The Talented Valiant Puppi

Isn't she marvelous? Look at that physique! And such form...

Perseverance

2007 marks the 200th anniversary of Great Britain's decision to dis-approve involvement in the transatlantic slave trade of that time, thanks to William Wilberforce. Wilberforce was remarkable not just for his success in bringing about this monumental decision, but because he persevered when it seemed futile. He persevered despite insurmountable odds.

I've been thinking about the sanctity of human life vs. slavery and the sanctity of human life vs. abortion. There are some striking parallels. In each case the society and the cultural way of living dictates the value of a certain type of human being and even goes so far as to decide whether or not they are classified as "human". The battle is very similar in both cases:

1. For people (society, the culture at large, multiple generations) to recognize the value of every human life, no matter what color or what age
2. For that conviction and truth to convict the hearts of many who can then make a difference and change the outcome with their ideas

If we follow Wilberforce's example, we cannot waiver in our conviction to preserve and protect human life, no matter what odds are against us. We are each created in His image and for His purpose, from the earliest moment of conception. That's worth persevering for!

Books

I have read some really remarkable books lately and I find myself thinking about them periodically throughout each day. I'm currently in the first chapter of "Lorna Doone" with a copyright dated 1943. Anyway, here is the list of books I highly recommend, which I have read recently:

• "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" by Anne Bronte - Excellent character study.
  
• "The Man Who Was Thursday" by G.K. Chesterton - Beware the unexpected ending!
• "Agnes Grey" by Anne Bronte - Short, but profound.
• "The Problem of Pain" by C.S. Lewis - "The Son of God suffered unto the death, not that men might not suffer, but that their suffering might be like His." George MacDonald
• "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen - Mr. Darcy... need I say more?
• "Women Helping Women" by Fitzpatrick and Cornish - On counseling other women Biblically.
• "A Christian Manifesto" by Francis Schaffer - A call for Christians to change the course of history.
• "Fun and Games in Marriage" by Dorothy T. Samuel - my fourth read of this book
  
• "Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood" by John Piper and Wayne Grudem - I'm only 5 chapters into this one, but it is well referenced and extremely thought provoking.

Any suggestions for what to read next?

Fall is here...

It doesn't feel like it, but fall is here. When we lived back east, this was definitely my favorite season, with the end of the hot and humid summer, the beginning of cool afternoons, the crisp mornings which made perfect riding weather, the excuse to make hot soup and last but not least the gorgeous fall colors. We knew that winter was ahead of us, which meant a great deal of snow (which was appreciated not so much), but that couldn't dampen the excitement that I felt with the arrival of fall. Maybe that's just because I love being outdoors so much... I don't know. The photo is one of my favorites, from a couple years ago, in the Arizona fall leaves.

So, in honor of fall, I've decided to post one of my favorite fall cookie recipes:

Ginger Molasses Cookies
1 1/2 cubes butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt

Form into balls, roll in granulated sugar, bake 8-10 minutes at 375 degrees. Yummy!