Thursday, May 29, 2014

Christian Book Review- Persecuted by Robin Parish

Have you ever read a book and wondered how the author really felt about an issue? Well, anyone reading Persecuted does not have to wonder at all. It is very clear how this author feels. Christians are at risk of not being able to speak out and will be persecuted even to the point of death. There it is, the premise of the book in one sentence. I must say though, despite the relentless driving home of the point it was a good story. John Luther refuses to support a bill that will unite all faiths. He faces opposition from people in VERY high places and even risks losing his life. The book tells how he survives and fights against opposition. You will enjoy this book if you like suspense and lots of excitement. Hopefully, you can look past the dire predictions or you can use it to help you prepare for the coming storm.

A free copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Publishers.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Vegan Comfort Food!

There is almost nothing I love more than a new cookbook. I can sit down and read a cookbook like some people read a novel. First I do a cursory flip through, then I do an in-depth study, marking pages that show things I would like to make. Finally, I choose a few recipes to try and make a grocery list.

After much thinking, I purchased Robin Robertson's Vegan Planet. I had this and another cookbook in my shopping cart for days, but finally decided on Vegan Planet. After marking off almost the entire book I decided to do some cheering up with food. I think cooking a meal for someone shows them just how much you care and can lift the spirits in a way that other things never could. I chose to prepare the Summer Pasta Salad from this book. It was good in a way that I don't expect pasta salad to be. It spurred me to be more generous with the veggies and was very satisfying. I also did the Banana Spice Pancakes. This was not so successful, but I think its me. I can never make good, fluffy pancakes. I also did the Apple Spice Muffins, the flavor in these was phenomenal. I will definitely repeat those.



My get well meal also included Roasted Jerk Chickpeas inspired by a recipe in Plant Powered Kitchen, Brownies and Butternut Squash from Oh She Glows.

Cook for someone you love. It truly shows that you care and you will get a feeling of satisfaction along with goodies to eat!

Monday, May 12, 2014

A Week in the Life!

This past week had some definite vegan ups and downs.

Down-
This week I for some reason  did not pack lunch. Why is it that on the days when you don't pack lunch you are hungry 10 minutes after breakfast? One of my coworkers informed me that he would be buying lunch from a Jamaican place. I ordered rice n' peas and cabbage. I have had some problems just ordering sides (WHY?), so I fully expected him to come back and say, "No Lunch for You!" Well, a smart friend and coworker thought ahead and called, basically begging the owner to accommodate me. I was thankful for lunch, but why oh why, can't people understand that some people do not want meat and just charge accordingly.

Up-
While shopping at my favorite store (Solomon's Fresh Market Harbour Bay) I was thrilled to see an entire cooler filled with Gardein Products. Some of their stuff is kind of freaky for me to eat, its so meat like. But I was so happy to see these, it was like a shot of encouragement. Also, in the bakery section there were 100% Vegan cupcakes.

Now if only everywhere could be so accommodating.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Christian Book Review- A Shining Light by Judith Miller

For some reason Amish, Mennonite and now Amana Colony books are so popular now. A Shining Light is set in an Amana Colony. It describes a communal, conservative way of life that sounds idyllic but restrictive to my modern mind. The story focuses on Andrea and her son, they face many challenges as the relocate to this colony after two disasters. Andrea falls in love with Dirk who is the perfect man. Unfortunately, challenges arise but they are resolved of course neatly. Predictably, Andrea had to make a choice about staying in the colony. Can you guess what she chose?


I would recommend this book to someone who is interested in this type of book- it was interesting to read about this way of life. The love story was predictable with one major twist (that I must admit I saw coming.) It was a good way to pass the time, just not earth shattering.


A free copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Publishers for review.