Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Book Review: Short Straw Bride

Short-Straw Bride

One woman,  meets four brothers whose driving purpose in life is to protect themselves as a family against the outside world and to protect the Archer Land.   But there's more to the story, Meredith as a child met the oldest brother, Travis  because of an accident. Years later because of the deep impact from that meeting, when Meredith overhears of a dangerous threat to Travis and his family she reaches out to help him.  This leads to her becoming injured, and also putting her reputation in jeopardy  and  now Travis is the one reaching out to help her   I'm trying not to give too much away so that the story can unfold in the way it was written.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the characters, and the threats that they had to overcome. Also totally enjoyed how the Spunky women were presented in the story.  Spunky without being arrogant or annoying.  Yes, God is woven into this story, with some scripture mentioned. For those who are not believers or those who don't want a lot of scripture;  relax, its delicately woven into the story.  Loved the way it was written, and now that I know the style of this author I wouldn't mind one bit to read another of her stories.  In fact, I look forward to reading more by this author, Karen Witemeyer.

I was given a copy of this book Free from Bethany House for  my honest evaluation.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Book Review: Call of a Coward


A story of an ordinary Christian housewife content where she was at; until God reminds her that she said she would go wherever he sent her. Step by step, God confirms to her that he is sending her and her family to Guatemala; IF she will go.  Confronted with the knowledge that she can either obey or continue to be miserable; she embarks on an adventure of a lifetime. She makes new friends, some that will be life long friendships.  She also overcomes fears and is stretched beyond what she thought she could ever do.

If I was asked to describe this book in 3 words; they would be
 Entertaining, Humorous, Honest.
I liked the book because of these very three things.
It was an easy read but also engaging too! 

I absolutely loved the title and it was a sign of how  honest she was going to be in not always being as strong in her faith as she had thought or presented to other people.  




Just a quick note about the author: she was the winner of the Women of Faith 2010 Writing Contest, and honorable mention recipient in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Competition.  When I first saw that, I hesitated because in the past when it comes to movies and sometimes books that doesn't necessarily mean I will like it.  So I just closed my eye and clicked "choose" on booksneeze.  I'm glad to see that it was a good choice.  


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Monday, July 16, 2012

Graham Cooke: God within =Rising up!


"In every situation we face,

 God is already in that situation

 because we carry Him within. 

We are learning therefore --


 that God is not touching us from outside 

 He is actually rising up from inside!

 He has already taken up residence within us."

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Book Review: Abba Calling

Abba Calling: Hearing From the Father's Heart Everyday of the Year
This book is a collection of personal conversation between God and a man.  A devotional diary where God speaks and the man listens.  Each day things that are common to man, are addressed by a loving Father God.  Fear, loneliness, weariness, feelings of unworthiness, feelings of having it all under control,  joy in following after God's plan; all are addressed in a manner of unconditional love of the Father (Abba). 

Some may view it as too soft, may not even think that God speaks in this way; but I'm not one of them.  Any person willing to open their heart to this side of God's nature; the Father side, can benefit.    Those with a way of thinking, of God being all judgement; will probably struggle with this.  That would be too bad; because there are words of encouragement, correction and acceptance that you can draw on, as you do your own personal study in the Bible.  

My review is based on the FREE ebook that was given  to me by Destiny Image in exchange for an honest review. 

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Review: Angels, Miracles and Heavenly Encounters

Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters, James Stuart Bell, 978-0-7642-0958-1
In one single book; there are many stories of God's caring and intervention in the lives of  many different people; in different situations. True stories of  God's love, comfort, protection, provision and help offered in ways that defy the natural mind.  That's what the supernatural usually does defies the natural mind.

I found this book to be not only easy to read but encouraging as well.  I recommend it to anyone who is a believer but also to those who are searching for God.  They could find themselves having experienced the goodness of God in similar situations; without realizing it was God reaching out to them.   Some may not think that some of the stories are possible; but I hope that they realize; many  are Biblical experiences; old time miracles being performed in modern days.  You either believe or you don't.

I received this book FREE from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Book Review: One Big Thing



Finding your purpose is exactly what the author writes about.  Focus, and focusing on that one big thing that makes you stand out is a large part of what Phil Cooke talks about.  Distractions to your focus is another main problem that will come against you in your search; a choice of some many good things fighting for your attention against the best. Even the changes in technology; the additions of so many ways of communicating can actually make it harder to be heard.
The world is looking for the extraordinary; not just good in several different things.  These are several other challenges addressed.

I found many of the quotes that Phil used in this book to be very good and his description of his wife as the "typical creative person" was not only funny but I could see myself in it.  This is the second book that I've read by this author; in fact that's why I chose this particular book when I was given the chance.  That said, I found some of the material a bit dry and some of the information repetitive.  Was it worth the read?  Yes. As I kept going, I found the 4 questions that he asked very insightful in narrowing your focus.  Even though it wasn't exactly what I had hoped for, I didn't come away empty handed as other small "gems" were uncovered.  I believe others who read it will have the opportunity to re-balance; re-focus, start again or be encouraged to continue.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Spring of Life Church- prophetic Word from God

The Lord spoke a prophetic word over our church Thurs. night at prayer. He told us we are rising up from the ashes, breakthru is coming. A new body is bursting forth from these ashes, new eyesight, new ears to hear what the spirit of God is saying. We have been dimmed because of disappointment but we are rising up from the ashes. When we are not self centered in our prayers is when the blessings will begin to pour breakthru is coming. As God said in the word given for 2012 I am doing a new thing do you not precieve it. Id say the new thing is about to break out, stay unified and in your posts and watch God pour like rain.
Posted on Facebook today ( 7-7-12) by Jane Hotchkiss (Prophet)

George Washington Carver Quote:

" When you can do the common things
in an uncommon way,
you'll command the attention
of the world."
George Washington Carver, scientist, educator & inventor.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Real Comfort

Have a heart that desires God's comfort above anyone else's.
 He should feel at home in our lives and churches.
by Lydia Stanley- worship leader

Monday, July 2, 2012