Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go by Lucille O'Neal

The life story of the mother of NBA star, Shaquille O'Neal, Lucille tells all in this autobiography. A light read inundated by Bible verses to supplement her journey. The book tackles a poignant childhood growing up in the house of her grandparents, away from her mother, a father with a verbal cripple, teenage pregnancy, drinking problems, financial struggles and an unfulfilled marriage that love just cannot support. In spite of all oppression, Lucille emerges triumphant as she tackles each problem when reunited with the God of her childhood.

I have to admit that I love the title - it's what lured me in the first place. It's an interesting enough read considering I don't know much about the personal lives of NBA stars nor of their families. Very comforting to know is how there are still people who don't let money or fame affect them in an adverse way. Lucille manages to convey her fun-loving, down to earth charisma with every chapter. I am not for divorce but her decision to pursue her desires after she was finally able to identify it, i.e. higher education (and keep pursuing it), even past the age of 40 is powerful for women of today, most especially single mothers. It serves as an interesting read but is not captivating as other autobiographies/biographies that I have come across.

Bottom line: I would borrow it from the library but I would not buy it.

---------------------

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part o their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.

Baking Exploit: Lemon Bars

When the little one starts to sleep, this mommy tries to earn her keep... by trying her hand at baking once again. And so I give you my very first attempt at making Lemon Bars. Though the hubby has such good raves about it I think I got a little too excited in sprinkling confectioner's sugar on top. I might also lessen the lemon juice from what the recipe calls for. But here I am, at 2 in the morning, having just eaten three big squares.

Good night.

Combating the Commandant of Confusion: A Bibleman LIVE Adventure

I'm not one to watch comic book inspired DVDs but since my husband loves the Justice League and watching that with him turned into a great revelation and enjoyment for me I thought I'd give this Bibleman DVD a chance.

Our hero, Bibleman, and his loyal friends, the Bible Adventure Team, are in the middle of a training session when the Commandant of Confusion and his side kick, Chaos, appear out of nowhere. They steal the secret weapon with a diabolical plot to use it against the Bible Team who need it in order to put on the full armor of God in the midst of any situation.

At first the acting and the use of a Bible verse for every thrust of the good guy's sword seemed a tad bit corny but I found myself drawn in with every amusing alliteration. Though the DVD is primarily for kids as young as 2/3 to 11, even the teens and adults watching the show were surprised by an action sequence that they just did not see coming. I would definitely recommend this.

I also enjoyed learning "The Word of God" Song which helps me remember what I need in order to put on God's armor. This is a wonderful way of encouraging our children to become familiar with the Bible and to recall certain verses which would help them later on in their lives.

---------------------

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part o their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.

How to Turn Adversity into Advantage in Business and in Life by Ralpf de la Vega

I picked this book as the first of my free books from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com to review because the title intrigued me. Instead, I was pretty much bored out of my mind and have had such a hard time finishing this book. Don’t get me wrong. The major life lessons parallel to the hardships a 10-year old immigrant boy from Cuba who reached the unimaginable unattainable heights of his American dream is truly inspiring. Standard and easy to grasp point by point steps are given in order to ensure that the reader can go through his/her own journey and emerge victorious if he/she chooses to do so. Dream big, if at all. I think it depends on the reader though if they would want to not only be inspired but take the steps needed in order to attain their dreams. Then, and only then, would I recommend the book to another. But maybe it would have been more effective if this were a slide presentation instead of a book.

---------------------

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part o their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.

Bitten!

While pouring over page after page of handmade paraphernalia @etsy I am just droooooling with envy at the wonderful creativity and talent I wish I had. A friend of mine sells cute notebooks and notepads online and I just wish I could do something like that. I've actually finished reading a book on crafting a business to go with this wave of longing to make something that sells. This bug got me back on track with finishing trying to finish several scrapbooks that, ideally, should have been finished more than two years ago.

After seeing these super cute dresses, I wish I had my grandmother's gift of sewing. That way I could make cute outfits for my baby (and myself)! Or if i only had enough patience to knit and crochet I could churn out some really awesome scarves or mittens or booties. As it is, I recall clumsily making pajama patterns and a hastily put together set of crocheted coasters for several Home Economics projects. But now that I have time in my hands, maybe I really SHOULD try.

Wish me luck!