Marcell the Shell with Shoes On - Video

Macell the Shell with Shoes On is a video that was critiqued in the Entertainment Weekly magazine. I thought it looked cute, so I checked it out. Wow, surprising how something that looks like it should be kitchy is actually surprisingly sweet and touching. This shell's interview is a very subtle comment on a much bigger part of life. Hope you all enjoy watching it.

New Artist Angela Hope Taylor - They Haven't Seen This

Meet Angela Hope Taylor, a long time friend and musician. Angela currently lives in California and is using her vocal and writing talents to create a one of a kind, can't be missed album. She comes from a family of talented singers, writers and musicians, so it's no surprise to see she's taking her talent and spreading her wings. I posted earlier about a local gospel group known as Brother John. That's Angela's family, so you can see just how deep the talent runs. Her style is unique and takes a different turn from her roots, but the gift is still there and she's making a mark all her own on music.

Here is her latest work. You can subscribe to Angela on YouTube.com to follow her work and watch for upcoming releases. This release is just the tip of the ice burg from an artist that has a lot to offer. Be sure to let her know what you think of her music and share it with your friends.

CFBA: Surrender the Heart by M.L. Tyndall

Song Stuck on the Brain: Our God is an Awesome God by Michael W. Smith

After finishing this book, this song started running through my head and stuck with me the whole night. I think it sums up the whole theme of Surrender the Heart perfectly.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:



Surrender the HeartBarbour Publishing (August 1, 2010)

by
M. L. Tyndall

MY TAKE:

I've always loved a good princess and the pirate tale, but Surrender the Heart is so much more. MaryLu took on that theme with a wink and a grin, and then created something so much larger. Noah and Marianne are amazing characters that in the beginning you'd just like to strangle because they're so perfect for one another and yet too tied up in their own issues to see it. Strangle them and want to hug them, too. It's so easy to see a reflection of myself in each of them. Despite the realistic drama in each of their lives, they're also FUN. Both characters are spunky and determined and completely and irritatingly charming. You can't help but fall in love with Noah and cheer for Marianne and her grit.

Surrounding the charming hero and heroine are a cast of characters you won't likely forget. Daniel and his special messages from God and unshakable faith. Lieutenant Reed and his honor among a den of thieves parading as soldiers. Luke, Matthew and Agnes. You'll see what I mean.

I think the part that touched me the most was the interwoven message that through all the mess and uncertainty, each character learned that God is always there, His love is ever present and no matter how insignificant we feel - each of us has a purpose. Just as Esther was born for "such a time as this", we never know when we'll be called upon to fulfill our destiny for Jesus.

Little Daniel said it best. You can't know that God won't turn your mess into good, because you haven't reached the end of the story yet. Just like a good tale, yours isn't over yet, so hold onto your hope and faith and remember you may have been born for such a time as this.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

For the sake of her ailing mother, Marianne Denton becomes engaged to Noah Brennin---a merchantman she despises. But as the War of 1812 escalates, Jonah's ship is captured by the British, and the ill-matched couple learns vital information that could aid America's cause.

Relive the rich history of the War of 1812 through the eyes of Marianne Denton and Noah Brenin, who both long to please their families but neither one wishes to marry the other. Noah is determined to get his cargo to England before war breaks out, and Marianne is equally determined to have a wedding so that her inheritance can be unlocked and her destitute family saved. When their stubborn games get them captured by a British warship, can they escape and bring liberty to their country—and growing love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Surrender the Heart, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

M. L. (MaryLu) Tyndall grew up on the beaches of South Florida loving the sea and the warm tropics. But despite the beauty around her, she always felt an ache in her soul--a longing for something more.

After college, she married and moved to California where she had two children and settled into a job at a local computer company. Although she had done everything the world expected, she was still miserable. She hated her job and her marriage was falling apart.

Still searching for purpose, adventure and true love, she spent her late twenties and early thirties doing all the things the world told her would make her happy, and after years, her children suffered, her second marriage suffered, and she was still miserable.

One day, she picked up her old Bible, dusted it off, and began to read. Somewhere in the middle, God opened her hardened heart to see that He was real, that He still loved her, and that He had a purpose for her life, if she'd only give her heart to Him completely.

She had written stories her whole life, but never had the confidence to try and get any of them published. But as God began to change her heart, He also showed her that writing had been His wonderful plan for her all along!

CFBA: Masquerade by Nancy Moser

Song Stuck on the Brain: Ours by The Bravery

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:



MasqueradeBethany House (August 1, 2010)


by



Nancy Moser



MY TAKE:

Nancy has a way with words and her characters reflect that gift. Dora and Lottie each have a unique personality and it's their conversations and flirtations that showcase that the best. You can tell that she has drawn bits of inspiration from many classic novels and created her own unique story. The Prince and the Pauper is probably the most obvious, but I could feel bits of Les Miserables, Pride and Prejudice, and even a dash of Twelfth Night.

The premise of maid and lady switching places is fun and obviously leads to many humorous and delightful moments, but it's the darker, deeper places that Nancy leads her characters that makes this book truly memorable. New York City is often romanticized, but she shows us a much more gritty and moving view through the eyes of someone who is an outsider. Much like a good portion of her readers, we see it for all that it is and grow with Lottie as she finds her real purpose.

A fantastic, fun and moving story.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

They risk it all for adventure and romance, but find that love only flourishes in truth...

1886, New York City: Charlotte Gleason, a rich heiress from England, escapes a family crisis by traveling to America in order to marry the even wealthier Conrad Tremaine.

She soon decides that an arranged marriage is not for her and persuades her maid, Dora, to take her place. She wants a chance at "real life," even if it means giving up financial security. For Charlotte, it's a risk she's willing to take. What begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl wanting adventure becomes a test of survival amid poverty beyond Charlotte's blackest nightmares.

As for Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She lives a fairy tale complete with gowns, jewels, and lavish mansions--yet is tormented by guilt from the possibility of discovery and the presence of another love that will not die. Is this what her heart truly longs for?

Will their masquerade be discovered? Will one of them have second thoughts? There is no guarantee the switch will work. It's a risk. It's the chance of a lifetime.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Masquerade, go HERE.

View the book trailer:






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Moser is the award-winning author of over twenty inspirational novels. Her genres include contemporary stories including John 3:16 and Time Lottery, and historical novels of real women-of-history including Just Jane(Jane Austen) and Washington's Lady (Martha Washington). Her newest historical novel is Masquerade. Nancy and her husband Mark live in the Midwest. She’s earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She gives Sister Circle Seminars around the country, helping women identify their gifts as they celebrate their sisterhood. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included. Find out more at

http://www.nancymoser.com/ and http://www.sistercircles.com/.

Liu Wei plays piano with feet

Next time I complain that I can't drive because of the possibility of a seizure, I'm going to remember this. I can't believe how many times I've let the littlest of things in life hold me back when they're nothing in comparison to this.

Liu Wei's demonstration of determination and courage with a positive attitude is so inspiring. I love his life's motto: "Live wonderfully."

I can't post the actual video here, but PLEASE visit this link to watch this amazing pianist with no arms play the piano beautifully with his FEET.