My Book Is Published!

After many years of dreaming...and saying to myself "I'd LOVE to have a book published someday..." That dream has now become a reality! I wanted to share my excitement with you by spreading the word. If you follow the link below you can buy the book. Please feel free to share that link to your blogs, facebook pages, or wherever you'd like. It would be wonderful if you could pass the word. The book is a compulation of articles/essays in devotional format designed to strengthen, challenge and delight you daily in the Lord. There is also an official "like page" on facebook for the book "Candlelight Collections". Please join in my excitement by spreading the word and reading the book.
May God richly bless you all!

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/candlelight-collections/15055859?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/1

The Stone Of Destiny: An In-Depth Movie Review

When young Ian Hamilton leads four ambitious Scots (including himself) to bring back the stone of destiny, they find themselves in a comical, yet suspenceful adventure. Putting aside any future they may have been close to, their focus becomes their country-Scotland.

Now, if you've read the earlier post on my blog "the bucket list" you will find that I have an extreme fascination with the country Scotland. This film grew that fascination far greater than I thought possible. The first scene began shooting a train going over a beautiful bridge, sorrounded by lush fields of green. As soon as the first actor spoke in Scotish accent, I knew it would be worth my while.

Although I was fascinated by the accents, the brilliant chemistry between the cast, the filming taken in the most remarkable places you could ever imagine, and various things of the sort, this film contains far more than shallow entertainment. So let us dig down and see what analogies we can discover.

What I found very admirable was the passion these individuals had for their country. They risked everything, not thinking of themselves, but thinking of Scotland. While other Scots may have sat around, possibly shamed to be called Scotish, these individuals were not.
They considered it an honor to be arrested for the cause of their country. In fact, they could hardly wait! They willingly gave themselves up to government officials, and when the press swarmed them with questions as to what their identity might be, they did not wish to take credit for their personal resimays, but for the resimay of Scotland. As the press asked young Ian; "Sir, who was it that took the stone of destiny?" He laughed with inthusiasm and replied "you can tell them it was the children of Scotland!"
If we could only harness that passion, not neccisarily for our country, but for Christ, then what a success that would be. We need not be ashamed in any way, but seek to glorify our God. Ian Hamilton said "they may be ashamed to be Scotish, but I for one am not!" Our plea as Christians could be something simular to that, but might sound a bit more like this: "While others find themselves comfortable blending in with the world, being ashamed of the gospel, I for one will not!" We as Christians do not seek glory for our personal resimays, but for the resimay of Christ. We ought to care less about the reputation of ourselves, and focus intirely on the reputation of Christ. Those are just a few analogies I got out of the film.

I think it very important that you know, this film is based on true events.If

you don't know the history of the stone of dreams you might find it inturesting to research it a bit online. Though of course, if you watch the film, you will catch on very quickly.

I also think you should know this film is almost completely clean. They kept the romance aspect on a PG level, which I was very surprised at. It isn't very often that you come across a good film with hardly any language, no innapropriate scenes, clean humor, good suspence, and an all around good plot. I was very impressed with this film, and would definitely recomend it to friends. It may not be for a very young audience, but as for everyone else-enjoy!

A Little Lesson On Laughter...

Many make the assumption that humor is not biblical, and is somehow wrong. Well let me tell you a little something about humor. Humor, if it is worth it to us typically turns into laughter, and let me tell you a little something about laughter.

Laughter is indeed a beauty. It appears without introduction and it is able to fill a dark room with sunshine. Laughing often releases tension. It is something you share with friends, family members, and acquaintances. It represents the joy of the heart and is often found to be contagious. True wholesome laughter is performed when there is something wholesome worth laughing about.

Laughter is often misused. Meaning it is not always used for what God originally intended. It is often used to rip apart the happiness of others and is all too often inappropriate and derogatory. Do you know why? It is because those that misuse it have no true joy in their hearts at all. Therefore they use it wrongly because they do not have the ability to enjoy it how God designed. As Christians we do have the ability to laugh the way that God intends us to. In a way that hurts no one and is in every way appropriate. We have been given true joy from the Lord and that joy causes us to laugh. By laughing how God intends we are able to show this saddened world the source of our true happiness. Happiness that is unable to deteriorate over time, regardless of the circumstances. That happiness comes from Jesus Christ, our unchanging Rock! So knowing that my dear friends, what reason have we to misuse it inappropriately or hurtfully? None at all! So let us repent of that sin, and do it no more. Knowing that our God is watching and listening, let us bring Him full glory.

"O Be Careful Little Mouth What You Speak"

"The tonge is a fire, a world of unrightousness. The tonge is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell." ~James 3:6
Gossip-something we disregard as a "small sin." Knowing it is wrong, yet we do it anyway. Why is that exactly? It is simply because we enjoy it.
James tells us the tonge is a "fire" and warns us of its danger.
The tonge can cause divisions and quarrels in the church of Christ. It can break apart friendships by simple misunderstandings and cause us to form false opinions of others. I have witnessed many friendships abolished by the power of the tounge. The tonge may in fact appear small, when in reality its strength is overpowering. It must be tamed.
We may not always be the one spitting out unkind words behind the backs of loved ones. We might be on the other side taking it all in. Though we may not think we are in any danger, we must realize that participating in gossip is just as wrong (if not worse) than actually doing it.
Somehow we are under the illusion that the news will never find the victim. We have deceived ourselves into thinking so, because gossip always circles around sooner or later. Though you may not have intended to hurt that person directly, your venting rampage will pass along from ear to ear-eventually piercing the target. Even if the news never surfaces to them, in the end it will be dealt with. Scripture directly tells us we will be accountable for "every word." That is a serious statement: not to be taken lightly.
For some reason we seem to "trust" the one whom we gossip alongside. When in reality you must see, if he or she found no issue gossiping on someone else's behalf, what makes you think they are trustworthy enough not to do the same to you? It is not only a possibility, it is a reality. I have seen it done many times before and have learned a great deal from it.
We must take the words of James serisouly-we must take gossip seriously. There is no such thing as a "little sin." In the eyes of God, sin is sin. In any way shape or form, He hates it, and if we truly desire to be like Him, we must hate it as well.
Do you recall that childhood song that went something like this: "O be careful little mouth what you speak, O be careful little mouth what you speak. For the Father up above is looking down in love, O be careful little mouth what you speak."? This childhood principle is something we must not forget. We must also remember the words our mother always taught us: "If you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing at all." All too often we forget the lessons we as children once abided by. It is time we are reminded of these things.
Another point about gossip we need to realize is this: Not only is it a sin, but it is utterly unappealing.  I don't know about you, but I find edifying speech to be one of the most admirable traits in a friend. When you speak with someone who only has positive things to say about others, and does not allow any idle chatter; you see a beautiful differences that you want to have yourself.
When the tounge is used to glorify God, only good will come of it. You as well as others will find it entirely wonderful and appealing.

"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrightousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water." ~James 3:1-12

The Bucket List...

I love to see and explore new places. There are many places I would love to go, but seeing the fact that the world is rather large, and if I had to narrow it  down to three countries; That would be no problem at all. Sometimes its fun to dream of places you would like to go, so I thought I'd share these three places with you! You might call it...The bucket list :)

Destination number one...

                                                     Ireland!
This (in my opinion) is the most beautiful country in the whole world. Now I have never been there; but I thank technology for allowing me to preview it in all kinds of different ways. Though we are allowed to read about it, view photos, admire its beauty in films; I'm sure all of those things could never do it justice. Being there and experiencing God's marvelous creation, could never compare to seeing it on a screen. Much like reading the discription of a rose in Websters Dictionary, or actually holding a rose in your hand.

                                     Even a barn can be titled beautiful.

I absolutely love this quant cottage style. Fore some reason I find it to be most beautiful. I'd rather live there than a castle.

Though of course, the castles can be quite appealing! Just look at that magnificent building!

The rocks of Ireland (or should I say cliffs), are one thing I admire most about Ireland. No explanation needed.

The lush green fields and mountains are most beautiful! Have you ever been jealous of a sheep until now?

Destination Number Two...

                                               Scotland!

Now as you may know, Scotland and Ireland are much alike, which is probably why I am so drawn to both of them.

                                            Now that-Is amazing!

                               Pretty bridges are always a sight to admire.

                                               Livin the good life :)

Now that is neat!

Random Fact: I absolutely LOVE Scotish acsents! I love many acsents, but Irish and Scotish pretty much top them all.

Destination Number Three...

                                                        Italy!

Now I know what you're thinking...Everyone wants to go there, but there is in fact reason for that. Its beautiful in so many ways!

The simple things are often appreciated most; like this quant little town house. Isn't it just beautiful?

No explanation needed...

History...

A taste of Italy we are able to enjoy in our own kitchens. Italian cooking is my favorite!

I really could go on and on, but for the sake of time I will end the list here. Now as I said before, this is only the begining of where I'd love to go. There are so many new lands to explore. Scotland or Ireland would be the first on my list, and Italy second. The funny thing about it is, I am three quarters Italian and one quarter Irish. That wasn't exactly planned, but it could be one of the many reasons why I am so drawn to these beautiful countries.
If I should die before having the privelage to see these places, I would not be dissapointed. For heaven is far more beautiful than all of these places combined. Imagine that!

What about you? Where would you like to go?             

Skipping Into The New Year: Resolutions, Reflections, And More

Believe it or not, it IS 2011! I find that hard to believe seeing the fact that I have finally mastered writing the date 2010. I suppose I will have to get use to it.
The new year is a wonderful time for reflecting upon all the many blessings of the past year. There are so many ways for doing so. Looking at pictures, going through journals, reading old letters. These things help us to not only live for "the here and now" but to reflect upon all the past years of life. This year I went back and read (skimmed) through my fourteen (or more) journals. I'm one of those people who writes everything down, which I'm glad of (for the most part). It was great to look back and remember all the good times, all the little details, and the hard times as well. I found myself saying "if I didn't write this down, I would NEVER have remembered this!" It was definitely a fun thing to do. As far as going through letters and pictures...I think looking through journals ate into the letter reading time. And as for pictures, well-I'm always going through pictures and appreciating memories. Reflecting is a wonderful thing, but it doesn't always look pretty.
As far as resolutions go, here is one of mine...
To publish (or get in book form) one of my stories, or collection of articles. It is something I have wanted to do for a while. So I thought why not make it a resolution.
What are some of your resolutions? Goofy or serious, I'd love to hear. Feel free to leave it in the comment box below.
Well thats enough of my ramblings...Happy new year, and God bless you all!

Merry Christmas!

It's hard to believe that Christmas is already around the corner- what an exciting time of year it is! May we all reflect upon the many blessings of our Lord as we celebrate his birth. The only reason we celebrate Christmas, is because Christ came to earth and paid the price for our sins. Aside from Christ, Christmas would be empty. Let us not be tempted by anything the world has to offer this Christmas. May the light of Christ shine through us all, may we shout "Merry Christmas" to all those who say "Happy Holidays" let us not only remind others of the true meaning of Christmas, but let us also remind ourselves. We are only human, we are succeptable to influence and our flesh will lust after the worldly version of Christmas, but let us be reminded that the world's version will pass by, but the true meaning of Christmas, will echo through eternity.
Below is a carol I'm sure you are all firmiluar with, but I wanted to write down those lyrics anyway. "What Child Is This" portrays the true meaning of Christmas for what it really is. Christ came to earth to atone for our sins, and that gives us reason to be glad. May you all have a Merry Christmas!

What Child Is This:

What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

[CHORUS]
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.


Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

[CHORUS]

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
[CHORUS]

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
[CHORUS]

Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.