Mary Potter Kenyon

This book was a blast to the past for me. It also made me miss the many deals that my mother, sister and I did especially back in the 80's when those who tried to save money were more of the minority. I never did the fraudulent or extreme things mentioned in the book, but as a newlywed, I was able to stockpile cleaning supplies, food, and paper items that greatly saved us on our tight budget. Our family was never stingy. We would share our extras with friends. It made our hobby sociable and profitable to us, as well. Shame on those who did fraudulent things in the book to make a huge buck. That is why the companies stopped being so generous. I met Mary Potter Kenyon through Refund Express and Refund Cents (both magazines). Mary's love story involving couponing is so sweet, too. The book was easy to read and made me want to try to do more couponing and refunding, as I burned out with coupons over the years. To me, it is easier to print the legit ones online, and find other ways to save by scoping out all the steals and deals online before leaving home. I have my son's old Smart Phone, and even though it is 3GS, still has several apps that help me save money.… (plus d'informations)

I hate the word “closure”. Especially as it relates to coping with life’s more difficult circumstances. The death of a loved one, a violent assault, the carnage of war, a potentially lethal disease, and many other experiences, leave one’s life forever changed. The idea that such an event is something that one can get over and leave behind is ludicrous. Perspective, a much better term to my mind, is what I found in Refined by Fire: A Journey of Grief and Grace by Mary Potter Kenyon. She tells her story of losing her husband, followed very quickly by a grandson.

The most powerful element of Refined by Fire was the way it communicated how lost Mrs. Potter Kenyon felt. One of her most important and familiar ebenezers, her husband, was no longer standing and could offer no help in finding her bearings. While still lost in grief’s wilderness, to then lose a grandson unimaginable. Postings from Mrs. Potter Kenyon’s blog are sprinkled through her journey and offer poignant emphasis to her attempts to comprehend the her loss.

My metallurgy is not what it once was, but I don't recall a single analogy, description, or theme related to the art of metallurgy in Refined by Fire. Not one! Actually, that’s not true. My metallurgy remains as sharp as ever, and what it has always been - nonexistent. In fairness to Mrs. Potter Kenyon, I’m always in the process of reading several books, and bouncing between them as a way to combat my ADD and dyslexia. Details are sometimes lost in this process. Ultimately, no analogies are needed. Mrs. Potter Kenyon’s description of the firestorm created by the her loss is so real and easily understood. Likewise, her refinement, the understanding, faith, and perspective gained by her loss, are clear markers of the love that remains. Death is no match.… (plus d'informations)

She is the mother of 8 kids and her husband is diagnosed with oral cancer. Kenton keeps it real and lays it all out just like it is / was with no sugar coating.
You'll have tears rolling down your face from sadness, you'll understand the raw, emotional roller coaster and you'll sigh with relief.
However, like it did to me, the totally unexpected end will leave you gasping for air.

I have a friend whose husband was JUST diagnosed with oral cancer ...told her that this is a must read so she got it on her Kindle. Loves it and relates.… (plus d'informations)