HCSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible

Book Description

The Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible combines two hot trends: Bible journaling and adult coloring. Through unique illustrations included on every page spread, readers, illustrator’s, and notetakers alike learn to engage the biblical text in a new way. The exceptional design offers a unique balance for everyone from seasoned artists to the creatively challenged, allowing for guided creativity and meaningful personalization of the Bible reading experience. From filigree, Scripture quotes, and unique images, these line-drawn illustrations are waiting to be brought to life.

Features include:

Over 600 images, including text designs, images, and filigree
Unique illustrations on every page spread
Open margin space for creating new, personalized images

Light grey illustrations allowing readers to add color to each image

Lined margins for note taking

My Review

This is an awesome Bible! The cover is sturdy, the paper is durable for coloring with markers, and the pictures inside are pretty but fun; I can't wait to color them all in! There's plenty of room for note taking in the margins. It's clean and neat, not messy or cluttered. I'm really impressed actually at how well put together it is and neat it looks. It's all very organized and neatly made. Even in the back there is also a "Read the Bible in a year" week-by-week check list for those interested in reaching that goal! 

I've never used a HCSB version but I look forward to using it in the days ahead! If you're looking for something different then I'd surely check it out. 

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of B&H/Lifeway Bloggers Review program

It's Time to Begin Again!

As many of you know, I am a writer. You didn't know? Yeah, I guess I have been away for a while. It's still beating strong in my heart but I've been at an impasse the past year. If you're a writer you will understand these seasons of life where you desperately want to write, anything, but can't. Whether it's writers block, fear of moving forward, or just life getting in the way. Mine has been a mix of things, but what's really been holding me back the most is the fear I'm not really a writer. I fear my writing is mediocre, not worth sharing but especially not worth ever publishing!

God has been preparing my heart. Building me up and filling in the broken pieces of my heart and mind. I've been learning to depend on Him. Now it's time to start writing again! Like a runner who has been off his feet, I have to start from the beginning and build back these writing muscles! I'm going to take one day at a time, step-by-step, and sharing my progress with you to stay motivated.

I have a few novels I am working hard to piece together to one day share with the world, I feel they are masterpieces in the works, but they are nowhere near sharing material. For now I'll be doing simple exercise's. Writing short stories from prompts or whatever inspires me on Pinterest. Yes, Pinterest is both my most helpful tool but my worst enemy in the world! I've created a whole Pinterest account specifically for my writing (more organization, less distraction!) If you'd like to follow that just click the button: Miss Tadoodles It's a brand brand brand new account, I just created it Sunday! There isn't much on it right now, but I will be creating more boards involving nothing but all things writing related. From character shoppe's, settings, prompts, et,.

With this new beginning, I'll hopefully be posting more than just book reviews on this blog!

The one thing I could use most right now is Prayer! I want to stay motivated and continue to grow in this area of my life. I know it won't be easy but not impossible because I have Jesus, who makes all things possible!

Thank you, all! God bless! Tootles! 

It's Good to Be Queen by Liz Curtis Higgs

Book Description

Sheba Journeyed Across the Desert with a Caravan of Riches,
 Only to Find the Greatest Treasure of Them All.  So Can You.
When it comes to famous queens of the Bible, we know the good one, Queen Esther, and the bad one, Queen Jezebel. Now meet the wise one, the queen of Sheba, who traveled to Jerusalem to test the mind and heart of a king.
 
Her quest for wisdom will surprise you, challenge you, inspire you, change you. This wealthy royal from antiquity will show you how to live boldly, seek after truth, ask the right questions, encourage others, receive graciously, and honor the Lord above all.

Shedding new light on this ancient biblical role model, Liz Curtis Higgs unveils timeless wisdom for all who aspire to please the king of Kings.

My Review

I love Liz Curtis Higgs books like these. I've only read a few but they are so intriguing and insightful! I never had never thought so in-depth about the Queen of Sheba before this book. You've probably heard this said to you or said it to someone yourself, "Who do you think you are, the Queen of Sheba?" Liz Curtis Higgs shines a much different light on this Queen that I will never be able to hear those words the same again. There's things we can learn from this queen in the Bible!

The lessons we can learn from the Queen of Sheba: We need to be bold, having faith. Being open to what God's plans for us. Seeking wise and trustworthy council. Being humble. Being honest with God and others. Encouraging everyone you come across. Praising God in all things. Giving graciously and generously! Receiving graciously to honor God and the giver (that's one I've struggled with!) Ending with by loving well the rest of your life. 

This book is filled with so much truth and great advice. At the end there is also a Study guide which is pretty cool! Great for Bible groups or just by yourself!

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part Blogging for Books blogging program.

Untangled by Carey Scott

Cover Description

We all want to feel valued. We crave approval and acceptance in the eyes of family, friends, and even strangers. But when we seek confirmation that we are enough using the world’s standards, it seems like we always fall short. As a result, we cannot believe we are who God says we are—accepted, loved, beautiful, and treasured.

My Review

Untangled: Let God loosen the knots of insecurity in your life.

Like anyone, I have insecurities about a lot of things. Little things, big things, and things I don’t even know I have. But God knows them, because he knows my heart. Which is the very heart message of this book and why I like it so much.

Throughout this book Carey Scott points you to God. This isn’t some self-help book that tries to give you the perfect remedy to make you good enough instead she shares how to untangle our hearts from those lies the devil has so deeply woven in them.

Each tangled story she shares, from childhood to college, to marriage and friendships, is a tale of untangling those lies of I’m not good enough.

When I reached her chapters about marriage, I thought, “Surely none of this will apply to me. I’m not married! And this next chapter about being tangled with kids, that most definitely doesn’t apply to me.” I almost considered skipping those chapters. I almost wish I could say that I decided not to because I am, indeed, a true devout reader, but to be honest God called me to read them. And I am glad to boast about that. Though as a single person, the parts on being a wife or parent didn’t really apply to me, however, it opened my eyes to the insecurities my mom might be facing, even now.

As I neared the last chapter, I thought to myself, “I really like this book, but for all the insecurity issues, I’m rather disappointed.” Here’s why.

I’m overweight. For the longest time it was a huge insecurity. I didn’t like the feeling that people might be looking at me, not talking to me, and think I was ugly or unlovable because of my size.

“That’s a pretty huge tangle for a lot of women, why isn’t it being addressed in this book?”

Sure, appearances had been brought up from make-up, hair, and clothing, but why not bodyweight? Maybe she just didn’t have that problem.

I started reading the last chapter, Carey Scott leading up to the unveiling of her last tangle, and then I heard God whisper, “Surprise. I didn’t forget.” She shared her heartfelt tangle of insecurity on being overweight and how God reached in to the deepest part of her heart to make it well again.   

I am so glad she shared that story. It was a perfect ending. 

The only thing I disliked in the book was the constant change in bible version references. I know typically, I see people use 2-3 versions to better explain their meaning behind the verses they use. Most times the meaning is the same as the previous version, it just words it a little clearer for the reader. However, I found the versions used: CEB, TLB, GNT, and GW, to be too altered.

In one beginning chapter, she uses Proverbs 4:23 in CEB.

“More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.” Did you catch that? More than anything else, protect your mind. You see, when you undermine your worth through words and thoughts, you change how you see yourself.”

So her message was surrounded by that word change from ‘heart’ to ‘mind’. Yet she mentions that the road from the head to the heart is one less traveled.

Then, in the end chapter she uses the same verse but from the GW version.

“Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it.” Those are strong words—more than anything. God is saying that protecting our hearts should be our biggest priority. Why? Because all of our emotions, thoughts, and actions originate there.”

And then in the very next paragraph says how she likes the GNT version of that verse which says, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.”

I actually found this pretty conflicting to start with. I felt the versions were used to help tell the story or get the point across rather than letting the Bible actually speak for itself. I know their are great poems and sayings that say the like, "watch what you think because they become your actions." And I know the bible speaks of this in certain words, but I would have rather seen her ue quote than try to use whatever version of the bible suited her needs. However, I just pulled out my bible when I came to verses and took what she was trying to convey from her heart to her readers. Which was beautiful and lovely, encouraging and inspiring.

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Revel Review program.

Always Looking Out!

I've been reading "the Lookout" bible devotion from YouVersions "Bible app". I really enjoy it. It's
my first entire Bible in One-Year reading program. It gives me about 5 chapters a day to read from 4 different books in the Bible. It starts out with Matthew, Acts, Psalms, and Genesis. And each day you read anywhere from 5 verses to 3 chapters in each book.

So, last week I finished Ruth and turned the page into 1 Samuel. That's Samuel, King Saul, and King David's stories. As I've been reading, I've found an amazing read from start to finish. The last judge and the first king of Israel. How David came into Saul's life and what bond he shared with King Saul's son, Jonathan. And how David then came to be King without killing Saul. 

Here comes the funny, yet really cool part.

I like to play a game called Trivia Crack. Maybe you've heard of it??? Maybe not! History so far has not been my best subject on this fun-filled play. Surprisingly, Arts and Sports has been (if you knew me at all you'd never believe it. Sports is not my forte by any stretch of the imagination. But I guess my imagination is pretty stretched now. LOL.) So, one day late last week I got the question of all questions!

I couldn't believe it! I had just read that chapter not even 24 hours ago. How crazy is that!? But then I thought, you know, maybe not so crazy
I've come to the firm conclusion that God wanted to make sure I was paying attention to my bible studying this week! God's always looking out for me and he just wanted to let me know he was paying attention, too.

The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

Book Description

This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn't need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine’s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly  never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter’s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that’s compromised when Raine reveals she’s pregnant.  

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: “The baby is mine.”

Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke. 

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

My Review

I truly loved this book! The length of chapters were perfect; just short, and long, enough to keep me reading until the end!

Stories in small towns have always interested me, but the town of Banister Falls wasn't what drew me in. It was the people! A beautiful story of falling in love and learning to trust again.

Genevieve has had her heart-broken and her trust shattered. She can't stand to stay in one place. If she did, people would get to know her and that meant opportunities for someone to hurt her again. Always keeping a suitcase filled in the closet ready for a quick escape.

For her daughter, Raine, that made things hard on her. Raine felt alone, until she met Cody. Immediately catching her eye, it wasn't until her teacher paired together for a class project that she got to know him. But that wasn't the only person she became interested in. Reading Cody's answers on a questionnaire, she becomes interested in knowing God. After searching, she finds Jesus and hands her life over to him. Both Cody and Raine's relationship with the Lord bring them close.

Though this book is mostly about Dan and Genevieve, I really liked how she involved Raine and Cody's point of view's throughout the whole book.

Dan Marietta always loved Evie (Cody's mom) but he let her go when his buddy Max (Cody's dad) began pursuing her. After Max died in a fire while on duty, everyone thought Dan and Evie would get married, but Evie always kept him at arm's length. Dan is the handsome firefighter, but a gentlemen in every way! It made me wish he was real and interested in me! *wiggles eyebrows* Though you wouldn't know it, Dan has his own little suitcase, which I love that he unloaded that secret with Gin. It helped bring down more of the barrier she had surrounding her heart. And it just made Dan that much more real. 

The book was well written, I only wish their had been more! All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to you all.

I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of BookLookBloggers Review program.

Valentines? Not a Problem!

Hahaha! This just made my day and completely inspired this post! Listen, listen!

Valentine's Day problems. ❤️

A video posted by Snoopy And The Peanuts Gang (@snoopygrams) on Feb 9, 2015 at 9:14am PST

Like Peppermint Patty, everyone asks the same question every day. Maybe even twice a day.

"Have you been given a lot of Valentines [Love] in your time?"

My answer, too, would be,

"No. I've never received a single Valentine." 

That is, if we were talking specifically, and only, about Valentines Day. But not today. Valentines Day is a great day to express our affections to the people we love. Sure, some say it's just a card industry day, but only if you make it that way.

However, there of many of us who don't believe that anyone cares about us or even loves us. Then, we go digging around others lives and comparing their love life to ours. Trying to find ways on how to get our own valentines, and love.

Peppermint Patty said it perfectly though!

"I should talk to someone who is used to getting [giving] Valentines!"

And, there is only One who does it perfectly every day: Jesus Christ!

Think about it, He is the giver and creator of Love. And, if you think about it, receives a lot of love too! {Psalm 18:1} Whom better to learn from then the master! The only reason love even exists and we know it to be real is because He loved us first! {1 John 4:19}

Turn to him for guidance in your life, and love. Take direction from Him and don't wait for others to love you before you love others. And take in confident reassurance, that you have the ultimate Valentine in your life, forever! He wants you to be His forever Valentine. {John 15:9}

From the ever poetic words of Veggie Tales:

"God made you special and he Loves you very much!"

God bless and have a wonderful day!

Let Me Remember...

Don't you just love when your browsing YouTube and God guides your cursor to just the perfect song to speak the words you needed most to hear?

I do.

As I mentioned in "A Shout for the Lonely" I've not been very strong the past year. Constantly battling this sort of sadness, emptiness, inside. I've been trying to figure out what I had lost that keeps me on this roller coaster. I've been searching for the answer for almost a year, but God gave me that answer today when he lead me to this song by Jason Gray.

HOPE.

I lost my spirit of Hope. Or better said, I forgot to hope. I forgot what it meant to me. I've always been one to look at the brighter side, to purposefully be optimistic.

The year before, I had been constantly let down by someone very close to my heart. By the time we went our separate ways, I'd been tapped dry of almost joy. I guess my hope went down with it.

Proverbs 13:12 (NLT)

 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

What does Hope mean to me?

It means to trust and expect that what we desire for, wish for, pray for, could in fact happen. Remaining confident in my trust in that God will have the last word and make it good. 

You know, no matter how much things hurt we have to keep hope alive in our hearts. Hope is what carries us through our sorrows, anxiety, and pain. Being positive when the rest of the world screams to be negative. It's time to bring hope back to life!

God bless!

Romans 5:5 (NLT)

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

A Shout for the Lonely

I've really been struggling with loneliness the last month... No, for the last year. My hearts been broken one too many times by people who were my friends. Who lashed out at me for no reason or just abandoned me.

I'm not a social butterfly, my younger sister inherited those gene's. But, I don't like being alone. I'm best with close intimate friends and family surrounding me.

I've always been the strong one. The encourager. The shoulder to lean or cry on. To cheer them up and make them smile again. I've always been glad to be there for others.

But this past year, I just haven't been strong enough to be that person. Not because I don't want to be. I wish I could just say "Bibidi Babadi Boo" and revert back to being the strong one. I feel like all my reserves have been tapped dry.

Nowadays, if someone comes to me, needing advice or a friend to lean on, my mind draws a blank. I don't know what to do anymore. I feel like whoever I used to be has withdrawn into the deepest cave and is nowhere to be found. And, I feel everything I try to say or do isn't real. Like, I'm just acting what I think I know. Maybe I am subconsciously just second guessing myself. Every where I turn is another blank space. And, that that's why I can never find her.

I wonder.

Am I not meant to find her again and merely grow into something new?
Or is that my heart has hard chiseled edges now that need to be smoothed out?

I don't know which one it is, but what I do know is that they both need Jesus.

Jesus to lead, Jesus to rub off those rough edges.

It's hard. It hurts. Sometimes, a lot. I have to keep remembering, learning, building, keeping my foundation in Him.

And right now, that's all I can do.

~~~~~

A challenge to all of you.

Be patient with those around you.
Initiate with people who surround you.
Don't wait for them to come to you.

Let them know you are thinking about them, and keep interacting without expecting anything in return.
Sometimes, all they need is a pair of arms wrapped around them and to be reminded that "everything is going to be okay".

It's as simple as that.

~~~~

A shout out to those of you feeling alone.

Jesus knows your pain, He too suffered, but not just because of that. Because of his love for you, he hurts whenever we hurt. Have you ever hurt when you saw someone close to you hurting? That's how Jesus feels about you. He seeks to comfort you every time your heart feels empty. To catch every tear you shed. He know and never leaves your side.

So, really, you aren't so alone.

God bless and be with you, Amen.

Lord, I Lift Up My Friend To You

I came across this song just a few minutes ago and it made me think of my best friend, Christina Jamison, that I mentioned in a Prayer Request.

It's the prayer that is now imbedded into my heart, put into song, and worship.

Please continue to pray for her. It's been a hard couple weeks for me, being unable to talk to her, share my joy and laughter with her. To see and know how she is doing. I miss her, a lot. More than any other friend before.

Lord, I lift up my friend to you, my best friend in the world I know. I know you love her more than I ever could. I know you can and will take care of her, because you love her. And because you know how important she is to me, too. Send your angels to surround her, protect her. Show her the way, Lord.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen. 

Guest Post: It's January by Susan May Warren

It’s January. 

This is what my town looks like in January. 

Do you see the cold pallor? The icy streets? Right now, I am currently sitting under a blankie, with little half-gloves on to keep my fingers warm. 

I know, I know. WHY do we live here? 

Because it’s a gorgeous place to set a story. Located on the rocky shores of Lake Superior, It’s a little touch of Lake Woebegone – all the men are good-looking, all the women heroic. And it has the overtones of small town Cheers, where everyone knows your name. Which means that when you get into trouble, the entire town knows about it. Ack! 

Welcome to Deep Haven, the home of the Christiansen family! 

Their resort…Evergreen Outfitters and Cabin Rentals is located on an inland lake in the woods, nestled among the pines, serenaded by the call of the loons and the waves against the shore. 

And If you haven’t met the Christiansens, they’re a crazy, love big and live life out loud family who *might* be a little like my family. (and one that might feel like yours, too!) The 6 adult children and two parents, run a resort and try to figure out faith while living life (that often goes wrong). They make mistakes, but they love each other through them. 

Not unlike our family. (That’s us, not the Christiansens. Just in case you might be confused.) 

The Christiansen family series follows each one of the adult children through their trials and triumphs of falling in love and finding their way in the world. The next book hits the shelves in the next month – Always on My Mind, a story about Casper, brother #2, who just can’t get the wrong girl off his mind... 

Right now, I’m hunkered down writing book #6…The Day After Forever, the last story in the series, a story that asks…can Prodigals come home? (Um, I sure hope so!) 

I wanted to write a series about a family with adult children, learning what it meant to carry on the legacy of faith into their lives. And I wanted to write a series that would really let readers dig into the family, feel like they were a part of their journey. The first two books ignite the series not only by introducing us to Darek and Eden, the two oldest children, but also set up the series with the loss of the family resort to a forest fire. Book 3, When I Fall in Love brings us to Hawaii and back home and sends our prodigal on his way, and scatters the family.

 Book 4 picks up the pieces of the prodigal’s actions and brings home the family peace-maker, Casper in Always on My Mind, and Book 5 adds in a new twist, when daughter Amelia has to choose between a hometown boy and a rich European she met while overseas. (And hello – have you see the hunk on THAT cover? The Wonder of You, baby!)

And then there’s Owen. Troublemaker Owen who just might surprise them all when he comes home…just in time to save the day. Or not… (Cover still pending!) 

As the Christiansens rebuild their resort, the kids need to decide whether they want to carry on the family legacy…or if life and faith might bring them somewhere else. 

And, did I mention romance. Oh yeah – we have to have something to keep us warm up here during the chilly months. 

It’s a series full of family drama, community and…some really great food. 

And cookies. (Seriously – check out: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/blog/2014/11/11/tuesdays-tasty-treat-eden-graces-lucky-kiss-peanut-butter-cookies/ ) 

That’s the news from Lake, um, Superior. 

Have a great January…and try to keep warm – Susie May the Siberian 

Always on my Mind by Susan May Warren

Book Description

After a failed dig in Honduras, aspiring archaeologist Casper Christiansen heads home to Minnesota to face his unresolved feelings for Raina Beaumont, the woman of his dreams. But when he arrives unannounced on her doorstep, he receives the shock of a lifetime: Raina is pregnant with someone else’s baby.

Heartbroken, especially when he discovers the identity of the baby’s father, Casper tables his dreams and determines to be dependable for once, helping his older brother, Darek, prepare the family resort for its grand reopening. Casper longs to be the hero of at least one family story, but a never-ending Deep Haven winter and costly repairs threaten their efforts—and the future of the resort.

Worse, one of Casper’s new jobs constantly brings him into contact with Raina, whom he can’t seem to forget. A tentative friendship begins to heal fresh wounds, but can they possibly overcome past mistakes and current choices to discover a future together?

My Review

I couldn't wait to wait to return to Deep Haven. But boy, was I in for a treat of a lifetime! This book had so much to give, I wish I could talk about it all day without wearing you down. Haha. 

Casper has runaway in search of a great treasure. That's been his life's passion; to find something that every one else over looks. In "When I Fall in Love", he thought he found that treasure in Raina, but when he discovered she had relations with his brother, Owen, she broke his heart. He ran away to escape her, his family, his feelings. But, he couldn't get her out of his mind even thousands of miles away. 

When he comes back to Deep Haven, he's shocked to see she's having a baby. Owen's baby. But she refuses to let the rest of his family know about the baby because she is giving the baby up for adoption. Rains believes it's the best thing to do for her daughter. But, truth is, she is afraid she will make a terrible mother, isn't good enough, and wants to give her baby the best. 

In the middle of all this, another Christiansen is having his own troubles. Darek is drowning with responsibilities, and feels he is failing his family in all directions.

Months after the baby, both Raina and Casper have new jobs. Raina an at antique shop and Casper at a Sport shop. But both are pulled together in a common mystery.

The legend of Duncan Rothe!

But what I found truly profound in this book was something Darek said when Casper became really upset over Raina and who she was dating, etc,.

"The fact is, when God brings Christians into the lives of the hurting, it's because he intends to use us to be light and truth to them. Not fix their problems but to point to the One [God] who can."

It just pinged to very the core of my heart. 

Watching Casper pray for Raina whenever he thought of her or passed by her, had an uplifting affect on me as a reader, not just in the story. 

At first, I thought the title "Always on My Mind" was the essence of the characters and their current story, but I saw something more. I felt, and saw, it's about God and how we are always on his mind. He never forgets us. He is always planning for us with us in mind. 

Really, this book has left me pretty speechless, which is terrible for writing reviews. But, it's a testimony to how beautiful this book, and series, truly is. You won't want to put it down once you start. It has a wonderful message and an amazing love story. 

By the way, I am so glad Casper kicked Monte's BUTT! Thank you Mrs. Susan!

For everything. 


I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended to all. 

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Tyndales Blogging Review program.

Don't Hate the Blind

"But he who hates (detests, despises) his brother [in Christ] is in darkness and walking (living) in the dark; he is straying and does not perceive or know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes." ~1 John 2:11 (AMP)

Reading this verse gives me courage. I know, your probably thinking, "How do you draw courage from a verse like that?" Maybe to some of you it sounds like, "If my brother/sister/friend hates me, then their not a real christian. They're choosing to walk in the shadows of their hatred, not me." Some might see it as a confirmation of their not having done wrong, its the other persons fault. Rather than making it about the blind man, we turn it around to be about ourselves.

That's not what I read when I see this verse. When I see this verse, I hear God whispering to me, "She doesn't know what she's doing, don't abandon her." And the verse rings out.

"If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble." ~Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NLT)

See, we're not their salvation, but by not abandoning them we are given the opportunity to show them the light through Jesus Christ. We're not always able to be with them in person; sometimes it doesn't matter if we're standing right beside them. Their still walking blind. So, what do you do?

You pray them through!

Jesus is the one and only Salvation. The light that can shatter any, and all, darkness and open the eyes of the blind.

I believe God takes us out of the picture, to gaze at it from a distance, so we can focus solely on praying for them. Because there is something going on in their life that need your complete focus and attention and that require stepping away to see to that need.

If you have a friend, brother, sister, relative, that has pushed you away, don't turn your back on them. Because, they still need you even if they don't see it. Through prayer you are still with them, in Jesus. Fighting for them, shielding them, blessing them, loving them.

I'd like to pray over your friend or family today. Leave a comment below with a name(s) (doesn't have to be full name if you don't wish to) and I'll put them in my prayer journal. Maybe even make a special post in prayer just for them.

God bless in Jesus name, Amen!

Prayer Request for my Best Friend

Christina Jamison. None of you probably know her, but she is my best friend, my sister, my twin. In the words of Anne Shirley: my bosom friend. We met online in a christian group about 5 years ago and we were instant friends. She knows everything about me. I keep nothing from her. I love her like my own sisters. Care about her. Text her whacky and crazy texts in the middle of the night (though she wasn't usually asleep... usually!) just to make her laugh and smile in the morning. When she hurt, I would hurt too. She felt the same. She stood by me when I was lost. She comforted me when I was down. She helped me when I didn't know what to do. We made each other laugh till we literally couldn't breathe, for hour 5 hours at a time.

I have never had a friend like her in my entire life. 

I was without internet for almost 3 months and unable to talk to her as frequently as we were used to, but we did call and chat about once a week. But then, around November 2014, she stopped taking my calls. Stopped answering my texts. I knew she'd been sick, so it made me worry when I didn't hear from her. Weeks dragged on, still no word from her but she was still reading my texts and listening to my voicemails. But, I still didn't know why she wasn't responding. Unless, she was so sick she couldn't respond and maybe it was just her mom looking at her texts.

Finally, she posted something on Facebook that I thought was meant for other people, people who didn't care about her or truly love her as friend, sister. As the caring and loving friend, I texted her yet again. I felt, in case I had offended her in some way I should apologize for it. I would never set out to hurt her. Still, no word back. So, I finally texted one last time that I would give her some space to breathe and wait for her to get back in touch with me. I conveyed to her one last time how I cared and loved her as my sister and that I would be here when she was ready.

Christmas Eve, she removed and blocked me from her facebook. And posted that she had removed me to all her other friends.

To this day, she still hasn't reached out to me or told me why she's mad at me. We didn't have a fall out of any kind, so I'm still in the dark.

She's really been on my heart this week, to pray for her. She's usually in a lot of pain, she has to get nerve blocks every month (sooner if she could afford it) and has had terrible migraines, etc,. She has a disorder that causes them.

I'm asking all of you, followers and passer-by, to pray over her. Not for our friendship to come back together (though that would be appreciated too. I miss her) but for her to get well. In spirit and body.

A friend shared this verse with me to prayer over her with and I've come to praying it over Christina as well.

"May the Lord bless you 

and protect you.  

May the Lord smile on you 

and be gracious to you.  

May the Lord show you his favor and give you peace." 

~Numbers 6:24

Thank you and God bless you for taking time out of your day to prayer for her.

Sex is Not the Problem (Lust Is) by Joshua Harris

Book Description

Lust isn't just a guy problem – it's a human problem. And unless we honestly confront it, lust will destroy our relationships and our lives. Joshua Harris, author of the runaway bestseller I Kissed Dating Goodbye,calls a generation bombarded with images of sexual sin back to the freedom and joy of holiness. This "PG-rated" book – straightforward without being graphic – speaks to those entrenched in lust or just flirting with temptation. Honestly sharing his own struggles, Harris exposes lust's tactics and helps readers create a personal plan for fighting back. Men and women will find hope in God's grace and learn the secrets to lasting change. 

Neither sex nor sexuality is our enemy. We need to rescue our sexuality from lust so we can experience it as God intended. 

My Review

In a world saturated with immorality, lust is easy to find but with Christ it is defeated. In Joshua Harris's book, Lust is what we're fighting! 

When I first saw this book, some 3 odd years ago, I thought, "Seriously? I bet you my mind will turn to mush reading it." Most books on these kind of topics make you think more on the subject than you ever wanted to and you feel like your mind was dragged through the mud with details. Let me tell you, if you thought the same as I did, we were both 100% wrong! This is not only the cleanest, you won't mind telling your friends about it either. Like his previous books, I Kissed Dating Goodbye  and Boy Meets Girls, it's all about coming back to Jesus and honoring Him. This time it's just about sex and how we can conquer the lust that perverse what God intended sex to be for us. 

Joshua Harris talks not just to the men, he talks to the woman too. That lust is not just a problem with men but women experience it as well. Who would have ever guessed, right? I know, as a woman, lust is not just for men. That's why I picked up this book. Our world is so full of lustful things, it's not a surprise women too are having trouble with it. 

"When we lust, we take this good thing--sexual desire--and remove from it honor towards fellow humans and reverence from God." ~ Joshua Harris

When we let sin and lust take over our lives we're saying "I don't care what you want, I'm going to do what makes me happy, right now." Lust is a creature that will never be satisfied!
One of the wonderful things about Joshua Harris, he points things out plain and clear but always points you to Christ and reminds you "Jesus has already won". So even if you have problems with lust of any kind in your life, it's not hopeless because we have Jesus. Because, sex, really isn't the problem. One of the quotes he uses describes lust perfectly:

"Lust is sexual desire minus honor and holiness." ~ John Piper

Joshua Harris shares his own struggles, as well as from others, with lust, even now as a married man. And what he does to fight it and how we can fight it too. With God's word and continuous devotion to Him. Reclaiming sex the way God made it.

He really wrote this book to help people like you and I. I've never seen an author tell you "if you can't afford it, just go to the bookstore and read the chapters." It really made me feel he was truly genuine in his message and desire to help other fight against lust.

Dispelling the pleasure of lust with the pleasures of God and the promises of superior happiness.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Even if you have not experience lust in the same way as others, it's a good insider how to help your fellow brothers and sisters in the world. It had already helped and changed my life.

Checkout his other two books I reviewed:

• I Kissed Dating Goodbye
• Boy Meets Girl

You will love them as well!

Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin

 

Cover Description

Finding each other was only the beginning . . . 

When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life.

It's Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate's rescue. Nick is handsome and confident, and he seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She's not planning to get involved with one of the locals.

Nick is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn't expect to be swept off his feet by the car's occupant. He's made a vow--no dating for a year--but keeping that vow is going to be a lot more difficult now that he's met Kate Darby. . . .

My Review

This book looked really good when I read the description you see up above, but I wasn't expecting it to become one of my favorites! 

One of the first things I loved about this book was the involvement of Leona, Kates grandmother. Usually such characters get left in the background throughout the story but not this one. From the very beginning you meet Leona in her log cabin, talking to God about and wishing she could help her sweet granddaughter find and accept him into her heart as she had many years ago. That's when everything changes, Leona is in the hospital from a stroke, Kate holding on to the edge of a cliff for dear life, rescued by this handsome of a stranger named Nick. But through the rest of the book you get to hear Leona's thoughts and read the journal she is writing for Kate of her experiences with the Condors and how she came to trust in God with her life. 

Kate Darby was an inspirational character, especially for those who still have doubts or cling to our so called securities: job, finances, home, etc,. When in reality it's fear of change and trust that keeps us at arms length. It's funny, you can't really talk about this book as just one persons journey, it's really about three. Leona, Kate, and Nick. 

Nick was one of my favorite of all characters. I even loved his brother, Sam. Before Nick accepted Christ into his life he lived the life the world calls us to live but when something happens he sees differently and calls on God to change his life the way He wants him to live. He doesn't call it easy, he doesn't glam it up, but in Kate's eyes she seems him as a hero on a pedestal that can do no wrong. But he knows he is no hero and that she needs Jesus in her life before he jumps into it. He could never take the place of Jesus and he continues to see that hero gleam in Kate's eyes and that worry's him. His faith is tested as well when he has to hand Kate over to God's care when he so desperately wants to be there for Kate in a time when only God can take care of her.

Through the rest of the book you see both Kate and Nick struggle with trust, which I think is one of the main focal points in this book. Trusting God when we don't know what's going to happen or where our life is headed or with the things that are just simply out of our control. God has it under control. Until I Found You is a beautiful, heartfelt, true love story with believable characters and in-depth meaning on what it means when we choose to follow Christ. 

I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of their Blogging For Books program.

Altar-Cation: A Call to Prayer

I'm sure many of you have heard of the Ebola breakout in Africa on the news. I'm sure you've also heard of the the medical missionaries who have been stricken by this awful virus. I first heard about Dr. Kent Brantly when KLove Radio announced that he had the chance of getting ill but then the next morning I hear on the news that he had indeed become infected. I quickly prayed for him and his family.

I caught a cold the other day and as I was jokingly whining to my sisters about how much I hate being sick, God whispered, "at least that is all you have." He was right. I felt humbled and began praying immediately again for Dr. Brantly and his family, as well as the people who are now infected and dying from something much more serious than my little summer cold. 

Something really hit me last night though. As I was scrolling through Facebook I saw friends posting links from ABCNews and other news links about Nancy Writebol and Dr. Kent Brantly who are ill with the virus and how they are coming home to America. I'm sure these people's families are glad to have their loved ones home even if they aren't quite together yet. At least they aren't thousands and thousands of miles away. However, it wasn't the news of the virus coming to America coming here that drew my attention and concern. Comments from people about the news is what took me by surprise.

"Greaaaattt." and "Pull out the masks, Atlanians."

Echoes of "We don't want you here" resounded in my subconscious. The same way people might have said or thought about Leapers in Jesus's day. Those are the mildest of comments on this matter but I didn't dare look through the rest. It would've broken my heart. I'm sure some people don't think there words will ever  really be seen or heard by anyone, but they are wrong. People hear, people see, and people follow. I'm all for not getting sick. Believe me, I hate it just as much as the next folk. But what has happened to us, as Christians? That all we think about is ourselves, our comfort, our own well being above that of our brothers and sisters? 

I ask: Would you really condemn them for doing what God called them, as missionaries, to do because it makes you uncomfortable when calamity happens? Of course, this virus is nothing to sneeze at.  I believe in taking precautions and it should be taken seriously... then why aren't we standing together as the Christian soldiers we claim to be and turning to God with all this? Why aren't we praying, asking him to heal those who are sick and protect those who aren't? Why are we closing our arms when we should be spreading them wide open? So, as long as they aren't right next door it's okay to send our prayers out to them without restraints, with full compassion and understanding? Instead, groans fill the air and people draw back into their shells. Taking all our support and prayers with them. Why are we so quick to give our opinions and decisions but forget to put our trust in God?

Jesus hung around sick people ALL THE TIME! People with illness's just as serious back then or more than what we face today. Back then there were no vaccine's to help, no comfortable beds to lie your head on as you rested and became well again. No, instead, you would be cast out, ostracized, cut off from the community, your family and friends. Have we put all our faith within human limits, which we know fails, and lost all faith in The Almighty who never fails?

I spent many hours writing this because I truly felt God calling me to share these words. This is not a rant. This is not a blame game. These fingers are not pointing at you, these hands are crying out, "Lift up! Lift them up to the sky!" Rather than moaning and casting stones, praise God for not being ill stricken like these people in Africa. Praise God that you are not suffering through a loved one who has fallen ill like these families are experiencing right now. Praise God that he is with us ALWAYS! 

God says, "giver your worries to me for I care for you." He is not just saying, "I care about you and you're well being." He is saying, "I will take care of you".

Those are action words. 

We need to act as well. Don't just say, "I am praying for [insert your prayers]" but truly do it as often in your day as you can, and then some. Do it when your washing the dishes, driving to work, playing with your family. Steal as many moments of prayer as you can. No one needs to know how much your praying either. Just talk to God as if you were talking to your brother or sister, husband and wife, friends. 

"But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." ~Matthew 6:6 (NLT)

We are followers of Christ. Let's gather together and not let the devil get a foothold in our hearts and our country. Let's take up our cross and instead of groaning and constantly worrying, pray for God's healing and protection and then believe he will do it!

Honestly, all these dystopian movies Hollywood is producing and these books being published, it's setting a fear in peoples hearts that wasn't meant to be there. Will the world end one day, yes! Read Revelations to find the truth, because all those movies and books are nothing but man-made fiction intended to scare you. 

See this diagram below? The top example shows the switch; it looks like a door to me. What if that is the door we are allowing the Devil to put his foot through? If you know anything about electricity and circuitry I applaud you When its open it stops the flow of positive energy and it can't reach the light bulb.

However, when that switch is closed the light bulb comes to life. Much is the same for our way of faith. If we let the devil get a foothold into our life and into our hearts the positive energy gets disrupted and it can't reach its destination. It can't light up the darkness.

"Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous." ~Psalms 112:14 (NLT)

"No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house." ~Matthew 5:15 (NLT)

Let's close the door on Satan and let God's current of life, love, flow through us and shine his wondrous light in this world blinded by fear. Let's bring our worries and cares before the altar of The Lamb. Let's encourage those around us not to be afraid and rest in the assurance of Christ. Because I believe even the least negativity is still negative.

Lets pray over the souls we have yet to meet but who need healing, physically and spiritually. Because if they believe and have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior then even if their, or your, bodies, perish here on earth their spirits move on to be with God forever in Heaven. Let's not forget who we are. We are children of God, his warriors, his cherished and beloved ones. He loves us and we need constant communication with Him if we hope to see change in the world. If we truly believe in God and his love than what do we really have to be afraid of? 

Prayer Starter: Dear Jesus, we ask you to be with Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol. They were out there helping those less than they and were attacked with this awful virus. Heal them of this sickness, fully and completely. We know they are coming home and people are worried they might get sick as well. Keep them safe from harm Lord and put their minds at ease because I know you are with us. Change the hearts of those who are worried and help them welcome these missionaries home. 

Have compassion on the people in Africa and have mercy on them. Show them your loving kindness through the midst of this tragedy and pain. Help us to not act out wrongly in fear and to trust you more with our lives. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. 

Authors Note: I got the idea for the title of this post as I was thinking about bringing our worries before the Lord. How we bring our burdens to the altar and the word Altercation came up. Altercation means to have a loud disagreement. So I played on the words. I looked up "Cation" and it is the positive ION charge in things like batteries. I think you can piece together the rest from how the post went. God didn't just have me write this post but had me praying the entire time. For the peopling coming to the US, their families, and for all of you out there reading and not reading this. I don't think I've ever felt quite that way before. Have a wonderful day! 

GOD BLESS!

Spoken For by Robin J. Gunn & Allyssa J. Bethke

Cover Description

Say Yes to the Love Story of Your Life

A great romance was set in motion before you were born. A relentless Lover is pursuing you, and He has made His intentions clear. He wants you to be His forever. How will you respond to the One who longs for you to be His with your whole heart?

In Spoken For, Robin Jones Gunn and Alyssa Joy Bethke speak to your heart about what it means for you to belong to Christ, who you are because of His love, and how that affects the way you live. Drawing on biblical promises and their personal experiences,   these two friends share what it’s like to live out God’s unfolding love story.

You are not up for grabs. You are spoken for.

My Review

I was excited to read this book. I love listening to people's love stories and inspiring tales. It gives me hope for my future.

"If God can do that for them then I know he can do it for me!"

Little did I really know just how much he will do for me and why. Robin Gunn and Alyssa Bethke really helped open my eyes to what God sees in me rather than how others see me. To see him as the pursuer of my life and love, because of the love he has for me, brought a new sense of wholeness. Verses from Genesis all the way to Revelations showcase just exactly what God thinks of us. In chapter two there is a list of them in "What God Says About You", which I loved. Be sure to bookmark that page, you'll be making a few trips back to it throughout the book.

At the end of each chapter there are 5 questions called "What do you think?" which I found very helpful and revealing. In a good way! In the beginning, I wasn't sure I was going to do anything more than read and mentally answer the questions, but God told me I needed to write them down, that this was going to be a growing experience. So I prayed for that I might me completely open and honest with my answers. I learned a lot about myself and about God when I answered all those questions and wrote all those notes in between. Like that though I believed God loved me there was still some hesitation deep inside. Yes I believed God loved me, but did I truly deeply believe it? I believed the words that said he loved me but I didn't understand how he valued and saw me for me. I've always been a strong person, but not perfect. I've let people who were close to me hurt me with their words and views of me and believed what they said was true. Even though I knew God loved me, for the reasons most of us know: We are his children, He created us, etc,. But thanks to Robin and Alyssa, I found out so much more!

• I am of great value
• He knows everything about me and familiar with all my ways
• He has given me nicknames: Peculiar Treasure, Beloved, 
• He will never stop being good to me: Loving, Providing, Sheltering and Comforting, Peace,
• He delights in me because I am His

I understand better now how God loves us and truly wants us! He's invited us to the wedding feast and will one day come to pick us up on a white horse and carry us away like a fairy tale love story. But this is no fairy tale, it is real!

Both Alyssa and Robin were very relatable. One chapter I found really got to me. The end of chapter 8, one of the questions was "What lies do you currently believe about yourself?" My answer was: "That I'll be alone, no friends, no husband, no family. Everyone will leave me. I'll be alone because no one wants me." And with my track record of friends abandoning me over the years that lie has slowly rooted itself inside my heart. Despite how much I've said and tried to believe otherwise. I put the book down for a couple hours and when I came back to read chapter 9 I found a nice surprise. Robin tells a story about a time when she was so sad she couldn't do anything but sob on the floor. She too had insecurities that held no truth to them even after she was married for years but when her husband came and comforted and covered her, that when I learned something:

• GOD HAS ME COVERED! 

My insecurities are lies to hold me back from Him. And what I really loved was how Robin's husband loved his wife as Christ tells every man to do. It made me believe more that there is someone out there for me that will love me as Robin's husband loves her and show that same affection and patience that Christ shows me everyday and I pray Christ's light shines through Him just as brightly.

I wish I had this book when I was in my teens, but then, to be honest, I wouldn't have been able to relate to it as I do now. Or draw so much insight and encouragement from it. I believe this is a great book for any young or old woman. To see God and his pursuit of us as a love/romance story is uplifting and inspiring to any woman. Maybe the husbands of Robin and Alyssa should write a male version companion to this book *hint hint*

I highly recommend this book for yourself or perhaps you have a sister or friend. This would make a lovely gift!



I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of their Blogging For Books program.