A Well-Watered Garden

Book Review: Salvation Accomplished By The Son The Work Of Christ by Robert A. Peterson

2012-01-30T11:00:00.000-06:00

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:1-5 ESV

The Word is logos and "it conveys the notion of divine self-expression or speech and has a rich OT background. God's Word is effective: God speaks, and things come in to being, and by speech he relates personally to his people." ESV Study Bible Crossway, study notes, page 2019.
God has expressed himself through and in his Son Jesus. Jesus is "the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us." John 1:14 ESV

This begins our study of Salvation Accomplished By The Son the Work of Christ!

The introduction is an important starting point on what the author calls, "our journey." I love it that he invited us; we are not perceived as faceless reader's, but as fellow travelers on this journey to study Christ. In the introduction the author Robert Peterson is straight to the point in giving his reasons for writing this lengthy book. He tells us why we should read this book. He especially makes a point to tell us that Christ's death and resurrection is still debated, and as believer's in Him we should understand and "know" what we believe. The author believes this book can guide us in to knowing Christ's work more fully.

The book is divided in to 2 parts:
Part 1: Events, Jesus' Saving Events
Part 2: Pictures, Pictures of Jesus' Saving Events

In Part 1 the author looks at 9 important areas of Jesus' saving events, they are:
1. Christs' Incarnation
2. Christ's Sinless Life
3. Christ's Death
4. Christ's Resurrection
5. Christ's Ascension
6. Christ's Session
7. Christ's Pentecost
8. Christ's Intercession
9. Christ's Second Coming

In Part 2 he gives 6 pictures of Jesus' Saving Events, they are:
10. Christ Our Reconciler
11. Christ Our Redeemer
12. Christ Our Legal Substitute
13. Christ Our Victor
14. Christ Our Second Adam
15. Christ Our Sacrifice

I have chosen 1 chapter from each part to review.

From Part 1, Chapter 7 Pentecost~~~
~~~The definition of Pentecost is fiftieth. It was celebrated 50 days after Passover. This was the Feast of Weeks; see Deuteronomy 16:10, Leviticus 23:15-16; or the Feast of Harvest, see Exodus 23-16.
Pentecost in the New Testament and for Christian's is known as the point when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Church, see Acts chapter 2. Jesus had promised to send His Spirit, the helper; see Luke 24:49; John 14:25-26, 15:26 and Acts 1:8. Definition summarized from Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary.
Robert A. Peterson explains that the "world" system is indifferent to, and does not believe in, something they cannot see. I find this interesting considering how many ghost movies and shows there are. But the "world" believes in what they can see, touch, and define by our senses. Thus the Holy Spirit is rejected as nonsense.
The Holy Spirit at Pentecost in chapter 2 of Acts was poured out, breathed out, on the apostles that were gathered together, and on the Church.
Robert A. Peterson states, "His breathing on the disciples in John 20:22 while saying, 'receive the Holy Spirit' symbolically predicts their reception of the Spirit at Pentecost. His breathing on them recalls God's breathing into Adam the breath of life, Genesis 2:7. Christ's action thus portrays Pentecost as the beginning of the new creation of God in the Church."
The word breath is pneuma in Greek. "Jesus uses pneuma twice: once for wind or air, and once for the Spirit." Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary.
Peterson explains, "God sent a mighty wind to indicate that He was about to pour out the Holy wind of God upon the Apostles."
"The sound of the wind signaled the arrival of the Spirit, who makes the dead alive. The wind was the breath of God, breathed into the new humanity."---quote used in book and taken from Dennis Johnson.
The Holy Spirit equipped the disciples for the ministry, and the Holy Spirit equips the Church which is us for the ministry.
~~~This was my favorite chapter in the book. I read it twice. I felt Robert A. Peterson stated his points perfectly. The reason I chose to read it twice is it is a deep deep book, I wanted to make sure that what I'd read soaked in.
Peterson addressed the "world" at large as well as the Christian community. He stated a fact that the "world" which is the cosmos does not accept Jesus' death, burial, resurrection. They reject the Holy Spirit, they believe it is a bunch of hullabaloo. It was important to bring this to our attention because as Christians we cannot live in a bubble, so to speak, we must work and live amongst people that are hostile to Jesus. In understanding a bit more, not only in how the "world" thinks, but also know more about what Scripture states we will better be able to encounter them in a different way other than by avoidance or judgmental attitude. The "world" may not believe as we do, but they are certainly watching.
I had not yet known or was not listening before I read this book, that, "Pentecost was a proclamation of the new covenant because Scripture sets Pentecost over against the giving of the law at Mt. Sinai. The new covenant supersedes the old. Pentecost publicly marks the transition from the old to the new covenant." I thought that Christ's death on the cross was that pivotal point.

From Part 2, Chapter 14 Christ Our Second Adam~~~
~~~"Definition-The second Adam is the NT picture of Christ's saving work in which, through His 'one act of righteousness" He restores humankind's lost glory, honor and rule over the earth." See Romans 5:18. See 1 Corinthians 15 to read more about Christ Our Second Adam.
Peterson believes "this point is the most neglected of the 6 pictures of Christ's saving work."
I'm glad Peterson taught on Jesus' temptation in the desert. The first Adam had been tempted in the garden, and he had failed. Jesus was tempted in the desert three times and he passed at each point.
Peterson shows the Second Adam in Paul's epistles. The Second Adam is seen in Hebrews Scriptures as well, see chapter 2:5-10.
~~~This chapter on Christ Our Second Adam was rich in explaining the first Adam's failure, penalty of death, and our need for the saving redeeming work of Christ Jesus.
~~~At the end of each of his chapters he wraps up nicely summarizing what he'd written and we'd learned.
In the second part this wrap-up section is detailed; for example he gives not just a definition, but texts used, background, and relation to other doctrines.
I've noticed that as a writer Peterson is personable, approachable; he is not a dry monotone theological writer. I appreciated this so much!
This is a book that I felt was written for the Christian community, not just for pastor's, or theologians, or those of academic background.
Much of what was written about I knew, but I feel I now have a more solidity of bedrock after reading this book.
The last chapter in the book is geared to define Calvinist belief or Reformed teaching. The title is The Extent of the Atonement, listed as an Appendix. They believe in limited atonement rather than unlimited atonement. Another words they believe Christ died for only certain people, not for all. They explain several Scriptures and I felt they stated their case well, except for 1 important Scripture that they are stumped on. I appreciated it that he was honest on this point.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 ESV

Thank you to Crossway for my free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Robert A. Peterson (PhD, Drew University) is professor of systematic theology at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He is the author and editor of numerous books and articles, including The Glory of God and The Deity of Christ.

Published by Crossway November 30, 2011
Christian Non-Fiction/Systematic Theology/Christology
624 pages

Link @ Publisher:
http://www.crossway.org/books/salvation-accomplished-by-the-son-case/
Hardcover $40.00
eBook $11.99

Link @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Salvation-Accomplished-Son-Work-Christ/dp/1433507609/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327859942&sr=1-1
Hardcover $25.86
Kindle $7.99

Link @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/salvation-accomplished-son-the-work-christ/robert-peterson/9781433507601/pd/507601?product_redirect=1&Ntt=507601&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP
Hardcover $25.49
eBook $9.59

Robert A. Peterson is a co-editor of the Theology in Community Series with Christopher W. Morgan
The Kingdom of God available August 2012
The Deity of Christ
The Glory of God
Suffering and the Goodness of God

To read my review of The Deity of Christ:
http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com/2011/07/book-review-deity-of-christ-edited-by.html

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

2012-01-29T11:04:00.002-06:00

Good Sunday to you!
I've had a busy past week with my dad that lives with me and I care for. He has had a large boil on his chin. I took him to an urgent care clinic last week, they lanced it, bandaged it up, and dad is on 2 antibiotics. This morning it looks much much better and we are both relieved.
Pray he will continue with good recovery.

During the past week, and I'm still reading along in Professor Grant Horner's Bible Reading System, although I've read ahead in some books of the Bible.

Currently I've read through:
Genesis 29
Judges 5
Psalm 29
Isaiah 29
Mark 1
1 Corinthians 12

The books of the Bible I finished reading during the past week:
Joshua (24 chapters) on January 24
Job (42 chapters) on January 29
Proverbs (31 chapters) on January 29
Ecclesiastes (12 chapters) on January 29
Song of Solomon (8 chapters) on January 29
Matthew (28 chapters) on January 29
Acts (28 chapters) on January 29
James (5 chapters) on January 21
1 Peter (5 chapters) on January 29

I do not plan to re-read the following books this year:
Job
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon

This means I'm changing up the Bible Reading System. As I progress and finish out other Bible books I'll decide which ones I want to re-read again. You can count on me to definitely re-read the New Testament and possibly some of the Old Testament books.

Starting on February 1st I'll read Hebrews again, for the 2nd time.

I'm still reading the Common English Bible for my daily Bible readings and I'm loving it! Easy to read and understand.

Coming soon a review on a heavy heavy theology book, Salvation Accomplished By The Son The Work of Christ by Robert A. Peterson.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Not In The Heart by Chris Fabry

2012-01-28T13:09:00.001-06:00

This is the fourth book I've read of Chris Fabry's. In each of his books (all well-written) his main character's are "different," even controversial, certainly
stimulating, and leaves the reader long after the book is finished still thinking and pondering them. Not In The Heart is in line with my before hand statement.
Truman Wiley is not a likable character, and that's an understatement. He has a lengthy list of character traits that are intolerable. He is not a malicious character. He is lost. He is like a sheep without a shepherd. Please read Matthew 9:36 and John 10. Truman is addicted to gambling. In this spiraling out of control addiction he has just about lost everything he'd had. Truman's teenage son Aiden is in the hospital with a sick heart. He is waiting for a heart transplant. The donor is Terrelle Conley, a man on death row that proclaims he is innocent. Truman has an older daughter Abigail. Abigail is a wounded little bird, yet veils it by a mask of sarcasm and anger. Truman's wife Ellen is long on patience and long-suffering. She is trying desperately to hold it all together.
Not In The Heart, tries to tell several themes in one book: gambling addiction, marital difficulty, family dysfunction, death penalty, organ donation, political fraud, murder, journalism, job loss, broken relationships, family of prisoner's, and parents of terminally ill children. This is a heavy, heavy story. From the first page to the last there is no pause for lightheartedness, except maybe in the sarcastic dialogue from Truman and or his daughter Abigail. To me, Truman is a pathetically sad character. From the first point of my introduction to him, I did not feel his developing story would end well.

I know, you want to know if I like it. Yes and no. I'll explain.
What I liked:
1. I felt that the story digs deep in showing a person addicted. It shows the out of control life of a person that "thinks" they've got "it" under control. We see, as the reader that their full of it, literally. They are blind to their drug of choice, and Truman's drug was gambling. We also through this story see Truman's addictions affect on his family. His family has now developed through what has happened with him, their own problems, not to mention anxieties, fears, anger.
2. I felt the story did justice (no pun intended) in bringing out what family members go through when they have a loved one on death row.
3. The book brought to light the need for more organ donor's and our feelings about where these donation's come from.
What I did not like:
Only 1 thing I not like about this book. It's too heavy, too weighty, too much to digest. After reading this book I felt like I had eaten too big of a meal. One theme alone would have been heavy, such as addressing gambling addiction, or addressing death row and or death penalty.

I felt the author wanted by the end of the story for some redeeming good to come out of Truman's life. That Truman would in the end make a responsible decision. Of course I can't tell you the end, that would spoil it for you.

I've been asked to share what Truman has been in my life. I have to be careful about answering this question because I have family that reads my blog reviews. It is a deeply personal and private question; although I understand that it can be a testimony to help other people.
There have been several Truman's in my life: in my own family growing up, in the family that I married in to, including the man I married. Early in my marriage that addiction ended, although it will be something that for the rest of his life he will need to stay vigilante in prayer about. As far as the family I married in to, multiple addictions are rampant down to the generations that have been born since I married over 29 years ago. Few see themselves in the light of Christ. They are lost. They are indifferent, and since they associate with people who do the same thing they do, there is no chance for an encounter with the One who gave His life for them. The few times I see them they are uncomfortable with me, we're friendly, but I perceive they just don't know what to say to me, because I'm the Bible thumper the goody-two-shoes. If they only knew how much I love them and how much I've prayed for them. More importantly if they only knew how much Jesus loved them. At this point they don't care, but that does not mean I stop praying. My job is to pray for them and when opportunities arise I talk to them. I try to be very, very conscious of not coming across as being judgmental, instead I want to be approachable. I will be held accountable as well. I too am imperfect and in need of God's grace. The most difficult Truman in my life is my brother James. I don't have an answer for him, as I don't know what exactly what his problem is or probably multiple problems. I know he has a history of alcohol and drug addiction. I know he shows mental health problems. He eventually burns every relationship he has. At this time he has no car, not even a bicycle, no money and maybe no job, he would be homeless if not for a few others he keeps on a leash. He and I have not spoken since January 2007. At our mother's funeral March 2008 he would not acknowledge me, he did not look at me, he did not speak to me, he would not speak or look at my husband or children. This hurt, more so than peering in to our mother's casket at her lifeless body. At one time James and I were close, but define close, if he needs you for something he will keep in contact, if not, he drops you and it is always your fault or no explanation is ever given. I'll keep praying, keep hoping, keep trusting in Jesus that waits patiently for James to come home.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy for free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to
Tyndale House Publishers and B and B Media Group Inc.

The release month for this book coincides with National Organ Donor Day on February 14, 2012.
See link:
http://organdonor.gov/index.html

During the week of March 4-10, 2012, The National Council on Problem Gambling will be observing Problem Gambling Awareness Week.
See link:
http://www.ncpgambling.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1
Published by Tyndale House Publishers Official Release Date February 1, 2012
Christian Fiction/Organ Donation/Gambling/Redemption/Family Dysfunction/Death Row/Prison
418 pages

Link for author:
http://chrisfabry.com/
You can view the book trailer on his site.
Chris Fabry won The Christy Award for Dogwood 2009, and Almost Heaven 2011. He won Christian Book award for Almost Heaven 2011.
My review for Almost Heaven:
http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com/2010/10/book-review-almost-heaven-by-chris.html
I predicted in the review that he would win big for his book, Almost Heaven.
My review for June Bug:
http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com/2009/10/review-dogwood.html

Link @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Not-Heart-Chris-Fabry/dp/1414348614/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327769672&sr=1-1
Paperback $10.98
Kindle $9.99

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: A Passion Redeemed, The Daughters of Boston Book 2 by Julie Lessman

2012-01-28T10:30:00.000-06:00

Charity O'Connor is the main character in A Passion Redeemed. She is a young woman, just barely out of her teens. Most of her family has emigrated to Boston in America. Charity has stayed in Dublin, Ireland with her grandmother. The time period is on the cusp of World War I 1918-1919. Charity has an older sister Faith. Charity and Faith have had a difficult relationship since they were young children, and since book one in this series they are not speaking. Charity is bold, careless, demanding, calculating, manipulative, passionate, voracious, fiery, temperamental, does not think but reacts, and beautiful. She has set her goal, and throughout this book it is the thrust, of marrying Mitch Dennehy. Mitch is a more mature aged man, a journalist, a man that has a past history of loving women a little too much. Mitch understands his weakness, especially for Charity, he fights his lust and desire, but his fire is rekindled in her presence. Charity uses this reaction to her advantage every time. Throughout the book I kept waiting for the train wreck (so to speak) to happen. By Charity's careless determining efforts I just knew she was headed for a disastrous outcome. At no point was she willing to be patient, but wanted to be in control of the process and finished result.

I did not read book 1 in this series nor book 3. I'll probably pass on both. Before I tell you whether I liked or disliked this book, I'll let you know I've read a few heavy books lately, and am currently reading a heavy book. This I believe is the main reason I did not like or care for this book, A Passion Redeemed. I just finished reading Chris Fabry's new book Not In The Heart, which is about organ donation, death row, family dysfunction, gambling. Also I just read a heavy and deep theological book, Salvation Accomplished By The Son The Work of Christ by Robert A. Peterson. I am currently reading a non-fiction book for review on my blog @ Impressions In Ink, entitled, The Great Influenza by John M. Barry. This book is the same time period as A Passion Redeemed, but it is about the influenza that killed millions of people in the world just as World War I is finishing. I'm also watching every Sunday night Downton Abbey on PBS. As you've guessed my mind was already on the time period of Edwardian and World War I, so reading a fiction book about a supercilious and flibbertigibbet young woman got on my nerves. The books main thrust and theme is in Charity and Mitch's dialogue, and their confrontations of desire and trying to snuff it out. Charity's family back in Boston is brought in to the story in brief moments, especially worth noticing is that in the beginning of the book, Charity is referred to as "stubborn, wild, and hard to reach." I do believe the author has written a book on the errors of trying to live life on our own terms, and that disastrous results happen when we leave God out of our lives. Charity did not want to weaken herself by believing in God. She wanted to be the master of her own life. Mitch on the other hand has become a believer in Jesus, yet he is desperately grasping to God to help him leave his old self and its desires behind; unfortunately Charity keeps making her presence known in Mitch's life. So, even though I did not care for this book, it does have redeeming thoughts and teachings in story. This book did get great reviews according to Amazon, but it was me that did not like it.

Published September 2008 by Revell A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 480 pages
Christian Fiction/Love Story/Ireland/Early 20th Century

Link for book @ publisher:
http://www.revellbooks.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&tier=3&id=5B6E9DB421A54F259A5ACF33B231EF1D
For another review:
http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/2008/08/review-passion-redeemed-by-julie.html
Authors site:
http://www.julielessman.com/
Link @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Passion-Redeemed-Daughters-Boston-Book/dp/080073212X
Paperback $10.98
Kindle $9.99

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Never The Same, The Untold Story of One Soldier's Personal Encounter With a Suicide Bomber by B.C. Fleming

2012-01-25T11:41:00.000-06:00

"Because we believe in a cause higher than self, we chose to serve our country fully understanding that this service could result in our death. Few who have never served their country will ever understand a soldier's heart." General H. Norman Schwarzkopf

B.C. Fleming or Brian, made the decision to enlist in the Army during his senior year in high school. After high school graduation, he was in basic training in Georgia, then sent to South Korea for his first duty station with the 2nd Infantry Division----Second To None!

2nd Infantry Division Indian Head Insignia

He "served as a machine gunner in a Mechanized Infantry platoon. Brian felt that this period of training shaped his life." After he "returned back to the United States he was assigned to 10th Mountain Division, 4th Brigade at Fort Polk, Louisiana and was in a Scout/Sniper Platoon as a Team Leader." Brian shares his training with the 10th Mountain Division. He shares how he met and fell in love with his wife Jamie. Shortly after their wedding he was deployed to Afghanistan.

10th Mountain Division Insignia

Brian shares the emotional trauma of leaving his wife and life as he'd known it. Yet, until combat and war is experienced first hand there is still an innocence about it all. After arriving in Afghanistan Brian travels to his Forward Operating Base where he'll be stationed. Brian shares his experiences of patrols, the enemies tactics, the villages and terrain of Afghanistan, and what he learned quickly about combat operations such as not becoming separated from your unit. It is a daily battle in fighting the enemy and in fighting one's morale. About mid-way through the book Brian shares the defining day of his tour in Afghanistan, July 24, 2006. This was when a suicide bomber detonated a bomb that radically changed Brian's life course. Later in the book his wife Jamie shares her story. Also included are several black and white photographs of his tour in Afghanistan, as well as his vehicle and his own injuries after the blast. Brian shares his work currently with books he's written, and speaking engagements. His goal is to speak to the American people about his story, and to give back to them his gratefulness for their prayers and support.

I'm so grateful to Brian for sharing his story. He brushes off anyone telling him he is a hero. So I'll state emphatically that I'm proud of him!
Never The Same is a powerful story. When Brian writes about his patrols, the reader is there. When he writes of his injuries and recovery, the reader is there along side him. The book is not a large reading book and the type font is large and easy to read. I feel this is a great book to pass on to a person that may not be a heavy reader. This is definitely a book to pass on to a person that was, or is in the military, or to family members of those in the military. Brian is straight to the point in his story. It is dramatic and raw, my emotions brought tears.

Brian wrote about his own mom that prayed for him. She "just knew" when something was not right and that she was to pray for Brian. I can relate to this, actually I can relate on several points in this book.

This is the first book I've read on the War on Terror, or Operation Enduring Freedom. The reason is because my own son served with 4th Infantry Division in Iraq. David was a driver, loader, gunner on an M 1 Abrams Tank. David had 2 tours in Iraq, 2003, 2005-2006. David was in the Army over 5 years and in the National Guard for 3. He is currently in college. He has severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I have shared this because it is difficult for me to read books about this period of our life. It transports me back to all the unknowns, fears, anxiety, sleepless nights, holidays without David, an empty seat at the dinner table, a Christmas gift unopened, a granddaughter that does not understand where daddy is, constant negative news, and people who share their opinions about the war with no regard for others feelings. But, this was also a time period where my prayer life grew hundred-fold, I learned to pray and hold, I learned to trust by faith in the unseen presence of God in that He is sovereign no matter what happened to David, I also learned to pray for the enemy. I can state the hardest thing that I've ever prayed for is for God's will, that no matter what happens to David I will still worship the Lord and I will still trust in God my Savior.
My own dad was in the 2nd Infantry Division during World War II. Daddy is a D-day Veteran and a Veteran of the Battle of the Bulge. My paternal grandfather was in World War I. In my family at least going back to the 1600's, their have been many generations of men who were willing to sacrifice their lives for our nation---for freedom; and many generations of women who prayed.

Published by Fleming Continuing Education Programs B.C. Fleming 2011, 170 Pages
Non-Fiction/Military/Afghanistan/War on Terror/Army

Press Release from B and B Media Group:
http://www.tbbmedia.com/newsite/include/PRelease.asp?PID=620

For another review:
http://thoughtsofasojourner.blogspot.com/2012/01/never-same-by-bc-fleming.html

Authors website:
http://blownupguy.com/

Thank you to B and B Media Group and B.C. Fleming for my free review copy!

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

2012-01-23T08:02:00.001-06:00

Yes, I know I am writing this on Monday morning, but yesterday got away from me before I had a chance to finish The Sunday Salon post.

Yesterday I finished day 22 on the Professor Horner's Bible Reading System. I'm not new to daily reading through the Bible in a year, and I was not looking to do something different other than the same way I was comfortable with in reading the Bible. Yet, I'd heard about this system on Tim Challies blog, as well as on Facebook, so I thought I'd give it a try. For the first 18 days I thought this system was okay, I persevered onward trying to keep my commitment. Reading from 10 different places in the Bible seemed to be too much. But an interesting thing happened about day 18, I really had grown to like this system! I have to admit I was surprised by my change of heart. There is something extra special about saturating my mind and spirit with 10 different chapters of Bible readings. I also have noticed how often what I read in 1 chapter will parallel with what I read in another chapter. This has also happened with what I'm reading in my BSF material, and yesterdays church sermon. Because many of the books in the Bible will be read more than once; I'm not crazy about reading Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, or Job several times this year. Once per book maybe all I'll do. I could though have a change of heart again!

I finished reading 1 and 2 Timothy, 1 and 2 Thessalonian, Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews on January 13.
I finished James on January 21.
I had finished Romans on January 16.

Today I'll be reading:
Genesis chapter 23, Joshua chapter 23, Job chapter 23, Psalm chapter 23, Proverbs chapter 23, Isaiah chapter 23, Matthew chapter 23, Acts chapter 23, 1 Corinthians chapter 7, 1 Peter chapter 1.

In BSF our reading and questions this week are from 2 Thessalonian. I've read 1 and 2 Thessalonian twice per book so far, once for BSF and once for the reading system.

I have a review coming up this week on a book that I highly recommend you read, Never The Same by B. C. Fleming. It is about a combat soldiers personal story with a suicide bomber.

Hope your week will be great!
Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

In Book One, The Swiss Courier, the reader was introduced to Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler. They work for the Swiss OSS
(Office of Strategic Services) as agents. Gabi's father is American and her mother is Swiss. Gabi and her family have made Switzerland their home. During World War II Switzerland remained neutral. American forces worked with the OSS as an espionage intelligence group---a forerunner of the CIA. In the Swiss Courier Gabi and Eric meet and develop strong feelings for each other while working a case.
In Chasing Mona Lisa, Gabi and Eric, are sent to Paris, France in August 1944, in order to stop a German heist of stealing a valuable piece of artwork, the famous Mona Lisa painting. Many pieces of artwork had already been stolen and taken back to Germany.
In Chasing Mona Lisa we are also introduced to other characters: Bernard Rousseau a French resistance fighter, and Colette Perriard that works at the Louvre. Bernard and Colette are a couple. Also, Antoine Celeste, a man bent on revenge.

In my posted review of The Swiss Courier I disliked the front cover. I felt it was too perfect, that the woman on the front cover with her pouty red lips and flawless skin and blond hair-----was Disney like perfect.
I noticed on the front cover of Chasing Mona Lisa a 360 was done, in that it shows a man (blurred image) running. The front cover shows intrigue, physical action. Much better. I approve. I approve because most Christian Fiction front covers are of lovely women. It is a "breath of fresh air" to see something more creative. There are 3 strong male characters in the book. I'm hoping male readers will give this book a try.
I have to admit I loved the character's of Bernard and Collete more than Gabi and Eric. I don't dislike Gabi and Eric, please don't think that. But Bernard and Colette are quickly perceived by me as being more real, raw, flawed, dimensional. Their character's were intriguing and held a bit of mystery. I felt both of them had something to hide, of course until the end of the book I was curious to know what that was.
Gabi and Eric are a little too squeaky clean, a little too not a hair out of place. There is no mystery in them, nothing that peaks my interest in keeping up with what is in their dialogue or storyline.
What I most liked about this book (yes I did really like it even after what I stated in the above sentence about Gabi and Eric.)
1. The characters are put to the limit in what they are capable of doing when in a life or death situation. Then, they later ponder if they can be that brave or courageous again.
2. I was given a good idea of what it was like during the occupation of Nazi Germany. I was also given a front row seat in the excitement and joy of knowing liberation was near!
3. I was given a little history I'd not known, about Nazi Germany stealing artwork from France and other countries that they occupied.
4. A short history lesson is given on the Mona Lisa painting, as well as the history of what happened to it during the war (see: To The Reader and Acknowledgments in book).
I would love to see a book 3, but with maybe something more mysterious unpredictable or grabbing (so to speak) from Gabi and Eric.

Picture taken in Paris by my Dad in May 1945. The camera used to take these photographs was taken from a German soldier that my dad had taken as prisoner. Dad said the German soldier did not want to give it to him, but dad said, "he didn't really need it."

Taken by Dad also May 1945---Eiffel Tower and Seine River in Paris, France.

My dad at Eiffel Tower, the war is over!

Published by Revell Books January 1, 2012
Christian Fiction/World War II/France Occupation/Nazi Germany/Art

I received this book for free from LitFuse Group and Revell Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Link for blog tour @ LitFuse Group:
http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13449999

My previous review of Book 1 The Swiss Courier:
http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com/2011/02/book-review-swiss-courier-by-tricia.html

Link for book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/chasing-mona-lisa-tricia-goyer/9780800720469/pd/720469?product_redirect=1&Ntt=720469&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP
Paperback $9.99
eBook $9.69

Link for book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Mona-Lisa-Tricia-Goyer/dp/0800720466/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327159727&sr=1-1
Paperback $11.99
Kindle $8.99

Chasing Mona Lisa website

For a reading group guide:
http://www.readinggroupguides.com/guides_C/chasing_mona_lisa1.asp

Tricia Goyer is the coauthor of The Swiss Courier as well as the author of many other books, including Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights, both past winners of the ACFW's Book of the Year Award for Long Historical Romance. Goyer lives with her family in Arkansas. For more about Tricia and her other books visitwww.triciagoyer.com

Mike Yorkey is the author or coauthor of dozens of books, including The Swiss Courier and the bestselling Every Man's Battle series. Married to a Swiss native, Yorkey lived in Switzerland for 18 months. He and his family currently reside in California. For more about Mike and his other books visit www.mikeyorkey.com

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

2012-01-15T11:35:00.000-06:00

Good Sunday Morning to you!
Today was day 15 of Professor Grant Horner's Bible Reading System. Currently, and according to the plan I'm reading in at 10 different places in the Bible, I have read so far: Genesis the first 15 chapters, Joshua the first 15 chapters, Job first 15 chapters, Psalm first 15 chapters, Proverbs the first 15 chapters, Isaiah also the first 15 chapters, Matthew first 15 chapters, Acts first 15 chapters, and Romans first 15 chapters. I've completed 1 and 2 Thessalonian, and 1 Timothy. I read ahead and finished 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon.
I've also finished reading Hebrews. This is the first time completed for this year. I plan to read through Hebrews once every month in 2012, for total of 12 times, all in different translations.
All the above readings have been in the Common English Bible.
Are you familiar with the Common English Bible version? The three Bibles I use most often are the NIV Study Bible (2008 edition), ESV Study Bible, NASB Study Bible. When I first started reading from the Common English Bible I was not sure I'd grow to like it, but I have. It is a great Bible for daily reading. The reading is easy, the wording is in our common speech pattern for today. So I am able to read through the passages quite quickly and smoothly. In order to give you a better idea of the variation in translations I'll give you an example from one of my favorite passages in Scripture.
All the examples are from Romans 8:26-30

From Common English Bible---2011:
"In the same way, the Spirit comes to help our weakness. We don't know what we should pray, but the Spirit itself pleads our case with unexpressed groans. The one who searches hearts knows how the Spirit thinks, because it pleads for the saints, consistent with God's will. We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. We know this because God knew them in advance, and he decided in advance that they would be conformed to the image of his Son. That way his Son would be the first of many brothers and sisters. Those who God decided in advance would be conformed to his Son, he also called. Those whom he called, he also made righteous. Those whom he made righteous, he also glorified."

From NIV---Zondervan 2008:
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified, those he justified, he also glorified."

From ESV Study Bible---Crossway 2008:
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

From NASB The MacArthur Study Bible---Thomas Nelson 2006
"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified and these whom He justified, He also glorified."

For those of you knew to my blog I am in Bible Study Fellowship International, or BSF. This is my tenth year in this phenomenal study. For 2011/2012 are study is The Acts of the Apostles. We just finished Acts chapters 15-18. This week our study jumps to 1 Thessalonian. This means some of the same Bible reading I've done for the Professor Grant Horner's Bible Reading System I am re-reading for my BSF study.

How do I feel about this Bible reading plan by Grant Horner? So far it's okay. Just okay. I do like the Facebook page dedicated to the reading plan, because we encourage each other and we share what the Lord is teaching us. I don't like the speediness of the Bible reading. I don't like reading in 10 different places at one time. Yet, I plan to stick it out at least for a few months.

I have 4 book reviews coming up:
Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey
The Sound of Red Returning by Sue Duffy
Never The Same by B.C. Fleming
Salvation Accomplished By The Son The Work Of Christ by Robert A. Peterson

Praying your Sunday will be a joy!

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Deliver Me From Evil, Freedom Series Book 1 by Kathi Macias

2012-01-11T08:06:00.000-06:00

Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day--January 11, 2012

Abolition: the act or process of abolishing or being abolished.
Abolitionist: one who favors the abolition of a practice or institution, esp. of capital punishment or slavery.
Slave: a person who is the legal property of another or others and is bound to absolute obedience; a human chattel. A drudge; a person working very hard. A helpless victim of some dominating influence.
Slavery, bondage, captivity, servitude, imprisonment, confinement, duress, oppression, repression, subjugation, domination, yoke, restraint, fetters, shackles, chains, bonds, irons.
Definitions from Oxford Pocket American Dictionary of Current English
and The Synonym Finder J. I. Rodale

UNICEF "reports that across the world, there are over one million children entering the sex trade every year and that approximately 30 million children have lost their childhood through sexual exploitation over the past 30 years." Quote from Lisa L. Thompson's testimony, for further reading read link below for Human Trafficking.
See also link for UNICEF further figures:
http://www.unicef.org/indonesia/Factsheet_CSEC_trafficking_Indonesia.pdf

Links for more information:
http://www.humantrafficking.org/events/64
There are four available downloads of testimonies. I downloaded, printed, and read Lisa L. Thompson's testimony.
http://breakingchains.ning.com/
"Fight for the freedom of innocent children who have been subjected to the chains of bondage through prostitution, abuse, and trafficking." From Breaking Chains Website
http://notinmytown.net/

Published by New Hope Publishers 2011
320 pages
Christian Fiction

Link @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/deliver-me-from-evil-freedom/kathi-macias/9781596693067/pd/693067?product_redirect=1&Ntt=693067&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP
Paperback $10.99

Author links:
http://kathimacias.com/
http://www.christianspeakersservices.com/kathi-macias---christian-speaker--author.html
http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com/

Kathi Macias has written a brave, sobering, frightening story of child sex trafficking in America.
It is rare for me to read a book and feel so uncomfortable that I had a hard time keeping my seat. I often had to take a break and walk around the room, or house, or even leave my house in order to digest what I'd just read. This is a book that when the reader finishes the last page there can no longer be naivety or apathy; but instead propelled, to be an abolisher, and an abolitionist, and an advocate, for the safety of children!

Mara is a teenage girl living in the San Diego, California area. Mara was born in Mexico, and when she was a young girl her father sold her to be a slave in the sex trade. Mara, her name means bitter. A name that reflects her life. She only speaks when she is told to do so, her head is bowed in submission, she is only fed if she is obedient, her clothing is provocative, she sleeps when she is told she can. She has no freedom, her every move has limitations. She is a prisoner in a world where people use and abuse her body. They do not care if she lives another day except that they would loose out on making money off her body.
Chanthra a teenage girl lives in the Golden Triangle region of Thailand. She had been raised in a Christian home, but went to live with people who had promised her parents they'd care for her. Instead Chanthra is forced to be in the sex trade. Her owner gives her drugs to dull her painful life. She works a shift, sleeps, abuses drugs, works a shift, sleeps, abuses drugs. Her life is a horrific imprisonment.
Jonathon is a senior in high school. He lives in San Diego, California with his family. He will be going to Bible College in the fall. He knows it will make his parents happy if he goes to Bible College, yet he is unmotivated and unfocused on his life beyond baseball. In a chance encounter the world he thought he knew would be shaken and he would never be the same again.

This is a book I'll never forget. It was emotionally difficult for me to read what these young girls endured, yet awareness is the first step in stopping this horrifying reality.
Kathy has written several books with themes that bring to light and break barriers against culture, prejudice, and abuse. She writes on themes that many people not only won't talk about, but they don't believe are really happening.
Mara and Chanthra were forced in to an enslaved existence. Each moment that ticks slowly by is with the foremost thought of survival. Kathy Macias has written so realistically of their suffrage and pain that my skin prickles.
The slave owner's conversations, actions, and persona is written candidly. Their putridness nearly trickled out of the pages of the book.

Weaved in to this story is a common theme in Kathi's books, the power of prayer. The Holy Spirit's prompting in Christian's to pray for others, including other people we have never met or known.
This must have been a difficult book to give birth to. In writing it Kathi must have felt exhausted at times.
Book Two in the Freedom Series is---Special Delivery--available early March.
http://www.amazon.com/Special-Delivery-Freedom-Kathi-Macias/dp/159669307X/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1326283834&sr=8-9

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

2012-01-08T10:23:00.002-06:00

Good Sunday morning to you!
If you are new to my blog, The Sunday Salon, is a post where I give my readers an update on the previous weeks Bible reading.
It is also a keen way for me to be accountable.
Through Becky @ Operation Actually Read Bible she is hosting a Perpetual Bible Reading Challenge, and Operation Deepen Faith Challenge.
A few links for more information:
http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com/p/getting-started.html
http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com/2008/01/do-you-want-to-join-me.html
http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com/2011/12/sign-up-for-2012-operation-deepen-faith.html
I have committed to reading through the whole Bible this year, reading Hebrews 12 times in 12 different translations, and in reading all of the New Testament during the week before Easter.

I am doing something a little different in 2012. Instead of making a list of all of the OT and NT books, and as I read them they are crossed off my list. I stumbled across, through Tim Challies website, a new Bible reading system (new to me.) Professor Grant Horner's Bible Reading System.
http://www.challies.com/site-news/resources-for-the-3650-challenge http://www.scribd.com/doc/12349985/Professor-Grant-Horners-Bible-Reading-System
There is also a Facebook page for participants to be able to encourage and be held accountable to each other.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/210696269012642/
In Professor Grant Horner's Bible Reading System you read from ten different places in the Bible everyday, one chapter from each of these ten places. It begins with reading from Genesis, Joshua, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, Matthew, Acts, Romans, 1 Thessalonians. I printed out a sheet from the above link at Scribd.com where I have little book marks to place in my Bible. By reading from ten places in the Bible, "every year you'll read through all the Gospels four times, the Pentateuch twice, Paul's letters 4-5 times each, the OT wisdom literature six times, all the Psalms at least twice, all the Proverbs as well as Acts a dozen times, and all the way through the OT History and Prophetic books about 1 1/2 times."
By using this system not only do you read through the Bible more than one time during a year, but you familiarize yourself with Scripture sections, how the OT and NT correlate, and by reading from several different sections at one time the monotony is squelched.
So far I've kept up with the daily readings. I have to admit reading from 10 different places is a challenge. It's also a challenge to read the Bible fast. Instructions for this system is that we are to not speed read the Bible, but to read at least moderately fast. We are not to take time to look at cross-references, nor daddle over words we don't understand, just keep moving on with our reading. This I dislike------the fast pace.
It is going to be a challenge for me to read this system, plus read Hebrews twelve times this year, plus keep up with Bible Study Fellowship's study of The Acts of the Apostles.
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:17

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Revisiting The Corruption Of The New Testament, Manuscript, Patristic, and Apocryphal Evidence by Daniel B. Wallace Editor

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

"This inaugural volume of the Text and Cannon of the New Testament series includes essays by six authors. All of the chapters focus on the issues in textual criticism-in particular, how badly the scribes, who copied their exemplars by hand, corrupted the text. All but one of the chapters deals specifically with NT textual criticism; one addresses textual issues related to an early apocryphal text, the Gospel of Thomas." From the Preface, page 9.

The titles of the chapters and authors are as follows:
Chapter 1--Lost in Transmission: How Badly Did the Scribes Corrupt the New Testament Text? by Daniel B. Wallace
Chapter 2--The Least Orthodox Reading Is To Be Preferred: A New Canon for New Testament Textual Criticism? by Philip M. Miller
Chapter 3--The Legacy Of A Letter: Sabellianism or Scribal Blunder in John 1.1c? by Matthew P. Morgan
Chapter 4--Patristic Theology And Recension In Matthew 24:36: An Evaluation of Ehrman's Text-Critical Methodology by Adam G. Messer
Chapter 5--Tracking Thomas: A Text-Critical Look at the Transmission of the Gospel of Thomas by Tim Ricchuiti
Chapter 6--Jesus As Theos: Textual Examination by Brian J. Wright

Each of the above contributing authors were apart of Dr. Daniel B. Wallace's ThM program at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Each of the chapters were analyzed under "peer review."
"All five chapters address directly or indirectly, issues raised in Bart Ehrman's
The Orthodox Corruption of Scripture, a monumental work that has raised numerous questions about intentional corruption of the NT by proto-orthodox scribes in the early centuries."
Two Essays are on Matthew 24:36 and John 1:1. Another essay is on "whether the least orthodox reading is to be preferred." A fourth essay is on "the textual transmission of the Gospel of Thomas." And lastly a study on Jesus as Theos (θεός).

This was a challenging book for me to read. I faced the challenge head on, not mastering every detail, yet feeling deeply satisfied after finishing this heavy read.
It is easy, and maybe far to typical for a Christian to not want to read a book on Bible textual criticism. If I'd let myself maybe I would have felt the same.
"But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me." 2 Timothy 1:12 ESV
I did not finish this book feeling slighted, anxious, insecure, or "put-off." Instead I have a deeper belief in Scripture as God's treasured Word.
I felt each of the authors complimented each other. The book flows from one chapter to the next. Some of the chapters as explained above were on the same topic, each expressing their view from their own personality and teaching style.They were quick to lay out the reasoning behind their analysis, made their points clearly and understandably, each finished well with a closing remark on their end result after careful study.
I must admit the least attractive chapter to me was chapter 5 in looking "at the Transmission of the Gospel of Thomas." I am familiar with this book, but not curious to learn more. In this chapter there are comparisons between the Coptic of Thomas to the Greek fragments.
My favorite chapter was from Adam G. Messer, Chapter 4: Patristic Theology and Recension in Matthew 24:36. Messer gave a thorough and interesting teaching on the early false teachings of: Docetism, Sabellianism, Marcionism, Gnosticism. He also gave a lengthy list of the early church fathers, for example: Irenaeus of Lyon, Hippolytus of Rome, Origen of Alexandria, and Didymus the Blind. Messer gleaned information from research on what each of these men had to say about Matthew 24:36. Most of these early church fathers made a statement of what their belief was in their writings, I found this to be incredibly interesting.
It was while reading chapter 4 that I felt I'd finally grasped hold of the book.
It has been stated in other reviews that this is a book for the academic reading world. This is a fair statement. On the other hand, I am glad I read this book. This is a topic that has been of interest to me for a long time, as well as the history of the Bible period.
Even though this book was a challenge, I'm hoping in 2012 to read more books on this topic!

Thank you to Kregel for my free review copy in return for an honest review.
Kregel Book Tour December 26-30--2011

To read more info about Daniel B.Wallace:
http://www.dts.edu/about/faculty/dwallace/

To read more info about Bart Ehrman:
http://www.bartdehrman.com/

Link @ Publisher:
http://store.kregel.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=2225
Paperback $29.99
Available in PDF File for same price

Link @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Revisiting-Corruption-New-Testament-Manuscript/dp/082543338X
Paperback $19.79
Not available on Kindle

Link @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/revisiting-the-corruption-of-new-testament/9780825433382/pd/433381?product_redirect=1&Ntt=433381&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP
Paperback $17.99

Happy New Year!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

Me about 22 months old Christmas 1965.

Good Christmas Sunday to you!
Because our children are now grown men, my husband and I sleep-in Christmas morning. I remember many times though when we would be up late in to the night Christmas Eve putting together bicycles, or wagons, or other toys for our boys. Children grow up so fast, treasure these years with your little ones!
My sister and I chatted by phone recently and discussed the special memories we have of loved ones that are now in heaven. As we grow older, hopefully, we understand the brevity of life, and the specialness of shared times with our loved ones. I miss my mother so much especially during the holidays. Mother's birthday was on the 14th, she would have been 85.

First photograph of mother and I February 1964.

My mother had Alzheimer's for at least 18 years. I was 26 years old when she first started showing signs of this hideous disease. At 26 I was just a young woman. I am blessed, immeasurably blessed, to have had a loving, gracious, dedicated, faithful mother. Mother loved the Lord, and I know she and I will see each other again.
For those readers of my blog that are grieving over the death of a loved one, I am so sorry I know this time of the year is difficult. Please trust in Jesus, let Him comfort you, it does help.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 NIV

Our wedding day December 18, 1982.

Yes, I know we look like children. We were. I was 18 and Jeff was 19. We recently celebrated 29 years of marriage. A marriage that in the beginning had everything going against it. Except for One important factor, God.
He has been very gracious to us. Everything rests in Him and His work. I could give a long list of things Jeff and I both did that were wrong, but I won't. What matters is that at every turn God was there encouraging us to stay the course, keep the faith, don't give up. We are blessed, and more in love now than at the beginning all those years ago.
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 NIV

This years Christmas tree.

During the past 2 weeks I have read 1 and 2 Corinthians; 1, 2, 3 John; Jude; Revelation; and Acts 16-28.
I have completed the New Testament at least twice this year, some books 3 times. I finished the Old Testament last Spring, having started reading it in 2010. I also read Romans 10 times in 10 different translations this year.
For 2012 I'm hoping to read all the Bible in 1 year.
During Easter week I'll read all of the New Testament for a reading challenge.
I'm also planning to read Hebrews 12 times in 12 different translations.
There is a Bible Reading Challenge hosted by Tim Challies, the 3650 Challenge, they have a page on Facebook but you must be invited.
The 3650 Challenge is using Professor Horner Bible Reading System.
I'm also a member of Becky's Bible Reading Challenge entitled Operation Deepen Faith.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:16-17 NIV

I'm praying you will have a Joyous Christmas and a Deeper Walk with Jesus in 2012!

Merry Christmas!
Annette

Book Review: A Christmas Journey Home by Kathi Macias

2011-12-24T11:53:00.000-06:00

"While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom." Luke 2:6-7 Common English Bible

Isabella Alcantara is 7 months pregnant and lives in Encenada, Mexico with her husband Francisco. They make the desperate decision to leave after her parents and siblings are murdered by a drug related gang. Her abuelo (grandfather) hires with his own savings a "coyote" to take Isabella and Francisco across the border to America.
Miriam is a young widow and lives on 30 acres near the Mexican border with her young son Davey. Miriam's mother Carolyn is staying with her to help. Miriam is angry and bitter, her grief has not only swallowed her life but has affected her family. Davey is a perceptive boy. He watches closely his mother and grandmother, their emotions puzzle him, and he worries about them.
These people will be drawn together through circumstances that will culminate at Christmas.

I loved this story!
Kathi weaves a modern tale reminiscent of the first Christmas story.
Isabella and Francisco await the birth of their first child. In this child is all of their future hopes and dreams. They yearn to bring their child into a safer land away from the violence of their hometown. They leave their homeland on a long arduous journey, depending on humans to fulfill a promise.
Isabella's grandfather never ceases in praying for his granddaughter and her family and in praising his Savior. He prays with the belief that some how and in some way God will deliver them.
Miriam's soul stirs within her grieving heart. Each day she awakens she must urge herself out of bed to face another day without her husband.
Carolyn yearns to bring love and healing into her daughters home.
Young Davey that misses his father so much, just wishes his mother would come back to him as she was before.
Each of these characters are yearning with eager expectation for something that will put aside all of their hurts and fears. They are awaiting what only Jesus can give, peace.

"The angel said, Don't be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you-wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David's city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, Gory to God in heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favors." Luke 2:10-14 Common English Bible

Published by New Hope 2011--October
Link @ publisher:
http://www.newhopedigital.com/index.php/2011/07/a-christmas-journey-home/
Paperback $12.99
240 pages

Link @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/christmas-journey-home-miracle-the-manger/kathi-macias/9781596693289/pd/693280?product_redirect=1&Ntt=9781596693289&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCG
Paperback $6.99

http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com/
http://kathimacias.com/

For Kathi's newest book, Deliver Me From Evil, included first 2 chapters to read:
http://www.newhopedigital.com/index.php/2011/09/get-the-first-2-chapters-of-deliver-me-from-evil-human-trafficking-novel-free/

Merry Christmas!
Annette

Book Review: Four Devotionals I Read in 2011

2011-12-20T14:18:00.000-06:00

"Your statues are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart." Psalm 119:111

Do you have a daily devotional time? A quiet time with the Lord? Do you set aside time every day to read God's Word?
During this last bit of 2011 I'll be sharing with my reader's a few of the devotionals that I've read this year.
The Joy of My Heart by Anne Graham Lotz
Take My Heart, Oh God written by an accumulation of various well-known women author's
Daily Light for Everyday with Anne Graham Lotz, but originally written by Samuel Bagster in 1794
Our Daily Bread a devotional magazine by Radio Bible Class Ministries

The Joy of My Heart by Anne Graham Lotz
Published by J. Countryman a division of Thomas Nelson 2004
Hardcover
400 pages

Link for book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Joy-My-Heart-Meditating-Daily/dp/1404101160
Hardcover $11.24
Kindle $8.99

http://www.annegrahamlotz.com/store/product/joy-my-heart/
Hardcover $12.00

The Joy of My Heart is an accumulation of snippets from Anne Graham Lotz's books. The books are God's Story, My Heart's Cry, Just Give Me Jesus, The Vision of His Glory, Heaven: My Father's House, and Why?
Each day a verse is given and then a story or writing from one of these books.
The months are divided with a cover page holding a gem from Anne; for the month of January: "To Know God better is to love Him more."
This is a small book, about the length of my hand. It fits easily in to my purse. Small on size but big on spiritual depth from God's Word.

Take My Heart, Oh God--Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time
Produced by The Livingstone Corporation
Published by Zondervan October 2010
Hardcover--padded
400 pages

Link @ publisher:
http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310327479&QueryStringSite=Zondervan

Link to read a sample:
http://www.zondervan.com/media/samples/pdf/0310327474_samptxt.pdf

Price at publisher $14.99

Link @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/0310327474/zondervanpublish/103-6641593-7431018
Hardcover $10.05
Kindle $9.99

This devotional is not only divided by months but also seasons, a small colorful photograph is at the top of each page showing the current season.
A lengthy list of women writers were used to contribute to this devotional, for example: Sheila Walsh, Madame Guyon, Francine Rivers, Beth Moore, Teresa of Avila, Priscilla Shirer, Liz Curtis Higgs, Jane Austen, Fanny Crosby, and Kay Arthur.
I loved it that women from not only our current century were used in this book, but women writers from past history.
Jane Austen is beloved by women no matter their religious background. Most are familiar with her books Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion. For a person not familiar with reading devotional material, having her writings in this book makes the devotional more approachable.
Each day has a small quote from an author, for example:
"Let us never say, God has given me nothing to do. He has. It lies on our doorstep. Do it, and He will show you something else." Elisabeth Elliot
"In everything God has told us in His Word, He makes one thing very clear: He loves us. Not merely as a faceless world population, but one by one...individually and by name." Jan Karon
After the quote is an inspirational story followed by a Bible verse to read.
At the bottom of each page is a one sentence ending that is for further thought.

Link @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Daily-Light-Devotional-Burgundy-Leather/dp/0849954061/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324407957&sr=1-1
Boxed Set Burgundy Leather $16.49, Kindle $14.84

Published by Thomas Nelson 1998
Compiled by Samuel Bagster in 1794
Anne Graham Lotz has contributed to this book by adding her own favorite Bible verses.
816 pages

Available On-line:
http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/dailylightdailypath/

Scripture is from the New King James Version

This is a beautiful burgundy leather book with gold edging.
It is completely Bible verses that correspond to the same daily theme.
No divisions for months or seasons.
There is a date at top of page stating the month and day, the left side of the page is for morning reading the right side is for evening reading.
Both Old Testament and New Testament verses are used.
At the bottom of each page are the individual Bible verses that were given.
For example for December 20 Morning:
"He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.
That we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.
God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you...for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."
(Verses taken from) Ephesians 1:4 and 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
Since 1999 I've read through this devotional 6 times.
The primary reasons I love this book is that I'm familiar with it, comforted by it, and it appeals to me because it is entirely Scripture---the focus is on God's Word!

Our Daily Bread devotional magazine by Radio Bible Class Ministries
I first began reading this in 1993. This was my very first devotional literature. It has been quite a journey in my walk with Jesus and Our Daily Bread has ministered greatly to me. This small magazine is dear to my heart!
I continue to receive a monthly published copy in the mail. Another option is to receive it quarterly, 3 months at a time. When receiving the 3 month version the Bible verse is not given, the Scripture must be looked up on your own. The monthly version gives the complete Bible verse.
And now the Our Daily Bread can be read On-line. Included is an audio reading option!
http://rbc.org/
And on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/rbcministries
Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Forgiveness Healing the Harbored Hurts of Your Heart by Bill Elliff with Tim Grissom

2011-12-20T08:21:00.000-06:00

http://www.lifeaction.org/store/product/forgiveness-healing-the-harbored-hurts-of-your-heart/

http://thesummitchurch.org/

Published 1998 by The Summit Church
My copy is 8th printing
32 pages
Forgiveness/Healing

The author Bill Elliff shares a painful life story from his own life, in order to help others struggling through hurts.
No one is immune to life's hurts. "The greater question is not, Have you been hurt? but....."
Sometimes these hurts stay harbored in our heart. Maybe it was several small hurts, or maybe it was a large overwhelming hurt. The hurt, can become bitterness.
"Bitterness is subtle. I've rarely met a bitter man who realized his condition...When hurts are not dealt with God's way, bitterness roots itself in our soul. Like the sapling that refused to die, bitterness will continually spring up."
Bitterness shows in our countenance, our responses, even in our faces.
Forgiveness Healing The Harbored Hurts of Your Heart Bill Elliff with the help of Tim Grissom teaches us that we do not have to stay in that harbor of unforgiveness and bitterness. "We can heal God's way."
He gives 6 steps for healing.
There is a mini-study of Hebrews 12:10-17 in the book for further Bible study.

This is a small book, more of a pamphlet.
This would be excellent to keep on hand in a church library or book store.
I feel this small book would be easier to give to a person that maybe going through a difficult time because of its size. A larger book or a Bible study might deter some people, especially those people that are not big readers.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: The Spirit of Texas, The Astonishing Story of a Pioneer Rancher's Family and Their Mighty State by Winston Menzies

2011-12-14T14:04:00.000-06:00


Texas Rangers Museum Waco, Texas

I love history. I can't remember a time when I did not love to hear stories from my own family as well as stories from others about life in the past. I was always amazed when my maternal grandmother "mamaw" would tell me about the uncomfortable clothing she had to wear as a young girl. She wore petticoats, scratchy underwear, black stockings, stiff leather shoes. I'm told my maternal grandfather "papaw" loved to pick cotton as a young man. He would head to west Texas and could pick cotton all day. I even have a photograph of him leaning up against a wagon loaded with cotton. Papaw was a hard working man, most of his working life he held at least 2 to 3 jobs. My maternal grandmother never learned to drive a car, or ride a bicycle. She never stepped foot in a grocery store until she'd been married several years. She was though an excellent homemaker, mother, gardener, there was not a lazy bone in her body. Another story I've often heard is mamaw would bake papaw a chocolate pie from scratch every morning for breakfast, at least till they had children. Life was certainly different for them as opposed to their grandchildren.
I was anxious to read The Spirit of Texas by Winston Menzies because in many ways his story of his family is my family's story. It gave me an education on how my grandparents and previous generations lived.

My papaw next to a cotton wagon, 1924. This was a photo he mailed back to my mamaw when they were courting.

The Spirit of Texas by Winston Menzies
Published by Creative Publishing Company 2011
B and B Media Group
Hardcover 29.99 through the publisher
Christian Non-Fiction/Texas History/Biography/Pioneer
270 pages

See also:
http://spiritoftexas.us/

William Menzies was born in Scotland in about 1855. When just a young child he and his family immigrated first to Canada, then later moved to New York state. William apprenticed in both brick mason and carpentry trades. At the age of 21 he traveled to Galveston, Texas carrying only a wooden carpentry box. Eventually William traveled farther in to western Texas settling near Menard, Texas on the San Saba river. William began his ranching life with owning sheep, then later horses and mules, and then cattle ranching. When he was 33 years of age he married Letha Ann, the sister of a neighbor and friend. Together they had 8 children, ranched, farmed. They were hard working faithful independent determined people that define The Spirit of Texas. They also loved the Lord and never forgot that it was He that had provided for them.
The author Winston Menzies is the great grandson of William and Letha Ann Menzies. His family and his Texas heritage has inspired him to write the story of the Menzies clan. Included in The Spirit of Texas are stories of other Texas pioneers that to him define The Spirit of Texas.
Winston Menzies writes about farming, ranching, living a solitary life on the western frontier, and family life. He also writes about the Boll Weevil outbreak during the late 1800's, The Great Screwworm Plague that forced ranchers to always be on the defense, and other diseases that affected animals and even people.
He told the story of a flood that caused the San Saba river to over flow and flood the land.
He tells of cattle feuds, and hunting wild game, and of the Native American's that lived in Texas.
The author concludes his book with his feelings about our current economy, dependence on government, and bankrupted government programs.

I enjoyed reading this book. It is full of black and white photograph's. Both his story and photo's were an education to me on my home state of Texas. Menzies story also parallels in some ways the story of my own family, and in this I was most interested in learning all I could about how people lived during the early years of Texas establishment.
Even though I am not usually a reader of livestock, farming, ranching, and hunting. I found these subjects interesting.
The characters that Winston Menzies wrote about inspired me, and kindled pride for being a Texas.

Thank you to B and B Media and Creative Publishing Company for my free review copy

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Jesus+Nothing=Everything by Tullian Tchividjian

2011-12-13T11:30:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I think that even though we have bills to pay, drive cars, and wear grown-up clothes---we still seek affirmation from others, just like we did when we were little children. I know I'm guilty of this. To one degree or another we want to be accepted by others. At what point is enough enough?
In Jesus+Nothing=Everything Tullian Tchividjian teaches us that we already have acceptance and approval in Jesus Christ.
If we continue to pursue affirmation from others, we will never be truly satisfied, we will constantly strive for the ultimate in positive affirmation, always reaching for it, yet never being satisfied.
It's time to make a change. Today. Right now.

Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.crossway.org/books/jesus-nothing-everything-hcj/

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Nothing-Everything-Tullian-Tchividjian/dp/1433507781/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323787959&sr=1-1
Hardcover $11.94
Kindle $7.69

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/jesus-nothing-everything-tullian-tchividjian/9781433507786/pd/507780?item_code=WW&netp_id=895100&event=ESRCQ&view=details
Hardcover $10.99

Published October 2011 by Crossway
Christian Non-Fiction/Christian Living/Colossians
224 pages
Author last name pronounced Cha-vi-jin

There is a video for each chapter:
http://www.crossway.org/group/jesusplusnothing

Isn't it interesting how when reading a book it speaks to us differently than the next reader. Books are personal. A book meets us just where we are: intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and even meets us at our prejudices and fears.
This book addressed a problem I've had all of my life, wanting approval. How did it all begin? It began as a little girl because I feared punishment. I'll not rattle you with giving uncomfortable information, and it's not necessary. But that type of thinking became a habit, wanting approval. Another habit I've had is in wanting to be perfect, because if I'm perfect then maybe I won't fail or get in trouble. Ridiculous. But, not ridiculous to a small child. At 47 years of age it was time for me to stop this: to be aware of it and acknowledge it, to be convicted of it, to ask forgiveness of it, and to surrender it all over to Jesus. Let it go.

For the above reasons Jesus+Nothing=Everything was just what I needed to read. I have high regards for this book, I loved it!

Tullian Tchividjian believes that "what we are missing is the gospel-a fuller, more powerful understanding of Jesus and what his finished work means for everyday life."
The author believes that "we are looking to something else other than Jesus to be what only He can be."
In Jesus+Nothing=Everything Tchividjian points out that we are trying to attain by works, our own works, affirmation, which we already have in Jesus Christ. "Performancism leads to pride when we succeed and to despair when we fail. Slavery either way."
"We are justified by grace alone, we're glorified by grace alone." See Ephesians 2:8-9.
Tchividjian states that even though we know in our minds what is the truth, we still seek approval from others.
In summing up this brief summary---and in my words and my interpretation. Let go of our need for approval and rest--be at peace in what Jesus did on the cross. Jesus shed His blood so that we would have eternal life. And in that we also might have "real life." Not some messed up warped thinking about things that do not matter or cannot be achieved or does not satisfy, but real soul quenching life.

A few more things I liked about the book:
It is a thinking book, a book to ponder over and over again. Days later I'm still thinking about this book.
I loved the questions from the book and I wrote down on a large index card most of them, for example:
1. Who am I trying to please?
2. What are you living for?
3. What are you depending on to provide the freedom, worth, and value you crave?
4. Am I working hard to perform? Or am I working hard to rest in Christ's performance for us?
5. How is your present disappointment, discouragement or grief a window on what has actually captured your heart?
This book directed me to where I needed to refocus, the Gospel message.

What I disliked about the book:
On page 22 the author states, "the glorious message of which we'll investigate together in the pages to come" in his statement he was referring to being enlightened by the message of the New Testament book of Colossians. I thought that when he referred to this book in the opening chapter and to a few of the verses from this book, Jesus+Nothing=Everything would be more guided by this NT book. It is not. Another words it is not a book on Colossians.
I do believe that the author used too many quotes, especially from the same people over and over again.
I do believe that the author could have used a different word instead of "relax" page 206. I think peace would have been a better word, explaining more accurately what Jesus has done for us. We are at peace with God because of what Jesus did on the cross.
The word "works" has been a burr in most Christian's saddle for centuries. Even in explaining the book of James against what Paul wrote. We're uncomfortable with that word, and don't know what to do with it. I state this because the author used the word "works" several times and I feel another word could have been used, especially in light of the theme of this book.

I'm always saddened by what Christians do in the name of "their belief" etc., etc. What Tullian Tchividjian encountered at his new church (which is the basis of what led him to write this book) was disheartening and I have great empathy for him. I have been him, not to that large of scale, but I had a bad encounter with a class I had taught....it was reminiscent of the gunfight at the O.K Corral. Instead of reflecting on what "they" did wrong (which I might add is easier to do). I have decided to look at what I needed to learn from this, because there is always a lesson to be learned.

Thank you to Crossway for my free review copy in order that I would write an honest review!

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

2011-12-11T09:24:00.001-06:00

Over the past 5 weeks in BSF we have been camped out in Hebrews. Between the indepth study of Hebrews, and the previous book I read Jesus+Nothing=Everything by Tullian Tchividjian, and daily Bible reading and devotional reading---this has been a time of discovery, conviction, and deep growth.
There has been a bold theme running through all of these that is no doubt an active work of the Holy Spirit: legalism and perfectionism. It has been directed at me, and it's time for me to listen up!
There will never be a time in a Christian's life (at least on this planet called earth) that we will have it all together and there will be nothing left for us to learn. In ignorance and foolishness I thought I had to persevere and toil, to work on character and spiritual growth. By doing this I'd made myself an idol. Just to state that last sentence makes me want to crawl under my desk and weep. I'm physically sick in that I'd thought this way. This response is called conviction. But after conviction, comes forgiveness, and then renewal.
In looking back over my life I can understand how it all began, this warped thinking of trying to be perfect. Ignorance though is not an excuse, actually there is no excuse. I'm guilty as charged.
"For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV
Reading God's Word is not just a past time for a Christian. It should not be read with our ears closed and our brain set on dim or dull while reading it. Then again this could be why so many won't read their Bible, because they don't want to be told that what they've been doing is wrong. It's that pride thing that gets in the way.
I made a decision a long time ago (1993) to not stay a babe in Christ, I wanted to go on to maturity. This means God will not leave me to grow stale. Nor will He leave me in a perpetual green grassy pasture for long. He will at times lead me through steep exhausting mountains, or to camp in the desert for a while.
"Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching aobut righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."
Hebrews 5:13-14 NIV
To be convicted of a sin in our life is a good thing, not a bad thing that we should shrink back from. We must "leave elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity." Hebrews 6:1 NIV
A devotional reading from this week stood out in 3-D Technicolor.
"We look for perfection and are disappointed. The reality is that the men in our lives are far from perfect. They cannot be perfect for us any more than we can be perfect for them. So we would be wise to stop expecting it. We should look instead at the One who defines perfection, the only human being ever to live a flawless life." From December 7 reading in Take My Heart Oh God, Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time by Zondervan publishers 2010.

Over the past few weeks all of Hebrews (13 chapters) have been read in the NIV.
Also: James, 1 and 2 Peter in the Common English Bible.

What is left to read before January 1?-----1 and 2 Corinthians, Acts chapters 15-28, 1, 2, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation. In case you've not kept up with the Bible readings, I previously read the NT last spring, and have read some of the NT books 2-4 times.

Are you reading your Bible?

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Above photographs from this years Christmas tree.

Book Review: The Acts, An Exposition by Charles R. Erdman

2011-12-01T11:25:00.001-06:00

"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 ESV

The Acts, An Exposition is more of a short summary of Acts. I wanted to state that in this review in case someone is looking for a deeper analysis of Acts. This did not deter me from reading this book, and it could be considered a starting point for further study.
What I noticed first about this book is the enthusiasm of the author in writing about the apostles and the early church.
In the introduction he writes, "The Acts is not so much concerned with the development of Christian life or the application of Christian truth as with the work of preaching the gospel."
Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." ESV
"The witnessing was to be done by the power of the Holy Spirit. In no book of the Bible can more be learned as to the Spirit's divine office than in The Acts, in none are there more marvelous records of his might; so that by some writers the narrative has been called The Acts of the Holy Spirit."
In chapter 1 Erdman writes, "All witness for Christ must not only declare His works and words, but must present Him as the risen and ascended Lord, and that such witness can be only by those who are baptized in His Holy Spirit."
And, "His Spirit never leaves a believer, but ever and again as one is surrendered to the will of the Lord, He is absolutely, if unconsciously dominated by His Spirit."
Erdman throughout his commentary on Acts focuses on the Holy Spirit. It does not matter who we are or how educated we are or how long we've been a Christian, we must have the divine power of the Holy Spirit in witnessing.
One of my favorite parts in the book is chapter 6 in reading about Christian witnesses must expect hatred and opposition. "But His Spirit will give us wisdom and strength in the hour of need, and will illumine their faces with a light which even their enemies will feel is not born of earth."
I was disappointed that more was not written on Paul's stoning from chapter 14 in Acts. Only 1 sentence on this was given.

You can read the The Acts, An Exposition Online @
http://books.google.com/books?id=FIup7wVXeVwC&pg=PP2&dq=The+Acts+An+Exposition+of+by+Charles+R.+Erdman&hl=en&ei=RLjXTtayN8_gsQLA2LHLDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false

Published by Westminster Press 1919
I believe Westminster Press and John Knox Press merged.
Their website was not working on the day I posted this review.
This small hardcover book was bought by my dad in the early 1960's. It is 176 pages. I do not have a front photo cover for my posted review.
The Bible verses in the book are from the American Standard Edition of the Revised Bible copyright 1929. I noticed the copyright of the Bible is 10 years after original publishing date. I don't have an answer for that reason. Possibly because the book was republished again.
I chose to use the ESV in my above review.

Charles R. Erdman was born 1866 and died 1960. He was an American Presbyterian minister and professor and chairman of practical theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. He authored several commentaries.
The Coming of Christ by Charles R. Erdman
http://olivetdiscourse.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=300&Itemid=43
and
The Gospel of Luke, An Exposition
@ http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26881

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Winner of Common English Bible

2011-11-28T07:47:00.001-06:00

The winner of a free copy of Common English Bible is kittycrochettwo. I've already contacted her by email.
I will be hosting another giveaway closer to Christmas, please check back again!

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The Sunday Salon--On Holiday Break

2011-11-20T18:50:00.001-06:00

I'm on holiday break all of this week. There will be no posts.
Behind the scenes I have my grandchildren with me all week, other family is expected later.
Starting Wednesday I'll be preparing/cooking/baking for the big Thanksgiving Day meal.

A friend sent me this short poem that I'll pass on to you.

"For howling winds that make me bend
And make me stronger in the end,
I thank you, Lord."

Blissful Thanksgiving!
Annette

National Bible Week--November 20-27 and Featuring The Common English Bible--Plus a Chance For a Free Copy!

2011-11-20T08:00:00.000-06:00

During National Bible Week November 20-27 I am featuring on my blog The Common English Bible.

The National Bible Association--Encouraging Everyone to Read Their Bible!
http://www.nationalbible.org/

Common English Bible Link:
http://www.commonenglishbible.com/Default.aspx

Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CommonEnglishBible

For a verse comparison with other Bible translations:
http://www.commonenglishbible.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=g1IWydXYZJA%3d&tabid=399

Background information on Common English Bible:
http://www.commonenglishbible.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=-5i3HTjHQAI%3d&tabid=399

Example Scripture from the Common English Bible:
"The Son is the image of the invisible God,
the one who is first over all creation,
Because all things were created by him:
both in the heavens and on the earth,
the things that are visible and the things that are invisible.
Whether they are thrones or powers,
or rulers or authorities,
all things were created through him and for him.
He existed before all things,
and all things are held together in him.
He is the head of the body, the church,
who is the beginning,
the one who is first over the dead
so that he might occupy the first place in everything.
Because all the fullness of God was pleased to live in him,
and he reconciled all things to himself through him-
whether things on earth or in the heaves.
He brought peace through the blood of his cross."
Colossians 1:15-20

I'm giving away a soft cover edition of the Common English Bible to One winner during National Bible Week. I will announce the winner on Sunday November 27.
In order to participate leave your first name and email address in the comment box.
And, answer ONE of the questions I've listed!
Just pick one and answer in the comment box along with your name and email!

1. Do you believe the Bible is relevant in our 21st Century culture?
2. Do you believe that Americans view the Bible differently than other countries in the world?
3. Do you believe it is important to know, understand, study, memorize the Bible?

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: The House of Hope, God's love for the abandoned orphans of China by Elisabeth Gifford, Foreword by Steven Curtis Chapman

2011-11-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

"It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving." Mother Teresa

The House of Hope is truly a love story! A love story not in the romantic sense, but in the most beautiful and perfect definition of love there is, agape love. The foundation and meaning of the Greek word agape, is in God and His love for us. As His children we are to love others with the love He has loved us with.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 ESV
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 ESV
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:11-12 ESV
To say that we love someone is wonderful to hear. But it is love expressed in action, especially for those that require us to deny ourselves, that is the real demonstration of the word love. We deny ourselves when we radically place others above our wants and even needs.

Robin and Joyce Hill and their blended family had lived in China because of Robin's job. When the company that Robin worked for was wanting to relocate him, Robin and Joyce instead made a decision that radically altered their life. Within a short period of time before the Hill's were to leave China they visited with friends a piece of land where a possible community project could be built. Joyce felt strongly that they should stay and build a home for medically needy children in China. They felt God's call on their life and they said yes.
At the time the book was written they had cared for over 1000 medically and or abandoned children.
The book shares several stories of the children that they have cared for including their medical problems. Also shared in the book are the hired women that are the hands on caregivers, the people that have adopted the children, physicians that have performed surgery on the children, and palliative care for children not expected to live.
What stands out the most in The House of Hope is the Hill's love for each individual child. They made the decision to love and care for each of the children as if they were their own. They went to any length to find help for their dearly loved children.

I loved this book! I did not love this book because it is a "feel good" book. But rather a call to me to step up to living a life radically affecting others by God's love. Am I doing all that the Lord has called me to do? Am I loving others with the love that He loves me with?

The book is about 15% biography of the Hill family, the rest is of the years spent devoted to caring the the children in China.

Thank you to Kregel, Monarch and Litfuse for my free copy for reading/reviewing.

100% of the proceeds of the book go to support the work of Hope Foster Homes (please visit their site to learn more) - buy a book for yourself and everyone you know. This book is a gift that gives a gift.

Litfuse Group Book Tour:
http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13438821
http://www.hopefosterhome.com/house_of_hope.htm

Link @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/House-Hope-Abandoned-Orphans-China/dp/0857210599
Paperback $11.89
Kindle $9.99

Link @Publishers:
http://store.kregel.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=2673
http://www.lionhudson.com/detail.php?product_id=3963132

Published by Monarch Books and Kregel Publications October 6, 2011
224 pages
Christian Non-Fiction/Biography/China/Inspirational

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

2011-11-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

I've been sick the past couple of weeks with a bad cold, did not completely forget The Sunday Salon posts, I just didn't feel well.

Today is The International Day of Pray For The Persecuted Church.
See also Open Doors website.

I completed the goal that I committed to back in January 2011 of reading Romans 10 times in 10 different translations. The last translation I read was from was The Amplified Bible. The Amplified Bible gives the full meaning of original Greek and Hebrew. It makes for long descriptive verses and lengthier reading.
Also finished Philippians and Colossians in my Bible readings, from the NIV. This was the second time to read them this year.
Also in BSF during the past week I read Acts chapter 15 and Galatians chapters 1 and 2 in the NIV.
BSF has covered since early September the first 15 chapters of Acts. Next week we'll be going over Hebrews chapters 1 and 2. The study is The Acts of the Apostles so we are not only studying Acts but other New Testament books as well.

The translations that I read Romans from this year were:
1. NASB also known as New American Standard Bible The MacArthur Study Bible Thomas Nelson Publisher 2006 Edition with Dr. John MacArthur as General Editor.
2. Interlinear New Testament Greek/English.
3. NIV also known as New International Version Zondervan Study Bible Large Print The 2008 Edition.
4. The ESV also known as English Standard Version by Crossway 2008 Edition.
5. The CEB also known as Common English Bible 2010 Edition.
6. The NLT also known as New Living Translation The Transformation Study Bible David C. Cook Publisher 2009 Edition with Dr. Warren Weirsbe as General Editor.
7. KJV also known as King James Version The Scoffield Reference Bible Printed 1962.
8. The New Testament in Modern English by J.B. Phillips Published by The Macmillan Company 1962 Edition.
9. The New Testament An American Translation by Edgar J. Goodspeed Published by The University of Chicago Press 1951 Edition.
10. The Amplified Bible Large Print Zondervan 1987 Edition.

There is a lot of chatter about what translation is considered the best. The chat can often turn in to what I would call ugly talk, uncalled for. For most readers of the Bible, and I am referring to those of us without doctorates or master degrees in religion or divinity, we use a translation that we can either understand well or one that we are comfortable with. For some the King James Version is it, period. For others they need the New American Standard Bible which is considered the word for word translation. Or, some of us have chosen an in between version such as New International Version. The definition of an in between version of the Bible means that it is middle ground between the word for word and the thought for thought translations.
Recently The Today's New International Version has received flack for gender changes. For example instead of using "brothers" only, in this new version "brothers and sisters" were added when the translators felt it was necessary. There are other changes as well that some readers are uncomfortable with.
Other blogs have touched on these issues, I would rather encourage my readers to------read their Bible.

Four things stood out to me while reading Romans.
1. Romans was written with the emphasis on defining what the Gospel is.
The word Gospel means Good News. The Good News is God's victorious plan of salvation for humankind sin, in that God's Son Jesus Christ shed his blood on the cross for our sin and then conquered death by being resurrected from the grave, and by our belief by faith in Him we are saved, justified, at peace before God. There is no plan B, meaning--there is nothing added to this!
Paul wrote in the opening verse in Romans chapter 1, "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God-the gospel He promised before hand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding His Son, who as to His human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Him and for His name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ."
Paul explains perfectly what the Gospel is, that it is "the Gospel of God," a plan that he had "promised before the beginning of time" (see Titus 1:2), and was "promised beforehand through His prophets." But it is through Jesus that we receive grace.
2. There are several key words that I read over and over again: righteous or righteousness--44 times, grace 21 times, peace 11 times, faith faithful or faithfulness 42 times, believe believes believed 17 times, judge judged or judgment 19 times, wrath 11 times, truth or truthfulness 8 times, justify justified or justification 12 times, promise promises promised 10 times, sin or sinful 67 times.
Grace is a word that we hear often, it is also given as a personal first name. Seeing a word so often we can loose sight of the priceless definition.
Grace in Greek is charis.
Mounce's Expository Dictionary defines grace as, "the acceptance of and goodness toward those who cannot earn or do not deserve such gain."
In Romans we are told:
Grace cannot be earned, "And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace." Romans 11:6
Yet we, "are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:24.
Ephesians 2:8-9 states is most clearly and affectively, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast."
But, we are not under grace unless by faith we believe in Jesus Christ.
3. A commentator has written, "Romans is a court book." I agree. Paul boldly states "that men (and women) are without excuse." See Romans 2:20.
Paul writes that humans have "worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator." In worshiping the created that includes themselves. See Romans 2:25.
In chapter 2 verses 1-3 "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment?"
In Romans chapter 3 verse 10-12, "there is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." Verses taken from OT passages: Psalm 14:1-3, Isaiah 53:1-3 and Ecclesiastes 7:20.
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
4. After reading Romans there can no longer be a non-decision for the reader. As my mother used to say, "you've got to make a choice, no sitting on the fence."
Romans is a book that is nose to nose with your face and it demands a decision.
The decision is will you believe by faith in Jesus as God's Son in the flesh and in His redeeming work on the cross and resurrection from the grave? Or will you continue to deny Him? There will come a time when we will all face a physical death. We don't have a choice about when we will die or how. But, we do have a choice as to whether we will have eternal life.

You may wonder, "gosh Annette didn't you get tired of re-reading Romans and all those other Bible passages you've read?"
NO, I want more. I can't get enough. There is a fire in my soul that just cannot be quenched by anything else but Scripture, if I could eat the words I would, if I could take a bath in them I would.
Over the years I've been called a "Bible thumper" by my own loving family members. I don't thump the Bible, I read it.
"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12

All above Scripture from the NIV Study Bible 2008 edition.

Are you reading your Bible?

Blissful reading!
Annette

Book Review: The Clouds Roll Away, A Raleigh Harmon Novel Book #3 by Sibella Giorello

2011-11-11T07:40:00.001-06:00

"Lifting my face to the cold, I offered up the words. Simple words, known by heart. But they carried the power of dynamite. They were words about daily bread." page 175

Raleigh Harmon is a forensic geologist with the FBI and currently back in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia. Raleigh faces difficult relationships with an old boyfriend, mother, sister, and boss. Raleigh is a stoic character. Often her thoughts and dialogue is written in monotone short sentences, with little staccato. Yet, there are moments when the authors prose (from the thoughts of Raleigh) is written beautifully, for example:
"The ancient elms crystallized and frost crocheted the birches in to lace doilies." page 1
Raleigh seems to categorize her life, transforming when need be in to a stoic business like just the facts detective. She also can transform in to a sensitive caring passionate person.
She notices every detail: counting steps, what type of firearm a person has, height and weight and coloring of a person, and smells.
When the book begins Raleigh is investigating a hate crime committed at a famous rap producer and musicians home. The home and land is a historical landmark. People that live nearby are shocked and saddened that the home and land is owned by people that are careless and unappreciative of its historical significance. Raleigh's first thought is that the nearby neighbors may have had something to do with the hate crime. As the story progresses she learns that things are not always what they appear on first glance to be.

All during the book Raleigh's difficulty with her boss is touched on, but never delved deep. Raleigh's difficulty in dealing with her mother and sister and past history with an old flame are also touched on.
The focus of The Clouds Roll Away is on the detective work in finding out who the perpetrator of the hate crime is.

I did like this story.
It was a breath of fresh air to me in that the romantic theme did not run deep in the book. I appreciated that. Raleigh is a independent gal, and she puts all her might in to her job. She does not let a man, or family problems, or a difficult boss, or past reputation, or anything else hinder her in solving a crime. In this she is a character to admire.
I found the detective work interesting, especially the medical examiners work.
I was left hanging about her mother. Maybe I should read book number 1 The Stones Cry Out. In The Clouds Roll Away her mother is eccentric or does she have a mental problem? I still don't know.
The front cover of the book is striking.

Published in March 2010 by Thomas Nelson
336 pages
Christian Fiction/Suspense/Crime Drama

Authors site:
http://sibellagiorello.com/
Book #4 is The Mountains Bow Down
Book #1 is The Stones Cry Out

Link @ publisher:
http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595545344&title=The_Clouds_Roll_Away
Paperback $14.99

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?isbn=1595545344&event=AFF&p=1024296#curr
Paperback $10.99
eBook $9.69

Link for book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Clouds-Roll-Away-Raleigh-Harmon/dp/B004J8I01K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321019319&sr=8-1
Paperback $6.00
Kindle $8.99

For my review of book #2 of A Raleigh Harmon Novel The Rivers Run Dry:
http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com/2009/10/review-rivers-run-dry.html

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Radical, Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream by David Platt

2011-11-08T12:48:00.000-06:00

"I have one desire now-to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength in to it." Ed McCully from Through Gates of Splendor

I've had this book in the TBR stack for quite some time, not because I did not want to read it, other books kept pushing it back. Finally I finished reading it yesterday, great book! I've noticed this book has gotten big press or advertising coverage. It is a New York Times bestseller. Many of my Christian friends I've heard chatting about it.

David Platt has written a bestseller I believe because it is a straightforward energy packing push for American Christians to get out of their comfortable chair and live the life we were meant to live IN CHRIST. David Platt explains that the American dream has been to have the "best" in a house, or car, or material possessions we can attain. Added in to this I will state that for the American culture more is considered better. Never mind if you can't afford it. More shoes, more clothes, the best in a cell phone, or television especially if it is a large screen. I could go on. Christmas is next month, how many of us will go in deeper debt, or at least go over our budget, because we want the best which is defined as more?
David Platt states that "Jesus is someone worth losing everything for." To leave it all behind if that is what He calls us to do, in order to follow Him. This is the question Jesus asked the rich young man in Mark chapter 10.
"Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me." Mark 10:21
In Radical several stories are shared of people that did feel the call to radically change their life and then surrendered their will for Christ Jesus' will. In some situations they quit high paying jobs in order to move to another place in order to serve for little or no pay. Another example a husband and wife went door to door in a neighborhood knocking on each door asking the people what their needs were, this couple gave money and clothing or other material possessions from their own home.
It may not be letting go of money that Jesus will call us to do. The point-the focus-the aim is to surrender our life-our will at His feet.
The book ends with a challenge to us. One of the challenges is to read the Bible in one year. David Platt states, "We have settled too long for Bible-lite, both as individual Christians and in the community of faith. We have adopted a Christianity consumed with little devotional thoughts from God for the day, supplemented by teaching in the church filled with entertaining stories and trite opinions on how to be a better person and live a better life in the twenty-first century."

Many of us are scared to pieces to let go. It's all the what ifs out there that bugs us out!
There is another quote that I love, and one that is written on an index card and taped to my dresser--------
"The key battle of our spiritual life. God's goodness--Is God truly worthy of our trust? This was the question of the serpent in the garden."
So instead of being afraid, which means we've taken our eyes off Jesus and we are focused on the fear, focus "on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith." Hebrews 12:2

This is a fantastic book!
A book that could be used in book discussion or individual study.
David Platt explains his ideas well, his points are quick and easy to grasp.
He interjects stories from people he personally knows as applications for us.
I love the cover, an upside down house--creative and catchy.
The title Radical is a word people notice, it is an edgy word, a word people want to open up and read at least a few pages to understand what the book is about.

Published by Multnomah May 4, 2010
240 pages
Christian Non-Fiction/Evangelism/Gospel

http://www.radicalthebook.com/home.html

Also available Radical the Bible Study, link @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/radical-question-what-jesus-worth-copies/david-platt/9781601423214/pd/423214?event=CPOF
Paperback $13.99 (includes 10 copies @64 pages each)

Second book by David Platt was released April 19, 2011
Link for it @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/radical-together-unleashing-people-for-purpose/david-platt/9781601423726/pd/423726?event=CPOF#curr
Paperback $9.99
eBook $11.99

Link for Radical @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/radical-taking-faith-from-american-dream/david-platt/9781601422217/pd/422211?item_code=WW&netp_id=717627&event=ESRCG&view=details
Paperback $8.99
eBook $12.99

Link for Radical @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Taking-Faith-American-Dream/dp/1601422210
Paperback $10.19
Kindle $12.99

For another review:
http://www.discerningreader.com/book-reviews/radical

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Lit! A Christian Guide To Reading Books by Tony Reinke

2011-11-07T11:52:00.000-06:00

"Scripture is the ultimate grid by which we read every book...we read imperfect books in light of the perfect book." page 26

I enjoyed reading this book, I took 9 pages of notes!

The author makes it quite clear that "the Bible for a Christian should be the number one book read."
He states that Scripture is the only inspired Word of God. But, there is man-made literature that can be inspiring. It is direly important the type of information that we feed our minds, because our minds are a product of what we put in. The author points out that we live in a "graphic society." We are blasted visually with colorful entertaining pictures that can steer us away from the black ink on white pages in a book. Even in magazines and newspapers words are surrounded by enticing photographs.
"The world of sight, the world of the eye, cannot take us beyond what is shown. Because sight can only go so far, it takes words and thought to give the real truth and meaning behind what is seen." Os Guinness
From how to read a non-fiction book to knowing what books to avoid, from understanding that when we read Scripture "our minds are sharpened in safety" to kindling reading in the next generation. Tony Reinke writes one of the most exhaustive non-fiction books I've read...period. He states his reasons for writing this book and I believe he did a great job in expressing those ideas.

The ideas I would like to describe more thoroughly are: Literature is Life--reasons for reading literature, and from the chapter entitled Read with Resolve--particularly why more women do not read theology books.

The first idea is from the chapter Literature is Life. I've heard my dad state, "I don't read junk," he means fiction. Dad is a big reader of non-fiction, mainly Christian non-fiction, but he most recently read books on Patton, Eisenhower and Churchill. I disagree with dad in his opinion that fiction is junk, but I'm sure there are many others out there that believe the same. Tony Reinke gives an example in that by "reading fictional literature it can deepen our appreciation for concrete human experience. By retelling life with words, novelists heighten our sensitivity to common human experiences." By reading about people from other religions, cultures, countries, education levels, life experiences, and even physical or emotional trauma, we leave our "little" world--the life we know and understand, and are better able to have empathy for and take action to help others.
It does not matter if the book is fiction or non-fiction both can teach us about other humans.
One of my favorite quotes on this topic, "The best fictional authors spell out our common human experience in a way elusive to other forms of writing. The best Christian novelists write from a biblical world view, one that is not afraid of digging into the soil of common human experience." Humans need to identify with other humans, even in a book. If we cautiously tip-toe around certain topics then we are not identifying with other humans, we are blatantly ignoring them. And by ignoring them we are being unloving. And Christ has called us to love. Now by stating that last sentence their will be those that think I'm liberal minded and being politically correct, that is not my intent. I repeat, Christ has called us to love.

The second idea is from the chapter Read with Resolve. Tony Reinke quotes from another author Elyse Fitzpatrick in stating "that many women do not read theology books." I would like to point out that it might be possible that many men do not read Christian fiction. I read theology books, thanks mainly in part to my dad. Dad has encouraged me by his own active theology reading and then passing information on what he learned to me. Eventually I picked those books up myself and started reading them.
It is fascinating and contagious when a parent actually talks to their children about books, turns the television off, and has a lengthy discussion about the book they just read. It really does catch on!
I think the main reason that Christian fiction is preferred to theology books is that Christian fiction is a quick read. I personally can read most Christian fiction books in 1 to 2 days max. Whereas a Christian non-fiction book may take several days, because there is more material to digest. The author believes that "women feel they may become unattractive to men because of their theology reading," I don't buy that reason. I do believe that theology books require more discipline to read, study, then think about the material. Whereas a Christian fiction book at least feels more like entertainment.

I found this book to be wonderful!
I've read other reviews state this is a book for non-readers. I think it is a book for people who read, but are not big readers and do not spend time thinking about why or what they read.
As a book reviewer one of my jobs is dissecting not just the book itself, but why I chose that book and what I gleaned from it. Many of the thoughts in the book I'd already thought of and applied to my own reading.
My attitude is there will always be something more for me to learn, never will there be a time in this life when I will know it all.

Thank you to Crossway for my free review copy!

Published September 9, 2011 by Crossway
208 pages

Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.crossway.org/books/lit-tpb/
Paperback $15.99

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/lit-christian-guide-to-reading-books/tony-reinke/9781433522260/pd/522261?product_redirect=1&Ntt=522261&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP
Paperback $9.49
eBook $7.99

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Lit-Christian-Guide-Reading-Books/dp/1433522268/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320688156&sr=1-1
Paperback $9.48
Kindle $9.01

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: The Light Across the River by Stephanie Reed

2011-10-25T16:52:00.000-05:00

In Book 1 Across the Wide River the main character is the oldest Rankin child--Lowry. In The Light Across the River we are introduced to the 7th child in the Rankin's family of 13 children. His name is Johnny. The Rankin family lives in southern Ohio and just across the Ohio River from Kentucky. The year is 1837. The Rankin family is apart of the network of the Underground Railroad. Not only are the parents involved in helping black slaves escape to Canada, but the Rankin children when they are old enough are also involved in this mission. When the book begins Johnny is considered "too young to keep a secret," he has the reputation in his family of not being able to discipline his mouth from telling any kind of information. Johnny feels pushed aside, unimportant. But as the story unfolds Johnny will become apart of a sweeping and dangerous journey that has touched many American lives, and is considered to have pushed emotions to the edge in bringing about the Civil War.
The story of the Rankin family is based on true historical information that the author Stephanie Reed worked tirelessly to bring in to the two books:
Across the Wide River
and
The Light Across the River.

I have loved these two books!
For the main reason is that they are just good stories of people that were willing to sacrifice all that they had and loved, in order to help others to reach freedom.
I felt the author wrote in perfect detail what it must have been like for a slave to flee in fear to an unknown land, knowing that the slave-traders and their slave-masters were pursuing them.
I felt the author has a gift for descriptive writing that makes the reader feel as if they are "there."
In story the author makes comparisons such as the kindness and gentleness and extravagant sacrificial love of the Rankin family--versus--the cruelty abuse and horror of the slave-trader.
The author writes of the warmth of a fireplace and plenty of food to eat in a free persons house--versus--the sparsity of clothing and food in a bare and cold slaves home.
The mistrust of a slave towards any white person is understandable, as of yet they'd only encountered those white people that wanted them in bondage. It took patience and the earning of trust for any slave to accept the kindness of these strangers across the river. I felt Stephanie did a great job of bringing these issues in to the story.

Thank you to Stephanie Reed and Kregel Publications for my free review copy.


View from the Rankin family home looking across the Ohio River

Map of the routes of the Underground Railroad

Published by Kregel Publications April 2008
216 pages
For ages 9-12

My previous review of Book 1 Across The Wide River by Stephanie Reed:
http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com/2011/08/book-review-across-wide-river-by.html

Link for the book @ publisher:
http://store.kregel.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=1195
Paperback $10.99

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Light-Across-River-Novel/dp/0825435749/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319461493&sr=8-1
Paperback $9.34
Kindle $8.79

I did not find The Light Across The River @ Christian Book, only book 1 is available there, Across The Wide River.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

2011-10-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

Over the past week I've read:
Galatians and Ephesians again, this makes 3 times this year and twice this month. The past week I read these books in the ESV, the week before I read them in the NIV.
Also 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon all in the ESV.

I've given updates over the past week on the books I'm reading so I won't repeat in this post. But I will leave you with a great article I read recently from Ray Pritchard of Keep Believing Ministries. It is entitled Why Christ Came, Bible passage is from Luke 19:10.
He wrote, "If Christ came, man's responsibility is increased. In the spiritual realm the greater the privilege, the greater the responsibility. Sometimes we say 'ignorance of the law is no excuse,' but we rarely act that way. If a man deliberately breaks the law, we treat him more harshly than the man who unwittingly breaks the law. So it is with God. If Christ did come, then our responsibility is increased. Jesus said, 'To whom much is given, from him much will be required." Luke 12:48 NKJV

Have you ever given thought to what responsibilities God has given you in your life? How often you've said no, or during the responsibility you gave up? Or maybe you have persevered and finished the task?

I heard a quote this week that has really stayed with me, "In the kingdom of God there is no retirement."

Are you reading your Bible?
Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Currently Reading

2011-10-21T13:06:00.000-05:00

Currently I'm reading:

Lit! A Christian Guide To Reading Books by Tony Reinke----I'm more than 1/2 way finished.

The Acts, An Exposition by Charles R. Erdman (this is a small old book of my dad's). The copyright is 1919. The Bible translation is American Standard Edition of Revised Bible---this translation is a little harder to read. The commentary itself is wonderful! Can't wait to share with you after I've finished.
Link for a free eBook copy:
http://books.google.com/books/about/The_Acts.html?id=FIup7wVXeVwC

I'm also reading for the 10th time this year Romans, this fulfills the commitment made in January 2011 to read Romans 10 times in 10 different translations. I'm currently reading from The Amplified Bible.

Next and hopefully soon, The House of Hope--God's love for the abandoned orphans of China by Elisabeth Gifford.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Daughter's of Caleb Bender Series Book #1 Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer

2011-10-21T12:49:00.000-05:00

I've read several Amish Christian fiction books. I liked it that this story has an added element that previous books in this genre did not, in that the Bender family emigrates to Mexico to escape the governments enforcement on their family. This gave the characters in the book an added adventure in moving to another country. I also liked it that the story is based on factual history.

When the book begins the Amish Bender family lives in Salt Creek Township in eastern Ohio. The year is 1922. The patriarch of the Bender family Caleb Bender, and several other fathers, are arrested for failing to send their minor children to public school. Caleb then decides that he will move his family to Paradise Valley, Mexico, where the American Government will not interfere in "their Amish way of life." One of the daughters is named Rachel and throughout most of the book she is age 15. She is a mature, steadfast, reflective, and easy to like character. Two other sisters are Emma and Miriam, Emma was (I would consider) a more minor character, Miriam--especially towards the end of the book was a more pronounced character. But, it is Rachel that we read about the most. Their travel to Mexico and then establishing a homestead and farm is written about in detail. The family is close-nit, loving, forgiving. Caleb Bender has an adventurous spirit. His family trusts in him and in His deep faith to make the right decision for their family. The daughter's of Caleb Bender each have romantic interests, and each of these stories are as varied as the daughter's are in their personalities.
The wild and rugged high plains and mountains of Mexico are where the Bender family settles. The environment is a reflection of the local peoples, this too becomes apart of the Bender's family story.

I liked this book a lot!
I felt that often romance and the conflicts in pursuit of romance are often the main theme of Amish stories. Yes, trust and faith in God is the thrust of the stories, but romance is how the storyline usually unveils. But, in Paradise Valley there is a western/cowboy type feeling. A character we are introduced to after the Bender families arrival, gives the book some added umph! (Okay I'm just going to say it) This character gives the book masculinity. Amish stories are usually bought my women, I think that some men might would be more enticed to read this book because of this new twist in Amish books. (Of course my own opinion) I would love to see an entire book evolved around this character. I'm anxious to read book 2 that will be available in January 2012, a good guess is that the book will follow the storyline that develops from Miriam.

Thank you to An Open Book and Bethany House for my free review copy.

Published by Bethany House January 2011, 400 pages

Daughters of Caleb Bender Series Book #1

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/paradise-valley-daughters-of-caleb-bender/dale-cramer/9780764208386/pd/208380?product_redirect=1&Ntt=208380&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP#curr
Paperback $9.49
eBook $9.69

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Paradise-Valley-Daughters-Caleb-Bender/dp/B0057DBH0W/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319203661&sr=1-2
Paperback $6.00
Kindle $8.54

In January 2012 Book #2 of Daughters of Caleb Bender series will be available, The Captive Heart.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Christian Publishing University

2011-10-20T08:23:00.000-05:00

This is my second post on information about Christian Publishing University. I "just" signed up for 1 class--Introduction to Christian Publishing--What is my purpose? I ordered this class in a CD format. I'll keep you posted on my thoughts on this class!

Christian Publishing University Launched!

CPU is offering a special promotion for

bloggers interested in learning more

about Christian Publishing

September 1 marked a giant step forward in the Christian publishing industry as a team of highly experienced industry professionals have launched a major new Web site—ChristianPublishingUniversity.com. Organized as an online university campus, the site is intended to become a one-stop clearinghouse of trainings, resources, and networking for both newcomers and veterans of the industry. It pulls together a wealth of valuable information that has never been assembled in one place before. Its purpose is to serve Christian publishers, editors, proofreaders, authors, composers, artists, photographers, retailers, pastors, church leaders, and many others.

Are you interested in taking a look at what is offered at CPU?

Keep reading for more information especially for bloggers--

and find out how you could win a Kindle!

A two-year project, the 150-page Christian Publishing University (CPU) site includes dozens of impressive features, such as numerous recorded classes and courses on publishing topics, links to several hundred publishers of Christian materials, 60+ Christian literary agents, a Christian store locator service, 780,000+ quotations, various bestseller lists, all the public and national libraries in America, and hundreds of affiliate organizations, websites, and blogs.

CPU also offers an extensive publishing dictionary, a huge library of downloadable documents and helps, a campus store of publishing-related books and products, an interactive social media student center, an industry master calendar of events, a blog that discusses current publishing issues, and much more.

Top Christian author, Max Lucado, who is often called “America’s Pastor,” praised CPU by saying, “The Christian Publishing University is a timely response to an increasing need. Christian writing needs to set the standard in published literature. CPU takes us in that direction. Aspiring writers now have a resource for guidance and instruction. I can envision this ministry as a blessing to so many people.”

CPU is supported by an advisory board of well-known Christian publishing industry leaders, such Dr. Paul Brownlow (CEO of Brownlow Gifts), Dr. Thelma Wells (CEO of A Women of God Ministry and former speaker for Women of Faith), Mark Sweeney (president of Mark Sweeney & Associates literary agency), Dr. Jim Underwood (professor at Dallas Baptist University and New York Times bestselling author), Dr. Terry Johnson (former president of Oklahoma Christian University), Dr. Helen Young (former professor, Pepperdine University), June Hunt (Hope for the Heart), Dr. Sheila Bailey (Sheila B. Ministry), and others.

Watch the preview video!

CPU director of communications, Mary Hollingsworth, bestselling author of more than one hundred Christian books and a 27-year veteran of the industry, said, “Christian Publishing University is a dream come true for our industry’s seasoned professionals, as well as for gifted Christians who want to participate in God’s mission of spreading His Word through the avenue of publishing. For the first time ever, an enormous storehouse of resources, trainings, networking connections, social interactions, and other valuable features can be found in one place.”

“So far, we’ve only scratched the surface. We’ll be constantly adding new resources, classes, and opportunities as we go forward. We have some really exciting expansion plans for the future,” Hollingsworth said.

“Christian publishing is as old as the Bible itself,” she continued, “and God’s wise man, Solomon, said, ‘Of making books there is no end,’ so we’re here to stay. Until now, though, it’s been a difficult industry to navigate for newcomers, because the information they needed to get started was scattered all over the Web, in a multitude of books, in hundreds of magazine articles, and in a myriad of professionals’ minds. It was incredibly hard to assimilate.

“At long last, by compiling so many resources in one place, CPU gives them a chance to learn much of what they need to know to join this great ministry of the Word. It gives them hope. And it gives publishing professionals a place to refer newcomers who want to join us. We’re excited about the service it can provide both to those in house at our publishing companies, retailers, and to up-and-coming industry participants.”

Unlike printed books which, by the very nature of printed materials, are somewhat out of date by the time they hit the bookstore shelves, the CPU website can be constantly updated and, as the Bible says, “new every morning.”

CPU is a membership site and is open to anyone who wishes to participate in its ministry. The annual membership fee is $39.99. As Hollingsworth noted, “It’s less than the price of one Starbucks latte a month and far more valuable in the long run.”

For more information and to enroll, visit www.ChristianPublishingUniversity.com.

Are you interested in finding out more about

Christian Publishing University?

For a limited time, bloggers will be able to use a one-month look-before-you-blog promotional code for full access to the website for free. This code is active for the entire month of October and expires on November 1. Enroll by using the code freeonemonth.

If you blog about CPU and decide that you would like to continue your membership, you will be eligible to receive a $24.99 one-year discount as a thank you. If you would like to take advantage of the first year special, you can renew after your free month by using the code savefifteen.

For each blog post you make about CPU, you will be entered into a drawing to win a free Kindle. The second prize will be a free membership for one year.

You must send your links to ajennings@tbbmedia.com by November 4 to be entered in the drawing.

Blissful Blogging!

Annette

The Sunday Salon

2011-10-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Over the past week I've read Galatians and Ephesians. Also reading Acts chapters 9, 10 and 11 for BSF.

Did you know?
There are 1,189 chapters in the Bible.
31,173 verses and 774,746 words.
39 Old Testament Books.
27 New Testament Books.
Total of 66 Books in the Bible.
The Bible was written over a period of 1500 years by almost 40 writers.

The phrase "the Word of God" is stated 40 times in the New Testament.
"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 NIV

"What a person thinks about God's Word, in reality, reflects what a person thinks about God."

Above information from the MacArthur New American Standard Study Bible
John MacArthur General Editor
Thomas Nelson Publisher

Are you reading your Bible?
Blissful Reading!
Annette

Your Role

2011-10-13T08:26:00.000-05:00

"People don't want to merely read stories or watch stories or even tell stories. They want to live stories. There is in each of us an innate desire to have a role to play-a major part in the saga that is life."
Lucinda Secrest McDowell

What is your role, purpose?

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Memorizing Scripture

2011-10-10T13:27:00.000-05:00

I came across this YouTube video of John Piper speaking on Why Memorize Scripture?

I started memorizing Scripture this past January, 2 per month. Hopefully by the end of this year I'll have at least 24 memorized. Not just blandly memorized..... but imprinted in my mind and in my heart.
I know you feel like you don't have time, or you'll do that later in your life when you do have more time, or maybe in all honesty it's just not important to you.
It's all about priorities. Those things that are important to us, we make time to do.
The first verses I memorized in January was from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
"Therefore we do not loose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Twice this year I've shared these verses with 2 friends that were very ill, for 1 of them it was the last thing I said to her before she went to her eternal home. I was able to share this verse with my friends because I had memorized them. We never know when we will be given an opportunity to share or minister to someone.
Those same verses from 2 Corinthians have helped me as well, they've encouraged comforted and "lifted me" up.
"I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD."
Psalm 40:1-3 NIV

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Book Review: While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin

2011-10-10T12:38:00.000-05:00

Books that have a World War II theme catch my eye because I am the daughter of a World War II soldier. My dad is a Veteran of D-day Normandy Omaha Beach and the Battle of the Bulge. I'm very proud of my daddy and the history that he took part in.
In While We're Far Apart Lynn Austin has written a memorable story of the home front during World War II, of those families that waited patiently and with great hope for their loved ones to return home safe and sound. I can relate to that. I am the mother of a Veteran, a soldier, my own son was deployed twice during Iraq Enduring Freedom. Just typing that last sentence brings back waves of memories. Shortly before my son David was deployed for the first time my dad told me, "Annette you'll have more good days than bad," and "David will be back." It was true I did have more good days than bad and David by the grace and mercy of God did come home; but the David that left was not the David that returned. War does that. It changes people. And it is irreversible. I think back to the before David left, we were all so innocent (except dad) and naive (but dad) of war and the experiences and after affects of it. During David's second deployment we were not, and it was more scary and more (is there a word?) Sometimes the human mind is deficient of expressing in words those things that are too painful, too frightening.
Lynn Austin in While We're Far Apart tells a penetrating and absorbing story through the voices of family, and this includes the young daughter of a soldier, and friends, that are in America during World War II. Through these characters we understand and empathize with the fear anxiety and uncertainty, while their loved one's are at war. We too are with them in their experiences of waiting for word from their loved ones, and trying to understand why there is hatred and strife in the world, or in the pain and suffering that families endure until they embrace again their loved one. Yet, we understand in the characters portrayed in While We're Far Apart, that the outcome is not always as we'd hoped. On the back of the book cover a statement is made, "God's presence and love, even when He is silent." Sometimes God is silent. We define silence as the absence of work, at least in our human mind we feel that way. Yet, I know from experience it is in the silence that we grasp God's hand tighter. It is on our knees in prayer that we hold on to Him closest. It is during the silence that our faith grows. It is also in the silence that God is stating, "not yet, this journey is not yet complete, just a little longer, hold on to me, and I'll sustain you through my grace."
I love it when the story unfolds other stories that are not there to just entertain us, but to teach us that the resolve is not in the satisfying conclusion, instead is is the journey a character takes.
I'd mentioned earlier in this post that one of the characters and voices was the daughter of a soldier, her name is Esther. Esther's voice as a child and developing adolescent gives the reader another prism to look through. Another words a child sees the world differently than an adult, and gives other views and feelings that an adult would not give. Esther and her younger brother to me are a stark picture of innocence, against the horrific image of war.

Thank you to Bethany House and An Open Book for my free copy for reading/reviewing.

Published by Bethany House 2010
Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction/World War II/Coming of Age Story/Romance/Holocaust
416 pages

Christian Book Link:
http://www.christianbook.com/while-were-far-apart/lynn-austin/9780764204975/pd/204970?item_code=WW&netp_id=762105&event=ESRCG&view=details
Paperback $8.99
eBook is---FREE

Amazon Link:
http://www.amazon.com/While-Were-Apart-Lynn-Austin/dp/B0054U5GPU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318258830&sr=1-1
Paperback $6.00
Kindle eBook is FREE

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

2011-10-09T19:20:00.001-05:00

Over the past week I've read in the NIV Acts chapters 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 for BSF.
I also read Romans all 16 chapters in The New Testament An American Translation by Edgar J. Goodspeed.
This was the 9th time for me to read Romans this year. My goal in January was to read Romans 10 times in 10 different translations. I'm near the goal. Soon I'll read from the Amplified version and then I'll post on my reflections.
I've decided that for 2012 I'll read the NT book of Hebrews 12 times in 12 different translations. This is in addition to reading the OT and NT in 1 year.

I have 2 fiction books that I'll be reviewing this next week:
Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer and While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin

I have stacks of Christian fiction books waiting for me to read--I'm hoping that in this last quarter of 2011 I'll be able to read several of them.

I bought a new non-fiction book today from the book store at my Church--by John MacArthur---------
The MacArthur Bible Handbook, A Book-by-Book Exploration of God's Word
I'm looking forward to utilizing this book during my Bible study time.

Soon I'll be reading:
The House of Hope, God's love for the abandoned orphans of China by Elisabeth Gifford

Lit! A Christian Guide To Reading Books by Tony Reinke

And a book I've been trying to find time to read, Radical by David Platt

On a personal note my hubby goes back to work tomorrow, limited duty. He had 2 tears in his left shoulder and had surgery September 14. He has been home recuperating. Physical Therapy starts this week.
Rain! We've had 2 1/2 inches over the past 24 hours of refreshing soothing quenching rain! This is a big answer to prayer!

Are you reading your Bible?
Blissful Reading!
Annette

Roundabout

2011-10-04T13:00:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time since I've posted a Roundabout. For those of you new to my blog, Roundabout is a post of a links and websites that I've found and thought might be of interest to my own followers.
I follow 99 blogs, I don't get to visit them as often as I'd like, but I do visit all of them for my Roundabout post.

An interview with Christian fiction author DiAnn Mills over @
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
Chance to win a free copy of DiAnn's book Attracted To Fire

Bonnie Calhoun over @
http://bonniescalhoun.blogspot.com/
has several reviews on newly released Christian fiction books.
For example: The Mercy by Beverly Lewis, Dangerous Mercy by Kathy Herman, Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis, Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston, and Here's To Friends by Melody Carlson.
Bonnie is the founder and publisher of:
http://www.christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/home.html
The new October issue is available.

Anne @ Building His Body writes short devotionals on her blog. Season of Drought really speaks to me.

I've mentioned Jenifer Jernigan before on my blog, she has a great way to pray for husbands.
http://jeniferjernigan.com/covering-your-husband-in-prayer

A blog for writers thats subject is on Colonial America.
http://colonialquills.blogspot.com/

A review of Robert Whitlow's newest book, Water's Edge
http://heartofabookworm.blogspot.com/2011/09/waters-edge.html

Inspiring You to Save is a one stop place for coupons and other savings at stores

Review of Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman. Not A Fan is a newly released Christian non-fiction book.

A review by Tracy Krauss of Danger At The Door by Michelle Sutton. Michelle has a blog for book reviews in addition to being a writer.
http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/

Thoughts of a Sojourner has several book reviews on recently released Christian fiction books.
Kathy Herman's newest book Dangerous Mercy, Amy Clipston's Naomi's Gift, Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon, and Passion to Action by Jay and Beth Loecken.

A post on How Do You Handle Distraction

An update on fellow blogger Sandi Rog
http://sandirog.blogspot.com/2011/09/im-worst-case-senario.html
Please continue to pray for her and her family.

Great interview with Julie Lessman plus a book give-away
http://relzreviewz.blogspot.com/2011/10/familyfiction-plus-julie-lessman.html

Book review of Lit! A Christian's Guide To Reading books by Tony Reinke
http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com/2011/10/book-review-lit-christian-guide-to.html
Also by the same blogger--Becky--she has a lengthy list of websites in order to listen to on-line sermons
http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com/2011/10/thinking-about-2012-goals.html

Post entitled What is Truth?

There are 2 topics being talked about on evangelical websites:
Bloodlines, Race Cross and the Christian by John Piper (a book review)
Trailer for the book....in my opinion one of the best book trailers I've watched:
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2011/09/13/the-trailer-for-john-pipers-bloodlines-documentary/
Tim Keller's forward to Bloodlines, Race Cross and the Christian
The above links from The Gospel Coalition
And from John Piper's own website, his reason for writing Bloodlines, Race Cross and the Christian:
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/bloodlines-race-cross-and-the-christian
And the 2nd topic is:
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/thabitianyabwile/2011/10/01/collateral-damage-in-the-invitation-of-t-d-jakes-to-the-elephant-room/

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

2011-10-02T09:04:00.000-05:00

Good Sunday morning to you! I'm happy to say on this October morning it is 58 degrees! Fall is my favorite season, it is refreshing after such a long hot summer.

I finished reading Romans (again) by reading from J. B. Phillips The New Testament in Modern English translation.
J. B. Phillips is the author of the tiny book with the big teaching "Your God is Too Small."
I had made the commitment early this year to read Romans 10 times in 10 translations. J. B. Phillips was my choice for reading Romans for the 8th time.
My next choice in translation will be Edgar J. Goodspeed's The New Testament An American Translation.

For an example of J. B. Phillips Romans translation:
"The Spirit of God not only maintains this hope within us, but helps us in our present limitations. For example, we do not know how to pray worthily as sons of God, but his Spirit within us is actually praying for us in those agonizing longings which never find words. And God who knows the hearts' secrets understands, of course, the Spirit's intention as he prays for those who love God. Moreover we know that to those who love God, who are called according to his plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good. God, in his foreknowledge, chose them to bear the family likeness of his Son, that he might be the eldest of a family of many brothers. He chose them long ago; when the time came he called them, he made them righteous in his sight and then lifted them to the splendor of life as his own sons."
Romans 8:26-30

Are you reading your Bible?

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Book Review: Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate

2011-10-01T11:57:00.002-05:00

"A little girl was watching me through the back window. She'd turned in her seat, climbed onto her knees, pressed a palm to the glass, her head tilted slightly to the side, as if she were curious about me, or confused by my presence on the road. Her dark hair floated in wispy, tangled curls around her face, her pale blue eyes regarding me with a concern that seemed out of place in the round orb of a child's face. She couldn't have been more that five, maybe six. Leaves were tangled in her hair, and her skin was brown from the sun, her cheeks a combination of pink sunburn and smudges of dirt." page 12
With this opening statement of the description of a little girl that seems half woods fairy and half angel, we are introduced to Birdie. Birdie is not the main character of Larkspur Cove although I wish she had been. In my opinion it would have been unique and a more enticing read than the main focused character--Andrea Henderson.
Andrea Harrison is a middle age, recently divorced, single mom, having to depend on her parents for support, she also recently entered the world of employment. Her new job is as a counselor for a small practice. Andrea spends most of her work time out of her office visiting various homes interviewing children.
Birdie is one of her clients.
Weaved in to the story is Andrea's communication struggles between her and her son Dustin. Both of them still grieving over dramatic life changes.
Andrea needs help from her parents. They have provided a lake house for her and Dustin to live in. Yet, she dislikes their strong critical influence.
And of course their is a handsome game warden named Mart McClendon.

I know this is my own personal problem, but I'm a little bored with the same ole story line of a woman with an issue, or several issues, then meets a new man, they have at least one problem that might keep them apart, but in the end ....well you know.

But, to have centered a story around a young girl, and the story would be from the voice of the young girl. Now, that is a story!

After giving the above opinion, I do feel this book is an entertaining read. My favorite part of the book would be the scenes of Birdie and Andrea's interaction. I also feel that Andrea maybe an encouragement to single mother's out there who struggle with the same issues that Andrea faced. Even in a fictional character we can feel encouraged and uplifted.

Thank you to Bethany House and Open Book for my free review copy!

Moses Lake Series Book 2, Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate
Published by Bethany House 2011
352 pages

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/larkspur-cove-moses-lake/lisa-wingate/9780764208218/pd/208218?product_redirect=1&Ntt=208218&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP#curr
Paperback $8.49
eBook $9.69

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Christian Publishing University

2011-09-29T11:40:00.002-05:00

Christian Publishing University Launched!

CPU is offering a special promotion for

bloggers interested in learning more

about Christian Publishing

Are you interested in taking a look at what is offered at CPU?

Keep reading for more information especially for bloggers--

and find out how you could win a Kindle!

Watch the preview video!

For more information and to enroll, visit www.ChristianPublishingUniversity.com.

Are you interested in finding out more about

Christian Publishing University?

For each blog post you make about CPU, you will be entered into a drawing to win a free Kindle. The second prize will be a free membership for one year.

You must send your links to ajennings@tbbmedia.com by November 4 to be entered in the drawing.

The Sunday Salon

2011-09-18T11:38:00.000-05:00

Good Sunday Morning to you!

It's been a busy week at our house. On Wednesday my husband Jeff had his left rotator cuff repaired. During the surgery they found another tear on top of his left shoulder, this is called a labral tear. Both were repaired and we were back home by the middle of the afternoon. That first 24 hours after surgery was very painful and uncomfortable for Jeff. He slept little. But by Thursday evening he was able to shower and take a peaceful nap. Each day he improves a little bit more.

In the last week I started reading an old book of my dad's, The Acts, An Exposition by Charles R. Erdman, published 1936.
Instead of reading through the book of Acts (second time this year) for my Bible reading. I'm reading this book by Erdman. The Bible reference for this book is American Standard Edition of the Revised Bible. I'm currently reading through chapter 4 of Acts.

During my daily devotional time this week I read something from Joni Eareckson Tada that ministered to me, I'm hoping it will speak to your heart today as well. The devotional book is one of my favorites, Pearls of Great Price 366 Daily Devotional Readings published by Zondervan.

Joni was reflecting back on a time before her mother's death when her mother could no longer remember who Joni or her sisters were. Joni's mother had had a stroke and was a "shadow of her former self." On reflecting on this Joni wrote,
"Strange how we expect the parade of life to go on forever; when it finally runs out of steam, we feel cheated, as though someone should have told us it was this short, this hard, this...final. But death is supposed to be hard. Perhaps it's supposed to be a taste of hell. The wages of our sin is death; could God have in mind for us to feel-really feel-a little of what the Savior bore? God may want to remind us of what sin would have earned us, had it not been for Christ. I guess the throes of death are our birth pangs before we enter heaven's bliss. These are sobering thoughts. But the facts of death often can be as harsh as facts of life."

Two important questions are given:
"Have you made your peace with God?
and
How can you help prepare a loved one or friend who is facing death?"

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

2011-09-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted The Sunday Salon. Over the past few weeks we've been busy packing boxes, loading up, closing on our previous home, then closing on our new home, unloading and unpacking and settling in to our new home. On the day that I was finally able to organize, sort and re-shelve my books--I had such a feeling of comfort and joy to put away my beloved books in their new home. Only another bibliophile could understand.

In January of this year I had made a commitment to read in 2011 the book of Romans 10 times in 10 different translations. I just finished reading Romans in the New Living Translation--The Transformation Study Bible. I had gotten behind during the mid-point of this past summer, but I am persevering onwards.
So far I have read Romans in the-----
1. New American Standard Bible
2. New International Version
3. English Standard Version
4. King James Version
5. The Interlinear Bible in the Greek/English
6. Common English Version
7. The New Living Translation.
I have 3 more versions to go to complete this. I've chosen J. B. Phillips The New Testament in Modern English, Amplified Bible, and lastly Goodspeed's The New Testament An American Translation.

I finished reading the Old Testament last Spring and read all of the New Testament a week before Easter. I've started re-reading the New Testament but more slowly. I had also gotten behind in this during the mid- point of this past summer. I just finished reading the Gospel of John in the New American Standard Version. Next I will read Acts. I'm leaning towards reading Acts from Erdman's The Acts, An Exposition. It is a commentary but also has Scripture in it as well. The translation is the American Standard Edition of the Revised Bible.

By the way....Acts of the Apostles is the study for BSF starting next week! This will be my 10th year in BSF and I'm anxious to meet new friends since we've just moved.

This Wednesday the 14th my husband will have surgery to repair a torn left rotator cuff. I would imagine my blogging next week will be dampened by this. Hoping and praying my hubby's surgery will be successful.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Book Review: Everyday Conversations, Eternal Impact: Lessons Drawn from Jesus and the Woman at the Well by Pastor Lloyd Pulley

2011-08-30T08:53:00.000-05:00

"Jesus answered and said to her, 'Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."
John 4:13-14 NASB

http://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Conversations-Eternal-Impact-Lessons/dp/1597519782/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314709116&sr=8-1
Paperback $7.99
Kindle $5.99

http://www.lloydpulley.com/about
Thank you to Bridging The Gap Publications for my free review copy.
The website for publisher currently under construction.

Published by Bridging The Gap Publications April 10, 2011
112 pages
Christian Non-Fiction/Apologetics/Evangelism

The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well from John chapter 4 is one of my favorite stories from the New Testament. The conversation that they had was personal, intimate. In this harried and hurried world that we live in, to slow down and have a personal and intimate conversation....and not in Twitter or texting format....tugs at my heart. Everyone seems to be in a hurry, no time for deep intimate conversations.
But at what cost?

In Everyday Conversations Eternal Impact Lloyd Pulley teaches us that "evangelism is not about the clever dialogue, but rather a love for the lost."
Are we in-tuned and listening to the Holy Spirit's promptings in order to share from ourselves about Jesus?
Clever words, pamphlets and a cheesy smile should be discarded as rubbish. Instead we should live our lives outwardly in action everyday as a reflection of what Jesus has done in our inner person; this is the primary way that we tell others about Jesus. Sometimes we are given opportunities to talk to others about Jesus. If the person is uninterested don't be pushy, but continue to demonstrate Jesus in our word and action.
Only the Holy Spirit can open the door to talking to others about Jesus.

Everyday Conversations Eternal Impact is small--compact at 112 pages. Yet it packs a powerful study on talking to others, sharing with others, and reminding us that it is in living out authentically what we believe about Jesus in our everyday life that matters the most.

There are 5 key biblical principles:
S--sensitive
H--humble
A--arouse
R--reveal
E--explain

Of course that is an acrostic for SHARE.

Lloyd Pulley speaks on each of these. For example chapter 5 is H--humbly build a bridge.
"We must humbly approach people with humility and respect. When we do that, we immediately begin building bridges into their lives instead of erecting walls, which keep us separated."

I really liked this book!
I learned much and was re-reminded of much.
I learned the deep significance of my everyday life that counts the most in sharing Jesus with others.
I was re-reminded that humility and respect build bridges; and that arrogance and prejudice destroy.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Mugabe and the White African by Ben Freeth--Forewords by Desmond Tutu and John Sentamu

2011-08-27T07:00:00.003-05:00

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
Ephesians 6:12-13 NASB

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/mugabe-and-the-white-african/ben-freeth/9780745955469/pd/955469?item_code=WW&netp_id=892942&event=ESRCG&view=details
Paperback $11.99

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Mugabe-White-African-Ben-Freeth/dp/0745955460/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1313109217&sr=8-2
Paperback $9.95

Link for the PBS Documentary:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/world/july-dec11/filmproject_07-21.html

Published July 2011 by Lion Hudson/Kregel
256 pages
Christian Non-Fiction/Zimbabwe/Biography

Thank you to Kregel and Litfuse for my free review copy.

This is an amazing story of bravery, steadfastness, and great faith!

Books to me are not just an entertaining form of recreation.
Books---stories---teach! They teach me about other cultures and people groups, historical events, current topics in our world, and most of all individual lives that against an adversity (whatever that adversity maybe) triumph by not giving up.
Mugabe and The White African has shown me what fighting for a cause with Christian grit and determination is all about.
I've read books on Apartheid and the history and culture of South Africa. I'd not read about Zimbabwe and the violence and abuse against the white farmers.
The two forewords written by Desmond Tutu and John Sentamu were eye-opening, candid, serious. They gave a dark prelude to the story that Ben Freeth would share.

Zimbabwe is an African country just to the northeast of South Africa.
In 1963 Robert Mugabe became Secretary General of Zimbabwe African National Union or ZANU. In 1980 he became First Prime Minister, and in 1987 he became President.
In 1966 the killing of white farmers began. By the late 1970's "on average, one farm murder of a white civilian every three days. Every farm was a target."
People were fearful, afraid to speak about what was happening.
The police did not involve themselves, they were aloof, uncaring.
Land Reform was what Robert Mugabe and his "henchmen" called it, stripping away the profitable farms from white African's. This land then became a desolate waste, unmanaged by no one.
Ben Freeth's definition of Land Reform, "it is about controlling the land in order to control the people on it. Dictators know that to control the land--it controls food--food to survive with starvation to control people."
Many of these white farmers had been in Africa, often on the same land since the 1700's. The farms were not only their livelihood, but they employed workers that then lost their jobs when the land was stripped away.
Mugabe hated these western imperialist's. His hate was born from a heart of vengeance that produced evil.
Ben Freeth had been raised in a part of Zimbabwe that had remained unscathed. When he married Laura Campbell he moved to Mount Carmel--the Campbell farm, located in the middle of fruitful Zimbabwe. This area of Zimbabwe had been an area that was often targeted by Mugabe's regime.

In the foreword by Desmond Tutu he gave a definition of ubuntu, "the essence of being human. It speaks particularly to the fact that you can't exist as a human in isolation since we are all interconnected. The spirit of ubuntu is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished and when others are tortured or oppressed."
Ben Freeth gave an eyewitness account of the humiliation, torture, and oppression of the white farmers under Mugabe's regime. I felt his account was not written in order to seek further dissension, unrest or war. But it was written in order to share the plight and struggle against not just a mere man, named Robert Mugabe, but against evil. More than once in the book Ben Freeth expressed that there was a "lifeless" and "dead form" that emanated from Mugabe. There was an "overwhelming presence of evil."
The love of Zimbabwe and Africa is apparent in Ben Freeth's story.
This land runs not only with the sweat and blood of the black African, but also with the white African.
I am glad that I read this book, it opened my eyes to another story of the struggles of Africa. The story was from the viewpoint of a white man, yet this should not diminish its validity.
This book has opened my eyes to another story of Africa. White African's in Zimbabwe number 1%, yet they are apart of the interconnection of humans living in Africa.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Amish Values for Your Family by Suzanne Woods Fisher

2011-08-25T07:00:00.012-05:00

"Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." Amish Proverb

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Values-Your-Family-Simple/dp/0800719964/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311859860&sr=1-1
Paperback $8.40
Kindle $7.98

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/amish-values-for-your-family/suzanne-fisher/9780800719968/pd/719968?item_code=WW&netp_id=871946&event=ESRCG&view=details
Paperback $8.49
eBook $8.99

Authors site:
http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/

Litfuse Publicity Group

Published August 1 2011 by Revell a Division of Baker Publishing Group
192 pages
Christian Non-Fiction/Amish/Wisdom/Family

The Amish culture exhibits strength in family unity and moral values. The Amish maybe an anomaly to many yet they are respected. Suzanne Woods Fisher has written a book on many of the family values that are "lived out" in the Amish. At the beginning of each chapter is a Amish proverb. The chapters subjects are on money, daily chores, typical life in an Amish family, growing children, children leaving home, school, and Amish marriages. The book demonstrates the commitment, faithfulness, humility and obedience that the Amish "live out" in their lives.

I felt this was an enjoyable read!
I do feel it speaks more to a young parent, rather than a parent of older children (such as myself). Yet, having said that I did enjoy the book and felt I understand the Amish a little better.
What resonated with me the most is that the Amish children have a security that many American homes do not have, the divorce rate for the Amish is zero. "They believe that the marriage commitment is for life. They don't question it. They know they have to make it through hard times as well as good."
There were several quotes from the book, proverbs, that I have written down---they just were so poignant and sweet.
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
"Be life long or short, its completeness depends on what it was lived for."

I was asked to share in my review what value impacted me and how I could apply it to my life today and how it would benefit my family.
I will speak from experience about commitment in marriage. My husband and I married young, had children quickly, most of our early years we were as poor as "2 squirrels in winter." We have been through much in our marriage, yet God in His mercy and grace supplied our needs. The value that my husband and I applied to our marriage almost 29 years ago was "commitment," we've stayed the coarse, persevered, kept the faith. Our children and now grandchildren have the added blessing of having parents together---in thought, in goals and dreams, and in unity.

Thank you to Litfuse and Revell for my free review copy.

Additional Information From Suzanne Woods Fisher and Lifuse Publicity Group

Guest blog from Suzanne Woods Fisher for “Amish Values for Your Family” (Revell)

Five Things I’ve Learned from the Amish that Have Nothing to Do with being Amish and Have Everything to Do with being a Christian:

Being Amish is not a lifestyle. Life among the Amish has to do with faith. Faith can’t be squeezed to an hour or two on Sunday morning; it infuses their entire life like a teabag in hot water. What they do and how they do it is rooted in the spiritual question: What is pleasing to God?

Amish proverb: “Letting go of earthly possessions enables us to take hold of heavenly treasures.”

The Lesson: To pray about my day’s activities and offer them to God, first, for His purposes. And then trusting interruptions (seeing a friend in the grocery store, for example) or de-railings (those days when everything goes wrong!) to be God-managed.

Cherish your family. A family that works together, grows together. Amish families spend a lot of time together and try to keep their work close to home. Children are valued as gifts from God, wanted and enjoyed. They’re included in all of Amish life—from barn raisings to three-hour church services. An Amish bishop once said, "We don't prepare our children for the future, we prepare our children for eternity."

Amish proverb: “Tomorrow’s world will be shaped by what we teach our children today.”

The Lesson: Involving children in chores and activities may not be the most convenient or efficient way to accomplish a task, but the benefits are long lasting. Look for ways to get everybody involved—cook together, sweep out the garage together, set the table together. And have fun while you’re doing it!

Draw a land in the sand. The Amish want to be good stewards of God’s resources—time, money, material goods. They know that convenience comes with a cost. They don’t want to be dependent on outside sources (such as electricity or gas!). Convenience means loss of something valuable. For example, fast food means less nutrition. More stuff means more maintenance. They’re willing to say no.

Amish proverb: “Things that steal our time are usually the easiest to do.”

The Lesson: Technology has its limits. And technology isn’t all good. Evaluate purchases more thoughtfully. Think of where a purchase or an added expense will lead your family. More time together or less? More stress or less? Reframe your view of time and money and goods as God’s resources.

Watch Your Words. The Amish continually stress the importance of filtering their speech.

Amish proverb: “Words break no bones, but they can break hearts” and “Mincing your words makes it easier if you have to eat them later.”

The Lesson: Say less. Prayer more.

Nothing replaces face-to-face visits. Back in the day when telephones emerged on the scene, the Amish bishops made a deliberate decision to keep the telephone out of the house. They didn’t want to interrupt family life. But they drop everything for a face-to-face visit.

Amish proverb: “Use friendship as a drawing account, but don’t forget to make a deposit.”

The Lesson: Nurture relationships by investing face-to-face time in them. No technology can substitute for the real thing.

Honor the Sabbath. An Amish person would never think of working on a Sunday. But it’s more than that—they truly cherish their Sabbath. They spend time on Saturday to make Sunday a smooth and easy day.

Amish proverb: “Many things I have tried to grasp and have lost. That which I have placed in God’s hands I still have.”

The Lesson: Strive to make Sunday a different day than other days. A day of rest is important on so many levels—time to worship, time to reflect, time to re-energize. A re-charge your battery day.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction and the host of a weekly radio program called Amish Wisdom. Her most recent book, Amish Values for Your Family released in August. The Waiting is a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award. Amish Peace: Simple and Amish Proverbs were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011). Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth. Keep up on Suzanne's latest news on Facebook, Twitter and on her blog!

Blissful Reading!

Annette

Suzanne Woods Fisher Contest

2011-08-15T08:00:00.006-05:00

Suzanne Woods Fisher is thrilled to announce the release of Amish Values for Your Family, her latest non-fiction release. "It offers loving ways to bring your fractured home back to life-Amish style. Read it and apply generously! It’s a beautiful book-funny, charming, soulful, and beautiful." -Mary Ann Kirkby

Read the reviews here.

To celebrate the release of Amish Values for Your Family, Suzanne has teamed up her publisher Revell Books to giveaway a Kindle, and with Bill Coleman (the amazing photographer used on Suzanne’s book covers) to give away a signed Bill Coleman original.

One Grand Prize winner will receive an Amish Values Prize Package (valued at over $200) and includes:

* A brand new KINDLE

* A Signed Bill Coleman original

* Amish Values for Your Family (for KINDLE)

Click on one of the icons to enter. Winner will be announced on 9/2 at Suzanne’s blog. Be sure to stop by the blogs on Suzanne’s blog tour – many have copies of Amish Values for Your Family to give away.

But, wait there's more! Suzanne is running a Bill Coleman caption contest during the month of August on her blog. Title one of Bill’s gorgeous photos for a chance to win a print from Bill’s Amish Photo site and/or a copy of Amish Values for Your Family.

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13421895).

Link to buy the book:

http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Values-Your-Family-Simple/dp/0800719964/ref=sprightly-20

It offers loving ways to bring your fractured home back to life-Amish style. Read it and apply generously! It's a beautiful book-funny, charming, soulful, and beautiful."
-Mary-Ann Kirkby, author of I Am Hutterite

For readers who long for strong families that know how to truly enjoy life together, there is much to learn from the Amish. Values like community, forgiveness, simple living, obedience, and more can be your family legacy--without selling your car, changing your wardrobe, or moving out to farm country.

In Amish Values for Your Family, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shows how you can adopt the wisdom of the Amish when it comes to family matters. In this inspiring and practical book readers will find charming true stories interlaced with solid, biblical advice about parenting, marriage, and all aspects of family life. As readers get an intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of real Amish families, they will learn to prioritize what's truly important, simplify decision-making, slow down as a family, safeguard time together, and let go when the time comes.

About Suzanne:

Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. She has many, many Plain relatives living in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and travels back to Pennsylvania , as well as to Ohio , a couple of times each year for research.

Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don't have to "go Amish" to incorporate many of their principles--simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily-- into your life.

When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.

Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

Book Review: Across The Wide River by Stephanie Reed

2011-08-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

"This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother." 1 John 3:10 NIV

Link for the authors site:
http://www.stephanielreed.com/

For more information on the Underground Railroad in Ohio:
http://www.ohiomemory.org/cdm4/results.php?CISOBOX1=underground%20railroad&CISOOP1=all&CISOFIELD1=CISOSEARCHALL&CISOOP2=&CISOFIELD2=&CISOBOX2=&CISOROOT=all

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Across-Wide-River-Stephanie-Reed/dp/0825435765/ref=pd_sim_b_1
Paperback $9.99
Not available on Kindle

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/across-the-wide-river-1/stephanie-reed/9780825435768/pd/35763?item_code=WW&netp_id=344196&event=ESRCG&view=details
Paperback $8.19

Stephanie Reed has written another book as well:
The Light Across the River

Thank you to Kregel Publishers for my free review copy.
The Kregel Book Tour runs August 15-19.
www.kregel.com/blogtours

Published by Kregel 2011, originally published 2004
Christian Non-Fiction
Biography/Underground Railroad/Early 19th Century/Slavery/Abolitionist's
Written for young adult reader's, but I feel for adult reader's as well.

When Lowry Rankin is almost 9 years old, he and his family move from Kentucky to across the Ohio River to Ripley, Ohio. Lowry's father is Reverend John Rankin a Presbyterian minister and abolitionist. At an early age Lowry is deeply affected by slavery. He witnessed the abuse and brutality of black slaves under the bondage of white slave masters. The Rankin family's red brick home in Ripley, Ohio becomes the first stop in the pre-Civil War Underground Railroad.

Rankin family home in Ripley, Ohio.

Across The Wide River follows the family's mission in helping runaway slaves once they cross the Ohio river. The story also tells Lowry Rankin's life story and his development in to a young man.


Looking out the Rankin family home window at the Ohio River.

I loved this book!
I wish the book had been longer, there was so much more of the story I would have loved to read.
Across The Wide River gave me a better view of what it was like for the runaway slave escaping across the river in fear of their lives, with the hope of freedom on the other side.
I learned what it was like for those that escorted the black men and women and children to their next destination.
The network of people involved in the Underground Railroad was larger that I realized. In looking back when I was in school it is a shame that we did not study more about this history.
The abolitionist's were faith driven and heroic in their willingness to put their life in danger for the sake of others.
The author Stephanie Reed had a life long mission to study and write about the Underground Railroad that was in Ripley, Ohio. She states that as a young girl she would pass by the Rankin home on her way to visit her grandparents. She stated that she "spent years doing library research." She noted that she interviewed descendants of the Rankin's.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: People of the Book, Extreme Devotion Series Book #4 by Kathi Macias

2011-08-05T08:00:00.125-05:00

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15 NIV

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596692820/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=195M1T0NZFJQPS8KKCH1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846
Paperback $9.94

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/people-of-the-book-extreme-devotion/kathi-macias/9781596692824/pd/692824?item_code=WW&netp_id=879754&event=ESRCN&view=details
Paperback $9.99

http://kathimacias.com/

http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com/

Published April 2011 by New Hope Publishers
320 Pages
Christian Fiction/Saudi Arabia/Persecution/Missionary

In the Extreme Devotion series we've traveled from South Africa to Mexico to China and now Saudi Arabia.
In each of the books Christians have been faced with persecution because of their belief in Jesus as Lord.
They have all been moving, potent, memorable. The stories have not been just an "entertaining" Christian fiction story, but have been a powerful and perfect picture of Christian's living out their faith in Jesus Christ--no matter the cost.

Farah Mohammed is 19 years old, she lives with her parents, older brother Kareem and younger sister Nadia. They live in Saudi Arabia. Farah is a committed and devout Muslim. She prays fervently, lives piously and submissively, reads the Quran, and performs acts of charity and kindness. She has been praying that Allah would make himself known to her in a mighty way. During Ramadan she prays that maybe at this time Allah will make himself known to her. But, when Ramadan is over, she is disappointed. Kareem is seething with jealously because his sister Farah is so pious, but more importantly she does not "worship" him as the older and powerful brother.
Farah has a cousin named Nura. Nura is about the same age as Farah. She is an only child. She too lives in Saudi Arabia and her family is Muslim. Nura has a friend that she met in a chat room on the Internet. This friend has talked to her about Isa Masih--Jesus Christ. Nura is interested, yet she knows that to become a Christian is dangerous. Nura tells Farah about this new friend she has met on the Internet.
Added to the story of Farah and Nura are characters from America. These characters each have their own story that brings the power of prayer and the ability to spread the Gospel message on the Internet.

Although I liked this book as well. I did have a little harder time falling in to the story. It could just be me for any variety of reasons. Such as it could have been that I'd just read Red Ink and was still thinking about that book.
And.....
Farah was not a character that I grew an attachment to. Maybe, because of her pious and devout nature some of her "real" character was held back from the reader. Sort of like a person that feels they are righteous in their religious beliefs and so they hold back from the world the parts of their personality that they feel are imperfect. But, it is the imperfectness that makes us human and approachable to others. Because others will feel we have empathy for them, that we will understand them, and be able to help them.
Some people might would sum up what I just wrote by saying Farah was not a 3-D person.
I did enjoy the story of the characters from America---they brought real life situations that I can relate to in to the story.
Now that I've written that last sentence, that could also be a reason that I did not grow close to the character Farah, I could not relate to her.
Farah's world of Islam is so "other world" to me that I can say with honesty I'm rather ignorant of this culture and religion.
Yet, I am so glad that I read this book! Even though it is a work of fiction, it did get me out of my "little box" so to speak, and I was able to learn about what it is like for a female in Saudi Arabia and also about the Muslim religion.
Isn't that one of the reasons we read? So that a book, a story, can take us to another culture, country, religion. And by doing so we are able to reach outside of ourselves in understanding them and maybe to help them. And as a Christian I am better able to pray for them and to look for an opportunity to share Jesus with them.
In reading the Extreme Devotion series I felt the books have all had a two-fold message:
1. The power of prayer, and in that I include the power of prayer against the dark forces of the evil one.
2. Forsaking all, including life, for the sake of spreading the Gospel message.

These 4 books in the Extreme Devotion series have been dynamic reads for me during this summer! I am looking forward to the next book that Kathi Macias will write!

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: The Sweetest Thing by Elizabeth Musser

2011-08-03T20:48:00.000-05:00

"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17a

Published June 1 2011 by Bethany House
400 pages
Christian Fiction/Great Depression/Coming of Age Story/Friendship/Romance/Mystery

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/the-sweetest-thing-elizabeth-musser/9780764208317/pd/208317#curr
Paperback $9.99
eBook $9.69

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Sweetest-Thing-Elizabeth-Musser/dp/0764208314
Paperback $9.68
Kindle $10.19

Thank you to Bethany House and An Open Book for my free review copy!

It is 1933 and it is President Hoover's last day in office. The new President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his address to the nation stated "the only fear is fear itself." Yet, people are homeless, hungry, banks have closed, people have lost jobs, long lines form at soup kitchens, and people are praying for a miracle from the deafening roar of The Great Depression.
Perri Singleton and her parents listen by radio to Roosevelt's address. They live in a southern mansion (reminiscent to Tara) in Georgia. Perri has a younger sister and brother. Perri's father works in a bank. Her father has seemed so lost in a daze of stress over the bank and the state of their affairs. Perri's mother seems so delicate. Perri and her mother after the radio address, drive over to the Chandler's home in order to meet their new guest from Chicago, Mary Dobbs Dillard. Dobbs and Perri are both about the same age, 17. Dobbs is the niece of Mrs. Chandler and she has come to live with the Chandler's in order to finish school and get a break from her life of "poverty." Dobbs father is a pastor to the impoverished, the needy, he is a "sawdust trail preacher." Dobbs' mother is a stoic and wise person. Dobbs has two younger sisters. She also has a beau named Hank.
Perri is a product of a wealthy family. She has gone to the best of schools, lived in the finest of homes, attended all the society functions, and is a member of the country club. She is beautiful, popular, smart, always has a swarm of friends with her, has several smitten fellas. Perri though has just been going through the motions in a home that is teetering on the edge of the precipice. Her well-ordered life will soon be surrounded in mystery, shame, and pain.
Dobbs is a product of a poor family. Poor in money, yet wealthy in family bond and love. Dobbs has gone to church all of her life, she sits on the front pew leaning in to listen to her father's messages of repentance and belief in Jesus. Dobbs has loved and trusted her father, even possibly idolized him without knowing it. She comes to Georgia reluctantly. Feeling rather different and sticking out because of her long hair and plain clothes, yet she is often bold in her speech. Her roots seem to be deep in her faith.
Both girls from different past lives will emerge on a single path. Both will learn things about themselves they'd thought would never happen. Both, will endure much.

I absolutely loved this book!
It is a southern tempo story. Have you ever read To Kill a Mockingbird, or any of Eudora Welty's stories. In these stories you probably noted the slow tempo of the stories. There is no hurried rush, but rather a gradual revealing of the characters and events.
There is excellent use of the environment to show emotions of the characters and events in the story. For example from page 58-59.
"Perched high up on a hill on Wesley Road, with a driveway that climbed and twisted around, our house appeared from behind a forest of trees as if in a dream-a three stories-white-brick mansion with six white columns out front and black shutters on the big windows, with front and back porches and big magnolia trees that surrounded the house. Everything that had at one time meant home and comfort and beauty now looked gray, as if a thin layer of ash had swept in on the breeze and settled on our house and yard."

The story deals with many issues from the 1930's, the south, and from life:
Socio-economic class
Black Servants
Poverty
Homelessness
Alcohol
Gambling
Gossip
Prejudice
Ignorance
Segregation
Apathy
Friendship

The story also shows:
Crisis of faith---doubt
Trust
Faithfulness even when we don't understand
Forgiveness
Reconciliation
Prayer

The author wrote on a subject that I've not seen in other Christian fiction books, at least not to this extent; the gnawing raw feelings of doubt about God, about His goodness and trusting in Him. The character that felt this way is vehement in her anger towards God. She does not hold anything back. I knew though that behind that mask of anger is fear. Fear that has become as enormous as the Titanic itself.

There is a mystery in the book and when that is resolved I was really surprised--I'd not expected the ending.

I did not feel that the book "wrapped up nicely like a Christmas package" but that it depicted the reality of life.

I have plans to re-read this book which is not the norm for me. I enjoyed this story so much, I recommend it to anyone. It is a great read for adult and for young adult.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Red Ink, Extreme Devotion Series #3 by Kathi Macias

2011-07-29T08:39:00.005-05:00

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/red-ink-extreme-devotions/kathi-macias/9781596692794/pd/692777#curr
Paperback $9.99

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Red-Ink-Extreme-Devotion-Book/dp/1596692790
Paperback $10.23

http://kathimacias.com/

http://www.acfw.com/carol/2011_carol_awards_finalists

2011 Golden Scroll Book Awards Novel of Year

An interview with the author about Red Ink:
http://www.newhopedigital.com/index.php/2011/07/author-makes-connection-with-inspiration-for-red-ink/

Published October 2010 by New Hope Publishers
320 pages
Christian Fiction/China/Missionary/Persecution

Zhen-Li lives near Beijing, China. She married a Christian man and they had a son. Her parents are not Christian and have adamantly opposed her marriage and her conversion to Christianity. Zhen-Li feels she must live out her faith by telling others about Jesus, including teaching children. The Chinese government opposes such action. Yet, Zhen-Li must tell others about Yhu Yesu (Lord Jesus) no matter the cost.

This is a powerful book, because it demonstrates the verse, "For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10b
What Paul meant when he wrote that verse is that when we are weak, God in His mercy and grace gives us the strength to meet that Goliath of fears. Let go of what we as a human feel we can "handle" and give God full reign over "all things".

I have read all 4 of the Extreme Devotion series, by far Red Ink has been my favorite. The presence of the Holy Spirit is evident in reading about Zhen-Li. I've read that Zhen-Li was based on a real Christian journalist in China named Li Ying.

As I stated previously in my review of More Than Conquerors----the book is two-fold in its mission.
1. The power of prayer, and in that I include the power of prayer against the dark forces of the evil one.
2. Forsaking all, including life, for the sake of spreading the Gospel message.

In Zhen-Li's story the descriptions of her abuse, torment, and suffering is displayed more emotionally riveting than the other books in the series.

There are several other key characters in the story of Red Ink and not all of them are on the continent of China. They are brought in to the story to parallel that not all people that are in bondage are in a barbed wire, concrete prison.
There are also characters that remind us that no matter the age or condition of the individual, prayer is powerful!

I loved this book, loved, loved, loved it!

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: The Deity of Christ Edited by Christopher W. Morgan and Robert A. Peterson

2011-07-27T11:39:00.000-05:00

The Deity of Christ is apart of the Theology in Community series. The other books in this series are---
Suffering and the Goodness of God, The Glory of God.
The goal of this series is to take "key theological themes and apply them to contemporary concerns."
The Deity of Christ is not written by one individual but by several.
Christopher W. Morgan and Robert A. Peterson are the editor's.
Contributing Author's:
Christopher W. Morgan
Robert A. Peterson
Alan W. Gomes
J. Nelson Jennings
Stephen J. Nichols
Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.
Stephen J. Wellum
Andreas J. Kostenberger
Gerald Bray
From the introduction: "The deity of Christ is vital to Christian faith and practice. If Jesus is not God incarnate, then Christianity is not true; if he is, then it is true. "

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Deity-Christ-Theology-Community/dp/1581349793/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311775981&sr=1-1
Hardcover $16.49
Kindle $9.99

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=349795&product_redirect=1&Ntt=349795&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP
Hardcover $16.49

Published by Crossway June 2011
Christian Non-Fiction/Deity of Jesus Christ/Gospels/Cults
320 pages

It is difficult to review a non-fiction book that has several contributing author's. So I will address two points.
1. What were the strengths and weaknesses of the book
2. Did the book address the goal from the introduction, "key theological themes and apply them to contemporary concerns."

1. One of the strengths in the book is that the reader has a variety of authors to choose from. Meaning differing teaching and writing styles. Where as one author maybe a little dry in his writing, rather like a lecture filled college classroom, the next chapter will have an author that has more energy and personableness.
Another strength is the reader has the ability to glean from a background of people that have studied and taught from a seminary.
Another strength is that these authors have varying denominational backgrounds. A few from European Universities.
The main strength is that I felt each of the author's (even though from differing denominations and universities and personalities) worked together as a whole to address The Deity of Christ.
The only weakness I found was that the book was written for Christians that have above average Bible knowledge. I know more Christians that do not read and study the Bible than those that do, because of that there would be a smaller amount of people that would be interested in reading this book. Some might would be put off by its weighty theology material. As for me I loved this book and there were three chapters that I read twice.

2. Yes, I felt the book did address "key theology themes" and applied them to our current culture.
In chapter 1 entitled The Deity of Christ Today written by Stephen J. Nichols. He wrote on how through the generations Jesus was looked at or perceived in a certain way. For example during the Victorian Era, Jesus "espoused Victorian virtues of tenderness and gentleness. He was a meek and mild savior, who always had time for children." Another example, the Jesus that is perceived by many in America today is persuaded by film, television, and fictional books such as The Da Vinci Code. The author states that Jesus even shows up on "backpacks and T-shirts."
In chapter 9 entitled The Deity of Christ and the Cults. The author took the various beliefs from early Church history and compared them to modern cults. For example: The Arian teaching. The Arian teaching believed that "Jesus was not fully human, instead he was more like an angel-like spirit creature animating a body." The Arian teaching is compared to the Jehovah's Witnesses that believe "The King Christ Jesus now rules as a disembodied angel over the 144,000, a special class of Jehovah's Witness, who also experienced resurrection in a disembodied form."

My favorite chapter (I read twice) that addresses the title of the book, The Deity of Christ, is
Chapter 4 The Deity of Christ in John's Gospel written by Andreas J. Kostenberger. In this wonderful chapter I was given a deep lesson from the Gospel of John.
"John's Gospel is rooted in the soil of 1st Century Jewish monotheism. It was composed by an eye witness of the events surrounding Jesus' earthly ministry and has as its major purpose the demonstration that Jesus is the Christ and Son of God in order to instill in its readers resulting in eternal life." John 20:30-31
I loved this chapter on John, John's Gospel is probably my favorite book of the Bible.
Kostenberger addressed that John was "bold in proclaiming Jesus' divinity. Jesus is presented as both the pre-existent Word at creation and as the incarnate word. Both Yahweh and the Word are theos, 'God.'"
"John presents Jesus as distinct from Yahweh (not one seen) and yet at the same time as God-the incarnate God who revealed God to humans in human form."
See John chapter 1 verses 1,14-15,17-18,30.

Thank you to Crossway for my free review copy!

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell

2011-07-27T08:52:00.000-05:00

Julietta----"In fact, that was her greatest desire and most secret plan. More than anything, she wanted to be not Italian-not some person bound by family ties and the traditions of the old country-but American." pg14

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/a-heart-most-worthy/siri-mitchell/9780764207952/pd/207952?item_code=WW&netp_id=832663&event=ESRCG&view=details
Paperback $9.99

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Most-Worthy-Siri-Mitchell/dp/0764207954/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311772348&sr=8-1
Paperback $10.19
Kindle $9.68

Published by Bethany House 2011
384 pages
Historical Fiction/World War I/Spanish Influenza/Italian/Emigration/Love Story

Thank you to Open Book from Bethany House for my free review copy.

A Heart Most Worthy is the story of three young Italian emigrant women: Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana.
Each of them have different personalities; yet they are more alike than dissimilar: they are of the same age, they are all from an Italian heritage, they are of the same religion, they are each over-shadowed by a problem, they have responsibilities in their family, and they are each gifted in an area of gown making.
The back drop to this story is the north side of Boston, and the year is 1918. World War I is being fought. The Spanish Influenza is about to make it's second round.
The young women live in an area of Boston that is congested with Italian emigrants. The Sicilians live across the street and the two do not associate with each other, they do not even speak.
The Italian community is close-nit and they look after one another, they also gossip about one another.
These three women are beautiful and full of youth and exuberance. Even though one of them has a painful past she still has the countenance of grace and beauty.
Each of them will be faced with acknowledging and rectifying decisions that were made.

Over-all I did like this book. It is not one of my favorites from Siri Mitchell.
What I disliked most about the book is that the author interjected her voice throughout the book, sort of like an emcee or a personal introducer to the characters. That 3rd voice I'll call it, even pointed out what I should notice or even what to assume about the characters. This was an interesting way of writing the book, a different take. But, I prefer to be left to my own imagination while reading a story--actually that is one of my favorite parts about reading.
What I did like about the book is the time period, the historical part of the story.
I also liked reading about Italian immigrants and their lives after they'd first come to America.
This is not a deep book, it is a light story, a love story, a story with a bit of mystery and a tiny bit of suspense.
I do feel that the front and back cover is lovely, a beautiful dress is shown.
The story is not heavy on the Christian theme, about mid-way prayer is talked about, not deeply though. There were a few more instances of prayer being talked about.
Confession is talked about and done more often.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Mugabe and the White African on PBS Starting July 27

2011-07-26T08:49:00.000-05:00

One Man's Stand For Justice! Don't miss this amazing story on PBS 7/26.

I'll be blogging about the book Mugabe and the White African later this month, but I wanted to let you know that Point of View will air the documentary Mugabe and the White African.

The film tells the story of Mike Campbell and his family of three generations of Zimbabwean farmers as they attempt to keep their farm under Mugabe's "land reform." Watch the trailer for the documentary below and visit the PBS Point of View website for your local listing. http://www.pbs.org/pov/tvschedule/

Trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNpBM1APaL0&feature=player_embedded

The book Mugabe and the White African (Lion Books, distributed by Kregel Publications, July 15, 2011, ISBN: 978-0-7459-5546-9, $14.95) written by Mike Campbell's son-in-law Ben Freeth provides more detail regarding the family's struggles and court battles.The book chronicles the deeply moving and life-threatening struggle of a Christian family from Zimbabwe to protect their legally owned farmland, to protect the lives and livelihoods of all those working on the farm, and to live to see justice.

Freeth lays bare a beautiful but lawless land fouled by fear. A 'Clockwork Orange' state where racism, greed, and violence are ultimately humbled by almost unimaginable courage. Richly described, bravely chronicled, and utterly compelling.

-Mike Thomson, Radio Foreign Affairs Correspondent, BBC

Ben Freeth has an extraordinary story to tell. Like that of many white farmers, his family's land was "reclaimed" for redistribution by Mugabe's government. But Ben's family fought back. Appealing to international law, they instigated a suit against Mugabe's government in the SADC, the Southern African equivalent of NATO. The case was deferred time and again while Mugabe's men pulled strings. But after Freeth and his parents-in-law were abducted and beaten within inches of death in 2008, the SADC deemed any further delay to be an obstruction of justice. The case was heard, and was successful on all counts.

But the story doesn't end there. In 2009 the family farm was burned to the ground. The fight for justice in Zimbabwe is far from over--this book is for anyone who wants to see into the heart of one of today's hardest places and how human dignity flourishes even in the most adverse circumstances.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Book Review: More Than Conquerors, Extreme Devotion Series Book 2 by Kathi Macias

2011-07-21T12:04:00.000-05:00

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37 NIV

Link for the book @Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/more-than-conquerors-kathi-macias/9781596692831/pd/692831?item_code=WW&netp_id=758688&event=ESRCG&view=details
Paperback $9.99

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/More-than-Conquerors-Extreme-Devotion/dp/1596692839/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311263979&sr=1-4
Paperback $11.69
Not available on Kindle

Book #1 in Extreme Devotion Series and link for that book is No Greater Love

Website for Kathi Macias: http://kathimacias.com/

and blog: http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com/2011/07/remember-gift-giver.html

Published April 2010 by New Hope Publishers
320 pages
Christian Fiction/Missionary/Gospel/Mexico

Hector Rodriguez lives in the border town of Tijuana, Mexico. He is the pastor of a small but close-nit Church. Hector and his wife Mariana have 3 children. Hector's mother Virginia lives with a family in the Chiapas state of Mexico, and works to bring the Gospel message to the people that are superstitious and persuaded to believe as their ancestor's did. Hector worries about his mother, although he knows she is in the Lord's will. Virginia has a small group of women that she talks to about the Bible, but evil is crouching nearby. A recent graduate of a Bible college near San Diego, Marty Johnson feels the Lord is calling him in to full-time ministry work. After graduation he heads to Tijuana and to his new friend Hector.
Each of these characters will be focused on the ONE who's Gospel message is more valuable than any other treasure.

To me the message of the book is two-fold:
1. The power of prayer, and in that I include the power of prayer against the dark forces of the evil one.
2. Forsaking all, including life, for the sake of spreading the Gospel message.

I loved this book! I have read all 4 of the Extreme Devotion series and in each of them I was carried away not only by the story itself, but by the commitment of the characters at all cost for message of Jesus.
There are several characters that are in the story, several more characters than I named in the first paragraph.
At times I wondered if the author felt as if she was juggling them, because not only do they all have the same focal point theme, but each of them has an individual story. In stating that, I never felt lost amongst the sea of characters, I also felt it added more drama, and more enticement for me to want to know--------------------
what was going to happen?
The author weaves in to the story of Virginia the back drop of a thick presence that is known to be evil. Yet, I was not afraid, nor did the author poke around too much in to that theme. It was only stated for the reader that "it" was there and yet more powerful is the Spirit of God.
I cannot tell you how happy I am that finally there has been Christian fiction books written about other cultures. The culture of this book is Mexico. Mexico is the country at our door, yet we either hear about the horrible news of drug cartel and violence, or we hear about the beautiful vacation places. I know their are Christians that are living in Mexico, working to spread the Gospel.

Link for my review of No Greater Love:
http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com/2010/06/no-greater-love-by-kathi-macias.html

Look for Book 3's review in this series Friday July 29 and Book 4's review on August 5!

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

2011-07-17T11:40:00.000-05:00

Good Sunday Morning to you!

In the past 2 weeks since I last posted The Sunday Salon I finished reading Luke, reading chapters 19-24. Next I will read the Gospel of John.
I don't know if you remember but I read all of the NT the week before Easter. This is my 2nd time to read the NT, and I'm reading it more slowly.

As of July 4 we have a contract on our home. Maybe you've noticed my posts have been minimal. There has been so much to do in the way of paperwork, home inspection, termite inspection, and on and on for our current home. The closing date is August 16.
Meanwhile, as of this past Tuesday we have a contract on a new home that we are to close on August 17. The new home is 2 hours a way. We've had paperwork, home inspection, and on and on for our new home.
Add to this I am packing. Also trying hard to discard things I don't need and don't know why I've kept so long.
Meanwhile my dad that I care for got in a wrestling match with a door that would not open automatically at a nearby hospital, he lost. He is better, but had a nasty cut on his left forearm.

I have several books that I've read and will be posting soon on this blog: from the Extreme Devotion series by Kathi Macias--More Than Conquerors, Red Ink, and People of the Book. I'd already read and reviewed No Greater Love.
Also coming up is a theology book entitled The Deity of Christ edited by Christopher W. Morgan and Robert A. Peterson. After reading The Deity of Christ you can't say that this girl is afraid of tackling a heavy theology book!
In the month of August book tours for (these will be scheduled to post) Across the Wide River by Stephanie Reed and Mugabe and the White African by Ben Freeth with a foreword by Desmund Tutu. I also have a Suzanne Wood Fisher book for an August tour, Amish Values for Your Family.

I am anxious to move in to my new home and sit in my new office/library/study and review books on this small blog in blog-land. I will miss my routine of reading and blogging for the month of August. You will have a few scheduled book reviews to read. Do not look for The Sunday Salon nor Roundabout until September. September seems like a long time, but it is only 7 weeks away.

I do NOT intend to stop reading or reviewing or blogging. But, I'll need a small break in order to pack, move and then make a house a home (one of my favorite things to do).

While packing yesterday one of the newspapers I used was dated early February. The weather at that time was 28-32 degrees with snow and ice forecast. Ahhhhh, what a dreamy thought.....cooler weather.
My prayer is that all of you will do your best to be cool---both figuratively and literally.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Book Review: False Pretenses--Book #1 Secrets of Roux River Bayou by Kathy Herman

2011-07-06T11:47:00.000-05:00

"What I think, is that you need a friend, not a judge. You can't change the past. What matters now is what you decide to base the future on." page 175

Zoe Broussard and her husband Pierce own a Cajun style restaurant in Les Barbes, Louisiana. Pierce is the chef and Zoe manages the business end. Pierce is a Cajun and proud of his heritage. He and Zoe have managed to build a good reputation in the town of Les Barbes. Locals and tourists stop in to their restaurant in order to taste the delish Cajun style food. They are thinking of planning a family. Their future appears bright and promising. Their best friends Ethan and Vanessa are planning on opening up a Bed and Breakfast at a nearby local landmark, the Langley Manor. Ethan and Vanessa have a young son named Carter that on a visit to Langley Manor meets a man that gives him candy. Ethan and Vanessa are beside themselves with the mystery of who is this person their son saw. The book begins with the introduction of these characters and the mystery of the man seen in Langley Manor. But, the story takes a turn when we find out Zoe is hiding something. She begins receiving anonymous notes stating, "I know what you did." Zoe hatches a plan of her own thinking that will cure this dark omen from her past.

"The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray." Robert Burns

I really liked this book!
I liked it most because of the twists in the story. I thought the story was going in one direction more than once, then it did an about face and went another way. I was left guessing at times. Another words, I did not feel the story was predictable.
I did wonder if considering the seriousness of "specific situations" if the story wrapped up a little too neat.
But in the end I understood why the author brought the ending about as she did. I'll have to leave you guessing on this last point.
Even though I live next door to Louisiana I've never visited Cajun country. I enjoyed traveling there by story in to the world of Cajun style food, mossy oaks, strong Cajun heritage, swampy land, and Cajun expressions and speech.

Kathy Herman weaved in to the story a difficult subject that has only in my generation been talked about. Yet, so many women do not come forward with their stories. Maybe even in a fiction book it will minister to those gals that have a painful past.

Link for authors website:
http://kathyherman.com/
Book Trailer on YouTube:

Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=106671&source=search
Paperback $14.99

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/False-Pretenses-Novel-Secrets-River/dp/0781403405/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309967430&sr=8-1
Paperback $10.94
Kindle $9.99

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/false-pretenses-secrets-roux-river-bayou/kathy-herman/9780781403405/pd/403405?item_code=WW&netp_id=832308&event=PSRC&view=details
Paperback $9.99

Link for Book #2 Dangerous Mercy, Secrets of Roux River Bayou Series, will be released September 2011
http://www.christianbook.com/dangerous-mercy-secrets-roux-river-bayou/kathy-herman/9780781403412/pd/403412?item_code=WW&netp_id=904850&event=ESRCN&view=details

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Let God Change Your Life, How To Know And Follow Jesus by Greg Laurie

2011-07-05T15:50:00.000-05:00

"The Christian life is more than just praying a prayer and getting 'fire insurance,' so to speak." page 76

Published by David C. Cook June 2011
288 pages
Christian Non-Fiction/Spiritual Growth/Evangelism/Gospel

From the introduction: "How can we expect to fulfill the Great Commission to go into all the world and make disciples if we don't know what it means to be a disciple ourselves?"
To me this is a great question. It is probably a question that many in the Church cannot adequately answer, because in all honesty they do not know what they believe, much less what it means to be a disciple of Christ Jesus.
In Let God Change Your Life Greg Laurie focuses on basic 101 Christianity.
When Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 NIV,
"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
When Jesus asked them to, "go and make disciples." It was not a request, but a command. It is also a command for us as well, in telling and in living out our lives the faith that we profess in Jesus Christ.
Greg Laurie leads the reader through basic Christian doctrine for the goal of spreading the Gospel to others.
Yes, there were things I read in this book that I knew, but I was convicted about a few things as well. Conviction is not a word that grown-ups like, it makes us feel defensive like little children before an angry parent. But, conviction is a good thing, it is actually freeing, and if we remain teachable and not defiant, we can learn something that will produce the fruit of maturity.
There were several great quotes from the book such as:
"For every person there will come a last meal, a last breath, and of course, last words. And in many ways, what we say in the end is a real insight into who we were in life, what we stood for, and what we lived for. Generally we die as we lived." page 47
"Many Christians never grow up spiritually. They still act like spiritual infants." page 76
"Jesus was not calling people to a marginal belief in Him; He called for complete and total commitment...Some people respond only to certain aspects of His message. They pick and choose what appeals to them and pretty much ignore the rest." page 78-79
And Greg Laurie stated we must "die to self." See Romans 14:7-8
I am reminded of a quote from Ed McCully in the book Beyond Gates of Splendor,
"I have one desire now to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength into it."
That quote is the definition of living for Christ Jesus. We live every area of our life for Him and for His Gospel.
Greg Laurie not only leads the reader through basic Christianity, but a short course on apologetics and on witnessing.
When witnessing to others he leads the reader through what to say, how to approach, and what not to say---mainly referring to a righteous attitude.
There are points in the book where Greg makes light-hearted statements.
There are several stories he shares from his own life.
At no point did I feel he was off Biblically.
He is bold, bolder that many in the Christian community in writing about words that have taken a "back seat" so to speak.
He encourages us to read and study the Bible, do not depend on someone else to tell us what is in it.
He encourages us to depend on the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel message with others, we do not depend on our own initiative and strength.
He encourages us to grow-up in our Christian faith and to not remain as a babe still being fed by a bottle.

I loved this book!
I plan on reading it again!
This would be an excellent book for a group at Church or in small group homes, and of course for individual study.
I felt Greg Laurie organized the book well.
He expressed himself well so as any level of Christian would understand.
I do think that the back cover of the book could have described more about the books strength in basic Christian doctrine. There is just so much more this book has to offer than what was on the back cover.

Thank you to David C. Cook and B and B Media for my free review copy.

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/change-your-life-know-follow-jesus/greg-laurie/9781434702074/pd/702074?item_code=WW&netp_id=867276&event=ESRCN&view=details
Paperback $9.99

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Let-God-Change-Your-Life/dp/1434702073/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309882783&sr=8-1
Paperback $10.29
Not available on Kindle

Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=106988&source=search
Paperback $14.99

Link for the author:
www.greglaurie.com

Authors radio program:
http://www.harvest.org/radio/

Authors Church:
http://www.harvest.org/church/

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

2011-07-03T19:12:00.000-05:00

Hello and how are you on this day before July 4 Independence Day?

I did not post The Sunday Salon last week, but in the past 2 weeks I've read chapters 1-18 of Luke in the NASB.
I've also started memorizing a new Scripture,
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess."
Hebrews 4:14
I stated in the previous The Sunday Salon that I was memorizing Scripture along with Beth Moore and her blog Siesta's. We are working towards the goal of 2 Scriptures memorized every month this year, for a total of 24!
I made the commitment to not only memorize Scripture verses, but I want to memorize portions of the Bible, and I'm starting with Hebrews 4:12-16. I've already memorized verses 12 and 13.

This will be a short post today as it's a holiday weekend.
I will share that next week I'll be posting reviews of,
False Pretenses by Kathy Herman and
Let God Change Your Life by Greg Laurie.

Have a great 4th of July!

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

To Speak Or Not To Speak?

2011-06-21T12:19:00.000-05:00

"A wise old owl lived in an oak. The more he saw, the less he spoke. The less he spoke, the more he heard. Why can't we be like that wise old bird?" English language nursery rhyme

For several weeks I've been thinking of writing a post on people in the Christian community that feel the need to, or as they would express "bring to light" errors in Biblical teaching from certain teacher's and pastor's (I'll refrain from using names). These people probably feel they are being "led" to let us know about these misled Bible teacher's and pastor's. They probably feel it is their Christian duty, often quoting chapter and verse in order to back up their words. Read 1 Timothy.
With some websites and blogs it seems to be their focus to write posts, that will then be spread about throughout blog land, hashing and rehashing the same subjects on these "misled" teachers and pastors.
In America we have freedom of speech, being the author of a blog or website makes us instant publisher's. But, being a Christian sets us apart in how we should speak and live!
Sometimes it is necessary to council with someone who is not understanding the Bible. Sometimes it is necessary to gently rebuke someone who is teaching incorrectly. Read 2 Timothy 4:1-3 and Proverbs 15:1.
But, it is never okay to tear someone apart, nor to cut and paste quotes from various places in order to have "evidence" on that teacher or pastor that is in error. It is never okay to defame them, nor to spread gossip. It is never okay to use nasty or snide remarks. It is never okay to lower ourselves in our own character to the point that we are no different than the carnal world.
Sometimes I am ashamed of the Christian community that I am apart of because of their prejudice and hatefulness, more than that it grieves me.

And on the other side.

I am reading more and more from the secular community about those dogmatic, flagrant, prejudice, holier than thou, don't drink and don't dance, close-minded, Calvinistic Evangelist Christian's.
I have a sample of a book on my Kindle about the Civil War. The author used the word Evangelist so often it became redundant and twangy.
Interesting how each side accuses the other and yet neither realizes each of them are being dogmatic and prejudice.
I read on another blog that maybe Christian's need to toughen up their skin. Maybe. Or maybe we need to follow Jesus' example.

I studied the Gospel of Mark last week and made notes of every time Jesus was angry, rebuked someone, was bold and direct, passionate, and when He was silent.
Jesus never called anyone derogatory names, He was the perfect listener, when He reproached or rebuked someone He was direct and to the point, He did not belittle anyone, no long speeches.
He associated with everyone, He gave everyone a chance to come to Him.
And a lesson for me and for us, when someone turned their back on Him, He let their decision lay with them.
He did not take it personally by attacking them back.

Everyone has an opinion it's our human nature. But there is a time to speak and a time to remain silent. Choose your words carefully, choose your battles even more carefully. When we do speak, make sure we do it out of love, not out of proving we are correct in order to elevate our ego. Because if we allow ourselves time to think about it, pray about it, it just might be we were wrong, or that we need to rephrase what we were going to say.

The world is watching, paying closer attention to us than probably we are to them. Take it seriously.
Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 and Hebrews 4:12-13.

For another article on this same subject by Tim Keller, Scoffers, Scorners, and Snark.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

Book Review: What Jesus Demands From The World by John Piper

2011-06-20T13:57:00.000-05:00

Just by saying the word demand it makes most people want to turn their nose up and walk away. After all who wants more demands on our "important" grown-up lives.
Yet, do we really think that after we become a Christian that that's all there is? No strings attached perse.
We are saved by grace, so we can all go home and just continue doing what we've always done?

John Piper's website:
http://www.desiringgod.org/

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/What-Jesus-Demands-World-Piper/dp/1581348452
Hardcover $15.10
Paperback $12.23
Kindle $7.39

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/what-jesus-demands-from-the-world/john-piper/9781581348453/pd/348452?item_code=WW&netp_id=449412&event=ESRCN&view=details
Hardcover $14.49
eBook $7.99

Link for the book @ Crossway Publishers:
http://www.crossway.org/books/what-jesus-demands-from-the-world-hcj/
Hardcover $16.50

Published by Crossway September 2006/400 pages
Non-fiction/Christian Growth

I know you are going to be shocked but this is the first book I've read by John Piper. I know you're asking, "where have I been?" Well reading other books of course, but until now I'd not read any by John Piper. I do receive his weekly emails on various devotional articles he has written. I have read many quotes from him that are in books by other author's. But after reading What Jesus Demands From The World I can state emphatically this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I truly love this book and look forward to reading more books from John Piper.

John Piper states that "the aim of this book is God-glorifying obedience to Jesus. The ultimate goal is that God be glorified."
Read Matthew 28:19-20
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
According to my MacArthur NASB Study Bible in reference to verse 20. "The kind of evangelism called for in this commission does not end with the conversion of the unbeliever. God is with us!"
That is what Immanuel means--God with us. Since God is with us the next question is, how then do we live?
Our purpose is not to just hang out on planet earth trying to have a good time till our body dies, whenever that may be.
We are here for one purpose, to glorify God. So the answer to the previous question is we live for His glory and to give Him glory.
How do we do that? By obeying Him and by being His witness.
John Piper in What Jesus Demands From The World shows us from all 4 Gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John---50 demands that he sees that Jesus' followers are to obey.

"Demand #1 You Must Be Born Again"
From John chapter 3. You must be radically about face dramatically changed. The outward exterior shell of your life reflects that inward spirit changed difference.

Examples of other demands are:
"Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me"
"Strive To Enter Through The Narrow Door, For All Of Life Is War"
"Your Righteousness Must Exceed That Of The Pharisees, For Every Healthy Tree Bears Good Fruit"
"Love Your Neighbor As Yourself And As Jesus Loved Us"

One of my favorite chapters because it spoke directly to me:
"Demand #16 Humble Yourself By Making War On Pride." Whew, after reading that chapter I had to really take a look at my motives, my role in life, my heart. Because "to be humble is to be a servant." I can not say that I am Christ's servant unless I am humble and I desperately want my life to ring loudly in that. In this same chapter John Piper wrote that, "self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak. Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing....The need arises from a wounded ego, and the desire is not really for others to see them as helpless but as heroes." Ouch.

I feel this would be a great book to study individually or in a group.
It could easily be used as a daily devotional because of the short chapters, then giving yourself time to reflect on each chapter during the rest of the day.
John Piper explains himself well and he seems to be so gentle yet direct in subjects that many would be offended by.
I wish I owned this book, but do not, it is a library copy.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

2011-06-19T07:37:00.010-05:00

Good Sunday Morning to you and Happy Father's Day!
Recent photographs of my dad and husband in honor of them.

In the past week I finished reading Mark in the NASB. This was the 2nd time this year to read Mark.
I also finished reading Romans in the Common English Bible. This was the 6th time to read Romans. This year I am reading Romans in 10 different translations, spread out over 10 months, 1 translation per month.
The Common English Bible has been available in the New Testament since 2010. The entire Bible--OT and NT will be available July 2011.
The Common English Bible is approachable, easy to read, and a modern translation for reader's that may not have been interested in reading the Bible before.
At their website you can download Genesis for free.
An example from Romans 8:37-39 Common English Bible
"But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us. I'm convinced that nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created."

Also.......maybe you remember I am memorizing 2 Scripture per month along with Beth Moore and about 2,712 other women. Her inspiration and encouragement to memorize Scripture is such a blessing!
From the 1-15 of this month I memorized,
"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 NIV
For the 16-30 of this month,
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13 NIV
We are 1/2 the way through in the year in memorizing Scripture, 6 more months to go!

Are you reading your Bible?
Annette

Book Review: Restored! God's Salvage Plan for Broken Lives by Dan Schaeffer

2011-06-10T12:32:00.000-05:00

The Old Testament story of Naomi and Ruth is brought fresh again and made applicable to our lives!

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Restored-Gods-Salvage-Broken-Lives/dp/1572934549/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307723666&sr=8-1
Paperback $10.19

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/restored-gods-salvage-plan-broken-lives/dan-schaeffer/9781572934542/pd/934543?item_code=WW&netp_id=829171&event=ESRCN&view=details
Paperback $8.79

Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.dhp.org/Products/Restored-%E2%80%94-Gods-Salvage-Plan-for-Broken-Lives__M5496.aspx
Paperback 10.75

Published by Discovery House Publisher March 1, 2011
160 pages/Non-fiction/Old Testament/Growth/Trust/Naomi and Ruth

I appreciated it that in the introduction the author stated that this is not a feel good type book, not a "trouble makes us stronger" theme.
He states in the introduction that distress in life has value and purpose. We may not "feel" that any good thing can come from distress, but God has a plan and a purpose for us.
"Distress is unchangeable, immutable; and pain blurs perspective."

Naomi was a sad, lonely, bitter woman. Her husband and sons had all died and she was left with only grief. She had 2 daughter in-law's that both loved her, yet she was adamant in turning away from them, she encouraged them to go back to their families. Instead Ruth told Naomi she would not go back to her previous family and she would continue to make her home with Naomi.
"Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you." Ruth 1:16-17 ESV

"The process of becoming godly requires being fired in the furnace."
Naomi was being fired in the furnace. Ruth too had grief. But, it was Ruth that was the picture of godly character for Naomi. Ruth showed Naomi selflessness, trust and kindness. She loved Naomi extravagantly!
Her love for Naomi was a fragrant perfume.

I loved this book!
Several times during the course of reading it I paused to think back on my own life. The distresses that have happened over my 47 years.
The author breaks down several key elements that he believes Ruth modeled in character for Naomi.
He also wrote a chapter on Elimelech's bad decision, as well as a chapter on Boaz's character.
In each of these characters there are applications for us in our lives.
The author stated that we can turn away from the distress and towards an escape, or we can allow God to transform us in to the person He wants us to be.
God wants us to have authentic character! Not hide behind a word---Christian, but live that word in our lives.
My favorite question was at the end of the book,
"What are you rehearsing for? We are all being prepared for great moments in our lives. When that moment comes will your character reveal itself as authentic?"
This book is full of meaningful, thought provoking, heart stirring quotes.
Discussion questions are at the end of the book.

Thank you to Discovery House Publisher for my free copy for reading/review.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

A New Website

2011-06-08T14:56:00.000-05:00

Kathi Macias alerted me to a new website for books, news, pod-casts, On-line articles, and more.
http://newhopedigital.com/

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

67th Anniversary of D-day

2011-06-06T13:34:00.000-05:00

Today marks the 67th anniversary of D-day Normandy 6th of June. Veteran's of this battle are becoming smaller in number with each passing year. My dad is a D-day Veteran and is still living at age 88.

As a child growing up my dad would often talk of some of his experiences of World War II with mom and I. Most often he would share during our evening supper meal when we were all gathered together. Dad was selective in what he shared because I was a child, but as I grew older he shared more of his experiences with me. Yet, I know that it is impossible to fully express what combat is like, only a person that has experienced it first hand understands.

Photo by S. Gaulin

As I've gotten older and more mature, with each passing anniversary I hold my dad's heroism during D-day more precious. He is my daddy, age 88, with many aches and pains. I carry a list with me at all times with information on his lengthy history of past surgeries and current medications. He has become more frail and falls easily, and our trips to the doctor have become more frequent. But 67 years ago in 1944, he was a young man with hopes and dreams, he had a young body full of vibrance and strength. Yet, it is by the grace of God that he survived that day, and that he is still with us. He is such a blessing to me and on this day I honor him.
Thank you daddy.

Links for more information on D-day the 6th of June.
http://www.army.mil/d-day/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/dday/
http://www.dday.org/
http://www.worldwar2history.info/D-Day/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43225629/ns/travel-destination_travel/
http://americandday.org/

The above 6 photograph's were taken during our trip to Normandy Omaha Beach in 1999. My dad is the man with the tan jacket. On that day in late October it was windy and with light rain. In the last picture the lone person on the beach, near the water is me. My thoughts at that moment were of what my dad went through. I thought about how long the beach front was, how far he had to go with sniper rifles and machine guns shooting at him. I thought about those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. From that moment on no longer was it a story that my dad had told us, but it became more real to me, more tangible. The memory I have of that day on Normandy Omaha Beach is forever emblazoned in my mind.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

2011-06-05T08:36:00.000-05:00

This past week!
I finished reading the Gospel of Matthew, reading chapters 22-28. I read 1/2 of Matthew in NKJV and the other 1/2 in NIV.
Next is Mark.
I also started re-reading Romans. I read chapters 1-3 in the Common English Bible.
This year I have a goal to read Romans 10 times in 10 different translations. For the month of June it is Common English Bible.
There are 16 chapters in Romans. It has worked out wonderfully to read a chapter per day on calendar days 1-16.
I am also memorizing Scripture this year with Beth Moore. On the 1st and the 15th of every month we post on her blog the verse we've chosen to memorize. We are encouraged to memorize 2 per month. At the end of the year we will have memorized 24 verses! Isn't that amazing?
The verse I started memorizing on the 1st of June is~~
"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the attitudes of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
For June 15th I've decided to memorize Hebrews 4:13 NIV
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."
I am hoping in July to memorize the rest of that chapter, meaning verses 14-16 of Hebrews chapter 4. I really want to memorize whole parts of Scripture, not just single verses.

Blissful Blogging!
Annette