ALABAMA HOOSIERS

The Year Mom Ruined Christmas

2012-01-29T20:02:00.001-06:00

They say "Confession is good for the soul" so I picked 2011 as the year for purging. There has been a deep secret in my heart for years now, one that has brought me angst every year, starting around mid-November and doesn't end until December 26.

I loathe it. I dread it with every part of my being. It has been an inner, personal battle raging in my soul for so many years and finally, this year, I couldn't take the battle anymore.

And I spoke it out loud.

I announced to my family that Christmas Day would be different this year. And then I told them I didn't like the tradition of Gift Giving and exchanging presents during Christmastime.

Yes...their mouths gaped just like yours.

I have tried to analyze "why" this tradition causes me such angst. Here is what I came up with:

1. The amount of time it takes to accomplish all the shopping, wrapping, and exchanging. When I count ALL the gifts needed, it is an unbelievable amount of time involved. For years, I have carried the majority of this task alone making the job even more stressful.

2. The amount of money involved for ALL the gifts. Even if you shop "smart", meaning with sales, discounts, coupons, etc, it still involves money.

3. The amount of time and money to RECOVER from spending time and money preparing to exchange gifts.

4. The kicker for me.....the point that causes me the most distress is this ----- it takes me away from serving others....from giving of myself and my resources to those who are in need.

THIS IS WHERE THE BATTLE RAGES IN MY SOUL.

For I am reminded that my Savior, who we celebrate at Christmas, He came into the world to save those who are in need. He didn't come so I can inundate my family with gifts. He came so I could serve my family, so I could love my family sacrificially, and also so I would reach out to a lost and dying world as well.

BUT, if I am so stressed and tied up with having to purchase gifts, when to do I have time to serve? when do I have time to share Christ with others?

So this year, our Christmas Day WAS different. No waking up to stockings, gifts, breakfast casserole. Instead....

After about 3.5 hours of sleep (due to baking cookies late on Christmas Eve), we got up early (5:45 am) and went downtown to a local center to help with breakfast (and bring those cookies we stayed up late baking!) They had one other volunteer scheduled for this morning plus our familiy of 4 to help serve. My kids jumped in and served (even wore hairnets!) as we were reminded that Christmas is about God coming to earth in the form of a man so that ALL can be saved. The ground at the base of that cross is level.

In other words, it could be our family on the other side of this serving line.

And we would want someone to help us, to reach out to us, to love us.

After church, we celebrated Christmas in a much different way then the previous 17 years.

And it was good.

Will we do this next year? I don't know.

But this year, it was right. It was what we needed to do individually and as a family.

Maybe I didn't ruin Christmas after all....maybe I just tilted it a bit?

Review: Heaven is for REAL for kids

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

About the book:

Heaven is for real, and you are going to like it!

Colton Burpo came back from his trip to heaven with a very important message: Jesus really, really loves children. In effort to reach even more families with this eternally significant story, this runaway bestseller is now told from Colton—kid to kids! Children will receive the same comfort and assurance that so many adults have received from the trade book.

Beautifully illustrated, under Colton's direction, this book is uniquely written from a child for a child. Colton tells of his experiences in first person and comments on things that will be important to kids. A letter to parents is included to guide them in talking to their children about heaven. Scripture along with Q&A section with answers from the Bible are also included in the book.

My thoughts:

I had heard so much about the adult version of this book that I was eager to read the kid version. True to the hype, the book did not disappoint. I did read it several times though, just to make sure that I did not skip over any thing! Colton speaks directly to what another child would want to know and the book reminds me of the beginning of 90 Minutes in Heaven. The illustrations are beautiful and the use of Scripture on each two-page layout would be helpful as you talk about each point with a child. I think this book would be beneficial in helping children understand about heaven when they have questions, especially if they have recently lost someone they love.

4 stars

I was provided this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers through the BookSneeze program in exchange for my honest and fair review. As always, my opinions are my own.

Teenagers still need Object Lessons

2011-11-08T08:08:00.001-06:00

So we have been having this ongoing discussion around our house about purity in every thing....in speech, in thought, in deed. If you have been around this blog for a few weeks then you have read the post where I realized that my family had become comfortable with RoadKill (see that post here).

Well, all of this talking led to our oldest sending me an ad for the TV Guardian...www.tvguardian.com

TV Guardian is a filter for the filthy language that you don't want to hear or want your children to hear. Supposedly, it will filter sexual innuendos as well. Not sure exactly how it can mute "tone" but it must have some kind of sensors? Who knew technology had become so advanced? (sarcasm totally mine). But the idea is that you can install this filter and BINGO - no more foul language in your home! Why..it will even substitute the language for you and insert a "more appropriate term" in its place.

Okay.

Hmmmmm......

So I posed this analogy back to dear daughter.

If I made brownies, but mixed in dog poop, would you eat them? No way. But what if I sanitized (like TV Guardian) the dog poop? Would you still eat the brownies? I mean, I sanitized the poop, shouldn't be anything in the brownies that is harmful for you, it won't taste like poop, matter of fact, you wouldn't even know it was in there unless I told you. Would you still eat the brownies?

It is sorta the same way I feel about "bleeping" out the offensive part of the show. Why would you watch the other parts? It is made by the same people who had no problem putting the offensive parts in there. You wouldn't trust me ever again to make brownies if I served you brownies made with dog poop, sanitized or not.

Are we not called to more than that? I mean, really....I guess it just struck me as odd to be asked to just "bleep the offensive parts" and consider that the rest is ok. But the rest is not okay because what about the intent, the motives, the desires that are not necessarily written in "filthy language" and cannot be bleeped but are there...are filling our hearts and minds with things that are in direct opposition to the Word of God. Why would you want to listen to and/or watch the rest?

Just like brownies made with dog poop, the poop touches every part of that brownie....you cannot separate the poop from the chocolate. And I don't know about you, but I prefer pure chocolate!

It Really is a Small World After All...

2011-11-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Apparently, as a starry-eyed newlywed in 1987, I would meet (and work with) someone who would go on to become famous one day.

The place... Euless, Texas. (That is a city between Dallas and Fort Worth in case you are wondering.)

The setting....Euless First Baptist Church.

I had the privilege while in graduate school to work as staff at Euless First Baptist Church. I worked as the Assistant Director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center. While in that position, I was mentored by the Director, a young Godly woman whose husband was a seminary student. Jane was a delight to be around and she always kept her sense of humor with her. She was ministry-focused but business-minded.

We left Euless in 1989 and moved to Shreveport. Jane and I kept in touch initially but you know how life goes.

We moved to Birmingham in 1999. Somewhere in the 2000s....maybe 2006, I saw a news article on Jane and her sister in the Birmingham News! She was here! So I called her and we had a "catch-up chat" and it was good. We finally saw each other at a Christmas church event and realized we hadn't changed (nor aged) one bit. It was a refreshing time of reconnection and to see each other's children.

But how does this connect to meeting someone famous?

Remember when I told you Jane was ministry-focused but business-minded? Well, you are not going to believe who Jane is.....she is the co-founder and creator of E-mealz.com. I don't know how many members E-mealz has but it has almost 50,000 fans on Facebook. That's saying alot. But the goal of E-mealz is to help you "make time for family". What a great goal! You can check out E-mealz by clicking on the banner below. It truly is a revolutionary concept! And remember, you never know who you know that will go on to do something revolutionary or become famous!!

When we grieve the Holy Spirit.....(AKA Roadkill part 2)

2011-10-30T07:01:00.000-05:00

Part one can be read here.

When I was wrestling with concept of "grieving the Holy Spirit," I began looking deeper at the "how" we grieve the Holy Spirit, what happens as He is grieved, and how do we alleviate that grief. This post is about the "how."

It is always a dangerous thing (especially to your pride) to ask the Lord to reveal your sin. Ask me how I know. Be honest here....how many times have you thought you have confessed all your sin only for the Lord to reveal more? So you confess more. And then He reveals some more. And you confess. And then there is still more.... until you are broken and the pride you started with is shattered and you realize you are nothing but a sinner saved by grace and the pride your started out with is gone and replace with deep gratitude for what Christ has done for you. Yep. Been there. Lots.

Well, that is where I found myself in talking with the Lord about grieving the Holy Spirit. I asked Him a simple question and my prayer went something like this:

ME: "Lord, it must be difficult to grieve the Holy Spirit. He must be able to bear alot. I do know that your Word tells us that His job is to convict of sin, reveal truth, and to comfort. So, I am not really clear on how we can inflict deep sorrow (definition of grieve) on Him. Really? Can't He bear it?"

As I sat and listened and search the Scriptures, I began to write in my journal and below is what I recorded:

"Quite frankly, it is very easy to grieve the Holy Spirit. It is easier than you think. His "first name", if you will, is "HOLY" and He cannot tolerate sin anymore than I (God) can."

And I began to weep as I came to understand, yet again for the upteenth time, how the HOLY Spirit dwells within me (us) and EVERY sin causes Him grief.

Think about these things and see if any hit close to home:

*Inward sin - those no one sees but we know about (our thought life, our hearts)
NOTE: Anytime our heart is set on anything other than Christ and pursuing Him, we grieve the Holy Spirit because Christ wants us and our affections. Anytime we set our minds on earthly affections...Col 3..the Holy Spirit knows that worldly affections will damage our souls and He is grieved.

*Outward acts of sin

*Forgetting God/Neglecting God
- what about when we never pray? really pray? (I am not talking about grace at meals but deep prayer.)
- rarely read His Word?
- never seek to do good in His world
- living for ourselves

*Does not the Holy Spirit grieve when we choose novels over Scripture? Facebook over Prayer? friends over missions?

* Would you be grieved if you should write letters of great importance to some beloved family members (spouse, parent, children) and they ignored them?

We can say we have no time for God but the Holy Spirit sees us as our fingers surf the internet.

We say we have little time for Bible Study or reading the Bible but the Holy Spirit sees how many hours we spend in relaxation and amusement.

AND He is grieved. He knows you and me have chosen the world over the Lord.

What would we be doing with our time if the Almighty God was physically present in the room with us?

Stay tuned for Part 3....

Clipston does not disappoint!

2011-10-26T07:30:00.000-05:00

A Place of Peace..... Book 3 in the Kauffman Amish Bakery Series.... A Great Read!

Book Description: Miriam Lapp returns to the Amish community she once belonged to when she hears of her mother's death. Amidst her grief and some painful lies from her past, she is forced to face the people who rejected her. Losing her once fiancé and being shunned by her father becomes an excruciating test of her faith. A Place of Peace is one story you won't soon forget.

My thoughts: Wow! I read Books 1 and 2 in this series and I have to say Clipston just gets better with each book. Read my previous reviews Here and Here I predicted that she is an author to watch as she developed her style and she has become one of my favs.

In A Place of Peace, Clipston again gives you enough background that you are not lost if you did not read book 1 & 2. Her main characters of Timothy and Miriam are believable and you do find yourself tearing up on occasion as you become engrossed in their lives. Clipston does an excellent job of weaving two main plotlines of Timothy and Miriam's stories with the story of Miriam's niece. The story keeps you enthralled from page 1 and it is an easy, fast read. I don't want to spoil the story lines here but I do want to encourage you to read it . There is a reason this book won all the awards below!

A Place of Peace was a CBA Bestseller, a Christian Book Distributors Bestseller, and received Romantic Times Four Star review!

I give it 4 stars!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review. As always, all opinions are my own!

Wage War!

2011-10-25T07:38:00.000-05:00

So, I post a few days back about "Serving Roadkill"...the idea that our family has gotten comfortable with some choices that are just not good choices. I wouldn't say they were awful...meaning we are not sitting over here, letting our children enjoy the vices of the day. However, we have allowed the enemy to sneak in our household in small ways....we have let our guard down.

And wouldn't you know it? what does our pastor preach on this Sunday? Waging War!

Rather than bore you with my paraphrase, here is a link to the sermon.....
Wage War by David Platt
Listen to it....

Musing Mondays.....

2011-10-24T10:57:00.000-05:00

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading

This week's question is....

Do you listen to audiobooks? Why or why not?

Yes and no....as a family, we have listened to several audiobooks. Especially when my children were younger. But I have to clarify...these were usually radio dramas more than unabridged "true" books.

I have found that I don't like audiobooks for myself. There is something beautiful about holding a "real book" and reading it for myself. Maybe because I am a visual learner? I like to READ the words...I have not been able to get use to listening to someone read to me. But the audio dramas are so different in that there are sound effects and numerous voices and it is similar to a movie just without the picture.

What about you? Would you like to join in this musing?

Serving up RoadKIll (we do live in Alabama)

2011-10-22T08:55:00.000-05:00

It seems our family has been feasting on carrion.

Dead and decaying flesh. Or something similar to it. It stinks.

As I studied this earth-shattering revelation, I realized it was just semantics.

WE WERE COMFORTABLE WITH ROAD KILL.

EEEWWWW.

By now you are wondering how in the world did I make this discovery?

During our family time, we were reviewing Ephesians 4:29-32 which says:

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (bold emphasis mine)

We have kinda skipped that part before....always focusing on "the talk" that comes out of our mouths and then v. 31, what you need to "get rid of".

But this time, the Lord said, "You grieve me."

What? What do you mean?

To grieve is to have deep sorrow. To grieve someone is to be the one INFLICTING the sorrow.

Ouch.

How Lord? How can we grieve the Holy Spirit? (and what does this have to do with Road Kill? hang on, you will see)

I began to search the Scriptures to find the answers....How do we grieve the Holy Spirit?

*By rebelling against the commands of the Lord (Isa 63:10, Ps 78:40) - that is called SIN. (just thought I would simplify things)

*By resisting the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:31) (when He leads us and we disobey His promptings/urgings....and that is called SIN...again, simplifying here)

It is easy to grieve the Holy Spirit. He lives in us and is with us ALL THE TIME.

And it hit me....Roadkill is in our diet. Because see, our family has allowed the gross, dead, decaying things of this world to creep into our lives. And the pure dove of the Holy Spirit is grieved because He does not like Road Kill.

Matter of fact, can you invision a dove trying to eat RoadKilll? no, it is usually a vulture.

Would you bring Road Kill in your house and put in on your couch? Sit it next to your children? stench and all it brings with it?

Worst, would you actually cook and make a meal from it? and ingest it?

But that is what we are doing when we tolerate sin and choose less than God's best for us personally and as families. We are bringing Roadkill into our homes. We are eating it, ingesting it, picking maggots & bugs out of teeth. AND WE MUST LIKE IT because we don't do anything about it.

And the Holy Spirit is grieved. Not angry. Grieved. Deep sorrow and angst over our hearts and over our choices.

So, personally, I don't want to eat any more RoadKill. I want a new diet. I want to clean out my personal sanctuary and my home.

Want to join me?

As a side note, for those of you who don't believe we have been serving up RoadKill here in Alabama, check out these recipes here.

A radically different fiction book

2011-10-15T07:52:00.000-05:00

Sunrise on the Battery is not your typcial Christian fiction book. Beth Webb Hart brings a new, fresh perspective to writing and the story line is not one of the classics of "unsaved person(s), tragedy occurs, salvation happens, problem solved."

The story is about the Scovilles, two parents who have centered their lives around "arriving" into the elite society of Charleston, South Carolina. Mary Lynn and Jack have diligent planned and worked toward every piece of their lives so that their three beautiful children would have a place in society, a place that neither of them had growing up. However, Mary Lynn discovers something deeper, more meaningful than teas and luncheons. Jack, on the other hand, is just fine without religion unless it helps them meet their "mission statement". But something happens on their trip to Europe when all Jack has to read is Mary Lynn's Bible.

I don't want to share the rest of the story here but I do want to add that if you have read Radical by David Platt then you will be able to appreciate how Beth Webb Hart is able to weave the truths in Radical into this fiction story. Simplified, it is like Radical in fiction-form. In another way, Sunrise on the Battery will challenge you to consider your own life in how your Christian beliefs match what you live. The Scovilles can hit close to home in many ways.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.

4 stars

I received a free copy of this e-book in exchange for my fair and honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.

Can we have a chat?

2011-10-05T06:02:00.000-05:00

Recently, I posted an interview here about a book entitled Praying through your Adoption. I have had every intention of revisiting this subject matter because of two reasons - Praying and Adoption. Both of those topics are very important to me and very personal.

But I have struggled with where to begin. There is not a simple introduction about our family's journey through prayer or through adoption. I guess the easiest way to start is to say that without prayer, we probably wouldn't be a family. I honestly don't think our marriage would have made it those first years had we not found ourselves calling out to God and spending time searching His Word for wisdom, for peace, for comfort. As a young married couple, we faced a few crises that drove us to our knees. And honestly, for that I am thankful. For you see, prayer is the foundation upon which we built our relationship. So as we faced struggles later, prayer was a natural response. It is where we find our comfort. It is where we are at the most peace.

I am sure some of you are curious as how this correlates with adoption. Let me see if I can simply share how it ties together.

We, like many of you, have an adoption journey. After 18 months of adoption paperwork and finally being in the position to be matched, it all came to a halt when the rules changed and we were one of three families affected. Appeals were made but to no avail. The Lord had shut the doors and our adoption journey ended with the loss of a child.

Prayed? oh yes. We had prayed every step of the way.

Our response upon the final denial? With great trust in our Sovereign God, we were able to say to our agency that we were trusting that God knew what was best and that no, we did not feel any injustice by the governing authorities.

But we were thankful to our God who had said no - as this was His plan for our family. At the time, we could not understand it, but oftentimes we are not called upon to understand God's ways. We are called to obedience and to faith.

God allowed us to see and to know that our journey was not in vain. You see, while we were taking all the necessary steps to Joy (that was to be her name), there were some friends whose hearts were being stirred to action. God had already been dealing with them about adopting but they later told us that it was our forward movement that gave them the "umph" to do it. Every time I hear their daughter say "Momma" or "Daddy" my heart is full of joy at what God did in bringing them together as a forever family!

But God has done more......He has stirred in me a burden for those who are in the adoption journey.

And we have lots of those families around us:).

But I don't mind.....praying is not that hard, really. Sometimes the Lord wakes me up early in the morning to pray and I might lose a little sleep. But that isn't a hard price to pay when you have friends on another continent struggling with court issues, food woes, or attachment problems. Why wouldn't I give up a few minutes of sleep?

But I digress.

Prayer. Gut-wrenching, in the trenches, "I am going to pray for you and I mean it" kind of praying.

The kind of praying that says "let me bear this burden with you" so much that when you are on another continent, I will set my alarm and rise in the wee hours here, to pray for you there.

Yes, praying through the paperwork stages but what about the other struggles? the ones many adoptive families carry in silence once they get home?

Adoption is hard. The journey to get to the child is difficult but the ultimate test is in the parenting once you have them. They are children, and all children have issues whether they are your biological or adoptive children. Parenting is hard so why would parenting adoptive children be any easier?

The book, Praying Through your Adoption, is a nice, simple resource....maybe a beginner handbook of sorts.

As one adoptive mother noted about the book, "The stories of individuals/couples who have adopted are inspiring and truly demonstrate God's hand in adoption. These are great and give great insight into the adoption process. Having so many testimonies from all different countries really helps to see a global perspective on adoption."

However, my personal recommendation if you are looking for information on praying while you are in the adoption process would be to study Prayer! And to find a few serious Prayer Warriors that will commit to praying with you as you walk the journey the Lord has set before you.

Any way a child comes into a family, they are not here until they are here. Anything can happen and does happen with both domestic and international adoption. Prayer is our lifeline with our Sovereign God who controls all things........how can you live without it?

Not such a treasure.....

2011-10-02T15:00:00.000-05:00

Book Review: Treasuring Emma by Kathleen Fuller

Emma has put everyone else first in her life. Now at nearly 25, has she missed her chance at marriage?

Emma was Adam's first love but circumstances made them both choose different paths in life. Emma's heart breaks all over again when Adam returns to the Amish community of Middlefield, Ohio, years later.

For the past ten years, Emma has been a care-giver. First for her mother who unsuccessfully battled breast cancer, and now for her grandmother who gets more frail with each passing year. Emma has always put the needs of others above her own. With more time on her hands, she determines to focus on herself and her dream of opening a rescue shelter for stray animals in the community.

With Adam's return come feelings Emma's long buried. They're older and life hasn't turned out the way they thought it would. Adam's feelings for Emma are stronger than ever, but will he be able to convince her to put the past aside and give their love a chance?

I have read several other books by Fuller so I was excited to read Treasuring Emma. However, I wasn't too far into the book before I realized that this novel was not going to be anything like Fuller's other books. I had to make myself endure to the end. Major disappointment.

There are several things about Treasuring Emma that are lacking. First, the intro into the characters and storyline lead you to believe that Emma is going to start a business with animals. This never happens. Emma is also described as "frumpy" and "old maid-ish" but really? she is only in her early 20s? Fuller could have come up with something better than the typical "frumpy old maidel" Amish character. That girl gets played more in the Amish genre than anything else. But what about Adam? Emma's main love focus. This should be fully developed and woven in the story but it seems that Fuller spends too much time introducing secondary characters without getting all the main characters in place.

Emma's sister and family are some of those secondary characters. While her sister is a tad annoying I didn't really mind her in the story. The dilemma is why is she the kind of character she is because it doesn't add to what is happening. It seems to just bring chaos vs. climatic tension.

Overall, this book seems like Fuller took a bunch of different characters and plot lines from various stories and tried to weave them all together in one book. It didn't work. It is by far the worse book I have read by her. Very disappointing.
2 stars

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Booksneeze in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Book Review: A Promise of Hope (Book 2) by Amy Clipston

2011-10-01T14:42:00.000-05:00

This is book 2 in a series by a new author. (Review of Book 1, A Gift of Grace, can be read here.)

While this is book two, Clipston does a good job of providing the reader with enough information that you are not lost if you did not read book one. She does a great job of character development in both books that it is easy to pick up and join in the story, understanding who everyone is and how they relate.

We find Clipston again magically able to weave numerous conflicts and characters in a way that makes you keep reading and reading. The story begins with Sarah Troyer mourning the loss of her husband Peter. She is left to grieve his tragic death while simultaneously discovering several surprises and uncovering a few secrets of her husband's former life. Her own brother, Timothy, has secrets as well. What will Sarah do and who can she trust?

The difference in this book than book one is that Clipston does a much better job with the climax and ending! Hallelujah! In the first book in this series, Clipston builds and builds and then quickly resolves the conflict in what felt like 1-2 pages and the book was over. This time, the resolution and ending seems more natural, allowing you as the reader to find closure with the characters.

I definitely will read book 3. I think Clipston is a writer to watch!

4 stars

I was provided a free review copy of this book by Zondervan in exchange for my honest review.

Distractions vs. Deception

2011-09-10T07:03:00.001-05:00

We have been busy.

Like everyone else, the end of summer and start of a new school year brings all kinds of transitions to our home. Add one child traveling to Hawaii with her grandmother for 10 days, another child entering high school, a family business....well, you know the song and dance. Many of you are singing the same verse or making the same dance steps:).

This year, though, I have had this nagging thought bouncing around in my head that I couldn't quite get to formulate until the wee hours of this morning. You see, in all of our busyness, some of our family routines have changed. Some for the better...some not. Same for my personal study time with the Lord...it has changed and I haven't quite settled into the routine that fits our new family schedule. But I digress.

The thought that finally bounced out this morning, with the help of Ann Voskamp's blog, A Holy Experience, is this......I have THOUGHT I have been distracted but I have been deceived.

Ann says, "It is my own inflated sense of self-importance, the elevation of my work, of my agenda, that keeps me from prayer communion. That's called idol worship. I don't pray enough (or read/study my Bible enough) because I am practicing idol worship." (italics are mine)

Whoa.

What??

As I got honest with myself and with the Lord, I had to ask myself two questions.

1. Do I honestly believe that the longing in my soul can only be filled by Jesus? Psalm 107:9 tells us He satisfies that longing and hunger within us. No one or nothing else can. Why do we try to fill ourselves with other things and other people??

2. What are the distractions in my life? or to be gut-wrenching convicting, what are the idols?

Work
Sleep
Family obligations (like cooking, cleaning, teaching, etc)
Computer, iPads, Mobile devices
Texting, FB, Twitter
Friends, Social Activities
Sports, Hobbies
TV, Movies

Ask yourself, what is the first thing on your mind in the morning when you wake up? If it is not Jesus, then make a choice for it to be. CHOOSE JESUS over the above distractions/idols. CHOOSE to commune with Him first.

Then ask Him how you may serve Him today...or what does He desire you to do today? He may have you tweetin' and FBing....or watching college football....all for His glory.....or He could call you to an all day Social Media fast.

Either way...........your soul will be satisfied.

Interview with an Author: Kim Abernethy

2011-08-23T13:42:00.000-05:00

Interview with Kim L. Abernety

We understand that you kept rather detailed journals as a young missionary woman in Liberia, West Africa. What prompted you to do that?

My husband and I, along with our 2 1/2 year old daughter, Michelle, was absorbed deeply into the Liberian jungle (180 miles from the capital city Monrovia) at a time when communicating with the “outside” world was still an anomaly. In the mid 1980’s, our key communication source to our family in America was through ham radio operators and by that means, we usually talked to our families only once a month.

There was never enough time to tell them all the cultural things we were learning or share the cute things about their granddaughter, so I felt the need to supplement with journals. I would handwrite the journals as events happened, but then would use my Selectric II typewriter (during electricity time - you’ll understand that more if you read the book) to type out the journals and mail them off. My mother wisely put the journals into a large manila envelope and saved them. She and my father knew my hankering for writing and prayed that I would one day use those journals to write a book.

How (exactly) did you go about writing the book? Did you take your journal entries and just add more details?

I wrote the first couple of chapters almost six years ago. Between a busy college ministry and an active family, it was difficult for me to know how to carve out the time I needed to make the writing effective. Of course, I always tried to give myself a self-imposed deadline, but being new at the writing and knowing I was going to self-publish did not help my need for discipline so lacking in the early formation of this book. Two years ago, after constantly reaming myself out for not getting serious and lamenting to my husband and family that I needed to get this book done, they rallied around and helped me carve out more substantial amounts of time for serious writing.

Not having any template on how to write from detailed journals, I just decided to dig into the coffers of the journals, make notes about the stories I wanted to use, and then started writing. There were times I found that I could not improve on how I had said something in my journal so I gave myself permission to quote directly from the journal.

What helped you make the decision of which stories to include and which stories to leave out?

That was not an easy task. Taking the advice of several friends and other writers, I stopped the constant editing and analyzing of what I had already written and just wrote the story. It soon started to weave itself into somewhat of a continuum.

After I had completely written the story, I went back and read the entire book, critically, as through the eyes of those who might read it but not really know me very well. I prayed much that God would give me the grace to know when to “let go” of a story, especially when it seemed that it was completely self-serving. Grant it, I struggled with God over at least two particular stories that I really wanted to keep in there, but no matter how hard I tried, they did not fit the spirit of what the book had become.

Honestly, I do not believe that I could have written this book in as God-honoring of a way ten years ago. While I am no where near what I need to be in Christ, I do know that He has taken more of the ME out of the story and inserted much more of the HIM in it.

Can you give us a brief synopsis of this story?

In 1985 I, along with my husband, Jeff, followed a call from God to minister in the small West African country of Liberia. From learning how to effectively communicate with the Liberian workers in my jungle home to witnessing the painful death of a young woman in childbirth, I write candidly. I tell stories of every day happenings in the life of jungle living, but also plod through the painful: when one of my daughter’s fell from an 18-foot balcony and when my husband was exposed to Lassa fever. One of my favorite things to write about were the chronicles of my husband's adventures of being a bush pilot in the jungle of Liberia.

Inside this book you will find disbelief, tragedy, fear, anxiety, discontentment, and confusion, but there is also humor, delight, amazement, wonder, surrender, and a deep-seated joy as you watch how God - little by little - chipped away at the walls of pride, unbelief, stubbornness, and independence that had always held me captive to myself. You may find yourself in these stories.

What was your key inspirational force in writing and publishing your first book?

My three daughters were the primary inspirations. Our oldest, Michelle, was 2 1/2 when we first went to Liberia. Stefanie, our second, was born in the middle of the jungle after we had only been in Liberia for ten months. Third daughter Lauren was born during the tumultuous time after our first evacuation from our ministry &amp; home in Liberia. I wanted them to have a written account of their parents’ missionary journey in West Africa and beyond. It is one thing to be a Missionary Kid and live the life in your “home away from home”, but as they are all now young women in their twenties, I wanted them to see God in a bigger way. To always have a reason to keep trusting Him - no matter what.

Another motivation for writing this book were young missionary couples (particularly the women) who may wonder what they can expect as they enter their field of service. Though the country and circumstances may be different, I want the book to be a cultural, spiritual, and practical guide to those who will come behind us.

The third reason was for those that have always been interested in the intrinsic details of foreign missionary lives. I offer this candid missionary memoir as a means to open the door to seeing us as human, exposing struggles and sharing victories.

Where can we find out more about you and your books?

Please visit my website at www.kimlabernethy.com.

For more opportunities for a FREE copy of this DVD &amp; Study Guide set of MOVING FROM FEAR TO FREEDOM, please follow this CSS Virtual Book Tour on Twitter (@Christianspkrs) or Facebook.

I was given a complimentary copy of this DVD &amp; Study Guide set from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speaker Services (www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com).

Prayer......

2011-07-29T12:26:00.000-05:00

I am going to take a detour from food for our stomachs and post a brief, albeit important, blurb about prayer. More specifically Prayer for our Children.

A few months ago, I participated in a 21-day challenge to pray for my son. It was focused, it was specific. It was good.

All I am going to say is if you have boys, I would encourage you to check it out by going to warriorprayers.com.

You won't regret it......

Praying through your Adoption....an interview with the Author

2011-07-26T11:10:00.002-05:00

For all our friends who have journeyed along this path of adoption, some with successful placement, some still waiting, and some who have received the answer of "no", BUT all who have journeyed with grace, and to those who have allowed us the privilege of praying with you, bearing the burden as you struggled, I chose this book on purpose. Watch in the days ahead for more posts related to this topic.

What can you tell us about yourself, your childhood, and the present?

I grew up as an only child in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Faith was a vital part of our family life, so I believed in God from an early age. About mid-way through college, after heartaches and some poor decisions, I decided to trust Jesus and the plans He has for my life. I graduated, moved to the suburbs, and married my husband, Eric. I worked in the corporate world and Christian ministry before becoming a work-at-home mom through adoption.

When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

I started writing poems and stories for fun as a child. I even had a poem published in Highlights for Children. Through high school and college I enjoyed researching and writing papers, but I never considered becoming a professional writer until I wrote Praying Through Your Adoption.

What inspired you to write Praying Through Your Adoption?

I've been talking to God in prayer for as long as I can remember. I turned to prayer during our infertility, and I had planned to pray through a pregnancy if that had been God's plan. While adopting our son from Russia, we experienced painful delays and obstacles, such as increased fees and additional paperwork. At a particularly low point in the adoption process, I participated in an online prayer vigil that directed me to pray for very specific aspects of adoption – from government officials to waiting children. I realized the power of prayer specifically in adoption and saw the need to help other families pray through their adoptions as well.

How did you come up with the title?

Becoming an adoptive family is a process. First, you make decisions about the type of adoption and the age of the child you wish to pursue. Then you work to become approved, educated, and prepared for welcoming and parenting this new child. Praying Through Your Adoption shows families how to rely on God and their faith through the entire journey of creating and nurturing their forever family.

What other life experiences shaped you to write this book?

Wow, many life experiences influenced this book. Our infertility is probably the biggest since the longing and waiting for our son is a large portion of our story. But even getting laid-off right before our adoption, experiencing post-adoption depression, and dealing with special needs made me want to encourage others dealing with similar difficulties.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Retelling my experience with post-adoption depression was hard. After our difficult time becoming parents, I never imagined I'd feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed as a new mom. As much as I wanted to skip over that chapter in my life and in the book, I felt it was important to paint a realistic picture for prospective adoptive families. Thankfully, other adoptive families were willing to share their real-life joys and challenges in the book as well.

What's one of the most important things people need to know about adoption?

One of my favorite quotes in the book is from the late Derek Loux, an adoptive father of and an advocate for orphans. He said,

“My friends, adoption is redemption. It's costly, exhausting, expensive, and outrageous. Buying back lives costs so much. When God set out to redeem us, it killed Him. And when He redeems us, we can't even really appreciate or comprehend it.”

Derek's words capture so much. There is loss, and, yes, there are sacrifices – financial and otherwise – in adoption. But the rewards for answering God's call to care for orphans are priceless.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

In writing the book, I had the opportunity to feature around 20 families and their unique adoption stories. No matter the circumstances, I could see the special love that ordinary families experience as forever families. I'm grateful for their transparency and support for this project, and I think the readers will be, too.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

With over 143 million orphans across the globe, I would love to see more families consider adoption. But I deeply respect the person who reads this interview or picks up this book and, for whatever reason, decides adoption is not right for them. I hope they would at least consider providing prayer support and perhaps even financial support to families pursuing adoption.

Where can readers learn more about you and adoption?

I encourage readers to visit www.PrayLoveAdopt.com, a website I created to provide information, encouragement, and prayer support for families in any stage of the adoption journey. Visitors can read an excerpt from Praying Through Your Adoption and order a paperback or e-book copy if they desire. They can also visit my blog, www.MommyForward.com, and my main website, www.MicheleCScott.com to learn more about me and my other projects.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speaker Services (www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com).

"Well You Won't Starve....."

2011-07-22T16:26:00.000-05:00

UPDATE on the Zucchini Fries post. A wonderful friend actually calculated the calories in these fries to be 4 per stick! NOT BAD! So, when you have extra zucchini from the garden, make you some fries!

Now, on to the feature of the day.

NEWBIE RECIPE: Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients:

4 tilapia filets
2 eggs
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt & Pepper to taste

Heat oven to 450.
Beat eggs and place in shallow bowl. Combine rest of ingredients in another shallow bowl.
Dip filets in egg wash, then in crumbs until fully coated. Place on prepared cookie sheet (I use one covered with foil and sprayed with cooking spray.)
Bake 6 minutes on each side. Viola!

Add a green salad, maybe a roll and Dinner is Done!

What happened to Healthy Living Wednesdays?

2011-07-21T16:14:00.000-05:00

I died.....not really (obviously). But in an effort to LIVE our life, the blog post was shoved far down the list yesterday. Many apologies....it is still floating in my head but this week has been cr-aaaa-zzyy...so I am going to keep doing what I know to do which is drink water, add some raw nuts (so as to curve my desire for some sweet or carb-loaded snack), and drink more water.

Until next Wednesday..........
(oh...Kathy- I am going to answer your question as to why raw and not roasted but just trust me for another week!)

Happy Living!

Blog Tour: I Called Him Dancer by Eddie Snipes

2011-07-18T11:52:00.000-05:00

What made you write I CALLED HIM DANCER? Have you ever danced, taken lessons?

The only dance lesson I’ve received came when I was walking in the woods. A yellow cloud surrounded me and I began swatting yellow jackets like a break-dancer. Upon reflection, I don’t think I had the grace needed to make it big, so I quit after my first lesson. No more bees for me.

The inspiration for I Called Him Dancer came from a song performed by Tralena Walker and co-written by Tom Webster. I attended a meeting at the Atlanta Writers Club. Tralena and Tom were guest speakers. The topic was on how to write a story in lyrics for songs. Not my cup of Formosa Oolong, but at least it was entertaining. After performing the song, "Dancer", either Tom or Tralena said, “We’ve been looking for someone who will turn the song into a novel. We think it would make a great story.”

Until those words were spoken, I was a passive observer. I looked up and words were swarming around me like those yellow jackets. They attacked my head while I lay screaming on the floor. Okay, maybe I didn’t scream – but my mind did. In an instant, the story unfolded in my mind and I knew this was something I was to write.

I knew nothing about dancing (other than what the bees taught me). Tom and Tralena gave me the lyrics and I started researching and writing. I have to admit that I worried about the dancing scenes, but I knew things took shape when people began asking how I became so knowledgeable about dance. I thought back to the bees and said, “It’s just something that hit me while walking in the woods.”

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

When I was a child, I got my first book. I flipped through the pages, then tore it apart. I didn't know it at the time, but that's exactly what you do when editing a manuscript.

I hated writing when I was younger. I only did what I had to do, and sometimes not even that. Writers block was more like writers dementia. My mind didn't return to me until after ... hmm. What were we talking about?

In 1998, I became active in prison ministry. Many of the men I ministered to were eager to learn. Someone asked me if I had my studies or notes on paper. I agreed to write out the next study and then my writing career was born. The problem wasn't that I couldn't write. It was that I didn't have something to say. Or didn't realize I had something to say. Over time writing transformed from a task to a passion.

Is I Called Him Dancer your first fictional story?

My first fictional story was written in high school. It wasn’t supposed to be fiction, but hey, the best fiction looks like the real world, right? I’ll tell you the story.

In high school, I had a class that was dedicated to writing a 30 page research paper. I chose the topic, The Arms race between the US and Russia. It was the 1980s when the Cold War was still on everyone’s mind. We spent weeks in the library researching our topic. I say ‘we’ in the general sense. My research was sports and other useless browsing. At the halfway point, we had to turn in our research note cards. The teacher graded them and as she returned them, she said, “Some of you aren’t going to pass this class.” She paused in front of my desk as she said this, and then dropped my notecards on my desk. She continued, “You cannot write this paper with less than 70 research cards.”

I counted my cards. Seven. A very weak seven. This information must have shocked my brain, for I didn’t even think about this again until the teacher informed the class that the rough draft was due in the morning. “Holy cow! It’s due tomorrow?” I said.

After school, I visited a few friends, ate dinner, and watched TV. It was now nearly bedtime. No more goofing off. I sat down and began to write. The information flowed. I clearly needed more research sources, so I interviewed military experts born mere minutes ago. But hey, Colonial Imagination was still a source. I wrote thirty pages – somehow. And I got a good grade in the class. After all, no one had more expert sources than I did.

I should have known then that writing was in my future, but it would be more than two decades before I discovered a passion for writing.

Tell us a little about your book, I Called Him Dancer.

For a moment, Michael danced on top of the world, but one bad choice turned his life upside down. The once promising Broadway star now washes windows for tips and lives among the homeless. When his former dance partner recognizes him behind the fray of whiskers, shame drives him away from her. Angry at God and the world, the Dancer refuses to allow anyone into his life. When everything is stripped away, three things remain: faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love.

I Called Him Dancer is a story about how one woman’s enduring faith and unconditional love drives her to reach out to a homeless friend, who has given up on life.

Who is your favorite character in I Called Him Dancer?

The character that inspired me the most is Kenyon. Many readers have stated the same. He’s human, struggling to do what is right, and lives by a genuine faith. At times he wrestles between what he knows God wants him to do, and what he wants. Kenyon is down to earth, not preachy, yet his life has an impact on others.

In the story I tried to present Christianity in an honest light. Many who claim to be Christians show hypocrisy and drive others (like the Dancer) away from the faith. This is a real problem in the Christian culture. Kenyon shows what sincere faith looks like. He’s far from perfect, but his simple faith impacts those around him. Kenyon’s sincerity is something the Dancer can’t understand and it piques his curiosity.

What would you like your readers to take away from this novel?

I want people to look at the reality of how faith impacts the world around us. Hypocrisy is being pretentious about faith, and there is a difference between failure and hypocritical behavior. Christians shouldn’t feel dejected when they fail. It’s part of this life of reaching upward.

Also, we all know someone who appears hopeless and hostile toward God, but we don’t know what the Lord is doing behind the scenes. Ultimately, hope is what everyone should take away. Hope that readers are not alone in their struggles. Hope that our lives can make an impact – even with our imperfections. Finally, hope that the people we care about are never out of God’s reach.

How can readers get in touch with you?

You can flash a light on the clouds that says, ‘Free chicken fingers,’ and I’ll play Batman music and come running. Some people prefer the simpler route of connecting with me on Twitter @eddiesnipes. My Facebook username is eddiesnipes. It might seem like a strange coincidence, but my LinkedIn name is also eddiesnipes. Even more crazy is my website: http://www.eddiesnipes.com. On each of these, I just closed my eyes and typed out random keys. I might have peeked on a few letters. You can get the book through online bookstores or your local Christian bookstores.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speaker Services (www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com).

Well You Won't Starve....but you might gain a little weight!

2011-07-15T08:22:00.000-05:00

Do you have your favorite winter pasta dish? maybe lasagna...baked ziti....something that you serve on a cold winter night to ward off the chill that speaks warmth to friends and family. Our family has several of those winter pasta dishes but when the HEAT of summer rolls in, who wants hot pasta?

But you still have a longing......Ahhh......

I found a "cool" hot pasta dish this year. Yes, you bake it at 350 but it is not a "heavy" dish and for some reason our family dubbed it a "cool" spring/summer pasta meal. And it only takes about 20 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake....a quick and easy meal!

Here it is:

Three-Cheese Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

1 (16 oz) pkg ziti (or rotini is our preference - holds the sauce better!)
2 jars prepared Alfredo sauce, your preference (I used light without problems)
8 oz sour cream (I used light without problems)
1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese (I used light)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (I have used dried - just adjust accordingly)
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
***you can add Italian sausage, cooked chicken, or shrimp to this dish as well.

How to Prepare:

1. Cook pasta according to directions on package; drain.
2. Stir pasta together with alfredo sauce and sour cream; if you are going to add meat, add it here; make sure the pasta is evenly coated. Pour 1/2 of pasta mixture into 13x9 pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
3. Stir together ricotta cheese and next three ingredients; spread this over the pasta in pan. Spoon remaining pasta over the mixture in dish. Sprinkle evenly with mozarella cheese.
4. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes (til bubbly).

Serve with a green salad and bread. Viola! A complete summer meal and you won't starve:)!

Happy Eating!

Healthy Living Wednesdays: Are You Puckered?

2011-07-13T05:51:00.001-05:00

Week One is over!

How did you do with your water/liquid intake? If you are like me, you did good for a few days and then life got busy again and well, ......you lost count of how much water you were drinking. But, alas, do not fret. While it is Wednesday and the middle of the work week....it is the start of Week Two of Healthy Living and we can commit again. Makes Wednesday a good day!!

Do you know one of the reasons ladies want to drink water?

WRINKLES!

Staying hydrated lessens the wrinkled puckered look. Do you want to look like this?

I think not. Me either. Can't get to the water fast enough:).

This week....we are adding Healthy Nuts!

Yes, because we do not diet ("limit intake according to a prescribe rule").

We are learning how to LIVE!

And in living.....there are "Healthy Nuts" for you to add to your daily intake.

Healthy Nuts include RAW almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and macadamia nuts. DO NOT eat peanuts (they are not nuts) and do not eat nuts that have been roasted or toasted! You want raw!

Previously, you had to go to Wh**e F**ds to find a good selection of healthy nuts but now even your local W*lm*rt has them. I keep a can of Raw Almonds in my vehicle so when we are out, if I get hungry, I can grab 8-10 almonds and drink some water. Viola! I have curbed my appetite and skipped the drive-thru. PLUS, I have given my body some healthy fats (that is not an oxymoron....healthy fat just doesn't sit on your thighs!)

Our local good grocer has a great selection of raw nuts. I have my kids eating RAW nuts by putting them out on the bar in my kitchen. Now, kids can eat more than you. If you start GRAZING on the nuts....you are having way to much!

What I am doing is having my handful of healthy nuts about mid-afternoon - you know, when you normally get the munchies. Instead of choosing a carb stack, try choosing healthy RAW nuts. It is enough protein that you should not be hungry until supper time!

REMEMBER....We are adding a handful of RAW nuts a day and increasing our daily water intake so as not to have puckered faces!

Happy Living!

Double Feature- Another Book Review: The Promise of an Angel

2011-07-09T15:42:00.001-05:00

What a surprising read! I cannot wait to read book two in this series as Ruth Reid is an excellent author who is able to capture your attention from page one and keep you reading until you reach the final word on the last page.

Judith Fischer is a young Amish girl, ready to marry, settle down and start her family. However, Judith witnesses a "strange man" visiting her brother Samuel on the day of his tragic accident. It turns out that this "man' is an angel named Tobias. The visit of an angel to the Amish community is not a welcomed event and many in the community do not want to believe Judith. The conflict this brings not only to Judith but to her family is only part of the story line. Reid develops the other part of the story to show us how Judith struggles with her faith and belief in truth at all costs. Judith must choose to do what is right even if it costs her relationships. Is this not the struggle we all have?

I was unsure if I would like this book due to the "angel" roles and not sure how Reid would develop that character in the book. However, Tobias is not "hokie" nor is he "mystic". He is in a supporting role to encourage Judith to stand firm in her faith. Reid also takes a noticeable twist from other Amish fiction writers in that she openly shows the relationship between Judith's "beau" and her sister, Martha when other writers would have probably kept that more secretive like the Amish ways. However, this is a good thing because it helps the reader appreciate what Judith is struggling with and helps understand her.

For a debut novel, this was excellent!

5 stars

Thomas Nelson Publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book through their BookSneeze program in exchange for my fair and honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.

Book Review: A Gift of Grace (Book 1) by Amy Clipston

2011-07-09T06:31:00.001-05:00

Amy Clipston is a first-time author and I am always looking for a new author to appreciate. A Gift of Grace looked like a possible pleasant surprise in the Amish fiction genre.

Unable to conceive, yet always desiring to be a mother, Rebecca's longings are fulfilled in a very different way than she ever imagined. When her older sister, Grace, dies in a car accident, Rebecca becomes the guardian of Grace's two teenage girls. The struggle is that Grace had left the Amish community and the Amish ways and the two teenage girls have been reared in the modern world! What will Rebecca do? How will she, and they, assimilate to living together? Can they make this work?

I really liked this book because Clipston develops her characters in a way that allows you to peer into their thoughts and feelings in the midst of the conflicts. One of the main conflicts in the story, obviously, is the conflict between the girls' modern ways and the Amish ways of the community they now are living in. While Rebecca is more patient in helping them adjust, Daniel, her husband, struggles with their progress (or lack thereof). Daniel's struggle produces the second major conflict in the story being between he and Rebecca.

Rebecca, as an Amish wife, is portrayed as an independent woman, yet submissive to her husband at the same time. This ability is a very tender balance and Clipston pulls it off well. She also develops the oldest teen, Jessica, with balance...again not leaning too far where the character is a "typical teenager" nor is she unrealistic in her role. Clipston manages to make you feel as if you are living in the house with the Kaufman's as they are trying to make this scenario work out.

The sadness for me was as this plot was building and I couldn't put the book down it seemed as if all of a sudden everything stopped, the author threw in these two major emotional events, and then resolution was obtained. Almost like an hurried end which made the two major events unrealistic and the resolutions anti-climatic.

Would I read another book by this author? Yes, at least one more to see if this is her writing style or if what occurred in this book was a one-time experience.

3 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan in exchange for my fair and honest review.

"Well, you won't starve..." Fridays

2011-07-08T09:55:00.000-05:00

I am surrounded by creative people. Musicians. Artists. Writers. and Thinkers. Yes....Thinkers.

And being a deep thinker myself, I enjoy reading the musings and ponderings of other deep thinkers. So, a few years ago, my dear son started taking guitar lessons from a great musician who happens to be married to a great thinker. Someone sent me a link to her "thinking blog" and I began to quietly ~~stalk~~ follow her and appreciate her thoughts as she processed some deep subjects. Then, out of nowhere, she surprises with a new food blog entitled "Well, you won't starve!" What irony!

And oh how I loved it! The title stuck with me (as did some of her recipes) and so out of honor for her creativity and humor, I have "borrowed" her blog title and started a Friday series.

It is here where I will post Newbie recipes (meaning those recipes we have tried and liked) or our current Family Favs (those recipes that get a thumb's up). I would love to maybe have a "Recipe Party" where we can share some Family Favs and possibly get new ideas from each other. Of course, that means everyone needs to be cooking....and have a blog to post the recipe so you have a place to link. Oh well...maybe in the future.....

NEWBIE RECIPE: Zucchini Fries

This is a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables! And some adults too:)!

Ingredients

2 zucchini
1 egg white
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Vegetable cooking spray

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425°. Cut zucchini into 3-inch sticks. Whisk an egg white in a small bowl, and add milk. Combine Parmesan and seasoned breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Dip zucchini sticks into egg mixture, and then roll in breadcrumb mixture. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray, and place zucchini on sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

Health SEPTEMBER 2008

Healthy Living & Weight-loss Wednesday

2011-07-06T08:54:00.000-05:00

I borrowed the title for this series from a new blogging friend. As I mentioned before, I have been pondering resurrecting a series I did (via email - gasp!) about healthy eating. Why? Because I need the reminders....I have, ummm....let's just say have "fallen off the wagon" and would like to return to some former healthy ways.

Where are you? Are you feeling good? or do you find yourself like me...feeling tired, rundown, and maybe carrying a few extra pounds that you would like to shed. If so, keep reading.

Or maybe.....you just want to read to see what I am going to say this time -lol!

Or maybe....you might want to add some healthy things to your already healthy way of life.

Whatever finds you reading today, hang around, join the community and share your thoughts.

Is this a Diet? you ask. NO WAY! we do not diet in this house. According to the faithful Webster, diet is "to limited intake according to a prescribed rule." In this series on Healthy Living and Eating, we are going to discuss what we should be adding to our intake. Now in that process you may find that some unhealthy things in your current intake get moved around, but that is not because someone has said you cannot have it. Or you may discover that your taste buds do not want that box of cheeze-its for a snack this afternoon. Things may change......but it will not be because you went on a DIET. It will be because you changed your lifestyle. THAT pattern is very different.

And freeing!

Do you know why?

Because no one likes to be told they cannot have something.

Put a bowl of M&Ms on the counter at your house and tell your peeps they can't have any. They will dip in that bowl the minute your head is turned. It is the sin nature people. So the minute you say "diet", even if just in your head, you start to rebel.

Instead, we tell ourselves what we are going to ingest what is good for us and in the process....we shall see what happens!

So today is Week One of Healthy Living and Weight-loss Wednesday and we are going to start with WEIGHnesday and WATERdnesday (a little lame? yes, but you will remember, no?)

Yep, go stand on the scale and see how much you weigh. You don't have to tell anyone...but you need to know how much you weigh so you can figure out the minimum amount of water you need. Take your weight, divide by 2 and that is the number of ounces of water need for the day. WAIT! if you drink caffeine (umm....like myself), then you need more water to compensate for the caffeine.

Do not get stuck here on if you should have filtered, bottled, or what type of water is the most healthy for you. If all you have is tap water, then drink it. I am almost positive that your tap water is better for you than that can of diet coke! or the Starbucks:).

A disclaimer....where did I gather the information I will share in this series? personal research (and I will cite the source) as well as my sister's work when she was in practice as an MD. A little background on her program - she devised a 9 month program for a group of women who wanted to not only lose weight but wanted to change their lifestyle. I "borrowed" the idea of "no diet concept" from this program because it did not have a diet component - only healthy eating. It also included movement...that "E" word that makes us sweat! Oh, wait! Ladies do NOT sweat....we perspire....

Are you going to join me back on the wagon?

To Healthy Living,
Debra

Monday's Book Review: The Story of The Pledge of Allegiance by John Hudson Tiner

2011-07-04T07:00:00.012-05:00

Happy Independence Day! What a wonderful day to celebrate and to give thanks for living in a country that celebrates freedom. And how appropriate to review the book of The Story of The Pledge of Allegiance.

This is a small book (less than 50 pages) but it is packed with good information. It is appropriate for upper elementary and middle school aged children but it would be a good review for anyone. The author provides a brief background about the events that led the United States Government to write a pledge to its flag. This book contains an excellent overview of the people, events, and circumstances that impacted our nation. Tiner also discusses what the words and phrases in the pledge actually mean. There are questions at the end of the book as well as a list of some activities you can do to extend your learning.

Overall, this is a great resource to supplement your study of American History. A quick and easy read with review questions ready! What more could you ask for?

5 stars*****

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own!

Things are a Changin'

2011-07-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have been musing over this blog for a few months now. I have been silently lurking about, reading other blogs, as I have tried to determine what I want to do with this space. There are so many varieties of blogs in the blog-o-sphere that it is truly "mind-boggling". But, this is our family space...sort of. Dear daughter started her own blog and does it quite well. Dear son...well, he is not interested in blogging. Dear hubs, hmm...not sure where he lands on the spectrum of blogging so I guess in reality this is "Momma Hoosier's blog".

So, hang on....as we navigate where these thoughts lead this blog. Books, yes. Cooking? umm...yes. It is a fave of mine. Deep thoughts on life and spiritual things...probably. And for those of you who have been around me for awhile, I am pondering resurrecting the musings about chocolate, women, eating habits, etc. that I did about 4-5 years ago.

All this to say...things are a'changin'.....

Every Choice has a consequence.....either good or bad...

2011-05-08T14:30:00.004-05:00

UnPlanned, the dvd, is a the story of Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood clinic director - now a pro-life Advocate. How did this happen?

UnPlanned, the dvd, documents significant events in Abby's life that led her to make choices. And each of these choices had consequences.

First choice, going to college at 17. Second, entering into a relationship with a guy 8 years older. Third, not seeking wise counsel from her parents when she discovered herself pregnant. Etc. etc. I am not going to lay out all the choices because that would tell the entire story. But you will see how her life led her to find herself as Director of an abortion clinic.

But this is where every Christian needs to watch this documentary. Why? because it shows how you can peacefully and intentionally impact someone/organization through love and prayer. This documentary shows the faithfulness of Coalition for Life to reach out to the women seeking abortions at Planned Parenthood as well as to Abby. So much so that when Abby finally reaches the decision to leave, she seeks refuge and help from Coalition for Life. Now that preaches!

Focus on the Family is hosting a FREE webcast on May 17th at 8:00 pm (CST) featuring Abby Johnson that will benefit pregnancy care organizations. Click here to register.

Also, Tyndale Publishing sent me a certificate for a FREE copy of the DVD to give away. So, just leave me a comment between now and May 15 about why you want to see Abby's story and I will draw for the prize next Sunday. You can use it at Lifeway or Family Christian Stores.

The winner of the FREE copy of the DVD is Beth....Your certificate is in the mail! ***just so you know, after posting this review, blogger had numerous issues and was down on & off for several days this past week. Many people emailed me their comments so I used those emailed comments to hold the drawing.

Goodbye Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Sampson

2011-05-02T07:00:00.002-05:00

You are going to need a map to follow this plot!

This is the fourth book in a series by Lisa Sampson and it clearly does not stand alone. It is about the querky advertures of Scotty Fitzgerald who desires to live a"Jesusy extraordinary" life. In the midst of trying to find this life, Scotty's journey includes trials of friendship, forgiveness, and faith.

But the struggle I had in reading the book was twofold. First, I had not read the previous books in the series and this author clearly does not give you enough information to surmise what has occurred in the first three books. Many times a character would pop up and I would think "wait, who is this?" Or there would be a reference to someone or an event that you were expected to know for the story to come together. Second, the book is written in a journal format. This format alone is difficult but couple it with my first point and you have a very hard book to read.

This book is written for teens. While I could see some younger teens enjoying Scotty's adventure, I felt like the themes of unwed pregnancy or the friend who needed to keep himself pure were too mature for that younger teen group.

Overall, I would give this book 3 stars.

I would only recommend it IF you were going to read all four books in the series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review. As always, my opinions are my own.

"Too Rich......for a Bride" by Mona Hodgson

2011-04-29T20:52:00.001-05:00

In Book 2 of the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek, Ida Sinclair joins her sisters in Colorado. However, unlike her two sisters, Kat and Nell, she is not on a mission of love but on a mission of business. Ms. Ida Sinclair has her eyes and heart set on being a successful business woman. Nothing is inherently wrong with this goal except....well.... it is 1896!

"Too Rich for a Bride" entertains through the twists and turns that life takes Ms. Sinclair as she embarks on her journey to become a career woman. As fate would have it, she is gainfully employed by the only woman in town, Mollie O'Bryan, and becomes determined to learn everything she can from Cripple Creek's most infamous successful businesswoman. However, it isn't too long after arriving that a few of the men in town notice Ms. Sinclair. Not too easily swayed, she stays the course until circumstances beyond her control force her to assess her priorities. What will win her affections? her career? a dashing city attorney? the traveling preacher?

Here is the first Chapter.....

Too Rich for a Bride by Mona Hodgson (Chapter 1 Excerpt)

This is a quick, easy read and I would have loved to have had it poolside or at the beach! Mona Hodgson tells the story in such a way that you did not have to have read Book 1 to understand this book. However, I would like to read Book I now. Additionally, I would recommend this read to anyone who is looking for an enjoyable historical fiction book.

4 stars

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review. As always, my opinions are my own.

The Fire in Ember

2011-04-29T19:59:00.000-05:00

DiAnn Mills has become one of my favorite historical fiction writers. And she doesn't disappoint in this recent novel either! Full of unforgettable characters and a great plot, Mills has you enthralled from the first page.

Watch this trailer.....

My thoughts about the book....as I said earlier, Mills captures your interest from the first page. Bert, the main character, is a spunky boy/young lady and you want to believe in her even when there is a shred of doubt. Timmons is another good, all-around guy but there are times you don't know if he will pull through and do what is right. Of course, Mills has wonderful supporting characters who will find their way into your heart. Timmons' mother and brothers balance the story as well as some of the townsfolk. Mr. Oberlander...well, you just need to read the book to form your own opinion about him!

I found myself reading "just one more chapter" to see what would happen next. It really is that kind of story. Mills knows how to weave the plot between numerous characters in such a way that you are not quite sure what will occur. Bert finds herself in the midst of chaos and deception. The greatest deception is her own belief that she is unworthy of love and redemption. Bert must struggle through these issues while she is battling for truth to clear her of any wrongdoing. Will she prevail? Will she be redeemed?
Grab a copy of this book and find out....you will be glad you did!

5 stars

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review. As always, my opinions are my own.

A New Biography: The Life of John Knox

2011-04-23T18:30:00.000-05:00

Since one of my children is in the midst of studying the Middle Ages up to the Renaissance, I thought it a good idea to read the biography of John Knox. Attic Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing, offers this reproduction of the 1833 original. It is a nice size - about 5"x6"- and it looks rather worn and old with pages that have frayed edges. The book is only 140 pages and is a rather simple read even with language from an earlier time. Why wouldn't you want to read "rare vignettes featuring the Protestant Reformation's fiercest defender"?

John Knox...a reformer who is known for his outspokenness; a preacher known for proclaiming the truth; and a minister who bravely defied the established powers in the State and the Church.

Here is a Trailer from Attic Books.....

This is book is organized in a way that you can skim the chapters and find the topic you want to read. Do you want to know what Knox's response was when the Queen rejoiced at the news that protestants were persecuted and murdered in France? or maybe you want to skip to hear about his death? or his marriages and what happened to each? Because the overviews of each chapter are so thorough, you can easily find individual events or topics.

I would recommend this little biography to those who want to know more about the Reformation or about John Knox.

4 stars

In exchange for my fair and honest review, I received a complimentary copy of this book from Attic Books and New Leaf Publishing Group.

Blog Tour: People of the Book by Kathi Macias

2011-04-21T16:30:00.001-05:00

Interview with Kathi Macias

People of the Book is the fourth and final book in your Extreme Devotion series. Each book is set in a different country, with the theme of first devotion and commitment to Christ above all else running through all four. How is People of the Book different, and who/what inspired you to write this book?

People of the Book was the most difficult of the four Extreme Devotion series books to write, but it is also the strongest when it comes to a call to personal commitment to Christ and to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. With each of the books, I began drafting the manuscripts through Internet research, since I had never lived in any of the four countries and had only visited one of them. After the original draft, I worked with someone who either currently lived in the country or who had recently spent many years there. People of the Book was the toughest because the Saudi women I connected with via the Internet were understandably apprehensive about associating with me. Most, in fact, were terrified to do so. I was therefore quite pleased to meet a young woman named Dolly Dahdal here in the States who, until just a few years ago, had spent the majority of her life in Saudi Arabia and understood perfectly why I had chosen to write this book. We shared a passion to help expose the fallacy of “honor killings,” a horrific crime perpetrated primarily against women and girls who in some way bring “dishonor” on their Muslim families, and Dolly was a major contributor to the authenticity of this book.

Can you give us a brief synopsis of this story?

Eighteen-year-old Farah, who lives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with her family, wants nothing more than to develop a deeper, more meaningful devotion to her Muslim faith. She sees the month of Ramadan as her chance to draw nearer to Allah, and she pursues that goal throughout the holiday. All goes well until the prophet Isa—Jesus—appears to her in a dream and calls her to Himself. At the same time, her only brother, Kareem, who has never liked Farah, actively seeks an opportunity to expose her for the sham he believes she is.

Meanwhile, Farah’s seventeen-year-old cousin, Nura, has begun to frequent an online chat room where former Muslims gather to discuss their new faith, based on their belief that Isa is much more than a Muslim prophet—He is actually the Son of God. While there, Nura becomes acquainted with an American girl of Muslim ancestry—now a devout Christian named Sara—and a friendship quickly develops. However, Sara has problems of her own due to her fifteen-year-old brother Emir’s involvement with a gang.

The lives of Farah, Nura, and Sara ultimately dovetail until each finds herself at a place where her faith is put to the test. Will they remain faithful to the end? Will God protect and keep them safe in the midst of persecution and treachery? Or will they be required to pay the ultimate price for their faith?

Kathi, how did you get into writing? Has it always been your passion, or is it something you came to later in life?

I’ve always wanted to write, for as long as I can remember. I was an avid reader even before I started kindergarten. I wrote a short story in third grade that the teacher liked so much she showed it to the principal, and they decided to turn it into a play for the entire PTA. I was hooked! One day when I was about 13, I was walking home from school with my then boyfriend (now husband), Al, and I told him I’d be a writer some day. He often reminds me how blessed I am to have been able to do what I dreamed of all my life.

I understand you’re running a special contest that has to do with this book. Can you tell us about it?

Not only are there several opportunities to win a copy of the book on various blog sites included in this tour, but I’m giving away the entire four-book series at the end of the tour to someone who leaves a comment on one of the blogs, so be sure to check them all out and leave comments on each one!

In addition to writing, you are a popular speaker at women’s event, writers’ conferences, and various venues around the country. How can people find out more about you, your writing and speaking, sign up for your weekly devotional newsletter (in English or Spanish), and/or just view your many book videos, etc.?

They can find me at one of my websites (http://www.kathimacias.com;http://www.theTitus2Women.com) or on my Easy Writer blog athttp://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com. There is a “contact” button on my Kathi Macias website if they’d like to send me a message. I always respond to all my emails!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speaker Services (www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com).

From the Library of A.W. Tozer...Selections From Writers Who Influenced His Spiritual Journey

2011-04-09T13:32:00.001-05:00

A.W. Tozer is a man known for his passion for purity in the church and deep devotion to God. His writings have been read and studied throughout the 20th and 21st Century. Many of his writings are chronicled as Christian classics. With these facts in mind, why wouldn't you want to read a compilation of writings from the men and women who influenced him?

Excited to have a "library" of "nearly two hundred excerpts from godly men and women" who Tozer read, studied and were mentored by, I eagerly began to read. Quickly you discover the book is divided into 8 sections, reflecting the main subjects Tozer taught on - Worship, Prayer, Exhortations, The Holy Spirit, Jesus, Practicing the Presence of God, Doctrine, and Christian Life. Additionally, Bell has organized the excerpts into short devotional-type readings whereby you can either read them as such in a short sitting or read several together. The book lends itself to being an easy read.

However, I have to admit my excitement began to wane as I noticed some of the men and women that influenced Tozer. Madame Guyon, a mystic, and Tauler, a Christian Universalist, as well as many Catholic writers are among the authors. It is here where I miss the voice of Tozer himself. I would want to know why Tozer would include them among his most influential men/women. Or were these writings among his belongings and the assumption made that they influenced him? We won't know the answer to this question unless somewhere Tozer recorded how these authors impacted his thoughts and devotion to the Lord.

Overall, this is a good resource and one I am thankful to have in my own personal library. I am sure I will be reading from it in my own personal devotional times.

4 stars

I received a complimentary book for review from Bethany House Publishers.

When God Writes Your Love Story....

2011-04-03T15:00:00.005-05:00

My daughter took me to a conference in Colorado in January this year. She didn't have to drag me or anything....I mean it was Colorado...in the winter...snow! And it was just going to be she and I going! To a girls conference. No boys allowed. Girl things - like chocolate, laughter, shopping, etc.

It was the Set-Apart Girl conference by Eric & Leslie Ludy, set in the beautiful town of Windsor, on the campus of Ellerslie. Snow-capped mountains, a frozen pond, quiet gentle breezes, little bunnies that scampered across the landscape....yes it was picturesque.

But more than the outward beauty that surrounded the campus was the inward beauty that emmanated from the staff and the attendees. We had the pleasure of meeting young girls and young ladies from all over the country who had been impacted by the writings and teachings of the Ludys. We heard story after story of how God was using these young ladies to change the world. Some were changing careers, some going on the mission field, one was working on a Ph.D. and doing her dissertation on courtship! Fascinating how God gathered about 100 women and young ladies together and focused them in His Word to show them His truths.

To say it was a great time would be an understatement.

Here is a link to the next Set-Apart Girl Conference:
Set-Apart Girl May Conference

But I digress....

This post is about the Ludy's book, When God Writes your Love Story. This book is not what you think it is about - I promise. If you think you are going to read a book about courtship or how not to date, you are mistaken.

Eric and Leslie write like they are having coffee with you at the corner coffee shop. This book is their testimony about their own story. It is about what God did with them and through them as they entered dating life. It is a book full of hope and promise - not a book full of "thou shalt nots".

And it has become one of the top-selling relationship books of all time!

After having sat in a conference with them for 2.5 days and having dined with them, I can tell you these people are the REAL deal. No wonder my daugher was drawn to Leslie's writings a few years ago.

I wish I could insert a chapter here for you to preview but it isn't available in that format (I checked - sorry.)

However...here is a link to the new Set-Apart Girl Magazine Online:
Magazine .

Oh...one more thing...the book - it is for both BOYS and GIRLS.....

The Practice of Godliness- Small Group Curriculum Guide by Jerry Bridges

2011-04-01T06:39:00.002-05:00

To compliment the book, The Practice of Godliness - "Godliness has value for all things", Jerry Bridges has developed a small group curriculum guide. If you are familiar with Bridges, you know that he has a way of being straightforward, yet gracious in his writing. In his book, The Pursuit of Holiness, Bridges focuses on our sin, the taking off of the "old self." In this book, he focuses on Christian character, the putting on of the "new self." Bridges puts forth that Godliness is developed first by increasing our devotion to God and then second, developing our Christian character. He spends the first five chapters (or 3 study sessions) addressing our devotion/relationship with God. We must have that relationship if we expect to grow in character. The last 13 chapters (8 sessions) address character traits that you will want to grow in (like humility, patience, self-control, etc.).

As a Curriculum guide, this book is great. First, in contains The Practice of Godliness in its entirety so you do not have to purchase a separate book nor do you have to fumble with two books while you are doing the study. Second, it is printed with wide margins so you can take notes. I love this part. I found as I was doing the study I had plenty of room to annotate the book as I read. Third, the study questions for each session are at the end of the chapters for that session. There is plenty of room to write your answers should you choose to write in the book, too. The book itself is the right size. It is not too small nor is it too large or bulky. It is easy to handle and carry around.

Who would you use this curriculum with? This study could be done on your own (as I did to review it) or in a small group. It is applicable for youth and up. I would like to do it in our family (we have teenagers) as I can see that the content would be very beneficial for them. The study is not overly theological in nature, meaning it doesn't get bogged down into deep theological truths. Bridges stays on the practical...the here and now of how are you going to apply that Scripture to your life.

Overall, I would give this 5 stars.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from NavPress Blogger Review program in exchange for my fair and honest review.

One Thousands Gifts...a book that keeps on giving....

2011-03-25T20:16:00.004-05:00

When I requested Ann Voskamp's book, One Thousand Gifts, I wasn't sure exactly what I was going to be reading. I had read Ann's blog, A Holy Experience, and had often came away from her posts refreshed. Ann has a way with words. Some people have a gift with music, others have art, but Ann Voskamp, well...the Lord has given her a gift of writing.

And she pens them so well.

She writes like a dancer dances....she literally makes the words come to life as you read them and you can SEE what she is describing. Yes, at times her writing is '"cerebral" as one friend so aptly calls it. Yet is not this very characteristic what makes the writing so appealing to us? She causes us to slow down and think about what we just read... to ponder, to muse, to meditate....to even grasp what she is postulating...

And the message of One Thousand Gifts is really a simple one....

Discover the things that you are thankful for...SO THAT you can SEE God in all situations....THUS you can find PEACE in this life here on earth.

And isn't that what we truly are seeking after?

Ann doesn't stop with this simple message though. She shares personal experiences and her own journey of gratitude and one thousand gifts as she sought peace from the Lord.

If you struggle with the "what ifs" or fears of the unknowns, or if you want a change in your perspective, I would read One Thousand Gifts. If nothing else you will become more grateful for the small things in life.

5 stars

I was provided a free copy of this book by Zondervan in exchange for my honest review. As always, my opinons are my own.

Suffering WITH Meaning?

2011-03-18T20:24:00.003-05:00

“Something can be tragic without being meaningless. Despair is suffering without meaning.” (53).

Think about that. Suffering IS easier when we wrestle and come to understand the “why” of our suffering. Is it as a direct result of our own behavior? Is it the consequence of our own sin? or the effects of someone else’s choices?

Are we suffering due to natural disasters? a hurricane, flood, earthquake?

or maybe it is due to the evils of the world?

Whatever the cause of our current (or future) sufferings, it is our human nature to want to know WHY. We believe that if we know why then we will be better able to cope. This understanding...this explanation of the “why” is what Randy Alcorn is attempting to explain in his book The Goodness of God..Assurance of Purpose in the Midst of Suffering.

But Alcorn doesn't start with the simple questions. He goes to the hard ones and he goes to the ones that you have to think about and wrestle with. Questions like "Is suffering ever in vain? pointless?"

Was Christ’s suffering on the cross pointless?

Did the five missionaries who died that day in Ecuador die in vain?

More questions he makes you ponder..."Is God Sovereign over ALL things, including evil and suffering?" and "What is the origin of evil?" To give you a sample of the way Alcorn handles these questions, here is Chapter 1.

The Goodness of God by Randy Alcorn (Chapter 1)

Alcorn addresses these questions and more. He makes you wrestle with the issue of heaven and hell and the concept of justice. He even goes a step deeper and probes you to consider what do you really believe about yourself. Do you see who you are in Christ? really? If so, then this book isn’t for you. If not and you wrestle with the whys or the purpose of suffering in this world, then this book is for you.

Listen to what Alcorn says about his experience as he was writing the book....

Before you are finished reading it, you will hopefully have a new perspective on pain, heartache, and trials. Alcorn doesn't leave you hanging either...he gives you reasons for suffering. He also helps you find perspective in your suffering so you know what you can do...and how you can find meaning/purpose in the midst of your trials.

Definitely a must-read for all!

5 Stars

I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah throught their Blogging for Books program. As always, all opinions are my own.

Blog Tour: A Trail of Ink by Mel Starr

2011-03-11T07:00:00.001-06:00

The Litfuse Blog Tour has begun and I agreed to review Mel Starr's A Trail of Ink. I love historical Christian fiction and to toss in a good whodunit in the mix sounded like fun! Here we go.....

About the Book:

An excellent medieval whodunit by the author of The Unquiet Bones and A Corpse at St Andrew's Chapel.

Some valuable books have been stolen from Master John Wyclif, the well known scholar and Bible translator. He calls upon his friend and former pupil, Hugh de Singleton, to investigate. Hugh's investigation leads him to Oxford where he again encounters Kate, the only woman who has tempted him to leave bachelor life behind, but Kate has another serious suitor. As Hugh's pursuit of Kate becomes more successful, mysterious accidents begin to occur. Are these accidents tied to the missing books, or to his pursuit of Kate?

One of the stolen books turns up alongside the drowned body of a poor Oxford scholar. Another accident? Hugh certainly doesn t think so, but it will take all of his surgeon s skills to prove.

So begins another delightful and intriguing tale from the life of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon in the medieval village of Bampton. Masterfully researched by medieval scholar Mel Starr, the setting of the novel can be visited and recognized in modern-day

England

. Enjoy more of Hugh s dry wit, romantic interests, evolving faith, and dogged determination as he pursues his third case as bailiff of Bampton.

My Thoughts:

Initially, I thought I made a mistake! The storyline seems to take several chapters to get established and it felt as if I was making myself read the book. The language Starr chooses to write in, while may be appropriate to the period, makes the story less appealing to the reader. It slows the development of the characters and the plot.

However, after trudging through the first several chapters, I found myself wanting to like Hugh Singleton, the main character. He is a very likeable guy, not too puffed up or proud and always on the side of good. I wanted his side to win (both in courting Kate and in locating the missing books) and found myself unable to put the book down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next.

To the author's credit, this is the third book in a series and I had not read the first two. Would reading those previous books have helped the story move along? I don't know. But, having finished this 3rd book, I would like to go back and read book 1 & 2 in the series now.

Starr does an excellent job of setting development...I felt as if I was in the Middle Ages as I read. The smells of the foods, the noises of the crowds, the jostlings of the wagons....all things I could smell, hear, and imagine tasting just from reading his words. Probably were a few things I could go without hearing, smelling or tasting, too! He provides a map, glossary, and some of the historical facts that helped build the story. All of these "extras" add to your understanding and appreciation of the book.

All in all, I would give this book 3.5 stars.

About the Author:

Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, he taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and seven grandchildren. www.melstarr.org

Link to purchase the book: http://www.amazon.com/Trail-Ink-Chronicle-Singleton-Surgeon/dp/1854249746/ref=sprightly-20

I received this book from Litfuse Book Tour in exchange for my fair and honest review. My opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Choosing to SEE....by Mary Beth Chapman

2011-03-02T19:32:00.002-06:00

Often not the one in the spotlight, nor the one who you hear much from or about, Mary Beth takes center stage in this book and becomes transparent with heartaches and despair, trials and sufferings, good times and bad. Wife of Steven Curtis Chapman, Mary Beth shares the story surrounding the loss of Maria. But more than that, she shares a story of hope.

I wasn't ready for the raw honesty with which Mary Beth writes. She reaches in to the depths of her soul and shares it with you as if you are walking the journey with her. Being the wife of a multi-award winning singer/songwriter, you would think that their life would be a "Garden of Eden" of sorts. No, Mary Beth reveals that they, too, have had their share of struggles before the tragic loss of Maria. It is in this book that Mary Beth shares their journey...the journey that God has written of how He is in control and is doing all things for His glory.

While tough in some spots, this book is definitely a must read. Especially for those who believe they can live a scripted, well-planned life.

It is intense.

You will weep and you will laugh.

And ultimately, you will know that God is God and you are not.....

5 stars

Seek Me with all your Heart by Beth Wiseman

2011-02-25T23:11:00.008-06:00

Seek Me with all your Heart is a tender story of finding promise in the land of Canaan...Canaan, Colorado. Several Amish families have left their friends and loved ones behind to start over in a new settlement but will they truly find hope, peace and promise in the new land?

Emily Detweiler has suffered a personal tragedy....one that has shook her to the core of what she believes, even believes about God. Her family has moved to Colorado to start over and to hopefully help Emily on her journey of healing and renewal.

David Stoltzfus's family moved to Colorado but he doesn't know why. However, David has his own issues that he is working through and he believes he is only in Colorado temporarily. David is a carry-over character from Wiseman's early series, Daughters of the Promise. If you have read this series, it is nice to have a character you can follow into her new series.

Like any good romance story, Emily and David meet and a relationship is formed. Wiseman treats their relationship and its many "real" issues very well and with great sensitivity. Emily's fears about marriage are valid and the way that Wiseman has David and Emily handle their concerns are very believable.

But Emily and David are not the only characters in this book that are noteworthy. David's Aunt Katie and Uncle Ivan are a great addtion to the story as well as the character of Martha. Wiseman does an excellent job of weaving all of their lives into the main storyline so that you feel as if you are living amongst them in the town of Canaan.

Seek Me with all your Heart is the best book by Wiseman so far! The saddest part is that you will have to wait until Fall 2011 for the next book in the series!

4.5 stars

In exchange for my fair and honest review, I was provided a free copy of the book by Thomas Nelson Publishers. All opinions are my own.

Just Jane...A Novel of Jane Austen's Life by Nancy Moser

2011-02-18T22:25:00.002-06:00

"Oh Mr. Darcy..."

I believe Pride and Prejudice is the most famous of Jane Austen's novels. Set in the English countryside, who cannot fall in love with the Bennett family as Mrs. Bennett desires to wed her young daughters to a better station in life? And with such drama and flair, Mrs. Bennett is a character to watch. One of my favorite lines said by Mrs. Bennett is this, ""Nobody can tell what I suffer! -- But it is always so. Those who do not complain are never pitied." But it is her daughter, Elizabeth, and the young Mr. Darcy that captures one's attention. It is about this character that Moser notes about Jane, "unable to find her own Mr. Darcy, she created him."

Just Jane is a fictional autobiographical story of what Jane Austen's life could have been like based on family letters, historical writings and research. Moser takes the reader back to the early 1800s, to the English countryside, to experience life as Jane Austen. What was it like having grown up as a daughter of a clergyman? Did she obtain ideas for her characters in her novels from life at home? Is Mrs. Bennett similar to her mother? an aunt? a neighbor?

Or how did Jane begin to write stories? who read them?

Did she fall in love? find HER Mr. Darcy?

Interestingly, Jane Austen writes about romance but truly never experiences the romance that she penned. So her life story is not what you would expect....or it wasn't what I expected. I have read all of the Austen novels and why did I think her life would be like her stories? Just the opposite....her real life was full of disappointments, trials, and heartache. Yet somehow she managed to create novels that have endured centuries, been made into movies many times over, and are studied as classics. Yet...Moser captures her life in two simple words....Just Jane. I would add "a real woman."

If you like anything about Jane Austen....her novels, her biography, any movie that has been made about her.....you would probably enjoy this book. Nancy Moser has a way of writing that draws you into the time period....where you can almost taste, smell, and hear what is happening. She does the same with the characters in the book...they have become your friends (or enemies) by the end.

Go ahead, grab a cup of coffee, and pick up this book for a relaxing read. Just be careful....you might not surface again until you have reached the end!

4.5 stars

Fasting by Scot McKnight

2011-02-15T07:22:00.000-06:00

Whoa! What a read! I have to say one of the better books about fasting that I have read. Not that I routinely pick up books on fasting, but I have read a few over the course of my Christian journey. What makes this book stand out is McKnight teaches as you are reading. The book has the feel of being in a teacher/student situation and that McKnight is pouring into the reader all he knows about fasting. The information is presented in an organized manner and easy to follow. One must understand his presentation of the "whole-body spirituality" and how he uses this analogy to describe different areas in your life. For example, McKnight calls the whole-body "Body Talk" or when fasting was performed to confess sin, he calls it "Body Turning". But once you understand the analogy, the layout of the material is good.

Another interesting point regarding this book is that McKnight notes early on that many people in Western cultures separate the spiritual from the physical. He found himself doing the same thing as he was writing about fasting. In other words, my paraphrase would be that he was in his head more than in his heart. So he decided to fast when he would write about fasting. A novel thought! I would like to believe that his fasting impacted his writing.

Included in this book is information on the history of fasting, how to fast, the types of fasts, and the various struggles people have with fasting. The author constantly addresses motivation issues in the one fasting and points us back to look inside ourselves to deal with improper motives. He addressses "results-based" fasting, too. Is that why we fast? So God will give us something? or do something for us? McKnight says we fast in response to a grievous sacred moment and in that response, we may be asking the Lord to move but our fasting is IN RESPONSE, not to get a result. This really changes your focus.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good, foundational book on fasting. It isn't too deep theologically yet at the same time, it doesn't just skim the surface either. It is practical, with many how-tos if you should choose to fast.

5 stars

I was provided this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers through their BookSneeze program in exchange for my fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

Something Different....A Magazine Review

2011-02-13T08:00:00.001-06:00

Everyday Food...A Martha Stewart Magazine

Wait! Before you roll your eyes and think this is a magazine for "froo-froo" cooking or one that has recipes that has such odd ingredients you have to go to three stores and take out a loan just to make dinner...stop! The only way you know this is a Martha Stewart publication is because it says so right under the title. Oh...and it has her picture, too.

But this magazine is what it says it is....EVERYDAY FOOD. You know, chicken, beef, potatoes, peas. Now, they may mix it up a tad different but it is the food you can find at your local Walmart or Publix.

In my most recent issue, here are some of the recipes: Asian Chicken Salad or Sandwich (a 2 for 1 meal), same with Greek Salad/Sandwich, Grilled Steak Salad/Sandwich, several simple pasta dishes - some with chicken, shrimp, or meatless, sides of green beans with spiced breadcrumbs (who couldn't use a NEW way to serve green beans!), Cheese Enchiladas with 3 different options for sauces, and several dessert options. And each issue comes with a recipe index as well as each recipe has nutritional values listed.

The magazine comes monthly for as little as $14.95 a year. If you have a child or neighbor's child that is fortunate to go to one of the schools that sells subscriptions as a fundraiser, well, here is your chance to try Everyday Food.

As a subscriber, you have access to their website Everydayfoodmag which opens the door to the magazine, the tv show, and the blog. You can also subscribe to have a dinner recipe emailed to you each day. They have a search function where you can enter an ingredient and the results will yield recipes. For example, I entered chocolate chips and received 55 results. These results included recipes as well as 6 video recipes.

All in all, Everyday Food is not for the advanced chef looking for a culinary degree. If it was, it would be entitled Culinary Delights Magazine for Chefs (or something similar). But it is for regular cooks, like you and me, looking to put a delightful dinner on the table!

I did not receive any compensation for my review of Everyday Food - not even a free magazine or discounted subscription! I thought it might be something different to read on this blog as well as an encouragement to my friends who enjoy cooking as much as I do:).

Faithful by Kim Cash Tate

2011-02-12T18:11:00.000-06:00

This is a great book! I thoroughly enjoyed Faithful by Kim Cash Tate. Three women, all friends, yet each with their own struggles in life centered around faithfulness - their own and God's.

This is the first book I have read by Kim Cash Tate and I have to say I will read a second one. Her style is easy to read and I found myself wrapped into the storyline quickly. The story moves along and there is never a slow moment. The characters are highly likeable and will even make you find a tissue or two as Kim Cash Tate does not shy away from dealing with real life issues in this book. It is a title in the Women of Faith Fiction Series so it is written to encourage women in their walk with God. Tate does an excellent job of making her characters real without oversimplifying their lives. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it as a good read for any woman that wants to be reminded of God's faithfulness.

Quick introduction to the book: Cydney thought she knew God's plan for her life. It included marriage and a family. However, at 40 she finds herself still single until God brings a man into her life. But she struggles with knowing if he is "Mr. Right" because he does all the wrong things. Why, he doesn't even have a Bible! Then Cydney's best friend, Dana, who has had the perfect marriage, uncovers her husband's affair. What now? They used to mentor marriages...teach couples how to have the "perfect marriage". How can she return to the church? The third part of this trio is Phyllis, who is tired and weary because she is married to an unbelieving man. Hayes doesn't seem to even like God, muchless want to go to church. How can Phyllis raise their children with a man that hates God? Then she goes to a reunion for her college soriority and reconnects with an "old friend". Uh-oh...this man is everything Phyllis has dreamed of in a husband and he is a recent widower. Will Phyllis remain faithful to Hayes? All three lives are intertwined as they journey these paths.

About Kim Cash Tate: She is a Women of Faith speaker and the author of Heavenly Places and the memoir More Christian than African American. A former practicing attorney, she is also the founder of Colored in Christ Ministries. She and her husband have two children.

5 Stars

I received a free copy of this book from B&B Media Group in exchange for my honest and fair review.

Scholarship Opportunity - Check it Out!

2011-02-11T16:03:00.000-06:00

Here is a scholarship opportunity for an High School Junior or Senior.....click here. Hurry, though, entry must be mailed by April 1, 2011.

Sports Trivia Devotional - Inspiration for Kids from Sports and Scripture

2011-02-06T06:41:00.000-06:00

Full of interesting facts about every sport you can imagine, this book captures your attention from the beginning. The main stories are varied and will introduce the reader to interesting atheletes from across the globe. In addition to the standard sports stories, you will read about the disabled golfer, the pro women's bowler, and the one-legged mountain climber just to name a few. Each day's reading includes Birthdays, "On This Day" section and a "Fun Fact". Mixed in with all of these cool readings is a weekly quiz so that you can see how much you remember from the readings. Sadly, though, where is the devotional message within the book? It is in one small verse on each page. Easily missed if you are not looking for it. Occasionally the devotional thought is tied into the reading for the day...maybe making the last sentence of the last paragraph. Disappointing especially when the back cover of the book indicates that "you'll discover points and principles from the Bible and sports for your own life and competition." This book is strong in sports information and trivia; weak in Biblical application.

I would not purchase it as a devotional. However, if I had a child who loved sports trivia I would purchase it for the triva information alone!

Rating: 2 stars

I r I received this book for free from ZonderKids Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to give a positive review and my opinions are my own.

Ice and Knights in 4WDs

2011-01-11T12:35:00.000-06:00

*This post is an accounting of our journey of being stranded in Atlanta. It is long because I don't want to forget who helped us or how we saw God take care of us. Please do not feel obligated to read all the details!

Snow! Snow! It is going to snow! It seems when the forecast calls for snow in Alabama everyone is excited. People run to the store and stock up on the essentials (bread and milk), the local weather blog (www.alabamawx.com) slows down due to heavy traffic mode, and we gather up snow gear so we are prepared to play in the white snow.

This time, though, snow meant so much more to us as Giann and I had a trip planned to the mountains of Colorado. We thought we would be more worried about snow in Colorado at this time of the year. Never it did cross our minds that snow in Alabama would affect our plans. Upon seeing the forecast, we alter our return trip to try to "beat" the winter storm and its effects.

It wasn't to be.

As our pastor says...."God is Sovereign. Delta is responsible."

At least for the first leg of our return trip. Delta was late arriving into Denver. Thus, they were late leaving...which made us miss our connecting flight into Birmingham on Sunday night. Which, by the way, was the LAST flight that landed at the Birmingham airport Sunday.

Yes...I know. God is Sovereign.

And it took Delta 3+ hours to cancel our flight. They actually boarded our plane, changed pilots (ours timed out), and then cancelled the flight. It was after midnight Sunday night. We got off the plane...thankful all we had was carry-on luggage...and made our way down the concourse.

I called Craig and said find us a hotel room. Of course, because it was so late and we were one of the last flights to be cancelled, ALL the hotels around the airport were full.

Naturally. God is Sovereign. Delta is responsible. (I am not dogging Delta. Just was frustrated at the time. Very frustrated.)

As Craig was online and on the phone, we sat down and I began to pray. "Lord, we are tired. We have been up and traveling for a long time. One of our sessions on Saturday was about wrestling prayers and your Sovereignty. I am wrestling but I am tired of wrestling. Just move. "

Craig secured us a room but we had to take a taxi.

IF taxis were running. It was now 12:30-45 a.m.

We located someone in uniform on the concourse....Atlanta Fire and Rescue personnel. Very helpful men who advised that some were running and directed us where to go.

We made our way to the trams and rode to the main terminal. We found "Ground Transportation Information Desk". No one was in line. And there sat an Atlanta Police Officer. We asked for additional information and she advised that the taxi line was OUTSIDE and it was over an HOUR WAIT. She asked me to try a different hotel that may have a shuttle running so I did as she asked.

It didn't work.

In the meantime, an elderly hispanic couple appeared needing help. She spoke fluent Spanish! She was helping them and us. Pretty soon, she said, "Come on. I am going to take you both to the taxis myself and see if I can get someone I personally know to take you to your hotel." Did you catch that?

She personally escorted us to the taxi line, bypassed the 35+ people in the line, took us straight to the person coordinating who got the next taxi, and had him get us a taxi. We were outside less than 10 minutes!

Coincidence? Hardly. God is Sovereign.

Arrived at our hotel at 2:45 a.m. Greeted by friendly staff who found herself working overtime and stuck at the hotel.

Felt like we had arrived at a temporary refuge.

Coincidence? Hardly. God is Sovereign.

Monday...all flights out of Atlanta are cancelled. Roads are closed here and no way we could get to the airport if we needed to anyway. Major accidents everywhere...interstates are closed...they project close to 1000 semi-trucks are going to spend the night on I285 (the loop around Atlanta) due to icing and accidents.

Food...breakfast is provided at the hotel but nothing else is here. No in hotel restaurant and the only restaurant within walking distance is about a block away. However walking is very icy.

Enters "Welcome". The General Manager at this restaurant. That is his first name - I promise. Mr. Welcome has gone out to secure food for his staff that is stuck here as well and will be spending the night. Remember the girl who greeted us at 2:45 am? she is back on duty. I ask for help re: food and she says Mr. Welcome is all about customer service and would probably help us. She calls him on his cell and he picks up food for Giann and myself. Upon his return, he is concerned that it is going to be enough for us. His concern is genuine and he doesn't appeared bothered by our request.

Genuine concern. Truly an answer to prayer because when you are in need and the one asking for help it is more difficult to ask when you think you are putting someone out or you perceive they really do not want to help you.

Monday night, as Craig and I talk through options for getting home, we realize that things are looking dim. Atlanta is in an awful mess and projections for this area did not look favorable either. So, we agree to reassess early Tuesday morning.

Today arrives and we start to assess the situation. Craig calls someone he works with that lives a little farther east from where we are to obtain some better information re: the roads, etc. There seems to be a small window of time that if Craig can get in here, we could get out. But the recommendation is to only come in a 4WD truck. Ummm... we don't have one of those.

Again, God is Sovereign. You see...He wove our hearts together over ten years ago with some dear friends who do have one and not only that, who wouldn't let Craig come alone. So as I post this, our Knights are not coming on a white horse to save these two damsels in distress!

Our Rescuers are coming in a 4WD pickup to save two very tired, but thankful, modern day women who much prefer a pickup than a sweaty ol' horse anyway.

IMUA! What does that mean?

2011-01-01T09:52:00.001-06:00

A great Hawaiian saying is "Imua!" which means to move forward with confidence and courage. It's a great word for the upcoming new year as we explore new opportunities and perhaps face fears.

This week, I put into practice "imua" by facing my fear of ziplining. Yes, I stepped off a wooden platform to soar across 1800 feet of the world's fifth largest caldera located in Kauai. Encouraged by my teenage daughters, I faced my fear of not being in control of my destiny and took a leap of faith.

The excellent guides, Mitch and Chris of Outfitters Kauai prepared us well for our ultimate "black diamond" zipline adventure. We did several practice runs on what I thought were "big ziplines" but little did I know what was really awaiting. The guides constantly reminded us that the most important lesson we all needed to learn to be safe was to "trust our gear."

True wisdom that I needed to hear. For too long in life, I have "held on tightly" when what I should have done was to "let go and let God." He provides "the gear" that we need to sustain us through the difficult moments of life as we soar across jungles.

So I guess my advice would be this: "Face your fear and trust God's gear." IMUA!!

What fear do you need to face this year? What have you been holding on too tightly? What does "imua" mean to you?

Margaret McSweeney is the founder of Pearl Girls (www.pearlgirls.info), the host of Kitchen Chat (http://margaretmcsweeney.com/kitchen-chat/), and an author. Her book, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, was published in 2009. Margaret is fast at work on a fiction manuscript (or three) and can be found blogging at From Finance to Fiction (http://fromfinancetofiction.blogspot.com).

Book Review: The Charlatan's Boy

2010-12-29T16:42:00.000-06:00

The Charlatan’s Boy

by Jonathan Rogers

More colorful than the book cover is the life of huckster Floyd and orphan Grady on the island of Corenwald. Rogers is an amazing storyteller as he weaves the adventures of these two and tells the story from the viewpoint of Grady, a young boy. “Perfessor” Floyd has convinced Grady he is a “feechie” and hails from the “Feechiefen Swamp” . When this scheme plays out, what will Floyd and Grady do next to “make a coin?”

Rogers is so good at the art of writing that he is able to successfully weave two story lines together with such skill that you are not aware what is happening as you read. First, the active story of Floyd and Grady’s life as huckster and helper. But secondly, and much more importantly, the underlying story of the yearning of this young orphan boy to know just who he is and where does he hail from. And don’t we all want to belong? You will find yourself wanting to know the answer, too and not wanting to put the book down until you do. Will Grady ever know from whence he came? "I don't remember one thing about the day I was born. It hasn't been for lack of trying either...I only know one man who might be able to tell me where I come from, and that man is a liar and a fraud."

This is an excellent book....a rare treasure in the tween and teen literature age group. For parents looking for good reads and wanting to find books with good content, this is a keeper! It is humorous, yet sad; fantasy-filled yet realistic; entertaining yet truth prevails. What more would you want in a good fiction read?

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to give a positive review and my opinions are my own.

Book Review: Softly and Tenderly

2010-12-29T15:43:00.002-06:00

Softly and Tenderly

by Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck

Jade, the young wife of an attorney of a prominent family law firm and a successful business owner, finds herself barren and longing for answers to many of life’s issues. This book opens with Jade’s struggle with infertility and soon you discover that she is wrestling with her mother’s illness of leukemia, her in-laws issues of infidelity, family secrets from decades past, her husband’s secret of an illegitimate child, and her own personal struggles within. Jade is a woman of strength, one who is known for “having to put her roots down and down deep”. However, she begins to question who she is and what she believes. How will she resolve all of these issues? Can she forgive? Can relationships be healed and reconciliation occur? How does God work in these issues? Can He? All these questions and more are dealt with as the story of Jade and her relationships are told in the pages of this book.

This is the second book in the Songbird series. I had not read the first book and did not feel lost at all. It was an easy read and I found myself not wanting to put it down. Get ready, though...a few tissues might need to be handy as you find yourself feeling some of the emotions that Jade, or possibly some of the other characters in the book, are experiencing. Evans and Hauck do a great job of making the characters come alive and be real as they are dealing with real life issues.

Overall, this is a powerful story of love lost and restored in many places and how God works in the lives of us all.

5 stars

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Love

2010-12-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

Day 13: Lauraine Snelling

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS! Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

Love
by Lauraine Snelling

When asked to write a Christmas message, one of my first thoughts was Do I climb up on my soapbox regarding changing the words in Christmas songs, using only holiday, etc. I thought about it and decided no. After all, they’re only words and what difference does a word make---really make after all?

Then I kept on thinking. If they’re only words… But we as writers know the power of words, as do readers. When the wrong word is used, it jars, while the right word can be most powerful. Take one highly overused and under practiced word---Love. Four letters is all. We toss it around so glibly, saying love ya and luv and love. But think about the power in I love you. Three of the most precious words in our language when put together. Those of us who write romances or books with romance in them, understand the power when one of our characters tells another, I love you. As humans we can never hear that enough or too much.

Christmas is about love. The greatest love story ever told, that of God for us humans, and it never changes. Customs change, politics change, the years change but God’s love never, ever does. At Christmas we are invited to share that love, to give it away, to pass it around. To find wonder again and joy in simple acts of love. We make contact with people we might never see or talk with through the year. That says I love you. We buy and make gifts to give, we reach out to strangers in need, we try to make sure everyone has a special dinner and every child a present. By giving, we receive.

So, let’s use the power words, but more so, put feet on those words and pass the love around. Let’s look for and find the wonder, the joy and the peace, maybe in small bits and pieces and perhaps in an avalanche of blessings. Make your days brighter with the simple gift of a smile, a kind word, a touch, for every single one that you give away, will come back to you multiplied. As you give, so shall you receive. Merry Christmas my friends. May we all recognize our blessings----and let an attitude of gratitude permeate this holiday and every day. With love and joy on this day, Lauraine!

~~~

About Lauraine: Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of more than sixty books, with sales of over 2 million copies. She also writes for a wide range of magazines, and helps others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the country. Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a cockatiel named Bidley, and a watchdog Basset named Chewy.

For more information please visit Lauraine's website: www.laurainesnelling.com.

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

An Unforgettable Gift

2010-12-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

Day 12: Karen O’Connor

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS! Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

An Unforgettable Gift
by Karen O'Connor

On Christmas morning, 1912, in Paducah, Kentucky, fourteen-year-old Charlie Flowers and his three brothers and two sisters huddled in their beds, fully dressed, trying to keep warm as the wind howled outside their small frame house.

It was a desperate time for the family. Earlier that year the children's father had died. And their mother had not found work. The coal had run out and there was little money––none for gifts. Their scrawny tree with decorations made from scraps of colored paper had been given to them the night before by a local merchant.

"Can't sell this one," the man said with a nod of his head before handing it over to the eager children.

To pass the time, the siblings joked and shouted stories from their bedrooms across the hallway from one another. Then suddenly a racket from the alley at the rear of the house broke into their games.

"Charlie," his mother called, "would you see what's going on out there?"

Charlie pulled on his shoes, grabbed a thick overcoat from the hook by the door, and ran out back.

There stood a man in a wagon bent over a load of coal, shoveling it into the shed as fast as he could.

"Hey Mister, we didn't order any coal," Charlie shouted. "You're delivering it to the wrong house."

"Your name's Flowers, isn't it?" the man asked, still shoveling.

Charlie nodded yes.

"Well then, there's no mistake. I've been asked to deliver this to your family on Christmas morning." He looked the awe-struck boy square in the eye. "And I'm under strict orders not to tell who sent it," he teased.

Charlie ran into the house, his coattail flapping in the cold morning wind. He could hardly wait to tell his mother and brothers and sisters. God had provided––just as he had on that first Christmas morning so long ago when He sent his only son to a needy world.

Charlie Flowers died in 1994 at age 96. And right up to the last year of his life, not a Christmas went by that he didn't tell the story of that sub-zero Christmas morning of his boyhood when two men gave his family an unforgettable gift.

It wasn't the coal that was remembered or cherished, Charlie often said––welcome as it was––but rather what two men brought to his desperate family. One, for his gift of recognizing their great need and taking the time to do something about it. And the other, for being willing to give up part of his own Christmas morning to deliver it.

That gift of so long ago has continued to warm the Flowers family from one generation to another, as Charlie's son––my husband, Charles––calls to mind these two unknown men each Christmas morning and whispers a prayer of thanks.

~~~

About Karen: Karen O'Connor is an award-winning author and writing mentor living in Watsonville, California with her husband, Charles Flowers. Karen’s latest book is 365 Reasons Why Gettin’ Old Ain’t So Bad (Harvest House 2010).

For more information, please visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com.

~~~

Just Give Me Christmas This Year!

2010-12-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

Day 11: Melissa Mashburn

~~~

All I Want for Christmas…
Is to be able to have Christmas this Year
by Melissa Mashburn

This is a simple request, isn’t it? In the previous years, we had great big bountiful Christmases with our family. Gifts, goodies and general Christmas cheer but this year it was different. The year before has been chock full of disappointments, failing businesses and severe cutbacks for our family.

Sitting with my husband one night we hammered out the bare minimum that we could spend that year for Christmas and even still the total was four hundred dollars. It does not sound like a whole lot compared to what we’ve spent on Christmas before, but this year it could have been four thousand dollars because we just did not have it.

We prayed, I cried, we prayed some more and decided that we would cut back anything else that we could that year so we could have Christmas for our kids. We did not know how we would make this happen, but we knew that we needed to step forward in faith that it would happen.

Answer this question: Does the God who lavishly provides you with his own presence, his Holy Spirit, working things in your lives you could never do for yourselves, does he do these things because of your strenuous moral striving or because you trust him to do them in you? Don't these things happen among you just as they happened with Abraham? He believed God, and that act of belief was turned into a life that was right with God. Galatians 3:5 the Message

Not even two days later, we hear a knock on our front door. We open the door to see some friends of ours from church. With tears in their eyes, they handed us an envelope and said that the felt they needed to give us this. We opened the envelope and inside there was four hundred dollars cash.

Shocked, stunned and with tears flowing down our face we just sat there in a state of crying and laughing at what God had done. We never shared with anyone that year what we needed, how bad it was, what was going on or what that number was for us to have Christmas for the kids, but God knew.

“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT

He took a willing servant, led them to our front door and changed Christmas for us that year. After many years of being in full time ministry we knew that God would provide, but when He shows up just at the right moment, you know that it was all a part of His plan to show how much He loves, provides and cares for His people.

Father God, thank you that after all the years of serving and loving you in ministry that you continue to teach, guide, love, shepherd and care for us. You, Father, are abundantly gracious and kind, thank you for showing up for us at just the right moment every time, forgive us when we forget that. In Jesus name, Amen.

~~~

About Melissa: Melissa is the founder of the blog Mel’s World Ministry, co-founder of the Praise and Coffee Nights Ministry with Sue Cramer, Kids Ministry Director at her church. Just last year she launched a new weekly series called Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith where we meet new women each week who are “Taking their everyday, ordinary lives and placing it as their offering to God.” Romans 12:1 the Message. You can find her on twitter and at her blog. She loves encouraging women to live with an authentic faith by being transparent, renewed and transformed. ~ Romans 12:2.

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What's the Best thing about Christmas?

2010-12-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

Day 10: Maureen Lang

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What’s the best thing about Christmas?
by Maureen Lang

The answer to that question will undoubtedly be different depending on the age and the faith of the person being asked. Most children will say it’s all about the gifts. Adults, even if they secretly still enjoy the gifts, will probably strive to sound more mature and say the holiday is all about friends and family. Still others might say it’s about tradition, or memories or the music or even the special food we connect to this time of year. The scrooges among us might say this season is just another marketing gimmick, or materialism gone awry. The faithful will say it’s all about Jesus, a reminder of why He shed the glory of Heaven to step into human skin and frailty.

I’m not here to defend or attack any answer to this question, but rather to ponder those possible answers.

Gifts: They touch us in personal ways, as tangible evidence of someone else’s thought and affection. Even if we don’t get exactly what we hoped, there’s something to be said about the thought behind a gift being the important part. Why wouldn’t gifts be an important and valid part of this holiday in which we celebrate God’s gift of salvation?

Holiday Gatherings: Parties might be a lot of work, forcing some out of their comfort zone, but at the core they’re all about human connection. Isn’t that what most people want?

Traditions and memories: They remind us of the past, of who we are, with the hope that even as we look forward to an unknown future we still hold some things worthy enough to repeat every year. We might find ourselves letting go of some traditions, or we might want to start some new ones.

The music: This is the only time of the year when even secular radio stations welcome songs about a baby born in Bethlehem. As a nation we may be getting stringent about separation of church as state, but the lines blur just a bit with old favorites that reflect this season.

Scrooges: The holiday season is probably a time to endure rather than enjoy, but even the scroogiest-scrooge might admit the lights of the season are pretty to behold. They’re free to look at, after all.

As for the food, the busyness, the expense and all the other things that make up this season: keep in mind that it’s all temporary. This, too, shall pass. Until next year, of course.

I’ll leave you with this thought: we are all made in God’s image, whether we believe that or not. Part of that image is the ability to give—and to receive. So here’s my thought for the day: stop a moment and dwell on all the gifts of the season. From the little mementos that say we haven’t forgotten someone or been forgotten by others, to the costliest gift of all: what God did for us in the form of Christ. As you enjoy the sounds, the sights, the scents and the tastes of this season, may your only trouble be in choosing just one thing among so many best things about Christmas.

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About Maureen: Maureen Lang is the author of ten books, her most recent from Tyndale House is The Great War Series which are full of romance, adventure and spiritual journeys. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, two sons and their lovable Labrador Retriever.

For more information please visit Maureen at her website, www.maureenlang.com.

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Good News

2010-12-21T07:00:00.000-06:00

Day 9: Deb Kalmbach

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Good News!
by Deb Kalmbach

The first Christmas card of the season arrived in my mailbox way back in August. How could anyone be that organized? Then I noticed my friend, Nita, had sent me a card I had written to her more than 20 years ago!

Memories rushed back as I read the words penned in my familiar handwriting. It was Christmas, 1991, and my world had unraveled. I could almost pretend everything was all right at this most wonderful time of the year—but not that year.

My husband Randy’s drinking problem had escalated to the point where his job and career were on the line. He had already been through two alcohol treatment programs and managed to stay sober for short periods of time. Then he slipped back into old, familiar patterns. His ongoing relapses were a crushing disappointment for our family.

I had looked forward to Christmas Eve and our family traditions; making homemade lasagna, singing carols around the piano, attending the candlelight service at church, and then coming home to open one token Christmas Eve present.

“Randy, are you ready to crank out the pasta?” I called to him over the Christmas music I was playing to lift my spirits.

I peered into the living room to see what was keeping him. My heart froze. Randy sat on the couch, trance-like, watching a basketball game while sipping a drink.

No, not on Christmas Eve, I screamed inwardly. I felt like I was suffocating. Usually Randy pulled himself together but it didn’t happen that night. He drank vodka all evening while I finished holiday preparations on autopilot. None of us felt like eating lasagna or celebrating.

Only a few days earlier, I had written these words on the Christmas card to my friend, Nita. I don’t know God’s plans, his timing or his ways in accomplishing his purposes, but I am learning to trust him. He is faithful!

I suspect Nita kept my card all those years because she saw a small seed of faith and it encouraged her heart. I didn’t know it at the time, but it would be eight more Christmas seasons before Randy experienced the miraculous breakthrough of finding freedom from alcoholism.

As I read the card I had written so long ago, I felt awed by God’s faithfulness to us—even when our situation looked completely hopeless.

You may be facing great difficulty as the holidays approach. The last thing you feel like is celebrating. And that’s O.K. The Good News of Christmas isn’t about picture perfect holidays where our homes are decorated a la Martha Stewart and tables are laden with holiday delicacies. Your days may not be merry and bright. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one or the loss of a relationship through divorce or estrangement. Your world has unraveled.

That’s exactly why the message of Christmas is Good News. The Savior is born! The One who came to set you free, to give you peace and hope and help beyond anything you could ever imagine is as near as your next breath. Today you might not be able to see how God’s purposes are unfolding for your future, but you can be assured that He is working all things for good in your life. A twenty year-old Christmas card came on a summer day as an unexpected gift and gentle reminder of God’s presence—especially in the worst of times.

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About Deb: Deb Kalmbach is the coauthor of Because I Said Forever: Embracing Hope in a Not-So- Perfect Marriage and the author of a book for children, Corey’s Dad Drinks Too Much. She has contributed to The New Women’s Devotional Bible, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, and other anthologies. She is a vibrant and engaging speaker who gives hope and practical solutions to those who struggle with difficult relationships. Deb and her husband, Randy, live in a tiny town in Eastern Washington. Visit Deb at: www.debkalmbach.com, or on Facebook and Twitter.

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New Book for Homeschoolers: Passport to the World

2010-12-20T13:06:00.001-06:00

Passport to the World
Your A to Z Guided Language Tour
by Greg Froman

More than just a geography book, Froman takes your child on a journey around the world using different languages as the hook. He introduces you to the language, country, children, social customs and much, much more as you travel around the world! You and your child will not want to put this book down. It is colorful, eye-catching, easy to read and flows well. I placed the book on our kitchen bar to see who would pick it up in our family. Everyone did! From my dear husband, the 23 year old and the teens. We learned common phrases in the language (complete with phonetic pronunciation guides) and then read those same phrases in the context of a paragraph. Froman has images from the country as well as pictures of traditional and current dress. He includes cultural customs in a listing format so you can focus on one or all. To top it off, included in the front of the book is a removable “passport” booklet that your child can complete as they study each language/country. Stickers are included as well.

This book is under the category of homeschooling for ages 9-12 and I can see how it can be utilized in various ways. One, it is written from a Christian perspective. Thus if you are studying a certain people group or country in your Bible time or missions time, this book would be a helpful resource. It could be used as a prayer focus where you prayed through the book by focusing on each language/people for two weeks. Two, it is in the format of an atlas. It has a two-page spread for each language and country with a map. It includes pictures, interesting facts, basic words (hello, goodbye, thank you, and peace), and basic demographic information. Thus you could use this book as part of a geography curriculum especially if you have some blank black-lined maps you could add so your child could place the country within the context of its continent and the whole world.

Overall, I would give this book 5 stars!
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I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. However all my opinions are my own. I was in no way compensated for my review.

Gift List

2010-12-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Day 8: Tricia Goyer

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Gift List
by Tricia Goyer

I've been thinking lately how hard it must be for Oprah to Christmas shop. I mean if you were on her "gift list" wouldn't you expect something really, really good? The woman gives away cars and trips to Australia on her television show for goodness sake! It seems by the end of Christmas Day her friends and family would look at the pile of presents and think, "Is that it?" I mean if you knew there was billions of dollars she could spend on you, would you ever feel satisfied?

Sometimes I think we approach God the same way. We look around at our home, our family, our job, our free time and we still aren't satisfied. We wish our body looked better, our clothes were more in style, our husband was more considerate and our kids were more ... well, like the perfect little people we picture in our mind. Our careers don't excel as quickly as we think they should and people don't give us the attention we feel we deserve. We're tired and anxious and the to-do list seems to be tacked to our hearts for all the pain it causes.

Often, we look around and don't speak the words out loud, but think them just the same. "Is that it?" I mean, You're the God of the universe and You have all things in Your hands and under Your control. Couldn't you provide a little more money to help those bills disappear or make me a bit more content with the man I've chosen to spend my life with? And I thought Oprah had it tough.

Is there ever a time when God doesn't hear the murmurs? Again, not with our mouths but in our heart.

I've been guilty of this--of not being satisfied with the gifts I've been given. Yes, there will always be more to want, but today--at this moment--I'm satisfied. And I look to Him with a grateful heart and whisper, "Thank you, it is enough. More than enough."

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About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. For more information, please visit www.triciagoyer.com

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Hurting Near Christmas? 10 Tips to Hope Again

2010-12-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

Day 7: Stacie Ruth Stoelting (12/19)

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Hurting Near Christmas? 10 Tips to Hope Again
by Stacie Ruth Stoelting

Feel sad this Christmas? Hey, I know the feeling. In fact, many programs have interviewed me to share about it! Last year, I tried particularly hard to share stories and tips on how to cope with grief during the holidays: I wrote a feature for CBN.com, Coping with Grief at Christmas, visited and counseled grieving people, etc.

Then irony hit: Near Christmas, two people I loved died within two days (December 15-16, 2009).

Are you or a loved one hurting during the holidays? I relate. But let me encourage you: Jesus remains faithful! As real as my pain, He met my needs and comforted me with peace unexplainable. I’m serious. He’s real.

Before I continue with tips, let me share this: If you feel suicidal, contact an emergency counseling service like the New Life Call Center at 1-800-NEW-LIFE(639-5433).

10 Tips for Hurting Hearts to Hope and Cope at Christmastime

1.    Realize and internalize it: God still loves you and wants to hear from you. He wants you to know that there is a Way out of your pit of despair. The Way is Jesus.

2.    Sometimes, our suffering causes us to forget His. Understand He understands you. He suffered more than any of us when we bore the weight of every sin and pain on the cross! In fact, Is. 53:3 describes Jesus: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” Think of it: He took your punishment and pain on the cross. He was your capital punishment Substitute! And your Deliverer -your Rescuer- wants to hear from you. His heart hurts with yours. Will you pour your heart out to Him now? He’ll pour His love in where the fear previously resided. Let Jesus inside. Do you know Jesus on a personal, one-to-One basis? Visit here to learn why Jesus was born to die and how to be born again. (Hey, Jesus said it: "You must be born again.")

3.    Rather than mere gifts, make a Christmas prayer list of other hurting people. Then pray for them and request prayer for yourself, too. Contact your church. Tap into ministries (including CBN.com) that offer extra prayer support. And feel free to join my prayer e-group at www.PrayingPals.org or on Facebook by clicking here.

4.    End the Christmas comparison game. Don't compare your Christmas to your neighbor's. Don't compare your Christmas to past celebrations.

5.    Center on the Savior! This year, trade a superficial Christmas for a real one. Deepen your appreciation for the true Christmas: the arrival of Jesus Christ to banish the effects of sin and death!

6.    Whatever your loss or pain, open up and let God be your Gain. Maybe your pain comes from another cause: a divorce, a devastating diagnosis, a job loss...the list extends. God offers to be your Counselor, your Father, your Healer, your Provider. Let Him answer your heart’s cry.

7.    Love on people. Even if you don’t “feel” like it, prayerfully do something for someone else who is hurting.

8.    Remember: Feelings change. God doesn't. Loved ones' deaths never kill His love for you. God's immeasurable, unconditional love still flows to you! When you know Jesus, you know eternal love and security. Nothing separates you from His love! “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, ESV).

9.    Realize the reality of the sudden reunion. Holidays exacerbate the feeling of long separation from our loved ones in Heaven. Does it feel like it will take forever for you to see your loved one in Heaven? Be encouraged: Jesus IS coming again and it will be a time you don't expect! So the fact that you feel like it won't happen soon is a good thing! Once reunited, it will feel like no time transpired. All sadness will be entirely removed!

10.    When Jesus comes back to earth, it will be a celebration greater than any previous Christmas you've ever experienced!

For believers, losses hurt but never win. We will celebrate Jesus together -and it will be glorious "for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith" (I John 5:4, NIV). In that Day, all believers will be able to jubilantly say, “Merry Christmas to all and to all the true Light!”

Additional Help: Ready for some practical tips for coping with grief at Christmastime? Here’s one: Rearrange furniture to reduce absence reminders. To read this tip and others found in another of my CBN.com’s articles: “Coping with Grief at Christmas", visit www.CBN.com.

Going thru a rough time? Join Stacie Ruth’s prayer group at www.PrayingPals.org.

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About Stacie: Stacie Ruth knows pain, but she also knows Jesus! After Stacie Ruth met Jesus, her life blossomed with true joy and purpose. Life’s blows hurt her, but Jesus heals and strengthens her. Now an author, actress, and recording artist, she laughs at the irony and praises God, who uses unlikely people...like herself. Discover why she's written a book at age 15, sung/spoken for the 43rd President, been pictured in major media (i.e. The New York Times, USA Today), and keynoted conferences since she was a teenager. To watch video clips, worship Jesus with music from her album, or get in touch with her ministry for women, visit www.brightlightministries.com.

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Wrapped in His Love

2010-12-18T08:36:00.000-06:00

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Wrapped in His Love
by Rebecca Ondov

The temperature is below zero and dropping quickly—probably to -15 or lower. Old Man Winter gusted in a couple days ago, leaving cold temperatures and a foot of snow behind. Moments ago I bundled up in my long johns and Carhartts to go out and feed. Of course I had a warm horse blanket draped over my arm. When it’s below zero I wrap Czar in two horse blankets.

Czar nickered as soon as he saw me coming. When I buckled up the blankets, it was as if I was wrapping him in my love. He buried his head in my chest. I snuggled him and stroked his long red winter hair. I pulled a couple icicles out of his black mane as my mind drifted through memories. I’d bought Czar when he was a month old; it was love at first sight. After he was weaned from his mother, I brought him home.

Czar leaned into me, almost as if he was hugging me. I patted his neck, “That was thirty years ago, Czar. Can you believe it?” Czar had been my main saddle horse when I worked in the Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana. I’d ridden him over 20,000 miles. Together we’d faced grizzly bears, mudslides, forest fires, and even fallen off a cliff. He’d saved my life more than once. With my finger, I traced a couple gray hairs that dotted his forehead. “You’ve earned your blankets, buddy.”

The icy breeze nipped at my cheeks and I thought how much his blankets resemble God’s love for us. God was there when we were born—and He loved us at first sight. He’s faithfully been with us through every step of our lives—through every joy and sorrow. He’s cried with us and laughed with us. He cheered when we’ve overcome. Most of all, when I’ve gone through tough times, it’s been God’s love which wrapped itself around me like a shield and pulled me through.

I glanced around me. The snowflakes glistened in the sun. His love surrounded me: the wind whispering in the pines, the chickadee that serenaded me this morning, the gurgling creek that flowed through the pasture. And His greatest love is manifested in the prize of His creation –you and me, the ones created in His image.

This Christmas season, I’m praying that you feel the God of the universe—the one who hung the stars in place—wrapping His loving arms around you and holding you tight (two horse blankets worth). And I pray that all of us experience the love He’s given us in Jesus.

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About Rebecca: Rebecca Ondov is the author of Horse Tales from Heaven: Reflections along the Trail with God and Horse Tales from Heaven: Gift Edition. She was a contributing author in several books including Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace. She lives in Western Montana with her family, horses, mules, barn cat, and golden retriever. By day she works for Fox Lumber, brokering lumber throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. By night she forges ahead with her mission, writing stories which equip Christians to lead extraordinary lives. Join her on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn by going to her Website: www.RebeccaOndov.com

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Day 5: Home

2010-12-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

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There’s No Place Like….
by Melody Carlson

I grew up spending Christmases at my grandparents’ quaint Victorian home, surrounded by lots of relatives, laughter and love and really good food. For a little girl growing up in a single parent home, harried working mother, no church family, and TV dinners, these extended family holidays spent at my grandparents were like a real gift from God. But as a young adult, my grandfather passed on, the old house was sold, I grew up and eventually had a small family of my own.

Still I longed for those familiar kinds of “big” Christmases—I wanted that house full of relatives and fun times to go home to—I think the “child” in me thought I deserved it somehow. But my grandmother had gotten older and lived in a tiny apartment, and my mother and my husband’s parents were not comfortable hosting Christmas in their homes. For a while we went to my cousin’s, but I soon had to come to grips with reality. The days of going to Grandma’s for the perfect Christmas were a thing of the past.

In other words, it was time for me to grow up—time for me to start hosting our own Christmas celebrations. So biting the holiday bullet, I decided to just do it. With two very small children underfoot, I cooked my first turkey, made my first stuffing, invited some family, neighbors, and friends over, and we all crammed ourselves into our little house, balanced our plates on our knees, and had a very good time. Oh, I’m sure the turkey was dry and the gravy lumpy, but what I remember most is that everyone seemed truly happy to be there. And I realized that I wasn’t the only one longing for that sense of warmth and community—that longing to “go home again”—and I finally grasped that I could (with God’s grace) help to provide that for my family and others.

So for the next three decades we continued to host Christmas in our home. I got better at decorating, cooking, gifting…the works. Some years the place would be packed and crazy. A few years were thinner and quieter. But family, friends and neighbors could always count on the fact that the Carlson’s would be “doing something for Christmas.” It was a no-brainer.

Until this year. This year, for the first time in more than thirty years, my husband and I decided we’re going to take a pass on hosting Christmas—we are going to the beach. At first I felt terribly guilty, and even right now I’m a bit unsure—and wonder if I’ll end up changing my mind at the last minute. And yet, I believe it’s the right thing for us to do—for a lot of reasons. One being that my husband’s birthday is Christmas and he never gets to do what he wants on his birthday—this year will be different. But more than that, I hope that our stepping aside will encourage the younger members of our family to find and embrace some of their own traditions—to grow up and look for opportunities to stretch themselves a bit. Because, similar to how and oyster creates a pearl—or how a young mom learns to be a hostess—with some discomfort and distress a burnt turkeys, the end results are truly valuable.

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About Melody: Melody Carlson lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Labrador Retriever. She’s the author of around 200 books including this year’s Christmas novella, Christmas at Harrington’s.Visit her website for more information, www.melodycarlson.com.

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Day 4: The Joy of Unexpected Circumstances

2010-12-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

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The Joy of Unexpected Circumstances
by Lori Kasbeer

The Christmas season is upon us again. Starbucks is selling their Christmas blend; stores are posting their holiday hours; and moms everywhere are making a list and checking it twice, planning for a special Christmas day. It has been our family’s tradition to spend Christmas with relatives. Last year money was tight and we were unable to travel, this is not how we had planned to spend Christmas day but circumstances were beyond our control. Realizing my three boys--who are now teenagers--will not be under our roof for much longer, I wanted to have a special Christmas with just the five of us.

Leading up to Christmas morning we all made mouth-watering, cinnamon cut-out cookies, spent time together sticking tape everywhere while trying to wrap presents, and enjoyed spending time together. We did not have much money, but were having fun making memories. When Christmas morning arrived and we sat around to open gifts my eyes welled up with overwhelming joy. This mother was trying to absorb all the activity that was going on all around her: the smiles from each of my teenage boys, the sounds of laughter, and the smell of cinnamon rolls cooking in the oven. If I could freeze a moment in time, this would be it. I don’t know what the future holds for each of my boys, but that Christmas morning I wanted to soak it all in so I could recall this special day for years to come. Despite struggling financially, unexpected circumstances turned into immense joy and a lifetime of memories.

Mothers treasuring special moments is not something new. Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, was one who tried to soak in everything that first Christmas morning. Even after Christ’s birth she was still trying to absorb what the angel had said to her when he delivered the news that she was going to be the mother of the coming Savior. She reflected on the time she had with her cousin Elizabeth while they were both pregnant. Along with comprehending the unusual way her son came into this world.

While very pregnant with child, Mary and Joseph traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register Mary for the census. Never did she image she would deliver her baby in a barn with a manger being the only thing to lay him down in. These were not the circumstances she had envisioned. Before she had time to catch her breath, suddenly all around her there was excitement when shepherds showed up reporting what they had seen and heard. There were angels—a multitude of angels—who were singing and declaring the Savior was born and a bright star led them to her and Joseph. So much has happened in a short amount of time and Mary did not want to forget any of it. Instead she stepped back and “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

Mary did not exactly know what the plans were for her son, but she knew it was going to change the lives of everyone on earth. She was preparing her heart to obey God concerning her son Jesus, without the full knowledge of what was going to come while at the same time quietly reflecting and capturing this one special moment in time.

May this Christmas be filled with joy and a lifetime of memories, even if you find yourself in unexpected circumstances. Merry Christmas!

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About Lori: Lori Kasbeer lives with her husband Tadd and three teenage sons in Florida. She's a contributor for Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace and a Christian book reviewer. Please visit Lori’s Book Reviews for more info. You can also find Lori on Facebook and Twitter.

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Day 3: The First Christmas

2010-12-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as Melody Carlson, Lauraine Snelling, Rachel Hauck, Tricia Goyer, Maureen Lang, and more share their heartfelt stories of how God has touched their life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS! You may enter once a day. The winner will be announced on New Year's Day at the Pearl Girls Blog! Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

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The First Christmas
by Pat Ennis

It was October of my eighteenth year of life when my Dad stepped into eternity. As a college freshman I not only had to deal with my own grief, I also was faced with the responsibility of helping my mother adjust to a new lifestyle. You see, when Dad died, she not only lost her husband of thirty years, she also lost her circle of friends. Suddenly the married couples (my Dad was the first of their group to die) didn’t know what to do about Mother—so they did nothing. Her grieving process was actually extended because of the withdrawal of her friends, many with whom she and Dad had enjoyed fellowship for years.

Our plight was magnified by the reality that we did not have extended family and I was an only child. Quite frankly, the outlook for the holiday season appeared pretty dismal!

As the holidays approached our neighbors, who embraced a different faith than we, graciously invited us to share their Christmas celebration with them. The sincere invitation, their effort to fold us into their family, inclusion in the gift exchange, and intentional conversation that focused on recounting the blessings of the year as well as looking forward to the next turned what could have been a miserable day into one of joy. Of course we missed our husband and Dad but the focus on the Lord’s provision for us through the hospitality of our neighbors (Philippians 4:8-9, 19) soothed our grieving spirits.

I have a happy ending to my Mother’s loss of her circle of friends that I described at the beginning of this story! Ever the gracious southern hostess, she did not cease to extend hospitality because of the change in her marital status—in the five years that she lived beyond Dad’s death, we entertained frequently, and eventually our guest list included widows from the group that had earlier excluded my Mother. Though her arthritic condition precluded her engaging in as much of the food preparation as she was accustomed to doing, she continued to help me hone the skills that were second nature to her.

The loving hospitality extended to us on that first lonely Christmas served as a catalyst for Mom and me to open our home throughout the year—especially during the holiday season! Will you consider displaying biblical compassion by including some of the “others”—singles, widows, and the grieving in your holiday celebrations? Who, knows, you might be entertaining an angel incognito (Hebrews 13:2)!

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About Pat: Dr. Patricia Ennis, author of Precious in His Sight, the Fine Art of Becoming a Godly Woman, co-author of Practicing Hospitality, the Joy of Serving Others, and contributor to Pearl Girls, Experiencing Grit, Experiencing Grace as well as professor and establishing chairperson of the Department of Home Economics at The Master’s College. Visit Pat's blog, Unfading Beauty for more information.

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Day 2: Wear Joy!

2010-12-14T07:00:00.001-06:00

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Wear Joy
by Rachel Hauck

Thanksgiving day in central Florida broke warm and sunny under a blue sky. The thin fall breeze beckoned me. Taking my bike out, I rode the neighborhood feeling so grateful for all my blessings.

Joy bubbled up in my spirit. I’d been feeling it for a day, these waves of joy, but as I rode my bike and talked to God, the waves strengthened and splashed my heart the entire ride.

I’d laugh. Then tear up. And laugh again. As one who’s battled and won the war on anxiety and fear attacks, the onslaught of joy was welcomed, and actually sparked a new prayer in my heart. I’ve endured attacks of panic, time for attacks of joy.

The journey of joy began earlier in the year while writing a book coincidentally named, “Dining with Joy.”

Sitting at my table one day, revelation hit me. “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Nehemiah 8:10. The more I meditated on it, the more I wanted His joy. I don’t want my strength. I want His.

Not long after, I went to Nashville for a girl’s weekend. One of my friends handed me a coffee cup inscribed with “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

Ever just know? God is calling.

During the holiday season, I turn 50. Yep, the big 5-0. Can’t stop it, I might as well embrace it.

Fifty is often associated with jubilee, a time of restoration, and healing, even release from debt and slavery. It’s a time of returning to property, and inheritance.

A time of rest.

A time of JOY!

This past week, a friend gifted me with a beautiful Christmas ornament. Inscribed on it? You guessed it.

JOY!

To me, the world doesn’t look very joyful. There are social and economic woas. But God is speaking and offering joy.

As you go into this holiday season, ask God for a pearl of joy. Like pearls, crafted through abrasion, God’s true joy is often formed in us during difficult seasons.

Here’s the thing, His strength isn’t doled out based on our goodness, our success or failure, or the fact the holiday season is hard or sad for you. He is ready, willing and able to overcome all your weaknesses, fears and anxiety, sadness with the power of His very own joy.

His joy. Your strength.

I’ve been walking into rooms, houses, outdoors, raising my arms and shouting, “Joy!” People look at me funny, but I want to spread the joy of the Lord. To spread the very essence of His strength.

How about you? Can you find the pearl of joy in your life, in the essence of God’s heart toward you?

Wear joy this season.

~~~

About Rachel: RITA-finalist Rachel Hauck lives in Florida with her husband, Tony. She is the author of Dining with Joy; Sweet Caroline; Love Starts with Elle; and The Sweet By and By, co-authored with Sara Evans. For more information please visit www.rachelhauck.com.

Oh, and be sure to enter Rachel's Dining With Joy NOOK eReader giveaway!

~~~

Pearls of Patience

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Hello - I'm thrilled to announce the 2nd Annual 12 Pearls of Christmas! We've lined up several authors to share their Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along beginning today (Monday the 13th) through Christmas day as Melody Carlson, Lauraine Snelling, Rachel Hauck, Tricia Goyer, Maureen Lang, and more share their heartfelt stories of how God has touched their life during this most wonderful time of the year.

We are also providing this series as free content for your own blogs (as 12 html posts) - if you'd like to share the 12 Pearls of Christmas with your blog readers email (amy@litfusegroup.com) and she'll send you the content.

AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post or any of the following 12 Pearls of Christmas posts (on any of the participating posts) to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS! You may enter once a day. The winner will be announced on New Year's Day! Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

Pearls of Patience

by http://pearlgirls.info/">Margaret Mcsweeney

As I write by the light of my Christmas tree on a late winter’s night, I reflect upon the poignancy and purpose of this season. The tiny white lights look like strands of pearls draped gracefully (perhaps haphazardly is a more honest description) across the evergreen boughs. Tomorrow I will hang the ornaments and at last place the angel atop the tree

Angels carry a special meaning this Christmas. My brother, Randy passed away on December 2nd from a heart attack at age 53. He was feeding a stray cat on his side porch. Randy was always like St. Francis of Asissi – animals would find him, sensing a kind soul. And my brother was a gentle and patient soul. He loved to fish. He tried to teach me, but I immediately lost interest when I realized worms were involved. And I could never sit still on the banks of a river and just wait. However, Randy could do that. He could wait, and waiting is a true gift. He put into practice the Scriptures. “Wait upon the Lord.” “Be still and know that He is God.” Patience doesn’t have to be passive. Wait is still an action verb. Part of the waiting process for fishing is seeking. Elaine (Randy’s wife of 31 years) told me that Randy said he could see the fish deep beneath the waters. He actively waited for the right time to catch them.

During Randy’s last fishing trip on earth – just a week before his death, he felt an urgency to take a picture of the clouds with his cell phone. When he returned home, he showed the picture to Elaine. They realized that a face of an angel was looking at Randy from the sky – perhaps waiting for God’s timing to bring Randy home to heaven. In my heart I like to think that this “angel in the sky” was part of the heavenly host that appeared to the shepherds over two thousand years ago. A Christmas Angel.

The Christmas Angels brought tidings of great joy that Jesus, our Lord and Savior was born. And because of that incredible gift from God that these angels announced, we all have the promise of eternity. Let us actively wait for His return by sharing our faith, offering hope and acting with love in everything we do.

May each of you be blessed this Christmas as you celebrate the purposeful promises of the Season: Faith, hope and love. And may the 12 Pearls of Christmas be a blessing to you, too.

~~~

About Margaret: Margaret McSweeney lives with her husband, David and two teenage daughters in the Chicago suburbs. After earning a master's degree in international business from the University of South Carolina, Margaret moved to New York City to work at a large bank where she met David. Charity and community involvement are very important to Margaret. She is the founder and director of Pearl Girls. For more information please visit http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info. Margaret is fast at work on several fiction manuscripts and her book Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace was written to help fund the Pearl Girl Charities. Connect with Margaret on http://www.facebook.com/#%21/profile.php?id=1422308888">Facebook or http://twitter.com/mcsweeney">Twitter.

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is FILL OUT THIS QUICK FORM. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com/) on New Years Day!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas

2010-12-13T07:50:00.000-06:00

The 12 Pearls of Christmas is a series that I'll be hosting at my blog for the next few weeks! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS! Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.