Lollipop & Pearls

In the beginning…GOD

2012-02-10T19:09:00.000-06:00

GOD. The GOD of the Universe. The CREATOR of the Universe. The AUTHOR of the Universe. The ARTIST of the Universe. GOD…who CREATED man and woman… who SPOKE the world into existence…who GAVE the blueprint for life to Moses…IT WAS ALL GOD! HIS IDEA! HIS IMPLEMENTATION OF HIS PLAN! The World! You and me!

GOD…NOT the author of “religions” or “denominations”. NOT the creator of doctrine or religious sects. MAN fabricated those, and continues to do so! MAN is not GOD! GOD, in one of the three parts of the Trinity, became MAN, yet remained God and the Holy Spirit. So GOD was man; man has never been GOD, nor will he/she EVER BE! Really? Yeah, really! NEWSFLASH: Try hard as you may, YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN NOR WILL YOU EVER BE GOD!!!

Look at the current state of our world, of our country, of our government, and it seems that we have many people~ perhaps it is safe to say a majority of people, of “us”, who try so hard to be God…to be in control of their little universe…who try to control the direction and outcome of their lives, either never relying on God or perhaps placing HIM on the back burner and reaching for HIM in a real crisis! “Oh, God, my family member is dying, please do something!” “Oh, God, my spouse is threatening divorce…or “I just lost my job and have a family to feed”…or “Oh, God, I really want to marry and have children”, etc., etc., etc. Then we pull GOD to the front burner, turn up the heat and hope he gets hot really quickly. When HE does show up and answer, we push HIM back to his little back burner position again in our lives, and take the reins of control back from HIM. Oh, but we know HE will always be there when we reach for HIM…because we know HE is true to HIS Word, and it will NOT return to HIM void.

So my question is this: IF GOD was in the beginning; if this whole Universe was HIS idea and HE made it just like HE wanted it; IF GOD is not the author of evil or confusion; IF GOD saw all that HE had made and “behold it was very good” (Gen. 1: 10, 12, 18, 21, 25)…then what happened to get us into the mess we are in right now? Wars! Economic downfalls! Divorce rate increase! Hatred! Violence!

I believe it is because we have forgotten WHOSE we are, WHO we are, WHO we were created to be, and WHO is on the throne (hint: it is not you or I!)

Just some of America’s roots:

Mayflower Compact, 1620: “In the name of God, Amen, We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign lord King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland….having undertaken for the Glory of God and Advancement of the Christian Faith…” You won’t find these words history in public school textbooks today! Might be offensive to someone! Might step on someone’s toes! Might violate someone’s rights! REALLY?! Maybe it needs to offend and violate what are some “perceived” rights!
Our pledge of allegiance: “I pledge allegiance….one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”. “One nation”? REALLY?! Ideally, maybe, but not reality! “With liberty and justice for all” (bold mine). Justice? What is that? (definition) For who? ALL? Who is that and what is that about?
“In God we trust” was adopted as the official motto of the US in 1956. It has appeared on coins since 1864 and on paper money since 1957. In 2006 the senate reaffirmed “In God We Trust” as the official national motto of the USA. And the House of Representatives passed a resolution affirming it in 2011 with a vote of 396-9. There was a joint poll but USA Today, CNN and Gallup in 2003 that found 90% of Americans support the inscription “In God We Trust” on coins of the USA. In whom do we trust? GOD! Who is GOD? Is it us? NO, NO, and again I say, “NO!” Is it Buddha, or Mohammed, or Joseph Smith, or your preacher, or you? NO! NO!, And again I say NO!

C’mon people! Wake up! While the USA is still the best place on the earth to live, and while we have freedoms and privileges that others don’t have, we are in a mess! A BIG MESS! And it is not getting better; in fact, we are declining! When will we ever learn? Will God continue to be patient with us, or will HE—is HE—losing His patience with us and may we be seeing some of the signs of the “wrath of God” we read about in His Word? Will it get worse?

Psalm 2 says this: ^“Why do the nations conspireand the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.“Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.” I will proclaim the decree of the Lord: He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter ;you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”

But make no mistake: His love never changes! His mercies are new every morning! (Lam. 3: 22-23) He longs to give us the desires of our hearts! (Ps. 37:4) BUT…(there’s that conditional word…but!) God’s promises are true; yet, they are conditional! Don’t believe me? Read the Word and see! Here’s an example from 2 Chronicles 7: 14-16 (NIV): “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.”

There it is! HIS Word for us! “IF”…”THEN”. God longs to forgive our sin and heal our land IF we will: 1. Humble ourselves 2. Pray 3. Seek His face 4. Turn from their wicked ways

I propose that it is time to turn things around! WE, as a generation of God’s people and as Christ-followers, must become less tolerant of and desensitized to the ways of this world and turn back to the precepts of God’s Word and beseech the God of the Universe to find favor with us and to turn our hearts back to Him. May we work hard to become “one nation, under God…”

Please leave your comments…but not hate mail!

Out of the Desert

2012-01-28T23:34:00.004-06:00

I’ve been in the desert all week, except for a couple days on the mountain…in Arizona…visiting our Dominican daughter, Viviana, and her sweet family! It’s been a welcomed time of r & r for my man and me. The unfortunate part is that I started the trip ill with a horrible respiratory infection and, while it has been tempered a bit with a z-pack, it lingers still. My throat is dry and parched~ like the desert...

^“They did not thirst when He led them through the deserts. He made the water flow out of the rock for them; He split the rock and the water gushed forth.” ~ Is. 48:21 (NASB)

There is something oddly beautiful about the desert. Mountains and valleys, hills and plains of Umber, Sienna, Indian red…dirt, and dust…and cactus of various sorts! Prominent in Arizona are all sizes of the Saguaro Cactus.

The Saguaro blossom is the state flower of Arizona. These cacti take up to 75 years to produce a side arm. The arms are grown to increase the plant’s reproductive capacity. Some specimens can even live 150 years. They can grow from 15-50’ and begin by seed, not from cuttings. When the rain falls, the Saguaro sucks up the water and visibly expands, storing the water for use as needed. The fruit of this cactus is ruby red, each one holding about 2000 seeds and sweet fleshy connective tissue. These fruits are highly prized and edible. In Arizona it is illegal to tamper with the Saguaro cactus. (Wikipedia)

Intricately designed by the God of the Universe for a specific purpose, and in spite of their peculiar appearance, the Saguaro Cactus represents the state of Arizona. Like the Saguaro, there are folks within each of our concentric circles of concern who, also, were intricately designed by God, but feel as though they are wandering in a desert of their own…alone! Maybe they don’t feel attractive…or talented…or smart…or lovely…or likeable (worse yet, maybe they feel unlovable)…or needed…or wanted…or desired…you fill in the blank. Yet, everyone has a unique and specific purpose in this life, and represents something (or someone)! The sometimes daunting task is that of discovering who we are and whose we are!

In Christ, the old is gone and the new has come! As believers we are dead to the world and alive in Christ Jesus! Yet knowing that in the head and feeling it in the heart can be diametrically opposed. There have been times in my life that I have felt as though I was wandering in the desert, all alone, with no real purpose or meaning to my life…feeling worthless and a failure…feeling that I had so disappointed God that He could never or would never forgive me…NEVER would I be useful to His service.

“Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.“ ~ Is. 43:19 (NASB)

BUT GOD…in His infinite wisdom and mercy and His unfailing love…found this parched and dried up ME…and He refashioned the mold of my life to be the best me He wants me to be!

“Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?” ~ Rom. 9:21 (NIV)

I am not “there” yet; but I am on my way, step-by-step, moment-by-moment, day-by-day, from glory-to-glory! Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!

Please listen to “Desert Song” by Hillsong United….and be richly blessed! (The lyrics are listed below)

VERSE 1:
This is my prayer in the desert
When all thats within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

VERSE 2:
This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame

CHORUS:
I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

VERSE 3:
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise Ill stand

BRIDGE:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

VERSE 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favour and providence flow
I know Im filled to be emptied again
The seed Ive received I will sow

From the DR to Arizona

2012-01-25T21:45:00.001-06:00

In 2001 God began weaving a tapestry of love in my life that continues to amaze me today. I spent a week in the Dominican Republic on a mission trip . One of our translators, Viviana, and I instantly connected…on a deeper level than just a working relationship. She is the same age as our middle daughter; Dominicans call her “Bebe” for short (they pronounce “v” like a “b”); my middle daughter’s nickname when she played travel softball for years was “Bebe. Vivi is beautiful, sweet, fun, funny, gives great massages (my goodness! Those hands on such a tiny little body can really go deep into the shoulder and neck tissue! It hurts so good!), and has a strong faith in God. As I left to return home from that mission trip in 2001, I handed her a note and guess what! She handed me one back, neither of us knowing the other was writing notes! I boarded the ministry bus fighting back tears as she stood below the bus window, releasing the floodgate of tears. As the bus began to pull away, she smiled, waved and with a trembling lower lip said, “I love you, Mama!” And my heavy heart broke!

Years passed. And each summer I returned to the DR with eager anticipation of loving on Vivi and many other Dominican friends…well, family, really! One day Vivi told me that a dentist from Arizona named Kent, who had been there a couple times on a mission trip, had fallen in love with her and she with him. Soon after he asked her to marry him. Now, this is no small feat when you are Dominican and a Gringo wants to bring you to the USA to marry and live. For the better part of 2 years Kent and Vivi worked tirelessly to get the American Embassy to agree to let her come, with rejection after rejection after rejection! Finally, thanks to a senator from Arizona and our good Lord, Vivi was allowed to leave the DR and marry her Prince Charming in the USA! Unfortunately her mom and siblings could not leave the country to come for the wedding. Vivi honored me so by asking me to be her “mother-of-the-bride”! One of my daughters, who had also been with us on several DR mission trips, was asked to be a bridesmaid, as well, so to Arizona we went!

God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, had been intricately weaving the tapestry of our lives for a number of years, but neither of us knew it! Then seven days of being in the DR and Vivi translating for me and all the rest of our team, formed a deep and a forever bond!

Vivi and Kent were expecting their first child at the same time my eldest daughter was pregnant with her youngest child. Vivi flew to Tennessee to spend some time with us, and how delightful that was to have my daughters together and 2 of them expecting little ones! Kent and Vivi’s Luke, now age 3, was born on my birthday~ another beautiful thread in the tapestry of my life!

This past summer Vivi was a bridesmaid in my other daughter’s wedding . This was another precious time for all of us to be together! My husband and I are in Arizona this week visiting while Kent is on vacation. We all leave tomorrow for the mountains to spend a couple of days sledding, snowmobiling, and having snowball fights! Living in the desert doesn’t afford many opportunities to enjoy the crisp cold snow and the fun it brings. So we will surely make lots of memories this weekend!

(Playing with the Thomas the Tank Lego toys we brought him--he was in heaven!)

Being treated to some Dominican (and American) food here is super special! Anytime I don’t have to cook its super special…add the Dominican factor in and…well…it’s a win/win for me. Look at this beautiful breakfast we had this morning (not shown: crisp fried bacon):

(Silver Dollar Pancakces and Huevos Rancheros)

My God has showered me with blessings abundant and I sit in awe of the creativity with which He weaves the tapestry of my life more and more beautifully every day. What blessings has He showered upon you today?

My WORD!

2012-01-20T19:46:00.000-06:00

In perusing the blogosphere I’ve discovered many folks declaring a “word for the year”. (Check out some at The Lettered Cottage). So I have decided to claim a personal word, as well. Are you ready? Drum roll please!!! F.L.E.X.I.B.I.L.I.T.Y. There! I said it! WHEW! That was rough!!!! Not really…but kind of!

Photo credit here

Flexibility is: “Stiffness" or "flexibilityy" is the pliability or rigidity of an object — the extent to which it resists bending. They are complementary concepts so the more flexible an object is, the less stiff it is (Wikipedia)”. I grew up in a home with a gentle, patient and level headed mother who preached “rules were made to be broken! In fact, I don’t like the word ‘rules’. I prefer ‘guidelines’”. Conversely my father, an alcoholic, was a “no” man~ “Daddy, can I…” “NO!” And he rarely even knew what it was I was asking. For example, I was told to be home at midnight on a very snowy evening; my actual arrival times was 12:05. I was grounded for the entire Christmas vacation albeit my sorority formal and a couple hours on Christmas Day with my boyfriend)! Really? Yeah, really! I determined right then that, when I became a Mom, I would never be that vague, that strict, that unreasonable with my children! NO WAY!!! Well…

I like the comfort and security guidelines offer. I need them and want them…I thrive under detailed guidelines. However…or should I use the proverbial “but”?... I also need/desire/want/expect flexibility within those guidelines. For example: we expect our 18-year old son to be home at a certain time, even though legally he has no curfew. However, he lives in our home; he is financially dependent upon us; he is a part of our family. We expect him to abide by (i.e. “honor” the rules of our home. However, if he cannot or will not be home at that time, and he lets us know, all is well! That’s called flexibility! Another example: for the past 10 years I have gone on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. At the beginning of each trip we are told the “guidelines”, the “expectations”…the “rules”. The first one is always “Be flexible! If we tell you in the morning that we are doing construction after lunch and something more necessary comes up, we need you to be flexible with the change in schedule!” Because I am a detailed planner, that can mess with my head a bit! But you know what! I have learned flexibility in the DR and it has helped me be more flexible at home!

Scripture outlines God’s laws…His rules…His standard. The 10 Commandments were the blueprint for the Israelites lives. Strict laws! Specific laws! Laws about clothing, and food, and character, and behavior, and worship…laws impossible to fully comply with! Much of The Word is God’s road map for the Christian life…His expectations and promises. Call the “rules” or “guidelines” or “expectations”…He loved us enough to help us know how to live a life pleasing to Him; He loves us enough to forgive us for our failure to comply. IF God does that for me, does He not expect likewise that I will offer the same to others? YES! Yes, He does! He says in Scripture (Ephesians 4:32). That seems so reasonable …yet, it is often difficult for me to do!

So, I will work tirelessly this year to become more flexible! Will you please pray for me, that I will practice what I preach and will achieve my goal?
Many thanks and abundant blessings on your year,

The Beginning of the End

2012-01-16T19:46:00.001-06:00

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

~Martin Luther King, Jr.~

What things matter to you? Will you/do you speak up...or will you/do you remain silent? My Daddy used to say: "Sometimes it's better to keep you mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt!" I ask: who determines a fool?

Thank-you, MLK, Jr., for risking speaking up rather than silencing your voice! You made a difference...and that difference continues today!

99/PIF/Joy

2012-01-10T22:53:00.000-06:00

When you hear the number 99 what comes to your mind? Perhaps the song “99 bottles of beer on the wall”? LOL! Or maybe it’s the story of Jesus leaving the 99 sheep and going after the one that was lost? (that was my first thought! For my eldest daughter 99 represents 1999, the year she turned 18…and graduated high school…and got married! For one special lady 99 represents one more year until she reaches the age of 100~ a centenarian! That dear and lovely woman, “Mrs. M” I’ll call her (for the sake of privacy) turned 99 years of age yesterday…and we had a small party! Some background: Mrs. M fell 5 years ago and broke a hip. She was not a candidate for surgery, due to a heart condition. From the rehab center, she returned to the home she and her beloved spouse built in 1956. She has been a widow for many years; she and her husband had no children. Yet, he took great care to ensure that she would be set for life. So, when she chose to come back home from the rehab center, that meant 24-hour care. We are now beginning our 5th year with her having that care. She is, for all intents and purposes, bedridden. She COULD get up in the wheel chair, but she will not do it, for fear of falling again. Her mind is incredibly intact and physically she is doing quite well. Weighing all of about 90-pounds, and being almost blind in one eye, one would think she would be riddled with sores, aches and pains. But she’s not, albeit a few little things. Mrs. M has handled this phase of her life quietly, gently and with all the integrity of a Godly woman. It is my joy and honor to care for her on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and all day on Friday. Again I wish Mrs. M a blessed and happy birthday and upcoming year!

One desire for this coming year and my future new blog site is to share some examples of “paying it forward”. This is in no way to be braggadocios…or to elevate myself above anyone else. Rather, the purpose is to share the blessings I receive when the Lord gives me opportunities to reach out and touch someone! It jacks me up!!!! I WILL tell you that the recipient of such acts usually does not know who offered the random act of kindness. That would ruin the joy and fun of it and truly it is now necessary for anyone to know who did what. The reason I may occasionally share here is to encourage you to go and do likewise and often…then sit back and get ready for the joy and blessing you will receive!

PIF #1: My man and I ate dinner out at a Cracker Barrel recently. When it came time to pay the bill and determine the tip, we calculated on a 15% basis, which is our norm. However, we were going to be $1 short of having the right amount. Rather than getting change when we paid and bringing it back to the table, we chose to just leave what we did have, which ended up being about a 35-40% tip. Our waitress was lovely, attentive, courteous, pleasant and working hard. So we decided the extra was much deserved! I walked out of the restaurant on a cloud~ it felt SO GOOD to bless someone else’s life! How sweet of our Lord to lay that opportunity before us! (Ssssshhhh…don’t tell him I told you, because he’s a very private person, but I think it even made my man feel good!)

I previously mentioned that I have chosen this year to participate in “The Joy Dare”. Before joining, however, I was already working on my 1,000 things to be thankful for (thank-you, Ann Voskamp)! Over the next few posts I will be sharing the first many I had done before receiving the awesome outline for “The Joy Dare”. It is going to be a HUGE blessing in my life to walk this journey with so many others…to see what others are thankful for and to express how blessed the Lord has made me! Won’t you join us? I hope so.

And, BTW, if you feel so led, would you please share my blog site address with your family and friends and ask them, on my behalf, to visit here and leave a comment. That would make me a very happy lady indeed!

1000 Grace Gifts:

      1.            God of the Universe who loves me in spite of myself.
      2.            Friends who love me unconditionally and are willing to do life with my family and me.
      3.            Eyes that still work, in spite of being legally blind in L eye since 3^rd grade.
      4.            A job where I can care for another person in a relaxed environment while being able to do other things while working.
      5.            Safety for Rodney as he travels so much.
      6.            Cars that are holding up for us, in spite of being very old.
      7.            The springtime, where everything is budding and blossoming, splashing color all around me.
      8.            That I do not have environmental allergies.
      9.            The love of music and the ability to sit and play the piano for enjoyment and therapy.
10.            Doctors who can help us find health restoration.
11.            My ladies in my Tuesday group who yearn for more of God’s Word and enjoy studying it right along with me.
12.            That Janna, Mike, Carleigh and Macie are living with us right now, so I have 2 of my 3 children at home, and we are all enjoying one another.
13.            Financial provision by my husband.
14.            The ability to communicate with others through many types of modern technology.
15.            The tinkling sound of wind chimes at Chris’ house and the smile that sound brings to my face.

Happy New Year & I DARE you!

2012-01-07T23:02:00.003-06:00

Its 2012~ WOOT! WOOT! I’m so stinkin’ excited tosee what God has in store for all of us this year! Do you even remember the Y2K hype? Seems like forever ago, huh? Then the world was predicted to end againrecently, for the 2^nd or 3^rd time…remember that? Somehow I don’t think the Lord got thememo! Gas prices up, gas prices down;housing market good, housing market bad…etc., etc.., etc. Who knows what this year holds for each ofus? Not you…not me…but I DO know the Onewho does know and I’m ready for the journey with Him. I hope you are, as well.

I’m not big on New Year’s Resolutions, as I rarely keep theones I make. I do, however, like to setgoals and see how close I can get. So, Ihave already established a few goals for this year:

Move from Blogger to Word Press (pray forme! I likely will have to get someoneelse involved in this project!) Along with this the purpose of my blog willshift a bit to include some new and exciting things (at least for me, and Ihope if you are reading this you will glean much from it, as well….detailsupcoming!

Takea photography course.

Paintmore (watercolor).

Finishmy son’s scrapbook and catch up on both of granddaughter’s scrapbooks (that’s a lofty goal, I tell ya’!)

Re-learnhow to sew (got a sewing machine for Christmas! YIKES!)

Exerciseat least 3 times a week (please get on your knees right now and pray about thisone!)

Deepenrelationships, beginning and continuing with my relationship with Jesus!

Spendless; buy only on sale; use coupons; do without; save more!

Travel,travel, travel! Several trips on thehorizon (I hope), beginning with one to Arizona on January 25 with my hubby tosee our Dominican daughter, her husband and son, and go with them to themountains to go sledding and snowmobiling for a couple of days! I can’t wait!

Takethe Joy Dare!

There will be more, to be certain. Those are good for starters, eh? Please let me know what you have in store for2012!

Blessings and love,

Lolli (aka Lisa)

Thanksgiving in Early America

2011-11-15T13:11:00.001-06:00

Most of you know by now that I was recently honored to read and review The Promise of Deer Run by Elaine Marie Cooper....AND....to participate in a glorious giveaway by Kathy Carlton Willis One of my readers who left a comment on one of the previous 3 posts about this book will be entered into the drawing of this fabulous prize. Elaine has written the below article about the first Thanksgiving and, again, I am honored to share it with you! Be richly blessed as I am in reading and learning! Have a blessed Thanksgiving season!

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

Thanksgiving in Early America

by Elaine Marie Cooper

When we sit down at our Thanksgiving meal this month, we’ll be recreating a celebration that is as old as our country: sharing food with loved ones while thanking the God Who has provided the abundance.

While we understand that the First Thanksgiving was celebrated here by the Mayflower survivors along with the Indians that had helped them, the first official proclamation that was decreed to celebrate such a holiday was in 1777. It was a recommendation to the thirteen states by the Continental Congress to set aside December 18th that year as a “solemn thanksgiving” to celebrate the first major victory for the Continental troops in the American Revolution: the Battle of Saratoga.

The Battle of Saratoga has significant interest for my own family since one of my ancestors was a soldier there. But he was not on the American side—he was a British Redcoat. After surrendering to the Americans, he escaped the line of prisoners and somehow made his way to Massachusetts and into the life and heart of my fourth great-grandmother. *SIGH* L’amour!

This family story was the inspiration for my Deer Run Saga that begins in 1777 with The Road to Deer Run. There is an elaborate Thanksgiving meal scene in this novel as well as in the sequel, The Promise of Deer Run.

Some may wonder why such detail was afforded this holiday in my novels set in Massachusetts, while Christmas is barely mentioned. The reason is simple: Thanksgiving was the major holiday in the northern colonies, with Christmas considered nothing more special than a workday. According to Jack Larkin in his book, The Reshaping of Everyday Life, “The Puritan founders of New England and the Quaker settlers of Pennsylvania had deliberately abolished (holidays) as unscriptural.”

But Thanksgiving was begun as a way to give thanks to God for His provision. It usually began with attending church services in the morning, followed by an elaborate feast in the afternoon. The food for this meal was prepared for weeks in advance.

Since the individual state governors chose their own date to celebrate the holiday, it was theoretically possible for some family members—if they lived in close proximity—to celebrate multiple Thanksgiving meals with family and friends across state borders. The dates chosen could be anywhere from October to December, according to Dennis Picard, Director of the Storrowton Village Museum in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

Chicken was most commonly served, said Picard, as it was readily available in the barnyard. And the oldest woman in the home had the honor of slicing the fowl for dinner.

Pies were made well in advance of the holiday and stored and became frozen in dresser drawers in unheated rooms.

“I like the idea of pulling out a dresser drawer for, say, a clean pair of socks, and finding mince pies,” said Picard, tongue in cheek.

Indeed!

Have a BLESSED Thanksgiving!

Elaine Marie Cooper grew up in Massachusetts but now lives in the Midwest with her husband, her three dogs and one huge cat. She has two married sons and triplet grandchildren who are now one years old. The Promise of Deer Run is dedicated to the triplets and to veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.Elaine has been a magazine freelance writer for many years, and is a regular contributor to a blog on the Midwest called The Barn Door (www.thebarndoor.net) and a blog on Christian living called Reflections In Hindsight (ReflectionsInHindsight.wordpress.com). She is the author of The Road to Deer Run and the sequel, The Promise of Deer Run. Prior to becoming an author, Elaine worked as a registered nurse.

Almost a $300 giveaway of some Spode!

2011-11-10T07:26:00.002-06:00

The past 2 days I have blogged about The Promise of DeerRun, a historical novel of the highest caliber! The author, Elaine Marie Cooper, has a keen sense of writing to thesenses and emotions. I truly felt asthough I was living in the plot itself, as a character IN the play, not areader on the periphery. This 2^ndbook of a trilogy appeals to audiences of all ages…and you don’t have to be ahistory buff to appreciate it! I knowthat for sure, because I “aren’t” one (a history buff, that is)!!

Kathy Carlton Willis, host of this giveaway (and with animpressive site full of awesome services, I might add) has put together abasket with a retail value of $, and it includes some cool Spode stuff:

Basket
$25 Starbucks gift card
Spode Christmas teapot
Spode Christmas mugs
Yankee candle
Hardbound copy The Road to Deer Run
Hardbound copy The Promise of Deer Run
Bath and Body Paris Amour scent

All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post (andyou may want to go back and leave a comment on the 2 previous days’ posts, as well)to be entered into a drawing I will do among all commenters. I will draw one name and send it to KathyCarlton Willis to be entered into this huge drawing. I’m convinced one of myreaders will win this incredible gift basket.

So please hurry along, leave me a comment, and, while youare at it, please let your friends and family know about this giveaway, aswell, so each of them can be entered! Meanwhile, make it a great day!

An Absolutely Charming Tale!
Once again, Elaine Marie Cooper pens an absolutely charming tale of eighteenth century Americana. War, no matter the era, takes its toll on both soldiers and families. The Promise of Deer Run is a precious next story following Mary and Daniel’s story in The Road to Deer Run, picking up with Mary’s sister, Sarah a few years down the line. Be sure to read the first book too! As a historian and author, I am grateful to Elaine for her dedication to authenticity. —Lisa Lickel, author of A Summer in Oakville

About The Promise of Deer Run:
America’s war for freedom from England has been over for seven years, but the wounds of that conflict still haunt the minds and hearts of the residents of Deer Run. Young American veteran Nathaniel Stearns has withdrawn to a life of isolation as he awaits his father who never returned from the war.

A near-tragedy in the woods brings Nathaniel face-to-face with nineteen-year-old Sarah Thomsen, someone he had long admired but he assumed had eyes for another. This chance encounter opens a crack into the door of his heart as mutual affection quickly blooms.

But slander and lies soon mar the budding romance, rendering both Sarah and Nathaniel wounded and untrusting as their faith in both their God and each other is shattered. Set in 1790, this book continues the story of the Thomsen and Lowe families as they struggle to survive in the aftermath of the war that birthed the United States.

Great book, con't. and Giveaway!

2011-11-08T15:33:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I told you about a fan-tabulous book I had just read and reviewed, The Promise of Deer Run, a historical novel! IT is ab absolute MUST READ! You will pick it up and not want to put it down.

Elaine Marie Cooper has done an outstanding job of developing the characters and plot so that my mind can picture it all. It is like a movie playing in my head, and I don't want to leave until I find out the ending. The clean sweet romance captured me and allowed my mind again to be a part of the plot!

Below is a bit of information about the back story of this novel:

The Story Behind the Story:
How The Deer Run Saga Was Birthed
By Elaine Marie Cooper

When I was young and first heard that one of my grandfathers had been a Redcoat during the Revolutionary War, I was somewhat embarrassed. Growing up in Massachusetts had made me proud of our country’s heritage. But instead of finding zealous patriots in my bloodline, my DNA was from an enemy soldier named Daniel Prince!

Calmer reasoning prevailed, however, as I thought about the reality of his story. Living conditions in Colonial times were difficult, to say the least. It was a frightening period of our history for both Americans and the British. And in the midst of our nation struggling to be birthed, two people on opposing sides in a bloody war met and fell in love.

This story from my family’s history was transformed in my thinking into an inspiring one of romance, unhindered by the politics of the day. It became, purely and simply, a love story.

And so was birthed the idea to create a fictional account of actual events. Since the story is from my imagination, I opted to change last names, the names of the communities, and many other details of the time. However, many of the historical events are documented facts.

The particular information on Daniel Prince’s military background was discovered thanks to the diligent work of Betty Thomson, independent researcher at The National Archives, Kew, in England.

In book one, The Road to Deer Run and now in the sequel, The Promise of Deer Run, I made every effort to stay true to the colonial times. Descriptions of food, homes, clothing, farming, worship practices, medical care, etc. are the result of extensive research.

It has been a personally inspiring experience to write these novels. While the times have changed since the 18th century, the same struggles of their day are our own. Forgiveness, fear, pain, illness, despair, the pain of having a family member at war, the death of a loved one—these are all the battles we contend with in the 21st century. But we also share faith, laughter, love, the excitement of that first kiss, the wonder of looking at a newborn. These are the same joys that we share with our ancestors who are so much a part of who we are.

Their journeys are interwoven with our own.
*************************************************************************************
And then i told you About the giveaway coming up in a couple of weeks, with the grand prize winner receiving:
Retail Value: $297.38

Basket
$25 Starbucks gift card
Spode Christmas teapot
Spode Christmas mugs
Yankee candle
Hardbound copy The Road to Deer Run
Hardbound copy The Promise of Deer Run
Bath and Body Paris Amour scent

All you need to do to enter is to leave a comment on this blog. On Nov. 18 I will choose one person's name to send to Kathy Carlton Willis, sponsor of this giveaway, to be entered into the grand prize drawing.

Sp, please go ahead and leave a comment...then please refer your friends to this site to do the same! I'm thinking just maybe one of you will win the grand prize! Woot! Woot!

A Must read and giveaway!

2011-11-07T22:46:00.000-06:00

I was recently privileged to review the 2nd in a series by Elaine Marie Cooper called "The Deer Run Saga"...and you MUST get it! I was so enamored by Cooper's writing style and captivated by the story line that I did not want to put the book down.

Elaine Marie Cooper grew up in Massachusetts but now lives in the Midwest with her husband, her three dogs and one huge cat. She has two married sons and triplet grandchildren who are now one years old. The Promise of Deer Run is dedicated to the triplets and to veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Elaine has been a magazine freelance writer for many years, and is a regular contributor to a blog on the Midwest called The Barn Door and a blog on Christian living called Reflections In Hindsight She is the author of The Road to Deer Run and the sequel, The Promise of Deer Run. Prior to becoming an author, Elaine worked as a registered nurse.

The Road to Deer Run won the following honors:

Finalist: 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Honorable Mention: 2011 Los Angeles Book Festival

Best Romantic Moment: ClashoftheTitles.com, February 2011

Tomorrow I will post my personal review of this book, and you will want to check back here for that!

What is most exciting is the huge giveaway that will occur on Nov. 21 and I am determined that one of my followers will win it! The Grand Prize is valued at $297.38!!!! It contains:

Basket

$25 Starbucks gift card

Spode Christmas teapot

Spode Christmas mugs

Yankee candle

Hardbound copy The Road to Deer Run

Hardbound copy The Promise of Deer Run

Bath and Body Paris Amour scent

So here's the deal! If you will leave a comment on my site each day for the next 3 days, then on the weekend prior to the drawing I will select one winner from the group to send in as a "finalist" and send it to Kathy Carlton Willis, hostess of this giveaway. The grand prize winner will be announced on Nov. 21, 2011.

So, whatcha waitin' for? Go ahead, please, and leave me a comment today...then come back tomorrow for more!

Meanwhile, enjoy this beautiful season of the year and be thankful!

Lolli (aka Lisa)

Review of Lorilee Craker’s Money Secrets of the Amish Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving

2011-10-18T21:52:00.005-05:00

It seems the Amish have money smarts that the average person is lacking. From their simple, content and peaceful lives one can glean a plethora of ideas on becoming savers rather than spenders, frugal rather than spend thrifty, and givers rather than takers. From basic principles like: "use it up, wear it out, make do or do without" to "repurpose, recycle and reuse" to "rethink your gift giving" and "eat like a royalty for a peasant's pittance" money will seem to appear out of nowhere, while debt problems will vanish. The Amish appreciate the value of community, sharing the land, sharing the crops, sharing homes...even sharing joys and sorrows. They have determined that "stuff" can get in the way of productive living, and that frugality helps ensure financial security for the future. Craker gives some assignments for the reader to complete in an effort to retrain the brain to think smarter without working harder. This book is an easy read; and, though it could be read straight through, it is likely a book that will be referenced time and again. I think I just may become Amish...or at least I may try to live simply and frugally like the Amish!

Where in the world is Lolli-Syler?

2011-08-19T22:16:00.008-05:00

Ever heard of the book “Where is Waldo”…or the show “Where in the World is Carmen San Diego”? That’s me in the blogosphere of late! Bottom line: I/we have been busy, busy, busy! Sometimes I don’t know if I am washing or hanging out! “It’s all good”…well, most of it. June was wrapped up in planning a wedding; July brought about the wedding, 2 birthdays; aweek long mission trip to the Dominican Republic; a 5 day trip to Orlando for a mini vaca school visit…AND…my son-in-love, married only 3 weeks at the time to my daughter, signed with the Cleveland Browns and left for training camp! His 2^nd pre-season game is tonight against Detroit. We are cautiously excited! Last weekend I drove 9 hours + to Cleveland for his first game (which they won against last year’s Super Bowl winners, the Green Bay Packers!). Our granddaughter (who, along with her mom, dad and little sister, are currently living with us) started Kindergarten; my son starts school this coming Tuesday….and I am still working 28 hours a week, preparing to begin my ladies Tuesday Bible study group and my couples group every other Sunday…blah, blah, blah! Bored yet? Likely! Tired yet? Probably! I am, too, just writing it! LOL!

Also, truth be known, I have been in a quandary about my blog: if, why, what, and how to. After reading my sweet on friend, Lynette’s blog on this i ssue…AND…after reading Brent Riggs blog posts on how to create a better blog and attract readers, I’ve been a bit pensive…and prayerful…about whether or not this is a creative outlet the Lord desires me to pursue, or whether He has other plans. Initially I began blogging in a kaleidoscopic fashion: part journal, part inspirational, with every intention to include some creative ideas, etc. I had also planned to include a prayer request page for intercessory prayer. Good intentions…hhhmmmmm….lots of ideas, fleeting thoughts, passionate moments, poor writing attempts…and seemingly not enough time!

I have decided that, for the remainder of this year, I will not pressure myself to blog, or feel guilty if I go long periods and DON’T blog. However, if I have an epiphany or a special something to share, and make the time to write about it in blog form, I will. I hope you, as my readers, will continue to read~ perhaps even consider sharing my posts with others you think may be interested or touched by them. I will, meanwhile, continue to pray for the Lord’s direction for the upcoming year.

Now, today, I had just such an epiphany, which I share below. (I promise, in the future, to try to not be so wordy and lengthy!)

In watercolor class each of us has been weaving together 2 paintings previously done that “didn’t work” and making them into a woven collage that “does work”! I am not fond of abstracts but I have enjoyed this process. In my current project I wanted to include a few real feathers that I

would find. Don’t know why…just ‘cuz! The lady I care for has a plethora of beautiful birds including many blue jays. A few days ago I took a walk around her yard, praying all the while, “Lord, if you want me to use blue jay feathers in this painting, I trust

you will let me locate some. If not, that’s perfectly fine, too”. I looked and looked, to no avail…and just as I was ready to go inside, lo and behold, under a large tree were 2 small but beautiful, vividly colored blue jay feathers! Isn’t God good?!?!?! I asked and He gave! I have since been on a quest for more feathers and not once have I come back empty handed!

Today, as I was searching her yard again with my little granddaughter,I found a very small white and fluffy bird feather. I picked it up, whispering another “thank-you” to the Heavenly Father for His creation and His provision…and I remembered the Scripture that talks about the Lord caring for the birds of the air (and He does!) and how much more He cares for me and for you! (Matt. 6:26) Native American Indians consider feathers sacred. “Sacred” simply means “holy, blessed, consecrated, hallowed, revered, sanctified”.

Different color feathers represent different things for the Indians. For example:

“Blue feathers bring peace, protection and a sense of well-being. Blue jay feathers can also bring warnings of trouble ahead.

Black feathers are a symbol of mystical wisdom from spiritual initiation. They can also be a warning sign of ill health, death, or transition immediately ahead.

Brown feathers bring stability, dignity and respect.

Brown feathers with black stripes or bars symbolize balance between the physical and spiritual.

Green feathers are a symbol of renewal, new directions, and new growth.

Iridescent feathers (flashes of shiny colors) are a symbol of mystical insight, wholeness, and spiritual transcendence. Peacock feathers can also be a warning against false pride.

Red feathers bring vitality and health. Polynesian and South American tribes saw red feathers as symbols for the earth, blood, and femaleness. Royalty wore red feather headdresses and capers; coils of red feathers known as “red feather money,” were traded for various needs. The great Mayan “feathers serpent’ god, Quetzalcoatl, had the red beak of a bird as a mouth.

White feathers are a symbol of purification, love, innocence, and new life.

Yellow feathers symbolize cheerfulness, mental alertness, and prosperity, the sun and maleness”. (From Sacred Feathers by Meril Crabtree)

Are feathers sacred? They were created by the Creator of the Universe. Scripture speaks throughout the Bible of birds of the air. Jesus uses comparisons (like the one above) about caring for the birds of the air…and caring for us, whom He does refer to as “holy, consecrated, sanctified” (in other words, “sacred).

Then it hit me: a feather on the ground is simply a representation of a bird that has shed an old feather to make room for a new feather to grow. Baptism is a representation of one’s personal decision to invite Jesus into their heart as Lord and Savior; as Christians, we are representations of Jesus Christ; our hearts are the representation of the dwelling place of Christ. The Bible is full of signs, symbols, types and shadows, representations of the love, the power, the majesty and glory, the grace of God the Father, Creator of the Universe, Lover of souls, the Redeemer of man. So, while the bird itself is not sacred, its fallen feathers remind me of beauty and of the old being shed so the new can come forth.

Is it not like that with us as believers?

When we make the deliberate choice to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are trading in our “old body” (i.e. the old self) for our “new body” (our new self in Christ~ the likeness of Him)! I can only hope and pray that some small portion of who I am will represent Jesus to those around me and that, like feathers remind me of the beauty of Gods world, my life will be a reflection of

His glory and beauty.

That’s all! ;-)

Where I've been and why...and other stuff!

2011-07-10T19:26:00.029-05:00

So, it's been over 6 weeks since I blogged. Why, you ask? See for yourself!

And then...

Review of A Conversation with God by Alton Gansky

2011-05-21T12:16:00.003-05:00

"Conversations” ~ also called chats, talks, discussions, dialogues, and banters in the English Thesaurus. That implies two or more people sharing ideas or information, opinions and feelings…but how can that happen with a God who cannot tangibly be seen, touched, heard, tasted or smelled? Quite easily, actually! Through the written Scripture, by promptings in our spirit during prayer and at times through a spoken word by a friend or mentor God speaks His will. Alton Gansky has done an implausible work in his book A Conversation With God in bringing answers to some of life’s mysteries and questions, by helping the reader more intimately relate to the heart of the God of the Universe. Gansky’s writing style is simplistic, yet profound.

In this rich volume of common but difficult questions are reliable answers, complete with Scripture references provided for the reader to delve further into discovering answers. Questions covered include, but are not limited to:

v God, who are You? “I am a Being with intellect, which means I think. I’m not a distant, invisible, force. I am someone who reasons and communicates. In other words, I have thoughts. You are the direct result of those thoughts” (p. 18).

v God, who are we to You?

v How do we know the Bible is accurate?

v Are we living in the end times now?

v How should we prepare for the end of the world? “Let’s be clear. There is nothing you can do to push up or delay the events of the end times, but there are things you should be doing. One thing we haven’t discussed is the need for you to be vigilant…” (p. 83).

v God, why do You allow natural calamities to kill so many people? “Death is common, but it is not natural for humans. I did not design Adam and Even to die. Death came to humanity through sin, not through intention…You do not see all history and the future as I do. You do not see what happens to those souls. I deal with eternity, and My perspective is unlimited” (p. 92).

v Why are some people rich and other poor?

v Just what is salvation?

v Can I lose my salvation?

v What is the kingdom of God?

v Jesus, are You the only way to heaven?

v What will happen to people who don’t believe? “Everyone will be resurrected…those who have rejected Jesus are resurrected to judgment. In the New Testament, the term judge means ‘to separate one thing from another.’…There are several judgments…At the judgment, no one will be asked why he sinned, only why he didn’t repent” (pp. 174-175).

v Is Satan for real?

v How can we experience peace?

v God, do You love or hate homosexuals? “I do not hate homosexuals. I do hate sin, all sin. Here is where the contemporary problem e exists. Many have responded to homosexuals with hatred. That includes some in the church. Hatred is not an option….I am not saying I approve of homosexual behavior. I’ve made it clear in the Bible that I don’t, but I don’t single out the homosexual for greater punishment than the heterosexual fornicator or adulterer” (pp. 258-259).

While this is a collection of answers, it is also an intimate portrayal of God’s love for His children…a love that knows no boundaries, an unconditional love, a forgiving love, a love offered to any who would receive Him as Lord and Savior…a passionate love for “red and yellow, black and white…all are precious in His sight!” I recommend you read this book for your own spiritual experience AND I encourage you to pay it forward and share it with others whether seasoned believers, new Christians or those still undecided about Christianity!

Disclosure for Thomas nelson book reviews

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from

Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review

bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in

accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 :

“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Spring and New Life

2011-05-02T01:26:00.031-05:00

2 Cor. 5:17~ “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

Rom. 6:4~ “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

2011-04-23T09:27:00.005-05:00

"Loves redeeming work is done! HALLELUJAH!"

Via Dolorosa ~ Sandi Patti
Down the Vía Dolorosa in Jerusalem that day
The soldiers tried to clear the narrow street
But the crowd pressed in to see
The Man condemned to die on Calvary

He was bleeding from a beating, there were stripes upon His back
And He wore a crown of thorns upon His head
And He bore with every step
The scorn of those who cried out for His death

Down the Vía Dolorosa called the way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King,
But He chose to walk that road out of
His love for you and me.
Down the Via Dolorosa, all the way to Calvary.
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/s/sandi_patti/via_dolorosa.html ]
Por la Vía Dolorosa, triste día en Jerusalém
Los soldados le abrían paso a Jesús.
Más la gente se acercaba,
Para ver al que llevaba aquella cruz.

Por la Vía Dolorosa, que es la via del dolor
Como oveja vino Cristo, Rey y Señor,
Y fue Él quien quiso ir por su amor por ti y por mí.
Por la Vía Dolorosa al Calvario y a morir.

The blood that would cleanse the souls of all men
Made it's way through the heart of Jerusalem.

Down the Vía Dolorosa called the way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King
But He chose to walk that road out of His love for you and me
Down the Vía Dolorosa, all the way to Calvary.

May the blessed meaning of Easter be alive in your soul every day of every year! "Because He lives" we can face anything and everything!

In the midst of beauty...

2011-03-31T19:38:00.019-05:00

In the midst of the beauty of Spring...

...there is pain, and frustration, and inequity, and injustice, and loss~of home, friends, school, "normalcy"...

...but always there is God...and always there is hope!

God and Japan

2011-03-17T19:24:00.007-05:00

Where is God when bad things happen to good people? Where was God when the earthquake hit Japan followed by the tsunami? He was right where He has always been~ on His throne in Heaven, looking down upon His creation with a grieving heart at His hurting people! He promised to never leave us or forsake us~ that promise is for Japan, too. Yet, our hearts break for them...even now...in the loss of life, the loss of possessions, the loss of livelihoods...even more may our hearts be broken and burdened for those "lost" from the Lord. May this tragedy be a "beginning" of new life in Christ for the masses, both in Japan and all around the world. Let revival begin, and let it begin in me...and in you! Our pastor, Pete Wilson, wrote about the devastation in Japan today and said: "I truly believe that God is most powerfully present even when He seems most apparently absent". AMEN!

Are you praying for Japan? If not, I urge you to begin doing so now! Your prayers are a sweet offering to our God!

Review of Same Life, New Story by Jan Silvious

2011-03-16T17:17:00.003-05:00

The Bible is full of stories revolving around male characters~ Adam, Moses, Noah, Samson, Paul, Timothy, David and many more. Yet, how often do you hear about the impact and influence of women of the Bible? Though perhaps fewer in number, women were held in great esteem by God in Biblical times and are major players in God’s story today. Jan Silvious, a seasoned Bible study leader, shares the stories of Naomi, Leah, Rahab, Deborah, Hannah, Anna, Jehosheba, Abigail, Naaman’s servant girl, and Elizabeth, showing how everyday ordinary women, like us, can have major impact on the world in which we live.

With much wisdom entwined with some humor, Jan compares and contrasts issues women of the Bible faced and those women of today deal with. Because God gifted women with the unique ability to make choices, each can change her perspective on life and actually change the course life takes. By relating to these heroines of the Word, we can identify with and learn to change our approach to issues like bitterness, humiliation, depression, infertility, cultural stigmas, fear, and women trying to make it in a man’s world.

God changed the lives of each of the women whose stories are told in this book. Whether by force or choice, each of the women went from ordinary to extraordinary in testimony. In a very practical way, Jan shows the reader how simplistic it can be to alter the course of one’s life by being open to revelation from the Lord. This 10-week Bible study is designed with chapter personal reflection topics and group discussion questions. Jan Silvious weaves tapestries of life stories from Biblical characters, from her own experience, and from modern women. If you are desirous of writing a new story in your life, or if you perhaps just need a little editing to your current story, you will want to read this book!

Jan quotes Louisa Fletcher: “I wish there were some wonderful place Called the Land of Beginning Again, Where all our mistakes and All our heartaches And all our selfish grief Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door, And never be put on again”.

As the storyteller of your own life, you can begin again; you can drop the old and put on the new. Let Jan Silvious hold your hand through this book as you begin to write your new life! You will be glad you did, I promise you!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from

Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review

bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in

accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 :

“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”