The Mind of God - Bevan Frank

The Mind of God
Bevan Frank
ELM Park Publishing
ISBN 9780993359217
eISBN 9780993359200
ASIN B0145UEXVC

This is the type of story I read from time to time.  It is a bit mystery, a  little bit suspense, and a whole lot of action. It reminds me a bit of Robert B. Parker's works, and it also reminds me of Lee Childs, James Rollins or Tom CLancy. There is a lot going on in this book, and a number of different pieces moving on the board. It made it a fun read. The description of this book states:

"When Liz Greene discovers that her father is missing, she is unwittingly drawn into a plot that could change the world forever. Before he went missing, Professor Harry Greene had been working on the black box global consciousness project. Now, Liz needs to find both her father, and his ground breaking research before it's too late. On the same day, President of the United States Daniel Rafferty is in Cape Town to give an address at the Convention Centre. Is it a coincidence that the black box was stolen while Rafferty is in the same city, or is there an even more sinister terrorist plot at play? Follow Liz, as she and her friend, Tim Fletcher, decode one clue after another in a deadly hunt around Cape Town, all the while being pursued by an assassin and a CIA agent."

It is an interesting mix of typical spy story, and a great bad guy twist. The story moves along at a break neck pace. I devoured the book in two sittings. For a first novel the writing is very tight. There are a number of key characters in the cast of the story, a brilliant scientist, his daughter, her male friend, a disgraced CIA agent, a mysterious villain, an assassin who will do anything for a price, the leader of a biker gang. All mixed in the back drop of Cape Town during a visit from the American President. Combine that with the real world science of the Global Consciousness Project and you have some very interesting plot lines indeed!

As stated this is a very good first effort. And it will be interesting to see if Bevan continues with one or more of these characters. There are a number of possible spin off points from this story. And yet it stands well on its own. I enjoyed this book enough that I have recommended it to a few friends. And would definitely read others by the author if they become available.  A very good novel well worth giving a try!

A Prayer Card And A Story

A Prayer Card And A Story

A number of years ago I most often attended the 5:15pm mass Saturdays at St, Michael's Church in Waterloo Ontario.  Being a creature of habit I typically sat in the same pew every week. There was a family often in front of me with older children. Not my age but in post-secondary studies.

One service I noticed the prayer card the daughter used as a book mark. Something about it really caught my eye. I asked about where tit was from and she gave it to me. For many years it was on a bulletin board near my desk along with other prayer cards. It is one of my favourite images of Jesus.

Shortly after that I got married and switched parishes. I doubt I would recognize any of the family if I ran into them today. But the prayer card stays near.

Do you have a special prayer card? Does it have a story? Are you willing to share it?

Saint Joan of Arc God's Soldier - Susan Helen Wallace and Ray Morelli - Encounter the Saints Book 7

Saint Joan of Arc: 
God's Soldier
Encounter the Saints Series Book 7
Susan Helen Wallace 
Ray Morelli (Illustrator)
Pauline Books and Media
ISBN 9780819870339
eISBN 9780819871763
ASIN B005F1Q7F6

My family and I love this series, but I must admit this was a harder book to read. Part of my hesitation was knowing what was coming and my expectations of how the children would react. However this book does a masterful job or presenting the life and death of Joan in such a way that even children can appreciate it greatly.  We have now read more than half of this series, and to be honest with each new book I have a greater appreciation for the series. When I was doing a degree in Religious Studies, there was a course offered on Joan of Arc, I could never fit it in my schedule, but did get the syllabus and read through the course one term for fun. I believe this book would have been a great book to begin that course with. For this book takes the life and death of Joan and presents them with pure faith, simple trust, and deep devotion much like the example that Joan lived. 

As a family we loved this book and the whole series. The Encounter the Saints Series, from Pauline Books and Media, and consider them wonderful reads. The series is written for younger readers, but so well written it can be appreciated by anyone who wants to grown in knowledge of a specific saint or learn from the examples of the 37 saints in the series to date. I love reading these books with my children, but need to be upfront and say I am well ahead of them in working my way through the series because I just cannot put them down. But now onto specifics about this book and Saint Joan of Arc.

The chapters in this book about Saint Joan of Arc are:
1. A Nightmare Comes True
2. The Voice
3. The Saints
4. Too Incredible!
5. A Second Try
6. The Dauphin
7. "My Good Duke"
8. Sword and Banner
9. On the March
10. Orleans
11. Victory
12. Last Chance…
13. The Battle
14. Coronation Day
15. A Broken Heart
16. Captured!
17. Failed Escape
18. The Trial
19. The Verdict
20. A Mother's Grief, a Father's Pain
21. To Heaven
22. Restored Honor
Prayer
Glossary

This book is different than many in the series as there is no prologue. It jumps right in. The story begins with Joan at a young age being afraid of lighting the fire. It also begins with a debate between her parents Jacques who believes his wife Isabelle is too soft on Joan. But as we know looking back across time Joan becomes anything but soft. Joan becomes a warrior, she rallies a nation. She leads armies; she helps to free France from English oppression. But she only does it because God is leading her. For not only did she see the success she knew what was coming:

Meanwhile, her voices continued to speak to her. "Joan," they told her, "you will be captured before the feast of Saint John. But do not be afraid. God will help you."

And those words were what guided most of Joan's life. Be not afraid God is with you. And that is the lesson my children and I needed to be reminded of from reading this book.  This prayer at the end of this book is one of the ones that is identical to the one in The Saints Pray for Us. So they have encountered this prayer before and prayed it from the prayer book. But they still loved it especially my youngest daughter.

Saint Joan, your life was really one of love, faith and courage. It took so much of all three to do everything that God asked of you! 

God will probably never ask me to lead an army to free my country. And I'll never be visited by angels or saints. But God does want me to love and obey him before anyone or anything else, just as you did. 

Help me to know God's will, Saint Joan, and to do it well. Help me never to avoid doing what I know is right and pleasing to God because I'm afraid of what others will say or think of me. 

Give me the courage to follow Jesus wherever he leads. Pray for me, Saint Joan. Amen.

This is one of eight books in the series written by Susan Helen Wallace, FSP. It is very well written, especially considering the life and especially death it is portraying. And we still have 6 other books by her left to read in the series. The book contains 5 illustrations by Ray Morelli. They are in a pen and ink style. They are a little cartoonish or caricature-ish.  They were not our favorites. My children were surprised there was not one of her with her sword. Or one of her with her Banner especially after the chapter about how the sword was obtained.

This book is a wonderful portrayal of Saint Joan of Arc's life. It captures the essence without going into a lot of the extraneous stuff, especially for younger readers.

There are currently 37 books in this series, including The Saints Pray for Us. I have read a number of these books on my own and also about half of them with my children.  My oldest who is 11 can read them to us. She has read them to me and also helped me read them to the younger children. My son who is 9 can read them with some help on the more difficult words, but he really enjoys just listening to these powerful stories. My youngest who is 6 loved the story, and while reading this one held her pink play sword. This book is part of the Encounter the Saints Series; from Pauline Books and Media, and this book is an inspiring read as is the entire series!  Our family gives them five stars.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Other books about Joan of Arc:

Coached By Joan of Arc - Alexandre Havard

Joan of Arc - Paul Dunn and Colin Jeffery - CTS Biographies

Saint Joan of Arc: God's Soldier - Susan Helen Wallace – Encounter the Saints

Saint Joan The Girl Soldier - Louis de Wohl – Vision Books

Joan of Arc The Maid of Orléans - Andrew Votipka

Joan of Arc The Girl Who Fought For France - Jeannie Meekins

Born to Do This 30 Days with Joan of Arc - Jaymie Stuart Wolfe - Great Spiritual Teachers Series

…

Prayer of the Day Prayer to Joan of Arc

9 Year Novena Prayer to Saint Joan of Arc 

...

Encounter the Saints Series from Pauline Books and Media:
Blessed James Alberione Media Apostle
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Journey to the Summit
Journeys with Mary Apparitions of Our Lady
Saint André Bessette Miracles in Montreal
Saint Anthony of Padua Fire and Light
Saint Bakhita of Sudan Forever Free
Saint Bernadette Soubirous And Our Lady of Lourdes
Saint Catherine Labouré And Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Saint Clare of Assisi A Light for the World
Saint Damien of Molokai Hero of Hawaii
Saint Edith Stein Blessed by the Cross
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Daughter of America
Saint Faustina Kowalska Messenger of Mercy
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Cecchina's Dream
Saint Francis of Assisi Gentle Revolutionary
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla The Gift of Life
Saint Ignatius of Loyola For the Greater Glory of God
Saint Isaac Jogues With Burning Heart
Saint Joan of Arc God's Soldier
Saint John Bosco Champion for the Young
Saint John Neumann Missionary to Immigrants
Saint John Paul II Be Not Afraid
Saint John Vianney A Priest for All People
Saint Juan Diego And Our Lady of Guadalupe
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: Courageous Faith
Saint Katharine Drexel The Total Gift
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque And the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Saint Martin de Porres Humble Healer
Saint Maximilian Kolbe Mary's Knight
Saint Paul The Thirteenth Apostle
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Rich in Love
Saint Teresa of Avila Joyful in the Lord
Saint Teresa of Calcutta Missionary of Charity
Saint Teresa of Kalkota Missionary of Charity

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux The Way of Love
Saint Thomas Aquinas Missionary of Truth
Saint Thomas More Courage, Conscience, and the King
Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto: Shepherds of Fatima
The Saints Pray for Us

Saint Julie Billiart The Smiling Saint

...

Foley’s Family Karate Review

Foley's Family Karate

My oldest two children and I have been Training at Foley's Family Karate for almost a year now. We had looked at some other schools before joining this one and after a year we are very happy with our decision.

But it all started with my son. His occupational therapist recommended that Karate might be a good way for him to work on some of the skills that needed development. So the first week my wife took him and my oldest. My oldest was not sure but joined in part way through the class. Then I took them for their third class and I watched that class and, even with my old injuries and issues, decided to give it a try. It has been great for us as a family to be part of this amazing community.

Foley's Family Karate teaches three specific styles. The main Karate is of the Shorin-ji ryu Karate style. Sensei Foley also teaches Tai Chi classes and we also practice Kobudo weapons training. In our first year we have learned a number of Katas, we have each achieved out first belt level and have our first stripe towards our next belt.  The children have also competed in their first completion. The children each took 2 medals in open hand kata and in sparring. The one black belt was amazed at my son's performance in the competition. In class he does not always push himself but when it came time to compete did he ever have some great game face!

When you join Foley's Family Karate it is affiliated with Zen Bei Butoku Kai International. We pay an annual membership fee and then monthly training prices. There are family discounts available. But with that monthly fee we can attend any of the classes at the three schools run by Sensei Foley.

TRAINING SCHEDULE
Stratford: Mondays & Thursdays: 7-8:30 p.m
Milverton: Wednesdays:  6:30-8:00 p.m.
Kitchener: Wednesdays: 7-8 p.m., & Saturday: 9:30-11 a.m.

The DOJO CREED
1) We shall strive to build and perfect our character;
2) We shall be faithful and sincere in our study;
3) We shall endeavor to excel, putting maximum effort into all that we do;
4) We shall respect others and display courtesy;
5) We shall develop self-control, in order to refrain from violence and uncontrolled behavior.

My children loved the creed and we have been working on applying it to all areas of our lives. When my son was struggling a bit last year he asked me to print it off for him as a reminder. We have a copy of it on our fridge and he also has a copy of it on his wall as a reminder. When I was preparing this review I asked my children what they liked best about training here:

My oldest (who is 11) stated:
1) She loves that three of us are doing this together
2) She appreciated that over the summer we learned Kata's with all of the weapons (Tambo, Bo, Tonfo, and Sai)
3) She loves the community and that all levels are training together
4) Outdoor classes during the summer

My son (who is 9) stated:
1) He loved that we practice with everyone together
2) That we can pair up with or work with anyone
3) That we have a competition on the last Saturday of the month to earn the Red stripe for the next month
4) Getting to work with all the other students

What I love:
1) Modifications to help with my old injuries (Knees and shoulder)
2) That the kids and I are progressing at the same pace
3) The family atmosphere
4) It is hard work but also great fun

Now, it is not all family members at the classes we attend. There are also a number of people who practice without their spouse or children. There are two brown belts (a father and daughter) who have been doing it together for 10 years. They have a wealth of knowledge to share and are great at helping the kids and me. There is also a mother and her son who achieved their blue belts this past winter who have been training together for a number of years.

There are a number of things to love about this school. The community is at the top of the list along with the balance between group class needs and the needs of the individual. There is also the value.  Sensei Foley tests for the stripes in his regular classes when he thinks you are ready he asks, and there is no extra cost. We only have a cost when testing for full belts. And most of that covers the cost of the belt.

Over the summer when we were doing outdoor classes we did a different weapon every three weeks. Sensei brings extras and does not expect us to buy new weapons for the kids every year. In fact, he recommends not buying them until they are at a belt level when they need them. I really appreciate the value and common sense approach at this school.

This is a great place to train and as a family we highly recommend it.

Note: Fall 2017 Kick Off Events
Milverton:  September 6th 630pm
Stratford:  September 7th 7pm
Kitchener: September 9th 9:30am

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 2017

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

The contrast between how Jesus interacted with Peter in last weeks readings and this weeks readings is striking. The sermon at St. Agnes today was excellent. 

Related Posts:
The Colors of the Church Year
The Privilege of Altar Serving
Serving God, Altar Serving and Learning to Listen
Saturday 18th Week or Ordinary Time
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2017
Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time 2017

...

Note: Link to all posts about St. Agnes Parish.

Lemon Lime Peppermint Water

Lemon Lime Peppermint Water

I have read for a number of years now about the benefits of drinking warm or hot water with Lemon in it, especially first thing in the morning. And I have been experimenting with adding Essential Oils into my daily routines. This is my current favourite drink. And I wanted to share the recipe and some variations.

Lemon Lime Peppermint Water

Juice of half a lemon
Juice of half a lime
Touch of honey (if desired)
1-3 drops of dōTERRA Peppermint Oil
Water to the top of the mug

This drink is super refreshing and I love the taste. But I also have a few variations that add on this base recipe.

Citrus Peppermint Water

Juice of half a lemon
Juice of half a lime
Touch of honey (if desired)
1-3 drops of dōTERRA Peppermint Oil
1-3 drops of dōTERRA Wild Sweet Orange Oil
1-3 drops of dōTERRA Grapefruit Oil

Other variations I make also include adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, and or sprinkle of turmeric. You can also add between 1-3 tsp's of Apple cider vinegar.

Ultimate Hot Drink

Juice of half a lemon
Juice of half a lime
Touch of honey (if desired)
1-3 drops of dōTERRA Peppermint Oil
1-3 drops of dōTERRA Wild Sweet Orange Oil
1-3 drops of dōTERRA Grapefruit Oil
1-3 tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar
1-3 shakes of Cinnamon powder
1-3 shakes of Turmeric Powder

But you should experiment and have fun with it. I love the fresh cooling sensation of sipping the peppermint infused water no matter what else accompanies it. So play have fun and drop a note with what your favourite ends up being.

I will continue to post new recipes from time to time as I experiment with Sessential oils. And I collect mine and favourites from around the web you can find them shared here in a OneNote notebook, there are subsections for Juices, Smoothies, Gluten Free Options and Other. I also have another notebook for my essential oils research and notes.

Trading Worlds - Barry Lyga - A Short Story

Trading Worlds: 
A Short Story
Barry Lyga
ASIN B07581F8BB

Wow! What a powerful short story. But first some back story. This year Barry Lyga is releasing a new short story each month. He is doing it with a purpose in mind, defending free speech; for he is donating the proceeds of the sales of the short stories to the ACLU. You can read about why he is doing this on his site. Trading Worlds is the 9th installment in the series. This story was previous published in a literary magazine. Lyga in the introduction to this story states: 

“So, sixteen years ago this month…  

Well, I don’t have to tell you. 9/11. There. This story is an old one. And it’s been published before, but most of you probably haven’t seen it. In the Fall of 2003 — three years before I published my first novel — “Trading Worlds” appeared in Glimmer Train, a well-respected literary journal run by sisters Susan Burmeister-Brown and Linda B. Swanson-Davies. I had dreamed of being published in Glimmer Train ever since reading my first copy a few years earlier, but despite my best efforts, none of my stories had ever landed there.”

Well, we know this story was picked up and published by them. It was one of a very small number of Lyga’s published prose that I had not read. And to be honest it is an incredible piece of writing. The only thing I can recall reading by Lyga that was so moving and visceral is Boy Toy, but that is for completely different reasons. 

As will all offerings in this series after the short story is a short piece by Lyga talking about the piece. In this one he quotes part of the note about this story in the original publication he says:

“A week before I turned thirty, my best friend told me to stop fretting about getting older:  

“It’s not the end of the world.”  

It sure felt like it. 

I turned thirty the day the Towers fell, and I feel almost guilty for being aware of that, as if the fact that my fortieth birthday will be the tenth anniversary of the attacks is somehow my fault, and recognizing it makes me not only shallow, but also complicit in the deaths. Catholic/Jewish guilt is a powerful force.”

Lyga wrote this piece as part of his way of processing the events of 9/11. And I believe it will touch anyone who reads it. It is the first book in this series that he addresses the cover. About the cover artist Barry states: 

“Fortunately, my good friend Jeff Dillon is a terrific artist, and he offered to produce something to accompany my Glimmer Train piece. Jeff put together a very powerful collage using images from September 11 and his own artwork. Now, years later, I asked him if I could re-use that art for the cover to this ebook, and he responded by creating a whole new cover for me!”

This is an incredible short story. There is a short story by J.F. Powers called The Warm Sand, that story haunted me for over a decade and has stuck with me for over 30 years. I have a feeling this one will have the same lingering impact. I have already read it twice and know I will keep rereading it for a long time. For fans of Barry Lyga’s work, and fans of short stories are receiving 12 new short stories from His masterful pen are a blessing this year, even if his reason for realing them is a cause for concern. It started in the fall of 2016 after the US General Election, the next day Barry asked himself what he could do, and he decided to use his words. For as an author words are his craft. And freedom of speech is core to him being able to write about what he wants to write about. He decided to publish a short story each month this year and to donate the proceeds to the ACLU. You can read about why he is doing this on his site. 

But be warned each story is only available for a month so you need to get it while you can. 

Books by Barry Lyga:

I Hunt Killers:
I Hunt Killers (2012)
Game - I Hunt Killers #2 (2013)
Blood of My Blood - I Hunt Killers # 3 (2014)

I Hunt Killers Short Stories:
Down Time (2018)
Lucky Day (2014)
Career Day (2012)
Neutral Mask (2013)
Blood Boy (2014)

Brookdale High:
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl (2006)
Boy Toy (2007)
Hero Type (2008)
Goth Girl Rising (2009)
Bang (2017)

Archvillian:
Archvillain #1 (2010)
The Mad Mask - Archvillian #2 (2011)
Yesterday Again - Archvillian #3 (2013)

The Flash Series:
Hocus Pocus (2017)
Johnny Quick (2018)
Tornado Twins (2018)

Other Books By Barry Lyga:
Graphic Novels in Your Media Center: A definitive Guide (with Alison A.W. Lyga - 2004)
Wolverine: Worst Day Ever (2009)
MangaMan (with Colleen Dorren 2011)
Unsoul'd (2013)
After The Red Rain (2015)
The Secret Sea (2016)
Thanos Titan Consumed (2018)
The Hive (2019)

...

Short Story Project 2017
The Ghosts at 95
Loving The University
The Ideas of March
Four Minutes
Pulse vs. the Killing Fiend
Her Decade
The Life Cycle of Stars (Ignition)
Bobby
Trading Worlds
When I Die
The Autopsying of Michael Edward Morgan
Meet Me Tonight
...

Contributed to:
Geektastic (2009)
Who Done It? (2013)

Author Profile and Interview with Barry Lyga
Author Profile and Interview with Randall Banner