The Last Christian by David Gregory

About the author:

David Gregory is a best-selling author. His best-sellers include Dinner With a Perfect Stanger, and A Day With a Perfect Stranger.

After a ten year business career, he returned to school to study religion and communciations. He earned Masters degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary and University of North Texas. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.

The Book:

It is 2088. Abigail (Abby) Caldwell has lived in the jungle of New Guinea for the entire thirty-four years of life. After a cryptic message from her grandfather, she emerges from the jungle and travels to the United States. She must, according to her grandfather, bring Christianity back to America.

This is the story of Abby's life in a society that is completely foreign to her. She must not only acclimate herself to an alien culture but fulfil the purpose for which God has called her. As she navigates through this complex world, she faces a sinsiter force that threatens not only her life but the world itself. A brilliant neuroscientist has developed silicon brains and is now transplanting these brains into humans. This technological development will allow humans to live forever.

Along with Creighton Daniels, a historian who is trying to understand his own father's death, Abby must not only bring Christianity back to the United States but fight for her life.They are the targets of the sinister men who will stop at nothing to ensure their evil plan is not foiled.

I found this book to be a true thriller and a definite page-turner. The ddventures and dangers that Abby experiences kept me praying for her success. I found myself thinking about the technological advances of today. Could something like this happen in our future? Is manking capable of bringing about its own doom?

I found this book to be a great read. It is not only entertaining but will force us to really think about our future on this earth. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the future of mankind.

I received a complimentary copy from Waterbrook-Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

Life Goes On and On and On..........................

What two words strike terror in the hearts of mothers everywhere this time of year? SCHOOL'S OUT!. I must admit, I have mixed feelings about this chapter in my kids' lives. Sure there will be no more early morning rushes to the bus stop and no more fighting about who wears what. But there will be more dirty dishes, more wet towels lying around and the fights that can go on all day. But let's face it--about the time you get used to having the kids home all day and you run out of hiding places, school starts for another year. So this summer I vow to enjoy having the kids home. Did I just say that? I have got to get in out of the sun. Seriously, my kids are growing so fast I have got to slow down and enjoy more of their lives with them. Of course, there will still be t-ball, baseball, and softball for a few more weeks.

I hope you all have a wonderful summer with your kids and remember they do grow up so much faster these days. Enjoy them while you can. Well, I've got to go and clean my house one more time before the summer chaos begins.

May God continue to bless you and yours. Until later, this is life on the edge-------!

Hello All

Well, it's me again. Life on the edge justs goes on. I guess that is good news though. I am still running around not knowing where I am going or where I've been, but that's normal for me. Life is about to get even more interesting (interpret "interesting" to mean "chaotic" or "hectic"). School is just about out. That's right, my darlins' will be home alllllllll day, EVERY day. Yeah, that's right. I won't even have the luxury of school any more. Oh well, life must go on. Oh Iforgot--baseball, t-ball, and softball will still be going on. So not only will I have to listen to my own kids, thirty million more kids will be yelling and screaming. Gee life is good. Just kidding. I will honestly try to enjoy summer break.

I thought about going back to work a few weeks ago. But that thought just lasted a second or two then I was jolted back to reality when I realized no one in their right mind would do all the crazy things I do in a day. To be honest, I only thought about working again because an 8 hour a day job seemed to be more relaxing that what I do now. I could not find anyone that was willing to stay with the kids anyway. I guess I will continue doing what I've been doing and trust God to get me through.

Oops! The dirty laundry is crawling out of the laundry room and pushing the dirty dishes out. The kids are fighting. Good, no sign of blood yet. The phone is ringing and the dogs are barking. Guess that's my signal to get to work.

Keep praying and thanking God your life is calm compared to mine. Until I get a few more seconds to myself this is it for today. Stay encouraged and thanking God for your many blessings. Until later, friends. This is life on the edge.

Embracing Your Second Calling by Dale Hanson Bourke

This book is intended to be a message that even though their "child-rearing" days are over, God still has a purpose for them to fulfill. She uses the book of Ruth to show what Naomi accomplished in her second half of life. She sends out the message that God wants to use us in making a difference in the world. Even though we might think we have "outlived our usefulness" and the best of life is behind us, Bourke shows us through the life of Naomi that "the best is yet to come."

I do agree that God does have plans for us in the second half but not every woman can do the extensive travel and volunteer work that Bourke has been able to do. God is using me to rear my four grandchildren and bring them up to honor Him. I feel this is as important a calling as anything else I can do. God is also calling me to write a book which I am also working on now.

This book did make me think about my calling for this stage of life and made me feel good about what I am doing. I will recommend this book to my friends that are in this season of life. Ms. Bourke's work did make me feel more comfortable about my own life. God has a different plan for each of us so whatever call He has placed on our life, embrace it and rest assured that He will equip us to perform whatever He asks us to do.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review

Life in Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer

This was an AWESOME book. It truly shows how God can turn a catastrophe into a wonderful blessing. Although Kristen's life was "unbearable" and painful to her, God used her life to have a tremendous impact to others.

I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster while reading this book. I felt her pain and ultimately her joy as she related the events that led up to decision to end her life. She might have wanted to end it all but for God her life had just begun.

I read this book in less than 24 hours because I found that I could not put it down one I read the fist few pages. I'm afraid I didn't see much of my kids' ball practices because I could not stop reading this book. I think this book has definitely changed my life and I'm sure it will change your life too. I highly recommend this book to family and friends.

For anyone contemplating suicide you MUST read this book. I dare say this book will be a life saver.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook-Multnomah in exchange for an honest review of the book.

What did Jesus Say?

When I was given a chance to review this book, I was excited. I have four grandchildren living with me and felt this book would be a big help in explaining the christian walk to them. I was not disappointed. This book is written in easy to understand language that explains issues we all face, even young children. This book covers 62 topics of interest including how to deal with fear, worry, and forgiveness. It has scriptures from the NLT version of the Bible, a very easy to understand version. While reading through this book, I felt that the scriptures were speaking to me.

I highly recommend this book to parents, grandeparents, or anyone else that has a responsibility to teach today's children and young teens about God and His love and concern for us, His children.

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

He Lifts Me Up

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody everywhere, every time and every way!

He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine.

My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure,
Understand this...
He said it and that settles it!
God is in control, I am on His side,
And that means all is well with my soul.

Author Unknown

I have had some bad days lately. While going through some old papers, I found this clipping. I had saved it for some reason and after reading it I knew why---it was just what I needed to feel better.

God is in control and after a heart-felt talk with my Father, I felt as though a load of bricks had been lifted from my shoulders.

God is so good, isn't He?

Are We Good Enough?

I found this on the internet. It ensures us that God can use us no matter how imperfect or incompetent we might feel.


The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember..
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer..AND
Lazarus was dead!
And Don't forget
Jesus Helped them all!!!!

===========================================
Now! No more excuses! God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger. And one more thing... Share this with a friend or two. In the Circle of God's love, God's waiting to use your full potential.
=======================
1. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

2. Dear God, I have a problem, it's Me.

3. There is no key to happiness. The door is always
open.

4. Silence is often misinterpreted but never
misquoted.

7. Do the math .. count your blessings.

8. Faith is the ability to not panic.

9. If you worry, you didn't pray . If you pray,
don't worry.

10. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling
home everyday.

11. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be
bent out of shape.

12. The most important things in your house are the people.

13 When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15 He who dies with the most toys is still dead.


Have a great day!!! The SON is shining and HE can certainly use you!



Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly....... Leave the rest to God.
Love and Prayers Always

Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann

A pair of mutilated raccoons are found in Redford, Colorado. This discovery started a chain reaction of events that rocked the peace in this small mountain town. Police Chief Jonah Westfall was determined to find the perpetrator before this act escalated and destroyed his small town. But battling his own inner demons kept his thoughts focused on a guilty secret from his own past. Tia Manning, also had inner demons that included a past with Jonah and guilt over her sister's estrangement. This guilt threatened to destroy them if they surrendered to its strong pull.

Although Tia owned the candlemaking shop in town and rented out a room to Piper, who became a very protective friend to her, Tia was lonely but refuses to open the door that will bring happiness into her life.

This is a book about severed connections and the consequences of being alone. I found this book to be one I will read over and over. It is a "page turner" that will keep you guessing as the suspense rises. It is well-written and the characters come alive on the page. I will highly recommend this book to family and friends and will read other books by this author.

This book was donated by Waterbrook-Multnoman for an honest review.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristen Heitzmann, a home-schooling mother of four, wrote her first book while home-schooling. This first book turned into a five-book historical series. Her writing career has produced more historical novels and several romantic and psychological suspense novels, including The Still of Night, nominated for the Colorado Book Award; The Tender Vine, a Christy Award finalist; and the Christy Award winning Secrets. She lives in Colorado with her husband, Jim, and various family members and pets.

Whole Again

If you read my post this morning, you know I thought I would have to split myself into thirds. Well, guess what! It rained today. In fact, it started raining immediately after I published my post. Sooooooooo the 5:30 practice was cancelled and the softball game was cancelled. The team did have practice and the 6:00 practice was held. But, this was a cake walk compared to what was scheduled. See I told you God does take care of us.

I also told you I am a living testament that He has a sense of humor. I was so frantic trying to decide how to be in three places at once, I had the energy to clean a closet today. See God works all things to the good.

Until tomorrow--this is life on the edge.

Split in thirds

Well, friends I am use to multitasking but this is ridiculous. Tonight I have one boy with ball practice at 5:30 at one location; another at 6:00 at still another location; and I am assigned the concession stand duty at my oldest girl's softball game at 5:45. I guess I can split myself in thirds but which part of me will be where? I honestly don't know. Oh, yeah, I still have the youngest to care for amid all this confusion. When I tell you that life is never boring here "on the edge" I kid you not. Oh well, just pray that whatever "third" of me is where that my brain (what little I have left anyway) will go with me to all three places. There has got to be a story in this somewhere. Right?

I told you God has a sense of humor. I am testimony to that. Until later, God bless you and keep you all in His loving arms of protection.

I will let you know how things turn out. JUST PRAY FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!

A Storm of Fear

Life sometimes fills me with fear and dread. One day not long ago was one of those tines. It had been raining all day with thunder and lightning piercing the sky.

Normally, I would not be so uptight about a storm but I had my van loaded with kids and groceries. We made it home safely but were soaked to the skin by the time we managed to run to the house juggling grocery bags. I wish I could say the eggs were as lucky but, alas, they became a casualty in the "mad dash to the door". They were crushed when I slid down and landed on my rear in the water and mud. Naturally the sight of "Nanny" dripping in water and mud and, of course, eggs dripping all over me brought a round of hysterical laughter from my darling children. I finally made it into the house with no further crisis.

The rain fell and the storm raged all afternoon with no signs of releasing its grip. I convinced the kids to play some board games while I cleaned myself up, put away the groceries, and mopped the water from the floor. It did not take long, however, for the battles to begin. "He cheated!" "Did not." "Did too." "NANNY, COME HERE!"

After stopping the battle and instructing the kids to put away the games, we popped popcorn and put a movie in to watch. After a few minutes of "discussion" about what movie to watch, I settled this battle by making the choice for them. When they were finally settled down with popcorn and the movie, I went back to my tasks on my never-ending "to do" list.

I must admit I was fearful for out safety, but I did not want the kids to know this. I could hear the children talking and laughing over the antics of the characters in the movie and was grateful they had not heard the tornado warnings that had been flashing across the television screen.

By the time I had fed the children their dinner and had gotten them into bed, the rain had slowed but had not stopped completely. After the nightly stories, drinks of water, and numerous trips to the bathroom, the house was finally quiet and I could actually sit down for a few minutes in my comfortable old rocking chair. I got out my bible and started to read. Suddenly I found myself reading Isaiah 41:10: Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you in my righteous right hand. What a comforting thought! He will never leave us and the only place we can fall is into His arms! Suddenly my mind was at ease and peace filled my heart. Although the storm outside was still raging outside, inside I knew we were safe in His loving arms.

Today's Whisper:
Can you recall a time when fear gripped your heart? How did you handle it? Did you remember God's promise that He will never leave you? Write out a prayer to God for bringing you through that time.

Today's Prayer:
Father God, I want to praise you and thank you keeping your children in your loving arms. So many times I become afraid during the storms of this life. I praise your name. Somtimes you calm the storm and other times you calm my heart and give me the strength to weather the storm. But I know that you are always with me during the storms.

False
Evidence
Appearing
Real

A Mother's Love

With Mothers' Day fast approaching, I would like to share a poem I wrote for my mother a few years ago. When God made mothers, He made us strong and wise because He knew we would carry the family through. I read somewhere that "the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." God made us special so here is a tribute to all moms everywhere.

A Mother's Love

A mother's love is a gift from God
A wondrous blessing to behold.
A mother's love is a precious thing
Worth far more than diamonds and gold.

God gave her eyes that sparkle like jewels
And a voice soft as a lullaby.
He gave her the gentle touch of an angel
To wipe the tears from our eyes.

He endowed her with the wisdom of Solomon
To help us along life's rocky way.
He gave her the strength of Samson
To endure each and every day.

So thank God each day for your mother's love
A love so wonderful and pure.
This special blessing is yours forever
Of this you can be sure.

Radical by David Platt

I have read books I have considered to be good. I have read books that I considered to be a waste of time and money. But few books have be as thought-provoking as Radical by David Platt.

Platt has written a book that will stay on your mind long after you have read the last word. In this book, Platt will reshape your thoughts on the great commission Jesus gives to all His disciples: "Go into the world and make disciples of all nations." This charge is meant for all of us--not just to a few. We all called to help the helpless, and give hope to the hopeless.

Consider the contrast between the way we christians worship and the christians in the poor countries worship. We sit in air conditioned and well heated churches on comfortable pews while the christians on the other side of the world worship in dimly lit houses. They worship secretly because of threats to their families and even their lives.

I know this book has had a profound effect on my life and I have no doubt your life will also be deeply affected by reading it. This book is a "must read" for christians concerned with the missionary field and those
who have a "burden" for the unchurched.

The book was provided to me by Waterbrook Multnomah for an honest review.

About the Author:
David Platt is the pastor of a four-thousand member congregation church in BBirmingham, Alabama. He has traveled and taught around the world. He and his wife, Heather, live in Birmingham with their family.

How Should a Christian Live? Word of Promise Next Generation

I chose this book to review because I have a teen granddaughter that will enjoy reading this book and journaling. My eight year old grandson expressed interest in the games. When I read the book I could see the value of the issues covered. This book breaks down the sections in easily digestible segments. It can be read easily and comprehended with no problem. The text is very interesting yet covers issues that young people today deal with.

As a grandmother who is bringing up her grandkids, I am thrilled to find a book that we can read together and discuss. I will recommend this book to anyone who has teens or who works with teens. I think it will be an invaluable addition to any library.

This book was donated by Thomas Nelson for the purpose of an honest review.

The Bridegrooms by Allison Pittman

This book was provided for review by Waterbook Multnoman Publishing Group.

Tragedy strikes the Allenhouse family on a hot summer night in Ohio when a mother abandons her husband and four daughters. The daughters are now grown and still bear confusion of why she left. Vada is the oldest and has had to take on the task of protecting her younger sisters. She must also be the confidant to her father lovingly called Doc.

By day she was the errand runner for the Cleveland fledgling amateur orchestra. Her strait laced lawyer suitor was in the orchestra. At night she kept company with him. Her life had taken on a routine and heavy with the responsibilities of her family.

The family's life changed when the Brooklyn Bridegrooms came to town to play the Cleveland Spiders. A stray ball hit a spectator in the head knocking him unconscious. Since Doc was the local doctor, the unconscious man was brought to the Allenhouse house for treatment.

Vada's heart is torn between her steady but passionless suitor and a "man of the world" ballplayer. We are taken on the ride of confusion and self-imposed guilt Vada struggled with. Her three sisters are also thrown into emotional whirlwinds as they also struggle with the attention given to them by the visiting ballplayers.

This is only one conflict that these sisters must struggle with. Ms. Pittman deftly and effectively explores the complex inner workings of both familial relationships and the emotions that can come to the surface for young women just embarking on their life's journey.

I enjoyed reading this book and will read other books by Allison Pittman. I will pass this book along to family and friends and recommend it.

As the Baseball Flies So Go the Nights of My Life

Home at last! When I left here this afternoon at 4:00 I had no idea if I would see my home again. You guessed it, t-ball, softball, and baseball once again dominated my life. While some women have glamorous evenings out on the town or (sigh) a nice quiet night at home, I am sitting on cold bleachers watching future all stars strike at high balls, low balls, or any ball that falls in between. But the truth is I love watching my kids play. Of course, there is the usual sibling rivalry from the one that is not practicing at the time but I have learned to deal with that by tuning out the crying and fighting until I see blood or see a bone poking through the skin.

Of course foul balls are always a hazard of the game. The other night I was watching practice and actually felt the breeze of a wayward ball zoom by my head. Would I lie to you? I heard the fateful words, "Heads Up" and froze in place. Fortunately, I did not look up or I would have the imprint of a baseball right between the eyes. Oh well, I guess that adds to the excitement of the game.

This weekend is going to be a non-stop marathon of games. One boy has a game Friday night, and all day Saturday. The other boy has games in between the games of the first boy. Confused yet? I am. But hey, what can you say about an old woman hauling the kids to their games. Was boy 1 supposed to be at Field 2 at 1:00 or was boy 2 supposed to be at Field 1 at 2:00?

Wow! I am getting more confused by the minute so I had better try to sleep before my befuddled brain starts smoking and completely blows up on me. \

So until next time, if I can keep dodging the foul balls, this is my life. As a TV family always says: "It's a crazy life. But it's my life."

Until next time may God keep you in His loving arms and protect you from all the "stray balls" life throws at you. God bless and good night.

Hunter's Moon by Don Hoesel

Some secrets are not made to last forever. This is what CJ Baxter found out when he was summoned back to Adelia after the death of his grandfather. Seventeen years before he had left his hometown vowing never to return. He had moved to Tennessee and had become a famous writer. But with his marriage falling apart and numerous legal issues facing him he hound his life becoming more complicated than the characters he wrote about.

His brother was about to be elected senator and a black sheep brother returning to town was not exactly what a up and coming politician needed. The long-buried secrets would definitely put an end to this career, as well as the lifestyle that had become very comfortable to the Baxter family.

This book was a surprise to me because I usually do not like political novels. However, I found this book to be much more. It covered issues of family dynamics and dysfunctions.

I will recommend this book to my family and friends because it can appeal to a wide range audience.

I reviewed this book for Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Spring Break is Over!

Well, Spring Break is over for another year. I have enjoyed the break from getting up soooooooo early but trying to clean house with the kids home was next to impossible. So I did what any normal, worn-out woman did--I didn't try to clean. Just maintaining a sense of order was hard enough.

Monday was my birthday and the little ones showed me they loved me by giving me a surprise party. Of course the food was peanut butter sandwiches (made by their own little hands) and kool-aid in a bowl with a soup ladle ( a punch bowl of course). There were games of charades and plenty of dancing. It was the best birthday party I ever had. Now I know I am appreciated by them.

But----since the kids are back in school I guess I had better do some heavy duty cleaning today. So---it's back to work for me but I will see all my friends again soon. Until then, take care and remain blessed.

The Rewards of Simplicity A Practical and Spiritual Approach by Pam & Chuck D. Pierce

I reviewed this book for Bethany House Publishers. I recieved this book for the purpose of an honest review.

Although this book is fairly short (194 pages), I did not find it an easy read. I am very interested in simplifying my life but found the idea of purging mental and spiritual clutter an interesting idea.

Although Pam and Chuck address the subject matter with authority, I found the book hard to follow. There seemed to be many "side streets" they went down that was both confusing and irrelevant to the topic at hand. The most memorable story to me was the one Pam told about the water damage and the experience of only having the necessities of life. This story did hit a chord with me because we can live with less stuff if we have to.

I would not recommend this book. I did not agree with the authors theologically. I am satisfied with the few useful points I was able to glean from reading the book. However, the book is not one I would pass along to my friends.