The Haven~ Another Great Amish Book

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Okay my Amish Book Lover followers~ Remember The Keeper? Well here is the long awaited sequel to the Stoney Ridge Seasons Series. And just let me tell you it is a good one that you don't want to miss. Suzanne has become a bloggy and facebook friend of mine who just happens to be a great writer. She truly is a fantastic person.

 I recommend if you missed the first book~ get it first. The Haven stands on its own but you are missing out because they are both great books. Just my honest opinion.

The Haven is a love story full of friendship and adventure. It begins when Sadie Lapp is coming home from Ohio where she spent some time helping her sister and mentoring under an elderly Amish woman who has the healing touch to make the sick well. She learned the natural and healing ways of the simple people.

 Only things really heat up when she wakes up from a nap on the train and finds that someone has left their baby in a basket with her.With no where to turn~ she feels like she must take the baby home. Oh the rumors that begin swirling around about the young Amish girl who leaves and returns home with an infant~ as you can imagine.

She returns home to a family who has experienced their fair share of heartache. They had already lost their beloved mother. And her very young father has suffered a heart attack needing a new heart. Her father happens to get a heart when tragic strikes again claiming the life of the family's special son Menno. Now Sadie is returning home to help pick up the pieces. Maybe this baby she is bringing home will be the medicine they all need.

In a twist of fate~ the family inherits a house keeper named Fern~ who happens to be an Amish woman who is very militant. Over time the house realizes that Fern with her harsh ways is not at all what she is cracked up to be. Is she just what this family needed?

Poor Sadie returns to the affection of Gideon who has been in love with her since she was a school girl. She is just not so sure she returns his affection. Life just seems to complicated to think about it.

Very confused Sadie tries her best to find out God's will for her life. It all gets very complicated when an Englisher ~Will Stoltz walks into her world and her heart.


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My Jesus~

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  Philippians 2:10   That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

  Philippians 2:11   And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 
If we could have seen Jesus playing, as a boy, in the streets of Nazareth we might not have known He was royalty. If we could have seen Him working with Joseph in the carpenter shop~ we might not have known He was the King of Kings. If we had been there that day at Calvary and observed that horrific scene~we might not have fallen in love with our Saviour. 

 No~if I did not know what was behind Him hanging on that cross~ (God forbid) I might not have believed He was God's Son.  That He was tortured, ridiculed, beaten, mocked, and brutally wounded for my sins! I might not have been enticed to give Him my heart. If I had been there I hope that I would have believed~but who knows?

OH~ but his Resurrection revealed His identity! He was seen by over 500 men and it was recorded in History. He is the conquering King~the ultimate royalty. His name is exalted above all other names. The very Begotten Son of God took on humility to suffer for my sins and yours!  He has the right to ask for my life!  He has the right to be honored, served, loved and worshipped. He is the only one true way to eternal life.

Let's share the story today that My Jesus can take away the sin of the world. He can give us a life worth living.  He can bring peace, love and joy. 



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Shh.......Be Still And Know That I Am God

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Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

This is my baby brother enjoying this morning his favorite way. I think he is just way too cute but then again I am a bit partial. When I looked at this picture this morning on his wife's facebook page it simply reminded me to be still and remember that God is God.


The word still comes from the Hebrew meaning to "release" or to "let go." We all love to recite this verse and give ourselves permission as women to sit down and rest in our easy chair for a minute or two. But this verse has a much deeper meaning.

Sometimes life rages like a roaring lion~ shouting for our attention. With media blaring in our ears everyday the horrors in our world. My stomach churns at the state of our nation. I watch the mess in Afghanistan daily with a broken heart. We are about to send our new son-in-law to war to aid in the training of Afghanistan soldiers only to have them turn and blow them away. I fear for the lives of my grandchildren~ what will this world look like in 20 years? America is in trouble at every hand. I want to say "STOP!"  Can we start over? We are headed on a downward spiral and we need to get this train on a different track.

Yet~ I read this verse and in my heart of hearts I know that God will one day set the wrongs right and will make the croaked ways straight.  I am after all a recovering "control freak" so I simply remind God in case He is not looking that we really need His help in a big and mighty way.

We can trust God. Even when the sea of life is raging we can still trust that God is in control. Sometimes we need to read the rest of the chapter. In being still we are releasing the fear, the worry, the anxiety of each and every troubling situation to God's Almighty Hands and trusting that He can and will handle things in His time. In exchange we will experience peace and joy.

Psalm 46

King James Version (KJV)
46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

It is my heart's desire~ that whatever you are troubled about today~  you place it all in God's hands and that you enjoy your journey today. Life is hard but God is always good. He is a very present help in trouble and He is our refuge. Now that is a good enough reason to celebrate today!

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Rising Gas Prices~

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Image source~



Psalm 145:18-19 (KJV)


 18The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
 19He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.


When worry walks in your door doubt will soon follow. Worry is a killer in the life of a Christian.


When gas prices sky rocket so does everything else. Everything has the gas price attached it it~ of course we all know that!

Yet~ I know God is the great Provider. We can look to God not merely hoping that God will meet our needs but we can look to God expecting Him to meet our needs.

 It is wise to crack down the budget and eliminate the spending that can be eliminated, make our trips count, plan our meals but most importantly we need to trust God. We must put our hope in His great love~ and the worry will disappear. We can take our concerns to God~ even the rising gas prices. He has the power and wisdom to take care of our problems.



***************************************

Surviving The Economy~ My Plan Of Attack!


With prices going up, the dollar is just not going very far. There is no doubt times are hard right now. However~ I refuse to live in fear. My God has always supplied my needs and I have no doubt HE WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. 

 Yet~the wise ant prepares for the winter. What can we do to make our $ stretch? 
Our family has decided to take the challenge to make money by saving money.  These are the changes we have made.

  • *Cooking from scratch
  This requires a well stocked pantry. I have been making my own sauces, Bisquick mix, pancake mix, pudding, bread ect....and you would not believe how much money I am saving.  You can find my recipes on my side bar~ or google them.

 This is my list that I keep on hand. (I go to my nearby Amish friends to stock up! The $ stores are a cheap place also.)
  1. flour (wheat and white)
  2. corn starch
  3. baking soda 
  4. baking powder
  5. cinnamon
  6. vanilla
  7. sugar
  8. honey
  9. onion flakes
  10. bouillon cubes
  11. oregano
  12. sea salt
  13. pepper
  14. olive oil
  15. paprika
  16. onion powder
  17. garlic powder
  18. basil
  19. yeast
  20. garlic flakes
  21. vinegar
  22. rice 
  23. oatmeal 
  24. tomato sauce 
  25. tomato paste
  26. stewed tomatoes
  27. powdered milk

I save huge amounts of money making my own cleaners. You pay so much for packaging and water.I dare you to try it. My recipes are posted on my side bar. 

Here is what I keep on hand. You will be amazed just how well these homemade cleaners compare to the store bought brands.

  1. 2o Mule Team Borax
  2. Armor Hammer Washing Soda
  3. White Distilled Vinegar
  4. Palmolive
  5. Laundry Bar Soap
  6. Rubbing Alcohol
  7. Olive Oil
  8. Lemon Juice
  9. Tea Bags (wood floors)
  10. Bleach
  11. Baking Soda
  12. Essential oil (for Laundry Soap to smell good)
  • *Plant a garden
Did you know that a small victory garden will save a family about $2,000.00 a year? Last Spring we planted our fourth garden~even with the drought it was the best year ever. I loved having food right in my yard. It is so healthy and tasty but it saves you huge amounts of money. If your space is limited try some raised beds or container gardens. You will be so glad you did.  We have also added six fruit trees and started grapes and raspberries.  If we can grow our own food ~why not?  

  • Invested in a flock of laying hens~ my girls have become pets.

Right now I have a small flock of chickens and I love my girls. I love having farm fresh eggs all the time. Not only does it save us money but they give us much entertainment.                                                                                               
  • CVS  and Walgreen Shopping
 You research the secrets to shopping at these stores. I have cut our toiletries in half by shopping the sales at these stores while stacking coupons. I have almost eliminated Walmart except for a monthly run.

Check it out~ I have learned all the secrets here at Money Saving Mom.  

Remember make money by saving it~ it really works.

                    




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Happy Back To School~

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Happy Back- to-School. It is that time of year when another school year is about to start. I wish I could keep our summer break a bit longer but it is over at our home.  Our home gets so busy this time of year.

I love this time of year~I look at it as a celebration.   However~ it can be a challenge!

Today I want to challenge all the students, college students, teachers, and of course I will not leave out~ us homeschool moms. *The key to a successful year lies in one vital principle~ a daily time with the Lord.*  It truly is a spiritual insurance policy. During this busy school year we will all face challenges. Important decisions must be made.  There is just no better way to face the challenges that will come than to face them each day with the wisdom of God. Why not give Him just 30 minutes in the morning to read your Bible and pray? You will be so glad you did! He is just longing to hear from you!

The biggest problem we all face is trying to live this life in our own strength ~ apart from the Lord. We allow our busyness to feed this problem.  The Bible says to "pray without ceasing."

I am weak~ but HE IS STRONG!

Some of you will be heading to a new school, some of you will face big challenges, for some you may embark on your very first year as a new teacher or take the plunge to homeschool your children. Whatever your case may be~ God wants to walk along with you in your journey. He longs to lighten your load and give you peace, love and joy. 

It is no accident that you are where you are right now. God ordained it. So work hard and accomplish all you can.  Don't settle for less than your best~but then leave the rest with God. God gives us His very best, and only desires that we give Him our best in return. We only get one life, one opportunity to make the most of it. I want my life to shine for my Saviour~the One who died for me! 

I pray you will have a great school year. Enjoy this season in your life! Happy Back to School~


Deuteronomy 6:6-7 

 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.






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Banana~ Blueberry Bread

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Happy Saturday~
Oh I was doing the happy dance this morning when I woke up to a crisp~ cool morning. It is a beautiful day here. After such hot days I am soaking up the cool air. 

This week I could not help myself when I spotted a huge bag of ripe bananas at the Grocer for only $1.00. I was just waiting for this cool morning to bake them up.  I have been wanting to try this recipe and it is so good and moist.

I am making an Amish size batch to use all those bananas. I made the recipe times four and it turned out wonderful. 





Blueberry-Banana Bread

1 cup mashed bananas
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 pecans~ chopped
1/2 cup oatmeal
1 5/8 cups of flour
3/4 cup of frozen blueberries or 1/2 cup of fresh

Dredge blueberries in 2 tablespoons of flour. Gently stir blueberries together with oats and nuts, 1 1/2 cups flour, soda, and salt.

In mixing bowl cream shortening, slowly adding sugar until light and fluffy then add eggs one at a time. Beating the egg after each addition. Stir in mashed bananas.

Mix the blueberry mixture with the creamed mixture~ stir until moist and well mixed.

Pour into greased and floured bread pan and bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes and then remove from pan to cool completely on a wire rack.

Enjoy~

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The Kincaid Brides~ Next Book

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Oh my stars I have been waiting for this book to come out and let me tell you it was worth the wait. I so enjoyed this book. When you combine a little history with a good love story it is my favorite kind of read.

I have decided Mary Connealy is becoming one of my new favorite authors. She has a way of stealing your attention from the first line. This book was a little retreat and we all need a little escape now and then to a more simple day and time. I could not put this book down.

This book series has been about the Kincaid brothers who by all imaginations are outcast. Book Three begins with Seth. This brother was burned in a cave when he was just a boy and it has left him with some traumatic emotional and mental scars. Having a horrible life up to this point~ he decides to marry Callie.

Only then he disappears~not to be found. Callie ~ a Texan spitfire is not at all a patient kind of woman takes her infant and sets out to find him.

She runs into more than her fair share of trouble and finds herself in the need of rescue. Who will save her?  Can she ever forgive a man who would abandon her and their child?

This book will keep you turning the pages.


Here is the excerpt from the book~

{MORE ABOUT OVER THE EDGE}

Seth Kincaid remembers almost everything… except getting married!
Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he’s never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he’s gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.
After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he’s got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn’t happy to find out Seth doesn’t remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she’s come to the Kincaid family’s ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.
Callie isn’t a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She’s not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.
Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth’s pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can’t sort things out. It’s enough to drive a man insane–but somehow it’s all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.
Mary Connealy

{MORE ABOUT MARY CONNEALY}

Mary Connealy writes fun and lively “romantic comedy with cowboys” for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie’s Daughters series, and her novel Calico Canyon was nominated for a Christy Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.
Find out more about Mary at http://maryconnealy.com/.







One winner will receive:
  • A Nook Color with GlowLight
  • The entire set Mary Connealy’s The Kincaid Bride series
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th. Winner will be announced at the “Over the Edge” Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/29. Meet Mary, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and more. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group.)!
So grab your copy of Over the Edge and join Mary on the evening of the August 27th for a chance to connect with Mary and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE RSVP TODAY. TELL YOUR FRIENDS VIA FACEBOOK OR TWITTER AND INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 28TH!


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Just Be Still On This Fabulous Friday~

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It is Fabulous Friday again~ sure seems to roll around in the blink of an eye. One week down and one exam passed~ woo hoo. Our first week of school went well. 

This morning I woke up to devotions with Girlfriends In God. It was about just being quiet in the stress of life. I love back-to-school time but in this house it has always meant everyone runs in all different directions. As a mom I loved it when I had all the brood was under my the roof at night tucked in safe and secure.

 If you are a "Momma Hen" ~I know you know what I mean. Well this hen coop is getting really quiet~ much too quiet. The girls are all gone building their own coops. My Brian is back to a new school year. Caleb is working two jobs and it leaves this momma wondering what to do with myself. Now don't get me wrong~ I have plenty of work to do. I am talking about big~ important things like~ "What is my purpose in life?" 

Suddenly I see myself like the disciples in the boat with Jesus caught in the stormy sea of Galilee. It goes like this~" Whoa Lord~ do you see that I am here? Have you forgot me? Do you have a plan for me?" The Lord gently reminds me to be still~ be quiet.

You know what? I don't know how to do that. After managing a lively~ active~ wild bunch for~ oh~lets~ see ~ 26 years this quiet house seems way to quiet!  I am not real sure I like it. I remember back to when the kids were little when I would lock myself in the bathroom for a 10 minute bubble bath~just to catch my breathe. They would then write me notes and stick them under the door. Seriously~ could I just have a couple minutes to myself to use the restroom? Funny how back then it was so exhausting but now what I would give to go back. The lesson to the story is enjoying the journey no matter what stage of life you are in.

Wherever you find yourself this morning God has a plan for you. If you are in the nitty gritty of life so busy you don't have time for yourself or like me with a quiet nest~ God does have a plan for your life. He has not forgotten you and He is in your boat today. He will give you strength for your soul and joy for journey. My only regret is that I wished I would have slowed down~ played more~ and savored the moments more. So in this new phase of life I am enjoying each and every moment that is mine and learning to be still and that God is God. 

Mark 4:39

King James Version (KJV)
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.


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Tidewater Inn~ Book Review and Giveaway

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I am confessing~ I started this book in one evening and read into the early morning hours until I finished it. The minute I picked it up I was captivated by Libby. A poor and struggling small business owner who restores historical buildings with her friend and business partner. They find themselves in the middle of big trouble when Libby's partner is kidnapped before her eyes~ all the while
Libby is the main suspect.

Libby learns that she has just inherited the Tidewater Inn from her father whom she thought was dead for many years. Only her new found brother and sister want nothing to do with her and bitter that their father would leave such any expensive piece of their inheritance to a daughter who had nothing to do with their father. Nothing is as it seems.

 This book is full of suspense, romance and hope. I so enjoyed reading this book.






About the Book: 

Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane.

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby’s under suspicion for the crime.

Libby’s dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.



Meet Colleen: 

Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com. Twitter @colleencoble.

Click here to buy the book.
Win a $500 Weekend Giveaway Package & RSVP for 8/23 Facebook Party!

Enter Today  - 8/3-8/23!

  Colleen Coble Tidewater Inn Giveaway

This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.

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