tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127641212024-03-14T03:27:35.587-05:00Reflective Reading“Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see. C.S. LewisSarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.comBlogger1068125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-3536131508415965122012-05-02T23:59:00.000-05:002012-05-02T23:59:07.933-05:00In Remembrance. . .<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://thegazette.com/obituaries/malone-cynthia-lee/"> Cynthia Malone</a> has been a bright spot in my life that no amount of time will ever dull. At 9, she listened to me recite bible verses, at 17 she coaxed, prodded and believed in my abstinence speeches to local high schools. In my thirties she'd send me cards, pictures and scripture to lift me from the grief of miscarriage. She always gave me her time, laser focus and unequivocal wisdom. My husband even carries a photo she sent with scripture and encouragement long before our paths ever crossed.<br />
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She connected right into the center of my soul and passionately spoken truth over me. She gave my fledgling heart dignity, honor and wisdom. <br />
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Today, its her beautiful script that brings me comfort. Her heart leaps off the page with the same focus and patience she's always blessed me with. In one of her last letters she admonished me and encouraged me with challenges that mark my life.<br />
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"<i>God does not expect us to wear ourselves to a frazzle, I grew up believing it was the righteous "Christian" thing to always be available for those in need. Now, I am finally listening to the message God has told me over and over again since 1976-'<b>Be still and know that I am God,' "Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you<u> rest.'</u>" </b></i><br />
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<i>I have often thought about how Jesus 'slipped away' and 'went across the sea' etc-to find much needed rest. Here He was the God-man with all the answers and all the power to heal-but physically limited. If he took time away from all those clamoring for His listening ear, words of wisdom and healing touch can we do any less?</i><br />
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<i>Ask yourself, God and Nate--wha</i><i>t did God create in me? How did He create me to BE not DO? It's easy to ignore our WHO and focus on our DO especially in a society that values doing over being, products over people, and service over self care. </i><br />
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<i>I am now determined to learn the lessons of being still, resting and trusting Him. Now I spend alot of time drawing, reading, praying and being. There are times I want to get into the fray and feel like a horse that wants to run but is being held back by my owner for my own good."</i><br />
<i>Love and Prayers, </i><br />
<i>Cynthia</i><br />
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I am so thankful to a gracious Lord for this powerful woman's influence in my life. For her dedication, her faith and her willingness to listen to her creator even when it meant admitting weakness. My road seems emptier today but I'm grateful that Cynthia is at peace. She's celebrating with her creator! Oh what joy they must be having together. My prayer, personally, is that I would leave a portion of the legacy this Godly woman dealt. I smile when I think of her whole, both resting and running, never tiring for all eternity!<br />
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Cynthia (in blue) at our Imago send-off. Never shy, I owe some of my stage presence to her quick wit and courage. I don't think she ever met a stranger or someone who didn't deserve His love.</div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-86711072737522852832012-04-30T22:43:00.001-05:002012-04-30T22:43:57.468-05:00James: Mercy Triumphs, Beth Moore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/141587171X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=141587171X%22%3EJames:%20Mercy%20Triumphs%20(Member%20Book)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=141587171X%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">James: Mercy Triumphs, Beth Moore</a><br />
One of the privileges of having the Lord lead you through suffering--is comforting those who find themselves walking through heartache.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><span class="text 2Cor-1-3">"Blessed be the <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28787G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28787H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>God of all comfort,</span> <span class="text 2Cor-1-4" id="en-ESV-28788"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">4 </sup> <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28788I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><span class="text 2Cor-1-4"> 2 Corinthians 1:3-4</span></i></span><br />
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Part of my greatest joy, coming to <a href="http://www.thevillagechurch.net/dallas-northway/ministries/groups/recovery-groups/">The Village Church,</a> has been finding a community of others seeking God in the midst of their pain and being able to encourage and uplift. It's brought dignity and purpose to the most chaotic and humbling portions of my life. Experiencing the <i>God of all comfort </i>work through me has been powerful. It's also created a thirst for more of Him and a hunger to fill up the well as it runs dry from use. I'm learning how important it is to ingest God's word in order to pour yourself out in His name, for his people. <br />
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James has been a feast to my soul. Not only have I loved the study, the in-depth time in the word and the challenge to memorize it.<a href="http://www.lifeway.com/James-Mercy-Triumphs/c/N-1z10gpu"> I've loved Beth's teaching available on-line</a>. As well has the amazing <a href="http://www.rushcreek.org/ministries/ladies/bible-studies">Rush Creek </a>women who've opened their lives to me. I simply set out to refresh my own soul, and the Lord has blessed me with Godly women who inspire and carry me. <br />
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My take: 4 out of 5<br />
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Book Description: Lifeway Publications<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: myriad-pro, myriadpro-regular, 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Bible scholars compare James to the prophet Amos. In other ways James more closely resembles the Book of Proverbs than any New Testament book. Come along with Beth Moore on a journey to get to know both the man and the Book of James. You will never be the same again.</span><br />
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Topics in this study include: joy, hardship, faith, reversal of fortunes for rich and poor, wisdom, gifts from above, single-mindedness, the dangers of the tongue, humility, and prayer. Plus, Beth introduces a 5-tiered study approach that she has never done before.</div>
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<br /></div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-79474086545531454662012-04-29T21:58:00.001-05:002012-04-29T22:11:33.914-05:00Hearing Jesus Speak into Your Sorrow by Nancy Guthrie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414325487/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1414325487%22%3EHearing%20Jesus%20Speak%20into%20Your%20Sorrow%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1414325487%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Hearing Jesus Speak Into Your Sorrow by Nancy Guthrie</a><br />
All of Nancy's faith, suffering and perspective find their voice in this brilliant book. Blessing us with her hard earned theology. Refined in the crucible of suffering, this book is every woman's guide through the difficult questions of life including but not limited to infertility and loss.<br />
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This book has ministered to me and my<a href="http://www.thevillagechurch.net/dallas-northway/ministries/groups/recovery-groups/"> dearest friends as we have wrestled with God in the face of deep heartache and sorrow.</a> I adore how Nancy mine's the scriptures for the heart of God and his heart for his children amidst the destruction of life this side of heaven. I'm so thankful for how she has grounded my wandering faith that struggled to hear God's heart in the midst of my grief. This book is great for a support group, or anyone who's trying to shed deeper insight on the theology of suffering.<br />
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My take 5.5 out of 6<br />
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Book Description by Tyndale House Publications:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In this paradigm-shifting book, Nancy Guthrie gently invites readers to lean in along with her to hear Jesus speak understanding and insight into the lingering questions we all have about the hurts of life: <i>What was God’s involvement in this, and why did he let it happen? Why hasn’t God answered my prayers for a miracle? Can I expect God to protect me? Does God even care? </i>According to Nancy, this questioning is not a bad thing at all but instead an opportunity. It’s a chance to hear with fresh ears the truth in the promises of the gospel we may have misapplied. It lets us retune our souls to the purposes of God we may have misunderstood.</span></div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-8826092576699374782012-04-29T21:37:00.001-05:002012-04-29T22:11:58.369-05:00Holding onto Hope by Nancy Guthrie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414312962/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1414312962%22%3EHolding%20On%20to%20Hope:%20A%20Pathway%20through%20Suffering%20to%20the%20Heart%20of%20God%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1414312962%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Holding Onto Hope: Nancy Guthrie</a> This touching, true-story of one women's walk through the loss of a child, will have you weeping and rejoicing as you follow in her footsteps. I adore the power of narrative to draw in the reader, deepen understanding and grow compassion. This book does all of that while uplifting the name of God. The first of many for Nancy Guthrie this books strength is it's simple honesty. Nancy shares from the heart, her journey through doubt, anger, pain, heartache and back to a stronger, deeper faith in God. This book is best read by the person who's is new to anguish and simply wants to hear they aren't alone or someone who wants to understand a loved one's pain better.<br />
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My verdict: 3.5 out of 5<br />
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Book Description from Tyndale Publications:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Framing her own story of staggering loss and soaring hope with the biblical story of Job, Nancy Guthrie takes her fellow sufferers by the hand and guides them on a pathway through pain—straight to the heart of God. <i>Holding on to Hope</i> offers an uplifting perspective, not only for those experiencing monumental loss, but for anyone going through difficulty and failure. Includes a study section for readers who want to dig deeper into what the Bible says about dealing with suffering and grief. Additional sections include a Foreword by Anne Graham Lotz and a Resource section linking Scriptures with each chapter's lesson.</span><br />
<b>Endorsements:</b><br />
“Only God could orchestrate such events. And only God could give the Guthrie family the faith and courage to live them. May he use this story to strengthen us all.”—Max Lucado<br />
“Nancy Guthrie's faith shines through some of the darkest clouds of human pain. This book and her story will touch your emotions and inspire your mind in an unforgettable way. Seldom will you read anything with such candor and insight, probing one of life's toughest questions: How can grief be a friend along life's journey?” —Ravi Zacharias<br />
<i>“Holding on to Hope</i> reads easy, runs deep, and enriches the heart! If you are stymied about God's goodness amidst life's heartaches, then this book's for you.”—Joni Eareckson Tada</div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-3899420877187640672012-04-29T21:25:00.004-05:002012-04-29T22:10:45.425-05:00Redemption by Mike Wilkerson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/143352077X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=143352077X%22%3ERedemption:%20Freed%20by%20Jesus%20from%20the%20Idols%20We%20Worship%20and%20the%20Wounds%20We%20Carry%20(Re:Lit)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=143352077X%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Redemption, by Mike Wilkerson</a> Handed to me by our pastor at T<a href="http://www.thevillagechurch.net/dallas-northway/">he Village Church, Dallas.</a> It's not only the primary foundation for our <a href="http://www.thevillagechurch.net/dallas-northway/ministries/groups/recovery-groups/">Recovery ministry</a> it's also had more impact on my life that a whole stack of the books I've previously recommended to hurting people. What I love about Redemption is the intensive focus on scripture and the human heart. No matter the issue that's plaguing the Christian, the holistic focus of the heart and sin gets so deeply to the heart of personal pain. This book is a resource I turn to over and over again and it's a pleasure to share with you<br />
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My take: 6 out of 5<br />
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Book Description from Crossway Publications<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
Exodus is a real story about God redeeming his people from the bondage of slavery and how their difficult journey home exposed their loyalties—though wounded by Egypt, they had come to worship its gods. Most Christians don’t make golden idols like the Israelites in the wilderness, but we do set up idols on our own desert road—idols like substance abuse, pornography, gluttony, and rage. And even those who don’t know the pain of actual slavery can feel enslaved to the fear and shame that follow sexual abuse or betrayal by a spouse, for we suffer at the hands of our idols as well as those created by others. We need more than self-improvement or comfort—we need redemption.<br />
<em>Redemption</em> is not a step-oriented recovery book; it’s story-oriented and Bible-anchored. It unfolds the back-story of redemption in Exodus to help Christians better understand how Christ redeems us from the slavery of abuse, addiction and assorted trouble and restores us to our created purpose, the worship of God. Readers will discover that the reward of freedom is more than victory over a habitual sin or release from shame; it is satisfaction and rest in God himself. Part of the Re:Lit series.</div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-33575359852029872382012-04-28T17:12:00.002-05:002012-04-28T17:13:22.534-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>A home without books is like a like a body without a soul ~Cicero </i></div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-80404490179539335542012-04-28T16:45:00.002-05:002012-04-29T22:13:50.983-05:00Bruno Chief of Police by Martin Walker<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1554682649/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1554682649%22%3EBruno,%20Chief%20of%20Police%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1554682649%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Bruno, Chief of Police by Martin Walker.</a> A taste of France, wrapped in a fascinating WWII history, with great food, local color, and a fascinating mystery. This is the first in a great series written by Martin Walker, director of the Global Policy Business Policy Council who turned his hand to story telling. It's a fascinating combination.<br />
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Personal rating 4 of 5<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/030745469X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=030745469X%22%3EBruno,%20Chief%20of%20Police:%20A%20Novel%20of%20the%20French%20Countryside%20(Vintage)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=030745469X%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Bruno Chief of Police</a><br />
Book Description: A Recipe for Success<br />
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em; margin-top: 0.5em;">Take a rural commune in the heart of the Dordogne and a one-man police department by the name of Bruno.</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em; margin-top: 0.5em;">Add a brutal murder with the hallmarks of a racial crime against immigrant workers from North Africa.</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em; margin-top: 0.5em;">Season with clues that point to unsettled feuds from the Nazi legacy of the Second World War.</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em; margin-top: 0.5em;">Serve with Gallic charm in all good bookshops as the first book in a brilliant crime fiction series.</li>
<li>Set in the street markets, cobbled squares, vineyards and farmland of the Dordogne area of France, <em>Bruno, Chief of Police</em> features Captain Bruno Courr?ges, a man as charming and eccentric as he is wise. A formidable investigator, Bruno must rise to the challenge when the head of an Algerian family is murdered and the peace of Bruno’ s beloved village of St. Denis is shattered. Racism is the obvious conclusion, and the son of a local doctor who is caught playing sex games surrounded by Nazi paraphernalia is the immediate suspect. But Bruno knows his people well and sees a more complex explanation lurking in the memories and unsettled feuds of the German occupation. This addictively readable novel, filled with the sights and sounds— and politics— of the French countryside, launches a stunning new crime fiction series.</li>
</ul>
<br /></div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-20352060018379602302012-04-28T15:12:00.001-05:002012-04-29T22:01:09.753-05:00Jamie Oliver's Meals In Minutes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06M3-71Gy38/T5xQp14JsHI/AAAAAAAAEcU/R9NFJZNWNRE/s1600/OliverII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06M3-71Gy38/T5xQp14JsHI/AAAAAAAAEcU/R9NFJZNWNRE/s320/OliverII.jpg" width="255" /></a>I respect chef's who use everyday items without the need of specialty items or special trips to the grocery store. Teach me how to make good, simple meals, that can be served on a Thursday to friends or for special events. Throw in global inspirations like green curry, crispy chicken, kimchee slaw, rice noodles, or steak-indian style, spinach and paneer salad, naan bread, mango dessert. I'm hooked. <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/us/">Thank you Jamie</a><br />
Personal Rating: 4.5 of 5<br />
<br /></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1401324428" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> From the back cover: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>I’m going to show you how to put a whole meal on the table in a matter of minutes! Not just one dish, a whole spread of beautiful things.</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If, like me, you love food and have hungry mouths to feed when you get home after a long day, then allow me to let you in on a totally revolutionary new way of cooking. In this book I’m going to show you how to make a complete meal in the time you’d normally spend on one dish. What you’ll be able to achieve in 30 minutes or less will absolutely blow your mind. It’s certainly blown mine!<br />
This is not about compromising on quality. It’s about being organized, working fast, and using shortcuts and clever tricks to put insanely delicious plates of food on the table in no time. Each of the 50 meals inside has been carefully written so there’s no messing about—just good, fast cooking. I’ve created complete menus of foods that go beautifully together and planned recipes in a really unique, easy-to-follow way. This kind of cooking is all about using every minute wisely, having fun, and reclaiming your kitchen for the job it was meant for.<br />
You might think it can’t be done, but I promise you it can. Have a look inside to see the sort of meals you’re going to get. Once you start cooking this way, not only will you absolutely love it; you’ll never look back. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401324428/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1401324428%22%3EJamie%20Oliver's%20Meals%20in%20Minutes:%20A%20Revolutionary%20Approach%20to%20Cooking%20Good%20Food%20Fast%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1401324428%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Meals in Minutes, Jamie Oliver</a> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401324428/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1401324428" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=1401324428&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=worktitl-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a></div>
</div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-3210260403494728982012-03-28T15:22:00.009-05:002012-03-28T15:37:13.442-05:00Told Ya She's Good<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93hreGInqUw/T3Nz47-NyfI/AAAAAAAAEcI/37-s09gW82E/s1600/20110303_1_ashes.to.fire.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93hreGInqUw/T3Nz47-NyfI/AAAAAAAAEcI/37-s09gW82E/s320/20110303_1_ashes.to.fire.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725046973326543346" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In her own words: <a href="http://www.lapointemusic.blogspot.com/">Allie describes finding out she's been nominated for a Dove Award! </a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-3532855421473243022012-03-28T15:15:00.001-05:002012-03-28T15:22:00.835-05:00Allie talks about Ashes to Fire<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/23977512?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/23977512">Allie Lapointe talks about her song "Our Desire"</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user5017281">Ashes to Fire</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-39725014422793002062012-02-25T20:30:00.010-06:002012-03-28T15:43:35.874-05:00Lyrical Inspiration: Allie Lapointe<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XHPRMkFKKY/T0mg5EGQ9cI/AAAAAAAAEb8/uCj8d725MMo/s1600/IMAG0534.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XHPRMkFKKY/T0mg5EGQ9cI/AAAAAAAAEb8/uCj8d725MMo/s320/IMAG0534.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713274504509191618" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>"A<i>bide with me, fast falls the evening tide."</i></div><div>Float the lyrics of <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/treasures/id481144214">Allie Lapointes, Treasures. </a> </div><div><br /></div><div>"Mommy, what does abide with me mean?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Abide, means to live in, like we want God to live in us, so we sing about him abiding in us."</div><div>"Oh, like how I asked God to come into my heart?"</div><div><br /></div><div>How can a mother not rejoice to hear her little one belt out, the beautiful lyrics of Allie's latest combination of praise and hymns. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've been a fan since her first public appearence in our highschool auditorium. To listen to Allie's intimate songs and compelling harmonies, you can't help but be sucked inside, soon the music spills over until your singing an ancient hymn while you fill up your gas tank. The deep theology of the Lord's taken root in your soul through the vehicle of song. Nick, Allie's husband and fellow songwriter, spend their passions on music, people and God. The result shines out through all their work. But I know Allie is even prouder of the worship that pours forth from her three little ones. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.lapointemusic.blogspot.com/2011/11/virtual-listening-party.html">Allie in her own words</a>:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><div style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.8224914977326989" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Track #1: "Abide In Me" By Allie Lapointe, Marcy Each, and Henry Francis Lyte</span></span></span></div><div style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;color:transparent;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Henry Francis Lyte wrote the poem "Abide With Me" in 1847 and while he lay dying from tuberculosis</span></span></i></span><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"> at the age of 54. He survived only a further three weeks after its completion. Marcy Each and I trimmed, tweaked, and adapted the lyric, wrote a chorus, and set it all to a melody we crafted together on a rainy day in Marcy's hometown of Manchester, Iowa. We both had our little girls with us, and after several rounds of holding babies and holding guitars, we completed this song -- a prayer for God to be ever-present throughout our lives. We changed the title from "Abide With Me" to "Abide In Me" because of how Jesus said “Abide In Me” in John 15, and the emphasis Paul puts on abiding in Christ -- not just an external presence but an internal, closer-than-skin accompaniment of the Holy Spirit...the Counselor, who abides when other helpers fail and comforts flee, who comes not to sojourn but to stay, who holds the cross before our closing eyes ... who abides IN us. </span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div></span></div><div>A wise woman, once encouraged me to fill the ragedy days of motherhood with worship, so that Christ would abide in me in the midst of the chaos. Check out Treasures and more from <a href="http://www.lapointemusic.blogspot.com/">Allie </a></div><div>or <a href="http://mysonginthenight.com/2011/11/30/worship-writing-workshops-hymns-more-my-allie-lapointe-interview/">An interview with Bobby Gilles</a>,</div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-46940578855988967212011-08-04T21:45:00.007-05:002011-08-04T22:07:56.005-05:00RAIN PLEASE!!!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HM_HiyK3s04/Tjtan2gwRVI/AAAAAAAAEb0/1PUoCl65ZwY/s1600/come%2Bon%2Brain%2Bcover.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 365px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HM_HiyK3s04/Tjtan2gwRVI/AAAAAAAAEb0/1PUoCl65ZwY/s400/come%2Bon%2Brain%2Bcover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637198999278601554" /></a><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14410932">Today we've officially topped 100 degree heat for 34 days straight</a>! Breaking 60 year old records with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">temperatures</span> of 109. In other words, it might be hotter in other places but no one bakes as long as we can! <div><br /></div><div>Seriously, we've been praying for our friend the postal worker who ended up in the ER recently. Sophia and I started to pray for rain weeks ago but we can't remember the last day the sky's leaked anything but sunshine. The monotony is down right life threatening and the pools feel like bath water. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even the library is getting in on the weather watch. (We've been making daily trips to the library because it's a great place to get out of the heat and we need lots of inside entertainment.)<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0590331256/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0590331256">Come On, Rain</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=0590331256&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /> is a deliciously written story about summer heat and sweet relief. Sadly, rain feels like a fairy tale these days. </div><div><br /></div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-1237654836023013272011-07-09T17:28:00.008-05:002011-07-09T18:28:41.477-05:00Collecting Empathy<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxz1t1xx_9I/Thje6XMOcnI/AAAAAAAAEbU/uCfqXLqzNUo/s1600/IMG_1520.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxz1t1xx_9I/Thje6XMOcnI/AAAAAAAAEbU/uCfqXLqzNUo/s400/IMG_1520.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627492828638507634" /></a><i><br /></i><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Most of us think that this life is the best there is- but as believers in Christ, we should live every moment knowing this is the worst there is. The best is yet to come."</i><a href="http://ericandannikadurbin.blogspot.com/"><i>Annika Durbin</i></a><i> (a conversation collected on my journey.)</i></span></div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> It shouldn't surprise any of you that my latest two-week trip home turned into a six-week sojourn into the heart of God paved with dear friends. I've always found God in community, especially those who've shared the cup of suffering. A</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">s I work my way back into daily, Dallas-life, I realize how deeply the moments marked me. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Among my mementos, a little-yellow-book, slipped into my hands by a remarkable woman who's endured<a href="http://www.cedarmemorial.com/obituary/1362/michelle-renee-pinkston-cedar-rapids-ia/"> the loss of her daughte</a>r with unimaginable grace. Feeling grateful but emotionally strung-out, I was a little wary of what I would find between the pages. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God sends books to the most personal places of our hearts. The place we don't invite others, where only solitary words can pierce. (Perhaps that's why God wrote his story into book form?) This pint sized story will take your breath away. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reading the description of a little boys brief but moving encounter in heaven moved my heart. Then I came to his encounter with his 'other' sister, the one who died in mommy's tummy before he was born. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suddenly the unconscious bulwark of emotion I'd built around my heart crumbled. In one of those unexplainable spiritual moments I realized how much pain I'd been harboring because of my tiny family. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having only one child (after two miscarriages in a year) I wonder about my daughter's social life? How the loneliness is affecting her child hood? I hurt every time some one remarks about how nice it must be to only have the chaos of one. These worries and pains have been pulling me into a dark place that I haven't even admitted to myself. In my broken grief I could only picture my loss, my interrupted plans, my unstable identity.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until, thanks to this preschooler's powerful narrative, I glimpsed my eternal family and my eternal home! Overcome with the idea of my large, colorful, family waiting for me beyond the pale I could do nothing but rejoice! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rejoice for the lives so precious to God that he adopts our little ones into a peaceful and perfect reality. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rejoice in the fact that my life on this earth is but a breath and it's over to spend eternity in perfect peace. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rejoice in a God that would send his own child to die in order to cleanse me from the taint of destruction and restore me to a peace that I don't deserve.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-31056" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "><i>2</i></sup><i> I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. </i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-31057" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "><i>3</i></sup><i> And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. </i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-31058" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "><i>4</i></sup><i> ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’</i><sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-31058b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "><i>[</i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021&version=NIV#fen-NIV-31058b" title="See footnote b" style="color: rgb(101, 19, 0); text-decoration: none; "><i>b</i></a><i>]</i></sup><i> or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:2-3</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0849946158/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0849946158"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0849946158&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=worktitl-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=0849946158&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0849946158/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0849946158">Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=0849946158&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Add Video" border="0" class="gl_video" /></div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-68967668527827452912011-05-11T15:28:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:52:44.511-05:00Confession of a Book Lover<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9VxqynV-ws/Tcrxbzr_BGI/AAAAAAAAEaw/OyXjH_wWkY0/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9VxqynV-ws/Tcrxbzr_BGI/AAAAAAAAEaw/OyXjH_wWkY0/s400/IMG_0311.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605558146249458786" /></a><i>"Never trust a person who has not brought a book with them</i>." Lemony Snicket <div><br /></div><div>Wanna know an author's dirty little secret? The real reason I don't own a Kindle or Ipad is because I don't actually BUY as many books as I read. (don't abuse the system-just support your local library!) </div><div><br /></div><div>Library day in our house is one of mommy's favorite. Typically, I go on a book hunt when my house needs a good scrub. An audio book helps the brain stay engaged while the details get done. Recently, I discovered <a href="http://bookpage.com/">Book Page</a> a free magazine offered by the library filled with book reviews. Everything from <a href="http://bookpage.com/interview/the-devil-is-in-the-details">Erik Larson</a> to the debut novel of Ravi's daughter <a href="http://bookpage.com/book/naomi-zacharias/the-scent-of-water">Naomi Zacharia</a>s gets a review for people like me who need a little help getting out of a reading rut.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know I'm a little obsessed, I circle a book then reserve my own copy on-line from my local library. On a regular basis I get an e-mail from the library to come in and pick up the latest on my list. It's Netflix for books!</div><div><br /></div><div>Latest Loves:</div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062012096/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0062012096">The Oracle of Stamboul: A Novel</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=0062012096&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1576836541/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=1576836541">Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage, and Adoption Loss</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=1576836541&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /></div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/067978120X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=067978120X">Chasing Cezanne: A Novel</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=067978120X&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307389197/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0307389197">The Vintage Caper</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=0307389197&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /></div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525951369/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0525951369">Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=0525951369&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-17976909299260024942011-04-27T11:25:00.007-05:002011-04-27T12:24:59.871-05:00A Testimony of His Grace<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DN4sgShS_jU/TbhD88Nsj3I/AAAAAAAAEao/GOuyyyO5bLA/s1600/IMG_1324.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DN4sgShS_jU/TbhD88Nsj3I/AAAAAAAAEao/GOuyyyO5bLA/s400/IMG_1324.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600300850869997426" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Ah, when to the heart of man</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Was it ever less than treason,</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To go with the drift of things</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To yield with grace to reason</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And bow and accept the end </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Of a love or a season?"</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">From Reluctance By Robert Frost, sketched into the back of my Bible ten years ago.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As spring surrenders to summer, Nathanael and I wonder at the year the Lord has walked us through? In 2010, after spending a month in Chad, we found ourselves long on conscious and short-on employment. Last Easter, returning to Iowa from a brief stint in Arlington,Texas we were voluntarily unemployed, pregnant and living in my parents basement. In the months that followed we discovered our home renters planned to renew, the Lord opened a door for us to return to Arlington in employment that would fulfill my husband's passion and background. With so much answered prayer it was difficult not to get swept away in the image of a perfect future. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fast forward an entire year of the highest up and downs either of us could imagine. This year we've been grateful to be surrounded by family to carry us and grieve with us two failed pregnancies in six months. The pain and broken dreams of two special children Anna and Simeon drove me to </span><a href="http://northway.thevillagechurch.net/hopeful-hearts"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hopeful Hearts, at the Village Church Dallas</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. Although I believe with joy </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">that we'll meet these precious ones as we glorify the Lord in perfection and restoration, the comfort and understanding of community has become a lifeline. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> The silence of infertility can be a source of haunting pain, the quiet of empty arms, unexperienced joy and community celebration. The missing laughter of children looms in our hearts leaving a hole that only the Lord can fill, comfort and restore. Buoyed by </span><a href="http://northway.thevillagechurch.net/sermons"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">strong teaching and close community</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> we are experiencing joy and strength in Him. Needing daily refreshment and direction we're discovering the peace that comes by placing our faith in His salvation and not in my daily expectation. Now the words of Robert Frost are still true. Pain and disappointment is no less heart wrenching but through a trembling, halting faith in a being greater than I, my days are secure in the hope of Christ. In a father who gave His only child in order that restoration and rest may be poured out on His children for eternity. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"O God, you will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on you; for in returning and rest we shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be our strength." </span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Isaiah 26:3; 30:15 Book of Common Prayer</span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><pre style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 730px; overflow-x: auto; overflow-y: auto; font-family:Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal;font-size:16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; white-space: pre;font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></pre></span></span></div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-34756039981552817222011-04-20T11:27:00.005-05:002011-04-20T12:23:42.884-05:00Prayers for Peace in the Digital Age<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d62c0v09oRk/Ta8M0m6x0-I/AAAAAAAAEag/HpS-BqYWMgs/s1600/100_4184.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 316px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d62c0v09oRk/Ta8M0m6x0-I/AAAAAAAAEag/HpS-BqYWMgs/s320/100_4184.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597706959784629218" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"When the elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers." Kikuyu Proverb, Kenya</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In today's modern age, the saying applies to scandal, especially in the charity business. <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/20/us-books-threecups-idUSTRE73J3T420110420">Recent allegations of false information in Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea</a> and objections about the allocations of funds have <a href="http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/20/pentagon-is-quiet-on-three-cups-of-tea-questions/?partner=rss&emc=rss">definitely tarnished Afghanistan's most popular representative</a>. Considered, in popular culture, as the Mother Teresa of the war-torn region, his fall from grace will hurt more than book sales. Difficult economic times have reeked havoc on charitable giving, bringing to light another mismanagement of funds and inflated ego will likely affect the entire industry. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This story caused a disappointing stomach lurch while my<a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011104010368"> brother-in-law is deployed in this conflicted corner of the world.</a> Reminding me of the need for prayer, for both sides. As the snow melts in Afghanistan, the war is flaring up on the ground and on on <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7363068n">60 minute</a>s. Let us not forget to pray for our family members far from home and the people they are interacting with everyday.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For a great perspective on Afghanistan from one of it's own check out this book:</div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375415319/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0375415319">Storyteller's Daughter</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=0375415319&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Saira Shah a British citizen turned journalist, who's father filled her with images of his beloved Afghanistan which she struggled to recognize upon her return as an adult.Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-65352836073554973422011-03-03T10:34:00.024-06:002011-04-20T11:27:33.615-05:00If You're Heading to San Francisco<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3mkBfmVtQRA/TW_Mgw_F4RI/AAAAAAAAEaA/PuJbyAztwrA/s400/100_1733.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579903326612742418" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-UyKYmlnmQ/TW_MhC6ficI/AAAAAAAAEaI/2-Fulbr_FdM/s1600/100_1715.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-UyKYmlnmQ/TW_MhC6ficI/AAAAAAAAEaI/2-Fulbr_FdM/s400/100_1715.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579903331425290690" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>"You HAVE to watch <a href="http://www.mynameiskhanthefilm.com/">My Name is Khan</a>!" Came my mother's recommendation this week. Turns out my parents and Nate (my resident indie flic buff) had separately stumbled onto it via Netflix and we're raving about it. The name triggered something in my memory.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>"Is it filmed in San Francisco, in the bay by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_Organ">Wave Organ</a>?" I asked. Click. It came together in my memory. Summer 2009, celebrating <a href="http://piecesofglass.blogspot.com/2009/06/sunshine-in-san-francisco.html">San Francisco sunshine</a> Sophia and I stumbled onto a <a href="http://piecesofglass.blogspot.com/2009/06/sunshine-in-san-francisco.html">Bollywood production</a> filming My Name is Kahn. Check it out--the movie's reporting a worldwide release of over $19 million in three days. Not a bad review--but I'd love to hear yours.<div><br /></div><div>Speaking of San Francisco, I just finished a great book you shouldn't pass up: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553386387?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0553386387">Locked Rooms: A novel of suspense featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0553386387" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. I've been on a bit of a Laurie King kick lately (I love the mystery/history combo this is a great example exploring San Fran and the Great Quake of 1906).</div><div><br /></div><div>If you like Sherlock Holmes books, you'll love these titles by Laurie King:</div><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312427360?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0312427360">The Beekeeper's Apprentice: Or On the Segregation of the Queen/A Novel of Suspense Featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes (Mary Russell Novels)</a>, the first in the series where we meet a young Mary Russell and a retired Sherlock Holmes.</li><li>Followed by their solidified partnership in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553574566?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0553574566">A Monstrous Regiment of Women</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0553574566" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> (Post WWI England).</li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553583387?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0553583387">The Game (Mary Russell Novels)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0553583387" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553581058?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0553581058">O Jerusalem (Mary Russell Novels)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0553581058" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553805541?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0553805541">The God of the Hive: A novel of suspense featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0553805541" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></li></ul></div></div><div><div>Last but not least, I can't say enough about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553586661?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0553586661">Touchstone</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0553586661" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Laurie King. This time a masculine lead character recovering from WWI shell shock and it's unusual affects. If you like Jeffery Archer or Iian Pears <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1573227951?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1573227951">An Instance of the Fingerpost: A Novel</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1573227951" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> you'll love Touchstone.</div><div><br /></div></div><div>A great movie or book has to be shared! Pass it on.</div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-70829261478987718402011-03-02T21:58:00.005-06:002011-03-02T22:34:39.959-06:00The Wandering Dove<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9mZjUE_oO8/TW8Zjk6d68I/AAAAAAAAEZw/wAD6rs42Ax0/s1600/100_3860.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9mZjUE_oO8/TW8Zjk6d68I/AAAAAAAAEZw/wAD6rs42Ax0/s320/100_3860.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579706562330356674" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><div style="display: inline !important; "><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Add Image" border="0" class="gl_photo" /></div></i></span></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!<br />I would fly away and be at rest.<br /></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I would flee far away<br />and stay in the desert;</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> I would hurry to my place of shelter,<br />far from the tempest and storm. Psalm 55: 6-9</span></i></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i>You Yourself have recorded my wanderings.<br /> Put my tears in Your bottle.<br /> Are they not in Your records?</i></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> <i>Then my enemies will retreat on the day when I call.<br /> This I know: God is for me.</i></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i> In God, whose word I praise,<br /> in the L</i></span><span style="font-variant: small-caps; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i>ORD</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i>, whose word I praise,</i></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i> in God I trust; I will not fear.<br /> What can man do to me? Psalm 56:8-11</i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></i></p><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><p></p></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></i><p></p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span><p></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><sup class="xref" value="" href=""#cen-HCSB-14836H"" title=""See"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><i><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><br />For the broken, the weary, the wanderers, the empty hearted. For me. . .</b></span></span></div></i></span></sup></div></span></i></span></div></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></i></div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-70149292091114185022011-01-04T11:00:00.004-06:002011-01-04T20:01:12.162-06:00The Village Church & Darfur<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TSNTt7ed5EI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/wrddSMPqtsI/s1600/Swoope.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TSNTt7ed5EI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/wrddSMPqtsI/s400/Swoope.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558378413630022722" /></a>What can one person do for the people of Southern Sudan? According to<a href="http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/blog/pastors/?p=749"> Matt Chandler, pastor of the Village Church</a>, we can pray for the January 9th <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/Africa-Monitor/2010/1221/UN-is-preparing-for-worst-case-scenarios-in-Sudan">Sudanese Referendum </a> for <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/Africa-Monitor/2011/0104/Some-optimism-about-Sudan-referendum-after-months-of-doubts">Secession </a>. Joining others across the world to pray for a continued resolve in Darfur and Southern Sudan.<div><br /></div><div>For our family- Sudan is hard to ignore simply because its in Chad's (my husband's native country) backyard. In 2008 an attempted Chadian coup brought to light just how interconnected the two countries can be, continued peace in Sudan means stability and progress for an entire region of the globe. Visiting Chad in 2010 deepened our connection to this corner of the world giving us a first hand account of the similarity of people across the border simply trying to eek out an existence in an unforgiving but beautiful territory. </div><div><br /></div><div> Moving to the Dallas Fort Worth Area in 2010 the Lord brought us to the Village church though a series of personal encounters that had little to do with Sub-Saharan, Africa. Now it's a pleasure to discover the Village Church's commitment to the people of Sudan and share something each of us can do for this troubled portion of God's earth. Please check out <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/actions-speak-louder-feat/id403660123?i=403660126">Actions Speak Louder</a> and consider what one person can do today.</div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-69947777102900123352010-12-14T22:19:00.003-06:002010-12-14T22:35:54.122-06:00New Beginnings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TQhCSMxfu_I/AAAAAAAAEZE/NrSdW1zoU8s/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TQhCSMxfu_I/AAAAAAAAEZE/NrSdW1zoU8s/s400/IMG_0917.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550759421168040946" /></a>Today, my little brother Dana started Air Force Boot Camp in San Antonio, Texas. This marks my parents official introduction to military life. Suffice it to say, our hearts are now connected to the men and women in uniform that are far from home this holiday season, including my brother-in-law Joseph Ndjerareou, stationed in Bagram Airforce Base, Afghanistan. <div><br /></div><div>In honor of Joseph and Dana I wanted to shine light on <a href="http://www.opgratitude.com/howtohelp.php?page=individual">Operation Gratitude</a> that sends care packages,<a href="http://opgrat.wordpress.com/2010/08/05/scarf-hat-cool-tie-project-details-materials-size-patterns/"> scarves</a>,<a href="http://www.opgratitude.com/ideas.php"> candy</a> and<a href="http://www.opgratitude.com/from_iraq.php"> personal letters</a> to the armed forces stationed around the world. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you again for your prayers for Dana and Joseph. We look forward to seeing Dana at graduation in February and we're counting the days until we see Joseph next summer. </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-89121771110321997142010-12-11T11:48:00.004-06:002010-12-11T12:16:52.913-06:00A Must Have Stocking Stuffer<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TQO5gJbi2qI/AAAAAAAAEYk/KU9MNnmm_aI/s400/Rachel%2BIsadora%2B12.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549483127788984994" />It's no secret I adore children's books. Long before I had Sophia, I've believed children's books are good for the soul. The simplicity of story telling, powerful words and beautiful illustrations, continue to be one of my favorite art forms. I'm thrilled to high light Rachel Isadora's work, it contains these best aspects with an African twist. <div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399250735?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399250735%22%3EThe%2012%20Days%20of%20Christmas%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399250735%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">The Twelve Days of Christmas </a> by Rachel Isadora is the classic song with gorgeous African visuals that speak for themselves. Five golden necklace rings. Eight maids a milking (goats.) The nine ladies dancing looked remarkebly Swazi, one of my former homes. Sure enough, Rachel spent 10 years in Africa some of that in Swaziland. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Delighted by this book I started looking up other Isadora books and discovered a couple were already favorites on my family shelves including: </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 157px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TQO7vEsavqI/AAAAAAAAEYs/7Z9aj1JDBtI/s200/At%2Bthe%2Bcrossroads.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549485583238872738" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0688131034?ie=UTF8&tag=worktitl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0688131034">At the Crossroads</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=worktitl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0688131034" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><br />I'm exceptionally thrilled to introduce Isadora's classic children's stories to Sophia. As an inter-cultural family, I'm always touched to find wonderful books to create a dynamic and visually diverse context. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=worktitl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=0142413933" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=worktitl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=039925028X" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=worktitl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=0399247440" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=worktitl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=0399254080" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=worktitl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=0399250298" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-37473901484108481602010-11-27T23:35:00.006-06:002010-11-28T00:00:44.294-06:00Gratefulness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TPHquaMEegI/AAAAAAAAEYU/b-p3G336heE/s1600/100_5021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TPHquaMEegI/AAAAAAAAEYU/b-p3G336heE/s400/100_5021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544470699294620162" /></a>This year a full heart look like. . .<div><br /><div>My grandmother's lace table cloth, bringing a little of my history to a whole new tradition.</div><div><br /></div><div>My great-grandmother's stuffing recipe & many turkey-strategy phone-calls home to mom.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seeing loved ones in far away places (thank you Skype.) Banga in Afghanistan and grandparents in Iowa. </div><div><br /></div><div>Celebrating little ones, this year Sophia's cousin and best friend in all the world turned five. (Sophia can't quite figure out how Hannah got to five before she did--it brings out her competitive side. She's happy for her cousin and the fact that we had cake and pie this year!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Laughter with cousins all day long. (He ain't dead!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Creating new traditions with Nate and Sophia (learning Nate prefers pecan over pumpkin pie.)</div><div><br /></div><div>A table full of people this Thanksgiving. American's, Algerians, Chadians, Nigerians and everything in between. This year our Thanksgiving represented the very best of the essence of the holiday--a feast gathering strangers, becoming family simply through shared table and hearts.</div></div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-20051569660101886562010-11-12T22:41:00.005-06:002010-11-12T23:11:07.365-06:00This Woman Has A Secret<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TN4YF72zmyI/AAAAAAAAEYE/ukLx8jYvbJU/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TN4YF72zmyI/AAAAAAAAEYE/ukLx8jYvbJU/s400/IMG_0199.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538891081958267682" /></a>"Ahhh a <i>little</i> baby," I cooed this evening as an infant squawked nearby.<div>"Mommy, I want to see your little baby." Sophia told me, looking very sad and serious for a moment. "The one who went straight from your tummy, to heaven." </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>It doesn't matter how old you are, I believe, something in us delights in children. As our family mourns the child we won't meet this side of heaven, we're being introduced to a group of people who suffer empty arms, silently. I'm so thankful for groups like <a href="http://northway.thevillagechurch.net/hopeful-hearts">HOPEFUL HEARTS</a>, my church's support group here in Dallas and brave women like<a href="http://entrusted.wordpress.com/"> Andrea</a>, an infertility success story who took her painful journey to the web, both of these are shedding light into the pain of miscarriage and infertility. </div><div><br /></div><div> It wasn't until this issue became personal did I realize how much shame and pain couples who are struggling to have children deal with. <a href="http://www.self.com/health/2010/08/breaking-the-silence-on-infertility">Self Magazine</a> did an expose on it this fall, it's a MUST read for anyone who breathes. The stigma, shame and lack of research or options for this issue astound me. There is no reason that a couple should face this alone, especially when mind/body anti-anxiety is so vital for success. <a href="http://www.self.com/health/2010/08/breaking-the-silence-on-infertility">Please check it</a> out and prayerfully consider how you can extend support and comfort to those around you. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(36, 36, 36); line-height: 22px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><i>"Infertility is where </i></b><a href="http://www.self.com/health/2007/02/cancer-handbook-relationships" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 15px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(18, 169, 201); text-decoration: none; "><b><i>breast cancer</i></b></a><b><i>was in the 1970s—completely in the closet." </i></b></span><i>Because no one wants to discuss infertility, "nothing gets done about it," says Lindsay Beck, founder of Fertile Hope, a program run by the Lance Armstrong Foundation in Austin, Texas, that supports cancer patients whose treatments threaten their fertility</i>.. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(36, 36, 36); line-height: 22px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15px;"><b>THIS WOMAN HAS A SECRET, <a href="http://www.self.com/health/2010/08/breaking-the-silence-on-infertility?currentPage=1">Self Magazine </a></b></span></div><div><br /></div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-83107976186641140742010-10-30T11:43:00.000-05:002010-10-30T11:45:48.112-05:00Thank You Rangers!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TMxLejf6gwI/AAAAAAAAEX0/4RSylwbiYxg/s1600/100_4944.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TMxLejf6gwI/AAAAAAAAEX0/4RSylwbiYxg/s400/100_4944.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533881030428754690" /></a><a href="http://www.youplusdallas.com/stories/thank-you-rangers">Check out Sophia's video debut</a>! If you've been paying attention, I've been talking about Sophia's recent fears and overcoming things that make her nervous. This little video made us all so proud, not because of her talent (of course I think she's a natural) it was how she worked to overcome her fears that thrilled us. (I'm seriously afraid she will never be my brave girl again.) Sophia became SO nervous when she saw the camera crew, but we knew she'd be disappointed in herself if she didn't try.<div><br /></div><div>She started the morning by saying "get up Mommy, the Rangers need us!" She's a little passionate about her Rangers. Especially when they beat the 'hankies'. We're passionate about the Rangers--but we're even bigger fans of my college buddy <a href="http://www.lifebloodproject.com/wordpress/">Brandon</a> and the team at <a href="http://www.youplusdallas.com/">You Plus Media</a>. Thanks guys for making Dallas look so good!</div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12764121.post-69189791880195479502010-10-30T11:17:00.003-05:002010-10-30T11:41:09.610-05:00The Streaker!<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TMxFzfk0izI/AAAAAAAAEXc/X-JS-KmvJmE/s400/100_4366.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533874793083079474" />This is my daughter--my dare devil little girl! The one who would take a fall on the playground and shake it off like a pro. Other mom's would say they'd never heard Sophia cry. No matter what country or continent she'd find friends by barreling in without any kind of fear. <div><br /></div><div>Flashforward to last week when me using the broiler caused a melt down like I'd never seen. "What happened?" Nate asked. "I made a tuna melt?" I said. Daily she's been freaking out when I turn on the stove, not just screaming or crying but running out the front door. The other day she ran out without a stitch of clothes on. She didn't care! That's not the only thing she's afraid of, a recent fascination with earthquakes and tornadoes is now a constant battle against every type of sound that resembles a siren. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm learning it's a phase, a natural part of learning about life. I do believe its a good survival mechanism. We've been praying with her, for her, over her coupled with lots of talking. We're learning healthy attitudes and behaviors toward storms and strangers. Our family definitely has fire plan now. Thankfully, Nate is home during this time but the fear is creeping into all our lives. I miss cooking with my little girl. This week, Nate made popcorn after she went to bed to avoid a scene. No alarms or anything, just the faintest hint of cooking smells. This time I was prepared. Taking a position by the front door, in a blink of an eye, I caught a frantic four-year-old trying to make a break for it! Sigh. . . I miss my super hero!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TMxF0n3YyGI/AAAAAAAAEXs/NQMHmXvMdV4/s1600/100_4351.JPG"></a><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TMxF0n3YyGI/AAAAAAAAEXs/NQMHmXvMdV4/s1600/100_4351.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_76Qcj5fpo0w/TMxF0n3YyGI/AAAAAAAAEXs/NQMHmXvMdV4/s400/100_4351.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533874812488304738" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Sarah Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388125144531327462noreply@blogger.com0