Biblical Worldview
of God and Truth

Our children are bombarded daily with competing messages. Every song, movie, book, TV show, blog, and game is full of ideas—ideas about God, people, truth, beauty, and right and wrong. Not all of these ideas are true. Some are deceptive and even destructive. The What We Believe series is designed to help children learn to discern the truth by using God’s Word as a lens through which to view the world around them—to see everything the way God sees it.
This first-of-its-kind family-inclusive study of biblical worldview introduces young people, ages 6–14, to the basic truths of the Christian faith. In volume one, students will meet our loving God who longs for us to know Him and spend time with Him. Through engaging stories and fun activities, they will come to know and trust God, building an unshakeable faith that will last a lifetime.
With an emphasis on thoughtful notebooking assignments and Bible interaction, this multi-grade curriculum is easy to use for the whole family. Written to the student, each lesson is presented in a conversational style that makes the study of God’s Word exciting and memorable for children of all ages.


“An excellent resource that our family will be using to guide our worship times!”

Timothy Paul Jones, Ph.D.
Editor of The Journal of Family Ministry


“A wonderful tool for families! Who is God? (And Can I Really Know Him?) helps parents construct a firm foundation upon which children can build their faith.”

Leanna Ellis
Homeschooling mother and award-winning novelist


“Instruction in apologetics and worldview is sadly lacking among Christian youth, and that’s probably why so many fall away from their faith after high school. Who Is God? is a ‘moral flashlight’ to illuminate the source of truth for young people everywhere. Get it and read it with your kids. I am.”

Chuck Holton
Homeschooling father and best-selling author


“A tapestry of challenging questions, exciting stories, solid biblical teaching, and wise counsel. This series will bring adventure and fun back into learning—for the whole family.”

Larry Libby
Author of Someday Heaven

Another frequently asked question: What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?
I’m sure I can think of several. Weird things have been known to happen to me. When my first book came out, my husband’s office gave me a booksigning. I was excited and in a hurry that day and didn’t eat a thing. During the booksigning, I sat next to a big bowl of chocolates. So I ate one. Really, just one! It was actually one of those mini ones. After the signing, I went to Barnes and Noble and was going to buy three copies of my first book for my mother. Really! She wanted more than one, of course. I started to feel ill as I headed toward the checkout line. Suddenly when I reached the counter, I passed out, hitting my chin on the counter on the way to the floor. I remember hearing somebody yelling behind me, “Call an ambulance!” Someone else yelled, “Is she epileptic?” Epileptic? I don’t think I had any convulsions. Anyway, I felt like I was climbing up out of a dark well. I did not want an ambulance to be called. I was not epileptic! I just wanted to buy some copies of my book! Finally, wobbly, I stood. I was so embarrassed, I wanted to crawl out of the store and the checkout girl said, “Are you sure you wanted three of these?” Yeah, uh-huh. I prayed she wouldn’t notice my name on my credit card. Could that be an American Express commercial some day?

It’s tough being a woman! That’s the theme of Beth Moore’s bible study about Esther which I’m working my way through lately. It’s a wonderful study, and I readily agree with her that it is definitely tough being a woman. When I was a little girl, I thought petticoats and bras were the worst thing imaginable! Of course now I have a totally different perspective. Hormones, right? But there are even more difficult aspects about being a woman. Watching over a sick child. Letting go of a child who is off to college. Seeing a child go down the wrong path. Standing at the bedside of your dying parent. Comforting a friend who is facing a huge loss. Facing a divorce. So what is the hardest thing you’ve faced being a woman?

One of my favorite movies is Sense and Sensibilities. The end of that movie makes me laugh and cry all at the same time. But I have not been a big fan of Pride and Prejudice, and I’m not sure why. I like Bridget Jones which is a take off on P&P. My husband, who adores all things British, loves the A&E version of P&P. We’ve both seen the Keira Knightly movie with her starring as Lizzie Bennett. But alas, I still didn’t get it. And everything seems to be coming up Jane Austen these days. For some odd reason this weekend, I was up late and decided to put on Pride and Prejudice. And suddenly, I got it. I got Mr. Darcy. I got them falling in love. I got the angst and the beauty at the end. So now, I’m quietly obsessed with P&P. What’s up with that? One thing I definitely like better about the P&P starring Keira Knightly (and is it Matthew MacFayden?) is that Mr. Darcy comes across with deep feeling. The Colin Firth version of Mr. Darcy comes across (to me anyway) as simply angry. My daughter and I are now listening to an audio version of the book. So, are any of you out there Mr. Darcy … oops, I should say Jane Austen or Pride and Prejudice fans?

This past weekend, I took my daughter out to dinner for a little girl bonding time. Of course, that means dessert! And with my daughter that always means chocolate. It was a delightfully sweet and chocolatey concoction – lava cake! Just so happens, my kids tooks a cooking class this summer at Chefs Academy and the provided this delicious recipe. Enjoy!

4 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate
½ cup butter, plus extra to coat cups
1 cup powdered sugar
2 eggs
2egg yolks
6 Tbsp. flour
Additional powdered sugar to garnish
Whipped topping to garnish

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease the inside of the custard cups with butter and place on baking sheet. Place chocolate and ½ cup butter in large bowl and microwave on HIGH for 1 minute or until butter is melted. Stir with wire whisk until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in sugar until well blended. Whisk in eggs and egg yolks. Stir in flour. Divide batter between prepared cups and bake 13 to 14 minutes or until sides are firm but centers are soft. Let stand 1 minute. Carefully run a small knife around cakes to loosen. Invert cakes onto dessert dishes. Using a hand strainer, sift powdered sugar on top to garnish. Top with 1 Tbsp. of whipped topping or ice cream. Serve immediately. Makes 4.

Look To The East

by

Maureen Lang

A village under siege. A love under fire.
France 1914

At the dawn of the First World War, the French village of Briecourt is isolated from the battles, but the century-old feud between the Toussaints and the de Colvilles still rages in the streets. When the German army sweeps in to occupy the town, families on both sides of the feud are forced to work together to protect stragglers caught behind enemy lines.

Julitte Toussaint may have been adopted from a faraway island, but she feels the scorn of the de Colvilles as much as anyone born a Toussaint. So when she falls in love with one of the stragglers—a wealthy and handsome Belgian entrepreneur—she knows she's playing with fire. Charles Lassone hides in the cellar of the Briecourt church, safe from the Germans for the moment. But if he's discovered, it will bring danger to the entire village and could cost Charles his life.

A note from Maureen:

This book was one of those stories that just needed to be told. Inspired by actual events in a small town in France, it was a dream come true for me to travel there for research and to absorb the atmosphere. Although my book takes place nearly one hundred years ago, the same area today is similar in many ways: picturesque little villages surrounded by a lovely rural landscape. Thankfully, there were no rumbles of battle in the distance when I was there . . .

My prayer is that the events of the past won't be forgotten, so we'll never again make the same mistakes.

About Maureen Lang:
Maureen lives with her family (her husband, three kids and their lovable lab) in Illinois. She spends her days dreaming up people in faraway places, characters who live far more exciting lives than she does within the safety of her happy home. Look to the East is Maureen's ninth novel.

Visit Maureen's website:

www.maureenlang.com

or her blog:

http://maureenlang.blogspot.com/

As an author, I have a few frequently asked questions, especially when I'm doing book signings. So I thought I’d share them here on Fridays with you. So the number one question I get asked is: Where’s the restroom?

Seriously, my kids ask where the restroom is a lot. Plus, book signings are not always glamorous. Once, I was asked where the geography section was. So, if you see some poor writer, sitting at a table in the middle of a bookstore, looking lonely, staring at her own book, eating the candy she brought, then stop by and say hello. You can always say, “What’s this?” If you don’t want to buy the book, just say, “Congratulations,” and move on. Writers get enough sitting alone time when staring at a computer screen. Sometimes we like real people, other than our characters, to talk to.

If you’re on Facebook or Twitter, be sure to look me up.

Facebook: Leanna Ellis fan page
Twitter.com/leannaellis

Ever since my father past away on April 8th, I’ve been floundering spiritually. Not questioning what I believe. It’s hard to explain. Mostly, I’m just having a difficult time spending time in the word and in prayer. I feel distracted. Lost. Part of me worries that I’m not doing what I should be doing … quiet time, studying the word. And yes, those are things I need to be doing. And I will again. But that’s my old self berating me. It’s not God. Doesn’t act that way. I was reminded of His grace this past week through an amazing sermon by Robert Morris. It was like balm to my wounded soul. My salvation is a gift. God didn’t give it to me and then say I needed to pay for it by spending time with him and doing a bible study every six weeks. He paid that price tag completely. No credit card was used. No interest. It was paid in Jesus’ blood. I Corinthians 6:19-20 tells me I was bought for a price. I am not my own. I belong to God. Nothing can take me out of the palm of his hand. This video truly spoke to me. I’d seen it before in a different context. And simply seeing it as a father helping his son is totally amazing. But when you look at it with spiritual eyes and see the picture of how God lifts and carries us, then it totally puts me on my face in awe of Him and I know that I haven’t been lazy or rebellious these past couple of months. I’ve simply been paralyzed and He’s been carrying me through it all. Check it out: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJMbk9dtpdY

I’m lost without LOST! I miss Jack, Kate, Sawyer, Juliette, Hurley. There are so many new questions that I need the answers to. NOW. Season 5 comes out Dec. 8th. I can’t wait to rewatch it. Then in January … ta-dom, the new and final season begins! So are you craving the start of a TV show? Is it LOST? American Idol? (Wanting to see Tom Delay get his groove on or is it Donny Osmond?) Tell me what you’re watching.

In honor of the King of Rock and Roll, who passed away Aug. 17, 1977, and who absolutely loved food, I am starting this week to list recipes here on Tuesdays. I hope they will be helpful to you. If you have any you'd like to share, please do so!

The Spice of Life

My husband cooked an amazing brisket this past weekend. What made this slab of meat so different than any other we’ve had before? I’m convinced it was the spices he used. Recently my children attended a cooking class. One of the many things they made was ‘Baby Bam’ courtesy of Emeril Lagasse. So, BAM! Here it is:

3 Tbsp. paprika
2Tbsp. salt
2 Tbsp. dried parsley
2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. garlic powder
1tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried thyme
½ tsp. celery salt

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Sprinkle this over a brisket and cook it slow at 325 degrees. Add a salad and some baked beans a few years of corn and BAM! You’ve got a great meal.

Also, if you are on Facebook, come to my fan page and join in the fun. I'm giving prizes away this week in honor of Elvis.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Leanna-Ellis/49487472434?ref=ts

Often on Mondays I highlight another writer’s books, but I thought I’d tell you what I’m reading these days. Inspired after being in Washington DC last week, I wanted to read some books about our founding fathers when I returned home. During our visit to Mount Vernon, I was so struck by our first president. He was first and foremost a farmer. He took great care in planning his home and in rotating crops in order to help the land recover and grow. He was definitely a forward thinker. During his many years on the battlefield, he actually lost more battles than he won. The British said that he out spied them. He and Martha did not have children together, but he helped raise her two children. One even died in his arms when she fell under an epileptic seizure. Later, he and Martha helped raise their grandchildren. Reluctantly he agreed to be president. But that was not his first choice. He really only wanted to return home to Mt. Vernon and farm. This remarkable man so intrigued me as I read about him, saw the amazing monument built in his honor , visited Yorktown which was the final battle place of the Revolutionary War and toured his home. So, I’m reading Washington: The Indispensable Man by James Thomas Flexner. This country of ours definitely needs another leader like George Washington, one who is reluctant to embrace power but puts his/her country first. So, what are you reading?

A surprise visit from 'Dorothy' at the book club. She handed out bookmarks. Notice Toto in the basket.

I had a wonderful time with Sisters of the Heart Book Club this week. What a great bunch of women! They had a record turnout. We shared the love of books, cookies and laughter. Thanks for having me, ladies!

Hi, y'all! Just wanted to let you know I'm blogging over at the Christian Authors Network today about high concept. I'll be blogging once a month, the 2nd Wednesday of every month. So I hope you'll join me. Here's the link: www.canblog.typepad.com/canbookmarketing.com

We landed in DC and drove straight to Annapolis so my husband could take us to his favorite restaurant. Yum! The crab cakes were delicious!

Dorothy had it right! I am so glad to be home again after a week of travels through Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown and Washington DC. Whew! What fun it was to see so many sites through the pages of history. My kids had a spectacular time. They were pooped by the end of the trip though. I wore them out walking The Mall. Thankfully, we experienced great weather throughout the trip. I'll be posting some pictures on my blog over the next few days, so I hope you'll check them out. Today, here are a couple of pictures from Annapolis where we ate at my husband's favorite restaurant.

These were recently posted and thought you might enjoy them:


http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-14422-Grand-Rapids-Christian-Fiction-Examiner~y2009m8d4-Fiction-Author-Fun-Facts--Leanna-Ellis

Hey, y'all! Don't ya just love taking some time off? I'm on vacation this week, doing a little sight seeing, research and spending time with the family. Where is your favorite watering hole for a little down-time fishing? I'll post pictures next week of our 'fishing' trip.

Blessings,

Leanna

HER INHERITANCE FOREVER (Avon Inspire, Trade Paperback Original, On Sale: August 18, 2009, ISBN: 9780061373435, $12.99) is book two of the Texas: Star of Destiny series,
In 1836 Texas, Alandra Sandoval is the Tejano lady of Rancho Sandoval. She is determined to show the world of men that she, a woman, can run the ranch successfully without a male by her side. Yet she still longs for future love and a family.

Scully Falconer, a loner, is the top hand on a nearby ranch. He has given his loyalty to the Quinn family and doesn’t ask more than honest pay for an honest day’s work.

Alandra, the lady of Mexican descent, and Scully, the American cowboy, think they have very different paths set before them. But greedy relatives burst onto the scene, threatening to change their way of life. And when General Santa Anna crosses the Rio Grande and marches north to keep his rendezvous with destiny at the Alamo, Alandra and Scully’s lives will never be the same.

The Library Journal says Lyn Cote “demonstrates her skill at creating strong female protagonists in compelling stories that will captivate historical romance readers.” HER INHERITANCE FOREVER attests to Cote’s ability to create page-turning, riveting romances with wonderful historical details that also allow readers to watch the forming of the Texas state."






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
LYN COTE is an award-winning author of both contemporary and historical inspirational romance. She speaks at state, regional and national writer’s conferences and is an active member of RWA and the American Christian Fiction Authors. Most recently, Chloe, the first novel in Lyn’s “Women of Ivy Manor” series published by FaithWords was a 2006 Rita Award finalist for Best Inspirational as well as a finalist for the Holt Medallion and the National Readers Choice Contest. She is also one the top-selling authors in Harlequin’s Love Inspired category line. Lyn and her husband live in Wisconsin.