Allison's Journey by Wanda E. Brunstetter

From the back: Allison Believes That No Man Would Want Her. Growing up with her impatient, disinterested aunt and five older brothers, Allison Troyer is more comfortable playing ball than keeping house. now, the nineteen-year-old tomboy must learn to run an Amish household. but a further of domestic bliss. Is hopeless; her lack of femininity will repel any potential husband. Aaron Zook and his family have finally recovered from the heartache of their father's death. refusing to revisit such pain, Aaron vows never to marry. when his baseball team gets stuck with the new girl, aggravation quickly changes to admiration. Allison is like no girl he has never met...and he likes that. Will Allison's journey in life take her in another direction, just when love seems possible.


 From page 111: I could get used to being with this woman, Aaron thought as he watched Allison lean her head back and close her eyes. Can I really set my fears about marriage aside and try to build a relationship with her? I want to. In fact, I've Never wanted anything so much or felt so happy as when I'm with her. He grimaced. But she'll be leaving for Pennsylvania in a few months, and then what? Allison cleared his throat, and Allison's eyes popped open. "What's wrong? Have you got a nibble?" she asked, glancing at the end of his pole. "Nope. I just wanted to ask you something." "What is it?" "I was just wondering..." Aaron fought the temptation to bite off a fingernail. Why did he feel so tongue-tied, when all he wanted to do was ask her a simple question? "What are you wondering? She prompted. He drew in a breath, hoping it would give him the courage to say what was on his mind. "I enjoy your company and would like to court you, Allison. I was hopin' you might consider staying longer instead of leaving in August like you'd planned." Allison smiled at Aaron so sweetly he knew he had to kiss her right then. He leaned toward Allison; his lips were inches from hers. The boat began to vibrate. He tried to steady it, but there wasn't time. In one quick movement, the canoe rolled over, and splash--they were plunged into the chilly water.


My Comments:


My daughter and I have all of the books by Wanda E. Brunstetter, between us and we love each and every one of them.


I took this book with me on my trip to Texas and had a hard time putting it down. I wanted to find out if Allison would ever be able to achieve her goals of household chores.  Seeing that she was more of an outdoor person.


I would rate this book a 5 out of 5.  It was one that kept me going back for more. I just wish that there were more in the series. This is a book that I would encourage anyone that loved to read about the Amish, to buy for themselves.  You will not be disappointed.

Christmas with Anthony, Bridgett, Gabrielle & Byron

Normally, we have Christmas one day and one only.  But this year, we will have it three times.


When Anthony and Bridgett moved back here from San Antonio, Anthony left his son, Tanner.  Tanner lives with his mother.  So due to this, plus the fact that his mother and brother live there also, he and Gabrielle will be leaving on Christmas morning to travel to San Antonio, TX.

Bridgett, Anthony, Gabrielle & Byron

Bridgett will be staying here.  Her son, Byron will be here for the holidays and she will be spending time with him.


So today, they all came over for present opening.  I think that Byron was the most excited.  He was the one that got the video chair and he was anxious to get back home, so that Anthony and he could get the ball rolling on setting his chair up.


I did not have to prepare any food, only gifts to be given out.


I did get a popcorn popper from them that I have been wanting to buy for myself.  I also, got a necklace from my Gabrielle.  She calls me "Panda" instead of Grandmother or Nana.  I wanted to post some of the pictures of today, so I hope that you get a glimpse of the beautiful family I have.  But come back, because on Thursday evening, we will have another Christmas gifts being given out.

Gabrielle's Hello Kitty house shoes

Gabrielle's pair of "Miss Me" jeans.  She has been waiting along time for a pair of these.

Anthony and Byron

The chair that Byron wanted and was ready to leave for home to try out.

My popcorn popper.  It looks right at home on my counter.

My Panda necklace.  Isn't she lovely.

My Gabrielle.

THE ENCOUNTER by STEPHEN ARTERBURN

Is it possible to go back in your past to find peace and love for today?

This is just what Jonathan Rush is hoping to do.  With the encouragement from his pastor, he has found himself in the coldness of Alaska.  For this is where his life began and at the age of four he felt like it had ended.


Now as an adult and a CEO of his own computer company, Jonathan finds himself with three ended marriages and one attempt at suicide and his life is still empty. 


Arriving in Alaska, he finds himself at dead ends.  Not one that ever trusted the press, he finds himself teaming up with one.  Will they be able to find information about his past and find his mother?  He doesn't even know her name.  Why would she have left him at the age of four?  Was it something that he did?  When he finds her, will he be able to forgive and finally move on with his life?  Or will the knowledge only cause him to harden more?  He knows in his heart that he needs to forgive and forge a relationship with the person that left him all alone, his own Mother.  Will he have the strength to do the right thing?


This book was one that I wondered if I would be able to get into.  Wow, from the first page, I was hooked.  I didn't put the book down until I had finished the last page.  I can't remember the last time that I have done this.  It touched places in my own heart and caused me to look keep inside myself and my relationships.  The author, Stephen Arterburn, takes the reader on an adventure.  I loved the easy flow of the book and the way the characters came alive.  Stephen Arterburn, did an outstanding job.  You will look at the relationships in your own life different after reading this.


I was given the book to review by Booksneeze.  I was not required to give a positive review, but after reading, I have no choice but to give it a 5 star rating  I am already thinking how some of my friends would enjoy this book.

The Manger of My Heart

This Christmas, Lord, come to the manger of my heart.

Fill me with Your presence, right from the very start.

As I prepare for the holidays, and gifts to be given, 

reminding me of the gift You gave when you sent Your Son from Heaven.

The first Christmas gift was the greatest gift ever;

When You came as a baby born in a manger,

And wrapped like the gifts under our tree,

You wait to be opened, to give Your love to me.

Restore to me the wonder that came with Jesus' birth, 

While He left the riches of Heaven and wrapped Himself in rags of earth.

Immanuel, God with us, Your presence came that night.

Angels announced, "Into your darkness God brings His light."

"Do not be afraid," they said, to shepherds in the field.

Speak to my heart today, Lord, and help me to yield.

Make me like those shepherd boys, obedient to your call.

Putting distractions and worries aside, to You I surrender them all.

Surround me with Your presence, I long to hear Your voice.

Clear my mind of concerns and all the holiday noise.

Slow me down this Christmas, help me not to be in a rush.

In the midst of parties and planning, I want to feel Your hush.

This Christmas, Jesus, come to the manger of my heart.

Invade my life like Bethlehem, bringing peace to every part.

Dwell within and around me, as I unwrap Your presence today.

Keep my heart and mind on You, Lord.

It's in Your precious Name I pray.

~Renee Swope~

@2011, www.ReneeSwope.com

smiley360.com—Be Heard. Be Happy.

smiley360.com—Be Heard. Be Happy.

Here is a place that if you sign up for a free account, you will be in the running to win an iPad 2.  The wonderful thing is that you will have 3 chances at winning and if you win, then I win also.  Would love for you to skip on over and register.  It doesn't take long.  Thanks to all that are willing.

SCHICK HYDRO SILK RAZOR

Would you like to try out one of the new Schick Hydro Silk Razors before they come out in the stores,  If so, click onto http://www.schickhydrosilk.com/influencer/welcome.php?ref=wuhs3e4.

FLU SEASON?

Starting on Tuesday morning, I knew that I was coming down with something.  I was hoping that it was just a cold.  Yet, during the night I realized that it was going to be more than a cold.

Today, when I saw this picture, I knew that it depicted just how I felt.  With body aches, fever, sore throat, that felt it was closing up, headache, and then today to top it all off, my eyes hurt and even my teeth.

So, I suppose you could say that I have the flu.

Here is praying that if you have not gotten you flu shot, please go get it.  Don't wake-up one morning looking like the picture above.  It for sure no picnic.

FAMILY

THIS IS WHAT MY FAMILY MEANS TO ME. ASIDE FROM THE LORD BEING FIRST IN MY LIFE, MY FAMILY IS IN SECOND PLACE. WHAT ARE THE HOLIDAYS WITHOUT FAMILY?

THIS CHRISTMAS MAKE SURE TO TAKE TIME OUT AND LET EACH ONE KNOW THAT YOU LOVE THEM AND YOUR LIFE WOULD NOT BE AS FULL IF THEY WEREN'T APART OF IT.

Going Home by Wanda E. Brunstetter

FROM THE BACK:


Faith ran away from her Amish home ten years ago and is now chasing an unusual dream - of being a comedian.  Recently widowed, though, she wants to find a stable home for her six-year-old daughter so she can travel for work.


Noan Hertzler is a bit of an oddity in his community - he enjoys cooking and often bakes desserts that he gives to others.  He likes to attach a verse of scripture to each gift, hoping to feed the recipient's soul as well as body.


Can Noah's method reach Faith's soul before it's too late?  Is Faith's life just one  big joke - or will she find her true identity and the love she's needed for so long?


MY REVIEW:


Growing up Faith was always told that jokes and yodeling was not accepted in the Amish community, by her family.  When she became of age, she left to pursue her dream of being an entertainer.


Now ten years later, her husband is dead and she realizes that the road is no place for her daughter.  Faith believes that she will give her daughter time to adjust to a life among the Amish, living with her family, and then leave.


Renewing friendships, Faith is at a crossroad of decision.  Will it be best to leave her daughter and follow her own dream?  Or will she open her heart and allow the Lord to show her what can complete her life?


I love any book by Wanda E. Brunstetter.  This book was not an exception.  I would give this book a 5 star rating. The author has taken the reader into the Amish community and allowed us to get a glimpse of what a life with the Amish would be like.


**This Christmas, are you away from your family?  Put your faith in God and allow Him to take you back home where you belong.  Nothing is too tall that He can't hurdle over.  May each of you find yourself with family this season.

First Corinthians 13: The Christmas Version

First Corinthians 13: 

The Christmas Version

"If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator. 

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family , I'm just another cook. 

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing. 

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child; Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse; Love is kind, even when harried and tired. 

Love doesn't envy anther's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. 

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. 

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't. 

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. 

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of LOVE will endure." 

May the joy of Advent bring God’s love into your life in a special way this Christmas!


I found this lovely poem at http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?FBLike=http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-corinthians-13-christmas-version.html

Lilla Rose Flexi-clip Giveaway

Are you looking for something new for your hair?  With the Christmas and New Year parties  coming up, we all can use some sparkle and bling.  These hair clips come in all sizes and hold your hair just like you need one to.

Mama Chocolate is having a giveaway for one of these.  So click on http://www.mamachocolateblog.com/lilla-rose-flexi-clip-giveaway.htm to enter you name in her giveaway.

How To Really Love A Child

How To Really Love A child

Be there. Say YES as often as possible. Let them bang on pots and pans.

If they're crabby, put them in water. If they're unlovable, love yourself.

Realize how important it is to be a CHILD. Go to a movie theatre in your pajamas.

READ books out loud with JOY. INVENT pleasures together. Remember how small they are. 

GIGGLE A LOT. Surprise them. Say no when necessary. TEACH feeling. Heal your own

inner child. LEARN about parenting. HUG trees together. MAKE LOVING SAFE. Bake a 

cake and eat it with no hands. Go find elephants and kiss them. Plan to BUILD a

rocketship. IMAGINE yourself MAGIC. Make lots of forts with blankets. Let your

angel fly. Reveal your own DREAMS. Search out the POSITIVE. Keep the gleam in

your eye. Mail letters to GOD. Encourage SILLY. Plant licorice in your garden. Open up.

STOP yelling. Express your LOVE a lot. Speak kindly. Paint their tennis shoes. Handle with

CARING. Children ARE miraculous.

by SARK

Today I was browsing through my emails and cam across this poem.  I think that every parent needs to have this hanging up.    If you would like to see the full story go to http://www.blogbydonna.com/post/2011/12/My-Reminder-How-to-Really-Love-a-Child.aspx#comment.

I am so glad that I have listened to that inner voice and did things for my children as they were small.  Now, that they are teenagers and adults raising their own, I still find myself wishing at times that they were small again.

One of the things that I remember growing up as a child was how my Mother took care of my Keds.  After washing them in the washing machine, she would take them out and polish them.  Yes, she would take white shoe polish and cover them with the polish.  Then she would set them aside to dry and then the next time I wore them, they would be white again.  I always wore white ones and even as I grew to an adult, I still enjoy the white ones.  But now, I get the leather ones.

Can you find one thing in the poem above that takes you back to your childhood?  I would love to hear from you.

Another Giveaway - IPAD 2

I am always open to another giveaway.  Especially, when it involves computers.  I would love to win the iPad 2.  The ease of taking it with me in my purse would be wonderful.  I know that my girls would love for me to win one.

So here I am again entering for one.  I have entered a number of them, but I am still hoping to win.  Now, would I be a very nice person, if I kept this to myself?  Of course not.  So I am inviting my readers to go and check this out and try to win.  It won't take you long, so go on over to http://dealeveryblog.com/deals/ipad2-dealevery-holiday-giveaway/#more-54.

Kindle Challenge for 2012

 I found another Reading Challenge that will take care of all those e-books that you have downloading on your Kindle.  I am excited to be involved in this one. So that's why I want to give all my readers a chance to enter in at:

http://www.theunreadreader.com/2011/12/why-buy-cow-reading-challenge-2012.html 

Back by popular demand...

Welcome to the Why Buy the Cow? Reading Challenge 2012! This reading challenge was previously called the Show Me the FREE RC, but this year, I have a co-host, Kelly from Reading the Paranormal, and we decided to shake things up a bit.

Quick FYI: This is not a library books, books you've won, or ARCs reading challenge. There are already plenty reading challenges for those specific type of books. You can find them here: A Novel Challenge.

This reading challenge has been developed specifically for FREE and LEGAL downloaded books. As many of you with e-readers know, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and a few other site periodically offer FREE books for your e-reading devices.

The aim of this challenge is to grab and read those FREE and LEGAL downloads!

Since getting my Kindle, I've downloaded 300 Free books from Amazon, but sadly, I've only read a handful. Kelly, my new sidekick, has read over 100 Free books! Even though I failed my own RC miserably, Kelly has inspired me to renew my determination to get those FREE books off my TBR, and we want you to join us!

Here is how it works:

• Should you choose to participate in this challenge, your goal is to read at least twelve (12) legally obtained FREE e-books. While twelve is the minimum there is no maximum limit.
• Anyone can join. You don't have to be a blogger, and you don't have to live in the United States. 
• Any E-Reader will work for this challenge, including: iPad, Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Sony Reader, enTourage. 
• Please Note: If you don't have an e-reading device, you can still join in with Amazon's Free Kindle Reading Apps which you can download for your iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC, Blackberry and more.
• The challenge runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. You can join at anytime.
• e-books in ANY genre count for this challenge as long as it was FREE at the time that you downloaded it.
• Every month in 2012, I will make a post for the Why Buy the Cow? Reading Challenge 2012 so you can link your reviews.  Based on participation, monthly link ups may be combined.
• Those that link their reviews will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a different prize each month, such as an Amazon orBarnes & Noble Gift Card, a bookmark, or a GelaSkins for your e-Reader.

Challenge Guidelines:

• If you have a blog, create a post announcing your participation in the challenge. Please include a link back to this post.
• Non bloggers: participate by linking up your profile URL from the site you plan to post your reviews on such as Goodreads, Shelfari, LibraryThing, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.
• When you post your book review, you MUST reveal how you obtained the free & legal download. Please make your source clear.
• You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them.
• Crossovers to other reading challenges is acceptable, but ARCs/galley e-books DO NOT count. Again, this is a Reading Challenge to read as many of the FREE e-books legally offered for your e-reader. To get started, check out the Top 100 Free books on Amazon, or the Free e-books on Barnes & Noble.
• Any linked reviews that do not meet the guidelines will not be entered into the monthly drawing for the prize of the month.

Levels:
Coupon Clipper: 12 Books
Penny Pincher: 24 Books
Super Saver: 30+ Books

Please visit this post to sign up for the challenge: Why Buy the Cow? Reading Challenge 2012!

Places where you can legally grab some free e-books:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
All Romance eBooks: offers random freebie books throughout the year (signing up for the newsletter to get updates)
Pocket After Dark: offers free online reads that change monthly and/or bi-monthly
Sony's Reader Store: occasionally pops up with free books that aren't available at Amazon or B&N
Harlequin: offers Freebie Friday
Sourcebooks: offers monthly freebies
Books on the Knob pulls freebies from around the web in different genres for reader consumption

New Years Roundup Giveaway/ Win Kindle Fire & Payful Cash

http://www.simplystacie.net/2011/12/new-years-roundup-giveaway-win-kindle-fire-paypal-cash-ww/

A GUN FOR ME?

Yes, a gun for me.  My Tommy, decided that I needed one.  He did ask me early in the week if I thought that I would use one.  Of course,  I would if someone was trying to break into my house or hurt my children.


But the more that he listens and reads about the world and what it looks like things are going to come to, he feels that it would be the right thing for me to have one.  So this week, he bought me my very first gun ever.  It is a 9mm and it is very light to hold, feels good in my hand and it is rather easy to use.


Today, after we had come back from our lunch out, he decided that it was time for me to practice.  With the targets posted by the pond, the ducks had already decided that it would be in their favor to move to the far end of the pond, my lessons began.


With my gun in my hand, I began to target shoot.  Hey, this is kind of fun.  I began to feel like one of the agents on NCIS.  How cool it would be to pull out my gun and hope that I didn't shoot my foot.  Well, I did not shoot any animal, tree or better yet, my hubby.


When it was all over, I had shot 10 rounds and 2 went into the pond and the other 8 found the target.  Now, I really wish that I could have hit the bull's eye, but that was wishful thinking.  If I had, my Tommy would have not believed it, even though he would have been standing right there.  He had no worry though, seeing that this was my first time.

So now,  do I feel up to protecting myself if someone were to break in?  NO!  I am not afraid of the gun, but I do have a great respect for it.  It is not a toy to be played with and should only be used for emergencies.   When it is not being used for target practice, trust me, it will be in it's locked safe and will be completely out of reach of any other hands.  For I will only know the combination.


Did I ever think that I would own a gun?  No, but with the world heading the way it is, I believe that everyone should be able to protect themselves.  We live close to a men's prison and there have been times that one of them have escaped and you never know.  That is why I always keep my doors locked.  Am I afraid, NO.  I just never had thought about it.  Do I feel safe in my own home?  Absolutely.  My trust has and will always be in the Lord.  Each day, I place my life and those of my family and friends in His hands and I let the Lord take care of us.
He is my protector.

STUMBLING INTO GRACE by LISA HARPER

STUMBLING INTO GRACE by LISA HARPER, was a great and interesting book.  One of the biggest draws for me to want to read the book was the picture on the cover.  This was first book to read by this author and I was not disappointed.  This is a book that you can read like you would a devotional, a book to take notes on, or one that you can sit down and thoroughly enjoy.  But be prepared to laugh until you have tears running down your face.

As I read the book, there were times that I found myself walking right along with her.  You know, the times that we ladies think that we are the "superwoman", the one that hides behind a mask and lets the world think that, we are this strong person and our world is perfect?  Yet, all along, the Lord knows all about it?

This is a book that I would love to have others read.  I think that anyone could reap something by the end of this book.  I would give it a 5 star rating.

This e-book was given to be to do a review on by "Booksneeze".  I appreciate being able to read the book and give my honest opinion.