MUD Splats

Saints In Limbo Blog Book Tour

2009-06-01T01:00:00.000-04:00

Ever since her husband Joe died, Velma True's world has been limited to what she can see while clinging to one of the multicolored threads tied to the porch railing of her home outside Echo, Florida.

When a mysterious stranger appears at her door on her birthday and presents Velma with a special gift, she is rattled by the object's ability to take her into her memories--a place where Joe still lives, her son Rudy is still young, unaffected by the world's hardness, and the beginning is closer than the end. As secrets old and new come to light, Velma wonders if it's possible to be unmoored from the past's deep roots and find a reason to hope again.

While this book is an easy read and draws the reader into the activities of the characters, this reviewer would give a word of caution. This is a fictional book but not one I would recommend as Christian fiction, as it is in the same "spirit" as necromancy, which is dealing with the dead.

Author's Bio: RIVER JORDAN is a critically acclaimed novelist and playwright whose unique mixture of southern and mystic writing has drawn comparisons to Sarah Addison Allen, Leif Enger, and Flannery O'Connor. Her previous works include The Messenger of Magnolia Street, lauded by Kirkus Reviews as "a beautifully written, atmospheric tale." She speaks around the country and makes her home in Nashville.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307446701&ref=externallink_wbm_saintsinlimbo_eaj_0408_01

The Night Watchman Blog Tour

2009-05-25T01:00:00.000-04:00

Ray Quinn is a tough, quick-witted homicide detective in love with his partner, Trisha Willis. She gives Ray something to live for--something to hope in. Until a barrage of bullets leaves Trisha murdered and Ray crippled.

Struggling with his new physical disability and severe depression, Quinn turns to whiskey, scorn, and a job as a night watchman to numb the pain. But when a pastor and an exotic dancer are found dead in an apparent murder-suicide, the pastor's sister approaches Quinn for help.

Reluctantly, Quinn takes the case and is plunged into the perilous Orlando. Soon he discovers that, not only was the pastor murdered, but the case may be linked to his and Trisha's ambush. Torn between seeking revenge or responsibility, Quinn is thrust into the case of his life.

Author Mark Mynheir gives readers his most profound police thriller to date with The Night Watchman [first book in The Night Watchman Private Detective Agency Series]. Readers of all ages will devour this gripping murder mystery that bristles with tension and intrigue. In a taut cop-style all his own, Mynheir delivers an inside look at the thoughts, feelings, fears, and challenges police officers experience while investigating violent crimes and the lost souls who commit them.

Mynheir's descriptions of characters, scenes, and dialogue are delightful to read. It makes the reader really be "at the scene". Masterful and I can't wait to get more books in this series. This is one of the few books that I have read cover to cover with hardly any breaks.

Author Bio:
A detective with the Criminal Investigations Unit of the Palm Bay Police Department, Mark Mynheir investigates violent crimes and writes riveting Christian fiction. A U.S. Marine with a passion for martial arts and firearms training, Mark has worked on narcotics units, SWAT teams, and myraid high-risk situations. His four novels offer a realisic glimpse into the gritty world of law enforcement and the rarely seen raw emotions behind the badge. Mark lives in Florida with his wife and three children.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781590529355&ref=externallink_mlt_thenightwatchman_sec_0414_01

Put Your Dream To The Test / John C. Maxwell

2009-05-08T11:35:00.006-04:00

In this newest leadership book from John C. Maxwell, leads the reader through a well-considered plan for the reader sto see the necessary steps to successful transitions.

If you're familiar with Maxwell's other leadership series or books, this will probably not be new to you but for the beginner asking the questions how to see your vision, develop a plan, and execute for success, this will be a great starting point, giving you an ah ha moment when you complete your reading.

He points out that many people can get an idea, and perhaps the vision of what it looks like, but never realize what it feels like to achieve. There are certainly points of challenges. Maxwell demonstrates how to quench your fears, and how to provide a service while filling in a needed gap in society.

The ten questions asked and answered are:

Is my dream really my dream?
Do I clearly see my dream?
Am I depending on factors within my control to achieve my dream?
Does my dream compel me to follow it?
Do I have a strategy to reach my dream?
Have I included the people I need to realize my dream?
Am I willing to pay the price for y dream?
Am I moving closer to my dream?
Does working toward my dream bring satisfaction
Does my dream benefit others?

This is clearly a list of questions every entrepreneur or leader needs to ask from time-to-time. If you don't have the answers or need to develop a plan, then this is a book to help you achieve your dream success now.


Buy		Read

Dear Mom / Mama's Got a Fake I.D. Blog Tour

2009-05-04T01:00:00.000-04:00

Every mom knows how communicating with a teenage girl cn be difficult, even impossible at times. One-word answers. defensive conversations. Daily arguments. How typical for teens to put up with barriers. All the while, moms truly long to know what their daughters really think.

Best-selling author Melody Carlson, whose books for women, teens, and children have sold more than three million copies, bridges this chasm with trusted insight. She speaks frankly in the voice of the teen daughters she's written for and she tells it like it is: struggles with identify, guys, friendship, and even parents--it's all here. The straight-talk to moms covers such things as "I need you, but you can't make me admit it," "I'm not as confident as I appear," and "I have friends. I need a mother."

Instead of focusing on outward behaviors, Dear Mom looks at a young woman's heart and reveals to moms:

how to talk to teens so they hear,
how to connect despite the differences of perspective or years and experiences,
and how to strengthen the bond every mom and daughter ultimately wants.

The lively chapters in Dear Mom can be dipped into topically or used as a read-through tool by moms and daughters alike to understand what motivates or deflates, troubles or inspires--and just in time for Mother's Day and all the Mother's Days ahead.

Author's Bio:

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than one hundred books for adults, children, and teens, with sales totaling more than three million copies. Beloved for her Diary of a Teenage Girl and Notes from a Spinning Planet series, she's also the author of the women's novels Finding Alice (in production now for a Lifetime-IV movie), Crystal Lies, On This Day, These Boots Weren't Made for Walking, and A Mile in My Flip-Flops. A mother of tow grown sons, Melody lives in central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. She's a full-time writer and an avid gardner, biker, skier, and hiker.

Dear Mom: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400074914&ref=externallink_wbm_dearmom_sec_0330%20_01

Mama's Got A Fake I.D.

Formula for identity loss:

Take one multifaceted, intriguing human being
Bless her with a child
Mix with today's cultural assumptions
Add the demands of motherhood
Presto! all identity escept Mom disappers

For every woman wondering what hapened to the unique combination of gifts and abilities she was knwon for beforekids came long. Caryn Dahistrand Rivedeneira has good news: in Mama;s Got a Fake I.D. Rivendeneira helps moms reclaim their full identity as creative beings, gifted professionals and volunteers, loving friends, children of God--and mothers.

This inspiring and practical guide shows women how to break free from false guilt, learn a new language to express who they really are, and follow God's lead in sharing their true self with others. After all, motherhood doesn't have to mean losing one's identityu. Instead, being a mom makes it possible for a woman to discover a more complete identity as the person God made her to be.

Author Bio:
The former managing editor of Marriage Partnership and Christian Parenting Today, Caryn Dahistrand Rivedeneira has been a trusted voice writing and spreaking to women for more than a decade. Today she is the managing editor of GiftedForLeadership.com on line ommunity for Christian women in leadership. Rivadeneira works from home in the Chicago suburbs, where she lives with her husband and their three children.

Mama’s Got a Fake I.D.: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400074938&ref=externallink_wbm_mamasgotafakeid_sec_0330%20_01

The Mormon Mirage

2009-05-01T16:17:00.009-04:00

The Mormon Mirage by Latayne C. Scott is not just a book, it is most decisively a mini encyclopedia of Mormon history and insights. When LaTayne asked me to review this new edition of her massive work I thought, "why not." The depth to which she has gone in finding historical documents is amazing. And for me, a former Mormon it was a look back into a life that I too left with "sadness".

Latayne was once an ardent proponent of Mormonism. But a meticulous examination of Latter-day Saint (LDS) doctrines and practices convinced her that she and countless others had believed a lie. In the first edition of The Mormon Mirage, she shared her remarkable journey out of Mormonism as she uncovered shocking inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and contradictions in the faith she had loved and lived.

Thirty years later, Mormonism and Mormon scholarship have evolved with the times. In this third, revised and updated edition of her well-known book, Latayne keeps pace with the changes and advances in Mormonism, and reveals formidable new challenges to LDS claims and teachngs.

The first major change to strike me were terms such as Internet Mormons and Chapel Mormons. It is noted that those who get information from the Internet have a different approach and understanding of the Mormon faith than those who only have an understanding from the weekly chapel services.

There is a wonderful chronology of events from the era of Joseph Smith to the present
Historical statements from the general authorities stating that they were sorry for some of the statements made regarding previous "prophesy" which were now being changed
Exhaustive searches by archeologists and historians for artifacts or confirmation for anything in the Book of Mormon which would confirm that the people, places, and events actually took place
Subtle changes such as the Native American Indian previously was to change to a white(r) skin tone if they remained true to the teachings but was changed to a pure race
During the recent past the scrolls which were supposed to confirm doctrine, have been shown by experts to not have anything in agreement
Why did large numbers of Japanese members suddenly leave, including leadership?

But above all and besides all, the fact remains that the Jesus that died on Calvary and was resurrected said that the Kingdom of God was established on the earth, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. If this is truth as written in the Bible, then the Book of Mormon and its doctrine is questioned since it states that the Kingdom that Jesus brought to the earth was taken away for over 1,700 years and was re-established under Joseph Smith.

There are just too many notable events to list them all. This is a book not to be taken lightly, nor is it a book that bashes a religion but gives insights based on Mormon doctrine and changes throughout its history. For me, it was fascinating to find answers to things I had heard as a child but to actually read it as history was wonderful.

Author's Bio:
Latayne C. Scott was a happy and faithful Mormon for ten years, attending Brigham Young University on a writing scholarship and working as a staff member for two of BYU's weekly magazines. She is the author of thirteen published books, including The Mormon Mirge, Why We Left Mormonism, and After Mormonism, What? Her recently published first fiction work, Latter-day Cipher is a hit on Amazon.com She has also published rticles and poems in secular magazines and in major Christian magaizines, and is the recipient of Pepperdine University's "Distinguished Christian Service Award" for her writing. Latayne is a representational thinker and a full-time writer, living in New Mexico with her husband of thirty-five years, and has two married children. Her Web sites are www.latayne.com and www.representationalresources.com

http://www.amazon.com/Mormon-Mirage-Former-Member-Church/dp/0310291534/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241212621&sr=1-1

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

2009-04-27T08:34:00.005-04:00

Andy Andrews new book "The Noticer" is a work of love from his very personal life experiences. Orange Beach, Alabama is a simple town but the impact of one person on the whole citizenship is amazing. We keep hearing that one person can make a difference, but Andrews actually put it in perspective so we can actually see how it can be put into practice.

The central character in the book is a man named Jones, just Jones, no mister or sir. He has an uncanny knack of meeting people at the just right time for just the right purpose, when they need a friend. That's someone we could all use from time-to-time.

We are introduced to several people along the way:

There is the Wayward, the Lover Lost, the Worrier, the Lustful Youth, the Workaholic, and the Useless.

Each of us can find ourselves in the book at any given point. Perhaps we can find portions of our life in several instances as we move along the highway of life. But the object is to not just see ourselves but to see how we have overcome, to recognize the needs of other people to whom we can speak and encourage through our own experiences and residual knowledge.

For those of us who have lived a pretty lengthy life and experienced many things, it is a great look at where we may have been, where some of our friends currently are, and a perspective on how we can do friendly intervention. Younger adults and teens can glean some interesting points inside of a really easy to read and entertaining book.

One of the parts I really enjoyed are the pages of questions at the end where we can do a personal review, or even use it in a group sifting through the characteristics. Being a recovered workaholic, I saw so much of my life, do-do-do and do-it-now. But it all starts with Andy, the Wayward Youth whose parents have passed on, or as he describes it, they died. What an interesting point of discussion--have things in your life died or passed on? I had to do some real introspection on that question.

But the central character, Jones, explains that he has what is called "a little perspective," a gift of noticing things that others miss. In this simple interactions, Jones speaks to that part in everyone that is yearning to understand why things happen and what they can do about it. The Noticer is based on a remarkable true story that is beautifully blended with fiction, allegory, and inspiration.

Words help us define us. In the bullet point list above do you identify with any of the points that are woven within the story of this delightful book?

I hope you will be encouraged to read The Noticer, and then become one yourself. We all win when others take notice, can speak encouragement to us, and take a genuine interest. Perhaps the way society has become cold and uninteresting to so many is because people have stopped caring, sharing and just taking notice of their surroundings.

Author Bio:

Andy Andrews, hailed by a New York Times reporter as someone who has "quietly become one of the most influential people in America," is a best-selling novelist and in-demand corporate speaker for the world's largest organizations. He has spoken at the request of four different U. S. Presidents and at military bases world-wide. Andy is also the author of The Traveler's Gift, The Lost Choice, Island of Saints and Return to Sawyerton Springs. He lives in Orange Beach, Alabama, with his wife Polly and their two sons.

Product Information:

ISBN: 0785229213
ISBN-13: 9780785229216

Available on Amazon.com

God Only Knows - Xavier Knight Wild Card Book Tour

2009-04-23T01:00:00.000-04:00

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Xavier Knight

and the book:

God Only Knows

Grand Central Publishing (March 23, 2009)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Xavier Knight is the Christian fiction pen name for C. Kelly Robinson. He is a native of Dayton, Ohio and magna cum laude graduate of Howard University and Washington University in St. Louis. Robinson is a marketing communications manager by day and has a long record of volunteer experience across organizations including United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mentor St. Louis, and Student Venture Ministries. Author of five previous novels including the best-selling No More Mr. Nice Guy and the critically acclaimed Between Brothers (Random House), he lives outside Dayton with his wife and daughter. He is hard at work on his next novel and on a nonfiction project.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (March 23, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446582395
ISBN-13: 978-0446582391

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Two Decades Later

Chapter One

For the first time she could remember in years, Cassandra Gillette felt like a woman fulfilled. Freshly showered, she sat before the laptop PC in her spacious dressing room, checking email. She had another hour at least before her newly-built luxury home would be overrun by her family; her husband Marcus had gone to pick up their twelve-year-old twins, Heather and Hillary, from a friend’s birthday party out in Middletown. In addition, her seventeen-year-old son, Marcus Jr., was still seven hours away from his midnight curfew.

“There is so much to be thankful for,” Cassie whispered to God, letting her words ring through the quiet of her master suite.
This was not the average lazy Saturday afternoon; for the first time in nearly four months, Cassie had made love to her
husband.

Their separation had gotten off to a fiery start, but as tempers cooled and nights passed, God had brought Cassie and Marcus back together. Marcus had quickly tired of Veronica, the twenty-something news anchor who had welcomed him into her condo, and Cassie’s eyes had been opened. When her best girlfriend Julia confronted her, she had finally realized how her actions in recent years had starved Marcus of the respect and affirmation that even the strongest man needed.

So it was that after several late-night telephone calls and a Starbucks “date” hidden from their children, Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Gillette had decided to get up off the mat and keep the promises they made before God seventeen years earlier, a few months after M.J.’s arrival. They had agreed to surprise the children with news of their reconciliation tonight, but with the house empty this afternoon, the couple had started a private celebration. The house was new enough that aside from the master bedroom, their frisky activity had “christened” the kitchen’s marble-topped island, the leather couch in the finished basement, and the washing machine in the laundry room.

As she dashed off an email to the staff at her real estate agency, sharing news of the latest deal she had closed – a four hundred twenty thousand dollar sale, their thirtieth property sold for the quarter – Cassie nearly shuddered with delight as she recalled Marcus’ smooth touch. Although she had lost thirty pounds over the past year, she was still nearly twenty pounds heavier than she’d been on their wedding day, and she had been pregnant then. Nevertheless, Cassie’s Marcus knew and loved her body, in exactly the way that frank scriptures like those in Song of Solomon encouraged. Like most everything else in marriage, the Gillettes’ sexual relationship had experienced ups and downs, but Cassie licked her lips unintentionally as she mentally applauded her man: when he’s good, he’s GOOD.

An instant message popped up on her screen: Julia, her best friend. “I heard a rumor,” she IM’d.

Cassie smiled as she typed back, “No idea what you mean.”

Julia’s IM response popped up. “They say a handsome, bulky brother tipped into your crib this afternoon.”

Cassie smiled as she typed, “Girl, I am too old to be kissin’ and tellin’.”

“And I’m too old to be listening to such filth,” Julia typed. As a PhD and superintendent of schools at their shared alma mater, Christian Light Schools, Julia let her words communicate their humor; Cassie’s friend was above the use of those corny emoticons. Julia sent another missive: “You are coming to my Board of Advisors meeting Monday, right? I need help saving this school system, child.”

Cassie stuck her tongue out playfully as she entered her response. “Still not sure how I fit in with this crew. You said you’re pulling together the ‘best and brightest’ Christian Light alumni? Don’t see how I count, given that the school expelled me when they realized why my belly was swollen.”

“Stop it,” came Julia’s response. “Besides, you have what matters most to a struggling school system: Deep pockets!”

Cassie shook her head, her laughter easing any guilt she might have felt about throwing the painful memory of her expulsion – accompanied by the school principal’s labeling her a “girl of loose morals” – in her friend’s face. Julia alone had led a student protest in Cassie’s defense at the time, marching on the school’s front lawn and even calling local media in a vain attempt to embarrass the school into reversing its decision.

Cassie was typing a light-hearted response when her front doorbell rang, the chime filling the house. Changing up, she shot her friend a quick, “Doorbell – call you later,” before taking a second to tuck her blouse into her jeans. Padding downstairs to the foyer, she chuckled to herself. She would have to help Julia save the world later.

When she peered into her front door’s peephole, Cassie’s heart caught for a second at the sight of a tall, blonde-haired gentleman flashing a police badge.

M.J.’s fine, said the voice in Cassie’s head as the badge stirred anxiety over her teen son’s safety. She wasn’t sure whether it was the Lord or simply her own positive coaching. For years now Cassie had combined her faith in God with affirmative self-talk meant to power her through life’s stresses and adversities. In her youth, she had crumpled one time too many in the face of indifference, prejudice, sexism and just plain evil; by the time she and Marcus walked the aisle of Tabernacle Baptist Church, where each had first truly dedicated their respective lives to Christ, Cassie had vowed to never be caught unaware again. That same spirit of resolve propped her up as she confidently unlocked and swung back her wide oak door.

As strong as she felt, Cassie’s knees still flexed involuntarily when she saw M.J. standing beside the plainclothes policeman. At six foot one, her son was every inch as tall as the policeman and stood with his arms crossed, a sneer teasing the corners of his mouth. Though relieved to see he was fine, Cassie sensed an unusually defiant spirit in her boy, so she locked her gaze onto the officer instead. If her man-child had done something worthy of punishment, she wouldn’t give this stranger the pleasure of witnessing the beat-down. She unlocked her screen door and, opening it, let the officer make the first move.

“Mrs. Gillette?” The man held out his right hand and respectfully shook Cassie’s as he spoke in a deep, hoarse voice. “I’m Detective Whitlock with the Dayton PD. I’m really sorry to bother you, but I was hoping we could help each other this evening, ma’am.”

Cassie opened her screen door all the way, one hand raised against the fading sunlight in her eyes. “Please, come in,” she said, focused on editing the airy lilt out of her tone. She didn’t mind letting her naturally fluttery voice out when among family and friends, but now was no time for it. “Why don’t we have a seat in the living room.”

“Again, I apologize for showing up unannounced. A neighborhood this nice, one of those draws a lot of eyebrows probably,” Whitlock said, nodding toward the sleek police car parked out front. “Marcus Jr. and I had an unfortunate confrontation this afternoon. The more I talk to him, I’m convinced we can handle this without a trip downtown.”

Cassie nodded respectfully. Who can argue with that? She thought as she motioned toward the expansive living room. “May I take your suit jacket?”

“Oh, no thank you,” Whitlock replied. He slowed his gait and allowed M.J. to first follow Cassie into the room. The detective stood just inside the doorway, peering at Cassie’s expensive sculptures and paintings as M.J. reluctantly took a seat beside his mother. Once they were settled, Whitlock strode to the middle of the living room, his hands in the pockets of his dress slacks. “Marcus, why don’t you tell your mother how we crossed paths?”

M.J. stared straight ahead, his line of sight veering nowhere near Cassie and shooting over the top of Whitlock’s head of wavy blond hair. “I was minding my business, Mom. Officer Whitlock here–”

“Detective Whitlock, son,” the policeman replied, a testy edge betraying the professional, placid smile on his tanned, leathery face. Cassie found herself admitting he was a relatively handsome man, one who even reminded her of the male cousins on the white side of her family. The policeman was probably her own age, she figured, somewhere between thirty-five and forty.

Grimacing, M.J. continued. “The good detective here pulled me over on 75. Said he clocked me at seventy-eight in a fifty-five.”

“Oh I see,” Cassie said, a wave of relief cleansing her tensed insides. She placed a hand on her son’s shoulder but kept her eyes on the detective. “If that’s all that’s involved, my son should certainly pay whatever fine is required by the law. You’re not doing him any favors giving him a simple talking-to.” She nearly chastised herself for fearing the worst. This was probably just a case of her super-jock son–a varsity star in Chaminade-Julienne football, basketball and track–getting special treatment for his local celebrity, a celebrity nearly as big as the fame that had first attracted her to Marcus Sr. back in the day.

Holding Cassie’s smile with calm blue eyes, Whitlock reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved a manila envelope. “Asked and answered. The state trooper wrote this ticket up for your son during the traffic stop.” He walked over to the loveseat and slowly extended the envelope to M.J. “I agree that Marcus needs to pay his speeding ticket, Mrs. Gillette. If that’s all that was involved, I would have never been called to the scene.”

Everything is fine. My son has done nothing illegal. Cassie fingered the gold locket around her neck but prayed she was otherwise masking the dread pulsing back into her. “Then get to the point please, Detective.”

Whitlock paced quickly to the corner of the adjacent couch. When he plopped down, he was less than a foot away from Cassie. “You see,” he said, his elbows on his knees and his faintly yellowed teeth glinting as he seemed to smile despite himself, “I was called in because Marcus had a convicted criminal riding with him, the sort of character who can make even this fine young man look guilty by association.”

“Please tell me,” Cassie said, pivoting rapidly toward M.J., “that you weren’t riding around with him again.” When M.J. bunched his lips tight and shrugged, Cassie couldn’t stop herself from popping him in the shoulder. “Boy! You promised me! You promised me, M.J.!”

Whitlock had removed his cell phone from his suit jacket. His eyes focused on the phone as he punched its buttons, he asked, “By ‘him,’ are you referring to Dante Wayne?”

“Yes,” Cassie said, her forehead so hot with rage it scared her. She wasn’t sure whether to be more upset at this white stranger lounging on her couch, or her increasingly disobedient son.

Whitlock stared straight into Cassie’s eyes. “And you’re familiar with Mr. Wayne how?”

Cassie sucked her teeth angrily. “He’s my cousin’s oldest son.” Donald, Dante’s father, ran a small taxi service and was the first relative on her father’s side of the family – the Black side – who had reached out to Cassie when they were both struggling teen parents trying to figure life out. Though they didn’t talk often these days, Cassie still counted Donald a personal friend, and her loyalty to him through the years had led her to foster M.J. and Dante’s friendship from the time they were toddlers. That was before she realized that Dante would adopt the morals of his mother’s family, nearly all of whom had died in their twenties or spent significant stretches in prison.

“So M.J. was straight with me, they are cousins.” Whitlock stroked his chin playfully as he observed mother and son. “Marcus insisted that was the only reason he was riding around with Dante in tow. Dante took up for him too, insisted there was no way Marcus was hip to the drugs we found in the car.” He nodded toward M.J. “Why don’t we discuss this one adult to another, ma’am. Marcus, based on your exemplary reputation in the community – as well as your parents’ – I’m willing to assume you had no knowledge of your cousin’s activities. If you’ll just excuse us.”

M.J. looked between his mother and the detective, the first signs of a growing son’s protective emotions on his face as he tapped Cassie’s knee. “You okay with him, Mom?”

“Go down to your room,” Cassie said through clenched tooth, “and shut the basement door after you.” As her son rose, she punctuated her words. “Don’t even think about coming up until your father and I come down for you.”

Gardening Eden Book Review

2009-04-19T01:00:00.000-04:00

Before the snake, the apple and the Ten Commandments, God created a garden, placed humans in it, and told them to take care of it.

"Spiritual environmentalism" did not start out as an oxymoron--it was an invitation. Yet today, many believe God's original job description for humankind has been replaced by other worthier pursuits. So when did this simple instruction become so controversial? How does one sort through the mixed messages? Is making the world a healthier place for the next generation really a responsibility--or even possible?

Gardening Eden is a new understanding of how the spiritual dimensions of life can find expression and renewal through caring for our incredible planet. Empowering, simple, and never polemical, Michael Abbate outlines the Bible's clear spiritual benefits of caring for creation, exploring new motivations and inspired ideas, and revealing the power of our basic connection to all people and living things through the growing interest in spiritual envrionmentalism.

Green living is not longer a fad--simple lifestyle solutions are now available to everyone. Gardening Eden shows readers ow this shift transforms not only our world, but their very souls as they're drawn into deeper harmony with the Creator. This book invites them to discover the powerful spiritual satisfaction of heeding the call to save our world.

Even if you don't believe "going green" is an answer, you will find so many tips and insights into the common sense world of taking care of the earth, it is worth the read.

Author's Bio:

A nationally recognized expert in"green" development strategies, Mike Abbte is a founder of GreenWorks, an award-winning landscape architecture design firm. He frequently speaks to students and leaders about practical ways to minimize the impact of building and landscape design on natural resources. Abbate's work has been featured in national magazines such as Metropolis and Landscape Architecture and in many local newspapers and trade publications. He and his wife, Vicki, have two adult daughters and live near Portland, Oregon.

To Purchase:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307444998&ref=externallink_wbm_gardeningeden_sec_0309_01

Tweeple Mosaic

2009-04-15T07:53:00.004-04:00

In the spirit of fun, today's blog is a mosaic of my Twitter friends, also known as tweeple, tweeterverse--whatever you call them I find them informative, fun, givers of much information you could never glean from the internet with the speed that niche tweeters do. Thanks tweeple!

Get your twitter mosaic here.

Book Review: Latter-Day Cipher by LaTayne C. Scott

2009-04-08T09:14:00.008-04:00

Award winning author LaTayne C. Scott has another hit with the suspense thriller Latter-Day Cipher. Scott takes the reader through an incredible journey of Mormon history. For this reviewer, it was a bit of deja vu having lived in Utah and being part of the Mormon church and culture for many years.

Scott brings to the Latter-Day Cipher many historically documented facts such as the Masonic links, Blood Atonement, and a gentle inside look at the hot topic in the news of polygamy. Has the media played a role in how the public perceives church tradition? As a reader you have the opportunity to take a look inside to how it began, developed, and why some will not give it up--and not for the reasons most people think.

Kirsten Young, a well-known and rebellious Utah heiress is found murdered in Provo Canyon. The strange markings carved into her flesh and the note written in 19th century code seems to cast a shadow on ancient Mormon laws. Already wary of outsiders, the last thing the Latter-Day Saints church needs is bad publicity.

Journalist Selonnah Zee is assigned to cover the story--and it quickly grows out of control. Within days, more victims appear in disturbing succession surrounded by symbols and clues.

Selonnah's cousin Roger has recently converted to Mormonism but his wife, Eliza is beginning to doubt the faith of her childhood. If something is really from God, she wonders, why does it need to be constantly revised? Might the murderer be asking the same question? And who might be the next victim?

Why did the murderer use the old Mormon Code based on Brigham Young's Deseret Alphabet? And what is the meaning of all the dead bodies carefully displayed and the strange markings? If you were an insider you knew it had to be covered up, but for Selonnah, a criminal justice graduate turned journalist, it became a puzzle to be mastered. Perhaps an answer is finally reached why the murderer and others like the old ways, but the church chose to be modernized.

This is definitely a page turner all the way to the surprising end.

At the back of the book are questions for study and insights brought out in this well written and fascinating book.

You can view a trailer of the book at www.latayne.com

Author's Bio

LaTayne C. Scott was a Mormon for ten yeas, attending Brigham Young University and working s a staff member for two of BYU's weekly magazines. After her conversion to Christianity, she authored thirteen published books and has also published articles, reviews, and poems. She is the recipient of Pepperdine University's Distinguished Christian Service Award for creative Christian writing. She is a full-time writer and lives in New Mexico with her husband. She has two adult children.

Blackaby and Acorn Book Blog Tour Experience

2009-04-06T06:52:00.007-04:00

EXPERIENCING THE SPIRIT

The first Christians "turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6) shaking the gates of hell even in the face of severe persecution. The result: People all around "were filled with wonder and amazement" (Acts 3:10). What can give Christians today the same impact?

God's Holy Spirit is ready to answer that for us in an awesome way, as Henry Blackaby and his son Mel Blackaby make clear in Experiencing the Spirit. You'll see how the proof of the Spirit's presence is our awareness of God's personal assignments for us, plus our supernatural enablement to carry out those assignments. You'll find essential clarification on the differences between natural talents and spiritual gifts. You'll explore the dynamics of being filled with the Spirit through intimate relationship with Him, committed obedience, and radical departure from sin.

Instead of considering what you can do for God with your abilities and talents, you'll be encouraged here to seek what God wants to do through you supernaturally by His Spitir, empowering you beyond your personal competence and capacities. Release the Holy Spirit's work at the very core of your experience of the Christian life.

THE TREASURE PRINCIPLE

Flip-Flop Your Concept of Giving!

Bestselling author Randy Alcorn introduced readers to a revolution in material freedom and radical generosity with the release of the original The treasure Principle in 2001. Now the revision to the compact, perennial bestseller includes a provocative new concluding chapter depicting God asking a believer questions about his stewardship over material resources. Readers are moved from the realms of thoughtful Bible exposition into the highly personal arena of everyday life. Because when Jesus told His followers to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven," He intended that they discover an astounding secret: how joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His childrn maximum pleasure. Discover a joy more precious than gold!

Story Behind the Book
After years of writing and teaching on the theme "God owns everything," in 1990 Randy Alcorn was sued by an abortion clinic (for peaceful, nonviolent intervention for the unborn). Suddenly he had to resign as a pasto9r and was restricted to making minimum wage. Legally unable to own anything, Randy gave all his book royalties to missions work and need-meeting ministries. He and his family have experience the reality of The Treasure Principle--that God really does own everything, takes care of us, and graciously puts assets into our hands that we might have the joy and privilege of investing in what will last for eternity.

Author Bios:

Dr. Henry Blackaby has devoted his life to the ministry. A multi-faceted talent, he has served as a music director, senior pastor, college preside3nt, missionary, and later as an executive in Southern Baptist Convention. Blackaby is the author of more than a dozen books with more than one million copies sold, including the best-selling Experiencing God. As the President of Blackaby Ministries, he is a vibrant speaker and the father of Dr. Melvin Blackaby. Melvin serves as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro in Georgia, where he lives with his wife, Gina, and their three children.

Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspetive Ministries (EPM). Prior to 1990, when he started EPM, he served as a pastor for fourteen years. He has spoken around the world and has taught on the adjunct faculties of Multnomah Bible College and Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Randy is the best-selling author of twenty-seven books (over three million in print), including the novels Deadline, Dominion, and Deception, as well as Lord Foulgrin's Letters, the Gold Medallion winner Safely Home, and Wait Until Then.

RandomHouse.com

Experiencing the Spirit:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781590529119&ref=externallink_mlt_experiencingthespirit_aeb_0309_01

Treasure Principle:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781590525081&ref=externallink_mlt_treasureprinciple_aeb_0309_01

Clutter-Free Christianity Blog Book Tour

2009-03-30T11:02:00.008-04:00

Just from the title, the book held great possibilities, and having shared many sections of the book with others, nobody was disappointed or had negative reactions. That says a lot about any book.

We hear so often that it takes so much to be a Christian, the do's and don'ts, just--well, complicated. The Pharisees created 613 regulations that keeps man in a constant state of "I'll never be good enough for God." Jesus gave two great commandments: "Love the Lord your God, and Love your neighbors as yourself." How simple is that!

When did the Christian life become so complicated?

Your greatest desire is to please God, but with each passing week, your spiritual to-do list grows longer. As you strive to fulfill a never-ending inventory of requirements for being a godly parent, spouse, voter, employee, and more, you feel increasingly disconnected from the God you're trying to serve.

It's time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to plese God. In this liberating look at the core principles of faith, Dr. Robert Jeffress reveals the truth about what God really wants from you--and what He wants to do for you.

Through solid biblical teaching and practical insights, Dr. Jeffress points you toward a revitalized faith centered on becoming more like Jesus in action, attitude, and affection. You'll learn how to partner with God in the process of spiritual transformation as you choose to follow Christ in forgiveness, obedience, trust, contentment, service, and prayer.

Through a renewed focus on experiencing the kingdom of God right now, you'll find your to-do list shrinking and your spiritual life deepening. It all comes with embracing Clutter-Free Christianity.

Another great feature of this easy to read book is the Bible study guide for personal growth and group discussion.

Author Bio

Dr. Robert Jeffress is the senior pastor of First Dallas and the Bible teacher on the internationally broadcast television program Pathway to Victory. A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Southwest Baptist Theological SEminary, he has written sixteen previous books, including Outrageous Truth and When Forgiveness Doesn't Make Sense. Dr. Jeffree and his wife, Amy, are the parents of two adult daughters.

To Purchase this book:

RandomHouse.com:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307446589&ref=externallink_wbm_clutterfreechristianity_aeb_0224_01

Updated: Constitutional Denial HR 1388

2009-03-26T06:59:00.007-04:00

UPDATE 3/27/09:
After checking again with the government offices the bill does have the information in it but interestingly, when you call the White House information number and Senator Carolyn McCarthy's [D-NY] office, they have a different twist on the way most people have interpreted the bill. This is the way they state it.

This is not a camp in any way, but there will be three months service. The participants go to their home every night and are not allowed to serve [do their community service] in any house of worship, church, including the Salvation Army. This is a community volunteer agenda. It is much like the Pell Grants. There is some wording, however, that states there may be allowances for housing, uniforms, and food. That is a very broad stroke of the pen.

It does remind me however of when government started out with programs for people to get checked for STDs. Then it moved to youth can come without parental knowledge, and now it has turned into your parent has no rights to know your medical condition, girls can have abortions without parental knowledge. Planned Parenthood started out as a counseling center, and we know how it grew into the system it is today.

While the current law is being touted as just another form of community service to get kids to be civic minded, we the people should read the bill carefully. Some of the language lends itself to add-ons without another congressional vote.

By the way, the first link below is known by the Senator's office and states there are many errors in the link below for http://holycoast.blogspot.com/2009/03/obamas-youth-brigade-will-forbid-church.html without going into specifics.

Some of my questions: if a soup kitchen is run by the Salvation Army or any other religious group, does that mean someone can't give community service? According to the Senator's office, No, they can't. In previous programs such as this current program, churches and other religious institutions were able to receive help from the volunteers--that is now cut out. Also no flyers to Pro-Life [assume Pro-choice as well], no protests, etc. The no going to church and worship would simply mean you can't go to church on your alloted time to volunteer such as a shift or schedule.

Hopefully this will answer some of the questions, and put to ease some of the more horrific conversations we have had on this HR 1388. But bear in mind, what the government starts with always sounds innocent and fluffy...but the outcome is very different from the origin.

************************************************************************************

Congress is moving at a very fast pace, and interestingly there is very little public outrage over a bill before Congress. It has already passed the House and on its way to the Senate for approval. We the people are being stripped of our Constitutional freedoms in HR 1388.

Below will be several links for you to look at and consider calling your senator or house representative and let them know your position on this very serious matter.

This is just one section of the bill, but note NO worship or service(s) in reverence to God will be "tolerated". NO religious instruction, NO facility to worship or receive instruction at the camps. But they will be indoctrinated in service to the state. In its current version, it is a willing participation, but this is not the end of the story. Read on ...

(7) Engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing instruction as part of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship, constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship, maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship, or engaging in any form of religious proselytization.

In its current version, this youth directive or camp is not mandatory. However, President Obama has made no secret of the fact that he desires and will make it mandatory that all people young, middle, and seniors will be required to do "mandatory volunteerism". On the second link below, is the Open Congress website, where the bill can be read in its entirety, as well as any amendments, charts as to voting, and those in congress that people are following in regard to this bill.

Americans are urged to take this seriously, it is believed that this is the test bill prior to mandatory regulations. If you value the Constitution, your religious freedoms, and authority over your children and family, you are urged to contact your Senator before this vote is taken. And then call your House Representative and let them know what you want them to do. Yes, this vote may have already been taken, but a more sinister and mandatory one is in the making. We have been forewarned in campaign speeches and recently that change is coming and not necessarily those that are family healthy.

http://holycoast.blogspot.com/2009/03/obamas-youth-brigade-will-forbid-church.html

http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h1388/show

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-1388
This has full text of the bill ...

Would love to hear your comments and yes they are moderated so that profanity will not be posted.

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived

2009-03-23T01:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Random House blog book tour for Steven K. Scott's new book, "The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived." Scott guides readers in a step-by-step application of the life-changing principles, skills, and methods that Jesus used throughout his earthly life. Although believers may spend a lifetime learning from Jesus' teachings, it's easy to overlook the powerful lessons demonstrated in His life. But when these incomparable lessons are learned and put to use, they enable ordinary people to achieve extraordinary success and happiness.

From Jesus' earthly life readers will learn:

How to break through the barriers that prevent them from achieving extraordinary success at work and relational success at home
How to experience a level of happiness and fulfillment that nothing the world offers can duplicate
How to use adversity and opposition as a springboard for greater success
How to love others in a way that increases their love as well

No matter what a person's area of expertise and in what setting a person influences others, living by the principles of Jesus' life on earth produces extraordinary success, unprecedented achievements, personal fulfillment, and blessings for others.

Author Bio:

Steven K. Scott is the best-selling author of The Richest Man Who Ever Lived, The Greatest Words Ever Spoken, and Mentored by a Millionaire. After failing in nine jobs, he started reading a chapter of Proverbs every day--and the wisdom of Scripture changed his life. Scott and his business partners have built more than a dozen multimillion-dollar companies from scratch, achieving billions of dollars in sales. He is the co-founder of Max International, Total Gym Fitness, and The American Telecast Corporation. He is a popular international speaker on the subjects of personal and professional achievement and the application of biblical wisdom to every area of life.

This makes a great gift to your friends, family and anyone that wants to know more about the lifestyle of Jesus.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385526005&ref=externallink_wbm_thegreatestwordseverspoken_kef_0220_01

The Shack Author Denies Biblical Substitutionary Atonement

2009-03-19T06:57:00.011-04:00

In a recent radio interview, The Shack author, Paul Young, told the interviewer he did not hold to the traditional view of the atonement in that he does not believe Jesus Christ bore the punishment (i.e., penalty) for man's sins when He died on the Cross (transcript).

He also stated, with regard to this topic: "I don't know if you're aware, but that's a huge debate that's going on in theology right now within the evangelical community." That debate, to which Young refers, is the new theology (or as we call it the new spirituality) that is entering Christianity through contemplative and emerging figures such as Brennan Manning, Brian McLaren, and Marcus Borg.

This "huge debate" states that a loving Father would never send His Son to a violent death on behalf of the sins of others. And while they do not deny that Jesus did physically die on a Cross, they insist that His death was not to be a substitutionary act wherein He was punished for our sins.

Rather, they say, He was killed by man, not for man. And he was a perfect model of sacrificial servanthood. As Episcopal new spirituality author, Alan Jones, states, "Jesus' sacrifice was to appease an angry God. Penal substitution was the name of this vile doctrine" (Reimagining Christianity, p. 168).

Contemplative proponent Brennan Manning, quoting Catholic mystic William Shannon, says: "[T]he god who exacts the last drop of blood from his Son so that his just anger, evoked by sin, may be appeased . . . does not exist" (Above All, pp. 58-59). Mystic Marcus Borg has this exact same view. He is opposes the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement and sees the Cross as merely a metaphor for transformation in the mystical sense. 1 Brian McLaren shares this view (and indeed resonates with Borg) when he says that hell and the Cross are "false advertising for God." 2

The Shack, still at the top of the New York Times Best Seller list, is being heralded as one of the best Christian books ever. But as Lighthouse Trails and other concerned ministries have reported in a number of documented articles, The Shack is not a Christian book, and it should not be packaged, presented, and promoted as such.

While many who have read The Shack, tout that it has changed their lives, what these people do not understand is that the book appeals to people's senses; thus, the book is sensual. And because it makes people feel good, they assume (wrongly) that it must be from God. But The Shack is appealing to the carnal man and not the spiritual, and as the Bible warns, there is a "wisdom [that] descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish" (James 3: 15).

With this in mind, Lighthouse Trails has posted an article by free-lance writer, John Lanagan, who attended a large evangelical church meeting this past weekend in which The Shack author spoke. The church is presenting a series on The Shack and began the series by having Young address the congregation. It is not the intention of this report to single out this particular church but rather to warn believers of The Shack's interspiritual, panentheistic, and non-biblical theologies and the book's major impact on many many churches. Please click here to read this article.

We have also posted an article this week of a serious nature regarding the heightened involvement by Nazarene pastors worldwide with contemplative spirituality: "Nazarene General Assembly Welcomes Contemplative Spirituality--Nazarene Pastors Worldwide Invited."

In His grace,

Editors at Lighthouse Trails Research

www.lighthousetrails.com

www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com

www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog

Google Video: The Obama Deception

2009-03-18T01:00:00.001-04:00

Don't Let Me Go

2009-03-16T01:06:00.001-04:00

Don't Let Me Go is one of the most delightful, inspiring, thought provoking books I have read in a while. The true story of a father and daughter team that conquerors many things, including a father's coming of age. The subtitle of the book tells the story: What my daughter taught me about the journey every parent must make".

A book within a book, David W. Pierce watches how his daughter maneuvers over and around obstacles, encouraging her dad to come along on the journey. What an awesome thought when your kids want you along for their journey. He takes the challenge and in the process gives the reader insights into his own youth, the pain he endured growing up, now wanting to make a real difference in his daughter's life.

Chera, David Pierce's fifteen-year old daughter reads a book about a wilderness adventure and announces that she wants to climb a mountain. What her father heard was his daughter is growing up and the games they used to play are no longer on the board. A few weeks later, they bought matching backpacks and the adventures began.

Over a three-year period they climbed five mountains and ran in two marathons. Together they suffered sore muscles, bitter cold, sprung knees, shin splints, and broken spirits. But they also reveled in blazing sunsets, glissaded on a glacier, and celebrated numberous civtories great and small. And in the process, they built an unshakable father-daughter bond that will stand the tests of time.

In Don't Let Me Go, David Piece--the husband of popular Christian comedienne Chonda Pierce--offers a down-to earth, funny-yet-serious book for parents with the same universal appeal as Bob Carlisle's heart-tugging song, "Butterfly Kisses," only with well-worn running shoes and an ice axe.

About the Author:

David W. Pierce is the coauthor of two children's books with his wife, and a memoir, Salvage. He has written ten short stories appearing in Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine and Ellery Queen's Mysttery Magazine. A professor of English at Middle Tennessee Sate University, he also teaches at Taylor University in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. David and Chonda and their family live in Tennessee.

- www.Amazon.com
- www.ChristianBook.com
- www.FamilyChristian.com

THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!

2009-03-05T10:01:00.005-05:00

This morning on Twitter, @dcagle gave a link to a new cartoon for the change in the newspaper industry. After looking at it, letting it settle in my senses reminds me of another time in our history when people were really forced into a new way of life. Then the question arose within me, are we part of the change or trying to hold on to a past that is going to change anyway?

Think about when the colonists first came to America. There were no stores and shops like they were used to, no bakeries, no ... nothing. Started from scratch. America transformed into an industrial age, and then technology. History has recorded the bemoanings of people who said it wouldn't work. Well, some of us are old enough to remember booming industrial plants like the steel mills that have now rusted out and been torn down. Their time is over. Thousands of workers displaced, new training available but many just were unable for many reasons to grasp the new era.

We keep doing something until something no longer works. When products and venues change. Will I miss the local paper? Absolutely! It represents an era that I had gotten used to, could count and depend on.

We are in the age of greater information as the Bible so eloquently described--in the last days, information will multiply faster than man can comprehend. We are certainly seeing it. Even"Baby Boomers" have gotten on the Information Highway and now able to race along with the techies. Now I thank God for great software writers.

To all the political cartoonists, writers, journalists, editors, and many people who made the newspaper industry work; who gave us daily updates, got us thinking, and showed us the world even in back country USA--THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE!

Look for you in cyberspace, which apparently we all will be getting our daily dose of trivia, information, and even the local news. To those papers who still are on the stands, stay around, hopefully you'll stay around for a while longer.

Your Focus Is .....

2009-03-04T09:46:00.004-05:00

Are you one of those ignited with the current situations--no matter what they may be. All we have to do is read the news, watch international clips, or talk with people through the Internet to understand that we do not live in a segregated world. The pain and struggles of one nation is no greater than another, in my humble opinion. And it takes all to succeed, some recover before others, but there is a common goal of survival.

I received an email from an associate that said their country was suffering much more than others in a particular area. It is difficult to find words to explain that when you are only focused on self, you miss the larger picture of a suffering world.

Governments of the world knew years ago that today would come. Actually, that the collapse of the international financial market would one day collapse but apparently were not prepared for the actual date and time. So why does the United States get accused of being the root cause of the world financial collapse?

We can, of course, point international fingers at the Bank of England, Central Banks, and the like, but the bottom line, America has put itself in the position of being the guardian of the world, the protector of all nations, the champion of the small countries. Now its like Goliath stubbed his toe and unable to fight right away. Or the hen hurt so the chicks have no place to hide under her wings.

These are world views but for those with a belief in God, there is not fear. With God all things are possible, and nothing too big. Our focus is in God, because of God, and through God. He rules, not man. But make no mistake about it--even the people of God can be taken into physical captivity because of the actions of the majority of the nation.

Never give up hope and desire. Never give up the freedom to think and believe.

Everything starts with one thought, one word, one step--make yours in the direction for success.

The Echo Within Book Blog Tour

2009-02-23T07:16:00.004-05:00

The Echo Within is a profoundly affecting, honest look at the myriad ways we are drawn into our life's best work.

Written out of his own lifelong search for and response to the calling voice of God, Robert Benson recounts his discovery of the meaning of vocation, work, and purpose through the ups and downs inherent in family life, professional choice, and spiritual experience. With clarity and insight, and in the elegant prose for which he is known, he gently invites and encourages readers to find such deep truths for their lives as well. In particular, he illuminates the way for readers to explore:

Ways to sense the Holy in our pursuits, both in the pursuits of themselves and within themselves
How to fall into our vocation and chart a course toward it as the same time
How to love the work we do, and the pro9cess of doing it

For anyone beginning a new career or sensing a needed change in their life or wresttling with a transition suddenly thrust upon them, Robert Benson delivers wisdom, humor, and heart in what he's learned about listening for The Echo Within and how it can help us discover our calling.

Author Bio:
Robert Benson has written more than a dozen books about the discovery of the sacred in the midst of our ordinary lives, including Between the Dreaming and the Coming True, Home By Another Way, and Digging In. His work has been critically acclaimed in a wide range of publications from The New York Times and USA Today to Spirituality & Health and The Benedictine Review. He is an alumnus of The Upper Room's Academy for Spiritual Formation and was recently named a Living Spiritual Teacher by SpiritualityandPractice.com. H lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

Purchase your copy from:
www.amazon.com
www.ChristianBooks.com
www.FamilyChristian.com

Cruel and Usual Punishment: Nonie Darwish

2009-02-20T07:25:00.004-05:00

The sympathy and genuine love that Ms. Darwish possesses for her people of origin, drives her to expose how they have been shackled by a 7th century religious zealotry which may ultimately lead to their own demise and that of the entire civilized world. Ms. Darwish, with much scholarly research, applies the yeoman's work to expose Islam as a skewed ideology which advocates pedophilia , slavery, subjugation of women, murder of homosexuals, and mayhem upon all infidels; fear, loathing and hate are sown and cultivated in the Koran, Hadith and Sharia, containing over 35,200 calls for death, decapitation, murder, and perpetrating fear and chaos upon non-Muslims.

The intolerable supremacist nature of Islam must be universally acknowledged both in the Muslim world as well as the Western world. No one will be safe until there is a total revolution calling for the absolute reformation of Islam. It is imperative for the victims who live under the ummah of Islam (women, children, dhimmis, homosexuals, and slaves) as well as the entire world and until such time there can be no conceivable way to transcend the violence that pursues the destruction of all beliefs outside of Islam.

Review by: Randy Settenbrino[Amazon.com reviewer]

For Couples Only ... But

2009-02-11T01:00:00.000-05:00

I have had the opportunity to review a really interesting boxed set of two books called "For Couples Only Box Set". What a great gift to give you and your significant other, spouse, or are we right for each other person of interest. Whether you're dating or have been married for fifty years, get ready to know each other in a whole new way--woohoo what an adventure!

Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn: Since their debut, these revolutionary guides have sold well over a million copies, been translated into fifteen languages, and sparked much fascinating water-cooler conversation around the country. Now in this new boxed set, you will find fascinating tid-bits about the other man or woman in your life. If you have that question, why doesn't he/she .... this is for you.

Each volume is based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex--including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews. This innovative approach yields candid and surprising answers about everything you don't "get" about your significant other--even what that person deeply wishes you knew. It also produces simple but groundbreaking awareness of how you can best love and support the one who is most important to you.

Get ready--the adventure is just beginning to a new view of relationships!

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601422482

I Do Again

2009-02-10T09:03:00.005-05:00

With their professional success and adorable twin daughters, Jess and Cheryl Scruggs looked like the perfect couple. But their polished facade concealed a widening chasm between two people unable to connect on an intimate, soul-deep level.

Like so many couples, one or both look for emotional fulfillment that leads to an affair and, finally divorce. For most couples that's the end and it is the children who really suffer in the end. But this honest and thought provoking book brings us to another possibility. After seven years, Jeff and Cheryl found themselves at the altar looking at each other with a renewed love and appreciation for their lives.

I Do Again details the fascinating real-life story of a couple whose relationship seemed shattered beyond hope until a spiritual awakening let them to reconsider their definitions of what marriage would or should look like. The fairy-tale definition was gone, the truth of what it takes for two people to blend into one and retain their individuality. Can that happen? Yes, and it takes work.

This is a riveting journey of the power of prayer and redemption, this remarkable book offers nenewed hope for even the most troubled marriages and reveals why the rewards of restoration are well worth the wait. If you know someone who is going through these challenges, or even yourself, this is definitely worth a thorough read.

Author Bio:
Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs are the founders of Hope Matters Marriage Ministries, and for the past several years they have shared their incredible story of a marriage restored with audiences across the mation. Jeff is an account manager with OshKosh B'Gosh and Cheryl has served as director of the Frisco, Texas, office of the Center for Christian Counseling. They live in Dallas, Texas with their two collge-age daughters.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400074452

Love As A Way of Life

2009-02-08T08:56:00.006-05:00

What a great week this is going to be, a blog book tour about LOVE. Isn't that a subject almost everybody in the world likes to discuss? There will be several books reviewed this week, so don't miss a day and enjoy these great books. Our first one is by well-known author Gary Chapman [The Five Love Languages] and Elisa Stanford. I was so surprised how much I enjoyed this book.

In this short "90-day adventure that makes love a daily habit". I opened it and couldn't put it down, reading it all the way through. But now taking it as a daily reading to change some of my own love habits. Its an awesome book to read by yourself, with a spouse, or someone you really are about. Getting good habits in love, is truly an investment in the lives of other people.

Chapman breaks down this devotional into nine sections, which centers around seven biblical principles. One that got my attention is about getting respect. That's one of the biggest hindrances to relationships I deal with in counseling with people. They simply don't feel respected in their homes, on their jobs, in their churches. The question then becomes do we want love, are we able to be a person of love.

To become a person who consistently loves others, you first need to be a loving person. In this companion devotional to Love as a Way of Life, you'll find inspiration for letting love guide the way you respond to others in every situation. Can you imagine what life in general would become if we could each take 90-days to change our love habits?

Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-six books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. His daily radio program, A Love Language Minute, is broadcast on more than 100 stations nationwide. Dr. Chapman, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College , Wake-Forest University , and Southwestern Seminary, serves on a church staff in North Carolina .

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0307444694

This Is Your Brain On Joy

2009-02-03T07:06:00.005-05:00

The first thing I liked about "This Is Your Brain On Joy" is the cover. The colors and title give hope for great inspiration inside and the reader is not disappointed. Many of the Christian television shows have had physicians and specialists on their programs speaking about how to improve the brain, how to heal the brain, but I must say they turned me off by weird concoctions to eat and drink, even though I was interested in improving brain power as we grow older or after disease and accidents.

Instead, Dr. Henslin and Dr. Amen bring a delightful infusion of understanding into the brain's functioning on all levels, they supply the necessary elements of what to eat, how to alter moods and the most common of ailments that the brain processes.

Such topics as "Panic Attacks, Agoraphobia, and Good Old Southern Cooking", Stomping on the ANTs", "Cinematherapy and Support Village", have to do with a development of a healthy brain. Easy to understand do's and don't's are included, so the gues work is taken out. Or maybe you've had problems with "Sticks and Stones and Harmful Words", don't miss that chapter. It may help you help your children grow into healthy thinkers in a collapsing moral value system.

"Using the Brain System Checklist, Dr. Henslin explains what happens to the 5 Mood Centers in the brain when any one of hose areas are out of balance. This is great news, especially for those tortured by the fear that something is fundamentally wrong with them when the problem actually lies between their ears."

Joy is a trait in our life that can move mountains of problems into stepping-stones of success.
You may order here direct from Amazon.com

Are Your Emails Jesus Proofed?

2009-01-30T12:30:00.001-05:00

I have written this same message on far too many emails lately, so I thought it important to write it as a general exhortation. During the past few weeks in particular, both my ministry and personal emails have become clogged with well-meaning and thoughtful messages. So what's the problem you ask?

Each of them have a subject line that starts with "FW", some with multiple "FWs". Ya'll know what I mean! Well, here in is the problem. Countless say "This was was just too cute not to send on". If you know its not what Jesus would do or say, why does it become too cute to send along to someone who might not have the right understanding of the Bible?

Anything that says, a nice encouraging message, nice pictures and just nice--but add the words, send this to XX number of people within so many minutes or you will break the chain and loose the blessings that you would receive with this email. STOP and delete it!

Blessings clearing and biblically come from GOD not man and certainly not from an email. We wonder why people get the wrong information about Christianity, Christ himself, and what we stand for when we do things that are contrary to the biblical teachings. When they are received from people who are young in the Lord, that's one thing--most often they truly don't know. But I am really speaking to the number of evangelists, pastors, and Sunday School teachers, women ministers, etc that send them because its cute, its friendly, and its doing "out reach". Would you send one to Jesus?

Would you expect Jesus to send the emails stating, don't break the chain or you loose the blessings attached and expect Jesus to send it to 12 of his friends? Quite obviously the answer would be no. So next time before you place names in the send to slot, make sure Jesus is the first one you send any email to, if he can get it then go ahead, but if you wouldn't send it to Jesus, perhaps it just shouldn't be sent in the manner it is written.

Jesus is THE source of all things! Philippians 4:19 ... all of our needs are met through Christ Jesus, not an email with a special blessing attached to it.

In these end-times we need to be sure about our evangelizing and that we are speaking the word of God correctly. If we're not sure, ask somebody you know has a stronger understanding. Let us be truly about the business of lost souls, encouraging each other in these difficult days, and being true to the Word of God.

In and Out of Bounds

2009-01-24T10:18:00.007-05:00

"Nothing is out of bounds unless it is out of Christ."

Susan Storm Smith

By now you know that there are all kinds of subjects on www.Mudsplats.blogspot.com and nothing is out of bounds, unless is is out of Christ. So the subject today is one that has been around for quite a while and to which my family has been at odds over--embryonic stem cell research.

My eldest brother became quite ill later in life and extremely overweight. His top weight was close to 500 pounds on a 6 foot 3 inch frame. To this day I'm not sure if his weight helped cause some of the health problems, or if his health problems added to his weight; either way, his kidneys took a beating and finally decided to shut down. Dialysis three times a week became a way of life for him. His weight came down dramatically.

In his last few years we had heart-to-heart discussions about the use of embryonic stem cell research. I have always been opposed to it. Quite clearly, including statements from the medical community, it is the destruction of a viable embryo which would could become a mature fetus and child. On the other hand, I understand people who are at death's door and their desire to remain alive. It is a hard but not impossible debate.

My brother asked me point blank if I would rather have him die than to have an embryo destroyed? My answer came without hesitation, I would not destroy any embryo for the survival of a person. To many that may sound hard and beyond comprehension.

The reasons I cited to him were clear and simple. I love my brother with all my heart and would sorely miss him, his laugh, guidance, and friendship. If my kidneys would have been a good match, I would not hesitate to give him one of mine, but they were not.

The Bible says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lays down his life for his friends." John 15:13 NIV Weeping I reminded my dear friend and brother, an embryo has no choice to lay down its tiny but precious life to another. It is robbed, killed, and then destroyed for the sake of someone else, including the research that goes into the process.

Biblically the devil is described as the enemy who comes to kill, rob, and to destroy life. That is exactly what stem cell research does. So no, I will not condone it nor support it in any way that I can have control over.

My last words to him in this life were, "With much love, I shall truly miss you and appreciate the life we have shared together." We never had an opportunity to speak with each other again. He sat in his favorite chair one night, with his blanket covering him, nodded his head and passed on to another life.

Letting go is never easy, no matter what the circumstances. In the case of my brother who was dying without a kidney transplant and on a waiting list, who left the biblical belief of abortion while trying to stay alive, I grieved. But it is no different than the millions of people who die each year from cancer, diabetes, and other horrible life altering diseases. Families miss them and have memories.

Embryonic Stem cell destruction is abortion. It is murder. It is a sin against God and there will be a price to pay for it. It is surely out of bounds in Christ. Our nation has now changed the law that says we will not support this horrific act into we will and now we have. The FDA has approved the trials of embryonic stem cell research on humans.

The resolution to this type of research is underscored by the knowledge, proof and documentation that umbilical cord and adult cells work for regenerating cells--but we as a nation have now gone the road and next steps to make sure we continue the use of abortion so others might live.

This is truly out of bounds in Christ!

As the World Watched in Joy, Hope, and Starvation

2009-01-21T07:22:00.005-05:00

Like most of the world, I too was glued to the vistas of the inauguration of the US 44th President, Baracj H. Obama. It was also interesting to see how Kenya responded. The Daily Nation [Kenya] had some great articles both Tuesday and Wednesday regarding how they say "their Obama". The fact that they killed two bulls tells how much they love and respect the man. Two bulls are very expensive not only to buy, but also are the reproduction of more cows which is a very good industry in East Africa. So for me, it spoke volumes.

One of the sentences that struck me, however, was Kenya has now taken over America. May I say to President Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga, instead of asking America to give you money or even to loan it to your country, that if you are indeed taking over America, help us pay off the debt that we borrowed to give to you. And Mr. Odinga, thank you for helping a group of Kenyans be able to witness in person the swearing in of one of your own. Thanks for helping them to see America up close and personal.

On the same page of the Daily Nation were pictures of people living in the western parts of Kenya who are literally starving to death, having the 2nd year of no crop production. The next picture were school teachers on strike--can't say I blame them. A few of my friends from Kenya have emailed me stating that the government has become very corrupt. And they voted for change. They too are looking toward a new constitution, a promise that has been on the lips of people for years--but unfortunately Kenya is still looking to try and convict those responsible for the murders and riots of last year. If they did it honestly, it would close down government altogether.

So to those who say America is under scrutiny for the change many Americans voted for, let us also be aware of the change that is happening around the world. We do not live in a vaccuum. I wonder what our own food production is going to look like this summer after seasons of floods in the midwest, a government that pays farmers to burn their crops because prices are too low, and yet others are starving to death that we say we care about.

Mr. President and members of Congress, we say we are the richest and friendliest nation on the earth, please make changes that others can believe in too. Stop burning food because of greed. Remember Joseph from the Bible, he taught the Egyptians to store up the wheat and grains for seven years so they would have when the earth would not yield. They didn't burn of destroy their food they stored it for the day that surely was to come.

Global warming would indicate that the time will come when crops won't grow; global cooling does the same thing.

Remember: Everything starts with one word and one step--make yours in the direction of success.

Follow the Links to NWO Formation

2009-01-15T08:31:00.006-05:00

Pondering the current events we have been exposed to internationally, both as a prophetic end-times researcher and as a news junkie, I find all the above sliding or colliding into each other at warp speed. I believe that we have come to believe several things from the news: the economic collapse could have been prevented, but wasn't for reasons we really don't understand on the surface, and it started a domino effect globally. The question remains, was it planned? And if it was planned, by whom and for what purpose?

Last March [2008] when I arrived back in the States from Africa, I received a word of prophecy which is demonstrating its truth daily by news reports and the election history just past. The next step in the sequence of unraveling the mystery we are living came in August after I posted the March prophecy and other more current information. A message came to me from a person within the financial world that many had heard "rumors" that something big was coming down in September or October and the financial institutions were selling off US dollars to be prepared. Was this a rumor or warning to the banks and financial institutions?

We know now that the big surprise coming was the Wall Street/major market failure to which we have not seen the bottom yet. There are other "surprises or shoes to drop".

Another event in April 2007, which I find interesting just by date, President Bush met with EU Commission president Jos Barroso and the serving president of the European Council, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in the Rose Garden of the White House. It is reported that they were thanked for their participation in "the trans-Atlantic economic integration plan of trade."

The agreement signed by the three above mentioned people is called "Framework for Advancing Transatlantic Economic Integration between the United States of America and the European Union." It has moved along very swiftly.

But an other meeting was held in March 2008 and much less publicized. At the State Department a group focused on the linking of the US, Canada and Mexico which in the end would also link to the European Union.

A person whose name is kept private under the Chatham House Rule states, "North America should be a premiere platform to establish continental institutions. That's why we need to move the security perimeters to include the whole continent, especially as we open the borders between North American countries for expanding free trade."

Wanting to expand the "security borders of the US" would involve Mexico and I find it of interest that in the article posted at the US Military is starting to make statements about the possibility of them going into "help" Mexico in the event of its collapse due to the drug wars going on.

It was interesting that then presidential candidate Obama made his famous "I am a citizen of the world" speech in Germany. But let us not forget that as President Obama, he is fully aware of these agreements, and the plans set forth by previous administrations, following the legacy and prophetic words of redividing the world into unions. In the months and few years ahead during his and Vice-President Biden's time in the White House, it is not their plan, but the plan of an international community for a world government.

Our own military is put on assignment to be a ready defense on domestic situations whether natural disaster, war, or whatever under the command of FEMA who reports to the president. In this case it will be to President Obama, but begun by President Bush.

Rumor again has it [hasn't been wrong yet] that in the early spring another "surprise" in the US is planned and again we should be prepared.

Summary: Many I have discussed this with believe that the international economic collapse was planned in order to move the coalition of trade and new world order onto the discussion table. A one world government so that issues can be addressed and direction given more easily rather than having to deal with so many different governments and rules. This is becoming a reality in our life-time, quite possibly progressive at the G-20 summit in April 2009.

The North American Union is going to be a reality and we believe sooner rather than later, and wonder if the wars are incited as a way to bring it about. As history has said repeatedly, always follow the money. And where can you find more money than in free trade.

Would love to hear your views, leave a comment and get into discussion. Should these things be something we as fellow world citizens be concerned or fearful of? Is there something we as citizens should do?

For further reference:
Information can be found on Google.com
quicker reference "What in the World is going On? by Dr. David Jeremiah pg. 131-133
www.newsmax.com dated 1/14/09
Press release on Bush/EU agreement 30 April 2007 from the White House

Incredible Rex

2009-01-12T08:31:00.006-05:00

Let me say first and foremost, Rex is not just another book about overcoming disabilities. Cathleen Lewis takes the reader on an incredible journey into what most people simply do not understand--the world of autism, blindness, and relationships for a disabled person. Truly an amazing gift the world has been given to have something written so well that the reader gains a new appreciation for all the "Rexes" in the world.

It is often said and noted that when a person is blind, deaf, or has some other disability that other parts of the body become more sensitive and somehow compensate. His parents, of course, are disappointed that their child is born blind; thinking that their precious and beautiful son is looking intently at them, but instead can't see them at all. That would rock anyone's world. Then to find that other skills are missing as well.

Rex is first taken to the Blind Children's Center where his behavior has striking contrasts of a child who can't see but also refuses to touch almost everything, and to whom noise is a terror attack to his nerves. Music being the only thing that calms the tsunami of thoughts and ideas trying to process in his mind. Ms. Lewis then begins the years of searching for what will eventually become the chains breaking on her child from what would have been a silent sentence of despair and loneliness.

I don't want to tell too much about the actual journey because that would spoil the book for the reader. It is a delightful read that keeps you turning the pages. Rex moves from lonely intolerance to a socially competent young man who is willing and desiring to share his extraordinary gift with the world.

Ms. Lewis shares a dual journey, mother and son, in finding what makes both of them whole. For Ms. Lewis it is in assisting her son to become fully integrated into the sighted world, while she found the comfort that God so fully gives. If you're interested in being a world changer, this is an excellent addition to your library. Hopefully it will add sight to your world as it did to mine.

Confabulation of Muses--What Is Yours?

2009-01-09T12:15:00.004-05:00

"We find comfort among those who agree with us--growth among those who don't."
Frank A. Clark, author

This has been both a soothing salve and sandpaper day for me. As I watch the news with the rest of the world, not just wars and doom and gloom, but also those that are trying to make a difference in positive ways. It's an amazing confabulation of muses trying to get noticed.

It makes sense that we want to be with those who are like us, but I ponder today and wonder if we are in agreement wholly with our religious, family, and political traditions. It appears that all shades of what has been are changing to fit what we want for today instead of holding on to what works and what is truth.

For me there are two things that stand as standards, the first is the Holy Bible. My tradition of life, promises and hope are based on the Word of God. Next comes the U. S. Constitution which is based originally by our founding fathers on nothing less than the Holy Bible. The second can and certainly has been changed by the whims and different traditions of man and the confabulation of ideas continue to change the values that were first instituted when we were a young country.

If we do not hold on to the basic premise of what we stood for in the beginning, how will we become what was inspired within the hearts of our forefathers and has made us strong? The basic breakdown of family and moral values have undermined the very Constitution that made us great. I pray that we will not allow the Constitution of 1787 to become completely lost in this generation.

You make a difference!

Success In the Box of Failures

2009-01-08T08:11:00.006-05:00

"When the world says "Give up", Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."

Author Unknown

I love the story of inventors and entrepreneurs like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and even one of my favorites, Colonel Sanders and his famous chicken. Those around these persistent people often laughed, encouraged them to stop, telling them that they would never achieve what their minds saw as a legitimate product. Have you been there? I have, and sometimes I even gave in to the "stop". But then ...

I found as life continued on, the things that I stopped too soon came back to my mind and I picked many of the ideas up again. I had a new focus on the product. Life and new inventions that were in agreement with my idea helped push it along even better. The old idea that had been set aside was again viable--and working!

Without the inventions of Ford & Edison--would we have NASA? Would we put men/women into space? Would we have satellites that transmit our cellphones. Of that brings up Bell and the telephone. Your product may be the catalyst for the next generation of even greater!

Be encouraged today to look in the closet or box of "failures" and see what could be picked back up. Nothing is a failure, but an experience of what to do and not to do. Sometimes those that didn't work just might be your ticket to success now.

Remember--nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Safety For People Or Made To Be Human Shields

2009-01-06T08:41:00.007-05:00

Today, after watching www.bbc.com and the video showing a hospital in Gaza, a greater burden has weighed upon me to speak out. This decision isn't even motivated by a religion belief in favor of Israel, it comes from a humanitarian view of Hamas and other Middle East countries that use their citizens as human shields.

A foreign doctor was interviewed who confirmed that most of the injured were men, women and children. But my question is, did they intentionally walk over the leaflets that announced their neighborhood was about to be bombed? A report on major news outlets have said that Israel droped leaflets letting people know their neighborhoods were next, and that they were ignored.

The Hamas leader who was killed by a bomb last week, stayed in his house with his four wives and children believing that surely they would not bomb civiliams. This is not the first time human shields have been used, Iraq was noted for this as well. But it is the human population that willfully walks over leaflets telling them to leave the areas because they are about to be bombed that has left me speechless.

Suicide bombers are one thing; people who, with full knowledge of what they are about to do, kill themselves and others, and/or cause great destruction. But in the name of life, how can anybody just walk over an announcement that your neighborhood is about to be bombed, and everybody killed and go on like nothing is happening? People know that Hamas leaders are in the neighborhood. They are warned, yet they stay. This is I don't understand.

Is there a brainwashing of all these people that says they are dying for the cause and that their death will bring them or their country honor? After all the years of war between Israel and Palestine, why aren't there any bomb shelters or places of safety for people to go to?

If tunnels can be made for smuggling in ammunition from Iran then surely if the Palestinians were concerned about their people, they would provide some sort of shelter for them but they have not--at least that I know about--and is reported "there is no place for them to go".

So in summary, Gaza/Hamas, it appears that you're using your own people as a human shield and allowing them to be killed for the sake of propaganda on the international stage at the suffering they are going through. You say, "Look how many are injured and dead", and yet, you have not taken any steps to provide protection for them. But you did make the provision for your ammunition. Which in the name of your god is more important--I guess we have the answer.

Exploding Roses

2009-01-05T11:42:00.004-05:00

"Living is not enough, ... one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower."
Hans Christian Anderson

While searching for a quote today and came upon this one, I started to laugh and had a memory smile moment. When I was in Arizona/Colorado and worked as a manager for a wholesale flower outlet we had fresh flowers all over our offices. I especially enjoyed Valentines day because we had exotic flowers that grow in Hawaii and other more tropical climates. And no, not everyone wanted red roses.

The flower "season" went from Thanksgiving straight through to Mother's Day. Tensions especially in the design department was extreme on certain days, which was predictable. They had to prepare hundreds of specialty arrangements, buyers had to make sure they have enough of all the ingredients, and God-forbid we ran out of anything. During Valentines our coolers could have anywhere from one to two million dollars worth of roses in them. If the temperature was not just exact, you lost your inventory.

Needless to say, everybody--and I do mean everybody--got involved around Christmas and Valentines Day prepping, or design. Some of us were lucky enough to do Sunday deliveries [smile] But one thing we all agreed on, we didn't grow tired of the flowers.

Our motto: Nobody ever died from an exploding flower! You simply pick up the petals and make potpourri

Sometimes we need to see our situations as flowers. The most that could happen is the petals fall off, its not tragic, pick up the pieces and make something else of it.

Smile--let the sunshine in
Freedom--don't block what could be an exceptional experience
Flowers--they add to your environment

Power for ....

2009-01-03T01:00:00.000-05:00

"I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I am interested in power that is moral, that is right and it is good."

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

One of the things that makes us want to remember Dr. King is that he was a moral man. He believed in the vision for a great society that was moral, that was truthful, and where all could feel a place with in it. I'm not sure that it is really possible because there are those who refuse to be truthful and/or moral. But that is not the issue.

For society, neighborhood, or even families to change, it takes the individual goal and determination to be different.

What a great year this is to make the determination for change. We've been saying it, blogging it, printing quotes about it for two years--now is the time for us individually to begin living it. First for self, then to be an example for others.

We all watch each other, what we say, how we dress, act--just live. You do make a difference to somebody--be the example for change. As Dr. King suggests don't want power just to be powerful, but demonstrate your power for moral change. Be the best you in your community!

Remember: Everything starts with one word and one step, point yours in the direction for success.

Later,
Susan Storm Smith

Installment Plan Change

2009-01-02T01:00:00.002-05:00

"A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded
men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan."
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Education in any field of endeavor, even in learning to cook, may be required but until we are willing to crave for the information of learning, we will continue to have mediocre societies where many live with good enough and just get by attitudes and outputs.

No nation owes its citizens an income, those are the things that are determined by hard work and ingenuity. When governments are willing to pay people not to work, not to produce, then they have become a nation that is usurping the mental acuity given by their creator at birth to become something of great worth.

Let this be the year that those who can, mentor someone who would desire change in an area we can assist them, to empower them to strive toward their greatness. The gift of mentoring, the gift of giving seeds of education and greatness are never without a harvest.

Remember: Everything begins with one word and one step, point yours towards success.

YOU do make a difference

Change You Want the World to See

2009-01-01T01:00:00.003-05:00

"Be the change that you want to see in the world."
Mohadas Gandi

How many times have you, like me and so many others, thought of something that needed to be changed and then waited for somebody else or some group to take the initiative to make the change? Certainly others can see what you do, right?

When I moved back to Buffalo, New York I looked around and saw so many things that were in need of change. Certainly the politicians and community see what I see. It's not always that easy. And I have come to acknowledge that when you see the need, it is then your assignment. You were allowed by God to see a need that you were capable of helping to fix.

So why can others discuss the need and not feel a need to become involved? People are willing to settle for what is instead of making a change to help everybody. Having skills and gifts to assist positive change, and not doing anything is like having the only oar for a boat that needs to get to shore, and not using it. The boat will then just move with the tide.

Cities and society cannot change without the people who live in it desiring a change for the better. May this new year be an experience where no matter what our political affiliations, religious traditions, or social weaving postulates, we as an individual take the initiative to make each day positive. Spread the word, one can be multiplied to the unfathomable degree of service.

Remember: Everything begins with a word and a step, point yours in the direction of success.

YOU do make a difference!

Not Just a Neighborhood

2008-12-31T07:24:00.009-05:00

As the clock winds down upon another year, it is amazing how our self-preservation system really kicks in. What do I mean? Even though we might not like or agree with the things we face individually or collectively as a society, we subconsciously leave them in the past on New Year's Eve and welcome a new and refreshing time with the "Baby New Year". The demarcation line between 2008/2009 will be drawn. We believe that change will be a good thing.

Thinking back over the years, I remember going to Woolworth's or S. H. Kress Stores with my brother Richard. He loved to decorate for every holiday and New Years wouldn't be complete without loud noise makers and confetti. When he got older, he would wisely save some of his fireworks from the 4th of July to set off for New Years.

New Years Eve during the 50's meant we got to have special treats like Welch's Grape Juice, maybe even two glasses of the sweet nectar. Mom would most likely bake a ham, baked beans, potato salad, and in good years we had soda. Finally eating ourselves to overload, sleeping but arising early so we could watch the Rose Bowl Parade. Tradition that slowly faded into memories.

Life seemed so simple then. As a child life just didn't have a lot of drama to it, even for the adults. The Korean War was going on, but we didn't have social media that kept it in our faces then. War, socialism, communism, uprisings and the Russian/American Space Race was given to the public in small doses. For our part of the world, all was well. There wasn't a consideration for other countries or their people. They were not part of the "table conversations".

Society has changed drastically and social media has changed the way we see as well as interact with the world. We have all become part of the global community, not just a neighborhood any longer.

Change is the only thing that is constant and creates daily choice. I invite you to join me each day in January right here on MUD Splats to explore and be encouraged as we bein a new year, new steps into a world that we have the choice to make better by how we think and how we react/act.

MUD Splats January Blog is dedicated to the theme: Change A quote of the day with inspiration and encourgement. I look forward to sharing with you and hearing back through your comments.
YOU make a difference!

Until later,
Susan Storm Smith

Kid Proofed

2008-12-29T08:41:00.004-05:00

When they were babies, we made sure that the house was "kid proofed". That means the electrical outlets are covered so little fingers can't poke something sharp inside and get hurt or start fires in the house. It means that we put dangerous products out of reach--we make the environment of our sweet babies safe. They are protected.

Than as they grow and mature, start to talk to us and talk back at us, sometimes our attitudes towards each other changes in ways that we might think to be non-fixable, totally broken with each going their separate ways. Rebellion on both sides, unwilling to give in. We have again made our homes "kid proofed".

If you are living in a house that is no longer a home, where rebellion has replaced love and acceptance, where guidance has been replaced by grudges--we need to make a change. That doesn't mean that all the rules are out the door, it means that love is unconditional. God loves us yet while we are/were in sin.

Let's not loose another child that we have loved and nurtured because of our rebellion to lead through love--unconditionally. Young people are not "proofed" they should be embraced.

Morphed Traditions

2008-12-27T08:40:00.005-05:00

Hope everyone is having a great holiday season, no matter what your tradition may be. Like much of the nation here in America, we had lots of snow and freezing weather. Today it is raining and the snow is quickly melting. I kind of liked the snow, at least to look at. Wherever you are, be safe, be encouraged, and be purposeful.

Reading through some of my friend's blogs, I had to take a few moments and reflect how life has changed in our traditions over the past few years. With family spread over the nation, and one in the military the family traditions have made their way into a morphed rendition of old and new, families merging and becoming their own. After all, isn't that what life is about? Becoming transformed through challenges and sandpaper relationships?!

For me, the Christmas season is not a couple of weeks. Choosing rather to do the unexpected all year for friends and family, sending or giving of gifts for no special reason other than loving the person and wanting to do something special. I used to cook and make treats, putting them on don't return party trays and delivering them. Christmas has become what Jesus intended, a lifestyle.

Yes, there are special songs and special treats, church programs and remembrances but as Dickens says at the end of A Christmas Carol, Scrooge became a man of his word, and he celebrated all year long. [paraphrase]

So as we approach 2009 and we begin to think about this year that is quickly passing, expectations forming for the new year, let us think of a lifestyle that reflects the traditions of our heritage--YOU do make a difference to somebody!

Remember: Everything starts with one word and/or one step, point yours in the direction of success!

Until next time,

Announcement! New Blog Site Started

2008-12-24T15:24:00.007-05:00

Olive Press Muse
Purposeful Pondering and Pressing
of Words and Thoughts

You are invited to join me on my newest adventure in writing
at Olive Press Muse

www.olivepressmuse.blogspot.com

Daily inspiration from the Word of God
to encourage and inspire us as we
go through the crushing of self and
become like the lampstand oil

The Very Best to YOU

2008-12-24T01:00:00.000-05:00

Dear gentle reader, I am taking the week off to celebrate the holidays, and catch up on my reading and projects. At this time of year, you are wished the very merriest of seasons, and if you celebrate the birth of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, then let me add Merry CHRISTMAS to you and yours.

Whatever you are doing during this festive time of year, be safe, love each other, do something kind, and remember YOU do make a difference to somebody.

Everything we do in life begins with one word and/or one step--point yours in the direction of success.

Susan Storm Smith

Book Review: Think and Make It Happen

2008-12-23T01:00:00.000-05:00

I'm sure that Dr. Cury is well respected for his psychiatric background and insights. However, "Think and Make It Happen" does not leave the reader with an uplifting or positive outlook on life. What one would imagine being an uplifting and creative book is weighed down with psychobabblish terms and over-the-top explanations.

The front of each chapter gives an overview, and the end of each chapter makes suggestions for group or personal thought. Dr. Cury suggests that the book be read and experienced over a 12-week period. He takes the reader on a journey through his own depression, while giving the reader lists of diagnostic terms and definitions. I doubt that unless the reader is a pre-med student or psychiatric intern the book will not be finished or digested as a tool to overcoming anything.

Quoting Dr. Cury in the Introduction he states, "Lest anyone consider me a pessimist, let me clarify: I seek to be a realist—I'm a psychiatrist who loves live and continuously writes about what I observe and analyze. But I am also a therapist and researcher who wants to contribute to the quality of life of my patients and society at large." And therein is part of the problem, this is a book better suited for a psychiatric journal review than a book for the person looking to be uplifted and a positive direction in overcoming for a biblical perspective of life.

Using Jesus Christ as the role model but overshadowing Jesus with Dr. Cury's own experiences in clinical terms was just too much.

Have You Earned The Pickle?

2008-12-22T01:00:00.002-05:00

I have been speaking about "giving a pickle" on various sites. This came about from a friend who brought a video we watched regarding good customer service. "Give Them A Pickle" is a famous story of Bob Ferrell and his awesome ice cream parlours.

The story is told of a family who took their child to one of the Ferrell Parlours and wanted pickles for their hamburger. The guest had several people in attendance for a special birthday, and felt that the waiter should have just brought a small dish of pickles to the table. Instead, the waiter gave a hard time and told the guest that it would cost him extra; Ferrell's doesn't give them for free. Well, Mr. Ferrell had a mad customer and a good response.

"Give them a pickle, they're our guest." Why this story today?

When we think of customer service, most often it is the waiter/waitress, counter clerks at various offices and payment tellers. Right? Using the above example of Ferrell's and the giving of the pickle, it got me thinking about other kinds of "customer" service. What about our day-to-day encounters with others?

Moms and dads give service to the family, especially younger kids; employee/employer relationships, and what about the bus drivers whom we see every day and take for granted. For all of you who have served each other with kindness and sensitivity--you're earned the pickle.

If you want to have a great leadership meeting with church, organizational or whatever staff, get the video--it's really good!

Thanks Ferrell's my kids still talk about the fun birthday parties we had at your ice cream parlours! Good service to each other makes for a lifetime of wonderful memories. Challenge each person in your circle of influence today--earn a pickle!

For more information:
http://www.farrellsusa.com/Default.aspx
http://www.happyitis.biz/

Sounds of the Season Part 2

2008-12-21T01:00:00.000-05:00

In this second part Sounds of the Season, join with me in the warmth and sensation of the season we call CHRISTmas! May you and your family have contact with each other, in some form. For me, my family is mostly 3,000 miles away and I thank God for the Internet and phones. There are so many that are alone, may I encourage you to take some time and visit a nursing home, a neighbor who lives alone, or someone you work with, do something for a single mom/dad, make a difference in someone's life. Merry CHRISTmas!

Its A Winter Wonderland Across the Nation ....

2008-12-19T11:22:00.004-05:00

Hello everybody! Today is one of those "watch it snow" kind of days, thinking about being someplace where it is sunny and warm. Like some of you, it is difficult to get into the holiday spirit fore real. A friend brought a Christmas Bread to share with fresh coffee. Oh, it is yummy with fruit in the center and a wonderful baked dough.

As the snow gets deeper and deeper, makes me thankful for a warm house and pray for those who are out in it across the nation. In keeping with the day, Happy Winter Wonderland ...

Nurse/Grammy/Mom/Friend

2008-12-18T01:00:00.000-05:00

I would like to introduce you to a really incredible woman. The term "nice" just isn't adequate. Lynn is one of those people you meed in social media sites that is--there--you can feel her presence. Do you know people that just emit a love you as you are hormone? Well, that's Lynn. Her love of people and genuine caring about what is going on with her virtual friends is incredible.

She has been chosen for a 365 Love Award because of the qualities over the year that she has demonstrated when people have asked for prayer and/or encouragement. Her beautiful comments come at just the right time. I laughed when I found out she had been a nurse--she is truly a caretaker of the human soul. Here is a bit about her life, and for me, it made the choice very easy to give her the award. So any others that I know have disabilities, in pain and suffer greatly, but they sort of give up on life. Lynn has chosen to live beyond the expectations.

"My life has been very blessed even in the hard times. And there have been plenty of those. God saw a way out of an abusive marriage for me and helped me to raise two sons with no support. My sons are now 33 and 35 and I've remained single for 32 years. They are both Christians now. God helped me get through nursing school 23 years ago.

I found through nursing God had much work for me to do for Him. You meet many with many needs in that field of work. Some are Christians needing support and some have no faith at all and there you can introduce God to them. I have survived uterine cancer at the age of 26 and presently have lived with 6 tumors from a diagnosis called firbromatosis that ended the nursing 8 years ago.

God still uses us even if we're sick or crippled. Doctors said I should be in a wheelchair but God knew better. The doctors were shocked that over the last 8 years I keep going do9wn on the pain meds instead of going up. I can't physically handle the meds so I tell them I'll keep trusting my Lord to help me manage the pain. I have wo granddaughters that I take care of while their dad, my son is in Iraq for his second tour. I go this next Tuesday to see a new doctor at MD Anderson in Houston. So far all I've heard from the medical community is I'm inoperable with no options but to plan on being more crippled. Regardless of what he says, I believe God will heal me in good time and continue to manage me until then. Anyways this is only a shell we live in on earth, its our soul that matters."

"Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience, and longsuffering with joyfullness." Colossians 1:11

As an update since Lynn sent me her story, she has been to Houston and is now back home awaiting the doctors opinions. If favorable it would mean 5 weeks in Houston having Proton radiation treatments. If not, she will be going to the doctors in her area for mri and CT scans to follow the diagnosis and offer whatever can be done. When you think of this story and Lynn, send up a prayer on her behalf. The prayer of agreement is strong! (Matthew 18:19)

Warrior Servant

2008-12-17T01:00:00.002-05:00

I would like to introduce you to a woman by the name of Susan Pixley, who has become like a flesh and blood sister to me, but in the beginning, in her words, she tried very hard not to like me [whew]. So that just shows you that the flesh may have an idea, but the spirit is a much better guide. The reason she is another 365 Love Award recipient is her awesome dedication to service.

"The Lord has given me many gifts but I feel the most awesome is my ability to care about others. Before I had to retire, I was an administrator in a long-term nursing home. I loved my job and the biggest gift the Lord gave me was my ability to care for our residents.

I can remember one day talking with one of our pastors about what was my best moment that the Lord had given to me with our little people. I thought for only a short time and gave this answer.

I have been honored with the most wonderful gift of giving comfort and holding their hands and letting them talk as they pass from this life to our Lord. Sometimes it was only me with them because family couldn't do it or were not able to be there. I always felt no one should die alone.

One of my favorite residents was a sweet lady that at times had a horrible temper but was now dying. I sat with her for hours and she told the Lord she was sorry and asked Him to forgive her. Then she told me she was sorry and that the first thing she would tell Him was how good we were to her. I sat there and visited with her till she went to be with the Lord. I will never forget that day and how special it was and a beautiful gift from my Heavenly Father.

I've had many times like this one and for that I will always be grateful to my Lord. I have a heart for people and with God's gift my prayer will always be that with this gift I may always use it for my Lord's glory."

What an inspiration I receive, and hopefully you too, from Susan's story. I have watched her on various social media sites and always she has a kind word and patience. If you would like to join Susan on her site I know you will be welcomed with open arms, in love, peace, and always with respect. You can join her at Watchmen On the Wall www.watchmenwall.ning.com

Watchmen On the Wall is a Christian social media site where you can share your testimony, learn about various subjects of religion, share recipes, blog, and chit-chat.

39 and Holding

2008-12-16T01:00:00.002-05:00

Stephanie is one of the children who has always been inquisitive. A bright student, and like her mother willing to take risks and challenges. Growing up, she was the most challenging to me as a mother. Maybe we have always just been too much alike [any other parent know what I mean?!]

Well, today is her 39th birthday, and remember the day so well way back then. My water had broken two days before, went to the doctor the 16th of December and he told me that I had two more months. I was to go home and just take it easy. My words to him were, "don't plan anything tonight, don't think two months is in the baby's schedule."

After picking up her sister from my mom's house, we started home which normally was about 20 minutes to my house. For some reason I didn't take the regular route, but wanted to take a shortcut and beat some of the traffic. You guessed it--went into hard labor on a back road with nobody around, and before cell phones.

Somehow I got her sister upstairs and into her crib, changed my clothes and laid on the floor waiting for daddy to come home and take me to the hospital. I will add at this point that the doctor was flying down the hallway throwing his tuxedo off to the nurse as he ran to change into scrubs as I was taken into a delivery room. He got there just in time to basically catch the baby. Why don't doctors ever listen [smile] Christmas came early, the cute little bundle of no hair and so tiny. She was indeed a bit early.

Must admit during our years while she was growing up, it was hell on wheels, going somewhere and nowhere. Today, we can call each other friend--and that is a very good thing!

A bright and energetic child, grew into the same type of woman. Loves to read, still inquisitive, and a great mom to her two children. Before I left to live in Africa she asked me for something special that was just me to her. Stephanie has the only copy of a book that I wrote for the NaNoWriMo a couple of years ago. Hopefully one day it will be worth something besides sentiment.

When I moved from Utah to New York and was distributing things to the kids, Stephanie had the presence of mind to take one of my most valued dolls from the collection. Today it is worth thousands of dollars, perhaps to be given to her daughter.

So Ms. Stephanie in keeping with my promise, here is your blog for your birthday, may you share the joy of life with others, become even more of what you have dreamed. Do not let people tell you who you are, discover life and what it holds for you. Never give up and remember the edge is a step away to an adventure most will never try.

Lova lova you! Miss you! Happy Birthday, I was excited the day you arrived and even more excited to share your dreams and future and watch you grow and become ...

Fullfillment In the Whirlwind

2008-12-14T23:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning/afternoon/evening! Whatever time you are reading this I am glad you stopped by. I am so honored to be asked to write a little something for you. I hope to encourage you today to be flexible enough to allow God to interrupt your plans by telling you my story of how I ended up on this site in the first place.

My name is Venus. (really) I am a single mom to two very strong willed children. While they are my daily challenges, they are also my daily blessings. 2008 has been a whirlwind year for me. For the last year and a half I feel God has really been inspiring me with ideas of things I want to do for his kingdom. Well, for a year of this year and a half I felt just plain stuck. I had this vision of what I wanted to do and I wanted to do it right then. With no finances and no idea how or where to begin this wonderful venture, I began to feel frustrated and lost. I began to think maybe this "crazy" idea was just that, a crazy idea.

June 2008: I attended my monthly Faith At Work luncheon. Once a month Christian women get together to hear speakers teach us how to bring our faith to the workplace. That month our guest speaker was Diane Cunningham, life purpose coach. Exactly what I needed at just the right time! But of course, does God do it any other way? That day I won a door prize directly related to the ideas I had been having and I just had to share with her. I told her how stuck I was and she suggested we talk. Before we had our phone session I had started a blog. I was just craving to connect with other Christian women to grow in my faith since so many of my friends are not believers. YET. I had sent her a link and asked her to check it out. http://todayschristianmom.blogspot.com/

She did, and she liked it! When we got to speak one on one she told me I was a writer and suggested I check out a site she was involved with Take Root and Write. She said it was fairly new and they were looking for writers. Well, this had nothing to do with my vision, in fact it was not even in the same category and I have never considered myself to be a writer, or at least a good one, but since I had just stumbled on the site the day before and now here she was mentioning it, I felt God's hand in it.

I contacted the site's creator and had her look at my new blog. Granted I was doing all this not really knowing what I would do if she actually asked me to write for her. Guess what. She did! She asked me to write a column about being a single Christian mom. The introduction to my bi-weekly column was published on 8/8/08. I had heard somewhere that 8 was the number of new beginnings and I thought, " how appropriate".

http://www.takerootandwrite.com/columns_single_moms/index.html

I have to say this has been the most challenging thing I have done in a long time. At first I thought I really had nothing to contribute or anything encouraging to say to other women who are in my situation, have been at one time, or are about to be. I was really nervous about the whole thing until I started getting emails from women telling me they understood exactly where I was coming from!

I am now part of this wonderful on-line ministry I do not think I would have found had God not guided me to it. Each and every one of the women involved has been such a blessing to me words just cannot express. While writing was not the original tool I had planned to use to reach women and bring them closer to Christ, it has still been just as effective. And it has been an even bigger blessing to me and I feel it is just the first step in God's purpose for my life. I am so glad he has a plan for me because if He didn't I might still be just sitting on my own plans. He has a plan for you too if you will allow him to guide you.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NIV

Sounds of the Season Part 1

2008-12-14T01:00:00.000-05:00

Today, as we prepare for the celebration of the honor of the Lord Jesus' birth into this world we offer some beautiful video and sounds of the season. Jesus is not the reason for just a season, but a lifestyle. I hope you will enjoy these few sounds of the season as we share the thoughts and hopes of peace and good will towards all mankind. The last video is for all those who are serving in the military, on missions, or otherwise not home with family and friends, our prayers and wishes are for you as well. Merry CHRISTmas!

Ribs Worth the Adventure

2008-12-13T01:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever bought a city guide, especially in large cities this is almost a must, but found that the descriptions weren't always what you exptected? Early in my New York City experience as an Executive Assistant on Wall Street, I needed to find someplace for my boss to hold a lunch meeting. She wanted someplace new. So armed with my city restaurant guide, I began to look for the perfect place. I went back to her with a couple of suggestions and she laughed, knowing that I didn't know the city yet. Her suggestion--take a couple of hours and go check out those places. I knew they were going to be "dogs" she never let you out of the office even for lunch.

Nevertheless I did take those couple of hours and got to know the streets and what was there. Well, last night the Impromptu Party Planner described to me what she found on Google about Lee's Barbeque. We both knew it was in the hood for real. But not necessarily by Google reviewers standards. We laughed till we hurt reading the reviews.

In the Buffalo City Guide, Lee's Barbeque Restaurant has a 4 1/2 star review. Not bad right? If you were visiting you might just want to visit, even though one review clearly states it is a take-out only. But what the heck--we can take them home, take them back to the hotel--whatever. The true of the tale is this:

As one reviewer stated "the neighborhood is a bit rough...but you get a lot of food for your money." The neighborhood is in one of the most notorious parts of the east side. Daily shootings aren't like they were a few years ago, and Lee's still sits on the same corner, amid closed stores, boarded up windows that were broken or shot out. Drug dealers and prostitutes all over, but Lee's has never moved. ER-BOD-EE in Buffalo knows Lee's Ribs!

I remember the first time a group of us went to Lee's to pick up ribs, they told me to stay in the car [I was the only Caucasian in the group]. I realized it wasn't necessarily for my safety, but theirs. I have learned so much since then. I had just moved to Buffalo, [that was about 25 years ago].

But today--Wooeeee, I can't wait until 6pm tonight. My plate filled with ribs dripping with Lee's special sauce, three-cheese macaroni and cheese, collard greens cooked with smoked turkey wing, coleslaw, cornbread, and cheese cake will be in my hands. Yummy

But my point today is this--Don't trust the maps to tell you about a restaurant, call them, check it out! And when in Buffalo, New York go to Lee's Barbeque and get a slab of ribs, slaw and fries--Happy Eating its worth the adventure!

Love Acts of the Impromptu Party Planner

2008-12-11T23:00:00.000-05:00

One of the ways that we seldom look at as "Love Acts" is the impromptu party planner. Yes, those dear souls who work with us in offices, on various church staffs, or family instigators. So today, the 365 Love Award goes to a person who I know personally, and have had the extreme good pleasure of tasting the outpouring of love from the perpetual spaghetti pot.

Many is the time when people were at her home, she would excuse herself and go to the kitchen. Out came the big pot and before long hot garlic bread, spaghetti that would make an Italian mama cry, paper plates and plastic forks--Let's eat!

This year, with the cutbacks at corporations, her company decided that there would not be the annual Christmas/Holiday Party. But you know, there are just times when you see your fellow workers cleaning out their desks, putting family photos in briefcases or purses, and you are grateful that you are still a survivor in the rate race of business. It is during those times that there is an unspoken need to have something to keep the momentum. Right on cue, the impromptu party planner.

Without hesitation, a December BBQ is planned. In her city is a place called Lee's BBQ, the best ribs in the country. Everybody volunteers to bring something for the table. Macaroni and cheese, broccoli coleslaw, shredded pork, cakes, pies, you name it--its coming. People from other departments ask if they can join. Nobody doesn't like a party for lunch!

When life gets depressing and there is no way around situations--the impromptu party planner has a way of making us feel good, to bring out the joy of friendship and good food. Our impromptu party planner--I affectionaly call Mother Worthey--always being a mother to somebody, better known as Ms. Candice.