BOOK REVIEW: Dawn Comes Early

Dawn Comes Early
By: Margaret Brownley
Published by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Now, this is my kind of woman!  Kate Tenney is a girl with a good dose of determination, who fights for what she is after even when the odds are stacked against her.  And...she gets herself into so many laughable situations!  All in the name of proving herself worthy of becoming the heiress to Last Chance Ranch.  A ranch located in Arizona Territory, a very hot, ugly, dry area of the country.  Cactus that jumps up and literally bites you in the backside.  Dust storms.  Miserable heat.  Cattle rustlers.  Even a real, live local outlaw!  What is a girl to do?  Especially a girl with no experience except that she has written dime novels (one BANNED!) about being a rancher.  But Kate slowly grows to love the land and finds that there is beauty in the desert.  Not only in the desert of Arizona Territory, but beauty can also come out of the desert of the soul.  


Set in the late 1800s, Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley is full of laughs and good clean fun.  Mrs. Brownley presents her heroine as a down-to-earth young woman who thinks she can do anything.  A woman who has a lot of drive and determination, even when some of the requirements for becoming the heiress of the ranch conflict with some of her newly awakened longings.  Woven through the book is the beautiful story of God's love and care.  Kate comes to realize that God is dependable, the only One in Whom she needs to place her faith and trust.


For more laughs and information on Mrs. Brownley and her books, you can visit her website:  http://www.margaretbrownley.com/.

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of  Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Unexpected, Gentle Reminders...

Everyone knows that yesterday was Valentine's Day, but I wasn't too concerned about the day because I am a sort-of-happily single gal.  I'm sure most of you married and attached women out there are going to say "no big deal", but I was absolutely moved (to tears!) yesterday afternoon when a gentleman (one of my boss' MARRIED business associates, so no chance of anything romantic) walked into my office carrying a bouquet of mixed daffodils from his garden. 

Okay, I know getting a bouquet of flowers normally wouldn't move a person to tears.  But you have to understand the circumstances.  Not an hour before my flowers arrived I had a very emotional, disturbing conversation.  One that left me quite shaken. One that actually gave me a much needed kick in the seat of the pants. Then in came those flowers carried by a grinning gentleman and ... I embarrassed myself by crying! 

I was pretty sharp yesterday and knew immediately that God sent that gentleman to my office with those flowers.  He used that simple bouquet to remind me He cares.  No matter what I go through, He is there.  He has a plan for my life, which has been in place since before I was born.

Think about it for a moment, how has God blessed you?

Reese

For I know that He careth for me...

Photos from Mom's Garden

Mom's daffodils

As you may have read previously, I live in Central Alabama where Spring comes very early.  I have had daffodils in my garden for a month now, and tulips are coming up.  The fragrance of hyacinths blooming by my front door is heavenly.  I have had a few azalea blossoms, but nothing like three years ago when my shrubs were covered in pink.  Of course pansies, the Winter standby,  have been in bloom since last Fall.

This past Saturday my sons and I went to my parents' place in the country.  I never go without my camera because there is always something to see.  And sure enough, mom had flowers blooming everywhere!  Jasmine was draped over and hanging off trellises, giving off their vanilla scent.  Roses were not blooming, but were putting out new leaves.  Azaleas were beginning to show flowers.  And the vinca!  Wow, it was growing everywhere! 

And look what was poking up through the mulch -- new ferns. 

It really looks like a miniature forest when you get down on their level.  

Isn't it amazing to see how "tied up" the new leaves look? 

You know, my mom transplanted this vinca (pictured below) a few years ago from a hidden cemetery not far from their home.  Now the area beside her patio is a blanket of blue and green.  

You can't say that God doesn't love design...

Hope you enjoyed the new Spring photos!  Oh, one of the best parts of going to the country is that I get to work in the garden.  Saturday was spent moving cannas from one area to another.  Plus I got to take home rose clippings which I potted Sunday afternoon, and elephant ears that mom no longer wanted. 

Reese

So glad that God makes all things new...

BOOK REVIEW: Lazarus Awakening

Lazarus Awakening

By: Joanna Weaver

Published by Multnomah Books

Copyright 2011, 2012

John chapters 11 and 12 give an interesting account of a man raised from the dead by Jesus. This was not just any man, but a man whom Jesus loved, along with his sisters Mary and Martha. Know who it was? Lazarus, of course! Who hasn't heard of the verse in the Bible that says "Jesus wept"? This is the man over whom Jesus wept. One of Jesus very good friends. However, not much is known about Lazarus; no words spoken by Lazarus are recorded, we don't know what he did for a living, we only know who his sisters were and where he lived, and that he was Jesus' friend.

Why did Jesus linger two days after receiving notice that Lazarus was sick, especially since Lazarus and his family were such good friends? Why did Jesus weep over Lazarus in light of the fact that He knew He was about to raise him up from the grave? Why did Jesus tell others to remove the stone from the tomb, or to unbind Lazarus from his grave clothes? All these questions and more are answered in Joanna Weaver's book Lazarus Awakening.

Mrs. Weaver's purpose is to share how we can apply the truths and principles learned from the true story of Lazarus to our own lives. God has wonderful plans for each of us, but He will not fulfill them unless we do what He requires of us, even though He is perfectly capable of doing so Himself. He could rid us of our own personal grave clothes and roll away the stones in our lives, but what would that benefit us? How would we grow as Christians?

Lazarus Awakening is beautifully ended with the story of Jesus' last dinner with His friends from Bethany. Just six days before that greatest Passover, Lazarus and his sisters give a dinner for Jesus, the same dinner where Lazarus' sister Mary anoints Jesus' feet with precious perfume and wipes them with her hair. Although she was criticized, Jesus knew of His approaching death and said "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial" (John 12:7). Do you think she was thankful for what Jesus had done in her life and in the lives of her family?

I am looking forward to beginning the Bible study located in the appendix, scratching off my own grave clothes and learning how to help others with theirs, and then sharing this book. You won't be disappointed when you read Lazarus Awakening. Maybe you will be like me and have areas pointed out in your life that still need (in my case a lot of) work.

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

BOOK REVIEW: Heart of Gold

Heart of Gold
By: Robin Lee Hatcher
Published by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Copyright 2012

Set during the Civil War era, Heart of Gold takes the reader from Virginia to Idaho when pastor Delaney Adair is called from his home to a gold rush town.  After much prayer the pastor decides to take his unmarried daughter Shannon with him. Unfortunately he is afraid he has spoiled his daughter, and prays that God will intervene and help her adjust to life away from the only home she has ever known, including helping her with her strong Southern prejudices.

Shannon Adair is a fiery spirit, loyal to the Southern Cause, and cannot understand why her pastor father would even consider leaving the South where she feels he is so needed.  Besides, she is needed at the hospital where she assists the doctors who must attend to the wounded and dying soldiers as well as their many other patients.  For Shannon, nursing is her passion, her calling.  What on earth is she going to do to occupy her time in Idaho?

Matthew Dubois is a stagecoach driver who asks his widowed sister Alice and her son Todd to come live with him while she recovers from what he thinks is a short term illness.  Matthew is unmarried, which means that he will have to give up driving for a while and take a job in a town and stay in one place for a while.  He never intends for it to be long term.  He is anxious to get back to driving. 

What happens when you throw all of these characters together in a gold rush town in Idaho is a work of God.  Ms. Hatcher takes the insecurities, the pride, the prejudice and shows how when a person allows God to lead in their lives, things work out much better than we expect. 

If you are like me, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.  Once I started reading, I was not able to put it down until I was finished.  This is another book which will be loaned out endlessly!  Enjoy...

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of Thomas Nelson, Inc.

TEENAGERS! The Fine Art of Being IGNORED

As any parent of teenagers knows, life with teens has you constantly on and off the love/hate list.  Most times you are on the hate list.  So it is with great joy that I take in and cherish every moment on the love list!  Okay, maybe that's taking it a bit far, but doesn't it feel like it sometimes?  Well, several times lately I feel like I might have moved a step or two towards that love list. I know, I know, it won't last long before the teen rules and regulations put me back on the sideline and I am the tough guy again; but really, lately I have ENJOYED being with my teens. 

Case in point -- this past Saturday our area sponsored a Home & Garden Show in which my dad and brothers participated.  I wanted to check out their booth and also take a couple of stools for them to sit on (three day event).  I told my dad that "we" would be there around 10:00 in the morning. If you have teenagers, you KNOW they are not keen on getting out of bed early, and especially not on a Saturday morning, because Saturdays are meant for sleeping in.  I fixed a special breakfast for the guys. The younger was not too much trouble.  It was the older one who was trouble.  Well, he just didn't want to get up.  His thoughts were: who wants to go to an old HOME AND GARDEN SHOW!  Man, that stuff's for GIRLS!  I should have pushed that "girl" point -- after all, he is SIXTEEN and likes girls...  Finally I told him it would be good driving practice and I needed a chauffeur. Plus it would probably mean eating out one meal, and if he didn't go he would have to eat a sandwich at home -- get 'em through their stomachs, it works just about every time!

Once at the show I turned the guys loose and let them roam the arena while I stayed with my family for a while, waiting for my sister to show up.  There was so much to see, so much to learn.  My guys, who did not want to even attend, were fascinated with the stuff going on.  My younger son was interested in the cooking demonstrations (he enjoys cooking and is considering becoming a chef) and even helped one of the participants for a while.  My older son was fascinated by the bee traps.  So fascinated in fact that once we got home, he researched them on the Internet and then spent several hours outside building his own.  I went outside to check on him once and he had his shirt off and was using a hand saw to cut through a 1" x 6" board.   He told me he thought he might like to go into contracting work (I think he needs a LOT more practice).

One of the shows the event hosted was about birds of prey, sponsored by the area's wild bird sanctuary.  Four birds of prey were featured, which we saw live and close up.  My guys were fascinated (so was I), and it turns out they want to take a day trip to the sanctuary to see more of these birds.  Hmm... they NEVER want to take trips, I'd better take advantage of this.

Looks like I'm off the bad list for a while, and I think I may be looking forward to that day trip about as much as my guys!

You know, as much as I love my sons and really dislike being ignored by them, how much more do we think the heavenly Father feels when His own children put Him on that ignore and "hate" list?  Much more than earthly parents He wants to give us what is best for us. He wants to spend time with us.  In fact, that's why we were created!  Instead we put Him on the back burner, the if I find time I'll spend time with You list.  Puts things into perspective, doesn't it? 

Reese

Where do you go when you need help?

How frustrating it is to run into a problem and not know how to solve it!  You go to people who you feel should be qualified to help, and you get run of the mill answers.  No real help at all.  Instead the question is posed, "are you in the Word and have you been praying about the situation?"  Yes, we need to be in the Word and we do need to be praying about the situation BUT, and this is a very big BUT, we sometimes need tangible assistance.  We need to be pointed to someone who can help us, who can let us know that we are not alone, that others have gone before us.

Did you realize that sometimes God allows us to go through hard times and then He brings someone  to us who is going through similar situations, and we can be of assistance to them?  What we have learned from our experiences, information we have gleaned, resources we have gathered can and should be shared with those who have come to us seeking help.  Reassurance that God is there, and that the Word of God is a powerful and effective tool should be first and foremost.  And believe me, prayer plays a big part, too.  But God gives us additional tools to be effective in helping others. 

Some of us have gone through divorce, lived through affairs, dealt with physical and/or emotional abuse, lost children either through death or other circumstances, dealt with rebellious teenagers, the list goes on...  Why don't we compile lists of resources, along with the Bible and prayer, that can be used to help our fellow Christians the next time they come to us? 

Reese
Prov. 3:5-6

I just found these, one was in an e-mail to me from Women of Faith:
http://lifechangemoments.com/
http://www.womenoffaith.com/blog/2012/01/laughter-lightens-the-load-by-marilyn-meberg/ 

BOOK REVIEW: Accused

Accused: Pacific Coast Justice Series No. 1
By: Janice Cantore
Published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Copyright 2012

Anytime I can't put a book down or I lie awake in bed reading until midnight (or later), I know I have a really good book.  That's what happened last night with Janice Cantore's new book Accused, the first in a new series called the Pacific Coast Justice Series (release date scheduled for February 1, 2012).  Although I am a prolific reader, I have never read any of Ms. Cantore's books before.  Let me just tell you, I will be reading the other books in this series, the second of which, Abducted,  is scheduled to be released during the summer of this year.

Carly Edwards is a ten-year veteran on the police force in Las Playas, California, working night patrol.  The story begins with Carly being partnered with a hot shot temporary replacement for her regular partner, Joe King.  As the story unfolds a shooting has occurred, with Carly and the hot shot firing shots and subsequently killing the suspect.  Carly is removed from patrol and reassigned to juvenile, which she is none to happy about, while an investigation looks into the shooting, which has become high profile.  Unfortunately it's now been several months and Carly is still stuck in juvenile, when what appears to be a chance for redemption arrives with the disappearance of the town's well loved mayor, Teresa Burke.

I don't want to give away the story, but there is an ex-husband who is a Sergeant on the force, a police reporter who Carly feels ruined her life with his story of the shooting, drugs and smuggling.  Somehow Carly ends up on the run along with another fellow police officer who everyone thinks has gone off the deep end. By the way, it's believed that Carly herself has gone off that deep end,too.  This book keeps you guessing who really did it.  Is it just one person, or are there more involved?

Throughout the book is beautifully woven the plan of salvation. Carly says she does not believe in God.  Will she make the right choice and follow God's call, or will she continue on under her own power, trusting in luck and her own skills?

Why not check out Ms. Cantore's website and learn more about her life as a police officer and how she combined work and her faith, and how she uses that today in her writing.  While you're there you can find out about other books she has written, and read her blog.  I think I'm due a trip to the library in the morning to see if I can find other titles by this author!

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of  Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

New Format

Hey, everybody.  Hope you all are having a great start to a brand new year.  Hard to believe half the month of January is already gone! 

I am trying out a new blog format.  What do you think of it?  Let me know what I need to tweak! 

Thanks for reading...

Reese

BOOK REVIEW: Then Sings My Soul, Book 3

 

Then Sings My Soul, Book 3
By: Robert J. Morgan
Published by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Copyright 2011

Let's be honest.  Who really wants to read a dry, boring old book about hymns?  Today's world is so filled with praise music, contemporary music, whatever you want to call it.  Words are projected on an overhead screen, and we rarely ever use hymnals anymore.   Today's music is catchy and vibrant, and has everyone clapping their hands and swaying to the music.  It's uplifting, and it praises our Savior!  That's where Robert Morgan's book Then Sings My Soul Book 3,The Story of Our Songs: Drawing Strength from the Great Hymns of Our Faith  comes into play.

Mr. Morgan sets forth a case for never forgetting the songs of our past.  He begins with the history of hymns -- did you know the first recorded hymn is in the Bible?  Beginning in Exodus 15:1 a hymn is sung by Moses and the Israelites, having left Egypt and crossed over the parted Red Sea.  This is just the beginning of hymns in the Bible.  As pointed out by Mr. Morgan, hymns were a large part of the life of the Jew BEFORE the time of Christ, and continues on to this day. 

After discussing hymns in the Bible Mr. Morgan begins with the history of hymns in the early church, Medieval hymns, German hymns, English hymns and songs more modern.  This is followed by actual hymns (beginning in 100 a.d. with The Gloria Patri, otherwise known as Glory Be to the Father) and continues on to present day.  Some of these hymns I had heard and sung before, some I had not.  Alongside the story of each hymn is the actual hymn itself.  It was very difficult for me to read through the hymns instead of trying to sing the hymns.  But I suppose that is what was intended by the author.  I even got up a couple of times and tried some out on the piano, to the chagrin of my sons.

Closing Then Sings My Soul Book 3 is a section on how to use hymns today.  I am from the generation where hymns  and not much else were sung in church.  It took me a while to become a fan of praise and worship music.  However, I am learning to do as Mr. Morgan suggests and blend both hymns along with praise and worship into my life.  I have learned to love them both.

Unfortunately a lot of people today agree with my earlier comment about hymns being dry and boring.  They are not.  They are our Christian heritage.  A great deal of doctrine can be found in them.  However, we shouldn't adhere to one genre to the extent of ignoring the other.  Again as Mr. Morgan points out, we need to learn to blend our praise and worship music with the hymns of old.  Let's not lose any of our music!

This book and it's predecessors Books 1 and 2 would be a great addition to the library of anyone interested in music, music history, involved in church music, or just for those who love Christ.  I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I have!

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of  Thomas Nelson, Inc.

My Learning Curve

View from Cooter's Pond, Prattville, Alabama

I love to take pictures, and occasionally I get some decent shots.  However I have lately been wanting to take some night shots. When my mom recently upgraded her camera I inherited her "old" one, and I decided that now is the time to try some shots.  


The first thing I needed to do was to find out HOW to take those night shots. If you just point and shoot, everything is going to be dark.  It's been years since my college black and white photography class, and I have forgotten everything I learned.  Since I had read in the users manual that there are such things as f-stops and apertures that need to be adjusted, and since the directions didn't explain it so I could understand (probably just me!), I went online during lunch Wednesday and found just what I was looking for.  PhotonHead is for those who want BRIEF essays on how to use your camera, as well as the history of photography -- did you know that as early as 500 years before Christ it had been discovered what can happen in a dark room?  Don't laugh, just read the article.  Very interesting!!  In any event, PhotonHead's site helped me out a lot. I quickly read up, then that evening went out and experimented. 

Looking towards Montgomery, across Cooter's Pond, from the lookout point, Prattville, Alabama

All of the shots in this blog post were taken after dark, and by increasing the amount of light coming into the camera I think they turned out okay for a beginner!  The first photo has a little bit of shake too it, though.  I was in such a hurry to get a sunset over water that I didn't take the time to put the camera on the tripod, and when you increase the amount of light coming into the camera you are increasing the time it takes to take the photo.  And I shake...  

I am going back to the site soon to scout out a location without as many branches obscuring the view.  Next time I'll be better prepared.  And maybe next time I'll take along a friend for safety reasons.  It probably wasn't a very good idea for a woman to go by herself to a deserted public park to take photos at night.  And my dad and brothers will probably want to skin me if and when they find out.  But I had my pepper spray and my car keys and my cell phone in my pockets!

Looking towards Montgomery, across Cooter's Pond, from the lookout point, Prattville, Alabama

The second and third shots shown were taken at the top of the lookout at the same park. I have been wanting some shots of Montgomery at night, and remembered this place when I was taking the shots of the sunset over water.  I hurried to the site and set up quickly, and snapped off a lot of bad shots but a couple of good ones, too.  Had a good time experimenting with the different light settings on the camera.  

From the lookout point at Cooter's Pond, Prattville, Alabama

As I was getting ready to leave, I had even taken my camera off the tripod and was heading back to the car, I looked up and there was another beautiful sunset.  And to think I almost missed it!  I was so afraid it would be gone before I could get the camera set back up, but I was able to snap off a few shots.  Sometimes it pays to pay attention to your surroundings!

Although I know you can edit photos using various photoshopping programs, the only editing on all but the last photo was the addition of my name and date.  The last photo I decided to play around with and enhance the color.  It is the same photo as the one before it, just with the colors enhanced.

What a fun project!  I can't wait to get out there and try again.  Why not go out and try some pictures of your own?

Reese

BOOK REVIEW: The Christmas Singing

The Christmas Singing

By: Cindy Woodsmall

Published by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group 

Copyright 2011

What would you say if the one you loved, the one you intended to marry, suddenly became distant, cold and broke off the relationship with you?  Hurt, betrayed, angry even?  That's what happened to Mattie in the new book called The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall.  When Mattie learns from Gideon that he no longer loves her, and in fact has betrayed her with other women, her life is shattered and she moves as far away from her Amish community as she can.  She builds a new life for herself in the same town as her brother and his family, setting up a prosperous bakery where her creativity is appreciated and earns a good living.  She even develops a new relationship with Sol, an Amish man who loves to hunt.  Mattie and Sol have the kind of relationship where they do not get into each others' business.  It's a comfortable relationship, a relationship where boundaries and distance is understood, but no deep, passionate love is found.  However, that's exactly the way Mattie wants the relationship to be.  It is understood that she and Sol will one day marry, but neither is in any hurry.

Through an accident possibly brought about by Mattie's absentmindedness, Mattie returns home to live with  her family for a few months.  There she cannot help but run into Gideon, to whom she gives a cold shoulder and does her best to ignore.  Mattie has to learn to let go of hurt and to truly forgive.  And what happens when she does, and when she learns the truth about what happened between herself and Gideon, changes her life forever.

This is a story of forgiveness; of learning to look beyond our own personal ideas and understanding the hearts of others.  Once we look beyond ourselves we often see things much differently, and in the truest light.  By the end of The Christmas Singing my tears were flowing so freely I could hardly read!  I will definitely encourage anyone to read this book and take to heart the lessons taught by Cindy Woodsmall.

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of  WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Company.

Merry Christmas

From my family to yours, we are wishing you a joyous and very merry Christmas!

Don’t forget the REASON we celebrate...“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Reese