Espresso for Your Spirit, Pam Vredevelt

When I first ordered this book, I was excited to read it. It sounded intriguing. When I received it and started reading, I was disappointed. It seemed very hard to get into and just wasn't interesting at all. I only kept reading it as I was obligated to write a review after reading it. So, I sat down and started reading some more. The further along I got in it, the book got somewhat more interesting.

Pam Vredevelt has written an inspirational book geared towards parents who are tired out and needs some "espresso" in print form. She has shared stories that will make you laugh, some will make you cry, and yet others will allow you to marvel at God's faithfulness and provision. She shares some of her struggle with having a child with Down Syndrome, ways God has used the precious little boy in the life of her family, and other miracles that God has done in her life and others. 

While it has been an interesting read, it is not a book I am overly excited about. Somewhat inspiring, yes, but something about it just made it hard for me to read. It's not the kind of book that "sucks you in". I did enjoy a lot of the stories and humor, but I don't think it's a book I will read again.

I received this for free from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for a review. I am not obligated to write a positive review. 


This book can be found here if you are interested in purchasing.

Thankful in ALL Things

While reading my Bible yesterday afternoon, I came across this verse:  "Giving thanks for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20 I was reminded that we are to give thanks for EVERYTHING, not just the good things. While we are busy being thankful for everything, it leaves no room for self-pity and complaining. While not everything may be desirable, we can learn to be thankful for it anyway, we don't see the whole picture and do not know what God is going to do through that situation. God's ways are not our ways, but they are always best.

God has helped me be thankful for some not-so-pleasant things such as sleepless nights, leaky diapers, interruptions from children when I am busy, fingerprints all over my windows, and the list goes on. How can I be thankful for them? Because I know some women who would do anything to have those moments, their babies being taken from them too soon. I am thankful for each moment God lets me have with my children, I never know when it will be the last. I can be thankful about my miscarriage because even though I am saddened by it, God is using a dark time to bring me even closer to Him.

I am thankful for little things as well--the beautiful fall-ish weather we are having (AZ has the perfect fall weather!), kisses from a cute little girl with a runny nose, a little boy telling me thank you for breakfast voluntarily, snuggling with my husband and watching a movie together while we eat ice cream.

I have to say, God has really blessed me, and for that, I am thankful!
What are you thankful for today?

Book Review

While I have no children with Down’s Syndrome, I have interacted with them. They are a delight. After reading A GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT by Amy Julia Becker, I became more aware of the struggles of a parent who has a child with Down’s Syndrome.

Amy tells of her disappointment and surprise as she first learned of Penny’s extra chromosome. She tells of her struggles and fears as she learns to deal with the fact. Gleaning strength from God, she accepts this and finds joy in watching her daughter develop and grow.

This book is inspiring. In a world where doctors give parents the option to abort children that possibly have Down’s Syndrome, this would not have been an option for Amy even if she had known. Amy and her husband chose to love the gift that God gave them. They made the decision to trust Him with future children, even if they too would have Down's Syndrome.

A book easy to read, I would recommend this book to anyone. This story was an encouragement to me and I know will be an encouragement to others. It is another testimony of God’s faithfulness as we trust in Him even during difficult situations.

*I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review. I am not required to leave a positive review.*

Purchase here