Journey to Riverbend a Review

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About Journey to Riverbend

Michael Archer is nothing if not a man of his word. Though he was unable to save Ben Carstairs, Michael is determined to carry out Ben’s dying wish: to be reconciled with his father. Unfortunately, Sam Carstairs, one of the most ruthless businessmen on the frontier, has no use for his own son, much less a man of God seeking reconciliation.


Soon after arriving in Riverbend, Michael meets and falls for the stunning Rachel Stone while waiting for Sam to return from a business trip. Beautiful yet guarded, Rachel seems to be running from a past as dark as Michael’s.


When word reaches town that Sam has been kidnapped on the stagecoach home, Michael offers to join the search party formed by the local sheriff. With a budding romance behind him and a dangerous rescue ahead of him, he sets out on the trail, determined to complete his journey no matter the cost.

My Thoughts:

Journey to Riverbend is an amazing book! If you like a good western, then this book is for you. There is just enough romance without going overboard and a lot of western action. *Which I love!* Mr. McLaughlin is a new to me author and I'll be looking forward to more of his books. I was captivated by the characters and their lives.

Journey to Riverbend is written where you will be drawn in and feel all the excitement, frustration, worries, hurt feelings and happiness that the book has to offer. Mr. McLaughlin kept with a realistic view of Christians and non believers and their daily walk in life.  I was a little disappointed with the ending of the book, but I'm hoping that is because there will be a sequel (hint, hint, hint).

I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers in return for my honest opinion.

Chicken and Dumplings

There is something about a bowl of Chicken and Dumplings! Oh, the comfort that comes with eating the dumplings. Yeah, the chicken is good too. But those dumplings, when they are made right, they can make you forget all about your worries ~almost!

These dumplings remind me of the ones you get at the Cracker Barrel. My son, is a mighty picky dumpling eater! If they don't taste like the CB's then he won't eat them. After many failed attempts of trying to create the "perfect" dumpling so he would eat them, I played around with many recipes and came up with this one.

Chicken and Dumplings

4 boneless/skinless chicken breast
2 quarts water
1 can chicken broth or homemade
2 tsp salt 
2 Tbsp Cornstarch
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp pepper

Dumplings

2 c all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 Tbsp butter
3/4 cup milk

Place chicken in a Dutch oven. Add water and 2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 1 hour or until tender. Remove the chicken from the broth and cool. Cut meat into bite-sized pieces. Mix cornstarch and milk together and slowly add to the chicken and broth. Whisk to keep any lumps from forming.  Bring the broth and chicken to a boil and add pepper.

In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the butter  and  add milk, stirring with a fork until moistened.   Knead the dough 4 to 5 times and roll out very thin. You want a thin dough, since it will fluff up when cooked. Also,  ** The less you handle the dough the tender the dumplings will be. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces and drop into boiling broth. DO NOT STIR!! If you need to make room for more dumplings, lift the pan and give it a swirl, to move them around. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes.

My Weekend

On Saturday, it started as a drizzly, cool day. My husband and I had planned all last week on going to a couple of little shops up in the mountains on Saturday. I was all excited except for the weather. I knew that the day was to start out a little dreary, but by the afternoon, the sun would be shining and the temperatures would be warming up. It was so nice, and we had a lot of fun!




Two weeks ago, we wanted to stop off at a little trading post/hardware/pottery store in Gillsville,to look around, but they had closed before we got there. Let me tell you, they don't mess around when four o'clock strikes. The lights are off and the doors are locked up tight. Too bad, if you get there at 4:01 ~ there'll be no one around!  We managed to get to the store around ten on Saturday and I was on cloud nine. Like I said, the store is technically a hardware store, but they have so much more!

After looking through some of the isles of cast iron cookware, Amish made farming tools, oil lamps and lanterns, I looked to the right of the store and found a room that had beautiful things like this...
                               

I believe, I could learn to use a wood burning cookstove.

I definitely would choose a blue one.

About 3 weeks ago, my husband and I went into the Pottery Barn at the mall. 

I found the most amazing TABLE and CHAIRS, but the prices were astounding!

Well, at the trading post, I found these. Aren't they beautiful? 

As soon as I laid eyes on them, I knew that these would be what I want

when the Lord gives us a place to live. I love the "worn" look around the

tops of the chairs and in the seat.

 The great thing about these ~ They are a little more than half the price

of those at the Pottery Barn! The man at the store, told us that if those sold,
before we  come back, he could get us another set ~ no problem!

 

Here's my crazy son on a Saddle Seat. Something that he really liked!

I can't forget this one... This is the Trading Post

After we left there, we headed on up to the mountains. We stopped at a couple of little flea markets on the way. We didn't buy anything ~ just a looking!  We stopped at Yonah Burger and had lunch. My husband use to eat there when he was younger, but I never had, so we had to stop. I've not had a hamburger that tasted so good since the last time, I ate at Naps Grill in Hamilton, Montana. So YUMMY!

After lunch, we headed on up the road to a couple of stores and we stopped off at the Greenstone Soap Company.  I bought the Calendula &Tangerine  and the Honey Almond. I   like the Calendula & Tangerine the best. Monkey picked out the Honey Almond and that is his favorite to use. While in the area, we stopped off at the Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen for some fudge. ~ YUM! They sell the best fudge -ever!

On the way out of the area we stopped off at my favorite little antique/junk shop. This little shop is so full of stuff, we have to spend more than an hour to see all the stuff this little lady has. Every time we stop, I find something to leave with. Saturday was no different, I found a beautiful cream crocheted table runner. (Just as soon as I find some batteries for my camera, I'll post a picture)

We had a good weekend. Sunday was wonderful! We had a great day at church. Sunday night after church we were able to grocery shop all by ourselves. That's about the only good thing that comes from super bowl Sunday ~ everyone is at home watching the commercials, oh yes, and the game ~ how could I forget?

Day Book

Outside my window... a rainy day! All good things must come to an end, right? Well, the spring like weather we had Saturday and Sunday was unbelievable. I even enjoyed wearing my sandals.



I am thinking... about all the people that are praying against the Healthcare reform bill and how a judge ruled it unconstitutional just a few short minutes ago. 
I am thankful for... answered prayers
From the learning rooms... we are learning about the heart this week. I am so amazed at how God created a muscle that does so much.
From the kitchen... I'm actually being productive today... I'm trying my hand at homemade yogurt. I'm hoping it turns out. Hopefully, I'll be able to sweeten my batch and make it actually taste good. The store bought yogurt that is the starter ~ not so good!
I am creating... well, I started a cross stitch pattern almost 20 years ago. I've worked on it, off and on over the years and feel that I really need to finish it. The funny thing, it's not even a major detailed pattern. It's something that I can't see!, the pattern that is. I guess I'm going to have to pull out the glasses, so I can finish it.
I am reading... several books at the moment. I signed up for a review that is suppose to start on the fourth, and I'm just starting the third chapter. Along, with that one book, I have three more to read and I found another book for a review in the mail today, so I'm set for a while.
I am praying... about a very important  decision my husband and I have to make. I don't like change! I feel, that with this change there is a little bit of "fizzle" that is going to happen. And with the fizzle, I feel the feeling of failure trying to creep in.
Around the house... Not a whole lot of anything! Other than the daily routine, I'm plugging right along.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Hopefully , we only have to worry about Church on Wednesday night and be able to stay home the rest of the time. ~ YAYAY!! if the plans work out.

Day Book

Outside my window... YUCK! it's raining and cool. Some would say it's cold. But it has to be in the teens for me to actually start feeling cold.


I am thinking... what's taking Monkey so long in penmanship?!

I am thankful for... the laughter that Monkey and I can share while learning.

From the learning rooms... we're learning about the ZHOU Dynasty along with Samson and Samuel this week in the MOH and for science we are learning about the circulatory system. Pretty interesting, I might add.  

From the kitchen... I'm thawing out a package of pork, so I can shred it and BBQ it for sandwiches tonight. I made a batch of Pumpkin bread yesterday. Just a nice little treat for this week.

I am creating... some forms for my home management binder. These are just a few things that I would like to have on hand in case something happened. My husband and son would know where to find some rather important information.

I am reading... nothing at the moment. I received a notice from the library that my books are in ~YAY!

I am praying... a very special need.

Around the house... same ol' things. Nothing new.

A few plans for the rest of the week... well, I did not go to the grocery store on Saturday, so I'm doing all I can to use up what I have while making a grocery list. Hopefully, I'll be able to hit the store Saturday morning and then stop off at the library to pick up my books. Other than that, I'm hoping to stay home the rest of week and try to get through this dreaded winter.

31 Days of Power Learning to Live in Spiritual Victory a Review

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31 Days of Power 

As a follower of Jesus, you are engaged in a battle against a treacherous enemy. But the mighty power of God is yours through Christ’s victory on the cross of Calvary.

The daily readings in this uplifting devotional are steeped in Scripture and blended with praise to bring foundational truths to life—to help you wield the power of God that’s available in all our afflictions, in every trial and temptation.

My Thoughts:

31 Days of Power Learning to Live in Spiritual Victory  was not what I was expecting, and that is not a bad thing. In the pages of this book you will find many small prayers that are filled with praise and thanksgiving. Along with each of the prayers, you will find the scripture reference that pertains to the prayer. ~ Something that I like. I like being able to search out the verses and see what the Bible says regarding the prayer.


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Thirty-one Days of Power: Learning to Live in Spiritual Victory By Ruth Myers with Warren Myers / Multnomah As a follower of Jesus, you are engaged in a battle against a treacherous enemy. But the mighty power of God is yours through Christ's victory on the cross of Calvary. The daily readings in this uplifting devotional are steeped in Scripture and blended with praise to bring foundational truths to life-to help you wield the power of God that's available in all our afflictions, in every trial and temptation. The truths in these pages will equip you to resist the forces of evil, to stand firm in a day of deepening darkness, and to know firsthand the truth of Romans 8:37: "In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us."

Left at the Altar

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Left at the Altar

TV journalist Kimberley Kennedy went from having it all to complete devastation, rejection, and public humiliation when, like a Lifetime movie scenario, her fiance left her at the altar. But her story did not end at the church. With candor and humor, Kimberley shares the personal details of her life as she journeys from devastation to a deeper understanding of what happened and how she found not only healing but hope to someday find her Mr. Right.

The intimate woman-to-woman inspirational journey includes:

• Stories of women who were left at the altar
• How to deal with feelings of anger towards God 
• The little black dress analogy 
• How not to let your rejection define who you become 
• Tools for healing and moving on 
• How to laugh, love again, and return to dating 
• Ultimate insight from men who have been rejectors 

My Thoughts:

 Left at the Altar is a book about hope after rejection. Kimberley Kennedy was left at the altar before her wedding rehearsal could even begin. How can anyone see hope at the end of this tunnel? But there is.

Kimberley was a take control kind of woman and she took control of her life when it came to marriage. After seeing several signs of a non marriage commitment, Kimberly brushed them off as "cold feet" syndrome. At that time, little did Kimberley realize that she was trying to control who she would marry. Not one time did she call her former fiance a JERK!( Which in my opinion he was,  letting marriage plans keep rolling and money being spent. He should have spoken up and not wimp out at the last minute.) But she does blame the situation on God. Over a period of time, Kimberley finally realized that she was the reason for the altercation. After accepting the fault, Kimberley faced the truth and turned to God for help.

In the book is a little insight on why men reject through the eyes of several men.   If you've ever wondered how men think, then this part of the book is eye opening. If you haven't realized it yet, they do think differently than us women.

I really do not know why I chose this book for a review other than knowing Kimberley as one of our newscasters in the Atlanta area.  I think this book would be a great help for anyone who has gone through some sort of rejection such as a relationship or even a job. There is hope once you get over the rejection. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

DayBook

Outside my window... it's raining! and the temperatures are above freezing, so hopefully all this horrid snow and ice will be completely gone by Wednesday.



I am thinking... nothing! How can that be? I have so much going on around me, I can't believe that I'm not thinking ~ of anything in particular. Maybe it's a good thing.
I am thankful for...serving a God that is with me at all times even when I am in the valley. Interesting  how the Lord is called the Lily of the Valley. This little flower can only grow in the valley in proper conditions. While in the valley of trials and testings we are able to see the beauty of the Lord. I borrowed the Lily of the Valley info from a friend in an online Bible study that I joined on Facebook. Today was the first day and we are studying the book of James. I really enjoyed being able to learn the thoughts from the other ladies today. I can't wait for tomorrow.
From the learning rooms... we are busily working. Today, we started the chapter on the respiratory system. Monkey and I had a good laugh about the "hairy catchers" ~ nasal hairs.
From the kitchen... nothing fancy today... pinto beans, mashed potatoes and salmon patties. Yum!
I am creating...I'm working on a few different things, right now. Hopefully, I'll have them finished soon, so I can share pictures of them.
I am reading... I received a book for a review, today. I can't wait to start reading tonight.
I am praying... for wisdom as our family has a couple of decisions to make.
Around the house... nothing more than just the usual cleaning and straightening. All the closets and drawers have been cleaned out and stuff has been donated.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Hopefully, I'll be able to work on finishing up some sewing and knitting. I have a skirt I want to make. I've had the fabric a couple of years ~ it's time to get busy sewing it.