tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88188564869515076272024-02-20T09:33:59.002-05:00The Silly Goose Society~ dedicated to my mother, who inspires me with her endless supply of laughter and toothbrushes ~Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-66017888898687541022020-03-21T16:24:00.001-04:002020-03-21T16:24:11.947-04:00Book Review: The Bible in 10 Words<img alt="The Bible In 10 Words" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1842/9185/products/719691_480x480.jpg?v=1576108817" /><br />
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<b>Title: </b>The Bible in 10 Words<br />
<b>Author: </b>Deron Spoo<br />
<b>Genre:</b> Christian Non-fiction<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> Worthy Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 189<br />
<b>My Rating:</b> 2.5/5<br />
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I was intrigued by the title of this book so much that I knew I would have to read it or be forever wondering. I was skeptical that such a book would be possible to write. How could anyone reduce The Bible, a layered storehouse of spiritual riches, into just ten words? And who had the right to decide which ten words would be the best for such an endeavor? And why is Deron Spoo qualified to undertake the task (I love his unusual name)?<br />
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Spoo has been the pastor of First Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for 20 years and is the author of another book called <i>The Good Book: 40 Chapters That Reveal the Bible's Biggest Ideas (</i>published in<i> </i>2017<i>). </i>His goal was not to reduce or condense The Bible into just ten words but to choose ten words worthy of further consideration and exploration. He asks, "What if we could distill the message of Scripture, with its 750,000-plus words, into just a few that would simply but elegantly unlock its meaning?"<br />
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Spoo took up the challenge with the goal of helping us "understand God and His unstoppable love more deeply and more personally." And he has accomplished that with his choice of words, some of which I would not have thought as likely candidates. I appreciate his ability to back up each of his choices with supportive and correlating scripture verses as well as interesting anecdotes. I will tell you the first word he offers us is "light," but you'll have to read the book yourself to discover the other nine and the final perfect word that wraps it all up.<br />
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Each chapter ends with a suggested prayer to God, questions for discussion with others, and additional scripture verses that tie in with the word being highlighted, should you want to do additional study.<br />
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The only negative thing I can say about this book is that the author insisted on renaming the Old Testament the Older Testament. I am content to call the Old Testament the Old Testament, especially since I call the New Testament the New Testament, not the Newer Testament. To each his/her own.<br />
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<b>Disclaimer: </b>I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-86863005407161087342019-11-14T18:08:00.002-05:002019-11-14T18:08:50.631-05:00Healing the Soul of a Woman Devotional <img alt="Healing the Soul of a Woman Devotional" src="https://www.faithwords.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/9781546039068-1.jpg?fit=450%2C622" /><br />
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<b>Title:</b> Healing the Soul of a Woman Devotional<br />
<b>Subtitle:</b> 90 Inspirations for Overcoming Your Emotional Wounds<br />
<b>Author:</b> Joyce Meyer<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Christian Devotional<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.<br />
<b>Number of Pages: </b>197<br />
<b>My Rating: </b>3/5<br />
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My first thought upon receiving this book for review was "What a gorgeous cover!" That alone made me excited for what lay inside, but I discovered that, as far as devotionals go, it didn't live up to my expectations.<br />
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As a woman who has experienced a lot of emotional wounding over the last decade or so, I continue to be a woman in need of healing. I hoped that Meyer's content would bring a measure of that my way. And it did, but only a small measure.<br />
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Though the individual chapter titles were appealing, in the end I felt like there was a good deal of repetition in content. Here is a sampling of chapter titles (there are 90 in all):<br />
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*The Goal of a Healthy Soul<br />
*You Are Not Damaged Goods<br />
*You're Not Alone<br />
*It's Time to Let Go<br />
*Bear One Another's Burdens<br />
*No Longer a Victim<br />
*Boundaries, Not Walls<br />
*Let God Lift Your Head<br />
*How to Handle People Who Have Hurt You<br />
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Meyer, who herself has experienced abuse in her past and who struggled with shame and guilt and doubt because of it, certainly has the right credentials for reaching out to others in the same boat. I appreciate that she opens each chapter with scripture, but her closing declarations would have had more meaning for me if they, too, were more God-focused rather than self-focused affirmations.<br />
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In summary, this is not one of my favorite devotionals, but I do think it can still be of benefit to any woman who is struggling with emotional wounds from her past. And I'm sure that I will read parts of it again from time to time to glean from Meyer's truly heartfelt insights.<br />
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<b>Disclaimer: </b>I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.<br />
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<br />Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-62315895205005805272019-10-16T13:03:00.001-04:002019-10-16T13:03:11.210-04:00Stay Tuned!A new book review is coming to this space soon.Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-1950320138775783372019-04-11T13:41:00.002-04:002019-04-11T16:24:27.923-04:00Book Review: Midnight Lullabies<br />
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<b>Title: </b>Midnight Lullabies<br />
<b>Subtitle: </b>Moments of Peace for Moms<br />
<b>Author: </b>Lauren Eberspacher<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Christian Devotional<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.<br />
<b>Number of Pages: </b>158<br />
<b>My Rating: </b>4/5<br />
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When I agreed to read and review this book, I had assumed that it would not hold within its pages any subject matter pertinent to me in my current season of life as an empty-nester, mother of two adult daughters, and grandmother of three. I had assumed any wisdom shared would be applicable only to mothers still in the trenches learning to parent and nurture children at home. Please serve me my piece of humble pie, because I was wrong.<br />
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This lovely devotional is filled with Biblical truths that are relevant to any mother of any age in any season of life. The encouragements and scriptures the author shares are universal and eternal. Eberspacher, married to a Nebraskan farmer and mother to three little ones, writes from experience, and her heart and her humor as she relates every-day events and emotions are both delightful and transparent. She is not afraid to tell it like it is.<br />
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After an invitation into her world (where she is sporting a messy bun, watching a baby play on the floor amidst piles of laundry, and she's too overwhelmed and exhausted to care about how any of it looks -- tell me that isn't honesty!), she offers up 31 chapters of solid food for the reader to digest. Chapters such as:<br />
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When the Enemy Tells You That You're Not Enough<br />
When Comparison Sticks Its Foot in the Door<br />
When It's Time to Put Down the Mop<br />
When God Lets You Walk Into the Fire<br />
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I love that each chapter ends with a spiritual summary suggesting how the reader can turn the challenges being discussed into victories and a prayer to speak over the matter at hand (especially helpful if it's hard to find adequate words to offer on one's own). There is also an index in the back to aid the reader in finding content relating to a particular struggle (such as anger, cleaning, fear, husbands, joy, sacrifice, etc.).<br />
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This book would make a wonderful gift for the expectant mother, the new mother, the mother in the thick of things, as well as the mother who's already been-there-done-that. None of us needs to do this alone, and Eberspacher takes the time to remind us of this important truth.<br />
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<b>Disclaimer: </b>I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.<br />
<br />Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-89401737707997629972019-02-05T09:40:00.003-05:002019-02-05T09:40:58.474-05:00Stay Tuned!A new book review is coming to this space soon.<br />
<br />Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-30582215598775798572018-08-03T08:52:00.003-04:002018-08-03T08:52:36.180-04:00On SabbaticalI am taking a break from reviewing books for a bit, but I will continue to update my personal reading list in the sidebar.<br />
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Back soon, I hope.Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-7328349734605668242018-04-13T18:36:00.000-04:002018-04-13T18:36:53.791-04:00Book Review: The Air I Breathe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title: </b>The Air I Breathe<br />
<b>Subtitle: </b>Worship as a Way of Life<br />
<b>Author: </b>Louie Giglio<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Christian Non-Fiction<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Multnomah, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC<br />
<b>Number of Pages: </b>149<br />
<b>My Rating: </b>3/5<br />
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I love Louie Giglio. I love his passion for God, the Bible, the Saviour, the saved, and the unsaved. My review is not about him; it is about his book. Just want to make that separation clear.<br />
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This book, while full of truth, is a light read. There is nothing new or meaty being presented, so I'm wondering if his intended audience is the new believer. If that's the case, then his description of the purpose and the pleasure of individual and corporate worship will be helpful. Giglio's premise is that worship is not an activity reserved for Sunday mornings only but an activity that should be a daily, moment-by-moment offering by the Christian that is as natural as breathing. He states:<br />
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"Worship is our response, both individual and corporate, to God -- for who He is! for what He has done! -- expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live."<br />
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I do agree with that definition. The eight chapters of this book expand on the why, the when, and the how of worship and are followed by a section of questions for group discussion. In my opinion, much of the content of the eight chapters is repetitive, as if Giglio took a sermon topic and delivered it eight times. That said, I think the encouragement he offers to all Christians, whether old-timers or newbies, is wonderful -- that worship of our worthy God should be a joy and should be expressed what we say and what we do, 24/7, both as individuals and as the body of Christ.<br />
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<b>Disclaimer: </b>I received this book from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/">www.bloggingforbooks.com</a> in exchange for a fair and honest review. <br />
Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-8479311596790542132017-12-30T20:16:00.004-05:002018-04-15T11:26:26.671-04:00Book Review: The Last Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title: </b>The Last Girl<br />
<b>Subtitle: </b>My Story of Captivity, and My Fight Against the Islamic State<br />
<b>Author: </b>Nadia Murad<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Memoir<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Tim Duggan Books, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC<br />
<b>Number of Pages: </b>306<br />
<b>My Rating: </b>5/5<br />
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Talk about a painful book to read. No amount of foreknowledge gleaned from a variety of news reports over the last half decade had the ability to prepare me for the raw, intimate, heartbreaking details of this young woman's ordeal at the hands of ISIS. That she has the bravery to tell the world of the brutal atrocities she and her family and neighbors endured (and are still enduring) is astonishing to me. I'm not sure I could muster up such courage. But I applaud her for doing so, as what she has to share is important and necessary for us to hear if we ever hope to defeat terrorism in all parts of the world.<br />
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Murad was 21 years old when her home town of Kocho, Iraq, was invaded and taken over by ISIS forces in 2014. Her life was turned upside down by the evil that killed, the evil that kidnapped, the evil that raped, the evil that pillaged and destroyed all she held dear. Can you imagine? Can you even imagine? She helps us to imagine, for she lived through the nightmare and escaped to freedom, but that freedom did not restore what was lost. With the help of other survivors and activists, Murad has been able to slowly rebuild her life and come forward with a message we all must respond to about the horrors of genocide and human trafficking.<br />
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In her first public address at a United Nations forum on minority issues in 2015, Murad shared that she "was only one of hundreds of thousands of Yazidi victims. (Her) community was scattered, living as refugees inside and outside of Iraq, and Kocho was still occupied by ISIS. There was so much the world needed to hear about what was happening to Yazidis." Her desire is to "keep (her) culture and religion alive and to bring ISIS to justice for their crimes" even though with every retelling of her personal story she says she relives the terror inflicted on her and others. Her story "told honestly and matter-of-factly is the best weapon (she) has against terrorism" and "more than anything else, (she) wants to be the last girl in the world with a story like (hers)."<br />
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<b>Disclaimer: </b>I received this book from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/">www.bloggingforbooks.com</a> in exchange for a fair and honest review <br />
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<br />Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-52123889309762116242017-10-25T15:39:00.003-04:002017-11-06T09:14:17.193-05:00Book Review: As Kingfishers Catch Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title: </b>As Kingfishers Catch Fire<br />
<b>Subtitle: </b>A Conversation on the Ways of God Formed by the Words of God <br />
<b>Author: </b>Eugene H. Peterson<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Christian Devotional<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>WaterBrook, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC<br />
<b>Number of Pages: </b>372<br />
<b>My Rating: </b>4/5<br />
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The stunning watercolor cover of a man deep in thought captures so well what is laid out for us in the pages of this unusual devotional book. Eugene Peterson -- professor, theologian, pastor, author -- found himself struggling to bridge "the chasm that had developed between the way (he) was preaching from the pulpit and (his) deepest convictions on what it meant to be a pastor."<br />
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And so he compiled this never-before-published collection of some of his sermons (49, to be exact) into seven distinct themes that I can only describe as coming from the mind of an philosopher, the heart of a saint, and the soul of a human. Peterson's style of writing about the meaning of specific scriptures and how it relates to our lives is both insightful and poetic, and because I seem to view much of the Bible and the human experience with a similar lens, I fell in love with this book from page one.<br />
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The devotional is divided into these seven sections:<br />
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He Spoke and It Came to Be (Preaching in the Company of Moses)<br />
All My Springs Are in You (Preaching in the Company of David)<br />
Prepare the Way of the Lord (Preaching in the Company of Isaiah)<br />
On Earth as It Is in Heaven (Preaching in the Company of Solomon)<br />
Yes and Amen and Jesus (Preaching in the Company of Peter)<br />
Christ in You the Hope of Glory (Preaching in the Company of Paul)<br />
In the Beginning Was the Word (Preaching in the Company of John of Patmos)<br />
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Within each section are seven sermon transcripts that Peterson originally preached to his congregation at Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland, over the course of 29 years. The publisher's editorial team, in its Letter to the Reader, lets us know that this compilation is an effort to allow the rest of us to be "a fly on the wall" as we listen to Peterson "unpack the whole counsel of God." What an inspiring and beautiful privilege.<br />
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<b>Disclaimer: </b>I received this book from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/">www.bloggingforbooks.com</a> in exchange for a fair and honest review.Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-70627504053979826712017-06-06T13:09:00.003-04:002017-06-06T13:09:42.353-04:00Book Review: The Hum of Angels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title:</b> The Hum of Angels<br />
<b>Author:</b> Scot McKnight<br />
<b>Genre:</b> Christian Living<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> Waterbrook, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 189<br />
<b>My Rating:</b> 2.5/5<br />
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I began reading this book with a bit of trepidation, fully aware of the prevalent and misguided images of angels portrayed in secular and new age philosophy and in artwork as gentle fairy-like beings offering love and happiness or as humans-turned-angels or animals dressed up as angels. I wanted to learn more about angels as revealed in the Bible, to learn more about the truth of what they are and what their work is. The title of this book concerned me because of its vague new age sound -- I think of angels as warriors, not as hummingbirds. However, for the most part, the content between the covers belies the wispy title by providing lots of scriptural references, quotes, and descriptions of Biblical angels and not the counterfeit counterparts so popular today.<br />
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I had not heard of the author, so here is information pulled from the book jacket: Scot McKnight is the author of more than 50 books, a popular conference speaker, and a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in Illinois. He maintains a blog, <i>Jesus Creed,</i> which receives three million page views per year.<br />
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The book is divided into four parts: In Defense of Angels; God's Loving Presence in Angels; God's Loving Advocacy From Angels; and God's Loving Transformation Through Angels. It also includes an Appendix, After Words, and Notes (references and citations).<br />
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According to the author, a Barna study done in 2007 shows that eight out of ten Americans believe angels exist, and an Associated Press study done in 2011 reports that 88% of Christians believe in angels. This last statistic puzzles me, because the Bible clearly expresses the creation and ministry of angels, leaving no room for doubt about their existence, and the author cites lots of scriptures to that end.<br />
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McKnight asserts that angels are as alive and active today as they were between the pages of Genesis 1 and Revelation 22, and his book informs us of their ministry to God and to humanity: worship, service, protection, deliverance, instruction, guidance, forth-telling, comfort, engaging in battle, etc. He uses much scripture and many historical quotes to back up his assertions. The picture he paints for us of angels is definitely not the one I was concerned about in the first paragraph. That said, I did not agree with everything he puts forth about angels, but overall he does an adequate job.<br />
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<b>Disclaimer: </b>I received this book from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/">www.bloggingforbooks.com</a> in exchange for a fair and honest review.<br />
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Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-13598076592367566332016-12-21T13:56:00.002-05:002016-12-21T14:00:03.995-05:00Book Review: 31 Verses to Write on Your Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title: </b>31 Verses to Write on Your Heart<br />
<b>Author: </b>Liz Curtis Higgs<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Devotional/Bible Study<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>WaterBrook, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC<br />
<b>Number of Pages: </b>200<br />
<b>My Rating: </b>4/5<br />
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I have heard of Liz Curtis Higgs through the years but have never read any of her books until now. I was eager to do so, because my impression of her has been that she is a fun-loving, faithful sister in Christ, and I wondered if her writing would match my preconception. And it does.<br />
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Higgs is a prolific writer (over 30 titles, including her <i>Bad Girls of the Bible</i>
series) as well as a professional speaker and Bible study teacher. You
may have enjoyed her on stage during the Women of Faith, Women of Joy,
and Extraordinary Women tours in both the United States or abroad. She
is a wife, mother, and tabby cat shepherd currently living in Kentucky.<br />
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This book is down-to-earth, honest, and uplifting in its approach to scripture study and memorization. It is accurately described as a "daily devotional and a small-group Bible study" on the back cover and is suitable for individual or group use. The readings are gentle but thought-provoking and are peppered with Higgs' personal experiences that help to bring the truths to life (not to mention tickle your funny bone).<br />
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There are 31 chapters, each focused on a well-known scripture verse and followed with a heartfelt, personal prayer and tips for memorizing scripture. There is also a study guide section with questions for each chapter that will assist the reader to dig deeper, both privately and in a group setting. A scripture verse reference listing for each chapter rounds out the book.<br />
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If you are a new believer in search of a treasure trove of meaningful scripture verses to learn and memorize, this book is a wonderful place to start. If you are an old saint with scripture verses already stored up in your heart, this book is a wonderful way to re-visit some favorites, dig a little deeper, and reignite your passion for memorization.<br />
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<b>Disclaimer: </b>I received this book from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/">www.bloggingforbooks.com</a> in exchange for a fair and honest review.Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-87034718568469864362016-12-07T12:57:00.002-05:002016-12-07T13:06:09.310-05:00'Tis the Season to Be JollyI never know when it will hit, but I do remember struggling sometimes as a teenager -- amid the love and light of the Christmas season, I became depressed. How could that be? I had a family and friends and lived in a safe, secure environment without want. I never did figure out what triggered the overwhelming feelings of emptiness and sadness that crept into my heart back then, and I still can't figure it out today.<br />
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So.....what is it like to be depressed during the Christmas season? I'm sure it's different for everyone, but for me, it's something like this:<br />
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*Depression is staring at the bare tree in the living room and not having the energy to decorate it and not caring if it ever gets done.<br />
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*Depression is looking at a stack of beautiful Christmas cards and not having the energy to address and mail them and not caring if they ever go out.<br />
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*Depression is holding an Advent calendar in your hands and realizing you're days behind in lifting the flaps and not caring because every day is just another major effort to get out of bed and get dressed.<br />
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*Depression is watching the available shopping days fly by and not having the energy to figure out gifts for everyone and hoping they'll graciously accept gift cards this year.<br />
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*Depression is listening to Christmas music and weeping because your father is no longer on Earth to celebrate his favorite season and your elderly mother is hours away and alone.<br />
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*Depression is not baking any cookies or making any crafts or attending any parties or concerts and being relieved that you don't have to engage.<br />
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*Depression is forcing yourself to attend church and to put on a sweet smile even though you usually love worshipping and fellowshipping with your brothers and sisters in Christ and even though your heart is out of tune. <br />
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*Depression is wanting to lie down and sleep until it's January 1st when you no longer have to see, smell, or hear all the festivities taking place around you but without you, even if it's your choice. <br />
<br />
*Depression is thanking God for your precious little cat because making sure it has food and water and a clean litter box is pretty much your only reason for needing to be alive right now.<br />
<br />
Please remember to pray for those who are struggling with depression this Christmas season. In spite of all the love, light, family, and friends, being jolly is just not on the agenda.<br />
<br />Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-88826972343593822932016-09-08T09:44:00.004-04:002016-09-08T09:44:45.530-04:00Book Review: Dark Matter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781101904220?width=450&alt=no_cover_b4b.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781101904220?width=450&alt=no_cover_b4b.gif" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Title: </b>Dark Matter<br />
<b>Author: </b>Blake Crouch<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Science Fiction/Thriller<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Crown, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC<br />
<b>Number of Pages: </b>340<br />
<b>My Rating: </b>4 out of 5<br />
<br />
Ever hear of Wayward Pines? It's that creepy enclave in a shattered post-apocalyptic Earth that kept me glued to my couch every week it aired on television. I loved seasons one and two and sure do hope there's a season three on the horizon. That said, when I tried to read Blake Crouch's books that the show was based upon, I gave up after about 50 pages out of sheer boredom. I felt the writing lacked enough luster for me to keep going with it. I was disappointed.<br />
<br />
So when the opportunity arose for me to try another Blake Crouch book -- <i>Dark Matter</i> -- I was intrigued enough by the storyline to lay aside my hesitancy, and I am so glad I gave him another go. This book kept me glued and riveted and questioning and pulling my hair out from the first page to the last. Aside from the author's fondness for the F-bomb (the book would have been just as great without it), <i>Dark Matter </i>will pull you in and hold you in suspense until the very end.<br />
<br />
The main character, Jason, is an immediately likable fellow, and his separation from and search for his wife and son will touch your heart. Their are baddies galore who will stop at nothing to keep a reunion from happening, and his journey through, not time, but parallel space is exciting and rife with twists and turns. I appreciate that the science behind the whole parallel universes theory is presented in a way that is not overwhelming and confusing. Crouch did a good job of spreading said explanations throughout the book and in a manner that even a layman could (mostly) understand.<br />
<br />
Given the success of the Wayward Pines franchise, I hope <i>Dark Matter </i>is also made into a movie for the big screen. Visually, it would be stunning. And the audience would be on the edge of their seats the entire time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Disclaimer: </b>I received this book from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/">www.bloggingforbooks.com</a> for review.Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-39686145699561349542016-07-21T18:21:00.001-04:002016-07-21T18:21:13.844-04:00Book Review: Taste and See <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781601428608?height=450&alt=no_cover_b4b.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781601428608?height=450&alt=no_cover_b4b.gif" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Title: </b>Taste and See<br />
<b>Subtitle: </b>Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life <br />
<b>Author: </b>John Piper<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Christian Devotional<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Multnomah, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC<br />
<b>Number of Pages: </b>390<br />
<b>My Rating: </b>4.5 out of 5<br />
<br />
I am always excited to read a new-to-me devotional book because on days when I don't have time for longer reading, the bite-sized portions are perfect. However, not all devotionals are created equal. Some are milk; some are meat. These meditations by John Piper definitely fall in the meat category.<br />
<br />
John Piper is a well-known theologian and author who is not afraid to talk about issues that could be considered controversial, but praise the Lord for that. In this book of 125 short chapters, each dealing with a topic that is maybe not so nice and neat, he has the courage to present his Biblical worldview clearly and compassionately. I may not always agree with everything he says, but I love that Piper doesn't shy away from the tougher stuff and that he makes me think. I have to chew and digest my way through his mediations, so even though they are short, they are packed.<br />
<br />
<i>Taste and See </i>touches on many topics ranging from omnipotence to love to retirement, sin, evil, righteousness, adoption, eternity, prayer, mental health, joy, discipline, salvation -- the list goes on and on. It covers the gamut from Biblical theology to contemporary issues facing the Christian (and the world) today. You will not be bored, period. Especially helpful are the indices in the back of the book for quick subject and scriptural referencing.<br />
<br />
Piper states that what he has "written here is partly meditations on Biblical reality and partly applications to contemporary life" and that he "hopes that what pervades all the readings is a savoring of the supremacy of God." And I feel he has done what he set out to do.<br />
<br />
And a shout-out regarding his poem of dedication to his daughter -- it is absolutely delightful and not to be skipped over.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Disclaimer: </b>I received this book from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/">www.bloggingforbooks.com</a> for review.<br />
<br />Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-68932555173308989952016-06-10T13:13:00.001-04:002016-06-10T13:13:19.008-04:00Book Review: The Gift for All People<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781590524398?height=450&alt=no_cover_b4b.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781590524398?height=450&alt=no_cover_b4b.gif" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Title:</b> The Gift for All People: Thoughts on God's Great Grace<br />
<b>Author: </b>Max Lucado<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Christian Devotional<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>WaterBrook Multnomah, an imprint of Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC<br />
<b>Number of Pages: </b>132<br />
<b>My Rating:</b> 4 out of 5<br />
<br />
Max Lucado, a prolific speaker and writer who lives and serves in a church in Texas, is a well-known and beloved author. His soft-spoken words, both oral and written, inspire and encourage millions. This book offers his usual content, seeking to lead the reader into a deeper understanding of the amazing grace of God.<br />
<br />
It is divided into four main sections -- The Gift of a Savior; Ransom for Sinners; Bounteous Grace; and The Choice -- designed to cover the gift and experience of grace from the birth of Jesus Christ to the need for a decision to receive this gift and experience of grace in one's own life. <br />
<br />
Each main section is divided into about eight short chapters with such headings as "It Began in a Manger," "Road to Calvary," Pardon and Peace," and "The God Who Invites." The reader is taken on a journey of discovery in the gentle, heartfelt way that Lucado is famous for. His ability to clothe theological truths and insights in practical, earthly terms helps the reader to visualize the Word becaming flesh and dwelling among us.<br />
<br />
While there is nothing 'new' presented in this book, Lucado's skill in presenting age-old truths in contemporary ways makes for a fresh and engaging read that will definitely touch the heart, mind, and spirit of those who take the time to consider again just how great God's grace is.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Disclaimer: </b>I received this book from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/">www.bloggingforbooks.com</a> for review. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-91749096263111836882016-04-06T12:16:00.000-04:002016-04-06T12:16:56.451-04:00Book Review: The Illustrated Compendium of Amazing Animal Facts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781607748328?height=450&alt=no_cover_b4b.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781607748328?height=450&alt=no_cover_b4b.gif" height="320" width="252" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Title: </b>The Illustrated Compendium of Amazing Animal Facts<br />
<b>Author: </b>Maja Safstrom<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Non-fiction<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Ten Speed Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC<br />
<b>Number of Pages: </b>119<br />
<b>My Rating: </b>4.5 out of 5<br />
<br />
This book is not at all what I expected it was going to be. I thought it would be heavy in words and light in pictures, somewhat like an encyclopedia. But it's actually light in words and heavy in pictures, somewhat like an art display at the museum. Once I embraced this new reality, I came to the conclusion that I was utterly and pleasantly surprised. This is a delightful little book. For all ages. Truly, a seven-year-old boy will get a kick out of it as much as a 40-year-old working woman and a 90-year-old grandpa and everyone in between.<br />
<br />
Both covers are highly appealing with their muted teal backgrounds and crisp black-and-white drawings, and every page is filled with whimsical illustrations and interesting scientific facts. At my age, I've already learned about half of these facts, although remembering them is another story and therefore a good reason to read (and re-read) the book and be charmingly reminded. Keep it on the nightstand, the coffee table, or better yet, the dinner table for impromptu guessing games.<br />
<br />
Little Johnny will appreciate the occasional bathroom humor ("Mosquitoes not only bite you -- they also pee on you!"), Mom can likely commiserate with the pregnant kiwi whose egg is "so big that it makes her belly touch the ground," and introverts will be jealous of the snail's ability "to go into its shell and hibernate" until the weather improves. Those are just a few of the gems that Safstrom offers the reader about 55 creatures, from crocodiles to tarantulas to penguins to cockroaches. Some details are lovely, some details are gross, and all of the details are fascinating.<br />
<br />
This is a delightful little book. Well done, Maja Safstrom. You brightened up my day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Disclaimer: </b>I received this book from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/">www.bloggingforbooks.com</a> for review. Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-83489178094546167202016-03-02T13:50:00.001-05:002016-03-02T14:47:22.239-05:00Book Review: The Quality of Silence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781101903674?height=450&alt=no_cover_b4b.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781101903674?height=450&alt=no_cover_b4b.gif" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Title:</b> The Quality of Silence<br />
<b>Author: </b>Rosamund Lupton<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Adventure/Thriller<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Crown Publishers, an imprint of Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC<br />
<b>Number of Pages: </b>286<br />
<b>My Rating: </b>3.5 out of 5<br />
<br />
I love adventure stories. I especially love adventure stories that thrust the reader into life-or-death scenarios, complete with almost impossible challenges to overcome, characters I can love or hate, and clear-cut wars being waged between good and evil. For me, this book fell a bit short. Here's why:<br />
<br />
Life-or-death & Good v. Evil: Lupton does an expert job of setting the stage on the vast, barren, frigid expanse of Alaska, in which a mother and her deaf daughter defy the odds to find their missing and presumed dead husband and father, who was spending time in a remote village researching native wildlife. Facing the dangers posed by both humans and weather, the two gear up and set out with no knowledge of how treacherous their journey would actually be. It is sometimes unclear which humans are on the side of good or evil along the way, but a little confusion keeps things interesting.<br />
<br />
Challenges: The unpredictable and hammering weather, first and foremost, seeks to be their undoing, followed next by guilty men intent on stopping the duo from discovering the truth.<br />
<br />
Characters: The only two characters I connected to were the weather -- which Lupton manages to give its own personality through continuous strong depiction of its relentless, unforgiving wind, snow, and darkness -- and ten-year-old Ruby, whose 'voice' sounds more like a 12 or 13 year old to me. Ruby insists on accompanying her mother on her harrowing journey, but I could never quite accept the fact that her mother allowed her to do so. I can't imagine putting my own child in that dangerous situation. Ruby's love for her parents and her acceptance of her deafness lace the story in a positive way, so that rooting for her is easy. The mother, Yasmin, gets on my nerves, but not enough for me to feel strongly about her one way or the other. I thought she had a chilly heart, though she does thaw out somewhat by the end. The father, Matt, though physically absent for most of the story, is also easy to like. However, I just didn't have the opportunity to know him well enough to form a strong opinion. It is truly the weather that is the central character in the book, and I'm certain I saw my own frozen breath on every page. Kudos to Lupton for her intense portrayal of a non-human entity.<br />
<br />
As a story, I feel the first half of the book drags, the second half picks up speed and is more exciting, and the ending is rushed in its effort to wrap things up. And I did not appreciate the geo-political lecturing that filled the final chapters. Interesting facts were presented, but it was rather in-your-face.<br />
<br />
There you have it. Some great elements, some not so great. Just my opinion, of course.<br />
<br />
<b>Disclaimer: </b>I received this book from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/">www.bloggingforbooks.com</a> for review. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-2853092748461583622015-12-30T11:31:00.002-05:002015-12-30T11:43:18.536-05:00One Word 2016I have finally settled on my One Word 2016. Out of a potential of about 15 words, I have chosen "yes."<br />
<br />
I am
so tired of saying "no" most of the time because I feel incapable,
doubtful, fearful, or lazy. This year I want to say "yes" as much as I can to
things that will challenge me, stretch me, and cause me to grow
spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I know I will be yanked out of
my comfort zone, but honestly, my comfort zone has gotten boring.<br />
<br />
I still have some health limitations that will require me to say "no," bu<span class="text_exposed_show">t
my hope is that I will break out of the habit of automatically saying
"no" and get into the habit of saying "yes" instead, even though my
knees might be knocking and my heart might be resisting. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">I am sure that the capable, believing, confident
person I once was is still inside me -- I just have to remove the
rubble under which she is buried and set her free.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13</div>
Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-48197871256526542782015-12-24T13:54:00.001-05:002015-12-24T13:55:41.177-05:00Welcome to Little Golden Book LandI finally found time to make a list of all the Little Golden Books I own. Oh, the memories of snuggling on the sofa with Sunshine and reading and re-reading and re-reading them to our hearts' content. She needs to hurry up and have a child so I can again sit on the sofa with a wee one and introduce him or her to these books that filled their mother's childhood (or perhaps I'll just have to borrow a kindergartener once a week and work my way through the books with them!).<br />
<br />
Here are the titles<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">~*~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span>
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">101
Dalmatians</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
Book of God’s Gifts</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
Child’s Year</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
First Airplane Ride</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
Fox Jumped Up One Winter’s Night</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
House for a Mouse</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
Visit to the Children’s Zoo</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Aladdin</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Alice
in Wonderland Meets the White Rabbit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Animal
Daddies and My Daddy</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Baby
Dear</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Baby
Farm Animals</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Baby’s
Christmas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Baby’s
Day Out</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bambi</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bambi:
Friends of the Forest</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Beauty
and the Beast</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bettina
the Ballerina</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bialosky’s
Special Picnic</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bible
Stories of Boys and Girls</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bunny’s
New Shoes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Buster
Cat Goes Out</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But,
You’re a Duck</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Cars</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Christmas
Carols</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Cinderella</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Colors
Are Nice</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">David
and Goliath</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Doctor
Dan the Bandage Man</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Donald
Duck’s Christmas Tree</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dumbo</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Eloise
Wilkin’s Mother Goose</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Everything
I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Favorite
Nursery Tales: The Gingerbread Man and The Golden Goose</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Finding
Nemo</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fire
Engine</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Forest
Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Four
Little Kittens</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fozzie’s
Funnies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Frosty
the Snowma </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Good
Night, Little Bear</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hansel
and Gretel</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Heidi</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Heroes
of the Bible</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Home
for a Bunny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How
Things Grow</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How
to Tell Time</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
Can Fly</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
Don’t Want to Go!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
Think About God: Two Stories About My Day</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jack
and the Beanstalk</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jingle
Bells</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Kitty
on the Farm</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Kitty’s
New Doll</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lady
and the Tramp</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let’s
Go Shopping</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let’s
Go, Trucks!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Little
Golden Book Favorites</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Little
Golden Picture Dictionary</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Little
Pussycat</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Little
Red Riding Hood</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mickey’s
Christmas Carol</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Minnie
‘n Me: Where’s Fifi?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Minnie’s
Slumber Party</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mister
Dog</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mother
Goose</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Moving
Day</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mr.
Bell’s Fixit Shop</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
First Book of Planets</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
First Book of Sounds</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
First Counting Book</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
Home</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
Little Golden Book About Cats</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
Little Golden Book About God</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
Little Golden Book of Cars and Trucks</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
Little Golden Book of Manners</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
Puppy</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Noah’s
Ark</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Noel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Oh,
Little Rabbit!</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Old
Mother Goose and Other Nursery Rhymes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Peter
Pan</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pierre
Bear</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pierrot’s
ABC Garden</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pinocchio</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pocketful
of Nonsense</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Poky
and Friends: Tails of Friendship</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Poky
Little Puppy</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Poky
Little Puppy’s First Christmas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Poky
Little Puppy Follows His Nose Home</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Poky
Little Puppy’s Naughty Day</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Poky
Little Puppy’s Special Day</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Polly’s
Pet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Puss
in Boots</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Prayers
for Children</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Precious
Moments: Put on a Happy Face!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rabbit
and His Friends</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Raggedy
Ann and Andy and the Little Gray Kitten</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Raggedy
Ann and Andy and the Rainy Day Circus</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Raggedy
Ann and Andy: Five Birthday Parties in a Row</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Raggedy
Ann and the Cookie Snatcher</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rags</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rapunzel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Richard
Scarry’s Best Balloon Ride Ever!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Richard
Scarry’s Best Little Word Book Ever!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Richard
Scarry’s Floating Bananas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Richard
Scarry’s Hilda Needs Help!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Richard
Scarry’s Just For Fun</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Richard
Scarry’s Mr. Frumbles’s Coffee Shop Disaster</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Right’s
Animal Farm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Romper
Room Do Bees: A Book of Manners</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rudolph
the Red-Nosed Reindeer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rumpelstiltskin</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rupert
the Rhinoceros</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Santa’s
Toy Shop</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Scuffy
the Tugboat</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shy
Little Kitten’s Secret Place</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sleeping
Beauty</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sleepytime
A B C</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Smokey
the Bear</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Snow
White and the Seven Dwarfs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Stories
of Jesus</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Animals’ Christmas Eve</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Animals of Farmer Jones</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Big Brown Bear</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Biggest, Most Beautiful Christmas Tree</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Cat That Climbed the Christmas Tree</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Christmas Bunny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Christmas Donkey</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Christmas Story</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Christmas Tree That Grew</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Color Kittens</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Colorful Mouse</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Country Mouse and the City Mouse</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Cow Went Over the Mountain</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Elves and the Shoemaker</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Emperor’s New Clothes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Fox and the Hound Hide and Seek</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Friendly Book</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Fuzzy Duckling</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Gingerbread Man</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Ginderbread Shop</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Golden Egg Book</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Jungle Book</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Large and Growly Bear</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Lion King</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Little Golden Book of Hymns (2)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Littlest Christmas Elf</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Little Mermaid</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Little Red Caboose</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Lively Little Rabbit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Musicians of Bremen</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Night Before Christmas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
New Puppy</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Nutcracker</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Pied Piper</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Prince and the Pauper</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Princess and the Pea</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Rescuers Down Under</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Saggy Baggy Elephant</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Sailor Dog</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Shy Little Kitten</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Silly Sisters</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Sleepy Book</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Snowstorm Surprise</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Store-Bought Doll</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Story of Jonah</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Tales of Peter Rabbit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Taxi That Hurried</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Three Bears</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Twelve Dancing Princesses</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Twelve Days of Christmas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Velveteen Rabbit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Very Best Home for Me</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Whispering Rabbit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tawny
Scrawny Lion</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Theodore
Mouse Goes to Sea</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Theodore
Mouse Up in the Air</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
Are Tyrannosaurs Trying on Pants in My Bedroom</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
Is My Family</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Three
Bedtime Stories</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Three
Little Pigs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thumbelina
(2)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Time
for Bed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tom
and Jerry’s Party</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tommy
Visits the Doctor</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tootle</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Uncle
Remus</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Uncle
Wiggly</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Underdog
and the Disappearing Ice Cream</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Water
Babies</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
Help Daddy</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
Help Mommy</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Welcome
to Little Golden Book Land</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
Like Kindergarten</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Whales</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
Bunny Grows Up</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Wild
Animal Babies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Winnie
the Pooh and the Honey Patch</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Winnie
the Pooh and Tigger</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Winnie
the Pooh: Eeyore, Be Happy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Winnie
the Pooh: The Grand and Wonderful Day</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Winnie
the Pooh: The Honey Tree</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Winnie
the Pooh: The Sweetest Christmas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yogi
Bear</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">~*~</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Big Happy Sigh. </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-21717347115215124192015-12-09T11:11:00.001-05:002015-12-09T15:07:46.558-05:00Forgiveness = FreedomThe older I get the more I understand the freedom that comes from forgiveness. The older I get the less
willing I am to carry the burden of unforgiveness, the less willing I am
to let the poison of unforgiveness destroy my heart.<br />
<br />
I see
unforgiveness in the lives of some people and how it imprisons
them, drags them down, sucks the life out of them. I wish I could just
take them by the shoulders and somehow convey to them that forgiveness
doesn't say that what was said or done is okay; forgiveness says that what was said or done is not
okay, but by letting go of the pain and the hurt, *I'm* okay. I long to
unclip their wings, unlock the cage, and set them free.<br />
<br />
When I think of all that I
have said and done in my life that required another to forgive me, I am
humbled. When I think of all that Christ suffered to pay the price for
my sins and to set me free, I am grateful. To be washed clean, to be
loved, to be welcomed, to flap my wings and fly -- I cannot put it into
words.<br />
<br />
I pray that God gives each one of us the desire and the strength and the
ability to offer the gift of forgiveness this Christmas season.<br />
<br />
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d1/f1/63/d1f163c7c39b8805cd69d39cacbfc7dd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d1/f1/63/d1f163c7c39b8805cd69d39cacbfc7dd.jpg" /></a></div>
Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-12864057516750586862015-10-15T12:06:00.001-04:002015-10-15T12:10:05.858-04:00Book Review: Messy Grace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781601427366?height=450&alt=no_cover_b4b.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781601427366?height=450&alt=no_cover_b4b.gif" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Title:</b> Messy Grace<br />
<b>Subtitle: </b> How a Pastor With Gay Parents Learned to Love Others Without Sacrificing Conviction<br />
<b>Author: </b> Caleb Kaltenbach<br />
<b>Genre:</b> Christian Life<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> WaterBrook Multnomah, an imprint of Crown Publishing Group<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 212<br />
<b>My Rating:</b> 5 out of 5<br />
<br />
There is much in the news these days about the LGBT community, from the passage of the same-sex marriage law to Olympian Bruce Jenner's transition from male to female. This book offers readers two things: the opportunity for Christians to learn about and to love the LGBT community without compromising Biblical conviction; and the opportunity for the LGBT community to learn about and to love Christians in spite of a history of hurtful words spoken or actions done by them. Any prejudices and barriers that exist, exist on both sides and must be dealt with in a loving, respectful way.<br />
<br />
As Kaltenbach states, "I didn't write this book to tell you what to think. I wrote this book to share my heart with you and to hopefully help you think on a deeper level about this issue." He succeeds in doing this by weaving personal anecdotes about growing up as the son of separated gay and lesbian parents and the precious people in the LBGT community whom he encountered through the years, both before and after he became a Christian. Not once does his decision to follow Christ and the Biblical lifestyle cause him to disrespect or disavow his family and friends; if anything, his decision to follow Christ stirs up a greater love for them as he realizes that they need the Lord as much as he does (as much as any of us does).<br />
<br />
Kaltenbach doesn't shy away from calling homosexuality a sin, based on his Biblical beliefs, but he is also not shy about inviting, even urging, Christians to pursue meaningful relationships with individuals in the LGBT community so that we can "think critically and talk comfortably about the issue of homosexuality." Christians "need to overcome our inner resistance to getting involved with those who are different from us" and "to lose our us-versus-them mentality" because we're all sinners in need of God's grace. He also reminds us that is is "not our job to make gay people straight; it is our job to lead anyone and everyone to Christ." Amen to that!<br />
<br />
I commend Kaltenbach for presenting a complex and often divisive issue in such a humble, sensitive, and practical manner, and I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about relating to and responding to the people of the LGBT community with grace and truth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Disclaimer: </b>I received this book from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.org/">www.bloggingforbooks.org</a><b> </b>for review.<b> </b> Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-86426413334242657702015-10-08T12:08:00.004-04:002015-10-08T12:08:54.455-04:00National Poetry DayToday is National Poetry Day. Be still my heart. I love reading poetry, and I love writing poetry (particularly haiku).<br />
<br />
To celebrate, here is a poem I wrote in 2006:<br />
<br />
<b>Carry Me Close</b><br />
<br />
I've wandered away<br />
From Your comforting arms,<br />
And the beat of Your heart<br />
Has grown faint;<br />
Search for me, God,<br />
And carry me close,<br />
Close to Your heart again.<br />
<br />
I've left the green pastures<br />
You led me to,<br />
And the sound of Your voice<br />
Has grown faint;<br />
Speak to me, God,<br />
And carry me close,<br />
Close to Your heart again.<br />
<br />
My soul needs restoring,<br />
My cup's running low,<br />
And the shape of Your face<br />
has grown faint;<br />
Shelter me, God,<br />
And carry me close,<br />
Close to Your heart again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(inspired by Isaiah 40:11 ~ He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart.)Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-25385170631260241002015-07-18T15:53:00.001-04:002015-07-18T16:02:24.496-04:00Houston, We Have a Plan!Sorry I've been "missing" from the blog for a bit, but My Hero and I are busy with decluttering and reorganizing our little house now that our girls are grown and moved out.<br />
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First, we downsized the stuffed game and puzzle closet, giving most of the contents to the girls and the thrift shop. We kept a few things, like Monopoly, Scrabble, Chess, etc., so we could amuse ourselves into old age. Then we moved the 14 cartons of homeschool memories and materials that had been stuffed into our coat closet into the old game and puzzle closet, freeing up our one and only coat closet to actually be, you know, a coat closet. It also now houses the vacuum cleaner and ironing board, both of which had been sitting out in plain view for an embarrassing number of years.<br />
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Our next project is to turn the playroom/bookroom into the living room/tv room. It's small, but cozy. And the current living room will become the dining room. Yes, I'm grinning ear-to-ear over this! I have never had a dining room, making do with eat-in kitchens my entire married life. Now we'll be able to have people over for a meal and not be crammed around our lovely table in a too-small space.<br />
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We also hope to bring up the washer and dryer from the basement and put them behind louvered doors in our kitchen (along with shelves above them for a small pantry). This will free up space in the basement to put in a powder room, which will make My Hero happy since his man-cave is down there. And we'll be on the look-out for a two-seater breakfast table to go in the kitchen as well for simple tete-a-tetes.<br />
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No idea how long all this will take, since My Hero is swamped with work lately, but Houston, we have a plan!Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-37939824811343715582015-06-07T16:18:00.000-04:002015-06-07T16:20:57.510-04:00Book Review: Miss Brenda and the Loveladies<br />
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<b>Title: </b>Miss Brenda and the Loveladies<br />
<b>Subtitle: </b>A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God, and Gumption<br />
<b>Author: </b>Brenda Spahn and Irene Zutell<br />
<b>Genre: </b>Memoir<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>WaterBrook Multnomah, an imprint of Crown Publishing Group<br />
<b>Number of Pages: </b>228<br />
<b>My Rating: </b>4.5 out of 5<br />
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What an interesting story. A Christian woman on a mission to minister to female ex-convicts by providing a "whole way house" (rather than a "halfway house") for them to live in upon release from prison sees dramatic changes in not only their lives but in her own life as well. Who knew that a wealthy businesswoman facing her own brush with the law would end up meeting and living with some of the toughest yet most endearing women she'd ever encountered?<br />
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Brenda Spahn (nee Lovelady) decided she wasn't satisfied with the way things had always been done and set out to change the system. An outspoken but humble entrepreneur used to living a privileged lifestyle, Brenda opened her home to a rag-tag group of women whom she was sure she could rehabilitate through a combination of tough love and Christian empowerment. Little did she know how hard it would be.<br />
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In spite of the many challenges and difficulties that Brenda and her daughter, Melinda, faced, they were committed to the program and the women depending on it to rebuild their broken lives. It wasn't easy. Some of the women resented her authority, some of the women had major trust issues, and some of the women relapsed. But all of the women ended up knowing they were loved by the crazy lady who became a true mother figure and friend to them when they desperately needed one. <br />
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Through perseverance and a hope in God that just wouldn't quit, Brenda saw her vision grow from serving about 20 women in a fancy house to over 400 women and children in a former hospital reborn as a facility that to this day provides housing, counseling, drug rehabilitation, childcare, and job opportunities to women who need a new lease on life. (To learn more, visit <a href="http://www.loveladycenter.org/">www.LoveladyCenter.org</a>.)<br />
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading this inspiring story about a woman with a dream and a desire to make a difference. God bless Brenda Spahn, her family, and all her "adopted daughters" who have been given a second chance to become "whole," not "half," because of her willingness to love and to serve.<br />
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<b>Disclaimer: </b>I received this book from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.org/">www.bloggingforbooks.org</a> for review.<br />
<br />Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8818856486951507627.post-76084981988240756112015-05-15T13:48:00.002-04:002015-05-16T13:05:43.427-04:00Just BecauseWhether a newlywed, an oldywed, or someone in between, every Mr. and Mrs. yearns to be reminded of his or her spouse's love on a regular basis. It is nourishment for the soul as essential as food and water for the body. No matter how busy one is or how disconnected one feels, making the time to remind each other of our love blesses both the giver and the receiver.<br />
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To that end, my husband and I have begun a new tradition we call the "Just Because I Love You Bag." It sprang from a serendipitous purchase I made the other day and that I put inside a small, heart-covered gift bag and presented to him after dinner that night.<br />
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"What's this?" he asked, with a goofy grin.<br />
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"Just a little something for you, because I love you, that's all."<br />
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He was like a kid at Christmas with his eyes all a-sparkle.<br />
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"Should I open it now, or wait?"<br />
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"Now would be good," I told him. I was just as excited as he was and didn't want to delay.<br />
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What I gave him shall remain a secret between the two of us, but it was something I knew would warm his heart and make him happy. It did, and he was.<br />
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It was so much fun, we decided to keep the idea going. The small, heart-covered gift bag is now in his possession, waiting to be filled with some token of his love for me at a time of his choosing. When and what will be a sweet surprise. Then, after he has reminded me of his love for me via the gift bag, the bag will be back in my possession, and I will fill it for him again, and so on, back and forth and back and forth, until death do us part.<br />
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Whether a newlywed, an oldywed, or someone in between, be intentional about reminding your spouse that you love him or her...just because.Marigoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02089508396918654640noreply@blogger.com0