Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 537

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 2, 1941: President Roosevelt announces plan to build Liberty Ships to support Atlantic convoys. The Andrews Sisters record "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy."

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Dec. 31, 1945: US Marines occupy Chichi Jima in Bonin Islands.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 30, 1940: California's first freeway, the Arroyo Seco Parkway, opens between Los Angeles and Pasadena.

My Favorite Books of 2010

Nothing says New Year's like a list! Here are my favorite fiction reads from 2010 in alphabetical order. It was hard enough to pick only ten, much less rank them.

Sadly, some amazing books are still sitting in my "To-Be-Read" pile. Taunting me. These include Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney, The Gathering Storm by Bodie and Brock Thoene, Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs, Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson, Nightshade by Ronie Kendig, The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund, She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell, Sons of Thunder and Nightingale by Susan May Warren, Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall, A Tailor-Made Bride and Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer, and While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin. My lame excuse - a son graduating from high school and starting college, and the release of my first two novels. Still these lovely books taunt me.

However, I did read the lovely books listed below!

1. Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith
A fictionalized account of the life of Abigail, the second book in the Wives of King David series is meticulously written and beautifully written, and the vivid characters will keep you entranced.

2. Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart
This nostalgic story follows a young girl as she comes of age in 1950s Texas with a mentally ill mother. Carla Stewart has a delicious way with words, and her characters and story are gripping and touching.

3. Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
Laura Frantz's writing is beautiful and colorful. The characters are rich and appealing, and the frontier setting of Kentucky during the Revolutionary War is a character all its own.

4. The Homecoming by Dan Walsh
In this World War II Home Front story, Dan Walsh uses just the right amount of period details and historical backdrop, which freed me to enjoy the story, the characters, and the writing. This is a heartwarming story but never simplistic or sappy.

5. Lost Mission by Athol Dickson
This fantastic story involves the discovery of a lost Spanish mission in California - and the secrets it contains. Gorgeous prose, intriguing characters, and a storyline that truly makes you think about evangelism and the Christian's relationship with the world - without ever preaching. Wow!

6. Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad
This is hands-down the most fun book I've read all year. Lorna Seilstand writes delicious humor and swoony romance, but also makes you think about honesty and obligations. Her research into a turn-of-the-century lakefront resort shines without blinding you.

7. Touching the Clouds by Bonnie Leon
Bonnie Leon takes us to Depression-era Alaska with adventurous but wounded pilot Kate Evans and a handsome physician who seems to have a secret. A thrilling and touching read.

8. The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Not your typical Amish novel - Suzanne Woods Fisher adds a kick of realism—of racial tension, mental illness, scheming aunties, and Vietnam. The Waiting included one of my favorite characters of the year, the heroine's little brother, who stutters and loves wildlife - he's thoroughly charming.

9. Watch over Me by Christa Parrish
Christa Parrish writes so beautifully. She crafts a poignant tale about a hippie vegan, a stressed veteran, an abandoned baby, and a sick teenager. I love the realistic characters and situations she creates.

10. White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner
A contemporary story of a California family that seems perfect, but has secrets. A touching Holocaust story is interwoven skillfully to add meaning and to jolt the characters to understanding and action.

I can't wait to see what 2011 has to offer!

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 29, 1940: The worst Luftwaffe raid on London causes 1500 fires in the "Second Great Fire of London," but St. Paul's Cathedral survives. President Roosevelt makes "Arsenal of Democracy" radio address.

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Dec. 28, 1945: US Congress officially recognizes the Pledge of Allegiance.

"Hail the Heav'n Born Prince of Peace"

The birth of Jesus was announced to lowly shepherds.

Think about it.

The King of kings and Lord of lords had arrived on earth, the Son of God, the promised Messiah come to save mankind from sin and death. And His birth was announced to the lowest class in Israeli society.

Perhaps the shepherds needed a Savior most. Perhaps they would receive Him more readily. Perhaps they'd be more likely to spread the news with joyful abandon. Perhaps God loves best the one's society loves least.

Or perhaps the announcement came to the shepherds as a simple but revolutionary message—God's gift of salvation is offered to everyone. Everyone. Dirty uneducated shepherds, splendid learned Magi, and all of us in-between. The gospel message is simple enough for a three-year-old to comprehend and accept—"Jesus loves me, this I know"—and complex and deep enough for the brightest scholar to be dazzled by new insights every day.

Hail the heav'n born Prince of peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings, Ris'n with healing in His wings;
Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth;
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 26, 1940: Movie premiere of Philadelphia Story, starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 25, 1940: Pal Joey premieres on Broadway.

The Advent Wreath - What Child Is This?

One of my family's favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus.

On Christmas Day we light the final candle - the Christ Candle. If you'd like to join the Sundin family in this tradition, here are some family friendly, kid-tested ideas. Adjust these to the ages of any children present to create a meaningful time for your family.

Christmas Day - The Christ Candle

Candles:

Light all three purple candles (the Prophets' Candle, the Bethlehem Candle, and the Angels' Candle), the pink candle (the Shepherd's Candle). Lastly, light the white candle in the center, showing how Jesus is the Light of the World.

Story:

Explain how the shepherds watched their flocks, heard the news that the Messiah had born, and went to see the Baby Jesus in the manger - and how they reacted with great joy.

Scriptures:

Luke 2:1-20 (the birth of Jesus and the visit of the shepherds)
Matthew 2:1-12 (the visit of the Magi)
John 1:1-14 (Jesus coming in the flesh as the light of the world who brings life)

Songs:

"Joy to the World"
"O Come, All Ye Faithful"
"What Child Is This?"
"O Holy Night"
And all your family's favorites!

May the peace and joy of our Lord and Messiah, Jesus Christ, fill you with His light this Christmas.