Book Review: Garden Of Eden Coloring Book

Book Description:

God created humans in his image and likeness and put it in a garden. In the Garden of Eden Coloring Book, you will find beautiful biblical scenes for coloring, relaxation, and delight. This book, with eighty-four pages, is an invitation to use all the creative potential that God has given you to create and to escape from the stressful activities of everyday life. Unleash your imagination, relieve your stress, reflect on biblical messages and see how good it feels. Appeals to all ages looking for a unique coloring experience.

My Thoughts:

The Garden of Eden Coloring Book is filled with pages of beautiful drawings focusing on the creation. I like the scripture references throughout the pages that relay God's steps in creating our world. Anyone who enjoys coloring or wants a relaxing activity will like this book. The only drawback I find is the pictures are on both sides of each page. So it would work great with colored pencils but not markers. My favorite picture is the beautiful sea turtle. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Children's Book Review: Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Cee Biscoe

Book Description:

Did you think the book of Psalms was only for adults? Think again! Snuggle Time Psalms, written by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Cee Biscoe, is the perfect way to introduce little ones to the poetry book of the Bible. This padded cover board book uses simple concepts, rhyming text and adorable art to help children engage with the Psalms. Beginning with “Bedtime Peace” and ending with “Wonderful Me!” this collection of fifteen bedtime poems enables young children to discover the One who holds them in his arms, leads them like a shepherd, created them just as they are, and cherishes them with a love that never ends ... snuggle and see!

My Thoughts:
I am a big fan of Glenys Nellist's books. She writes lovely and engaging prayers and poetry. I enjoy them as an adult and highly recommend them for children. In Snuggle Time Psalms she shares a short verse then gives a rhyming prayer. The prayers talk about things a child might think about; fear in the night, being scared, love and friendship. This would be a great book for an early reader to keep by their bed. And it would be wonderful to read with your little one before they go to sleep. Cee Biscoe has created precious illustrations that make the book even more beautiful. Children will love her sweet rendition of animals and nature. If you are looking for a way to share God's love with a child, this is a great pick. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Let There Be Peace

Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

This week I don't have any fun stories or beautiful descriptions of nature. Instead God has set on my heart the desire to write about what it means to have a change of heart. Much of what I see on television, read in newspapers, and click through on social media tell stories of sadness, violence, negativity, name-calling, and frustration. People ask when will this stop? What can be done to change the darkness that surrounds society?

The Bible tells me that the world will have unrest. We'll deal with sorrow and violence. But the words of Paul show me change can be made. Not by a bunch of people who sit around and discuss their differences, but by people who have a change of heart. When Christ rules the heart—truly takes over and moves in—the heart is filled with peace. Kindness abounds, love rules, and people care. Until we hit our knees, ask God for forgiveness, then turn our lives over to Jesus the darkness of the world will win. The only answer is Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. And he promises eternal life.

As for me, I gave my life to Jesus many years ago. Because he fills me with his Spirit, I aspire to show kindness and be a positive influence. I love the Lord and I ask him to work through me to make a difference. Who's with me?

Praise you Lord for your Son and the believers who are the church!

The Lady of the Lake District

Have you ever been asked, "If you could have lunch with a famous person, still living or passed away, who would it be?" One person I'd enjoy chatting with over a cup of tea is Beatrix Potter, the British illustrator and writer who brought us the delightful tales of Peter Rabbit, Mr. Jeremy Fisher and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle.

When she was a young girl she sketched her pet rabbits and other animals and plants around her home. She delighted in nature and appreciated beauty. As an adult she persuaded publishers to look at her artwork and eventually the delightful creatures we know and love today were published.

Beatrix' family often visited the Lake District of England in the summer. Once she was an established artist and author, she left her life in London and purchased a farm in the Lake District, where she raised Herdwick sheep. She married William Heelis and embraced the farming life.

Happy 150th Birthday, Beatrix!

Pray and Let Go

Children's Book Review: School Time Blessings by Mike Berenstain

Book Description:

It’s time for the new school year to begin and all three Bear cubs are excited and a little nervous too. When challenges and fears almost get the better of the cubs, Mama and Papa step in and remind Brother, Sister, and Honey that with their support, prayer, and God’s love they will each have a great year!

My Review:

Summer is winding down and school is just around the corner. And the Berenstain Bears are ready to help make the transition a little easier. Mike Berenstain has continued his family legacy with this delightful new book, School Time Blessings. This is a perfect book to read with your children before school starts, especially if they go to a public school or preschool. I like the way he incorporates prayer and scripture for reassurance in the story. Kids will love the latest Berenstain tale and will learn from the family's solution of how to calm the fears of a new school year. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Fiction Book Review: Missing by Lisa Harris

Book Description:
Nikki Boyd isn't usually called in on homicides; her forte is missing persons. But when a case with two murdered and two missing pops up on a quiet suburban street, she's ready to start the investigation and find missing homeowners Mac and Lucy Hudson. When the first clues lead her to the boat of her friend Tyler Grant--and another dead body--Nikki must untangle what ties Tyler to the Hudsons. The clues pull her into a deadly maze of counterfeit drugs and a killer who will stop at nothing to silence anyone who threatens his business--including Nikki.

My Review:
Missing is the second book in the Nikki Boyd Files. Lisa Harris does a great job threading suspense through the entire book. Just when I thought Nikki and Jack had found an answer to the mystery of the missing person, another part of the puzzle goes missing. I also enjoyed the bit of romance that's tucked in here and there. I think that pulled me through the book as much as the suspense. If you enjoy NCIS, you'll love Missing. It's a quick read because it's hard to put down. 4 stars. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Chasing the Light?

1 John 1:5-7

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

As a child I remember chasing lightning bugs on warm summer evenings with my cousin Rusty. Before we wandered into the yard, we'd punch holes in the lid of an empty mayo jar and add grass to their "nest" so the little creatures could breath. Then we'd scamper after them and lure them into our hands. We loved the way the magical glow from their blinkers lit up our rooms at night. 

Lighthouses give off a different kind of light. One of warning. One the sailors didn't want to chase, but instead steered away from. Their glow sliced through the black skies and gave a signal to turn away.

Light can be a guide and a warning. The sun's brilliance illuminates our days. The radiance of a streetlamp shines on a path for safer passage. The flame of a candle embodies peace. The warmth of a fire gives comfort. As a follower of Jesus, I've been given the Holy Spirit as my light. He illuminates the way and leads me. Like a lighthouse, he beams a warning to send me away from sin. He pours the warmth of comfort over me and draws me nearer to God. Like a lightning bug, I want to chase him to capture the glow of hope that is Jesus. Praise God for his light in a dark world.

Best Birthday E.V.E.R.

Bucket list—a list of goals or accomplishments to be achieved by a set time.

To celebrate my fifty-ninth birthday, my husband Tim and I traveled to one of our favorite destinations—Marblehead, Ohio. We went to visit the the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes. On that lovely eighty-degree day we gathered at the base of the lighthouse with a group of folks who intended, as we did, to climb to the top and view Lake Erie.

I'll admit, it was a struggle for me. My arthritic knee, and my new knee (replaced almost two years ago) made the journey literally one step of the seventy-seven at a time. Thanks to Tim's encouragement, I made it to the top. And the view was totally worth it! I loved looking out over the Lake. We caught sight of Kelleys Island, Cedar Point, and the water that rippled for what seemed like forever. As we chatted with fellow climbers, we learned that several of them were afraid of heights. Yet because we wanted this experience, we overcame our fear and enjoyed the incredible beauty below. Being so close to the light reminded me how both male and female lighthouse keepers-centuries before-carried heavy buckets of whale oil up the steps, no matter what season, and kept the light shining for oncoming ships. I gained an appreciation for their daily tasks.

The descent challenged me even more. Yet I'd probably do it again. But just in case I never have another opportunity, I crossed that one off my bucket list. Wonder what else I can do before I turn sixty. 

What's on your bucket list?

Best Birthday E.V.E.R.

Bucket list—a list of goals or accomplishments to be achieved by a set time.

To celebrate my fifty-ninth birthday, my husband Tim and I traveled to one of our favorite destinations—Marblehead, Ohio. We went to visit the the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes. On that lovely eighty-degree day we gathered at the base of the lighthouse with a group of folks who intended, as we did, to climb to the top and view Lake Erie.

I'll admit, it was a struggle for me. My arthritic knee, and my new knee (replaced almost two years ago) made the journey literally one step of the seventy-seven at a time. Thanks to Tim's encouragement, I made it to the top. And the view was totally worth it! I loved looking out over the Lake. We catch sight of Kelleys Island, Cedar Point, and the water that rippled for what seemed like forever. As we chatted with fellow climbers, we learned that several of them were afraid of heights. Yet because we wanted this experience, we overcame our fear and enjoyed the incredible beauty below. Being so close to the light reminded me how both male and female lighthouse keepers-centuries before-carried heavy buckets of whale oil up the steps, no matter what season, and kept the light shining for oncoming ships. I gained an appreciation for their daily tasks.

The descent challenged me even more. Yet I'd probably do it again. But just in case I never have another opportunity, I crossed that one off my bucket list. Wonder what else I can do before I turn sixty. 

What's on your bucket list?

Happy Hollyhocks

Does anyone else remember playing dolls with hollyhock blossoms? My Aunt Rosetta grew them in her yard. When I saw all the hollyhocks blooming in Marblehead last week, sweet memories drifted through my mind. Hollyhocks equal a happy heart.

Sandy Beach or Rocky Shore?

Matthew 7:24-27
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine [Jesus] and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

In the course of a day we walked on a sandy beach and stood upon a rocky shore. In the afternoon as my foot touched the warm sand on one of Lake Erie's beaches, the tiny grains shifted beneath my feet. I had to make an effort to keep my balance. I scooped a handful of sand and let it sift through my fingers. Each bit sprinkled to the shore and was washed away by the tide. Beautiful but not a solid foundation.

Later in the evening, Tim and searched for the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. We found huge rocks along the shore of the lake. As we climbed out to secure a place, the boulder I stood on felt solid under my feet. Waves crashed against the rocks, but we stayed put, in place, safe from the stormy water. From our safe spot we viewed orange, pinks and blues as the sun dipped down.

As Jesus told the story of where to build a house— on sand or on rock, he wanted his listeners to understand they needed a solid foundation for their faith. He was asking, "Will your faith shift like sand and be pulled out from under you? Or will your faith have a well-built foundation, strong, durable in times of trouble, secure?" Jesus cares about our faith. His desire is that we have a faith as solid as a rock that can't be moved. He wants us to be certain that our faith will stand up against the difficulties of life and give us confidence to serve him. I'm thankful that when I accepted Jesus as my Savior, God instilled the Holy Spirit in me so I would have a solid foundation, a reminder of my faith, a guide in life. I've built my faith on the solid rock of Jesus. I love him and he loves me. Praise God for Jesus Christ!

Fiction Book Review: Remembering Dresden by Dan Walsh

Book Description:
Young history professor, Jack Turner, takes a retreat at a lakeside cabin just outside of Culpepper, Georgia to work on his doctoral dissertation. The cabin is owned by an ambitious state senator, an inheritance from his father. Inside, everything is exactly the way it was when the old man died ten years ago. While taking a break from his research, Jack snoops through the father’s books and finds an old photo album filled with black-and-white pictures of orphaned children. Intrigued, he continues searching and finds what appears to be evidence of murder and an old leather journal, handwritten entirely in German. Rachel Cook, Jack’s girlfriend, translates the journal for him. What it reveals instantly puts both of their lives in mortal danger. 

My Review:
From page one, I didn't want to put Remembering Dresden down. Dan has a way of intertwining history with contemporary unlike any author I've read. And in this story he brings a moment from WW 2 to life that I'd never heard of. His main character, Jack Turner, is likable from the start. He's smart and has a beautiful, smart girlfriend. He's also inquisitive and curious, that's what gets them into trouble. The suspense in this book grabs hold at the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. Even though I thought I had things figured out, something else lurked around the corner. If you like history, suspense, and character driven stories you'll like Remembering Dresden. This is book number two of the Jack Turner Suspense Series, but can be read as a standalone. However, I recommend book one of the Jack Turner series, When Night Comes, as well. Dan has also written several inspirational books. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

5 stars

Beauty on a Porch

The Rock

Psalm 9:9-10
The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed,
    a refuge in times of trouble.
 Those who know your name trust in you,
    for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.

As I got out of the car, I noticed the dark clouds looming. I'd heard on the radio that a thunderstorm was heading my way. Just after I ducked into a store to shop for bargains, the rain burst from the clouds while lightning and thunder ripped the sky. I was content to be in the shelter of the store as the downpour let loose.

As we live on this old earth, we face a lot of storms. Personal, spiritual, global. So many negative occurrences happen every day. Bad news, sad events, troubling times. Sometimes I want to crawl in bed and cover my head. But I can't. I have to live in the world. But, instead of hiding in my bed, I find shelter in my God. He's the true refuge, the secure harbor, the safe place to rest my heart. God is the safe haven in the midst of distress. Praise God for always being the rock in the storm.

God's Creation: Beautiful Blue Birds

Wednesday seems like a good day to share a beautiful print from decades past.

Common Blue Bird by John James Audubon is so full of joy.

General Research Division, The New York Public Library. "Common Blue Bird. 1. Male. 2. Female. 3. Young. (Great Mullein. Verbascum Thapsus.)"The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1840 - 1844. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-72a5-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

Fiction Book Review: A Haven on Orchard Lane by Lawana Blackwell

About the Book:

Fiction Book Review: A Haven on Orchard Lane by Lawana Blackwell

About the Book:
An urgent escape . . . a wounded heart . . .
Will Charlotte find the solace she longs for at the cottage on Orchard Lane?

Famed actress Charlotte Ward stepped away from the Victorian London stage five years ago. Now in desperate circumstances, she tries to restart her career--only to experience a complete collapse. Against her better judgment, Charlotte's estranged daughter, Rosalind, comes to her mother's rescue and moves her to a quiet English coastal village where her mother can evade the gossip columnists, at least for a time.

Charlotte is grateful to re-establish even tenuous family ties with Rosalind. As one with regrets over her own romantic past, she's happy to see love blossom for her daughter. For Rosalind, however, it's time away from teaching, and now she must care for the mother who wasn't there for her. And what could possibly be more complicated than romance?

But there can be no permanent escape from the threats of recent months. As the privacy they seek is threatened, mother and daughter must make some difficult decisions--ones that jeopardize those they care about most.

My Review:
A Haven on Orchard Lane is a pleasant read. I enjoyed going back in time to the sweet cottage on Orchard Lane, to a time of service, protocol, and decorum. As I read I felt like I was walking back in time to a slower paced era where people helped their neighbors and watched out for each other. There is a story within the story that touched my heart and made me want to continue reading. This is a relaxing summer read with interesting characters and story. Pick up a copy to read on the beach, by the pool, or on the front porch. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Gifts from the Master

2 Chronicles 2:13-14
“I am sending you a master craftsman named Huram-abi, who is extremely talented.  His mother is from the tribe of Dan in Israel, and his father is from Tyre. He is skillful at making things from gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and he also works with stone and wood. He can work with purple, blue, and scarlet cloth and fine linen. He is also an engraver and can follow any design given to him. He will work with your craftsmen and those appointed by my lord David, your father."

Throughout my life I've tried my hand at several different crafts. I've enjoyed most of them but none as much as embroidery. It broke my heart when arthritis started dominating my hands. Mostly the base of my thumbs. So I gave it up for awhile. In the interim I had a co-worker ask me about the how-tos. She wanted to learn a few stitches. I loaned her my books and gave her a few pointers. She did a great job, but as I looked at her work and that of others, I realized how much I missed running the floss through fabric to create beauty.

Long story short, I went to a hand doctor and got a cortisone shot that allows temporary relief so I can hand sew, again. When I showed my coworker the embroidery I'd been working on she gave me the best compliment. She called me a master of the craft. The truth is, the Master of life gave me the ability to stitch beauty out of thread and fabric. When we're born, God instills in us the talents we use throughout life. I'm thankful I've had the opportunity to develop my craft or master it, so to speak.

God has given each person gifts and abilities to use to serve others and Him. I appreciate the talents God has given me, in hand crafts and other areas of my life. I encourage you to take some time and discover your strengths. Explore your gifts and develop your passion. God created you as a unique soul with a purpose. Praise God for giving everyone different abilities and skills.

Fiction Book Review: The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron

About the book: 

An ounce of courage. A split-second leap of faith. Together, they propel two young women to chase a new life---one that's reimagined from what they might have become.

In turn-of-the-century America, a young girl dreams of a world that stretches beyond the confines of a quiet life on the family farm. With little more than her wit and a cigar box of treasures to call her own, Mable steps away from all she knows, seeking the limitless marvels of the Chicago World's Fair. There, a chance encounter triggers her destiny---a life with a famed showman by the name of John Ringling.

A quarter of a century later, Lady Rosamund Easling of Yorkshire, England, boards a ship to America as a last adventure before her life is planned out for her. There, the twenties are roaring, and the rich and famous gather at opulent, Gatsby-esque parties in the grandest ballrooms the country has to offer. The Jazz Age has arrived, and with it, the golden era of the American circus, whose queen is none other than the enigmatic Mable Ringling.

When Rosamund's path crosses with Mable's and the Ringlings' glittering world, she makes the life-altering decision to leave behind a comfortable future of estates and propriety, instead choosing the nomadic life of a trick rider in the Ringling Brothers' circus.

A novel that is at once captivating, deeply poignant, and swirling with exquisite historical details of a bygone world, The Ringmaster's Wife will escort readers into the center ring, with its bright lights, exotic animals, and a dazzling performance that can only be described as the greatest show on earth!

My Review:
A few months ago my daughter and her two children invited me to tag along to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. I hadn't been to the circus in years. As we sat in the stands, I thought about how much practice and discipline the performers must have. When Kristy Cambron's latest novel, The Ringmaster's Wife, became available for review I was delighted to give it a read. Kristy does a beautiful job weaving history with fiction. I enjoyed the wide variety of characters and learning about life in the circus in the nineteen-twenties. The Ringling's home of  Ca d' Zan in Sarasota, Florida plays a backdrop for part of the story. What fun to read about Mabel's home and her generous heart. Without giving away anything, I want to say that I loved Rosamund's story. I am a fan of Downton Abbey. Following Rosamund's path reminded me of some of Downton's story lines in the last season, that of adventure and a new freedom for women. Kristy Cambron did an amazing job with research. I could tell she'd submerged herself into the era by the description and overall feel of the book.  If you enjoy historical fiction, the circus, or just a good story, give The Ringmaster's Wife a read. It's a book to be savored and enjoyed. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/28JxcaK

About the author:
Kristy Cambron fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her second novel, A Sparrow in Terezin, was named Library Journal Reviews' "Pick of the Month (Christian Fiction)" for February 2015.

Cambron is an art/design manager at TheGROVEstory.com storytelling ministry. She holds a degree in art history from Indiana University and has nearly 15 years of experience in instructional design and communications for a Fortune-100 company. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good Christian fiction read.

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Putting on the New

Once a month I post on the blog, Putting on the New. The blog was created to minister to women in various stages of life and faith. I love sharing with the ladies there.

Here is my latest share: 
Why Do We Do What We Do?