BACON: both repelling & compelling {Five Minute Friday}

by @Fitzysmom




One Word Prompt ~ Five Minutes of Writing ~ No Editing

Today's Prompt: BACON

GO!

There are some scents out there that are just distinctive and frying BACON is one of them. It is compelling and repelling at the same time. I’m compelled by it because I know how it tastes. I’m repelled by it because I know it can be messy.

My walk with Christ can be the same. I’m compelled to follow Him because He not only scooped me up out of the pit I was in but He cleansed me and made me whole. When I’m walking with Him closely my life is savory like the taste of BACON.

But if I’m honest there is a repelling part of the Christian life as well. Sometimes I’m like Paul and I find myself doing things that I know I shouldn’t be doing and shirking the things that I should be doing. Just like BACON it can be a messy walk. And I find myself looking over at the grilled chicken wanting that seemingly clean meal.

But oh the joy when I just sit back and savor the flavor! Don’t get me wrong I’m really not comparing life in Christ to BACON, but the metaphor does seem to work. Sometimes the path He leads me down is a greasy grimy mess but the feast at the end will be worth it every time!

END!

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Dancing Through It: My Journey in the Ballet by Jenifer Ringer {Biography Review}



Jenifer Ringer
Biography & Memoir

As a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet (now retired), Jenifer Ringer knows what it's like to make it to the top of the rarefied world of classical ballet. In Dancing Through It, Ringer goes behind the scenes at one of the most renowned dance companies in the world and shares her own journey from student to star, candidly discussing both her struggle with an eating disorder and the media storm that erupted after a New York Times critic implied that she was overweight.

An unusually upbeat account of life on the stage, Dancing Through It is also a coming-of-age story and an inspiring memoir of faith and of triumph over the body issues that torment all too many women and men.

Take A Look Inside



My Thoughts

Reading a good memoir is like getting a sneak peek into the life of someone you admire. I've never been a dancer myself but I raised a beautiful dancer and watched her go from tiny ballerina to professional dancer. Reading Dancing Through It brought back many memories both happy and frustrating.

Jenifer Ringer did a masterful job of letting you see behind all the costumes and sets and into the practice studios and after hours of recovery that make up the real life of a professional dancer. I appreciated the honesty that she used when talking about the sacrifices that were made not only by herself but her family. To become an elite dancer you have to be willing to let it be all consuming and your family invariably is along for the ride. 

I also appreciated her honesty about how her spiritual life took a back seat because ballet came first. She would be the first to tell you that time was difficult because she forgot Who she was ultimately performing for. 

Lest you think this is a book that only focuses on the rigors of the profession let me assure you that it is also a beautiful love story. Jenifer and James have a fascinating history together and it was fun to read about it. But this is also a love story between Jenifer and Jesus. And that is the best part of the book for me. 

If you are a dancer or raising a dancer this is the perfect book to give you insight into what is ahead and a way to be in the performing arts community without losing your faith. 


Vendetta (The Nikki Boyd Files, Book 1) by Lisa Harris {Romantic Suspense Review}



The Nikki Boyd Files, Book 1
Romantic Suspense

No one needs to push Nikki Boyd to excel on the Tennessee Missing Persons Task Force. The case of her own missing sister, still unsolved after ten years, is the driving force in her work. When a Polaroid photo of a missing girl shows up at a crime scene, Nikki quickly recognizes similarities to the past. The closer she gets to the abductor, the more she feels this case has become personal, and she is not the hunter . . . but the hunted.

With this explosive first book in The Nikki Boyd Files, award-winning author Lisa Harris takes you on a fast-paced pursuit of justice that will have you holding your breath until the heart-stopping finish.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

I love to read a good crime drama. And I've come to love the work of Lisa Harris. I've had the pleasure of reading several of her novels and enjoyed each one of them. Unfortunately Vendetta just didn't click with me. It had all of the usual elements that I like, independent and strong lead female, interesting setting, and a heart-pumping situation. In fact it started off really good. But around chapter 5 or 6 it started to become a bit disjointed to me.

Without spoiling the story I can't share specifics but I'm going to say that I think it was the actions of the characters that didn't fit their backgrounds that seemed off. Was it a good story, yes. Will I read the rest of the series, yes. I really do like Lisa Harris' work and that may be the problem. After reading so many of her books I may have set an unfair standard for this one. I think that if I weren't familiar with her work I may have just chalked this one up to not being my cup of tea.

It is my hope that the following books in the series will draw me in and help me to connect with the characters in a better way. There is an excerpt from book two in the back of this book and after reading it I am intrigued to read more. It comes out next summer so I guess we'll just patiently wait and see.

Other Reviews For This Author


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The Purpose Driven Life Devotional for Kids by Rick Warren {Children's Nonfiction Review}



Juvenile Nonfiction (ages 9-12)

GOD CREATED EACH OF US
WITH A PURPOSE IN MIND . . . 
IT'S TIME TO START YOUR 
JOURNEY TO FINDING THAT REASON.

YOU ARE NOT AN ACCIDENT. Even before the universe was created, God had you in mind, and he planned you for his purposes. The Purpose Driven Life Devotional for Kids includes 365 scripture-based devotions meant to help you discover who you are in God's eyes and help you find your purpose in relation to Christ.

Based on the themes from the bestseller by Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life.






My Thoughts

Way back in 2002 our whole church body from the youth group to the senior adults spent 40 days studying The Purpose Driven Life. All these years later the truths that I learned still resonate within me. At the time I only had teenagers and above and they were participating in the study so I didn't give much thought to the little ones.

Now I have eight grands and I want them to learn the same principles that we did all those years ago. I want them to know that they were created for a purpose. Their existence was never a mistake but rather a God ordained blessing bestowed upon their parents (and their grandparents!). 

When The Purpose Driven Life Devotional for Kids arrived at my home I was thrilled to be able to share it with my kids and grands. The book is broken down into 365 daily devotions that cover the same six purposes in the original book. The language is designed for nine to twelve year-olds but we are finding that the younger kids are doing well with listening in. 

I have to tell you about one other thing that caught my eye. The very last chapter is entitled Why So Many Translations? Of course I had to flip back there and read it. Pastor Rick gave three reasons to answer that question but it is the second one that really stood out to me:
"Second, and even more important, is the fact that we often miss the full impact or meaning of familiar Bible verses, not because of poor translating, but simply because they become so familiar! We think we know the message of a verse because we have read or heard it so many times. Then we find it quoted in a book, we skim over it, and miss the full meaning." (pg. 382)
Isn't that the truth! In my personal studies I like to look things up in different translations so I was pleased to see this same technique employed in this book.

As I said before The Purpose Driven Life made such an impact on my life. If you are looking for a way to impart these same principles into your children's lives I highly recommend this book. Not only will you be teaching your children how important they are in God's eyes but you will be reminding yourself of that truth as well.

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The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz {Historical Romance Review}



Historical Romance

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE
MISTRESS OF TALL ACRE . . .

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal--you will find it all in the rich pages of this newest novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

Being a family member of someone away at war has always been difficult but can you imagine how hard it would be during the American Revolution? You could go months and months without hearing from your loved one. That's where Sophie Menzies finds herself. The war is over but she hasn't seen or heard from her brother. Without him her life as she knows it will forever be changed.

Her neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, has returned from war and brought along a bright spot in her day in the form of his young daughter Lily Cate. Sophie quickly falls in love with Lily Cate and finds herself becoming entangled with Seamus as well. Before too long a marriage of convenience between Seamus and Sophie comes about to benefit both of them. Seamus needs a mother for his daughter and Sophie needs a way to save her estate.

Just when all seems to be falling into place nicely and the two begin to fall in love a twist appears in bodily form that changes everything for everyone. I enjoyed the unexpected suspense that was included in the storyline. Laura Frantz did a masterful job of keeping me guessing as to what was really happening.

I have read several of Laura Frantz's books but this one comes in at the top part of the list. I felt like I learned a little bit more about the circumstances surrounding this point in history due to the historic details that were woven throughout. I liked the complex story and the characters that were depicted. I also liked how the story didn't feel rushed (especially towards the end) and came to a conclusion that felt finished. Lastly I like that it is a stand alone novel. I love, love, love a good series but every once in a while it's nice to get the whole story in one volume.


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Last Chance Hero (A Place To Call Home, Book 4) by Cathleen Armstrong {Book Review}



A Place to Call Home, Book 4
Contemporary Romance

What happens when your heart is intercepted before
you even know it's in play?

The folks in Last Chance, New Mexico, could not be more pleased. Dr. Jessica MacLeod has opened an office right on Main Street and Andy Ryan, the best athlete the little town ever produced, has come home from the NFL to coach the high school football team. Unfortunately, Dr. Jess immediately gets off on the wrong foot with this football-obsessed town when she admits that she's never seen a football game, isn't really interested in doing so, and in fact doesn't know a first down from a goalpost.

Despite having little in common, Jess and Andy find themselves drawn to each other. But when a disagreement over the future of an injured player puts them both on the defensive, it begins to look like this game is over . . .

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

Who would have ever thought that a series about a small middle-of-nowhere town in New Mexico would capture my attention enough to read four books centered around said town? I would have never guessed it. But the truth is that I have fallen in love with the town and people of Last Chance, New Mexico.

Yes, this is the fourth book in the series but the good news is that if you haven't been reading along I think it is safe to say that you can pick this one up and read it as a stand-alone novel. There are references to past experiences (so fair warning there will be spoilers to the previous books) but I think the author does a good job of filling in the gaps of the story so you won't feel lost.

This particular storyline revolves around the new town doctor and the returning football hero turned coach. The tension between the two is pretty strong right from the start. Dr. Jessica disdains football, which puts her at odds with most of the town. Not good when you're trying to start up a practice. Poor girl has never lived in a small town and clearly doesn't understand the dynamics of supporting the hometown team. Coach Andy is intrigued by Jessica right from the start. Even though he is rebuffed again and again by Jessica he takes it in stride and presses on.

I'm from a middle-of-nowhere small town and I love how Cathleen Armstrong has captured the essence of small town living. These people may drive you absolutely crazy but they're your people so don't cross them or you'll have to deal with me! If you delight in reading about unique people that have strong character as well as flaws then I think you will enjoy not only Last Chance Hero but also the entire A Place to Call Home series.

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Prayers That Changed History: From Christopher Columbus to Helen Keller, How God Used 25 People To Change The World by Tricia Goyer {Children's Book Review}



From Christopher Columbus to
Helen Keller, How God Used 25
People to Change the World
Juvenile Nonfiction (ages 8+)


One Prayer - Your Prayer - Can Change Everything

Martin Luther, Sojourner Truth, Helen Keller, St. Patrick.

You've read their stories in history books, and you've heard about the amazing thngs they did to change the world. But one part of the story is often left out; each one of them wouldn't have accomplished what they did without prayer.

In this book from bestselling author Tricia Goyer, the stories of twenty-five notable people are presented along with the major prayer that changed their lives, and changed history. Following each historical example is a biblical story that ties to that person's life and actions, as well as ways you can use the power of prayer in your life. Because God isn't done changing the world yet, and he would love to use you to make history.


My Thoughts

In Prayers That Changed History Tricia Goyer uses her exceptional talent as a historical fiction writer to take you and your children on a journey through time allowing you to see through personal prayers how historical events were changed.

She begins with Polycarp and shares a bit of background surrounding the eventful prayer and then shares the prayer itself. Knowing about the events that are going to lead to Polycarp's ultimate death and then reading the prayer that he spoke just before the event is powerful. Following the story of Polycarp are twenty-four more testimonies of people throughout history that turned to prayer during a turning point. 

While I liked the information and prayer by the person I really appreciated the other applications that were made about each person. Tricia includes a section that talks about how the prayer changed history and then she concludes with a section that draws a parallel to a segment in the Bible.

This book would make a great addition to a family devotional time on the importance of prayer. Of course if you are a homeschooling family this would be a great add in as you study each of these figures throughout history. I think that your family will find the book interesting while they are learning facts that aren't always covered in common textbooks. 

I would note however that some of the subject matter is a little graphic (some are put to death and other more mature subject matter is discussed) but it is all presented in a very tasteful way. I agree with the age recommendation of eight and above. 

I look forward to using this book over and over again in our studies and family devotional times. If you are looking to enhance the practice of prayer in your family I recommend this book highly.

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Little Words Matter: Jesus and Noah's Ark illustrated by Holli Conger {Children's Book Review}



Illustrated by Holli Conger
Juvenile Nonfiction (ages 0-4)

A FEW LITTLE WORDS CAN TELL
A BIG STORY
ABOUT JESUS AND NOAH!

Teacher, healer, Servant, King--Jesus is a lot of things! Now toddlers can learn His amazing story in just 12 child-friendly words.

Who doesn't love to hear the story of how God saved Noah and his ark full of animals from the biggest flood ever? Now little readers can learn about Noah in just 12 child-friendly words.

In the Little Words Matter™ board books, it only takes a few words to tell a big story. Crafted especially for toddlers, these books make biblical truths easily understandable and enjoyable for little ones and their parents too!

















My Thoughts

If you could only use twelve words to describe the story of Jesus to your little one what would they be? Perhaps baby, temple, baptized, miracles, teacher, healer, loving, king, servant, cross, tomb, and finally Jesus! Those are the words that the team from Little Words Matter came up with and I think they encapsulate the story of Christ well. 

What twelve words would you use to simply narrate the story of Noah's Ark to your little one? How about Noah, building, ark, family, animals, rain, flood, waiting . . ., leaf?, land!, rainbow, and finally thankful. I can't think of a more concise way to begin teaching your baby about this powerful story.

These Little Words Matter books are filled with the fun and engaging illustrations by Holli Conger. Each page of the board book has a simple word that not only tells part of the story depicted but also allows little fingers to flip the pages as fast as their attention spans will allow.

Don't think for a minute that these words will have little impact. As I read them aloud I could feel the story building and that is also what your child will feel as they grow and continue to read and learn more and more about the Bible and the stories that are contained within.




Simply Tuesday: Small-Moment Living in a Fast-Moving World by Emily P. Freeman {Book Review}



Christian Living


Is your soul being held hostage by hustle? 
If you've grown weary of do more and dream bigger, small-moment living is just what you need. Real life happens in the small moments we find on the most ordinary day of the week. Tuesday holds secrets we can't see in a hurry--secrets not just for our schedules but for our souls. In Simply Tuesday, Emily P. Freeman shows you how to

· embrace today's work
· find contentment in the now
· replace competition with connection
· learn to breathe in a breathless world

It's time to release our obsession with building a life, and believe in the life Christ is building within us--one simple Tuesday at a time.





My Thoughts

Small-moment living in a fast-moving world. To be honest I'm not even sure I know what that looks like. But after reading Simply Tuesday I want to figure it out. Emily Freeman has a grasp on something that so many of us long for.

Chapter by chapter she leads you along the path of slowing your life down and making the most of the moments before you. I love the title, Simply Tuesday. To me it encapsulates what the whole book is about. (Probably why it was chosen as the title!) In a world where it seems we run from one big event to the next Emily encourages us to slow down and enjoy the simple things that happen on an ordinary day like Tuesday.

If you're like me and just tired of being tired or maybe you already know that you are never going to keep up with the Jones' pick up this book and begin the steps to slowing down and tuning in to all that is in front of you. By the closing chapter I believe you will receive the gift of learning how important it is to be present wherever God places you.

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Thankful by Eileen Spinelli {Children's Book Review}



Illustrated by Archie Preston
Juvenile Fiction (ages 4-8)

THANKFUL

Like the gardener,
Thankful for every green sprout,
And the fireman,
For putting the fire out,
There are everyday blessings,
You don't need to look far,
To know at a glance,
How special you are.

Thankful, by bestselling and award-winning children’s author Eileen Spinelli, combines charming rhymes and whimsical illustrations to convey the importance of being thankful for everyday blessings. Like the gardener thankful for every green sprout, and the fireman, for putting the fire out, readers are encouraged to be thankful for the many blessings they find in their lives. Spinelli exhibits her endearing storytelling with this engaging poem, reminding children how blessed and special they are. Meant to be read aloud, this heartwarming picture book will be a treasured keepsake for parents and children alike.






My Thoughts

One of the Thanksgiving traditions that we have in our family is to go around the table and express what we are thankful for before partaking in the meal. I've always delighted in the quirky and unconventional things that my children and now my grandchildren come up with. But doesn't that capture the true essence of thankfulness?

It's easy to be thankful for the big major things like food and shelter but it's just as important to be thankful for the everyday ordinary things as well. As you read through this book with your little ones you'll be reminded about those things too! 

I'm not sure which part of this book I'm more enamored with, the words or the illustrations. Eileen Spinelli has used her wonderful knack with rhyming verse to create a whimsical story that captures the thought process of a young child. Archie Preston and his eccentric illustrations are the perfect fit for this delightful story about a family's thankfulness.

Eileen Spinelli and Archie Preston make an absolutely delightful team and it is my hope that they will join up again and again to bring all of us books that are sure to be read over and over.





Eve by William Paul Young {Book Review}



Fiction

WHEN A SHIPPING CONTAINER washes ashore on an island between our world and the next, John the Collector finds a young woman inside--broken, frozen, and barely alive. With the aid of Healers and Scholars, John oversees her recovery and soon discovers that her genetic code connects her to every known race. No one would guess what her survival will mean . . .

No one but Eve, Mother of the Living, who calls her "daughter" and invites her to witness the truth about her story--indeed, the truth about us all.

Eve is a bold, unprecedented exploration of the Creation narrative, true to the original texts and centuries of scholarship--yet with breathtaking discoveries that challenge traditional beliefs about who we are and how we're made. As The Shack awakened readers to a personal, non-religious understanding of God, Eve will free us from faulty interpretations that have corrupted human relationships since the Garden of Eden.

Eve opens a refreshing conversation about the equality of men and women within the context of our beginnings, helping us see each other as our Creator does--complete, unique, and not constrained by cultural rules or limitations.

Thoroughly researched and exquisitely written, Eve is a masterpiece that will linspire readers for generations to come.





My Thoughts

This is a tough review for me. I'm torn with what to say because I don't want to disparage Mr. Young but I also don't want to be false in my assessment of the book. I went into the reading of this book with the knowledge that Mr. Young was a talented writer. I've read some of his previous endeavors and enjoyed his writing style. In Eve I once again enjoyed his mastery of words and story. But unfortunately I couldn't separate the fiction from the Biblical account.

If Eve truly were a work of fiction based solely upon the authors imagination I would rate it higher and say that it was a good story just not quite to my liking. However, the story crosses over into Biblical fiction and that takes it to another level of scrutiny for me. 

Even though Mr. Young proclaims extensive research into the original texts the story of Eve deviates from it over and over in quite extreme ways. Mr. Young also states that he wishes to take a look at gender equality in a new way but I perceived it as more of a shifting of blame onto Adam rather than Adam and Eve equally disobeying God. Many of the themes throughout the book lean to an ultra feminist agenda that just don't sit well with me and seem to be contrary to Scripture.

Eve is a book that I would personally recommend skipping. While the author is quite talented the subject matter in this book make it impossible for me to recommend it to anyone. It is my hope that Mr. Young will continue to use his talents but in areas that aren't as controversial. 

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The Story of God's Love For You by Sally LLoyd-Jones {Book Review & Giveaway}

by @Fitzysmom



I have a secret confession to make. Any book with the name Sally Lloyd-Jones on it I want. I don’t even have to open it up to know that I want it. Her name on the cover is enough to make me put it in my cart. Why is that you ask? It’s because I can be assured that she is going to take the reader’s hand and draw them to Jesus.

For years now we have been enjoying her beautiful story books with all the littles in our lives. She teams up with a talented artist and the two of them create a masterpiece that brings the wonderful words and concepts of Scripture to life. If you’ve not enjoyed one of her books with your kids you are missing out.

In the back of my mind I have always thought it would be lovely to read an adult book written by her. She has such a gentle way with words that quietly brings the Gospel into your reading experience.  Well, my wish has somewhat come true. With the release of The Story Of God’s Love ForYou I can now unashamedly bask in the beautiful words that bring me into the presence of God.



The Story of God’sLove For You is the adult version of TheJesus Storybook Bible. The words are the same but it is packaged for an adult to read. There are forty-four short chapters that lead you through the beautiful love story of the Bible. This book is a must for all the worn out mommas out there!

It would be perfect for those moments when you just need to regroup. Think about where you go to escape the madness. Is it the bathroom, the laundry room, or even the car in the garage? Wherever it is keep a copy of this book there and when you think you are about to lose your marbles go there and read a chapter. You’ll be exposed to the flawed people that God chose to use to bring about His perfect plan. Every time I read a chapter it reminds me that none of us are perfect but God is and has a part designed just for you in the midst of the crazy day-to-day.

Maybe you're an empty-nester like me. I recently took it with us on a business trip and read it aloud to my husband as we were driving. I simply could not put it down! Not only did it make the trip go faster but we were blessed with the beautiful redeeming love story that God wrote just for us.



Now . . . how about a GIVEAWAY for a chance to get your hands on these lovely books for yourself? We loved both The Story of God's Love For You and The Jesus Storybook Bible so much that we wanted to make a way for THREE of our readers to get their own copies. To do that we have partnered with Zonderkidz to give THREE of our readers a copy of each book!

The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Thursday, October 22, 2015. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Giveaway Tools form below. All entries are optional.


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