12 December 2011

Majestic...

I am reminded everyday how blessed we are to live on an island inhabited by deer...


This buck  is the leader of the herd...


Tamed they know how to ask for a treat or two...

We have lived for many years on this Pacific Northwest island but we still feel awed...


There is something in their bearing that commands respect...


Majestic is the only way to describe this creature of God...

On a friendly note to all hunters...This private island has a NO firearms/bows discharge law...
The welcome mat does not extend to you!

Blessings to all,

Benny's Angel Giveaway Winner!


KCWC has announced today the Grand Prize Winner for Benny's Angel so here it is:


The Grandprize winner for the Benny’s Angel Blog Tour is:


GrandaMa Carol B
who left a comment at
myheartbleongs2books.blogspot.com

Congratulations to the Winner and thank you to all that entered!  
Be sure to check back for more reviews and other giveaways this coming year including (Live and)
Dream a little dream FIRST TIME EVER BLOG GIVEAWAY! (Psst...in January!)
Blessings to all,

11 December 2011

Third Week Of Advent...


Prepare our hearts
and remove the sadness
that hinders us from feeling
the joy and hope
which his presence
will bestow.

This third week of Advent begins with “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin.  It comes from the first word of the Entrance antiphon on Sunday.  The spirit of joy that begins this week comes from the words of Paul, “The Lord is near.”  This joyful spirit is marked by the third candle of our Advent wreath, which is rose colored, and the rose colored vestments often used at the Eucharist.

Blessings to all,

"Taken from Praying Advent, on Creighton University's Online Ministries web site:
http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/online.html.
Used with permission."

10 December 2011

The Grace Effect, Book review



'FINDING THEMSELVES IN SUCH A WORLD AT THE DAWN OF THEIR EXISTENCE, SO YOUNG, SO DEFENSELESS, WHAT MUST GO ON IN THESE SOULDS FRESH FROM GOD?'
(Les Miserables, Victor Hugo)

Book description:

"Simply defined, the 'grace effect' is an observable phenomenon-that life is demonstrably better where authentic Christianity flourishes."
What does Christianity give us beyond televangelists, potlucks, and bad basketball leagues?  Not much, according to the secular Left.  The world, they say, would be a better place without it. 
Historian and Christian apologist Larry Taunton has spent much of his career refuting just this sort of thinking, but when he encounters Sasha, a golden-haired Ukrainian orphan girl whose life has been shaped by atheistic theorists, he discovers an unlikely champion for the transforming power of grace. 
Through the narrative of Sasha's redemption, we see the false promises of socialism; the soul-destroying influence of unbelief; and how a society cultivates its own demise when it rejects the ultimate source of grace.  We see, in short, the kind of world the atheists would give us: a world without Christianity-cold, pitiless, and graceless.
And yet, as Sasha shows us, it is a world that is not beyond the healing power of "the grace effect."  Occasionally infuriating, often amusing, but always inspiring, The Grace Effect will have you cheering for the courageous little girl who shamed the academic elitists of our day.
"This highly readable book is a collection of powerful insights into the long-term consequences of spiritual indifference and, above all, a remarkable example of how to conquer it."
- Dr. Olivera Petrovich - 

"What would a world without Christianity look like? We don't have to guess because such a world does exist: it exists in the current and former Communist bloc. Through the inspiring story of a little girl born in Eastern Europe and now living in America, Larry Taunton draws a sharp contrast between the life-giving influence of Christianity and the worn out theories of atheism and radical secularism.  The effect--The Grace Effect--is nothing less than powerful and moving."
- Dinesh D'Souza -

And now my review:

A picture, a line or paragraph, even the cover of a book can compel us to reach out and find out more about its history and such was 'The Grace Effect' for me!

Larry Alex Taunton is the author of 'The Grace Effect' but also the founder and executive director of
Fixed Point Foundation, best described as a bridge between the sacred and the secular.

Debates with Christian scholars argues that society as a whole would be better off if Christianity and therefore Christian morality were all together abandoned and here is Larry Taunton's answer:

"That's been tried." "The 20th century was an expansion in secularism that left no less than 60 million dead. What is the result? Human beings are treated like commodities. That's the result of decades of an anti-Christian, godless mindset, where human beings are seen as less valuable than the state. It necessarily leads to a view of life that is devaluing. I'm trying to give a glimpse of where our own society will go." 

The Tauntons glimpsed all this and more whilst spending 36 days in Ukraine, to adopt daughter Sasha from an orphanage! Let me start by saying ANYONE who says they are Christian and loves children should read their story. It certainly opened my eyes to the evils of corrupted regimes!
The Grace Effect tells us Sasha's story but also of the many debates and discussions of Mr. Taunton with Atheists, some even personal friends.

Deftly weaving a heart gripping recount of his family adoption of a special needs ten year old girl from Ukraine, their trials and tribulations, the corrupted regime and the lack of Christian love displayed throughout it all, Taunton reaches out with an unforgettable explanation for the grace effect! 

An amazing book, beautifully written and worth every 5 stars I am giving it! 
Read, come and witness as a true Christian and never forget!

Meet the Author and his daughter:


Larry Taunton is founder and executive director of Fixed Point Foundation, an initiative dedicated to defending and promoting Christianity in the public square.  In that role, he has engaged some of the most vociferous critics of the Christian faith.
More (here)

I received this book free from BOOKSNEEZE as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

09 December 2011

The Sounds Of Night, Book APP Blog Tour Promotion And Giveaway


DESCRIPTION: 

The Sounds of Night is a book app that helps put a child's mind at ease when the lights go out at bedtime. This book addresses one of the primary feelings young children face; fear. The Sounds of Night reinforces the principle that God is the Creator of every creature. Since God makes all the animals that scurry and screech at night, children can lie down and sleep in peace.

FEATURES: The Sounds of Night has over 75 touch points/interactions. It has rich illustrations and 4 Bible verses on fear that kids can learn with their parents and share with their friends.
DEVELOPMENT: Jessica Kirkland is a member of Moms with Apps. She recently launched Christian Apps 4 Kids, which seeks to draw kids closer to Christ one app at a time. Her inaugural app is a result of the fear that was such a part of her life:
In every season of life, the Enemy would whisper the lie that I would “never make it” to the next. I believed it. Time and time again, I thought his words held power. As a young child, I never thought I would live to see my school years. Once I entered school, I never thought I would live to see the next day, next grade, or milestone in life. I listened to a very real enemy, even though I didn’t want to. Even though I came from a strong, Christian family, I felt powerless to stop the lies. Fear gripped me, stole from me, and taunted every careful step I took.
Jessica believes the only way to be free from fear, as an adult or child, is to replace fearful thoughts with God's Word. Her desire for each book project is that they not only build character, but help set kids free.
The book app was developed in partnership with ROAR.   
LINKS:
About the Author:

Jessica Kirkland lives in Southeast Texas with her husband, Robb, and five-year-old triplets. She is an author and speaker whose greatest passion in life is to see young families grow deeper in their walk with God. Jessica's newest adventure includes launching Christian Apps 4 Kids, which seeks to draw kids closer to Christ one app at a time. A recent release is a book app that addresses fear and scary nighttime sounds called The Sounds of Night, designed for kids ages 2-8. When Jessica isn't writing, you can find her cheering her boys on at the soccer field, or watching her little girl at the dance studio.
To find out more about her current writing projects, connect with her at: www.christianapps4kids.com or on her personal blog: www.jessicakirkland.com

Also coming soon:


The Lonely Stable is a book app that reminds children that it's never too late to live out God's plan for their lives. Told from the stable's perspective, this intriguing Christmas book tells the story of Jesus' birth. From time to time, we all wonder about our purpose in life. The Lonely Stable wondered why he was still standing, for he was weathered and old. As time passed, he began to question his purpose. This remarkable tale is a lesson that both parents and children can hold on to when they ask questions like, "Why am I here?" or "Does God care about my life?" This book shows us that God has made each of us for a special purpose. The Lonely Stable is aimed at kids ages 2-10 years old. 

AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY! 
Here is a chance for readers to win a $75.00 GIFT CARD!

All you have to do is place a comment on this post by the 15th of Decembre. A winner will be selected by Random.org and his/her name will be send to the Publisher for a chance to win the Grand Prize!

(Don't forget to include your email address for contact in the following format: chbrown at yahoo period com) 


Note to Readers: Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to review personally this APP. However Jessica Kirkland is to be recommended for this new approach and I am all for progress when it comes to little ones! Please visit her site for further information!

All information listed in this blog tour was provided by KCWC and author. I received no compensation for mentioning this blog tour/giveaway. However like all readers, I have the opportunity to enter the giveaway!
 

And The Winner Is...


The Winner whose name will be entered in the Grand Finale for BENNY'S ANGEL drawing is:

# 3!

 nani said... How awesome this site is... I am honor that you have your site for showing American Red Cross- & Support Military Families. I have 2 in the Army. And I am very proud of them both.

Nani, I will be contacting you shortly to confirm your entry in Benny's Angel drawing! Good luck!

Many thanks to readers who entered the giveaway! Please join Nani and I on the 12th of Decembre to find out who is the winner of the Grand prize of Benny's Angel!


This giveaway was made possible thanks to KCWC and Benny's Angel author, Laura Allen Nonemaker!

Blessings,

07 December 2011

For One Moment Today Remember What Happened 70 Years Ago...

At 7:55AM on 7 Decembre 1941 Japanese Naval Aircraft bombed the US Fleet anchored in Pear Harbour, Hawaii. 

(British Pathé archives)

All of the eight US battleships stationed at Pearl Harbour were damaged, and more than 3,500 Americans at the base were killed or wounded, including 1,177 crew of the battleship USS Arizona.

On that fateful day America declared war...A day never to be forgotten...
War in Europe started on 1 Septembre 1939...

(British Pathé archives)
 
For one moment today let's remember what happened 70 years ago and honour the men and women who are still fighting for Justice and Freedom.

In Washington today the US President vowed: "We resolve to always take care of our troops, veterans and military families as well as they've taken care of us."

Remembering and praying...