Gum

Gum
By: Taylor

It's not a food
It's not a drink
It's not a toilet
It's not a sink
It's not something used to
Brush your teeth
It's gum
God did not make it
But He made man
Who thought of it
And made us glad :)
Do not swallow
Only chew
It will help your breath
And its something to do
Chew all day
Chew all night
Try new flavors
You just might like
But even chewing in fog
Always make time for God

MACARTHUR by Mitchell Yockelson

MACARTHUR by Mitchell Yockelson

            As part of the series “The Generals,” this book features Douglas MacArthur – his military career, notoriety, and war campaigns. Dwelling much on his family history and personal life, the reader has an opportunity to feel more closely connected to MacArthur and his life. The personality of MacArthur is large. As is said at the beginning of the book, the point of it is to display to America this iconic general who shaped human history, not just American history, so much.
            I had previously read Washington of the same series and had high expectations of this book – particularly as it was my preferred of the two for the reason that I had already studied the life of Washington, but not MacArthur.
            So what did I think of it? I was mixed.
            While the book has a great deal of useful, and even somewhat interesting information, I came away from each reading with the feeling that it was over my head. I am not a military man and thus have a limited knowledge of it so I didn’t have expectations for myself to fully understand all the terms, but there was such a vast list of military names, terms, and the like that it sometimes detracted from the story as a whole. This is purely my opinion, however, and should be taken with a grain of salt. Some may want to have all the details of each individual next to his side, but I felt it to be unnecessary most of the time. I wanted to read about MacArthur and those vital companions of his, but not every single official he worked with. But again, this was my initial feeling.
            As I progressed through the book, it grew increasingly interesting - particularly after the halfway point as WWII came clearer into view. More time and effort seemed to be given to the campaigns he was in, and slightly less for names and terms, but I still skimmed through certain paragraphs which didn’t add much to the information I was looking for.
            All in all, a good book, but I feel it could have been better. I’m not sure if this resulted because of often being frustrated by MacArthur or if it came from my lack of “jiving” with the style and approach of the author. Perhaps it’s a combination of both. Either way, if you’re interested in reading about MacArthur and don’t mind a barrage of names and military terms, go for it. If you’re not interested, however, in all the officials he worked with (exaggerated, I know) and every commanding officer, you may want to consider another book.
            To end on a positive note: It was evident to me that Yockelson did a good deal of research for this reading. This was appreciated and can be a good reference for the future. I learned much on MacArthur and am grateful for the knowledge gained.

Washington by Paul Vickery

Washington by Paul Vickery

Washington is about, surprise, surprise, George Washington - first President of the United States. The emphasis of this book is not necessarily connected to his Presidency, but rather on the events of his life which shaped his morality, faith, and character to become the first President. Starting with his birth and young life, then eventually leading to his early war campaigns, much detail and information is shed on Washington as military commander. This is essentially the main focus of the book as it was a large portion of Washington's life.

Washington, in a nutshell, is a fascinating, well-written book offering subtle, almost intimate, details about the life of George Washington. Not only are his strong attributes as a person set forth, but his character flaws are demonstrated. This is an important aspect to the read. What makes a great read is not to read about the half-trues of a great man, but to hear of their personal struggles conquored by determination and will. The details and minor areas of Washington's life are what cause this book to stand out.

1776 by David McCullough - a great book - is attentive to the year 1776 (Could it be any other with a title like that?). Washington, on the other hand, fills in more of the details before and after this pivotal year. If you have read and enjoyed 1776, you will also enjoy Washington by Vickery.

A final note on the reason for a less-than-perfect score: Editing mistakes. Most individuals will never know the difference, but as a teacher, there are half-a-dozen editing mistakes which distracted from the integrity of this book. A very good book in need of tighter editing.

Final say: I highly recommend Washington!

Do Your Best at the Work That Lies Nearest

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might...."

In my life I usually fail to practice the guidelines from this suggestion on work. I neglect the simple tasks already assignmed me to do a greater work I think needs me elsewhere.

This is not God's will.

Joseph, before he became second in command in Egypt, gave his best as a slave, then as a prisoner. He was not promoted, but demoted before finally being exalted, but integrity and precision were his trade marks.

Let me first practice a basic job well done. Then I will be better equipped for the duties God later gives me.

Begin with the duties that lie nearest.
Work with all your God-given energy.

"I cannot walk to Rome until I first take one step."

The Sacred Journey by Charles Foster

            The Sacred Journey is part of a series of books on the ancient practices. Its intent is to bring you to the realization that man is, from his origins, created to walk and be a pilgrim. In the beginning chapters, Foster shows how God is also a fan of pilgrimage.

            The next major sections deal with convincing the reader to become a pilgrim, wanderer, traveler, [insert adjective here]. Why go? Foster asks. To get rid of junk, to encounter, to know yourself, others, God.

            The remaining half of the book focuses on preparing for the journey, journeying, and returning from the journey.

            Initially, I took a liking to the concept of this book. I consider myself a strong adventurous type who enjoys backpacking and travel. Issues plagued the book for me, however.

            For example, Foster mentions a man named John who “got drunk in a field and laughed for the first time in a decade without worrying whether the incident would find its way onto his appraisal.” Is this God’s intent? Is this the sacred journey?

            Foster is a good writer with misconceptions of what he is really getting at. Pilgrimage is not the core issue here. Are we less of a Christian if we cannot afford the plane ticket to the “holy land”? No. Pilgrimage is not the answer to our problems. Simplicity in life and deed is at the core of what pilgrimage can only pretend to do for us. The idea behind this book is still on a journey of its own. A premature book with an incomplete concept.