Just a Thought

This blog post has nothing to do with a book. I am making it in response to an article I read. Every one is blaming the other "side" when it comes to the event in Arizona. We all have opinions that we indiscriminately throw out on websites. These websites allow us to remain anonymous and attack each other with a vengeance. We make statements that we cannot substantiate, we show our ignorance by spewing ugly generalizations with out a true understanding of what the other "side" is saying. We let comments deteriorate into name calling and blaming. My answer is the same as all our mothers have tried to teach us while growing up. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Let your opinion be known, state it and state it with a pride in who you are. Don't attack others, don't belittle someone because their opinion is different. If you spend five minutes listening to someone else you might learn we are not as different as you might think. Both "sides" want a safer USA, one that can withstand the attack of an enemy. But we are becoming our own enemy with our attitudes and refusal to see the USA for what it really is and stands for. Most of the hate filled arguing is being done by people who do not vote. No voting means no right to complain and belittle others. When you refuse to do your part don't criticize those  who are doing their best.
  What happened in Arizona is a terrible tragedy and my thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been touched by this. Let's stop blaming the right wing, left wing, and the sheriff. Pull together and do what America was created to do. Stand tall, support those injured in the tragedy and find a way to prevent it from happening again. And no, taking away every one's gun is not that answer. The mentally disturbed man who committed this crime wouldn't have cared if his gun was legal or not. Do some research on the state of mental health care in America. Talk with your friends about workable solutions that don't include taking our rights and freedom away. Pray for others and try to find a way to help. The name calling, belittling, and spewing of ignorance hasn't helped one person yet, it is not going to magically start making a difference. Kindness, love, and if necessary, agreeing to disagree on political views will make a difference. Vote, call, and write your congressman. Educate your children in ways to get along even when view points differ and lead them by example.
And remember, while we tear each other apart there is a widow grieving her husband who died protecting her, a mother grieving her nine year old daughter, a man grieving his wife of 55 years. Most of us will never know this kind of pain and loss. Most of us will never have to make a split second decision to die so that our spouse might survive. These are just a very few of the stories of those hurt on that horrible day. Stop bickering, stop speaking with such arrogance about to which party you belong. No one cares what political party that husband, wife, or daughter belonged to. Say a prayer, register to vote, or just go hug your spouse or children. Our hatred and anger only leads to more pain and I think we have seen enough of what that can do. Again, my prayers go out to all those touched by this tragedy.

Review of Voices of the Faithful Book 2 by Kim P. Davis

  Voices of the Faithful Book 2 by Kim P. Davis is the second in a series created by Beth Moore. This is a daily devotional book with prayers for the day at the end of each devotion. Each day also features a Bible verse taken from multiple versions of the Bible. It is quite an attractive book and feels sturdy enough to be read each day throughout the year.  Each month has a different theme.

  I did not find this devotional as enjoyable as I had hoped. For readers with my penchant for needing more information this is not the devotional for you. There are 366 entries each from a different missionary. Each entry is very brief with only one bible verse at the top of the page. The set up for this devotional makes it difficult to become invested and provides minimal exposure to God’s word. I feel that for inspiration this is a great resource but would not use it as a daily devotional.

  A devotion that particularly spoke to me was May 2, God Chooses the Nobodies. This reminded me that God is only looking for a willing heart, not always the professional or best.  Voices of the Faithful contains so many instances of willing hearts that even if it is not a devotional of your personal style, there are messages to make you think and pray, leading you to a closer walk with our Father.

Disclaimer: ( I received this book free from the publisher via Booksneeze, a blogger review program. The opinions expressed are entirely my own. I am disclosing this in concordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

 

New Book

  My new book, "Voices of the Faithful" Book 2 has arrived. A review is soon to come!!

Start! A Bible for New Believers

Start! A Bible for New Believers. NKJV 

General Editor: Greg Laurie

                Start! Is a daily reading Bible marketed to new believers. I feel this Bible is an asset not only to new believers but to anyone who feels their daily reading experience is a little stale. There is even a section for the reader to write notes provided in the back.

                This Bible opens with a plan of salvation and then moves on to steps for spiritual success.  Throughout the Bible there are little sections entitled GROW, LEARN, KNOW, LIVE, and LEARN. These are filled with good information.  Each book is prefaced by an introduction. This introduction is interesting and sets the stage for the contents of the book.

                This Bible has a lot to offer someone wanting to grow and learn in the faith. It has a couple of points for concern, however. The first concern I would like to mention is the font size. It is a little bit on the small side for a bible made for daily reading. The second thing I would like to mention is durability. The bible comes in an eye catching red cover with a very contemporary theme. However the paperback version of this Bible would not hold up to continued frequent use.  As it is meant to be a bible for daily reading I feel this is a large draw back. The reader will have to purchase a cover to extend the life of the Bible. 

                These things aside, I feel this Bible will get a lot of use in my home and would recommend it for any home in which there is a desire to learn more about God. The features inside keep bible reading fresh and new. The NKJV it is printed in makes it a reader friendly version as well. I enjoyed the opportunity to review this Bible.

(Disclaimer: This Bible was presented to me for free by Thomas Nelson Booksneeze, a book review blogger program. The opinions expressed are solely my own.)

I mean it this time

     Ok. I said I was going to start a blog. Then I put one post and haven't gone any farther. The first book I got for review was a bible, so that was a big thing to spend time trying to review and get a feeling for. Also I had the holidays and some crazy time consuming things coming up at work. My goal is to get the Bible review posted by tomorrow night. Then it is on to the next book. This will hopefully flow more quickly and have more content soon. I hope every one had a wonderful Holiday season and that they spent time remembering why we truly celebrate during this time. I also wish everyone a wonderful New Year's Eve. Please have fun and be safe!! Now, on to this review......

New Blog

Ok. I have violently opposed every attempt made by my husband to get me to create a blog. Until now, that is. With his very patient help I have created a blog for one reason. I am an avid reader. I read quickly and often. I also enjoy quite the variety of genres, styles, and authors. I generally have thoughts about those books that I feel are important. However, I don't always have a venue to express those thoughts as I don't have any friends with quite the eclectic taste I enjoy. This has led me to create a blog. I am sure now that I have begun to blog, it will be a slippery slope into blogging more than just my reading experiences. This is a thought that probably makes my husband laugh out loud as I have protested not only blogging myself but his blogs as well from time to time. I guess only time will tell exactly where this will go. I look forward to the many posts to come.

H.Welkley