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Tuesday 30 November 2010

Book Giveaway and Christian Historical Fiction Reading Challenge - November update


I read 3 books for this during November.

I have now read 64 books for the year!

They are:
  1. The Confidential Life of Euginia Cooper by Kathleen Y'Barbo
  2. Pieces of Silver by Maureen Lang
  3. Remember Me by Maureen Lang
  4. New Mexico by Janet Lee Barton
  5. The Tapestry by MaryAnn Minatra
  6. The Masterpiece by MaryAnn Minatra
  7. The Heirloom by MaryAnn Minatra
  8. Texas Brides by Cathy Marie Hake
  9. Battles of Destiny Vol. 3 by Al Lacy
  10. Battles of Destiny Vol. 4 by Al Lacy
  11. A Place Called Home by Lori Wick
  12. A Song For Silas by Lori Wick
  13. The Long Road Home by Lori Wick
  14. A Gathering of Memories by Lori Wick
  15. Gingham Bride by Jillian Hart
  16. Look to the East by Maureen Lang
  17. Love Awakens the Heart by Lori Wick
  18. The One Forever Promise by Lori Wick
  19. Ransome's Honor by Kaye Dacus
  20. Angel's Den by Jamie Carie
  21. The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy
  22. Pasadena Primises by Rachel Druten
  23. Brides of the Empire by Darlene Minrup
  24. The Raven Saint by M L Tyndall
  25. Woven Hearts by Cathy Marie Hake, Kelly Eileen Hake, Kathleen Paul & Susan Downs
  26. The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter by Coleen Coble
  27. Florida Brides by Muncy G. Chapman
  28. Louisiana Brides by Kathleen Y'Barbo
  29. Veiled Joy by Colleen L. Reece
  30. In Tune With Wedding Bells by Grace Livingston Hill
  31. Where Two Ways Met by Grace Livingston Hill
  32. The Centurion's Wife by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke
  33. The Puritans by Jack Cavanaugh
  34. The Colonists by Jack Cavanaugh
  35. The Patriots by Jack Cavanaugh
  36. The Adversaries by Jack Cavanaugh
  37. The Pioneers by Jack Cavanaugh
  38. The Allies by Jack Cavanaugh
  39. The Victors by Jack Cavanaugh
  40. The Hidden Flame by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke
  41. The Country House Courtship by Linore Rose Burkard
  42. Though None Go With Me by Jerry B. Jenkins
  43. The Bride Blunder by Kelly Eileen Hake
  44. Found Treasure by Grace Livingston Hill
  45. Outlaw Marshal by Al and Joanna Lacy
  46. Cassidy by Lori Wick
  47. The Affectionate Adversary by Catherine Palmer
  48. The Bachelor's Bargain by Catherine Palmer
  49. Wild Heather by Catherine Palmer
  50. English Ivy by Catherine Palmer
  51. Sweet Violet by Catherine Palmer
  52. The Courteous Cad by Catherine Palmer
  53. Sabrina by Lori Wick
  54. Jessie by Lori Wick
  55. The Crimson Cipher by Susan Page Davis
  56. Wildflower Bride by Mary Connealy
  57. Deadlock by Al and Joanna Lacy
  58. Marina by Susan K Downs and Susan May Warren
  59. Oksana by Susan K Downs and Susan May Warren
  60. To Catch a Thief by DiAnn Mills, Carol Cox, Kathleen Y'Barbo and Lisa Harris
  61. The Omega Deception by John F Bayer
  62. Ransome's Crossing by Kaye Dacus
  63. Doctor in Petticoats by Mary Connealy
  64. A Convenient Wife by Anna Schmidt

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And now for the Give away!

It is in honour of my 600th post!!!!

I have ended up with 2 copies of this book so I'm going to give the extra away.

You will also be pleased to know that I am willing to post it to anywhere in the world!!!

So, to take you out of suspense the book is (although reading it will put you back in suspense):

Treasure at Blue Heron Lake by Susan Page Davis and Megain Elaine Davis



Please comment on this post by the 7th of December 2010 if you would like to win.

Teaser Tuesdays - November 30


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Rise and Shine by Liz Curtis Higgs

'Don't feel like exercising today?
I have the perfect alternative for you: laughter.
Fifteen faciaal muscles get involved when we laugh, which is why after a good bout of laughter your cheeks hurt. That's your face's way of telling you, "Please do this more often!" You know the dangers of being a weekend jogger. The same thing happens when we don't exercise those facial muscles often enough.
Laughter makes us feel wonderful all over.'

First Wild Card Tours - Pause for Power by Warren Wiersbe

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!


Today's Wild Card author is:


and the book:


Pause for Power A 365 Day Journey in the Scriptures

David C. Cook; 2 edition (November 1, 2010)


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher and the former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago. For ten years he was associated with the “Back to the Bible” radio broadcast, first as Bible teacher and then as general director. Dr. Wiersbe has written more than 160 books. He and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.



Product Details:

List Price: $16.99
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook; 2 edition (November 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 078140374X
ISBN-13: 978-0781403740

AND NOW...THE FIRST WEEK OF DEVOTIONS:



A Year in the Word

In the pages that follow, you’ll hear Isaiah’s invitation to wayward hearts, wrestle with Job’s dilemma, examine what Hebrews says about the breathtaking work of Christ, and listen in as Paul writes letters to infant churches. Such a task might seem daunting at first, but with the help of Pause for Power, it will take you only a few minutes a day. And here’s the best part: Over the course of a year, you’ll have read fifteen books of the Bible.

The devotions are undated, so you can start any day of the year. They’re also blended, so you can enjoy a variety of biblical voices and themes each week. One day you might contemplate Paul’s letter to the Philippians, and the next you might consider a wise saying from Ecclesiastes.

To get started, simply turn to Day 1, read the associated Bible passage in your favorite translation, spend time with the devotion, then ponder the question of the day. Repeat daily. In twelve months you’ll have studied Job, Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, and 1 John. But more importantly, you’ll have gained insight into God’s Word—insight that will bring you closer to the Author Himself.


Day 1

Consistent Actions

Read Romans 2:1—3:20

To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.

Romans 2:7–8

God had given Israel great material and spiritual riches: a wonderful land, a righteous law, a temple and priesthood, God’s providential care, and many more blessings. God had patiently endured Israel’s many sins and rebellions, and had even sent them His Son to be their Messiah. Even after Israel crucified Christ, God gave the nation nearly forty more years of grace and withheld His judgment. It is not the judgment of God that leads people to repentance, but the goodness of God; but Israel did not repent.

In Romans 2:6–11, Paul was explaining a basic principle of God’s judgment: God judges according to deeds, just as He judges according to truth. Paul was dealing here with the consistent actions of people’s lives, the total impact of their character and conduct.

True saving faith results in obedience and godly living, even though there may be occasional falls. When God measured the deeds of the Jews, He found them to be as wicked as those of the Gentiles.

Something to Ponder

Is it possible for people to grow to have consistently good (not perfect) character and conduct? If so, how? How does this fit with Paul’s claim that no one is righteous apart from Christ’s sacrifice (Rom. 3:9–10)?


Day 2

Devoted to Devotions

Read Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Colossians 4:2

It has well been said that the purpose of prayer is not to get our will done in heaven, but to get God’s will done on earth. Prayer is not telling God what to do or what to give. Prayer is asking God for that which He wants to do and give, according to His will (1 John 5:14–15). As we read the Word and fellowship with our Father, we discover His will and then boldly ask Him to do what He has planned. Richard Trench (1807–1886), archbishop of Dublin, said it perfectly: “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance; it is laying hold of His willingness.”

Of course, it is possible to pray in our hearts and never use the gift of speech (1 Sam. 1:13), but we are using words even if we don’t say them audibly. True prayer must first come from the heart, whether the words are spoken or not.

Something to Ponder

As you pray, in what ways are you “watchful”? In what ways are you “thankful”?


Day 3

The Mark of Maturity

Read Philippians 1:6–10

This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.

Philippians 1:9–10

Paul found joy in his memories of the friends at Philippi and in his growing love for them. He also found joy in remembering them before the throne of grace in prayer.

This is a prayer for maturity, and Paul began it with love. He prayed that they might experience abounding love and discerning love. Christian love is not blind! The heart and mind work together so that we have discerning love and loving discernment.

The ability to distinguish is a mark of maturity. When a baby learns to speak, he or she may call every four-legged animal a “bowwow.” But then the child discovers that there are cats, mice, cows, and other four-legged creatures.

One of the sure marks of maturity is discerning love and loving discernment.

Something to Ponder

With daily decisions, do you tend to seek what is good, or do you try to discern what is truly best?


Day 4

Avoiding Oblivion

Read 1 John 2:17

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

1 John 2:17

Every great nation in history has become decadent and has finally been conquered by another nation. Some nineteen world civilizations have slipped into oblivion. There is no reason why we should think that our present civilization will endure forever. “Change and decay in all around I see,” wrote Henry F. Lyte (1793–1847), and if our civilization is not eroded by change and decay, it will certainly be swept away and replaced by a new order of things at the coming of Christ.

Slowly but inevitably, and perhaps sooner than even we Christians think, the world is passing away, but those who do God’s will abide forever. Long after this world system—with its vaunted culture, its proud philosophies, its egocentric intellectualism, and its godless materialism—has been forgotten, and long after this planet has been replaced by the new heavens and the new earth (Rev. 21:1), God’s faithful servants will remain, sharing the glory of God for all eternity. And this prospect is not limited to Moody, Spurgeon, Luther, or Wesley and their likes—it is open to each and every humble believer. If you are trusting Christ, it is for you.

Something to Ponder

If you are expecting to share the glory of God for all eternity, what things are you doing now to prepare for such an encounter?


Day 5

Sovereignty and Responsibility

Read Romans 9:14–33

Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”

Romans 9:14–15

Moses was a Jew; Pharaoh was a Gentile, yet both were sinners. In fact, both were murderers! Both saw God’s wonders. Yet Moses was saved and Pharaoh was lost. Pharaoh was a ruler, and Moses was a slave, yet it was Moses who experienced the mercy and compassion of God—because God willed it that way. Nobody can condemn God for the way He extends His mercy, because God is righteous in His judgments (see Ps. 19:9 KJV).

Paul wrote of divine sovereignty and then human responsibility. Here is a paradox: The Jews sought for righteousness but did not find it, while the Gentiles, who were not searching for it, found it! The reason? Israel tried to be saved by works and not by faith. They rejected “grace righteousness” and tried to please God with “law righteousness.” The Jews thought that the Gentiles had to come up to Israel’s level to be saved, when actually the Jews had to go down to the level of the Gentiles to be saved.

Something to Ponder

When you can’t fully understand God’s working, what do you do to maintain your faith?


Day 6

Sins of the Saints

Read Hebrews 2:3–9

This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.

Hebrews 2:3

We have the idea that believers today “under grace” can escape the chastening hand of God that was so evident “under law.” But to whom much is given, much shall be required (Luke 12:48). Not only have we received the Word from the Son of God, but that Word has been confirmed by “signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will” (Heb. 2:4). The phrase “signs and wonders” here refers to the miracles that witnessed to the Word and gave confirmation that it was true. Today we have the completed Word of God, so there is no need for these apostolic miracles. God now bears witness through His Spirit using the Word. The Spirit also gives spiritual gifts to God’s people so that they may minister in the church (1 Cor. 12:1–11).

I have often told the story about the pastor who preached a series of sermons on “the sins of the saints.” He was severely reprimanded by a church member. “After all,” said the member, “sin in the lives of Christians is different from sin in the lives of other people.”

“Yes,” replied the pastor, “it’s worse!”

Something to Ponder

Do you agree that sin in the lives of Christians is worse than sin in the lives of other people? Why?


Day 7

Heart Gifts

Read 2 Corinthians 8:10–24

Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it.

2 Corinthians 8:11

During my years of ministry, I have endured many offering appeals. I have listened to pathetic tales about unbelievable needs. I have forced myself to laugh at old jokes that were supposed to make it easier for me to part with my money. I have been scolded, shamed, and almost threatened, and I must confess that none of these approaches has ever stirred me to give more than I planned to give.

We must be careful here not to confuse willing with doing, because the two must go together. If the willing is sincere and in the will of God, then there must be a “completion of it” (2 Cor. 8:11; see Phil. 2:12–13). Paul did not say that willing was a substitute for doing, because it is not. But if our giving is motivated by grace, we will give more willingly.

God sees the “heart gift” and not the “hand gift.” If the heart wants to give more, but is unable to do so, God sees it and records it accordingly. But if the hand gives more than the heart wants to give, God records what is in the heart, no matter how big the offering in the hand may be.

Something to Ponder

Think about a time you gave willingly and a time you gave grudgingly. What made the difference?


My Thoughts:
I wasn't able to get a copy of this one, but I have read others of Warren Wiersbe's books and highly recommend them. They are always thought provoking and lead you into a closer walk with Christ.

Friday 26 November 2010

Friday Fill-Ins #201


Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate.

So...here we go!

1. Three things I must have on my Thanksgiving table (if I celebrated it): pumpkin pie, turkey and cranberry sauce.

2. Only when I'm sick or very, very tired will you find me sacked out on the couch.

3. This is a crazy life.

4. I need to decide how to decorate my room for Christmas.

5. Oh, man, thankfully it's Friday.

6. I would like to perfect the art of drawing.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to babysitting for a friend, tomorrow my plans include voting in the VIC state election and going to an afternoon tea and Sunday, I want to have a quiet day and enjoy church!

2010 Reading Challenge - week 47

This week I finished reading just 1 book. It was a long one, and I didn't have as much reading time because I had a ridiculously busy week.

Not that I'm worried, since I have already passed me target. I decided that I won't set a new goal, just keep reading and recording what I read.

So the book I finished was:

  • Deadline by Randy Alcorn

I'm still reading:

  • More Precious Than Silver by Joni Eareckson Tada
  • Rise and Shine by Liz Curtis Higgs
  • Becoming a Woman of Simplicity by Cynthia Heald
  • Dominion by Randy Alcorn

Thursday 25 November 2010

Blog Award! - The Versatile Blogger


This is only my second blog award! Thank you to Zakiya LadyWings for giving it to me.

When accepting this award, you are asked to:

1) Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award. (done)
2) Share 7 things about yourself.
3) Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason! (In no particular order...)
4) Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.

Seven facts about myself:
  1. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died to save me, and that He is preparing a place for me.
  2. I long for the day when the man God intends for me comes into my life.
  3. I "read" books to my dolls and teddies as a toddler.
  4. My favourite flowers are Forget-Me-Nots.
  5. I collect postcards - mostly I buy them when I'm on holiday from the place where I am, but not always.
  6. I love Ken Duncan Panographs. There is one on the wall above my desk.
  7. I was very excited today to find a bag of marshmallows that only had white ones in it. I don't like pink or any other coloured ones.

Bloggers I am awarding:

Ok, I know you're supposed to award 15, but in reality the blogs I've been following I've been following for a while now. The only recent one is Bugs and Fishes.

So that will have to be it for me. And I have contacted them to let them know.

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Teaser Tuesdays - November 23


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Dominion by Randy Alcorn

'"I seen somethin'." The voice on the other end of the line sounded tense and determined. "I want that hundred bucks!"
"Who is this?"
"Mookie."'

Friday 19 November 2010

2010 Reading Challenge - week 46

4 books for me this week!

I have now reached and gone beyond my target!!

So I now have a choice - do I set another target or just keep reading and recording what I've read?

Hmmm ...

Anyway, the 4 I read this week were:

  • Another Stab at Life by Anita Highman
  • The Convenient Wige by Anna Schmidt
  • Jenna by Jo-Anne Berthelsen
  • Where the Truth Lies by Janelle Mowery and Elizabeth Ludwig

I'm currently reading:

  • More Precious Than Silver by Joni Eareckson Tada
  • Rise and Shine by Liz Curtis Higgs
  • Becoming a Woman of Simplicity by Cynthia Heald
  • Deadline by Randy Alcorn

Friday Fill-Ins #200


So...here we go!


1. Why does it have to be so hard?

2. I would like to see the world for myself, or at least a little more of it.

3. Thank you for being you.

4. Easter is my favorite holiday because I get to go to Belgrave for the convention.

5. I am SO sick of being told different things by the same person.

6. We can be what we make up our minds to be.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a quiet night at home, tomorrow my plans include going to Bendigo to help my sister move home and Sunday, I want to enjoy church, a quiet afternoon and the church business meeting!

Thursday 18 November 2010

Parasol Light Shades

I read about these in 'Sisterchicks Down Under' by Robin Jones Gunn.
One of her characters puts one up in her bedroom.

Since then I have wanted to try it for myself because, well there are two reasons - firstly it would fit with the style of my bedroom and secondly my current light shade is extremely boring and the same as all the others in the house.

So I've been looking online to see if I could find some good instructions of how to do it. I have been somewhat successful, but not entirely. The first link has a different style of light than I do - they have a centre screw point for their old shade and two bulbs, one on either side. But they do give great instructions of how to do it, including pictures.

Oh the Cuteness!: I Love Lamp!: "First of all, this is my 100th post which is some sort of milestone, so yay! And secondly, I've got another tutorial for a parasol light fix..."

Parasol Light Fixture : Decorating : Home & Garden Television

This second link fixes the problem of just one central light bulb but I don't like the idea of cutting the parasol and I can't figure out how you would get to the light bulb to change it when it blows (as they definately do).

So the question is, does anyone else have any ideas of how to do it?
I tried a home magazine, but they haven't included my question in their magazine yet (and it's been nearly 12 months since I asked the question).

Tuesday 16 November 2010

Teaser Tuesdays - November 16


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Jenna by Jo-Anne Berthelsen

'It was wonderful to let herself rest in God's love and acceptance as she sat there. Gradually she felt the anxiety and frustration lift - she knew she could keep on trusting God to work everything out. She had to - there was no other way.'

I highly recommend any of the books by this author, but you may struggle to find them outside (or even in) Australia. I do know that you can buy them directly from Jo-Anne's website.

Friday 12 November 2010

2010 Reading Challenge - week 45

I read some great books this week. New ones that I've been hanging out for.

There were 3:

  • Clueless Cowboy by Mary Connealy
  • Ransome's Crossing by Kaye Dacus (Ransome Trilogy #2)
  • Doctor in Petticoats by Mary Connealy (Sophie's Daughters #1)

So I now have just 3 books to read to reach my target in this challenge.

At least one of the books I'm currently reading will be included in that number.

They are:

  • More Precious Than Silver by Joni Eareckson Tada
  • Rise and Shine by Liz Curtis Higgs
  • Becoming a Woman of Simplicity by Cynthia Heald
  • Another Stab at Life by Anita Highman

Friday Fill-Ins #199


So...here we go!


1. When pigs fly I probably won't see them do it.

2. You want me to wear that? Seriously?!

3. Call me crazy but I will probably agree with you and not be insulted.

4. That was disgusting if you know what I mean.

5. The most entertaining person in my life is Nick because I never know what game he's going to come up with next for the kids to play at GNG.

6. You've already got yours, so who's next?

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a night in, tomorrow my plans include something that I'm not sure of yet and Sunday, I want to enjoy church and whatever else pops up!

Tuesday 9 November 2010

Teaser Tuesdays - November 9


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Doctor in Petticoats by Mary Connealy

'Beth McClellen would die before she missed Mandy's wedding.
That wasn't some cute expression. It was a plain, bald fact.
She would probably be pounded to deat any minute now.
The stagecoach, in its four-day-long quest to hit every bump and rock in northwest Texas, lurched into the air then slammed back onto its wheels. She'd planned to take the train all the way to Mosqueros, but a cyclone had ripped out a bridge somewhere and trains weren't running. So Beth had no choice but to take the much slower stagecoach.'

Sunday 7 November 2010

They Say ...

... a change is as good as a holiday! Whoever 'They' are?! Well, I'm not sure I entirely agree, but the rearranging of my bedroom this past week was a good change.
And I finally have an armchair in my bedroom, which I am sitting in as I type this!

We needed to get an armchair out of the family room to make room for some other things, and my room was the only place where it would fit. But that meant I had to almost totally rearrange the other furniture in my room to accommodate it.

I didn't mind all that much. I'd been thinking about rearranging things anyway, but I hadn't come up with a plan I really liked. Even after doing my plan on paper I wasn't convinced that it would work, but it had to be done. Plus I've wanted an armchair in my room for ages.

The first 3 photos are the 'before' shots.




To move the larger furniture, like the bed and desk, I had to move a lot of the smaller items out of the room completely, then move them back in again.
Even though I'd put the plan down, I still changed it from the original idea. Not much, but I like the final outcome better. I still have some things to find new homes for, but all the major things are done now.
The next 3 photos are the 'after' shots. I tried to take them from the same position as the 'before' shots.




As you can see, the bed and desk have switched sides of the room. I'm a little disappointed about losing some of the natural light at my desk, but I wasn't going to move the bookshelves. Some of them act as a bit of a sound barrier because the wall is shared by that small, but very necessary room - you know the one I mean!
I'm going to try to get a cover for the arm chair. I'm not so keen on the fabric choice (it used to belong to my grandparents) and it is a little thread-bare in places.
Not bad for a few hours work.

Friday 5 November 2010

Christian Historical Fiction Reading Challenge - October update

I read 5 books for this during October.

I have now read 61 books for the year!

They are:
  1. The Confidential Life of Euginia Cooper by Kathleen Y'Barbo
  2. Pieces of Silver by Maureen Lang
  3. Remember Me by Maureen Lang
  4. New Mexico by Janet Lee Barton
  5. The Tapestry by MaryAnn Minatra
  6. The Masterpiece by MaryAnn Minatra
  7. The Heirloom by MaryAnn Minatra
  8. Texas Brides by Cathy Marie Hake
  9. Battles of Destiny Vol. 3 by Al Lacy
  10. Battles of Destiny Vol. 4 by Al Lacy
  11. A Place Called Home by Lori Wick
  12. A Song For Silas by Lori Wick
  13. The Long Road Home by Lori Wick
  14. A Gathering of Memories by Lori Wick
  15. Gingham Bride by Jillian Hart
  16. Look to the East by Maureen Lang
  17. Love Awakens the Heart by Lori Wick
  18. The One Forever Promise by Lori Wick
  19. Ransome's Honor by Kaye Dacus
  20. Angel's Den by Jamie Carie
  21. The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy
  22. Pasadena Primises by Rachel Druten
  23. Brides of the Empire by Darlene Minrup
  24. The Raven Saint by M L Tyndall
  25. Woven Hearts by Cathy Marie Hake, Kelly Eileen Hake, Kathleen Paul & Susan Downs
  26. The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter by Coleen Coble
  27. Florida Brides by Muncy G. Chapman
  28. Louisiana Brides by Kathleen Y'Barbo
  29. Veiled Joy by Colleen L. Reece
  30. In Tune With Wedding Bells by Grace Livingston Hill
  31. Where Two Ways Met by Grace Livingston Hill
  32. The Centurion's Wife by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke
  33. The Puritans by Jack Cavanaugh
  34. The Colonists by Jack Cavanaugh
  35. The Patriots by Jack Cavanaugh
  36. The Adversaries by Jack Cavanaugh
  37. The Pioneers by Jack Cavanaugh
  38. The Allies by Jack Cavanaugh
  39. The Victors by Jack Cavanaugh
  40. The Hidden Flame by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke
  41. The Country House Courtship by Linore Rose Burkard
  42. Though None Go With Me by Jerry B. Jenkins
  43. The Bride Blunder by Kelly Eileen Hake
  44. Found Treasure by Grace Livingston Hill
  45. Outlaw Marshal by Al and Joanna Lacy
  46. Cassidy by Lori Wick
  47. The Affectionate Adversary by Catherine Palmer
  48. The Bachelor's Bargain by Catherine Palmer
  49. Wild Heather by Catherine Palmer
  50. English Ivy by Catherine Palmer
  51. Sweet Violet by Catherine Palmer
  52. The Courteous Cad by Catherine Palmer
  53. Sabrina by Lori Wick
  54. Jessie by Lori Wick
  55. The Crimson Cipher by Susan Page Davis
  56. Wildflower Bride by Mary Connealy
  57. Deadlock by Al and Joanna Lacy
  58. Marina by Susan K Downs and Susan May Warren
  59. Oksana by Susan K Downs and Susan May Warren
  60. To Catch a Thief by DiAnn Mills, Carol Cox, Kathleen Y'Barbo and Lisa Harris
  61. The Omega Deception by John F Bayer

2010 Reading Challenge - week 44

I completed 4 books this week.

I now only have 6 books to read to reach my target!

Those 4 were:

  • Decorating Schemes by Ginny Aiken (Deadly Decor Mystery #2)
  • Interior Motives by Ginny Aiken (Deadly Decor Mystery #3)
  • Everything Christmas by David Borden and Thomas J Winters (see my review in an earlier post)
  • The Malacca Conspiracy by Don Brown

I'm currently reading:

  • More Precious Than Silver by Joni Eareckson Tada (year-long devotional)
  • Becoming a Woman of Simplicity by Cythia Heald
  • Rise and Shine by Liz Curtis Higgs
  • Clueless Cowboy by Mary Connealy

Friday Fill-Ins #198


So...here we go!


1. Sometimes, I wonder if I am going insane and sometimes I am sure I am.

2. Let's just forget about the whole thing.

3. Small things can be very amusing, cute, or just small.

4. The Bible is very enlightening.

5. I keep meaning to do something, but then I forget what it is!

6. I am not married ...yet.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching a movie or just doing something at home, tomorrow my plans include going to a craft show and Sunday, I want to enjoy church and whatever else happens. Oh, and Sunday is Orphan Sunday, so we are having a special service. What can you do for orphans?

Wednesday 3 November 2010

First Wild Card Tours - Everything Christmas by David Bordon and Thomas J Winters

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!


Today's Wild Card authors are:


and the book:


Everything Christmas

WaterBrook Press (October 5, 2010)

***Special thanks to Staci Carmichael, Marketing and Publicity Coordinator, Doubleday Religion / Waterbrook Multnomah, Divisions of Random House, Inc. for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:


David Bordon and Tom Winters are partners in Bordon-Winters, LLC, a book concept and packaging company that produces successful books and gift products. Their previous titles include the 101 Things You Should Do series, especially the popular 101 Things You Should Do Before Going to Heaven.


Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (October 5, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 030772929X
ISBN-13: 978-0307729293

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:



December 1


Let Us Keep Christmas

Grace Noll Crowell

Whatever else be lost among the years,

Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing;

Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears,

Let us hold close one day, remembering

It’s poignant meaning for the hearts of men.

Let us get back our childlike faith again.




The History of Christmas

Many of our Christmas traditions were celebrated centuries before the Christ child was born. The twelve days of Christmas, the bright fires, the yule log, gift giving, carnivals, carolers going from house to house, holiday feasts, even church processions can all be traced back to the early Mesopotamians. These traditions were passed down throughout the known world and were popular in Rome long before the birth of Christ.

Most historians say that some three centuries after the birth of Christ, Christianity was spreading rapidly. Church leaders were alarmed that their converts continued to honor the ancient celebrations honoring pagan gods. Early Christians had chosen to keep the birth of their Christ child a solemn and religious holiday, without merriment. For centuries they had forbidden their members to take part in those ancient celebrations. But now it seemed it was a losing battle. As a compromise, they agreed to allow their members to partake in a demure and respectful celebration of the birth of Christ. Thus, the Christian celebration we know as Christmas was born in Rome, near the date 336 AD.

The actual date of Christ’s birth is unknown, so the early Christians chose December 25, probably to compete with the wildly popular Roman festival of Saturnalia. Eventually, most of the customs from the festival of Saturnalia were adopted into the celebration of Christmas and given new and sacred meanings.

Today, Christmas is both a holiday and a holy day. In America, it is the biggest event of the year, celebrated by people of all ages.




Christmas Every Day

William Dean Howells

The little girl came into her papa’s study, as she always did Saturday morning before breakfast, and asked for a story. He tried to beg off that morning, for he was very busy, but she would not let him. So he began:

“Well, once there was a little pig—”

She stopped him at the word. She said she had heard little pig stories till she was perfectly sick of them.

“Well, what kind of story shall I tell, then?”

“About Christmas. It’s getting to be the season.”

“Well!” Her papa roused himself. “Then I’ll tell you about the little girl that wanted it Christmas every day in the year. How would you like that?”

“First-rate!” said the little girl; and she nestled into comfortable shape in his lap, ready for listening.

“Very well, then, this little pig—Oh, what are you pounding me for?”

“Because you said little pig instead of little girl.”

“I should like to know what’s the difference between a little pig and a little girl that wanted Christmas every day!”

“Papa!” said the little girl warningly. At this her papa began to tell the story.

Once there was a little girl who liked Christmas so much that she wanted it to be Christmas every day in the year, and as soon as Thanksgiving was over she began to send postcards to the old Christmas Fairy to ask if she mightn’t have it. But the old Fairy never answered, and after a while the little girl found out that the Fairy wouldn’t notice anything but real letters sealed outside with a monogram—or your initial, anyway. So, then, she began to send letters, and just the day before Christmas, she got a letter from the Fairy, saying she might have it Christmas every day for a year, and then they would see about having it longer.

The little girl was excited already, preparing for the old-fashioned, once-a-year Christmas that was coming the next day. So she resolved to keep the Fairy’s promise to herself and surprise everybody with it as it kept coming true, but then it slipped out of her mind altogether.

She had a splendid Christmas. She went to bed early, so as to let Santa Claus fill the stockings, and in the morning she was up the first of anybody and found hers all lumpy with packages of candy, and oranges and grapes, and rubber balls, and all kinds of small presents. Then she waited until the rest of the family was up, and she burst into the library to look at the large presents laid out on the library table—books, and boxes of stationery, and dolls, and little stoves, and dozens of handkerchiefs, and inkstands, and skates, and photograph frames, and boxes of watercolors, and dolls’ houses—and the big Christmas tree, lighted and standing in the middle.

She had a splendid Christmas all day. She ate so much candy that she did not want any breakfast, and the whole forenoon the presents kept pouring in that had not been delivered the night before, and she went round giving the presents she had got for other people, and came home and ate turkey and cranberry for dinner, and plum pudding and nuts and raisins and oranges, and then went out and coasted, and came in with a stomachache crying, and her papa said he would see if his house was turned into that sort of fool’s paradise another year, and they had a light supper, and pretty early everybody went to bed cross.

The little girl slept very heavily and very late, but she was wakened at last by the other children dancing around her bed with their stockings full of presents in their hands. “Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!” they all shouted.

“Nonsense! It was Christmas yesterday,” said the little girl, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

Her brothers and sisters just laughed. “We don’t know about that. It’s Christmas today, anyway. You come into the library and see.”

Then all at once it flashed on the little girl that the Fairy was keeping her promise, and her year of Christmases was beginning. She was dreadfully sleepy, but she sprang up and darted into the library. There it was again! Books, and boxes of stationery, and dolls, and so on.

There was the Christmas tree blazing away, and the family picking out their presents, and her father looking perfectly puzzled, and her mother ready to cry. “I’m sure I don’t see how I’m to dispose of all these things,” said her mother, and her father said it seemed to him they had had something just like it the day before, but he supposed he must have dreamed it. This struck the little girl as the best kind of a joke, and so she ate so much candy she didn’t want any breakfast, and went round carrying presents, and had turkey and cranberry for dinner, and then went out and coasted, and came in with a stomachache, crying.

Now, the next day, it was the same thing over again, but everybody getting crosser, and at the end of a week’s time so many people had lost their tempers that you could pick up lost tempers anywhere, they perfectly strewed the ground. Even when people tried to recover their tempers they usually got somebody else’s, and it made the most dreadful mix.

The little girl began to get frightened, keeping the secret all to herself, she wanted to tell her mother, but she didn’t dare to, and she was ashamed to ask the Fairy to take back her gift, it seemed ungrateful and ill-bred. So it went on and on, and it was Christmas on St. Valentine’s Day and Washington’s Birthday, just the same as any day, and it didn’t skip even the First of April, though everything was counterfeit that day, and that was some little relief.

After a while turkeys got to be awfully scarce, selling for about a thousand dollars apiece. They got to passing off almost anything for turkeys—even half-grown hummingbirds. And cranberries—well they asked a diamond apiece for cranberries. All the woods and orchards were cut down for Christmas trees. After a while they had to make Christmas trees out of rags. But there were plenty of rags, because people got so poor, buying presents for one another, that they couldn’t get any new clothes, and they just wore their old ones to tatters. They got so poor that everybody had to go to the poorhouse, except the confectioners, and the storekeepers, and the book sellers, and they all got so rich and proud that they would hardly wait upon a person when he came to buy. It was perfectly shameful!

After it had gone on about three or four months, the little girl, whenever she came into the room in the morning and saw those great ugly, lumpy stockings dangling at the fireplace, and the disgusting presents around everywhere, used to sit down and burst out crying. In six months she was perfectly exhausted, she couldn’t even cry anymore.

And now it was on the Fourth of July! On the Fourth of July, the first boy in the United States woke up and found out that his firecrackers and toy pistol and two-dollar collection of fireworks were nothing but sugar and candy painted up to look like fireworks. Before ten o’clock every boy in the United States discovered that his July Fourth things had turned into Christmas things and was so mad. The Fourth of July orations all turned into Christmas carols, and when anybody tried to read the Declaration of Independence, instead of saying, “When in the course of human events it becomes necessary,” he was sure to sing, “God rest you merry gentlemen.” It was perfectly awful.

About the beginning of October the little girl took to sitting down on dolls wherever she found them—she hated the sight of them so, and by Thanksgiving she just slammed her presents across the room. By that time people didn’t carry presents around nicely anymore. They flung them over the fence or through the window, and, instead of taking great pains to write “For dear Papa,” or “Mama “ or “Brother,” or “Sister,” they used to write, “Take it, you horrid old thing!” and then go and bang it against the front door.

Nearly everybody had built barns to hold their presents, but pretty soon the barns overflowed, and then they used to let them lie out in the rain, or anywhere. Sometimes the police used to come and tell them to shovel their presents off the sidewalk or they would arrest them.

Before Thanksgiving came it had leaked out who had caused all these Christmases. The little girl had suffered so much that she had talked about it in her sleep, and after that hardly anybody would play with her, because if it had not been for her greediness it wouldn’t have happened. And now, when it came Thanksgiving, and she wanted them to go to church, and have turkey, and show their gratitude, they said that all the turkeys had been eaten for her old Christmas dinners and if she would stop the Christmases, they would see about the gratitude. And the very next day the little girl began sending letters to the Christmas Fairy, and then telegrams, to stop it. But it didn’t do any good, and then she got to calling at the Fairy’s house, but the girl that came to the door always said, “Not at home,” or “Engaged,” or something like that, and so it went on till it came to the old once-a-year Christmas Eve. The little girl fell asleep, and when she woke up in the morning—

“She found it was all nothing but a dream,” suggested the little girl.

“No indeed!” said her papa. “It was all every bit true!”

“What did she find out, then?”

“Why, that it wasn’t Christmas at last, and wasn’t ever going to be, anymore. Now it’s time for breakfast.”

The little girl held her papa fast around the neck.

“You shan’t go if you’re going to leave it so!”

“How do you want it left?”

“Christmas once a year.”

“All right,” said her papa, and he went on again.

Well, with no Christmas ever again, there was the greatest rejoicing all over the country. People met together everywhere and kissed and cried for joy. Carts went around and gathered up all the candy and raisins and nuts, and dumped them into the river, and it made the fish perfectly sick. And the whole United States, as far out as Alaska, was one blaze of bonfires, where the children were burning up their presents of all kinds. They had the greatest time!

The little girl went to thank the old Fairy because she had stopped its being Christmas, and she said she hoped the Fairy would keep her promise and see that Christmas never, never came again. Then the Fairy frowned, and said that now the little girl was behaving just as greedily as ever, and she’d better look out. This made the little girl think it all over carefully again, and she said she would be willing to have it Christmas about once in a thousand years, and then she said a hundred, and then she said ten, and at last she got down to one. Then the Fairy said that was the good old way that had pleased people ever since Christmas began, and she was agreed. Then the little girl said, “What’re your shoes made of?” And the Fairy said, “Leather.” And the little girl said, “Bargain’s done forever,” and skipped off, and hippity-hopped the whole way home, she was so glad.

“How will that do?” asked the papa.

“First-rate!” said the little girl, but she hated to have the story stop, and was rather sober. However, her mama put her head in at the door and asked her papa:

“Are you never coming to breakfast? What have you been telling that child?”

“Oh, just a tale with a moral.”

The little girl caught him around the neck again.

“We know! Don’t you tell what, papa! Don’t you tell what!”



William Dean Howells (1837—1920) Best known as an editor and critic, this American fiction writer produced more than forty novels and story collections. He challenged American authors to choose American subjects, portray them honestly, and create characters who use native-American speech. As a critic, he helped to introduce writers like Mark Twain, Hamlin Garland, and Stephen Crane to American readers.




What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past,

courage for the present, hope for the future.

It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow

with blessings rich and eternal, and that

every path may lead to peace.

Agnes M. Pharo




Scented Applesauce-Cinnamon

Ornaments



3 cups applesauce

3 cups ground cinnamon



Mix applesauce and cinnamon together until it is thick enough to hold a form. Flatten the mixture on a flat surface and cut into cookie-cutter shapes.

Place cookie shapes on a cookie sheet to dry for 3 to 4 days depending on the size and thickness of the cookies. If using as a hanging ornament, make a hole with a toothpick before drying.

Makes 15 ornaments.




Chestnut Dressing

8 Tbsp. butter

3 ribs celery with leaves, chopped

16 ounces chestnuts

1 large chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1 pound sourdough bread, cubed

3 cups turkey stock



Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut a deep X into the flattest side of each chestnut and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake 30 minutes, or until outer skin of chestnut splits. Wrap roasted chestnuts in a towel to keep warm. Peel off the tough outer skin of the chestnut and thinner inner skin with a sharp knife. Chop the chestnuts coarsely and set aside.

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Empty skillet contents into a large bowl. Add cubed bread, parsley, and enough stock to moisten the mix, about 2 1/2 cups. Stir in chestnuts and add salt and pepper to taste.

Use to stuff poultry or place in a buttered baking dish, drizzle with 1/2 cup more stock, and bake 30 minutes to an hour.

Makes 10–11 cups.




Roasted Goose

1 goose, 10–12 pounds

1 orange, halved

kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

For giblet stock (used in gravy):

2 onions, quartered

1 carrot, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 pints of water

2 sprigs of sage

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1 Tbsp. cornstarch (to thicken)



The goose should be defrosted and left at room temperature for at least 2 or 3 hours before cooking to bring it to equilibrium. This will improve the overall texture of the finished product. Remove the giblets from the goose and set aside. Wash the bird thoroughly inside and out with cool water and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Cut away any loose pieces of fat. Then rub the orange inside and outside of the bird. Mix the salt and pepper and rub into the skin and inside the cavity of the bird to season it.

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Truss the bird by folding the wings back under the body. Then tie the legs together with butcher’s twine. Lightly prick the skin of the bird several times with a fork to allow the fat to adequately render during the cooking process. It is important not to pierce the flesh of the bird. Place the goose breast-side up on a rack in the roasting pan, and bake in the oven for approximately 30 minutes to develop some initial color. Then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and continue cooking for approximately 3 hours.

Make a simple giblet stock to fortify and enrich the gravy while the goose is roasting by placing the giblets in a saucepan with some goose fat and cooking over low heat until browned. Add chopped onion, carrot, celery, herbs, and water. Bring to a boil and then simmer gently for about one hour. Strain and cool until needed.

The goose is done when the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 175°F. For a visual test to see if the goose is cooked, insert a skewer into the thickest part of the thigh. If the juices run clear, then it is ready. If not, then return to the oven for additional roasting time.

Once the goose is cooked, allow it to rest for 20–30 minutes. This will allow the meat to firm up and will help retain the juiciness of the bird. Remove all of the drippings from the roasting pan, strain, and remove the fat. Add these defatted drippings to the giblet broth and season to taste. To thicken the gravy, combine 1 Tbsp. of cornstarch with 3 Tbsp. of water and add to the gravy. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1–2 minutes or until thickened.




O Little Town of Bethlehem

Phillips Brooks



O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,

While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.

O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth,

And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth!

How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv’n;

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heav’n.

No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.

Where children pure and happy pray to the blessed Child,

Where misery cries out to Thee, Son of the mother mild;

Where charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door,

The dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;

Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;

O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!



Historical Note:

On Christmas Eve, 1865, Phillips Brooks was in Jerusalem, a trip intended to inspire spiritual rebirth after the horrors of the Civil War. Just a few months earlier, he had spoken at the funeral of President Abraham Lincoln. That clear night as he walked the streets of the Holy City, he had a sudden inspiration. Renting a horse, he set out for Bethlehem. After a solitary journey under the clear night sky, Brooks reached the tiny, remote village and was surrounded by the spirit of the first Christmas. His impoverished soul was refreshed as he considered what had happened there so many years before. Three years later on Christmas Eve, 1868, as he sat alone in his study preparing his sermon for the next day, he felt inspired to pen the words to this beautiful carol.




I, the Lord All-Powerful,

will send my messenger

to prepare the way for me.

Then suddenly the Lord

you are looking for

will appear in his temple.

The messenger you desire

is coming with my promise,

and he is on his way.

(Malachi 3:1, cev)


My Thoughts:
This is such a great book. I laughed in some places, cried in others and was inspired by every chapter. I think I may even do what is suggested in this book and read one chapter each day leading up to Christmas.
Thank you David and Thomas for putting this together for us. You've got me in the Christmas spirit already!

Tuesday 2 November 2010

Teaser Tuesdays - November 2


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

More Precious Than Silver by Joni Eareckson Tada

'The wind shifts in October, carrying on the breeze the scennt of a seasoned-wood fire from a neighbor's chimney. Lean out your window, draw a deep breath, and you can smell the scent of pine from a nearby woods. Or someone baking an apple pie next door. I love this time of year because of the wonderful new aromas in the air. It's amazing how a scent - even a fragrance - evokes powerful feelings.'

Ok, so it's a month later, and in the southern hemisphere we are just gearing up for summer, but you get the general idea.