Fierce Wholeness: Finding Myself After Childhood Emotional Trauma - Book and additional Companion Journal by Robin Meade

Fierce Wholeness (160 pages) is a book that is very honest about a traumatic childhood and how that trauma floods over into a troubled growing up and adulthood. The introduction is entitled: Personal Landscape. Each of the following 13 chapters ties into the landscape overview. There are study questions and journaling prompts for each chapter at the end of the book. There is also a page for  recommended reading suggestions from the author.

Robin uses her story to dig into her family relationships as the youngest of 4 children. She brings up painful memories of times with her mother and criticism. The stress of holiday dinners. The expectations to be a good girl without the teaching of what that meant. A family friend that helped Robin on the journey of growing up. How childhood affected the relationship choices Robin made as an adult. The learning of boundaries, the lack of and need for, in each relationship allowed influence in life. Creating new traditions for her own children. Being let down by expectations. Becoming more healthy as she shares her story with others. How a relationship with God became the most important healing.

The book does a good job of taking us from being flooded to being able to plant and attend a beautiful landscape that leads to a life well lived.

This book was helpful for me to read and realize some of the issues I have with my own children from their perception. This book and the questions urged me to think more deeply about the relationships I have with my parents, siblings, my kids, friends and church family, and God.

I feel this book would be a good small group/Bible study. I think women would be able to share their own life story more easily after reading a chapter and opening up a time for discussion. I think men could use the information presented here to deal with some of their own issues growing up, relationships and how a father strongly influences his children.

There is also a Fierce Wholeness Companion Journal available for additional purchase. The questions and journaling prompts are available in the book in a condensed format. The Companion Journal has additional room for journaling and would be helpful to have next to the book to record thoughts while reading. This also may be a helpful addition if using the book in a Bible study/small group format.
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The current buzzword for childhood trauma seems to be ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences). While this book does not use that phrase specifically, there are detailed examples of childhood experiences that carry over into our adult lives. Traumatic events in our own childhood can also affect how we parent our own children.

Available to order:

Fierce Wholeness: https://redemption-press.com/shop/fierce-wholeness-finding-myself-after-childhood-emotional-trauma/

Fierce Wholeness Companion Journal: https://redemption-press.com/shop/fierce-wholeness-companion-journal/

Ebook versions are available on Amazon - just search for 'Fierce Wholeness'

Robin Meade online:

Amazon: amazon.com/author/robinmeade

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/robinmeade

Instagram: Robin Meade, author (@robin_meade_author)

Twitter: Robin Meade, author (@AuthorMeade) | Twitter

Facebook: Robin Meade, Author

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Robin for the opportunity to review the book and companion journal. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive copies to review.

Other Bodies - book by Joel Ohman

I need to note that I read this book while going through my mom being sicker than her normal. This put a different perspective on reading and my time available to read a book. Any book. It was a gift of timing as our family struggles with the unknowing of when a well lived life will end. I was reading a book about lives that never get to start.

Other Bodies is a book aimed at young adults, but would be a good read for adults as well. It would be interesting to have a kid and parent read individually and discuss. This book would also be suitable for a book study. The book is a good one to think about what we believe and why. Often we can begin a discussion of difficult topics through a story. While Other Bodies is definitely a fiction book, the main plot touches on an almost daily headline subject.

The back stated a “dystopian” world. (I needed to look up that word) It means an imagined society of great suffering or injustice.(Oxford dictionary)

The book takes place in a future where jobs are few and far between so Hattie (the main character) takes what she can to pay the bills. She gets a job at Managed Motherhood. Hattie learns many of the ins and outs of her new job with some interesting characters as co-workers. She learns about the protesters outside her work. Protesters, members of society and workers that sometimes quibble over the wording of what is really being done behind closed doors.

The book covers a lot of issues that could lead a woman into thinking an abortion is the only option. What about the father? Women do not get pregnant on their own, but are often the one making the final decision.

This book delved into something I had been sadly considering recently as what if as we allow abortions, babies become science experiments?

There is a touch of irony as the book touches on abortion of real life, but the acceptance of the artificial intelligence units as coworkers is necessary.

While some of the situations may seem far fetched, we continue to make advancements in medicine and technology. Who knows for sure what the future will hold?

What are we willing to do to make now for a different today and our futures? I often keep my views on abortion to myself, but if we don't speak for the weakest among us? Who will? Thank you to Joel Ohman for writing what could be considered a career ending novel due to subject matter. Hopefully, this book will be read by people on both sides of the abortion controversy and conversations will continue.

Author Notes:   https://www.joelohman.com/other-bodies-authors-note/

Tell a story:  https://www.joelohman.com/how-do-you-change-someones-mind-about-abortion-tell-them-a-story/ 

Author Bio:   https://www.joelohman.com/about/

Book Link:   https://amzn.to/

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

ELLIE CLAIRE Art Journals

Most of the journals I write in I buy for myself or receive as gifts. Some of my journals are "just" plain notebooks....because that is what is handy when the spirit to write strikes. Some of my journaling is now done online through blog(s) and social media. However, I have to admit that my favorites are still my handwritten journals! I like being able to turn the pages. I see if I was writing when I was tired and/or frustrated as my handwriting looks different.....or trails off the page. Sometimes I even jot little doodles along the margins. Nothing fancy. I am by no means an artist!

I was given the opportunity to review the three journals pictured above. There is information for each listed below with some thoughts about the qualities of each. These journals contain some art instruction as well. Each one has the ability to take journaling to the next level and expand our creative talents....even if our talents, like us, are a work in progress.

These journals are much higher quality than the journals I normally purchase for myself. There are links included to Amazon and Barnes & Noble to find out further information on pricing. These journals are also available on some other websites as well. The price is not too expensive considering the quality and thickness of paper to work with more than just a pencil or pen.

I admit I have a fair stash of journals awaiting their turn to be written in. Sometimes I feel I hold off on my really fancy ones or those I spent more money on. Life is short! Fill the journals!

THE ILLUSTRATED WORD
An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal
This journal has a beautifully embossed and golden embellished cover and back. The binding opens flat and reminds me of an old-fashioned fabric covered book. The thick cream colored paper, roomy, wide margin journal pages are interspersed with 40 coloring pages. Some of the pages also contain verses from various Bible translations along with the drawings to color. Some of the pages when colored will look like church stained glass windows. Many of the journal pages contain a small block of colored illustration from the archives of the Museum of the Bible. Some of those match the color page on subsequent pages.

This journal is ALMOST too pretty to write and color in, but that is what it was designed for. This journal would make a great addition to Bible reading inspirations during devotional time.

Amazon: http://bit.ly/WhittenAmazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Illustrated-BN

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FAITH & LETTERING JOURNAL
This journal is embossed with some golden and colorful accents. Some of the words on the covers are: grow, learn, faith, peace and INSPIRE. This journal really will be an inspiration as well as a lesson in art and graphic design. The fabric binding opens flat to allow for drawing, writing and coloring.

All of the journal pages are lined, dotted or graphed to allow for creative expression. There are wide margins to visually expand on a verse or quote. There are brightly colored pictures, or a sample with room to trace and then practice your own creation throughout the journal. 

There are also pages of "pro tip"s that have practice room available for lettering, flourishes, banners, doodles,arrows, etc.

If you are a visual learner and/or doodler by nature, this journal could help memorize scripture while slowing down to write those words in fun and creative ways. A creative teen could also appreciate this hip, fun journal.

Amazon: http://bit.ly/WhittenAmazon 
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/FaithAndLettering-BN 
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ILLUMINATE YOUR STORY Journal
This journal contains a nice pocket in the back for "Keepsakes", a ribbon to use as a bookmark and an elastic to stretch across the cover to hold everything in.

The cover has some pretty golden embellishments. The colors in the journal are bright and vibrant. The fabric binding opens flat for drawing. The letter lessons remind me of the older fancy Bibles that began the first word of a passage with a beautifully illustrated letter.

I gave this journal to a friend for her birthday with some fancy colored pencils. She likes to paint. She usually does nature and pictures. I am hoping she will do some fancy lettering as well. Then she can teach me!

Amazon: http://bit.ly/Illuminate-Amazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Illuminate-BN

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After I received the journals and experienced the quality of the products, I wanted to see what other items are available so I checked out the Worthy Publishing website. It's worth a click! I like their tag line "...inspired by life" Just like journaling!
Worthy Publishing Ellie Claire website

Thanks for taking the time to look over this review! Journal on!
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Ellie Claire and Worthy Publishing for the opportunity to review these journals. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. 

Matthew West - All In (CD)

The opportunity arose to review Matthew West's new CD All In and I was ALL over it! :) As a word weaver, I appreciate lyrics in songs probably almost as much if not more than the music that goes with the words. I had heard a couple of Mr. West's new songs on the radio so I was already pretty sure I would like the CD. I was wrong....well only partially. I love it! (and I try not to throw that word around too casually so I must really mean it)

(Pssssttttt.....Hey, you, yeah YOU read to the bottom and find a chance to WIN a copy of Matthew West's NEW CD ALL IN!)



The tracks:
All In
Broken Things
Mercy Is A Song
Amen
The Sound of a Life Changing
Something Greater
Jesus & You
The Beautiful Things We Miss
1 Song
Power Love Sound Mind
Never Ever Give Up
Dream Again
Becoming Me feat. Lulu West
You Are Known

When you listen all the way to the end, listen just a little bit longer. I procrastinated and let the CD keep playing and found a (shhhh) hidden track of him including his kids. It sounds like that might be a normal thing on his CDs, but it was a pleasant surprise.

It would be difficult to pick a "favorite" from this album, each song has something I like about it. There are some songs that are peppy and make me want to dance (Amen has a revival feel, Never Ever Give Up). There are some that tell some of Matthew's own story (The Sound of a Life Changing, Something Greater, Jesus & You) One includes the stories of others (Power Love Sound Mind) One includes a family member: Becoming Me, features LuLu West (Matthew's daughter). She has a beautiful voice. Guessing we will be hearing more from her in the future as well.

The whole album is a boost of encouragement. Often, encouragement is in short supply in the world we live in.

Matthew’s heart behind the album:

Matthew wrote his new album All In with the goal of encouraging himself and others to get up off the sidelines of their faith and really live it out – to go all in in your time with God, all in with your family, all in with your community, and all in battling your fears that may hold you back from becoming who God made you to be. Along that same theme, Matthew will be launching a 6-week All in Challenge on his social media starting 9/18, and each week Matthew will be challenging his fans to go all in in a different part of their lives. https://www.facebook.com/matthewwest/ What does it look like when a heart that knows Jesus takes a step and holds nothing back? How can we go All In in the places that mean the most?

Social Corner:

Broken Things Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwKuz8a8Jnk

Broken Things (story behind the song): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BipPAfDq9ns

All In Lyric Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RwDpnKIvUI

All In (Story Behind The Song): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmjVt4zkkRo

Buy Link: http://capcmg.me/Allin?IQid=flyby

#ALLIN #FlyBy

I was also given the opportunity to give away a Matthew West - All In CD to a reader of this review! :) Please leave a comment here or on my FB post and I will pick a winner on October 1, 2017.

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Where the Heart Is (2000)

One bonus of cutting the cable cord is that I watch movies I have....but not watched. "Where the Heart Is" is one of those. I read the back. mmm. Baby born at a Walmart. Interesting, but a whole movie?

By the end, I could have watched even more. This movie is worth a watch. Teen girls and mom chick flick night? Yup. Good choice. It's about choices and learning our worth as women. I believe if watched together with a mom/daughter it will lead to good conversations about the choices we make about boyfriends and other life choices. I think the movie leans toward chick flick, but worth having guys watch too as there are some good examples of men stepping up....and....not so much.

The movie picks up already in motion as a pregnant 17 year old, Novalee Nation is leaving with baby daddy.

Yes, some of the movie is far fetched, BUT it's a movie! How long could one actually live in a Walmart without someone noticing?

Her new found friend is a single mom with many kids that seems to keep looking for men in all the wrong places.

One can make a family even when your own is not around or worthy of you continuing to participate as a family member.

I won't spoil the end of the movie, but there is a good life lesson in there about lying....to others and ourselves.

Apparently, the movie is based on a book. Another one to add to the list of books I want to read. Now that I don't have cable, I should have plenty of time.....should. ;)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0198021/

An Invisible Sign - movie (2010)

An Invisible Sign (2010)

This movie is currently available on Netflix. I kind of watched it on a whim as I was working on some projects. I was pleasantly surprised overall. It explored some quirky behaviors of a little girl that through some unusual circumstances becomes a math teacher. Although her love of numbers and math is used throughout the movie, the main concept (in my opinion) is mental health.

I liked how some of her quirks were explained and showed how and why they started. I had particular interest in this because we all have some quirks. We can't all remember or even want to remember why we are the way we are. BUT our quirks are what make us, US!

I feel this movie is worth a watch especially in understanding elementary school kids issues and how that can follow us into adulthood. It may even help us connect with someone later going through something similar.

More info available at IMDB.com An Invisible Sign

Rewards! - Kellogg's family style

I love reward programs....especially for things I buy normally and do not have to purchase something different or above what I would buy anyway.

One of my recent favorites is Kellogg's Family Rewards. I buy a lot of Kellogg's products anyway. PopTarts are one of the few "brand-name" items I buy. If they are on sale, bonus! There are currently codes listed inside of Kellogg's products. The best promotions I've found are the ones that they do for movie tickets. Very rarely can we afford to go to the movies at regular prices. Kellogg's did a Monsters, Inc. promotion that included codes for movie tickets. They are now doing a Spiderman 2 promotion.  3 codes from specially marked packages are good for a $5.00 e-voucher for Concession Cash. 6 codes can be used for a movie ticket with a value up to $12.00.  Codes must be entered and redeemed by 12/31/2014

Points are also accumulated with purchases. These points can then be used for coupons, prizes, gift cards or sweepstakes, etc. There are also coupons available on the Family Rewards site.

More info can be found at: https://www.kelloggsfamilyrewards.com/en_US/home.html

When Kellogg's items are already on sale and/or coupons are used, this program is even better and more cost effective. Recently, Meijer had buy 3 Kellogg's cereal and get a gallon of milk free.

**I am not receiving anything for this review. I just like to pass on good and $$-saving deals. :)