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Thursday 27 December 2012

You Are NOT Junk


Skit Guys - God's Chisel Remastered from skitguys on GodTube.

Teach Me To Dance

I was never interested in learning to dance, however lately it has been on my mind.
I want to know what it's like to be held close in someone's arms, to look in their face and know I am loved.
I want to be chosen, not just be a wallflower.
I think I may even want to dance at my wedding (whenever that may be), although for years I have said there would be no dancing at my wedding.



Saturday 22 December 2012

Come to the Table by Neta Jackson

New Novel from Best-selling Author Neta Jackson
Kat Davies is suddenly wondering if her good deed was a bad idea…
Come to the Table
by Neta Jackson
Thomas Nelson
December 11, 2012
ISBN-13/EAN: 978-1-59554-865-8 ISBN:1-59554-865-3
400 pages/Trade Paper/$15.99
Kat may be new in her faith, but she’s embraced the more radical implications of Christianity with reckless abandon. She invited Rochelle, a homeless mother, and her son to move into the apartment she shares with two other housemates. And she’s finally found a practical way to channel her passion for healthy eating by starting a food pantry at the church. And her feelings for Nick are getting harder to ignore. The fact that he’s the interning pastor at SouledOut Community Church and one of her housemates makes it complicated enough. But with Rochelle showing interest in Nick as a father-figure for her son, their apartment is feeling way too small.
But -- not everyone thinks the food pantry is a good idea. When the woman she thought would be her biggest support just wants to “pray about it,” Kat is forced to look deeper at her own motives. Only when she begins to look beyond food as an issue does she see people who are hungry and thirsty for more than just food and drink and realizes the deeper significance of inviting them to “come to the table.”
Kat must do some serious soul searching to determine where God is asking her to use her talents and passion . . . and what role she wants to play in Nick’s life.
From best-selling author Neta Jackson (has sold more than 700,000 books) her new novel embodies Matthew 10:42 “If you give a cup of cold water to the least of these you will surely be rewarded.”


My Thoughts:
Sadly I didn't get this book in time to read it for reviewing. However I'm looking forward to reading it because I have enjoyed several of Neta's other books. I just need to get my hands on book 1 in this series.

Monday 17 December 2012

Making Chocolate Freckles!!

This year I'm making mini gingerbread houses for Christmas and I thought it might be nice to have mini chocolate freckles to go on them.
I haven't found any in the shops (not that I've really looked), so I'm going to make my own.
Photos soon, but for now have a look at this video about how one person has made them!

Thursday 13 December 2012

A Little More Christmas

Listen along to this one! I discovered it today!

Saturday 8 December 2012

Christmas or Bible Memory?

I heard a snippet of this Andrew Peterson song a little while ago and cracked up laughing. Who would have thought to put the genealogy to music?!


Tuesday 4 December 2012

Mother-Daughter Time at Christmas

Hospitality can be about time…one-on-one
By Hannah Packham
Sometimes, it’s hard to find special time for your mom because she always seems available. The holidays can make it more difficult to nurture the mother-daughter relationship. However, this season allows for activities to do with your mom that are not available at other times. Here’s a list of activities that I enjoy doing with my mom:
  1. Make Christmas cookies. You and your mom can make cookies for friends, a charity or for the family. In this case you are getting to enjoy time together, while serving others. The time alone baking is a good time to just talk about life.
  2. Go Christmas shopping together. It’s gotta be done so why not do it together and make it a date!
  3. Wrap together! You can talk while doing it and it puts you in the Christmas spirit. You could even add some hot chocolate and a Christmas movie into the mix to make it even more festive.
  4. Everyone gathers around and shares a meal during the holidays, but someone has to make it. Most likely that person is your mother. Not only would she appreciate your help, but also your company in the kitchen. This is a wonderful time to bond over tradition, family and yummy food.
  5. Take time for tea. Whether it’s at a cozy tea place or in your fire-lit living room, conversation over a cup of tea goes a long way.
  6. One of my family’s favorite parts of the holidays is the decoration. My mom is usually in charge of decorations and I happen to love helping decorate for the holidays. So, set aside a day or a few hours to deck the halls together.
  7. Choose a charity you both support. Make a meal, take people those cookies you made, think of some way you can give back in your community and do it together. Serving can draw you closer and change lives.
  8. With all the family, friends and parties that happen around the home during the holidays, the home itself takes quite a beating. Maybe, one way to spend some time together while showing your mom you want to help is helping her clean. Cleaning the house together can be fun and can result in some laughs and great conversation.
  9. Sit down together and write Christmas cards, or write individual cards to loved ones to accompany the gifts. You could even sneak your mom a note during this activity. It’s a gentle way to say you care. A little note goes a long way.
  10. Now, I don’t knit, sew or garden, but I can paint and so can my mom. If there’s any artsy activity that you both do, sit down together—or get up and go—and get creative. It might even make good gifts for your other loved ones.
Some of these activities appeal to different people, and some are easier than others, but all are good ways to bond with your mom during the holidays while having fun and getting into the spirit! Enjoy!

Monday 3 December 2012

ACRBA Tour - Back to Resolution by Rose Dee




3 - 7 December




is introducing
(Even Before Publishing November 2012)

About the Author:



Rose Dee

Rose Dee was born in Ingham, North Queensland, Australia. Her childhood experiences growing up in a small beach community would later provide inspiration for her first novel.



Rose, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, decided to try her hand at writing two years ago. The result of that attempt is her first novel, 'Back to Resolution'.
Her novels are inspired by the love of her coastal home and desire to produce exciting and contemporary stories of faith for women.



Rose’s other releases include, 'Beyond Resolution' - the second book in the 'Resolution' series. And ‘A New Resolution’ – the final book in the series.
Rose has also co-written a novel in conjunction with three other outstanding Australian Authors; ‘The Greenfield Legacy’.



Rose resides in Mackay, North Queensland with her husband, young son, and mischievous pup, Noodle.


Book Description:


Back to Resolution


Bay Anders is lost. She enjoys every privilege a wealthy upbringing affords, but the void in her soul refuses to be filled.
Her mother's dying revelation drives Bay to the brink of self destruction, before a move to Australia changes everything. She embarks upon a search for her father that leads her to his island home, into a hazardous melting pot of hostile locals and a mystery – her father's disappearance.
The only person who can help her is a strong, selfassured and intensely magnetic man. Bay must fight an overwhelming attraction to stay focused on her goal.

Flynn McKenna is hiding from the world. A past filled with mistakes drove him to withdraw from society and live in seclusion. But the arrival of a woman he cannot avoid
shatters his solitary existence. As the search for Bay's father unites them, can he resist his desire for her?
It becomes a race against time as developers try to take over the island.

From the glittering streets of LA, to the beautiful
Daintree forest in North Queensland, to the idyllic island `Resolution', Back to Resolution is a romantic mystery that shows how far a little faith can go.


My Thoughts:
This book is a wonderful combination of mystery, romance, faith and figuring out who you are.
I love reading books set in Australia, and this one made me want to head to Queensland for a holiday and find my own private island - just without the drama.
I can't wait to read the next 2 books in this series.
 

Saturday 24 November 2012

Little Things

First let me say that I am NOT a One Direction fan!
I don't have favourite bands perse - I have faviourite songs, and they come from many genres and periods of time.

I am putting this song on here because some of the lines in it made me laugh,
It also made me cry - because I don't have someone in my life - someone to love the "Little Things" about.

Monday 19 November 2012

ACRBA Tour - Bethlehem's Warrior Baby by Ray Hawkins




9 - 23 November




is introducing


(Even Before Publishing November 2012)

About the Author:

Ray Hawkins

Ray Hawkins, retired after over 40 years as a Churches of Christ minister, enjoys sharing themes from the Scriptures through Devotional writing. Married to Mary, multi-published inspirational romance author, they have three children and five grandchildren. Ray shares his insights in his first two books on Marriage and Children with more ideas to come about ministry and much more. Living in Beauty Point Tasmania Ray heads up a new Christian Fellowship as well as doing relief preaching, community work and writing.


Book Description:

Bethlehem's Warrior (31 Day Devotional)

Short Book Description: In 31 daily devotional meditations Bethlehem's Warrior
Baby takes you out of a sentimental nativity scene and into a contest with
eternal significance.

It walks you through God's promise in Genesis 3:15 of Someone coming and the
clues to His identity in the old Testament. You become aware that in the
Christmas event that 'Someone' has come.

I believe Christmas is the culmination of Heaven's countdown to reclaim men,
women and creation from the tyranny of sin, death and Satan. The cost involved
to God to achieve this should make the reader bow in awe and gratitude.
My Thoughts:

I haven't finished reading this yet, but I'm getting so much out of it. Ray has linked Old Testament prophecy with Christ's coming in a variety of ways. Many things are thought provoking, and have been about things that I have been thinking about and learning in other ways.
This is not just a devotional book to be read at Christmas, although reading it at this time of year is a wonderful reminder of what the Christmas season is really about.
Get a copy, start reading and listen to what God has to say to you through this.
After reading this, I really want to read some of Ray's other devotional books.

Friday 16 November 2012

First Wild Card Tours - Still I Will Praise by Renee Bondi

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:

CLC Publications (August 24, 2012)


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Renée Bondi is a popular speaker and recording artist who has shared the stage with Sandi Patty, Larry King and Point of Grace. She has been featured in magazines such as Today’s Christian Woman and Woman’s World and on shows, including “The 700 Club,” “Hour of Power,” and TBN. Renée is the founder of Bondi Ministries. Among her many awards and honors is Woman of the Year from the California State Senate and recognition for Outstanding Service to the Community from the U.S. House of Representatives. She lives with her husband and son in Southern California.

At age 29, Renée s future was incredibly bright. She was engaged and had a beautiful singing voice, a thriving career as a music teacher, and a loving family. But then one night a bizarre accident left her a quadriplegic. Renée lost not only all use of her arms and legs, but also her singing voice she could barely speak above a whisper. Through even this, Renée remained hopeful and held tight to her faith. Her unbroken spirit and amazing physical progress baffled the medical field and even surprised those close to her. She miraculously began to sing again and went on to live more fully than she ever dreamed. Whether performing or sharing her victorious story Renée are uplifted and mesmerized by her angelic voice, music and messages. Most importantly, all who hear Renée are encouraged to pursue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Praising God hasn’t come easy for Bondi. She shares, “For most of us, praising God in difficult times doesn't come naturally. We praise God on the mountaintop, not in the valley. After becoming paralyzed, I found when I chose to lift my eyes and heart in praise to Christ, I experienced a much deeper peace and strength I didn’t have before. Praising God changes my focus, which changes my mind and then my heart and ultimately my attitude.”

Her book is filled with personal stories that emphasize how important worship has become in her life and brings to life some well-known and more obscure Bible characters who praised God in the good times and also in the tough times.





Product Details:
List Price: $18.99
Hardcover: 175 pages
Publisher: CLC Publications (August 24, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1619580136
ISBN-13: 978-1619580138



AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Please go HERE and press the "Look Inside" button on Amazon to read the first chapter of this amazing book.

My Thoughts:
Sadly I wasn't able to get a copy of this book, but I plan to.
I have read Renee's autobiography, and from that can tell you that Renee knows what she is talking about.

Friday 9 November 2012

Friday Fill-Ins - November 9

And...here we go!

1. One time, I tried sushi - I didn't like it.
2. Seeing children having fun is something that makes me smile.
3. Seven words I love: "The last child is gone! Let's go".
4. I have never been to the snow; unless you count the time when I was 3 months old.
5. I looked out the window today and saw a rainbow.
6. Hello! and that's saying something!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to movie night with my sister, tomorrow my plans include going to a friend's birthday party and eating copious amounts of chocolate and Sunday, I want to enjoy the teaching, fellowship and worship at church!

Monday 5 November 2012

ACRBA - Return to Baragula by Mary Hawkins

5 - 9November
is introducing 
(Ark house March 2008)

by Mary Hawkins

About the Author:

Mary Hawkins is a best-selling inspirational romance author with other 825,000 romance books in print. During the first few years of being published she also had five medical romance novels released by Harlequin Mills & Boon before concentrating on inspirationals for Barbour Publishing (Ohio). Return to Baragula is her first single title and the first released by an Australia publisher.

Mary was a Queensland farmer's daughter, became a registered nurse and has a graduate diploma from a Sydney Bible College where she met her husband. Ray is a retired minister who is also a published author. They enjoyed ministries in Australia, three short term mission trips to Africa and two years at a church in England before settling in beautiful Tasmania. They have three adult children and are now proud grandparents. Mary is a member of several writing organisations including American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of Australia, Romance Writers America, their Faith Hope Love chapter and Australian Omega Writers. She enjoys speaking appointments and writing workshops where she can share the journey she has been walking for many years with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

www.mary-hawkins.com

Book Description:


Return To Baragula
Over the years Emily Parker's actions as a teenager have impacted not only her own life, but the lives of many different people. Now, six years later, she returns reluctantly to her home town of Baragula only to discover the man at the heart of those actions, Matthew Davidson, is the community's respected doctor. While Emily's faith is now severely weakened by all that has happened, Matthew's life has completely turned around since he committed his life to Christ. His personal relationship with God is tested when he discovers how his behaviour when a non-believer hurt so many, especially Emily, and feels responsible for her hardness of heart towards the Lord. Disease attacks the community while danger from another source threatens Emily and her family. Through it all, will Matthew and Emily's faith be strong enough to forgive each other and put the past behind them?
 
My Thoughts:
It's been a couple of years since I read this book, but I loved it. Reading a book set in Australia, with cultural things that I totally understood was a wonderful change from all the American books that I had been reading.
This book is about people's journeys through life and the way they come to God, and how God is faithful through all circumstances - even ones that seem hopeless.
I greatly respect the writing of Mary Hawkins because she clearly talks about God and shares the Gospel through her stories.
Return to Baragula is the first in a 3 book series.

Friday 26 October 2012

Friday Fill-Ins - October 26

And...here we go!

1. Oh, that makes sense, now I understand.
2. It's a sure sign of insanity when you start answering your own questions out loud.
3. Are we having steak and 3 veg again??!.
4. My heart is lonely.
5. Do you believe in God? I hope you do because I would hate it if you aren't in heaven!
6. I'm a Christian, and I'm not ashamed to say so.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to my Friday night date with my sister, tomorrow my plans include helping clean the church building and Sunday, I want to enjoy the fellowship at church and have a quiet afternoon!

Sunday 21 October 2012

Not Fitting

With this title you probably think I'm talking about clothes, well you're wrong.
I'm talking about life!

I'm at a point in my life where I don't fit in socially. I'm thirty-something and single, with no current prospect of marriage. This isn't a big deal for the average person, but in Christian circles this is pretty unusual. My best friend is also single, but currently serving as a missionary in Africa. The other single woman my age from church is also serving as a missionary overseas. All the other women are married, most with children.

So, I'm kind of classified as one of the Young Adults, but I don't fit there either. Most of the girls are at least 4 years younger than me, and the number of single girls is rapidly declining as weddings are fairly frequent.

Then there is the fact that I didn't grow up here, so I have no long history with these people. Even being here for close to 9 years hasn't changed that fact. I've always been on the fringes of the various groups, never taken in to an inner circle.

Friendships have never been easy for me - I didn't have close friends growing up, and most of the good friends I have had end up moving away (or I move) and we lose contact. One thing I have realised is that I have been the one seeking these people out, not the other way round.

I feel that the only time people seek me out is when they want me to do something for them. Otherwise I am invisible - the person everyone forgets to remember.
It's like no one knows what to do with me, so they don't do anything.

WHY???

Is there something wrong with me? Or do they think they have enough friends and can't admit another into their circle?

BIG SIGH!!!

Friday 19 October 2012

Friday Fill-Ins - October 19

And...here we go!

1. I hope I can get married before Jesus returns.
2. I don't know what to do when I see a certain person - I usually end up saying something stupid.
3. Boy I sure did enjoy the watermelon I had for lunch the other day.
4. Remind me to call someone sometime.
5. What does the local paper think, that we can read the information on the candidates on a Thursday and get our postal votes in the mail to be recieved Friday?
6. It makes me mad when the DVD I borrowed from the library is so scratched that I can't watch it.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to movie night with my sister, tomorrow my plans include going to Ikea and Sunday, I want to enjoy church and a quiet afternoon - I'm open to invitations out for lunch!

Monday 1 October 2012

Don't Be Shy

I've heard this song on 2 movies now - Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium and We Bought a Zoo. I loved it each time.


Friday 28 September 2012

Friday Fill-Ins - September 28

And...here we go!

1. The tale is told of true love - it's just too bad the movie version cut out all the references to God.
2. England is something that always makes me think of my ancestors.
3. To ensure you don't spend too much money don't go shopping.
4. Family is a fine thing.
5. It's never too late to draw near to God - just think of the thief on the cross.
6. I wrote a note on the back of an old receipt.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to another quiet night at home, tomorrow my plans include serving with the kids at church and Sunday, I want to enjoy the time in creche, and the fellowship at The Gathering!

Thursday 20 September 2012

IKEA Hackers: Expedit Single Bed



IKEA Hackers: Expedit Single Bed: Materials : 2 EXPEDIT shelf units 5x1, 1x Sultan Lade 90cm, 3 purple SKUBB boxes, non-slip under carpet material.


Mmmm ... I like this idea, and if you had your bed positioned so that you can walk either side, then you could access the storage from either side too. Of course, you do have to use storage containers that fit the shelf units.

Maybe when I'm thinking about changing my bed I could consider this, although then what would I do with my existing storage boxes?

Saturday 1 September 2012

Inspiration from Cottage by the Sea - Robin Jones Gunn

So I've been reading Robin Jones Gunn's book, 'Cottage by the Sea' and right from the start there are things in it that have impacted me.
I've been going through a tough patch (for a variety of reasons) and there are things in this book that are like food for my soul. So here are some of them:

'I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.' Isaiah 45:3

May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness and cheer you.
                                                                      - Irish Proverb


An Irish Prayer

May God give you
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.


May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.
May the soft winds freshen your spirit.
May the sunshine brighten your heart.
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.
And may God enfold you in the mantle of his love.


Wishing you always
Walls for the wind,
A roof for the rain,
And tea beside the fire;
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire.


This is good book, but for me a hard one to read. It brought back a lot of memories from when my Dad was sick and we were helping Mum care for him.

Friday 31 August 2012

Smiles Make All the Difference in the World

This video is a little longer than most I put on my blog, but it's well worth watching all the way through.


Friday Fill-Ins - August 31

And...here we go!

1. You don't have to be a genius to figure out that I want to get married one day (sooner rather than later would be nice).
2. But it's the way it shatters that matters (Violet Crumble, I want to eat you).
3. Basically, there is a dream that I am still waiting to come true.
4. How I interpret life is differnet to how you do, but that's ok because life would be boring if we were all the sam.
5. If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God. (Genesis 28:20-21) 
6. I believe God has a plan for my life - He just hasn't revealed it all to me yet.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a quiet night at home, tomorrow my plans include going to Paperific and doing as many make and takes as I can and Sunday, I want to serve the families by being in creche and enjoy The Gathering in the evening!

Saturday 25 August 2012

Beautiful Things!

From bad days to beautiful things!

Bad Day - Bad Week

Here is the actual music video for this song.



Or if you would prefer, try the Chipmunks version!

Friday 24 August 2012

Friday Fill-Ins - August 24

And...here we go!

1. Seeing the world is something I would like to do, but only if I can do it with someone.
2. It's never to choose a new car.
3. According to my latest information I am quite a bit of an introvert.
4. As we go through life there are some friends who are around for just a season; others are there forever.
5. I associate certain smells with memories, but I can't always figure out what they are.
6. Long ago I played outside and computers didn't exist in my world; now they are all the kids want to use and outside play is becoming a thing of the past.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a night at home, tomorrow my plans include getting on with my assignments and Sunday, I want to enjoy church and have a quiet afternoon!

Friday 17 August 2012

IKEA Hackers: Hot Air Balloon Decoration



IKEA Hackers: Hot Air Balloon Decoration: Materials: DUKTIG and VATE Description: I used items from Ikea to create gorgeous hot air balloon decorations for a baby shower.

I love these!! Now when can I use them?!

Sunday 12 August 2012

Catch the Wind!

Whoever thought up this ad was a genius!!


Kids really do have amazing ideas!

Friday 10 August 2012

Friday Fill-Ins - August 10

And...here we go!

1. I picked some strawberries from the garden.
2. I spread some smiles around.
3. I heard about all these people getting engaged and wondered when it would be me.
4. I wanted space for more books, but couldn't figure out how to do it in my room.
5. I wish I could find another best friend.
6. I noticed you standing there, but I couldn't get through the crowd to talk to you.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being at home with my family, tomorrow my plans include heading to the other side of the city for a children's ministry training day and Sunday, I want to enjoy church and get things planned for GNG on Wednesday!

Friday 27 July 2012

IKEA Hackers: Billy/Benno Cubby Unit

IKEA Hackers: Billy/Benno Cubby Unit: Materials: 6 Billy Bookcases, 2 Benno TV Benches, 18 coat hooks Description: Build the Benno TV benches, leaving out the drawers. Build the Billies, flipping all shelves and the top/bottom upside down as you go.

I chose to omit the back panel too. Do not use the shelves in what is now the bottom half of the unit.

Place 3 upside-down Billies on each Benno, anchoring them to the wall. Screw coat hooks into the sides and back wall of each cubby.

~ Melanie Ward, Muskoka, Ontario



This is a great idea. You could even put doors on it for a tidy entry way!

Friday 13 July 2012

Some Highlights of an Anticipated Day

Yesterday I had a chance to catch up with a friend from high school. For many of you this would not be a big thing because you see them all the time, and still live in the same place where you went to school. For me, however, it is a VERY BIG thing because I completed school in Western Australia 13 years ago and have lived in Victoria for the past 11 years.
So when my friend put on Facebook that she was coming to Victoria I jumped at the chance to catch up.
That day was yesterday and lunch was our catch-up time of choice.

We had lunch at Australia on Collins, where these umbrellas are hanging. They start 4 levels above the food court and it's such a fun thing to see. So many different colours.

It was too bad that I couldn't take one with me, because later I had to stand in the rain while waiting for a tram. Thankfully there was a kind lady standing next to me who shared her umbrella so that I didn't get soaked.
After lunch we headed to my favourite place for hot chocolate. A little out of the way chocolate place that sells real Belgian Hot Chocolate in a variety of flavours. I chose dark cinnamon! Next time I'm going back to milk cinnamon, so if you want me to share my spot with you, you'll have to join me on my next trip to the city.











Friday Fill-Ins - July 13

And...here we go!

1. For the first time in ages I have almost finised everything on my 'To Do' list!
2. Watching the sun set into the Indian Ocean is one of my best memories of summer so far.
3. My recipe for pancakes is one of my favorites because I don't have to let it rest for half and hour between mixing and cooking.
4. I will remember many things for years to come others I will forget almost immediately.
5. It starts with a look.
6. Unscented is a fragrance I enjoy most in a candle because it doesn't give me a headache.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a night at home, tomorrow my plans include doing all the things I was supposed to do over the holidays but didn't (or not) and Sunday, I want to enjoy the fellowship at church and plan for the first week of term at GNG with my fellow leaders!

Wednesday 11 July 2012

Fruit of a Vine





I picked this pumpkin from our garden today. It self seeded from the compost we put in the potato bed. It was the only pumpkin on the vine, and ...

It's the size of a pear!!!

Saturday 7 July 2012

When We Stand Together by Nickelback



I've really been enjoying listening to this song every time it comes on the radio, but it wasn't until I watched this clip that the meaning of it really 'struck a chord'.

Listen to the words ... I mean really listen ... and look at the pictures shown as you do ...

This is what the Church - God's people - must do for us to be effective in the world at bringing people to Christ. This is something we have been hearing a lot about at Suburban Baptist Church for the past month. Read the passages in the Bible where it talks about the Church being the body and how each part is needed for the body to be whole. Then listen to this song again!

Saturday 30 June 2012

Quilter's Table


Ok, so I found this amazing quilter's table on Ikea Hackers.
I am a little worried that I would bump my ankles on the bottom part, and I would need the room to put it in.
Another thing for my wish list, I guess.

Friday 15 June 2012

Friday Fill-Ins - June 15

And...here we go!

1. It's always nice when things go according to plan!
2. I like to hear children's laughter.
3. Positive influences; negative influences - both impact us in a variety of ways.
4. This is a collection of completely random statements.
5. What I heard was "Blah, blah, blah".
6. Often, I search for a little something to remind me of where I've been. I don't go for the touristy stuff because I like a little sentiment attached. My current thing is brooches and badges.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a quiet night at home, tomorrow my plans include study, preparing for Sunday afternoon and cleaning at the church building and Sunday, I want to enjoy the fellowship with my church family, have some fun with the kids at our movie afternoon and watch The Voice in the evening!

Thursday 14 June 2012

I'm a Little Tea Pot ...


I saw this picture today and thought it looked really interesting. I'm not sure I could bring myself to do it though. It did make me think of other ways to use teapots, other than to brew tea.

Friday 8 June 2012

First Wild Card Tours - A Love Story ... how God Pursued Me and Found Me ... An Impossibly True Story by Samantha Ryan Chandler

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:

Crossbooks; 2 edition (January 12, 2012)

***Special thanks to Samantha Ryan Chandler for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Samantha Ryan Chandler grew up in a small town in “nowhere, Louisiana”. She formed a not for profit international children’s ministry helping severely deformed medical kids from 3rd. world countries by gaining donated surgeries in the United States. She is an author and contributing writer to Southern Writer’s Magazine. Her proudest achievement is mother of three girls.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

The tale of Samantha Ryan Chandler's life is evocatively portrayed in her book: A Love Story, How God Pursued Me and Found Me. It tells of a life that is as disturbing and unsettling as it is uplifting and, in the end, gratifying. How "A girl from Nowhere, Louisiana" finds her way from such humble beginnings to live and walk amongst presidents and the supremely rich, only to find her trust and faith betrayed by those that she loved and trusted the most. She would be tested to the point where she began to doubt her own sanity and, at the moment of her greatest desperation and doubt, she was found by God and brought back from the brink of hopeless despair. Blessed with an almost unquenchable optimism and a unique sense of humor, she relates the story of a life that will speak to those who have encountered abuse, unfairness and anguish. Her love for her children and her faith in God carried her through a crucible of fire and in the end, made her a better, stronger person, ready to carry on with a life that is again filled with love, joy and laughter. A Love Story, How God Pursued Me and Found Me will both inspire you and touch your heart.





Product Details:
List Price: $7.00
File Size: 296 KB
Print Length: 108 pages
Publisher: Crossbooks; 2 edition (January 12, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B006X5ZH54
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
Lending: Enabled


AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:


Prologue

I write my story from a place that God took my hand and led me down a path. I do not regret the horrors I have experienced nor do I want to do them again. I am profoundly changed by every turn in the road that I did not choose to go down. I speak of massive acts of unfairness and perfidy. My writings give great insight and hope to anyone that has encountered wrongs in life that are out of control. This would encompass anyone that has ever taken a breath. To all that have encountered childhood abuse, I give you courage. I pray that all that reads this will gain optimism for their own future. If a skinny girl from Nowhere, Louisiana with unnerving circumstances and totally stuck on ignorance can rise; then all can rise.
My background is life. My qualifications are that I have had more happen to me than Hollywood would ever think of to write about. If I had not lived it, I would not believe it. I have been quite poor and only gazed at wealth. I have experienced poverty to the point of wondering where my next meal would come from. This has happened in more than one cycle of my life. I also lived within the walls of the privileged having dined with two United States presidents, governors in their mansions, and invited to dine with President Mitterrand at Versailles. I am a voracious reader and cling to self-help books. I have yet to see one written from the “privileged” world spelling out what greed is capable of doing. Having run in the circles of the very wealthy, I have witnessed the destruction of marriages when the wealthy husband does not want to share the revenues of many years of marriage.
I co-founded a not for profit children's ministry that is now international. I have appeared on television and many newspapers have interviewed me. I have modeled. I have read the Bible eleven times and with fifteen years of Bible study. Nothing had prepared me for the life I lived.
Ignorance is fixable; stupidity is terminal. I was ignorant for much of my life. My narrative has colossal betrayal, distortion of truth, vulnerability and true love. I started with the challenges of growing up to a pagan abusive Irish mom that dallied with a spirit table. I chronicle events showing God's hand in my life even when I was without a clue who He was. It is a journey He takes me down many paths and then prepared me for the fight of my life…marrying a man worth in excess of 100 million dollars and then to culminate with the divorce called annihilation.
I write of seeing an angel three times, God's hand holding mine once, and peering deep into Satan's eyes filled with fire that was endless in capacity.
My book is filled with scriptures and God given promises. God has taken me to the place that if He said it….it is done….the boldness of David. I have become David bold. I pray with his boldness expecting no less than what is written in scripture. I have often said if Samantha says it, then it's possible to be negotiable but when our Lord says He will….it is not a suggestion but facts.
I tell of many places where God intervened in miraculous ways and His relentless pursuit of me. My book comes with a guarantee that the reader will laugh out loud as well as cry between a verb and a vowel, all coming from the sentence. You then will feel happy and grateful you were not chosen to walk in my shoes.


Chapter One



Life According to Samantha


I begin to write this with the ending unknown. All I do know is that I am a child of God, and I win. I am certain that when I am heading to a finish, God will have restored me to victory. It is His job. It is His promise.
I grew up in a very small town in the middle of Nowhere, Louisiana, to a pagan mother and a former altar boy in the Catholic religion father. God did not live in our home, nor was He invited in. My mother was quite abusive, and my father lived in the land of denial. My father's mom was in love with Jesus but spoke almost no English, only French. My Irish grandparents adored me, but they were unaware of anything religious.
As a young girl, I heard ghastly stories of my mom and her antics. She was more than likely the most beautiful woman in her Irish enclave of a village, but she had the soul of the wicked. The stories I heard were beyond frightening. As a young girl, she "worked a spirit table." This meant that several people would put their hands on the table and ask it questions. Answers came through an alphabet formed by how many times the table would rock or move. Participants even bragged about contacting a deceased spirit and gaining information that checked to be true with the local city records. This apparently scared the group, so they took the table to the woods and left it. As the story goes, the table was back on the porch the next morning! I have no knowledge of how long this continued or what else happened, but hearing about it profoundly affected me.
I grew up in a home that felt "haunted." As a kid going out on Halloween night to trick-or-treat, I would always be more frightened of returning home than of being out in the neighborhood. This feeling never left me, even as a matured in age and relationship Christian . The house was unnerving. I will tell of more stories as I unveil my life and God's relentless pursuit of me.
I recall hearing that my birth was a medical miracle, as my mom was
told after birthing my older brother that she would never conceive again.




My Thoughts:

This really is an impossibly true story. It seems more like something from a movie than what actually happened; but this is what Samantha's life was really like.

I found the story a bit hard to follow because the sequence of events wasn't always in order. But it reminded me of how I write letters, jumping from point to point as my brain fishes things from the depths.

It is also an amazing story of how God is working even when it seems that evil is everywhere.