Finished! And Moving On…

  As you may have known, my “Pre-New Year’s Resolutions” were to finish reading two books before classes started back on 1/9. I am so proud to say that I finished last night! Here are my very amateur reviews of them…

I finished The Shack by William Paul Young first. I absolutely loved Young’s use of language in this book. It made me feel like I was intertwined with the characters and were seeing what they saw. While I still have many questions about the book, it really does challenge the “in-the-box” relationship one might have with God. I identified with the way Young described those who “make time” for God instead of letting him live in and through you. I hope to read it again and try to break it down more.

I turned the final pages of Tricia Goyer’s From Dust and Ashes last night. I was surprised at how much I thoroughly enjoyed it, as I have never been much of a history buff. But there I was, at the liberation of a Nazi concentration camp, crying the same tears as the main character, and feeling the same love of God that Tricia described. I felt convicted as Helene struggled with waiting on the Lord, because I, too, struggle with making hasty decisions without His involvement. I even picked up my Bible right after I finished the book to look up some verses mentioned in the book. I would definitely encourage others to read this!

I so enjoyed my time with the previous books that I have ordered 3 more: A Promise to Believe In by Tracie Peterson, A Valley of Betrayal by Tricia Goyer, and Guys Like Girls Named Jennie by Kerri Pomarolli.  I am looking forward to journeying through those.

What did you think of the two books I just finished? Let me know!

-Brittany

A Seussified Happy New Year

 

As I was looking around at some different websites today, I realized that I should probably put up a New Year’s blog since I put up a Christmas blog. With that in mind, I began poking around and found some great quotes that go along (I think) quite well with the typical themes of the New Year. 

Many of us are making resolutions of things we want to change, begin, become, or do, and I’m among those still deciding if I want to resolve to do anything in the first place. Yes, I’ve failed at keeping resolutions in the past, and I know it’s due to my own lack of discipline; however, there is also a sort of mindset that one develops after times of trying to hold to certain resolutions and failing. For me, that mindset is a simple one: I will not make resolutions because it is too hard to say I will stop or start doing something and keep at it for a year. 

When I think about it, though, resolutions do not have to have a yearlong span on them; nor do they have to be so stringent. To resolve to do something is as simple as resolving to make it to classes and work on time, to strive to buy healthier foods, to eat dinner as a family at least twice a week, and any number of things we decide to pursue during the year. 

With that in mind, I’m looking at New Year’s Resolutions differently this year. I’m going to make my goals and make them realistic (as so many experts have cited in weight loss programs as being one of the most essential ingredients for success). I’m also going to give myself allowances for each one. 

True, it still takes willpower and self-discipline to achieve goals, but I agree with Dr. Seuss when he said, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” There’s an amazing amount of truth in those words that you and I need to recognize this new year. 

If you want to make a change, you have to decide it’s worth it and go after it with everything you have. Anything less will show what worth you attach to that particular change and leave you feeling hollow if you fail. You and I have to want to change, and that, in itself, can be a hard motivation to come by.

Before we know it, time has passed us by, and we’re looking back with longing at days long gone. I think, this year, we should remember how swiftly time passes and perhaps find motivation in knowing we will not always have time on our side. As the inestimable Dr. Seuss put it, “How did it get so late so soon? It’s night before it’s afternoon. December is here before it’s June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”

As you make your New Year’s Resolutions or resolve, once again, not to resolve to anything, remember that time is a precious commodity that we cannot regain once it’s gone. And take heart in the fact that this year you, too, can change, grow, and become as you go about your days. But most of all, remember that you are who you are and change always comes from the heart. Here’s a little admonition from Dr. Seuss:

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

Whatever you do, wherever you go, however you life your life, I hope you and yours have a happy New Year!

-Rachel  

Merry Christmas From Abunga!

 

Here at Abunga, we want you to know that We Wish You A Merry Christmas. The Twelve Days of Christmas are wrapping up; people are traveling far and wide to get home before that merry day. I’ll Be Home For Christmas; will you? I hope everyone gets to be home for the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town soon, and I’m sure most of us are relieved at the thought that we’ll be able to celebrate with family and friends even in the midst of the economic crisis. Despite the lack of money to buy presents some of us are facing, we can still dream of a White Christmas and proclaim Joy To The World.

I personally want to enjoy a Winter Wonderland here in lovely Tennessee; unfortunately that normally doesn’t happen. But, still, with the rest of my friends, I’m saying, “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” However, even if I don’t get snow, I’ll be able to Deck the Halls with my family as we celebrate Christmas together.

Whether it’s listening to the Carol of the Bells or watching Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer with your family, take the time to enjoy just being with your loved ones this year. As you consider the old classics on TV and check into A Charlie Brown Christmas to see Linus and Lucy, remember the reason for the season is not just to give and receive beautifully (or not so beautifully wrapped) gifts.

Away in a Manger so long ago a baby was born who changed the course of history. Whether you believe it or not, that Silent Night is the one we still celebrate today when It Came Upon A Midnight Clear that Jesus Christ was born into the world. That Sweet Little Jesus Boy gives us reason to Go Tell It On The Mountain that salvation has come.

So while you’re Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and waiting for Santa Baby to arrive,  remember The First Noel that angels sang. Silver Bells ring out tunes of cheer as your loved ones gather round, and it’s the time of year when a little light will shine on even the most dire of circumstances.

As you celebrate the season this year, whatever your plans are, I and the rest of Abunga hope you will Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas!

-Rachel     

Re-Gifting for the Holidays

 

“He looks like a pink nightmare,” Ralphie Parker’s father exclaimed to the dismay of Mrs. Parker as they looked at their son dressed in the hideous pink bunny, footy pajamas. The family stared at Ralph as he stood miserably at the top of the stairs, wanting to fall through the floor. 

In his narration at this point in the movie A Christmas Story, Ralph informs us that “Aunt Clara had for years labored under the delusion that I was not only 4 years old, but also a girl.” 

For those of us who grew up watching this Christmas classic, we were overcome with laughter at the sight of Ralph standing there, but I wonder how many of us have our own Aunt Clara’s to deal with. If ever there was a gift to re-gift, Ralphie’s bunny pajamas would be the one. I’m sure, however, that some of us have received gifts we just didn’t want during the holidays.

Whether it’s the hideous zebra-striped throw pillows that could never match your plaid couch or the frilly, pink dress shirt that makes you look like a ghost, we’ve all got gifts we can’t seem to use, only put out when the giver is around, or have in the junk room. For pack rats like me, this can only mean more clutter that serves no purpose.

Instead of keeping that bowling ball or souvenir leg lamp, why not re-gift the items you have no use for? Giving away something that you don’t want makes gift-giving cheaper as you don’t have to go out and buy another present and can sometimes be exactly what the person wants. 

For example, we had a white elephant Christmas party here at Abunga, and all of us brought gifts to exchange. Even though I knew it wouldn’t be an extremely popular gift, I brought a clock my aunt and uncle gave me last year for Christmas. It’s a very girly, multi-colored, picture frame clock, with places to put in pictures. I had no use for it since it doesn’t match any of the decor in my room, and it was sitting in the junk–ahem–computer room all year. 

At the party, we took numbers and began picking out gifts. One of my coworkers brought his daughter with him, and she picked the largest present (which was mine) for them to open. When she saw the clock, she was thrilled. And I was happy that someone wanted the clock and would use it.

So if you’re going to a Christmas party with friends or coworkers and have to bring a gift, try pulling that tie-dye, fleece blanket out of the closet and re-gift it. One thing to make sure of before even considering re-gifting something is if the original giver will be there to see you give away something they thought would be perfect for you. 

Usually, however, re-gifting something can be an amusing time when you can watch someone else’s reaction to the gift you didn’t want. So if you’re stumped about what gift to take to that party, think about all the old gifts in your closet and decide on one to re-gift. 

Do you have any funny re-gifting stories? If so, let me know!

-Rachel         

Resolutions BEFORE the New Year

I have decided I want to accomplish some things before the beginning of the new year. Odd, I know, since many people put everything they want/need to do off until they can make them “New Year’s Resolutions.” Well, I have some time off from school while still working my lovely internship here at Abunga.com, and I want to get some stuff done. Here are my goals:

1. Finish The Shack by William Paul Young

2. Finish From Dust and Ashes by Tricia Goyer

3. Start a prayer journal- and commit to it.

The first two are mentioned in my previous blog. The reason that I want to start the prayer journal is because I feel like there are so many things I want to talk to God about, but I seem to lose track of them all. Sometimes I will write them down, but they are usually scattered in different places. And I also feel that if I log each into this journal that I’ll be more committed to praying about them and praying more. Here’s my plan for the journal. First, I have actually already got the notebook, with five subject dividers. I am going to divide the sections by the area in my life. For example, I was thinking of having sections for “Personal,” “Professional,” “Friends,” “Church,” and “Miscellaneous.”

I am going to enter my prayer requests as the arise and check off those that I feel have been “answered.” I know that sometimes He answers them, but I just don’t realize it! We have a prayer list in our church bulletin, so I plan on adding those, too. I also want to add prayers for people who ask me to pray for them, so let me know!

What do I hope to accomplish from this? I want to develop a closer, more meaningful relationship with the Lord. I feel that by having these documented entries and seeing God move through them will help me with my “commitment issues.” Of course, I know that all of this may not be attained by January 1, but I at least want to get it started!

Have any helpful tips for me? Let me know!

-Brittany

Books On My Desk

So I’ve finally decided to see what the buzz is all about. As I’m sure you know, we did an author chat with William Paul Young in October. We had the biggest turnout ever! That really intrigued me, but it wasn’t until receiving The Shack as a lovely gift from my boss that I finally decided to dig into it. I’m only a few chapters in, but I already like Young’s use of descriptive language. I enjoy feeling as though I’m in the book right along with the characters. I’m looking forward to finishing it up, and I’ll probably be back with my own recap for it.

 

 

I was also very intrigued by Tricia Goyer’s author chat from 12/3/08. I decided to order what seems to be one of her most beloved books, From Dust and Ashes. I’m only a few pages into it, but I am already impressed by the reviews from WWII veterans she interviewed. It seems like she really did her homework, and I’m looking forward to digging deeper into it.

 

 

 

My goal is to finish both of these books before returning to classes on 1/9/09. Help hold me accountable! Do you have any comments on either of these books? Let me know!

-Brittany

Robin Jones Gunn Says…

 

Robin Jones Gunn is the featured author this week for our Authors@Abunga chat. She is the author of the Christy Miller and Sisterchicks series, among others and has sold more than 3.5 million books. We got a chance to ask her our authors’ questions, and now we’re ready to share with you her responses.

Q: What slogan would describe your life today?

A: “Do your creative best.” This comes from part of a verse in Galatians 4:6. I’ve circled back around to this particular verse a number of times this year and every time I read it a new part of the passage rings true for what is going on right then.

The whole verse is “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” (from The Message)

Q: What books have you recently finished or are you currently reading?

A: I’m a bit of a nut about Hawaiian history and am always tracking down books of people of Old Hawai’i. I recently read a book on Ka’ahumanu. She was a powerful, creative woman in the royal line who carried on the rule of the nation after the death of Kamehameha the Great. Ka’ahumanu was the one who agreed that the first Protestant missionaries could stay on the islands. That was in 1820. After that everything changed, including Ka’ahumanu. She became a Christian and made huge changes in the ancient laws. She did so much for her people. On her deathbed, she said, “I had it in my heart to do so much more.” So tender! She definitely “sunk herself” into the work she had been given.

Look for Robin Jones Gunn tomorrow, December 17, on Abunga’s chat at 2 p.m. EST. She’ll be discussing her books and her thoughts on life and other things. If you want to submit a question for Robin before the chat, you can do so here. And don’t forget that if you miss the chat, you can always check our archives afterwards for a transcript! 

Let me know if you’ve read any of Robin’s books and what you thought of them. I’m always looking for a good book to read! 

-Rachel

Beverly Lewis Says…

 

This week Authors@Abunga is chatting with Beverly Lewis, the author of multiple books including many fiction series on the Amish with titles like The Forbidden, The Covenant, and The Crossroad. Beverly grew up in Pennsylvania Dutch country and is the author of more than 70 books. The chat will take place tomorrow, December 10, at 2 p.m. EST. 

We asked Beverly our author questions, and now we have her answers for you to enjoy.

Q: What slogan describes your life today? 

A: Keep it simple. Focus on the important things in life, in other words.

Q: What books are you currently reading or have you recently finished? 

A: The ARC of The Apothecary’s Daughter, because I enjoyed so much the author’s first novel (Julie Klassen is my dear friend and wonderful editor, as well.) I’m also reading books regarding the Amish mindset and approach to “instant forgiveness,” as found in the book, Amish Grace, by Kraybill and several other authors who are experts about this cloistered society.

If you are a fan of Beverly’s books and want to know more about her writing style, research, or upcoming books, stop in and chat with her tomorrow, or submit a question before the chat and check out the chat archives that are posted a few days after the chat. 

Beverly will be chatting with us tomorrow at 2 p.m., so try to join us for an hour of lighthearted questions and answers with one of the most prolific authors on the Amish traditions and culture. 

And let me know if you’ve read any of Beverly’s books and enjoyed them. 

-Rachel 

Last Minute Gift Ideas

 

It’s the time of year when shoppers rush home with their treasures and sugarplum fairies dance in children’s dreams; yes, it’s Christmas, and you’re on your way to the store to buy that last minute gift or two. If you find yourself in a bind and need to come up with a gift for that family member who’s suddenly coming into town for the holidays, consider buying a book at Abunga. 

With our Christmas Gift Guide, you can easily browse hundreds of books and find the perfect one to purchase in time for Christmas. If you’re really crunched for time, consider using our UPS shipping options. UPS ground delivers between 1 and 5 days from the ship date and has a wonderful track record for timely deliveries. If you choose UPS second day or overnight, you can expect to receive your order even faster. 

Another time saver you can consider for those last minute gifts is having your items gift wrapped before they’re shipped. In addition, you can always have items gift wrapped and then sent to the intended recipient, which saves you time and gets your gifts to the right people for Christmas. 

There are, however, a couple of things to keep in mind as you do your shopping. One is that you need to remember that all USPS priority (standard) shipping orders need to be placed by 11 p.m. EST on Wednesday, December 17 in order to reach their destination by December 24. And if you select UPS overnight shipping, you must place the order by 11 p.m. EST on Sunday, December 21 to get your package to you by Christmas Eve. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that you will be able to choose your gift wrapped items at checkout. If you don’t see a place for gift wrap on the main page of the site or on each product’s page, remember that you will be able to select items from your cart that you want to have wrapped. 

Finally, as you look for last minute gifts, don’t worry about price because Abunga’s got the best prices at the sweetest discounts that will make you and your wallet happy. And with free standard shipping on all orders of $35 or more on new books, you can even relax and let us ship it for free.

Do you have any great last minute gift ideas? Let me know if you do! 

-Rachel 

Tricia Goyer Says…

 

Authors@Abunga is chatting with Tricia Goyer this week, author of Generation Next Parenting: A Savvy Parents Guide to Getting it Right and Generation Next Marriage: The Couple’s Guide to Keeping it Together as well as several other books. An author in both the fiction and non-fiction worlds, Tricia is going to talk to us tomorrow, December 3, at 2 p.m. EST about her writing. 

We asked her our author questions and got her responses for you to enjoy. 

Q: What slogan describes your life today? 

A: Real. Faith. Now!

 Real = All of my writing is very real, honest, and transparent. In fact my husband says we don’t have any skeletons in our closet because I display them on our front lawn.

Faith = I’ve dared to follow God in crazy stuff, like opening a pregnancy care center, taking 20 people on a missions trip … even though I’d never been on one before, and writing (of course). AND then there is the faith to follow God as a wife and mom, which is the most challenging job at all. God has shown up at every turn and my faith has GROWN.

Now = You can call me impulsive, or maybe gutsy, but I’m ready to follow God NOW. Maybe it’s the impatient part of me, but I believe God can and will show up today, in each of our lives!

Q: I’m currently reading: The Indwelling Life of Christ

I just finished: Holiness by Nancy Lee DeMoss

Why? Every morning I spend an hour or so reading my Bible, journaling, and reading devotional type books. I need it. It helps me to focus my mind and heart.

Also, the novel I’m currently enjoy is: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I love this novel because it’s post-WWII, is unique, and is humorous. I highly recommend it!

If you have any questions for Tricia, you can submit them here before the chat, and don’t forget to join us for the chat tomorrow at 2 p.m. If you can’t make it, then check out  our archives later for a transcript of the chat! 

As always, leave me a comment and let me know what you think! 

-Rachel