tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446088860445633652024-03-05T00:37:46.233-08:00Hearth for Home & SpiritAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-65805437241535257772017-01-24T18:11:00.001-08:002017-01-24T18:20:37.136-08:00Queen of the Tearling - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiUc4T3rJLmcbcXhkUrh7XKuArbMj0kIfM0KN0DrR5KxYKnknOajNUQQrltYooULuThrLLwYjHk5cQ9cXZsoCgXHDi0KICH3yOHcODTcJFfrNuR24NgyD1QGP_s-FQSs7kd5OS3AJb138/s1600/queen+tearling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiUc4T3rJLmcbcXhkUrh7XKuArbMj0kIfM0KN0DrR5KxYKnknOajNUQQrltYooULuThrLLwYjHk5cQ9cXZsoCgXHDi0KICH3yOHcODTcJFfrNuR24NgyD1QGP_s-FQSs7kd5OS3AJb138/s400/queen+tearling.jpg" width="263" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I picked this book out from our local library because I needed to read a "400 page or more book" from my <a href="http://www.challies.com/resources/the-2017-christian-reading-challenge" target="_blank">book list</a>. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I took a look at some of the things some critics were saying and decided to give it a try. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The book takes place in the very distant future, but time seems to have reversed and gone medieval. Not because of time travel, but more because I believe something awful happened that set humanity back into the dark ages. The book mentions something called "The Crossing" that I am somewhat curious to know what happened. The garb the characters wear involves armor, crowns and head pieces; and there are also swords, horse travel, and primitive homes. There does seem to be some form of technology still around, but it is very rare. There is an evil Red Queen that rules her kingdom and other surrounding kingdoms with terror with the help of the "dark thing". That's another angle the book has, there is a mixture of magic and human sacrifice in the book. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are some very evil characters, and a lot of human depravity in the book. The Queen of the Tearling is a young woman (Kelsea) that was raised by foster parents that trained her to become the next queen of a kingdom called Tearling. Kelsea's mother was not a very good queen and left it to her brother as regent until Kelsea came of age. Both Kelsea's mother and the regent did a horrible job as rulers allowing their people to be sold as slaves to the Red Queen through a lottery in order to keep her from attacking. Kelsea does her best to cement her rule with the help of a really likeable guard named Lazarus aka The Mace and the magic of her sapphire necklaces. She is destined to become a queen of legend. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>To the Christian</b>: I don't usually read these kinds of books, but regardless it was still a well written book. The author does well in developing her characters, and the plot is okay. I really don't like how the author represents the church - which she makes out to look very Catholic, and that somehow has returned to pre-Reformation days. Either the book is fantasy or it is not. There is a lot of magic in the book which I don't mind, but placing it in a dystopian-post American-era and then adding on top of that the Catholic church really didn't jive with me. Kelsea is an adamant atheist, the Church is obviously one of the bad guys, and the Bible is another religious book that only has good advice in it. I usually wouldn't mind reading some things like this if I am reading historical fiction set in the Renaissance, but in a sci-fi/fantasy book, come on! I get it, you hate religion - specifically the Christian religion. There is profanity and the violence and gore is descriptive. The Red Queen is an awful and evil woman and she sacrifices children to a dark force known as the "dark thing". There are several sexual references that are demeaning and shameful. If this was a movie, it would be rated R. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This book is the first book of a trilogy, but at this point I am not sure if I am that interested in reading what happens next. According to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2983180/" target="_blank">IMDB</a> this book is in development in becoming a movie starring Emma Watson as Kelsea and as executive produce. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I really can't recommend this book. But if you like science fiction, dystopian or fantasy books with very strong female roles you may like it. I wouldn't like any of my teenagers reading this book. </span></span></span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-35010702582269085532017-01-23T12:54:00.001-08:002017-01-23T12:55:14.360-08:00Isabella Warrior Queen - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEjqU0_BNredLuETmFHf5MedBWVZp6NdpooLsk_SiGKSfxHN0-XOAK9rm0kj0h8O_Yyf4QeClWsH97F3xnnVscvy_sBqVv3nQn-mbgGnxrprndqQ-GFYBBeQvOqixcY3fRdS3rAtM6v2q/s1600/Isabella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEjqU0_BNredLuETmFHf5MedBWVZp6NdpooLsk_SiGKSfxHN0-XOAK9rm0kj0h8O_Yyf4QeClWsH97F3xnnVscvy_sBqVv3nQn-mbgGnxrprndqQ-GFYBBeQvOqixcY3fRdS3rAtM6v2q/s640/Isabella.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For the past two years I have printed out <a href="http://www.challies.com/resources/the-2017-christian-reading-challenge" target="_blank">Tim Challies "Reading Challenge Book List</a>". Last year I read a total of 17 books off that list and it was so much fun trying to find "new" books I wouldn't normally read. This year, so far, has not let me down!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The first option on the reading list is to read a biography. So I chose a book on Queen Isabella of Spain. I had never read on her and the few things I did know about her were indirectly because I am an absolute fan on all things relating to Henry VIII's wives. (Queen Isabella's last daughter was Katherine of Aragon and she became King Henry VIII's first wife.) </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The book "Isabella The Warrior Queen" covered everything about her and it also provided mini-biographies on other major people influenced by her like Christopher Columbus, Mehmed the Conqueror, Pope Alexander VI, Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba, Henry VII of England and other very interesting people. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />The author - Kirstin Downey - did a very great job in providing first hand account information on both sides of history. The war accounts given in the book are bloody. The slavery, kidnappings, rape, torture, disease and outright hopelessness mentioned in this book really gave me a sense of gratitude that I live in the day in age I do. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Spanish Inquisition is covered extensively, but new insights of how many actually died in it were given. And some of Isabella's thoughts on leniency in this matter are evident in her letters to her Inquisitors. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is also a rather big section on the degeneration of the Catholic church. She boldly reprimanded Pope Alexander VI for his lascivious behavior and simony. She even imprisoned his son Cesare (yes, they are supposed to be celibate) for murder. Another large section on Christopher Columbus and the Americas was also surprising. She expected both these men to represent Christ (especially the pope!!) where they were at and she did not shy away from pointing out their many faults in their representation - always reminding them where their money came from. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was also very surprised by how well Isabella knew war and strategy. Even when her husband Ferdinand didn't think she could win, she proved him wrong several times. It was with her campaigning and insight that Spain was able to stop the Muslim expansion into her kingdom and because of her that they conquered even more ground. She truly was a warrior queen! It is even believed that the queen piece in chess was given more "power" in the game due to Isabella's prowess in war. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">She loved her husband passionately and her children also. But she did not let that love hinder her from making sound decisions on all aspects regarding her kingdom. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />I also couldn't stand King Ferdinand throughout the book. On Isabella's death bed, Isabella begged Ferdinand not to marry after she was gone so as not to jeopardize the inheritance of their children and grand-children destabilizing all they had worked for. Ferdinand promised her he wouldn't, but less than a year later, he was married again. Throughout the book he is a conniving man that really got on my nerves. Ferdinand died several years later due to a bad concoction of bull testicle juice that supposedly would help his vigor in producing a male heir. Very fitting I thought. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is so much more to her in this book that makes for a great soap opera and what is amazing is that it is true! She really existed! She really was a fascinating woman in a time when the only fascinating thing about women was their beauty. She was a great debater and protector of women and children. She was a learner, a warrior and a reader and she loved her God. The faults she did have, the whole world can judge for themselves on her motives. Regardless, I do not believe it takes away from what she accomplished. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>To the Christian</b>: This year marks the 500 year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. I was very pleased to read in this book that Isabella was reading material that Martin Luther read as a young man and that influenced him later to nail his 95 thesis. She defended men who called out the outright debauchery of the Catholic church. I wondered a lot about where she would have stood during the times of the Reformation due to other opinions she had about the way the Church was going. This book also gives us plenty of history of what was going on in the church and I shudder at what many did in the name of Christ. But there were glimpses of light still there during such a dark time. Some things to ask ourselves is how do we twist Scripture to enhance our fleshly agenda? How and when do we call out behavior that paints the Church or Christ in a bad light? How best can we exemplify Jesus in a world that is so divided and dark? With many flaws, Isabella did it in a way she thought best, having effects that still impact us today. For example, I speak Spanish and most of my family is Catholic even though we live thousands of miles away from her kingdom and it is because of her. What we do as Christians can also impact generations from now. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">May all we do bring glory to God. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-51123616867999747352017-01-10T09:36:00.000-08:002017-01-10T09:36:08.680-08:00Gorditas de Azucar - Sugary Fat Ladies <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Gorditas" in Spanish means "little fat ladies" and "azucar" means "sugar", so basically the name for these "cookies" is sugary little fat ladies. I had never made them before but they were a great after school snack for my crew yesterday and the husband finished them off. So total time they lasted was about 3 hours. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They are not too sweet and they are less chewy than a typical American cookie (making them perfect for dunking in hot chocolate!) These cookies are not baked in the oven but grilled on a skillet. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Some patience is required in grilling them because the skillet does need to be set to low. Any higher and you risk burning the cookie and having a raw middle. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLm0WTfmO7hhca-iLzKlc1J2-QssT2wQupIIBBCca7C2NGeKMlRiei28m3NltRfAMrZ80Mlzxw5Z0OOEPt0avajapI8LTzEg0Bm0OnBxU2HR2pIEYulia2dqyBqFe8OdcG8TeSm7kfXtK/s1600/Gorditas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLm0WTfmO7hhca-iLzKlc1J2-QssT2wQupIIBBCca7C2NGeKMlRiei28m3NltRfAMrZ80Mlzxw5Z0OOEPt0avajapI8LTzEg0Bm0OnBxU2HR2pIEYulia2dqyBqFe8OdcG8TeSm7kfXtK/s400/Gorditas.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is the recipe: (Makes about 15 medium sized cookies)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">INGREDIENTS: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 Cups of flour</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/2 Tablespoon of Baking Powder</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/8 teaspoon of salt </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/4 Cup of butter (softened)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/4 Cup of whipping cream</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/2 Cup of sugar</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 Egg at room temperature (I ran mine under warm water for a couple of minutes because I had forgotten to take it out)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 teaspoon of vanilla</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">DIRECTIONS: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* In a medium bowl sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together. Set aside</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* In a large bowl mix the butter and whipping cream for 2 minutes with a whisk. Then mix in the rest of the ingredients. You should have a smooth batter.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* Slowly add the flour mixture to your batter and mix with a spatula. Once it starts forming a soft dough use your hands to knead. The dough should be soft, if it is too hard, add some more whipping cream. If it is too soft add some more flour. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* Place your dough in a bowl and cover with some clear wrap. Let it "rest" for 30 minutes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* Once you are ready to grill the cookies. Set your skillet on low. Take a spoonful of the dough, make it into a little ball and flatten using your hands. Then place it on the skillet. You can make these as wide as you like, but make sure the thickness is about half an inch. If you make them too thick you risk having a raw middle. Flip once you see the bottom of the cookie begin to cook. Constantly flip until the outer edges are no longer doughy. (These cookies will rise as they are heated.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">*Wrap them in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-47087600675921062422016-12-29T07:40:00.001-08:002016-12-29T07:43:39.581-08:00Sing - Movie Review<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCZlsDH98eniZXk9MPSUTZjkWa6alA-kZzaM_Pupl8qLI-e7N4Mwf3DDvdzJBZPQ9SaYbN7AF3P_hYyZcW5HWjtEKWIHeCayJw_EtbyQaefyOUDnpTM7JsmoZO18BD7PyXtVGraxQ92On/s1600/sing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCZlsDH98eniZXk9MPSUTZjkWa6alA-kZzaM_Pupl8qLI-e7N4Mwf3DDvdzJBZPQ9SaYbN7AF3P_hYyZcW5HWjtEKWIHeCayJw_EtbyQaefyOUDnpTM7JsmoZO18BD7PyXtVGraxQ92On/s320/sing.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This animation is about an entertainment business koala who is about to have his theater foreclosed on. In a desperate attempt to keep his theater, he promotes a singing contest, but things are not what they seem. Also, in the storyline, we get to see into the lives of several contestants and their various plights, and most of us could identify with at least one of them. I, personally, identified quiet a bit with Rosita the pig. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What a fun movie! I saw this with my 8 year old daughter and we both just loved it! There was even a time when I had to force myself to stop laughing because I thought I was starting to annoy people - if you go see it, it's the Koala car wash scene towards the end. Oh my! I'm chuckling here thinking about it!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />The plot wasn't as predictable as I thought it would be so that made it even a better movie. And the music is fantastic. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you like reality shows like the Voice or American Idol you will really enjoy this movie. All the contestants have extraordinary voices. Meena - the elephant, all I can say is just "wow". I read that there are about 85 different songs in the movie, so the kids will be entertained. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here is a pretty funky "Sing" original by Stevie Wonder and Ariana Grande:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> To the Christian</b>: This movie is a great movie to watch with the kids and will not be a hardship to watch for parents like other animations can be. All the songs are secular. Except if you want to count "Hallelujah" as a non-secular song. (K-love might. Don't get mad, you know it's true!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A great topic to talk about with your kids is what common grace is. God has given all a common grace and one of those common graces is the ability to sing beautifully. Most singers are not saved, but can still produce beautiful music that can point us to a Creator. "How does God use music and other forms of art to reveal His beauty?" and "How can the world use it to influence us negatively?" are both good questions to ask your kids after watching this movie. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is nothing that really stood out to me as being inappropriate in the movie. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-15032827478708787562016-12-19T16:44:00.000-08:002016-12-19T16:44:43.976-08:00Star Wars - Movie Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don't worry, no spoilers!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My husband introduced me to the Star Wars movies, and I have been a fan ever since. My favorite character being Chewbacca. I just love him! Deep down inside, I think Chewy would understand me. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, a couple of days ago, we saw the new Star Wars movie, Rogue One. And although the movie did start off a bit slow and was a little confusing because of the lack of introduction, we soon figured out what was going on. To help you out if you haven't seen it, the movie ties part 3 - Revenge of the Sith and part 4 - A New Hope together. If I would have known that going into the movie, it would have helped me a lot to understand what was going on.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was a little disappointed that they didn't start the movie with the usual music score that will be forever famous in American culture. And like I said before, there was no traditional written introduction that helped us understand what was going on as the movie opened. I felt lost for about 20 minutes trying to figure out where exactly the movie was in regards to the series. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The director does do a great job in bringing back that Star Wars feel the older movies have. The CG is awesome, but it still feels "old", but not in a bad way at all. It's nostalgic and the director does a superb job in reproducing that, especially in the garb of all the characters. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The end of the movie was spectacular and reminds us that the hope that was given to the Rebellion in The New Hope - Star Wars IV, did come with a tragic cost. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I recommend this movie to the star wars fan. You will love how everything ties together! It is not a good movie to start with if you would like to begin watching Star Wars movies.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To the Christian: The movie is great and clean! It also contains a good message of sacrifice and selflessness that you could talk about with your kids afterwards - if you decide to take them. As 21st century Christians we too are standing on the shoulders of many who sacrificed a lot for Christianity. A good subject to talk about would be how we got our Bible in English. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I took my 8 year old daughter and she did mention that it wasn't as exciting as Star Wars 7 - The Force Awakens.</span></span> </span></span><br />
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-64909621631413461692016-12-09T09:23:00.002-08:002016-12-09T09:24:27.975-08:00Pilgrim's Progress - Take 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWDwW_YlAVyblRTEe1rWbkmFRWqVycsY5V5u-uWe1JoJebVzGcVh8HoqbKBIJScjTZNkcMUnyhEGASecKScYr66HpLdLa_joQ3qyPfYFeX29nErqHGxejy2pbroqowf8cx6HXrcs8WEPM/s1600/Pilgrim%2527s+Progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWDwW_YlAVyblRTEe1rWbkmFRWqVycsY5V5u-uWe1JoJebVzGcVh8HoqbKBIJScjTZNkcMUnyhEGASecKScYr66HpLdLa_joQ3qyPfYFeX29nErqHGxejy2pbroqowf8cx6HXrcs8WEPM/s320/Pilgrim%2527s+Progress.jpg" width="267" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Last Sunday, my pastor gave us a brief biography on John Bunyan. What a beautiful life! Obviously, he also spoke about John Bunyan's famous book, <i>Pilgrim's Progress. </i>I vaguely remember a very poorly drawn cartoon I saw as a child about this book. Regardless, I decided to check the book out and read it to my daughter. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There were two books to choose from at our local library and I picked the one with the prettier cover. (YES! I broke the first cardinal rule of book worms! Stop judging, you've done it too!) Although the illustrations were great, this particular book (published by <a href="http://www.christianfocus.com/item/show/920/-">Christian Focus</a>) was in its original text, and I had all kinds of trouble reading it out loud to my daughter. So as I read, I "translated" it to a more modern English, but that got a little frustrating. Also, there were asterisks almost on every page about odd sentence structure and word usage and where I could go in the book for an explanation of what the heck I just read!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Needless to say, we didn't finish the book. The story - regardless of my choppy reading - was interesting to my daughter though, so I still think it will be a great book to read to her. I will just get a version that uses a more modern English. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I do not recommend this specific translation of the book, unless you are studying the English language or want to expand your knowledge of the language. It was a tough read, even for me. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">This is something Charles Spurgeon had to say about the book: </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">"Next to the Bible, the book I value most is John Bunyan’s <i>Pilgrim’s Progress</i>.
I believe I have read it through at least a hundred times. It is a
volume of which I never seem to tire; and the secret of its freshness is
that it is so largely compiled from the Scriptures."</span></span></span></span><br />
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-30797191748010770302016-12-06T09:37:00.002-08:002017-01-23T12:55:34.891-08:00The Alchemist - Book Review<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtKYHQ5f0Z5wpIGU-oRMKZa3Rf_z0DWlnNt67eN9y6N2dndDWLjErXCp7s90DGeux_OFJCM7iwH5QCkKwPuF9-LHJY09mL1wIoGI7H6rleqz7wB8FNO0Qtqg992YPandrAAErdYUwRaUz/s1600/alchemist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtKYHQ5f0Z5wpIGU-oRMKZa3Rf_z0DWlnNt67eN9y6N2dndDWLjErXCp7s90DGeux_OFJCM7iwH5QCkKwPuF9-LHJY09mL1wIoGI7H6rleqz7wB8FNO0Qtqg992YPandrAAErdYUwRaUz/s1600/alchemist.jpg" /></a>If you are looking for a good book on audio, then this is a great book! I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it! I had never read a Paulo Coelho book, but had heard of him. This book came as a recommendation from some of my family members, and I am so grateful to them for it. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The book is about a young man who is looking for his treasure and his personal legend. Throughout the book the reader is unaware if the treasure is actual gold and jewels or if it's a person or if it's some form of knowledge. The young man sets off to find this treasure and meets several very interesting characters along the way. The story is set in southern Spain and North Africa and there is a lot that I learned from that part of the world in regards to their culture and customs. The book also provides a bit of magic in the book that is just enough to make for a great story. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;">The book is easy to understand and at the same time it is very deep and profound philosophically. There are a lot of life lessons and positive perspectives that could be learned from this book. The boy in the book is a natural optimist and that was very attractive to me. He learned a lot on his travels and we learn with him as he journeys to find his treasure. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Recommendations:</b> I recommend this book to the wanderer or traveler at heart, to the person who loves stories about wonder and adventure, and to those who may want something easy and fun to read. I also recommend it to anyone who has an unfulfilled dream that they may still aspire to accomplish one day. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>To the Christian:</b> The book is clean and at its center it reveals a God in control of His creation. Knowing the history of southern Spain and northern Africa, you would assume that there is a lot of mention of the Muslim faith, and there is. There is even mention of some Hebrew practices. I had a slight problem with God and Allah being interchangeable in this book, but I took all this very lightly due to the magical and fantastical subjects found in the book. For example, one of the characters found a way to change any metal into gold; and the sun and wind can literally speak. There is also transfiguration and immortality is attainable. So I didn't take his interpretation of God too seriously. The alchemist in the book does cite Jesus' words several times as words of wisdom, and unlike a devout Muslim, he even mentions Jesus as the Son of God. There are also dreams and visions that are important within this book and the author references back to Joseph the son of Jacob and his ability to interpret those dreams and visions. My only caution would be that Mr. Coelho does have a universalist leaning, but again, to me that wasn't a problem due to the fantastical prose of the book. There are some beautiful things written about God. If you have a young reader this would be a good book for them to read. You could discuss with them later about who God truly is and what God's Word has to say about man and the nature of his heart. Mr. Coelho believes that God can be found if we look within ourselves. I would argue that we, ourselves, are found if we look within God. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can get the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho/dp/0062315005/ref=dp_ob_title_bk">here.</a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-19117937987918129572016-12-02T15:52:00.001-08:002016-12-02T15:55:50.310-08:00Collision - Poem <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Collision </span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the womb of a virgin girl, the spirit and the flesh
collide</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Never before has this kind of contact opened so wide</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The understanding that God is now also man and abides</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">With His creation that can now see Him and not hide</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now He is born and the mystery is revealed </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That God has shown himself and has sealed</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The eternal promise to save and to heal</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">His betrothed from the grasp of the one who kills and steals.
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And when He died and rose for his bride to save her from
her sin</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We experience something that has never been.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The sinner is sinless and the wrongdoer does right</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The deaf can hear Him and the blind have sight;</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But not the sight of physical things, but of the
spiritual</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We worship, learn and love without monotonous ritual</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For now, it is ingrained, it is part of our nature within</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To seek out the holy, and purge out our sin. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This cannot be, this could not have existed</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Without God who sought out and persisted</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To live a life completely obedient to every single law</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even unto death
without blemish and without flaw </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So now my eyes see, but they see so much more</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Because they look to a Creator who never before</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Had taken on flesh to give me his Spirit</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That now even my ears can hear it.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Can hear, the Spirit, the Spirit of God</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I worship with the angels and my brothers here and
abroad.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I hear His Words spoken from words written long ago,</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I cannot help but to kneel and just be smitten now that I
know.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now that I know who He is and what He did and continues
to do</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is no lie in Him, He is forever true.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And I cannot wait to join Him or see Him return</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To go home and no longer yearn, </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For something better, something more than this life I
live</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Something this world can never provide and never give</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It sometimes makes me sick at the things I seek for
pleasure</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Knowing full well I am His and He is my treasure</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So though there is beauty and joy for me here</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I want to be with You and no longer fear</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of what may come or may not come my way</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In, you and you only I want to stay.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So help me remember the reason why you left your home </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Help me remember you left it, to make one for me and I’m
not alone</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, as I use my heart, soul and mind to get closer and
closer to you</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Knowing that no matter my circumstance you will see me
through</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I am never alone, you are with me always</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let me share this knowledge through all the highways and byways</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoying what you have provided and not getting lost in
the mundane</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not worried if all those around me think I’ve lost it or
insane.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And when the world disappoints me, like it always tends
to do,</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let me remember it was I, it was I, who forgot You</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let the things of this world grow more and more dim</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I focus on what is eternal, as I focus on Him. </span></span></span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-79128169489233184782016-11-28T16:56:00.001-08:002016-11-28T16:56:30.981-08:00Fantastic Beasts - Movie Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbKezR-wTMTYEVEPXMQUxXG0uXgr-ZTfqcrbbsYWDtBm6vk3q6QnqLO3wW-jjZOthUOTOGaK05ATOauJmN_fg-MD-H9lhz_Qsi-MmFCZ3JZGpFz-5YdH4lQiST6W4sTZW1vmJdPv_r7Rn/s1600/Fantastic-Beasts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbKezR-wTMTYEVEPXMQUxXG0uXgr-ZTfqcrbbsYWDtBm6vk3q6QnqLO3wW-jjZOthUOTOGaK05ATOauJmN_fg-MD-H9lhz_Qsi-MmFCZ3JZGpFz-5YdH4lQiST6W4sTZW1vmJdPv_r7Rn/s400/Fantastic-Beasts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I first picked up a Harry Potter book when I was a married woman and already had my first kid. I didn't grow up with these books like many others have, and I am kinda sad for that. Either way, I learned of Harry Potter when The Goblet of Fire was playing on a friend's TV while we chatted. The kids had finished watching the movie and the DVD was on the menu screen and the little shrunken human heads hanging from the bus driver's window kept warning the watcher to "mind ya head" in his little Caribbean accent. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Once I began reading Harry Potter, I read all the books one right after the other and watched and anxiously waited for the movies to come out. My family loves Harry Potter!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This year I also read the screen play "The Cursed Child", a sequel to the Harry Potter anthology. It was a great book and now as I write, I am wondering why I didn't write a review on it. Hmm, that's odd. But I totally recommend it to the Harry Potter fan. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyway . . . </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I say all this because I watched the Harry Potter movies with a lot of knowledge of the characters, their magical world, and the jargon used that I got from the books. Harry, Ron and Harmoine were already known to me because I had spent long moments getting to know them in the book series, so when the movie came along, it was "nice to meet you again". And of course! the books were far better than the movies, but the movies were also fun to watch, and frankly still are for me. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">With "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them", I didn't know the characters before hand so I felt a little lost during some of the movie, and I don't believe the director did a good job in developing the characters as we journeyed throughout the escapade of finding the "little" beasts that escaped from Mr. Scamander's well-traveled luggage/portal. I really like Eddie Redmayne (Newt) as an actor, but I had trouble understanding him in some instances. I am guessing his character is to be shy, but I had trouble hearing him (maybe it was the movie theater). I also felt that a lot of the movie was not in the magical world, so the magic that <i>was</i> done, felt awkward and so did the underground gangster goblins . We learned about the magic world with Harry, and I wanted to learn along with Newt Scamander and get to know him. I wanted to know more of the history of the beasts, but I was left wanting. I wanted to know more. More!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And there does seem to be more that is coming. Besides checking out <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1519666/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t1" target="_blank">IMDb</a> - which does provide information of a second Fantastic Beasts coming in 2018. The movie did hint at a continuation of the series by showing us a bit of a relationship-gone-wrong between Newt and a "Leta Lestrange". According to IMDb, Leta is played by Zoe Kravitz, and I doubt they're going to cast someone like her, just to then not use her in the second movie. And I know it is not the end of Grindelwald, why use Johnny Depp for 15 seconds and not use him some more in the second movie. So, I am hoping that the second Fantastic Beasts will tell us more about all these characters and give us some more background and depth to them. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The beasts where great. I really loved the little shiny-loving platypus (I forget what they are called). He was so funny and cute. And the blue, feathered snakes that filled in the spaces and the four winged griffin were beautiful. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The evil manifested and known as an Obscurial was also a very interesting take on the wicked characters Ms. Rowling is so good at conjuring. It is also a sad character due to the self-hatred one must endure in order to even produce an obscurial. An Obscurial is a dark phenomenon created by an abuse on one's magical ability. The witch/wizard suppresses their unwanted magic so much that the obscurial they create can actually kill him/her. I will not say more on this as to not spoil the movie. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I recently found a <a href="http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page" target="_blank">Harry Potter wiki page</a> that helped a lot in regards to knowing the characters better. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I recommend this movie to the Harry Potter fan and to those who like magic and fantasy movies. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">To the Christian: I was afraid when I saw "The New Salem Philanthropic Society" that they were going to really lay it on thick on Christians, but thankfully they didn't. Although, maybe the name is enough to oust us as jerks. There was also a subtle tinge of maybe the obscurial could be someone suppressing"who they are" (i.e. their gender) and <i>that</i> having an adverse affect by producing an obscurial. All of this plus the abuse given by the head mistress of the New Salem Philanthropic Society created the darkest obscurial ever known. So tying these things together, one could draw a conclusion to the church's abuse on those "different" from them. But, I really didn't take too much out of it. Maybe later we will know more from J.K. Rowling what exactly she was trying to express - like finding out way later on that Dumbledore was gay. Other than that, there are no bad words or anything too frightening. </span></span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-79163163911530950162016-11-25T09:29:00.002-08:002016-11-25T09:33:28.939-08:00Moana - Movie Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpaxO-7HWjF5j0lI_WCNjeobopMDPQ9G_xT-KSBm6Is6rLKTTXynQe5LWMiMEhN3nn2lS47WLaqQygxF97Buc3kUeGuGLWViZITnIqWta-JDEDxve99qSkBAj04k20gUJqIm1eo2XXHa5/s1600/Moana.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpaxO-7HWjF5j0lI_WCNjeobopMDPQ9G_xT-KSBm6Is6rLKTTXynQe5LWMiMEhN3nn2lS47WLaqQygxF97Buc3kUeGuGLWViZITnIqWta-JDEDxve99qSkBAj04k20gUJqIm1eo2XXHa5/s320/Moana.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I didn't really want to see Moana, but I have an 8 year old daughter who has been wanting to see it for about 2 months now. She even marked the calendar, so there was no hoping she would forget. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Moana is the newest Disney princess. It is a story of a young woman who will soon be chief of her tribe. But she is drawn to the ocean and was chosen by the ocean to return the heart of Tafiti that was taken by the demigod Maui. Maui is a narcissist anti-hero who thinks only about getting back his fishhook, and predictably he ends up being a good guy in the end. It is his fault that the islands surrounding Moana's are dying. We find out through Moana's grandmother that Moana needs to have Maui (who has been exiled to a deserted island for 1000 years) return the heart to Tafiti, but in order to get there, they must journey through very dangerous territory. Their last foe is the most scary and the CG on the volcanic Te Ka is outstanding. There is a twist at the end story when Te Ka is defeated that I didn't expect and that I won't share in order not to spoil the movie. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This movie was not stirring at all. The plot was bland and the "villains" didn't really personify evil or hate like other Disney villains have so perfectly done before. Also, it really frustrates me the lack of strong male roles these princess movies have been producing. I get it that she's independent. I get it that the only wisdom in the movie comes from a grandma. I get it that her father is irrational and risks starving his people. I get it that Moana's mother and not her father encourages her to "seek out her heart". I get it that the other leading character Maui is a self-absorbed demigod male. And the ending (which I won't spoil, but I want to) just confirms my thoughts: men aren't needed and just ruin everything. No clear line between good and evil. No love between male and female partnership. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the end, my daughter and her friends loved the movie. The chicken and the little pig were pretty funny. And the animation was great. I can't get over how real their hair looks. The music was not that inspiring, but like all Disney movies, the princess' voice and ability to hit super high notes was admiring.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I recommend this movie to little girls. Also, if it isn't obvious, Moana is Polynesian. So there is a lot about their culture that was nice to know. Although, I don't think they had female chiefs, but I may be wrong.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>To the Christian</b>: There is really nothing wrong with the movie. Disney is not proactively bashing strong males, they just seem to not <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">think they're that important to make them co<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-</span>heros</span>. </span></span></span><br />
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-92209433813173103712016-11-23T07:03:00.000-08:002016-11-23T07:04:05.261-08:00The Doctrine of Repentance - Audio Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3bX-nWj2p64O5fAa-yESNKlvU17Ekt8gZFnqVLrK1p2JNs8Bvh4r1mO95dvkDQLAuXZEgvWvaBmh28Z8-xceIkrwsRE1HP4bE8_tejMkvwy4mp-Jum0WvcMDx_9d6EAqbobvMXbyZOXY/s1600/Repentance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3bX-nWj2p64O5fAa-yESNKlvU17Ekt8gZFnqVLrK1p2JNs8Bvh4r1mO95dvkDQLAuXZEgvWvaBmh28Z8-xceIkrwsRE1HP4bE8_tejMkvwy4mp-Jum0WvcMDx_9d6EAqbobvMXbyZOXY/s320/Repentance.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This book was published in 1668 and written by Thomas Watson. When reading older books, I am always a bit hesitant in reading them because I am fearful that I will not understand some of the details because of the older English vernacular. Thankfully, this wasn't the case in this edition. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It never ceases to amaze me just how much we still have in common with people throughout the generations. The spiritual struggles Christians had in the 1600's are the same ones that we have today. As an "old soul" I tend to think that people were nicer in previous generations, but I have found that people are people and there is nothing new under the sun. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In this book, Mr. Watson is very organized. He makes out different lists on how to identify an unrepentant spirit, or how to apply repentance daily and even how to combat sin. He also uses every day life to help the reader understand the point he is trying to make, and his word usage to compare and contrast is quote worthy. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also appreciated all the Bible citations he gave after many of his sentences. He made his case for what he was saying by going back to the Bible. The opinions and advise he gave were founded not on his own wisdom, but on Scripture. Many times, I remembered a citation and went back to read it and it was as he had said. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Because of so many citations and so many quote worthy sentences, I do not recommend this book to be listened to as an audio book. This book is meant to be read and highlighted. Maybe, from now on, I will only use Audible for fiction. Thankfully there is a "bookmark" link on Audible where if I hear something I like, I can "bookmark" it and then go back to it later. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of those compare and contrast quotes I was talking about:</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The more regret we have first at our conversion, the less we'll feel afterwards.</i></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Speaking about the Apos<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">tle </span>Paul</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>:<b> He had persecuted saints to death before, now he preached sinners to life. </b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Someone who can believe without doubting should suspect his faith, and someone who can repent without sorrowing should suspect his repentance.</i></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On temptation<i>: <b>Is he not a fool who would believe a temptation and not a promise.</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>So as God has two places where He dwells - Heaven and a humble heart. So does Satan have two places where he dwells - Hell and a hard heart.</i></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And here is a quote that explains repentance with word pictures:</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Blessed repentance that has so much sugar at the bottom of the bitter cup!</i></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i>The key to personal awakening and revival is repentance and the elation of forgiveness. Believe it or not it is also the key to joy. For when I am truly repentant because I have offended God, I find joy in <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">H</span>is forgiveness. When I am repentant I can't judge hypocritically, for I too am a sinner. I can't hate what is done to me, for I have done far worse to the most Holy One. I can't sit idly by and do nothing for my neighbor, for He has done so much for me to be able to grant me forgiveness. I can't hate, for I am loved. I can't complain, for I am grateful.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmdG4wew6MzwATEe5IGEvg6qIIswnBCcRh6lgppM_jcIVlnfquiblGsYPv4XrMzjDROZN38xlaVty-jgSZ8dyzjSs3U_725xLwK_vuRfa-d9pQ8tebT450QM3Ww3Ocb4iIljwp5w8VMbt/s1600/thomas+watson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmdG4wew6MzwATEe5IGEvg6qIIswnBCcRh6lgppM_jcIVlnfquiblGsYPv4XrMzjDROZN38xlaVty-jgSZ8dyzjSs3U_725xLwK_vuRfa-d9pQ8tebT450QM3Ww3Ocb4iIljwp5w8VMbt/s1600/thomas+watson.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas Watson</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So much in my Christian walk would change if I would just practice repentance daily. This book has helped me to see that. Mr. Watson has so many illustrations and breaks down what he is trying to say so well. His examples of how to apply this and why we should apply repentance are so helpful and clear. He just makes logical sense throughout the whole book. I remember several times just being astounded when he made a point <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and then clarified it with <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">reasoned</span> ana<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">logy. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">T<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">he book is actually about 128 pages, so it <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">could be read in <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">one day. And as I resear<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ched more I found he wrote several other <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">small books about different topics. </span></span></span></span></span>If you would like a list of the books he has written click <a href="https://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/meetthepuritans/thomaswatson.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I recommend<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> that every Christian read at least one <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">book by</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thomas Watso</span>n. Th<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">is was a beautifully written book. His grasp on the English language and his thoughtfulness in regards to Scriptu<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">re is profound. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As I read <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">more on him, I found out that <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">he died suddenly while in private pra<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">yer. What a way to die<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">! A thought that came to mind when I read that was that I don't even pray that much to be caught dead doing it. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What are the odds o<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">f that for me, much less tha<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n </span>Mr. Watson's or many <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">other strong Christians<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The book is availab<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">le free <a href="http://www.onthewing.org/user/Watson%20-%20Repentance%20-%20Modern.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Or you may also buy it <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Doctrine-Repentance-Puritan-Paperbacks-Thomas/dp/0851515215" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i> </span></span></div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-64650708777219681042016-11-12T18:14:00.002-08:002016-11-12T18:46:10.860-08:00Church Lady vs Mechanical Bull<span style="font-size: large;">For a while now, I have had on my bucket list: <b>ride a mechanical bull.</b> Unfortunately, the only place I could think of riding one was at bars - probably the kind of bar that solely played country music. Being somewhat close to Nashville, I knew I could easily find a bar or an event where I could unleash my desire to ride one of these things; but the thought of riding a bull, with my top heavy self, in a bar with men, as a 3rd grade Sunday school teacher, just didn't sit quiet right with me. So I looked elsewhere. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My bright idea was to rent one for our annual church women's Christmas party. I felt I could "let loose" a little more, not having to worry about being a stumbling block to any males because there is a sensuousness to riding a bull. After being a bit disappointed at the super expensive quotes I got, I finally found a reasonable one. (If you live in the Western Kentucky area, I highly recommend them! They were great and super friendly and accommodated all my theatrical whims. Click <a href="http://www.thebullguys.com/KY/" target="_blank">here</a> for their website.) I told the owner my plight and whispered - because that is what church ladies do - "I need a bull for women. Because - you know- men." He chuckled at my modesty and affirmed me he had actually done a couple of events at some churches and he completely understood since he's also a pastor! I gasped! He gasped! But I knew he would turn his eyes the other way if things got a little too sexy on the bull, up at the church lady's Christmas party! So he e-mailed me the contract, I signed and returned it with a check. The date was scheduled, but as fate would have it, it rained the day of our event and rain and mechanical bull don't mix well. I would have to wait to check off "mechanical bull riding" off of my bucket list. We rescheduled for my daughter's birthday party, but alas, it rained again. I was discouraged. Distraught. It was as if this would never happen. But it did!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tough little guy.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every year our church has a fall festival INSIDE a large convention center and we have all kinds of games, prizes, food, hay rides and even a petting zoo. I called up Ethan (bull guy) again and re-rescheduled him one more time. I told him that this event is indoors and even if did rain, it wouldn't matter. So again, we set up a date. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The only problem though, was that I face paint at our fall festival, and I face paint A LOT of little cute faces. And I don't take a break from face painting because I just don't have the heart to tell an adorable little bumble bee to wait while I make a fool of myself on a mechanical bull. So I just painted along. We had hundreds of visitors come to our festival, and a lot of people enjoyed the mechanical bull. I guess I would just have to sacrifice my whimsical bucket list item, for the kingdom of God. And in reality, it really wasn't that difficult. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, as our event was ending and there were no more faces to paint, I went up to Aaron (the bull guy's helper) and gave him permission to end the bull riding. (Going over our allotted time would cost me more money, and I didn't want to go over!) He asked me if I wanted to get on. I looked around and there was mostly just church people there! "Oh yes please!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I got on the inflatable and raised my leg to mount the bull. But I couldn't get on! You know when your mind thinks it can do something, but your body just doesn't respond? That is what was happening here. Oh no! I tried by putting both hands on the bull and hoisting myself up! As if I had that kind of upper body strength! Finally, Aaron told me he could help me. Thankfully he's a pretty tough guy, but how was he going to help me? What if I killed him? Thankfully, I am sure of it, Aaron has dealt with bigger women trying to mount a mechanical bull at a church event. He got on a knee and told me to use his other knee as a stool to get up on the bull. I huffed, I heaved and I got on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What happened next was the most anti-climatic thing that has ever happened to me. I got on the bull ready for him to buck me off. Ready to prevail in the battle between woman and machine! Ready for my hair to fling one way and then another! I was ready! So I clutched the rope, steeled my back and then the mechanical bull moved ever so slightly and I remembered that I have no core muscles. None. I quickly then bear-hugged the hunk of bull and slowly, every so very slowly melted off the bull. Have you ever baked bread? You know when you knead the dough, form it into a ball and then set it in a greased bowl to let it rise? And then you punch said dough and "pour" it onto a floured surface for shaping. That is how it looked like. The pouring part of the dough. And that is kinda how I felt. A turned over, punched, ball of dough ready for shaping. I laid there in my shame realizing that my mind is so much more fun than my reality. I log rolled a little away from my victorious foe and got out of the inflatable arena. Two more deacons went after me and I just walked to my face painting table flushed and defeated. No, deflated would be a better word to describe myself. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfV9T0o-ExF7OExeUqSpYqh5Pc7PDvr9FKtvGv3f-qPxhpa-Fki_lGdYDVUhHAvUFpjtgFPZHozq_vuTctokdthHgHjhcIAedVWxdylYE3BURr1WRTciHI5TiccAhQ3sUXnc9Gf0NblP3n/s1600/1891131_10153863869748179_6076979648453622615_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfV9T0o-ExF7OExeUqSpYqh5Pc7PDvr9FKtvGv3f-qPxhpa-Fki_lGdYDVUhHAvUFpjtgFPZHozq_vuTctokdthHgHjhcIAedVWxdylYE3BURr1WRTciHI5TiccAhQ3sUXnc9Gf0NblP3n/s320/1891131_10153863869748179_6076979648453622615_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the church ladies wedding dress shopping. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I checked off "mechanical bull riding" off of my bucket list. But it wasn't an assertive check, but in the end that really didn't matter. I did have fun laughing, mostly at my lack of athletic ability. A lot of people did have fun and like we always do at these events, we shared the Gospel and God's love to the people in our community. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't think I will ever have the opportunity to ride on a mechanical bull again, but it's okay. After all, life is made up of memories, not fantasies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-20980262658047620242016-11-04T12:33:00.002-07:002016-11-04T12:42:01.119-07:00Magnificent 7 - Movie Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRn4rmNUHH6u2N5of0J9vXW1-WwMtO3jF78bixRQ6n5hv8jWmbHQcKZ0cMpZtj1E1AKZ8pw9s4rRnE8qwYV_ySlvbv3yLCCBaTX7VpnlV9GRJ0uGaffJysHp5pC1x54RKAr3BNdQmhemk/s1600/mag7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRn4rmNUHH6u2N5of0J9vXW1-WwMtO3jF78bixRQ6n5hv8jWmbHQcKZ0cMpZtj1E1AKZ8pw9s4rRnE8qwYV_ySlvbv3yLCCBaTX7VpnlV9GRJ0uGaffJysHp5pC1x54RKAr3BNdQmhemk/s320/mag7.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This movie was good. It had tons of flying bullets, great cinematography, well developed characters, and a satisfying ending. It was a stereo-typical good guys versus bad guys Western,but it wasn't at all banal. And the ending was explosive! The only problem that I did have with the plot though is that the villain identifies himself as a capitalist. It is only one small line at the beginning of the movie, so it really wasn't <i>that</i> big of a deal, but I was a bit on the defensive for about 10 minutes. Thankfully, the movie gets going. And just to clarify, the villain wasn't a capitalist, he was a tyrant, him saying he's a capitalist is very misleading. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So the villain takes over a mining town, abuses and kills a bunch of the villagers and takes away their guns! I wanted a little bit of a "right wing" agenda there, but I never go it! I wanted Mr. Chisolm (Denzel) to tell them that they should never let anyone take away their guns. Actually, one of the first things the Magnificent 7 does for the townspeople is <u>arm them</u> to help them defeat their oppressors! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was grateful for the lack of sexual exploitation of women that tends to be the norm in Westerns. There were prostitutes, but they just floated around in the background and were not in many of the screen shots. The female lead, Mrs. Emma Cullen (Haley Bennet) is fresh and a natural beauty. She doesn't woo over any of the Magnificent 7 nor gives a forced faux-tough-girl-anything-you-can-do-I-can-do-better perception. She's real and I enjoyed cheering for her throughout the movie. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The movie ended well. I was a bit shocked about who died and who didn't die. There is some depth to the movie that wasn't obvious at first and I was glad for that surprise. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I did expect the movie to be funny and it didn't let me down. The writers did a great job with the witty jokes and comebacks. The Mexican in the Mag 7 gang saying "cabron" all the time did get a little old for me. My mother is Mexican, and neither I or she speak like that - well maybe my uncle does. Either way, it was just over used. It was funny the first 10 times, but after that I was like, "I get it! You're Mexican!" Thankfully he wasn't portrayed as a stereotypical drunken, womanizer Mexican , oh wait, never mind. It was funny though! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The acting was great. Ethan Hawke did a <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">marvelous job portraying Goodnight Ro<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">bicheaux<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, a <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Civil War<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> hero suffering with P<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">TSD. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>To the Christian</b>: There were a couple of swear words and the name of the Lord was used in vain. The movie is violent, but not gory. People are killed with guns, explosives and arrows. There are some dirty jokes towards the end of the movie. The church plays as an undertone in the movie - both the opening scene that sets the plot, and the tragic ending of the movie take place in the church. And the preacher is portrayed to have respect among his parishoners. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Recommendations</b>: I recommend this movie to the Western lover and to those who prefer tragedies. Also any Denzel fans, the man still looks great - he's 61 years old! </span></span></span><br />
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-22419658659095085482016-11-01T12:20:00.001-07:002016-11-01T12:26:04.113-07:00Nothing bad to say<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I still do not know who I will vote for in this coming election. I still think when I am at the voting booth with my daughter (I usually take her with me) I will pray and make my decision then. I have
family and friends who all have given me their opinion and I truly
believe all of them have made valid arguments for their choice for president. One thing I have done less of though is worry. As Christians, anxiety is a sin. Jesus advises us not to be anxious (Matthew 6:25-34). We must remember that this is not our home (Hebrews 13:14) and we look forward to the day God returns (2 Peter 3:12-13). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When all my favorite primary candidates lost, I really felt like all hope was gone. That hope dwindled more as we were left with Donald Trump as the Republican candidate. And it practically died when I saw how many Christians defended Mr. Trump's way of living. I <u>may</u> pull the lever for Mr. Trump come November 8th, but something I will <u>never</u> do is minimize what an awful human being he is. But this post really isn't about the election, it is more about a snippet I heard on the radio about a news show called "Morning Joe". I first want to admit that I honestly almost live in a cave when it comes to "normal TV". We have Netflix, Amazon and DVD's. That's about it when it comes to TV. The "news" I get usually comes from a podcast, the radio or a youtube channel. If I want local news I get that from the ladies who sit in my church pew or the police scanner. Don't get me wrong, I have tried fox news, msnbc, and other places, but the agendas they push are so blatant sometimes that I can't help but wonder how "fair and balanced" they really are. And occasionally I really think they believe I do not have a brain of my own and could never rationally come to my own conclusion, so they must insert their opinions because I could not possibly have any of my own. But back to worrying. I refuse to worry about this election. I am anti-worry. Because when I worry, even slightly, I have diminished the colossal, absolute and total power that God has over His creation. I trust Him, and I lie that I trust Him when I worry. The kingdom of God is eternal (Matt. 16:18, Heb. 1:8). His church will prevail (Matt. 16:18). And God is just, compassionate, long-suffering, loving, good, all-knowing, all-powerful, almighty, etc (the whole Bible)! So my dear brothers and sisters, let us rest in those promises, do what the Holy Spirit has prompt you to do regarding your vote, and continue with your active faith of loving God and loving others. Let Him deal with the consequences. (Please don't get me wrong when I say I am anti-worry. I am not advocating fatalism or unproductive passivity)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Being a conservative who leans libertarian, I recognize that I have my own set of biases and stereo-types. I believe that Christians tend to lean to the right of center and I am surprisingly almost always shocked when I meet a Christian democrat. I know! I know! I know there are Christian democrats who truly love the Lord, but I am always slightly shocked by it okay! I'm trying to be honest here! Saying this, I also have my biases on msnbc and shows like Morning Joe where I know they are left leaning. But, I want to give credit where credit is due. On yesterday's "Morning Joe", Mika Brzezinski said some things that were very noble of her. So I looked her up some more and, needless to say, she and I have almost nothing in common when it comes to our views on politics and government, but what she said yesterday regarding Hillary Clinton's latest FBI investigation and Mika's own media peers was vitalizing. I have provided the video below so you can see it for yourself.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Wasn't that just awesome of her and Joe to say that? I know some Christian Trump supporters who aren't as honest as they were just there! She admitted to her own hypocrisy. Something very difficult to see in ourselves. Something Christians on "my side" refuse to see in themselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I believe that all of us have been made in the image of God. That we are more precious than the plants or the animals. That we are even more special than the angels because nothing else carries with them the image of God. Nothing. During presidential election years, we tend to forget that sometimes. We fail to see the personhood of an individual because we do not agree with their politics, their religion, or their ideas. Their humanity is stripped away because of their voting tendencies or frankly because of the sin in their life. Just because someone acts out in their flesh, doesn't make them any less an image bearer. And just because someone doesn't agree with me, doesn't make them any less a human created by God. I must remember this when someone comes along with an idea that I believe to be wrong even if they are wrong because God says they're wrong. There is a way to converse with people and if the conversation leads to nothing, we are still called to love and serve each other, in humility, not thinking anyone is better than the other (Phil. 2:3). Even if we have the truth, there is a way to speak the truth. Obviously, we cannot make everyone happy. Obviously some people will become upset. Obviously, some people will hate us, but let them have to try really hard to do so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I leave you with this verse found in Titus 2:7-8: <br />In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, <span class="reftext"></span><span class="highl"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="5199: hygie (Adj-AMS) -- (a) sound, healthy, pure, whole, (b) wholesome.">and wholesome</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="3056: logon (N-AMS) -- A word, speech, divine utterance, analogy.">speech</a> that is above reproach, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that.">so that</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article.">anyone</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards.">who</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="1727: enantias (Adj-GFS) -- Opposite, opposed, contrary; the adversary.">opposes us</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="1788: entrape (V-ASP-3S) -- (a) to turn to confusion, put to shame, (b) to reverence, regard.">will be ashamed</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="2192: echon (V-PPA-NMS) -- To have, hold, possess.">to have</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="3367: meden (Adj-ANS) -- No one, none, nothing.">nothing</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="5337: phaulon (Adj-ANS) -- Worthless, wicked, base.">bad</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="3004: legein (V-PNA) -- (denoting speech in progress), (a) to say, speak; to mean, mention, tell, (b) to call, name, especially in the pass., (c) to tell, command.">to say</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- (a) genitive: about, concerning, (b) accusative: around.">about</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="1473: hemon (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun.">us.</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-39932555518789150042016-10-31T09:36:00.001-07:002016-10-31T21:10:57.954-07:00The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyY4NPadNbDUuLA75LbJiUTQSqCS479yDwI0dYITTDQopDemaZuvxmYHja2hOLEjdiK1QdlLl0hXSHNtC6cqLMtLRyL6hUWYoIdHRgtFQogww7pUNdgpI914uK-yMmh66Zr-P80Adxol3A/s1600/divorce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyY4NPadNbDUuLA75LbJiUTQSqCS479yDwI0dYITTDQopDemaZuvxmYHja2hOLEjdiK1QdlLl0hXSHNtC6cqLMtLRyL6hUWYoIdHRgtFQogww7pUNdgpI914uK-yMmh66Zr-P80Adxol3A/s320/divorce.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #274e13;">I have a confession to make. This is my first C.S. Lewis book. I cringe to write that, but it is true. I have had the best of intentions to read Lewis, but never got around to it. Countless of times I have read so many beautiful quotes from him. So many pastors who I admire have quoted Lewis in their sermons. The quotes being full of wisdom and intellect in their distinctly-Lewis way. I loved the Narnia movies (well the 1st one and 3rd one, not the 2nd one so much) and fell in love with Aslan and Mr. Tumnus. But unfortunately, I had never read an entire book by him.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">With that being said, it was with great joy for me to get this audio book. I really do not like fantasy that much, but this particular book was fairly short and I thought it would be a good start where I could cut my teeth in regards to this genre. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">The book was okay. It had some good quotes here and there, but the story was just too fantastical for me. At the beginning of the book there is a warning that the story is not meant to be theologically accurate, and it wasn't at all. And I think that is where most of my problems were with the book. It's not like Narnia, where everything is a fantasy. Everyone is made up and certain characters allude to Jesus or to God. In "The Great Divorce", the ghosts are experiencing Hell and working to get to Heaven whilst being in Hell, and I just couldn't get past that as I read. I know the story is meant to help the reader understand sin and repentance and ultimately the joy of Heaven, but I just couldn't stop thinking about how death didn't seem so final in this book and that all were technically given a second chance after it. But I continued with the story despite my reluctance. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Lewis did have some good imagery regarding ghosts who struggled with sins we tend to overlook like: manipulation, gossip and vanity. But I just wished they would not have been "dead already" dealing with these sins.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">A quote I really liked from this book was:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><i> There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God,
‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be
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<span style="color: #274e13;">I do believe I am a bad judge when it comes to the fantastical. I usually don't read it. I wanted to like this book, but I really didn't. I do want to say though that Lewis was still profoundly effective in explaining sin and the ugliness of it. His word imagery to analyze and clarify the problem with man and the love and joy of God was paramount. (SPOILER ALERT) And then it was somewhat compensating at the end when all of it was just a dream for the narrator of the book. Somewhat . . </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Recommendations: </b> I recommend this book to those who like metaphors and allusions. Also those who are more philosophical in their theology and who do not mind thinking "what if" on things dealing with the afterlife. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b><br />To the Christian: </b>The book does well in further explaining what sin does to us and how repentance leads to joy. The recurring sin in our lives affects us and those we love more that we could ever imagine, and Lewis does a great job in portraying that with the different characters the narrator meets on his way to Heaven. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">You can buy the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Great-Divorce-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652950/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477931235&sr=8-1&keywords=great+divorce+lewis" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-41639320859727752692016-10-28T19:16:00.001-07:002016-10-28T19:28:41.200-07:00The Taming of the Queen by Philippa Gregory <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIH4VcCvBBZw72NT899Z6DW8gESjDPdDd5HvLwjSmZnvz7UwKQ6Z9lw-E_gFZvXXLm0v_M19iPq6FXTc4eZHe2K4GVhVGHTQkqHW5udjjYpa6ulAyDcmqDb6W5obSszQmNXsSkdrj4w2mz/s1600/taming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIH4VcCvBBZw72NT899Z6DW8gESjDPdDd5HvLwjSmZnvz7UwKQ6Z9lw-E_gFZvXXLm0v_M19iPq6FXTc4eZHe2K4GVhVGHTQkqHW5udjjYpa6ulAyDcmqDb6W5obSszQmNXsSkdrj4w2mz/s320/taming.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This book is about Henry VIII's last wife, Kateryn Parr. Again Mrs. Philippa Gregory does a superb job in telling us the story of yet another queen. Besides telling us about the life of Kateryn Parr as queen, Mrs. Gregory also reveals to us the tumultuous times of the first baby steps of the reformation in England. As a Christian, this book really helped give a great amount of insight of the Biblical battles happening during this time. The Church in England had separated from Rome, and the Bible had been translated into English. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was refreshing to read about how much this queen contributed to learning and Biblical scholarship. She was an author in her own right and someone I really grew to love in this book. Her faith and the love she had for the Word of God gave me a renewed passion to study mine even more. A lot of people died to translate the Bible into English. Even she came close to losing her life over her love for the new faith. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Most of the history I knew on Kateryn Parr was after the death of King Henry, so for most of the book I kept waiting for King Henry to die and then read about the second part of her life. But I was very grateful that Mrs. Gregory focused mostly on Queen Kateryn during her reign because there is just so much about her that I didn't know. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The book also mentions the martyr <a href="http://ahearth4us.blogspot.com/search/label/Martyrs" target="_blank">Anne Askew</a>. I had read about her before, and I was pleased to see her interact with Queen Kateryn and her ladies. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">King Henry was a gluttonous monster and as always, Mrs. Gregory depicts and develops this character so well. I found myself hating him and then feeling sorry for him and then hating him again throughout the book. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Recommendations</b>: I recommend this book to anyone who loves the idea of women learning, especially learning about God's Word. Also to the person who appreciates the Reformation and all the sacrifices made by both men and women for their faith. If you have read Philippa Gregory books before, you will not be let down with this book. It is gripping and it is suspenseful. Even though I knew Kateryn survived, the book still leaves you fearing for her death and rooting for her as she courageously faces the bully, King Henry, over and over again. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>To the Christian</b>: I have always loved the first of Henry's wives the most. But reading this book, I really have grown to love Kateryn. She is a fellow sister in the faith and was a true Reformer. In the book, she does struggle with adulterous thoughts, but that in itself is the beauty of her because there is an actual struggle. She doesn't let these thoughts overtake her though. She fights them with prayer. There is a love scene at the beginning of the book, but it is not long and it is not graphic. There are several love making flashbacks that she has, but they are not more than a sentence or so long. There is a somewhat long scene of King Henry abusing her that is graphic and quiet horrible. There is a recurring dream that Kateryn has that is pretty spooky and another dream describing the interrogation of Anne Askew that is also quite terrifying. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can buy the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Queen-Plantagenet-Tudor-Novels/dp/1476758816" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-30077767481070190372016-10-27T08:25:00.001-07:002016-10-27T08:25:11.794-07:00Carol Wallace's Ben Hur - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently joined <a href="http://www.audible.com/" target="_blank">Audible</a> and the first fiction book I purchased was Carol Wallace's "Ben Hur, A Tale of the Christ". Mrs. Wallace is related to the original author of "Ben Hur", Lew Wallace and being an author herself, modernized the book written by her great-great grandfather. I do not think Mrs. Wallace's intentions were to change the story, but to simply make it less burdensome to read for this generation. I cannot completely compare between the two books because I didn't finish the original written by Lew Wallace. His form of writing was meticulously descriptive of the Middle East and I found myself reading pages and pages of him trying to give the mind an idea of what this part of the world looked like. I understand why since he wrote this book during the time of the American Civil War and most of his audience could never imagine the panorama or culture Jesus lived in. But for me, it was a bit exhausting, so I found myself skimming a lot of the book since I know what a camel looks like, or I know what Arab nomads in the 1st century wore. Needless to say, I didn't get far in the book, but learned of the "new" book by Mrs. Wallace and decided to listen to it on my walks.<br />
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To make things clear, I absolutely love the "Ben Hur" starring Charlton Heston. The chariot scene in this movie will forever be a part of American movie culture. Saying this, I did go into Mrs.Wallace's book with my biases, but I can safely say that both movie (1959 version) and book are good. The movie is a classic but does exalt Judah Ben Hur in a way the book doesn't. In the book Judah's thirst for vengeance and war is insatiable. Messala is a scoundrel. The horrors of Rome and the pain suffered by Tirzah and her mother made me silently weep for them. What abhorrence! And then comes the contrast. Jesus. Judah expecting a Messiah to come and save his people from Rome doesn't realize that He has come to save them from something more. He has come to not just save them from death, but to also give them eternal life. What a beautiful story!<br />
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Mrs. Wallace is a wonderful author! Her word usage is superb and throughout the book there are appropriate times of lightheartedness that made me laugh out loud. The characters in her book are well developed and even if you've seen the movie (again I'm talking about the 1959 movie), she has added a climax I didn't expect. I actually gasped!<br />
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About the new movie that came out starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Huston, I really don't plan on seeing it. Frankly, after watching several trailers, I really don't think their acting is the greatest. And by "their" I mean the dialogues that happen between Judah and Messala throughout the trailer. Even Morgan Freeman seems a bit dampen. Also, the scene on the boat makes it appear that Judah was still chained to the boat, an imperative difference in both the book and the 1959 movie. I may be wrong regarding that part though. In other words, I just don't think I will be able to handle the poor acting and the director's artistic freedoms with this story.<br />
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I personally have heard mixed reviews on the movie though.<br />
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About Carol Wallace's book though, read it! There is fighting, violence and death. There are insinuations of sex and debauchery, but Mrs. Wallace leaves most to the imagination and isn't descriptive at all in these scenes. The scenes involving the lepers are fairly graphic, but necessary.<br />
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<b>Recommendations</b>: I believe older teenage boys would really enjoy this book as would any historical fiction lover. I bought this audio book for my father and he absolutely loved it!<br />
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<b>To the Christian</b>: The redemptive climax of the book is elating! Although, there are small glimpses of Jesus throughout the book, and the book focuses a lot more on Judah and those around him, Jesus is the hero in this book. He is the true champion that saves at the end of the day. I truly recommend it.<br />
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-1675401129626332702016-10-24T13:04:00.002-07:002016-11-23T07:04:18.764-08:00Calvary Road - Book Review<br />
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This is a book I am going to keep in my purse and just be constantly reading. It is a book on how we can have continual revival as Christians and by default, in the church. This book has really changed a lot of my perspectives on peace, loving others and confession. Never in my Christian life had I thought about living constantly in a Spirit-filled state. Never! As many, I thought there were low times and high times, and according to this book, that is not the case. <br />
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The book focuses on what revival is and how the church can experience revival. The books says that revival begins individually and slowly spreads (sometimes quickly) from you to other believers in your church. <br />
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There are no secret formulas, no to-do lists or 5 point lessons. It is all quiet and personal. Here is a quote:<br />
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<i>You and I full of the Holy Spirit all the time, loving others and concerned for their salvation. No struggling, no tarrying. Just simply giving Him each sin to cleanse in His precious blood and accepting from His hand the free gift of His fullness, and the allowing Him to do the work through us. . . There is nothing spectacular about this life, no emotional experiences to sigh after and wait for. It is just plain day to day living the life the Lord intended us to live. This is real holiness. </i><br />
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The book emphasizes that when we love God we cannot help but to love others. And these loves cannot be separated. It says that the outcome of loving God comes the natural outflow of love towards those made in His image. Mr. Hession goes on to say: <i>Our relationship with our fellows and our relationship with God are so linked that we cannot disturb one without disturbing the other. </i><br />
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The awareness of our sin and the confession of it, is also something the book speaks a lot of in order to have revival. According to the book, "sin is the only thing that hinders the revival of His Church". What a convicting statement! This book forced me to take time to sit and have the Holy Spirit help me look into my heart and purge the sin in my life. I spent a whole prayer session just confessing my sin to God. There was just so much there. Tears came to my face as I thought of my dastardly deeds. And peace soon came upon me as I placed my trust again on the Cross. Living in a constant state of peace also is an attainable goal. And the lack of peace in our lives, Hession states, is a very good indicator of unconfessed sin in our lives. He says: <i>". . . the sign of the Spirit's presence and fullness will be peace. This is indeed to be the test of our walk all the way along. Le the peace of God rule [arbitrate] in your hearts" (Col. 3:15) . . . if our peace is broken, then it can only be because of sin.</i><br />
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Our church is seeking revival and this book was recommended by my pastor. It has changed my Christian life and I hope it changes yours. I recommend this book to all Believers. It is a very short book also and can be read in one sitting. My version of the book was only 114 pages. Be sure to have a pen or highlighter near by though because there are a lot of sections that are very insightful. My husband bought about 10 of these books and gave them out as gifts. If you would like to purchase this book, I found a pretty good deal <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Calvary-Road-Roy-Hession/dp/1444455664" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-79437146846802580622016-05-20T07:04:00.002-07:002016-05-20T07:16:34.320-07:00 Reading HoseaHosea 1-4<br />
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I am in Hosea now and I waited a couple of days before I delved into it because the story of Hosea and God telling him to take up a whore for his bride really just weighs me. Needless to say, I really didn't want to read this book again.<br />
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And honestly, the relationship of Hosea and Gomer really is the relationship I know I have had with God. I know I have been unfaithful, when He has been faithful. I know that I have found comfort in other things, when I should have found comfort in Him. I know I have found pleasure in sin, and have looked at His Word with disdain in my haughtiness. And what makes it so much more horrible is that it wasn't that long ago that I felt this way. Maybe this is why I don't want to read Hosea, because it is the story of me. And while I want to look down on Gomer and self-righteously scold her for her wantonness, I can't because I still haven't removed the log in my eye. And when I do remove my log, I don't even have the strength to look down on her, because it's like looking in a mirror.<br />
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I am so prone to wander. I am so prone to being entertained. When my mind is free to think, usually it is never of the things of God that it goes to. I can't pray more that 5 minutes without thinking about what else I have to do. I can't read Scripture for long periods of time because I think I am wasting time. BUT!!! I can binge on Netflix for 6 hours (sadly, I am not exaggerating!!) and the thought of wasting time never crosses my mind. Well it may, usually afterwards, but not enough to get me off the couch!<br />
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And I know the truth! And I know that I have been rescued from the fires of Hell! And I know that Jesus sought me and bought me! And I know that His law is precious! And I know that His Word is refreshing! And I know that the most joyous of times I have experienced in my whole life have been when I am worshiping Him in prayer, song or in His Word! And I know the changes He has made in me for the better! And I know the power in His Name! And so much more! <br />
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So call me Gomer, for I am so much like her! And it drives me insane to think that I seek others instead of my God! But I do! Wretched woman that I am! So, I can't and I hope I never get over the love God has for me! How? Lord, how can you be so compassionate!? Hypocritically, I would have left Gomer! And frankly chapter 3 of Hosea implies that she really didn't even want to be with Hosea. After he had just bought her FROM THE MARKET because no one else would have her! The nerve! But that's me!<br />
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I am grateful for His mercy and His compassion towards me. And I am grateful that He is eternally forgiving, and that He teaches me so much by revealing His character in how He deals with this little monster that I am. To Him be all the glory. <br />
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-22974452978448341252016-05-16T10:31:00.000-07:002016-10-28T19:18:05.276-07:00The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It took me a while to finish this book simply because of the richness of the content. This is the second book by Jerry Bridges that I have read and I have loved every single one of them. Both of his books are full of passages I have underlined, margins I have written in and beautiful quotes I have highlighted. He is truly a gifted writer and I am glad that a pastor I was listening to mentioned him in a sermon. <br />
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While reading this book, Mr. Bridges passed away to be with our Lord and it gave me a sense of pleasure reading about his hope of Heaven knowing that he is presently with God. What a beautiful thought!<br />
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The book is not hard to read, but there is just so much good stuff in it that I couldn't help but pause and think about what I had just read. I didn't want to just skim through it. This book is a rich dessert or a full bodied aged wine that is meant to be enjoyed slowly. So if you want a fast read, don't read this book. But if you want a slow dance with words that help you understand the beauty of Grace and what this MOST HOLY GOD has done for His children and how we can live a more holy life, then by all means pick up this book.<br />
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The book emphasizes that we should preach the Gospel to ourselves on a daily basis. It also does prick the heart of those who have been stagnant in working on their sanctification (haven't we all?). The last 5 chapters were very helpful, my favorite chapter being on conviction. Not the kind where I feel bad about something, but the kind that I have a strong belief. Here is an excerpt I underlined and "starred":<br />
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<i>A conviction is a determinative belief: something you believe so strongly that it </i></div>
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<i>affects the way you live. Someone has observed that a belief is what you hold,</i></div>
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<i>but a conviction is what holds you. You may live contrary to what you believe, but you </i></div>
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<i>cannot live contrary to your convictions. (This doesn't mean you never act contrary</i></div>
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<i>to your convictions, but that you do not consistently violate them).</i></div>
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Isn't that just beautiful!! At moments while reading, I caught myself just exclaiming, "Yes! Amen! Preach it!" And at other moments, words like "I'm a wretch, I'm a sinner, Thank you for the cross!" came out! </div>
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Mr. Bridges also asks a lot of questions through out the book which is why there were times when I just paused and stopped reading. Here are some questions:</div>
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What does your mind turn to when it is free to turn to anything?</div>
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The greatest sorrow and burden you can lay on the Father, . . . is not believe that He loves you. Does that sentence surprise you?</div>
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To what degree does a belief that the Bible sets forth absolute truth determine the way we live?</div>
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As Christians, should we view ourselves as saints or sinners? </div>
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There are so much more sprinkled throughout the book! Some he answers with Godly wisdom, others are left open for us to use to search our hearts and hopefully lead us to prayer. He corroborates all he says with Scripture and often times I had to stop and read the Scripture again because it was just so refreshing. I remember several times thinking: "That's in the Bible!?!" What sweet surprises!</div>
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If you are struggling with Grace, which most Christians do at some point in their lives, this is a great book to read. If you are in a time of darkness, hating your sin and/or yourself and seeming like you just can't get out of the mire; this book will help point you to the cross and also equip you in ways to combat the sin in your life. </div>
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Mr Bridges eloquently balances the pain of sin, the joy of grace and the work of sanctification in this book. Obviously, I highly recommend it!</div>
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Although there are many quotes I underlined and wish I could share with you, I will not and allow you to dig up these treasures on your own. But here are a few I HAD to share:</div>
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<i>Sin . . . creeps up on us little by little. What was once unthinkable become thinkable, then doable, and finally acceptable to society at large. Sin becomes respectable, and so Christians finally embrace it. It is my perception that Christians are no more than five to ten years behind the world in embracing most sinful practices.</i></div>
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<i>We should not seek holiness in order to feel good about ourselves. . . Far too often our concern with sin arises from how it makes us feel. Sinful habits . . cause us to feel defeated and we don't like to be defeated in anything.</i></div>
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<i>Our greatest source of temptation dwells within us.</i> </div>
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<i>The pursuit of holiness must be anchored in the grace of God; otherwise it is doomed to failure. </i></div>
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<i>We cannot serve God or pursue holiness with any vigor at all if we are dealing with a guilty conscience. </i></div>
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Oh there are so many more! I know you will really grow in your faith in reading this book, but it is meaty and it does prick at our hearts and like all good things, it does take some time to finish.</div>
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You can buy this book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Discipline-Grace-Gods-Pursuit-Holiness-ebook/dp/B00IDHWH62?ie=UTF8&btkr=1&redirect=true&ref_=dp-kindle-redirect" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-51299097877850624842016-05-06T11:27:00.002-07:002016-05-06T11:27:29.886-07:00Playing with Fire - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our family seems to always be traveling somewhere, so on a short trip to southern Illinois to spend some time with my husband, I found this audio book at our local Cracker Barrel. I have never rented from them, but in case you are wondering how it works, it is fairly easy. You pay for the actual audio book, and are charged $3.57 for a week rental. Once you are finished, you return the audio book and are reimbursed for the whole charge except the $3.57. It's not really convenient for non-A types like me, because I frankly don't like returning things to begin with. Things get really complicated for me so very quickly.<br />
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<b>About the book</b>: Tess Gerritsen is just a superb storyteller and you are left wondering what is going on until the very end. If you are a music lover, you will just be enraptured by this book. The book begins with a violinist who finds an old piece of gypsy music in an old book store in Rome - specifically it is a waltz. From there, the history of the waltz unfolds and the bizarre behavior of the violinist's daughter just mystifies the story even more. Like the mysterious waltz, the book is haunting with an overtone of sadness. In this book, there are two stories which Mrs. Gerritsen unravels perfectly. One story takes place in 1930's Italy and details the history of the musical piece and the other story takes place in modern times discovering the violinist and her family's past. The book ends too quickly and not how I thought it would (which makes me love it even more!). I waited an extra day to finish listening to the book because I didn't want to part with it, but alas, all things do have to come to an end.<br />
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I strongly recommend the audio book because Mrs. Gerritsen actually plays the violin in it and was the one who actually composed the somber waltz! She is just so talented! The lone violin playing in the background just adds to the depth of the book.<br />
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<b>To the Christian</b>: (I will leave this part vague as to not spoil the book.)The atrocities in this book remind us of the sin of man and the hope we have in the return of Christ. The physiology of the mind is just a small picture of how magnificent God is in the creation of the brain. God lavished beauty for our eyes, for our taste, for our ears and for all of our senses. In music we get a foretaste of the majesty of our Creator.<br />
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After reading this book, I did indulge in listening to some classical violin music and all I could do was just listen in awe at how fallen man can create such beautiful things - an imprint of our Creator.<br />
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There is nothing in this book that is coarse or tasteless. I would allow my tween or teen to read it.<br />
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You can buy the book or audio book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Playing-Fire-Tess-Gerritsen/dp/1101884347" target="_blank">here</a><br />
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-91488768309699692042016-03-29T20:16:00.002-07:002016-03-29T20:16:46.707-07:00Angel of Darkness - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I read the Alienist several years ago and absolutely loved it. Mr. Carr did an excellent job building the twisted character of the abuser and murderer of the most vulnerable. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about his second book.<br />
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The Angel of Darkness is a sequel and there is a new mystery to be solved. A high profile little girl has been kidnapped and the trail begins. But it is a very long trail. The book completely feels like most sequels do. And the style it is written in, gets very frustrating especially in a 700 page book! It was very difficult to finish this book and where Mr. Carr's first book was very realistic, this one was almost silly - in one scene, Theodore Roosevelt comes to save the day along with his shipmates!<br />
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There also seems to be an agenda. It feels like Mr. Carr is fighting for women's equality, but going about it in a very disturbing way. He tries to persuade the reader that women are equal to men but not in mind or intelligence, but in how evil they can be. Frankly, that is not the equality I would like championed for me.<br />
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I really don't recommend this book to anyone. It really was a bore and the writing style made me ache.<br />
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<b>To the Christian</b>: Mankind is depraved to the core. If any of us has any good in us, I believe, it is a grace from God. This book highlights just how depraved a human being can be, even a woman, even a mother. Psalm 14:1b says . . . "there is no one who does good"<br />
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There is some gore in the book, and detailed beatings. There are innuendos of sex, but nothing graphic.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-76644414208014371822016-01-23T13:24:00.000-08:002016-11-23T07:04:57.309-08:00Some Benefits of Prayer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.<br />
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When I sing this particular verse of this hymn, I can't help but close my eyes and bow my head in shame because it is true. So easily do I just wander away from Him. And I don't think I do it on purpose. It is more like a boat that isn't anchored that just floats away and just heads in all kinds of directions. Never on purpose, but always surrendering to its circumstance. Thankfully, whether I feel lost or floating about in my spiritual life, the truth is that He is the One who has me anchored to Himself and I am assured that He will never let me go. (John 10:29)<br />
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One way that I feel anchored again (remembering that regardless of my feelings, my salvation doesn't ebb away) is through prayer. And I know that sounds so "cliche" and so easy of a fix, but truly there is nothing (outside of Scripture) that hones in my heart to match His as prayer can do.<br />
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<u>Prayer sifts out my sin</u>.<br />
When life gets busy, sin can easily hide. When life gets idle, sin comes out to play. Regardless if I am confessing a besetting sin or if the Holy Spirit is revealing one to me, prayer allows me to be more aware of the sin that grieves God and brings me to the cross gladdening my heart for He is always faithful to forgive. (James 5:16)<br />
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<u>Prayer brings me to the throne</u><br />
When I think that I am approaching the King of kings in prayer and I am not going to die I am left speechless. There are no words to describe that a Gentile woman can enter the Holy of Holies and worship. (Heb. 4:16) Prayer allows me to worship Him privately. <br />
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<u>Prayer reminds me that I have love to give</u><br />
When I read my prayer list and pray for those on it, I am reminded of people who are hurting, lonely, lost or feeling loss. It triggers me to make a phone call, bake some cookies, write a letter, type out a text, send a facebook message, or make a house visit. Prayer beckons me to be His hands, feet, shoulders, arms and voice. <br />
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<u>Prayer softens my heart</u><br />
Some people are hard to love and some people are even harder. When I honestly pray for those that hurt me or those that hurt the people I love, God does something amazing. He softens my heart towards them and they begin to have less control over me and my feelings. And in the rare occasions when I have trouble "forgiving", God always reminds me of the dastardly things He has forgiven me for already. :)<br />
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<u>Prayer is therapeutic</u><br />
My overbearing mother, my passive father, my annoyance with my ex-husband, the attitudes of my children, my lack of wanting intimacy, my self-esteem, that thing I do that I don't want to mention here and so, so much more; I have brought to God. And He truly has helped me figure so much out. It is through prayer that we are given wisdom. (James 1:5) So many times I have come to God bawling my eyes out, completely overtaken by despair, and patiently He has brought to mind Scripture that overtakes my moments of sorrow or pain. I have also come to him lost, in a rage, scared for my life, indecisive, numb, depressed, raw and feeling so many other things. I have also been given the peace that transcends understanding, and it was always after time spent with Him in prayer. (Phil. 4:7) Who better to tell me about myself and how to handle a certain situation than the One who created me and was with me throughout my entire life? (Jer. 33:3)<br />
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I want to encourage you to take time to pray. If you are not sure how to, Jesus Himself teaches us how to pray in Matthew 6:5-15. Also we can read Jesus' prayer before he was captured in John 17. And what is so amazing about this prayer is that in it you can read where Jesus is praying for you!!!!! (see verses 20-21 of that same chapter), and He is still praying for you! The Son of God prays for you! So let us imitate Him and pray.<br />
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<span class="text Rom-8-26" id="en-ESV-28127"> . . . . For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-27" id="en-ESV-28128">And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because<sup> </sup>the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. ~ Romans 8: 26-27</span><br />
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-39884457331687312072016-01-06T14:58:00.000-08:002016-10-28T19:20:46.419-07:00The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert - Book Review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMW8TqGWvRuq5sxhrRqziODvyuPrytQRSA7vcoFEt5Jf2cmMKbTn_AymK24HZKp07bzgQSZQSuOdp-7SnWrBM6jtbb9fwBs1AEiDna4fvMOAgIn2CvNK91qULa3o1NalFBnzZMscGacubg/s1600/Rosaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMW8TqGWvRuq5sxhrRqziODvyuPrytQRSA7vcoFEt5Jf2cmMKbTn_AymK24HZKp07bzgQSZQSuOdp-7SnWrBM6jtbb9fwBs1AEiDna4fvMOAgIn2CvNK91qULa3o1NalFBnzZMscGacubg/s320/Rosaria.jpg" width="201" /></a>Ever since I heard the testimony of Rosaria Butterfield, I just fell in love with her. I spent a couple of days looking her up on youtube and other sites and just listening to what she had to say. When I found out that Mrs. Butterfield wrote an autobiography, I just had to read it, so I added her book to my Christmas list and I got it. Needless to say, I read the book in two days!<br />
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On youtube and other sites, a lot of the focus of her testimony is that she was a lesbian, Marxist progressive and that she no longer is now. Although that is important, there is just so much more to her than her past lesbianism. In her book she does mention her life before Jesus, but she also speaks vulnerably about her transformation into a repenting Christian and even mentions her current sin issues and how horrible they are to a Holy God. Rosaria beautifully speaks of the struggles in the life of a Christian. My sins, the currents ones I am committing as I write, God hates; but because of the trust I have on the work of the Cross, I can boldly approach this Holy God and plead for forgiveness, and because He is faithful to forgive, I can jump for joy that He is a great God! She also reveals the Gospel in such a way that it just grabs me by the hand and takes me along for a journey in getting to know this forgiving God! Rosaria's story (like all Christians) doesn't stop once she converts!<br />
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I was also pleasantly surprised to learn that she also wrote about worshiping God through hospitality. She mentions the lack of hospitality among Christians and the plenitude of it among the LGBT. And I had to agree with her. Why are we quick to look the other way when someone needs attention or even just a hug? Why do we not open our doors enough to the wretched, the ugly or the lost? Why do I turn up my nose to the depressed, the emotionally needy, the poor, the pill poppers and the losers? What is the point of my candle light shining in an already lit room? Have I forgotten the mire of where I came from and where I still continue to go?<br />
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A specific sentence she wrote really captured my attention. On page 24 she says that looking back at pictures of herself, she no longer recognizes herself. Am I transforming in my Christian life that much that I too do not recognize myself? My life before my conversion was despicable. But am I continuing to change to become more and more like my Savior. Am I different from the person I was last year or even last month? Or do I still continue with my same sins, not caring about the monotony of my daily besetting transgressions?<br />
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I loved this book! And I recommend it to all Christians! I do not want you to think for a second that this book is only for those struggling with same-sex addictions or inclinations! It is not! It is for the Christian who struggles with hypocrisy (me). It is for the Christian who feels that God cannot heal him from a besetting sin (me also). It is for the Christian who is at peace with their holiness (the self-righteous). It is also for the lost. It is for all of us.<br />
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I also want to tell you that the book is not graphic. There is nothing obscene or tasteless in the book, unless words like "drag queen" or "butch" offend you. Not once did I flinch, or think she had crossed a line. Rosaria does well writing her autobiography in a way that exalts her Savior, not her sins (past or present).<br />
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I leave you with several excerpts from her book:<br />
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Undisciplined taste will always lead to egregious sin - slowly and almost imperceptibly. (pg30)</div>
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In regards to evangelism - The integrity of our relationships matters more than the boldness of our words. (pg. 48)</div>
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I felt and feel no solidarity with people who think their salvation makes them more worthy than others. (pg. 81)</div>
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People whose lives are riddled with unrestrained sin act like rebellious children. Sin, when unrestrained, infatilizes a person. (pg. 108)</div>
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We in the church tend to be more fearful of the (perceived) sin in the world than of the sin in our own hearts. Why is that? (pg. 115)</div>
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Our plans are not sacred. (pg. 126)</div>
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You can help, but only Jesus can heal. (pg. 146)</div>
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There is so much more in this book, but I want to leave it to you to discover on your own. You can buy this book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Secret-Thoughts-Unlikely-Convert/dp/1884527809/ref=pd_sim_14_2/188-2215253-2553209?ie=UTF8&dpID=41riOVrGGjL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR102%2C160_&refRID=0F30YR7CZKBREYE2FZHT" target="_blank">here</a>!</div>
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744608886044563365.post-77818445346469027832015-11-16T18:45:00.001-08:002016-10-28T19:21:07.972-07:00The King's Curse - Book Review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGOsuyO6r45FK79wXjFXbOUOhenbAqes-GP_xG5kOQUHSayRBmrVoeFqrRvs9l4qK-DhmG5XQuF6PS_GJRH_ypxMdqDYMqEubN4iLu9jqkh3SvoNK95d16tFrw14o-u5wPrvPFaGmbnYy/s1600/king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGOsuyO6r45FK79wXjFXbOUOhenbAqes-GP_xG5kOQUHSayRBmrVoeFqrRvs9l4qK-DhmG5XQuF6PS_GJRH_ypxMdqDYMqEubN4iLu9jqkh3SvoNK95d16tFrw14o-u5wPrvPFaGmbnYy/s320/king.jpg" width="214" /></a>King Henry VIII was never a favorite monarch of mine. I really do not believe he reformed the church do to Scriptural conviction, but more out of convenience. He desperately needed an heir and the Catholic Church was in the way. His father's greatest fear was that his line would die out and I am sure that fear was passed on to his children. In the book "The King's Curse", I just hate Henry more. He was a despicable man. The story is told from the view point of Margaret Pole, countess of Salisbury. Her father was the brother of Edward IV. This book is excellent! Philippa Gregory, the author, really captured the constant ebbing and flowing of fear and peace that was the reign of Henry VIII among those that may be a threat to the throne. No body was safe with him, not even his own children. Even though I knew how Margaret died, the book still gripped me and I anxiously waited the ending. This book was a great book and one of my favorites that Ms. Gregory has written. This book is the last in the series of the Cousins' War Series.<br />
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<b>To the Christian:</b> The Reformation is in its infancy during this era. The struggle between tradition and Scripture was almost at its boiling point. Margaret Pole is Catholic and I do feel sorry for her because Henry's "reform" utterly destroys the practices that have been a part of her faith for centuries. It brings homelessness and destitution to the monks and nuns that have spent their lives in cloister. I believe he does these atrocities not in the name of God, but to satiate his power hungry ambition. During this time, Henry burns at the stake William Tyndale, a man that translated the Bible into English, so that all may partake and read Scripture. <br />
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There is no explicit content in the book.<br />
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You can buy this book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kings-Curse-Cousins-War/dp/1451626126/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447728255&sr=8-1&keywords=the+kings+curse" target="_blank">here</a>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01648267475289237600noreply@blogger.com0