Wonderings as I Wander

My Favorite things on Amazon~

2023-10-03T13:23:00.004-04:00

Best Comfortable Shoes:

https://amzn.to/48EqMFF

https://amzn.to/3Q1qUrD

https://amzn.to/3PEyuqQ

https://amzn.to/46u2EEt

https://amzn.to/3ZD33Sd

For Work:

https://amzn.to/3S1rPd9

Scrubs:

Dresses:

Tunic Shirts:

Warm Layers:

How can I Virtually Assist you? (Helping YOU shine!)

2016-08-16T10:54:00.004-04:00

As I am a stay-at-home mom and a Pastor's wife, flexibility is the #1 thing needed in my family. You know where you are running late because you have a school function (say a concert where you have to bring a food item...), followed by a church function (because everyone will be there anyway...).

Barring those crazy times, I have free time where I love to assist people in tasks that they need to be completed. In the past I have assisted a Medical Rep with his contact list, emails, booking venues and trucks. I also managed his databases and created documents to keep track of supplies and inventory. (Did I mention that I LOVE Dropbox?) This was fun work for me!! I may have found a niche where I can help others and still be at home.

Here is a list of things I can do (but not limited to things I can learn...):
Create documents
Create spreadsheets
Create PDF's
Data mine and scrape from the internet info you are looking for
Organize your dropbox
create newsletters (I love doing the layouts!)
Charts and visuals
Power points for presentations and sermons
Clean out iCloud and take care of duplicates
Helping manage your Social Media outlets
And more that I can't think of right now...

Let me help you and make you shine like the star you are!

Camp Meeting 2016 - Junior division

2016-06-23T10:44:00.001-04:00

I've just spent 2 weeks in a tent helping take care of 80-90 kids a day (with 120 on the Sabbath), doing, what I describe as "VBS 3 times a day for 10 days". In other words- FUN!!

Here are some pics of our 'Kingdom Kids' in J1.

I spent weeks making things to put up in the room.

These shields were hung all around the room.

All made from recycled materials. 😉

Then I made the banner...

In progress...

Done!!

See, I have proof we spent 2 weeks in a tent. 😁

Here is some of what I had to pack to take with us to Camp Meeting.

The building of a Castle.

Doesn't look like much yet...

90% done...

Looking better?

The kids loved it!!

Our prayer wall was used a lot too.

We had a super fun slip & slide 2 of the days during Camp as well.

We had some wonderful story tellers... Here is Ms Linda!

Our cool 'Professor Wolf'!! Pastor EJ did a great job with fun science experiments for us.

Stanley Maxwell telling us stories in our Chapel in the Pines.

Our Sabbath welcome to J1.

And all that fun means... I crushed my step goals! 😄

See you next year in J1 for more fun at Michigan Camp Meeting!

What I wore to church...

2016-03-12T22:18:00.001-05:00

So, for about a month or so I've been taking a picture of my outfits for church...

I don't have a clue where my cloths are from, some are from South Africa, some are from a second hand store.

I hope you enjoy!!

Games We Love

2016-01-27T00:19:00.000-05:00

My family really likes games - specifically board games!
We will often spend a Thursday evening (our family night) playing games, card games and board games... some of these games are harder (keeping in mind we have 3 boys aged - 9, 10 and 13) and longer to play that we have time or energy for. Because of that, I have found some ways to make the game fun, concise and still fulfilling in it's purpose. That said, here are a couple of our top games:

Catan Family Edition

This is a very fun game! Especially if you don't know the full version. LOL! It's a reasonable game in length of play (about an hour or so), and it's only really been this year that the youngest is able to play by himself. It is a 4 player game and requires a bit of reading.

Basically, the object is to collect 10 victory points by building the most cities, the longest road and collecting some development cards. The rules are simple - and the keys for building roads and cities are all on a card that each player gets - so no memorizing or guessing needed.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009B5GYP0?keywords=catan&qid=1453866528&ref_=sr_1_9&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-9

Our next favorite is a train board game.

Ticket to Ride

We love this game! (Oh, did I say that already....)
As I said we have 3 boys and this game allows all 5 of us to play at once. Each player chooses a train color and play starts with the person who has travelled the furthest. Each player gets 3 destination cards and has to keep 2 of them to complete as their routes. To complete a route, say from Chicago and Pittsburgh then you would need to collect orange cards to get enough to lay all your trains from those two points. This is difficult to explain if you have not played... but it's not too hard and the game has some good strategy involved - and hopefully you don't get blocked by someone who is headed to a destination near or the same as yours. This game runs 1 - 2 hours too.

As fun as this game is the difficult part of the game is calculating the score. Each connection is a score, each completed destination is a score, and so on. Thankfully, I found an app to help calculate the score! Yay!!

Train Counter app

This is a great app for scoring - this is not so great for scoring while you play... but rather at the end of the game. (As we like too... ) It's super easy to use. You just tap the train on the app that corresponds with the segment you are counting and viola!! Calculations done for you. Love it! Plus it makes cute piano sounds as you tap the trains. My kids love it.

Well, that is all I have time for today.

I'll be back to add more later! Till then - make a family memory today.

L'BRI review- lovely Skincare!

2015-08-11T14:50:00.004-04:00

Wow! If you're looking for soft, supple, clean, glowing skin you have to try this skin care line!

Carol Umberger offered me a trial of this skin care for combination skin... And after trying almost all of it (I've not used the exfoliating scrub or mask yet), I love what it's done for me! My pores seem smaller and my skin more radiant.

As you can see, these are small samples... But there is enough in there for a weeks use. It's so potent that a little goes a long way!

The Facial peel is easy to use - and I have had no irritation from it. I've never used a peel before and was worried that it would feel harsh or burn. I think because this is made from 100% natural ingredients there was no burn, and the peeling was light - with no after effects. Yay!

The toner or rejuvenating splash is wonderful! It's so light and spreads so well... I normally don't use a toner at all, maybe I should... I'm a cleanse and lotion girl. But I can easily get used to adding this into my routine.

The lotion is so silky! A little really went a LONG way - my skin feels hydrated and each pore seems smaller. I'd buy the lotion!!

I followed all the included instructions and really love how smooth my skin feels and how hydrated my skin looks too. The smell of this skin care is best described as a 'hint of something sweet and powdery'.

The main difference between the L'BRI line and others is outlined in an easy to ready brochure. They replaced all water ingredients with Aloe gel and only use herbs and plant botanicals.

I think I will look for a time I can have a party to introduce this skin care line to my friends in the near future. Next, I'd like to try something for these pesky budding wrinkles....

Also, if you are interested in a home based business- you may want to look at this.

Contact Carol Umberger on her facebook page and her L'BRI business page.

"Handbag Workshop" by Anna Mazur Reviewed for NetGalley

2015-04-05T15:29:00.000-04:00

Loved this book!
The step by step photos were so helpful and the walk-through of how to-s are spot on.
I have made some bags in the past, and SO wished that I had had this book earlier for making those bags. I am sure I would not have made silly mistakes, or struggled with the things I did if I had read this book before attempting to make a bag.

The use of fabrics and the notions are spot on! The help with adding lined pockets and 2 way zippers are invaluable. The different presser foots for the sewing machine and threads are also talked about.
This is so much better than an online pattern or a video tutorial as Anna covers all the little how-tos that make a bag special and professional looking.

Again, I am so happy to have this book!! And would happily recommend it to any bag sewers I know.

NetGalley did not do a good job of translating this book into a readable format for kindle. The photos are out of sync with the text and makes following the tutorials harder. Otherwise, it is a wonderful book.

5 out of 5 stars.

**This was a digital ARC book received from Net Galley. All views are my own, I received no compensation for my review. **

Review of "A Lady at Willowgrove Hall" by Sarah Ladd for Net Galley

2015-04-05T14:58:00.001-04:00

I enjoyed this book - especially after reading "The Curiosity Keeper" also by Sarah Ladd.

Like a lot of us, Cecily Faire has a secret... one she carries with her and influences all the the thoughts and decisions she makes. This fact is laid out in the beginning of the book with a tumultuous scene with her father which splits the family and from her twin. Time passes and Cecily is introduced to Willowgrove Hall where she is to be a companion. Upon arriving she is introduced to Nathaniel Stanton - who is Willowgrove's Steward, has a secret that is thrust upon him and seems to rule his fate and keep him stuck in decisions not of his own making.

The tale is intriguing and most engaging! As Cecily grows closer to Nathaniel, his sisters, and the Mistress of Willowgrove whom she was to be companion to, she learns what family is really about and what trust is and how the past can rule you if you do not let it rest and move on.

I loved that in this book there were references to prayer and to faith. Cecily was given a book of the Proverbs and she comforted Mrs Tryst (to whom she was companion) and in turn found comfort in it too. This display of Christianity was not forced or focused on, but was a quite witness and reminder.

This was a lovely read, with no drawbacks or negatives.
I would recommend this book to all my friends.

A lovely regency read!

4 out of 5 Stars

**This was a digital ARC book received from Net Galley. All views are my own, I received no compensation for my review. **

Scrapbooks anyone?

2015-03-27T17:07:00.006-04:00

I love crafting... in case the post about the owls and painting did not let you know. ;)

Last year I was contacted by a lady who needed a scrapbook finished for a person who had retired from work. I had never made a scrapbook for others outside my family before - but agreed to do it. It was challenging to keep the style of the pages the same as the ones that were completed in the book and in the end I had to change the pages and add vellum to keep the photos from being damaged.

I loved it though! The challenge, the creativity and that finished product - all of it! Enjoyable!

So, now I wonder...

Do you have a bunch of photos that need to be scrapbooked?
When last did you let your family page through your photos?
Is your story reflected in your photos?

I am happy to help you!

This is my proposal:

One 12x12 page with 1 - 6 of your photos on it, complete with embellishments, page protector, and safely mounted photos $40.00 per page.

One 8x8 page with 1 - 4 of your photos on it, complete with embellishments, page protector, and safely mounted photos $30.00 per page.

Or you can have a whole book of 10 12x12 pages (all complete with embellishments, page protector, and safely mounted photos) for $300.00

Contact me at posbus4me @ gmail .com to talk about placing an order!

Help a dream come true!

Review of " The Curiosity Keeper" by Sarah E. Ladd for NetGalley

2015-03-26T13:54:00.001-04:00

The Curiosity Keeper

By Sarah Ladd

3.5 stars out of 5

I try not to give spoilers in my reviews. I hope this review helps you decide if you would like to read this book.

This book is about a lonely shop keeper's daughter. It is full of twists, intrigue, history and a dash of romance.

I loved the development of the characters in this story. Jonathan who cannot live up to his deceased brother's ideal, but is happy as an apothecary. His sister, Penelope, is a society dame looking to make an advantageous match and serves as a revealer of society's true nature - her journey and growth was lovely to read. Their father who is an avid collector and does not connect with his children well. Then there is Camille, whose father is the owner of the shop where she works and is quite a loose cannon in life. Camille is the steadfast, soul of this book... it is her journey you mainly follow. Her growth in her identity and her shift from shop keeper to a leap of faith to become more.

The history and romance of things is rife in this book as are the themes of greed, money and power versus following ones heart, seeking happiness and love above earthly pleasures. There are surprises and mild violence in this book (I would not recommend it for a young reader) and heart wrenching realizations that make this book weighty and make you feel more for Camille.

For those looking for a struggle of soul or a growth of faith - this book does not expand on those themes. There are mentions of prayer and church going, and at the very end there is mention of an inscription but it is not mentioned anywhere else (a bit of a loose end with that). I was disappointed in the lack of Christian struggle as it would have been so easy to weave that in to both Jonathan and Camille's stories rather than an off handed comment about church, prayer and a belated inscription.

I appreciated the opportunity to read this book in advance of it's release. This is the first book of Sarah Ladd's that I have read, I would enjoy reading more to see if her themes change. :)

This is an unbiased review for NetGalley ARC. I was in no way compensated for this review.

What is NetGalley?

2015-03-26T13:13:00.001-04:00

A while a go one of the authors I follow on facebook posted about this new (to me) site for ARC (advanced reader copy) and other books to review. As I was intrigued by the books offered I decided to give it a try.

The sign up process was not hard or too complicated. I chose 2 books and waited to see if I would be chosen to read them. About a week later I got this email from NetGalley -

Request notification from Thomas Nelson--FICTION.

Thomas Nelson Fiction appreciates your interest in our books and respectfully requests that you wait to publish reviews until 30 days prior to the book's release date. We'd love for you to send us a link to finished reviews. Thanks so much for your interest! Please understand we will only approve you for one book at a time until you post a review. Follow us on Twitter @nelsonfiction Find us on Facebook. Thomas Nelson Fiction

The Curiosity Keeper: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/show/id/61772

I was approved!! Yay! I was very excited to start reviewing books again. I had gotten frustrated with the process of paper books, as I mainly read on my devices now.

Little did I know that the process of getting this book onto my device would prove a mild frustration... and I cannot lay blame on any 1 thing, I believe it is a combination of things.

I dutifully clicked on the link for the book, signed in and followed all of NetGalley's clear instructions on getting the book into my reader. After finding that I had entered the wrong kindle email address for my device and repairing that, I found no matter how many times I clicked "send to device" I did not see my book there for review. I even went so far as to email Amazon about the problem... and they could not get back to me right away by email, I did not feel this was urgent enough for a phone call. So, I waited and checked my email in the morning. (Suffice to say patience is still being learned by me...) Lo, and behold I saw an email from Amazon in the morning and after checking my Kindle reader app, I say 3 copies of "The Curiosity Keeper" in my library list! Oops. I guess the instructions did work. Patience is a good thing to practice.

Now I was ready to read!

To read my review of "The Curiosity Keeper" please click here.

The book itself did not translate well into Kindle reader. There were capitalization errors (for every sentence!) and spacing problems as well as line problems (no spaces between paragraphs and such). This did make it harder (not impossible) to read.

I would suggest to NetGalley to make sure their ARCs are actually readable in the format presented. As writing a good review relies upon being able to read and enjoy the book.

Have you heard of Jet?

2015-02-01T13:25:00.000-05:00

IGN reports that Jet is going to be an online store that will have membership fees like Costco, a great range of products like Amazon and FREE shipping! (Here is the link if you would like to read it yourself.) More news is being reported about Jet, at a few sources including Bloomberg. Jet is set to become bigger than Amazon!

This sounds like such a great idea! Especially if they beat or price match all those prices and offer non-GMO products - then I'm SOLD.

If you are like me and are interested to see what Jet has to offer, then join me with a free 6-month membership and see if Jet will live up to all the claims.

https://jet.com/#/ji/cs0h5

What is Jet?

Jet is a members-only shopping club with the lowest prices on millions of items.

A better way
to brilliant prices

Save on everything
you buy, always

Free Shipping
+ Free Returns

When will Jet launch?

Very soon.

Something New

2015-01-23T12:41:00.001-05:00

So, it's been forever since I have blogged... sorry!

Now, I am starting something new... I am opening an Etsy shop to sell art, crafts and things.

Did you know that I come from an artistic and creative family? Well, I do. My mom, sister and I all paint and love to make things, in fact we have a Facebook page dedicated to owls, hand painted owls to be exact. I am slowly listing them on Etsy too so they can find a home in YOUR home!

http://www.facebook.com/owlcharacters

Don't you just LOVE those owls? Me too! But they all can't live in my home... they need to share their love... choose one and take them home today.

Also, we have some fun flower pins available at our Etsy shop...

Take a look around and maybe something will catch your fancy!

Start something new today too!

Inside hidden pain

2012-08-15T23:44:00.001-04:00

The Inside Story

Miscarriage - Tami le Roux

When Drs like OBGYNs ask how many times have you been pregnant, I have to answer 6 times. You see, I am 3 live births for 3 lost ... I have had 2 miscarriages and 1 burst ectopic. This is a subject that is often not talked about because of the pain and awkwardness it carries. The statistics for miscarriage are: 20% of all pregnancies are lost before the 20th week of gestation, that is about 1 in 4 pregnancies. So chances are high that you know of someone who has had this happen or have experienced this yourself. What do you say or do for someone who has experienced this?

Let's walk thru my experience... A year or so after our wedding, I went off of birth control and got pregnant about a month later. My husband, being so excited and proud shared the news from the pulpit. Everyone was excited for us and congratulated us and gave lots of advice. Things progressed normally and we were really happy, I must tell you that we did not have a Dr yet.... But were not worried as the due date was only Oct 22, 2001.

On a regular Sabbath afternoon in March, everything fell apart.... At 11 wks I started bleeding and cramping and that was scary. Darrel had to do a wedding on Sunday and we were to leave early in the morning to drive 7 hours one way for that special event. Because of that, Darrel left and I miscarried alone.

That was extreme pain and I did not know who to call or ask for help, neither of our mothers had experienced this. On the following Monday we found a Dr and he did and ultrasound and saw the sac with no heartbeat. He confirmed that I was miscarrying and asked if I wanted a DNC. I declined the DNC as I did not see the need - if my body was already doing what I'd needed to, I would let it.

After all the physical pain was gone, 8 or 9 days later, I was stuck with all the emotions! I identified that I was going through the grief stages, anger, hurt, denial, blame (on my self), but I was also dealing with anger and resentment towards God. I was angry and resentful that He did answered our prayer for a baby and then took it away. I was sure I was being punished or that I had done something wrong. Rationally, I knew that I had not... But the hurt and anger were still there. And my arms were still empty and ached for what they would never hold.

I began to doubt God's plan for my life - the plan of children and being a homemaker... That maybe I should look into doing something else with my life. The Bible verse that describes this best is "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: " (Proverbs 13:12 KJV) And never getting the rest of the verse ever.

My sweet husband did not know what to do with me, and I did not feel like I could talk to anyone as no one said they understood or cared enough to try... So I went looking for help. I could not stay hurt and angry forever, and I really wanted a baby. But I had so much doubt too, could I even carry a baby to term? We're there other problems causing this?

So, I did lots of research on fertility, miscarriages, prowled the Internet for someone who understood what I was going through. I found a well rated book on Amazon called, "I Can't Find a Heartbeat" which is SDA and gives a good Biblical view of pregnancy loss and which Bible verses to hold on to. I found that because I felt barren - like a wasteland - that "For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband." (Galatians 4:27 KJV) was more comforting then any other. Because I started to believe God still had a plan for me to mother someone, somehow. It was then that I found the website called "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" and it's forums, the ladies there were knowledgeable and kind. A lot of them had gone through more losses then I have and we were able to support each other in the grief stages and in the trying again too.

A little over 8 agonizing months later I finally got pregnant again... And with meds and bed rest, my baby made it. And is now 10! So, God does remember the Barren Women, and He is always faithful to give us the rest of Proverbs 13:12 "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12 KJV)

Oh, if you ask Darrel which of the 3 losses were hardest for him. He will always answer, "the ectopic", because it was the most traumatic for him. Zachary, our youngest, was 8 months old and was still nursing. I had had the most trouble with him and nursing strikes he had teethed at a "normal age" of 6 months and I just attributed the strikes to that. I had terrible insomnia and was up and down to the bathroom all the time... But was nursing so did not think anything of it.

Darrel was part time ministerial director for our conference in South Africa and we were going to visit and preach in a church near where his brother stays in Bethlehem - where the main language is Afrikaans, a good 9 or so hours from our home, and were due to stay for a week. The Thursday night after we arrived, I had a terrible stomached ache that would not go away... All night I was awake in pain and in the morning I could not lay down or sit or stand. I could not stand the pain anymore. Painkillers were not helping, nothing was. So, Darrel's brother suggested we go to a Dr and see what the matter was... He looked after our 2 bigger boys and we took Zach with us. After a quick exam they did a pregnancy test and it was positive! I was shocked, Darrel was shocked! The Dr then started running around like crazy and said we needed to see a OBGYN NOW! But she would not tell us why.

The OB bumped all his other patients and got us in in less then 15 mins, and after a quick ultrasound told us that I was indeed pregnant and it was an ectopic and the pain was from the blood of the BURST ectopic pooling in my abdomen, causing pressure and causing my shortness of breath and pain. And that if he did not operate now, I would die.

Note that all this info came at us in less then 30 mins. We did not have time to build hopes or dreams about this baby or even think a few times about what all this meant.

Long story, made short.... We rushed to the ER, I said 'goodbye' (fearing i would not live) to my kids, my baby and my sweet husband and they wheeled me away. I was in hospital almost a week, 4 days of that not being allowed up out if bed because of the lack of blood supply as the Dr removed 4 liters of blood from my abdomen. I was on morphine for 2 days for the pain, can tell you what that does through breastfeeding to a baby. And I have a c-section scar now, after 3 natural deliveries. It all happened so quickly... And I know that I was preserved by God for His Glory.

Only He can take our pain and use it as a tool to help others, only He can take our loneliness and use it as a reminder to help others we see as lonely.

Tips for what to do for a friend in this situation:
- pray for them and offer to pray with them.
- acknowledge their loss... It was a baby, it is grief.
- give them a safe place to share their anger or frustration, without condemnation or trying to fix it, they just need a friend to be there.
- respect their wish for space and time, but send a card, about a week later to remind them you are there for them.
- write the date of their loss down and send a card on that date a yr later...
- if you are able, talk about your loss and educate others on what is appropriate to say.

These things are just a few ways we can break down fears and awkwardness.

Giving In - A Story of Growing Up

2012-02-23T18:24:00.000-05:00

The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck

By Kathleen Y'Barbo

I know, I gave this review a weird title... but that is the just of the book. I think. lol

Seems I am really good at choosing the last book in a series to review, as this is also the last book in a 3 book series. As a stand alone read, I don't think I needed the previous 2... they were stories about other characters in the tale - not related to the main character.

Speaking of the characters... they are: Charlotte Beck - young, well off, American girl wishing she were older and looking for her father's approval. Alex Hambly - Viscount of Hambly in England, twin to Martin, youngest son and avid star gazer. Upon these do the whole book depend...

Ms Y'Barbo does a lovely job weaving the story between these two characters and their respective family members. The only big problem I have is that the books title does not quite match the book. The book is split in 2 halves - the first being the young miss meeting the Viscount and their ensuing tangle or story. The second being 4 years later - about the marriage and the confusing faith filled wrap up of the series. The idea of an inconvenient marriage does not really materialize... and actually falls apart at the end.

My thoughts on this book are - as a light read, it is passable.

I give this book 2 stars out of 5.

A Story of Forgiveness

2012-02-15T17:17:00.000-05:00

A review of "The Harvest of Grace" by Cindy Woodsmall.

I wish I had known before I requested this book that it was book 3 in a series. I found it hard to keep up with who was who... and found I kept having to make mental notes for myself on that score, there is a synopsis page to bring the reader up to speed and also a few pages at the back on who is whom - which helps. Other then that, this is a lovely read from Ms Woodsmall, I really enjoyed the aspects on forgiveness she wove in... and brought about some introspection on things I need to let go in myself - to forgive and let God.

The main characters in this book are Sylvia Fisher (a dairy farming amish woman) and Aaron Blank (a recovering alcoholic). The story seems to weave its way around these two and the families and friends that each belong to. Sylvia is running from bad choices and longs for peace and quietude of farming, manages to find such solace on the Blank farm managing their failing dairy. Aaron, freshly returned from rehab, is ready to reconcile with his family and to grasp a new dream that does not involve farming. There are sub-characters as well, as Ms Woodsmall ties up loose ends from the previous 2 books in the Ada's House Series, and to her credit Ms Woodsmall has a portion for each character to play in either accepting grace, being gracious or forgiving ones self. The theme was woven beautifully throughout the whole book.

Aaron's parents have to learn how to forgive and accept their son's decisions for himself. After years of mistrust and hurt on both sides of the parents and their drunken son - this love hard to come by - but with the heart of a changed, new man, Aaron hangs on to hope and the goal of having a family that can work together without blame.

Sylvia is taking a long journey to accept self forgiveness, and God's forgiveness. With the help of Aaron, his friends and family she tackles this daunting task - and finds herself and peace that she so longs for in the process.

As with other of Ms Woodsmall's books the glimpses into real Amish life are real and fresh - and there is something to be learned in each, an educational and insightful art. I really did not know that there are Rehab centers for Plain folk, but am glad to hear that there are many ways to reach out to all suffering with this form of escapism.

A book well worth your time, but would probably be best enjoyed as it was intended as Book 3 in a series.

Well done Ms Woodsmall!

4 of 5 stars

Vote for A friend of Mine...

2011-08-12T14:21:00.002-04:00

So my friend has co-written a cook book and the recipes in it are so yummy... (there will be a review to follow). And she's been nomintated for an award from babble.com... Too cool!!

Click here and Look up "Something Better" and vote for them!

Thank you!

A Book by Any Other Name Would Smell as Sweet

2011-05-15T19:04:00.003-04:00

Paper Roses by Amanda Cabot

What a lovely read... A cross between Cyrno de Bergiac and Mail Order Bride.

Sarah and her sister Thea, are left alone in the world when a tragedy happens in their family. Sarah opts to answer an ad for a mail order bride, and secure a new future for Thea and herself. Her faith in the Lord is almost destroyed in the memory of the tragedy, and is baggage she carries with her into her new future. With a determined spirit and hope in good she strives to create a new home and a new adopted family in Texas, only to find another twist in life she did not plan on.

Clay has lost so many people close to him that he does not feel worth any love or hope for the future. His wife and baby die, his father has had a stroke, and his brother is gone. Now he has the complication of his brothers intended bride and her little sister. Vowing to have vengeance on whomever took his brother's life, Clay battles anger and hopelessness.

Both characters are introduced to other characters in the story who point them back to the true source of love and hope... Jesus. And both characters learn to let go of the past and learn to love again.

This book was a delightful read with twists and turns, and true love from the real source... God. The way conflicts are dealt with and come up in the book are very believable and relatable to our modern age too. And brings one to question our true devotion, and if our Christianity shows from the inside out, and if we are letting go of our baggage at the foot of the cross.

This book is the beginning of a trilogy, which looks like the whole series will be a great easy fun read.

This book was a free Amazon.com download for the Kindle app. My review is my own views, I received no compensation for my review.

Falling down the stairs...

2011-05-15T17:49:00.000-04:00

Has given me a lot of time to read... But not so much time to write reviews. I am hopelessly behind!

And my tailbone is officially dislocated... Ouch!

So, I am hoping to catch up this week with all my reviews.

Watch this space. ;)

Journey's Ending... with hope and reconciliation. A Review...

2011-04-20T14:05:00.000-04:00

When the Soul Mends - Sisters of the Quilt, Book 3... by Cindy Woodsmall, as reviewed by Tami.

A book full of re-connections and rediscovery. Hannah Lapp has gone through a long journey in 2 other books to get to the point she is in book 3. From a tragic rape, rejection and fleeing to the unknown... to the strong confident nursing student we meet in "When the Soul Mends". I had not read the other 2 books of this series (and seem to be getting the end of alot of stories with my review books) but was able to get the idea of the story by reading this book, I do think that the book would have had more impact and made more sense if I had read the other 2 books.

A well written story of hope about Hannah Lapp as she journeys home to help her sister - and reconnects with family, friends and an order and pace of life that is a part of who she is. Being pulled between helping her sister and attending school and being engaged to an 'Englisher' with whom she is helping raise 2 children. The 2 worlds and pace of life are highlighted and compared neatly in this book... without blame or making the other better. And served to show how Hannah was part of both... yet like all of us a time of choosing comes around.

I really enjoyed Hannah's growth to discover that it's okay to want the things that bring joy to your soul. To listen to ones inner voice is what brings peace in the long term.

Ms Woodsmall did a great job bringing the characters to life and making all the situations believable. I loved the reconciliation theme and the longing to have that peace in ones soul that passes all understanding.

I am sure this is a great series... enjoy it~

3 of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The words and thoughts used to describe the book are strictly my own.

A Ball of a Story!

2011-04-06T14:43:00.004-04:00

The Lightkeeper's Ball is the third installment for the Lightkeeper's trilogy (or The Mercy Falls Series). Ms Coble did a lovely job in making this a fine stand alone read. Having not read the other 2 previous books in the series, I was able to read and understand all that was going on without missing any vital information.

This story is an excellent mystery and romance rolled into one. With just the right amount of Christianity showing through, it warms the soul and dispels doubt with hope and freedom.

Our main character in this book is Olivia Stewart, who is being forced to marry a man she does not know - her sister's fiancé. With the death of her sister a mystery, Olivia sets out to find out more about the death of her sister and the man that she is going to be engaged to. Leaving the security of the New York social set for the relative wilderness of California - in the age of innovation and invention... The book weaves the tale of determination and courage when everything seems to be against you.

With the lighthouse destroyed by a sever storm, Olivia plans an elaborate ball to raise the funds to rebuild the needed lighthouse. So the story gets it's title.

This book highlights the trait of honor... And shows how worthy it can be for a person. And hints to the fact that God is a personal God who sees all, knows all and is involved in even the small things of your life. Which is the journey our main character takes.

One thing I would have liked to see in the book, but was not, was the small church mentioned in the book by some of the characters. Perhaps that is explored more in the other 2 books. The main character, Olivia, mentions that her church is a social event... Who's who, and who wore what... While in Mercy Falls the church is a different more real experience.

Unlike some other books I have read, I do not feel compelled to read the other books in the series. It would be nice... But I do not NEED to.

Our second main character is Harrison Bennett, who shows us the meaning of finding a balance between passion and gifts from God. We are all given these for reasons... If we use them to better others then they are a blessing, and will grow. This was a nice twist and a touch that was not needed but surely made one consider gifts and purpose.

A short, comfortable read, this book offers. But to the casual reader who is in search of a quick diversion from life's busy pace. With a murder/suicide to solve, an attraction to deal with and friends to support and guide - makes this book fun and a delight.

A Scottish Biblical Ruth?

2011-03-30T14:52:00.004-04:00

Mine Is the Night - by Liz Curtis Higgs as reviewed by Tami.

This is the second and conclusion book in a series based loosely on the Book of Ruth from the Bible. I have not had the privileged to read the 1st book of this series - but was very glad to get the 2nd book as I love historical fiction books!

As a stand alone read. This book does just fine with out knowing all that happened in the 1st book, but does reference some things in the 1st book, and explains them - as a memory - so you are included with the character in real time with out feeling you've missed a vital step somewhere. Great Job on that Ms Higgs!

Our main character, Elizabeth Kerr - affectionately known as Bess - is the reflection of the Biblical Ruth. A recent widow, who chooses to embrace Christianity and because of that chooses to stay with and assist her mother-in-law - Marjory Kerr. Like the Biblical story, these two start out with virtually nothing but faith. And hope that God will provide all their needs. Having supported the wrong side of the war - they are labeled as rebels and are fleeing for the relative safety of the Scottish Highlands where Marjory lived as a young bride.

This time period in history where ones religion is mingled with ones political allegiance - leaves our two Kerr women with doubts as to the churches acceptance of them. (An aspect of Ruth I had not thought about...) Having supported the "wrong" side and having become widowed and penniless - the church has an obligation to see if the heresy is or has been spurned by the member... if not the member is cast out and not supported or welcomed by the church and it's members. This all adds to the drama and suspense in the two ladies lives.

I truely enjoyed the fact that Ms Higgs included other characters - such as the cousin Anne Kerr and Michael the tailor. These add flavor and friendships that lend support to the Kerr's. And gives practice to the women in being proactive about Love and matters of the heart.

On the subject of matter's of the heart... the book is delightful in the way it shows hope and equality in a time where class and station are very much relevant and can hinder the matters of the heart more then help. As today there are many obstacles that arise when you decide you are actually in love. So with the Kerr women - all three are deeply smitten - yet do not want to fly too far in the wind of convention or society that they maybe outcast completely. Suffice to say - love in Christ conquers all!

And as the Book of Ruth ends in a birth - so does this one... with the promise of a new generation and restoration of honor.

I LOVED this book!! And would LOVE to read the 1st one... maybe sometime. ;)

I look forward to reading another book by Ms Higgs...

Five out of Five Stars!!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Video Review

Don't forget to rank this book please...

Natural Sweetners

2011-03-28T18:31:00.001-04:00

The Azure Standard is hosting a giveaway on Natural Sweeteners on their blog!!!
Check it out at - http://azurestandard.blogspot.com/2011/03/giveaways-dont-get-any-sweeter-than.html

I LOVE Agave nectar and straight honey... we are trying to get completely off of refined sugar. It's quite a process... I have bought some Sucanat - but find the taste quite strong, unless I am cooking with it. I have not tried to make these great ideas with it - but hope to soon!

Blessings as you journey to find true sweetness without refined sugar for your family!

And don't forget to check out those great recipes from Heavenly Homemakers... Yum!

And my friends at Give Them Something Better ... Double - Vegan YUM!!

What has been keeping me busy while I wait for new books...

2011-03-21T16:41:00.000-04:00

I am in charge of out Kindergarten 1 class at church. This Quarter I am leading out with the crafts... so every week I am looking for ideas, and dreaming up ways to make the story real for the little 3 - 4 year olds. It's fun!

Here are some of my ideas for this quarter:

Noah's Ark
You take a small paper plate, spray paint it brown and cut it in half, then staple the 2 halves together at the rounded edges. Viola! An Ark. :D

Now you take a sheet of paper and cut little paper people - I used the old according style fold and cut method to make 8 people for our Ark. Totally Biblical - eh?

Here comes the best part!
We took Baggies (the snack sized ones) and put animal crackers in for the animals on the Ark. An instant hit! Yay!!

Noah's Ark - done!

Mom - What's 'the World' ?

2011-03-09T15:56:00.002-05:00

Book Review of "God Gave us the World" by Lisa T. Bergren

Finally!! A book I can review and sit with my boys to read. I have 3 boys - 4,5 and 8. All of whom LOVE reading... so one weekend the 2 little ones sat with me and we read this book. My 5 yr old loved it! And kept asking why all the bears looked different and why the little bear kept asking questions. Too funny as he is my question asker. While the youngest did not quite grasp the book - until I kept pointing out the photos of the different bears and asking him (when his brother was not asking questions) what the differences were between the bears and what they ate.

This is a fun book which highlights the differences and similarities between the bear families and habitats. While they are all bears, they all look and act differently. The main message in this book is that God is good and love us all no matter what we look like or eat. He made each of us special just the way we are.

I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.