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| Majestic and Wild |
Reviewed by
Marian Baay
5 stars~*****
Majestic and Wild is a great adventurous
experience for 31 days. I must admit I could not wait that long to read all those
great stories. The author drew me in from the first story and I didn’t want to
stop reading. For each day the author is offering one or two bible verses and
is sharing one of his experiences in the wild—adventures in the forest or field,
on the river, or encounters with wild animals. These experiences have taught
him rich spiritual lessons—lessons that will also teach the reader more about
God and His creation.
The vivid descriptions will make
you feel like you are watching over the author’s shoulder. It will give you the
feeling you are visiting the wild and experiencing what the author saw. It
takes a talented writer to make you feel like you are living the adventures in
a book—to make you see them in your mind’s eye. Murray Pura is that writer who
is blessed with this special gift of art in writing. His writing is like a cool
stream or a gentle wind—so refreshing.
This book awakened many
emotions—happiness to see God’s glory, sadness to see the wickedness of men, it
brought a smile to my face to read some humorous comments between the lines, and
I have also wiped away a tear at some emotional parts. Above all this book left
me in awe of God’s glorious creation.
This book is for men and women
who enjoy the outdoors. Get your copy of Majestic and Wild and go on an unforgettable
adventure. While reading you will learn some valuable and biblical lessons…and you
will be blessed!
*Thanks to the publisher for
providing me with a review copy through NetGalley.*
You can buy Murray's books at Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble, and other bookstores.
_________________________________________________________
GIVEAWAYS:
* Murray has graciously offered to give away NINE sets of lovely 4x6 glossy bookmark postcards of his Harvest House book covers—one autographed card per set. On every review this week we will draw 3 winners, so make sure you comment on all reviews this week!
* And OWG is offering a copy of MAJESTIC AND WILD and WHISPERS OF A NEW DAWN! If you have posted any reviews on Murray’s books let us know which ones and you will get an extra entry for each one posted!
* Murray has graciously offered to give away NINE sets of lovely 4x6 glossy bookmark postcards of his Harvest House book covers—one autographed card per set. On every review this week we will draw 3 winners, so make sure you comment on all reviews this week!
* And OWG is offering a copy of MAJESTIC AND WILD and WHISPERS OF A NEW DAWN! If you have posted any reviews on Murray’s books let us know which ones and you will get an extra entry for each one posted!
QUESTION: Have you been on outdoor activities in the wild? Have you seen any wild animals?
Hmm...1st one to comment-is there a prize for that? ;-) Sounds like a different type of book for Murray, but your descriptions, Marian, make it sound like a fun and interesting book. It would be great to win a Murray book. If you should happen to draw my name for the postcards, please pass them on to another commenter, sce I already won a set on a previous blog of OWG.
ReplyDeleteI think the closest thing to an outdoor activity in the wild for me, would have to be my White Water rapids trip in Colorado for my birthday a couple years ago. I took a "full swim and a half swim" making it quite memorable--even taking my hubby out with me on the full swim. For anyone not familiar with those terms, a swim is when you fall completely out of the boat (yes, I had to be rescued by another boat...and a half swim is when you fall only partially out (my feet were still clinging tightly inside the boat as my husband pulled me back in. Would I do it again? YES! But I think next time, I would like to find one that is a little less wild--I prefer to stay INSIDE the boat! LOL
Vicki OWG
PS--in answer to your question on the last blog Diana--yes we are back in the states for awhile--in fact, back in Boulder, but I think it is still a little cool (for me anyway) to try another white water rafting trip yet...
hey Vicki! Sounds like quite an adventurous birthday present! Would also love to adventure it someday, but I doubt my joints are in agreement with that. ;)
Deletethat's a great story Vicki - this book includes a white water adventure too but it was not so safe - i have been on a few that were normal fun - and others that were heart in your mouth experiences
DeleteWow. lol. Thanks is a great adventure you went on story. I enjoyed it.I am glad you & hubby survived the swim & you survived your 1/2 swim with the help of your hubby, to pull you back into the boat. A birthday sure to be remembered.
DeleteI just found out that we will have another chance @ whitewater rafting in Colorado again--this time with others from my hubby's team. Hopefully, this one will NOT include any 'swims's for me! ;-)
DeleteThat's so exciting, Vicki! Enjoy!!
DeleteMARIAN, what a beautiful review you have written!! I remember you saying how much you enjoyed it when you'd first read it... and it shows in your review! :) I can't wait for the Delivery man to bring me my copy!! Looking forward to reading about MURRAY'S wild adventures, to smile at the humour, but mostly to be drawn closer to the Living Creator!!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately my only experience of the wild outdoors was more of the human kind - vastly different, but those type of 'wild animals' have the potential to be much more dangerous!! I have seen wild animals in a Safari type park of course, but that's about it. :)
Thank you, N.! Yes, I sooo loved this book and I'm sure you will too when you're going to read it.
DeleteWe don't have much wild animals here - or at least no real dangerous ones. We have deer, wild swines, hares & rabbits, and squirrels of course. ;)
hey SKL - your copy was mailed last week so i'd like to think you'll get it this week - bless you two
DeleteGreat review and storyline. I am a big fan! Would love a chance to read this wonderful book!
ReplyDeleteThat's great, Sonja! All the best in the drawing.
Deletehi Sonja! love ya! thanks for coming by- i hope you win a prize
DeleteMARIAN, such a beautiful review my dear friend, and I would love to read this when I get the chance.
ReplyDeleteLet's see I can't remember ever really being out in the wilds per se, but I did see a huge snake while horseback riding. Not a whole lot to write a book from is it? ;) And like NOELA we rode thru Lion Country Safari where the animals run loose. My brother was driving and when he stopped to watch the lazy, sleeping lions, a not so lazy rhino decided he was going to charge our car. He lined himself up with us and got ready and we took off like a house afire! So I KNOW I've lived a boring life compared to Murray's.
I have been on safari in Portugal, but can't remember seeing big wild animals. Maybe I need to check our honeymoon pics, because that's why we were in Portugal. I'd like to think I only had eyes for Marko and that's why I can't remember, but the truth is not such a romantic story. I can hardly remember anything from these days due to several pinched nerves in my neck caused by vertebrae out of place for years.
DeleteWhen I get to the pics I'll share some with you. :)
well i want to go to Africa and i've never been - and i've never been charged by a wild rhino - though i've read all kinds of true Africa adventure stories
DeleteDIANA, you are so funny!
DeleteMARIAN--that is so sweet about only having eyes for Marko and not knowing if you saw any wild animals, haha!
MURRAY, You have led a fascinating life.
As far as Safari's--I have only been to the same one as Diana--I took my preschool classes (yes, I used to teach preschool) a couple times, but nothing exciting happened. However, when my parents came down to cali to visit u, we took them and after driving thru to see all the animals we decided to watch an African Dancer
DeleteShow. While watching the show, my husband noticed the the top of one of the women was sliding down, and he mentioned it to me, wondering if she knew. The dancers then surronded her (we thought to allow for her recovery...) and then then danced their way up the hill. A few moments later, they came down the hill--ALL with only grass skirts and beads--yep, they were Authentic African Dancers! We were so embarrassed to have brought my conservative Christian parents to this. Jon looked over to my dad and he seemed to be enjoying the show. Let me tell you, this became the talk amongst the family for awhile! ;-)
On the serious side, Jon was lucky enough to go to South Africa during the early times of his work travels and he was able to go to a Safari weekend, and it was so cool! During their ride thru the WILD animals, they actually parked the jeep within feet of some male tigers who were watching the white tigers in the reserve next door who were mating--a few months later, we saw an announcement that they hd new baby white tigers, so I guess it was successful. ;-) Turns out that they keep most of the animals on birth control, to keep from getting more than they have of their food supply animals--so they can't get too many of certain species and only mate them when they are needing more of that species. (I hope that made sense). At any rate the animals on the side that were on birth control, were jealous of the ones on the side, being allowed to mate, so they had NO interest in the people in the jeep watching all of them and takings pics. We keep hoping they will send him back, so I can go with him... Plus one of Jon's former teammates lives in South Africa and I became good friends w/ his wife (they are also Christians) & she has made a standing offer to show us around if we get back to South Africa.
Vicki
Wow, that sounds so interesting, Vicki! I hope you can go to South Africa with hubs someday!
DeleteThis is a terrific review, Marian, and I agree! I loved the book and like you, felt as if I were looking over his shoulder and experiencing all the "majestic and wild" with him. Thanks for sharing your review. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by, Joy! Always great to see you here. :)
Deletecheers you two - big week for Joy next Wednesday
DeleteAh yes...the 15th. :)
DeleteWe don't have any wild animals here. But have seen some beautiful deer in a field close to some business places not too far from where we live. Would sure love to win this book and the post cards too. Great review.
ReplyDeleteseraphinangel7@aol.com
Deer are beautiful, aren't they? Although I've seen them quite a lot in Holland, everytime I see one I'm amazed at their beauty and enjoy it so much!!
Deletedeer often graze in our yard - and we get cougar because they are hunting the deer - deer remain lovely creatures i'd like to pet - one licked my hand in Banff because she was very tame and very spoiled by dutch tourists (wink)
DeleteNo cougar here. I did enjoy reading about them in M&W!
DeleteMARIAN what a terrific review..it sounds like you are quite smitten with Mr. Pura's writing! lol Aren't we all?? With Murray's books there is always something for everyone. :)
ReplyDeleteIn reference to your question....I am like Vicki I went on a White Water Rafting trip with Carlton's dad, sister and brother when we first started dating. What a day that was!! I think if someone could have filmed us we could have submitted it to Funniest Video's and we would have won. lol Thank goodness we had been in a drought the previous year and the water wasn't very high. I won't go into too much detail but I will say this when we started out our raft was going 'round and 'round and 'round, it took us quite a while to figure it out. LOL!! After that adventure I didn't care to go on anymore. lol
And if you haven't guessed by now WE looked like the wild animals that day!!! hehehe
DeleteWild T Teresa! stay poised for a surprise next Thursday night! yeah, white water is fun but can also give you big chills along with big thrills
DeleteT. should also write a book about her wild stories. :)
DeleteMARIAN I have said for years I am going to one day, but it might be safer to write it under a pseudonym. That way my family might not kill me for telling all our "secrets"!! lol
DeleteAs long as you let me know under what pseudonym you're writing, because I really do want to know ALL your secrets!!! :D
DeleteI have to say that I also am smitten with his writing...smile Something always touches my heart personally when reading his stories. As always I love reading Marians and others reviews of his work. Living in TN for 5 years was an adventure for us. We had Bear, Red Wolves, Cyottes, Moutain lions and alot more there... Kept the kids close to the house near dusk thats for sure. We would walk back in the woods on the farm we were on and tend the spring there, but the animals never seemed to be out then...
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Linda Marie Bradt Finn
hi Linda - love ya and glad you're here - yes, sounds like you've touched hands with wild america - good for you
DeleteThat's great, Linda! I love people with good tastes. *big smile*
DeleteI have not read this yet, but I would love too. Sounds so inspiring and uplifting just as the author is. I have been camping and the widest thing there was racoons who attacked us and got into everything they could.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win! thanks for the chance. I now this book and Murray's books in general are a great blessing.
joeym11@frontier.com
Hope you will be blessed when you're reading this, Dana!!
Deletehi Dana! blessings! wild racoons! better get your Winchester loaded - a big ride next week for you!
ReplyDeleteI agree they sure can be mean. Dana is ready to ride!
DeleteGreat review Marian! Sounds like a very interesting and must read book. Would love to win!
ReplyDeleteThe deer that show up in my yard are about as wildlife as it gets here. They are beautiful! Oh, once I heard a racket outside & looked out to see a raccoon trying to take the lid off of one of my garbage cans!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Thank you, Lorraine! It certainly is a MUST read! Must be a funny sight seeing a raccon doing that. :)
DeleteHey Lorraine! Thanks so much for entering & blessings to you!
DeleteThat reminds me--when we lived in our last house, there were a lot of raccoon's around there (even though we were NOT in a rural area) and several times, I would spot them on our front porch eating the cat food, so I moved the food to the back--then I found them in the back yard--had to make sure & keep the gate latched after that. They were pretty big ones too--I was worried they might hurt our cats.
DeleteVicki
Sounds like some outdoor adventure. Yes please enter me in the contest. I love Murray's books .
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest. I am also a collector of postcards. Would love to have these.
I have did a review on Wings Of Morning on Amazon & Goodreads .
Blessings :)
lizd225@gmail.com
Thanks for posting the review, Elizabeth. An extra entry for you. Good luck in the draw!
DeleteHi Liz! thanks so much for your kind words! all the best with the contest! bless you
Deletesounds like a fantastic read. Please enter me in the contest. Love Murray's books! I would love to win Wings of Morning. God Bless<3. bgauthier49@live.com Barbara Gauthier.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, if u come back--please leave us the initials of the names of his books that you have reviewed and we'll count you extra!
Deletebless you and i hope you win Barbara - this is for a copy of Majestic and Wild - cheers
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Barbara. Blessings!
DeleteWell written reveiw and very interesting too! No, I have never been by a wild animal in the great outdoors. The closest would be a baby black bear that I saw when my friend and I got to an overlook to see the scenery. But I'm sure Mother Bear was not far away. Wish we had more time to stay there. Thanks for offering this contest and the cards and books too! Of course beyone a doubt , I would love to win! Sincerely, Mary Lou
ReplyDeleteblessings Mary Lou - all the best with this contest - you never know . . .
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Mary Lou. I hope you win!
DeleteI've been hiking and camping in the wilds of NC & TN. But the most wildlife I see is actually where we live :)
ReplyDeleteHey Anne! Always so good to see you stop by! :) Blessings.
Deletehi anne - thx for coming by
DeleteIf i win i would love to have MAJESTIC AND WILD, i live in a small country town, lots of wild life mosely see alligators, coons, snakes, birds,birds, juist normal ones
ReplyDeleteAlligators? Hmm...I don't mind not having them here in Holland!
Deleteblessings Shirley - no gators up here but we do have rattlesnakes
DeleteMy daughter went on a white rapids ride with her father here in Campbell River on the Campbell River. I heard about how wonderful the trip was from my husband but my daughter told me something more fun. She hung onto a strap attached to the boat as a safety piece, for dear life throughout the trip. There was a rough spot & everyone fell out of the boat except her & the Tour Guide, boat driver. We had a great laugh. Yes, she had fun too.
ReplyDeleteKathleen Harrison
DeleteSounds like quite an adventure, Kathleen!! Bless you.
Deletei used to live in comox which is right next to campbell river - we had a church there for five years - many of the stories in the book take place on vancouver island
DeleteYou were a Pastor in a church in Comox for 5 yrs.? Cool that some of the stories are from this area! Thanks Marian, Jeff & Megan did have quite the adventure with memories to last a life time for them both.
DeleteKathleen Harrison
I lived at 9500 ft in the mountains in CO for several years. The views were spectacular, and we did see some wild animals. The best stories came out of the various times the black bears visited where we lived. They would do all sorts of damage when they got into the buildings, or into vehicles where food had been left inside. The best one was when we had a baby bear up a tree - we all quickly went to see it, and then left, before mama bear came back. We also had numerous mule deer that would come and feed around our house. They weren't even afraid of our dog, once they figured out that she was inside a fence...lol
ReplyDeleteWould love to have either of the books as I have not read them. The cards sound just wonderful!
Betti
bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
Wow, sounds like a beautiful place where you lived. I'm jealous!! All the best in the drawing.
DeleteBETTI, I read this in my email--I am from upper Michigan and this sounds familiar! We had lots of trouble with black bears.
Deletefun story, Betz - Colorado and Alberta share much of the same landscape and many of the same animals
DeleteSounds like a wonderful read ,outdoor adventures with bible verses , perfect...I absolutely love the outdoors camping and hiking are my favorite things to do ,not too many wild animals around my neck of the woods though love the deer up in the fields except when they run out in front of my car and i hit them that sure does break my heart they are such beautiful animals. Thank You so much for an opportunity to win this book. God Bless you Richly. Diane Cunningham .nursedi808@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteBless you, Diane! Good luck in the contest.
Deletegood for you Diane for enjoying God's Creation - this book will hit you right where you live - God bless!
DeleteThe only wild animals I have seen are wild turkeys...I have seen deer,rabbits,ground hogs,skunks.raccoons,and a bear.I would love to win this book.I love getting out in the great outdoors...don't get the chance a lot though.This book sounds great...Jackie Tessnair at jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteIt IS a great book, Jackie. Hope you win!!
Deletecheers Jackie, great to have you here! yup, more than rabbits in this book! hope you win
DeleteWell, I lived in Jackson Hole, WY. for 6 years. We saw lots of Bears when we would go out in the Park to just drive through. These were not tame bear. I even hunted a bear one day. But, decided I was glad we didn't find it. LOL I saw many Buffalo (or Bison). There were many there and sometimes they would get in front of the car and just stop. So, you waited until they decided to leave. I hunted Elk, Deer, Antelope, and rabbits . All were out in the mountainous areas, except the rabbits. Also hunted Blue Grouse. Always had the freezer full each year. Got scared once when out Elk hunting. I had moved away from my husband, to hunt and came up on two BIG Moose. One lying down and the other standing. Boy, I was way too close. (They can really hurt a person). Just stood still at first, then took small steps backward until I felt safe to leave. My heart was in my throat. WOW! We went hunting one day on snowshoes. It was 40 degree below O. Crazy,I know.I thought sure I had frozen toes, but was fine. Said I'd not go again, but I did. I loved those years. It is such a beautiful area. Lots of good stories could be written in that area. I sure would love to win one of Murray's books. Thanks Marian and the girls for a chance. Love the OWG girls and you too, Murray. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWow Maxie, I try to imagine you shooting wild animals!!
DeleteLove you too, Maxie, and good luck in the giveaway!
Maxie, jackson hole is not far from here! hey, it sounds like you should write a book! bless you!
DeleteHere we are again and loved the review Marian and Murray. I have camped some years ago HaHa , but never
ReplyDeletearound wild animals. This books sound like it would be good . I have read Wings Of Morning and enjoyed it very much .Posted review on Amazon & Goodreads. I am also looking forward to reading Whispers Of A New Dawn. Love the postcards. Thanks again for the giveaway.
Blessings :)
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you, Liz! Thanks for posting a review of Wings on Amazon & GoodReads! Extra entries for you! Blessings!
Deletecheers again today Liz
DeleteEverything Murray writes is simply great. His books, "Rooted" and "Streams" were profound, comparing nature to scripture. I heavily highlighted them on my kindle. I'm sure Majestic and Wild is no exception. Will be getting for my hubby for Father's Day. Go Murray! (You can pay me later LOL)
ReplyDeleteAmen to that, Karen! I also loved Rooted and Streams!! Thanks for stopping by.
Deleteyay for Anna Karenina - your encouragement always means so much!
DeleteBeautifully written! Sounds intriguing. :) I have not seen anything spectacular in the wild - a wolf is probably the best. Around here deer, fox, coyote, etc are normal. Oooh, I did catch sight of camels roaming wild in Israel - does that count? :)
ReplyDeleteSusan P
(no need to enter me into drawings - I have already won this month!)
Roaming camels? Cool! It doesn't matter how many times you have won - you can always enter if you want. Good to see you back here, Susan!
DeleteSusan, I saw a gazelle-like animal at En Gedi - but he/she's not in the book!
DeleteMurray, I know what one you speak of! I thought they were cute and I LOVED exploring En Gedi. (spilled a few M&Ms on the trail there - still ate them, lol) Now I really can't wait to read the book and see who/what you put in there. :)
DeleteThanks, Marian!
Hi Nurray,I wanted to enter your contest and I hope I win and yes just two week-ends ago i saw a black bear and 2 cubs on the side of the road on my way to Pigeon Forge.People were parking their cars in the middle of the road to get out and take pictures ,coming from both directions.We were telling the man where we were staying about it and he said if everyone knew what he knew about it all ,they would never do that.Mama bears are not happy if you mess with their cubs.I guess that's about as wild as I have seen lately.I pray the best person for this book will win it and Congratulations in advance to the winner.Blessings !
ReplyDeletethat sounds pretty good to me - a blessed encounter for you, Linda
DeleteI meant to say Murray,sorry.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure he will forgive you, Linda. ;) If you win this book you will also read about mother bears and cubs. Good luck!
Deleteall is well Linda! Never fear!
DeleteA memory of a fun story. When our middle daughter was about 11, she and her friend were in a little camper tent for the first time next to our CheveVan20 camper van while we were camping "in the woods" in a state park. I heard what I thought was a zipper in the middle of the night. With my trusty spotlight flashlight, I said, "Okay, you girls..." Silence. There hanging with little toenails caught in the terrycloth tablecloth was a family of raccoons with a baby stuck tight. I had a story the next morning, as the girls slept through the excitement.
ReplyDeleteI would like to win one of Murray's books! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
Funny story, Kathleen! You're entered - good luck!
DeleteI would love to win this book. Sharma Darby rdarby@raodrunner.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Sharma.
DeleteI've been ziplining in Alaska and it was awesome! I've reviewed Ashton Park on my blog and amazon-it was great! Thanks for all the giveaways! shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Veronica. An extra entry for you!
DeleteThanks so much! Happy I won the postcards. Thanks for a great contest.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Dana
Congrats, Dana! So glad you won the postcards! :)
DeleteWINNERS:
ReplyDeleteJuanita Cook won Majestic and Wild
Diana Montgomery, Anne Payne & Linda Dianne Stowe won the lovely sets of postcards!
CONGRATS TO ALL and thanks for your love and support!