Plain Wisdom

Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect upon reading this book. Other descriptions/reviews inferred that it was a book of short stories, but I think vignettes would be a better term as they weren't exactly "stories" but just snippets of the authors' lives.

Sometimes I felt that one author said, "Hey, this happened to me one time. Did it ever happen to you?" The second one said, "Yea, it did. Great, let's write about it and put it together in a chapter."

And so on.

And so on.

And so on.

Now, that is not necessarily a bad thing, but it did get a little tedious and felt more "back and forth" than progressive. I kept wanting it to tie together in a "big picture" kind of way, and it kept disappointing me.

What it DOES do well, though, is give an interesting insight into how a typical Amish woman might react/feel in a given situation, and it does show that despite tremendous philosophical/religious differences between the Amish and non-Amish, there are many things that are very similar, if not exactly the same.

Overall, it is not a bad book, though I can't bring myself to pick it up to read again and again. I imagine some will really like it, though.




(I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review)

The Band That Played On. . .

I am fascinated with the story of the Titanic, and I am a musician (or former one) so I thought this book would be a neat twist. Also, very little is written on this topic, so I was looking forward to learning some new information.

I did learn, within just a few pages, that I had never heard much about this aspect of the Titanic because not much is written. In that respect, the author is to be commending on his obvious extensive, and time consuming, research. I was left with the impression that he had to do some serious digging to get the tiny morsels and tidbits that he was able to find. However, for me, it didn't make a very fluid reading for me. I felt like I was being given tiny facts, and that the author was filling in with speculation to fill up the book. At times, I wondered if the publisher had established a minimum length and the author was simply trying to fill it up.

And then, at the very end, the author began a discussion of a possible violin that had been recovered and how the value of it would be increased substantially with the 100 year anniversary of the sinking. For me, I was also left with the feeling that perhaps that is why this book was also released at this time -- to cash in on a significant date.

Overall, it was fairly easy reading and was somewhat interesting. I did learn some new things, and the book isn't all that bad -- especially for the Titanic enthusiasts.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Go to that Blog Over There --->

I don't know if you read my husband's blog or not, but if you don't, you need to. Well, one post in particular. :)


Good Things at the Baseball Game

Take Me Out to the Ballpark. . . .

My son has been involved in baseball now for 3 years. This year, all four of us jumped into the fray that is Little League -- the son and daughter are playing, I'm coaching, and Bernard is serving on the local board. I'm not sure if it is because of our hyper-involvement, or what it may be, but I have had the opportunity to see many different people react in many different ways -- some positive, and some, well, frankly, no so positive.

It has caused me to think quite a bit about how we as Christians are perceived by the "world" and how we perceive the "world."

Our Christianity should not end at the church door when we leave. There are very few that will argue that point. VERY few.

Our Christianity should go with us into every daily activity, no matter how exciting or how mundane. Again, I seriously doubt I would get many arguments for that.

If a man (or woman, depending on denomination) has been called to a visible church role, s/he should be prepared to be especially sensitive to those around them. They are put on a pedestal (whether wrongly or rightly is irrelevant at this junction). If that person is involved in youth sports of any kind, that mantle MUST go with them. It simply cannot be left in the car with yesterday's Gatorade.

(I'm going to pause here and simply say that if anyone has watched me for any length of time, you know very well I have a hard time practicing what I am "preaching" here. I cannot count the times I have had to apologize for my words or actions, and to ask forgiveness for those involved.)

In one instance, a church leader was more than willing to "raise a stink" about another coach (incidentally, another Christian), one (or more) of the board members and one of the policies of our local organization. Despite efforts to bridge the gap of misunderstanding in this instance, the church leader became stand-offish and condescending to those involved. No humility AT ALL was ever exhibited in the situation. To quote one parent, "And he is a church [leader]. I wouldn't want to go to his church." All in an effort to make sure that an opposing coach didn't gain a minuscule advantage.

Ouch.

In another incident, a church leader absolutely refuses to speak to one of his fellow coaches. Now, whatever the background is for the "feud", frankly, is of no concern of mine. Nor is "who is right and who is wrong." When a witness is being self-sabotaged, the reasons "why" do not matter.

As Christians, we are called to represent Jesus Christ. Love, humility, GRACE, forgiveness. . .the list goes on. At any point if you can't carry those minimal traits to the ball field, get OFF! The damage you do to the church of Christ (not the denomination, btw, the body as a whole) may be irreparable. Ultimately, you will answer for it, but it is heartbreaking to watch.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to get people into "church." As a result, the "church" needs to be ready to go out and reach the people. At the ballfield, especially, a little grace and humility goes a LONG way.

Rightness vs RightEOUSness

Does being *right* make us, as Christians, righteous?

Does being right give us the moral privilege of digging our heels in and refusing to budge?

That may be rightNESS, but is it rightEOUSness?

Rightness builds walls; righteousness builds bridges.

Rightness makes us look around; righteousness makes us look up.

Rightness helps us to stand proudly; righteousness drives us to our knees in humility.

Rightness widens gaps; righteousness closes them.

Rightness seeks recompense; righteousness seeks to compensate.

Rightness is a firm upper lip, a stern look, and crossed arms; righteousness is a quivering lip, a tear-filled eye and open arms.

Rightness pushes away (and tries to keep away) sinners; righteousness attracts them to repentance.

Rightness says, "Do it my way, or no way;" righteousness says, "I love you as Christ loves you."

Rightness remembers; righteousness forgets.

Rightness reminds; righteous forgives.

Rightness is being strong; righteousness is strength under control.

Rightness sacrifices relationships; righteousness seeks to grow them.

Rightness is a clean conscience; righteousness is a clean heart.

How to Eat Fried Worms

This book is destined to become a classic. Well, maybe not a classic in the sense that Charles Dickens or William Shakespeare are considered classics, but it *is* timeless. I remember reading it in 3rd or 4th grade and being greatly amused, and admittedly a bit grossed out. Those memories spurred me to have my son, a 9 year-old 3rd grader, read this book this year.

He seemed to enjoy parts of it as I would hear him chuckling as he read.

He finished reading it yesterday, so below are some pictures of the "special" lunch I fixed for him and his sister.

Year of the Champions!

In the Spring of 2010, around the first or second week of All-Star baseball practice, there was banter about the team, and how much they had improved, etc. The head coach, Josh Mease, said something about the State Championship, and though all heard it, most did not consider it a reality, or frankly, even a possibility.

About 6 weeks later, not only was it a possibility, with a walk off homerun by Kameron Walker, it became a reality.

4 days later, 7 members of the team showed up for football camp at Bethel Middle School's field. Because of his age, Kameron would leave his baseball buddies and join the older football team, the Mites.

6 of them, though -- Keegan Hudson, Gatlin Blanton, Travis Shuford, Brooks Valentine, Hunter Cseledy and Lane Mease would join forces and under the leadership of Johnny James and his most excellent coaching staff, absolutely roll over every one in the division. They became WNC Youth Football and Cheerleading's Association's Western Division Champions.

One week after a narrow Superbowl loss, 4 of the boys, Cseledy, Hudson, Valentine, and Shuford traded the cleats for high tops and the pigskin for a roundball. They reunited with three other baseball teammates Sawyer Trull, Jacob Moore, and Daniel Worley. Together, they charged through the winter, and found themselves as WNC Youth Basketball's Eastern Division regular season champions.

Three championships in one year. A year many athletes can dream of. What will the future hold for these young men? As one young man put it, "Do it again! Except take Association championships instead of just divisions!" Be ready coaches; here they come!

Couple Who Pray

I got this book and read it and I really wish I could give it rave reviews and talk about how wonderful it is.

Unfortunately (I guess for me), I can't.

From the opening paragraphs, I could not shake the feeling that I was reading an infomercial. I could just imagine the host giving the spiel as I watched couple after couple parade across the stage and proclaim, "This is what it did for us, Rich!" The "celebrities" interviewed gave me a feeling of "read this book because of these names" -- or "name-dropping." I much more enjoyed the "real" people's testimonies as I could relate to them better.

Supposedly, they also have the research with which to back up their claims. Of course, one of their studies has only been done once, so it doesn't have the benefit of being tested or tried. At best, the results can be taken lightly.

Is praying together important? Yes, definitely. Is it something that couples need to be aware? Very much so. And, perhaps, that is where the disappointment of this book lies for me. It is a crucial topic that has a world of potential, and yet, I came away from it going, "Okay, so if we pray together for 40 days we will never fight, we will understand each other thoroughly, and we will have mind-blowing sex." Actually, a lot of the time, I got the impression that the first two were optional and the real reason to pray together was to have better sex. ???? Seriously?

Again, I do not disagree that couples need to pray together. And frankly, I can think of few things more important than that, but this book's delivery in that message left me feeling cold. I suppose I *might* recommend this book to a couple who was not very mature in their faith, but I would be hesitant to suggest it to a couple who was having serious problems. I am afraid the simplistic approach to what could be years of problems could prove to be a fatal let down for the couple.


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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

A young friend saw the book on my shelf and asked me about it.

Because he is an avid reader, and we have "swapped" books several times, and he is, indeed the one who introduced me to "fantasy" books, I described it to him as "CS Lewis meets Christopher Paolini."

The story, an classically allegorical with a good vs. evil theme, takes place in a land that seems to be far away, in the distance past. The characters must use discernment, wisdom and magic to keep the dragon eggs safe, keep the statues out of the wrong hands, and stay alive.

It is an easy read in that it flows well, the characters are developed well, and the action, while a bit draggy in places, is enough to keep the reader interested. This is a latter book of a series, and I am thinking it may have been a bit more understandable had I read the first one before this. I had read some of Danita Paul's work, so I was familiar with a few of the characters. Some of my initial lack of understanding may have been because I was trying to make "Dragons in the Valley" a sequel to the one I had read, but it is does not seem directly related.

I would highly recommend this book to any middle school or high school student who enjoys reading and enjoys reading fantasy. Likewise, any adult that appreciates the genre will probably like it as well.

Find this book at amazon.com -- Dragons of the Valley

Or the Waterbrook Multinomah page


++++++++++++++++

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Cheesy Chicken Casserole

It's not often that I venture to create supper without a recipe, and even more rare is when it is edible. That said, I think I hit upon something tonight.





3 - 4 large chicken breasts, cubed
1 can Campbell's condensed cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 (and some) cup cheddar cheese
dash of Worcestershire sauce
2 tbs dijon mustard
1/8 cup diced onion and celery
2 tbs butter
1 Stove Top microwavable "Quick Cup"


In a skillet, cook the chicken until white, or slightly browned. Put in a greased 8x8 glass baking dish.

After chicken is cooked, add butter and saute onions and celery until tender.

In a bowl, mix soup, milk, sour cream, cheese, worcestershire, mustard, celery and onions. Mix until blended.

Pour over chicken cubes.

Prepare "quick cup" as directed and spoon over chicken and soup mixture.

Bake for 15 - 20 minutes at 375.

Remove and sprinkle with remaining cheese (the plus some) and bake until cheese is melted.


Future possibilities -- add bacon. (everything is better with bacon) or ham.

Unto the Hills

This is a true classic by a true man of God.

In a world where authors seem to "hit or miss," Billy Graham stays right on target. Whether it is one of his early books, or a more recent one, they all seem to rise to standard that few evangelists seem able to aspire to.

Because this is a devotional, I obviously did not read the whole thing before writing the review. However, I will be reading it daily for the foreseeable future.

It is simple to read, and easy to understand, yet with a few minutes of prayer and meditation, it can take the reader so much deeper than that. I'm not a huge fan of "devotional" type of books, but this one I have enjoyed -- years ago as a young college student, and again now as it is being reprinted.

This book is good for any Christian wanting a closer walk with God, and it makes an excellent gift as well.











Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 Liturgical Year

Having very recently become interested in the history of the church, and specifically the different rituals, for lack of a better word, of the church, I was excited to read this book.

As a Baptist, many of the feasts, and even the general approach to many of the "holy days," have been a foreign concept to me. Generally speaking, Baptists celebrate Easter and Christmas as "holy days," and that, to a degree, is the extent of it. As a result, it is easy to look at those churches that celebrate "the liturgical year" as legalistic, doing something that is not necessary, or not following the Holy Spirit. However, upon closer reflection, it is possible to see that following the holy days in the liturgical calendar, CAN, as the author proposes, lead a person into a deeper relationship with Christ.

It explains, in very clear, concise details, how the dates for Christmas and Easter were set, and how the time leading up to the two holidays (Advent and Lent) can be spent so as to grow in understanding of Christ's life and as a result, become more Christ-like ourselves (something that should be the goal of any Christian regardless of denomination).

As someone completely unfamiliar with the history of the liturgy, the author does an excellent job of making it understandable. There are a few times in the book where I felt she was having to work a bit too hard for the justification of observing it, but those were few. Also, there were times when her "doctrine" and the doctrine I choose to believe are different, but I started the book anticipating that, and it was not a huge detraction as I was not reading to develop what I believe, but to learn about something I had never been introduced to.

My biggest gripe and complaint about the book was how there were key quotes placed on almost every other page, in the middle of the text. I found it very annoying and distracting. Identify one or two key quotes and put them at the beginning of the chapter or at obvious breaks. It felt very "magaziney" doing this, but in a magazine the articles are short enough that it isn't that terribly distracting. With a book, though, it was absolutely asinine.

Overall, I felt this was a good book for its perceived intended purpose -- to educate about the liturgical year, and I would recommend it for anyone looking for an easy to understand overview.







Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Flashback

Tonight, I was listening to Christmas music on Pandora, just as I am apt to do at any time, not just in December.

I don't know what song it was, but it reminded me of a Christmas program that I was in when I was in 6th grade.

It was a group simply called "Special Music" meaning that we had to audition and if chosen we got pulled out of the regular class every other week to go have an extra music class with the music teacher -- Katie Hoyle.

Teaching elementary school is a special calling; being an itinerant music teacher just means you have a special level of insanity (I know; I've been there.) However, Ms. Hoyle took insanity to a whole new level.

I do not know her reasons why, but she decided that year, our class would present a "Madrigal Feast."

and we did.

Few memories from childhood stick with me, but if I close my eyes, and concentrate, I can still smell the cafeteria, see the costumes, hear the instruments, and sing the music. Twenty-eight years later I still remember some of the songs.

I remember learning later, perhaps from her, perhaps from my uncle who was a teacher at the same school, that many of her colleagues told her it couldn't be done -- that level of music and performance simply was not possible by 10, 11, and 12 year olds. (This opinion was "confirmed" some years later when having a discussion with fellow music majors at college).

But she presevered, and we did it.

We weren't supposed to be able to do it, but we did.

Looking back, I see that that lesson had a much deeper, longer lasting impression on me than I imagined.

There were instances in Jr. High the next years, and later in High School, that told me, "You can't do that." But, I did.

And it stayed with me.

Ever been told that a student can't read, he is a behavior problem, and that there is no way he will ever be able to do anything in your music class, so why bother?

I have.

He sang the solo beautifully.

Ever been told that the "trainable mentally handicapped" student in your math class really didn't need to be that involved with other students because he didn't have the social skills necessary to "fit in?"

I have.

He made friends that year.

Ever sat across from a student who is so severely "learning disabled" in math that you have been told to do the best you can, but he probably won't graduate because he can't pass the state competency test?

I have.

He passed, and holds a NC Diploma.

Ever have a student look at you and tell you they will never, ever "get this stuff," and graduate with their GED or Adult High School diploma?

I have (many times).

They did (many times).

I don't say that to brag on myself or my teaching skills, which are mediocre, at best. It wasn't me that did it. In every instance, the student was the one who did it.

But, I believed in them.

Ms. Hoyle believed in us and we did what we weren't supposed to be able to do.

Whatever you do in life, but especially if you are a teacher, believe.

Even if they "can't" do it. Believe they can.

Ms. Hoyle, I have no idea where you are now, or what you are doing, but, thank you.

Thank you for believing we could.

The Boy Who Changed the World

This is a wonderful children's book that explores and explains how even just one person can have an effect for many years to come. It starts by looking at the life of Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug who is sometimes called "the father of the revolution," and whose studies and developments have led to many, many people being able to have food.

A story about Borlaug, in and of itself, would be an uplifting and motivating tell, but the author goes a bit further. He begins to unravel the history, backwards, at who helped and assisted Borlaug, and back many years to someone who probably would have never guessed at the role he would play in the future.

The story itself was a little confusing to me at first, and felt awkward because it tells a story, goes back in time, comes "up" to where the story begins, goes back, etc. However, after the first reading, this makes perfectly good sense and is an effective way to show the ripple effect of each of the lives of the people involved.

The book is slightly larger than many children's books which makes it great for reading to a group. Also, the pictures and illustrations are excellent and colorful and really held the attention of my children (8 and 5) and I look forward to giving copies of it to the children that I know.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 Jesus You Can't Ignore

In this book, MacArthur takes issues with the "weak, mild, gentle" Jesus we often see represented.

Throughout the book, the author takes an event from Jesus' life, gives the historical context, then proceeds to show how that event could be applicable in a believer's life today. For me, he could have stopped after the first two "steps" because I found that to be educational and encouraging. Many times, the application was misused because in most, if not all, of the instances written about, Jesus was openly rebuking the religious leaders of his time. ONLY the religious leaders. Many times, I see Christians embrace the teachings similar to what MacArthur has expounded upon and use them to openly confront those they feel are the enemy -- in today's fundamental Christian world, that is usually the homosexual, the atheist, and the Muslim. This application of the life of Christ is not only grossly wrong, but counterproductive to the entire message of Jesus.

My overarching opinion of the book, though, is positive. I was renewed and rejuvenated just reading about Jesus' life and what all he did will on Earth. It was encouraging to me, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about his life while here on Earth.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”

Back to School

So, in the morning, all of Trav's football/baseball buddies will be back in school, as will most of Kristi's little friends.

They are, in part, a little jealous, I think, that they are not part of that. They are also a little bit "proud" that they have a few more days of summer vacation left. :)

There are times I really wonder, "Why DO I homeschool." Unlike some (more than I would like, actually) homeschoolers I know, I am not anti-public school. I do not consider it a "cess pool," as I heard one mother refer to it as. All of my kids' closest friends, now, are public schooled.

For the most part, I am very pro-public school. I went to public school. I know a lot of AWESOME public school teachers, administrators, and support staff. Thinking about it, I probably know more "good" than I do "bad."

So, why do I homeschool? For now, because I feel that that is what God wants for our family -- my kids are receiving a top education, and I am getting to spend valuable time with them. I do not like the direction that public education is going in, and has been for some years. To me, as a teacher, it truly seemed like passing the test was tantamount to everything else. I wanted to teach kids to love to learn, because then, they would teach themselves, even after leaving my classroom.

I failed miserably at that. BUT, I could get even the weakest math student to pass the NC Competency Test of Math (which is no longer given --YEAH!).

So, as my friends go back into their classrooms, and as the little people my kids call friends convene as well, my prayers are with those involved. May you have a safe year, a fun year, and a productive year.

And, who knows, maybe next year, I'll join you!

Be Still

One of the hardest things for me to do is keep my mouth shut. If I feel like something needs to be said, I will say it -- for better or worse.

But, sometimes God directs me to "Sit down, shut up, and be quiet."

Okay, He is probably a lot more gentle that *that,* but that's what I imagine He would say if He were speaking audibly to me.

It is in these times of "quietness" that I often don't know what to pray.

I want the pain to go away.

I want the wrongs righted.

I want the misunderstandings talked about and fixed.

I want the muddiness cleared.

I want the weight lifted.

And I want it done NOW.

But, only God can do it, and I wait on Him.



Psalm 46:10 / Zec. 2:13
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is holy

Be still oh restless soul of mine
Bow before the prince of Peace
Let the noise and clamor cease
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is faithful

Consider all that He has done
Stand in awe and be amazed
And know that He will never change

Be still
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is God
Be still
Be speechless

Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know He is our Father

Come rest your head upon His breast
Listen to the rhythm of
His unfailing heart of love

Beating for His little ones
Calling each of us to come

Be still
Be still

Can You Hear Me Now?

I guess my favorite quote -- the one that challenges me and inspires me daily, is attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson.

"What you do speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say."

Simply put, actions are much louder than words.

I can say, "I love you," but if I ignore you, or deliberately try to hurt you, my mouth is going to be moving, but you are not going to hear anything coming out.

Tangentially related is that "perception is reality." It may, of course, be an incorrect reality, but it is, in effect what is "real" to the person. If I am "seeing" something, that becomes what I see as reality.

Every experience we have is interpreted through a filter of past experiences, beliefs, ideas, and preconceived notions. Is it any wonder that being an effective communicator is considered a talent?

As a result, I have been pondering silence. Holding my tongue when I really, really, really want to say something. Some will say that "Silence is golden," but I have found that silence is rarely, if ever, taken to be positive. Therein lies the crux of my dilemma. I want to say *something* to make a situation better, but I feel that saying something will probably just make the issue worse, so I remain silent. And then I begin to wonder if my silence gives the impression that I am something that I am not.

Is my action (or inaction, as it may be) being interpreted in a way that I don't mean for it to be?
Are my actions matching my words?

Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long

I admit, I'm a sucker for Amish "romance" novels, of which there seem to be many. This one, though, has an interesting twist that I did not begin to suspect until about 3/4 through, but was still surprised that it ended the way it did. I think this is the only book of this nature that I have read that took that turn.

The story was an intriguing in that you could feel the emotions the main characters had for each other, yet, the conflict between what they wanted and who they were was almost tangible as well.

My only criticism isn't so much about how it is written as much as how it is described "on the back." I kept expecting the quilt to become an integral part of the story, and even thought that the relationship between Sarah and Grant would be described (or become a metaphor) of the quilt that she made. Instead, the part the quilt played in the overall story seemed almost like an afterthought. The squares were introduced early in the story, so I kept expecting them to "be used," but they weren't. Then, suddenly, *bam* there they were, she made a beautiful quilt and the story moved on. Then, almost as suddenly as it came about, the quilt was gone again.

Overall, though, the story was a very pleasant read, and I enjoyed it. It was easy to follow and the characters, though not particularly dynamic, were easy to understand. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes this genre of book.



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.”

Max Lucado's Hermie and Friends -- Who Is in Charge Anyway

My kids really enjoy the Hermie and friends series, so I was anxious to get it and watch it with them. When Freddie the Flea shows up to fix the ladybugs' TV set, he hears Hailey and Bailey asking their mom what is so special about fleas. They recount a couple of heroic acts by other members of the Garden, which Freddie overhears, and he begins to question what *is* special about him. So, he goes outside and talks to God.

God uses the lives of Freddie's friends to show him that he is special and that there is a plan just for him -- a job in the Garden that only Freddie can do.

My kids and I sat together and watched this and they enjoyed it as they have the others. They also liked that it incorporated clips from some of the other stories they have seen. Their favorite, I think, was seeing what Buzby "used" to be. :)

It seemed a bit short to me, with the "flashbacks" being too short and not really developing enough as far as the story was concerned. It helped that I had seen most of the stories referenced, but when it was over, we were all kinda like, "Is that it?"

Overall, though, it is a cute story with a good message, and my kids enjoyed it (as they have the others in the Hermie series).

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.”