Her life as a young child can be described as, one horror after another.  Her definition of family was redefined by her experiences.  She considers one certain foster family to be her parents and that would be Barb and Dave.  Jessica considers their children Tony and Alyssa her brother and sister. 

        They were a foster family that had the care of Jessica within their family for one blissful year.  They accepted her as their own until the foster care system decided to end her stay there.  The tragedy is that she doesn’t know their last name or, what city in Indiana that they lived in.  To top it off…the system will not allow her to try to trace them or contact them.   It would be an amazing miracle to find them after all of these years.  Her heart aches to reconnect with them and to tell them of their impact on her life.  They gave her gifts that they may not realize that they bestowed upon the young girl who had never known unselfish love and acceptance.   How different would her life have been had she been allowed to put down roots in this family and grown to flourish and flower?

      There has been a long history of betrayal in Jessica’s life…through foster care and in her personal romantic relationships.   It is hard to trust when a childhood is filled with betrayal and abuse; so that makes it especially evil to have others in your life, as an adult, treat you with violence, abuse, neglect or betrayal.   Jessica developed a life long love of reading, horses and empowerment.  These are tools she employed to survive the torture that she endured.

       She has learned how to survive and how to overcome.  As a mother of two boys she has passed on her commitment to living a life of purpose.   She has documented her journey in The Road To Me.   As she says, her life isn’t pretty…but, it is real.  I like the fact that Jessica has strengthened her relationship to God.   She is still here on Earth because God ordained it.  She has resolved that she was allowed to go through so many soul wrenching situations so that she could be a voice for children and for individuals who suffer and come through stronger, because she knows what they are going through.  She also knows that it shouldn’t and doesn’t have to be that way!

        Jessica has developed what she calls her Definitive Voice.  In fact, she uses her voice to call attention to organizations and non- profits that change peoples lives for good.   She is a strong voice for things such as Live Strong the organization that Lance Armstrong started to create an awareness about cancer and it’s touch on the lives that it affects.  She is a strong supporter of CASA , advocates for children in foster care…this is one of her biggest legacies…as a champion for children.  In fact, she also  a strong advocate for Children’s Rights.   Another recipient of her support is The Lampion Center in Evansville, IN . 

        The human spirit is an amazing thing.  It has an powerful ability to heal & survive when all odds seem stacked against it’s very existance.   All it needs is a kernel of real love, real affection, real hope, real peace to begin rebuilding what forces of destruction have tried to tear down.  Those very things that have come against it to destroy, only serve to strengthen the wings of that person’s soul.  To reclaim joy and direction; the human spirit needs a purpose in life to be effective in connecting to others to make the most out of the short time that the human spirit has here on earth.   I believe that Jessica Angelique has found the path that God would have her on and I believe that he will reward her efforts to be obedient to her calling.  

        Jessica’s book, The Road To Me can be purchased on http://www.amazon.com . 

       Many people did stop and listen because Mattie’s personality and the way that he delivered that message of hope, love, and peace was such that he was very engaging.  I remember seeing him on talk shows and news programs and being very impressed by him.  He was a gifted writer and a deep thinker.  He knew, communicated and worked alongside of celebrities like Oprah, presidents like Jimmy Carter, media personalities like Chris Cuomo, or musicians like Christopher Cross, actors like Sean Austin from the Harry Potter movies, champions like firefighters and advocates, like Jerry Lewis, for those suffering with muscular dystrophy and everyday people; to share his message of peace and hope.  I am grateful for and respectful of his sacrifices while delivering the message he bore in his heart.  That is commitment.

        He suffered much in his physical affliction.  He suffered much emotionally at the loss of his siblings.  He was loved and guided by a mother named Jeni who not only raised her child to be so special but also recognized that he had something to accomplish in the short time that he was given to live here on Earth.  I think that she is pretty inspirational too.   She lost all four of her children to this disease and she lives with it herself.  She has not let it stop her from living her best life or from continuing to spread the message that God put on Mattie’s heart while he lived.  Surely God will bless her for continuing to be faithful in her love for him inspite of all of the challenges that her family has faced.

     Mattie Stepanek was a young man with an amazing personality and wisdom far beyond his 13 years.  He lived his best life to the fullest by fulfilling his purpose to the best of his ability.  I think you will be blessed by this behind the scene’s story of Mattie’s life and mission.  You will be blessed by reading any of Mattie’s writings, his series of books called Heartsongs.   I dare you to read them and not be changed in some positive kind of way!

     If you want to learn more or are interested in one of his books you can go to the site that was set up for Mattie before his death here:  http://www.mattieonline.com/ .

        Instead, Jason brings his own perspective about how living a life in pursuit of a close learning relationship with God, through his son Jesus, will allow all who accept him and strive to live by God’s principals to be admitted to heaven.  God says that no sin will enter into heaven; and trust me, no one is going to want to be left here on Earth once Jesus has come back for the saints; because, Satan will be unleashed to wreak havoc on those who have not commited their lives to God before hand.

         Jason felt God delivered the title of the book to him and that he planted the need to write this book because Armageddon is coming soon and God wishes that none miss their opportunity to avoid the trials and tribulations that are to come for those who are not ready when he returns for those who have prepared their hearts and minds, before that takes place.   It is going to be hell on earth after Jesus returns and takes his saints away.   The book of Revelations describes in great detail what will happen and how it will happen.  Jason’s book strives to point out the wisdom in heeding the warnings in the book of Revelations by learning the lessons that God wanted the churches and the individuals in the Bible to understand.  Grow and seek his guidance and approval in all things so that all who read it may draw closer to him and be saved!

        Jason does not claim to be a pastor or a theologian; but he writes the book with a sincere heart.  He felt compelled to write the book to share with as many people as possible.  He does a very fine job of breaking down some very difficult to understand Biblical text that many people avoid reading because they say they can’t understand it.  This book would be a great way to witness to those who are on the fence with making a commitment to God and the calling that he has on their lives to live according to his purpose.

        Thank you Jason for being obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit by writing, In Case Of Armageddon, Break Glass.   The book was copyrighted in 2009 and it can be purchased on Amazon.com. 

       It seemed that no matter what Ruth’s mother, Miriam/Mim, attempted to do; she did it poorly when it was compared to the expectations of other women her age.  Miriam wanted and needed more out of life than to be “just” a wife and mother.  She wanted and needed to have a job or career where she felt like she was contributing to society as a person.  Not just becoming a servant to a husband or children. 

       Mim was brow beaten emotionally by trying to live up to her parents expectations for her life; what did they want or expect for her?  They wanted her to meet and marry a nice man who would support her.  She was told that she was not beautiful and therefore would have a hard time finding someone who would take her on.  She was educated and she was gifted but those were not qualities that were valued in large measure by her parents.  So she married and had a child and the marriage did not work.

      Mim married again and had another child…but again, trying to fit her soul into the expected norm of a homemaker was slowly killing her and making her emotionally ill.  Her attempts at entertaining or fulfilling the role of a Brownie leader for her daughter Ruth’s troop were disastrous.   Her mother could not cook…but would often mix up strange concoctions that actually could and did make people ill (including the wedding party for her son which she turned into a fundraiser).  

        Mim became a very unhappy woman because she was unfulfilled.  Was she always manic-depressive or was her illness brought on by her dissatisfaction with her lot in life as a married woman.  She began teaching her daughter to understand that she did not need to get married; that she not only was within her rights to get a job as an adult, but that it was the only way to fulfill her self worth.  She taught her daughter to be independent and somewhat defiant. 

        Which is why she had a hard time helping her daughter plan her wedding…she just didn’t believe in it or want it for her daughter; in fact, she actively tried to dissuade her from geting married.  When her daughter announced that she was going to write a book, her mother Mim was outraged that they had sent her away to study only to write a “cook book”. 

         Ruth swore she would never be like her mother who she found embarassing and bitter.  After her mother passed, Ruth went through her mother’s personal letters and documents.  She discovered a woman who was doing her best to teach her daughter to not follow the advice of others like she herself felt compelled to do.  She taught her to think and choose for herself.   Mim was a woman who was living her life through the expectations of her parents and others.  She did not even gain a moments joy in living until she grieved the loss of her husband and then discovered with him gone and her parents gone…she was “free” to choose to live the way she wished.

        In her heart, she felt she wasted her life by not doing what she wanted to do by becoming a physician.  That had been her dream; instead she went and got a degree in music and then got married because it was expected of her. 

         As an adult, Ruth came to realize through her mother’s writings; a woman who forfeited her life for others.  She had compassion on her mother who had a difficult and unhappy life.  She gained a new respect for who her mother was and appreciated her mothers subtle attempts to raise her to ask questions, to stand her ground and go her own way.

         This book is a good read for anyone who struggles living with a loved one who is trapped in the illness that is bi-polarism or what used to be called manic-depression.  It is good for mothers and daughters as they read and understand the need to openly communicate and accept the freedom of choices in how each other lives.  I recommend this book. 

           Not Becoming My Mother, was published in 2009 by Thorndike Press.  The author is Ruth Reichl and she is the editor in chief of Gourmet magazine.  She is also the published author of  Tender At The Bone & Comfort Me With Apples.

          Nora Murphy talks about women who create clothing for their loved ones and how items are crafted through relationships up and downs, events, difficult circumstances and how homemade clothing makes us feel connected to others.

          We learn alot about the process of string, yarn making from its humble beginnings as raw fiber into the finished product that you see lining the shelves of the local yarn/craft shop.  There is much reference to traditions and cultures and how those very things bind women together over the past, the present and into the future.  It was an interesting read. 

           The book was published by New World Library in 2009. 

         Michael’s focus is amazing with regards to setting swimming goals and attaining them.  In the book Michael talks about the support systems that help him to keep that focus.  His relationship with family members is strong.  His relationship with his coach Bob Bowman is a wonderful blend of push, shove and encouragement.  It is a good combination.

            I would recommend this book for anyone trying to achieve a goal in life.  It stresses the sacrifice and the rewards.  Some personal challenges are also discussed on being a role model for others…Michael made mistakes in his personal choices and they are addressed as well as the consequences following those choices.  The book was published in 2008 and was co-written by Sports Illustrated staff writer, Brian Cazeneuve.  It was published by, Sports Publishing, LLC.  The book is available on:  http://www.amazon.com/ .  

          Even though they were raised in the same home by the same parents….they couldnt have traveled more divergent pathways.  His life has been focused on making money.  Her life has been focused on a spiritual path.  At times, their life lessons have crossed paths…yet, their personal and professional lives have had some commonalities in them.  There are belief systems that seem at odds with one another but if looked at with a critical eye….they both have deep meaning and value.

     Emi Kiyosaki is Robert’s sister.  She is a nun who spent her life on her spiritual growth.  She never gave much thought to money until her health suffered a big blow.  Robert and his wife Kim took the time to educate Emi on some financial wisdom that Emi now uses in her work on a spiritual level.  Both Robert and Emi have learned to both grow and adapt in areas of their lives where they have a big impact on the lives of others.

           Read the book if you are interested in learning how these two special individuals have learned to balance their spiritual belief systems, their approach to money management and the fine art of learning how to live in a place of satisfying happiness…irregardless of circumstances.   Discover how your own value systems may be catapulting you over the bar of success or holding you back from your goals and accomplishments.  We all have purpose in life and using the gifts, talents and education we have been allowed to experience is an important part of serving that purpose; that allows a person to feel contentment and peace in life.

This book was published in 2009 by Vanguard Books    Learn more about Rich Brother Rich Sister at:  http://www.richdad.com

      Most of the slaves who are caught up in the world of prostitution have been bought and sold many times over…sometimes, in more than one country.  There are coerced with violence, and depravation and threats against their loved ones.  Many of them are runaways, some of them have been kidnapped off of the streets.  Some of them have been tricked into giving up their passports/visas; they often have no way home.

       It is a life of misery…some of them have been drugged and beaten.  Once addictions and abuse have been heaped upon them…they no longer have the strength or will to escape…and are forced to “pay off” their debts to their captors.  As you can imagine, being bought and sold many times over, their debt is not within their reach of ever paying off…they have little hope of ever attaining freedom again.

       The stories will haunt you.  The human will to live will inspire you.  The desperation and dedication of those, who have seen the damage of human trafficking; those who try to abolish the business of slavery or human trafficking will inspire you to demand that our leaders help to end such behaviors.

       The value of human life demands respect.  This book was written by E. Benjamin Skinner.  He has opened many eyes to the illegal, immoral and dehumanizing conditions that are taking place, wherever human trafficking is allowed to flourish.  I pray that the book has touched the right people who are in positions to make a difference and to get the word out about what is happening.  Spread the word to others…this cancer upon the world is not dead, slavery still exists.  It should never be tolerated in any form.

         Do you think that this issue doesn’t affect you?  What about all of those “missing persons” that we hear about on the news every week?  Missing children, missing men, women who have disappeared without a trace; what if it was happening to one of yours…a friend, a relative, maybe a neighbor?  This issue affects us all.  It could be your child, your sister, brother, mother, father, or friend.

          What about people who patronize prostitutes?  They are subsidizing the human trafficking industry…some of those people are forced to perform as prostitutes against their will.  It is not fun and games.  People who travel over to world hot spots for “sexual tourism” are feeding the machine that enables human trafficking.  Dont laugh it off…call it what it is…slavery.

           Maybe you know someone who has hired an worker from another country to work for them as a domestic hire…are they being forced to work in conditions that are unsafe, unsanitary, for a wage that doesn’t allow them to be free; or maybe no wage at all?  This too is a form of human trafficking.  Please express your outrage…pass on the knowledge that slavery must be stopped.

            This book was published by Free Press…a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.  It was copyrighted in 2008. 

         The theme of the speech was very important to him.  Professor Randy Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer before this speech was given; which put a whole new focus on the direction that the message of the book took.  It is a powerful testimony about priorities and how a person should approach their whole life.

         Unfortunately, Randy Pausch has passed from this world to the next.  However, the message that he imparts on the quality of life will not pass away as long as readers read his book and view his video-taped lecture that is plastered on the internet.

          How would you spend your last moments on Earth if you were given a peek into how much time you had left to live?  It is all about Attitude, Lattitude, and Gratitude.  How you think and feel, where you are in your life plan, and how you handle what life hands you to deal with—Attitude, Lattitude, and Gratitude.

          Does life feel empty, directionless, unfocussed or misdirected?  Read the book… for which Randy sacrificed some of his precious little time that he had left to spend with his family, or doing things that he valued, to write.  He valued the message of this last lecture so much that he SPENT many of his last moments deciding what to say and how to say.  Doesn’t that make this book important enough for you to take the time to read it and put some of it’s advice into practice?  This should be a must read in high school; so that young people don’t waste precious time in life doing things they don’t want to do.  It is filled with common sense and a serious approach to enjoying life as it is meant to be enjoyed.  Hard work and obstacles are to be considered teaching tools.

             The book, The Last Lecture, was written by Randy Pausch along with Jeffrey Zaslow a columnist for the Wall Street Journal.  It was published by Hyperion books and copyrighted in 2008.  You can check out the publisher’s website here:  www.HyperionBooks.com and you can learn more about the last lecture here:  www.TheLastLecture.com .

              If you are interested in helping to fight the disease of pancreatic cancer; you can go here:  www.pancan.org

      The book was written by Karen Kingsbury, who is excellent at creating believable and relevant relationships.  The book explores a family’s need to protect their loved one; while at the same time, giving as much freedom as possible to explore the world; as their loved one is able to have.  Independence is a huge issue for families affected by disabilities…as well as young people; even those with special needs. 

        The book also touches on the mistakes that are made while trying to limit the danger or hurts that a special needs loved one might experience and the consequences of overstepping the boundaries between protection and control.   The need to recognize a person’s growth is a basic human need, it is the way we each measure our abilities to function in the world.  Special needs persons also need that recognition to improve their life skills; and, their ability to function in a variety of circumstances.

          The book is inspiring in the fact that it shows the relationships that groups of special needs students form with one another and the support system that many people underestimate.  It is a powerful thing to behold.

           The main issue i like that Ms. Kingsbury illustrates is that the public must understand that it is not enough just to occupy a loved one’s waking hours with television and boredom.  Teaching life skills is very important, acknowledging the interconnectedness of special needs students and understanding that they do form friendships, romantic relationships, and they can contribute much to our communities.  I have special needs sons…and i know, too many people underestimate their abilities.

        It is important to finance and support learning centers, and job coaching, and teachers who are committed and skilled at supporting special needs students and their families!  This book hits the heart and the mind at the same time; all the while, opening doorways to understanding those who are born differently but with many skills and assets just the same.  The power of feelings is the same in all human beings. 

         The book was copyrighted in 2007 and published in 2008 by Center Street a division of Hachette Book Group USA.    It is a book of fiction.