Pipeline by Peter Schechter - Book Review

I am posting a link to this new, fast paced book Pipeline by Peter Schechter.

I have really enjoyed reading this book by Peter Schechter.  It is reminiscent of the cold war books of the 70's and 80's.  It has lots of political intrigue.  The characters are well developed, and it is a very entertaining beach read.  It is one of those books that you do not want to put down.  (Forget cleaning the house or cooking dinner or even writing a blog.)

The plot is not too far from reality when applied to our energy crisis today.  The United States in having a huge natural gas crisis, and is at odds with Russia.  One of the main characters is Tony Ruiz, son of Mexican immigrants and an aide to the President of the United States is struggling to help the president.  Russia is behind the scenes withholding natural gas from the United States, kind of like a puppet master manipulating countries all over the world to keep them from giving natural gas to the U.S.   Los Angeles is the first city to shut down, and then eventually the entire state of California comes to a stand still with no natural gas to keep the states electric companies going.  One can only imagine the chaos that would ensue if this country had no electricity to power our cities. Imagine, no water, no gas, no electricity, no food, no farming, this country would be back in the stone ages.  The rush is on to solve the situation before the country ends up in total chaos.

You can find this book through Barnes and Noble or Amazon.  I have provided a link above to Barnes and Noble.  It is a book that I would definitely recommend for a summer read. 

I would love to hear what books you plan on reading for the summer, and what books you are reading now.

Have fun reading.
Debi

Morning Coffee - A Small Ritual

Morning Coffee Center

Yesterday, I wrote about my morning coffee in my blog.  Yes, I need coffee to wake up, not a lot, but enough to help me understand what people are saying to me.  Sometimes my husband, David, will be asking me questions in the morning and I just stare at him, uncomprehendingly.  Then he will start to laugh at me.  That's okay.  After so many years of marriage, you would think he would remember that I will not be able to understand him, until I have a cup of coffee in me.

I love coffee so much that I have a specific area in my kitchen for making coffee.  I have this great coffee machine, a Saeco Royal Coffee Bar, and it is not working right now.  It needs to go to be repaired.  This makes me very sad.  I had to go buy a Mr. Coffee, which you will see in the pictures below.

My Almond Roca Flavor for my coffee

I have coffee flavorings, many different flavorings, because you never know what flavor you may want.  Unfortunately, I am such a creature of habit, I normally use the same flavor every morning.  That would be Almond Roca.  Once they were out of it at World Market, and I thought I was going to cry.  I now buy 6 bottles at a time.   It takes being able to function to make an exciting new flavored coffee in the morning, like an Almond Joy coffee, a peppermint patty coffee, or even just a chocolate covered almond coffee.  I can make all of these flavored coffees, but not first thing in the morning.  They can come later in the morning, once I am actually awake.

The many flavors to make special coffees

I will at some point try to actually measure ingredients for different flavored coffee and give you recipes.  I just need to do that when I am awake.

I hope that you enjoy your coffee or even tea.  Let me know how you like your coffee or tea in the morning.

Enjoy your morning rituals.
Debi

Morning Reading - Links for Some of My Favorite Blogs

The first thing I do in the morning is stumble down my stairs, let my dog out, and pour my coffee.  My coffee is very important, but that is for another post.  Today, I am going to talk about what I do while I am drinking my coffee.  My morning ritual.  I let my dog, Shadow, back in the house, and then he and I go back upstairs.  I turn on the news, open my nook, and check my emails.

You see, some of the blogs I read are in google reader, and some come in my emails.  I clean the junk out of my emails, and take care of business, and then I settle in to read my favorite blogs.

Thoughts By Natalie

I read Thoughts by Natalie to see what beautiful thoughts are traveling through her mind.  Her writing is geared towards women in their 20's ( definitely not me, I'm 53 ), but that doesn't matter.  I love the thought provoking way she looks at life, and I believe that she is a wonderful role model for young women.  She talks about body image, volunteering, dressing, shopping for vintage clothing,  and healthy values for the young adults that she writes for.  I have followed her move to Texas and admire her tenacity to make a life and friends in Austin.

One Good Thing by Jillee

I am always really excited to see what new things that One Good Thing by Jillee is going to teach me for the day.  I have made so many of the different items from her blog.  I am amazed by how many great ideas she has, check out yesterdays blog about making colored jars and vases.  I also love her recipe for Jillee's OxyKleen, Homemade Hairspray, and her Crockpot Greek Yogurt Recipe.  I have now made this yogurt it for the 2nd week in a row.  Check her out and see what other great ideas she has to offer.  I promise you will enjoy her writing.

Melissa from The Inspired Room

A really beautiful blog that I read in the mornings also, is The Inspired Room.  I look at all of the beautiful pictures from magazines, and it makes me want to decorate my house.  She talks about the decorating she is doing in her house, and projects she is trying to finish, like her home office.  Monday's blog was about garden sheds.  Some of these sheds are amazingly beautiful.  Some are even little guest houses.  I do not have a yard big enough for a shed, but I am sure lots of people do.  Take a peek at her blog, to see what inspires you.

Next week I will post more links to blogs.  There is so much out there, and I believe that these women that I read each day are truly amazing.  They show creativity, and a willingness to share their knowledge, and for that I am extremely grateful.

Let me know what you think of these blogs, and what blogs you enjoy reading.  I love finding new blogs to read.

I wish you beautiful reading for the next week.
Debi

Me Again - Movie Review

Me Again - Movie Review - David AR White

I just saw this new David AR White Movie.  I am a huge fan of his.  He is not only a Christian actor, but he is also a producer for Christian Movies, through his production company PureFlix.  I love almost every movie that they put out, and this movie does not fail to entertain and provide a message at the same time.  This wonderful cast includes David AR White, Della Reese, Ali Landry, Logan White, and Bruce McGill.

This movie is about Pastor who has lost sight of what is important in his life.  He wishes for a life other then his own, and he sure gets it.  It is definitely not what he expected.  He becomes many different people and things, including a model, a goldfish, himself as a baby, and old woman, and along the way he finds out what is important in life.

Will he make the changes that he needs to make to appreciate his life?  You will have to watch this movie for yourself.  I have posted links above for you to be able to buy this movie online, or you should be able to get it from your local Christian Store.

Tell me what you think of this movie or any other movies you have seen recently.

Happy Watching.
Debi

P.S.  I just watched the trailer for a new TV show out this fall called Revolution.  It is a new JJ Abrams show, the producer and director of Super 8, Cloverfield, and Lost.  Here is a link.  Take a look and see what you think.

Revolution - Trailer

Bible Study 2 - Sharper Then a Two-Edged Sword

This weeks bible study is on chapter 2 of the book Sharper Then a Two-Edged Sword by Andrew Wommack, and we will be learning about the Holy Spirit.  God's word is there for us, all we need to do is open his book.  The Bible has all of the answers to our problems, if only we will open it and read.

Sharper Then a Two-Edged Sword

Sharper then a Two Edged Sword

Chapter 2

Do we have to be baptized in the Holy Spirit?  
Is it a choice?   
We do not have to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, you get baptized in the Holy Spirit.  It is a privilege.  (from workbook)

The Holy Spirit          

the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive,

            because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you

            know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you

                                                                                    John 14:17

                                                                                                           

The Holy Spirit

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof , for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

            that the man of God may be complete thoroughly equipped for every good work.

                                                                                    2Timothy 3:16 and 17            

                       

1.              1.   How is the Holy Spirit going to help me live the Christian life?

                                               

The Word of God is the truth that will set you free, but you need the Holy Spirit to make the Word come alive as you read it in order to get understanding. (From workbook)

The Holy Spirit is who helps us understand the Bible..

It is not enough to know in your mind what the Bible says, it is the Spirit that helps you discern the word of God.

2.              2.   Why did Jesus tell His disciples not to do anything until they received the Holy Spirit?

What does Jesus say in Act 1:8 to his disciples? 

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”      Acts 1:8

How strong are we on our own, then and how much stronger with the Holy Spirit?  With the Spirit we can do anything.

He tells them they are to wait for the Spirit, because they are going to go forth and represent Jesus and his teachings to the world.   They would fail as witnesses without the Holy Spirit.

3.              3.   What is the difference between being born again and the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

Acts 8:14 - 17 and Acts 19:1-7 both talk about the difference between baptism of water and the Holy Spirit.

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria's had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)  Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

In Acts 19:1-7 it says that when Paul asked some people if they had been filled with the Holy Spirit.  They did not even know what the Holy Spirit was.  He then prayed for them to receive the spirit and they started speaking in tongues.

The apostles had been baptized by water already, and the Samarians had also been baptized in water.

What does it take to become born again?  Rom 10:9-10  All it takes to be born again is to confess that  Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead.

 You get the Holy Spirit when your are born again, because you have to have the Spirit of God in you in order to be born again. (1 Cor. 12:3)

4.           4.      Are you saying I didn’t get all of the Holy Spirit’s ability when I was born again?

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit do we receive gifts?  Yes, we receive gifts when we are filled with the Holy Spirit.   

What are these gifts?  There are many gifts, not just tongues.  The Holy Spirit is also our Comforter,  kind of like a blanket for a child, He is there for comfort and security.

Do

5.             5.    What does “speaking in tongues” mean?

Speaking in tongues (1 Cor. 14:2) we do not understand it, but God does

Your spirit contains the mind of Christ (1Cor. 2:16) and knows all things (1John 2:20) (from workbook)

•                     What does speaking in tongues do in your life ( 1 Cor 14:15-17)

•                     Do we still receive the gift of speaking in tongues today?

•                     What would cause you not to speak in tongues?

Why would God give me the gift of the Holy Spirit when I still sin?

•                     If I were perfect, would I need the Holy Spirit?

           

These are all questions that I would like you to think about.  Please let me know what you think.  I will be happy to answer any questions you have.  Just let me know. 

6.            6.     Why should I speak in tongues?  What is it going to do for me?

·         Speaking in tongues is using your voice.  You have to speak to speak in tongues.

·         Will you understand what you are saying? (1Cor. 2:14) Is it possible to understand? (1Cor. 14:13)

·         Jesus is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:11)

·         To receive the gift you need to ask God

                        Father, I thank You that I am the temple of the Holy Spirit, I

                        I welcome You to fill me right now.  Thank You for filling me

                        with Your presence.

           

           

Happy Mother's Day 2012

Mother's Day is such a special day for all of us MOMS.  It is a day when we get to feel special.  As moms I think we spend most of our days taking care of other peoples' needs.  We love our families, and are always trying to make things easier for them.  We cook, we clean, we take care of children or parents, and we do it all with love and care.  So Mother's Day is the one day when our families try to make us feel special.  I think it is a really important thing, not only us, but also for them.  I think that it is important that we let them take care of us, and for us to show our appreciation.  It teaches our families,  that it is wonderful to give, and it helps us to learn how to receive.

Being able to receive gracefully is a difficult thing for women to do.  It is hard for us to let go of handling all of the little details.  We want our homes to run smoothly, and sometimes we feel it is easier just to do it ourselves, and have it done the way we want it, then it is to try to tell someone else how it should be done.  We, as women, need to learn how to let go, and accept help.  We do not have to be perfect, and neither do our families.

Normally, they ask what I want for a gift, my answer is always the same, for you just to spend time with me.  That is the best gift they can give me.  Our family is full of busy adults, with jobs and lives, but the thing I love most is to spend time with everyone.  I love going to shoot pictures with my oldest son, or going to the aquarium with my middle son, window shopping with my daughter, and having a quiet dinner with my husband at home.  The gift of time and knowing my children as people, their likes and dislikes, their hopes and dreams are what is important.  My husband is always so busy with work, that it is a treat to spend a lazy Sunday morning having coffee and reading the paper together,  going on a new adventure, or planning a trip.  Those are the special moments in life that I cherish.

So this year for Mother's Day I will learn to gracefully accept any small deeds from my family, and say thank you.  I will appreciate every moment that I have with them.  We never know what God has in store for us, and it is today, and the memories that we make now with each other, that are the most important part of our families lives.

I actually can't wait, because whether your kids are 5 or 27 you still love spending time with them, and Mother's Day is a great time to do it.

Have fun, and enjoy you day. 

I would love to hear what you are doing for Mother's Day, and what is important to you.

Love,
Debi