P.S. - Pray and Share with Holley

PS...

...stands for pray and share and that's what we do each Sunday!
Pray - Just leave a comment sharing how we can pray for you or someone you love and take a moment to pray for the last person on the comment list too. Or tell us happy news too!
Share - If you're a blogger, you can add any post (old or new) about what God's doing in your life or heart to our list so we can visit you!
If you link up, please add this line to your post on your blog so others can find our community too...
"P.S. I shared this post on Heart to Heart with Holley."
(This is the actual hyperlink: http://blog.dayspring.com/pray-share/)

Please and Thank You

I received this devotional from NLT this morning and wanted to share.  I have been struck lately just how much like this woman I am.  What about you?

Please and Thank You

I tell you, her sins--and they are many--have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love. Luke 7:47

In the movie Splash! the main character, played by Tom Hanks, meets an adorable but strange woman who eventually turns out to be a mermaid. One of the telling signs of her true identity is that she has very little experience with everyday events and reacts inappropriately. When she is taken out to a fine restaurant and served lobster, her etiquette (though very mermaid-like) becomes a source of embarrassment, humiliation, and a wake-up call to her newfound friend. She is not what she appears.

Most rules of etiquette are guidelines to practical and polite behavior, like washing one’s hands before eating or wiping muddy feet at the door. But some rules of etiquette simply mask pretense. Etiquette can be used to honor people--or to point out their inadequacies. Jesus wisely uses this man-made custom to teach a spiritual lesson in Luke 7.

When a woman entered a dinner uninvited, poured perfume on the feet of Jesus, wept over him, and used her hair as a towel, Jesus saw only a deeply grateful and loving heart. This woman recognized immediately that Jesus was the only one who had the authority to judge her. She knew the consequences of making a spectacle of herself, yet she risked all to express her gratitude to Jesus for his mercy. She treated Jesus as a king. Jesus honored her humility and praised her actions. Jesus used the contrast between his host and this woman to teach a lesson about the way actions reveal the heart. While the host had neglected all proper etiquette for a regular guest, indeed having treated Jesus as no one special at all, this woman had honored Jesus as royalty (Luke 7:44-46). Why the difference in attitude? Those who know the depth of their sin are deeply grateful when they are shown mercy.

How much was this woman forgiven? All her sins were forgiven, known and unknown. Of how much have we been forgiven? Of all our sins, regardless of their severity? How will we show our gratitude to one who has loved us so generously--by treating him like no one special or by treating him like a king?

//

Thank you, Father, for loving me and for forgiving me of my sins. When I stop and really think about all that you have done, I'm overwhelmed by your grace and mercy. When I think of how you use me for your Kingdom, I'm blown away. You are the great I Am. You are the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. You are Faithful and True. You are Everlasting. You are Omnipotent and Omnipresent. The one thing I ask of the Lord, the thing I seek most, is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my lift, delighting in the Lord's perfections and meditating in his Temple. (Ps. 27:4) Be with each person who reads this message today and let her know how loved she is and how you long to spend time with her. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

P.S. It's Sunday

Heart to Heart with Holley has started something neat over on her blog (well, she has started several neat things).  It's called P.S. It's Sunday.  P.S. means Prayer & Share.  Join in where you leave a comment asking for prayer, maybe pray for someone else and then leave a link of a post sharing something God is doing in your life or your heart for other people to read.  I have to say that my last post of something God is doing in my life was about  my trip to India...in December! Oh, I must do a better blogging job! 

Anyway, go on over to Holley's blog.  She's a precious soul and you'll be glad you did. 

If you'd rather not, but you would like prayer or to share a link here, please do so!  It would be my privilege to pray for you.

The Voice of Psalms

The Voice of Psalms

Readers will be inspired to praise and will find comfort, wisdom, and help for daily living through The Voice of Psalms.
Features:

• the entire Book of Psalms in The Voice™ translation
• 75 practical and insightful comments on selected scriptures, focusing the primary idea of each one addressed
• devotional in tone
• offering immediate application
• 28 Advent readings with messianic quotes from other portions of Scripture
• 40 Lenten readings with messianic quotes from other portions of Scripture
• 40 Psalms readings for those seeking help from the Lord
• 40 Psalms readings for those desiring to have a time of praise with the Lord

My review:
This is a beautifully bound book and the pages are easy to read and pleasant to view.  The Voice is an interesting and new translation of the Bible; however, I'm not comfortable with this translation.  Of course, I had never even heard of translations other than King James and NIV until about 3 years ago and I switched from KJV to NIV because I never could understand the KJV. 

I liked the different reading plan options already set out for me.  I think it would be a nice gift book for someone who really likes bibles or who would like a devotional book.  Just know when you buy it that the translation is a little different than normal, but that's not always a bad thing.  It's possible it'll grow on me as an additional resource to use in my daily prayer time. 

Interesting in purchasing?  Check out Amazon or Christianbook.com.
Thank you, Thomas Nelson, for providing me a copy of The Voice of Psalms to review.

Love Letter Four: Numbers

Love Letter Four: Numbers

God says, the road to life is rough. You will begin every new adventure in life with naïve hope and excitement. Every wedding will begin with passion then move into problems. Every decorated nursery will receive a baby that will present unanticipated challenges. Every church plant, every new ministry, every small group that starts with happy hopes-everything you do, no matter how well organized and well intentioned-will run into trouble.

The road to life will expose you to terrible failure and crushing conflict. But only that road leads to the life you want, the life I give you. Spiritual leaders who teach that I am here to solve your problems and make your lives comfortable and prosperous underestimate the energy (and badly misunderstand the nature) of unholiness in the human heart that I must severely deal with to get you to My party.

And that underestimation leads them to underestimate the severity of My love. My servant C. S. Lewis got it right: I'm not safe, but I am good. I will not coddle you any more than a good surgeon only hugs a cancer-stricken child. I will not coddle you, but I will purify you. And that takes more, not less, than a hug.

(from 66 Love Letters: A Conversation with God that Invites You into His Story by Dr. Larry Crabb, ©2009.)

Hear No Evil by Matthew Paul Turner

Hear No Evil

by Matthew Paul Turner

If you’ve ever had the opening bars of a song transport you back in time or remind you of a pivotal spiritual moment, Matthew Paul Turner’s honest—and frequently hilarious—musings will strike a chord. Straightforward and amusing, Hear No Evil is Turner’s “life soundtrack,” a compilation of engaging personal stories about how music—and music’s ability to transform—has played a key role in his spiritual life.

Groove along on his journey as young evangelical Turner attends forbidden contemporary Christian concerts, moves to “Music City” Nashville, and dreams of becoming the Michael Jackson of Christian music.

Cosmic and compelling, keen and funny, every page is a new encounter with the people, places, and experiences that have taught the music-editor-turned-author some new things about God, forced him out of his comfort zone, and introduced him to a fresh view of grace along the way.

About the author:

Matthew Paul Turner is a blogger, speaker, and author of Churched: One Kid’s Journey Toward God Despite a Holy Mess, The Christian Culture Survival Guide, and several other popular books. After a childhood in rural Maryland, Turner attended Nashville’s Belmont University, where he received a BBA in music business, and was the editor of CCM magazine before leaving to pursue writing as a career. Turner has written for Relevant, HomeLife, Christian Single, and other magazines. He and his wife, Jessica, have one son, and live in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit his website:  www.matthewpaulturner.com.

My Review:
I've followed Matthew's blog for a while so when the opportunity to review his book came around, I jumped right on board.  This book is quick and easy read.  One you can pick up (have a hard time putting down) and finish within a day (or two depending on how you read).  My life has been transformed and moved by music, so I could relate to the various songs and artists who shaped his life and his calling.  While this is a Christian non-fiction book, I do not think it is limited to one certain audience.  It's a book for anyone who enjoys music and knows what it's like to be taken somewhere when you hear a song or artist.



You can purchase this book or find out more about Matthew Paul Turner at RandomHouse.com.

Thank you WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for providing this book for me to review.

Presenting my first cake!

From Latte With Me

I started taking cake decorating and this is the first cake I decorated! I got a pretty decent shot (so you can't see the pitiful sides and such!).  It was a lot of fun!

Do you cake decorate?

Love and War by John and Stasi Eldredge

Love and War

Finding the Marriage You've Dreamed Of

Written by John Eldredge and Stasi Eldredge

ABOUT THIS BOOK

What the Eldredge bestsellers Wild at Heart did for men, and Captivating did for women, LOVE & WAR will do for married couples everywhere. John and Stasi Eldredge have contributed the quintessential works on Christian spirituality through the experience of men and the experience of women and now they turn their focus to the incredible dynamic between those two forces.

With refreshing openness that will grab readers from the first page, the Eldredges candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the challenges they faced. Each talks independently to the reader about what they’ve learned, giving their guidance personal immediacy and a balance between the male and female perspectives that has been absent from all previous books on this topic.   They begin LOVE & WAR with an obvious but necessary acknowledgement:  Marriage is fabulously hard.  They advise that the sooner we get the shame and confusion off our backs, the sooner we'll find our way through.

LOVE & WAR shows couples how to fight for their love and happiness, calling men and women to step into the great adventure God has waiting for them together. Walking alongside John and Stasi Eldredge, every couple can discover how their individual journeys are growing into a story of meaning much greater than anything they could do or be on their own.

If you'll go to the Random House site for the book, you can read excerpts from it and see what other people are saying.  Interested in purchasing it? You can do that there or at Amazon.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah. ~ Thank you WaterBrook!

Thin Places by Mary DeMuth

Thin Places – Mary’s Story

My True Story
By Mary DeMuth
When I started my writing journey toward publication, I thought I’d always be a novelist. My agent at the time suggested I write parenting books, something I balked at for quite some time. I was a storyteller after all. And because of my upbringing, I suffered from deep wells of insecurity in my parenting. And yet, I sold three parenting books. I wrote them from a position of weakness, and I prayed other parents with struggles similar to mine would be encouraged that they’re not alone. One facet strung its way through all my books: story.
I can’t help but tell stories, whether they be fiction or nonfiction. As I brainstormed with my next agent and my editor about who I wanted to be when I grew up, we all came back to story. I am a storyteller. We decided it would be best for me to place my primary focus on novel writing, but keep the storytelling alive in nonfiction.

Two years ago, I sensed the need, urge, and desire to write a memoir. I’d come a long way in my healing journey, enough that I could write it without bitterness, with a view toward God’s intervention. Thankfully, my vision for a memoir fit well within the story idea, and Zondervan took a risk and bought the book.

I wrote the book much like I’d write a novel, with an inciting incident, some flashbacks, a rising action and a late climax. Of course, as memoirs go, I had more freedom to explore and meander through the story, but I kept the book mostly in scenes, written in first person present tense to create intimacy and immediacy with the reader.

It was difficult to create me as the main character, to place the potential reader into my own head, to play it out in a way that would woo the reader to turn the page. In doing that, I learned even more about myself, how I viewed the world (sometimes in a warped way!), and what possible impact my journey might have on fellow strugglers.

Though I knew well the landscape, setting, and characters of my life, it proved difficult to give myself permission to truly delve in deeper, to re-feel my pain, angst, joy, frustration, anticipation, and worry. Once I let myself go there, the memoir progressed. And my editor helped me shape the book more chronologically, something for which I’m deeply thankful.

The end result is story: mine. It’s the story of a little girl who faced sexual abuse, neglect, drug-using parents, fear, death of a parent, and a host of other malevolence. And yet it’s a hope-filled story, where the bright light of God’s climactic redemption outshines the dark places. It’s a story of God’s nearness when I thought I’d nearly lose my mind and will to live. How grateful I am for the beautiful love of Jesus, how dearly He chose frail me to shame the wise. It’s really His story after all.

About the author:
Mary DeMuth

Author and speaker Mary DeMuth helps people turn their trials to triumph. Her books include Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God; Building the Christian Family You Never Had; Watching the Tree Limbs; Wishing on Dandelions; Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture and the first two books in the Defiance, Texas Trilogy: Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn.

National media regularly seek Mary’s candid ability to connect with their listeners. Her radio appearances include FamilyLife Today, Moody Midday Connection, Point of View and U.S.A. Radio Network and is frequently featured on Chuck Colson’s BreakPoint. She has published articles in In Touch, HomeLife, Writer’s Digest and The Writer.

Mary lives with her husband Patrick and their three children in Texas. Learn more about Mary at http://marydemuth.com.
 

My review:
I don't usually read memoirs but I really like Mary DeMuth and I wanted to learn about her story (because I knew there was one).  I am so glad I decided to find out more and read the book.  It's not just a story about a little girl who faced unmentionable horrors.  It's the story of how one little girl just knew something was missing in her life and she found what she was missing in Jesus.  Mary recalls how Jesus healed her through each ordeal and trial.  She shows us first hand His redemptive and restoring love for His children.  No matter how far away from Him you think you are, He's just a call, cry, moan or prayer away.

Thank you, Mary, for opening up your story and sharing how we can see God in the Thin Places.  May God bless you for sharing yourself and for answering His call to write.

You'll want to buy this book!  Go here to buy it.

Mary DeMuth sent me a copy of this book to review.  Thank you!

The Prolific Blogger Award

I'm not so sure I deserve this award because I haven't done the best job at being prolific lately, but I'm very grateful for it.  I know I have two or three readers because y'all leave me precious comments that always make me smile, so THANK YOU!

I was given The Prolific Blogger Award by Cathy at Tales of the TCKK Family--Thank you!!!  (She's one of the precious readers I have!)

Cathy participates in so many great memes and I always love looking at her pictures.  Please check out Cathy's blog if you are not already following it. I know you will be blessed.  Here are the rules for sharing the award & what it is about…

"A prolific blogger is one who is intellectually productive… keeping up an active blog that is filled with enjoyable content."

1. Every winner of the prolific blogger award has to pass on this award to at least seven other deserving prolific bloggers to spread some love!

2. Every prolific blogger must link back to the blog from which he/she has received the award.

3. Each prolific blogger must link this back to this post which explains the origins and motivations for the award.

4. Every prolific blogger must visit this post and add their name in the Mister Linky so that we can all get to know the other winners.

I don't know if I have 7 people who actually read this blog...and one of the people I would pick is the one who gave this award to me! I'm going to pick 7 people who bless me with their comments and their blogs.  Maybe they'll stop by and see they have been awarded an award :-).

1. PJ's Prayer Line
2. Michelle
3. Sweet Abundance
4. Lora
5. DeeDee
6. Heart to Heart with Holley
7. Roy Lessin

Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers (NCV Version)

Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers New Century Version

By Bobbie Wolgemuth (General Editor)

Mom’s Bible: God’s Wisdom for Mothers gives women an awareness of just how precious and vital they are in God’s plan for the family.
Available in the New Century Version and drawing on solid Bible teaching, it encourages women at every stage of life to strengthen their relationship with God. A perfect gift for Mother’s Day, birthdays, or whenever it’s time to say “thank you” to a special mom.


Book Introductions:

Special sections on:

• Walking In Ways That Are Pleasing To God
• Our God Is....
• Godly Character
• Passing It On
• Moms in the Bible
• Questions Kids Ask
• Wonderful Counselor, covering issues mom face from the perspective of a Christian therapist. 
• Highlighted First Touch verses: verses to mull over throughout the day. 
• Topical Index

My review:

I am always on the look out for a new Bible and this one did not disappoint! This Bible is great! I love the easy to read language (NCV) and I am really enjoying reading the special sections on each page.

I have a feeling it will take me a while to really work through this Bible's special sections. 

Since it's geared towards a Mom, it's all girly and pretty. I love a pretty Bible. It's a hard cover binding so it's durable. 

I would prefer for the typeface to be a little darker because it would be easier for me to read; but it might not be an issue for most people. Regardless of the typeface, I am enjoying reading this Bible.

You can't go wrong giving this bible to a mom in your life.  She'll love it!

If you're interested in finding out more, go to Thomas Nelson.  If you're interested in purchasing, you can go to Amazon.

Thank you Thomas Nelson for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy.

Angels by Dr. David Jeremiah

Angels
By Dr. David Jeremiah

Summary:  

What are angels? What is their role in God’s plan? Are they present? Do they appear? Do they give us personal insight about our work, our worship?

Many contemporary beliefs about angels are based on misconception and myth. Dr. David Jeremiah uses scripture to unveil the remarkable truth about these agents of heaven, and their role and work in our world—and lives.

More than 60,000 units of this powerful book have sold in two past editions. This repackage of the original 1996 paperback will surely capture the attention of readers of all ages who seek a broad and thorough survey of scripture that clearly separates fact from fiction as it relates to angels. The book will appeal to the thousands who follow Dr. Jeremiah’s books, and radio and TV broadcasts.

Relevant, little known biblical facts help readers sharpen their knowledge and sensitivities toward the spiritual reality of angels. Dr. Jeremiah’s enlightening findings are supported with illustrations and insights from Billy Graham, Corrie ten Boom, C.S. Lewis, and more.

Author Bio:

Dr. David Jeremiah is senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego, and founder of Turning Point Radio and TV Ministries. His radio program is carried on over 2,500 stations worldwide, while the TV broadcast is received by 500 million homes via cable and satellite. The recipient of numerous awards for broadcast excellence, his books have garnered Gold Medallion awards and become bestsellers with The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and the New York Times. He is a sought-after conference speaker by organizations nationwide.

My review:
I have enjoyed reading this book.  I have really never given a lot of thought to angels being among us but this book helped open my eyes to what the Bible says about angels.  Dr. Jeremiah has an easy to read writing style and this book is full of great information.  

Go to Random House to buy this book or to receive more information.    

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

So Long Insecurity!

Hey, have you heard that Beth Moore is releasing a new book entitled So Long Insecurity?  It's either being released today or tomorrow.  I'm anxiously awaiting the copy I pre-ordered to arrive!  I'm not real sure how I missed doing a review for it - maybe I didn't get asked to review it by Tyndale, who, by the way, is launching a new website and they are giving away books every day for the next 30 days!

I digress so quickly sometimes. 

Obviously, I'm excited for this new book.  We're hosting the April 24, 2010 simulcast at our church (but I'm really going to miss being with my siestas in Atlanta!) and I'm excited about that too!

BUT, the main reason for this post is to tell you that Beth Moore will be leading a study of her new book on her blog!

Here are the details from her blog, in case you're interested in participating! (How many !! will I use in this post?)

What’s the plan?

To go through the book together here on the blog over the course of nine weeks. It will conclude the week prior to the SLI simulcast (on April 24th) and I’m anticipating God using our discussions here to add insight into the messages I’ll share that day. He’s used you so many times in this ministry.

How will it work?
Every week I’ll give you a reading assignment (roughly two chapters a week) along with one or two questions based on that material. Those who want to respond will do so through posting comments.

Who should participate?
Anyone with two X chromosomes! Everybody’s welcome! Some of the things we do together on this blog – like summer Bible study and Scripture memory – are over the heads or outside the interests of many of our female coworkers, neighbors, siblings, or friends. Not this time. This subject matter was purposely written to be relevant for any woman trying to survive this culture with a little dignity. My prayer is that, in the pursuit of dignity, they will discover real Security. (Proverbs 3:26 NLT) I give you my word it is not a trap. It is what I believe from the marrow of my bones to be the Truth. If you’re unsure you want to risk asking someone outside the Christian community to join us, grab hold of the book quickly, read it for yourself and see if you think a few of your friends might be open to going through it. No pressure. It’s entirely up to you. God alone has the power to draw people to His Son.

When will we start?
So Long Insecurity hits the stands this coming Tuesday, February 2nd. I will give everyone who wants to participate one week to get your hands on a copy (bookstores, Amazon, etc.). Then, on Tuesday, February 9th, I’ll do a “roll call” (First name and city) to see who’s going to participate. That’s always a ton of fun. In an outreach setting like this one, it will be a blast to see brand new names. On Thursday, February 11th, we’ll start our reading assignments and our first week’s discussion questions. Each Thursday for the next nine weeks I’ll pitch another set of assignments and questions on the blog until we reach the conclusion. (For those who are afraid that one week might not be long enough to get a copy of the book in your hands, keep in mind that, even if you get yours late into the second week, the reading goes quickly enough to put you right on schedule.)

What if I don’t want to take nine whole weeks to read the book?
I just knew somebody was going to ask that question. I’m laughing but I’d be the same way. You can read the book as fast as you’d like then look back on it chapter by chapter as we slow down and do it together as a group.

But what if I don’t want to participate?
Then don’t! I’ll love you so much anyway and meet with you plenty of other times on the blog.

WOW. This is about to be a reality. I just have one last thing to say, Siestas. If you hate it, you helped me write it. SHARE MY PAIN!

I love you. Beth

I love you too!
(Seriously, how many ! did I use?)