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This is the journey of a new author and her new Christian romance novel.
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1. Creep Street: The Long Story of Great Fashion and High Standard of Growth

Creep Street CLothing

The younger generation love to have different types of clothes to wear and they look for such a best one to wear. The most preferred costume would be round neck T-shirt it is clothing can be used to hang out with friends outside, to party and more. They offer different types clothing and accessories for both the genders and that differs with various stages of searching for the clothes. The designs are more crazy than ever thought and designs with the craziness will go on for all the costume. They sale not only clothes and other stuffs also like cups, tattoos designed and small dolls.

About Creep Street

The creep street is name under the stores named called Karmaloop. It was started as the ordinary stores and it faced lots of problems initially. There is nothing new about this store and in the end it went to the verge of flop and the owner of the karma loop is start to think to shut down the stores.
Suddenly he got an idea with the help of his friends and parents financially he able to open stores again and made some creative ideas like Creep Street and it become grand successes and able to gain him a name for the business and it become more grand business now and reaching thousands of customers every time.

Success of Creep Street

The owner of the Karmaloop is Greg Selkoe owner of the creep street concept. It gives a wide collection costumes for the people who looks difference in taste and preference. This is really great level of grandeur for customer love to have difference. The creep street is one different set of clothes available for the both men and women in different categories and with great style. The creep street is absolutely difference in style and printing of the T shirt is more different than anything else and this collection is available with lesser price and grand in quality and style in making
The quality of the product is still higher than the any other product available the market. Many teenage girls and boys would like to have apparel from the creep street because of the latest fashion of clothing that gives more likes on the clothes. This costume is more famous among the customers that belong to ages of early adult hood. The wide range of collection will give maximum density to select the best one among the best available in the stores. The stores are exclusively classified to man and women all the materials in different variety and designs.

The Collection of Creep Street

There is separate collection available for the both men and women. The men collection is jackets, pants, shirts, t-shirts, tops and accessories. The women collections are classified into skirts, tops, pants, jackets, tops and other dresses. The creep street is best place to shop for the best costume in the world for the more affordable price with greater quality.

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2. Supra: A Super Collection of Footwear and Skater Products

Supra Shoes

Supra is a famous footwear brand throughout the globe. An extraordinary design of footwear induces everybody to prefer this brand’s footwear every time. The most excellent features of footwear give the best value to money throughout its usage. A stylish appearance is the main reason for why youngsters like to wear this brand’s footwear at all the time. Many skaters around the world have a preference on this brand with the purpose to own the most suitable footwear to feel comfort. As compared to more than a few brands of sneakers at present, supra is the most reputable brand of trendiest sneakers.

A short history of Supra

Angel Cabada launched Supra in 2006. He fell in love with incredible skateboarding. That is why his focus and dreams about footwear especially footwear for skaters come into reality. The Latin name supra means that above and beyond. This footwear company released signature model shoes from leading team riders such as Erik Ellington and Tom Penny.  In December 2012, this company released a 260-page coffee table book. This book contains everything about the company supra. Even though this company started in 2006, very good reputation worldwide and success continuously catch the attention of every company in the footwear industry.  Ellington felt proud to be a part of incredible footwear supra.  This book serves as the best catalog to this company’s products and team riders and collaborations.

In January 31, 2013, Supra launched The Hammer on the Internet. The Hammer is Jim Greco’s second signature shoe. This video’s theme is a promotion for this model. As compared to his first signature model The Suprano, this model attracted many skaters. This shoe’s features give lots of benefits to every user. This low top skate shoe is suitable to attract skaters of all age group. Minimal branding and a long vamp on the upper part of the shoe are increasing reputation of supra brand among skaters and regular customers. In March 15, 2013, Supra owns stores worldwide. Three locations of Supra Stores are Paris, France, Santa Monica, California, US and New Your City, New York, US.

The Collections

Supra footwear products are available for men, women and children. Stylish footwear items are available with easy of access now to support skaters. That is why skaters feel free to prefer their favorite brand’s new arrivals. Every facility in supra store surprises every customer at all the time. Very good brand’s incredible collections support skaters to decide on the best footwear and other products like cap. Gift Cards from Supra make customers more contented than ever.

An example for Supra footwear model is Backwood.  This shoe’s hybrid designs create a center of attention without fail. This boot is light always. That is why users can feel comfortable. Heavy-duty rubber increases its lifetime. As a result, customers get more benefits. The Clutter Mid Top for Women is slim in its design. Unique materials of this model give a unique look to every woman. This model is available in black and orange colors.

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3. Android Homme: Great Footwear Collections With Branded Products

Don’t forget to check out Kazbah Coupons and Karmaloop coupons before you purchase these shoes.

Android Homme High tops

In the present generation Android Homme becomes very famous in the minds of the youth. This brand is mainly famous for shoes. After the invention of this product we can see many people wearing this branded shoe for walking and is considered to be latest fashion sensation in shoes. We can see many celebrities making use of this product and discussing about this brand and cost seems to be so high. After these product many brand have come into the industry. But then people feel more comfortable with this product and this stand high in position and proved to be successful.

History behind Android Homme

Android Homme was found in the year 2008 in Los Angeles and become more specialized in foot ware products. This brand has come under the retro concept for designing the foot wares. The designer named Javier Laval is a consultant for the life style and informed about the fashion world. He successfully reinvented the ionic footwear designs and now it is considered to be famous among the people. Then he made a try over the ionic and then mixed with the today’s product to invent the future product.

There is a company behind Android Homme naming Truestar media, which is boutique branding and marketing company. Then the consultant designed according to the customers wish and finally this brand has experienced popularity in the minds of the people due to incredible designs that are coupled with the use of the stunning materials and made the people to feel as the best for whoever feels uncomfortable.

Behind the designer of Android Homme

Android Homme focuses mainly on the high quality footwear that will long forever. The young brand has its own right. With its many years of experiences, the company was able to use their knowledge on how to be creative and stylish when it comes to footwear. This brand provides the consumers with the industry standard foot wear. Each shoe is designed with the imaginable high standard quality.

Android Homme offers the comfortable that comes with great looks, and they are constructed in the imaginative ways that makes the customer speak out the brand. From low tops to high tops shoes, the company sure knows how what the customers want. There offer huge variety of collection with the best quality.

At present Android Homme has come out with the best summer tees in 2013. Designer now made a try over t-shirts that go through multiple wears and washes while aging well for long time. He had opted garment dyed, silicon washed with the cut and sew blank that gives the best features like elongated fit to the man. The summer graphics that includes the empowering “I am the future” with a sly nod that resembles the ancient designs. Get to know about the offers and make a try over this brand and get the benefits of it.

Where can you buy Android Homme?

As now we know about this brand, so where can you find and buy this great footwear products? You should try to find them at Karmaloop.com and PLNDR. At Karmaloop, you have to check out the Kazbah marketplace to be able to locate these shoes. These are the two stores that carry them from time to time.

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4. Herschel Supply Co: Feel Comfort Forever With the Branded Accessories

Herschel Supply Co Bags

A short History of Herschel’s

Herschel supply co was started early in the year 1900’s in Wick, Scotland in a town of Herschel. The great grandchildren of Alexander Cormack remain in this manufacturing business but instead of barrels now bags have been manufactured according to the youth’s taste. The company formed by him is still thriving in the present world while staying true to the fundamental belief of bringing well-designed quality product to the market.

In the present generation the new business has come out by remodeling all the old products according to the present generation. Not all the companies can boast finding the blend of past, present and future successfully. This brand started with several goals in mind, which are bring high quality and well designed products to the current market. The mission is to attract customers and remain as a competitive advantage company in the industry. This brand comes out with many new modern styles that make the customers feel comfortable for travelling.

Get Benefited with Herschel Supply

Herschel supply co reinvents all the old products with different shapes, fits and feels along with the fine regard. This product endeavors to compliment the customer’s passion for in individuality long with the personal style in a new way. This product complements all the fashions including past, present and future and makes the customer feel comfortable with all the necessary facilities.

The name Herschel supply co indicates the heritage, style, quality, and the excellently crafted products. This brand is mainly famous for bags that represents over 100 years of family based craftsmanship resulting in durable bags that are as hard working along with the active life style in their stride. Herschel bags forward the fashion to the upcoming generation who are seeking out for the same stylish and independent wide range varieties of bags.

At present there are wide varieties of styles, sizes, and colors of backpack that appeal to the person who is seeing for the multiple purpose products. The little American Crest Rip stops in particular stir which is considered to be the adventure in your heart. Have a look over the Herschel supply co bags with the help of the books they offer in the showroom and grab your backpack, which have always been great in stimulating the wanderlust inside us.

Everything that comes under this brand is made up of the genuine nature, which seems to be so different when compared to any other product and gives us the natural feel. The main aim of this brand is to be a part of the life style that they promote for each and every product. The trendiest collection in this brand is the classic backpack, which is compact in size with bright colored, but not so flashy, that fits well but not restrictive with the pretty perfect. None other bags can replace this comfort. So have a try over this product and experience the comfort.

Where to buy Herschel Supply Co Products?

If you are looking for backpacks, bags, wallets or anything products, you can find them at Karmaloop.com.

The company has wide variety of Herschel products and their latest collection as well. Beside that, you can get additional discounts with their latest promo codes. I will tell you right now, it is a deal you cannot miss!

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5. Karmaloop Coupons (Promo and Rep Codes) for May 2014

 

Karmaloop.com Logo

  • 20% Off on your first Karmaloop.com order
    Enter RepCode: SALES into the “rep code” box at checkout page
    Notes: Code never expire! 10% Off after first order
  • 21% Off & Free Shipping + $20 Giftcode
    Enter RepCode: SALES + Promo Code: SPRING2014 at checkout
    Notes: Code never expire! 10% Off after first order

Here are some FAQs from the customers of Karmaloop:

How much can I save with Karmaloop coupon codes?

This is depends on what codes you are using. Some codes allow you to save with certain percentage off, while others offer free shipping or both. The percentage that you will probably see the most is 20% off.

Where can I find the best Karmaloop codes?

This is the best and most updated website when it comes to discount codes for Karmaloop. We always update the list and include every single coupon so you don’t miss out on the best codes.

What exactly are Karmaloop coupons?

Karmaloop coupons are the discount coupons that you can use to shop at Karmaloop.com. You can apply these codes at checkout to buy accessories, fashion, jewelry and much more. You always need to stay fresh from heads to toes and with these codes; you will be able to complete your wardrobe by purchasing more items. Maybe you can get an additional t-shirt or sneaker because some codes will help you save as much as 40% off!

What are the differences between Karmaloop promo code and rep code?

Both of these codes help you save, but combining both codes will save you even more. Rep code usually will help you save 20% off on your first Karmaloop order and 10% off for every order after that. While promo codes vary from time to time, it is up to the company to put out whatever promo code that they want. But one tip we want you to remember is to always combine both promo code and rep code together at checkout.

What are the advantages of combing promo codes with rep code?

When you combine two codes together, you will receive more savings. With more savings, you can use that additional money to purchase more items or on other things. For instance, a promo code “30off” gives you 30% off on your order. If you combine with a rep code, it will give you 31% off instead! Yes, rep code gives you additional 1% off on top of it.

How come the promo or rep codes did not work for my orders?

There are some limitations for these discount codes. For instance, the coupon codes do not work on certain brands, such as 10 Deep, Billionaire Boys Club, Nixon and more. You can check out the full list of brands that do not work. Some codes will only apply to certain selected styles. If the code does not work for you the first time, feel free to contact the customer support or leave a comment below so we can help you out.

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6. WESC: The Attractive New Face of Urban Clothing

Before you purchase any items, don’t forget to check out our latest deals: Karmaloop codes and PLNDR codes

WESC Sweater

ABOUT WESC

In the developing advances, as a latest trend a set of new urban clothing designers has emerged. WESC was founded in 1999; Swedish underground artists and skateboarders recognized the brand. Due to its aesthetic designs and creativity, it started to catch more attentions from other streetwear heads.

As the details showed on April 2013, WESC maintained its relationship with individuals as well as skateboarders and musicians, who the company referred as “We Activists.” Hundreds of these new street brands have been cropped up in these few years, which strived to create something different than the mass production of clothing available at American malls, which includes WESC (We Are the Superlative Conspiracy).

DISCOVER WESC CLOTHING

WESC clothing is best suited for v-figure type of person. The accessories that best compliment these jeans brand are probably fashionable glasses, high-top sneakers and graphic tees. Probably those who preferred from the style of business world to the casual style were being welcomed by the WESC fashion.

The most popular products that customers order from WESC brands are their jeans and pants line. These lines are attractive to men’s streetwear in today’s urban fashion. These jeans and pants are straight, slim and able to fit each of the modern man’s taste for pants in this generation.

TAKE YOUR FASHION IN HANDS BY WESC CLOTHING

The fashion within WESC has relationship with more than just individuals; they also have stylish clothes for surfers as well. The company wants to target others as well, but maintain its roots and originality at the same time. This is no surprise as the goals are to practice on this current generation with these styles of clothing. There are also noticeable brands that compliment with WESC such as DGK, Element and Vans.

WHERE CAN I BUY WESC PRODUCTS?

With WESC growing, so are their fans. You can find their latest collections either at Karmaloop.com or their online stores.

These two websites have the newest collections. What separated the two is that Karmaloop offers greater discounts when you purchase from them. Overall, the satisfactions you will receive are the same.

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7. A Fond Farewell


There is an old saying that states -- All Good Things Must Come To An End, and for the Kids Korner, that time is now. I have loved every minute spent writing my Monday posts, but as I have grown as an author, so have the demands on my time.
Therefore, it is with great sadness that I say that this is my last post on the Sister's In Cahoots Website. I want to thank each and every one of my followers for taking the time to read my posts every Monday. And I invite you all to follow me on my personal blog Aileen's Thoughts.

Happy Reading!

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8. Numbered Days

As I sit here and enter our son's grades into the homeschooling umbrella school, it hit me all over again. 

My job as a homeschooling mother is almost over.


Property of Amanda Stephan - do not use


And even though we've had our days I'm seriously going to miss it. So bad that I don't have a clue what I'm going to do with my time once he graduates. I know, it's a few years away, but somehow, while I was doing the necessary accounting of my teaching actions, it hit me upside the head.

My days are numbered.

That shouldn't surprise me. The Bible says in 

Psalm 90:12 - So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 

You know how it is. You do the same old thing every single day, even some Saturdays, and it becomes routine. Old hat. So when you sit down to start another new day of teaching, you fill the quiet, seat-work times with things you want to do. Like read. That's why I have a huge reading list. I realize it isn't as large as some, but I also didn't add some books that are sitting on my shelf that I'm already reading. 

And then, there's times where the crafty side of me kicks in and I have to craft or I'll go crazy. Like crochet a bedspread. A new hat, scarf, and gloves, or a skirt. And I keep adding things on my plate until I can't see over the top. Like learning how to make beautiful bead jewelry.

And I forget to number my days and to focus on what's really important.

My family.
My son's education. <~ I'm going to miss it so much when he's done. I really am. I'll struggle with the 'am I good for anything else' garbage, I'm sure, but right now, he's what I must focus first and foremost on. 

What about you? What does it take for you to realize that life is transient? You won't live forever. Is it a death in your family? Grade accounting? Another birthday? 

Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.

I pray we remember that and thank Him for another day.

Amanda Stephan~Christian Author
Twitter LinkedIn Blogger  Google Plus goodreads

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9. Book Review: Through the Fog by Karina Harris



"Jake Holland fears he will never be happy again now that the woman he loves has married another man. In an effort to escape the agony of her nearness, he takes up a new profession, as a sheriff’s deputy. Now he is determined to learn the skills it takes to keep his town, and those he loves, safe from the ever growing threat of lawlessness.
Suzanna Chamberlin is in no hurry to find a husband. She is content to stay in the confines of her loving family and friends. But when Nathan Ford gets hired on to take Jake’s place at the General Store, she begins to rethink her priorities.
Neither is ready for the adventures or danger headed their way. In a wild land filled with even wilder men, will Jake find the strength to protect the town from rustlers and thieves? And when faced with a choice, will Suzanna take the step to find true love or be fooled by charm?" (book description)
I love a good story set in the old west when things were simpler and life was about relationships. People knew how to work hard and build their dreams with their own two hands. As the saying goes, "they were simpler times".
In this book, we watch Jake pine for his lost love and then learn to move on from that to find the love that God had for him all along. I remember in the last book, Elements of Change, when we first met Jake. He was just a bit character in that book, but here we finally find out the story behind Jake Holland and I personally began to love his character. I felt sorry for him when he had to watch the woman he loved marry another man, I cheered for him when he found a way to make life worth living again, and I was very happy for him when life took a turn he never imagined.
The characters were very well thought out, the situations believable, and the era it was set in was accurate from what I could tell. I love the way Karina Harris, the author, puts her heart and soul into her stories.
This, like all the books by Karina Harris, was very worth the read!

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10. A Bounty Of Bears: Part Two

As I promised last week, today we will take a look at three Christmas books where bears are the main character. The first book, The Snow Bear, is quite interesting in that it contains unique textures on each page. The story tells of a small polar bear who has lost his mother. His forest friends help him to build a snow mother to keep him company until his mother returns. The small bear is somewhat comforted by the snow mother, but nothing can really take the place of one's real mother. I was excited to see that besides paperbacks and hard backs, there is an audio version available for only 95 cents on Amazon.




Bear's Christmas Star by Mireille D'Allance is a lovely story about how disappointed bear is when it seems he is too small to help decorate the Christmas tree that Papa bear brings home. He can't reach to add the garland. He can't reach to add the candles. But just when bear thinks he is too small to do anything, Papa needs his help to reach the top of the tree where the star must sit. Finally, something bear is not too small to help with!




And finally, I read Bear's First Christmas which is a beautiful rhyming story. It's the story of bear and some friends he finds along the way as he searches to find out what the beautiful sound was that woke him from his sleep. What they find at the house all aglow is something so special it remains with them for the rest of their days.




So ends an other episode of Kids Korner, with me, children's author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal website, Fun With Aileen, any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and my very own early grade chapter book Fern Valley. And be sure to watch for Return To Fern Valley coming summer of 2014!  

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11. A Bounty Of Bears: Part One

Did you ever wonder why we are attracted to certain things? For instance, why do some people collect dolls or why do some people love motorcycles? I have no idea why, but I love bears. I have always loved bears ever since I was a little girl. There was my very first teddy bear that I received as a gift when I was four, and which I still have despite his chewed off nose.




There is my little set of bears that my mom gave me which my dad had given her.




There is the little glass bear my mom gave me for Christmas years ago. 




There is my bear bank and my Boyd's Bears






And there is my brother and sister bears from the period when I collected Cherished Teddies. They always remind me of my brother and me.




With such a bounty of bears in my house, I thought it was high time to review a bounty of bear books. I found so many great looking bear books at my library (I didn't even dent the collection) that I decided to review bear books in general today and Christmas bear books next Monday. But before I even had time to crack open the first book, my daughter had read Grizzly Dad by Joanna Harrison and insisted on reading it to me.





She thought it was funny that the dad, who wasn't feeling well, turned into a cranky old grizzly bear. And as his son took care of him,  he made awful messes all around the house. To find out what the mom had to say when she returned home, you will have to check out this fun book for yourself.

The next book, which my daughter also apparently read, was Very Hairy Bear by Matt Phelan. I just love the cover and the simple text takes very hairy bear through all of the seasons where he caches salmon, hunts for honey, eats berries, and takes a long winter nap. The exquisite illustrations reminded me of beautiful chalk drawings and added wonderful dimension to the story.


 

Book three, Bear With Me, by Max Kornell, is a great book for children who might be experiencing jealousy or hurt feelings due tot the arrival of a new sibling. Owen doesn't like surprises and that includes the new bear his mom and dad bring home. The new bear ruins everything by snoring too loudly, and causing Owen to have to share his room, his toys, and his parents attention. Owen wishes that there was no new bear, or does he?




So ends an other episode of Kids Korner, with me, children's author Aileen Stewart. Don't forget to stop back next week for three equally exciting Christmas stories involving bears, same crazy time, same crazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal website, Fun With Aileen, any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and my very own early grade chapter book Fern Valley. And be sure to watch for Return To Fern Valley coming summer of 2014!  

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12. Christian Devotional - I'm Finished!

I'm finished!

Yep, I finished the all-important and somewhat daunting task of Christmas shopping yesterday in a flurry of final stores. I was able to get every gift bought and wrapped. I feel like I've run a marathon to get through this time of year every year!

As I was thinking about being finished, I was automatically reminded of a other time that phrase was used. Jesus said that very same thing from the cross as he was completing the sacrifice for sins that was the purpose for His coming to earth. John 19:30 says, "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."

This time of year we celebrate the birth of Christ because it is the start of the fulfillment of the promise that God made to provide a means of salvation for us. Years later, He would complete the work through his sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the dead.

As we think about checking off the items on our list to prepare for the holiday, we can be reminded that God has done work on our behalf as well. He has finished the work that He came to do to provide for our salvation, all that is left is for each of us to make the individual decision to follow Him.

So when you think of finishing this year, and not just the shopping, but everything else that you had planned for the year 2013, have you also accepted the finished work of Jesus?

Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook page

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13. The Dragons Have Arrived

Since I have only one lonely daughter, I tend to pick out books I know she will be interested in; but that made me think that perhaps I should read and review some books for boys (girls will enjoy them as well). Since dragons were the first animals I thought of, that is the kind of books I looked for when I was at the library.

The first two books I read, Dragon Gets By and Dragon's Fat Cat are both by the same author, Dav Pilkey, who writes the Captain Underpants series. They are super great reads for boys who are just beginning to read something other then picture books. The chapters are short, the main character, Dragon, is often confused and very funny, and the pictures quite amusing. In Dragon Gets By, Dragon wakes up groggy and pretty much does everything backwards. In Dragon's Fat Cat, he finds a cat sitting outside of his house in the snow. He invites the cat in, but he doesn't know how to take care of  the cat. Because of this, he goes to the store for help. In the end Dragon ends up with a very unexpected surprise.

 


 


The next book I read was Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin. After reading this book, boys will learn how to host the perfect taco party for dragons. They will learn what to serve and not serve the dragons. They will learn the consequences of serving spicy salsa to dragons. And believe me the results are not pretty. But most of all, they will solve the mystery of why dragons love tacos so much. Or will they?




And last but not least, I read Anna And The Little Green Dragon. I know the main character is a girl, but since it involved a dragon I thought I would throw it into the review mix as well. Anna is surprised one morning when a little green dragon jumps out of the corn flake box. The tiny dragon proceeds to make a huge mess for which Anna gets blamed. Anna tries to explain to her mother that the Dragon did it, but her mother doesn't believe her until an unexpected caller shows up at the front door.




So ends an other episode of Kids Korner, with me, children's author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal website, Fun With Aileen, any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and my very own early grade chapter book Fern Valley. And be sure to watch for Return To Fern Valley coming summer of 2014!  


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14. Christian Devotional - A Devotional for Kids

As parents we are to share with our children the great gift of the message of Jesus. Well, exactly how we are supposed to do that can be difficult sometimes. For this Christmas season, I highly recommend Christmas is About Jesus by Mukkove Johnson.


This is such a wonderful book that explains many of the traditional and commercial ideas that we see around us at this time of year and explains their spiritual significance. We can all learn from this book and allow that to help us remember the true reason for the season. If you click on the book cover picture, it will take you to the Amazon page, but it is also available from multiple other places. I encourage you to check it out as you prepare for this holiday season! Help your children (and yourself) to remember and focus on the true meaning of Christmas!

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15. Double The Fun For Christmas!

December has arrived in Ohio crisply and coldly and with it, the reminder that Christmas is just around the corner. With that in mind, I found two delightful books to share with you that are perfect for the Christmas season.

The first book, The Snow Angel, is a beautiful story of two small mice that find and help a tired and hungry snow goose, who they think is a snow angel. In the true spirit of Christmas, the selfless mice give their Christmas berries and nuts to the hungry snow angel without a thought for themselves. In the end, they are rewarded for their kindness with heaps of beautiful warm feathers with which to line their nest.



The second book, Junk Man's Daughter, is a moving story of an immigrant family and their struggles to earn a meager living. Persistence and hard work allows the family to eventually earn enough to buy a new red truck. So often we take our lives and our blessings for granted, The Junk Man's Daughter is a gentle reminder of what it means to be grateful, the importance of family, and the rewards of hard work.



So ends an other episode of Kids Korner, with me, children's author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal website, Fun With Aileen, any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and my very own early grade chapter book Fern Valley. And be sure to watch for Return To Fern Valley coming summer of 2014!  

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16. Book Review: The Priest's Graveyard by Ted Dekker

"Two abandoned souls are on the hunt for one powerful man. Soon, their paths will cross and lead to one twisted fate.
Danny Hansen is an Bosnian immigrant who came to America with hopes of escaping haunted memories of a tragic war that took his mother's life. Now he's a priest who lives by a law of love and compassion. It is powerful men and hypocrites who abide by legal law but eschew the law of love that most incense Danny. As an avenging angel, he believes it is his duty to show them the error of their ways, at any cost.
Renee Gilmore is the frail and helpless victim one such powerful man. Having escaped his clutches, she now lives only to satisfy justice by destroying him, regardless of whom she must become in that pursuit.
But when Danny and Renee's paths become inexorably entangled things go very, very badly and neither of them may make it out of this hunt alive.
Just not, or you too will be judged." (Book description from author's website)

The beginning of this book really drew me in, making me want to read more. The story of Danny and his reasons for coming to America tear at the heartstrings and make you realize that these horrors of the wars happening overseas are real, not just fiction in a book. Danny's character, as with all Dekker's characters was well written.
The beginning of Renee's story drew me in as well and made me feel for her. Her character was well written as well. What happens to Renee later in the book shows you just how messed up she really was and makes you want her to find hope and peace.
The story line itself is basic vigilante justice where the characters believe it's a call from God. The overlying lesson from the book is about "judge not, lest you be judged."
Though the story was written well, as it always is by Dekker, I have to say it's not one of my favorite books by him. It's a good read and I wouldn't tell you not to read it, but it's not my favorite.
I'll give The Priest's Graveyard a take it or leave it.

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17. Put Down The Cat and Clean Your Room!

This weekend I read two really fun books. The first one reminded me of my daughter and the second one reminded me of my now grown nieces. Sloppy Joe by Dave Keane is all about a really messy boy. If you ever saw my daughter's room, or her spot at the dinner table, or her clothes after a day at school, then you would certainly know why Sloppy Joe reminds me of her. She's not quite as sloppy as Joe, but no one would ever mistake her for a neat freak
 



Sloppy Joe is so messy his dad says he is a natural, his grandparents put down newspaper before he eats, and his room...Well, let's just say I have seen tidier pig styes. One day Sloppy Joe decides he will become neat Joe, and when his family gets sick, he tends to their needs. Is he really less sloppy then before? I will leave that up to you to decide. But rest assured, sloppy or neat, Joe is a special kid!




The second book, Come Back Cat, by Joan Nodset was a very simple book that would be good for children four to six. I had to laugh when I read this book about a little girl persistently trying to love on a kitty. It took me back many years to a time when my nieces spent every summer with me. My constant barrages of, "Didn't I tell you to put that cat down?" still ring in my ears to this day. It's always fun to find a book that brings back fond memories and this one did just that.



So ends an other episode of Kids Korner, with me, children's author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal website, Fun With Aileen, any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and my very own early grade chapter book Fern Valley. And be sure to watch for Return To Fern Valley coming summer of 2014!  

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18. Christian Devotional - Give Thanks!

Give thanks in everything!

As we look at Thanksgiving coming up this week, we typically take this time to reflect on the wonderful blessings that God has given us. But are we thanking God for everything in our life?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

When we hear people list out the things they are thankful for this time of year, it’s often just the listing of the happy things in their life. Yet, God is very clear here that we are to be thankful in all circumstances. So this year, I am making a conscious effort to be thankful in every circumstance.

I am thankful for as usual: my salvation through Jesus Christ, my fabulous husband, my amazing children, my wonderful friends, and my precious family.

In addition, I am also very thankful for that odd smell that is coming from my heater because God has allowed me to have the ability to smell and has also provided for the heater to still heat my home.

I am thankful for my day job that can be frustrating because God has allowed me to have a job and provided income and insurance for my family through it.

I am thankful for the struggles and stress that God has brought into my life because He is providing ways for me to learn through it and I am thankful that He is there for me to lean on as I go through them.

What are some of the things that you are thankful for?

Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook page

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19. Communicate. The World Will Thank You!

In a world of cell phones, email, and internet, not to mention the oldies like land lines, snail mail, and telegrams, you’d think effective communication would be a given. Not so much.

Great communication is absolutely essential to creating successful relationships. In a marriage, it’s a good thing if you know how to kiss. But if you don’t communicate, your marriage will fail. In the office, the boss will love you to death if you make a great pot of coffee. But if you fail to communicate, your position is doomed. In ministry it’s awesome to have volunteers. Without communication, you might as well hold the door open for them as they walk out. Any relationship requires good communication. No matter what type of relationship that is.

It pains me to watch a good thing go down the drain simply because of lack of communication.

Misunderstandings occur because of lack of communication. Hurt feelings and offences take place because of failure to communicate. Relationships grow stale. Friendships end. Marriages are destroyed. Business partners go their separate ways. Employees send out resumes to other employers. Mostly because of a lack of communication.

I’m gonna be transparent here for a minute. My husband and I have a great marriage. Is it perfect? No. But it is a good marriage. We know the value of communicating. Do we forget sometimes? You bet.

I’m a gifty kind of gal. I like them. I like little gifts, big gifts, cheap gifts and expensive gifts. I even like free gifts. If you are giving me something, it’s totally gonna make my day shine. Love gifts!

Well, my husband forgets that I like gifts. I came to the conclusion long ago that I can either be mad and grow bitter or tell him it’s time for flowers. Yeah, I know. It’s not so romantic. And after I beg for them, it’s not quite as fulfilling, but at least it keeps our marriage from falling apart.

I can hear your thoughts now. So, if you don’t get flowers your marriage will end? In a sense, yes, it will. Because I know what will happen if I let one bitter feeling take root. Another will soon come. Then another. And before you know it, my marriage will be held together by bitter strands of thread that can and will break when a real test comes.

See, communication keeps the foundation strong. Communication is the glue that holds everything together when a financial crisis hits or an unexpected catastrophe blows the house of cards over. If there is communication, the door is open for healing and restoration. Without communication everything falls apart.

No matter what type of relationships you are part of…learn to communicate. Your family, friends, employers, fellow employees, business partners, ministry partners, neighbors, acquaintances, why, even your enemies will thank you.

Thanks for taking the time to grow with me this Wednesday!
Darlene Shortridge, Author, Speaker, Singer
www.darleneshortridge.com
www.darleneshortridge.blogspot.com/

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20. 101 Random

Just thought I'd give an update of what I've been up to because I've been so quiet lately.

We joined a new church this past August, and it has been an amazing experience. There's a revival going on in my heart as well as my family's hearts. I am so grateful for what God has done for us. We've been helping out wherever we can, our son is very very active in the youth group (Praise God!) and my daughter and I joined the choir. It is rather daunting as it's a very large church, but we are seeing the hand of God in each step we've taken. We truly serve an amazing God.

My sewing machine is broken. And everything I want to make is with my sewing machine. *Sigh*  I've had this sewing machine for oh, about four, maybe five years, and it has given us nothing but trouble. So I put together a Consumer's Report type of review to save some poor sewer who is looking into purchasing an embroidery/sewing machine. Here's my review of the Husqvarna Viking Topaz 30.

I have not been writing. At all. Zippo. Not because I don't want to, but because our lives are up in the air again, and we're getting used to new schedules, school, karate classes, yada yada yada. It sounds like excuses, but trust me. This is momentus for us.

I have been learning something new, though. With hubby on his new shift, everything, and I mean everything is different and life revolves around him. And school. Nothing comes between me and school. Seriously. If I could get away with it, I'd do school 6 days a week. I grudgingly give our son Saturday and Sunday off. Not by my choice, either. 

But, with one child graduated and working, I'm beginning to realize that there will come another graduation, and then, wham. I will have time on my hands. So, being the ADD person I am, I've decided to start learning all those new things I've always wanted to learn. Right now, it's playing the Soprano Saxophone.

I've played the alto sax for high school, but haven't  really picked it up for, oh, 22 years. (You can thank my hubby for giving me the math on that. I thought it was rather mean of him...) The learning bug bit me, and I started playing it again, and remembered how much I love playing it. (I guess it helps that our new church has an orchestra and the song leader put the call out for players.)

alto saxophone


I must be honest here. I am no Kenny G. But I do have the willpower to be better and do a good job. I can play a pretty good rendition of Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer. Yes. I am proud of that. :) Maybe when I get better I'll post an audio clip. But don't hold your breath. ;)

And then, of course, because I'm a writer, I've been reading a ton. The last book I finished was Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay. It was fabulous. She wrote such a strong main character. I don't connect with main characters very often, but this one was like she watched my life over my shoulder. I could feel exactly what Sam Moore was going through. Just wow. You can read the my review here

Lastly, I'm working toward my next black belt rank in karate which takes up quite a bit of time as well. Oh yeah. I'm looking into opening my own Dojo soon, so that's a step forward for me as well.

Lots going on. These are just a few of the main things. 
See you later, my friends! I pray you have a great week and feel God's presence!


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21. HELP...

Usually I prepare my Monday Kids Korner blog post on Sunday evenings. Yesterday turned out to be an exceptionally busy day full of laundry, and dishes, soup making, and pie baking; so it simply didn't get done. All morning I fretted about what I would post for today when I finally got the chance to sit down.

One of my morning chores included stopping by the library to deliver mini pies to one of the lovely ladies that works the circulation desk. Since I was at the library any ways, I decided to check out a large stack of books so I could hopefully get an idea for today and possibly to get ahead. What I came home with was a huge pile of really great looking books that I am excited about reading. One of those books was Help! by Holly Keller.





Mouse, Hedgehog, Snake, Rabbit, and Squirrel have been friends for a long time; that is until Mouse hears gossip about snakes being harmful to mice. Worrying about this news, causes Mouse to fall into a deep, narrow hole and hurt his foot. No one knows how to save Mouse except his old pal Snake. Putting aside any feelings of hurt and disappointment in Mouse, Snake saves the day. In the process, Mouse learns a valuable lesson about true friendship.

Beside being quite an entertaining story, I found Miss Keller's artwork to be quite interesting. Made with collographs, or printed collages, the pictures show unique patterns and textures. To find out more about how Miss Keller creates this unusual artwork, be sure to check out this book and read her author biography on the inside flap of the back of the book jacket.

So ends an other episode of Kids Korner, with me, children's author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal website, Fun With Aileen, any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and my very own early grade chapter book Fern Valley. And be sure to watch for Return To Fern Valley coming summer of 2014!  




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22. THANKFUL 4 THANKSGIVING!



I love November and everything about it. I love the crisp evenings and slightly warmer days. I love the changing colors and bright skies. I love Thanksgiving and all it entails, the feasts, family, and counting our many blessings. I even love the Thanksgiving dinner feast I  help prepare every year for my daughter's class at school. This year the third and the fourth grade classes will be joining forces and dining together. At first I wasn't thrilled about that (seeing that I sometimes have a teeny tiny problem with control issues) but I have even  been learning to be thankful for new and challenging situations.

Recently while at the library, I found three great Thanksgiving Stories. Two of the books show the true meaning of Thanksgiving and one simply and sweetly shares the first Thanksgiving story, The first book I read was probably the one I enjoyed the most. It was called Thanksgiving At The Tappletons'. The version on Amazon must be a reprint of the original because the book I read had a real human family and this version has a fox family. Either way, this book is delightful. It tells the story of a family who looses all of the thanksgiving dinner through a series of unfortunate mistakes. Do they despair or do they find something to be thankful about? Be sure to check out your own copy to find out!




The second book was Mousekin's Thanksgiving and it appears to be out of circulation except for some pricey used copies. However, it is worth checking to see if you library has a copy to read. Mouskin is hungry, but every time he goes to one of his secret food stashes, it is empty. Who is stealing his winter stores and who keeps making that mysterious gobble, gobble sound? Mounkin finds out and get a wonderful Thanksgiving surprise in the process.




And last but not least, is Thanksgiving Mice. The mice in this story put on a play about the very first Pilgrim settlers and the kind Indians who teach them to grow corn. Short and sweet, this book is appropriate for the very young between four and six.




So ends an other episode of Kids Korner, with me, children's author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal website, Fun With Aileen, any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and my very own early grade chapter book Fern Valley. And be sure to watch for Return To Fern Valley coming summer of 2014! 

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23. Christian Devotional - The Conversation with My Daughter

Today we're going to look at a devotional in a slightly different viewpoint. I want to tell you about a conversation I had with my daughter yesterday.

Yesterday was probably the last of the really nice days in my area before things get too cold to do much outside, so my 7 year old daughter Rebekah and I were outside planting flower bulbs. We had a lot of work ahead of us (we ended up planting 70 bulbs and that was only about half of what we had) and my daughter had really latched on to one particular type of flower bulb as her favorite and she decided that one of them was named "Sweetie Pie" We began to have a conversation with Sweetie Pie as we worked. Rebekah would ask questions (as Sweetie Pie, of course).

"I don't want to go into the ground, it looks dark and scary in there."

"Will it hurt to get planted?"

"Why do I have to be planted before I can bloom?"

"What happens to me if I refuse to get planted?"

"How long will I have to wait before I bloom into a flower?"

And this is just a sampling of the questions that came to "Sweetie Pie's" mind as we worked, planting away. If you've ever been around a 7 year old, you understand that there's not enough time to type all the questions that can come out of their mouths in a 2 hours time frame. :)

So why do I mention this as part of a devotional? Well, these questions, asked from a 7 year old pretending to be a flower gave me a great opportunity to talk with my daughter about life and living a Christ-centered life. How often have we told God that we don't want to follow where He is leading us. How often have I asked why situations and circumstances have to hurt, why God's timing seems to take so long, what would happen if I turn my back on God's plan for me, or try to alter or change up the plan? All of these questions are very real inquiries that many of us have probably made over the years.

Today, I had the opportunity to tell "Sweetie Pie" the reasons why I know that following God's plan for me is best. I would then tell "Sweetie Pie" that Rebekah had to learn the same things and that Rebekah was also going to have to wait sometimes. Rebekah might go through things that are difficult, but that God is always there and there is always a plan. "Sweetie Pie" might not understand why she has to wait 4-6 months before starting to grow, but God understands that it will be way too cold for her to survive if she starts growing now, so God has her wait. The same thing goes for Rebekah. She may have to wait for some time before she can do something, but it's just because God knows that it's not the right time for her and something bad may happen to her if she did it early.

You never know what conversations you may have with your kids or how kids may ask questions that they don't really know how to ask. I'm sure that some of these questions have been lingering in my daughter's mind for a bit, but just found a way to come out today as she was pretending to be "Sweetie Pie." No matter how the opening is presented, we can always share and respond to these questions with the truths of God's word, even if you're spending time reassuring a flower bulb that it's OK to be planted :)

Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook page

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24. A Crystal Vase or a Window Pane


A Crystal Vase or a Window Pane

 

The beauty of cut crystal throwing prisms of color from bright sunlight has always mesmerized me. In fact, I stood in awe at the beauty of a crystal collection that was beautifully displayed in my local museum. The collection had taken years for the owner to collect and had been donated for the pleasure of visitors after her death.

This morning I was listening to the Gaither Vocal Band singing the song “I Then Shall Live”. The words were displayed on the screen so the viewers/listeners could sing along. I did try to sing with them, but tears and sobs were the most prominent sound coming from my throat.

The line that shot straight to my heart was: “Your Kingdom come around and through and in me. Your power and glory, let them shine through me.” The other words in the song are equally meaningful, but this morning those particular words were a message to my heart.

I thought of the beautiful cut crystal. Although it was a joy to behold as a vase or container, it wouldn’t make a very good window. As I heard the words about letting the Lord shine through me, I thought of how I clean the windows of my patio door so that I can get a clear view of the countryside. Cut crystal would distort and obscure the view. Only a smooth pane of glass will do for that use.

Contemplating this thought, I thought of how we Christians are to be a window to the world to show them Jesus. I wondered if I had so decorated myself so that the lost can’t see Jesus through me. God, forgive me. What they need is a clear representation of the Lord to reflect the glory and power of our God.

The thing about window glass is that we don’t really notice it unless it is dirty. We are glad it is there in the wall to open up the view to us, but it is not what we see. We look through it. I don’t want to be a decoration in a museum. I want to be a window, clean and clear, that isn’t even noticed except to be an opening to see the Lord.

Elaine Littau

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25. Target Practice

Do you have a target on your back?


If you are a Christian, I should hope so!

I was at an event this past weekend and as I was sharing about my latest book release, Forever Loved, the children’s pastor of this particular church told me I have a target on my back. She went on to talk about the message her pastor shared on Sunday about as Christians, we should have a target on our back.

Kind of like…Here’s your sign! An open door policy to the stuff I believe. Or perhaps putting it all out there for the world to see? Being courageous enough to stand up for what you believe in? Speaking the truth especially when the truth is unpopular?

Whatever you call it, or however you describe it, are you doing it? Are you placing that target on your back? Are you being bold for Christ?

I told her about my books in order. “You see, my first one, Until Forever, deals with a dad who drives drunk with his four year old son in the backseat. No one will argue with how absurd that is. As for Forever Blessed, not too many people would openly admit they think domestic violence is a good thing. Know what I mean?” She heartily agreed. “And The Letter deals with healing broken relationships. That is a good thing no matter what your political or religious beliefs are.” I made a face. “But, Forever Loved deals with homosexuality. And that will stir lots of emotions. Trust me on that. And I’ll get lots of grief for writing it.”

She pointed to my new book. “This is your target.” She smiled, congratulating me on being bold for Christ.

Why do so many Christians today want to hide amongst the “regular” folk and not make waves?

We’re not regular. We’ll always be a peculiar people.


Are the darts the problem? Are we afraid we might get nicked with a poison tip? We very well may be, but are we that weak that we can’t take one for Christ? I mean, how many did He take for us? Let’s see…nails in both hands and feet, a sword in his side, a crown of thorns on his head, lashes across his back, and let’s not forget hanging on the cross. The pain had to be unbearable. Even for God. But He did it anyway.

He took every arrow that had any power behind it at all, that was aimed straight at our backs, all upon Him. How is that for a target?

Still apprehensive about putting that target on your back? I didn’t think so.

Thanks for taking the time to grow with me this Wednesday!
Darlene Shortridge, Author of Contemporary Christian Fiction

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