Poppies, lavender and the Bible

(http://www.lartdevivre.ca/)

Poppies and lavender together in a tablecloth, even available in oilcloth! I am dreaming...

I just attended my very first wreath making class at the Blue Willow Lavender Farm (http://www.bluewillowlavenderfarm.com/) and I have lavender on my mind! There is nothing like the scent of this wonderful herb and since I love poppies above all other flower (well maybe with Sunflowers, Lily of the Valley, Peonies,...You know...

I think the combination is perfect for our dining room table! I actually have a smaller tablecloth with poppies as you can see but the oilcloth would be so practical...Yes, I dream again...

As a little girl, I always asked why this, why that... I realized whilst visiting the Blue Willow Farm I know very little of my favourite herb.

With a bit more research I found out it is mentioned in the Bible, not as Lavender but as "Spikenard". In the Gospel of Luke it is written: "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment."

Another ancient reference to lavender involves how it got its scent. The herb is believed to have been taken from the Garden of Eden by Adam and Eve. However, the powerful perfume came later. According to legend, the clothing of baby Jesus bestowed the scent when Mother Mary laid them upon a bush to dry.

This may explain why the plant is also regarded as a holy safeguard against evil. In many Christian houses, a cross of lavender was hung over the door for protection.

Now I know just a little more about Lavender!

As to the poppy, Homer in the ILIAD mentions the flower: "And as a poppy which in the garden is weighed down by fruit and vernal showers, droops its head on one side ".

In the Bible, the Apostle Peter writes:"All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall. . . ". This fleeting bloom is believed to be the common poppy.

Spring in the Holy Land comes early. By February, the hills above the Jordan Valley are filled with wildflowers. The hills above the Jordan Valley have one of the most diverse floras per unit area on our planet. One of the plants that stands out here is the poppy with its red flowers.

You can see lots of poppies along the road from Jerash to Angana growing amongst the olive trees, the crimson color of the flowers complementing the dark green leaves of the olive. And here I go again, dreaming...Jerusalem, perhaps one day...

In the meantime my family and I will be spending a few days of relaxation reading and dreaming... Until the next time!

Flight to Heaven by Captain Dale Black

Do you ever wonder what it will be like in Heaven? Where eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, no man has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.

In this remarkable true story of a very courageous and wonderful pilot, Captain Dale Black gives us a brief glimpse of Heaven as we see written in 1 Corinthians, 2.9.

A plane crash, an impossible recovery and a miraculous journey to Heaven, a place we just dream about - and back, leads Dale Black into a lifetime of ministry all over the world.

This is a story of survival and extraordinary courage and I just could not put it down. This book is truly one of the most inspiring stories I have ever read!

I give it 5 full stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group 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.”

Galatians, a New Kind of Freedom Defended by Jeff Gavins

My family and I were recently given the opportunity to review this new study guide in the Catholic Scripture study series.

We decided almost from page one that it was going to be a wonderful ongoing study tool! Besides a great introduction, it presents a unique study outline for each chapter, references to compare with other books of the Bible as well as questions on the text for reflection, opportunities for additional studies and a great summary.

This book is interesting, informative and inspiring. In fact, this series should have its place in every family library and I give a 4 1/2 stars!

http://www.catholiccompany.com

http://www.catholiccompany.com/catholic-books/1111430/Galatians-New-Kind-Freedom-Defended/

This review was written as part of the Catholic books reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Galatians - A New Kind of Freedom Defended.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Catholic Company. 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.”

One Verse Evangelism, a simple way to share the Gospel

If like most of us you struggle at times with Evangelism or have tried to witness to a friend, a family member or even a stranger you will find this little book an amazing tool!

We all want to share the good news yet we often hesitate or we become afraid because we just don't know how. Both for beginners or seasoned Christians this 27 step book written by Randy Raysbrook and Steve Walker will take only a few minutes to read yet it will teach you to share the Gospel like no others!

Using one verse Evangelism or Romans 6:23 it will teach you to be true to your faith and yourselves and is well worth a moment of your time! I give it 5 full stars!

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.”

Knitting, the Knit Box and fabulous yarns

I am always on the lookout for new yarns for little ones. Reading the advices given by Mary Glynn, the founder of Heavenly Angels in Need, http://heavenlyangelsinneed.com/, I like to knit in yarns Angels may wear as much as my pocket book can afford. Thus my quest for the best...

Sadly and much too often these little Angels are sick and in ICU or leaving us and the best seems not enough!

I had the chance recently to acquire some wonderful yarns from the Knit Box, http://www.theknitbox.com and I think Mary would approve: 100% Turkish cotton tape and so soft! (see results in progress above)

Their Cotton Tweed (below in Golden Syrup) has a silky coloured thread throughout the yarn, with lovely results and I just noticed their Sifa yarn.

"Sifa is 100% natural cotton which has been ionized with 5% real silver, said to have healing properties for many ailments, to help you knit garments which are healthy as well as beautiful. Natural and undyed. Cool in the summer, warm in the winter".

Living on a tiny island on the Pacific Coast I rely on the internet to not only keep in touch with everyone but also to purchase most of our supplies which includes yarn (I am so lucky!) thus I had the perfect excuse to indulge and order the Knit Box's beautiful EBRU needles and some Sifa yarn...

Back to knitting: I just heard of two more hospitals in Scotland in need of Angels clothing! Not all dreams but so nice to be needed...

Note: 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.”

Blue Willow Farm, Lavender and more lavender

With its beautiful purple flowers and soothing scent, Lavender plants have given a delightful, cottage-garden look in landscapes since Medieval time thus earning a place in many herb gardeners heart.

Only yesterday I was given the opportunity to tour Blue Willow Farm, more than 2500 lavender plants in fact, set in a beautiful serene setting!


What strikes you first when you meet Bill and Tracy, the owners of Blue Willow Farm along with Binks the cat, is their friendliness. You have immediately a sense of coming home and that is just what they hope for.

Bill will give you a tour of the many fields, explaining the wide variety of plants and their uses. With over 400 known plants and counting around the world, he hopes to add to the large selection he already has successfully grown on the Peninsula.

Tracy has a wonderful shoppe offering many of their products on the premises such as sachets, sleep pillows, dryer bags, eye pillows, pin cushions, teas and cookies, and of course both fresh and dried bouquets.


Classes are also offered and a festival for the 8th and 9th of July 2011 is in the planning.

Their online website offers recipes, products, planting guide and much more.
http://www.bluewillowlavenderfarm.com

Have a question? Ask Bill, Tracy or even Binks! One of them is sure to answer as soon as possible.

And if you are lucky enough to be able to visit, grab a picnic basket, leave all your worries behind and go visit them. God's blessings are surely to be felt there!

Note: I was not remunerated for this post but just wanted to share my opinion!

The Radical Question, another book review

Jesus said: "Sell all that you have, give it to the poor and follow me". In this book "The Radical Question: what is Jesus worth to you" the author compares Jesus' teachings with our comfortable lifestyle, all part of the American dream.

Doctor David Platt, Pastor of The Church at Brook Hills, a four-thousand-member congregation in Birmingham, Alabama goes on to say most of us sit in air conditioned church buildings, tithing, doing charity work and believing ourselves to be Christians.

He challenges us to really look at ourselves and see the World as it really is, where our brothers and sisters experience hunger and poverty, diseases and exploitation along with persecution because of their faith.

In asking us to decide if Jesus created us for a greater purpose, we are reminded we have the choice to follow in Jesus' footsteps, wherever, however and whenever he ask us.

This book will ask you to trust Jesus is worthy of radical devotion, to stop living as though we need more possessions and greater pleasures. Let us believe that we can make a difference and start living as if this World has nothing for us because Christ is truly everything to us! It is our turn to carry his cross...

This is not a large book by any means, but it is packed with truths and I guarantee it will challenge the comfortable way you live. To sacrifice everything and follow HIM...Truly compelling and not for everyone!

I give this book 4 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. 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.”