You Are What You Wear

Hello World,
What a rainy day it has been.  I had the great privilege to be able to play with my church's worship team tonight and tomorrow as well.  It's always fun to play well arranged pieces with a band and great singers, but then to add worshiping our amazing Father in heaven, well words can't describe it :)  Are you doing anything fun this weekend?

You Are What You Wear by Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner is a book about clothes and what certain clothes reveal about you.  I was drawn in (as usual) by the cover.  It's an interesting cover and it made me think about my years of trying to  be comfortable in what I wear.  Our author known as  Dr. B is a wardrobe consultant, but also has a doctoral degree in psychology.  She looks in to her patients wardrobe to really see what is going on with their life and style.

I would like to preface these next few statements with, this is not a Christian book.  I know that generally speaking I don't review books that aren't Christian, but this is just a book that I needed right now.  I've struggled with style for a good portion of my life, so I really wanted to read what a doctor would say about it.  This book was refreshing, and honest and really dealt with a multitude of problems us gals can have mental as well as physical.  Not only is it honest, but it's eloquent.  This book made me look at myself and my wardrobe and really see what I like about my style, and what I can potentially get rid of.  So dear readers, if you're feeling frumpy, or in a rut over what to wear please get the book You Are What You Wear.

2 Timothy 1:7-8
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.  So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.  And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for Christ.  With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclamation of the Good News.  

Sometimes I'm timid, and I fear the repercussions of inviting someone to church.  Why?  I seriously have no clue.  I have never felt any physical punishment from me inviting someone, maybe an odd stare but that's it.  So when I read this verse I feel convicted and a very real reminder of what God has given me.  I have been given a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.  Why should I be ashamed to tell others about God or invite them to a place that worships him fully.  What a relief, what an immense feeling to have that burden off my shoulders.

Every Storm

Hello World!
It is a quiet Wednesday morning.  The fall colors are starting to spread through out the trees and there is a briskness to the air.  I love Texas, but there is one thing that Texas doesn't have and it's fall.  In Wisconsin the trees would be a beautiful array of oranges, reds, yellows, and browns.  Here it's mainly yellows.  In Wisconsin farms are fresh with corn mazes, hay rides, apple orchards, and pumpkins. Here it's just pumpkins :)  Don't get me wrong I love where I live, but you can't get good ol' Wisconsin falls anywhere else, but Wisconsin.  So if you live in Wisconsin be sure to drive by the bluffs near LaCrosse, or go apple picking at Elegant Farmer, or stop by Prellwitz Produce and tour their brand new winery!  And don't forget to be thankful for the beauty surrounding you :)

Every Storm by Lori Wick is just one of those books that you can re-read over and over :)  Well truthfully I re-read all of her books over and over.  I never have to worry that any of her books aren't scriptural, or feel that some of her scenes are too steamy.  It's just a fun romantic read.  Most of the time her books are life books.  When I say that, Ms. Wick's books will take you on one characters journey of faith.  Of course there is always romance, but there is also adventure, growth, or suspense too.  I love it.

In Every Storm we have Ms. Lorraine Archer's life story.  Her journey starts her off on a cattle ranch in Australia where her sister Josie and her teach.  What seemed to be a fun adventure took a turn for the worse when World War Two broke out and their plane crashes on an island.   I won't say much more, but be prepared to cry a little and see what happens in Lorraine's life :)

1 Timothy 2:1-3
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.  As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks.  Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity.  This is good and pleases God our Savior.

I think we forget this plea from Paul.  How important it is to pray for everyone.  Most importantly for people who have authority.  I have been convicted of that recently.  I don't share the same views as our President, but that doesn't give me an excuse to not pray for him.  I would much rather live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity, how about you?

Wisdom for Your Walk

Hello World,

Today has been a very full day.  With my baby girl's first sleep over party the night before, cheering a friend who ran a half marathon, and teaching at church.  It has been one of those days where you're like whew.  So as I'm typing I'm eating some left over lemon garlic fish with lemon garlic spaghetti and savory the last bit of the day.  Have you had a busy day or was it very relaxing?

Wisdom for Your Walk is by the author James Macdonald.  If you do not know Pastor James I highly suggest you go and look at his website Walk in the Word (click here).  He is a man that my family listens to on a regular basis and we also have the great privilege of supporting Walk in the Word.   What amazes me with this certain ministry 1) they have a genuine love and belief in preaching the word of God using the Bible, and 2) they pour into their supporters.  Sending monthly encouraging devotionals, books, and sermons.  It truly is just an amazing ministry.   

Wisdom for Your Walk was one of those sweet gifts that made me just grateful that we can support Walk in the Word.  In this book you will get quick encouraging writings on your daily life, quiet times, grace, heaven, hell, and Jesus Christ just to list a few of them.  This should be used for a quick reminder or to get back on track on what God has planned for your day.  A little bit of encouragement does a world of good when a day seems hard.  So dear readers if you looking for a quick one paragraph reads through out your day I would highly recommend Wisdom for Your Walk.

Psalm 34:4

I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. 

So lately a dear friend of mine and I have been convicted to pray for our husbands.  Truly, I try and read The Power of a Praying Wife every year for my and Todd's relationship.  With that being said as I scanned the chapter I realized how important it was.  Today's chapter was praying for your husbands fears.  So today I pray this verse for my husband; that he knows how to seek the Lord, and as always the Lord hears him, and delivers Todd from all of his fears.  I pray that for you too dear readers, that when you're afraid that you seek the Lord, you know that He will listen and then deliver you from every single one of your fears.

With Every Letter

Hello World,
Lately I've been a cleaning spree.  The floors are clean, bedrooms picked up, dishes put away, and it is just such a great feeling.  When everything seems to be in order and the kids are playing nicely I have a sense of contentment, that I know only the Lord can give at those moments.  It makes me feel thankful for all that He has given me.  Is there anything that you're thankful for?

With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin, this is a World War Two novel about flight nurses.  I have never heard of flight nurses before so I was grateful for Ms. Sundin's extensive knowledge.  During World War Two the United States implemented a new program to train nurses to ride in with cargo plains and pick up soldiers that were injured.  This would cut the travel time to a hospital in half and would save numerous lives.  If you're interested in learning more about World War Two Flight Nurses please go to this website.  (flight nurses)

Ok :)  Mellie Blake is such a nurse.  She has aspirations to travel the world and help as many people out as possible.  The only thing that is holding her back is her lack of social skills and having to join a writing program to build morale among the soldiers.  Tom MacGilliver hides behind a mask of smiles and has really no friends.  When he starts the writing program he is finally able to reveal his true self because of the anonymity.  These two lives are thrown together because of this program and together they travel a very hard road of vulnerability and friendship.

This is a sweet romance novel.  Filled with many challenges and convicting messages.  One of them being how gossip can hurt friendship.  Dear readers Ms. Sundin does a great job at writing this historical novel and the pace was just right.  You will be swept in and not want to return until the very last pages.  This truly is a remarkable book filled with Christ's awesome love and forgiveness. You won't regret reading this book.

*This book was given to me via Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest opinion and I honestly gave it.
*“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Lately  I have been feeling like I'm on repeat with my son.  Drew please don't do that, Drew please don't do that, and Drew please don't do that.  Drew are you listening to me,  Drew look at me.  At times it is almost laughable, and then other times I'm pulling out my hair.  He is too much like his mommy and daddy.  We are strong willed and so is he.  So this verse is a good reminder for both of us.  I need to listen as much as he does.  So what am I now praying for my son... Father may Drew realize how important listening to advice is, may he grow wise instead of a fool who only see's his way as being right.  This is an important lesson for my little guy, but you know what!  It's an important lesson for me too :)

Fully Alive by Ken Davis

Hello World!
I had an absolutely amazing weekend.  We had some very dear friends of ours volunteer to watch Todd and my most precious gifts in the world our children, and then we had some other amazing friends watch our dog for the weekend so we could celebrate our wedding anniversary in style.  What a blessing it was, we laughed, talked, ate, and watched soccer until we were practically comatose :)  Did you do anything fun this weekend?

Fully Alive by Ken Davis, is an interesting book.  I first decided to review this book because Mr. Davis is a very hilarious speaker.  He always combines his comedy with the deep message of Christ's sacrifice, and whenever I listen there is a lot of laughter, but also moments that make me want to draw deeper into our relationship with Christ.  This is Mr. Davis's journey towards living a healthier and meaningful life.  A life that stops justification, and starts living with the realization that we were put on this earth for a purpose.  In a classical Ken Davis fashion you will laugh yourself to tears, but also reflect on sections that are all too poignant.

I am truly convicted after reading Fully Alive to live a full life.  Not only was I convicted that at times I am not treating my body well, but also being meaningful with my actions towards others.  This book is a very light and easy read and I recommend it to any reader who feels slightly off in this world.  It's not an in your face Bible book, and by that I mean you won't get a whole lot of verses, but the verses he does use have meaning and depth that go along with each section he is writing about.  So dear readers if you are interested in reading Ken Davis's journey put a stake in this moment and read Fully Alive.

*This book was given to me via booksneeze for my honest opinion and I honestly gave it.

John 8:12
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

Recently we have had our son Drew become very afraid of the dark.  If his closet light isn't on he will go into freak out mode.  He starts shaking, and guttural cries are uttered from his mouth.  He really is afraid of the dark, but as soon as we put on his closet light the world seems to be much safer.  Are you at a moment in time where it's dark?  Are you terrified of what might be coming at you?  Please dear readers remember that there is one who will be that night light to you.  So I'm going to write this verse again so you can remember who is the ultimate night light when the world seems so dark.  Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

The Reunion

Hello World!
Some days are not perfect, sometimes they are so overwhelming you need a little prayer and maybe an encouraging word.  Take today for instance, my three sweet children have been having trouble listening.  Broken dishes, clean laundry scattered everywhere, brown sugar spread though out the kitchen, and mean words being said.  What is a mom to do, but text her sweet husband asking for his prayer for us.  His sweet reply was enough, but when he showed up for lunch with a chocolate bar for me, I couldn't help but feel blessed.  My husband is indeed amazing, sweet, loving, understanding, and absolutely perfect for me :)  His sweet gesture made me be able to take a deep breath and gird myself for the afternoon.  Do you guys have a special someone that you can count on when times get tough?

The Reunion by Dan Walsh is the story of Aaron Miller.  Aaron is an older gentleman who maintains the Bentley's Trailer Park & Campground.  A gentle man with a world of hurt behind him, he clings to the knowledge of Christ's saving love and sacrifice.  This is his story, his past, present, and future.  This is also the story of the people he helps by being an amazing example of Christ.

Ok folks, make sure when you read this book that you have a big ol' box of Kleenex.  I was crying through the whole thing.  It really is a book of second chances; of reuniting with ones you love and seeing God's amazing grace in every person's life.  It's is beautifully written, with poignant moments to pull on your heartstrings.  Please be aware that this is a book for an adult, there are vivid pictures of war, so before you allow your little one to read it please read it first :)  So dear readers if you want an amazing book that will bring a few tears to your eyes please read The Reunion.

*This book was give to me via Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest opinion and I honestly gave it.
*“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.” 

Hey I also wanted to show you a really cool way to get this book via Dan Walsh's website.  For the for the next week, starting today and running till next Monday, September 17^th, Dan Walsh is celebrating the release of his new novel, The Reunion, with a 10-book giveaway contest! Five winners will each receive a signed copy of The Reunion, as well as his third novel, The Deepest Waters. (He’s  including this book because it was named a finalist for an ACFW Carol Award for book-of-the-year). Click on the link below to see how easily you can enter the contest!

http://danwalshbooks.com/the-reunion-book-giveaway-contest/

Isaiah 29:18-21 NASB
In that day deaf people will hear words read from a book, and blind people will see through the gloom and darkness.  The humble will be filled with fresh joy from the Lord.  Those who are poor will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.  Those who intimidate and harass will be gone, and all those who plot evil will be killed.  Those who use trickery to pervert justice and tell lies to tear down the innocent will be no more.

When I read this section this morning it lifted my heart up with joy.  What an incredible promise our Father has given us.  Deaf people will hear words, blind people will see, the humble will be filled with joy, and the poor will rejoice.  Not only that but anyone who is a bully will be all gone!  Anyone who uses trickery to pervert justice and tell lies will be no more.  What a great thing, no more bullies :) and we can rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.  Thank you Jesus.

WINNERS!

Congrats to Annie Nelson and Dawn Post.  Your names were drawn  for a free fiction or non-fiction book.  Please contact me with your choice of book and your address so I can get the book in the mail A.S.A.P.  

Over the Edge

Hello World!
First and foremost, thank you ever so much to my followers.  I am only two more followers away from being able to join Booksneeze.  So if you haven't joined yet please take pity on this poor little blog reviewer and start following me :)  I can promise you, you will not regret it!  My kids are watching Up right now.  Have you ever watched it?  It's a great movie, you learn about respecting people, and doing what you believe in.  If you haven't watched go ahead and watch Up, the music is great in it too.

Over the Edge is the third and final book in the Kincaid Brides series.  You will finally get to hear about Seth's story, and boy does he have a story.  You see, he doesn't remember officially marrying  Callie.  So when she shows up with a little baby to boot he's at a loss for words.  Isn't life just crazy and for Seth that defines his very existence.  Will they be able to work out their relationship and will Seth remember getting married in the first place?

This series grew on me.  I will admit to not being a fan in the beginning of it, but after each book my heart grew for the Kincaid brothers and their plight in life.  Seth is slightly loco, and truthfully I was always curious how Ms. Connealy was going to handle this story.  She did a great job at explaining his past and also writing it in his voice.  I enjoyed the added suspense of the book too.  So dear readers if you're interested in a fun playful book with a little suspense thrown in, you'll enjoy Over the Edge.
*This book was given to me via Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest opinion, and I honestly gave it :)

Isaiah 25:9 NASB
In that day the people will proclaim, "This is our God.  We trusted in Him, and He saved us.  This the Lord, in whom we trusted.  Let us rejoice in the salvation He brings!"

What a sweet praise to our amazing Father.  May I always remember that this is our God, I trusted in Him and He saved me.  Has he saved you dear readers?  Can you remember all the countless times you trusted in the Lord?  If you have rejoice in the salvation He can bring!

Love's Reckoning

Hello World,
And happy Labor Day!  Last night the kids and Todd went on their first camping trip.  To the wilds of our backyard.  The great foreign land with strange plants, sounds, and a wild animal to boot (our dog).  By 7:30 our little Liv had had enough and went to sleep in her crib, by 9:30 our Drew Bernard decided it was time to go in.  So the only brave little moppet that lasted the whole night was Kylar. It was sweet hearing her giggle with Daddy until the wee hours of the morning.  Are you doing anything fun today?

I have the privilege today to review one of my favorite author's new book Love's Reckoning.  This is the first book in the Ballantyne Legacy, and features two sisters.  Eden who is quiet and unassuming, and Elspeth who desires control.  These two ladies go on life's journey together through, love, hate, tragedy, and blessings.

This truly is a beautiful beginning to the Ballantyne Legacy series.  I really couldn't have asked for a better start.  I shouldn't be surprised by how well Ms. Frantz writes she is an artist with the pen.  You dear readers are in for a treat when you read Love's Reckoning, please though understand that there are some very adult content (a raping, adultery among other things)  so if you want your kids to read it, read it first.  As always the message of salvation and Christ's love is interwoven into the story.  I hope you read this book, it is something you won't forget.

This book was given to me via Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest opinion and I honestly gave it.
Available September 2012  at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

Lately, I've been convicted to truly pray through out my day.  When I'm changing diapers, or folding clothes such mundane tasks can be sprinkled with heartfelt conversations to the Lord.   How are you doing in your prayer life?  Are you praying continually?  Giving thanks in all circumstances?  For it really is God's will for us in Christ Jesus.

The Book of Gardening Projects for Kids

Hello World,
Happy Non Fiction Saturday :)  We have been enjoying the weather here in Amarillo.  It's been a beautiful 70 degrees in the morning which makes it amazing to play and imagine in our backyard.  What I like most outside is my small little corner garden.  It's perfect for our family and just right for my hectic schedule to handle.  I hope you're enjoying this nice cool days too.  Also friends, I am so close to getting on Booksneeze I just need 14 more followers.  So dear readers if you are a regular reader please follow me.  I know I'm sounding desperate, but desperate times call for desperate measures, and if you sign up everyone of my followers is invited to my house for milk and cookies :)

The Book of Gardening Projects for Kids, is a great book for the gardener who has kids.  Ironic hey...  Anyways this neat little book is full of fun ways to get the kids involved in gardening and it allows them to get down and dirty.  If you have a yard and you have kids you should really consider doing this inexpensive learning activity.

I really loved all of the cool ways to get your child involved.  The activities vary for the small child all the way up to young adult.  The activities are easy to do, and I loved how visual the book was using real life pictures of kids doing them.  Really dear readers this is a great book, and you just might learn something from it along with your kids :)

Romans 12:9
Let love be genuine, Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

What a good reminder, that I need to genuinely love, to truly hate what is evil, and to hold fast to the things that are good.  Father please remind me of this verse on a daily basis, as I am with people of all walks of life.