Counting the Days While My Mind Slips Away by Ben Utecht

Such a good story. I will admit I have put off reading this book because I was afraid it would bring up too many sad memories of my own. However, even if it is emotional, it is an excellent book.

Ben Utecht was a football player for most of his life. He started out throwing the football in the backyard with his dad and then went on to have a career in the NFL. During this time he suffered several serious concussions. This books talks about the decisions he made, with the team staff, after each injury. These concussions have left him with traumatic brain injury and he is losing memories. 

This book was written as a love letter to his family. I would say he shared his memories but most of the memories had to be told to him by family and friends. He talked about the difference in addressing concussions as to when a person injured his knee, at least in the past. With the knee the can take MRIs or Xrays to see how the person is progress but for head injuries. All the prayers are put under great pressure to play through concussions or risk losing their position on the team. Players relied on pain medication to get through many of the games. All this did was mask the pain while the players made the injuries worse by competing. 

I love how Utecht would rely on his faith each day to help him make decisions and to guide him along his path. When he wrote and recorded a video of his song to his girls God told him to wait to publish it. When he did it was presented to a welcoming world where they could see another side of what he is facing.

I cannot begin to talk enough about this book. It is inspirational. I MOST HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

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Jun 22, 2016Doreen rated it it was amazing

Utecht’s faith shines in this book. He is very honest and humble in retelling his story. He includes his shortcomings. His mom reminds him often that if he trusts God he won’t have anything to worry about. That is the crucial issue for Ben and for us. Will we trust God when things are bleak? When He doesn’t heal? When we don’t get the job or position we’re hoping for? Knowing that He is in control, especially when times are hard, can give so much hope and peace if we will trust Him.

I would highly recommend this book. It is a poignant memoir as well as a warning gong about the dangers of concussions and brain injuries. Thank you to Howard Books and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-copy of this book for the purpose of this review. I was not required to make it positive. All opinions are my own.

In the Shadow of His Wings

 

I am always looking for a devotional book that includes insights in nature. This book meets my expectations and then some. Roslynn Long combined photographs of a variety of birds and then placed her beautiful and uplifting words to make a complete devotion. Each picture was taken with such care to show each bird in their beauty. All in all this is a book that can help each of us to look at the creations of God in a glorious new way.

I was given this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Blue Zones American Kitchen

 

I received a sample of this book to review. From what I saw, it looked like I had some of the recipes from the first section,   "Indigenous, Native and Early American." The recipes and the pictures were wonder and the steps for the unusual foods were easy to follow. I look forward to the official release so that I may purchase this book and try some of the other recipes from this book.

I recommend this book with anyone with a curiosity for new, to you, recipes.

I received this sampler from NetGalley and National Geographic in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Heroes of Havensong:Dragonboy

 

This series "Heroes of Havensong" has a grand introduction in "Dragonboy.' This books brings four unlikely friends together to help save a world that some have grown up with. It is filled with adventure and friendship. The four main characters were so well written that I would catch myself cheering for them and encouraging them through all the trials they faced.

This is a terrific book.

I highly recommend it.

I was given this book by Random House Children Books and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Nowhere Better than Here

 

Nowhere Better Than Here by Sarah Guillory is a book written for middle grade students. It    is set in Louisiana and touches on flooding and climate change. 

All the characters were well-rounded and the reading was enjoyable and touching.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

One Word For Today

 

What a wonderful devotional book. This book gives one word as the heading, then there is a verse to think upon. The short reading is easy to fit into any busy day and it filled my heart with God's love. 

Along with each of these there is a question, a prayer and a step for action.

I could see this as an individual, family or small group devotion. It could open the door for sharing thoughts.

I loved this devotional and would recommend it to everyone.

I received this book from Chosen in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, 

Prepare Him Room by Susie Larson

 

This book is an Advent Devotional which spoke to my heart. While I was reading this book I felt the Spirit of God in my heart moving me. 

I look forward to sharing this book with my family this Advent,

I was given this book by Baker Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.