Dwelling in LIFE!

I lay down my LIFE, that I might take it up again.

--Christ from John 10: 17b

Jesus' prophetic, startling and puzzling words to his generation. They suggested he had a devil, or perhaps he was mad. But Jesus, as his father did, knew all things. He knew what was in store for him in the very near future.

What man is he that desires LIFE...?

--Psalmist David, 34:12

The hopelessness of those who know not God's love and forgiveness. Life without God is truly an unfulfilled, unsatisfactory existence. Only with him is there true life, true peace and true joy.

God's gift to us is eternal LIFE through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

For God declared in John, chapter three, verse sixteen:

For God so loved the world (US!) that he (God) gave his only begotten son (Jesus) that he who 

believes on him, might have everlasting LIFE!

God's promise to us:

Take no thought for your LIFE...

Wherefore, if God so clothed the grass of the field, or what you shall eat or drink or wear...

for your heavenly father knows what you have need of. 

(paraphrased)

--Matthew 6:25-32

What do we do?

Seek God first and his righteousness. 

That's it. The simplicity of accepting LIFE.

Spring and the Easter Season is a wonderful time to reflect on what God gave us, the promise and assurance of everlasting life for such a small price from us.

Can we rejoice in LIFE today?

What blessings of LIFE do you appreciate and enjoy? 

How has God's assurance of LIFE affected your life?

ABOUT CAROLE:

Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole is an award winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Easter Bunny Pompom Wreath by Guest Jeanna Gregg

Howdy y'all! Crystal here and today I've got a special guest for you--my sister!

Jeanna and Crystal - Then

Jeanna & Crystal - Now

Jeanna is like super-crafty. She can sew, quilt, crochet, bake, cook, and make just about anything, even jewelry. Oh and did I mention she loves decorating for almost every major holiday on the calendar. :)

Well, yesterday she sent me a picture of her newest crafty creation--an Easter Bunny Pompom Wreath. I thought it was so cute I asked her to share it with y'all today. Generous gal that she is, she agreed. :)

So here it is...

Easter Bunny Pompom Wreath

Materials Needed:

1 - large Plastic Canvas Sheet
1 - pink sheet of felt
1- 6" Wooden Embroidery Hoop (for the head)
1 - 10" Wooden Embroidery Hoop (for the body)
1 - piece of crafting wire (~20 gauge)
Yarn to make pompoms
40 - Extra Small Pompoms (for ears)
Varying Numbers of Small, Medium, and Large Pompoms (for head and body)

Quick tips on Pompoms:

• Extra Small Pompoms can be made using a fork:
• Wrap yarn around the end of the fork prongs multiple times
• Thru the middle gap, tie the yarn together with a small piece of string
• Slide the yarn off the fork
• Cut through the loops making the lengths as evenly as possible
• Fluff the yarn into a pompom
• Small, Med, and Large Pompoms
• Pompom makers sold in craft stores come in very handy or you can look online for various ideas.
• When you tie off the pompoms, leave an extra length to fasten to the frame.

Directions:

• Ears:
• Cut out 4 (four) rabbit ear shapes from the plastic canvas sheet. 
• Cut out 2 rabbit ear shapes from the felt that will leave a 1/4" of canvas showing all around the sides and top. the felt will need to go to the bottom of the canvas.
• Take 1 felt ear and 2 plastic canvas ears. Center and Sew the felt to the canvas. Repeat for second ear.
• Sew the extra small pompoms on the edge of the ears, leaving the bottom edge open.
• Using crafting wire, attach the two embroidery hoops together and attach the ears to the smaller of the two hoops. 
• Securely tie the small, medium, and large pompoms to the loops using the extra length. 

That's it! Feel free to accessorize with a stuffed carrot, Easter sign, eggs, etc.

Happy Easter, y'all!

Leave a comment for your chance to win Return to the Misty Shore by Bonnie Leon! Winner will be announced in the Weekly Windup on April 17th.

Crafts and Hobbies in Books

Hello Everyone!
Today I thought it would be fun to discuss some of the hobbies and crafts that we've seen in some of our favorite books.

Hobbies and crafts are a great way that authors make their characters real and relatable. There are so many things that a hobby or craft can paint on a page. (Pun intended.) For example, who wouldn't love a hero loves sword fighting and wood carving? These interests tell us so much about the character.

Here's a few of my favorites, but be sure to chime in too!

The Apostle Peter in the Bible: Fishing

Peter LOVED fishing. He did it for a living, and later for fun. I jumped in his boat in book 3 of my Days of Messiah series by placing the main character, Malon, with him as he fished for tax money as Jesus told him.

Charlotte from Gentleman of Her Dreams by Jen Turano: DIY and Restoration Projects

A key scene in the book is when Charlotte and Henry take an old boat that she has "restored" herself out onto the bay. It ends in disaster, of course, not too unlike some of my Pinterest projects. LOL.

Vivian from Ressurection of Hope by Tamera Kraft: Sewing

Vivian loves to sew. She even sews a flapper dress in the story!
Check out her book here.

Elinor from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Remember Elinor's love for painting and art? The way her hobby reflected the steady and level-headed, yet deeply feeling lady?

 

 

Now it's your turn! Does your favorite book character have a craft or hobby? What is the most unique craft/hobby that you've seen in a character?

Leave a comment to get your name in the drawing for Lavender Fields Inn by June Foster!

We'd also like to cordially invite you to join us for an Easter Facebook Party THIS FRIDAY March 24th! 

I love everything about Easter. I especially love Easter themed fiction. Although there are tons of Christmas novels and novellas, Easter themed novels are often left out. That’s why I’m so excited to announce an Easter Fiction Facebook Party on Friday, March 24th, 6:00 – 9:00 pm EST. You’ll have a chance to meet six authors including me and to find out more about their Christian Easter fiction.Did I mention the contests? Each author is offering one copy of their novels. There will be other prizes as well, but you’ll have to come to the party to find out what they are. ;)

Click this link to join the party.

Here’s the schedule for the authors who are participating:
6:00 pm Tamera Lynn Kraft
6:30 pm Jericha Kingston
7:00 pm Joan Leotta
7:30 pm Darlene Franklin
8:00 pm Wanda Porter
8:30 pm Amber Schamel

 

How To Make An Easter Bunny Cake

Okay, I’ll admit—I’m not crafty. My cakes don’t typically look like ones you’d find in a nice bakery. So I was excited years ago when I learned how to make this Easter bunny cake. Whether or not your Easter celebration includes non-religious items such as Easter eggs, bunny cakes, or jelly beans, this is a great family dessert your kids will love. Mine were always greatly impressed with the Easter bunny cake, no matter how it turned out. Even more convenient is that you probably have ingredients in your pantry and fridge to make even a basic one like I made back in 2004 (pictured on the left). If you want to create something fancier, google “Easter bunny cakes” and scroll through all the elaborate cakes people have decorated for more ideas.

Ingredients:

Yellow or white cake mix and ingredients to make it.

White icing (buttercream works best)

Coconut

Food coloring

Jelly beans

Small tubes of colored icing for decorating

Cut cake layer into three parts
for bunny's ears
and bowtie

Mix and bake cake in two nine-inch round cake pans. After the cakes have cooled, remove from pans. Leave one whole for the bunny’s face. The second one, use the edge of your knife and sketch the two ears and bowtie. Once you’re sure of the spacing, cut the cake into the appropriate pieces.

Use a cookie sheet or something similar in size for the base of the cake. You can make a base with a piece of sturdy cardboard and aluminum foil, as well. Arrange the bunny to your satisfaction on the base. Frost with a white icing of your choice and then sprinkle coconut over cake. Save some coconut for accenting.

Separate extra coconut into bowls, add food coloring, and toss to blend. Use this for the interior of the ears and bowtie. Use jelly beans for the eyes, nose, and to line the bowtie. Use colored icing tubes to draw whiskers and a mouth. If your family does not like coconut, save some of the icing and mix that with red food coloring to line the bunny’s ears.  

The neat thing about this cake is you really can’t mess it up. As long as the bunny has eyes, a nose, and a mouth, your kids will recognize it and be impressed. The adults will enjoy eating it after Easter dinner with a steaming hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

Have a blessed Easter,

Laura

Laura Hodges Poole is a freelance writer with dozens of articles, devotions, and short stories in publication. Her novella, "A Christmas Chance," and devotional, "While I'm Waiting," are available on Amazon. She is a 2014 ACFW Genesis semi-finalist and a 2012 RWA Emily finalist in Christian fiction. Laura is also a non-fiction ghostwriter/collaborator. Her passion is encouraging others in their Christian walk through her blog, "A Word of Encouragement."

Website/blog: http://laurahodgespoole.blogspot.com/

Email: laurapoole565@gmail.com

Twitter @ Laura_Poole

Like her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/LauraHodgesPoole

https://plus.google.com/+LauraPoole#

https://www.pinterest.com/lhpoole/

“Bible and the Heavens” image courtesy of Gualberto107/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

He is Risen...

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:6

Jesus Has Risen

28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them,“Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Enjoy this Easter with your family and friends...

The Easter Basket Tradition

Not all Easter baskets are large, candy-and- toy-stuffed, cellophane wrapped surprises for children to tear into on Easter morning. Nor must they always be used to collect eggs in an Easter egg hunt.

I love making Easter baskets—small, exquisite works of art. Crochet is my go-to craft, but I’ve also made baskets of starched and glued strips of paper and cloth, woven twigs like a bird’s nest. Even macramé. Remember that? But whether big surprises for children on Easter morning or small decorative things, all must be stuffed with plastic grass and contain colored hen or candy eggs along with hidden treats and treasures.

But where did the Easter basket come from? According to Wikipedia, it came out of both religious and pagan customs. The modern Easter basket grew out of the Lenten custom of breaking the forty-six day fast with a large feast. Families would bring items for the feast in a large basket. These baskets were blessed by the clergy, probably in keeping with the rites of ancient Hebrews who brought their first seedlings to the temple to be blessed.

The Germans are credited with the story of the Easter Bunny carrying a basket of eggs. When they immigrated to the United States they brought the tradition with them.

Dutch tradition also influenced the practice of children carrying egg filled baskets. Dutch children first carried their eggs in bird’s nests on Easter morning. In time, someone noticed it would be easier to carry the eggs in a grass lined basket with a handle.

One of the modern customs I like is sending baskets to relatives or friends as a remembrance of the day. I’ve also heard of a fun way to celebrate that’s a type of reverse to trick-or-treating. Children take candy filled baskets and hang them on the door knobs of neighbors. They ring the doorbell and run. This is also reminiscent of the May basket where sweethearts leave a basket at the door of their love interests. A message of affection is hidden among the flowers.

My favorite way to use the Easter basket was through my church’s secret friend program. We would leave the baskets on the friends’ cars so they would find them after Easter services. Under the jelly beans, hidden in the grass were wrapped chocolates or trinkets along with a Scripture verse having some special meaning for that friend.

The eggs carried in the Easter basket are a symbol of life, but those verses reminded us there is no better symbol of life than a risen Savior.

What is your favorite Easter tradition?

 

Leave a comment with your email address any day this week for a chance to win Easter Egg Hotpads crocheted by Crystal Barnes.  

 

Easter Tidbits: How Much Do You Know?

Howdy y'all! Can you believe Easter is nearly upon us? With that in mind, I figured a bit of trivia might be in order to see how much you know about the real meaning of Easter. :)

1. What matchless event happened on Easter?
1. A bunny came to town hiding eggs in his wake.
2. Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
3. People met an angel.
4. All of the above.
5. None of the above.
2. Who was the first to find the stone rolled away from the tomb?
1. Mary Magdalene
2. Mary, the mother of James
3. Joanna
4. All of the above
5. None of the above
3. Who sat upon the stone?
1. An angel
2. Pilate
3. Jesus
4. All of the above
5. None of the above
4. Which disciple entered the empty tomb first?
1. John
2. James
3. Simon Peter
4. All of the above
5. None of the above
5. For how many days after the Resurrection was Jesus seen by men?
1. 1 
2. 10
3. 20
4. 30
5. 40

Compare your answers to the key below. How did you do? Did you get them all right? Some of them right? Leave a comment to let us know how you faired. Remember, those who comment on this post or any post this week get their name in the drawing for the week's great giveaway---Easter Egg Hot Pads handmade by yours truly! 

CHECK OUT OUR PRIZES GALORE PAGE TO SEE ALL OUR GIVEAWAYS!

Answer Key:

1. B (Matthew 28:5,6)

2. D (Luke 24:10)

3. A (Matthew 28:2)

4. C (John 20:5,6)

5. E (Acts 1:3)