Flight to Heaven by Capt. Dale Black

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.


Reading Flight to Heaven reinforced the fact that God is who He says He is and we serve an awesome God.

The sole survivor of a catastrophic plane would crash would be amazing on its own merit but Capt. Black's story doesn't end there--in fact it begins at that point. Capt Black is taken on an awesome journey to Heaven and shown what Heaven is like. This experience sends him on a life-long journey of faith that will forever change his life.

Written in an inspirational and motivational style that captured my attention from the first page to the last page. This book will renew your faith in God and trigger a homesickness for Heaven.

I found Capt. Black to be very credible and real. He did not embellish his experience for sensationalism but told his story in a straightforward and candid manner.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what lies ahead when we reach Heaven. I could not put this book down until the last word on the last page was read. My reaction: WOW! I do serve an awesome and magnificent God.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin and Alex Malarkey

I received this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

After a tragic car accident left Alex with injuries so severe no one thought he could survive, God worked miracles that everyone in awe.  Alex was in a coma for months while family, friends, and complete strangers prayed for his recovery and healing. 

After coming out of the coma, Alex related a story to his father that his father initially had trouble comprehending.  It is only after Alex reported what had happened at the accident scene and later in the hospital that Kevin could grasp the immensity of his son's experience.  Alex told his father that he had visited Heaven and spoken with God.  But this is not the only contact Alex had with angels during his recovery.  He relates his experiences with these heavenly creatures in such intimate detail, the reader is left feeling as though the angels are in the room while he is reading the book.

The book kept me riveted to each page from the first page to the last.  I am a christian and reading Alex's description reinforced for me the fact that God does take care of His children and never leaves us.  I will (and have) recommended this family and friends.

Thank You

I want to say "thank you," to my readers who nominated me for the 2010 top CSAHM blog.  I was pleasantly surprised to learn of my nomination and selection for the award.  I hope that what you read on my blog will be encouraging in some way to you--if only to say "Thank you Lord, that I am not living her life."  See, I can encourage you and you can find something to be thankful for in any of life's struggles.

Again I want to say a heartfelt "thanks" to each and everyone of you.  May God fill your blessing basket to overflowing. 

Time4Learning

I’ve been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as a homeschool curriculum, for afterschool enrichment and for summer skill sharpening. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning.

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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Life or Something Like It

Well, here I sit at 11:30 at night trying to recuperate from the day. Ballgame at 9:00 this morning which wasn't so bad. I did find a tree to hibernate under to get out of the heat. But the game at 2:00 this afternoon was another story-heat that totally left me drained of energy. But when I looked up to see 4 kids covered in mud from the top of their heads to the bottoms of their feet I really felt totally defeated. The manager of the ball park told them they could run in the sprinklers to stay cool. But, when the sprinklers were turned off, the little darlins' decided to just roll in the mud. Can you imagine 4 little mud pies walking to the car--with upholstered seats. Welllllllllllllllll you can imagine my temperature rising (and not just from the summer sun). I took the darlins' home and hosed them off before I let them come into the house. Now, I can just hear your thoughts--"that's mean, how can she do that to kids?" Just remember they had been running through water for fun. But you are right, you would have thought I was killing them. I once read that "whatever don't kill you will make you stronger" so I think me and the kids are getting stronger every day.

Until next time just be glad you are not on the edge. Ain't life grand!!!!!!!

Unburdened by Chris Tiegreen

This book was a complimentary copy from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

This book details how to live an unburdened life by "letting go and giving your worries to God." I found this book to be encouraging because I too often have trouble giving my fears and burdens over to Him. I know this is what God wants us to do and even commands it--it is difficult to do. Tiegreen's suggestions and anecdotes will help me to remember that He is always ready to take my cares but I must first give them to Him.

As Tiegreen states at the beginning of the book, "The unburdened life is less about getting rid of our baggage than about carrying our loads with ease". This book does not teach us how to get rid of responsibility or become detached and uncaring about what is happening to us and our loved ones. It will teach you how to take our cares to the One that is always waiting for us.

I will recommend this book to others because it is encouraging and should be on every bookshelf. I plan to return to the book oftn when I feel overwhelmed by life.

Lazy Summer Days vs Crazy Summer Days

A lazy summer day is lying in a hammock
drinking ice tea and reading a book.

A crazy summer day is trying to get five kids
to stop jumping on the furniture.

A lazy summer day is like a day in heaven
where even the dog will not be demanding

A crazy summer day is trying to feed the dog
while a cyclone of kids are running through the kitchen.

A lazy summer day is a day at the beach
with the warm sun and gentle breeze kissing your skin.

A crazy summer day is fighting the water the
kids are throwing out of the bath tub at an imaginery spider.

Although I dream of lazy summer days I have to face it my reality is more like the crazy summer days. But what good would a lazy summer day be without the kids to add spice to the days of our life.

I will have ample time for the lazy summer days when the kids are grown. Although by then I will be too old to climb into the hammock. Ah well, life is life after all.

Which would you choose? A lazy summer day alone or a crazy summer day with the boundless energy of kids around.

Maybe for just one day hmmm.....................................

Summer, Hot Dogs, and Baseball

Well friends, it has been a busy summer. With four kids in t-ball, baseball, and softball I have been running and running. Some nights I do believe I have met myself sometimes "running in all directions". There have been nights that I have had to be in three places at once. Don't ask me how but I have managed to get everyone where they needed to be at the time they were supposed to be there (o.k. sometimes one of the darlins' has been a few minutes late). Last weekend was the annual little league picnic. That meant three games at once plus (I don't know what I was thinking) I volunteered to help at a game. I must have been in the sun too long. You know a little heat stroke or brain dysfunction. Whatever, I did make it through all eight hours of being out in the sun amid all the screaming and running--I don't know what the kids did. Just kidding. I did push a little kid out of the small amount of shade under a tree. Hey, she was young and could handle the heat better than me. Besides the stroller stopped before it hit the water. People have got to learn--don't get between an old woman and a shade tree when the temperature is 95.

OK, time to feed my brood. I had three extra mouths to feed last night and just one to feed tonight so maybe my luck is changing.

Until next time friends, this is life on the edge.

Storm Warning by Billy Graham

"Tsunami kills thousands"
"Earthquakes rumble and wreak havoc for millions."
"Terrorists attack on U.S. soil."
"Largest oil spill un history."

Headlines grab our attention. Videos of disasters play on tv screens continuously. Every day we see or read about devastations the world over. Famines, wars, homeless, diseases that kill both the body and spirit of the world's peoples vie for our attention. As Billy Graham states in his newest book--"the hoof beats can be heard rushing toward us now."J30H63AW5

Mr. Graham, world renowned preacher and evangelist takes us on a tour of the biblical book of Revelation. Through the visions of John on the isle of Patmos, Mr. Graham explains the four horsemen and what each one represents. Through the journeys of the Israelites, we see what happened when God's warnings went unheeded.

God is warning us today to repent and turn back to Him before it is too late. If we do not heed these warnings we must face the consequences of our failures. According to Mr. Graham, much of the biblical prophecies are unfolding in the world today.

I have not really read Revelation because, to be honest, I was frightened by the symbolisms. But with Mr. Graham's explanation and clarity in his writing I will read Revelation because I see the good news for the sincere believer.

I will recommend this book to friends and family. It is a thought provoking and eye opening book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review of the book.

Summer is Here

Summer is here now. The kids are home for vacation and the house never gets cleaned as it should. I have had computer problems too so I am really living on the edge. I had to replace the computer but now maybe my sanity will return.

I hope to stay in contact with my blogging friends and hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather. I was at the Gulf Coast last week and saw a lot of the effects of the oil spill. My prayers are with all the families involved and pray that this will soon be just a page in history.

Until next time------I am still living "on the edge". and sliding closer all the time.