Meh...

I'm not going to lie - I'm not having a good morning. I don't know what happened, but I walked into work and it (the bad day) started. I'm grumpy and unpleasant and I don't even want to be around myself. (That, my friend, is bad.)

In the midst of not wanting to listen to dictation (bleh), I decided to check on a little friend in bloggy world. God humbles me. My struggles are nothing. My apparent bad mood for no reason is for naught. I'm ashamed. Yet, I share with you because this precious family, who I don't even know, needs all the prayers they can receive. Do they have enough prayers for themselves? You bet they do. However, in this situation, I believe we should intercede on their behalf. I imagine their voices are tired and weary.

If you would, please go to see Gavin Owens' page and maybe leave a word of encouragement or a kind word or just a hello for this precious family. If you read through the blog, you'll be blessed and so humbled.

My mood is picking up already. You can't stay in a bad mood when you're holding Jesus' hand in prayer for someone else.

Need to Forgive

"...forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us." Matthew 6:12 TLB

We are to ask God to forgive us as we forgive others.  We forgive not because we feel like it but because Jesus says we must. 

Forgiveness does not require us to accept or excuse an offense or to remain in a hurtful relationship.  It means we cancel their debt.  It is a matter of will and obedience, not emotion (Ephesians 4:32).

Unforgiveness is an acid that destroys its own container...We forgive [them] not for their sake, but for ours.

Someone needs to know this. Is it you?  Or is it just me?

This is from "ignite3 Your Prayer Life!" by Jim & Kaye Johns. 

Widsom Hunter and Shadow Government Review

Shadow Government by Grant Jeffrey

Summary:  

Security cameras, surveillance of private financial transactions, radio frequency spy chips hidden in consumer products, eavesdropping on e-mail correspondence and phone calls, and Internet tracking. No one is protected, and privacy is a thing of the past.  

An ultra-secret global elite, functioning as a very real shadow government, controls technology, finance, international law, world trade, political power, and vast military capabilities. These unnamed, unrivaled leaders answer to no earthly authority, and they won’t stop until they control the world. 

In Shadow Government, prophecy expert Grant Jeffrey removes the screen that, up to now, has hidden the work of these diabolical agents. Jeffrey reveals the biblical description of Satan’s global conquest and identifies the tools of technology that the Antichrist will use to rule the world. 

Readers will have their eyes opened to the real power that is working behind the scenes to destroy America and merge it into the coming global government. Armed with this knowledge, readers will be equipped to face spiritual darkness with the light of prophetic truth.

Author Bio:

Grant R. Jeffrey is the internationally known prophecy researcher, Mideast expert, and author of Countdown to the Apocalypse, The New Temple and the Second Coming, The Next World War, and twenty other best-selling books. He is also the editor of the Prophecy Study Bible. His popular television program, Bible Prophecy Revealed, airs weekly on TBN. Jeffrey earned his master’s and PhD degrees from Louisiana Baptist University. He and his wife, Kaye, live in Toronto.

Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur

Summary:  

Pastor Jason Faircloth knows what he believes. His clear faith, in fact, is why he is one of the most prominent pastors in Atlanta. He relies on it to discipline his daughter, his wife, his church. He prays daily that others would come to see God’s ways as he does.

And it is about to cost him everything.

Groping for answers in the face of tragedy, Jason begins a search for the only family he has left: the granddaughter kept hidden from him. Soon he finds himself on an international adventure that will take him straight into the depths of his soul. He is determined not to fail again.

A fast-paced suspense novel rich in spiritual depth, Wisdom Hunter explores what it means to break free of Christian legalism—and discover why grace can mean the difference between life and death.

Author Bio:

Randall Arthur is the bestselling author of Jordan’s Crossing and Brotherhood of Betrayal. He and his wife have served as missionaries to Europe for over thirty years. From 1976 till 1998, he lived in Norway and Germany as a church planter. Since 2000, he has taken numerous missions teams from the United States on trips all over Europe. Arthur is also the founder of the AOK (Acts of Kindness) Bikers’ Fellowship, a group of men who enjoy the sport of motorcycling. He and his family live in Atlanta, Georgia.

Interested in purchasing these books? Go here for Wisdom Hunter and here for Shadow Government.

In exchange for posting information about these books, I received free copies of both books from Multnomah.

Do you have any blogger friends who might like to participate in this or any other blog tours? Please direct them to the official WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books site page at http://www.randomhouse.com/waterbrook/bloggingforbooks/.

Around the House

Around the House

I saw this at TCKK's blog and she got this idea from Sarah at Life in the Parsonage, who got it from someone else, etc.  I haven't blogged lately so I thought I'd grab it and do it too!

Around the House: October 24, 2009

Reading: I just finished reading Whispers of the Bayou by Mindy Starns Clark and I really enjoyed it.  I read it for the book club we have at church. 

Enjoying: Spending time with my family, enjoying the cooler weather, today I'm helping the Youth prepare for Rocktoberfest!

Learning: about pursuing God and taking off the mask

Watching: Monk (on DVR)

Anticipating: My trip to India with e3 Partners in November!  I'm still just in awe that God uses me and still trying to figure out why?

Pondering: Is it really less a month till I go to India?  Am I going to be prepared?


Studying: Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer for small group and Being Yourself, How Do I Take Off This Mask (Women of Faith) for Sunday School.  Interesting how two studies so different can have so much in common.  Also working through a prayer guide to prepare me for India.

Wondering: If my house will clean itself...

Remembering: Having faith is knowing that He is here and knowing that His word is true.

Praying: For family member's who don't know God, healing prayers for those who are sick and protection around my girls as they face all sorts of evil when they walk out the door.  And, praying for the Banjara Gypsies to welcome us into their villages so they can KNOW about One True God!  Praise Him!

Kiss Me Again - Book Review

Book: Kiss Me Again

Author: Barbara Wilson



Summary

Many married women genuinely want to feel more desire toward their husbands.  But while sex before marriage was hard to resist, now resisting seems like all they do. In her new book, Barbara Wilson shows how couples can suffer for years from the “invisible bonds” of previous relationships without even knowing it. Hidden emotions of distrust, shame, and resentment can sabotage even the most loving marriage.

In Kiss Me Again, Wilson:

·        Shares her own story of healing and renewed desire

·        Helps women forgive themselves and their husbands for past choices 

·        Shows readers how to break free from “invisible bonds”

·        Explains God’s plan for helping a husband and wife to re-bond

·        Includes conversation helps for both wives and their husbands

·        Helps couples reignite the passion that they thought was lost

With assessment tools, write-in exercises, and gentle guidance, Kiss Me Again offers a biblical plan for rekindling the closeness and passion women long for in marriage. Because no past is beyond the reach of God’s healing touch. 

Author Bio:

Barbara Wilson is the author of The Invisible Bond and former director of sexual health education for the Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center in Sacramento. She speaks nationwide to youth and adults with her message of sexual healing, and she teaches frequently in the women’s ministry at the multi-campus Bayside Church in Northern California. Barbara and her husband, Eric, have been married for twenty-eight years.

Barbara Wilson has a an easy to read writing style.  I enjoyed her down to earth practical advice.  I could relate to the message and found it helpful in my journey of healing.

Want to know more about the book?  Go here!  

In exchange for an honest review of this book, I received a free review copy from Multnomah Books. 

Do you have any blogger friends who might like to participate in this blog tour? Please send them to this link to register: http://www.randomhouse.com/waterbrook/bloggingforbooks/

The Sound of Sleigh Bells - Giveaway

Congratulations Cathy & PJ!

 Summary:  
Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.

Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years.



Buy it or WIN  IT!  I have two copies to giveaway and all you have to do is leave a comment.  If you have a friend who you know would like a copy, either send them this way, or if they don't blog, leave a comment for them!  See how easy this is??  I'll announce the winner next week!

*I received a free copy of this book from Multnomah Books, a division of Random House in exchange for posting this on my blog  Thank you Multnomah :-)!



Do you have any blogger friends who might like to participate in this or any other blog tours? Please direct them to the official WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books site page at http://www.randomhouse.com/waterbrook/bloggingforbooks/.

Daily Prayers for Trip

Pray our LORD is glorified!

By our awe of Him (Job 25:2-3, Isaiah 55:8-9) obeying HIM (Luke 6:46)

By our hearts abiding in the Vine (John 15:5) bearing much fruit! (John 15:8)

By our desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18b)

Pray for our Workers/ Laborers

That God will raise up many laborers (Matthew 9:35-38)

Communication with nationals par excellent!

Boldness in evangelizing and discipleship follow-up

Pastors and elders/deacons will be involved

Faithful and reliable leadership for the new churches

God honoring relationships among team members

Spiritual, emotional, and physical health for all involved

A deep and intimate relationship with God for all (Phil.3:10)

Protection for those at home

Pray for the Lost

That the lost will recognize Jesus for who He is (John 14:6)

That God would draw them to Himself (John 6:44, John 6:65)

That God would save them (John 3:16)

That God would open the eyes of their understanding (Ephesians 4:18, 1 Corinthians 2:14)

That God would remove the veil that Satan has over them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

That God would make them alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5)

That God would convict unbelievers of sin, unrighteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11)

That God would turn them to repentance (Acts 20:21)

That God would give them faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)

That they would call upon the name of the Lord and be saved (Romans 10:13)

Pray for our Logistics

Safe and expedient travel

Safe and secure lodging

All documentation/passports/etc. in order

Pray for Victory

Against the lion that prowls and devours (1Peter 5:8-9)

Victory in Christ (1Corinthians 15:57)

Satanic strongholds will fall (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

That the devil will flee as we kneel submitted (James 4:7)

Pray for a hedge of protection around God's workplace (Job 1:9-10)

Daily Prayers

The following scriptures ...lifted mainly off the pages of the book of Acts... describe how God worked in the 1st century. Simply, pray one of these verses each day (merely a minute or two daily) for a year and then a second year. Together, we'll watch God glorify Himself as He radically changes the Banjara testimony of never hearing the good news of Jesus to one of that at the name of Jesus every [Banjara]knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Sunday: Ask God our Savior to glorify Himself in India and specifically the Banjara gypsy tribal group by drawing this entire people group to Himself before the close of 2010!

Ephesians 3:21: to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Monday: Ask our loving Father to add new believers every day to the churches of the Banjara.

Acts 2:47: praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Tuesday: Ask Jesus to add multitudes of new believers every day to His church in Banjara country.

Acts 5:14: And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.

Wednesday: Pray that God would multiply disciples (and mentors for these new disciples) in India.

Acts 6:1: Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number

Thursday: Pray that God would multiply greatly the number of disciples in the Banjara people.

Acts 6:7: And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Friday: Pray that God would glorify Himself by igniting a church planting movement of  biblical proportions by planting new churches daily in Banjara thandas (villages).

Acts 16:5: So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

Saturday: Praise God, the Living God, the One and Only, who is able to answer our prayers more abundantly than all that we can ask or think!

Ephesians 3:20: Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us

Wednesday Weigh-In

Well, I realize it's Friday, but the weight loss is so darn slow, I haven't really had any progress to report.  I'm trying to focus on other things besides the scales, like I'm making better food choices and tracking my food.  I've lost a total of 5.6 lbs.

Moving on now --

Today is Boss' Day - and we begrudgingly decided to all bring food - because you know food is the universal way to celebrate anything (hello, that's why I'm at Weight Watchers!)...Anyway, my point is that I made some muffins last night and while I'm not certain, I'm fairly sure based on the taste, that all my mixes had passed their expiration dates.  It was the first time I had cooked something to bring -- I usually stop at the store and grab something.  Today was no exception!  Of course, if I wanted to make sure I never had to bring anything I made, I would've brought them in.  BLECK!

Anyway, in light of the Muffin Fiasco of 2009, I noticed that Weight Watchers had several different recipes on their site for muffins and I thought I'd share one of their recipes. 

Blueberry Muffins
POINTS® Value: 4

Servings: 12
Preparation Time: 14 min
Cooking Time: 35 min
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

These muffins were a hit at our last recipe tasting. We couldn't decide which was better: the moist, blueberry-bursting cake or delicious crumb topping.

Ingredients
2 1/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp table salt
1 large egg(s)
1 cup(s) sugar, divided
3/4 cup(s) reduced-fat sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup(s) fat-free skim milk, divided
2 cup(s) blueberries, washed and picked over
2 Tbsp butter, melted

Instructions
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Place muffin liners in a 12-hole muffin tin.
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside.
Using an electric mixer, beat egg with 3/4 cup of sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add sour cream and beat until thoroughly combined; blend in vanilla extract.
Add half of flour mixture and half of milk to sugar mixture; beat until just combined. Add remaining flour mixture and milk; beat until smooth.
Fold in blueberries and fill each muffin liner about 3/4 full; set aside.

To make streusel topping, in a small bowl, combine remaining 1/4 cup each of sugar and flour. Pour in melted butter and combine with fingertips. Divide crumb mixture over muffins; gently press into top of muffin batter with fingertips.

Bake until slightly golden and a toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Cool in pans for about 10 to 15 minutes and then transfer muffins onto racks to cool completely. Yields 1 muffin per serving.

Notes - You can use any combination of fresh berries in this recipe. Frozen berries are fine to use as long as you make sure they’re completely thawed first.

YUM!

Prayers for India trip!

“And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied

greatly in Jerusalem , and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”

Acts 6:7

 

Pray that God would multiply greatly the number of disciples in the Banjara people group.

“But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish….”

[Isaiah 9:1a]

 

Long ago, another people dwelt in deep darkness.  Yet God, the LORD of hosts

voiced deliverance from oppression, slavery, and the darkness for them and the generations who followed.

 

In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.  ² The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. [Isaiah 9:1b-2]

 

Today we pray for “the land beyond”; the land and people we know as Banjaraland and the Banjara gypsies of Andhra Pradesh. 

 

We pray and ask You LORD God to send the Helper to announce Your calling and conviction to these people of the land:  conviction regards their sinfulness;  conviction of their unrighteousness before You; and, conviction of the truth that judgment and wrath has been laid upon all earth dwellers and the rulers and authorities they have worshipped and idolized.   Your Word declares  “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; ¹⁰ concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; ¹¹ concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” [John 16:8-11]

 

Moreover, we ask Your Spirit prepare us as we come to India with the message of hope; with the message regards the name above all others!

 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
   and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

⁷Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

[Isaiah 9:6-7]

 

-          In Jesus’ name, AMEN

 

 

Find Your Strongest Life - Book Review

In Find Your Strongest Life, Marcus Buckingham reveals the powerful key to bring fulfillment, peace, and control into a woman's life.

In today's world, can a woman truly "have it all"? A fulfilling career full of passion and performance? A belief that she is truly becoming the best, authentic version of herself? A happy, healthy life outside of work?

Countless women would roll their eyes at the possibility. Work is overwhelming. And for many of them, add the necessities of family and home. It all feels disconnected, out of control, and relentless.

In Find Your Strongest Life, Marcus Buckingham reveals the powerful key to help women draw enough strength from life to feel fulfilled, loved, successful, and in control. Even more, he helps women reconnect with their purpose and gives a starting point for change. A research-based message that applies to work and life, Find Your Strongest Life shows women a "unified theory" for how they really can have it all . . . the right kind of all.

My review:
This was a well written book with very relevant content.  It has a link to go along with the book so you can take the quiz to find out how you can find your strongest life.  One thing I liked is it's not a "get fixed now" book.  His data is based on months (or longer) of following up with the women who participated in his survey.

You can purchase the book at Amazon or directly from Thomas Nelson.

As a book reviewer, I receive a complimentary copy of the book.  If you think you'd be interested in reviewing books for Thomas Nelson, please click on the button on the side bar.

Let Go - Book Review

Let Go
Live Free of the Burdens All Women Know
By Sheila Walsh

Burdened. The word alone makes shoulders sink. It slows down our lives. It clouds our vision. It is the result of so many memories, grudges, fears, uncertainty, and stress. It is heavy.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28)

Overworked? Overcommitted? Overtired? Underappreciated?

Let go and live free.

Sound impossible? Sheila Walsh thought so – until God proved himself again and again through his Word, his people, and her life.

In Let Go, the bestselling author and speaker walks readers through the journey to freedom in Christ. Along the way, she tackles some of the toughest struggles that weigh women down, answering them with overwhelming truth, promise, and hope.

You can lay down your burdens. You can rest. You can find peace. You can live free.

Start here. Let Go. And see what God can do.

My Review:

This was the first book by Sheila Walsh that I have read and I really enjoyed it.  She has a very easy to read writing style yet each sentence was packed full of relevant information.  I started reading the book and I had a really hard time putting it down because I enjoyed it so much.  If you're looking for a book to help you learn how to Let Go then this is the book for you.  Let Go and Let God! 

You can purchase this book at Amazon or Thomas Nelson.

I review books for Thomas Nelson. In consideration of an honest review of a book, I receive the book from the publisher.  If you think you'd like to review books for Thomas Nelson, please click on the button on the right.

Sacred Waiting - Book Review

Sacred Waiting by David Timms

In a world that waits for nothing, we've forgotten how to wait on God.

Our culture today thrives on the immediate and instantaneous. As a consequence, the vital spiritual discipline of waiting on God is neglected, misunderstood--even lost. The good news is that waiting on God is much more than waiting on the clock.

In the tradition of A.W. Tozer and Andrew Murray, pastor and Bible professor David Timms explores the biblical concept of waiting. Along with his thoughtful, transforming insights, he'll help you discover the hidden treasures of waiting on God: joy, abundance, and peace.

 

My review:

This book is one of those books that gets your attention early on and never lets go.  Mr. Timms has a very easy to read writing style.  He is able to show how the "heroes" of the Old Testament (Noah, Abraham, Moses and David) had to learn to wait on what God had planned for them and how those lessons apply to us today.  Each chapter starts with a prayer and ends with a group discussion.  This book can be used by an individual just wanting to learn to be still and wait on God on his own or in a group setting.  I would recommend reading this book if you're trying to learn to be still and wait. 

 

 

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