December 31, 2019

Book Review: The One Year Book of Christian History

The One Year Book of Christian History by E. Michael and Sharon Rusten

This is a one year daily devotional book that is focused on people or events that God has used throughout history to spread the gospel and advance His Kingdom.

Each day the devotion describes someone or something God used for His purposes. There is a brief reflection and scripture passage that ties into the person or event of the day. The time frame of the events is a solar eclipse on June 15, 763 B.C. to James Montgomery Boyce announcing his cancer diagnosis on May 7, 2000 A.D.

There are the usual figures you would expect to find in a book such as this: Billy Graham, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, A.W. Tozer, D. L. Moody, etc. However, there are also other people that you may not expect like: Susan Atkins (a member of the Manson family), Kurt Warner (Super Bowl MVP), Muhammad (founder of Islam).

Overall, this was an interesting daily reading about people and events that God has used over the years. I recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about Christian history.




November 26, 2019

Book Review: He Fights for You by Max and Andrea Lucado


He Fights for You by Max and Andrea Lucado

The premise of this “booklet” is to provide the reader with encouragement to face life’s challenges. The book starts with a rather confusing story about the walls of Jericho and then launches into 40 meditations. Each meditation consists of words of worship, scripture, and a prayer.

Overall, I didn’t get much from this booklet. The words of worship, scripture, and prayer didn’t always seem to match up with each other.

I usually enjoy reading Max Lucado’s works and recommend them to others. This booklet, however, can be skipped. 



November 14, 2019

Comment Regarding Article in Dec 19 Kiplinger Magazine

There is an article in the December 2019 issue of Kiplinger's magazine that describes the small cost of living increase that Social Security recipients will receive in 2020. Below is my comment to the editor of the magazine.



As I read “A Stingy Raise For Social Security Recipients” by Sandra Block in the December 2019 issue, I thought of my own raises for the past few years. They have been 1.42% for 2018, 1.21% for 2019, and will be 1.2% for 2020. Social Security for the same time frame has been 2%, 2.8%, and 1.6% respectively. I guess stinginess is everywhere these days.




Always thinking at Doe Valley.
Wes

November 11, 2019

Book Review: My PreSchool WorkBook

My Preschool Workbook

This book contains 101 pages of activities to prepare your child for school. The topics covered include:

  • Colors
  • Letters
  • Shapes and Patterns
  • Numbers
  • Words
Each page challenges the child to help them develop the skills and knowledge they will need in school.

Overall, I recommend this book to help your child learn and practice their skills. 


Note: this book was sent to me as a review copy from the publisher prior to its release date.

November 04, 2019

Book Review: Super Cool Space Facts

Super Cool Space Facts by Bruce Betts

This is a book about space for kids. It is separated into five chapters:

  • The Universe
  • Stars and Constellations
  • The Solar System
  • Comets, Meteors, and the Sky Shows
  • Rockets, Satellites, Astronauts, and more

The author writes about space in a way that is easy for children to understand and keep them engaged in the topic. The book is good for learning more about space and a great resource for a project, paper, poster that a child may have to complete for school.

The author also provides a resources section to learn more about space. There is also an index in the back to make it easier to find the information you are looking for in the book.

Overall, I recommend this book to be added to the kids collection / library for a pre-k to maybe 3rd grade student.

Note: this book was sent to me as a review copy from the publisher prior to its release date.

October 20, 2019

Book Review: None Other by John MacArthur

None Other: Discovering the God of the Bible by John MacArthur

This book briefly explores six of God’s attributes:

  • God’s Graciousness
  • God’s Sovereignty
  • God’s Goodness and Power
  • God’s Holiness
  • God’s Love
  • God’s Salvation


Most of MacArthur’s works go into great detail about the particular subject of the book or message. This time, however, MacArthur attempts to briefly cover several of God’s attributes to help the reader understand more about God. True to MacArthur’s style he takes Scripture and explains it without twisting it to fit our society today.

Personally, I found that this book did not hold my interest. To me, it was too much, too fast. I know MacArthur has written books about all of these attributes of God and I would rather read an entire book that thoroughly explains that attribute rather than just touching the surface.

I also think that a new believer might lose interest in this book as well. Again, to me, MacArthur moves too fast in this book without giving the reader enough time to really understand that characteristic of God. This book is only 123 pages and MacArthur could easily write that much about a small portion of Scripture.

Overall, this is certainly not MacArthur’s best work and I think most people can safely skip it and instead read some of his other books.

September 06, 2019

Puzzle Solved

b.dazzle, inc Scramble Squares: Planets

A few weeks ago we got a a Planets Scramble Squares puzzle by b.dazzle, inc. The goal is to arrange the 9 squares into a 12" x 12" puzzle. There is some combination of four possible planets on each card: Earth, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars. They are arranged differently on each card. The object is to position each card to match the cards next to it to solve the puzzle.

After about 15 to 20 minutes of trying different combinations, I solved the puzzle. Below is a picture of the completed puzzle.


September 01, 2019

Book Review: The Master's Plan for the Church

The Master's Plan for the Church by John F. MacArthur, Jr.

The premise of the book is to describe how God wants His Church to function and its role in the world. Ultimately, the church must follow God's biblical principles. MacArthur goes into detail explaining what those principles are as recorded in Scripture.

The first four chapters delve into the anatomy of the church. MacArthur relates this to the human body: the skeleton, internal systems, muscles, and the head. The next six chapters look at the dynamics of the church including: the early church, the members, the qualities of effectiveness, the calling of the church, and doing the Lord's work in the Lord's way. The final three chapters of the book review the qualities of the excellent servant. Finally, there are 7 appendixes that expound even more detail regarding the function of the church and its members.

This book is derived from MacArthur's sermons at Grace Community Church.

Overall, I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn about God's design for His Church and help their local church grow.

August 31, 2019

Book Review: A Is For Animals!

A Is for Animals! Preschool Coloring Book by Rachael Smith

This is a nice preschool coloring book. There is a page to color for every capital letter of the alphabet with an animal name that starts with that particular letter. On the next page is a picture of the animal to color along with a fact about that animal.

The pages are high quality and should help your child learn while practicing coloring. Overall, I would recommend this book to entertain and educate your preschooler.

Note: this book was sent to me as a review copy from the publisher prior to its release date.

June 18, 2019

Book Review: Real Simplicity by Rozanne & Randy Frazee

Book Review: Real Simplicity by Rozanne & Randy Frazee

The ideal behind this book is to present a way to simplify your life. The main theme is to follow the Hebrew day of 6 to 6, meaning from 6AM to 6PM you get all of your work done (6 days a week) and then from 6PM to 6AM is your relational and rest time. In order to do this, the authors present a way to restructure your life so it revolves around your home/neighborhood and minimize commuting time and activities thereby maximizing time spent with family and friends in a relaxed environment.

I was looking forward to reading this book and getting some ideas to simplify things, however, I was disappointed. In theory, this sounds like an interesting concept, but I don’t believe I can implement much of what they write about simply because it doesn’t apply to me. I live in a rural northern part of the United States. I believe this type of schedule could work in a southern city in the United States. Not surprisingly, the authors live in Texas.

Overall, if you are interested in a radical change in your life, then read this book and implement the topics discussed. Otherwise, you can safely skip it.

Just my thoughts.

June 08, 2019

Book Review

Parables by John MacArthur

The subtitle of this book is "The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through The Stories Jesus Told." This book describes and explains in expository fashion several of Jesus's parables. To start with however, MacArthur explains why Jesus taught using parables and how we should interpret them today.

Some of the parables that are studied in this book are:

  • The Parable of the Soils
  • The Pearl of Great Price
  • The Hidden Treasure
  • The Workers in the Vineyard
  • The Good Samaritan
  • The Two Men at the Temple: The Tax Collector & The Pharisee 
  • The Two Servants
  • The Ten Bridesmaids
  • The Parable of the Talents
  • The Unjust Steward
  • The Rich Man and the Beggar
  • The Parable of the Judge and the Persistent Women
Like MacArthur's 50 years of preaching, he treats each parable with care and explains Jesus's words, why He said what He did and how it continues to apply to us today.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a more in depth look at some of Jesus's parables.

April 11, 2019

Book Review

Is This The End by Dr. David Jeremiah

This is an excellent book regarding the end. It is separated into two sections: the end for America and the end of the world. Each section has five chapters.

In the section regarding the end for America, Jeremiah goes into detail regarding what has and will lead to the decline of America. This includes ideas of tolerance toward anything and everything, except the truth of God's Word. The author also goes into details about our borders and illegal immigration and how America has become apathetic toward what is happening. However, there is hope. And that hope can come only through a revival for God's Word.

In the section regarding the end for the world, Jeremiah reviews in detail the history of Israel, ISIS, and Russia. Finally, he pulls it all together with the Rapture of God's redeemed and a description of the Tribulation.

As stated in the opening, this is an excellent book that uses God's Word to explain what has happened and what will happen to the world. I highly recommend this book for everyone to read and learn a little bit more about the end of the world.


February 18, 2019

Book Review

Raising Kingdom Kids Devotional by Tony Evans

This is a nice faux leather bound devotional book. There are 90 devotions, each will take about 5 minutes to read. Each devotion starts with a quote or portion of Scripture and ends with three application questions to think about and a prayer.

This devotional book is based upon the principles in the Raising Kingdom Kids book by Tony Evans. Ultimately, the book focuses on strengthening the parent's walk with Christ to teach and demonstrate those principles to their child.

Without a doubt this is an excellent devotional book for every parent to read. I highly recommend it.


February 15, 2019

Book Review

Christ's Call To Reform the Church By John MacArthur

In this book, John MacArthur examines the letters wrote to the seven churches in Revelation and how it applies to the church still today.

The book was derived from MacArthur's teachings and sermons on the book of Revelation. Each church is the subject of an entire chapter in the book. The author provides some background information about each church and then explains what God is saying to each of those churches. The message to five of the seven churches is to change their ways or face the consequences.

The same message applies to every church today. Is the church being faithful and obedient to God or not? If not, then that church and its people will face the consequences.

Overall, this is a good read and I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about Christ's warnings to His church.

Still reading and reviewing at Doe Valley.



January 11, 2019

Letter to Government Officials regarding Health Care

The letter below was sent to the following government officials:

  • President Trump
  • Senators Grassley, Casey, and Toomey
  • Representative Thompson
  • Governor Wolf
  • State Representatives Struzzi and White


Our healthcare system is corrupted and needs to be fixed. Please make this a priority on the legislative agenda.

In August of 2018, I went to my doctor and she ordered routine blood work for me to have done. A few days later I went to the Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC) to have the lab work done. At the time, IRMC said insurance would not pay for it because it wasn't coded correctly. IRMC told me they would contact my doctor and have them recode the order and it should be fine.

Approximately six weeks later I get a bill from IRMC in the amount of $161.62. I contacted IRMC and they said insurance did not pay for the entire amount and I needed to pay the rest. I contacted the insurance company and they said that part of the blood work was not covered because I am healthy. I contacted the doctor's office and they said it is all routine blood work that gets done and should be covered.

IRMC blamed the insurance. The insurance blamed the doctor's office. The doctor's office said there was nothing they could do because they are part of a different hospital group. Finally, at the end of November I gave up and just paid the bill. I made it clear to IRMC, my doctor's office, and the insurance company that I will no longer be participating in wellness type visits. All of my care will now go through Urgentcare or Emergency room care visits, which will ultimately cost the insurance company more than if they would just cover routine care.

But here is where the true corruption lies:
IRMC billed the insurance for $340.
Insurance paid $46.08.
I paid $161.62.
The discounted insurance rate was apparently equal to $132.30.

However, the ultimate corruption is in the fact that I could have just walked in off the street with no doctor's order and requested the lab work for $40 at IRMC.

So, how much does this routine blood work really cost? $340 as billed by IRMC? $207.70 as paid for by myself and the insurance? Or $40 if I just walk in to the lab and request the blood work? Even better, I found out that my employer is now providing a free wellness blood work program sponsored by non other than IRMC! Truly amazing and corrupted. I would be interested to hear Stephen Wolfe, the President and CEO of IRMC who makes over $500,000 a year, try to explain this to me or other people trying to make sense of the healthcare system.

Once again, our healthcare system is corrupted and needs fixed. Please make this a priority on the legislative agenda in the coming year.

Sincerely,






January 09, 2019

Tech Rec

I am frequently asked what computers or other technology I recommend, so I have decided to publish my list of recommended tech that I use.

Desktop Computer: Dell XPS line
Laptop Computer:Dell XPS line
Chromebook: ACER or Samsung
SmartPhone: Samsung
Tablet: Samsung
Streaming Device: ROKU


January 07, 2019

Egg Nog

As the 2018 holiday season winds down, so does the opportunity to purchase egg nog. Once again this year after sampling several varieties, the reigning champion of egg nog is:

Southern Comfort Traditional Egg Nog


January 05, 2019

Book Review

Make Peace With Money by Lorna McLeod

This book takes the reader on a journey to, as the title suggests, make peace with money. It contains 14 focused chapters to help you do so. Each chapter starts with an inspiring quote and ends with activities for the reader to complete and additional resources for further learning.

A few of the key components to have peace with money are:

  • having a clear goal for money
  • being able to pay your bills calmly
  • turn negative thoughts into positive thoughts and actions
  • live within your means
  • be able to donate to causes you find important
I believe this book can be very helpful for those that are serious about changing their relationship with money. I did not download the workbook or complete the activities at the end of each chapter. I believe the activities are worthwhile and I have already done much of what was recommended.

Providing additional resources at the end of each chapter is a great idea for those that want to learn more about the topic discussed or for those that didn't fully grasp the message of the chapter.

I recommend this book to anyone struggling with and wanting to change their relationship toward money.

January 02, 2019

Managing Your Photos

Everyone takes a lot of photos these days and usually with multiple devices (phones, tablets, cameras etc). It can be challenging to manage without a good plan to follow consistently. Below is the process I have used for many years and it works well for me. I make it a priority to work on photos from the previous month at the beginning of each new month. So on January 1st, I stored December's photos.

The first step is to get all of your photos onto your computer for long term storage and remove them from your device.

If your devices have a removable storage card then you can easily copy the photos from the storage card to your computer using a usb sd card adapter. The photos are usually located in the DCIM folder on android devices.

If your devices do not have a removable storage card then you will need to upload your photos to a cloud storage service such as google drive or dropbox. You will want to make sure you do this over a wi-fi connection so you are not using your wireless data plan allotment.

The easiest and best location to store your photos is in the pictures folder (Windows 10). Inside that folder I recommend making a folder for each year and within each year make a folder for each month.

Copy all of the photos you took in the previous month to the correct folder. So if you are storing December 2018 photos then it would be stored in the path of \Pictures\2018\December.

Once you have all of your photos for the month stored onto your computer, I recommend making a backup copy to a USB flash drive. These can be purchased for under $25. Then at the end of the year, I recommend taking the entire year of photos and burning them onto CD or DVD for longer term storage.

I have found this process takes less than 30 minutes per month and helps keep your photos organized and safe. I hope this helps someone, let me know in the comments below if you have other tips or tricks.

Always Thinking Here at Doe Valley

January 01, 2019

Book Review

Hope For Today by David Jeremiah

This is a daily devotional book for the entire year. The book has a nice faux leather cover and built in ribbon bookmark. Each daily reading contains a brief scripture and a two minute devotion to read.

Overall, this was an okay devotion. The scripture didn't always match up nicely to the daily devotion and the reading certainly didn't delve into the deeper scriptural meaning. There also didn't appear to be a theme from day to day. It just seemed like simply random daily devotions.

The devotions were meant to be inspiring so they certainly go well with the theme of the book giving you "Hope for Today."

If you are looking for a devotional book that delves into scripture each day, then this book is not for you. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a feel good daily devotional then I think this book will serve you well for the year.