Jungle Doctor and the Whirlwind

Image credit: Christianaudio.com

I have to admit I have not listened to very many audiobooks before and boy, have I been missing out! I downloaded this book from Christianaudio.com as part of a review for Christian Focus 4 Kids. I put it on my MP3 player and listened to it while cleaning, working out, and checking my email. I've never "read" a book so fast!

Jungle Doctor and the Whirlwind by Australian missionary, Paul White is the story of part of  his time as a doctor in Tanzania. He faced many trials such as malaria, a dysentery epidemic and a troublemaker who stole medicine and distributed marijuana. Although overworked and exhausted, the doctor takes advantage of every teachable moment to share truths of the Bible in ways the natives understand.

I really liked that each character had a distinct voice so I could easily tell who was speaking. The fact files at the end were also very helpful in giving more information about the author, Tanzania and the epidemic they faced. I love missionary stories and this one is definitely worth listening to!

*Please note: I received this book free from Christian Focus 4 Kids as part of their Jungle Doctor and the Whirlwind Audiobook Review Blog Tour. The opinions I have expressed are my own.   

Sights and Sounds of Chirstmas

I know it's a little early for Christmas Devotions, but I'm so excited to be publishing my very first ebook!!! I wrote this book about 3 years ago for the ladies of my church and my family. I love all the sights and sounds of Christmas, but in all the chaos I don't want to forget the purpose of it all, which is Jesus Christ and this book has become a yearly reminder of focus for me. I would be greatly honored and appreciative if you purchased my book. If you don't have an ereader yet and would like an old-fashion paper copy - leave a comment and I have 10 copies to give away.

Sights and Sounds of Christmas

George Whitefield: The Voice that Woke the World

Image credit: Amazon.com

 "...I am not sorry I’ve been poor, or despised, cast-out, and now am almost a worn-out itinerant. I would do it all again, if I had my choice.”

George Whitefield was extremely passionate about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with anyone who would listen. With his loud and powerful voice he preached to huge crowds of people all over the American colonies and Great Britain as often as he could. His preaching was always a priority over sleep, eating, safety and even his health because his view was that "the whole world  is now [his] parish".

Author, Lucille Travis has done a wonderful job of chronicling the life of this itinerant preacher in her book, George Whitefield: The Voice that Woke the World. Beginning with his childhood and schooling, she explains his conversion experience in which the gospel message is made very clear. Her description of Whitefield's realization that salvation is not by good works but only through trust in Jesus is very powerful.

Travis continues the story with Whitefield's ministry in England, his missionary journeys to the American colonies and the establishment of the Bethesda Orphanage in Georgia. During his life, Whitefield faced many trials, such as religious persecution, helping orphans, and opposing slavery. The author carefully addresses these conflicts and mature topics with honesty and at a level that is appropriate for the elementary-aged audience.

This is a great resource for homeschool families or for further study in American History. I was greatly disappointed in the attention given to Whitefield in my daughter's 5th grade American History class last year. I would love to have her read this book to truly understand the impact George Whitefield had on his generation. This book is perfect for a 3rd-5th grader to read independently or to read out loud to younger children. There are also discussion/review questions at the end of the book. I also appreciate that in the "Author's Note", Travis states that direct quotes from Whitefield are in italics and that certain characters, conversations and situations were fictional for the purpose of clearly communicating the story.

*Please note: I received this book free from Christian Focus 4 Kids as part of their Trailblazers Book Review Extravaganza. The opinions I have expressed are my own.  

Shopping for Time

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At our MOPS meeting this morning we talked about how to prioritize our time so that our values are reflected in the way we spend our time. The conversation reminded me of this book I read a few months back that was extremely helpful in making my values a priority and getting the most out of my time.
Carolyn Mahaney and her daughters do a wonderful job encouraging women, especially busy moms, to evaluate if their time is well planned, if their priorities are based on Scripture, and if their relationships are honoring to God. I will confess, I'm not a member of their 5a.m. club - yet. But, I do often reflect on my goals as wife, mother, teacher and friend to pursue time management that honors God and blesses my relationships.

Really Good White Chicken Chili

One of my goals in being a good mama and wife is preparing good food that everyone enjoys...which can be quite challenging with 6 people in the house all with different tastes and a couple of picky eaters. But this recipe always gets rave reviews at my house from everyone, so I thought I'd share. Hope your family enjoys it too!

1 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can northern beans
1 can of corn
1 cup milk or heavy cream
1/2 to 1 cup chicken stock
3 chicken breasts cubed and sauteed with chopped onions
1 tsp. each of garlic salt, cumin and oregano (more or less to taste)


Combine all ingredients in a pot and simmer on low 20 minutes to 2 hours.
Optional toppings: tortilla chips, sour cream and shredded mozzarella.