Cloud Culture {Book Review and Giveaway}

 

I recently read the book "Cloud Culture" by Chuck Giacinto and Bryce Conlan. I wasn't quite sure what to expect but I really enjoyed it. It was also a very quick, easy and interesting book to read.

 



Chuck Giancinto

"Cloud Culture" addresses and issue that is a new but very major part of our society today and that issue is-  all the time we spend in the Social Media World - more specifically how we as Christians are spending that time. They are not condemning spending time online, they are encouraging us to use that time in a way that honors Christ and brings glory to Him.

 I found this book to be very encouraging. When I started it I was thinking I might find ideas for better sharing God's love on this blog - but it seemed to me that most of the discussion centered around facebook or tweeting (which I don't do and don't really plan to do). The principles certainly apply to blogging as well but that wasn't really their focus. Though it wasn't exactly what I expected I came away feeling very inspired to use my time on facebook (which can really vary in amount) in a way that I can share Christ's love and reach out to those that might be lonely or hurting.

 



Bryce Conlan

   Some of the things that made me think was their talking about the importance of not just filling the airspace but saying/typing things that will edify or help others. This really strikes a chord with me. I don't want to be just a clanging cymbal that doesn't help out in any way - that means that I probably won't tell everybody on facebook where I am shopping at or when I may be eating. That is always something that has bothered me about facebook so instead most of the time I don't say anything at all - but if I just lurk on there then I am not really shining God's light that way either. But after reading the book I have better ideas for things maybe I should say.

 

  Another thing that I found useful was the encouragement to really be a friend to those on there. When we see someone that always seems to be negative or talks about having a hard time then maybe give them a call, send them a private message - try to find a way to be a real live helping friend.

 

 They did discouraged the idea of just always putting a verse or some religious something up all the time as people would quite likely start tuning you out. This makes sense to me.

 

 Another thing that I made sense but I hadn't thought a lot about was being careful of others feelings and not just sharing everything you know and perhaps trying to be the first person to announce everything. They mentioned specifically about Deaths as they had seen people announcing somebody dying on facebook before the family had even had time to call all of the close family to let them know personally. This was especially interesting to me as two people that we are close to died this week and I thought about how I would have felt had we received the announcement of that via facebook instead of by being called. So basically just a reminder to use some common sense and basic politeness even when we are online.

 

I enjoyed this book and would encourage to anyone that spends much time in Cyber Space.

 

I do actually get the privilege of hosting a giveaway of this book - Would you care to win?

 

If you would like to win please leave a comment below sharing your thoughts about social media and how you can shine your light as a Christian while one there.

 

Please be sure to leave an e-mail address so that I can contact you if you win!

 

If you are a follower of my blog (by google friend connect and either new or old follower) you can have a second entry - just leave a 2nd comment telling me that you follow.

 

This giveaway will end on Saturday, Dec. 8th at 7 pm.

 

Disclaimer - I received this book for the purposes of reviewing but the thoughts in this post are my own.

 

You can find Cloud Culture on Amazon.

A Handmade Christmas - Week 7 {Button Snowflakes}

 This past week we got snow here at our place that I think will stay the winter. I am talking about real snow that Aaron has been diligently going skiing on every chance he can get (this morning he asked me if perhaps there might be a race he can enter)- inside however I have been having fun making some button snow. So this week I thought I would present to you two kinds of button snowflakes.
The first kind is very easy button ornaments for your tree or if you are like us and don't have a tree then you kind find all sorts of other ways to decorate with them. I haven't put them up yet at our house but I may hang them in windows, nestle them in greenery, have a bunch hanging from the light fixture over our table or hanging from the ceiling. You will have to check back later to find out. :-) They would also look very sweet attached to a gift.

  You may, like I, have seen this idea before using Popsicle sticks. I made one like that but realized we were nearly out of Popsicle sticks (we don't buy Popsicles and I have bought the sticks before - a couple of times in my lifetime- but Jonathan majorly depleted our stash when he was into making planes from Popsicle sticks ) so I worked at thinking outside to box to figure out what would work from what we already had on hand.

  For us that ended up being strapping that we had saved when it came on flower boxes. We simply cut it to the appropriate length and glued them together.

Basically to make the snowflake you need 3 strips, a ribbon or lace or something to hang it with and buttons and glue. Glue your strips together, glue the lace onto one tip and then cover it all with buttons. A very simple project that can be done with kids.

 The other thing that I thought would be fun to do is to make a snowflake with button art. I have been seeing neat button art - Initials, trees, cupcakes, etc- all over the Internet but I haven't seen a snowflake so I decided to give it a try.

 Though I think this design could definitely be improved on it was fun to try and I have it hanging up in the living room now.

 The project was a nice one because it used various items that I already had on hand.

 I used:

• An old frame missing its glass
• A piece of cardboard/poster board (repurposed from an old folder)
• Fabric
• Buttons - many of them coming off of old dress shirts of Ken's that I will use to make something else.
• Hot glue.

 My fabric was thin enough that I was able to draw the basic snowflake shape onto the poster board with a black marker and then be able to see it faintly through the fabric.

 I covered the poster board with fabric securing it in the back with glue.

 I just started gluing on buttons.

 After I got the basic shape done I still wasn't real satisfied (above) so then I started adding in more buttons - some on top of others for more dimension and I liked it quite a bit better.

 We enjoy snow outside and decorating with snowflakes inside here at our house. I am sure we will be doing a lot more of that before long (through the end of November the fall decorations will stay up however). We will be cutting paper snowflakes, quite likely making 3D paper snowflakes and I also think it would be fun to make some snowflake gift tags. You might be seeing more snowflakes around here before the year is over.

Have you been working on anything - gifts, decorations, etc at your house? I would love to hear!
Please tell me all about it in the comments! If you have posted on your blog about your projects I would love it if you would leave a link so that I and others could come visit your blog and see what you are doing!

Preparing for the Future {Taking care of our health}

One of the things that I think is important to think about when planning and preparing for the future (whatever it may hold) is knowing how to take care of you and your family's health. This wasn't the topic I planned to write about today but after being sick for the weekend with an ear infection/fever, etc and having successfully treated it at home I decided that I was already thinking about this topic- I might as well write on it too.

 I personally think it is quite wise to know as much as you are able concerning taking care of your health whether it be preventive care, dealing with sickness or accidents. Though I do feel exceedingly blessed to live in a day in age where doctors and surgeons have learned a whole lot about many things and know how to do all sorts of surgeries and such if needed - I would prefer to use them rarely, when they are truly needed and not just run to them with every runny nose or sore throat.

 Here are some of the reasons why I would like to be as informed as possible and not just rely on professional medical personnel and the drugs they can provide:

• Clinics and hospitals are full of germs. With that I am not saying that the places are dirty or the people that work there are- I think they are generally just as careful as they can be but still any place that takes care of sick people is going to have germs- there is no way around that. Many people get staff infections from being in the hospital.
• Generally natural treatments have far less side affects that antibiotics and other drugs. It is still wise to use caution though as some herbs are pretty powerful.
• In an emergency situation (hiking in a remote place, a huge storm that makes medical help unavailable, etc...) I may need to handle the situation on my own- I would like to know how if at all possible - and not be completely freaked out by that idea.
• Going to the doctor, hospital and especially the emergency room is very expensive. It is worth it if the going will save your life but if I can handle it on my own (and probably come out healthier/without drugs) instead- I would much prefer to save a bit of money. With our family we do have health insurance but we have a high deductible and a health savings account- it actually works out quite nicely and we are provided for in case anything happens but sense we will have to replace any money we use out of the health savings account I really pay attention to not using it needlessly.

So what are ways that we strive to take care of our health?

#1- Live a healthy lifestyle.
As most of us should know- we need to think of our health when we are healthy- not just when we get sick. We try to:

•  Eat healthy homegrown foods as much as possible
• Eat whole grains
• Avoid buying processed foods
• Use hormone free meat (and milk as much as possible)
• Eat low sugar- our own raw honey instead and more)
• Live an active lifestyle (working hard, biking, skiing, daily stretches and other exercise)
• Get plenty of rest (generally 8 or more hours a night for everybody and a power nap (for me) in the afternoon)
• I try to steer away from stressful situations when possible
• And I do feel strongly that having a close relationship with God and a good prayer life is vital too. 

#2- Educate Ourselves.

No matter what the situation that we are faced with we will be able to handle it better if we have studied on that matter before hand and have an idea of what we should do. We aren't ever going to know everything - but if we know something that should help and if we have books or some other source of knowledge available that will help as well.

A book that I bought this year and have found to be extremely useful in handling illness and other various health issues has been "Be Your Own Doctor" by Rachel Weaver. She shares a ton of natural remedies in a very fun and readable way. This past weekend I tried all sorts of remedies from teas, to topical applications, to drops in ears, etc. Most of the remedies recommended use very simple ingredients that if you don't have at home you could probably find easily at a store in your town.



I also have tried to read up on herbs from a variety of other herb books as well as online (though I am pretty careful to double check things I find online if I think it could be at all dangerous - it does only make sense to be careful!).

Another way we did some educating was by Mara, Jonathan and I taking a CPR and First Aid class (through the Red Cross) this year. A bunch of information I hope to never need but I am glad to have it just in case. We have tried to get supplies to go along with all the things we learned as well so that we are ready for any emergency.


Mara practicing CPR

 We have also read a few survival books as I thought the skills taught in them would be good for us to know as we enjoy spending time camping and doing other remote area activities (and as the kids get older we will probably only do more of that sort of thing and we do enjoy it).

Lately something we have been talking about is for Mara to possibly try to become a Master Herbalist as she loves learning about plants and has a great memory and it could be very useful in whatever she does later in life (and I would have fun learning along with her).

#3- Stock up on supplies

If you have an emergency it is best to have what you need on hand if at all possible and not have to go to the store or anywhere else to try to find stuff. This is something I am still working at but we have made quite a lot of progress this year in getting to be more prepared.

I keep most of our supplies in a tote in the bathroom, some more remedy stuff in the kitchen and medicine cabinets (which at our house don't really have much in the way of medicine) and some stuff in the van.

Here is a list of what Mayo Clinic recommends for a family first aid kit.
In "Be your own Doctor" Rachel Weaver has a list in the back of what she thinks everybody should keep on hand.
As you study and learn how to deal with certain situations make sure you have what is needed to go along with your studies.

 Some of our supplies we have bought (well quite a lot of them) but we also have been working to grow and gather (and gather from the wild) many herbs as well that are useful for treating medical problems.

This is an area that we have been trying to learn a lot about and prepare for but it is also an area where I realize there is an immense amount of information still to be learned. I see that as a challenge! I am looking forward to learning more- meanwhile I am very aware that I don't know everything, I will do my best to care for my family naturally but will appreciate counsel from others and am not willing to take unnecessary chances.

What do you do to prepare for taking care of the health of your family?



I am linking up with

Jill @ The Prairie Homestead

Kendra @ New Life on a Homestead

and Amy @ Homestead Revival

Disclaimer - I am not a doctor or in any way medically trained - any advice you follow from my blog is at your own risk.

Don't offend

Thanks for joining me once again as I study the Bible and try to notice how Jesus walked/lived and learn to be like Him.

Today I wanted to share a lesson that I learned from Matthew 17:24-27, It says:

 "When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, "Does you teacher not pay the two-drachma tax? He said, "Yes". And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, "What do you think, Simon? from whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?" When Peter said, "From strangers," Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are exempt. However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me."

 This instance is interesting because Jesus had a far bigger perspective than the tax-collector. He could see the whole picture and he knew he wasn't doing something wrong by not paying it but because someone pointed it out and would have though less of Him and Peter - he chose not to do something that would offend them (or cause them to stumble).

   This can happen today to. Right at the moment I can't think of a real good example (I have been having an ear-ache that has left my head a little foggy) but I know there have been times that I or others have felt that it was perfectly fine to do (or not do) something but others have come along and questioned it - the things is we may have seen the bigger picture and realized that the action was fine (not sinful) but because it may cause that person that questioned you to stumble sometimes it might be better to just go along with what they say (and sometimes maybe it is better to educate them).

So mainly the lesson I am learning is: Seek God's wisdom, seek to know the truth and try not to offend others needlessly. Be willing to go out of your way so that you do not cause someone to stumble.

What are you thoughts on these verses?

"Dreams and Visions" by Tom Doyle {A Review}

A while back I was asked if I would like to do a book review on the book

DREAMS AND VISIONS: Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World? by Tom Doyle. As world missions are of great interest to me and this book sounded intriguing, I said yes.

  I will admit I went in to this book with some scepticism. I believe that we have an incredibly powerful God that can work in any way that He chooses but I also believe that for the most part in our time He chooses to communicate through His written word - The Bible and that he chooses to work through His people - Christians. But with that said I do think that God is able to work through Dreams and Visions as well if that is what He wants to do.

 The writer of this book to me understanding has thought much the same way that I did and so when he started hearing stories of Dreams and Visions being had by Muslims in the middle east - He also was sceptical until he started researching it for himself.

   The book is an incredibly interesting compilation of stories about Muslims who have been introduced to Jesus through a dream or vision. That dream or vision has then caused them to search farther either online, through radio programs or even finding Christians in their area so that they can learn more.

  It is so interesting and inspiring to read about these Muslim people who are willing to seek to find out more about Jesus even though the result could quite likely be (and has been in many cases) death for them should somebody find out. The Middle East is a very challenging place for missionaries to go and maybe that is why Jesus is visiting people in dreams and visions. He does truly desire for all people to be saved.

  This book wakes us up to the realization of how hungry those people are for Love and Truth. Many of them might fight against it but many of them realize just how empty their lives are now and long for something more.

 I want to share with you something that Tom wrote in the book. He says:

"Muslims have a seriously bad image among the world's non-Muslims. Just about every night you can watch national news coverage of the latest terrorist attack, usually at the hands of "Islamic extremists". Muslims see these news reports, too, and know what the majority of the world thinks of them. But I think it's exactly in keeping with the character of God to reach out especially to those who seem hard to love or are the despised of society."

Tom does also point out that he (and other missionaries that work with the Muslims) are not in any way promoting the idea that they don't need God's word to spread the gospel to Muslims or that a Muslims goes to sleep a Muslim and then has a dream of Jesus and wakes up a Christian- It doesn't work that way. The fact is however that 80% of Muslims cannot read or write and perhaps that is why God is coming to them more often in dreams and visions to wake up their desire to know Him more. Also they point out that conversions with Muslims (even with those that have dreams) is generally a long process, but the dreams do help to remove many of their doubts.

This book does cause me to want to do more. Here are some of the things that I have been thinking about:

• Supporting Financially "Key Communications" a group that I know to be careful to teach the truth of the bible and their passion is to reach the Muslim world for Christ. They have been concentrating on Pakistan but also reach out to other countries as well. They have been using Radio broadcasts as well as other means to spread the gospel.
• Finding ways to reach out to the Muslims that may be around me. Though our area doesn't have many Muslims there are usually some that come over as students to attend the university here. Our family has had contact with quite a few over the years and have attempted to share Jesus love with them but lately we have not been as involved with international students and haven't really spent time with any Muslims ones for quite a while. I am considering becoming more involved with international university students again. While over in the US these students would have much better opportunity to hear the gospel and then hopefully they can eventually share that message with their family at home as well.
• Pray for Muslims! This is something I have done but I now feel much more passionately about doing that and doing it often. Please join me in praying for the Muslims that they would find Jesus!

I would love to hear your thoughts on this book or the idea of sharing the gospel with the Muslim world!

Disclaimer- I received this book free of charge for purposes of reviewing. All thoughts are my own. The link to the book above is an affiliate link at Amazon- if you purchase something then I will receive a percentage.


 

Happy Thanksgiving to you! May you give Thanks to the One who made everything.

I hope you have are having a wonderful day and that you are reminded over and over of how much God has done for you and that you tell Him thank you.

 I just wanted to share some verses that were in the Psalm that we read today. I found them very fitting for the holiday.

Psalm 65
¹ Praise awaits You, our God, in Zion;
to you our vows will be fulfilled.
² You who answer prayer,
to you all people will come.
³ When we were overwhelmed by sins,
you forgave our transgressions.
⁴ Blessed are those you choose
and bring near to live in your courts!
We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.

⁵ You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,
God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas,
⁶ who formed the mountains by your power,
having armed yourself with strength,
⁷ who stilled the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
and the turmoil of the nations.
⁸ The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy.

⁹ You care for the land and water it;
you enrich it abundantly.
The streams of God are filled with water
to provide the people with grain,
for so you have ordained it.
¹⁰ You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops.
¹¹ You crown the year with your bounty,
and your carts overflow with abundance.
¹² The grasslands of the wilderness overflow;
the hills are clothed with gladness.
¹³ The meadows are covered with flocks
and the valleys are mantled with grain;
they shout for joy and sing.

 

 

God has blessed us so very much- let's give Him the glory and honor and thanks that He deserves!