When you look at a glass is it half empty or half full?   If someone points out the glass to you and gives new perspective, can the half empty become half full? Sometimes all a person needs is a little perspective.

I loved reading The Noticer.  Andy Andrews brings to life a character named Jones. “Not Mr. Jones, just Jones.”  He meets several people in a town and guides them through daily events in their lives, giving them a new perspective on what is happening.

I easily related to the events presented in this book. I was captured by his stories, his evident love and his encouragement.

“If the most important part of your life is ahead of you, then, even during the worst times, one can be assured that there is more laughter ahead, more success to look forward to, more children to teach and help, more friends to touch and influence.  There is proof of hope…for more.”  (pg 85)

Jones looks very common, you probably wouldn’t notice him if you passed him by on the street. But Jones notices, and shares.

This story was very moving, reminding me many times that the problem of the moment is just in the moment. There is so much more. I could easily imagine him sitting with me a table in the local diner, chatting away. I could hear him speaking. “Most people spend so much time fearing the things that are never going to happen or can’t be controlled that they have no energy to deal with the few things they can actually handle.” (pg 55)

So I must be grateful. “After all, the seeds of depression cannot take root in a grateful heart”. (pg 56) “No matter what your past…you can chose your future.” (pg 132

While I work through my own circumstances of work, children, mortgage payments, relationships and all else, I will be taking time to slow down and “notice” what is around me.  Who knows, maybe I will run in to Jones along the way.  I would be honored.

I received this book several months ago. I grew up watching Scott Hamilton dance on ice and wanting to do that myself. He made it look so easy.

Then, regrettably, I decided to use mu pilits license. You know, I “pile it” here and then “pile it” there. It got lost in one of the piles.

I pulled it out this week and read through it very quickly. I enjoyed the story of why he started skating, his battles with cancers and his love for life.

Life was not always the smiling face we saw during the Olympics and Ice Capades. Health issues, relationship problems, miscommunications. But he persevered.

Learn how he faced life’s challenges and chose to be happy. Yes, happiness is a choice.  “Every day of your life, something or someone is going to throw something at you that will challenge your ability to rise above negativity.  It isn’t the events in your life that define you; it’s how you deal with them. (pg 91,92)

I found this book to be enjoyable, a fast read and very encouraging.

The manuscript for this book, written by “ Goodnight Moon ” author, Margaret Wise Brown was recently found, unfinished, inside a cedar trunk tucked away in a barn. She died in 1952 but her work goes on. This manuscript has been completed with additional verses by Laura Minchew and vivid illustrations by Linda Bleck. I was to receive a copy from Thomas Nelson to review, but after 2 months of waiting, I went to Barnes and Noble to get a copy. They had one copy. This book is so popular right now that when I checked the libraries in the Kansas City area, only one copy could be found. And that was at the Administration Building. The branches are awaiting their supply to be delivered.

In this book, The Moon Shines Down, a koala bear looks at the moon and visualizes that the same moon he is watching is being watched all around the world, including France, Switzerland and Africa. As he thinks on the different ones looking up he asks God to bless them.  The words are fun for a young child and the beautiful illustrations make the scene come to life.

My 4 year old grandson enjoyed sharing this book with me. I recommend it for any parent or grandparent during that special story time. Talk about how God loves everyone, no matter where they live and how even if we don’t see them, there are people all around the world. And even though we don’t see Him, God is with us. Look at all the activity in each picture and discuss what you see; trees, animals, houses. A great book for quiet bonding.