Wideness in God's Mercy

Take a moment to reflect on His eternal love and mercy....vast as the ocean...

via Pinterest

There's a Wideness in God's Mercy

There's a wideness in God's mercy

Like the wideness of the sea;

There's a kindness in His justice

Which is more than liberty.

There is welcome for the sinner, 

And more graces for the good; 

There is mercy with the Saviour; 

There is healing in His blood.

For the love of God is broader

Than the measure of man's mind, 

And the heart of the Eternal

Is most wonderfully kind. 

If our love were but more simple, 

We should take Him at His word; 

And our lives would be all sunshine

In the sweetness of our Lord.

by

Frederick W. Faber

Christ Is All In All!

Saint Patrick
via Holy-Icons.com

One of the most inspiring Saints of old for me is St. Patrick. From the time I came in contact with his story and history, I've been really impressed and spiritually blessed. Since today is St. Patrick's Day, I thought I'd share something of him. Some of you may have come across this post before in my other blog, but I don't think there is any harm in sharing it here again this year, too, especially for those who haven't seen it before. 

Now, if you ask many people nowadays who St. Patrick was, they would most probably not know very much about him other than the myths and legends that have been woven endlessly around him for countless generations. These legends have obscured the man behind those legends and made most of us (yes, even us Christians) forget why he became such a legend in the first place.

St. Patrick
via Confession of St. Patrick

Patrick (c. A.D. 386-461) wrote very little about himself and no one during his lifetime wrote about him, either. However, we are fortunately left with a few of his writings that tells us something of the true Patrick, a holy and humble man of great faith in God with a truly apostolic mission. The most important document is his the Confessio or Confession (*I highly recommend reading it*). In it he sketches his life story - how he was captured by Irish slave traders, how he called on the Lord in the day of his distress and was saved, how he miraculously escaped his captivity and returned to his home in Briton, then how he was called back to the people who had enslaved him in order to preach the Gospel to them, and how he obeyed God's call despite the danger and difficulties. 

Paul Gallico said this about Patrick in his A Steadfast Man: A Life of St. Patrick (1958),

"He [Patrick] stands forth as a wonderfully human being, a man with almost all man's failings, yet touched by the divine. The testimony of his own hand exposes one who is not ashamed to admit that he owed everything to God, and that, had it not been for Him, he, Patrick, would have been other than he was.

"Out of the pages of the Confessio arises the figure of a man of indomitable purpose and compelling spiritual power, who, as [Bishop] Secundinus [probably a nephew of Patrick] wrote in his hymn, 'in sincerity of heart had confidence in God'.

"It is this sincerity, faith, and confidence - the utter subjection of himself to God - that gave Patrick his stature and account for the success that has placed him amongst the saints of the ages. 

"Patrick's trust in God breathes from every page and from every line he wrote. It replaced a confidence that he never felt in himself, for Patrick entertained no illusions as to his initial abilities and talents. But God made everything possible to him, helped him to overcome every obstacle, physical or spiritual, with which his adventurous life was studded. he walked armoured in this faith and nothing could touch him; not the swords and spears of his enemies, or the occasional envy or spite of his friends. 

"It was this love for God and his dedication to the life, the work and the word of Christ that gave Patrick his steadfast and unchanging nature. God was Patrick's catalyst who fused and tempered his character. From the time that the boy Patrick discovered Him on the freezing slopes of Mount Slemish, there was not a thought or action that was not first funneled through God. Thus the Saint's line of action ran as straight as an arrow, undeviating, unwavering. It was impossible for him to act other than in concert with his God, who had called him to serve. He had the word of that God and that Christ, spoken through the Scriptures and the Gospels; he lived by them to the utmost of his ability and he asked of those about him and those whom he preached and converted to try to do likewise. And you will see, glittering from some of his paragraphs. like jewels, his joy when he succeeded."

(p. 124-125) 

Christ Enthroned
the Book of Kells
via Wikipedia

Patrick's faith in God and his obedience to His call to preach to the heathen Irish when nobody else thought it possible, changed the destiny and faith of a whole nation and influenced the development of Christian Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire. The monasteries that dotted the Irish landscape became a bastion of learning during the troubled times of the barbarian invasions in Europe. The beautiful calligraphic manuscripts created and preserved in those monasteries awe us all, the Book of Kells being a chief example. 

There is so much more to learn about Patrick, his faith and his work for the Lord, maybe I'll leave that for another post for now. Until then, however, I highly recommend watching the docu-drama Patrick (narrated by Liam Neeson with the voice of Patrick by Gabriel Byrne), which tells Patrick's story really well and it's very encouraging and inspiring (see Trailer below).

I'll close here with this special prayer... 

The Prayer of St. Patrick

Ireland
via favim.com

I arise today through a mighty strength, 

The invocation of the Trinity 

Through belief in the Threeness, 

Through Confessions of the Oneness, 

Towards the Creator.

I arise today through the strength of Christ with His Baptism,

Through the strength of His crucifixion with His Burial, 

Through the strength of His Resurrection with His Ascension,

Through the strength of His descent for the Judgement of Doom.

I arise today 

Through God's Strength to guide me,

God's might to uphold me, 

God's Wisdom to lead me, 

God's eye to look before me, 

God's ear to hear me, 

God's word to speak for me, 

God's hand to guard me, 

God's way to lie before me, 

God's host to defend me

against snares of devils,

against temptations of vices, 

against the lusts of nature, 

against all who wish me harm

from far or near,

with few or the many.

Christ protect me today

Against poison, against burning,

against drowning, against wounding

That I may receive abundant reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, 

Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit, Christ where I arise, 

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks to me,

Christ in every eye that sees me, 

Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through belief in the Threeness, 

Through Confession of the Oneness

Towards the Creator.

Salvation is of the Lord,

Salvation is of the Lord,

Salvation is of Christ. 

May Thy salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.'

Amen.

From:

Paul Gallico. The Steadfast Man: A Life of St Patrick. London: Michael Joseph, 1958. pp. 126-127

__________________
References and Further Reading (Click on the images to find on Amazon.com): 
- St. Patrick, Confession (available  online at http://www.ancienttexts.org/library/celtic/ctexts/p01.html )

- Patrick Docu-Drama DVD


- Paul Gallico, The Steadfast Man: A Life of St. Patrick, London: Michael Joseph, 1958.


- Mary Wilson, Builders and Destroyers, God's Hand in History A.D. 300-700, Book IV, London: Blandford Press, 1968, pp. 60-8 

Feeling Down or Discouraged?

Mount Beauty, Vic., Australia!
via Google Images

Feeling down or discouraged today? Speak these words to yourself, like the Psalmist did: 

"Why are you cast down, o my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God." Psalm 43:5 (NKJV)

Things do look different from His mountain-top!

Discouraged?

But when from mountain top, 

My Lord, I look with Thee, 

My cares and burdens drop

Like pebbles in the sea. 

The air is clear; 

I fear no fear; 

In this far view, 

All things are new.

by 

Amy Carmichael

from Mountain Breezes: The Collected Poems of Amy Carmichael

'I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help? My help cometh from the LORD which made heaven and earth.' (Psalm 121:1-2)

'Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.' (Psalm 61:1-2)

Cry of Hope - New Book Reveal!

Today I have an exciting announcement! A lovely blog friend, Emily Chapman, is publishing her debut historical novel, Cry of Hope!! It's so exciting and I'm really honoured to be part of her book reveal (or the Scavenger-Hunt Book Reveal Party, I guess it could be called). The book looks really interesting and I can't wait to read it! So, without any further ado, I present...Emily Chapman and her book...

CRY OF HOPE

Synopsis
When a voyage to the New World is thrust upon young, unwilling Hope Ellison, her carefully built ideals begin to slip from her grasp. Clinging to the tattered shards of her once contented life, she embarks on the perilous journey with her family, caring not for the reason they are taking such risks in the first place and fearing the fate for her future. Yet, even her fears are unprepared for the trials ahead, and soon she comes face to face with choices that will define her view of life entirely.

Being the writer of a historical novel, one often has a mind full of obscure bits of information stored up. Usually they come flying out when the writer wishes to impress someone, though the reaction is generally that of disinterest. Anyhow, considering there are other history buffs out there, I've decided to let those historical oddities come shining through. To make it even more interesting, Sarah and I thought it would be fun if I created a quiz. Prizes are rather . . . ah, nonexistent for this little contest, but brownie points, virtual hugs, and a personal shout-out on my Facebook page and blog will satisfy you readers, won't it?

There are two separate quizzes I've created, though the first focuses primarily on obscure facts and the second one focuses on things I've written in the book itself. Prepare your mind for some strange Pilgrim knowledge. So it begins . . .

History That You Didn't Care About

1. True or false?

Beer was considered a nutritious drink, while water was actually considered unhealthy.

2. True or false?

The pastor of the Pilgrims' congregation, John Robinson, stayed behind in England.

3. True or false?

Constance Hopkins was but a child of eleven when she boarded the Mayflower with her family.

4. True or false?

Constance Hopkins was often referred to as 'Constanta' rather than Constance.

5. True or false?

Lummelen was a version of hide-and-seek that the children would play.

6. True or false?

The Speedwell leaked three times before they finally left her behind.

7. True or false?

The first Indian to introduce himself to the new settlers was a man named Tisquantum, or more commonly known as Squanto.

8. True or false?

“Puritan” was a derogatory term in the early 1600s.

Oddities in Cry of Hope

(Question One)

Which real-life character do you suspect Hope finds most exasperating in the book?

1. Constance Hopkins

2. Francis Billington

3. Mary Chilton

4. None of the above

(Question Two)

Which animal is most often mentioned?

1. A cat

2. A dog

3. A milk cow

4. None of the above

(Question Three)

Which Indian do you think Hope becomes friends with?

1. Squanto

2. Massasoit

3. Samoset

4. None of the above

(Question Four)

What is Hope's mob cap called?

1. A mob cap (duh)

2. A coif

3. A kerchief

4. None of the above

(Question Five)

Which real-life adult did Hope interact with the most?

1. Priscilla Mullins

2. Elder Brewster

3. Goodwife Hopkins

4. None of the above

(Question Six)

Which selection of languages is present in the book?

1. Just English

2. English and Dutch

3. Elvish

4. None of the above

(Question Seven)

What did Hope sleep on while on the Mayflower voyage?

1. A bunk bed

2. A hammock

3. A blanket on the floor

4. None of the above

(Question Eight)

Which real-life child is not mentioned in the book?

1. Constance Robinson

2. Francis Billington

3. Mary Chilton

4. None of the above

Comment below with your answers!  Have you any other obscure historical bits of information in mind?  If so, do share!

Don't forget to enter for the Giveaway (an autographed copy of Cry of Hope for winners), please put this Code into the Rafflecopter link below: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.

Next Blog: Small or Large

AUTHOR BIO

Emily Chapman is a homeschool student living with her large family in the southeastern United States.  Besides writing, she enjoys exercising her imagination through dance and a dabble of photography.  A firm believer in summertime, bare feet, and Neverland, Emily can often be found daydreaming or reading or (all too often) skimming the Internet for nothing in particular.  A young, imperfect girl saved by the Son of the Creator, she is adopted into God's family of beautiful souls.  You can follow her on her blog or like her on Facebook.  Her debut novel, Cry of Hope, is now available for purchase on Amazon and CreateSpace.

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The Pressures of Life - Let Them Draw You to Him!

"It doesn't matter, really, how great the pressure is, it only matters where the pressure lies. See that it never comes between you and the Lord - then the greater the pressure, the more it presses you to His breast." J.Hudson Taylor 

The Edges of His Ways
I love this photo...It just awes me. I feel it beacons me to walk to the heights - to seek Him who is the Rock of Ages.
via Pinterest

Life is full of pressures of all kinds. It is so easy for me to let those pressures pull me down and suck me away from seeking His face - from seeking Him first in my life. I came across this quote by J. Hudson Taylor and it brought this issue home to me today. Not surprisingly, I've been under a variety of pressures lately, as most people seem to be these days I notice. Life is often just so, so busy. My pressures have been mostly from uni studies, responsibilities, and anxieties about the future and so on. It is so easy to let the cares of life and the lures of the world distract us from Him and His Word. The world is always intent on distracting us from seeking God. It lures us with the love the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Other distractions could be 'good' things and not necessarily 'worldly', but it nonetheless distracts us from seeking Him first in our lives. I've noticed that I get distracted more easily when I'm totally caught up in the pressures of everyday and when I don't even give a moment's pause to be quiet in His Presence. As a new Semester begins, my prayer is that I let the pressures of life draw me closer to Him, instead of sucking my faith away. That is why it is important to take time everyday to just be quiet in His Presence and let Him feed our souls. May He give me the strength and grace to cling to Him and His Word and so bring lasting fruit in my life to His glory. I want my life and heart to be like the good soil where the Seed of God's Word takes root and produces fruit. May it be our prayer always.

"Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." 

Matthew 13:22 (NKJV)

"Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." 

Mark 4:18-19 (NKJV)

"Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity." 

Luke 8:14 (NKJV)

The Literary Heroine Blog Party

Read all about this annual blog party!

I very recently stumbled across the lovely feminine, vintage-inspired blog by Kellie Falconer, called 'Accordion to Kellie'. I really enjoyed it. I've been very busy with my Uni studies and assignments lately and I haven't really had much time or energy left for blogging in general. However, I'm having a very, very short break this week before starting a new term next week and I've decided to use the opportunity to join in Accordion to Kellie's 'The literary Heroine Blog Party'.  The Party is supposed to have ended yesterday (February 28th), so I'm a bit late, but I thought I'd do it anyway because it looks quite fun!

*******************************

So here are the questions:

1. Introduce yourself!  Divulge your life’s vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!

Hi! I'm Sarah and I live in beautiful, sunny Queensland, Australia. I'm a homeschool grad and I'm currently a history undergraduate student (in my last year!) who just LOVES history!  I've always found it difficult to pin-point exactly which historical period is the most favourite period for me. It can change from time to time, depending on what grabs my attention. Though, I think I would say it's Early-Modern British history. 

I also love historical and fiction/fantasy literature, especially those with the element of the 'legendary' about them, such as Tolkien's books (with The Lord of the Rings being my favourite!), and Viking Sagas and Arthurian legends (I haven't gotten much into these yet, but they're on my list of aspirations!!). I also like good 19th century classic novels, of course! I must also mention that the great bulk of my reading has always been non-fiction biographies. These, to me, are just as pleasurable as novels and greatly inspiring, since they really actually happened in space, time, and history! I know! That's the historian in me, I guess!

I can describe myself as quite intellectual. I love to think and brood over things and ideas. However, I've also got a very 'intellectualised' practical side. That is, I approach practical things in general in a very systematic, intellectual, perfectionist sort of way! This practical side can show itself in loving beauty and design. I love craft and art that require intricate and delicate work, like Calligraphy (when I do have the time), dollhouse decorating, web-designing (still learning), interior design, sewing and Polyvore! I also love music. I mainly sing, but I do play the guitar, too! 

Some aspirations of mine for the future include, for example, being able to travel someday and visit the historical places around the world that I read about so much, and being able to practically use my love for history in a variety of ways that would inspire others to love history and see God's hand in it (still praying to see how that will work out!). However, one of my aspirations or dreams for the near future, as I'm sure is with most university book-loving students, is to get the time to do more 'pleasure' reading, rather than just the 'required' university readings and find time to be more creative! 

However, my most deepest prayer and aspiration is to draw closer to my Lord Jesus, and love and serve Him more sincerely and wholeheartedly. I want my will to be united with His in everything I aspire or do. 

2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine? 

For me, what makes a true heroine is Godliness, virtue, meekness and humility, quietness of spirit, courage, kindness, self-control, honesty, faithfulness, and loyalty. 

3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.

Jane Eyre
via Pinterest

I love Jane Eyre. I admire her courage and kindness, but most especially her godly and principled life. I love how she trusted in God and remained faithful to her convictions and principles in spite of the struggles, disappointments, and temptations she encountered throughout her life. I love how deeply she loved Mr. Rochester and how it endured even after his misfortune and disfigurement. She was eventually rewarded for her faithfulness and love by having a happy home with the man who truly loved her.

Lady Helen visiting Sir William Wallace in prison.
via electricscotland.com

I also love Lady Helen, Lord Mar's daughter, in The Scottish Chiefs by Jane Porter. I love her godliness, purity, virtue, courage, loyalty and love. Her story is so moving and tragic. I love the way in which she, in all virtue and purity, loved Wallace and was willing to sacrifice herself for his sake. She was small and looked weak, but really she was full of courage and inner strength. A true heroine and lady indeed!

Margaret Hale
via Pinterest

Margaret Hale in North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell is also one of my favourite literary heroines. I admire her personality, courage, her sense of principle, loyalty, and concern and advocation for the weak and the poor. I admire the way she carried her self and faced life, trusting God, especially during the trying and tragic times of her life. I especially love the way she was able to bring out the buried gentleness and goodness within Mr. Thornton. I think that's what a true heroine and truly virtuous woman does. 

Eowyn
via Pinterest

Eowyn, the shield-maiden of Rohan, in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, is another of my favourite heroines. I admire her courage, fearlessness, inner strength, and loyalty.  One of the really special things that I also appreciate about her is her journey of reaching contentment within herself and not seeking glorious deeds just for sake of escaping the apparently hopeless situation she was in. Sometimes, we can think there is no hope, when the light is just about to break!

Peggy Bell
via Pinterest

*I can't resist the temptation of adding just one more heroine that I really admire. That is Peggy Bell from Return to Cranford (BBC TV series), based on novellas by Elizabeth Gaskell. I really love Peggy's sweet and tender nature, coupled with her maturity, courage. loyalty, and sacrifice in the midst of many obstacles and setbacks, especially with regards to her wayward and selfish brother and the opposition of family to her engagement to William Buxton. Her charm and character won the admiration of all those around her.

4. Five of your favourite historical novels? 

That's a hard choice! 

- The Scottish Chiefs, by Jane Porter

- North and South, by Elizabeth Gaskell

- Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte

- The Acts of Faith series, by Jannette Oak and Davis Bunn

- A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens

*for a bonus extra: The Martyr of the Catacombs, by James DeMille 

5. Out of those five books who is your favourite major character and why? 

Frederick Barnard's Sydney Carton

Since I've already mentioned some of my favourite female major characters and why they're so in a previous question, I think I'll choose a hero this time. It is also a hard choice, I must say! I, though, think I would choose Sydney Carton from A Tale of Two Cities. He is not a perfect character, certainly. However, one just pities his weakness and admires his love and sacrifice. I also love how the exchange plot. It's so reminiscent to what Christ did for us, except He was a perfect sacrifice.  

6. Out of those five books who is your favourite secondary character and why? 

Frederick Barnard's Miss Pross confronting Madame Defarge

I think for this one I would choose Miss Pross also from A Tale of Two Cities. She's is just such a fun character and very interesting. I must say she was an excellent chaperone! I also admire the way she fought off Madam Defarge! 
Love this quote:
"'You might, from your appearance, be the wife of Lucifer,' said Miss Pross, 'in her breathing. 'Nevertheless, you shall not get the better of me. I am an Englishwoman.'" (p. 169)

7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to – and what would you plan to do there? 

If I planned out my dream vacation, it would most probably last a year or two!! Here are some of the places I'd love to visit someday: 

- Canberra, Federal Capital City of Australia. I can't believe I haven't visited it yet!! I'd like to visit above all things: 

Parliament House

The Old Parliament House

Australian War Memorial

Lake Burley Griffin 

National Museum of Australia

National Library of Australia

Commonwealth Park

Government House

...etc.

- I'd love to visit other Australian states, including Tasmania and Victoria.

- I'd love to visit the Australian Alps

- I'd love to visit New Zealand and see all the places where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed!

- I'd love to visit Europe and visit all the beautiful and historical places...I'd especially love to see Switzerland and Austria!

- I'd love to visit the UK - all regions and all historical places!!!!

I could say much more...but I think I might bore you...

8. What is your favourite time period and culture to read about? 

I guess it would be 19th or early 20th century Britain or Early-Modern England. 

9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation – what is your act comprised of? 

I would definitely sing, perhaps also, if I practice well enough, play the guitar. Depending on what the concert is for and who's in the audience, I would sing inspirational Christian songs, good folky music, good traditional pop songs, songs from movies or musicals, and/or classical Church songs (Gregorian, Latin, celtic style). 

10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? 

I think I would choose any of these: Margaret Hale, Elinor Dashwood, Emma Woodhouse, or Eowyn. I love Victorian, Regency, and Medieval costumes very much.

11. What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate? 

Mmmm...Chocolate! I love chocolate. I personally prefer dark, bitter chocolate best (sometimes with some flavour like mint or orange). I also love chocolate biscuits or cookies, and nice hot chocolate drinks!

12. Favourite author(s)?

- J.R.R. Tolkien

- C.S. Lewis

- Edith Schaffer 

- Elizabeth Elliot 

- John and Elizabeth Sherrill 

- Elizabeth Gaskell

- George Elliot 

- Jannette Oak and Davis Bunn

These are just a sample...I honestly can't remember the others at present...

13. Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land? 

I would definitely take my iPad with me. This way I would take my music, my videos, the internet and, of course, my books all in one gadget! Nice, isn't it? Of course, I would take a camera as well. 

14. In which century were most of the books you read written? 

I think most of them were written in the 19th or early 20th centuries. 

15. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is…

some literary heroes I consider fitting the title of 'ultimate' hero:
Top (left to right): Sir William Wallace, Mr. Knightley, Theoden King, Mr. Thornton
Bottom (left to right): Aragorn, Mr. William Buxton, Faramir, Samwise Gamgee

Wow! That is a very hard choice! In my opinion the ultimate hero in literature is the one who is a good and honourable gentleman, with strong character and principles and also having a gentle, kind, and magnanimous heart. He is also brave and strong and defends the small, weak and poor. I think Mr. Knightly definitely fits into that category. Mr. William Buxton was also such a hero. I was really moved by the sacrifice he made because of his love for Peggy Bell. Sir William Wallace is also that kind of hero. In the Lord of the Rings I would choose Aragorn, Faramir, Theoden King, and Samwise Gamgee.  I would also choose Mr. Thornton. Though not one in the beginning, perhaps, he certainly develops into one as time progresses. 

16. Describe your ideal dwelling place. 

I think I've got two main images of an ideal dwelling place for me. The first one is ideal for a cooler climate. It would be an English-style, cottage-like dwelling, nice and cosy, warm and snug. It would have a small garden with lots of beautiful flowers and a nice pathway. It would have wood floors, plenty of bookshelves of books, a nice study with a cosy fireplace, reading nooks, and have lots of antique furniture. In other words, a home like Bilbo's home in Bag-End! 

The second image of an ideal dwelling place for me would be a white-washed, seaside-style house with a blue roof, blue-framed windows and blue doors. with flower-boxes. The interior would still be cosy and homey, but brighter. It would be also white and blue themed. It would include large windows with window seats, reading nooks and plenty of storage, and bookshelves. This kind of home would be ideal in a warmer climate...perfect for Queensland!

17. Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence. 

Simple elegance, feminine, classy classic-modern European-style look, modest, warm or brighter colours. 
(If your interested to find out more see my Polyvore Profile)

18. Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name? 

No, I don't recall every wanting to do that. There was a certain time when I thought I would have liked to be named something else, but now I wouldn't change my name for anything, except perhaps getting a middle name which, by the way, I don't have!

19. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is… 

My opinion of most dastardly literary villains!
Left: Mr. Heathcliff
Right: Madam Defarge

Yes, that is another tricky one...I think I would choose Madam Defarge in A Tale of Two Cities for her cold-hearted, ruthless revenge, or perhaps, Mr. Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights for his disturbing, sadistic passion for Cathy! There are others, I know, but I just can't remember them right now...I sort of blot them out of my head more easily than heroes or heroines, I guess.

20. Three favourite Non-fiction books? 

Actually, I don't think I could really limit it to just three...

- Selected to Live by Johanna Ruth Dobshciner (That's truly my favourite at present...a beautiful, captivating autobiography of a Jewish young lady during WWII in Holland, telling how she survived the Holocaust and her journey to faith in Christ).

- L'Abri by Edith Schaeffer 

- Deliver Us From Evil by Ravi Zacharias 

- The Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias

- The Hidden Art of Homemaking: Creative Ideas for Enriching Everyday Life by Edith Schaeffer 

21. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon? 

I would pick up a nice book to read, or watch a good movie with my sisters while doing needlework, perhaps, or blog, or create a nice Polyvore set!

22. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat – in such a way as will best portray your true character. 

My dream hat! I don't normally wear hats, but I do love woollen felt berets for winter. For special occasions I'd like to have a nice, small fascinator/cap that would have a small net and a nice floral arrangement, all matching a nice dress. 

23. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year. 

Well, I think the most significant event that marked my life in the past year would be my very first visit to the United States. I really enjoyed my time in Chicago and I was greatly blessed in a lovely Christian Conference in Wheaton College, where I made new friends and enjoyed lovely spiritual instruction and fellowship. I also got to visit the Wade Centre where I saw the actual desks of Tolkien and Lewis, and got to see Lewis's wardrobe that inspired The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe! 

24. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

"To everything there is a season; a time for every purpose under heaven." 

Ecclesiastes 3: 1 (NKJV)

"For the Scripture says, 'Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame [or disappointed, as in other versions].'" 

Romans 10:11 (NKJV)

"For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." 

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)  

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