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BOOK REVIEW- BEACHCOMBER HEAT

 
This summer's heat wave on Martha's Vineyard is breaking records, but so is the crime wave. A rash of jewel thefts creates a demand for more security than the police can handle. 
Shana insists that Beachcomber Investigations should take the case of protecting the would-be missing jewels because she needs the big fee from the rich client. Dane will do almost anything to keep her happy--and staying with him on the island. Almost anything. 
The case turns dangerous when a dead body turns up and old enemies are behind the thefts. Dane has to decide how far he'll go to catch the thief--and how far he'll go to keep his partnership with Shana. AMAZON 4 STARS

The title of this book is spot on when it comes to heat.  The weather is hot, the "case" had heat with its twists and turns and the heat between Dane and Shana just went up another notch.  Not necessarily talking about sex, but the push-pull between them.  Although there are references to other enemies (other cases) it really doesn't make it harder to reading this book.  Although, some of the other books did show you the tighter relationship between Dane and Cap, with Shana joining them.  
I'm starting to get just about as impatient as Shana when it comes to a decision of what to do about Dane, and if they could have more.  Time to fish or cut bait, people.  Of course, my hope is that they make it work.  It just feels like its time.  Maybe in the next book, but lets face it even if they do get together in a commited way, they won't be the "normal" couple.  I can live with that.  

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

BOOK REVIEW- THE DEPUTY'S REDEMPTION

A Texas lawman risks his future to protect a woman from his past in USA TODAY bestselling author Delores Fossen's latest Sweetwater Ranch book. 

The woman fleeing a cold-blooded killer is no stranger to Deputy Colt McKinnon. Fourteen years ago, Elise Nichols was the love of his life. Now she's back in Sweetwater Springs—to be the star witness in an upcoming murder trial that could tear the Texas lawman's family apart.  

With her explosive revelations certain to rock the town, Elise didn't expect to be welcomed home with open arms. Certainly not by the cowboy with the badge who once meant everything to her. But after being run off the road and shot at, she has no choice but to trust him. Even more dangerous is the desire that's reigniting, making Elise yearn for something she may not live to see.  AMAZON 4STARS

I liked it, good main characters, suprises and plenty of tension. The opening to the first chapter was a dramaic way for the main characters to meet again. There were twists and turns galore.   It had me running all over the place trying to figure out who was trying to kill Elise. Even the one attorney who was defending Colt's mom was so aggressive (and annoying) I was hoping it was him.    All of the questions get answered except one main one.  That question, is  Colt's mom really guilty of murder?  And if its not her, then who did it?
There is a HEA ending for Elise and Colt, but there will be a lot of action and shooting going on until they can get there.  

Touch The Sky LIVE -- of Dirt and Grace -- Hillsong UNITED

Andy Grammer "Fresh Eyes"

God I Look to You - Jenn Johnson (lyrics) (Bethel Church) (Best Worship ...

BOOK REVIEW- FORGOTTEN BODYGUARD

   
Chloe Moore has money, status and popularity, but she yearns for the missing piece - freedom. Her father is the governor of California and has decided to run for President of the United States. Due to some of his political positions, he's receiving death threats. With no choice, Chloe is given a shadow, a bodyguard that has been instructed to never leave her side as she attends school at UCLA. Her life before her father's decision to run was restrictive, now it's unbearable. 
Ian Matthenson has worked himself up from the shitty start he got in life. Coming from the wrong side of the tracks and spending more time in jail than not, he's finally cleaned up and proven himself to the right people. His older brother gets him a gig he can't refuse - protecting the college-aged daughter of a political icon, a man even he looks up to. He has no concern over his ability to keep the pretty little tease safe, but keeping his hands off of her is going to be the feat of his existence. 
Things heat up as Chloe pushes Ian to the edge, both physically and mentally. It's only when her life is in danger that he realizes that perhaps it's not just his paycheck that causes him to protect the girl's body so closely...  AMAZON  3 STARS  
This is book 1 of a series. A cliffhanger is inevitable.   
 
This book was just OK as far as I was concerned.  The story wasn't really all that engaging, and not anything that was all that special to me.  I hate to be harsh, but it just didn't grab me much.  I missed the blurb part about it it being Book 1 in a series.  Sorry, but I don't care enough to read anyone more.  For me, its one and done.  There could have been a bit deeper personality to the characters. And to be honest, I'm not even sure I liked Chloe all that much.  Sure there were times, I could feel sorry for her but other times....No.   And how did they fall in love so fast?  From mainly rubbing their bodies against each other as much as possible? With or without clothes.  Sorry, but I was disappointed in this book. AND PLEASE...the villain threat?   I could see that one coming MILES away.   
 That's not to say that I would never read anything else by this author.  But just not one more story in this series.  

Hawk Nelson: Words (Official Lyric Video)

Let my Words be Few Matt Redman with Lyrics

Our Identity is Favor- Graham Cooke

Jesus grew in favor before God & man. And now we have the opportunity to do the same.

You don’t become a new person by changing your behavior. You focus on the person you already are in Christ and behave accordingly! This revelation of our new identity and ‘elevated status,’ is the cornerstone of our attack upon everything negative in our lives. The Father is joyfully, lovingly making war on all our negativity. All we must do is choose our side.

This faith, when mixed with loving-kindness and grace, elevates our heart above the negativity, the testing, the battle and the pressure of life, so that we discover the nature of God that is present for us in all things.

Father is joyfully obligated to His Son to give you elevated status “because” you are in Christ. This favor allows you to discover the real you as God sees you—giving way to more favor.

Remember. Jesus living in you has the full favor of God in Himself. His presence in you releases that same abundance of favor, trust and confidence!

Relax in God’s love and goodness—His favor on you.

Ask the beautiful Holy Spirit, your Helper, to open the eyes of your heart. We are practicing seeing ourselves, in Jesus, as the favored. It’s liberating. Peaceful. Joyful.

You are beloved. You belong to Him, now become captivated by Him. That’s the journey of growing in favor. To practice adoration, you must first know that you are adored. To practice favor, you must know that you are favored.

Don’t spend your energy dealing with a negative when you could practice being alive to God—in elevated, preferential favor.

Let’s take anger as an example. Instead of saying, “I really need to deal with my anger problem,” we think of what should replace anger [which you are already dead to in Christ] and we focus on an aspect of God’s nature instead. Our response then becomes: “Thank you! The Holy Spirit is teaching and leading me into gentleness and promoting that fruit of the Spirit in me.”

What if the real problem is not that you are displaying anger, but rather that you are resisting the grace to become gentle?

You don’t become a new person by changing your behavior [i.e. stop being angry!]… you focus on the person you already are in Jesus and you act accordingly.

Our favor allows us to fight from victory, not towards it.

It creates a space in our circumstances for us to stop, gather ourselves and move into the freedom of mind and confidence from an understanding of just who we really are in Christ.

As a devotional exercise, read 2 Kings 6:8-19. It’s the story of two men in the same circumstances but with two vastly different perspectives. One can only see the problem and is overcome by the negative. The other can only see God’s majesty and is able to step into freedom and provision. In this instance, both men mirror the New Testament context of old man and new man.

Favor is cultivated in celebration. Rejoicing, giving thanks moves us from weakness to strength, and creates a place of blessing and renewal.

Jesus has all the favor you need! Believe it. Practice it. And as you do, you will grow in it.   

 PS) The full teaching on Favor is available in the Favor Series on BrilliantBookHouse.com

LINK

BOOK REVIEW- LOKI

Loki Grant’s first memories are of living in a crate behind an inn in Ayr, struggling to survive. Clan Grant saved him from his lonely existence and took him in as one of their own. But though the Highlands have become his home and he loves his adopted parents, Brodie and Celestina, Loki feels lost. Part of him is still that scrappy wee lad who relied on his wits to survive the streets, and he is not sure he belongs. The feistiest and most beautiful lass in the clan, Arabella, steals his heart, but when her father resists the match because Loki is not of clan blood, Loki decides to confront his past. He wishes to satisfy Bella’s father by discovering his parentage, but he also hopes his quest will help him understand his purpose. 

As far as Arabella is concerned, Loki Grant is the wiliest, brawest, and most handsome warrior in existence. She is determined to have him as her husband regardless of what her father thinks. So when Loki’s search for his sire leads him into trouble, she rushes headlong after him. 

Together, Loki and Arabella must discover the dark secrets of Loki’s origins, for only by confronting the past can they hope for a bright future together.  AMAZON

A good story with totally likeable main characters.  Loki and Arabellea met young and Arabella knew what she wanted right away.  She verbally claimed him at that first meeting and she got his attention as well.  Too bad that they had to go through so much in order for him to see that he had true value, all on his own.  Of course, without that challenge it sure would have shortened the story a lot.  The need to know his past, know who his "real" parents were and prove his worth was a driving part of the story.  Also, the other people in the book added much and you could almost feel the love that most of his clan had for him.  The loudest haters, just kept making him feel the "outsider" that they called him.  Arabella's father was one of the loudest voices and he was willfully blind to the truth.  Loki had such a loving family who had adopted him.  They did everything they could to help him feel a part of them but it was also something he had to work out as well.  Arabella, who Loki called "Bella" often went the extra mile for her man, often taking risks to help him.  Keep an eye on a small young boy named Kenzie, he has a part to play in the story too. 
Ah, and the villain?  He was really a black one.  There are surprises and twists and turns in the story which I like.  
Who really is Loki's birth father and mother?  There are some twists and turns on that question too.  You will just have to read the story to find out.
This story does have the HEA ending with a quick peek into another story, " Torrian (The Highland Clan Book 2)

BOOK REVIEW- DARK MEMORIES

Can they hold onto the heartbreak of the past when he’s protecting her from a killer 24/7? 
After museum curator Laura Rossiter witnesses a murder and the cop guarding her is killed, she runs for her life. She survives months by working odd jobs under an assumed name and landing in a Maine resort where she finally feels safe. Until bad-boy Cole Stratton rides his Harley back into her life… Now a government officer, Cole has a mission: protect Laura, the golden girl he’s never forgotten, and flush out the bad guy, who finances terrorists and who wants her dead. As the danger increases, so does the tension between the ex-lovers. Cole still believes she’s out of his league… and that she’s hiding secrets from him that she never intends to reveal. 
Together 24/7, Laura and Cole can’t deny the passion reigniting between them. But as dark memories of their past assail them and a killer closes in, they must find a way to trust each other—before their future is extinguished forever.   AMAZON  4.5 STARS

A really good story. I liked both of the main characters. Also the way the author described different things, was humorous and made it almost easier to see/understand.   Laura made a good choice when she chose "Murphy" as her fake last name.  She attracted danger like a magnet but she was also very smart and adept at escaping, time and again.  The past romance was a large part of the story because there were so many misunderstandings.  The attraction was still there although so were the resentments.  But there was plenty of action for their present day.  I was jumping all over the place, thinking I knew who the assassin was.  Wrong more than once.  I became more sure JUST before the true identity was revealed.  Good job author, I love that.  
There was plenty of mystery and action to keep my interest going in the story. 
This is a complete story with no cliffhangers and a HEA ending. 
There is also a quick peek into Book #2 in the Series and it sounds interesting too!


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

BOYS/MEN/KINGS (pics)

  

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Not right cuz it's accepted by the majority (pic)

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THE COOL OF THE DAY- KATHI PELTON

"The Cool of the Day"
Kathi Pelton

Each day. as I wake up, I spend time listening for the voice of my Beloved to speak. As I waited this morning, I felt a cool breeze and heard the words,

"I am meeting you in the cool of the day."

As I heard these words I immediately felt a refreshing come upon my soul that caused me to breathe deep.

As this happened I thought of the verse in Genesis where God is walking through the garden "in the cool of the day". In that context we find Adam and Eve hiding from the Lord because of their disobedience.

"Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden." (Genesis 3:8)

But God was walking through the beautiful garden He created, enjoying the cool of the day and with expectancy to share time with His precious son and daughter. But they were no where to be found.

Today, I could feel the Lord walking through the garden of His sons' and daughters' lives and He was releasing the atmosphere of "the cool of the day". He is blowing on these gardens.

I sensed that some of His children were hiding from Him because of shame, fear or even sin. But He was calling them to come out of every place of hiding because He wanted to refresh them, cool them and restore them to intimate relationship with Him.

"Until the cool of the day when the shadows flee away, I will go my way to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense."
(Song of Solomon 4:6)

Myrrh symbolizes bitterness, suffering and affliction while frankincense is a symbol of holiness and righteousness. Many sons and daughters have been going through a time of myrrh (bitterness, suffering and affliction) that has left them feeling exhausted and like a garden that has been unwatered and overheated by the scorching circumstances they have been facing. Some are even hiding, feeling a sense of shame due to this season of myrrh that they have been in. But God has come with the frankincense of His holiness and righteousness in order to restore you, refresh you, to water you and to blow upon the garden of your life.

“You are a garden fountain, a well of flowing water streaming down from Lebanon. Awake, north wind, and come, south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread everywhere. Let my beloved come into his garden and taste its choice fruits.”
(Song of Solomon 4:15-16)

We are living in days of myrrh and yet in the midst of this God invites us to walk with Him in the cool of the day to refresh us, cool us and revive us with His Spirit of overcoming and love.

Allow God to blow on your garden. Let Him revive you with His fountain and streaming water. Eat of His refreshing fruit and let the wind of His Spirit cool you once again. He has carried the myrrh for you and pours frankincense over you to clothe you with His holiness and righteousness.

Now, go walk with Him in the cool of the day and be refreshed!   LINK

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Stiggy's Dogs

HM3 Ben “Doc Stiggy” Castiglione
March 22nd 1988-September 3rd 2009

HM3 Benjamin Phillip (“Doc Stiggy”) Castiglione dedicated his life to preserving and improving the physical and emotional health of those serving in his unit, and all who serve. He gave his life working as a Corpsman in Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan, taking care of “his Marines” until September 3rd 2009. HM3 Benjamin “Doc Stiggy” Castiglione, was respected by his Marines and known for his determination, professionalism mixed with sharp wit. To his family he is remembered for his caring nature, his love for family and dogs. This organization, in memory of Doc Stiggy will honor him by ‘Rescuing one to help rescue  another.’

Stiggy’s Dogs is a 501(c)(3) organization that rescues and trains shelter dogs to be psychiatric service dogs for military veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”) or Traumatic Brain Injury (“TBI”).  The psychiatric service dogs are trained and deployed at no cost to the veteran.

Stiggy’s Dogs all pass the Canine Good Citizen ® Certification test and then are paired with their handlers for further training.  Since each veteran has unique qualities and needs, each dog is individually trained to meet that veteran’s needs.  Stiggy’s Dogs offers the veteran and dog pairing a lifetime of support after deployment. 

 Go here to learn more:  LINK

If the Suit don't Fit, It's not Yours

7.08 Minutes in Length

"Never Met A Father" (Live) // BREAD & WINE (feat. Ben Smith) // Album: ONE

The Outer Vibe - Hoka Hey [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

BOOK REVIEW- HIGHLAND CAPTIVE

   
The windswept Scottish Highlands hold great beauty, but also great danger. So when Aimil Mengue is abducted by a feuding clan, she is right to fear for her life--and her virtue. For Aimil's keeper is the infamous warrior Parlan MacGuin. Aimil sets out to hate him, but Parlan is more honorable--and infinitely more alluring--than expected. Though betrothed to another, Aimil cannot deny her startling desire for the man who holds her captive. . . 

Parlan MacGuin knows well his reputation as a fierce warrior; he uses it to claim land and lovers. But beautiful Aimil is a different type of conquest. Now Parlan feels an unfamiliar longing for the woman he keeps at ransom as their forbidden passion threatens to spark an unstoppable blood feud--or forever fill their hearts. . .AMAZON 4 STARS

A Good story.  Really engaging main characters as well as secondary people too. 
Several really interesting plots as well as one really deranged villain and his sidekick.  The villain might have been mad but it only  made him more lethal and cunning. 
The romance was well done too, depths to both Parlan and Aimil are seen as time goes on.   They were well matched in stubborness and daring.  Aimil might be small and delicate looking but like more than one man observed she also was made of pure steel.  

Training for a life of Favor- G. Cooke

Our biggest problem with favor is that we do not see it the way the Father wants to release it.

We want it mostly as an impartation or an event. Really, that is just a taster. Favor is a banquet.

Favor is a lifestyle of ever-increasing, ever-expanding preference that upgrades our relationship with the Godhead and our status in the Kingdom.

The development of favor goes hand-in-hand with learning the art of walking out and working in the truth of who Christ is for us and who we have permission to become in Him.

Favor is best received as part of a joyful process that enables us to contend against our own negativity, and overcome every circumstance of life because we have found favor in the eyes of God.

It’s the process that makes us rich, not the outcome.3

Process is the story of how we become like Jesus and the journey that He takes us on into Fullness and Abundance. The journey is more than reaching a destination. It’s about how we travel and who/what we become on the way.

Without an experience with the always brilliant Holy Spirit, we will not understand how essential process is in our development.1 That almost guarantees that we will return to our default position in our circumstances. That is:

• Believing God will do it, but we do not step into the promise, own it and live in it (i.e. the process).
• We step into the promise and believe it, but we do not act as though it is real now! Therefore we give up on it when circumstances don’t change.
• We don’t follow through strongly enough and we settle for a measure of blessing, but not fullness.

There is no breakthrough without follow-through3.

Our training is always about learning God’s nature and our identity in Him. We train in favor and relationship combined. We learn how to behold and become.

Jesus has full favor and employs it on our behalf as we engage with Him in the course of life situations.

His Presence in us generates an expectation of the Kingdom working on our behalf. That is what we are learning when we talk about favor as a lifestyle.

Growing in favor is a huge part of growing up in Christ in all things. Relational training is concerned with learning who God is for us. He is unchanging; unceasing; unfailing.

Favor comes to us in surprising ways and occasionally through very difficult people.

A lifetime ago I was a landscape specialist working with some contractors and also for myself. During another dip in the economy, I was searching for work. I heard of a homeowner with a drainage problem in his rather large grounds.

Long story short: his garden had an underground stream. Four drainage companies and tens of thousands of pounds had produced no cure. A large section of an immaculate lawn was wet, boggy and an unsightly mess.

A thoroughly disillusioned, impatient and angry landowner showed me the scale of the problem. Tension was thick in the air. “Well,” he demanded. “What can you do that others can’t?”

“I’ll pray about it,” I said. “I bet no one has done that.” Streams of profanity ensued. It was the only job on the horizon; I took it.

Cue for meaningful dialogue with a certain king. Silence. I’m not put off by God’s silent routine. I know he loves me. He accepts that I’m weird, I know that He is not normal. He is a talker, so silence is mostly an invitation to sit, ask questions and ponder.

Waiting on the Lord is a very restful activity. On this occasion He and I were trying to out-peace one another. I won because the Prince of Peace is a resident in me. 

Favor should always make us smile. Is anything too hard for the Lord? [Gen. 18:14]. At least I wasn’t an older woman, way past childbearing, trying to have a kid. In the Hebrew the word for hard is Pala, which carries the context to mean “making difficult things wonderful.”

As a verb Pala means to be marvelous, wonderful, magnificent.

When Pala is used with God as its subject, it expresses actions that are beyond the bounds of human powers or expectations. All we can do is agree with David: “This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes” [Ps. 118:23].

A better interpretation occurs when we remove the difficulty and put God in its place. Then Genesis 18:14 reads, “Is there any situation where God cannot be magnificent?” Much better question.

In the silence I heard: “If you cannot change it, make a feature out of it.”

The Holy Spirit loves puzzles. Water is the thing that can’t be changed, therefore water is the answer.

I built a water garden. Beautiful pond with lilies, an island, a bridge and a pergola. A bench, swinging seat, lots of flowers. Perfect. Added thousands to the property value. The homeowner threw a huge party, invited me, recounted the story of me praying and got me lots of work. Favor.

Life is the training ground for favor.

Situations never get easier. The point is, you get better. Favor is the tipping point that turns things around. Your current situation is absolutely ideal to grow in favor with God and man. The bigger the situation, the more favor you need. Perfect.

Be calm. Put on some worship. Think deeply about Him and you together. Ask good questions. Wait joyfully. Expectation will rise and your favor will come to you. His name is Jesus.  

PS) This is part of the Favor Series

 LINK

Some names & meanings of God's Names

The names of God and all the meanings

Yahweh
The self-existent One. He has always existed and will always exist. You can always rely on Him because He is your eternal source of strength.
(Genesis 2:4, Isaiah 40:3; 10; 1 Samuel 1:20; Exodus 6:1-4, 3:1-22)

Adonai
God is the Lord over all. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, He reigns forever. Therefor you find safety in Him and Him alone.
(Genesis 15:2, Judges 6:15, Malachi 1:6, Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 2:4, 8:1, 97:5, 136:3; Isaiah 1:24, 6:1; Romans 10:9)

Yahweh-Maccaddeshem
The Lord your sanctifier. He forgiveness your sins and His Holy Spirit works in your life to become like He is: pure, loving and true.
(Exodus 31:13, Leviticus 20:8; Ezekiel 37:28)

Yahweh-Rohi
The Lord my shepherd. He cares for you, the way a shepherd tends his sheep. He cares for you and leads you to still waters and green pastures.
(Psalm 23, 80:1, 95:7, Isaiah 40:11, Jeremiah 31:10, Ezekiel 34:12, 23)

Yahweh-Shammah
The Lord who is present. He never leaves you, nor forsakes you. He is with you forever. Your best friend, who never betrays you.
(Ezekiel 48:35, Genesis 28:15, Ezekiel 48:35, Psalm 23:4, 46:1, 139:7-12, Jeremiah 23:23-24, Amos 5:14)

Yahweh-Rapha
The Lord our healer. “By His stripes were are healed” declares the Bible. Jesus Christ died to give you life. Not only was God the healer in the Old Testament, but Jesus Christ revealed the healing heart of God for all of us, more than ever.
(Exodus 15:26, Exodus 15:26, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 6:2, 41:4, 103:3, 147:3, Isaiah 19:22, 30:36, 57:18-19, Jeremiah 3:22; 17:14, 30:17)

Yahweh-Tsidkenu
The Lord our righteousness. When we believe in Jesus Christ, He becomes our righteousness. He forgives our sins and washes us with His blood.
(Jeremiah 23:6, Genesis 15:6, Jeremiah 23:6, Psalm 4:1, 5:8, 24:5, 31:1, 36:10, 71:15, 89:16)

Yahweh-Jireh
The Lord will provide. Jesus Christ said that Father cares for us and we never need to worry about provision. He is our source of life, in every way.
(Genesis 22:13-14)

Yahweh-Nissi
The Lord our banner. The Lord gives us the victory in spiritual warfare. When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord raises a banner of His love over us and covers us. He wages war on our behalf and makes us more than conquerors in Christ Jesus.
(Exodus 17:15)

Yahweh-Shalom
The Lord is peace. Whenever there are storms in your life, hide in Him. He is your shelter in the storm. He gives peace beyond understanding, even when circumstances are chaotic. He is our shelter and our shield.
(Judges 6:24)

Yahweh-Sabbaoth
The Lord of Hosts. The Bible mentions myriads of angels, who wage war against the armies of hell, who try to destroy mankind. Jesus Christ is the Lord of hosts, the Captain of the armies of heaven.
(Isaiah 6:1-3, 1 Samuel 1:3, 17:45; 2 Samuel 6:2, 7:26-27; 1 Chronicles 11:9; Haggai 1:5)

Yahweh-Ghmolah
The God of Recompense. The Lord says in Romans 12 “vengeance is mine, I will repay.” We should never avenge others for what they do to us, but leave it in God’s hands.
(Jeremiah 51:6)

Elohim
God is creator, powerful and mighty, Lord of lords. He is the Lord Most High, stronger and mightier than anyone or anything. When you face impossible circumstances or adversaries, now that your God is stronger.
(Gen. 1:1, 17:7, Ps 19:1 Jer. 31:33)

El-Elyon
The most high God. Do not fear the enemy who tries to intimidate you. Know that your God is the Most High God. There is none above Him. Jesus Christ is exalted high above every name.
(Genesis 14:17-20, Deuteronomy 26:19, Isaiah 14:13-14)

El-Gibhor
Mighty God. The Lord is mighty to save. His arm is not too short. Whatever problem you are facing, know that your God is El-Gibhor, MIGHTY!
(Isaiah 9:6)

El-Olam
The everlasting God. God is eternal, while your problems are temporary. His love will never change. His promises are true. Build on Him, who is eternal and do not focus on your temporary situations. He will show you His great and eternal goodness.
(Isaiah 40:28-31)

El-Roi
The strong one who sees. When you feel lonely and abandoned by people, know that God is with you. He sees you and He knows you. He hears the cry of your heart and He loves you more than you can imagine. he will lead you through and fill your heart with His praise.
(Genesis 16:13)

El-Shaddai-Rohi
God Almighty, the mighty One of Jacob. God is not just another ‘god’ like the countless idols. He truly is the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth.
(Gen. 17:1, 49:24, Ps. 91:1, 132:2, 5)

El-Chuwl
The God who gave birth. God is our Creator and our Father. He saw us and He loved us, even before we were born. He has a plan for your life and if you walk with Him, He will fulfill His dreams over your life and amaze you.
(Psalm 139:13-18)

El-Deah
God of knowledge. Wisdom comes from the Lord. Man tries to become wise apart from God, but ends up in foolishness. When we rely on God and keep His commandments, to love one another, we will know Him as He is and His wisdom will guide us.
(1 Samuel 2:3; Romans 11:33-36; 1 Cor. 1:18-31)

Attiyq Youm
The Ancient of Days. God is eternal. He was before the beginning of time. Therefor He has all authority. Every knee bows before Him.
(Daniel 7:9, 13, 14)

Th Pictured Rocks of Upper Michigan

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Michigan's Upper Peninsula
The vibrant colors found at Pictured Rocks are formed from water seeping out of the cracks within the rocks. The water then trickles down the rock face, where the different minerals found in the rocks, stain the rocks, giving it a painted look.#picturedrocks #michigan #landscapephotography#lakesuperior #minerals #water #up#upperpeninsula #rockface Thanks J&N Photography for the pic!

BOOK REVIEW- HOW TO TAME A WILLFUL WIFE

Anthony Carrington, Earl of Ravensbrook, returns from war to marry his commanding officer's daughter. A man of fiery passion and strict self-control, Anthony expects a biddable bride who obeys him without question. But Caroline Montague is no simpering miss; she rides a war stallion named Hercules, fights with a blade, and can best most men with both bow and rifle. It's a duel of wit and wills in this charming first book of a new series.  AMAZON 3 STARS

Although I liked both of the M.C.'s I found this book to be just okay.  Well, I guess to be truthful, like Caroline, I didn't always like Anthony.  Although, I guess he was a man true to his time period and their way of thinking.   He did "allow" her some freedoms, but I guess there was the rub.  He was doing the allowing.  Caroline was a woman of spunk and fire and she wasn't impressed by the things that most women were.  Now, give her a fine dagger or blade, or an awesome horse and she could be happy for a long time.  Anthony and Caroline had some fierce battles because of those basic differences.  They were both strong people with some very set ideas too.  There is a villain or two in this piece but the main battle is between the 2 M.C.'s.  Not to fret though, of course there is a HEA ending. 

BOOK REVIEW- WHEN A SCOT TIES THE KNOT

On the cusp of her first London season, Miss Madeline Gracechurch was shy, pretty, and talented with a drawing pencil, but hopelessly awkward with gentlemen. She was certain to be a dismal failure on the London marriage mart. So Maddie did what generations of shy, awkward young ladies have done: she invented a sweetheart.

A Scottish sweetheart. One who was handsome and honorable and devoted to her, but conveniently never around. Maddie poured her heart into writing the imaginary Captain MacKenzie letter after letter . . . and by pretending to be devastated when he was (not really) killed in battle, she managed to avoid the pressures of London society entirely.

Until years later, when this kilted Highland lover of her imaginings shows up in the flesh. The real Captain Logan MacKenzie arrives on her doorstep—handsome as anything, but not entirely honorable. He's wounded, jaded, in possession of her letters . . . and ready to make good on every promise Maddie never expected to keep.  AMAZON 4STARS

Maddie was odd, totally likeable but she wasn't the expected normal woman.  She was creative and terrified of crowds.  This is how the engagement to the  "imaginary" Captain Logan MacKenzie came about.  It gave her the ability to live her own life and in her own way.  Imagine her shock when the real MacKenzie showed up.  Her Aunt was also eccentric but also such a good addition to the story.  Logan had lived so much of his life without love, or much kindness even as a young child.  So the letters of the foolish young girl of sixteen warmed his life and that went on for many years.  He was not beyond blackmailing her with her letters, all to make a home for the surviving men from his battalion.  They had become his family and had followed him through many dangers.  They were Scottish men who came home to nothing.  Homes were gone, lands which had been in their families for years also gone.  Loved ones, gone too.  

He'd do just about anything to give  them a new life and home.  So many of the interactions between Maddie and Logan were funny. She might have been terrified of crowds but she did meet him toe to toe and was pretty clever in her attempts to outwit him.  It was an enjoyable battle of wits. 

Your Inner Child Gets it all (pic)

Bible Tags: Jesus Calling: July 25

Bible Tags: Jesus Calling: July 25: As you listen to birds calling to one another, hear also My Love-call to you. I speak to you continually: through sights, sounds, thoughts,...



Here is the full devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:

As you listen to birds calling to one another, hear also My Love-call to you. I speak to you continually: through sights, sounds, thoughts, impressions, scriptures. There is no limit to the variety of ways I can communicate with you. Your part is to be attentive to My messages, in whatever form they come. When you set out to find Me in a day, you discover that the world is vibrantly alive with My Presence. You can find Me not only in beauty and birdcalls, but also in tragedy and faces filled with grief. I can take the deepest sorrow and weave it into a pattern for good.
     Search for Me and My messages, as you go through this day. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with your whole being.

John 10:27
English Standard Version

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
  
Romans 8:28 
Amplified

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] designand purpose.
  
Jeremiah 29:13
English Standard Version

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

God is Always Saying Yes to you- Graham Cooke

If I was paid every time someone asked me what God’s will was for this or that, I would be rich enough to never work again.

What is the will of God?

What is God saying about this?

I don’t know what God wants me to do…

These are questions and concerns that seem to roll around the minds of countless Christians.

When pressed on the issue, three simple realities always come to mind.

The will of God is first relational.

At the core of these popular questions is a relational issue.

Guidance is the by-product of abiding in a right relationship with God. As we abide, we become sensitive to His he14art.

Abiding requires a simple turning and yielding of our hearts throughout the day—remaining joyful and thankful, and seeing all of life through the eyes of God’s goodness. Staying, being still, remaining, consciously indwelling and being a partaker of Christ within—these are the realities of abiding.6We must bask in His love, living every day under His smile. We must live as much-loved children, learning to become more confident and mature sons and daughters.

God always wants us to move forward.

Everything in Christ is “yes and amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Therefore, the Lord does not have to speak all the time about everything.4

The Father takes responsibility for the light turning amber, wait; or red, meaning stop. Yes, no, and wait are the main directives. Yes is always priority.

Let me say it again. We always have a green light — everything is yes!

We never have to ask for a word of guidance again.

As long as our priority is relationship, God is a master at letting us know what His will is.11

We need to be aware of the times when He takes away our peace or allows us to be confused or uncertain. Perhaps we are sensing that this is not the right time to proceed. Maybe God wants something for us eventually, but not immediately. Maybe we need to be further prepared.

God absolutely loves us, and has ways of communicating these things to us. He will never let us walk in darkness. When we give ourselves to a full relationship with Him, His will becomes crystal clear.4

Instead, it will flow to us out of the largeness of His love for us.   LINK

PS) Want to learn more about trusting in God’s will? The Faith Series is a great resource for living a “permission granted” life.