Book Review: What Difference Do It Make?

Cover image used by permission

What Difference Do It Make? is the second book featuring Ron Hall and Denver Moore, two unlikely friends brought together by a very special, yet ordinary woman.  The book also contains anecdotes from others around the world affected and inspired by the first book Same Kind of Difference As Me, a story of how one woman's faith brought the two men together and led to the transformation of many.  Although you don't need to read the first book to get a sense of the background and overall story, I think you will be the richer for it.

I was again moved by Denver's faith and wisdom despite the unbelievable life he experienced prior to his encounter with 'Miss Debbie'.  And I was touched and convicted by Ron's ability to forgive and demonstrate unconditional love to his 'ornery' father.  I also found it surprising and quite curious that his father regarded one particular gift above any other he'd received.  Not only that, but the fact Ron had learned so much from Denver and as a result of ministering to the homeless, he previously would never have even considered giving his father the gift.  Getting to know a person truly does make a real and abiding difference in how effectively we are able to love them.  What difference do it make?  It can make a huge difference.

After writing a review for Same Kind of Difference As Me, I was contacted by Thomas Nelson Publishing and asked if I would like to receive a complimentary copy of the second book with no obligation to write another review.  Thank you, Thomas Nelson Publishing, for giving me the privilege and opportunity.  (^_^)

A Family Is Like a Ship

Yesterday was Memorial Day.  For some it was merely the beginning of summer celebrated with a BBQ, a trip to the beach, or a ride on a boat.  For others it was a day to remember those who have served our country in the armed forces and have given their very lives for our freedom.  And for others still, it was just another day like any other.

This weekend brought to mind an article I'd read several years ago.  Although I don't agree with everything he teaches, I found the article Jumping Ship (Part 2):  Stagnant and Unpromising  by Michael Pearl very intriguing.  He likens the family to a ship with a captain and a crew.  Each ship may be different, but in order to keep its crew, it needs to have a clear purpose with each member involved in fulfilling its mission and reaching its destination.  And it must provide some source of entertainment along with rewarding labor.  If the crew sees other ships passing by that appear to be going somewhere while they just float along or remain stagnant... or if they notice the crews on other ships having fun while they seem to just work or have nothing to do, the captain risks having them jump overboard to join other ships that actually appear to be enjoyably going somewhere.

How's your crew?  Are they looking to book passage on a different ship, or do they have the confidence to believe their ship is going somewhere and doing something worthwhile?

Cake Pops

My daughter, Tiffany, made cake pops for her sister-in-law's baby shower.  She got the recipe and idea from Bakerella.com.  The question everyone asks is, "How do you make the cake into balls?  It's actually a lot easier than you would think.  (^_^)

Loves Babies

"A baby is born with a need to be loved... and never outgrows it."  —Frank A. Clark

I took this shot of Riley and Isabella at my future sister-in-law's bridal shower.  Isabella is the daughter of a friend of the bride.  She is the most contented and happy baby I've ever seen.  Riley is the bride's oldest daughter and soon to be my niece.  She is a sweet, thoughtful, mature young lady who loves babies.  Y'know, there's something about a person who loves babies... well, except those who love babies like they love puppies and kittens, which is only as long as they're small, cute, and cuddly.  But children, teenagers, and even adults need to be loved and sometimes babied, too, right?

 

Book Review: SKoDAM

Cover image used with permission

Same Kind of Different As Me  is a heartwarming and inspirational account of two men from different backgrounds and social strata, brought together by a very special woman.  The story draws you in and takes you on two separate journeys until the two paths meet and they essentially become one.  This is a story of faith, friendship, hope, and love... a powerful combination that leads to amazing transformations.

There were several things I liked about the book.  Although I didn’t pick cotton on a plantation, my sisters and I did pick tobacco one summer, and on our way to work, we drove past little run-down shacks.  I often wondered if slaves had ever lived in them.  Anyway, it brought back memories of home in the South.  I like how the story was told from two different perspectives... through two different pairs of eyes.  And I like how the authors wrote conversations in natural form using distinctive idiomatic dialogue.

I was touched by the love Ron had for his wife as expressed in his openness and desire to support her in fulfilling what she believed God was calling her to do... to minister to the homeless.  And I was both convicted and inspired by Debbie’s and Denver’s faith and close relationship with the Lord, as well as their love in action for those who aren’t always very lovely or easy to love.

I have a few friends who minister in homeless shelters in L.A. and VT, including one dear friend who actually experienced homelessness himself.  Now he is able to comfort others with the comfort he himself has received  (2 Cor. 1:4).   Although I myself have never worked in a homeless shelter, I have helped serve in a soup kitchen and have eaten alongside some who were not necessarily homeless, but just needed a bite to eat.  I still remember, Stacey, one young lady who caught my attention.  Even though it’s been years since I met her in the soup kitchen, once in a while we see each other downtown and stop to chat.  She has a beautiful little boy now.  I wish I knew then what I know now through the experiences my friends have shared and through the things contained in the book.  People are the same kind of different as me, and sometimes it just takes a bit more patience, determination, and genuine love to draw them out.  Like Bryan Duncan’s song Don’t You Wanna Rap  says, “The heart is the same, it’s just a different face.”

Almost Empty

"As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the LORD alone did lead him..."  --Deuteronomy 32:11, 12a

Even though I actually haven't yet experienced having a truly empty nest, I've been feeling a bit blue today as I've been reminded of the inevitable.  When my children were younger, they once went to summer camp for a week, but I knew they would soon be home again.

My first experience with long-term separation was a couple of years ago when our second son went away to college for a year.  That was a little difficult, because he is the more exuberant of the three, and he and I have always enjoyed having some serious theological discussions.  He also gives wonderful shoulder massages. The house was quieter while he was gone.  It was then that I realized I was being prepared to one day face an empty nest.

Our daughter, left yesterday to visit her out-of-state boyfriend for just short of a week.  I’m glad she’ll be coming back, because I have been enjoying the growing friendship between us.  I will always be her mother, but I’m glad we’re becoming friends.  She adds creativity and beauty to our family, as well as delicious aromas from the kitchen.  I miss her smiles, giggles, and stories.  Her kitty, Leslie, misses her, too.

Our oldest son is planning to depart Thursday to take a job half way across the country.  Although he attended a technical college for four years, he was able to live at home and commute.  He graduated last year with a bachelor’s degree, and although he was able to work at a temporary job for a few months, the job market in our state has been very bleak.  I’m so grateful for my sister’s and brother-in-law’s offer of a job and a place to stay.  While I am sad he’ll be leaving home, I’m excited for the journey the Lord has set before him.  I’m also delighted he’ll be with family where deeper relationships can be built.  I’ll miss his smiles, hugs, and analytical wit.  Oh!  And his macro lens and curry fried rice.  (^_~)

Perhaps I won’t really have to experience an empty nest.  Our second son married a very nice young lady last year, and they are expecting their first child in July... Grace Elizabeth.  So before our daughter leaves the nest, our family will soon be blessed with a little one to fill it up again.

Happy Resurrection Day

"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ."  --2 Corinthians 1:5

Snowdrops are said to be symbolic of consolation. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)

Happy Resurrection Day  :)