Book Review: Trauma Plan

via

Sidelined by injuries from a vicious assault, chaplain Riley Hale is determined to return to her former duties as an ER nurse. But how can she show she’s competent when the hospital won’t let her attempt even simple tasks? Determined to prove herself, Riley volunteers at a controversial urban free clinic despite her fears about the maverick doctor in charge.

Dr. Jack Travis defends his clinic like he’s commander of the Alamo. He’ll fight the community’s efforts to shut its doors, even if he must use Riley Hale’s influential family name to make it happen.

As Riley strives to regain her skills, Jack finds that she shares his compassion—and stirs his lonely heart. Riley senses that beneath Jack’s rough exterior is a man she can believe in. But when clinic protests escalate and questions surface about his past, Jack goes into battle mode and Riley wonders if it’s dangerous to trust him with her heart.

***

The evidence of a good book is generally in how quickly one feels compelled to read it. The quicker the better - even though it is bitter sweet to reach the end, you still can't wait to get there.

The blurb sounds really interesting/intriguing, huh? Trust me, when you actually pick this novel up, you won't be disappointed. Candace is an amazing author who knows exactly how to draw in her readers. I think that the development of Jack Travis and Riley Hale was brilliant. Great characters often have troubling pasts and Jack's past surely fits that script. I felt as though his past and story brought me in and kept me reading until the last word of the book. Of course, all of the other major and minor characters personality's shined as well. Especially Bandy Biggs's character. (if you have read this book: Didn't you just love the character Bandy Biggs?)

This is the first medical drama I have read. I half expected a medical scene played out, a little something like this, "Scalpel. Scalpel. Retractor. Retractor. Surgical stapler. Surgical stapler." or maybe a load of medical jargon that forced me to look up terms in a medical dictionary. I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to read through this novel and thoroughly enjoy the plot without any unnecessary interruptions.

My favorite books are the one that tug at your heart. The ones that make you silently lift up a prayer for struggling and heartbroken characters (even though you know that they aren't real). I found myself moved by Riley's faith, her constant struggle with disability and her  finally learning to trust God and His will for her life. Jack's life story is nothing short of one trial and tribulation after another. When he accepts Christ, his character changes from a bitter, anger management issue plagued person to one who really wants God in His life. Jack learns that God's plans are not a coincidence.

This is the first book I have read by Candace Calvert and I hope it wont be my last. Her writing here emanates good use of imagery. It was peppered with humor and plenty of laughable moments. It was a page turner, plain and simple! I'd rate this book my 5 star seal of approval:)

You can purchase this book at Amazon.

Counting My Blessings

He will love you, bless you, and multiply you. 

Deuteronomy 7:13

Have you ever been to a craft fair? Well, neither had I until my mother and I signed up for one on May 12. As many of you know, I have an Etsy shop and we were going to sell some of the items in my shop. Mom and I thought, "What better way to add to sales that to attend a fair." What fun! We set up our table (one school lunch table!) and the customers came pouring in. Little girls squealed when they saw the cute little things we had displayed at our table and marveled at the bright colors. I am a people person and getting to mix and mingle with other people was a blast. 

After baking in the sun, we went to a dear friend of mine's birthday. We went indoor ice skating. Remember the post I wrote here on ice skating? I didnt' know that indoor rinks existed. A plus to this ice skating trip was that I only fell once. I am embarrassed to say that I didn't even fall on the ice. I was skating "super fast", tripped and fell inside of the resting places. :|

there were arcade games too. 

Mom and I have been spending a lot of time together in the kitchen. We have been trying out new recipes and they have all come out pretty good, if you ask me:) We made a beef salad, loaded with healthy veggies.

It was a wonderful mother's day. I don't now how I didn't snap any pictures of me mom, but all in all we had fun. I truly am thankful for the time we get to spend together. I thank God that He blessed me with a great mom.

We also visited a sweet sister in the hospital. Visiting her brings a smile to my face every time.

What a week! How was your week?

Unique Us

via

I am unique. Yes, my friend, you too are unique. We are made in the image and likeness of God himself. 

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and 

female he created them.

Genesis 1:27

We are not cookie cutter perfect. We are not an assembly-line product. We are all special! God took His time forming you. Think of it: In the whole world, in all of recorded history, there is no one quite like you. Your eyes, your nose, your hair, are all specially tailored to you. You are one of a kind. 

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;"

Jeremiah 1:5a

What a blessing it is to know that I am special to God. He formed me and then set me apart for His purpose. He knew me and loved me, even though He was aware that I would fail Him. What a relief it is to know that because He carefully created me, I don't have to pretend to be someone who I am not. I don't have to act, put on a front, or hide my personality. And neither do you. You don't have to be afraid to show the world who you are. Let the light of Jesus shine in you. 

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds 

and 

praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

God's plans for you are unique, too. He has beautiful story written for your life and for my life.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you 

and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Sometimes, we may face trails and tribulations, but even those are unique. God knows our strenths and weakness.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let 

you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,

 he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

And lastly, your gifts are special.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Don't be afraid to use your gifts. God gave them to you for a specific reason. He wants you to use those gifts to bless others and glorify His name.

You are unique. I am unique. We are all unique. Be yourself, because everyone else is taken.

Quick Thought: Paul + Mark and Bitterness

via

Bitterness in the bible is similar to poison and causes us to be defiled before God. (Hebrews 12:15) Bitterness is an underlying problem that doesn't always manifest on the outside, but dwells in that person's system. 

Paul is an amazing example to someone who did not hold any roots of bitterness when he was betrayed and harmed. Do you remember the story of Paul, Barnabas and John (Mark)?

Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark,with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 

Acts 15:36-38

Here we read how John (Mark) deserted Paul and Barnabas in an earlier occasion. He cowered away and didn't help finish the work in which he was sent out to do. Honestly, if someone deserted you in the heat of a dangerous and life threatening situation, wouldn't you feel a bit bothered? I'm pretty sure we all would. But... here is the beautiful thing.

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)

Colossians 4:10

Paul tells the other churches to welcome Mark if he were to come to them. Paul could have held on to resentment and commanded that the church close it's doors to Mark and show him no hospitality, but that wasn't the case.

I want Paul and Mark's situation to be an example to me. When someone offends me, I want to be able to forgive them and not to allow roots of bitterness to take root in my heart. Will you do the same? Don't let roots of bitterness to take root in your heart, grow and prosper, producing a harvest of sin.