Fruitbearers

2019 seemed to go by very fast for some reasons. There have been some new beginnings (ex: Josiah started college) and some endings (ex: Isaiah graduated from our homeschool high school). We thank God always for His overflowing goodness, loving kindness, and unwavering faithfulness through all our ups and downs. We are also thankful to attend and feel at home at a wonderful Christ-centered, Bible-teaching, gospel-living church (West Hills Community Church). In January , we and the boys enjoyed our day trip in Portland (tried out Killer Burger and visited World Market) and in Bend (visited the last Block Buster store in the world). January 26: Eric and I went to our first First Taste Oregon and enjoyed trying out a variety of yummy foods. March 4: Josiah received a letter from Western Oregon University, awarding him with $2,500 (per year) Provost scholarship. March 23: We bought an iPhone XS Max ($1,100) and got an iPhone XR for free. April 6: We bought 6 original oil paintin...

I was given an opportunity to review BlankieGram Faith blanket . I picked purple because it's one of my favorite colors. I didn't know that " purple is known to help bring sleep, soothe mental and emotional stress and decrease sensitivity to pain. Purple may help in detoxification as well ". (taken from the BlankieGram's website) Cool, eh? The blanket came in a lovely organza bag. BlankieGram throw blanket is super soft and plush. It feels warm and comfy. It has encouraging, inspiring words all over. The words included are grace, gratitude, glory, generosity, goodness, gentleness, hope, faith, love, pray, prayers, praise, patience, peace, strength, blessed, thankful, lovingkindness, faithfulness, compassion, joy, joyful, rejoice, and eternal. Tis the season to wrap yourselves in a cozy throw blanket while relaxing on the couch and reading or watching your favorite Christmas movies :). This blanket is big enough for two people to snuggle up in. The dimensions ar...

This is the second book in the God on Trial series. I have not read Doug Webb's first book, "' I Was Framed!' Signed, God " or his third book, " God Acquitted ". Book Two consists of six chapters: Adam, Mankind Disabled, Humanity's Curse, Life After Death, Heart Disease, and The Change. The author invites readers to join him in a journey of being a Bible detective. He gives clues (relevant verses) from the Bible and encourages us to ask questions and dig deep for answers. In Introduction, he lays out a list of key events for people who are not familiar with Biblical history. In this book, Doug Webb investigates the Fall of Man and the subsequent Curse (consequences) in Genesis. He includes two main accusatory questions: Why would God put a tree nearby, which if eaten from, could cause death? and Why did God let Lucifer have access to the human race? He proceeds to use Scriptures to explain and help readers understand God's intentions & m...

I was given an opportunity to review a necklace from Holly Lane . Wow...I was so excited when I received the package in the mail. On top of the box was a sticker with one of my favorite Bible verses (Proverbs 3:5). The unboxing experience itself was quite special. Each layer was beautifully packed with thoughtfulness and care. It felt like Christmas or birthday.                 There are so many fantastic designs to pick from. I chose this necklace because I love heart shapes and I love the verse that inspired the necklace, " We love because He first loved us ." (1 John 4:19). The two hearts connected by the cross beautifully symbolizes the bond my husband and I have in our marriage because of Christ at the center and the bond we have with others & the love we have for others because of God's love for us. I am so pleased with this lovely necklace that really represents who I am (I am all about love...being loved by Go...

I enjoyed reading their first book, Two Are Better . I was excited for an opportunity to review this book. It did not disappoint me. In Wheels of Wisdom , the authors (who are a married couple and volunteer coaches for TheHopeLine) share 52 valuable life lessons that they learned during their three cycling tours (totaling over 10,000 miles). Some chapters are written by Tim Bishop and others are written by Debbie Bishop. The book is divided into 6 main sections: Charting the Course, Shifting Gears, Taking Precautions, Finding Motivation, Riding through Storms, and Enjoying the Ride. The authors impart their wisdom through their stories of exciting adventures. Their experiences on the road are unique and have taught them how to navigate through life's journey.   Life is filled with ups and downs, challenges, obstacles, changes, and blessings. It's inspiring and encouraging to see that the authors do not let their age (they're in their 50s) or strug...

Sadly but true, lots of families nowadays are too busy with works, schools, after school activities for different kids and/or too occupied staring at their own cell phones or computers. Family bonding and connection takes some intentional planning. 52 Uncommon Family Adventures was written to help families have fun adventures together and make fond memories together. It takes the stressful part of planning out so that you can pick and try out what sounds good to you and what relates best to your children's age, interests, and love languages. Each adventure shows key symbols for time commitment, cost, locale, and love language. I love this feature because it makes my decision-making much easier :). Each adventure includes 5 sections: Getting Ready (preparation), Adventure Time (fun activities), That Reminds Me (real life application), Family Devotions (relevant Bible verses and how they apply to our daily lives), and Language of the Day (the relevant love language). This book is...

We enjoyed our short and sweet vacation. On September 12th, we drove to Bend, had Thai food at Noi Thai Cuisine , visited Pilot Butte , and played 4 games of pool (billiard), did bowling, and some arcade games at Sun Mountain Fun Center. We stayed overnight at Best Western Hotel in Redmond. On September 13th, we visited Painted Hills and hiked the Carroll Rim Trail (1.6 miles roundtrip) to an amazing panoramic view. Painted Hills was the last of the 7 wonders of Oregon we have visited. We then drove to Strawberry Mountain Wilderness . We hiked to Strawberry Lake (1.2 from the trailhead) and a waterfall. Gorgeous weather and gorgeous views! We stopped to have dinner at Latitude 45 Grille in Baker City before driving home. Lobster Manicotti, Serrano Bleu Steak, and nachos were all delicious. It was only two days but we had a wonderful time and it was a cool drive on the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway.