She Writes: Reviews on Christian Works

Glaen by Fred R. Lybrand

2010-06-23T03:55:00.000-07:00

Published by The Barnabus Agency

Glaen is not your typical romance novel. Instead this fiction is written as a research project by Annie for her proffersor, Glaen. Annie searches for the truth behind what makes a relationship work and last.

with the shattering news of her parents' separation and divorce, Annie is left confused and shocked. She interviews a number of people and makes notes on what seems to be effective and ineffective. Her proffessor, Glaen helps her to discover some basic truths in her reasearch. The most basic one and the most important one being living by The Golden Rule.

Annie learns that lasting relationships are based on the couple treating each other the way that they would like to be treated. In doing this, unrealistic expectations have no part in a relationship. Appreciation and respectfulness are key facets of a relationship which is based on The Golden Rule.

As Annie conducts her research and heeds Glaen's wisdom and advice, she not only learns about relationships but she also learns about herself. The reader has many opportunities to do a self analysis as he/she reads through this novel. Does Annie eventually develop the kind of relationship she has been researching?

You will have to read the book to find out for yourself.

Diarmaid MacCulloch's A History of Christianity Episode 1

2010-05-21T03:20:00.000-07:00

This is the Press Release from B&B Media Group Inc.

Audra Jennings
800-927-0517 ext. 104
ajennings@tbbmedia.com

Discovering the Surprising History of the First Christians
New DVD series examines Christianity's global roots.

Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX - There are two billion Christians in the world today, a third of humanity -Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Pentecostal, and many more. Though Christians, by definition, are well-versed in the story of Christ and the apostles, many have given little thought to the details of their Christian heritage - the miraculous transferring of their faith from the first Christians huddled at Golgotha, across two centuries worth of cultures and languages, wars, and the rising and falling of empires. How did this small. obscure Jewish sect that preached humility and personal sacrifice become the biggest religion in the world? The answer will surprise you.

A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years is a six-part series co-produced by the BBC, the Open University, and Jerusalem Productions and presented by Diarmaid MacCulloch, one of the world's leading historians and Professor of History of the Church and Fellow at St. Cross College, Oxford. As MacCulloch reveals the true history of Christianity, he explores the question, "What does it really mean to be a Christian?"
While most Christian histories start with St. Paul's mission to Rome, MacCulloch asserts that the Christianity stayed much closer to its Middle-Eastern roots and that, in fact, the first Christians actually took the eastern road from Jerusalem, spreading their faith across Asia, even to parts of China.
"Today, Christianity is seen as a Western faith. Indeed, many in the Muslim world would see Western lifestyles as Christian lifestyles. But Christianity is not by origin a Western religion," MacCulloch says. "Its beginnings are in the Middle East, where there still exist churches which have been Eastern since the earliest Christian era. The story of the first Christianity tells us the Christian faith is, in fact, hugely diverse with many identities."
MacCulloch is one of the most widely traveled Christian historians, and A History of Christianity is the first retelling of the Christian story that is truly global in scope. Filmed in high definition, A History of Christianity takes viewers on a 2,000year odyssey that reaches the farthest corners of the world, from Palestine in the first century to India in the third, from Damascus to China in the seventh century, and from San Francisco to Korea in the twentieth.
A scholar whose fascination with Christian history was cultivated at an early age, Diarmaid MacCulloch is the last in three generations of Anglican clergy. That personal connection enriches the storytelling, as he describes not only the main ideas and personalities of Christian history, its organization, and spirituality, but how it has changed our views on politics, sex, and human society.
"Religious belief can transform us for good or ill. It has brought human beings to acts of criminal folly as well as the highest achievements of goodness and creativity. I tell the story of both extremes," MacCulloch says.
The twentieth century brought what many perceive to be the greatest threat to Christianity - skepticism and spiritual apathy. Still, MacCulloch contends that the future of Christianity is filled with possibilities.
The DVD set will arrive in stores, including Sam's Club, in time for the Easter Season. The series will also be available on Amazon cum.
A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years 6 DVD Set presented by Diarmaid MacCulloch
March 2010
www.ambrosevideo.com
www.tbbmedia.com

Chosen by Ginger Garrett

2010-05-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

Chosen is a historical novel based upon the life of Esther and the book of Esther in the Bible. the reader is captivated immediately by a romance of young Esther, the Jewish girl who was adopted by her cousin Mordecai. That romance comes to a quick end when she is chosen to be one of the king's next possible brides.

Ginger Garrett draws the reader back in time and allows the reader to become lost in the historical world which she creates. I kept wondering about the amount of research which she must have made in order to create such credible characters from the well known Biblical ones. In addition to the resources which provided Garrett with information on the way of life and culture during that time.

Chosen is written in a diary format. By writing it in this manner Garrett creates the notion that Esther has penned the words upon the page. Her thoughts, her feelings, her confusion, her humility, her despair and her hope are all clearly made known.

On page 92, Esther is given these words of wisdom from Hagai, her guardian in King Xerxes' palace. "Perhaps you will find a way to make your own peace with the events in your life. It is true we are all prisoners. But I cannot be sorry you were brought here. I would oly be sorry if you wasted your time here. We are all destroyed, everyone in our lifetime, but few will rebuild. You ust redeem your suffering Esther."

'He stood to leave an dextended his hand. Pthe letter that was hidden in your robes the first evening youwere brought here? The moonlight will be strong tonight. Perhaps it is the time for you to read it; and then say your good-byes. I will be patient with you for one more night. You may keep your diary , for I see it has brought you much concolation. But forget your home, Esther, anc Cyrus." '

Hagai knew what it would take to live in the king's palace and the level of commitment which he would need from Esther. If she was not going to let go of her past, he would not be able to prepare her to be a candidate as King Xerxes' future queen.

In interesting parallel can be drawn here when God asks us to fully trust in Him to provide so that we completely surrender all of our will, hope, needs and desires to Him.

Restoration Road by Mitch Kruse with Derek Williams

2010-05-02T16:41:00.001-07:00

Published By: David C. Cook

Mitch Kruse walks us through his life as an auctioneer. He vividly recalls his introduction to the "family business" of auctioneering at an antique sale with his grandfather. Here, his grandfather allowed him to call for bids on an item which seemed rather normal. With encouragement from his grandfather, the "curio" became a uniquely sought after item as he described it's detail after each bid. Immediately, Mitch knew that he would become an auctioneer.

His father experienced some difficult times as an auctioneer but this seemed to fuel Mitch's dream even more so. Money became his driving force. Wealth and fame became his passion.

On page 73 Mitch states this about his Christian life. "The pursuit of my desires apart from God caused me to neglect my faith because I loved the elusive satisfaction of money too much. Like the younger son who had separted himslf from his earthly father, (in the Prodigal Son), my journey separated me from the full benefits of the love of my spiritual Father. My stone heart crumbled into a heart of sand that overlfowed in particles of pride. I was still trusting in my gifted ness rather than my godlines--the Spirt of the Restorer in me."

What aspect of acutioneering did Mitch embark upon? The classic car. Did he become famous? Yes. His fame came about when he sold a "1934 restored one of a kind Duesenberg SJ LaFrand superchareged dual-cowl phaeton" for a million dollars.

Over time, he admits that has pursuit of fame and wealth also led him into sin and separation from God. He had not taken the time to learn from his earlier mistakes or from the mistakes that his father had made. As a result of financial constraints, his anger and stess, his relationship with his father and his wife became strained.

Foolishness, manipulation, greed, self righteousness, selfish pride, ridicule, perfectionism...all of these ruled his life. Damaged relationships began to extend beyond family and into friends and business relationships. No place for God, no place for grace.

Until one day, Mitch realizes his need to surrender to his Heavenly Father. He states on page 133 that: "Pride is the lock on the human heart; humility is the key." This day of surrender marked the turning point of his life.

As Mitch relates his life, his sin and restoration he quotes from scripture to make his points even clearer. All readers will enjoy this book for its story telling aspects and its transparency and truth.

The Right Call Written by Kathy Herman

2010-03-29T04:12:00.000-07:00

Published by: David C. Cook

The Right Call is the third book in the Sophie Trace Trilogy. Ethan Langley has completed another school term and has returned to Sophie Trace to work for his uncle’s construction company. He is also following God’s leading in developing his friendship with Vanessa Jessup and her infant son, who also live in Sophie Trace.

A series of random fatal shootings of two college students and of a 13 year old, leave the community of Sophie Trace paralyzed in fear. The people of the city are also wondering about the capabilities of their new female, Chief of Police, Brill Jessup. Can she really solve these killings? Or will she need to ask for assistance from the very opinionated and smug Sheriff Sam Parker?

Ethan Langley is directly affected by one of the shootings because it is a close family member. While working through his grief he attempts to assist Stedman Reeves, a coworker, in untangling his life.

Kathy Herman weaves a believable story of suspense and leaves the reader guessing about the shootings and whether all of the seemingly unrelated events are in fact tied together. Subtle hints are dropped however the reader needs to continue turning pages to discover the guilty party.

Readers of the previous two Sophie Trace Trilogy books will enjoy the suspense and seeing Ethan and Vanessa grow in their relationship with God and with each other. They’ll also enjoy knowing that the Jessup family has drawn closer together despite their past experiences.

This is the first book which I have read in this series and by Kathy Herman. Enough background information was inserted within the pages of this novel to make it a very enjoyable read. Herman is a fantastic suspense author. I highly recommend this author and this book.

The Right Call was provided free for review purposes from David C. Cook through The B&B Media Group Inc.

The Painted Hills: The Circut Rider Series

2009-12-30T19:56:00.000-08:00

Written By: Dennis Ellingson

Published By: Eloquent Books

J.L. Matthews is a rough, drinking cowboy with a past and very little hope for a future. His bouts with alcohol lead him into trouble continuously. Not only has his drinking separated him from his wife and son, but it has been the cause of many a fight. Unfortunately, his most recent fight not only leads to his dismissal as a farm hand, but it also sets him up as a target. Someone wants J.L. Matthews dead.

A couple of strangers assist J.L. when he is left for dead and he is nursed back to health. As he is recovering, the love that he is shown causes him to think about his wayward life. He desires to make changes so that he can be reunited with his wife, Maddie and his son, Jacob. Another aspect of love begins to penetrate his heart; it is forgiveness. In time, J.L. asks Jesus into his heart.

As a changed man he can be both the husband and father that he longed to be as well as becoming a responsible worker. Unfortunately, he is still a hunted man. There is more to this story which the reader will not discover until the author writes the next book in the series.

Ellingson, who has lived in Oregon for most of his life, has placed the setting of this series within this familiar territory. The descriptions of the area and the accompanying black and white photographs captivate the reader and pull the reader directly into the story.

This reader is looking forward to learning what happens in the next book.

The Blue Umbrella by Mike Mason

2009-11-09T12:14:00.001-08:00

Published by David C. Cook

The Blue Umbrella is a fantasy novel written for 9 to 12 year olds. Zac Sparks suddenly becomes an orphan and is taken to live with his two eccentric aunts in a place called Five Corners. His entire stay with his aunts is filled with pain, dismay, and discouragement.

His attempts to make friends in the community appear to fail yet near the end of the novel some friends emerge. In tests of courage and of good vs evil, eventually the good wins out and Zac becomes accepted into the community.

Sky Porter, the owner of Porter's General Store and the owner of the Blue Umbrella, befriends Zac but Zac is uncertain if he can trust this adult. Especially, when he learns about Sky's ability to control the weather. The blue umbrella is the focal point in this novel. Dada, his aunts' evil father, wants the blue umbrella and Sky Porter won't let it out of his sight. The plot is set when Dada insists that Zac be friends with Sky so that he can steal the umbrella. But can Zac actually take it when given the opportunity?

As a reader, I found this to be a very depressing book to read and I personally did not enjoy it. I would have loved to have seen more hope earlier in the novel rather than saving it all until the end. I continued reading the book only because I wanted to discover the conclusion. It is not a book for every 9-12 year old to read.

The book, The Blue Umbrella was sent to me free for review purposes.

Touching Wonder: Recapturing the Awe of Christmas

2009-11-05T03:05:00.000-08:00

Written By: John Blase
Published By: David C. Cook

In his book, Touching Wonder, John Blase revisits the Christmas story through the eyes,thoughts, and emotions of the following individuals: Zachariah, Elizabeth, Gabriel, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, Simeon and Anna. Each portion of the Christmas story is quoted from The Message and then he follows each scripture with the point of view from the individuals who were directly involved in the miraculous event. Blase, then follows each with his prayerful devotion about the passage.

I enjoyed the uniqueness of presenting the familiar. I found that Blase, helped me to be apart of Christ's birth by allowing me to read what each individual may have been thinking and feeling at that time.

Recapturing the Awe of Christmas, is exactly what this book did for me as I read through it. It doesn't take very long to read Blase's book but I found I was often thinking about the contents long after I had read a chapter.

Here is a passage from the book.

'"Did that really happen?" she wonders. "Or was I only dreaming?"

A contraction seizes the slight frame,and her questions are physically answered. The Mighty One has not chosen to part the waters or to stop the sun. No, he has chosen to overshadow her, bodily. At this moment she would prefer a floating axe-head or a ram in a thicket, anything but the deep place within. But the angel said, time was now full and desired to be born in us.'

If you are looking for a unique gift to give to a family member or a friend, I would highly reccomend this book. It will touch their heart with the wonder of Christmas.

This copy of Touching Wonder was given to me so that I could write this review.

Fearless By Max Lucado

2009-09-19T18:54:00.001-07:00

Published by Thomas Nelson

Life without fear seems unimaginable and yet, deep down it is truly what each of us desires. Max Lucado examines numerous fears that assail us in life. Some examples are: the fear of not mattering, the fear of disappointing God, the fear of not protecting our kids, the fear of violence, challenges, death and much more.

He carefully examines each fear, relaying his own experiences or those of others. He offers Bible verses which help to remind the reader that God is in control and that we are not to fear. In his characteristic, fun loving,story telling voice, Max Lucado writes about a serious topic which as Christians, shouldn't be apart of our lives. "Do not fear, do not worry, etc.," and other quotes from Jesus are remindful verses which Lucado places through out his book.

"There's a stampede of fear out there. Let's not get caught in it. Let's be among those who stay calm. Let's recognize danger but not be overwhelmed....Let's be numbered among those who hear a different voice, God's."

Trusting God will give us the courage we need to face uncertain times with certainty.
It will make us "Fearless."

Scared: A Novel On the Edge of the World

2009-08-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

Written by Tom Davis

Published by David C. Cook

This incredible work of fiction, set in Swaziland, Africa is based on fact. Tom Davis has first hand experience with some of the events described in this novel. While events were based upon circumstances that others had experienced.

In this cleverly crafted tale of Stuart Daniels a photo journalist and Adanna,a young Swazi girl, Davis pulls the reader into the heart of the story. Stuart Daniels, a photo journalist, has traveled in various countries and has viewed many terrible circumstances. What he witnesses in his first visit to Swaziland does not adequately compare to what he has seen elsewhere.

His heart, mind and soul are deeply affected by the events that occur there. As a reader, it left me the with compassion for the children and people who suffer from Aids and poverty.

Harsh, gut wrenching, gripping, emotional word pictures are depicted that thrust the reader into the reality of the situation. While both Stuart Daniels and Adanna are on their own journeys, their lives intermingle as Stuart and a friend are asked to do a story about how Aids affects the poor in Swaiziland.

Stuart Daniel's entire life and career have been in a slump. He has no choice but to produce his best work ever if he is to remain on staff. His relationship with his wife has also been strained. More important than either of these, Daniels learns about hope and faith from Adanna and her society.

Adanna's journey takes her through dangerous and abusive experiences yet she holds on to the hope and faith that her mother had introduced. Her survival and the survival of her siblings and their people are at stake. Adanna's gentle, loving and trusting hope in God is what helps see her through the joys and tragedies of her life. Although she has very little she gives all that she has so that other children can benefit.

This novel left me annalyzing my own life and my wealth compared to the poverty stricken and diseased in Africa. It filled me with compassion and a desire to not only pray for these people but to seek God's will in what He would have me do in response to this book.

Tom Davis is well aware of the situation in Africa. He has traveled there and witnessed the poverty, despair and disease. As the president and CEO of the Children's Hope Chest, he is actively making a difference in lives. The Children's Hope Chest helps children that have been orphaned in Africa and in Eastern Europe.

I highly recommend reading this novel. It will impact your life.

Karar Fitness DVD

2009-08-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

Karar Fitness Presents A
Praise and Worship Work out DVD

Living your life abundantly by seeking God, glorifying Him with your body, and worshiping Him as you exercise are the main premises behind the Praise and Worship Workout presented by Karar Fitness. Join the founder of Karar Fitness, Kimberley Denise Campbell and her fellow fitness and dance instructors for an exercising and stretching experience that is unlike any you have done before.

Ladies, get ready to praise the Lord with your body, mind and spirit with the Karar Fitness Praise and Worship Workout DVD. All you need to do the workout and stretches are running shoes and comfortable clothing.

Throughout the exercises scripture verses are presented. The verses support praising God through our actions, praise, prayer, and dance. Encouraging words are given throughout the entire program. You will feel as though Kimberley is speaking directly to you as you workout.

Worship songs provide the background music for the workouts and stretches. On the DVD you can choose between a fifteen minute workout, a full workout lasting thirty minutes or fifteen minute stretches. This is a fitness program for beginners, dancers and physically active women.

As an additional bonus, a discussion with the fitness team and Donna Mitchell are included on this DVD. You’re bound to see a difference in your energy level, and your health when you incorporate the workout and stretches into your life.

For more information about the DVD or about Karar Fitness please see: www.kararfitness.com

Talking to the Dead

2009-07-03T08:30:00.001-07:00

By Bonnie Grove
Published by David C. Cook

Kate and Kevin Davis are happily married and living out their dream life in the town that they were both raised in. Kate is ready to begin a family. Kevin is prepared to advance his way upward at the bank.

All their dreams shatter when Kevin dies. The novel opens with the mourners at Kate and Kevin's house. Once everyone finally leaves, Kate hears Kevin's voice. Thinking the funeral was really just a nightmare, she runs through out the house calling his name, only to discover he isn't there. She does this a few times and when the voice talks she is actually recalling conversations and events from her life with Kevin.

Not only is she seeking her husband, but she is also seeking for the truth. The happy marriage that she thought they had, was a fantasy. Something she desperately wanted to believe in but she had been denying herself the truth. She searches for mental help because she continues to hear Kevin's voice. In her quest for therapy, she eventually seeks out God and His love. Hints of the less than perfect marriage are eluded to as the reader is provided flashbacks.

Groves' work of fiction is well written. She writes credibly about many sensitive topics in the book. When Kate does begin to accept God's love, we know that she has made this arduous journey from her heart just as so many people in real life have have made.

Jenny Burr

Your Best You

2009-06-23T18:28:00.002-07:00

“Your Best You” written by Bonnie Grove
Published by Beacon Hill Press

Canadian author, Bonnie Grove, is a speaker and workshop leader. In her book, “Your Best You,” she offers practical suggestions in discovering your strengths and abilities. Once you have learned your strengths then she recommends giving your strengths back to God. Praying and thanking God for these strengths are part of this process. No idea is rejected. Building upon what we are good at, places us in the position of building up self esteem.

As a Christian, Bonnie Grove advocates praying for God’s direction in how He would have us use our strengths because He gave them to us. Writing your thoughts down as well as your prayers, filling in charts, and numerous other activities are included in each chapter. This is a book that captivates and involves the reader because you cannot help but to grab a pen and begin to work through the various tasks.

Why should you choose this self-help book over all of the others that are available? This one in particular is unique in that it is written from the Christian perspective. Grove affirms that you are loved by God and that He has the best in mind for you by giving you certain strengths. Groves doesn’t leave you floundering trying to figure out how to fill in a chart. Instead, she provides completed samples with each activity.

In your journey through this book you will begin to realize just how precious you are to God. How vital you are to your family, to your friends and your co-workers. Groves’ words of encouragement are found through-out the entire book.

By Jenny Burr

Cracking The Parenting Code

2009-06-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

Cracking The Parenting Code by Laura Lee Heinsohn
Published by: New Hope Publishers

What does your child need? In Cracking The Parenting Code, author Laura Lee Heinsohn, unravels the mystery of discovering the needs of your child first by asking a number of questions and providing methods to learn the answers for each question asked. Over three years, Laura asked people two questions. “Are you living your life with the same values and convictions that your parents raised you with? Are you raising your children the same way your parents raised you?”

The answers to the questions were almost unanimous. No. The reasons for the answers are the basis of the book. This is a practical book that helps parents discover the needs of their children and determine if they are meeting those needs. The book also aids parents in learning if their own needs had been met when they were children and how it affected them. When a parent knows their child’s or teen’s needs then they are able to connect with him or her.

This book is an invaluable read for parents. The personal accounts from Laura and from some of her parenting workshop participants are experiences in which many parents can relate. The quotes from investigators, and authors on parenting, are insightful and encouraging. Laura is a Christian and presents her findings from this perspective. I highly recommend reading this book.

Jenny Burr

Book Reviews

2009-05-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of some books that I'll be reviewing.

Your Best You by Bonnie Groves (Christian Non Fiction)

Cracking The Parenting Code by Laura Lee Heinsohn (Christian Non Fiction)

Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Groves (Christian Fiction)

Sunset by Karen Kingsbury

2008-12-29T18:02:00.000-08:00

Sunset is the fourth and final book in Karen's Sunrise Series. John Baxter is going through with selling the Baxter house due to his up coming marriage to Elaine, but he has some reservations about selling.

Ashley and Landon who are still recovering from the loss of baby Sarah, find themselves facing numerous questions about a future child that they may have.
Katy and Dane are involved with another theatre production while expecting their first child.

Kerri has a women's ministry that leads her to a bible study with a confused, young woman who attempted suicide. The young women's past is entangled with Kerri's past.

Regan's and Luke's marriage remains rocky through out this fourth book. All of the characters are reminded of God's redemptive love as they work through their struggles.

Karen has skillfully and creatively concluded many of the "loose strings" that have been dangling from book 3 in this series. What I enjoy about her writing is the fact that it does involve real life drama and provide examples of how Christians can deal or not deal with life. Through scripture, and prayer, her characters are guided and directed in their lives, much the way we would be in real life.

I look forward to the next series which will take Bailey, Cody, and Tim Reed from this series and allow the readers to see what developments occur in their lives.

Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur

2008-12-20T06:45:00.000-08:00

In this novel, Jason Faircloth, a demanding, legalistic pastor has to suffer and lose everything in order to really learn what it means to be a servant of Christ. He resigns from his church after losing his daughter and his wife. He not only hunts for wisdom but he searches for a grandchild he has never seen. He becomes angry at God, but when he really looks at how he contributed to everything that went wrong in his life he becomes humbled. He learns to show Christ's love to the forsaken and as his heart reaches out to others he becomes wiser, more loving, and returns to pastoring.

I highly recommend reading this book.

Cape Refuge Written by Terri Blackstock

2008-12-10T18:12:00.000-08:00

Hanover House is a place of refuge for outcasts from society. When the owners, Thelma and Wayne Owens, are brutally murdered, their son-in-law becomes the prime suspect. Blair and Morgan are their daughters. They try to sift through what little evidence there is along with Chief Cade but while doing, so uncover more questions than answers about their parent's hidden past.

This contemporary, page turning, Christian novel, will keep you guessing. Terri Blackstock provides a perfect setting near Savanah, Georgia. She has created
credible characters. I highly recommend reading this mystery.

Book One, paves the way for Book Two, Southern Storm which is due to be available December 2008 from Zondervan.

Molly Helps Paint

2008-06-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

Today my daddy is painting the workshop. He has a funny kind of paintbrush.

It has a long, long pole. The end has a turning kind of sponge. My paintbrush is small with black hairs on it. I love to paint with my paintbrush.
I ask my daddy what kind of paintbrush he is using. He tells me it is called a “roller”. The long pole helps him reach way up to high places. I ask my daddy if I may please help paint the workshop. Daddy says he should paint it by himself because I’m too little.

Then I get a good idea. I remember that daddy and mommy say I’m an artist. I think I can help if I use my little paintbrush. “Molly,” says daddy, “Your paintbrush is just too small to help me paint my workshop.”

“Please, please, please,” I ask.

“No Molly,” daddy says. “You are too little.”

My head went down. My mouth went down. Even my shoulders went down too. I was really sad.

Just when I was walking away I heard Mommy come out the back door.
“Tom,” mommy said to daddy. “You have a phone call.”

I saw Daddy put the roller paintbrush down. He walked into the house. My head started to think of an idea. A real good idea.

You have probably guessed Molly's good idea. Molly is a character that I have created. The conversation can be removed and the story can be told from her viewpoint. As you can tell, Molly is a very impulsive four year old. Not unlike many children today. There is more to the story, I just wanted to include a portion of it here in this post.

Teen "Me Time"

2008-05-19T18:12:00.001-07:00

Okay, I am finding that I still need this me time even though my girls are now teens. Sure, I needed it when they were younger and more helpless. I needed it as they were growing and I still need it today.

Please don't think that I don't love my teens because I really do, however there are times that I still need that break from them. It seems to go both ways. As teens, they enjoy a certain amount of time away from parents too.

This past weekend was Victoria Day weekend, a holdiay celebrated by Canadians. For me, this holiday weekend always means a family get together in South Western Ontario. A time that I enjoy with my siblings, and relatives. A time that my teens, really don't like to have to spend. It means driving betweein 7and 8 hours to get to where we are going.

For much of the time that we were away, one of my teens kept reminding me that she really wanted to get home as soon as possible so that she could be with her friends. Yes, we do drag our teens to family events however they arent' very often and generally we only make that trip once a year.

Some "Me Time"

2008-05-11T05:46:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I would shop for groceries with my baby and toddler but usually I would leave them at home with dad while I went out. As a stay at home parent, it's okay for you to want some time away from your children. It doesn't mean that you don't love them, because you know you do. What it does mean is that you need to have some "Me Time".

"Me Time" is a bit of time that you take to go have a tea or a coffee with a friend, or to go buy grocies without some very helpful tiny hands wanting to seize everything in sight, or a time to exercise and get in shape without lugging around a diaper bag.

"Me Time" can be done for free. Just go take a good long walk, power walk or hike around your area. Go to the library and take some time to look through some books, magazines or newspapers without having any interruptions.

"Me Time" can even be done at home if your spouse, neighbour, friend or other family member will take care of the children while you relax and watch a movie, watch T.V., enjoy a relaxing bath, bake or cook without interruptions, write, have that quiet cup of coffee or tea, or even take a well deserved nap. Perhaps you want to spend your "Me Time" cleaning. (This would not be my choice.) The point of some well deserved, well earned "Me Time" is to do something that you find relaxing and can enjoy doing without having to take care of you children for awhile.

How about you? What do you like to do for your "Me Time?"

Baby Manual

2008-04-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, who said that these little ones could read? As a parent, new or seasoned, you have likely read a few articles or books about babies. I know that I did. I read a few with our firstborn. Then I read a few more with our second born.

I came to some conclusions. Babies don't read! Therefore, no matter what you read in the "Baby Manuals" your baby will not do what they're supposed to do. Or, at least some of them won't follow the "rules."

For example, our first born napped but our second daughter never did, unless she was sick. While I needed the rest, and her older sister needed the rest, my second daughter would be wide awake and ready to keep exploring her world. I would tell her what the "Baby Manuals" had told me about the "required" napping but she could not be convinced.

She simply was not a napper.

What did I do? While she played in her playpen, with baby safe toys, I would also put a short children's movie in. I napped close by on the couch. I was getting the rest I needed while she played and watched or listened to the children's movie.

This worked for us.

What did you do when your baby didn't follow "The Baby Manual?"

Not A Parenting Topic: FYI Global Warming

2008-04-13T14:24:00.001-07:00

Two sites have been brought to my attention that indicate that the Global Warming may not be occuring as the environmentalists would have us believe.

Here are the sites for these readings.
http://www.citizenlink.org/fnif/A000007083.cfm
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/apr/08040306.html

Famished

2008-04-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

These tiny little babies always seem to be famished, especially during their first few weeks at home. You will no doubt receive a ton of advice on how and when to feed your baby. Not only will your family members tell you what to do, but your friends may also give you suggestions. There are books, magazines, and probably even multimedia presentations on this topic.

It all comes down to this. Feed your baby when he or she is hungry. Burp your baby, cuddle your baby, check their diaper, let them sleep when they are sleepy and get ready to start the process again a few hours later.

Nursing vs Formula I wanted to be able to nurse my babies, but it just wasn't for me so I had to give them formula. You see, no matter how long my babies nursed they never seemed to get enough nourishment. After a couple months of trying and my baby losing weight I had no choice but to give her formula. Almost immediately when I made the switch, she didn't need to feed constantly. Her stomach was full and she was gaining weight.

I tried to nurse again with my second baby, but the same thing happened. I made the switch to formula sooner and she was happier and so was I.

Women that I spoke to that had success with nursing their babies could not understand how I was not able to do this. It didn't matter to me if they could figure it out or not. I at least knew my child was finally getting some well deserved nourishment because of the formula.

Please understand that I am not advocating one method of feeding over the other. Nursing your baby has so many health benefits that there really isn't a contest. I'm just letting you know that if you are like me and you can't nurse you don't need to feel guilty about using formula. After all, your baby does need to be fed.

To nurse or not to nurse that is the question that only you can answer when that time comes.

What choice did you make and why?

Jen

Conversation Stopper

2008-04-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

When our girls were babies they each had their own unique cry. Our eldest was a fairly content baby. She didn't tend to cry much but when she did it was a very quiet. Normal conversation could continue when she cried.

Our youngest had an extremely loud cry. It was so loud that I often considered it a conversation stopper. When we travelled home to visit family, a distance of 7 hours, she would cry loudly because she didn't like to be confined to a carseat. What she wanted was to be picked up and held every half hour.

Rather than taking 14 hours to complete our 7 hour drive. I became used to turning slightly from the front passenger seat and putting my hand on her cheek or on her hand as we drove. This seemed to calm her down and we were able to keep driving for longer than a half hour at a time.

The first few visits with my family were pretty traumatic for our youngest. She didn't like seeing so many retlatives and would loudly cry for most of the time that the house was full of people. Similarly, she would cry just as loudly in the crowded nursery at church.

She just didn't seem to like having more than 3 or 4 people around her at a time. We had two very different children with two very distinct cries.

What about your children and their cries?

An Explosion

2008-03-30T15:36:00.000-07:00

Diaper Changes are apart of parenting. Both parents nowadays seem to be able to do this job equally well. Of course, one partner may be a bit more reluctant than the other to change a diaper.

My husband and I had a word that we shared when it came to a two parent diaper changing event. In other words, tag team diapering. All that we had to say was, "An Explosion," and the message was sent from one to the other.

Naturally we did receive many a curious look and a comment, "An explosion?" from people. That didn't matter. What mattered was that both of us knew that the diaper changing required at least four hands....six would have been fine too.

If you've changed a diaper, you have run across an explosion. It is the type of mess that not only completely fills the diaper but it runs up the baby's back, down their leg, etc. One parent is needed to hold the baby and prevent the baby from rolling into the mess, while the other parent does their best to quickly get the baby as clean as possible and of course grab a fresh diaper.

It helps if the parent at the more pleasant end of the baby keeps the baby happy while the other parent is busy. A happy baby makes an easier diaper change.

What about you? How did you and your spouse deal with this?

Jen

First Time Parenting

2008-03-11T06:20:00.000-07:00

Parenting is an awesome responsibility. You as a parent have a tiny helpless baby to love, nurture and protect. From day one this tiny bundle can make two people do what no others have succeeded in doing.

Like the ringmaster in a circus, a baby can turn two lives upside down, and cause them to perform "death defying tricks" when the two people become "parents." A baby will make his or her parents: jump through flaming hoops, leap from tall buildings with a single bound, race faster than a speeding bullet, develop super human strength, climb walls without the aid of "spider power," and change two seemingly, meek and humble people into the "dynamic duo." If you haven't experienced any of this yet in your time as a parent, not to worry, it will happen because you are now a PARENT.

Sounds amazing doesn't it? If you think back to the first few days when you became a parent this is exactly what this tiny bundle was able to do. A tiny squawk or an ear piercing scream, a cry of hunger or perhaps it was a cry of pain would cause you and your spouse to rush to the tiny bundle and determine what was making him or her so uncomfortable. Diaper changing, seeing your child roll over, sit up, and become toilet trained all are important aspects of the "adventure" of parenting.

Babies cough, they hiccup, they sneeze, they burp, they spit up and yes, they (shall I even say it,) pass gas. Not only do they do all of these things but they come with a "personality." Yes, their very own unique personality. They will have some traits you absolutely love and some traits that you might trade if you could, but of course you can't.

Enjoy this time. It doesn't last forever even though it seems like it might. God has blessed you when he made you a parent because He provided this tiny baby just for you to love.

Jen

Well, how did you react as a first time parent? Please feel free to share.

Melting Arctic Ice Caps

2008-03-08T05:54:00.002-08:00

I am not an expert on Global Warming, just curious about how it could be affecting our world. In these Global Warming write ups I'm just sharing a bit of information that I recently learned by visiting a few websites. The links are inlcuded so that you may also read up on them if you are interested or concerned.

Melting Ice Caps
Indeed a major part of the global warming does affect the Arctic ice Caps. Plant life, animal life and human life will all be affected by the melting ice caps. In 2000 the Arctice ice caps measured some 7,500 m sq km but in 2007 they measure 3,000 m sq km. Rising temperatures, and greenhouse gas emissions, the global warming etc. are all contributors. What this could mean is that waters will rise as the ice caps melt, flooding will occur and ecosystms will be destroyed.

Polar Bears
For a number of years now the polar bear population has been disrrupted by such changes. They rely on the ice floats to catch their prey. As the number of ice floats reduce so does their natural method for hunting. Many polar bears are thinner as a result and at times the female polar bear has barely enough food to feed to her young.

The link below will take you the arcticle that treehugger wrote. Within that arcticle is another link to the Sci and Tech News article which is also included below.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/03/arctic-ice-cap-gone.php

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/01/content_7696460.htm

Jen

What do you think?

The Ice Storm

2008-03-04T03:43:00.000-08:00

All this impending freezing rain and ice pellets makes me remember the "Ice Storm" from ten years ago. The local newspaper had asked for stories but I was between writing assignments and I didn't have the time to write a story up at that time. I thought I'd share my thoughts now.

The ice storm hit the Ottawa area in January. We awoke to no hydro and my oldest was in grade one at the time. Without hydro I was not going to send her to school. Without hydro we had no "connection" with the outside world. It also affected our phone. We had no idea what was happening until we were able to locate a battery for one of our radios. Turning it on, we learned what was happening.

The strangest thing about it all was the fact that the ice storm didn't affect every one's hydro. It mainly affected the outlying areas and Montreal also took quite a "hit". For the people in the city of Ottawa, some didn't lose their hydro and others might have been out for just a few hours.

For our family, we were nine days without hydro. The reason for us not having hydro was obvious. Taking a drive down to the end of our road let us see the three hydro poles that had snapped and the wires that had been pulled down due to the weight of the ice.

Typically, freezing rain is often just a thin coating of ice but this was different. The ice was an inch thick. I had never seen anything like it. Going outside was dangerous and slippery. In the woods across from our house you could hear the branches breaking under the weight of the snow. They sounded like gun shots. Many trees in the entire area were snapped in half. When the army came in to assist they commented that the area looked like a war zone. For years, people driving to the Ottawa area often commented on what had happened to the trees.

It was a time that brought out the best and the worst in people. People in the area that had hydro opened their houses so that those of us without could do laundry, or shower. We weren't so worried about food because now we had no choice but to clean out the freezer and eat what we had.

The local swimming pool offered their showers to family that had lost their hydro too. The stores that had stocked candles, oil lanterns and generators were quickly emptied of their supplies.

We had a wood stove, so heating wasn't a problem. We just needed clean water for drinking and cooking. We went to our church to get water. Others, who didn't have other sources of heat were too afraid to leave their house on the chance that a burglar would take their belongings. So they tried to keep warm the best that they could. For those that couldn't remain at home, they went to visit family or stay with friends.

The irony of it all was that my husband could still drive into work for the nine days because the buried hydro lines were not affected by the ice storm.

It took a day or two of having no hydro to get into the swing of cooking on top of the woodstove. Pasta simply doesn't cook properly but other foods do. Of course, there was always the barbecue.

In the village where I live, people in the community would tend to meet at the general store during the ice storm. At one time, we discussed the different meals that we were successfully making on our woodstoves.

One family in the village invited the neighbours (the entire village) to come over for a dessert eating party. They didn't want to throw out all of their desserts, and they were melting anyways, so they thought the best way to cope with this situation was to invite a number of people in to help eat the treats.

The areas hit with the Ice Storm were declared "disasters." It was the first disaster that I experienced in my life.

Jen

Have you gone through an ice storm or a disaster? Please feel free to comment.

Here We Go Again

2008-03-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

Snow, snow and more snow. Add to this mix some wonderful freezing rain, ice pellets and what do you have? A mess that's what.

Here in the area of Ottawa, Ontario we've had quite the winter, but it seems this is what pretty well everyone is saying. School buses have been cancelled this winter about 6 or 7 times already.

The snow arrived in dumps and heaps. None of this light dusting anywhere. Often it arrived in 30 cm (12 inch) accumulations. I took a look at the five day forecast and noticed yet another "Winter Storm" warning for Ottawa.

This one is supposed to arrive Tuesday March 4 and continue into March 5. Not only are we to receive snow but yes indeed, even more freezing rain. When I mentioned this to one of my teens she just smiled and said, "And we have March Break next week."

This winter has seemed so very l-o-n-g because our first snow arrived in November and it has pretty much stayed through until now. Sure, we've had a couple of melts but the snow never disappeared. My husband and I think that if some of the snow hadn't melted we would probably have about 6 feet of snow by now.

March is still a winter month, but we know that spring is on its way. Hooray for spring! I'm really looking forward to it this year.

How has your winter been? Please feel free to comment.

Jen