book review - The Shack by William P. Young

This is a very, very good book. An interesting look at God. Challenges you to really look at your relationship with Him. The main character in the book is Mack. He is a father who was abused as a child and whose own daughter is abducted and killed. God first appears to him as a female and God specifically states that it is because he is not ready to have a relationship with a Father --- Mack does not have a good view of what a father is since his own father was so abusive. I have to admit that I was challenged by God as a female but the book is not trying to be feministic. It is trying to get us to realize that we are made in God's image - male and female. He is broader and so much more than our limited view allows.

The book addresses forgiveness. Mack is asked by God to forgive the man who abused his daughter. I really recommend this book. The concept of forgiveness is addressed very well in the book. This is a quote from the book, "Forgiveness is first for you, the forgiver, ... to release you from something that will eat you alive, that will destroy your joy and your ability to love fully and openly."

6 year olds are so funny

Alot was going on --- my husband was washing dishes, the oldest was packing his hockey gear, the middle child was talking (as always - non-stop) and the 6 year old sneezed. No one heard it.

All of a sudden he says "is anyone listening to me?"

My husband says, "No, J. What do you need?"

The 6 year old responds, "I sneezed and had to bless myself."

Dairy Free Cinnamon Rolls

Sorry for the delay - we left town for a wedding. But honestly these are the absolutely best cinnamon rolls and they are completely dairy free. Here is the recipe. (The original version came from Taste of Home but I modified it to be dairy free.)

4 1/2 cups bisquick baking mix

1 1/3 cups rice milk

Filling:

2 tablespoons Smart Balance Light buttery spread (there is no dairy in this one - but in most other varieties of Smart Balance dairy is present - read the label - it should say 100% Vegan and dairy free right on the label)

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/3 cup raisins, optional

icing:

2 cups confectioners' sugar

2 tablespoons Rice Milk

1 tablespoons Smart Balance Light buttery spread, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a bowl, combine bisquick and rice milk. Turn onto a floured surface; knead 8-10 times (I actually did this for 8 minutes as that is what the bisquick box calls for). Roll the dough into a 12 x 10 in. rectangle. Spread with butter. Combine sugar, cinnamon and raisin if desired. Sprinkle over butter.

Roll up from a long side; pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 slices; place with cut side down on a large greased baking sheet. Bake at 450 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, combine the icing ingredients; spread over rolls. Serve warm.

These were absolutely fantastic!

Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell

I got this as a book on CD. We listened to this on the 6 hour drive to and from the wedding. We had lots of time! First, while all my kids did listen to the story, I am not so sure it is really advisable for younger kids. It graphically tells the story of the Seal Team 10 in Afghanistan in the spring of 2005. Everyone dies but Marcus. Many children can't handle that type of story. Further, the story is told by Marcus and although he is very much a Christian, he is also a soldier. Many military men due to the type of job they live and do every day, just have a more graphic vocabulary. There is swearing and God's name is taken in vain. We talked about this as a family and my kids know that just because others use the words doesn't make it right.

Now having said that - wow, what a powerful story. He clearly blames the deaths of his 3 comrades on the 'rules of engagement' that have been forced upon our military. It has made it hard for the military to do their job. It has made them feel like their actions are constantly being second guessed and that they are under attack from our liberal media. It is a powerful story and one that I am glad he told. Marcus Luttrell is a hero. Our whole family were honored to hear his story. He is an amazing man. I highly recommend reading this book or as we did - listening to it on tape.

forgiveness

Very powerful video.

Forgiveness is not done for the sake of the forgiven but for the sake of the forgiver.

Wedding

Isn't this a great picture - my sister, the bride and my oldest son! (And he did have a tie on - but by this time in the evening both he and his father decided the ties had to go!!)

Father of the bride dance

It was my youngest sister that got married. Here she and my Dad are dancing.