Book Review - A Season For the Heart - By J.M. Hochstetler - Publication Date: 1 November 2024

 

This was a lovely story.  There was so much about faith in Jesus and trusting in God.  There were endearing, amusing moments and those that brought tears and even anger.  There were authentic characters such as Judah who questioned God's love and care, and Ellie who struggled with her Mennonite upbringing with all its restrictions with which I could relate.  I really liked how the author carefully crafted the emotions and thought processes of the characters.  Issues such as child abuse, PTSD from war, and other trauma were touched upon.  Of course there was sweet romance but I thought all the issues in this historical fiction story were well balanced.

I was truly satisfied with this story and have been savoring it for the past couple of days.  I'd like to rate this heartfelt read with a 5-Star rating.

                                                       ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                                   October 2024

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Shoe On the Other Foot

 Jesus has done so many great things like curing folks and raising others from the dead.  He taught His disciples and the crowds.  The people flocked around Him to see all those wondrous things He did and no doubt went home and told their families and friends about it all, perhaps even embellishing it, if that were possible.  

But what about the words He said and said to DO?  Do we DO them?  That is the question.

Those words, 

"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is law and the Prophets" (ESV).

Do you see that ...

"What you wish others would do to you, do ... them"

This is star action.

Philosphers of the past have said thing like, 

"don't do to others what you don't want them to do to you".

This is the negative passive perspective seems to imply then just don't do anything.  Live and let live.  You don't harm then, but likely you didn't help them either.

One preacher I heard lately, noted that Jesus took a vastly different approach, the one of DOING - doing something good that will help others, for their benefit.

Things get done then.  People get helped.  It appears many churches in Canada are helping the vast influx of immigrants and refugees in one way or another.  This is doing the 'do' - that which you'd want to be done for yourself if the shoe was on the other foot.

This is not selfish behavior because you are not keeping things for yourself but are helping others, not expecting return.

Lord, help us to do as Jesus did and do what we'd want others to do for us.  Amen.

                                                  ~  ERC  July 2024  ~

Based on Matthew 4:23-25, 7:12 ESV.

Sing,  The Prayer - along with Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion.

Book Review - Watch Over My Child - Book 3 in Michal's Destiny Series - By Roberta Kagan - Publication Date: 24 October 2024

 

This third book in the Michal's Destiny series has been another good read.  The twists and turns in Gilde's rescued life (Taavi and Michal's youngest daugher) are heartbreaking despite some of the good that transpires.  The book ends with a shocker that could well purport a further book in the series but this is only my guess.  Although this Book 3 could stand alone, I feel there would be much better connect if the previous two books are read in order.  Author Roberta Kagan has given readers yet another 5-star rated (by me), WWII timeframe work of historical fiction.

                                             ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                          October 2024

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - Angel of Death - The James Ryker Series Book 12 - By Rob Sinclair - Publication Date: 24 October 2024

 

If a potential reader is looking to keep their adrenaline nimble, this book could be a good choice.  I found enough action, mystery and murder to give me a good thrill.  In the twists and turns you'll meet Ryker and Angel - almost like cookie cutter replicas of each other.

Clandestine meetings, super rich folks and people in power, the key to much of the action.  And is the Syndicate actually real?  The intrigue kept the pages turning for me.  Some potential readers may like to be cautioned regarding some of the more imitmate scenes as well as for some of the violence involved.  Other than these aspects, I felt that author Rob Sinclair crafted a noteworthy narrative.

                                            ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                          October 2024

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - Bounce! - By Sarah Albee - Publication Date: 22 October 2024

 

This children's book certainly has bounce!  For the truly scientifically-minded child, I believe this book will be fascinating and for the children who like things that bounce, they will be entertained and likely learn several new and interesting things they didn't know before about rubber, raincoats, balls and more.  Household names such as Macintosh, Goodyear, and Hancock will be more than about apples, car tires and signatures.  Accompanying illustrations help to bring the words alive in compelling educational manner.  Indeed, I believe readers of all ages will be able to find satisfaction with what this book has to offer.

                                                     ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                                     May 2024

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

Read review on Goodreads. 

The Only Door

Not long ago, someone told me, "all paths lead to God".  

I asked, "Which god?"

She answered, "The God who made us."

Well if that was truly the God who had made her, it would have been good if she had explored more about this God from HIS book.  His book tells us Jesus is THE way and He is THE Door to God our Heavenly Father and Creator.

One preacher reminded me of the illustration I've also heard from my Dad so long ago.  It was about shepherds in ancient times who were all out for their sheep.

At night the sheep were enclosed in a rock wall enclosure. The only legitiment way in to or out of that protection was through one gateway.  This gateway had no inanimate structure of a door or gate.  The 'door' was the human, the living shepherd himself.  He'd position himself in that doorway, come wind, high weather, wild animal or thief or robber, they'd have to go through him.  Same for the sheep, if they wanted out, they'd have to go through him.

The shepherd was the only door.  The way to God is only Shepherd Jesus (see John 10:9-11).  I wish I had remembered this story when I spoke with that lady instead of becoming tongue-tied.  When we parted company I did say that I hoped she'd find peace in Jesus.  

May the Lord Himself work these words into her heart, mind and soul so that she will eventually reconcile with God through Jesus the ONLY door.

                                                      ~ ERC  July 2024 ~

Based on John 10:9-11.

Sing, In Christ Alone, My Hope if Found, along with Adrienne Liesching.

The Best One (Numbers 36)

 Not only did Zelophahad's daughters value their Promised Land inheritance, the tribal group and clan valued it too.  They asked Moses about it and found out what the LORD wanted them to do.  He provided for them.

This is what the LORD commanded the heads of the fathers' houses of the clan of the people of Gilead the son of Machir, son of Manasseh, from the clans of the people of Joseph to do ... (see vs 1).

The daughters had to marry within their own clan and so they did.  Moses commanded the people of Israel regarding this.  This was the ruling overall.  In this way no inheritance would be transferred from one tribe to another (see vs 9).

I like how obedient and submissive to God these hornorable people were.  It's a lesson to me to learn from.  It's to the Lord we can look even for marriage partners.  We don't need to go online or anything.  Ask Him to provide that one whom He believes is 'the best' one for you (see 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 KIV).

Where He leads and guides, may we follow.

                                                       ~ ERC  July 2024 ~

Based on Numbers 36 ESV.

Sing, The Lord Will Provide, along with Landon Wolfe and Passion.  I like the lyrics despite the music being a bit noisy.

Link:  Something They Valued.  Related ariticle.

It's Beautiful (Numbers 34-35)

 It's beautiful to see how God maps out everything so orderly.  He organized the people of Israel, directing them through Moses how their inheritance of Promised Land land should be arranged.  Depending upon which tribe was bigger or smaller, their allotment was more or less respectively.  Thus, the boundaries of the Land were dispensed.

So Moses parcelled out the basic allotment to a chief from each tribe, each of whom, of course, were named - God hadn't forgotten any of them, He had them right on the tip of His tongue and could rhyme their names off easily.  The tribal chief then sub-divided the tribes' inheritance for the people and families within for their specific allotment.

Do you recall that the priests and Levites didn't get any land?  They had to rely on the rest of the tribes to do their part.  They had to give of their inheritance to create pasture lands and cities for the Levites.

Yes, God certainly does arrange things beautifully but He also wants His people to work together with Him.  He lets us do some of the work.  He wants willing, generous hearts to follow His lead.

What's more, there was further provision.  The six cities given to the Levites were to be six cities of refuge.  If somone had unintentionally killed someone, they could flee to one of these cities for protection against the avenger of blood.  The murderer could find refuge until it was ascertained whether it was truly accidental.  If it was, then the person could safely stay within the city of refuge's walls until the high priest of the time, died.

God, the Israelites' Heavenly Father, was so caring for His chosen children.  He planned and arranged what was just and good for them.  He did so in orderly fashion.

I believe He does for us, His redeemed people, even today.  It reminds me of the poem by Elizabeth Cheney titled, Overheard in an Orchard and it goes like this ...

"Said the Robin to the Sparrow:

I would really like to know,

Why these anxious human beings 

rush about and worry so?"

"Said the Sparrow to the Robin:

"Friend, I think that it must be 

That they have no Heavenly Father,

Such as cares for you and me."

Ironic.  Tongue-in-cheek irony.  Actually, you and I do have a Heavenly Father who does care for you and me.  We just have to stop being stubborn and accept His care and provision.

Isn't it beautiful!

Heavenly Father, it's beautiful to see how caring You are in the ways You do provide for Your creatures, great and small, especially for us human beings.  Help us to be grateful for it all.  In Jesus' name, amen.

                                                    ~ERC  July 2024 ~

Based on Numbers 34 & 35.

Sing, All Things Bright and Beautiful, along with Amina Bhatnager.

Book Review - His Name is Grace - By H. G. Davis - Publication Date: 18 October 2024

 

What can go wrong does appear to mostly do so in this compelling murder mystery.  The heaviness throughout that descends upon the Sheads is felt, at least for me, so that I almost dreaded to read on.  Ultimately, that was what kept me reading and looking for the grace element.  I did finally find it.

Although, judging from the book title a potential reader may think this is a highly spiritual book, I found it had only a light touch, like a pinch of salt that brings out the flavor to a palatable satisfactoriness.

                                            ~Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger~

                                                              May 2024

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

Read review on Goodreads. 

Book Review - Abuela's Letter - By Debbie Zapata - Publication Date: 15 October 2024

With a book title having a word such as 'Abuela' included, a reader can well expect Spanish cultural elements.  This is the case in this children's story.  Of course, it is still very readable for others of a more English-speaking and cultural background - very much so.  I believe that these inferences do NOT distract from the main serious focus of helping and supporting a child through the journey of grief of the loss of  a loved one.  There are great and colorful accompanying illustrations which further enhance the storyline in meaningful depiction.

Alma's wise parents and extended family helped her through the loss of her Abuela even as they too, grieved.  She even had a wonderful surprise on her birthday from the one who really cared.

I believe this would be an excellent choice and help to any child going through such grief.  Indeed the endearing story brought tears to my eyes.

At story's end there is, in my opinion, a very helpful Reader's Note in both Spanish and English regarding supporting a child going through the trauma of the grief of the loss of a loved one.  This offering from the American Psychological Association in partnership with author Debbie Zapata would be well worthwhile looking into.  At least I think so.

A 5-Star rating from me.

                                             ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                             March 2024

Disclaimer:  I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, American Psychological Association, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read review on Goodreads.

Offering Offerings (Numbers 28 & 29)

 

If an offerer could offer offerings, how often would an offerer offer offerings?  The Israelites were commanded to offer offerings to the LORD on a daily, weekly (on the Sabbath day), monthly, and special festival days' basis.

Different animals, grains, bread and drink offerings were to be offered to the LORD; animals without blemish, grains of certain amounts, and so on - you can read it.  To the LORD, these offerings became ...

"... a pleasing aroma" (see Numbers 28:27 ESV).

These offerings were commanded but the LORD appreaciated what the offerer offered up to Him.  As believers in Jesus Christ, we can make offerings too.  The New Testament doesn't specify animals or grains and so forth but whatever you have in hand, from a cheerful, willing heart will give the Lord honor.

This past Lord's day, there were the tithes, of course, but then there was also an opportunity for an offering of money for a certain group of refugees the church was helping.  That did not have to stop there.  A person could use their time, talents, skills, and effort to meet the needs of others.

Portions of what the Israelites offered to the LORD eventually supplied the needs of the priests and Levites who served and ministered in the Tent of Meeting.  We too can care for the pastors and teachers of the Word, and mission workers doing full time work for the Lord.  Don't forget them and their families, that is, those who are truly in need.  

Be partners with them in bringing Christ to the nations (see Matthew 28:19).

Let's continue offering our offerings on a very regular basis.  They will be a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

                                                   ~ ERC  July 2024 ~

Based on Numbers 28 & 29 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.

Sing, Give of Your Best to the Master, along with Reflection.

What Would You Do? (Numbers 27:12-23)

 What would you do if you were told, "You only have one month to live?"  Or, "...if you climb that mountain that's the last anyone will see you.  Once you go up there you're not gettin' down - a heart attack could happen; a wild beast could attack or an avalanche or landslide could whisk you away."  

What would you do?  What would you think about?  Would you crumple up into a dishevelled ball of self-pity and misery?  Or would you have some set bucket list of adventures to explore and tick off?  What would you do?  Would you get your house in order?  What do you think you would do?

Moses, such a phenomenal person, got his house in order.  He prepared.  He had a huge nation of mottley people to prepare.  A nation to settle into a new land but he'd be taking his last steps up that mountain unable to go into the Promised Land!  What a huge disappointment for him!  

He was told he could not go into the Promised Land.  What was he to do then?  Whatever could he do!?  That was the question.

Yeah.  There are many answers to these types of questions.  Of course, to be a follower of Jesus Christ, the most important one we would say to anyone, is to be saved - to have salvation through Jesus Christ, to be prepared to meet ones' Maker.

God's love is reaching out to one and all.  He loved the one and alls of the world so much He sent His one and only Son to die on the cross for their sins so those who believe in Him could have atonement and forgiveness for their sins and everlasting life.  He enabled Jesus to give this Gift of God to whoever wants it and then to be with Him at the end of their days on earth, for ever and ever.

Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior is the most concerning of needs.  "Where will I spend eternity?" is the most pressing of preporatory exit concerns.  At the end of that month where will you be?

The day before Canada Day I was in church, in Fredricton, New Brunswick.  There was a service in which they had a 'blended' service, meaning the Mandarin-speaking congregation and the English-speaking congregation held a joint-service together.  The Mandarin congregation's choir was leading the songs.  The first song to sing was, "O Canada'.  The second one was, "God Save our Gracious King' (re:  King Charles III of the UK).

It was the first time it came smack dab in my face to have to sing God Save the King instead of the Queen, and this for this king.  My immediate reaction was, "WHAT?!"  "King!"  "King Charles!"  "I don't really like this king!  The Queen - the gracious Queen, yes!  BUT, this King Charles III?!  I do NOT want to sing that!  Besides we're supposed to be singing praise to Jesus!  Singing to God our King of kings!  Singing praises to Him for all HE has done for us!"

But here they were asking us to sing for that king.

Anyway, they all began to sing, "O Canada".  We got through that and then they began with "God Save the King".  I just, na - ah!  I didn't sing and didn't sing until they were almost finished and the words that were repeated "God save the king" penetrated into my mind.  Then the epiphany was, "I can turn this into a prayer!"  This king definitely needs to be saved!  This king, gracious or not, does need to be saved.  He needs to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of his life to prepare for the next life in eternity.  As the line of thought progressed I said to myself, I said, "I guess I can sing this song afterall.  So I did join in with the last strains of lyrics  and tune.  

We all need salvation through Jesus Christ the one and only way to God, King Charles III included.

In Numbers 27 when Moses' last hours came to be, and before he'd climb that Mount Piscah, seen his glimpse of the Promised Land from that vantage point and then be gathered to his fathers and God would bury him, he didn't crumple up.

He still had duty to perform.  What would happen to the multitudes of Israelites?  They would be like a flock of sheep without their shepherd if Moses left the scene unprepared.

So before his last climb at the tender age of 120 years, Moses appealed to God, "These people need a leader."  God told him, "Joshua, son of Nun is to be the leader to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land and guide them into claiming the land.

Faithful Moses, despite setback after setback along the wilderness way, commissioned the installment of Joshua son of Nun as God's chosen next leader, just as God had commanded him.

So people, if you're given one month to live, how would you conduct yourself, going all haywire or calm, steady preparing of those people around you in your care, for the inevitable.  I wonder what I'd do?  

May you all be blessed in preparing for what lies ahead should you no longer be on this earth.  Only God truly knows the number of our days.  

Be ready.

                                                        ~ ERC  July 2024 ~

Based on Numbers 27:12-23.

Sing, Will You Be There, and I?, along with Hymnary.org.

Book Review - A Family Shattered - Book 2 of the Michal's Destiny Series - By Roberta Kagan - Publiccation Date: 10 October 2024

 It is certainly appalling what human beings can do to other human beings.  Roberta Kagan has graphically described it as such in this second book of the Michal's Destiny Series and it makes my heart cry.  The nightmare that happened to the Jewish people in Hitler's Germany certainly shook families to their roots.  Taavi, Michal, Alina and Gilde bore the brunt  of it all.  The title is so very appropo - A Family Shattered!  Indeed.

I feel this work of historical fiction is not for the weak at heart.  I cannot say I actually enjoyed this book due to the nature of the narrative but it is necessary for the story to be told.  To know and realize all that happened to the various 'outcasts' of society and the impact on their 'innocent' Aryan citizens ... the horrors of reality.

                                                   ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                                October 2024

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - The Rise and Fall of Magic Wolf - By: Timothy Taylor - Publication Date: 8 October 2024

I'm afraid I found this a rather slow read that couldn't hold my attention well. Those who are chefs or work otherwise in kitchens in more upscale restaurants may find they have some interest in this story of Magic Wolf.

Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger
July 2024

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

Read review on Goodreads.

Something They Valued (Numbers 27:1-11 ESV)

 

Zelophehad's daughters have been in my mind for many days.  I really like how they approached Moses about something they valued.  What's more, they courageously asked for something that hadn't ever been done before, and that likely appeared to be very bold for women to do, especially in that day and age.

The five daughters had no brothers but they valued their inheritance so much, that they wanted a part that otherwise would have gone to a brother, which was the usual line down.  Their appeal mentioned that their father had been honorable and hadn't taken part in the Korah rebellian.  He had died only because of his own sins.

Moses graciously inquired of the Lord and the Lord gave the answer that these noble women could have their share of their father's inheritance when certain stipulations were adhered to.

Fair enough.

This teaches me not to under-estimate myself as a woman nor as a person in general.  I can inquire of the Lord and perhaps seek a trusted person's advice.  Reading other portions of Scripture to balance and keep living according to God's will and way is also a noble direction and practice for a follower of Jesus Christ.

It feels good that God cares about the women every bit as much as He does men.  He created us and we are His children.  Let's all look to Him everyday of our lives.  Getting His input and learning His ways are our inheritance from Him.  It is also something to value.

                                                         ~ ERC  July 2024 ~

Based on Numbers 27:1-11 ESV.

Sing, Inheritance, along with Matt Mayer and  Mia Fieldes.