Hillary

Jan 132010
 

Hello Friends!
I decided for my book review today, I would review the book “Means Justify The End”, a book that was sent to us from the author, Rick Avery. I reviewed it briefly on one of our podcasts, but it was near the end, and I don’t feel like I did it justice:) So here you go!
Rick’s book is in first person and is written about his life experiences, growing up in a family which made sure that he learned about God and believed in Him. He writes interesting life stories and thoughts about his childhood regarding the concept if the means justify the end. His point is how by having the right attitude he made his life better, and by having the wrong one, his life was more challenging.
One of the saddest, yet poignant chapters I liked was about how his sister married this guy, who was perhaps not the best choice for her. They decided to take her little brothers camping. The boys, including Rick, were under 9 years old. They found a place to camp, left Bonnie, his sister there to hold the spot, then try to drive around to get a good place to park the car. Unfortunately, the brother in law didn’t have the greatest amount of common sense, or sense of direction and basically killed the car in the wrong area. By this time it had gotten dark. They started on foot to find Bonnie, carrying their sleeping bags. The brother-in-law got angry and would swear at them with them for keeping a slow pace (hello! they were little!!) until finally the boys decided to say a prayer to ask for help. Sure enough, along came a police officer who had been looking for them because Bonnie had flagged him down to ask for help. Rick learned an important lesson “My mom taught us all to pray, and I thank my Father in Heaven for a mom like mine. I find it interesting that [brother-in-law] Jack used the Lord’s name in vain , and all it did was make things worse. We called upon the Lord in praise, and it made everything right”. Interestingly enough, Bonnie divorced him and married a good man.
I liked this and quite a few other stories he tells in his book. I think it is a good, quick to read book that both men and women would enjoy reading. It also gives a good message and gives you things to think about. It is easy to find online and would be worth the read!
Jan 062010
 

Hi Friends!

Hillary here! I am excited to have Wednesdays to review what I have been reading. Some weeks it’s quite possible that all you will see is a smiley face :) some weeks you may see a gianormous (sp?, wait- word?) review. Either way, I will do everything I can to make sure I post. And maybe, just maybe I might eventually create my own blog to attach to this one too. You just can’t have enough of me! Well, yes you can. ANYWAY, not the point!

The point is, I have just finished reading Emily Watts’ new book, “I Hate It When Exercise Is The Answer.” As a non-fiction junkie I would have to say this is a very good book. Emily writes short, informative, yet entertaining chapters that really make you think, with the “exercise” being at the end of the chapter. I love how she ties exercise in to be more of the non-sweaty kind. I thought it was very clever and well done. I must admit though, I am a fan of the sweaty kind of exercise, and I was curious to see if she had written an exercise book :) The irony in my life, is that I love to exercise, yet can’t EVER remember how to spell it. I had to double check for this post :)

One of my favorite chapters was an “exercise in perspective”. I loved how she said a way to look at challenges: “Is this really as bad as it seems? Chances are, this challenge isn’t really as big as it feels. It’s just closer to my heart right now.” She followed up with hymn #115 which in part states “Earth has no sorrow that Heav’n cannot heal.” I love that. It gives such comfort.

In all there are 31 “exercises”. You can read them one at a time, a day or two at a time, or read it all in one setting. It’s a quick, enjoyable read! I think Emily did a fantastic job and I am really a big fan! Thanks!

FTC FYI: LDSWBR received a free review copy of I Hate It When Exercise is the Answer by Emily Watts courtesy of Deseret Book.