Friday's Fave Five #58

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-
1. CHRISTmas: Celebrating CHRIST's birth with family. I also loved the candlelight service at church. The feast, fellowship, and fun were fabulous, too :). Giving and serving others always bring me joy. I also like seeing my loved ones being happy and surprised by the gifts I pick out  for them.

2. My kids helped bake cookies for our annual Christmas give-away goodies. We enjoyed delivering them (plus my homemade bookmarks) and visiting with our neighbors.

3. My husband has had last Friday and this whole week off. We love having him home with us!

4. Our Top Ten Highlights from 2011 (which includes the slideshow I made that sums up our year in pictures)

5. Relaxing and reading. You can check out my Top Ten Reads of 2011 here.

"Long after the angels disappear into the heavens, the shepherds return to their flocks, the magi journey home, and the great star sets, JESUS remains.
The Child in whom we rediscover God's great love for humanity becomes the adult Redeemer who challenges us to imitate His selflessness and compassion in order that we might transform our world in love. 
May we allow the miracle of CHRISTmas to continue long after the holiday trappings have been packed away. 
May we welcome the adult Messiah and His challenging Gospel to recreate our lives--making the peace, justice, and hope of this holy season a reality in every season of the new year." 
(~Author Unknown)

Have a blessed & Christ-centered New Year, everyone!

Friday's Fave Five #56

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-

1. We are so thankful for modern technology, especially a prepaid cell phone. Our 18 yo daughter, Alyssa,  was able to call and email us during each layover. It's so good to be able to hear her voice, receive her emails, get her photos, and get updated. She has landed safely in Penang, Malaysia and been transported to the Logos Hope. Thank You, Lord, for watching over my girl!

2. We enjoyed playing Hear Me Out. A very cool board game!

3. We traded our van (Toyota Sienna) in and got a Toyota Tundra. We're happy with our decision and with a great deal we got :).

4. Chocolate dipped coconut macaroons. Yummy!

5. Free devotional book by John MacArthur. Offer expires 8/22.

P.S. I have a giveaway on my other blog, "Fruitbearers." No entries yet! FoundIt is a company that makes it easy for people to return your lost items while keeping your family's identity safe. You can enter to win a free MacDaddy package(valued at $24.99) which includes a set of 62 stickers, 2 key tags, 3 bag tags, 1 luggage tag/ID card, 2 round tags (great pet tags!), and 4 years access to the FoundIt Network. Ends 8/21

Friday's Fave Five #55

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-
1. We had a blast at Oaks Amusement Park on Saturday! Fun family outing before Alyssa's departure to Malaysia to serve onboard the Logos Hope next week.

2. A nice visit from my mother-in-law, my kids' cousin and her boy. We had a fun water-squirt guns war! Wet and wild :)! Lots of running, laughing, and screaming!

3. Staying up late and spending time with my daughter, Alyssa. She has been adjusting her sleeping pattern so that she won't be having a jet lag when she arrives in Malaysia.

4. I like this quote: "When a husband is happy, his wife is happy. When he is treated like a king, respected as a man, admired like a hero, and inspired to be all he can be, his wife reaps the benefits." (from the book, When a Woman Inspires Her Husband by Cindi McMenanin)  Marriage is not about getting our needs met; it's about dying to self and practicing what it means to truly love like God does (unconditionally/1 Corinthians 13) and living out Philippians 2:1-16 daily.

5. John Piper's video below. We have only one life to live. Let's not waste it! Are you living for self or living for God?

Friday's Fave Five #51

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-
1. Our annual Father's Day Cookout. We had a full fun family day at my father-in-law's house on Saturday. Yummy feast...playing baseball in the rain...playing Would You Rather...?...talking about all sorts of topics from politics to planes, from earthquakes to eye surgery, mission trip and more :)!

2. Free Christian book, "No Longer a Slumdog" by K.P.Yohannan (the founder of Gospel for Asia)

3. Free download of How Could a Loving God...? (Powerful Answers on Suffering and Loss) by Ken Ham

4. We had a blast playing Family Feud online. Family fun!

5. Cheesecake with a variety of berries as topping. So yummy :)!

Friday's Fave Five #49

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-
1. I spent $6.70 at the library's book sale and came home with 2 bagfuls of great books, CDs, and DVDs. Thankful and excited :)!

2. I had so much fun taking senior pictures of my 17 yo daughter, Alyssa! God made her so beautiful (inside and out :)). Such a delightful blessing she is! Here are a few samples out of over 200 pictures I took.

3.We enjoyed watching a series of magnificent lightning in the sky (60+ lightning strikes). Very cool light show :)! "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge." Psalm 19:1-2

4. I'm participating in 21 Days of Prayer for Sons and I have been blogging about this prayer challenge on my homeschool-related blog, Fruitbearers. I love praying the Scriptures for my sons (and daughter).

5. Alyssa was leaping on cloud nine on Tuesday :)! It's impossible for her (and me) to express all her excitement in words. She got accepted by OM (Operation Mobilization) to serve onboard the Logos Hope for 2 months. She will leave in August to get onboard the Logos Hope in Phuket, Thailand and in October, she will leave from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to come back home. I'm so excited to see what the Lord will do in her, for her, and through her. What a mighty God we serve! (Alyssa used to sing that song out loud in public when she was a toddler :).)

Friday's Fave Five #47

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-
1. The kids and I really enjoyed dancing with Dance Praise 2. Great exercise and great music :)!

2. Som Thum (Thai papaya salad). Oh soooooooooooo spicy! My mouth was on fire and I loved it!

3. Free audio download from Answers in Genesis: Evolution and Logical Fallacies by Dr. Jason Lisle

4. On my homeschoool-related blog, "Fruitbearers", I'm hosting the Charlie Church Mouse Super Pak Giveaway. It is a 3-game set CD-Rom that includes Preschool, Kindergarten, and Early Elementary (for ages 2-8). The giveaway ends 5/31.

5. I'd like to share two wonderful quotes I discovered this week. I collect quotes (good ones) :).
"The one thing He commands us as His branches is to bear fruit. Let us live to bless others, to testify of the life and the love there is in Jesus. Let us in faith and obedience give our whole life to that which Jesus chose us for and appointed us to—fruit-bearing." ~Andrew Murray
"The tragedy of life and of the world is not that men do not know God; the tragedy is that, knowing Him, they still insist on going their own way." ~William Barclay


P.S. I'd really appreciate if you would take a few minutes to rate my book review here. Please. I'm currently 7 votes behind the leading score. The contest ends on May 31st. Please remember to verify your email address by clicking the link in the email they send you after you rate my review; otherwise, your vote doesn't count. Thanks a bunch for your help!

Friday's Fave Five #45

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-

1. My daughter, Alyssa's poem, "Jesus Is Risen" is published online at The Homeschool Literary Quarterly. Comments are very welcome :). You can leave her a comment on the website below her poem.

2. Curriculum Clean Out. This is such a great idea for homeschooling families to bless one another. I'm giving away Eenie Meenie Miney Math! on my homeschool-related blog.

3. Chocolate covered pretzels, cashew nuts, roasted pumkin seeds. Yummy snacks :)!

4. Free download from Ken Ham: Defending the Faith Biblically and Scientifically. Disclaimer: I have not listened to it yet.

5. Cardboard Testimonies. I always get teary-eyed whenever I watch these. God's transforming power is so amazing and beautiful! Our church does cardboard testimonies at the Resurrection Day services every year. I'd  like to share this video from our church service last year (I don't know whether or when they'll post the one from this year).

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

Friday's Fave Five #44

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-
1. My new prescription sunglasses. My old pair's frame was broken. It's nice to be able to see (I'm near-sighted), enjoy the outdoors (my eyes are very sensitive to sunlight), and look cool (bonus!) at the same time :).

2. My daughter, Alyssa's story, "Mixed Up" was published in Keys for Kids magazine (May/June Issue) which is devotional for kids published by CBH (Chidlren's Bible Hour) Ministries. Hers is on May 17.

3. My brand new vacuum cleaner. Our old one quit working/sucking.  This new one is lighter and it works very well.

4. Free Video Download from Answers in Genesis: The Ultimate Proof of Creation!

5. I entered a photo contest on Facebook ("What Makes You Happy?"). I need your votes. If you're on Facebook, please click here to go vote for my photo. Today is the last day for voting. Thanks so much!

Friday's Fave Five #43

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-
1. I've started a page on Facebook called "Christ Alone". Christ alone I am saved by and Christ alone is my Lord, Savior, and Life and Christ alone I will proclaim, praise, & exalt! If you're on Facebook, please stop by and check it out :).

2. G.A. Henty's books (Kindle Edition) are available free for download on Amazon. You don't have to have a handheld Kindle. You can install Kindle for PC to your computer at no cost.

3. Blog-hopping via the Ultimate Blog Party 2011. I have 3 party posts...one for each blog...here, here, and here :).

4. Are you a Rebecca St. James fan or do you like to collect worship CDs like me :)? You can win a copy of her new CD, "I Will Praise You" here.

5. Just in time for Easter...You can win a Magdalena: Through Her Eyes DVD package from Campus Crusade for Christ. Wonderful ministry tool for small groups, women's ministry, churches! Great evangelism tool for any Christ's follower! You are part of the Body of Christ (the Church) and you can host a movie night with a purpose for friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors. Please check out my review and giveaway for details.

Friday's Fave Five #42

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-
1. One of my favorite quotes is from Jonathan Edwards: ""Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will." I think it's the perfect quote for my blog :).

2. My daughter, Alyssa, won a video contest about promoting the library's summer reading program. Her prize is $250. So proud of her :)!

3. Alyssa's short story, Desperate Duo, was published in The Kids' Ark (a chidren's Christian magazine). She got paid $100.

4. Root beer float with whipped cream on top. Yum :)!

5. I'm hosting a giveaway on my homeschool-related blog, "Fruitbearers".  You can win a copy of The Crossmaker, a unique DVD that explores the resurrection account through interactive art. Great for homeschoolers (you can teach Bible and art at the same time) and perfect for Easter celebration with your kids in a creative way!

Friday's Fave Five #41

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-
1. Congratulations to my 17 yo daughter, Alyssa! Her script submission to CSE's Creation Minute audio series has been accepted as a finalist for production! She received a $15 credit in their online store.

2. I finished reading Alyssa's novel manuscript. It's really good :). She hopes to get it published some day soon.

3. Our kids participated in worldmathsday (March 1st) and worldspellingday (March 3rd). They competed against kids around the world in real time. They did a great job at both math and spelling.

4. Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson with Tricia Goyer.  It is a heart-wrenching yet inspiring true story of a young woman who wanted to end her life but instead discovered life in Christ. Her failed suicide attempt turns into a story of hope and purposeful living for God! You can read and rate my review here. If you know anyone who is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please recommend this book to him/her.

5. My Pick-Your-Book Giveaway. The winner (randomly chosen) will get to pick a book of his/her choice from the list (10 great books to pick from such as Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado, Blue Like Play Dough by Tricia Goyer, The 7 Minute Life Daily Planner, etc.). The giveaway ends 3/13.

Friday's Fave Five #40

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-
1. We had lots of fun sledding yesterday.

 2. I received Apologia's Exploring Creation with General Science plus Solutions and Tests via Paperbackswap.com. Very happy about that :)! If you decide to sign up at Paperbackswap.com, please use my email address: serving_theKingofkings@yahoo.com as your referer. Thanks.

3. I love seafood....even the frozen varieties :). Fresh seafood is the best though.

4. Swagbucks' 3rd Birthday Celebration. I have already traded my swagbucks for several Amazon gift cards. You can earn swagbucks by searching the internet, watching videos, playing games, and/or shopping online. If you have never signed up yet, check out my post here for details and a code for extra swagbucks.

5. I'm currently hosting 2 great giveaways. You can read my review, watch the trailer, and win a copy of MOST DVD--The Deluxe Edition here. MOST is a beautiful allegory of God's amazing love and sacrifice. You can also win a copy of The Life Ready Woman by Shaunti Feldhahn and Robert Lewis here.

Friday's Fave Five #37

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-
1. Mission ConneXion Northwest 2011 (last Saturday). It was awesome! We attended many wonderful workshops. We are very passionate about the Great Commission and get so excited about all the different mission organizations that are reaching out to the lost (esp. the unreached) with the Gospel.

2. Operation World is a great resource to help you in praying for the world including the unreached! "Since its beginnings in Africa in the 1960s, the vision of Operation World has been to gather information to mobilize millions of believers to pray for the nations. We are one of only two Christian centres that compile comprehensive statistics on the religions, denominations and mission agencies across the globe." (from their Facebook page)

3. New Tribes Mission offers a free book: Tribal Beat, a compilation of exciting stories of God working among tribal people.

4. Almond Delight Bristo Cake. Delicious. Thanks to our lovely neighbors for giving us the cake!

5. Definition of a trader. Are you pursuing Christ or the American Dream?
Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

P.S. I would really appreciate it if you could stop by this post to rate my review of Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic. Thanks so much!

Friday's Fave Five #36

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-

1. You can get a FREE sample copy of "An Encouraging Word," magazine for Christian women of all ages. $5.00 value! Enter promo code: AEWFB in the check out process and click "Continue." Please feel free to share this offer with your friends! http://www.anencouragingword.net/aewsample.htm

2. We've had a blast singing with Praise Champion (Karaoke World Tour) CDrom. Great song selections (lots of hymns, praise and worship songs, Christmas songs, songs by Lincoln Brewster, Kari Jobe, etc.)! We all try to get platinum records :).

3. We had so much fun playing games with our Chinese and Taiwanese friends last Friday night! We played Whoonu, Apples to Apples, Would You Rather...?, and I Have Never. Lots of laughter and I discovered I enjoy crispy anchovy snacks :).

4. Tomorrow, January 22, Focus on the Family is co-sponsoring the first annual Life and Justice Conference at New Life Church in Colorado Springs. You can also join live via simulcast. Discover how you can be an advocate for the preborn child, orphans, those living with special needs, the elderly, or victims of human trafficking and genocide. For more details: http://www.lifeandjusticeconference.org/?page_id=817 

5. I enjoyed reading Life Without Limits and highly recommend it. This inspiring book is written by Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms or legs. He is living his life to the fullest with gusto for God's glory! Please take a few minutes to read my review here and rate it.  Thanks so much!

Friday's Fave Five #24

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My fave five this week include:
1. Congratulations to our 17 yo daughter, Alyssa, for placing third in the local Bible Bee competition and for qualifying for the National Bible Bee! We will not be able to go to Illinois for the national competition due to the expenses.  We are thankful and pleased that she enjoys hiding God's Word in her heart.  "I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You." (Psalm 119:11) To God alone be the glory!

2. Summer Reading Program at our  local library.  My 3 kids and I participated in it.  We turned our reading logs in for chances to win prizes (we love to read, anyway :)).  I won a $5 giftcard for a local coffee shop and Alyssa won a $50 Fred Meyer giftcard.

3. Free evangelism training webinar hosted by The Way of the Master. 
Great speakers included Ray Comfort, Kirk Cameron, Emeal Zwayne, Tony Miano, Mark Spence, and Stuart Scott.

4. My latest post on Faithful Feet: How You Live
To read other posts written by me on that international Christian blog: click this link http://faithfulfeet.byethost3.com/author/livingforgod/

5. This video by The Way of the Master: Are You a Good Person?. 
Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice." Romans 3:23-25a

Friday's Fave Five #18

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My fave five this week include:
1. Our Annual Father's Day Weekend Cookout.  We always have tons of fun there.

2. Croquet.  My new-found sport that I really enjoy :).

3. My favorite Father of All is God, our Heavenly Father.  My next favorite father is my dear husband.

4. My spring reading's total count was 12 1/2 books.  I enjoyed discovering great books.

5. My two posts on Faithful Feet this week: Filtering Incoming Information and Filtering Outgoing Information.

Spring Reading Thing 2010 Wrap-Up

This spring, I managed to read 12 1/2 books as follows (you can read my review of each book by clicking on the titles):-

- On Guard (Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision) by William Lane Craig
  
- Storylines (Your Map to Understanding the Bible) by Andy Croft and Mike Pilavachi

- 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad (What Fathers Can Do to Make a Lifelong Difference) by Jay Payleitner
  
- This Little Prayer of Mine by Anthony DeStefano, illustrated by Mark Elliot. 

- The Secret Holocaust Diaries (The untold story of Nonna Bannister) by Nonna Bannister with Denise George and Carolyn Tomlin

- Real World Parents (Christian Parenting for Families Living in the Real World) by Mark Matlock

- Fear to Freedom: Victim to Victory by Rosemary Trible (This is the one book that I started but have not finished.)

- Just Like You (celebrations of life from every continent) written by Marla Stewart Konrad, illustrated by Lin Wang

- Rooms by James L. Rubart

- Let's Have a Daddy Day by Karen Kingsbury

- The Overseer by Conlan Brown

- Reborn To Be Wild (Reviving Our Radical Pursuit of Jesus) by Ed Underwood

- True Religion by Palmer Chinchen
  
Out of all the books on the list above, my favorites are the last two.  I'm not a fiction fan, but surprisingly, I did enjoy Rooms and The Overseer.

To see other participants' wrap-up posts, visit Katrina at Callapidder Days for the links.