Amish Cooking - a Book Review

Simply Delicious  Amish Cooking - By Sherry Gore 

1. The Index is helpful but the Ebook reader numbering is not in synch making it difficult to find recipes and the picture plates.

2. Its nice that the recipes are simple, and set in a simple format of  a list of ingredients, that are mixed together and cooked, and a little basic time saving tip at the end.
3. This book provides a list of  wholesome basic cooking recipes that could easily be increased for large numbers. Just what anyone looking for Amish recipes would want.

4. The personal anecdotes against some of the recipes are heart warming, an insight into the community. I learned more about the Amish from Pinecraft, Florida, understood that there was something different about them and got to know the food they eat.  This book tells us more about the Amish women, and their recipes give and insight into the heart of their life style. The author's statement  - Home is where they love you - says it all.

That is why I chose to read this book and received just that bit more than I expected. I appreciate the work done by the authors. And most of all appreciate Booksneeze. I picked up this book, for free, from Booksneeze.com. You have the option to get a book to hold in your hand and read or an Ebook.

When Jesus Wept Jerusalem Chronicles, The Volume: 1 By Bodie Thoene and Brock Thoene

What would it be like to meet Jesus and to have him call me friend. What would I say if I met Jesus as Lazrus did at the wedding in Cana, and would I remember what John the Baptist said, 'the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.'? What would it feel like to see Jesus watching me as I prayed?

What would it be like to have Jesus come over to my home, to stay up late after the evening meal talking deep into the night?

I enjoyed this book, the weaving of the gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John in the story making them come alive. Especially the scene of the adulterous woman and Jesus stooping down to write in the sand, putting himself alongside the woman. Finally hearing a possible reason for Jesus weeping  before he called Lazrus out of the grave.

I chose to review this book looking for a plausible answer and received more than I anticipated, I appreciate the work done by the authors. And most of all appreciate Booksneeze.

I picked up this book, for free, from Booksneeze.com.You have the option to get a book to hold in your hand and read or an Ebook.

20,000 Days and Counting: The Crash Course for Mastering your Life Right Now By Robert D Smith

As a trainer, I hear this request often, I need motivation, some activity to capture my attention. They believe motivation is something I can arrange for them. Often motivating  a young adult to learn insurance  is akin to  using  an oxgoad! And there it was - motivation is a myth!

The book is filled with valuable nuggets to improve your living. Nuggets that Robert D Smith has used in his life, shared with people and if I say so, motivated many! Nuggets that have sound base and worth practicing.

The one that hit home immediately was to count the number of days lived as the blessing, instead of the number of days left to live. And, therefore one automatically looks to ensure the number of days to come will be spent fruitful.

I picked up this book, for free, from Booksneeze.com.You have the option to get a book to hold in your hand and read or an Ebook.

Live Second By Doug Bender

Having browsed through the books, excitedly I picked Live Second By Doug Bender. I expected something different from the usual, as the first book I Am Second was, and was not disappointed.

Live Second is a devotional, that's what we are told, I looked at it, and it is a simple devotional it appeared, not much there it seemed at first glance. So I came back to it a couple of days later, this is  me, this is how I approach something different.

Went through the devotional according to instructions and found myself  thinking and living differently. This book is more than a devotional, it is the ideal accompaniment to the Bible and  I would recommend this devotional to the young as its just up there with all the need for gadgetry, but more so, I would recommend it to my peers 45+ because it might just shake you up and get you thinking and living differently.

Don't forget to visit the I Am Second website and have a look at the testimonies, they are worth listening to.

I received this book for review from Booksneeze. www.booksneeze.com free of charge. Enjoy:)

Nearing Home: Life, Faith and Finishing Well By Billy Graham

Living in a society that does not honor its elderly, nor is there any provision for the elderly the fears of reaching retirement are very real.

While society may not believe that growing old is a respectable phase of life, my prayer is that believers in Jesus Christ will walk the last mile of the way triumphantly...As I get older, I must realise I am leading the way for the generations that follow, am I a good example?
...see my money as a God given responsibility, not as something i am free to use or misuse as I please.

These are a few of the jewels I found in this book. Worth reading and ideal tool to preparing to finish well. This book is a valuable guide for me to walk my talk.

I received this book for review from Booksneeze. www.booksneeze.com

Yours Is The Day, Lord, Yours Is The Night. By Jeanie Gushee, Davie Gushee Ph.D.

As my review is the first I feel challenged.

I chose the book for 2 reasons, one it is about prayer and second, it has prayers prayed by people through the times.

 

The title being a prayer itself caught my attention.

In the introduction the Gushee's say the prayers were to be a part of personal prayer.

Whenever asked to pray and when in private prayer I find myself at a loss for words, and enjoyed the simplicity of the prayers in this book, giving me the words, setting across a need I had not though of for the day.

The prayers are short, insightful, obviously selected and arranged for the time of the year. And how nice to read a prayer Charles Spurgeon prayed, or the prayers of Gregory the Great. There is a thread that weaves throughout the book linking Christians in our prayer life from 540 till today!

Elizabeth Anne Seton's prayer, Lord, strengthen my soul, so that so many firm resolutions may be more than mere words. Amen. Said on one eventful evening during her life 1774 to 1821 is so appropriate for the month of January and well and truly appropriate for us today.

I like having the Calendar of Movable Holy Days from 2013 through to 2012.The Calendar and the selection of prayers joins all Christians just as prayer does.

I received this book for review from Booksneeze. 

Visit the website:  www.booksneeze.com

I Am Second

I am Second... prompted me to ask is it Jesus who is First?

So I went to have a look at the website. I found a cache full of testimonies!

 It was a Christian multimedia movement and non profit organization inspiring people to live for Jesus Christ.

From a small beginning it has moved around the world and is growing. Allowing viewers to listen and see video testimonies from people of all walks of life, testimonies that are from the heart, related to specific subject area or common struggle that people experience.  Such as abuse, abortion, affluence, anger, cancer, child abuse, death, disabilities, divorce, fatherlessness, forgiveness, grief, marriage, molestation, pride, prison, prostitution, purpose in life, racism, relationships, satisfaction, self-esteem, selfishness, sex addiction, substance abuse, success, trauma, war and work

I chose to read the book, just to own a copy, the website has the same testimonies and more. I find the fact that everything takes second place to Jesus who is First appealing. The book does the same. Norm Miller the founder's testimony is at the end of the book. Credits and blurb on Doug Bender and Dave Sterret are at the end of the book. Nothing takes precedence over Jesus in this ministry.

I love the website, subscribe to it and watch every video that is posted, I loved the book and encourage all to visit the website.

The stories are about the lives of real people telling it themselves, choosing to share their faith and salvation in their own words.

 About the hope we have in Jesus, the courage we find in Him to build our lives again. About the freedom in confessing Jesus as First. Freedom from pain, addictions and sin. 

The stories are not boring or superficial and you can see the pain change to joy each time the teller or testifier proudly states ... I am Second!

The testimonies are from people who have taken responsibility for their mistakes and their sins, know they are forgiven in Jesus and know that they are now moving forward with Jesus being First.

He is first.

I received this book for review from Booksneeze. 

Visit the website:  www.booksneeze.com

http://www.iamsecond.com

The River by Michael Neale

Michael Neale meets Gabriel Clark in a chance encounter at the airport while both are waiting for connecting flights that will take them home.
The meeting says as much as the rest of the book that speaks of The River and Gabriel Clark. The River would mean many things to every reader of this incredible book, about life and God-encounters or God-incidences.
As you read about Gabriel Clark and his life closely entwined with The River, you are drawn to inward thinking of life and the chance encounters that changed the course of your life. A book worth reading, well written with a wealth of insights. With the supporting web page and use of other social networks, Michael Neale steers this book away from being classified under New Age.

I enjoyed reading this book, received an EBook copy for review from Booksneeze.com.

Friday 13th July, 2012

Have you said the wrong thing
done the wrong thing
then regretted it?

Welcome to the 'been there ... done that, an more' club.
This Friday the 13th was worrisome, I spent it praying for invisibility. Repentance was behind me, so was apology and retribution!

Then, I prayed Cain's prayer ... Lord my punishment is more than I can bear. I fear to walk out there without your umbrella. As I walk away from your presence You will no longer see me, You will no longer be concerned about me, You will no longer think of me, You will no longer love me. I am a pitiful creature not worth much... The world out there is dry wasteland full of treacherous people who will be out to cheat, steal, rape and even kill me. More than this, I will be alone!

Then I remembered this answer to Cain's prayer ... Not so! says God. If anyone kills Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over. God put a mark on Cain, so no one who found him would kill him.
Genesis 4:13 to 16

Surviving your Serengeti

7 Skills to Master Business and Life.

A fable of Self-Discovery  by Stefan Swanepoel

I chose to review this book for its title. The first chapter seems to have been tacked on to the main message of the book. There are 3 main characters, however the author sets a scene around a camp fire and has some interesting cast present, all seekers without jobs in an expensive upmarket camping site.  ‘Seronera’ a beautiful spot within the Serengeti was misspelt and  thankfully ‘Grumeti’ was right. 

The author has found an interesting way re-present good standard business skills by linking it to the migration of Wildebeests and the animals in the Serengeti plains. He goes further and strategically pushes it as life skills. The book is a good example of  - “An enterprising person explores all options and boldly seizes every opportunity.” A quote from the book on page 75 an attribute of the enterprising Nile Crocodile.

The key selling point has been publicized to the fullest - Which animal are you? You can find this out on the website given at the end of the book or just Google it, that's what I did to find out more while I waited for the book to come. 

There is much to learn and re-learn from this book. I found myself reminiscing and linking what I read to my memories which made the whole exercise pleasurable. This book would be appealing  to someone who has not visited or lived in Africa or experienced a safari, I found myself looking for more.

I received this book at no cost. According to my agreement with www.booksneeze.com, publishers John Wiley & Sons Inc., above is my review of the book. This is my opinion it’s not influenced in anyway by the publisher or www.booksneeze.com.

Book Review: Same Life, New Story by Jan Silvious

 Change your Perspective to Change your Life : A ten week bible study for women.

The synopsis on the back cover of the book is captivating: How's your life? Does it tell a wonderful story filled with grace, character, and courage? Or are you stuck in the past, struggling with regrets and fears? This certainly captivated me. The rest of the blurb at the back of the book tells you what you are about to read its going to be the truth, the whole truth and that is what you get! The language is clear and concise, its plain speaking. The introduction takes you further into what's in store for you, at no point are you in any doubt  And you know this is not your usual Bible Study. It is going to bring about a change whether you want it to or not.

The devotion chapters build into the next leading you into the process of change. Each of the ten chapters begins with the story of a woman from the bible: Naomi, Leah, Rahab, Deborah, Hannah, Anna, Jehosheba, Abigail, Namaan’s Servant Girl and Elizabeth. The list of women was definitely interesting, not the usual list of ladies, they are certainly women of character who changed their future with a single or series of decisions followed by actions. You also get stories of women known to the author that authenticates and clearly illustrates a life status and how one may over come it. This book makes you want to overcome the challenge.

I have gone through the first and am into the second chapter, and am happy to pursue it further: I was specially happy to note it addresses the different ages of a woman's life from youth to the 50s plus.
The life themes are spot on: its in Chapter 2: Don't be held hostage by the Past.

I encourage every woman to get a personal copy of this book because indeed you would be underlining it as much as you do your Bible. I would also recommend it for a group Bible study to be presented in the same way the book does, allowing each woman to think for herself without imposition.

My review is late due to postal delay, I received the last mailed copy first and then the previous two! And was pleased to gift the extra copies.

I received this book at no cost. According to my agreement with www.booksneeze.com, publishers Thomas Nelson, above is my review of the book. This is my opinion it’s not influenced in anyway by the publisher or www.booksneeze.com.

Forgiving: It's not Easy

This is the second time I await a book from Booksneeze.com, already have my eye on the next book I would love to have! I asked, Why would someone want to steal a Christian book anyway? then quickly came the more positive thought ... It could bless the stealer!

My first instinct is to get angry when I am hurt by words or actions, the next is to complain about it, and third is to hold a grudge. I am good at holding grudges and plotting revenge, I play the whole thing out in my brain.
Ever done that?
But it takes too long to wait for the right time to get even, and going out and starting the fight often opens a Pandora's box causing more pain and hurt, this time a rift in the relationship. I found this quite unproductive especially within the home and when the person is a parent or sibling who are going to be in your face day in day out!

I then came across RT Kendal's book Total Forgiveness, and this too after knowing the Lords prayer and mouthing the prayer thousands of times!
What I gained from the book: I was to forgive the person directly if possible and indirectly if not.
Next, do not tell anyone else about it. Now this was difficult, but managed it for a couple of occasions, only to be royally foiled one day. When a colleague insulted me in front of another, I kept quiet (a feat for one who has a biting tongue and quick to retaliate) and the other colleague then took me aside and questioned me and said I should sort it out. Well I didn't want to waste the time sorting it out, as I was happy to be alienated from this particular person! But, that isn't forgiveness either is it? So there I learned I had to forgive internally and put this behind me and not talk about it. The last point that actually got to me first was to pray sincerely for the enemy to be blessed! This was a tough one, but turned out to be easier than the other two.

More soon! Will welcome your thoughts!

Family Update 2011

2010 came and went!
However it has brought an addition to our family. Aliya Menezes was born on 24th January 2011 to Floyd and Sudeshna. Floyd is Royston's younger brother.

High Lights of 2010:

Mum and I went to New Delhi for 3 days we arrived on the 1st December 2010, we flew there and back, had a lovely 2 days then Mum caught viral fever and we made a painful and long journey back. Flight delays with Go Air are the norm a delay in the journey out and  the journey back had 2 delays, we reached home after midnight!
I am glad to say Mum has made a good recovery and is glorying in being lighter! She has lost some weight.

We did not send out Christmas cards and Mum made her famous Christmas cake after Christmas with help from Kyrie and Debu.

We celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary, that was a funny session, I was totally teary and Royston read his lines to the Church! Our Church hospitality group cooked the food and we served pork with bread to at least 350 members. Kyrie and the team worked all Saturday, Royston supplied them with all the ingredients and then spent the morning of Sunday ferrying it all to the Church. The background work was carried out with so much cheer we were blessed.

Kyrie found a nice job in March 2010 and enjoys it even though she has several different shifts. It is a 24/7 job.  I now am a process Trainer got the post in August 2010, haven't started my actual job but will be doing so sometime this year.

We moved into Roystons family Flat 4 Anchor House in February 2010, very noisy as its on the Kondwa main road, the traffic roars like a chinese dragon by 10am every week day! Its dusty too! But, Royston and Kyrie love it, Kyrie enjoys having her own large room and bathroom. This year she contributes to the maids salary and so has a nice tidy room too! I am happy I have a little niche in the sitting room for my jewelry work. Miss the storage arrangement of the previous house though! We haven't cleared out much of what was in the flat and added our own!

Royston had a change of process and is now happy and settled in the new job. We stayed well last year with Gods grace but didn't lose much weight.

Review of: On This Day in Christian History: 365 amazing and inspiring stories about saints, martyrs and heroes by Robert J Morgan, publisher Thomas Nelson

The book arrived on the 1st January, 2011 right on time!

The book is what its cover states a devotional. The language and presentation is interesting in its simplicity, and allows the wealth of the words capture your heart and head.

The Book starts with: Verse by Verse about Ulrich Zwingli a not so ordinary Bishop one of many people who created an awareness of the need for change. Each story is unique and thought provoking like Mary Slessor’s story, and the scripture verses that inspired each person so varied. Reading from the back of the book and the middle noticed every page has a story about an ordinary man or woman who was born or died or accomplished something on that very day. In my opinion a good way to bring awareness of one can do and of the people of faith that have in some way changed the face and heart of Christianity not being a theologian and don’t have an interest in reading autobiographies. This book could be interesting to  historians and theologians as Robert J Morgan has insightfully added some uniquely interesting people out of the ordinary.

I Received this book at no cost. According to my agreement with booksneeze.com above is my review of the book. This is my opinion it’s not influenced in anyway by the publisher or booksneeze.com.

Book Review: Out Live Your Faith By Max Lucado

I stumbled via upon booksneeze.com and signed up not really believing I would get to participate as I live in India. I was overjoyed to when I received the book for free! Keeping to the agreement here is my review.
Max Lucado's books don't come cheap here but we pay the price for them because they are worth it. His simple style with insights gleaned from normal everyday encounters marks this book too like the encounter with the Traffic Policeman who illustrates Gods pardon.

 Each chapter is a story in itself and so you could read the book over a period of time if you wanted to. The selections in total bring home to me the fact I am called to do just what Peter, the disciples, Jesus family, and all the early Christians did, spread the Word and take it to the ends of the earth. Live the Word and share it with the people I meet everyday. Pray for eyes that see as Jesus did, ask for wisdom, exercise my faith every day and pray, pray, pray. Look for areas to help and join with others I don't have to start something of my own. And most of all give the Gospel, do not forget that vital ingredient.

Max Lucado delights from the word go, I like the way he acknowledges all especially the line for his wife. All the words and work that goes into the book are meaningful you know the whole book was written from the heart, and covered by prayer and  not Max Lucado’s alone. The Contents of the book indicates that this book contains information that will equip you to go out and Out Live Your Life as well as encourage you along the way.
One hundred percent of the author's royalties from Outlive Your Life products will benefit children and families through World Vision and other ministries of faith-based compassion.

Earrings

Earrings! As most things do, it all started with a need. I wanted pure silver earring wires for my tatted jewelry. I am in India, where all the semi precious stones I enjoy are! So it was just a matter of learning the skill and sourcing material, how difficult could that be I thought!

The World Wide Web is where I got to know how. Next, sourcing the tools turned out to be a challenge, getting silver wire is the easiest, getting aluminum wire is next to impossible! I started at a little silver jewelry shop on Center Street, he offered pure silver wire cheaper than sterling silver and was curious as to why I wanted adulterated wire!

The hardware shop on MahatmaGandhi Road had a few tools. So started my search for more specialized tools which took me into Sone Maruti Chowk, Pune City … now this was amazing but it is a story for another time. The shop that sells a vast array of tools is the busiest hole in the wall, yet it did not stock the ones I needed.

The next step was shopping on the internet, but shipping costs twice as much as the price of the tool! I turned to friends, leading to networking, making new friends, and relying completely on their goodwill; thank you, you know who you are.

I invest a lot of time and money. Not making much of the latter though! Probably because I wear, not sell what I create. Besides breaking the ‘home made’ mindset is tedious. The enjoyment is boundless, the pleasure from appreciation of my work is enough. I like my creations and get bored replicating them, discipline is a work in progress! Next is the Tangerine Jewelry Store.

Books

Two books that have set into my mind: Son of Hamas, Mosab Hassan Yousef with Ron Brackin and A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers.

Son of Hamas: An incredible recount of a young man making big decisions based on simple truth. Love your enemy. Deciding to give assistance to the enemy after weighing the differences and choosing to shun the greater evil. Prison experiences in either jail could not have been less humiliating or scary. In the midst of great fear rises a David taking on an immense goliath.

A Lineage of Grace: Awesome stories of the women who against all odds had faith in the God of Abraham ... oh to have simple faith like they did and to receive the awesome rewards they received from God, to be ancestors of Jesus Christ.

2010

2010 has arrived, no rapture and to be truthful I didn't prepare. Funny, the movie 2012 and Armageddon documentary, publications all subtly point to one thing, CHANGEs .

But why would it be different? We are not thinking differently, I know I am not.

Looking back I see the future.

This wooden jar has my potpourri, my type. It contains spices, flowers, leaves, moss, lemon oil, potpourri oils and cloves, cinnamon ... things I've picked up and added to during my last 2 years in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

2002 to 2005, I opened it frequently. look through the bits and remember, smell the smells of my past. The moss from the trees on the edge of Ngonrongoro Crater, the nutmeg from the spice farm in Zanzibar, the sea shell from Cape Point in Cape Town, the twig from the Table Mountain ... the leaf from Glasgow, some lemon slices I added in sometime ago here in Pune. A piece of walnut shell from Manipur, they are unusual the shell is very crinkly.
The jar contains highlights of our lives, like my mind.

Tatting: was the craft I worked with, I tatted Christmas Baubles. Made pocket money and pursued my hobby with joy. I knitted for Kyrie and I crocheted for our home. Stars for our dining table.

2003 I got a job, what a blessed event. Royston then got a job just when our money ran out! Jehovah is the God who provides. My mother had her cataract operation, sadly unsuccessful. New friends were made that have made big differences in our lives and who are dear to me.

2004 moved to Naga Christian Fellowship, a Church that has blessed us as a family and who have introduced us to the next type of Church. A whole different set of friends. New avenues were pursued.

Tatting: Jewelry now! and making some sales too.

2005 still working hard to make ends meet, always having Jehovah provide via my sister in the nick of time. My mum has another operation to remove a split lens within her eye, Jehovah was our healer.

Tatting: is still the craft. The Jewelry is still making an impact.

In 2006 I went to Glasgow for a month in November, the repercussions were immense and all personal. Jehovah was our shield and protector.

2007 was regrouping and manning different battle stations. Under Jehovah's wing.

2008 we got internet connectivity at home and Face Book brought back my past. Joyous! friends I had never thought I would ever connect with again found me! Jehovah bringing light.

2009 I turned 49 and have not been so fat as I am now. I look back and see the fragments of my connection with Jehovah my provider, my healer and my light.

Wire Wrapping Jewelry takes precedence over Tatting: Sales are better, results are quicker. Investing every penny back for better tools and knowledge.

I look to 2010, Jehovah will you take my hand?