Monday, January 30, 2012

Indian Captive... a book review

Print

Indian Captive is one of my favorite Newbery Honor Awards book especially while studying early American history.  It is a glimpse into the life of the Seneca Indian tribe during the mid to late 1700s. 

In this classic Newbery Honor Award book, Lois Lenski authentically reconstructs the fascinating story of Mary Jemison's capture, flight, and early years with the Seneca Indians. Lenski has brought her special talents for research, for writing, and for drawing to this true American story of a white girl's life among Native Americans.

The real Mary Jemison, at the age of 80, told her memories of her experiences in detail to James Everett Seaver, M.D., and the book was first published at Canandaigua, NY in 1824.  She was one of a few Indian captives who refused to return to the "pale face" world.  Mary Jemison, aka 'Little-Woman-of-Great-Courage,' lived to be 91 and was buried in the Seneca churchyard at South Buffalo, and later re-buried at Letchworth Park in her beloved Genesee Valley.  Her descendants still live on the Indian reservations in western New York.

Click HERE for more information on Indian Captive and Lois Lenski.

I received a complimentary copy of Indian Captive from Open Road Media and NetGalley for my honest review.


Blessings,

     Ellen

Saturday, January 28, 2012

January Sky

Print

1 Peter 2.4-10 Bible Study

Print

This week was a definite stretch in completing week/lesson 3 - between a crazy life with home schooling, part-time work schedules, headaches/migraine, and having to cook dinner (really!).  Even so, God met me where I am... living in organized chaos and questioning to whom I belong.

1 Peter 2.9 focused me on my identity in Christ:

I am part of a chosen people.
I am part of a royal priesthood.
I am part of a holy nation.
I belong to God.

Pretty simple... straightforward.  Now, if only I believed (and felt this) on a daily basis.  Sue Edwards has challenged us to to find out why we resist these simple truths and to overcome our unhealthy thinking that hinders our spiritual growth.

If you are following along in 1 Peter, what is God revealing to you?  How are you applying His word to your life?

I am completing a complimentary copy of 1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times for my weekly review.

Breakfast Casserole

Print
Christmas morning is always very hectic!  How can we enjoy a nice breakfast without spending too much time eating?  So, off I go in search of something that would basically make itself.  I stumbled upon this old recipe for an Egg and Sausage Casserole.  We now make this every Christmas Eve, and it makes Christmas morning so much easier!  Try it out... you may have a new tradition at your home!

Ingredients:

1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and drained
9 slices white bread, cubed (thin sliced or 7 thick)
1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
9 eggs
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 cups milk
1 1/2 tsp dry mustard

Directions:

1)  Cook sausage until no longer pink; drain.


2)  In a 13 x 9 casserole dish sprayed with non-stick spray, layer the cubed white bread, cooked sausage, and cheese.

3)  Mix together eggs, milk, salt, and dry mustard.  Pour evenly over layers.


4)  Cover and refrigerate overnight or up to 12 hours.

5)  Bake uncovered for 50 minutes at 350 F.  ( Do not need to pre-heat oven!)


6)  Enjoy!

Tip: To spice it up, use HOT sausage!

Cook's Family Recipe.  Author/Chef: Ellen C.




This recipe may be linked to:
Cookbook Sundays, Savory Sundays, Recipe of the Week, Hunk of Meat Monday, Makin' You Crave Monday, Mouthwatering Monday, Mangia Mondays, Melt in Your Mouth Monday, Monday Mania, Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays, Tuesdays at the Table, Tasty Tuesday, Tuesday Night Supper Club (2nd Tues of the month), Slightly Indulgent Tuesday, Hearth and Soul Hop, Tasty Tuesday Link Party, Made from Scratch Tuesday, Totally Tasty Tuesdays, This Week's Cravings, Delicious Dishes, Foodie Wednesday, Real Food Wednesday, What's On the Menu Wednesday, Made it on Monday, What's Cooking Wednesday, Recipes I Can't Wait to Try!, What's on Your Plate?, These Chicks Cook, Whisking Wednesday, Full Plate Thursday, Ultimate Recipe Swap, It's a Keeper, Slow Cooking Thursday, Twisted Thursday, Taste-tastic Thursday, Fun with Food Friday, Friday Favorites, Foodie Friday, Friday Potluck, I'm Lovin' It, Fusion Fridays, Foodie Friday, Sweets for a Saturday, Simply Delish SaturdaysLink and Greet Party


Blessings,

     Ellen
    

Friday, January 27, 2012

The Cowboy Father... a book review

Print
The Cowboy Father

Release date: February 15, 2012

Book Description:

With Alberta in the grip of the Depression, Louisa Morgan is desperate to bolster her family's finances. But how can she tutor bedridden Ellie Hamilton? The little tomboy is more interested in making mischief than studying sums. And the girl's bond with her handsome papa is another reminder to Louisa of the children she'll never have.

For Emmet Hamilton, strength means shouldering burdens alone. He never thought he'd let himself share his child, or his heart, ever again. But before long, Louisa's kindness and optimism start to change the cowboy's mind. Maybe he can gain the courage to trust again-in Louisa, in God's grace, and in this new family..

Click HERE to read part of chapter 1.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Linda Ford dares to discuss the sensitive topic of infertility in her new novel The Cowboy Father.  Through her character Louisa, we are given a glimpse inside the mind of a woman experiencing this first-hand.  We feel for her loss, but at the same time, are moved by her dependence on God alone.

I enjoyed this book, but I wasn't pulled into the storyline as I would have hoped.  I loved learning about how the depression and drought affected Canada much like here in America.

To learn more about Linda Ford, visit her at Linda Ford | Faith, Family and a Forever Love.

I received a complimentary e-book from Harlequin Publisher and NetGalley for my honest review.

Blessings,

     Ellen

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Saving Hope... a book review

Print

Saving Hope

ISBN: 9781426714283
Abingdon Press
Publication Date: March 1, 2012
Series: Men of the Texas Rangers #1

Book Decription:

When a teenager goes missing from the Beacon of Hope School, Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan and school director Kate Winslow are forced into a dangerous struggle against a human trafficking organization. But the battle brings dire consequences as Wyatt's daughter is terrorized and Kate is kidnapped.

Now it's personal, and Wyatt finds both his faith and investigative skills challenged as he fights to discover the mastermind behind the ring before evil destroys everyone he loves.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

Margaret Daley has written another thought-provoking book!  She has given such depth to the characters that they become the reader's friends, too.  I not only 'prayed-on' the teenage girls and their recovery, but also Kate's relationship with her parents.  She has written a book that introduces the reader to the forced adolescent/teen girl prostitution rings, and also the difficulty for them to break free from this dire situation.

Her sensitivity to the problem of human trafficking here in America makes this a great way to open dialogue with your own teenage daughter.  Read it first, and if you feel it is appropriate for your daughter, let her read it... then TALK about it and what if means to you and her!

I look forward to reading Margaret Daley's Men of the Texas Rangers series!

I received a complimentary copy of Saving Hope from Abingdon Press from NetGalley for my honest review.

Blessings,

     Ellen

Monday, January 23, 2012

Google+ Vanity URL

Print

If you are anything like me, you receive many emails and blog posts from friends.  Well, one of these had a simple way to change your Google+ URl (with the long stream of numbers) to a name or nickname.  Since I couldn't locate the email --- shocking, huh! --- I did a search. 

This simple little app lets you create a short URL for your Google+ page, making it easy to share with your friends.  Here is a simple way to change it.

My new Google+ URL is: http://gplus.to/seasonalthings.   What will yours become?

 
Blessings,

     Ellen

Sunday, January 22, 2012

After the Snow Falls... a book review

Print
After The Snow Falls

An amazing book!

 I laughed. 

I cried.

I put myself in the character's shoes wondering how I would have handled their heartfelt issues.

Think about your life...what is your one unforgivable sin?
What is one thing someone has done to you that you just cannot forgive them?

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

As a young girl, Celia watched her father drive away not to return for many years.  Now as a parent herself, she watches in horror as her only son collapses on a soccer field during a shoot-out competition.  After testing in the children's hospital, she is blindsided by the diagnosis - a brain tumor.  While searching into conventional and alternative therapies, the family finds a new normal.  While facing the unknown and despair of cancer, her father returns after a 30-year absence bringing hope.  Can Celia forgive her father to embrace the hope being offered?  Will it make a difference, or is it too late?

Click HERE to read Chapter 1!
.
Carey Jane Clark has written a novel so moving that I know this is the first of many more inspirational novels.  The characters become your friends and you find yourself cheering them on and praying for them as you read.  She has gently woven the gospel throughout the book, and the scriptures are ones we all need to reminded of in the midst of our own personal storms.

For more information on Carey Jane Clark and After the Snow Falls, check out her website at www.afterthesnowfalls.com.  For those who like to follow-up their reading with thought questions, Carey has included Book Club Questions on her website.

I received a complimentary copy of After the Snow Falls from Carey Jane Clark for my honest review.  And honestly, this is a MUST READ book for anyone having problems forgiving others... me included.

Blessings,

     Ellen

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Print

I have never been a fan of Alfredo sauce until I happened upon this recipe.  Not sure why, but this one is creamy and tasteful.  Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Makes 4 servings (1 1/2 cup each)

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. fettuccine, uncooked
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 1/4 cup fat-free reduced sodium chicken broth
5 tsp all-purpose flour
4 oz. Neufchatel Cheese (1/3 less fat)
3 TBS grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper

To make:

1)  Cook pasta as directed on package.

2)  Meanwhile, heat large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat.  Add chicken; cook 5-7 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally. 

3)  Remove chicken from skillet.  Mix broth and flour in same skillet.  Stir in Neufchatel cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and pepper; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly until mixture boils and thickens.  Reduce heat.

4)  Stir in chicken.

5)  Drain pasta; place in large bowl.  Pour chicken mixture over pasta; toss to coat. 

6)  Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and 2 TBS chopped fresh parsley before serving.

7)  Enjoy!

Note: 

1)  I love making this with grilled chicken breasts, but that is not an option during the winter.  So, I slice the chicken breasts length-wise and cook it at 300 F in a sprayed electric fry pan.  This adds flavor since they are browning at the same time.  After the chicken is cooked, then I cut it into bite-sized pieces and add to the sauce.  Also, the chicken remains moist this way!

2)  My idea of a serving bowl is the pot I cooked the pasta in!  I rinse out and dry the pasta pot, and then combine the Alfredo sauce with chicken and the pasta together.  (Remember... I'm cooking for 3 teenagers and a husband!)

3)  As a change of pace, I have been known to add steamed broccoli with the cooked chicken into the Alfredo sauce.  Gotta get vegetables somehow!

4)  For my family, I double the recipe.  Maybe, just maybe, there will be leftovers!

* This recipe has been adapted from Kraft food and family, Fall 2008.


Blessings,

     Ellen

This recipe may be linked to:
Cookbook Sundays, Savory Sundays, Recipe of the Week, Hunk of Meat Monday, Makin' You Crave Monday, Mouthwatering Monday, Mangia Mondays, Melt in Your Mouth Monday, Monday Mania, Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays, Tuesdays at the Table, Tasty Tuesday, Tuesday Night Supper Club (2nd Tues of the month), Slightly Indulgent Tuesday, Hearth and Soul Hop, Tasty Tuesday Link Party, Made from Scratch Tuesday, Totally Tasty Tuesdays, This Week's Cravings, Delicious Dishes, Foodie Wednesday, Real Food Wednesday, What's On the Menu Wednesday, Made it on Monday, What's Cooking Wednesday, Recipes I Can't Wait to Try!, What's on Your Plate?, These Chicks Cook, Whisking Wednesday, Full Plate Thursday, Ultimate Recipe Swap, It's a Keeper, Slow Cooking Thursday, Twisted Thursday, Taste-tastic Thursday, Fun with Food Friday, Friday Favorites, Foodie Friday, Friday Potluck, I'm Lovin' It, Fusion Fridays, Foodie Friday, Sweets for a Saturday, Simply Delish SaturdaysLink and Greet Party

1 Peter 1.13-2.3 Bible Study

Print

This week's Bible study led us through 1 Peter 1.13-2.3.

Core One reminds us to 'Get Ready.'  Get Ready for what?  For the trials which will come into our lives as believers.  1 Peter 1.13 states, "Therefore, prepare you minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when  Jesus Christ is revealed."

Am I living mentally alert?  Do I have a disciplined lifestyle toward God?  Am I living with my eyes soley focused on Christ and His work for me on the cross?

What can I do to live more fully in the hope that Jesus has supplied for me?  Only by taking control of my thoughts can I live more fully in Christ.  As we learn in 2 Corinthians 10.5b, "...we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ..."  This means I live with a Biblical worldview in which all my decisions need to be filtered through God's Word.  Is ______ within His will for me?  Does _______  line-up with the love and teachings of the Bible?

This is a daily struggle for me.  I want control of my life; but, I need to LET GO and LET GOD.  Let go of my will and give God supreme control over my life.

As usual, I am not only finding weaknesses I need to work on, but also I am reminding of God's love and grace toward me.  I wonder what next week will uncover for me.

Kregel Publications has provided a complimentary copy of this study for my honest review over the next 7 weeks.

Blessings,

     Ellen 

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Print

Chocolate Chip Cookies are one of my family's favorites.  I only make them once or twice a year as we tend to eat way too many of them at one time!

I don't have any "secret family recipe."  I use the recipe on the back of the Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet bag.  I know, now you are wondering why I am even putting this out in the great blogosphere.  I love SOFT cookies... and here is the trick...

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour PLUS 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (12 oz pkg) Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 cup chopped nuts, optional 

Instructions:

1.  Preheat oven to 375 F.

2.  Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small mixing bowl.

3.  Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy.

4.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5.  Gradually beat in flour mixture.

6.  Stir in morsels (and nuts). 

7.  Drop by well-rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.

8.  Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

9.  Enjoy!

Ellen's simplified directions: 

1.  Beat butter, sugars, and vanilla until creamy in a large mixing bowl.

2.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well.

3.  Measure and add dry ingredients slowly into butter mixture until it is all combined.  (This is much easier using a stand mixer.)

4.  Stir in morsels and nuts (if you are using them).

5.  Use a mellon-baller to scoop out dough.  Bake at 375 F for 9-10 minutes.


6.  Enjoy!

Note:  Your cookies may not become light brown on the top.  If the bottom of the cookie is light brown, they should be cooked.  If, by any chance your cookies do get hard, place a piece of white bread into the container and seal.  The moisture from the bread will soften the cookies.

Cook's Family Recipe Book.  Author/Chef: Ellen C.

Blessings,

     Ellen

This recipe may be linked to:
Cookbook Sundays, Savory Sundays, Recipe of the Week, Hunk of Meat Monday, Makin' You Crave Monday, Mouthwatering Monday, Mangia Mondays, Melt in Your Mouth Monday, Monday Mania, Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays, Tuesdays at the Table, Tasty Tuesday, Tuesday Night Supper Club (2nd Tues of the month), Slightly Indulgent Tuesday, Hearth and Soul Hop, Tasty Tuesday Link Party, Made from Scratch Tuesday, Totally Tasty Tuesdays, This Week's Cravings, Delicious Dishes, Foodie Wednesday, Real Food Wednesday, What's On the Menu Wednesday, Made it on Monday, What's Cooking Wednesday, Recipes I Can't Wait to Try!, What's on Your Plate?, These Chicks Cook, Whisking Wednesday, Full Plate Thursday, Ultimate Recipe Swap, It's a Keeper, Slow Cooking Thursday, Twisted Thursday, Taste-tastic Thursday, Fun with Food Friday, Friday Favorites, Foodie Friday, Friday Potluck, I'm Lovin' It, Fusion Fridays, Foodie Friday, Sweets for a Saturday, Simply Delish SaturdaysLink and Greet Party

Friday, January 13, 2012

Switched! ... a book review

Print
#5: Switched!  -     
        By: Bill Myers

Tyndale House Publisher
Available: 2/2012
$6.99

Switched! is the 5th book of the TJ and the Time Stumblers series from Bill Myers. 

"This six-book series centers around two 23rd century goofballs, Tuna and Herby, who travel back in time to study TJ Finkelstein for their history project. TJ will someday become a great leader who demonstrates honesty, integrity, thoughtfulness, self-sacrifice, respect for others—all traits she hones and grasps through her adventures in this series. Unfortunately, Tuna and Herby get stuck in TJ’s time (modern day), so she has to deal with their schemes while juggling the normal issues of a seventh grader who has moved to a new city, is trying to fit in, and is coping with her mother’s death and her family’s new life. "  Tyndale House

Book description:

As Tuna and Herby try to repair their futuristic gadgets, a little glitch in their Thought Broadcaster Pen lands TJ in the body of her nemesis, Hesper Breakahart-and vice versa! And the plot thickens when Tuna and Herby decide to put TJ's new look and superstar power to use-they decide to have "Hesper" perform a concert as a diversion while they sneak aboard a nuclear submarine and borrow a plutonium power pack (one of the items needed to fuel their time pod and get them out of TJ's life!).

Meanwhile, Tuna and Herby are hounded by their own nemesis, Bruce Bruiseabone, who's having a little trouble with forgiveness . . . a lesson TJ realizes she might also need to learn as she walks a mile in Hesper's shoes-and body!  ~  Christian Book

Check out the video trailer!
*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *
This book brings many zany characters to life!  Who wouldn't love to have their very own futuristic friends around to keep life wacky and adventurous?  As a story, I enjoyed the way Bill Myers weaved the zany activities of these characters with life in seventh grade. 

Even though this series may keep a child reading and entertained, as a parent and home school mom, I would not use this in my lesson plans.  I feel the lesson of forgiveness is lost in the crazy story of switching places.  There are many other avenues to reinforce forgiveness such as Bible stories and modeling it in real life.  As home schoolers, we spend many hours with our children and how many times do I - as the parent / teacher - need to ask forgiveness from one or all of my kids.  (I know I'm not alone in this!)  Also, I feel that reading good literature encourages the students to learn good writings skills, spelling, and vocabulary.  Now, if my student wanted to read this as their "pleasure" reading, that would be fine.
Author Bio:


Bill Myers is the author of several best-selling series, including Forbidden Doors, The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle, McGee and Me! He is a writer and director; his work has won over 60 national and international awards and his books and videos have sold nearly 8 million copies. Click HERE for more information on his kids and teens books.

I received a complimentary copy of Switched! from Tyndale House Publisher for my honest opinion.

Blessings,
     Ellen

Thursday, January 12, 2012

1 Peter 1.1-12 Bible Study

Print

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope throught the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."

~ 1 Peter 1.3-5

One of the sections in this week's study focused on our blessings and resources that God provides for His children.  The exercise includes reading this verse aloud and then circling all the blessing and benefits, we as His children, enjoy.  What do you see listed in 1 Peter 3-5?

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

This simple activity made me stop and consider all that Jesus has done for me.  I usually do not meditate on the positive things in life; unfortunately - being a pessimist - I focus on the negative and hope for a positive outcome.  I'm not proud in admitting this, but it's just the way I see life after living through some very emotionally, tragic events.

Lesson 1 (1 Peter 1.1-12) is about preparing for opposition.  Just as our first-century sisters faced hostility for their faith, we do too.  I call it the "Gag Order."  Christians are not allowed to: (1) openly pray in our public schools or lead our high school football games in prayer, (2) post the Ten Commandments in our courts, or (3) set-up a Nativity scene at Christmas on city/county property because it "might upset others."  (I know the list can continue.)

So what does preparing for opposition look like?  It is focusing on who God is and what He has done for us.  Digging our spiritual roots deep into the word of God and knowing, without a doubt, He will always walk through the trials with us.  By securing our faith in Him now, it will not be shaken during the times of hardship, challenges, or even persecution.

If you are following along, what has God shown you this week? 


Kregel Publications has provided a complimentary copy of this study for my honest review over the next 8 weeks.

Link directly to  your post, so we may encourage each other in our daily walk with the Lord.


Blessings,

     Ellen

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...