A Grand read

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Story I wrote

Quinna’s Marriage


       The moon  rose in the cloudless heavens as a strange assembly gathered by a dimly light campfire.  Instantaneously,  a voice began to speak, “ We are compelled to display our power to those Portuguese so they will view us as a mighty nation or else we shall be conquered.” The moon silently and mysteriously slipped behind the clouds as Wotof arose from the secret gathering. Swiftly the company set off by canoe, but the boat caught in a snag of twisted roots, which caused Wotof to become extremely angry since, with the swift passage of time, the enemy would soon be upon them! An unexpected crash resounded in the eerie silence as the Silla people came into the clearing.  Terrified, the Ashanti travelers leapt from their craft as Wotof shoved the canoe away to where an alligator was sleeping in the muck. Immediately,  the creature lashed his tail down on the canoe, upsetting it and splitting it in the middle with a terrifying crack.  Apparently  the noise had been heard by all those within range, for somewhere in the distance a faint shriek was emitted. Without further delay, Wotof and his men floated to an underground cave and waited. Since  this slight movement had caught the alligator’s attention, he had lashed his powerful tail in all directions, which caused Tekror, the Silla chief to cry, “ The gods must be displeased with our actions!  Let us make peace with our enemies and thus together overthrow the white man.” Cowering beneath the shadows like turtles, the men waited as they witnessed the entire spectacle and now, trusting that all was safe, they slowly swam to the nearby bank, on the opposite gulf, carefully concentrating on each movement.
wedding cake, wedding cake, wedding cake
     Several months later, the agreement was to take place, where Tekror was to present his sister, Quinna as wife to Wotof, as a lasting covenant between the Silla and the Ashanti.   The young bride-to-be had spent the morning adorning herself, and now was ready in body, if not in soul, to meet her adversary. Presently, the wedding party set off along the jungle path leading to the ceremony.  Just as her retinue was coming into the clearing where they were to meet Wotof, something strange took place which changed Quinna forever. As  she happened to glance upward to a rocky crevasse, she espied a benevolent, pallid face gazing at her, which caused her to give a sudden scream, because she had never encountered a white man before. The face disappeared. Quinna questioned if it had been a mirage and thus, for a moment, her countenance grew crestfallen. However, she knew she must conceal her thoughts until they could be successfully confirmed at a later hour. Hurriedly, the group deflected along the path arriving just twenty feet from the sea, where a multitude was swarming about, doing countless tasks. All fell silent as Quinna entered the clearing. Before long, the exertions of the multitude of drummers, slaves, and dancers were renewed.  Wotof  approached to espouse Quinna, who was willingly given away by her brother Tekror.

     The vast array of men who resided in the land of darkest Africa were surprised to perceive a group approaching them, pointing to the royal stool that stood gleaming in all its richness. The betrothal events had sped by, ending with a great feast. And now, during the lively music and festivities, the unexpected guests had arrived.  Silence reigned.  Instantaneously, what seemed impossible happened; the two leaders, the great Oba and the strange white man, shook hands in a treaty which would enable the Portuguese to have a quantity of the gold in exchange for rum, the much-anticipated guns, and cloth. Quinna stood by as she watched all that took place, and silently fingered her corral beads with which she had been presented moments before. Comprehending the vast richness involved in this trade, she now became willing to serve as wife and Queen of the Ashanti tribe. Since this gala celebration, the rest of the season quickly flew past because the time was employed in trading some thirty thousand blacks with the Portuguese. For the first time,  Quinna relaxed in the true lap of luxury. It was a way of life to her to trade slaves but she caught the gleam of joy as she understood with pride that from this hour on her people in Africa would be known world-wide for the richness of gold. Although things were peaceable for the time-being,  it was not this that kept the territories united and the people strong. Rather, it was because of Quinna’s marriage to Wotof that the Ashanti and Sillas retained great wealth and power in the land of darkest Africa. 
Stay tuned for tomorrows post: Places to have your wedding in St Louis and in an other state!

Look Inside the Time of Jesus A Lift-the-Flap Discovery Book


This is a perfect book for  3- 5 year old children!  Very engaging wit many lift the flap pictures. The colors with which this book is illustrated are bright and cheerful, perfect for little eyes. Your child will want to read this book over and over again, and it is a good idea for keeping your little one occupied during church!


The illustrations are cute and colorful, and the lift-the-flap appeal will draw young children to want to have this one read to them again and again. I like the way that the account of Jesus’ life is integrated with the scenes of life in that time so that kids are learning not only about the life of Christ but also a little about the time period and culture. Older children can read the book for themselves and can spend time reading the flaps and exploring a little more.

 I was given this book in exchange for my honest review by Kregel publications, but I have shared my own thoughts and opinions, I was not required to write a favorable review.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

A Good Food Day by Marco Canora with Tammy Walker cookbook review


A Good Food Day by  Marco Canora with Tammy Walker, with a Foreword by Tim Ferriss 

This is another healthy cookbook to inspire both healthy eaters as well as those who are just starting on the journey to ultimate health and vitality!  I cant wait to use this book, very soon!!
Written by a man who suffered from junk food and an all-round unhealthy lifestyle, it presents healthy living in a fresh new way and might even convince the skeptic. The photographs are appealing and  make one want to make the recies. This hardback book, would  make a great gift!
I would recommend it for beginners. Not to hard  but if you are already a master of  healthy eating well this might jsut disappoint you. This is a classic Italian and American,
book.
. Therefore you can rest assured that most of the recipes are indeed healthy. The only thing that caught my attention which I wouldn't consume was the whole wheat pasta the author uses. You can't blame him-after all, he is Italian!

About the cookbook

After years of mindless eating habits that led to weight gain and a slew of health issues, I knew I had to make some changes. But no way in hell was I giving up flavor for health. Instead of dieting or depriving myself, I created simple, whole foods-based recipes fit for a food lover’s palate.
In A Good Food Day, I team up with certified health coach Tammy Walker to explain the powers of good-for-you ingredients (such as low-GI carbohydrates, bone broths, and alkaline-forming greens), and I build these into 125 recipes that are all about satisfaction. Dishes like Amaranth “Polenta” with Tuscan Kale, Black Rice Seafood Risotto, Citrus-Spiked Hazelnut and Rosemary Granola, Chickpea Crepe Sandwiches, and Rosemary Sweet Potato Fries will show that with a healthy diet, there is still joy in eating.
If you love food and want to clean up your diet with a collection of super delicious, satisfying recipes that actually inspire you to want healthy foods in every meal, then A Good Food Day is for you.
, I would like to mention I received this book free from Blogging for books for my honest review.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

The book just wasn't real for me

Where Trust Lies by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

I had never read a Jannett oke book so this one was a good read.

Where Trust Lies by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan is the second book in the Return to the Canadian West series This is a Christen romance!  I felt a little lost at first trying to keep track of who was who and what had happened in the previous book.

I wanted to read this book because it is set in Canada, where I was born and I love her costume! This is  one of the Hallmark Channels  when calls the Heart Tv series.

I tried to love this book like so many have but it was too slow for me. It was mostly about the youngest daughter Julie and the unfortunate choice she made of friends aboard the ship.  Not worth your time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Alaska...



The last book in a series of  five  books about Alaska. This is the only one I read. This a romance / mystery story for  adults.  Yes the characters are Christens.  They face daily struggles, and though the struggles in this book are not something we may ever face, they show us that God is able to get us through whatever we may face.   Yet there were things that jumped out at me  as being wrong such as kissing before marriage, dating and other content not worth mentioning in a mixed group.
I enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put it down. Yet this is not one that I can recommend to others with out much caution. The things in this book do happen and can be an encouragement to others!


   As for the faith aspect, that was beautifully woven throughout the book. There were a couple moments where I was actually brought to tears, specifically at the moments of conversion.
   Nevertheless, as an adult I was able to ignore those portions and words I didn't approve of, and engross myself in the , faith-filled tale!

****Bethany House Publishers provided me a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Forgivness











  •  The Truth About Forgiveness!

    This book lays out the fundamental importance of God’s forgiveness for the believer and the non-believer. MacArthur addresses several important issues in his seven simple chapters. He opens the book with a look at our utter sinfulness and need for a Savior. By starting with a portrait of humanity's total depravity, he sets the stage for the rest of the book:  "It is the good news that man's sin can be forgiven, guilt can be removed, life can have meaning, and a hopeful future can be a reality" (p. 16). MacArthur then goes on to show that forgiveness comes from God alone through Jesus Christ and the extent to which we are forgiven. It is a beautiful picture of the love of God toward His people. He brilliantly weaves together our sinfulness, our need for forgiveness, and the grace and love of God poured out on humanity through Jesus Christ.
    It reminded me how Jesus came to forgive sinner.  also that I am to follow Him and be like him.  Let me leave all my sin to follow after my Lord. . MacArthur went into much detail how God’s forgiveness is undeserved and how God truly wants to forgive, just like in the story of the Prodigal Son.  :Let me  like Jesus reach out and share the Gospel. First let us confess to each other and to God that we might be forgiven.
     MacArthur writes about God’s forgiveness simply yet exactly.
    The chapter I found crucial was the last chapter that addressed the need to forgive others. I know that the Lord will give me the strength I need to forgive and to be forgiven by Him.
    His way of writing is quick and easy to read and understandable. Every one must read this book! 
    Thank you Booksneeze for the opportunity to read this book.
  • Collection of short stories

    The Beauty of Grace by Dawn Camp

    This was a very uplifting book for me! There are several short stories in this book but each one touched me in a different way.

    The Beauty Of Grace is divided into several sections:

    * Purpose
    * The Big Picture
    * Surrender
    * Trust
    * Lessons Learned
    * Hope and Encouragement
    * Worship

    This a book written by homeschooling mothers for the most part!  it is in times like these full of to do lists  and frustration  that we are to turn to our Father and seek the comfort that we need.  This book will do jsut that draw one to Christ. This is a good collection of encouraging essays. I do recommend it. 

    The front is very pretty too!

    Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

    Tuesday, February 10, 2015

    Against the Grain



    I all ready love this book and now have a long line of cookbooks to use this yer which are all Paleo or against grain! The author made these recipes for her sin and I a well pleased that she is sharing them.

    To read interdiction tho this great book, please go to https://books.google.com/books?id=3UVABAAAQBAJ&pg=PT3&lpg=PT3&dq=against+the+grain+Nancy+Cain&source=bl&ots=FBXtBzr2mU&sig=EyUhwXFCWpgTFQ_SJ6iUa6GT3n8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=srTaVOGGDtadygSw0
    4KgDg&ved=0CD4Q6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=against%20the%20grain%20Nancy%20Cain&f=false

         For any of these cookies, cakes, pies, sandwiches, and casseroles, you use only natural ingredients such as buckwheat flour, brown rice flour, and ripe fruits and vegetables. Whether you're making Potato Rosemary Bread, iced Red Velvet Cupcakes, Lemon-Thyme-Summer Squash Ravioli, or Rainbow Chard and Kalamata Olive Pizza, you'll be able to use ingredients already in your pantry or easily found at your local supermarket.
         With ample information for gluten-free beginners and 100 colorful photographs, this book is a game changer for gluten-free households everywhere.

    Down load at https://onlybooks.org/against-the-grain-extraordinary-gluten-free-recipes-made-from-real-all-natural-ingredients-18780

    There are tons of recipes I want to try! Yet again I was delighted from this cookbook published by 10 Speed Press

    Monday, February 9, 2015

    Life Lessons

    Pat Williams draws from over fifty years of brushing shoulders with the greats, offering readers motivation to do their best, be themselves, and continually strive to be the people God made them to be.There are over 200 pages filled with short snippets of conversation that will encourage you 
    It is such a blessing to live in a country where one can have access to such a variety of publications of God's Holy Word and good books to draw you towards Him

    well worth the read!

    This book was given to me for free from Revell in exchange for my honest review.*