tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-146274699703026322024-02-19T03:58:40.724-05:00Digging in God's GardenWelcome to God's Garden, where you'll dig for treasures that nourish the soul. You'll find articles that inspire, comfort, and motivate, along with some poetry and even a few gardening tips. Enjoy!~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-54771691890282774142013-11-25T17:43:00.000-05:002013-11-25T17:43:58.477-05:00Winner of the Catie's Secret Giveaway Announced!<span style="font-size: large;">Congratulations, Ellen Bratzel! You are the winner of the Catie's Secret Giveaway! To claim your prize, please email your mailing address to <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="mailto:info@litfusegroup.com" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">info@litfusegroup.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span>~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-32187888914193706692013-11-25T13:08:00.000-05:002013-11-25T13:08:00.111-05:00Catie's Secret - A Perfect Fit for a New Reader<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
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This book is a perfect fit for a new reader. Catie’s Secret by Laura Nonemaker is full of colorful illustrations, and
characters who quickly win your heart. Children will learn to both embrace and
celebrate diversity in God’s creation. Showing kindness to others is the moral
of the story, in addition to a small token lesson on forgiveness. There are
also helpful story challenge questions at the end of the book to initiate
conversation about these lessons with children.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Written by <a href="http://sweatpantshighheels.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Sweatpants & High Heels</span></a> on
November 15, 2013</span><b><span style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></b><span style="background-color: #66bb33; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Purchase a copy at </span><b style="background-color: #66bb33; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Caties-Secret-Laura-Allen-Nonemaker/dp/1625101236" style="color: #993322; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon</a> </b><span style="background-color: #66bb33; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">or</span><b style="background-color: #66bb33; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> <a href="https://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781625101235" style="color: #993322; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Tate Publishers</a> (in ebook or paperback formats).</b><br />
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~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-16451399197124817612013-11-22T15:41:00.002-05:002013-11-22T15:41:52.166-05:00Splashes of Joy Reviews Catie's Secret <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 15.6pt;">T This is a really cute little book. The story talks about
differences in the way people look, and that the beauty of a person comes from
inside them, not what they appear to be on the outside. Using the caterpillar
and butterfly is awesome to help kids understand this valuable lesson. The
characters are adorable and kids will love them. The colors are vivid and
bright, and the book cover is so very adorable that it will sure capture the
attention of any child. This is a book you will want for your child’s library,
so run out and pick up a copy today!</span></div>
<b><span style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Written by <a href="http://http/splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #508b8e; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">splashesofjoy</span></a> on November 18,
2013 </span></b><br />
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<a href="http://goo.gl/pk0r9D" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #508b8e; font-family: 'century gothic'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.265625px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><img alt="catiesecret-400" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8655" height="300" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/catiesecret-400.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039) 0px 0px 5px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.298039) 0px 0px 5px; display: block; margin: 10px auto; outline: 0px; padding: 7px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" width="400" /></a><br />
ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE! <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/caties-secret-by-laura-nonemaker">http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/caties-secret-by-laura-nonemaker</a>~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-7989146224368965352013-11-09T20:49:00.000-05:002013-11-09T20:49:04.985-05:00Catie's Secret and an Exciting Prize GiveawayJoin the official launch of Catie's Secret, the second book in my God's Secret Garden Adventures. Join my blog tour and enter to win an exciting Kids Giveaway Package, including a Kindle Fire.<br />
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Enter to win at <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/caties-secret-by-laura-nonemaker">http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/caties-secret-by-laura-nonemaker</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWcGrtIPBNkoSOBNsNh19Hz9BlQaGs0vkgwOuBCR6jjKQEJb1EPJjtoVWJKu9X4fQkHUajNjIc32gUkCsrE-oiTf_iJO0m8pL8yVSB9F7OQipI9eus4j_jXt5XRQ6KeRTz-KqJWUUbA/s1600/DSCN1201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWcGrtIPBNkoSOBNsNh19Hz9BlQaGs0vkgwOuBCR6jjKQEJb1EPJjtoVWJKu9X4fQkHUajNjIc32gUkCsrE-oiTf_iJO0m8pL8yVSB9F7OQipI9eus4j_jXt5XRQ6KeRTz-KqJWUUbA/s320/DSCN1201.JPG" width="320" /></a>~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-34577242595554916042013-11-06T12:44:00.000-05:002013-11-06T12:44:08.850-05:00Comfort for Loss<div>
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“This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be
glad in it.” I begin each morning with this biblical affirmation from Psalm 118,
along with some other proven favorites, and then move into my devotion time. Before
Paul went to heaven, these words would slide off my tongue with confidence.
Lately, they sometimes want to stick in my throat like a too-large chunk of
bread that just won’t go down. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The emotions resulting from loss of any kind, but especially
of a loved one, are unpredictable and deceiving. When we think they are
receding into the background of our consciousness, they creep up on us and suddenly
plunge a dagger into our stomach, leaving us reeling. They sap our strength and
assault our thoughts as we desperately search for perspective and order in a
life that is forever changed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning, as I read from one of my devotionals, I was
reminded that “it is through our trials and afflictions that God gives us fresh
revelations of Himself.”<sup>1</sup> But the pain of the loss is unwelcome and my mind and body
want to run for cover. Yet Paul says in Philippians 3:10 that he so wanted to
know Jesus and the power of His resurrection, that he was willing participate
in His sufferings and be conformed to His death. I need this resurrection
power, now more than ever, in order to walk through this period of my
life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So I speak the words that open the door of my day, words that hold a promise of hope and peace. Jesus assures us in Hebrews 4:16 that we can come boldly to
the throne of grace and obtain mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. As we experience our brand of suffering and yet are willing to give Him our sacrifice of praise, He scoops us up, holds us close, and soothes our pain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<sup>1</sup> Nathaniel William Taylor in <i>Streams
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~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-7649212637853524102013-10-26T16:48:00.001-04:002013-10-26T16:48:36.715-04:00Moving Forward<div class="MsoNormal">
As I woke this morning, thoughts flooded my mind with the
force of a tsunami. My brain seemed to be going through an exercise in free
association with phrases and sentences coming at me from everywhere. I wondered
if some kind of dam had broken inside me and this was my mind’s way of releasing the grief. Was
it part of the healing process? I had prayed that the grief cycle would not
take five years with Paul as it did with the loss of my first husband, Bob, thirteen years ago. Could the Lord be
answering my prayer and speeding things up? I hope so.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday, I was pretty stern with myself when the denial
came rushing in again. <i>Accept it, Laura.
He’s not coming back.</i> <i>And even if he
could, why would he? He has seen the face of Jesus and experienced heaven.
Would I? Of course not! </i>And so I resolved once again to take one day at a time and move in the right direction - forward.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My sweet little cat, Callie Marie, is finally beginning to
return to normal. How it pained me the first night after I returned home following
the service in Louisville when I watched
her searching for him. She walked from one side of the bed to the other, trying
to find him. She sniffed between the
mattress and headboard. She made the journey repeatedly across the area rug on
his side of the bed, trying to detect his
scent. My heart wanted to break for both of us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On the last few mornings, Callie has returned to being
excited about her Fancy Feast ® and once more she is putting her tail in the
air when she walks, demonstrating that she is adjusting and feels better. Callie
is processing her loss – and so must I - particularly with the official release of my newest children's book, <i>Catie’s Secret,</i> on November 5. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am convinced I must do what is necessary for the
successful launch of my book, in spite
of this sad and unwelcome event in my life. Paul was my most enthusiastic
cheerleader and often would tell me how proud he was to be “married to an
author". I know he would encourage me to move on with my books and I can almost hear him cheering me on from the halls of heaven.</div>
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So I will move forward with God's help and continue to pray that this time I
will pass through grief faster than before. After all, there are children waiting
for more <i>God’s Secret Garden Adventures. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-16682024993457740022013-10-05T09:09:00.001-04:002013-10-05T09:09:27.362-04:00Watercolor Memories<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Yesterday, Joey, our lawn
guy, dug a hole and planted the gardenia bush the family sent to honor
Paul’s memory. There are some blooms on it already and, combined with the jasmine
growing nearby, it distributes a heavenly scent along one end of the lanai. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Later on, I puttered in the
garden, attempting with all my mind and all my senses to pull memories of Paul
close to me. Somehow, although I knew there was beauty and color all around me,
everything seemed pale and incomplete without Paul to share it. It reminded me
of an unfinished watercolor painting that the artist has set on a shelf and
never returned to finish. One has to strain to visualize how the finished
painting would have looked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul used to love to watch me
deadheading, pruning, and weeding among the flowers and shrubs. “You belong in
a garden,” he would say. I would agree. I began gardening, after a fashion, when I was
two years old. That is when my daddy marked off a small plot just for me in the
flower garden that bordered our front lawn. Daddy used to love to tell the story
of how I would discover snails on the undersides of the leaves and quickly pop
them in my mouth before he could stop me. Fortunately, I eventually learned not
to eat the snails and developed a love of gardening that has endured to this day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I imagine one day I
will see my garden in full color again, as it was when Paul was around to
share the experience. For now, I reach out and pull the memories close, sensing his presence with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-63423695374999361282013-10-03T08:35:00.003-04:002013-10-03T08:35:35.752-04:00 High Flight My dear Paul went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 16, 2013 during a flight from Johannesburg, South Africa to the U.S. We were returning from a 12-day mission trip with a group of 19 other short-term missionaries. <br />
During the past two weeks, I have begun the painful process of learning to live without my devoted husband, lover, best friend, companion, and fellow-adventurer. In addition, Paul has been a most enthusiastic cheerleader of my writing efforts.<br />
Someone mentioned that I should share this sad event on Facebook, particularly for those who may want to know about Paul’s passing. I know we are living in a digital world and “everything” gets out on the internet, but how could I share in such a public way this personally painful event that has changed my life forever.<br />
Last night, during a particularly fitful, sleepless night, it came to me that God ordained me to be a writer. That is what I do. That is what I need to do, not just for my own need for expression, but also to pass on my thoughts, ideas, and experiences in order possibly to make a difference in someone else’s life.<br />
That is why I have decided to use my blog, “Digging in God’s Garden,” to initiate some of my memories and musings and funnel them through my Facebook page. It will be a sort of catharsis for me and, goodness knows, I need to get back to blogging with the official launch of Catie’s Secret coming up in November.<br />
The following poem will, I hope, set the tone for what I share here in the days to come. It is symbolic of the enthusiastic and adventurous way Paul, who was a pilot for most of his life, lived his earthly life and embraced eternal life. <br />
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<span style="color: blue;"> High Flight </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"> “Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds - </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> and done a thousand things you have not dreamed of -</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> Hovering there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> Up, up the long delirious burning blue</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> where never lark, or even eagle, flew;</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> The high untrespassed sanctity of space,</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> put out my hand and touched the face of God.”</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"> John Gillespie Magee, Jr.</span>~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-3584074278579151452013-09-04T19:08:00.000-04:002013-09-04T19:08:33.773-04:00Callie Marie's StepmomWe are blessed beyond measure to have the best house-sitter/pet-sitter in town! She has become a "stepmom" to our calico cat, Callie Marie.<br />
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We met Karen several years ago when we first moved south. At that time we were active "snowbirds" and would leave for several weeks at a time, particularly during the summer. We seldom wanted to travel north in the cold months and expose ourselves to bone-chilling ice and snow. One year we went for Christmas and got iced in. We were both sick when we finally arrived home.<br />
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These days we spend most of our time here where it is warm and sunny. When we do travel, we know that our house is in good hands and so is Callie Marie. Callie loves Karen and we can tell how much Karen loves Callie in return. Callie gets anxious when she sees us pull out the luggage and start piling things on the spare room bed. She knows the drill. Karen is great at soothing her with comforting words and touch. <br />
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Our somewhat temperamental feline even lets her stepmom massage a daily dose of thyroid cream onto the inside of her ear. Karen especially makes points with Callie when she follows this up by feeding her a favorite salmon-flavored treat. She even lets Karen groom her and only bristles when the brush gets too close to her tail. <br />
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When Karen house- and Callie-sits, she takes care of all the routine details for us, like getting the mail, putting out the trash and keeping my plants watered. She even cleans up Callie's hairballs! We understand from Karen that a dip in the pool sometimes refreshes her (Karen - not Callie)when the day ends. Callie won't even go near the pool when someone is swimming, ever since Paul splashed her with a noodle.<br />
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When we travel, it's reassuring to know our house is well cared for. It's also a real comfort to know our precious calico is, too. Thanks, Karen!<br />
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©2013 Laura Allen Nonemaker All Rights Reserved<br />
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~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-40855116994243943572013-08-21T10:16:00.000-04:002013-09-03T14:05:09.923-04:00HOW TO FIND HOPE FOR THE FUTURE<div style="text-align: left;">
Recently, we heard the shocking news of two more young Hollywood stars who succumbed to suicide. Gia Allemand, an actress and model, who was finalist in Season 14 of "The Bachelor," hung herself on August 12. She died two days later. Lee Thompson Young, who at age 14 was the star of the Disney series "The Famous Jett Jackson," and went on later to star in many other TV shows, was found dead on August 19. How sad when individuals who appear to have everything to live for lose all hope.</div>
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It is so vital that our society give young people the kind of values that will sustain them through both the mountain tops and the valleys of life. First of all, every person needs the redeeming power of Jesus Christ and the strength and hope He offers. After that, important character attributes to encourage in our children are commitment, consistency, perseverance, and persistence, which is easily remembered with the acronym <span style="color: blue;">CCPP.</span></div>
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As we pass on these timeworn values to our families and in our schools, as well as communicate them through our media outlets and social institutions, we can help our young people find a brighter hope and a sure future.</div>
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©2013 Laura Allen Nonemaker
All Rights Reserved<o:p></o:p></div>
~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-62691898398959256452013-07-04T16:20:00.002-04:002013-07-04T16:20:54.999-04:00Sweet Land of Liberty<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Our country
‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty...” These words at the beginning of one of
our beloved patriotic anthems speak about glorious attributes that define the United
States of America. Some of us belt out the lyrics with gusto or reverence. Others mindlessly mouth the words and are ignorant of their significance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our
constitution, brought into being by the hope, dedication, and sacrifice of our
founding fathers, is in danger. The best system of government up to now is in danger. Our society is on a downhill slide, following the course of every nation
that has dared to defy timeless principles and biblical values.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What can we
do to stem the tide? There are a number of options, including</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1. Work with other concerned individuals to put fine </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">political </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">candidates in office.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2. Call or write our current representatives and express our concerns.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">3. Share our views in letters to the editor and encourage others to do the same. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4. Get involved in the school board and/or city council.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">5. Start a discussion group to share information.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">6. Pray</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">We can make a difference. With God's help, it is not too late get
America back on the right path.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ©2013 Laura Allen Nonemaker </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> All
Rights Reserved <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-36846537509253071962013-03-18T16:13:00.000-04:002013-03-18T16:13:25.476-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Southwest Florida Reading Festival Draws Passionate Readers</span></div>
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Saturday was an outstanding Florida day for the annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival at Harborside Event Center in Old Fort Myers! With about 18,000 in attendance, the grounds teamed with passionate readers anxious to check out the newest books and authors on the scene.</div>
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The canvas-covered kiosks dotting the grounds displayed a wide range of products. Some focused on children's books and educational aids, while others represented schools, daycare centers, home school organizations, and parenting magazines. Basically, one could find any and everything designed to educate, involve, and stimulate the reader's mind. Plenty of food concessions were on hand, including one of my favorites, Jason's Deli, which had box lunches for only $5. </div>
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One large tented area was dedicated to book readings and activities for young children. Another catered to middle school and high school age youth. As I strolled past the children's area, I heard sounds of laughter and squeals of delight. When I peeked inside, I saw a radio show host doing an animated book reading that seemed to captivate both adults and children. </div>
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Meanwhile, inside the event center, more authors lectured and performed book readings. One large hall was dedicated to area booksellers and local authors. Writers displayed their books and were happy to sign and personalize them for willing buyers. Members of local writers organizations grouped together, including Pine Island Writers, Peace River Writers, and Gulf Coast Writers Association, of which I am a member. I set up my book table between 1 pm and 4 pm, and showcased <i>Benny's Angel</i>, the first book in <i>God's Secret Garden Adventures</i>, my<i> </i>picture book series for young children. That book soon will be joined by two more in the series - <i>Fred D's Amazing Escape </i>and <i>Catie's Secret</i>. You can get a preview of these two books in earlier posts.</div>
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When I do a book signing, one of the most enjoyable things for me is watching the children's faces as they look through the book. They seem to respond to the bright colors and animated appearance of the characters. The 3-D version of the book always grabs their attention, especially the boys. Saturday was enjoyable and productive for this author, as I sold and signed my book, networked, and shared writing experiences with fellow authors. For me, exchanging stories is a favorite part of author events.</div>
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If you have never attended the Southwest Florida Readers Festival, put it on your calendar for March 2014. If you go, allow plenty of time to park and figure on at least a couple of hours to wander about and visit the various areas of interest. There is so much for both adults and children to enjoy at this information-packed, fun-filled event. </div>
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~Laura Allen Nonemaker</div>
~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-82535465902144109142013-03-14T22:23:00.001-04:002013-03-15T08:35:43.435-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LEARN ABOUT <span style="color: blue;"><i>F</i></span><i><span style="color: blue;">AITHLEAPS</span></i>, ALYSSA AVANT'S BRAND NEW BOOK!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Today I have the great pleasure of being the host on Day 2 of the Virtual Blog Tour for </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">FaithLeaps: The Christian Mom's Guide to Passion, Purpose and Profits </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">by author </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Alyssa Avant. On the last stop of the tour, Alyssa visited Lyn Parker's blog at w</span><a href="http://supermomillusion.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">ww.supermomillusion.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">. Following is the great interview I did with Alyssa about </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">FaithLeaps.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Could you sum up for my readers what </b><b><i>FaithLeaps: The Christian Mom's Guide to Passion, Purpose and Profits </i>is all about? </b><i>FaithLeaps </i>is about helping moms to find or identify their God-given passion and purpose in life and ultimately to profit from it. By profiting I don't necessarily mean monetarily, but it could be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Would you say <i>FaithLeaps</i> is a "business" book? </b>Yes and no. <i> FaithLeaps </i>is very much a book about faith. I just happen to share my journey, which included a great deal about life, ministry and business. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What is a faith leap? </b>A faith leap is stepping out of our own comfort zone into the hands of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you enjoyed this interview with Alyssa Avant and that you'll check out <i>FaithLeaps: The Christian Mom's Guide to Passion, Purpose, and Profits </i>by Alyssa Avant at <a href="http://faithleaps.com/">www.faithleaps.com </a>and on Amazon. Be sure to follow Alyssa on Monday, March 18 at her next stop on the Virtual Blog Tour over at Gina Weeks' blog at <a href="http://tothinebetheglory.blogspot.com/">www.tothinebetheglory.com</a>.</span></div>
~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-24526395123401130032013-03-01T14:20:00.002-05:002013-03-01T14:20:38.849-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
WHAT IS CATIE'S SECRET ???</div>
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I shared in a previous post how <i>Fred D's Amazing Escape,</i> the second children's book in my <i>God's Secret Garden Adventures</i> series, came to be. At that time, I promised to be back to tell you about the third book,<i> Catie's Secret</i>. Unfortunately, health issues with my husband and me kept me from staying current with my blog. I thank God that we are both doing well and resuming normal life (if our busy lives can be called normal for two retirees).<br />
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I love all the characters in my books, but especially Catie Caterpillar. She entered my imagination following a bug (pun intended) that my daughter, Lisa, put in my ear one day. "Mom, why don't you do a story about a butterfly?" were her words, as we talked about possible future topics for <i>God's Secret Garden Adventures</i>. She remembered my first encounter with raising butterflies not long before. I had chronicled my experiences, some of them challenging, in a series of blog posts. Accompanied by photos, these earlier posts can be found in my blog archives.<br />
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When the nephew and niece of Mayor Benny (remember him from <i>Benny's Angel</i>?) come to Peaceful Meadow to eat clover and play, they find Catie crawling on a milkweed plant. She is eating voraciously and getting fatter and fatter. Then Catie is faced with a challenge and she must make a decision on how to react. She is a soft-spoken little thing, a bug of few words you might say. She decides to focus on the thing she knows best - eating.<br />
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I won't spoil the rest of the story by revealing it here, but suffice it to say that by the end of the book, the bunnies have experienced some valuable teaching moments. Both <i>Fred D's Amazing Escape</i> and <i>Catie's Secret </i>will be available by Summer 2013, when it can be purchased a number of ways, including Tate Publishing's online bookstore, my author website, Amazon.Com, and Barnes & Noble.Com. <br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">©2013 Laura Allen Nonemaker</span><br />
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<br />~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-53307406476822364052012-10-09T13:49:00.000-04:002012-10-09T14:08:24.736-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">BENNY'S </span><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">ANGEL</span><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> </span>in<span style="color: blue;"> </span>CAPE CORAL and NAPLES, FLORIDA </div>
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Saturday, October 13, will be a busy day for <i>Benny's Angel </i>and for me. Between 9 a.m. and noon we will be at the Art and Book Fest at Hampton Inn and Suites located at 619 SE 47th Terrace in Cape Coral, Florida. This is a free event and features a free book for children 3-18. Artists and authors will display their work for sale and authors will be available to sign copies of their books. A children's book reading will take place at 11 a.m.</div>
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Saturday afternoon, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., join us for the Local Author Meet & Greet, Part 2 at Barnes & Noble Booksellers Waterside Shops, 5377 Tamiami Trail, Naples, Florida. A number of area authors will be available to chat with visitors and sign copies of their books.</div>
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<i>Benny's Angel</i>, the first book in the children's series, <i>God's Secret Garden Adventures</i>, illustrates the importance of prayer. Book 2, <i>Fred D's Amazing Escape</i>, shows the need for obedience. It will be released by Tate Publishing in March 2013. In Book 3, <i>Catie's Secret</i>, children learn why they should not tease or bully. It also will be released in 2013.</div>
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Why not consider starting your child off this Christmas with a signed copy of <i>Benny's Angel</i> and later adding the sequels at Easter or for a birthday gift? With Christmas fast approaching, enjoy browsing these events and getting a jump on Christmas shopping!</div>
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Laura Allen Nonemaker</div>
~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-11641843575440903792012-10-02T13:35:00.000-04:002012-10-02T13:37:38.886-04:00<br />
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FRED D'S AMAZING ESCAPE - A FROG'S TALE<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fred D is a determined little frog. I first met him in what
I call my “secret garden” as I followed my usual routine of watering my plants.
I had left some water in the watering can the day before and decided to use it
up. When I tipped the watering can, nothing came out. <i>Oh well</i>, I thought, <i>I guess
some leaves are clogging the spout.</i> I grabbed a twig to poke the leaves
down and saw two big eyes staring at me. Apparently, a little frog had fallen
into the watering can. When it couldn’t get out, it somehow crawled up into the
spout.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I decided that the plants didn’t need to be watered right
then and ran into the house to get my camera. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a
very clear picture of the cute little fellow, but I wanted my husband, Paul, to
see him when he got home. When we returned later, the frog was gone. I guess I scared him so badly that he was
determined to get out somehow…and apparently he did. <o:p></o:p></div>
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That’s how I came to write the second book in my children’s
series, <i>God’s Secret Garden Adventures</i>.
I titled it <i>Fred D’s Amazing Escape</i>. When
Fred D (for determined, of course) Frog disobeys and leaves God’s Secret
Garden, he almost doesn’t make it back to Promise Pond. Unfortunately for him,
he faces more serious dangers than just getting stuck in a watering can. Fred D
ultimately learns that obedience is even more important than determination. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Like my first book, <i>Benny’s
Angel</i>, which launched in 2011, <i>Fred D’s
Amazing Escape</i> is written for children between three and eight. It will be
released in March of 2013 and followed soon after by the third book in the
series, <i>Catie’s Secret</i>. Each <i>God's Secret Garden Adventure</i> is crafted to entertain young children and at the same time impart sound biblical principles. </div>
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I’ll tell you
about Catie's Secret next time, so tune in. <o:p></o:p></div>
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©2012 Laura Allen Nonemaker All
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~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-75304693767704645922012-08-27T16:14:00.000-04:002012-08-27T16:20:49.743-04:00<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Benny’s Angel Sequels Coming</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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As I return to my social media activities with this, my
first post in several months, I ask myself, “Where did the summer go?” No
doubt, others wonder the same thing, especially youngsters heading back to
school.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Time has a way of sliding on past us while we are “doing
life”. It began to get away from me way
back in the spring, when a couple of unexpected hospitalizations and subsequent
doctor visits derailed me. Thank God, the outcome was positive and later on, we
traveled up north to visit family and friends. We also enjoyed bringing two
granddaughters back to Florida for a couple of weeks.</div>
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In spite of all this, my creative juices continued to flow
in at least one important area of my writing. I am excited to announce that, with God’s help, I completed two more children’s
books in my series, God’s Secret Garden Adventures. The first book, Benny’s
Angel, released from Tate Publishing in 2011. Book two, Fred D’s Amazing Escape, will launch in
April of 2012. The third book, Catie’s Secret, releases shortly after that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Children, parents, and grandparents alike have delighted in Benny’s
Angel and its charming animal characters. In the weeks ahead, I look forward to
introducing you to some new animal personalities that will join existing ones in
books two and three of God’s Secret Garden Adventures.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Laura Allen Nonemaker<o:p></o:p></div>
~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-4343323920730667602012-03-27T13:01:00.000-04:002012-03-27T13:01:55.005-04:00The Best Benefit Package of AllIt was Christmas evening and we had finished a wonderful dinner at my daughter's home. My grandson, Brandon, was stretched out comfortably in an easy chair with his feet propped up on the oversize ottoman. Reyna, my six-year-old great-granddaughter, nestled in the crook of his arm, obviously enjoying the security and contentment of being close to her daddy.<br />
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Meanwhile, the rest of us pitched in to clear up the dishes. That's when Reyna twisted around to where she could see her grandmother and called out, using the German endearment for grandma, "Oma, thank you for making such a good daddy!" I was amused and touched by Reyna's expression of gratitude for the blessing of her daddy's special love and attention. In her young mind, her grandma was the reason she enjoyed the benefit of a good daddy.<br />
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Reyna's comment made me think about how important it is to express my gratitude for the benefits I enjoy. I praise God for the many benefits with which He has blessed me, which include a loving family, provision of all my needs, and a church where I can enjoy God-anointed worship and Bible study. But what if some of these benefits were removed? What if I did not have the resources for some of the necessities of daily life. Suppose I could not worship God or read my Bible openly, as in many countries. Would I still be grateful? Would I still praise God if the benefits I enjoy were restricted or withdrawn entirely?<br />
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These days, a chaotic economic environment and forces hostile to our values and beliefs threaten the security of our country and the world around us. Many people are depressed and nearing panic over the changes that are taking place and wonder what the future holds for them. They realize that no matter what benefits are offered by the powers that be, they are subject to being changed or eliminated.<br />
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In Psalm 103, I have found some benefits that will not be eliminated. They are not dependent on the whims of those who think they know what is best. They were promised and enacted before the foundation of the world by our Creator. These benefits include forgiveness for ALL our sins, no matter how grievous (v.3); healing and deliverance from destructive bondages inflicted by Satan (v.4); the lovingkindness and mercy of our God (v.4); good things that truly satisfy our body and soul (v.5); a renewal of our body, mind, and spirit (v.5).<br />
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As we approach Easter, I thank God for the greatest blessing and benefit of all, the gift of eternal life. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for you and me when He hung on the cross and died for our sins. Have you signed up for the best benefit package of all, one that you can enjoy for all eternity? Have you asked Jesus to come into your heart, forgive your sins, and be your Lord and Savior? If not, won't you ask Him now?<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">©</span> Laura Allen Nonemaker~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-91183228541334928572012-03-11T20:37:00.003-04:002012-03-11T23:19:14.120-04:00Imagine It!<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This coming Thursday, March 15, I will do a reading of my children's book, Benny's Angel, as part of the Southwest Florida Reading Festival event at The Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers, Florida. Each child will have the opportunity to participate with me during the reading, using character puppets. Also, they may make a puppet to take home with them. The Florida Rep will present a children's performance called The Imaginators and the children can join in guided, hands-on art projects with local artists and meet other local children's authors. This family event runs from 4 pm to 6 pm and is free. A $5 donation is suggested. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Share this with those you know who have children and grandchildren and visit my website at</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://godsgarden.tateauthor.com/" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank">http://godsgarden.<wbr></wbr>tateauthor.com/</a></span></div></div><div style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span><br />
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</div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-60266528537683967742012-03-02T23:30:00.000-05:002012-03-02T23:30:16.848-05:00Seaside SurrenderThe setting was out of a travel brochure, with waves rolling onto the sun-drenched sand, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and seagulls piercing the air with their shrill cries. It was the annual retreat of the women's ministry at Sundial Resort on Sanibel Island. One hundred women from First Assembly of God, Fort Myers gathered last weekend to reflect, refresh, and connect with God..<br />
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The theme this year was "Seaside Surrender" and Pastor Connie had prepared a series of teachings that brought us quickly into the center of what God wanted to do in our lives. She used the amazing chambered nautilus shell to demonstrate what God wanted from us this year. First, she showed us the outside of one of these exquisite shells. Then she held up a cross section of the chambered nautilus, which, true to its name, was divided into many compartments, each progressing in a circle towards the outer opening of the shell.<br />
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Pastor Connie explained how the inhabitant of the shell begins as a microscopic sea creature. As it grows, a larger chamber is created to accomodate its size. By the time it outgrows one compartment, a larger one has formed and it moves in. This process continues until it is mature.<br />
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A unique characteristic of the chambered nautilus is that each time it moves into a new chamber, the previous one is emptied and sealed shut.That means that it cannot move back into its old residence. It must continue to move forward in its spiraling journey toward completion and freedom.<br />
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The chambered nautilus holds a valuable lesson. If we stay mired in regret for the mistakes and pain of the past, we cannot experience living fully and successfully in the present. We are prevented from moving on to the next step in our journey to fulfill the call of God on our life.<br />
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Isaiah 43:18, 19 says, "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth..." NKJV. Only when we willingly and intentionally surrender the baggage from the past can the Holy Spirit heal our wounded spirits and open up the next "chamber" of our life. Then we are free to move unencumbered toward our destiny in Christ.<br />
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As we surrendered our hearts to be cleansed, healed and renewed, God gently moved us to a new place in our walk with Him and we were set free to become the godly handmaidens He desires us to be.<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">© Laura Allen Nonemaker</span>~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-27424425499181734252012-02-01T14:20:00.000-05:002012-02-01T14:20:23.328-05:00Sunny Signing in Fort Myers Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJppyejcTlhg1XEgaMR_BbqquhxziqdloRb056erXl9vA_VZbN_fyaPT9y96obNYGDKJkP-1WNreMfaYjOM5hyP2YcOqiMV5T2LByThwnzbDbv_IE5Ds74mqNrSUAYav0Z0v2SVrvzA/s1600/DSCN1334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJppyejcTlhg1XEgaMR_BbqquhxziqdloRb056erXl9vA_VZbN_fyaPT9y96obNYGDKJkP-1WNreMfaYjOM5hyP2YcOqiMV5T2LByThwnzbDbv_IE5Ds74mqNrSUAYav0Z0v2SVrvzA/s320/DSCN1334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Annette Stillson welcomes Laura Allen Nonemaker and Benny's Angel to Fort Myers Beach</div><br />
Saturday was an ideal day for a book signing in sunny Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Annette Stillson kindly hosted the signing at her shop, Annette's Beach Book Nook, in Santini Plaza. Many of the friendly people who stopped to investigate my display of Benny's Angel picture books, 3-D books, and T-shirts were escapees from the cold, snow, and rain of northern states. Happily, sales were good and to top it off, Paul had the privilege of praying with an elderly gentleman who was in Florida to sell his condo due to the critical illness of his wife. It is always a blessing when the Lord allows us to minister in some way, while at the same time making available my little children's book with its timely message of the importance of prayer and trusting God.~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-21777991179327939542012-01-27T23:24:00.000-05:002012-01-27T23:24:40.682-05:00Benny's Angel in Fort Myers Beach, Florida<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Nimbus Sans L', arial, sans-serif; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><div style="list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><div style="list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><div style="list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Let Benny lead your little ones on an adventure that teaches them about the importance of prayer!</span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #222222; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Event Date: </div><div style="color: #222222; font-size: 12px; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><div style="list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="line-height: 14px; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Saturday, January 28, 2012</span></div></div></div><div style="color: #222222; font-size: 12px; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><div style="list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><div style="list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Artist/group: </div> <a href="http://www.godsgarden.tateauthor.com/" style="color: #0053a1; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Laura Allen Nonemaker</a></div></div></div><div style="color: #222222; font-size: 12px; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><div style="list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><div style="list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><div style="display: inline; font-weight: bold; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Artist/group e-mail: </div> <a href="mailto:lauranonemaker@gmail.com" style="color: #0053a1; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">lauranonemaker@gmail.com</a></div></div></div></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Nimbus Sans L', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><div style="list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><div style="list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" height="170" src="http://www.wusf.usf.edu/sites/default/files/imagecache/news_max/eventimages/HiResCover,P20,P28424x640,P29_0.jpg.pagespeed.ce.2iPyYsrGU5.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; float: left; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="" width="113" /></div></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Nimbus Sans L', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Annette's Book Nook will host author, Laura Allen Nonemaker, on Saturday, January 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. when she introduces her colorful new picture book, Benny's Angel, to the Fort Myers Beach community. Benny's Angel was written for pre-K through early elementary age children and is the first book in the God's Secret Garden Adventure series. Pastor Dan Betzer of First Assembly of God, Fort Myers,author of the Dan and Louie Bible Stories, says of Benny's Angel, "In this charming book, she will take her readers into a garden of flowers, aromas, and beauty. This book will be an asset in the child's spiritual foundation and faith in God." Benny and his animal friends are sure to delight the little ones on your gift list!</div><h3 style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Location</h3><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, 'Nimbus Sans L', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><div style="list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><div style="list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="line-height: 14px; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Annette's Book Nook</span><div style="list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">7205 Estero Blvd. # 701, Villa Santini Plaza, Next to Bank of America</div><span style="line-height: 14px; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Fort Myers Beach</span>, <span style="line-height: 14px; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">FL</span> <span style="line-height: 14px; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">33931</span></div></div></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: #3333ff;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: #3333ff;">:</span>In addition to being at Annette's this coming Saturday, I will be at Ornery Attitude Cafe in Fishermen's Village, 122 W. Retta Esplanade #28 in Punta Gorda, Saturday, February 4, from 1 pm to 3 pm. David Jones has been kind enough to allow me to set up right outside his popular meeting place. If you like Blue Bell Ice Cream and gourmet coffees and latte's, Ornery Attitude is the place to be...and they claim to be able to change the most ornery attitude out there!</div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Fishermen's Village is an upscale shopping arcade and resort with an island flavor. Drop in and visit me at Dave's place and check out the mall before you leave!<div> </div></div>~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-56524595909702032662011-12-23T13:16:00.000-05:002011-12-23T13:16:05.395-05:00A Christmas Memory for 2011Last December I shared a precious Christmas memory from my childhood, helping my father prepare his traditional family recipe for plum pudding. New readers can refer to my archives if they would like to read that article.<br />
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This year's special memory is of the first Advent season I spent at Mount Saint Agnes Academy when I was ten. In what I call a mysterious move by God, I was enrolled by my Anglican father and Jewish mother, neither of whom attended any religious services, in a Catholic school. It seems that when they married, they agreed not to impose either of their religions on my brother and me. We learned respect for God through our nightly prayers with our mother, but we did not have a clear understanding of who Jesus was. <br />
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It was the custom during Advent for the nuns to give us each a flyer containing directions for making a "crib" for Baby Jesus It listed various prayers and recitations, each of which represented an item needed to prepare a baby's bed. For example, the mattress might be ten Our Father's, the sheet might be fifteen Glory Be's, and the blanket ten Hail Mary's. In addition, there would be a pillow and a pillowcase. As a child who had never been exposed to any details of the Christian faith, I was absolutely fascinated with this ritual. I was to have the honor of preparing a crib, in reality my heart, where the Christchild would be welcomed. <br />
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Now, as an adult, I believe I know why this so appealed to my young spirit. Through this symbolic exercise, God was giving me a tangible point of contact to begin to place my faith in and build my anticipation for the One whom I would eventually receive into my heart as my Lord and Savior.<br />
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Praise God for the mysterious ways in which the Good Shepherd leads us into His fold.<br />
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Laura Allen Nonemaker~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-57382731071569575532011-12-21T16:01:00.000-05:002011-12-21T16:01:23.759-05:00Announcing the Winner of the Benny's Angel Blog Tour Grand Prize<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15hqgGAKSC4EQn-H0eUpmNfkdXt9PIy8ihcbw8-1nOrxsdSFkeT-Q41vgUWpKAv8gpeHYmgNEkC8m7sk2Cr7qhyphenhyphenhbLPFmy5GqikVriWpnZ87wQ3vt1sX3ELq_EPPCImVgbAfoFaT8lw/s1600/DSCN1108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15hqgGAKSC4EQn-H0eUpmNfkdXt9PIy8ihcbw8-1nOrxsdSFkeT-Q41vgUWpKAv8gpeHYmgNEkC8m7sk2Cr7qhyphenhyphenhbLPFmy5GqikVriWpnZ87wQ3vt1sX3ELq_EPPCImVgbAfoFaT8lw/s320/DSCN1108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Congratulations to Grandma Carol B, whose name was drawn by random.org as the winner of the grand prize gift package.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, Carol, for leaving your comment at the blog tour for Benny's Angel, which appeared on Abi Buening's blog, www.myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com. Your prize is on its way!</span>~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14627469970302632.post-57693392097918621102011-12-13T13:27:00.000-05:002011-12-13T13:27:53.694-05:00Sheila McKinney DeChantal's Review of Benny's Angel<div style="background-color: #bfbfbf; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Georgia, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IJf6Jx3RmRJAjuJk0YaeQ9RBzSINDSFo99QF2DjsX2n6eBGlwCD4sO8pR1kxqj3iPyCFf8TFLNA0DbGTQjLAiUF1_9JH39KvgAbz3T3jJ58shyJ-fNBLHFQNQ30RLiqDMvEZ-tBhjw/s1600/HiResCover+%2528424x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IJf6Jx3RmRJAjuJk0YaeQ9RBzSINDSFo99QF2DjsX2n6eBGlwCD4sO8pR1kxqj3iPyCFf8TFLNA0DbGTQjLAiUF1_9JH39KvgAbz3T3jJ58shyJ-fNBLHFQNQ30RLiqDMvEZ-tBhjw/s200/HiResCover+%2528424x640%2529.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><div style="background-color: #bfbfbf; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Georgia, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><strong>This book was sent to me as part of a tour with KCWC Blog Tour. While this book is short and sweet, it packs within its pages a powerful message about our joy and how we are in control of the way we respond when things go wrong. </strong></div><div style="background-color: #bfbfbf; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Georgia, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left;"> <strong>I remember when my boys were growing up and they would come home all upset about what someone had said to them. Maybe it was name calling, or maybe it was a comment about how they played a game or answered a question. I always told my boys that they had the power to choose how they responded, a kind response or none at all can really take the power away from the offender, after all – they are fueled by the reaction. The same goes for the message within this book, while Count Slime wanted to see the animals of the garden have sorrow and feel scared, when that reaction was missing – the Count goes about his way… defeated.</strong></div><div style="background-color: #bfbfbf; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Georgia, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left;"> <strong>I think even as an adult I need to remind myself sometimes that I choose how I respond to situations that may be difficult or painful. Knowing that, somehow makes me feel better.</strong></div><div style="background-color: #bfbfbf; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Georgia, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left;"> <strong>This book would make a wonderful addition to a Christmas stocking. The book also includes a code for a free download of the audio version of the book. What fun to play the audio version while paging through the colorful illustrations that go along with this story.</strong></div><div style="background-color: #bfbfbf; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Georgia, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><br />
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</ul><div class="sharing-clear" style="border-bottom-left-radius: 0px 0px !important; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px 0px !important; border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px !important; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;"></div></div></div></div><div class="postinfo" style="background-color: #bfbfbf; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Georgia, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 18px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left;">Filed under: <a href="http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/category/book-review/" rel="category tag" style="color: black;" title="View all posts in Book Review">Book Review</a> Order Benny's Angel: www.godsgarden.tateauthor.com</div>~Laura Allen Nonemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12172939663897055041noreply@blogger.com2