BOOK REVIEW- TRUSTING THE BOSS

BOOK REVIEW- TRUSTING THE BOSS-  Billionaire heiress Emma Devereaux has been living a safe-yet-mundane existence in Georgia for too long, but when she learns her sister, Joslyn, has been arrested, she heads to New York City to find out what really happened. Unfortunately, as an unemployed debutante, she’s not exactly qualified to be leading an investigation. But help is at hand in the form of the handsome, former military man Jace Lance who happens to be the one who got her sister arrested in the first place. Jace thinks Emma is crazy for even considering working with him since he’s the one who stopped Joslyn from killing his former client. However, he can’t deny that the sexy southerner is in over her head when her tycoon cousins try to hire him to make sure Emma doesn’t find out the truth about what really caused her sister’s murderous actions. As they begin to uncover the truth together –and get to know each other intimately – it becomes clear that the more answers they get, the more danger Emma is in. Jace is determined to protect her, but how can he keep her safe when her whole family is in on the conspiracy?  AMAZON   Wish I could give it 4.5 Stars

It was a pretty good story, seemed like I just flew through the pages. I liked the main characters and some of their interesting conversations. Even her two cousins added to the story, Luke, her controlling, I know best cousin and the tech savvy Michael.
I really enjoyed it. Even when Emma finally got mad at her cousin, Luke and was leaving, they had a somewhat intense standoff. She is leaving to go back to Georgia (home) and when he questions her, basically, really you're flying to Georgia? She says to him, "You're stupid not deaf." Now that brought a smile to my face.
The story had some unusual elements to it, as well I thought. It did get to the point where Emma wondered who she can trust, and how much or for how long.
I thought the chemistry between Jace and Emma was good, and when big enemies start coming after her, I did wonder how in the world is this going to work out? But Jace did have some mean skills and some good contacts. And his mad skills also showed up in the bedroom too.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

BOOK REVIEW- A BRIDE FOR KEEPS

 
BOOK REVIEW- A BRIDE FOR KEEPS- Although Everett Cline can hardly keep up with the demands of his homestead, he won't humiliate himself by looking for a helpmate ever again--not after being jilted by three mail-order brides. When a well-meaning neighbor goes behind his back to bring yet another mail-order bride to town, he has good reason to doubt it will work, especially after getting a glimpse at the woman in question. She's the prettiest woman he's ever seen, and it's just not possible she's there to marry a simple homesteader like him.
Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. Having finally worked up the courage to leave her life in Massachusetts, she's determined to find a place where people will value her for more than her looks. Having run out of all other options, Julia resorts to a mail-order marriage in far-away Kansas.
Everett is skeptical a cultured woman like Julia could be happy in a life on the plains, while Julia, deeply wounded by a past relationship, is skittish at the idea of marriage at all. When, despite their hesitations, they agree to a marriage in name only, neither one is prepared for the feelings that soon arise to complicate their arrangement. Can two people accustomed to keeping their distance let the barricades around their hearts down long enough to fall in love?    AMAZON  I'M GIVING IT 3 STARS

The story was okay, there just seemed to be times that it dragged on.   Both Julia and Everett had so much pain and where so busy trying to protect themselves in different ways.  You couldn't help but like them, hoping that they would both have a HEA.  Hopefully, together.  As beautiful as Julia was it seemed to do nothing but cause her pain.  Even though she was afraid, she still wanted to be loved for herself.  Both had experiences were they felt it was proved that they weren't good enough, for even worthy of the things that most of us see as normal needs. 

I did like that later in the book, God and his desire for us to know Him and his love for us was introduced.

Always Remember,You R... (p)

  

GROWING BOLDER

Why It’s Time to Let Go of the “Former Things” | Doug Addison

Why It’s Time to Let Go of the “Former Things” | Doug Addison

Why It’s Time to Let Go of the Old Things
Doug Addison

Do you feel something new happening in the spiritual realm?

There has been a positive shift for the good and it might require you to rise above your current situation to catch it. This is a time not only to hear God’s voice more clearly, but also for us to activate the things God is speaking to us.

Hearing God, Knowing His Voice

God is speaking all the time but most people are not aware of it, or they have not been trained to recognize the variety of ways God speaks. This could be through dreams and visions, prophetic words, music and the arts, the Bible, or the still, small whispers we often get from the Holy Spirit.

I recommend that you write down or journal what God is speaking to you right now. The reason is that God often speaks over a period of time and through various circumstances and events in our lives and we need to “learn to discern” God’s voice from the clamor of things coming at us all the time.

One distinctive of knowing God’s voice is peace. Do you have peace in what you are hearing? Many prophetic words these days are instilling fear in people. You will recognize God’s love and nature when you have peace in your spirit with what God is saying.

One distinctive of knowing God’s voice is peace.

CLICK TO TWEET

Hindrances to Hearing God

These are just a few examples of things that can hinder us from hearing God:

• Our own theology. This can even stop us from hearing what God wants to say to us, especially if we believe God only speaks in a certain way. If God is calling you to something new, sometimes what you believe can get in the way. God wants to help us where we don’t yet trust Him to do things we have never seen before. He delights to show us His ways.
• Assuming. Presumption or assuming that you already know what is being said can be a hindrance too.
• Busyness. If you’re trying to find something new, busyness is another thing that will keep you from hearing God. What do you need to say “no” to so you can eliminate the hindrances to hearing God?

What do you need to say “no” to so you can eliminate the hindrances to hearing God?

CLICK TO TWEET

Called to Something New?

When God calls us to do something new, we often have to forget the former ways that we did things.
This is usually difficult for us to do. But it is our old ways of thinking or old ways of doing things that is the very reason we need to hear God for something new. God changes the seasons in our lives and what worked in a previous season might not work now.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV

What is it for you?

What are some of the former ways you’ve been doing things?

As we advance and mature in our ability to hear God, our previous ways of doing things might not work as effectively as they once did. I have noticed that many people’s spiritual gifts are shifting or morphing right now.

For me, I have seen this happen recently in my own life. I used to be able to give over 100 prophetic words to people per hour. I did this in a rapid-fire process and the revelation would come in me and flow out of my mouth before I had time to think about it. This has lifted from me and I get exhausted after 25 people. Instead, I now am able to help people recognize their season, God’s timing and deeper wisdom.

God is doing something new right now. I believe that if you put yourself out there to learn to discern, and if you ask God to speak to you and begin to record what you hear, God will answer you and you will be more ready than ever to hear and respond.

This is such an exciting time to be alive. It is going to be a great transition into a new season of new effectiveness.

Blessings,

Doug Addison
DougAddison.com

P.S. Want to hear God’s voice more clearly? Today I released my brand new e-book: How to Hear God’s Voice Clearly For Yourself. And I’m giving it to you for free! Download it here now.

Doug Addison is a prophetic dream interpreter, speaker, writer, Life Coach, and stand-up comedian. Doug travels the world bringing a message of love, hope, and having fun! His unique style helps open people to discover their destiny and experience God’s supernatural love and power. Doug is an award-winning author of seven books. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California.

- See more at: http://dougaddison.com/2015/10/why-its-time-to-let-go-of-the-old-things/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=Doug+Addison&utm_content=Why+It%27s+Time+to+Let+Go+of+the+Old+Things#sthash.OVokzDXe.dpuf

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Strawberry Pillow

Strawberry Pillow



I'm not that into sewing...I can if I must but I do admire things from time to time.

This just happens to be one of those things that was so different and cute, that I just had to add it here. 

BOOK REVIEW- FULL DISCOSURE

Ann Silver is a cop's cop. As the Midwest Homicide Investigator, she is called in to help local law enforcement on the worst of cases, looking for answers to murder. Hers is one of the region's most trusted investigative positions. 
Paul Falcon is the FBI's top murder cop in the Midwest. If the victim carried a federal badge or had a security clearance, odds are good Paul and his team see the case file or work the murder.
Their lives intersect when Ann arrives to pass a case off her desk and onto his. A car wreck and a suspicious death offer a lead on a hired shooter he is tracking. Paul isn't expecting to meet someone, the kind that goes on the personal side of the ledger, but Ann Silver has his attention. 
The better he gets to know her, the more Paul realizes her job barely scratches the surface of who she is. She knows spies and soldiers and U.S. Marshals, and has written books about them. She is friends with the former vice president. People with good reason to be cautious about who they let into their lives deeply trust her. Paul wonders just what secrets Ann is keeping, until she shows him the John Doe Killer case file, and he starts to realize just who this lady he is falling in love with really is....AMAZON

This was an interesting book that at times gave me mixed feelings at times. The Main people in the story were very interesting, Paul and Ann were both unique in their own ways.  I have to admit that Ann was one of the most unusual characters that I have read about to date.  I just couldn't help liking her though.  It was like a Shadow Dance between the two of them as Paul pursued her.   He did all the preplanned getting his ducks all in a row before moving on efforts to begin  a romance.  They both started to develop a friendship, a close one but Paul also didn't want it to stall there. That had happened with other men in her life and he wanted her as his wife.  Of course, the earlier part of the story has to do with laying the foundation of him knowing she fascinates him.  The cases that they got involved with were interesting too.  That said, there were 2 Major cases that were the main focus of  the book.  There were plenty of interesting secondary characters as well. All was really well written with plenty of mystery and twists and turns but personally I started to get tired about Chapter 20ish.  Parts of it felt that it went on a bit too long.


One thing I absolutely loved was Paul's relationship, and love of God.  Ann's relationship with God was deep and even more intimate.  I enjoyed how she related to God and he was such a important part of her life.  Vital, even.   I liked how it was written into the story.

Daily Talks w/God (p)

 
Jerry Savelle Ministries International

Holy Spirit Led (p) Keith Moore

 
Kenneth Copeland Ministries

GOD IS MOVING QUICKLY (P)

 
DOUG ADDISON

Episode 195: How To Crochet the Rainbow Hook and Pencil Cup

The Future is Calling U (p)

Lance Wallnau                          

BOOK REVIEW- Love and Other Acts of Courage

BOOK REVIEW- Love and Other Acts of Courage-A freighter collides with a yacht and abandons the survivors. A couple is left behind by a dive boat. 
These are the dramatic events that force changes in maritime attorney Max Gildea’s carefully organized life where win, lose, or settle out of court he gets paid and paid handsomely. As he represents the only survivor of the yacht sinking and gets involved in the search for the couple missing from a dive trip, his reawakening emotions catapult him into the chaos of joy and sorrow that are the necessary ingredients of a fully lived life. AMAZON  I'm giving it 5 Stars on Amazon

When I chose this book to read, I did so with mixed feelings and high hopes.   I knew the potential to be a good book was there but also wondered when it came to the law and freighting information.  I was concerned that it might get too heavy with that last part.  All, I know is that within just a few pages, I found I really liked the main characters.  Max,  his assistant Cassie, and the survivor Sophie Suriano.  Each of their POV's were well done and strengthened the story, when I know sometimes they can do the opposite.  I liked reading Jake's as ths person was added to the story as well.  I ended up loving this story because I fell in love with the people.  Even some of the ones that would be considered secondary characters. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me interested as well.  There were several other stories of people included but the author also did a good job of weaving much of it together, where you could see the links when exposed.  

I also liked some of the phrases that the author used.  One of my favorites was when Sophie was introduced to Jake, a reporter and although she was being asked some easy questions to start she thought this,  "I could see those other questions though, perched like vultures on her shoulders.  Waiting."   I also liked some of the nicknames in the story and how they came about.  Especially Max's.  I really don't want to say to much more because I want the surprise value to still be there for people who haven't read it yet.   
Just a few side notes-
"Parsimonious", now that is  word in the story that I have to admit I had to look up.  I had a vague idea of what it meant but had to use the dictionary for it but there weren't a lot of words like that so it didn't interrupt the flow of the story. 
I was also angry and saddened by the fact that there just wasn't any justice when it came to people being killed and finding no justice just because it happened on the water.  It does sound like some laws need to be changed to go with the current times, something the author also addressed at the end of the book.  She also left information to follow up on.  
There is also an Excerpt from "Dreams for Stones" at the back of the book.

I received a free copy of this novel in return for an honest review.

Stay the Wild U (p)

 

Growing Bolder

Shane Willard

U Haven't Missed Out (p)

   
Doug Addison

CC BY 2.0 Jenia M

Don’t stop knitting! It keeps you healthy.

Katherine Martinko (@feistyredhair)
Living / Culture

Last month I wrote an article called “Why bother knitting a scarf?” Much to my surprise, I received thousands of positive reactions from readers who share my love of homemade, local, and beautiful “slow fashion” items. Clearly, knitting is being embraced by people from all walks of life who benefit from its peaceful, relaxing repetition. It got me wondering – what’s really going on when people knit? Why is it so tremendously popular?

It turns out that knitting has incredible health benefits. It makes people feel good in just about every way. A bit of research has revealed a wide range of ways in which knitting helps humans cope, physically and mentally.

1. Knitting is used for therapy. It’s a powerful distractant, helping people manage long-term physical pain. For those who are depressed, knitting can motivate them to connect with the world. It is a conversation starter, allowing people to interact politely without making eye contact. It builds confidence and self-esteem.

2. Knitting is supremely relaxing, which is extremely important for reducing stress and anxiety. Dr. Herbert Benson, founder of Harvard’s Mind/Body Medical Institute, wrote The Relaxation Response, in which he recommends the repetition of a word, sound, phrase, prayer, or muscular activity to elicit “the relaxation response” – decreased heart rate, muscle tension, and blood pressure. Knitting is likened to meditation, sometimes described by knitters as “spiritual” and “Zen-like.”

3. Knitting connects people. By joining a knitting group, a solitary activity turns into a social one. One study, called “The Benefits of Knitting for Personal and Social Wellbeing in Adulthood” and published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy, found that “knitting in a group impacted significantly on perceived happiness, improved social contact, and communication with others.”

4. Knitting improves concentration and can provide an outlet for excessive energy.Toronto teacher Caleigh Murtaugh started a knitting club for 7- and 8-year-olds at a private boys’ school. It was a smashing success, with boys opting to stay in from recess to work on projects. Some were extremely hyper, but focusing on work with their hands helped them greatly and gave them a sense of accomplishment.

5. Knitting can reduce the risk of dementia. One study of over 2,000 seniors (65 years and older) found that “regular participation in social or leisure activities such as traveling, odd jobs, knitting, or gardening were associated with a lower risk of subsequent dementia.”

6. Knitting offers a break from busy schedules and a refreshing detox from a technology-saturated world. It gives many of us a rare chance to be alone with our thoughts.

7. Knitting makes people happy, from the people who knit to those who receive knitted items, and those who see knitting in their surroundings. Consider the popularity of “yarn-bombing,” the beautiful graffiti that uses yarn to decorate public spaces, filling them with happiness-inducing warmth and colour. No one can resist smiling at the sight of a knitted bus or tree!

Even professionals are catching on. Stitchlinks is a UK-based group that’s developing a network of knitting therapy groups in hospitals, GP practices, schools, workplaces, and care facilities. Its website states, “Therapeutic knitting [is] being formally acknowledged by leading clinicians and academics for [its] benefits in mainstream healthcare.”

Keep at it, all you knitters! Not only are you having fun, but you’re also knitting yourselves a happier, healthier life.

Related on TreeHugger.com:

• "Why bother knitting a scarf?"
• Graffiti Knitting Goes Main Stream (Book Review)
• Knit 52 kinds of mushrooms in glowing colours

Living / Culture
February 4, 2014

DIY Rice Heat Packs

DIY Rice Heat Packs

Michigan Leaves (p)

  

Smile FM

BOOK REVIEW- TOWARD THE SUNRISE

BOOK REVIEW- TOWARD THE SUNRISE-Julia Broeder is only six months shy of graduating from the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania when one small decision spirals out of control and results in her expulsion. Hoping to travel the world as a missionary doctor, her only choice is to return back home...or throw herself upon the mercy of Ashton Carlyle.  Formal and straight-laced, Ashton Carlyle is not pleased to see an expelled Julia arrive at his Manhattan office. His position as a junior attorney for the Vandermark family's world-famous shipping empire entails taking care of the Broeders, longtime employees of the Vandermark family. But Ashton has no intention now of using his employer's resources in defense of Julia's impulsive and reckless actions.
What Ashton did not expect was a scathing reprimand from none other than the Vandermark family patriarch or the bewildering resistance from Julia herself when he's forced to change his tune. At an impasse, Ashton and Julia never anticipated the revelations that arise or the adventure that awaits them.
In this novella, award-winning novelist Elizabeth Camden introduces readers to the world of the grand Hudson River Valley estate Dierenpark and the enigmatic Vandermark family. Includes an extended preview of Until the Dawn, Camden's full-length Dierenpark novel.  AMAZON   I'm giving it 3 Stars on Amazon

Julia Broeder was an interesting mix of passion, compassion and driving enthusiasm for medicine and traveling to long dreamed of places.    But when her passion and compassion causes her to act, she gets expelled from college just six months shy of graduation.   Now she has to take her case to Ashton Carlyle, the attorney that handles all things dealing with the Broeder family.  It isn't his only duty, but because of the powerful Vandermark family its an important part.  The main thought when it comes to the Broeder family is...keep them happy.  That's usually not a big job, usually its considered a rather easy task.  But that was before spunky Julia showed up. There's more to Ashton than you first think; he's so much more than just the intelligent, elegantly composed and dressed attorney.  Many of his dreams have been put on hold so he could be there for his father who he deeply loved.  An interesting turn of events causes Julia and Aston to work together in unusual circumstances.  During that time, they learn so much more about each other.  While I liked this book, I can't say that I loved it. 

The excerpt of the next book which has to do with sweet Sophie (introduced in this book) and angry Quentin Vandermark is included and make for some interesting future challenges.  

I received a copy of this book via Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. 

BOOK REVIEW- Out of the Blue

 
BOOK REVIEW- Out of the Blue-  Katie Walken has been running most of her life—from her Amish upbringing, from her family’s expectations, and from an arranged marriage to Karl Borg. Now a real estate agent, Katie feels she finally has the life she always wanted. . .or does she? 
Karl lost his love when she fled from their future in Amish country. Leaving home, too, he became an attorney. But his heart remains with Katie. 
When Katie and Karl are reunited, they seem to have a second chance at love. Will they allow God to help them face their past while looking toward their future?  AMAZON   I'm giving it 4 Stars on Amazon.

I liked this story and even as I read it, I also knew it probably wasn't for everyone.  Why?  Because it shows faith and reliance on God in action.   Not everyone wants to read that or likes to even.  But I did and also found that I liked the personalities of both Katie and Karl.  They were sweet, faithful and  both people of integrity.   Their lives had changed so much since they left their community but there were still some good things that remained unchanged too. It was interesting to watch some of the challenges that they had to work though.  It was a sweet story and I enjoyed it. 

Anointed 2 Solve Problems (p)

Lance Wallnau

IT'S TIME TO SET YOUR EYES ON THE MISSION.
Here’s the challenge for the church. You’re anointed to solve the problems the world cannot solve. But if all you’re trying to do is solve the problems that are relevant to the church mountain, in the church meeting, in the church context then you’re swimming in too small a tank. If all you do is preach, pray and prophecy you are playing too small a game. At some point David has to lay aside his harp and pick up a slingshot. At some point the Nazarene set aside His carpentry tools and picked up His mantle to cast out devils and inaugurate an insurrection against the gates of Hell.

Our dilemma is almost universal to the body of Christ in every nation. Look at it this way...(imagine I have a whiteboard) ...Joseph is in Jacob’s tent over here, but when it comes to Joseph, God has bigger plans (other side of board) then Jacob’s tent.

So, what is God going to do?

He is going to transport Joseph to Egypt. He is going to put him at the top of the government mountain. What is Joseph anointed to do? He is anointed as a prophet to solve a problem - a GLOBAL economic problem.

What if the church was to assume the responsibility for solving problems the world can’t solve? Do you know what will happen? Wealth of a different sort would be transferred to the kingdom of God - the "wealth of influence"!!!

The problem is this - we look at Jesus’ ministry in signs and wonders and try to replicate it. Here is the problem with that: Jesus was anointed for HIS ASSIGNMENT and you are anointed for YOUR assignment. Some of you are anointed with a slingshot but you want to hang out with a harp. Some are called to be consultants to high level political figures but despise the political process and want to avoid the limelight. Get over it. A city set on a hill cannot be hid and a light is lit for the purpose of illuminating a dark terrain. Wherever there is darkness in the natural you and I are called to access supernatural oil to bring light.

Let me say that again: You are anointed to solve a "secular" problem, a "natural" situation. You are anointed for your own assignment.If you insist on staying near Jacobs tents when you are called to go down into the darkness of Egypt, you will miss your high calling.

The world is waiting for you to show up.

Are you willing to go where the unusual calling of God is taking you?

AS ONE!
Lance
www.lancewallnau.com

Pray for Mexico

Kenneth Copeland Ministries
Mexico needs our prayers! Please take a moment to join us as we pray for Mexico: Father God, in the name of Jesus, we pray that Hurricane Patricia will be STOPPED, and it will weaken to non-threatening levels BEFORE it hits landfall. We exercise our authority and command this storm to dissipate. We declare that no weapon formed against the people of Mexico will prosper. They are protected from this storm, and it will not produce catastrophic results. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen. #HurricanePatricia#PrayForMexico

(My Note- Please remember this is a good starting prayer for other areas that are threatened as storms form)

Here's another view from another ministry as well..

Friends, please keep the people of Mexico in your prayers. A category 5 hurricane is hitting the West Coast cities around Puerto Vallarta, and millions of people are in harms way.  Paul Wilbur

http://www.nbcnews.com/…/hurricane-patricia-races-mexicos-p…

        

BOOK REVIEW- Southern Seduction

BOOK REVIEW- Southern Seduction-Brooke Hammond leaves England determined to make a success of the Louisiana plantation she inherited. Only one obstacle stands in her way--a devilishly charming, infernally arrogant obstacle named Travis Montgomery, co-owner of her estate. If Travis marries and produces an heir within the year, Moss Grove will be his--unless he marries Brooke. Seducing Travis and then sending him on his way should be simple, but the searing desire Brooke feels in his presence presents an unexpected complication ... 
Travis took his father’s dilapidated estate and turned it into a profitable enterprise, and no woman is going to claim it from him. So begins a contest of wits and will, where temptation and torrid kisses are the weapons of choice, and surrender the ultimate prize. But for two worthy opponents, winning the battle may mean losing everything that matters... AMAZON I'm rating it 4 Stars.  


I found this book to be A Good Read.  One of the interesting elements of the story was learning about the running of the plantation.  You get to learn about what it takes to grow and process sugar right along with Brooke.   It was interesting to watch Travis, a man who didn't have any feelings about any woman suddenly be caught off balance with Brooke.  Oh, he didn't show it to her that much but people who know him began to see some of it.  A neighboring friend,  Jeremy  who owns a plantation too  is the first to needle Travis about it.  He thought it was uproariously funny.  The battles between Brooke and Travis were fun to watch, they both were so determined.  He was determined to run her off and she was busy telling and showing him that he was never getting rid of her.   Both of the MC's had rough upbringings but its Brooke's past that is waiting to bite her in the butt.   I kept waiting to see how and when that would happen.  The author didn't disappoint and that wasn't the only drama going on.  All in all, I enjoyed the story.


I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Heart Murmurs in Pets May Be a Sign of More Serious Medical Conditions

ASPCA BLOG

Like humans, your pet may be at risk for heart disease, and it’s important to recognize the signs of potentially dangerous heart conditions. Some heart diseases in pets may begin with a murmur—an abnormal heart sound caused by turbulent blood flow—heard through a stethoscope.

Cherry, a kitten the ASPCA rescued last fall in a Brooklyn hoarding case, was just one month old when veterinarians at the ASPCA Animal Hospital (AAH) discovered she had a heart murmur.

An echocardiogram—a specialized ultrasound of the heart—showed Cherry’s left and right heart chambers were dilated. She was placed in a foster home and rechecked a few months later, when a follow-up echocardiogram showed that Cherry’s heart had normalized.  

“Heart murmurs are often our earliest warning that a heart condition may be present,” says Dr. Sharon Huston, a veterinary cardiologist often called on by the ASPCA Animal Hospital to provide cardiac consultations. But not all murmurs reveal the same prognosis. “In dogs, murmurs are more accurate predictors of the presence of heart disease,” said Dr. Huston. “But cats are more like people: the presence or absence of a murmur is not as accurate a predictor. Some cats with severe heart disease have no murmur at all, while most dogs with heart disease have a murmur.”

An echocardiogram performed by a veterinary cardiologist is necessary to determine whether heart disease is present and requires treatment.

"Unlike heart disease in humans, cholesterol and obesity don’t contribute to heart disease in animals,” said Dr. Huston. “Although there are situations where improper diet can lead to heart disease, most cardiac conditions in dogs and cats are genetic, and different breeds are prone to different heart problems.”

In addition, Dr. Huston says heart conditions in dogs and cats that are caused by emaciation or inappropriate food—often identified by the ASPCA in neglect or cruelty cases—can be resolved with proper care.

Cherry is fortunate not to have heart disease, but other causes of murmurs are not always benign and must be treated. In cats, a heart murmur can indicate disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), the most commonly-acquired heart disease in cats.

“Studies suggest that 30 to 50% of cats with a murmur have structural heart disease,” says Dr. Huston. “10% of all dogs have heart disease, which increases to over 60% with advanced age.” In dogs, a heart murmur may indicate a leaky valve, abnormalities of the heart muscle, congenital heart disease or a non-cardiac condition like anemia.

Congestive heart failure, which occurs when the heart muscle isn’t pumping blood as effectively as it should, is the most common emergency caused by heart disease in pets. Those animals require hospitalization and 24/7 monitoring and oxygen therapy.

Signs of congestive heart failure in cats include a fast breathing rate, difficulty breathing, fainting, weakness, lethargy, hiding and a decreased appetite. Often times, cats will experience a sudden crisis, such as paralysis or collapse, which can be caused by a blood clot. In dogs, signs may be more gradual, like a cough (especially a cough at rest), rapid breathing, fainting, lethargy or exercise intolerance.

“Congestive heart failure is a treatable condition,” says Dr. Huston. “With proper management, pets can continue to live good lives at home with their families.”

After Cherry’s positive re-check, Dr. Huston recommended another follow-up when she is full grown. But so far, so good. And her story has another positive ending: Cherry—now Zoe—was adopted by Ellen Vancelette, a Forensic Administrator at the ASPCA who has previous experience as a veterinary cardiology technician.

Now living happily with Ellen as well as her other cat, Polly, and a dog

Unlearn Insecurity

   

Insecurity is a learned behavior. 

If you learned your way in, you can you learn 

your way out of it. 

  T.D. Jakes Ministries

BOOK REVIEW- The Improbable

BOOK REVIEW- The Improbable-Eva-Marie is the daughter of Chicago’s biggest drug producer. 
David is the son of Chicago PD’s Chief of Police. 
These two fall for each other without knowing that they are each other’s greatest enemy. They have society against them as well as their parents, and their situations threatening to tear them apart. Will their love be enough to defy the odds against them? Told from both characters’ point of view and set in the state of Illinois in 1950, The Improbable, is a compelling romantic novel that pushes the envelope of the typical love story and will keep you hooked until the very last page. AMAZON

I liked this story although at times it felt like it moved at a slower pace.  I think that this  book is probably more suited to 18+YA audience. One of the things I did notice pretty early on is that Eva-Marie and David shared at least one thing in common.  Disapproving and controlling parents.   The control that Eva-Marie's parents (especially her father) had is almost complete, and kind of hard to take.  Her mother is controlling as well but in a more sneaky, underhanded way. David's father is straight in your face control.
There is a secret that Eva-Marie's family is hiding and that is mentioned fairly early on.  So is the words that the clock is ticking.  That made for a mysterious setting and as bit by bit more is revealed, I kept thinking how is this going to end well for these two young people.  Add a creep level when you consider Eva's pseudo boyfriend, Ray.  Now there is an unlikable stalker that there ever was.  I hated how Eva had to "suck up" to Ray when she really hated being around him.
Something that also added to the story  was David's hair trigger temper; I liked him but he sure had some surprising episodes or anger.  Could it not only be because of his mother's death but also the repressed anger against his father?  That makes sense to me.
This story did have some twists and turns and a few surprises that kept me reading.  I wanted to know how it was all going to end.  I do have to admit that at times it was kind of hard for me to get through though.  I pointed out the positive first, but also knowing there was a bit of the downside too.  Sorry, author I know a lot goes into writing a story. 

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Start Praisng Now-Thank U God!

Jerry Savelle Ministries International

A Dream About Our Current Spiritual Battle and How to Win!

The ElijahList
A Dream About Our Current Spiritual Battle and How to Win!
by Garris Elkins
====================

A Spirtual Battle:
A few nights ago, I had one of the most vivid dreams I have ever experienced. I was atop Mount Ashland and dug into foxholes with other Believers. We were involved in intense combat (this was a spiritual battle dream). Mount Ashland is a high mountain where I live that overlooks southern Oregon and Northern California. Because of the location of the battle, I knew the outcome of the battle would have regional significance.

The battle scene in the dream was like video footage of actual combat. Bullets were flying over our heads. Each of us fired our weapons at wave after wave of the advancing enemy. I heard fellow soldiers yelling, “Ammo!” and I would see a fresh magazine thrown from one foxhole to another to keep each solider in the fight. Combatants were screaming orders and warnings. “Incoming” was shouted to announce incoming rounds of dark spiritual artillery.

As the battle finally came to an end a deep and profound silence settled over the battlefield as the cloud of smoke from spent gunpowder still hung in the air above our heads. We rose from our entrenchments into a post-battle hush to see the enemy lying dead at our feet extending as far as the eye could see. Our faces were dirty and tear-stained as we began to look at each other with gratefulness that we would live to see another day.

We began to march down from the mountain summit to the ski lodge. A line of people stood waiting for our return. This line filled the lodge and traced out into the parking lot down the mountain for miles into the valley below. Those waiting in line were people from our community who knew we had just put our lives at risk in a high place battle for the well being of their families and community. One after one, our necks were hugged with great emotion. Each person in line shed thankful tears of joy at the victory.

As I debriefed the battle, I remembered seeing those who survived the fight raising shields of faith. These were the same shields described by Paul in Ephesians 6 that capture and extinguish the incoming arrows of the enemy. These were not like a solid gladiator’s shield. We could see through our shields. When we raised them in battle they did not obscure the battlefield before us. Whenever we lifted our shields of faith and looked through their transparency the entire image of the battle would change. If our shields were not raised we could only see the approaching enemy with the eyes of fearful natural sight.

Our Prayer and Faith:
In faith, we also saw angels in combat with us. These angels were swinging their swords and destroying the approaching enemy with each powerful swing of their powerful blades. Prayers we had prayed in years past arrived like time-traveling mortars exploding on the field of our present battle.

The enemy became surprised and confused. They began to raise their heads trying to understand the supernatural intervention that was turning the battle in our favor. As their heads were raised we were able to easily identify them as targets and dispatch their lies with well-aimed declarations of truth.

There is a battle being waged in the high places of the spirit realm over our families, our cities and every region in our nation. These life and death battles are being waged and won with the unnatural weapons of "prayer and faith". These supernatural weapons and tactics will transform how we see the battlefield and the enemy who stands before us.

If you have become overwhelmed at what is transpiring in the world around you it is because your shield of faith hangs limp at your side. Raise your shield and begin to see the battle from Heaven’s perspective. Nothing coming against you will be able to gain control of your spiritual battlefield if you see the battle with the eyes of faith. You are always fighting from a place of victory. This reality is what empowers our faith and turns the tide of battle.

Garris Elkins, Author and Prophetic Minister
Prophetic Horizons
Email: info@prophetichorizons.com
Website: garriselkins.com

Quiet Time w/God-How to

Quiet Time with God: A How-To Series {Part One: Finding a Place}

OCTOBER 29, 2013  Sheri Dacon

My schedule is ridiculous right now.

It’s way too busy, definitely NOT the schedule I would choose for myself, but I guess in deciding (sort of) to have four children, I did choose it in a roundabout way.

None of the kids are overly involved in extra-curricular activities (well, okay, maybe Kyle is a little overcommitted). It’s mainly just that there areFOUR of them!!! I am more chauffeur than Mom right now.

As a result of this busyness, my prayer time has suffered. Gone are the long summer mornings of spending an hour or more in Bible study and prayer and silence before the Lord. In this season, it’s a good day if I can squeeze in 15 minutes.

I had about 10 minutes to do a quick devotional this morning, and it prompted me to share a little with you about what I do for “quiet time.”

The term “quiet time” bothers me a little, even though that is very much what it is, because it seems trite to put a label on time spent with God. It was a struggle for me for a very long time, because I had these unrealistic expectations of what a quiet time was supposed to be or look like.

Slowly, my time with God evolved into something that became a respite and a joy — rather than a tedious task on my to-do list or a looming source of guilt when it didn’t get done.

There are a few practical things that really helped me along the way.

If you are having trouble establishing a daily time with God, there are plenty of resources, books, and internet experts who can give you lots of information. I am not one of those experts. However, I thought I’d write a short series to share aspects of “quiet time” that have really made a big difference in my life. I hope you will find something helpful!

Today’s topic is “place,” because this is the one thing about my prayer time that makes the biggest impact.

A Quiet Place

All the “experts” seem to agree that it helps to have an established place set aside for prayer and quiet contemplation. This was a difficult hurdle for me for years. I tried the kitchen table, the couch by the fireplace, my office upstairs, all perfectly acceptable places. But even though I was usually the only one awake, I felt like I didn’t have enough privacy. It hindered my prayers.

So I did what Kat Lee of Inspired to Action suggests. I built a “mom cave.” I have to give Kat most of the credit for this, because it just never dawned on me. Shortly after I read about the “mom cave” concept, my mother-in-law showed me her special place and I knew I needed one, too.

photo credit: Www.CourtneyCarmody.com/ via photopin cc

 Y’all, I pray in my closet.

And I do not have a huge closet.

So I followed Kat’s suggestions (if you want to read about her “mom cave,” click here). I cleared the clothes from one whole side of the closet. I put in a rod up high for out of season clothes, moved everything else to the other side and the back, and then got rid of anything else that wouldn’t fit. So as an added bonus, making the “mom cave” was a great motivator for decluttering my closet and paring down my wardrobe.

The next thing I added was a small table (I got mine at Target), with a little quilt top over it and a lamp from Ikea. I have an old seat cushion in the corner, but a beanbag would work as well. My mother-in-law actually has a desk and chair in her closet, but hers is not in the same space where she keeps her clothes. I didn’t really have room for that so I had to make do.

Next came a bulletin board, some inspirational posters and scripture printouts, a box of kleenex and plenty of pens, pencils, and highlighters. Then, I stacked my devotional books on a rack I found at Goodwill for a couple of dollars. I keep my Bible and my journals in a basket beneath the table. A pillow and an afghan crocheted by my grandmother were the final pieces to transforming my space into a bonafide prayer closet.

Having this place set up makes a tremendous difference for my quiet time. As soon as I took this step, my prayer time improved immediately because I had privacy. That’s not to say that the kids don’t ever interrupt me, but everyone knows that when Mom is in her closet, she’s spending time with God and that they are supposed to stay out until she’s done.

This is the single-handed most important thing I have done for my prayer life.

Sometimes I just go in there and take a nap. It’s a totally safe place and I love it.

What about you? Do you have a special, private place for prayer? If not, what would it take to create one? I’d love to hear your ideas!

Next week I’ll share some ideas about different resources I use during quiet time!