When Jesus was a Green-Eyed Brunette Book Review (FlyBy Blog Promotions)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.



I read When Jesus was a Green-Eyed Brunette, in exchange for honest review from Flyby Blog Promotions. The book was written by Max Davis. The book is a collection of short stories of Jesus showing up in ordinary situations. The first story, focused on the author meeting Jesus in the coffee aisle.  Davis made a wrong assumption about someone and still came to experience the love of God.

The stories were short and to the point. The stories all show how God works through oridinary situations. I tried to think of a few times God worked through ordinary situations in my life. How about how a few weeks ago when Brad refused to come in the house. I was silently praying for help because if he runs one way, he is in the street, and if he ran the other way, I was not feeling a chase. The upstairs neighbor, who has doggies, wanted to help. Brad is scared of dogs. The neighbor pretended to come downstairs with the dog to get Brad in the house.

Another time was when Brad refused to come in the apartment gates after church. This child kept trying to run off, down the street, when he could have easily got hit by a car, a bus, or a bike. The traffic on my street is bad. I witness almost-accidents on a regular basis. One of the few neighbors, I know by name, just happened to pull out the exit gate, on her way to church. Ms. Laverne was able to get Brad in the gates so we can finally go in the house.

God was in Kalen finally getting emergency seizure medications, even though his seizures are infrequent, but he still needs meds just in case. God was in getting a new aide for Brad quickly, who shows up on time (so far) and is very helpful (so far :-).). God is in everything and the book provides examples of when God shows up.

You can purchase the book, using the link above. The book comes in paperback and Kindle format. The book is prime-eligible.

40 days of Grace by Rich Miller (Kregel Blog Tours)

I read 40 Days of Grace by Rich Miller for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. I received a paperback copy of the book. This post contains Amazon affiliate links and images.

The book is a 40 day workbook on grace. The sections are organized by weeks and then days.

1. Week 1 Amazing Grace
2. Week 2 Canceling the guilt trip
3. Week 3: From Disgrace to Grace
4. Week 4 From fear to faith
5. Week 5 The power of humility
6. Week 6 The grace-rest life.

God provides us grace so we don't have rely on ourselves. Ephesians 2, verses 8 to 9 says:

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast (p. 15). The book also says Grace plus Faith equals salvation from sin and the penalties of sin (p. 15)

Other things the book says about grace:

1. God's grace must be received by faith. (p. 16 I think). 
2. Grace is  God freely giving us what we don't deserve...
3. God gives us freedom to fail (p. 27)
4. God never gives up waiting for us to return back to him (p. 28)
5. It is possible to do all the right things for the wrong reasons (p. 39). 
6. God's grace helps us turn away from sin daily (p. 43). 
7. Grace gives us the power to forgive (p. 44). 
8. Love involves grace because grace is from God (p. 49). 
9. Grace rescues us from guilt (p. 51). 

I struggle with guilt over past mistakes. Even though I have learned from some of them, I still feel regret, guilt, and shame. I also struggle with understanding grace. 

The beginning of each chapter provides a story, such as the author meeting his wife in Day 1. The end of each chapter gives a thoughts, truths, questions, and a talk with God. Each day is a short read with life-changing guidance. 

The book is Prime Eligible on Amazon. 

In the matter of Nikola Tesla Book review and Tour

I read In a matter of Nikola Tesla, in exchange for honest review from Lighting Book Promotions. The book was written by Anthony Flacco. The Book was published by Diversion Books.

About the book: (copied from the media kit)

This fictionalized story of the true-life genius NIKOLA TESLA—arguably the most influential inventor in history—offers a “young-to-old” portrayal in the form of “A Romance of the Mind.” It reveals his impassioned inner life and his secret love for Karina, the muse no one else can see who brings him life-altering inspirations. Karina may be invisible to others but she is exquisitely real to him. It is for her, for the life and the work that she shares with him, that this gallant, passionate man maintains a loner’s life even when he is working among many others and subject to their constant temptations.

About the Author: (copied from the media kit)

Anthony Flacco is an author of five nonfiction books and three historical novels, all released by major publishers.He holds an MFA in screenwriting from the American Film Institute. He was selected for the Walt Disney Studios Screenwriting Fellowship, and spent a year writing for the Touchstone Picture division.His first nonfiction, A Checklist for Murder, was acquired in auction by Dell Books and turned in solid sales. Anthony adapted his book as a two-hour television movie script and sold it to NBC Studios for a movie of the week. He completed his nonfiction bookTiny Dancer for St. Martin’s Press, and the advance copy was selected by Reader’s Digest as their Editor’s Choice for August, 2005. His other books are The Last Nightingale, The Hidden Man, The Road Out of Hell, Impossible Odds and Publish Your Nonfiction Book.

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My review: 

The book starts out with Thomas Edison watching a fire at Tesla's building. He is wondering if Tesla died in the fire. The year was 1895 in Menlo Park, New Jersey. Edison was gloating while watching the fire. Tesla had made some comments recently, which tried to discredit Edison. Edison is fighting back temptation to visit Tesla's building, in the morning, to see if Tesla is alive or dead. He is holding that inside. (which raises a good point. A lot of people fight temptation by trying to hold it inside, instead of facing temptation with the power and armor of God.). Then, the book goes back 21 years later. Tesla's father and a doctor was talking about how Tesla, 18 years old,  showed up at a funeral,uninvited. Tesla was also sick. Tesla wanted to harness visualization to see Karina (girl, who died) to tell her his feelings about her. The next few pages discusses how Tesla met Karina, in addition to his feelings. Tesla completed his visionalization, in addition to the image talking. Karina left the room and Tesla followed. Karina is the muse in Tesla's head. 

Next, The start of the book was very descriptive and scenic. Had me wanting to read more. My only issue with the book was trying to adjust the font for Kindle for PC. It was too small at first. 

Unrivaled Book Review

I read Unrivaled, in exchange for review from Bethany House. The book was written by Siri Mitchell and published by Bethany House. I received a paperback version of the book.

The book is about Lucy Kendall, who wants to work in her father's candy business. Her father's business is failing, in addition to her father's health. Her father had a heart attack, while she was overseas. Lucy wants to run the business, but her family is against a woman running the business. Lucy just got back from a trip from overseas with new candies for her father to try. She also wanted to inspire him to create new candies. Lucy's mother has started selling personal items and wants to sell the candy factory. Lucy's mother wants Lucy to focus on Debuntante season and to find a good husband.

Enter Charlie. Charlie's father also operates a candy business. He is going through some rough times. He just got out of jail.  He doesn't really know his father, but his father wants Charlie to help run the business. Charlie is moving hundreds of miles away to help a father and family, he barely knows.  Charlie's company and Lucy's company are rivals. Charlie's company acquired Lucy's father's prized candy. His father is a serious business man, who is making money and expects loyalty.

Both Charlie and Lucy are working together to please their father. The book is a period piece. I loved reading the book.


About the author: (copied from Bethany House)
Siri Mitchell is the author of nearly a dozen novels, among them the critically acclaimed Christy Award finalists Chateau of Echoes andThe Cubicle Next Door. A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in business, she has worked in many different levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived in places as varied as Tokyo and Paris. Siri currently lives in the DC-metro area. Visit www.sirimitchell.com

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Learning to Love

I read Learning to Love, in exchange for review from Bethany House. The book was written by Heidi and Rolland Baker and published by Chosen Books,  a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The book discusses ministry in Africa. The authors founded Iris Ministries (since 1980) and are located in Mozambique. The book's introduction discusses how Iris Ministries was started in the United States and later expanded to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. They finally did mission work in Mozambique in the 1995. The authors mentioned a little girl, amputee, whose grandma wanted her stoned to death because the girl lacked use to the family. The girl had to sell her body for food and water. The authors realized helping her was an act of love.It was the gospel. I loved the story. It was compassionate, moving, inspirational. It was God's hand moving mountains. Showing love to someone don't require much. People need help, despite outward appearances. God can use anyone to do his work, his will. God can use anyone for the glory of the Kingdom.

I chose the book because it was different. I been reviewing more books lately, which has an higher purpose. I do not always need to read fiction. I can read Christian, Business, Childrens, etc. I can read books, which build me up and expand my knowledge base. The first 20 pages grabbed my attention big time. The book had four sections: passion and compassion; joy and suffering; going even lower; and not by might. The book was also less than 200 pages with Adobe Digital Editions. The book also has beautiful pictures of children throughout the book. The pictures are in black and white.

The book discussed God's love, joy, faith, hope, goodness,  grace, mercy, compassion. It also discussed serving others. The book also discusses developing a relationship with God. This was a great read. The book also discussed Heidi and Rolland's mission work in Africa. A wedding was the start of part 1. The authors helped plant churches, worked with the deaf, fed the hungry, and brought recorded  and print bibles to the pastors and the communities. The book also discussed the downfalls of doing God's work. The authors discussed how three pastors was beaten and how the government confiscated homes. Trucks were destroyed and had an angry mob wanting to stone a pastor. Doing the work of the Lord is not an easy one, but the rewards are great.

Finally, I liked the time to reflect at the end of each section. The time to reflect presents a bible verse for mediation.

My mother's wars by Lilian Faderman

I read My Mother's Wars in exchange for review on Netgalley.com. The book was written by Lillian Faderman and published by Beacon Press.

The book provides an account of Mary, who moved from Latvia to New York for better opportunities. Mary experienced life through relationships and abortions. She finally fell in love with Faderman's father

Faderman and her mother had an excellent relationship. Her mother shared her experiences with her.

Faderman's mother got kicked out of home at 17 years old by her half-sister and brother-in-law. Her mother had training to be a seamstress but Mereleh wanted more. She wanted to dance in America. She came to the U.S. at a young age, doing chores to help out, but didn't feel completely comfortable around her half sis and her husband. She continued to learn English, while working at a factory (and that's a summary of the preface and first 14 or so pages lol (not sure of the actual page numbers). Mary finally made friends with Goldie and experienced America as more than home and work. Mary wanted to live. I have felt like Mary at times. Sometimes if you want to  have growth, you have to leave the comforts and security of home. The experience may not always be good but it teaches you valuable life lessons.  This was a good book to skim through. I liked it very much.

I want to date, go out, have a life, and not always involve the kids

Another rant from a special needs parent: Some things you may have heard before

I want to date, go  out, and have a life, and not always with the kids. I love my kids, yes I do, but some days, I need a break. I don't have babysitters because I do not trust too many people with my special ones. I don't know too many real-life people, who do not voice their diverse, irritating opinion about my babies.

1. Why does Brad act that way?
2. Brad just needs a whipping and his autism will go away?
3. You need to watch your kids 24 hours a day. You don't need sleep. Your kids are too bad.
4. I hope Kalen does not turn out like Brad. 
5. I hope Kalen will be the normal one
6. When you die, I am sending Brad back to his father and keeping Kalen. 
7. When is Brad going back to live with Brad Sr. 
8. I can't keep Brad because he not potty trained. He will pee on the couch (even wearing a pull-up). But Can I keep Kalen (who wears diapers)
9. If only you would, then Brad or Kalen would not ________________________
10. Put Brad on additional medications, which will make him a zombie or sleep all day, to make my life (not Stacie's) easier. 

I hear people, who want to date me, ask When do you get time for yourself? When do you get a break? The question is old. The question irritates me because my kids are with me most of the time. If I sleep, I have two kids in my bed. If I go to the bathroom, a kid or two is knocking on the door. Maybe, a kid is in his bouncer in the bathroom with me to protect him from his big brother.

There is a nursery and SPED class at church though, but still I check the pager consistently to see if the kids are acting up.

I don't want to have sex yet. I do not drink a lot. My life is about the kids. I just want time to think, to breathe, to socialize.

Then, you have to consider things have changed. I used to have one kid, who stayed with his father. I got him on some weekends. I did not get him all the time. Didn't want to inconvenience anyone. Didn't want Brad to feel unwelcome. I also did not feel I could offer Brad all he needs. Thought since he was a boy, his father could control, discipline, and teach him manly things.

Since I got Brad full-time again, in 2011, I learned Brad really did need me. Some things I have taught him, I wish I taught him before, like peeing and showering and brushing his teeth. If it wasn't for Kalen being born, I would never have appreciated Brad more. I had conflicting thoughts during the pregnancy. Could I love this child? Will he be special needs? When will I see Brad again? Will I have a full-term pregnancy? I also had thoughts about my first two miscarriages, which consumed me.

Eventually, I decided that I wanted a child, a boy child, who will live. I didn't care if he was 5 armed, 30 fingers, and green. I wanted my baby. I wanted my oldest son. I did not, never, ever, ever, want another miscarriage again. and after Kalen was born, I got fixed. I had a new appreciation for the unborn male child and my oldest child. Anything was better than another miscarry. Anything was better than losing a baby, legs propped up, in a hospital alone.

I love my kids. I am responsible for my kids. I will cuss and fuss and fight and kill for my chillens. Definitely a crazy parent, with anger and other un-diagnosed mental issues.

I need my sanity, no matter how much is left

The other day, the kids were driving me nuts. Brad and Kalen was off the wall. My daddy was visiting too. His wife put him out again because they was fighting. He came over here, with liquor in tow. I wanted to sip the liquor but resisted temptation. For some reason, by accident, I knocked over and broke the bottle of Brandy (don't drink it anyway) and still have not touched the boxed wine in the fridge. After having a small convo with Dementia (my middle sis), I never want to drink or do anything stupid enough, when my kids (and great niece or nephew) drives me up the wall. She came upstairs with a bottle of whatever, saying the kids are driving her to drink. She had not kept a kid all day (not even her grand), but the kids driving her to drink. She also checking into a hotel for a week (even though she has a daughter and grand). I like my kids, I love my kids, but I don't want to waste money to do bad things to release stress. I think i got some chocolate somewhere though.

This morning has been hectic. I had all three kiddies (two sons and great niece). I got the great niece because I heard her crying and went to check on her. She was about to flip out of her bed. Her grandma was sleep. My mother was gone. So, I got her and put her in Kalen's Crib. I also had to clean and prepare self for two meetings, back to back. 11:00 was Brad's science meeting for home school. They are preparing for the STARR testing next month. Then at 1230 was speech therapy. I got up about 8 am and the kids woke up after. 

Brad was screaming for part of the morning and Im not sure why. I put it on Sesame Street on the DVD player, when he wanted SpongeBob. Frankly, I am tired of the Yellow Blob, after watching a marathon yesterday. He needed something educational. I cut it on SS and he turned off the DVD player. I found a few other shows on Amazon. Same result, he turned off the DVD player and/or the movie. I told him I am not dealing with him anymore. Either he watches a good show or he can watch something similar on regular cable in the room. He was screaming, hollering, beating windows, mirrors, and slamming doors. He needs to learn he can not get his own way. 

On top of this, Kalen and Sariyah are having their baby fits. They are hungry, tired, need to be changed.  I had to move them into the game room. Let them let off a little energy. 

So, I have a reason, no justification, maybe rationalization, a little projection-- to drink, smoke, go out and have sex with random guys, but I chose not to. Once I do those destructive behaviors, I still have to come home to a house with crazy kids and crazy relatives. Same problems, temporary release, but nothing really has changed, until I change. I can not always  run from problems. Spending needed money on really,stupid things. Bills still must get paid. Children still need a mother and caregiver. and As the most sane person in this house (no matter how crazy I am), I need all my faculties to deal with einy, miney, and sometimes curly and moe. 

The Joy of Sexus by Vicki Leon

 I reviewed the Joy of Sexus by Vicki Leon, in exchange for review from Netgalley. The book was published by Walker and Company. The book discussed the history of sex throughout the ages. I enjoyed reading about the different aphrodisiacs and anti-potency remedies. Some of the aphrodisiacs included mandrake roots, satyrion, red coral, and wormwood. People also used herbal potions and plants; amulets and rubs; and also inserted hair, excretions, and nail clippings to improve potency. 

On the other hand, sometimes people wanted to lower their mate's sex drive by using hippo forehead; mouse dung; wine, in which a mullet has drowned in; or male urine in which a lizard was killed. 

The book was an interesting read. I loved reading it. Definitely am thinking about buying a print edition. 

More than a Bucket List

I read More than a Bucket List, in exchange for an honest review from BookSneeze. The book was written by Toni Birdsong. The book was published by Thomas Nelson.

I chose this book because I have so many dreams, but I am not working hard on making them a reality. The book started off good. The first section discusses laughter. God gave us the power of laughter. Laughter can heal souls. Birdsong encourages us to find friends, clean comedies, and other things, which makes us laugh. Then, the next section focuses on living your dreams. Write a book. Go skydiving, whatever it is, Live your dreams.


The book also discusses honoring people for their strengths, instead of their appearances, stereotypes, or personal prejudices. Get to know people for who they are, instead of who you think they are or who you want them to be.

Other suggestions in the book include:

• Fighting for love
• Being a good samaritan. Be merciful. Help others, who are going through something. 
• Practice being positive, instead of negative. Practice forgiveness. Laugh. Surround self with positive people. 
• Trust God in all things. 
• Practice Compassion. Help others. Volunteer. 
• Learn to quit. Quit cursing. Quit enabling others. Quit lying. Quit selfish behaviors. Quit living for others. Quit being late. 
• Stop comparing yourself to others. 

The book provided good suggestions for creating a new bucket list for living. The suggestions are based on love, faith, and forgiveness. Not to mention, developing a relationship with God. At the end of the book (for those, who purchase the print edition), there is a fill-in-the-blanks bucket list. I will definitely continue to peruse this book this year, especially when I lack motivation. 

Resolve to Love

Resolve to Love 

By Kerry and Chris Shook

Right now, there are three relationships in your life that trouble you. Perhaps a good friend said something to you yesterday. It felt critical, but you’re not sure what she meant. The two of you used to be so close, but lately you’ve been drifting apart. Something’s not right. Oh, and your mother called. There’s that. You know you should return her call, but you haven’t. Why? You know there are things you should have said before, you avoided them, and now you feel it’s too late. It’s always so hard with her. Always messy. And then...your son has been missing. Not missing physically, but he’s been distant, quiet, silent. Missing emotionally. What’s that about? What’s going on in his life? You want to reach out, but he pushes you away. It worries you.

Maybe the relationships in your life aren’t exactly like these, but I’m guessing these remind you of someone close to you, a problem relationship in your life right now. Maybe it’s not your mother but your father, perhaps not your son but a daughter-in-law. It could be your best friend. Whoever it is, he or she is someone who matters to you—or else the relationship wouldn’t trouble you, gnaw at you on the inside, make you question and grumble, or even bring you to tears.

So take a moment and think, who are these three key people in your life? Which meaningful relationships are troubling you? Relationships you wish were closer. Relationships you’d like to be deeper and richer. Relationships that trouble you, bother you, even make you a little crazy right now.

Seriously, think about it. Who are they? And now take a moment to name these three key relationships out loud.

Trust me, this is important for you. In fact, this may be the most significant thing you do in your life right now. Why?

Because life is way too short. At the end of the day—at the end of The Day—in this all-too-short life we share, all that really matters is relationships. Our relationships with the God who created us and with the people we love. Compared to these relationships, the job or career goals we set now aren’t really so important, the ladders we try to climb don’t matter so much, and the objects we long to own and possess seem utterly trivial.

What really counts in the end is that special knowing look you share with your spouse, the arms of your child reaching up to you, or the quiet comfort of a friend who stands by your side in a difficult time.

The award-winning animated movie Up contains some profound truths about relationships. In a breathtaking sequence early in the film, we see the entire arc of the life of Carl, a balloon salesman, as he meets Ellie, falls in love, and gets married. They share a dream to travel to South America and save every penny for their big trip. But there’s something familiar about the way their savings are constantly being used for the urgencies and emergencies of daily life. Before Carl and Ellie know it, they’re in their seventies, and although they have a beautiful marriage, they never realized their dream adventure.

Ellie dies, and Carl is overwhelmed with regret about the trip they never took. In a desperate attempt to escape loneliness and recapture memories of Ellie, Carl attaches a bunch of balloons to his house and sets out for South America! You begin to realize as the movie progresses that this dream trip they were saving for, this object of their future plan together, wasn’t really that important after all. The real adventure was the life they shared along the way.

The same is true for us: the adventure of a lifetime is right in front of us. It’s just cleverly disguised as a familiar face.

Think about the possible loss of the relationship with one of those three people you named. You can’t do anything about death and the physical departure of one of them from this earth. That’s in God’s hands.

But you can do something about your relationship with them in life.

Much of what you’ve been told about relationships is upside down and wrong.

Researchers tell us that a baby sees everything upside down for the first few days of life until the brain can adjust the visual picture to right side up. Most relationships today are stuck in this same infant stage; we tend to see relationships upside down, and our culture only reinforces this view. The concept of love at first sight permeates our music, movies, television, and books. What we learn as children and continue to believe as adults is that a fairy-tale relationship somehow just happens. 

Now, I’m not bashing romance, but meaningful relationships depend on seeing other people as they are and looking at them right side up. Real love—whether romantic love, a close friendship, or a family relationship—happens long after first sight. It shows up as people get to know each other more deeply and often after they work through tough things together. Real love in relationships isn’t a magic act; it’s a journey. When people say, “It was love at first sight,” what they really mean is “I was attracted to that person the first time I saw them.” There is nothing wrong with being infatuated with someone at the start of a relationship. The real question, however, is, do you have a love that is growing stronger and deeper every day?

I don’t believe in love at first sight; I believe in love at last sight. Each of my relationships has the potential to be better the next time we’re together than it was the previous time so that the last time we see each other on this earth we’re closer than ever before.

I’d like you to join me in the Lasting Love Relationship Challenge. The book One Month to Love is the challenge, and you can do it on your own. Just read a chapter each day. There are thirty chapters, they’re short, and you can probably read one a day pretty easily. At the end of each chapter you’ll find the Lasting Love Relationship Challenge, which is designed to help you take the insights from that day and apply them to your key relationships. 

Also you can log on to onemonthtolove.com 

 

 each day to access our personal coaching and get extra encouragement and advice or share your story. Our goal is to come alongside you to help you create the very best relationships possible. Let’s resolve to love this year!

Adapted from One Month to Love  by Kerry and Chris Shook with permission of Multnomah Books, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.

Death and Life

Wrote this in church on Sunday, after the sermon. The assistant pastor was discussing how he lost a child, which made me cry. I had two miscarries, which affected me deeply, so I understood his lost. Pastor O also discussed how people should rejoice in their lost. Thank the Lord, no matter what they are going through. Look for the good in the bad.
Some days I want kids, who are fully potty trained and an speak a bunch of words. I want to know what they are thinking and I don’t have to deal with major meltdowns and medications. Definitely no seizures. I want my kids to have friends, and not be excluded.


Yet, I can give thanks to God because it could have been worse. Brad could have died on the table at birth because the placenta got caught in his lungs, but God pulled him through. My grandma died the day before Brad was born (November 8, 2000). My great grandma died months before (May, 2000). Maybe he could have been seriously injured after having multiple seizures. Kalen could have had the same thing happen during his petit mal seizures.


I don’t know if my kids will ever deal with drugs, alcohol, or sex. I don’t know if my kids will ever date, get married, have girlfriends, go out on dates, or have kids.
I also have to think once again about the miscarries. I never planned on having kids. If I did, I only wanted two or three. If my two miscarries did not happen, Kalen might not have been here, but since they died, I do have a greater appreciation of both Kalen and Brad. I still hate labor and delivery. I am still not naturally maternal. I love my kids more. Thankful for them more. Appreciate them more. More protective of them more. Through death, it brings life. It brought me my youngest son and it also brought life to me.