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

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?

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 issue…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!

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

"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

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.”