Happy Canada Day! a day late

July 2nd, 2009

I know it was Canada day yesterday! BUT seeing it was WFW & I don’t like to double post, I’m doing my Canada day post today!

I found this clipart online, and thought it would be great to use for my Canada Day post!

present-coat-of-arms

If you didn’t know, I am Canadian… 3rd generation on my mom’s side, and I’ll say 10+ but I think it’s closer to 11th generation on my dad’s side.  Can’t get much more Canadian than that! (Someday I’ll explain about my family history.. as I like to call it Culturally rich heritage I have cuz it’s messed up royally to put it nicely! lol)

Did you know?

The Canadian motto “A Mari usque ad Mare” means “From sea to sea”?

guess that fits with “from far and wide, O Canada we stand on guard for thee!”

I hope my fellow Canadian’s were out watching fireworks or having fun for C day!

Amydeanne This and that ,

wfw1

July 1st, 2009

Head over to e-Lisa from Extravagant Grace to sign up for WFW this week! :)

EPHESIANS1

How we praise God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to to Christ

Ephesians 1:3

God Bless!

less is more in 2009

Amydeanne Word Filled Wednesday

my favorite WFW graphic I’ve done

June 30th, 2009

ASK THE LORD

After doing WFW’s for 2 – almost 3 years now, I think is is one of my favorite WFW posts of all time!

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Life expectancy Calculator

June 29th, 2009

Life Expectancy Calculator

Have you ever tried one of these?  It’s kind of interesting!  Once in a while I like to play with these and see the results.

It said that my virtual age is 19 lol.  wow.  I wish I felt that young!

Guess I should keep that in mind when I whine about being tired! lol

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vacation time!

June 26th, 2009

on_vacation

I’m taking a bloggy summer break here for 2 weeks! (well almost!) but I’ll try and pop by here and there, if not I’ll have some photo posts from previous times (or new) to keep you from missing me!

xoxo

Have a great weekend my friends!

Amydeanne This and that , ,

my new neighbours

June 25th, 2009

Meet my new neighbours!

neighbours

aren’t they just precious? I have never seen new robins before, but my daughter found their nest beside our old firepit from last year

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generation to generation

June 24th, 2009

Welcome to  Word-Filled Wednesday!

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Father) through photo’s & a Bible verse!

from Generation to Generation

His mercy goes from generation to generation to all who fear him.

Luke 1:50

God Bless!

less is more in 2009

If You’d like to join us for Word Filled Wednesday,simply add your name to McLinky, post your photo and Bible verse. (or feel free to add mine to your site)  Than send a link back here so others can visit and have a word filled day!

ETA:  McLinky doesn’t seem to like too many people over 44 so please leave a comment/check the comments for the rest of the links!  Sorry guys!  was trying the only other alternative we’ve found for Mr. linky!

Head over to e-Lisa from Extravagant Grace to sign up for WFW  next week! :)

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Vanish – What really goes on in the dark?

June 23rd, 2009

vanishAs I mentioned yesterday I loved this book!  It was easy to devour, and I was totally blown away by the ending — Not what I was expecting at all!
Vanish by Tom Pawlik  is the first book in the series.

I think Tom takes a very creative and liberal approach in this book, but I take it for what it is; a work of fiction that entices our minds to look beyond the here and now. I love how Christianity is sprinkled throughout this book, but is not heavy, so a wide range of audiences can relate and enjoy this book.

The chapters are nice and short, so if I was interrupted (and with 4 little people underfoot that happens every so often), you could put it down and feel like you left at a good spot instead of frantically reading to get to the end of the chapter.  By the last quarter of the book I am in shock and awed by the what’s happening – I wasn’t expecting it and it became clearer (hindsight is always 20/20 right? lol)

I savored how Tom pulls the book together in the end, and you realize what is really going on (how’s that for summing it up w/o giving it away? lol).

I found the dark verses light theme in here really appealing.   It is a basic theme that I think everyone can relate to and understand. I think it would be a good cross-over to mainstream book and encourages us enough to really think about things, and what is important in our lives.  I’ll be looking for the second book Valley of the Shadow for sure!

Check out

Tom Pawlik’s Web site - http://www.tompawlik.com/

Or
Tom Pawlik’s blog - http://www.tompawlik.com/blog.htm

QUESTION:

What type of Sci-fi do you enjoy?  Do you like ones that dig into the future?

Amydeanne Christian Fiction, books

Vanish

June 22nd, 2009

vanishOkay I loved this book!  This was a great way to start of my summer reading!
Vanish by Tom Pawlik.  It is the first book in the series, with a release of it’s second out in May called Valley of the Shadow.

It was an easy read, but fairly dark.  I first thought of  the movie I Am Legend with Will Smith (but not quite so gross).  I’d consider it more on the thriller side.

What’s the book about?

Basically a few people are left on earth and drive around looking for others, while being sometimes attacked by these big crazy “observers” that sometimes just observe and whisper, and other times show their teeth and grab people.  These people seem to be wondering around aimlessly trying to figure out what’s going on; confused by the hallucinations and other occurrences happening around them.  But is it really what it seems?

Tomorrow I’ll tell you a bit more what I think about the book! In the mean time check out the CSFF Blog tour participants this month!
Brandon Barr Justin Boyer Keanan Brand Grace Bridges
Karri Compton CSFF Blog Tour Stacey Dale D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper April Erwin Karina Fabian Alex Field Beth Goddard Todd Michael Greene Ryan Heart Christopher Hopper Joleen Howell Becky Jesse Cris Jesse Julie Carol Keen Krystine Kercher Margaret Rebecca LuElla Miller Eve Nielsen Nissa John W. Otte John Ottinger Donita K. Paul Epic Rat Steve Rice Crista Richey Hanna Sandvig Chawna Schroeder James SomersSpeculative Faith Rachel Starr Thomson Robert Treskillard Steve Trower Fred Warren Phyllis Wheeler

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Only b/c he thought I wouldn’t!

June 18th, 2009

Dancing in the Rain...err mud?

How’s that? lol ya..that’s the typical expression of Mr. C!

Now you know why the kids love him & why I do!

We’ve been having lots of rain and power outages lately, so we’ve been able to get outside and as you can see behind him it’s a wee bit wet!

Happy Thursday!

Amydeanne Family, photography

If you’re happy and you know it! Share it!

June 17th, 2009

Head over to e-Lisa from Extravagant Grace to sign up for WFW this week! :)

happy heart

I wish you could see the zest Miss E has with life!  She is my happy girl.   Always a smile on her face, always looking for fun, and always cheerful (well 90% cheerful, but you get what I mean! lol)  Her personality is happy happy happy!  You can’t help but smile with her because she is just so sweet!  She has a zest for life, and it’s contagious!  You can always hear her singing or dancing, or her favorite getting pushed on a swing (by grandpa!)

May you be the zest for someone else today!  And let them know your reason is Jesus!

God Bless!!

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The Jesus who never lived.

June 15th, 2009

Do you remember that movie, Catch Me If You Can?  Starring Leonard DeCaprio?

He mainly did cheque forgery and eventually worked for the FBI to catch other criminals?  In the movie it shows him studying the real cheques before he figured out how to make the fake ones.

So why do I bring this up?

As a Christian we need to make sure we do that, right?  Study the WORD before we can pick out who is teaching false doctrine.  Not just bits and pieces, but the WHOLE WORD.  If we can’t back it up in God’s Word, and actually know it’s in his Word, how can we tell who is preaching the real gospel?

thejesusThe Jesus Who Never Lived by H. Wayne House encourages this train of thought.  He helps by giving you the scriptures and encourages you to understand what the Bible REALLY says about Jesus.

What I like about this book:

House really gives scripture to back up his information.  I mean a lot!

I like that he also provides outside sources from older doctrines that help validate his point historically and therefore more accurately.  He gives the facts as opposed to his opinion and lays it out before you.

I like the layout of the book.  House presents the false idea (ie. that Judas was a good guy) and than gives you the biblical resources.  It is easy to read, and easy to follow (which I greatly value in apologetic books!)

House pulled out a few things that I don’t think I had heard, and I appreciated that.  For instance, he gives the references to Judas, and shows that Judas never actually acknowledged Jesus as God/Savior.

I think this book is a good study book, but you need to know your Bible yourself.  As my pastor said, “Don’t just believe! Check it against God’s Word.”  I think it’s so important to understand and know HIS WORD instead of just taking someone else’s word!  That being said, sometimes it is difficult to totally “get it” and it’s nice to see what others say, so you can grasp a better understanding.  This is one of those books that help you get a that “better understand”

The Jesus Who Never Lived has made me evaluate who has influenced my belief in Jesus, and whether or not my environment has played a big part in that, or whether I am relying on God’s Word and what I learn myself about HIM.

For more information check out House’s website: http://www.hwhouse.com/

or find a copy of his book at CBD:

923217: The Jesus Who Never Lived: Exposing False Christs and Finding the Real Jesus The Jesus Who Never Lived: Exposing False Christs and Finding the Real Jesus

By H. Wayne House / Harvest House Publishers

Who was the real Jesus? Wayne House seeks to answer this question, because today, people may not be so sure. There are many “Jesuses” presented in our world today–the good but powerless Jesus of world religions, the less than fully God Jesus of the cults that branch away from Christianity and the mystical Jesus of Hollywood and popular media. House argues that to find the real Jesus, we must go back to the New Testament writings about Him. There, you will find Jesus–alive and better than you can imagine.

What are you reading today?

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Prayer Request please!

June 12th, 2009

If you get a moment, please click on the link and say a prayer for this family!


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Falling into place

June 11th, 2009

It’s amazing sometimes how God plans fall into place and you can see it in hindsight so sweetly… how this and that melt together and make the perfect decision even though you questioned and pondered why the things were happening.  I see that result today, and I’m happy!  We’ve had a few things going on and I really wasn’t sure how I was going to handle them.  We decided on one thing and were waiting… as it turns out we really were obeying, and that pressure of uncertainty has been totally lifted!

God Is Good!

We’re having a slow week other wise, it’s been rainy and my garage is getting built slowly, but I”m okay with that.  I can see progress, so I’m excited!

The kids are enjoying the outdoors, our plants are growing a little and I”m ready for a vacation!

I finished partaking in the A Woman Inspired conference this week.  I feel encouraged, and have some new actions that I need to take in place!  It was nice to listen to speakers about topics that I was familiar with (graphics, and marketing) and to just re-affirm what I’ve started, and to hear some new trips!

I’m starting to read a new book, but I’ll have that on Monday!

I’m taking an early weekend here to enjoy the weather and finish cleaning!! :)

Amydeanne books

wfw1

June 10th, 2009

Welcome to  Word-Filled Wednesday!

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Father) through photo’s & a Bible verse!

Life

I myself no longer live but Christ lives in me!

Galatians 2:20

God Bless!

less is more in 2009

If You’d like to join us for Word Filled Wednesday,simply add your name to Mr. Linky, post your photo and Bible verse. (or feel free to add mine to your site)  Than send a link back here so others can visit and have a word filled day!

Please Join us next week at Extravagant Grace!

(Mr. Linky is acting up, please leave a comment with your addy so people can come and check ya out!)

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A woman inspired!

June 9th, 2009

I’m at a http://www.awomaninspiredconference.org
today!!

Amydeanne books

I love this

June 8th, 2009

okay, hubby brought some flowers home a while ago and this just makes me melt.. mmmmmmmm
happy monday!
soft daisy

Amydeanne photography , , ,

Amazing Tales for Making Men out of Boys

June 6th, 2009

What an interesting book!

I love how it provides heroes for our boys to look up to.  Hero’s that were ordinary men; who didn’t even know they were heroes.

amazingtalesAmazing Tales For Making Men out of Boys by Neil Oliver is full of  chapters of history, and amazing examples of people who have overcome trials.  It was encouraging and delightful to read this book.  I like that he uses real heros, and real places.  It’s the kind of book that boys can really get into!  Oliver creates wonderful imagery and is a good storyteller.  It has just what my son enjoys.. tales of war and rights, and astronauts to name a few.  I think it is for probably 6-14 year olds, but honestly my son (who is 5) enjoyed a lot of these stories!  (depends on how well they like to listen and sit!)  I like that it is based on kids, and the language and attitude is kept as such.  Oliver’s writing is clean and yet stimulating; it cultivates a lot of imagery and inspires!

I think this would be a great gift for any boy who is looking for a good hero!  It would be good for perhaps homeschooling middle school-aged as well because it gives history in an understandable way!

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Politics & Fashion

June 5th, 2009

I don’t know about you, but I’m not big into politics.  I mean I keep my opinions to myself (though if you truly know me I’m sure you can guess some of my stances.)  BUT take the politics out and replace it with fashion and I’m a happy camper.  I enjoy a good fashion magazine (nix all the junkie quizes lol), but it’s nice to see a book dedicated to it!

michellefashionMichelle Style: Celebrating the First Lady of Fashion, by Mandi Norwood is that.  We get to meet Mrs Obama in a lovely way!  It not based on her husband, but on her style.  Just like Jackie O is known for her little pill hats and great taste, Michelle has been moving up the ranks these days as a first lady with great taste.

I enjoy seeing her in this setting, and honestly who doesn’t make some sort of opinion based on what she wears.

I liked the way it started off with describing her childhood and that her “parents taught her about confidence from within.”

I like the pictures in the book and the fact they pointed out she wore designer look-alikes that were even priced in a range that we can afford instead of spending outrageously.

I do like that they don’t try and make her look younger, but appreciate her for being her age and size.  Being almost 6 foot she really does stand out.  I like that they promote her natural beauty and that she doesn’t go overboard on her make up.

A few things that bothered me, there were several pictures that just were not flattering. (wrinkled clothing that was obvious or her hair doing a bit out of place.) and I only mention that b/c it is a fashion book and I would think they would have picked the most flattering pictures.   Some of them were too plain as well.. there was one where she was wearing blue pants and a tee-shirt with a yellow blazer, and honestly .. well … It just made me think oh ya, she’s human like the rest of us.     The other thing was that this book went on and on about her; too much idolizing in my opinion. I found it a bit precocious to be putting her as a fashion icon seeing their term has just begun; let her be there a bit and see how it holds up.

All in all, it is a nice little book that can give you some fashion pointers regardless of skin color, and if your a Michelle fan, you’ll enjoy it even more!

Amydeanne mainstream books , , , , ,

Ye Ol’ Merry Men!

June 4th, 2009

Come listen a while, you gentlefolk alle,
That stand this bower within,
A tale of noble Rhiban the Hud,
I purpose now to begin.

Young Rhiban was a princeling fayre,
And a gladsome heart had he.
Delight took he in games and tricks,
And guiling his fair ladye.

A bonny fine maide of noble degree,
Mérian calléd by name,
This beauty soote was praised of alle men
For she was a gallant dame.

Rhiban stole through the greenwoode one night
To kiss his dear Mérian late.
But she boxed his head till his nose it turn’d red
And then order’d him home full straight.

Though Rhiban indeed speeded home fayrlie hrathe,
That night he did not see his bed.
For in flames of fire from the rooftops’ eaves,
He saw all his kinsmen lay dead.

Ay, the sheriff’s low men that night visited there,
When the household was slumbering deepe.
And from room to room they had quietly crept
And murtheréd them all in their sleepe.

Rhiban cried out “wey-la-wey la-wey!”
But those fiends still lingered close by.
So into the greenwoode he quickly slipt,
For they had soon heard his cry.

Rhiban gave the hunters goode sport,
Full lange, a swift chase he led.
But a spearman threw his shot full well
And he fell as one that is dead.

~ the opening of part one

Tuck by Stephen Lawhead

How many out there enjoy watching Robin Hood when you were younger (or even now?).  It brings back good memories for myself, whether it was the cartoon version or the actual movie.  Not to mention I keep seeing Men In Tights in my head lol.. sorry..

And while I’ve grown up and put Robin and his merry men in the back of my memories, something has drawn it out again!

Remember I was mentioning I was waiting for a a book to read with my Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour?

tuckTuck by Stephen Lawhead?

I received it last week, after a few unseen circumstances  at the border, but and finished it today!  And let me say, I loved it.

First, I really enjoy Lawhead’s writing style.  He had me from page one.  He invited me into the novel and kept me hooked.  I love the language he gave to his characters.  And I really love that he gave the “sound key” for the Celtic language at the beginning of the book. It is so sumptuous and I love the poetry of it!  It made me feel like I was sneaking a peek into their lives and had somehow received this special invitation to read it.
So what is Tuck about?  Well, Tuck is the third book in the King Raven Trilogy.   And if you haven’t guessed, Tuck, is the famous Friar Tuck from Robin Hood.  It takes the tale of  Robin Hood to the Welsh countryside and gives it a Celtic, medieval presence.   Rhi Bran y Hud (Robin) and his “merry men” go  through the country they make friends and foes and fight for their lives, and Robin tries to reclaim the throne that is rightfully his.

I found it really interesting to read the story from Tuck’s view.  It is a refreshing change!  And what’s more the image of Tuck being nothing more than a rotund little man with nothing but ale on his mind is changed here!  I found Tuck engaging and an  interesting fellow to get to know.

I like Lawhead’s choice of location, and it  definitely brings new twists to the story that I wouldn’t have expected.  The fact that Rhi Bran y Hud (Robinhood) it placed in the Welsh country instead of the traditional Sherwood forest,  brings up new and intriguing imagery!  I’ve read a few comments about Lawhead being extremely familiar with the Welsh, and while this is my first read of one of Mr. Lawhead’s books, I appreciate writers who write what they know; I mean why wouldn’t you?  When I was a child I would change Robin Hood to fit into my backyard, and now I would fit him on the farm… so why wouldn’t I fit him into the country side I knew?

I think anyone who loves a good adventure will enjoy this book.  I loved the transformation of Robin from theif to king, and even more so the kernels of truth planted in this book.

Now, hubby has stolen this book and wants to finish reading it, so I’ll conclude by saying I think we’ll be getting the other two books to see the whole story! Yummmmy!!

What are you reading these days?

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