31 Verses to Write On your Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs

It takes 31 verses that we hear and use and breaks it down with the meaning of what the writer in the Bible was talking about when that verse was inserted in the Bible. It gives deeper meaning to the verse. So you have 31 chapters where you can read and learn about these verses and strive to memorize them. The Study Guide at the back gives the verse and some discussion questions and might reference other verses to dig deeper into the verse. This is a sweet gift book or a book for a group of women that might meet regularly and read a verse with a  chapter each time. If you are looking to go deeper and scripture memory, this would be a good book to do so. It has a hard back brown and tan cover, with the outer picture and everything on the dust cover. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review

Love Bears All Things An Amish Secrets Novel By Beth Wiseman

Once again Beth Wiseman has written a great book. She is my favorite Amish Fiction author. While she tells a great story, she leaves you thinking, inspired, and ready to face life once again. This is a story about an Amish girl that has broken up with her boyfriend. While recovering from a breakup, she meets Daniel, who is always recovering from a breakup. You are seeing how their secrets and past betrayals effect their life.. how they learn to forgive and move on. Will Charlotte find her happy ending? I love how Beth puts the Dutch Glossary at the beginning so you can keep up with the words the characters say. There are discussion questions at the end if you have a reading group. I look forward to the next book in this series. It doesn't stop with a big clift hanger which makes me happy. The story leads you to where you forsee the end, but one never really knows. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Fraying at the Edge by Cindy Woodsmall

The given summary was: "Family, community, faith, and love.
These quilt blocks sewn together made Ariana s beautiful life.
When they are pulled to pieces,
will anything familiar remain?

The Old Order Amish life Ariana Brenneman loved vanished virtually overnight with the discovery that she was switched at birth twenty years ago. Now she s immersed in theEnglischerworld, getting to know her mother and under the authority of her biological father, an atheist intellectual with resolute plans to expand Ariana s worldview. Only Quill Schlabach, a childhood friend livingEnglisch, can steady the tilting ground between Ariana s two worlds, but can she trust him after so many betrayals?
At the same time, Skylar Nash is forced to choose rehab or spend several months with her true relatives, the large Brenneman family and their seemingly backward life no electricity, no technology, no fun. What the young woman can t leave behind is her addiction to illegal prescription drugs and a deep emptiness from the belief that she doesn t belong in either family.
New ties are binding Ariana and Skylar to the lives they were meant to have. Can they find the wisdom and strength they ll need to follow God s threads into unexpected futures?

Fraying at the Edge is the second novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series. "

I thought the above was the best way to go into this review. I had read the 1st book and seriously wrote it down to keep an eye out to get my hands on this 2nd copy! This was a very engaging story that brought you right back into the story and kept you entertained the entire read. If you enjoy a good story while being inspired, this would be a series for you to read! Now I have to wait for book 3 to see how this story will end! I love this author and I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

From the Depths We Rise

Over a year ago, I saw a link to a site where they requested prayer for this precious baby girl fighting for her life. The words from this mom was heart breaking, but one thing pulled at me. It was simply her FAITH. I kept going backwards on her blog...they really need a start at the beginning button. I saw where she was a woman of great faith. A mighty warrior for our wonderful Father. She had already lost her husband, went ahead to have their daughter, the daughter her husband knew she would have. I remember praying constantly for this precious baby..pleading on their behalf...even my children knew we were praying for Baby Ellis to get better.
I have followed Sarah's journey since then. I continue to watch her Rise after life has given her some blows, but she truly praised him in the storm. I love watching Milo's and Ellis grow. I'm thankful she shares her story. When life deals a blow, I remember she continued and so shall I.

This book is like your good friend is sitting next you telling you her life's story. It's an easy read. One I couldn't read wo tears pouring. Tears of sadness
...tears of joy seeing God's hands in it all. You will read her life story of finding her husband. Her journey to become a mom...her journey of seeing her husband fight cancer..her journey of saying goodbye for now to her life's love...seeing her daughter born that her husband had already seen in a vision...her battle for her daughters life to wear she was handed her child to hold to pass away. Yet God is awesome and with faith of a mustard seed...we saw this baby astound doctors and live again. If you need a reminder of how Great our God is...read this book..follow this journey

http://www.journeyofsarah.com/

Living in a Hurting World - Be a Light! Encourage someone!

John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3
3 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.


These are scriptures that I hold near and dear to my heart. Once again this morning, I came face to face with that we are living in a hurting world. People you think are happy and dealing with their hurts.. are really not.. This weekend the world lost a friend... a beacon of light.. someone that encouraged so many from children to adults.. Today a life was ended to early. Once again I am brought to realize how deep depression is.. how it really rips to the core of a person - a person that outwardly is dealing ok. Once again I think is there something I could had done to have reached a little deeper to this friend to help encourage or help them with their loss.. or just to maybe strengthen their faith. May through this battle, I remember to pray daily for God to open my eyes to those that need a hug, an encouraging word, or help. May he guide me better.. but may I ask more.. may I stop in my busy life and look, may I strive to draw closer to our Father.. the one that has come so that we may have peace. God has overcome this world. We are just passing through until we meet him face to face.. We all hurt.. We are in his world that is not made for us.. May during our battles we find the Joy & Peace that only HE can provide. May others see those that are in this battle and stop to encourage and uplift one another..

Friends

For starters, look at the word FRIEND, and think of the true meaning and those you have close in your life. Honestly if you stare at the word long enough, it looks misspelled. Ha!
We are currently doing a bible study with our small group about Community. It brings me back to the simple word ~ friend.
What do you consider a true friend? Who do you consider a good friend? When tragedy or stress hits, I believe a true friend is one that reaches out to check on you. A true friend just knows you and your deeper self (not the outer mosts of us), but they can pick up that, "hey I need to reach out and check on her."

I believe friendship is easier in our earlier years b/c we don't have the daily stress of family, children, bills, and the crazy life that goes with it. For me it is stopping my crazy life and welcoming a friend to lunch or coffee. Just chosing to pick the phone up and call my friend that lives out of town. Then I can honestly feel better about myself and the stress I thought I had. Friends are awesome. Friends should be like our 1st baseman - ready to help us go the rest of the way in life! We can't be like that garage door and hide behind our door and not share our life from our friends. We have to be open, honest, and raw.. The word "raw" has come up alot in my life today.. to be totally true to who you are.. share the best, the worst, and the stuff that we want to hold deepest to ourselves..

Here is to us praying that God brings the friends into our lives that we can partner up with and do life together!!

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.Proverbs 17:17

Hospitality ~ How Often Do You Welcome Someone?

Fall is a great time! We look forward to the holidays, and everyone is a tad bit nicer than the earlier part of the year. Also, let's face it.. Life is BUSY! September chewed me up and spit me out! Once October arrived and a sermon on Stress.Less, I said hello fall! You won't get me down! One of my favorite bloggers does this October challenge to focus on family and prayer, I love it. I always bring my candle out on week 1. I'm pretty sure the blog link is tied to a picture on this blog. I simply love it and looking forward to time where everyone will look forward to spending extra family time!

Last night my pastor preached on a subject that is dear to my heart. Hospitality. To him it wasn't his favorite point and thought it was something everyone needed to hear but might not light a fire on some. I love it b/c it is something I focus on really just my personality.

Here are some of his points:
Hospitality is receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, and generous way. The word literally means "love of strangers."
Biblical hospitality is about making God look good, not ourselves. So don't let a messy house keep you from welcoming someone!

We are to show it not only to friends and family... but strangers.. fellow believers.. and the forgotten .. He even added those that suck the energy out of you.. You need to love even those.

We are to open our hearts, our lives, our homes, emulate the love of Christ, serve Christ by serving others, and bring glory to God.

1 Peter 4: 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13: Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

We all understand that this world is a dangerous place, but you never know what someone is going through. they might just need a smile, an offer to help, or a simple act of kindness. At the beginning of the year, I made a goal to try to cook a meal with a friend and have them over. Offer my home for a visit, even if my kids had destroyed it. I was an OCD person, but really if you have kids.. you survive and laugh at the mess. May we all find a way to help someone, show kindness to those people that society shrugs a shoulder at, show God's love.. there are so many lost souls out there. And from showing God's love, my we show our children to do the same!

Jesus Always Embracing Joy in His Presence

This given description is: "Sarah Young’s first 365-day devotional since Jesus Calling.

With scripture and new personal reflections, the #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Young, brings Jesus’ message of joy—for today and every day. Experience true joy—now and always.

Life today is full of difficulties—loss, sadness, fear. In the midst of these challenges, joy often feels impossible or out of reach. But Jesus has more for His followers than a life of striving, pain, and discontent. He offers life abundant, life to the fullest, life brimming with joy! Jesus Always, the new 365-day devotional from bestselling author Sarah Young, was written as part of Sarah Young’s exploration of the promises of joy in scripture. Written as if Jesus Himself is speaking directly to the reader, Jesus Always invites you into a new way of living—a life of joy.

Reaching out with joy-filled reminders from the Word of God, these devotions will intimately and gently connect you with Jesus—the One who meets you where you are. Draw near to Him in Jesus Always."

I love the book Jesus Calling. Friends will share certain days of it online and it just speaks to my soul. This book is doing the same! We need simple daily reminders that our focus should be on Christ. Our daily life becomes stressful and busy and it isn't what God intended. This small hard yet soft backed book is great to keep on my desk. Each day is given with the month and date, so if I do get behind, I find it simple to find one that is for today. Yet you know you can go back and read whatever you would like. I love how simple the message is and how there is a given verse that you can reference her wording. This would be an awesome gift book to someone to help inspire or encourage. I do recommend this book to everyone. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

One Small Donkey (Kid's book)

The book's given description is "Little ones can do big things for God!Your family will love this heartwarming Christmas story told from an unlikely perspective: a donkey carrying Mary to Bethlehem. Though the donkey wasn’t the biggest, fastest, or strongest of all the animals, he had an important job all the same. Adults and children alike will love the message about how God has big plans for little ones."
Dandi Daley Mackall did a good job writing a kid's book from the angle of the donkey. It does show that the donkey didn't have to be big, God had chosen him for a special task, and with God's help he did a great big thing!" I love the end with the donkey sitting in the manger scene. It is a fun rhyming book for children. Mine always love Christmas books, and I have read this one already a few times. It's always good to have a good Children's book that is about Jesus and Christmas. This is a hardback book with thin pages. I would recommend this book! Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Berenstain Bears' Holiday Cookbook

The Berenstain Bears' Holiday Cookbook
Cub-Friendly Cooking With an Adult
By Mike Berenstain

This is a square hardback book. Each section of the book is separated by holidays. There is a short bear story with a verse about the holiday with the recipes following. They are really easy recipes that the kids can make with you. Honestly there are only around 1 or 2 recipes that my crew will try per holiday since they are of the picky nature. I love this idea b/c my kids love cooking and now they are excited to have their "Own" Cookbook!

The books description gives an idea of some of the recipes: "Be part of the fun and join Mama, Papa, Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear as they cook up holiday favorites and some unique eats for friends and family with the all-new The Berenstain Bears Holiday Cookbook. Filled with traditional holiday favorites like Frosted Sugar Cookies, Pumpkin Pie, Hot Apple Cider Punch, Cranberry Stuffing, and some unique and fun recipes like Papa Bear’s Paw-Licking Good Chicken Wings, this kid-friendly cookbook will help Bear Country families, and families and friends everywhere, have the most wonderful year of eating ever!"

I believe we will be trying the sugar cookies and pumpkin pie! I would recommend this book for all the little chefs in the making. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Find Your Brave : Courage to Stand Strong When the Waves Crash in by Holly Wagner

I heard Holly speak years ago. She held tight to the Word of God during her fight with breast cancer. I loved her spirit and her fun personality. So I jumped at the chance to read this book. This is a book that I have underlined passages, highlighted areas, shared parts of it with friends, and I plan on posting some of the scripture that she has given in this book. If you find yourself wanting to sink with life.. remember we are not made to go through life alone! Find friends in the faith to help you fight your battle! I would highly recommend this book to all my friends! It is a good size hard back book. The cover is what you see, but once removed it is a simple light blue book with an offwhite spine. It looks simple. I really wish the cover picture was on the hardback, but that is only minor. Holly truely inspires. I love this book! I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

One Big Turkey

"Count your blessings! Join one big turkey and his forest friends as they celebrate the harvest season.

Children will count along with big turkey, squirrel, and their forest friends all the reasons they have to be grateful. Sweet, rhyming text will help children count everything they have to be thankful for, including food, friends, full tummies, and most of all, God! This board book presents parents with an adorable and simple way to teach their children about giving thanks.

With sweet rhyming verse, lots of fun images to count, and warm, charming artwork, this book will surely be a favorite every holiday season!

No turkeys were harmed in the telling of this story." I thought the main description of this book was too cute not to share. This is a cute hardback, thick board book that is fun for kids. Each page gives a number to where they can join in the fun and count. The words all rhyme and to me that makes it fun to read! At the end they give thanks to God! I think this would be a fun book to consider getting for your toddler for remembering to be thankful.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Enourage one another

Let’s face it – We are all going through trials. We are all doing this life’s journey, but we should NOT do it alone! I have seen 2 posts just this morning on FB where people are born encouragers to others that are frustrated b/c there aren’t enough of us in this world. I, myself, love thinking of others, helping others, and trying to help others in small ways. There are a small number of us, but there are times we get discouraged! It is hard when people don’t think like you do. This world would be a better place if people didn’t the ME FIRST idea. Let’s not get too busy in our life that we can’t reach out in bless someone. Sometimes it is just doing something small for someone that touches their day like no other. There are times people are going through such trials that God just needs his son or daughter to remind that person that they are not alone! You need to be a light in this dark world!
When I was frustrated last week, God spoke to me during our service Sunday. I don’t try to bless others for my own satisfaction, but just to glorify my Father in Heaven. The next morning while I said my morning prayer with my children, I realized daily I ask God to help us find a way to bless someone! Do you know if you ask God, he will help you. Your excuse, “I’m too busy.” “I’m too tired.” Just really doesn’t cut it. There are times I am places and I know the Lord reminds me… look this person just told you they were looking for this. So I will pick it up and bless that person. Just ask God to help you! Or stop once a week and find someone to send a card to or sometimes just a text!

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55: 8-9

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11

I simply just searches “ways to encourage” and found many lists on many sites.
I did like this one http://anextraordinaryday.net/52-practical-and-thoughtful-ways-to-encourage-others/

There are so many people out there hurting! Sometimes just a smile can make someone’s day. Let’s even try to train up our children to be the light in a hurting world b/c let’s face it.. this world needs a Jesus Light!

NIRV MINECRAFTERS BIBLE

Since my kiddo loves Minecraft, this was a fun surprise for him. He was so excited to get this in the mail. I was surprised at how thin the Bible pages were. There are thicker pages with pictures and bible stories. These pictures are made in the minecraft design which had him excited. He was eager to show his new book to his friends. I would rather his friends sit around looking at a Bible than a Pokemon book. So this was a Win Win! This came in a hardback form with a good size for him to carry.

The description given was, "Do you ever feel like it's more fun to exist in the computer world than the real one? Is that the only place you can control your destiny? Well, God is the original great world builder, and he gave us the power and the skills we need to make changes in the real world. The Minecrafter’s Bible, NIrV contains the full text of the New International Reader's Version (NIrV) of the Bible (from Genesis to Revelation) as well as 24 color tip-in pages featuring full-color illustrations in the style of wildly popular virtual-world-building games. Featured stories include the days of creation and great builds of the Bible."
I would most definietly recommend this book for all those minecraft loving kids. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Light of the Last by Chuck Black

The books description is, "To Fight What Others Can tYou Must See What Others Don t
After an accident left him temporarily blind, Drew Carter didn t just regain his sight. He now sees what others can t imagine an entire spiritual realm of mighty beings at war.
Forget the gift, Drew just wants his life back. Part of that involves Sydney Carlyle, a woman he is inexplicably drawn to. When he s offered the chance to become a CIA agent, it seems the way to redeem his past. The only problem his visions of the supernatural realm are increasing in frequency.
It s up to the warrior angel Validus and his hand-picked team of heavenly agents to protect the unbelieving Drew. Validus now knows that the young man is at the epicenter of a global spiritual war, and the angels must use a millennia of battle experience keep Drew alive, for the Fallen want him dead.
Surrounded by spiritual warriors and targeted by demons, Drew s faced with an impossible decision that will forever alter the destiny of America...and his own soul."
I really enjoyed book 1 and this 3rd book of the series. It gives an insight of the unseen battle all around us. While reading, you get caught up cheering on for Drew as he fights the unseen evil while the heavenly realm fights for him to give his heart to Christ!" This a great book for any reader. I do think the guys and teenage boys would like this book as well as any reader. It really makes you stop and think. I don't want to give a spoiler so I went with the book description. This would be a great series to read! I received this book from Blogging for Books for my honest review.

Night, Night Farm by Amy Parker

The book gives this description, "Moo moo, cows!

Baa baa, sheep!

When the sun sinks low down on the farm, the animals are all tuckered out from the day’s adventures. Join these adorable farm animals in pajamas as they say night night to the farm, to their mommies and daddies, and to God.

Your little ones will sleep until the rooster crows knowing that the God who made them loves them too.

Night night, farm!"

It is a very cute board book with a soft cushion type cover. It is a big book so it would be easy for the toddlers to hold. The pictures on each page are cute and not so realistic that would turn a little one way. Each pages tells an animal on the farm good night. At the end they tell God goodnight and that he made them all. This would be a great gift for toddlers. I would recommend this one to those with little ones.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Daniel Prayer by Anne Graham Lotz

In the Introduction she challenges you to prayer. As a nation we are so busy that we forget to pray. I mean to really devote time to sit in God’s presence and pray. This part actually got to my heart because I know that I have been guilty lately of just sitting in God’s presence. I do however try to pray constantly through the day, but I fall short of stopping to give God his time. One thing in this book that touched me was that the Daniel Prayer is to pray until your prayer is answered. It’s not easy or quick or without sacrifice. “It involves reading and pleading God’s promises.”
This book shows you person by person that used prayer in their life to overcome. Part 4 is the Patterns for Prayers which help lead you in the prayer you need for your battle. At the back of the book is an area where you can write your prayers out. This is a great book for those ready to increase their prayer life and see answers. The hardback book is white with a dark binding. The dust cover is the one with the picture. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Daniel 9:1-23New International Version (NIV)
Daniel’s Prayer
9 In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes[a] (a Mede by descent), who was made ruler over the Babylonian[b] kingdom— 2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.
4 I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed:
“Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong.We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.
7 “Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. 8 We and our kings, our princes and our ancestors are covered with shame, LORD, because we have sinned against you. 9 The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; 10 we have not obeyed the LORD our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets. 11 All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you.
“Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you. 12 You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing on us great disaster. Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. 13 Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth.14 The LORD did not hesitate to bring the disaster on us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him.
15 “Now, Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. 16 Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts,turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill.Our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us.
17 “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. 18 Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19 Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.”
The Seventy “Sevens”
20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the LORD my God for his holy hill— 21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision:

God is like a radio station

I enjoy listening to this one uplifting radio station while I work. It is the hardest station to listen to! Cloudy days it hardly comes in. I can pick the station up good in the morning but in the afternoons, I'm always wiggling the knob. This morning I was trying to get it to work correctly... then I thought.. wow how many times is God not picking up a one on one communication with us. I bet he wants us to get full service from him all the time. Do you ever wonder if it gets so bad on some days, he stops and says, "Let's put on a CD - Let me let nature worship me, since she won't do it right?" Here's to a morning of listening to a CD while trying to make sure God picks up my prayers and worship fully!

ENJOY your JOURNEY

Journey, Easter Journey is a book that my 3 year old is loving right now. It tells of how Jesus was on a Journey.. Journey journey Jesus.. Jesus on a Journey.. It takes him from his journey to Bethlehem, to Egypt, to being a carpenter, to the cross, to rising up in heaven.

We were in the store the other day when she saw a cross necklace. She said, "Jesus was on a journey, he journeyed to the cross, bad cross, but he is a live!" I thought the lady at the checkout was going to choke. Yesterday my great uncle asked did she like to read. She looked at him and said, "Jesus on a journey, journey journey on!!" Yes this book rhymes, and I have read it alot over the last 2 months. Yet I don't mind b/c I know God is using it to work in me and apparently for her to witness to others.
Since reading it, the work Journey sticks out in many devotions and things I run across...
FIND JOY IN YOUR JOURNEY is a phrase that keeps coming to mind. I love it especially since I was already loving the word JOY this year.

This life bogs us down. Yet we need to stop and make each day matter... find Joy in our Journey! Jesus put us in this world, at this point in history for a reason! Make each day matter for eternity and try not to let this life you get you down... Stop, take a breathe, and find Joy in your Journey, b/c it is YOUR JOURNEY! Jesus put you here... Things you go through is just part of your journey, learn from it and move on!!

An Unbroken Heart (Amish Fiction)

An Unbroken Heart by Kathleen Fuller (Amish Fiction)

This is a series of “An Amish of Birch Creek Novel.” This book stands alone. You can pick it up and read it without feeling like you have missed part of the story. It is written around the verse, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 There are trials in this story that the characters face, but they see God working in their lives. So many times we try to rush our circumstance, while God is staying just be Strong and Couragous while you are in this trial. This was a good read, and I would recommend it to any one that loves reading! "I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."

The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter

This was a book that had you by the first chapter. A woman wakes up in a wedding dress and can't remember where she is. She basically has lost the last 7 months of her life. Here you find her finding her life, facing her past, and learning to live. If she wouldn't had fallen, there is no way to know where she would had ended up. It isn't till the end of the book that she realizes that God is always there for her, and no matter what life throws at you - You are not alone! We let our past get a grip of us, we want to bury hurts deep within, when really we need to just put them out on the table to allow God to help us move past them. I would recommend this to anyone that loves reading a good book! Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

2016 ~ The word ~ JOY

Each year many look for their word for the year or their verse for the year. This year I have really thought about it. I have been tested many times, and I keep finding the word JOY in my verses. So for 2016 ~ JOY.

Here are the verses that I have stood out to me the most this year:
James 1: 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Philippians 4: Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Here's to a year of learning no matter what happens, we must find the JOY in the Journey! Allow God to grow us into people with more endurance and more joy than ever before!

Jesus Speaks by Steven Scott

Jesus Speaks : 365 Days of Guidance and Encouragement, Straight from the Words of Christ

I first got curious about this book when I saw who all had endorsed it. Next I saw Jesus Speaks and a daily devotion, so I thought why not. It is a hard back book with a slip cover. The slip cover is beautiful, but once the cover is gone, you are left with a tan book. I really wish the picture would had been on the front of the hard cover, but then again I could see this being a "classic" book since it is broken down by the day. It begins with a verse in red, meaning he is using words that Jesus spoke - Yes this is the name of the book, but I didn't get it until I got the book. I LOVE how you read in the beginning where this author spent 2 years studying all the red words in the Bible. He had previously written a book called The Greatest Words Ever Spoken, where he discusses the words spoken by our Jesus. Each day of this study references back to his "Greatest" book. Each daily devotion is a verse that Jesus spoke, then it is like Jesus talking to us, followed by another verse in red which is Jesus mentioning the topic in the first verse. This would be great to have. I think the verses actually being in red just stand out and mean a little more, b/c you know deep down that our Lord spoke them to our hearts. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher

This is a simple romantic story brought about by a tragedy. It is a good read. It does jump between the different characters in the story and also from Penny’s brother Brad. It allows you to get to know the person that is missing in the story and the closeness between them. This story shows you how God can lead circumstances to His good. It is a story of healing after a loss. There is a set of discussion questions at the end, so this would be good for a book club. I would recommend this book. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

When Love Returns, The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy, Book 3

Author: Kim Vogal Sawyer
I had only read one other book in this series, and I was eager to see how this story line ended. You can pick this final book up and read it without knowing anything previously. It might actually make you want to pick the others up and read. This is an inspiring book of Restoration, Frogiveness, and Trust. This story is about a woman that gave away a daughter to adoption, adopted a daughter, and how she learns to move on. This final story brings in the lives of the 2 daughters, and how they learn to move on after finding out about it all.
After reading this, the following comes to my mind: He restores the broken. His plans are not our plans. Forgive others as Christ has forgiven us. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves reading, loves being inspired, and loves Amish fiction. There isn’t Amish talk in this book so anyone that loves reading would love this book. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Just Be Held & Keep on fighting!

The song that Casting Crowns sings - Just Be Held

"Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on

And when you're tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There's freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go

So when you're on your knees and answers seem
so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, Just be held

When your eyes are on the storm
You'll wonder if I love you still
But when your eyes are on the cross
You'll know I always have and I always will

And not a tear is wasted
In time, you'll understand
I'm painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in my hands

Lift your hands, Life your eyes
In the storm is where you'll find Me
and where you are, I'll hold your heart
I'll hold your heart
Come to Me, find your rest
In the arms of the God who won't let go."

I remember the 1st time I heard that song and I broke down. At that point my sister was fighting with her husband for his life. She still is as he is about to go on the heart transplant list and wait to get a new heart. You talk about putting your life in God's hands.. that is truly trusting God. It is scary. You know someone's life on earth has to end so you can continue to live. My son was just informed of this and is now more worried for his Uncle life. My heart breaks for my sister and my nephews. Their life still has atleast one more upheaval to go.

I think of their trials and know mine isn't near as bad, but the enemy allows us to beat ourselves up. "You aren't good enough." "You are the reason that person has an issue with you." "You don't have life together enough."
I find in life I feel like if I took a few steps back in life - who really would miss me? Then I have to think.. I am here for a reason. God wants me to just turn to Him. I need to keep going forward and trusting Him. I have 4 little eyes on me and in the end, if I can lead them to the Cross that is ALL that matters in this life. This life is hard. Sometimes we need to just back away REST and Be Held and then continue on this life. God Cares about You and that is enough! The world wants you to think otherwise, but don't let the world win!

An Amish Year by Beth Wisebook (Amish Fiction)

You can't go wrong with reading a Beth Wiseman book.

Since it is broken down in 4 different stories, it is better for you to see what the Author's book gives: << Spend a year in Amish country with four sweet romances. Rooted in Love (previously published in An Amish Garden) Rosemary Lantz is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul Petersheim has pursued Rosemary for years, but Rosemary keeps turning him down. What Saul doesn’t know is that she has good reason—something no one can know—especially not him. A Love for Irma Rose The year is 1957, and young Irma Rose has a choice to make. Date the man who is “right” for her? Or give Jonas a chance, the wild and reckless suitor who refuses to take no for an answer? Irma Rose steps onto the path she believes God has planned for her, but when she loses her footing, she is forced to rethink her choice. Patchwork Perfect Eli Byler has been a widower for two years when he chooses to make a fresh start in Paradise, Pennsylvania. As Eli juggles the admiration of two women, he meets Miriam Fisher—the most unconventional Amish woman he’s ever met. She doesn’t fit the mold for what Eli is looking for, but it isn’t long before Eli realizes that Miriam is everything he wants. But Miriam has no plans to get married—ever. Will Eli be able to change her mind? When Christmas Comes Again (previously published in An Amish Second Christmas) Katherine knows the first Christmas without Elias will be hard for her and the children. But when a mysterious Englischer appears with photographs of her late husband, Katherine begins to wonder what other blessings Christmas could have in store.>>

I had already read the 4th story coming into this book, but you can always be refreshed by reading Beth Wiseman. She places you in the story and uses the scriptures and the storyline to inspire you in your daily life. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves reading and being inspired. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255