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Why violence against women is a men’s issue
Posted Nov 20, 2005

Why violence against women is a men’s issue

What is it about us men? Why do we always seem to want control over women? Why do so many of us become violent when the requisiteӔ degree of control is not available to us?

Violence against women is the scourge of all societies. My familys background is Indian Muslim. Indian cultures are some of the most oppressive toward women. Muslim Indian society produced Mukhtar Mai, the Pakistani villager who was sentence to be raped as part of communal ғjustice for the crime of bringing ԓdishonour. Her actual ԓcrime was that her brother had befriended a woman from a powerful clan.

Instead of defending her pleas for justice, Pakistani President Musharraf caused international outrage by claiming rape had become a ԓmoney-making concern used by women to seek refuge overseas.

On a perhaps more mundane level, it is the same society in which male religious scholars pass edicts (known as fatwaԒs) against tennis star Sania Mirza for the length of her skirt, while ignoring the tightness of my namesake Irfan Pathans cricket trousers.

In Bangladesh, women are regularly attacked with acid if they are deemed to behave in a culturally inappropriate fashion. Yet this same community at one stage had a female president and opposition leader.

Something is rotten in the state of Islam. The way we treat our women is atrocious. Which doesnҒt say a lot for Muslim societies as a whole, given that at least 51% of their community are women.

One recent well-publicised gang-rape case in Sydney involving defendants of Pakistani background outraged the community. A defence barrister reportedly claimed his clients crimes were an inevitable result of ғcultural conditioning as the defendant grew up in Pakistan where traditional views are held about women.

Traditional views? To gang-rape a woman is deemed traditional? One Sydney lawyer, Ms Wajiha Ahmed, was outraged by the claims. She was cited in SydneyԒs Daily Telegraph as stating: To make this excuse of where a person came from and that they lived a traditional life, is not good enough. This is a travesty for all women, not just white Anglo-Saxon women, but for all women.Ӕ

But it isnt just Muslim communities that subject women to violence. In the great bastion of Judeo-Christian values that is 21st century Australia, domestic violence is on the increase. Yes, something is rotten across the Tasman as well.

On October 27, the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics released a report that showed reported incidents of domestic violence had increased across NSW by some 50% over the past 7 years. During the period of 1997 to 2004, rates in Sydney alone increased by 40%.

The trends are predictable, but the figures are alarming. Most women are abused by current or former male partners. 36% of incidents involved the abuse of alcohol by perpetrators. In the past year, some 86% of incidents occurred in or near the victimҒs or someone elses home. Around one-third of victims suffered injuries Җ mostly bruising, red marks, minor cuts or bleeding.

Some 15% of victims suffer more serious injuries fractures, burns and internal injuries. And who knows what emotional and psychological scars women bear as a result of domestic violence.

We read these statistics. We read what women activists are saying about domestic violence. But what about men? What steps are men taking?

November 25 is my mother֒s birthday. It is also White Ribbon Day, the United Nations designated International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. On this day, men claim the issue of violence against women as a menҒs issue.

Which makes sense. After all, the overwhelming majority of acts of violence against women are perpetrated by men. It is only appropriate that men be the ones to champion non-violent relationships amongst other men.

White Ribbon Day began in Canada in 1991, on the second anniversary of a massacre in which one man killed 14 women in Montreal. Since then, in countries across the world, men have been wearing white ribbons to signify their opposition to all forms of violence against women.

An important feature of the White Ribbon Day campaign is the role played by male ambassadors who are at the heart of the campaign to inform and agitate to eliminate violence against women. Among Australian ambassadors for White Ribbon Day are three Australian Muslim men (including myself), as well as men from across the spectrum of Australian society. They include footballers, politicians, entertainers, lawyers, politicians and businessmen. They include indigenous and not-so-indigenous Australians.

White Ribbon Day is about turning violence against women into a mens issue. The men involved as ambassadors for White Ribbon Day are not perfect in their relations with women. But if we remain silent on the issue, we may as well be lending a helping hand to those who perpetrate violence against women.

Men really have only two choices when it comes to violence against women. They either speak out or they effectively lend a hand. Or perhaps a fist. Or a broken bottle. Or some other implement being used. The choice is ours.

(The author is a Sydney lawyer and occasional lecturer in the School of Politics at Macquarie University. He is an ambassador for White Ribbon Day 2005. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) )

ҩ Irfan Yusuf 2005

Please visit the White Ribbon Day website at http://www.whiteribbonday.org.au/


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Saturday, October 2, 2010

Weekly Challenge and Assignment (Week of October 3rd)

Hi Carson Ward Family,

This month is Earthquake Awareness/Preparedness Month! Our October Weekly Challenges will be focused around this. Please see the Weekly Challenge after the Weekly Assignment.

"The wise in heart shall be called prudent, . . . ." Proverbs 16:21

Are we planning for the future or are we excepting others to provide for our needs?

Weekly Assignment:

72 Hour Personal Hygiene Kit:

This week add the following per house hold kit:

1. Small bottle of shampoo and rinse ( I found these at the 99 Cent Store and Dollar Tree. A great one to have is the type that does not require water. Water will be limited at this time.)
2. Small bottle of hand lotion

Many years ago a dam broke in Idaho flooding the area and homes. I read where one woman said she would have given anything for some shampoo and hand lotion.

If you have been following the 72 Hour Personal Hygiene Kit you should have the following, one item of each for each family member's kit (remember to keep these items in a separate large zip lock bag from the 72 Hour Food Kit:

1. tooth brush
2. small tube of tooth paste
3. comb and/or brush
4. small bar of soap (in pastic zip lock bag)
this week:
5. small bottle of shampoo and rise, or non-water type
6. small bottle of hand lotion

Weekly Challenge:

Get together with your family this coming week (either FHE or some other time) and discuss what to do during an earthquake. Check out the blog posting "What to do before, during and after an earthquake". Go to the section about what to do during an earthquake, discuss with your family, show them what to do and have an earthquake drill.

Google the California Shake Out and click on Drop, Cover and Hold On in the middle of the website. There is great information there.

Remember: This is the last week to post a comment for next Sunday, October 10th monthly Free Giveaway Emergency Preparedness drawing. If you post your name on all the September Weekly Challenge and Assignment postings you will have 4 changes to win. Call me if you do not know how to do this.

Sister Nancy Cuppett (310-835-0902)

1 comment:

  1. Is it ok to win more than once, if it is here's our name again, The Romos. Question: what's the right amount of hand sanitizer per person per month?

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Sunday, January 24, 2016

The Art of Greeting

The Art of Greeting
Ruth Kaldor greeting Caroline Mckinney at the art exhibition opening of
From the Traditional to the Abstract, Watercolors by Area Vermont
Watercolor Society Members, at Axel's Gallery
and Frame Shop in Waterbury, Vermont
on January 22, 2016, sketched on January 24, 2016
7" x 5", Winsor & Newton and Holbein watercolors, and
Uniball waterproof fade proof ink on 140 lb. Fabriano Artistico
cold press fine grain 100% cotton watercolor paper

Exhibition Opening Photos
Ruth Kaldor with her art,
Jess and Krystal Reclining Figure Study,
which is on her art blog HERE
Both paintings were painted at the
Kennebunkport Drawing Group
in January 2016 and December 2015

More online at the
Vermont Watercolor Society Facebook page HERE
The Vermont Watercolor Society web site is HERE

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WELCOME to The Art of Making a Home Joyful

Thank you for visiting The Art of Making a Home Joyful. Feel free to browse and leave comments!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Miserly Mom...Christmas Sales and Beginning of the Year Clearance Sales

I am not an expert, but this year, I paid a little more attention to sales and bargains than I normally do, and I noticed that during the Christmas season, stores and businesses will do anything, especially during these tough economic times, to get you shopping there.

One such promotion was at a chain grocery store in our area. Their promotion was to spend $75 on certain brand foods and you get a free $25 gift card to either the grocery store or to a restaurant. I went online and made my grocery list to get the prices of items so that when I got to the store I would just spend the $75 and I would know exactly what to get. Unfortunately, their site was not specific enough and didn't give all the details and some of the items I purchased were not part of the promotion. I was a little disappointed because I had such a great plan, but since I was already on the way to earning my $75, I spent the $25 I needed to just to get my gift card. These were all groceries that I needed so nothing was really lost in that sense and I still came out below my usual grocery budget.

I got all the details of this promotion for a friend and told her my strategy and plan and she succeeded with it. She ended up only spending $75 and a few cents and got her free $25 gift card.

I chose a $25 gift card to TGI Fridays.

Another promotion was from Old Navy, one of their door busters. The deal was to be at their doors before opening and you'd get a numbered bracelet. When you spend $20 and present your bracelet, you'd get 4 free movie tickets. I got bracelet #18 and I spent $1 and got my 4 free movie tickets!

A few days earlier I received a $20 gift certificate for just using my Old Navy Visa 4 times before December 31st. Well, DearDaughter1 needed a winter coat for next winter and they were on sale at Old Navy for 50% off. The original price of the coat was $42 and on sale for $21. Since I had my $20 gift certificate with me, the total cost of the coat was $1! I felt really good with this deal because I spent $1 on Old Navy while they gave me $100 worth of merchandise (4 movie tickets and a coat).

For the past couple years, I've noticed that stores have clearance sales in January. They need to get rid of last year's items to prepare for all their new items. I wasn't quite sure when clearance sales occur, but it seems that Christmas stuff go on clearance immediately after Christmas and last about a week. Last year, I purchased all my Christmas cards for about 90% off. It was great because I got an awesome card that declared our Saviour's birth and there was a lot leftover. I am assuming that the "religious" cards don't get sold as quickly as other generic and politically correct cards. So, I was bummed that I missed out on the Christmas clearance this year because we were in California and I'm not sure what I'm going to do about Christmas cards this year.

Anyway, stores really get desperate for selling off last years' items by mid- to late January and that's when you can see items on sale for 30%-50% off their ALREADY marked down clearance items.

I especially like driving past The Children's Place and Old Navy because they usually have a huge sign on their window declaring these good deals. If the sign is up, I make the stop with the girls, if not, I just keep on driving. That way I don't get tempted to buy anything less than bargain prices.

I did more stocking up for the girls at The Children's Place and Old Navy and my total cost was an average of 75%-77% off the original prices. Many of the clothes I purchased were between $1-$3.

I also made up a maternity care package for my friend who is pregnant for the first time by purchasing her maternity clothes from Old Navy. My total cost was 85% off the original prices...and you know how expensive maternity clothes are!!!

Lastly, I did my birthday and Christmas shopping for the girls' friends at Old Navy for 2009. My total cost was also an average of 75%-77% off the original prices.

Target does clearance sales too, but so far, I've only seen mark downs from the original prices, which range between 30%-75% off. I bought a brand new plush Boppy for our little one for 50% off. I also bought a brand new crib sheet set for 30% off. I bought a few more other items, like birthday and Christmas toys for the girls, on sale and in total, I got about a 44% savings. I was just ok with these buys as my normal rule of thumb is to try to get items at 50% off or more.

Borders Books had a 75% clearance sale also and I purchased 3 classics for just $5. These books are not gifts, just ones I wanted to add to our collection, as I am planning to home school.

Speaking of books, http://www.christianbook.com/, has a mid-week special every week, between Tuesdays and Thursdays. A select number of books are marked down, up to 90%+ off original prices. These select books are changed each week. I bought my local friends' Christmas present 2 weeks ago from this deal!

One last observation...Wal-Mart has disappointing clearance sales, except for Christmas cards. I think because Wal-Mart already sells their items at such a low price and they don't have much to put on clearance, I've found that their clearance selection is low and clearance prices higher than other stores. So, if you do need to buy an item that is off season and not on sale, then Wal-Mart is probably the best store to go to for a good and low original prices, but not a very good place to go for clearance items.

Yeah, it seems like I've already spent a lot of money and it's only January, but I think these expenditures are great investments. It beats last minute shopping for gifts and spending orginal prices when I know I could have gotten a good deal on them. Again, I try to stay practical with gifts, sticking to clothes, toys, and books for children and good and encouraging Christian books for adults, maybe a Christian music CD. With these items I know they will be used.

Anyway, deals are out there...Just keep your eyes open and be willing to do a little foot work and a little investing.

(Note...I still need to figure out a convenient way for me to be a miserly mom with food.)

1 comment:

Trish D said...

I love the "rush" of finding a great bargain! Since we're a single income family, I feel like finding ways to stretch a buck is my way of contributing to the household :)

I've found that for post-holiday clearance deals, little-shopped stores are the way to go. For example, we have a Rite-Aid about a mile away that is NEVER busy (and frankly I don't even know how it stays in business) - but they always have a ton of stuff left over after the holidays, and discount it pretty quickly. I purchased indiv bags of jelly bellies after Halloween (and the pkgs didn't have anything Halloween-y on them) for $.50/pkg 20 which our son will be using as Valentine treats for his class. I purchased some Christmas stuff there last year sometime around the New Year for 90% off (nice ornaments, cards, etc.). I've also found great deals at K-Mart (again, they don't move nearly as much merchandise as Wal-Mart or Target). Craft stores are another great source, especially if you think outside of the box. Plain red and green items can be used year-round - red for Valentines, green for St. Patrick's, etc. I picked up some red and white things after 4th of July that I used for this Christmas!

Basically, it all comes down to keeping your eyes and ears open, I guess. I won't go out of my way to save $2, but if I'm driving by somewhere and have some time, I won't hesitate to stop in and look around.

As far as the food situation, I swear by meal planning. I don't worry about all my meals, just dinners (which is the one that stresses me out the most). Taking 30 minutes to plan out the next 2 weeks makes it much easier on me (and therefore the entire family!) Start by jotting down a list of what meals you currently use, and then just use that as a basis for planning. I don't use a fancy form or anything - just a note on the fridge (usually scrawled in pencil on the back of junk mail)

There are some good recipes over here: http://makinghomefood.blogspot.com/ and I've just recently learned of this site: http://www.5dollardinners.com/

I also like to make soups with leftovers (some broth, chopped leftover meat, vegggies, and usually a starch such as rice, noodles, barley or potato) and freeze individual portions (In fact, I recently purchased several good 2 c rubbermaid containers specifically for this). THis way when it's a "grilled cheese" kind of day with the kiddos I can still get something a bit more substantial for myself (and healthier, to boot).

OK, enough rambling. Have a fabulous day!


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It’s almost time for the Fargo Art Marathon!

Hey there, adventurers! Welcome to the THIRD Fargo Art Marathon, presented by The Arts Partnership with sponsorship from these fine folks: Myriad MobileMezzaluna, and the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

(Don’t have the app? It’s free at the Apple store and Android market.)

Read the article in the Forum about the Art Maraton.

How it works

The idea behind the Art Marathon app is get you out and about on a series of art-related adventures and responding to them through the app or your social media channels. There are three ways to complete the marathon:

1.) Download the app and document completion of the 26 events using the QR codes.

Within the app, you’ll find 26 challenges for you to complete at some point between April 26 and May 10. In some cases, you’ll need to attend an event. In others, you’ll need to find a work of art or complete an action. In all cases, you’ll find a QR code at each of the 26 stops along the way.  Scan the QR code within the app and complete the challenge. Keep your eye on the leaderboard to see how you’re faring against your fellow (art) runners. You don’t have to complete the events in any particular order, but you do have to complete all 26 of them. The fastest individual, fastest team, individual who completes the course last before 6 pm, May 2 (CST), OR

2.) You can micro-curate your encounters with 26 events on the course using your Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram account.

You can participate by sharing your experience of any 26 challenges to Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram with the hashtag #FMAM15 and #TAP on any of those platforms. Don’t forget to like Art Marathon on Facebook and follow The Arts Partnership on the social media platform of choice.

Extra credit

In addition to the challenges within the app, we’d LOVE to see you get out to any other arts events happening within the Art Marathon timeframe. You can use any of these as part of the 26-event micro-curation of the marathon(use the #FMAM hashtag to share your experiences on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram). Even if you are competing in the app division, venture forth and enjoy those, too.

For a list of events during the Art Marathon time frame, click here.

FAQ and help

Got a question or need

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


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Friday, August 25, 2006

Quilt Show Part II and Goodbye Pluto

oh and i wasnt done with the quilts. and i am not done with pluto. but i can't feel the same way about it if its not a planet. i was recently told that the problem lies with me and not with pluto. but hey, i am not the one that shrunk or whatever pluto did to get itself downgraded. to help ease pluto's pain i put it by my favorite quilt. it combines circles and flowers and doesn't involve concentration camps.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Quilt Show Part I

I recently went to the Springville Art Museums Quilt Show (it goes until September 3rd) and if you like quilts you should check it out. I think the Amish would approve (although we tend to use much more color than the Amish. they avoid pastels entirely, not sure why. probably relgious reasons...however, there was a cute bonnet quilt i think they would dig)....

I think there is a 35% chance I could quilt the baby one but everything else is way out of my league. Especially the one in the middle that was hand stiched and pieced by an old woman in a black and white picture. Thats real hard to do. There was an intersting African quilt series that I liked and a really great quilt that some eagle scout will cherish forever (although for the record i dont really approve of pictures on quilts. they remind me of those places in the mall where girls put their faces on pillow cases for thier missionaries). There was a holocaust quilt that I thought was kind of disturbing...i really do prefer the double wedding ring pattern to autchwitz. I am of the firm opinion that quilts should be cheerful because you sleep with them and you dont want to induce nightmares...I personally recommend the pretty pink one with flowers for a good night sleep. Well that and ambien.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

next time take me to space camp

this post is dedicated to Scott Adam Crandall. he is leaving provo to move to texas and i am starting to regret that we never got married because his spelling skills are top notch (playing boggle with this kid will blow your mind, i cant imagine what scrabble would be like...) scotty we will miss you lots. I am sure you will miss everyone as well-- i know if i shared sleeping space with wyatt it would be hard to leave...but dont fret, if you get lonely you might be able to find comfort in the arms of some fitness model that flags you down while you are walking down the streets of could happen.

on an unrelated note to scotty is it weird that I watch workout on purpose?at first i told myself it was because i was waiting for project runway to come on and then i realized i liked it. i have problems...


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Order Information Babylon-5 button

Web Images versus Photographic Prints: Viva la difference!

The images on this site are not to be compared to the "real thing". Because of the nature of electronic media, detail, color and contrast and compression, JPEGs are not quite true to the images they represent. I have tried to give an accurate reflection of the real thing, but it is important to understand that you can expect much more beauty in the detail, color and saturation of any prints ordered.

Thanks for reading this text - staR-L.

Prices and Policies

Bigger is Better:

It's not that I don't like 8" by 10" prints, it's just that I love 30" by 40" prints. I have to put almost as much time and effort into making an 8" by 10" as I do in making a 30" by 40". You may notice that larger prints are a lot less expensive than smaller prints - by the square foot. There is one "small" problem with this concept: not all images can be enlarged to the larger sizes. The "Free Mars" photo, for example, is already enlarged to about 16" by 20" to make the planet the size of a quarter! To go any farther would make it all soft and fuzzy (but not warm). Can't have that! I use several formats of film and bigger negatives will make better bigger prints. So please, go ahead and order the largest print I offer per image and rest assured that the quality will not be compromised

Custom is Less:

I make a living custom printing for professional photographers. I know what they get for their work and I can tell you that it's a lot more than I ask for mine. Custom printing is an art and takes many years to master. I got my first darkroom in 1970 and have not been out of the dark since then. I believe that I offer an outstanding product at a very reasonable price.

Cheaper by the Dozen:

The 'Price List' on my web site is for the B-5 fan who only wants one print. It's a starting point. If you want a second print of the same image, the same size, it is at 1/2 off the 'first print' price. In fact, if you want a dozen more of the same image they are all at half the 'first print' price. There will be a 'first print' price for every different image and size change, all 'multiples' are always at 50%. The reason for this is that it might take me an hour or so to 'work up' the first 'keeper' print but only a few seconds to print another and another and so on. So get together with your B-5 buds and order a bakers dozen. Commercial inquiries are welcome!

Size Availability:

Not all images can be printed in all sizes (see 'Bigger is Better')

Free Mars!

Free Mars! With all orders, I will include a "Free Mars" wallet size actual photo of the red planet! Actually, it will be a 4" by 5" print (a ten dollar value if ordered separately) suitable for framing but you can cut it down to fit your wallet if you want. I carry mine in my wallet.

I may be crazy but - shipping and packaging are minimal for cardboard protected small, flat packages and not much more for larger round tubes, so I am including this charge in the price of the prints! FREE SHIPPING in the 48 states - what a concept! (other locations by quote).

Turn Around

I begin the process when I receive your 'print order'. I find the negative, buy 'fresh' paper and make your print(s). I require payment before I ship the order, unless it is an unusually large order. On larger orders I can offer terms of 50% down and balance on delivery (C.O.D.). Generally this is completed in about two weeks.

Special care of your Photographic Art

Large photographic prints are very delicate and 'bruise' easily. This includes: finger prints, kinks, gouges, scratches and any kind of wetness. When you receive your order please be careful. If you must look at them before you visit a frame shop, use a flat surface (like a table) to view the print(s). Do not pick them up except by the corners and remember that gravity wants them to fall to the ground. Use the table to evenly support the prints as you slide them out and into their packages.

When putting large prints into tubes, make sure you role up the print a little tighter than it needs to be to get into the tube. To remove rolled prints from tubes, carefully, find the inner leading corner of the print and wind the print a little tighter then pull all layers out at the same time.

There are several framing options you can consider, but unless you intend to staple-gun them to your walls, you must consider the following options. Frame it yourself with a cheep frame from K-Mart or go to a good frame shop and discuss with them, mounting, matting, frame stock and glass or front surface protection. The bare minimum is mounting and a front surface laminated film but is better for the photo to have a "dead air" space created by glass and a matte. Do not be surprised to pay more for the frame than you did for the print. With proper protection, your print will last many decades (will probably end up with your children) and bring joy to your life every time you look at it.

Remember, photographs are our friends - do not fold, staple, spindle or otherwise mutilate them!

Place your order now!

Print out the order form for Babylon 5 prints and the Barrens Fine Photographics (including Great Comets I Have Known). Each of the order tables contain size information and their own pricing table (links at the top and bottom of each table). If you are interested in a single image from a triptych, the pricing information is the same as the prints in Table A.

Questions? Click Here

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This Cat Enjoys Baby’s Swing More Than The Baby

The adorable white cat in the video below is enough to brighten just about anyone’s day!

This kitty’s name is Blanquita.

In the clip below you will see how she enjoys chilling out in a baby swing to do some grooming and play with the hanging toys.

By the looks of it, the poor kid may have to forfeit his or her swing to the Blanquita!

Check her out!

Video Source


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Friday, April 15, 2011

Building a Theological Library: what and what not to do.

"To the making of books there is no end." So says Ecclesiastes 12:12. And if Amazon is any indicator, this piece of ancient wisdom is still correct.

I often have students ask me about the best resources or which commentaries they should buy. Anyone who has experience in this field knows this is not an easy question to answer. I usually begin my with "well it depends . . . "

Marcus Maher over at Seeking the Truth has listed eight points to help you when thinking about building a theological library.

1. Preview before you buy

Books, especially commentaries, are expensive. Try to preview them in some way before you buy them. This will save you money and disappointment.

2. Think about it

There are so many good books to buy. So many! Often times I've learned about a book and gotten really excited about a book and wanted to buy it only to have my initial excitement wear off a few days later. To combat this, I've instituted a waiting period before I buy anything to guard myself against impulse purchases.

3. You need more than commentaries

A good theological library should contain commentaries, bible dictionaries, introductory books covering portions of Scripture (NT, OT, Paul, the Gospels, the prophets, etc.) both of the historical critical type and the theological type, systematic theology texts, books of historical theology, lexicons and grammars, books on church history, and some basic references on the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, and the Apostolic Fathers. You also should buy important monographs within each of these fields that provide in-depth studies on various matters.

4. Don't buy it just because...

it's cheap or it's by an author you like. I've seen the former mistake made often, especially related to commentaries. You have a lacuna in your library so when you see a book or series on sale that addresses your need you jump on it. Hold your horses, especially if you don't know much about the book/series you're buying.

5. Be diverse

No tradition gets everything right and there's great benefit to seeing Scripture from different angles. Especially when buying commentaries, try to buy books from several different positions.

6. Don't neglect older works

There are a lot of good works out there by dead guys. Read them!

7. Buy more than you think you need because you'll never know when you need it
I know that good reference books are expensive but you need to have enough books on your shelf that when you have a question about a particular passage or a significant topic you have a place or two to start looking for answers. You never know when that question will pop up, so it's best to be prepared in advance.

8. It's not just about you

When building your library, try to be other focused. Encourage people to borrow from you. Don't be afraid to give away a book that has been helpful to you.

What are you reading?

I mentioned once before that it is not unusual for me to be reading several books at one time. This week is no different.

I just finished N.T. Wright Scripture and the authority of God. I didn't realize when I bought it that it was a second edition of The Last Word, but since I hadn't read that one I was not upset.

Earlier this week I started two other books. Scot Mcknight's One Life Zondervan, 2011) and Carolyn Custis James When Life and Beliefs Collide (zondervan, 2002).

On the floor next to the bed I have Ken Follet The Pillars of the Earth (Signet, 2010). Actually, I read it a few years back, but wanted to read it again before I watch the mini-series that was made last year.

That is what I am reading at home. At work, besides emails and student papers, I have a number of commentaries and articles on 1 & 2 Thessalonians for the commentary I am writing.

So what are you reading?

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Historians Admit To Inventing Ancient Greeks!

*With apologies to Myrto*

WASHINGTON—A group of leading historians held a press conference Monday at the National Geographic Society to announce they had "entirely fabricated" ancient Greece, a culture long thought to be the intellectual basis of Western civilization.

The group acknowledged that the idea of a sophisticated, flourishing society existing in Greece more than two millennia ago was a complete fiction created by a team of some two dozen historians, anthropologists, and classicists who worked nonstop between 1971 and 1974 to forge "Greek" documents and artifacts.

"Honestly, we never meant for things to go this far," said Professor Gene Haddlebury, who has offered to resign his position as chair of Hellenic Studies at Georgetown University. "We were young and trying to advance our careers, so we just started making things up: Homer, Aristotle, Socrates, Hippocrates, the lever and fulcrum, rhetoric, ethics, all the different kinds of columns—everything."

"Way more stuff than any one civilization could have come up with, obviously," he added.

Read the article here. ;0

Are the Passion Narratives Prophecy Historicized?

Mark Goodacre has been very busy lately producing episodes for his NT Pod.

This week, in time for Easter, Goodacre looks at the Passion narratives and the Old Testament scriptures that are quoted in those narratives. He asks an important historical question. Did the authors of the gospels take statements found in the Psalms and the Prophets, and then historicize them? That is, did they include these as details in the narrative and build around them? Did the authors lack detailed information about Jesus' crucifixion and, to fill out the story, go to the Old Testament and include bits of prophecy to make it seem as if these things happened?

Goodacre examines the theories of John Dominick Crossan and explains why he disagrees with Crossan. Instead he argues for something called "scripture realization." Goodacre does a good job of explaining what the gospel authors were doing with scripture when they wrote about the death of Jesus.

Listen to it here.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Update: True Source of Jacobvici's Jesus Nails Revealed!

Secret sources have told me that Jacobvici did not find his "Jesus Nails" in a lab in Tel-Aviv, but in a hardware store in Nazareth.

Forget those silly lead codices. We've got the nails from Jesus' crucifixion!

Well folks, it is a week before Easter and the purveyors of hype and pseudo-scholarship are at it again. Forget the Lead Codices. They are old news and probably fakes anyway.

The Jerusalem post and the Daily Mail are reporting that Simcha Jacobvici, A.K.A the Naked Archaeologist, (don't worry parents he is fully clothed for this blog entry) has discovered some of the nails used at Jesus' crucifixion.

Jacobvici has a new documentary coming out on Discovery Channel titled Nails of the Cross. He claims that a tomb discovered in 1990 outside of Jerusalem, identified as belonging to the High Priest Caiaphas, yielded a number of artifacts including two nails. These nails were found among the ossuaries discovered in the tomb. One was found in an ossuary, the other outside of it. The nails were removed from the tomb along with other artifacts and taken to a lab in Tel-Aviv. Jacobvici claims that they "mysteriously disappeared" and tells how he found the missing nails. Ah, conspiracy. Always a good way to promote a story. In an interview for the Jerusalem Post he had this to say about his "discovery."

"What we are bringing to the world is the best archaeological argument ever made that two of the nails from the crucifixion of Jesus have been found," he said in an interview, wearing his trademark traditional knitted cap.

"Do I know 100 percent yes, these are them? I don't."
On the other hand, all of the scholars contacted by Reuters expressed doubt about his claims. A more plausible explanation has been offered by one of my former professors, Gabriel Barkay.

Barkay said no proof existed that the pair of Roman nails in the Tel Aviv University lab were the ones found in the tomb of the Caiaphas clan, but said it was both 'probable' and 'possible.' If they were the ones found in the tomb, they could have been placed there for many other reasons, for example after using them to make inscriptions or as a charm to ward off evil, but he agreed the nails were significant and should not have been ignored by the finders.

Of course Jacobvici has not yet said why he thinks these are the nails from Jesus' crucifixion and if they are why would Caiaphas have them in his possession not to mention his tomb! Perhaps Caiaphas kept them as souvenirs?

Perhaps he is a reader of the Wittenburg Door which reported in February of 2008 that three nails of the used to crucify Jesus were for sale on the French eBay site. As the authors of the article notes, if these are the real nails then they have done a lot traveling. The Wittenburg Door provides a brief history of the nails' history from their discovery by Constantine's mother to Hitler.

Hey, has anyone checked the record of Jacobvici's past purchases on eBay?

Don't want to make word for it? Still think there might be some truth to this whole story? Checkout Bob Cargill's blog. He will dissuade you further.

Also, Mark Goodacre posted a Blackadder video dealing with relics.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The Bible's Buried Secrets

Last week I posted one of the episodes from the BBC's recent series the Bible's Buried Secrets. That episode looked at the question of whether or not God had a wife. This week all three episodes were made available online. Whatever you think of the series and the opinions of its host Francesca Starakopoulou it is worth watching to learn about some of the ambiguity of history and the problems the confront biblical scholars. So for those of us who can't watch the BBC in are area -Enjoy!

Thanks to Remnants of the Giants for pointing this out.

Did David's Empire Exist?
A national hero and icon for the Jewish people, and a divine king for Christians, David is best known as the boy-warrior who defeated the Philistine giant Goliath. As king, he united the tribes of Israel. But did he really rule over a vast Israelite kingdom? Did he even exist?

Did God Have a Wife?
When submitted to rigorous analysis, the biblical texts actually reveal quite another story. I think that the evidence now shows that the people of the Bible believed in many gods. And the scribes who composed the Bible did their best to conceal this – but not altogether successfully.

- Francesca Stavrakopoulou

The Real Garden of Eden
If humankind didn’t fall away from God in the first place, we wouldn’t need a redeemer.
- A priest, Episode 3

Monday, April 11, 2011

Passover In Egypt: Did the Exodus Really Happen?

This is a question Roger Isaacs asks in a short piece over on the Huffington Post. He says in the article:

This question has puzzled biblical scholars, archeologists and all those interested in solving one of the Old Testament's most intriguing mysteries. Was the story of the Israelites fleeing Egypt after years of slavery history or myth? Were there really 10 plagues that became so progressively terrible that they forced the Pharaoh to finally release all the Israelite slaves? Was there really a leader named Moses, and did he guide this "mixed multitude" for 40 years in the wilderness of the Sinai desert? Passover is the Jewish festival that celebrates the flight of the Israelites out of Egypt. During this Passover season it is particularly pertinent to wonder, did the Exodus really happen?

He looks at four pieces of evidence that he seems to suggest lends credibility to the story. He discusses the (1) The Ipuwer Papyrus; (2) The Israelites' Travel Itinerary and the Egyptian Maps; (3) Aper-el's Tomb; and (4) The Shiphra Papyrus. You can read the whole article here.

Of course, if none of this convinces you I am sure that the below video will demonstrate the historical veracity of the Exodus story.

Happy Passover!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Book Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Miles Larson. He is the winner of this week's book giveaway.

For those of you who did not win this time, check back again in the near future when there will be more opportunities to win some other great resources.


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Thursday, June 10, 2010

Open Mic

Ok I gotta check my Gmail calendar to see what has happened in the last week. Man..ok show at Lucky's with Theo and Andy last Thursday good times indeed apparently the owners have changed hands so we will see what happens there. I hope we still are able to play music on the patio every Thursday (well, most Thursdays..June 17th we will be at Dan Dougan's Listening Hours at Gateway Film Center 8p-11p). Friday we traveled to Delaware to play at Bixby's/Cabo Wabo/Coco Lindo/Bixby's? This place has changed hands a few times and has changed names and concepts a lot more times. Well ok, the concept since the last time we were there is the same but the name is back to the original Bixby's or Bixbyes..not sure the spelling. Let's just say there were not a TON of people there, well there was a huge table at first and when they left, it was like crickets. To summarize the night after that I will attempt to do so in a few words. Break, chips, great salsa, very tall beer, discussion with manager, chips, check cut almost in half, drunk couple, girl passed out in woods, manager cursing a lot, more yelling, leave early, drive home, Cafe Bella...hey atleast it ends well right?

Friday was a busy day. Before the Delaware gig Andy and I played "How Sweet it is to be Loved By You" for my dad as a surprise at his school (he just retired). That was really great to see the kids sing along. Then Andy and I played a happy hour biker night of all things at Gaswerks in the Arena District. It was hot but a good time I think some bikers actually liked what we were doing, I played some Johnny Cash and Hank I figured that would make sense, they seemed to dig it. Then on to Bixby's which you know that story.

Ok so on to Saturday where Andy and I (Shaw Brothers) were slated to play Arts Festival. We arrived at around 3ish I think, for our 3:30 slot. Since the budget got cut a few years ago there is no acoustic stage I believe there is just one stage for the bigger bands. Well, all I know is that we have not had a stage the past two years we have played and we have had to supply our own PA. All good, we are totally used to this especially with the duo, we set up in 10 minutes. So there was a tent in the parking lot of Batelle Hall of CCAD and we are technically supposed to be "roaming musicians". Andy and I kind of surpass that and just set up our PA in the tent. By the first song we had probably 20 people watching us, in and around the tent. By the 3rd song Andy switched to djembe and I took my acoustic guitar. As I was strumming around the third chord of the song a woman came over and basically was like "you all have to leave..there is a huge storm coming". So I had to stop my song and figure this all out. We opted to just have everyone come up close and we'd turn the electric off and do it acoustic. People were into it and the one volunteer girl said it was cool. I started to play and another girl comes up "this is not an option, you have to leave"...I said "we are unplugged we are just going to wait it out the other girl said it was cool"...."oh ok that's fine".... I am standing there with my guitar kind of dilly dallying at this point wondering what to do...a third girl comes up "this is not an option"....OK OK we are not playing the Arts Fest this year, I get it. Ha. All we wanted to do was play a set for some great people. We had so much fun last year and sold a ton of cds we were just really upset we could not play. It ended up raining pretty hard and Melissa, Ginger, Andy, Theo, Michelle, and I went to Tip Top and had a great lunch. The sun came out and we went back to the festival but the Shaw Brothers did not play a set, bummer.

Saturday night we had a night off, wow?

Sunday my back/neck totally gave out and I was in tears...not sure why just a lot of drumming/violining/guitaring I think is taking it's toll and I need to find some good excercises to do soon. I am getting a massage next week! I will ask her about stretches and such. So ASB had a gig at Crew Stadium for the college rugby tournament and Theo ended up playing drums. It was only like 4 songs or 3 so I heard he did well, thanks Theo! That sucked I didn't get to play but oh well gotta stay alive, luckily it has gotten better...phew more in a bit.

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Monday, January 31, 2011

Photo Bomb!

Workout:  1 mile warm up run / 3 mile Tempo run at 9:45 pace / .5 mile walk cool down

Overall a fantastic workout this morning.  It was the first time we pushed the pace in a very LONG time.  It felt good, especially when we were done!  Hopefully this is the start of good things to come!

And a little something to make you smile on this Monday morning....

No this is not child pornography.  It was our family trip to Spain, where all the kiddos ran around the beach as naked as the day they were born.  Audrie was riding this camel and my mom was just taking an innocent picture of her granddaughter.  It was not until we returned home did we realize she had been photo bombed!  This picture always makes me smile!

Do you have any great photo bomb pictures?  We would love to see them, and share them!  Randee is the photo bomb queen!

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The Blessed Hearth

The Blessed Hearth

Thursday, January 1, 2015

The year 2014 at the Blessed Hearth... ...

Happy New Years Day everyone..
Welcome to the Blessed Hearth..

Tonight I am just doing 2014 in review... kind of...
So thankful for all the blessings and even the trials of the past year..
Hopefully, we have learned a bit and so thankful to know the Lord who is in charge of each year and every facet of our lives..

So with that being said .... smile..
I picked out a few fave pics and hope you will enjoy them...
The year started out with a lot of snow and it stayed really late..
But there were many bright spots along the way..

Lovely suppers by the fire and celebrating special days like Valentines...
So thankful for my sweetheart..

Being retired found us taking long winter afternoon drives around our rural countryside..

I am always on the lookout for these dear things..
One of my fave animals.. smile..
If we ever end up living up at our old farm this is the first thing we will try to get.. Well, I will try to get..
Not that we are likely to end up living up there but one never knows, eh?

Then in March we celebrated our 44th anniversary and we just stayed home that day as it was storming and we had Shrimp Pasta, I believe..

Oh yes and Caesar Salad et deux... smile..
As you know, I love making special dinners for the two of us..
Sometimes.. smile..

Cold mornings sometimes found me baking up some breads...

These were some British breads that I was inspired to make from a UK book that I was reading and the recipes are there, too..

Along the way, we had a huge rains that brought flood waters and destroyed a lot of property but thankfully lives were spared..
In a few weeks it was all back to normal..
Terry and I drove around looking at all the amazing sights..
Thankful we live on high ground.. smile..

Then Easter of course..
My favourite Christian celebration..
So thankful for Christ who became our supreme sacrifice and gave us hope for eternal life with Him..

Here in Canada ..
 Easter is more of a family celebration then Thanksgiving, although we love it all..

My Easter table..
Found some snowdrops down at the cottage and was so pleased to copy the centrepiece from the blog called My French Country Home..

Then we all celebrated the day at our daughter's home..

Our lovely grandsons that we are so blessed with..
There are two wee guys, too..

As soon as the snow left we began our little treks up to our old farm in the Kent Hills..

It just sits there waiting for us to come by and stay for the day..
Make a meal or two and enjoy the lovely wind that blows there..

This is Terry's haven where he loves to go with or without me .. smile..
Mostly, I do go and we have a great time..

The countryside in our part of the world in the Spring..

Notice the field of Dandelions up behind the cows there on the hill...
Lovely, wouldn't you say...

Of course, Spring means Rhubarb and I made a batch of jam at the farm one day..

So love cooking in my Aunt Eva's old kitchen..

Then Spring also means starting to think of moving to our old seaside cottage for the Summer..
Going down and getting the heat turned on and making sure all is well..

Then in June we make the big switch to live beside one of the biggest loves of my life..

The Bay of Fundy..

Making meals in our old cottage kitchen again..

And then getting ready to open my shop for my last season..

Opening it for 3 days of the week ...

And having some precious company...

Enjoying the Summer also includes my herb beds and all the wonderful things one can do with them..
Like making salves, powders and such..

Lots of recipes for homemade here on the blog..

Every once in awhile we would come home for a day just to check and make sure all was well..

One day I saw these lovely roses in passing on the way to the farm..
They can be used for powders and jellies..
Love gathering all these wonderful herbs and flowers and making homemade stuff.. smile..

Then the first of September I closed my wee shop for good and kind of retired...
At least from this kind of business..

Not sure what 2015 will hold... smile..
Just praying for God's will in our lives..
I love doing and making so who knows..

I can't help myself, really..
We shall see..

And then moving back home again..

That is one happy day..
I love St. Martins and the bay and living close to our daughter but I love home..
There is no place like it in the whole world and it is nice to be back..

Then the Autumn comes along with more trips back to this dear old place...

And the Fall means our annual visit to Kings Landing which is another love of my life..

I get my fix for the year to come.. grin..

Terry starts getting the next years wood and we had a lovely picnic up there in them thar hills.. grin ...

I hope you all find the blog interesting as we go from this to that all year..
That is actually how I talk..
I go from one subject to another.. grin..
Ask my friends..

All year long we have Keepers of the Home meetings that we share here on the blog..

Living and learning with the sweetest bunch of ladies that you could meet anywhere..

And then there was a big day as we celebrated Terry's 65th birthday with our precious family..

Took some wonderful family photos and this was one of our faves..
Seven darling grandsons and their Grandpa..
So blessed by God and so thankful..

Winter found it's way here to New Brunswick and soup days began again..

Either here at home or at the farm..
You all know I am a soup junkee and there is usually a recipe for one some where.. smile..

Winter, of course brings Christmas and all that goes with it..
More making and doing.

Crafting a framed pic for dear daughter and our Homespun Christmas gifts..
She loved it by the way..

Now Christmas is over and the New Year begins today..

It has been a great day with Gramp at the farm with 2 of his grandsons and then our youngest son and family arriving for a Pasta supper..
They took Gramps and went to visit their cousin and see his horses and I am here feeling so thankful for all God has done in my life..

He is a faithful God and I am so happy to be a follower of Jesus Christ..
He is my everything .. He is my all...
He is my everything.. Both great and small..
He gave His life for me..
Made everything new.. He is my everything..
Now.. how about you?

In the New Year of 2015 I pray that you dear hearts will make Christ your everything..
I know that many of you out there already know Him for yourselves ...
And when you do you will have a changed life..

No, everything will not be perfect and life will still happen but He will be your refuge and your hiding place..
Someone you can depend upon to be faithful and true..

One of the blessings in Terry's and my life is this little church and the dear sweet people who attend there..
Our pastor and family are greatly loved by us and our family and each day I pray and thank God for this tremendous blessing in our lives..
If you follow this blog and live in our area I would love for you to come and attend church with us some time..
Just email me and we will meet you there..
Or if you would just like to attend our Keepers meetings then I would love to have you..
Just let me know.. OK?

And I am thankful for all you sweet ladies who make it a habit to drop by and see what is going on here and leaving your kind comments and emails..
It sure does make it fun to write here and meet you all..
Thank you so much..

I guess that is all for tonight..
Hope this has blessed you some how..

I am going to do a post soon and try and find if there are any changes that you girls would like me to try out on here..
Next week, I hope..

But for now may God richly bless your lives this year and may you know the sweet peace that only Jesus can give..
May you prosper and be in good health and may your family be protected in all ways..

Love you all and you are in my prayers..

  1. Faye, my life was so busy this past year that I failed to follow some of my favorite blogs. I loved this trip through your year. I did not know you had retired from shop-keeping. I love that you still are involved with your ladies group... and your pictures, as always, gave me goosebumps. I finished out my year yesterday by going to church in the afternoon... and I had a good year here despite a move and my husband's illness. It was so good to catch up on your year! (your grands are all good looking boys!)

  2. So happy I checked in on you to see those lovely pictures and hear about your year and your love for our saviour. Your blog is such a blessing to come to. I always leave inspired to try new things, and feel like I was able to visit with a friend.God bless you and your family, hope your New Year is full of lovely and wonderful days.

  3. Faye, that was just beautiful. If I were there I would go to church with you.

  4. Happy New Year, Faye! Wishing you peace, joy, and a multitude of blessings in 2015. I think your blog is perfect just the way it is.

  5. Happy New Year Faye to you and yours. Beautiful post, love all the pictures with the animals, so sweet.Blessings Francine.

  6. I enjoyed the recap so much, I always enjoy your sharing!
    Praying blessings for the New Year for you!

  7. Loved the glimpse back..blessings!

  8. What a great look back at your last year! I really and truly enjoyed it. Your life is so richly blessed with so many things that you and Terry are interested in. It is so good to keep being involved in what you love to do. And your family....they are beautiful! God blessed you and Terry with such wonderful loved ones. May 1015 be a joyous year filled with the love of Jesus Christ!

  9. Oh, my! I've no time to wrangle a post like this together until later in the month... So I thoroughly enjoyed yours, dear Faye.

    Many blessings to you in 2015. Hugs,

  10. I always enjoy your post. Glad to know your not retiring from blogging also. I would so miss you. Happy New Years may it be full of God's blessing.

  11. Dear Faye,
    I love Easter too, a much slower time to think about the true meaning with out the business like we have at Christmas.
    You really do enjoy your life & I love reading about it, your pictures are beautiful.
    I would love a donkey, we have some miniature ones a mile away so we pop to see them sometimes.
    The rhubarb will be here soon, I see some green leaves popping up in our garden.
    Thank you for a beautiful post, I wish you & your family a Happy & Healthy New Year.
    Fondly Michelle

  12. A wonderful post to remember Gods goodness through the year and may you know much blessing in this new year!

  13. Happy New Year Faye - what a wonderful post!! Wow! Full of Blessings overwhelming and abundant.

  14. Happy new year to you and your beautiful family. If I was closer I would love to go to church with you, wishing you everything you wish for yourself.

  15. Wonderful photos and post ! I do love donkeys as well I could just cuddle them in that pic with their furry winter coats lol ! Happy New Year my friend , We are still with out snow here all though it is cold ! Thanks for sharing , Have a wonderful weekend !

  16. I love your blog just the way it is! Lovely post! Thank your for all the lovely memories of your year. Happy New Year!

  17. love your post. My daughter and I liked your crafty homespun Christmas drawing you made! I enjoy your blog. You give me inspiration. I try to make healthy meals for the three of us and need to get a few frozen berries made into jam. I made a triple berry crisp for our Christmas gathering with our son's family and us this past Sunday. All from the freezer and it tasted excellent. My granddaughter had a little bit and then she asked for more and ate it all! Berries were blueberries, strawberries and marionberries, last found only in Oregon cuz that's where they are exclusively grown....started far as I know...Happy and blessed New Year....and my daughter is baking cranberry apple crisp and it smells so good. She is taking it to friends house where she is eating lunch today! :0)

  18. Glad you had a good year, Faye. Hope you keep putting your blog on here and I look forward to reading all you write.. Best wishes for the new year.
    Alice D.

  19. Hi Faye, I so enjoyed travelling through the seasons with you and wish you, Terry and your family a healthy and Happy New Year.
    I love donkeys too and they are on my list of animals I would love to have some day.
    I am so looking forward to meeting you soon.

  20. What a beautiful post Faye! Blessings to you in 2015!!!

  21. Happy New Year, Faye! I loved revisiting your year in photos. Coming here and visiting is like a breath of fresh air. :-)

  22. What a beautiful look back at your year of 2014. Hard to believe it's a new year already. I wish you and yours a year filled with God's good blessings Faye. Hugs. Pam

  23. What a lovely post.
    So nice to see what a wonderful year you had.
    Mutch blessings and a happy NEW YEAR!

  24. Hi Faye,
    I so enjoyed the tour of your past year of home, farm, family and food...all wonderful things.
    Thanks for sharing with us and keep posting these wonderful inspiring posts.

  25. Hello,
    This is a wonderful post. Thank you for the review of the year 2014. It is so amazing as to all that happens to us in a year.
    Looking forward to 2015!!
    Happy New Year


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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

What I've Been Reading - September 2012

I've read some really good books this past month, and I'm anxious to hear if you've read any of them!
So, let's get started...

My daytime book group, As the Page Turns, is reading both A Girl Named Zippy and the follow-up memoir, She Got Up Off the Couch - And Other Heroic Acts from Mooreland, Indiana for our October reads.
I shared my love for Zippy earlier this summer.  The memoir of a 1970s childhood in small-town Indiana is both hilarious and touching.  The follow up about Zippy's mother Delonda is darker than Zippy, but similar in tone and topic.  Both are great reads, and I always enjoy meeting another Zippy fan!
One sentence synopsis from goodreads.com -  After years of languorous existence, this oversized couch potato emerged from the den to pursue a higher education.
 Loved  It

Several friends mentioned The Gallagher Girls series when talking of good Young Adult series that don't involve werewolves or dystopian dictatorships.  This series seems to be really loved by all - young adults, moms of young adults, critics, and other authors.  And it has been on the New York Times Bestsellers list for ages.
So, I had to check it out.  I read the first two in the series earlier this month and found them a refreshing change of pace.  The series is set at the Gallagher Academy that seems like a prep school for girls, but is actually a Spy School, training the young ladies for CIA positions after university.  The writing is sharp and the role models are refreshingly positive.  I'd recommend to any 11-15 year old young lady (not to mention this 41 year old!)
One sentence synopsis from goodreads.com -  Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school-that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class.
Really Liked It

 Gone Girl has received a ton of buzz this year.  I see it on all sorts of Top 10 book lists.  I put it on my library reserve list and was #36!  I was thrilled when my time finally came.
This has got to be one of the more suspenseful mysteries I've read in quite awhile.  I was sorely tempted to peek and find out what happened, but I held off.  Thankfully!  It's the story of a disintegrating marriage, a psychological thriller because Amy disappears under mysterious circumstances on their 5th anniversary.  The twists were entirely unexpected and enjoyable to follow.  While the characters were loathsome, the writing was great.
One sentence synopsis from goodreads.com -  With her razor-sharp writing and trademark psychological insight, Gillian Flynn delivers a fast-paced, devilishly dark, and ingeniously plotted thriller that confirms her status as one of the hottest writers around.
Really Liked It
Pandemonium is the follow-up to last year's Delirium, another young adult novel set in a Dystopian world.  I did not care for the first half of Pandemonium, and almost stopped reading it.  It seemed almost identical to the second in the Matched series that I read earlier this year.
I'm glad I did finish it though because the second half, and especially the ending, were worth it.  If you're new to the YA Dystopian world - I would recommend the Hunger Games or Divergent series over this series.  Although, I'm sure I'll read the follow up due out next year!
 One sentence synopsis from goodreads.com - This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.
Liked It OK

Deborah from As The Page Turns, chose The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty for our November read.  I had no idea what this book was about, but from the first page, I was hooked.
No wonder it's on a lot of "hot fiction" lists right now.  I had a hard time putting this book down!
While I knew nothing about the famous silent film star, Louise Brooks, I didn't need to know much.  This book is really about her (fictional) chaperone to New York City - Cora Carlisle - and Cora's life in the late 1800s thru mid 1900s.  A number of surprising turns kept me engrossed, stealing moments to read a few pages whenever I could.
One sentence synopsis from goodreads.com -  The Chaperone is a captivating novel about the woman who chaperoned an irreverent Louise Brooks to New York City in 1922 and the summer that would change them both.
 Loved It
And that's what I've Been Reading this month!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Music and Wine

Music and Wine...
Two of my favorite things!

Before we headed out to see Toad the Wet Sprocket a couple of weeks ago

While we were at the concert, Brennan went punk while hanging out with Amelia and Thomas.

Last weekend we went with friends to see Hoosier Beatles in town.
A number of Indiana bands, all playing Beatles favorites.  A really fun night!

On our way to the concert

There were lots of chairs set up for the concert, and a couple of tall tables, but Greg found these comfy love-seats for us all.  We had the best seats in the house!
With Alan the police officer in the background, it looks more like the holding tank.
Mary, Mike, Jan, Roger, Vinita, and Greg

David especially liked the group Harpeth Rising.  They were just back from a month-long tour in the U.K.  They were really great.

One of our local high schools has an amazing Jazz Choir that performs all over the state.
They did an a capella version of "In My Life" that was absolutely stunning.
I wish I had recorded it.  It was incredible.

Encore with all of the groups together

Our wine club was back on Saturday night with "Flat Rock Flat Bread Pizza and Sangiovese" wines!

Greg and Vinita hosted us in their beautiful screened porch.

Before everyone arrived.
We all brought Italian appetizers and desserts.

Love this porch!

And Greg's bar and man cave of course!

Ginger and John's olive tapenade.
There is nothing better than appetizers!!

We did not do a formal tasting of Sangiovese's but we had several to sample.
I had never heard of this grape, harvested primarily in Italy.
A delicious red.

Neighbor Ben Fogt brought his wood-fired pizza oven for us to have pizzas with our Sangiovese.

John tests the temps.

Ben shared information about his pizza business and made a variety of delicious pizzas for us.

Mmmm...my favorite!

Zoe's sweet face says it all.
Good times with good people, good music, good food, and good wine.

Grandma Visit

We had a great visit with Grandmas Nan and Carolyn this past weekend.
Hurricane Isaac kept them from visiting us over Labor Day weekend, so they got to visit on a "normal" weekend and see our busy schedules.
We drove around looking at some sites on Saturday after Brennan finished up at Spanish School.
We stopped by a hotel to see Miles, the hotel dog.  Any time we visit downtown, we like to check in on Miles.
We went out to eat at a new Burger Bar in town.
Thomas really enjoyed the BBQ nachos.  They were fantastic!
We watched Thomas during tennis practice that afternoon.

On Sunday after church we headed out to lunch and then to an apple orchard/pumpkin farm/petting zoo.
It was a gorgeous fall day!

The boys love this slide, but we could find Brennan swinging on the rope swings inside more often.

Bamboo maze

We're about a month too early for pumpkin and apple picking, but we walked up to the orchard anyway.

 A fun, fun weekend.
We're looking forward to seeing the family at Thanksgiving!!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Pep Band & Choir

Thomas was so excited about playing trumpet in the Pep Band last week - his first time!
His middle school football team played the other middle school in town in football.
First the 7th graders played, and then the 8th graders.
Thomas played for 4 hours and loved every minute of it!
He practiced for us the weekend before.
These are not his very best examples - just the best I got on film.
He loves the band and we're really proud of his school spirit!
Below are 4 short video clips of some of his songs.
If you are reading this in email, you may not see the clips.
Please click the link to the blog so you can watch his quick videos.  He'll really appreciate it!

Thomas's Middle School's Fight Song - "Hey Big Blue"

"Hey" Song
"School Spirit" and "Hard Rock Blues"
Learning "The Star Wars Theme Song" and little brother plugging his ears
Brennan is singing in the choir at our church and at his school.
He has a great voice, but was not too sure about singing in a group.
He's doing great though, and I know the choir directors are thrilled to have another boy.
They're always looking for more male voices!
Here are two songs the children's choir at our church sang last weekend.
Again, if you're reading this in email, you may have to click over to the blog to see the videos.
In the second song, "How Majestic is Your Name", Brennan is also playing a Hand Chime - his first time out.
"Praise, I Will Praise You Lord"
"How Majestic is Your Name"
We're proud of our musicians!

Sunday, September 9, 2012

End of Summer

First month of the new school year is already behind us.
We're looking forward to having Mama and Carolyn up next weekend for a nice long weekend!
Just a few photos about our latest adventures.
Brennan surprised us this year by announcing he wanted to take Gymnastics.
He's taken tumbling before, as a preschooler, but wanted to do gymnastics, so I signed him up for the boys' class through Parks and Rec.  He absolutely loves it!
Here he is, ready to work on his dive forward rolls.

In addition to Gymnastics, Brennan is in piano again this year.
He also joined his elementary school's choir and had a great first lesson.
Practices and concerts start to get serious starting this coming week!
And, he has become really active at church - in Sunday School and in the music program.
He'll also be starting to attend monthly Youth Group activities for the 4th-6th grade crowd.
Finally, Brennan also started Spanish School on Saturday!
Sponsored by our local Latino organization, it's an immersion program.
He loved the first day and is excited to go back.
Here's my view every afternoon and morning.  Brennan in the backseat with a pencil either starting on homework as we head to the middle school to pick up Thomas, or designing his "dream mansion" in the mornings on the way to school.  (It includes geothermal energy and a wine cellar.)

Our friends Dave and Rosann have an end of summer party every September.
Brennan and I went together yesterday.  Here's Brennan with baby Emma.  He took his wiggly-baby-holding responsibilities very seriously.  Emma is 7 months and a wiggler! And such a cutie.
We were so excited when Dave and Rosann announced that Emma will be a big sister in about 8 weeks.  We're so happy for their family!!

I got my hair cut on Friday.  I mentioned to Kristen that David and I were going to a concert that night, so she played with my hair.  It was so cute!  And it actually stayed up the entire evening!

David and I went to Indy to see Toad the Wet Sprocket (a favorite 90s band) - all original members, too!  We had such a good time, going out to dinner and enjoying the two opening bands and Toad at The Vogue.  A great, great night!!

Toad 2012, The Vogue

I found a squirrel trying his best to drink from our pool the other day.  I had to run out the door and I was concerned I'd find a floating squirrel when I got home so I shooed him away.  It's been raining plenty here, so I'm not sure why he wanted the pool water!

David was cleaning leaves out of the pool and found this very cute turtle though.  Luckily the chlorine hadn't gotten to him yet.  David released him in the woods near our house.

I had lunch with my old friends Kelly (standing) and Robin last week!
We hadn't all been together in such a long time - but now we're all living in the same state/country!
Top is 1998, bottom is 2012.
We had a great time catching up over lunch and are looking for a night to get together sometime soon!

I'm actually finally looking forward to Fall!


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Wednesday, March 2, 2016

*Review* First Came You by Faith Andrews

First comes a nickel,
Then comes a shove,
Then comes loss only conquered by his love.

This is the story of my first true love. The story of how the boy next door protected me, became my best friend, stole my heart, and rescued me from my darkest despair.

My Review:
5 out of 5 stars

What started out as a childhood friendship, slowly developed into an amazing, sweet love story. Tommy and Gabby are absolutely perfect for each other and I'm looking forward to reading the next book to see where their story goes from here.

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Author Topic: Door Test  (Read 1993 times)
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Mystic Muppet

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« on: April 24, 2005, 06:37:49 AM »

In this scene the trio go into the hangar that's supposed to have Voren's ship, the Dragon Avenger, in it, but it's empty. They're going to enter the hangar through the door, of course, so I had to use photoshop to make the door move since I definatly wasn't going to spend hours working on a door for the set. The actual door is from the A New Hope DVD, in the part where C-3P0 and R2-D2 are hiding from the Stormtroopers. I took the shot with a digital camera, since I don't have any screenshot programs. I know the lighting is weird but that's how it is in the movie.

With that said, I'm going to show you my test for the door. It's not that grand but it's something. Should I have more frames? Use a different door? Use some different meathod? Ect.? Don't tell me there needs to be sound since I'm going to do that later. In order to view it copy the shortcut and paste into the toolbar. PLEASE look at this. Thanks.

« Last Edit: April 24, 2005, 06:39:06 AM by Yodaman » Logged

I'm Yoda. I'm soldier. I mold ya, then fold ya, I thought I told ya. Don't be unwise, judge me not by my size. You won't believe your eyes. Watch the X-Wing rise.' target='_blank'>Pain is temporary- Tales are Forever.
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« Reply #1 on: April 24, 2005, 11:17:07 AM »

seems good enough to me. good work Smiley
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text:
Full Body Barrier Technique
Full Body Barrier
Romanized Hwan-hwan Shin-bo
Other Names Full Body Shield
Classification Offensive
Type External
Execution Instantaneous
Manhwa Debut
Part I Chapter 56

Full Body Barrier (Hwan-hwan Shin-bo): This technique is classified and used as offensive and defensive technique.

The back of the user is turned towards the opponent. A protective large circular distribution of Ki resembling a shield is created and the opponent who comes in contact with the Ki is forcefully sent flying backwards.

Known CasesEdit

Known UsersEdit

  1. The Breaker Chapter 56
  2. The Breaker Chapter 70

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Paul gleason breakfast club

Richard "Dick" Vernon is the vice principal of Shermer Highschool and the main antagonist of the film.

Mr. Vernon is a strict and stern person, who does not take kindly to jokes around him. After Bender insults him numerous times, he gives him two months of detention. When Bender and the others go to the hall so he can retrieve marijuana from his locker, Bender takes the fall for everyone, allowing them to go back without getting caught. Vernon locks him in a storage closet for the remainder of the day and threatens him, making Bender think that he's not all tough. He also starts to wonder on how the kids will turn out in the future, and shows serious anxiety and fear in knowing that the incoming generation will be running the world when he is an old man. At the end of the movie, the kids didn't write the assignment he wants them to do, instead they write how he can't accept who they are and he failed to break them. The janitor tells him to not count on those kids to help him because of how he's treating them. He'll one day be alone and no one will care about him when he dies.

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Monday, November 19, 2012

Unverified Territory

An excerpt from Unverified Territory

The importance of leaving a legacy
By William T. Bonham, Attorney at Law, WGM Board Member
October-December 2012

Many WGM supporters who have been faithful to the ministry during their lifetimes have continued to be faithful even as they passed to their heavenly reward. They did this by remembering WGM and their other favorite ministries in their wills or trusts.

For example, the American Indian Field, the third largest WGM ministry area, has benefited from an endowment that paid the AIF an income for 20 years. The endowment, which is $400,000, matures in a few months and the entire sum will become available.

AIF has recently completed construction of a multipurpose facility at Southwest Indian Ministries Center in the Phoenix area. It will have a huge impact, not only on the unsaved in the community around it, but it will house ministries to the inhabitants of the Native American reservations in Arizona. The facility will host everything from church camps to AA meetings. Best of all, it is paid for.

The need now is for dormitory space to house attendees of the camps and other activities. A 120-bed dormitory has recently been approved by the WGM Board for construction at SIMC. The cost for construction will be $400,000!
God, in His perfect timing, has made this endowment money available from generous supporters. How delighted they would be to see the results of their faithfulness!

ACT: If you would like to discuss your estate planning goals, contact WGM Vice President Shelly McCollum at 765.664.7331. Questions for me? Feel free to contact me at 614.478.8020. All discussions will be held at no charge and in complete confidence.

Deputation Travels

An excerpt from Deputation Travels

Building partnerships for the missionary journey
By Eileen McGuire, Retiree
October-December 2012

Deputation TravelsI arrived at Southwest Indian School on July 31, 1960. I cannot begin to tell you all the things that I learned in my 45 years of serving there, but I loved teaching the Indian children. There were definitely some bumps in the road, but it is not my practice to nourish negative emotions.

I loved meeting people as I traveled on deputation (now called homeland ministry assignment). It amazed me how loving, kind, and helpful these precious individuals and churches were.

As I traveled, I would arrive at the home where I was told that I’d share the evening meal. Often these people were complete strangers, but in a very short time we were conversing because we were in the same family—the family of God.

As each deputation came around, I looked forward to seeing these devoted supporters just as much as they looked forward to seeing their missionary.

I’m so glad that God can trust His people to do His work around the world. I know that God blesses all obedient giving and that He provides both the joy for strength and the provisions for ministry. I want to say “thank you” for your involvement in reaching the lost. Your work has not been in vain.

ACT: Missionaries are still traveling on homeland ministry assignment today. If you are interested in inviting a missionary to speak in your church about their ministry, contact Tara Mast at or 765.671.7244.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

GPS: Give So They Can Play—It’s Simple!

An excerpt from GPS: Give So They Can Play--It's Simple!

Kids helping kids be kids
By Rachel Elwood, Support Staff
October-December 2012

When the group of kids from Indian Springs Holiness Camp in Georgia decided to give their offering to a missions project, they knew it had to be for something special. When they heard from missionaries Billy Wayne and Jenny Fuller that kids living in Samfya, Zambia, had no safe place to play, the children decided that they needed to have a playground.

The only problem? Gym sets aren’t easy to find in the remote town of Samfya, where Billy Wayne and Jenny serve at Samfya Bible School. Although they never dreamed that the skill “can design playground equipment” would be added to their resumés, they were up for the challenge! After drawing diagrams of a slide, swings, a sandbox, and monkey bars, the Fullers hired local craftsmen to construct the pieces, using what materials were available. The children’s offering covered all construction costs. Swings were attached to a huge tree that offers great shade, and a fence around the area completed the playground.

WEB: Kids really can make a missions impact. WGM’s Kids Helping Kids catalog lists specific missions projects that kids can get involved with to help other children around the world. Gather your Vacation Bible School or Sunday School class and download a free copy of the catalog at

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Choosing the Farmer's Tan

An excerpt from Choosing the Farmer's Tan

By Troy Simpson, Ministry Partner
October-December 2012

Choosing the Farmer's TanEach year, students around the United States wait anxiously for the arrival of spring break. Most students can’t wait to hit the beaches in Florida; California; or Cancun, Mexico. But, for a few students at Mississinewa High School in Gas City, Indiana, spring break means spending the week in Honduras, working and building relationships with the students of Amor Fe y Esperanza (a school for the children whose parents live and work in the city dump of Tegucigalpa). The team works hard under the hot Honduran sun and usually ends the week with some super “farmer’s tans.”

ACT: Get your local high school involved in missions, too. Grab a few chaperones and students and plan your next spring break

Thursday, November 8, 2012

On the Prayer Journey

An excerpt from On the Prayer Journey

By David Engbrecht, WGM Board Member
October-December 2012

I love partnerships! I love partnerships that have lots of letters; letters like WGM, AGC, NMC, and LFF. While World Gospel Mission, Africa Gospel Church, and Nappanee Missionary Church have a strong partnership history with the AGC Baby Center in Ngata, Kenya, something new and fresh is happening. It’s uncharted territory! It’s Mombasa, Kenya.

When Dr. Robert Langat was installed as the new bishop of Africa Gospel Church, he shared a stirring visionary message calling the church to expand its borders. He called the church to press forward into Mombasa, a dark, difficult coastal city of nearly a million people with a large Muslim population. His passionate call resonated in my heart, and I, along with others at Nappanee Missionary Church, began to pray for Mombasa. We answered the Macedonian call and committed to partnering in the area.

While all of this was happening, God laid Mombasa on the hearts of Dennis and Gladys Mutai who were pastoring with AGC. After visiting with the bishop, the Mutais accepted the challenge and moved to Mombasa. As a result, a new church plant has emerged there.

First things first! The starting point of any effective partnership is prayer. A day of prayer was declared that included a prayer walk in Mombasa.

On that day, prayer partners were literally praying around the world. In Indiana, a host of people, many who had connected via Facebook and the Internet, were crying out to God for Mombasa. By phone, we connected with Little Flock Fellowship in northeast India where many of their leaders had gathered in prayer for Mombasa. Escuela El Sembrador in Honduras had a special prayer time for Mombasa. Pray Mombasa has become far more than a day in Africa. It has become a movement of partners committing to claim new territory.

The morning after Pray Mombasa, the team gathered to debrief and process, and it was apparent that this was far more than a Pray Mombasa event, but the birth of a partnership whose mission it is to impact the entire east coast of Kenya.

ACT: Form your own partnership. Scripture makes it clear that when two or more partner together in His name, great power is there because He is with us. We are called to fellowship in ministry just as WGM, Nappanee Missionary Church, and Africa Gospel Church have. Organize a community-wide, faith-based outreach project that includes more than your local church. Here are some ideas to keep the Pray Mombasa idea going: volunteer in a homeless shelter or hospice; provide meals, babysitting, and transportation for military families in your area; or build or sponsor a youth center in your community.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Narrow is the Road

An excerpt from Narrow is the Road

By Lisa FishUganda, with Rachel Elwood, Support Staff
October-December 2012

“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:14 NIV)

As I look back at what God has done in Uganda, I am amazed at the intricacy of the narrow road. It can be complicated; it can sometimes not make sense; and yet, I see how God moves and works in the chaos to bring people to Him.

He led WGM to begin working in Uganda 15 years ago. The road later led to working with students. Heritage International School is a Christian international school where many of us teach and share the gospel with children and families from over 20 nations, including a dozen African countries. Kenyan AGC missionary Kennedy Kirui heads up the outreach of discipleship, Bible studies, and a church for 1,000 students attending Kampala International University. Those university students seek to follow God as He leads them on their own paths, with education that may place them in government and leadership positions in their home countries. It’s thrilling to think of these young people joining the narrow road and leading more people to come with them!

The narrow road can lead us to serve in places of pain and desperate need. As we enter the second decade of the 21st century, the road has many twists and turns, touching across Uganda and beyond. The Lord has led us into ministries into key “gateway” cities across the nation and into the neighboring countries of South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, and even into Burundi, where WGM served decades ago. And this is only the beginning of the story of the road God has led us down! New meanderings are opening all the time. I thank God for allowing me to be a part of leading others to the narrow road that leads to eternal life with Him.

PRAY: Pray for those working in Uganda and for those currently headed that direction. Pray for the Africa Gospel Church pastors and their families, for their spiritual and relational growth. Pray for more mature, spiritually transformed laypeople in the church, who are needed to build a healthy foundation in Uganda and in all the nations where God leads.

GO: Do you want to be a part of the exciting ministries in Uganda? Visit to find out how you can serve God there. Are they waiting for you?

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Directionally Challenged

An excerpt from Directionally Challenged

By Todd Eckhardt, Support Staff
October-December 2012

Have you ever felt “directionally challenged”—not in finding your way to a new location, but in finding your way in life? Kevin DeYoung’s book Just Do Something has a chapter called “Directionally Challenged.” The book is based on the all-too-common truth that many Christians are paralyzed by indecision. We sincerely want God’s will, but we are so afraid we will miss it that we become indecisive and end up doing nothing.

DeYoung says, “Obsessing over the future is not how God wants us to live, because showing us the future is not God’s way. His way is not a crystal ball. His way is wisdom” (page 41).

Perhaps we are not as directionally challenged as we think. God has a job for us. You want to do God’s work. He wants you to do His work. But fear sets in and we begin to flounder. Then we slip into this paralyzing mindset of indecision, and before we know it, we have gone nowhere. We weigh all the information; we seek all the answers on how this will look in the future. God rarely reveals the future, but He does give wisdom.

MORE: Read Psalm 111 to see what the Bible says about gaining wisdom. Talk to your pastor or spiritual mentor for advice.