I am a huge fan of Babylon Bee on Facebook... even the posts that step on my own toes a little harder than I like. Sometimes it's just my mood, but there are times I think they have gone too far. Of course, most other readers seem to feel the same. The comments are fantastic...ranging from those who need to be writing for the website on to those who just can't get the grasp of satire. I confess, that I also get a bit amused when I share the post and someone takes it seriously.
I do miss the feedback from the social media comments and that I made the mistake of trying to read straight through. Sometimes a little is better than a lot. As with the articles, some chapters were funnier to me than others and some struck a nerve. The photo above describes me better than I am comfortable in admitting. But the "ouch" moments are usually the ones I need the most.
But, if you enjoy reading shorter passages in a book, this is entertaining. Or, if you know someone who does not have access to any of the Babylon Bee sites --- and loves satire --- it's a great gift book. I recommend it to anyone who isn't afraid to take a look at themselves with a good sense of humor. As said in Proverbs 15:15, "For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast." Enjoy the gift of laughter today and have a happy heart.
Many thanks to Waterbrook-Multnomah for the gift copy. A review was not required, and this is my honest opinion.
Depression, fear, a sense of unworthiness, and unfulfilled dreams can make women retreat to their beds—figuratively and literally—and refuse to face life. Yet most of the time, hiding in bed makes matters worse. Who needs emotional bedsores? Authors Martha Bolton and Christin Ditchfield gently show women how to climb out from under their emotional bedcovers, face their fears and doubts, and step into the lives God has planned for them. (publisher) Can I Just Hide in Bed 'til Jesus Comes Back? Facing Life with Courage, Not Comforterstakes a look at many things that women (and men) struggle with that puts a roadblock on their relationship with Jesus and fulfilling the plan God has for them. Just like with "The Parable of the Talents" (Matthew 25:14-30), God expects you to do something with the gifts/talents He has equipped you with instead of hiding in fear. It is easy to curl up under the covers, but Life is to be experienced and shared with others.
Both Bolton & Ditchfield have had times of wanting to stay in bed and avoid Life, and have had several struggles that were sometimes overwhelming, yet both have learned practical ways to get up and get moving forward. A good sense of humor is the best way to start and these women know how to laugh at themselves and bring joy to others. In fact, Martha Bolton has written comedy for such cherished humorists at Bob Hope and Chonda Pierce, as well as writing or co-writiing over 7 dozen books of humor and inspiration. Ditchfield, an author, speaker, and host of "Take it to Heart!" loves to inspire women to have a deeper relationship with the Lord and a life of passion and purpose.
This is not a book aimed for people who are in need of professional help. The intent of the book is to encourage women to get up and get living a full life. Sometimes all you need is a giggle or a smile to reignite your passion for life. This is perfect for you or a friend who simply needs a chuckle of encouragement. The chapters are small, so read one for a quick "pick-me-up" or if a small bit of encouragement is all you can handle right now. Sometimes we all have a tendency to want to wallow in our misery for a bit. I know I have to hit rock bottom at times before the need to laugh hits me. Or, you may be in bed for a legitmate cause, and need to know there is hope. Bottom line is that I enjoyed the book and appreciated their candor and laughter.
I received a copy of this book from the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Do you find yourself measuring your value against your friend’s house,
body, marriage, resume, paycheck, organic garden, or Pinterest-worthy
holiday décor, and coming up lacking? Do your college roommate’s
Instagram snapshots bear little resemblance to the scene at your house
this morning?
Excessive comparison and competition sap our energy
and steal our joy. Our friends become our audience and judges, and our
kids become part of our brand. Add social media’s constant invitation to
post and peruse, and it’s no wonder that we’re left exhausted,
discontent, and lonely. Thankfully, there is another way!
With
refreshing candor and humor, Kay Wyma shares her experiences with
comparison living and offers readers the simple remedies that helped her
and her family reboot their perspective and discover freedom,
authenticity, and joy.
My Review: I'm Happy For You (Sort Of...Not
Really): Finding Contentment in a Culture of Comparison by Kay Wills
Wyma touches on something we all struggle with to some degree at one time or another: COMPARISON. Since the dawn of mankind, we have looked around and noticed that we did not have something someone else had. No matter how content you may be, there is most likely times you look at someone else and wonder why you don't have what they have, go where they go, or get to do the things they do. And, with the social media being such a major part of our culture, envy can raise its ugly head frequently. I confess I have envied others...and been stunned if someone sometimes says they envy me.
However, Wyma brings this out in a humorous style that makes you laugh at her family anecdotes, but also at yourself and your own moments of envy. There are also a few lessons to be learned along the way. Quite often the "A-HA Moment" comes when it is one of her children working through their own feelings, and sometimes it is when she catches herself worrying about what others may think or if she has completely failed as a parent. Sidebars and inserts from others provides insights from others who struggle.
For those who are looking for a Bible study or great spiritual insight, this book isn't it...and wasn't what I was looking for anyway. However, it was obviously written by a person who lives out her faith and has the same struggles we all have. I am also planning on checking out her blog and look forward to reading more books by her.
"Disclosure
(in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many
thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the
giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT
influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the
product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our
sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility
verification.” Deadline to enter is December 4 at 2pm CT.
Becky Johnson is a laid-back, go with the flow woman who tends to flourish with a certain amount of clutter. Her daughter, Rachel Randolph, a mom of a pre-schooler, prefers more organization, schedules, and minimal furnishings. In many ways they are complete opposites, yet they do share common needs. Both believe that women desire a life that nourishes them inside and out. In Nourished: A Search for Health, Happiness, and a Full Night's Sleep, the
mother-daughter duo, also known as the blogging team at We Laugh We Cry We Cook, confront the “Top 10 Stressors” that can distract any woman. Are any of the following on YOUR list?
•Cluttered Surroundings•Exhaustion of parenting
•Time-starved marriages•Feeling like a spiritual slacker
•Crowded Schedules•Negative Body Image
The
challenges of finding what works best is a combination of research,
trial-and-error, and some accidental discoveries, but each are told with
humor, along with practical tips to help you receive the nourishment
you need to thrive in your surroundings while remaining comfortable in
your own skin and personality. If you are exhausted, unhappy, or even
just have a vague feeling that something is not right, this may be the
very book you are looking for to re-evaluate and revive yourself.
In both age and temperament, I am much more like Becky, but I do know I thrive better in a space that has less clutter. Ahh...good intentions. However, I did feel more encouraged as I read through the book and saw things she was doing to corral the chaos to something more manageable and be comfortable in her surroundings. I also have a few Rachel traits, too, though. I have gone past the parenting, and even grandparenting, stage of life that can keep you tied a bit more to home. But, I also work at home, and often feel tied to my computer. So, her efforts to go out and meet others with common interests and receive the nourishment of friendship with others gave me something to think about.
I truly enjoyed the book and feel that there is going to be something for all women who read it. It make me realize how starved I am for a bit of nourishment, but it is also just a very good read. Their styles blend well together for getting a message across, and I especially loved the humor that often had me laughing. A book that offers practical tips, humor, sage advice, memories, and leaves you with the feeling that you are listening to a couple of your friends gave me a bit of nourishment each evening as I read another couple of chapters. Good book for any woman, no matter what stage of life. We all need to be nourished.
"Disclosure
(in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many
thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the
giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT
influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the
product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing
address [USA and Canada only], per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor
Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you
are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on
another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to
eligibility verification.”
Becky Johnson is the author, coauthor, or collaborator of
more than forty books. She’s a natural storyteller who has inspired and
entertained audiences for years. Most recently she co-authored We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook alone
with a blog by the same name with her daughter, Rachel Randolph. She
and her husband, Greg, live in Denver, Colorado. Website/blog: www.laughcrycook.com
Rachel Randolph writes and speaks with humor and honesty
about parenting a toddler, young married life, and her mostly
plant-based cooking adventures. Rachel is married to Jared, a high
school football and baseball coach. They
live near Dallas, Texas with their son, Jackson. Nourished is her second book.
Little girls often grow up with their heads filled with the stuff of fairy tales: You grow up, Prince Charming finds you (even if it means slaying dragons, defeating witches, and dealing with evil stepmothers, etc.), you marry, and ride off in your shimmering carriage to live happily ever after in your beautiful castle. Right?
Reality Check!! Tiny apts.; sky high bills; work demands; the pumpkin that turned into a carriage is actually a 'lemon'; the fairy godmother loses your new address; the sweet babies you envisioned cry, make messes...and turn into teenagers; Prince Charming doesn't always make your dreams come true; and , truth be told, your "princess persona" and crown may slip a notch or 2...sometimes. Vicki Courtney calls this “Fairy Tale Letdown.” Ever After: Life Lessons Learned in My Castle of Chaosshould be required reading for those who need a dose of reality, but I also absolutely recommend it for those who long realized that life isn't a fairy tale...but is so much more exciting. This is written from the perspective of a married woman, but is also a great book for divorced or never-married women; there are topics that appeal to all women. Courtney's sense of humor shines through the pages as she tells stories from her own life about mistakes made, lessons learned, tears, laughter, and the reminder that God's grace is sufficient for our happy ending and the Prince who awaits us.
I seldom give out 5 stars (I think it diminishes the ratings system when they are given too liberally), but would give this a 4.5 stars. I also read this will have a Bible Study curriculum soon; I expect it will be top-notch!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from
Shelton Interactive, as part of its Book Review Blogger Program. I was
not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed
are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade
Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of
Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Truth is stranger than fiction, and small town life is the strangest
truth of all. Finn Jackson and his wife Zelda have returned to Finn's
hometown of Rose of Sharon, Alabama, to escape the city and return to
the simple life. But simplicity is hard to find when you're surrounded
by robot-obsessed conspiracy theorists, washed-up television actors and
senior citizens convinced of the existence of two Alamos. Or Alami.
Whatever. In Rose of Sharon, home may be sweet, but it's far from
normal!
1. "No Dice": Hollywood, California comes to Rose Of Sharon, Alabama and the clash of culture is hysterical...yet believable. I feel like I am already friends with most of the people on both sides and this is a large part of the charm. The quirkiness of the small town residents and the self-importance of the celebrity visitors is not a new story, but is told in a delightful way that makes you want to be a part of it all.
2. "In Which I Unsuccessfully Attempt To Teach The World To Sing": Who doesn't remember this commercial?
In this story, one of the singers from that commercial has decided that she would like to teach the world her personal philosophy...in 3 parts. Will she and Finn Jackson find perfect harmony to collaborate on her biography? When he is hired to ghostwrite a book, Finn learns that the singer wants to share much more than a simple experience... and a Coke...with the world.
3. "Billy Wayne Grissom Is Gonna Kill Willie Nelson": For many years "Itsy" Grissom has kept her long friendship with Willie Nelson a secret from her jealous husband, Billy Wayne. But when she let her secret slip out during the Rose Of Sharon Baptist Women (ages 35-55) annual trip to Birmingham, it was only a matter of time before someone shared the story with her unsuspecting husband. The whole town fears the worst when it is learned that Willie Nelson will be headlining the annual City Stages event in Birmingham! When Rick and Bubba announce that Willie has been shot, the town immediately suspects Billy Wayne! And, just what part doesSeven Spanish Angels have in all of this? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Southern humor and story-tellingare an art form and one that is
greatly appreciated by me. I literally laughed out loud as I read the 3
stories included in this much too short book by Jeffrey Greer (my new favorite fiction author!) and could not quit reading until I had finished the last word. If you
have ever lived in north Alabama, this is a must have book and, even if you haven't, these stories are filled with characters you will not soon forget...and only reluctantly leave. You will want to read this yourself and to share the fun with friends and family. I will be waiting impatiently for my next visit to Rose Of Sharon, Alabama!!
Rose Of Sharon: Delusions Of Grandeur (Kindle edition) is available on Amazon.
If you don't own a Kindle, there is a free download available on Amazon for your computer or other devices. It's so simple, I figured out how to do it...and I am NOT tech-savvy at all!!
Since I am working on that ShapelyGirl Fitness dvd, I need to work on healthier eating too. This is also about discipline. (Yuck!) Sweet stuff is good, but my weakness is more for salty foods. No promises that I will stay away from pork forever, but I am going to TRY to avoid pig-related products for the rest of October. Well, except for pigskin--I can't give up football! (ROLL TIDE!!) LOL!
Good-bye bacon...for now!!
(A little melodramatic? HA!) *************************************************** Bacon's response?
Judy Gruen's new book, Till We Eat Again: A Second Helping, is a humorous journey of her efforts to lose 15 pounds in time for the reunion of her college housemates. From the benign to the bizarre, Gruen tries one diet and exercise program after another in her quest to find the plan that works best for her---and allows chocolate. Boot camp, belly dancing, Bikram yoga, Pilates, spinning, and a vast array of in-home exercise equipment, Judy tries them all and more! The self-proclaimed experts who give conflicting advice, result in some of the diet plans that cause her family to regard meals with suspicion, and lead to an outright rebellion by Judy in one hilarious instance. Even a trip to the shoe store is a far from simple task as she is offered a dizzying array of choices.
If you are looking for a light-hearted read that is both entertaining and informative, this is a great book. I had never heard of some of the diet or exercise programs she attempted...and I know to avoid a few of them now. You will certainly cheer Judy on as she struggles to rid herself of that extra weight, and may get motivated to start taking better care of yourself, too. A good sense of humor can go a long way in the effort to weigh less, and Judy helps you to see the funny side while you are on your own sojourn.
Judy Gruen is a humor writer and editor who lives in Los Angeles. She is also a wife and mother of four great kids. Check out her Off My Noodle columns on both her web site, judygruen.com, as well as MommaSaid.net, and also a whole slew of other humor pieces on Aish.com.
** "Till We Eat Again: A Second Helping" is a revised and even funnier version of the original, award-winning "Till We Eat Again" book from 2003.
I received an ARC courtesy of the publisher & NetGalley. I was not required to give a good review, and all opinions are my own.
I do miss the feedback from the social media comments and that I made the mistake of trying to read straight through. Sometimes a little is better than a lot. As with the articles, some chapters were funnier to me than others and some struck a nerve. The photo above describes me better than I am comfortable in admitting. But the "ouch" moments are usually the ones I need the most. 
