Plain Wisdom ~ a book review

I recently completed the book Plain Wisdom by Cindy Woodsmall and Miram Flaud.  This non-fiction work is a collaboration between an Englishcer, Woodsmall, and an Old Order Amish woman, Flaud.  Over a period of several years, Woodsmall, has spent time visiting with and living in Flaud's world.  The camaradarie between these two unlikely kindred spirits brings a gentle sweetness to the book.  Throughout the book the authors recount various life experiences and how their faith impacted these experiences.  The readings are broken down into short essays.  The section headings are "The Rhythm of Life," "Timeless Blessings," "Challenges Great and Small," "Laughter in Odd Places," "Beauty, Ashes and Things Between," " In His Hands," and "The Shape of Tomorrow." 

Having previously read most of Beverly Lewis' Amish-themed works and some of Woodsmall's I have always been fascinated by the details, especially the running of the home and kitchen, that make up this particular lifestyle. I have visited Lancaster, Pennslyvania and surrounding towns.  While there I tasted recipes unique to their culture and got a small veiw into the Amish world.  While I would never personally want to live under the seemingly rigid religeous/governmental order that they embrace, I find the simpler, "close to the earth," lifestyle fascinating.  Therefore to have a birds-eye veiw into the thoughts of a modern day Old Order Amish woman's heart, was too exciting to pass up.  I found this book easy to read and engaging.

I received a complementary copy of this book for review by waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks.  The comments are my own. 

Nick of Time

Nick of Time is a suspense novel in the "bug man" series by Tim Downs.  Downs' main character, Nick Polchak, is a renowned forensic entomologist.  He is also delightfully quirky man who maintains a dry sense of humor throughout the book.  A forensic entomologist helps solve murders through studying bugs found at the crime scene.  This book begins with less than a week to go before Nick is to be married.  A colleague requests Nick's help in solving an old case.  The two agree to meet up at the monthly Vidocq meeting.  Once Nick arrives, however, things quickly fall apart.  True to his nature, Nick becomes absorbed in the details of this case, leaving his fiancee, Alena, to wonder if Nick can commit to this marriage.  And, will Nick return in the "nick of time" for his own wedding?

This is the third book that I have read by Tim Downs.  Like the others, I found Nick of Time engaging and easy to read.  There were times that I busted out laughing while reading it.  (Which means that I will be reading this one out loud to my husband!)  The plot is tight and fast paced.  This book was definitely a delight to read.

I received a complementary copy of this book from booksneeze.com  The comments are my own.

Thank You!

I want to say thank you to each one that has been praying for my mom!  The NG tube was removed on Monday morning because the blockage had cleared.  She was discharged from the hospital yesterday and is recovering well at home.  Thank you for your prayers!

Please Pray For My Mom

My mama is in the hospital recovering from a complete hysterectomy and the removal of an adrenal mass.  She has developed a small obstruction in her small intestine.  She has been in misery since early this morning.  The nausea has been relentless and is not responding to the medicine she is being given.  It is so hard watching her suffer.  On top of that they had to insert an NG tube, which, of course, is causing her much discomfort. Please, please pray that the obstruction will quickly pass and that my mama will soon have relief from the nausea.  

Thank you so very much.

Max on Life

I just completed reading the book Max on Life - Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions by Max Lucado.  In this book Lucado responds to many questions which are organized under the broader formats of Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Hereafter.  The questions are numbered (there are 172 of them) and there is a topical reference section in the back of the book, thus making this book VERY user friendly.  Among the questions addressed are ones dealing with the purpose of our lives, dealing with disappointments and pain, handling personal finances and a myriad of other questions common to most people.  In addition, at the back of the book, Lucado offers pointers on the need and value of well written words.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  This is the first book that I have read by Max Lucado.  His gift of expression, explanation and harnessing the written word is literally astounding.  I read the book, cover to cover, even though typically, one would probably locate the particular question and just read from there.  Lucado's work is backed up with scriptures throughout.  His answers are compassionate and thoughtful, yet succinct.  This is most definitely a book I will treasure keeping and one that I know will be a valuable reference tool.  I would highly recommend this book as not only a great read but also as a great resource for ministry.

I received a complementary copy of this book for review from http://www.booksneeze.com/ .  The opinions are my own.

Top Ten Tuesday ~ Reasons I Love Foster Parenting

1. It is an exciting adventure, each one unique and of eternal impact.

2. There is the excitement of getting the initial call from the social worker, asking if we could take a baby!

3. It is neat being a part of the process of growing families.

4. There is the inexpressible joy that is new life.

5. My heart melts watching my husband tenderly talking to a fussy baby in the middle of the night.

6. I am humbled by the God-made changes (increased patience and tolerance, for example) in each person in our family.  These changes make fostering possible for our family.

7. I am thankful for each painful lesson that God is teaching me about limited control and letting go.

8.  There is nothing quite like the feel of a newborn snuggled up on your chest.

9.  I cherish the opportunities to pray over each baby and pour love into their precious life.

10.  Lastly, I love being involved in something bigger than myself and something bigger than my capacity to accomplish apart from God's enabling grace.
 
I'm truly humbled and privileged to be living a God-sized dream.

Please join the listing fun at ohamanda.com !

Nest Swap Show and Tell

I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the recent "Nest Swap" hosted by Monica at thehomespunheart.blogspot.com and Carrie at watibg.blogspot.com

My swap partner was Ruth Odell, Monica and Carrie's mom.  I had so much fun preparing items for the box that I sent her (you can see a picture of what I sent on Monica's blog).  I sent 2 gift books, 2 handmade bookmarks with charms, 3 dish clothes that I crocheted, 2 sets of hand stamped cards, a springime bowl of chocolates, 2 candles and a coupon holder.  I had received a wedding gift in the container in which I put Ruth's happies. With the chicken wire on the sides, it seemed to go perfect for the theme! 

It was a delight to receive my special box also!

I received a hymn cd, shopping pads, flower seeds, post-it notes, a flower gift tag, pink pens, flower pot stakes, peeps for the kids (thanks!), a gift book, a ladle, a purse pack of kleen-ex, "HE IS RISEN" out of scrabble pieces (love, love, love this!), chapstick, a candle wrapped like a lolly-pop (so cute!), packets of tea, a journal, ideas for putting together a Easter basket (so neat) including the linen cloth, a burp towel for our foster babies (how sweet!), and a new sponge (it is always such a treat to get a new sponge!).  It was all placed in a beautiful, nature-inspired photo box. 

Thank you so much, Ruth, for your thoughtfully put together box!!!