It's a Wonderful Life ***** (Five Stars)

I have a great book (no, this isn't another post about the movie!)to recommend to everyone! It is geared for those serving in full-time or part-time ministry work, but it's great for anyone! It is called It's a Wonderful Life (of course, I would love a book with that title, right? ;o) It is written by Terrie Chappell, wife of Dr. Paul Chappell, pastor of Lancaster Baptist Church in Lancaster, California. My Mom bought it for me, and it has been both convicting, and encouraging. I will probably read it over again, this time marking and highlighting as I go along.
If you need a boost to your spiritual life this year, or just some encouragement that you're not alone, then please click here and get this book!

Have a wonderful day! :o)

I Love to Escape!

As a stay at home Mom, I find my life somewhat isolated and tedious. That's why I love to escape! Sometimes, I escape with my husband on a date! But, that's not too often. I can't get out alone or on a date when I want to, so I try to escape with a good book whenever I get a few minutes. Here are a few of my favorite stories. Please email me at valeriebasham@yahoo.com or please post here if you have any goodies that you'd like to share. I'm always looking for new good books! Oh and by the way, some of these are young adult books, but I feel that a good story is a good story, no matter what age group! I must also add here, that these do not ever replace my Bible time! In fact, I try to not pick up a book to read for pleasure until I have read my Bible for the day, it should be first on my "reading list" everyday!

The Laura Ingalls Wilder books
The Anne of Green Gables series- L.M. Montgomery
Tuck Everlasting -Natalie Babbit
Number the Stars- Lois Lowery
Christy- Catherine Marshall
The Love Comes Softly Series -Janette Oke
The Canadian West Series - Janette Oke
The Blue Bottle Club- Penelope J. Stokes (I'm reading this one now)

I love reading Biographies, but haven't read any lately. The one I've read most recently is Laughs, Luck and Lucy by Jess Oppenheimer, the creator and producer of the I Love Lucy show. It is very funny and a good read. I also love the book Gifted Hands, the autobiography of Ben Carson, a famous neurosurgeon who came out of the projects of Detroit to be one of the most renowned surgeons of our time. He is a Christian. This will encourage and inspire you! Also, the autobiography of George Mueller is excellent. Another must read!

Here are a few of my favorite non-fiction books:
Sheet Music - Kevin Leman
Making Children Mind without Losing Yours - Kevin Leman
What Every Mom Needs - Elise Morgan and Carol Kuykendall
Honey for a Child's Heart - Gladys Hunt
More Hours in My Day- Emilie Barnes
Things Happen when Women Care - Emilie Barnes
50 Veteran Homeschoolers: Things We Wish We'd Known - Compiled and edited by Bill & Diana Waring
Slow & Steady Get Me Ready!- June R. Oberlander (a book to help you prepare your pre-schooler for school)
Help for the Harried Homeschooler - Christine M. Field

Odds & Ends I enjoy:
Simple & Delicious Magazine
Fix it & Forget it - Feasting with your slow cooker (a great cookbook - recipes do not have very many ingredients and it's all for your crockpot! Even desserts!)

Maybe you can try some of these books on for size to create your own escape. It's really wonderful to get new ideas, to travel back in time, to visit different places or to meet famous people without leaving the comfort of your own home! So happy reading!!