02 January 2012

Hope for the New Year

(Painting by Connie Tom)

Grey skies, rainy weather, daylight almost gone...
Island winter weather...Blah!
MacIntosh the Corgi and I ran into the garden for a few minutes to play frisbee...
Maira the Cat snuggles by the radiator...
I wish for colours, I wish for Spring...
Rain, rain, go away!

I took the Christmas tree down this morning...
It always feel sad...
Each ornament found its place in the storage boxes, the Nativity set carefully wrapped and tucked betwixt the stockings...
Until next Christmas...
Already ideas came into my head about adding something to the festivities,
Next time, 
Perhaps...

Like many we said goodbye to 2011 and place much hope for 2012...
It will only be as good as we make it...
We will try, we will pray and we will hope...
Hope, a four letter word which holds so much power...

Hope is the dream of a soul awake...
(French proverb)

Hope is the word which God has written on every man's brow.
(Victor Hugo)

Hope is not a dream, but a way of making dreams become reality.
(L. J. Cardinal Suenens)
 Blessings to all,

31 December 2011

Out With The Old, In With The New...



It is that time of the year again...
So here are a few wishes for each and everyone of you...
Happiness deep down within,
Serenity with each sunrise,
Success in every facet of your life
Family beside you,
Close and caring friends.
Health, inside you,
Love that never ends. 
Special memories of all the yesterdays.
A bright today with much to be thankful for,
A path that leads to beautiful tomorrows...
Dreams that do their best to come true...
Appreciation of all the wonderful things about you!

(author unknown)


Out with the old, in with the new...May everything you wish for come true...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 Blessings to all and see you in January!

30 December 2011

Edge Of Apocalypse, Book review


Book description:

Edge of Apocalypse pulls you into an adrenaline-fueled political thriller laced with End Times prophecy. From Tim LaHaye, creator and co-author of the world-renowned Left Behind series---the most successful adult fiction series ever written---and Craig Parshall comes an epic story ripped from the headlines of world events and filtered through Scriptural prophecy. Set in the near future, Edge of Apocalypse chronicles the beginning of The End---the earth-shattering events leading up to the Apocalypse foretold in Revelation. Joshua Jordan, former U.S. spy-plane hero turned weapons designer, creates the world's most sophisticated missile defense system, a laser shield code-named Return to Sender. Even as Jordan hopes to secure America against a brazen array of new enemies, he finds himself trapped between international as well as domestic assailants. Global forces conspire to steal the defense weapon even as U.S. government leaders will do anything to stop the nation's impending economic catastrophe---including selling-out Jordan and his weapon. With help from a group of powerfully connected Christian leaders known as The Patriots, Jordan works to save the nation from economic and moral collapse---and to clear his name. As world events begin setting the stage for the 'end of days' foretold in Revelation, Jordan must consider not only the biblical prophecies preached by his wife's pastor, but the personal price he must pay if he is to save the nation he loves.

My review:

Tim Lahaye is a familiar name in most Christian households. After all his Left behind series alone counts many fans throughout the world. We are human and we tend to wonder about 'what if' and 'after'. 
In his novels, Tim Lahaye leads us to imagine a very plausible future, linking his plots to many current events. What makes it so successful, is the author's knack for realism! No one who reads Tim Lahaye's novels can deny you feel a chill when the eventual plot is uncovered. He does it well! 

With fascinating characters and fast paced action, this first novel of the End Times series written by Tim Lahaye and co-author Craig Parshall is so believable it reads more like an actual news report. National security, Global alignment and political intrigues are woven in a scary scenario all too probable with the present world's unrest. 
Together Craig Parshall and Tim Lahaye offers us an excellent debut to a new series complete with end times prophecies and the threat of another world war. You will find yourself engrossed in the plot from the first chapter and this is another book hard to put down!

Anyone who does not experience some tremulation at the sheer uncanny plot obviously missed the point!
This is an excellent novel inspired by faith to be shared by any Christian! 
I can only give this one 5 stars!

Note to readers: Negative reviews of such novels are always surprising to me...The label 'Christian fiction' is after all very clear! 
Be sure to check out # 2 inthe series, Thunder of Heaven! (I am halfway through reading it and will review it here in early January 2012)

Meet the authors:


'Tim LaHaye has written more than 60 non-fiction books on a wide range of subjects such as: family life, temperaments, sexual adjustment, Bible prophecy, the will of God, Jesus Christ, and secular humanism with over 14 million in print, some of which have been translated into thirty-two foreign languages. His writings are best noted for their easy-to-understand and scripturally based application of biblical principles that assist in facing and handling the challenges of life'. 
Visit his website (here) 



Craig Parshall is a highly successful lawyer from the Washington D.C. area and the author of the of legal thrillers, Chamber of Justice series. He has also co-authored three books with his wife Janet including their new Thistle and Cross Series. 

...'Aristotle made the astoundingly obvious declaration that a story contains a beginning, a middle, and an end. But his observation was true – look at the structure of the Bible, and the entire plan of human redemption – from 'in the beginning, God …' in Genesis to 'I am coming...'  in Revelation. 
Story telling, in this light, is a holy work. It is powerful calling. 
One literary critic once said that the story educates the imagination to higher moral resolve. But I say, that Spirit-filled writing can illuminate the soul, and impact eternity. 
God could have laid out His plan for salvation in a ten-volume theological treatise and then could have required all of us to read it. Instead, he told us a story – a true story – and wonder of wonders, we are in it. 
How great is that!' ...

I received this book free from ZONDERVAN Publishers 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.

28 December 2011

Wonderland Creek, Book review


Book description:

Alice Grace Ripley lives in a dream world, her nose stuck in a book. But happily-ever-after life she's planned on suddenly falls apart when her boyfriend, Gordon, breaks up with her, accusing her of living in a world of fiction instead of the real world. Then to top it off, Alice loses her beloved job at the library because of cutbacks due to the Great Depression.

Fleeing small-town gossip, Alice heads to the mountains of eastern Kentucky to deliver five boxes of donated books to the library in the tiny coal-mining village of Acorn. Dropped off by her relatives, Alice volunteers to stay for two weeks to help the librarian, Leslie McDougal.

But the librarian turns out to be far different than she anticipated--not to mention the four lady librarians who travel to the remote homes to deliver the much-desired books. While Alice is trapped in Acorn against her will, she soon finds that real-life adventure and mystery--and especially romance--are far better than her humble dreams could have imagined.

My review:

'I was perfectly content with my life - that is, until the pages of my story were ripped out before I had a chance to live happily ever after.' 
An excellent debut I felt as I was really looking for something relaxing to read and I have always believed in faery tales! This was just the right novel for a cold, blustery and rainy evening!
'Three days later, when Lillie was sure that Mack would live, she started planning his funeral.' is only the beginning of Chapter 8...I forgot the time and just kept on reading!

Lynn Austin once again delivers an enticing story which is sure to have you alternate betwixt laughing bouts and tears!
There is something almost magical in Lynn Austin's writing and I have yet to read anything I did not like by this author so I will heartily recommend her novels. 
Just short of spellbinding, each page of her Christian novels allows you to step in a different time frame and her characters beckons readers to immerse themselves in her stories. 

In her latest book we discover a little coal mining town in Kentucky during the Great Depression, a young librarian, a one hundred and one year old woman once a plantation slave, a writer and to top all this, there is a mysterious buried treasure...

In Wonderland Creek we discover the harsh lives led by the proud mountain people of Kentucky whom with much determination survived the Great Depression. You find yourself almost envious of the simple lifestyle, the traditions, the intricate families connections and above all, the beauty of the surroundings!
As is customary with Lynn Austin's novels, you will find a marvelous balance betwixt history lessons, rich settings, amazing and often gripping characters and of course a good dose of Christian wisdom.

When all is said and done, this is one author's writings worth every 5 stars given! 

Note to readers: I was not asked to review this novel and all opinions expressed are entirely my own!

26 December 2011

Boxing Day...


Did you know...Tenbury Wells, an ancient market town in north-west Worcestershire, is just a few miles from Birmingham yet surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Teme valley
It is also the mistletoe capital of Britain – much of the UK's mistletoe grows in this part of the Midlands, and the parasitic plant thrives on the fruit trees in the many orchards dotted around town. 
Mistletoe auctions have been held there for more than 100 years, and they still survive today, alongside a host of other mistletoe-themed events. So go for a romantic stroll (you do not have to be back in Old UK!) and kiss under the mistletoe!



HAVE A WONDERFUL BOXING DAY EVERYONE!

25 December 2011

Christmas Day...

(Painting by Lori Preusch)

For Madeline...

The Legend of the Christmas Rose speaks of a young girl named Madelon who wanted to come worship the Christ Child. Seeing the gold, frankincense and myrrh brought by others who were drawn to the humble birthplace, she despaired that she had no gift to bring, for Madelon was poor indeed.
 
In vain she searched the countryside for a flower that she might bring, but the winter had been cold and harsh – and there were no flowers to be found. Saddened, the girl began to weep. An angel passing over her stopped to provide comfort and smote the ground that was wet from her tears. There did spring a beautiful bush that bloomed of white roses.

"Nor myrrh, nor frankincense, nor gold," said the angel, "is offering more meet for the Christ Child than these pure Christmas Roses." And thus young Madelon went her way and worshipped the Prince of Peace, bearing the gift of her heart and tears.

I love this story and Lori Preusch's painting seemed the perfect  illustration!

Here is the legend of the White Rose...
(Translated from the early 15th century German poem "Es ist ein Ros' Entsprungen." Author unknown.)

A Rose has sprung from a tender root,
From Jesus, as those of old have sung,
And it bore a flower,
In the middle of a cold winter,

When half spent was the night.
Isaiah foretold it, the Rose I have in mind;
Is Mary the pure, the little flower has brought us.
From God's eternal wisdom, she bore a child,
And remained pure.

The Flower, so small, whose sweet fragrance fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere;
True man and truer God, helps us out of all sorrows,
Saves from sin and death.

Oh Jesus, until we leave this misery,
Let your help guide us into joy,
In Your Father's Kingdom, where we eternally praise You.
Oh God, allow us this.


 Jesus, the Reason behind the Season...

24 December 2011

Christmas Eve...All Is Quiet...Not A Creature Is Stiring...

Christmas Eve is here and the island is very quiet...It will not be a white Christmas...Weather forecast calls for rain, lots of it, and a mild temperature...Christmas on the Pacific North West coast...I miss the snow and the church bells tolls at midnight...

Memories have a tendency to sneak up on us, especially at this time of the year...The smells of roasted chestnuts on the street corner, the vendors of greens and mistletoe in the market place, the shoppes windows all decorated for this blessed Season...
Like many I look forward to Christmas months ahead, perhaps as it really out to be, year around...

Today especially as we gather together around the Christmas tree with loved ones, let's remember the reason for the Season...Two thousand years ago a Child was born, bringing in our lives Love and Hope...

I have so enjoyed reading posts on blogs around the world, some I follow, some I have delivered to my inbox so as not to miss any of them...I treasure each one, the news from faraway, the hopes and dreams, the antics of some and their pets, the good and the sad times and the wonderful photos taken by some amazing photographers...
To each and everyone, thank you for sharing!

I think the Season is perfect to share also a special thank you to two bloggers who have inspired me by uplifting my spirits many times by their actions and their love for others...

The first is an INSPIRATIONAL BLOG AWARD'....
If you have not yet, please stop by 'A Dime In The Sun' and discover a very special family...


Thomas, Mika, you are indeed two very special people! Merry Christmas to you and your family and thank you for sharing with us all that is in your heart!

The second award  is the 'KINDRED SPIRIT AWARD' and this one is going to a blogger who always amazes me with her insights, her thoughtfulness and love for others! I have learned so much from Ann! 
Just stop by her blog, 'The Priest's Housekeeper' and discover this kindred spirit!
Merry Christmas Ann (and you too Canon)! May His light shine upon you always!

There should be many more awards...The world of bloggers is a wonderful place and I constantly discover new faces and places! I would miss each and everyone if the world went suddenly dark and we had no Internet! 

I cannot close without mentioning just one more...Take a moment to glance at the elegance of Madelief's site...She brings a touch of a world filled with little treasures and good taste...Discover it for yourself and enjoy!
Moge de vreugde van kerst altijd met u en de uwen Madelief!

May the Joy of the Season be with all of you always! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!