But There's More

Most of us are familiar with the movie "Chariots of Fire" and Eric Liddell who wouldn't race on Sunday because of his faith. But there's more, much more.

In the first post of 2013 titled "Still Learning" I spoke about the two Christian history devotional books I purchased for the new year. It has been interesting learning about people who made a difference all through the ages.

The February 21st devotional was on Eric Liddell, with the first paragraph mentioning the well-known movie. But the rest of the devotion was on Eric's ministry in China, where he was imprisoned at a Japanese prison war camp for being an "enemy national."

The year after his famous race he went to China to teach at the Anglo-Chinese College at Tientsin. He married and had two children. But 16 years later, sensing politial turmoil, he sent his wife and daughters home to Canada. His wife, Florence, was expecting their third child.

Eric organized a school in the prison camp after 300 students from the Chefoo School of the China Inland Mission were brought to the camp. He taught math and science at the school, administered camp athletics, and acted as chief translator.

He became ill and died. Later it was discovered he had a brain tumour. He was 43.

Here is a man celebrated by the world for a small step in his early life. His service in China a little unknown fact for most of us.

Eric Liddell was a humble man with a simple and personal faith whose life's purpose was to glorify God. The book, Eric Liddell: Champion of Conviction, is about his life.

My heart is inspired and encouraged when I read these little facts about people who lived for Christ through the centuries. The book is on my wish list for future purchases.

Yes, those two Christian history devotionals are providing me with numerous stories of how people lived for Christ and made a difference.

It's the Best!

"Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations." Henry David Thoreau

Recently in one of my devotion books I came across Catherine Marshall's name. She's written 22 books, and I've never read one of them. Many people came to know her from the television series "Christy" many years ago. I watched the program and have the pilot movie, which I enjoy watching.

Perusing the title's of the books she's written I decided to go for "The Best of Catherine Marshall." Excerpts from 11 books are included in this volume so I thought I'd get a good feel for her books. This book would open my eyes to the life of Catherine and get a taste of her writing style.

One chapter that really spoke to my heart in her "Best" book is "The Dark Night of the Soul." Catherine experiencedthis dark time after her grandchild died. She was extremely open about her difficulties, which lasted several months, and she poured out her heart from that disturbing and difficult season in her life. It shook her faith and tested all her resources.

The inside flap says" One of America's most beloved authors, Catherine Marshall wrote with candor, simplicity and eloquence about the deepest issues of the human heart." I got to taste samples from "A Closer Walk," "Meeting God at Every Turn," "Julie," and others.

She was married to Peter Marsahll, a great Scotish preacher and U.S. Senate Chaplin, whose reputation as a "thrilling evangelical preacher" is captured in her book, "A Man Called Peter." The book was on the bestseller list for 50 consecutive weeks, and made into a movie.

When she was dating her second husband, Leonard LeSourd, he said: "What man wants to play second fiddle to a famous Scottish preacher? Surely you must realize that 'A Man Called Peter' made yours one of the great love stories of our time." "I do like a good love story!

Her words are indeed inspiring. I'm glad I purchased Catherine's "Best" and look forward to reading other books she wrote. I picked up a copy of "A Man Called Peter" and "Christy" at my local library. I'm just in the beginning chapters of "A Man Called Peter."

I pulled out my copy of the video of "Christy" and watched it the other evening. I remember the television series was popular, and seeing life at that time was interesting. Purchasing the entire series which was only $20, Jerry and I watched it last weekend--the entire series! I enjoyed it immensely and Jerry did too!

I'm thankful to God for continuing to direct my mind to books and movies that fill my life with encouraging thoughts and inspiring words. There is a wealth of books to be read on men and women who lived for Christ through all ages of our history. There is always a special nugget(s) to be had in reading how God worked in and through other people that can help me in my walk of faith.

"Books worth reading are worth reading twice; and what is most important of all, the masterpieces of literature are worth reading a thousand times." John Morley

A Chocolate What?

I enjoy reading blogs others have created. I gravitate towards those who enjoy photography, and artists whose pictures and writings I enjoy. Susan Branch (www.susanbranch.com) and Karla Dornacher (www.karladornacher.com) are two artists who inspire me and encourage my heart.

Last week I stopped at Susan's blog and found a simple recipe for chocolate eclairs. (Perfect chocolate eclairs in the picture at right.) I'd never tried making these delights before, and since the recipe was simple I decided to give it a try. Saturday morning I prepared to make them. "I'll take them to my Sunday School class in honor of Valentine's Day.," I decided.

Suffice to say my first attempt was not successful. The little puffs of dough didn't rise, the cream filling turned out ok (much to my astonishment), and the chocolate didn't come out smooth for dripping over the dough. I couldn't help but laugh at my attempt. They certainly would not be going to my Sunday School class. (Pictured ... my first attempt.)

Jerry tasted one and said they were good. Mom even liked them. I finally ate one and must confess it did taste good. Jerry said he'd take them to his Sunday School class. "Only if you tell them it's my first attempt and they don't look so good," I demanded.

Sunday morning came. I walked in my Sunday School class and there were sweet donuts in the shape of hearts for us to enjoy. I began telling my friends about my ill-fated eclairs when in walked Jerry, Floyd, Steve, Talmadge, Dan, Tom and Barry, each holding one of my misshaped eclairs.

"Jerry said we had to tell you that he told us this us your first attempt in making chocolate eclairs. Please bring us all other rejcts! They are delicious!"

It was so funny! They had me bending over with laughter. And my dear Sunday School friends were disappointed they weren't eating them!

My friend, Janet told me: "There is no such thing as a bad eclair if there was something you could lick off your finger!"  I like that!

Yes, I will try again. With a few pointers from my friends I will attempt a second time to make chocolate eclairs. This time, though, I know I can still enjoy the delicious taste, even if they don't pass the "look" test! And Jerry's class too!

Surprise! Surprise!

I am not a shopper. I don't enjoy walking around in shops just to see what's new. For many years now, 90% of my shopping has been done over the web, with a 90% success rate.

I do enjoy going to craft shows and specially stores. Of course, I always look at cards, especially those made by photographers with awesome pictures. The ones I purchase I usually keep for myself, instead of using them to write my notes on.

Two place I absolutely hate to go are flea markets and yard sales, although Jerry, on occasion, brings home treasures from his ventures out.

Last Saturday, Westminster held a flea market at the AG center, and Jerry asked Mom if she'd like to go. When I heard an enthusiastic YES! I knew I was doomed. With a brace on my bad knee I forced a smile as we walked through the door. Jerry went off alone, and I made a slow walk

through the tables with Mom. In all fairness, Jerry did come back and say it was wrong of him to go of by himeself. I told him to go on.

I was in for a pleasant surprise. The first thing to catch my eye was hand drawn note cards.I picked up one of a red barn in the area and another of Jake, the mule. The artist told me Jake was a very mean mule. His owner wanted to give him away, but finally decided he just couldn't give that mean mule away. So Jake still lives with his owner in Westminster.

Next I found a large, beautiful book of animal pictures. I love to see other photographer's animal pictures. I'm not able to get close ups as professionals do, so I love to see their great snaps! Three of them are below with the book cover first.

A lovely blue handbag from Vera Bradley was found next. Not one to go in for designer anything, I couldn't pass it up with such a good price! And I needed a blue handbag.

And best of all . . . a 1998 Horizon of Hope Longaberger basket at an amazing price! Wow! The Horizon of Hope material is what I've used through the years to make "Hope" pillows. The basket I bought has the same material design I've purchased in several of my other baskets. The picture of the pillow has the "Hope" material I love with the word "Hope" in the design.



I also picked up a cute hand-drawn note card of a happy, cuddly cat.

And last, is that lovely handkerchef at the top of this post. I just liked the words and design. It is bright and cheery!

Jerry came in as I was typing this. He said don't forget to tell you about the owl house he bought! He loves to hear owls, and we've had a few around our home. Hopefully, the house will draw a few more to Ridge Road!

I don't know if I'm ready to go to the next flea market that comes around--my knee took a big hit with all that walking--but, I confess, I came away with some treasures!

Indeed a surprise. A little step from routine wasn't so bad after all.