Rhonda's Doings !

Grace Anna Sings:  A story of hope through a little girl with a big voice by Angela Ray Rodgers Book Description:   Grace Anna: A Heart Song that Inspires the World Often in life we feel beat down. Life has lost its joy and we want to give up. Then there is a light—a light from someone unexpected. A story so inspiring, we begin to wake up and dream again. Before the birth Grace Anna, Angela experienced heartbreaking loss that left her seeking God’s guidance and healing to make it through each day. After Grace Anna’s birth, Angela went from being a science teacher to an advocate for her daughter. The Rodgers have gone through incredible highs and heartbreaking lows. But through it all, God has been their refuge and has blessed them with amazing, joyful lives. Grace Anna will inspire you to: Be the best you can be no matter your circumstances. Make the choice to live, not just exist. Be bold, be brave, and step out courageously. Seek joy where there appears to be only...

Live Fearless:   A Call to Power, Passion, and Purpose by Sadie Robertson Book Description: Sadie Robertson, bestselling author and star of  Dancing with the Stars,  has an important message for her generation: you don't have to be held back by fear, anxiety, or loneliness anymore. In  Live Fearless , Sadie takes you on a thrilling personal journey toward power, passion, and purpose as you live at the center of who God created you to be! Dear friends, I don't know about you, but I'm pretty tired of the struggle. You know which one I mean--fear, loneliness, not knowing who I am or what I'm meant to do. . . . Sound familiar? I struggled with insecurity, comparison, and isolation for too many years, from thigh gaps to eyebrows to the lifestyles I felt I had to live up to. I was so afraid of being "found out," that everyone in my life would somehow figure out that I was fearful and small and that I struggled to make my faith a reality and to be secure in...

Champion  by Craig Johnson Book Description: Even on your worst day, you may become someone else’s best hope. When Pastor Craig and Samantha Johnson moved to Houston to take a position at Lakewood Church, they thought they had it made. Two kids, a great job, a beautiful home, and a solid plan for the future. Their dream, however, was interrupted by the unplanned arrival of a third child, Connor. Connor grew to become a normal, healthy toddler. When he turned two, however, something changed. He stopped talking, displayed behavioral problems, and was no longer the cheerful, engaged little boy they had known. No one seemed to have answers until the official diagnosis was handed down—autism.   Faced with seemingly insurmountable odds—a child who could not speak or respond with emotion—the Johnsons were filled with unanswered questions and deep sorrow. God quietly spoke to Craig’s heart, telling him Connor’s story would one day touch the lives of thousands of people around t...

Prince Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life  Book Review by Sally Bedell Smith From the  New York Times  bestselling author of  Elizabeth the Queen  comes the first major biography of Prince Charles in more than twenty years--perfect for fans of  The Crown . Sally Bedell Smith returns once again to the British royal family to give us a new look at Prince Charles, the oldest heir to the throne in more than three hundred years. This vivid, eye-opening biography--the product of four years of research and hundreds of interviews with palace officials, former girlfriends, spiritual gurus, and more, some speaking on the record for the first time--is the first authoritative treatment of Charles's life that sheds light on the death of Diana, his marriage to Camilla, and his preparations to take the throne one day. Prince Charles  brings to life the real man, with all of his ambitions, insecurities, and convictions. It begins with h...

Review of Juniper: The girl who was born too soon by Kelley and Thomas French A micro preemie fights for survival in this extraordinary and gorgeously told memoir by her parents, both award-winning journalists. Juniper French was born four months early, at 23 weeks' gestation. She weighed 1 pound, 4 ounces, and her twiggy body was the length of a Barbie doll. Her head was smaller than a tennis ball, her skin was nearly translucent, and through her chest you could see her flickering heart. Premature babies like Juniper, born at the edge of viability, trigger the question: Which is the greater act of love--to save her, or to let her go? Kelley and Thomas French chose to fight for Juniper's life, and this is their incredible tale. In one exquisite memoir, the authors explore the border between what is possible and what is right. They marvel at the science that conceived and sustained their daughter and the love that made the difference. They probe the bond between a mother ...

Review of Forgiving My Daughter's Killer: A True Story of Loss, Faith and Unexpected Grace by Kate Grosmaire with Nancy French Forgiveness has less to do with the person who harmed you than you think. On March 28, 2010, Kate and Andy Grosmaire received two pieces of news that would change their lives forever. The first was their worst nightmare: “Ann has been shot.” The second was the dumbfounding addendum: “Conor was the one who shot her.” Their nineteen-year-old daughter had been killed by her boyfriend, a young man who had lived with the family and had come to feel like part of it. In a beautiful, tragic testament to the liberating power of forgiveness, Kate Grosmaire finally tells the whole story of her daughter’s death at the hand of her boyfriend—and the stunning, deliberate forgiveness and help that Kate and her husband offered to the young man who shattered their world. That forgiveness meant not only telling him face-to-face that they forgave him but even working ...

Review of Under the Sea Holy Bible and a Giveaway!   New International Reader's Version The  Under the Sea Holy Bible, NIrV  is a perfect gift for children ages 6 to 10. Themes of underwater fun and sparkling fish grace the interior of this wonderful children’s Bible. The outside is covered in foil and sparkle. The interior has color inserts featuring whimsical underwater scenes with themes of God’s care and love for each of us and all of creation. My Review:    The cover of the Under the Sea Holy Bible, NIrV, reminds me of the movie, Finding Nemo.  I took it to church to a Bible study and showed it to several children and they said the same thing.  They really liked it too.  This is a new translation for me and it was very easy to understand.  It will be wonderful for 6-10 year old children.   There are several beautiful insert pages which are all in color and featuring the theme of "Under the Sea":  Books of the Bib...

Review of Zachary's Choice:  Surviving My Child's Suicide by Suzy LaBonte A Christian homeschooling mom of a large family, Suzy LaBonte never imagined one of her children might die by suicide. She received an agonizing blow the day her sixteen-year-old son, Zachary, without threat or forewarning, chose to end his own life. The following months were bleak and sorrowful as Suzy struggled down a confusing path of shock, anger, guilt, and depression. Slowly putting one foot in front of the other, Suzy focused on the unfailing character of God, her husband's faithful partnership, and the hopeful faces of the children before her. Plodding and stumbling toward understanding and healing, Suzy found that God's faithful companionship and the promises of His Word lightened the darkest hours and sustained her life. Healing came slowly and with it, transforming lessons of pain and courage. With a passion to reach out to encourage other suicide survivors, Suzy shares the h...

Review of Children of the Depressed by   Shoshana S Bennett Have you ever wondered,  Why am I so negative?  or  Why is my life so chaotic?  Whether or not your parent was ever formally diagnosed with depression, you’ve probably always known there was something different about your upbringing. And even though you’ve grown up and moved on, you may still feel the after-effects of living with your parent’s illness. In  Children of the Depressed , a depression expert helps adult children understand and overcome common problems that stem from growing up with a depressed parent, such as poor communication skills and negative self-talk. Using skills and practices rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), you will learn to shed the old dynamics and ways of thinking that have been weighing you down and keeping you from enjoying healthy relationships and the life you deserve. Most books on depression only focus on getting help for the depressed person. This...

Review of He Who Has An Ear  Who The Seven Churches of Revelation are Today by Laura J. Davis More than two thousand years ago the Apostle John had a vision he received from the Lord. He was told to write seven letters to the churches of Asia Minor. Out of the seven churches only two received commendation from the Lord. The rest were letters of warning. The letters to the seven churches are a message for this generation during these last days. He who has an ear will know what to do and act accordingly. My Review:   This is a great resource for those who are interested in further Bible study and especially for pastors, Bible scholars, and professors.  I feel that this book would make a very nice small group study.    Laura Davis has provided in depth analysis of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation.  I really like the bulleted lists included for each of the chapters and the questions addressed for the churches:   Some of these ques...

Review of Crochet: One Skein Wonders by Judith Durant & Edie Eckman (editors) Finally, a One-Skein Wonders book just for crocheters! Edie Eckman and Judith Durant offer 101 great crochet projects--from jewelry and scarves to bags, hats, dresses, and home dec items--that each use just one skein of yarn. Whatever your experience level, you'll find something here to delight you! MY REVIEW:   if you are looking for some great patterns to crochet, check this book out.   The projects all use one skein of yarn so they can be completed quickly and make great carry-along projects.   The illustrations are bright and colorful.  The directions are easy to follow. There are projects for all levels of crocheting expertise, from beginner to advanced.  These all make wonderful gifts or nice items to keep and use yourself.  There are 101 projects included so you will definitely get your money's worth out of this book.   I received a free pdf copy of ...

Review of The Maker's Diet Revolution by Jordan Rubin The Maker's Diet Revolution   is the long awaited sequel to The Maker's Diet that Jordan Rubin’s fans are ready for. Jordan will share everything he has learned in the years since he wrote The Maker's Diet, including: Health and Diet Tips,Why our nation's food supply is compromised,  The importance of organic foods, Choosing the best water sources, Raising healthy children, healing chronic illnesses and much more! His Popular Health Myths and Truths, Jordan Rubin is a renowned natural health expert and NYT Best-selling author of The Maker's Diet MY REVIEW:   Jordan Rubin has taken great care to research both scriptures from the Bible as well as other health information in this book.   I find it very interesting and hope to attempt to follow the diet for health reasons as I suffer from Ulcerative Colitis.   I do wonder though what effect it will have on my system and he does offer some alternat...

From the Heart of a Woman  Love Letters to My Lord by Sylvia Hensel book review  So many times when author Sylvia Hensel bows in prayer, she finds herself transported to another place. She feels herself being lifted up on arms of love to a realm of oneness with her Lord. She feels as though she is the bride in the Song of Solomon. He comes to her in the midnight hours and calls her to Himself. Every nerve of her spiritual being is in tune with Him as He whispers words of love in her ear. He takes her in His arms, and they dance across the heavens while He sings over her. She is enraptured by His exquisite love for her. In those moments they share their intimate thoughts with one another. It is when His presence is lifted that she finds she has written much of what was said, and she is awestruck at the beauty that had transpired during the time they shared. These are her personal love letters to Jesus. For many years He would not allow her to share them, but...

Life , In Spite of Me   Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Kristen Jane Anderson  with  Tricia Goyer  Kristen Jane Anderson tells her true story in  Life, In Spite of Me, Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice.     Depression was a reality for her father and grandparents and an uncle had committed suicide,  but it was not something the family talked about.  So when Kristen began acting out as a teen and feeling like life was hopeless, she had no one to turn to for answers.   Her mother tried to intervene and took her to a counselor.  The psychiatrist told her to cut it out or she'd end up working in a McDonald's for her life's profession.   Medication did not seem to help when she took the prescribed antidepressants.    She began drinking alcohol, smoking, and partying.   At one of the parties, a young man she cared for raped her.  She hid it from everyone and took the shame on her...