Monday, December 30

Recent Reads - Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge

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Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge by Norman Whaler - This short novel is a sequel to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Years after the events of the original, Ebenezer Scrooge passes away just days before Christmas and Tiny Tim, now a young man, grieves the loss of his dear old friend. Scrooge has kept his promise to keep Christmas all year and is widely known for his generosity and charity. Tim's father, Bob Cratchit, is a partner in Scrooge's company, and Tim is now a clerk.

Tim is angry and wonders whether prayers are answered. He's also still feeling the loss and loneliness after being separated from the girl he had intended to marry after her family objected. During the night, the ghost of Scrooge visits Tim, much like Scrooge himself was visited by Marley so many years earlier. Scrooge shows Tim how he himself was changed by his encounters with the ghosts of Christmas. As Tim finds out how much his mentor and friend had changed and learns more about the purpose of serving and helping others, he determines that he will honor Christmas and Scrooge's memory by continuing the legacy of charity. One of the people Tim saw during his time with the ghost was Becky, his lost love, and how she had fallen on very difficult times. Therefore, Tim's first priority upon waking on Christmas morning is to find Becky again and provide for her.

The book was a quick and easy read, and while it followed the spirit and story pattern of the Dickens classic, it's written in a simpler and more modern language. It's a suitable sequel for anyone familiar with the story, but the writing style and sentence structures don't mimic the original style closely enough to be a seamless continuation as if written by Dickens.

It is, however, a charming and light story that revisits the beloved Dickens characters and imagines how the lives of the Cratchit family were affected by the changes in Ebenezer Scrooge.

From the publisher:

Yes! Old Scrooge is DEAD, to begin with . . .

In this romance sequel to Charles Dickens' beloved classic, A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge dies suddenly just days before Christmas. Tiny Tim, now a young man who lost his sweetheart love, Becky, battles anger and lost faith with the new loss of his best friend. Scrooge's ghost returns to teach Tim a much needed lesson about faith . . . and the real meaning of Christmas!

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 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.


Sunday, December 29

Scripture and a Snapshot - Overjoyed


After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

~Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11~


The story of the Magi (or wise men, or kings) coming to see Jesus fascinates me. Who were these guys and what was it about the star that caught their attention? There are a number of interesting theories about where the Magi were from, and why and how they were knowledgeable about Jewish prophecies. To me, it's what they did about it that is most interesting. I mean, they were most likely not Jewish themselves, but they had studied the prophecies. And when they saw a star that somehow indicated that prophecy was being fulfilled, they followed it. They went to find the one "born king of the Jews" with the express intent of worshiping. When they found the child they'd been looking for they bowed down - to a baby boy in a humble home - and worshiped him, and they gave him costly gifts out of their treasure store. Not only that, but they were overjoyed. They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

Could others see the star? I suppose it depends on what the 'star of Bethlehem' looked like. What if it was a fantastic and unusual star that everyone could see? Did others miss it completely because they didn't look up? How many people saw the star and wondered at it, but just as quickly forgot about it or dismissed it? Whatever it was, and whether or not it was visible to anyone else, the wise men recognized its significance and they followed through. They searched for the king and they joyfully bowed down to him.

I pray that we pay attention to what God is doing and where he is leading, and that we follow faithfully and worship joyfully.




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Saturday, December 21

Scripture and a Snapshot - Joseph, Son of David


This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what was said through the prophet: "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us").

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

~Matthew 1:18-23~

But can we talk about Joseph for a minute? I'm pretty sure that Joseph was a big part of the reason God chose Mary. And I think there's a reason the angel addressed Joseph as "son of David". The Bible tells us the God found David "a man after my own heart", a man who would do everything God wanted him to do. Now check out Joseph. He's a good and righteous man. When he finds out Mary is pregnant, he's committed to doing the right and righteous thing, which is to divorce her. But he's also committed to doing the kind and loving thing, which is to do it quietly and not subject her to public humiliation and punishment. Then he hears from God through an angel in a dream. The angel tells him that Mary is pregnant by the Holy Spirit and will be the mother of the Messiah, so Joseph can go ahead and marry her. And Joseph doesn't hesitate. He gets up and does what the angel told him to do.

After the visit of the Magi, the angel appears to Joseph in a dream and tells him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt. And what does Joseph do? He gets up, and takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt. Not a moment's hesitation - he obeys without question. And then when the angel appears in another dream to tell Joseph it's safe to go back to Israel, he "gets up" and heads back home. He's warned in another dream that Herod's son is ruling in Judea, so he takes them to Nazareth. 

We don't hear much about Joseph, but I get the sense that he's a man of action and he has a fierce and loyal love for his God and his wife. He gives up everything in obedience, and risks everything to protect a baby boy that isn't his child, but that he believes is the fulfillment of promise and prophecy. Truly a man after God's heart, who will do everything God wants him to do.

As we celebrate the Savior's birth, and worship Jesus Christ, may we also learn from the example of Joseph how to be obedient and righteous. May we be men and women after God's own heart, who will do everything God wants us to do.





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Saturday, December 14

Scripture and a Snapshot - Joy, Peace, Hope


For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
And of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

~Isaiah 9:6-7~


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

~Romans 15:13~






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©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Wednesday, December 11

Wordless Wednesday - Christmas Cookies

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This post is linked at Wordless Wednesday, hosted by Life on Chickadee Lane, and at Pictoral Tuesday, hosted by Peabea Scribbles.



©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.


Tuesday, December 10

Recent Reads - The Rebel Bride

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The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear - Union soldier Joshua Wheeler suffers a devastating injury at Chickamauga and is taken prisoner by the Confederates. Along with other wounded soldiers, he is billeted at a home nearby rather than being transported to Richmond. Pearl MacFarlane is loyal to the Confederacy despite her family's staunch opposition to holding slaves. She is still reeling with the news that all three of her older brothers lost their lives in battle when her cousin shows up with a wagonload of wounded Yankee prisoners and she is pressed into serving as a nurse. Soon the modest farmhouse she shares with her ailing father and younger brother has become a field hospital. Her initial reluctance and resentment at being forced to look after the enemy is tempered by her father's gentle admonition that the Good Book says they are to be kind to their enemy.

Pearl works hard to keep the soldiers fed and cared for with the meager resources they have, and finds herself spending extra effort looking after a couple of the men that have serious injuries. She patiently redresses Josh's amputation wound and does all that she can to help him recover. When he is finally on the mend and able to start getting up and around, Josh knows that his oath to the Union means that he should make every effort to rejoin his regiment, yet his conscience will not let him leave the brave Rebel girl without protection or help. And indeed there is more than just his conscience compelling him to stay near Pearl for as long as he can.

Joshua wins the trust of Pearl's younger brother, Clem, and the respect of her Pa; and as her defender and helper, he also wins Pearl's trust and friendship. Both question their loyalties and their perceptions of the enemy side, but as much as Josh wants to stay with Pearl, he knows their divided loyalties will prevent it. Is there any chance that she would consider him? Is there enough common ground that they could be together?

This compelling story explores the complexities of the loyalties on both sides of the War Between the States, and the characters are very realistic as a result. Pearl and her family are staunchly opposed to owning slaves, which sets them apart from many in their own community, yet they are fiercely loyal to the Confederate cause. Josh and many of the Yankees have misconceptions about the views of the Rebels, and Josh realizes that fighting to force an end to slavery will be a hollow victory if the freed slaves have nowhere to go in a society that won't accept them. Although a fictional story that focuses on the developing romantic relationship between the two lead characters, it also invites some deeper thought about the ordinary folk that found themselves caught up in this conflict that had so many facets.


From the publisher:

Can Love Form Amidst Tensions of War?

During the clash between Union and Confederacy, quiet Tennesseean Pearl MacFarlane is compelled to nurse both Rebel and Yankee wounded who seek refuge at her family's farm. She is determined to remain unmoved by the Yankee cause -- until she faces the silent struggle of Union soldier Joshua Wheeler, a recent amputee. The MacFarlane family fits no stereotype Joshua believed in; still he is desperate to regain his footing -- as a soldier, as a man, as a Christian -- in the aftermath of his debilitating injury. He will use his time behind enemy lines to gather useful intelligence for the Union -- if the courageous Rebel woman will stay out of the line of danger.

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear.

Other books in this series: The Mayflower BrideThe Pirate BrideThe Captured BrideThe Patriot Bride, The Cumberland Bride, The Liberty Bride, The Alamo BrideThe Golden Bride, The Express Bride (Coming in 2020: The Blizzard Bride, The Chisholm Trail Bride)

Visit Barbour Publishing for more info on where to buy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.


©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Monday, December 9

What I'm Reading - December 9, 2019

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It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

This weekly reading list meme is hosted at Book Date. Join in to see what others are reading and maybe get some ideas of what to read next! Although the Book Date link-up happens weekly, I haven't been keeping up with a weekly schedule, so I kind of post these whenever! I also haven't been reading as many books lately. Too busy! So in the past couple of weeks:

I finished reading . . . 

Undertones by L.S. Popovich - Dane, a giant anteater, plays guitar in an all animal jazz band, and while trying to find his kidnapped girlfriend, he winds up taking on the mob-like criminal underbelly of his town. (Read my full review HERE.)




I'm currently reading . . .

The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear - a new installment in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, this one is about a young woman in Tennessee forced to open her home to wounded Union soldiers during the War Between the States. Can there be anything between this Confederate girl and a Yankee soldier?




Penny For Your Secrets by Anna Lee Huber - The latest in the Verity Kent series from one of my favorite authors! Got through the first half of it very quickly, but had to slow down in order to work on books for review and school.




The Friendly Persuasion by Jessamyn West - Didn't quite finish this collection of short stories about a Quaker family, which is for the Lit class I teach. We're starting on our next selection, but all of us have a little left on this one. I hope to finish it soon!




Next on the stack... 

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
Church With No Walls by Noah Cleveland (started, but temporarily shelved)
Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton (also temporarily shelved)
The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Saturday, December 7

Scripture and a Snapshot - Great Joy



And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

~Luke 2:8-20~








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©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Wednesday, December 4

Wordless Wednesday - Family Dinner

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We celebrated my husband's birthday with dinner out at Iron Age, a Korean barbecue place where you cook your own meat! Good food and lots of fun with the "extended" family!







This post is linked at Wordless Wednesday, hosted by Life on Chickadee Lane, and at Pictoral Tuesday, hosted by Peabea Scribbles.



©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.