Review: Memories of Me by Laura Hedgecock

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Memories of Me: A Complete Guide to Telling and Sharing the Stories of Your Life by Laura Hedgecock, NF, 2014, Paperback, 235p, My Rating=5
Source: provided by publicist in exchange for an honest review

We all have stories to share with our children and grandchildren. Whether it’s a proud moment, memories of grandparents, or a lesson you’ve learned, Memories of Me: A Complete Guide to Telling and Sharing the Stories of Your Life helps you put the episodes of your past onto paper share them with loved ones.
Inside you'll find
- Simple, down-to-earth instructions to get you started
- Worksheets with in-depth brainstorming exercises
- Plenty of examples to spark your creativity
- Writing advice to make your memories shine
Preserve your stories and share them with the important people in your life using the tips and advice found in this comprehensive guide.

In the introduction, the author hopes that the reader does not read this book all at once but to put it down often, experimenting as you go. Unfortunately, I started to read this book only a couple of days before my scheduled review so I didn’t have the luxury of time to stop often. I believe that hurt my experience with the read because I found myself skimming through the worksheets. Not actually taking the time to “work” on it. Therefore, I lost the experience of gaining the full beauty of the tutorial. That aside, this guide book was truly comprehensive. It broke down a myriad of potential writing scenarios and walked you through them. In each section, the author stated a topic, described it, illustrated its importance and effectiveness, provided you with questionnaire worksheet, and concluded with “My Turn” moments where she wrote a personal example of what that portion of discussion might look like. What’s even more remarkable was that throughout the read, I felt the sincerity and care in her words to help me, the reader, be successful in accomplishing that certain objective. It felt as if she was behind me whispering encouragements. That’s a mark of an exceptional non-fiction writer because too much concentration on facts leads to a boring read. This was far from boring but rather quite a helpful tool in aiding me see the beauty of capturing my own “treasure chest of memories”. She helped me see that although I have a blog, a journal, and take pictures, there are many cues that I never thought of that I can utilize to enhance my treasures. Many memories worth preserving and she put it all in the book for me to contemplate on. Sweet!

My ultimate take out from this book was the support and confidence to keep writing. Continue to write and write and write because practically everything I write gives my reader a fuller picture of who I am which in turns gives me a tangible mark in this world and later a “treasure chest of memories” for my posterity to enjoy.  Thank you, Ms Hedgecock for this great counsel. 

About the Author

Laura Hedgecock was born in South Carolina but came to live in Michigan by way of Chicago and Germany. Leaving her career in International Business to be a stay-at-home mom and her association with non-profits led her to helping other tell their stories. Treasure Chest of Memories: How to Capture and Share the Stories of Your Life results from the intersection of Ms. Hedgecock’s experience in genealogy, photography, and scrapbooking, as well as her journey of compiling her own memories. She blogs about preserving and sharing memories at http://www.TreasureChestofMemories.com

Review and Giveaway: Marriage Isn't For You by Seth Adam Smith

Marriage Isn't For You: It's For The One You Love by Seth Adam Smith, NF, 2014, Hardcover, 48p, My Rating=4
Source: provided by publicist in exchange for an honest review

What is the best wedding advice you ever received? For author Seth Adam Smith, it was the advice from his father who said, Marriage is not for you. It is about the person you marry. These few words completely changed the way Seth looked at his relationship with his wife-to-be. Because at that moment he realized that an expression of love is not about the person expressing it. Rather, it is about the person they choose to be with. It is about making the person you marry feel loved. Seth's blog post on the subject was viewed by more than twenty-seven million people, and he has been featured on several national TV programs including The Today Show. Now released as a hardcover book, these sage words make the perfect gift for newly married couples, those who have been around the block a few times, or anyone who wants to learn how to make their relationships stronger.

I'm one of the 30 million who saw this on cyberspace.  A few of my Facebook friends had shared the link to the story.  The headline caught my eye, "Having been married only a year and a half, I’ve recently come to the conclusion that marriage isn’t for me", so I clicked to read why (original here).  After reading the article, I found it to be sweet and had a great advice.  That same tender, resonating counsel is now in this book with a few changes (big ones: introduction removed and Walmart philosophy reworded). 

Set in beautiful fonts and lovely wedding themed photographs, this book makes for an excellent gift for couples. It serves as a wonderful reminder of a principle that will likely help to make a successful relationship. I agree, so I'm giving a copy to my cousin that's getting married this Friday. I think the sound guidance is a good one to adapt in their journey together. Hence, this is a meaningful book to give for a couple you care about, including your own! 

I do have a suggestion for the publisher to consider. The book cover looks good in print but it shows up pale and uninteresting on the Web. I know, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, but people do. I do sometimes and this one didn’t pop for me, particularly on cyberspace.

About the Author:

SETH ADAM SMITH was born in Anchorage, Alaska. Since 2004, he has produced videos and articles for businesses, nonprofit organizations, youth groups, artists, and political causes. He is the editor-in-chief of ForwardWalking.com. He and his wife, Kim, live in Florida.

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Review: Diary of Two Mad Black Mormons by Zandra Vranes and Tamu Smith

Diary of Two Mad Black Mormons: Finding the Lord's Lesson in Everyday Life by Zandra Vranes and Tamu Smith, 2014, NF -religion, Hardcover, 221p, My Rating=5
Source: provided by publicist in exchange for an honest review

Are Mormons funny? Oh, heavens, yes! Especially when looking through the lens of Sistas in Zion two very funny ladies
with testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their unique
perspective and diary entries will have you laughing one minute
and saying "Amen!" the next as they talk about personal experiences as well as lessons they've learned from pop culture about relationships, sisterhood, standing up for what you believe,
embracing diversity, dealing with adversity, and what it means to be a Christian. This humorous and poignant outlook on life will strengthen your faith and tickle your funny bone. And you'll soon realize that the authors aren't really mad, they're just crazy funny and inspiring to listen to!

I ate this book up! I ate this book up! Everything on the blurb above was true.  The recipe of diary entries and "Halleluja Holla Back" in formatting this read was genius.  I loved that this book was raw, personal, and laugh out loud funny!! I’m Mormon and I didn’t think Mormons can be that funny …I mean in terms of approaching the gospel. I’m the straight shooter type, you know, the serious, give-me-the-rules-to-follow kind. But now that I’ve been exposed to the Sistas of Zion’s way of approaching the gospel, well, color me perky! Life suddenly got better. I kid you not.  I was edified and stirred to look for, find, and appreciate the Lord's lesson in my everyday life.

I so enjoyed this book so much that my copy is now sitting next to my favorite book, Standing for Something by Gordon B. Hinckley (a prophet!). Both books were incredibly inspiring and left me with lasting impressions. Again, it was amazing to me how both shared the same message of strength found through living the gospel but did so by polar opposite writing styles. Hinckley told it in gentle, authoritative matter while Vranes and Smith told theirs with wit. This is an affirmation to me that the gospel is for all, from the serious to the "mad" (the good crazy, of course).

I cannot recommend this book enough.  Really, GO!  Go get this book now!  Mormon or not, this read will truly excite you to live well.  A book worthy to chill along side books written by modern prophets.

Hallelujah Holla Back,

Jinky ;)

Review: The 7-Day Christian by Brad Wilcox

The 7-Day Christian by Brad Wilcox, NF -Religion, 2014, Hardback, 154p, Rating=5
Source: provided by publicist in exchange for an honest review

Christianity is facing great opposition. At the very least, most
Christians know what it is like to end up on the “wrong” side of a “politically correct” conversation. More than ever before, we need believing and behaving disciples—men and women who are ready to stand up, stand together, and change the world one righteous choice at a time.
Filled with personal experiences and heartwarming stories, this book emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with Christian values seven days a week and offers practical suggestions for how to actually pull it off. In addition to finding personal peace and having a positive impact on others, choosing to live as a daily disciple opens the door for tremendous personal development.

I am a Christian (Mormon) and so I like the premise of living a Christian life seven days a week as opposed to just on Sundays. Try as I may I often fall short in living accordingly every single day so I was eager to see what I can learn from this book on the matter.  Although the general principles were not new to me, the author had interesting ways of looking at them from another view.  The test in the distinction of this book would then be in its delivery of the content.  There I say, "Well done!" This was so because every key principle was backed up with scripture from the Holy Bible and with a personal example, whether his or someone else's.  Doing it this way gave the truth character and accountability.  For example, in the chapter, "Without Wax", the principle of sincerity was discussed ... "Those who claim to be Christians must live lives that are sincere --clean, pure, sound --the same on the inside as they appear on the outside." (p47).  Here, the author referenced Matthew 23:25 and as a personal experience he told the story of when he helped a young mother carry her suitcases. It was a simple act of service on the author’s part but the young mother saw it as so rare as to be convinced that he must have been an angel.  Consequently, a principle was defined and now Christians are answerable to that fundamental truth and have a choice to act on what Jesus would have them do.  Ergo, the principle of sincerity wasn't new to me but hearing it again in action was invigorating and this book was full of such uplifting remembrance of discipleship. 

I know I should be living a Christlike life everyday so this book was a magnificent cause to do some reflection and provided inspiration to make it happen.  It also imparted strong regard to the benefits of righteous living on individuals and society.  Noting the empowerment one has to help change the view of Christians for the positive.

I like the straightforwardness writing of this author.  It wasn't overwhelming in scripture as to get preachy nor his examples boastful.  I felt a gentleness, a sincerity, and experience in the read so it wasn't a surprise that my spirit softened to the words and I believe that your Christian heart will feel the same.  Perhaps if we hear the truths enough times, they might finally sink in! :)

Few quotables (that I caught when a pencil was at hand):

"Integrity fears no hidden cameras.  The actions that count the most in life are those seen by the fewest people." p30

"I don't pretend to know much.  My faith is so simple.  But I trust God.  I want to walk in His way and keep my commitments to Him.  I see His love and kindness everywhere I look --even in this place that most would describe as 'God forsaken'". -p111 (author's friend in prison)

"Knowledge of Christ's resurrection not only changes the hereafter, it can also change what we are here after." p136

"We do not act in an effort to be worthy of grace.  We act because we are enabled by grace." p146

About the Author

BRAD WILCOX has lived in Ethiopia, Chile, and New Zealand; he and his family now make their home amid the Rocky Mountains. Brad taught sixth grade before obtaining his PhD in education from the University of Wyoming. His contributions as an author and teacher have been honored by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and his work has appeared in Guideposts magazine and Reader’s Digest. He once served as a member of the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America and has addressed thousands of youth and adults across the United State, Europe, Australia, and Japan. He and his wife, Debi, are the parents of four children.

Review: My Story by Elizabeth Smart

My Story by Elizabeth Smart and Chris Stewart, NF, 2013, 308p, Rating=2.5
Source: library

For the first time, ten years after her abduction from her Salt Lake City bedroom, Elizabeth Smart reveals how she survived and the secret to forging a new life in the wake of a brutal crime
On June 5, 2002, fourteen-year-old Elizabeth Smart, the daughter of a close-knit Mormon family, was taken from her home in the middle of the night by religious fanatic, Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. She was kept chained, dressed in disguise, repeatedly raped, and told she and her family would be killed if she tried to escape. After her rescue on March 12, 2003, she rejoined her family and worked to pick up the pieces of her life.
Now for the first time, in her memoir, MY STORY, she tells of the constant fear she endured every hour, her courageous determination to maintain hope, and how she devised a plan to manipulate her captors and convinced them to return to Utah, where she was rescued minutes after arriving. Smart explains how her faith helped her stay sane in the midst of a nightmare and how she found the strength to confront her captors at their trial and see that justice was served.
In the nine years after her rescue, Smart transformed from victim to advocate, traveling the country and working to educate, inspire and foster change. She has created a foundation to help prevent crimes against children and is a frequent public speaker. In 2012, she married Matthew Gilmour, whom she met doing mission work in Paris for her church, in a fairy tale wedding that made the cover of People magazine.

Elizabeth Smart, the person, gets 5 stars.  This book however gets 2.5 stars because it overall was insufficient in eloquence. I believed the stories she wrote about what happened to her and appreciated the faithful remarks.  The storytelling notwithstanding fell short.  The organization felt off, one too many repetition for my taste, I noticed a discrepancy in timeline, and I sensed a distance to the storyline or in other words, I felt something big was missing.  Yet even with all that, the message of hope can be drawn from her story.  I had just expected that it would be oozing out of the pages.  Oh, it's hard to describe!  I just felt that this could have been written better.  Perhaps it's the timing as well.  Maybe she wrote this either too early in her life to make a seasoned evaluation or too late in her life that the details faded.  Whatever the case may be, the effectiveness that her story merited did not shine in this book.

I do want to say that I did sense hurt and anger between the pages (aside from direct comments of defensiveness).  Rightly so.  At those points, I liked the book.  I also liked the example of faith that brought her stamina to endure.  It's those little miracles in her story that people need to capture from this book.  She may not have told it well, but it's there to ponder so if you can get your hands on this book, go ahead and read it because the controversy of whether or not she reacted correctly in her opportunities to escape or how she didn't go through therapy after she was found was not my concern here.  She did what she thought was best in her circumstances, endured, got home, and moved forward her way.  That's her story to me and it's a great one, even if it was not well written in this memoir.

Review: His First, Her Last by Jonathan Sturak

His First, Her Last by Jonathan Sturak, NF or AF ?, 2013, 266p, Rating=1
Source: ebook copy provided by author for an honest review

Engaged couple Jason and Hazel travel across the world to meet her family in this true story of love and adventure. The moment Jason steps off the plane in the Philippines, an exotic island caught between the East and the West, the past and the present, grabs hold of this naive American and seduces him with its beauty, its places, and its people. Temptation looms as the best friend of Hazel tests their relationship and touches their souls. A deeply personal account of the conflict of culture between American excess and Philippine poverty, His First, Her Last explores the ability of love to transcend two worlds apart. But after an accident spills blood on the streets of a remote village, the lives of this couple flash before their eyes. Will he escape? Will she survive? Will his first trip be her last?

I am utterly insulted! This character, Jason, was self-absorbed, tactless, and downright disrespectful. His observation of the Philippine culture was stereotypical and deficient (< ten day trip would make one an expert, right? –sarcasm--). Even if some of the remarks were true, his attitude in its presentation was offensive to the Philippine people. The straw that broke the camel's back for me was when he was desperate to get out of the Philippine hospital because he felt that he would not get the proper treatment. He was in a rush to contact the U.S. Embassy (sound Hollywood, anyone?) to get him out of the horror of such primitive amenities. Sure the technology in the U.S. would be better but please show some respect to your host country. Don't be so rude and flaunt your hand sanitizer and remarks of disgust.

The character of the main protagonist was not the only flaw in this book. The entire plot of the book was questionable. From the title and blurb, it would have one believe that there would be a story of romance. I didn't feel any romance between Jason and Hazel. No depth in the relationship was conveyed. The descriptions were one dimensional and vain. Even with the "lives of this couple flash before their eyes" accident or "I almost died when I was five" incident, the events were mechanically recounted. If anything, I felt their relationship was twisted (Jason flirted with Hazel's best friend and Hazel was ignorant to Jason's true character). Instead, the storyline was mainly about pointing out a skewed image of third world countries, in this case, the Philippines; as dirty, dumb, and behind the times.

The author is a good writer. This book was well written in applied terms. The grammar was good. The breaks were at the correct places. Smooth technical reading. The flaw was in the content of the story and the flamboyance to the telling. Take away the insults and have more of the caring Jason (like his tenderness with his soon–to-be nephew, Tony). Moreover, I believe that the author thinks he is doing a service by writing this book. Absolutely not! The tips at the end for travelers might be sound but again an example of disrespect.

I have never felt more passionate about not recommending a book than this one.  This book is definitely a "don't bother"! Please, don’t bother. I already bothered for all of us.

By the way, this book was based on the author's true account of his trip to the Philippines, so this would be a memoir, hence a non-fiction. Yet, his character name was different. So would that make this fiction? Oh, the flaws are endless.

   

Review: Does This Insecuirty Make Me Look Fat? by Michelle Wilson

Does This Insecurity Make Me Look Fat? by Michelle Wilson, NF -Self-help, 2013, Paperback, 176p, Rating=5
Source: provided by author through publisher in exchange for an honest review

• Why do clothing stores hang fun-house mirrors in their dressing rooms?
• The laundry doesn’t cry when it’s not folded, so why should I?
• Can I be confident even if an elevator calls me fat?

Michelle Wilson’s humorous yet poignant insights help women examine the limitations we place on ourselves out of insecurity and self-doubt. We have faith in God, but do we know that He has faith in us?
When we see ourselves with God’s eternal perspective, we can feel confident and whole—even in our imperfection. Just think what we might accomplish if we truly believe that we are more important than we know, stronger than we realize, and extraordinary in every way.

This book was for me.  I was already bawling by page ten!  I was in tears intermittently throughout the book because I'm going through some insecurities now and therefore could relate to the anxieties the author illustrated.  Plus, the scriptural references had me feeling loved and understood so the water works of comfort came easily.  I was reminded that life throws each of us a variety of Enemies of Perspective (false reality) but having the right Perspective (way God views things) to combat them makes for a winning day.  This book equipped me with the tools to remember God's eternal perspective (the bigger picture) and how to daily apply it to my life.

Ms. Wilson had chock-full of personal examples that provided great analogy to make a point.  After all, analogies are the modern day parables.  It's a fantastic way to grasp a concept being presented.  It's scary how some of them described me to the T!  It seems like I've found my spiritual twin.  But in seriousness, the big take out for me was that Heavenly Father is truly at my side championing for my success in my life.  That understanding inspires me to be confident and with a twist to the title, I can instead ask, "Does this confidence make me look magnificent?".

Geared to women but the principles can apply to any that may feel insecure.  I highly recommend this book to those wanting or needing to be uplifted. Ms. Wilson has a pulsing way of bringing to remembrance the power of God's love of hope and faith in each of us.  You will see yourselves in her words and then you will find peace in God's. 

Thank you Ms. Wilson for this splendid book.  It is helping me.

Review: One Sweet Cupcake by Janell Brown

One Sweet Cupcake by Janell Brown, NF -Cookbook, Hardcover, 160p, Rating=3.5
Source: provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Winner of Food Network's Cupcake Wars, Janell Brown, gives expert advice on all aspects of cupcake baking, including ingredients, techniques, and equipment. You'll also learn the basics of cupcake decorating, along with ideas for themes, seasons, and holidays. Discover all these sweet secrets for making your cupcakes look professional and taste great.

This cookbook is absolutely beautiful!  I gained 10 pounds just looking at the professional photos of the cupcakes!  Then there's something to owning the manual that will show me how to make them that made me giddy with excitement.  After all, it imparted professional tips like using proper ingredients and tools.  Also, it had some decorating ideas (this one I'll have to try another time ...can't find my piping tools at the moment).  Just bummed that it didn't get to me before my daughter's birthday.

There's about 50 different yummy looking cupcakes so I didn't know where to start.  Subsequently, I looked at what I had in my pantry and went from there.  I discovered that I had the ingredients to make vanilla based cupcakes so I started there and made Cranberry Orange Cupcakes and Banana Cupcakes.  The next day I went to the store and bought ingredients to make chocolate based cupcakes.  Then I tackled the recipe for S'more Cupcakes. 

I followed the easy to read directions and ended up finding oversights.  For example, the instructions for the Cranberry Orange cupcake recipe paired it with Citrus Glaze icing but the picture looks like it paired it with maybe Cream Cheese icing.  I had already started with the glaze recipe so I just went with it.  Also, the Banana cupcake just didn't quite fully rise (perhaps I didn't measure the baking powder correctly?).  Then, in the S'mores cupcake, I was at loss when it didn't tell me how long to bake it for in minutes (just stated "until the tops spring back...")!  I browsed the book and some recipes had them, some didn't.  I thought that was not agreeable for a cookbook.  Oh, I did not like that the first ingredient in many of the recipes were included in red ink in the directions but should have been in black ink to uniform as ingredients (ex. Stir together sugar, corn syrup, etc.).  My eyes didn't see the sugar because it blended with the red ink direction words so I was going crazy wondering where the heck to put the sugar!  My fault but still.

Overall, I'm not going to quit my day job.  For some reason my cupcakes wasn't as moist as I would have liked them to be.  In fact, with the first two cupcakes, the texture was slightly dense that I ended up telling people that they were scones!  My chocolate cupcakes turned out better in texture, yay!  Additionally, I think baking from scratch takes a lot of patience and practice plus certain factors or conditions just needed to fit ME and MY kitchen (weather, altitude, technique, timing, love, taste buds, etc.). But the cupcakes tasted good!  Not as fabulous as I'd hoped they be but again I think that will come through trial and error.  So if you're patient and passionate about baking then I think this cookbook will pump up your baking and creative skills. 

Cranberry Orange Cupcakes with Citrus Glaze

Banana Cupcakes

I skipped the icing ..didn't have the right ingredients

S'mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Icing

Yikes, I forgot to put a piece of graham cracker and chocolate!

Oh, I didn't have a blow torch on hand so I made do with waving it over my stove burner flame

Just because ...

I've wanted to do this and I finally did!

(Whipped egg whites and cream of tartar --

part of marshmallow icing)

Review: Soc and Greasers: Behind The Scenes ... by Rob Lowe

Soc & Greasers: Behind The Scenes of The Outsiders from Rob Lowe's Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe, NF, 2012, Kindle book edition, 31p, Rating=3.5
Source: own; freebie

A scene taken straight from Rob Lowe’s New York Times bestselling memoir, Stories I Only Tell My Friends, a wryly funny and surprisingly moving account of an extraordinary life lived almost entirely in the public eye.

In Socs and Greasers, Lowe tells us what it was like to work on the set of The Outsiders, a film that helped launch the careers of many of today’s biggest stars, including Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, Emilio Estevez, Ralph Macchio, C. Thomas Howell, and Rob Lowe himself.

There's something about being revealed something "behind the scenes" that grabs me. You know, as if I've been included in a secret and so it's exciting and I feel trusted. Well, Mr. Lowe doesn't know me from Adam so it's not that he trusts me but having read this book, I'm one more person that knows something outside the inner circle and that's exciting and intimate. That said, whoever was responsible for this "teaser" was astute. This disclosure was interesting enough to want me to know more, hence, to read the full memoir. Tricky, tricky, I say! I must admit though, the writing was pretty good. Note however that it does contain conversational adult language.


*Still a Kindle book freebie. Click image to check it out.

Review: Consider the Blessings by Thomas S. Monson

Consider the Blessings: True Accounts of God's Hand in our Lives by Thomas S. Monson, NF -Religion, 2013, 160p, Rating: 5
Source: hardcover copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

If you ask people what they love most about President Thomas S. Monson’s teaching style, chances are they’ll say something about the personal experiences he relates. The accounts President Monson shares are always true, taken from his own life or the real lives of other people. Those warm, memorable accounts have truly become a hallmark of his messages.
Who can forget the woman who saved one of the two sticks of gum Elder Monson passed out to youth in postwar Germany? Or the neighbor who returned a box of baseballs to young Tommy as a thank-you for his kindness to her? Or the father who declined to attend a “Mormon” meeting with his family but had his heart softened by a message he heard on a radio that was actually broken?
In celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of his call as an Apostle, Consider the Blessings presents fifty of the true accounts President Thomas S. Monson has shared over the years. With beautiful photographs and heart-touching content, this is a book to treasure with the whole family.

This is an absolutely exquisite book.  The attention to detail in the art and design (embossed book cover writings, photograph images, glossy paper, font, etc.) was impeccable.  Each of the fifty stories had its proper serenity in the pages.  Accordingly, the content was its greatest masterpiece.  The book really did show affirmations of God's hand in our lives which to me clearly shouted that there is a loving God.  The events addressed were not coincidences as one might argue but examples of quite miracles happening in our time.  Oh, how my heart rejoiced.

This is definitely a tried and tested family book.  I read three to four stories each night to my children at bedtime for nearly two weeks.  I often found myself struggling in reading because I was dissolved in tears.  The stories were that piercing.  There's just nothing like knowing the love of God for us through the kindness that people show for each other.  It's certainly a testament to me that life is meaningful.

Feed your heart and soul.  Read this book.

Review: Shine: How To Walk the Talk by Nancy Segovia

Shine: How To Walk the Talk by Nancy Segovia, NF -Self-help, 2013, 114p, Rating=4
Source: ebook provided by author in exchange for an honest review

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt 5:16

The Bible tells us we need to "shine before men," but what does this mean and how do we do it? In Shine: How to Walk the Talk, Nancy Segovia lays out a series of simple steps you can to take to walk the talk: to love God above all and your neighbor as yourself. Using parables, folk tales, and struggles from her own life, she provides uplifting insights into the Christian walk that can make your first steps easier. She examines scripture for clues on what it means to shine, how to reflect God’s love, and what to do when the muddy messes of life blot out God’s light in you. You will relate to her failings, those "Duh!" moments when spiritual understanding begins to dawn. Most important, you will learn how to apply that understanding; you will learn how to turn your talk into your walk and how to help others to do the same.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught principles that replace and transcends some aspects of the law of Moses.  This self help book focused on one of those teachings, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16).  The author thus wanted to show how to "walk the talk" as the title states.  In other words, if one says he's a Christian then his actions should reflect so.  She went through this process of  practice what you preach and so she was speaking from experience.  She candidly shared personal revelations that strengthen her testimony in God that aided her in how to live according to his teachings.  Her "Duh!" moments were plenty and that made her human to me.  She made several excellent points through analogies (buttercups, cracked pot, etc) that can inspire one to understand God's love. 

I'm not one for highly preachy Christian talks or books (ones clearly giving lip service).  This one did not come off that way.  Instead it was motivated by desire to uplift.  It made for a pleasant read.  Well done, Ms Segovia!

Before I go, the author quoted Mahatma Gandhi that I thought spoke volumes about what she wanted her readers to ponder ...Gandhi was once asked about Christianity and his answer, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians.  Your Christians are so unlike your Christ".  Yikes, great reminder to shine and truly walk the talk!  Ergo, this book is a decent source to show you how.

Purchase here:

(affiliate link)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Facebook | Goodreads | Website

 

Nancy Segovia has been a professional writer for over 20 years. She has achieved publishing success in the fields of adult fiction, children’s literature, newspaper journalism, feature magazine articles and poetry. She is happily married, and has five daughters, five granddaughters and one, adorable grandson. She loves to fish and is a prize-winning cook. Her other published works include “When You Wish Upon A Star” and “Benjamin’s Pride” both of which are scheduled to be released later this year from Faith and Reason Publishing. She also has several other completed works which will also be published by Faith and Reason Publishing over the course of the next few years. Nancy Segovia has a Master of Arts Degree in Religion from Northwest Nazarene University, and a Masters of Liberal Studies in Creative Writing from the University of Denver. She currently writes and teaches college-level English classes. You can contact her at www.nancysegovia.com.

Review: Face to Face by S. Michael Wilcox

Face to Face: Seeking A Personal Relationship With God by S. Michael Wilcox, NF, LDS -Self help, 154p, Rating=4.5
Source: hardcover copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

“And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend” (Exodus 33:11).

Is it possible to talk with God as Moses did—face to face? This is not only what we long for, but what God also ardently desires. For Moses that may have meant an actual physical encounter, but for most of us it is an expression that suggests friendship, open communication, honesty, and the conversations of familiarity. But how is that done? And how can we learn how God speaks to us individually? Bestselling author S. Michael Wilcox explores the scriptural expressions and concepts of “pouring out,” “wrestling,” being “filled with desire,” and “knocking” at the door Jesus promised would open to us— particularly in those times when we deeply need heaven to hear us and to confirm to our souls that more than our words are being received.

This book started off strong.  I definitely could perceive the author's then childhood thoughts about prayers bouncing of the ceiling and the wonderment of how it reaches "up" to Heavenly Father given the barricade. Then as an adult discovering Paul's words from Athens, "In him we live, and move, and have our being" (Athens 17:28), leading to believe that God is more "around" or "next" than "up" (pg4).  Like the author, I still think God is situated above but Paul's statement offers the concept that we can speak to God in a matter of familiarity.  A kind of face to face.  So viewing God as being reachable provides confidence that we can have an intimate relationship with Him.  Wilcox goes on to demonstrate the exchange of "pouring out" (us) and "pouring in" (God).  Wow, that struck a chord!  Because just a couple of weeks ago did I find myself in despair and "poured out" my aching soul to Heavenly Father in prayer and once all was unloaded, the "pouring in" from Him was immediate comfort.  Oh, what a confirmation did it give to me that Heavenly Father was at that moment giving me a huge hug.  That was my face to face!  Hence, this "pouring" was one way of reaching God that this book pointed out.  Others that were discussed included reaching through: wrestling, believing, acting, desire, and knocking (my favorite chapter next to pouring out).  Then ending with a solid summary.

A powerful little book that can inbreathe the reader to build a meaningful relationship with God and shows how.  Insightful examples backed by scriptures grants this book good ground to construct that feeling of speaking "face to face" with our Almighty God.  A definite great addition to a collection of inspiring books.

About the Author

S. Michael Wilcox received his PhD from the University of Colorado and taught for many years at the LDS Institute of Religion adjacent to the University of Utah. He has spoken to packed crowds at BYU Education Week and has hosted tours to the Holy Land and to Church history sites. He has served in a variety of callings, including as bishop and counselor in a stake presidency. He has written many articles and books, including House of Glory, Sunset, 10 Great Souls I Want to Meet in Heaven, and Finding Hope. He and his late wife, Laurie, are the parents of five children.

Review: Cougar Football Cookbook by Brigham Young Cougars

Cougar Football Cookbook by Brigham Young Cougars, compiled by Holly Mendenhall, NF, 2013, 155p, Rating=5
Source: provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Game day just got better! Whether you're tailgating at the stadium or watching the game at home, football and food are a winning combination. This collection brings together 150 favorite recipes from BYU players and coaches, past and present. Categories include:
Pre-game Warm Ups (Appetizers)
Rise and Shout (Tailgating Treats)
First Downs (Salads)
Cheers from the Sidelines (Side Dishes)
Bowl Games (Soups and Stews)
Touchdown! (Main Courses)
The Point After (Desserts)
Water Break (Beverages)
Proceeds from this cookbook will benefit Thursday's Heroes through Bronco and Holly Mendenhall's Fully Invested Foundation, a nonprofit initiative to help children and families who are facing significant life challenges.

Don't throw tomatoes at me again but I'm not a big football fan.  Just didn't grow up in that atmosphere (basketball was our thing) and my hubby's not into it either (martial arts is his thing) so I'm clueless with who's who in football.  However, food is another story.  I love food and a cookbook with favorite recipes was right up my alley.  Not the cooking part, but the eating!  Unfortunately, I had a couple of weeks before this review was due and my other "life" took a hold of me ..another mini vacay, sharing time lesson, back to school preps, piled laundry, dishes, and dusts, etc.  That said, I wouldn't have been able to cook much of the recipes for a proper review.  Hence, I enlisted a couple of my church pals to help me out.  How cool were they to come to my rescue?  Super cool, that's how!!  Thanks a bunch, Lauree and Becky!

I was surprised that this cookbook had many dishes I wanted to try out.  I'm not one for recipes that have fancy ingredients and time consuming directions so when I was going through the book and found many "Hey-I-can-do-this!" dishes, I was thrilled!  For now, I tried three.

Although this cookbook did not have images of the final creations, I still found the book very attractive and user friendly.  The recipes really did speak for themselves.  Plus, I enjoyed the commentaries below the pages that stated who the creators of the recipes were and when appropriate, their relationship to a BYU Cougar.  This background gave the dishes a tried and true homemade feel.

I highly recommend this cookbook.  A must have for homemaker cooks.  I noticed that most of the recipes were simple, easy, and quick.  Perfect ingredients for busy moms or dads.  Also, I'm an okay cook but these dishes made me look like a pro. Discovering the coconut buns alone was worth it.  My husband and oldest son, picky eaters, really likes the cranberry chicken so I'm happy that I can add another dish to the usuals for them.  I'll have to find something that will hit the spot for my two youngest munchkins ..probably on the dessert section!  Overall, thank you Cougars!  What an awesome cookbook with charity in mind.

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**Recipes I cooked (so proud of my beautiful pictures!)**

Catalina Cranberry Chicken by Orrin Olsen, defensive end and offensive center, 1971-1975

Delicious!  This is now my new Thanksgiving go-to dish!

O-Line Poppers by Sara Brown, wife of Terence Brown --offensive lineman, 2005, 2008-2011

Can't go wrong with cream cheese and bacon and boy did those jalapenos have kick!  Be sure to have some milk/chocolates ready to calm your tongue/throat! Yum!

Kassie's Pani Popo (Coconut Buns) by Kassie Feinga, wife of Ray Feinga --offensive lineman, 2004-2008

Best rolls ever! Lightly sweet and melts in your mouth creamy.  Absolutely heavenly!!

**Recipes that my friends cooked**

Chocolate Chip Cake by Pat Edwards, wife of LaVell Edwards --head coach, 1972-2000

"The Chocolate Chip Cake was fabulous!!!  Oh, that cake was the best!  Ten of us tried it and it's a total winner!" ~Lauree

Breakfast Burritos by Laura Denney, wife of Ryan Denney --defensive end, 1997-2001

"Super easy to make and my whole family loved them! Definitely a thumbs up." ~Becky

The Best Italian Meatballs by Brianna Reynolds, wife of Matt Reynolds --offensive lineman, 2007-2011

"Also super easy to make. They weren't my favorite recipe, but very quick which is a plus! We had ours over spaghetti.  My four year old did not like them, but my two year old loved them." ~Becky

Purchase and help a good cause.  :)