A Curious Neighbor

This morning while I was sitting at the table looking through some email, I heard a knocking on the window in the kitchen. When I looked up I was surprised at what I saw...



My little cardinal window magnet attracted a curious fur neighbor.  I was able to snap a few pictures before he gave up on trying to decide what the bird was doing. Of all the years that I've had this little bird, this year has been by far the most entertaining. During the summer I saw our hummingbirds fly up to it a several times and I've had several curious cardinals flying around it. As long as I don't have anything that slithers up to it, I'll be happy.

Twenty Six Years Later

Twenty six years ago, President Ronald Reagan gave the following speech before the lighting of the White House Christmas tree. It's an eye opening speech for someone my age and younger because we have grown accustom to the idea of being "politically correct" and not wanting to offend others with our faith and beliefs ~ how sad! Can you imagine these words being spoken today?





My fellow Americans, thank you for joining Nancy and me on this festive evening. The menorah stands lighted in Lafayette Park, for this is also the time of Hanukkah, and this season is rich in the meaning of our Judeo-Christian tradition. In a moment we'll be lighting the National Christmas Tree, carrying forward what is now a 62-year tradition first begun by Calvin Coolidge.

Tonight we're drawn in warmth to one another as we reflect upon the deeply holy meaning of the miracle we shall soon celebrate. We know that Mary and Joseph reached the stable in Bethlehem sometime after sunset. We do not know the exact moment the Christ Child was born, only what we would have seen if we'd been standing there as we stand here now: Suddenly, a star from heaven shining in our eyes, shining with brilliant beauty across the skies, a star pointing toward eternity in the night, like a great ring of pure and endless light, and then all was calm, and all was bright. Such was the beginning of one solitary life that would shake the world as never before or since. When we speak of Jesus and of His life, we speak of a man revered as a prophet and teacher by people of all religions, and Christians speak of someone greater—a man who was and is divine. He brought forth a power that is infinite and a promise that is eternal, a power greater than all mankind's military might, for His power is Godly love, love that can lift our hearts and soothe our sorrows and heal our wounds and drive away our fears. He promised there will never be a long night that does not end. He promised to deliver us from dark torment and tragedy into the warming sunlight of human happiness, and beyond that, into paradise. He's never been a halfway giver; His generosity is pure and perfect and sure.

This, then, expresses the true meaning of Christmas. If each of us could give but a fraction to one another of what He gave to the whole human family, how many hearts could heal, how much sorrow and pain could be driven away? There's still time for joy and gladness to touch a sad and lonely soul, still time to feed a hungry child, to wrap a present for a kind old man feeling forlorn and afraid, and to reach out to an abandoned mother raising children on her own. There's still time to remember our Armed Forces, to express our profound gratitude to those keeping watch on faraway frontiers of freedom, and to redouble our energies to account for our MIA's. They are not and never will be forgotten. And there's still time to remember the deepest truth of all: that there can be no prisons, no walls, no boundaries separating the members of God's family.

Let us reach out tonight to every person who is persecuted; let us embrace and comfort, support and love them. Let us come together as one family under the fatherhood of God, binding ourselves in a communion of hearts, for tonight and tomorrow and for all time. May we give thanks for an America abundantly blessed, for a nation united, free, and at peace. May we carry forward the happiness of the Christmas spirit as the guiding star of our endeavors 365 days a year. And as we light this magnificent tree, may all the youthful hope and joy of America light up the heavens and make the angels sing.

Merry Christmas, and God bless you all. And now we're going to light the tree.

Decision Points a Review

A look at the man behind some of the decisions that were made during his presidency.





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Decision Points

Our nation has been led by many men who have either failed at their job or they came out on top. Of course those that failed will have supporters that feel they succeeded, while those that came out on top will have those that feel they failed.  We all have our own opinions about George W. Bush and his presidency but this review is not about the man, it is about his book, Decision Points.

There were two things that I loved about this book. The first, Mr. Bush explains that he wanted his memoirs to be about some of the decisions that he had to make in his life; not just his life story. These decisions were made before and during his presidency; a look into the life of this man that carried a load on his shoulders.  The second, is how the book is written.  The simplicity of the writing is as if he is actually speaking to you.  I know there is a lot being said about a ghost writer regarding this book. There are many "authors" who have used them, but that is not the point here. Simplicity is something that I like when reading, if I can't understand it, I won't read it. The descriptions of many situations were so vivid, that I could almost feel the anxiety, stress, and compassion that was felt during those moments.

Media doesn't show all the details that goes on behind the doors of the White House. There are many decisions that are made on the behalf of our country every day; many of which we never hear about. The outcome of some of the decisions are not always the best, while others work out for the good. Yes, the President may have the final say in the matter, but he is not the only one in on making decisions. These men and women are human just like you and me. Reading about whether to pursue a terrorist and vicious dictator or choose to learn more about stem cell research or when to send in the extra help after a disaster where decisions that were hard press is an eye opener.

Overall the book is definitely a book you would want to read. Especially if you are interested in reading the "behind the scenes" of certain situations that President Bush faced during his presidency.

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

590619: Decision Points Decision Points

By George W. Bush / Crown


In this candid, gripping account, President George W. Bush describes the critical decisions that shaped his presidency and personal life. Go inside the Texas governor's mansion on the night of the 2000 election; aboard Air Force One after the September 11 attacks; and into the situation room moments before the start of the Iraq war. Large Print Edition.

Softly and Tenderly a Review




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Softly and Tenderly

 Maybe out there in the country she could catch her breath, learn to breathe again.   Happily married and owner of two successful boutiques, Jade longs to begin a family with her husband, Max. But when she discovers that Max has an illegitimate son—who he wants her to help raise— Jade’s life is turned upside down.

She flees to her childhood home, a rambling Iowa farmhouse, with enough room to breathe. There—while her mother’s health grows fragile, and the tug of her first love grows stronger—Jade begins to question everything she thought she knew about family, love, and motherhood. In the wide-open landscape, Jade begins to see a future that doesn’t rest on the power of her past but in the goodness of God's tender mercies.

I didn't know what to expect when I chose Softly and Tenderly by Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck.  After reading a couple of chapters, I had to close the book. I just did not like it! After reading another book, I came back to Softly and Tenderly and still could not get into the book.

I really thought that the book would go the route with Jade digging deeper into her faith with all the problems she and her family faced. Instead Jade's faith was put on the back burner while she dealt with the family problems. There's really not enough Christianity in the book, for it to be called a Christian fiction. It's a clean, easy read.

I received this book from Book Sneeze for free in return for my honest opinion.





14883EB: Softly and Tenderly, Songbird Series #2 -eBook Softly and Tenderly, Songbird Series #2 -eBook

By Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck / Thomas Nelson


Jade Fitzgerald's hope for a perfect marriage shatters when her husband confesses he has an illegitimate son. What's more, he wants to raise the boy in their home.
Hurting and confused, Jade embarks on a road trip to Iowa to take her sick mother to her childhood home. In the comfort of the old homeplace, Jade struggles with her fears and the tug of her first love. With the help of her family and her faith, she comes to understand her future doesn't rest on the power of her past, but in the goodness of God's mercy.

A Pinteresting Find

Back a few weeks ago, I was reading over at the PrairieFrog Blog about a Pinterest Challenge. In this challenge, all you have to do is create one of your "pins" weekly or monthly. Well, I chose to do a monthly challenge, because it takes me a while to get into the crafting mode. Once I'm in the mode, there is no looking back.This has been one of those not looking back weeks.



Not too many people know of my love for Primitives. I love the old worn look of items that seem to have been around since the Mayflower. I even have a Primitive board on Pinterest. Some of the pins, I'm working on.

 For the challenge I chose this pin. I so love the tin cup arch decoration. I knew when I pinned this, I would have to make it some how without spending hardly any money.  And come up with a way that I would not have to store it for the future.

After looking at the photo for several days and being in the woods helping my husband with a deer stand. It dawned on me that I can make one without spending a dime for this project. Now, mine is different and it is so adorable, if I should say so myself. I finished it today and I can't wait for my husband to come home, so he can give me his thoughts. I can't bring myself to hanging this on the front door. I just love it above the fireplace!

Here is my version~

I sprayed painted some tin cans silver and tied aged cheesecloth around each one. We have several huge evergreen trees in the yard. So I cut several limbs to use across the top of the mantel and glued little sprigs around the top of the can. I painted pine cones gold and acorns red and glued those around the greenery. I even added a sprig of mistletoe that my husband shot out of the tree for me. I used jute for the holders on the cans and the stick and wrapped a piece of homespun fabric around it. The curved stick was found while I was cutting pine cones down. What a surprise!

 Since I'm showing some of our Christmas decorations, here is one of my favorite Christmas decorations. I found these little guys at a flea market and only paid $2.00 for them.


Here are some of my prim candy canes, that I've made. I have these for sale in the Etsy store.

I was so hung up on the tin can holder and I knew that I wanted to go with something similar for the front door. This is what I came up with.

 During the early part of fall, I collected some of the white oak tree acorns and placed them  along with some pine cones in an old jar.  This is going to be sitting on the table beside the sofa. This is perfect, since it can stay out year round.

I've not put up our Christmas tree yet. We are planning to go and cut one at a near by farm next week. Once it is up, I'll take a few pictures.

If you'd like to join the Pinterest Challenge,  and not be just a pin hoarder. You can join in, just click the challenge graphic and see what others are working on.

The House of Hope


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The House of Hope

One couple’s powerful ministry to some of China’s most vulnerable children. Robin and Joyce Hill lived in a gated community in Beijing. Their family’s life was marked by luxury and the security of Robin's job as an engineer. Then one day, as members of their church, they had a chance to tour a state-run orphanage. Haunted by the needs of the children they saw there, for the next four years they tried to help the institute in meaningful ways.

In 1998 the Hills planned to leave China, but instead felt a sudden call from God on their lives. They left their gated community--reserved for only non-Chinese residents--moved their family into a small apartment miles outside of Beijing and immediately began to take in foster children.

They took in any child, but especially those that needed extra care—terminally ill children that couldn't receive care elsewhere, and those that needed complicated and expensive surgeries that the Hills soon began to coordinate and sometimes pay for out of their own savings.

What began as Hope Foster Home is now New Hope Foundation. As they continue their work, the Hills enjoy support from major corporations and high-profile philanthropists as well as the trust of the Chinese authorities. The Hills' story is an inspiring example of God's care and provision for those whom society does not value. Learn more about Hope Foster Homes here: http://www.hopefosterhome.com.

"I strongly support Robin and Joyce Hill's New Hope Foundation which is saving so many orphan lives in China. Read this amazing story of God's grace and accept the challenge to make a difference!"
--Steven Curtis Chapman

"I had the privilege of going to China and witnessing the work that God is doing through Robin and Joyce Hill. They are wonderful servants of God who lovingly care for the 'least of these.' I hope that many will read this book and consider their example."
--Francis Chan, author of Crazy Love

ABOUT THE AUTHOR~ Elisabeth Gifford is a journalist who has written for the London Times and the Independent Newspapers. She lives in Kingston, England, and teaches children with dyslexia.

MY THOUGHTS: The story of this couple and the work they are doing in China is wonderful. All over the world, children are being abandoned for one reason or another. Fortunately, for the precious children in China the Hills are able to make a difference in many of their lives. Reading about some of the tiny children makes you want to pack everything up and move to China to help save their lives.

You can see the ongoing work here http://www.hopefosterhome.com.


**I received this book for free from Litfuse in return for my honest opinion.**


Happy Thanksgiving

I hope you and your familyhave a wonderful Thanksgiving.





Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, 
and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: 
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100

It's About Time

 I'm a little late in showing some of my fall decor. This year, I didn't put out all that I have since I really don't have as much space as I did in the past. But you can see that I did decorate. I decorated for fall at the beginning of October since I don't decorate for Halloween. I almost forgot to put up my Thanksgiving banner. I finally got it up this week. Please excuse the tiny "A" leaf. I had a malfunction with the leaves and the printing.  I did finally get it straightened out this afternoon.





This is the extra counter space that seems to find itself becoming the home of junk that is laid there during the day. So I finally decided to put something out to keep the mess from gathering up.


This is my new fall piece. Isn't it amazing? It's a quilted runner with candy corn ~ my favorite fall candy! I won this in a contest, believe me when I say that I  was surprised. I was~ I never win anything.




Can you believe that there are only 6 days until Thanksgiving? Since we're counting down the days... How about those 36 days until Christmas?  I know, I've not started my Christmas shopping. But I never start until after Thanksgiving, unless I find an item at a ridiculously low price. This year has gone by crazy fast.  I'm off to finish up my grocery list for next week. I've been working on it all day!