“Found in Translation: An unforgettable mission trip where faith, obedience, & forgiveness intersect” by Roger E. Bruner

Posted on March 11, 2018 by Becky

Wow, I Found Myself!

Kim was living the life of a pampered southern girl, when she meets Christ in a personal way.  After that, her life takes a U-turn.  Determined to share what she has found, Kim volunteers to go on a mission trip.  Even though Kim’s soul changes completely, the rest of her still has a long way to go.

For instance, because of her habit of not reading her email, she is unaware the mission trip has changed.  They will now be going to a remote location that has been flattened by a tornado, has no running water, and sleep will be outdoors on the ground. Kim is not prepared to rough it.

Additionally, her lack of attention causes her to miss her airplane flight, which results in a several hours of delay for everyone else on the mission trip.  To say she gets off to a rocky start with the group is putting it mildly.  In fact, only one person, Aleesha, doesn’t seem upset with her. The whole idea of this trip, Kim thought, was to change people’s lives.  Instead, this experience is life-changing for her.  It is also one of the most difficult things she has lived through.  She experiences frustration, physical injury and intense hostility–especially from one team member.  But deep friendship and angelic encounters also await her.I liked this book very much.  As the story goes along, the reader is pulled in more and more, and this volume becomes a real page turner.  The relationships Kim develops with Aleesha, along with some of the villagers, are heartwarming.  As a new convert to Christ, Kim has a problem giving up old habits, including the use of profanity, although the actual words are not given in this volume.  Her struggles show her to be like the rest of us who must work hard to get rid of habits. Found in Translation is part of the Altered Hearts Series, but the story definitely stands on its own.  This 5-star book is in the young adult category, but will appeal to all readers.  I recommend it to all readers who like well-written, or true-to-life fiction.

All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Website:  http://rogerbruner.com

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RogerBruner

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/roger.bruner

The Author’s Contact:  Roger E. Bruner, 10369 Colonial Estates Circle, Glen Allen, VA 23059

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Winning the Battle for the Night” by Faith Blatchford

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Becky

Mr. Sandman….

Has God spoken to you in your dreams?  Do you want to catch some zzz’s, but have a hard time getting them?  Do you catnap but never get good, lengthy sleep?  Then this book is for you.  It will help if you have trouble going to sleep, or if you have a problem staying that way.  It also suggests ways to get rid of nighttime fears, allowing sleep to take place the way God intended.  The author knows what she is talking about because she spent many years getting very few hours of slumber.  Sleeping very much, she thought, was a waste of time, so she purposely filled her day and night with lots of activities that left little time for much shut-eye.

Does God still speak to His people in their dreams?

Many of the people around the author were having lots of dreams.  They remarked that they were sure some were from God, and they received blessings or instructions from them.  The author truly believed them, and that God still speaks through dreams.  But not devoting much time for sleep was causing her to miss out on a possible God dream. Our bodies are designed to dream only after we receive a certain amount and level of sleep.

Ms. Blatchford reveals how she went from someone who slept very little, and never had dreams, to someone who now experiences lots of dreams, along with much more sleep.  It didn’t happen overnight, but she got there with prayer, patience and changes made to help promote good sleep—and all without drugs.  Most important of all, she now has dreams that she knows are from God.

This is not a dream interpretation book, although she does recommend a good book for that.  Instead, she has very good tips for dealing with dreams, even disturbing ones.  In the back of the volume are some declarations or prayers to say to help experience sound sleep and dreams.  Throughout the book, are fascinating examples of dreams others have had, and the results from them. 

The author has written this in an easy-to-read manor, and from a Christian viewpoint. I have been a victim of sleep changes that were a big clue to a serious health problem, so don’t discount visiting a doctor for possible medical issues. I liked this five-star book very much, and highly recommend it.  If you aren’t dreaming, sleeping poorly, or wondering if God is speaking to you, pick this volume up.

Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing, has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Winning the Battle for the Night, for the purpose of review.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website:  www.faithblatchford.com

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Age_to_come

The Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agetocome?ref=br_rs

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tropical Pineapple-Apple Gelatin, Gluten-Free

Posted on March 4, 2018 by Becky

Nothing beats the taste of made-from-scratch gelatin!  It is very easy to change the flavors of the sparkling water, apple juice, fruit spread and/or added fruit to get a completely different taste. 

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup Flavored Sparkling Water of choice*
  • 1 can crushed pineapple packed in unsweetened juice, drained—save the juice
  • 6 tablespoons unflavored gelatin**
  • 3/4 cup Swerve, or sweetener of choice—taste, you may need more
  • 4 ¾ Cups Unsweetened Apple Juice
  • 3 Tablespoons all fruit spread, pineapple, seedless raspberry, or apricot, etc.***
  • 2 Cups Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Drain juice from the crushed pineapple.
  2. Pour carbonated water into a saucepan along with 3 ¾ cups apple juice.
  3. In a bowl, stir together 1 cup apple juice and all the juice drained from crushed pineapple. Sprinkle gelatin powder over the top and let soften for 5 minutes, then add to the saucepan.
  4. Add spreadable fruit.
  5. Turn the heat on to medium-low and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Mix until gelatin is dissolved.
  7. Turn off heat and add Swerve. Stir until completely dissolved.
  8. Pour into a 9 x 13” baking dish, or bigger.
  9. Stir in 2 cups ice cubes and stir gently until jello thickens to about half way set. After it partially thickens, remove any remaining ice cubes.
  10. Add the crushed pineapple, stir until completely mixed.
  11. Refrigerate overnight or until jello is set.  Cut into squares and serve.

*We used La Croix Curate Pineapple-Strawberry Sparkling Water.

**We used Great Lakes Brand Unflavored Gelatin, Porcine.

***We used St. Dalfour Pineapple-Mango all fruit spread.

Posted in Gluten Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Desserts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Saucy Spaghetti, Gluten-Free

Posted on March 2, 2018 by Becky

Our sauce can be used by itself over pasta, or with the addition cooked ground meat, or meatballs. 

Our Spaghetti Sauce

  • 4  8-ounce cans Tomato sauce
  • 2  Tablespoons Swerve or Sweetener of choice
  • 1  Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1  Tablespoon dried Basil
  • 1  Tablespoon minced garlic

Mix together and gently heat on low; simmer about ten minutes, or until warmed throughout.  Stir often so it doesn’t scorch.  Cooked meat balls or cooked ground beef, pork or chicken can be added to this.  If desired, stir in meat of choice, and continue heating five to ten more minutes.

Serve over cooked, gluten free pasta. *  Cheese may be sprinkled over the top.

*My favorite is Jovial Brand of Capelli Gluten-Free brown rice pasta

Posted in Gluten Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Pasta & Rice | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Our Favorite Meatballs, Gluten-Free

Posted on March 2, 2018 by Becky
  • 1 lb. ground Chicken      
  • 2 lb. ground Pork
  • 1 Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Eggs, beaten
  • 2 Cups gluten-free Bread Crumbs**
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons chopped Garlic
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Heat oven to 350⁰ F.  Mix all ingredients together really well–we use our hands.  Then make into meatballs about the size of ping-pong balls.  Line cookie sheets or big baking pans with paper towels, and put meatballs on them.  Bake in preheated oven about 30 minutes.  Use a meat thermometer to make sure they are done–testing at 160⁰ or above. Discard paper towels after removing meatballs.

These meatballs can be served with spaghetti sauce.  Add the number of meatballs wanted to the spaghetti sauce and heat for five minutes.  Serve over gluten-free pasta.  My favorite kind is the Jovial Brand of Capelli Gluten-Free brown rice pasta.  (I’m not getting anything for endorsing this, it is just my favorite kind.)

These meatballs can also be used in Beef Stroganoff.

Hamburger may be used to replace one or both ground meats.

**To make bread crumbs:  We save all the heels from the loaves of gluten-free bread.  We keep a zip-lock bag in the freezer, and when we open a loaf, take the heels out, and put them in the freezer bag.  We have them ready when we need them for crumbs.  However, you can use regular slices, too.  Tear slices of bread into at least four pieces.  Put a few pieces at a time into your blender.  With the blender lid on, pulse the bread until crumbs form.

 

Our Gluten-Free Spaghetti Sauce:

  • 4  8-ounce cans Tomato sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons Swerve or sweetener of choice.
  • 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 Tablespoon dried Basil
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic

Mix together.   Gently heat.  You can add cooked meat balls or cooked ground beef, pork or chicken to this.  Gently heat, and serve over gluten-free pasta.

You can also use this as a pizza sauce.

Posted in Gluten Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Main Dishes | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Chuck’s Wonderful Barbequed Chicken Thighs, Gluten-Free

Posted on March 2, 2018 by Becky

This is a great alternative to chicken wings, without the bother of bones, and is a lot easier to eat!

  • Boneless chicken thighs, 12–or adjust to your liking 
  • Roasted Garlic and Herb Seasoning*
  • Barbeque Sauce**
  • Aluminum Foil

Lay the chicken thighs on a plate or platter, sprinkle with Roasted Garlic and Herb Seasoning to taste.

Put the chicken thighs on the rack of a gas grill, on the lowest temperature. Cook the thighs nine minutes, and then turn them for nine minutes on other side.  Continue cooking for nine minutes, turning and cooking nine minutes on the other side, doing this so each side cooks a total of three times of nine minutes each.

Move the chicken to a clean plate or platter. Then take a piece of aluminum foil big enough to cover at least 1/3 of the grill.  Lay foil on the rack of the grill, and put the chicken on top of the foil.

Generously apply barbeque sauce to the tops of the chicken, then turn over and cook 2 minutes.  Next turn them over with bottom sides up, and apply barbeque sauce to the bottom sides of the chicken.  In that position, cook the thighs two minutes.  Repeat sauce application and turning, cooking for two minutes on each side.  In summary, each side gets two applications of sauce, and is cooked two minutes after each application.  Doing this will make sure each side’s sauce is caramelized, but not burnt.

A cooking thermometer can be used to make sure the meat is completely done.  Using clean utensils and a platter, remove the chicken and serve.

This actually cooks quickly and is easy!

*We use Weber Roasted Garlic and Herb Seasoning.

**We use Gates Sweet and Mild Bar-B-Q Sauce, or use sauce of your choice.

Always make sure ingredients are checked to make sure they are gluten-free, because ingredients can change.  When using raw chicken, make sure hands, counters and tools are washed completely before and after to avoid food borne illness.

 

Posted in Gluten Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Main Dishes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Our Easy Gluten-Free Ribs with Jason’s Rub

Posted on February 28, 2018 by Becky
  • 2 1/2 lbs (about) Pork Spare Ribs
  • Jason’s Rub*

Preheat oven to 275⁰ F.

Rinse ribs well.

Grease a large baking pan,  with oil or shortening. Place ribs in a single layer in the pan.  Sprinkle secret rub all over top until everything is completely covered, patting it down to make sure it sticks.

Bake at 275⁰ for 3 hours, uncovered.

These are delicious made this way, and are easy to do.  But we also think they are wonderful if made in a smoker.

 

Jason’s Rub*

  • 8 parts sea salt
  • 4 parts ground black pepper
  • 1 part Webber Chicago Steak Seasoning, we use the kind in the grinder

Mix together well and store in a covered container. Keep in pantry to use as needed.

Posted in Gluten Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Main Dishes | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Enchilada Torte Gluten-Free

Posted on February 28, 2018 by Becky
  • 1 pound ground pork  
  • 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 handful cilantro chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Swerve or sweetener of choice
  • 1/2 cup red beans
  • 3/4 cup Pace
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 6 Corn tortillas
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen corn
  • 3 cups shredded cheese, your choice*

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook ground pork and garlic over medium heat until done; drain. Stir in Pace, Swerve, cumin and chicken broth; set aside.

Mix pinto beans, corn and cilantro together.

Place two tortillas, overlapping as necessary, in the bottom of a greased 13×9-in. baking dish. Cover with one-third of the meat mixture; top with 1 cup corn mixture, sprinkle with ¾ cup cheese. Repeat layers once, then top with remaining tortillas, meat and cheese.

Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes or until bubbly.

This goes together very quickly!

*We used a combination of Mozzarella, Provolone, Manchego, and Provel Cheeses.

Posted in Gluten Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Main Dishes | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“The Empowered” by Craig Parshall

Posted on February 20, 2018 by Becky

Read This with the Lights On!

Trevor Black is a former New York lawyer, well known for his winning courtroom style.  But after becoming a follower of Jesus, and shockingly having the ability to see–and even smell—demons, he is convinced there is an active dark side that is constantly attempting to hurt mortals.  Trevor was disbarred, lost his lucrative law practice, and experienced lots of ridicule when he loudly proclaimed his beliefs.

Now, he finds himself being drawn into New Orleans where a number of girls have gone missing–especially from the creepy, abandoned grounds of the Six Flags amusement park. As he tries to uncover what has happened to these girls, he finds it is a disturbing mixture of voodoo, human trafficking and possibly, a government cover up.  Before it is over, attempts will be made to stop him by use of false murder charges, committal to a mental hospital, and vicious attacks by demons.  Some people claim to be on his side, but he is mysteriously warned that not everyone can be trusted.

While all of that is going on, he is attempting to get to know his recently discovered young, adult daughter.  Unfortunately, she has no interest in Christian beliefs, and has lots of hostility towards him.  Can he be successful developing a father-daughter relationship with her while, at the same time, being drawn into the confusing case in New Orleans?

This fast-paced novel is very hard to put down.  Trevor’s adventures will keep the pages turning while he confronts some interesting characters.  They range from a southern lawyer who is not reveling all his secrets, to a mysterious artist whose mother was deeply involved in the voodoo of New Orleans, and met an unnatural death.  Hair raising accounts of demon encounters should give pause to any Christian who doesn’t take satan’s threats to mankind seriously.  The author, a lawyer himself, has spun a well-written and exciting tale.  I highly recommend this 5-star book to anyone who likes suspense, mysteries, or fights between good and evil.

Tyndale House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Empowered, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.The Author’s

Website:  http://craigparshallauthor.comThe Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/iuimso/The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/CraigParshall

 

 

 

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

“I’ll Push You” by Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck

Posted on February 2, 2018 by Becky

Friends To The End!

We may have lots of “friends,” but most are little more than surface acquaintances.  But who can be called on in a time of need?  That person is a true friend.

Justin and Patrick have that kind of relationship, and they have been friends for decades.  They were both born in the same hospital within days of each other.  Growing up in the same little town, they lived near each other, and attended the same church. It was only natural they would play together, but as they did, they became fast friends.  As the years rolled by, they both experienced marriage, parenthood and living long distances apart.  Despite that, they maintained their friendship.  When their wives and children entered their lives, they, too, formed strong connections with each other.

While they were still young men, Justin began having physical problems that took years to diagnose.  As time went on, Justin slowly went from walking normally to needing braces, to a wheelchair, to needing help to eat, bathe, or use the restroom.  Finally diagnosed with MAMA, and told it would eventually kill him, Justin has continued living life to the fullest.

During one of their visits, Justin told Patrick about a TV program that documented the walk called Camino de Santiago in Spain.  People have continuously walked this strenuous path since the middle ages.  It goes up and over mountain tops, frequently the uneven ground is strewn with large rocks, and at times, it might be almost impassable due to mud. The journey has often been done for spiritual reasons, or deep reflecting. Justin wanted to go, but didn’t know how.  Patrick told him to go, and said, “I’ll push you!”

With those words, the two men’s lives were propelled into an experience they would never forget.  On the very first day of the Camino, they found all the months of hard training didn’t come close to the difficulties of the actual path.  People often told them someone in a wheelchair couldn’t attempt this journey, or they would quickly fail if they tried.  This book chronicles their experiences they as they attempted to conquer 500 miles of the Camino, along with the hardships they faced—and the ways this changed them.

I really enjoyed reading this true story about Justin and Patrick, as well as, the tales they included from their past.  Not to be missed is the bat story (page 202 in my edition).  It is one of the funniest stories I have ever read, and I dare you not to smile.  Other pilgrims were met along the way, who shared their amazing life stories with the two men.  European adventures ranged from the lack of handicap accessibility, to taking part in a Spanish bull-run, to generous acts of kindness by strangers.

Both authors shared life-changing, spiritual insights they gained from this trip.  More than anything else, this book is a tribute to friendship, and the incredible things good friends will do for each other. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+18%3A24&version=CJB  Proverbs 18:24 sums it up:

“Some ““friends”” pretend to be friends, but a true friend sticks closer than a brother.”

Having recently endured the death of just such a friend, I can testify to the depth of this kind of relationship.  Lots of filming was done during this trek, which was then made into a documentary.  I recommend this five-star book to everyone who likes true-life stories, or adventures from a Christian viewpoint.  

Tyndale House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of I’ll Push You, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website:  https://illpushyou.mykajabi.com/p/About

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/illpushyou/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/illpushyou?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

 

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments