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Book Review: Taking My Life Back

taking my life back

Taking My Life Back, by Rebekah Gregory

Publisher’s summary

On April 15, 2013, Rebekah Gregory and her five-year-old son waited at the finish line of the Boston Marathon to support a friend who was running. When the blast of a homemade bomb packed with nails and screws went off three feet away, Rebekah’s legs took the brunt of the explosion, protecting her son from certain death. Seventeen surgeries and sixty-five procedures later, she finally made the decision to have her left leg amputated.

This stirring memoir tells the story of her remarkable recovery–including her triumphant return to Boston two years later to run part of the race and her participation in the trial of one of the terrorists–and explores the peace we experience when we learn to trust God with every part of our lives: the good, the bad, and even the terrifying.

My Thoughts

I remember very clearly hearing about the Boston Marathon bombing, seeing the pictures and video clips, following the capture of the terrorists on the news, and wondering how in the world one would even begin to heal, physically, spiritually,  and emotionally, from such an ordeal.

I was curious to read Taking My Life Back because there was so much information going around on the internet about the bombing that I wasn’t quite sure what was actually fact anymore; I wanted to read the events from the perspective of someone who was there.

Rebekah writes about her experiences as a victim, or rather, a survivor, with passion and raw emotion. She also writes about how she was there with her son, and I can only imagine how terrifying it would have been to be so badly hurt and laying there helpless to be able to care for your child.

Rebekah writes about how her experiences in her life from the time she was young helped shape her into who she was, and how they helped her deal with the aftermath of the bombing. She writes very openly and honestly about the highs and lows, and how her faith in God helped her persevere even when it seemed like everything was working against her.

 

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.”
Affiliate links are included in this post.

Book Review: Between Heaven and the Real World

scc

 

Between Heaven and the Real World
My Story

By Steven Curtis Chapman with Ken Abraham

Publisher’s Summary:

For decades, Steven Curtis Chapman’s music and message have brought hope and inspiration to millions. Now, for the first time, Steven openly shares the experiences that have shaped him, his faith, his family, and his music in a life that has included incredible highs and faith-shaking lows.

From childhood, music has been both a refuge and a release for Steven. With humor and humility, he offers a backstage look at his early days on the road and his wild ride to the top of the charts. Discover the stories behind some of his best-loved songs. Walk with him as he and his wife, Mary Beth, navigate the joys and trials of marriage and family. Cheer for his return to the stage after doubting he could ever sing again. And SEE God in the aftermath of the tragic death of their five-year-old daughter Maria.

 

 

My Thoughts

I’ve been a fan Of Steven Curtis Chapman since I was a teen, when a friend first introduced his music to me. His songs really speak to me; I find them to be very real, down to earth, filled with God’s love and messages of grace and hope. I was heartbroken when I heard about the tragedy of the loss of his daughter. Chapman’s wife wrote about it in her book a few years ago, Choosing to See.

In Between Heaven and the Real World, we read Steven’s story, starting from childhood. It’s easy to mentally put a Christian icon on a pedestal and assume that they have it all together; a perfect upbringing. This isn’t the case, though.

It takes both good and difficult experiences to shape a person, and Chapman openly shares both sides.

Reading his book was almost how I would imagine sitting down with Chapman over a cup of coffee. He is not afraid to write about his emotions; I lost count of the times I read that he wept when times were tough and he didn’t know which way to go next, or when a loved one was hurting. He’s not afraid to share about how sometimes he wondered what God was doing and how things would work out. He’s the first to admit he’s not perfect and he has his own struggles. He is equally honest about his highest highs and his lowest lows in Between Heaven and the Real World.

 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Affiliate links included in this post.

Bible Origami Review

Bible Origami, by Todd Huiskenbible-o-cover-cropped

Publisher’s Summary

Keep your children’s hands busy during church services with Bible Origami. Instead of folding the service programs into paper airplanes, they can fold Noah’s ark, an oil lamp, or Joseph’s coat! As you develop the unique skill of creating these simple-to-intermediate origami designs, you will find opportunities to use them with all ages for lessons, activities, crafting, and everyday fun!

My Thoughts

My older children have enjoyed doing origami crafts in the past so I was excited when Todd emailed me and asked if I (or rather, my children) would be interested in reviewing his new book, Bible Origami.

My daughter got to it right away!

bible origami

First she made the dove. She had a bit of a tough time getting the wings right but she pressed on and finished it fairly quickly. Next, she made the fox. This one was easier for her. She had to add a face!

bible origami

Bible Origami assigns skill levels 1, 2, or 3 to each project; you can look up projects by skill level in the Index in the back of the book. They are divided into Old and New Testament designs. There are several common fold types explained in the beginning of the book in the Introduction section.

Each project has a “Did you know?” fact, that tells the reader some information about how the project is related to the Bible or something about the subject of the project (For example, did you know that foxes have whiskers on their legs, which help them navigate? I didn’t know that!)

I find the directions and images in Bible origami clear and easy to follow.

Overall, my children enjoyed trying some of the projects in this book and I think it would make a great gift suited for children ages 6 or 7 and up. I think it would also be a great addition to a Sunday School library.

God’s Not Dead 2 Review

 

God's not dead 2

 

I was asked if I would like to watch an early viewing of God’s Not Dead 2 and post about it. I loved the first God’s Not Dead, so of course I said yes!

God’s Not Dead 2 starts off by introducing several characters and leaves you wondering how they will all be tied together in the story. Some of the characters are returning from the first God’s Not Dead, but there are several new ones as well.

The story is about a teacher who answers a question her student asks in History class. The problem? The question was about Jesus. Another student tells someone else, and immediately the teacher is suspended and there’s a huge law suit about her supposedly preaching in class.

The movie isn’t very fast paced or action-packed, but it is intriguing. I loved the multiple famous Christian guest appearances throughout the movie, and I learned some more evidence to historically support the writings of the Bible. There are some funny moments through the movie, and I didn’t find it boring at all.

There is, of course, no questionable content. No sex, no swearing, no drugs. The only instance of violence is one person being slapped by another one time. I would say that this video is appropriate for the family to watch.

I really enjoyed this movie and I encourage you to watch it; I think you will too! It portrays the sad state of affairs in our society that freedom of speech seems to need to fit into the parameters that the government sets, and that society in general is tolerant to everyone and all beliefs…unless you’re Christian.

If you are looking to find both God’s Not Dead and God’s Not Dead 2, you can find the bundle pack here on Amazon and save a few dollars.

Movie has been provided courtesy of Sony Home Entertainment Canada and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Affiliate links in post.

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