Fill Us Again
- byVineyard UK | Genre: Praise & Worship
Sunday, May 27, 2018
New Music - May 18, 2018
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Book Review - A Call to Love by Julie Holmquist
A Call to Love : Preparing Your Heart & Soul for Adoption
by Julie Holmquist
Tyndale House Publishers, 2018
Reviewed by Diane Busch
Anyone and everyone considering adoption should read this important book, written from a Christ-centered perspective. Julie touches on all the questions, fears, doubts, insecurities, and struggles of those considering or starting the process of adoption.
Written by one who has “been there, done that”, she shares her family’s story of adoption (as well as others’ experiences) as she guides you through all the issues you may face. Pertinent scripture verses are sprinkled throughout. Prayer and Bible reading are encouraged as you embark on this journey as well as maintaining a close relationship with God.
At the end of each chapter is a “rest stop” with Scripture or questions for reflection. And a “journey journal” is encouraged to help you track what you are thinking and feeling and learning along this journey.
Befittingly, Chapter 1 discusses expectations, which is a great place to start. There are chapters to assist you in making decisions, to help you during the process, and to guide you at home after adoption. Julie shares what she and her family have learned and imparts real and practical advice for many situations, emotions, fears, and hurdles you will encounter.
On page 25 there is a list of 7 core issues that adopted children may deal with, in contrast to children who grow up in a family of origin (According to social workers Deborah Silverstein and Sharon Kaplan-Roszia) : loss, rejection (abandonment), guilt/shame, identity, intimacy (relationships), and mastery/control.
Since many children are not adopted at birth, but later in their development and experience, on pages 28-30 the author lists several other useful books that can help you in parenting wounded children.
As she ends the book she makes sure you know that it’s all worth it: the risk, the struggles, the financial burden, the waiting, the joy and the sorrow. I recommend this book to anyone considering adoption, starting the journey, or already down the road. You will gain much-needed wisdom, insight, and inspiration .
My personal opinion: With all due respect to the author and her family’s story, for those who are considering adoption or are early in the process, I suggest you stop reading at the top of page 203. Just know that “it is worth it”. Then maybe a few years down the road, read the last 17 pages. (I am just trying to save you some tears.)
Monday, May 21, 2018
Book Review - To Be Where You Are by Jan Karon
To Be Where You Are(The Mitford Years #14)
by Jan Karon
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2017
Reviewed by Diane Busch
Love love love this book. Love the author; love the narrator; love the characters; love the story line. .After listening to all the Mitford books in audio format that John McDonough has performed, his voice and style are such a big part of my enjoyment of these well-written, entertaining and inspirational books by Jab Karon. Listening to this book was like eating my favorite comfort food, every bite delicious with a comfortable familiarity. The characters are like old friends and listening is like a family reunion.. In this book it was great to see such growth and success in many of the characters’ lives and in some of the relationships. Many loose ends were wrapped up, so to speak, but there is always room for more story lines in the future. I won’t be a spoiler and give away many details here, because you need to read the book yourself. But Father Tim, with his servant’s heart, volunteers to run the town grocery store when it’s owner gets ill and is hospitalized. Dooley works hard at his veterinary practice. Cynthia and Lace continue to paint. A little bit of small town drama is sprinkled throughout. There are themes of forgiveness, redemption, reconciliation, restoration, love and acceptance.
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Book Review
by Bart Millard with Robert Noland
Thomas Nelson 2018
Reviewed by Diane Busch
If you saw the movie “I Can Only Imagine” you will want to read the book to get the real in-depth story that a 2-hour movie cannot convey. And if you didn’t see the movie then you will still want to read the book, because Bart's story is incredible. There are so many miracles, answers to prayers, and ways that God has worked in amazing ways. This memoir will inspire and challenge you.
Bart performs his unabridged audiobook excellently.
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