Children of the New Forest

Another book I have had on the shelf to read is Children of the New Forest by Frederick Marryat. This is also a historical fiction book (seeing a theme here?) set during the English Civil War.

When Colonel Beverly is killed in battle, his four orphaned children are rescuded from their manor withing hours before it is burned to the ground. Their rescuer and loyal servant Jacob Armitage , a skilled woodsman from the New Forest teaches them to survive and live off the land. They become quite self sufficient. The eldest son Edward, though, has been trained to follow in his father's footsteps and is restless until opportunity arises to aide King Charles II back to the throne, thus restoring his family to their rightful place in society.

The story is rich in farming and nature as well as how these children and others around them learn to depend on the Lord and His Word to guide them.

Michael Phillips Shenandoah Series

I have been sick for two weeks with bronchitis. During the first week I was in the bed so I stayed sane by reading lots of good books. I have a new Christian historical fiction author that I really really enjoyed!

I read Michael Phillips Shenandoah Series. Our local library has a lot of his books. Below are the titles in the series:

Shenandoah (2002-2004)
Angels Watching Over Me, 2002
A Day To Pick Your Own Cotton, 2003
The Color of Your Skin Ain't the Color of Your Heart, 2003
Together Is All We Need, 2004

This series is about two young girls near Charlotte, NC during and after the Civil War. One girl is the daughter of a plantation owner, the other the daughter of slaves on a nearby plantation. The girls come together when the Bilsby Marauders tear through their county and others murdering anyone in their path, black and white alike.

Through immense tragedy, these two girls teach each other how to survive, each bringing different strengths from the lives that were ripped away. It is a beautiful story of God's love for us and how we should (but often fail) to love others.

Understood Betsy

One of the Ambleside Online books we are reading this year is Understood Betsy. All of the boys have been enjoying it!!

Elizabeth Ann (Betsy) is a nine year old girl. Her parents had died and she was left to be raised by her aunts. In the aunts' home every need and detail is handled for Betsy. She fears what they fear (especially dogs), and her every move is planned for her. However, when the older aunt suddenly gets a serious cough and the doctor sends them away, Betsy ends up with "the bad cousins".

Betsy's life takes a dramatic turn. Suddenly she must think for herself and help care for herself and contribute to the household. They even have A DOG!!!

We've almost cheered for Betsy with each new discovery! This is a great story for any age!!

Fireproof!!!!!! Go see it!!!

We went out last weekend with some friends to see Fireproof. This is definitely a must see for all adults!!! I enjoyed the story, the acting and the lessons from beginning to end. This comes from the maker of Facing the Giants and Fly Wheel.

Here is a preview!!

A Sense of Place

I have spoken often of Amber's talk from the 2007 Childlight Conference. She spoke on A Sense of Place. Her words have come back to me many times....in essence, be where you are...fully be there!!! If God has placed us there, and of course he has, then we should be involved and "know" that place. Well, Tammy Glaser can explain anything, so since it has been awhile for me, I'll share a link to her blog where she narrates Amber's talk....enjoy....

http://aut2bhomeincarolina.blogspot.com/2007/06/sense-of-place.html