Lord, I Give You This Day

I am intentional about what devotional I choose to start my morning with, and I found one that is definitely a keeper.

Kay Arthur has proved herself to be an inspiring author, and it is no wonder her book “Lord, I Give You This Day” is my devotional of choice right now. But more importantly, she has proven herself faithful and true to the Author of our faith, and boldly declares His Word to her readers.

This 366-day devotional is unique in that it doesn’t begin with a little verse at the top, and then use the rest of the page for Kay’s own words. It deliberately infuses Scripture into the day’s reading, using it as the sole point of the devotion. It is not about the author’s thoughts, or her life experiences, or her personal matters. It’s about God. It’s about His Word. And it’s about how we can better understand both and live out those truths.

The material for this book is adapted from her books from the “Lord” series, and is just one page a day, easily fitting into anyone’s time table.

This is a great choice to get you going each morning; to begin the day in full surrender to and awe of our Majestic God.

In exchange for this review, I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Publishers from their Blogging for Books program. These opinions are my own, and I was not compelled to give a positive review.
 

You Meet All Types

Last night I attended the UALR men's basketball game. I never knew what a diverse crowd there could be at a college game! I started noticing it all and felt like my friend for people-watching instead of game-watching!

For one, there's the students who are there to have an excuse to jump and scream and dance like idiots. Oh, and possibly to enjoy a game, but probably to get out of homework, but I can't say that for sure since it's not like I walked up and interviewed them or anything.

And then a large majority are what I call the loyal fans. They're the ones (often retired men) who sit down front, are season ticket holders, and are dressed for church instead of a gym. They're very involved in the game, but certainly take the time to make a few trips to the concession stand, unlike...

The die-hard fan, who are way too caught up in the game to leave, unless it's half-time. They are easy to spot because they're either decked out in team colors, or standing up the whole game, mouth wide open. They think that their sole purpose for attending is to personally be responsible for making sure the refs makes the right calls, and more importantly letting them know when they don't.

Of course, we can't forget the mothers. They are there to watch their sons on the court, to swing their arms in the air in protest when they get fouled, and to stand up and cheer while clapping wildly when they make a basket. They by far can be the most enthusiastic of the crowd.

Now the reverse of that would be what I respectfully call the wealthy wife. Their husbands fall into the loyal fan category, or even the die-hard category, but they don't. You see, they're in a class all to themselves, and their attire goes beyond even that of the loyal fans! They're not interested in the game. They interested in sitting next to a friend discussing what their friend did that day, or where their friend got those cute shoes, or what their friend's neighbor's dog did to their friend's grandmother while visiting from Georgia for two weeks because she's doing some remodeling. Oh, is the game over already?

Last but not least, there's the family man. He's there with his wife and kids, or maybe for just a special father-son outing. He tries to catch some of the game, but it's largely interrupted with trips up and down the stairs, first for concessions, then for bathroom, then for more concessions, then for more, well, you get the idea. He--that is, the kids--do good to make it to half-time, where it's one final trip up those stairs.

And then there's me, but I'm pretty sure there wasn't another me in that area. Although I am a sports fans, this time I was there for the pep band more than the game. Oh yes, the pep band! Forget those enthusiastic mothers or dancing students, the pep band trumps all else when it comes to energy!

(You can watch my brothers play in the pep band: http://vimeo.com/60846828 )

Variations on a S'more in A Major Crisis

It's a cold, grave, dreary day.

You've just finished your sandwich in common time, and you want just a little something suite to top it off before getting back to work. Something impromptu.

You open the cabinet and spot a bag of marshmallows, and presto! You've got a solution! Now you're doing fine.

Click, click, click. The stove top is lit and you watch your white cube turn gold while slowly expanding and changing to goo. (Making a perfect marshmallow is just your forte!)

 

As you devour that glob of deliciousness, a brilliant plan is being orchestrated in your head. (Maybe this proves toasted marshmallows are good for the brain!)

Back to the cabinet you go in search of chocolate and graham crackers. But alas! There are none to be found! How cruel to have marshmallows but not chocolate or graham crackers!

You're in a major crisis, now!

But never fear, the sweet voice of a Ritz cracker begins singing to you. Then it's joined by the butterscotch chips in a melodious duet.

Now you've got a good Handel on things. (Hallelujah!)

 

Your little cadenza begins: Toast goes the marshmallow! Ooie gooie goes the butterscotch! Smash goes the crackers! (Gently, of course. It would be terrible if you Baroque it.) This is a the grande moment of a real masterpiece!

 

 

You take the first bite, and your heart skips a beat. It's so amazing, you eat it in halftime! Encore!

Soon others that are sharp enough catch on and join in perfect harmony. (This certainly changed the dynamics in the kitchen.) And of course, having it just once is never enough. It must be repeated!

You realize you've made a minor mistake in taking so much time on a simple dessert. But ahh, what a finale to an otherwise flat afternoon.

Grieving God's Way Book Review

I finished reading this over a month ago, so I guess it’s high time I write the book review!

I picked out this book, not because I’m dealing with grief or the loss of a loved one, but to be able to sympathize with and help friends who are. But I must say I was sadly disappointed in this book. There were definitely some good thoughts and things for me to be aware of when interacting with others who are grieving, but it was lacking a strong Biblical reference.

I do not know anything about the author, Margaret Brownley, at all and have never read any of her other books, so I’d like to give her the benefit of the doubt, but this did not come across to me as completely sound advice. I think she may have still been dealing with her own loss, so it seemed to excuse some odd behavior.

The book is divided in four parts: Healing the Grieving Body, Healing the Grieving Soul, Healing the Grieving Heart, and Healing the Grieving Spirit. The concept sounds good, but I didn’t always agree with the author’s opinions on certain things. For example, she quotes from the Bible, but I never got the feeling that she was using Scripture as her foundation, rather, she believed one thing and found a verse to back it up. Also,  in one example (pg 83) she described the forming of the Grand Canyon as having taken millions of years! I think that kind of turned me off and I had a hard time taking the rest of her book seriously.

I got the book intending to give it to a friend, but I do not recommend this book. At best you’d have to read it carefully and prayerfully to discern what‘s good advice. There were a few good pointers in the book, but overall I was very disappointed, especially since the title of the book made me think this would be a biblical way to cope with grief!



I received a copy of this book from Booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review.

Friday Faves

Whoops! I've missed a Friday! Not to mention I've been absent in general around here. Here's a little something for today. A little off-track from my usual Friday Favorites, though. Just some thoughts.

Thankful -- I just realized today that the Carnival Triumph was the very same cruise ship that my sister Linda Beth and I were on for a Bible Study Cruise! So thankful that it was in February of 2010 and not 2013!


{As a slight digression, I can't believe the outrage of said cruise passengers and threats of suing, as if Carnival lured them onto their magnificent ship with the sole purpose of cutting off electricity and leaving them stranded for days in the Gulf! I realize it was a horrible situation, and it's possible Carnival could've handled things better (I really don't know the details), but c'mon, they're giving you a full refund plus some! They really couldn't help it any more than you could. Ok, I'm getting off my soap box now.}


Grateful -- Listen up folks: today I heard the President say something that I agree with! Mark that down in the record books! As Catherine Bingley would say, "I'm all astonishment!"

In reference to the Sandy Hook shooting, he said (and this is based on my memory and scribblings in front of the TV), "when a child shoots another child, there's a hole in that child that the government can't fill." Now, assuming "the hole" he's referring to is the emptiness in the shooter's soul and not the bullet hole in the child (who wrote his speech?), I give a hardy "amen"! The problem is, that's where any mutual agreement between me and the President ends.  He just admitted that gun control laws or education boosts or anything government related and controlled is not the solution, yet that continues to be his answer. Sorry, Mr. President, but only Christ can fill that hole, and I'm so grateful He filled mine!

Impressed -- I did pretty good this Valentine's day. I got three cards, a box of Ghiradelli chocolates, a Lindt dark chocolate bar, and a red rose----all without a guy! When/if one finally comes around, I'm either going to be blown away or utterly disappointed. Not sure which. =)

Blessed -- God just continues to be faithful and good, and I'm continuing to learn to trust Him instead of doubting! He is hearing my prayers for direction, and even better--or I should say more surprisingly--I'm listening to His answers and learning to obey! Big steps forward don't have to be hard when they're God-ordained. Remind me of that when I encounter the next bend in the road!

Friday Faves

To continue last week's favorites theme, "these are few of my favorite things"...


Friends

In just this week alone I've had an hour-plus phone chat with one sister, a movie/talk-all-evening visit with another sister, and a lovely lunch at Cracker Barrel with a friend. I considered making Cracker Barrel a category of its own, because I love that place though I rarely go there, but the friendship is definitely more important than the food. Except maybe for those biscuits. (ha!)


Fermented Tea

This is not what you think it is. =) Health foods came up in one of my conversations, and I was telling my friend of this fizzy, fermented drink called kombucha. I was first introduced to it by some friends who make it, and when I tried it I wasn't really sure how to describe it, except that it gives a kick! As I was explaining the health benefits and nutrients it has, my friend said I should just make my own and we could have some at the spa day that we spontaneously planned. I'm thinking it's much more likely for the spa day to happen than for this tea to happen--or should I say grow?--inside my house. =)


Fair Weather

Although it happens to be cold again today, we've had some amazing weather for January! But I'm excited to say that according to the forecast it's going to be back up in the 60s again next week! Now that's my kind of winter! I love my new coat and everything, but I much prefer weather where only a light jacket or long-sleeve shirt is necessary.


Fierce Women

This is another book I'm reading right now. It's written by a pastor's wife from Hot Springs, Kimberly Wagner, who is often featured on Revive Our Hearts radio and True Woman conferences, which is how I heard of her. Although this book would apply more to married women, I'm learning so much even now! I did see that there's a message at the end to single women, but unlike a certain friend of mine, I don't peek at the end of each book! =)


 Fire

Although I do love a roaring fire on a bitter cold day, this isn't the kind of fire I'm referring to. Nor am I speaking of Amazon's HD kindles. Think more along the lines of passion, energy, or purpose. This is what I'm desiring from God, and this is, I believe, what God is now igniting in me through the reading of His Word. I'm amazed (well, not really) how often I find myself in a rut, not really seeking God's will or His priorities, but merely doing things out of habit, or because that's the last word I got. But as I'm being reminded from my Bible Study class in Hebrews, there is no such thing as a stagnant believer. You're either progressing or digressing. So I'm praying for the fiery power of the Spirit to ignite in me the power to do what's right. To walk in faith. To live in love.

God is More than Enough

 

 Right after I read a book by the daughter, I read one by the father. Just like with Priscilla Shirer, I’ve never read anything of Tony Evan’s before, but I really enjoyed “God is More Than Enough”. This book is not just an overview of Psalm 23, but a down to earth, this-is-how-you-live-out-this-truth kind of look at the psalm.

Short and to the point, Evans begins by explaining why there isn’t a single thing you could ever need that this psalm doesn’t address, or in other words, that your Shepherd does not supply. Of course that brings about the question of who is your Shepherd, and why it’s important not to miss that part of the verse and skip to the second in, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” (vs. 1).

In the chapters that follow, Evans briefly but concisely gives you biblical reasons why God is more than enough to meet your…
    spiritual needs
    directional needs
    emotional needs
    physical needs and
    eternal needs.

Just a few highlights I enjoyed from the book:

    “The most dependable thing you have going for you is not your family or your friends or you bank account or your life’s work. The best and the most consistent thing you have going for you is your God, and we see that even in His name. ‘I Am that I Am’, He says. There is constancy with God.”

    “Once you hit Monday, Sunday’s over. It’s ‘was’, not ‘is’. God wants a moment-by-moment, day-by-day relationship with each of us, not a once-a-week ‘refresher’.”

    “The reason so many of us cannot sincerely pray, ‘the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want’, is that we’re still living self-service lives. We’re saying, ‘I’m going to pull it off.’…”

    “Oh, what a way to live, knowing with absolute certainty that His goodness and His loyal love will stick with me for the rest of my life!”

In exchange for this review, I received a free copy of this book through Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program.

Friday Faves

What I've been enjoying: Sunsets

I'm not sure why I noticed the sunsets every day this week. Maybe because the days are getting longer, so the sun isn't already gone when I'm driving home. Or maybe because they've been dazzling and different every day, demanding my attention. Probably the latter.


What I've been reading: "Abortion" by R. C. Sproul

So, so good (I'm still in the middle of it). I got this as a free e-book, but I can't remember where I saw it advertised, and I doubt it'd still be available for free by now anyhow. (I found it! The kindle version is FREE on Amazon! Click on the side image to get yours.) Nevertheless, this is a great book that biblically and logically addresses the issue of abortion. It seems an appropriate time to read this after passing the 40 year mark of Roe v. Wade.


What I've been listening to: Once Upon a Romance


This is the best CD ever for relaxing, for piano enthusiasts, Disney lovers, or all of the above.  In other words, you. need. this. album. I heard one track playing inside a store last week and bought it on the spot! I've listened to it practically all day every day since then. It's lullaby-type piano arrangements of old Disney classics like "When You Wish Upon A Star", "Part of Your World", and "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes".


What I've been wearing: A New Coat



I've been looking a while for a gray, winter coat, so it's exciting enough to actually find one you not just like, but love. BUT, when it's found for only six bucks, that's really something worth cheering for! Yay for clearance racks in Forever XXI!








What I've been doing: Sewing

Sewing aprons. Sewing paci clips. Sewing a quilt. Sewing valances (well, should be). Even sewing valentine cards. I'm really getting into this sewing thing. Now if I could just have a personal sewing machine oiler, I'd be set.

The World of Etsy

Because I've been working at selling some of my own creations on Etsy, I've done a little more browsing on there than I used to do. 

I officially made my first "Treasury List" (don't worry if you're lost--I only discovered it today!) and will include some here. But first are a few of my recent listings for sale.

"Love" pocket sleeve note card


Embroidered Flower Note Card


Embroidered Hearts Note Card
 
And now my favorites from other Etsy shops:
 

Piano Ceramic Tile, DPPhotography


Favorite Things, KruBooks


(This is definitely my nephew's future!)
Country Music Onsie, threewagons


Violin Necklace, rainuua

Book Review: Discerning the Voice of God

 

I have been absent from here too long. Between the recent holidays and a trip up north to see my brand new baby nephew, I haven't left myself much time for blogging. I've still been reading, just not writing any reviews, so I'd say it's time for a book review. So without further ado...








“Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God is Speaking” was a great book. I’ve heard author Priscilla Shirer speak, but had not read any of her books, and this one especially interested me. Being in a place in my life where I needed to seek the Lord for some answers, I benefited greatly from Shirer’s words of advice, given from within the context of Scripture.

The book itself is easy to read and includes lots of down-to-earth (and sometimes humorous) illustrations based on Shirer’s life experiences, or stories of her acquaintances. I found myself relating to her and wanting to really put into practice what she had to say, not because she said it, but because I recognized it as Truth. Her powerful message was wrapped in humility and love, and came just at the right time for me.

I would highly encourage believers to read this book to strengthen their knowledge of and relationship with God and His Word, so as to better discern His voice and to walk in His ways.

I received a copy of this book form Moody Publishing in exchange for this honest review.

Favorite Christmas Quotes

Along the lines of yesterday's post, here's some great Christmas quotes, although some are only vaguely related to Christmas. =)

"The only thing in the world more ridiculous than Christmas is falling in love!"

Ebenezer Scrooge, from "A Christmas Carol"

~

"I'm not going to be a shepherd!"

Charlie, in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"
A favorite for obvious reasons.

~

"Deck da haws wid boughs of hawwy, fah wah wah wah wah wah wah wah wah."

Chinese restaurant carolers, in "A Christmas Story"

~

"If you can't learn to accept ANYTHING on faith, then you are doomed for a life dominated by doubt."

Kris Kringle, in "Miracle on 34th Street"

~

"Is this the way government really works?"

Harmony, in "Ernest Saves Christmas"

~

"Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents!"

Jo March, from "Little Women"

~

"Guy, your face? What is it?"
"Oh, it's just this thing I keep on the front of my head. You know, a couple of eyes, ears, a nose."
"No, no, no, I mean what's the matter?"

Madge & Guy, from "Gifts for Madge & Guy"

~

"This is Mary and I'm...Joseph."

Little boy, in "The Bells of St. Mary's"

~

"I'm not gunna to make it til Christmas!" (pronounced "kriss-miss")

Joe, probably in Christmas 2007

~

"And io, io, io..."

best lyrics ever, from "Ding Dong Merrily on High"

~

"I wish it was Christmas or New Year's all the time. Wouldn't it be fun?"

Jo March, from "Little Women"

~

"This is a very interesting situation!"

George Bailey, in "It's a Wonderful Life"

~

 "The only blind person at Christmastime is he who has not Christmas in his heart."

Helen Keller

~

"Seize the blazing yule before us!"

What it sounds like Aunt March is singing in "Little Women"

~

"Walking around the Christmas tree like a big fat, big fat, big fat fat."

A. Nony Mous, from the S Household

~

"I'm sorry mother, but you're perfectly wrong."

Susan Walker, in "Miracle on 34th Street"

~

"I bet it's a warrant for my arrest. I'm going to jail, isn't it wonderful? Merry Christmas!"

George Bailey, in "It's a Wonderful Life"

~

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.' "

The angel of the Lord, in the Gospel of Luke

Favorite Christmas Movies

Now, there's a lot of Christmas-themed films out there, and I certainly haven't seen them all (I've been told I need to see "Christmas Shoes"). Then there's some I have seen but will be noticeably absent from this list. Then there are some I have seen but have probably forgotten about, so remember to join the convo (that's Etsy talk for conversations) and comment on your own favorites! (By the way, these are in no particular order.)

"Miracle on 34th Street"

 

This may come as a surprise, but I actually like the newer ('94) version better. It may be because I've seen it a few times more than the '47 version. But I like how in the changed ending (spoiler alert) they use the example of our currency saying "In God We Trust" on it even though we can't see God, instead of the post office defense. I also like Richard Attenburough as Kris Kringle, and Mara Wilson is the cutest little Susan!

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"

Such a funny movie! And if you read the book, you'll find it's one of those rare occasions where the film actually follows the book nearly word for word! So in this case, why read the book when you can see Leroy, Ollie, Gladys, Claude, Imogene and Ralph wreak havoc in the Sunday School room in live action on the screen? =) Definitely a family favorite!

"Ernest Saves Christmas"

Speaking of family favorites, I can't believe this actually made the list, but if you're in my family, you know why. =) I'm pretty sure the only reason we ever watched it was because my aunt and cousin were extras in it in a scene early on in the film. Yep, you read that right. Still, that probably doesn't warrant it being on a favorite Christmas movies list, but traditions are traditions, and even stupid, ridiculous memories can be good ones. And you don't have to watch it just because we do. =)

"The Bells of St. Mary's"

I don't think this is actually a Christmas movie, but we usually watch it at Christmastime for whatever reason. It's a sweet story with a few cute and funny moments in it. I think we watch it to say we got our fill of Bing Crosby without watching those other "classics" that aren't so classic.

"Little Women"

As long as we've veered away from solely Christmas-only-themed films... I think this is a great movie with several Christmas scenes in it! Of course, I'll take any excuse to watch one of my favorite movies. It's oh so much better than any other adaptation of Alcott's novel, and does a decent job of sticking to the real story. And Christian Bale is Laurie, so of course I'm going to watch it! (Just kidding! I'm not one of those.) One of my favorite winter scenes is when they're delivering their Christmas dinner to the Hummels and spontaneously start belting out "Here We Come a-Wassailing"! I can relate to the impulse.

"It's a Wonderful Life"
 

You were probably wondering if this was going to show up. Well, wonder no longer! This has to be my all time favorite Christmas movie, and it probably ranks pretty high as my all time favorite of any genre!  It's such a great story: realistic yet classic; funny yet touching. Jimmy Stewart does a fabulous job being George Bailey, and you gotta love Henry Travers as Clarence, Angel 2nd Class. This movie never gets old and never fails to delight no matter how many times I watch it. It's a ringer! (pun intended)

Favorite Christmas Traditions

This first set is more generic Christmas traditions, i.e. everybody probably does them.


--Christmas lights. I love driving around at night to see them, and I even love putting them up. (Taking down, not so much.)

--The bell ringers. I suppose the dinga-lingin' could get to you after a while (I'd hate to be the ringer!), but there's something about stepping out of your car in the Kroger parking lot and hearing those Salvation Army bells for the first time that says, "it's Christmas".

--Gift giving. I won't hide the fact that I love both giving and receiving gifts. It's my love language, so naturally it comes, um, naturally for me to enjoy this aspect of Christmas.

--Christmas caroling! Who doesn't enjoy an excuse to sing as long and loud as you want with your friends?! Usually our church has a group that sings for the seniors, but I really love it when we actually walk up and down the roads, "caroling caroling out in the snow", only without the snow, of course. This is Arkansas.

-

The following are some of my family's traditions; things that make the holidays feel special and homey.

--Listening to my Granddaddy read the Christmas story from Luke & Mark before opening gifts. He might be wearing a Santa hat, but he's reading gospel words, reminding us the reason we're all gathered.

--Getting creative with the ribbons and bows. And not on the packages. On people's heads.

--Watching the first half of "It's a Wonderful Life" on Christmas Eve and the second half on New Year's Eve. I'm not sure how this started. I think we were too little to stay up late, so we never made it through the whole thing. And then what better way to bring in the new year than with "Auld Lang Syne"?

--Hanging our stockings anywhere other than the mantle. Up until three years ago we didn't have a mantle anyhow, so the couch, the windows, or door frames were used. But now that we do have a mantle, we don't have room for them all, so we hang them up on the rails on the banister and then Christmas morning sit along the catwalk to pull out our surprise.

--Making pumpkin bread sometime around Christmas. I'm not sure why we think pumpkin bread is limited to the month of December, but that seems the only time it gets made in our kitchen, so we savor every bite.

You may ask, how did these traditions get started? I'll tell you...I don't know. But it's a tradition. And because of our traditions, every one of us knows who he is and what God expects him to do.

-Tevye

Favorite Treats and Sweets

What's a big, family gathering without food? In my family it would probably be non-existent! =)

One of the great things about Christmas gatherings are those special foods you only have once a year! I shouldn't be writing this at lunch time, but here goes...

1. Peanut butter bon-bons! These aren't the crunchy kind (those are good, too), but the chocolate balls that practically melt in your mouth with peanut buttery scrumptiousness! A dear friend of Grammy has always made them, and I don't think we could possibly have Christmas without them!

2. Sweet potato casserole. This is definitely a must, or I think my cousin would probably murder someone. =)

3. Seasonal hot drinks--like white hot chocolate, apple carmel cider, and Chik-fil-a peppermint milkshakes. Wait, that wasn't a hot drink.

4. Dressing. I suppose it's technically a thanksgiving dish, but lots of folks have it at Christmas, too. Oh, and it's not stuffing, mind you. And it surely needs cornbread in it!

5. Frozen cranberry salad. And nobody can make it like Meemaw. In fact, there's nothing Meemaw makes than anyone could top.

6. Like her rolls, for example.

7. Or her rolls sandwiching a slice of ham.

8. This is making me hungry. I better go...you can find me in the kitchen.

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things

It's one week till Christmas, ya'll! One week! (Still trying to bang that concept into my head.)

Because I've enjoyed some recent Christmas posts from other bloggers, I decided to get a little festive around here myself.

I'm in a "favorite things" mood, so this week you'll get to hear more than you want about my favorite Christmas activities, traditions, songs, movies, books...you get the idea.

Tonight is my favorite Christmas songs.

There are so many good ones out there that it's next to impossible to choose just one, so I'm not even going to try. Instead, I'll categorize them (and I'm sure I could come up with more!):

• Favorite hymn: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
  
• Favorite melody: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
  
• Favorite chord progression in a melody: We Wish You a Merry Christmas
  
• Favorite artist: Josh Groban ("Noel" Album)
  
• Favorite classic: "Happy Holiday" with Bing Crosby
  
• Favorite album: Merry Christmas from the Beach Boys
  
• Favorite secular song: The Christmas Song
  
• Favorite celtic Christmas: Celtic Woman (ok, that was a no brainer)
  
• Favorite carol: any English carol
  
• Favorite instrumental: Sleigh Ride
  
• Favorite piano solo: "Deck the Halls" by David Huntsinger
  
• Favorite music memory: "There Is No Christmas Like a Home Christmas" played by Grammy and sung by the Fell family females
  
• Funniest favorite music memory: Practicing singing "Carols Sing" with my mom & sisters all day every day one year, and annoying my brothers excessively in the process

What are a few of your favorite Christmas songs?

It's Christmas Time

I'm having a hard time realizing that Christmas is nearly upon us. I suppose the 70+ degree weather has something to do with it, but actually, it's because I've already had Christmas.

For the first time ever, my maternal extended family had Christmas the Saturday after Thanksgiving. (Yes, that was quite a week for us. There was probably something in the oven non-stop for a week!) So I keep thinking it should be new year's by now. Or maybe even Jackson-Lee Day.

But no, it really is still the Christmas season, and there's still shopping to do, a tree to pick out for my paternal grandmother, and eventually more baking. But hey, I love the holidays and everything that comes with it, so now I don't have to feel silly for listening to Christmas songs in January since it really isn't January even though my brain keeps telling me it is January.

But all of that has nothing to do with what I originally got on here to type out.

There's a second reason why I haven't been in the blogosphere lately. Inspired by my crafty/artsy friend over at Musings of a Flower Child, on December 1st I joined the world of Etsy (you may have noticed my badge) and am slowly filling my shop with this 'n thats! I even thought about calling it This 'n That Craft Shop, but my mom thought it might sound too junky, or flea market-ish. So I decided to call it Bright Eyed Designs, because my grandfather used to call me Bright Eyes before he passed away.

My first item was a reversible headband now available in several different fabrics. I'm hoping to add some with embellishments on them, too. Just a few examples:


Then today I added this CEEEUUTE owl print apron:

I'm hoping to continue to add new products as time allows and as long as my creativity keeps up. =) Feel free to check out my humble, virtual shop and browse other great things on Etsy, cause there may not be much around here for a while!

Grace

“Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” was my first Max Lucado book. My overall impression of him was exactly what I had heard about him: typically good content and an easy read. A VERY easy read.

Lucado touches on several aspects of grace in a Christian’s life, usually starting each chapter with a Biblical or historical narrative to emphasize his main point. He seemed to have a well-rounded approach to grace and desired his readers to have a deeper understanding of it.



Included in the back is a reader's guide with questions and Scripture to ponder on to further your reading experience. It isn't written by Lucado but by a Kate Etue. I just skimmed over it, so can't give an accurate opinion on it.

There were several “moments” in the book where I found myself in awe of God’s mercy, which is what you want when you’re reading a book about grace. But beyond those few key moments, the book in general was not excessively enlightening or beneficial. I hate to make it sound shallow, but then again, when you can see the bottom of the pond, it’s not very deep.

Bascially, I realized part-way through that I was reading it strictly because I needed to write a review for it, not because I was soaking in every word and just couldn’t put it down. It wasn’t a complete waste of time, but I doubt I’ll read another Lucado book any time soon.

I, um, received a free copy of this book through Booksneeze.com in exchange for this, um, harsh review.

A Radical Book

 

This is a mini book that addresses a “radical” topic, to borrow author David Platt’s phrase. If you’ve read “Radical” or “Radical Together”, both by Platt, then this book is nothing new. The Multnomah publishers have produced pamphlets with an excerpt from both of the afore mentioned books, which includes what I call the climax or pivotal point of each book. This handy hardback is those two pamphlets in one.

I like the idea of having something small and short to pick up and read when I need a boost of energy and encouragement for pursuing God’s will, or denying self, which are two things Platt addresses.

The focus of the book is to get our focus on God, not ourselves; on our neighbor, not our American dream. On radical living. It is well written and very convicting.

If you don’t have time to read either of Platt’s former books (though I recommend them both), this is a great one to grab. You’ll get the best of both books in a smaller package, at a smaller price. That’s better than the iPad mini!

I received a free copy of this book from Multnomah publishers in exchange for this review. You can rank my review my going here.

Autumn Adventures

After hearing of a friends' experiment with baking a pumpkin, I decided to try it myself. I got a large one because that was the best deal, and there were differing opinions online as to whether smaller or larger pumpkins were better for baking. I didn't have any trouble with mine, but I haven't used the puree in a recipe yet, so we shall see.

I forgot to take a picture of my pumpkin until after I had cut it open, so here's the fused together version. =)

By the way, none of these pictures came out great because a) I was having difficulties with my camera, b) the lighting in the kitchen is terrible---it makes everything look yellow, even if you're not a pumpkin! and c) I was concentrating on baking a pumpkin, not taking good pictures. =)

The instructions "cut the stem off and cut in half" are easier said than done! That pumpkin was tough skinned! I obviously have never carved a jack 'o lantern, either. =)

 When you scoop out the stringy part and the seeds, be sure to actually use an ice cream scooper as recommended, because it really does work best. I'm not sure why I have to discover these things for myself before believing...

Here's the scraped look. Oh, save your pumpkin seeds! When seasoned and toasted they make a great snack! And I was surprised how many seeds I got just from this one pumpkin. That fruit was serious about multiplying!

(For toasted seeds, rinse your seeds and dry overnight. Next day, coat with melted butter and your choice of seasoning. I used salt, Tony's and garlic powder. Turn oven to 250 and roast for an hour or so, stirring every 10 minutes. Yum!)

I then cut the large sections into four smaller pieces, placed in a pan with water in it to keep it moist, covered it with foil, and put in an 350 degree oven for about an hour. It should have the consistency of a baked potato only not, because it's a baked pumpkin.

Scoop out your cooked pumpkin and put in a blender or food processor with a little bit of water. Be sure and include that little bit of water. This is another one of those tricks I thought I could do without and discovered later I couldn't. A blender needs a bit of moisture to, um, blend.

Somewhere along here my camera died and then froze on me and wouldn't turn on no matter what I did, so I have no more pictures, except for this one the next day of my bags in the freezer.

My one pumpkin made 16 cups of puree! That's equivalent to 8 cans of pumpkin that can be used for pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread, pumpkin roll...the possibilities are endless!

If you like pumpkin, that is.

Understanding World Religions

I wasn’t overly impressed with “Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day” by Garry Morgan. It wasn’t that it was poorly written, but there didn’t seem much substance to it. I suppose I shouldn’t expect an in-depth explanation on each subject if it’s just a short read, but still, I thought there would be a little more to it. It’s definitely a nice overview of religions, a sort of easy-to-read encyclopedia, if you will. But if you want a more detailed study of world religions, this is not the book for you.

The author did well to present a factual, unbiased representation of each religion. He admits that it is very possible that his personally beliefs could have influenced his writing, but his purpose was to give facts for each religion, not his opinions.

I appreciate his first defining the word “religion”, and explaining why he included some religions and not others. There were also times he divided certain religions into separate chapters based on their region or variance in beliefs, which resulted in a slightly more in-depth look. For example, Christianity was divided as Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical.

In Morgan’s 40 chapters, he also covered Native American religions, Judaism (historical and present), Zoroastrianism, Islam (divided in several chapters), Hinduism, 3 types of Buddhism, Jehovah’s Witness, Shinto, and Mormonism, just to name a few.