Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe by Irene Brand and Anita Higman - Reveiwed

This book contains two love stories with a "classic" feel. The first is set in the Appalachian Mountains and centers around two people caught in the struggle between doing what they want to do and what they feel God wants them to do. The time period is just after WWII, and the rural setting really appealed to me. My heart kind of got wrapped up in the story, and it was a lovely holiday read. This is a story of discovery, renewal and learning to depend on God's direction for our lives - even when it doesn't make sense to our human heart.

The second story really brings on the Christmas spirit! From the main character to the name of the small town, this story is all about the season. When someone wants to explore Holly's past, she is soon caught up into the process of story and becomes blind the the one who has won her heart years ago. She has to have her eyes opened to what is right in front of her, and the journey is quite memorable.

I can honestly say I have not yet found a story in Summerside's Love Finds You series that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed! This one comes just in time for the gift-giving season, so if you've got a reader on your list, pick up a copy today!

About the Authors:
Irene Brand
In a writing career spanning three decades, Irene has won numerous awards and published 45 books that have sold more than two million copies. Irene primarily writes inspirational romances, but she has also published nonfiction books, devotional materials, and magazine articles. Before she became a full-time writer, Irene taught for 23 years in public schools. Her other passions include traveling (she has visited all 50 states and 35 foreign countries) and history (she holds a Master’s Degree in the subject). Her published titles include Where Morning Dawns, Listen to Your Heart, and the Kentucky Brides collection. Irene is an active member of her church and is affiliated with several writing organizations. She is a lifelong resident of West Virginia, where she lives with her husband, Rod.

Anita Higman
Anita Higman is the author of 24 books, including fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and plays. Among her published romance titles are Larkspur Dreams, The Love Song, and Castles in the Air, all coauthored with Janice A. Thompson. Her mysteries include Another Stab at Life and Another Hour to Kill. Anita is a member of ACFW and the Christian Humor Writers’ Group, and she has been recognized for her involvement in literacy programs. A Texan for the past 24 years, Anita has coauthored an award-winning book about her home state, A Tribute to Early Texas. She lives with her family near Houston.

Judgment Day by Wanda Dyson - Give Away

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!



You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Wanda L. Dyson

and the book:

Judgment Day

WaterBrook Press (September 21, 2010)

***Special thanks to Staci Carmichael, Marketing and Publicity Coordinator, Doubleday Religion/Waterbrook Multnomah for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

WANDA DYSON lives on a working horse farm, boarding and keeping a menagerie of critters. After writing three critically-acclaimed suspense novels, Wanda was asked to co-author the true story of Tina Zahn, Why I Jumped, a non-fiction work for which both Wanda and Tina appeared on Oprah. Wanda is a licensed Christian counselor who specializes in helping women recover from depression, anxiety, rejection, and the long-term effects of sexual and physical assault.





Visit the author's website.







Product Details:



List Price: $13.99

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: WaterBrook Press (September 21, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1400074754

ISBN-13: 978-1400074754:


My Review:
Well, when I first started this book I was a bit confused by the cast of characters and their stories - I couldn't quite figure out how they would ever tie together. I didn't have to wonder for long though, and man what a twisted bunch of bad guys Wanda Dyson dreamed up this time! And her main characters were pretty flawed themselves - dealing with a host of problems including family relationships, romantic relationships and unexpected heartache.


By the time I reached the final third of the story, the pace and the tension had mounted exponentially, and I couldn't seem to read fast enough. I would reach a place where I would think, "Oh, finally some resolution!" and oh no! Something else would spring from the shadows and add another twist! If you want a suspenseful tale that will really make you consider the depravity of the human heart, you need to read Wanda Dyson's novels! She's good!


I have an extra copy of this book to give away!! Leave a comment on this post with your contact information to be entered in the drawing!

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Prologue



Friday, April 3. Baltimore, MD





Running away from home had sounded like the best idea ever when she was planning it, but now that sixteen-year-old Britney Abbott was tired, hungry, and out of money, it felt more like the biggest mistake of her life. She climbed down off the bus, slung her backpack over her shoulder, and wondered where she was going to sleep for the night.



If only her mother hadn’t married that jerk. He was so strict. According to Ronnie, Britney couldn’t date, couldn’t stay over at a friend’s for the night, and she had to be in the house no later than seven every evening. None of her friends had to live like that.



Last Saturday night her mom and Ronnie went out to dinner, leaving her home alone with the usual litany of instructions: You cannot have anyone over. You will do your homework. You will be in bed by ten. You will not spend the evening on the phone with your friends. And you will not—I repeat, not—leave this house; I am going to call and if you aren’t here to answer the phone, you will be grounded for a month.



Fifteen minutes after they left, Ronnie-the-Predictable called. She answered the phone. An hour and a half later, she was gone.



She looked around at the crowds dispersing in several directions. The smell of diesel fuel overwhelmed her empty stomach and it growled in protest. Everything looked the way she felt— worn-out, dirty, and depressed.



“Hey, you okay?” A girl stood against the wall near the exit from the bus station. Torn jeans, pink T-shirt, high top sneakers, leather jacket, and numerous rings and studs from ear to nose to lip.



“Yeah, I’m cool.”



“You look hungry. I was just going over to Mickey D’s. You wanna come?”



“No money.”



“It’s okay. I think I can buy you a hamburger and some fries.”



Britney was hungry enough to be tempted and wary enough to wonder why the girl would make such an offer. “Me?”



“Yeah.” The girl walked over. “My name’s Kathi. I came to Washington about five months ago. A friend of mine was supposed to be on the bus but either her parents caught her trying to run away or she changed her mind.”



“You’re a runaway?”



Kathi laughed as she shoved her hands deep into the pockets of her jacket. “Look around, girl. There are lots of us. We come to DC to get away. Some stay, some move on to Chicago or New York.”



Britney felt relieved to know she wasn’t alone. “Okay. I’ll take a hamburger. Thanks.”



Kathi linked her arm in Britney’s and led her down the street toward the Golden Arches. “What’s your name?”



“Britney.”



“Well, let’s get you something to eat and then you can crash at my place.”



They chatted as they ate their food and drank their sodas, and with each passing minute, Britney liked Kathi more. She might look a little tough, but Britney supposed that living on the streets, you had to be. Her appearance aside, Kathi seemed friendly and generous.



They were about a block past McDonald’s when a woozy feeling interrupted their conversation. When she stumbled, Kathi steadied her. “You okay?”



“Just lightheaded.”



“Tired, more than likely. It’s not far to my place.”



But Britney’s body felt heavier with each step. She struggled to stay awake. She had never felt this way before in her entire life. Not even after staying up for two straight days studying for a math test.



“I don’t feel so good.”



“We’re almost there,” Kathi told her. “Just down this way.”



Britney didn’t like the dark alley or the dark van parked there with the motor running, but she couldn’t find the strength to resist Kathi’s pull on her arm.



As they passed the van, the side door opened and a man



stepped out. “Too bad she’s such a looker.”



“Yeah, well,” Kathi replied. “You get what I can find.”



The man picked up Britney and tossed her into the van. Britney tried to call out, tried to resist, but she could no longer control her arms or legs. She could only lie there and let the fear grow and build until the scream inside felt like an explosion in her head.



The man duct-taped her arms and legs. Then he placed a piece over her mouth. “Don’t worry, kid. This will be over real soon.”











1



Wednesday, April 15. Outside Washington DC







Suzanne Kidwell shoved her tape recorder in the cop’s face, smiling up at him as if he were the hero in her own personal story. “We have two girls missing now and both were students at Longview High. Are you looking at the faculty and staff at the school?”



The officer puffed a bit, squaring his shoulders and thrusting out his chest as he hiked up his utility belt. “You have to understand that we haven’t finished our investigation, but I can tell you that we found pornography on the principal’s computer. I’d say we’re just hours away from arresting him.”



She lightly traced a glossy red nail down his forearm. “I knew I came to the right man. You have that air of authority and competence. And I’ll bet you were the one who sent those detectives in the right direction too.”



He dropped his head in one of those “aw shucks, ma’am” moves. “Well, I did tell them that he had been arrested about ten years ago for assault.”



“And they made a man like that the principal. What is this world coming to?” Before he could comment, she hit him with another question. “Has he told you yet what he did with the girls?”



“Not yet. He’s still insisting he’s innocent, but it’s just a matter of time before we get a confession out of him.”



“Thank you so much, Officer. You’re a hero. Those girls would be dead without you.”



He blushed hard as she hurried off, lobbing him another dazzling smile as she calculated her timetable. It was nearly four and she had to be ready and on the air at six, scooping every other network in the city.







At the station, she ran up the stairs to the second floor and jogged down to Frank’s office. “Is he in?” she asked his secretary.



“Sure. Go on in.”



If there was a dark spot anywhere in her job at all, it was Frank Dawson. The man delighted in hassling her. Professional jealousy, no doubt. She knocked on his doorjamb. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”



Like Frank, the room was heavy on shine and light on substance. Awards and diplomas covered all the walls. Pictures of Frank with politicians, presidents, and the wealthy, beautiful, and powerful were displayed prominently on all the bookshelves. His desk dominated the center of the room, covered in paperwork, tapes, and files.



“Sure.”



Suzanne took a deep breath, clutched her notes, and strode into his office. “You know the two local girls that went missing recently?”



He glanced up at the clock, a subtle reminder that she should be getting dressed and into makeup. “I think so.”



“Well, I’ve been doing some digging and they have a suspect.”



“And this is your business exactly why?”



“Because I scooped everyone else. I talked to one of the officers working the case and he told me that they have a suspect, they’re interrogating him now, and they expect to announce his arrest momentarily.”



“And what does this have to do with me?”



She stared at him for a long moment. “I want to go on the air with this late-breaking news.”



He scratched his chin. “Your show is already scheduled, Suzanne. Corruption in the horse industry.”



“I know that, and I can still do that. I just need five minutes at the end of the show to cover this. We’ve got the scoop! How can we not run with it?”



Waving a hand, he said, “Fine. Go with it. I sure hope you have all the facts.”



“I have them straight from the mouth of the police. How much more do you want?”



“Fine. Do it.”



Grinning, she rushed back down to wardrobe and makeup in record time, entering the studio with mere minutes to spare.



Suzanne looked over at one of the assistants. “Where’s my microphone?”



As someone rushed to get her miked up, the director walked in. “We have a job to do, people; let’s get to it. We’re on the air in two.”



She straightened her jacket as the assistant adjusted the small microphone clipped to her lapel. “It’s fine. Move.”



The cameraman finished the countdown with his fingers. Three…two…one. She fixed her expression.



“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.” Suzanne turned slightly. “I’m Suzanne Kidwell. And this is Judgment Day.”



Suzanne took a deep breath while the station ran the introduction, taking a moment to straighten the notes in front of her and sip her water.



When the director pointed at her, she launched into the ongoing corruption and abuses endangering horse owners.



The camera shifted for a closeup. “And before I close tonight, I want to give you a late-breaking report. Just like you, I’ve been horrified by the tragic disappearance of teens here in the tristate area. But what made me truly sit up and take notice was that within the last two weeks, two young girls—seventeen-year-old Jennifer Link and sixteen-year-old Britney Abbott—were reported as runaways. Same neighborhood, same school, both runaways?



“Now maybe that could happen, but I was skeptical. I did some digging. And I’m happy to report that the police have arrested Peter Fryer, the principal of Longview High School.”



Suzanne changed her expression from a touch of sorrow mixed with concern to outrage. “I spoke to the lead officer and he told me that evidence against the principal included child pornography on Fryer’s computer. In spite of being arrested ten years ago for assault, Peter Fryer was hired on as the principal of Longview just four years ago. He is still denying any involvement, but the police assured me they have their man. I will keep you posted.”



She angled her body. “As long as people out there who betray our trust, there will be Judgment Day with Suzanne Kidwell. Good night, America. I’ll see you next week.”



As soon as she got the signal that she was clear, she pulled off her mike and stood up, grabbing her water as left the studio.



She rushed down the hall, and when she reached her office, she sank down into her chair and kicked off her shoes. She barely had time to curl her toes in the carpet before her phone rang.



She picked it up. “Great job, Suzanne.” It was Frank.



“Thanks, boss. I knew you’d be happy.”



“The phones are ringing off the hook. The other stations are scrambling to catch up to us.”



Smiling, she leaned back. “They’ll be eating our dust for a while now.”



“You’ll stay on this?”



“All the way to conviction.”

Little Town Of Bethlehem - a film by Ethnographic Media - reviewed

Oklahoma City, OK—EthnoGraphic Media (EGM) marked the United Nation’s International Day of Peace by kicking off a 12-day launch of its latest documentary, Little Town of Bethlehem. The standing-room-only event at Boston College was hosted by the Faith, Peace and Justice Program in the Department of Sociology. The film director, Jim Hanon was interviewed on FOX Americas News HQ with Shannon Bream on Sunday September 26th.

Fox News anchor Shannon Bream introduced the film as a documentary that imagines peace in the Middle East. Showing several clips from the film, Bream and Hanon discussed the need to reach people, especially college age people with the message of nonviolence.

The film is being screened on campuses nationwide and internationally this fall, and as part of the nationwide launch, the audience was given an opportunity to dialog with the film’s director as well as representatives from both sides of the conflict. Sami Awad, one of the film’s subjects commented on the audience response, “Students less familiar were clearly moved to learn more about the conflict and what they personally could do. Conversely, some who were growing weary after decades in the struggle for peace in the region were reenergized.”

About the film.

Filmed on location in the West Bank, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem, Little Town of Bethlehem brings awareness to a growing nonviolent movement in the Middle East that rarely, if ever, makes international headlines.

Sami Awad is a Palestinian Christian whose grandfather was killed in Jerusalem in 1948. Today he is the executive director of Holy Land Trust, a non-profit organization that promotes Palestinian independence through peaceful means.

Yonatan Shapira is an Israeli Jew whose grandparents were Zionist settlers that witnessed the birth of the Israeli nation. Today he is an outspoken advocate for the nonviolent peace movement, both in his homeland and abroad.

Ahmad Al'Azzeh is a Palestinian Muslim who has lived his entire life in the Azzeh refugee camp in Bethlehem. Today, Ahmad heads the nonviolence program at Holy Land Trust, where he trains others in the methods of peaceful activism.

Little Town of Bethlehem was produced by EthnoGraphic Media (EGM), an educational non-profit organization exploring the critical issues of our time. For more information visit www.littletownofbethlehem.org

My Thoughts:

This is a landmark film in the sense that a Jew, Muslim and Palestenian come together in an effort to practice non-violence. Their practices are based on Ghandi's teaching and the example of Martin Luther King, Jr. Only one of them profess to know Jesus through personal salvation, but their efforts toward peace, however noble, are not based on the truth of God's Word and the redeeming work of Christ.

The film itself captures the chaos and the terror of the lives of those caught in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. You will learn a lot about the history of that land. However, you will gain no Biblical perspective of the conflict. I strongly suggest Colin Chapman's book Whose Promised Land? if you want to learn what the Bible has to say about this unending war. But this film will make you painfully aware of what life is like for the people of the Middle East and it will make you pray harder than ever that they will eventually turn to Christ and finally know real peace.

Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander - Reviewed

“If you have something you want to do, and God opens a door for you to do it, thin you need to walk through that door. Don’t hesitate. Don’t wait. Because you may not get another chance.”
(p. 264)


Tamera Alexander has written a tender story about a cast of characters that are learning first hand about the way God redeems our lives from hurts that seem unbearable. These precious folks are learning about “…the eternal truth that God [is] sovereign, that His provision [is] unfailing, and that His live [is] perfect.” (p. 370) And oh, what wondrous ways He works in the life of people in every circumstance!


Rachel Boyd is still grieving the loss of her husband as she struggles to continue his dream of running a successful cattle ranch. Alone, raising two young boys, she faces uncertain circumstances and a future that is unclear. Dr. Rand Brookston is trying to create a successful medical practice among people that seem only able to pay him in food and abundant gratitude. His dream of providing a modern medical facility in this small Colorado town seems remote indeed. As he battles horrific memories from his time in the military, Rand questions whether or not he will ever have the love of a family of his own.


These two folks are only two of a host of really memorable, precious characters in Tamera Alexander’s latest book Within My Heart.” Her story draws you deep within the hearts of the people of Timber Ridge, and you will feel as though you have shared precious memories with some very wonderful characters. No matter how many books I read of Tamera’s, I am always blown away by how accurately she captures the very essence of God’s grace and mercy without diminishing the hardships that sometimes accompany His masterful work in the lives of His children.


Please, readers, don’t miss a word of this tender story! You will be abundantly blessed!




About the Author:
Tamera Alexander is a bestselling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Tennessee, where they enjoy life with their two college-age children and a Silky named Jack.

Tamera invites you visit her Web site at http://www.tameraalexander.com/.

Between A Rock and a Grace Place by Carol Kent - Reviewed

About the book: (from the publisher)

From bestselling author Carol Kent comes a riveting journey of facing the impassible obstacles of life and discovering the last thing ever expected—the sweet spot of grace.

Carol Kent and her husband, Gene, are now living what some would call a heartbreaking life—their son, Jason, a young man who initially had so much promise, is now living out a life sentence for murder in a maximum security prison. All their appeals have been exhausted at both the state and federal levels—humanly speaking, they have run out of options. But despite their hopeless situation, Carol and her husband live a life full of grace. Kent reveals how life’s problems become fruitful affliction where we discover the very best divine surprises, including peace, compassion, freedom, and adventure.

Through the Kent’s remarkable ongoing journey, Jason’s riveting letters from behind bars, and true “grace place” stories from the lives of others, Between a Rock and a Grace Place reveals that when seemingly insurmountable challenges crash into our lives, we can be transformed as we discover God at work in ways we never imagined. With vulnerable openness, irrepressible hope, restored joy, and a sense of humor, Carol Kent helps readers to find God’s “grace places” in the middle of their worst moments.

My Thoughts:

This book has ministered to me in my own hard place. Suffice it to say that God is always right on time with the books he brings into my life, and this one is PRECIOUS!!! Don't ever think that your circumstances can't be used of God - redeemed by God - and turn out to be some of life's biggest blessings! I cannot recommend this book highly enough! You will be changed when you read this book! Mightily changed!! How I praise GOD for providing grace places in my life every single day!!

About the Author:

Carol Kent is the bestselling author of When I Lay My Isaac Down and A New Kind of Normal. Carol is an expert on public speaking, writing, and on encouraging people to hold on to hope when life’s circumstances turn out differently from their dreams. She lives in Florida with her husband Gene.

Carol Kent is a popular international public speaker best known for being dynamic, humorous, encouraging, and biblical. She is a former radio show co-host and has often been a guest on Focus on the Family and a featured speaker at Time Out for Women and Heritage Keepers arena events. She has spoken at The Praise Gathering for Believers and at Vision New England’s Congress. She is also a frequent speaker at Women of Virtue events across the country.

An Interview with Carol Kent:

Tell us about the Christmas gift you received. How did it help you to find grace in the middle of a seemingly hopeless situation?

Two weeks before Christmas our doorbell rang at 9:15 p.m. It was dark outside and by the time my husband, Gene, joined me at the front door, we were surprised to find no one there. It was already dark, but my eyes fell on a large, exquisitely wrapped gift. The card on top said, “Mom.” Initially, it felt like a bad joke. Nine years earlier our son, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy had been arrested for murdering his wife’s first husband and he was in prison serving a life-without-the-possibility-of-parole sentence.

However, I am a “Mom” and the package was left on my doorstep, so I opened it. The note appeared to be in my son’s unique handwriting. The note expressed his deep love for me and his gratefulness for what I had done to help him since his arrest. He said a “friend” had helped him deliver the surprise. Opening the box, I discovered a gorgeous russet-colored silk jacket—and it fit me perfectly.

That night I discovered something new about God and something I had forgotten about myself. He loves to interject divine surprises into our lives. His timing is always perfect, but it had been a while since I had been surprised by joy, wonder, and grace in the middle of one of the tight spots of life.

What are “grace places,” and how can hurting people in need find them?

All of us experience tight spots when life turns out differently from our dream. When we face the overwhelming obstacles of life, we can experience the last thing we ever expect—the sweet spot of grace. Grace places have a variety of forms, but some include:

• Receiving love when we don’t deserve it
• Finding safety in the middle of a fearful and uncertain experience
• Being comforted by friends and family (people who are extensions of God’s love)
• Experiencing the embrace of God when we have run out of strength and courage
• 
  

“Grace means the free, unmerited, unexpected love of God, and all the benefits, delights, and comforts which flow from it.” (R.P.C. Hanson)

How important are contentment and gratitude in finding grace and peace?

My son, Jason, is teaching me that I need to choose contentment and thanksgiving in all things. As an inmate in a maximum-security prison, all of his personal items must fit in one small one-foot-high and one-and a half-feet-deep and two-and-a half feet long steel lockbox. He has learned to live comfortably with very little, which brings him a surprising sense of peace.

When I was visiting him one weekend I asked how he holds on to hope in the middle of a life-without-the-possibility-of-parole sentence. He said, “Mom, I have a gratitude list. Whenever the clouds of depression try to discouragement, I get out a piece of paper and write down everything I have to be thankful for. I’m thankful I have two parents who will be my advocates for as long as they live. The average number of years a lifer gets visits is five years and then no one comes anymore. I’m also thankful I can be a missionary on a compound that houses up to 1,700 men.” I’m learning from Jason that I find contentment when I choose to be thankful and when I invest my time in helping other people.

What are some unexpected gestures of kindness you’ve received in the past, and how did they help you through difficult times?

A couple of years ago Jason’s appendix ruptured and he was rushed from the prison to a civilian hospital. Gene and I were not allowed to know where he was and I prayed for someone to care for him as a mother would. He had two armed guards in his room at all times. Nurse Betty was assigned to Jason’s care. She treated him with respect and extraordinary care—and I knew she was a direct answer to my prayers.

A group of people who called themselves our “Stretcher Bearers” received an e-mailed monthly update on how to help with our needs. We were blessed with meals, cards, and financial gifts, often just before we needed extra funds for the next legal payment. These amazing people waited with us for two and a half years through seven postponements of the trial.

How has your definition of adventure changed over the years, and why is it important to retain adventure in your life, despite your situation?

True adventure is seeing the potential of living for things that matter in the middle of your current circumstances. We had the adventure of launching a nonprofit organization that helps to empower our son to facilitate classes by having books and DVD teaching series sent to the prison. We also have the adventure of reaching out to other people who are in crisis, which brings purpose and deep meaning to our lives.

There is a theme of surprise throughout the book. What is one of the greatest surprises you’ve had?

The powerful story of Tammy Wilson and Matthew Ben Rodriguez is in this book. Tammy contacted me after I spoke at an event she attended because my son is incarcerated in the same prison where Matt, the man who killed her mother thirteen years ago is incarcerated. She had been praying for someone to lead Matt to Christ and asked if Jason would try to meet him. It turned out that Jason and Matt were already friends and this amazing story is one of forgiveness, redemption, and restoration that can only be explained in the supernatural dimension.

Between a Rock and a Grace Place releases 10 years after your son, Jason, was sentenced to life in a maximum security prison and includes excerpts from Jason’s letters. Can you tell us how he’s doing now?

He has just taken his 8th group of men through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University Course and he will be facilitating a biblical counseling class on marriage and family this fall. He has a prayer group of twelve inmates who fast and pray for the needs of each other and their families. Prison is a depressing, dark, and sad place, but Jason is living for things that will outlast him.

When you received news about Jason’s clemency hearing being denied, how did you respond?

I wailed like a baby, sobbed, felt angry, hurt, and disappointed in God. Then we saw Jason a day after this devastating news. He was calm and very much at peace. He hugged me as I wept and said, “Mom, this case isn’t about having the best attorney or about having the favor of Florida’s top executive political leaders. If I am ever allowed to walk in freedom in this lifetime, it will be because God miraculously opened a door that was closed.” My son helps me to develop an eternal perspective and that day he comforted me.

What advice do you have for those who are stuck between a rock and a grace place?

In the middle of your own hurt reach out to someone else who needs help worse than you do. When you involve yourself in meeting the needs of others, you discover an unexpected freedom on the inside. Corrie ten Boom once said, “What did you do today that only a Christian would have done?”

As a result of your journey, you and your husband have founded the nonprofit organization Speak Up for Hope. What are the goals of the organization, and how can people get involved?

Our vision: To help inmates and their families adjust to their new normal.

Our mission: We exist to provide hope to inmates and their families through encouragement and resources.

Please go to www.speakupforhope.org for a list of practical ways individuals, churches, and organizations can help with specific projects. Our goal is to live out the truth of Prov. 31:8-9: “Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice. Stand up for the poor and destitute!”

Where may we connect with you further or to purchase a copy of Between a Rock and a Grace Place?

I would love for you to visit my web site at www.CarolKent.org, browse through the various events and other resources available. You may also join me on my Facebook page, please click here.

Flashback Friday - Let's Play!!

What toys do you remember from your childhood? What did you like to do to entertain yourself? Did you mostly play inside or outside? Did you ride a bike all over the neighborhood? Play baseball in the backyard? Basketball in the driveway? Did you have to "get permission" to play at a friend's house, or were you and your friends back and forth between houses all the time? If you had siblings, was there a distinction between your toys and theirs? Did you "inherit" any toys from older siblings? What were the "fad" or "must-have" toys of your generation? Did you parents buy them? Was there a toy you always wanted and never got to have?

What a lot of memories I associate with toys! The Raggedy Ann picture to the left is very similar to the one I owned. She slept with my always, and even up until I was in college, this precious doll was the bearer of all my heartaches. Her face was tearstained and her hair tattered. Oh, how I loved my Raggedy Ann!!

Barbies were another huge part of my world. I had a younger cousin who had more Barbie stuff than I did, and between her pool, townhouse, camper and all of my stuff - and we had Barbies by the dozens! - we could fill my entire den with a Barbie subdivision!


I remember my brother had a lot of GI Joe figures and a Tonto and Lone Ranger that would kidnap my Barbies! I cannot begin to tell you how many hours and days were filled with Barbie and her co-horts! Many, many, many my friend!




I wish I could find a picture of the playhouse items I remember. There was a metal set that included a refrigerator, stove and sink, and I had a table and chairs, a crib and even an old tv set that completed my "play house". Oh the wonderful memories I have playing with my brother in the play house. He would be a WWII fighter pilot and would fly off on missions, and I would radio him home for supper or when one of the babies got sick! I had a host of teddy bears, baby dolls and other stuffed animals that made up a huge part of my childhood.


I remember my Smurf doll, my stuffed E.T doll and a host of others that I slept with. Folks had to hunt me among all of the stuffed animals on my bed!
And I kid you not...I took a lot of my stuffed animal collection with my to college. One of the pranks friends pulled on my was to kidnap my stuffed animal collection and have them appear in my classes and other embarrassing places. I was a stuffed animal nut!





And I grew up on a farm, so a lot of my toys were just the great outdoors. We could "build" tree houses and forts by the hour out of whatever scraps or sticks we could find. I spent a lot of time playing by the creek in the pasture. There were banks to that creek that seemed ginormous that we would slide down! Amazing how small they appeared as an adult.

Most of my toys appeared under the Christmas tree. I had a couple of aunts and uncles that would treat us to shopping trips for toys occasionally. If there were "fad" toys it had to be Barbie! There was TONS of that stuff! And quite honestly, I don't remember ever wanting something I couldn't or didn't have. Occasionally my cousin would get a Barbie piece I wanted, but I had a really dreamy childhood. LOTS of fun!!

And you know what? I truly remember having a TON of fun with a big cardboard box! We had some appliances delivered, and we didn't do anything but cut doors and windows in it and decorate with with markers! When it finally fell down, we smashed it flat and used it to slide down the grassy hill in the back yard!! YES, I played with cardboard boxes and had a BALL!!

For other playtime memories, visit my good friend Linda's blog!

The Dead Rise First Rapture Countdown by Alton Ragan and Robert McLaughlin - REVIEWED

About the Book:(from the authors' website)
n the small town of Jordan, Oklahoma residents find themselves the victim of a shocking terrorist attack. A society so completely dependant on technology for its security and commerce has suddenly been turned upside down. Even worse than the uncertainty of their immediate safety is another problem that no one can explain.


People who have been dead for years are popping up all over town, appearing and giving witness that the Rapture of the Church is eminent but for the lost, the Great Tribulation. Who will listen to their message and repent and who will refuse to believe their own eyes?


Meet Jack, a pastor who is suddenly slapped in the face by what has happened and then baffled when he spots Sister Gregg, a former member of his church. The only trouble is the last time he saw the woman was at her own funeral. The town begins to shake at these events and as a church turns to their leader, Pastor Jack desperately searches for the answers he must give his congregation. How much time remains for people to repent is anyone’s guess, for Jack and his flock it’s a race to reach the lost.


The Dead Rise First is a fast paced, intriguing read for anyone interested in the Rapture. This book brings something new to readers and is provoking discussion among scholars with this one question: why do the dead rise first? Although purely fiction, the events are based on scriptural answers that unearth a new understanding concerning the rapture of the Church. Does it reveal a mystery about how God will raise the dead in Christ as seen in 1Thess. 4:13-14? Will it be the same way Jesus resurrected in Matthew 27:52-53? You decide.

My Thoughts:

The Dead Rise First is a self-published book based on the idea that the dead are going to rise first – before the living in Christ are raptured – to warn people that Christ’s return is imminent.

I didn’t know that before I agreed to review the book.

The Bible does not contradict itself. I believe this is a deceptive, anti-biblical philosophy being touted as truth through fiction. The power-outage theory was already masterfully done by Terri Blackstock in her Restoration series. The basic philosophy behind this story is misleading and confusing. And if all the poor left-behind souls have to depend on is a preacher going around saying, “pray this prayer after me” without an ounce of explanation of the gospel…and then the pastor thinking to himself, “Man, I hope they believed what they prayed.” These folks are not only going to be lost for all eternity, but they sure as anything won’t be convinced to turn to Christ by ghosts walking around.

Make up your own mind and read more about this book at the authors' website.

About the Authors:

Alton Ragan is an author, business owner and presently serves on the board of Shawnee Rescue Mission, an inner urban outreach, where they feed the hungry and meet the needs of people with open air witnessing and preaching. He has served on the board of two churches and co hosted a small television program, in the late 1990s called "Truth Talks" on channel 11 in Norman, Oklahoma. He has been an avid student of God’s Word for more than thirty years and his heart burns for souls in these last days. He is the father of two children and three grandchildren. Alton Ragan resides with his wife of 34 years in central Oklahoma where he continues to write.