Synopsis: Jeremy Avery is vying for a college golf scholarship awarded to the winner of the State Championship, but his preparation and game are affected by family pressures and having to take care of his younger autistic brother, Ethan. These challenges, along with the pressure of carrying his team to State against an opponent who will do anything to win, leads Jeremy on a journey of discovery both internal and of his brother’s savant-like gifts, that if embraced can create an unstoppable pair. On the brink of his greatest victory, Jeremy is forced to make a life-altering decision, finally realizing his own personal dreams or standing by his brother.
Synopsis: Jeremy Avery is vying for a college golf scholarship awarded to the winner of the State Championship, but his preparation and game are affected by family pressures and having to take care of his younger autistic brother, Ethan. These challenges, along with the pressure of carrying his team to State against an opponent who will do anything to win, leads Jeremy on a journey of discovery both internal and of his brother’s savant-like gifts, that if embraced can create an unstoppable pair. On the brink of his greatest victory, Jeremy is forced to make a life-altering decision, finally realizing his own personal dreams or standing by his brother.
About the book: What do you do when hard or painful circumstances turn your world upside down, resulting in a life you never expected? Andrew and Rachel Wilson grappled with this question after both of their children were diagnosed with regressive autism. Refreshingly honest, this book explores the highs and lows of raising children with specials needs, reflecting on the broader question of how to cope with suffering of all kinds. Sharing personal stories from their lives and encouragement rooted in the truth of God's Word, Andrew and Rachel highlight lessons they've learned related to fighting for joy and thriving in the midst of trials--ultimately pointing readers to Christ, the One who promises to make all things new. My thoughts: Reading The Life We Never Expected gives the reader a tiny glimpse into the window of the troubled, weary, exhausted, wondering soul of a parent who has been given the task of caring for a child of their own that is autistic. True there are varying levels of disability with autism and in the case of the Wilson family, it seems theirs are severely disabled. We can see how their heart breaks when they see their seemingly normal child regress bit by bit into the touch-me-not, sensory heightened, hand-flapping, non-sleeping life of a severely autistic child. And this happens not just once, but twice to this sweet couple. But why did God allow this? Why did God choose them as parents? Why were their children the autistic children? The depth of the Wilson's dependence on God and on His Holy Word is soul-searching to the reader. It shows that we can feel the deepest despair and yet have the strongest of arms holding us when we entrust it all to this loving God whom we worship. A short book but not a short read if you really want to gain something from its pages. Recommended for parents of autistic children? Who am I to say? Their hands are so full just trying to stay awake and get through another day they might be overwhelmed to be handed a book to read. But perhaps it will bless those who care for these troubled families who in turn can bless the families that are dealing with autistic children or any form of disabled child.
***FLASH*** GIVEAWAY
Begins July 5
ENDS July 15 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT
Open to USA & CANADA only
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, 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.
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 chosen using the Rafflecopter process and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I received a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
"First Snowfall" from Jeff Gold's CD "Simple Treasures" is a celebration of Winter.
Sunsets and clouds were shot on Kauai's North shore at Hanalei, Na Pali and Tunnels Beach by Diane Gold. Take a nice relaxing musical vacation..... Escapes 2: "Hanalei" by Jeff Gold - Beautiful Instrumental Music - Hanalei, Soothing and Relaxing Music
I was given the opportunity to review three of Jeff Gold's instrumental CDs. He is a prolific recorder of relaxing music that is intentionally created to help the listener achieve a sense of relaxation and relief from stress. Good for the commuter's drive. Background music for office or home. And widely accepted as spa music for those relaxing moments.
Some might find his pieces repetitious and uninteresting. He does make use of simple rhythms and repeated phrasing with some modification through a piece, but music that is intentionally relaxing can not by its very nature be exciting, bombastic, and intricate.
I didn't enjoy every single song, but I found the majority to be great playing softly on my computer while at work or during my commute to and from work. I particularly enjoyed a couple of pieces that included flutes (or computerized flutes). A co-worker even commented, "Beautiful music!"
I find that this music has a definite place in the world in which we live and we are in need of something relaxing and that can bring the mind and body to a place of simple beauty.
Biography: California native Jeff Gold is a composer/musician who creates imagery through music; images that are emotional and melodic, restorative and uplifting. He composes soulful relaxing instrumentals which have received the attention of Wellness Centers, Spas and Music Therapists for their tranquil and healing qualities.
A bit more "Easy Listening" than "new age," Jeff combines beautifully arranged acoustic guitars, piano, strings and flutes. He has released three CD's; "Soul of a Mountain" in 2006, and "Escapes" in 2009 and his latest, "Simple Treasures" in 2012. All three are a soothing and relaxing collection of melodies ideal for music therapy, yoga, massage, scenic drives or just winding down.
Jeff’s 14-year old special needs nephew, Russell, became a big fan of these soothing instrumentals because they help to calm his overstimulation. Russell then passed his uncle’s music on to his other friends on the autistic spectrum and they found that it is helpful to them as well.
Jeff is also a contributing writer and music advisor to EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT resorts, located throughout Europe and Asia, researching and writing articles on the physical, mental and therapeutic effects that are possible with music.
Jeff composes and arranges all of his own music, playing the guitars and pianos, and creating other instrumental sounds by computer. He also does his own mixing, mastering and editing; a skill he perfected as a television editor for shows like MTV’s “Making the Video,” “Baywatch,” “MadTV” and “The Office.” GIVEAWAY: Two of Chat With Vera's readers will receive their choice of one of Jeff Gold's CDs shown in this review. Begins March 15 & ENDS April 2 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open to USA addresses only. a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: Mr. Gold has provided 3 CDs to facilitate this review. No compensation was received. Opinions expressed are solely my own.
