Blessings: Adventures of a Madcap Christian Scientist

Reading Karen's book makes me feel like I am sharing a conversation with a dear friend. She is so real and easy to identify with as she shares ideas about God and how those ideas shape her view of the world and influence her life in a very natural and positive way. Her humility and kindness are evident in her gentle approach to the challenges of life. She obviously has a sense of humor, but I would not describe her as "madcap" - just a very genuine and sincere individual who clearly enjoys life and lives what she believes.

The author enjoys life, and she lets you in on her secrets to that enjoyment! An attitude of gratitude that brought her many blessings can bless the reader as well. Have you ever had a friend that looks at a glass as half empty rather than half full. Karen is the friend that knows it is full to overflowing, and, she knows why! I love the fact that each chapter is complete, and can be read as an individual story. The problem was that I was enjoying each chapter so much that I couldn't put it down until I had read the whole book!

This book shows the magic in life that can be found each and every day through the people and experiences that we encounter on our day to day adventures. It made me cry, it made me laugh, it made me feel as though the people I 've met and the places I've been have value and are a story in the making. Karen writes in a reader friendly manner. As the reader you feel as though you are meeting these people with her and are experiencing these places without ever having been there. It is a great book of hope, inspiration, and life. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have already passed it on to a friend to read.

This little book (just one page shy of 100) is a gem. A warm collection of anecdotes and reflections, it would bring a smile to most anyone, not just those religiously inclined. Hardly the "madcap" of the title, Karen Molenaar Terrell is a seemingly effortless storyteller who illuminates the countless moments in life that inform us all. With vivid description and a relentlessly conversational tone, this book would even make the basis of an appealing movie that celebrates life's day-to-day adventures and joys. Page by page, Karen is endearingly unassuming, which underscores the lower-case lettering of the title and her name on the book's cover. But make no mistake. This is a work of boldness, born of optimistic initiative and gently encouraging us to realize that we all have stories worthy of telling -- and that the best ones exemplify love.

As you read this lighthearted look at the life of a woman going through the everyday challenges that beset us all, and how she uses her understanding of Christian Science to help her master these challenges, you will come away with a real appreciation for the blessings that can come from putting God first in one's own life. This little book is perfect for a quick evening's read, or as a gift for someone who is struggling to find their way. It's written in a way that will appeal to anyone, regardless of religious background, and is sure to leave you with a smile.