The Edge of the Divine by Sandy Patty

In this book Sandy Patty is honest and open about her stumbles in her Christian walk.  She candidly talks about her struggles and consequences of poor decisions in her past and her ongoing struggles with her weight.

I appreciated Ms. Patty's straightforward method of letting the reader know her inner thoughts and struggles.  She presents the details of her past like an invitation to her life.  Her writing style is conversational and easy to follow.  Reading this book is like talking to an old friend I haven't seen in a while.  The way she spoke of "the edge" hit a note with me because when I named my blog "life on the edge" that is the meaning I had in mind.

I recommend this book to anyone who is facing trials in their life either from poor decisions in their past or perhaps a physical problem they are enduring.  This book is for anyone who is "on the edge"  wondering which side of the cliff they will land on.

This book was provided by Booksneeze (Thomas Nelson) in exchange for an honest review.

No Man is an Island

Friends, I have just been diagnosed with moderate COPD.  I have to stop something that I have been doing for over half my life--smoking.  I cannot do this alone.  I need your prayers.  This is the first post I have written asking for something.  But I do need and want your prayers.  If anyone has tips please send them to me.

I know I am not alone in this.  My Father is with me.  Thank you all so much for being my friends.

Root, Root, Root For the Home Team

I came across this on the internet today.  It is not only a good story but at this time of year, it seems to fit.  My kids' seasons are almost over but I do admit I have enjoyed watching them play.

Root, root, root for the home team! I’m not sure who wrote this story but they creatively captured the reality of grace!

 Freddy and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate whose name was Love. Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because Love never fails. The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love. They had runners at first and third with two outs. The next batter up was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw a fast ball. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass: Ball one. Three more pitches, one slider, one curve and another fast ball --- Godly Wisdom walked on four straight pitches --- because Godly Wisdom never swings at what Satan throws.The bases were now loaded. The Lord then turned to Freddy and told him He was going to bring in His star player as a pinch hitter. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Freddy said, "He sure doesn't look like much!" Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had only one more easy out to win the game. Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But Satan was not worried; his center fielder was an All-Star. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing to the ground; then the ball continued on its bounce over the fence for a home run! The Lord's team won!

Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog and the Woman She Rescued by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

Blind Hope is a powerful story of love.   We are taken on a journey with Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher.  It is a journey of love for a dirty unkempt dog Laurie rescues from an abusive home.  When she rescued the dog she named Mia, she did not know how much this little dog could teach her about love and God's grace.

Laurie had sought love and acceptance from other people.  She would hide her true self and put on masks she thought others wanted to see.  It was only when she brought Mia home with her did she really learn true acceptance.  Because of Mia's peace and contentment in spite of going blind, Laurie learned to lean on God to bring her to the understanding of her past and hope for her future. 

I enjoyed reading this book because it also helped me to listen to God and lean on Him more in my own struggles.  I recommend this book to others who are animal loves but also to others who need to listen to God's teachings through everyday life and living.  I intend to keep this book to read again and again when I find myself trying to live life on my terms. 

This book was given to me by Multnomah Waterbrook in exchange for an honest review.

Hot by Laura L. Smith

Lindsey has emerged from an ugly duckling to a beautiful young woman who dresses like a model.  She should be happy but inside she feels empty.  Her parents are so caught up with her rebellious sister and Lindsey feels alone.  She thinks no one understands her until she meets Noah.  He possesses a calm confidence and Lindsey wants this for herself.

She finds herself caught up in world of popularity, fashion and boys.  She is torn between values she has grown up with and the temptations that face our teenagers today.  She is haunted by questions that she cannot find answers to.  Will Lindsey discover what matters most before she becomes even more entangled in the new world she has discovered?

This book will be an invaluable addition to any teenage girl's library.  I recommend that parents read this book to understand the problems and questions that face our young girls today.  I recommend this book highly and am looking forward to reading other books by this author.

I received a free copy of Hot from Navpress in exchange for an open and honest review.

New Site

Friends, I have started a new site for my original writings.  I will still keep this site updated and post here but visit my other site and hopefully be encouraged there as well.  The new site is http://ritingsandramblings.web.com/.  Come on over and enjoy.

The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews

While Andy Andrews was digging up a tree beside his home on the Gulf Coast, he found a rusty can containing Nazi artifacts. This whetted his appetite to find the story behind these rare findings. He interviewed neighbors and other residents of his home town until he was able to piece together the story behind his amazing discovery.

During WW II Germany dispatched submarines and U Boats to the Gulf to sink US vessels filled with supplies for the war. These attacks and the people involved form the basis for The Heart Mender. Lives of both German soldiers and the residents of the Gulf Coast intertwine to bring the story to life.

Helen Mason has recently lost her husband to the war. She has not recovered from her loss and was walking late one night along the beach. She soon discovers a wounded man lying on the beach. Angered when she sees his German uniform she decides to leave him there to die. But when she hears an unusual pharase he utters she changes her mind and helps him to her home to nurse him back to health.

The Heart Mender is set agains a backdrop of angry suspicions. Struggles faced by the people touched by the war are chronicled. It is a story of how people were forced to face fears of the future and ghosts of the past in order to survive the frightening present.

Although I am not an avid reader of war stories this book captured my interest and refused to release it. It is more than a story of war; it is a story of forgiveness and redemption. I do recommend this book. I have read several of Andrews' books and was not disappointed by this one.

After reading this book I did some research of my own and discovered the U-Boat mentioned in The Heart Mender was found sunk in the Gulf. In fact it is very close to the current oil spill. If you would like to read more of this interesting period in our country's history go to www.andyandrews.com. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Summer Fun

I have really enjoyed watching my future all star ball players make home runs one time at bat and strike out the next time. But I have 2 more games and the summer season of baseball, t-ball and softball will be over for another month. My 3 youngest will be starting "fall" ball in August but I will get a week or 2 before the excitement starts again. But wait--after fall ball comes flag football and cheerleading. I have a very athletic bunch of kids. But the kids have a very worn out nanny. Still I enjoy watching them have fun and learn teamwork and socialization that these sports can provide. I do have to admit that it is wearing me out but if God did not think I was up to the task He would not have trusted me with it.

I know He has a sense of humor because I can hear Him laughing but He is not laughing at me-He is laughing with me as I watch the outrageous activities of these precious young ones. I see Him smiling down at me and reassuring me that He knows what He is doing and this is the plan He has for me. When I feel weary and worn out from the day to day chores I must do to make their lives memorable and their childhoods happy, I hear Him say, "My child, I am always with you. Just lean on me and I will give you rest."

That is the reason, friends, that I keep putting one foot in front of the other and plug along each day. Without Him by my side, I know I would fail but just knowing He is here energizes me daily.

I do ask for your prayers though. I have to have some tests done next week on my heart and lungs. I am a little concerned but I know He is in control and will take care of me and my darlins'.

Until tomorrow, this is how it is with life on the edge. May God bless and continue to bless you every day.

Hand of Fate by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

Outspoken radio host Jim Fate has made enemies with his outspoken style. Many of these enemies are high powered political figures so when he is murdered in his own studio there is no shortage of suspects.

The triple threat, FBI special agent Nicole Hodges, crime reporter, Cassidy Shaw and Federal prosecutor Allison Pierce begin sorting through the list of Fate's enemies he had in order to piece together the reason for his murder as well as the murderer. The case presents a special challenge because one of the three has social ties to Fate and the other two have their own issues and demons to deal with. As they get closer to the identity of the killer, each of their lives are changed and the issues take on larger roles in their lives.

This book is a true page turner. It will keep you guessing the motive and identity of the murderer but you will be taken by surprise when the crime is solved. I will offer a word of warning: unless you want to stay awake all night reading, don't open this book at bedtime.

I found the plot totally realistic and possible. The characters are real and deal with issues that can face each one of us. I do recommend this book to anyone that loves a good mystery. I am looking forward to reading more books by these authors.

This copy was given to me by Thomas Nelson (BookSneeze) in exchange for an honest review on the book.

Another Fourth Of July Celebrated

Yesterday we celebrated another birthday for our wonderful country. As we ate hamburgers, hot dogs and all the other foods that make up a successful cook out and finished the day with parades and fireworks displays, I hope each of us took a moment to think about the sacrifices made to keep us free. I watched fireworks with my children. As I watched the beautiful display I felt the sudden urge to thank God for my blessings. I thanked Him for placing these children in my life and His trust in me that I am up to the task of bringing them up to love Him as much as I do. I thanked Him for the privilege of living in this wonderful country where so many freedoms are ours for the taking. I heard this song by Lee Greenwood that expresses my feelings about the wonderful privilege that is available to me and to all of us who call the United States our home.
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God Bless the USA

If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife,
I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away.'


I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today,
Cause there isn't no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S.A.


From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee,
Across the plains of Texas from sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to L.A.,
There's pride in every American heart and it's time we stand and say:


I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today,
Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S.A.