The Reading List for April....and May

I recognize that May isn't quite over yet, but since I haven't updated here in a while, I thought I would do my reading lists for the previous two months today. Besides, I am in no danger of completing a book in two days anyway.

Byt the end of this list, you are going to think I have done something amazing with all these titles. Keep in mind that I didn't do this last month =)


Cranford, by Elizabeth Gaskell--I watched the movie first, as you all know, and then I decided to read the book. Since the movie combined three of Ms. Gaskell's novels into one, Cranford (the book) didn't cover everything in the movie...but it was still very good. What was nice was that it was a pleasant read--and not some morose novel.

Winning the Future, by Newt Gingrich--So it is no surprise to you all that I read political books. I make it a habit to check out the new book section at the library--and I tend to pick up any one that is from a Republican/Conservative point of view. I enjoy them....but not everybody does.

Wuthering Heights, by Emily Brone--Charlotte Bronte penned one of my most favorite novels, Jane Eyre. So I decided to give her sister a try. Let's just say that I like Charlotte better. Though maybe it was the storyline of Wuthing Heights that I didn't like. It was very confusing at first; it was morose as well. (It is about a love "affair" that was never to be..and how the young people, then, wanted to make the other one's life miserable) I didn't hate it by any means though. However, I did hate the 1939 version of the film I watched of it =)...afterwards

Reason and Romance, by Debra White Smith--I saw this book as I was walking around the Chrisitan book story. It is a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. But believe it or not, everything was decent (so it wasn't made raunchy in any way) Of course, Jane Austen's work is far better, but it was a very pleasant read after Wuthering Heights.

In Praise of Stay-At Home Moms, by Dr. Laura Schlessinger--Fabulous! That is really all I need to say. Any girl who wants to be a stay at home mom, or knows of a mom who needs encouragement about what she is doing, needs to read this book. I plan on owning it. It is that good.

And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie--I first watched an old movie of this with the family and then I had to read the book. I came away with liking the movie better (because I preferred the Hollywood ending =) but the book is really good. It is the story of ten people who are invited to a deserted island.......and one by one are murdered. The murderer is in their midst....but who? Don't let the murder plot deter you. Nothing is graphic.

Mr. Darcy's Daughter, by Rebecca Ann Collins--Yes, I just read number 5 in the series I am growing to love. This time, we follow Darcy and Elizabeth's daughter, Cassandra, as her family goes through some changes. Once again, so many of your favorite Jane Austen characters are still around, so you don't need to fret about anyone major dying yet. Honestly, you need to find this series, y'all.

Like Dandelion Dust, by Karen Kingsbury--I read this book several years ago, but considering where our family is in live, I wanted to read it again. It is the story about a family who have adopted, and yet, circumstances result where the birth family wants him back. It is a beautiful story about a mother's sacrifical love. It really made me thankful to the mother of our hoped for child for doing the right thing and giving her baby up.

A Slobbering Love Affair, by Bernard Goldberg--Okay. You want to know the byline to this one....it is called The torrid (and pathetic) romance between Barack Obama and the Mainstream Media =) Because of that, I knew I had to get it. After all, that was what I was saying; the media got President Obama elected, there is no question about that! There is a teeny bit of language, but I do think it is an eye opener.

Okay, so there is my list? What have you read lately?

In Fond Remembrance

Arlington--sung by Trace Adkins

I never thought that this is where I'd settle down,
I thought I'd die an old man back in my hometown,
They gave me this plot of land, me and some other men,
for a job well done.

There's a big white house sits on a hill just up the road,
The man inside he cried the day they brought me home,
They folded up a flag, and told my mom and dad, 'We're proud of your son'.

And I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property,
I'm on sacred ground and I'm in the best of company,
I'm thankful for those thankful for the things I've done,
I can rest in peace, I'm one of the chosen ones,
I made it to Arlington.

I remember daddy brought me here when I was eight,
We searched all day to find out where my granddad lay,
And when we finally found that cross,
He said, 'Son this is what it cost, to keep us free'.
Now here I am a thousand stones away from him,
He recognized me on the first day I came in,
And it gave me a chill, when he clicked his heels, and saluted me.

And I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property,
I'm on sacred ground and I'm in the best of company,
And I'm thankful for those thankful for the things I've done,
I can rest in peace, I'm one of the chosen ones,
I made it to Arlington.

And every time I hear, twenty-one guns,
I know they brought another hero home, to us.

We're thankful for those thankful for the things we've done,
We can rest in peace, 'cause we were the chosen ones,
We made it to Arlington, yea, dust to dust
Don't cry for us, we made it to Arlington.

To the brave men and women who served--and paid the ultimate price--to ensure our freedom, we say "thank you." We owe a lot to their sacrifice.

Listed below are some old classic movies that would get you in a "Memorial Day" mood. They really put things in different perspectives.

* The Purple Heart

* The Fighting Sullivans

* Thirty Seconds Over Toyko

May you all have a blessed weekend with family and friends.

Something Silly

While in the midst of major writer's block, and yet wanting to post something on here, I came across a "tag" that a friend of mine had given me long ago. I didn't do it then, but it seems to be the perfect time right now.

So, here is what the deal is. It is a questionnaire....but you have to use song titles from a playlist (in my case, my MP3 player) for your answers. Sadly, most of my songs aren't on here yet.....

However, I want to state something for the start. Everyone has different standards when it comes to music. I will confess that I listen to many various genres (yet I always make sure the lyrics are not offensive or sinful) That said, there might be some of you who don't do anything but classical or anything but Christian. That is totally fine--the Lord leads people in different ways when it comes to things not made obvious in scripture (a dear friend did a wonderful post on that)

With that out of the way, here we go!


If someone says, "Is this okay? "Indescribable" by Chris Tomlin (doesn't work...but this question doesn't make sense =)

How would you describe yourself? "All-American Girl" by Carrie Underwood

What do you like in a guy/girl? "Forever By My Side" by Eric and Leslie Ludy (a beautiful love song about purity)

How do you feel today? "Bring the Rain" by Mercy Me

What is your life's purpose? "Your Grace is Enough" by Chris Tomlin (because no matter what, I want to send the message that God's grace is ALL you need to make it)

What is your motto? "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Adkins (If we don't pay attention, we are bound to miss moments that are so vitally important--because life inevitably changes) OR "Whatever Will Be, Will Be" by Doris Day

What do your friends think of you? I don't have anything for this one........

What do you think of your parents? "When Mama Prayed" by Randy Travis

What do you think about very often? "When You Say You Love Me" by Josh Groban (okay, so I dream and pray about my love story =)

What do you think of your best friend? "Thankful" by Josh Groban (I am so thankful for my friends!)

What do you think of the person you like? "Brothers" by Dean Brody (an amazing song about the love of siblings)

What is your life story? "How Great is Our God" by Chris Tomlin

What do you want to be when you grow up? "Then" by Brad Paisley (You have to know the song =)


What will you dance to at your wedding? "When God Made You" by Newsong (I love this song)

What will they play at your funeral? "Just a Dream" by Carrie Underwood (No, that's the song they would play at my husband's funeral)

What is your hobby/interest? "Dreams" by Eric and Leslie Ludy (it is an instrumental piece...and I love to play the piano)

What is your biggest fear? "Forgiveness" by Jim Witter (I am always afraid that I would have a fight with someone near and dear...and not have the time to ask for forgiveness)


Alright, so that was A LOT harder than it thought. The majority of my music isn't on my MP3 (which accounts for there being no Steven Curtis Chapman on this list)

Anyway, if any of you find this even remotely interesting, which I doubt, you do it yourself.

A Mother's Love

Thank you, Lord for a Mother's love

Love that was born with a child

Her eyes can see with wisdom

There's hope behind her smile

God has created a mother's heart

With strength to guide our way

And teach us of our God above

Thank you, Lord, for a mother's love

Even as Jesus walked the earth

He was placed in a mother's care

To hold Him close to clam His fears

His deepest thoughts to share

And as Mary's heart knew the greatest joy

And felt the deepest pain

God gave His strength from above

Thank you, Lord, for a mother's love

Thank you, Lord, for a Mother's love

Her children call her blessed

Grace and glory will be the crown

Of a heart that You possess

The greatest gift of a mother's love

Is found upon her knees

Trusting in our God above

Thank you, Lord, for a mother's love

A very happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there; say hello to them for me. To mine, I love you, Mom, so very much. I appreciate all that you do for me. Lord willing, someday, I will have a child say these things to me.

And no--I didn't write those lyrics =) But I mean them!

I Saw God Today

Some days, it takes a conscious effort to find God. Circumstances around us point more to the Enemy of our souls than to the One who loves us more than life. Or there are the times when you are just bored--you want some positive excitement and adventure--and all you get is the same routine day....after day.....after day.

I am not by nature a negative person. I always try to find something positive in a situation. But it doesn't always happen. When I can't find something positive in life itself, I look to nature--and in the spring, I am always sure to find it.

Spring often comes quick as a flash. I have been waiting for my lilacs to really be in bloom for quite some time now. And today, I felt they were beginning to reach their prime. There is a spiritual lesson in there somewhere.....God's timing is always the best. Waiting is essential in order for true beauty to be revealed.

As you scroll those these photos, read the words to one of my favorite country songs by George Strait.

I've been to church

I've read the book

I know He's here but I don't look

Near as often as I should

His fingerprints are everywhere

Just slowed down to look

Opened my eyes

And man I swear

I saw God today

I encourage you to seek the Lord where He can be found. He is ALWAYS somewhere--even in the places we least expect. We are never abandoned. See Him today.

And the Winner Is.......

I want to thank all of you for entering my latest giveaway. It was a lot different this go around....but that is probably due to the fact that most people have Sense and Sensibility.

Sadly, I am not able to give everybody a copy of this delightful film. Only one of you is taking this DVD home. It is one of my favorites ever (though I will admit, if you skip the first two minutes of the new S&S, it is just as good as the one I am giving away)

So, who is taking it home?..........................................

Drumroll please....................................................


Jenna!!!

Your comment won't be published my dear, but I need an e-mail address where I can reach you.

Thanks to all who entered and congratulations Jenna!