There was a health warning on the back of this book: 'Not for the faint hearted...once you begin you won't want to stop, but be prepared for an emotional journey.'
Love Letter is the third - and, I guess, sadly the last - in the Babe's Bible trilogy. Karen Jones has created a compelling character in Grace, a vicar, who deals with many of life's challenges and problems. Grace's encounters with her husband and son, her friends, her colleagues and the women she encounters at the women's refuge she has helped set up, are interwoven with the book of Ephesians. Meanwhile, Grace is writing a story of her own: begun in the first book (Gorgeous Grace), it is the story of Mary and Lila, first century women who are disciples of Jesus.
There are many parallels and reflections between what happens in Grace's world, and what happens in the world she has recreated in her book. Yet the stories are not too similar. In Grace's world, sinful characters find redemption and grace; in the first century, there is much evil as the Jews suffer under Roman rule until, in 70 AD, the temple in Jerusalem is torn down. Yet throughout both stories there is a powerful sense of God at work in people's lives.
So yes, it WAS true. I read the book very quickly indeed. It was truly a superbly crafted page turner. Having finished the last in the trilogy, it is probably time to start at the beginning again: because these are books well worth a second read.
Sunday, 30 November 2014
Advent/Christmas
Such beautiful words and harmonies...
The story of how a new verse for 'Silent Night' has been written by Ben Cantelon and Nick Herbert.
The story of how a new verse for 'Silent Night' has been written by Ben Cantelon and Nick Herbert.
Sunday, 23 November 2014
Advent. Christmas. Jesse tree...
Today is Stir Up Sunday. So next Sunday is the beginning of Advent.
I've been asked to present a Christmas craft/tradition at our church Christmas craft fair. I'll be showing folk the little layered gingerbread Christmas trees I make, but also salt dough ornaments. (recipe: a quarter of a cup of salt, one cup of flour and enough hot water - maybe up to one third of a cup - to make a firm dough, cooked for up to three minutes in the microwave on medium heat, carefully) My daughter and I made these a dozen years ago, representing Jesus's story. Ornaments for a Jesse tree. There is a saying: “The Old Testament conceals what the New Testament reveals.” The Jesse tree does this beautifully.
This site has a good summary of the Bible verse, a suggested symbol and a child friendly explanation; there are also suggestions for making the tree and ornaments. Ann Voskamp has a Christmas devotional book, with a free set of the ornaments. There is a detailed explanation here.
I came across a beautiful post about making the ornaments with a group of friends and then exchanging them. Ideally with a group of 25 women (24 days in Advent, plus Christmas), each one makes 24 ornaments and 1 for themselves, then all exchange so that each one has a set of 25 different ornaments. I started off a Jesse tree using the children's toy animals and other bits and pieces I had to hand, but this is a lovely idea. I've also, in the past, done it using old Christmas cards, cut up and hung with ribbon, putting the relevant Bible verse on the back of each; we've even made our own Advent calendars in this way.
There is also a simple way of doing it with printed images or even building up a Nativity scene with the relevant Bible verses.
FlameCreativeKids have the best ideas for Advent activities.
Here are the verses, (from a Catholic website) with some suggestions:
I've been asked to present a Christmas craft/tradition at our church Christmas craft fair. I'll be showing folk the little layered gingerbread Christmas trees I make, but also salt dough ornaments. (recipe: a quarter of a cup of salt, one cup of flour and enough hot water - maybe up to one third of a cup - to make a firm dough, cooked for up to three minutes in the microwave on medium heat, carefully) My daughter and I made these a dozen years ago, representing Jesus's story. Ornaments for a Jesse tree. There is a saying: “The Old Testament conceals what the New Testament reveals.” The Jesse tree does this beautifully.
This site has a good summary of the Bible verse, a suggested symbol and a child friendly explanation; there are also suggestions for making the tree and ornaments. Ann Voskamp has a Christmas devotional book, with a free set of the ornaments. There is a detailed explanation here.
I came across a beautiful post about making the ornaments with a group of friends and then exchanging them. Ideally with a group of 25 women (24 days in Advent, plus Christmas), each one makes 24 ornaments and 1 for themselves, then all exchange so that each one has a set of 25 different ornaments. I started off a Jesse tree using the children's toy animals and other bits and pieces I had to hand, but this is a lovely idea. I've also, in the past, done it using old Christmas cards, cut up and hung with ribbon, putting the relevant Bible verse on the back of each; we've even made our own Advent calendars in this way.
There is also a simple way of doing it with printed images or even building up a Nativity scene with the relevant Bible verses.
FlameCreativeKids have the best ideas for Advent activities.
Here are the verses, (from a Catholic website) with some suggestions:
JESSE TREE SCRIPTURES (The symbols are only suggestions)
December 1 Creation: Gen. 1:1-31; 2:1-4 Symbols: sun, moon, stars, animals, earth
December 2 Adam and Eve: Gen. 2:7-9, 18-24 Symbols: tree, man, woman
December 3 Fall of Man: Gen. 3:1-7 and 23-24 Symbols: tree, serpent, apple with bite
December 4 Noah: Gen. 6:5-8, 13-22; 7:17, 23, 24; 8:1, 6-22 Symbols: ark, animals, dove, rainbow
December 5 Abraham: Gen. 12:1-3 Symbols: torch, sword, mountain
December 6 Isaac: Gen. 22:1-14 Symbols: bundle of wood, altar, ram in bush
December 7 Jacob: Gen. 25:1-34; 28:10-15 Symbols: kettle, ladder
December 8 Joseph: Gen. 37:23-28; 45:3-15 Symbols: bucket, well, silver coins, tunic
December 9 Moses: Ex. 2:1-10 Symbols: baby in basket, river and rushes
December 10 Samuel: 1 Sam. 3:1-18 Symbols: lamp, temple
December 11 Jesse: 1 Sam. 16:1-13 Symbols: crimson robe, shepherd's staff
December 12 David: 1 Sam. 17:12-51 Symbols: slingshot, 6-pointed star
December 13 Solomon: 1 Kings 3:5-14, 16-28 Symbols: scales of justice, temple, two babies and sword
December 14 Joseph: Matt. 1:18-25 Symbols: hammer, saw, chisel, angle
December 15 Mary: Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38 Symbols: lily, crown of stars, pierced heart
December 16 John the Baptist: Mark 1:1-8 Symbols: shell with water, river
On December 17, the Church begins to intensify the preparation for Christmas with the use of the "O" Antiphons during the Liturgy of the Hours. The symbols for the Jesse Tree from December 17 to 23 are based on the "O" Antiphons.
December 17 Jesus is Wisdom: Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus in old Bibles) 24:2; Wisdom 8:1 Symbols:oil lamp, open book
December 18 Jesus is Lord: Ex. 3:2; 20:1 Symbols: burning bush, stone tablets
December 19 Jesus is Flower of Jesse: Isaiah 11:1-3 Symbols: flower, plant with flower
December 20 Jesus is Key of David: Isaiah 22:22 Symbols: key, broken chains
December 21 Jesus is the Radiant Dawn: Psalm 19:6-7 (in older Bibles this will be Psalm 18)Symbols: sun rising or high in sky
December 22 Jesus is King of the Gentiles: Psalm 2:7-8; Ephesians 2:14-20 Symbols: crown, scepter
December 23 Jesus is Emmanuel: Isaiah 7:14; 33:22 Symbols: tablets of stone, chalice and host
December 24 Jesus is Light of the World: John 1:1-14 Symbols: candle, flame, sun
Activity Source: Jesse Tree Kit, A by Betsy Walter, Pauline Books and Media, Boston, MA, 1983
Also:
Day 1: Earth
Day 2: Apple & Snake
Day 3: Ark & Rainbow
Day 4: Camel & Tent
Day 5: Lamb
Day 6: Ladder
Day 7: Colourful Coat
Day 8: 10 Commandments
Day 9: Grapes
Day 10: Wheat
Day 11: Slingshot
Day 12: Scroll/Bible
Day 13: Stump w/ Leaf
Day 14: Lion & Lamb
Day 15: Dove Crown
Day 16: Lamb & Shepherd. Staff
Day 17: Cross Day
Day 18: Heart
Day 19: Bethlehem Silhouette
Day 20: Fiery Furnace
Day 21: Brick Wall
Day 22: Star
Day 23: Candle
Day 24: Angel
Day 25: Baby in Manger/Nativity
And the most straightforward by far, thanks to Confessions of a Homeschooler:
December 1 Genesis 1:1 - 2:4 Creation - Sun The Jesse Tree
December 2 Genesis 2:7-24;3:1-24 The Garden, The Fall Paradise Garden
December 3 Genesis 6:5-22 The Arc A Boat Full of Animals
December 4 Genesis 12:1-3 Abraham Strange Visitors
December 5 Genesis 22:1-14 Isaac A Test of Love
December 6 Genesis 25:1-34 Jacob Stairway to Heaven
December 7 Genesis 37:23-28 Joseph The Dreamer
December 8 Genesis 41 & 45 Pharaoh Famine & Plenty
December 9 Exodus 2:1-10;14:1-31 Moses Let My People Go!
December 10 Ruth 4:1-17 Ruth The Foreigner
December 11 1 Samuel 3:1-18 Samuel “Speak, Lord, For Your Servant is Listening”
December 12 1 Samuel 16:1-13 David The Shepherd King
December 13 1 Samuel 17:12-51 Jesse Dancing
December 14 1 Kings 3:5-28 Solomon The Wisdom of Solomon
December 15 1 Kings 18:19-39 Elijah The Idol & The Still Small Voice
December 16 Daniel 6:2-29 Daniel
December 17 Isaiah 9:1-7, 11:1-5 Isaiah War and Peace
December 18 Luke 1:5-25 Zechariah Dumbstruck!
December 19 Luke 1:26-55, Matthew 1:18-25 Mary & Joseph Mary
December 20 Mark 1:1-8 John the Baptist Jumping for Joy
December 21 Luke 2:1-5 Journey to Bethlehem The Worst of all Possible Times
December 22 Luke 2:1-15 Birth of Jesus Wonderful News
December 23 Matthew 2:1-12 Magi Visit the Messiah The Cunning and the Wise, Angels
December 24 John 1:1-18 The Brightest Star The Brightest Star
And these were just adorable:
1. a globe or picture of the Earth
2. an apple and a snake wrapped around it
3. an ark with a rainbow
4. a camel and a tent
5. a lamb
6. a ladder
7. a colorful coat
8. a tablet with ten numbers
9. a cluster of grapes
10. a sheaf of wheat
11. a slingshot
12. a scroll or Bible
13. a stump with fresh shoot or green leaf
14. a lion and a lamb
15. a dove and a crown
16. a lamb and a shepherd’s staff
17. a cross
18. a heart with writing on it
19. a Bethlehem town silhouette with star
20. a fiery furnace
21. a brick wall
22. a star
23. a candle or light
24. an angel
25. a baby in a manger or a nativity scene
And another nice Advent calendar idea, writing verses and activities into red and green envelopes or pockets and creating a tree shape.
And the most straightforward by far, thanks to Confessions of a Homeschooler:
December 1 Genesis 1:1 - 2:4 Creation - Sun The Jesse Tree
December 2 Genesis 2:7-24;3:1-24 The Garden, The Fall Paradise Garden
December 3 Genesis 6:5-22 The Arc A Boat Full of Animals
December 4 Genesis 12:1-3 Abraham Strange Visitors
December 5 Genesis 22:1-14 Isaac A Test of Love
December 6 Genesis 25:1-34 Jacob Stairway to Heaven
December 7 Genesis 37:23-28 Joseph The Dreamer
December 8 Genesis 41 & 45 Pharaoh Famine & Plenty
December 9 Exodus 2:1-10;14:1-31 Moses Let My People Go!
December 10 Ruth 4:1-17 Ruth The Foreigner
December 11 1 Samuel 3:1-18 Samuel “Speak, Lord, For Your Servant is Listening”
December 12 1 Samuel 16:1-13 David The Shepherd King
December 13 1 Samuel 17:12-51 Jesse Dancing
December 14 1 Kings 3:5-28 Solomon The Wisdom of Solomon
December 15 1 Kings 18:19-39 Elijah The Idol & The Still Small Voice
December 16 Daniel 6:2-29 Daniel
December 17 Isaiah 9:1-7, 11:1-5 Isaiah War and Peace
December 18 Luke 1:5-25 Zechariah Dumbstruck!
December 19 Luke 1:26-55, Matthew 1:18-25 Mary & Joseph Mary
December 20 Mark 1:1-8 John the Baptist Jumping for Joy
December 21 Luke 2:1-5 Journey to Bethlehem The Worst of all Possible Times
December 22 Luke 2:1-15 Birth of Jesus Wonderful News
December 23 Matthew 2:1-12 Magi Visit the Messiah The Cunning and the Wise, Angels
December 24 John 1:1-18 The Brightest Star The Brightest Star
And these were just adorable:
1. a globe or picture of the Earth2. an apple and a snake wrapped around it
3. an ark with a rainbow
4. a camel and a tent
5. a lamb
6. a ladder
7. a colorful coat
8. a tablet with ten numbers
9. a cluster of grapes
10. a sheaf of wheat
11. a slingshot
12. a scroll or Bible
13. a stump with fresh shoot or green leaf
14. a lion and a lamb
15. a dove and a crown
16. a lamb and a shepherd’s staff
17. a cross
18. a heart with writing on it
19. a Bethlehem town silhouette with star
20. a fiery furnace
21. a brick wall
22. a star
23. a candle or light
24. an angel
25. a baby in a manger or a nativity scene
And another nice Advent calendar idea, writing verses and activities into red and green envelopes or pockets and creating a tree shape.
Sunday, 2 November 2014
A bit of a waffle about happiness...
Listening to a TED talk on happiness, I was reminded of my educational thesis (many many years ago) which explored the development of self as linked to the other - Martin Buber who suggested that we truly exist when we encounter others (the 'Ich - Du' relationship). "... the modes of consciousness, interaction, and being through which an individual engages with other individuals, inanimate objects, and all reality in general...expressing the interpersonal nature of human existence....Common English words used to describe the Ich‑Du relationship include encounter, meeting, dialogue, mutuality, and exchange." (Wikipedia)
So as Nancy Etcoff talks about our innate desire for and pursuit of happiness, I found myself thinking about the PSHE syllabus, for which I am responsible at school. And of how, though we encourage giving and generosity and sharing, there are few educational objectives for this. Most of the syllabus is on improving oneself.
Of course, there are myriads of anthropological studies out there on the different ways in which societies function. But, perhaps, happiness really just boils down to one thing: interacting successfully with others, putting others' needs first, being generous and being loving.
Jesus, anyone?
So as Nancy Etcoff talks about our innate desire for and pursuit of happiness, I found myself thinking about the PSHE syllabus, for which I am responsible at school. And of how, though we encourage giving and generosity and sharing, there are few educational objectives for this. Most of the syllabus is on improving oneself.
Of course, there are myriads of anthropological studies out there on the different ways in which societies function. But, perhaps, happiness really just boils down to one thing: interacting successfully with others, putting others' needs first, being generous and being loving.
Jesus, anyone?
Wednesday, 29 October 2014
A September Bride
This was another fun read in the Year of Weddings novella series.Annie Price has recently moved to Red Leaf to take up a job she loves: manager of a second hand bookshop, whose elderly owner, Lorna Kent, she had met online. Unfortunately, barely days into her new job, the police officer who pulls her over for for a fault on her car turns out to be Lorna's son Jesse, who is very suspicious of Annie.
The scene is set for romance, and Kathryn Springer does not disappoint. Neat characterisation and descriptive settings make the reader smile as attraction between Annie and Jesse deepens. Then the local historical society, with which Annie is involved, decides to reenact the wedding of a couple who were instrumental in founding Red Leaf. A relative lends the original wedding dress for the event, and Annie is the only one who can fit into it. Meanwhile, Jesse is then inveigled into taking the part of the groom...
A light bit of escapism in a sweet series: probably one of the best so far. I really enjoyed Springer's writing style and will look for more by this author.
I received this book at no charge from www.booklookbloggers.com in exchange for an honest review.
An August Bride by Debra Clopton
Review no 2. I read An August Bride in August, some light relief in the middle of hectic preparations for our own lovely August Wedding.
Right in the opening of the book Kelsey Wilcox, who has escaped a jilting fiance and her ranching background, is rescued from drowning by Brent Corbin. The sparks of attraction fly between them, but the path of love is not at all smooth.
Kelsey has made a new life for herself, surviving the disappointment of losing her cowboy fiance when he jilted her at the altar AND her father's loss of the family ranch when lack of finances made it impossible to continue.
She has vowed never to have anything to do with cowboys again, having built up her own bakery and cafe business on the beach, but Brent farms a cattle ranch nearby and she finds herself going out there to visit.
As the love story unfolds, with the help of Kelsey's aunt and her two friends who are known as the Matchmakin' Posse of Mule Hollow, we walk with Kelsey as she is faced with her own bitterness. She realises that her dislike of weddings and prejudice against cowboys stem from her own sense of betrayal but that she CAN dare to trust again. And haven't most women felt like this at some time or another? Walking Kelsey's journey with her, as she gets to know a man who loves and respects her, encourages women with the hope of finding love again.
This was an easy-read little romance, which I read through the Booklook Bloggers program, which provides review copies free of charge.
Right in the opening of the book Kelsey Wilcox, who has escaped a jilting fiance and her ranching background, is rescued from drowning by Brent Corbin. The sparks of attraction fly between them, but the path of love is not at all smooth.
Kelsey has made a new life for herself, surviving the disappointment of losing her cowboy fiance when he jilted her at the altar AND her father's loss of the family ranch when lack of finances made it impossible to continue.
She has vowed never to have anything to do with cowboys again, having built up her own bakery and cafe business on the beach, but Brent farms a cattle ranch nearby and she finds herself going out there to visit.
As the love story unfolds, with the help of Kelsey's aunt and her two friends who are known as the Matchmakin' Posse of Mule Hollow, we walk with Kelsey as she is faced with her own bitterness. She realises that her dislike of weddings and prejudice against cowboys stem from her own sense of betrayal but that she CAN dare to trust again. And haven't most women felt like this at some time or another? Walking Kelsey's journey with her, as she gets to know a man who loves and respects her, encourages women with the hope of finding love again.
This was an easy-read little romance, which I read through the Booklook Bloggers program, which provides review copies free of charge.
Tuesday, 28 October 2014
A July Bride: book review
When I signed up for The Year of Weddings novella series, I hadn't quite appreciated that the year would run away with me, despite Booklook Bloggers providing me with free copies at regular monthly intervals. I'm enjoying the series and am grateful to them for this lovely, light reading. So, here I am, at the end of October, catching up on book reviews.
A July Bride by Beth Wiseman opens with a wedding and finishes with a wedding. Same bride, different bridegrooms. It is a sweet story of Alyssa, jilted AT THE ALTAR by her high school sweetheart, Brendan. Of course, he regrets it straight away but it is too late: Alyssa, understandably, doesn't want any more to do with him.
On to the scene steps the handsome, well-off Dalton, a nice guy who also happens to be a friend of Alyssa's brother Alex.
Everyone lives, happily and not so happily, in the same small town.
Beth Wiseman weaves an interesting story. Dalton has recently broken up with his girlfriend and, while he wants to date Alyssa, is under no illusions that she will get over Brendan quickly. He's ready to be patient. Brendan, meanwhile, is doing everything he can to get Alyssa back. But she just can't trust him any more...
As Brendan and Alyssa untangle their feelings, dodge their way clumsily through misunderstandings and try to get on with their lives, Alyssa and Dalton get engaged.
There are some charming insights woven into the story. Alyssa tells Brendan: "You don't hurt the people you love," Brendan replies: "Of course you do. When the love is real and deep, you have the capacity to hurt someone more than you ever thought. People who love that deeply hurt each other, even though they don't mean to."
"You can forgive," says Alyssa's friend Sherry, "or you can let the hurt wrap around you until it sucks the life out of you."
Not just a little light reading. Wise advice for marriage, for relationships, for life. A light read: we guess the ending, but it still comes as a slight surprise. And on the way, some personal reflection, too. What's not to love about A July Bride?
A July Bride by Beth Wiseman opens with a wedding and finishes with a wedding. Same bride, different bridegrooms. It is a sweet story of Alyssa, jilted AT THE ALTAR by her high school sweetheart, Brendan. Of course, he regrets it straight away but it is too late: Alyssa, understandably, doesn't want any more to do with him.
On to the scene steps the handsome, well-off Dalton, a nice guy who also happens to be a friend of Alyssa's brother Alex.
Everyone lives, happily and not so happily, in the same small town.
Beth Wiseman weaves an interesting story. Dalton has recently broken up with his girlfriend and, while he wants to date Alyssa, is under no illusions that she will get over Brendan quickly. He's ready to be patient. Brendan, meanwhile, is doing everything he can to get Alyssa back. But she just can't trust him any more...
As Brendan and Alyssa untangle their feelings, dodge their way clumsily through misunderstandings and try to get on with their lives, Alyssa and Dalton get engaged.
There are some charming insights woven into the story. Alyssa tells Brendan: "You don't hurt the people you love," Brendan replies: "Of course you do. When the love is real and deep, you have the capacity to hurt someone more than you ever thought. People who love that deeply hurt each other, even though they don't mean to."
"You can forgive," says Alyssa's friend Sherry, "or you can let the hurt wrap around you until it sucks the life out of you."
Not just a little light reading. Wise advice for marriage, for relationships, for life. A light read: we guess the ending, but it still comes as a slight surprise. And on the way, some personal reflection, too. What's not to love about A July Bride?
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