Book Review: The Grace Effect

The Grace Effect by Larry Taunton is a powerful narrative and an eye opening read to say the least.  I did not know who Larry Taunton was prior to reading this book.  He is a well known and respected academic, historian, and Christian apologist who participates in public debates.  However, this book is very easy to read - well written as well as thought provoking.

As Taunton chronicles his family's adoption of a ten-year old Ukrainian girl named Sasha it is a very heart wrenching and moving ordeal.  I was both inspired and appalled at some of the events that occurred during this process.  But the adoption story is really not the focus of the book; it illustrates the contrasting dynamics between a society affected by Christian grace (US), and one where common grace is lacking (Ukraine).

The grace effect is defined as "an obvservable phenomenon where life is demonstrably better where Christianity flourishes".  Taunton's case study is compelling.  His basic point is that even though not every American is a church going Christian, and there are many that actively reject Christianity, the foundations of our society are rooted in respect for Christian morality and respect for God, having the present result that American culture has a strong influence of grace.  People tend to treat each other with some measure of decency.  We're not talking about saving grace here, but common grace.

When Taunton steps into a world with a near absence of grace, specifically the adoption process in Ukraine, he discovers what common grace truly is, the lack of it in essence defines it.  Some of his descriptions sound like echoes of his frustration rather than pure objectivity to me - but they also concur with stories I've heard from my sister who adopted from Russia.

I highly recommend this book.  You will find yourself cheering for Sashsa and the grace that represents her life.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program for this review.

Bean Ragout with Cilantro-Cornmeal Dumplings

Oh, I have a great new recipe.  We had this for dinner tonight and it was pretty yummy.  And it is a great way to get a lot of vegetables into your diet and it is meat free as well.

Ingredients: 2 large chopped onions, 1 seeded and chopped poblano chili, 3 cloves minced garlic, 3 Tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 can (28oz) undrained chopped tomatoes, 2 zucchinis cut into 1/2 inch pieces, 2 cups chopped red bell peppers, 1 can (15oz) pinto beans drained, 1 can (15oz) black beans drained, 3/4 tsp salt, ground black pepper, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 Tbsp vegetable shortening, 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 Tbsp minced fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup milk

 

 Chopped zucchinis

 

Chopped red bell peppers.  On sale this week 3/$1

Directions: Cook onions over medium heat until tender.  Add chili, garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano - cook and stir 2 minutes.  Add tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, beans and 1/4 tsp salt - bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium-low.  Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.  Season with salt and black pepper.  Prepare dumplings: combine flour, cornmeal and 1/2 tsp salt in medium bowl.  Cut in shortening with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Stir in cheese and cilantro.  Pour milk and blend until dry ingredients are moistened.  Drop dumpling dough into 6 mounds on top of simmering ragout.  Cook uncovered for 5 minutes.  Cover and cook 10 minutes more or until wooden toothpick inserted in dumplings come out clean.  Eat!

 

Before the dumplings

 

What it looks like right after you add dumplings

After cooking the dumplings!

 

Yummy!

Product Testing: Bright Starts 2 Direction Swing

E and I were selected to do a product testing!  We received the Bright Starts Sunnyside Safari 2 Direction Swing through Kids II Generation Mom!  Check it out.

 E chillin' in her new swing.

 Discovering the mobile, what fun!

 Smiley Baby

What a face.

So, what do I think?  I love this swing.  The pattern is very cute and is appropriate for both genders.  The cover can be removed easily and washed when needed.  Did you see that the mobile has both a lion and an elephant?  How perfect is the elephant for E!  This swing has 6 speed settings which may seem like a bit much but if you have a baby that likes to swing fast and I have one that likes to swing slow...it is nice to have the option.  E doesn't really swing higher than the 3rd setting.  It also has 3 volume settings, which again is nice.  The swing plays both songs and nature sounds.  It also has a 30 minute, 45 minute and 60 minute timer feature.  But the absolute coolest feature is the fact that it is two directional - pure genius!  So, E can swing side-to-side and/or back-to-front.  The seat can swivel back and forth making changing the direction a breeze.

 E swinging front-to-back

And now, side-to-side, the seat has been changed

My only complaint about this swing is the size, it is a bit big!  This swing is available for purchase at Wal-Mart and you can check it out on-line here. 

Cooper and Me and the Military Review & Giveaway

*** Giveaway Now Closed ***

Congratulations to Kathy M!

I was blessed to receive the book Cooper and Me and the Military written by Monique & Alexa Peters and illustrated by Alexa Peters & Melissa Peterson.

In this book, you will meet Trooper, Cooper’s best friend, and learn how he was adopted by Gracie and Joe and their parents, who both serve in the military.  Find out how this family stays close despite being separated.

A must-read during patriotic holidays and for anyone with friends and family in the military, this book helps children know, that even when loved ones aren’t with us, they still love us and think about us. This book, along with all the other books in the Cooper and Me series, includes these interactive features:

• A Special Memory Creation

• Life Lesson

• Connections

• Learning Together

D loves the pictures.

I really enjoyed this book.  I love that it is simple and engaging for children of many ages.   I also like that it rhymes!  A great way to continue teaching the concept of rhyming with the younger ones.  Not only is this a great book for children who have parents and loved ones serving in the military, it is a great way to introduce children to what the military is as well.  My kids both loved Cooper and Trooper and I am sure you will too :)

In addition to a fun adventure, each Cooper and Me story teaches an important Life Lesson and features interactive materials at the back of the book to drive the message home.  Included are activities that help children name and process their own feelings about what they’ve read.  You can visit the Cooper and Me website here and check out their facebook page here as well.  And if you are a twitter fan they can be found here.

Now, onto the giveaway!  You can win your very own copy of Cooper and Me and the Military!

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)

2.  Follow my facebook page (2 extra entries)

3.  Like Cooper and Me on facebook (2 extra entries)
4.  Blog about my giveaway and let me know (5 extra entries)
5.  Comment on any one of my posts and let me know (2 extra entries)
6.  Follow Cooper and Me on twitter (2 extra entries)
7.  Enter my Purex giveaway here (2 extra entries)

Giveaway will end on February 20thth at Midnight.  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Big Moments

Well, we will be off for the Big Game in just a bit.  Our small group meets on Sunday nights so today we get to have a party and watch football.  It should be fun.  I really have not been following football at all this go around but I love parties - hanging out with family and friends is the best!  I am bringing chips, layered dip, and a fruit tray.

The dip has re-fried black beans topped with salsa.

Then homemade guacamole...

Then sour cream and shredded cheese.  You can also add onions but I wanted to keep it kid friendly.

And, E is 4 months today.  Happy Monthday E!

 Getting big!

 She was smiling so much but it was hard to get with my digital camera.  It flashes twice and she usually changes her expression by the time it snaps the picture.

Hope you are having a good day.

If you are watching the game, have fun and stay safe :)

Purex Giveaway: 3 Winners

 *** Giveaway Now Closed ***

Congratulations to Kathy M, Geraldine S, and Ashley!

Remember my post on the New Triple Action Purex UltraPacks here.  Thanks to the Purex Insiders program I now have 3 coupons for this free product to give away!

 

There will be 3 winners since I have 3 coupons to giveaway!  Coupons expire 12/31/2013 for those who are wondering.  And to spice it up just a bit, one of the three winners will also receive $5 cash as a bonus surprise! 

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)

2.  Follow my facebook page (2 extra entries)

3.  Blog about my giveaway and let me know (5 extra entries)
4.  Comment on any one of my posts and let me know (2 extra entries)
5.  Let me know if you use Purex or not and if so, what you think (2 extra entries)

Giveaway will end on February 14th at Midnight.  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only.

Purex Prove It to Yourself Campaign

The new FreeSamplePurex.com promotion is up and running.  Currently you can request a sample of the new Purex Triple Action Liquid detergent.  In a few weeks, the new Purex UltraPacks samples will also be available.  I have used both of these products and reviewed them on my blog - now you can pick one to try!  You will only be allowed one Purex sample per household per year so just note that if you sign up for the liquid you will not be eligible for the ultrapacks in a few weeks.