About You

This book was pretty good. Reading about being fully alive helped me to see some areas where I have just been going through the motions instead of knowing that because of Jesus I am alive. I recommend his book!

About the book:
Amazon confirmed it. Reading About You: Fully Human, Fully Alive left me thinking of two other wildly popular books – Purpose-Driven Life and Your Best Life Now. If everyone who bought either or both of those books from any vendor buys Dick Staub’s new book he will be both wealthy and an unwelcome provocateur for those wanting simple and feel good.
Staub harnesses some very traditional themes – personal relationship with God and sin as missing the mark – along with a fully orbed understanding of what it means to be human to explicate what Jesus means in the invitation to an “abundant life.” Absent from Staub’s narrative of God’s purpose in Jesus is the reductionism common in the sales approach to faith. Also missing is the nebulous, unknowing of what it means for life now by those on the other end of the proverbial spectrum.
With nary a hint of my-way-is-better-than-your-way, Staub couches what it means to be human in the grand story of God – and he does so in more than “Four Spiritual Laws” and in less space than the Institutes. In popular idiom and in personal story, Staub hopes his reader’s capture that to be human in the Way of Jesus means to come to our senses with regard to our dehumanizing and diminishing ways trusting in the very personal Jesus who demonstrated the mark of being fully human (Incarnation) by living into the integrated intellectual, spiritual, creative, relational and moral features that mark human beings.
Readers looking for a more “Whole-istic” approach to life and faith will find About You helpful. For those looking for a book to give someone curious about the “why” of Jesus’ coming, About You could prove to be a great way to share a loving conversation about life and faith – in the present.

About the Author

A noted interpreter of faith and culture, Dick Staub is an award-winning broadcaster, writer, and speaker who is fascinated with today’s spiritual quest, so often disconnected from organized religion. He is the host of The Kindlings Muse podcast, an intelligent, imaginative, hospitable exploration of ideas, sparked by our shared experiences in art, movies, books, and music (www.TheKindlings.com). He is the author ofChristian Wisdom of the Jedi Masters, The CulturallySavvy Christian (both from Jossey-Bass) and TooChristian, Too Pagan.#vb-aboutyou

Coffeehouse Theology

First up--this book is NOT about coffee! LOL It is more about how theology works and how you can apply it to your life. At first, I wasn't for sure if I would like this book, but I soon found out it was right up my alley!

I really enjoyed it although it did take me some time to get into the book. If you like theological books, you will like this one.

About the book:
Who gets to set the agenda for doing theology? Some select the Christian era of their favorite theologian or theological movement and mark their boundaries. The next step is to consider everyone who does not follow out of bounds. Scot McKnight notes in his Forward for Coffeehouse Theology: Reflections on God in Everyday Life, “… there is no such thing as “the best form of theology ever.””
Ed Cyzewski sets out to offer a pattern for a contextually practical theology. Often the the study of theology begins with consideration of textual and authorial contexts. Cyzewski, while believing these important, suggests conversations about God must take into account the context of those interested in talking about God. Rather than getting mired in the debate over hyper-modernity or post-modernity, Ed simply notes issues in our own time with which we should be aware as we engage in talk about God. And, talk about God should lead somewhere; it should be practical.
If you are looking for some broad influences on Ed’s theological method you may consider Guder’s reifying of the phrase “missio dei,” Grenz and Franke’s epistemological approach in Beyond Foundationalism, and the value of reading the Scripture in community and with the Tradition of the Church in mind. Taken together it may be argued that Ed presents a missional theological method in for “everyperson.”

About the Author

Ed Cyzewski (MDiv Biblical Theological Seminary) is a freelance writer and speaker in Eastern Connecticut. He is the author of Coffeehouse Theology: Reflecting on God in Everyday Life, an introduction to contextual theology as well as the Coffeehouse Theology Bible Study Guide and a Coffeehouse Theology Discussion Guide. His most recent book is A Path to Publishing: What I Learned by Publishing a Nonfiction Book. Ed blogs regularly on theology at www.inamirrordimly.com and on writing at www.edcyz.com.
#vb-coffehouse

Making Waves

This book was SO good! From the very frist opening line, I was drawn in to this story. You will definitely fall in love with Marguerite as she goes through her triumphs and trials. What I loved about her more than anything was the fact that while all the other women were bent on living a very hum drum lifestyle, she loved to live on the wild side--to face adventure (kind of reminds me of myself).

This is one book for sure that you will want to get a copy of!
About the book:

Sun, summer, and a scrumptious sailing instructor. What more could a girl want?
When spunky Marguerite Westing discovers that her family will spend the summer of 1895 at Lake Manawa, Iowa, she couldn't be more thrilled. It's the perfect way to escape her agonizingly boring suitor, Roger Gordon. It's also where she stumbles upon two new loves: sailing, and sailing instructor Trip Andrews.
But this summer of fun turns to turmoil as her father's secrets threaten to ruin the family forever. Will free-spirited Marguerite marry Roger to save her father's name and fortune? Or will she follow her heart--even if it means hurting the family she loves?
Full of sharp wit and blossoming romance, Making Waves will whisk you away to a breezy lakeside summer holiday.

Endorsements

"You'll set sail on a wonderful adventure in Lorna Seilstad's new series set at Lake Manawa, Iowa. Her quick wit and captivating characters are mixed into a little known slice of history that will keep you turning the pages and wishing for more when the story ends. Fortunately, there's another book to follow. I can't wait!"--Judith Miller, author, Somewhere to Belong
"Lorna Seilstad pulled me into the world she created around Lake Manawa with the lake breeze, the sailboats, and the leisure of summer days. But the love story and the characters were what made the book great. This needs to be everyone's first choice for a vacation read, or if you just want to open the pages of a book and be transported from your recliner to the beach."--Mary Connealy, author, Doctor in Petticoats and Wrangler in Petticoats

I was given a copy of this book as compensation for my review. The opinions stated here are my own.

Let's Do Lunch Book Review

Out of all the books I have had to review, this is one that I did not enjoy. The title of the book is a little misleading. While the diet program that he used (and he repeatedly says it was not a program, but he kept calling it that--very confusing) was an all you can eat diet, it was only for healthy food (that's okay, but don't mislead).

Right up front, the guy says he ate all the things he loved while on this diet, but comparing his list before the diet and the list after he started, the foods were not the same. It just seemed that his theory was very contradictory.

This is one book that I do not recommend. I just feel like it is another fad diet that might work for some and not for others.

Choosing To See by Mary Beth Chapman and Ellen Vaughn

I just finished reading Choosing to See. Can I just say how blown away I am? From the moment I opened this book, I resonated with this woman--a mother. I laughed with her as she shared stories of her marriage before kids. I laughed again as she shared each of her childrens birth stories. I cried with her as she shared her stories of pain from when she was younger. But then, I cried wept as only a mother could cry weep for the loss of one of her own.

This book is heart warming and heart wrenching all at the same time. Mary Beth, along with Ellen Vaughn shares her deepest secrets and fears. She opens her heart for us to see how her and Steven and their whole family are now coping since the loss of Maria.

I encourage you to read this book. It will bless you and touch you like no other book you have ever picked up (with the exception of the Bible). I truly saw the Lord through Mary Beth's eyes. I am so glad I was able to review this book for Revell.
About the book:

"Every now and then a book comes along that is not only great--it's a gift. An extravagant gift. This is one of those books."--Beth Moore

From the beginning, Mary Beth Chapman's life was not how she planned. All she wanted was a calm, peaceful life of stability and control. Instead, God gave her an award-winning singer/songwriter husband, crazy schedules, and a houseful of creatively rambunctious children. Most difficult of all, God's plans for her also included tragedy.
In Choosing to SEE, Mary Beth unveils her struggle to allow God to write the story of her life, both the happy chapters and the tragic ones. And as the story unfolds, she's been forced to wrestle with some of life's biggest questions: Where is God when things fall apart? Why does God allow terrible things to happen? How can I survive hard times?
No matter where you find yourself in your own life story, you will treasure the way Mary Beth shows that even in the hard times, there is hope if you choose to SEE.

Endorsements

"Mary Beth makes the deepest places of our being easier to embrace and grasp. I felt like I was looking at my own heart exposed on the pages of this book."--Denise Jonas, mother of the Jonas Brothers

"Mary Beth has an important story to tell that starts long before the accident. It's a story of heartache, betrayal, depression, and loss. Yet her encouragement to us is that there is hope--spring is coming."--Mark (of Casting Crowns) and Melanie Hall

"Mary Beth has opened the doors of her stories to us so that our deepest fears may be overcome with hope. And so that we can all walk in a deeper trust that God is good . . . all the time."--Toby (TobyMac) and Amanda McKeehan
"When the world is telling us to suffer alone in despair and hopelessness, the Chapmans are fixing their eyes on Christ and faithfully walking each step clinging to the Lord and the hope we have in the promises in His Word."--Bart (of Mercy Me) and Shannon Millard
"This tender story will capture your heart and point you back to the One who restores, replenishes, and renews . . . even when He asks us to do hard, seemingly impossible things."--Wess Stafford, president and CEO of Compassion International
"With a balanced combination of heart-wrenching honesty and absolute grace, Mary Beth shares her 'severe mercy.' I couldn't help but sense God's presence in every sentence."--Mary Graham, president of Women of Faith
"Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman are living their story in a way that brings glory to God and real, practical help to the body of Christ. You won't be able to put this book down until you've wept, laughed, and relished every page."--Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship and the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview

Amish Proverbs Review

"If you play you will have to pay".

Have your parents ever said anything to you that has stuck with you all throughout your life time? My parents use to always tell me the above proverb all the time to remind me that everything I did had consequences involved.

I just finished reading Amish Proverbs by Suzanne Woods Fisher and I must tell you that I love this little book! It is a very quick read. 

I think the thing that I love most about this book is that I can see myself using many of their proverbs in teaching my own children. Another thing that I really liked was the pictures that were shared throughout the book. I have gotten to where I love to look at certain photography and the Amish life is very intriguing to me. The photos are gorgeous and you will immediately fall in love with the stories involved as well.

About the book:

Simplify your life with Amish wisdom
Through firsthand research and personal relationships, Suzanne Woods Fisher has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People. These proverbs serve as teaching tools and maxims for practical living--but they're not just for the Amish. They're for anyone who seeks God's wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.
Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with you through life's joys and sorrows. With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.

I received this book from Baker Publishing Group as compensation for my review. All opinions shared are my own.

Tee Wit Review and Giveaway

I got the coolest t-shirt to review from Tee Wit. Have you ever heard of them? Me neither, but I am glad I did. Their t-shirts totally rock!

The material is very comfortable and its not super thin like most t-shirts. I have now washed it about 6 times and the color is still vivid, the material has not shrunk and the screen printing looks just like it did the day I got it.

They have other gifts as well for every member of the family from babies all the way to grandparents--even
 step parents as well.

*************Giveaway Information*******************
One lucky reader will win a $30 gift certificate to use in the TeeWit store!

Mandatory Entry: Answer this question: What is your favorite t-shirt of all times?

Additional entries can be obtained this way:

• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
• Subscribe by email to my  blog (link is in the sidebar) (1 entry) 
• Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter  (1 entry)
• Share about this giveaway on Facebook (1 entry)
• Blog about this giveaway on your blog (1 entry)

Be sure and include a link back here so that others can find their way here to enter as well! Also make sure your entries are entered separately. Giveaway will close on Wednesday August 25th at 3:00pm central time. I will choose a winner on Friday August 27th!

Hop on over to Teewit.com and check out all their cool products and good luck at winning the $30 gift certificate!

I received a t-shirt as compensation for my review. However, all opinions are my own.

I am In Love with CSN Stores and Cookware.com

About a month ago, I was given a $40 coupon to spend at any of the CSN stores I wanted to. I chose Cookware.com cause y'all know I love those kitchen gadgets!

Here is what I bought:

Contempo 12" Grill Pan

Ginsu 4 Piece Bakelite Steak Knife Set

All I can say is I am in love.

Period.

I have cooked on that grill pan a gazillion times already and I love how tender it makes the food and how easy it is to clean up.

Those knives are SO sharp they will slice a finger off.

Seriously.

But don't do it.

I will say my new store to do shopping for kitchen gadgets is the Cookware.com site. The prices are very reasonable (some even cheaper than Wal-mart!)

You can visit there too--just click HERE.

Freezer Cooking Made Simple

 Freezer Cooking Made Simple

Product Name:  Freezer Cooking Made Simple
Rating:  10
Where to Buy:  http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com

Description:  This eBook is filled with all the information necessary to learn how to freeze foods and make those dollars stretch.  With information such as how to get started, what items you need, what foods freeze well and foods that don’t quite cut it when it comes to freezing, this eBook tells it all.  Worksheets, printable labels and even a few quick and easy recipes are included to get you started with healthier meals when living on a tighter budget.

Review:  As a mother, wife and just all around caretaker of my home I needed to find something that would take less time and save me money in the kitchen.  I went looking for ideas and found many that seemed to be the answer.  Most of them I found to be more time consuming than anything. Then, I came upon this eBook.

Freezing foods makes sense in all aspects.  It’s amazing how in just one afternoon you can have a freezer full of healthy foods to feed your family for a month.  This eBook will show you how.  It’s easy to understand, has all the facts you need to know and will give you the answers to any questions you may have.
Freezer Cooking Made Simple is set up so that even the newly married can find what she needs.  It explains why freezing foods can save you money and time.  It talks about what you need in the way of equipment, how to shop for foods and how to cook these foods.

There is a section that explains how to safely store your freezer meals including labels to help you remember exactly what you have and how to reheat it.  Susanne has included a printable shopping list along with a worksheet to help plan your meals on a weekly and monthly basis.   Best of all - there are even a few recipes added to get you started.

If you’re looking for a way to save money and time in the kitchen, I strongly urge you to take a look at Freezer Cooking Made Simple.  Once you read through it, put it into motion immediately. You will see that this is a very simple and easy way to make those hours in the kitchen count.  Shopping, cooking and freezing foods aren’t as hard as many of us believe.  Give it a chance and you will find the answer you’ve been looking for all along.

Whisper on the Wind

This book was really good. I enjoyed the story line very much. From page 1 to the very end you are captivated to the point you do not want to put it down.!

About the book:
In Brussels at the height of WWI, a small, underground newspaper is the only thing offering the occupied city hope—and real news of the war. The paper may be a small whisper amid the shouts of the German army, but Edward Kirkland will do anything to keep it in print. Meanwhile, Isa Lassone, a Belgian-American socialite whose parents whisked her to safety at the start of the war, sneaks back into the country to rescue those dearest to her: Edward and his mother. But Edward refuses to go, and soon Isa is drawn into his secret life printing the newspaper . . . And into his heart.

In Brussels at the height of WWI, a small, underground newspaper is the only thing offering the occupied city hope—and real news of the war. The paper may be a small whisper amid the shouts of the German army, but Edward Kirkland will do anything to keep it in print. Meanwhile, Isa Lassone, a Belgian-American socialite whose parents whisked her to safety at the start of the war, sneaks back into the country to rescue those dearest to her: Edward and his mother. But Edward refuses to go, and soon Isa is drawn into his secret life printing the newspaper . . . And into his heart.

Read the first chapter HERE.

Same Kind of Different as Me

This book was an amazing book. I love true stories written to the point that they draw you in and you just don't really want to put them down. This is one of those books. You will want to get this and read about Denver Moore.

His stories of slavery are mind blowing and you make realize just how bad our nation has gotten. I promise you will want to read this one for sure!

About the book:
A true, inspirational story that crosses the barriers of society.
Meet Denver, raised under plantation-style slavery in Louisiana until he escaped "da Man"—in the 1960s—by hopping a train. Then, after another 18 homeless years on the streets of Dallas, God moved . . . and a godly woman named Deborah prayed, listened, and obeyed. Mountains began to move, beginning with her husband, Ron, an international art dealer accustomed to the world of Armani suits and art-collecting millionaires.
The story takes a devastating twist when Deborah discovers she has cancer. Will Deborah live or die? Will Denver learn to trust a white man? Will Ron embrace his dying wife's vision to rescue Denver? Or will Denver be the one rescuing Ron?
There's pain and laughter, doubt and tears, and in the end a triumphal story that readers will never forget.

This book was provided by Book Sneeze in order to review. I was not paid to write these words. They are my own opinion.

The Bishop

This book is a little different from all the other books I have read. I was forewarned up front that this book was from the mind of a serial killer, however I wanted to see for myself so I asked for a copy to review.

If you like good crime novels you will love this one. It is a little on the gruesome side, but I like what Stephen James says on his blog about why he writes about evil:

In my books I never glamorize violence or make evil look attractive. However, I believe that including graphic material within the broader context of a redemptive story, just as the Bible does, is appropriate when trying to reveal the truth about human nature and our relationship with the Divine. For the record, when I write my novels I strive to

(1) uphold the dignity and worth of human life,
(2) as much as possible avoid showing violence on the page (most of it occurs off the page, in the minds of the reader),
(3) show that ultimately, hope does not come from inside ourselves, but from God,
(4) honestly portray the universality of evil,
(5) celebrate life, love, imagination, beauty and family,
(6) validate the purpose and meaning of life within the context of the broader scope of God's story,
(7) tell the truth about the world--exposing the grief and horror as well as championing the hope and joy.

If you’re looking for inspirational books, or more theological offerings, please check out my books "A Heart Exposed," "Story," or “Sailing Between the Stars.”

I started out reading this book, and for me, it was a little too graphic. However, a friend of mine who has a daughter absolutely loved this book and all the others that Mr. James has written and she said it was a great book. Like I said, if you love crime stories and can stomach some very detailed violence, then this is the book for you!

You can read more about Mr. James book on his website, Musings and Meanderings.
About the book: 

The game is on.
FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers's cutting-edge skills are about to be pushed to the limit when a young woman is found brutally murdered in Washington DC. Her killers continue a spree of perfect crimes in the Northeast, but with nothing to link them to each other, Agent Bowers faces his most difficult case yet--even as his personal life begins to crumble around him.
The Bishop is a gripping, adrenaline-laced story for readers who are tired of timid thrillers. Strap on your seat belt and get ready for a wild ride.

Endorsements

  What everybody is talking about
"Be warned--James's books are not for the timid."--Mitch Galin, producer, Stephen King's The Stand
"Impossible to put down."--Kathleen Antrim, bestselling author, Capital Offense
"An intense, intelligent thriller. . . . Riveting!"--Karen Dionne, International Thriller Writers website chair
"James tells stories that grab you by the collar and don't let go."--Norb Vonnegut, author, Top Producer
"Absolutely brilliant."--Jeff Buick, bestselling author, Bloodline
"As thrilling and unexpected as any five-star action movie."--John Tinker, Emmy-award-winning writer

This book was provided by Revell Books in order for me to write a review. The opinions are my own. I was not paid to write them.

The Seeker

I finished another great book published by Revell Books this week. The Seeker has been my favorite one so far. If you are a Gone with the Wind fan, you will immediately be drawn into this book, with its southern belles and wonderful gentlemen-like men.

To me as I read this, I could see Charlotte and the man she falls in love with as being Scarlett and Rhett. The trials they both go through, the love that blossomed between them--unknowingly to both, it is just one of those books that you get so engrossed in you don't want to put down.

This book gets five stars from me and a high recommendation for anyone's reading list!

About the Book:

When well-laid plans go awry, can she still make her dreams come true?

Charlotte Vance is a young woman who knows what she wants. But when the man she planned to marry joins the Shakers—a religious group that does not allow marriage—she is left dumbfounded. And when her father brings home a new wife who is young enough to be Charlotte's sister, it is more than she can bear. With the country—and her own household—on the brink of civil war, this pampered gentlewoman hatches a plan to avoid her new stepmother and win back her man by joining the Shaker community at Harmony Hill. Little does she know that this decision will lead her down a road of unforeseen consequences.

Ann H. Gabhart brings alive the strikingly different worlds of the Southern gentry, the simple Shakers, and the ravages of war in 1860s Kentucky to weave a touching story of love, freedom, and forgiveness.

Endorsements

"In The Seeker, Ann H. Gabhart has penned a captivating story of love that blooms despite the desperate circumstances of the Civil War and a delicious heroine who chooses safety and seclusion among the Shakers. Gabhart's vivid descriptions and well-drawn characters will leave you wanting more. A wonderful read!"—Judith Miller, author, Daughters of Amana series

"Ann H. Gabhart has a gift for skillfully blending research with fiction to create stories that entertain. The Seeker is a well-woven tale about a strong and determined woman who is willing to risk everything to follow her convictions. A definite can't-put-it-down book."—Suzanne Woods Fisher, author, Amish Proverbs, Amish Peace, and The Choice

"To read The Seeker is to step inside a peaceful Shaker village and experienceã•a new world of faith, love, freedom, and forgiveness. Ann H. Gabhart brings to life a spirited southern belle in war-torn Kentucky with authenticity and grace. A page-turner to the very end!"—Laura Frantz, author, The Frontiersman's Daughter and Courting Morrow Little

This book was provided by Revell Books in order to write a review. All opinions are my own and I was not paid to write this.

The Wolf of Tebron

If you love C.S. Lewis' Narnia series, then you are going to love The Gates of Heaven Series by C.S. Lakin. I had the privilege of reading the first book in this series, The Wolf of Tebron, and I was immiediately drawn in.

You will fall in love with the characters in this book as you meet each one. As you begin to read, you will not want to put this book down.

I am not going to share the inside of the book because any part of it will give it away. All I can tell you is YOU will want this book--trust me!

About the book:
A young blacksmith must undertake a perilous journey to the four ends of the world to rescue his wife, who is held captive by the Moon. Along the way, he befriends a powerful wolf who encourages, protects, and ultimately sacrifices his life to save his human friend. A stirring allegory of God's love in classic fairy tale tradition.

Following in the footsteps of fantasy greats like J. K. Rowling, C. S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien, C. S. Lakin tackles the ancient struggle of good versus evil in her multi-part “Gates of Heaven” series. The first installment, The Wolf of Tebron, follows a young blacksmith’s journey to rescue his wife who is held captive by evil forces. During his travels, Joran befriends a powerful wolf who encourages, protects, and sacrifices his life to save his human friend. An allegory of God’s unconditional love, The Wolf of Tebron features quotes from the Bible and famous thinkers such as G. K. Chesterton, and relies on biblical messages of hope, faith, and redemption to drive the stories and characters.

About the Author:
C. S. Lakin is a multitasker. While running a bed and breakfast inn and raising two daughters, Lakin wrote three novels and a cookbook. In addition to The Wolf of Tebron, her mystery novel, Someone to Blame, winner of the Zondervan first novel contest, comes out in October 2010. Born into a family of writers, Lakin is also a member of several writing groups including American Christian Fiction Writers and Christian Authors Network. Now working on her ninth novel, Lakin also has experience developing television series and is a member of Christian Filmmakers. Lakin currently lives in California where she is a freelance copyeditor and writing mentor.  You can check out her website at http://www.cslakin.com/

Courting Morrow Little

I just finished reading this great book by Revell Books entitled Courting Morrow Little. Morrow is a girl like myself, from Kentucky who loves her homefront.

Morrow has had plenty of saddness in her life and now that she is marrying age, her pa wants her to get married. Her decision is a tough one--marry for love or convenience?

I totally fell in love with the characters in this book. You root for the underdog--Red Shirt--as he does his best to win her heart.

About the book:

Caught between the wilderness and civilization, Morrow Little must find her way to true love.
Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love?
This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop you as it takes you from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness of the West.

Reviews

 Praise for The Frontiersman's Daughter: "Frantz's debut will find a place in your heart."--RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars

I received this book as compensation in order to write a review for Revell Books. All opinions are my own.

The Faith Dare

I have not always been a woman of spiritual faith. Truth is, I grew up very much afraid, a child in an alcoholic home who learned how to be nice and agreeable in the hope that life would remain calm. I also learned how to live in perfection, performance, and pleasing other people--and was afraid of failure, rejection, or conflict.

I learned from a young age to put my faith in myself, my performance, and other people's opinions of me. This type of faith is the dead-end existence  many Christian women are living today. We go to church, we recite the creeds, learn the verses, sing the songs, attend the classes--but we apply little of what we see, hear, or say that we have learned. We paste on our smiles and act full, when inside we are empty and unfulfilled.
                                                                       ~The Faith Dare by Debbie Alsdorf


As I cracked open another book to review this week, I was met face to face with someone I had not wanted to meet or even admit that was still around. The opening lines of this book grabbed me from the beginning. I see myself as the perfectionist, the people pleaser--the one who is afraid of rejection and doing things that disappoint others. I thought for a long time that this person was gone--had been gone for many years, but as I read those opening lines, I began to realize that this person is still here. She shows up quite often and I am struggling with how to get rid of her. I also realized at this moment that my faith is not what it used to be. As I read the words that Debbie had written, I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream. I wanted to shout--THAT'S NOT ME!

Surely this cannot be me, right Lord? Because I love You more than anything in this world.

But yet, this is me at this moment. I am the one who walks into church and smiles and acts all full when right now I seem to be struggling with where I belong. I feel like this picture here:

I am barely hanging on. However, I know that God has me right where He needs me and He will not let me fall. That is where The Faith Dare comes in. I am taking this thirty day challenge.

I read the first two chapters yesterday and now I am ready to begin the thirty days of restoration. I cannot wait to dig in each morning and learn something new. Debbie says in the introduction of this book that through this process this is what she learned:

• I have to let go of self-strength, self-effort, and trusting anything of self. I am still learning.
• I have to set my heart on the pilgrimage, which is an extended journey with a purpose. 
• I have to accept the valley and desert places and choose to embrace them and trust God in them.

As I do this challenge, I will share with you my thoughts and the things that God has shown me. If you would like a copy of this book, you can purchase one here:
About the book:

What would happen if you lived out your faith every day, in every situation?
Jesus came to give us abundant life. So why are so many of us living with worn-out faith, struggling just to get by? What if there was something more? What if we could be set free from worry, fear, and the constant cycle of searching for significance?
The Faith Dare is a 30-day challenge for women who want to develop a new habit of focusing on God's ways and daily awareness of his presence. It is for women who are tired of ho-hum living and want to break the pattern of self-reliance and people pleasing by putting their trust in God alone and living to please him. This personalized study guide, including daily readings, affirmations, and challenges, help you live in the power of God's Word.
Whether you do this with a group of girlfriends or by yourself, the next 30 days can change your life. If you're ready to discover what it looks like to live out real faith every day, open this book and take the challenge.
I dare you.

Endorsements

"Faith--we all want more, but we're not sure how to get it. Whether alone or with others, dare to grab hold of this book to take you farther on your faith journey."--Elisa Morgan, publisher, FullFill, www.fullfill.org; president emerita, MOPS International, www.mops.org
"I've had the pleasure of working with Debbie Alsdorf not only as a speaker but also as someone I call a close friend. I dare you to go through this 30-day challenge. I know you will be encouraged and strengthened in your faith."--Renee Johnson, Devotional Diva; speaker
"Debbie Alsdorf's heart is to see women's lives transformed by the power of Jesus and The Faith Dare is another tool to accomplish just that--life transformation through Christ. You will gain much from the incredible challenge Debbie has laid out for us."--Kelly Minter, author, speaker, singer

A Time to Embrace

Karen Kingsbury has a new book out! I have read TONS of her books and have loved every single one. This is another one that did not dissapoint! If you like her style of writing, then you will most definitely want to read this one!

About the book:
A tragedy that could have ripped Abby and John apart just might bind them together for a lifetime.
After nearly divorcing, John and Abby Reynolds have renewed their vows and are feeling like newlyweds. Together they know they can handle the issues of their past, the questions from their children, and even the high school politics that drain the joy from John's coaching career. But then tragedy strikes.
An accident tears at the hearts of their family and the depth of their existence. Fumbling for forgiveness and hoping for a miracle, John and Abby must remember what is important and cling to that above all else.
Together, they're determined to move on with their lives. But is "together" enough for a future they never expected?


 This book has been reviewd for BookSneeze.

Touching the Clouds

I finished reading this book yesterday. I LOVED this book! It is the first in the series from this author. I fell in love with Kate from the moment I began reading. She is a free spirited lady who loves adventure. Those in her life don't understand her and want her to be something that she just doesn't feel. However, there is one person who sees Kate for who she really is, but he has his own problems.

This book is one you will most definitely want to read if you enjoy Christian romance novels!

About the book:

She went looking for adventure . . . and found more than she bargained for.
Kate Evans is an adventurous and independent young woman with a pioneering spirit. When she leaves her home in Washington State to follow her dream of being an Alaskan bush pilot, she knows it will be an uphill battle. But she never expected it to be quite like this. As the lone woman in a man's world, she finds that contending with people's expectations is almost as treacherous as navigating the wild arctic storms.
When she crosses paths with a mysterious man living alone in the forbidding wilderness, she faces a new challenge. Can Kate break through the walls he has put up around his heart? And will fear keep her from realizing her dreams?
Book 1 in the Alaskan Skies series, Touching the Clouds will draw you in with raw emotion and suspense, all against the stunning backdrop of the Alaskan wilds.

Endorsements

"Vivid writing. Bonnie Leon immerses the reader in the time period, the setting, and deep into the hearts of the characters. I didn't want to leave them behind when I closed the book."--Lena Nelson Dooley, author of Wild West Christmas and Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico
"A fresh and exciting story of romance and suspense. Kate's tale will take you on a high-flying adventure and make you smile as you discover with her the real meaning of a deep and abiding love."--Amber Stockton, author of Liberty's Promise

Snikiddy Snacks

Recently I was contacted & asked to review a new type of snack item from Snikiddy. Snikiddy offers baked snacks, from fries to puffs. They are made from wholesome & real ingredients, and are all natural, gluten and wheat free, have NO preservatives, no corn syrup, no trans-fats, no hydrogenated oils, and 50% less fat than regular potato chips.

As you can see from their website, Snikiddy offers PLENTY of flavor options to chose from! We were offered to sample the Cheddar Cheese variety.

My daughter was the first to spy the bag. When it was opened, everyone exclaimed that they looked a lot like Andy Capp fries. The taste though, was a tad different.

The Snikiddy snacks had less salt taste and more of the cheesy goodness taste. They did not last long at all. The bag was gone in about five minutes flat!

After tasting these, I would definitely buy them when visiting a store as a healthy alternative snack to fried chips.

Here are a couple of ways that you can save money on these little babies, if you want to purchase some:

For the next 2 weeks, if you buy a Snikiddy sharing pack on Alice.com you will get $1 off!

Also, if you visit the Sweepstakes tab at Facebook.com/Snikiddy you can enter the weekly drawing to win a Snikiddy gift pack or the grand prize, a new Jamis kids' bike!

A big thanks to Snikiddy & Smile.ly for sending us a FREE bag of these yummy fries to sample!

My Heritage

I was introduced to a new fun website recently. My Heritage is a place where you can share family photos and create a family tree.

On the website, they have this really cool interactive tool called the Look-alike Meter. I don't know about you, but I always hear that saying, "Oh, she looks like you", or "that kid looks like the father". With this really cool tool, you can put a picture of you, your spouse, and your child and the meter will tell you which parent the kid really looks like.

Here is the one for Kayla:

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Free genealogy - Family pics

Pretty cool huh? This thing says that Kayla looks equally like me and Stephen, but had a different aspect for Robert.



MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

With Robert, he looks more like his dad. I really like playing around with this.

You can try out the Look-alike meter as well. Just click THIS LINK and you can get started. It's FREE!