That Pig Again!

I have been absent the last few days, so missed all my usual Friday, Monday and Tuesday link ups. 
My daughter's baby does have Down's Syndrome as well as a few other issues which they are hoping will resolve themselves. I always thought it would be me facing this as I had my last child at 40; certainly not my 19 year old daughter who decided to have her children early as it is all she has ever wanted to be - a mother.
My heart aches for her as I can see how difficult her life will be. But God has a plan and obviously this baby girl will be a blessing to our family in ways that we cannot yet imagine. 
I am so proud of my darling girl as she faces this with such strength of character and love for her unborn baby. 

One of the books I read this week is about the way we cannot see the works God is doing in our lives. We may think we are not making a difference to anyone, but God knows. He sees and if we keep our faith and let Him guide us, then anything is possible.

The Shepherd's Song is about a mother who writes Psalm 23 out for her son and tucks it in his coat pocket. This note then takes a journey around the world, affecting 12 other people along the way. I read it in one night, just couldn't put it down.

'Kate remembered praying, "Let my life count," and she knew her prayer had been answered."

The other book I have just finished is First Impressions by Charlie Lovett. I love Jane Austen inspired books and this was wonderful. I read this one in two nights. It is a mystery based on a lost manuscript and just ticks all the boxes for me - Jane Austen, searching through old documents for evidence, bibliophiles galore! I like the way the chapters alternate between Jane Austen and the modern characters. 

Favourite quote (quite long! - a discussion between the main character and her uncle who showed her the love of books):

' "Am I a book collector, Uncle Bertram?" she asked.
"What do you do with a book when you get it?"Uncle Bertram asked.
"I read it," said Sophie. "Or I ask you to read it to me."
"And then what?"
"And then I put it on my shelf so I can look at it again whenever I want to."
"And do you ever want to throw it away or sell it?"
"Of course not," said Sophie. "What a silly question."

What a silly question indeed! I read this passage and breathed a sigh of relief that there are people like me - that love the smell of old books, love to just look at my books (and stroke them and give them a friendly pat!) and find it really hard to part with a book once it is on their shelf. They are old friends. My hubby doesn't get it. Periodically, he will start to go through my shelves and ask if I have read a book. If I say yes, then he will want to know why it is still here then. Nope, doesn't get it! 

And here is Peppa Pig! Well, some of her!

So far, she has a head, ears, body and arms. She is quite large now that I have stuffed her and sewn the head and body together.

And with her dress sort of on!

Thank you so much for all the prayers and good wishes you have been sending our way during this period. It is so greatly appreciated.