Hello and Happy Sunday! We've had a lovely weekend, complete with lots of activities and work. We normally have clean the house day on Saturdays, but schedules are a little crazy, so it's getting done in bits and pieces. The weather was quite warm yesterday, so Bob and Austin were able to cut tree limbs and get some things accomplished in the yard. I have been planning and organizing, cleaning out closets (with the kids' help) and taking bags of clothes and household goods to the local thrift store (with Bob's help). It feels so good! I hope you're weekend is going well. Are you as excited as I am about welcoming Autumn this week (if you are in the Northern Hemisphere, of course)!?!? Here is our menu plan for this week: Sunday - Taco Salad Monday - Chicken Pot Pie and salad Tuesday - Crock Pot Pinto Beans and Sausage, cornbread Wednesday - Leftovers Thursday - Tacos, chips, guacamole Friday - Hot dogs, baked beans, chips Saturday - The Best Lasagna Ever, salad, garlic bread May you have a refreshing Sunday and a week full of good things. Blessings and love. xo
Do you remember this story from Atlanta in 2005? Brian Nichols, murder suspect and jail-escapee, kidnapped Ashley Smith and held her hostage in her apartment for seven hours. I was completely unfamiliar with this story, possibly because we lived in another country at the time that this real-life miracle took place, so I was unprepared for the amazing account, written by Ashley Smith. Just to be clear (especially because I have one copy to give away!), Captive: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero is not a novelization of the movie. This is actually Ashley's memoir, formerly published as Unlikely Angel. It gives a minute-by-minute account of what happened in those terrifying seven hours.
I COULD NOT put this book down! I read it in two days. It is a truly miraculous story! Not only did Ashley connect with Brian Nichols enough to minister to him and keep him from harming her, she was able to escape and see that he was taken in to custody peacefully. Her broken life was also touched and she received grace and healing for a brand new start.
This is a wild story. A wild and crazy, God story!
I am looking forward to seeing this movie. I imagine it will be intense and very moving. My 19 year old daughter took my copy of the book and read it for herself on a recent trip. We are looking forward to seeing the movie together. In case you haven't noticed yet, the movie rating is PG-13. Obviously there will be adult themes (including violence and substance abuse).
The movie comes out this Friday, September 18!
Overview: Paperback; 272 pages
CAPTIVE, based on a miraculous true story that drew the attention of the entire nation, is a thrilling drama about the spiritual collision of two broken lives. When Brian Nichols - on the run as the subject of a city wide manhunt and desperate to make contact with his newborn son - takes recovering meth addict Ashley Smith hostage in her own apartment, she turns for guidance to Rick Warren’s best-selling inspirational book, The Purpose Driven Life. While reading aloud, Ashley and her would-be killer each face crossroads where despair and death intersect hope. Check here for a theatre near you.
The movie stars David Oyelowo, who played Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the recent film, Selma, and Kate Mara, who was most recently in Fantastic Four.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Open to residents of the USA and Canada, age 18 or older.
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you for your support.
There are some reviews I get to share which quickly get put on my favourites list, and The Biggest Story: How The Snake Crusher Brings Us Back To The Garden is one such book (and keep reading because I get to give one away!)! I read this story to my 8 and 10 year old girls. We read it in one sitting. One could easily read one chapter per day, but they since they are older, they are happy to sit still for longer periods of time. We all loved it, and I have a feeling it will be requested again and again. We laughed out loud in some sections, and I felt tears spring to my eyes in others. I will be happy to oblige in reading it aloud to them whenever they ask.
The story is my favourite one of all time and means the world to me, personally. The illustrations are extraordinary. I am such a visual person and this book is one of the most visually pleasing and appealing that I have ever experienced. (Side note: Are their degrees of how visual one can be? If so, I'm at the most extreme end of the spectrum. I buy wine based on the how appealing the labels are to me. But . . . that's a topic for another day.) Just take a peek at these phenomenal illustrations:
(By the way, the page immediately above, with the text and the corresponding artwork made the three of us gasp, "ooh" and "ahh", all at the same time! I get glorious chills just reading the words and seeing that rainbow sunburst again.)
I didn't know exactly how Kevin DeYoung would be able to share the entire gospel story, from Adam and Eve all the way to a future we have yet to experience and so much in between in a meaningful, concise way, but wow, has he ever done a remarkable job at it! It began as a Christmas sermon for his church, with visions of a sparkling children's book to come. Sparkle, it does, Kevin DeYoung. That is the perfect descriptive word for it. Hats off to both you and Don Clark. About the book:
Hardcover: 132 pages
Publisher: Crossway (August 31, 2015)
In The Biggest Story, Kevin DeYoung - a best-selling author and father of six - leads kids and parents alike on an exciting journey through the Bible, connecting the dots from the garden of Eden to Christ's death on the cross to the new heave and new earth. With powerful illustrations by award-winning artist Don Clark, this imaginative retelling of the Bible's core message-how the Snake Crusher brings us back to the garden-will draw children into the biblical story, teaching them that God's promises are even bigger and better than we think.
About Kevin DeYoung:
Kevin DeYoung is senior pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan. He blogs at the Gospel Coalition and has authored or coauthored numerous well-known books, including Just Do Something, The Hole in Our Holiness, Crazy Busy, and Taking God At His Word. He lives with his wife and their 6 children in Central Michigan.
About Don Clark:
Don Clark is an artist and the cofounder of Invisible Creature, a widely respected and award-winning design studio in Seattle that has worked with clients such as Target, Nike, LEGO, and WIRED magazine. He lives with his wife and their 3 children, 4 goats, 12 chickens, and 1 crazy dog on a farm just outside the city limits.
PURCHASE THE BOOK - What a great gift idea for the little ones in your life, or even for yourself!
Giveaway:
I have one copy to giveaway! Woohoo!
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Open to residents of the USA and Canada, age 18 or older.
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you!
Hello! I'm going to make this speedy. I've had a wonderful, full-to-the-brim weekend and desperately need to get to bed. I hope you're weekend has gone well!
Here's our plan for this week:
Sunday - Turkey chili for our Family Fellowship night.
Monday - Chicken fajitas, Spanish rice, chips and guacamole
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday - Ben's birthday meal! I think he's decided on the chicken wings I made last Wednesday. They have become a family favourite!
Each Cup Nests Inside the Larger Cup for Easy Storing
Measures in cups, ounces and milliliters
Can Be Used for Liquid or Dry Measurements
3 Piece Set, includes 1 Cup Measure, 2 Cup Measure and 4 Cup Measure
I will be honest and let you know that I was a little concerned when I first received these measuring cups. The "Flexi" aspect of the product made me wonder if the cups would be easy to slip or awkward to use. I will put your mind to rest . . . they are very easy to use. The flexibility of these measuring cups is truly a plus and not a minus. We use them in our home on a daily basis, whether measuring oatmeal for breakfast or flour for pizza crust on pizza night or sugar for sweet tea or for mixing a homemade salad dressing, these cups have come in handy in our kitchen!
Here are a couple of photos so that you can see the flexibility of this product for yourself:
The cups stack one inside the other for easy storage and come with lids, and although we haven't had a use for the lids yet, it's nice to have them available. I am so pleased with the 3 Piece Flexi-Pour Measuring Cup Set with Lidsand give them a high recommendation, not just from me, but from all the cooks in this family! Blessings and love. xo
Disclaimer: I received a product in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my very own. This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you for your support!
I don't guess I will ever make it through a September 11th without tears. Today is no exception. The memories started coming back last evening. And again this morning in conversations with Bob and the kids. Fourteen years ago, we were in Texas. Bob was a youth pastor a local church. I was a housewife with two young children. Emma had just started her kindergarten year at the elementary school which was two minutes from our house. Since everyone else was at work and school, Austin, who was 17 months old, and I were getting settled into our morning at home. I was planning to let him watch a children's show, Barney to be exact, while I cleaned up the kitchen and tidied the house. I sat him down in front of the television and turned it on. It was on one of the major networks, ABC, if I'm remembering correctly. The first tower had just been struck. I could not discern what I was seeing and was taken aback by the sense of fear and confusion emanating from the broadcasters. Many things flashed through my mind at once. Was this a movie scene they were showing? No, it doesn't appear to be. Wait. This is real? This is live? How in the world did that plane just crash into one of the towers of the World Trade Center? What is going on here? I stayed glued to the television, while turning Austin's attention to some of his toys. Shortly after, the second tower was hit, and by then we all knew, this was a very dark day in our country. We were under attack. I called up to Bob's office to see if they were aware of what was happening. It took everything in me not to run up to the school and snatch Emma out of her classroom to be home with me. Bob ended up coming home, and like most of the rest of our fellow Americans, we watched the day's events unfold. Stunned. Shocked. Shaking our heads in unbelief. This morning I was telling one of my younger children a few more of the details of that day. She wanted to know how many people died that day. Bob and I both answered at the same time. Three thousand, we said. And I explained to her that it wasn't just the attacks in New York. The Pentagon was attacked. And a fourth plane was diverted by some heroic passengers and crashed in Pennsylvania. Her eyes were wide with the reality of this knowledge. She knows the Pentagon is not that far from where we live. Pennsylvania, too, for that matter. The extent of the attacks became more clear to her this year. I will share these photos with her a bit later, as I think she is ready to see what happened that day. My prayer and hope is that our country will be protected from any more heinous acts of terrorism in the future. We know the threats are real and imminent. But God. I also pray that even though we as a country had the chance to experience awakening and revival fourteen years ago and did not, there is still time. God is not finished with us. There is still an undercurrent of His people who are crying out to Him for the United States of America. That is why our family is here, brought back from Canada, to see His will done on earth as it is in heaven, to see revival come. Even in the midst of our remembering and tears, may we look to Him today. He is for us and His heart is to draw people to Himself. He does not want anyone to perish without salvation in His Son, Jesus Christ. He wants our country to know Him, to experience His unfailing love for us, and to carry out His will for our lives and our nation. Let us call on Him today in hope and expectation.
I haven't written anything about the crisis in our country. The millions of babies. The heartbreak. The shame. The secrecy. The guilt. It's all too much sometimes. I don't want to consider it. I don't want to take it all in. I was pregnant seven times, with two of those pregnancies sadly ending in miscarriage. I have had many, many ultrasounds over the years. I have seen with my own eyes. What a joy to have watched my babies on those screens at all their different stages of development while in my womb! I have never understood the argument. We're talking about tiny human beings. Tiny, helpless lives. Living and breathing. Growing and maturing. Changing by the minute. I am all about choosing life. I saw the movie that was loosely based on her life, but I have just recently discovered this wonderful, warrior woman, Gianna Jessen, and her incredible, beauty from ashes story. Her biological mother attempted to end her life via abortion. As you can see, the abortion didn't work. She is a living, breathing miracle. Just this week she was in D. C. to testify before Congress. Check it out!
This one is from a couple of years ago. It's a little longer, tells a bit more of the story and is powerful message I don't want you to miss. I hope to meet this beautiful sister one day. She carries such an incredible message of hope and love and forgiveness and grace. All the things that I embrace and want to live out in my own life.
Gianna, I can see it. God does smile on you, dear one. What joy and delight you bring to Him. Thank you for telling your story. It is truly one of victory! I have friends who have had abortions. I know their regret. I know that it follows them. I see the woundedness. The sorrow in their eyes. Abortion is not a quick fix that is somehow forgotten, tossed away with yesterday's refuse. It remains. For both the woman and the man. So, please, if you are one who chose that path, know that I love you and more importantly, Jesus loves you. He died for all of us, no matter if my sins are the same or different from yours. Sin is sin. We can all be cleansed by His blood. As in, completely forgiven. He washes it all away, like one of those waves in the ocean that knock you off your feet and take you under. That's how strong the purifying is. The sin doesn't stand a chance. The guilt has to go. The stain vanishes. The wounds were taken for us and are healed. Praise His Name! There is now no condemnation. We arise and fully live. Beauty from ashes. That's His specialty. If you don't know this Jesus and would like to, please email me now. I would love to introduce you to Him (scarlettroyce @gmail dot com - no spaces). And as Gianna mentions, if you're in a crisis pregnancy- you can access help and resources, free and confidential by texting: HELPLINE to: 313131. Choose life! Blessings and love. xo
Releases in theaters everywhere September 11, 2015
Rating: PG-13 (for intense accident and injury images)
Starring Hayden Christensen (Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith), Kate Bosworth (Remember The Titans, Blue Crush) Michael W. Smith, Fred Thompson, Dwight Yoakam, and Jason Kennedy, 90 Minutes In Heaven is based on the inspiring New York Times best-selling book that has sold 7 million copies.
About Giving Films:
Giving Films is passionate about sharing hope-filled movies and donating ALL of their profits to charities and ministries who serve those in need. Beginning with their first film, 90 Minutes In Heaven, Giving Films is allowing all of us to be a part of making a difference. Anytime you go to a Giving Films movie in theaters, visit http://www.givingfilms.com and select which charities you want to receive the profits from your ticket. Their charitable organizations are Christian Alliance for Orphans, Faith Bridge Foster Care, Hire Heroes USA, Hope International, LifeWater, Street Grace, and World Vision.
About the book:
Paperback; 245 pages
Pastor Don Piper died January 18, 1989 when a semi-tractor truck crushed his car. Declared dead by the first rescue workers to arrive on the scene, Don's body lay under a tarp for the next 90 minutes. Don's soul, meanwhile, was experiencing love, joy, and life like he'd never known before. Don was in Heaven.
When another pastor's prayers helped bring Don back to life, he became a living miracle! Yet this is one miracle Don wished never happened. Heaven's bliss was replaced by excruciating pain and emotional turmoil. With the support and prayers of his beloved Eva, their three kids, and friends near and far, Don clings to his faith in God and fights to regain a semblance of his previous life. The Piper family's incredible true story of perseverance and overcoming the challenges of life - and death - will bring hope and encouragement to all who see it. My Thoughts: Did you read 90 Minutes in Heaven when it first came out? It was back in 2004. I remember it but didn't read it then. I didn't know the story at all. I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to read it recently, and I look forward to seeing the movie that comes out this week! I love stories about heaven and miracles and experiencing God in ways we have never known before or thought possible. I have personally met someone who died and was brought back to life, and Bob has met two. With Father God nothing is impossible! What an incredible story Don Piper has been able to live. His message, and that of his family, is one of hope and joy and knowing that God has a purpose for us on earth. Don't miss their encouraging story and message of hope!
Giveaway: Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Open to residents of the USA and Canada, age 18 or older.
Buy the book now! "Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.”
That last week just flew by, didn't it?! Wow. I can't believe it's Monday already. Happy Labour Day! We have worked around the house all day and are just sitting down to watch a movie before bedtime. Did you relax or work today? Here our menu plan for this week: Sunday - Baked potatoes, salad Monday - Crock Pot Cheese Tortellini, Spinach and Sausage, salad, homemade French bread (Thank you, Emma!) Tuesday - Salmon with Bok Choy and Apple Slaw, rice Wednesday - Grilled Chicken Wings (I made this recipe a couple of weeks ago and it was a HUGE hit!), squash casserole, baked beans Thursday - Beef Stew (Ben's night to cook) Friday - Leftovers Saturday - Homemade Pizza Have a wonderful week! Blessings and love. xo
