The Joshua Project Foundation

http://thejoshuaprojectfoundation.org/
Evan and Josh Goldenberg tell the story that led to the The Joshua Project. Starting with a grocery store in Southern California, they want to "Braille the entire universe...and Target, too!"

Josh was shopping with his mom one day during that exciting time in a child's life when he or she is learning to read. Only difference was, Josh was learning to read Braille ... his optic nerve never developed and he was born without sight. As he tried to 'read' the store shelves, his mom Christie Goldenberg told him, "There's no Braille."

"Why?" Josh was confused. How was he supposed to shop by himself one day when he was grown up, if there's no Braille on the shelves? Everyone else can see what's on the shelves, and read it too. Josh couldn't do either thing.

Christie and Josh's dad Evan had no good answer for him. So, they approached their Trader Joe's and asked if they could put some Braille up on the store shelves ... Josh would type out the inventory himself, on his Perkins Brailler. Next, it was Whole Foods. They not only allowed it, but got behind The Joshua Project 100% and put up posters and aisle blades in the Southern California stores Josh visited.

Why isn't Braille in grocery stores (and other stores with shelves, for that matter) a standard? Again, we have no good answers. But leave it to a little boy, learning to see the world in his own way, to ask the questions.

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BOOK REVIEW- BIG SKY MOUNTAIN Book 2 of Parable, Montana Series (The Parable Series) by Linda Lael Miller

With his rugged good looks, vast wealth and family name, hell-raiser Hutch Carmody is still the golden boy of Parable, Montana. But he's done some growing up—making peace with his illegitimate half brother and inheriting half of Whisper Creek Ranch, which should have been all his. These days, Hutch knows there are some things money can't buy: like the heart of loving, ladylike divorcée Kendra Shepherd.

Kendra's quiet mansion reminds her of what she wants most—a devoted husband and the pitter-patter of little feet. She can't get Hutch Carmody out of her mind. But a rough-and-tumble cowboy like Hutch, coming home for family dinner? Seems crazy! Then again, crazier dreams have become reality under the vast Montana sky.   AMAZON  4 STARS

Here is the book I was looking forward to reading.  I got a glimpse of it at the end of Book 1 "Big Sky Country".  Of course Hutch Carmody was in the prior book because of the head banging he tried to carry on with his illegitimate half brother Slade.  Kendra was also a part of the prior book as well.
This book however starts with quite a bang.  I'm not going to say how, because what would be the fun in that?  I will say that Hutch is smack dab in the middle of it.  It was fun to see some of the characters from the first book, like Opal.  Tenderhearted gruff churchgoing Opal.  She'd prayed more than one couple through problems so that they could realize that they were meant to be a couple.  Opal was also funny.  Like the time she asked him who ironed his shirt.  A Chimpanzee?  
 Madison is also another interesting addition but again I'm not going to tell you who she is or how she is added.  I will say that she is four years old and of course as cute as a button.  I would like to note though that the author did a really good job with Madison's language skills.  I'm talking about how kids have a hard time with some words and managed to slaughter the pronunciation.  The only time I questioned it was when the name Leviticus came up.  At least once Madison said it perfectly.  I thought, "huh?"  Just in case you are wondering, Leviticus is the dog that adopted Hutch.  
I liked both of the main characters.  They both had their own demons that they were battling and they were painful ones that came mainly from their childhoods.  Even though Hutch came from a rich one and Kendra from a really financially and emotionally poor one.  They both also had  scars in common.  They were told they just didn't measure up.  It also caused both of them to scar each other because of pride.  That pride ended their love many years earlier.  Or did it?   There will be a H.E.A. but it won't be without a fight and it won't be quick. 

I also liked how it was said that the whole town grieved for Boone who is now Sheriff.   It was written exactly that way and that Parable was after all a family.  And Boone like Slade and Hutch was a favorite son. 
It does look like he has his own story in the series.  Book #3 called, 

"Big Sky River"

What I want to know is when is someone going to deal with that nasty Deputy McQuillan?

Embracing the Miracle of Personal Transformation-Graham Cooke

All learning in the Kingdom is very different than it is in the world because Kingdom knowledge requires a relational experience with God.

Everything we learn in the Kingdom is about relational transformation so God can make us in the image of Jesus. This makes all our learning relational both in context and in content.

Context is where the Lord inserts Himself into our situation to teach us how to know and walk with Him. Content is where God touches something in us to inspire, heal and upgrade us so that we become like Him.

Our perception of who God wants to be for us will drive everything in our life because God loves to show us the outcome first and then the process of how we get there.

To embark on this transformational process with God, watch the video above.

BOOK REVIEW- BIG SKY COUNTRY by Linda Lael Miller

No one writes Western romance better than #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller! 

Let her take you to the town of Parable, Montana… 

The illegitimate son of a wealthy rancher, Sheriff Slade Barlow grew up in a trailer hitched to the Curly-Burly hair salon his mother runs. He was never acknowledged by his father…until now. Suddenly, Slade has inherited half of Whisper Creek Ranch, one of the most prosperous in Parable County. That doesn't sit well with his half brother, Hutch, who grew up with all the rights of a Carmody, including the affections of Joslyn Kirk, homecoming queen, rodeo queen, beauty queen—and the girl Slade's never forgotten. 

But Joslyn has come home to Parable under difficult circumstances. Resented by many of the townspeople cheated by her crooked stepfather, she's trying to rebuild her life and repay everyone who lost money because of his schemes. With a town to protect, plus a rebellious teenage stepdaughter, Slade already has his hands full. But someone has to convince Joslyn that she's responsible only for her own actions—and that someone is Sheriff Barlow!    AMAZON 4 STARS

I liked this book although the pace was a bit slower than I normally like.  But as I think about it, it kind of has a laid back feel to it that is similar to one of the main characters.  I'm talking about Slade Barlow, of course.  It was also a good foundation get to know the people of the town and families, kind of book.

I really liked both main characters.  Slade was a rock solid kind of man.  Someone who had been cheated out of a lot of things but grew up strong with a great mom.  Callie was a out of the usual mom but still she wasn't out there that far.  I liked how several people mentioned that Slade was a old-fashioned man, one of those who enjoyed being married.  Even his ex-wife Layne  said so and they managed to remain on a friendly basis.   They understood each other and wanted the best for each other even if they couldn't make it married.  That was refreshing. 

Joslyn was such an honorable young woman who was trying to do penance for the sins of her step-father.  There was so  much that went on that she didn't know about.  And when she did, the shame was overwhelming.  She had left Parable in the dark of night with her mother and housekeeper friend Opal and now she was here back in that same town. She had grown up so much from her spoiled rich days with her step-father.   She did still have one really good friend from her youngest days in Parable, her name was Kendra. And she has quite a story too which was shown just a bit more in the book I mentioned below.

The relationship between Slade and his half-brother Hutch wasn't one.  But what they did have was rocky and tense often just inches from blows.  I kept wondering how would that ever work out if it ever did.  Emotions run high more than once in this story and not just between Hutch and Slade.
I like how the author added some fun descriptive phrases in the book.  
Let me see.  Like, returning to her old home was like, "the place was her emotional Ground Zero" or "from that center-point, the calamity had spread, scorched earth fashion, throughout the community....."  I enjoyed phrases like that but they also weren't overused to my way of thinking.
Yes, there were some unanswered questions but I enjoyed what was answered.

When it comes to reading more in the series, I've already lined up another one.  "Big Sky Mountain: Book 2 of Parable, Montana Series (The Parable Series)  continues the story of Hutch, Slade's half-brother.  At the end of this book, there is a quick and quite interesting look into that book.  It seems like wherever Hutch was, he managed to stir up drama.  Yes, looking forward to that one.

BOOK REVIEW- ADRENALINE RUSH Alpha Dog Series by Mal Olson

Wounded warrior, Alpha Dog secret agent
Eric Cavelli, is hot on the trail of the world's most wanted terrorist. Annastine Jacobson, Norwegian-born fashion designer and the woman of Cavelli's dreams, is the last person on earth he intends to meet up with—in this lifetime. But she's the only one who can get his team into enemy territory.
In the aftermath of a bombing at a Washington D.C. gala, an unintended encounter plunges the two of them into an emotional tailspin. She thinks she's seen the ghost of the man who was once her soulmate. His cover is on the verge of being blown.
Memories of a long lost love threaten to undermine Eric's mission to stop a massive stockpile of weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists, a mission that will also take down his nemesis, the man who stole his life.   AMAZON 4.5 STARS


I really liked this book.  The characters were really good as was the plot.   There is plenty of mystery, action and adventure in it.  Oh yes, there was time for a touch of romance too. 
Eric really has Annastine's head spinning because of her confusion concerning her lost love John Trask.  A few similarities between the two keep cropping up.  She feels somewhat guilty because of her attraction to Eric Cavelli.  It's an attraction she can't even fully explain.  But she does fight it.  
Eric has a lot of secrets.  One's that he has to keep in order to keep the people he cares about safe.  He's had to give up a lot in order to keep them out of the line of fire.  He aches with all that he as lost.  But nothing in his life can even hope to move along with 2 really dangerous men get stopped.  It does get pretty intense at times. 
I found it kind of amazing that Annastine was put in such dangerous situations.  Yes, she did have a quick training but still she was over her head.  And to make it worse, 2 dangerous men have their own agenda when it comes to her.  Something that she will hate with every fiber of her being.  
Other really good characters were the team members that were like family to Eric.  Kit, Apollo and Bronco just to name a few. 
And without a doubt I would like to see where the story between Bronco and Sherri is going.  Because yes, I think there is a good story there since there was a good hot start in this book. Now  it's time for some honesty between them.  I can't wait to read that one too.  I hope this author is busy writing that one and I will be watching for it.

"I received this book in exchange for a review."

BOOK REVIEW- THE MANNING BRIDES Marriage of Inconvenience\Stand-In Wife by Debbie Macomber

Two brothers—and the women they marry…  

Rich Manning and Jamie Warren have always been friends—and nothing but friends. However, that changes when she asks him to father the child she so desperately wants. Rich agrees—if she'll marry him. Because he thinks their Marriage of Inconvenience could become a real marriage instead. 

His brother Paul, a grieving widower with three small children, turns to Leah Baker for help and comfort. When that comfort begins to grow into something else, Paul discovers that he wants more than a Stand-In Wife!   AMAZON 4 STARS because of Book #2

Book #1- Marriage of Inconvenience-
Jamie was afraid that the long-standing friendship that they have had will get ruined if they get married.  And it's a valid concern.  Misunderstanding after misunderstanding crops up.  For two people who communicated so well before now suddenly that all came to a screaming halt.  
I didn't really enjoy this story all that much,it was just okay.  It was emotional yes but it was also somewhat predictable too.   I gave this story 3 Stars on Amazon.

Book #2- Stand-In Wife 
This one is my favorite of the two. 4 Amazon Stars

I liked this story and found it pretty interesting when it came to the challenges that Paul and Leah faced.  They were both such loving people caught up in grief at first.  The emotional struggles were really well done.  As was some of the guilt of their new feelings for each other.  And they don't know how to trust those new feelings either.  
Paul still loves his first wife, Diane but he cares for Leah.  It causes him to struggle with how can that be?  He finds him being attracted to her and confuses him even more.  
Leah had always been made to feel less than when she was compared to her sister Diane.  Diane was her mother's favorite child and she wasn't shy about treating her better than Leah.  Leah was shy, quieter, smart and considered herself plain. One great thing is that her sister Diane NEVER put her down.  She was in fact her best friend as well as her beloved sister. So she lost a lot when Diane died. 
I liked the Manning family, both the children and the in-laws.  They added flavor to the story.  And they gave Leah something she had never had before, more people who cared for her.  A new family since she had almost no one else left alive.   One of my favorites had to be Paul's brother Jason.  He was the only non-married sibling in the group but he was smart when it came to relationships.  He helped Paul sort things out.  He did it by listening and just speaking a few observations that helped Paul zoom into some truths.  

BOOK REVIEW- STAND-IN WIFE by Debbie Macomber

Tragedy had shattered Paul Manning’s whole world, leaving him a grieving widower with three small children. Reeling from shock and grief, Paul turns in desperation to the one person he knows he can count on: gentle, caring Leah Baker. Slowly, Leah eases his sorrow and fills his life with new meaning. Then Paul makes an amazing discovery: he needs Leah, and he wants more than a stand-in wife.
AMAZON 4 STARS

Originally published in 1992

I liked this book and found it pretty interesting when it came to the challenges that Paul and Leah faced.  They were both such loving, honorable  people caught up in grief at first.  The emotional struggles were really well done.  As was some of the guilt of their new feelings for each other.  And they don't know how to trust those new feelings either.  
Paul still loves his first wife, Diane but he cares for Leah.  It causes him to struggle with how can that be?  He finds him being attracted to her and confuses him even more.  
Leah had always been made to feel less than when she was compared to her sister Diane.  Diane was her mother's favorite child and she wasn't shy about treating her better than Leah.  Leah was shy, quieter, smart and considered herself plain. One great thing is that her sister Diane NEVER put her down.  She was in fact her best friend as well as her beloved sister. So she lost a lot when Diane died. 
I liked the Manning family, both the children and the in-laws.  They added flavor to the story.  And they gave Leah something she had never had before, more people who cared for her.  A new family since she had almost no one else left alive.   One of my favorites had to be Paul's brother Jason.  He was the only non-married sibling in the group but he was smart when it came to relationships.  He helped Paul sort things out.  He did it by listening and just speaking a few observations that helped Paul zoom into some truths.