Mary Lynn Griswold

Mary Lynn Griswold: "Stand-In Groom" by Kaye Dacus

2009-07-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

Mary Lynn Griswold: "Stand-In Groom" by Kaye Dacus

The Wackiest Wildest Weirdest Animals in the World

2009-06-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

"The Wackiest Wildest Weirdest animal in the World" by Jack Hanna and photography by Rick A. Prebeg is truly an amazing book of some pretty amazing creatures. Jack Hanna is very farmous having served as an animal expert for over twenty-five years, educating, promoting zoos and has been on many famous TV shows. His own television shoows included one of the longest running syndicated wildlife series "Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures".

While the book is classified as a children's book, it was fascinating to me and very intriguing. It is beautifully presented with colorful photographs. Many of the animals shown are ones I did not even know existed. The Blue-footed Booby is an example. Seeing his very baby blue feet and learning that he used those blue feet to win his girlfriend was truly wacky.

The book features thirty weird animals from all over the world. The author is amazed at God's creations and shows some interesting facts about the animals featured that would be hard to gorget. The lion's roar can be heard up to five miles away and can eat more that 60 pounds of food in one meal. I won't forget that!

The giant anteater is another weird animal. His tougue in blue and over two feet long. He has a superlong bushy tail that he can fan out and use like an umbrella to protect himself from the sun. They consume more than 30,000 insects each day. Jack says this wird animal is proof God has a great sense of humor.

The octopus was another interesting creature featured. I did not know that they have three hearts and get up to 110 lbs. with l6 foot armspan. As a means of defense, the octopus can change its color quickly to match the color and the texture of the surroundings. It can also dismember itself, leaving a lone twitching arm as a distraction or simply to break free. There are over 300 types that live in oceans all over the world.

I discoverd so many unusual facts such as which animal:
* can run as fast backward as it can forward
*can stick out its tongue 100 times a minute
*can lick its own ears

Our God is so creative to think up such unusual animals and Jack Hanna makes me want to see and learn more about them. Many of them- like the elephant for instance have a high degree of intelligence and social behavious we know little about.

This book would make an excekllent gift to anyone who appreciates the wonder and beauty of some of the most unusual animals in our world.

Telling God's Story by Preban Vang and Terry Carter

2009-06-04T09:03:00.000-07:00

While I have not been asked to do a review of the book "Telling God's Story" by Preban Vang and Terry Carter, I decided I needed to tell "the world" what a fine job they have done.

Reading about how they decided this type of teaching material was needed helped me to realize that their assessment was certainly correct - at least for myself and almost everyone I know.

I have been in church all my life and a very serious Bible student for the past 40 years. I absolutely love studying under great teachers but none of these have helped me "grasp" the whole picture and understand the continuity of the Bible like these two gifted professors.

At the university they have taught Old Testament and New Testament surveys and tried to cover the various books of the Bible and peruse its history. In the end they found they had failed to help their students make the connection between the individual books and even more so between the two testaments. Their students did not see the story of the Bible as one story beginning with Genesis and ending with Revelation. This book is a result of this realization. They changed their teaching philosophy. The book serves as a text for a course that takes students through the entire biblical story helping them learn and understand the Bible as one story. As a result, students now leave their classes much better church members who hear sermons more clearly and read their Bibles with a greater understanding of its whole message and purpose.

I would like to see the book taught in our Sunday Schools as an elective course as I believe many would agree it is certainly needed. I also believe that understanding the Bible as one story can help us avoid poor interpretations of individual biblical passages and also help us explain the Bible more effectively to others. I am reading it now for the third time and enjoying discovering more and more treasures.

Ruby's Slippers by Leanna Ellis

2009-06-03T13:54:00.001-07:00

The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley

2009-06-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

All of us can benefit from reading and "heeding" "The Principle of the Path" by Andy Stanley. The author says that his intention is to bring to our attention a dynamic that is operating in the background of our lives and that we can leverage it for our benefit or ignore it and reap a harvest of regret. He was saved from a bad accident and possibly death by a person willing to not only tell him he was headed in the wrong direction but also willing to show him the right way to get where he was headed. Andy states that it is his intention to help us realize that we all probably have directions that need to be changed.

The principle of the path is simply:

Direction-not intention- determines our destination.

Simply put he states that you and I will win or lose in life by the paths we choose. He gies many examples and stories to emphasize his points. He says that we don't abandon the clearly marked paths because we are looking trouble. There is always something about the alternate routes that is powerfully appealing.

The book is very interest as there are so many life stories of the author's own as well as those of his friends and acquaintances. The book is designed to empower us to identify the paths that lead to the destination we desire while avoiding regret. This principle impacts our lives every day, follows us. Choosing the wrong path in life can cost us precious years. It is the author's hope that reading this book and taking seriously his suggestions, we can come clean with ourselves about the uncomfortable truth behind our choices and hopefully, make the most important decision of submitting to the One who knows what is best for us.

This book would make an excellent gift to anyone but especially to graduates who are about to have to make some important choices in their lives.

Chasing Charity by Marcia Gruver

2009-05-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

Could anything be more humilating that to be left stranded at the altar and her intended groom walk out of the church on the arm of her best friend? Charity Bloom learns a lot of lessons from her experiences that perhaps all of us could take note. Marcia Gruver addresses several problems that haunt all of us at one time or another...how do we treat betrayal and deceit....how do we handle embarrassment our loved ones sometimes can cause..and on and on the problems come.

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to face. Charity's friend ,Emmy, learns the freedom it brings to those whonged as well as to herself. We watch as this character has a complete reversal of traits. She is transformed right before our eyes from a selfish, uncaring person to one who knows the value of a true friend and what happiness is all about.

Charity's sterling character comes through in all of the situations she confronts and I came away wondering if I could handle things half as well as she did.

While the book is not classified as Christian Fiction, it still portrays Christian virtues and values and it is certainly both entertaining as well as inspirational.

"The Noticer" by Andy Andrews

2009-04-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

If you have ever known a "Jones" in your own life, you can definitely relate to Andy Andrews newest book "The Noticer". Jones is just Jones, not Mr. Jones but he seems to appear and disappear just like an angel. He seems to be ageless but also so timely in his appearances to help people with their problems. His main objective is always to help them with their perspective and to tell them he is a noticer and then tries to teach them how to become a noticer also. Her notices things that others seem to overlook even though they are in plain sight often.

Each person's story teaches us to much about ourselves and how we relate to those around us. Andy reminds us it is never too late to start planting seeds in the minds and hearts of those we touch.

Being an avid reader myself made me very conscious of the biographies that Jones asked Andy to read. I am determined to read the ones he mentions for myself for he has convinced me that not our experiences but it is other people's experiences that are the best teacher and that by reading about the lives of great people, we can unlock the secrets to what made them great.

This book is one I plan to give to my people but especially my grandchildren with the hope and prayer that God will use it to help them become "all they can be" especially with His help.

"Stand-In Groom" by Kaye Dacus

2009-04-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

Kaye Dacus has me hoping she will write another book real soon. She has a delightful way of capturing one’s interest almost immediately and then holding it throughout the book. “Stand-In Groom” is a contemporary romance but is filled with laughs as well as suspense. When Anne Hawthorne meets George Laurence, she is so immediately attracted to him that she is convinced that he is the one she has been praying God would send her way. It seems he is just as attracted to her. The problem is that the situation is impossible as he is committed to his employer to secrecy and is only a stand-in for the real groom. When Anne learns he is engaged and that she is being asked to plan the wedding, she wonders if she can do it.

Both of the characters are believers and trying to find the person God has planned for them knowing that He has a plan for each of them that will be perfect if they are willing to be patient and wait on His timing. Overcoming great fears, learning to forgive and trust are all issues that the author explores in a Biblical way. It is easy to identify with many of the problems that these characters face and through it all I came away with my faith strengthened. It was very entertaining and I will be most anxious to have my friends read it as I am convinced they will enjoy it just as much as I did.

2009-04-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

"His Name is Jesus" by Max Lucado is a beautiful gift book that helps one know Jesus in a wonderful way. The author has such a unique way with words. He has us smelling, hearing, smiling, sighing, listening as he takes us on journeys following in the sandal-prints of Jesus. I love the paragraph that is in the preface of the book:

"His story was extraordinary. He called himself divine, yet allowed a minimum-wage Roman soldier to drive a nail into his wrist. He demanded purity, yet stood for the rights of a repentant whore. He called men to march, yet refused to allow them to call Him King. He sent men into all the world, yet equipped them with only bended knees and memories of a resurrected carpenter".

About His birth he says "Jesus...He could hold the universe in His palm but gave it up to float in the womb of a maiden."

Other quotes "The greatest discovery in the universe is the greatest love in the universe" and "The life of Jesus Christ is a message of hope, a message of mercy, a message of life in a dark world."

Most of the book reads like poetry. His short sentences and catchy phrases make it so readable and interesting. The photographs in the book are breathtaking and many of the passages are from Lucado's books written over the years that we have all come to love.

At the end of the book he gives all who read it a soul-searching quetion: what will be do with this God-man Jesus? He urges us to love Him and accept His gift of salvation but states, in the end, the choice is yours and mine.

Next Generation New Testament

2009-03-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

I am sorry that I have to say I did not particularly enjoy this presentation. It was well done I am sure. The all-star cast did their jobs well but I think their voices were just too juvenile for the subject matter and therefore, I did not relate as I think I would have with older voices.

There are over 23 hours of listening to their dramatic readings. I plan to give the cds to my granddaughter and feel sure that she will feel differently about it and will perhaps love it. I thought the music was unusually good and very appropriate.

FIND OUT ABOUT THE BRAIN

2009-02-11T14:54:00.000-08:00

I have never read a book that I thought was worth the money as much as the book "This is Your Brain on Joy" by Dr. Earl Henslin. Because I recently lost my husband to a brain tumor and have a grandson who has ADD, I am very interested in learning about the brain. There is so much information in this book that is helpful, all the way from food recommended, supplements to try, as well as even movies to see. There are tests you can take to see what part of your brain is working best for you. The SPECT scans are being used more and more in the treatment of psychological, physical, and spiritual problems and Dr. Henslin has a Christian counseling group in Brea, California called Henslin and Associatges. For the past eight years he has worked with the brain imaging research pioneer Daniel G.Amen, M.D. whom he claims has been his mentor and friend as well as co-worker.

All of us are interest in experiencing more joy in our lives. Many of us have questions like
Why isn't my faith in God enough to ease my blue moods?
Why haven't I been able to conquer my anger and pray away my fears and worries?
Why can't I find freedom from secret obsessions and addictions?

Dr. Henslin explains in an easy reading and entertaining style just what happens to our brains if any one area gets out of balance. He tells us how to nourish our minds, balance our brains and in doing that discover real joy.

I have told several people about the book even before I finished it. I want them to know how practical and life-changing it is and how they can take advantage of the latest neuroscience research combined with biblical insights to help them have more joy and love in their lives.

What's Age Got to Do With It?

2009-01-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

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.

For the Tough Times

2009-01-13T14:25:00.000-08:00

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.

Rex

2009-01-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

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.

The Unseen

2008-12-16T11:04:00.000-08:00

"The Unseen" by T. L. Hines is a very intense page turner and for those who love the unexpected and many surprises, this is a must read. While I would not have classified it as Christian Fiction, it has many Christian overtures and real messages. It is so frightening to think that we are being watched all the time, but in reality, we are just that. The spiritual warfare that we are in is very real in this book. I found myself identifying with Lucas in many ways. He is very lonely and one of the things he says several times in the book is ..."People look, but they don't see. " Another character says "People hear, but they don't feel". How true so often of myself. Another lesson learned in this book is that we are sometimes our worst enemy and yet another, we are all in need of knowing ourselves better so that we can in turn reach out to others. The characterization of the main characters is very good. At the beginning of the book I truly did not like Lucas. I was surprised at the end how my feelings had changed. We all have a choice to make sooner or later. Lucas made the right choice. The only criticism I have is that the author did not make the Christian message clearer. For those of us who know the Lord, the message is pretty clear. I am not sure that an unbeliever would see "the light". I hope his future books will include the .."truth and the way" in a clear presentation.

A Recommended Little Girl's Book

2008-12-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

I am impressed with the new book just out by Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas "My Little Girl".
The illustrations are equally great and so typical of an energetic six year old. Little girls naturally are in love with their fathers I am convinced. This little girl, Katie is so excited that she is going to actually get to spend a whole day with her father. Her problem is - what to wear. It is solved by just combining everything she has considered, a tiara and gown for a royal ball, a pink tutu and tights in case it is a ballet and just in case- jungle boots for a trip to Africa. When she realizes he has said that it would be as he said "nothing in particular", she was so afraid it would be a big disappointment. That soon disappears when the day is filled with such simple things like watching baby ducks, gazing at clouds and seeing so many things in them and just swinging on a tire swing. As she is tucked in bed she realizes that her nothing-in-particular kind of day has just been fantastic simply because it was spent with her dad. This book will inspire parents to realize what quality time spent with their little precious ones means to them. Memories are made and values established that are lifelong and life shaping. I can hardly wait to share this one with my little six year old friend who happens to also be named Kate. She will also love the coloring page I printed off for her as well as the photograph of Tim McGraw.