rp({"version":"1.0","encoding":"UTF-8","feed":{"xmlns":"http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom","xmlns$openSearch":"http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/","xmlns$georss":"http://www.georss.org/georss","id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-20T13:20:39.089-08:00"},"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Funki Planet"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":""},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default?alt\u003djson-in-script\u0026orderby\u003dpublished"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default?alt\u003djson-in-script\u0026start-index\u003d26\u0026max-results\u003d25\u0026orderby\u003dpublished"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"53"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"25"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-2130012899188568703"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-20T12:58:00.001-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-20T13:20:39.107-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"book review"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deep thoughts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"books"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"fiction"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ follower"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Random House"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"WaterBrook Press"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"White Picket Fences - Blog Tour"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SwcIDp1fbdI/AAAAAAAABN8/DFkE0tIy8hw/s1600/white+fence.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 184px;\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SwcIDp1fbdI/AAAAAAAABN8/DFkE0tIy8hw/s320/white+fence.jpg\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406298736544411090\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eLast Friday I was preparing to post this review.  I planned on posting it after I drove across the mountains to visit my sister in law for her birthday.  We never made it to our destination however.  Our car flipped over in a snow storm and we, my kids and I, were left hanging from our seat belts up-side-down.  After a while another car came along and then another and the kindness of strangers was a blessing to use that day.  Needless to say I never got my review posted.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHowever, today is another day and in our house we are planning for a family wedding.  Which got me to thinking about the book \u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eWhite Picket Fences\u003c/span\u003e by Susan Meissner.   I highly recommend this book.  It is a touching story and deeply moving.  It encompasses several generations, different life phases, family dynamics and it all works.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMeissner does a great job of intertwining the stories of all the characters involved.  I was particularly pleased with the meatiness of this book.  The subject matter was difficult and could have come across as trite or vapid, but to the contrary it is deep and meaningful.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFamily is an important part of our lives.  Deep meaningful relationships are to be cherished and appreciated.  After seeing what could have happened to my own family last week I think it is important to foster good relationships, ask difficult questions and love with open hearts.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBe sure to add this book to your list of must-reads.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ch4\u003eABOUT THIS BOOK\u003c/h4\u003e When her black sheep brother disappears, Amanda Janvier eagerly takes in her sixteen year-old niece Tally. The girl is practically an orphan: motherless, and living with a father who raises Tally wherever he lands– in a Buick, a pizza joint, a horse farm–and regularly takes off on wild schemes. Amanda envisions that she, her husband Neil, and their two teenagers can offer the girl stability and a shot at a “normal” life, even though their own storybook lives are about to crumble.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSeventeen-year-old Chase Janvier hasn’t seen his cousin in years, and other than a vague curiosity about her strange life, he doesn’t expect her arrival will affect him much–or interfere with his growing, disturbing interest in a long-ago house fire that plagues his dreams unbeknownst to anyone else.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eTally and Chase bond as they interview two Holocaust survivors for a sociology project, and become startlingly aware that the whole family is grappling with hidden secrets, with the echoes of the past, and with the realization that ignoring tragic situations won’t make them go away.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWill Tally’s presence blow apart their carefully-constructed world, knocking down the illusion of the white picket fence and reveal a hidden past that could destroy them all–or can she help them find the truth without losing each other?\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-2130012899188568703?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/2130012899188568703/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d2130012899188568703","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/2130012899188568703"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/2130012899188568703"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/11/white-picket-fences-blog-tour.html","title":"White Picket Fences - Blog Tour"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SwcIDp1fbdI/AAAAAAAABN8/DFkE0tIy8hw/s72-c/white+fence.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-3160561264437722235"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-10T13:58:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-10T14:16:48.350-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"world"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thinking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deep thoughts"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Deep Thoughts"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"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. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eImagination over money:\u003cbr /\u003eRentals 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. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMoney over imagination:\u003cbr /\u003eRetired 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMemories over money and imagination:\u003cbr /\u003eI 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. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eNow, 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. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOf 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.\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-3160561264437722235?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/3160561264437722235/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d3160561264437722235","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/3160561264437722235"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/3160561264437722235"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/11/deep-thoughts.html","title":"Deep Thoughts"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-7391293194394875187"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-10T11:56:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-10T12:11:27.233-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"books"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"freedom"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"What get's us going"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"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!!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eToday 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSince 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe 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. \u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SvnHdP2HZeI/AAAAAAAABN0/5G8Tk6jwQTY/s1600-h/who+owns+the+sun\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SvnHdP2HZeI/AAAAAAAABN0/5G8Tk6jwQTY/s320/who+owns+the+sun\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402568533291263458\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEnjoy!\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-7391293194394875187?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/7391293194394875187/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d7391293194394875187","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/7391293194394875187"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/7391293194394875187"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/11/what-gets-us-going.html","title":"What get's us going"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SvnHdP2HZeI/AAAAAAAABN0/5G8Tk6jwQTY/s72-c/who+owns+the+sun","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-8975388718168827945"},"published":{"$t":"2009-11-06T08:58:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-06T09:10:23.418-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"romance"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"fun"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thinking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deep thoughts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"life"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"books"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ follower"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Random House"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"WaterBrook Press"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"book review"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"fiction"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Leaving Carolina will leave you laughing, thinking, and satisfied"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SvRYSRejHgI/AAAAAAAABNc/EFJ-p2LtB4M/s1600-h/LEAVING+CAROLINA+COVER.png\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 218px;\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SvRYSRejHgI/AAAAAAAABNc/EFJ-p2LtB4M/s320/LEAVING+CAROLINA+COVER.png\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401038924076490242\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eLeaving Carolina\u003c/span\u003e 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.)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSummary:\u003cspan style\u003d\"color:#ff9900;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Garamond;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:12px;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:12px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:180%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Garamond;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:16px;\"\u003ePiper 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eNow 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThough 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:12px;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"color:#ff9900;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:180%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Garamond;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:16px;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Garamond;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:12px;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"color: rgb(0, 102, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eABOUT THE AUTHOR:\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_m32TlugOPkM/SNcD4_GuA3I/AAAAAAAABws/eKrVt1NZJJM/s1600-h/tammy08sml.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_m32TlugOPkM/SNcD4_GuA3I/AAAAAAAABws/eKrVt1NZJJM/s200/tammy08sml.jpg\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248668168270775154\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003eAfter 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhen 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAs 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eTamara 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBuy this book at \u003ca href\u003d\"http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn\u003d9781601421661\"\u003eRandom House\u003c/a\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-8975388718168827945?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/8975388718168827945/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d8975388718168827945","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/8975388718168827945"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/8975388718168827945"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/11/leaving-carolina-will-leave-you.html","title":"Leaving Carolina will leave you laughing, thinking, and satisfied"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SvRYSRejHgI/AAAAAAAABNc/EFJ-p2LtB4M/s72-c/LEAVING+CAROLINA+COVER.png","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-8059702033573354796"},"published":{"$t":"2009-10-30T22:03:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-11-06T08:58:26.271-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"world"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"book review"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thinking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deep thoughts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"books"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ follower"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Random House"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"God"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"WaterBrook Press"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Wisdom Hunter / Shadow Government Blog Tour"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SvRU3b3sOFI/AAAAAAAABNU/lkpYCTlydNY/s1600-h/wisdom+hunter.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 320px;\" src\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SvRU3b3sOFI/AAAAAAAABNU/lkpYCTlydNY/s320/wisdom+hunter.jpg\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401035164474947666\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e     \u003c!--[if gte mso 9]\u003e\u003cxml\u003e  \u003co:documentproperties\u003e   \u003co:template\u003eNormal\u003c/o:Template\u003e   \u003co:revision\u003e0\u003c/o:Revision\u003e   \u003co:totaltime\u003e0\u003c/o:TotalTime\u003e   \u003co:pages\u003e1\u003c/o:Pages\u003e   \u003co:words\u003e457\u003c/o:Words\u003e   \u003co:characters\u003e2608\u003c/o:Characters\u003e   \u003co:lines\u003e21\u003c/o:Lines\u003e   \u003co:paragraphs\u003e5\u003c/o:Paragraphs\u003e   \u003co:characterswithspaces\u003e3202\u003c/o:CharactersWithSpaces\u003e   \u003co:version\u003e11.1282\u003c/o:Version\u003e  \u003c/o:DocumentProperties\u003e  \u003co:officedocumentsettings\u003e   \u003co:allowpng/\u003e  \u003c/o:OfficeDocumentSettings\u003e \u003c/xml\u003e\u003c![endif]--\u003e\u003c!--[if gte mso 9]\u003e\u003cxml\u003e  \u003cw:worddocument\u003e   \u003cw:zoom\u003e0\u003c/w:Zoom\u003e   \u003cw:donotshowrevisions/\u003e   \u003cw:donotprintrevisions/\u003e   \u003cw:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery\u003e0\u003c/w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery\u003e   \u003cw:displayverticaldrawinggridevery\u003e0\u003c/w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery\u003e   \u003cw:usemarginsfordrawinggridorigin/\u003e  \u003c/w:WordDocument\u003e \u003c/xml\u003e\u003c![endif]--\u003e \u003cstyle\u003e \u003c!--  /* Font Definitions */ @font-face  {font-family:\"Times New Roman\";  panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3;  mso-font-charset:0;  mso-generic-font-family:auto;  mso-font-pitch:variable;  mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;}  /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal  {mso-style-parent:\"\";  margin:0in;  margin-bottom:.0001pt;  mso-pagination:widow-orphan;  font-size:12.0pt;  font-family:\"Times New Roman\";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink  {color:blue;  text-decoration:underline;  text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed  {color:purple;  text-decoration:underline;  text-underline:single;} table.MsoNormalTable  {mso-style-parent:\"\";  font-size:10.0pt;  font-family:\"Times New Roman\";} @page Section1  {size:8.5in 11.0in;  margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;  mso-header-margin:.5in;  mso-footer-margin:.5in;  mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1  {page:Section1;} --\u003e \u003c/style\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003eRecently 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIt got me to thinking about the book I just read \u003ci\u003eWisdom Hunter\u003c/i\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: normal;\"\u003e 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: normal;\"\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis 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.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: normal;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003c!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--\u003e \u003c!--[endif]--\u003e\u003co:p\u003e\u003c/o:p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSummary:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"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.\u003c/em\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnd it is about to cost him everything.\u003co:p\u003e\u003c/o:p\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eGroping 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.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cem\u003eA 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.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003c!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--\u003e \u003c!--[endif]--\u003e\u003co:p\u003e\u003c/o:p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor Bio:\u003c/b\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eRandall Arthur is the bestselling author of \u003ci\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1590528190?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026amp;tag\u003dluxuread-20\u0026amp;linkCode\u003das2\u0026amp;camp\u003d1789\u0026amp;creative\u003d390957\u0026amp;creativeASIN\u003d1590528190\"\u003eJordan's Crossing\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/span\u003e and \u003ci\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1590522583?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026amp;tag\u003dluxuread-20\u0026amp;linkCode\u003das2\u0026amp;camp\u003d1789\u0026amp;creative\u003d390957\u0026amp;creativeASIN\u003d1590522583\"\u003eBrotherhood of Betrayal\u003c/a\u003e. \u003c/i\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: normal;\"\u003eHe 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\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: normal;\"\u003e motorcycling. He and his family live in Atlanta, Georgia.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003c!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--\u003e \u003c!--[endif]--\u003e\u003co:p\u003e\u003c/o:p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003c!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--\u003e \u003c!--[endif]--\u003e\u003co:p\u003e\u003c/o:p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003eBuy this book from \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn\u003d9781601422996\u0026amp;ref\u003dexternallink_mlt_wisdomhunter_sec_0908_01\"\u003eRandom House\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SvRU3OxbWeI/AAAAAAAABNM/5J-eQxwv64I/s1600-h/shadow+government.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 320px;\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SvRU3OxbWeI/AAAAAAAABNM/5J-eQxwv64I/s320/shadow+government.jpg\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401035160959015394\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003co:p\u003e\u003c/o:p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003c!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--\u003e \u003c!--[endif]--\u003e\u003co:p\u003e\u003c/o:p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003c!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--\u003e \u003c!--[endif]--\u003e\u003co:p\u003e\u003c/o:p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003c!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--\u003e \u003c!--[endif]--\u003e\u003co:p\u003e\u003c/o:p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003c!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--\u003e \u003c!--[endif]--\u003e\u003co:p\u003e\u003c/o:p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  Shadow Government is a very interesting book.\u003cspan style\u003d\"\"\u003e  \u003c/span\u003eI 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eABOUT THIS BOOK\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSecurity 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?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAn 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYour 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYou can purchase this book from \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn\u003d9781400074426\"\u003eRandom House.\u003c/a\u003e \u003c!--EndFragment--\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-8059702033573354796?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/8059702033573354796/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d8059702033573354796","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/8059702033573354796"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/8059702033573354796"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/10/wisdom-hunter-shadow-government-blog.html","title":"Wisdom Hunter / Shadow Government Blog Tour"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SvRU3b3sOFI/AAAAAAAABNU/lkpYCTlydNY/s72-c/wisdom+hunter.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-270729370725202069"},"published":{"$t":"2009-10-19T07:24:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-10-21T18:23:40.645-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"book review"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thinking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Barbara Wilson"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deep thoughts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"books"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"WaterBrook Press"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Sex"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"SEX!  SEX!  SEX!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/St-zeiLB5TI/AAAAAAAABNE/wHeb4JGCnSU/s1600-h/kiss+me+again.gif\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 215px;\" src\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/St-zeiLB5TI/AAAAAAAABNE/wHeb4JGCnSU/s320/kiss+me+again.gif\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395228215763658034\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSo, 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.\"\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWOW!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYou'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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBarbara 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEven 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 (\u0026amp; sons) about sex.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAbout This Book\u003c/h3\u003e      \u003cp\u003eDo you ever wonder why marriage can seem like the end of intimacy and sexual desire instead of the beginning?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEver 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 \u003ci\u003ewant \u003c/i\u003eto feel more desire toward their husbands…and can’t figure out what went wrong. But there’s good news. In \u003ci\u003eKiss Me Again, \u003c/i\u003eBarbara 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYou don’t have to live any longer with confusion, disappointment, resentment, or shame. You can rediscover desire. You can say \u003ci\u003eWow! \u003c/i\u003eagain.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:180%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Times New Roman;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:16px;\"\u003eBarbara Wilson\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:12px;\"\u003e is the author of  \u003ci\u003eThe Invisible Bond \u003c/i\u003eand 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis book is available in paperback and ebook format.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOrder now at: \u003ca href\u003d\"http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn\u003d9781601421586\"\u003eRandom House\u003c/a\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-270729370725202069?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/270729370725202069/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d270729370725202069","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/270729370725202069"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/270729370725202069"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/10/sex-sex-sex.html","title":"SEX!  SEX!  SEX!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/St-zeiLB5TI/AAAAAAAABNE/wHeb4JGCnSU/s72-c/kiss+me+again.gif","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-7457848608270800036"},"published":{"$t":"2009-09-28T12:37:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-09-28T12:59:21.113-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"service"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"local business"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"windows"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"snow removal"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Local Business of the Week"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SsEUgZhdKuI/AAAAAAAABLg/lDFuC277nE4/s1600-h/oldmilldistrict.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 203px;\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SsEUgZhdKuI/AAAAAAAABLg/lDFuC277nE4/s320/oldmilldistrict.jpg\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386609176151403234\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHey friends:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI'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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eLevi 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. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eLoy 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWe 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eLoy Enterprises, LLC\u003cbr /\u003eLevi Loy - Owner\u003cbr /\u003e541-788-9917\u003cbr /\u003eloyenterprisesllc@gmail.com\u003cbr /\u003eBonded and Insured\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-7457848608270800036?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/7457848608270800036/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d7457848608270800036","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/7457848608270800036"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/7457848608270800036"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/09/local-business-of-week.html","title":"Local Business of the Week"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SsEUgZhdKuI/AAAAAAAABLg/lDFuC277nE4/s72-c/oldmilldistrict.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-3378127621368326011"},"published":{"$t":"2009-09-24T18:50:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-09-24T20:35:33.741-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Multnomah"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thinking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"suffering"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deep thoughts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"life"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"books"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ follower"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Random House"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"God"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"pain"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"WaterBrook Press"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holy Spirit"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"book review"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"cross"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Blog Tour: If God Is Good by Randy Alcorn"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/Srw6a20FZ4I/AAAAAAAABLY/Jptg_IbfFE4/s1600-h/alcorn.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 187px;\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/Srw6a20FZ4I/AAAAAAAABLY/Jptg_IbfFE4/s320/alcorn.jpg\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385243487493252994\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEvery 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 \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn\u003d9781601421326\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eIf God Is Good\u003c/span\u003e: \u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eFaith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil. \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBooks 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c!--StartFragment--\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"color:#ff9900;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:180%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:16px;\"\u003e\u003cu\u003eSummary:\u003c/u\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:12px;\"\u003e \u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:12px;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:180%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:16px;\"\u003eEvery 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn 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?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThese 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAlcorn 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAs he did in his best-selling book, \u003ci\u003eHeaven\u003c/i\u003e, 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.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:12px;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"color:#ff9900;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:180%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:16px;\"\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c/u\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"color:#ff6600;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:180%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:16px;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:12px;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"color:#ff9900;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:180%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:16px;\"\u003e\u003cu\u003eAuthor Bio:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/u\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:12px;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:180%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:16px;\"\u003eRandy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries and a bestselling author. His novels include \u003ci\u003eDeadline, Dominion, Edge of Eternity, Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, The Ishbane Conspiracy, \u003c/i\u003eand the Gold Medallion winner, \u003ci\u003eSafely Home.\u003c/i\u003e He has written eighteen nonfiction books as well, including \u003ci\u003eHeaven, The Treasure Principle, The Purity Principle, \u003c/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eThe Grace and Truth Paradox. \u003c/i\u003eRandy and his wife, Nanci, live in Oregon and have two married daughters and four grandsons.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e \u003c!--EndFragment--\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-3378127621368326011?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/3378127621368326011/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d3378127621368326011","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/3378127621368326011"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/3378127621368326011"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-tour-if-god-is-good-by-randy.html","title":"Blog Tour: If God Is Good by Randy Alcorn"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/Srw6a20FZ4I/AAAAAAAABLY/Jptg_IbfFE4/s72-c/alcorn.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-2455817242720717241"},"published":{"$t":"2009-09-14T13:56:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-09-14T14:20:53.992-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Multnomah"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"book review"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"life"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"books"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ follower"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Random House"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"God"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"WaterBrook Press"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"A book for animal lovers and those in search of grace"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/Sq6zoPJx_XI/AAAAAAAABLQ/pO19xNWQzkc/s1600-h/stray+affections.gif\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 218px;\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/Sq6zoPJx_XI/AAAAAAAABLQ/pO19xNWQzkc/s320/stray+affections.gif\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381436108598017394\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI was supposed to blog about this book last week but life got in the way.  That being said I'd still like to let everyone know about a charming book called \u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eStray Affections\u003c/span\u003e by Charlene Ann Baumbich.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAnyone who loves animals and needs to be reminded about love and grace will enjoy this book.  It is a light, easy read and has a great story of a mother and daughter who find healing and grace after a lifetime of hurt and rejection.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAbout This Book\u003c/h3\u003e      \u003cp\u003eThe last thing that Cassandra Higgins expects out of her Sunday is to be mesmerized at a collectors’ convention by a snowglobe. She’s enjoying some mommy time, with husband Ken at home tending their brood of four young boys, when she’s utterly charmed by the one-of-a kind globe containing figures of three dogs and a little girl with hair the color of her own. She can’t resist taking the unique globe home– even if means wrestling another shopper for it!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe beautiful snowglobe sparks long-dormant memories for Cassie, of her beloved Grandpa Wonky, the stray she rescued as a child, and the painful roots of her combative relationship with her mother, “Bad Betty” Kamrowski. Life in Wanonishaw, Minnesota is never dull, though, and Cassie keeps the recollections at bay, busy balancing her boys, her home daycare operation, and being a good friend to best pal Margret. But after a strange–\u003ci\u003eflurrious,\u003c/i\u003e as Cassie deems it–moment happens with the remarkable snowglobe, Cassie and the people she loves are swirled into a tumultuous, yet grace-filled, and life-changing journey.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWith the quirky, close-knit Midwestern small-town feel that made Charlene Ann Baumbich’s acclaimed Dearest Dorothy novels so popular, \u003ci\u003eStray Affections \u003c/i\u003einvites you to experience the laughter and the healing of second chances.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI do have a copy of this book to give away.  So if you or someone you know would like to read this little gem, let me know.  Leave a comment and I'll put you in the drawing for the book.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHave a great week!!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-2455817242720717241?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/2455817242720717241/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d2455817242720717241","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/2455817242720717241"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/2455817242720717241"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/09/book-for-animal-lovers-and-those-in.html","title":"A book for animal lovers and those in search of grace"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/Sq6zoPJx_XI/AAAAAAAABLQ/pO19xNWQzkc/s72-c/stray+affections.gif","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-4483084381711102328"},"published":{"$t":"2009-08-30T15:17:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-08-30T17:27:17.396-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"summer reads"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Multnomah"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"book review"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thinking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"books"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Random House"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"WaterBrook Press"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Fall Reading Frenzy - 3 books to make the transition from summer to fall easier"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SpsXI1Xi9wI/AAAAAAAABKw/xry0Q8-aJqE/s1600-h/book+stack.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SpsXI1Xi9wI/AAAAAAAABKw/xry0Q8-aJqE/s320/book+stack.jpg\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375916020729050882\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis summer my family and I traveled almost 3000 miles on an epic vacation that included camping, visiting family, eating, the Redwoods, swimming, eating, the beach, seeing wildlife, eating and did I mention eating?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAlong the way I was fortunate enough to get some reading done and I am here to recommend 3 great fiction books.  So grab a snack and some tea or coffee and choose one or all three of these great stories to help make the transition from the dog days of summer to the crisp cool days of fall a little easier.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e1.  \u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRose House\u003c/span\u003e by Tina Ann Forkner was an interesting mystery / love story about a woman who is recovering from a tragic accident.  Set in the wine country of California she frequents a small town to find her bearings and ends up building relationships with many in the town.  Most of the story revolves around a small house on a wine property that is covered in roses.  The relationships in the story are much like a rose bush, thorny and difficult, complicated and beautiful.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis is a unique story and Forkner writes a lot of detail.  It's worth the trip and is a good love story.  There is also a kind of side mystery story that is ok, but not necessarily needed.  I think Forkner does a good job with the book but the mystery is a bit contrived.  The love story would have been enough for me.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.randomhouse.com/waterbrook/catalog/display.pperl?isbn\u003d9781400073597\"\u003eMore about this book and the author.....\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e2.  \u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eThe Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper\u003c/span\u003e by Kathleen Y'Barbo is a rip roarin' good read.  Set in the 1880's it goes from proper New York to wild Denver and the silver mines of Colorado.  This is a fun read with great characters and a fun and interesting love story.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn this book Gennie Cooper steals away from her planned life in New York's society to have an adventure in the Wild West.  Things don't exactly turn out as she had planned but it's fun to have the adventure with her as she tries to mimic her favorite dime store novel heroine Mae Winslow.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis book is fun because the beginning of each chapter is a mini story about Mae Winslow and then continues the story of Genny Cooper.  I highly recommend this opportunity to steal away to another time and place.  Y'Barbo does a great job of developing her characters and keeping the reader engaged to the very last page.  This is a great read.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.randomhouse.com/waterbrook/catalog/display.pperl?isbn\u003d9780307444745\"\u003eMore about this book and the author....\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cobject width\u003d\"425\" height\u003d\"344\"\u003e\u003cparam name\u003d\"movie\" value\u003d\"http://www.youtube.com/v/3SbpcGrWlQk\u0026amp;hl\u003den\u0026amp;fs\u003d1\u0026amp;\"\u003e\u003cparam name\u003d\"allowFullScreen\" value\u003d\"true\"\u003e\u003cparam name\u003d\"allowscriptaccess\" value\u003d\"always\"\u003e\u003cembed src\u003d\"http://www.youtube.com/v/3SbpcGrWlQk\u0026amp;hl\u003den\u0026amp;fs\u003d1\u0026amp;\" type\u003d\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess\u003d\"always\" allowfullscreen\u003d\"true\" width\u003d\"425\" height\u003d\"344\"\u003e\u003c/embed\u003e\u003c/object\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e3.  \u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eThe Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love\u003c/span\u003e by Beth Patillo is a wonderful book and my favorite of the three I read.  Beth Patillo brings the characters to life and they are each lovely and flawed in their own ways.  The stories in this book revolve around a group of ladies, of varying ages, who are in a book club together, but they also knit.  It follows them over the course of a school year as they read some classic love stories and knit projects to go along with the stories.  In conjunction, they are also trying to figure out the true meaning of love.  From first love, to new love, to friendship\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI think that anyone who reads this book will find a character to love and a story that will capture your heart.  This is actually the second book in this series, which I did not know about, but you can jump in with this book and not miss a beat.  If you like well though out fiction and great character development then this is the book for you.  Warning - If you don't knit this book might make you want to try.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"https://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn\u003d9781400073955\"\u003eMore about this book and the author.....\u003c/a\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-4483084381711102328?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/4483084381711102328/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d4483084381711102328","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/4483084381711102328"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/4483084381711102328"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/08/fall-reading-frenzy-3-books-to-make.html","title":"Fall Reading Frenzy - 3 books to make the transition from summer to fall easier"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SpsXI1Xi9wI/AAAAAAAABKw/xry0Q8-aJqE/s72-c/book+stack.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-3063429725935163012"},"published":{"$t":"2009-07-17T15:24:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-07-17T15:48:13.836-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"pentecostal church"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holy Spirit"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"summer reads"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holy Roller"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"book review"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"books"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Random House"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Dallas"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Julie Lyons"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"WaterBrook Press"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Holy Roller - Real lives being touched by a real God"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SmD-Pbw75-I/AAAAAAAABJ4/ilXMKDx8N18/s1600-h/holy+roller.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SmD-Pbw75-I/AAAAAAAABJ4/ilXMKDx8N18/s320/holy+roller.jpg\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359563097675392994\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHoly Roller is a must read for anyone who wants to know if God is working in the world today.  Based in one of America's most gritty and hard core neighborhoods, Julie Lyon's book is raw, real and a fantastic entry into the world of the Pentecostal Holiness Church today.  The openness and honesty of Ms. Lyon's writing will leave the reader breathless and craving more.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIt is also a great tutorial on the Pentecostal movement and church and what that means in today's culture.  I particularly enjoyed the down to earth writing of Ms. Lyons.  She doesn't preach.  Instead she uses her expertise as a journalist to give the facts but intersperses them with her personal experience and first-hand accounts of what is going on where she worships.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf you've ever wondered about the black pentecostal church and what really goes on there - this is your ticket to ride.  The personal aspects of this story will draw you in and if anything you will be enlightened and hopefully excited about what God is doing in the inner city of America and beyond.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGod is definitely at work.  Whether you adhere to a charismatic viewpoint or not, there is no denying that The Spirit is moving in a powerful and profound way in 2009.  I highly recommend this book.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf you would like to win a copy of this book don't forget to leave a comment.  A winner will be chosen at random.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSummary:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\";font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:black;\"   \u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\";font-size:12;color:black;\"  \u003eJulie Lyons was working as a crime reporter when she followed a hunch into the \u003cst1:place st\u003d\"on\"\u003eSouth Dallas\u003c/st1:place\u003e ghetto. She wasn’t hunting drug dealers, but drug addicts who had been supernaturally healed of their addictions. Was there a church in the most violent part of the city that prayed for addicts and got results?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAt The Body of Christ Assembly, a rundown church on an out-of-the-way street, \u003cst1:city st\u003d\"on\"\u003e\u003cst1:place st\u003d\"on\"\u003eLyons\u003c/st1:place\u003e\u003c/st1:city\u003e found the story she was looking for. The minister welcomed criminals, prostitutes, and street people–anyone who needed God. He prayed for the sick, the addicted, and the demon-possessed, and people were supernaturally healed.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cst1:city st\u003d\"on\"\u003e\u003cst1:place st\u003d\"on\"\u003eLyons\u003c/st1:place\u003e\u003c/st1:city\u003e’s story landed on the front page of the \u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDallas Times Herald\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/i\u003e. But she got much more than just a great story, she found an unlikely spiritual home. Though the parishioners at The Body of Christ Assembly are black and Pentecostal, and \u003cst1:city st\u003d\"on\"\u003e\u003cst1:place st\u003d\"on\"\u003eLyons\u003c/st1:place\u003e\u003c/st1:city\u003e is white and from a traditional church background, she embraced their spirituality–that of “the Holy Ghost and fire.”\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIt’s all here in \u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eHoly Roller\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/i\u003e–the stories of people desperate for God’s help. And the actions of a God who doesn’t forget the people who need His power. \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;\"  \u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAbout the Author:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;\"  \u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-weight: bold;font-size:12;\" \u003eJulie Lyons\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e is an award-winning writer, editor and investigative reporter who for more than 11 years served as editor-in-chief of the \u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDallas Observer\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/i\u003e, an alternative weekly newspaper owned by Village Voice Media. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from \u003cst1:placename st\u003d\"on\"\u003eNorthwestern\u003c/st1:placename\u003e \u003cst1:placetype st\u003d\"on\"\u003eUniversity\u003c/st1:placetype\u003e and a B.A. in English from \u003cst1:place st\u003d\"on\"\u003e\u003cst1:placename st\u003d\"on\"\u003eSeattle\u003c/st1:placename\u003e \u003cst1:placename st\u003d\"on\"\u003ePacific\u003c/st1:placename\u003e \u003cst1:placetype st\u003d\"on\"\u003eUniversity\u003c/st1:placetype\u003e\u003c/st1:place\u003e. She and her husband, Larry Lyons Jr., live in \u003cst1:place st\u003d\"on\"\u003e\u003cst1:city st\u003d\"on\"\u003eDallas\u003c/st1:city\u003e\u003c/st1:place\u003e with their son.\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-3063429725935163012?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/3063429725935163012/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d3063429725935163012","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/3063429725935163012"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/3063429725935163012"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/07/holy-roller.html","title":"Holy Roller - Real lives being touched by a real God"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SmD-Pbw75-I/AAAAAAAABJ4/ilXMKDx8N18/s72-c/holy+roller.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-2294912107785900999"},"published":{"$t":"2009-06-07T21:38:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-06-07T22:00:14.155-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"summer reads"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Sisterchicks"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"travel"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"book review"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"books"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ follower"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Random House"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"God"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"WaterBrook Press"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Travel to Holland this Summer for Free!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SiyZFegeXBI/AAAAAAAABJg/cgS9aKXn388/s1600-h/sisterchicks.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 231px;\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SiyZFegeXBI/AAAAAAAABJg/cgS9aKXn388/s320/sisterchicks.jpg\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344815177149602834\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEconomy got you down?  Wish you could just put all your worries behind you and hit the road for some R\u0026amp;R?  Well, I can't afford to send you across the pond on a jet airliner, but I can send you on a literary trip to Holland with a copy of Robin Jones Gunn's new novel \"Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes\".\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf you've ever wanted to see the land of tulips and windmills you will love this book.  It recounts the meeting of Summer and Noelle, life-long pen pals, who finally meet in person and spend a week together crisscrossing the Noelle's adopted homeland.  These two women learn a lot about each other and themselves as they visit the sites and get into a little trouble along the way.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis is a fun book filled with zany travel experiences and interesting visits to places like Corrie Ten Boom's Hiding Place.  If you are interested in traveling to foreign lands but don't have the time or money or both this is a great way to \"see\" the sites and get wrapped up in a wonderful story of friendship and God's love.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBe sure to leave me a comment if you'd like to be in the random drawing to win this book.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYou can purchase this book online at \u003ca href\u003d\"https://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn\u003d9781601420091\u0026amp;ref\u003dexternallink_mlt_sisterchicksinwoodenshoes_sec_0423_01\"\u003eRANDOM HOUSE\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"color:#993366;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size: 14px;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHere's some more helpful info:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:100%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;\" \u003eBook: \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/u\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:Arial;\" \u003eSisterchicks In Wooden Shoes\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:100%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;\" \u003eSummary:\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/u\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;\"  \u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Arial;\"\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;\"  \u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Arial;\"\u003eWhen a mammogram result comes back abnormal, midlife mama Summer Finley makes a snap decision to relegate fear to the back burner and fulfill a lifelong dream. Summer heads for \u003cst1:place st\u003d\"on\"\u003e\u003cst1:city st\u003d\"on\"\u003eHolland\u003c/st1:city\u003e\u003c/st1:place\u003e where she meets up with tulips, wooden shoes, and her best friend, Noelle. \u003co:p\u003e\u003c/o:p\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e    \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;\"  \u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Arial;\"\u003ePen pals since fourth grade, Summer and Noelle have never met face-to-face. Through decades of heart-level correspondence, they have sustained a deep friendship. A week of adventure helps both women trade anxiety for a renewed and deeper trust in God. When Summer confides in Noelle about the abnormal medical report, Noelle finds the freedom to share a long-held heartache, and both women discover they needed each other more than they realized.\u003co:p\u003e\u003c/o:p\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e    \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;\"  \u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Arial;\"\u003eWomen ages 35 and up, readers of Christian Boomer Lit, and fans of books such as \u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eThe Yada Yada Prayer Group\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/i\u003e will enjoy Robin Jones Gunn’s humorous and uplifting style. True-to-life characters and moments of poignancy bring a deeper understanding of the value of life and the gift of true friends. Readers guide and bonus material included.  \u003co:p\u003e\u003c/o:p\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e    \u003cp class\u003d\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:100%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;\" \u003eAuthor Bio:\u003co:p\u003e\u003c/o:p\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/u\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  \u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:100%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;\" \u003eRobin Jones Gunn\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;\"  \u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;\"  \u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:100%;\"\u003e is the best-selling and award-winning author of over seventy books, including the Glenbrooke, Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, Katie Weldon, and Christy and Todd: The College Years teen series. The Sisterchicks® series has sold more than 300,000 units, bringing her total sales to more than 3.5 million books worldwide. A Christy Award winner, Robin is a popular speaker, both at home and abroad, and is frequently interviewed on radio and on television. \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.robingunn.com/\" target\u003d\"1\"\u003ewww.robingunn.com\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e   www.sisterchicks.com\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-2294912107785900999?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/2294912107785900999/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d2294912107785900999","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/2294912107785900999"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/2294912107785900999"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/06/travel-to-holland-this-summer-for-free.html","title":"Travel to Holland this Summer for Free!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SiyZFegeXBI/AAAAAAAABJg/cgS9aKXn388/s72-c/sisterchicks.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-158369714709282138"},"published":{"$t":"2009-05-26T21:14:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-05-26T21:41:34.696-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"The Night Watchman"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"summer reads"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Mark Mynheir"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"crime drama"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Multnomah"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"book review"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"books"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"It's time for summer reading!  Win a free copy of THE NIGHT WATCHMAN by Mark Mynheir"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Summer has unofficially started with the Memorial Day weekend behind us and warmer weather upon us.  It's time to start thinking about what you are going to read this year at the beach, lake, river or in your back yard.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMay I suggest a great read to get you started - \"The Night Watchman\" by Mark Mynheir.  If you like crime dramas then you don't want to miss this well written novel by a former detective.  The characters are well established and the story has plenty of twists and turns to keep you anxiously turning the pages until the very end.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eRay Quinn is a protagonist worth following and I look forward to more stories with him in them.  (This is the first book in a series featuring Quinn.)  He is flawed and dejected but also intelligent and feisty.  It's what made him a great cop and a fighter to the end.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI have one copy available to giveaway.  Please let me know if you are interested and I will randomly draw a name on June 1 from the comments left.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHere is the official book summary:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:13;\"\u003eRay Quinn is a tough, quick-witted homicide detective in love with his partner, Trisha Willis. She gives Ray something to live for—something to hope in. Until a barrage of bullets leaves Trisha murdered and Ray crippled.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eStruggling with his new physical disability and severe depression, Quinn turns to whiskey, scorn, and a job as a night watchman to numb the pain. But when a pastor and dancer are found dead in an apparent murder-suicide, the pastor’s sister approaches Quinn for help.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eReluctantly, Quinn takes the case and is plunged into the perilous Orlando. Soon he discovers that, not only was the pastor murdered, but the case may be linked to his and Trisha’s ambush. Torn between seeking revenge or responsibility, Quinn is thrust into the case of his life.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAuthor Mark Mynheir gives readers his most profound police thriller to date with \u003ci\u003eThe Night Watchman\u003c/i\u003e (first book in The Night Watchman Private Detective Agency Series). Readers of all ages will devour this gripping murder mystery that bristles with tension and intrigue. In a taut cop-style all his own, Mynheir delivers an inside look at the thoughts, feelings, fears, and challenges police officers experience while investigating violent crimes and the lost souls who commit them.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"color: rgb(51, 102, 255);\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:14;\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"color: rgb(51, 102, 255);\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:12;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:12;\"\u003e\u003cimg src\u003d\"http://webmail.bendbroadband.com/attach.msc?sid\u003dzTpSJ7e3U+g\u0026amp;mbox\u003dINBOX\u0026amp;uid\u003d6871\u0026amp;number\u003d4\" /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAnd a little about Mark Mynheir:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:130%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size:13;\"\u003eA detective with the Criminal Investigations Unit of the Palm Bay Police Department, \u003cb\u003eMark Mynheir\u003c/b\u003e investigates violent crimes and writes riveting Christian fiction. A U.S. Marine with a passion for martial arts and firearms training, Mark has worked on narcotics units, SWAT teams, and myriad high-risk situations. His four novels offer a realistic glimpse into the gritty world of law enforcement and the rarely seen raw emotions behind the badge. Mark lives in Florida with his wife and three children.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYou can purchase this book directly from \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn\u003d9781590529355\u0026amp;ref\u003dexternallink_mlt_thenightwatchman_sec_0414_01\"\u003eRandom House\u003c/a\u003e.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-158369714709282138?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/158369714709282138/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d158369714709282138","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/158369714709282138"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/158369714709282138"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/05/its-time-for-summer-reading-win-free.html","title":"It's time for summer reading!  Win a free copy of THE NIGHT WATCHMAN by Mark Mynheir"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-8106972027116041424"},"published":{"$t":"2009-05-14T16:48:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-05-14T17:01:45.426-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"book review"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deep thoughts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"books"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Random House"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"WaterBrook Press"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Book Reviews are coming to The Funki Planet"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/Sgyw11bwqaI/AAAAAAAABJY/HfCB90A_nto/s1600-h/books.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 240px;\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/Sgyw11bwqaI/AAAAAAAABJY/HfCB90A_nto/s320/books.jpg\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335834097450264994\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI've got several blogs going now, all for different purposes and am working to organize and prioritize the purposes of each one.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eStarting in the next few weeks this blog will become a place to get information about good reads.  I was recently asked by Multnomah Publishers (now WaterBrook Press) to be a book reviewer and have started receiving books from Random House.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf you like books but don't know what to buy or get from the library or just want to find some good summer reads be sure to check out this blog for my recommendations.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eComing next week is a review of a great crime drama / murder mystery.  Come back to see what I think of the latest book by Mark Mynheir entitles \"The Night Watchman.\"\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYou may win a copy of your own!\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-8106972027116041424?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/8106972027116041424/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d8106972027116041424","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/8106972027116041424"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/8106972027116041424"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-reviews-are-coming-to-funki-planet.html","title":"Book Reviews are coming to The Funki Planet"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/Sgyw11bwqaI/AAAAAAAABJY/HfCB90A_nto/s72-c/books.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-8488226490913922969"},"published":{"$t":"2009-04-15T18:45:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-04-15T20:56:19.010-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"study"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Antioch"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thinking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"life"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deep thoughts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ follower"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"God"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Life \u003d Control....God \u003d ??"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"We've been studying Genesis, as you may or may not remember, this year and we are in the home stretch for finishing the book.  It's been a wild ride, to say the least.  Last night my deep thought from the mind of the Funki Planet was as follows:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWe spend a lot of time in life trying to figure things out and then adjust ourselves to it.  Think about when you move into a new house or go on vacation you always have to figure out how the new (or different) oven cooks.  Fast, slow, hot, not hot enough and then you make adjustments (usually after an undercooked or overcooked meal!)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAs a fisherman I always have to make adjustments on the river.  I try a fly and if it doesn't work I tie on another and go through the run again, change up my drift speed, try to reach a little farther out with my cast and constantly adjust to the changing air and water conditions.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThink about driving across town.  There is always a new driver in front of you, you have to adjust to their speed, stopping distances, foot feed off the line, etc.  Then they turn off and there is someone new in front of you.  You have to adjust all over again.  Every day is a series of small and large adjustments.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/Seai9B5k3CI/AAAAAAAABIQ/MZzykd_ksgs/s1600-h/intersection.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;\" src\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/Seai9B5k3CI/AAAAAAAABIQ/MZzykd_ksgs/s200/intersection.jpg\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325122778777836578\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003eLife \u003d Control.  There is a constant battle that we wage to stay in control, to stay on top, to keep from tripping, falling (just think about walking) adjust, adjust, adjust.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eNow take a look at Genesis 43.  Joseph's brothers return home with grain for the clan and all their money but without Simeon, who is still in jail in Egypt, and tell Jacob / Israel that they can't go back and get more grain or their brother without taking Benjamin.  Benjamin is Joseph's blood brother, Jacob / Israel's most treasured son and the youngest in the family.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWatch the progression here - first, Jacob / Israel begins hemming and hawing, blaming his sons for even mentioning that they had a brother, then Judah offers his own life up if anything should happen to Benjamin, finally Jacob / Israel makes an elaborate plan that involves best fruits, a little balm, a little honey, spices and nuts (pistachios and almonds to be exact), double money and his youngest son Benjamin.  His last words are \"If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!\"  He complains, he gets a back-up in Judah, he elaborately plans and only then does he finally surrender.  CONTROL!!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/Seakrw6C2aI/AAAAAAAABIY/G414SmvuPF8/s1600-h/jacobs+gift.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 200px;\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/Seakrw6C2aI/AAAAAAAABIY/G414SmvuPF8/s200/jacobs+gift.jpg\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325124681181878690\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003eNow I don't know if I can say that this is the best way to go about it, but I do know that I spend a lot of time complaining, looking for a back-up and laying out detailed plans.  You should come drive with me sometime.  I get behind some lame driver and complain, look for an alternate route and then think of all they ways I can get away from this irritation on four wheels.  I think of all the other streets I can take, even drive out of my way, just so I don't have to follow him or her.  I can assure you that I very very rarely surrender and follow quietly.  If I do it means I'm within feet of my destination (but I'm still complaining on the inside!!)  CONTROL!!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHow often do we go through life like this with God?  We ask Him to bless us or show us what He wants us to do, then we complain about the circumstances, look for a backup in case He doesn't come through on our timetable and make elaborate plans to make Him love us.  We go to church 6 Sundays in a row, read our bible for a week straight, pray for starving children, give a beggar a dollar or two, say nice things to our siblings, our spouses....you get the picture.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBut you can never adjust enough to control God.  This is a hard pill to swallow.  He is so big, so powerful, so faithful that we can never figure Him out.  Just about the time we think we've got it He swerves left and we dodge right.  Right off the cliff in most cases.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis got me to thinking.  Am I in control or is God?  I don't have an answer to be honest with you.  I feel like I'm currently in a position of trying to surrender first then being available for His leading, but I don't do a very good job of it most days - I constantly find myself adjusting,\u003cbr /\u003eadjusting, adjusting to that I can outmaneuver Him.  It doesn't work all that well actually.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSo, where are you?  Let me know.\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-8488226490913922969?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/8488226490913922969/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d8488226490913922969","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/8488226490913922969"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/8488226490913922969"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/04/life-controlgod.html","title":"Life \u003d Control....God \u003d ??"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/Seai9B5k3CI/AAAAAAAABIQ/MZzykd_ksgs/s72-c/intersection.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-6619959812033751857"},"published":{"$t":"2009-03-04T20:22:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-03-04T20:25:32.253-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Africa"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"world"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Congo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DRC"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Today in the DRCongo....."},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hundreds of traumatized child soldiers return home in Congo\u003cbr /\u003eUPDATED: 2009-03-04 11:49:12 MST\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBy THE ASSOCIATED PRESS\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eKIWANJA, Congo — Some beat their heads against the wall until doctors inject them with tranquillizers. Others remain mute for days, their eyes darting around like frightened animals.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn recent weeks, hundreds of child soldiers in eastern Congo’s catastrophic war have returned home, sometimes to the same villages where they killed and pillaged. Some have been forced back out with threats of vengeance, and even ostracized by their own families.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThese children were kidnapped by rebels and used as fighters, labourers, porters and sex slaves in a war that has torn the mineral-rich region apart for years. Children helped slaughter some 150 civilians in a two-day massacre in Kiwanja in November, one of the latest atrocities in a relentless cycle of ethnic warfare.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBut in January, President Joseph Kabila invited troops in from neighbouring Rwanda to help end the conflict. Rebel leader Laurent Nkunda was arrested and his fighters integrated into the army — and child advocates are seizing upon the relative stability to persuade militias and rebels to let go of those under 18. At least 478 children, including 15 girls, were demobilized in eastern Congo in January and February, according to UNICEF.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eStripped of their camouflage uniforms, guns and machetes, many of the youngsters still have raw aggression programmed into them through years of being pumped up with drugs and thrown into battle. Some have scars on their arms from knife cuts where herbs and other concoctions were rubbed under the skin to convince them that bullets would ricochet off their bodies. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/World/2009/03/04/8628026.html\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eREAD MORE HERE\u003c/a\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-6619959812033751857?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/6619959812033751857/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d6619959812033751857","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/6619959812033751857"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/6619959812033751857"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/03/today-in-drcongo.html","title":"Today in the DRCongo....."}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-7420866886002297817"},"published":{"$t":"2009-02-25T11:59:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-02-25T12:03:50.745-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"planet"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thinking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deep thoughts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Genesis"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"life"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ follower"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"God"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"study"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"bible study"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"beginning"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"history"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"science"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"creation"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"What I've learned about Genesis so far"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I gave a little speech this morning about what I've learned about Genesis so far this year in CBS.  Here is what I told the group:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAdam was walking around the Garden of Eden feeling very lonely, so God asked Adam, \"What is wrong with you?\"\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAdam said he didn't have anyone to talk to.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGod said, \"I was going to give you a companion and it would be a woman. This person will cook for you and wash your clothes. She will always agree with every decision you make. She will bear your children and never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them. She will not nag you, and will always be the first to admit she was wrong when you've had a disagreement. She will never have a headache, and will freely give you love and compassion whenever needed.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAdam asked God, \"What would a woman like this cost me??\"\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGod said, \"An arm and a leg.\"\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAdam asked, \"What can I get for just a rib???\"\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAnd now you know (as Paul Harvey would say) ...the rest of the story.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBut seriously, I’m here today to whet your appetite for your study next year of the book of Genesis. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGenesis is so much more than the creation story or the story about two people and a snake who messed it all up. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGenesis is filled with firsts.  The first day, the first night, the first animals, the first people, the first children, the first murder, the first (and last) worldwide flood, the first rainbow, the first sacrifice, the first twins, the first fire and brimstone, the first incest, the first kidnapping, the first covenant, there are more firsts than you can even imagine.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIt is also filled with love, passion, friendship, anger, resentment, contentment, joy, fear, and with people who were fatally flawed, devious, deceitful, cruel and completely loved by God.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI asked some of the people in my core group what they would say to describe this book to someone else.  I got these statements:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIt’s about God reconciling us to Him.\u003cbr /\u003eI see Christ on every page.\u003cbr /\u003eIt’s the root of our Christian beliefs.\u003cbr /\u003eThere are rewards for being faithful.\u003cbr /\u003eIt’s about hope.\u003cbr /\u003eThe women are all pretty and the men are all very very old\u003cbr /\u003eIt’s filled with imperfect people.\u003cbr /\u003eAnd my favorite – Be sure to turn on the light on your wedding night. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePersonally, I have discovered a rich tapestry of lives that I have spent years placing up on a pedestal.  Abraham, Isaac, Jacob.  The founding fathers of my faith. Each one had deep character flaws that by today’s standards would place them on the fringes of our churches, small groups and friendship circles.  And yet God considered these men righteous.  He called them friends.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhile I idolized these men and their general stories I missed the bigger picture.  In this study of Genesis I have found the birth of a plan so big, so complete and so incredible it would take God himself to bring it to fruition. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAbraham was a liar and he needed a Messiah.  Isaac played favorites with his children and tried to thwart God.  He needed a Savior.   Jacob was a cheater and a thief and he needed a Redeemer.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe plan of salvation was put into motion way back in Genesis and no one, not even the great men and women of the Bible, was exempt from needing Christ and the gift of salvation he brought to the world. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf you are sitting here today and think you’ve got it all together.  You don’t.  Genesis will rock your world and God will become more real and more powerful in your life than you ever though possible.   \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf you are sitting here today and thinking that God can’t use your broken, beaten up, bruised life.  You’re wrong.  Genesis will give you the confidence to share your story, your experience and your life with someone else who is hurting and broken.  God uses imperfect, flawed people for glorious purposes.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDon’t miss Genesis.  Don’t miss the chance to learn about the beginning so you are prepared for the end.\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-7420866886002297817?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/7420866886002297817/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d7420866886002297817","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/7420866886002297817"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/7420866886002297817"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-ive-learned-about-genesis-so-far.html","title":"What I've learned about Genesis so far"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-898556837865545303"},"published":{"$t":"2009-02-18T21:06:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-02-18T22:08:31.308-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"study"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Antioch"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thinking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deep thoughts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ follower"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"cross"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"God"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Don't be an Esau!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SZz29BF8m0I/AAAAAAAABAQ/ow2z2QMBPHs/s1600-h/blessing.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 161px;\" src\u003d\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SZz29BF8m0I/AAAAAAAABAQ/ow2z2QMBPHs/s200/blessing.jpg\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304385989261433666\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI've been studying the book of Genesis since early September.  Last week I read the story of Jacob and Esau.  As I studied it and got deep into the meat of the story I suddenly saw something new.  I think that there are a lot of people in the world and in American in general who are running around  like Esau.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGenesis 25 says that Esau gave up his birthright to his younger brother, Jacob, for a meal.  It says Esau \"despised his birthright.\"  He gave no thought to what it really meant to be the firstborn in his family and he completely turned his back on the significance of his position.  Then in chapter 26 it says that Esau took two Hittite wives and that they \"were a grief of mind to Isaac and Rebekah.\"\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSo here is Esau, out living his life with no regard for his place in the world, his family or his actions.  He is banking on being Isaac's favorite son.  He bets his whole life on it.  He completely expects his father to give him the blessing of the firstborn because he makes really good stew.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBut when Isaac is fooled by Jacob, who poses as Esau, and Isaac gives Jacob the blessing of the firstborn Genesis 27:34 says, \"[Esau] cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, \"Bless me--me also, O my father!\"\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis reminded me of a passage in the New Testament - Matthew 7:21-23:\u003cbr /\u003e \u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: italic;\"\u003e Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.\u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: italic;\"\u003e    Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'\u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan style\u003d\"font-style: italic;\"\u003e     And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy first response?  \"DOH!\"\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHow many people out there are running around with no regard for the gift they have been given by God through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?  They think that because they were born in America, because their parents are Christians or because they have been so \"good\" that when they stand before the Almighty God he will just automatically bless them and send them on their merry way through the pearly gates.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOh, what a tragic day that will be!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis is it folks.  There will be no second chance.  There will be no blessing to bestow on those who have not accepted the gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus.  The only way to enter heaven is to get on your knees, offer God your very best - the very best of you which is actually your dark and dirty heart - and allow Him to give you the blessing of the firstborn, which can never be taken away.  There is nothing you can do to be \"good enough\".  There is no work that can guarantee your place.  There is only grace.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEsau missed it.  He \"despised his birthright.\"  Don't be an Esau!  Accept the gift but don't delay.  There is no time to waste.  The Father is waiting for you today.\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-898556837865545303?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/898556837865545303/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d898556837865545303","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/898556837865545303"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/898556837865545303"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/02/dont-be-esau.html","title":"Don't be an Esau!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SZz29BF8m0I/AAAAAAAABAQ/ow2z2QMBPHs/s72-c/blessing.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-1490677762365271803"},"published":{"$t":"2009-02-13T16:31:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-02-13T17:20:53.781-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Facebook"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thinking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"life"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deep thoughts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"God"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"To those who love life"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cdiv class\u003d\"byline\"\u003eGuest Contribution By Christina Smith\u003cbr /\u003eJan. 2009\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class\u003d\"note_content text_align_ltr direction_ltr clearfix\"\u003e \u003cdiv\u003eI wouldn't say that I'm particularly political, in fact when most conversation head in that direction, I tend to bow out. However, this is more than a political issue, its a moral one, a matter of life and death.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePresident Obama is set to legitamize abortion, even partial-birth abortion, by passing the \"Freedom of Choice Act\" (FOCA). He has set it as one of his first priorities. How sad that one of his first acts as President would be to allow the continued slaughter of innocent children. Did any of these precious souls ask to be conceived? And yet they are sacrificed on the altar of convenience, indifference or ignorance.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePlease pray for our President. He claims to know Christ, but the Jesus I know would never sanction such an action for any reason. Please pray that God would move in President Obama's heart in any way necessary to prevent him from signing FOCA.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eLet your voice be heard. Please go to \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.fightfoca.com\"\u003ewww.FightFOCA.com\u003c/a\u003e to sign a petition against legalizing abortion.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAnd please pray for all the women and men touched by abortion: those girls who saw no other way out, the young men who didn't have a say, the grandparents who never held their grandchild. We are a nation of walking wounded, ripped apart inside by grief and guilt. God, help America.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOther Resources:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.focafacts.com/FOCAfacts/\"\u003eFOCAfacts\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.whatthefoca.com\"\u003eWhat the FOCA? \u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.frc.org/papers/focus-on-foca\"\u003eFamily Research Council\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-1490677762365271803?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/1490677762365271803/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d1490677762365271803","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/1490677762365271803"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/1490677762365271803"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/02/to-those-who-love-life.html","title":"To those who love life"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-4829726330332064748"},"published":{"$t":"2009-01-29T20:45:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-01-29T20:48:11.720-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"tithe"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Sunday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Antioch"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"church"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ follower"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"God"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"When I say 100.....You say 10"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cobject width\u003d\"480\" height\u003d\"295\"\u003e\u003cparam name\u003d\"movie\" value\u003d\"http://www.youtube.com/v/PwfMMN71xUw\u0026hl\u003den\u0026fs\u003d1\"\u003e\u003c/param\u003e\u003cparam name\u003d\"allowFullScreen\" value\u003d\"true\"\u003e\u003c/param\u003e\u003cparam name\u003d\"allowscriptaccess\" value\u003d\"always\"\u003e\u003c/param\u003e\u003cembed src\u003d\"http://www.youtube.com/v/PwfMMN71xUw\u0026hl\u003den\u0026fs\u003d1\" type\u003d\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess\u003d\"always\" allowfullscreen\u003d\"true\" width\u003d\"480\" height\u003d\"295\"\u003e\u003c/embed\u003e\u003c/object\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis is awesome!\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-4829726330332064748?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/4829726330332064748/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d4829726330332064748","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/4829726330332064748"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/4829726330332064748"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/01/when-i-say-100you-say-10.html","title":"When I say 100.....You say 10"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-5203958440240825840"},"published":{"$t":"2009-01-25T14:58:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-01-25T22:25:22.937-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Sunday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"study"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Antioch"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thinking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deep thoughts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ follower"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"God"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Who do you know?"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"John 1:33 is a fascinating passage of scripture.   \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eNKJV:\u003cbr /\u003eI did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eNLT:\u003cbr /\u003eI didn't know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, `When you see the Holy Spirit descending and resting upon someone, he is the one you are looking for. He is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe amazing thing about this verse is that John the Baptist says \"I did not know Him.\"  How is this possible?  John and Jesus were related.  Their mothers were cousins.  Therefore, it would be logical to believe that John knew Jesus.  However, he did not know who He was.  He didn't know He was the Messiah, the Chosen One.  John only discovered who Jesus was when God told him what to look for.  God said to look for the Holy Spirit descending and resting upon someone.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWho do you know?  Who do you really know?  How many times have you said to someone, Oh yes, that's my brother, or my friend, or my in-law.  But who is that person really?  Is it someone that God is using to further His kingdom?  Have you seen the Holy Spirit fall on someone and then watched them be used by God?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eNever underestimate the power of God to use the people you think you \"know\" to further His kingdom.  You may think you really know your family and friends, but keep an eye out for God to take the wall flower, black sheep, lost person in your circle of friends and use that person for great things.  Don't miss God at work.  Don't think you've got everybody figured out.  You don't.  God will use who He wants, when He wants.  Be apart of the movement and rejoice as Christ becomes real and alive in the people around you.  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eReflect today.  Who do you know?\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-5203958440240825840?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/5203958440240825840/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d5203958440240825840","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/5203958440240825840"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/5203958440240825840"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/01/who-do-you-know.html","title":"Who do you know?"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-8095793033815056192"},"published":{"$t":"2009-01-10T08:18:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-01-10T08:26:35.720-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"study"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Antioch"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"church"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"world"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ follower"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"God"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"My new favorite song!!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I LOVE this song.  This is totally it for me.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cobject width\u003d\"425\" height\u003d\"344\"\u003e\u003cparam name\u003d\"movie\" value\u003d\"http://www.youtube.com/v/McmUHclV9do\u0026hl\u003den\u0026fs\u003d1\"\u003e\u003c/param\u003e\u003cparam name\u003d\"allowFullScreen\" value\u003d\"true\"\u003e\u003c/param\u003e\u003cparam name\u003d\"allowscriptaccess\" value\u003d\"always\"\u003e\u003c/param\u003e\u003cembed src\u003d\"http://www.youtube.com/v/McmUHclV9do\u0026hl\u003den\u0026fs\u003d1\" type\u003d\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess\u003d\"always\" allowfullscreen\u003d\"true\" width\u003d\"425\" height\u003d\"344\"\u003e\u003c/embed\u003e\u003c/object\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eCheck it out!\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-8095793033815056192?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/8095793033815056192/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d8095793033815056192","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/8095793033815056192"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/8095793033815056192"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-new-favorite-song.html","title":"My new favorite song!!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-8926016921174425316"},"published":{"$t":"2009-01-04T19:29:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-01-04T20:46:52.998-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Sunday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"study"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Antioch"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"world"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"quiet time"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thinking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deep thoughts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ follower"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"God"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Elements of transformation"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SWGQacU1xII/AAAAAAAAA-U/bv9ijgfDsfM/s1600-h/be.png\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 212px;\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SWGQacU1xII/AAAAAAAAA-U/bv9ijgfDsfM/s320/be.png\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287666221464274050\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003eI heard it said today that salt and light are transformational.  They transform things as opposed to dominating things.  I really liked this thought.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eToo much of either of these things will actually kill.  Too much salt in the ocean would be a terrible thing for the life living there.  Too much salt on food wrecks the flavor and the dish has to be thrown out.  Too much light on many living things is detrimental.  It can throw off sleep patters - just ask anyone whose husband turns on the light while they are sleeping (I'm just saying.)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGod created the universe to have balance.  Some light, some dark, some seasoning, some sweetness.  As I go through my day and come into contact with others I need to remember to be transformational.  God has called me to be salt and light to others.  But He has not called me to overpower others with my gifts.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThere are people in my life that I want to see come into the full knowledge of Christ.  I must be a good example for them, not dominate them, so that God can complete the good work He created them for.  An important reminder for me in 2009.\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-8926016921174425316?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/8926016921174425316/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d8926016921174425316","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/8926016921174425316"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/8926016921174425316"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2009/01/elements-of-transformation.html","title":"Elements of transformation"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SWGQacU1xII/AAAAAAAAA-U/bv9ijgfDsfM/s72-c/be.png","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-3487544268580856797"},"published":{"$t":"2008-12-31T14:12:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2008-12-31T14:22:02.920-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"planet"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"study"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Africa"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"world"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thinking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deep thoughts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Congo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ follower"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DRC"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"God"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Me vs. The Congo"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I posted an entry this morning.  My usual Happy New Year blah blah blah.  It had meaning for about 30 seconds because right after I wrote it I visited a good friend's blog and found this:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.diaryof1.com/2008/12/30/call-to-prayer-for-the-drc/\"\u003ehttp://www.diaryof1.com/2008/12/30/call-to-prayer-for-the-drc\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI also found this:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.endingextremepoverty.org/\"\u003ehttp://www.endingextremepoverty.org/\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThese two sites gave me more info than I could have imagined and now I am processing it.  It's more than overwhelming but necessary for me to remember that my comfort, problems, situations and \"issues\" are but a tiny drop in the bucket.  I mean tiny!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThank you to Diary of 1 and Woody.  Keep up the good work.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf this information moves you, please join with others who have been moved at:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.worldreliefnext.org/\"\u003ehttp://www.worldreliefnext.org/\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHappy New Year everyone.  Keep moving forward and keep Him in your sights.\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-3487544268580856797?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/3487544268580856797/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d3487544268580856797","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/3487544268580856797"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/3487544268580856797"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2008/12/i-posted-entry-this-morning.html","title":"Me vs. The Congo"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999735004131049607.post-4989814501524411080"},"published":{"$t":"2008-12-31T09:57:00.000-08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2008-12-31T10:36:22.022-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"study"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Bend Oregon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"quiet time"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"thinking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deep thoughts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Christ follower"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"God"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Looking Back Facing Forward"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ca onblur\u003d\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SVu7nSjlHwI/AAAAAAAAAx4/cdC2yQRwcfY/s1600-h/motiv-road.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg style\u003d\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;\" src\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SVu7nSjlHwI/AAAAAAAAAx4/cdC2yQRwcfY/s320/motiv-road.jpg\" alt\u003d\"\" id\u003d\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286024871319772930\" border\u003d\"0\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003eI have been reading people's New Year's resolutions this week.  Some are very funny.  Some are very serious.  Some are just wacky.  I've never been a very good resolution maker.  I think it has something to do with the follow through.  Hmmmm.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBut this morning I was reading in my devotional and the main verse was I Samuel 7:12 \"Thus far the Lord has helped us.\"  This being the last day of 2008 I really loved this.  I began to think about how far the Lord has brought us as a family and me as an individual.  This verse caused me to look back and see all that God has done.  He has provided for us, He has even carried us.  Always He has helped us.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBut, as was pointed out in my devotional, the words \"Thus far\" also call us to look forward.  They mean that we're not through yet.  There is still distance to go.  It's exciting to think about what God has in store for our family and for me personally in 2009.  I look longingly ahead to what will come and I am grateful that I am not traveling this journey alone.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSo, I still don't have any resolutions.  But I don't really need any if I am focusing on Him.  Thus far the Lord has helped us.  And he will continue to help us as we go forward in to 2009.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHappy New Year!\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5999735004131049607-4989814501524411080?l\u003dfunkiplanet.blogspot.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/feeds/4989814501524411080/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID\u003d5999735004131049607\u0026postID\u003d4989814501524411080","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/4989814501524411080"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/5999735004131049607/posts/default/4989814501524411080"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com/2008/12/looking-back-facing-forward.html","title":"Looking Back Facing Forward"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"D. K.  Stangeland"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/04124707449786410619"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"17920248776432064136"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS3bXuHaWyg/SVu7nSjlHwI/AAAAAAAAAx4/cdC2yQRwcfY/s72-c/motiv-road.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","$t":"1"}}]}});