Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wednesday's Voice - Pakistan
Christian boy forced into bonded labour in Pakistan
An 11-year-old Pakistani Christian boy who was abducted by a wealthy Muslim in Dhonikay village, Wazirabad 18 months ago has been growing increasingly weak and ill from being forced to work to pay off his family's debt. The family of Danish Masih owed Ashraf Cheema 142,000 rupees (approximately $1730 CAD) but fled to Islamabad when Ashraf refused to pay their monthly wages or deduct their earnings from the debt. Ashraf also extorted land from the family and stole Danish's mother's dowry, yet refused to reduce their debt. Ashraf was eventually able to locate the family and kidnapped Danish, who has since been forced to work, often in iron chains, from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. without any breaks. He is only given half a loaf of bread to eat each day. Ashraf has frequently pressured Danish to convert to Islam, promising to free him from his chains, provide him with better meals, and possibly cancel his family's debt if he converts.
On June 10, a bailiff was sent to Ashraf's farm to secure the return of Danish. However, since Ashraf is wealthy and influential, he was informed of the raid in advance and hid the child. Ashraf has since threatened the family, saying, "After this raid by the bailiff, you will neither be able to get back your son, nor will you be granted a cancellation for your debt." (Source: Compass Direct)
Pray that Danish will be returned to his family very soon.
Ask God to shield and strengthen him at this time.
Pray that the Christian community in Pakistan will support and uplift this family. Pray that Ashraf will come to know the Lord.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Music Monday - I Love Your Amazing Love
In my prayer journal there is a section for confession. I daily lay before the Lord my transgressions. When I write these down there is a sense of letting God know that I acknowledge what I've done and what I need to work on. However, reviewing my daily entries it looks like I fall to the same sins every day - gossip, judging, anger, frustration.... Am I truly repentant or just that rebellious? Am I truly walking the walk or am I just talking a good talk.? Is the Holy Spirit truly living in me and do I reflect this?
I'm reading Francis Chan's new book the Forgotten God about the Holy Spirit. One of the things that has hit me while reading this book is that I truly am able to "grieve the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 4:30 NIV). I never really thought about this - that my actions can make the Father sad enough to grieve. I love how the Message states this (parenthesis is mine):
Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.
I'm continually working on these things, but thankfully I am not working alone. The song I have chosen this week reflects a lot of my questions about my walk and my brokenness. That what it all comes down to is not about what I do, but what He did, He does and He will do in my life. Thank you Father for your Amazing Love.
" and I will never truly know why you love me Lord. I am so Broken and so desperate still you love me lord." Kees Kraayenoord
Whisper in my ear
Tell me one more time
the words i long to hear
that i, i am forgiven
hold me in your arms
draw me next to you
safely by your side
i know i am forgiven
and i will never truly know
just why you love me lord
i am so broken and so desperate
still you love me more
lord, i love your amazing love
there's a beauty in the way
you cherish and embrace me
in all my brokeness i know
i am forgiven
and i will never truly know
just why you love me lord
i am so broken and so desperate
still you love me more
lord, i love your amazing love
and i lift my hands
in worship at your throne
and i raise my heart
so thankful lord for what you've done
Please share your praise with Shawntele at Saved by Grace.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Caffeinated Randomness - I'm So Excited....
So even though I'm having a Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Morning, there must be a full moon, I'm excited about a number of things happening around me these next few weeks.
Last Friday, my hubby came home and asked how would I like to go to Cowtown and stay with Debbie while he goes and works out of the offices there - WOULD I?!?! So we are headed to the Evil Twin's house in the next few weeks. It's been two years since we last saw each other and a lot has changed in our lives since then - 1 extra kid for me and she renovated her house. Her mother has also been generous enough and invited us to stay at their house while they are away. I'm very thankful for that blessing as 9 people in Debbie's duplex would be tight.
School is almost out. We have only one more day. Now I am a little depressed that there isn't going to be school and something for Nicole to do, because I don't want to hear "I'm BOOOORED!" every day. I've decided to do some "afterschooling" with her and some devotional work through Kids of Integrity. I also purchased a Paddling Pool Pass, a Zoo Pass and an Museum Pass. Now you may think that that is what I'm excited about, but no. I'm excited because I won't have to stress for two months about what to send her for lunch. I can pull out a can or make something at 11:30 pm. As well, I won't be stressing to get her out the door by 8:30 am. I can lounge around for a few hours.
Another thing I'm excited about is that this summer I get to go "home" and see my family. We are going to celebrate my grandmother's 75th birthday. We haven't been home since I was pregnant with Sam and my aunts and uncles haven't been introduced to him yet. I'm also excited about this trip because we get to visit my ocean and play at a beach.
Lastly, I'm excited because I realized that tomorrow is my Blog anniversary. It was one year ago tomorrow that our Caffeinated Chieftain "outed" me and my blog. I'm forever thankful to her as I have met many beautiful ladies over the past year that I wouldn't have and that God has taught me many things and used me over this past year than at any other time in my walk. I won't be doing anything big tomorrow, but wait until August. I'll be doing some big things then in celebration. I'm just busy over the next week in preparation for Canada Day. I'll let you all know about that next Friday.
Now go and share your randomness with our Caffeinated Chieftain.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Tea Talk
The lovely Ruth hosts Tea Talk every week at her blog Celebrate Friendship. Brew a cup - hot or cold and join us for some lively conversation and lots of mugs.
I know I haven't joined in on the tea talk in a few weeks. I had full intentions of doing so but life kept getting in the way.
I'm having a nice cup of Almond Roca Rooibois in my princess house mug, which looks like the one below. I received a set of these as a wedding gift from one of my aunts who knew I loved hers. I bring them out when a friend comes over (you know who you are!).
I know I haven't joined in on the tea talk in a few weeks. I had full intentions of doing so but life kept getting in the way.
I'm having a nice cup of Almond Roca Rooibois in my princess house mug, which looks like the one below. I received a set of these as a wedding gift from one of my aunts who knew I loved hers. I bring them out when a friend comes over (you know who you are!).
I'm feeling excited as I've been following World Cup Football games lately. Holland just lead their division to the semi-finals which is what we were hoping for and France and Italy are both out. I know this probably means nothing to a lot of you but its still exciting at our house.On my mind....SUMMER! What a summer this will be. We are going to my best friends house and travelling home to my family for my grandmother's 75 birthday. I have great plans to do lessons with the kids during the afternoons when it's too hot to go outside. I also hope to catch up on my reading. What are you doing this summer?
I'll leave you with this thought that came to me while studying James 1:
Don't just study the word, but act it out!!
Can't wait to talk to you guys again.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday's Voice - India
Missionary murdered in India
Pray for Pastor Ajit's wife and two small children as they mourn his loss.
Pray for guidance for his congregation at this time.
Pray for boldness and enduring faith for other Christians serving in Assam.
Ajit Bansi -- a Gospel for Asia-supported missionary in Assam, India -- was killed by an anti-Christian militant group on May 20 while on his way home from purchasing construction supplies for a new church building. Pastor Ajit and three others were ambushed by the militants and then shot, their bodies left on the roadside. He was murdered just days before the building for his growing congregation of approximately 60 believers was due for completion. "Pastor Ajit was one of hundreds of missionaries risking their lives to share Jesus' love in this area," K.P. Yohannan, Gospel for Asia's President, has stated. "He was doing a great work, and his life brought hope to many people." (Source: Gospel for Asia)
Pray for Pastor Ajit's wife and two small children as they mourn his loss.
Pray for guidance for his congregation at this time.
Pray for boldness and enduring faith for other Christians serving in Assam.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thorn and My Best Friend
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12 :7-10 NIV)
On one of our last Bible Babes studies, we studied this scripture in regards to our personal idols and how God is made perfect when we "give up" to Him. This is a great lesson, however, this verse holds special meaning to me.
I have mentioned my "Evil Twin" before. Let me introduce her to you. She is my best friend Debbie. Debbie is an avid reader. She is married and is a mother of 2. She runs a day home. Debbie enjoys cooking. She attends a weekly morning ladies group. Debbie is legally blind and losing her sight more and more every year I have known her.
When I first met Debbie 10 years ago in Alpha, we immediately clicked. We had many common interests and the same perverse sense of humor (we both love to quote Acts 2:15). We became so close that our husbands referred to us as the "evil twins." There is not a day where we don't talk to each other.
Debbie started going blind in her early twenties. She suffered from chronic iritis, which led to glaucoma. At our meeting Debbie could see the large "E" on the sight chart. Now she can only see shadows.
Debbie has prayed over the years for complete healing. At different stages of her vision loss, she has prayed for it not to progress. God in His infinite wisdom has not answered those prayers. I know some believe that if a person is not healed it was due to lack of faith, but Debbie has never given up her faith and God's ability to heal her. She knows that He alone has the power to heal her. He just has other plans.
God is using her. Using her "weakness" to show His strength and grace. God uses her as a discussion leader in B.S.F., an organization she is passionate about. Through her disability, she has become an advocate in her church for people who suffer from ALL disabilities. She is the first person to volunteer when bringing meals are mentioned. She continues to show God's strength to others who think she is not able.
Over the course of the years, Debbie has had to "give up" most of her independence and become dependent on others. She has had to lay down her pride and her sense of identity, trusting that God has a purpose and a plan for her. I often ask myself have I surrendered to God. Is His strength and grace truly enough for me.? Do I boast of my greatness or God's greatness.
Debbie will never see my baby the next time we are together. She won't get to read to her children. She won't see her daughter's wedding dress. She won't see her son's first child. However, she will God in His infiinite glory. The God who has carried her through her "weakness." The God who's grace is enough for her. Is it yours?
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Music Monday - Happy Father's Day
From the first time a father aches to take his daughter's infant hand, she reaches up and takes his heart. She never returns it. He is her protector, her provider. Her knight. Her hero. In turn she is his lamb. his angel on loan. His beauty of beauties. Max Lucado: And the Angels Were Silent
This is the verse that appeared in my Max Lucado perpetual calendar yesterday. When reading it, I immediately knew what he was talking about. My husband and daughter have a very special relationship. She is his true Princess and has been since the minute she was born.
Over the years it has been a joy to see them both - from her toddling after him to her biking ahead of him with her training wheels. Some of my favourite memories are of her sitting on his lap watching tv together.
The song I chose this week is a song Billy Joel wrote for his daughter, Alexa, Lullyebye (Goodnight, My Angel. Whenever I hear this song I think of my daughter and her daddy and the love that they share.
Goodnight, my angel
Time to close your eyes
And save these questions for another day
I think I know what you've been asking me
I think you know what I've been trying to say
I promised I would never leave you
And you should always know
Wherever you may go
No matter where you are
I never will be far away
Goodnight, my angel
Now it's time to sleep
And still so many things I want to say
Remember all the songs you sang for me
When we went sailing on an emerald bay
And like a boat out on the ocean
I'm rocking you to sleep
The water's dark and deep
Inside this ancient heart
You'll always be a part of me
Lu-lu-lu-lu-lu-lu
lu-lu-lu-lu-lu-lu-lu-lu-lu
Goodnight, my angel
Now it's time to dream
And dream how wonderful your life will be
Someday your child may cry
And if you sing this lullabye
Then in your heart
There will always be a part of me
Someday we'll all be gone
But lullabyes go on and on...
They never die
That's how you
And I
Will be
Share your Music Monday with Shawntele at Saved by Grace.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Any Beth Moore Fans Out There?!?!
My friend, Amber at Striving for 31, is giving away Beth Moore's Believing God if you participate in her Ask Me Anything Friday. Come join in the fun with us.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Caffeinated Randomness - The Princess Party
Last Thursday, I hosted the Princess' Birthday Party. She invited 8 little friends to celebrate along with her. I was a little stressed about planning this party. I had BIG plans! I think I am an over achiever. Instead of thinking simple, I go BIG!!! Then I have to have friends and family reign me in. Thankfully, the Caffeinated Chieftain and my other Bible Babes were available to help me out this time.
I spent Tuesday making fondant flowers with my Bible Babe, Cherie. I made the flowers and she rolled the little balls for the centers. We had fun. It was my first time working with fondant and now I want to do more with it. The possibilities are endless...there I go again.
Wednesday, I baked the cake and 24 cupcakes (for her class). I used my girlfriend's chocolate cake recipe which is amazing. Now it will be one of my usual recipes. While the kids were bathing that night, I started to ice the cake and then decorate it. I used green icing for the grass and piped it on with a star tip. Doesn't the cake look too good to eat?
Wednesday, I baked the cake and 24 cupcakes (for her class). I used my girlfriend's chocolate cake recipe which is amazing. Now it will be one of my usual recipes. While the kids were bathing that night, I started to ice the cake and then decorate it. I used green icing for the grass and piped it on with a star tip. Doesn't the cake look too good to eat?
While decorating the cake my daughter said "We have chocolate cake for the dirt, green icing for the grass and white candy flowers."
After the kids went to bed, I then went to my lovely friend Cheryl's house. Cheryl did the decorating for the Ladies Tea which I MCd. I had asked her if I could borrow some of the material to decorate for Nicole's party and she was more then generous.
The next morning our lovely, Caffeinated Chieftain came over and helped me decorate. Ok, the first 45 minutes we drank coffee and "planned" what we were going to do (that's our story and we're sticking to it!). Then we started decorating with all the material I was lent.
After decorating, Sam woke from his nap and we realized quickly that the decorations were not baby friendly. Luckily, my Bible Babe Pat was taking the boys for the party or we would have had drastic consequences.
The piece de resistance was the mannequin that Cheryl lent me. The girls went wild upon seeing it. Cheryl is so talented. The dress is just pinned on material. Isn't she lovely?
After all my stressing and all my worrying, the party went off without a hitch. I had three crafts planned, but Andrea is all her wisdom talked me into two. It didn't take much talking into. I, however, did forget to plan games and decided quickly to play musical chairs and Princess and the Pea. However, the girls decided instead of playing Princess and the Pea, Hide and Seek was a lot better.Here's the Princess just before blowing out her cake.
Hope you all enjoyed the Princess Party as much as we did. Andrea and I are both available for weddings and bar mitzvahs. Now go and tell our Caffeinated Chieftain what your Randomness is today.Thursday, June 17, 2010
Introducing the Lost & Found Book Club
Two weeks ago, I asked everyone if they were interested in a book club. I even said that I would proceed with only one other person. There seemed to be some interest and definitely one person jumped on board - Thanks Kela!!!
I thought as summer was coming on that it would be good to start with a non-fiction book. Kela and I went through our books and determined that we both owned Captivating:Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John & Stasi Eldredge (the first edition). If you've read this book, then feel free to read it again and join our discussion.
We will be reading this book over the summer as we soak up the sun by the paddling pool. We will meet up on Friday, August 27, 2010 (time to be determined) at my community pages on The Blog Frog . I hope you all are as excited as I am.
In anticipation of our Book Club I made a grab box (my first). So "grab" the box and let your friends know what we're up to.
Happy Reading and I look forward to discussing this book with as many of you as possible.
We will be reading this book over the summer as we soak up the sun by the paddling pool. We will meet up on Friday, August 27, 2010 (time to be determined) at my community pages on The Blog Frog . I hope you all are as excited as I am.
In anticipation of our Book Club I made a grab box (my first). So "grab" the box and let your friends know what we're up to.
Happy Reading and I look forward to discussing this book with as many of you as possible.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Wednesday's Voice - Iraq
Christian man shot and killed in Kirkuk, Iraq
Christians in Iraq have expressed fear of renewed violence after 34-year-old Hani Salim Wadi was shot and killed in front of his home in Kirkuk on June 7. Hani, a Christian businessman, is survived by his wife and daughter. Those who witnessed the shooting have described it as a "targeted killing." Several Christians in Kirkuk and Mosul have been the targets of serious attacks in recent months Chaldean Archbishop Emil Nona said: "We are seeing another, the umpteenth, attack against Christians. The violence continues without relief." (Source: Zenit)
Pray for those mourning the loss of Hani.
Ask God to guard the hearts of Iraqi Christians against fear and enable them to continue serving Him with boldness.
That they will know that the Heavenly Father defends the oppressed and the fatherless ( Psalm 10:17,18)
Pray for those mourning the loss of Hani.
Ask God to guard the hearts of Iraqi Christians against fear and enable them to continue serving Him with boldness.
That they will know that the Heavenly Father defends the oppressed and the fatherless ( Psalm 10:17,18)
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Sorry for the delay.......
I must apologize to everyone for not blogging this past week. It was a busy week. First, I had the Princess' Birthday Party. I'll be sharing pictures of Andrea's and my awesome decorating ability this Friday for Caffeinated Randomness.
Then just as we got the kids to bed, I spent Thursday evening doing laundry to prep for going away to my husband's Family Reunion. For those who have been following this blog for a while, you will know that I would rather clean bathrooms then do laundry. I spent Monday putting away said laundry and there's still more. Does it ever go away?
We had an amazing time at the Family Reunion. Everyone stayed or camped at my brother-in-law's farm. I didn't know I had a daughter all weekend. She was so busy playing with her cousins. Thomas spent time running around the yard and Sam was kept busy by his cousin who is almost babysitting age and is in love with him.
The reason for the family reunion was to celebrate my in-laws 55th Wedding Anniversary. They were happy that everyone was able to get together and enjoy time with each other. There were a few missing, but overall everyone had fun. As well, the town my in-laws live in were also celebrating their 100 Anniversary that weekend, so it was busy. We all went as a family to the pancake breakfast and sat together to watch the parade which was all about the Past and the Present. I caught this picture of Thomas with his Opa during the parade.
By the way, have I ever mentioned that I'm a city girl through and through. My husband still laughs when I ask him questions like "Do you bale alfalfa?" So this weekend, I actually got to ride a quad. My first ride was with Leroy who drove me around the yard. Later, I decided that if my 15 year old niece could drive it herself, so could I. There was a certain consensus among the group that I wouldn't be coming back (alive??). I actually did OK, even though I did almost end up in a ditch while turning. This is a picture of the quad I drove. It's bigger than it looks.
I hope everyone had a fun weekend.
PS: The book club will be going ahead, more information Thursday.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Wednesday's Voice - Pakistan
Kidnapped Pakistani Christian returns home
A Christian woman, who was kidnapped, forced to marry a Muslim farmer and pressured to convert to Islam recently escaped and returned home after weeks of "captivity and torture." Sania James (33) was kidnapped on April 5 by armed men who stormed her parents' house in the small town of Rawat, Pakistan. The gunmen allegedly told her father that he would see his daughter again only if he paid back his loan of 250,000 rupees (approximately $3,040 CAD) plus 30 percent interest, though they had previously agreed upon a rate of 15 percent. The armed men then took her to her father's employer, Mohammad Shahbaz Ali, and forced her to marry him. She was continuously tortured when she refused to convert to Islam. Faraz Samson, a local pastor, said of the situation, "I am shocked that a daughter of a poor man has been kidnapped, and the law can’t do anything." (Source: Compass Direct)
Thank God for Sania's return home.
Ask Him to heal and restore her, and keep her and her family safe.
Pray that authorities will do all they can to uphold the rights of Christian women in Pakistan, as they are particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
A Christian woman, who was kidnapped, forced to marry a Muslim farmer and pressured to convert to Islam recently escaped and returned home after weeks of "captivity and torture." Sania James (33) was kidnapped on April 5 by armed men who stormed her parents' house in the small town of Rawat, Pakistan. The gunmen allegedly told her father that he would see his daughter again only if he paid back his loan of 250,000 rupees (approximately $3,040 CAD) plus 30 percent interest, though they had previously agreed upon a rate of 15 percent. The armed men then took her to her father's employer, Mohammad Shahbaz Ali, and forced her to marry him. She was continuously tortured when she refused to convert to Islam. Faraz Samson, a local pastor, said of the situation, "I am shocked that a daughter of a poor man has been kidnapped, and the law can’t do anything." (Source: Compass Direct)
Thank God for Sania's return home.
Ask Him to heal and restore her, and keep her and her family safe.
Pray that authorities will do all they can to uphold the rights of Christian women in Pakistan, as they are particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Music Monday - It's All About the Princess
This week it's all about the princess.
She has ruled this roust since birth. She is Daddy's princess and Mama's little girl. She is a kindhearted little girl who is quick to make friends and loves to include new children in her play. She is a great help with her brothers and enjoys playing with both of them (of course, its her game or else). She prefers playing with her dolls to listening to Hannah Montana. She thinks Hip Hop is her Jungle Book cd. She loves to read. Trying not to sound like an overly proud mama, she is one of the top readers in her class and is already reading at a grade 2 level.
She is also very funny. Some of my favourite comments have come from her. Her teacher tells me all the time that Nicole makes her laugh everyday. She is a joy to all around her.
Above all she has a heart for God. She knows where he lives ("in the sky mommy, above the airplanes" (2 year old quote)). She is honestly saddened when she hears there are members of our family that do not have Jesus in their hearts.
When trying to pick her song for her baptism, I had great plans on choosing a praise favourite of mine. I can't even remember which one. My husband thought that a traditional hymn would be better. He was so right. I went through our church hymnal trying to figure out which one would be appropriate. However, it was through one of my worship cds that we were able to chose. It was a new spin on Blessed Assurance. When hearing the words I knew that I wanted her to always be assured that God was with her and would never leave her. Having been raised as a non-Christian this is something I still struggle with.
My hope is that she will always praise her Saviour and this is her song......
Blessed Assurance
(1) Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Chorus: This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
(2) Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above,
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
(3)Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Now go and share your Music Monday with Shawntele at Saved by Grace. Hopefully she is finished moving back North and is not being swamped with boxes.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Caffeinated Randomness - Books & Blogs
This week I've been a little lazy. In fact, I've put off a lot of things - cleaning, laundry, homelitics...all for a book.
It all started with Twilight - New Moon. I watched the movie a few nights while feeding the baby (there really isn't anything on here at 11 pm unless you enjoy Real Housewives of some wealthy community that I really don't care about). I realized that I hadn't read the book in a while. So, I picked it up the next day and become engrossed. It didn't help that I had nothing else to read and desperately needed to go to the library.
I have read this book a few times now since first purchasing it 17 months ago. The series has become my "comfort books." Comfort books are the books that I turn to when I'm bored, tired, depressed (They are also the ones that I keep on my already overstocked book shelf). I've already read it, so I feel its ok if I skim parts of it. However, once in, then I have to keep reading. After 5 days, I have again finished the series. Luckily, I've some new reading material from the library.
It all started with Twilight - New Moon. I watched the movie a few nights while feeding the baby (there really isn't anything on here at 11 pm unless you enjoy Real Housewives of some wealthy community that I really don't care about). I realized that I hadn't read the book in a while. So, I picked it up the next day and become engrossed. It didn't help that I had nothing else to read and desperately needed to go to the library.
I have read this book a few times now since first purchasing it 17 months ago. The series has become my "comfort books." Comfort books are the books that I turn to when I'm bored, tired, depressed (They are also the ones that I keep on my already overstocked book shelf). I've already read it, so I feel its ok if I skim parts of it. However, once in, then I have to keep reading. After 5 days, I have again finished the series. Luckily, I've some new reading material from the library.
I love to read and am always looking for new books. I joined a book club at our local library, unfortunately I've only enjoyed 3 of the books we've read. Not that book clubs are supposed to be about books you enjoy. They are supposed to push you and make you think. However, a lot of the books we have read are purely FLUFF! There I said it. The other thing about my book club is that we have only met regarding 4 books out of I believe 12. What's the point of a book club that doesn't meet.
Andrea had a book club on her blog late last year. She canceled it immediately after my first involvement as there was very little interest (I don't know if it was purely coincidental or not. Luckily I'm shopping with her today so maybe she'll fess up). I was pumped about it at the time and after reading our one book, became very sad about it's failing.
This week I've had an epiphany (ok, one of many this week, but more about that on a later date). I've decided that I want to start a book club. Are you in? I think that because you, like me, probably have a tonne of books in your night stand that you purchased 3 years ago and haven't read, that we should do titles that aren't recent. That way, you don't have to run out and buy it or if you have to get it through the library there won't be 455 holds on the book. I also think that we should do non-fiction and fiction.
Now many of us are on Blog Frog. I'll admit that I'm still figuring it out and not as regular on it as I could be. So the idea goes even further. We could use the discussion post on Lost's..Blog Frog Community to discuss the book on a certain date and time. That way we would all be discussing it in real time.
Are you interested? I'm excited to hear what every one thinks or if anyone thinks this is a great idea. I'll even proceed if there's only two of us. I'd say one, but then people might talk and send me away......
I look forward to hearing from you all. I'm pumped! Are you? Now go and see what our Caffeinated Chieftain is up to today.
Andrea had a book club on her blog late last year. She canceled it immediately after my first involvement as there was very little interest (I don't know if it was purely coincidental or not. Luckily I'm shopping with her today so maybe she'll fess up). I was pumped about it at the time and after reading our one book, became very sad about it's failing.
This week I've had an epiphany (ok, one of many this week, but more about that on a later date). I've decided that I want to start a book club. Are you in? I think that because you, like me, probably have a tonne of books in your night stand that you purchased 3 years ago and haven't read, that we should do titles that aren't recent. That way, you don't have to run out and buy it or if you have to get it through the library there won't be 455 holds on the book. I also think that we should do non-fiction and fiction.
Now many of us are on Blog Frog. I'll admit that I'm still figuring it out and not as regular on it as I could be. So the idea goes even further. We could use the discussion post on Lost's..Blog Frog Community to discuss the book on a certain date and time. That way we would all be discussing it in real time.
Are you interested? I'm excited to hear what every one thinks or if anyone thinks this is a great idea. I'll even proceed if there's only two of us. I'd say one, but then people might talk and send me away......
I look forward to hearing from you all. I'm pumped! Are you? Now go and see what our Caffeinated Chieftain is up to today.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Wednesday's Voice - Pakistan
Girl raped, family forced to flee in Pakistan
A Pakistani Christian man, Zafar Masih, and his family fled the predominately Muslim town of Nai Abadi Tatlay Aali, Punjab province after he accused a Muslim of beating and raping his 12-year-old daughter on May 12. His daughter, whose name was withheld, stated that Ali, a 28-year-old business man, attacked her when she went to his home where she worked as a house servant. Zafar immediately went to the police station to file charges, but the Station House Officer Inspector refused and began to pressure him to withdraw the accusation. A powerful local politician along with the area's largest land owner, Imtiyaz Kharral, has since threatened to maim or kill him. Even with the immense pressure, Zafar refused to withdraw his application. The Inspector has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he declined to register a rape case because he did not want to harm the Christian girl's dignity. Instead, he had recommended trying to resolve the conflict in a public gathering. At a meeting held at Imtiyaz's farmhouse on May 13, the Christians were not permitted to even speak. Zafar was told that he had to drop the rape charge or else he and all local Christian families would be relocated.
Most of the Christians in this area of Pakistan are construction laborers, sanitation workers and domestic servants working for daily wages. "My eldest daughter worked as a maidservant for a monthly salary of 500 rupees (approximately $6.00 CAD) to lend a hand," Zafar said. "We Christians in Pakistan have no life even dogs live better life than us." (Source: Compass Direct)
Pray for God's healing and mercy in the life of Zafar's daughter.
Ask God to sustain and provide for her and her family at this time.
Pray that as they suffer they will remain steadfast in the faith (1 Peter 5:8-10) and that there will be equality and justice for Christians in Pakistan.
Most of the Christians in this area of Pakistan are construction laborers, sanitation workers and domestic servants working for daily wages. "My eldest daughter worked as a maidservant for a monthly salary of 500 rupees (approximately $6.00 CAD) to lend a hand," Zafar said. "We Christians in Pakistan have no life even dogs live better life than us." (Source: Compass Direct)
Pray for God's healing and mercy in the life of Zafar's daughter.
Ask God to sustain and provide for her and her family at this time.
Pray that as they suffer they will remain steadfast in the faith (1 Peter 5:8-10) and that there will be equality and justice for Christians in Pakistan.
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- Michelle
- Alberta, Canada
- I'm a 39 year old (oh yeah I'm telling you my age) Stay at Home mom. A former Bad Girl now reformed sinner, I'm married to my Y2K guy and raising 3 great children from God. Proudly Canadian, however, missing the West Coast, I currently live in the prairies watching the farmers fields produce as I learn how God produces the fruits in me.
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