The Choice

The Choice by Robert Whitlow made for an interesting read.  The ongoing battle between "pro-choice" and "pro-life" is represented in this book, although through the eyes of a rather different protagonist: that of the teenage unwed mother.  Whitlow clearly makes the point that while some women choose to abort their babies, some women choose not to, and thus a choice is the fundamental basis regardless of belief.

Whitlow is a Christian author, and his Christian beliefs are woven skillfully into this piece of fiction.  The book was well-written and seemed very realistic.  I was given glimpses into the minds and hearts of a couple characters, in particular Sandy, the protagonist. The book is not simply about Sandy's choice and the consequences, good and bad that followed. It is about what happened years down the road for Sandy and for everyone whose life she touched. It is also about the prodigal found in every person.

Favorite quote: "Everyone is a prodigal in their own unique way." 

I would give The Choice three out of five stars.  It was a good read with some great food for thought.


Thanks to BookSneeze for providing a copy of this book to me free of charge in order to procure my review.  Please note that my review is original and any opinions expressed are my own. 

On This The Last Day of November

Hello Friends!

Hard to believe we are in the very last day of November, 2012.  It seems every year as Christmas draws ever closer, I find it hard to fathom that time has more than inched -- yes, sprinted -- away and we are at the close of another year.  Where does time go?  That mysterious element.  It comes and goes, yet nobody knows . . . . . except of course God, how exactly it works.  It truly is a mystery.  I find it intriguing.

Anyhow, something of a segue there!  I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!  Our was pretty uneventful really.  Having no family nearby means, well, no family to spend Thanksgiving with! We did break tradition and have our turkey-day on the Saturday AFTER Thanksgiving! That was interesting.  But we have been busy on home improvement projects (think painting the walls of a room -- yes, it takes time and it's demanding!) and so the open days of Thursday and Friday just worked well for things needing to be tended to!  And when we did eat Thanksgiving supper, after I had cooked all day and was so tired and sore (yes I felt my age and then some!), it was well worth it.  The food was delicious!

So Christmas is right around the bend.  We have not even begun to put up any decorations whatsoever. Why? See aforementioned home improvements -- with the one room being painted, everything that room contained except the bed frame and springs has been transported to our front room.  The front room is where we usually erect the lovely Christmas tree and put out various little decorations, including one of my all time favorites, SNOWMEN!  Yes, I do love me some snowmen.  ;-)  At any rate, I know I will be glad when the room is finished up and all the contents moved back and the front room clear so we can put up our tree! THEN it will feel more like Christmas is coming again, for real!

What are your traditions surrounding the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas?  Do you typically have your tree up and decorated before Thanksgiving is through?  The day after?  The week after?  What other decorations do you love to put up, and which do you dislike (thinking of lights on the eaves, or on the roof . . . . most shudder at the thought!)?  I'd love to hear!

Thanks for stopping by.  I'm always glad someone takes an interest in my humble blog and am thankful for any and all who follow!  Have a lovely last day of November!

Thanksgiving in Light of God's Goodness

Dear Friends,

No matter what I face every year, as Thanksgiving and then Christmas draw close I become excited.  I see with eyes made new all the blessings I actually have, and with a heart full of love for God I give thanks and rejoice.  I pray this Thanksgiving finds you feeling the same way . . . . that you discover yourself surrounded by people you love and people who love you, that you know for yourself the awesome love of our Savior Jesus Christ, and that you give thanks from a heart brimming over with joy as mine is this week!  We have so  many reasons to be thankful in our home, and I'm certain it's the same at yours if you only choose to see!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear, revere, and worship You, goodness which You have wrought for those who trust and take refuge in You before the sons of men! 

Psalms 31:19 

When You Find Yourself Trespassed Against: God's Timely Word and My Broken Heart

My enemies say of me in malice, 

"When will he die and his name perish?"

When one of them comes to see me,

he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander;

then he goes out and spreads it around. 

But may you have mercy on me, Lord;

raise me up, that I may repay them.

I know that you are pleased with me,

for my enemy does not triumph over me. 

Because of my integrity you uphold me

and set me in your presence forever. 

- Psalms 41:5-6, 10-12 (Italics added by me)

Have you ever had one of those days when you felt led to read a certain passage of scripture in your morning quiet time with God, and then after reading it you thought, "Well, I don't know if that particular scripture applies for me at this moment.  But it's all inspired, Holy Word and absolutely important."  Then, before the day is even through, it hits you how astoundingly pertinent that particular passage actually is for your life?  Right now, at this moment?  

That happened to me.  Literally today.  I read Psalms 41 this morning.  Of course it brought me comfort, but I was also sitting there thinking, "Thankfully no one is acting like my enemy right now, at least not that I'm aware, outside of THE enemy of course.  Thank you Lord for being pleased with me, for helping me to have a kind heart toward the weak (that's how this chapter begins!), and for setting me in your wonderful presence forever."  

Little did I know I would find out that a person who does not even have the right to say they know me has recently spoken falsely about me.  And has actually gone out and spread it around (it's not nice at all to find out second or third-hand). 

These completely unnecessary, petty, rude, thoughtless and outright malicious actions simply baffle me.  I cannot fathom someone trespassing against another like that.  To put it simply, it breaks my heart into a million shattered pieces. 

What hurts the most is that a person would choose to be so ugly (putting it nicely) when I have done nothing wrong.  When I have done nothing to provoke or to give the impression that I am anything but enthusiastic about life, about loving others and showing that love, about living for my King, Jesus.  

And yet, I know deep down in my heart of hearts, that this world hates the light.  That the people who choose to live in darkness and not in the light of Jesus will never understand true love, true brotherhood, true harmony.  They will never attempt to refrain from speaking whatever they feel toward others, including malicious and untrue things.  They will not stop themselves from gathering slander and spreading it to others.  

Because I cannot and will not control others, I am left looking to a greater God.  And though my heart is literally broken right now, and fear is trying to pound down my door, I will look to Jesus.  I know without a shadow of a doubt that He loves me, that He will NOT allow my enemy to triumph over me, and that as I walk in integrity and in the love of Christ He will set me in his presence forever and uphold me so that I will not be taken down with all those who try to drag me down with them. 

Thank you, Lord. Thank you for Your Word and Your impeccable timing. Thank You for the protection You promise to give to Your children who seek Your face and attempt every day to live upright and in integrity, and to love our neighbors as ourselves which You said is the second greatest commandment after loving You.  Thank you, Lord. 

Chilly Weather, Election & Salted Caramel Mochas

Hello Friends and Happy Autumn!

I apologize for the long gap of silence.  It's been a very busy autumn for me this year!  I am taking full time and a half of graduate school. That alone can keep a girl tied up!  I've also been working with my husband on organizing our home and paring down.  Speaking of which, if you live in the USA and don't mind helping to pay for a small shipping fee plus whatever we'd agree upon for the cost of the dress itself, I'm trying to sell seven of my beautiful nice gowns/dresses!  So if you're interested and wear a size 8 or 10, let me know!

Anyhow, the weather is finally beginning to feel like honest-to-goodness autumn.  It's taken a while!  But the temperatures are perfect during the day, and very cool at night.  Some of the leaves are turning, although many seem to have just fallen off leaving what looks to be a very large amount of already winter-bare trees.  Perhaps it was because of the hot, dry summer we had.  I will take any fall color in the leaves, though, I love it!

I discovered a new love: Salted Caramel Mochas from Starbucks.  Yes, friends, I think I've spent just a little too much money on a few of those this season!  haha  But they were absolutely worth it!  I always was a major fan of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, till I had one this time around and had a sore throat right afterward.  No idea why. Something in it didn't like me I guess!  But the S.C. Mocha doesn't do that to me at all . . . . and I really do enjoy the flavor blend!  :-)  So if you haven't tried it, do!  Tell me what you think!

The election is nearly upon us.  Where did the time go?  In some ways I'm sure many people would say that the last 4 years could not have gone by fast enough.  I would agree in some respects.  However, on the same token, I always find myself stunned to be facing yet another presidential election because that means FOUR years have gone by!  In the blink of an eye, really!  I would encourage you to vote responsibly this election.  I realize a lot is hanging in the balance for America.  And we the people need to take our responsibility to keep America on track seriously. . . . if we do not, there may not be an America as we know it for our children or grandchildren.  Yes, that's serious I know.  But I honestly feel we have a burden to bear!

On a lighter note, anyone reading anything spectacular, thought-provoking, inspirational or just plain idiosyncratic or odd this autumn?  I'm in the middle of several books (When am I NOT in the middle of at least two at a time, ever?!? LOL) and enjoying them all for various reasons.  A couple are non-fiction, a couple are fiction.  I did finish a novel by Jodi Picoult, a favorite contemporary author of mine, in the last week or so. "House Rules."  Very interesting read!  I liked it a lot and of course was hanging off the cliff until I read the last few pages, as always!!  :)

Have a lovely autumn, everyone!  Thanksgiving is just around the corner and Christmas around the next corner after!

Today is Patriot Day

Today, September 11th, is Patriot Day.  It was signed into law by President Bush shortly after September 11th, 2001 and the awful acts of terrorism and subsequent loss that our nation faced on that fateful day.

Do I remember that day?  Yes.  Like many people who were old enough to see the live footage and understand it, I remember it all too well.  I was stunned.  Absolutely stunned.  And I grieved along with many thousands as the number of lives lost rapidly climbed higher.  Nearly 3,000 lives were lost that day, the majority of them, basically all of them, civilians.  People who should not have died -- that's what all of us left alive would likely say.  It was an awful, awful day.

There was one bright spot to me that day.  I thought of the people who were not truly alone as they faced the ultimate fear, the tragedy, the death.  I thought of those who knew that God was with them.  I also thought of those who did not know He was . . . . and yet, He was right there the whole time. Even as "strong towers," the mountains made by man crumbled and fell away and the works of man failed, He was there.  It reminded me of the verse, one of many that is such a profound and beautiful promise for the children of God, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."  Psalms 46:1  

It seems, as I prayed for all of those personally facing such a horrific scenario, that I was also reminded that there is no place that one of God's children can go that He is not there with them.  The scripture that always comes to mind for proof of this amazing fact is from one of my favorite chapters in the entire Bible, Psalms 139. "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; If I make my bed in the depths, you are there....If I say "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you."  Psalms 139:7,8,11

September 11th, 2001 was a dark day in every respect.  And yet, even in the midst of the schemes of darkened hearts being carried out in one of the most awful days in our nation's history, God remained the Light.  God was there through it all, for no one, not a single soul, can flee from His presence.  This knowledge helped me to feel at peace for all those whose lives were not lost in the eternal sense -- for all who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:21)  Thank God for that, and for the peace it brings.

Remembering 9/11 with all who still remember.....with all who lost.....and in honor of all who perished.

All about 'cha

Having been tagged by my dear blogging friend, Kirsteen who lives across the world from me but still seems like such a good friend (kindred spirits as Anne of Green Gables might say, perhaps?), I have a fun little "about me" post to make today! Thanks, Kirsteen!  See the end of my post for a couple of folks I'm tagging! You could be one of them!  :)

1) Blueberries or cherries?

Honestly, I love both when they are fresh.  And I don't mind cherry pits, I just chew carefully! I also love, love, love some good raspberries, but as Kirsteen said, those aren't mentioned here! :) 

2) Vanilla or chocolate?

While I can definitely appreciate both and each has their rightful place, I am a chocolate lover. Especially a good, not too bitter dark chocolate! YUM!

3) What is your favorite song?

I am a musician and as such I think it makes it extra difficult to pick out just one favorite song!  If I had to choose a favorite from each genre, I could probably manage a little better.  :)

4) What is your favorite activity?

Varies a bit with my mood and a lot with how much "extra" time I have at my disposal. But overall, my favorite is definitely reading a good book!

5) Have you ever left your country?

Actually, no! That is something I'd like to do at least once in my life, though, as I long to "see the world!"  It's on my bucket list (see one of the last questions! LOL)!

6) What is on the floor of your closet right now?

Well, much less than before I just had a huge cleaning spree!  I organized it, so I'd have to say the only things on the floor are shoes (and not even all of my shoes), some stationery boxes and my exercise accessories I do believe!  Yea for me!! haha  ;-)

7) What did you do last night? 

I finished cooking for supper (made a slow cooker recipe that required cooking noodles on the side), ate supper with my husband, made some photocopies that we needed, watched a movie with my husband and then checked my emails and such!  Then I slept!

8) What are you most afraid of?

I honestly do my best to battle any fears that come my way, as my Lord tells me to not fear as He is with me.  But when I do fear, it would probably be the fear of not being remembered when I'm gone, or of not being important to at least one person in this world. Thankfully, I feel I'm important to my husband, at least! So that helps me, too.

9) If you had the option, would you choose a fun drink or an edible snack?

The answer to this also depends on my mood and my hunger levels! If I'm hungry, I need the snack! If I'm not, I'd probably choose a fun drink such as a coffee drink!

10) What is your favorite day of the week?

Saturdays usually.  Mostly because as long as we don't have anything planned for that day, we are able to have a bit of a laid-back day in which we can spend time together, the hubs and me, and do what we want including relaxing.  That's nice!

11) What is your favorite breed of dog? 

I am a dog lover. I admit!  So right now, my favorite would probably be the type I have, Australian Cattle Dogs! They are gorgeous! And smart. And cute. LOL  But I also love the type of dog I used to own, a cross between an Australian Shepherd and Border Collie, both very intelligent breeds as well as lovely to look upon!

12) What is your favorite genre of literature?

Oh wow, I have eclectic tastes. But if I had to narrow it down, I suppose the general overall genre is fiction.  I like historical fiction, most Christian fiction, suspenseful and poignant fiction, etc.

13) Diamonds or pearls?

They both have their place, I'm a woman, I love jewelry! haha  But I guess if I had to choose, it would typically be pearls. They can be quite beautiful and I love how they come in different shades, not just white or cream, but that beautiful charcoal shade or the copper shade.  It's fascinating!

14) What is your favorite type of flower?

Also a very hard decision to make, as I love flowers in general!  But for a garden flower, pansies typically win.  And for cut flowers, I appreciate alstroemerias, also known as Persian Lilies.  And I love roses that have a sweet scent, but many that are cut do not compared to those grown in a garden! So I love garden roses and old-fashioned roses that have retained their wonderful aroma!  :)

15) What is one item on your bucket list?

To see the world! I love to travel and want to do it for the rest of my life!

Okay, that was fun! I'm tagging Heather from Mrs Southern Bride, Evelien from A Glimpse of Me, Rachelle from Inspiring Daring, and Carissa from lowercase letters!   Ready, set, go girls!