Deborah L. McCarragher's Blog, page 19

The Twelve Days of Christmas Revisited

The "Twelve Days of Christmas" is a song that many of us grew up singing - yet what do we really know about its origins? 

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.




It has come to my attention that the historical version of the song and its origins I posted here may not be completely truthful.  Ah - the dangers of using Wikipedia as a source.  I actually received an email from a family friend that contained this rendition of the carol's background.  Nonetheless - I'm putting it out there as a possible explanation as to the song's history and meaning...

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. -Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments .-Three French hens stood for Faith, Hope and Love .-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John .-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old   Testament .-The six geese a-laying stood for the six Days of Creation .-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit --  Prophesy,Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.-The eight maids a-milking were the eight Beatitudes .-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit --  Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and   Self  Control.-The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments .-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful Disciples .                              -The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the                                 Apostles' Creed .


The popular Christmas carol goes like this:
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...A Partridge in a Pear Tree.On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...2 Turtle DovesAnd a Partridge in a Pear Tree.On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...3 French Hens2 Turtle DovesAnd a Partridge in a Pear Tree.On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...4 Calling Birds3 French Hens2 Turtle DovesAnd a Partridge in a Pear Tree.                      And so on... until the twelfth day - The earliest well-known version of the music of the song was recorded by English scholar James O. Halliwell in 1842, and he published a version in 4th edition The Nursery Rhymes of England (1846), [Wikipedia] Here's a great light show and the Twelve Days of Christmas featuring the New York Philharmonic Orchestra -              Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together. http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Historical Fiction - Night of the Cossack by Author Tom Blubaugh

Night of the Cossack is a compelling adventure about a teenager who is forced to grow up quickly. The main character, Nathan Hertzfield faces many life or death situations during his saga. Join Nathan on his suspenseful journey through parts of Russia and Europe during the early 1900's. Don't miss this entertaining and intriguing story, Night of the Cossack .

Tom Blubaugh Bio:I started writing poetry at the age of 14. My hope was they would be used as lyrics by rock and roll singers such as Elvis Presley, Paul Anka and others, but this never happened. I continued to write, but not seriously until I was nearly 30. I wrote nonfiction most of my adult life with articles being published in a denominational magazine and business publications. I self-published a book, Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry, in 1974. In 2009, Barbour Publishing published a devotional journal, The Great Adventure, which I co-authored with fourteen other writers. In April, 2011, by historical novel, Night of the Cossack, was published by Bound by Faith Publishers.  Tom is also a member of the John 3:16 Book Marketing Network.
You can find Tom on  Facebook  and on  Twitter - as well as on his Blog at  The Write Trail .  Why did you write "Night of the Cossack"?
I didn't have a grandfather on either parent's side and I was always envious of those who had one. I had very little information on my maternal grandfather, but one of the facts was he was a Jewish Russian Cossack soldier.  This intrigued me.  When my mother passed away I was left with only one relative, on my mother's side, that was older than I. I decided to create a story about my grandfather for myself.  As it developed, I found myself writing for my six children and fourteen grandchildren. Later, I let a couple of people read what I had written and they suggested I look into getting it published. I joined a local critique group and they agreed. As I pursued the story, God sent a publisher to me.
What is a Cossack?
Cossacks were members of several peasant groups of Russian and Polish descent. They lived in autonomous communal settlements, especially in the Ukraine, until the early 20th century. In return for special privileges, they served in the cavalry under the czars. They were well known for their horsemanship. They raided villages for supplies, women and young men to increase or replenish their ranks. Eventually they became a part of the Russian army.

What is your background as a writer?I've been writing since I was fourteen. I started with poetry that I hoped would turn into song lyrics for rock & roll artists.  This was a dream that never became real until I was 32 years old and then it was lyrics for Christian songs I wrote for a contemporary Gospel band. We were way ahead of the time with our music and it didn't catch on in the mid '70s.  I started writing non-fiction about that time and was published in a denomination magazine and later in an insurance magazine. This novel wasn't started until I was 64. I never saw myself as a novelist until it happened.
What message would you like to convey to your readers?Several things, but the two most important are: That the reader connects with Jesus Christ and readers will make a strong connection with their ancestors, especially those still living and find out as much about them as they can so there is a strong legacy to pass down.  It's sad that I don't have any more information than I have about mine. I know the name of my grandfather and his brother and that's it. I don't even know the name of my great grandfather or grandmother. I'm finding this is common among Jewish families due to the fears of those who immigrated. My grandparents spoke nine languages between them.  Whenever they spoke of the old country they didn't speak in English so my mother, aunts, and uncles knew very little. They wanted their children to be Americans. They didn't realize they were taking our heritage away from us.

Purchase a Kindle ebook or a new Paperback copy of  
Night of the Cossack now from  AMAZON
Visit Tom on  Facebook  and  Twitter - as well as on his Blog at  The Write Trail .








 Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Amazon Launch of Night of the Cossack by Author Tom Blubaugh

Today, December 8th only!
  Purchase a Kindle ebook or a new paperback copy of  Night of the Cossack
 from  AMAZON and receive multiple FREE gifts
For more details visit the official Launch Page at:   http://bitly.com/uaJUg8

Night of the Cossack is a compelling adventure about a teenager who is forced to grow up quickly. The main character, Nathan Hertzfield faces many life or death situations during his saga. Join Nathan on his suspenseful journey through parts of Russia and Europe during the early 1900's. Don't miss this entertaining and intriguing story, Night of the Cossack .
Tom Blubaugh Bio:I started writing poetry at the age of 14. My hope was they would be used as lyrics by rock and roll singers such as Elvis Presley, Paul Anka and others, but this never happened. I continued to write, but not seriously until I was nearly 30. I wrote nonfiction most of my adult life with articles being published in a denominational magazine and business publications. I self-published a book, Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry, in 1974. In 2009, Barbour Publishing published a devotional journal, The Great Adventure, which I co-authored with fourteen other writers. In April, 2011, by historical novel, Night of the Cossack, was published by Bound by Faith Publishers.  Tom is also a member of the John 3:16 Book Marketing Network.
You can find Tom on  Facebook  and on  Twitter - as well as on his Blog at  The Write Trail .  Why did you write "Night of the Cossack"?
I didn't have a grandfather on either parent's side and I was always envious of those who had one. I had very little information on my maternal grandfather, but one of the facts was he was a Jewish Russian Cossack soldier.  This intrigued me.  When my mother passed away I was left with only one relative, on my mother's side, that was older than I. I decided to create a story about my grandfather for myself.  As it developed, I found myself writing for my six children and fourteen grandchildren. Later, I let a couple of people read what I had written and they suggested I look into getting it published. I joined a local critique group and they agreed. As I pursued the story, God sent a publisher to me.
What is a Cossack?
Cossacks were members of several peasant groups of Russian and Polish descent. They lived in autonomous communal settlements, especially in the Ukraine, until the early 20th century. In return for special privileges, they served in the cavalry under the czars. They were well known for their horsemanship. They raided villages for supplies, women and young men to increase or replenish their ranks. Eventually they became a part of the Russian army.

What is your background as a writer?I've been writing since I was fourteen. I started with poetry that I hoped would turn into song lyrics for rock & roll artists.  This was a dream that never became real until I was 32 years old and then it was lyrics for Christian songs I wrote for a contemporary Gospel band. We were way ahead of the time with our music and it didn't catch on in the mid '70s.  I started writing non-fiction about that time and was published in a denomination magazine and later in an insurance magazine. This novel wasn't started until I was 64. I never saw myself as a novelist until it happened.
What message would you like to convey to your readers?Several things, but the two most important are: That the reader connects with Jesus Christ and readers will make a strong connection with their ancestors, especially those still living and find out as much about them as they can so there is a strong legacy to pass down.  It's sad that I don't have any more information than I have about mine. I know the name of my grandfather and his brother and that's it. I don't even know the name of my great grandfather or grandmother. I'm finding this is common among Jewish families due to the fears of those who immigrated. My grandparents spoke nine languages between them.  Whenever they spoke of the old country they didn't speak in English so my mother, aunts, and uncles knew very little. They wanted their children to be Americans. They didn't realize they were taking our heritage away from us.

Don't forget - TODAY ONLY - Dec. 8th, 2011
FREE gifts PLUS an entry to win a  $50 Amazon gift card. *You must purchase from AMAZON either the Kindle version or a
'new' paperback from Bound by Faith Publishers to qualify.
 The new paperback version will be a signed copy by the author and shipped FREE to an address in the USA.







 Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Greener Grass or Just an Illusion?

You just witnessed a scenario play out in a local restaurant. The couple seated across the room was laughing, conversing and enjoying each other's company.  The husband actually beamed as he listened intently to her words.  They were so engaged with each other that they seemed oblivious to everyone else around them.
Maybe you observed a couple in church as they sat close to each other – reading the Word together and taking in the pastor's sermon with great interest.  As the husband puts his arm around his wife, you feel a little uncomfortable sitting by yourself.
Perhaps you notice your neighbor's husband strolling down the sidewalk with her by his side.  They are discussing something interesting because they nod and affirm each other's words repeatedly.
Here you go again – looking across the pasture to the grass on the other side of the fence… It looks so much greener. You just know it will satisfy you and fill that empty void.  Is the grass really greener, or is it just an illusion?
Be careful little eyes what you see --- Don't believe it!  One of Satan's greatest weapons is to make you think you're being deprived of something good.   John writes in his first epistle "For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father, but is of the world" (I John 2:16).  Covetousness  is one of the sins of the eyes – and Hollywood gives us much to covet with regards to the "perfect" relationship.  Their standard is unattainable and unrealistic.  We must base our marriages on God's Word and His beautiful gift of intimacy in marriage.  God is relational and we must work on our relationship with Him in order to mirror it in our marriage.
Your enemy's greatest weapon is to create doubt – not only doubt that God loves you, but even more sinister – doubt that your own spouse loves you.   When you're in a spiritually mismatched marriage, simply "replacing" your spouse will not solve all your problems.  You may know a couple that divorced and remarried – believing that the new spouse would bring a greater happiness or contentment.  Oftentimes this is not the case – but to the contrary – it often creates a feeling of hopelessness when the new spouse fails to live up to those impossible expectations.
Paul addresses the married believer in I Corinthians 7:10, 13-14, "Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband…And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him.  For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy."
God ordained marriage between one woman and one man – until death do they part.  Marriage isn't a convenience until you're not happy anymore, or until your spouse makes you angry, or until you find someone better.  It is an unwavering commitment – based on honor, integrity and devotion – not on feelings and mood swings.  (Please remember abuse is grounds for leaving your marriage)
Your husband may be one that chatters non-stop or hardly talks at all. Every man is different and in most marriages – communication is the key to survival.  We are still working on our marriage after thirty years.  I tend to be more outgoing and verbal, and he is more reflective and quiet.  Sure makes for an interesting conversation starter.
What has been your experience in your marriage?  Do you struggle with envy and a runaway imagination at times?  Do you have any tips for others in this situation?
There's a line in the song Rose Garden by Lynne Anderson that says, "I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden."  
It is best to take off your "rose colored glasses".   You will see that the grass is green – but not as lush and inviting as you first thought.  Best to stay in your own pasture...












Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Book Showcase - Christmas Belles of Georgia by Rose McCauley

Rose's Thanksgiving Week Giveaway!
Rose McCauley is so thankful to have her first fiction book pubbed—Christmas Belles of Georgia—that she is doing a giveaway of the e-cookbook Novel Morsels to anyone who orders Christmas Belles of Georgia from Amazon November 23-27th.
Novel Morsels is a cookbook compiled by Nicole O'Dell with over 100 recipes from books written by 65 authors. This book will soon be listed on Amazon at $2.99 a copy. But this week you can receive it free by ordering a copy of Christmas Belles of Georgia on Amazon, then going to Rose's Blog at http://www.Rosemccauley.blogspot.com  where you will find out how to contact her by email to give her your Amazon order code and receive the code for the free copy of Novel Morsels .
So hurry on over to Amazon.com  and order a copy or two or three of Christmas Belles of Georgia (they make lovely Christmas gifts!) and then get a free gift for yourself. You will have lots of recipes to try out in the coming months and can read about some more great books! And right now Amazon is having a special deal if you buy 3 books under $10 you get one free!
It's a win/win deal! You can do your shopping with a couple clicks and not have to battle all the crowds!
To whet your appetite I am including my version of my Southern-style dressing copied from the book.
Recipe Title: Best Dressing Recipe Ever! 
Book info: Christmas Belles of Georgia, Barbour Publishing, 2011. My novella is entitled Nick's Christmas Carol.
Recipe: Start early in the morning (or can do the night before): cook 2 Jiffy cornbread mixes per package instructions in a 13x9 pan at 400 degrees until done. (15-20 min.) Let cool then crumble into bite-sized pieces. (I cut into 1 in. squares in pan and then crumble it up.) Toast 12 slices bread (I like whole wheat but have used white) cool, then pulse in the food processor until tiny crumbs. Pour breadcrumb mixture on top of crumbled corn bread.
Next (or next day after you get the turkey in the oven) prepare turkey broth by cooking the giblets in 4-6 cups of water or use 4 chicken bouillon cubes in water or prepared chicken stock. Use food processor to chop one medium onion, then 3 or 4 stalks of celery. Place skillet on top of stove on medium and melt one stick of margarine, then add 1 pound pork sausage and cook, chopping it into small pieces with spatula. To this mixture add the celery and onion and cook together.
To the 13x9 pan with cornbread and bread mixture add 1 t. pepper, 1 t. sage, 1 t. poultry seasoning and mix throughout. Then pour everything in the skillet on top and blend together in pan. Then pour 2 cups of the broth over this, adding more broth ½ cup at a time until it forms a stiff dough. It can now be cooked in a couple buttered baking dishes for 20-25  min. at 350 degrees if you prefer your dressing soft. My husband's mother always made dressing balls, so if you wish to do that you can roll the mixture into balls or I scoop it with a buttered ¼ cup measuring cup and place the humps into a buttered dish and cook at 350 for 25 minutes. This recipe will make 28- ¼ cup balls which should serve around 14 guests.
Blurb: The hero's aunt who raised him makes this recipe for Thanksgiving dinner each year. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, so is a great southern cook. This is also the recipe I make for my Thanksgiving dinner each year. It is a several-steps process, but well-worth the effort—just ask my kids who don't like anyone else's dressing as much as mine! I got the basic recipe from the cooks at the school where I taught for two years in South Carolina and have gradually tweaked it to make it my own.
Rose McCauley is a Christian author and speaker. Her experiences as a public school teacher, Sunday school teacher, Girl Scout leader, MOPS mentor and Moppet worker, scrapbooker, wife, Mom and Grandmother give Rose a wide field of ministry to women.

Rose has been happily married for almost 43 years to her college sweetheart. They have lived and raised their family of two daughters and a son on a farm of rolling hills in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky where their neighbors tease them that their cows must have legs shorter on one side from walking around the hills. Their family is growing with the addition of a two sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren who are definitely GRAND!







Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Give Thanks to the Holy One

This photo of Jerusalem is courtesy of TripAdvisor

  "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name."  (Psalm 100:4)
The concept of thanksgiving is as old as civilization itself. Webster defines it as:  the act of giving thanks; a prayer expressing gratitude; a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness.
As Christians, we acknowledge God's goodness and provision in our expression of Thanksgiving.  God's Word implores us to give thanks to Him. Both Old and New Testament books of the Bible encourage us to have an attitude of gratitude. Psalm 50:14 tells us to, "Offer to God thanksgiving."  Psalm 95:2 says, "Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving…"  The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:6 declares, "…in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."  We are to develop and display a grateful heart.
Our expression of gratefulness to God is found in our praise of Who God IS.  He is El Elyon – The Most High.  In Genesis 14, Melchizedek, King of Salem blessed Abram and said, "Blessed be Abram of God Most High [El Elyon], possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand."  He is the omnipotent God, the one who rules and reigns eternal.  He is also Adonai – Lord, Master, and Owner.  In Genesis 15, God told Abram he would be his shield and reward.  Abram said,  "O Lord [Adonai], GOD [Jehovah], what wilt Thou give me, since I am childless?" God was his Lord and Master of all things concerning him.  The most sacred name for God is Jehovah GOD (Yahweh). He is the all self-existent God who spoke everything into being.  In Exodus 3 we see the dialog between Moses and Jehovah as follows:  "And God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM'; and later He said, "The LORD [Jehovah], the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you."  Heartfelt thanksgiving for Who God IS blesses us and blesses Him.
We often don't display thankfulness for those closest to us.  Family, friends and co-workers are often short-changed when it comes to giving thanks.  We all but forget their worthiness of our expressions of gratefulness.  I thank God for my husband who is generous, devoted, trustworthy, and responsible.  Thanking God for our children, though not perfect, keeps them at the center of our prayers and praises.  Find a friend and thank them for their encouragement or support during a difficult time.  Your co-worker may need thanking for the kind comment they shared at your last office meeting.  Thank a stranger for their service and dedication to their chosen profession.  Thank your pastor or lay-minister for a message or bible study they shared.  Thank your parents for their valuable love and wisdom afforded you over the years.  Express your thanksgiving in a tangible way.  Express it often – and always in love.
Finally, thank Jesus for your salvation.  If we had nothing else to be thankful for, that would be sufficient!  Oh, how we thank Him for rescuing us from certain destruction and eternal doom.  In II Corinthians 9:15 Paul says this, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"  May we always be ready to tell others about our Savior and His gift.
For the Christian, thanksgiving is an action word – a  continual state of living as we outwardly express our love and devotion to Him. Happy Thanksgiving – May Blessings Abound Always and in All Things!
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him (Psalm 34:8).
Please listen to this wonderful worship song by the Integrity Worship Singers












Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

The Holiday Season is Here - Are You Ready?

The holidays are fast approaching…  Are you lonely at home and amongst your family?  Do you wrestle with a sadness and disconnect during a time when commercials and advertisements portray unity and happiness?  Do you begin to fantasize about having what you see around you?  What do you do with all those conflicting feelings and thoughts?
We all remember the classic Norman Rockwell painting of Thanksgiving Dinner.  It's the quintessential portrait of an all American family gathered for a special meal and fellowship. Sometimes life doesn't imitate art…
When you're in an unequally yoked marriage, you will have days where you feel miserable and venerable.  You'll feel isolated and out-of-sorts. We all can recall times when we've just felt alone…
Sometimes my spiritual sensitivity would kick-in and my husband's choice of TV or movies would offend me.  Other times I found myself trying to avoid spending time with him.  I would be frustrated as I attempted to plan and schedule events around his likes and dislikes.  When church related socials came up – I cringed at the thought of asking him to attend.  I longed to share spiritual things with him and talk about the Lord… I know you've been there too.  One thing is certain:  we can't become resentful.  Below is a brief excerpt from my book Mission Possible – Chapter 4 – Painful Reality

There unfortunately are things that you begin to dislike about him [your husband].  We are to "love the sinner, but hate the sin."  There were times I had to pray, "Lord, give me a desire for my husband … help me to love him with  Your love,  because I  don't like him very much right now."    Remember, you have to "take every thought captive, unto the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5).  Give it to God and then you will have peace.   Isaiah 3:26 says, "You will keep him [her] in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."  "Let not your heart be troubled …" (John 14:1).  You will have peace when you give these struggles to God, and let Him keep them .  

When I catch myself thinking thoughts of despair or wallowing in self pity – I look up and acknowledge to God that I need help – fast!  What does He reveal to me in my moments of sorrow and helplessness?
 He reminds me that Hollywood and advertisers would have me believe that every day is to be filled with roses and smiles and dreams come true. He reminds me that I have a loving and devoted husband, even though he has not yet given his life to Christ yet. He reminds me that feelings last for a season, but commitment is everlasting.  He reminds me that I tend to look at other marriages through "rose-colored glasses". He reminds me that nothing affects His love for me – not even my doubt.
When David was ruthlessly pursued by King Saul, he found solace and peace in God.  David wrote Psalm 27 during that time and verses 13-14 express his faith in God: "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!"
The Apostle Paul struggled with a "thorn" in the flesh that kept him humble and under God's authority.  We often have a painful road to walk in our unequally-yoked marriage. God will give us the grace to persevere.  As He did with Paul, so He says to us, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (II Corinthians 12:9).
Take a fresh inventory of your blessings and face the holidays with a renewed vigor and confidence, knowing that your Heavenly Father delights in you.








Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Amazon Book Launch for The Book of Ruth by Deborah Bateman

Amazon Book Launch - TODAY -  November 15th.  There will be FREE Gifts and Downloads if you purchase her book  Today only.  Please visit her main website at  http://www.deborahhbateman.com  for details.

The Book of Ruth is a Daily Bible Reading Devotional. The Book of Ruth - A Story of Love and Redemption is a love story from the Bible. The characters in The Book of Ruth deal with loss, lack, and romance. Through their many trials they learn to lean on God and His sovereign will for their lives. Even though Ruth is a Moabite she decides to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi back to her homeland of Judah, the promised land.

The two ladies travel back with nothing and are not sure how they will survive, but they trust God to make a way for them. As you read The Book of Ruth , you will see the story unfold and see God's provision for these two ladies.Reading The Book of Ruth will help you recognize God's sovereignty and provision in your own life.

Deborah, tell us something about yourself and your writing
I started writing my blog Daily-Bible-Reading about a year ago. That is where The Book of Ruth was born. I do a daily Bible Study from different books of the Bible or on different subjects. It is at http://www.daily-bible-reading.com I invite you to join us for the Daily Devotions.

About the Author

Deborah H. Bateman is a Christian Author, Blogger and Website Designer. She was raised in the Baptist Church since she was a child, and is a wife, mother of two daughters and grandmother to five grandchildren.

She is the Founder of Christian Daily Resources a Christian Online Ministry. Deborah is dedicated to "Sharing God's Word".  Deborah is also a contributor to "Women of Wisdom" section of Living Better at 50+ Magazine.
Deborah's websites include:
Christian Daily Resources was started as a way of "Sharing God's Word" through different avenues; Bible Study, Music, Books, Bible Verses, Prayers, Poems, etc. 
Deborah is the author of Daily Bible Reading, which was created to "Share God's Word" through Bible Study.
Deborah is also the author of Bible Verse Tweet, which was created to "Share God's Word through Daily Bible Verses. 

The Book of Ruth - A Story of Redemption  has its official Amazon Book Launch TODAY on Tuesday November 15th.  There will be FREE Gifts and Downloads if you purchase her book  TODAY.  Please visit her main website at  http://www.deborahhbateman.com  for details.







Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Book Showcase for The Book of Ruth by Deborah Bateman

The Book of Ruth is a Daily Bible Reading Devotional. The Book of Ruth - A Story of Love and Redemption is a love story from the Bible. The characters in The Book of Ruth deal with loss, lack, and romance. Through their many trials they learn to lean on God and His sovereign will for their lives. Even though Ruth is a Moabite she decides to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi back to her homeland of Judah, the promised land.

The two ladies travel back with nothing and are not sure how they will survive, but they trust God to make a way for them. As you read The Book of Ruth , you will see the story unfold and see God's provision for these two ladies.Reading The Book of Ruth will help you recognize God's sovereignty and provision in your own life.

Deborah, tell us something about yourself and your writing
I started writing my blog Daily-Bible-Reading about a year ago. That is where The Book of Ruth was born. I do a daily Bible Study from different books of the Bible or on different subjects. It is at http://www.daily-bible-reading.com I invite you to join us for the Daily Devotions.

About the Author

Deborah H. Bateman is a Christian Author, Blogger and Website Designer. She was raised in the Baptist Church since she was a child, and is a wife, mother of two daughters and grandmother to five grandchildren.

She is the Founder of Christian Daily Resources a Christian Online Ministry. Deborah is dedicated to "Sharing God's Word".  Deborah is also a contributor to "Women of Wisdom" section of Living Better at 50+ Magazine.
Deborah's websites include:
Christian Daily Resources was started as a way of "Sharing God's Word" through different avenues; Bible Study, Music, Books, Bible Verses, Prayers, Poems, etc. 
Deborah is the author of Daily Bible Reading, which was created to "Share God's Word" through Bible Study.
Deborah is also the author of Bible Verse Tweet, which was created to "Share God's Word through Daily Bible Verses. 

The Book of Ruth - A Story of Redemption  will have its official Amazon Book Launch on Tuesday November 15th.  There will be FREE Gifts and Downloads if you purchase her book on Launch Day.  Please visit her main website at  http://www.deborahhbateman.com  for details.







Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Celebrate Our Troops - Happy Veterans Day 2011

Do you know a veteran?  Are you a veteran?  If you answered "yes" - then we owe you a debt of gratitude and respect.  Thank you for your service!

Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is usually observed on November 11th. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.  The United States also celebrated Armistice Day on November 11th until Al King, an Emporia, Kansas shoe store owner campaigned to update it to 'All' Veterans Day . With the help of then U.S. Representative Ed Rees and President Dwight Eisenhower, Congress amended this act on November 8, 1954, replacing 'Armistice' with Veterans, and it has been known as Veterans Day .  [Wikipedia]

World War I – known at the time as "The Great War" - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of "the war to end all wars." Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities.  The armistice ending World War I went into effect at 11:00 a.m., on November 11, 1918.
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"  The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m. The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:   Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.  On October 8th 1938, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."
The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day , and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 preserves the historical significance of the date.  It also brings attention to the important purpose of Veterans Day : A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Here are three great Veterans resources:
http://www.christianmilitarywives.com/magazine.html
http://www.wivesoffaith.org
http://weservetoo.com






Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  http://www.Godmissionpossible.com