My Pity Party

Psalm 34:17-18
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
    he delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

My left knee throbs, the spot between my shoulder blades along my spine aches, my thumb joints scream at me. I have arthritis and fibromyalgia. Let me tell you, some days I just plain hurt. I'm not writing this to gain sympathy, it's just part of my life now. What I want to say is I've gained empathy for others who ache and hurt from physical pain. God has provided me an excellent rheumatologist who helps me manage the pain. And God has blessed me through this. He's given me new insight into what others go through. Sometimes illness isn't visible, sometimes handicaps aren't seen, so I'll not judge the person who parks in a handicapped spot and looks "fine". They may not be.

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There's another side to the physical pain, There's the emotional and spiritual battle. For awhile I was angry because I could no longer embroider, something I'd enjoyed since I was six years old. I could no longer hand-quilt or sew for any length of time by hand. I struggle to crochet, and I've had to adjust to walking slower and in shorter increments. Here's a funny. I like to sit on the floor-but guess what, it's not pretty when I have to get up. As all of these changes to my body have taken place, I've been brokenhearted. I've cried out to God the typical "WHY?" I've felt sorry for myself and been grumpy. But you know what? In the midst of my pity party I felt the Holy Spirit's nudge. He said pray. Pray for healing. The healing wasn't for my body, it was for my attitude, my selfishness, and yes my pathetic spirit. So I've prayed. I've asked God for comfort and peace with my situation. And He's poured it over me. I still struggle sometimes (and I'd say I hit my knees, but I can't physically do that) so I sit down and bow my head and seek my Father who loves me. The One who has healed my crushed spirit. I praise God that He's always there for me.

What do you need to turn over to God?

Children's Book Review: The Legend of the Easer Robin: An Easter Story of Compassion and Faith by Dandi Dadey Mackall, illustrated by Richard Cowdrey

Publisher's Description:
This newly illustrated edition of The Legend of the Easter Robin renews the wonder and charm of the original and timeless tale written by Dandi Daley Mackall. With new vibrant artwork from New York Times bestselling illustrator, Richard Cowdrey, this holiday classic is brought to life for a new generation. The Legend of the Easter Robin tells the story of Tressa, whose grandmother reveals to her the story of a small robin who saw Jesus struggling and soared to help him. This Easter tale reminds Christians everywhere how much Jesus sacrificed for us and how much he loves us.

My Review:

The first thing I noticed when I opened The Legend of the Easter Robin were the lovely illustrations. Spring popped out and filled me with joy. I know children will love the drawings of the robins and spring flowers. I love that this story ties a Pennsylvania Dutch legend with the story of Jesus crucifixion and resurrection. As a grandmother and granddaughter share an excitement about a robin's nest on the windowsill and the eggs she lays, Grandma gets to share the legend and talk to her granddaughter about Jesus. Also, I learned about Pennsylvania Dutch egg coloring and decorating. I'd never read this story and find it a delightful tale I'd like to share with my grandkids. The story provides a great way to share about Jesus as well as the tradition of coloring eggs. This would be a great book to read as a family for Easter.

Children's Book Review: Little One, God Loves You by Amy Warren Hilliker, illustrated by Polona Lovsin

Publisher's Description:

Little One, God Loves You, written by Amy Warren Hilliker and inspired by the New York Times #1bestseller The Purpose-Driven Life, is a cute and cuddly board book that let’s children know God made them solely for the purpose of loving them.

My Review:

Amy Warren Hilliker, daughter of Rick Warren, has written a delightful book to share with little ones. This board book assures children that God loves them. The playful rhyme is easy to read aloud and will be fun to share with small children. I love the illustrations. The sweet bunnies in the story, depicted in various scenes of play and family life, bring the text to life. They're sure to bring a smile. This would be a perfect Easter gift. 
I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Children's Book Review: A Royal Easter Story by Jeanna Young & Jacqueline Johnson, illustrated by Omar Aranda

Publisher's Description:

It is the most spectacular spring in history. The princesses—Joy, Grace, Faith, Charity, and Hope are busy with preparations for the annual Easter celebration and the castle is alive with activity.

Into the kingdom ride five new friends, young knights, who are as spirited as the princesses. In the new Princess Parables title, A Royal Easter Story, a challenge is presented and the boys and girls decide to race to the neighboring village where the annual Easter celebration and feast will be held. Along the way, the princesses must weather a scary storm and rescue another new friend. But in the end the lesson is clear … trust in the Lord and his love and you can overcome any obstacle.

My Review:
I recommend A Royal Easter Story for older children (4-9 years old) as the wording on each page is a bit long. I like the story of the princesses as they discover what is more important-- helping someone or winning a race. The focus on Easter and Jesus is refreshing, especially the prayer the girls shared for guidance. And I like the reference to the girls being daughters of the King, just as God is Father and we are his daughters. The "Parable Thoughts" at the end were a great tie in to share with children. This would be nice for a family to read together or maybe at a girls' Bible study. I would have enjoyed reading this with my daughters when they were young. The illustrations are bright and cheerful and bound to please any girl. The dust cover even has glitter!

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Little Ladybug

I've been learning to draw with watercolor pencils. Still need lots of practice!

Juvenile Chapter Book Review: Blue Ribbon Trail Ride by Miralee Ferrell

Book Description: 

Thirteen-year old Kate and her friends came up with the perfect way to raise money for her autistic younger brother and others to attend summer camp---a horse scavenger hunt! As local businesses donate money and prizes, Kate keeps the entry fees in her mom's antique jewelry box.

But when the box and the money disappear, Kate and her friends must unravel the clues, hold on to hope, and solve the mystery along the Blue Ribbon Trail Ride. 

My Review:
As a young person I read lots of books centered around horses and horse farms. I'm so happy to see books like Blue Ribbon Trail Ride are still written. How delightful to read about children working together for a good cause. And in the midst of their plans for a trail ride to raise money, a mystery pops up.  As they discuss and follow clues, young readers will enjoy figuring out the answers along with the kids in the story. This is book four of a series. I haven't read the first three, but can imagine they too are well written. Miralee Ferrell's knowledge of horses and farms shines through her writing. I highly recommend the series to young people age 8-12. They'd also be fun to read as a family. I can't wait to share these stories with my granddaughter.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1QHgZ3T 

About the author:

Miralee Ferrell is the award-winning author of more than a dozen novels. She and her husband live along the Columbia River Gorge in southern Washington State, where she enjoys riding the wooded trails and spending time with her grown children. In addition to horses and dogs, Miralee once owned two cougars.

Connect with Miralee: website, Twitter,Facebook

Change Happens

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

It's the time of year when winter is trying to figure out when to give in to spring. On Monday we had a two-hour delay due to snow, by Friday the snow was melted with sixty-degree temperatures. The change of seasons is a normal occurrence in southwest Ohio, so I'm used to it. But what about other types of change. I admit I'm not fond of change. And it happens. Often. But more often than not, adjustment to a new situation brings good stuff. Even though I may fret and moan, an alteration in life may produce better circumstances, new people, and positive growth. But even positive growing pains don't always feel good. Sometimes they flat out hurt.

But the good news is, when I know a change has come directly from God and is not something I've caused due to selfish reasons, I have that wonderful peace that passes understanding. Even when I know the change may have a foggy future of uncertainty, God calms my heart and carries me through. I'm so thankful I have a God who understands me and knows what I need, all the time. So even though the temperature varies and life throws curve balls, God leads me through. He guards my heart and mind and I praise him for that.