The Christmas pageant, movie review.

 When a temperamental Broadway director(Melissa Gilbert) is fired from yet another job, she is forced to direct a community Christmas pageant. Instead of losing herself in her work, she finds herself  through the kindness of others.

 Here is a link to a blog with all the info:
http://www.christianfilmdatabase.com/christian-movie-news/the-christmas-pageant-cfdb-review-giveaway/
 It looks like a really good family friendly movie!
Love and blessings,
Lori LC

Amazing e-source for Christians!

http://www.gospelebooks.net/

 They have an extensive list of Kindle e-books, as well as links to help guide you on the Path of righteousness, for little or no cost.

  "We are a website that alerts you to Christian e-book deals for the Amazon Kindle. We regularly post free Christian e-books as well as cheap and discounted titles. Our mission is to help you build your e-book library at a fraction of the cost."



Look at this video for a short clip of comments:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ_3492NGhw

There are daily bargains and many free e-books to check out.
Take a look, you'll be sure to find something that will interest you.

 Love and Blessings,
Lori LC

Autumn ramblings

Tonight was our town’s annual firemen’s parade. It was cold out, even with a sweatshirt, jacket, hat, gloves and small blanket on. We waited in the entrance of the barbershop to get out of the brisk wind. When the parade finally got on its way, we stood by the road between parked cars. A band of bag pipes led the way (why bag pipes, I don’t really know). My son is seven and his biggest hope was to have candy thrown at him from the trucks. He does enjoy watching fire trucks, and says he wants to be a fireman like his brother in law, but he just wanted candy tonight. 

My son and friend watching firemens parade

The trucks,rescues, marchers, horns,lights,noise...went on and on and on!... I kept covering my ears and turning away from the glare of the swirling emergency lights. He had sound proof head phones, so it didn’t bother his so much. He did get a few pieces of candy, just enough for it to be worth it for him to be out there. He did make my proud a few times. Each time a military member carried a flag past, my son saluted the flag in respect for it. I’m glad  he remembered to do that.
  

I kept looking for the end, but it was nearly thirty minutes llooonnnggg.. before the last vehicle blared past. It was then my son said his feet were as cold as ice and he could hardly walk. We had a large blanket I could have used to warm him, but that may have prevented him from  getting that last lollipop. I will have to be sure to check his feet the next time we’re out in the cold for a while. I know what it’s like to get frost bitten toes, it lasts for years and can be devastating to the feet.

  

The weekend is forecasted to be chilly and damp. I wonder if the last street hockey game will be cancelled. gee, that would be too bad to not be able to stand out by the rink for two hours. If it is on, I will be sure to pack many layers, and hot drinks.

 

 

<- Here is a pic of my son, using a hockey stick to high stick leaves into the goal. I should use that idea when doing the yard :)


Here's a pic of him playing goalie, -->
which he prefers because he doesn't have to run around the rink with the other players.

So,I don't celebrate Oct 31st

 As September comes to an end and October begins, it is inevitable. There are lovely displays of colorful pumpkins, mums, cornstalks and scare crows. Then there are some not-so-lovely displays, that -in my opinion, border on the hideous side. I'm all for decorating with the fore mentioned Autumn colors, but feel depressed when I see the black and dark colors of other displays.
 As a Christian, I am called to be a light in the world, so when I see things related to darkness, such as vampires, witches, ghouls, I feel uncomfortable. People do have a right to show whatever displays they like in their yard, and I choose fall colors over dark.
 With Halloween coming in a few weeks, people ask my son what he is dressing as. He feels pressured to have an answer because so many others are dressing up. I said he could dress up in something that Jesus would like, not darkness. He asked if he could go trick or treating and I said I wouldn't take him because I don't think it's right to  knock on people's doors to ask for candy. We have candy in the house and he has a history of tooth problems, so he doesn't need more candy. It's the dressing up part he wants to do. I am thinking of having a costume party the weekend before halloween so he can dress up with his friends and play games together.
 With so many things to be careful about these days, I think I have a right to choose not to celebrate the night of darkness. If others can freely say they don't celebrate Christmas or Easter, why do I get such weird looks when I say I don't celebrate Halloween?
These links summarize how I feel about having alternative parties on Halloween night:

http://christiananswers.net/q-eden/halloween.html#harvestparties

http://www.milehimama.com/faith/why-we-dont-celebrate-halloween/

http://carm.org/halloween

Happy Friday!!!

  This is the last Friday of September 2012. For those of us in New England, it signals the start of winter. Most of us have set aside this weekend to pack away Summer and take out the warm clothes. I have already used my jacket, and the wood stove is keeping us nice and cozy.
   The leaves have already turned brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange, and are now falling in preparation of hibernation. We are planning which trees we'll tap in the spring for yummy (real) maple syrup.
  My son spent part of the afternoon splashing in puddles that will soon freeze over. The screen house will also be taken down tomorrow. It was a terrific Summer, and this is one of the first times I am not looking forward to the Autumn change. Could be because I got a cold this week. or, just missing the days I could sit outside in the yard and listen to the gentle chirps of birds in  the neighborhood.
  Front steps are decorated with pumpkins, mums, and corn stalks. Blue jays have returned and pierce the air with their wretched screeches. We haven't put up a bird feeder yet, mostly because the last one rusted thoroughly through. But, there have been bear sightings in town and I don't want to lure them to the yard with all the kids around here(unless they really are pushing my buttons. (jk))
  Columbus Day weekend is in two weeks, which is when I plan to return to see my family in RI. My Grandma turns 95 this week and we want to have a party for her. She still lives on her own, and is very independent. She has slowed down a bit, but insists on doing as much as she can on her own.
Another thing I plan to do that weekend is go to the 33rd annual Autumnfest in the town I'm from. I always look forward to it because I went there every year when it began until I moved to NH, and try going as often as I can. There will be a parade, fireworks,music, food, and rides. Lots of things for us to do!
   One thing I am looking forward to is our friend who traveled to Ca. just became engaged and is moving back to NH. I feel sorry she didn't get to stay long, but she did get there and saw what it's like. I give her major kudos for following her dream :) They will be planning their wedding and the rest of their life together <3
   So, this season brings changes, for better or worse. I will seek God to lead me in His path so there will be less chance of me stepping in poo .
  I hope you have a great Autumn and write me a note as to what you plan on doing these next few weeks :)
Thanks,
'Love and blessings,
Lori LC

Post From: Cindy's Random Thoughts: Everyday Matters Bible For Women

Cindy's Random Thoughts: Everyday Matters Bible For Women: Recently I was given the opportunity to read and review a new Bible that has been geared toward women. This New Living Translation is wr...

DarkRoom, book review

Cover of darkroom, by Joshua Graham

 "After scattering her mother's ashes in Vietnam, photojournalist Xandra Carrick comes home to New York to rebuild her life and career. When she experiences supernatural visions that reveal atrocities perpetrated by American soldiers during the Vietnam War, she finds herself entangled in a forty-year-old conspiracy that could bring the nation into political turmoil.

Launching headlong into a quest to learn the truth from her father, Peter Carrick, a Pulitzer Prize Laureate who served as an embedded photographer during the war, Xandra confronts him about a dark secret he has kept—one that has devastated their family.

Her investigations lead her to her departed mother's journal, which tell of love, spiritual awakening, and surviving the fall of Saigon.

Pursued across the continent, Xandra comes face-to-face with powerful forces that will stop at nothing to prevent her from revealing the truth. But not before government agencies arrest her for murder, domestic terrorism and an assassination attempt on the newly elected president of the United States." (excerpt from darkroom fb page)



 My review:
   The one word that comes to mind when describing Darkroom is riveting!
 The search for truth about past events, are coming into view through Xandra's photos, and could cost her her life, as well as those who are trying to protect her.
You're not sure who to trust and are kept wondering what is going to happen next.
  There are a few surprises, especially at the end.
If you like suspense,plots, some romance, and an all around good story, I recommend darkroom, by Joshua Graham.

https://www.facebook.com/Darkroom.Graham

Another really good book by Joshua Graham, which I also recommend: 
Beyond Justice
* Amazon #1 Bestseller 
*Winner of the 2011 International Book Awards
* Listed in Suspense Magazine's Best of 2010

 http://www.amazon.com/Joshua-Graham

or, visit his website at:
http://joshua-graham.com/

Spider Brains, book review

Spider Brains

 Sp(e)ider Brains, A Love Story is written by Susan Wingate.

   The story is about a teenage girl, Susie Speider, who is struggling to get through high school after losing her dad to a car wreck. Her penchant for learning words had me smiling, because I have always enjoyed adding unusual words to my vocabulary. Susie is also struggling with ADHD, new meds, and a teacher who seems to relish crushing her at every opportunity.
  When she tries getting a closer look at a spider one night, it bites her on the finger. What happens next is a web of fantastic events, such as her nightly jaunts with her cat to the teacher's house(where she meets a boy spider), new neighbors that seem odd to Susie, and an awesome spider project that the teacher finds horrifying because she is terrified of all things arachnid. Susie gives credit to her new spider powers for being able to focus, but her mom is worried Susie really believes she's a spider.
   I think the book was a really good read. It is well written and kept me interested to the end.
  I recommend this book to all who enjoy a story about relationships, loss, rebuilding, (and a little revenge)
 You can learn more about this book at:
https://www.facebook.com/SpiderBrainsALoveStory?ref=stream
and
http://susanwingate.wordpress.com/

My day on 9/11/2001..

   My day started as any other, with dropping off my kids at school before heading to work. While at work, my daughter's school nurse called to ask if I could pick her up because she was feeling sick. I picked her up and brought her home to rest on the couch.While scanning channels for a show she could watch, I noticed a news bulletin about one of the Twin Towers being on fire. They still hadn't known the cause.
 My husband was also home getting ready to leave for work. He reached out and took my hand.and we watched in wonder at what was happening. I was glad he was by my side.
  Not long after, the second tower was hit! We were shocked and stunned!  WHAT!? How could this happen?! No words could describe the fear and confusion we felt. Reports of other airplanes being hijacked and used to create human bombs against the United States of America started coming in. When the Pentagon was hit, I realized how calculated and broad the scope of the attacks were.We sat in shock, unable to comprehend what was unfolding minute by minute.  Our country was under attack and thousands of innocent lives were taken. I couldn't tear myself from watching the reports. It didn't seem real to see planes flown into high profile buildings or crashed on purpose. I wanted to know why. What could make people hate me so much that they were killing my countrymen.Some footage showed panicked victims trying to flee the burning towers by jumping. Only one is known to have survived. The smoke and pandemonium was awful. When the first tower fell, our jaws dropped. It looked like it imploded. Would the other one also fall? would it topple over and crush everyone on the block, or implode like the first? When it also fell straight down, we were surprised and gasped at how huge the plume of rubble and dust flew up and around.

“Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward and freedom will be defended.” “We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail,” George W. Bush

WE WILL RISE AND REBUILD

. We knew America was about to change, for better or worse.
   When my husband left for work, he found there was no cell phone service. No way of getting in touch besides a pay phone. All air traffic was halted. Life and the comfort zone we felt were forever changed.
As for those involved in the rescue efforts, as one quote posted on a memorial states:
 All gave some.
Some gave all.
We will not forget!

God bless America.

The American Bible Challenge: Review and info :)

The American Bible Challenge

A family-friendly game show, on The Game Show Network, Thursdays, at 8 p.m. ET/PT,

Comedian,Jeff Foxworthy, hosts this game show that makes you wish you paid more attention in church. The show has contestants from around the country who have varying degrees of knowledge of the bible, and are playing for a charity, and these charitable organizations range from churches to hospitals.

The goal is to have a fun show that is biblically accurate, and to make a difference. Contestants can win up to $20,000 for the charity of their choice. Jeff also says it helps people to learn more about what God says about Himself, as well as themselves. and adds that God has a sense of humor.

Along with having fun with the questions, Jeff adds his trademark Redneck jokes, such as saying if Larry the cable guy met God at the burning bush, he would have taken out a hotdog on a coat hanger. lol!

The game is done in a respectful manner, true to the actual written word and celebrates the bible in an appealing way.

Thank you!

For more info about The American Bible Challenge, visit any of the sites below.

Love and Blessings,

Lori LC

The American Bible Challenge

(premieres August 23 at 8/7c on Game Show Network)

Website: http://gsntv.com/shows/the-american-bible-challenge/

Trailer: http://gsntv.com/shows/the-american-bible-challenge/videos/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theamericanbiblechallenge

Twitter: #TheAmericanBibleChallenge and @GSN

 Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/20-bible-quiz-questions-for-kids/#ixzz24rWPFWr7
 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."