Famous Family Nights by Anne Bradshaw

Famous Family Nights, by Anne Bradshaw, is one of the best books I've ever read on Family Home Evenings. It's an excellent book for parents of all ages! I laughed, I cried, I read several entries over and over and out loud to my hubby. The stories within its pages are so much fun to read. Amazingly, many parents felt their family home evenings were disastrous, which reminded me of some rather catastrophic Family Home Evenings we had in our own home, as well! You'll find stories about measuring lint in belly buttons and stylishly modeling newly-washed clothes over . . . whatever. Many of the stories touched on eternal issues, listening to the inspiration of the Holy Ghost and learning to stretch beyond what is expected. Others point out simplicity and directness and honor in following the Family Home Evening pathway. The entire book is a profound statement of love and devotion to family. Famous Family Nights is a great reminder to parents everywhere that the Lord never expected us to get it perfect, He just expected us to do it! The blessings far outweigh the challenges is one of the many themes that run through these beautiful stories. Anne Bradshaw, Famous Family Nights is one book I will read many times over. Thank you so much for your faith and fortitude in bringing such inspirational stories to the world!

Far World: Water Keep, by J. Scott Savage

Far World: Water Keep is one of the best books for middle-grade readers and early teens around. I was particularly impressed with the message in the book, "Keep going, no matter what the obstacles." This is one book parents can let their teens and pre-teens read (and read to their older children) with no worries. It's gripping, won't let you out until the very last word, and makes you almost desperate for the sequel. I loaned my copy to my eleven-year-old grandson because of its high standard, fast-paced action and engaging tale. J. Scott Savage has triumphed over all his past novels with Far World: Water Keep.

It's time

It only takes a few seconds to decide it's time. It's time to change. It's time to commit. It's time to improve. It's time to take a desired path. But, life isn't about deciding, it's about doing. All the decision-making in the world will not improve upon the process of action. Like New Year Resolutions that we agonize over making, if we don't act upon resolution, it won't get done. My life has been all about decisions lately, and very little about "doing." For me, it's time to do something more than merely make a decision and say it's time. It's time to do. I hope you will hang out with me as I struggle beyond my own failings and plunge myself into the reality of action. My father once taught me "Sorry is an action word." Erroneously, I thought he meant it was a verb and, grammarian that I had become at fifteen (ha!), I knew he was wrong. As I've dwelt on the deeper meaning behind his statement, I've realized that action is spurred on by feelings of regret. I didn't do something I should have done (or I did something erroneously) . . . I felt sorry . . . I sought change . . . I change . . . I do! That's what Dad meant: sorrow for past actions means nothing without future action upon past behaviors. Deep thinking. Rare for me. Now, onward!
Over the next few months, I hope to post my thoughts on books I've read, books I'm writing, memories of special value to me, encouragement I've received, discouragement I've overcome, a few musings I may have over contemporary and earlier issues. Join me as I ramble along with Miller's Musings . . . .

Snowbirds

Hubby and I will be taking our fifth-wheel trailer along the Pacific Coast during the Holiday Season. Although we're not truly "snowbirds" this year, perhaps next. What will it be like, spending Christmas in a place other than "home" . . . ? Is this really the lifestyle for us, or will this change bring with it too many headaches? What's your spin on snowbirding?

Please, no zits! by Anne Bradshaw

As always, Anne Bradshaw delights me with her latest title, Please, no zits! Each story within the book's pages is enchanting and inspiring. This is one book every teenager should read. It teaches profound lessons on life in a compelling way, leaving the reader in tears. The settings she uses in Great Britain are well-written. One can actually see the landscape and feel the internal musings of the characters involved. Bravo! Anne, with your finely honed writing skills, this book may be one small step for you . . . but, it is one giant leap for youth!


Sherry Ann Miller