Book Review - Season of My Enemy - By Naomi Musch - Publication Date: 1 June 2022

 Another facet of the unending parade of stories that march forth from the WWII power house of events and spin off is unearthed in this exciting historical work of fiction.  The awkward, happenstance of 'Nazi' PW's brought to USA soil and fobbed off on farming families and canning factories was kept low profile, hush-hush.  These often hated prisoner 'farmhands' replaced America's husbands, sons, and brothers who were away fighting this same enemy on their foreign turf.  Was it even kosher?  How about safe?  Would these PW's sabotage, steal, harass or worse?

Fannie O'Brien and her remaining family grappled with these questions, having to tolerate such coercion whether they liked it or not.  And how were her brothers faring 'over there'?  Were they being treated as well?  Constant mental turmoil, furrowed up on both fronts.  Could anything good ever come out of all this?!  Could she ever forgive these enemies that galled her one minute but elicited good will the next?  Could she ever trust God like her mother could for all they had to endure? 

Speaking of Mrs O'Brien, I really liked the idea that she had with her rocks of thanksgiving.  Another thing I liked  was the comaraderie Fannie had with her younger brother Jerry who were both forced to 'grow up' in a hurry as they dealt with the farm work and the tricky state of affairs with the PW workforce, trying valiantly to save their crops.

All in all a very good read; there is suspense notched up in increments that constantly kept one wondering "what ever's going to happen next!?"   Then there's that interesting, twisting but gentle and sweet turn of events that pulsed through Fannie's heart, for which she was unable to stem the tide.  Smiling contentedly, I'd say, "This is a very satisfying read, indeed."

                                        ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                     May 2022

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Read review on Goodreads.

Lifestyle of Kindness

 Let kindness be a lifestyle, not just a random act. Think of the noble woman of Proverbs 31 and the widow of 1 Timothy 5:9 &10.  Hone in on the widow who would have had to have  been engaged in a daily guidance by kindness to have done all she did even before widowhood overtook her. 

"...faithful to her husband...well-known for her deeds, such as bringing up her children, showing hospitality, washing the saints feet, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds" (NIV).

Just pause a  few  seconds and re-read that list.  Quietly now.  Think about each one, one at a time.

Kindness was in her DNA and pores, and both women made it their modus operandi.

Kindness...the Dictionary.com by Oxford Languages denotes that kindness is

 "the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate".

To me, that definition falls short and flat when we consider the acts of kindness that not just the noble woman and widow did from their heart rent to the service of others and the Lord but that's what our God has actually done for us.  Both Joel (2:13 KJV) and Jonah (4:2 KJV) mention "God...of great kindness".  Then the Psalm 117:2 writer penned that God has 

"merciful kindness which is great towards us".

God rent his heart to do this.  In those days, the ancients often rent their garments to show their intense emotions.  Here it goes even deeper, God rending His heart!  Time and again the Jews were recipients of God's great kindness.  

God, out of His love, compassion and great kindness, also sent His Son Jesus to redeem our souls.  This was so we don't just hear God talk about kindness but we see kindness in action through Jesus.

Jesus, Himself could not help Himself to not show great kindness wherever He walked.  Healing the sick, making the blind to see, feeding the  crowds and showing the way to His disciples is what He did.  Like saying,"This is how to do it!"

Jesus' kindness extended to widows and even women of ill repute.  Women and especially widows were seen among the lowest of the low of humanity back in that day.  Jesus couldn't abide that!  He raised them up.

Another list of what kindness does will challenge and melt your heart.  First off, it forgives others.  This is a toughie, at least for me.  Think  though, God forgives our sins when we accept Jesus as our Savior.  His depth of forgiveness gets our sins flung so far, far away as east is from the west.  Can't get any more thorough than that!

Does our kindness include such forgiveness?  Unforgiveness can weigh heavily in our hearts like a huge stone, for years.  Rend your heart.  Kneel before the Lord and ask His kind help in helping you  remove unforgiveness.  It's a kindness to yourself as well as to others.

Next, kindness leads us to please our neighbor for his good.  Neighbors can be irritating but a batch of homemade cookies could patch up ruffled feathers and/or build a bridge to bring the kindness and love of Christ to them.  Let us not be weary in well-doing because God's merciful kindness is great.

We've seen the list of the noble widow - hospitality, care of the afflicted and many other good deeds, let's be like her, bearing the infirmities of the weak, being likeminded with our brothers and sisters-in-Christ.  That could be another tough one for some people but remember your motto, "lifestyle of kindness' - drape it over you like a mantle and aura.

A "soft answer" shows kindness.  That gets me!  However, we're told

 "a soft answer turns away wrath" (Proverbs 15:1).  

Try it.  See how it works.  Try, try again if a first you don't succeed.  Let it stem from a Holy Spirit led heart of kindness.  Practice.

Sometimes, for the sake of others, we will show kindness.  Remember David and Jonathan of the Old Testament?  They were best friends.  Jonathan  died in battle though.  Later, when David had become king, he recalled his promise to Jonathan and so David,

"showed kindness"

to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1).

Usually a  new king would kill off all his potential competition.  By rights, Mephibosheth would have been put to death.  He was Jonathan's son and therefore,  heir apparent since  all other descendants were no longer in the playing field.  Kindness for  the sake of others preserved his life.

Kindness for the sake of another got me a husband.  I kid you not!  I had been asked by a mutual friend to show hospitality to this new guy that came to town to study and attended my church.    Reluctantly, I agreed.  To make a long story short...what a wonder kindness works!  Ha, ha.

In meekness and kindness we  may even sell our possesions in order to give alms to the needy as the early Christians did in the book of Acts.   Sometimes when missionaries return home on furlough, they do not have a vehicle, or even a home to shelter in.  I have heard of thoughtful and kind folks on the homefront offering the use of their own homes and vehicles for the furlough duration.  They did not sell, but offered the use thereof for that which was needful.  This is preferring others above oneself.  This is to the point of sacrifice.

Aesop is quoted as having written,

"No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted."

I believe we will never fully realize how far reaching our kindness will send forth its ripples.

Second Peter 1:7 says, 

"...and add to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love..."

The Scriptures are chock full about kindness and of exhortations to "put on" kindness, not as a pretentiously pious act of pretending we are kind, but to put kindness on as a sincere garment.  Think  of a beautifully embroidered garment, intricately adorned, even with gold threads.  How exquisite that would be!  

Think kindness.  Think intentionally to yourself, I'll make kindness a law in my life.  I love Proverbs 31:26 NIV where the woman of noble character is described as,

"in her tongue is the law of kindness."

Another smack in the face for some of us, perhaps.  Are my words soft and tender, or sarcastic and caustic?  Are they words to build up or to destroy?  Watch your words, make them kind, wholesome and constructive.  Acts of kindness and words of kindness, let's make both a law for oursleves.

For followers of Jesus Christ, we have the Holy Spirit and among the list of the quality characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit, guess what we find?  Kindness.

So we are not doing this under our own steam of common grace, rather of the un-common grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, empowered by the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit within us.  This is such a comfort to me as, even so late in my Christian life, I sheepishly discover that I'm not a very kind person.  However, there is still hope and I intend to intentionally grow this fruit.  Want to join me?

You see, when we read Galation 5:22-26, we read that list, 'love, joy, peace and maybe even remember patience but we sort of peter out on the rest of the list.  We need to work our way through them all.  Try a little kindness and let's let kindness be our lifestyle and not just a random act.  

                                                      ~ERC  May 2022~

Based on Galations 5:22-26.  See also, Joel 2:13, Jonah 4:2 KJV.

Sing, Try a Little Kindness, along with Glen Campbell.

Morality - Social Issues Facing the Church - ABORTION

 

We weep and mourn when our young ones or older offspring die.  It is a truly devastating happening to occur.  However, do we have this same deep, deep emotional reaction when we hear of all the abortions happening in this world today (roughly 40-50 million per year according to WHO)?

As believers in Jesus Christ, we must search the Scriptures and seek our Heavenly Father's counsel.  What is His attitude about life or not, in the womb of a woman?  Only after we see His view, can we make a more righteous stance for ourselves.

That is, if  we plan on being salt and  light for Jesus in this sorry state world we live in.  I don't mean the verbal beating of people over the head who may already have had an abortion or who may even be presently contemplating having one.  How can we lovingly show our care and concern for such a girl or woman especially if the circumstances that culminated in a pregnancy had been a violation of her personage?!  How do we extend our support of the person and the person in the womb without alienating the one "with child" and be an actual help to her?

Let's step back a bit.  Ask yourself, what is the morality - the right or wrong - of abortion?  What is abortion?  What's that about pro-choice or pro-life?

According to Google, abortion is a "termination of pregnancy"' that is a procedure to end a pregnancy by either taking medicines or having a surgical procedure".

Pro-choice, simply put, meaning the mother gets to choose to keep or to terminate the pregnancy.  Pro-life, on the other hand, says, NO!  That's wrong - one must keep the pregnancy no matter what!  That's the raw footage.

Up front reasons for the pro-choice attitude are, since the woman had been raped or was a victim of incest - how is the woman going to overcome the trauma in mind and emotion to care for the baby?  Good question but let's move on.  Other reasons such as, the contraception was faulty and so the parents of the new life don't need/want to take the responsibility or oh, it was unplanned (lame excuses, my opinion); I'm too immature or financially strapped; or I already have other children and I'm too old to have another (WHAT!?, my question)!  All these among a list of other arguments to support a pro-choice choice for abortion.

Another big argument that supports abortion is that what is in the womb is, "only a fetus" - it is not a child/baby, it's not real life, yet.  This really gets my goat especially when we turn to God's word and see what He has to say on the subject!  We will touch on this in a bit.

Somewhat inconsistant with the thought that this is "only a fetus" and therefore easily terminated without guilt of conscience is that many who are pro-choice, condemn captial punishment, especially of a murderer or rapist - that man or woman should not be given the death sentence they squeal.  Also, many pets are valued above human life and so treated like kings  and queens.  A fetus, though, is not acknowledged as even being 'a viable living human being'.

God's Word sheds good light on the subject and from which I assume many pro-lifers take their  cue.  Various Bible passages tell us, "the babies jostled in Rebekah's womb (Genesis 25:21-26); Job had wished he had died  during the birthing process - which means he is saying he was already 'a life and alive in the womb' (Job 3:11); God called Jeremiah a prophet even before he was born (Jeremiah 1:5); Amos writes about God saying Ammon ripped open pregnant women, ostensibly so those babies would not be born and grow up to take possession of land he wanted.

Over in the New Testament we have such indication that Mary became "with child" at the point of conception by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18-25).  Elizabeth's baby (John the Baptizer), leapt for joy in her womb when he heard the sound of Mary's voice, when she'd come to visit Elizabeth (Luke 1:41, 44).  

Those of us who have had the blessed experience to have had a babe or two in the womb, know that there are kicks of life happening, which show there's a wee one alive in there.

All this does not sound like indiscriminate blobs in a womb to me!  Does it to you?  

God does not appear to make the distinction between the unborn and the born child.  All that activity is well noted and tell-tail signs of life, and of a person - living- alive and well, cocooned in the wombs of those women.  Life does begin in the womb!  That's a good conclusion.

A person may ask, what's the difference  between a human life and an animal's?  Genesis 1:26-27 and 9:1 show a huge difference.  Human beings were created in the image of God and God breathed into them His breath of life.  Furthermore, God gave the individuals a spirit.  Eccleciastes 12:7 says upon death, the spirit returns to God and in 2 Corinthians 4:16, our spirits can be inwardly renewed even when our outward flesh goes in the opposite direction towards decay due to The Fall's repercussions.

Our lives are precious to God.  We must preserve them as well as we can.  So saying, what can be done to minimize or even stop abortion from happening without going on a rampage?

One suggestion that many are already employing is educating as to what actually occurs during an abortion.  What is actually happening to that life in the womb?  What are the after effects, and I don't just mean in regards to the physical body and health of the mother.  I'm talking about the mental and emotional effects.

Another suggestion is to show God's view of life in the womb - what He has revealed to us in the Scriptures.  How  much He loves  us and the life He gives.  What is indicated as to when God sees life has actually begun in the womb?  Pre-emptive education may well save lives of both mother and child.   Educate.

Additionally, knowing God's perspective regarding sexual immorality.   Abstainance, that is, no  pre-marital sex.  Talking about responsibility and finances - a marriage would be the instances where the child would have the best chance of support and refute the pro-choice arguments in several instances.  God's word says the marriage bed is undefiled or pure (Hebrews 13:4).  This is honorable.

Yet we know that rape and incest have coerced the girl or woman and strictly NOT her fault.  Yet, she must bear the consequences many fold.  How can we help such mothers-to-be?

All of our situations as believers and followers of Jesus, are varied but we can reach out as we are able with  moral support and concrete actions to dissuade from abortion and provide what is needed during pregnancy, delivery and beyond.  Definitely they do not need a guilt trip and condemnation!

To tie all this together - I realize I may not have a full scope of information here but what we all need to realize  - if we belong to Christ, we need to do and think the Christ-like way.  I certainly believe the  pro-life way but someone would really have to be strong and have good moral supportive people, alongside those contemplating abortion,  especially those who have been raped or been a victim of incest.  Let's help them find a much better way with those who compassionately care and counsel against abortion and provide pregnancy care and/or shelter homes for the duration of  the pregnancy if the mother-to-be's family is not helpful.

Knowing God's way, principles and attitudes towards the life of a human being, we will need to be  very careful with our own lives, as well as those of others, including the wee lives in a woman's womb.  We are all precious in His sight.

                                                             ~ERC  April 2022~

Based on the Bible Study, Moral Issues Facing the Church by Rob Habison.

See also, Book Review -Whatever Happened to the Human Race by Francis A. Schaeffer and C. Everett Koop MD and a film series on YouTube, Vision Video.  The videos are a three part series and deal with abortion and euthanasia.  Part 2 pertaining more to the subject of abortion and infanticide.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Morality - Social Issues Facing the Church - Introduction

 

If you look it up in a dictionary you'll see that the word 'morality' means 'principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior within a set family, group or culture" and so on.  However, who gets to set the standards and the punishments for infractions to societies' rules in acts of immorality?

Generally, the group or society in which one lives, has that, ahem, priviledge.  Would that be called the "moral majority?"  There will be those who disagree - rightly or wrongly.  Trends can swing from left to right and back again; shifting the standards.

Would you call that evolution of standards?  I hardly think so.  Adam and Eve had the perfect  set up in the Garden of Eden but they messed up big time in what theologians term, "The Fall".  So, fickle human nature and depravity morphs and warps like an ever changing mood ring

True, there have been societies based on good principles known as biblical principles, such as the children of Israel living according to God's commandment, or the ones the founding fathers of the USA purportedly proposed for the New World living.  However, those limits have been stretched and mangled beyond the boundaries those 'fathers' would likely be appalled by and rest very UNpeacefully in  their graves.  They'd certainly see this as a grave situation, I believe.

So what should we set our standards of morality upon?  Yes, the Bible, as attempted by the early American society.  A key missing element that lends great portent to observing biblical principles though, is the difference between having or not having faith in Jesus Christ and salvation through Him and hence the indwelling of His Holy Spirit.  He leads and guides us into all truth, giving His dynamic power to live by God's standards and principles as laid out in His holy word, the Bible.

"We live by faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me" 

(Galatians 2:20).

This is our standard and motivation.

Ok.  So what are some specifics in which we followers of Jesus Christ should be the salt and light in a society that digresses from our Heavenly Father's perfect path?  A list of some avenues we will definitely be at odds with in ever increasing measure according to the negative flux away from  the right path of God's will and intentions include the following.  For example, who even decides the morality of abortion; abuse (physical, emotional and sexual); dancing, drinking, gambling, homosexuality, immodesty, the New Age Movement, obscenity, racism, respectable worldliness, suicide and violence?

There could be more but these are some favorite hot button topics in society, even among believers.  How do we, as children of God, live  in biblical correctness (as opposed to political correctness) to please  and honor our Heavenly Father and be effective salt and light in our respective societies in this day and age?  This even at the cost of being  written off as a bigot and therefore not to be tolerated but only to be "canceled" out of society.

First off, I think we  better start praying and seeking God's will.  Search the Scriptures to see what HE has to say whether directly in black and while, or as a general principle of morality.  Then we need to live it.

As we live it, it will be a testimony - even if we are labeled as that 'bigot'.  It's not an easy task but when our motivation is to please the Lord because of all He's done for us, we can be comforted and know that His goodness, mercy and love follow us all the days of our life on earth (Psalm 23:6).

We can look forward to dwelling in His house forever in time to come when all will be perfectly moral and reach God's standard of morality to utmost perfection, for all eternity.  Until then, be in the world but not standing, sitting, or mocking in it (Psalm 1).

As the days go by and I have time to ponder and write more on these topics of morality, I hope you will come with me on this journey along that right path of God's.  I trust that my opinions will be truly set according to God's standard and that my earthly input won't tarnish or marr what He actually intends for us to know and how to live by.

God bless.

                                                         ~ERC  April 2022~

Based on a Bible study entitled, Moral Issues Facing the Church by Rob Harbison.

Please read the following verses:  Jeremiah 10:23; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; Matthew 22:37-39; Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 5:10 and John 8:32.

Book Review - Experiment With Engineering Science - By Nick Arnold - Publication Date: 17 May 2022

 

Hands - on science, "Whoo-hoo!"  Kids, kids, kids, this is gonna be FUN!   Learning experiences await.  You will get a feel for how bridges stay up when gravity is desparately trying to pull them down; explore pulley power; rocket launch and even build your own car, among a number of other compelling engineering experiences.  There are mini blurbs but not boring ones, to help understand the science of it all.  There are step-by-step instructions with helpful diagrams and pictures to guide you.  Experiments can be put together at minimal cost as most materials needed to create with, you'll be able to find around your home, perhaps even from recyclable items.  Happy Experimenting!

                                            ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                          May 2022

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

What the Shepherd Does

 Although fear can be a good thing in some ways, acting as a warning against potential danger, other types of fear can paralyse.  There could be fear of death for yourself or a loved one; of widowhood; fear of loss of employment, finances and inflation; fear of war and all its devastating consequences, fear of sickness and  a whole bucket list more.  Let's walk through our deep valley's and pits of fear along with the Shepherd of Psalm 23, for some direction and relief.

"The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want" (vs 1).

Look at what this shepherd does.  He provides for his sheep - green pastures in which one  feels safe enough to lie down and rest in.  Quiet waters from which to drink - refreshing and does not drown.  Guides, keeping from harm and anger - keeping the sheep on the right path and from going astray.

Even in the midst of danger and enemies, there is provision - a table set.  The sheep enjoying the shepherd's goodness, love and mercy.  The shepherd-host being hospitable, preparing and sitting at  the table of mercy to eat and refresh.

When fears and troubles ignite around us and in our hearts and minds, our Shepherd protects, defends and provides.  There is a bold statement,

"I will fear no evil" (vs 4).

Talk to the Lord about your fears.  Pray them.  Then focus on the shepherd and what he does for his sheep.  The catalysts for troubles and fears won't necessarily go away but our fear can turn to trust in our shepherd Jesus, and only fear Him. 

 At present, what are your fears?

Turn to the shepherd who cares.

Be in His presence.  His presence is awaiting  us.  He is with us who fear Him.  He prepares that table in the presence of our enemies and I like to believe our Shepherd has already sat down at that table waiting for me.  So pray and name your fears, asking Christ your Shepherd and Christ your Host to relieve them.

                                                     ~ERC  May 2022~

Based on Psalm 23 NIV.

Sing, The Lord's My Shepherd I'll No Want, along with Stuart Townsend.

Book Review - Discover Your True Worth - By Lindsay Roberts - Publication Date: 12 April 2022

 

The insight Lindsay Roberts has  on various women of worth (or not of worth) among the Bible characters is enlightening.   Such biblical figures as Susanna, Bathsheba, Esther, Deborah (one of my favorites) and others show us, says Roberts, how they shone even in every day situations.  For example, Esther was beautiful, not as an ornament but for a vastly greater task.  Read and find out!  As women of faith combined with the acknowledgement of our worth, especially in God's eyes, we are "destined for victory".  When God puts words in our minds, hearts, and mouth, we can speak into others and have great satisfaction in word and deed as we deliver in humility and faith.  It is a great thing to be able to realize our true worth and then be used mightily by the Lord.  You just never know...miracles could happen.

                                          ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                             May 2022

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy send by NetGalley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - The Secret Life of the Sea Otter - Laurence Pringle

 The story of Lutris and her pup is cute and informative.  I believe this Californian Sea Otter is such an amazing creature to introduce to any child, to learn of its ways in its natural habitat:  how it feeds, grooms itself; how it sleeps and keeps itself afloat, and how it cares for its young.  Learning that sea otters are "keepers of the kelp" was a very interesting point to me and that because of sea otters going to near extinction, the effects that had on its environment and the kelp.  Books like this one are great for helping children to be more aware of nature and to be its carers as well.  Oh, if children read this book they will be able to find out what a group of sea otters is called.  

I'd say that the illustrator has done an excellent job complimenting the story line, appearing to replicate more actual habitat topography as any scientifically inclined book for young readers should.  The book ends with interesting facts, a glossary, and a short list of books for further reading about sea otters should any reader be so inspired to additional knowledge of this species.  All in all, this book offers a good learning experience and opportunity for young children.

                                             ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                          March 2022

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - The Prison Child - By Shari J. Ryan - Publication Date: 24 May 2022

 

I had to keep checking to see if this was really fiction because authoress Shari J. Ryan has written another masterpiece!  She took me on a rollercoaster of kaleidoscopic range and proportions of emotions from laughter to weeping and everything in between.  Likely other readers will experience the same effect as Ryan takes one on Annie's ride of wondering who she is, the shock of discovery and beyond.  

This is yet another story springing out of WWII but this narrative reveals another angle of its abject depravity borne from an evil man with his evil plan to especially annihilate all Jews.  The rippled aftermath effect that still filtered  down even after the lapse  of years post liberation.

 As the book title suggests, a baby (child) was born in Theresianstadt concentration camp (aka prison).  How this baby escaped, its life thereafter and the distressing consequences of being a 'missing child' have repercussions of which even the woman who helped the baby bolt for freedom did not imagine.  It is never  easy to lose a child nor to protect one from all odds of being hated and eliminated based upon ones ethnic and/or religious background.  However, this woman did marvelously with help from a surprize source.

Annie grows and finds Fraser,  also a missing person, missing in the sense of slipped through the fingers, and together they wade and struggle to find out who they are and grapple with what their lives should have been, then try to find acceptance of what is.  There are not enough thumbs available to give this story enough thumbs up.

Shari J. Ryan has other such genre of books that will likely be as riveting as this one has been.  Check them out, especially this one, The Prison Child.

                                       ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                     April 2022

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and  the publiser.

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - Emma's Sunflower - By Phillipa Warden - Publication Date: 24 May 2022

 Emma's Sunflower is a delightfully cheery read.  It is also educational.  A young reader can look out for the different colors mentioned; the seasons of the year; how some seeds, like sunflower ones, can grow; and spot birds of different feathers like the one Emma named.  

Reading is made extra easy especially for children who may be dyslexic as the font used is called Open Dyslexic, which is specifically meant to aid dyslexic readers.  Illustrations are detailed and colorful and will likely let a child 'explore' nature.  

For added zest there are four suggested activities notated at the end of the book, which may help the children to review and unpact the interesting story.  This would be one book I wouldn't mind  giving as a gift to any child, maybe even as a birthday present.  Happy Reading, Children!

                                                 ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                           February 2022

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - Blown - By Nolon King - Publication Date: 23 May 2022

 This book is definitely an adrenaline rush pumper!  Don't get 'blown' away when you read it.  Prescription drugs, black market drugs, large pharmaceuticals, entanglement and undercover woman coerced by Tom, Goliat and Ellis into a ruthless, brutal gang and drug war turf takeover about blows Alison away as she gets drawn in, or should that be 'dragged' in.  Her contentious, yet loved teenage daughter Sarah, in potential danger if Alison doesn't do what's required, is overseen by a so-called boyfriend named Miguel, looking out, supposedly, for her interests.

I could see their point to some degree but of course don't condone the black market philosophy that seeps into this book and comes out the the characters' mouths to help Alison  justify, in her mind, what is going on vs the hypocracy of the 'legit' pharma people.  Danger lurks no matter what and the users pay the price and the justification still does not convince me, at least.  I was disappointed with Alison's new perspective but all part and parcel of the web of the book's provocation, I believe.  Just hope her cover doesn't get blown!

Pharmacists and drug lords, alike will love this book, I bet.  Maybe even the FBI agents, although not entirely seen in positive light (Ellis was trying to help, I think).  Together with other readers, they may all become addicted to such suspense and thrillers especially if Nolon King's authorcraft has anything to do with it!  

                                           ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                             May 2022

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based  on the review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher, Sterling and Stone.

Read review on Goodreads.

Lord's Day Devotion - Remember Him

People do many things for which they are remembered, some even legendary.  They leave legacies, or even scholarship funds "in memory of" and some more famous persons have busts or full statues placed in strategic places so people can remember them and what they have accomplished in their lifetime.  Some even have hospitals named after them and so on, hoping their memory lingers on.

Yet we've seen some of these toppled irreverently over in later years.  Angry people who do not remember or who do remember and therefore the anger surges and foments propeling them to eradicate what that statue represents.  All trace  of that "in memory" wanting to be destroyed and discarded; out of sight, out of mind.

Oh, or supplanted by another.  There is one county our family lived in once upon a time that had a statue of Winston Churchill in a prominent place in town.  He was eventually relegated to some musty museum storeroom (I assume).  There was someone else of greater 'current' eminence not wanting to be outshone.

Well, Psalm 103:15-16 tells us that mankind's days are like grass; the wind blows and the grass is gone, the place of the grass isn't even remembered anymore.   The remembrance of some famous or infamous people do linger on but are mostly forgotten unless someone else primes the pump of memory recall, like in history books or holidays in their honor, like Veteran's Day, St. Patrick's Day or even Queen Victoria's birthday, 

On the other hand, we have the very good news in Psalm 103:17-19 NIV, that GOD is from everlasting to everlasting and His love for us, the righteous made so by God because of our faith in Jesus and salvation through Him, is everlasting.  He has estblished His throne in Heaven where we are told neither moth nor rust will corrupt.  God's Kingdom rules over all.

How stabilizing is that!  How comforting!  We followers of Jesus will always have Him because He has us in His hand.  He has graciously asked us to remember Him in His death  and resurrection for what He did in the saving of our souls.  How often do we want to remember Him?  He requested,

"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till He come" (1 Corinthians 11:26 KJV).

The choice is up to each of us to 'dine' with other brothers and sisters-in-Christ each Lord's Day or even more often, to show and remember the Lord's death and all He accomplished through His sacrifice for us.  Believers have been doing this for more than 2000 years now.  Let's continue to partake of that broken bread and drink from that cup of wine in memorial and truly remember.

Remember Him...

                                                      ~ERC  May 2022~

Based on Psalm 103:15-19 NIV.

Sng, We Remember, along with MartyHaugen.

Forget Not All His Benefits

 Don't you just love it when you have a definite answer to prayer in accordance to how you had asked?  I do.  It's euphoric.  For example, for about four years I prayed for a friend to find a dedicated-to-the-Lord husband.  Well, that husband-to-be found her, which is the more proper manner.  They are to be married in a couple of month's time, Lord willing.

Then there's the l - o - n - g term praying of more than thirty years for family members to come to Christ.  Recently, we learned that one did and she joins her son's family to church.  There was rejoicing in Heaven and on Earth over this good news for the Good News of salvation acceptance.

Not long ago, I learned from a Bible study*1 that Psalm 103 expresses the experience of salvation as opposed to the doctrine thereof.  Now, don't get upset, I know it's not all about the 'feeling' but in this case I want to explore what it feels like to be saved.  Humor me.

Having grown up in the very dedicated and devout Christian home, the salvation experience didn't seem to impact me much; the transition not clear cut.  I often felt like maybe I wasn't saved afterall.  It had been hounded into my siblings and I that  it is NOT a feeling but a decision of the heart and yes, there's rejoicing in heaven among the angels but we  are not to get too happy because, "it's NOT A FEELING"!  So, this is likely part of why the doubt and confusion as to one way or another regarding was I or was I not, saved.   Feeling had to be squelched and therefore, I did not feel.

In Psalm 103, I feel like the general expressions of David's salvation experience are one of relief, gratefulness, freedom and yes, joy!  Joyfulness.  Might I add, one of the characteristics of the  fruit of the Holy Spirit is joy, which should not be squelched.

Even the first and last sentences of this psalm are injunctions to praise,

"Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name!" [emphasis mine]

David give permission to his own soul to praise the LORD.  We can do the same when we have our own salvation experience.  Slaves to sin set free, rejoice!  Rejoice with them.  Enjoy the experience.

Look at the list of this wonderfully rich and complex salvation.  There's forgiveness from all our sins.  Like me, growing up and taught to behave in a 'good Christian' trainng manner.  I could not appreciate this as much as others who may have lived a very different life devoted to wickedness or even to ritualistic and legalistic beliefs that works save one instead of the mercy and grace of trust and faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

David acknowledged God's salvation healed all diseases.  I read that some people, like one Andrew Murray (1828-1917), a South African writer, who believed that believers should not ever be sick and if they were, it was God's judgment upon  that individual.  But even Jesus said, that that man who was born blind was to show God's glory and that no-one had sinned, not even his parents.  

Let me qualify that though, the blindness was not because of any particular sin but rather due to The Fall.  We are all sinners, except for Jesus.  The healing was to show the power of God in Jesus.  Yet, many people do get sick and die.  Confession of sins and healing do seem to have some correlation as seen in the book of James chapter 5 verse 14 if anyone is sick.  Confess sins, pray, then healing in the wake.  However, this is another topic for another time, suffice it to say, healing can be one of the benefits of salvation.

Furthermore, reading 1 Peter 4:1-2, we find that Peter tells his audience that even Jesus suffered and therefore we need to "arm ourselves" to let suffering help guide us to doing the will of God and not live according to human desires.  If we request healing and God grants it, give Him praise.  If He doesn't, like He once told the apostle Paul, "His grace is sufficient" for him to endure.  We can still rejoice in this aspect of the salvation 'package'.

There is joy in knowing God redeems our lives from the pit.  If that pit had been one of great iniquity, transgression, or of self-righteous living, of depression, addictions and so on, feel gladness of heart, soul and mind for His rescue operation on  your behalf.

We have been crowned with love and compassion and He also satisfies our desires with good things.  His every gift is perfect, stemming from His rich and complex salvation.  No wonder David could not contain his joy and  thankfulness and just had to start and end his psalm with "Praise the LORD"!  What an experience to experience!

Review this salvation list.  Which have you benefited from?  I was healed from COVID-19.  Hopefully all reading this have too.  I know God's love and compassion.  As a believer in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross, my sins have been forgiven and so on.  Praise the Lord again and again for all His benefits.  FEEL the joy.  Go ahead.  Sing praises.

When we 'pray our salvation' we praise our saving God and Jesus, our Savior.  If human beings who've accepted Christ as Savior do not praise Him, at least we know the angels are and are doing God's bidding.  God's heavenly hosts and all His work everywhere in God's kingdom are praising Him.   Why not us too?   Call all your friends and neighbors, like when the shepherd who found his lost sheep #100; the woman who  lost one of her silver coins, searched and found it,  and the waiting father who's lost son returned.  Rejoice and celebrate your salvation!  Forget not all His benefits.  Praise the Lord.

"Make praise your priority"!*2

                                                      ~ERC  May 2022~

Based on Psalm 103.

*1 Based on Bible Study by Eugene H. Peterson, Psalms - Prayers of the Heart.

*2 Quotation from a sermon at my church.

Sing, Praise God FromWhom all Blessings Flow, along with 

East From West

 

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12 NIV).

How does one even comprehend how far east is from the west?  It's impossible!  To give yourself some idea of it though, take a flight from North America to Southeast Asia (or vise versa).  If you fly east to get to the east, or fly west to get east, still, once you've arrived after about 36 hours of travel, transit and travel, bleary-eyed and jetlagged, you'll discover west still hasn't found east, nor east, west.

Futile pursuit.

This is when one gets a snippet of an understanding of just how far our Heavenly Father has removed our sins from us upon our moment of salvation.  No wonder all David the psalmist could say was, 

"Praise the LORD, O my soul!"  He said it twice (Psalm 103:1, 22 NIV).

If you still have doubts whether you are "safe" and "saved," doubt no more.

"The blood of Jesus Christ cleans us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

Also,

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..." (Romans 8:1 NIV).

So we get the idea.  

As Rudyard Kipling's famous saying goes,

"East is East and West is West, and never the twain shall meet."

Just think on all of that.  You will not meet the eternal punishment for your sins because Jesus has taken it all upon Himself.  Our sins have been washed in the blood of Jesus and you'll never be condemed again for them, by God!   Praise the Lord for all  His love and mercy and compassion.  Tell yourself, "Praise the Lord!"

Make praise your priority.

                                                 ~ERC  May 2022~

Based on Psalm 103 NIV.

Sing, East to West, along with Casting Crowns.

Book Review - The Greenbrier Resort - By Joy Callaway - Publication Date: 17 May 2022

 

Sometimes while reading historical fiction accounts one discovers there is barely a whisper of history.  Not so this Greenbrier Resort.  The main characters Dorothy Draper, who became a renowned interior designer, and The Greenbrier, a wonderful summer resort edifice at which even presidents of the USA would be guests,  were both very real.   The Greenbrier still "lives" on to today, having withstood the winds of time since we are introduced in the story line of this book which begins in 1908.  The time line actually straddles those earlier Victorian times, and into the 1940's.  The  Victorian society rules that strictly governed what women could and could not do certainly is portrayed and how it overshadowed and affected them unjustly, especially in the upper eschelons of old-wealth families.  

What made this story perk along in a most intriquing, fictional manner was the unauthorized and unrequited cloak of romance between Dorothy and heart-throbbingly handsome Enzo, the Italian. Both were faint with love for each other but were torn apart; would they ever reunite?  

For those interested in learning more about that earlier era and the history of Dorothy Draper, her magnificent interior design work and of her protege, Carleton Varney, there is a list of further recommended reading in the addenda.

                                                 ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                               January 2022

Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own based on this copy.

Read review on Goodreads.

A Psalm to Calm

 

If you need a Psalm to calm you today, read Psalm 33.  It starts out with an exclaimation to sing joyfully; to lift up our hearts in songs of praise.  This is not just aimless singing but to "praise the Lord..." and to play skillfully (if you have musical talent upon any given instrument).  The psalmist even says to "shout for joy" (vs 3).

The focus of the joy is upon the LORD's word which is right and true and upon Him for His faithfulness, righteous justice and unfailing love!  Most people want to be loved and have justice especially if it's for themselves. He loves and cares about each of us so we can praise and rejoice.  Focus on Him.

 Our God is just.  Rejoice.  Sing because of Him.  

Our God is righteous.  Rejoice.  Sing because of Him.

Our God is faithful.  Rejoice.  Sing because of Him.

Our God serves us with his unfailing love.  Rejoice.  Sing because of Him.

So much to sing about.

Even in light of current events in the Russian - Ukraine conflict.  My heart was actually saddened to the point of tears, yesterday.  I learned that missionary friends who formerly worked among the Mariupol people, have now lost connection with them.  Things are dark, quiet. Uncalm.

All that's left now is to beseech our faithful, loving Father on their behalf.  My friends said calmly that when the dust settles, brothers and sisters from a neighboring country will attempt to go in, if allowed, to see what has become of those dear saints. 

We all know our Heavenly Father, God, has the last say, no matter how much the nations dither and plan against one another.

"The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples but the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations" (Psalm 33:10-11 NIV).

Did those nations make the LORD, their God?  At least one of those current ones engaged in warfare denies existence of God while the other has a form of Christianity but maybe not faith in Jesus.  The psalm, of course, refers to the nation of Israel but this can be applied in some way now.  They all need our prayers that they will turn to the Lord in truth and faith and hope; that they will turn and see what the Lord's purposes are and bring peace to their hearts and lives and nations.

During David's time - led by him, Israel really did make the LORD their God.  The LORD's eyes were upon them and saw they feared Him and put their hope in Him.  No wonder they could be filled with joy, rejoicing, praise and song.  What a wonderously happy time that must have been!

We too can turn to our Heavenly Father, put our hope in Him, through Jesus our Savior and hang on to joy.  Depend upon Him.  Let His purposes be ours.  Sing a psalm.  Pray a psalm.

Let a psalm, calm.

                                                          ~ERC  May 2022

Based on Psalm 33 NIV.

Sing, You Are Faithful, along with Hillsong Worship.

Book Review - The Memory Keeper of Kyiv - By Erin Litteken - Publication Date: 16 May 2022

 

Many have heard of the Holocaust but not many have heard of the Holodomor.  I hadn't until I  read this Historical Fiction book which sticks very close to the facts of the matter.  Holodomor refers to Stalin's 1930's death-by-starvation strategy to subdue and coerce Ukrainians into accepting collectivism, via it's resulting depravations and horrors.  Survivors often became bereft of most of their family members and even villages from whence they had come.

Such was the fate of Katya, and Kolya and their dear little Halya.

This is a dual story line of the 1930's characters (Katya) and of present day (2004) descendants in the form of Kayta's daughter Anna, granddaughter Cassie and great-granddaughter Birdie.  All had  had some intense trauma and heartache from which they valiantly try to cope with and overcome.  As Kayta has some form of dementia, likely Alzheimer's, she relives the horrors of her younger years' past.  Katya never tells of her painful past but does have it written down, in Ukrainian.  Cassie, a journalist, is frustrated by this as she cannot read Ukrainian.  Yet, there comes a male someone who can translate and Cassie and Anna can then understand Katya better.  You may guess that there is romance in the mix as well.

It is always difficult to read stories of lives filled with horrendous abuse and tragedy but as we see how these protagonists hang on to life we can be encouraged and inspired towards the same ends.  Tender-hearted readers will likely weep as I did.

The Memory Keeper of Kyiv is such a fitting title, I believe, especially since tragedy and nightmares are happening in the Ukraine again at this time (2022).  The author Erin Litteken brings the past to life rather vividly - yes, this is a work of fiction so there's salt and pepper - however, one can Google facts of the 1930's from the Holodomor time and ferret out the facts for oneself, and judge the veracity of Litteken's work.

The  author is,  in fact, a granddaughter of a Ukrainian refugee from WWII, who still recalls happenings from those times before and during WWII lending further authentication to  the  narrative.  Littekin, adds some of the facts as addenda along with  her 'about the author' blurb.

                                                 ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                                March 2022

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.