Singing Through Fire - Lara Silverman, J.D.

Singing Through Fire, which chronicles Lara's eight-year journey through profound loss: a sudden, debilitating neurological illness that left her severely bedridden for four years, the collapse of her legal career, and, most recently, the death of her husband Matt—a brilliant engineering PhD, missionary, and youth pastor—after just one year of marriage.

 

"Yet in this Job-like journey, God met me with startling joy: unexpected marriage, music, and redemptive joy in the flames. The memoir is raw and honest, but also full of humor, theatrical flair, and 1940s vintage romance." - Lara Silverman

Book Trailer:

My Review: Finding joy in grief. 1 Peter 1: 6-7 says,"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Lara Silverman's story of losing her dream job due to a devastating illness that baffled her doctors does not sound promising for finding joy, but it is. Her faith in God stands strong as well as her determination to not give up hope. This includes falling in love and marrying a man named Matt. Matthew John, a brilliant engineering PhD, missionary, youth pastor, and a cancer survivor (during his teens), who brings joy and hope, and a strong faith that encourages Lara. When cancer returns, Lara is a perfect supporter for him. Even knowing there will be unimaginable struggles and their time together many be very limited, they are perfect together. Love and laughter, trusting God, and meeting the needs of one another...physically, emotionally, & spiritually is amazing. 

Joy is also brought to the reader. Lara's sense of humor (with a perfect sarcastic twist), her love of music and theater, her ability to draw closer to God even when things get tougher than expected, her relationships with family and friends, and especially with Matt are an encouragement for the readers. 

I was reminded of 2 other verses while reading:
"The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” - Deuteronomy 31:8

"Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

Lara's story of faith, unstoppable courage, a quest for answers and acceptance that "Wait" is an answer, unflinching hope, determination to find joy inspite of pain, and sharing moments of joy make this a compelling and encouraging read. Thank you Lara for sharing your and Matt's story. 

Lara & Matt Silverman
March 4, 2023

Buy "Singing Through Fire"

The Silverman Web Site

5 Minutes With Jesus - Sheila Walsh

5 Minutes with Jesus: A Fresh Infusion of Joy by Sheila Walsh is a small book that packs a powerful punch of hope and joy. When you are going through a dark valley or just stuck in a boring rut, joy can be difficult to find---but, our strength and joy are found in the Lord. It may not be easy to reach joy, but it is attainable. Jesus embraces His followers with a love that is almost tangible, but is manifested as a feeling of joy in spite of circumstances.

Sheila Walsh uses short stories, insights, and encouraging scriptures to help the reader discover joy in God's goodness, creation, and love. Each devotion reminds you that, no matter what, there is joy and peace to be found, and you can find it when you are frequently spending time in Jesus’ presence! Walsh and co-author Sherri Gragg provide a daily dose of encouragement through humorous or touching stories coupled with scripture that will provide light, no matter how dark life may seem. This book would be an excellent gift for anyone who needs encouragement and joy---including yourself! I highly recommend it.

I received this book free through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Iesodo - Joy dvd

JOY is a special re-imagining of the Nativity story. Let your heart take flight and tweet along to holiday carols and all-new songs! Festivities are in full swing as the flock prepares to celebrate Iesodo's birthday! The Cypress Tree is decked out with holly berries and excitement is in the air. Everyone gathers as Rocky shares the incredible story of Iesodo's birth.

Unto Us A Dove Is Born: "Festivities are in full swing as the flock prepares to celebrate Iesodo's birthday! The Cypress Tree is decked out with holly berries and excitement is in the air. Everyone gathers as Rocky shares the story of this amazing day, and how it changed their lives forever."

My Review: In time for Christmas season, a new cartoon, and one that celebrates the birth of Jesus. This has been my favorite of the Iesodo series (still have not seen "Believe"). It tells the story of the nativity on a level that younger children would understand, and also has hints of what life was like during the final days Jesus was on earth. It gives a good foundational base for children, but without making it seem like a sermon. Kids will love the bright colors and songs that they will soon be singing along with. I confess that "We Three Kings" was my favorite, largely because it reminded me of the Claymation Christmas version...but with wise owls. I recommend this as a great new addition for your kids to watch, so pick up a copy.

For those, like me, who don't like to start Christmas season until after Thanksgiving, this would be a fun video for the family to watch together after decorating the house and putting up your tree. What better way to start the season off right, but by reminding your kids of the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of the DVD from Edify Media to enable me to write a fair and honest review.

Iesodo website

Iesodo on Facebook

FULL SERIES: Iesodo (YAY-sa-doe) is a wise white dove whose name means "The Way of Jesus". He and his feathered friends bring your favorite New Testament stories to life in a whole new way.   Iesodo and his friends live in the Holy Land, in a beautiful Cypress Tree on the shores of a vast Lake (or as we know it, the Sea of Galilee). These birds are an unlikely group of friends, and though they have their differences, they have one thing in common: since they met Iesodo, their lives have never been the same. Now they’re out to spread his message of hope to the entire bird world!

Zaya Toonz, the animation company behind Iesodo, assembled a collaboration of animation experts with experience in both the children’s and Christian markets.  Directors for the series include Brian E. Ray whose credits consist of “Muppet Babies,” “My Little Pony Tales” and “Ed, Ed, and Eddy,” as well as Colin Brady, whose credits include “Toy Story,” “Toy Story 2” and “A Bug's Life.” Brady also served as the former animation supervisor for Pixar Animation Studios. Producer Eric S. Rollman, President of Rollman Entertainment, formerly served as President of Production for Fox Kids and Marvel, and writer/producer Rob Loos is an Emmy Nominee and writer/producer for “McGee and Me,” “Christmas Lamb,” “Kids 10 Commandments” and “Touched by an Angel.” The “Iesodo” series also features the voice of Erin Bethea (“Fireproof,” “Amazing Love”) as Maggie. For more information, visit http://www.iesodo.com.

About Capitol Christian Distribution: Capitol Christian Distribution is the market leader in Christian and Gospel music distribution, and also represents a diverse range of chart topping Christian films and books, reaching the US Christian specialty and general retail marketplace and physical and digital retailers in more than 50 countries around the world.  


*Except for my review, most of this is from the Iesodo press release.