The Longing in me- Book review

When I first saw the title of the book, I admit I thought it would be an interesting read but maybe not hit where I'm at right now. Knowing it was written by Sheila Walsh made me want to pick it up. I was given a digital copy from the publisher, but not required to write a review. The book opened my eyes so much that I bought a physical copy at my own expense. It touched places of hurt that I didn't know were there. It gently made me want to let go of areas I knew I needed to in order for God to bring something so much better.

Whether you have faith, aspire to faith, or are strong in your faith, this book cuts across all denominational and cultural lines and brings a personal story (Sheila Walsh's) paralleled with the accounts of David in the Old Testament Bible. So, that's the honest truth in a nutshell! Now, if you want to dig in deeper and find more than that, you can. I did. Sheila does a superlative job with words, crafting them to find common ground with any reader. This book that is currently in my collection will be one I read over and over again, not because it's too hard or heady but because there is so much GOOD STUFF in it that addresses the human condition, the needs we have, and the longings we have that often get filled in ways that are unhealthy or dangerous.

Hope Heals- Book Review

If there is one story you read this year, get this one.. 

When all seems lost, where can hope be found?

Katherine and Jay married right after college and went on an adventure far from home in Los Angeles, CA. As they pursued their dreams, they planted their lives in the city and in their church community. Their son, James, came along unexpectedly in the fall of 2007, and just 6 months later, everything changed in a moment for this young family.

On April 21, 2008, as James slept in the other room, Katherine collapsed, suffering a massive brain stem stroke without warning. Miraculously, Jay came home in time and called for help. Katherine was immediately rushed into micro-brain surgery, though her chance of survival was slim. As the sun rose the next morning, the surgeon proclaimed that Katherine had survived the removal of part of her brain, though her future recovery was completely uncertain. Yet in that moment, there was a spark of hope. Through 40 days on life support in the ICU and nearly 2 years in full-time brain rehab, that spark of hope was fanned into flame.

Defying every prognosis, with grit and grace, Katherine and Jay, side by side, struggled to regain a life for Katherine as she re-learned to talk and eat and walk. Returning home with a severely disabled body but a completely renewed purpose, they committed to celebrate this gift of a second chanceby embracing life fully, even though that life looked very different than they could have ever imagined. In the midst of continuing hardships and struggles, both in body and mind, Katherine and Jay found what we all long to find...hope, hope that heals the most broken place, our souls.

Now 8 years later they are living their new normal and they just announced a second baby for their family. 

I could not stop reading this book. It is a story of suffering, restoration, and a Christ Centered hope as the ministry hope heals. 

Weekend Recap

FRIDAY ~ 

I slept in and it was lovely. When I woke up I had a text from my friend back home in Newfoundland and she said she was in town and would love to meet for lunch.  It has been 7 years since I saw her, we chatted, we laughed, we shopped and we picked up right where we left off and now talking about taking a trip together. 

It did my heart so good to see her, hang out with her and have a piece of home here. Sadly our visited came to an end and she had to go back home. 

I bought some new sandals for summer, pretty teal pair and a black pair. it was a fun after noon

Friday Evening I was hosting a baby shower for a lady at church, it was a fun time, she is having a girl after 4 boys so there was lots of pink. Our theme was "New Little Princess" we were decorating in hearts and crowns. 

The cupcakes had crowns sticking up from them

For food we did a dips and dessert's menu. 

The center pieces were simple.. it was a vase with tissue paper and then we had crowns and hearts on little decorative sticks. It really did look pretty. 

She got some adorable dresses and pretty girl things. 

SATURDAY ~

After the exciting day of Friday I felt like today was super chill which was needed. 

Brooke went to the church to make cookies with some youth girls for a fundraiser, they are selling them on Sunday. 

Then we went to town and I went to Staples and Michael's looking for a planner for Brooke.. she is FINALLY a planner girl, I am excited to do that together. 

Came home and made a spinach and ricotta ravioli in a rose hip sauce, oh my it was heavenly. 

Took some time and laid on the patio with a book, the weather was so beautiful today. I wanted to stay outside all day. 

SUNDAY~
We were not on set up duty today so we enjoyed the extra hour sleep. It was nice. 
We had Sunday morning service and then a young guy came over for lunch, we grilled and it was a nice day. 

Other than that it was a great weekend. 

The League and the Lantern Review

Being some what of a history buff I have enjoyed this book immensely. Young adults will also enjoy this 

A group of young adults really have a goal and they will stop at nothing to get their hands on the hat and gloves of President Lincoln. But what is their evil goal, and can the kids help stop them?

Things really heated up between the two after the Civil War. One wants to encourage fear and hate, and the other wants to preserve and protect our great nation. Several kids, all with strong personalities, wind up in the middle of all the drama: Jake Herndon, who learns a powerful secret about his family line; Lucy, a martial arts expert; and TJ, who has an over-active imagination; as well as a character named Greg.

The kids are portrayed realistically in this story, as they kid each other and talk about “Star Wars” and other things they enjoy, like “The Princess Bride.” The story includes chase scenes, mysteries to solve, and a growing bond between the kids. The author uses a vivid imagination to mix a bit of history with fiction. He also uses a biblical quotation, from Mark 3, that Lincoln used in a speech, which says that a house divided will fall. The mysteries get darker before they become clearer. Is the character Artie really a guy named Ed Chase? How does “The Great Northwestern Conspiracy” play into the suspense? Can the Order of the Dark Lantern, which operates in the shadows, be defeated? How about Anarchus Kane, the ultimate villain of the Civil War period?

"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.

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.”

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Weekend Recap

Friday:
This was a hectic weekend.. it felt like all we did was run errands and celebrate.
I went shopping for a baby shower that I am hosting this coming Friday night for a baby girl, here is a sneak of the decor theme

I don't want to share to much as she goes to  my church and she reads my blog, and I want her to be surprised. 

I went to bed super early which is strange for me as we normally have a craft night tonight but I was far to tired. 

Saturday:

Our day started not to early, I was up early because I went to bed very early. Brooke was going to see Mary Poppins with my Best friends from high school, so I took her int own to meet her, I couldn't 

go with them because I had a hot date with my hubby.
We went grocery shopping and then came home to relax for a little while before we went back to town for dinner, we went out to celebrate for our anniversary, it was fun to sit and just eat yummy food, talk and dream with him. Then we went for ice cream and a drive. We got home and hung out, watched some tv and relaxed.

I stayed up late chatting with my sister and brother, I love our group messages, they are fun and we laugh a lot.

Sunday:
Happy Mother's Day to you all beautiful women in my life.
We had a great Mother's day service:

Our Pastors wife painted and cut this sign out, this picture does not do it justice, it is so pretty 

She had vases of roses on each side of the sanctuary and all the mom's took one or more, it was so nice. 

She spoke and did a great job. 

I spoke briefly and made a presentation to my Pastors wife 

We had a Missionary with us, it was so nice to hear their stories 

Then we came home and Andrew and the kids cooked for me, we had steak, potatoes, veggies, salad, dessert was this cake that Moses brought over for me, it was delicious. 

Brooke got me: Adult colouring book, notebook and a pen that I really wanted. 

It has been great Mother's Day. 

How was your's? 

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you beautiful mom’s out there. 

A special wish to my amazing sister who made me an auntie with her three gorgeous babies, she is such an awesome mom, she also helped raise Brooke, her and Brooke have a special bond together that will never be broken. she is my best friend and I love you sister! 

A special wish to my mom who never ceases to amaze me and while she has her own health concerns, yet she can come spend time with me and get my house market ready, and had dinner cooked for us every night, it was a great 2 weeks with her, thank you mom for raising me to know Jesus, for teaching me how to be a mom and a wife. I love you.