The Stuff of Nightmares

C'est La Vie

But there's a funny thing about those scars - they aren't just wounded flesh. To me, they're permanent reminders of a time when we were all young and foolish and so so so desperate to be cool at any cost. And that makes me sad.

Book Review: One Big Thing

In his latest book, One Big Thing, Phil Cooke explore the fundamental question of finding one`s purpose in life. With witty candor and insightful writing, he seeks to help the reader discover their true identity as well as market  themselves to the world. Chock full of inspirational quotes and anecdotes of people who have found their `thing`, this was quite the entertaining read!

Book Review: Grant - Savior of the Union

The Generals is a riveting new series exploring the lives of Christian leaders. My first taste of the collection came in the form of a historical biography on the subject of the famed Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant. 

When Ulysses S. Grant accepted the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865, he became the Savior of the Union. But he was more than just a general during the most controversial and costly time in American history.
One hundred and fifty years since the Civil War commenced, Ulysses S. Grant is still considered one of the greatest officers to wear the uniform of the United States Army. But he began his military career reluctantly.

Book Review: Running for My Life

Hi everybody! So I know it`s been forever since I last posted, but...it`s summer! Yay summer things! :D

Anyways, here`s another great read to share with you all :)

With the 2012 London Olympics in full swing, this is an amazing behind the scenes story of an athlete who succeeded against impossible odds. Lopez Lomong tells a heartbreaking tale of his past, of overcoming unbearable conditions, child slavery and 9 years in a refugee camp. This year, he will be competing in the Men`s 5000 metre on August 8th...I`ll definitively be watching an supporting!

Fatspration

Bottom right? That's me. 

Engrish Lessons

This made me LOL :3

Let's Do This! Summer Fitness

Woot! The time for action is now! You just have to want something badly enough. 

"The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want now"

-Zig Ziglar

Check out http://arthlete.tumblr.com for a healthy dose of inspiration and beautiful artwork!

Book Review: Seeds of Turmoil

Bryan Wright's new book is a fascinating read on the background of the current tensions in the Middle East. His writing is a combination of well research points and a clear voice linking the significance of the past to the   problems of the present. He uses the Old Testament to show the relationship between the conflicts and the Bible, specifically with the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar.

Book Review: Starring Me

Starring Me is an adorably written new novel for young adults by Krista McGee.

An aspiring actress, Kara McKormick is set to audition for the placement of a variety show host. Arriving in sunny Orlando, competition is tough with all the other girls competing to be the co-star to pop sensation Chad Beacon, and not everyone is what they seem. Through trials and unexpected hardships Kara learns to embrace not only herself, but God as well in the ups and downs of life.

Book Review: This Scarlet Cord

In This Scarlet Cord: The Love Story of Rahab, Joan Wolf breathes new life into a biblical classic. Translated from Hebrew and Caananite, Wolf lovingly weaves a tale about passion, faith and determination.

It's a bit Romeo & Juliet, with Rahab, a beautiful young girl separated from her beloved by their different faiths. Throughout the course of the story, she struggles with her choices but ultimately embraces both her beloved and the One True God. Very amazed with the background and plot the Wolf dreamt up from the simple tale of the Scarlet Cord in the Old Testament!

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Why Me? Why You?

Book Review: Mondays With My Old Pastor

Mondays with My Old Pastor: Sometimes All We Need Is a Reminder from Someone Who Has Walked Before Us By José Navajo is a wonderful new novel telling the story of a discouraged young priest. Through visits with his old pastor, he gains wisdom and insight on his troubles and fears. The imagery in this novel is wonderful, with roses of red and white symbolizing the growth of the young pastor.

Book Review: Hope Springs

   Kim Tate's newest novel Hope Springs tells the story of a small Southern town, and of two families that reside there. The story flips back and forth between the perspectives of three characters, Janelle, Becca, and Stephanie, a refreshing writing style. The two families are close friends and yet they remain divided by boundaries of race that still exist in the small town setting. In this modern day and age, it's pretty unique to find a story that deals with present time segregation, but Tate handles this job well!

Binge Drinking

....on Tazo tea. Earl Grey to be exact. It's 12:57pm, with a deadline of Monday morning for minimum 3 articles as well as a voice-overed animated slideshow. I'm not getting anything done. *SIGH* the tea's delicious though :)

Caffeine makes me feel alive. Apparently it's deterrent towards the growth of ****** though. Alas. ;)

Vagina Killers

Hey! Don't touch me there, this is my private square.
R-A-P-E, get the fuck away from me.

A hilarious article over at: http://www.thefrisky.com/2012-05-30/15-vagina-killers/

Vagina Killer (vah-ji´nah kil′ər) noun: 1. The thing that an otherwise acceptable man can do or say on a date to ensure that he will never get into your pants. Ever.

1. Incessant work talk. Endless chit chat about how busy you are at work and how stressful your job is renders the vagina lifeless.

2. Dave Matthews [or insert your least favorite band here]. What did you say? Dave Matthews is your favorite band of all time? Call the vaginamedics.

3. Itemizing the bill. If you don’t pay, it’s not a total vagina killer. But if you’re straight-up itemizing how much each of us owes … dead down below.

Emily McCombs

Freaking love this woman and her writing.

Polar Opposites

Be so happy that when others look at you they become happy too

Ladies and gents, this is extra large for a reason! ;)
You mantra of day! Strive to be *that* happy!

Book Review: The Coming Revolution

A lovely new addition to my book shelf courtesy of BookSneeze! 

The Coming Revolution: Signs from America's Past That Signal Our Nation's Future by Dr. Richard Lee is an inspirational work of non-fiction. Dr. Lee speaks about patriotism and taking the country's fate and future into our own hands. He speaks from a conservative viewpoint, which might make this a little controversial towards those on the other end of the political spectrum. The Coming Revolution is well researched and detailed, exploring America's original Revolution and delving further into how it applies to today's issues. As a Canadian, this was a fascinating read to learn a little more about the history of our southern neighbors! :) 

A Day Like Any Other

"You can't possibly imagine how much I love you." He whispered the words she'd said to him first every year for the last five years. In his arms she stiffened, pulling back to look up at him with anguished eyes. She had just remembered. Her mouth opened to apologise.
Snape shook his head, placing a long finger over her lips. "I would marry you all over again, Hermione."
He did it because it would make her cry tears of joy, and he could kiss them away."  

-melisande88 

Beneath the surface

I Wish...

I wish my next stop was happiness.

Sweet Nothings...

Hot and Cold...

"I don't want to fall another moment into your gravity. ♥"  

...AWWW 

"who is this morbidly obese person?"

LOL...a Facebook status and comment captured forever!

You Said It, Sista! ;)

Boar VS Boar

In a fight, would I rather face a boar or a bore?
Well, considering one is a hairy, unkempt beast....

Oh! You thought I was talking about the boar? *chuckles*

Boredom is much more formidable then any wild creature. It's also quite a bit harder to defeat.

It's the heaviness of your eyelids.

The monotonous drone of a bad speaker.

The idle taptaptap of a writing utensil against the desk.

So, what prompted this?

Silly Grin :3

There's only one way

to say

those three words

and that's what I'll do

I love you

Happy Mother's Day! ~ Belated

Regret?

So I did mention that one of my biggest fears is probably the weight of regret...

“Never choose a friend without complete understanding and....

Never lose a friend because of a small misunderstanding.”

Book Review: The Searchers by Joseph Loconte

Never before had they known such hope.
In a world drenched in violence and oppression, here was a man armed with a message of peace and freedom. Into lives nearly overwhelmed by grief and sorrow, he brought compassion and healing and the deepest joy. To people who felt like outcasts and aliens, he showed the way home. And then, in one devastating night, all their hopes collapsed.
This is where our story begins—in the valley of despair. It is a tale of two friends, a stranger, and a search for truth in a world gone mad with doubt.
Historian Joseph Loconte unlocks the meaning of their exchange, set in the chaotic days following the execution of Jesus of Nazareth. Drawing from literature, film, philosophy, history, and politics, Loconte shows how this biblical drama is an integral part of our own story.
Sooner or later, we will find ourselves among the searchers.

Book Review: Redemption by Bryan Clay

Another great read: from me, to you! :D

The inspiring and gritty story of the World's Greatest Athlete. Redemption tells the story of Bryan Clay, winner of the 2008 Olympic gold medal and the 2004 Olympic silver medal in the decathlon. By the grace of God, Bryan went from being a fist-fighting, drug-using, presuicidal kid in Hawaii to world champion in the toughest Olympic sport. His secret? A dramatically rediscovered faith and his mother’s relentless prayers.

Redemption goes beyond standard sports memoirs, giving a clear storyline of an athlete’s misspent youth, his desperate Christian conversion at a time of utter personal defeat, and his mother’s fervent prayers that helped transform him into a top athlete, family man, and loving father. Bryan’s story will inspire mothers, fathers, and young readers alike as they experience the rise of a champion from obscurity and failure to the pinnacle of athletic achievement.
The world will be watching Bryan, at the age of 32, defend his gold medal at the London Olympics in 2012.

Under the Hawthorn Tree

Pole Bunny! :3

Lone Rhino

Recent Reads

So I know I've been a little AWOL lately, but in spite of that, I've gathered quite the stack of great new material to share with my dear readers! :D

"What are you scared of?" "Regretting."

Book Review: Simply Grilling

With the weather warming up, it's time to herald the arrival of gorgeous spring days by dusting off the old grill. Grilling is one my favorite cooking experiences. The sizzle of meats, the glow of the embers, the breeze carrying the smoke. It really is all about the experience. Nothing really compares to a summer dinner with the family out on the patio, just enjoying the company and the food.

Anyways, for those already reminiscing summertime memories, Jennifer Chandler's new cookbook "Simply Grilling: 105 recipes for quick and casual grilling" is sure to be the key for creating more wonder times.

Book Review: 1,000 Days

In 1,000 Days: The Ministry of Christ, author Jonathan Falwell sheds light on an area of the Scripture that not many writers have before. The three year period in which Jesus served as part of the public ministry before his death and resurrection. The detail put into this work makes for a fascinating read, whether you are Christian or not. 1,000 Days could easily fit into a bible study setting, with all the interesting points for discussion it provokes.

An opportunity to meet Jesus Christ like never before.Have you ever thought that when Jesus Christ came to earth more than two thousand years ago, he could have simply given us salvation—period!—and never done another single thing? Jesus Christ could have chosen to be born of a virgin, live for 33 years in relative obscurity, die on the cross, be buried, and rise from the dead three days later, and still give us the opportunity for salvation without doing any of the things we read about in the gospels.Yet there was more.For three years—roughly 1,000 days—Jesus served in public ministry while on earth. He didn’t need to do this ministry, yet he did anyway, and that’s the key for us. This intentionality implies that there is a lot of information in Scripture that we need to grapple with. We need to understand what Jesus said and did during his 1,000-day public ministry, so we can apply his teachings to our lives today.What makes these 1000 days of Christ so vitally important?Jesus’ public ministry was to help us understand what true love is all about—both for God and for other people. When we love God and others first, the rest of life falls into place: our possessions, our ambitions, our hopes and our dreams. Jesus modeled everything he taught, and his invitation is to make his mission our mission too