tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74324580299387407232024-03-13T10:13:11.307-05:00Conversations with a StrangerI am so blessed to have you visit my blog. We are strangers...but I feel we are friends. It's amazing how the internet has brought so many dear friends into my life. Enjoy & come back oftenGinger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-81170452928944900362010-02-02T16:02:00.001-06:002010-02-02T16:03:34.334-06:00I'm BackDue to several circumstances, I have not blogged in a few months. I'm excited to be back. More to come!Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-27695731207924340102010-01-07T08:41:00.004-06:002010-01-12T11:00:36.036-06:00Shadow Truth: The Ultimate Deception<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/S0XzEGfEy2I/AAAAAAAAAUo/pkt_pqnMvJw/s1600-h/Shadow+Truth.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/S0XzEGfEy2I/AAAAAAAAAUo/pkt_pqnMvJw/s320/Shadow+Truth.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424008578023607138" /></a><br />Shadow Truth is a frank depiction of societal and political evolution. Everywhere we look, we find customs, laws, policies and other conditions that cause us scratch our heads and ask, “How did we as a society get to where we are now?”<br /><br />All one has to do, is open the morning paper or listen to the news on any given day. The headlines are filled with events that just don’t seem right. Long standing traditions, laws and policies are falling to the wayside like autumn tree leaves. Political Correctness has become a worthy goal of our rapidly evolving society.<br /><br />Instead of wishing a person, “Merry Christmas,” we are now being indoctrinated to offer a more politically-correct, “Happy Holidays.” Prayer and Bible reading on school property is becoming taboo. Prayer at public gatherings can no longer include references to Jesus Christ. Lawsuits are being filed regarding the phrase, “Under God” in our Pledge of Allegiance because such words violate children’s rights to be free from a coercive requirement to affirm God. “Separation of Church and State” has become a never-ending issue of contention.<br /><br />It seems that without warning, we as a society came to celebrate lifestyles that we once considered to be very wrong. Today, homosexuality is honored and promoted. We see headlines about step-parents losing their rights to nurture children in their care because of their refusal to indoctrinate the children into the pro-homosexuality lifestyle. We hear on the news that some of our schools are now providing birth control to eleven year olds without parental knowledge or consent. Respect for life is losing favor among the people. Abortion and euthanasia are now considered to be an individual’s choice.<br /><br />Much of the world has embraced the concept of Socialism. Surprisingly, the United States appears to be chomping at the bit to travel down that same road. Every day it seems that our society is increasingly creating an environment that encourages people not to work. The desire to excel is being eliminated from our schools. Playground activities that result in winners and losers are being curtailed. Valedictorian honors that go to just one student are now considered as unhealthy competition. Entitlement seems to be the new philosophy of society. Young mothers are encouraged to stay single so that they can be paid to have children. The concept of re-distribution of wealth is rapidly gaining support. The Global Warming agenda is causing the world to re-examine the “benefits” of Globalism and One World Government.<br /><br />We have been seduced into falling for the most cunning deception known to man. We got to where we are through a seemingly logical progression of societal change. This change is being brought about through a particular development of policies and beliefs. There is a common thread of deceit passing through seemingly unrelated issues affecting our society today. This thread of deceit is called Shadow Truth. Our great land is now locked in the firm grip of Shadow Truth Deception. How is it that so many people in our society are falling for, and accepting such obviously wrong policies? How is it that we find ourselves obligated to comply with, and be subjected to such policies? How is it that we can be threatened by lawsuits if we refuse to comply with some of Shadow Truth’s newly implemented policies? How can these deceptive things be accepted by the mainstream of today’s society without so much as a whimper? How is it that we can wake up and realize that we have completely lost control of the world we live in? Are we so blind that we can allow this to happen to us?<br /><br />Read Shadow Truth: The Ultimate Deception, and discover the common thread of deceit traversing the seemingly unrelated evolutionary changes that are occurring every day before our very eyes.<br /><br />To Order: Go to http://www.tatebook.com/ or order directly from Amazon by going to: http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Truth-Larry-Tate/dp/0881440124/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261958242&sr=1-1Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-17855843305961395802009-06-08T15:43:00.002-05:002009-06-08T15:55:07.164-05:00Forgetting What Is Important<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/Si14Ciz3luI/AAAAAAAAAUg/Z2PGuPA7kGA/s1600-h/035728255c39ef32%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 145px; height: 85px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/Si14Ciz3luI/AAAAAAAAAUg/Z2PGuPA7kGA/s320/035728255c39ef32%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345060317858076386" /></a><br />In my morning devotion, I read the following story:<br /><br />"Eager patrons surrounded the music hall as the hour for the concert arrived. A married couple was observed coming through the lobby. The husband turned to his wife and said, 'Oh, darling, I do wish our piano were here!' She looke at him nonplused and asked, 'Why would you want our piano here?' He replied, 'Because our tickets are on it.' <br /><br />My mind then went to Psalm 59:11: Lest my people forget...<br /><br />Do you realize that we are so blessed by our precious Lord in so many ways, the main thing ofcourse is our eternal salvation. Most of us have reasonable health, jobs that provide needed income, a house, friends, adequate food, vehicles to take us here and there, a great nation with all its liberties--all benefits that millions of people have never had.<br /><br />And yet we so often complain. Or we envy our neighbors who appear to have even more. Envy, spurred by present-day advertising in various media, often causes us to want more and more, such as a bigger house (or a second one), a fancier car, custom clothes, or whatever. For the most part, we have everything we want for a happy and productive life. We should get down on our knees before God everytime we utter a complaint and beg his forgiveness. The Psalmist called upon us to bless the Lord, not forgetting all the good things He has done in our lives.<br /><br />I suppose forgetting concert tickets left home on the piano would be an embarrassmet or inconvenience. But nagging God because we want more is a sin. The apostle Paul wrote about being content. May we all be so savvy!Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-83874337532477743452009-05-11T11:20:00.003-05:002009-05-11T11:40:59.515-05:00In All Kinds Of Weather<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SghU6UqF5KI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Zjnfhb0G4K0/s1600-h/775b21e03779f2ec%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 96px; height: 145px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SghU6UqF5KI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/Zjnfhb0G4K0/s320/775b21e03779f2ec%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334607119574754466" /></a><br />"Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20<br /><br />Our Lord is present with us no matter what each day brings. It may be a day of joy or of sadness, of sickness or of health, of success or of failure. No matter what happens to us today, our Lord is walking beside us, strengthening us, loving us, filling us with faith, hope and love. As He envelops us with quiet serenity and security our foes, fears, affictions, and doubts begin to recede. <br /><br />My father is one of those that does not function well when it's raining and cloudy outside. For over two weeks, the sun has not shown much. I'm sure he needs to be on medication, but refuses to see a doctor regarding his depression. He believes that people who are strong in their faith should not need medication for their nerves.<br /><br />Then last week, I heard someone say that they have heard that God has healed someone, but it was hard to believe when they never receive their healing.<br /><br />So...my question is: Why does God heal some and then leave others to suffer with their afflictions? Why would a preacher have nerve problems when he knows that God is his Healer? Why does one person still have cancer when they have prayed for their healing? Why does a child go down the wrong road when their mother has prayed over them for years? <br /><br />I am getting ready to have my 14th surgery and sometimes I wonder if God is looking down on me. But, Matthew 28:20 say "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20<br /><br />I'm so thankful that God is my best friend and He walks with me daily. Even when I am in pain, I know He is there to give me strength & courage to face tomorrow. So...when you are down and out, remember God is with you all the time!Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-8175541436239917292009-04-27T11:53:00.003-05:002009-04-27T12:13:02.849-05:00Snake In Your House?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SfXjfXizQ_I/AAAAAAAAAUI/f_iXMF5r9Mo/s1600-h/Snake+in+home+April+2009+1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SfXjfXizQ_I/AAAAAAAAAUI/f_iXMF5r9Mo/s320/Snake+in+home+April+2009+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329415862098281458" /></a><br /><br />Last night, I was working on my computer and out of the corner of my eye I noticed our dog jumping around and acting strange. When I looked up, there was a snake lying under our recliner in the family room. My first response was to yell at the dog and then at my husband. I knew that Larry could solve the problem! Then my thoughts went to: What if I'd been home alone? What if he'd bit my dog? What if I had stepped on it? Wow! Feal immediately came over me.<br /><br />Even tho the snake was escorted out the door and into the field next door. I could not keep looking over at the chair and expecting to see another snake. Fear is such a terrible thing.<br /><br />How many times have we let minor things turn our emotions and thoughts into fear? Fear is a tool the devil has over us. If he can get us to fear, he has our mind turned away from God. There is a quote that goes like "wat do we have to fear, except fear itself." <br /><br />Fear makes us think our sicknesses can be worse than they are. Fear makes our financial situations look worse. Fear makes us worry over situations before they even become a problem.<br /><br />Does not the Bible say?<br /><br />The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? (Psalm 27:1) <br /><br />When I am afraid, I will trust in you. (Psalm 56:3)<br /><br />You of little faith, why are you so afraid? (Matthew 8:26)<br /><br />Don't be afraid; just believe. (Mark 5:36)<br /><br />Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. (Isaiah 12:2)<br /><br />So..today I command all fear to leave. I do trust in God and I know He is in control of everything that pertains to me. I know He is watching over my husband, our business, our children & our grandchildren. I know that He is God!Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-5473146021129069812009-04-06T19:28:00.004-05:002009-04-06T19:59:50.510-05:00Dealing With Pain<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SdqkEMyvFUI/AAAAAAAAAUA/wvFM7pMo7M0/s1600-h/5f29ce9d1300ddf8%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 117px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SdqkEMyvFUI/AAAAAAAAAUA/wvFM7pMo7M0/s320/5f29ce9d1300ddf8%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321746301752120642" /></a><br />To those that follow my blog, you already know that I have not been blogging much. I think everyone that has a blog has times when they are "blogless". By that, I mean you just don't feel like telling the world what is going on in your life. Or, you just have "bloggers block". <br /><br />My problem has been pain. May of 2008, I started having pain in my left leg. I went to my doctor who put me on muscle relaxers. She said to come back in a month. The muscle relaxers did not help. I went back to doctor and she referred me to a Rheumatologist. It took a month to get into the Rheumatolgist and when I did get in, he looked at me like "what are you doing here?" He decided to run blood tests and requested that I come back in a month. I waited a month, went back and he said everything looked good. Referred me to an Orthopedic doctor. <br /><br />Of course, it took another month before the Orthopedic doctor had an opening. It was September, 2008. I explained all of my symptoms to the doctor. He decided to do a MRI (another two week wait). I followed up with the doctor to find out the results of MRI and he thought I have a bad knee, as well as a bad back. He gives me an injection in the knee and says to come back in a month.<br /><br />A month passes, the pain was gettin worse. I see the doctor again and he refers me to another doctor in the same building. Another two week wait. It is now November, 2008. <br /><br />I see a back doctor and he agrees it is my back and sets up a time for an injection. The injection was scheduled for November 22, 2008. Got the injection and pain was a little less, but still there.<br /><br />I saw the doctor again in December. He sets up another injection on December 28, 2009. Pain still presisted. I saw the doctor again in January and he refers me to Physical Therapy. I do home therapy and then see the doctor again in March. I was then set up for another injection on March 20th. Absolutely no relief!<br /><br />Now, I've been referred to a Chiropractor and he told me that I need to take treatments for one month and if I'm not better than we will have to schedule surgery.<br /><br />Wow - It is been 9 months of pain. To those that have dealt with chronic pain you know how it can work on your nerves. Every step I talk is extreme pain. If I turn my back a certain way, the pain is more than I can bear. <br /><br />On the way home from the Chiropractor today, I was driving and ran a man off the road. I heard him honk and looked in my rear view mirrow as he went off the road. I instantly pulled over and as he walked to my car I could see that he was mad. I opened my door and he saw that I was crying. I explained that I did not see him & I don't even remember looking to see if I could pull over. I told him that I was in pain and it was all my fault. I asked if his car was hurt and he said no. He asked if I was ok and then said no harm was done. He helped me back in my car and asked if I was able to drive. I said yes, and he wished me well and I left.<br /><br />I really belive God's angels were with me today protecting me and the man I ran off the road. I knew I should not be driving, but what can you do when you have appointments that are supposed to make you feel better? <br /><br />The whole point of this blog is to point out that if you are in pain, think twice before you get behind the wheel. Your reactions are not as good as they are when you're feeling well. I'm even sure this blog is rambling...lol Could it be the pain medication?<br /><br />Hopefully, the next blog wll be more interesting. Blessings!Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-22256042853137076682009-03-28T18:03:00.006-05:002009-03-31T19:39:33.895-05:00The Miracle of Birth<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/Sc6ujOcNiJI/AAAAAAAAAT4/3ui5zb-gnuQ/s1600-h/IMG_0190.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/Sc6ujOcNiJI/AAAAAAAAAT4/3ui5zb-gnuQ/s320/IMG_0190.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318380130166212754" /></a><br />Words cannot express how proud we are of our new grandson. It is so amazing how much you love them the first time you lay eyes on them. It's an instant love & you know instantly that there is nothing you wouldn't do to protect them.<br /><br />If you've seen the face of a newborn, I'm sure you are like me in the fact that I cannot figure out how anyone could not believe in God. Everything is perfect the minute the child is born. Ear lobes, eye lids, fingers, toes, etc. Just perfect! A miracle! Just to think this child totally depended on his mother while in the womb, but the minute it takes it's first breath it is able to survive without his mother. Yes, it does need an adult to take care of it...but it is living on it's own effort. <br /><br />In saying all of this, we are so proud of Ryder Phillip Verspaget. Born March 26, 2009, 6 lbs 6 oz, 18 3/4" long. Thanks to everyone who prayed for a safe delivery & a healthy baby. God is so good!Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-30081628029076520792009-03-20T15:30:00.003-05:002009-03-31T19:42:03.225-05:00Where Have You Been?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SbaQ6KjKKoI/AAAAAAAAATY/CJK9-Di5xvo/s1600-h/820a3f4f4348c906%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 66px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SbaQ6KjKKoI/AAAAAAAAATY/CJK9-Di5xvo/s320/820a3f4f4348c906%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311592139468712578" /></a><br />I was told a joke the other day. It goes like this.....<br /><br /><br />"Did you hear about the twenty-dollar bill and the one-dollar bill talking to one another? They were telling each other where they had been.<br /><br />The twenty said he had just been on a whirlwind trip. He had been to the casinos and to the movies. He had been to a baseball game and purchased hotdogs and sodas. He had been passed on to the lottery and then to a drug dealer. His life was full of extravagant travel.<br /><br />The one-dollar bill responded saying his life was boring. All he had done was travel from one church to another and another."<br /><br />What a sad story!<br /><br />I am amazed at how much we spend on luxury items, travel, clothing, etc. Then I think how much have we given God? If we truly love God and believe He is in control of our life, shouldn't our giving be something we want to do? Shouldn't it be more important than vacations? Our purpose on earth is to win the lost. If we do not support our church and missionaires we are not doing our part. My prayer today is "Lord, give me a giving heart."Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-27151391954945923762009-03-20T15:30:00.001-05:002009-03-20T15:32:58.598-05:00Baby VerspagetJust a note to let everyone know that our 3rd grandson will be born in 6 days. It seems like the 9 month have flown by. I know it must seem an eterity for our daughter tho. <br /><br />I remember being pregnant with our children (many yeas ago) and the pregnancy seemed to last forever. But isn't it amazing how you forget all the pain and hours of lost sleeping when you see that little one's face. <br /><br />We are praying for a healthy baby & a safe delivery. God you are so good!Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-62252405722561839122009-03-20T15:29:00.000-05:002009-03-20T15:29:59.159-05:00The Journey<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/Sbhgj9mz9bI/AAAAAAAAATg/Qkx8ecUEE8M/s1600-h/51QI83zXlxL._SL500_AA240_%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/Sbhgj9mz9bI/AAAAAAAAATg/Qkx8ecUEE8M/s320/51QI83zXlxL._SL500_AA240_%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312101931432539570" /></a><br />We are happy to announce that “The Journey: Searching for the Promised Land” is now available at Amazon. <br /><br />We have all heard the story of the Exodus. But, do we really know what the Exodus story is about? <br /><br />The Journey is not a story about Moses. It is not a story about a people’s journey through the wilderness to their promised land. <br /><br />Read The Journey and understand it in the way God wanted you to know it: a story about you and about me; and the problems we face everyday.<br /><br />The Journey is about your unpaid bills. It is about your struggling business. It is about the pay raise you’ve been wanting. It is about the difficulties you have been having with your family. After reading The Journey you may find yourself with a different viewpoint on life.<br /><br />Order your copy now at: www.amazon.com/Journey-Larry-J-Tate/dp/0881443654/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236812312&sr=8-1<br /><br />Blessings, <br />Larry & Ginger TateGinger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-24536509496651613492009-03-12T08:36:00.002-05:002009-03-12T08:48:42.109-05:00Thanks For Your Wonderful CommentsThank you to all my readers. Here are a few of the comments you've left:<br /><br />"I enjoyed reading Reaching Up to Heaven, touched my heart. Site loaded quickly and is very attractive. Love to find Christian sites on LR God Bless!." <em>www.christianpoliticalview.com</em><br /><br />"Beautiful and inspiring blog!"<br /><em>www.xanga.com/a_sweet_fragrance</em><br /><br />"..blogging is a great way to communicate real truths to this fallen world, if you can write. This blogger can not only communicate effectively, she captures your heart with each little story and does so with such grace you find yourself absolutely captivated!."<br /><em>www.yshwa4life.com</em><br /><br />"This is a good site on spritual life and building family values. Pretty interactive site, with lot of people posting their ideas adn the author runs a nice assignments which have some lessons to be learnt from."<br /><em>www.concalls.com</em><br /><br />"Very encouraging and inspirational site. Your faith really shines through in your words. God bless and keep blogging for the Lord!"<br /><em>www.simply4god.blogspot.com</em><br /><br />"I love your bio. I too am a child of a King. The articles are fun to read and make christian life a today thing not from the past or future. You made it easy to find a favorite. I love when this happened."<br /><em>www.balsampondsdesign.etsy.com</em><br /><br />"Thank you for sharing your story and may your message and passion spread out and touch many lives."<br /><em>www.robchan.com</em><br /><br />"If you like to read and your tastes are varied, this is the blog for you! Well written and very personal! I enjoyed my visit! Ted"<br /><em>www.chalktalk-talk.blogspot.com</em><br /><br />"Awesome blog!! Love how uplifting and real it is. Really loved reading about the husband projects... I will be following!"<br /><em>www.beaboutyourfathersbusiness.blogspot.com</em><br /><br />"This one of very friendly blog we ever visit. Simple and good. We love it. Best greeting from Indonesia."<br /><em>www.jobjoss.blogspot.com</em>Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-51376816333085722062009-03-05T21:04:00.003-06:002009-03-05T21:07:37.599-06:00Baby VerspagetGreat news! Our third grandson will be born on March 26th, 2009 in Frisco, Texas. Please pray with us that the baby will be healthy and our daughter, Kristy, will have a safe delivery. Pictures will be posted as soon as he (they haven't decided on a name yet) is born.Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-24417798845442349892009-03-04T13:19:00.000-06:002009-03-04T12:07:05.915-06:00What's Love Got To Do With ItLove...What this word means to me is commitment. <br /><br />Love is not a "feeling". Love is an "action". It is a "choice". <br /><br />When my husband and I got married 37 years ago, we thought we were "in-love". We did not have a clue. Love came with time, trials, victories and commitment. <br /><br />The same goes for our relationship with God. When I was saved at the age of 10, I thought I was "in-love" with God. That love then in no way compares to the love I have for God today. If we love someone we are willing to do whatever it takes. We must love without restrictions. I love my children and my husband and I am willing to stand by them no matter what. But my love for God is so much more....I am willing to do whatever he would ask me to do. <br /><br />Love is the ultimate sacrifice. "For God so loved the world....."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.christianglitter.com" ><img src="http://off1.picsrc.net/images/allc/dangles_megaE/danglers335.gif" border=0></a><br><a href="http://www.christianglitter.com" >Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com</a><br><br><FONT color=#1d1ffc size=5> </FONT>Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-53973836093120783772009-02-14T02:01:00.001-06:002009-02-17T23:42:57.833-06:00Love Is The Power Charge<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SWkDAv7vuPI/AAAAAAAAAQk/grgmmj-1BV0/s1600-h/5c249c0bb3e8a50a%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 119px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SWkDAv7vuPI/AAAAAAAAAQk/grgmmj-1BV0/s400/5c249c0bb3e8a50a%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289762548725299442" /></a><br />My husband and I decided to take the weekend and get away. We made reservations at a hotel approximately 150 miles (Oklahoma City) from our home and hit the road. We arrived at our hotel around 3 pm yesterday, checked into our room, drove by the Asian District, and Stockyard City. We ate dinner went to a movie, and then back to our room. A perfect day! <br /><br />When we got to the room, I realized we had left the chargers for our cell phones. You have to realize, I'm one of those people who has packing down to an art. Something so simple, frustrated me so much. Everytime I woke up during the night, I would think about our cell phones sitting on the cabinet and losing power. Stupid right? I agree! But it was something I could not get off my mind.<br /><br />That next morning before we went down for breakfast, I was thinking about the chargers again. When all of a sudden, my mind started thinking about the relationships with our spouses, our parents, our children, our friends, etc. None of those relationships are worth anything if there is not love between you. Then I thought...wow - Love is the power charge. <br /><br />I know this year, 2009, I want to see the incredible power of God released through my life. But it just doesn't 'happen'. You have to start putting the love command in action. Start loving those around you.<br /><br />If you have strife in your heart and you're not living by the love commandment of Jesus, spiritual things are foolishness to you. When you're in that condition, the Name of Jesus won't work. Faith won't work, and none of the gifts of the Spirit will work because the Bible says they all work through love.<br /><br />Love is the power change. God's power package just won't work without it! <br /><br />John 15:12-13Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-25249154730708343112009-02-12T09:14:00.000-06:002009-02-17T23:39:10.323-06:00You Are Not Forgotten<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SXc8BHT8JXI/AAAAAAAAARU/w3jUwEKPOKI/s1600-h/b7178648f15d012a%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 118px; height: 125px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SXc8BHT8JXI/AAAAAAAAARU/w3jUwEKPOKI/s320/b7178648f15d012a%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293765876837524850" /></a>On the news this morning was a story about Britain's oldest man when he turned 111. On his birthday, a vintage aircraft did a fly-over and the Band of the Royal Marines played "Happy Birthday." This man's name was Henry Allingham. Henry was amazed by all of the attention. Until six years earlier, he had for 86 years keep secret the horrific memories of what happened in the trenches of World War I. Only when tracked down by the World War I Veteran's Association did this old man, who had been shelled, bombed, and shot, receive honor for what he had endured in behalf of his country.<br /><br />I thought about the Bible and remembered stories of men who fought in battles and often ended up wounded, imprisoned, and even killed as a result of their service. But Jesus reminds us that everything and anything we have done in faith and love will one day be honored by God. (Hebrews 6:10)<br /><br />Are you discouraged today? Do you feel insignificant? Do you feel forgotten after trying to serve God? Be assured that God will not forget anything you have done in your service to Him or others. Remember "God remembers the good we forget".Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-89339943304934325832009-02-11T16:29:00.003-06:002009-02-11T16:36:13.349-06:00Deep In the Dish of Texas<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SZNRjwbegzI/AAAAAAAAASo/SrV55SC_Uq4/s1600-h/185612c587faa8c8%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 83px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SZNRjwbegzI/AAAAAAAAASo/SrV55SC_Uq4/s320/185612c587faa8c8%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301670861082624818" /></a><br />If you have not checked out the blog "Deep In The Dish Of Texas" take time to check it out. http://www.cookingntexas.blogspot.com. <br /><br />What is one food that I refuse to try? <br />Oysters<br /><br />What is the one food that I like to eat, but won't make? <br />Onion Rings<br /><br />What is the farthest I've traveled for a meal? <br />20 miles<br /><br />What is the most creative/exotic meal I've ever made? <br />Mexican <br /><br />What is the scariest (i.e. hole in the wall) place you've eaten at?<br />Hank's Hamburgers<br /><br />To participate in this fun project go to: <br /><a href="http://cookingntexas.blogspot.com/2009/02/tuesday-take-5-week-2.html">deep in the dish of texas: tuesday take 5 -- week #2</a>Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-17835913354386932402009-02-06T08:15:00.000-06:002009-02-06T08:15:44.656-06:00Fairies In Your Room<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SYsE_z0MSTI/AAAAAAAAASg/qipzsHOcmr8/s1600-h/Ms-Tooth-Fairy%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 93px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SYsE_z0MSTI/AAAAAAAAASg/qipzsHOcmr8/s320/Ms-Tooth-Fairy%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299334880818907442" /></a><br />Our grandson, who is now six, has lost his third tooth. When the first one fell out, his mom said they could put it under his pillow and the Tooth Fairy would come, take the tooth, and leave him money. At that time, he said he wanted to wait until he had two to put under the pillow.<br /><br />When he lost his second tooth, his mom said that it was time to put it under his pillow so that the Tooth Fairy could come, take the teeth, and leave him money. Joey then said, he wanted to wait until he had three to put under his pillow.<br /><br />Now, he has lost his third tooth. His mom told him that they had to put it under his pillow because the Tooth Fairy would only pay for three teeth at a time. Sitting in his bed, very quietly he said..."I don't want any Fairy in my room when I'm asleep." <br /><br />So, the truth has come out. He is scared of the Tooth Fairy. She explained that God was in his room every night while he was asleep and he, Joey, could not see him. It was the same with the Tooth Fairy. She would come, take the teeth, leave money, and not bother him at all. <br /><br />Joey teared up and said "Mom, God loves me and it's ok that he is in my room at night...but I don't want a fairy coming." So, they now have three teeth kept in a small box in the toy room. <br /><br />I thought how sweet that he knew that God was there with him. There was no fear about God coming and going out of his room. He knew he was safe!<br /><br />As Christians, I wonder how often we stop and think about God being with us. While we are doing our devotions, we are thinking about Him. But when we are cleaning our homes, driving our cars, working our jobs, do we stop and think "God is here". <br /><br />My prayer today is to mediate on Him all day. I am so thankful that I do serve a God that is always near. He is our protector, our healer, our saviour. What else could we ever need? We have God in our room!Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-67606429147893380592009-02-06T08:13:00.000-06:002009-02-07T08:13:17.072-06:00Reaching Up To Heaven!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SX9o7zREAzI/AAAAAAAAAR0/ndrkklYWeAQ/s1600-h/584044_82897846%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296067063394337586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 66px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SX9o7zREAzI/AAAAAAAAAR0/ndrkklYWeAQ/s320/584044_82897846%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>At the store the other day, I noticed a small child with both hands raised up to his mom wanting to be picked up. I thought at that time...how sweet!</div><div></div><br /><div>The next morning, I was doing my morning devotion when I received an e-mail about a friend who had fell and broke her hip. This fall only coming after a couple of months after her husband passed away. </div><div></div><br /><div>Then, I received another e-mail from a friend who told me about a childhood friend we both knew had passed away. Only two months after she had lost her daughter due to a car wreck. My heart went out to the husband/father.</div><br /><div></div><div>Then, I had the opporunity to read the book "Parting Waters", by Jeanne Damoff. It was a true story about how their son had drowned, brought back to life by CPR, and told he would never walk, talk, or eat again. </div><br /><div></div><div>As I was praying, I stopped and asked God how should I pray? Should I pray that they would be delivered from their troubles--or their troubles will go away? Or should I pray for courage to carry on though the difficulties that belabor them? </div><div></div><br /><div>Romans 8:26: "The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses". God's Spirit is joined to ours when we pray. He intercedes for us "with groanings which cannot be uttered." he is touched by our troubles; He signs often as He prays. He cares for us deeply--more than we care for ourselves. Best part is, He prays 'according to the will of God" (v.27). He knows the right words to say.</div><br /><div></div><div>Therefore, I needn't worry about getting my request exactly right. I need only to hunger for God and to reach up knowing that He cares!</div><div></div><br /><div>"O God, too weak and worn for words, I shrink</div><div>From trials that deeply wound, and yet to think</div><div>Your Holy Spirit helps me as I pray</div><div>And gives a voice to what I cannot say! --Gustafson</div>Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-37765788359774736742009-02-03T20:21:00.004-06:002009-02-04T09:48:53.563-06:00Deep In the Dish of Texas<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SYj-4PAlPvI/AAAAAAAAASQ/14Z27bnCXK8/s1600-h/185612c587faa8c8%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 83px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SYj-4PAlPvI/AAAAAAAAASQ/14Z27bnCXK8/s320/185612c587faa8c8%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298765203656490738" /></a><br />If you have not checked out the blog "<strong>Deep In The Dish Of Texas</strong>" take time to check it out. http://www.cookingntexas.blogspot.com. <br /><br />What is my favorite food/cooking website? <br />This is an easy one to answer. www.cookingntexas.blogspot.com<br /><br />Do I prefer to watch cooking shows or read cooking magazines?<br />I prefer cooking magazines. Watching cooking shows are ok, but I like to have the extra time to check out the ingredients, time to cook, supplies needed. Plus I like the printed information in my face.<br /><br />Am I more adventuresome in what I cook or in what I eat?<br />I am more adventuresome in what I cook. I'm willing to try new recipes. Eating out and trying something new is not my thing.<br /><br />What is one ingredient that I have always wanted to cook with, but never have?<br />I'd have to say the ingredient is artichokes.<br /><br />What is one thing I cannot cook without:<br />Pepper<br /><br />To participate in this fun project go to: http://www.cookingntexas.blogspot.com/Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-5649792652941536412009-02-01T10:15:00.004-06:002009-02-01T10:24:35.217-06:00Scrapping Plans<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SYXLYrdPhJI/AAAAAAAAASI/J8fvw76tJA8/s1600-h/51aAf0K91rL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA115_%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SYXLYrdPhJI/AAAAAAAAASI/J8fvw76tJA8/s320/51aAf0K91rL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA115_%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297864161513931922" /></a>Scrapping Plans is a novel about four sisters, each of which have been adopted by Marilyn and Jack Sinclair. Their mother has passed away and as adults they still meet in their late mother’s attic to work on scrapbook projects and work through life together.<br /><br />Joy is the youngest sister. She was adopted from China and was always known as the quiet one. Her husband is struggling with infertility and when she needs support from her sisters they are busy planning a wedding, learning about dad’s new romance, and a sister that may be pregnant. <br /><br />In fact, the sisters are so busy they do not even notice Joy is in trouble. With a trip planned to China, Joy wonders if she will understand why her birth mother abandoned her. She faces the question of whether she should adopt a child from her homeland. <br /><br />This novel, Scrapping Plans, shows the greatest truth comes from realizing God’s plan for her life. Great fun read!<br /><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cESuxv-WNX8/SAad94Trj7I/AAAAAAAAArA/Yn05_E4V0fY/s1600-h/wild+card.jpg"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190009307003588530" style="FLOAT:left;MARGIN:0px 10px 10px 0px;CURSOR:hand;TEXT-ALIGN:center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cESuxv-WNX8/SAad94Trj7I/AAAAAAAAArA/Yn05_E4V0fY/s200/wild+card.jpg" border="0"></a></a>It is time for a <span style="color:#990000;"><strong><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/">FIRST Wild Card Tour</a></span></strong> book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>Enjoy your free peek into the book!</strong></span><br /><br><font color="#cc0000"><em>You never know when I might play a wild card on you!</em></font><br /><br><div align="center"><strong>Today's Wild Card author is: </strong><br /><br></div><br /><br><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.glassroadpr.com/">Rebeca Seitz</a></span></strong><br /><br></div><br /><br><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:100%;color:#cc0000;">and the book:</span> </span></strong><br /><br><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0805446923">Scrapping Plans</a></span></strong><br /><br></p><p align="center">B&H Books (February 1, 2009)<br /><br><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> </span></strong></div><br /><br><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cESuxv-WNX8/SYPF4uIpHBI/AAAAAAAACXM/jsYacQ8gLXc/s1600-h/seitz.jpg"><img style="float:left;margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:162px;height:200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cESuxv-WNX8/SYPF4uIpHBI/AAAAAAAACXM/jsYacQ8gLXc/s200/seitz.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297295164965461010"></a>Rebeca Seitz, in addition to her own literary work, is founder and president of Glass Road Public Relations, a company dedicated solely to representing novelists who write from a Christian worldview. She has previously worked with authors including Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti, Robin Jones Gunn, and Brandilyn Collins. Seitz lives with her husband and son in Fulton, Kentucky.<br /><br>In 2007, Rebeca published her first novel, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/159554271X">Prints Charming </a>, with Thomas Nelson Publishers. Two thousand eight saw the release of her next two novels, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0805446907">Sister’s Ink</a> and <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0805446915">Coming Unglued </a>, from B&H Publishing Group, the publishing division of LifeWay. Just released from B&H is <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0805446923">Scrapping Plans</a>. Her next book, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0805446931">Perfect Piece</a> , will release in 2009 from B&H.<br /><br>Visit the author's <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.glassroadpr.com/">website</a>.<br /><br>Product Details:<br /><br>List Price: $ 14.99<br /><br>Paperback: 320 pages <br /><br>Publisher: B&H Books (February 1, 2009) <br /><br>Language: English <br /><br>ISBN-10: 0805446923 <br /><br>ISBN-13: 978-0805446920 <br /><br><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:</span> </strong><br /><br></span><br /><br><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cESuxv-WNX8/SYPIrpxqzaI/AAAAAAAACXU/xd3rry-gaW4/s1600-h/scrapping+plans.jpg"><img style="float:left;margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:132px;height:200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cESuxv-WNX8/SYPIrpxqzaI/AAAAAAAACXU/xd3rry-gaW4/s200/scrapping+plans.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297298238991945122"></a><div style="OVERFLOW:auto;HEIGHT:307px;">I’ve tried to be happy. I try so very hard. Yet the frigid granite beneath my fingertips is a blazing desert compared to the barren iceberg of my womb. What woman could be happy with a monolith of ice blocking her very female essence?<br /><br> This kitchen is perfectly planned. If Martha Stewart visited, she’d be envious of my exquisite arrangement of pears and apricots, dusted with the slightest coating of glaze and balanced artfully in Mother’s old bowl. She’d gasp at the coordination of stripe to check, plaid to French country print, that draws the eye around the room. Her Tod-slippered feet can sweep across my stone floor and arrive unspecked at their destination.<br /><br> And, if the Great Martha were to stop there, I would measure up. My life would hold a semblance of value, of worthiness. <br /><br> Most stop there. <br /><br> Thank God. <br /><br> I don’t mean that irreverently. How can I be irreverent? I’m the grateful adoptee of an upright preacher man and his loving wife. I’m the epitome of grateful recipient. All of Stars Hill would tell you that. <br /><br> They don’t look past my kitchen. <br /><br> Thank God. <br /><br> But I don’t have much time to stand here, staring at a House Beautiful workspace. Scott will be home in two hours. And duck l’orange is not an easy dish for even one so seasoned as I. <br /><br> Is it odd that I love French food yet Chinese blood runs through my veins? Hmm. Perhaps if I’d been raised on the soil my mother trod, I would know more of the cuisine of the Asian world. I might even be privy to which province most suits me. <br /><br> I should visit China. <br /><br> Did I just think that?<br /><br> I can’t visit China. Daddy, that blessed preacher man, would be hurt if I went in search of a mother who was never Momma. Of a woman who took one look at me, then left me bawling on a doorstep in the dead of night. <br /><br> Then again, Daddy has Zelda these days. <br /><br> Now, Zelda, there’s a woman who follows every fancy. What a strange little bird she is. Those fiery red spikes in her hair make me think of either a surprised woodpecker or the recipient of an errant lightning bolt. When she smiles, her whole face turns upward. I hear we have that in common. I wish I could remember seeing a smile on my face. But when I’m alone, with a mirror reflecting the mystery of me, it isn’t a smile that comes to bear. Besides, what kind of lady wears spurs on her cowboy boots? Honestly, spurs! Why, one of these days she will rip a gash in Daddy’s ankle while they’re do-si-doing and twirling around the Heartland dance floor. <br /><br> I assume that’s what happens inside that wretched place. How Kendra and Tandy spend Friday nights there is beyond me. To each her own, I suppose. Though my own will never involve cowboy boots and a twanging fiddle. <br /><br> Do fiddles twang?<br /><br> Maybe I meant guitar. <br /><br> No matter. I have a duck to prepare. <br /><br>* * * <br /><br>“Did you see her?” Kendra tripped over the uneven sidewalk and grabbed Tandy’s arm. Cold gusts of wind beat at them, bringing snatches of icy rain below the sidewalk’s covering.<br /><br> “Hey, watch it, sister!”<br /><br> “Sorry.” She kept walking, shooting a murderous look back at the beguiling concrete. “We need to bring up sidewalk maintenance at the next town meeting.”<br /><br> Tandy patted the coffee-colored hand still crooked in her elbow. “Now, Kendra, don’t be getting all drastic on me. Can you imagine what poor Tanner would do if we dared question the maintenance of our fair Stars Hill?”<br /><br> “Huh.” Kendra huffed and let go of Tandy to stuff her hands in her pockets. “Probably remind us of all he’s done to keep this town in antique replica street lights and ten o’clock curfews.”<br /><br> “At least the curfews are gone.”<br /><br> They pulled their hoods up and stepped down from the sidewalk to cross College Street. <br /><br> “I wonder how many times Daddy would have had to bail us out if they had that curfew when we were in high school?”<br /><br> Tandy tucked a curl behind her ear and took long strides toward Clay’s Diner. “I seem to recall a certain sister needing bailed out anyway.”<br /><br> “There was no bail involved. Just a minor misunderstanding.”<br /><br> “That the whole town talked about for months.” Tandy grinned and pulled open the door of the diner. Heated air billowed out a welcome. “After you, Con Woman.”<br /><br> “Yeah, keep it up, sis. I can always bring up improper car racing at the next town meeting.” Kendra sailed through the entry, ignoring Tandy’s, “You wouldn’t!” and hung her dripping coat on one of the hooks by the door.<br /><br> Tandy sloughed off her own navy pea coat and stamped her yellow rain boots. “Would you?”<br /><br> Kendra spun on a heel and walked off toward “their” booth in the back corner. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”<br /><br> “There’s my darling wife!” Clay Kelner came around the counter toward them. <br /><br> Kendra rolled her eyes and snatched up a menu. “Oh, spare me. Shouldn’t the newlywed bliss have worn off by now?” <br /><br> “What are you upset about?” Clay allowed a quick glance for his sister-in-law, then bent and dropped a peck on Tandy’s upturned lips. “Are you and Darin fighting?”<br /><br> “No.”<br /><br> “Yes.” Tandy leveled a gaze at her sister. “Because Kendra is too busy spying on Joy to pay attention to her man and get their wedding planned.”<br /><br> “Joy? The perfect one? Mrs. Plan-Everything-to-Death?” Clay’s eyebrows rose. “Why are you spying on Joy?”<br /><br> “Because something’s wrong and I’m the only one in this family paying attention, that’s why.” Kendra slapped the menu on the table top. “And wedding plans are coming along fine, thank you very much.”<br /><br> “Sure you’re not being your dramatic self?” Clay fast-stepped back before Kendra could swat him. “Lovable dramatic self, I meant!”<br /><br> “Ha ha. Very funny.” Kendra pointed the menu at Clay, then Tandy. “You laugh now, but something’s up and we need to find out what before it gets so bad we can’t fix it.”<br /><br> 1“Well, can we at least get some food first?” Tandy snatched the menu and put it back in its holder. “I can’t think on an empty stomach.”<br /><br> “The usual?”<br /><br> Both girls nodded and Clay turned back toward the kitchen. <br /><br> When he’d gone, Kendra studied her sister. “Tandy, I know you think I’m nuts. But did you not see her at Darnell’s? I mean, she stood over that display of oranges for at least a full minute, just staring into space!”<br /><br> “Yeah, I saw her, Ken.” Tandy sighed. “But you know Joy. She’s not going to appreciate us marching up into her house and demanding to know what’s wrong.”<br /><br> “She wouldn’t care if Meg did it.” Kendra sniffed. <br /><br> “Yes, she would. And she’s closer to Meg because this is exactly the kind of thing Meg wouldn’t do.”<br /><br> Kendra huffed and turned away. Rain sluiced down the windows, making the streetlights outside sparkle. Inside, every table was filled with Stars Hill townfolk happily spooning up chili and vegetable soup. If we don’t figure this out soon, they will. And then Joy will be the talk of the town2. She pulled out her cell <br> “Who are you calling?”<br /><br> “Meg.” Her faux ruby ring glinted in the light when she held up a finger to stop Tandy’s objection. “Hey, Meg, it’s Kendra. Tandy and I are at the diner and wondered if you could drop by. Call me as soon as you get this.” She snapped the phone closed and dropped it back in her giant suede bag, now splashed with raindrops. <br /><br> “And what will that accomplish?”<br /><br> “We’re going to have Meg talk to Joy about this.”<br /><br> “Since when can we get Meg to do anything? Did you discover some magic wand I don’t know about?”<br /><br> Kendra pushed her mahogany-colored spirals back into the burgundy headwrap from which they’d escaped. “She’s been wanting me to paint a mural on Hannah’s wall for a month. I think she’ll do just about anything to get it done.”<br /><br> Tandy leaned back in the seat and whistled low. “Remind me never to underestimate you, sister.”<br /><br> Kendra stopped fixing her hair and leveled a stare at Tandy. “You better believe it.”<br /><br> </div>Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-7248733462454389402009-01-26T08:51:00.009-06:002009-01-26T18:10:24.046-06:00Parting Waters<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SX3O1F3gUdI/AAAAAAAAARs/NLA5lKRcRP8/s1600-h/final-book-cover%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295616148360942034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SX3O1F3gUdI/AAAAAAAAARs/NLA5lKRcRP8/s320/final-book-cover%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a>Parting Waters is a true story about the courage and faith of a family. Their son, Jacob Damoff, was found under water after being missed for approximately 10 minutes. CPR was given and he was taken to a hospital where doctors gave the family the terrible news that their son was in a coma and would never be able to walk or talk again.<br /><br />Facing such devastating news, the family placed Jacob in God’s hands. Each day was different with many challenges, choices, and tears. The Damoff family turned to each other, as well as to their friends and the community. I was so touched at how the community tied yellow ribbons around the town as a reminder to pray for Jacob.<br /><br />This is a story that shows the strength one has when they turn to God for all answers. When bad diagnosis was given, the Damoff family prayed for direction. When finances were strained, people gave. When therapy equipment was needed, businesses responded. When help was required, friends stepped up to the plate and signed up to set by Jacob’s bed to give the family some much needed space.<br /><br />As I started this book, I felt so sorry for Jeanne, the author, & her husband. What a burden to carry! But as I came toward the end, I knew that the strength they needed would come from God and their future was bright.<br /><br />This is not just a story about their trials, blessings and miracles. It is a story about how us. It is a story that will encourage you and raise your faith level. It is a story that tells us no matter what we face, we can handle it.<br /><br />As I think, how did Parting Waters change me? I learned that my wimpy complaints about my health are just that. Wimpy. This book also gave me the desire to volunteer at our local hospital. As Christians, we do not do enough for others. We say we don’t have enough time, but by giving a few hours a week…just think what a blessing it would be to another family in need.<br /><br />Please take the time and read Parting Waters. It will change your life!<br /><br />http://www.jeannedamoff.comGinger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-45657722040978260552009-01-24T19:48:00.002-06:002009-01-24T20:00:36.430-06:00You Can't Say That!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SXvHmtgP9SI/AAAAAAAAARk/lbBdojC1lJo/s1600-h/602fb16f2c93f0c8%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 98px; height: 100px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SXvHmtgP9SI/AAAAAAAAARk/lbBdojC1lJo/s320/602fb16f2c93f0c8%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295045254767965474" /></a><br />According to a career-building Web site, certain words should be avoided on the job. When someone in authority asks you to do a project, you shouldn't say, "Sure, no problem." If you don't mean it and aren't going to follow though. Otherwise, you'll become known as someone who doesn't keep his word. And don't say, "that's not my job," because you may need that person's help in the future.<br /><br />And if your boss comes to you with a problem, careerbuilder.com suggests it's best not to blame someone else and say, "It's not my fault!"<br /><br />That's the excuse Adam and Eve gave to God. they were told not to eat the fruit on the tree of knowledge of good and evil. When they disobeyed and were confronted by God, Adam blamed God and Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. They basically said, "It's not my fauth!"<br /><br />Perhaps there are things we should avoid saying to God about what He's told us to do or not to do. For example, He gives us specific instructions for Christlike behavior in I Corinthians 13, yet we may be tempted to say, "I just don't feel convicted about that," or "That's not really my gift."<br /><br />What is the Lord asking of you today? How will you respond? How about, "Yes, Lord!"<br /><br />"Lord, what do You want me to do?" Acts 9:6Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-39682035701732542722009-01-20T23:55:00.001-06:002009-01-20T23:55:00.675-06:00Grace for the Afflicted<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SXYQ3hlRPfI/AAAAAAAAARM/pRrnm-mfqNE/s1600-h/grace_for_the_afflicted%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SXYQ3hlRPfI/AAAAAAAAARM/pRrnm-mfqNE/s320/grace_for_the_afflicted%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293436958114135538" /></a><br />Grace for the Afflicted is a much needed book in the Christian community. Having to deal with my mother going through extreme depression there was many times I did not know which way to turn. Christian friends tried to offer advice without any knowledge of what they are talking about. It’s difficult to know how to react until someone you love is diagnosed.<br /><br />Matthew S Stanford, PhD explains all mental disorders such as: Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Schizophrenia, Dissociative Disorders, Eating Disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders, Substance Use Disorders & Borderline Personality Disorders. Then he covers how we can help those who struggle with these mental problems. This is a great book that is Jesus-centered. I highly recommend this book if you are dealing with any mental disorder, or if you are taking care of or know someone who is. What a wonderful gift to give to someone who is facing these problems and do not know which way to turn.Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-76546570480813428492009-01-19T18:40:00.000-06:002009-01-19T18:44:06.404-06:00Laughing Does The Heart Good<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SV4t5BAAIUI/AAAAAAAAADk/et8TKy4AT04/s1600-h/9ecd2b1cf0d0b992.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 96px; height: 145px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SV4t5BAAIUI/AAAAAAAAADk/et8TKy4AT04/s320/9ecd2b1cf0d0b992.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286713470123778370" /></a><br />How is your laugh meter? Sometimes I laugh out loud just remembering someone else laughing out loud. Sometimes I laugh at our dog, Cody. He is a 8 lb dog wanting to be a golden retriever. It's so funny to see how brave he is until he comes face-to-face with a large dog.<br /><br />I remember our grandson, Travis, not wanting to go out to eat with us one evening. As we approached the restaurant (he was 3 at this time), he stated "I don't like this place". He had never been here before but he had decided he did not want to eat or enter this establishmemt. We insisted that he get out of the car and as he walked into the restaurant he kept replying "I don't like this place". So whenever we pass this restaurant, 5 years later, we laugh and make the statement "I don't like this place". <br /><br />Why does it feel so good to make someone laugh? I believe laughing is a selfish and generous action, both at the same time. When a child does something that makes us laugh, you can see how proud they are of themself. It lifts them up as well as ourself.<br /><br />They say laughter also releases endorphins that ease heartache, sadness or even pain. What a gift! Going around all day with a frown on our face is not encouraging to you or your friends. Put a smile on!<br /><br />Just think those wonderful crow's feet earned around our eyes are memories of laughter. So "Boycott Botox!" Try saying that three times really fast.<br /><br />Did I make you laugh? I hope so.Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432458029938740723.post-67323152625872101642009-01-19T01:05:00.000-06:002009-01-18T14:43:02.981-06:00The Red Siren<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SXOTMrF7oLI/AAAAAAAAARE/YUvgAbd-l5o/s1600-h/the_red_siren%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fa4yozq_K6c/SXOTMrF7oLI/AAAAAAAAARE/YUvgAbd-l5o/s320/the_red_siren%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292735833025781938" /></a>The Red Siren is a novel that takes you on a trip of faith, action, romance, and trust. As I started reading The Red Siren it started off a little slower than some of M.L. Tyndall’s other books. However, after pushing forward the book grabs your interest and it cannot be put down. <br /><br />Faith Westcott has watched her sisters married off to womanizing men merely because of their titles. Being of a strong will, she is determined that this will not happen to her. So what does she do? She is a lady by day and a pirate by night. She sets out to obtain her own wealth so that her and her sisters do not have to depend on any man. <br /><br /><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cESuxv-WNX8/SAad94Trj7I/AAAAAAAAArA/Yn05_E4V0fY/s1600-h/wild+card.jpg"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190009307003588530" style="FLOAT:left;MARGIN:0px 10px 10px 0px;CURSOR:hand;TEXT-ALIGN:center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cESuxv-WNX8/SAad94Trj7I/AAAAAAAAArA/Yn05_E4V0fY/s200/wild+card.jpg" border="0"></a></a>It is time for a <span style="color:#990000;"><strong><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/">FIRST Wild Card Tour</a></span></strong> book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>Enjoy your free peek into the book!</strong></span><br /><br><br /><br><font color="#cc0000"><em>You never know when I might play a wild card on you!</em></font><br /><br><div align="center"><strong>Today's Wild Card author is: </strong><br /><br></div><br /><br><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.mltyndall.com/">M.L. Tyndall</a></span></strong><br /><br></div><br /><br><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:100%;color:#cc0000;">and the book:</span> </span></strong><br /><br></p><br /><br><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1602601569">The Red Siren</a></span></strong><br /><br></p><p align="center">Barbour Publishing, Inc (January 2009) <br /><br></p><br /><br><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> </span></strong></div><br /><br><br /><br><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cESuxv-WNX8/SWwP9GAKcNI/AAAAAAAACRs/ArCJzWy7FHs/s1600-h/ML_TyndallWeb.jpg"><img style="float:left;margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:150px;height:200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cESuxv-WNX8/SWwP9GAKcNI/AAAAAAAACRs/ArCJzWy7FHs/s200/ML_TyndallWeb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290621204511224018"></a>Best-selling author of The Legacy of the King’s Pirates series, MaryLu Tyndall writes full time and makes her home with her husband, six children, and four cats on California’s coast. Her passion is to write page-turning, romantic adventures that not only entertain but expose Christians to their full potential in Christ. <br /><br><br /><br>For more information on MaryLu and her upcoming releases, please visit her <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.mltyndall.com/">website</a>.<br /><br>Product Details:<br /><br>List Price: $10.97<br /><br>Paperback: 318 pages <br /><br>Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc (January 2009) <br /><br>Language: English <br /><br>ISBN-10: 1602601569 <br /><br>ISBN-13: 978-1602601567 <br /><br><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:</span> </strong><br /><br></span><br /><br><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cESuxv-WNX8/SWwQV6qfr6I/AAAAAAAACR0/Y72mpAHIn74/s1600-h/the+red+siren"><img style="float:left;margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;width:142px;height:200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cESuxv-WNX8/SWwQV6qfr6I/AAAAAAAACR0/Y72mpAHIn74/s200/the+red+siren" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290621630964281250"></a><div style="OVERFLOW:auto;HEIGHT:307px;">But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. <br /><br><br /><br>Matthew 13: 20-21<br /><br><br /><br>Chapter 1<br /><br>August 1713, English Channel off Portsmouth, England <br /><br> This was Dajon Waite’s last chance. If he didn’t sail his father’s merchant ship and the cargo she held safely into harbor, his future would be tossed to the wind. With his head held high, he marched across the deck of the Lady Em and gazed over the choppy seas of the channel, expecting at any minute to see the lights of Portsmouth pierce the gray shroud of dusk. Another hour and his mission would be completed with success. It had taken two years before his father had trusted him to captain the most prized vessel in his merchant fleet, the Lady Em—named after Dajon’s mother, Emily—especially on a journey that had taken him past hostile France and Spain and then far into the pirate-infested waters off the African coast. <br /><br><br /><br> Fisting his hands on his hips, Dajon puffed out his chest and drew a deep breath of salty air and musky earth—the smell of home. Returning with a shipload of ivory, gold, and pepper from the Gold Coast, Dajon could almost see the beaming approval on his father’s sea-weathered face. Finally Dajon would prove himself an equal to his older brother, Theodore—obedient, perfect Theodore—who never let his father down. Dajon, however, had been labeled naught but capricious and unruly, the son who possessed neither the courage for command nor the brains for business. <br /><br><br /><br> Fog rolled in from the sea, obscuring the sunset into a dull blend of muted colors as it stole the remaining light of what had been a glorious day. Bowing his head, Dajon thanked God for His blessing and protection on the voyage. <br /><br><br /><br> “A sail, a sail!” a coarse voice blared from above.<br /><br><br /><br> Plucking the spyglass from his belt, Dajon held it to his eye. “Where away, Mules?”<br /><br><br /><br> “Directly off our lee, Captain.”<br /><br><br /><br> Dajon swerved the glass to the port and adjusted it as Cudney, his first mate, halted beside him. <br /><br><br /><br> “She seems to be foundering, Captain,” Mules shouted.<br /><br><br /><br> Through the glass, the dark outline of a ship came into focus, the whites of her sails stark against the encroaching night. Gray smoke spiraled up from her quarterdeck as sailors scrambled across her in a frenzy. The British flag flapped a harried plea from her mainmast. <br /><br><br /><br> “Hard to larboard,” he yelled aft, lowering the glass. “Head straight for her, Mr. Nelson.”<br /><br><br /><br> “Straight for her, sir.”<br /><br><br /><br> “Beggin’ your pardon, Captain.” Cudney gave him a sideways glance. “But didn’t your father give explicit orders never to approach an unknown vessel?” <br /><br><br /><br> “My father is not the captain of this ship, and I’ll thank you to obey my orders without question.” Dajon stiffened his lips, tired of having his decisions challenged. True, he had failed on two of his father’s prior ventures—one to the West Indies where a hurricane sunk his ship, and the other where he ran aground on the shoals off Portugal. Neither had been his fault. But this time, things would be different. Perhaps his father would even promote Dajon to head overseer of his affairs. <br /><br><br /><br> With a nod, Cudney turned. “Mr. Blake, Mr. Gibes, prepare to luff, if you please.” His bellowing voice echoed over the decks, sending the men up the shrouds. <br /><br><br /><br> “Who is she?” Cudney held out his hand for the glass. <br /><br><br /><br> “A merchant ship, perhaps.” Dajon handed him the telescope then gripped the railing as the Lady Em veered to larboard, sending a spray of seawater over her decks. “But she’s British, and she’s in trouble.” <br /><br><br /><br> The ship lumbered over the agitated waves. Dajon watched Cudney as he steadied the glass on his eye and his boots on the sodden deck. He’d been a good first mate and a trusted friend. A low whistle spilled from his mouth as he twisted the glass for a better look. <br /><br><br /><br> “Pray tell, Mr. Cudney, what has caught your eye, one of those new ship’s wheels you’ve been coveting?”<br /><br><br /><br> “Nay, Captain. But something nearly as beautiful—a lady.”<br /><br><br /><br> Dajon snatched the glass back as the Lady Em climbed a rising swell and then tromped down the other side. Sails snapped in the rising wind above him. Bracing his boots on the deck, he focused the glass on the merchant ship. A woman clung to the foremast, terror distorting her lovely features. She raised a delicate hand to her forehead as if she were going to faint. Red curls fluttered in the wind behind her. Heat flooded Dajon despite the chill of the channel. Lowering the glass, he tapped it into the palm of his hand, loathing himself for his shameless reaction. Hadn’t his weakness for the female gender already caused enough pain? <br /><br><br /><br> Yet clearly the vessel was in trouble.<br /><br><br /><br> “We shall come along side her,” Dajon ordered.<br /><br><br /><br> Cudney glared at the ship. “Something is not right. I can feel it in my gut.”<br /><br><br /><br> “Nonsense. Where is your chivalry?” Dajon smiled grimly at his friend, ignoring the hair bristling on the back of his own neck. <br /><br><br /><br> Cudney’s dark eyes shot to Dajon. “But your father—” <br /><br><br /><br> “Enough!” Dajon snapped. “My father did not intend for me to allow a lady to drown. Besides, pirates would not dare sail so close to England—especially to Portsmouth, where so many of His Majesty’s warships are anchored.” Dajon glanced back at the foundering ship, now only half a knot off their bow. Smoke poured from her waist, curling like a snake into the dark sky. Left to burn, the fire would sink her within an hour. “Surely you do not suspect a woman of piracy?”<br /><br><br /><br> Cudney cocked one brow. “Begging your pardon, Captain, but I have seen stranger things on these seas.” <br /><br><br /><br>***<br /><br><br /><br> Faith Louise Westcott flung her red curls behind her and held a quivering hand to her breast, nausea rising in her throat at her idiotic display. How did women feign such weakness without losing the contents of their stomachs?<br /><br><br /><br> “They ’ave taken the bait, mistress.” A sinister chuckle filled the breeze.<br /><br><br /><br> “Oh, thank heavens.” Faith released the mast. Planting a hand on her hip, she gave Lucas a mischievous grin. “Well, what are you waiting for? Ready the men.” <br /><br><br /><br> “Aye, aye.” The bulky first mate winked, and then scuttled across the deck, his bald head gleaming in the light from the lantern hanging on the mainmast. <br /><br><br /><br> After checking the pistol stuffed in the sash of her gown and the one strapped to her calf, Faith sauntered to the railing to get a better look at her latest victim, a sleek, two-masted brigantine. The orange, white, and blue of the Dutch flag fluttered from her mizzen. A very nice prize indeed. One that would bring her even closer to winning the private war she waged—a war for the survival of her and her sisters.<br /><br><br /><br> The oncoming ship sat low in the water, its hold no doubt packed with valuable cargo. Faith grinned. With this ship and the one she had plundered earlier, loaded with precious spices and silks, she was well on her way to amassing the fortune that would provide for her independence and that of her sisters—at least the two of them that were left unfettered by matrimony. <br /><br><br /><br> She allowed her thoughts to drift for a moment to Charity, the oldest. Last year their father had forced her into a union with Lord Villement, a vile, perverse man who had oppressed and mistreated her beyond what a woman should endure. Faith feared for her sister’s safety and prayed for God to deliver Charity, but to no avail. <br /><br><br /><br> Then, of course, there was the incident with Hope, their younger sister. <br /><br><br /><br> That was when Faith had stopped praying.<br /><br><br /><br> She would rather die than see her two younger sisters fettered to abusive men, and the only way to avoid that fate was to shield them with their own fortune. Cringing, she stifled the fury bubbling in her stomach. She mustn’t think of it now. She had a ship to plunder, and this was as much for Charity as it was for any of them. <br /><br><br /><br> The bowsprit of the brigantine bowed in obedience to her as it plunged over the white-capped swells. Gazing into the hazy mist, Faith longed to get a peek at the ninnies who had been so easily duped by her ruse but dared not raise the spyglass to her eye. Women didn’t know how to use such contraptions, after all. <br /><br><br /><br> Putting on her most flirtatious smile, she waved at her prey, beckoning the fools onward, then she scanned the deck as her crew rushed to their stations. Aboard her ship, she was in control; she was master of her life, her future—here and nowhere else. And oh how she loved it! <br /><br><br /><br> Lucas’s large frame appeared beside her. “The rest of the men be waitin’ yer command below hatches, mistress.” He smacked his oversized lips together in a sound Faith had become accustomed to before a battle. Nodding, she scanned her ship. Wilson manned the helm, Grayson and Lambert hovered over the fire, pretending to put it out, and Kane and Mac clambered up the ratlines in a pretense of terror. She spotted Morgan pacing the special perch Faith had nailed into the mainmast just for him. She whistled and the red macaw halted, bobbed his head up and down, and squawked, “Man the guns, man the guns!” <br /><br><br /><br> Faith chuckled. She had purchased the bird from a trader off Morocco and named him after Captain Henry Morgan, the greatest pirate of all time. The feisty parrot had been a fine addition to her crew. <br /><br><br /><br> Bates, her master gunner, hobbled to her side, wringing his thick hands together in anticipation. “Can I just fire one shot at ’em, Cap’n? The guns grow cold from lack of use.” His expression twisted into a pout that reminded her of Hope, her younger sister. “I won’t hurt ’em none, ye have me word.”<br /><br><br /><br> “I cannot take that chance, Bates. You know the rules,” Faith said as the gunner’s soot-blackened face fell in disappointment. “No one gets hurt, or we abandon the prize. But I promise we shall test the guns soon enough.” <br /><br><br /><br> With a grunt, Bates wobbled away and disappeared below. <br /><br><br /><br> Returning her gaze to her unsuspecting prey, Faith inhaled a breath of the crisp air. Smoke bit her throat and nose, but she stifled a cough as the thrill of her impending victory charged through her, setting every nerve aflame. The merchant ship was nigh upon them. She could already make out the worried expressions upon the crew’s faces as they charged to her rescue. <br /><br><br /><br> This is for you, Charity, and for you, Mother. <br /><br><br /><br> Heavy fog blanketed the two ships in gray that darkened with each passing minute. Faith tugged her shawl tighter against her body, both to ward off the chill and to hide the pistol in her sash. A vision of her mother’s pale face formed in the fog before her, blood marring the sheets on the birthing bed where she lay. <br /><br><br /><br> Take care of your sisters, Faith. <br /><br><br /><br> A burst of wind chilled Faith’s moist cheeks. A tear splattered onto the deck by her shoes before she brushed the rest from her face. “I will, Mother. I promise.” <br /><br><br /><br> “Ahoy there!” A booming voice shattered her memories. <br /><br><br /><br> She raised her hand in greeting toward the brigantine as it heaved ten yards off their starboard beam. “Ahoy, kind sir. Thank God you have arrived in time,” she yelled back, sending the sailors scurrying across the deck. Soon, they lowered a cockboat, filled it with men, and shoved off.<br /><br><br /><br> A twinge of guilt poked at Faith’s resolve. These men had come to her aid with kind intentions. She swallowed hard, trying to drown her nagging conscience. They were naught but rich merchants, she told herself, and she, merely a Robin Hood of the seas, taking from the rich to feed the poor. She had exhausted all legal means of acquiring the money she needed, and present society offered her no other choice. <br /><br><br /><br> The boat thumped against her hull, and she nodded at Kane and Mac, who had jumped down from the shrouds and tossed the rope ladder over the side.<br /><br><br /><br> “Permission to come aboard?” The man who appeared to be the captain shouted toward Lucas as he swung his legs over the bulwarks, but his eyes were upon Faith. <br /><br><br /><br> By all means. Faith shoved a floppy fisherman’s hat atop her head, obscuring her features from his view, and smiled sweetly. <br /><br><br /><br>***<br /><br><br /><br> “Aye, I beg ye, be quick about it afore our ship burns to a cinder,” the massive bald man beckoned to Dajon.<br /><br><br /><br> Dajon hesitated. He knew he should obey his father’s instructions, he knew he shouldn’t risk the hoard of goods in his hold, he knew he should pay heed to the foreboding of dread that now sank like a anchor in his stomach, but all he could see was the admiring smile of the red-haired beauty, and he led his men over the bulwarks.<br /><br><br /><br> After directing them to assist in putting out the fire, he marched toward the dark, bald man and bowed. <br /><br><br /><br> “Captain Dajon Waite at your service.” <br /><br><br /><br> When his gaze drifted to the lady, she slunk into the shadows by the foremast, her features lost beneath the cover of her hat. Odd. Somehow he had envisioned a much warmer reception. At the very least, some display of feminine appreciation.<br /><br><br /><br> “Give ’em no quarter! Give ’em no quarter!” a shrill voice shrieked, drawing Dajon’s attention behind him to a large red parrot perched on a peg jutting from the mainmast.<br /><br><br /><br> A pinprick of fear stabbed him.<br /><br><br /><br> “Captain,” one of his crew called from the quarterdeck. “The ship ain’t on fire. It’s just a barrel with flaming rubbish inside it!” <br /><br><br /><br> The anchor that had sunk in Dajon’s stomach dropped into his boots with an ominous clank.<br /><br><br /><br> He spun back around, hoping for an explanation, but all he received was a sinister grin on the bald man’s mouth. <br /><br><br /><br> Tentacles of alarm seized Dajon, sucking away his confidence, his reason, his pride. Surely he could not have been this daft. He glanced back at the Lady Em, bobbing in the sea beside them—the pride of his father’s fleet. <br /><br><br /><br> “To battle, men!” The woman roared in a voice belying her gender—a voice that pummeled Dajon’s heart to dust. <br /><br><br /><br> Dozens of armed pirates spat from the hatches onto the deck. Brandishing weapons, they hurtled toward his startled crew. One by one, his men dropped their buckets to the wooden planks with hollow thuds and slowly raised their hands. Their anxious gazes shot to Dajon, seeking his command. The pirates chortled. Dajon’s fear exploded into a searing rage. They were surrounded. <br /><br><br /><br> The woman drew a pistol from her sash. Dajon could barely make out the tilted lift of her lips. He wiped the sweat from his brow and prayed to God that he would wake up from this nightmare. <br /><br><br /><br> “I thank you, Captain, for your chivalrous rescue.” The woman pointed her pistol at him and cocked it with a snap. “But I believe I’ll be taking over your ship.” <br /><br></div><br /><br><br /><br />Captain Dajon Waite is a responsible, handsome, brave and God-fearing man. The total opposite of Faith Westcott. When Captain Dajon Waite life is destroyed by the infamous pirate known as “The Red Siren”, he vows to bring her to justice. However, this may be very difficult if he falls in love with her.<br /><br />The Red Siren is one of the wonderful books that will take you away to a far away time and place. You will not want to put it down and till the last page is read. I highly recommend The Red Siren.Ginger Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10733871962449236985noreply@blogger.com0