do not consider yourself a fearful person, it can be exciting to see just how big and good our God is in a fresh way!

I want to leave you with one line that rocked my world for several hours: "Heaven's best took hell's worst and turned it into hope." Praise the LORD!!! He can do this in our lives, as well.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....like His grace!

God's girl, Pamela

What's He Really Thinking? by Paula Rinehart - a book review

Have you ever noticed that God brings someone or something into your life just at the moment you needed it most? That is exactly what happened when I received this book from Thomas Nelson, the publishing company.

I don't think I'm alone to say that we have a cyclical issue in our marriage. An issue that rears it's ugly head every few months or so, and threatens to ruin all of the hard work we have put into the last 21 years! I also don't think I'm alone when I say that when this issue comes up, he and I see it as polar opposites! So What's He Really Thinking? is a very intriguing title to me.

I appreciate the author's first major point tremendously; "Men aren't women with big feet and beards. They are completely other." It brings validation to my thought that he really has no clue how I feel! Why? He is absolutely nothing like me...in feelings, opinions or thoughts! NOTHING!

Paula Rinehart, the author, spends a whole three chapters on "Understanding the Man You Love". She uses scripture and her background as a counselor to point out many of the ways we are different. She uses stories of real people to show just how much many couples have in common...perhaps different discussions but many common threads.

I really enjoyed the chapter on Intimacy, especially finding my heart wrapping around the thought that, "Some of this man's weaknesses and flaws are the front door through which you enter and experience the love of God, which is the best of all loves." Oh, how true!

Without our personal struggle, I would not run to my Heavenly Daddy in such a state of need. I am convinced that I would not know the depth of love and grace that my God freely gives and then invites me to give...as part of being a "good forgiver."

No matter what stage of marriage or life you are in, this is an excellent book! It will help to remind you of why you married your particular man in the first place! It will give you practical ideas for ways to change your conflict. The author also gives several appendixes with ways to pray for, understand and love, not only the special man in our lives, but all of the men God has given us.

At some point in the future, I would love to do a ladies Bible study using this book as our guide. Would you be interested in joining me?

Praise God from whom all blessings flow...like my precious hubs!

God's girl, Pamela

She Still Calls Me Daddy

by Robert Wolgemuth

I will have to be honest: I was kind of in a hurry the day I chose this book for my next review and didn't really take the time to read what it was about! I am so far out of the prime demographic - Dads that have recently given their daughters in marriage or those with a daughter's impending marriage on the horizon - but truly found so much practical advice for now and in the future, when our two girls do make that walk down the aisle!

If you have read my blog at all over the last few months, you have noticed that 'letting go' has been heavy on my mind for our oldest daughter! While I realize that we do not yet fully let go (she is still under our physical, spiritual and emotional protection) there is some breaking away that needs to be done so that in just a few years, when she does find the man God has set aside for her, we will be gracious in doing just that - let her go!

One thing that caught my attention was how the author parallels letting go with how we raised our daughters in our home. The chapter on protection will be re-read a few times around here, I'm sure! When they are small, it is our job as parents to protect our children in so many ways; touching a hot stove, crossing the street, talking to strangers. When we give them away in marriage, it becomes our job to protect their marriage....even if that means from us! Protecting their marriage means we give them respect as a family and let them grow together, and not expecting our children to always be available to meet our needs.

I really enjoyed how the author, Robert Wolgemuth, made the book personal by using stories, good and bad, of letting his own two daughters go. His story of purchasing a dining table for his daughter is a reminder that none of us are immune to doing the wrong thing in regards to our grown children. I have relayed several stories from the book to my daughters in hopes that we will remember to put into use what was learned from this book - several years from now!!!

I would certainly recommend She Still Calls Me Daddy to anyone - Mom, Dad, Grandma - who is realizing just how fast the children in our lives are growing up and are beginning to see a need to simply let go.

My favorite part is when he acknowledges that the young man at the end of the aisle does not deserve our daughter, but that she was first a gift to us and we are simply re-gifting this precious young lady! Did we deserve the gift God gave us twenty or so years ago??? Do we deserve the gift of His Son???

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.....

God's girl, Pamela

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

I'm sure you have heard some whisperings about the latest work of Andy Andrews, author of The Traveler's Gift. My curiosity was piqued by just the title. One of my faults is that I miss the subtle things in life. I see what I see and usually don't go any further than the surface. In many ways, I desire to be a noticer.

A Noticer. That is what Jones called himself. I wish I had that same ability. Jones took it a step further, though, and was willing to share what he noticed.

How many times do we find ourselves at an impasse, or a crossroad in life? We truly don't know what to do or even which way to turn. For many of us, that is when we turn to our faith. For a Gulf Shores community, it seems God's answer was to send them a man named Jones - or was it Garcia, or even Chen? God sent who they needed, when they needed.

Jones brought a fresh 'perspective' to each situation in which he chose to involve himself. He had a way of seeing past the facade of a person and seeing into their soul. He would become your best friend, if you let him.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Noticer. From beginning to end, it doesn't seem to be a heavy handed book but by the time I put it down, I had begun to re-think many areas of my own life. Hard, oft times hidden areas. Jones take on worry, for instance, is that smart people worry. To him, our "creative imagination" creates all sorts of improbable situations that lead us to worry. Boy, somebody read my mail on that one!!!

My favorite quote from the book is during a conversation Jones had with a young businessman who had made many wrong choices in life and business. "It may take a long time to decide to change...but change happens in a heartbeat!" In my own life, I need to change some things and quit taking my sweet time deciding to change!

Do you need a fresh perspective? Do you need a faith-filled perspective? I suggest you pick up a copy of The Noticer by Andy Andrews. It won't take long to read but by allowing God to shed some fresh perspective in your life, the results may be long lasting!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....

God's girl, Pamela