11 March 2010

Intercessors Arise by Debbie Przybylski


"Blessed is the man who do not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he medidates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prosper."

-Psalm 1:1-3

All of us struggle with prayers. We live such a busy life, filled with distractions and many concerns such as family problems, finances difficulties, job security and many others challenges.

Debbie Przybylski reminds us that there is hope in this fast paced life of ours. Focusing on prayers inspired by biblical passages, real world events and key concepts she teaches us to remain true to God's teachings and to pray more deeply.

Our world is in need of change and when we pray, individual lives change. Imagine what we can do all together! This book will help you to remain focused. It is a great tool for anyone praying for family and friends and it holds excellent instruction for small groups as well as classroom courses.

I found it to be uplifting and I gave it a 4 star rating.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

10 March 2010

Dover cliffs, tea shoppes and time travel

Somehow when you retire from the work force the days all seem to blend... and yes I forget what day of the week it is! According to the calendar however we are soon leaving.

Packing is not something I worry about it! I often tease my husband in regard to his batman. The poor chap must have been busy as they traveled around the world twice!


I on the other hand, do not wash windows (if I can help it!), I will not mend socks (this is not required of any wife!) and I pack at the very last minuted (if I forget anything, Booths, here I come!)

I have however if you will recall talked of lists as in wish lists thus I feel I am ready!

There is the list of the places we always go back to such as the Cliffs, it would not be the same without a walk along the coast or a stroll through Canterbury for i.e.

A stop perhaps in a old book store (yes, I have a list for this also, I am a fan of Catherine Cookson!) or maybe a stop in a map store (the latter will enthrall m
y husband for ever).

I also have discovered the series of the Tales of Dimwood Forest and I just know my daughter would love to add Poppy and Rye to her shelves (if she does not know this series)!

http://www.avi-writer.com/


There are a few wonderful (hopefully) shoppes to visit, kitchen gadgets (lakeland.co.uk), linen and yes, knitting (erikaknight.co.uk)!

Walks to take along the beaches, tea shoppes to enjoy and see how everyone in our family has fared in the last few years.

Time travel sounds so wonderful at times. We miss so much being so far away!
It is so easy to say hello, not so when you say goodbye... Some dreams however do come through! We will soon be there!


Note please: I share these websites with anyone and was not remunerated in any way!

08 March 2010

Children's Dreams, Faraway Places and Lina

As little children we read of faraway places. My all time favourite story was Kim by Rudyard Kipling. Kim's game as it is called to this day I believe was in fact something I excelled at when I was little.

I was so taken with the story I could close my eyes and smell the spices in the market, see the mountains in the horizon and feel the love of Kim for the old monk. My heart sped at the dangerous situations Kim found himself and thrilled at the thought of finding his "place" after being abandoned.
I wanted to be a boy just like him!I would have traded my tresses if I could!

Traveling came to an earlier age for me as my father was stationed in various foreign locations. I also was blessed with a Grand Mother whom whilst she raised us loved to travel. In fact holidays were always an adventure with her. She loved to discover new places and people.

She also kept travel diaries and reading a few pages lately of a trip she took to Monaco I was again amazed at her ability to pen every details. I could "see" the Promenade des Anglais, smell the flowers and hearing the buoys in the harbour.

Faraway places have therefore always attracted me and I love to travel. And it matters not where you are in the world, children are all the same. Their smiles. their games, their soulful eyes at times will stay with you.

Our family has often spoken of the little ones in need in those faraway places and we discussed what we could do about it so this year we decided to choose one child and sponsor him/her.

It cost one dollar a day and it seems so little to do when so many need help.
We hope to make a difference and make sure this child is not hungry or lacking the sanitation needed for a healthy life.

All children should have the right to a happy childhood, a good education, medical care and such...

So our family has grown a little this past week and we welcome 9 year old Lina! Her own family is from South America and we understand her Mum and Dad albeit poor by our standards own a little house in their village and Lina goes to school.

We cannot wait to learn more about her and we are eagerly looking forward to exchange letters!

I wish I could urge anyone to help out in anyway they can. Times are difficult for many families due to Economics but if you remember how often we carelessly spend a dollar here and there for ourselves, perhaps making a difference in the life of one child might not such a hardship!

Putting a face to a child will ensure we never forget to share what we have!



The organization we chose is the following but there are many. Please remember the little ones!

https://www.childfund.org/


07 March 2010

Buried Alive by Roy Hallums, A Booksneeze Review


This is truly a fascinating book and I am glad I had the opportunity to review it!

In Buried Alive, Roy Hallums recounts his story simply with no dramatics, just his courage and strength. His faith in God and Country shines throughout the narration. Suffering unbearable cruelty, humiliation and starvation, he takes each day one at a time.

Mr, Hallums was sealed in a concrete tomb for months sometime with other captives, sometime alone. He turns those long hours into "adventures": an incredible road trip across the US one day, a visit with family and friends another day. These mind travels allow him to stay in control during his confinement.

To this day this is the only American rescued and I guarantee this to be a hard book to put down.

I gave it a 5 star!

I received a copy of this book from BookSneeze to write a review. No other compensation was given.

Peonies, teatime and relaxation


Peonies brings to mind the old times, quiet and relaxing. Large porches decked with rattan furniture, potted ferns, and teatime with dainty china cups and tiny cakes served on lovely lace tablecloth or even a sunny corner in the garden with a couple of chairs and an old table.

We always had peonies growing in our backyard and I miss seeing their wonderful blooms. A very thoughtful neighbour and friend has been sharing hers with me and I love to see a few blooms on the table!

I have always prefered linen on our table and I have find some wonderful treasures in thrift shoppes including tea cups, small dessert plates and tiny vases. I like to create a small corner on our (tiny) porch in the summer and relax during the summer afternoons along Tobbington our Corgi!

A basket holding my latest knitting project, a good book and a cup of tea! There are so many choices: Earl Grey is my favourite however but I also drink any green or herbal tea. It is a wonderful way to relax!

Life is so hectic these days and we should learn again how to relax as our grandmothers use to on those long forgotten afternoons...and dream...



05 March 2010

Baby seal, sea shells and remembering


I missed the baby seal spotted on our beach last week. I would have loved to see one again! They look so precious.

I found that I am not nearly walking enough on our beautiful beaches (we have two) and I will try harder. I have always loved to be close to the ocean and I enjoy beach combing picking up seashells and what not.

The surf especially draws me, its sound unlike anything else. I could walk for miles along the shore, just listening and remembering my childhood.
My Grand Mother was born and raised around the sea and she could not stay away for very long!
We were always spending our holidays along the coast and beach coming was her favourite especially after a stormy night!

I have a lovely clear glass vase I store "my pretties" in. Small seashells, bits of washed glass all polished by the waves rolling in, even a small urchin shell...

I remember and I have not forgotten...




04 March 2010

Mice, gifts and sewing

I have seen so many "pretties" on blogs, I feel it is time to try something different!
Knitting is something I love to do and I am getting better and better at it or so I am told. Everyone loves a compliment now and then!

Sewing, well... That's another matter entirely!
I have a sewing machine, a very nice made in Japan heavy duty machine...(I really should check the name brand). It seems to sit there a lot...

I recall having sewn a few items for our daughter in the past, mostly Halloween costumes, her favourite holiday! From what I have seen in photos, I even sewed a Superman cape for our son...
So why am I always struggling with threading the needle? And that is just the beginning!

When I spotted the funny little mouse above I decided to try sewing again... I want to sew something as a birthday gift and I have decided an apron might just be the thing to start with.

The little black sheep below however is much more like me...I know, I know, God is not finished with me yet!

I will, I will said the little train... Dream on...