BEAUTIFUL MUSIC

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Almost nothing moves me more than beautiful music.

The great old hymns of the church and even some of the contemporary music draws me closer to God and brings tears to my eyes.

Great piano, violin, full orchestra and vocal music moves me deeply.

If I am alone, moving music makes me very melancholy.

Memories flood my mind. Some good. Some bad. My emotions run deep.

When all of the cheap, loud, vulgar, meaningless ditties have all died and been forgotten, this great, moving music I am thinking about will live on.

Almost nothing moves me more than beautiful music. 

How about you? What kind of music moves you, if any?

PASSION REAFFIRMED

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

It is my strong belief that having passion for what you do is one of the most important elements to success.

I have experienced this in my own life and witnessed it in others enough to believe in it with all my heart.

My belief in passion was reaffirmed at worship this weekend.

Our church has searched for a new pastor of worship and creative arts for four years.

God led our elders and search team to Troy Peterson. He and his family come to us from a large church in Camp Hill, PA.

Troy led our worship service for the first time this past Sunday.

He led with passion!

Our praise to God, with him leading was absolutely wonderful.

His passion originates out of a love for God

Troy said, "I believe that music has a powerful and unique way of penetrating the heart where God can speak not only into the life of a believer, but also to one who is far from God. Corporate worship through music can set the tone and atmosphere for each person to receive the teaching of the Word. In this way, it is softening the ground of the heart to be a fruitful place to plant a seed of God's truth."

AMEN! 

(You may listen to Troy leading worship by clicking here 
03/15/09 "Praise the Father, Praise the Son"
Worship with Pastor Troy Peterson

THE MALIBU MIRACLE

Monday, June 28, 2010

William S. Banowsky, President Emeritus of Pepperdine University has written a new book, THE MALIBU MIRACLE--A Memoir. It is about a miracle in the Santa Monica Mountains--the building of Pepperdine University at Malibu.

My interest in Pepperdine began in 1957 when I graduated from Abilene Christian College and moved to the Los Angeles area to preach for a small church in El Monte. At the same time Dr. Norvel Young moved from Lubbock, Texas to become the President of Pepperdine College located in Los Angeles. Dr. Young had relatives who were members of the congregation in El Monte and they introduced us to him. We became friends and Dr. Young guest preached for us in El Monte and later in Stockton when we moved up north.

I also became friends with Dr. Banowsky who directed the Bible Lectureships at Pepperdine and who later became President of the school and led in the building of the beautiful campus at Malibu. I taught many Bible classes during the lectureships over the years and was privileged to deliver main lectures on two occasions. I also taught Bible courses in the school's extension department. I received my Master's Degree in Bible from Pepperdine and both of our children are graduates.

I tell you all of this to say that the Ditmores have a long and loving relationship with Pepperdine University. We consider it to be one of the most beautiful campuses in America. And we also believe God's hand was in the development of this great school. It is indeed a miracle.

Many of you will have no interest at all in this book. Our interest comes from our close relationship with this school. On the other hand, many of you who read my blog also know and love Pepperdine. I encourage you to read this book. You will be thrilled.

HOW BIG IS YOUR GOD?

Saturday, June 26, 2010

I strongly believe that the way we live is a consequence of the size of our God. The problem many of us have is that our God is too small. We are not convinced that we are absolutely safe in the hands of a fully competent, all-knowing, ever-present God.

When we wake up in the morning, what happens if we live with a small God?

 We live in a constant state of fear and anxiety because everything depend on us. Our mood will be governed by our circumstances. We will live in a universe that leaves us deeply vulnerable.

We cannot be generous because our financial security depends on us.

When we need to give someone strong words of confrontation or challenge, we will be inclined to pull our punches. That is because if we don't live in the security of a big God's acceptance, we become slaves to what others think of us.

If we face the temptation to speak deceitful words to avoid pain we will probably do it. We may try to get credit for something at work that does not belong to us because we don't trust in a Big God who sees in secret and will one day give reward.

If somebody gets mad at us or disapproves, we will get all twisted up in knots---we will not have the security of knowing that a giant God is watching out for us.

When human beings shrink God, they offer prayer without faith, work without passion, service without joy, suffering without hope. It results in fear, retreat, loss of vision and failure to persevere.

(The above words are not mine. I wish they were but they are not. They are the words of John Ortberg from his marvelous book, If You Want To Walk On Water, You've Got To Get Out Of The Boat.)

SAY WHAT YOU MEAN AND MEAN WHAT YOU SAY

Friday, June 25, 2010

WE ARE AT WAR WITH THE TALIBAN --OK, then kill them! Do it with a purpose. Don't warn them you are coming, just go in and kill them if they do not surrender to your will. And then go home and leave the people of that country free to do their own thing. But don't say you are at war with them and send our young men and women there to die if you don't intend to go in with full force and kill the enemy. Just don't do it. Shut up and stay at home.

IT'S AGAINST THE LAW TO COME INTO THIS COUNTRY WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE GOVERNMENT---OK, then those who break this law have to be punished in some way--not rewarded. If illegals are not going to be arrested then shut up and drop the law. It's that simple.
                               
DO THAT ONE MORE TIME AND YOU ARE GOING TO GET A SPANKING --OK, then give the kid a spanking or shut up.

Should we go to war, make it illegal to enter our country without permission, or tell a child he will be spanked if he/she disobeys? That's debatable! I have my opinion. You have yours. We can talk about it. What is not debatable in my mind is saying one thing and doing something else.

FIREFLIES

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Growing up in Oklahoma I loved to go outside at night and see all the fireflies or lightening bugs.

We lived in California for years and now in Arizona. I can't recall ever seeing a firefly in either state.

I have missed them!

My blogging friend Loren, who lives in Oklahoma, makes me long for them even more when she writes about being outside on a beautiful Oklahoma night and seeing so many of them.

I have questions:

1. Why didn't I see fireflies in California and now why don't I see them in Arizona? Do I need to have my glasses changed?

2. Have they just not migrated West? When the "Okies" piled their mattresses on their cars and fled Oklahoma, did the fireflies stay behind?

3. Do you have fireflies where you live?

Did I hear you say, "With the mess the world's in I don't have time for this dribble" ?

Ah, my friend it's a diversion---a diversion. Get your eyes off the mess for a few minutes and look for the fireflies.

BOOK REVIEW

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

LUMBY ON THE AIR (The Fifth Book In The Series)
BY GAIL FRASER 


OVERVIEW: The enchantingly offbeat town of Lumby is surrounded by vast natural beauty–something its quirky residents have never taken for granted. On Main Street, the town mascot, Hank, a pink flamingo, dreams of becoming a bald eagle soaring among the mountain peaks. But when outside forces threaten the very fabric of the town, Hank's feathers aren't the only ones that get ruffled.

Pam and Mark Walker are celebrating their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary with a weeklong family reunion and a ceremony to renew their vows. Mark breezily dismisses Pam's misgivings about temporarily closing Montis Inn, and heads off to the county fair to try his hand at both chain saw sculpting and sheep shearing, with chaotic — and hilarious — results. Meanwhile, Pam juggles her thrill-seeking mother, who has a new "friend with benefits," and her nonconformist niece, who posts unedited commentaries on her online blog. When Mark's brother-in-law starts broadcasting his radio talk show from Montis Inn, his disparaging remarks about small-town life cause immediate rifts that only widen when he sides with a real estate developer who wants to turn Lumby into an asphalt Aspen. As the controversy pits family against family and neighbor against neighbor, will the spirit defines Lumby triumph once again?


AUTHOR: Read about author, Gail Fraser and my review of the other books in this series here: http://clif74blog.blogspot.com/2010/06/book-reviews-lumby-series.html


MY REVIEW: The newest of the Lumby series, Lumby on the Air is as well written as the earlier four books. Gail Fraser draws you into the little town of Lumby and you feel a part of it. She does it with a charming sense of humor and you smile as in your minds eye, you see the country side, the town and feel close to the characters there. I am amazed that she is able to take us through so many rich story lines and introduce us to such memorable characters.

(I am thankful to FSB Associates for providing me with this splendid series of books. Lumby on the Air is the fifth book, not the last. I look forward to the next one as the series continues.)

"Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off To Work We Go"

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Retirement must be great. No more work.

Guess again!

Since I was going to be working outside today I decided I needed a good breakfast. Cereal just wouldn't take care of what I had in mind.

So, since I have been wanting to learn how to make an omelet for years, I gave it the "old college try" (whatever that is) and I did it. No, it wasn't beautiful. But it was tasty. It will be beautiful and tasty next time.

Many, if not most, front yards in the Phoenix area have rocks in the yard--not grass.

When we moved to this area I thought this was the dumbest thing I had ever seen but I also thought it might not require much work. And it doesn't require a lot of work but it should be cared for at least every week or two. I give mine special attention about once every six months.

Yes, retirement is great in many ways. But it doesn't mean you never have to work.

SUMMERTIME

Monday, June 21, 2010

Today is the first day of summer.

There's a lot to like about summer in the desert:

Time in the pool. You don't have to have a heater for the pool when you live in the desert.

Less traffic. The "snow birds" go home. Glad to see them come. Happy to see them go for a while.

Home made ice cream. Sure you can make it any time but it seems to taste better when the temperature is over 100 degrees outside.

Great time to head up to Sedona, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon.

You can go to your favorite restaurant without standing in line waiting for a table.

Fall is the season I enjoy the most in the desert. But summer comes every year. I made up my mind a long time ago, I am going to be grateful for every summer God allows me to stay here.

Hey, it's"summer time and the livin' is easy."

FATHER'S DAY: A TRIBUTE

Saturday, June 19, 2010

The following words today are from Max Lucado's excellent book,God Came Near. I had to edit it to the length I wanted for this post. I feel I have captured the heart of what he wanted to say.

Today  is Father's Day. A day of cologne. A day of hugs, new neckties, long-distance telephone calls, and hallmark cards.

Today is my first Father's Day without a father. For thirty-one years I had one. I had one of the best. But now he's gone. He's buried under an oak tree in a west Texas cemetery. Even though he's gone, his presence is very near--especially today.

It seems strange that he isn't here. I guess that's because he was never gone. He was always close by. Always available. Always present. His words were nothing novel. His achievements, though admirable, were nothing extraordinary.

But his presence was.

(At this point, Max Lucado describes all the ways his father was present for him. To be brief I needed to leave this out. Please, in your own mind, fill in this space with thoughts of your own father. I hope you had/have a good one.)

He comes to mind often. When I smell "Old Spice" after shave, I think of him. When I see a bass boat I see his face. ...And I knew if I ever needed him, he'd be there.

Like a warm fireplace.

Maybe that's why this Father's Day is a bit chilly. The fire has gone out. The winds of age swallowed the last splendid flame, leaving only golden embers. But there is a strange thing about those embers, stir them a bit and a flame will dance only briefly, but it will dance. And it will knock just enough chill out of the air to remind me that he is still...in a special way, very present.

WE HAVE LOST OUR SENSE OF URGENCY

Friday, June 18, 2010

There is an old saying, "Everybody talkin' about heaven ain't goin' there."

Most of us recognize the truth in this crude statement.

The problem is--we don't seem to care.

Universalists may believe that everybody will eventually be saved--but most people don't believe this.

There was a time when Christians were evangelistic, especially in our outreach to our friends and loved ones.

I could be wrong about this, but I don't see that sense of urgency today. We seem satisfied to try to help people live happy, peaceful, comfortable lives. Life is tough. We try to make it possible to get through the day.

If Christ is the only way and many have not given their lives to Him, aren't they going to be lost? Even if they are nice, polite, hard working, good citizens, aren't they going to be lost without Christ?

Many people I know either do not believe those outside of Christ will be lost or they have just lost their sense of urgency in reaching out to them.

I too have decided that it's not the best way to close a worship service by extending an "invitation" and singing songs like, "Just As I Am" and "Why Not Tonight?". But I believe that if we are not going to do this that we need to be inviting people to Christ in as many other ways as possible.

I think of the haunting words of an old "invitation" song, "Almost, but lost."

BOOK REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

A MAZE OF GRACE--A Memoir of Second Chances
By Trish Ryan (Author of He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not) 


OVERVIEW: In her first book, He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not, Trish Ryan chronicled the ways in which finding faith led her to the happily-ever after ending that had eluded her for so long. Only it wasn't an ending. It was a beginning. In A Maze Of Grace, Ryan picks up where she left off, sharing the early years of her marriage and the challenges that both shaped and startled her temptations regarding fidelity, the anxiety of shifting body image, the awkward nature of following Jesus in a decidedly secular family and city, and the struggles (depression, trying to conceive) that made her wonder if God had lost her file. With appealing candor, Ryan sweeps the reader into her life and ponders questions and issues that we all face, dropping nuggets of wisdom along the way that are sure to inspire, encourage, and help women in all walks of life.


AUTHOR: Trish Ryan was a veteran spiritual seeker who had tried everything from feng shui to astrology. It's an interesting story of of how she turned to Jesus. She was looking for love. Ryan was the quintessential successful thirty something, with a career as an attorney. She had a nice car and lots of dates. But her catalog of relationships horror stories reads like a chick-lit novel: men who cheated, men who left her, world-class bad dates, including one who walked himself out of the closet during dessert. She watched popular TV preacher Joyce Meyers and listened to Christian music CD's. She wanted what they had but she didn't want to tell anybody. Ultimately, Ryan responded to "the invitation to walk toward Jesus at whatever pace you are called." She says, "Jesus was there." Embracing his offer of salvation--her restless soul found peace. She now lives in Boston with her husband.


MY REVIEW: A Maze of Grace is a funny, well written memoir that sweeps you right into the author's heart. This is not a fairy tale. This is real life. Trish Ryan writes about her life in such a way that you feel like she's writing about you. She opens up her heart and lets it spill out on the page so you can see her life in the raw. I liked this book. I liked it a lot! This may well be one of the most "honest" books I have read in a long time. I especially like chapter 4, "Give That Man Some Sex" and chapter 10, "Cocktail Parties." However, I realize these may be the chapters you like the least. I think you need to read this book and find out. You will not be sorry. And since the generous folks at Hachette Book Group are allowing me to give away three copies, you should try for one.

WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK

The generous folks at Hachette Book Group are allowing me to host this book giveaway for three (3) copies!

• Winners are restricted to the US and Canada. No PO Box mailing address please. You do not have to be a blogger to win.

• I must have a way of contacting you, so be sure to leave your email address in your comment.

• Some choose to omit the @ sign and the . dot by writing it in "code" like this: you (at) your email (dot)com.

• I'll close the comments June 30 and pick the three winners. I will contact the winners via email to get their mailing information. The winners will have three days to respond. If I do not hear from them within three days, I will select another winner(s).

BOOK REVIEW

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

SHATTERED--Struck Down, But Not Destroyed
By Frank Pastore with Ellen Vaughn


OVERVIEW: The memoir of former MLB pitcher Frank Pastore is about overcoming dysfunction and broken dreams. His Major League Baseball career was shattered in a split second. A line drive off the bat of Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Steve Sax struck the Cincinnati Reds pitcher on his right elbow, and the hurler was never the same. A promising MLB career was all but ended one pitch and one swing. A number of men would have let this misfortune destroy their lives. At one point in his life it would have destroyed Frank Pastore's too. Shattered is part sports book, taking you on road trips to clubhouses and professional baseball fields. And it's part romantic novel, detailing the journey of two young kids who fall in love and eventually elope, evading not only Frank's wife's family but the law as well, for she was only 16 years old. Pastore's memoir is also a story of brokenness, betrayal, and burnout. But most of all, this is an uplifting story of how an unpredictable God can surprise any of us with his goodness and love.

MY REVIEW: Shattered is a sports book but it is more than that. For me, it is about how God can make something beautiful of the shattered fragments of our lives if we will allow him to. I was encouraged to read about how even though he was shattered he was not destroyed. His life was shattered but his soul was saved. Pastore found himself asking that question so many have asked in the time of trouble, "Why is this happening to me?" He was asking this of a God he didn't even believe in. It was this injury that sent Frank, a lifelong atheist, on a journey that would change not only his mind but also his whole life. I agree with Chuck Colson who said, "Frank Pastore is not just a big-league player; he's a big-league thinker...Shattered is a great read--fun, fast, and a real page-turner...We can all relate to his story. It's hilarious, poignant, insightful."

(This excellent book was given to me by Tyndale Book Publisher for an honest review.)

THEY ALL WON

Monday, June 14, 2010

It's hard to believe but the three teams I was cheering for all won yesterday. This rarely happens for me.


 FIRST, THE DIAMONDBACKS - They had it won and then the closer (suppose to be closer) lost it for them and then they won it back with a walk-off home run.


AND THEN, THE BOSTON CELTICS - Normally, I would be cheering for the Lakers but for some reason I just don't like all those Hollywood people who are cheering for them. Boston is now just one game away from winning the whole thing.


FINALLY, THE ARIZONA STATE BASEBALL TEAM - They had it won and then their closer let Arkansas tie the game. They won it with a home run in the 12th inning. They are on their way to Omaha and the college world series.

OH HAPPY DAY!

Did I hear you say, "It's just a game or games"?

That's what you say when your team loses---"Oh well, it's just a game."

Not this time!

ON CATCHING THE WRONG BUS

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Harry Emerson Fosdick preached at Riverside Church in New York City for two decades. He had one of the most influential preaching ministries in the United States. He was liberal, I am conservative. I disagree with him on many points of doctrine. But I recognize the ability he had to communicate what he believed and much of what he believed we need to hear. The following is taken from one of his messages: On Catching the Wrong Bus.

...the newspapers carried the story of a man who boarded a bus with the full intention and desire of going to Detroit, but when at the end of a long trip he alighted at the destination, he found himself, not in Detroit, but in Kansas City. He had caught the wrong bus. Something like that goes on habitually in human life. People on the whole desire good things--happiness, fine family life, competence in their work, the respect of their friends, an honorable old age. Nothing is more common in our consciously held desires and intentions than such good goals, but after a long trip, how many, alighting at the destination, find themselves somewhere else altogether.

The Prodigal Son did not start out for a swine pasture.

 This truth that the destination we reach depends not on our ideals alone but on the bus we catch, is personally critical.

"Narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it." Matthew 7:13-14.That's it! To desire life, full, abundant, happy, free---when Jesus talks about that goal, saying, "I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly," we find it easy to desire, but are we willing to face the road that  leads to it?

For one thing, we confront the serious implications of a law abiding universe. It is one thing to desire a great goal; it is another thing to fulfill the conditions of reaching it.

Consider further that we face here one of the most searching tests of our own personal sincerity. It is one thing to desire something ideal and right; it is another thing to be willing to pay the price.

"Narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it."

NOT TODAY FOLKS

Friday, June 11, 2010

I preached every Sunday, except on rare occasion, for forty-seven years.

However, there were Sundays when if I really had wanted to be honest, I would have gone to the pulpit and said, "Not today folks, not today."

I post something new almost everyday. But today has been one of those "Not today folks" kind of days.

So I think I will just tell you what I had for breakfast and lunch today.

Did I hear you say, "Nobody cares what you had to eat today"?

You just made my point. This is one of those, "Not today folks" kind of days.

I have nothing on my mind but what I had for breakfast and lunch. Just be glad I haven't had dinner yet.

Our daughter had the day off from work so she came by and we went to breakfast. Coco's may not have the best breakfast in town, although it's very good, but I wanted to go there because I had a buy one get one free coupon. I would have gone there even if I didn't like the breakfast.

For lunch we went to one of my favorite places--Joe's Crab Shack! The food was delicious and at one point  the music began to rock the walls and the waiters and waitresses all broke into some kind of dance. It kinda scared me but it was fun. All of a sudden the loud music stopped, they all went back to work and everything was peaceful again. I'm glad they woke me up. I wouldn't have wanted to get back on the freeway full of fish and shrimp and half asleep.

BOOK REVIEWS --LUMBY SERIES

Thursday, June 10, 2010

My review for the first book in this excellent series was posted May 19 and can be found here http://clif74blog.blogspot.com/2010/05/book-review-delightful-series.html Today I am posting overviews of the next three books in the series and then in a few days I will post a full review of the newest book, Lumby on the Air.

STEALING LUMBY
Just a dot on the map of the Northwest, Lumby looms big in the hearts of its residents. The townsfolk consider one another family as well as friends. And though the annual cow race can bring out the competitiveness in people, when times get tough, there is no better person to turn to than your nearest neighbor...

Inn owners Pam and Mark Walker are up to their ears in new projects, including planting gum trees for their bees to produce rare honey and expanding their critter collection. But the big news of the day is the theft of The Barns of Lumby, one of the most important paintings of the twentieth century. Town matriarch Charlotte Ross has a very personal connection to the painting--and to the artist, Dana Porter. And as a media frenzy descends on the little town, one of the two actual barns disappears from the landscape--and pieces of it begin showing up all over town in the oddest places...

LUMBY'S BOUNTY
How Lumby has come to host a hot-air balloon festival is a long story, but the town's residents are jumping right into preparations. Montis Inn owner Mark Walker assumes command with less than successful results. Lucky for Lumbians, two visitors at Saint Cross Abbey are balloon enthusiasts. As Kai and Jamar help Lumby take flight, their efforts are noticed by Caroline Ross, granddaughter of the town's recently deceased matriarch. While romance grows, cultures clash, and balloons crash in town. Pam Walker is tethered to her home with an overwhelming challenge of her own. And all are keeping their fingers crossed for blue skies and smooth sailing...

THE PROMISE OF LUMBY
At Montis Inn, the success of Pam Walker's on-location restaurant is leaving her overworked and frazzled, while her husband Mark's fascination with Internet auctions leads to some outlandish purchases, one of which requires military clearance. Meanwhile, Lumby's only veterinarian, Dr. Ellen Campbell, has decided to sell her business, and the townsfolk are in full panic mode. Who will tell blind Jeremiah that his old horse Isabella is eating rabbit feed, and who will help little Timmy convince his parents that a puppy is the perfect pet?

When animal doctor tom Candor arrives in Lumby, he seems the answer to everyone's prayers. But some residents are not so trusting of the shy, pensive vet, especially newspaper owner Dennis Beezer, who is determined to expose Tom's secrets. The repercussions lead to an unpredictable, over-the-top adventure--and a heartfelt lesson the people of Lumby won't soon forget.
                                                                 *********

Gail Fraser has done an excellent job with this series of delightful books. I agree with author, Joan Medlicott, who said, "A visit to the charming, whimsical town of Lumby is a refreshing change from our fast-paced lives."

BOOK REVIEW

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

MAYFLOWER--A STORY of COURAGE, COMMUNITY, and WAR
BY NATHANIEL PHILBRICK

OVERVIEW: The oft-told tale of how the Pilgrims and the Indians celebrated the First Thanksgiving does not do justice to the history of Plymouth Colony. Instead of an inspiring tableau of tranquil cooperation, the Pilgrims' first half-century in America was more of a passion play in which vibrant, tragic, self-serving, and herioic figures struggled to preserve a precarious peace--until that peace erupted into one of the deadliest wars ever fought on American soil. The English fatalities were catastrophic, but the rebelling Indians were virtually obliterated as a people. The promise of the First Thanksgiving had given way to the horror of total war.

A hundred years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this culminating even--King Philips War--brought into disturbing focus the issues of race, violence, religious identity, and economic opportunity that came to define America's inexorable push west. But as the Pilgrims came to understand, war was not inevitable. It would be left to their children and grandchildren to discover the terrifying enormity of what is lost when two peoples give up on the difficult work of living together.

More than 375 years later, in a world that is growing more complicated and dangerous by the day, the story of the Mayflower still has much to teach us.  --Nathaniel Philbrick 


AUTHOR: Nathaniel Philbrick is the author of the New York Times bestseller In the Heart of the Sea, which won the National Book Award, and Sea of Glory: The Epic South Seas Expedition, 1838-1842,winner of the Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt Naval History Prize. he has lived on Nantucket Island since 1986.

MY REVIEW: In the fall of 2009 my wife, daughter and I  had the wonderful experience of visiting in New England. Our time spent at Plymouth, Massachusetts was one of the highlights of the trip. We saw Plymouth rock, a replica of the Mayflower and visited Plymouth Plantation. That's when I first saw the book, Mayflower. I didn't buy it then but later after returning home. I am so glad I did. The simple question, "How Did America Begin?" launched acclaimed author Nathaniel Philbrick on an extraordinary journey to understand the truth behind our most sacred national myth: the voyage of the Mayflower and the settlement of Plymouth Colony. I loved this book. And if you are interested in the history of our great country--you will too.

BOOK REVIEW

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

THE REVOLUTIONARY PAUL REVERE
BY JOEL J. MILLER


OVERVIEW: The story of Paul Revere is the story of the American Revolution. Always smack dab in the thick of things, he was an ordinary citizen living in extraordinarily turbulent times. Revere played key roles in colonial tax fights and riots, the infamous Boston Massacre, the Tea Party, the Battle of Lexington and Concord, and even the ratification of the U.S.Constitution. In this fast-paced, dramatic account, Paul Revere's life pulses with energy as author Joel J. Miller explores his family and church life along with his revolutionary contribution as a spy, entrepreneur, express rider, freemason, and commercial visionary.


AUTHOR: Joel J. Miller is the author of two previous books, Bad Trip and Size Matters. His shorter writing has been featured in, among other publications, the American Spectator and Reason. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Megan and two children, Fionn and Felicity.


MY REVIEW: When Michael Hyatt, CEO,Thomas Nelson Publishing comes across a book he feels is special and should be read by as many as possible, he gives away several copies--sometimes as many as one hundred.The Revolutionary Paul Revere is one of those books. I feel blessed to have received one of the free copies.

The Revolutionary Paul Revere is a special book for all those interested in the story of America's founding and its growth as a force for freedom in the world. I agree with William J. Bennett who said, "The story of Paul Revere--a hero of Massachusetts, a hero of America--was never more timely. Nor has it ever been better told than by Joel J. Miller. The Revolutionary Paul Revere gallops along with all the drama and intrigue of a great novel. ...This is a vital, and wonderful story."

WE NEED TO LAUGH MORE

Saturday, June 05, 2010

This is a post about joy. We need more of it. We need to relax more and refuse to let circumstances dominate our attitudes.

Don't you just love to be around people who make you laugh? I know I do.

I also like stories that make me laugh. Charles Swindoll tells this one in his splendid book, Laugh Again:

Grandmother and granddaughter, a very precocious ten-year-old, were spending the evening together when the little girl suddenly looked up and asked, "How old are you, Grandma?"

The woman was a bit startled at the question, but knowing her granddaughter's quick mind, she wasn't completely shocked.

"Well honey, when you're my age you don't share your age with anybody."

"Aw, go ahead, Grandma...you can trust me."

"No, dear, I never tell anyone my age."

 Grandmother got busy fixing supper and then she suddenly realized the little darling had been absent for about twenty minutes--much too long! She checked around upstairs in her bedroom and found that her granddaughter had dumped the contents of her grandmother's purse on top of her bad and was sitting in the midst of the mess,holding her grandmother's driver's license.

 When their eyes met, the child announced: "Grandma, you're seventy-six."

"Why, yes, I am. How did you know that?"

"I found the date of your birthday here on your driver's license and subtracted that year from this year...so you're seventy-six." 

The little girl continued staring at the driver's license and added, "You also made an F in sex, Grandma."

THE REST THAT IS REAL

Friday, June 04, 2010

Tired? Weary? Burned out?

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary, and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
                                   

                                                                                                                                Matthew 11:28

READ IT AGAIN SAM---CLIF

Thursday, June 03, 2010

Ever so often I have to pull it off the shelf and read it again.


Don't Sweat The Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff by the late Richard Carlson, PH.D is a splendid book.

He writes: Often we allow ourselves to get all worked up about things that, upon closer examination, aren't really that big a deal. We focus on little problems and concerns and blow them way out of proportion. ...So many people spend so much of their life  energy "sweating the small stuff" that they completely lose touch with the magic and beauty of life.

I just now read the first part of this book again.

There. I feel better already

GO AHEAD AND CRY

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

All that needs to be done to remove the water spout for our guest bathtub is to just unscrew it from the wall.

That's all. It's really very simple and easy. I can do it without tools.

So I took it off. I then went to Ace Hardware, and Home Depot looking for a replacement. It's gone out of style and the news ones don't fit. I got a little map showing the way to the Plumbing Supply Store. It should have been right on the corner of 10l and Cave Creek. It wasn't!

While I was driving around looking for it a little light on my dash (that I had never seen before) came on. I stopped, got out the book that came with the car and it said I should go to BMW and have it checked out. I took Charlotte home because she didn't want to go to BMW. She has been there before.

BMW said it was indicating the anti-freeze was a little low. They had it filled and me on my way before I could drink a cup of coffee. Isn't anti-freeze a funny name for something needed in the desert?

I went to another Plumbing Supply place and they couldn't help me.

I called a plumber. He's coming Friday. We own our home. I guess I can take out a loan on it.

Don't tell me that pain isn't real that it's all in my head and that I shouldn't cry

Pain can be very real.

                                              There was a faith-healer of Deal
                                              Who said, "Although pain isn't real
                                              When I sit on a pin
                                              And it punctures my skin
                                              I dislike what I fancy I feel."