The Final Summit by Andy Andrews My reading life series by dr Frank

Book Review
The Final Summit: A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity

By Andy Andrews
Published by Thomas Nelson

My reading life series by dr Frank

The main character in one of Andy Andrews’ earlier and tremendous book (The Traveler’s Gift) is the main character in this book.  David Ponder is a successful businessman in his seventies and is struggling with the loss of his wife and best friend when archangel Gabriel appears to David and whisks him away to The Final Summit with many historical leaders where they are tasked with finding the answer to save mankind. 

Initially, when I read this book, I did not like it because I approached the reading of the book in a theological review manner.  However, knowing that many books have a hidden meaning and oftentimes requires multiple readings, I decided to read this book for the second time with an open mind and heart.  It is with this second reading that I write this review.

 Similar to other books by Andy Andrews, this book builds upon each chapter and contains tremendous insight, wisdom, hidden humor, and quotable quotes.  Many historical leaders are in the book such as Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, King David, and Thomas Edison.  Every character adds their distinct characteristics and ideas in an effort to assist David in finding the answer to the main question of the book.  In two words, “What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?”  This complex yet simple question creates the basis for questions amongst the travelers and their sometimes witty yet provocative answers.  

As with all of Andy Andrew’s books, there are multiple hidden and oftentimes direct challenges presented to the reader and this book is no different.  I recommend this book for many reasons especially if the reader enjoys learning practical life’s lessons while learning some historical facts.  This book is available in an audio format which adds a unique aspect to the presentation.  Although this review is based upon the written version, I recommend the audio version too. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Easter Choir - Victory Family Church Celebrating the Resurrection of Christ

Victory Family Church

Easter at Victory Family Church

For more than ten years I have had the distinct honor of photographing events as a volunteer for Victory Family Church and every year my enthusiasm and excitement grows more and more.  There are many events that take place throughout the year celebrating holidays, baby dedications, water baptism but my favorite holiday of the year is Easter as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. The choir did an amazing job Saturday night (and I am positive they did the same for Sunday AM).  I never grow tired of hearing the Gospel of Christ preached.  The ultimate sacrifice for sin was paid but the resurrection is the victory over death and the grave. 1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  Many times last night I was moved to tears listening to the voices singing praises to the Lord and seeing the hands raised to Him.

Glowing Cross

As a photographer, light is very meaningful to me and last night the lighting and sound team did an amazing job accenting the singers and adding emotion through light and sound.  From my vantage points (as I moved about the church), the sound and light seemed to come alive as the light danced around the singers and sent accents throughout the crowd.  Moving about the church, I could see others moved to tears of joyous emotion as they worshiped the Lord and praised Him for salvation, healing, and life. 

Singing with lifted hands of Praise. 

 After the tremendous singing of praise, Pastor John preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ - Our Risen Saviour.  Throughout the message, my eyes and heart were filled with tears of joy and celebration!  They were celebrating the fact that we are not redeemed by our works but by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Singing Praises with lifted hands

Today many families (including ours) will celebrate this amazing event with a meal of roasted lamb.  I find it amazing that this small simple animal represents and signifies an amazing truth.  When it is served, it is called by its name.  Lamb.  Unlike many other meats when served, its name is simple.  It does not have an over complicated name hiding its origin but it is served in a simple fashion.  Just like the Gospel of Christ - very simple.  Salvation through Christ is not over complicated nor is it filled with a special code.  Receive Him as your Saviour today! 

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

 

Pastor Peter Penrose

Matthew 28:6-7 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 

 

Book review: Classic Wisdom for the Professional Life by Bryan Curtis

My reading life series by dr Frank

Classic Wisdom for the Professional Life by Bryan Curtis

Classic Wisdom for the Professional Life is filled with tremendous quotes about business and life to inspire and encourage the reader.   It is put together in a very casual non categorized manner.   The reader can open the book to any page and find interesting quotes by leaders, celebrities, entertainers, and many others from all walks of life. 

Overall, I found the book inspiring and encouraging.  I went through the quotes multiple times and every time finding more quotes that I chose to write down in my journal or note in the book. As a general quote book, this book is filled with wisdom from many successful individuals.  I found the title limiting in its summary of the book unless the author intends to compile a series of classic wisdom books; such as Classic Wisdom for the busy dad, Classic Wisdom for the student, etc.

Although the book contains tremendous quotes and life lessons, it does not have any index, chapters, or organization to assist the reader in finding quotes.  This is a major shortcoming since this book could prove to be a tremendous resource for writers, bloggers, speakers, or anyone searching for useful quotes. 

Possibly, the writer wanted the reader to learn the quotes by creating categories of their own.  By creating my own categories, and keywords, I can quickly reference these quotes for daily use but in a busy world, I do not envision many casual readers electing this method for using this book.   Due to the lack of organization or daily reading layout, much of the wisdom could be lost.  Unfortunately, today’s environment is filled with the ability to quickly search for ideas, quotes, and subjects with a click or by entering a word or phrase in a search box.
    

Even with these shortcomings, I recommend this book since it contains tremendous wisdom and thought provoking statements. 


 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Breakfast Wrap – Hummus – Great Start to the day

Years ago I learned that it is critical to start the day with a powerful energy filled breakfast.  The saying that I was taught is: Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.  Basically, what this means is to start the day with the best meal and end with a lighter fare.  Yes, this is contrary to the American way of eating.  Start the day with a donut or bagel, grab something from the snack machine for lunch, then gorge in the evening and wonder why sleep doesn’t visit. :X

One of my favorite breakfast meals is a breakfast wrap – today’s version is made with homemade hummus (recipe later), fresh bean sprouts, goat cheese, on a whole grain tortilla (wrap).

I like to use very thin pita or tortilla for my wraps.  There are many great flat bread type varieties too.  Sammy’s makes a great millet version as well as millet and flax.  Every so often I find a good version at Costco for a very fair price and no ‘junk’ in it.  (One day I will find a good recipe and make my own :D )

The filling – Hummus –

The hummus I make is unlike most found in the store although I see that Costco is carrying a very similar version.  I like to make mine with roasted red peppers, hot peppers, and a wide variety of other spices.  I make mine in a manner that is conducive to being in public.  Basically, it is sans garlic.  I love the taste of roasted garlic but if you are in public, it doesn’t like others or should I say, most often others don’t like it.

Roasted Red Pepper, Jalapeño, Chili Pepper, Hummus

• 1 cup organic garbanzo beans – I use organic but you can substitute non organic to reduce the cost.  Use either one can or cook your own to reduce the cost.  Buying garbanzo beans in bulk reduces the overall cost of the hummus. 
• I drain all of the fluid from the garbanzo beans when I use the canned organic version.  I know that other recipes state to keep some of it but I find the liquids added makes the hummus the perfect consistency.
•  ¼ roasted red pepper -  Large jars can be found at Costco or the local grocer. 
• Lemon juice -  enough to cover the top of the beans. I squirt/juice enough to cover the top of the beans.  (Nothing scientific here but this seems to work best for my families taste buds.)
• ½ Jalapeño and ½ Chili Pepper  -  I add the seeds too.  The seeds have life (another article) and flavor. Experiment with this combination.  You might like the entire pepper.  I find that this combination gives some heat but not overpowering as it goes down.
• Tahini – This is a personal preference and some folks don’t like its taste.  I use a fork full – Yes, a fork and not spoon. It seems to slide off the fork into the blentec, blender, vita-mix, etc without any issues. Too much and it can overpower the hummus but if you do not use enough, the hummus could lack the distinct taste.
• Organic Virgin Olive Oil -  I buy the Kirkland brand from Costco
• Various spices -  Red Pepper (to taste) and it gives some extra heat to the other peppers, sea salt or other very coarse salt.  I use a sprinkle on the top but add enough for a slight change in flavor and not overpowering.   Use a spice combo if you want to alter the flavor such as the kind that includes celery, onion, (yes garlic), and other flavorful spices.

I add the ingredients in the order indicated into my Blendtec – I use the new container – Twister Jar and like how it cleans up very easy.  If you use this device, do not overfill.  :D It does overflow easy.   You can use a Vita-Mix, Blendtec, or other similar devices found on the market.  I have only used the Vita-Mix and Blendtec so I cannot comment on the others but I am sure that this recipe can be made with ease in other devices.

Using the Blendtec – I select the up arrow until it hits 7 – 10 and run it until the hummus is the consistency that I like.  When it’s the perfect consistency, I select the pulse button to turn it off.

Now back to the breakfast wrap.  A few spoonfuls of this hummus is added to the wrap, then I top it with fresh bean sprouts, a handful of spinach or other greens, and at times I add a spoonful of corn, black beans, or other similar textured bean.  Add a spoon full of your favorite homemade salsa if you want more heat and this wrap will send your taste buds into shouts of joy.  I have found some great tasting goat cheese at Giant Eagle but due to its cost, I don’t add it often.

The only downside to this wrap – the taste.  It is full of flavor and I want to eat two.  This is very filling and full of flavor, nutrients, and gives great energy to start the day.  Make enough hummus for a few days and this breakfast wrap takes only a few minutes to prepare and it is a great meal even for the time challenged family.

If you add the extra ingredients, I do not recommend eating this while trying to drive (not that eating and driving is a good thing).  If you try to eat this while trying to drive, anticipate wearing a bib or something similar since either your overflowing taste buds cause the juices to flow everywhere.

Experiment with making breakfast wraps to add tremendous nutrition to start your day and avoid the fast food places or boxed cereal section that too often is filled with chemicals and sugar.

In a future post, I will give a few suggestions for the traveler.  I have tremendous experience in the world of traveling and will cover a few pre made organic versions (Amy’s and others) plus some other alternate quick, healthy solutions.

Experiment with this low cost solution to boring breakfast meals.  Breakfast should be used to vitalize the body, mind, and spirit.  Till next time – get out and enjoy life!  Remember this statement – life is all a matter of perspective!

Victory Family Church Eggstravaganza - April 6 and 7

RC Cars visited in 2011

Eggstravaganza time again 

in Cranberry Twp - 

Bring the entire family to Eggstravaganza at 

Victory Family Church in Cranberry Twp, PA

When: Friday, April 6 & April 7
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Cost: Free for all of the activities


Who is invited - everyone! 100,000 eggs to hunt, balloon artists, inflatable rides, puppet show, and much more.
  
There is plenty of fun to go around for everyone!  This event is free for all activities (food vendors accept cash)


More details at http://www.lifeatvictory.com/eggstravaganza/.

This is a fun filled event for the entire family! I photograph this event every year and enjoy seeing the kids run, slide (in the snow some years), and enjoy life!  However, more important come out watch an amazing puppet show which shares the love of Christ in a manner everyone can love, understand, and enjoy.

Last year we heard the tremendous story told by the trees and their friends:

Puppet Show

Many years I watch the show multiple times because I enjoy hearing the message taught, listening, to the kids giggle, laugh, and shout. 


Regardless of your age, stop by and watch the puppet show.  It is bring a smile to your face, a tear to your eye as it always tells a tremendous truth!


Tell your friends, neighbors, family, and folks you want to have as friends!

Eggstravaganza

Pittsburgh Bridal Showcase - Wedding Professional Bridal Show

Pittsburgh Bridal Showcase

by dr Frank 

A special thanks to Erika and Sal from the Pittsburgh Bridal Showcase & PittsburghWedding & Event Vendor Network for hosting a tremendous event.  I had a Wedding Photography booth (not that I was going to have a singing booth at the show since my singing is not very good :D)  at the Pittsburgh Bridal Showcase on March 18, 2012 which was held at the David LawrenceConvention Center in Pittsburgh, PA.  The event was well organized, the attendance was amazing, and the weather perfect (although I don’t think they had anything to do with the weather) :D .  There were a large number of vendors for guests to visit and plenty of space in the aisles to avoid ‘traffic jams’ and delays.  The convention center’s help was great and assisted me when I arrived to the loading dock to unload my display onto carts and took it to my booth location. 

My booth was next to OttoProduction and I had the honor of being entertained by the company and hospitality of Jeanie and Frank (up-lighting and music professionals).  As always they did a tremendous job in up-lighting both our booths and provided a very distinct look which enabled guests from the show to see our booths from the opposite side of the convention center’s floor. In addition, Frank has a few tips on pages 58 & 59 in the Wedding Pocket guide on lighting and up-lighting your wedding reception.

I had the distinct honor of talking to many visitors and other vendors. My hope is that every couple is able to find the vendors who will assist them in making their special day beyond amazing.  There is no doubt in my mind that attending a Bridal Show is overwhelming and confusing to the families and friends who accompanied the ladies as they talked to countless vendors from all categories and looked at a mind numbing number of brochures, fliers, and other advertisements handed to them at the show.

The preparation for the wedding day can be overwhelming and at times presents itself as a very daunting task.  As always, my suggestion is to ensure that you hire experienced wedding professions and that you can work with each vendor then relax, and enjoy the experience.  For more tips on having an amazing wedding day, please read through the Wedding Pocket Guide written my multiple wedding professionals including a few tips by me on pages 46 & 47. 

Member - 

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) 

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers

Dancing with the star(s) – My granddaughter and me

Dancing with the star(s) – My granddaughter and me

Last night I had the distinct pleasure of dancing (for a short period of time) with my granddaughter.  My oldest granddaughter and oldest grandson participated in a talent show at their elementary school and did a great job singing their favorite song. As part of the grand finale the 4^th grade class did a tribute to their schoolmates and teachers.  Every 4^th grader who participated in the talent show picked someone to do a quick dance with and my granddaughter picked me.  When she asked me a few weeks ago I immediately said yes.  There was no hesitation, I didn’t even think about it.  I was waiting for this day since she was a baby.  The day I could dance with her in public showing off my love for her.

“Pappy, will you dance with me at our talent show?” 

Me: “Yes!” 

Then the fun began as we prepared for the big day.  Every time I was off on a trip out of town I would tell her that I was going off to practice with Beyonce or Jennifer Lopez.  I am not sure why but she never believed me.  I would send her a note telling her that the practices went well but for some reason, she never seemed to believe me.  Maybe it was dance style or maybe she really knew that I didn’t need to practice with a star.  Maybe it is because my mom taught me how to dance with a style that can only be appreciated by a mom and her son.  A style that matches nothing but we had fun doing. 

From the moment she asked me to dance with her I counted down the days until the event day would arrive.   I knew the day in my mind and heart plus had it on my calendar with multiple reminders.  Nothing would interfere with me dancing with my granddaughter!  In my mind I practiced and in my free time I practiced (how hard is it to do 4 moves but I didn’t want to mess up).  :D

The day of the event arrived and I kept watching the clock to ensure that I didn’t leave late.  As the hour of departure ticked closer and closer, the excitement in my heart grew and I could feel my heart “smiling”.  I left early and arrived one hour early to the event. I was not going to be late for any reason.  Yes, I brought my camera gear and set-up in one of the side aisles and took pictures of the other kids for my grandkids to remember as well as video of them.  However, throughout the show my mind was on the moment that I would step on the stage with my granddaughter.  As each child performed various acts during the talent show my mind and body moved and listened to each dance song to ensure that I was in the ‘zone’.  There was no celebrity on “Dancing with the Stars” that anticipated the moment in the same manner that I anticipated the moment that I could dance with my granddaughter.  There is no celebrity that I would want to dance with more than my granddaughter.  In my mind, all of my family is celebrity/royalty.

Leading up to the night, I was told we would be more than half way into the crowd of dancers before we hit the stage.  I thought this is good so I can see a little what others were doing but in my heart I wanted to be first.  Yes, the competitive and show boat side of me was coming through.  I handed my camera to my son in law to capture the first pictures of my granddaughter and me on stage together. I looked to my other daughter (his wife) and she had a big smile on her face as she held her daughter and as her son leaned against both of them.  My wife sat near my oldest daughter and my sister in law asked if I was nervous.  “Me nervous to get in front of an auditorium filled with people?  No!”  My heart was pounding in anticipation but not nervousness.  Then my oldest daughter pointed to her daughter, my granddaughter and indicated that we would not be in the middle of the group but first.  “Yes!” I could feel my heart say and my mind shout!  With a smile on my face and joy in my step, I moved to the front of the line.  I would be first on stage with my granddaughter.  No one would have the opportunity to be with their special person before me.  I was so excited that I almost felt ashamed to gloat in my heart that I would have the distinct privilege of dancing with her.  I would dance with my granddaughter before the others danced with their special person.  I could feel the tears of joy swell up in my eyes and had to push them back.  Yes, the moment was here.  The music played and I could feel the beat in mind.  I looked across the long stage to her and she had a huge smile on her face.  We were on opposite sides of the stage and would each climb a few steps onto the stage and join each other in the middle of the stage for a quick dance.  Similar to the cha cha shuffle.  Slide to the left, slide to the right, shake your hand to the left and shake to the right then give her a huge bear hug!  I asked the lady who was one of the parents in charge – “I move to the left first correct?”  Her response with a big smile – “If that is what you planned.”  Then this is when it hit me, everyone had their own move.  This dance is one that my granddaughter picked for us!  Up until this time I thought everyone was doing the same.  Nope!  Every short dance was different.

Then the moment arrived, the parent in charge looked to me and nodded stating; “are you ready?”  Was I ready?  That was like asking a kid if they wanted their favorite ice cream for dinner.  It was like asking a sports fan if they wanted to spend time with their favorite team. “Yes!” I was ready.  She told me that when we were done that I was to go to the end of the line.  Why?  I would get to join the stage with her a second time.  Wow!  I could not believe it.  I am not sure if my feet were even on the floor at this point.

I could hear a few parents stating to others, I am more nervous than the kids and I heard teen age girl proudly state that she was dancing with her sister.  Yes! Sisters having fun together!

As I waited, the photographer covering the event (Jimmy Ross) smiled to me (since we know each other) and shook my hand.

The lead mom looked to me and I started toward the steps, watching each step to ensure that I didn’t end up missing one and falling flat on my face embarrassing my granddaughter.  My feet didn’t seem to hit the steps and as soon as I placed my right foot on the stage, my mind told my feet to skip and skip I did all across the stage to my granddaughter where we met in the middle.  I am not sure if anyone else could see it but I am sure my smile went from ear to ear and around the back of my head.  My heart pounded with joy and my mind sang with the music.

Slide to the left, slide to the right
Shake your left hand and shake your right hand

Then give her the biggest hug imaginable.

I turned to the left and floated skipped off the stage.

I went to the back of the line and watched the others join their special person on stage with their special person. As the line moved, I could feel the anticipation and join swell up in my heart again and then I am at the front of the line again.  Our next task was to go on stage, embrace then go to the back wall on the stage to join in a farewell wave.  Yes! I was on stage again with her!

I was at the base of the steps and could see her across the stage.  It was time, I floated up the steps bouncing toward her and gave her a huge hug and could not believe that I had the honor of being on stage twice with my granddaughter in one night.  Before getting on stage the second time, I was told to go stand under the “Y” after I joined her. The “Y” in Hollywood on the sign at the back of the stage.  We would be in the center of the stage together for all of the pictures.  Yes!

We went to the back of the stage after embracing in the middle of the stage and headed to the “Y”.  I was to stand and she would kneel in front of me as we looked to the crowd and other kids.  We held hands waving them back and forth.  I didn’t want to let go.

I know that my smile was from ear to ear. As the others joined the stage, we bounced back and forth.  My legs and heart filled with excitement and joy.  I could feel her heart pounding in her hands as I held her them and it reminded me when I held her little hands when she was a baby.  It was the same tight embrace that a child automatically does when someone places their hand or finger within their grasp as they felt the heart of another human.  I smiled and smiled.  There is no doubt in my mind that this is the same smile and joy that a gold medal winner has when they achieve one of their life’s goals.  The major difference, the joy in my heart is based on the love toward my family. Oh how the Lord has blessed me!  What greater joy is there than this than to spend precious time with your family?   

As I type this my cheeks are covered in tears of joy and the tears flow from my cheeks to my keyboard.  I thank you Lord for giving to me the greatest gift other than salvation and that is the gift of my family. 

A special thanks to my wife for sowing into the lives of our family! 

There is so much more to write about last night but that will be left for another day.  I hope my granddaughter will remember this night as much as I will remember it.

Oh the joy's of being a dad and granddad!  There is nothing like it in life.  

The crown of glory - Proverbs 16:31

Blendtec - Recipe - Almond butter with Apples Raw Menu

Almond/Apple Butter Recipe

Recently, I purchased the Twister Jar from Blendtec and immediately began experimenting with new recipes.  I tried a few but thus far this is my favorite nut and fruit recipe which blends very well and makes a very tasty snack, desert, or filling for a sandwich or pita wrap.

• 1/2 cup raw almonds - unsalted 
• 1 Gala or other juicy apple (pealed and cut into pieces) - I am sure the Blendtec would work with a whole apple but I decided to cut it into pieces. 
• pinch of sea salt or similar
• splash of stevia (what is a splash?)  Just enough to enhance the flavor of the apple but you can skip this or modify to your taste.

Add the almonds to the bottom of the jar and add the cut apple to the top.  Sprinkle the salt and stevia.  Turn on the Blendtec then increase it to seven by selecting the up arrow on the left.  Twist the lid and you will immediately see the almonds and apples blend together into an amazing tasting nut/fruit butter. Blend util the butter is at a desired consistency and immediately begin eating. I cannot guarantee that the first batch will make it outside the jar before it is ate.  However, if it is all gone before serving to others, make another batch.  It cost very minimal compared to the nutritional value.  I tried a few different combinations and 1/2 cup seems to work best with one apple.  Any more and it is very thick and any less it is too runny. We enjoyed it immediately out of the jar warm and I had to make another batch to utilize for pita wraps later in the day.

I plan to continue my experiments with other nut and fruit combinations.

Why did I decide to make my own when I can purchase a jar of almond butter at the grocery store for $7-15?  Too often I get bored with the nut butter before it hardens into a brick.  Yes, I know that I can add some oil or other items to loosen the butter but this has a great taste and it cost pennies to make.  I do understand that it will require many jars of nut butter to make up the cost of this new jar but making it fresh add something to the taste. :D

Below is a video from Blendtec's site.