These Grace Filled Days

You Have a Brain {a review}

2015-03-19T17:02:00.001-04:00

There comes a day when a child becomes an adult. In between those two extremes we find the teen years. Having two, almost three, teens in my home, I try to look at the teen years as a time of intense preparation. It is a unique time to grow and learn. A time like none other in the human life. A time to make the most of opportunity.

So, when I saw a book entitled You Have a Brain: A Teen's Guide to T.H.I.N.K. B.I.G. by Ben Carson, MD, I had to at least take a look at it. I am ever so glad I did!

Overview
Carson begins the book with a short autobiography outlining some of the major events in his life, which helped shape him into the man he is today. In the second part of the book, Carson systematically explains the T.H.I.N.K. B.I.G. acronym. Together, the two parts encourage teens to take charge of their lives and to do something of value with their brains. In the appendix, readers will find a "Personal Talent Assessment" to complete.

Thoughts
Reading through the book, I was struck by the easy going tone of Carson. Additionally, while the audience is teens, the book is not 'dumbed down' or condescending in any way.

The events Carson shares are relatable and purposeful. His life is inspirational and his words are full of wisdom. He shares specific incidents like a couple of long distance moves, harming a friend, and choosing between music and science. Though not every teen will experience these, the thought process, emotions, and choices serve as a model for other experiences. It was also refreshing how Carson related some menial events which at the time may have seemed ho-hum, but really helped prepare him for later in life. His job as a crane operator was not in the medical field at all, but the experience and understanding of how to operate a crane came in quite handy later in life during surgeries of precision. Using this example and others, Carson helps teen readers understand how experiences will shape and prepare us for adult life.

The second portion of the book, Carson unpacks T.H.I.N.K. B.I.G., letter by letter. He fully explains each concept, like talent, insight, and in-depth learning. Then, he shares practical ways he grew in that area and how teens can as well.

Despite not being in the target audience age group, I found the book informative and motivational for me personally as an individual (with a brain) and as a mom with four children. Obviously, anyone can glean wisdom on how to go further in life at any age. We can all use some motivation to do better. The greatest gem I found in the book, though, was how to help my children do better in tangible ways. I know the book wasn't written for this purpose. However, when I read it, I found it is a treasure chest of ideas for parents of teens and soon to be teens. Some of those ideas include finding mentors for my children in specific areas and encouraging them to take on more responsibilities in their own areas of interest.

Bottom Line
This book is a keeper! I know I've shared before how I typically give a review book to our church library after I've read and reviewed it. However, this time, instead of giving the book away, I simply recommended the library pick up its own copy. I want all my children to read this book before it gets donated.

~ Dorie

Fine Print: I received this book as part of the BookLook Blogger program. This review is in exchange for a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Living Well Spending Less {a review}

2015-01-28T05:52:00.001-05:00

For years now, many online writers have shared a word for the year. It is a word which directs, describes, and determines a path for the year. I've had my share of word of the year as well. This year is no different, except that I haven't displayed my word for all to see yet. Truly, I am just not ready to do so. I can most assuredly say that my word has a lot to do with living well. Doesn't everyone's word? Isn't that what we all, on some level, hope to do? live well?

When I saw the title Living Well Spending Less on a listing of possible books to review, I immediately thought the timing couldn't be better. New year, new word, new you! So, I quickly nabbed a spot for review.

The Book
Divided into two main sections, Living Well Spending Less: 12 Secrets of the Good Life, by Ruth Soukup, attempts to tackle a broad spectrum of topics. However, the main premise of the book is defining the good life and showing readers how to live it without going broke in the process. Soukup intertwines personal life experience into the pages.

In the first section, Living Well, Soukup considers what the good life really is. She offers readers a shift from main stream cultural thinking to a more sound definition of a life lived well. Individual topics include contentment, goals, time management, and decluttering.

Spending Less, which is the second section, builds upon the foundational thoughts established in the first section. In this section, Soukup offers ideas to help readers spend less. Though there are numerous, specific money saving tips mentioned, this is not the main focus. Creating a mind set of frugality and stewardship is the point of the second section.

Each individual chapter, regardless of the section, begins with several related quotes or Bible verses and ends with action points to motivate readers to practice what was suggested in the chapter.

My Thoughts
The premise for the book is outstanding. Who doesn't want to live well and not break the bank at the same time? The delivery and set up of the ideas are perfect for modern readers. However, the ideas presented are not ground breaking or new. These are commonsense, practical tips that have been around for a very long time. Perhaps that is the beauty of the book? By taking what we all inherently know, Soukup presents it in a way which promotes our understanding and challenges us to action.

Ways to Use the Book
While a straight through reading is easily done, this book would lend itself well to a 12 week personal or small group challenge. The chapters are of an ideal length for such an undertaking, and the quotes, tips, and action points within each chapter could serve well as talking points for a small group.

What I Will Do with My Copy
Here's the bottom line: I liked the book. I would even recommend the book to others to read and use. However, I won't be keeping my copy. My bookshelf is limited to books I either love or books I will need to return to in the future. This book, while well done, doesn't fit either of those criteria. I'll be donating my copy to our church library for others to freely read. It is my hope that it will be a blessing to those who do.

~ Dorie

Fine Print: I received a copy of this book in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Better Perspective

2015-01-21T17:22:00.001-05:00

"Which store do you hate more?" My daughter is asking me right before I leave.

I pause, thinking, weighing the options.

Which do I hate more? She only used the word hate because she's heard it from me before.

Finally, I form an answer, "Whichever one I am going to at the time."

We share a laugh, and I leave to go to the grocery store.

Grocery shopping and I are not on good terms. I actually do hate the task and the stores. I have for years.

For awhile, my sweet husband took over the task. I'd make the list and he would go. But it became cumbersome when his work hours increased. When that happened, naturally, the chore became mine again. I did not embrace it. Instead, I complained. I still do.

It most certainly did not become any better this summer when I went to gluten free, soy free, dairy free, and peanut free eating. I complained even more. There was no silver lining in grocery shopping for me...until this past Tuesday.

I was off to the store, again. My bad attitude kept me company through 2/3 of the store.

Stooping down to the bottom shelf, I hauled spring water up into my cart. Three gallons of the four were situated in the cart when I overheard a couple of people talking.

"Yeah, I had no idea I needed to be lactose free and soy free," the elderly lady chuckled as she spoke. "Use to think it was my momma's cooking making me ill. Then, when I got older and married, I still spent half my nights stooped over with stomach cramps."

"Oh, my," her comrade says.

I'm not sure I should interrupt and share my own food intolerance experience. It doesn't quite seem right. So, I don't. I move on.

Through the aisles I tread. Picking up items and crossing them off the list. I've forgotten the requested dip for a party we will host on Saturday. Actually, I can't find it. The store has rearranged and I haven't a clue where the new dip section is located. It isn't where I think it should be, so I keep scanning the dairy shelves.

Finally, utterly frustrated, I leave my piled high cart smack dab in the aisle and inspect the shelves closely. Behind me a gentleman sighs and heaves his own cart over to the side. He's speed shopping and narrowly misses the obstacle of my cart.

Oh, I'm being rude. The thought dawns on me. In my frustration, I selfishly dismissed all the other shoppers. And, this, realizing that other people are here in the store also is what strikes me. Instead of hating the task and the store, perhaps I should see it from a different perspective. Maybe, just maybe, I shouldn't be gritting my teeth through the aisles. Maybe I should be smiling at the other shoppers and speaking to a few of them. It is something I do everywhere else. I talk to others at the library and post office. I smile and make polite conversations. Never at the grocery store though.

Entering the check out, I ponder the thought. Has my hate for grocery shopping really skewed my perspective that much?

My groceries rest on the belt awaiting the scanner. The cashier is now ready to wait on me. She comments on my box of hair color. I'm not sure it is really a compliment and my bad attitude wants to rise to the occasion. However, I remember my diary aisle rudeness and my perspective ponderings. It helps that the speed shopper has whisked his items through the self check out next to me. I swallow hard and smile, forcing myself to forget about my grocery shopping dislike and concentrate on the person before me.

We end up having a lengthy conversation about hair color, divorce, computer dating, and children. I did have a lot of groceries. So, we had time.

Leaving the store, I realize how much hating grocery shopping has affected my perspective and experience while in the grocery store. Not just my experience...all those who came in contact with my grumpy, bad attitude grocery shopping self. Was I a shining light of His love and grace? Certainly not.

Determined to have a better perspective next time,
Dorie

NASB Note-Taker's Bible {a review}

2015-01-08T17:36:00.001-05:00

Have you ever noticed how many variations of the Bible are available? Seriously, there are cultures and languages with no Biblical text and we have more than a smorgasbord of options. Do you want a two column text or one column? Find the right one easily. Do you want a red letter or all black and white? Not a problem. The store has both. A Bible with study notes or without? Maybe just cross references in the column? Done.

I don't say this to degrade us or the blessing. I say it because I think it means that everyone who is searching may find the perfect Bible format and style for themselves. Many choices can be good.

Zondervan has released yet another option into our saturated Bible choices. This one is geared toward those of us who like to write in the margins of our Bibles. That's right. Amongst all the choices in our Bible buffet, you know have the choice of how wide your margins are.

This NASB Note-Taker's Bible also features red lettered words of Christ and short supplemental sections in the back. A concordance, listing of Biblical perspectives, and tables outlining the ministry of Jesus, teachings of Jesus, miracles, and parables are found within the binding.

To be honest, at first I hated the look. My initial impression was that it looked like the publishers did not line up the cutting correctly. What's more, this was a note-taker's Bible and there was no lines?!

Then, I began to explore the pages a bit more. My mind began to comprehend how someone could actually use this. With the margins as wide as possible on the sides and bottom, note-takers have ample space to add their thoughts or thoughts of others into the pages. Without lines, writing would not be confined to a certain predetermined size or horizontal direction.

A possible way note-takers can benefit from this format is by using different color ink for notes on specific roles (wife, mom, teacher, etc.) or themes (sin, grace, love, etc.). Or, note-takers may prefer to use a specific color ink per year of notes. Since most will not study the entire Bible in one year, it may be nice to look back in a few years and see the green colored ink of 2015 and know where you were that year in your Christian growth.

The supplemental information in the back could be used as a basis for personal study. Whether you wanted to spend some time researching a Biblical world view or the miracles of Jesus, the supplemental section could be of use.

After exploring the pages and determining how I could use the wide margins to my best advantage, I did convert from dislike to appreciation. The only part I cannot truly appreciate is the two column text. I would have preferred a one column printing. It would have made referencing particular sections or verses of the text easier. For instance, if I want to write something about the column furthest from the margin, I will either have to code the note with a verse reference header or identifying number/letter or draw a line over/around the column in between. In the end, this is really my only complaint about the printing.

~ Dorie

On a side note, for those wondering...the hard cover edition is actually relatively blank under the dust jacket. When I first received the Bible, I was curious and thought someone else might be as well.

Fine Print: The publisher provided me a copy of this Bible in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Remembering This Christmas

2014-12-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

There's that old prompt for story writing: the 5W's and a H. It reminds writers to include the who, what, where, when, why, and how into a story. Because really that's the stuff we want to know.

It makes a story complete.

However, right now, I'm just thinking about two of those. This season I've been trying to concentrate on just the why and how of Christmas.

For I can easily focus on the Who of Christmas, the What of Christmas, the Where of Christmas, and roughly the When of Christmas. But sometimes in the quiet of the day, it is really good for me to remember the why and the how of Christmas. These are the verses I ponder this season...

Why of Christmas -

"And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him.

And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,

'The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,

because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.

He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives,
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD.'

And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down;
and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him.
And He began to say to them,
'Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.'"
Luke 4:17-21

Why? HIS LOVE

How of Christmas -

"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
who, although He existed in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but emptied Himself,
taking the form of a bond-servant,
and being made in the likeness of men.
Being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross."
Philippians 2:5-8

How? HIS HUMILITY

His Love and humbleness.
That is something I want to keep remembering this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas to you all!
~ Dorie