Cara's Beach Party Disaster by Elaine Schulte

Cara’s Beach Party Disaster
By
Elaine L. Schulte
Series: The Twelve Candles Club #3
Published By: Bethany House Publishers
Copyrighted: 1993
Type of Book: Christian Fiction
Physical Description: Paperback, 5x7 inches
About the Book: Twelve-year-old Cara has problems at a beach party near her home in Santa Rosita Estates in California and she learns what true friends are like. Cara is a member of the Twelve Candles Club (they are all twelve) and they are all at her house for a movie and party. Cara's half-sister, Paige, picks out a movie and it turns out to be R rated so most of the club decides to leave, because it is not what God would want them to see. The next day at one of the club’s jobs they forgive each other; because Cara discovered Paige had done it on purpose. Cara's family doesn't attend church, so she decides to go with the members of the club. The youth pastor teaches them that God is there, we just need to answer and also the first five commandments. Cara is very eager to learn more and wants to apply it to her life. Paige is continuously mean and disrespectful to Cara, which damages Cara’s self-esteem. Cara continuously forgives her and tries to help her. At the beach party Cara has to wear Paige’s Bikini, and was approached by some college age men. She doubts her friends' compassion and decides to go on a date with one of them. When she meets the guy for a date there are other guys there to, her friends chase them off before something could happen. Paige comes to help Cara too. Paige and Cara talk and Cara learns her sister hurts and is mad, because Cara has a father who did not leave. Cara learns that her friends and Paige really do love, respect and forgive her as she does them. Cara also discovers how much God loves her.
What I liked: I liked how this book shows us that forgiveness can always be there for us and we need to remember to do it ourselves. Cara clearly shows what it feels like to forgive and need forgiveness. That is something we need to do daily.
What I disliked: I disliked how the author uses R rated movies and college age men to illustrated how much Cara's friends care about her.
Would I recommend: I would recommend this book to the older children in the age group (8-12). I would not want my eight year-old-reading this subject material.

People of the Way by Edith J. Agnew

People of the Way was written by Edith J. Agnew and illustrated by Johannes Troyer. The copyright is 1959 and was printed by Westminster Press. It is 50 pages. This is an easy reader, but it is for older children, as the subject matter is more difficult.

This story is about the disciples and how they continued Jesus’ ministry after he had been crucified. The main characters in this are Peter, Barnabas and Paul. I really enjoyed this story, because I relearned the story. I did not know that the Greeks called them Christians. It was also interesting to learn that after they had held many meetings in people’s houses the word church was used. There are important Bible verses (Matthew 28:19-20, John 13:35, and Acts 4:20) on in the inside cover to learn and memorize. There are also two prayers.

The illustrations are realistic and well drawn. In this book the colors are pastel. There are also black and white illustrations.

Since this book is so long it can be read with the chapters or straight through. My 4-year-old liked the story, but we needed to read it in chapters.

Prayer of the Week- Spring Storms

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the rain, sun and warmer temperatures. It is enjoyable to see the new flowers, green leaves on the trees and the new baby animals.

As spring progresses to summer and the rains fall, please protect those who are in the storms's paths. Help people to know when the storms are coming so they can get to their safe places. Constantly remind people to not drive in flash floods. Spring storms can be very dangerous, please everyone safe.

In Your name I pray, Amen.

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).
And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

The Bare Cupboard Edition #2!!!

Welcome to the April 24, 2009 edition of the bare cupboard! Thank you so much for submitting. I really enjoyed reading all of these posts. Please remember to comment and socially bookmark.

Silicon Valley Blogger presents Cheap Meals and Easy Dinner Ideas: Recession Dining For Under $10 posted at The Digerati Life, saying, "Thanks!"

The Smarter Wallet presents Cheap Meals You Can Cook At Home To Save Money! posted at The Smarter Wallet, saying, "Thanks!"

MatthewPaulson presents The Cost of Healthy Eating: Is it More Expensive? posted at Fine-Tuned Finances.

Joseph presents How To Make A Pizza posted at Mom's Favorites.

main dishes

Local Nourishment presents Breakfast Casserole, Chicken and Sweet Peppers posted at Local Nourishment.

tips

Beno Varghese presents Hmmm?.life on tea posted at Beno Varghese dot-com.

FitBuff presents Top 10 Lower Cholesterol Foods posted at FitBuff.com's Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog, saying, "When filling up those bare cupboards, don't forget to include some of these excellent lower cholesterol foods..."

ZestyCook presents Super Easy Homemade Basil Pesto ZestyCook posted at ZestyCook, saying, "How to make homemade basil pesto"

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of the bare cupboard using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: the bare cupboard, blog carnival.

Peace For You

I am not sure who wrote this, but I wanted to share this with you.
May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are.
Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

The Crazy Christmas Angel Mystery by Beverly Lewis

The Crazy Christmas Angel Mystery
By
Beverly Lewis
Illustrated By: Barbara Birch
Series: The Cul-de-sac Kids #3
Publisher: Star Song Publishing Group
Copyrighted: 1993
Number of Pages: 61
Age Group: 7-10 years old
Type of Book: Christian Fiction
Physical Nature: Paperback and 5x7 inches
Extras: Map of the neighborhood, synopsis of book four and extra information from the author
About the Book: It is Christmastime and Eric Hagel (8) is very curious about his new neighbor, Mr. Tressler. Eric thinks Mr. Tressler is scary. Eric decides to spy on Mr. Tressler when he sees angels flying around Mr. Tressler’s living room. Eric along with the rest of the kids in the neighborhood decides to make a friend of Mr. Tressler. They take a couple of days to learn songs, make cookies, and cards. The kids find out Mr. Tressler is very friendly and the angels are really doves. Eric learned that everything is not always as it seems. If something is scary it really might not be.
About Author and Illustrator: Beverly Lewis lives in Colorado with her family and has written many books and short stories. The Cul-de-sac Kids remind her of her friends when she was younger. Barbara Birch illustrated the book realistically, which goes well with the clear plot line and characters.
What I liked: I liked how Eric was brave enough to make friends with Mr. Tressler. We need to always remember that our friends may be those we least expect.
What I disliked: There was nothing to dislike.
Would I recommend: Yes I would. We need to remember new friends come when we least expect them.

The Littlest One by Elspeth Campbell Murphy

The Littlest One
By
Elspeth Campbell Murphy
Illustrated by: Anne Kennedy
Series: Brenda Learns about God
Published by: Chariot Books
Copyrighted: 1984
Number of pages: 24 pages
Type of Book: Christian fiction
Age group: I-3 years
Physical Nature of Book: hardback, small for kids’ hands
Extras: List of the rest of the book in series
About the Book: Brenda is the youngest member of her family and she has a hard time adjusting to being little. She is able to spend sometime with a baby and she realizes she is little but she is not a baby. Her mother and father say that they are grateful God gave her to them and Brenda is growing up well, the illustrations are realistic and good for ages I-3.
About the Author: Elspeth Campbell Murphy has written more than 100 books the past years. She is a graduate of Trinity College and Mood Bible Institute. She currently lives in Chicago and received a Gold Medallion award for Do You See Me, God?
What my children thought: Both of my children enjoyed this book, there was nothing they disliked. My five-year-old son liked Tiny, dog, and that the book was about God. My three-year-old daughter liked Brenda. Both of my children think that Children their age would like this book. What I liked: I liked everything about this book. This book shows what it can be like for the youngest members in the family and how God helps them grownup.
What I Disliked: Nothing.
Would I recommend: Yes, I would recommend this book. I would read it to younger family members up to the age of five, because many may feel as Brenda did.

Prayer of the Week- Jesus' Surprises

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the sun, rain, cold and warm temperatures You have given us.

Thank you for sending us Your Son and for the fisherman who met him and were able to tell the story in the Bible. Thank you for continuously sending us surprises like when Jesus surprised the fisherman after He died on the cross. Help me to remember to show surprising kindness and joy when I share the love of Christ with others.

In Your name, Amen.

Strawberry Gelatin

Strawberry Gelatin

Dissolve 1 large package strawberry gelatin in 1 ½ cups hot water. Add 1 small can crushed pineapple -undrained- and 1 pound package frozen strawberries partially thawed. Chill
Makes 8-10 servings.

I hope you enjoy this recipe for a very easy gelatin.

The Chicken Pox Panic

The Chicken Pox Panic
By
Beverly Lewis
Illustrations By: Barbara Birch
Published By: Bethany House Publishers
Copyrighted: 1993
Series: Cul-de-sac Kids #2
Number of Pages: 60 pages
Age Group: 7-10 year-old
Type of Book: Christian Fiction
Physical Description: Paperback, 5x7 inches
About the Book: Abby Hunter (third grade) has the chicken pox and wants to make a special cake for her adopted brother, Shawn’s birthday. She keeps the plans for her cake a secret from everybody, even her best friend, Stacy Hunter. Stacy has a secret of her own. Her mother is not telling her where her birth certificate is, so Stacy thinks she is adopted. Abby helps Stacy look for her birth certificate or old pictures. They don’t have any luck. They just have problems when Stacy’s dog eats the roast and ice cream. Abby uses her own money to buy another roast and then has no money for the birthday surprise. Stacy asks the rest of the Cul-de-sac Kids to loan Abby money. Abby is able to get enough money for Shawn’s birthday surprise and she invites everybody to the party. Stacy calls her dad, who agrees to come see her and send her a copy of her birth certificate. Stacy helps Abby with Shawn’s cake and the birthday party is a success. Abby and Stacy learn it is good to not have secrets and it is good to help others.
Extras: Map of Blossom Hill Lane, synopsis of book #3, extra information from the author about when her children had the chicken pox.
About the Author and Illustrator: Beverly Lewis lives in Colorado with her family and has written many books and short stories. The Cul-de-sac Kids remind her of her friends when she was younger. Barbara Birch illustrated the book realistically, which goes well with the clear plot line and characters.
What I liked: I liked everything about this book. I thought it was important that Stacy and Abby learned that keeping secrets does not help anybody. It shows the readers they shouldn’t keep secrets either.
What I disliked: There was nothing I disliked.
Would I recommend: Yes.

A New Blog Carnival- The Bare Cupboard

Today is the last day for submitting to a new Blog carnival called "The Bare Cupboard."This is a carnival to give us all an inspiration for meals. It seems that our cupboards are always bare until we have ideas for the meals. We are all looking forward to your ideas.Submit your blog article to the next edition of the bare cupboard using our carnival submission form.

Little Golden Book's The Story of Jesus

Little Golden Book’s The Story of Jesus was written by Jane Werner Watson and illustrated by Jerry Smath. It is 22 pages long and was copyrighted in 2002. The Story of Jesus is an easy reader.
This book tells the story of Jesus from birth to death in a positive way for children. The book mentions the highlights of Jesus’ life such as when Jesus went into the wilderness and feeding the crowd of 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and 2 small fish.
I really like how the author tells the people who read the book that it is more important to follow God’s wishes than it is to worry about being wealthy. That is very important for today’s society, where much of what is seen on television is glitz and glamour. I wish it had mentioned the disciples.
The illustrations were realistically drawn and there were many things in the pictures that could be talked about. I thought the drawings of the buildings were good to show children what the architecture was like in those days. The pictures of the flowers were well done and the people who were listening to Jesus were very happy and thoughtful.
My 4-year-old really enjoyed this story. His favorite part of the story was when it talks about Jesus’ death, because he knows that Jesus died for our sins. My two-year-old did not want to listen to the story, even though The Story of Jesus belonged to her.

Prayer of the Week- Jesus's Blood

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the blooming flowers, sunny days and warmer temperatures.

Please bless all those who donate blood. They are giving their blood to save someone else's life as Jesus did for us.

In Your name, Amen.

Super Potato Salad

Super Potato Salad

12 medium potatoes cooked with skins on
6 hard-boiled eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
1 medium onion chopped
1 ½ teaspoons mustard
2 tablespoons vinegar
½ teaspoon salt

Boil the potatoes. While they are cooking make the dressing. Peel the eggs, mash the yokes and dice the whites. Add the egg yokes to the wet ingredients, if the dressing is too thick milk can be added. Peel the potatoes and dice. Pour the dressing over the warm potatoes and add diced egg whites. Chill well. It does not taste good warm. Serves six.

This Super Potato Salad would be great to have if you have any leftover decorated Easter Eggs.

Reboot Your Brain

Reboot Your Brain
By
Tim Shoemaker
Illustrated By: Marty Baumann
Published By: Zonderkidz
Copyrighted: 2004
Number of Pages: 149 pages
Age Group: 8-12 years-old boys
Type of Book: Christan Devotional for Boys
Physical Description: Paperback, 6 x 8 inches
Extras: Information about the rest of the 2:52 Soul Gear

About the Book: As people, we are similar to computers and sometimes we need to reboot. In Reboot Your Brain, the reader learns about how four teenage boys deal every day problems. There are ten stories that involve: having a big mouth, pride, forgiveness, selfishness, being unkind, honest, anger, jealousy, wrong choices, and patience. Three of the boys: David, Troy and Howie are Christians. Eddie is not a Christian and those boys are his only friends. Two other characters are unseen by all of them. Gabe is an angel and Slick is a minion for Satan. Gabe and Slick can only be heard in peoples’ thoughts. These boys are trying to follow the teachings in Luke 2:52 and Proverbs 3: 3-4. “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men,” is from Luke 2:52 and those are the four areas that these boys are trying to grow in.
What I Thought: I enjoyed this book. I would have to say that my favorite part of the book is the individual chapter setup. In each chapter there is an e-mail from one of the characters about what happened, the comic about the boys, corresponding Bible story, quiz dealing with the story and frequently asked questions about the subject. Boys will enjoy the quick and easy to read set up and they will learn how what they become as men will be their choice. This book is perfect for boys 8-12. I will make sure that my son reads this book when he is old enough.
Would I Recommend: Yes, I would recommend Reboot Your Brain.

The Legend of the Easter Egg

The Legend of the Easter Egg
By
Lori Walburg
Illustrated By: James Bernardin
Published By: Zondervan Publishing House
Copyrighted: 1999
Number of Pages: 28 pages
Age Group: 4-8 years of age
Type of Book: Christian Easter (Holiday)
Physical Description: Hardback, 9 x11 inches
About the Book: This book does a wonderful job of showing symbolism for the traditions and symbols of Lent and Easter in this story about Thomas and his sister, Lucy. One night Lucy catches scarlet fever and Thomas is sent to live with John and Mary Sonneman in their small prairie town. The symbolism begins when Mary wipes the stove ash off Thomas's face and forehead as people have ash on their foreheads to remind them of their sins and the need to repent on Ash Wednesday, On Maundy Thursday sometimes people wash each other’s feet as Mary did for Thomas. Mary teaches Thomas that the egg symbolizes Jesus breaking free of the tomb of death. Thomas dyes the eggs and prays by himself for the first time. It is on Easter Sunday that he is able to reunite with Lucy again and share his new faith.
What my children thought: My five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter loved everything about this book and think kids their age would like it. My son liked it when Lucy got well, what the egg symbolized and all the candy. My daughter liked the egg hunting, washing of the feet, angel and when Lucy was well.
What I liked: I enjoyed the illustrations. They were done in acrylic and colored pencils on paper, the colors popped off the pages and the people are so well done. The message is so important too about faith in Jesus, the Easter egg and love.
What I disliked: Nothing.
Would I recommend: Yes.

Prayer of the Week- Life of Righteousness

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the wonderful warm and sunny weather we had today. Please keep away the snow and cold temperatures.

I need help Lord. Please help me to live a life of righteousness. Be with me every day while I continuously remember to live a life with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, humility, faithfullness, gentleness, self-control, compassion and selflessness. I knows these traits make you happy and will give me a happier and more meaningful life.

Every day when I forget, please give my heart a little nudge. I will send a prayer to you to help me control my vices.

Thank you. In your name I pray, Amen.

Potato and Corn Flake Casserole

Potato and Corn Flake Casserole

1 pound sliced or diced potatoes, cooked
1 pound medium or sharp shredded cheddar cheese
16 ounce container of sour cream
1 medium finely diced onion
2 cups slightly crushed corn flakes mixed with 3 tablespoons olive oil

Layer the potatoes, sour cream, onion, and cheese. Cover with the corn flake mixture. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes. Serves four.

The Chicken Pox Panic

The Chicken Pox Panic
By
Beverly Lewis
Illustrations By: Barbara Birch
Published By: Bethany House Publishers
Copyrighted: 1993
Series: Cul-de-sac Kids #2
Number of Pages: 60 pages
Age Group: 7-10 year-old
Type of Book: Christian Fiction
Physical Description: Paperback, 5x7 inches
About the Book: Abby Hunter (third grade) wants to make a special cake for her adopted brother, Shawn’s birthday. She keeps the plans for her cake a secret from everybody, even her best friend, Stacy Hunter. Stacy has a secret of her own. Her mother is not telling her where her birth certificate is, so Stacy thinks she is adopted. Abby helps Stacy look for her birth certificate or old pictures. They don’t have any luck. They just have problems when Stacy’s dog eats the roast and ice cream. Abby uses her own money to buy another roast and then has no money for the birthday surprise. Stacy asks the rest of the Cul-de-sac Kids to loan Abby money. Abby is able to get enough money for Shawn’s birthday surprise and she invites everybody to the party. Stacy calls her dad, who agrees to come see her and send her a copy of her birth certificate. Stacy helps Abby with Shawn’s cake and the birthday party is a success. Abby and Stacy learn it is good to not have secrets and it is good to help others.
Extras: Map of Blossom Hill Lane, synopsis of book #3, extra information from the author about when her children had the chicken pox.
About the Author and Illustrator: Beverly Lewis lives in Colorado with her family and has written many books and short stories. The Cul-de-sac Kids remind her of her friends when she was younger. Barbara Birch illustrated the book realistically, which goes well with the clear plot line and characters.
What I liked: I liked everything about this book. I thought it was important that Stacy and Abby learned that keeping secrets does not help anybody. It shows the readers they shouldn’t keep secrets either.
What I disliked: There was nothing I disliked.
Would I recommend: Yes.