My Little Girl by Tim McGraw & Tom Douglas

What a cute little book! The story is of a daddy & "his little girl" spending a day together. A Daddy-date! Though Katie expected something "spectacular" and prepared for it, the day was quite different than she imagined.

This author (daddy, Country singer Super Star) could have written about any of the extraordinarily expensive days he most likely has spent on and with his daughter. But he chose simplicity to show the SPECTACULAR love he has for his daughter. And the love all daddies (and moms) can show to their children without breaking the bank!

And the illustrations are adorable. Art gallery quality, with love.

Another book worth placing on your bookshelf.

Book Report - Haven't done one in years!

I have recently enrolled in a program with Thomas Nelson Inc. publishers, to read and review (on my blog) one of their recent books. I chose "Billy" an "untold story of a young Billy Graham and the test of faith that almost changed everything".1

I don't typically read non-fiction, but as the Reverend Billy Graham nears the end of his earthly life and grows closer and closer to Heaven I thought I'd like to read this now rather than later.

What an excellent choice! I pray you will take the time to read it. This relatively short book covers only a portion of the evangelist's life, but probably the most powerful, life-changing portion of his life.

"Billy" is brilliantly told in a narrative style of Rev. Graham's early life, from high school through the time of his early tent meetings in 1959. The flash-forward chapters of a deathbed interview with one of Billy's dearest friends in 2001 brings intrigue and insight into the powerful Christian's "crisis of faith"2.

Even being aware of the amazing career of Rev Graham, the book was a real page turner! All will be blessed by reading.

I now hold a greater appreciation for this man of God's walk with the Saviour and his desire for all to know Jesus.

Blessings as you read, Carole

1,2. Cover of Billy, William Paul McKay & Ken Abraham, Thomas Nelson, 2008

What bumps?

James 2 (Young's Literal Translation)

The Royal Rule of Love

James 2:2-4 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?

2nd Annual Pumpkin Patch Trip

Mackenzie is just three years old but she re-taught me a lesson on our trip to the Pumpkin Patch a few weeks ago.

Our favorite place to go for our Harvest (Halloween) pumpkins is Emery's Blueberry Farm in New Egypt, NJ. We frequent the farm and farm store often throughout the year. I love their pies, just not the blueberries. If you know me, you know I don't like any berries, much to my mother's chagrin. I don't believe Mom would count life necessary without berries, especially straw & blue.

The Emery family offers a wagon ride around the farm, bypassing the actual pumpkin patch returning their guests to a field with rows of pumpkins "planted" for easy pick up.

Families also spend time looking at farm animals and taking pictures with the large cutout Halloween and farm-like characters.

Mackenzie allowed us a quick visit with the penned animals but was totally focused on choosing pumpkins. One for herself and one for Brayden, her four month old brother. She wasn't interested in the wagon ride either, so directly to the field we went.

We adults all know the complexities of carving a not-so-perfect pumpkin. If you don't find the flat bottom and the fully rounded, flawless surface to carve, you might have a lopsided looking jack-o-lantern.

As we adults tried steering her to our opinion of the perfect pumpkin, Sweetiepie had different ideas.

Cute picture, right? Well, look at that pumpkin! Bumps all around it! How do you incorporate that into a typical jack-o-lantern face? May I be crude and call them zits? pimples? But Mackenzie didn't notice. And her parents, God bless them, did not even try to point them out. To bring attention to its flaws may open Mackenzie's eyes to the "flaws" of her family, friends and neighbors. And grandmom! Oh please let her love me with my gray hair, extra pounds, imperfect complexion and not the most "today" wardrobe, and my silly jokes etc etc.

What a lesson in the pumpkin patch! What ever our fellow men wear - or look like - or smell like - or talk like - or _____________, welcome them! Into your house of worship, your fellowship, your home, your circle of friends and family.

Thanks Mackenzie, Grandmom needed that!