Voiceless

Voiceless
One man. One fight. The ultimate sacrifice.

Produced by Christian Cinema
Copyright 2016
Opens October 7, 2016
PG-13

Jesse Dean (Rusty Joiner) and his wife Julia (Jocelyn Cruz) return to Julia's hometown of Philadelphia after Jesse's discharge from the military.  He has accepted the job of community outreach leader for the church in which Julia grew up.  This job offers him the chance to make connections in the community and hopefully get people involved in the church.

Jesse begins cleaning  the storefront location he is given, and in doing so finds an old boxing bag.  He explores the city and meets Danny (Jeremiah DeMoss), a young man down on his luck and in need of friendship.  Jesse invites Danny to the community center, with the offer of teaching him how to box.

Across the street from the community center is a family planning center. Jesse is disturbed by the people going in and out of the center and begins to feel the need to help them.  Because the church will not help him (it is not their business), Jesse stumbles around on his own in his attempts to help.

The police become involved, Julia voices her strong disapproval of his actions, and further conflict develops with  needless deaths associated with some of the people Jesse meets outside the clinic.  Finally, Jesse has to make a choice.  Will he stand for his beliefs and find a way to help people, or will he do what everyone else wants him to do, which is to let it go?

Voiceless addresses many issues, among which are a dying church set in its ways, the relations between a husband and wife with differing views, guilt over abortion, relationships between races, and of course Christians and what to do about social issues.  This movie shows a way to overcome these problems -- loving others does not mean social issues are not addressed. 

I give this movie a thumbs up for its message.

Wildflower

Wildflower

April 5, 2016 release date

PG-13
Produced by Faith Street Film Partners II, LLC, which also produced King's Faith.

Awarded Dove Foundation's Faith Friendly Seal of Approval with 5 out of 5 Doves.

Be very aware in watching this film -- things are not as they seem.  People are not who you think they are.  These are concepts Chloe learned early in life.  Never trust anyone other than yourself.  Others will fail you, so it's better not to get close to people.

Chloe is a 20 year old gifted art student in her first year in school, striving very hard to make a life for herself through her art. Deadlines are looming, and as a student on a hard-won scholarship, she feels she must try doubly hard.  There are many people out there who are just as good or better than she is, all waiting for their own scholarships.  So when Chloe's blackouts intensify into destructive behavior, leading to trouble with the law, she denies she has a problem and uses the excuse of pressure due to school.

During one of her blackouts Chloe is nearly run over by Josh, who has issues of his own.  Josh is running from God; having served God but then suffering deep personal loss, he feels betrayed and believes he has a very good excuse to stay away from God and the church.  His older brother tries to intervene, much to the irritation of Josh.  Josh is thrown together with Chloe and wants to help.  He begins to believe her, and each of them in turn is able to work through their problems, both emotionally and spiritually.

Maybe the characters were just a bit over-acted, but the point of the movie was made. And overall, Wildflower was very good.  As I have hinted the movie does hold surprises, so be prepared.  I hope the movie will help open people's eyes to misperceptions we sometimes have of others who we may see as different from ourselves, not dismissing them but giving them the understanding and help they need to cope and heal.

Issues dealt with in Wildflower are mental instability whether perceived or real, how the mind deals with trauma, abuse, loss, grief, mistrust, faith, hope, healing and fulfillment.

The special features section includes short interviews with the cast as well as a link to download a study guide.

Partner resources for Wildflower are the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), Fresh Hope for Mental Health, Mental Health Grace Alliance, Key Ministry, and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC).

Icon Media Group requested my honest review of this movie.  I am under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Firefly Summer

Firefly Summer

by Kathleen Y'barbo

Sessa Chambers was widowed and left with a young son to raise.  Her story picks up after her son is grown and has chosen a destructive lifestyle that has led to his death at the hand of another. After the trial the accused, a successful surgeon, was sent to prison.  Two years later a witness has come forward and told the truth -- the surgeon killed the young man in an act of self-defense. 

Dr. Trey Brown was that successful surgeon.  He served two years in prison, during which time he developed a personal relationship with Christ.  He is now learning to come to terms dealing with taking a life, but how will he ever go back to surgery and once again save lives?  He also feels a strong urge to go to the mother of the young man and try to make amends for her loss. 

Sessa is nothing like Trey thought the mother of a con artist drug addict would be.  She is a quiet, artistic woman who is in business for herself.  She is surrounded by a strong network of supporting friends who regularly attend the Pies, Books and Jesus Book Club.  She has taken on the raising of her son's unexpected gift, her granddaughter.  She struggles with fear that any day her granddaughter's mother will return to take the child away. 

Sessa and Trey work to come to terms with forgiveness, each feeling they are the guilty party.  Trey feels he can't do enough to atone for the life he took, but eventually begins doing things for Sessa because of the joy he receives in return.  He falls in love with both Tessa and her granddaughter, and is taken in by the book club.  Sessa has felt a strong urge to apologize to Trey for what her son did to destroy Trey's life and career, which in turn stuns Trey.

Can Sessa and Trey accept grace from each other and God, and begin an unexpected future together?  I can almost guarantee you won't be able to put the book down.  Check out Kathleen Y'Barbo's website for previews of other available books while you wait for the June 23rd release of Firefly Summer.

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of Redbud Press' book review program.

BOOK REVIEW: The Healing Quilt

By:  Wanda E. Brunstetter
Published 2014
Shiloh Run Press

The Healing Quilt tells several stories at once.  The main characters are Emma and Lamar, an older Amish couple who are spending the winter in Florida because of Lamar's arthritis.  Emma is out of sorts, missing her friends and her pastimes, but Lamar seems to be thriving.  When Emma and Lamar begin thinking about what they can do to help Emma, they decide to try teaching a quilting class.  The classes they had back in their home state of Indiana went over well, and Lamar thinks the same thing will happen in Florida.

Several people sign up for the class.  One is Jennifer who is a young expectant mother whose husband has lost his job as a cook.  They are struggling financially and don't have the extra money for the class.  However Jennifer receives a note telling her the class has been paid for and she happily attends. 

BJ is a retired school teacher from Chicago who has been told he has terminal cancer.  He has daughters who helped him fight cancer the last go around, but he does not want to tell them this time.  He feels it is best for all that the girls don't know.  He has come to Florida to make fulfill some final goals, one of which is painting a seascape.  When he learns of the quilting class, he decides to give it a try and intends to give his completed quilt to his granddaughter so she will have something to remember him by.

Kim is a waitress who is afraid of losing her new job.  She is fresh from a breakup with a boyfriend, having followed him to Florida thinking he was the one. 

Mike takes the quilting class by default when his wife Phyllis, who took one class, is called out of state to take care of her sister.  Since Mike's boat, which is his livelihood, is having repairs done, he takes Phyllis' place, with Phyllis intending Mike to teach her how to quilt when she returns home in a few weeks.

Erika is a teenage girl who lost her mother, then lost the use of her legs in a diving accident.  She is reclusive, and in a desperate attempt to get her interested in something other than herself, her father signs her up for the quilting class.

Noreen is a retired widow who wants something new in her life.  She has tried a sporty car, thinking when she has gotten her fill of the wind in her hair she will settle for another.  She is concerned with the welfare of former students and plans to attend an upcoming reunion of her students.  She is not actively looking for male companionship, but if someone comes along, she just might be interested.  When she disastrously tries to highlight her hair, she ends up with a laughable color and feels she has to hide under scarves, desperately trying to wash out the horrid color.

All of these people come to Emma and Lamar with problems and needs that they are not willing to share.  Some come to the class hoping to learn something new.  Others feel they have been forced into the class and act accordingly.  Emma and Lamar grow frustrated, seeing the needs of their students but not knowing how to help them. Lamar continuously reminds Emma that if God wants them to help, He will show them the way.

During the course of the six weeks past students of Emma and Lamar show up, and changes are made in the lives of the students.  Changes that are not always easy, and are sometimes quite painful.  And some changes tat are quite surprising.

For me, the book started out very slowly.  It was frustrating jumping from character to character with each new chapter.  Some parts seemed disjointed and dry.  However, I finished the book and found it okay.  Not as good as some of Ms. Brunstetter's other books. 

This book is one of a series.  If you wish to learn more about Ms. Brunstetter, check out her website. 

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of Handlebar Hub's book review program.

Book Review: RESTLESS: BECAUSE YOU WERE MADE FOR MORE

Bible Study by Jennie Allen
W Publishing an imprint of Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2013

Jennie Allen is a powerfully gifted author and speaker who used her passion to create the Restless Bible Study based on the life of Joseph.  Watching the video, it is obvious that God's hand is on Jennie.  The Bible study is for women, and is geared to help women fill the craving inside of us, the restlessness put there by God.  I saw one reviewer remarked that instead of an in depth Bible study, she found Restless to be more along the lines of the basics, a beginner study.  However, don't we all need to get back to the basics?  We need to remember why we were created -- to worship and serve God -- and then learn how to apply our passions, our gifts, our talents to please Him.

Restless is an eight week Bible study using DVD teaching, an individual study, and group activities (using question cards for members).  The study begins with telling God's Story and runs through such lessons as learning about Gifts, sharing and growing though our Suffering, learning to be used in our own Places and with our own People, and ending with our Passions and the Mystery of the power of the Spirit of God.  Jennie uses stories from her life and the lives of her friends and family to illustrate how God grows us and uses us.  It is well worth getting the DVD to go along with the written Bible study, even if you choose to do the study alone.  And you may need a box of tissues if you allow the Spirit to move in you -- I sure did!

Getting back to the basics -- I am not an immature Christian. I came to Christ as a child and have been in church since birth,  I went to Christian schools, I have been through countless Bible studies and have taught and led some of the same in church. I found Jennie to be refreshing, honest and moving all at the same time. Her study of the life of Joseph was good.  No it didn't take a lot of my time, but it made me think beyond the study.  Yet -- I learned.  What I already had heard and knew was refreshed.  I feel a renewed passion in my life.

One passage of Scripture was used that I really like:  "I will put a new heart and new spirit inside of you.  I will take out your stubborn, strong heart and give you a willing, tender heart of flesh."  Ezekiel 36:26  Isn't that all that God asks, to be willing to be used by Him?  Jennie's thoughts on why we don't use our gifts: 1) we don't know what they are; 2) we compare ourselves to others;  and 3) we listen to criticism.  I had never thought of those before, but it's the truth.  Everyone struggles with these issues.

I can't wait to share this Bible study with my friends (my People)!  And when we are through, we will be looking at some of Jennie's other studies.

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of Shelton Interactive's book review program.

COOKIES!!

This afternoon I spent time in my kitchen making cookies!!  Chocolate chip pan cookies, to be exact.  The recipe was given to me when I was nine years old by my mom's sister-in-law Carol Hill.  These cookies are awesome.  They melt in your mouth, just delectable.  You ought to try a batch yourself.

One thing you should note -- this is a very stiff dough. When I was younger I made two or three batches at once, in a huge metal bowl.  No, I wasn't greedy, I just had a lot of brothers and a sister (still do).  And younger brothers eat a ton of cookies.  My arm would start aching, there was so much stiff dough.  But I always preferred these cookies to any other, because once you were done mixing, you just dumped the entire mess onto cookie trays, smoothed them out flush with the edges, popped them in the oven and baked them.  No re-loading endless (for me, anyway) cookie trays, baking cookies for hours!

Unlike in the past, today I only made ONE recipe.  But true to form, they drew the attention of my eighteen year old son, and he and I made a small dent in those cookies when they came out of the oven.  

Notice in these cookies that I used only a few chocolate chips, the rest are white chocolate chips.  SOMEONE got into my stash of chocolate chips and there were only a few left.  Wonder who that was?

Happy baking (AND eating)!

~ Reese

If you can't make out the recipe, send me a note and I'll type it up for you.  :-)

Take Me In -- One of My Favorite Songs

On the way home from church this afternoon I was listening to my Kutless CD (Strong Tower) when one of my favorite songs came on -- Take Me In. This song says it all for the Christian.  We no longer have to stand on the outside looking in, going through a man to reach God.  Instead, we have the awesome freedom to go directly to the Lord Jesus Who is always ready and willing to hear us. 

God made a way for the ancients to come to Him, to have their sins covered, by going to the temple and offering sacrifices through the priests.  The priests would then sprinkle the blood on the altar, the mercy seat (the place where sins were atoned), in the holy of holies.  No one other than the appointed priest was allowed to go directly into the presence of God in the holy of holies (Hebrews 9:6-7). 

When Jesus came to earth in the form of a man, He willingly gave His life on the cross.  When He died, the veil that separated the holy of holies from the rest of the temple (separation from direct contact with God) was torn from the TOP to the bottom (Matthew 27:50-53).  Listen to what the writer of Hebrews says:

When the Anointed One arrived as the High Priest of the good things that are to come, He entered through a greater and more perfect sanctuary that was not part of the earthly creation or made by human hands.  He entered once for all time into the most holy place -- entering, not with the blood of goats or calves or some other prescribed animal, but offering His own blood and thus obtaining redemption for us for all time.  Think about it:  if the blood of bulls or of goats, or the sprinkling of ashes from a heifer, restores the defiled to bodily cleanliness and wholeness; then how much more powerful is the blood of the Anointed One, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself as a spotless sacrifice to God, purifying your conscience from the dead things of the world to the service of the living God?  ... Since what was given in the old covenant was the earthly sketch of the heavenly reality, this was sufficient to cleanse the earthly sanctuary; but in heaven, a more perfect sacrifice was needed.  The Anointed One did not enter into handcrafted sacred spaces -- imperfect copies of heavenly originals -- but into heaven itself, where He stands in the presence of God on our behalf.  There He does not offer Himself over and over as a sacrifice (as the high priest on earth does when he enters the most holy place each year with blood other than his own) because that would require His repeated suffering since the beginning of the world.  No, He has appeared once now, at the end of the age, to put away sin forever by offering Himself as a sacrifice.  Hebrews 9:11-14, 23-26 (read the notes on these verses!)

This means that, as the writer of Take Me In states, I no longer need a high priest to sacrifice for my sins.  Jesus did that for me.  And as such, I can go directly to Him (there is nothing separating me from Him) if I have accepted Him and am covered in His blood.  He took my sins (and yours) upon Himself when He died on the cross, and took them directly to God in heaven, covered by His blood. 

Take me into the holy of holies by the blood of the Lamb, because I want to see Your face, Lord.

~ Reese

BOOK REVIEW: Hidden Falls, Episode 1: Ordinary Secrets

Season One, Episode1: Ordinary Secrets

By Olivia Newport

Published in 2013 

Shiloh Run Studios, an imprint of Barbour Publishing, Inc.

It sounds like a new TV show, one shown on a weekly basis, that leaves you in suspense waiting for the next week.  One that is full of interesting characters and gives a glimpse into one day in the lives of the characters, not enough for the whole picture or even the whole truth (things may be very different than they seem), but enough to make you wonder...  

In the first episode, which happens to be Ordinary Secrets, the scene is set for a gala honoring the town's most loved teacher, Quinn.  That's his last name, by the way.  His real name is Ted or Teddy, or Theodore, something like that, but everyone just calls him Quinn.  He has been the high school history teacher for thirty years now, and because of the impact he has had on his students and his town, a gala has been scheduled to honor him.  The only thing is, he doesn't want to be honored.  He seems to be a humble man who enjoys helping others, but does not want public recognition.  

Throw in the town mayor, Sylvia, who is also the owner of one of the local shops and who has loved Quinn for nearly all of the thirty years he has been in town, who even went RING shopping with him at one point, and you start to get some suspense.  Then add former students who left years ago and are returning only because of their love for Quinn.  One in particular, Ethan, is finishing up his fifth of six years of his neurosurgical residency; if it weren't for that handwritten note from Quinn, Ethan would not have showed up.  A personal request for a heart to heart with Quinn cannot be refused. There is a newly arrived trial lawyer by the name of Jack Parker who along with his family is escaping big city life and it's accompanying problems.  Liam is a respected financier who is afraid of commitment and is also hiding a secret; his younger brother Cooper is with the sheriff's department.  Nicole is an ace reporter who works the crime scene in the big city and once dated Ethan for a long period of time, but that relationship fell to the wayside with their differing life decisions.  Lauren, a girl who returned home and works for the church, is nervous about an upcoming church project in which she seems to have no control but in which Quinn has assured her everything has been handled.  And we can't leave out Dani, a woman who does odd jobs for everyone around town but is uncomfortable in public settings.  There you have it, a great mix. You get a glimpse of each character's life, just enough to know that there might be some secrets buried under the surface, but we'll just have to dig.  

This episode opens on Saturday morning of the big day, and ends just as everyone is about to be re-introduced to their teacher and mentor, Quinn.  A loud noise goes off -- no problem, someone set the cannon to the wrong time (cannon?).  Introductions continue, the curtain is raised, and...........  Hmm, come back next week to find out what happened!

Ordinary Secrets is the first episode in a series of thirteen which are set to be released on a weekly basis beginning January 24, 2014.  It will take no time at all to read this first episode.  There is a Facebook page set up where you can interact with other readers, get insights from the characters and join contests -- who doesn't love contests?  And especially great is this offer,  getting a free copy of  the first episode.  Are you going to join the fun and see what happens next in Hidden Cove?  I hope so...

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of Handlebar Publishing's book review program.

Prayer & Wisdom

As I was reading in my Bible this evening, I was so impressed by a prayer of the apostle Paul for the church in Colossae that I wanted to share it with you.  This is a very relevant prayer for all Christians, one I want to read frequently and apply to myself, which comes from Colossians 1:9-14:

Father, may they clearly know Your will and achieve the height and depth of spiritual wisdom and understanding.  May their lives be a credit to You, Lord; and what's more, may they continue to delight You by doing every good work and growing in the true knowledge that comes from being close to You.  Strengthen them with Your infinite power, according to Your glorious might, so that they will have everything they need to hold on and endure hardship patiently and joyful.  Thank You, Father, as You have made us eligible to receive our portion of the inheritance given to all those set apart by the light.  You have rescued us from dark powers and brought us safely into the kingdom of Your Son, whom You love and in whom we are redeemed and forgiven of our sins [through His blood].

Lord God, please help me to apply this to my life.

Here is another beautiful portion from the same book, chapter 3 verses 16 - 17:

Let the word of the Anointed One richly inhabit your lives.  With all wisdom teach, counsel, and instruct one another.  Sing the psalms, compose hymns and songs inspired by the Spirit, and keep on singing -- sing to God from hearts full and spilling over with thankfulness.  Surely, no matter what you are doing (speaking, writing, or working), do it all in the name of Jesus our Master, sending thanks through Him to God our Father.

 Awesome words of wisdom!

~ Reese 

Taken from Compass, the Study Bible for Navigating Your Life, The Voice Translation published by Thomas Nelson.  See earlier review:  http://reeseone.blogspot.com/2013/10/book-review-compass-study-bible-for.html

BOOK REVIEW: The War on Christmas

Battles in Faith, Tradition and Religious Expression
Bodie Hodge, General Editor
Published by Answers in Genesis, 2013

What is Christmas to you?  What should Christmas be?  What is myth, tradition, or the truth behind our celebration?  Trusted Bible scholars at Answers in Genesis have set about to answer these questions and many more.  This book is a collection of essays by several authors answering questions and countering traditions, which makes for some overlap in content.  However, if you have a question or wonder about a Christmas tradition, or why we should even celebrate Christmas, this book will help.  It is an interesting book which relies heavily on the Bible (as it should since we are supposed to be celebrating Christ's birth), but also presents archaeological and astronomical evidence as well as customs and traditions of the time of Christ's birth.  By the way, you do know that Christ is not part of Jesus' name, right?  It is a title which means "the anointed One, the Messiah", and the angel who appeared to the shepherds used the title for Jesus (for unto you ...is born a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord).  

Why title the book "the War on Christmas"?  Did you know that there actually is a "war" on Christmas?  We see evidence of this every day -- schools that don't allow Christmas plays, winter break instead of Christmas holidays, the pure commercialism of Christmas.  The traditions of Santa Claus and Saint Nick, some of which are based on good, but do not relate in any way to the birth of the Savior.  Yes, there is a war going on...

When we think about Christmas we generally think about the Baby in the manger.  But why did He even come? Why was it so special then and now?  Because this Baby is God's own Son, Who grew to be a sinless Man who was sacrificed for the sins of the world.  

What was the order of events surrounding the birth of Christ; what did the angels really say; were there three kings?  Did Mary have other children after Jesus?  Was Jesus really born in a stable?  You'll find all this and more in The War on Christmas.

I hope you will not only enjoy the book, but also be inspired to remember the real reason for the celebration.

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of Handlebar Publishing's book review program.

BOOK REVIEW: Compass, the Study Bible for Navigating Your Life

Published by:  Thomas Nelson, Inc. 2012

I am a die-hard King James Bible reader.  I love the language of the translation, and have never felt I was in over my head, as many claim to be when they read this translation of the Bible.  Maybe it's because I have been reading it all of my life.  Several years ago I received a different version of the Bible, made a comparison of some of my favorite parts and areas I consider very important doctrinally, and found that comparing the two versions was enlightening.  So when Shelton Interactive offered to allow me to review the new Compass, the Study Bible for Navigating Your Life, I was thrilled.  I was especially excited to see this new translation, because it features The Voice translation by Ecclesia Bible Society (I had previously reviewed The Voice in it's New Testament form).  

Let me just say I can't put this Bible down.  It has become my at home go to translation.  Yes, I still carry my King James to church, but now I compare the two and even find I like how the Compass Study Bible translates into more understandable ways of speaking (not modern language, but in ways of saying things and getting the point across).  

If you are familiar with The Voice, you already know that the translation is written in script format, such as when a person is speaking the speaker is identified, followed by what the speaker says; instead of saying something like "then Jesus said" it will say "Jesus:" followed by His words.  I find this much easier to read and understand.  This also eliminates the need of red lettering for the words of Jesus.

Another feature of the Compass Bible is it's paragraph formatting.  I could never understand ending a verse before a sentence or thought has ended.  But that could be just me and my way of reading.  I have personally found that when a translation is written in verse form, you may be tempted to end at the end of the verse, instead of completing the thought/sentence, and thereby lose the meaning of what is being said. 

The Compass Bible also uses the term "Anointed One" in place of "Christ".  We have all fallen into the trap of using the term Christ as a last or second name for Jesus, when in fact it is actually a title used of the Son of God, meaning "Anointed One".  Another term used is "The Logos" meaning the Voice.  Remember John 1:1 which in the King James translates "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  The Compass translates this verse as "Before time itself was measured, the Voice was speaking.  The Voice was and is God."  

Let me give you one more comparison, using John 10:24-30:

KJV:

24  Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt?  If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

25  Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not; the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

26  But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 

29  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

30  I and my Father are one.

the Compass:

... 24and Jews gathered around Him.

Jews:  How long are You going to keep us guessing?  If You are God's Anointed, the Liberating King, announce it clearly.

Jesus:  25I have told you, and you do not believe.  The works I am doing in My Father's name tell the truth about Me.  You do not listen; 26 you lack faith because you are not My sheep.  27My sheep respond as they hear My voice; I know them intimately, and they follow Me.  28 I give them a life that is unceasing, and death will not have the last word.  Nothing or no one can steal them from My hand.  29 My Father has given the flock to Me, and He is superior to all beings and things.  No one is powerful enough to snatch the flock from My Father's hand.  30 The Father and I are one.

Especially important to note is that this translation uses the "word for word" in some places, and the "thought for thought" method in other places.  When you get your copy of the Compass, make sure to read the preface. 

Other features are the commentaries in the middle of the page where they apply to the Scripture, instead of at the bottom as is traditional.  Comparable verses are listed at the bottom of the page, although they seem to be few.  There is a topical index of words and ideas, and a topical index for notes, both of which are sufficient, but not as in depth as you might find in other translations.  There are great introductions to each book of the Bible, as well as a Transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament which includes an essay on the Covenants of God and one on the names of Jesus.

In my opinion, the Compass Bible brings out the beauty of the language of the Bible, gives a clear and concise translation of the Bible, and holds true to the doctrine of the Bible (man's preferences for interpretation are not chosen over what the actual translation would be). Overall, I believe you will learn much from this translation of the Bible, and maybe even be inclined to read and study the word of God more, falling deeper in love with the Anointed One, the Messiah, our Savior.

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of Shelton Interactive's book review program.

It's been a long and relaxing weekend

Crepe myrtle, sage and cannas in my back yard.

This has been the strangest weekend for me.  I worked last Sunday afternoon and evening getting payroll ready to be processed a day early since this week had  a holiday in it.  So I was able to take off Friday and have a four day weekend.  I have been extremely busy at work lately and it has carried over into getting home late most evenings, so Thursday I didn't really know what to do with myself.   Yesterday was much easier, and today was fun!  Tomorrow starts Vacation Bible School so next week will be busy, too.  I am very thankful I was able to take these four days off!  

Because of the rain and thunder storms my son and I opted not to go to any fireworks shows this year.  Or any parades.  I guess when you hit the big 17 you just feel like a kid if you go to a parade.  Well, being a 40 something woman, sometimes I think it's nice to feel like a kid and go to a parade.  However, we just hung around the house after going to WalMart (to cash his paycheck) and then his favorite store, Game Stop.  Why would you want to go to Game Stop?!?  It's so BORING!  But we didn't forget why we celebrate the Fourth.  I am very grateful for all the sacrifices that were made for me and my family to live in a free country, and to worship in a manner we choose.   Of course we remembered my grandfather, my son's great grandfather, who passed away a couple of years ago.  He served in World War II and was highly decorated.  My son thinks of him as a hero (I do, too!).  I think it's really great that not only I and my siblings, but my children got to spend a great deal of time with our Papa.  He was an awesome man, and we miss him.

Elephant ears, monkey grass and hostas in backyard corner.

This is Alabama, and although it is generally very hot and very humid this time of year, it has rained All Week Long...  no joke, and the temps have been hanging around the upper seventies (we are used to high 90s this time of year).  I had planned do do yard work this weekend.  The yard really needs it and I am sure the neighbors would appreciate it.  There's been a lot of yard work going around and every one's yards look wonderful.  Then there is my yard.  Let's just say that all this rain has made my bushes try to become trees.  It's so embarrassing!  So yesterday afternoon I took advantage of a lull in the rain and laid into those bushes.  They gave it back, though.  I had leaves and limbs hanging all over me when I was done (I have loropetalums, and they stick to stuff and itch).  We are scheduled to have rain all next week, so I'll probably be out there butchering my loropetalums again very soon.  If I don't, they get out of hand very quickly.  Next I need to get after the holly...I hate that stuff.  Maybe I can just chop it down...My yard looks wonderful now, and with all the rain and the great temperatures, everything is starting to look like a beautiful garden.  Like it should.  Like my mother, I enjoy working in the yard.  Planting flowers, etc.  When I come in from working in the yard, I am often quite filthy.   I don't know how people can garden and not get really dirty.  What are they doing that I am not?  Well, enough about yard work.

My attempt at a dishcloth

Yesterday I also touched up a painting my sister found in my parent's barn.  Cleaned up the frame, and hung it over the piano.  Elizabeth, awesome idea!  It looks like it was made to hang there!  Then I found a pattern online showing how to knit washcloths.  I had made a few out of yarn and love them, they work so well.  So I was looking for a different pattern, and I found one that uses crochet thread.  You just hold two strands together and knit on the diagonal.  I am halfway finished, knitted while I watched movies, and it looks great!  I'm sure it will work well, too.  I also found a site that showed how to make face scrubbies.  Crocheted.  Really cool.  Made up a bunch of those.  I'll be sharing with my sister.

Today I decided to do a little painting.  I had a blank canvas and tons of photos, and my sister (once again the one with the good ideas) suggested that I paint one of my floral photos for my room.  This is what I came up with:  

Now I am waiting on the roast to finish cooking, will cook some rice and pop in some french bread, and dinner will be ready.    Right now it smells really good!  There is enough food that dinner will be ready for the rest of the week.  Especially since we start Vacation Bible School next week, and we get fed at the church every night. 

How has your weekend gone?  What did you do on the Fourth?  And don't worry, this was an extraordinary weekend for me! 

BOOK REVIEW: Prairie Song

PRAIRIE SONG
By:  Mona Hodgson
Published by:  Waterbrook Press 2013

Although Prairie Song is the first book in a new series called Hearts Seeking Home, by Mona Hodgson, it picks up where the story left off in the series The Quilted Heart.  Prairie Song follows Anna Goben, her mother and her grandfather as they leave their home in Missouri for the promised land of California.  Anna hopes the trip and the new home will be the catalyst that will change all their lives.  They suffered a terrible trauma during the war (Civil War) in the death of Anna's brother.  Now they have an awefull secret -- her mother is an alcoholic -- and her grandfather has given up on life.  This is a family who is just living from day to day and not experiencing a life of contentment or joy.

Anna is right.  The trip brings about change in her family, if not change as she had hoped. And along with friends who leave Missouri with her family, she finds new friends along the trail.  And could she also find love?  Will she need to give up being the one in the family everyone leans on?  Can she really do that?  She has always sacrificed her life for the well being of others.  Now she finds that might have been a big mistake.

This book has not yet been released for publication.  However, you can pre-order on Amazon.com or with your favorite retailer.  As usual, I am looking forward to reading all the books in this series -- when they come out!

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah's book review program.