Category Archives: Uncategorized

Five Minute Friday – What’s in a Name?

Posted in Adoption, Christian, Five Minute Friday, Name, Uncategorized by

I’m participating in this week’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  If you like to write or need some inspiration and encouragement be sure to check it out.

Today word prompt:  Name

For the first 3 months of my life I didn’t have a name because I was given up for adoption at birth.  On my original birth certificate, it only recorded my birth mother’s last name.  Legal paperwork recorded my name as Baby Girl Dawson.

Three months later, my parents Frank and Gayle Bunts adopted me and I was given the name Susan Harriett Bunts.  From that day on, I was someone’s daughter and sister to my brothers Michael and Patrick.

My first name was given by my brother Michael.  He had a girlfriend named Susan and later he had a cow that he named Suzy.  The name Susan means lily and is of Hebrew origins.  When I think of a lily, I think of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The name Harriett was the name of my father’s mother whom he loved greatly.  Harriett is French and means home ruler which is kind of appropriate because I love being home.  “There’s no place like home.”

At the age of 49, I was given a new last name when I married Christopher Wachtel and I was welcomed into the Wachtel family.  I wish I had the opportunity to meet my in-law Leo and Ruth Wachtel.  I look forward to meeting them in heaven.  In the mean time I am blessed to know the rest of the Wachtel family.

Even though I’ve lived with those names for many years, the name I value most is Christian.  At the age of 32, I finally recognized that I was a sinner and repented of my sin.  I recognized that there is a God to whom I will give an account and that He is the God of the Bible.  He made a way for me to be forgiven through His Son Jesus Christ and His sacrificial atoning death on the cross.  Christ’s death paid the penalty for my sin and for all who repent believe in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sin.

God assures believers that He has called us by name.

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!”
Isaiah 43:1 c-d

Everyone who is called by My name,
And whom I have created for My glory,
Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.”

Isaiah 43:7

Though I didn’t have a name for the first three months of my life, God knew me and He called me by name.

13 For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.

Psalm 139:13-16

Before God laid the foundations of the world, He knew and called me.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

Ephesians 1:3-6

28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

Romans 8:28-30

Though I did not have a name for the first three months of my life, God knew me, He knew my name and He called me to salvation through Jesus Christ.

Though I may have been considered an accident by my birth mother, God planned my life before He laid the foundations of the world.

When I think about who I am, first and foremost I think of myself as a Christian and that truth overshadows everything else in my life.

 

Desperate Faith

Posted in Desperate, Faith, Healing, Jesus, poem, Uncategorized by

He was a man of desperate faith
Jairus was willing to risk it all
As he fell at the feet of Jesus

Reputation, respect and honor
What did that mean to him now
As his little girl lay dying

He went to the One
The only One who had the power
Over sickness and disease, even life and death

In desperation he begged
My daughter, she is going to die, unless
Please…come…touch and heal her. So, Jesus went.

She was desperate, when would she ever have another chance
The crowds said Jesus was coming
He alone had the power to heal her

For twelve long years, she was considered unclean
An outcast, no one would even touch her
Everything had been wasted on doctors who couldn’t help her

In faith, with a trembling hand
She reached out and touched the hem of Jesus’ cloak
Immediately, after twelve long years, she was healed

Instead of going on His way
Jesus stopped
“Who touched Me?”

He looked around and saw her
He cared for her, for she was someone’s beloved daughter too
She confessed, He proclaimed, “Your faith has made you well.”

Waiting, the father’s desperation grew
Every moment, with every delay
He wondered, was his daughter still alive

The synagogue officials came with grim news
Don’t bother, she’s dead
Then Jesus said, “Do not fear…only believe.”

When they arrived, they were greeted with weeping and wailing
Mourners laughed when Jesus said, “She’s asleep.”
But the place emptied when He said leave

Surrounded by those who loved this girl
Parents with desperate faith
Jesus commanded, “Talitha, arise!” And she arose.

Astounded with joy
Her parents took her by the hand
“Tell no one!” And Jesus departed

Susan Wachtel
January 7, 2019

A Defiant Faith

Posted in Faith, poem, Praise, Trusting God, Uncategorized, Worship by

She has a defiant faith
One that rests
Not in her circumstances
But in God alone

When her prayers seem to be unanswered
And God is silent
She strengthens her heart mind soul and spirit
In God’s perfect and inerrant Word

When others give way to doubt or fear
She instead sets her mind on Christ
And remembers His benefits
Her soul bursts forth in worship and praise

She knows of her heavenly Father’s great love
Before the foundation of the world was laid
He called her to salvation through His Beloved Son’s sacrifice
He has sealed her with the Holy Spirit

If He has met her greatest needs
Surely, He will care for her needs today
She chooses to trust God as He has revealed Himself to be
Her confidence rests in His unchanging, merciful lovingkindness

She has a defiant faith, a confident faith
One that does not waver
Like a light that does not dim
She rests secure in the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ

By Susan Wachtel
December 19, 2018

To a strong woman of God who is trusting God in her time of waiting upon the Lord.

 

Five Minute Friday – Handpicked Burdens

Posted in Burden, Five Minute Friday, poem, Uncategorized by

I’m so grateful to be participating in today’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge. If you like to write or need some inspiration and encouragement from others be sure to check it out.

Today word prompt: Burden

The burdens the Lord brings
Or allows into our lives
He never meant for us to carry them alone

He has a good purpose and plan
A design for each one
He knows our burdens and cares for each one of us

A burden that will cause us
To repent of our sin
Cry out to the Lord for forgiveness

A burden that will reveal
Our weakness and deep abiding need
Cause us to depend and rely upon the Lord

A burden that will grow and change us
Take us from selfish and self-focused
Develop a compassionate and caring heart

The Lord invites us to cast our burdens upon Him
He is the Lord and daily bears our burdens
We in turn are to bear one another’s burdens

Won’t you come to the One who invites you
Take Christ’s yoke upon you and learn
For His yoke is easy and His burden is light

Susan Wachtel
November 9, 2018

 

Precious Friend

Posted in Friend, Friendship, poem, Uncategorized by

Precious Friend-2

She’s like a breath of fresh air
Or a ray of sunshine
Lighting up the room

Sharing what she loves
Giving of herself
She delights in, inspires and encourages others

Gifted by God
Recreating the beauty around her with paint
Capturing a moment in time with her camera

The Lord and His Word are never far from her thoughts
She’s sees His hand in creation
All around her analogies of what God and faith are like

Never an unkind word comes from her mouth
Gratitude and thanksgiving flow from her heart
A gentle, peaceful spirit and ever so kind

So grateful I am, for my precious friend

 
Susan Wachtel
July 27, 2018

 

 

Lone Witness by Rachel Dylan – Fast-Paced Suspense with Likable Characters

Posted in Atlanta Justice Series, Bethany House Publishers, Book Review, Mystery, NetGalley, Suspense, Uncategorized by

As someone who loves a good mystery, I’m always on the lookout for a good suspense novel and I found just what I was looking for in Rachel Dylan’s newest book Lone Witness, the second book it the Atlanta Justice series.

Lone Witness tells the story of Sophie Dawson, a prosecutor in the city of Atlanta.  After presenting closing arguments against a crooked CEO, she wanted to get started on her newest case in the white-collar crimes unit.  Though the crimes may be different from the general trial division, what drove Sophie didn’t change.  She wanted to seek justice for those who had been victimized.  After putting in a long day at work, Sophie wanted to run in to the Quick-Stop for a snack on her way home.  That one little decision would impact her in ways she couldn’t have imagined.  Instead of being the prosecutor, she would be the lone eye witness against a gang member who brutally murdered two people.

What I liked about Lone Witness, was not only the courtroom drama, suspense and mystery, but also the characters.  They had interesting careers and were decent, likable people that I came to care about.  Rachel challenges the reader not to automatically categorize a character (defense attorney) as good or bad or assume you know their motives.  This book has some surprising twists and turns and it was interesting trying to figure out who done it.  I appreciated that the character’s Christian faith was woven into the story.

Not only did I find a good book to read in Lone Witness, but I found an author, Rachel Dylan, whose work I liked and is new to me.  I look forward to going back and reading her earlier work and future novels.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read Lone Witness in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

 

The Kremlin Conspiracy by Joel C. Rosenberg – You Won’t Want To Put This One Down

Posted in Book Review, Joel Rosenberg, Tyndale House, Tyndale House Publishers, Uncategorized by

Joel C. Rosenberg is one of my favorite authors.  If he writes a new book, I want to read it.  So glad that I had the opportunity to read his latest book, The Kremlin Conspiracy.

What newspaper can you pick up today where you aren’t reading another article about Russia?  Do the headlines about the Russian President, Russian journalists being murdered or former Russian spies being poisoned grab your attention?  If so, you will want to read Joel’s newest book, The Kremlin Conspiracy, which seems to have been ripped from today’s headline news.

The Kremlin Conspiracy is a novel about the increasing tensions and threat of a military show down between the United States of America and Russia.  Why in the world is Russia making a bold, but irrational, overreach of power?  Though set on the world stage, Joel make this story personal by following the lives of Marcus Ryker and Oleg Kraskin through their relationships, work and the people that surround them, some of whom are powerful and influential world leaders.  When their lives intersect how will they be changed?  The reader comes to know and care about these people as their countries come closer to being on the brink of war.

From page 1 until the very end Joel holds the reader’s attention.  One way I can tell if a novel is really good, is when I put the book down I’m still thinking about the characters and wondering what will happen next.  There are some surprises in this story and you will be kept on the edge of your seat.  I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series.  I sure hope that Joel writes it quickly!

Something I especially appreciate about Joel’s books is that he weaves the Christian faith into some of the characters.  I like that he is able to write an interesting story that doesn’t include filthy language or details about sexually immorality.

If you like suspense novels or fast-paced political thrillers that keep you up at night, you will want to read Joel C. Rosenberg’s newest novel, The Kremlin Conspiracy.  You won’t want to put this one down!

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers, Inc for the opportunity to read The Kremlin Conspiracy for free in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

#JoelCRosenberg

#TheKremlinConspiracy

#TyndaleHousePublishers

 

Let Trump Be Trump by Corey R Lewandowski and David N Bossie – An Interesting and Insightful Look at President Trump, His Unique Campaign and Why He Won

Posted in 2016 Presidential Election, Book Review, Conservative, Let Trump Be Trump, Corey Lewandowski, David Bossie, Hachette Book Group Inc, President Donald Trump, Republican,, NetGalley, Uncategorized by

Let Trump Be TrumpSo why would a conservative gal who backed Ted Cruz for President want to read Let Trump Be Trump – The Inside Story of His Rise to the Presidency by Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie?

If you had told me two years ago that I would read a book about President Trump, I wouldn’t have believed you.  When Trump was the Republican Presidential candidate, I was not happy and had to decide, would I rather Hillary be President or Donald Trump.  Looking at his time in office I see the President has kept a lot of his campaign promises and has made many conservative choices.  That’s why I wanted to read this book, to have some insight into President Trump from the people who worked hard to help elect him President.

I’m glad I took the time to read Let Trump Be Trump.  It was interesting to learn how he came to toss his hat in the ring for President.  It’s hard to forget the crazy 2016 Presidential election and I found it fascinating to read about what was going during the campaign and behind the scenes with Trump and within his inner circle.

There are times I’d like to have the ability to delete some of Trump’s tweets, unpolished comebacks and offhanded remarks.  There are times I like President Trump’s unpretentious communication.  I appreciate that he is a fighter and truthteller, albeit unpolished, and he doesn’t take the garbage that the press tries to fling at him.

In Let Trump Be Trump, the reader will learn about episodes during the campaign and from his life that helped make this man who he is or reveal what he’s like.  Despite his volatile temper and untamed mouth, Trump has lot of people who have worked for him over the years that are very loyal.  In this book you’ll find some insight into why that is.

I give a thumb’s up and recommend Let Trump Be Trump by Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie.  It was an interesting and insightful read.  There’s some profanity in this book related to conversations by Trump and the people who worked with him, so if that’s something that bothers you, you may want to pass on reading this book.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Hachette Book Group, Inc for the opportunity to read Let Trump Be Trump in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Crisis Shot by Janice Cantore – If you like mysteries and police novels, give it a try.

Posted in Book Review, Crisis Shot, Janice Cantore, NetGalley, Tyndale House, Uncategorized by

I had previously read a novel by Janice Cantore and was looking forward to her new book Crisis Shot.

The story starts out with Long Beach Police Commander, Tess O’Rourke answering an emergency call where a fellow officer is imminent danger.  How Tess responds, right or wrong, will affect her future.  The story could be taken out today’s headline news, where every action a police officer takes is scrutinized and condemned, even when there is little merit to critic’s narrative.

When the fallout from Tess’ action doesn’t seem to be winding down, she decides to make a move to a small town in Oregon, with the hope of being able to resume the career she loves in law enforcement.  It a huge change in her life.  As Chief of Police in the small town of Rogue’s Hallow, she will be answering to the mayor and city council.  It might be a small town but even there, evil is at work.

I sort of liked the main character Tess, but didn’t feel like I got to know her well or really care about her like I wanted to.  There was a bit of a disconnect.  At first, I struggled with how Tess continually compared police work and what people were like in the small town compared where she had spent most of her life, in Long Beach, CA.  Then I realized if I had made such a drastic change in my life, I would likely be reflecting back on where I came from and what it was like back then.  The reader will get an understanding of how police work in a big city differs from a small town.  I liked how the relationships with fellow police officers changed as they worked with their new Police Chief.

The overall pace of the novel seemed to drag.  Tess encountered many obstacles and people seemed to be tight lipped and withheld important information.  I didn’t guess who the bad guy was, there weren’t a lot of clues along the way, just lots of suspicious behavior on the part of several towns people.  I didn’t really connect with the characters.  I didn’t come away from reading the book saying, “I can’t wait to find out what happens with Tess next.”  Something was missing, but I’m not sure what it was.

The Christian faith is a small part of the story.  Tess is not a believer, but there are several Christians she encounters along the way.  If there is a sequel I hope that Christian faith is a bigger part of the story.

Crisis Shot is okay.  I would definitely read Janice Cantore’s future books because of my good experience with her earlier novels.  If you like mysteries and police novels, give Crisis Shot by Janice Cantore a try and be sure to read some of her earlier books.

I would like to thank Tyndale House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Janice Cantore’s newest book Crisis Shot.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

 

 

Picture a Day – The Old Barn

Posted in Barn, Picture a Day, Uncategorized by

What is it about an old barn that catches my eye?  If I had my druthers, I’d probably stop at everyone I pass and take pictures.

Love the weathered wood and the metal roofing that’s rusting set against the gray winter sky.

Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon – A Story of Grace and Redemption

Posted in Book Review, Christian Books, NetGalley, Uncategorized by

Sandpiper Cove was the first book I’ve read by author Irene Hannon.  I hope to read other books by this gracious and gifted author.

I loved reading this book.  It was a real treasure with stories of grace and redemption in the lives several characters who live in Hope Harbor.  This book is an example of why I like to read books by Christian authors who write about faith and show it lived out in their characters and everyday life.

Sandpiper Cove tells the story of Adam Stone, an ex-con who moved to Hope Harbor with the hopes of starting a new life for himself.  He’s quiet and a bit of a loner.  However, crime which he was hoping to get away from, comes to his doorstep, not once, but twice.  Getting to know the police chief, Lexie Graham, was not on his list of things to do.  However, providence was at work in the lives of these two people and their friends, family and co-workers.

I really liked the characters in this book, both the main characters and supporting characters.  It felt like I could walk into Hope Harbor and meet these people and feel welcome.  They were people I would want to know.  I liked the relationships in this book and how it showed people can impact others for good or bad.

I appreciated that Sandpiper Cove was a safe book, one that did not assault me with vulgarity, profanity, sexual immorality and violence.

I highly recommend Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon.  This book was a pleasure to read.  The only problem I encountered was that it ended.  I look forward to reading more of Irene’s books.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Revell publishers for the opportunity to read Sandpiper Cove.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

 

Picture a Day – Steven Curtis Chapman

Posted in Steven Curtis Chapman, Uncategorized by

After reading Steven Curtis Chapman’s autobiography, Between Heaven and the Real World, I wanted to share pictures that I took at one of his concerts in 2007.  It was at a church venue, so I was able to take pictures.  An excellent concert…so glad I was able to attend.

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Abraham Living the Life of Faith by Gregory Brown – A Solid Bible Study That Will Challenge You and Help You Grow

Posted in Abraham Living the Life of Faith, Bible Study, Pastor Gregory Brown, Uncategorized by

Abraham: Living the Life of FaithI’m grateful when I come across a Pastor or Bible study teacher who is sound in their theology because it’s rooted and grounded in the Bible.  Pastor and teacher Gregory Brown is one of those men.  He studies to show himself as a workman approved and accurately handles the Word of Truth.

That’s why, I was eager to read Pastor Gregory Brown’s newest Bible Teacher’s Guide, Abraham: Living the Life of Faith.  I’ve been privileged to study the book of Genesis in-depth several times under solid Bible teachers.  Even though I’m familiar with Abraham’s story, Pastor Brown shares some sound interpretation of the passages and brings some new insights in this man of God who is foundational to both the Jewish and Christian faiths.  He does this through the sound exposition of the Scripture.

Not only does he examine Abraham’s life and his faith, both his victories and failures, but Pastor Brown helps the reader to ask some challenging questions and apply what they are learning to their own lives.

You may wonder, what you can learn from a man who lived over 4,000 years ago.  Is his life relevant to you today in a much different day and age?  I can answer that with a resounding yes.  Abraham, who was called by God and is known as a friend of God, is a Patriarch whom we can learn much from.

Do you ever wonder if God still calls people today?  As a Christian how well do you respond to trials?  Do you know any believers who seem to be falling away from their faith or are friends of this world?  Do you ever do battle with fear, doubt and discouragement?  Ever find yourself struggling with a sin, time and time again?  Can you have victory over that sin?  What promises in the Bible belong just to the people whom God spoke to and which ones can you as a Christian know with confidence belong to you too?   These are just some of the areas Pastor Brown delves in to.

If you want a quick one minute Bible reading for each day with a clever quote, this book may not be for you.  But if you want to better understand the Bible and who God is as He has revealed Himself in the perfect and inerrant Word of God, Abraham: Living the Life of Faith may be just what you are looking for.  If you want someone who will deal with you straight, someone who preaches the Word in season and out of season, someone who will reprove, rebuke and exhort you with patience and instruction, then I encourage you to read Pastor Gregory Brown’s newest Bible Teacher’s Guide – Abraham: Living the Life of Faith.  This book would be good for a group study and also for the individual.

I would like to thank Pastor Gregory Brown for the opportunity to read Abraham: Living the Life of Faith.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

If you would like to know more about Pastor Gregory Brown, please take a look at his website:  Gregory Brown.  On this website, you can learn about additional resources that are available.

 

Praying for America

Posted in Praying for America, Uncategorized by

Amen and amen! May we humble our hearts, come to the Lord in repentance. May we stay in God’s Word daily and submit to the Holy Spirit’s work in us. May we honor and glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father in all ways.

 

A Day In October

Posted in Bees, Dallas Arboretum, Uncategorized by

A few weeks ago my friend Julie and I were able to make a trip to the Dallas Arboretum.  Not only did we see a plethora of pumpkins of every kind, but we saw beautiful flowers, butterflies and bees.  A beautiful day!

Applauding United Kingdom of Great Britain

Posted in Uncategorized, United Kingdom, Great Britain, Leaving the EU by

Keep Calm

Hat’s off to the citizens of United Kingdom of Great Britain for having the courage to say “Hasta La Vista!” to the EU

Here’s to sovereignty!  Here’s to not tying your nation to folks in the European Union who are making very unwise decisions.  Here’s to being able to protect your citizens.  Here’s to retaining your independence and identity as a sovereign nation.

Prime Minister David Cameron made a respectable decision to step down and allow someone else to lead Great Britain in this new direction.  Not a lot of men would have had the courage to do that.

 

Can I Just Say – Open Letter to Senator Marco Rubio and Mr. Donald Trump

Posted in Uncategorized by

Rubio Trump Debate

Can I just say, Senator Rubio and Mr. Trump, that the level that you two have taken the Presidential debates to is a new low.  For goodness sakes, parents shouldn’t have to be ready to cover their children’s ears while watching a debate.

Senator Rubio, you were wrong to even go down the road of making an insult on another candidate’s body parts much less adding sexual innuendo.  You were absolutely wrong!  As a Christian, I also want to remind you the Bible speaks against course jesting.

During last night’s debate, you had the opportunity to step up and play the man.  To publically apologize to Mr. Trump for insulting him in a childish manner and to the citizens of this country for lowering the discourse of this election to the level of junior high boys.

Mr. Trump, you had the opportunity to turn the other cheek and not even bring up the topic.  You could have said, “Let’s not even go down that road.  Instead let’s talk about the issues that matter.”  That’s what’s really important to the American citizens.  Instead you chose to answer back a juvenile foolish insult.  You’ve got to stop taking the bait Mr. Trump.

Do you honestly think that any voter gives a hoot and a holler about the candidates body parts?  Really?  Seriously?

What we do care about is your mind, thinking, values, character, courage, integrity, knowledge and experience.  We care about your understanding of the foundation and principles our nation was built on.  We want to know what you think about the United States Constitution, laws and the separation of powers.  We want to know if you respect a citizen’s rights for freedom of religion.  That’s just to name a few things.

We want candidates that act like men of integrity and focus on the issues.  It’s time to step up and be gentlemen and act like decent, respectable men.

@realdonaldtrump @marcrubio #GOPDebate

What Defines You?

Posted in Uncategorized by

Does your sin define you?   Or does your repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who died to save you from your sin, define you?

End of Discussion by Mary Katharine Ham and Guy Benson – A Challenging, Important and Informative Read

Posted in Blogging for Books, Book Review, Uncategorized by

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With my head still buzzing after reading End of Discussion, I wanted to jot down why this is an important book to read, for both conservatives and liberals.

If you are a conservative, you may find yourself appalled and disbelieving the outrageous lies and tactics you see used by the left leaning media on a daily basis.  If you are a liberal you may offended by conservatives and their lack of compassion and how they seemingly want to impose their standards on others.

No matter which side of the aisle you stand, it seems like all manner of reason and open honest discussion have gone out the window in favor of a never-ending verbal warfare.  Instead of a dialogue the goal is to shut the other person up.

That’s where End of Discussion comes in.  Co-authors Mary Katharine Ham and Guy Benson have done a solid job in documenting the craziness that we are seeing in the media, politics, courts, boardrooms and universities.  These days, it seems like no one is immune from attack and everything is on the table.

If you find yourself shaking your head and popping an aspirin after listening to the news or radio talk show, you should read End of Discussion.  Not only do they share numerous examples of the various outrage they bring some well-reasoned thought and perspective to the table.  They share ideas on how we can more effectively respond to the issues at hand.

Both Mary Katharine Ham and Guy Benson are conservative, but they aren’t afraid to examine the conservative’s approach to issues, to see if it’s effective or if in fact we too are guilty of shutting down the discussion.

End of Discussion was challenging; it’s not a quick read.  Mary and Guy share a lot of examples and go into great detail of the outrage that seems to be increasing.  I appreciate their keen observations, wit and chill out perspective they bring to a very heated and hostile table.

If you think our society is less civil, really wimpy, and we act like children in need of a nanny to protect us, you aren’t far off in your assessment.  What’s sobering is that the government is more than happy to step in and play the nanny.  Perhaps it’s time we grow up and learn how to debate and have a dialogue with folks we disagree with.

One thing I wasn’t real keen on was the use of profanity.   Where actual events are shared, I can see why they allowed it.  But in their commentary and observation it wasn’t necessary.  It only adds to the crass and crude culture that is prevalent today.

I would like to thank the people at Blogging for Books and Crown Forum Publishing for the opportunity to read End of Discussion in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.