withallmymind

Women of Faith Details

2011-09-22T22:28:00.003-04:00

This will be my final Women of Faith post for this year's conference. I thought I might just mention a couple peripheral things. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the conference. And the Verizon Center in D.C. was a great place for it to be held. Despite the approaching hurricane, we enjoyed walking downtown, eating outside, window shopping, etc. We had a very nice hotel a few short blocks away from the conference. But for those budget-conscious people who, like me, aren't used to city ways, please be aware that there were some unexpected costs.

Our hotel information said "valet parking available," when in fact, there was no parking lot. Valet parking was expected - at $40. So, we decided to park at the Verizon Center and walk back to the hotel. The cost there was $25/day and we weren't allowed to leave the car overnight. We eventually found a 24-hour garage for $20/day. Please don't think I'm complaining. A free ticket is certainly worth some parking expenses. I just want to be thorough in my comments. People who budget carefully to come up with the fee likely failed to budget an extra $50 for parking. Unless, of course, they understand the city better than I do, which is entirely possible!

All in all, I loved the conference. I will definitely go again. And for you ladies out there who enjoy good Biblical, entertaining messages and/or fabulous music, this conference is for you! Hope to see you there.

Luci Swindoll - Women of Faith

2011-09-15T23:30:00.000-04:00

When Luci Swindoll spoke, she encouraged us to live the abundant life. To life life to its fullest. To cherish the gift of life. She spoke about gifts and talents, dreams and passions. She told us to quit the wishful thinking, step outside ourselves, and claim it! Where are you putting your time and money? Are you feeding your God-given passions? These are the kinds of questions Luci asked us.

An enjoyable speaker, Luci spoke about our righteousness in Christ and the blessings He gives for our faithfulness. I think she said this was a quote from Herman Hess (forgive me if I'm wrong about that). "Live life. Love it. And God will give you more of it!"

Ken Davis - Women of Faith

2011-09-15T01:23:00.000-04:00

Christian Comedian Ken Davis made an appearance at the Verizon Center. He was VERY FUNNY! Absolutely hilarious! He also talked about joy. And laughter. He said things like, "God is the Creator of joy" and "Humor is a gentle way to acknowledge human frailty." He pointed out the the ability to laugh together is good for relationships. We should "allow laughter to be a byproduct of our lives." After all, the joy of the Lord is my strength.

Ken spoke about the fact that God has armloads of blessings for us, though we are imperfect people. Isn't it great that perfection is not required?! He adores you - right where you are.

Nicole Johnson - Women of Faith

2011-09-13T23:36:00.003-04:00

Nicole Johnson provides drama for Women of Faith. She is extremely talented and funny. She also had some wisdom to share with the women who came to the conference. She talked about feeling invisible and unappreciated and how to turn that feeling around because God sees. Her prayer was "Help me be invisible that your love will be more visible. I yield my credit for your glory." Wow! Imagine - there's the theme - imagine what we, as women, would be like if we truly lived like that all the time amidst the daily grind.

Speaking of daily grind, Nicole uses coffee as an analogy (her current book is Fresh-Brewed Life). She talked about being fresh-brewed - not stale, old, or leftover. She talked about connecting with other people. When you are invited for "coffee," it's not about needing a drink, but about spending time together. She pointed out that coffee grounds go through a lot before becoming coffee. She said, "Life's greatest value is often found in its broken pieces."

Nicole spoke about a beautiful stained glass angel ornament made from the glass blown out of the Oklahoma City federal building when it was bombed. Interestingly, my uncle, in a nearby building, was blown out of his chair during that incident in OKC. Anyway, beauty from ashes. That ornament serves as a reminder that God can take pieces of your life and make something beautiful!

Lisa Harper - Women of Faith

2011-09-12T22:44:00.001-04:00

I had never heard of Lisa Harper before Women of Faith, but she certainly knows how to engage the audience. Her message, delivered in a humorous way, was about love, gut-level compassion, and how God provides even tiny details to work in and through us. He offers His grace to each of us simply because He loves us. Look for His amazing grace, evidence of His love.

Dependency

2011-09-10T23:06:00.002-04:00

With all the computer trouble I've had lately, I have become acutely aware of just how dependent I've become on a computer. Banking, blogging, Facebook, business and personal communication, and of course e-mail. Sometimes when checking my e-mail, I'll say something along the lines of "Let's see if anybody loves me today." I look forward to receiving personal e-mail. Don't you? So, when my 847 emails downloaded onto my new computer, I spent some time looking through them to find the few personal ones. Why? Because I crave connection to others. I want to hear from my friends and family. I want to know what's going on in their lives. And I want to know what they have to say about my life.

Anyway, why is it that I (and presumably some of you, too) will spend so much time seeking that personal message, but spend so little seeking the personal message God has given us? I certainly spend more time on my computer than I carve out for God. It's so amazing what He's done. Let's see if anybody loves me today. Just pick up your Bible - you don't have to weed through 799 business and junk messages to find the gems. Every word is a gem. God has left us a massive number of personal messages, sharing about Himself and showing His interest in us.

At worst, we should be willing to spend time reading God's messages to us. At best, we should crave those messages until we feel incomplete without reading some of them each day. Many feel they "should" but have no motivation to do so. Where do you fall on the spectrum? Are you willing to spend time with God, feeling obligated to spend time with Him, or so desiring to spend time with Him that you protect the time you have set aside to spend with Him. My prayer is that we'd all move along the spectrum toward craving. Let's be dependent on Him. For our salvation, our validation, our worth, our lives. And if that means letting the e-mail go, then let it go.

I'm a Mac (Wo)Man?

2011-09-10T00:25:00.000-04:00

So, after three computer crashes (family desktop, hubby's laptop, and my laptop) all in a couple months time, I decided to take the plunge and try a mac. I've long known that it crashes less and contracts fewer viruses than PCs, but I have not been ready to give up the familiar for the "hopefully better." So, I made my first trip to a Mac store. Wow! I had never been to one, and I was amazed. Midday on a weekday afternoon, it was a zoo! I asked the sales person if it was always that busy and he said it was actually a slow day, that you have to swim through the store on the weekends.

Also, technology... perhaps I'm technologically-sheltered? I had no idea about some of that stuff. For example, there was no check-out counter. There was a counter where the check-out would be in a normal store, but it was the tech-table, where repairs & upgrades happen. Then there were display tables throughout the store, in addition to the wall displays. So, we're at one of the display tables looking at computers. When I'm ready to buy, the guy takes his iPod Touch, scans the UPC, inputs my info, swipes my credit card (card reader slot on side of iPod), has me sign the mini-screen with my fingertip, and pushes some print button. Then he reaches under the table and pulls out the receipt. Huh. Very interesting!

Also, they're big on spending plenty of time with you. My sales guy spent over two hours with me, helping me choose a model, showing me how things worked, etc. I could have spent more time.

All in all, it was a very pleasant experience and I'm now the proud owner of a Mac. My impressions? I like it. I like many of the things I can do with it. I am enjoying playing with apps and widgets. I'm still trying to find some of the basic functions within Mac programs. I know I could have purchased Office for Mac, but I decided if I'm going to be a Mac person, I might as well be a Mac person, so I'm trying the Mac equivalent, iWorks. I believe I'm going to really like it once I get it all figured out. I wish I had three days to just sit with the computer and experiment.

So, I could be on my way to becoming a Mac (Wo)man. I want to say Mac Man - not because it rhymes with PacMan, but because it's an alliteration. Mac Woman doesn't carry the same punch, but since I'm a woman, I compromised and put the Wo in parentheses.

I'll keep you posted as I learn how to use this bug-free machine! :)

Natalie Grant - Women of Faith

2011-09-08T00:44:00.000-04:00

I apologize for my inconsistencies this week. My computer is on the fritz. Hopefully, I'll be up and running again tomorrow.

I had heard Natalie Grant in concert several years ago and was impressed by her heart and her voice. Listening to her again, I was not disappointed. A powerful and beautiful singer, Natalie was also real, sharing who she is and what she believes. Her amazing performance concluded with an unmatched performance of It Is Well with My Soul. A cappella with a choir of over 7000 women singing behind her, it was a shiver-inducing moment. Awed silence filled the room for one long, drawn-out moment when she finished.

Women of Faith Friends

2011-09-05T23:19:00.001-04:00

Being in a massive room with thousands of other Christian women worshiping and praising the Father is an unparalleled experience. The Women of Faith conference was definitely one of those experiences when one can physically feel the presence of God.. Amazing. and in the midst of the crowd, friendships are formed and strengthened. It was exciting for me to have my friend Tammy along. She's a treasure and a joy to hang out with. We have not had a lot of time together lately and it was great to catch up and grow closer. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together.

And while in line for lunch on our first day there, we began visiting with another woman, Rodica. We learned that she came alone to the conference, despite inviting people from her church family to join her. What began as a casual conversation in that line has become a friendship. Because of assigned seating, we were unable to sit together, but the three of us shared some meals together, exchanged contact information, and have been in touch since the conference ended, with plans to hopefully attend the conference together next year. I believe God caused our paths to cross. What a blessing to have Christian fellowship.

Now, I know that friends can be made, friendships renewed, etc. without going to a conference. You certainly don't have to go to Women of Faith to experience God. I just want to encourage you to reach out to those around you with the love of Christ. Be a blessing to others and you will, in turn, be blessed. I count my Women of Faith weekend, Tammy, and Rodica among my countless blessings.

Mary Mary - Women of Faith

2011-09-04T23:57:00.000-04:00

In addition to great speakers, Women of Faith conferences also include popular musical guests. Mary Mary was a real treat. Prior to the conference, I had heard the name, but knew nothing about them or their music. Singing contemporary gospel songs like their hit "Shackles (Praise You)," they rocked the house! Full of personality and songs with meaning, these sisters (Erica and Tina, not Mary) were a real pleasure to listen to. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to hear them in concert. Well worth it!

Henry Cloud - Women of Faith

2011-09-03T21:14:00.000-04:00

Henry Cloud is an amazing Christian Psychologist. As a counselor, I have been reading his books for years. I never imagined I would be able to hear him in person. He is amazing! I truly enjoyed his sessions, his clear presentation, and his message.

Henry Cloud has been researching happiness and what he has found is that only 10% of happiness comes from our circumstances. The rest comes from our life practices, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Laced with humor, Henry pointed out some of the commonalities of happy people. He specifically talked about the fact that happy people are givers and that they are connected. Among other things, I came away with "Be my monkey," but if you want to get the story behind that, you'll have to read his book The Law of Happiness or ask me.

And he said, "to get the life you imagine, it requires taking a step you don't think you can make." My thoughts on that are that we only did those things we knew we could do, how would we ever experience the power of God working through us?

Henry also talked about necessary endings (the topic of another of his books), whether they be people or attitudes or things, etc. We need to prune our lives, leaving only the best and most fruitful parts.

While it is hard to choose, because the entire conference was amazing, Henry Cloud may have been the highlight of my Women of Faith weekend. Fabulous!

Sheila Walsh - Women of Faith

2011-09-02T23:05:00.000-04:00

Prior to Women of Faith, I was familiar with Sheila Walsh as a 700 Club host and as a singer. But she is so much more. Not only does she sing like an angel - a fact which she demonstrated at the end of each of her sessions, but she is also an amazing speaker! Heartfelt, funny, and real is the way she came across to me. She had the ability to make me laugh and cry practically in the same breath. I enjoyed her a great deal.

Sheila talked about having an "attitude of the heart and a determination of the will to stay at the feet of Jesus." She encouraged us to be completely open with our God who already knows everything, so we can go in peace because "peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ." And she cautioned us to not fall for the lies of the world, for "beauty comes from the Word of God."

Sheila talked about the promises of God and how they can minister to each of us. John 16:33 says "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” It's clear that we will face difficulties, but it's also clear that He will win!

While I enjoyed her each time she took the stage, I was truly blessed by the telling of her story. I could not do it justice by sharing it here, but if you ever get a chance to hear it from her, it's well worth listening to. Two primary take-aways...I am "not fixed, but loved." And no matter who you are, where you are, or what you've done, "the Shepherd knows where to find you."

Amazing speaker with a powerful message!

Women of Faith Impressions

2011-08-31T09:33:00.000-04:00

I made a great new friend named Rodica at the Women of Faith conference. She wrote a piece on her experience. I thought it was a good overview of the conference, so here it is:

On August 26-27, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Women of Faith conference at the Verizon Center. Since this faith-based women's organization was created in 1996, events across the country have touched the hearts of hundreds of thousands of women of all ages and stages in life, encouraging them to grow in faith and spiritual maturity through a relationship with Jesus Christ and an understanding of God’s love and grace.

This year's theme was "Imagine," grounded in the truth of Ephesians 3:20 (MSG): "God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!" Acclaimed speakers and artists such as Sheila Walsh, Luci Swindoll, Lisa Harper, Henry Cloud, Natalie Grant, and Nicole Johnson along with gospel singers Tina and Erica Campbell (Mary Mary) encouraged an audience of over 7,000 at the Verizon Center to take a step of faith towards a tomorrow full of God's promises and a life worth imagining where each of your gifts and talents are producing fruit.

Throughout the two days of worship and discussions, several important points were made. Happiness is driven by our set of life practices, attitudes, and beliefs; circumstance may perhaps cause an occasional hiccup to our happiness but ultimately does not determine it. Two common features can nevertheless be found in happy people: they are givers and they are connected (to other people).

Accordingly, this new tomorrow beyond our imagination starts by making a first step in faith. Sometimes this may mean putting an end to some things or relationships, to leave some things behind or to do something that you thought you could never do. But one should not make the mistake of believing that we won't have trouble in this new life. Peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ. As such, what counts is that God is with us in our trouble and that He loves us: the Shepherd knows where to find you. The reason why so many of us feel isolated, pressured to perform, or seduced by ephemeral pleasures is our "spiritual sickness", or the failure to understand our powerlessness to become happy and that we don't need to possess or control all as God will provide the "manna" for us. We may also find ourselves crippled by our inability to forgive. Those who don't forgive are those who end up carrying the bag. Thus, forgiveness appears as God's gift to us to live in peace in a world that is not fair.

A consistent message was sent through music, drama, and words of wisdom: God is the author of Joy. He is not oblivious to what happens in our hearts. He intends for us to be happy throughout the different stages of life without requiring us to be perfect. Thus, as women and men of faith, we need to live our lives fully, to seize the opportunities that God puts in front of us, and to live each day as a great adventure to know God better.

In celebration of life and of the people around us, I personally invite you to join me and thousands of other women at next year's Women of Faith event on August 17-18 at the Verizon Center. The theme is “Celebrate!”

Women of Faith Worship

2011-08-30T22:58:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd just jot some thoughts about each element of the Women of Faith conference. Each day this week, I'll try to highlight something different. Because it seems logical, today I'm posting about the worship music, as that was the first thing on the schedule. (I'll get to the behind-the-scenes stuff - like parking - later.

Lest there be any doubt, I love to worship through music. I'm on the worship team at my local church and I love "praise" music. The worship team at WOF consisted of four extremely talented women, each with her own style, and each with the radiance of our heavenly King upon her face.

I personally would have enjoyed it more if I'd known more of the songs - because I like to sing along. Having said that, "The Lord inhabits the praises of His people," and He certainly was in the Verizon Center in D.C. this past weekend!

On a practical note, the team did a fantastic job of including all the women, a real feat considering the stage was in the center of the auditorium with no clear "front." They moved around, often having one person facing each way, allowing all parts of the room to feel included.

While I did enjoy the worship time, and I'd rate it highly, the rest of the conference was so good, I'd have to say this was my least favorite part of the weekend. And that says a LOT about the rest of the conference! So, come back tomorrow and I'll tell you more!

WOF - WOW!

2011-08-29T21:27:00.000-04:00

Well, folks, I went to Women of Faith over the weekend. (I'm sorry I didn't post earlier - my internet was down.) It was amazing! Having never been to a Women of Faith conference, I wasn't sure what to expect. It was ... wow! I had someone ask me yesterday what I liked best about it. I tried, really hard, to answer, but the truth is that I loved everything about the weekend. I enjoyed every speaker, all the music, the fellowship, the atmosphere, all of it. It was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend basking in the presence of God. Look for more posts, as I will try this week to highlight each part of the weekend.

Going to Women of Faith

2011-07-26T12:38:00.000-04:00

Well, to those of you who look regularly, occasionally, or stumble upon this blog, I have exciting news! I am going to the Women of Faith conference next month. On August 26-27, I’ll be in Washington D.C. experiencing my first ever WOF conference. I’m very excited to go. Thomas Nelson, for whom I sometimes post book reviews, is sending me. I, in turn, will be posting about my experience. Watch for more posts about this incredible event!

Your body is a temple

2011-04-11T23:00:00.000-04:00

So, since I need to care for my temple, I have begun P90X. For those of you who don't know, that stands for Power - 90 days - eXtreme. It's a workout regimen not for the faint of heart. I expect to sweat. I expect to be sore. I expect to be exhausted. I expect to push limits. And I expect to get into great shape. I'll keep you posted!

Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick

2011-03-04T12:00:00.002-05:00

Do you long for divine intervention? To move mountains? Or to see God work supernaturally in your life? In Sun Stand Still, Steven Furtick challenges you to “ask God for the impossible.” Using Joshua 10 as an example, Pastor Furtick demonstrates that “if you have the audacity to ask, God has the ability to perform.”

In Joshua 10, Joshua and his troops are in a battle and Joshua prays "Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon." And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies.…The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. (verses 12-13)

Using Biblical references and real-life examples, Pastor Furtick walks you, the reader, through how to pray your own “Sun Stand Still Prayer.” By having audacious faith, praying specifically and according to His will and character, and approaching the throne of grace boldly, you can revolutionize your faith by believing God for the impossible. Then, you will see the mountains move.

Despite initial wariness that it might be a bit too “prosperity theology” for me, I loved this book! It in no way implied that God would give you a million dollars just because you asked. Rather, it talked of seeking God’s will for a vision for your life and then praying for the impossible in accordance with that vision. I found it to be Biblically sound, challenging, and encouraging. Let’s move beyond the ordinary, the easy faith of the American Christian, and dare to live the extraordinary, abundant life that God wants for us.

Great book! I highly recommend it for any believer who wants a transformed prayer life!

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Marinate

2011-02-24T13:48:00.002-05:00

Marinate in God's Word until it permeates your entire being. Then you'll have a right perspective regarding your circumstances and your actions and reactions will stem from that place.

Burdens…Share and Bear

2011-02-14T13:34:00.003-05:00

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. -- Gal 6:2

We are told to bear one another’s burdens, but how can we do so if the “other” doesn’t share the burden with us?

Recently, I’ve been struggling with something difficult. I didn’t share with others how difficult it has been. It just seemed like my issues were so insignificant next to those who are facing loss of a loved one, cancer, a spouse who left them, etc. So, I just went on suffering alone. And then some loving, caring members of the Body of Christ broke through my defenses and somehow I found myself sharing with them. Suddenly, several people were praying with me and for me. Despite no change in my circumstances, I began to feel better.

The next day, when one of them came up to give me a hug and ask how I was, I braced myself for the onslaught of tears that I was sure was coming. Instead, the verse that says “His mercies are new every morning” came to mind. I was able to smile and thoroughly enjoy my day.

The power of prayer, when two or more are gathered, is nothing short of miraculous. I want to encourage you to share whatever is troubling you. God cares about all the details of your life and your Christian brothers and sisters are ready and willing to share your load.

And on the flip side, when you see someone hurting, a seemingly small gesture – a hug, a smile, a phone call, a card, or a prayer – can be huge. Touch someone’s life for Christ today.

The Hard Way

2010-11-02T01:23:00.000-04:00

My four-year-old daughter wanted to watch a movie tonight and she asked me to go turn one on for her. When she didn’t get the answer she wanted, she climbed up on my lap, put a hand on each side of my face, and tried to make my head nod. I shook it simultaneously, resulting in my head going around in circles. She backed away from me and said, “Are we gonna have to do this the hard way?” She climbed onto my back and began repeatedly pushing my head forward so it would nod. Then she climbed down, stood in front of me and said, “You said yes, Mommy, so go do it!”

Taste and See

2010-10-15T23:28:00.001-04:00

“Sometimes we have to work to find delight in God’s Word. Jeremiah said that when he ate God’s words, they became a joy. They don’t become a joy sitting on a shelf. We have to taste to receive them.…” Dug Down Deep, by Joshua Harris, p. 71.

If you’ve ever given up sugar (assuming, of course, that you’re in the majority and include sugar as a dietary staple), you might have noticed that your body went through stages of withdrawal. Stage 1 – Craving. You want sugar all the time in nearly any form. For me, this lasts about 10 days. Stage 2 – Contentment. The cravings stop and you’re satisfied with your new, healthier way of eating. Stage 3 – The Aha Moment. You realize that these healthy foods actually do have flavor. The really good, I-could-actually-live-on-this sort of flavor. Foods you didn’t care for are delicious. Foods that you liked, you love. And those sugary foods don’t hold much appeal for you anymore. When you do decide to indulge in something decadent and sugary, the anticipation far outweighs the actual flavor. Stage 4 – Wisdom. What’s best for you tastes really yummy and you know it.

Isn’t our spiritual diet like this? We devour (at least I do) much reading material, but sometimes don’t have much appetite for our health food. Scripture doesn’t tempt me. Like salad at an all-you-can-eat buffet, I often read my obligatory chapter before moving on to the “good stuff.”

Only if we persevere, if we cut out the sugary “foods” (and this can be good, Christian material like fiction, blogs, e-mails, etc.), and eat primarily the healthy stuff, our cravings for the sugary stuff decreases and our cravings for the Word of God increases. And if we persevere, we will reach the point where we get it. Not only is Scripture the best food for us, but it tastes better than anything else.

So let me encourage you today to taste from God’s Word.

Your words were found and I ate them, and your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by Your name, O LORD, God of hosts. --Jeremiah 15:16 (NASB)

The Least Among You (DVD) - Lionsgate

2010-10-01T16:32:00.002-04:00

Based on a true story, this was an interesting look at a young man's journey to faith. He was raised by a mom of faith and a mostly absent dad in a neighborhood fraught with drugs and violence, blaming God for many things. Through a series of circumstances - the Watts Riots, a probationary year at an all-white seminary, and the friendship of the groundskeeper, Richard Kelly encounters God. He becomes a man of faith, of conviction. A man who knows that strength comes from surrender. A man who knows that with God, all things are possible, even for a young black man unwillingly studying in an all-white seminary.

This film looks at racism in the church in the 60s. It looks at watered down Bible teachings that are so prevalent today in the American church. And it looks at the impact that one man can have on another.

Extremely disappointed that the film earned it's PG-13 rating with a completely unnecessary use of the "f" word. While some unsavory things were depicted that were relevant to the story, showing the lifestyle Richard came out of, the language - the only language besides the a-- word - added absolutely nothing to the story. Having watched the movie with my kids, it was doubly disappointing to try to explain why a Christian film would have added something so vulgar, especially when it in no way enhanced the story. In fact, I believe it detracted from the story.

With that exception, it was a moving story about faith transcending circumstance.

A complimentary review copy of this DVD was provided with no expectation of a positive review.

Tub Texts

2010-09-30T22:26:00.002-04:00

So, we were at the cell phone store today because our contract has run out and it's time to get new phones. The salesperson was showing us our options and mentioned the military phone. It's nearly indestructible and completely waterproof. It's also pretty pricey! Anyway, I can see how this could be helpful for some people, but the salesperson said it's especially popular among teens. Why? So they can text in the shower! What a sad commentary on the world today.

Judgment Day by Wanda L. Dyson

2010-09-28T14:47:00.003-04:00

Missing teens. Sensationalist journalism. False Accusations. Murder. Mystery. Motive. Suzanne Kidwell and her stretch-the-truth reporting land right in the middle of all of it. She is forced to turn to a private investigator, her ex-fiancé, and his wealthy female partner for help.

A fast-paced story of suspense, Judgment Day is full of twists and turns, well-developed characters, and layers of mystery. While the "whodunnit" seemed evident fairly early on, there were enough rabbit trails to make the reader doubt his or her conclusions.

This was a good mystery and I enjoyed some of the unique characterization of Marcus, Alex, and Razz, the private investigators and their tech guy. Stand-alone sequels using the same team of investigators would be well received.

Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr

2010-09-24T09:17:00.004-04:00

To protect her, a minister accused of murder sends his daughter, Ruth, into hiding with a false identity. As she tries to survive the blemish on her father's name, the lies weigh heavily upon her. Comforted by the love and acceptance of the young girl placed in her charge and the family who took her in, Ruth manages to hold onto a thread of hope and faith. When tragedy strikes and Ruth realizes that she may never be able to return home, she doesn't know who she can trust. With reporters trying to locate her, she lives with constant fear of discovery. One of those reporters, Jake, is trying to redeem himself and hides behind a false identity as well. As he gets to know Ruth, he faces a difficult choice.

More entertaining than challenging, this historical romance was an enjoyable read. Navigating the many complications surrounding the main characters kept the story fresh and intriguing. The characters were well-developed and likeable. Though I did keep waiting for the "truth will set you free" message, Jake and Ruth eventually knew the truth about each other. A little romance, a little mystery, and enough minor character revelations to lend itself to a stand-alone sequel, I would recommend this book.

In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer

2010-09-21T13:51:00.003-04:00

Three college students, friends from the orphanage they grew up in, seek to find their place in a world on the brink of World War I. Libby, desiring to be taken seriously as a journalist, finds that proving herself as a writer in a man's world can be challenging. Pete, called to be a minister, struggles with a disability and bitterness toward the parents who gave him up. And Bennett battles jealousy in his desire to belong. As these three friends try to find their way, they begin to discover who they are and what they believe about God, each other, and themselves.

I enjoyed watching these characters grow and develop in their love, confidence, and faith. The first two or three chapters moved a bit slowly, but the story was compelling enough to encourage this reader to continue. Sawyer presented the struggles of faith, friendship, ambition, family, and belonging in ways that may speak to many of us as we battle within ourselves - old man versus new.

It is a story primed for a sequel, as not all was resolved. This reader will certainly be reading it when it becomes available.

Complacency

2010-09-13T21:40:00.003-04:00

It's easy, especially in this country, to become complacent, satisfied, in our faith. Satisfied to live out each day as the one before, we stagnate. We stop looking for the miracle, stop seeking His face, stop growing in our faith. But we are to live life abundantly! So, fall on your face! Search Him out today. Expect miracles. God is so much more than we can even comprehend. Let's not stop trying to know Him more.

66 Love Letters by Dr. Larry Crabb

2010-09-08T17:26:00.004-04:00

Have you ever read your Bible and wondered what it has to do with you? Have you ever struggled with the God of the Bible? If so, you are not alone.

In 66 Love Letters: A Conversation with God that Invites You Into His Story, Dr. Larry Crabb takes an honest approach to the Bible, often asking the hard questions. "Presented as a dialogue between one man and God" (book sleeve), Dr. Crabb uses an easy-to-read, conversational style to summarize of each book of the Bible. It delves heavily into application. How does this book impact me? What should I be getting out of this book?

This is a book that makes you think and rethink your relationship with God. It gives you a better understanding of the role of the Church. And it helps you see Christ in every book of the Bible.

With an available free study guide from the author's website, this book lends itself to personal or group study and would be best used over time, as a supplement to reading through the Bible. Having said that, it is enjoyable enough and holds enough truths that it is sometimes hard to put down. My advice? Enjoy it, but use it as a jumping off place to go back and search the Scriptures for yourself, perhaps seeing them in a new light.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to buy several to give away. Five stars.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers with no expectation of a positive review.

Masquerade by Nancy Moser

2010-09-08T12:32:00.005-04:00

Lottie, a wealthy, spoiled, young Englishwoman and her ladies maid, Dora, sail across the ocean so Lottie can marry American wealth. As they near their destination, Lottie determines not to marry the American and comes up with a deceptive scheme designed to make both girls happy. They switched places. Once their plan is set in motion, the girls encounter one complication after another, as they try to pull off their charade. When their plan begins to unravel and the truth rises to the surface, the girls discover who they really are and what is really important in life.

Well written, enjoyable, and historically accurate, Nancy Moser has written another great novel. The description is a bit heavy and therefore slows the pace of the book, but the reader does walk away with a better picture of late 19th century America - the conditions that greeted the immigrants who came to America for a better life, the lifestyle and fashion of high society, the marked division of the social classes, and the expected roles of women. All in all, a good read.

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews, Illustrated by Philip Hurst

2010-09-07T19:30:00.002-04:00

The Boy Who Changed the World is a children's book with a message. It tells the true stories of four boys, Norman, Henry, George, and Moses, each of whom changed the world. And it tells how Norman was influenced by Henry, who was influenced by George, who was influenced by Moses.

I enjoyed this book tremendously, although I read it to my daughter with tears in my eyes. The book demonstrates "the butterfly effect" for children, showing them how their ideas and actions affect others. Beautifully written and illustrated, this story is engaging enough to capture the attention of my four-year-old and has a message applicable to all of us. What you do matters. You are important. God has a purpose for your life. You can be the boy (or girl) who changed the world.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers with no expectation of a positive review.

Book Review: Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

2010-07-22T23:02:00.005-04:00

Heartless, the debut novel by Anne Elisabeth Stengl, is an engaging story of a young princess, competing suitors, and the strange and magical world she lives in. A world filled with myth and magic, faeries and dragons, good and evil. A world where anything is possible and all is not as it seems.

Despite a slow start, Heartless is filled with memorable characters, witty dialogue, and so many twists and turns that the unexpected is the norm. With generous use of foreshadowing, the author encourages the reader's curiosity. The writing seemed a bit stilted at first, but quickly settled into a smooth read.

This was not the best novel I've read recently, but enjoyable nonetheless. Enjoyable enough that I plan to read future books by this author. I believe she has a lot of promise, especially for the young adult reader, and I expect her name to become well-known within Christian fantasy circles.

Book Review: Stealing Home by Allison K. Pittman

2010-04-20T23:22:00.001-04:00

A well-written story about an alcoholic baseball player, an "old maid" who pretends the town's opinion of her doesn't matter to her, a twelve-year-old black boy who wants a better life, and a deaf feed store clerk who is secretly in love, Stealing Home was a historical look at baseball and racism in small town America.

As a secular novel, I would have given it higher ratings, but I've come to expect more from a Christian novel. While God, Christianity, and church were sprinkled throughout the story, the supposed God-change took place virtually without God. The story was primed for a redemption story, but only hinted that God MIGHT have had anything to do with it. I know that God works through people, as He did in this story, but I would have preferred to see transformation take place with God clearly at the helm. So, all in all, it was a good story, well-told, but had a faith element that for me, was lacking.

Jack and the Beanstalk

2010-04-01T15:19:00.001-04:00

The other day, I was "doing school" with my 3-year-old and we were reading from a book of fairy tales. As I finished the story, what struck me was the moral of the story. I know fairy tales sometimes have different versions, but the one I read basically said this...Jack disobeyed his mother and sold their cow for magic beans. Jack's mom got mad and threw the beans out the window, which grew into the clouds overnight. Jack climbed the beanstalk, found a giant's castle, snuck in, and stole gold and a hen-that-lays-golden-eggs. He lost the gold as he ran from the giant owner, but managed to hold onto the hen. He climbed down the beanstalk and chopped it down, killing the giant following him. And the hen gave him a golden egg daily. The moral? Disobey, steal, and kill and riches will be yours. There is something seriously twisted about this story. "Fee! Fie! Foe! Fum!"

Book Review: The Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

2010-02-06T23:32:00.005-05:00

Three friends - a reporter, a federal prosecutor, and an FBI agent - all work to uncover the truth about a missing Senate page while supporting each other through the twists and turns of their own lives. A political thriller, this book will keep you turning the pages. But if you're expecting a Christian novel, you might be disappointed.

This book could have been published as a secular novel, albeit a cleaner version than many of this genre. There was no clear Christian message, although one character is clearly a Christian. So if you're expecting a redemption story, this book is not for you. If, on the other hand, you simply enjoy this type of book and are tired of the rated-R nature of many of them, this might be a nice alternative. It is fast-paced, well-written, and exciting!

I did enjoy this book and plan to read the upcoming books in this Triple Threat Series. And I would not hesitate to recommend it as a good - and safe - read. I just wish it had a bit more of a Christian message. Perhaps by the end of the series, that will be the case.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers with no expectation of a positive review.

Book Review: The Gift of Psalms

2010-01-12T13:50:00.001-05:00

A beautiful book, accompanying CD, and daily devotions all wrapped up into one package.

The devotions in this book are great and reflect the praise and comfort that the Psalms often bring. But what makes this book unique is the packaging. From the classy cover to the soothing tones on the accompanying CD, this devotional book really stands apart. The CD, with the psalms and devotional reading included, allow for one to have devotions while driving or getting ready in the morning. It is also very nice for those with vision difficulties. The book itself has a luxurious feel, inviting the reader to sit and ponder its words.

If you're looking for a gift or to treat yourself, this devotional book is a fantastic choice!

Book Review: Fearless

2009-09-08T08:33:00.002-04:00

Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear by Max Lucado

Trust more and fear less. That's the theme of this timely book.

This book addresses the fears of our times - fears created or exacerbated by the sinful, terrorism-ridden world we live in. Many of us live in fear. And I'm not just talking about the fear of death. With chapters addressing such things as fear of failure, fear of insignificance, fear of the unknown, and fear of not being able to protect your kids, this book covers a wide range of the fears we all face.

Perfect love casts out fear. Faith drives fear out. Like Peter, it is when we take our eyes off Jesus that our fears show up and take root, causing us to sink. If we walk in faith, with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, then our fears diminish and we can safely walk that watery road to Him. Focusing on our fears is like feeding them and they grow stronger. Focusing on God starves our fears, as we rest in the knowledge that He is in control.

What different lives we would lead if we would only apply these principles to our lives. We should take the Bible at its word. Lucado says that Jesus' "most common command emerges from the 'fear not' genre," appearing 125 times, while "the second most common command, to love God and neighbor, appears on only eight occasions." (p. 10)

Targeting each fear individually, Lucado encourages us to take courage and live free from fear.

Another winner from Max Lucado! I highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to live life more abundantly.

Book Review: Billy

2009-01-29T00:10:00.004-05:00

Billy: The Untold Story of a Young Billy Graham and the Test of Faith that Almost Changed Everything by William Paul McKay & Ken Abraham

Billy was a great read! A story of two men and their tests of faith. Billy Graham, a man with ordinary aspirations and some would say less than ordinary talent, Billy used what he had, gave it his all, and became something extraordinary…while his good friend, Charles Templeton, a man with extremely high aspirations and extraordinary talent, falters in his test of faith.

When Billy was just a teen and yet unsaved, a group of six men from the Christian Men’s Club, his father among them, stood around a tree stump at the Graham farm and prayed for God to raise up an ambassador for Christ, a voice for the nations. Not long after that, Billy attending a tent meeting and committed himself to Christ. Little did that small group know how God intended to answer those prayers.

This well-written biography takes you through Billy’s life, from selling Fuller brushes, to Bob Jones College, Florida Bible Institute, heartbreak, Wheaton College, wooing and wedding Ruth, pastoring a small church, becoming a college president, and becoming a crusader.

Viewed by many as a man of no consequence, Billy did not see himself as anything great, only a faithful servant of the Lord. The Lord saw fit to bless Billy’s faith and strengthen him during times of discouragement, like when Dr. Bob Jones said, “Young man, you will never, never, never amount to anything!...What I see ahead for you is nothing but failure. Failure, failure, failure, and more failure.” (p. 49). Billy’s less-than-stellar preaching debut made it clear that it was not talent that Billy had going for him, but passion. And God chose to use this man on-fire-for-Him to reach millions.

When Billy’s good friend, Charles, through whose eyes this book was written, chose intellect over faith and denounced the Lord he once loved, doubts assailed Billy. Billy grappled with these doubts periodically for some time, a fight that culminated in a lengthy wrestling match with God in the San Bernardino Mountains. A fight filled with prayer, perspiration, temptation, oppression, pleading, a confession of spiritual poverty, then understanding, awe, and peace. Billy said he never doubted again.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Book Reviews Coming!

2008-11-27T05:41:00.003-05:00

I have recently become a book reviewer for Thomas Nelson Publishers. Being an avid reader, it is excited to be a part of this program. They send me a book, I read it, blog about it, and post a review at Amazon. Then they send me a new book and the process starts over. What a fun way to get new books! You will periodically see those books reviewed on my site. I hope you enjoy them.

Dare Confessions

2008-11-27T05:30:00.003-05:00

Well, okay then. My experiment with The Love Dare didn't go so well. I did fine, as you know, until vacation, then completely fell apart. It was difficult to complete the assigned tasks with my husband right beside me. I know. I sound like I'm making excuses. And maybe I am. However, the friend that was doing this with me found it difficult as well, as her husband was home on medical leave for a while.

All that said, neither of us stayed with it. For those of you still hanging in there, let me encourage you to continue. My friend and I will try again. Perhaps after the holidays, when things settle into a routine again. I'll let you know.

Dare Update

2008-11-03T12:53:00.002-05:00

Hi. I've been traveling and haven't had access to the internet for a few days. I just wanted to keep you informed. The dares are going well. Some of them are harder to implement because we're on vacation. But I'm doing the best I can to accomplish them or a vacation-modified version of them. So far so good. Is anyone out there doing this with me?

I should have time and access to be able to post for the next several days, so check back.

Dare 4

2008-10-30T20:59:00.003-04:00

Today was an easy one on the surface. I didn't think it would be difficult at all. But timing proved to be a struggle for me, as my husband is so good at this one - he does it multiple times daily. It seemed somehow not the right time to follow right after him, lest it seem insincere.

Try vs Train

2008-10-30T07:02:00.003-04:00

I recently heard someone say that we are really good at trying, but not always very good at training. This idea can apply to much of our lives. I could go out today and try to win a marathon, but if I haven't trained for it, my chances are nonexistent. I can say I'll try to keep my house clean, stay calm with the kids, send a card every week, and whatever else I have good intentions for. But unless I train to do those things, they are not going to consistently happen.

So, what is training? According to the dictionary (dictionary.com), to train is to develop or form the habits, thoughts, or behavior by discipline and instruction; to make proficient by instruction and practice. We need to learn and practice. Over and over again. For the long haul. It wouldn't do me much good to train for that marathon and, once I was ready to run one, quit training before the race.

I am striving to train. To train myself to have good habits - quiet time, exercise, eating right, etc. And to train up my children in the way they should go. Won't you train with me?

Dare 3

2008-10-30T07:00:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was easy and fun! And well received. Looking forward to today.

The Secret of God

2008-10-28T23:19:00.001-04:00

My two-year old said to me, "Mommy, do you know what I discovered?...I discovered the secret of God!" Hmmm. Think on that for a while.

Dare 2

2008-10-28T23:14:00.002-04:00

Well, today was not as easy as yesterday. It required time. Homeschooling four kids, being generally disorganized, and trying to get ready for vacation doesn't leave a lot of excess time. But time is a great indicator if priority. Is God our first priority? Do we give him time? Is my spouse a priority? Do I give him time? Time to spend with him? Time to serve him? Are my kids a priority? do I take the time to listen to whatever is on their minds? Even if it is not important to me? These are the thoughts that ran through my mind today. What thoughts are running through yours?

The Love Dare

2008-10-27T23:55:00.002-04:00

Hi. If any of you saw the movie Fireproof, you know all about this. For those of you who haven't seen the movie, you should go see it! It was great! The Love Dare is 40 days worth of challenges for anyone looking to improve his or her marriage. I happen to have a great marriage, but since my husband and I are both human, and therefore sinners, I am accepting the dare. I thought you might like to follow along.

Just a note. As appropriate, I am implementing these tasks with my children as well. After all, we are to love them, too! :)

As I probably shouldn't give too much away, I won't necessarily be listing the actual dares. I will try to simply focus on my experience.

Today, day 1, was specifically mentioned in the movie, so I'll tell you...say nothing negative. I succeeded! I have completed the challenge successfully. It was a little more difficult with my children than my husband, but I did it.

My tendency is to raise my voice when saying negative things. Interestingly, I read this section last night and prayed for God to help me stay calm and positive. I wanted to make sure I didn't mess up the challenge before my day even got started! Anyway, wouldn't you know, I woke up with a sore throat. Rest assured, God answers prayers!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2008-07-08T14:05:00.002-04:00

You know, the faith of a child is really something.

Recently, we were coming out of our church service and my almost two-year-old was with her dad, pointing out the birds flying overhead. Probably thinking to use this as a teaching moment, Dad said, "Who made the birds?" Without hesitating, our daughter readily responded, "God made birds."

This weekend, we moved that same daughter to a "big bed" for the first time. When it came time for bedtime prayers, instead of laying her head on my shoulder for Dad to pray, she just started praying. "Dear Jesus, thank you for day, thank you for our house, thank you for my big bed. Jesus name. Amen."

Since then, she has several times prayed on her own for whatever her little mind and heart was thankful for or concerned about. For example, one day after brushing them, she thanked Jesus for her teeth. Oh, that we would all have faith like a child.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T07:30:00.000-05:00

I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends. Make some memories! And don’t forget the One to whom we owe everything. It is easy to ignore God when things are going well. Let’s let Thanksgiving be a day when we don’t ask for things, but just show appreciation for what we have. I appreciate way more things than I thank Him for. Today, I am especially thankful for Him loving me enough to send Jesus – for me! I am thankful for my wonderful husband and four terrific kids. I am thankful for the relationships I have with my parents and siblings. I am thankful for my husband’s family. I am thankful for my church family. I am thankful for the community of Christian homeschoolers that has sprung up in my area. I am thankful for many good friends. I am thankful for the freedom to worship that we have in this country. I am thankful that my husband has a good job, that we have a nice home, and that we have plenty of food to eat. I am thankful for all those things and so many more. God is good! All the time!

A Tribute to Parents

2007-11-16T06:05:00.000-05:00

Sometimes we forget to let people know when we appreciate them. We take God for granted; we take our family for granted. We usually are far better at acknowledging the things friends do than things family does. I just want to go on record saying that I appreciate my family. I appreciate the wonderful family I have now, but I especially want to say how much I appreciate the family God birthed me into. I was, and still am, blessed to have such wonderful, godly parents. I don’t know why God chooses to place some people in wonderful families and others in difficult families. I cannot fathom the mind of God, but I am blessed by his choice for me.

I was raised in a godly home with parents who exemplified godly living. They were a shining example of what a godly marriage and home should look like. I still look to them for guidance and support. I pray I can be the same kind of example to my kids. Mom and Dad, I love you. Thanks.

Good Intentions

2007-10-31T11:39:00.000-04:00

Why is it that so many of us live our lives in the land of good intentions? I intended to have supper on the table, I intended to have the house cleaned, I intended to finish that sewing project, I intended to play a game with my kids, I intended to pray for so-and-so…I believe this problem has to do with the priorities I mentioned earlier. I heard Nancy Leigh DeMoss speak at an EWomen conference a few years ago and something she said has stuck with me. I don’t know if I’m quoting her verbatim or not, but it went something like this…”You may not have enough time to complete all the things on your to-do list for today, but you have exactly enough time to complete the to-do list God has prepared for you.” If we would just give our day to Him and let Him decide what’s important, we would live our lives doing the important rather than just the urgent.

I am reminded of the illustration of the jar with rocks, pebbles, and sand in it. The size of rock, pebble, sand is relative to the importance of the task. God things are rocks. If we put sand in our jar, then pebbles, then rocks, the rocks don’t fit. But if we put the rocks into our lives first, then the pebbles, then the sand, it all fits. It’s rather amazing, really, but our lives work like that. Yesterday, we started school late because I chose to take some extra time for prayer first. And guess what? We finished early! God is good – all the time!

So, let’s try to move away from the land of good intentions and into the land of God intentions. Let’s do what God intends for us to do today.

Priorities

2007-10-29T01:02:00.000-04:00

Matthew 6:33 (NASB) says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” A familiar verse to many of us, and yet we don’t always choose to live by it. As a homeschooling mom, I often find myself becoming stressed over curriculum choices, scheduling conflicts, electives, and time management. As a result, sometimes the spiritual growth of my children – and of me – takes a backseat to academics and activities. I sometimes need to step back and remind myself that all the academics in the world, all the musical talent, etc., will amount to nothing without a solid foundation in Christ. Please know that I am not advocating lessening our academic standard, only that we put first things first. Christ, as Lord, deserves first place in our lives and I want Him to take first place in the lives of my children. So, I desire that our family, our home, and our education be given over into His control. If I have not prayed for my day, I should not begin it. When I spend time with Him, then He can order my day, my choices, and my schedule.

BTW, Seek ye First the Kingdom of God is a great children’s song!

O Be Careful, Little Eyes

2007-10-21T22:34:00.000-04:00

As I often sing little Sunday School ditties with my kids, I am struck by the thought that as adults, we tend to forget these little songs and as children, we may not always pay attention to what we sing. We all know what Jesus Loves Me says and what it means to us. But how many of us stop to think about the words to other songs that we used to sing, that some of us still sing, or that we sing with our kids.

Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.
Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.
For the Father up above is looking down in love,
So be careful little eyes, what you see.

Oh, be careful little ears what you hear…

Oh, be careful little mouth what you say...

Oh, be careful little hands, what you do...

Oh, be careful little feet, where you go...

Some of these songs – like this one, have a message still applicable to us as adults and we’d do well to listen. This one speaks of avoiding temptation. The Bible talks about this in Proverbs 7. We often refer to it as “Don’t play with fire.” The simple fact is that what our children sing, we can learn from.

If we are careful about what we look at…what TV shows, movies, books, magazines, websites,…

If we are careful about what we listen to…what music, speakers, friends,…

If we are careful about what we say…what words we choose, what jokes we tell, what gossip we pass on,…

If we are careful about what we do…what clothes we wear, what items we purchase, what we spend our time and money on,…

If we are careful about where we go…

If we choose wisely what we see, hear, say, do, and where we go, then we will avoid untold sin and heartache.

My church body has recently incorporated children’s songs into our Sunday morning worship. Perhaps we should all consider singing to the Lord in this way.

With My Mind

2007-09-25T02:50:00.000-04:00

It is my desire to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind. God did not ask us to serve Him blindly, but gave us minds to think with and plenty of evidence to prove Himself to us. Here, I hope to use my mind to ponder the truths of scripture, explore the various types of worship, and consider the challenges and joys of living for Christ. Please feel free to respectfully share your thoughts with me.