Scripture Motto

"Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5:16

Monday, June 25, 2012

Black Hills Backpacking Adventure update

Me at Devil's Tower
[For those not be interested in my travel log, you might skip the details; I hope you’ll pursue the links and photos I included. To summarize: We saw beautiful sights, experienced wonderful family togetherness, and I finished reading a book for next week’s post.]

“In that day the great trupet will sound. Many who were dying in exile…
will return to Jerusalem to worship the Lord on his holy mountain.” Isaiah 27:13 nlt

Monday, June 18, 2012

Father Knows Best

                          “Trust the Lord with all your heart and 
                                                               do not lean on your own understanding.” 
                                                                                                                     Proverbs 3:5 nasb

business,choices,decisions,directions,metaphors,options,roads,signs,women,people“Did we misunderstand You?” I sat on the couch frantically pleading with the Lord. “Did we run ahead of your plan? Why did you let us buy this house after I prayed Your will be done not ours?” Tears welled in my eyes.

His still small voice whispered to my heart. “Do you trust Me, or just say you do?

Monday, June 11, 2012

Hiking the Hills

“The angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel,
moved and went behind them…stood behind them.” Exodus 14:19 nasb

campers,camping,campsites,couples,leisure,men,nature,persons,recreation,sports,tents,womenIt’s time again to pull out the pack and sleeping bag. What began as my husband’s dream has become a secret obsession for me. Actually, it’s an unfinished challenge. This year, I wasn’t sure if I would be on the trail or sitting in base camp because one or both of our sons would be going along. Either way, I’d be sleeping in a tent, cooking over a fire, and slapping mosquitoes.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Image courtesy of Free Digital Photos
“They gathered it morning by morning, every man as much as he should eat…” Exodus 16:21 NASB

As a contributor to the upcoming devotional, “God’s Benefit Package” based upon Psalm 103, I’ve been given the opportunity to guest blog on the publisher’s site today. I hope you’ll pop over to CrossRiver Media and read "Morning by Morning."

Monday, June 4, 2012

Book Review: “Out of Control” by Mary Connealy


“Finally, the water covered even the highest mountains on the earth, 
rising more than twenty-two feet above the highest peaks.” 
Genesis 7:19-20 nlt


I have wanted to read one of Mary Connealy’s books for quite some time, but just never  got around to it. The combination of cowboys and humor is what peaked my interest. So when I saw “Out of Control” available Kindle, I grabbed it. If, however, I’d read a few of the online reviews, I might not have been so impulsive.

It’s not a bad book. It’s not a plot-less story. But like the caves they explore looking for an illusive man, the plot wonders about rather aimlessly at times. A few reviewers said “it lacks rhythm and flow.” I agree. Some even said they had trouble finish reading it. I did not.

I admit it took me a few chapters to get hooked. But when I did, it was not because of the characters, but by the mystery. Once I let go of my expectations of cowboys and humor, the secrecy in the mountains and the caves drew me in. When I ignored the rocky love story and focused on the manhunt, I couldn’t stop reading this book.

It’s not a character driven story…in fact, they get in the way with their quirky traits. Mr. OCD meets Miss OCD/ADD, which is why there is a control issue. He plans every detail and barks out orders. She dreams of fossil research. He assumes. She ignores. Two minor characters seem normal and quite patient with their quirky counter parts. Then a couple of real lunatics are thrown into the mix. And I grew to love them all.

The men are cowboys, just not as I expected. The peculiar personalities brought the humor—dry rather than the ROFL kind. The mystery and intrigue held my attention.

Would I recommend it? Yes; just leave your logic trailside.


About the author:
Mary Connealy is a Carol Award winner and a RITA Award finalist. An author, journalist, and teacher, she lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters—Josie, married to Matt; Wendy; Shelly, married to Aaron; and Katy—and two spectacular grandchildren, Elle and Isaac.

You can find more about her and her books at: http://www.maryconnealy.com/