Nashville

Last weekend, we traveled to Nashville with Brian's parents. We had booked "The Night at the Opry" package through our hotel, and were super excited about our 3-day weekend. The good news: the Opry Mills mall was fabulous, and we got to see Riders in the Sky and Trace Adkins (remember him from The Apprentice?) at the Grand Ole Opry. The bad news: Sophie had a stomach bug all weekend. So even though Brian and his parents had to tour the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame without us, we all managed to have a good weekend. The brunch buffet that we ate before we left town was delicious. Oh yeah, and Sophie gave her grandma the stomach bug. Bummer.

Dead Ringer - Lisa Scottoline

Loved it, loved it, loved it! You know the book is going to be good when from page 1 it grabs your attention. This book was no exception. I really like the way Lisa Scottoline writes and I have already started reading another book from her. If you like suspense, mystery, and legal thrillers, she is the author for you!

The Shack - William P. Young

Well, I have been dreading writing a review of this book, but here it goes.

I know I am outnumbered here, but I didn't like this book. At all. Several friends and Christian bookstores are really promoting this book, but I just don't get it.

First of all, I don't like the way Mr. Young writes. I'm not saying that I could have done better, but something about the way he worded the sentences bugged me. I thought it could have been more simple instead of so wordy.

Secondly, I'm not claiming to be the know all and be all of the teachings of the Bible, but several things that he talked about made me uncomfortable. For example, I know this is a fiction book, but I still couldn't get into God the Father being an African-American woman, and the Holy Spririt being an Asian woman. I also didn't care for much of the dialogue between the Trinity, and the character in the book.

Basically, I could go on and on about what I didn't like about this book, but I will spare you the details. In my opinion, I think it would be easy to read this book and walk away really confused if you are not familiar with the Bible. Whether William Young is just writing a fiction book or trying to pass off his idea of theology as truth, we'll never know. But I can tell you when I researched him on the Internet after I finished the book, I didn't like what I found.

You be the judge.

Moment of Truth - Lisa Scottoline

This was a great book! What can I say? I am a big Lisa Scottoline fan, and her books keep getting better and better. I could go on and on...

My girl

Last week, Sophie and I were sitting on the back porch steps while she was enjoying a popsicle. Brian had a very crummy week regarding one of his jobs, and so I was thinking about him. I was staring off into the yard when I said, "Sophie, you know what I was just thinking? You have the best Daddy in the whole world." She didn't miss a beat and said, "And Mama."

That's my girl.

Disappointed

Have you seen the new Indiana Jones movie? Well don't. It stinks! It was so lame and I was so disappointed. I was really excited about seeing it too. Brian hit the nail on the head when he said it was too "Hollywoodized" (yeah, that's a word). Oh well. It won't be the last time I am let down. And bless Harrison Ford's heart. He is too old to be playing in this role anymore...

Grieving....

I've been grieving all day for the Chapman family in the loss of their precious daughter, Maria. I read my email right before I left the house this morning and two of my friends had sent me an article about her death. I got in the car and called Olvie. We both cried, she prayed, and I was glad I had talked to her. My heart is just breaking for this close-knit family. I think it is an understatement to say that the Chapmans' are revered in the adoption community. Not just because they adopted three beautiful little girls from China, but because they have spread the word about the blessing of adoption, and their Shaohannah's Hope Foundation helps families finance their adoptions. I have read so many articles about their adoption journey and heard them on the radio numerous times, so it is as if you really KNOW this family. I even have Mary Beth's blog bookmarked that I look at from time to time because it is so sweet and personal. My prayers are with this family, especially the brother. God be with them...