Sand Painting Win's Ukraines Got Talent

I got this in my email this morning and it quite literally moved me to tears. I hope it will mean something to all of you and I'd love to hear about it.

Miss Simonova, 24, drew a series of pictures on an illuminated sand table showing how ordinary people were affected by the German invasion during World War II.

One video clip of her work on the television talent show has been viewed by two million users alone.

The images, projected onto a large screen, moved many in the audience to tears and she won the top prize of about £75,000.

She begins by creating a scene showing a couple sitting holding hands on a bench under a starry sky, but then warplanes appear and the happy scene is obliterated.

It is replaced by a woman’s face crying, but then a baby arrives and the woman smiles again. Once again war returns and Miss Simonova throws the sand into chaos from which a young woman’s face appears.

She quickly becomes an old widow, her face wrinkled and sad, before the image turns into a monument to an Unknown Soldier.

This outdoor scene becomes framed by a window as if the viewer is looking out on the monument from within a house.

In the final scene, a mother and child appear inside and a man standing outside, with his hands pressed against the glass, saying goodbye.

The Great Patriotic War, as it is called in Ukraine, resulted in one in four of the population being killed with eight to 11 million deaths out of a population of 42 million.

Congratulations to Book Giveaway Winner!

I am super excited to announce the latest book giveaway winner for a copy of the Daniel Fast which is going out to Lidj at Crown of Beauty! She is the most beautiful spiritual soul that I have ever met and couldn't be happier for her. If you haven't had the opportunity to stop by and visit her, please do! She lives in the Philippines and shares her wonderful journey of what life is like for her and her family being a believer in Christ.

You will be blessed just stopping by her site. Thanks again to all of you that entered. Be watchful of the next giveaway that is coming very soon!

I will update you all Friday on Round Three of my medical battle. Trust me, this one is one you don't want to miss!

I Wish You Enough ~ Book Review

Do you ever remember wishing upon a star for something wonderful to happen to you or someone you love? Or perhaps it was to fall in love?

I had the honor to review I Wish You Enough, Embracing Life's Most Valuable Moments One Wish at a Time, by Bob Perks. These are the very books I love and add to my library when they come around.

To give you an idea of what is contained in this wonderful hardbound book, this is from the back cover, " When having more leaves you empty, you discover true happiness lies in enough! Life isn't easy. There are times when we all need a little inspiration, mixed with a lot of hope, to live with a small dose of reality. In I Wish You Enough, Bob Perks presents eight wishes in a magical collection of true, inspirational stories filled with invaluable lessons about seeing the good in the mundane, and recognizing the abundant gifts God provides every day. You'll value what you already have a little more, and begin a new journey of gratitude no matter when challenges you face. You can always find 'enough' to get you through."

The book contains scripture references from the Bible, wonderful quotes from famous authors and writers and beautiful pictures to go along with each of the eight wishes.

My favorite wish is I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. If you think about this one statement it makes you smile. Even though the rain and clouds block out the beautiful blue sky and the warm sunshine, the sun still shines behind the storm and dark clouds. In spite of these last 5 days of continuous rain here in what is normal a sunny state, I've learned to really appreciate this wish! Too many days of sunshine, makes you take advantage of those days when you see them so much.

The Biblical quote that goes hand in hand with this is "and we know that all thing work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.

Such rainy days brings me back to those childhood memories that are my favorite, walking under an umbrella and listening to the pattering of rain falling just outside my reach, or splashing in the puddles. Just knowing that the rain washes the sky from all the smog and pollution and in it's place a brilliant blue sky awaits, clear air, and the occasional rainbow. Yes, I still get excited whenever I see a rainbow. God's promises are as real today as they were thousands of years ago. Somehow we just need to look for them and keep them close to our hearts.

This book does just that, it leaves you with a contagious smile after reading these simple wishes and leaves you wanting to wish someone enough! This is definitely a must read and great for a gift book for someone that needs a pick me up or a smile or hug from faraway.

I was provided with this complimentary book to review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Hardcover Book 121 Pages, published December 2009
ISBN: 1404187634
Price: $12.99 List

Wing and A Prayer

Good Monday Morning to all my friends and family in blogger land!

Sorry I've managed to successfully pull off a disappearing act this last week but my pain is back in full force and we are back at that same cross roads again. I've been feeling a bit out of sorts as some would say.

Just numb I guess. Kinda wondering just when will I find a doctor that really and truly cares? Is that possible? I've made an appointment today with my primary care doctor again to discuss the wonders of why I am having to jump through so many hoops to get taken care of.

My OB GYN is out of the office today when I attempted to call this morning to get my prescription filled since I am just about out. So that isn't looking like that will happen today. Called my primary doctor to see if I can arrange to see them today to get it filled but their earliest appointment is Wednesday, so that is a big fat NO on getting my prescription refilled by tomorrow or Wednesday.

So what am I left with? Urgent care for a pain shot and some possibilities of getting about 20 pain pills until I get in touch with my doctor along with a $25.00 copay, depending on just how much I enjoy being bent over in a fetal position for hours may just provide the only outlet I can get for today.

So you can see where I stand at today. Not the happiest camper in the world, questioning why is this happening? Not to mention trying to hard not to take my emotions and feelings on my family cause I am not the best person to be around when I am in pain. So as you can see this is where I am today. Arguing with more doctors about refilling my prescription! Help

Rain, Winners, 1940's Flashback, and Mea!

Today was one of the best days I've woken up to in a long time. For most people however, they are probably wishing for this storm to pass quickly and that good old fashioned California sunshine to return. Not me!

Guess I should be moving northward if I favor days like today. Gusty winds, heavy rains, and just safe and warm looking outside my windows at it all coming down. The heater is going because I don't want the fireplace to blow all the smoke back into the house with all the wind we are having. So the heater works fine. Great news is that for most of the week, (fingers crossed), this is going to last all week long. Can't you just see my smile? My mom, knows that on our worst stormy days, that I am smiling from ear to ear and enjoying each and every minute of it. Love you too mom!

So here is what I've been up to besides my End Times Bible Prophecy study which I've been posting about for the last few weeks.

Winner of the "Where Is God?" book giveaway goes to Jane at Jumpin in the Jungle! Congratulations Jane! Once I get your email for your mailing information, the book will be on it's way to you, with perhaps something special added! So please stop by and wish Jane congratulations and say Hi when you stop by to visit her blog.

Next is I wanted to share with you what we did yesterday. I've been meaning to have my oldest daughters pictures taken for quite some time, and since my brother is in the works for becoming the next major photographer we had him take some pictures.

He specializes in 1940's vintage pin up pictures and is also working on recreating that old Hollywood style classic pictures as well. So we had a blast spending the day having him take some amazing pictures of Caitlyn in authentic 1940's clothes and props. He even arranged for a makeup and hair lady to complete that authentic look. Here are just some of the looks he completed for us.



This is all authentic 1940's World War 2 Props with the Bomber Jacket, Boots, Parachutes, glasses and pilot hat. What do you think?



This is Caitlyn's classic picture in front of a parking meter!

Finally my favorite, looking like that old time Hollywood glamor and the dress is amazing!



So which one is your favorite? I love them all, and I'll post even more once he finishes uploading them and adding some more detail. If your interested in contacting him, you can email me and I can provide you prices and his studios information. Trust me, you'll love both the pictures, and the prices he charges!

Last update is on Mea, my 6 year old niece, who is struggling with her eyesight. Some good news and bad news. The good news is that her vision has improved to 20/40 with her glasses on in her bad eye.It was 20/60 but the doctors feel it isn't significant enough. Since it isn't 20/20 with her glasses on, she has to wear an eye patch for four hours each day (bad news), for the next 2 months on her weak eye.

She is so upset that she sees herself as different and doesn't want anyone to see her. It literally breaks my heart. She is truly such a precious angel and needs your prayers more now than ever that God will allow her to see herself as we all do and brilliant, amazing and so beautiful, patch or no patch. Please continue to lift her up in prayers and if you haven't done so already, please add her prayer button to your blog. I know her mom more than appreciates all your efforts and wanted me to pass along her thanks to all of you as well.

Do You Know How to Fast?

“Sometimes you are so hungry that the only way you can be fed is to fast.” Susan Gregory.

In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:2-3

Are you hungry for more of God in your life? Discover why millions of men and women throughout the world are rediscovering the ancient discipline of fasting – and, as a result, are encountering God in amazing ways.

In the book, The Daniel Fast, Susan Gregory will teach you:

 Fasting in a safe and healthy way
 Following the 21-day plan to physical and spiritual health (adaptable for a fast of any length)
 Creating healthy meals using Daniel Fast foods
 Participating in a group fast with your church, family or friends.
 Learning how to hear from God and discover His purpose for your life

Included in this book are recipes and devotionals for each day of the 21- day fast, and a FAQ section for those seeking quick answers.

In beginning the Daniel Fast you are combining the Biblical fasts of Daniel with drawing closer to God through reading and studying of the Bible and prayer. In addition to the information you will find in the book, there is also a blog by the author at http://danielfast.wordpress.com to further assist you in learning the principles of fasting. I firmly believe that there are times in our lives where prayer just isn’t enough to answer the difficulties we are facing in our lives. Fasting is one of those mysteries that are discussed in the Bible but not much is really know in relation to what should we be doing, how should we be eating, how long can you do this and what should our expectations be in our relationship with God by completing a fast.

If you have ever wanted to study this same fast that Daniel completed, I would highly recommend this book to you. You can obtain this book at Tyndale House Publishers.
List Price: 13.99
ISBN: 978-1-4143-3413-4
Binding: Softcover
Release: January 2010

I received a complimentary copy of the Daniel Fast from Tyndale House Publishers to review. If you would like to leave me a comment, I will be giving away a copy of this book on January 25th.

Yet before you begin any eating plan, you should consult your physician first.

The Second Coming of Christ

What would you do if Jesus Christ was returning today at 3pm. Something tells me that we'd all be looking our best at 2:45pm. Then why aren't we? What are we waiting for?

Reading all these posts about Bible Prophecy will do no good if we aren't willing to change. We are missing the point.
Revelation 19: 11-17 " I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white hourse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one know but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the wine press with his fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." (NIV)

The second coming of Jesus Christ will be public and seen by all-unlike the surprise rapture of the church which takes place in the twinkling of an eye. There will be no question that you are witnessing the return of Jesus Christ.

This will be accompanied by sadness and weeping. There will be mourning in Jerusalem and throughout Israel that the Jews will realize that Jesus Christ really was their Messiah.

Zachariah 12:10, " And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a first born son."

Jesus Christ comes before judgment with the rapture of the church prior to the beginning of the Tribulation, while He comes with judgment when He returns to earth in His Second Coming. In the rapture He comes for His people, and in the Second Coming, He comes with His people.

Looking back at the description of Jesus Christ when we see Him at the Second Coming, his eyes are blazing, He is wearing many crowns, and His robe is dipped in blood.

His eyes blazing with fire, represent His power, His glory, His holiness and His wrath.

His many crowns signifies that He alone is ruler of all the universe.

The robe dipped in blood, signifies the price He paid when He died to save us all from our sins.

Yet Jesus is not coming alone. The scripture states that the armies of heaven are coming with Him. Who are these armies?

Jude 14: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones..." (NIV)

So who are the His holy ones? Colossians 3:4, "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."

It is speaking of those of us that believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. We are the ones that will be accompanying Him. We will all get to see the Holy Land from ring side seats, so if we never get to go during our human lifetime, we will get the ultimate Holy Land tour when we return with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

So what should we be doing in the meantime?

1. Watching for Him - We are to be aware that Jesus could come at any minute. We need to be aware of the signs of the times.

2. Being Ready to Go - We need to make sure that if Jesus came back at any minute, would we be embarrassed or ashamed at where He would find us or what we are doing? If the answer to that is yes, then don't do it.

3. Be Anxiously Awaiting - Do not fear this coming of the Lord, but be excited, joyful and filled with hope. If you have any anxiety, fear or dread, perhaps something isn't right in your spiritual life.

If you aren't 100% guaranteed that your passport to Heaven has your name assigned to it, it's not too late, but you may not have a second change to make this decision. Are you ready to accept God? As a believer, are you ready to recommit your life to serving Him with the time we have left?

Christians. It's time to get right or get left. Ready? Pray this prayer!

Lord Jesus,

Come into my life!
I know that I am a sinner!
I thank You for dying on the cross for me and rising again from the dead.
Now fill me up with Your Spirit and write my name in Your Book of Life,
and help me follow You all the days of my life.
Thank you that my sins are forgiven and that I am now going to heaven.
In Jesus Name I pray! ~ AMEN!

If you just prayed that prayer, you are a new creation and a believer in Jesus Christ. This is the reason for His delaying of the rapture of the church. You will now be part of that ultimate family reunion and I can't wait to welcome you when I see you!

Join me tomorrow when we will look at what happens when Jesus begins His wrath here on Earth, you don't want to miss it!