Gone South..

Gone South (which I wish I was doing right now), by Meg Mosley  was  great read Tish McComb moves to Noble Alabama to move into the house built by her many great grandparents.. She meets up with a lot of prejudice from her new neighbors as she is an ancestor to a couple Nathan and Letitia McComb, who Tish happens to be named after. Nathan and Letitcia who had been labeled Yankee carpetbaggers who made money of the "misfortune of the South". CoiIt also does not help that the previous owners were forced to sell because of money problems. This story follows Tish as she tries to make her way in this town. Add a young antique dealer who does not care for antiques, the town prodigal, and a dog who thinks Tish's home is still hers and you have a great story.
                                              Have a good read, Nina

Where's the line to see Jesus?

Where's the line to see Jesus is a song song by Becky Kelley about the true meaning of Christmas. I was reminded of the song when I went to a communal penance service this evening. There were four priests and four long lines as people waited to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this Sacrament we meet Jesus in the person of the priest as we confess and are absolved of our sins. It is never easy but always worthwhile and the best present that we can give to God.
                           May you have a blessed Advent,
                                                 Nina

Our Lady of Guadaloupe

Happy Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!!! I finished reading Two Brides Too Many by Mona Hodgson a story that includes the work of Sister Mary Claver Coleman and the Order of the Sisters of Mercy in the town of Cripple Creek, Colorado. While the story focuses on two sisters Kat and Nell Sinclair who have journeyed to Cripple Creek as mail order brides and face about every difficult situation they could run into as they try to make their way in a mining town. I enjoyed the story very much but it is another one I would check out from the library and not purchase.  Sister Mary Claver Coleman reminds me of Mother Alfred Moes who was integral to the founding of St Mary's Hospital and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. If you are looking for deals on good suspense books Lynette Eason's Deadly Reunion series. The last two books are on sale as ebooks right now.
                                                      Have a good read, Nina

Rejection

Fear of rejection is something we all experience and is a central theme in A Bride for Keeps, by Melissa Jagears. Julia Lockwood is scared that the only benefit that she could bring to a marriage was a pretty face, something that has only been reinforced by her past acquaintances. Everett Cline has tried to get married 4 times and he has not once been successful. They join together in a marriage of convenience in an effort to protect their hearts and the results are both heartbreaking and hilarious. They have to learn that God asks us to love without counting the cost because only in loving selflessly can people really experience God's love through us.

                                                  Have a good read, Nina

PS: If you want to earn a little extra cash during check out Ebates. By shopping through their portal online you can earn some cash back from different stores like Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and some sections of Amazon will give you 1%-4% cash back. If you follow this link I can also earn some money for referrals. My family and I have not had any issues with the program and one of my sisters has made over $100.
 http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=IRkRG6JIx4lr%2F3diH9amIg%3D%3D

Christmas is coming...

My favorite hymn this time of year has always been O Come O Come Emmanuel. It is a song of hope and patient waiting for God to be with us. עִמָּנוּאֵל, Emmanuel is Hebrew for" God is with us".  I always tend to forget that like Lent Advent is a time for fasting and prayer in preparation for Christmas. It tends to be harder to give up food or things during this season with all the parties and get togethers so why not add something to your routine such as prayer to your daily routine. Around Christmas I always read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. This story is not only a great reminder of what Christmas is all about it is an absolute hilarious read.

 I have also recently finished What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer it is a story centered around four main characters Christina Willems, Levi Jonnson, Tommy Kilgore, and Cora Jennings. Christina Willems had taken over the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor from her father who had passed away. After a fire destroys the building Christina has to turn to others in town to help find lodging for the residents. Tommy Kilgore and Cora Jennings are two of these residents each with their own burden to bear. Tommy Kilgore has been abandoned by his father after he is blinded in an accident. Cora Jennings is pregnant out of wedlock and trying to hide her pregnancy for as long as possible. Levi Jonnson is a last resort for Christiana who has not been able to find anyone willing to take Tommy in. When troubles continue to prevent the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor from being rebuilt it draws them all closer to God and each other. I enjoyed the story but I would not buy it, rather,  I would get it from the library.
                                         Have a good read, Nina

Free today only... Made to Last by Melissa Tagg

Oh! what a tangled web we weave/When first we practice to deceive!- Sir Walter Scott

Made to Last by Melissa Tagg is available as a free ebook today only!! Check it out at your preferred ebook retailer. Miranda Woodruff is the star of own home improvement show, but she is living a lie, she does not even have a husband. What started out as a slip of tongue during her tryout for the show has become an essential part of her show. Fast forward a few years and in an effort to keep her show on air she not only has to hire a fake husband but she has to do it with a reporter following her around. It's a great story with the moral, that lies will always find one out.
                                                         Have a great read, Nina
       

When in the Course of human events...

 When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent res espect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.  The Declaration of Independence


 Treason is something we look at aghast, with good reason, but if our forefathers did not dare to commit treason against Britain we would not be here today. Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund is set in 1763 more then a decade before the Revolutionary War began and it give a glimpse into the powder keg that would start the Revolutionary War.  For Susanna Smith this question of treason comes wrapped up in the person of Benjamin Ross and a runaway indentured servant. Benjamin Ross is a former acquaintance who Susanna had snubbed as a child as being of lower class and now he  is is an up-and- coming lawyer whose beliefs challenge Susanna's long held trust in British law.  Susanna also meets a runaway indentured servant and is drawn into helping her even going against laws she had always believed in. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
                                  Have a good read, Nina

Veterans Day

Happy Belated Veteran Day!!! Today I want to share with you some Catholic books written about and by Catholic military me. The first two I have written about before. When Hell was in Session by Admiral Jeremiah Denton tells about his experience as a POW for over 7 years during the Vietnam War and how his faith got him through it. The second is, The Shadow of His Wings: The True Story of Fr. Gereon Goldmann, OFM by Fr. Gereon Goldmann a seminarian was drafted into the SS during WWII. There is also The Grunt Padre: Father Vincent Robert Capodanno, Vietnam, 1966-1967 by Fr. Daniel L. Mode, I have not yet read this book but I plan to eventually.

    I would also share a link to a few of my favorite songs about soldiers.
      If Your're Reading This by Tim Mcgraw  It's about a letter written in case of death, a tear jerker.
      Highway of Heroes by The Trews A song in memorial to Canadian soldiers and referencing a HWY named in honor of Canadian soldiers.
     Letters from War Mark Shultz a song set against the backdrop of WWII


                Thanks to all those who have given and continue to give their lives for our freedom.
                                                        God bless you, Nina

Monsters Vs Aliens

Hi all, I enjoy watching movies and I recently watched Monsters Vs Aliens.  It is a funny movie with the exception of all parts containing the "President" who is crude and portrayed very disrespectfully. So if you watch it skip or mute all parts with the president. This movie contains the voice talents of Reese Witherspoon as Susan/Ginormica , Hugh Laurie as Dr Cockroach Ph.d, and Rainn Wilson as Gallaxhar to name a few. I also find it ironic that one of the monsters is "the missing link",  in the evolutionary chain. A somewhat ironic way of pointing out that science has still not found "the missing link". I think it is important that people realize that science does not provide all the answers. In addition, secular society's focus on science as the only arbiter of truth has caught so many people up in the minute details they can not see the beauty of the whole. As a Catholic I see science as a way to learn more about this wonderful world that God created. If you are interested in learning more about the Church's stand on science and evolution check out the Catechism of the Catholic Church and,  Creation and Evolution: A Conference with Pope Benedict XVI in Castel Gandolfo.
                                                      Have a great day and enjoy a good book, Nina

Happy All Saints Day!!!

Happy All Saints Day!! The intercession of the saints is one of my favorite devotions. I have three confirmation names and four patron saints. St Anthony is one of my patron saints and it wasn't until recently that I started digging into his life. I have counted on his intercession for finding lost objects and I found it imperative to learn more about this saint. I was surprised to find out that he was a gifted preacher and wasn't originally a Franciscan. If you want to learn more about this amazing saint check out his story. I also saw Gravity the other night, it was amazing. I just saw it in 3D and for only being about an hour and a half it was well worth the money.  I read that while all the science was not all accurate aspects like spinning continually in space and the space suits were well done. But I would also recommend looking into how physics work in space without the pull of gravity, it would make a fun and interesting science lesson. I would also check out this video of an astronaut who squeezes a washcloth full of water and watch what happens.
                                Have a great day, Nina

When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes. Desiderius Erasmus

This quote by Erasmus describes what I wish could do with my money but as reality requires us to be practical and economical I have found a couple ways to get free books. First of all, if you have an e-reader check out Christianbook, this online site lists a free e-books under their e-book page and it can change daily. You can always look up the same books mentioned under your preferred store and they are often free on there as well. I also follow Bethany House Publishers on Facebook which also has a link for discounted e-books. You can also sign up for email lists on publishers websites like Tyndale House Publishers. I also have a list of Christian publishers that I keep on hand so that I can search library websites to find new books.  Under an advanced search if they offer a publisher search option use that coupled with the current year and you can find new books by authors you have never hear of.  Here is my list:
   Thomas Nelson
    Bethany House
    David C Cook
    Multnomah
    Zondervan
     Revell
    Tyndale
    Waterbrook
    Summerside Press
    Westbow
    Harvest House
    Baker
    Howard books
   Abingdon Press
    Barbour
     B& H Press

I keep a list of books on request at the library so I always have books coming in.
                                                Have a good read, Nina

The Whole Story...

 In this time when the facts are just a click away we are inundated with both facts and questions. When listening to news we always have to wonder if  we have the whole story? This is something I have been thinking about after having seen the movie Captain Phillips. The movie was excellent and I would recommend it for those who can deal with suspense and the fact it was based on a true story. The first thing people would say after I told them I had seen the movie is the fact that there are questions about the validity of the story. For example, people are saying that Captain Phillips had been warned about staying farther away from the Somalian coast and he ignored that warning. The crew is now suing the company who they worked for for pain and suffering incurred by Captain Phillips' decisions. While unless we actually witnessed everything and could read minds I don't know if we will ever know the the whole story of what happened. The one thing I know to be true is that God knows the truth and the fact that God works out everything for our good. This might appear to be a trite phrase but it is the only way we can live with this uncertainty . God is the Truth and the lens by which we must view everything.
                
                             Have a good day, Nina

False Humility

False Humility, which was addressed in today's Gospel, is a subject that I have found myself continually learning from.  In The Bluebird and The Sparrow, Janette Oke's main character Berta must learn this lesson as she finds herself in the "shadow" of her sister Glenna.  Berta grows up constantly comparing and distancing herself from her sister.  With each passing year these choices cloaked in Berta's need to be "better" than Glenna poison Berta's mind and soul. Berta sets up a good life working at the library, helping out with Sunday school, and playing with her nephew and yet she still feels unfulfilled. It takes love, loss, and real life for Berta to realize that her jealousy harms only herself. You might have seen the Love Come Softly movies but I would highly recommend checking out her other books as well.
                                                          Have a good read, Nina

Nada Te Turbe

Happy Feast Day St Teresa of Ávila!!! I was blessed to visit Ávila a few years ago with two of my best friends. It's a beautiful old walled city and I was able to go into the church that St Teresa would have attended growing up. We also visited the chapel associated with the convent she entered. Right next to the chapel there was a small gift shop and in the back, a small room full of reliquaries. You can find one of St Teresa's fingers with a ring on it. But one of the things I will always remember is memorialized on three plaques with the Nada Te Turbe prayer which I think is especially relevant in light of the revelation of more priest scandals. In English it says
                                                          
                             Let nothing disturb you.
                             Let nothing make you afraid.
                            All things are passing.
                           God alone never changes.
                           Patience gains all things.
                           If you have God you will want for nothing.
                            God alone suffices.
                                 -Teresa of Ávila
Humankind will always fail us but God never will.
      
                                                    Have a blessed evening, Nina

Into The Whirlwind

Who should you marry? This is the question Mollie Knox asks of herself against the backdrop of the Great Chicago Fire in Into The Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden. Owner and manager of 57th Illinois Watch Company which employs a number of wounded veterans who fought with her father in the Civil War. In an effort to keep her company relevant and viable after her factory is lost in the fire she meets up with two very different men who offer their help, Colonel Richard Lowe and Zach Kazmarek. I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to lovers of historical fiction.
                                 Have a good read, Nina

Not by Sight

Not by Sight by Kathy Herman deals with the expectations and the fruits of faith. Abby Cummings has recently turned over her life to Christ despite the fact that her younger sister and father had disappeared 5 years earlier without a trace. Her faith leads her to follow a clue that could lead to the whereabouts of her lost sister despite the doubts and fears of her family.  As Catholics and Christians we know that faith was often the key ingredient for the miracles performed by Jesus during his time on earth. Still we know that God does not always answer our faith with the desired outcome. Abby grows in her understanding of faith as we follow on her search. I really enjoyed the story and I could not put it down.
                                           Have a good read, Nina

On Distant Shores..

On Distant Shores, by Sarah Sundin, is the second book in her series Wings of the Nightingale. This book follows Georgie Taylor and Technical Sergeant John Hutchinson who both have familial and personal expectations to live up to, and down. Georgie has always been considered a fragile Southern rose and surprises her parents and fiance when she signs up to follow her best friend Rose into Flight Nursing. She also has to fight her own self doubt about her abilities and her place in this elite squadon of nurses. Technical Sergeant John Hutchinson is fighting for more stringent training and measures in the pharmacies as it is run by officers who have no knowledge of proper pharmaceutical practices and fellow soldiers who have had a few months training and are put in charge of dispensing and preparing medication for the soldiers on the front. John is a trained pharmacist who decided to enlist instead of attending Officer Candidate School in order to work in the pharmacy where he had been trained.  John is providing the American Pharmaceutical Association with the data and stories needed to convince Congress of the need for a Pharmacy Corps. Add to that a fiance, who constantly questions his faithfulness and John has a full plate. All this takes place against the backdrop of Operation Husky as the Allies move into Italy. I would highly recommend this book and I can not wait until the next book comes out.
                                                    Have a good read, Nina


 

Happy Feast of the Assumption!!!

Whenever we celebrate a Marian Feast Day and sing Hail Holy Queen I am reminded of the movie Sister Act and their rendition of Hail Holy Queen. On this feast of the Assumption I am reminded of Mary's place in redemption history. I was thinking about the fact that we talk about Mary's assumption into heaven for it is through her son that she is accepted body and soul into heaven. Mary is our foremost model in that she was the perfect vessel for God's grace. It is not through her own power that her life was without sin but by the grace of God as we recount in the Hail Mary.
                                        God Bless, Nina

Waiting for Morning by Karen Kingsbury

 In the book, Waiting for Morning by Karen Kingsbury Hannah Ryan and her daughter Jenny, are forced to deal with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident that took the lives of Tom and Alicia Ryan.  Both Hannah and Jenny deal with the accident in their own ways which brings them to the brink of another tragedy. I had a hard time feeling any sympathy for Hannah's character because she believed in the "prosperity gospel," which basically is the belief that if you are a good person good things will come your way. This feeds to Hannah's entitlement issues and draws her away from God and into a plan of revenge on the drunk driver who killed her family. Hannah's reaction to all of this has a negative effect on her daughter Jenny who is also missing her father and sister.  Jenny turns to God but away from her mother, believing that her mother would be much better off without her. Her thoughts tumble her into a deeper depression that leads to suicidal ideation. I would not recommend this book for those who suffer from depression. But for those who might want to learn about the tangled path of depression and its distorted reasoning. This story also shows how easy it is to learn about various methods and support groups online for those who want to commit suicide. It is truly scary.  Having depression myself, I could see myself in Jenny and I want to reach out to others who suffer from this and all other mental illnesses you are not alone.
                                      God Bless and have a good read, Nina

Happy Feast Day St Kateri Tekakwitha!!!

Today, July 14th is the first Feast Day that St Kateri has had since she was canonized last October. She is one of my four patron saints and the one I was drawn to when I was young. Her story of sacrifice, prayer, and devotion to the Eucharist in the midst of persecution is especially important in this increasingly hostile world. St Kateri is not known for anything she said, but her life of silent witness. I personally think the only reason that Kateri was not canonized until recently that it was because she did not want the honor and would prefer all to bypass her. I think God finally convinced her that her witness and acknowledgment as a Saint would be helpful in bringing more people to Christ. Have a blessed Sunday,
                                            Nina

White House Down

It was a good movie but not a great movie the best part about it was there was no sex,  not too much blood, and minimum on swearing.  The acting was not the best but the action was pretty exciting if a little bit hokey some of the time. If you have seen Knight and Day, with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, this movie reminds me of it. The plot behind the movie was good and in my opinion not too predictable which is always good. But I still like a action movie with a stronger message like 16 Blocks, with Bruce Willis and Mos Def.
                                            Have a good evening, Nina

"God loves us, so he makes us the gift of suffering..."

"Through suffering, we release our hold on the toys of this world, and know our true good lies in another world." C.S Lewis in Shadowlands

 in broken places, a novel by Michele Phoenix the play Shadowlands, the story of C.S. Lewis and Joy Gresham,  is a fitting background for this novel on child abuse and its effects. Because it deals with child abuse this book is not for everyone. This novel focuses on Shelby's life during and after her childhood, with episodes from her childhood intertwined with her present day life.  The book starts out with Shelby and her new "daughter," Shayla making the trip to Germany where Shelby will be starting a new job as the English and Theater director of an English missionary school. How she deals with all the changes and raising a child provide a fitting backdrop for Shelby to deal with her inner turmoil and "broken" history. It is an well written book with witty dialogue and a touching story. I would highly recommend this book.
                                             
                                         Have a good read, Nina

If you like Shakespeare...

You will like John Branyan's  sketch on the three little pigs in the Shakespearean style. You can see the live sketch on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxoUUbMii7Q.  He has also wrote a book based on this sketch entitled, A Triune Tale of Diminutive Swine. I was introduced to it by some of my friends over a year ago and I still do not get tired of reading,

"Twas a time not long past when there lived pigs in stature little and number three who of an age now both entitled and inspired to seek their fortunes did set out to do so... Thusly."

It is hard to find clean comedians and if you look at John Branyan on Youtube you will find other comics like Brian Regan who have clean and funny routines. I am also currently reading a book by Jim Gaffigan called,  Dad is Fat. It is a really funny book about his life with his wife and five kids.   Near the beginning he talks about life before marriage and kids saying,
                    "When I was single, I was convinced my friends who took the plunge and had their
                   first  baby were victims of alien abduction, because they would disappear from
               the planet and reappear a year later as unrecognizable strangers. Of course,
                            that may have been because I was too into the  X-Files."

Jim Gaffigan and his family also happen to be Catholic, as can be evidenced by the fact that they have "5" kids.

                                         Have a good read, Nina

                                                                     



  

A good murder mystery

Hi all, I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful summer. I just finished listening to the ABC Murders by Agatha Christie on audio cd. I really enjoyed the book and its many twists and turns. I have enjoyed many or her books and miniseries that have come out based on her books. Hercule Poirot is the main character in this book, and while not a sympathetic character, the mysteries and people he comes across are most interesting. They are nice short reads with little blood and lots of character. D
                               
                                    Have a good read, Nina

For I know the plans I have for you...

" For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. " Jeremiah 29:11

In the past few months in all the books I have read this is the most common verse that is quoted. This verse is a good reminder of how God's plan is always for our benefit even when we cannot see far ahead. In , A Moment of Weakness,  by Karen Kingsbury. This is the first Karen Kingsbury book that drew me in from the beginning. The two main characters Tanner and Jade face the question of trusting in God or in themselves. Tanner and Jade's story which spans decades shows how sin in many ways derailed their lives and separated them from each other. But God was able to bring about his glory in their lives despite their sin when they put their trust in him. It has never ceases to amaze me how God can use the weaknesses of man to bring about his plan. For instance, while David committed both murder in adultery in his quest for Bathsheba it is their son Solomon who wins the Lord's favor and who becomes part of the lineage of Christ. The subject of Religious liberty also plays a large part in the story. Jade, in an effort to protect her son and others in the school district has made it her mission to be aware and monitor what her child was exposed to and as such became a target because of her beliefs and forces her to fight for custody of her son. One of the characters near the end of the story makes an interesting remark that I fear is too true, "The day will come, mark my words, where a parent will lose custody of his or her child if his beliefs are not in keeping with the nation as a whole. Extreme beliefs are dangerous pure and simple."

With all the attacks on our religious freedom these past years from the healthcare bill, the promotion and legalization of same sex marriage and the increasing intolerance of Christian beliefs and practices we need to pray and fast for our country especially as we near the celebration of our nation's birth on July 4th.

                                        Have a good read, Nina

Does God know best?

    In Sweet Sanctuary, by Kim Vogel Sawyer the main characters are faced with this very question. Lydia Eldredge has been protecting a young boy, Nicky, from his father by claiming that he is her son. Dr Micah Hatcher is drawn into this dilemma when Lydia's father writes a letter to Micah demanding he do right by Lydia and "help" care for their son in a misguided attempt to provide protection for Nicky. In the drama that follows both Lydia and Micah are called on not only to support each other but to reach out to those who seem to beyond redemption.  They are faced with whether to trust that God has a plan for them even when everything appears lost.

                        Have good read, Nina

                  "What is drama but life with the dull bits cut out."
                                                    -Alfred Hitchcock

Expelled, No Intelligence Allowed...

A couple years ago Ben Stein came out with a documentary called "Expelled No Intelligence Allowed". It was about the subject of Intelligent Design and how the scientific world was so against it because it suggested the idea of a higher power. Richard Dawkins the famous atheist is interviewed during the documentary and when asked about a possible source of the earth he mentions highly intelligent aliens as a possible creator.  In my mind this sounds more outlandish idea then the fact that God created the world, which Richard Dawkins thinks is ludicrous. I would recommend this documentary for families and homeschoolers as it teaches about the theory of intelligent design and about scientific theory and method .  I would also recommend Creation and Evolution: A Conference Pope Benedict XVI, edited by S.D.S Stephen Horn. In order to deal with science in the secular world we have to be aware of what the Church teaches that we might not be led astray.
                                        Have a good read, Nina

Jennifer O'Malley's story

If you have not read the O'Malley series I would highly recommend it as an excellent series. Each of the stories focus on one of the O'Malley siblings. Their jobs range from a U.S Marshal to a forensic pathologist.  They are a family by choice who found each other in a children's home after all suffering the loss of their respective families. Jennifer O'Malley story has been untold until now and this novella sets the stage for Jennifer's actions in the O'Malley series as she tries to introduce her siblings to Christ. I would recommend borrowing it from library as its price of $10.26 for 154 pages is a bit steep.

                 Have a good read, Nina

Would you go on the Bachelor?

This is the type of question 17 year old Addy is asked. But, instead of a rose there are red daisies and the winner gets a prom date with the President's son. The principal of Addy's school asks that Addy represent her school in a competition which drew 100 girls from random schools around the country. In First Date, by Krista McGee, Addy struggles with her Christan witness, mean girls, a diva director, and the President's son. I really enjoyed the book and I would recommend the book for those who like a little romance and a lot of personal character. This is a safe read for 14 year old's and up.

                             Have a good read, Nina

Will the real Adolf please stand up..

I have been recently watching Hogan's Heroes again. I have been enjoying this show about American POW's in a Nazi prison camp during WWII. It is nice to be able to watch a tv show which I do not have to worry about what I am going to see next. But at the same time as an adult there is one thing I did not notice before and that is the fact that while Sergeant Schultz is married he is always talking about meeting girls. This is also besides the fact that he is always looking for ways to stop from seeing his wife and kids.  While it is not an overt theme the fact it saddens me to see the dismissal of marriage vows even in jest.  While I still would recommend the tv show as it is relatively clean  I would remind people that it is always good to be on the lookout for those little messages that sneak into our minds and the minds of our kids.  We can not "unwatch" or "unhear" anything and it is imperative to guard against becoming complacent in the face of sin. Again, while I do not think it is a reason to not watch the show, I think that it is important that we be reminded that sin is never something to dismissed or used as a joke and something that should always be addressed so as not to become desensitized.


                                             Have a great day, Nina
  

Nuns, a harley, a police dog, and murder...

This is the backdrop of The Prodigal Nun by Aimee and David Thurlo. The stories main protagonist is a former investigative reporter, Sister Agatha. A murder takes place outside the chapel and with subsequent threats and attacks on the nuns Sister Agatha is drawn into the investigation. What I loved most about the story was all the Catholic elements in the story. They are always praying for help, seeking direction, and by leaning on God they find peace and direction. This is one in a series of books featuring Sister Agatha. While it is not of the caliber of Father Brown I plan on reading the rest of the series as I like a good whodunnit.
            
                 Have a good read, Nina

22 year old mother of 8

Aggie Milliken, a recent college graduate, suddenly finds herself the guardian to her sister and brother-in-law's 8 children, from baby Ian to 12 year old Vannie. Ready or Not by Chautona Havig chronicles the beginning of Aggie's adventures as she deals with 8 grieving children, a large house, new friends, a controlling GIL (Grandma-in-law) and two nice guys. For an over 800 page book it was a quick and entertaining read. It is also a testament to everything all mother's go through. I know the term stay-at-home mom is often given a bad connotation but as anyone who has ever "stayed home" with the kids can tell you it is a lot of work and it is rewarding. I also love Aggie's constant use of hymns to help her when she is having a particularly bad day. I know that for myself having music on in the background especially Christian music or hymns always has a way of relaxing me and reminding me to rely on God. Also, as I am often told, when you sing once, you pray twice.
                                                          Have a good read, Nina

Happy Feast of St Anthony of Padua!!

Today is the feast day of one of my patron saints Saint Anthony of Padua. I first learned about him as the Patron Saint of lost things and have daily called and depended on his help. I am losing items all the time and St Anthony has been so gracious to me. After all the help he has given me I have made it my mission to learn more about his life. While most of us know St Anthony as the patron of lost things he is most known in his life for his preaching.If you want to learn more about the Saint check out Helen Walker Homan called, St Anthony and the Christ Child. Next time you ask St Anthony to help you find something ask for his help in reaching out to the lost as well. Ask St Anthony to help us find those sheep lost from the flock.
                            
                                                Have a good read, Nina

Summer Jukebox

Looking for fun, uplifting, and clean songs for summer car rides check out Francesca Battistelli, Britt Nicole, Holly Starr, Ginnie Owens, Meredith Andrews, Audrey Assad, Daneille Rose, Jamie Grace, and Mandisa. These are some great Christian female artists. Songs like Free to be Me and It's Love with Dave Barnes are great ones to check out to get the flavor of Francesca Battistelli's music. Gold, by Britt Nicole,  a more recent discovery is a great anthem about our worth as sons and daughters of God. These are just some of the great songs by these artists out there.  Audrey Assad and Danielle Rose both Catholic singers have some songs that are great for prayer time and reflection. What God has brought to my attention over the last several years is that it is not just about listening to good music or reading good books but, what will bring me closer to God.  That is one of the reasons I started this blog there are many Christian books out there but not all are worth reading.
                                                     
                                                    Have a good read, Nina

The Lamb's Supper

A couple of years ago when the Eucharistic Congress was held in my city, I was able to hear Scott Hahn speak about the mass and his own personal experience with it during his conversion. Scott Hahn talks about going to daily mass prior to his conversion and sitting with the book of Revelation open and following the liturgy with the help of this particular New Testament book. I was unaware that so much of the structure of the mass can be found in the book of Revelation and Scott Hahn walks you through the details in his book The Lamb's Supper. It is a great tool to understanding and appreciating the mass more. It would be a great book for people to read as a family or as a small group. God has given each on of us gifts and insights and when we share them with others we can bring more of God's truth to light. You can also find his talk on cd through Catholic Lighthouse media under the title the Lamb's Supper.
   
             I studied Biblical Archaeology in school as well as Hebrew and I was blessed to learn more about the Jewish tradition and practices. The Jewish practice of shechita, ritual slaughter, has made me understand the importance of receiving both Christ's Body and Blood in the Eucharist. The Jewish believed that to drink of the blood of another animal was to take their spirit into you. That is why shechita was practiced so that all the blood would be drained out of the animal prior to butchering. That is why Christ mention of us partaking of his blood would have been so significant for the Jews. For by drinking his blood they would also have believed that they had taken his spirit into their bodies.  This is one of just many things that knowledge of Jewish faith and practice has deepened my understanding of my faith. Jeff Cavin's does a great job of going into depth about many of these connections in his Bible Timeline series which is both religiously and historically educational.

                                  Have a good read, Nina

For Such A Time...

The Women of Valor series by Elyse Larson is a must read for fans of WWII. Each of the books focuses on one woman and their efforts in WWII. They are all connected by friendship but they are good as stand-a-lone books. The first book, For Such a Time features a trip behind enemy lines and the Japanese internment camps. The second book, So Shall We Stand features a young widow in the Land Girls army in Great Britain. The third book, The Hope Before Us, follows two sisters, a nurse and a reporter on an adventure. I have not read these in a while as I have new books stacking up to be read but they remain one of my favorite WWII series.
                                          
                                           Have a good read, Nina

Christian books for teens.

Hi again,
             There are a few more series I would like to recommend especially for the Catholic Youth out there. There are the Fairy Tale Novels by Regina Doman. I have enjoyed all of them with their modern twist on Fairy Tales and great Catholic content. She just had another book come out based on the Rapunzel fairy tale. Another good Catholic series for teens would be the John Paull 11 high series. It follows a bunch of different Catholic kids from different backgrounds from homeschool  to private school who are brought together by a new start up school, John Paul II High. With there different backgrounds, beliefs, and reasons for being there. It makes for interesting stories. All the books series I mentioned in my last blog should be read by 16 year old's or older teens since they deal with more world based issues, even the London Confidential series I mentioned last time for younger teens. After going back over the content of these books while good and Christian they are not for the younger generation. Instead I would recommend the Mandie series by Lois Gladys Leppard each story is a mystery waiting to be uncovered and takes the main characters all over the world. From ages 14 and up I would recommend the Janette Oke book's like the Love Comes Softly and Women of the West series. But in the end it is not just the age but the maturity of the person reading the books. 
                                            Have a good read, Nina
                                              

Free Ebooks!!!

Hi all,
      If you have an e-reader you should check out this website
http://www.christianbook.com
 I check the website daily under their free ebook section. They often have free ebooks that I am interested in. I do not download from the website but go to the store on my nook and search for the titles mentioned. It is a great way to get a lot free books.
                                                    Have a good read, Nina

Paranormal Romance?

      Walking through the teen section at libraries and bookstores I have seen sections totally dedicated to a new genre, that of paranormal romance. Ever since the Twilight books and movies have come out the teen market has been saturated with werewolves, vampires, and the undead. I find this trend really interesting because while people are more then ready to deny the existence of God they are all for the paranormal and the superheroes. Searching for thing out of this world to satisfy their inner craving for something beyond this ordinary life.
          As an alternative to these books I have several christian authors and series to recommend. First off the Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, and Katie Weldon series by Robin Jones Gunn are fun stories with a great message and characters one can relate to. I still reread them from time to time. Erynn Mangum and her Miss Match and Cool Beans series are also a great source of chick-lit. Melody Carlson has multiple young adult series and stand alone  books the one's I have liked are: Diary of a Teenage Girl,  On the Runway, 86 Bloomberg Place,  The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor, Notes from a Spinning Planet, Anything but Normal, These Boots Weren't made for Walking, and A Mile in my Flip-flops. Sandra Byrd's London Confidential for younger teens and her French Twist series for young adults. I have a few more to recommend but these will do for now.
                                 
                                              Have a good read, Nina

All for a Song by Allison Pittman

The 1920’s ushered in great changes in lifestyle and culture from flapper fashions to speakeasies.  All for a Song, by Allison Pittman, follows Dorothy as she searches for her place in life amidst the Roaring Twenties. In many ways choices had been pretty narrow for Dorothy in her small hometown. These choices were further curtailed by her engagement to the new preacher and the fact she was a pastor’s kid. As it gets closer to the wedding Dorothy suddenly feels restless and it is arranged for her to visit her sister in St Louis. This starts a journey that will take her all the way to Los Angeles and the discovery of all twenties has to offer. Dorothy journey leads her to discover that finding joy in life is not just about following the trends or about staying in the past but finding the way that God has laid out for you. 

                                    Have a good read, Nina

A good man...

Our society is so enamored of Superheroes, and great Big gestures that are easily recognizable and indisputably heroic, that the little everyday, wonderful things people do for others go unnoticed.
                                                                                                                -Stacey Joy Netzel in
                                                                                                                        Holding out for a Hero
      I had gotten the novella Holding out for a Hero free on my e-reader a few months ago and I finally read it the other day. I found the story intriguing though the writing could have been better. With the various Avenger's movies coming out the last few years ,which I have enjoyed, we have gotten our fill of superheroes. But what Stacey reminds us of is that these heroes are pure fiction. This is a theme in the movie, Oz, the wizard is a conman who is obsessed with power, adoration, fame, and money. His quest for these things leads to destruction and hatred for those around him. It is in learning that a great man, is only a good man who chooses to do the  right thing, that the story finds it resolution.  
    In the book, Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson the child is introduced to a young "ordinary" girl who picks berries and leaves them for her neighbor. This simple deed cascades into other acts of kindnesses which spread all around touching many lives.  It is a great book to read to your children and a great lesson for all of us.
                                                                       Have a great Sunday,
                                                                                        Nina

"Easy Listening" for Lent

I found a copy of Focus on the Family's Radio Theater dramatization of The Screwtape Letters by    C. S. Lewis in my car the other day.  I thought it would be a good story to listen to during this Lenten Season so I put in the first disc and entered into an entertaining examination of conscience. C.S. Lewis prefaces this book with a message,

"There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils; one is to disbelieve in their existence, the other, is to believe and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. Listeners are advised to remember that the devil is a liar not everything that Screwtape says should be assumed to be true even from his own angle"

  What I love about The Screwtape Letters is that it gives a view of temptation from the devil's side. The little ways that Wormwood is taught to lead his "patient" closer  to "their father," the devil. It gives us a new look at what  we might consider small sins but as Screwtape says, it does not matter the size of the sin but the result of that sin leading to separation from God. During this Lent if you have time I would highly suggest that you get a copy of either the book or the dramatization and use it as part of your Lenten journey to see in what subtle ways the devil might be tempting us.

                                                  Happy Lent, Nina