The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

Cindy Woodsmall writes another great Amish novel, The Scent of Cherry Blossoms.  It is a romance novel from the heart of Amish Country and we are introduced to Annie Martin who is of the Old Order Mennonite people.  Unfortunately, Annie and her Mom do not get along and it actually surprised me that her Mom "kicks" her out of her house and Annie goes to live with her Daadi Moses in Apple Ridge.

Daadi Moses lives near a restaurant run by the Amish.  The Amish don't believe in using electricity but the Old Mennonite do so because of Daadi Moses, the restaurant is able to have electricity.  While Annie lives with her Daadi Moses she helps out at the restaurant that is run by Aden's family and where Aden works as well.  A relationship builds but when it is found out, both families have huge objections.  Aden's brother is one of them because he was in an accident that left him wheelchair bound and he needs Aden to help him.

Annie and Aden start meeting in the evenings by the cherry trees that are beginning to blossom.  And Annie tells Aden the story behind the cherry trees.  You'll have to read about that story and how the romance turns out when you get the book, The Scent of Cherry Blossoms!

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Three Hearts DVD

Three Hearts introduces us to Cissie Graham Lynch, granddaughter of Billy Graham and daughter of Franklin Graham, who takes on a life-changing internship with the Children's Heart Project which is under the umbrella of Samaritan Purse.  It documents her journey to help bring three Mongolian children to America for surgery to repair deadly congenital heart defects that would not be able to be done where they live.

I would classify this movie as more of a documentary and I don't mean that in a negative way.  I've just seen alot of documentaries and movies and this seems more like the former to me.  It is a great story about how the Children's Heart Project "finds" these children with heart defects and the process of bringing them to the States to have the surgery done.  One can be very thankful for the team that is committed to this task and this story definitely shows how God works to bring these surgeries about.  If you don't think one life can change anything you need to see this movie because a little boy in Texas had a big heart and was able to make a huge difference in the lives of 3 children.

The movie also portrays what the Mongolian families went through to trust the Children's Heart Project team enough to risk their lives to go to a country far away, be in surroundings completely foreign to them, and allow their children to go through a surgery that could mean life or death for their child.  The movie brings you into the story to see how the Christian people involved use their testimony in words and action to these families.

I would also share that this isn't a "feel good" movie but one to challenge you to reach out to others in need, to be Jesus to them, and to remember that our witness is Global and not just local.

I was given a complimentary copy of this DVD by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Heaven is For Real DVD based Conversation Kit

Heaven is For Real is a little boy's astounding story of his trip to heaven and back.  It has become a #1 New York Times bestseller and this DVD series is a conversation guide for groups and/or families.  There are 5 sessions and all talk about different aspects of heaven.

I have to be honest.  I have been a skeptic of this book all along and I probably shouldn't have even looked into this DVD series.  It is just hard for me to accept the testimony or witness of a 4 year old boy who says he has seen heaven over what the Bible says about heaven.

The interview was pretty basic.  I mean, heaven is colorful.  Seriously?  Are there animals in heaven.  Oh the boy enjoyed playing with the lions.  And everyone was nice in heaven.  Okay no surprises there.   The Dad who is a Pastor also shared in the DVD's and again, no surprising revelation there.

All in all, I don't see that anyone will learn anything new from this study.  No new revelations.  And should that surprise us as God Himself says that nothing shall be added or taken away from His Word.

I got my copy for free from Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions belong to me.

Three Cups

As soon as we receive a book in the mail our girls want to immediately sit down and read it.  And this was no exception.  Three Cups is about a five-year-old boy who is given three cups from the family cupboard for his birthday. He then learns how to divide his allowance between three cups; saving, spending, and giving. 


My personal take is that the story is short, sweet, and to the point.  As a Mom I really did expect the storyline to have a little more to it as I thought it ended rather abruptly.  I also thought the pictures in the book appeared rather dull and should have been brightened up somehow.  At any rate, at the end of the book my 3 daughters did want to each have 3 cups of their own.  So the book did achieve it's point. 


I received a complementary copy of Three Cups through the Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze program in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

Gabby, God's Little Angel

As soon as we got this book, I and my girls had to sit down and read it right away.  I love Sheilia Walsh and she has authored another wonderful children's book.  The drawings are colorful and very appealing to small children.  The story about a guardian angel was well told for children and very well illustrated.  I was very pleased with this book.  Also, our 4th grade daughter was able to read it by herself.

Sheilia Walsh has written many good books, some of which are:  Gigi, God's Little Princess; Will, God's Mighty Warrior; and The Pink Ballerina.  She has also written some wonderful books for women on many topics that have come from her heart.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers for an advance reading as part of their Booksneeze bloggers program . I was not required to write a positive review and therefore, the book review is 100% my own opinion.

Thunder Dog-True Story!

This is a true story of how Michael Hingson survived 9/11 with his guide dog, Thunder.  This is not only a great narrative of the events that happened to Michael that day but also shares about Michael's life and how he coped with his blindness.  And it includes how Michael came about to getting his guide dog and eventually, Roselle, the dog that saved his life that day in the Twin Towers.

This book will amaze you at what Michael was able to accomplish even while he was a boy despite his blindness.  He shares how his parents supported him and loved him so much that they would not send him to a home for the blind even when they were told when Michael was just weeks old that he was hopelessly and incurably blind.  Instead they treated him as a normal son and again, you will be amazed at what he was able and encouraged to do, not only as a young boy, but later as a college student.

This book should encourage you to try to do what others say you can not do.  It will educate you on the training of guide dogs and how special they are.  It will involve you in the events of 9/11.  But hopefully it will also open your eyes that blind people want to be accepted as normal, just like you and me.

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.”

About that list...

I didn't chicken out!!  I went to JBU and worked out this morning.  I somehow managed to get through week 4 day 1 of C25K!!!  Warm-up--no problem...3 min run @ 6 mph--success...90 sec walk @ 3.5 mph--no problem...5 min run started at  6 mph for the first 2 min, but had to slow to 5.5 mph to finish the interval--still a success, I'd say...2.5 min walk @ 3.5 mph--no problem...3 min run @ 6 mph had to slow to 5.5 mph then brisk walk @ 4 mph for the last 90 sec of it...90 sec walk @ 3.5 mph--no problem...last 5 min run @ 6 mph quickly got slowed to 5.5 mph.  Had to slow to 4 mph brisk walk after 90 sec of running for about 90 sec, but then finished the last two min with a 5.5 mph run...Cool down @ 3.5 mph--was ever so thankful I made it through.  This has not been the easiest thing I've ever done, nor the hardest, but I'm glad I'm continuing the program.  Still wondering when I'm going to get that "second wind."  :)

Now onto yesterday's list...the Wal-Mart trip was a success.  The kids were pretty good in spite of the fact that Drew and Melanie did not have a nap and it was indeed nap time!  I even managed to stay within budget! :)  Dentist appointments were successful as far as behavior.  It was Melanie's first time, and she acted like a pro! Even the hygienist was impressed. :)  Unfortunately Anne has 4 cavities that have to be taken care of, and Naomi has two.  Naomi has weak enamel on her permanent molars, and it looks like she's going to get a couple of crowns out of the deal.  Andy took care of dinner--leftovers, hot dogs, and mac-n-cheese--since I had WW (1/2 lb loss).  After the kids were in bed Andy and I did watch the Harry Potter movie.  Well, I should say I watched the movie.  Andy fell asleep during it.  I'm excited about watching Part 2 tonight!

As for the rest of the list...here's my new list for today (don't worry I won't bore you with a list everyday, but it is my blog. :))
1.  Occasions--still need to get a bday gift for SIL.
2.  Load of laundry--the gift that keeps on giving no matter the holiday.
3.  Master suite--will start somewhere, even if just a corner!!
4.  Curriculum mapping--I'm not pressing my luck.  Maybe I'll just look at it. :)
5.  Nap!!!!  I'm going on very little sleep, but managing.  Definitely planning to nap while the little ones are doing the same.  The dog might have to go in her kennel and everyone go down for a nap. :)

Once again thankful for God's mercy!!  "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.  They shall run and not grow weary.  They shall walk and not faint."