Friday, December 31, 2010

The Importance of Books

This morning, I sat in the dark of the morning reading my Bible & devotional.   I began to soberly consider that it would be my last for 2010.

Where did the year go?

For fun, I began to re-read my journal and make a list of the highlights for 2010.  Tonight I will, with the rest of my family, read them over our traditional candlelight dinner of Chinese food. 

It will be wonderful to hear their perspectives on life in 2010; from my sweet husband, to my preschooler through high school-aged children.

What seared into their minds in 2010?

In January of 2010, a thought occured to me to begin a list of the books I read throughout the year. 

The older I become, the more I am realizing the importance of books, the mind-food that we consume.  How books truly have profound effects on our character, attitude, habits and ambitions to name just a few.

Here is my list for 2010:

"Great Divorce"  C.S. Lewis
"Frugal Luxuries"  Tracey McBride
" Tea With Jane Austen"  Kim Wilson
"Cost of Discipleship"  Dietrich Bonhoffer
"Let Me Be Woman"  Elizabeth Elliot
"Mommy Diagnostics"  Shonda Parker
"City of Bells" Elizabeth Gouge
"The Pursuit of God"  A.W. Tozer
"Lies Women Believe & the Truth
     That Sets Them Free"  Nancy Leigh DeMoss
"Mission of Motherhood"  Sally Clarkson
"Maker's Diet"  Jordin Rubin
"Fearless"  Max Lucado
"Pioneer Woman Cooks"  Renee Drummond
"A Severe Mercy"  Sheldon Vanauken
"Pilgrim's Inn"  Elizabeth Gouge
"Tactics"  Greg Koukl

** I'm finishing up "Mere Christianity"  C.S. Lewis
                                 "Read For the Heart" Sarah Clarkson
                                 "Loving God with All Your Mind"  Elizabeth George
                                         (probably not before midnight, however!)



I also read to my children either before lunch
or after.  Some of our adventures have been
found in the pages of :

"Girl of Limberlost"  Gene Stratton-Porter
"Giant Killer"  (Lamplighter Publishing)
"Treasure Island"  Robert Louis Stevenson
"Man of the Family" (Little Britches series-Ralph Moody)
"Johnny Tremain"  Esther Forbes
"Our Homestead Story: The First Years" (Castleberry Press)
"Princess and the Goblin"  George McDonald
"Silver Chair"  C.S. Lewis

I am forever challenged and changed because of these books.  I was in awe of the timing of each of the books that we selected.  At times, some the characters would deal with an issue, attitude or choices that was found in us readers.  God-timed to be sure.

As I look to 2011, I am almost giddy with anticipation of what lies ahead not only in the adventures our family will encounter, but what the pages we read will hold.....

What did you read or going to read this coming New Year?  I'd love to know!
Happy New Year! 

Blessings!

Malinda

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Vintage Homestead Emporium's Winter Collection

Pamper those you love on your Christmas List


Brown Sugar Body Polish:  A luxurious favorite to pamper skin!  Exfoliates and hydrates at the same time leaving skin smooth and soft.  Made of all-natural soft brown sugar, Almond oil and Vitamin E.  Packaged in a (3 oz.) jar & wrapped in a beautiful, sage-colored organza bag.  ($5.00)

Lavender Pillow Spray:  Great for misting onto pillow for a deep, restful sleep.  Made of purified and distilled water infused with all-natural Lavender essential oil.  Packaged in a (2 oz.) amber apothecary spray bottle.  ($4.00)

Peppermint Lip Balm:  A soothing treat for wintered lips.  A wonderful mixture of Sweet Almond oil, Shea Butter, Honey, Beeswax and Peppermint essential oil.  Packaged in a one-ounce jar wrapped in a beautiful, sage-colored organza bag.  ($4.00)

Lavender & Chamomile Bath Salts:  A great blend of relaxing Lavender and German Chamomile essential oils infused in theraputic Epsom Salts.  Packaged in a beautiful, 270ml. vintage-inspired corked glass bottle.  ($6.00)

Massage Oil:  A perfect way to unwind after a stressful day or as a bedtime ritual.  A blend of Bergamont, Lavender, Clary Sage & German Chamomile essential oils infused in Sweet Almond oil.  Packaged in a (2 oz.) amber apothecary jar.  ($4.00)

Peppermint Foot Balm:  A definate favorite for massaging tired and sore feet.  Made of all natural Sweet Almond oil, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Beeswax and cooling Peppermint essential oils.  Packaged in a (3 oz.) vintage inspired, copper tin.  ($5.00)

Peppermint Foot Soaking Salts:  A relaxing way to soak the day away.  Made of all-natural theraputic Epsom Salts, Organic Peppermint leaves, Vitamin E and cooling Peppermint essential oils.  Packaged in a 270ml. vintage-inspired square glass bottle.  ($6.00)
        
Christmas Special:  Peppermint Foot Balm & Salts Gift Set ~*~*
Towered together in a gorgeous, sage-colored organza bag.  ($10.00)

                Please e-mail me with any questions/orders!
               danielbanuelos@warpdriveonline.com