Sunday, November 21, 2010

MY REVIEW OF MICHAEL SULLIVAN'S "NECESSARY HEARTBREAK"

REVIEW OF “NECESSARY HEARTBREAK”

Michael Sullivan’s novel “Necessary Heartbreak” has received so many colorful, descriptive, and eloquent reviews that covered the many positive points about the story; there isn’t much I can add.
I liked Michael Sullivan leading the reader directly into the story by Michael and Elizabeth’s sudden shocking arrival in the middle of Jerusalem, wondering where they were and how they got there. That had me worrying from the beginning how they were going to get back home. The worse the troubles they faced, the more concerned this reader became wondering how Michael Sullivan would figure out where he would take his main characters next.
The author’s character developments are very keen; the wicked were wicked and sinful. The kindness and benevolence of the good character roles were finely tuned to loving and intensity of compassion. He gave the Roman soldiers the intellect of cunning wolves, seeking out prey with devious and calculating measures that kept Michael and Elizabeth on the run fearing for their lives especially when in the open during daylight.
Leah, a woman in Jerusalem, came to Elizabeth’s rescue without a second thought when Michael was arrested and thrown into prison for no reason. My favorite part of the story was how like family the three of them became as the story progressed. To each of them, the other had some familiarity that was mysterious.
The book was difficult to put down and turn out the light when it was time to sleep. I won’t reveal my other favorite parts of this story for fear of spoiling it for the one who hasn’t read it yet. “Necessary Heartbreak is an excellent read and I think suitable for the young teen to read and learn the importance of Holy week, the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
It is my understanding that Michael Sullivan is working on a sequel to “Necessary Heartbreak.” I look forward to the sequel with excited anticipation. I’m predicting that the next book will be as full of surprises as this one, and will be another five star novel. Congratulations, Mike, on your success with this great novel.
Reviewed by: Barbara J. Shelton

Friday, November 19, 2010

TAKING THANKSGIVING TRIP TO VISIT MAMA

What are you doingThanksgiving?  I'm excited!!  I'm flying to Portland, Oregon to spend Thanksgiving with my mother and  brother . We will be joining my step-brother Bill and sister-in-law Linda for dinner. The day after Thanksgiving we will be celebrating mother's 92nd birthdayWe are so thankful to still have her with us.

My mother is the most special woman in the world to me. She is still very agile and astute. Mother puts me to shame when she gets down on her hands and knees to look inside a cupboard for something she needs.  She has been through a quadruple heart bypass and wears a pacemaker.  She takes all that with a "matter of fact" attitude.  Never complains and still prepares the meals for herself and my brother. I'm so thankful that he lives with her and can watch over her.  She is a woman of remarkable patience and wisdom.  Mother has been widowed twice and still lives in her own home and that's where she intends to stay until God moves her to her heavenly home with him.  Mother is an avid reader and makes weekly trips to the library for a fresh stack of books.  She does have a touch of arthritis and a pinched nerve in her spine that is painful, but she doesn't complain.  She has lost most of her hearing and is helped to hear with the most up to date computerized hearing aids.  We are all so proud of her.

Mother is responsible for bringing me up in the faith.  Many Mother's Day ago I came across this poem, prettily framed, in a little gift store and thought it very appropriate to honor her on Mother's DayAt that time I was directing choirs in churches, I set the words to the music of "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof.  I was able to visit her that Mother's Day and was always invited to sing in her church.  That Sunday I sang this song to her and the other mothers in the congregation.  The words go like this......
MOTHER
My first thoughts of God
Came to my childish mind,
Through songs you sang to me
So long ago in time.
My first desire to meet
My Father God above
Was inspired by your life 
Of gladness mixed with love.
My first attempt to trust
My Lord and Savior, Christ,
Was due to wells of joy
I saw spring from your life.
Had it not been for you,
Mother,  I often say,
I may have missed the Life
And never found the Way
(Penny Tanksley)

I've always been thankful that God chose this remarkable lady to be my mom.  I just wanted to share about her with my friends and family on Facebook.  As long as she is still healthy and happy, I pray she lives far past the age of 92. 

Mama, I cherish you, appreciate you, admire you, and love you.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
AND
A VERY HAPPY 92ND BIRTHDAY

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

WHOEVER IS USING MY BLOG...STOP!!!

YOU STUPID PEOPLE, WHOEVER YOU ARE, GO GET YOUR OWN BLOG AND LEAVE MINE ALONE. STOP POSTING YOUR HORRIBLE ADS ON MY SITE.  GET YOUR OWN NOW.  ARE YOU TRYING TO FORCE ME TO CLOSE MINE DOWN?????  LEAVE ME ALONE.  THIS BLOG IS FOR MY FRIENDS AND YOU ARE NOT MY FRIEND.  STOP THESE POSTINGS NOW!!!  I HAVE REPORTED THIS.  KEEP AWAY!!! STAY AWAY!!

Monday, November 8, 2010

WHO IS POSTING THESE INVALID POSTS I DIDN'T AUTHORIZE?????

WHO IS POSTING THESE INVALID POSTS I DIDN'T AUTHORIZE?????

SOMEONE IS POSTING ILLEGALLY ON MY BLOG AND I DEMAND THAT IT STOP.  I HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED THIS PERSON(S) TO POST ON MY BLOG.  I REQUEST THAT IT STOP AND I'M NOT SAYING PLEASE, YOU DIDN'T REQUEST MY PERMISSION.  STOP THESE POSTINGS!!!!!

A Sequence of Continuous Delights: Sunday Funnies!

A Sequence of Continuous Delights: Sunday Funnies!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Passages to the Past: The India Edghill Biblical Women Collection GIVEAW...

Passages to the Past: The India Edghill Biblical Women Collection GIVEAW...: " Hey everyone! Have I got a giveaway for you! The very generous India Edghill has graciously allocated 2 hardcover sets of her books Deli..."

Deanna Carlyle | Bio

Deanna Carlyle | Bio: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

WHO IS POSTING THESE INVALID POSTS I DIDN'T AUTHORIZE?????

SOMEONE IS POSTING ILLEGALLY ON MY BLOG AND I DEMAND THAT IT STOP.  I HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED THIS PERSON(S) TO POST ON MY BLOG.  I REQUEST THAT IT STOP AND I'M NOT SAYING PLEASE, YOU DIDN'T REQUEST MY PERMISSION.  STOP THESE POSTINGS!!!!!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Facebook | Messages - Mayan Intrigue

Facebook | Messages - Mayan Intrigue: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

BARB & JACK'S 35TH ANNIVERSARY TODAY

Today my husband Jack and I are celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary!  As my husband said last night when he asked me how many years we had been married, "Who'd a thought it?"