Pumpkins

Having faith is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch and washes all the dirt off. He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate and greed. He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

Disclaimer: I've had this clip art on my computer for a long time. I have to idea where it came from. If it's yours, let me know and I will be happy to give credit!

Kindle for PC - Free!

Just in case, you haven't heard:

Amazon now offers a Kindle app for PCs - and it's free!  Which means that you can now download all the free Kindle books onto your computer.

Free books and no expensive equipment to buy. A truly great combination.

The Perfect Blend by Trish Perry

To elope with Rick Manfred seemed like such a good idea that Steph Vandergrift went against all the wishes of her parents and friends and left her home behind to marry him. However, on the day of her wedding, Steph finds herself in Middleburg without a groom. Rick's sudden disappearance is devastating, but when Milly Jewell brings Steph into her tea shop, Steph finds the hope to survive for the day. The last thing Steph wants to do is return to her parents and she decides to spend a few days at the Fox and Hounds Inn. Through a series of events, she meets Christie, Liz and the handsome Kendall James. Steph knows she's not ready for another relationship, but she can not deny that Kendall James is a great friend. When Rick shows back up in Steph's life, she is forced to choose between the two men. But is her choice really about who she loves or is it about her need for acceptance?

The Perfect Blend far exceeded the expectations that I had for it. It had me laughing out loud several times and I finished the book within 24 hours of starting it. The characters are extremely enjoyable though I am not sure there is any man out there as perfect as Kendall James. I am usually a stickler for authenticity in books and I had to question whether it would really be possible to fall in love with a person so quickly after being jilted by another. However, I am more than happy to suspend this question in lieu of enjoying the story for what it is: fiction. If you are looking for a light, humorous, sweet romance, this book is for you!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Woman of Means by Thom Lemmons

Physical exercise is at first a hobby and then a reprieve for Lydia as she grows older. Her will to run reflects the tenacious heart inside her that longs for something more. Leaving her family behind is difficult for Lydia, but hope for the future propels her on. It is that abiding hope and tenacious spirit that will lead her to God.

The reader of this story has a unique perspective as the narrative starts at the end of Lydia's life and the reader learns about Lydia's past as her life is concluding. The book seems to be Biblically accurate. Though Lydia is mentioned in the Bible and a few facts are given about her, the majority of her life story remains obscure. That's where the fiction portion comes in.

Unfortunately, for some reason, I found this book to be depressing. I am not sure if it is because Lydia is literally dying from the beginning of the book until the end or if it is something else. Though the plot of the book moved a little slow for my liking, the conclusion was pretty good. I did enjoy the very unique character of Xerxes. However, because of the depressing nature of the book, I have to recommend renting this book from the library before buying.

Today's Quote

"The most difficult thing I have ever had to do is follow the guidance I prayed for."

- Albert Schweitzer

Sammy and His Shepherd: Seeing Jesus in Psalm 23

Sammy is a young sheep who loves his shepherd and is loved in return. When he encounters a lonely sheep outside of his flock who has no name and a careless shepherd, Sammy befriends her. Sammy's new friend is eventually purchased from her careless shepherd by Sammy's watchful shepherd and named Precious. Sammy and Precious follow their shepherd to the high places and learn life lessons as they go. Ultimately, Precious comes to learn that she can trust her shepherd because his love is never-ending.

The story of Sammy and His Shepherd parallels Psalm 23 of the Bible. Psalm 23 is perhaps one of the most well-known chapters of the Bible and it is certainly worth teaching to children. Each chapter of Precious and Sammy's story is titled with a phrase from the Psalm and deals with the theme of that phrase. There is a “Talk About It” section at the end of the book which can help the parent and child delve deeper into each theme presented. This section includes additional Bible verses, questions to talk about and suggestions of things to do. This practical application section reinforces the simple, truthful teachings set forth in the story.

The illustrations in this book were beautiful. However, I wished there had been more of them. There was basically one illustrated page per chapter. At times this allowed for there to be two pages that were just straight text. Other than that, it is a great childrens book that has the potential to teach Biblical lessons and encourage parent-child devotional time. I recommend this book for children ages 4 to 9.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Reformation Trust Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."