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ruby drop earrings pierce her ears. Ruby cufflinks touch his fingertips

http://bibliophilebythesea.blogspot.com "I will never forget my friend Maggie dying. Word came to me on the Saturday afternoon that there had been a fire at her house and she was in hospital. I cancelled my plans for the evening and went straight there. I was not allowed to go in to her, the doctor was with her, so I sat down to wait in a room where chairs and bits of furniture were stored."

http://bookjourney.wordpress.com I finished The Wounds of God by Penelope Wilcock. I am reading Everyday Grace by Jessica Thompson and The Long Fall by Penelope Wilcock. Also reading, The Heart of The Amish by Suzanne Woods Fisher.

Although America has never experienced a woman president, Nicolle Wallace , the author of Madam President , writes a good novel about how a woman president might react to the situations that happen in the White House. All presidents face stressful circumstances involving the nation and maybe their family.  It's definitely not an easy job. Little did I realize how often in a given day a president has to deal with the media. When the First daughter writes about Pro-choice on Facebook, Madam President has to deal with the media fallout. What the daughter wrote does become the story of the day. There definitely is a balancing act between acting as the most important leader of the United States and also being a parent, spouse or friend. After reading chapters in the novel about a very stressful and tragic situation which involved the lives of eight hundred and thirty seven people, I thought over what is good leadership. Every word, every moment of the people in the White House is

http://fredasvoice.com "A monk would have the graciousness to pretend not to notice one of his brothers kneeling to a superior to confess a fault, but not the lay servants from the village. They regarded it as good entertainment."

Two days before my sixteenth birthday, I woke up so early that my maid was still asleep on the floor at the foot of my bed. I should have scolded Willow, but I didn't because I wanted a few moments alone to savor my excitement. Beginning tonight, I would attend a production of The Peony Pavilion mounted in our garden. http://rosecityreader.blogspot.com

After reading this book, "From Good To Grace" by Christine Hoover, I felt such relief. It turned me back to a merciful God. In this book, Christine Hoover, shares parts of her life. It's a time when she felt overwhelmed with striving to appear as a good person to friends, family and church. Finally, this hard way of life led her back to our Gracious Lord. The God who does not judge us by our deeds or by the Law. When she explored God's goodness, the author felt free and felt God's love wash over her. His love in her began to flow outward. This Living Gospel is one where we are reminded that God died for our sins. He paid the penalty. There is no condemnation only Grace. This is the Gospel of Joy. desiringgod.org/authors/christine-hoover bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/from-good-to-grace

Morning light is green. Grass is wet. Brown leaves scattered. Squirrels stand still. Rain.

spring wildflowers on the mountainside my eyes gleam my heart is lifted

The House of Hawthorne by Erika Robuck is a wonderful fictionalized biography. It's a love story between Nathaniel Hawthorne and his wife, Sophia whose maiden name was Peabody. It's also about their children and their friends who become a part of this famous marriage. During their passionate marriage, Nathaniel Hawthorne suffered with dark moods at times. While Sophia Hawthorne suffered  chronic headaches. I didn't quite understand how the headaches related to Sophia Hawthorne's Art. However, the headaches did effect her painting times. I felt very sorry for her during these times. The Hawthornes also faced  poverty. It's really strange to read about the early days of financial problems faced by an author. One whom is known to us as famous and possibly died wealthy. It's also interesting to read thoughts about slavery. There is a division in the family. The Hawthornes and the in-laws didn't share the same views about the slave question. With so much g

Blue robin sings on top a volcano peak each day a morning song

This is a book of short stories about Andrea Carter and her family. They live in California. Their home is called Circle C Ranch. It's in Central California. However, another story takes place at Puget Sound in Seattle. Andi Carter has a close relationship with her brothers, Justin, Mitch, Chad and sister, Melinda. The stories are historical adventure stories. In the late Nineteenth Century, people seem to have a very strict way of doing things. Andi's mother scolds her for wearing "britches." Little girls wear pants all the time now. However, that was a different time. This is also a time when calling cards are used.Calling calls were used to announce a visit. The Christmas story is my favorite. I had no idea how this story would turn out. Andi and her brothers go up into the Sierra mountains to find a Christmas tree. They get caught in a blizzard. I worried about Andi, Chad and Justin facing the very cold night. Thinking of this adventure I think of pan

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I finished  "Tales from the Circle C Ranch by Susan K. Marlow. Next I'm reading From Good to Grace by Christine Hoover. Then, I will start "The Hawk and the Dove" by Penelope Wilcock.   http://bookjourney.wordpress.com

""You must be pretty familiar with some of the Charleston Harbor shipwrecks yourself," said Theodosia. "Seeing as how you're a former Navy man. Were you stationed here at Charleston Naval Base?" laurachilds.com/

Tawni O'dell's One Of Us is a Psychological drama. The story takes place in a community of miners. Danny Doyle and the lives of other characters led me to see it's possible to survive the hard knocks of abuse and ugliness. Danny's work is in Philadelphia. The circumstances in the lives of people he know will lead him to  face ghosts from the past. In this instance, Danny is called back to Lost Creek because his Grandfather Tommy is very ill. Danny heads back. His journey will lead to the unfolding of many manipulated lives. These past stories are a show of darkness and light or death and resurrection. After many frightening, faltering, shocking steps through the novel, One Of Us,  I pondered the fact that maybe a "real" death can be a resurrection for some people. I really was moved by the quote at the end of the novel , "Watching the two of them I suddenly understand that a man's life story is written before it even begins, all of his choic

"Stars twinkled in the indigo sky as dusk settled over South Carolina's Halliehurst Beach like a blanket of spun silk. Waves lapped and burbled on the sandy shore and sawgrass whispered in the gentle breeze." rosecityreader.blogspot.com

"Where do you think that boat washed up again?" Jory asked Drayton as they began to close in on Sullivan's Island." http://www.fredasvoice.com/2015/04/the-friday-56.html#comment-form

There is so much to do and say each day of the week. Daily, people wonder whether they've done it right or said it right. Without staying in touch with God, it's easy to feel guilty and angry too. In You Can Hear The Voice Of God by Steve Sampson , there are ten ways given to feel more assured about our walk through life. I admit to not understanding all the ways listed in hearing God's voice. How is it possible to differentiate my thoughts from God's voice, or is God's voice my thoughts? Mr. Sampson explains that God's voice is a sort of "drop in?"  This really puzzled me. I am glad Mr. Sampson explains that he hasn't heard God's "real" voice in his mind. Two of the chapters were really helpful.  I really needed to read the chapter about peace. It is explained that there are two ways of looking at peace. " The first thing we need to recognize in order to clearly hear Him this way is that there is a difference between ha

"Finally, I found the perfect tree. The white fir was probably ten feet tall. It towered over the boys. But it would fit just right in Mother's fancy parlor, where the ceiling rose at least that high."

"The peace of God is a priceless benefit in our relationship with the Lord. Sometimes I wonder if we take it for granted. God's peace is that internal tranquilized that governs our being. Jesus promised us peace: '"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."' (John 14:27).