One Call Away Book Review

Book Review of One Call Away by Brenda Warner
"A Memoir: Answering Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith"

     Brenda Warner's life is anything but normal.  She's dealt with more things in one life, than six lives together - handicapped child, divorce, death, fame, poverty, wealth.  Her life is anything but simple, as she pens in her memoir.  This was the second book written by Warner.  The first was a compilation piece presented with her husband, First Things First.  Brenda Warner is a speaker, philanthropist and a New York Times best-selling author.  I first noticed her at this years Women of Faith conference, as she was a new speaker in the line-up.  Her condensed version of her life story was enough to interest me into reading her book.
     My first thoughts: Wow! I'm so glad my life is simple.  Warner's life seems waged in personal war and conflict.  She goes from a Marine, to a divorced pauper Mom, to the wife of NFL champ Kurt Warner.  In between, her life is riddled with unimaginable obstacles.  Now here is my opinion..... Warner is not, I repeat, is not a great writer.  The book doesn't offer brilliant insight or perfected linguistics.  It's a raw account of a tough life lived.  Each tragedy faced, Warner remains solid in her faith of God's ultimate and much bigger plan.  Even in her now immense fame and fortune, I am happy to see that she and her family are giving back.  As a Mom of seven children, she seems to be on the right track of keeping her brood grounded and love-minded.  Bottom line....this is a easy-read.  It's an interesting story and keeps you occupied.  It reminds you to keep the faith during struggle and turmoil. 


(I received this book free from BookSneeze.com as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Celebrating The Sabbath

This year as we study Creation to The Greeks, we are incorporating Biblical Feasts into the curriculum,  through cooking classes that Lauryl is taking with my mom.  Our first, the Sabbath.  Mom and Lauryl did an exceptional job at cooking, organizing, planning and putting great effort into making the meal a traditional Jewish experience.  Here is some of what we did and ate....

 All of the women dressed in shawls. 

 We lit two white candles representing Christ as the Light of the world, and for a light to push out anything that's dark.

Dad said a blessing over Lauryl and I.

Dad was a good sport, reading his parts in the blessings and wearing his home made yamaka.

Mom led us through each part of the feast - wonderful!

We each drank the wine - representing Jesus' shed blood for us. 

We each washed our hands at the table, readying ourselves (cleansing) for the breaking of bread.

Mom and Lauryl made this cloth to cover the Challah.

Lauryl made two Challah loaves, representing the Jews reliance on manna in the wilderness.  On the sixth day they were to make/take two portions - one for that day, and one for the Sabbath.  She made one as a traditional six braid, and one with three.

Tea was served.

 Lauryl made, and Mom served traditional Golden Yoich.  (almost like chicken noodle soup)

Our family was so blessed tonight as we partook in this wonderful and ancient celebration.  I'm really looking forward to the second part of the Sabbath meal tomorrow night.  It's very thought provoking when we take into consideration that the Jewish people do this each and every week.  I'm amazed at their thankfulness!

If you would like a copy of this book, click here.  It's a great addition to a Christian home.