Book Review: We Be Big

We Be Big

The Mostly True Story of How Two Kids from Calhoun County, Alabama became

Rick & Bubba

by: Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey

with Don Keith

This is another one of those titles that I knew I must read. Being from Alabama and very near Calhoun County, I am a Rick & Bubba fan.  In fact, I have been listening to the two sexiest fat men alive, as they like to call themselves, since Rick was on Q104 out of Gadsden.  At the time I was commuting to Jacksonville State University which took about an hour and a half.  Rick was my entertainment on the drive.  Then Bubba joined him and the show got even better. They really do have a gift for entertaining people.  Laughing is a great way to start your day.

It is about two guys who wanted a career in radio but were kind of unconventional according to the radio world. They had to struggle to make their place in radio. The book is their story, from their humble beginnings to the very popular morning show stars they are today.

Rick and Bubba alternate telling their stories throughout the book.  They begin with their childhoods, parents, and early memories moving through the years and the ups and downs in life that made them who they are today.  They are not hesitant to share their mistakes and failures which I think is an encouragement for anyone who has struggled with trying to make it in this world.  One of the things I appreciate most about them is that they aren't afraid to share their belief in Christ and to stand for what they believe is right.  

Rick's youngest son died in 2008 when he drowned in a swimming pool. Rick shares about this ordeal in the book.  Although it was a terrible tragedy and their hearts are forever broken, they don't sorrow as those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13), and Rick shares the reason for their hope with the readers.  

I enjoyed this glimpse into the lives to two very talented and blessed men.  I would definately recommend this book for Rick and Bubba fans.  And for those who have never heard of Rick and Bubba, you will probably want to listen to them after reading this book.

 I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Life, in Spite of Me by: Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer

Book Review:

Life, in Spite of Me

Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice

by:

Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer 

I first heard Kristen's story on the Family Life radio program.  As I listened to Kristen recount the details of her story, I was speechless.  I was given the opportunity to read this book by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group and I jumped at the chance.  I really wanted to hear more of this amazing story of God's mercy and grace in Kristen's life.

Kristen recounts a happy childhood with family memories of going to church and fun times.  But things changed in her teen years.  A friends suicide.  Another friend's death.  The death of her grandmother.  Rape. Fighting with parents.  These events turned Kristen's life upside down.  She was depressed and hurting deeply.  

She made a choice one cold January night to lie down aross the railroad tracks close to her home.  She wanted to end her life.  It was too painful to live anymore.  

But she was haunted by a question.  Will I go to heaven or hell?  She just wasn't sure.  

Kristen survived a 33 freight car train running over her body.  In this book she gives the details of her suicide attempt, her agonizing recovery,  the salvation she found in Christ, and what she is doing now to serve Him. 

I was captured on the first page.  I could feel Kristen's pain, hopelessness, and brokenness.  My heart ached with her through her struggle to recover and come to terms with what had happened.  I rejoiced with her when she found salvation in Christ.  I am hopeful with her that her ministry will reach others who feel they have no hope.  

Read chapter one online

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Back to Basics

This is my new educational toy. 

After much research, I finally decided to buy a grain mill.  I am trying to find ways to save our health and save us money.  It was a big initial investment but I am hoping the health benefits and baking from scratch will make it worth it. 

This particular mill is the Wondermill, formerly the Whispermill.  http://www.thewondermill.com/  I purchased ours from The Bread Beckers.  I was convinced of the health benefits after listening to Sue Becker's CD, which they will send you free, and watching some of the video classes they have online, which are also free. 

I tried my hand at milling this afternoon and baked bread, rolls, and cinnamon rolls.  I wasn't sure about the basic recipe and I got mixed up on the grains.  Hard red wheat is for yeast breads.  Hard white wheat can be used for yeast breads.  And soft white wheat is for pastries, cakes, cookies, etc.  In my excitement, I milled hard red and soft white instead of hard white.  My bread and rolls were okay but were pretty tasteless.  The cinnamon rolls were good.  But, hey, it was my first try.  All in all I guess it turned out okay.  We didn't have any rolls left and half the pan of cinnamon rolls are gone. 

Once I get the hang of this, I will try to do a post about the process.

Book Review: The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley

Book Description

Your Direction, not Your Intention, Determines Your Destination. There is often a tension between where we want to end up in life and the path we choose to get there. We fail to see that having good intentions is never good enough. Like Charlie Brown, we wrongly believe there’s something to be said for trying hard. We need to understand why, in spite of our good intentions, we may have ended up at the wrong destination with our finances, our marriages, our careers, or a host of other dreams. So how do we get from where we are to where we truly want to be? The Principle of the Path is a road map to proper direction and discipline.
Includes Extensive Study Guide.

 My Review:
Who doesn't want the best life has to offer?  We all want to have the best relationships, the best finances, the best jobs, the best "stuff".  It is just human nature.  The problem is that many times we don't have the best or even what is good and it is our own fault. We find ourselves far from what we actually wanted or planned.  In The Principle of the Path, Andy Stanley explains in easy to understand terms why we don't get the results we are after.  Your Direction, not your intentions, determines your destination.  We can have all kinds of goals and dreams.  We can have the most noble aspirations for relationships.  But if we don't follow the right path, specifically God's path, then no matter what our intentions, we will find our destination is not what we thought it would be.

I really enjoyed this book.  I like Andy Stanley's writing style.  He uses humorous stories from his own experiences to illustrate the biblical truths he is teaching.  I found myself laughing out loud many times and nodding my head in agreement.  I wish I would have had this teaching when I was 18 or 20 years old.  Anyone could benefit from the teachings in this book

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”