Yesterday Mourning Book Review (My addiction is Reading)

This post contains Amazon affiliate links and images.

I received a copy of Yesterday Mourning, in exchange for honest review from My Addiction is Reading.

About the book (From Media Kit)

Yvette is a forty-one year old woman struggling to cope with losing both parents during her twenties—one to terminal disease and the other to life’s complications. Over the years, she learned to repress the pain of watching her mother die and the resentment of having her father casually walk out of her life. Now as she packs her bags to return to her Georgia hometown and the house where final goodbyes were never spoken, a growing sense of uneasiness intensifies.

Vera is the kind-hearted stepsister Yvette never imagined nor wanted. She was an innocent teenager in search of answers when Yvette’s father, the Pastor, entered her life. Although broken from the loss of his beloved wife and daughters, he gave Vera the love and affection she so desperately needed. However, a childhood secret threatens to compromise everything Vera holds dear.

When the Pastor’s health takes a turn for the worse, both daughters must decide if they have the strength and courage to no longer be confined to burdens of the past. Will Yvette overcome feelings of abandonment and forgive her father before it’s too late? Does Vera’s childhood secret hold the key to mending this family’s broken relationship?

Yesterday Mourning is a heartfelt and poignant novella about two women learning invaluable lessons of forgiveness, love, loss and ultimately—peace. It is an impressive debut from an author with an authentic voice and a love for storytelling.

About the author: (From Media kit)

Renita Bryant, a native of Fort Valley, Georgia, had visions of being a writer from an early age. "There's something magical about using words on a page to emotionally propel someone into another time and place."

Since obtaining her BS & MBA, Renita has worked for some of the world's largest companies on many of their most recognizable household brands. Although she finds the work rewarding, her passion for writing pushed her to complete and publish her first novella, Yesterday Mourning, in May 2013.

Renita currently resides in Ohio and stays actively involved in social media with her blog, Renita’s Mynd Matters, Twitter (@Mynd_Matters), Facebook (YesterdayMourningBook), and Goodreads pages! She's currently working on multiple projects including book #2 and a collection of poetry.

Excerpt

I didn’t know what to say.

Two years had passed since I last laid eyes on him, and I had no clue what would be the first or final words spoken. Maybe I'd ask for an in-depth explanation as to why


he didn’t try harder to salvage the relationship we built—the love we shared. While I wanted to hear his answers, my heart recognized that simple words wouldn’t make our truth any less real. Our perspectives had changed because our lives had changed. Our interactions had transformed into something entirely different than the possibilities we would have imagined a few years ago.

A part of me wanted to run away in hopes of avoiding both him and the complexity of this moment—a moment built on the promise of closure. However, running away stopped being an option a long time ago, and as such, I got the privilege of sitting on a concrete step under an August Georgia sun waiting for my father to turn the corner into our cul-de-sac. I got to wonder whether he would try to hug me or engage in small talk—or do the unexpected and admit fault for the current state of our situation.


I wish things had been different. I wish he had made a different choice—one that involved me, or at least considered me. I replayed our conversations often, wondering whether I was too sensitive or whether he really was as heartless and selfish as I perceived him to be.

We were both mourning a loss—a wife, a mother. He yearned to feel her touch just as I longed to see her smile. Her voice had coached us both through the funeral, the holidays, and the random moments such as being in the grocery store and seeing a grapefruit and remembering how much she loved them. 

Both of us had changed hospital bed sheets, paged nurses, and authorized procedures while feeling her
slip away from our hopeful grasps. The sting of tears on wishful cheeks was no less painful for either of us. Our tears just fell in two different states and for two very different reasons. The reasons were what hindered me from knowing what I should say to him.

My Review:

I wanted to review the book because I loved the description. Two sisters brought together by their father, a pastor. One child is biological, the other is a step and he loved them both the same. The book started out with the prologue, provided in the excerpt above. A daughter, Yvette. visiting town for her mother's funeral and not sure what to say to her father, who she hasn't seen in years. Her mother died of cancer. Her father had moved on with a new family (Mary the wife and Vera the daughter) and forgot about the children, he had already. All of them had suffered loss. The prologue was well-written and I wanted to read more of the book. 

The book then moves forward 16 years later. Yvette and her daughter are heading back to Georgia. Vera is getting ready to head to a dinner for her stepfather, while holding a secret between her and Zoe, Yvette's biological sister. 

The book was a good read, with powerful scenes. The family is damaged. Will they find peace and forgiveness again. 

The book is available in Kindle and paperback format on Amazon. The book is not prime-eligible. 

Social Media

Website

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter

Other Buy Links

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

Giveaway

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Impact by TIm Irwin Book Review (FlyBy Blog Promotions)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

I read Impact: Great Leadership Changes Everything by Tim Irwin, in exchange for honest review from FlyBy Blog Promotions. I wanted to review the book because leadership affects everyone. The book also taps into my business management degree. I loved leadership classes as an undergrad, along with critical thinking.


Both good leaders and bad leaders influence people's attitude and behavior. The book is not an easy read. The book seems to be written from a business perspective. The book is also not a quick read. Read slowly to allow the material to sink through and reflect on the information provided.

One of the first passages, which stood out, was in the foreword, written by Mark Albers, senior vice president for Exxon:

" The problem is that many leaders are not having the impact they intend. They get in their own way and blunt the impact they would have. Often it is not because they are not smart enough or knowledgeable enough of a particular issue. Instead they have drifted from the core principles that initially guided them as they moved through increasing levels of responsibility, authority, and power." (p. xiii). 

Another thing, which stood out was on page 4, where Irwin discussed how some people follow leaders to comply with orders, while others follow leaders because they are committed to leadership. The leaders are trusted. Leaders simply can not inspire people to the company mission anymore. Leaders have to do more. They need a purpose. Leaders need a personal style. On Page 10, Irwin discusses a leader's style, which is one of the three faces of leadership (core, conduct, and style). Style is how a "leader presents herself to others..." (p. 10). Style includes behavior, dress, and charisma.

Leaders also need a solid foundation. Great leadership does not start overnight. Leaders will make and learn from mistakes. Leadership requires self-examination and self-regulation. Leaders have to be careful of their words and actions because it affects their impact.

The book was a great read. The book is available in hardback and kindle edition on Amazon. The book is prime eligible.

About the author (from media kit)

Dr. Tim Irwin has been an advisor to global leaders. He also has been featured on Christian readio programs. Irwin sees one central issue anytime a leader “derails”—he believes they have a defect in their “core”, which Irwin says goes beyond the overused term “character”. His new book, Impact, addresses this and gives actionable ways leaders can protect themselves, and better serve their organizations—especially crucial for those of us who serve in ministry and are walking a Christian walk.

You may find a good amount of executive talk in this book, and that may or may not apply to you, but we are all called to lead in some capacity, so whatever your role may be I hope you're making an impact!

Social Media

Website
Personal Leadership Assessment (Great test. Must complete in one sitting. Also need to create an account. Test will time out after inactivity.)
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter

Tools4Wisdom Mommy Planner Review (Tomoson)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I love calendars and planners because I am forgetful if I don't write things down. I use Google Calendar, iCal, and one other planner to keep things on track. When I saw the Tools4Wisdom 2014 Mom Planner on Tomoson, I knew I had to apply for it.

Why you ask? The Mommy Planner took planning a step further. Tools 4 Wisdom did not just provide a calendar plus daily, monthly, and yearly calendars, they also provided notes, essential goals, objectives, outcomes, a monthly priority master list, grocery lists, etc. The calendar even has a place for tasks for other family members.


At the beginning of each month, the planner first has the master priorities master list, organized by personal growth and work related. Then, you can also place priorities in the top priority list or the high value list. There is also a section for notes and other priorities.

On the next page, you have essential goals for each month, organized by biggest outcome and why, and objectives. The next section provides a place for other goals, why, and steps to achieve goals.

Next, the planner provides the monthly calendar with notes, goals, and ideas, followed by the daily calendar, which starts at 5 a.m. and ends at 11 p.m. The daily calendar also has family goals, organized by mom, dad, and kids; a grocery list; and a section for notes.

At the back of the calendar is  more room for notes and reflection.

Now on to my favorite and most challenging part of the planner, when you first open the planner, there is a section for:

1. Annual goals, organized by priority
2. Purpose-driven yearly goals, the why, and steps to achieve each goal
3. Summary of milestones and success factors
4. Areas of focus reflection planner, which provides plenty of focus topics, such as exercise, health improvement, happiness, and overcoming challenges. 

Some of my goals included potty training both boys and finishing my thesis. The calendar is available on Amazon for $22.95 currently. The planner is also prime-eligible. Tools4Wisdom also offers other planners on Amazon, such as student, day, and padfolios (prices vary)

Tools4Wisdom & Social Media:

Facebook Fan Page
Twitter
Pinterest



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

#SouthernCharm review (Sverve)

This post was sponsored by Sverve. I was chosen to.watch the season premiere of Southern Charm on Bravo Tv. I never had seen the show before. The show is set in Charleston, South Carolina. The show follows a group of friends, no frenemies. Last Monday's episode focused on double standards. A woman was dating Thomas Ravenel. Ravenel threw a dinner party and someone,a male said the woman had slept with two other men within a short period of time. Drama ensued. Woman left and couldn't locate her car. She came back in and Thomas apologized for not standing up for her. Ravenel stood out to me because he said men can have sex with as many women as they want and it's ok, while women are called sluts and other bad names. Ravenel also said one of the males had slept with two other women at the table and no one said a word. I also liked the discussion about now Southern men are more discreet about their sexual encounters compared to Northern men. Funny.

That was the basic premise of the show. Double standard still are prevalent in today's society. I am going to go back and watch the first season of the show to get the names of the characters. Check out the show on Bravo, Xfinity Tv, etc. Tune in.Monday to see what happens next.

Social Media

Facebook Fan Page
Southern Charm's Page on Bravo
Pinterest

Target Fiber One Bars Campaign

I received Fiber One Bars, in exchange for honest review from PlateFull Co-Op. The bars are only sold at Target.


I received a box of Caramel Sea Salt Bars. I loved the bars. Just the right amount of sweet and salty. The Fiber One Bars are 90 calories each. The caramel bar is also soft-baked, like a cake or a crumble.

Target also sells lemon, chocolate fudge, chocolate peanut butter, chocolate chip,  and cinnamon coffee cake soft-baked bars, in addition to the meal,  chewy and protein bars.

Buy a pack of fiber one bars, next time to go to Target. :-)

Cheerios Cheer on Reading Campaign (PlateFull Co-Op)

I received a two boxes of Cheerios (Chocolate and Plain), in response to a campaign from 

PlateFull Co-Op. All opinions are my own. 

The Cheer on Reading Campaign provides one out of six books in boxes of Cheerios.

1. 1, 2, 3 peas
2. Please baby please
3. That's what I do
4. Bear says thanks
5. Chicks run wild
6. Jump

I received copies of 1, 2, 3 Peas, for my boys. The campaign wants to encourage families to read together. 

The website also has box and book activities for kids to participate in, using cheerios. The activities are printable. 

My kids loved the chocolate cheerios. Between my boys and my great niece, they went through an half a box quick. The children also loved the plain cheerios. Look for a book in a box of cheerios, the next time you go to the store :-)

Maggie Ryan Virtual Book Tour (Goddess Fish Promotions)

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Goddess Fish Promotions. Content and images was provided.

AUDITION FOR MURDER (Maggie Ryan 1967) (About the book)

Actors Nick and Lisette O’Connor need a change. They leave New York City for a semester as artists-in-residence at a college upstate, where they take on the roles of Claudius and Ophelia, two of the professional leads in a campus production of Hamlet. Threats and accidents begin to follow Lisette, and Nick worries it might be more than just petty jealousy. Maggie Ryan, a student running lights for the show, helps investigate a mystery steeped in the turmoil of 1967 America.

REVIEWS

"It's a triple pleasure, a sophisticated theatre story, a knowing campus tale and a topnotch suspenseful mystery, with excellent characterizations and honest plotting." -- Judith Crist

"An extremely well-written tale, with a plotline that offers a jolt per page." -- CF, Booklist

"Very literate, sprinkled with surprises and offering that rarity of rarities -- fully fleshed out characters." -- Bob Ellison, Los Angeles Daily News

AUDITION FOR MURDER Excerpt

New York City, late 1960’s. 

Nick O’Connor put down the telephone, his broad, muscular body sagging a little. So she hadn’t been merely tired. Hell. He changed to worn jeans and his old leather jacket, and made a mean face at the mirror. Nick the hustler tonight. Man of a thousand faces, said his agent, and every one of them homely.

A regular one-man Dickens novel. Nick headed The snow was not sticking much. It made the sidewalks shine darkly, splashed with gold and rose and white reflections from bars and street lamps, and pasted down scraps of paper that otherwise would be scuttling across the streets in the bitter wind. His way led past whores, pushers, tired old men huddled over warm grates. Without a hurt, the heart is hollow. No hollow hearts on this street.

Franklin’s place was halfway down the block. A worn brass door handle, chipped paint. Nick wiped a few snowflakes from his thinning hair and pushed through the crowd to the end of the bar. In a moment the bartender, black, with a trim mustache, had worked 

“Hey, man, where ya been?”

“Is she here, Franklin?”

“Been here for hours.”

“Yeah, I was working tonight. I just heard.”

“She said she got fired.”

“Hey, we can’t all be self-employed minority success stories.”

Franklin chuckled. “You watch your honky mouth.” He went off to break up a loud argument about whether or not the Vietcong were winning, served a whisky, and returned to Nick. “Room 6B,” he said.

Which mythological creature are you most like?

In Greek mythology I identify most with Athena, who loves civilization and community, and is known for creativity too. She was willing to fight for her city, Athens, but wept for the fallen, strong but sad. I like the stories involving Greek gods because, despite their immortality and power, they have failings, and have to deal with each other as well as with human conflicts.

Also, the stories are myths, which come to us already told in many versions.. So if a god or goddess does something questionable, maybe the next retelling will explain it better. For example, I was always uncomfortable with the end of Aeschylus’s Oresteia, where Athena ends things neatly by judging in favor of Orestes and against the Furies who are torturing him because he killed his mother. In the Aeschylus play, Athena gets the Furies to surrender happily by promising them honor as Euminedes (gracious ones).

Okay, it’s good for civilization to get this settled, to end the multigenerational chain of avenging murders. But the Furies were right too–– the guy had killed his mother! So I was pleased to see Mnouchkine’s production of the play. Her retelling showed that civilization hadn’t totally won, that the Furies retreated because Athena was stronger, but instead of becoming “gracious ones” they still snarled in the shadows, ready to emerge again next time there was a horrible murder. And there would definitely be another, and Athena, strong but sad, knew it too.. .

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

P.M. Carlson taught psychology and statistics at Cornell University before deciding that mystery writing was more fun. She has published twelve mystery novels and over a dozen short stories. Her novels have been nominated for an Edgar Award, a Macavity Award, and twice for Anthony Awards. Two short stories were finalists for Agatha Awards. She edited the Mystery Writers Annual for Mystery Writers of America for several years, and served as president of Sisters in Crime.

Author Website:

Publisher's Website

To purchase the book

Sexy Girl Cowboy Women's Dancer Costumes Product Review (Costume Discounters/Whole Sale Halloween Costumes)

I received a costume in exchange for honest review from Costume Discounters.


I chose Trusty Scout Sexy Cowgirl for review. I wanted to review a costume, which fit me. Costume Discounters and Whole Sale Halloween Costumes offers outfits in regular and plus sizes. The Trusty Scout Cowboy came with a silver, off the shoulder, dress with ruffles. The outfit also came with a belt with gun holster; black eye mask; and red scarf. You can add stockings, boots, and a hat to make the outfit pop.

The websites offer a wide range of outfits and accessories for any occasion. From religious holidays, such as Easter or Christmas or Halloween or even a Masquerade Ball. One thing I love about the website is the sales and clearance items. You can find a nice costume for under $40 dollars. I loved the Alice in Wonderland Costumes.

Check out the website and get ideas for your next costume party or outing.

Other links:

Dancer Outfits

Dance Recital Tips

Influenster Univox Box Review

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance

Pilot Acroball

Great Niece. Tried out the lipstick on here

Rimmel London Stay Matte Beige Foundation

Forever Fuschia on me

The box of stuff

Forever Fuschia lipstick

Rimmel London Foundation on me. 

Impress Nails

Red Rose Real Tea

My review of the Influenster UnivoxBox. 

The box contained the following:

1) Impress Artificial Nails (Gave to my niece)

2) Red Rose Real Tea (mm mm good)

3) Playtex Sport (gave to my sister)

4) NYC New York Color Forever Fuschia Lipstick (gave away to my niece)

5)Rimmel London Stay Matte Beige Foundation (gave to my niece's best friend)

6) Pilot Acroball Pen

First, I received the Impress Artificial Nails. The nails was beautiful, but I don't wear fake nails. I gave the product away to my niece. Next, I received the Red Rose Real Tea. I loved the flavor of the tea. I will purchase in the future. 

Third, I received Playtex Sport. Since Aunt Flo does not respond well to tampons, I gave those to my sister and niece. Fourth, I received NYC New York Color Forever Fuschia lipstick. The lipstick clashed with my skin. I tried it on my great-niece since she is lighter than me. I gave the lipstick to my niece.

Fifth, I received Rimmel London's Stay Matte Beige Foundation. The shade did not match my skin. I would purchase again if I find my correct shade. Rimmel London does have a shade match thing on their website. Still figuring out my shade. I gave the shade to my niece's best friend. 

Finally, I received a Pilot Acroball Pen. I am a big fan of gel pens and ballpoint pens, which write well. The pen wrote beautifully and I will continue to use until it runs out of ink. 

Restaurant.Com Sponsored Post (US Family Guide)

This post was sponsored by US Family Guide Bloggers Program. I will receive a gift card for participation. Content and Images was provided.

About the Mobile App

Find Flavor at your Fingertips with Restaurant.com's Mobile App!

Receive a FREE $10 Restaurant.com eGift Card with Your FIRST Purchase on the Restaurant.com 

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Using location-based technology, the Restaurant.com mobile app allows you to connect to great savings and restaurants on the go! Simply tap the "Deals Near Me" button to find restaurants near your location or type your zip code or city to locate flavor right at your fingertips. Did you know Restaurant.com offers nearly 50,000 online dining deals at thousands of restaurants nationwide? The deals are easy to use, never expire, and are available to use right away. The best part, if you change your mind on the restaurant choice, you can exchange anytime, no questions asked.

Found a restaurant with a great deal? Present the certificate to your server on a mobile device, and voila - the savings will be deducted from your final bill.

Don't miss out on this exclusive offer! Download the app now at Google Play or the iTunes App Store until Wednesday, April 30.

*Your first purchase via the Restaurant.com mobile application may qualify for a free $10 Restaurant.com eGift Card. You can download the Restaurant.com mobile application on iTunes App Store or Google Play. The purchase must be made between Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at 1:00AM PST and Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at 11:59PM PST to qualify, and must be your first purchase through the Restaurant.com mobile application. Restaurant.com reserves the right to change the promotional period at anytime. Previous purchasers via the Restaurant.com mobile application are not eligible. One free eGift Card per qualified purchase. The $10 Restaurant.com eGift Card will be emailed within 24-72 hours following the purchase. eGift Cards can be redeemed online at www.theidealmeal.com for a restaurant specific certificate. eGift Cards cannot be redeemed at any restaurant. Restaurant.com is not responsible for undelivered, lost or stolen eGift Cards.

Coobie Comfort Bras Sponsored Post (US Family Guide)

This post is sponsored by US Family Guide Bloggers Program. Content and Images was provided. I will receive a pair of Bras for participation.

Why I wanted to participate in the promotion:

I hate bras. Of course, I have to wear them to exercise, go to church, and other important functions with. When I buy a bra, I look for comfort, price, and no underwires. I love my genie bras, strapless bras, and exercise bras.  Even though the Coobie Bras do not come in my size (44DD), I still wanted to support the campaign. I also have bra extenders, if needed. :-). The bras come in many colors, with sizes ranging from 32A to 36 D. The company also offers a full size version up to a 42D.

About Coobie Seamless Bras

Coobie Seamless Bras are ultra comfortable and versatile without sacrificing style. These affordable, stylish bras are seamless, one-size (comfortably fits 32A through 36D), available in 7+ styles and 50+ fashion colors and patterns.

There is also a full size version fitting up to a size 42D. They are perfect for every day wear, yoga, pilates, new and nursing moms, sleep wear, and more! Coobie Seamless Bras also has a large following of mastectomy patients that love the soft comfort and pad pocket to insert a form. This line is truly a fit for all women!



Promotion: Save 25% on any order of $40 or more at www.shopcoobie.com
Promotion code: USFG25

Baby Comfy Nose Nasal Aspirator Sponsored Post (US Family Guide)

This post was sponsored by US Family Guide Bloggers Program. Content and Images was provided.

I wanted to write about and review about the BabyComfyNose Aspirator because I deal with toddlers. Toddler runny noses are no fun and one thing, babies dislike, is the evil blue bulb, called an aspirator.

Even if you use a tissue, some smart children move their heads because they don't want their noses to be touched. Kalen had a runny nose for the past few days and wiping his nose has been a challenge.

The BabyComfy Nose Nasal Aspirator helps clean out noses better because it uses your own suction to clear out mucus. According to the content provided, "you won't suck boogies into your mouth because of the design of the receptacle and filter, you insert into the body of the aspirator". The product was recently recommended by Dr. Sears of The Doctors TV Show as the "best way to clear babies' noses".

Go to babycomfycare.com to see how the product works. Use USFAMILY at checkout for a 20% discount. The product is also sold at Wal-Greens.

The Power of a Half Hour by Tommy Barnett Book Review (Blogging for Books)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links



I read The Power of a Half Hour: Take Back Your Life Thirty Minutes at a Time by Tommy Barnett, in exchange for honest review from Blogging for Books. I was provided a hardback copy and e-copy for review.

Barnett discusses how we can use 30 minutes to change lives. In 30 minutes, we can read the bible, check Facebook, or watch TV. Maybe we can serve food to the homeless or visit a sick relative in the hospital. Barnett said God has a unique plan for our lives. An unique vision. An unique passion. But God has to trust we will follow through with the passion and vision, which means we have to set aside time.




The chapters are written to be completed in 30 minute segments. Time is a gift from God. You can't get time back. We honor God when we use time well. When we serve him, using the best use of our time.

One of the first things, which stood out to me, was in Part 2, Chapter 3:

"God created every person to do a special thing that he need done on earth; and if a particular person fails to do that one thing, then it will never be done exactly the way God intended"


Another one of my favorite passages  was in Chapter 6, make a regular connection.

"Other people abandon God because they think they've done such bad stuff in their lives that he would never accept them. That's not true either. That's the reason Jesus died on the cross: to forgive sinners like you and me of all the rotten things we've done that offend him."

I feel that way sometimes.

The book is a good read. I been reading a little at time, while waiting for Brad's bus to arrive each morning. He has a 30 minute window for the bus to arrive. Trying to use the 30 minutes, if possible, to read a book or the bible or both.

The book teaches us we can serve God; strengthen our relationship with God; by starting with a simple 30 minute routine. 30 minutes to pray. 30 minutes to read. 30 minutes to serve others and allowing His light to shine.

The book is available on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback (pre-order), Hardcover, CD, or Audible format.

For more resources about the book, including a chapter excerpt, click here

Uncovered by Rod Tucker Book Review (Kregel Blog Tours)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links

I read Uncovered: The Truth about Honesty and Community by Rod Tucker, in exchange for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours.


The book teaches about how Christians can fake a moral living and can be self-deceptive. The back of the book says "we don't want anyone to know we are spiritually named, but covering up around God denies us the life he has meant for us."


One of the first things, which stood out in the book was "honesty is an introduction to something much more powerful and intimate: relationships bred by transparency" (p. 19). The next paragraph discusses how we should live in the light versus the darkness. Darkness hides things, which we don't want others (or ourselves to see). On the other hand, living in the light allows healing, transparency, and honesty.

For me, I am a usually blunt-honest person, but I don't like revealing everything to everyone. It takes a while for me to open up to people and be vulnerable. My pastor, last week in church, was talking about how we can't be vulnerable to everyone. Just a few intimate people. The wrong person can/will/may take advantage of the situation. I also struggle with trusting people with intimate details. Will they judge me? Still be my friend/acquaintance? Rub the information in my face?

The book also teaches how we need to be honest with ourselves and others about our sins. Instead of working around the truth, when talking to others--we can be open and honest about our flaws and sins. If you are struggling, say you are struggling with an issue. If you used to do something, say so. Tucker had said sometimes people say they have overcome an issue, while still struggling with the issue. One major struggle is sexual struggle, which is one of my weaknesses. Even though I am not having sex right now, I still struggle in other areas.

I also like chapter 3, which discusses sewing, hiding, and blaming. In Genesis, Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree. When they realized they was naked, they sewed some leaves together to hide nakedness; hid from God; and blamed each other and the snake. They lost their freedom and innocence. They lied to God. The couple was also banned from the garden and had to work harder until death. Tucker says people do the same thing. We sew leaves on our bodies to hide our shame and nakedness. We hide ourselves from others. We pretend we are ok, but we are not. Finally, we blame others for our mistakes to make ourselves still feel good.


To have a better relationship with God, we need to be completely open and honest with ourselves, others, and especially God. We can't fake and pretend anymore :-).

The chapters in the book are short. The book has discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

The book is available in Kindle (2.99 right now) and Paperback format. The book is prime-eligible.

Brad acted up at school again. Yay me.: The joys of special needs parenting.

A few days ago, April 8^th, I had a call from Brad’s school. I hate these calls because I don’t know what to expect. A call never means Brad did something good.  The teacher said a student dropped some food in the trashcan during lunch. Brad wanted an apple from the trash and went to dig through the trash can. The aides told Brad to stop and Brad started wailing his arms and falling on the floor. In the process, he hit both of his aides in the face, in front of the assistant principal. The assistant principal had to restrain Brad and then, the staff got Brad back to the classroom.

Once Brad got in the classroom, he was throwing tables and chairs. Then, the phone calls started.  I was feeding the toddlers, when the first two calls came. I heard the phone ring, but could not answer it. After this, the front office calls and asks if I can come pick up brad.

My mother is sound asleep. I caught a ride with Willie C, Brad’s grandfather (my father), to go get Brad. 

When Brad got home, he still was erratic. He wants to scream and holler; throw items; knock over the house computer, etc. He even pushed Kalen, which caused a breath-holding spell. I gave Brad some melatonin but he did not calm down until hours later. 7 milliliters and he stayed woke until 9 or 10 p.m. 

I was trying to clean the game room so the toddlers can play safely. Kalen went to sleep after his spell. I laid Kalen on the couch so I could sweep and vacuum. Brad kept going near Kalen trying to wake him up. I ended up sitting the floor, using the vac hose to clean the floor, with Kalen in my lap.

I also called Brad’s psychiatrist and pediatrician to ask for help. The pediatrician never called back. The psych appointment is at the end of the month. Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County (MHMRA) called same day to see if I wanted to keep Brad on the waiting list. I said yes and also asked for help. MHMRA told me they would refer him to their clinic. If he obtains the referral, I can walk-in or make appointments for any concerns.

April 8^th, 2014 was a bad day. School year is almost over and I do not want to think about Brad being put out of school for behavior and aggression problems. When he was attending Thompson, the same thing happened. He had his problems throughout the year, but towards the end, his behavior was getting worse. I kept hearing from the bus drivers how the school wants to put Brad off the bus and out of school. Too much stress for mama to take.

Hopefully, the next two months goes better than normal. I am going to ask the psych to try a different medication other than Rispercrap (Risperidone). Brad is getting older, stronger, and taller. I need his behavior controlled