Book Review: Killing Christians by Tom Doyle

From the time Peter and John were thrown into prison for being a disciple for Christ, followers of Jesus have been persecuted and/or killed for their beliefs. If one reads the New Testament about the life of Christ and His followers, he/she will find many instances where persecution and martyrdom for the sake of following Christ was common. It is nothing new. It continues today as I speak. The world news tells us about children being beheaded, adults being killed because they are Jesus followers. ISIS is one of the groups we are hearing about the most lately. Hamas is a terrorist group and kill people who follow Jesus.  Hamas especially hates the Jews. I am sure there are many I have not mentioned who murder or torture believers. Yes, people it still happens. Many Muslims are turning to Jesus and forsaking their former beliefs. They must meet in secret in the Middle East for fear of being found out by the terrorists and killed. But, these believers are so strong in their faith and following Christ, that they willingly deny Islam and hold on to Jesus when put to the test. The Islamist extremists do not tolerate anyone who does not follow Allah and their "bible."

I was given the opportunity to review the book titled Killing Christians written by Tom Doyle with Greg Webster for Family Christian bookstore. I really was interested in this book. I wanted to read the stories of Muslim believers and what they go through to live for Christ. I have been a Christian for many years and always wonder if I would be strong enough to stand for Jesus in a time such as this. Would you be strong enough? I know now that I would be stronger than I feel I would be, but it still concerns me. I know Jesus will give me the strength if I ever face what these Christians that Doyle shares with us go through. I want to thank Kristen at Family Christian for choosing me to be a reviewer. Now, let's get to the book.

Somalia, Syria, Mosul, Baghdad, Saudi Arabia, Gaza: these are places that this book concentrates on. Tom Doyle has been a missionary in the Middle East, for several years after being a pastor in various states. He has a passion for Israel and has led tours there many times. He is now the Middle East director for e3 Partners which is a group of church planters. He shares in Killing Christians stories from Muslim Christians who have either been tortured for the sake of Christ, killed for the sake of Christ or know of fellow Christians who have gone through this. It is so eye-opening to me to know more about what these people have to go through just to know Christ, read a Bible, share Christ with others. We Americans have become too complacent in our faith and ability to go to church when we want to, that we don't think of those who have to hide to worship the Lord. Mosul, one of the places talked about in this book, has been in the news just this week about ISIS destroying museum artifacts, and causing utter destruction in places that these people deem sacred. Did you know that Mosul is the Biblical Nineveh where God sent Jonah? I didn't until I read this book. I read this week that ISIS has allegedly destroyed Jonah's gravesite. This is so heartbreaking! According to Doyle:

                " 1. Forty Egyptian churches burned to the ground 2. House church leaders sentenced to Iran's infamous Evin prison. 3. Eight Christians murdered in North Korea for merely owning a Bible 4. Believers nailed to crosses in Syria"

These events happened in just one month in 2014 according to the author, Tom Doyle. It has continued, but gotten worse since these events. The author refers to a passage in John 16:2 where Jesus tells the disciples that they will be put out of the synagogue and a time is coming where when anyone kills you, they think they are doing a service for God. (paraphrase) People, that time is now. According to Doyle, in Mosul, Iraq, ISIS gave Christians four choices: "convert to Islam, pay a large and unaffordable jizya (tax), leave, or die." What would you choose? It makes one ponder how he or she would respond to such demands.

Doyle shares with us the lives of several people who live daily in fear of dying for the cause of Christ. The areas I listed in a paragraph above are where these people live or have died for their faith in God. I really enjoyed learning more about what is happening. It saddens me, but it is what is happening today. It isn't just what happened in Biblical times, but it is going on now. We Americans need to wake up and pray for these people and for more to come to Christ before it is too late. Doyle did a great job describing the details of the lives of the people written about. He did edit such items as dialogue and physical descriptions, but each story is true. He requests that the readers join him in praying for these new friends we read about. People are being crucified, beheaded, throats slit, and so on because they have found Christ and follow Him.

 Read this book. It has just been released and can be found at Family Christian Bookstore online here. This book will open your eyes more about what we hear on the news from people who have experienced the torture. Share this with your family so they may know that this is really happening and is not something we are just told by the media. Thank you for listening. Now, I have been given permission to offer a $10 gift certificate to Family Christian Bookstore. To enter, follow my blog, and tell me in the comments you do or have joined, and tell me what you think you would do in this circumstance. I will use the random number generator to choose a winner next Friday. Good luck and God Bless.

*** I received this book free from Family Christian bookstore for my opinion of the writing/book.

Snow, Purses, Quilts, Oh My!!!

Good morning! I've been up for an hour or so due to my hips and legs aching, but oh how blessed I am to be as healthy as I am. I am so thankful that I have both legs to hurt, I am thankful that I have both arms, and my health as it is. I am seeing and hearing of so much sickness and death in the past few weeks until it breaks my heart, but I know someone Who has conquered death and the grave, and one day there will be no more dying and crying over the loss of a loved one.

I follow several children on Facebook who have cancer or have had tragic accidents, or have a genetic disorder where I will remember to be thankful for the health of my family and to pray for these precious ones and their families. I have read where several of them have passed away and left heartbroken families. I have gotten so upset and angry at the disease of cancer lately, that I have really had to pray about it. I continually hear of others who have been diagnosed with this terrible disease. Ewing's Sarcoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, brain cancer and so on. One would think that in this day and age there would be cures for cancer. I wonder if the pharmaceutical companies and researchers have found cures, but know that a lot of money will be lost if it is told. Cancer is not the only disease out there taking people, but this one seems to be so strong right now. Help me pray for these people who are suffering, and their families who suffer, too.

On a brighter note, they have predicted that we will get snow today. A significant amount of snow for Alabama. anywhere from a cold rain to some isolated areas could get up to 8 inches! For you northerners, that isn't much. Even 1-2 inches in Alabama can cause trouble. LOL People clean out the stores bread, milk, and various items if they predict snow or ice around here. Schools have already been closed for today, and many public offices like city halls, etc. have stated they will be closed today. People in the south do not know how to drive nor are we equipped to drive in this type of weather. I am thankful that we get snow very infrequently around here. I couldn't live up north where it is an all winter thing. One good thing is our snow will more than likely be gone tomorrow. I will post some pictures if we do get some.

I have sold one handbag lately, and have an order for another rag bag. I also have an order for a baby quilt and finished getting the fabric for it yesterday. It will be red, white, and blue with a touch of yellow/gold in it. I am not sure of the name of the pattern I'm using, but it is fairly simple and looks nice. I wanted to show the focus fabric, which is a navy floral, the most and this pattern will do that. The backing is a red bandana print. I ordered with the assistance of the purchaser a red bandana print from www.fabric.com, but when I got it in the good light at Hobby Lobby yesterday, I realized how much orange tint it had. That was not what I nor the purchaser wanted. We wanted a true red, so I bought more at HL and will use that other for something myself. Maybe in a handbag? I also pieced a donation quilt the other day out of the blue, so while at my quilt meeting yesterday, I picked up batting for it. Now to find a backing in my stash to use on it, quilt it, and get it back to the group to give to a child. Here is a picture of the top

Donation charm quilt

I call the quilt Scrappy Happy! I just took charm squares I collected a couple of years ago at the quilt group and started sewing them together with alternating yellow squares. Added a wide yellow floral border to top and bottom and a light purple border all around to make sure I got it large enough.

Below is a Swoon Sewing Patterns bag I made as practice. My machine would not sew though the sides very well due to the thickness of the Pellon Peltex in the pocket section. I got it in there, but it isn't sewn as well as it should. I won't have a problem carrying it. It has a strap that is connected by swivel hooks to the loops you see in the picture. I think it turned out nice even though the pocket section is sewn in as well as it should be. I know that next time, I will need to add some rivets instead of trying to sew it.

I was gifted with lots of fabric scraps and large pieces to make quilts and purses out of. I would love to sell some more bags, so if you are interested check out my Items for Sale Page. I can make them to order. I have two bags already made ready to sell, but have had no bites on them, yet. I will give someone a good price on the two already made if interested, please send me a message on Google+ or email me and let me know. Price will need shipping added to it.

Well, I am going to go for now. I pray you all have a great week. Keep checking back in to see what is new around the house.

May God Bless you,

Teresa

What I've Been Working On

I have been making handbags lately instead of quilts. I have a quilt in mind that I want to start cutting out, but just haven't done it, yet. I want to sell some of my handbags and have a couple all ready made to sell. I just haven't had anyone want either one, yet. :D I will start posting them on a page called "Handbags" and if you are interested in having one made like it, or want the one in particular if I have it listed for sale, then, just email me and we will work something out. I will now show you what I've done lately.

Bonnie by Swoon Sewing Patterns

Bag I sold to a lady

Bag for sale $30 Fallon by Clobird Designs

Sold Rag Bag

For Sale Ask price 

Any of the bags here I can make and sell. I have other patterns as well. If interested, just check with me at tgnance@gmail.com.

Have a blessed day,

Teresa

New Blog Hop Starting Today! Check it Out!

There is a new blog hop starting today in support of those who have or have had breast cancer. I believe supporting those who have cancer in whatever way we can is important. Here is a blog hop just for that. Madame Samm and Pat at Life in the Scrapatch are the promoters of the hop, with Pat being the "cheerleader" doing whatever to support those who are participating. Make sure you support these folks and check out the blogs!  We Support You Blog Hop Starts Today Here's who's hopping during We Support You: Jan 29th  Life in The Scrapatch Living With Purpose What About Rheema? Kwilt Krazy Jan 30th  Just Let Me Quilt  Stitch and Quilt how arT you Living My Dream Feb 2nd  Quiltscapes Made By Me In Red Ga's House Sew Incredible Crazy Feb 3rd  My Quilting Journey Creativity Amongst Chaos Peanut's Patchwork KaHolly Feb  4th  Kris Loves Fabric Words & Stitches Jane's Quilting Tea Time Creations Feb 5th   Selina Quilts Dutchess Crazy & Sane Quilting World Moose Stash Quilting Lovelli Quilts    Feb 6th   I Piece 2 - Mary Baa's Amazing Adventure Quilted Delights The Blended Blog Feb 9th  Stitchin By The Lake  Tea Leaf Quilts Books, Hooks, Sticks, etc Seams To Be Sew Stitchen' My Life Away Feb 10th    Creatin' In the Sticks The Quilting Queen Online Everyone Deserves A Quilt The Quilted Cat Hill Valley Quilter Feb 11th   Buzzing and Bumbling In Stitches and Seams All thingz sewn The Slow Quilter Crayon Box Quilt Studio Sew We Quilt Enjoy visiting all the blogs during the hop!

New Purses and Stuff!

Hi, Y'all! How you been? I've been blessed. You know something? God is so good! He is worthy of our praise and worship. I want to give Him every part of me to use. I am so unworthy of His love for me, but He loved me before I was even born. I am so thankful for that. Are you? I sure hope so.

I've been so blessed by the church we joined in November. Riverview Baptist Church is such a great place to worship my Lord and Savior. Our pastor preaches the Word just like God gives it to him, and he doesn't mind stepping on toes, either. He is so knowledgeable of God's Word and preaches and teaches what He knows in such a way anyone could understand it. He is one who loves the Lord with all his heart, soul, and mind and you can tell it by being around him and listening to him. My DH and I just love him and his family. I love to hear he and his precious children sing for God's glory. They have been blessed with talent.  As you can tell, I really enjoy our church. We are so blessed to have them as our pastor and family. 

Now, I have had a couple tough weeks having another tooth infection, then having to go to the oral surgeon to have it pulled. Then I got a dry socket, so I had to go back. I missed a few services at church during this time, and I really hated that. But, when you are in so much pain, it is hard to feel like doing anything. Even though it is still sore, I praise God that it is improving everyday. 

What have I been doing? I have been enjoying making some handbags from some new patterns I purchased and one I downloaded for free. I plan to purchase a couple more patterns probably tomorrow after I run to the bank. Need to deposit a blessing I received over the weekend. Then watch out! I was able to purchase a bolt of Pellon ShapeFlex 101 from Joann's at 50% off plus another 15% off on Saturday. Just waiting for it to arrive. It was the ten yard bolt, not the 25 yard bolt. But that is much cheaper than paying $5,99 per yard for it at Hobby Lobby. I have two more patterns already that I am wanting to try soon. Probably this week. I am hoping I can find someone to purchase some of these where I can get some money to purchase some fabric I want to get especially for a quilt. Or more bags. LOL 

*****DO NOT USE MY PICTURES WITHOUT MY PERMISSION. THESE BELONG TO ME. THANK YOU.

The first bag I made was a pattern from #Swoon Patterns. This is called Bonnie. 

Bonnie: first time using vinyl, and added a signature yoyo to the bag, 

 This one is a rag purse I made for my daughter. It turned out really cute. I think I may have to make one for myself. LOL

Rag camo tote

This bag is a free pattern you can find on Craftsy (love this site btw). I love this bag and how it turned out. It was very difficult to turn it, but next one I make, I will do a drop in lining instead of having to turn it. My RA in my hands just does not like the pulling and tugging I had to do. Love the pattern. Very sturdy bag. 

Front with large pocket

Front of bag again taken outside

This is the back of the bag. I fussy cut the fabric to put the flower in the center. Love how it turned out!

Inside of bag. Has a zipper pocket on one side and another large pocket on the opposite side. Love pockets.

This bag did not call for any closure, but I placed a magnetic snap on the inside onto the lining where I can close it for a little security. I want to get brave enough and try to make a zipper to put on the next one. 

Well, what do you think? Like what you see? If seriously interested, I can make these to purchase (Ethel and Bonnie). I could also make some rag totes, but with your initials or something like that on it, if desired. 

I pray that you like this post. I plan to try and post more often now. Keep me in your prayers. I have a few things I plan to sew soon, and I will be showing these. Keep on the lookout?

Hugs,

Teresa

Happy New Year! What's Happening?

Happy January! How is everyone doing? I pray you had a blessed Christmas and New Year with family and/or friends. We had an awesome Christmas holiday. The only thing that would make it better is if our DS and DIL would have been with us. We were able to spend Christmas with our grandson and his parents our DD and SIL That makes it all alright when we are with him.

We almost didn't get to go due to some sudden, unexpected health issues with my husband. Thank God, he improved enough that the doctor allowed him to travel. He and I both have been sick off and on for several months, but this situation was definitely something we were not expecting. Thankfully, he continues to improve. I on the other hand either have a sinus infection or allergies flared up that won't go away. LOL I have another tooth, on the opposite side from the one pulled in early June, that will be pulled today by the oral surgeon. My dentist had surgery on his shoulder and hand, so he isn't pulling teeth for awhile. I'm not looking forward to this, but I want it gone where hopefully, I can eat more normally again.

Well, have you been creating lately? What have you been working on? For several months, I was working on Christmas gifts, and being sick off and on, I did not feel up to blogging. I will share with you now what I made. I didn't have a lot to talk about, so I let you all down. :(

                                                               

As you can see this is picture loaded. I made myself the purse at the top. The pattern is Phoebe, and it is a free bag pattern. Just Google "Phoebe" and you should find it easily. I made a microwave bowl for each of our children and one for the grandson. I made wallets for the girls, mug rugs for everyone. Except hubby wanted a coaster sized one. I made him one out of the Navy fabric since he was in the U.S. Navy. Not sure why I didn't get pictures of all of the kitchen towels I embroidered, but I made a set of towels for each family. They were embroidered or had fabric for Alabama or Auburn on them. They all love red, so that is what I went with. I made a messenger bag for my daughter. That is the last photo. I know, it isn't a great one. I will share more in a later post. I also made her a matching wallet. Here are the straps. She loved it! I plan to make myself one for my laptop. Yep, it is that big. I found the pattern for this on Pinterest and it is also a free pattern. The wallet pattern is called Fiona by Clobird Designs. I purchased this on Craftsy. She has a new bag pattern that was released yesterday. It is called Fallon. I really want that one. 

I have discovered some awesome purse patterns. Not free, but very reasonable priced. One thing I like about them is that one can make and sell these bags without worrying about getting in trouble. :D They are called Swoon Patterns. They have a website, or you can get them on Craftsy. I would love to get the subscription for them which is very reasonably priced, but I just don't have the money at this time. I plan to purchase one of the patterns this week, though. 

The lady for whom I was making the disappearing nine patch quilt (you can see it here), passed away the end of October. I had the top and the back finished, but had not gotten it pinned and quilted. It was sudden, and I was just devastated. I told her children that I would finish it and give it to them. I plan to get it pinned soon. I need to take my machine in and have her cleaned and serviced, so I may not get it finished before then. 

Well, I guess this post is long enough for today. I hope to be back on a fairly regular basis soon. I plan to add some of my Bible devotions, continue with the Family Christian reviews, and just share my heart. Please forgive me for being so lax in my posting. May God bless you all!

Teresa

Giveaway Winner!!!

Congratulations Barb Nessle for winning the $25 gift certificate from Family Christian Bookstore!! Please email me your name, address, etc. at tgnance@gmail.com where I can notify Kristen from Family Christian.

Thank you for participating in the giveaway.

Teresa