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Monday, October 31, 2016

Happy Halloween--A Few Favorites

            Welcome to my annual Halloween Favorites.                         Image result for halloween blog post dividers                  
Today I'll be sharing some old friends and new friends Fabulous Halloween Decorations. 
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        Enjoy some nice and festive Non Creepy posts.  
Please visit these lovely bloggers and tell them I sent you over!
                              
                                                     Click Here to visit Debbie Dabble
My friend doesn't dapple at Holidays goes all out!  She shared some of her inspiration in the above post. 
Here's the tour of her home . . . 
             
                    
Debbie does a gorgeous display for every holiday.  Visit her here.

On of my other favorite 'haunts' is the Fabulous Fabby . . . 
                          
Fabby set a festive and frugal table.  She made the table cloth.
                 
Adding the lovely flowers made it a little less Ghoulish.

Fabby set a festive table with the cute jack-o-lantern  glasses. 
Watch out for the spider on the plate!  You can visit Fabby here.
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I found a fun recipe for Candy Corn Pancakes . . . 
Halloween Buttermilk Candy Corn Pancakes. sewlicioushomedecor.com:
They were yummy and festive and fun.  The recipe is here
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A new friend shared an adorable post . . . 

See Halloween doesn't have to be creepy!  Click here to visit.

Did you see the fun post I shared on Saturday?  I was 'horseing' around and found a few fun pics . . .                                    fish                  Image result for blue horse show ribbon  
This one was my favorite.  I gave it a Blue ribbon.  Go over
here and see the rest and let me know which is your favorite!
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                         Being the Great Pumpkin ~ From My Carolina Home
Carole from My Carolina Home made some yummy pumpkin bread.  She shared it in a fun and festive post over here.

Thanks for coming over.  I hope everyone has a safe Halloween
                                 Image result for charlie brown halloween


                                    Image result for charlie brown halloween       
                                                     
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Linking with Monday's Social

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Happy Halloween

Sharing a video we made for our church service at the boys 
rehab unit where we serve...
                                        Enjoy

  
Last years video is here (sorry it wouldn't load)
 I'll be sharing more Halloween favorites at 3:00 on the 31st

Linking with Creative Mondays, Halloween Blog Hop, Happy Halloween Linky Party,
Create With Joy, Halloween Spooktacular ,Project Play Halloween Linky Party,
Monday's Social

Simple Sunday

Be Blessed . . . 
Scriptures for the Brokenhearted. Scriptures for when you're hurting. God is close to the brokenhearted.:
                                                             Source

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Happy Fall Happy Halloween

Welcome to my annual Horses in Costume post!
                                   Enjoy
And this year to make it even more fun.  I'll be judging. 
Because every good horse show has a Great judge. 
                 See the results at the very bottom

                         fine print.HEHE....All photo's found on the web.  Sources included when available!
My little pony!! Another pinner said: This is actually the cutest thing i've ever seen and i just might die:
                                                              Source

                       Mini Horse
                                                         Source
Dalmation Horse Costume!:
                         Source

                                                    Source

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Horse costume:
                                   Source
If you're looking for some inspiration for your Halloween horse show, be sure to check out these 25 awesome horse Halloween costumes.:      
                                                        Source 
            turkey
                                                           Source
sheep
                                                  Source
breyer
                                   Source

fish
                                    Source

      And my very favorite receives a Blue ribbon! Image result for blue horse show ribbon
                                 Here's my First Place                                                           fish
   So which one would you choose for a Blue ribbon?

Linking with  Camera CrittersEileen's CrittersAmaze Me Mondays Inspire Me Monday
Your The Star Blog HopBlue Monday , Metamorphosis Monday , Monday Social
Make It Pretty MondayTuesdays with a Twist  Wordless WednesdayCreate With JoyAmanda's Books and MoreImagingHow We Roll Wordless. Outdoor Wednesday
     
                     


                             
       

Friday, October 28, 2016

Book Review-Christian's Hope- Ervine R. Stutzman

                                                 Christian’s Hope
About the book (provided by Litfuse)
When Christian Hochstetler returns to the Amish after seven years in captivity, he finds that many things have shifted.
Captured as a child during the French and Indian War, Christian has spent much of his life among Native Americans, who cared for him and taught him their ways. Now that Christian is home, his father wants him to settle back into their predictable Amish life of farming, and Christian’s budding friendship with Orpha Rupp beckons him to stay as well.
Yet Christian feels restless, and he misses his adoptive Native American family—who raised him as their own son. When faced with a life-altering decision, will Christian choose the Amish identity that his father desires for him? Or will he depart from his family and faith community yet again?
Christian’s Hope tells the story of the younger brother of Joseph and son of Jacob, whom readers have come to love in the first two books in the Return to Northkill series. Based on actual events and written by a descendant of the Hochstetler family, Christian’s Hope brings the sweeping epic of the Return to Northkill series to a soul-stirring end.
About the authorErvin R. Stutzman
Ervin R. Stutzman is author of "Jacob’s Choice," "Joseph’s Dilemma," "Tobias of the Amish," and "Emma, A Widow Among the Amish." Born into an Amish home in Kalona, Iowa, Stutzman based the Return to Northkill series on the life of his ancestor, Jacob Hochstetler. He has been featured on TLC’s “Who Do You Think You Are?”

About the series
Book 1
 Jacob Hochstetler lives peacefully with his Amish family at the foot of the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania. His beliefs are severely tested one night in September 1757, after a raid on the Amish settlement near Northkill Creek leaves his wife, daughter, and a son dead, and their home in ashes. Jacob and two teenage sons are captured and taken to different Lenapi Indian villages, unsure of their fate. After a long, hard winter in the Lenapi village, Jacob makes a harrowing escape downriver and returns home to Northkill, only to find all that he has known and loved are gone. Will Jacob and his sons ever be reunited? Can Jacob find romance, reconciliation, and happiness amidst the ashes of his former home?

Book 2
 Unwilling captive or adopted son? Amish teen Joseph Hochstetler is taken into captivity by Native Americans during the French and Indian War. Initially he resists the Indians attempts to help him adapt to their ways their food, games, and relaxed pace of life.

In this story of forbidden love, Joseph finds himself pressed between his unfolding romance with a young Indian woman and the tug of his heritage. His eyes newly opened to the wrongs committed by the white settlers, Joseph determines never to go back to his Amish community.
Available at 
Mennomedia, Amazon , Barnes and Noble , CBC

And I thought . . .
Where do I begin.  Honestly I didn't like this book.  I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse and was asked to review by a certain day and post my review.  I am late posting because I was really trying hard to get into this story. 

I appreciate the opportunity to have been able to read this book. 
I was interested in the description when I received the offer to be a part of this blog tour.. 

Christians Hope is the third title in the Northkill series by 
Ervin R.Stutzman.  I didn't get a feeling that the opportunity to read the other books in the series was really necessary.  There weren't a lot of characters and the story line didn't for the most part require knowing what was going on before in previous titles.  I felt this was a 'stand alone' title.

What I didn't like...
Honestly I din't like Christian.  I kind of thought he was a bit of a whinner.  He was so intent on returning to the indian tribe that he had lived with that I felt through Chapter 6 (which is as far as I got) he didn't really give anyone he came in contact with a chance to 'accept' him because he didn't make any attempt to accept them. 
I think if he had been a bit younger I would have understood him a little better. But he was 18. Old enough to reason and make more mature decisions.
His step mother made great strides in accepting and including him.  
His father tried in his own somewhat harsh way. 
His brother actually kind of coddled him. I actually had more of a liking of Joseph and so I am interested in reading at least book 2.

While preparing this review I noticed that there are many very kind reviews and very good ratings.  I encourage you to read other reviews.

Thoughts I had while reading. . . I was interested when I read the background information about the book.  That fact that it was based on true events was really interesting to me.  
And made me wonder just how much research was done into 
Christian's real character and how much was fiction.  

These thoughts left me intrigued and interested in giving 
Christian's Hope another chance in the future.  

I received a complimentary copy of Christian's Hope from 
Litfuse.

This review will be posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble,
CBC and Goodreads.
This post will appear at My Reading Journey












The Fabulous Fall Party

Fairwell Fabulous Fall 2016 Last Week to Link Up

                          Welcome
                          Image result for fall post dividers
There is no reason to be sad!  We've had a great Fall Party.  
                            It is time for Thanksgiving.  
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                              Beginning on November 1 
      And now on with The Fabulous Fall Party   
           Join me on October 31 over at My Journeyback for my annual Halloween Favorites.
 
The Fall party is here  My Christmas Journey

Mine 2 by J Kahele Blog Tour


Welcome to my tour stop of Mine 2 by J Kahele.  The tour runs from August 24-28 and you can follow the tour here.

ABOUT THE BOOK


When Andrew Carington falls in love with Jenna Kramer, he takes on the emotional and physical ghosts that haunt her past. He believed he was the cure for Jenna and love could get them through anything. But her controlling and abusive ex-husband Ben Kramer will never let her go and Andrew finds himself plummeting into a world of hate and fear. The only way Andrew will find his happy ever after with Jenna, is to rid Ben Kramer of their lives—permanently.



TRAILER LINK


EXCERPTS





                                                     Buy MINE 2 on Amazon


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


I am a proud mother of three daughters who are my absolute complete existence. I write to relieve the scattered thoughts that stream through my mind, constantly. My biggest downfall is that I am a huge procrastinator, which makes my life at times hectic!


Provided by Elite Tours

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Shaken-Tim Tebow-Review/Spotlight

About the book..(provided by Waterbrookmultnomah
Who are you when life is steady? 
Who are you when storms come?

Most of us have been on the receiving end of rejection, a broken dream, or heartbreak. And while this is not an easy space to go through, when we are grounded in the truth, we can endure the tough times.

In this powerful book, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow passionately shares glimpses of his journey staying grounded in the face of disappointment, criticism, and intense media scrutiny. Following an exceptional college football career with the Florida Gators and a promising playoff run with the Denver Broncos, Tebow was traded to the New York Jets. He was released after one season. 

In Shaken, Tebow talks about what he’s learned along the way, building confidence in his identity in God, not the world. This moving book also features practical wisdom from Scripture and insights gained from others who have impacted Tebow in life-changing ways. 

Though traveling hard roads is not easy, it’s always worth it!

Endorsements/Praise...
“Tim Tebow is not an athlete—athlete is what Tim fills in on his tax return. That does not begin to tell the story of who he is. Tim is a role model, an inspiration to those who have a dream and are willing to accept life as a journey full of ups and downs.”
—Jon Bon Jovi, singer-songwriter

“Shaken shows us a side of Tim Tebow that we’ve never gotten to see before. In this book, Tim comes alongside his reader and says, ‘I’ve been there too,’ and proceeds to show us how God is faithful even when our entire lives feel shaken to the core.”
—Mark Batterson, pastor and New York Times best-selling author of The Circle Maker

“Tim is a remarkable example of one who combines strength and boldness with kindness and compassion, and I’m always encouraged to hear of how he is using his tremendous platform to share the love and truth of our Lord with those who need it most.”
—Ravi Zacharias, apologist, author, and president of RZIM

“Tim has always inspired me with his dedication to grow and improve in all aspects of life, especially his faith. With this book, Tim encourages readers to keep moving and stay strong while battling life’s obstacles.”
—Cam Newton, quarterback for the Carolina Panthers

“Whether or not you’ve followed Tim’s career, Shaken speaks to something we’ve all had to deal with—trusting God when the plans for our lives don’t work out as we expected. Tim shares his journey from the Broncos to the Jets to the Patriots and beyond with refreshing honesty. He comes alongside us as a friend and gives us hope for the days our lives take an unexpected turn. I am so grateful to call Tim my friend; his life and passion constantly inspire me! Whatever Tim does he does with all his heart, and this book reflects that incredible commitment! I love Tim, and by the end of this book, you will too!”
—Judah Smith, lead pastor of the City Church and New York Times best-selling author of Jesus Is _______.

“Shaken is everyone’s story. All of us know what it is to experience the best of days and the lowest of days. For Tim, he’s lived those days in public. I have the privilege to call Tim my friend and can tell you that with him, what you see is what you get, which seems rare these days! I appreciate how real and raw Tim is with his own struggles. In Shaken you will find great encouragement for your own life and faith.”
—Chris Tomlin, worship leader and songwriter

Where To Buy:  Amazon, CBC and Barnes and Noble

And I thought...A great read filled with inspirational stories from Tim's career.  Tim shares these stories honestly and passionately.
Through the up's and down's of his NFL career Tebow is not afraid to share his faith.  

This is a great book and encouraging read for the Believer. 
From the new christian to mature Believers anyone will receive a word of hope and encouragement. 

I/we liked this book at it's message so much that we are planning on purchasing copies for the 52 boys in a state run rehab incarceration unit where we serve.  

This book is an excellent tool to share with non-believers. 

I received a complimentary copy from Waterbrook Multonomah

This review is posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, CBC and Good Reads
This post will also appear on My Reading Journey

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Book Review-10 myths of Teen Dating--Daniel Anderson

                                             

About The Book (provided by Litfuse)
The 10 Myths of Teen Dating: Truths Your Daughter Needs to Know to Date Smart, Avoid Disaster, and Protect Her Future (David C Cook, September 2016)

There's no greater moment of panic in a parent's life than when their daughter begins to date.

Due to their lack of knowledge about the world their teens face coupled with the scant dating information they received as teens, many parents feel ill-equipped to guide their daughters through the minefield that is teen dating.

And by the same token, teenage girls crave information about dating and relationships. And left to their own devices, many will develop their own assumptions about dating by talking to their friends or watching the latest TV shows and movies. But that will only lead them down a path toward heartbreak.

So how do you engage your daughter in discussions about dating, relationships, and her future happiness? Expert educator Daniel Anderson and his twenty something daughter, Jacquelyn, help you navigate the biggest dating myths, including: the myth that a boyfriend will make your daughter happy, that she should trust her feelings, or that sex will enhance her relationship. Combining the latest scientific research with poignant personal stories, as well as proven truths and practical application, The 10 Myths of Teen Dating will equip you to teach your daughter how to date smart for today . . . and tomorrow.

About The Authors
     
Daniel Anderson is a former college All-American basketball player, an expert educator, and a father of two grown daughters and a son. As a veteran high school teacher in the public school system, Daniel was troubled by how his students approached dating and relationships. He and his daughter, Jacquelyn Anderson---a twenty something and also a high school teacher---decided to address this need by equipping parents withThe 10 Myths of Teen Dating, their first book together. Daniel and Jacquelyn both make their home in Portland, Oregon.                                                                            
                                                                       Website | Facebook 
And I Thought ...
Practical much needed resource for parents!  A book every parent needs to read.  
The book is filled with realistic personal stories.

Reflection questions end each chapter allowing the  parent/reader to contemplate and ready themselves to discuss the content with his/her daughter. Here are a couple of examples  . . . 
From Chapter 1- Myth1-If I Had a Boyfriend I would Be Happy.  
Questions-What have you taught your daughter about where happiness is found?
From Chapter 4- Myth 4- Sex Will Enhance My Relationship
Question-What have you told your daughter about why boys want to have sex?


Discussion questions follow the reflection questions and  provide very candid opportunities to discuss the content together with your child/children.  

This is a great book and I highly recommend all parents to read it.  Although it is really written for girls I think that older guys (college students) might find valuable information.  
Anything that parents can do to ensure the safety of their daughters and son's as well is proactive.  Giving children honesty and truth 
preparing them to 'date smart' is parenting 'smart'.  

Check it out at these retailers Amazon, Barnes and Noble,
and Christian Book (dot) Com.

I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse.

This review is posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, 
CBC and Goodreads.
This review will appear on My Reading Journeys