Wednesday, January 28, 2009

What's Age Got to Do With It?

Robin McGraw's new book "What's Age Got to Do With It? is all about living your happiest and healthiest life possible. In an age where most of us are afraid of getting old, Robin tackles all those things we fear and gives some secrets for staying healthy and in shape so that we can look our best even as we age. She says "To me, aging gracefully isn't accepting what aging does to you. It means taking care of your health, wanting to look your best, and knowing that it is not conceited, egotistical, or selfish to do so".

Robin's husband is the famous Dr. Phil and when Robin appears on the show, thousands of viewers want to know how she looks and feels so fabulous at the age of fifty-five. This is what prompted her to write this book. She not only gives us her secrets but also provides information from a panel of top experts in the areas of fitness, nutrition, skin care, menopause, hair, makeup and fashion.

The last chapter is "What's Faith Got to Do with It? She reads and studies her Bible and tells us that her decision to accept Jesus Christ as her personal Savior changed her life forever.She also says that her faith has gotten her through many rough patches in her life. This was my favorite part of the whole book as I truly appreciate it when a famous person like Robin takes such a strong stand for the Lord. I highly recommend the book as it is not only full of wonderful information, it is inspirational as well.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

For the Tough Times

I absolutely love Max Lucado's books and just devour them almost. I have read "For the Tough Times" two times and will read it again and again. He has a way with words like none I have ever read with the exception perhaps of Vance Havner. He can punch you in the nose with his short sentences but the thoughts go straight to the heart. I agree with one reviewer who said his sentences are almost poetic. They are profound that is for sure.

If ever a book was written for our uncertain times, this is it. He addresses the concerns of all of us especially when things go wrong and we wonder ...where in the world is God in all of this and why isn't He doing something...?

Having lost a son three years ago to a heart attack and then losing my husband of fifty-three years ago just six months ago, I understand sorrow and heartache. I was reminded though by this author that God is still in control and that I must continue to look up and keep my eyes on Jesus. I always learn so much when I read one of Lucado's books. This time I learned more about how God actually uses Satan to refine the faithful, awaken the sleeping, and teach the church. I had never thought of those truths like he presented them. " Satan is still a servant to God and doesn't want to be.....Every time he tries to advance his cause, he ends up advancing God's". Thank you Lord for this book and I pray it will be widely read by many and bring hope and comfort to them.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Rex

Truly this is the most amazing story I have ever read of a mother's love for her child who was born blind and autistic. I think I was as impressed with the mother as I was with Rex's indomitable spirit and genius. Cathleen Lewis is a remarkable person in her accomplishments and now even more so since she has shown us how she has grown spiritually through all of the trauma in their lives. The last chapter in the book was perhaps the best to me as she showed how God has used Rex and his problems to help her know Him in a personal way.

I did not know that the savant club was so very small - only twenty one or so in the whole world. Cathleen has made her mark in the field of autisim and child blindness. Hopefully, this book will inspire others who face the same challenges. She states that God works in unexpected ways and also is a master of irony. How true and how wonderful that she has found her "niche" in life. I look forward to watching Rex as he continues to grow up and amaze the world with his piano accomplishments. 60 Minutes did a wonderful job in their presentation of him as a six year old and then a follow-up at nine. I hope they will do other shows to keep us informed of this unusually gifted young man.