Book Review: The Chords Of War by Christopher Meeks and Samuel Gonzalez Jr.

I'm very excited to be a part of this Book Tour for the book The Chords of War by Christopher Meeks and Samuel Gonzalez Jr.! When you're finished reading about this recently published book, feel free to take a few minutes to look around by accessing the buttons at the top of the page or scrolling down the right side of the page and checking out some of my other book reviews and posts. Enjoy and remember....it is "Only~A~Little~While" that we are given to walk around down here on planet earth...so find your purpose!

PUBLISHERS DESCRIPTION

The Chords of War is a suspenseful & eye
opening novel for a mature audience! 

Inspired by Sam Gonzalez's true story, The Chords of War is the tale of punk rock teenager Max Rivera from Florida, who seeks purpose as he tries to understand why his life always teeters between music and mayhem. After he's kicked out of his band on tour, he joins the Army to change his life. It's after 9/11, and he finds himself under fire in Iraq, part of the surge in Baquabah. In order to deal with his teen angst and raging hormones among daily patrols, coordinated battles, and women fighting alongside him, Max creates a new band with soldiers. Will Max and his friends make it?

PRAISE for THE CHORDS of WAR

"The Chords of War brilliantly shows that the chaos, destruction, and terror of war can spawn primal desires, not only to survive, but also to love, to create, and, if you've got a guitar and the chops, to rock the hell out."

- Graham Yost, acclaimed writer and television showrunner (Justified, The Americans, The Pacific, Speed)

"The Chords of War is a compelling read that paints those who fought in Iraq as real, honest people, rather than the cliched versions we're often given. It's not your usual war-novel, and that's good--that's why it should be read."

- Michael Anthony, U.S. Army, Author of Mass Casualties, and Civilianized: A Young Veteran's Memoir

"The Chords of War breaks clean of Vietnam and World War II war-writing traditions by incisively portraying the war experience of millennial-era men and women agonizingly stalled between adolescence and adulthood."

- Professor and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Peter Molin, U.S. Army, Rutgers University

"Music comforts and guides Max as a millennial taking his turn on stage in the forever war. But the overture of his former life does little to prepare Max for the melee of modern war: the forte-piano highs and lows, the crash of life and death stakes. A very compelling coming-of- age story representative of many from Generation Y who have answered the call-to- arms to defend our nation."

- Dario DiBattista, Editor of Retire the Colors: Veterans and Civilians on Iraq and Afghanistan

MY PERSONAL REVIEW

The Chords of War by Christopher Meeks and Samuel Gonzalez Jr. is a suspenseful and eye opening fiction novel! It is definitely out of my usual genre for a book choice, but I am thrilled that I branched out of my comfort zone. I was not disappointed. 

Right off the top, I must mention, that if The Chords of War were a movie, it most certainly would be given an "R" rating for profane language, violence, and sex. These elements are a disturbing part of the book, but I felt a necessary addition to enhance the authenticity of the characters. With that key piece of information to steel yourself as you begin turning the pages, you most definitely should read this important work. 

I chose to read this book, because I wanted to learn some of what our men and women in the military experienced while serving in the Iraq War. My goal is to have a better understanding of what they have endured, so that I might contribute to a helpful dialogue of encouragement with our veterans. The last thing I ever want to do is sweep their horror under the rug. In loving and in living, there is no room for dismissiveness toward another's pain. Collectively, if we are informed, we can become increasingly relatable to this latest generation of veterans who have returned home to our doorsteps. This is not the time for ignorance or cowardice. As an American, I honor them by getting to know their story.

Christopher Meeks & Samuel Gonzalez Jr

While the book is fiction, it is noted that The Chords of War is inspired by the true story of Samuel Gonzalez Jr. during his deployment in Iraq. The smooth transition from his life before deployment and his life while in active duty in Iraq is phenomenal. Not only is this novel entertaining, suspenseful, intriguing, and fun, but conversely heart wrenching and difficult to comprehend. It has been a very long time since I have actually cried while reading a book, but this one had me in tears during several sections. The connection the reader feels to the characters is firmly constructed.  

As Max Rivera, the main character, narrates his way through the pages, the reader sees the struggles of an independent young man trying to reach for a life of security and intention. His enlisting in the armed services to improve his life station, becomes a step in his process of trying to grasp at his life purpose. One of the catalysts to igniting his voluntary sign up occurred during a viewing of the movie, Platoon. He explains that the film was "...neither 'pro-war' nor 'anti-war'". That description of the theatrical portrayal of the Vietnam War in Platoon is exactly the way I feel The Chords Of War is designed. The book immerses the reader into the war itself, where the events seem to take on a corporeal existence. That's quite a feat in an of itself, but in addition the author is able to take it a layer deeper to a spiritual level. While there are no clear calls to a belief in a divine existence, there are a handful of mentions of God and Jesus Christ. The developing storyline and talented writing naturally leads you to ponder what lies beyond this physical body.

My takeaway from this book is multifaceted. First, I believe it points to the fragility of life. We are, after all, here for "only~little~a~little~while" and then we are not. How you process that information and what you believe happens after the "we are not", is mentioned as a teaser a few times within the novel. Second, the relationships that we are so privileged to experience in this world are what is significant. Albeit indirectly, the book teaches that it is not our bank accounts or our material wealth, but rather the people that we have been blessed to form bonds of friendship and trust with that should consume our attention. 

The Chords Of War expanded my comprehension of the war that the United States and Britain fought in Iraq. It helped to define the conflict in my mind as to why we engaged initially and how our troops found themselves increasingly in the midst of a civil war between Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds. The novel clarified how the confusion of the Iraqi people, created by massive amounts of propaganda against the U.S., placed the American & British soldiers in increasingly precarious situations. 

Finally, Christopher Meeks and Samuel Gonzalez, Jr's book, The Chords Of War brings a spirit of hope. Yes, it is one man's journey through the battle zone, but he is determined to find that solitary thing that will help himself and others to survive. His answer is music...it is his "oxygen mask". What is your "one thing"?

Thank you to White Whisker Books (Los Angeles) for this review copy of The Chords Of War

by Christopher Meeks and Samuel Gonzalez Jr. While I was required to read this book in it's entirety, I was not made to give a favorable opinion, but simply an honest assessment of the written work.

Movie Review- To Joey With Love: A Story of Life, Love & Hope

1 Corinthians 13:13 (MSG)
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. 


Before I begin...let me just say that I am having a drawing for a free DVD copy of this amazing film. Look to the right side of my blog. See the Rafflecopter? It starts at midnight tonight and will end December 20, 2016. I will email the winner! 
Be sure to stop back by my blog or my Facebook Page @OnlyALittleWhile and sign up!

The movie, To Joey, With Love: A Story of Life, Love & Hope That Never Dies  (click on the preceding title for the official trailer) is presented by Provident Films a Hickory Films production. The film will be released in DVD format & ON-Demand December 20th, 2016. (Order by clicking here.) It is classified as a PG film in the documentary genre. It was written, filmed and directed by Rory Feek. Production is by Aaron Carnahan. 

Movie Critic Reviews 

A beautiful film that captures the true
meaning of the message to
"trust steadily in God", as described in
1 Corinthians 13:13.

"I walked away with a greater appreciation for the brevity of life and with a goal of loving those around me even more."
Christian Examiner

"The movie leaves viewers with an urgency to live every day as if it is a gift, thank God for what He has given, and enjoy the simple moments of life."
Movieguide®

"The film will inspire you to love deeper, and to grab every opportunity in every moment."
Christianity Today

My Personal Review

To Joey, With Love is a touching documentary narrated by Rory Feek. The film chronicles the story of the past two years with his wife Joey Feek. Their journey through the birth of their first and only daughter, Indiana is highlighted, as well as Joey's diagnosis with cervical cancer. The emphasis is placed on the path of learning to trust God's plan for their lives, rather than relying on their own direction. It is a compilation of live footage filmed mostly from their home which is about an hour from Nashville, Tennessee. 


Here's my take-away from this movie. First, I found myself wishing from the very beginning that I had been a part of the Joey+Rory Fan Club. The brief shots of some of their concerts made my heart warm, not only due to the beautiful music, but also because of their interactions with one another. 


Secondly, I found the movie to be extremely transparent and pure. Much of the time, I had the feeling that I was viewing something sacred. Let me explain. Because the filming is live and this family is simply living their "story", there really isn't any "acting" going on. The impromptu footage shows clips from the actual birth of their daughter (albeit discrete footage), daily chores on their homestead, phone calls, physician consults, morning routines, meals, prayer circles and lots of spontaneous family interactions. Watching such natural and unposed scenes will illicit a broad spectrum of feelings. 

The range of emotions experienced by the viewer runs the full continuum from happiness and laughter to fear and sadness. As you participate in Rory, Joey and Indiana's lives, you realize that this is not a film for my "entertainment" per se, but rather it generates a reflective experience creating a pause and recognition of the sanctity of life. This is a movie with the potential to assist in bridging the gap between this temporal world and the next. The sincere way that Joey and Rory applied the promises that God has given us in His Word is somewhat mind boggling. 


Finally, I think the target audience for this movie is very broad, but somewhat unique. It is most certainly for anyone who has been blessed by "Joey+Rory" music. If I had known this couple prior to this film review, I would be very encouraged to see how God gave them, as Rory says, "A great story." Watching the movie would give me a peace about Joey's ultimate healing. It would ease a sadness that most certainly must be present for those who knew her as a public figure. In my opinion, any believer in Christ who watches this movie will be inspired and challenged as they walk through a day with this couple. I also feel anyone dealing with cancer, either personally or through a family member/friend, will find hope and comfort through the viewing of this film. Hearing Rory's faith filled statement that he gave when the news that the medical treatments were no longer deemed curative for Joey, uncovered a bold and empowering way to accept the will of God. He said, "We came home. Not to die. But to live." A final potential audience is anyone searching for truth, as this couple's faith is tangible and will intensify the urgency to discover a loving Savior in Christ.
  

In conclusion, To Joey, With Love is a very moving work. It has much to say about the preciousness of life and the choices we make with regard to how we live each day. It teaches us to confront the fact that we "only have a little while" to walk in a steady trust in God and live a life filled with hope and an extravagant love for one another!

1 Corinthians 13:13 

This CD was released in 2016. Christmas shopping anyone?

Joey+Rory released a new CD in 2016, titled: Hymns That Are Important To Us. 

It is on my Christmas wish list! (Hint..hint to my family who are reading this.) 

Thank you to Icon Media Group for allowing me to view this review copy of  To Joey, With Love. I was not required to write a positive review, but only to watch the film and give my honest opinion. 

Book Review: Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts by Sara Frankl & Mary Carver

 Habakkuk 3:18 was Sara's life verse.
"If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
-Dolly Parton"

Habakkuk 3:17-19(MSG)

Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen, 

Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, 

I'm singing joyful praise to God. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. 

Counting on God's rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!

"Sara's story only grew louder, braver, bolder with her death. It's a story that we all need to keep hearing." --Lisa-Jo Baker, bestselling author of Surprised by Motherhood

Sara Frankl knew she had a terminal disease, but she didn't let it stop her from living. In the face of immeasurable pain, Sara chose joy--again and again. Her unforgettable message of hope and purpose lives on, even after her death, in her words.

CHOOSE JOY is a compilation of the lessons Sara learned while she was dying, written in her own words and sewn together by her close friend Mary Carver. It is a reminder to see the beauty in life, even when it looks nothing like you hoped or planned.

In a world full of tragedy, choosing joy is no small task--but, as Sara knew, the importance lies in the choosing. Once you learn to make that choice, every day, no matter what happens, joy will come.

My Personal Review:

Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver is a tender love story between Sara & God, whereby she allows the reader to peek into her world of chronic illness. Her clearly communicated message of  hope that life is really a precious gift from God, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in, is one of encouragement and immeasurable faith!

Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver is a newly released candid writing filled with inspiring advice that will not only make you "feel" joyful, but will actually teach you how to choose joy even if your plans don't line up with what the Lord has assigned for your life. The book is presented as a series of blog posts from the deceased Sara Frankl and narrated by Mary Carver. 

Where do I begin with this book? First off, I had no prior knowledge or connections with either of these writer's blogs. I simply chose this book for it's title, because I want to "choose joy" in my life. I mean who doesn't want that, right? However, this quickly became more than just "another book" for me. It's depth and stripped down simplicity for all things pertaining to the true meaning of a well lived life are present in every single chapter.

Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author writes on the back cover, "This isn't a story about dying. It's a story about living." I would have to disagree with part of that. I think this is a story about living and dying. The book is pertinent for all of us, but I would quickly hand this book to anyone with a terminal illness, as Sara's walk through the valley of death could be very comforting to another who is in the same situation. 

Her contagious trust in a loving God and her ability to express it in an encouraging manner are incredible! She brings an authenticity that only someone actually enduring such suffering and one having been given the finality of a death sentence could manage. Those of us who have never experienced this kind of life altering illness can talk about how we would respond, but until we are living it, we don't know. Sara knew. This book transparently reveals her choice to stand firm in her conviction that God is a loving God and that He only does good. She doesn't throw out cliche' phrases, but instead provides a blueprint on how she chose joy...and how we can too. That is what makes this book so unique.

Sara shares that life is a series of moments. We need to make a conscious effort to be completely present in those moments with attentive intention, so that we don't miss a single opportunity that God has for us. Her statement that, "It's not easy, but it is simple," sounds like an oxymoron, but in fact is a profound thought that Sara applied to her everyday life and it served to fuel her fire to continually apply joy in every situation. Sara believed deeply that there was a purpose for her illness and she wanted to be sure she didn't miss the assignment God had given her by wishing for a different one.

Mary Carver flawlessly utilizes her talented writing skills to connect each of Sara's blog posts throughout the book. This gives the reader insight into what was happening in Sara's life at the time of the different entries. Mary helps to give perspective into Sara's emotional, physical, and spiritual state and therefore provides even further dimension to Sara's story.

The only regret I have in reading Choose Joy by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver is that I never got to meet Sara. I'm pretty sure, however, that if she were sitting here and heard me say that, Sara would laugh and inform me that God had another plan for our meeting and the timing of that introduction wasn't to be on this side of heaven. In honor of Sara and her life mission, Sara's blog (click here to go to blog) continues and there is a link to the "Choose Joy Sara Gitz Frankl Memorial Foundation" (click here) that clearly identifies the importance of spreading joy through the love of Christ to all who will listen. It is also a place for community, which was one of Sara's many passions. 

I will leave you with Sara's "favorite all-time quote" by Victor Hugo: 
"Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones.
And when you have finished your daily task, got to sleep in peace. God is awake."

Thank you to FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc for this review copy of Choose Joy by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver. The opinions within this review are strictly my own. I was not required to write a favorable review, but only to read this book in it's entirety in exchange for honest feedback.

Heaven...I'm Depending On It

Your Word and truth are dependable as ever; that's what You ordered-- You set the earth going. Psalm 119:91(MSG)

Heaven...I'm depending on it.

It's especially fitting that I find myself reading this particular verse in Psalm 119 today, on this Memorial Day Weekend. As I work my way through the 119th Psalm, verse by verse, letting the Word guide my writing, it has frequently been the case that the words of scripture completely correspond to the happenings of the day. 

As I sit listening to the rain and watching the storm clouds roll overhead, I ponder today's verse. What I realize is that I have a decision to make. I either depend upon the word of God, or I don't. Oh it sounds so simple...but it's really not. Not for me anyway, and if I'm guessing, it's not always easy for you either. As I reflect upon this Memorial Day and I think about those that have gone before me, the questions seem to outweigh the answers as it relates to heaven. I think this is especially true when we lose someone who is extremely close to us. Where did they go? Why did they have to leave when they did? Why is it that we all must die anyway? Why did they have to go to a place where we can't communicate with them? If there is a place called heaven, what's it really like anyway?  

We live in a temporal world. The here and now is all we know. To imagine a place that exists beyond the clouds and rely on an afterlife beyond this present time frame, seems a bit shaky, does it not? Seems like the makings for a great fairy tale, right?

The older I get, however, the more I recognize the faith that it takes to really depend on the Word of God. To accept the truths from the chapter of John where Jesus tells us that "He goes before us and prepares a room for us"...that in "His father's house there are many rooms.." takes a lot of courage to believe. We just don't know what to expect. It's nothing like what we have ever experienced before. And yet, here we are, needing to grasp that He set the world in motion. Attempting to comprehend that all things were created by Him and for Him and for His glory is a challenging task for our finite minds. I find myself reaching into the depths of my heart to accept that our time on earth is but a sniff of our life and this really isn't our home. 

Hmm...yes...I'm depending on heaven, because if I'm wrong, then I've lost nothing. If I'm right, I've gained an eternity with the King of Kings and a guaranteed reunion with my loved ones!

Father,
You know my heart today, and the burden within. May you comfort those who are deeply grieving the loss of a loved one. Place their heart in the palm of Your hands and give them the assurance of a heavenly home with You. Clear our minds and cradle our spirits today, I pray. Help us each to depend upon You to an ever increasing measure. Place us in the center of Your will each day that we reside here on earth.
Thank You Lord~
Amen   

Growing Older & Deeper

Psalm 119:86-88(MSG)
Everything You command is a sure thing, but they harass me with lies.  Help!!  They've pushed and pushed--they never let up-
but I haven't relaxed my grip on Your counsel.  In Your great love revive me so I can alertly obey Your every Word.

Deep roots have allowed this tree to remain standing.
(We came across this on one of our kayaking trips this past summer.)

I have been blessed the past thirteen years to live next door to an incredibly beautiful woman who has shared her strength and love for the Lord with me through her quiet and consistent life.  She had grown deep roots into the Word of God.  She has recently passed through this world and moved on to the kingdom of heaven, but she left her wisdom, courage, and generous spirit behind.  On the day after her passing, I was thumbing through her cherished and tattered Bible, and out fell a worn piece of paper with a prayer on it.  The title:  "Seventeenth Century Nun's Prayer" immediately piqued my interest, especially sense I knew she was indeed not a Nun nor did she practice Catholicism.  The author is Anonymous.  I have provided a copy for you below. 

This is my sister and I on one of our many kayaking
expeditions.  She, too is a woman with a contagious faith
  and an overflowing will to live the full life God has
designed for her.  

The prayer is simple yet deep; it is humorous without disrespect and undeniably human.  As I researched it's authenticity to the Seventeenth Century, what I found is that there is no proof that it was truly written in this era, but due to the shear simplicity and uncluttered focus of the wording, in my opinion, it certainly could have been.  Either way, whether authentic or not, I was deeply moved by it, because I feel like my sweet friend lived out these very words on a daily basis.  Despite her suffering from a very debilitating neurological disease and deteriorating health, I never once heard her complain.  She was a mother and grandmother and had years of experience to draw from and yet she never gave me unsolicited advice; she was very open in sharing her life knowledge, but only after my questioning her and even then she was a humble soul that always pointed to a glorious God and His son for any successes brought her way.  

This 21st Century Matriarch certainly was a walking testimony to the revival of "God's great love".  I had the privilege to witness His grace and mercy through her.  Yes....I am blessed to have had the privilege of sharing a portion of her life.  I look forward to the day when we will meet again, but until then, she will live on in my heart and a copy of the "17th Century Nun's Prayer" will be neatly tucked away inside of my own Bible as a reminder to me of a life that was truly lived by faith. 

17th Century Nun’s Prayer

Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself, that I am growing
older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of
thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.
Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs.

Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy. With
my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but Thou
knowest Lord that I want a few friends at the end.

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me
wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They
are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as
the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of
others' pains, but help me to endure them with patience.

I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility
and a lessing cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with
the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally
I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a Saint - some of
them are so hard to live with - but a sour old person is one of the
crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things
in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And, give
me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.

Amen
-Anonymous Author

The Sycamore Tree On The Primrose Path

Proverbs 5:5 (MSG)
She's dancing down the primrose path to Death;  she's headed straight for Hell and taking you with her.

It was predicted days in advance.  We were given concise direction on how to remain safe.  Nearly every detail of it had all been explained to us prior to the unfolding of the event.  Now the decision was up to us.  Do we believe what we were being told and act accordingly?  Or do we ignore the advice and remain complacently standing on the back porch watching the destruction unfold?

The events of January 9, 2009 will remain engraved in my mind forever, due to the severity of the storms that came through the area we live in.  It is not at all uncommon for us to have tornado outbreaks.  On this particular night the forecasters had been predicting the weather conditions to set themselves up in such a way that the end result would be high straight line winds and long lasting tornadoes.  Those of you that know me understand that I take these directions seriously.  (Yes, I am certainly a rule follower, but really...can you be too serious about something that has the potential to take your life in the blink of an eye?!)

In an effort to be prepared,  I have a tornado shelter set up in our basement closet with mattresses, blankets, flashlights and a few other emergency items.  So, needless to say, when the sirens sounded this particular night, in predictable fashion,  I rounded up the crew and we dove in the closet.  We listened to the radio intently, as it tracked the storm.  It was on a path heading directly for our neighborhood.  As we sat huddled together, the lights began to flicker and the house started making a strange creaking sound.  Our ears got muffled and tight, similar to when you travel in an airplane.  We could hear a loud roaring whoosh....and then...it got quiet.  That was it.  Phew...we were safe!  Everything was ok....or was it?

                                Nope....WE were ok, but everyTHING was not!

When the sun came up over the hill, the light revealed what was left of our huge Sycamore tree that once proudly stood in our back yard as the tallest tree in it's grove, looming at about 90 feet high.  It's wood was heavy, hard,  and extremely durable.  The dilapidated old fence that stood next to it went unscathed.  Go figure.  The family tree house and swing set were smashed under the crushing weight of the tree as it fell, taking the roof with it and splintering pieces throughout the yard.

  

After the neighborhood assessed the damage, it was unofficially determined that there had been a tornado coming partially down, never making it all the way to the ground, but extending low enough to rip the tops out of the tree shown and several others in the field and pasture behind us.  In addition, several homes suffered moderate damage.  

When I think of how quickly that tornado came and went and the destruction it left behind, I am drawn back to tonight's verse.  The seductive woman will reek havoc on my life.  She will annihilate my marriage and eradicate my family and home.  The good news is that we are given very clear warning about what will happen if we go down this "primrose path."  Will I listen and take action to prevent injury?  The choice is up to me....and you.

Father,

Thank you for your Word that gives us clear and orderly warnings on how to avoid calamity. Literally, You are teaching me that the seductive woman will separate me from life.  That I will be apart from You if I follow her leadings.  I can't imagine anything worse.  Please help each one of us to abide in You and to heed Your warning.

In Jesus Name,

Amen