Hi all! I've been MIA for a bit, but I'm constantly updating this blog in my head, so figure that out. A while back I posted about having conversations with people when we disagree. This situation has only intensified as far as social media goes, in my opinion. This makes me hesitant to blog about anything terribly important, because chances are good that someone will have a differing opinion. I'm not afraid of having a different opinion, or even of offending someone, if the position I need to take is worth it, but I don't want to lose friends or followers because we simply see things differently. When I have a strong opinion on something, I will let you know, otherwise, you can assume I am voting, researching, talking about, or reading about the important matters in our lives. I just think there are more things to be gained by using social media as a tool for loving on people than by using it to alienate others. If you need to know where I stand on a topic, ask me. I will tell you.
SO. Moving on. As I have been doing for a few years now, I have recently participated in 2 new book launches.
"How The Light Gets In" by Jolina Petersheim is a sort of modern Amish story, based on the book of Ruth in the Bible. In my opinion, very loosely based, but I can see the correlations. I liked it a lot and gave it 5 stars on Goodreads. There are several plot twists that make getting through the first little bit very much worth it. The beginning is a little confusing and slowly paced, but you learn why this is necessary. It was a treat from memoirs, and "self-help" which are what most of my last few launches were. I enjoyed it so much I bought the Audible version.
"A Grateful American" by Gary Sinise. Man. There aren't enough words to describe this book, and the story that has brought "Lt Dan" to the place he is now. I titled my 5 star review, "This book will change your life.", and I stand by that. Gary Sinise was involved in getting Shot Baton Rouge police officer Nick Tullier a wheelchair accessible van, and I have been more aware of him since then. I know the military, and veterans are his heart, but he has a BIG heart, and loves to serve LEO's also. The book is so good, and I hope one day, it becomes it's own movie.
"Can't Make This Stuff Up! Finding the Upside's to Life's Downs" by Susannah B Lewis, known all over the FB as Whoa Susannah is one of the sweetest little things I've read in a while. Her stories are so personal, and you can tell by her writing, that she is sharing her heart with you. As part of her launch team, I received the first 1/3rd or so of the book to read and review. I gave it 5 stars too, because this book feels like sitting down with an old friend, and that can never happen enough. I can hardly wait until April to get the rest of the book!
NOW. I'm starting a new book and study by Lysa Terkeurst "It's Not Supposed To Be This Way- finding unexpected strength when disappointment leaves you shattered" I'm looking forward to learning a bit more about recovering from disappointment, but at the same time, I'm pretty sure it's going to come down to my attitude. That's never fun. But, our goal in life should always be to keep moving forward.
So, in closing. Keep your minds open. Keep your books open. Keep your hearts open. Nothing bad can come from being open and communicating with our fellow man. It takes work, but isn't it worth it?
