I took a long walk today. I walked to the market for some groceries and on my way home I had some deep thoughts. One was that you can really tell the age of an home's occupant by the landscape.


Imagination over money:
Rentals not withstanding, a home that has a new deck or porch with modern lines usually means a young couple or family - they usually also have a small garden and pots with flowers. The yard might be nice or semi-nice. I mean hey, we don't have that much expendable income but we do the best we can.

Money over imagination:
Retired people usually have fancy landscape or something that was supposed to be fancy but looks rather odd. They have the income but not the imagination.

Memories over money and imagination:
I waved to a lovely old lady sitting staring out her front window down on 6th street. She waved her hankie right back at me. Elderly people who have lived in their homes for years and years have mature trees and their yards usually look like they did 20, 30 even 40 years ago. I supposed they like to look out and see the place where their children and grandchildren ran and played and grew up - to change that would taint the memory somehow.

Now, there are exceptions to every rule and I am no expert, so I really don't know what I'm talking about, but I did a very unscientific test on my way home and that's how I'm calling it like I saw it.

Of course you could be like the people who live on 8th street. They actually live in their giant motorcoach in their driveway. Their house is empty - no lights, no furniture, nothin'. But you can always see them sitting at the window of their house on wheels taking a drag and watching the traffic go by. Very interesting.

It's funny to me what get's people talking. Sometimes I think a topic is really interesting so I'll write about it on my Facebook page and nobody bites. They I write something mundane and the place lights up like the Fourth of July. Hilarious!!

Today I mentioned that I love the library. All my friends came out of the woodwork expressing their adoration for free books, movies and information. I think I've been taking my library for granted and I resolve to do so no longer.

Since I recommend books I'd like to recommend one to you today that I am reading to my daughter. I think it is a bit above her head (she's only 4), but I love the story and think it should be in the libraries of all cities and towns. It would make a great Christmas present too.

The book is called "Who Owns the Sun" by Stacy Chbosky. Stacy was 14 when she wrote and illustrated this book back in 1989. She won an award for her work and I think her book is a classic. It's available at Amazon.com and if your library doesn't have it why don't you donate it. I think I might.
I don't want to give away the plot and story line, but I'm sure you will enjoy this book and it's a great freedom lesson for kids - of all ages.

If you can't find this book in your library don't hesitate to ask for an interlibrary loan. They can get you any book from somewhere else - my copy of this book came from the library in Bandon, OR. Totally random that they would have it but I'm glad they did.

Enjoy!

The holidays are upon us. We're all starting to think about Thanksgiving dinner and table decorations, gifts for our loved ones and cookie exchanges. This is a perfect time to cut ourselves some slack and read for enjoyment.

Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh is your ticket to fun, romance and lessons in family and grace (we can all use some of that going into the holiday season.)

This book is not only well written and interesting, but it is light and fun with heart warming romance and insight into family dynamics that all of us can relate to. I highly recommend this book for pre-Christmas reading. It will definitely leave you laughing, thinking and completely satisfied.

Summary:

Piper Wick left her hometown of Pickwick, North Carolina, twelve years ago, shook the dust off her feet, ditched her drawl and her family name, and made a new life for herself as a high-powered public relations consultant in LA. She’s even “engaged to be engaged” to the picture-perfect U.S. Congressman Grant Spangler.

Now all of Piper’s hard-won happiness is threatened by a reclusive uncle’s bout of conscience. In the wake of a health scare, Uncle Obadiah Pickwick has decided to change his will, leaving money to make amends for four generations’ worth of family misdeeds. But that will reveal all the Pickwicks’ secrets, including Piper’s.

Though Piper arrives in Pickwick primed for battle, she is unprepared for Uncle Obe’s rugged, blue-eyed gardener. So just who is Axel Smith? Why does he think making amends is more than just making restitution? And why, oh why, can’t she stay on task? With the Lord’s help, Piper is about to discover that although good PR might smooth things over, only the truth will set her free.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After Tamara Leigh earned a Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology, she and her husband decided to start a family, with plans for Tamara to continue in her career once she became a mother.

When the blessing of children proved elusive, Tamara became convicted to find a way to work out of her home in order to raise the children she and her husband longed to have. She turned to writing, at which she had only ever dreamed of being successful, and began attending church. Shortly thereafter, her agent called with news of Bantam Books’ offer of a four-book contract. That same day, Tamara’s pregnancy was confirmed. Within the next year, she gave up her speech pathology career, committed her life to Christ, her first child was born, and her first historical romance novel was released.

As Tamara continued to write for the secular market, publishing three more novels with HarperCollins and Dorchester, she infused her growing Christian beliefs into her writing. But it was not enough, and though her novels earned awards and were national bestsellers, she knew her stories were lacking. After struggling with the certainty that her writing was not honoring God as it should, she made the decision to write books that not only reveal Christianity to non-believers, but serve as an inspiration for those who have accepted Christ as their Savior. Her inspirational romances are peopled with characters in varying stages of Christian faith, from mature believers to new believers to non-believers on the threshold of awakening.

Tamara Leigh enjoys time with her family, volunteer work, faux painting, and reading. She lives near Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, David, and two sons, Skyler and Maxen.

Buy this book at Random House

Recently I was in Denver with my family visiting the aquarium. It was a great day but during the entire visit my hand was aching. I realized that my entry bracelet was too tight. There was nothing I could do until we left the aquarium and I could cut it off. I needed to let my arm be free of any hindrances again.

It got me to thinking about the book I just read Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur. It is the story of one man's journey from bondage in religion to freedom in Christ. I definitely recommend this book. It is a fast paced story that takes readers around the globe through all kinds of situations and trials, heartaches and joyful triumphs.

The crux of the story is sad and heart wrenching, but the journey is exciting and eye opening. It is also gives a clear picture of the idea of grace and forgiveness. I love travel so this story was one that kept my attention while weaving a great tale that packs a punch.

This is a re-release of a book that was published almost 20 years ago, but the story is timeless. Many people in the world today live in bondage, like I felt like with that tight bracelet around my wrist. But there is a freedom that comes only from Christ and this book explores that freedom and embraces it.

Summary:

"Pastor Jason Faircloth knows what he believes. His clear faith, in fact, is why he is one of the most prominent pastors in Atlanta. He relies on it to discipline his daughter, his wife, his church. He prays daily that others would come to see God’s ways as he does.
And it is about to cost him everything.

Groping for answers in the face of tragedy, Jason begins a search for the only family he has left: the granddaughter kept hidden from him. Soon he finds himself on an international adventure that will take him straight into the depths of his soul. He is determined not to fail again.

A fast-paced suspense novel rich in spiritual depth, Wisdom Hunter explores what it means to break free of Christian legalism—and discover why grace can mean the difference between life and death.

Author Bio:

Randall Arthur is the bestselling author of Jordan's Crossing and Brotherhood of Betrayal. He and his wife have served as missionaries to Europe for over thirty years. From 1976 till 1998, he lived in Norway and Germany as a church planter. Since 2000, he has taken numerous missions teams from the United States on trips all over Europe. Arthur is also the founder of the AOK (Acts of Kindness) Bikers’ Fellowship, a group of men who enjoy the sport of motorcycling. He and his family live in Atlanta, Georgia.

Buy this book from Random House

Shadow Government is a very interesting book. I was very skeptical when I started this book because I didn’t want to read a conspiriacy theory book that was hyped up and would lead people into a mindset that was paranoid. After reading it I was impressed at the level of research and thought that was put into it.

My husband also read the book and thinks it is pretty right on in terms of what is going on in the government. It is an interesting take on how they are watching us, following what we buy, capable of seeing what money we carry around. An important concept to think about is that if our government can do it so can the bad guys. This is the most unsettling part of the whole story in my view.

I recommend reading this book if just to see what people who study these issues are finding out. Be in the know and then make your decision as to how much credence you will put into what they are saying.

ABOUT THIS BOOK

Security cameras, surveillance of your financial transactions, radio frequency spy chips hidden in consumer products, tracking of your Internet searches, and eavesdropping on your e-mail and phone calls. Without your knowledge or consent, every aspect of your life is observed and recorded. But who is watching the watchers?

An ultra-secret global elite, functioning as a very real shadow government, controls technology, finance, international law, world trade, political power, and vast military capabilities. Those who hold power are invisible to all but a few insiders. These unrivaled leaders answer to no earthly authority, and they won’t stop until they control the world.

In Shadow Government, Grant Jeffrey removes the screen that, up to now, has hidden the work of these diabolical agents. Jeffrey reveals the biblical description of Satan’s global conquest and identifies the tools of technology that the Antichrist will use to rule the world.

Your eyes will be opened to the real power that is working behind the scenes to destroy America and merge it into the coming global government. Armed with this knowledge, you will be equipped to face spiritual darkness with the light of prophetic truth.

You can purchase this book from Random House.

So, did I hook you with that title? I hope so because I've got some information that you need to have about sex. I just finished reading a new book by Barbara Wilson called "Kiss Me Again: Restoring Intimacy in Marriage."

WOW!

You've got to read this book. Never before have I read a book with more practical, honest and helpful information about sex than this one. I like information that I can use - straight out of the box - and this book fits the bill.

Barbara Wilson takes the statement we've all heard "Don't have sex before marriage" and explains it not only from a biblical standpoint but also a physiological one and an emotional one. She does a wonderful job explaining what happens inside the brain when men and women become sexually active before marriage and how that plays an important role in the marriage relationship later.

If you have a less than perfect past, have experienced abuse, or even went into marriage as a "virgin" this book is for you. The beauty of this book is that after explaining all these interesting and helpful things the author walks you through the healing process. She really takes you full circle. Now of course that will take effort on your part but I know it will be worth it.

Even if you have a perfect sex life this book is still helpful. It is also a must read for all moms of pre-teens and teens. (I'd even add college students into this mix.) Not everything is applicable to them but it can sure give you some practical talking points for talking to your daughters (& sons) about sex.

The point is that I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone. God made us to enjoy sex. It's supposed to be pleasurable - even after marriage. To quote a little Top Gun for you Gen Xers - If you've "lost that lovin' feeling" read this book.

About This Book

Do you ever wonder why marriage can seem like the end of intimacy and sexual desire instead of the beginning?

Ever wonder why it was so hard to resist sex before marriage–and so easy to resist it now? If so, you’re not alone! Many married women genuinely want to feel more desire toward their husbands…and can’t figure out what went wrong. But there’s good news. In Kiss Me Again, Barbara Wilson shows how powerful “invisible bonds” from past relationships can cause heartache, disappointment, and distance for couples in the present. Then–with sensitivity, honesty, and hope–Barbara walks you step by step toward healing…and a rekindling of the closeness and passion with your husband that you really want.

You don’t have to live any longer with confusion, disappointment, resentment, or shame. You can rediscover desire. You can say Wow! again.

Barbara Wilson is the author of The Invisible Bond and former director of sexual health education for the Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center in Sacramento. She speaks nationwide to youth and adults with her message of sexual healing, and she teaches frequently in the women’s ministry at the multi-campus Bayside Church in Northern California. Barbara and her husband, Eric, have been married for twenty-eight years.

This book is available in paperback and ebook format.

Order now at: Random House

Hey friends:

I've recently come across some great businesses here in town. In this difficult economy it is helpful to know who you can turn to for a good deal and good service. I'm happy to report on some of those businesses that fit the bill.

This week I am proud to throw my support behind Loy Enterprises. This local business is a property services company with a window cleaning division that is excellent. If you need your windows washed in a timely fashion for an unbeatable price I recommend you call them right away.

Levi Loy is the owner of this local business and he offers great service. They recently cleaned all the windows in my home and it was quick, easy and the windows look great. I was really impressed.

Loy Enterprises, LLC also cleans up properties when tenants move out or may be for sale and need to be spruced up to show. Finally, they do small scale snow removal in the winter. If you need your driveway or business parking lot plowed call Loy Enterprises, LLC.

We can all support our local economy by doing business with fair, honest and hard-working businesses. It's these businesses that help make our town a community. Give Loy Enterprises, LLC a call today.

Loy Enterprises, LLC
Levi Loy - Owner
541-788-9917
loyenterprisesllc@gmail.com
Bonded and Insured

Every once in a while a book comes a long that becomes a classic in contemporary Christian literature. Randy Alcorn has written such a classic with his highly anticipated book If God Is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil.

This book arrived on my doorstep just a few weeks ago. I started to read, thinking I'd heard it before and would therefore breeze through it and write a nice review and be done with it. Oh, foolish me. This book is like going to the local hamburger joint and being served a full on, sit down, 8 course meal. You just can't rush it.

I personally got to chapter 3 and had to start over with my highlighter at the ready. It was just so meaty. Needless to say I have not yet finished this book but I am devouring it just the same.

Books of this nature come in two flavors - rich, deep and difficult to swallow or bland, patronizing and milquetoast. The concepts are either too complex for the average reader to wrap his mind around or so watered down that they aren't worth the time it took to open to the first page. But no so with Mr. Alcorn. His style is strong and decisive but written in such a way that those who are seeking can find legitimate answers. Those who are mature in their faith can find depth to the problem of evil and pain and everyone in between will find their souls quenched with truth and hope.

If you only buy one book this year or give one book to your friends and family, make it this one. All complete home and church libraries should have this book as part of the collection.

If you are wondering why another book on this subject let's just say this one has jumped to the top of the pile as one of the definitive works on the topics of pain, suffering and evil. Whatever you do. Do not miss this book.

Summary:

Every one of us will experience suffering. Many of us are experiencing it now. As we have seen in recent years, evil is real in our world, present and close to each one of us.

In such difficult times, suffering and evil beg questions about God--Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?

These are ancient questions, but also modern ones as well. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and even former believers like Bart Ehrman answer the question simply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God.

In this captivating new book, best-selling author Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief, and brings a fresh, realistic, and thoroughly biblical insight to the issues these important questions raise.

Alcorn offers insights from his conversations with men and women whose lives have been torn apart by suffering, and yet whose faith in God burns brighter than ever. He reveals the big picture of who God is and what God is doing in the world–now and forever. And he equips you to share your faith more clearly and genuinely in this world of pain and fear.

As he did in his best-selling book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn delves deep into a profound subject, and through compelling stories, provocative questions and answers, and keen biblical understanding, he brings assurance and hope to all.


Author Bio:

Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries and a bestselling author. His novels include Deadline, Dominion, Edge of Eternity, Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, The Ishbane Conspiracy, and the Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written eighteen nonfiction books as well, including Heaven, The Treasure Principle, The Purity Principle, and The Grace and Truth Paradox. Randy and his wife, Nanci, live in Oregon and have two married daughters and four grandsons.