I'm not Ignoring You (pic)

All that Glitters Crochet Cowl

In the dead of winter all you want to do is curl up in a ball and hibernate until the spring season arrives. Turn that frown upside down and let us introduce you to the All That Glitters Crochet Cowl. This is a sparkling crochet design that will make you want to leave the house. Gold Leaf yarn is used in a white color with magical gold specs. This is an easy crochet pattern to work up, but you must know how to do the front post double crochet stitch and back post double crochet stitch. We promise it'll be well worth it and it'll lift your winter spirit.

image: https://storage.googleapis.com/cf2.primecp.com/images/easy.jpg

Crochet Hook: P/16 or 16 mm hook

Yarn Weight: (6) Super Bulky/Super Chunky (4-11 stitches for 4 inches)

Materials:

• 231-100 Gold Leaf: White/Gold 3 balls
• Lion Brand Crochet Hook - Size P-15 (10 mm)              
• Lion Brand Large-Eye Blunt Needles (Set of 6)

GAUGE:

8 sts + 5 rows = about 4 in. (10 cm) in pattern.

When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. The needle or hook size called for in the pattern is based on what the designer used, but it is not unusual for gauge to vary from person to person. If it takes you fewer stitches and rows to make your swatch, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

STITCH EXPLANATION:

FPDC (front post double crochet): Yo, insert hook from front to back then to front, going around the dc post, draw up a loop, (yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice. Skip st behind the FPDC.

BPDC (back post double crochet): Yo, insert hook from back to front then to back, going around the dc post, draw up a loop, (yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice. Skip stitch in front of BPDC.

NOTES:

Cowl is worked back and forth in rows, then ends are sewn together to make Cowl.

COWL
Ch 23.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook (beg ch-3 counts as dc) and in each ch across - 21 dc.
Row 2 (RS): Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn, dc in next dc, *FPDC around next dc, dc in next dc; rep from * to last st, dc in top of beg ch-3 – 9 FPDC.
Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn, BPDC around next dc, *dc in next dc (FPDC of Row 2), BPDC around next dc; rep from * to last st, dc in top of beg ch-3 – 10 BPDC.
Rep Rows 2 and 3 until piece measures about 25 in. (63.5 cm) from beg. Fasten off, leaving a yarn tail about 20 in. (51 cm) long.

FINISHING
From RS, with yarn tail, sew ends of piece together to make Cowl.
Weave in ends.

Read more at http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Crocheted-Cowls/All-That-Glitters-Crochet-Cowl#xUVTXuASAbrY89fZ.99

Walking With God Isn’t Hard. By Graham Cooke

 

We are in Jesus. We have been put in this place by the Father as a gift. We don’t need to do anything to get there—we are in.

We abide by agreement.

Meaning, we experience the power of our union with the Father through our obedience to stay, dwell, and remain. We can’t prove anything, say anything, or do anything to enter this place.

But we must do everything to remain here. Being in Christ is the Father’s gift to us; staying in Christ is our gift to Him.8 He has made being in Christ a delight. We now share a restful, joyful rhythm and harmony in our lives that didn’t exist before Him. Our peace is the evidence that we are abiding correctly.

All is rest.

And everything contains joy, if we keep our eyes open. It is a simple and powerful truth that we have been given: Staying in Christ is so much easier than being out of sync with God.

Outside of God, we are more prone to the heaviness of depression, weariness, anxiety, fear and doubt. That is HARD work, and for no reward or benefit. Not to abide in Christ, in a dark world, is extreme foolishness.

So ask yourself today: Where am I doubting or withholding parts of myself from God?  How can I better choose not to lean on my own understanding and instead remain in him to find rest?

May we find our burdens become light when we abide in Him. Brilliant Perspectives

BOOK REVIEW- RUTHLESS

He knows her secret. 
But he'll never tell... 
It would cost him a fortune. 
Strong, independent Jean Hill is stuck in a dead end job with no hope for getting out of her small town. But when a sexy and mysterious stranger offers her an opportunity for wealth, prestige, and power, Jean can't refuse the offer. 
But there's more to Colin Carter than Jean realizes. With ulterior motives and a plot for revenge, Colin might not be the prince charming she thinks he is. And she's about to realize that sometimes the bad guy wins.  AMAZON  4 STARS

An interesting storyline, with enough surprises to keep you going.  Colin is a really good looking, really tough guy. People knew to back off when they encountered him in the bar, or on the street.  He just radiates with the sense of being dangerous. And according to the description, he's built for it too.
Jean while having had a terrible upbringing and having to work and struggele for anything she had, still managed to keep a good heart.  Hard to do with the mother that she has.  Her mother seems to remember her when she needs something...usually money.  Jean lived her life with a good moral code.  She was as honest as the day is long.  Which presents a problem when Colin shows up.  She knows he's trouble the minute he shows up and interferes/helps her at her job as a waitress.   But like the book blub says he's not the good guy and he's there because he needs her.   And he only tells her a part of the story, he's hiding more of the truth from her.  I liked both of the main characters even though Colin isn't all good.  It is fun to watch him begin to squirm as he tries not to like Jean.  That seems to be a losing battle though, because she just has a way about her with people.  And she also learns how to get under his skin, with well placed sassy comments every so often.  She knows she shouldn't but she just can't resist trying to get the last word.  It made me smile!
There is plenty of things going on, both emotionally and physically.  And there is also action, danger and a mystery or two as well.  I liked it and the story just flowed.



I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Cursive= Secret Code? (pic)

LINK

BOOK REVIEW- A SEAL'S SEDUCTION

 

Subject: Navy SEAL Lieutenant Blake Landon
Current Status: Two weeks of enforced leave
Mission: Distract himself in any way possible
Obstacle: A woman who tempts him to break the rules…including his own!

Navy SEAL Blake Landon (aka "Boy Scout") knows the rule book inside and out. Checked. Rechecked. But when a mission ends badly, his entire team is ordered on leave. And that's when Blake sees the tall redhead whose dark eyes suggest that the rules—especially those in bed—are made to be broken.

Scientist Alexia Lane has sex on the brain—partly for work, but mostly because she needs a man who makes her girly parts do the happy dance. Her only no-no? No military dudes. But Blake's rockin' bod promises delicious pleasures, and Alexia is halfway to sexual Nirvana before she can find out he's actually a Navy SEAL. And where one rule is broken, more are sure to follow….And where one rule is broken, more are sure to follow….      AMAZON

Two really great characters, lots of sex.  Didn't the title pretty much let you know that there probably would be?   Alexia was one really smart woman, beautiful and with such a strong, fun personality.   And her father? Gah?  His "kids" are adults and he treats them like they are enlisted in his military, subject to his orders.  Hated, hated, hated, that!!   He was like a bull in a china shop.  Much later in the book, yo get to see that he does love her but it still doesn't change his behavior much.  Her father is still trying to make her choose a job more to his liking (she loves the job she has and is good at it) and date the men of his choosing.  He's got her life all lined up to be the wife of a man who is in the Navy and he knows just the man he wants that to be.  Blake Landon.  Too bad, that the last thing that she wants is that life.  She lived it as a kid and her hatred of it went down deep to the bone.    Perfect setup for the huge blowup when Alexia finds out the truth about Blake.  It was like the Kiss of Death to her. She plans to never, ever speak to him again.  But life has other plans of course and a villain makes a move and things begin to change because they have to.  Still, its no walk in the park.  For anyone. 

BOOK REVIEW- BEACHCOMBER TROUBLE

Out of the blue, ex-special ops legend Dane Blaise receives a CIA coded message for Trouble. It's a call to action to help an old associate and friend of his—Oscar. He didn't know that his young and gorgeous partner Shana George, ex-Scotland Yard detective, knew the CIA man too. Even though they both suspected Oscar’s CIA handler was not exactly trustworthy, they answered the call to help their friend. 
But Dane had no idea that the trap was set and the trouble was about to get Big and Bad ...  AMAZON 
4 STARS

Another good action story by Stephanie Queen.  I have read several of her books in this series about Dane and Shana.  I had wondered if it would be harder for new readers that hadn't read any other books in the series.  I was trying to look at it from their perspective too.  I think I can safely say, that its easy to follow and does well as a stand alone book.

I like how the attraction between Dane and Shana has them pulling back and forth.  Also that Dane often calls her,"girlie".  Nice touch.   I forgot that he did that.  There are plenty of twists and turns, with interesting characters. The story just flowed and was over almost before I realized it.  There was also a humorous way of explaining things that I still enjoyed.  Like Shana would have times where she was all iciness, like when she would come on strong with the Shana the queen tone of voice, or the times that Dane would get that granite statue type look to his face.   All pretty good visuals that make it even easier to see and almost feel what was going on.



I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

All of Life is Spiritual. By Graham Cooke

 

There is no sacred and secular, there is only life in the Spirit. Everything we do and say is within the same realm5. In order to better acknowledge this holy union, we concentrate on being alive to God more than dead to ourselves. We focus on being led by the Spirit more than trying to avoid certain situations.

And there is a beautiful consequence.

That is, when we focus on God, we no longer find ourselves in displeasing circumstances. We begin to grasp the idea that God created life to be enjoyed, and that He is moving through everything. We begin to notice how He is always touching lives, whether they belong to Him or not. We suddenly notice the footprint of His Kingdom in all sorts of odd places. We start to smell the fragrance of His Presence in both the most common and uncommon of situations. He is truly everywhere.

Remember this, because when we say that some things are sacred and others are not, we are cutting down the territory that God loves to move in5.

The truth is His creativity is unfettered. You will find Him in the same marketplace as the heathen, the atheist, and the agnostic. He will put His own music into their world and his own images onto their movie screens. He will use all people, as well as His own.

We share an important secret.

He is the King of love and an absorbing inspiration to everyone, everywhere.Please don’t assign Him a territory to suit your religious beliefs.4 Instead, learn the joy of seeing His footprints everywhere. Detect the fragrance of His Presence even on the most surprising of people. It will make your day, and it will make Him smile.

It’s a holy and important secret, and we share it with Him.   LINK

Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand

Persecuted from 1948 to 1964, in Romania

Founders of Voice of the Martyrs

After World War II, the German occupation of Romania was replaced by the Soviet Army. Richard and Sabina continued their ministry to their fellow Romanians and to the occupying forces. They joined the Lutheran Church, where Richard was ordained as a minister. They distributed over a million copies of the four Gospels to Russian soldiers in Romania, cleverly disguising the scriptures as communist propaganda. They also smuggled copies into Russia, the heart of the Soviet Union.

The new Romanian communist government, seeking to consolidate loyalty and rein in people of faith, organized a “Congress of Cults.” The gathering was attended by various religious leaders, including the Wurmbrands. One by one, in impassioned speeches, these leaders swore loyalty to the government. They extolled the virtues of communism, despite its clear attempts to control and even suppress churches.

Richard and Sabina were disgusted by the actions of their fellow leaders. Sabina said, “Richard, stand up and wash away this shame from the face of Christ.” Richard replied, “If I do, you’ll lose your husband.” But Sabina said what Richard knew in his heart: “I don’t wish to have a coward as a husband.” Richard stood up in front of the four thousand delegates as so many had done before him. But instead of praising communism, he bravely declared that the church’s duty is to glorify God and Christ alone. Read their story...

BOOK REVIEW- HIGHLAND AWAKENING

As the secret author of racy romances, Lady Esme Hawkins goes to great lengths to protect her family's honor. Which is why she carefully disguises herself before entering a notorious bordello to do research. But when Esme comes face-to-face with a brooding Highland bodyguard, she can't easily refuse a harmless kiss . . . a kiss that inflames desires ripped from the pages of her novels. Acting on them, however, would risk revealing Esme's identity—and the fact that she's engaged to another man.
As a Highland Knight sworn to protect the crown, Camden McLeod never expected to follow his client into a bordello—nor could he anticipate meeting a bright, innocent lass with lush lips and eyes the color of the sea. Instantly, Cam knows he must possess her. But to do so, he'll need to give up his rakish ways, embrace his role as heir to his despised father, and snuff out a deadly threat to his brothers in arms. By comparison, winning Esme away from her insipid fiancé will be pure pleasure.  AMAZON 4 STARS

What an interesting start to this book.  I liked the way that it began and the way that it continued.  Both of the main characters were interesting and also damaged in their own ways.  But don't get the wrong idea, it wasn't all about damage it was also about their strengths as well.  Esme is uncomfortable in large groups, so you can imagine how tough the balls and parties are for her.  She's awkward and at time caused accidents that the ton mock her for.   Camden (Cam) is the first one to admit that he doesn't know anything about love.  But Esme has knocked him for a loop, from that very first meeting.  He is one determined man, when he sees something that he wants, he goes after it.  And he wants Esme, engaged or not, after all she's not married yet.    Esme is surprised by how Cam sees the real her and isn't repulsed by it. In fact, he's charmed by her.   He sees things about her that even her lukewarm, long known fiance doesn't get.  The things Cam knows about her?  He's not afraid to manipulate things to get his way but he's not going to like some of the repercussions from them.
Esme has such a loving supportive family, who added to the story.  She was so afraid of shaming or disappointing them all.  One of the reasons that she accepted the marriage proposal from her fiance was because he was safe and she'd known him since childhood.  Problem is..she doesn't know him as well as she thinks she does and he's a bore with a capital B.  She has a passionate nature that she has hidden.  She's pushed that part of herself down, so that she can be the acceptable person to society.  Cam is all for bringing that passion to the surface, for himself and her.  There will be sex scenes included in the book as part of that passion.



I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW- PLAIN CHOICE

Amanda’s husband, Cuban pop star Alejandro, believed he was doing right by his wife when he left her on her parents’ farm in the familiar shelter of Lancaster’s Amish community. Amanda, however, has other ideas. Unwilling to sit idly by and hide from the paparazzi, she follows her husband to Europe for the start of his world tour to find out if their marriage can be saved once and for all.

When the two reunite, it’s plain to see that their love is stronger than their differences. But as they travel together, Amanda is surprised to discover that her own fame is beginning to match her husband’s. Now she must struggle to bridge her Amish upbringing and a new, unasked-for role in the public eye. As other unexpected tensions challenge their bond, can Amanda and Alejandro keep their promises and make space for her faith, his fame, and a growing love?  AMAZON  3 STARS

I had high hopes for this book, because of its unusual story line.  And I was wondering how this was going to work out.  

I would have to say that although Amanda and Alejandro were interesting enough people, it was just an okay story.  It could have been so much more.....

Although I could see the struggle of both MC's to adjust to the other's life style and upbringing.  I still found it hard to connect to the story and most of the people.
Alejandro's stage persona "Viper" and the surrounding groupies and some celebrities caused a lot of problems when it came to their personal life.   Amanda had welcomed Alejandro's daughter (Isadora) with open arms and that did add some warm moments. 
The book really did show how tough it was to have  a real relationship with so much fakeness and backstabbing people around.  She began to see the truth that there were very few real friendships in the business.  Like Alejandro told her, someone always wanted something.  That was hard for her to take.   Amanda did make the best out of some difficult  and often uncomfortable situations.  It felt at times like it dragged on just a bit too long.  
There was a plus of being able to see the world with the fresh eyes of Amanda.  Also the book included countries and sites that were visited while on tour.  Places that Amanda would have never seen had she always remained in her Amish community.  

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

BOOK REVIEW- TO LURE A PROPER LADY

When Lady Elizabeth Wilde and her sisters are summoned once again to their chronically anxious father's deathbed, she's shocked to find that his worries are at last justified. He's terribly ill, and Lizzie suspects poison. But when she seeks help from the Bow Street Runners, her request is answered by a rough-hewn rogue known only as Dysart. Though his irreverent charm by turns shocks and captivates her, a man of Dysart's background is an altogether inappropriate choice for a duke's daughter—isn't he?
Although Dysart has his reasons to disdain polite society, the promise of supplemental income from a noble's coffers is too tempting to deny. But if Dysart means to apprehend the culprit who poisoned the duke, he'll need to avoid any and all distractions—like the delicious swish of Lady Elizabeth's hips. Yet as the investigation begins to unearth secrets he'd rather remain hidden, Dysart must decide at a moment's notice whether to hold Elizabeth at arm's length . . . or pull her dangerously close.  AMAZON  3 STARS

Their first impressions of each other were NOT good. Elizabeth came across a a hoity toity high brow woman. And Dysart was at his most irritating....on purpose.  It also brings up the question of "Who is he really"?  There is more than one mystery going on here.    I really liked both of the main characters.  They were both smart, talented and it sounds like easy on the eyes.  I also liked their interactions, with Dysart battling a losing battle in his attraction to Lizzie.   Of course, as she began to really see who he was at heart, she really wasn't fighting that attraction too hard.

Snowley was one constant not too bright thorn in Lizzie's side.  He is the heir destined to take over the title after her father's death.  What he lacks in business sense, he makes up in snobbery and determination.  I really disliked him, the author did a good job there.  He wasn't a villian but he was determined to marry Elizabeth and just though she would be pretty easy to convince.  Especially since her father was really pushing the match.  The story is somewhat predictable but it does have a twist or two in store for the reader.


I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW- THE SECRET LIFE OF CHARLOTTE DODD

Charlotte Dodd is having a bad day. 
After taking an experimental drug to erase her memories of saving the world (or at least the country - several times) Charlotte is given a new life - a quiet, unassuming job, a second chance at love with Luke, and no one trying to kill her.Two years later and with no recollection of saving the world, she steps in to help a random stranger and is amazed at the ease in which she dispatches her opponents using a rolled-up magazine. But how is that possible? She has Buffy-like fight moves, fires a gun with deadly accuracy and can use the air from car tires to keep breathing underwater.

When she meets Ham - why is he so familiar? The flashes, the déjà vu, the dreams - they’re not really dreams? Blowing up a building in Mexico, being buried alive - those things really happened to her? And what is her brother doing flying a plane? Turns out those two years of quiet with Luke was really an undercover mission to help bring down a secret organization targeting her family. Charlotte needs to remember her secret life if she wants to save the world again and the only man she’s ever loved. AMAZON  5 STARS is what I'm giving it.

Loved this book! I hope you like your books to start off with a Bang, right off the bat. 

This one does and I really liked that.  And the action just keeps right on coming. It rolls along at a pretty good clip.  I liked the way the author wrote this, we get to ride along with Charlotte as she tries to figure out what is going on.  She has lost so much of her memories and the reader doesn't know anything at first either.  Kind of puts both of us on the same field as the story unfolds.  Who can you trust?  Who has another agenda?  What has Charlotte (Charlie or Lottie as her brothers call her) done?  What hasn't she?  How can she even defend herself against any accusations, when she just doesn't know?  

Early in the story I had some suspicions about 2 different people in the story. Are they up to something more sinister?  Only one of them was I right about but there was also many other surprises ahead.  And the deceit went so much deeper.  

What a great cast of characters that were included in the book.  I really liked both Charley and Ham.  Something that was fun to read was when normal everyday Charlotte suddenly whips out major skills when placed in danger.  It shocked her how much a part of her they were.  She often wondered,"Where did that come from?  It was like a superhero who suddenly found she had a new power. 

This story does end BUT,  I can see where it could continue with new adventures. The door was left open for that.   

One question I would like to see answered was..where is the disk with Charley memories prior to her wipe?  

By the way, I liked the short quotes at the beginning of each chapter.  Often so appropriate to the chapter. 

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

BOOK REVIEW- THE WIDOW'S LITTLE SECRET

 

Mattie Ingram—the love of his life and the mother of his child—was the most stubborn, independent, contrary woman in Nevada. And in the lonely months since he'd seen her, he'd discovered he needed her more than breath itself. But Mattie was having nothing to do with him!

A baby coming, her business failing… What else could possibly happen? Mattie wondered. Well, the father of her child could insist on becoming a permanent part of her life. But if Jared McQuaid thought that one night of passion gave him the right to a lifetime commitment, he had better think again!

 AMAZON  I gave it 4 Stars

I enjoyed this story. Mattie and Jared were interesting characters, with their own share of challenges and griefs.  

Mattie was such a good woman and working so hard to hold things together.  After, her late husband died, she fought hard to hang onto her independence.  She wasn't going to be trusting any man that way again for a very long time.  Jared was familiar with the deceased Mr. Ingram and is shocked at how highly esteemed he seemed to be.  Jared knew him better, and their wasn't much good about the man.  But Jared  is so over his head when it comes to a normal life.  He's been a  U.S. Marshall for ten years, and had hunted ruthless, dangerous criminals for  those years.  Always having to be on watch against danger and in some pretty harsh, lonely places.   One look at Mattie was all it took for him to long for this town and this woman to be his home.   She is one stubborn woman and his pushy ways had her back up.  It just made him want her all the more.   All he wanted to do was make her life easier and to include him.  He'd take the former if he couldn't have the latter (right away at least).  

This town had some interesting people in it and some action, twists and turns as well as Jared trying to win Mattie's heart and hand in marriage.  

BARBRA STREISAND - AVINU MALKEINU

 

Translation:  LINK



AVINU MALKEINU - OUR FATHER, OUR KING 

Avinu malkeinu sh'ma kolenu / Our father our king, hear our voice
Avinu malkeinu chatanu l'faneycha / Our father our king, we have sinned before you
Avinu malkeinu chamol aleynu / Our father our king, Have compassion upon us
Ve'al olaleynu vetapeinu / and upon our children 

Avinu malkeinu / Our father our king
Kaleh dever / Bring an end to pestilence,
vecherev vera'av mealeynu / war, and famine around us
Avinu malkeinu / Our father our king,
kaleh chol tsar / Bring an end to all trouble 
Umastin mealeynu / and oppression around us

Avinu malkeinu / Our father our king
Avinu malkeinu / Our father our king
Kat'veinu besefer chayim tovim / Inscribe us in the book of (good) life 
Avinu malkeinu chadesh aleynu / Our father our king, renew upon us
Chadesh aleynu shanah tovah / Renew upon us a good year

Sh'ma kolenu / Hear our voice
Sh'ma kolenu / Hear our voice
Sh'ma kolenu / Hear our voice

Avinu malkeinu / Our father our king

Avinu malkeinu / Our father our king
Chadesh aleynu shanah tovah / Renew upon us a good year

Avinu malkeinu / Our father our king
Sh'ma kolenu / Hear our voice (x4)

Wonder- the way to live life in Jesus

The only way to live this life in Jesus is to be utterly amazed, utterly astonished, to have a sense of wonder that sometimes makes you want to laugh and do your happy dance, and sometimes just makes you want to fall to your knees and cry in absolute gratitude.

(from Mind Of A Saint)   LINK

Phil Wickham - This Is Amazing Grace

Third Day - Soul On Fire (Official Lyric Video)

BOOK REVIEW- HOLD ME

 

Destiny Mills believes passion has its place—like in the lyrics of the country songs that made her parents famous. After a childhood full of drama and heartache, she wants a life that's calm. Safe. Everything that Kipling Gilmore isn't. Her temporary assignment with the Fool's Gold search and rescue team puts her in delicious proximity to the former world-class skier every day. Part of her aches to let go for once…the rest is terrified what'll happen if she does. 

Though an accident ended his career, Kipling still lives for thrills—and a hot fling with a gorgeous redhead like Destiny would be a welcome diversion. Yet beneath his new coworker's cool facade is a woman who needs more than he's ever given. With her, he's ready to take the risk. But love, like skiing, is all about trust—and before you soar, you have to be willing to fall.  AMAZON  3 STARS

Look for Best of My Love, the next title in Susan Mallery'sFool's Gold series.

This one just wasn't one that will ever become a favorite for me.  I will still read other books from this author but for me this one was a "fail" .  Too much re-hasing of past events on both M.C.'s parts.  Now that doesn't mean that I didn't like them, just that it never really sparked for me.  Yes, they had interesting, unusual backgrounds and careers  but something was just missing.  I didn't hate it, but didn't feel like I connected to the book that strongly.  Even the additon of Starr as Destiny's sister, while it helped, wasn't enough.
I guess the best thing I can say is, that it was nice to be back in Fool's Gold. A town that pulled together.

Radiating Squares Baby Blanket- Knitting

Radiating Squares Baby Blanket

Materials:

• Yarn: Bernat® Softee Baby

(140 g/5 oz) (361 m/395 yds)
Contrast A (#30424 Soft Red) 1 ball
Contrast B (#30201 Aqua) 1 ball
Contrast C (#30205 Prettiest Pink) 1 ball
Contrast D (#30128 Ocean) 1 ball
Contrast E (#30233 Fresh Green) 1 ball
Contrast F (#02000 White) 1 ball

• Knitting Needles: Set of four size 4 mm (U.S. 6) double-pointed knitting needles. Size 4 mm (U.S. 6) circular knitting needle 36 ins [90 cm] long or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge: 22 sts and 30 rows = 4 ins [10 cm] in stocking st.

Measurement: 34 ins [86.5 cm] square.

Instructions:
Stripe Pat: Work 6 rnds of each color: A, B, C, D, E and F. These 36 rnds form Stripe Pat.

Beg at center, with A and pair of doublepointed
needles, cast on 4 sts. Working in
Stripe Pat, proceed as follows:
1st rnd: (Inc 1 st in next st) 4 times. 8 sts. Divide sts onto 3 needles (2, 3, 3). Join in rnd placing a marker on first st.
2nd and alt rnds: Knit.
3rd rnd: *K1. yo. Rep from * around. 16 sts.
5th rnd: *K1 (place marker on last st). yo. K3. yo. Rep from * around. 24 sts.
7th rnd: *K1. yo. Knit to next marked st. yo. K1 (marked st). yo. Rep from * around, ending with yo.
8th rnd: Knit.
Keeping cont of Stripe Pat, inc 8 sts on next rnd and every following alt rnd, as before and changing to circular needle when necessary, until there are 177 sts between marked sts.
Next rnd: Purl.
Next rnd: *K1. yo. Knit to next marked st. yo. K1. yo. Rep from * around, ending with yo.
Keeping cont of Stripe Pat, rep last 2 rnds 9 times more. 197 sts between marked sts.
Cast off loosely purlwise.

Read more at http://www.favecrafts.com/Knit-Baby-Blankets/Radiating-Squares-Baby-Blanket#l14Uv4D77b5pOE5L.99

10 Ways to Support Your Fav Authors (pic)

 
LINK

Walk in my bookish shoes (pic)

 
LINK

Book Reading View of..Introvert (pic)

LINK

Love this!!

What potato chips and books have in common (pic)

 
LINK

After One Book Closes (pic)

                      



LINK

What you focus on...

What you focus on, you give power to. If you focus on a negative, you empower it. If you focus on the opposite instead, you empower that and the negative shrinks and shrivels up and dies.

(from The Overcoming Life 1: Undermining The Enemy)   AMAZON

BOOK REVIEW- THE OUTLAW'S REDEMPTION

Claiming His Child- Who would guess the most formidable adversary former gunslinger Hunter Mitchell ever faced would be a fiery, violet-eyed female? Now that he's served his time, Hunter intends to claim the daughter he's only just discovered. While the law is on his side this time, his daughter's devoted aunt certainly isn't.
Annabeth Silks can't bear to let a onetime outlaw take little Sarah. As the daughter of an infamous madam, she knows the hardship of an unstable home. But every glimpse of Hunter's reformed character dares Annabeth to look beyond his past…to the family and future she never thought to find.  AMAZON

I didn't expect it but I fell in love with this story. And it happened pretty quickly. I'm not even sure I can list all the reasons why. But here are a few...Hunter Mitchell and Annabeth Silks are both interesting people with separate crosses to bear. Their pasts are wildly different but still there are some things that have to be overcome. I guess I'm a sucker for an over comer story.
Sure I've seen the storyline of a gunslinger trying to walk the straight and narrow but this book had some unexpected elements to it as well. Who Annabeth's mother is for one thing. And the connections between Mattie (her mother), Mitchell and Annabeth gets more surprising as the story unwinds. Sarah is nine years old, living at Charity House, without mother or father but she does have Annabeth. No one realized that the desire of Hunter's heart has always been for a family of his own. And he has brutally lost that opportunity..twice. Now, he often thinks that is something he will never have; a wife who loves him and see him for who he is now, and a child. So at the very least, he will fight for his child. There are several other good secondary characters in the story too.
I also liked the subtle weaving of faith in God that is woven into the story. The author kept a delicate balance and kept the story interesting through out. The story just flowed and was over almost before I knew it.

P.S. What a sweet dedication to the book.

To Solve Any Problem, You Must First Get Above It. By Graham Cooke

 
LINK

Vision is never just about the direction that we are moving towards. It is also about the height at which we are expecting to travel. Everything about being in Christ is concerned with elevation.

In Jesus, we are made vulnerable to an elevated perception so powerful that we are raised up to encounter and experience a Heavenly identity that governs any earthly circumstance.2

To solve any problem, we must first get above it.

In example, we never deal with a negative directly. It comes at us from a lower level of existence than our placement in Christ. If we respond on the same level we become tethered to that thought and it’s oppositional perception. The impact of this on our mental and emotional state can work against our faith, trust and enjoyment of God.

The enemy wants us to deal with the negative thought. Jesus, on the contrary, wants us to capture the thought He is releasing to us in the experience and practice obedience to it in joy (2 Corinthians 10:3-7).

An elevated thought life will always lead to fullness.

It is vital we get above our situations so that we are not brought down to earth with a contrary viewpoint. If we try to deal directly with the negative, we become engaged in a fight we do not need to make. If our thinking has brought us to a place that we do not like, we must remember that there is a better thought that can elevate us.

That perspective will always bring us into a place of increase. Height in the Spirit connects our vision with Heavenly places. It attaches us to authority, power and dominion as a lifestyle of enjoying the majesty of Jesus.

Try this…

Write down each negative viewpoint that is troubling your life and relationship. What is the opposite thought that can capture you to a place of divine acceleration? Practice only dealing with the new thought and you will experience a fresh faith rising up that empowers you to realize the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!!

P.S. My book, The Language of Promise, is available FREE for a limited time. In it, I discuss more about this elevated thought life. Be sure to download your copy here.

You can also go to the Link above for visit his site.

BOOK REVIEW- TEXAS REBEL:EGAN

Heart of a Hero 

Big-city art instructor Rachel Hollister isn't back home in Horseshoe, Texas, for more than a few hours before she's lost and stranded in the woods surrounding Rebel Ranch. But Rachel's bad luck takes a sudden turn for the better when a ruggedly handsome cowboy manages to save her life, not just once, but twice, in the same day.  Rancher Egan Rebel can't resist helping someone in need, even an enemy—or the daughter of one. It was Rachel's father who unjustly sentenced Egan to prison years ago. As attracted as he is to Rachel and her bright, creative energy, Egan can't forgive the man who stole his freedom. Can Egan let go of the past, or   will he turn his back on the only woman he's ever loved?  AMAZON

This story had some interesting family dynamics on both of the MC's sides.   It also had plenty of action, resentments and misunderstandings.  Add to that the "forrbidden" attraction between Egan and Rachel.  Forbidden because of the actions of Rachael's father, the judge.  Okay, so not exactly forbidden but filled with  road blocks all around.  It was almost like the Hatfield's and the McCoy's.  Except where there was more hostility and often more danger and real fueding  between the Rebel Family and the McCray's, especially Isadore ( known as Izzy).  Izzy just keeps causing trouble and some even life-threatening. 

Hardy is Rachel's brother and is an honorable man who deeply loves his wife Angie.  They both have Rachel's back and add a lot to the story as secondary characters.  Jericho  is Egan's closest friend, even closer than his real brothers. He loves his brothers but there are just some things that he only shares with Jericho.  

There are many obsticals that rise up between Egan and Rachel but there is a HEA with no cliffhangers.

But its not going to be a smooth road for either.  There are some things that they are going to have to face on their own and together. 

BOOK REVIEW- STRANDED WITH THE RANCHER

For billionaire horse breeder Drew Farrell, the day starts with the usual argument with ornery neighbor Beth Andrews. But within minutes he and the irritating beauty are huddled together in a storm cellar praying for their lives. They call a truce…and seal it with an unexpected kiss.

They emerge to a scene of utter devastation. Their passion to rebuild is only rivaled by the very personal passion they've just discovered…until Beth's past catches up with her and a very different type of storm erupts…AMAZON

These two have been sparring back and forth for about a year.  But it took a tornado to make them realize that there just might be more to it.  There was attraction that comes front and center after being trapped in the storm cellar. But its not going to be a walk in the park for them.  Beth is still stinging from coming from the wrong side of the tracks and Drew was the blessed man, born with a silver spoon in his mouth.  He not only had been raised in wealth but he was also backed by a loving family.  Beth had neither of those but she did work hard to pull herself up out of thier poor start in life.  It was a good, enjoyable story with the additional challenges of people in the town recovering from the tornado's damage.  There are additonal interesting people and that includes Beth's trouble magnet brother,  Audie

How God Kills Fear

Let's Talk About: Dreams - Introduction

The Quickest Way to Grow in God. By Graham Cooke

 

When we say yes to God, we must by definition say no to something else. The reverse of that is also true.

When we say no to God it is because we have already chosen something or someone else instead.1 Counting the cost of both decisions is a viable exercise in learning to walk with God.

When we resist the grace of God, we confine ourself to the present.

We constrict the freedom we can experience in the Spirit. Life takes on new limitations that cramp our capacity to enjoy who we are in Jesus. Our ability to rejoice and give thanks can often be a noticeable casualty. We are less enthusiastic about worship and expressin1g our gratitude and adoration of the Lord Jesus. Prayer becomes stultified. We are reduced in active faith and find simple trust to be difficult. The vibrancy of Christ within, the full expectation of glory is weakened. We shrink into this lack of expectancy.

When we respond to the voice of God, we grow.

When we say “yes” to the Lord we come into a greater sense of Who He is for us. He is not available to a casual seeker, but is wholehearted towards people of the same disposition (2 Chronicles 15:2). Agreement and alignment create a larger tendency to magnify the Lord.

When we say “yes” to the Lord, it enlarges our capacity to be trusted by Him. Our vision is amplified and all true development stems from this simple place of obedience.

Increase is hugely important to the Father. He loves fullness and abundance. He longs to see His people moving in the full flow of their divine inheritance in Christ. A positive response, a “yes,” will always broaden our experience and create an internal culture of permission and release.

Can you think of an area in your life where you are suffering a contraction? Try tracing it back to your last response towards God in that area. If you are in a good place but still not seeing an increase, it is time for an upgrade. Allow the Holy Spirit to provoke you and remember, a yes will always lead to enlargement.

P.S. If interested in learning more about this enlargement process, feel free to pick up copies of The Wisdom Series books. They are on sale during the month of March.