by Emilie Barnes
Available from Amazon
*****
What a beautiful book! The pictures are so beautiful and dreamy; the book is great, but the pictures really make it special. Quotes on friendship and facts about tea are also scattered over the pretty pages.
For each month a different "friendship" tea is outlined. They are all about celebrating a different theme with friends. Ideas include "Nature" in July, "Laughter" in September, "Togetherness" in June, "Family" in December, and more. In case you're not sure how to get started on the planning for each tea, there are suggestions for how to decorate, what to serve (including tasty recipes!), and ideas for activities. After the blurb about the tea, there "Something Delicious" (recipes!), "Something to Make" (from napkin holders to a tea cozy), and "Something to Think About". Each has a section about the setting with all kinds of ideas and also a column with "Fun Friendship Facts" pertinent to that month's tea.
This is a great book to use again and again. It's all about enjoying people, because really, that's what a tea party is about. Slowing down, paying attention to little things, and taking the time to care. Have a cup of tea with someone!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
How Sleep the Brave
by J. H. Hunter
Available from Inheritance Publications
*****
This is a great story set during the persecutions of the Scottish Covenanters. Daily life and survival is depicted and sermons are related. As people are tortured and killed, the Black Avenger arises, and comes to the rescue of some of them. A master of disguises, nobody knows who he is, even his sweetheart... for a while. He never engages in acts of cruelty or revenge, but makes his appearances only to rescue and protect, although that necessarily involves hurt to the wicked at times. This book of church history is full of danger, adventure, and at all times, no matter the cost, a beautiful trust in God.
I highly recommend this one for children, adults, and families.
Available from Inheritance Publications
*****
This is a great story set during the persecutions of the Scottish Covenanters. Daily life and survival is depicted and sermons are related. As people are tortured and killed, the Black Avenger arises, and comes to the rescue of some of them. A master of disguises, nobody knows who he is, even his sweetheart... for a while. He never engages in acts of cruelty or revenge, but makes his appearances only to rescue and protect, although that necessarily involves hurt to the wicked at times. This book of church history is full of danger, adventure, and at all times, no matter the cost, a beautiful trust in God.
I highly recommend this one for children, adults, and families.
Friday, March 20, 2009
End of the Spear
by Steve Saint
Available from Amazon
*****
I've often read that a good author should be able to bring his readers to both laughter and tears, and this book did that for me several times. Not necessarily because Steve Saint is a great writer; with his heritage and experiences anyone should be able to write a great book.
"End of the Spear" is a book of many genres. It is the continued story of "Through Gates of Splendor", a missionary autobiography, a Waodoni history, and a commentary on so many aspects of life. There are several pictures, although it is too bad the ones on the cover are actors from the movie.
Speaking of the movie, if you have seen it, don't expect the book to parallel it. The book begins with Aunt Rachel's funeral, and jumps around a little. After Steve decides to bring his family to live with the Waodani, he learns more and more of the stories and accounts, so many of which are heartrending, that appear throughout the movie.
But then he continues with how he tried to them, and how he learned from them. What he did teach, and why he had to leave. How his children lived in the jungle, and the mutual love between them and the Waodani.
When he returned to the states, Mincaye made several visits, and they spoke at conferences together. Mincaye continued to be a part of his life, supporting him during a crisis he least expected.
If you have read about Nate Saint, Jim Elliot or the others of the 5 who were martyred, the Waodani or "Aucas", if you have seen the "End of the Spear" movie, if you enjoy missionary stories, if you are interested in the unreached peoples of our time, then this is a book you must read.
If you saw the movie and didn't like it, read the book anyway. It's much better, and I promise you'll be blessed by it. The power of God is illustrated so beautifully.
Available from Amazon
*****
I've often read that a good author should be able to bring his readers to both laughter and tears, and this book did that for me several times. Not necessarily because Steve Saint is a great writer; with his heritage and experiences anyone should be able to write a great book.
"End of the Spear" is a book of many genres. It is the continued story of "Through Gates of Splendor", a missionary autobiography, a Waodoni history, and a commentary on so many aspects of life. There are several pictures, although it is too bad the ones on the cover are actors from the movie.
Speaking of the movie, if you have seen it, don't expect the book to parallel it. The book begins with Aunt Rachel's funeral, and jumps around a little. After Steve decides to bring his family to live with the Waodani, he learns more and more of the stories and accounts, so many of which are heartrending, that appear throughout the movie.
But then he continues with how he tried to them, and how he learned from them. What he did teach, and why he had to leave. How his children lived in the jungle, and the mutual love between them and the Waodani.
When he returned to the states, Mincaye made several visits, and they spoke at conferences together. Mincaye continued to be a part of his life, supporting him during a crisis he least expected.
If you have read about Nate Saint, Jim Elliot or the others of the 5 who were martyred, the Waodani or "Aucas", if you have seen the "End of the Spear" movie, if you enjoy missionary stories, if you are interested in the unreached peoples of our time, then this is a book you must read.
If you saw the movie and didn't like it, read the book anyway. It's much better, and I promise you'll be blessed by it. The power of God is illustrated so beautifully.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
In the Heart of the Rockies
by G. A. Henty
Available from Amazon
***
This was an interesting and educational read, but not my favorite Henty. I did like the setting in Colorado a couple hundred years ago; Tom joins an uncle and together they strike a rich mine, survive a bitter winter in the Rockies, outwit and escape hostile indians, navigate the Colorado river, make it back alive, and eventually live happily ever after on the proceeds of their mine. Not too much nobility of purpose although the characters were morally upright, as always in Henty's books.
For learning about the discovery and exploration of Colorado, the book is great. But don't expect the drama of "The Lion of St. Mark" or "In Freedom's Cause".
Available from Amazon
***
This was an interesting and educational read, but not my favorite Henty. I did like the setting in Colorado a couple hundred years ago; Tom joins an uncle and together they strike a rich mine, survive a bitter winter in the Rockies, outwit and escape hostile indians, navigate the Colorado river, make it back alive, and eventually live happily ever after on the proceeds of their mine. Not too much nobility of purpose although the characters were morally upright, as always in Henty's books.
For learning about the discovery and exploration of Colorado, the book is great. But don't expect the drama of "The Lion of St. Mark" or "In Freedom's Cause".
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