Thursday, September 18, 2014

Treasury of Bible Stories: Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times




Featuring lyrical stories full of lighthearted moments, this colorful collection of Magnificent Tales is perfect for reading out loud. As families read these stories night after night, they will make memories together while learning about the Bible.

Children ages 4-8 will be delighted by these rhyming Bible stories pairing spiritual truths with playful illustrations. Featuring lyrical stories full of lighthearted moments, this colorful collection of Magnificent Tales is perfect for reading out loud. As families read these stories night after night, they will make memories together while learning about the Bible.
I very much enjoyed reading this collection of Bible stories to my little girl! She enjoyed the illustrations and, I have to admit, I had fun reading them to her. It's quite fun to read these lyrical stories, as it puts some of our favorite Bible stories in a new light.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Chicken tomatillo soup

2 chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 red pnion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled and diced
3 Tablespoons butter
2 medium potatoes
1/2 cup cabbage
2 Tablespoons dried cilantro
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 cups roasted tomatillos puree
4 cups chicken broth
Melt the butter in a sauce pan. Add onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Add the rest of the ingredients and allow yo simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked. Enjoy with some salt or sour cream!

Monday, September 15, 2014

Top Ten


Top Authors I've Only Read One Book From But NEED to Read More

1. Katherine Reay
I LOVED her book Dear Mr. Knightley and look forward to reading her next novel!

2. Sandra Boynton
Aster only has one of her books, but received another one for her birthday yesterday. While I know they are super easy board books, I look forward to reading more of them to my little girl! The kids at her birthday party told me they like her books.;)

3. Elizabeth Ludwig
I accidentally started in the middle of her East of Freedom series. So, now I need to go back and read the rest!

4. Jody Hedlund
I read one of her books and was impressed with the historical detail. I believe I have another one or two on my Kindle from Netgalley that I need to read..

5. Melanie Dickerson
Another one whom I keep hearing about!

6. Melanie Dobson
I read Chateau of Secrets, which was quite good! My sister tells me that I need to read more of her books, since they are engaging and a bit different than the norm (in a good way!).

7. Kristy Cambron
I read her first novel, The Butterfly and the Violin and can't wait for her second novel to come out!

8. April Erwin
I read one of her books, Dysfunction Junction and adored it! She does such an awesome job bringing her characters to live and portraying solid friendships. A lot of authors fail me when it comes to bringing their secondary characters to life, but not April!

9. Hillary Manton Lodge
I loved her book A Table by the Window, since I can relate to working for a family business that has to do with food.;) I look forward to reading the second book in the series!

10. Camille Elliont
I rather enjoyed her book Prelude for a Lord since she set it in the Regency era, but didn't try to make it another Jane Austen type story. Don't get me wrong, I love a good re-telling of the classics. I just enjoy fresh ideas too.;)

So, there is my list for the week! I thought it was going to be hard, but it wound up being a lot easier than I thought. I suppose that is because I never have a shortage of books that I hope to read and I love trying new authors.

Feeding Baby giveaway!

Check out this wonderful giveaway!

Feeding Baby Giveaway

Roar

The New Conservative Woman Speak Out

Popular political news commentator Scottie Nell Hughes tackles the myth of the weak and meek conservative American woman with a fighting spirit that refuses to be intimidated by the mainstream media.
The media and many politicians have defined today’s American woman as a bra-burning liberal who sees men as competitors and children as burdens. According to them, women want federal bureaucrats to run our schools. They need churches to pay for prescriptions that violate religious faith. They trust big government and mistrust our military, and they care more about obscure endangered species than endangered American jobs. Any woman who defies these stereotypes is marginalized and ignored— particularly if her outlook is bold, strong, conservative, and Christian. Scottie Hughes emphatically rejects those stereotypes—and with a ROAR, refuses to be ignored. She describes the strength of the new conservative woman in everyday life and politics, from her deep faith and spirituality to her love for family and children to her independence and refusal to participate in a manufactured war against men.
My thoughts: I found this book interesting. I guess I haven't really put much thought into being a conservative young woman and how that can go against the grain. (chalk it up to having a lot of conservative friends, I suppose. And, being used to marching to the beat of my own drum. lol) I thought that this book was interesting in how it addresses issues that conservative women face, and how it really makes sense to be conservative. The only small thing I didn't care for is the idea that you can't be conservative and concerned about the environment. I think that, especially as a conservative Christian. we should be mindful of  how we are called to be stewards over the earth. I think more people should be concerned about doing their part in recycling, gardening, and consuming less. But then, I might be an even rarer combination, a conservative young woman who is also part hippie (you know, minus the drugs, limited bathing, and free love). But I digress. This is a great book with a lot of interesting thoughts!
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Sunday, September 14, 2014

Joyful

Randall Beiler is doing his best to put his family and the farm's needs first, even forsaking love. But though he tries, Randall knows he needs help caring for his younger siblings and keeping the house together.

When his brother offers pretty Elizabeth Nolt a job taking care of the house and cooking for the family, Randall is furious---and guilty about the way he once broke Elizabeth's heart. But when he learns that Elizabeth and her grandmother are struggling to make ends meet, he knows the offer, no matter how painful, is the right thing for everyone.

Elizabeth wants to refuse---to stay far away from the man who hurt her---but she needs the money. Though she vows to protect her heart, spending time in the Beiler household makes Elizabeth realize that, while she's older and wiser, her love for Randall still burns strong.

Randal, too, seems to want something more. But does he want Elizabeth because he truly loves her---or because he needs a housekeeper? If Randall sincerely wants something more, he must find a way to show Elizabeth---or risk losing his chance at love forever.
I enjoyed returning to Sugarcreek and the sweet Amish community in this book! Unlike some Amish fiction, I feel like this series has a lot more going on, with the introduction of new characters and the continuation of other stories from previous books. I also appreciate that, while there is a lot going on, it isn`t sensationalized. This is a lovely story and a wonderful addition to the series!

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Be Rebellious

Fight Back Against a Culture That Doesn't Care About You

What if we were created for more than just “fitting in” to the culture around us? What if we were meant to change our world?
Young women today are being seduced by a culture of lies. When pop-culture says a woman has to be ultra-thin and movie-star gorgeous, Megan Clinton says, “Let’s rebel against such crazy conformity.” Women will learn to cultivate the inner woman they were created to be, love themselves, and serve God in a way that leaves people awestruck.
I thought that this book was a great tool to motivate young woman to fight against the social norm and rise up to God's standard for their lives. This book is filled with great stories, references from the Scriptures, and reminders of women from the Bible who lived rebellious, for the Lord. Readers will be inspired as they read this book to go out and live their faith, becoming that peculiar people the scriptures call us to be.