"Happy Home Adventures"

 
"Bullfrogs in the sock drawer,
drill bits with the bobby pins,
buttons, beads, and nickels
filling up the cracker tin.

Matchbox cars mixed with the matches,
dirty socks under a bed,
blobs of Play Dough fused together,
cartoon doodles of robot heads.

A kazoo and a drum on the kitchen table,
a mud-pie recipe requiring 'lots of sand',
paper mache ingredients spread out in the hallway -
a happy home has busy hands.

BBs in a mason jar,
tooth fairy findings in a Ziplock bag,
melted bar soap in a puddle,
comfy beds with springs that sag.

Mis-matched plates and silverware,
patient houseplants with braided leaves,
a human ladder made of siblings,
paper snowflakes on the winter eaves.

Muddy rain boots by the door,
a worn-out path down to the creek,
carpet rubbed in trafficked places -
a happy home has running feet.

Crickets singing with the radio,
fingernail clippers in the silverware drawer,
pebbles in pockets in the washing machine,
hand prints on the white back door.

Building blocks on the green front lawn,
a bicycle in pieces with a wrench nearby,
watercolor art draped over a clothesline
made from the string of a mended kite.

Goofy poems and Bible verses,
movie lines and midnight dreams,
related with charming sagacity -
a happy home has voices sweet.

Pencil colors and a coloring book,
on the steps of the big back porch, 
fireflies in a screen-topped jar,
books in stacks on shelves and floor.

A rake and broom against a tree
(reassurance of a fresh-kept yard),
kittens with daisies around their necks,
wallet photos mixed with UNO cards.

Swinging braids and tiny earrings,
cowboy boots and pocket knives,
a happy home is filled with learners -
baking cookies; counting by fives.

So sticky hugs and greasy kisses,
dirty hands and barefoot feet,
shining eyes and happy faces,
work to make a home complete."

- Copyright Kyrie McAlan 2016

{Note: I scribbled most of the above poem in July, right before Jaylyn and Jewel's oldest sister and her family (who had been temporarily living in The Grandparents' house after their own flooded) moved back home. With eight children, there is never a dull moment when visiting them (the photo above is the next-to-youngest son)! We loved having them so close for those months as their house was being repaired, and on the night we were up at The Grandparents' house helping them get ready to move back home, I realized just how much I was going to miss them being up there, filling the dear old house with noise and life and the silly little shenanigans that kids come up with! This is for them.}

Book Review: "The Shattered Vigil" by Patrick W. Carr

The Shattered Vigil by Patrick W. Carr

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


First thing: Read the first book first. I started this book (the second in the series) without realizing how horrible it was going to be as a stand-alone. I’ve read the second book in several series and, though it would have been nice to know what happened before, those stories were able to be picked up and enjoyed without any trouble. This is not that kind of series! This second book was full of common words used in completely uncommon ways - and meaning completely different things - than usual. That’s okay, just as long as the author gives the reader his story’s definitions and usages of those words in the beginning. I can only hope that the first book explains what’s going on, and gives the reader a good sense of context.

Aside from the confusion over word usage, I found this book rather difficult reading. For starters, the print was very small. I’d much rather have a thick book with normal-sized print, than a book of ordinary thickness with a font size that you need a magnifying glass for.

Also, the story seemed to move in spurts. Either I seemed to be struggling to get through the tedium of a scene, or things were moving so fast that I could barely read quickly enough to keep up.

The ‘religious’ elements seemed very weak for the strength of the story itself. There were some thought-provoking points made, and concern was expressed in a couple of places for the spiritual well-being of some of the characters. But much of their ‘theology’ was just off, and the dangerous war-like atmosphere of the setting called for some death to happen, in which cases much of the solemnity and concern was largely passed over, and sometimes lost altogether.

Though the story was interesting and the author obviously has a great imagination (the book is a creative mix of allegory, fantasy, mystery, and sci-fi), I would only be able to say it was “okay” if someone asked me whether I would recommend it.

I received a free copy from the publisher. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

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Book Review: "Shadow of the Storm" by Connilyn Cossette

Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Mrs. Cossette captures her readers almost from the first page, with vivid descriptions, a quickly-moving story line, and characters that make you root for them right from the first. I appreciated the story even though I have not read the first book in this series.
Her imagination and, by all evidence, detailed research make the section of Biblical history come alive by presenting how the events may have appeared and been experienced by someone who lived through them.

The author touches many emotions and important issues - loss, betrayal, forgiveness, emotional and physical pain, joy, healing, change, trust, adoption, love, sacrifice - and presents them with a Biblical and undeniably redemptive goal. Even though this is an Old Testament setting, Mrs. Cossette points a clear picture to the future and the coming Savior. I loved how she wove Salvation symbolism in at every other turn.

I think my only real drawback (or reason I would not recommend this book to young teen-aged readers) is because of a few somewhat-graphic descriptions. The occupation of midwifery is a main part of the story, and several scenes are pretty descriptive.

Overall, if you love the Bible, enjoy history, or just like a good story, my opinion is that this is a pretty good choice.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers, in exchange for my honest review.

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Forever, He Is Alive!

"The moon and stars they wept,
The morning sun was dead -
The Savior of the world was fallen.
His body on the cross,
His blood poured out for us,
The weight of every curse upon Him.

One final breath He gave
As Heaven looked away.
The Son of God was laid in darkness.
A battle in the grave -
The war on death was waged -
The power of hell forever broken.

The ground began to shake;
The stone was rolled away!
His perfect love could not be overcome!
Now death where is your sting?
Our resurrected King
Has rendered you defeated!

Forever, He is glorified!
Forever, He is lifted high!
Forever, He is risen!
He is alive;
He is alive!

We sing hallelujah -
The Lamb has overcome!

Forever, He is glorified!
Forever, He is lifted high!
Forever, He is risen!
He is alive;
He is alive!"

I was listening to the radio on the way to work the other day, and the song "Forever" (Kari Jobe) came on. I've heard it before, and it has never failed to impact me.
The sad sweetness of the singer's voice is piercing in it's gentleness, as she relates the heart-breaking news - the Savior is dead, and all nature mourns. But that's only a small part of the story, and her song soars in triumphant glory as the grave is rendered powerless, and the King rises to reign victorious.
I am reduced to nothing every time, in the face of the awesome Story.
In the hopes that it will be a blessing to you, and lift you up as the reminder of our victorious Savior has lifted me, I have shared it here. The words are above, and the YouTube lyric version below.
Hallelujah!

Book Review: "Shaken" by Tim Tebow

Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life's Storms by Tim Tebow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


In “Shaken”, Tim Tebow weaves Biblical principles with real-life stories that back them up. Some of the stories are from his own life and experience, and he tells them with a refreshing blend of humility, fun, and sober openness. This book reminded me somewhat of the Harris brothers’ “Do Hard Things” (a five-star read)! It both encourages and challenges the reader – yes, life is difficult, yes, there will be people and circumstances determined to discourage and bring you down; but there will also be encouragement. And it’s the ‘hard things’ that strengthen and grow us. Our power in overcoming difficulties or attaining high goals lies in the all-powerful One. For Christians, our identity is in Christ and His love for us. Therefore, even if (or when) our world is shaken, in Him we can remain strong.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books, in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: "Hope Prevails" by Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Michelle Bengtson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a very encouraging and refreshing book. People in general, even Christians, seem unaware of the fact that so many of the causes and/or aggravators of depression are spiritual issues. Dr. Bengtson wisely understands that depression is not going to be cured by a pill or a therapy session, if the heart is not right with the Lord.

Packed with Biblical principles, this book is full of encouragement and advice from someone who has been there, and who can now look back. I loved that Dr. Bengtson included suggested Bible verses to memorize at the end of each chapter. Also, I appreciated the ‘playlists’ of music she’d found encouraging in her own journey, and the personal prayers for those reading the book.

I only had a couple of issues with this book. The first was that it seems to be advertised as a book to help ‘anyone’ who is going through depression, but when reading, it was clearly a book for those who are already believers in Christ. Many of God’s promises covered in this book are for His children only. They would not apply to someone who does not know Him as Savior and Father. Farther into the book, Dr. Bengtson clarifies that salvation through Jesus is the first step towards freedom; while I am thankful that she did clarify, this clarification should have been nearer the beginning.

The second fault I found was a collection of statements regarding one’s perception of individual worth. A couple of quotes such as “…you have infinite worth because Christ paid the price of his life when he died on the cross to save us,” and, “If you were the only one living, God would have done that just for you because he found you worthy,” bothered me. Christ did not die for us because we were so valuable and worth saving – He died for us out of HIS own goodness and mercy and kindness, and His love is what gives us our value. Before He redeemed us, we were despicable; He and His love are what have cleaned us and made us new and beautiful. He didn’t buy us because we were/are valuable – we are valuable because He bought us. While there are certainly people who struggle with understanding their value in the Lord’s eyes, I think Dr. Bengtson could have done a better job of encouraging them scripturally in this case, judging from her excellent level of communicating in other areas.

Lastly, though I loved how she used large amounts of Scripture throughout the book, I did wish Dr. Bengtson had used the King James Version (or at least the New King James) which, based on research and study experience, I have personally found to be the most true translation of the original text.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to Christians struggling with areas of personal darkness and discouragement.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: "Hello, Bicycle" by Anna Brones

Hello, Bicycle: An Inspired Guide to the Two-Wheeled Life by Anna Brones

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This compact little book was, for the most part, a wonderful read for the bicycle enthusiast. It is packed with a plethora of bike-related advice, facts, (charming!) illustrations, resource lists, recipes, activities, careers, etc. It seems to at least touch on – if not thoroughly cover – almost any subject or question that might come to the mind of a cyclist. Best suited for those just starting out. A great encouragement to just get on and ride!

There were some negatives. First, the author did not have any qualms about throwing in a curse word or bit of foul language here and there. This is unprofessional, unnecessary, and unwanted. Also, she really liked her alcoholic beverages. I expected a bicycle book, not a beer commercial. It is very discouraging to have to read a book with a bottle of White-Out in one’s hand. And least, but still annoying, while clever with her words, the author was not great on grammar in a few areas.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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