This week I finished reading Joshua---chapters 11-24. I also read and finished Judges chapters 1-21.
All Scripture was read from the NASB.
Blissful Reading!
Annette
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thankful Thursday!
Today I am thankful for:
1. Family to celebrate the day with.
2. A loving and faithful husband.
3. That I learned how to cook.
4. All the blessings that the Lord has given me.
5. That I will "proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving and declare all of His wonders" every day of my life.
Psalm 26:7
Blissful Thanksgiving!
Annette
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Book Review: Costly Grace, A Contemporary View of Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship by Jon Walker
Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Costly-Grace-Contemporary-Bonhoeffers-Discipleship/dp/0891126767/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290556537&sr=8-1
Paperback $10.87
Not available on Kindle
Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/costly-grace-contemporary-bonhoeffers-cost-discipleship/jon-walker/9780891126768/pd/126768?item_code=WW&netp_id=813145&event=ESRCN&view=details
Paperback $11.99
Supplemental Devotional $10.99
http://www.christianbook.com/costly-grace-devotional-jon-walker/9780891126775/pd/126775?event=AAI
Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.leafwoodpublishers.com/
Paperback $15.99
Devotional $13.99
Jon Walker's website:
Grace Creates
Published by Leafwood Publishers October 2010, 224 pages
The foreword was written by Rick Warren the pastor of Saddleback Church .
Jon Walker served as editor in chief of LifeWay's HomeLife magazine and he is the founding editor of Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox.
I am a reader of HomeLife magazine and I remember Jon Walker well.
Costly Grace is the 25th Christian non-fiction book that I've read this year.
Costly Grace is by far the deepest, most convicting, thought provoking non-fiction book that I've read this year. I was not convicted just once, but again and again. Page after page, statements were made that pricked my heart, made me pause and pray, moved me to confess my own wrong thinking and wrong actions.
At the last book club meeting I told my group about this book and it was unanimous that this would be our next book for discussion.
From the previous statement above I'm sure you are curious as to what exactly did I read that convicted me?
In the foreword Pastor Warren wrote, "Our lives must change or we have to question if we're really following Jesus. Our only certainty is in Jesus."
I asked myself has my life changed? I took the question a little deeper, has my life changed to where Jesus would have it to be?
A second example: "Discipleship may mean sacrificing for others who will have no appreciation for what you've done-much like Jesus who was ridiculed as He died on a cross..... How much of your service to Jesus is based upon what is convenient for you and how much of it is based upon you doing what Jesus tells you to do?" page 41
This question strikes me at the heart of what I've been doing for many years and that is caring for my dad.
I've got to get it into my thick head that the work that I have been doing is not just for dad; but for Jesus. And Jesus knows, far greater that I ever could the whys and how longs. This service of care-giving is for a season and it will last as long as He ordains.
Costly Grace is 28 short chapters, with at the end of each chapter a pause for further reflection, not with questions; but with examples of fallen thinking and kingdom thinking, followed by a your choice question. These are meant to stir our hearts and minds further towards the right way of discipleship.
I felt the book was straightforward, never did I feel looked down upon in judgmental-ism; instead the authors words were firm, honest, and written in love.
The words cheap grace was expressed several times in defining the "arrogant presumption that we can receive forgiveness for our sins, yet never abandon our lives to Jesus."
We have to let go. I know you've heard this before, let go and let God. It is as if we are hanging on to the sides of the swimming pool afraid of the deeper end, we are white knuckling it. Costly Grace means we let go and trust God with it all. All of it. It means we trust Him letting go of those things we thought we needed and that life we thought was safe and fun, and instead live the gut altered radically changed Christ exalting life.
One of my favorite chapters was on stopping the toxic judgmental view of others that have not accepted Jesus. We are not to look down upon them, nor be critical or hateful. "They are in need of grace just as we are." Amen.
Blissful Reading!
Annette
Thank you to Leafwood Publishers and B and B Media for my free review copy.
http://www.amazon.com/Costly-Grace-Contemporary-Bonhoeffers-Discipleship/dp/0891126767/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290556537&sr=8-1
Paperback $10.87
Not available on Kindle
Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/costly-grace-contemporary-bonhoeffers-cost-discipleship/jon-walker/9780891126768/pd/126768?item_code=WW&netp_id=813145&event=ESRCN&view=details
Paperback $11.99
Supplemental Devotional $10.99
http://www.christianbook.com/costly-grace-devotional-jon-walker/9780891126775/pd/126775?event=AAI
Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.leafwoodpublishers.com/
Paperback $15.99
Devotional $13.99
Jon Walker's website:
Grace Creates
Published by Leafwood Publishers October 2010, 224 pages
The foreword was written by Rick Warren the pastor of Saddleback Church .
Jon Walker served as editor in chief of LifeWay's HomeLife magazine and he is the founding editor of Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox.
I am a reader of HomeLife magazine and I remember Jon Walker well.
Costly Grace is the 25th Christian non-fiction book that I've read this year.
Costly Grace is by far the deepest, most convicting, thought provoking non-fiction book that I've read this year. I was not convicted just once, but again and again. Page after page, statements were made that pricked my heart, made me pause and pray, moved me to confess my own wrong thinking and wrong actions.
At the last book club meeting I told my group about this book and it was unanimous that this would be our next book for discussion.
From the previous statement above I'm sure you are curious as to what exactly did I read that convicted me?
In the foreword Pastor Warren wrote, "Our lives must change or we have to question if we're really following Jesus. Our only certainty is in Jesus."
I asked myself has my life changed? I took the question a little deeper, has my life changed to where Jesus would have it to be?
A second example: "Discipleship may mean sacrificing for others who will have no appreciation for what you've done-much like Jesus who was ridiculed as He died on a cross..... How much of your service to Jesus is based upon what is convenient for you and how much of it is based upon you doing what Jesus tells you to do?" page 41
This question strikes me at the heart of what I've been doing for many years and that is caring for my dad.
I've got to get it into my thick head that the work that I have been doing is not just for dad; but for Jesus. And Jesus knows, far greater that I ever could the whys and how longs. This service of care-giving is for a season and it will last as long as He ordains.
Costly Grace is 28 short chapters, with at the end of each chapter a pause for further reflection, not with questions; but with examples of fallen thinking and kingdom thinking, followed by a your choice question. These are meant to stir our hearts and minds further towards the right way of discipleship.
I felt the book was straightforward, never did I feel looked down upon in judgmental-ism; instead the authors words were firm, honest, and written in love.
The words cheap grace was expressed several times in defining the "arrogant presumption that we can receive forgiveness for our sins, yet never abandon our lives to Jesus."
We have to let go. I know you've heard this before, let go and let God. It is as if we are hanging on to the sides of the swimming pool afraid of the deeper end, we are white knuckling it. Costly Grace means we let go and trust God with it all. All of it. It means we trust Him letting go of those things we thought we needed and that life we thought was safe and fun, and instead live the gut altered radically changed Christ exalting life.
One of my favorite chapters was on stopping the toxic judgmental view of others that have not accepted Jesus. We are not to look down upon them, nor be critical or hateful. "They are in need of grace just as we are." Amen.
Blissful Reading!
Annette
Thank you to Leafwood Publishers and B and B Media for my free review copy.
Roundabout
30 Books Every Christian Should Read by Stephen Altrogge from The Blazing Center:
http://www.theblazingcenter.com/2010/11/0-books-every-christian-should-read.html
Thankful In The Midst by J. Brian Hill from Clay In The Hands:
http://clayinthehands.com/2010/11/23/thankful-in-the-midst/
A beautiful 13 page download on Praising The Lord during this Thanksgiving week by Jenifer B. Jernigan:
http://jeniferjernigan.com/let-us-praise-the-lord-together
Blissful Blogging!
Annette
Friday, November 19, 2010
Heart of the Gospel
"The heart of the Gospel is what God has done in Jesus, supremely His death and resurrection.
Period."
Justin Taylor
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/10/07/what-is-the-gospel-4/
Joni Eareckson Tada's Newest Book
Article--interview from Christianity Today on Joni Eareckson Tada's newest book--A Place of Healing.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/article_print.html?id=89661
(I am reading this book now for review)
"We go through the valley of the shadow of death everytime we say no to our selfish desires. When we say yes to the grace of God, we are learning how to die."
Joni Eareckson Tada
Blissful Blogging!
Annette
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/article_print.html?id=89661
(I am reading this book now for review)
"We go through the valley of the shadow of death everytime we say no to our selfish desires. When we say yes to the grace of God, we are learning how to die."
Joni Eareckson Tada
Blissful Blogging!
Annette
Bible Reading Challenge 2010
I have decided to weekly post my daily Bible readings, when I did this before I was much better at staying accountable.
I have skipped around too much in reading the OT and NT so much so that I've had a hard time keeping up with what I've read and what I have not.
Recently I've read Isaiah chapters 1-14 both in the NASB and the NIV,
and Joshua chapters 1-10 in the NASB.
Blissful Reading!
Annette
I have skipped around too much in reading the OT and NT so much so that I've had a hard time keeping up with what I've read and what I have not.
Recently I've read Isaiah chapters 1-14 both in the NASB and the NIV,
and Joshua chapters 1-10 in the NASB.
Blissful Reading!
Annette
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Roundabout
Book Review: Celia, A Slave by Melton A. McLaurin
http://fewmorepages.blogspot.com/2010/11/review-celia-slave-by-melton-mclaurin.html
From Jenifer Jernigan, a Psalm of the Cross study:
Day 1:
http://jeniferjernigan.com/a-journey
Day 2:
http://jeniferjernigan.com/the-roar-of-a-lion-day-2
Day 3:
http://jeniferjernigan.com/the-psalm-of-the-cross-day-3
Day 4:
http://jeniferjernigan.com/the-psalm-of-the-cross-day-4
Day 5:
http://jeniferjernigan.com/the-psalm-of-the-cross-day-5
Book Review: Costly Grace by Jon Walker (I too am reading this book)
http://psalm516.blogspot.com/2010/11/costly-gracy-by-jon-walker-reviewed.html#comment-form
Book Review: Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry
http://psalm516.blogspot.com/2010/11/glassroads-blog-tour-almost-heaven-by.html#comment-form
Article entitled Are You Chosen:
http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com/2010/11/are-you-chosen.html
Family Fiction Magazine:
http://www.familyfiction.com/
A New Blog from Bring It On Communications!
http://tellusthetruthreviews.blogspot.com/
Grace by Tom Toya:
http://sendme-tomandlou.blogspot.com/2010/11/grace.html
Awesome chance to purchase a signed book from your favorite author:
http://wordvessel.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-book-signing-bash-75.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FWordVessel+%28WordVessel%29
Becky @ Young Readers has several book reviews on Christmas books for children.
Changes for Exemplify Magazine.
November issue:
Christian Fiction On-line Magazine
Article from John Piper website on Foolishness by Paul Tripp:
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/youre-fooling-yourself
Did you know Frances Chan has a site?
http://www.francischan.org/
I've noticed several books and magazine articles and blogs, as well as quotes on Dietrich Bonhoeffer; here are more sites I've found on him:
http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/bonhoeffer/
http://www.bonhoeffer.com/bon2.htm
http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/exposes/bonhoeffer/general.htm
I'm hoping that under our Christmas tree is the book by Eric Metaxas--Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy.
Blissful Blogging and Happy Thanksgiving!
Annette
Thankful Thursday!
1. Twinings Lady Grey Tea
2. Vanilla Milkshakes
3. A neighbor that can fix most anything and charges very little.
4. Family to celebrate Thanksgiving with.
5. That my mother taught me to cook a turkey.
Blissful Blogging!
Annette
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Veteran's Day
Today is Veteran's Day and we are encouraged to honor all our Veteran's! Unless you are a Veteran you don't know how much it means to a person that is presently in the military or has been in the military in the past, for someone to shake their hand and tell them thank you!
Thank you to my dad and son, both combat Veteran's of the United States Army.
Dad a few years ago holding our copy of that Life Magazine.
Blissful Blogging!
Annette
Thank you to my dad and son, both combat Veteran's of the United States Army.
 |
| My dad is the soldier looking at the Life photographer, August 1944 issue. |
 | ||
| My dad receiving the bronze star after the D-day campaign, 1944. |
 |
| My son David. |
Blissful Blogging!
Annette
Book Review: One Lane Bridge by Don Reid
Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=106491&source=search
Paperback $14.99
Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/One-Lane-Bridge-Don-Reid/dp/1434765083/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1289499693&sr=8-1
Paperback $10.19
Kindle unavailable
Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/one-lane-bridge-don-reid/9781434765086/pd/765086?item_code=WW&netp_id=800439&event=ESRCN&view=details
Paperback $11.99
Don Reid is a member of the Statler Brothers music group.
He has 5 previous published books:
O Little Town, a hardback edition is on special @ Christian Book for $12.99
http://www.christianbook.com/o-little-town-don-reid/9781434799302/pd/799302?item_code=WW&netp_id=527912&event=ESRCN&view=details
One Lane Bridge was published by David C. Cook October 1, 2010/336 pages
On a recent trip to LifeWay Christian Bookstore I was surprised to see a book written by Don Reid.......pleasantly surprised! As often as I scan the aisles at book stores and websites, I'd not known about this book. I am a big fan of the Statler Brothers. Back in the early 1970's when I was a little girl, my older sister Frances came home from college one weekend excited to tell us about a singing group she'd heard at First Baptist San Marcos, Texas. She'd also heard them perform at University Baptist in Austin, Texas. She had an album with her and played it on my dad's old mahogany Magnavox stereo. I have wonderful memories of listening to the Statler Brothers along with my parents and sister. Music has a way of touching my heart through its words and harmony.
Good stories touch my heart as well!
In Hanson, North Carolina a man named J.D. Wickman and his wife Karlie are busy with managing 2 restaurants, a daughter in college, and J.D.' s aged mother in a nursing home. One evening with encouragement from Karlie, J.D. goes for a drive in his favorite car. He drives out of town, headed down back roads, most of the time not paying attention, his goal is to unwind and relax. He has a problem with his car, scans around looking for someone to help him, he sees a farm house across a one lane bridge. He walks to the farm house and introduces himself to the haggard farmer and meets his family. It is at this point that the "story" begins.
I felt this was a wonderfully creative story! It is a story that kept me reading, and I could not help but feel apart of it.
J.D.'s predicament gave him a determination and a vibrancy that he did not have in his current life situations. He felt compelled to help, to fix this situation. Although, he must learn to trust and have faith in the Lord, that some how and in some way the Lord is going to work it all out.
This book was purchased by me for reading/reviewing.
Blissful Reading!
Annette
http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=106491&source=search
Paperback $14.99
Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/One-Lane-Bridge-Don-Reid/dp/1434765083/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1289499693&sr=8-1
Paperback $10.19
Kindle unavailable
Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/one-lane-bridge-don-reid/9781434765086/pd/765086?item_code=WW&netp_id=800439&event=ESRCN&view=details
Paperback $11.99
Don Reid is a member of the Statler Brothers music group.
He has 5 previous published books:
O Little Town, a hardback edition is on special @ Christian Book for $12.99
http://www.christianbook.com/o-little-town-don-reid/9781434799302/pd/799302?item_code=WW&netp_id=527912&event=ESRCN&view=details
On a recent trip to LifeWay Christian Bookstore I was surprised to see a book written by Don Reid.......pleasantly surprised! As often as I scan the aisles at book stores and websites, I'd not known about this book. I am a big fan of the Statler Brothers. Back in the early 1970's when I was a little girl, my older sister Frances came home from college one weekend excited to tell us about a singing group she'd heard at First Baptist San Marcos, Texas. She'd also heard them perform at University Baptist in Austin, Texas. She had an album with her and played it on my dad's old mahogany Magnavox stereo. I have wonderful memories of listening to the Statler Brothers along with my parents and sister. Music has a way of touching my heart through its words and harmony.
Good stories touch my heart as well!
In Hanson, North Carolina a man named J.D. Wickman and his wife Karlie are busy with managing 2 restaurants, a daughter in college, and J.D.' s aged mother in a nursing home. One evening with encouragement from Karlie, J.D. goes for a drive in his favorite car. He drives out of town, headed down back roads, most of the time not paying attention, his goal is to unwind and relax. He has a problem with his car, scans around looking for someone to help him, he sees a farm house across a one lane bridge. He walks to the farm house and introduces himself to the haggard farmer and meets his family. It is at this point that the "story" begins.
I felt this was a wonderfully creative story! It is a story that kept me reading, and I could not help but feel apart of it.
J.D.'s predicament gave him a determination and a vibrancy that he did not have in his current life situations. He felt compelled to help, to fix this situation. Although, he must learn to trust and have faith in the Lord, that some how and in some way the Lord is going to work it all out.
This book was purchased by me for reading/reviewing.
Blissful Reading!
Annette
A Poem for the Season
"The grain is reaped and threshed and gone,
And only the stubble remaining now;
And there in a great field tramps a team
And a man is riding a plow.
Over and over the long rows lift,
Sweet smelling and moist, and brown,
The damp earth turned to the wind and sun,
And the stubble gold turned down.
Something there is of Faith that shines
Over a field of an autumn day;
Something of trust and of steadfast hope,
Follows a plowman's way.
Faith in the year that is to come,
Trust in the Giver of sun and rain,
Hope that up from the torn dark rows
There shall spring other grain."
Grace Noll Crowell
And only the stubble remaining now;
And there in a great field tramps a team
And a man is riding a plow.
Over and over the long rows lift,
Sweet smelling and moist, and brown,
The damp earth turned to the wind and sun,
And the stubble gold turned down.
Something there is of Faith that shines
Over a field of an autumn day;
Something of trust and of steadfast hope,
Follows a plowman's way.
Faith in the year that is to come,
Trust in the Giver of sun and rain,
Hope that up from the torn dark rows
There shall spring other grain."
Grace Noll Crowell
Book Review: Be Available, Accepting The Challenge To Confront The Enemy--OT Judges Commentary by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe
Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Available-Judges-Accepting-Challenge-Commentary/dp/1434700488/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289488405&sr=1-1
Paperback $11.04
Kindle edition not available
Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/be-available-warren-wiersbe/9781434700483/pd/700483?item_code=WW&netp_id=800343&event=ESRCN&view=details
Paperback $8.99
Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=106649&source=search
Paperback $12.99
This book was provided for free to me by David C. Cook a B and B Media Group, Inc. for reading/reviewing.
Published by David C. Cook September 1, 2010/208 Pages
Christian Non-fiction/OT Judges Commentary
I have grown to love the Be series of commentaries by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe. The main reason is that his commentaries are approachable and understandable to my non-theological academic brain. In his commentary on Judges Dr. Wiersbe sets each dramatic scene so that I could understand fully and imagine it in my mind. The OT book of Judges is of the Israelites after they have settled in the promised land of Canaan. God had raised up judges that would guide, shape, encourage, and impart knowledge and wisdom to the Jewish people. These judges also led the people to conquer and drive out the idol worshiping Canaanites. God did not want His people to be soiled and tarnished by the Canaanites. They were told to drive these people out, that this land was the promised land that God had given to them. Not all of the Canaanites had been driven out and they were a source of temptation and trouble for the Jewish people.
"There were 14 judges that God raised up over a period of 350 years to do His work: Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, Samson, Eli, and Samuel. Each one had issues, each one had weaknesses, but God used them in spite of themselves simply because they made themselves available." page 9.
Wiersbe asks the readers an important question. "How about you? Do you want God to use you to accomplish His purposes?"
There are questions at the end of each of the chapters for individual or group use.
Blissful Reading!
Annette
http://www.amazon.com/Available-Judges-Accepting-Challenge-Commentary/dp/1434700488/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289488405&sr=1-1
Paperback $11.04
Kindle edition not available
Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/be-available-warren-wiersbe/9781434700483/pd/700483?item_code=WW&netp_id=800343&event=ESRCN&view=details
Paperback $8.99
Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=106649&source=search
Paperback $12.99
This book was provided for free to me by David C. Cook a B and B Media Group, Inc. for reading/reviewing.
Published by David C. Cook September 1, 2010/208 Pages
Christian Non-fiction/OT Judges Commentary
I have grown to love the Be series of commentaries by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe. The main reason is that his commentaries are approachable and understandable to my non-theological academic brain. In his commentary on Judges Dr. Wiersbe sets each dramatic scene so that I could understand fully and imagine it in my mind. The OT book of Judges is of the Israelites after they have settled in the promised land of Canaan. God had raised up judges that would guide, shape, encourage, and impart knowledge and wisdom to the Jewish people. These judges also led the people to conquer and drive out the idol worshiping Canaanites. God did not want His people to be soiled and tarnished by the Canaanites. They were told to drive these people out, that this land was the promised land that God had given to them. Not all of the Canaanites had been driven out and they were a source of temptation and trouble for the Jewish people.
"There were 14 judges that God raised up over a period of 350 years to do His work: Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, Samson, Eli, and Samuel. Each one had issues, each one had weaknesses, but God used them in spite of themselves simply because they made themselves available." page 9.
Wiersbe asks the readers an important question. "How about you? Do you want God to use you to accomplish His purposes?"
There are questions at the end of each of the chapters for individual or group use.
Blissful Reading!
Annette
Book Review: Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist
Link for the book @ Bethany House:
http://www.bethanyhouse.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&tier=3&id=32D5FD795EEC4EDBA58A74D4AB790901
Paperback $14.99
Author's site:
www.deeannegist.com
and
www.Iwantherbook.com
Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Maid-Match-Deeanne-Gist/dp/0764204084/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1289482389&sr=8-1
Paperback $10.19
Kindle $9.68
Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/maid-to-match-deeanne-gist/9780764204081/pd/204081?item_code=WW&netp_id=652730&event=ESRCN&view=details
Paperback $9.99
eBook $9.69
Published by Bethany House June 10, 2010/368 pages
Christian Fiction/Servant/Biltmore Estate/
Offictial website of Biltmore Estate:
http://www.biltmore.com/
The Biltmore Estate in 1900
In Maid to Match a young woman named Tillie Reese is a housemaid working in the Biltmore Estate. Her brother Allan also works there and he is the head footman. Their mother has dreamed and planned for her children to have solid dependable jobs working in the Biltmore Estate. Tillie has a chance to become the new Mrs. Vanderbilt's lady's maid. If Tillie gets this job, she will be able to travel and live a grander life than if she stays as a housemaid. The downside to becoming a lady's maid is that she will be giving up her youth for servitude to Mrs. Vanderbilt; she will not be able to keep this job and also marry and have children. It will be one choice or the other, not both. A handsome new footman begins working at the Biltmore Estate, his name is Mack Danver. Tillie is asked to help Mack become more adaptable to the life of a servant, instead of his rugged mountain man lifestyle. There is immediate attraction between Mack and Tillie.
I loved this book! I had previously read She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell and remarked how I would have liked to have read more about servants during this time period. Maid to Match was just what I was looking for.
I enjoyed reading about the duties of the servants, the levels of servants, and the snobbishness even amongst them. The author interjected in to the story the unusual requests that servants were asked to do. Servants were to do as they were told or loose their job. They were to have no romances with the other servants, their life was "owned" by their employer.
The character Mrs. Vanderbilt was a small part, her husband was almost non-existent with the exception of his name and his home. The emphasis in Maid to Match was on Tillie's duties as housemaid, and her quandary as to what to do about her job and life.
The author gives information in the book about her research and how she came to write this story, and what is fiction and what was historical.
I felt the book was comical, passionate, entertaining, and endearing.
This book was given to me for free by Bethany House because I am a member of their Open Book group. I chose to read/review.
Blissful Reading!
Annette
http://www.bethanyhouse.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&tier=3&id=32D5FD795EEC4EDBA58A74D4AB790901
Paperback $14.99
Author's site:
www.deeannegist.com
and
www.Iwantherbook.com
Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Maid-Match-Deeanne-Gist/dp/0764204084/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1289482389&sr=8-1
Paperback $10.19
Kindle $9.68
Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/maid-to-match-deeanne-gist/9780764204081/pd/204081?item_code=WW&netp_id=652730&event=ESRCN&view=details
Paperback $9.99
eBook $9.69
Published by Bethany House June 10, 2010/368 pages
Christian Fiction/Servant/Biltmore Estate/
Offictial website of Biltmore Estate:
http://www.biltmore.com/
The Biltmore Estate in 1900
In Maid to Match a young woman named Tillie Reese is a housemaid working in the Biltmore Estate. Her brother Allan also works there and he is the head footman. Their mother has dreamed and planned for her children to have solid dependable jobs working in the Biltmore Estate. Tillie has a chance to become the new Mrs. Vanderbilt's lady's maid. If Tillie gets this job, she will be able to travel and live a grander life than if she stays as a housemaid. The downside to becoming a lady's maid is that she will be giving up her youth for servitude to Mrs. Vanderbilt; she will not be able to keep this job and also marry and have children. It will be one choice or the other, not both. A handsome new footman begins working at the Biltmore Estate, his name is Mack Danver. Tillie is asked to help Mack become more adaptable to the life of a servant, instead of his rugged mountain man lifestyle. There is immediate attraction between Mack and Tillie.
I loved this book! I had previously read She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell and remarked how I would have liked to have read more about servants during this time period. Maid to Match was just what I was looking for.
I enjoyed reading about the duties of the servants, the levels of servants, and the snobbishness even amongst them. The author interjected in to the story the unusual requests that servants were asked to do. Servants were to do as they were told or loose their job. They were to have no romances with the other servants, their life was "owned" by their employer.
The character Mrs. Vanderbilt was a small part, her husband was almost non-existent with the exception of his name and his home. The emphasis in Maid to Match was on Tillie's duties as housemaid, and her quandary as to what to do about her job and life.
The author gives information in the book about her research and how she came to write this story, and what is fiction and what was historical.
I felt the book was comical, passionate, entertaining, and endearing.
This book was given to me for free by Bethany House because I am a member of their Open Book group. I chose to read/review.
Blissful Reading!
Annette
Monday, November 8, 2010
Book Review: Think, The Life of the Mind and the Love of God by John Piper
Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.crossway.org/books/think-hcj/
Hardcover $19.99
E book $9.99
"Think" by John Piper from Crossway on Vimeo.
John Piper website:
http://www.desiringgod.org/about/john-piper
Link @Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Think-Life-Mind-Love-God/dp/1433520710/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289221148&sr=8-1
Hardcover $13.59
Kindle $7.99
Link @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/think-life-mind-and-love-god/john-piper/9781433520716/pd/520716?item_code=WW&netp_id=781827&event=ESRCN&view=details
Hardcover $14.99
E book $7.99
This book was provided for free to me by Crossway for reading/reviewing.
Published by Crossway September 2010, 224 pages, Non-fiction
In my opinion it is difficult to write a book review on an author that needs no introduction, nor a positive review from my little dot in blogosphere. So, with a Motzart CD playing in the background, and a warm cup of tea, and a prayer for guidance, I will share with you my review on Think.
We hear the word think in academic settings; but how often in the Church? How often are we told to think, to use our mind?
I don't know if it is over looked, or maybe it is not fully understood what the Christian's response should be.
Their are some Christians that hear what information they've been given and take it as the absolute proclaimed Word of God--they don't think, they grab hold of it; but don't think and ponder and pray about what information they've been given.
Then, their are some Christians that ridicule, criticize, and judge Christian Bible study leaders and writers, they look for any speck of what they believe is evil----false doctrine. They are so focused on looking at others, that they are negligent in their own Bible reading and thoughtful study.
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."
Matthew 22:37 KJV
Loving the Lord requires all of us; our heart, soul, and mind. In loving the Lord with our mind we must think!
"...loving God with the mind means that our thinking is wholly engaged to do all it can to awaken and express the heartfelt fullness of treasuring God above all things. Treasuring God is the essence of loving Him, and the mind serves this love by comprehending (imperfectly and partially, but truly) the truth and beauty and worth of the Treasure." page 80
In reading and studying Scripture, I read and then ponder and pray over a passage, because I want to know what it is telling me and how do I apply it to my life. This requires thinking and praying. I am reminded of----
1 Corinthians 2:16 NASB
"For who has known the mind of the LORD, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ."
It is the Lord's Spirit that opens our mind to understanding Scripture. Thinking is apart of this, we are thinking on Him and on His Word and what it means to us.
In Think John Piper explores what it means to think and what it means to have a right attitude in our thinking.
He discusses pride that can become involved in the wrong kind of thinking; because we are depending on our own sufficiency (knowledge and ability), instead of on Jesus.
More than once he uses the word treasure, in referring to God's grace.
He gives a complete explanation of why he wrote this book and what it means to think.
He addresses those that are for intellectualism and those that are against it.
I loved this book!
It is a deep book and one I feel I need to read again.
It is small at 224 pages, and light weight. Yet the material in the book is heavy and has stayed with me (I'm still pondering what I read 2 weeks ago).
I loved the organized structure of the material, and the thorough explanations of his points.
The chapters are short and that is a good thing because I needed to digest what I'd just read.
Never did I feel as if I was drowning in what I'd read; but I did need to think about what I'd read.
John Piper's enthusiasm for this books message is infectious.
I often felt as if he had personally addressed this book as a letter to me. His message was one I needed to hear.
At the end of the book he speaks to those readers that do not like to think and then to those that do. For each group he has a specific message. I will say I needed to hear that "my bent is needed".
Blissful Reading!
Annette
http://www.crossway.org/books/think-hcj/
Hardcover $19.99
E book $9.99
"Think" by John Piper from Crossway on Vimeo.
John Piper website:
http://www.desiringgod.org/about/john-piper
Link @Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Think-Life-Mind-Love-God/dp/1433520710/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289221148&sr=8-1
Hardcover $13.59
Kindle $7.99
Link @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/think-life-mind-and-love-god/john-piper/9781433520716/pd/520716?item_code=WW&netp_id=781827&event=ESRCN&view=details
Hardcover $14.99
E book $7.99
This book was provided for free to me by Crossway for reading/reviewing.
In my opinion it is difficult to write a book review on an author that needs no introduction, nor a positive review from my little dot in blogosphere. So, with a Motzart CD playing in the background, and a warm cup of tea, and a prayer for guidance, I will share with you my review on Think.
We hear the word think in academic settings; but how often in the Church? How often are we told to think, to use our mind?
I don't know if it is over looked, or maybe it is not fully understood what the Christian's response should be.
Their are some Christians that hear what information they've been given and take it as the absolute proclaimed Word of God--they don't think, they grab hold of it; but don't think and ponder and pray about what information they've been given.
Then, their are some Christians that ridicule, criticize, and judge Christian Bible study leaders and writers, they look for any speck of what they believe is evil----false doctrine. They are so focused on looking at others, that they are negligent in their own Bible reading and thoughtful study.
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."
Matthew 22:37 KJV
Loving the Lord requires all of us; our heart, soul, and mind. In loving the Lord with our mind we must think!
"...loving God with the mind means that our thinking is wholly engaged to do all it can to awaken and express the heartfelt fullness of treasuring God above all things. Treasuring God is the essence of loving Him, and the mind serves this love by comprehending (imperfectly and partially, but truly) the truth and beauty and worth of the Treasure." page 80
In reading and studying Scripture, I read and then ponder and pray over a passage, because I want to know what it is telling me and how do I apply it to my life. This requires thinking and praying. I am reminded of----
1 Corinthians 2:16 NASB
"For who has known the mind of the LORD, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ."
It is the Lord's Spirit that opens our mind to understanding Scripture. Thinking is apart of this, we are thinking on Him and on His Word and what it means to us.
In Think John Piper explores what it means to think and what it means to have a right attitude in our thinking.
He discusses pride that can become involved in the wrong kind of thinking; because we are depending on our own sufficiency (knowledge and ability), instead of on Jesus.
More than once he uses the word treasure, in referring to God's grace.
He gives a complete explanation of why he wrote this book and what it means to think.
He addresses those that are for intellectualism and those that are against it.
I loved this book!
It is a deep book and one I feel I need to read again.
It is small at 224 pages, and light weight. Yet the material in the book is heavy and has stayed with me (I'm still pondering what I read 2 weeks ago).
I loved the organized structure of the material, and the thorough explanations of his points.
The chapters are short and that is a good thing because I needed to digest what I'd just read.
Never did I feel as if I was drowning in what I'd read; but I did need to think about what I'd read.
John Piper's enthusiasm for this books message is infectious.
I often felt as if he had personally addressed this book as a letter to me. His message was one I needed to hear.
At the end of the book he speaks to those readers that do not like to think and then to those that do. For each group he has a specific message. I will say I needed to hear that "my bent is needed".
Blissful Reading!
Annette
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Book Review: Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate
Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.bethanyhouse.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&tier=3&id=8178D54C520441AAA32E4603E6D4F22B
Paperback $14.99
Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Never-Say-Lisa-Wingate/dp/B003V1WGA2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288896571&sr=8-2
Paperback $6.00
Kindle $9.52
Published February 2010/352 pages
Christian Fiction/Love Story/Hurricane
Author's site:
http://www.lisawingate.com/
Lisa Wingate lives in central Texas....somewhere probably near me.
This book was given to me for free by Bethany House because I am apart of the Open Book Program.
I chose to read and review.
Never Say Never (read the first chapter click on links) is book 3 in the Daily, Texas Series
Previous 2 books and to read a first chapter:
Talk of the Town
Word Gets Around
This is the first book by Lisa Wingate that I've read. While reading this book I came across several towns that I know very well, especially when she named a town that I live in!
Kai Miller is a young woman living in the coastal town of Perdida, Texas. She works on cruise ships, makes jewelry, and is part owner to her landlord's 2 dogs. Perdida feels more like home than any other place she has lived.
Donetta Bradford age 70 and a few friends are in route from their central Texas home of Daily, to Perdida to go on a cruise. While in route they find out hurricane Glorietta is coming, their plans are dramatically changed.
They then along with Kai Miller become apart of the long slow line of cars escaping the Texas Gulf Coast.
Eventually they make it to Daily, Texas and Kai "falls in to a routine" easily. She meets Kempner Rollins and a relationship develops.
This is a light read, purely entertainment; it was a good book to read while I was on vacation.
I found the constant euphemisms that Texans supposedly use a little tiresome. I understand though that it is all in fun. I have lived in Texas all of my life, I do not hear people speak as the character Donetta speaks. Donetta at every page uses expressions like, "drunker than Cooter Brown" and "happy as a boardin' house pup". I take no offense, as I've stated before this book was written for fun reading.
The mass exodus from the Texas Gulf Coast ahead of the storm is pretty accurate. The problem with the inability of getting gasoline is why my dad never let his gas tank get below a half tank.
Kai becomes involved with a young man from Daily. The relationship moves fast, feelings develop quicker than hurricane Glorietta.
I found it interesting that the author picked the name Glorietta. Glorieta is the name of the LifeWay Christian conference center encampment in New Mexico. I found it interesting because I had just read the book and then passed by Glorieta, New Mexico on our way home.
Blissful Reading!
Annette
http://www.bethanyhouse.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&tier=3&id=8178D54C520441AAA32E4603E6D4F22B
Paperback $14.99
Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Never-Say-Lisa-Wingate/dp/B003V1WGA2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288896571&sr=8-2
Paperback $6.00
Kindle $9.52
Published February 2010/352 pages
Christian Fiction/Love Story/Hurricane
Author's site:
http://www.lisawingate.com/
Lisa Wingate lives in central Texas....somewhere probably near me.
This book was given to me for free by Bethany House because I am apart of the Open Book Program.
I chose to read and review.
Never Say Never (read the first chapter click on links) is book 3 in the Daily, Texas Series
Previous 2 books and to read a first chapter:
Talk of the Town
Word Gets Around
Kai Miller is a young woman living in the coastal town of Perdida, Texas. She works on cruise ships, makes jewelry, and is part owner to her landlord's 2 dogs. Perdida feels more like home than any other place she has lived.
Donetta Bradford age 70 and a few friends are in route from their central Texas home of Daily, to Perdida to go on a cruise. While in route they find out hurricane Glorietta is coming, their plans are dramatically changed.
They then along with Kai Miller become apart of the long slow line of cars escaping the Texas Gulf Coast.
Eventually they make it to Daily, Texas and Kai "falls in to a routine" easily. She meets Kempner Rollins and a relationship develops.
This is a light read, purely entertainment; it was a good book to read while I was on vacation.
I found the constant euphemisms that Texans supposedly use a little tiresome. I understand though that it is all in fun. I have lived in Texas all of my life, I do not hear people speak as the character Donetta speaks. Donetta at every page uses expressions like, "drunker than Cooter Brown" and "happy as a boardin' house pup". I take no offense, as I've stated before this book was written for fun reading.
The mass exodus from the Texas Gulf Coast ahead of the storm is pretty accurate. The problem with the inability of getting gasoline is why my dad never let his gas tank get below a half tank.
Kai becomes involved with a young man from Daily. The relationship moves fast, feelings develop quicker than hurricane Glorietta.
I found it interesting that the author picked the name Glorietta. Glorieta is the name of the LifeWay Christian conference center encampment in New Mexico. I found it interesting because I had just read the book and then passed by Glorieta, New Mexico on our way home.
Blissful Reading!
Annette
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