Celebrating an anniversary

When one gets older and the mind and body betrays you in a mammoth manner, your mind can still meander through the maze of memories recalling fond, beloved, magical moments that laid a foundation for coping with the mechanics of darker days that you will surely face.

Today is a milestone day.

Today marks 62 years since my husband and I exchanged our wedding vows in the old beautiful church that was Southside Baptist in Wilmington, North Carolina. The church is long gone - torn asunder by the ravages of age, deteriorating neighborhood, and congregational move to other locales. The church was a beautiful place to see as well in which one could worship God. The sanctuary was somewhat circular with the floor sloping downward toward the altar area. The pews were curved to allow the circular concept and allow for better visual of the front of the church. There was a pipe organ. The pews were solid mahogany. There were stunning stained glass windows through which the sunlight filtered.  It was beautiful.

And it was the location of our simple, yet lovely 1957 wedding.

But before the wedding there were some splendid moments of courtship, getting acquainted, having fun. These included a number of fun outings. My groom-to-be  was a student at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and I was in high school in Wilmington. During our months of dating or courting, he traveled frequently the two-lane roads from Chapel Hill to Wilmington. Exciting.

We attended a couple dances and he was such a splendid date. So handsome. Stunning. And a very classy, classic gentleman.

Then he asked, and I said, "Yes." The diamond was gorgeous. We began planning.

Then the day arrived. We walked the aisle of Southside  Baptist Church. We said our vows.

We went back to my home and changed our clothes. Then the escape began. We were showered with rice and send on our way to begin our journey.

A journey of years that were joyful, heavy, filled with excitement, filled with the stress of managing a budget, raising a family, providing food, providing an education and medical care for our quiver full of children. So fruitful. So special.

He has been my strong provider. My protector. My guide. My children's father. My sweetheart. All of these years and he has been a faithful husband, a good father, a respected member of his places of employment, and a leader in our church through the years.

And together we have had such great preparation for the twilight years that lay ahead of us.

Twilight that is now upon us and a darkness that encroaches. But it is a darkness that can not be surpassed. No. We have a light to guide us. A source of strength that overcomes and outweighs any twilight, dimming, darkness that threatens to engulf us.

We have Christ. The Christ of God. The Saviour. Our Saviour.

So we won't picture the aging features. We won't show the broken, bent body. We won't show the wrinkles and declining eyesight. We show the beginning. We anticipate the end with our Savior who gives a new, unbroken body. A body of strength that endures forever and an eternity.

So we celebrate our 62 years of marriage looking forward to an eternity of celebrating our lives with Christ our Saviour.

Jack Hoggard Godley

&

Vera Mae Houston

United in Marriage

June 30, 1957

Celebrating 62 Years on June 30, 2019

The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White (THE CODEBREAKERS #1) Releases: June 2019

My thoughts:  I have mixed feelings about this book. The character, Margot De Wilde, is an 18 year old working in the decoding area of Great Britain during WWI. She is a prodigy in the mathematical field - a field in which few women had been recognized as excelling up to that point in history.

She has a real quirky personality. The strangest feature of Margot in my opinion, though, is that she sees everything through the lens of numbers. She thinks in numbers. She perceives virtually everything numerically speaking of primes, absolutes, etc. She rattles off series of numbers as a reaction to a particular happening or thought.

It seems that she feels direction from God through numerical sequences or specific numbers connected to events, places, or people. This seems a bit mystical and yet it may be her means of communication intellectually - a language in and of itself to her.

High intelligence is a requirement for decoding as well as composing codes. She has this, surely.

As the story progresses she and the male protagonist begin to develop a romantic relationship. She is slow to fall for Drake, though.

The historical significance of the decoding room 40 of the British military is quite interesting. The adventures of spies and conspirators on both sides of the military conflict interesting and well written to keep the reader's interest piqued and ready for a conclusion.

The conclusion is really good and not just because the good guys won. It is well written with just the right amount of excitement and angst.

About the book: In the midst of the Great War, Margot De Wilde spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But after a sudden loss, her world is turned upside down. Lieutenant Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by a destructive enemy. Immediately smitten with Margot, how can Drake convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Loving "All Things Lavender" and especially this Lavender Vanilla Shower Whip from Good Earth Beauty Exclusives [Review & Giveaway]

My readers know by now that I love lovely fragrances that bring so much joy to our senses. Lovely candles. Lovely soaps. Lovely lotions. Lovely perfumes.

The dear folks at Good Earth Beauty Exclusives - a natural beauty products company in the United States that makes all their items in the USA, in small batches, and with "love" - have sent me a nice little tub of this amazing Shower Whip and the fragrance is a light Lavender with Vanilla.

SHOWER WHIP - EXFOLIATING SHOWER WHIP AND SOAP LAVENDER VANILLA (This is a "BEST SELLER")

Good Earth Beauty's natural Shower Whip will liven up your shower! This natural shower soap will detoxify and exfoliate your skin leaving you feeling refreshed, clean and moisturized!  For use on face and body!

Lavender Vanilla  Scent Description -  Creamy vanilla intermingles perfectly with sweet French lavender. Relaxing and tranquil.  

Made by Good Earth Beauty Exclusives  12 oz Tub $18.00

Ingredients: Organic RAW Shea Butter, Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Vegetable Stearic Acid, Vegetable Glycerin, Powdered Volcanic Ash, Vitamin E, Grapeseed Oil, Natural fragrance and essential oils.

This product provides a glorious bath experience. Or.... you can use it to wash hands and arms for a fabulously clean feel that lightly exfoliates.

It contains a bit of volcanic ash to gently exfoliate. It lathers nice. It cleans beautifully. Leaves skin softened.

And the scent is light and very, very pleasant.

What a treat!

Now you're in for a treat, too. You can enter this little giveaway for 3 of the mini-sizes of the Good Earth Beauty Exclusives Shower Whips. They'll surprise you with the scents. You won't be disappointed.

Meanwhile..... why not go ahead and cruise their Good Earth Beauty Exclusives online store and find some lovelies for yourself. 

You don't have to wait to see if you win the giveaway. You can order your own products and GoodEarthBeauty.com  offers a nice DISCOUNT  CODE - SKINCARE10 which nets you 10% discount. And as always, FREE SHIPPING in USA.

GIVEAWAY

3 Mini-Size-Shower Whips Value $12

(Good Earth Beauty's choice)

Begins June 27

Ends July 25 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received products to facilitate this review by rendering an honest, "I've used it myself opinion." Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Why God? by Dan DeWitt

My thoughts:  This children's picture book from Christian publishing house B&H Publishing Group offers Christian parents and children's group leaders a simple way to approach the heavy theological concept of God and the big questions little kids have that require simple but astute answers.

Young Thomas is our main character with a strong "wing-man" in the character of his dog, Dorothy. Thomas is a typical boy that loves the out-of-doors as is depicted in the opening illustration and his first silly-question.... "Are bats really just mice with wings?" You see, Thomas is a curious boy and one that ponders.

In the opening pages we meet Thomas' sister, Hope, and his mother.

His questions go beyond the bats and mice with wings type. He asks, "Why God?" because his friend at school doesn't believe in God, so why do we?

As Mom begins to respond to this question, she gets into the story of origins of the Earth, seeds, flowers, and just everything. She explains that, "Everything had to come from somewhere," the good and the bad. Then the story progresses to the fall of man with the disobedience of Adam and Eve.

The essence is, "He [God] made this world just right so we could know His power. And He made our hearts just right so we could know His goodness." This is a lot of scope for a single picture book.

The end page "Parent Connection" shares a Scripture to remember: "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands." Psalm 19:1

The illustrations are cute and charming and present happy children in a lovely environment.

About the book: It’s often hard to keep up with all the questions that come from children’s inquisitive minds and active mouths, and the challenge is never bigger than when they ask the biggest questions of all―Who is God? Where did He come from? Why should I believe in Him?

As this picture book introduces two fun child characters who are full of questions about God, readers go along for the discovery, learning richly about the glory and wonder of their Father. Written by an apologetics professor with a love for both stories and children, Why God? takes apologetics and makes it accessible for young readers, not only answering their questions but also opening their hearts to the wonders of God.

Be sure you visit the author's website for some caffeinated insights - Theolatte.com

About the author: Dan Dewitt (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of applied theology and apologetics and the director of the Center for Biblical Apologetics and Public Christianity at Cedarville University. He is the author of Life in the Wild (The Good Book Company, 2018) and Jesus or Nothing (Crossway, 2014). He posts regularly on his blog Theolatte.com.

The Good Son - A Story from the First World War Told in Miniature by Pierre-Jacques Ober & illustrated by Jules Ober and Felicity Coonan

Candlewick Studio
Hardcover ISBN: 9781536204827
104 pages/Ages 14 and up

My thoughts:  This is a beautifully executed book using the photographic imagery of miniature figures to depict the scenes of war - battles, marching groups of soldiers - from the story that is being told. The time is 1914 at Christmastime and the setting is France.

These scenes evoke the scale and scope of war. The large groups of men involved. The battles and the destruction caused from them. The soldier didn't anticipate the reality of the bloody war he later experienced. It haunted him.

The conflicted mind and emotions of a soldier have him in a situation of desertion at time of war. The question in my mind is "Did he actually leave without permission resulting in desertion?" or "Did he not return in the prescribed amount of time allotted?" or "Was it simply a misunderstanding?" Each answer evokes a different thought process and emotional impact as to the story.

Is this a children's book? I don't think so. It is intended for the age 14 middle-school age child and upwards, and it could readily give opportunity to discuss the realities of war; but I think this discussion more suited for the upper limit of the intended audience plus a few years. The pictures do depict the impact of war on individuals in the civilian as well as military community.

I enjoyed the artistry of staging the miniatures and the photography. The backstory of the photographic production of this book is fabulous and shows the intricacies of this type of work so beautifully executed. 

I liked the desire of the soldier to be with family. I disliked the imprisonment and promise of execution - whether by error or truly justified. For a children's book this is a bit much - even the intended audience.

About the book: It is Christmastime, 1914, and World War I rages. A young French soldier named Pierre had quietly left his regiment to visit his family for two days, and when he returned, he was imprisoned. Now he faces execution for desertion, and as he waits in isolation, he meditates on big questions: the nature of patriotism, the horrors of war, the joys of friendship, the love of family, and how even in times of danger, there is a whole world inside every one of us. And how sometimes that world is the only refuge. Its publication coinciding with the centennial of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, this moving and sparely narrated story, based on true events, is reenacted in fascinating miniature scenes that convey the emotional complexity of the tale. Notes from the creators explore the innovative process and their personal connection to the story. (Find the book at Candlewick)

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given

Shya Monet Anti-Aging Foaming Cleanser (Argon Oil, Coconut Oil, Green Tea) from Nature's Paradise [Review & Giveaway]

Nature's Paradise Skin Care and specifically the SHYA MONET COLLECTION is a featured brand on the all natural, organic Good Earth Beauty products website.

FACIAL CLEANSER FOAMING GREEN TEA COCONUT OIL - click here to find it 

Best selling & influencer fave
foaming cleanser by Nature’s Paradise

Product information (from Good Earth Beauty vendor)  

Foaming Cleanser is enriched with Organic Coconut Oil soap which cleans deep within the pores eliminating bacteria and build up. Yet, is a non irritating formula free of chemicals making it gentle to the skin which is important to limit future breakouts. In keeping acne and blemishes away, you must be gentle to the skin. Irritating the skin will cause more breakouts.  7 ounce bottle. Made by Natures Paradise Organics -  Price: $29.00

A light foamy cleanser and one "pump" 
is definitely enough to do the job!

I have been using this cleanser for several months on a nightly basis. It is absolutely wonderful. It cleans. It softens. It leaves my face feeling fresh.

The cleanser is a silky feeling foam that you dispense into the palm of your hand. Then you slather it all over your face and neck with gently rotating motions to loosen all the grime and makeup and environmental pollutants that you've encountered that day. I rinse by splashing water over my face and then take a nice warm, wet washcloth and get the last bits of residue swiped away.

So lovely feeling and so clean and fresh.

Check out my previous review when I'd only used the Shya Monet Foaming Cleanser for a short while. CLICK HERE

Vera's advice.....

It is such a relief to see natural, organic ingredients listed for this product. It gives me an assurance that I'm doing the best I can for my skin. As a lady-of-a-certain-age, I need to make each moment count and each product used a quality, safe, effective product. The Shya Monet line of products is for any age. Start young and take care of your skin for beautiful skin when you are older. Getting a late start on caring for your skin? Never mind, use that which will benefit you, apply generously and regularly, park a smile on your face and be beautiful!

Buy it and try it for yourself. See if you don't think this is a #natural #organic product just right for you. Use the Discount Code SKINCARE10 and save yourself 10% and it SHIPS FREE IN USA. (Buy it here)

GIVEAWAY

1 Bottle Shya Monet Foaming Cleanser

$29.00 Value

Begins June 13

Ends July 10 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLAIMER: I received complimentary product to examine and evaluate to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given. Prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by GoodEarthBeauty.com

Beat the Summer Brain Slump with National Geographic Kid's books for Middle Grades (STEM approved + Kid fun!) [Review & Giveaway]

National Geographic has several new middle grade STEM titles that will help kids avoid the “summer brain slump” AND the Luna title is a terrific tie-in to the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.  

Undaunted: The Wild Life of Birute Mary Galdikas and Her Fearless Quest to Save Orangutans by Anita Silvey (Ages 8-12, Hardcover, $18.99) 

My thoughts:  This is a beautifully done non-fiction book telling the story of the work and mission of a naturalist and primatologist intent on survival of Orangutans. While I don't personally agree on the some of the philosophies and theories in the book pertaining to evolution, I believe this is an exceptionally well-done biographic of Ms. Galdikas.

Her work with these animals for nearly 50 years is remarkable and admirable. Understanding primates is a worthy goal and yields rewards for humanity as well as the scientific community.

I found the photographs outstanding providing insight into Dr. Galdikas' work as well as these interesting animals, orangutans.

This book belongs in school libraries and in home libraries where animal conservation is high interest.

About the book: As a young scientist, Birute Mary Galdikas had a mission: to find and study the elusive orangutans of Borneo's rain forest to help protect this amazing and elusive species.  Award-winning author Anita Silvey explores the life and legacy of this incredible and little-known primatologist as she carries out an epic search in Borneo and struggles to survive while studying the world's most endangered great ape. Her studies which she began at the young age of 25 brought these critically endangered apes to the world stage, and they are still making an impact today. Now in her 70s, Dr. Galdikas has conducted the longest running study of any wild mammal by any single scientist.   Please check out a terrific video of Anita talking about the book here on KidLit TV. An educator guide is also available.

Early praise for Undaunted:
* Booklist:  “Beautiful photographs, inviting format, notes, and an index make this a great addition for any animal collection."
* Publisher’s Weekly: "Silvey presents a crisp portrait of a tenacious, groundbreaking scientist who has been underrepresented in books for youth.”
* School Library Journal - “This detailed book is great for students who are studying animal conservation or want to learn about similar primatologists and anthropologists like Jane Goodall.”

Luna: The Science and Stories of Our Moon by David Aguilar (Ages 10+, Hardcover, $17.99)

My thoughts:  I was young when America landed on the Moon and mankind made that enormous step onto the surface of the round orb that has lit our nights and been a mystery to man. It hasn't lost its fascination to people today, and recounting those major steps of space exploration and achievement never grow old. Nor does this old knowledge acquired  pale into insignificance with each new discovery.

We delight in knowledge. We delight in knowing our closest astro neighbor. We delight in discovery.

The book Luna takes knowledge and exploration in a new and different direction for young readers and is designed to fascinate.

The science that we know is incorporated with the ageless or timeless stories that pervade literary history. Beginning with the ancients and others who worshiped the moon, there are stories, fables, myths, folklore, beliefs focused on the moon. Luna: The Science and Stories of Our Moon doesn't mix them up or muddy the Luna-scape. It just presents information, history, science, and also the stories.

Keep in mind that as with most National Geographic publications an "old Earth" is assumed or the books are predicated on that assumption or belief. As one who doesn't hold to the "old Earth" idea, I can still enjoy, appreciate, and learn from this fine publication.

About the book: Publishing in time for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, astronomer, artist and former Director of Science Information for the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics David Aguilar explores the moon from all angles, from its place in the night sky and our solar system to its role in shaping human history and culture. Myths of the moon's creation from around the world are interwoven with detailed explanations, illustrations and photographs of the science of how the moon actually formed. Readers will also learn about the moon's effects on Earth's tides and imagine what the world would be like without them, as well as examine the moon-men hoaxes from history and find out how scientists may actually colonize Earth's closest neighbor. A unique title that weaves together science and myth, history and technology. An educator guide is available.

Early praise for Luna: * School Library Journal -  “a fantastic and comprehensive look at Earth’s only natural satellite… An excellent, extensive, and focused look at the moon, perfect for leisure reading or research.”

This Book Is Cute!  The Soft and Squishy Science and Culture of “Aww” by Sarah Wassner Flynn (Ages 8-12, Paperback, $12.99) 

My thoughts:  The information presentation by National Geographic is spot-on for appeal to the targeted age group - ages 8 to 12. They respond well to bits of information graphically arranged on a page with attention grabbing illustrations. This Book Is Cute does just that.

The subject of cuteness spans an assortment of emphasis...

• In business - mini and micro products....food to technology (hi-tech), Icons from 1898 that endure because  of cuteness or appeal. Example: Coppertone girl from 1953 and the Pillsbury dough boy from 1965.
• The bizarre - tiny kitchen cooking and cute desserts sure to please
• In science - Biotechnology to create small tomatoes and broccoli, kiwi berries and mouse melons. These take food engineering to a new level.
• Cultural cuteness - Kawaii in Japan,  gnomes in Australia, and Suess in North America
• conventional vs unconventional - A look at what is cute about platypus and bugs and a bit of defense of ugly animals
• Capture the cuteness - A how-to capture cuteness on paper or film
• Use and value of cute horses as therapy animals
• A bit of the "why" - science behind natural instinct to protect cute babies...survival of the cutest

My daughter is an educator and she and I both highly recommend this delightful book.

About the book: Ever wonder why some creatures just make you want to cuddle them? Those adorable big eyes. Those floppy ears! And that soft velvety fur. Welcome to the soft and squishy science of cute! This book delves into what actually makes something "cute," what happens inside our brains when we see something cute, and why we're biologically hardwired that way.  Flynn explains the psychology and physiology behind our responses and answers questions like:   What influence does our culture or environment have on our conceptions of cute? Also explored are why some brands, products, and characters have been such sensational hits through the ages and an up-close look at the crazes of today, from the indisputably cutest animals ever to Internet sensations. Let the squealing commence!

🔶🔷 GIVEAWAY 🔷🔶

3 Books for 1 Winner

Open to USA addresses only.

Begins June 12
Ends July 11 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of each book to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Books are reviewed in collaboration with my daughter, V. Andrews.  Prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by the publisher or publicist.