Quotes to Live By

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
(John Quincy Adams)

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. (Aristotle)

Every artist was first an amateur. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. (Thomas Jefferson)

It takes ten years to build up a reputation, but only five minutes to ruin one. (Anonymous)

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Critical Reaction

When a Warning Siren Screams in the Desert Night,
the Worst Has Happened

After turning out plutonium for the Cold War, the shuttered Hanford Nuclear Facility's poisoned buildings may be a bigger risk than ever. The men who guard the facility from sabotage or monitor its buildings are told the dangers are under control. But then the worst happens--a thunderous explosion in the dead of night.

Kieran Mullaney survived the blast, but when threats and silence meet his attempts to discover what really happened, he reconnects with an old friend--inexperienced lawyer Emily Hart. Convinced Hanford is hiding something, they also realize their case is sunk without more help.

Emily's estranged father, Ryan, has the courtroom experience they need, but he's grown jaded and weary of the profession. Still, it's a chance to rebuild ties to Emily, and the deeper he digs, the stranger--and more dangerous--the case gets.

When I first got this book, I was excited to read it. I generally like crime-thrillers or any type of Christian thrillers or suspense. This type of book wasn't exactly my cup of tea. There was a lot of professional jargon that I didn't get. Maybe because I spend my time watching NCIS and other crime shows, I missed out on Judge Mathis and Judge Judy. I don't really get courtroom jargon.

So this book wasn't really that interesting after a few chapters, at least for me. I like the summary of the book, but reading it for yourself is different than summarizing a whole book.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Carolina Gold

The war is over, but at Fairhaven Plantation, Charlotte's struggle has just begun.
Following her father’s death, Charlotte Fraser returns to Fairhaven, her family’s rice plantation in the South Carolina Lowcountry. With no one else to rely upon, smart, independent Charlotte is determined to resume cultivating the superior strain of rice called Carolina Gold. But the war has left the plantation in ruins, her father’s former bondsmen are free, and workers and equipment are in short supply.
To make ends meet, Charlotte reluctantly agrees to tutor the two young daughters of her widowed neighbor and heir to Willowood Plantation, Nicholas Betancourt. Just as her friendship with Nick deepens, he embarks upon a quest to prove his claim to Willowood and sends Charlotte on a dangerous journey that uncovers a long-held family secret, and threatens everything she holds dear.
Inspired by the life of a 19th-century woman rice farmer, Carolina Gold pays tribute to the hauntingly beautiful Lowcountry and weaves together mystery, romance, and historical detail, bringing to life the story of one young woman’s struggle to restore her ruined world.

Available in print on December 10th, 2013! 

The Dawn of Christmas

This Christmas, experience learning to trust alongside the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania in this heart-warming tale of second chances.
 
Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family. 

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Captives

One choice could destroy them all.
When eighteen-year-old Levi returned from Denver City with his latest scavenged finds, he never imagined he’d find his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed, and many---including his fiancée, Jem---taken captive. Now alone, Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Lands, a walled city that seems anything but safe.
Omar knows he betrayed his brother by sending him away, but helping the enforcers was necessary. Living off the land and clinging to an outdated religion holds his village back. The Safe Lands has protected people since the plague decimated the world generations ago … and its rulers have promised power and wealth beyond Omar’s dreams.
Meanwhile, their brother Mason has been granted a position inside the Safe Lands, and may be able to use his captivity to save not only the people of his village, but also possibly find a cure for the virus that threatens everyone within the Safe Lands’ walls.
Will Mason uncover the truth hidden behind the Safe Lands’ façade before it’s too late?
I loved this book because I like reading about the future and I like the thrill of the whole adventure thing. I was a little lost because this is the first book in the series, but I still caught on and enjoyed the book in its entirety. 

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Andi Unexpected

Twelve-year-old Andora “Andi” Boggs and her fourteen-year-old sister Bethany move to rural Ohio to live with their eccentric twenty-something aunt after the sudden death of their parents. 

While dealing with her grief, Andi discovers proof of another Andora Boggs in the family tree whose existence was hidden in a Depression-era trunk in the attic. With help from her new friend and neighbor, Colin Carter, Andi is determined to find out who this first Andora was and what happened to her.

This book was kind of cute. I haven't read any children's fiction for a long time. So it was kind of nice to read something that didn't involve a murder or anything morbid. 

Although this is not the kind of book I would have been interested in as a child, it's nice to know that good books still exist for the future child. 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Peaceful Trust

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal” (Isaiah 26:3–4).

Peace and trust are best friends. Normally we do not see one without the other. Where peace resides, trust is close by; where trust abounds, there is peace. Their goal is to stamp out fear and doubt.

Our mind can cause us to well up with courage because our focus is on God. Or our mind can cause us to wilt in the face of adversity because our focus is on our circumstances. Peace melts away in the heat of distrust, and trust shudders in the face of fear. So as we trust the Lord, He gives us peace that passes all understanding. Trust leads to peace.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

Thus, fill your mind with the truth of God letting it lodge in your conscience. Truth releases peace and trust when you are pressured. Your mind is a school for study; so make sure your faculty members flow from the character of God. If you are preoccupied with the faulty teachers of fear and pride, you will wallow in the energy of worry. What you think about Christ’s capabilities determines your level of peace and trust.

Your thoughts, perceptions, emotions, will, memory, and imagination are all wrapped up in your human consciousness called the mind. This is why your mind is like the rudder of your life. Wherever your mind takes you, your behavior will follow. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7 nkjv). If thoughts take you toward the rocks of fear, you will act fearful. If they take you toward the shore of peace, you will act calm.

But a mind latched onto the Lord trusts Him when circumstances beg for you to cower in fear. Thus, keep your perspective on the horizon of heaven. Like a ship surging through the open sea, you have the wind of the Holy Spirit moving you forward, with the compass of truth leading you toward the ultimate destination of God’s will.

Make peace and trust a staple of your spiritual diet, as they nourish your soul like food and water invigorates your body. Like a security detail, they will escort you through good and bad times. They will protect you from lashing out in anger when you have been deeply hurt. A steadfast mind is one that stays focused on Jesus and His expectations.

Cultivate your brain for more creative ways to apply His peace and trust. Do not analyze God out of the equation; rather, draw Him into your conclusions. A mind steadfast on the Lord will erupt like a volcano in perfect peace. Trust Him today and enjoy the lava of His hot love and warm embrace. A peaceful trust comes from our perfect God!

Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Do I embrace the peace of Jesus daily? Does my thinking default to peace and trust?

Related Readings: Job 22:21; Psalm 85:8; Isaiah 52:7; Luke 2:14; Romans 16:20

Taken from the November 3rd reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God” volume 2... http://bit.ly/Tv6y9a

Post/Tweet: Trust and peace are a secure rudder directing us through life’s still and choppy seas. #peacefultrust

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

The Key to Answered Prayer

How to get what you want, and want what you get. At first glance that may sound crazy, of course I’ll want what i get, but if the truth be known every single person who reads or hears this message will be able to identify at least one time and probably many many times that we got what we wanted and wished we hadn't.

I personally don’t feel like I have enough time to waste on wrong choices, I would rather get it right the first time, Get what I want and want what I get.

Asking is more than just mere words, it’s an attitude. For asking to qualify you for receiving, it must be in the attitude of faith: God has in essence given us a blank check and said that it is up to us to fill in the blank. Every single promise of God is just waiting for the claim of faith.

Salvation, healing, deliverance, prosperity, etc. The design is that we seek first the kingdom and every other natural or earthly need will be added to us. Receiving what you asked for doesn't necessarily mean you are getting what you need. Don’t mistake an answer to prayer for you getting what you need. What do you want?

Jesus told us to ask, seek and knock, But he also told us what to ask for, seek for and what door to knock on. Salvation, healing, deliverance, prosperity, houses and lands, they are all kingdom blessings. But kingdom blessings must never take the place of the presence of the King.

Seek first the Kingdom of God, then ask what you want and you will want what you get.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Respect Between Children and Parents

Children need love. Parents need respect.
It is as simple and complex as that!
When frustrated with an unresponsive child, a parent doesn’t declare, “You don’t love me.” Instead the parent asserts, “You are being disrespectful right now.” A parent needs to feel respected, especially during conflicts. When upset a child does not whine, “You don’t respect me.” Instead, a child pouts, “You don’t love me.” A child needs to feel loved, especially during disputes.
But here’s the rub: An unloved child (or teen) negatively reacts in a way that feels disrespectful to a parent. A disrespected parent negatively reacts in a way that feels unloving to the child. This dynamic gives birth to the FAMILY CRAZY CYCLE.
So how is one to break out of this cycle? Best-selling author Emerson Eggerichs has studied the family dynamic for more than 30 years, having his Ph.D. in Child and Family Ecology. As a senior pastor for nearly two decades, Eggerichs builds on a foundation of strong biblical principles, walking the reader through an entirely new way to approach the family dynamic. For instance, God reveals ways to defuse the craziness with our children from preschooler to teen, plus how to motivate them to obey and how to deal with them when they don’t. In the Bible, God has spoken specifically to parents on how to parent. This book is about that revelation.

This book is available on November 5th, 2013! 

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Gems of Love from Your King

If you have ever struggled to find a way to connect your heart to your heavenly Father, His Treasure is the book for you. In the tradition of Sheri Rose Shepherd’s bestselling His Princess series (with over one million in print) comes this book of beautiful “love letters” from God that will remind you of your priceless worth in Christ.

Each scriptural love letter is written in language that speaks to the heart of every woman. You’ll discover treasures of truth, real love, and wisdom from God’s Word. Get ready for an amazing encounter with your King!

I really liked this book because it breaks God's promises down into little gems that last the whole day and you can read it as a devotional each day or ponder upon it each week.

It has little prayers from God to His readers and when I read it, it just warmed my heart and it says it's from your Father and then you have these warm fuzzy feelings when you read it.


Here is an excerpt from my favorite page:

My Beloved Child,

The battle is never easy; hover, the victory is everlasting if it is fought for My glory in My strength. Don't give up your faith when you're worn out from the struggles of live. I have an endless supply of grace to get you through the pain, persecution, and problems this life brings. You will lose only if you forget what you're fighting for. Yes, you will have many days when the blows of the enemy will leave you felling s if you have been knocked out. However, victory is not measured by how your feel or what you win or lose; it is measured by your witness in the midst of warfare that wins souls for My Kingdom Your strength was be renewed when you focus on fighting for what is right in My sight. Now is not the time to give in or give up; rather, it is time to get on your knees and let Me reveal to you what is worth fighting for!

Love,

Your faithful Father who fights for you



For the LORD your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory! Deuteronomy 20:4


If anyone would like a free copy of this, please leave a sincere message as to why you would want this book and how you think it would affect your future. Also, when you leave a comment, leave your e-mail too.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

The Beauty of a Persistent and Diligent Wife

The topic of diligence brings up the idea of hard work. And yeah, much of life can be hard work, and truly some things should be difficult, since we grow from experience and mature through each trial we face.

That's why diligence is a virtue, because through it we develop character.

How strong would we be if life was a downhill ride? We wouldn't be as mature as we are nor would we be as compassionate. I doubt that we'd value the things that we have as much as do when we work for them.

Life's tough, and let's face it, an uphill battle is never pleasant.

But here's the thing, anyone who's ever reached the top will tell you that the view is incomparable. And they'll encourage you to keep on keeping on when the going gets tough.

There's beauty to be found in the life of a persistent and diligent wife. And of course the same goes for the men, if any of you are reading.

How beautiful is it? Here are a few testimonies that give us a glimpse?

Nikki writes, "My husband and I have walked through so many of life's ups and down together. When I am down he lifts me up and when he is down I lift him up... God brought us together 33 years ago and I will never stop thanking Him for that day."

Susan says, "When Gods' hand is in it ... there is no stopping you from this kind of love. Not always easy but always worth the energy you put into it! Never take love for granted for tomorrow is not promised. Show your loved ones how much they mean to you so you will have no regrets. Don't let it be too late to show/tell them."

Anna writes, "We are coming up on 63 years married. I have to say it gets deeper."

Maria says, "I thank my parents for their beautiful example to me and my hubby. They're still holding hands and loving on each other at almost 50 years! I don't take a single day with my hubby for granted"

"Till the day my dad died, my parents held hands while sleeping. He died holding my mom's hand." - David

Rebecca writes, "I watched my grandfather release his last breath, after nearly 65 years of marriage, trying to kiss my grandmother. His lips were stuck in a pucker. A beautiful and vivid image of lasting and true love."

Rayna says, "My parents have been married 37 years--since age 19. Still in love, still slow dance in the kitchen and call each other by their lovey nicknames."

Della says, "My husband and I met at 15 and 17 in high school....Nov 1st we will celebrate our 38th Anniversary! God has brought us to the place of "perfection" in loving each other no matter what! We've never been better!"

And this one's my favorite:

"Having someone that loves you so stubbornly with the love of Jesus' is the greatest blessing." Annie Hendricks

If you're in a bad place, I'm not telling you this to discourage you or remind you of what you don't have. My hope is to encourage you to hold on with a fierce grip. We all have bad days. Some of these couples might have had bad weeks or bad years--including myself--but persistence pays off.

Regardless of where you are in your marriage you have the ability to love him so stubbornly that Christ can't be denied.

If you're facing an uphill battle, if you're going through trials, if you've hit a rough patch in your marriage get a fierce grip on his heart and refuse to let go.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. - 1 Peter 1:6-7

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene Schacht

Friday, November 1, 2013

Homeschool Giveaway!!

Argh Mateys!  Come aboard our sailing vessels for 3 weeks and become an official pirate!  Through hands on crafts and activities, research and open ended projects/assignments, note booking style pirate journal pages included, and many literature and movie suggestions for visual learners, you will learn about what pirates wore, their weapons, ships, famous pirates, foods they ate, and more! 

Upon completion of unit study, receive a certificate of completion either by email or mail.

a Rafflecopter giveaway