The Forgotten Warrior

I recently read The Forgotten Warrior by Kathi Oram Peterson.

There are a few things I look for when reviewing a book. First, is it well written? By the third page I stopped looking for passive verbs etc. as I was already pulled into the story and willing to go wherever Kathi Oram Peterson wanted to take me. It is true that a picture paints a thousand words, but a few well chosen words can also paint a beautiful picture.

Consider these examples from the book:

“Do you talk to everyone like this?’ I asked.
“Like what?”
“Frisk them verbally about who they’re going to see and find out all their family secrets.”

“What’s happening?” Panic skittered over my skin like a spider seeking cover.

Both of those sentences paint a very clear picture of what the author wants me to see.

The last thing that I always check when reading a book by a female author is did she get the male characters right, i.e. do the men in the book act the way I would expect a man to act? Kathi Oram Peterson was spot on.

The book was an entertaining romp through Book of Mormon times with a modern day character. Sydney Morgan, a black belt in karate, finds herself amongst the 2,000 strippling warriors. They were not raised as warriors; hence the need for someone with Syd’s fighting skills to help them along. The reader is treated to a believable version of the emotions probably felt by Captain Helaman and his forces.

I enjoyed how Syd tried to explain to Captain Helaman that as a prophet of God he should know that her story is true. To which he responds that it is difficult for him to be as close to the Spirit when he is in the midst of conflict. Notwithstanding, he knows that he can turn to the Lord for guidance and encourages his little band of warrior/children to put their trust and faith in the Lord when things are most difficult.

One minor nit, I would’ve liked a little more resolution to some of the major conflicts at the end of book one. A sequel clearly needs to be written to resolve the loose threads. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the tale and am looking forward to the follow up book.

Matthew 10:36 - Why can't I get my kids to do their homework?

36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

(New Testament | Matthew 10:36)

Not that there is anyone in my house that is trying to kill me or anything, but most of my battles do seem to be fought inside my own home. It is sometimes a struggle to get kids to act in their own best interest, i.e. getting them to do their homework, cleaning their rooms, doing the dishes, etc.

How do I create a home where love abounds and peace reigns? For me personally I notice a stark contrast between those times when we diligently read the Book of Mormon together and have family prayers, and those times when for whatever reason we let it slip.

As I personally put the Lord first in my life and try to do those things that will bring me closer to him, I find peace in my life. When I try to share that peace with those in my own home, we are all blessed because of it.

What's your thoughts on the subject? How do you find or make peace in your home?

Jacob's Bar Mitzvah

On Saturday, January 24, 2009, I was blessed to watch my nephew, Jacob Levine, become a Bar Mitzvah בר מצוה. I had always thought that a Bar Mitzvah was a celebration for a 13 year old Jewish boy. However, the term Bar Mitzvah does not describe the event, it describes the person. Jacob became a Bar Mitzvah, he didn’t have a Bar Mitzvah. The term means “one to whom the commandments apply.”

Rabbi Morley T. Feinstein led the ceremony and Cantor Jay I. Frailich sang beautifully from their prayer book. However, the star of the show was definitely Jacob. He read and sang from the Torah and prayer book in Hebrew. He delivered the Haftarah, הפטרה which is a series of selections of the books of Prophets from the Hebrew bible.

He offered a heartfelt and inspiring prayer thanking God for the blessings he has received in his life.

After the Bar Mitzvah we went to a local restaurant that had been rented for the evening to celebrate this milestone in Jacob’s life. It was nice getting caught up with family members from my wife’s side of the family. Jacob’s father, my brother-in-law is a talent agent. Several actors were in attendance. The highlight of the evening was when Jacob played the bass guitar with his band mates. I don’t know what their first names are but they are the sons of Jane Seymour. She was very pleasant and cordial in person and happily videotaped the band as a dutiful mother while they played.

Adam and Naomi, thank you for inviting us to be a part of Jacob’s special day. It was the first Bar Mitzvah that I have ever attended and I feel privileged to have been there.

Contest Time

Anne Bradshaw, over at Not Entirely British is running a contest to win the CD set of The Arthurian Omen:

A Celtic scholar is murdered when she finds a clue to a priceless fifth-century manuscript that could prove the identity of King Arthur. Determined to find the ancient relic and avenge her sister's death, Maren Southcott begins a quest that immediately puts her own life in danger.

In the tradition of Mary Higgins Clark, The Arthurian Omen weaves a tale of mystery and suspense as pursuit of the manuscript winds through the medieval castles and monasteries of Wales. Stalked by a psychopath with delusions of a Welsh revolution, Maren is shaken to the core when a new crisis threatens to destroy the one person she loves most. Can she find the manuscript before the murderer strikes again? Or is the manuscript — and the legend — better left buried in the past?

Please go to Anne's blog to learn more.

Contributing writer for Examiner.com

I am now a contributing writer for Examiner.com My articles can be found here.

I will write a few articles a week on dogs and I'll try to tie in a Phoenix flavor to most of them. Please go to the site and let me know what you think.

Thanks

Dan

Matthew 8:19-20 - Priorities

19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

(New Testament | Matthew 8:19 - 20)

I love these short and simple verses. Jesus, He who created the world, lived very humbly in it. It’s not difficult to find Ebenezer Scrooges (pre-conversion) all around. The media fawns over the rich and famous and tells us that we should idolize great wealth. Yet, He who placed the riches into the earth, never went searching after them.
I’ve heard certain televangelists boast of their great wealth as they preach the gospel of greed. We need to remember, I need to remember, that Jesus was not concerned about wealth, prestige, or fame. He lived a humble life, frequently dependent on others for His temporal welfare. He sought to do His Father’s will and not His own.

Updated photo of the family

This picture was taken at Thanksgiving.