Writing From Home

News from Across the Web: Baby Stellan, Montana Plane Crash, Red Envelope Abortion Protest, Tea Party Rallies, and a Luscious Lemon Pie

I've been a busy girl this week and have so much to share with you that I thought it best to condense it into one quick post. You can learn more about each item by visiting the links.

Please pray for baby Stellan and his precious family.

Here's the side of the Montana plane crash story you won't see on network news or in the newspapers. I hope it spurs you to prayer like it did me.

And while we're talking about abortion, have you purchased red envelopes for the abortion protest yet? I found some at Tuesday Morning (yes, real cheap!) They are also available at Kinko's and craft or stamp stores. Check here for more info. Then mail out those envelopes on March 31^st.

And since we're in the mood to protest, why not participate in a national tea party (Taxed Enough Already) protesting our government's economic stimulus plan, the mounting national debt and the forced redistribution of wealth. The Tea Party Rallies will take place on Wednesday, April 15, in cities all across the country. You can find out details for the rally in your area here: http://www.teapartyday.com/

Okay, I know these are all heavy issues. Once you've followed those links and learned what you can do about some of the more serious things going on around us, stop by 4 Reluctant Entertainers and be encouraged to open your home and your heart to others during this beautiful Spring season. Sandy provides great entertaining advice and delicious recipes like this one for Creamy Lemon Pie. Yum!

Okay, that's enough information for today. I hope you will join me in prayer for Stellan and for our nation. I also hope you will stand up for the unborn, and for the next generations, who will bear the consequences of decisions made in our generation.

Have a blessed Sunday.

Gratefully,

Beth

New Waterproof Bible Now Available

 

You have to see this to believe it… a Bible that is WATERPROOF!

Now why on earth would you need a waterproof Bible? I'll tell you why…

No more worries about drenching a leather bound, onion-skin-page Bible in the bathtub.

Now we can be inspired anywhere. In a bubble bath or beside a bubbling brook, the Outdoor Bible is completely waterproof and tear resistant. You can take it camping, hiking, to the pool, anywhere you like.

Great for missions trips, too. I know several young missionaries who will enjoy receiving one of these. To see the Outdoor Bible in action, head over to www.theoutdoorbible.com.

 

Special thanks to Karen Powers at Christian Speaker Services for bringing this fun new product to my attention.

So, what do you think? Is this a great idea? Let me know what you think. As for me, I think I will have to order one for myself and one for my sweet daughter who is preparing for an extended mission trip. (We'll talk more about that once her plans are firm.)

Gratefully,

Beth

Too Many Books? Donate to Christian Library International

For the record, I don't believe you can have too many great books. However, during my recent home office renovation, I decided to part with some titles because I need the space. Heartbreaking, I know.

Here's the good news: I found this great organization that distributes Christian books to more than 900 prisons and jails in 49 states. So, I'm boxing up the books I am not likely to read again and shipping them off to Christian Library International.

Now my books will have the opportunity to impact the lives of inmates, bringing them hope, encouragement and the truth about how much God loves them. Isn't that wonderful?

If you have books that need to find a new home, go to www.christianlibraryinternational.com for shipping information.

 

Gratefully,

Beth

Book Review and Give-Away: Turning the Paige by Laura Jensen Walker

 

Are you a Laura Jensen Walker fan yet? If not, you will be after reading Turning the Paige, her latest novel in the Getaway Girls series.

Okay, I admit it; I was already a fan before reading Turning the Paige. But I must say it is one of my favorite titles from this talented story-teller. (My other favorite is Reconstructing Natalie, the 2006 Women of Faith Novel of the Year.) Here's my take on Laura's latest novel:

Paige Kelley is a people-pleaser with a huge problem setting boundaries, especially with her medically fragile, emotionally manipulative and controlling mother. As a dutiful daughter Paige struggles to meet all her mother's needs at the expense of living her own life. When she realizes her extreme devotion is causing her to miss out on the things she wants most, marriage and a family, she decides to set boundaries and step out of her mother's shadow and into the light of her own life. Paige discovers an inner strength as she places the demands of her heart above the demands of her needy mother. And she will need that strength as she embarks on a new relationship with her estranged sister and opens her heart to the possibility of love.

If you have ever struggled to find a balance between fulfilling your duties and pursuing your dreams, you will enjoy Turning the Paige.

If you would like to win a copy of Laura Jensen Walker's Turning the Paige, leave me a comment describing your dream and one small step you are taking to make it a reality. I will choose a winner on Friday, March 27.

Gratefully,

Beth

 

First-time Contest Winner!

And the Winner Is...

Elizabeth M. Thompson

 

What a fun surprise! This morning I was making my blog rounds when I discovered I won a contest at Refresh Moments. I'll be receiving a copy of Donna Partow's book, Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be. Sounds like a perfect book for me.

 

I enjoy Refresh Moments because Mary encourages me, through her writing, to slow down, sip a cup of tea and ponder my role as a Christian wife and mother.

 

Be sure to check out her blog. And while you are there, consider joining her "Ruby Tuesday" events.

 

This is my first time to win a blog contest and I'm pretty excited about it. So excited, that I am inspired to host a contest at Writing From Home. Watch for details. There's a contest coming.

 

Gratefully,

 

Beth

 

Share a Little Spring: Daffodils in a Vase

I have a confession to make and I might as well tell you before these bulbs rat me out. I am a procrastinator. I know, I'm working on it. Well, at least I plan to work on it. Soon. Really, I will.

But meanwhile, I bought these gorgeous daffodil bulbs with every intention of planting them around my yard. I love daffodils and was excited to find them at such a great price at Costco many weeks ago.

The time for planting them came and went. They sat in my garage, taunting me for my negligence. Every time I pulled into the garage their presence reminded me of yet another un-done task.

Then a couple of days ago, I visited 4 Reluctant Entertainers and found Sandy's suggestion to make gifts of them. I loved her idea so much, I copied it. And voila!

 

So, if you have a bag of bulbs hanging out in your garage, and want to share a little Spring joy with a friend, neighbor or your child's teacher…here's a quick and easy way to do it.

Step 1: Gather (or purchase) several glass vases (or glass jars), smooth stones and some daffodil bulbs. I purchased these vases and the stones at the Dollar Tree store. (Don't have any bulbs? Leave me a comment and I'll send you some. I have about 50 left! Just hurry, they're sprouting.)

 

Step 2: Wash the vases or jars. Add a handful of stones.

 

Step 3: Nestle in the bulbs, pointed ends up.

 

Step 4: Attach a pretty ribbon. Add water to the vase, so the bulb roots are sitting in water, but most of the bulb sits above the water.

Step 5: Deliver to someone you want to bless with a little touch of Spring. (Be sure to keep at least one for yourself.) Place in a sunny spot and wait for Spring to magically appear.

Don't you love it when procrastination turns out so well?

Now go share a little Spring.

Gratefully,

Beth

Grief Devotional “No Shrinking Back” at Comfort Cafe

Have you ever grieved the loss of a loved one? Or do you know someone who is grieving today?

If so, head over to Comfort Café to read my devotional, "No Shrinking Back."

For more grief devotionals and other resources, visit www.FaithandGrief.com.

Gratefully,

Beth

Beyond the Call to “Pray for Your Enemies”

This morning I read a great article written by my friend Norris Burkes and I want to share it with you. Norris is a chaplain in the California National Guard, currently serving in Balad, Iraq. He is also a syndicated columnist and author of the book No Small Miracles.

Here's the article: Enemies Need Prayer, Care, Too.

Go ahead, click over and read it, then let me know your reaction to it.

Gratefully,

Beth