Lilly’s Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long

She who has secretly loved him for years and he who is devastated at losing his lifelong love to another. No one in the tight-knit Amish community would have predicted the unlikely marital union of the dashing, outgoing horseman to the demure schoolteacher.

Lilly’s Wedding Quilt tells the lovely story of how a young man and woman, both headstrong yet both devoted to the Amish life and faith, are unexpectedly brought together by the combination of unforeseen events and the resulting expectations of their culture. Pure coincidence or divine intervention? Jacob and Lilly travel a rocky road past grieving and reconciliation of the past as they come to understand how God’s plan for their lives is so much more than they could have imagined.

Kelly Long's story-telling breathes life into her tale by taking the reader into the Amish culture...their manner of speaking, their perception of their world vs that of the “Englisher”, and their devotion to faith, family, and the Amish way.  One does not just read Ms Long's book, but rather experiences the events as they unfold.  An uplifting and enjoyable read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I give this one 5 stars!

The Final Summit: A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity by Andy Andrews



Never having read one of the author’s works, I began this one with a hesitant and preconceived expectation this would be an agonizingly dry chore. Little did I know that by the end of the first paragraph, page 1, the author would have my rapt attention for the duration of the main character’s quest to identify the one universal commitment to save humanity from extinction.


Already in what should be his golden years, David Ponder, an accomplished and successful business man, finds himself unable to climb from the deep void left by the death of his lifelong partner; his wife Ellen. While contemplating the unthinkable, he is convinced by divine intervention to join hundreds of history’s greatest leaders tasked with finding the one Decision that will save the world from complete destruction. With the sands of time running out, David and his fellow “travelers” commence a journey to sift through and identify the most essential from a list of powerful principles that have guided the decision-making of great leaders throughout history.


In a short 224 pages, the author’s story instilled in this reader a suspenseful search for that which implemented in real life, would surely change the course of humankind. Andy Andrews packs an intense thought-provoking journey like none other I've read before.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Gittin' there!

Yesterday we ended up with this....


 

...and this. 
 
 

 
 
 
After spending the morning pulling out, cutting up, and bagging blackberry vines, the piles looked like...hey, wait a sec!... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonnie wonders aloud, why don't we burn the small brush in our new fire pit...
 

She's such a smartie!  :)

The start of a 4-day weekend...

...and what better way to spend it than starting a veggie garden!  The backyard is a blank slate, and a very overgrown and messy one at that.  So, first order of business is tackling the mound of cuttings Bonnie and I created last weekend. 

Our bounty beds will be situated in this sun-kissed corner.  We're thinking a series of 4X4 beds placed in an "L" shape leaving 2-foot spacings in between, with fruit trees along the back fence.  Still thinking about that keyhole concept.  Oh, the possibilities!

Some other befores, as we embark on our plot improvement projects...

    

   Left to right in the backyard.  Even the border beds are full of grass, weeds, and a few persistent blackberry vines. 

Not sure what was the idea behind this.  For now, we've got several inches of bark dust held in by existing scallop concrete borders in an attempt to keep down the mud.  My plan is to eventually unearth these stones (to be put to good use as garden borders elsewhere), dig out and level the whole area, and put in a paver patio and walkways where the traffic is heaviest.  The new patio will be home to a small sitting or eating area.

         

This little pathway catches a good amount of water during our deluges.  I'm thinking to fill that depression with the lava rock and pavers from the strip out front...another redesign formulating.

Can't wait to see what beauty rises from our little piece of heaven that has been long neglected prior to our arrival.  The bones are good.  Thankfully, the fence is intact and in decent shape. 

Simpler, natural living

In the last couple of years, I have become increasingly obsessed with the idea of building and living in a small, sustainable home using as much natural material as possible.  I love the creative possibilities...love the whimsy...love the idea of simpler, more cozy living.  My better half has not bought into the idea as of yet...I'm a-workin' on improving his perception.  Perhaps our most recent electric bill will assist in paving the road that will lead us away from those monopolies that have such a stronghold on our pocketbook. 

For some time, I've entertained the assortment of possibilities featured by Tiny House Blog.  This morning's delight was to stumble upon the website Natural Homes.  And, so my dream grows.  Wouldn't it be lovely to build a village full of unique sustainable homes?  With an active commmunity center, also sustainable?  To be a part of such an opportunity...incredible.

Bleary-eyed Musings

Sometimes in the wee hours, sleep evasion gives way to creative exploration.  Such was the case in the still-dark hours when I came across a design image of a keyhole garden.  My intrigued quest unearthed a method and design used in third world drought-stricken areas that allow families sustainability in spite of their rugged conditions. 

The ingenious marriage of raised gardening with integrated composting offers solutions to challenges so many gardeners face.  I am excitedly planning my own keyhole garden perfectly suited for the one spot of sun in our modest back yard! 



Love the design, although I'd add the compost feature in place of the center opening.



Another design option using easily accessible materials.

For ideas on building keyhole beds...

http://www.raw-food-health.net/RaisedVegetableGarden.html

http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/design/keyhole-garden-beds.htm

http://www.scribd.com/doc/3482845/How-to-make-a-Keyhole-Garden-East-African-style



"The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns, CEO of World Vision

The Hole in Our Gospel
"What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Change the World"


By Richard Stearns and Published by Thomas Nelson


Richard Stearns' awakening journey from priviliged CEO of Lenox to heading up an organization that exists to serve the poorest and neediest, is certainly an experience worth sharing. By doing so, he challenges Christians to take a hard look at their own walk to see how closely it truly parallels with that of Christ. He presents a thought-provoking case backed up with pretty graphic facts.


In spite of his valid message, I had difficulty focusing on what he was trying to convey without being tainted by the fact that he came from a place that allowed him to afford such a drastic life change. His journey is doubtless a selfless response to God's call. Yet, I couldn't get past the feeling that the story was more about his own journey and introspection. Thankfully, there are those in high places that can serve on a greater scale. Yet, there are so many who gladly serve and sacrifice with what they have on a daily basis without second thought. To imply that Christians, as a whole, are spiritually uncommitted is unfair stereotyping. Perhaps Stearns should have truly experienced what those here at home are accomplishing in His name.

~ This book was provided to me, for free, by Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze review program. I was not paid for a review, nor required to provide a positive review. My opinions are just that, my opinions.

Good morning from the northern California coast!

Much has changed since my last pondering.  Having been here just shy of a month, we're living more simply in our new hometown and our as cute as it is green abode.  Folks here were worried about the culture shock we might experience by moving to such a 'small' town.  Little do they realize...heehee.  We're getting used to conveniences being local AND plentiful.  We're getting used to being within walking distance of the beach.  With a plethora of outdoor adventures awaiting, we take advantage of every sunny day off. 

 

Last Sunday, Bonnie and I visited the Del Norte County Historical Museum.  What an incredible variety of collections!  We can't wait to take Mike's parents when they come out for a visit.  His dad in particular is a huge history buff.  I'm sure he'll be impressed!