Let's Do Lunch by Roger Troy Wilson

In this quick read Wilson presents a “dieting” plan that has worked for him and numerous others. He presents strategies and tips that can lead to a more healthy weight and lifestyle. The advice isn't new or rocket science. Roger tells readers what to eat and when to eat it, cutting out heavy foods and eating big meals at the wrong time of the day. It is a lifestyle I have wanted to adapt for some time but have postponed due to motivation.

Roger writes in a style that is easy to read and understand. He isn't a schooled expert. The information he presents is self-taught and practical. However, there are a few flaws to point out. The book is small to begin with, and only the first 92 pages are actual writing! The rest of the book is filled with recipes and a meal plan. Roger also tends to over-exaggerate points and does not write with fluidity.

In any case, I can't wait to try some recipes and start eating better! I made the Spicy Black Bean Soup last night and bought cantaloupe, watermelon, and locally grown carrots. I usually have a smoothie for breakfast or lunch already, which I will focus on for breakfast. My favorite smoothies are a few hunks of frozen bananas, frozen berries/pineapple, and soy milk blended with my Magic Bullet.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Big Two Six

Now I know what Hanukkah is like! My birthday isn't until tomorrow but it's been such a great few weeks leading up the big two six. Balloons, flowers, dinner, a headlamp, more balloons, clothes, 3D Jesus (yes, a 3D Jesus), Mike's hard lemonade, and a re-gifted i tunes gift card (any guesses who would give me that??)

George put a balloon in his mom's trunk two weeks ago, before he left for work, that she delivered today....it's the thought that counts for this surprise!

Angie/Brooks/Wynter gave me capris and a shirt, in a size 8 and small! Did I ever wear a size 8?? Do I own any small clothing that I would wear in public? I haven't tried them on yet but I know it will be close. Flattering!!!

Cast of Characters by Max Lucado

In Cast of Characters, Lucado presents a fresh perspective on stories of many characters from the Bible. Each chapter is centered on one or two individuals and recaps Biblically based details with a modern spin to help us understand what exactly happened so long ago. Each story is accompanied by a simple to read, but sometimes difficult to apply, lesson for life. He presents Biblical material in quick chapters in a way that is easy to read for teens or adults of any reading level.

My husband and I may use this as a devotional book in the near future. The end of each chapter includes a handful of study questions that would make for great discussion. Some chapters may be a bit long to use for a devotional, but the majority are a good length for us to read separately and come together to discuss.

I really enjoyed this book. The chapters are short and do not build from each other, so it is nice to be able to put this book down and enjoy another book. One small complaint I have is that at times Lucado tries too hard to drive a point home that he has already gotten across!

The Right To Lead

The Right To Lead – Learning Leadership Through Character and Courage

John C. Maxwell is the author of this beautiful, inspiring gift book. Through easy to read chapters filled with quotes and stories, he shows readers not how to learn to lead, but how to earn the right to lead. The stories are short, readable, and moving.

I filled a few pages with little quotes and tools to use to become a more effective leader, such as:

If we cannot act alone, we cannot act together.

It takes time to become worthy of followers.

I don't accept them. They accept me.

You've got to love your people more than your position.

There can be no courage unless you're scared.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has been or will be in a leadership position. You may have to try to lead once without formal training or experience, do an alright job or fail, and realize that there are tools out there to help you be better than you were. Then turn to this book.

Sewing small projects (well, at least looking up directions and planning to sew them later) has been a focus of mine lately.

Missie - any guess who might be getting which one for Christmas? There is one correct answer - one person is getting one of the above potholders.....

Summer of the Kings: Finally diving into and enjoying the Old Testament

Saul, Samuel, David, and Solomon.....the last judge and the first three kings of Israel. God didn't design us to be ruled by any king except for himself. A country without a person in charge? Major decisions made by a select few set apart as wise and worthy? How could that even work? It seems impossible to us, but this was the way the world began. Israel was content without kings and only judges....until nearby pagan countries - who worshiped false gods and did not follow the true God - appointed kings to rule their land. In response, Israelites ranted and raved for their very own king! Saul, the final judge, warned them of what would happen...

1 Samuel

¹⁰ Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. ¹¹ He said, "This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. ¹² Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. ¹³ He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. ¹⁴ He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. ¹⁵ He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. ¹⁶ Your menservants and maidservants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. ¹⁷ He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. ¹⁸ When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day."

¹⁹ But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. ²⁰ Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles."

He warned them....they didn't listen. All of Samuel's predictions come true.

Storm Warnings

Billy Graham is at heart an evangelist, not primarily an author, which I should have prepared myself for prior to beginning Storm Warning: Whether Global Recession, Terrorist Threats, or Devastating Natural Disasters, These Ominous Shadows Must Bring Us Back to the Gospel. Graham presents many current day disasters and events that are warnings signs of the end age and examines and deciphers the book of Revelations.

Instead of Graham diving into current and future events that stemmed from Biblical prophecies as I had expected, I struggled through the first 100 pages of Storm Warning, waiting for insight and information. The book is fairly simplistic, slow, and written for a general audience, which was not what I expected. As usual, unmet expectations can destroy a perfectly good experience, which could be the main reason I did not enjoy this read.

While describing and explaining the last book of the Bible, Billy Graham does not miss an opportunity to share the gospel message in Storm Warnings. The reason to discuss end times is install a bit of realistic fear into a sinful human race, which Graham does in a very positive, encouraging manner. I am a believer and think it is very important to share the gospel but wish more of this book was devoted to insights and descriptions of relevant current events. I hope believers and non-believers are touched by his message - he paints a great word picture of the author and message of Revelations, but this read left me wanting more.