Kisses From Katie - A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption

Kisses From Katie

by Katie J. Davis, Beth Clark
Publisher : Simon & Schuster, October 4, 2011 Howard Books

I am legally obligated to inform my readers that I was granted a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. Please be assured that this fact does not influence my opinion of this book.

Publisher's Synopsis:
What would cause an eighteen-year-old old senior class president and homecoming queen from Nashville, Tennessee, to disappoint her parents by forgoing college, break her little brother’s heart, lose all but a handful of her friends (because the rest of them think she has gone off the deep end), and break up with the love of her life, all so she could move to Uganda, where she knew only one person but didn’t know any of the language? A passion to make a difference. Katie Davis left over Christmas break her senior year for a short mission trip to Uganda and her life was turned completely inside out. She found herself so moved by the people and children of Uganda that she knew her calling was to return and care for them. She has given up a relatively comfortable life—at a young age—to care for the less fortunate of this world. She was so moved by the need she witnessed, she's centered her life around meeting that need. Katie, a charismatic and articulate young woman, is in the process of adopting 13 children in Uganda, and she completely trusts God for daily provision for her and her family.

Despite the rough conditions in which Katie lives, she has found a life of service to God to be one of great joy. Katie's children bring constant delight and help her help others by welcoming whoever comes to their door. As the challenges grow, so does Katie's faith and her certainty that what she's doing in Uganda, one person at a time, will have far-reaching rewards. It isn't the life she planned, but it is the life she loves.

To further her reach into the needs of Ugandans, Katie established Amazima Ministries. The ministry matches orphaned children with sponsors worldwide. Each sponsor's $300/year provides schooling, school supplies, three hot meals a day, minor medical care, and spiritual encouragement. Katie expected to have forty children in the program; she had signed up 150 by January 2008; today it sponsors over 400. Another aspect of the ministry is a feeding program created for the displaced Karamojong people—Uganda's poorest citizens. The program feeds lunch to over 1200 children Monday-Friday and sends them home with a plate of food; it also offers basic medical care, Bible study, and general health training.

Katie Davis, now 22, is more than fascinating, she's inspiring, as she has wholeheartedly answered the call to serve.

My review:
What a personal and inspiring story! This book will touch your heart.  I had to keep reminding myself that Katie Davis is al real person, who actually lived this book.  Her story is, for a lack of better words,  amazing.  Katie Davis changed lives. Katie is continuing to change lives, to save them. And she's only 22.  I won't rehash the entire storyline, you can get that from the synopsis, but I can tell you that this book will inspire a change in you as well. You cannot read this young woman's tale of  love and redemption without being motivated to help others as well. Katie let God work through her and the result was astounding.  Katie is only 22 and has literally made miracles happen. This memoir will open you heart and make you realize that we are all much more capable than we think we are. God is waiting to work through us, we just have to be willing to allow it to happen, to give up control and let him lead.  Ms. Davis is a shining example of what happens when we do.

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Lessons From Last Week - July 10, 2011

I've always had a hard time thinking of Sunday as the beginning of the week. I mean, the calendar says Sunday is the official start to the week...but seriously, don't we all consider Monday as the official kick-off? Anyway, who cares? Sundays will henceforth be known as my day to look back on the previous week and consider what I've learned from my experiences..both successes and failures. And let's be honest, there is most likely going to be a butt load of failures. I'm kind of a  pro at those.  I'm attempting to make lemonade out of lemons here though, people.

Lesson One:
Donuts are heartless bastards. Donuts will show no mercy. They do not care if you have been doing Weight Watchers since January. They couldn't care less that you have had a complete crap-hole of a week. Donuts are not concerned that their mere appearance in front you can cause a battle of will power not witnessed since the "Giant-Reese's-Peanut Butter-Egg-Incident of 2010".  They will show you no compassion as they launch themselves into your mouth, leaving a trail of bumpy cellulite in their wake. Donuts are the devil... delicious, chocolate frosted, rainbow-sprinkled demons...

Lesson Two:
Writing about donuts makes me want to eat them.

Lesson Three:
Don't feed the dogs bologna.  It causes ....um.....gastrointestinal issues. Also... you can never have too much Glade air freshener.

Lesson Four:
Old friends are great friends. I've been rekindling some old relationships lately and it feels great. I find parts of me resurfacing that I haven't seen in awhile. Old friends are amazing at bringing out parts of you that you've completely neglected.

Lesson Five:
I've got to "take care of me" for awhile. I realize how insanely random that sounds..but I need to figure some things out. I feel like my life is at a crossroad.  I spend way too much time wondering what direction other people are choosing, instead of actually considering where I want to go. I'm blindly wandering along, trying to catch up with the masses, when in actuality I could be plotting my own course. I may need to go off-road a bit, and I'll most likely hit some detours...but at the end of the journey I'd like to arrive at place where I'm at peace with my decisions. I know that this sounds like a completely obscure ramble.....but it makes sense to be and this is my blog...so....

Lesson Six:
The house doesn't clean itself.  Effort is involved with this whole House-wifery business. Who knew?

So, last week is in the can. Onto a newer and better 7 days, full of growth and knowledge to learned. And maybe a donut or two....

Friday Confessional!

I haven't done a confessional post in For-Ev-Errrrr (um..Sandlot reference?? Anyone?) Here we go!






I confess:
I haven't properly kept up with this blog lately, and I am deeply ashamed. OK, more like mildly embarrassed. Fine, it's more of an annoying  itch.

I confess:
I am just a little too excited that Jeff and Jordan are back on Big Brother this season! Seriously, could they be sweeter? (My favorite part at 3:10 "Holy, Macaronies...we were playin' for now-n-laters.")


I confess:
I am sick of people not taking my feelings seriously. I am sick of people just chalking my feelings up to me being "anxious" or "irrational." I am sick of being told I'm exaggerating. I am so damn sick of not being taken seriously. I am tired of being the one listens but also the one who never gets heard.

I confess:
That I hate myself a little for that above confession, because there is nothing I hate more than whining.

I confess:
I have a crush on Charlie Day from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I know, I know... I've got a thing for weirdos.

I confess:
I miss the old me. I censor myself now. I don't know where my confidence went? Maybe it's hiding under this layer of blubber?

I confess:
I'm addicted to outdated British sitcoms on Netflix.

I confess:
I want another child more than anything in the world. It's not going to happen. I have to figure out a way to accept that.

I confess:
I drink too much coffee, home-brewed, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks. I'm pretty sure my urine is 95% coconut latte. There is a coffee bean farm in Brazil named after me.

And now, I confess that I'm done fascinating you with my spell-binding declarations of truth. You're welcome, Internets.

Duff by Kody Keplinger

Duff by Kody Keplinger
Publisher's summary:
Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "the Duff," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone. And eventually, through this realization, Bianca begins to see how harmful her unhealthy way of dealing with her problems has been, and finds a way to confront them head on.

My review:
Duff by Kody Keplinger is one of those YA novels that feels like it's meant for an older audience. Don't expect a story about simple high school crushes, innocent kisses and awkward moments.  Duff is a very mature novel. If you don't want your teen reading sex scenes, then don't buy this book. However, you yourself just may love it.

The author, Kody Keplinger, is young and gets what being a modern teen girl is like. She does not gloss over the body issues. She does not pretty up the language. She does not shy away from sexual situations. Kody gets it. As a mother, I'd like to pretend that she's wrong. I'd love to imagine a world where teen girls aren't sexually active and don't have to worry about being 10 lbs chubbier than their best friend. But I'd be wrong.

Bianca is one of those female characters that you can immediately identify with. She's sarcastic, but sweet.  Insecure yet a little mouthy. Bianca is awesome.

Most people don't notice her though. She's a Duff. Designated Ugly Fat Friend.  With two gorgeous best friends, Bianca blends into the background.  She's dealing with home issues and her anger manifests itself into one manic moment. She kisses the school playboy, Wesley Rush.  She really wishes she hadn't done it. She also wishes she didn't enjoy it quite so much.

What Bianca doesn't know is that Wesley is struggling as well. Behind his chauvinistic exterior lies a young man who is searching for acceptance and love as frantically as she is. If the two of them could just let their guards down a little, maybe they could connect in other ways than sexual.

I enjoyed Duff. The story is moving and emotional, but not dark. There are definite sexual elements, so of course, keep that in mind with younger teens. Like I've said, it's a very real, modern day teen love story.  There is language, there is sex. There is also a lot of heart and real life emotion in Duff. I cannot wait to hear more from the young and crazy talented Kody Keplinger!

The Confessional..

I saw this post over at Freckled Nest and well.. I'm stealing it.

So, if you want to go ahead and steal it from me, I will be very upset and call you dishonest and quite deceitful. But, you know, if you're OK with that....

And now, for the fascinating confessions...

1. I read magazines backwards.  I go to the last page and read the articles from last to first.  I don't know why, but they always seem to put the good stuff at the back.

2. I could eat butter with anything. Real butter, that is.. not that low class charlatan "margarine." *shudder*

3. I have a bad habit of breaking into foreign accents when I am nervous.. or OK, lets be real... all the time.

4.  Remember the TV show ED? I am seriously thinking of starting a petition to get that put on DVD? Why have they not done that yet?? 

5. I set the browsers on my laptop, ipod and nook to open to CNN. com. I make sure when I am done browsing the net, that I return it to CNN, so that I look really smart and informed. Little do people know that I never read it, I just skip on over to cuteoverload 

and squeal over baby otter pictures.  

6.  I obsessively make up songs about our pug, Dexter, who is quite stinky.  I found myself about to sing one while browsing in the grocery store today and realized I need to check myself. Before I wreck myself.  'Cause smelly fartin' pugs are bad for your health.  See???? 

So, those are my 6 for this week. What are your confessions?

Stuff That Makes Me Happy

You know how Oprah has her little "Favorite Things" episode every year? You know the one, where everyone goes bat-sh*t crazy over a pair of slippers? The one where grown women pee themselves over an oven mitt?  The one where Oprah makes women weep tears of joy when she gives them a aromatherapy candle?  Yea, that one. I'm sure you've heard of it.  Well,  I'm going to be doing my own "Favorite Things" theme here on the ol' Housewife Blog.  Am I going to be listing super awesome and wonderful items that have changed my life and made me a better person? Will I be giving away cases upon cases of magical face cream and organic soda? Nah, it's probably gonna be a lot of bacon themed novelty items.  And although I would love to grace your mailboxes with tons of free crap, my ever shrinking budget will not allow it.  So, what the hell am I even bothering for? Because my opinion is priceless, people. If I like it, so will you. Any items and ideas posted will immediately become trendy sensations. Just think of the boost in our economy, dear friends.  You know how selfless I am. There is no way that this is a desperate attempt for blog post inspirations. Nope. *ahem*  No way.  This is for you, America.

So here goes.. the following things are making me happy this week. (I'm all about the superficial stuff, guys. There will be none of that "blue skies and butterflies crap.)

1. Less Than Perfect  on DVD

Yeah, I know. Super corny, right? Could I watch a less cool show? Um, no. This show is adorable. I have become obsessed lately with cancelled tv shows. I don't know why. It's probably caused by that same part of my psyche that makes me want to take home abandoned kittens and ugly mismatched silverware at flea markets. There is nothing I love more than the unloved.  But still.. this show is very cute.  I watched the first few episodes when it first aired and then forgot about it. (I know! Were they cancelled because of me??) Sara Rue is the cutest thing ever and I actually find myself laughing at Andy Dick (I''m pretty sure this was taped "pre-crazy drug induced breakdown).  It's a guilty pleasure. Don't judge me just because you watch cooler, edgier shows like CSI Miami.  Next cancelled show up for review : Wonderfalls. Will I give it a new home or leave it unloved and cold on the Netflix shelves?

2.Garnier Moisture Refresh Gel Cream

I bought this stuff last week. I love it! And it's really cheap! About 8 bucks! I've only been using it for about 6 days, so it hasn't completely smoothed my sandpapery, wrinkled 33 year old lizard- like hide, but I definitely feel improvement.  And it feels so good when I put it on.. nice and cool.  I hate those super thick, creamy moisturizers.. this one is perfect. Nice and light.  Anyone else try it??


3.Ipod Touch

Meet my addiction.  I do not make it through a day without completley running the battery dead on this thing.  I am totally addicted. I use it all day, every day. I'm a huge music nerd, so I love being able to download right to the device from itunes.  I listen to one or two audiobooks a week. I am a faithful subscriber to several podcasts. I listen to audio lectures on impressive subjects like Ancient Egypt and The French Revolution.  I also look up adorable puppy videos on youtube.  Yes, I realize that it's the same as an Ipad basically, but smaller. But I love the Touch. I take it with me everywhere. Besides, unless you are willing to pay for the Ipad and ship it to me (hint, hint) I will not be getting one of those anytime soon.  I'm ok with that.

So, there it is. I'm a happy person. Usually. And no, I don't need these things to stay that way. But they help.


*also, I have not received any of the items for free or paid for endorsing them. If I ever include a "free for review" product, I'll let ya know.

Thousand Words Thursday *Dreaming of Summer*

Thousand Words Thursday!!!!

This is my girlie, Roslyn, chillin' out in the surf of Ocean City, Maryland this past summer. Oh, I can almost feel those warm rays of sunshine!! Come on, Summer!!  You can't get here fast enough!

 

Now, scoot your little booty over to Cheaper than Therapy and check out the other submissions!

Need a Blog Designer!

Hey everyone!! I need your help!  I am in search of a blog designer!! I am going to be revamping all three of my sites, and possibly adding another.  Can you recommend anyone that you have worked with?  Do you design blogs yourself?  leave a comment and let me know!  I, of course, will be promoting the designer on all three sites.

New Review up at Girlswithboks.com

Skip on over to Girlswithbooks.com and read a review of a book I loved!