Book: Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday

About the book:
Most days motherhood often looks like bottomless piles of laundry; a sink full of dishes; sleepless nights; and unshowered, nonstop, endless days. If that’s all there is, then no wonder “Grumpy Mom” sometimes sneaks into your heart and home.

If you can relate, you’re in good company—Valerie Woerner gets it and has experienced Grumpy Mom more often than she’d care to admit. In Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday, Valerie shares what she’s learned so far about sending Grumpy Mom packing and embracing a joyful, intentional motherhood that is so much better than you thought possible.

As you journey with Valerie, you’ll be inspired and equipped to find energy in the most unlikely places, pursue your own dreams, be set free from mom guilt, feel content despite unfinished to-do lists, spend purposeful time with God amid the daily chaos, and discover more joyous moments of motherhood.

So, take a holiday from Grumpy Mom, and enjoy life as the mom God made you to be.


My thoughts:
This has been a book I am reading slowly.  I have caught myself several times rereading a paragraph and letting it "soak in."

I have those moments when I feel like "Grumpy Mom."  The things the author writes about are many of the same experiences or thoughts I have had myself.  She writes so readers can relate and know that she understands where you are coming from. 

As Moms we face these difficult situations on a daily basis...how do we respond in these moments? Do you know how to look for the joy in the situation?  This book will help change your perspective and challenge you if you have those days when you are "Grumpy Mom."

You can visit the author's website here.  Visit Tyndale here.

I'm glad I had a chance to review this book.  It would make a nice gift for yourself for Mother's Day!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Tyndale Blog Network for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

Book: Prayers for the Battlefield

About the book:Moms today have a lot to handle! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising a family, especially in a culture that’s spiraling away from Christianity at an alarming speed. Yet our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The battle belongs to him, and his strength shines bright when we bring our weaknesses to Him and simply say, “Here. I can’t, but You can.”

Prayers for the Battlefield is a collection of prayers and reflections to help you stay strong through the daily challenges of motherhood. Whether you’re a new mom or a soon-to-be empty nester, Heidi St. John writes Scripture-filled and Spirit-infused prayers for every season of motherhood, helping you raise God-fearing children who will live out their love for Christ and make a difference in our world.

Let God determine the outcome of the battles you’re facing today―because the ultimate victory belongs to him.

My thoughts:
I was not familiar with this author when I saw this book available for review; however, as a Mom I was interested due to the description.  Moms need to remember we are in a battle and our children need to be covered with our prayers.  

I really appreciate this book because of the short personal stories shared by the author and the written prayers.  I feel it has been beneficial for me to read and pray these prayers.

This is a great resource to have as you are raising your children.  You will be encouraged as you lift up your children to our Father.

The hardback book is nicely designed. I liked the small design that makes it convenient to take along with you.

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale blogger review program for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

Book: Our Newlywed Kitchen

Do you know a young woman busy planning her wedding day? I'd like to share this book today....it's called Our Newlywed Kitchen by Laura Schupp.

About the book:
Imagine giving the special bride you know a gorgeous keepsake book. One that includes timeless wisdom for the heart of your home―the kitchen―with space for you and others to insert recipes, prayers, Scripture, and memories. Our Newlywed Kitchen offers Christians a unique wedding gift for brides. It includes practical how-to information for wedding registry, kitchen organization, meal preparations, party planning, grocery shopping, and more. This gift will be immediately treasured by a new bride, who will refer to it for years.

My thoughts:
This is a beautiful book to give to a bride to be.  It has some helpful information on a variety of topics. I enjoyed reading the personal stories shared by the author of her own traditions and family.  I learned some things as well regarding items to put on your registry and felt the author made some good points about items needed by a young bride.

I like that it has a few blank spaces throughout to record both blessings and recipes for the couple.  The photos are nice to look at as well.  The book is well done and thought out.  It will be appreciated by the couple.  It isn't just for after the wedding though; there are things for prior to marriage such as how to create the registry and what you should be sure to include.

Find out more at this link.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Focus on the Family from the Tyndale Blog Network.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! 
  Bethany

Book: Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional

About the book:
What would happen if you and your family committed to doing one act of kindness each day for a year?
Our world desperately needs more kindness. Whether it’s on social media, in the news, or between your arguing kids it can seem like conflict and disconnection are everywhere. But imagine how much better life would be if we got intentional about being kind!

This year, embark on a journey to make kindness a part of your life, home, and soul. In The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional, you’ll find Scripture passages and inspirational personal stories about why God calls us to show kindness, what it means to live a life of generosity, and how you can incorporate kindness into your everyday routine (and teach it to your kids) with tons of simple, easy-to-do ideas.

Show your world the kind of love that is possible with daily acts of kindness that will change your heart, inspire your family, and draw you closer to God.

My thoughts:
It has been such a joy to be reading this book each day over the past several weeks.  Each devotional has made me stop and think how I can add kindness to my own life. I believe you will be challenged and encouraged too.  I liked how the ideas were easy to implement in daily life.  A story is shared each day of how the authors did a kind act for someone.  I found ideas I had never considered doing for someone else so it will make you think of creative ways to reach out. 

This is a perfect book to get for someone you love this Christmas or  even a copy for your own family.  We could all definitely benefit from reading this book and trying to add kindness to the lives of others using their daily ideas. 

I received a copy of this book for my review from the Tyndale Blog Network.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
 Bethany

Long Days of Small Things

Wow!  Reading this book has blessed me so much!  Let me tell you about it.

About the book:
Rich, soul-inspiring practices for moms who have neither quiet nor time. Dirty laundry, crayon-smeared bills, and smashed crackers . . . And there’s your Bible—buried under a pile of diapers. Bleary-eyed from lack of sleep, without a moment of peace and quiet, you wonder if the spiritual life you crave is even possible. But God sees you. He designed this parenting journey, after all. He understands the chaos of motherhood. And he joins you in everything—whether you’re scrubbing the floor, nursing a fussy newborn, or driving to soccer practice. Catherine McNiel invites you to connect with God right here, in the sacred mundane of every mothering moment.

My thoughts:
I could relate so well to this book.  There is so much we do as mothers that we can easily be depleted.  The idea the author presents is that while you are doing these daily tasks....wiping bottoms, washing dishes, folding clothes, cleaning messes.....that you can praise God and focus on Him in the midst of all of this.

One quote that I absolutely loved at the beginning of this book:  "I hadn't know that I felt invisible until I felt seen.  I hadn't realized how thankless the ceaseless sacrifices of motherhood felt until someone gently pointed me to their honor and value."

Please consider blessing a young mother in your life with this valuable book.  It would be a beautiful gift for a baby shower or Mother's Day.

On a side note...A ironic thing is I was going to read this one night as I took a bath.  My little boy came running into the bathroom to see me and bumped the book, knocking it into the tub and soaking it.  I had to laugh how perfect it was that he knocked THIS book into the water.   So I had to let it dry out before I continued reading.

It took me a while to read this book simply because it was beautifully written, and I wanted to read slowly and absorb what I read, if that makes sense.

This book was provided to me by Tyndale for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
    Bethany

Be Bold

About the book:

Be Bold offers an outlet to simultaneously focus on God’s Word and express creativity. Using scripture as the foundation for her designs, Ellen Elliot takes readers through a series of inspiring verses reinforced with short devotional writings. Topics include joy, hope, self-image, peace, and more. Each coloring page and corresponding devotional will help the reader develop a closer relationship with the Heavenly Father. 

My thoughts:
I have used several adult coloring books.  This is one of my favorites.  I LOVE the way the pictures are drawn and the big letters.  There is a short devotional to go with each verse to color.  The book is designed for teen girls with devotionals applicable to them but anyone really could enjoy it.  I have enjoyed reading the devotionals and coloring in this book.  One thing I would have changed is if the pages would tear out.  They would be pretty to frame.

This book was provided to me by the Tyndale Blog Network for my honest review.  Thank you.


 Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

Hidden In My Heart Bible

It is so very important for us to teach scriptures to our children. I have a great new resource to share with you today to do just that.

About this Bible:
The Hidden in My Heart Scripture Memory Bible was created to encourage kids not only to read God’s Word but also to hide it deep within their hearts. One hundred of the Bible’s core verses have been set to music by renowned children’s author and song writer Stephen Elkins. The 100 songs include a variety of genres and are available in the New Living Translation, New International Version, and King James Version, and all songs are free with the purchase of the Bible. Additional interactive features encourage school-age kids to engage with the Word in every place of their life.

My thoughts:
Scripture memory has always been important to me because it was instilled in me as a child.  I have continued through the years off and on to memorize scripture.  I've also taught our first son verses from a young age and look forward to having our younger son begin saying verses as he is learning to talk.

When you purchase this Bible, you are given a code to download (for free) 100 songs based on 100 verses.  It has the songs in all three versions; you can choose which you prefer.  The songs are fun and enjoyable to hear.  There is even a list in the back of the Bible that has the songs divided by age appropriateness and another list with the songs divided by musical styles such as fast tempo, Latin rhythm, moderate tempo, bluesy, etc.

New Living Translation is used for the entire Bible. It also includes the 100 key verses in two other translations.  They are written in a light green box called "Memorize" with the verse in all three translations right there together.

I think the concept of this Bible is great; however, I would have been just as pleased with a CD of 100 songs of scriptures to memorize.  Also while it is helpful to have a verse in three biblical translations, I didn't find a huge benefit over just having one translation.  This is just a personal preference.

I was provided a copy of this Bible and songs by the Tyndale reviewer program for my honest review.

Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal

I have seen many adult coloring books and this has to be one of my favorites.  First I like the size.  It is perfect to carry along in a bag while traveling, etc.  Second I like the hard back cover.  And finally the pages are so beautifully done.  Some are black and white for you to color.  Others have some color already added.  There are prompts throughout for you to  "fill in the blanks."  You will be encouraged as you color and read the beautifully illustrated verses.

This would be a beautiful stocking stuffer.  Be sure to check it out!

If you are on Pinterest, you should check out the Tyndale board with downloadable samplers and shareable coloring pages.

I received this book from the Tyndale reviewers program for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

Come to the family table!

About the book:
In our busy world, family time around the dinner table is easily displaced by other things. Ted and Amy Cunningham call parents to a slower way of living that allows them to intentionally build into their family’s relational and spiritual fabric and into the community around them.

No more rushing to the table for a quick bite so we can get back to our other activities. Prioritizing mealtime slows us down long enough to enjoy our food, each other, and Jesus. Inspired by the slow food movement,Come to the Family Table seeks to encourage families with intentional strategies to engage one another and create the table as a space for practical ministry to their community.

My thoughts:This was a very enjoyable read for me.  Family meal time has always been a priority to me. I've read so many times about how important this time is for families and children. This book provides some wonderful ideas for families to come together and just slow down a bit from the busyness of every day life.

Instead of just rushing through the meal to get to the next task, event, etc. this book provides some tools to help families linger longer around the table....talking, sharing memories, asking questions, reading the Bible. The authors share personal stories that show the benefits of the family table.  Each chapter has a recipe to try as well as a devotional thought to share with your family.  There are also various "games" you can play as a family such as "The 'Or' Game" and "guess the object."  The second part of the book is how to help people at your family table. For example there is a chapter on being an advocate for marriage and your table can be a safe place to do that for your friends and loved ones.

I have really enjoyed this book and recommend it to you.  My family has already started using some of the ideas.  We read a devotional one night this week and played the "or" game.

Families have to choose to make this time a priority, but there are so many benefits of having this time together. Let this book help you and your family do that.

I received this book for my review as part of the Tyndale review program.  These opinions are mine.  Thank  you.

Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

Guys Slimline Bible

About the Bible:
The Guys Slimline Bible blue chevron edition is the perfect gift for all occasions and features the easy to understand New Living Translation text.

The 53-page dictionary/concordance helps kids locate passages on various topics. Includes 8 pages of full-color maps, a blue ribbon marker, and a special presentation page.

The New Living Translation text is excellent for young readers because it is so clear and they can understand what they are reading! When they can read and understand God’s Word, God can work in their hearts!

My thoughts:
I have been very pleased with this copy of the Bible.  It is a great size to carry, not thick or bulky. The text is a size that is easy to read.  I really liked the NLT version.

If you have a young man in your life this would make a nice gift Bible for him.  I would also like to add that there is another version for girls too!

Here is what my son (age 11) said:
This is a good Bible for boys my age who want to get closer to our creator. It has an interesting and soft cover.  The print is just right.  It's just the right size to carry to church.

This was sent to me for my review by the Tyndale review program.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
 

Having a Martha Home the Mary Way

About the book:
Get your home and your heart in order in just 31 days! Sarah Mae wants to let you in on a little secret about being a good homemaker: It’s not about having a clean house. She’d never claim to be a natural, organized cleaner herself―yet, like you, she wants a beautiful space to call home, a place where people feel loved and at peace. Where people can really settle in with good food, comfy pillows, and wide-open hearts.

Is it possible to find a balance? To care for your heart―and your home―at the same time?

Journey with Sarah Mae on this easy, practical 31-day plan to get you moving and have your house looking and feeling fresh. But even more than that, you’ll gain a new vision for the home of your dreams, and how to make it a place of peace, comfort, and community. Originally published as the e-book 31 Days to Clean and now revised and expanded in print for the first time, Having a Martha Home the Mary Way will inspire you to find a happier, healthier . . . cleaner way to live.

My thoughts:
I thought the description of this book sounded interesting and would be helpful for me in this stage of my life.  I liked the layout of this book with short, easy to read chapters followed by a "Mary Challenge" with questions and with space to write your answers and then a "Martha Challenge" which is directions for one thing to clean in your home.

I really wanted to like this book, but it just didn't appeal to me overall.  I liked the short chapters and she does have some good ideas for cleaning.  But it seemed like she just repeated herself.  She kept repeating about getting the kids involved and saying that certain things may not work for everyone so just do what works for you and that bugged me.  It is a nice idea to use a month to get the house clean, but that just does not seem like real life to me. I have not finished to the end of this book because it just does not hold my attention.   I caught myself thinking numerous times why is this even a book?

This book was provided to me through the Tyndale Blog Network reviewers program.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
 

I Can

The point of the book I Can by Kathryn O'Brien and illustrated by Gillian Flint is to help children memorize a scripture. This one is for Philippians 4:13--"I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." The verse is broken down into pieces. For example, one page says "I can" and then the next page lists things such as I can sing, I can climb, etc. Then it goes on to "I can do" and the following page lists things a child can do like math, puzzles, and chores. The book continues like this until the entire verse is said. Repetition is important when memorizing!

The pages with parts of the verse are written in a larger yellow font. The theme as you can see on the front is a farm scene. I really liked the smoothness and colorfulness of the illustrations with the farm animals and children. I think it would be appropriate for those in the PreK--1st grade range. I liked this book and the idea behind it to help children memorize verses. It is important to hide God's Word in our heart, and this book is a good resource to help you do that with your children.

This book was provided to me for my review by the Tyndale Blog Network. Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
 

Raising Grateful Kids In An Entitled World

I have completed a wonderful book called Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch. Visit her website here. I've read her blog for many years as well as her previous book Rhinestone Jesus so I was excited to be able to read this new book.

There's no question our society as a whole has an entitlement mentality. I've witnessed this multiple times in my life, and it's just everywhere really in all different age groups.  In this book the author shares her experiences with her own family off  what they do to raise grateful kids. She admits it is not easy to be different from the world, but as Christians that is who we are supposed to be. I appreciate her honesty as a Mom that she is not an expert and doesn't have everything figured out.

The book is easy to read with 4 parts divided into ten chapters. Each ends with practical ideas of how to implement the ideas in your own family with ideas for parents, toddlers/preschoolers, elementary aged, and tweens/teens.

I marked a lot in this book as I read and gained some wonderful ideas to incorporate in our family. I want my husband to read it next, and I plan to reread it too at some point because it just has so much good stuff.

You can pre-order a copy for yourself today. Visit this website for more information about the special offer for when you pre-order.

This book was provided to me by the Tyndale reviewers program for my honest review. Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!

My First Hands-On Bible

My thoughts:
What a great Bible for preschoolers! There are so many things about this that I really like.  First, it is great I think that it has the real text of the Bible, not just a snippet of the story. The New Living Translation is used so the stories are easy to understand I thought.  Second, the illustrations are wonderful.  Children will like these a lot I believe. Third, the hands-on activities are just perfect for little ones and relate appropriately to the stories. Some of the activities I liked are:  "Stand in a doorway, and try to block me from getting through." from the story Balaam's Talking Donkey; "Name three people who make you feel safe." from the story Boaz Helps Ruth. Finally, I like that at the end of each story is a prayer, a couple more activities, a couple questions, and "The Jesus Connection." Every story points back to Jesus.

If you have a preschooler in your family, this is a great Bible for you to read with them.  Read more about it here.  (I notice there is one of these available with a blue cover as well in case you were wondering!)

I received this book as part of the Tyndale review program.  Thank  you.

Have a day of blessings!
 

Book: Always on my Mind

I have read other books in this series about the Christiansen Family and expected to enjoy this one like I have the others. I was not disappointed!  Today I'd like to tell you about book 4 called Always on my Mind by Susan May Warren.

About the book:After a failed dig in Honduras, aspiring archaeologist Casper Christiansen heads home to Minnesota to face his unresolved feelings for Raina Beaumont, the woman of his dreams. But when he arrives unannounced on her doorstep, he receives the shock of a lifetime: Raina is pregnant with someone else’s baby.

Heartbroken, especially when he discovers the identity of the baby’s father, Casper tables his dreams and determines to be dependable for once, helping his older brother, Darek, prepare the family resort for its grand reopening. Casper longs to be the hero of at least one family story, but a never-ending Deep Haven winter and costly repairs threaten their efforts—and the future of the resort.

Worse, one of Casper’s new jobs constantly brings him into contact with Raina, whom he can’t seem to forget. A tentative friendship begins to heal fresh wounds, but can they possibly overcome past mistakes and current choices to discover a future together? 

My thoughts:

I have enjoyed all the books I've read by Susan May Warren.  Her characters seem so real, and I enjoy her writing style.  I appreciate the close-knit family of the Christiansens and how they seem like a realistic family with real problems and struggles.  

In this book I liked the mystery/treasure hunt that Casper and Raina work on together.  I saw a deeper meaning than just the treasure hunt on the surface though; both Casper and Raina were looking for their own treasures even though they may not realize it.  I thought the author did a good job of weaving these two characters' stories together in a believable way.  They both have such pain in their heart because of their pasts.  

If you have read other books in this series, you will see those main characters pop up throughout this book as well which I like. This book can be read alone if you haven't read the others though.  I look forward to the next book in the series!  

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book.
Have a day of blessings!
 

When I Fall in Love

I have (finally) finished When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren. It took me a while to finish because of everything going on lately. The book was a fabulous story that I recommend to you. I've read others by this author and enjoy her characters and writing style. This book is "a Christiansen family novel."

About the book: 

Come home to the Christiansens—where faith and family meet real life.
Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Maxwell Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet. 

My thoughts:

Grace and Max grow close through their cooking classes. I liked both of these characters and wanted them both to make the "right" decision about their relationship. I could see them growing in this story. Grace was very fearful at the beginning and it was a stretch for her to even leave her hometown for this vacation. It was nice to see the changes she experienced throughout the book. 

Others of the Christiansen family are included in this book, and I am looking forward to see what happens with those characters and their problems in future books. I liked how these characters were weaves into Grace and Max' story. 

Another plus of this book was the setting. It was fun to read about the sights and foods of Hawaii. 

I hope you will check out this book and others by this author. I look forward to the next release in this series. 

Thank you to Tyndale Blog Network for sending this book to me for my review. 

Have a day of blessings!

Rhinestone Jesus

 

I was so excited to receive Rhinestone Jesus by Kristen Welch to review.  I have read the author's blog "We are THAT family" for years now and am thrilled to share her wonderful book with you today.  I read this so fast and really enjoyed all of it and was looking forward to writing my review! 


About the book:  ARE YOU SETTLING for a shiny, pinned-on, ornamental faith? Get ready for one that’s messy, bold, and courageous.

In high school, Kristen Welch wore a big, sparkly rhinestone “Jesus” pin every day and carried her Bible wherever she went. (Yes, she was that girl.) But she didn’t realize her faith, though sincere, was shallow; much like her artificial accessory, it would one day tarnish, no longer a true reflection of who she was.

Real life and motherhood catapulted Kristen into places and situations she’d never imagined. There came a day when she stood in the slums of Africa, poised on the brink of a risk bigger than any she’d ever taken. And she knew she didn’t stand a chance—unless she was ready to put aside the rhinestones and get branded by the real thing.

Rhinestone Jesus is the spiritual adventure story of one woman who went from living a safe, “good-girl” faith that didn’t cost much, to realizing that God was daring her to say yes to a deeper, more authentic way. This book throws the doors wide open for any woman who’s ever thought of herself as “just a mom.” Read it and be inspired. Be empowered. Say yes to God right where you are—and stand amazed at how your life will shine. Tyndale House Publishers

My thoughts: 
I felt I could relate to Kristen so much in this book and learn more about her and her family than I already knew from reading her blog.  She has lived a Christian life, even wearing a JESUS pin to school (I remember those pins and had one myself so seeing that on the cover made me want to know more about this book and read it myself!).  But things change for her as she is standing in the middle of an African slum on a trip with Compassion International.    Her whole life changes when she comes home and realizes there is more to following God than how she has lived so far. 

She shares so honestly and openly about her family, her marriage, and her struggles.  I appreciate that she doesn't paint some rosy picture of a perfect little life she lives before or after she said "yes" to God.  She is just a normal woman who trusted God with her life and family and said "yes" to being used for Him when she saw a need.   

Reading this book was very thought-provoking to me and really made me ponder my own life and what saying "yes" looks like for me.  I normally don't reread books but this is one I wouldn't mind rereading.   I liked the pictures that are included throughout the book as well, these make it more personal I thought.  

I hope you will read it too and be changed by it. 

About the Author:
Kristen Welch writes the parenting blog We are THAT Family (you know the ones). She is an (in)Courage writer, a Compassion International blogger, and a regular featured contributor to LifeWay's HomeLife and ParentLife magazines. In 2010, Kristen founded Mercy House, a nonprofit maternity home in Kenya, Africa, which rescues young pregnant girls from extreme poverty. Mercy House is almost entirely funded by readers of her blog. Read Kristen’s blog at www.wearethatfamily.com .

Author Q & A:
1. What is your hope for your book, Rhinestone Jesus?
My hope is that every person who picks it up will be inspired to say yes to God right where they are.

2. That’s an interesting title. Can you provide for us some context and meaning?
Rhinestone Jesus is a very personal title. As a teenager, I wore a rhinestone pin on my clothes that spelled J-e-s-u-s. I was introverted, so this was a way for me to "wear" my faith without having to say much about it. I was involved in Theatre Arts and each year they gave up made-up awards. I won The Rhinestone Jesus award from my peers.

3. What message do you hope will resonate with your readers?
That God can do anything through anyone. He asks us to do the impossible-not because we are capable, but because we need Him to accomplish it. Saying yes to God requires ultimate dependence in our inadequacy. And He does it so that He will be glorified.

4. What do you feel "just a mom" can do with bold faith and a God-inspired dream?
I think the beauty of my yes to God to start a maternity home in Kenya is that I am just a mom. It’s obvious to everyone who has witnessed this story, that I’m not the real author—God is. It’s proof that He can use anyone to do anything. When I initially said yes in the small daily stuff, I didn’t know it would lead to Mercy House. But I was called to obedience and that’s really what Rhinestone Jesus is about: saying yes to God right where you are and not waiting to have all the answers or a perfect life before you obey.

5. How did you feel God’s leading to step out in faith?
It was saying yes to a lot of small things that led my family to a greater yes. We were terrified and still are most days, but God is faithful and teaches us through the challenges and victories. Our yes to God isn’t really about success or failure. It’s about being obedient.

6. What prompted you to follow through with this particular dream or calling—founding Mercy House, the non-profit maternity home in Kenya, Africa to rescue young pregnant women from extreme poverty?
 Starting Mercy House was a response to what I saw in Kenya. I saw a need and couldn’t find anyone meeting it. I prayed that God would send someone. And He sent me (dangerous prayer, by the way!) I have always felt that God wanted me to encourage and connect mothers through writing. Mercy House in many ways has become an extension of that dream that started as seed many years ago.

7. How has this dream taken shape? Can you provide an update?
Mercy House runs two residential homes with pregnant and teen moms in Kenya. We have babies of all ages. It’s a lot like a (loud) home, where the girls live and learn, heal and grow. They stay with us until they are able to return home or until they can live on their own. We also reach out to single mothers in the slums surrounding the homes, with plans to expand this outreach in years to come.

8. How did you lead and mobilize a community to care deeply, and help build this dream?
When I returned from that first trip from Kenya, I was wrecked. I processed the emotions on my blog for months. Looking back, I can see that I was in labor, working hard to birth something. I believe other moms were too, and when I asked for help, they said yes with me.

9. Why is it important to you to affirm moms who wonder whether their work really matters?
Because many wonder if it does. I think it’s part of our make-up--we long to make a difference and we wonder if what we do does, in fact, matter. I am compelled to tell mothers YES. It matters so much more than you think. It doesn’t matter how small or big, saying yes to marriage, motherhood, and ministry--you name it, it matters.

10. What have you learned about listening to, and obeying God’s call?
Sometimes people call me brave. If they only knew… Not only am I not courageous, I live with the same fear and inadequacies as other God-sized dreamers. Without a doubt, I think the Church (with a capital C) lacks obedience. I did for so much of my Christian life. I think if we have faith to believe in Jesus, we also have to believe that when we do what He tells us, He won’t leave us alone. It’s been the hardest journey of my life, stretched me further than I thought possible, but I’ve never been alone, not for a second.

11. How have you, and those closest to you, been impacted by trusting God and saying yes to a deeper, richer, more authentic faith?
Simply put, it has changed every area of my life, in so many ways. I can honestly say I’m not the same person. When we step out and obey, God changes the world—our world. He changes us. My family said yes with me and God has used that to alter the legacy we will leave in the future.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by the Tyndale Reviewers Program for my review.  Thank you! 

Have a day of blessings!

Take a Chance on Me

 

Today I have a book called Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren.  I recently read another book by this author and was glad for the opportunity to review this book in this new series.  (Apparently I left this in draft mode.  It was supposed to publish the 18th.)

About the book:
Darek Christiansen is almost a dream bachelor—oldest son in the large Christiansen clan, heir to their historic Evergreen Lake Resort, and doting father. But he’s also wounded and angry since the tragic death of his wife, Felicity. No woman in Deep Haven dares come near.

New assistant county attorney Ivy Madison simply doesn’t know any better when she bids on Darek at the charity auction. Nor does she know that when she crafted a plea bargain three years ago to keep Jensen Atwood out of jail and in Deep Haven fulfilling community service, she was releasing the man responsible for Felicity’s death. All Ivy knows is that the Christiansens feel like the family she’s always longed for. And once she gets past Darek’s tough exterior, she finds a man she could spend the rest of her life with. Which scares her almost as much as Darek learning of her involvement in his wife’s case.

Caught between new love and old grudges, Darek must decide if he can set aside the past for a future with Ivy—a future more and more at risk as an approaching wildfire threatens to wipe out the Christiansen resort and Deep Haven itself.

My thoughts:  This was a very enjoyable book to read.  The characters are interesting and it seems easy to relate to them becuase of their problems.  They each have struggles with doubting God cares for them, unforgiveness, hatred, and anger.    I enjoyed getting to know the Chistiansen family in this book and look forward to reading more in future books in this series. 

Author Q & A: 
1. This is the first installment in a brand new six-book series. Can you give us a bit of background on this series?
I love stories about families – watching the members interact and grow together through challenges and victories – and I conceived this series as I watched my own children begin to grow up and deal with romance and career and futures. I love Deep Haven, and it’s the perfect setting for a resort, so I crafted a family, much like the families I know, who run a resort. They want to pass on their legacy to their children…but their children don’t know if they want it. It’s sort of a parallel theme to the legacy of faith we instill in our children. As they grow older, they need to decide whether it is their faith too. It’s a saga about family and faith and what happens when those collide with real life.

2.  This Christiansen Family series is set in Deep Haven, Minnesota. Tell us about this setting.
Deep Haven, Minnesota is based in a small vacation town in northern Minnesota where I spent my childhood. It’s located on Lake Superior, surrounded by pine and birch and the sense of small town and home. Populated by everyone from artists to lumberjacks, it’s Mitford, or perhaps Northern Exposure gone Minnesotan. Quaint, quirky and beautiful, it’s the perfect place to escape for a vacation.
3. What was your inspiration for this particular book and the main character Darek Christiansen?
As I started to put together this series, I began to think about our culture and our children today. I started to take a look at the big questions we are faced with as parents – and as young people; the issues that affect us as a culture, as well as personally. I wanted these books to go beyond family drama, beyond a great romance to raise bigger questions and stir truths that we might pass along to others. This story is about our propensity in our culture to blame others for what goes wrong in our lives – and how this alienates us from each other, and ultimately, God. Darek is the oldest brother in the family; the leader and a real hero. He’s a wildland firefighter and a widower who’s had to give up his job to come home and run the resort and care for his young son. Darek doesn’t realize he has a problem – he lives with anger on his shoulder, hating the man who killed his wife (his best friend). His real problem is that he can’t forgive himself. In this first story, readers meet the family, hang out at the resort and discover that God can redeem even a heart of stone, if we take a chance on Him.

4. What lessons or truths will your readers find in the pages of this novel? This book is for the person who feels they just can’t get past the anger they have for someone else to live in joy again. It’s for parents who see their children making bad choices and don’t know where to turn. It’s for people who believe that no one will ever really love them because of who they are, or the things they’ve done. It’s for people who need the courage to take a second chance on love and faith and family. I’m hoping readers walk away with a sense of how much God loves them, and that yes, He can heal the angry and broken-hearted.

5. How do you expect this new series to resonate with your audience? How do you want your books to make them feel? Great question! I love a story that brings me on an emotional journey from anger to laughter to hope. But most of all, I want readers to be wrapped up in joy, that feeling we get when watch our football team win, or when we’re hands up in a convertible on a hot summer day, or digging our feet into a sandy beach, or hugging our loved one when they return home. Ah. The sense that, just for a moment, all is right in the world and everything tastes and feels delicious. I write romances, and in the end it’s worth the journey to the happily ever after.
6. As a writer, what did you particularly enjoy about crafting this story?
I loved Darek’s transformation. His relationship with his son is so precious, but when he truly lets go of his anger, he becomes the hero I always knew he could be. I love writing about broken heroes who find healing.
7. What advice do you have for budding novelists?
Read! Then write the book you’d like to read.  But, along the way, learn the craft. In fact, a good writer never stops learning.

8. What is the best advice or encouragement that you have received?
Just keep writing. If you want to be a career novelist, you just have to keep writing.
9. In your writing career, what are you most proud of?
After over forty novels, I’m always striving to keep the stories fresh and unique; so I guess I’m proud that every book is bathed in prayer, has a message singular to that story, and has unique characters and journeys. Every story is a new adventure for me, and the reader.

Click here for Chapter 1!  Find out  more about the book here.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book.

Have a day of blessings!

Bible Stories That End With a Hug! (and giveway)

About the book:
Little children love getting—and giving—hugs! Hugs generate warmth, affection, and a feeling of acceptance. Show your little ones just how much you treasure them while teaching them about the Bible and God’s unconditional love for his creation. Bible Stories that End with a Hug! features 75 easy-to-understand Bible stories with charming illustrations, lessons on how to apply the stories to your child’s daily life, memory verses from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, and a special “Hug Time” during which you can share a great big hug with your child.

My thoughts:
I enjoyed reading this book.  It would be nice for a family to read together at bedtime with a very young child (toddler--preschool).  There are stories from the Old and New Testament.  What I liked was that this story book had some stories that I don't normally see in children's Bible story books.  I like also that each one ends with a reason to give a hug to your child! The illustrations are sweet too, and I liked the layout with the text, pictures, and questions.  It would make a sweet little Valentine for your little one! 

I would like to have a giveaway with this book.  Go to my other blog through this Friday (February 8) and leave a comment if you would like to enter the giveaway. 

Thank you to Tyndale for this book for my honest review.

Have a day of blessings!

You Don't Know Me

(I couldn't get the image to load, I will have to try again another time.)

About the book:
To everyone who knows her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She’s a permanent member of the PTA, never misses her kids’ sporting events, and is constantly campaigning for her husband’s mayoral race.

No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O’Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the sleepy town of Deep Haven, Deidre got a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker. Twenty years later, Annalise couldn’t be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on bail and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the grace to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?

My thoughts:
I saw this book reviewed over at Mocha with Linda.  I found it at our library and checked it out to read myself.  I just now got around to reading it and didn't want to put it down.  I really enjoyed this story.  This was my first time to read Susan May Warren, and I will definitely watch for more from this author.

I could not imagine Annalise's life or how she kept her secret for twenty years.  I enjoyed the story and how the characters developed through the book. One character I found as an interesting addition to the story was Tucker, who was the boyfriend of Annalise's daughter.  Annalise did not like him because she saw her own self in how she thought her daughter was acting.  She didn't want her daughter to make the same mistakes she did and ended up judging Tucker based on what she thought she saw or knew about him. 

I would like to leave you with this line I liked like from when the family attended a church service together..."Do not let your circumstances define God's love for you. He loves you. Period."

Have a day of blessings!