A Mom with a Blog

Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate by Debora M. Coty

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:43:00 +0000

About Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate:

Are you ready to strip fear's power over you and become the confident woman you were meant to be? Have you found that tolerating your personal fear monsters only makes them growl louder?

Okay, sister - take my hand and let's boldly step up and yank the masks off those shadow-lurking, anxiety-churning, worry-generating beasts.

With her own brand of off-beat wit and wisdom, inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of women worn down by everyday fears - financial, health, relationships, loss, pain, the unknown, the what ifs ...

With fresh spiritual insight, Debora shares hope, true life stories, scriptural lifelines, and a few LOL's along with simple, practical tips for sidestepping fear with faith. And a fistful of chocolate!

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/hyrj3

My Review:

This is the second book I've read by Debora Coty, and I enjoyed it as much as the first. Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate was just what I needed. As soon as I read the title I knew this one was for me! Fear rears it's ugly little head in my life more than I care to admit, but it's nice to know that others deal with the same issues and understand. Debora takes a look at fear and ministers with uplifting humor and personal stories of her own. I think there is something in this book for everyone!

*Litfuse Publicity Group has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. ~ Thanks!

Meet Debora:

Debora Coty is an occupational therapist, a piano teacher, and a freelance writer. She's also involved in the children's ministry at her church and is an avid tennis player. Debora began writing to fill the void when her last child left for college, and it has since become a passion. Debora has a real knack for getting across sound biblical concepts with a refreshing lightheartedness as attested in her monthly newspaper column entitled "Grace Notes: God's Grace for Everyday Living."

Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :)

Wake Up Generation by Paige Omartian

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 05:31:00 +0000

About the Book:

Wake Up, Generation, a breakout new title from debut author Paige Omartian, will revolutionize the life of any young adult seeking purpose, passion, and direction. As a growing generation is characterized by a lifestyle of apathy and indifference, Paige uses biblical teaching and shares relatable stories to help young people break the chains and discover the God-driven mission for their lives. Readers will…

understand their life’s sacred purpose
wake up to the needs of the world around them
develop a vision and mission statement for life
realize how their own story fits into God’s design
become equipped to live out the passionate, fulfilling life God intended

Singles from Paige’s debut album, Wake Up, have appeared on Top 30 charts of Christian music, and extensive media coverage, including an appearance on the Today Show, has earned her a legion of fans. With a growing reach, Paige will connect with readers and help them understand that it’s time to wake up!

My Review:

It touched my heart to read Paige's testimony. What great strength she and her family had through her battle with cancer. My own son had a tumor about a year ago and though his wasn't life threatening, it made me feel that I could relate to what she was going through. It made her story personal to me. It made me cry. Such unbelievable strength for a young girl! God was surely with her. And He had a plan for her life.

Forward to the present, Paige has grown into a strong young woman who is being used by God to fulfill His purpose. And now she is encouraging others to do the same through this book and her ministry.

Written for the younger, 20-something generation, Wake Up Generation is a call to make a difference in this world by finding and using your God-given gifts. Everyone has a purpose, a calling. Paige encourages you to find it and live it. This generation (as well as others) are asleep. They live in apathy. This book will challenge you to wake up and live the life God has called you to live.

Even though this book is written for the younger crowd, it blessed me. I think it offers great motivation for any age. I will be lending this to my 9- and 13-year-olds very soon. I would have loved to have a book like this when I was younger. I will be on the lookout for more books from Paige Omartian. :)

About the Author:

Paige Omartian is a speaker and recording artist whose battle with cancer as a child led her on a remarkable journey inspiring others to grasp the preciousness of life and live out their purpose. She has traveled the country sharing her music and story and was featured on Bath and Body Work’s 2005 Christmas CD supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Paige was interviewed on the Today Show and was the speaker and TV host for the ministry iShine. She released her debut rock album, Wake Up, in 2009.

*Thank you, Glass Road Productions, for providing me with a copy of this book for my honest review!

To my fellow Christians, I say, He is Risen!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 17:05:00 +0000

Guest Post
By Tim Wildmon

"From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'" ~Matthew 4:17

I recently heard a very popular Christian speaker talk to a large audience for an hour. He said nothing heretical. He said nothing controversial. He just focused on the "unconditional" love of God. Again, nothing wrong with what he did say, but it is what he did not say that bothered me. He said nothing about repentance of sin. There is a reason Jesus said what he said in the above bible verse. And there is a reason John the Baptist introduced Jesus to the world with the exact same proclamation in Matthew 3:2: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

There is a popular trend going on in the American Christian church. The trend is to talk of the love of God without talking about the justice of God. But if you read the bible, it is clear, there exists both the grace of God and the wrath of God, and Jesus Christ spoke of both.

Many Christians around the world have been celebrating Holy Week this week culminating today with Easter Sunday or what some churches call Resurrection Sunday. It is to commemorate the victory of Jesus over Satan, sin, death and hell. This is good news! And "good news" is the meaning of the word "gospel."

It is true that God's love for mankind is "unconditional." However, in order for man to be in right relationship with God, man must conform his life to match with God's requirement of man. And God does not force this decision on man. God draws a person to himself, but it is the free will of the individual to decide if he or she will obey God's requirements for a right relationship or not.

Jesus called this experience being "born again." In other words, a person (every human) must understand that he or she has violated God's laws and is forever separated from God spiritually unless he or she repents of their sin and trust in the shed blood of Jesus on the cross for forgiveness of that sin in order to be counted among those who have been redeemed. Redeemed from the consequences of unrepentant sin which is death and hell.

What I am writing here is not popular in modern day America where we want to live our own life without interference from God. It is our natural tendency to live for ourselves instead of obey the commands of God. That is the eternal struggle between flesh and the spirit.

In order to prove our love for Christ, he says we must deny ourselves, pick up our cross daily, and follow him. Our "cross" is a challenge to wake up daily and try our best to live like Jesus. The way we learn to live like Jesus is to study the bible, take time to pray and fellowship with other believers (followers) which we call "church." God knows we will fail at this precisely because we are human. Sometimes we are tempted by sin and we give in to it. But the Bible also says that if we are willing to confess our sins to God, He is willing to forgive us. That also is great news!

No one is compelled to believe this. You may read this and call it foolishness. That is your right. But if that is your view, I at least encourage you to read one book in the bible, the gospel of John, and consider the claims of the bible and Christ before you dismiss Christianity.

To my fellow Christians, I say, He is Risen!

Sincerely,

Tim Wildmon, President
American Family Association

Most Important Message Shared All Year: He Lives!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Guest Post
by Monica Cole

Resurrection Sunday is a time to Rejoice! Jesus paid a debt for us that no one else could ever pay so that we could be in heaven with Him for eternity. God gave the perfect sacrifice, His only Son, and if we believe in Him, then we will be forgiven and saved from our sins.

To be saved, you must believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for EVERYONE'S sins, including your own, so that one day we could be with our Heavenly Father. If you believe Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins, you will also need to admit you are a sinner - as we all are. Romans 3:23 KJV says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." If you have never confessed your sin and belief in Christ, take time to do it right now. Jesus is the only way to be saved from your sins and receive eternal life.

On the third day, he rose again from the dead. This is the Good News that Christians celebrate: His Resurrection! He is ALIVE! And one day our Savior will return. He, and only He, sets us free from our sins! "Jesus saith unto him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me'." John 14:6 KJV

The birth of Jesus is wonderful, but the resurrection is even more exciting. It is the finale to the Christmas story. Jesus accomplished what he came for. Jesus' last words before dying on the cross were documented in John 19:30 as, "It is finished." He knew that all was now completed and that Scripture would be fulfilled. To suggest that more needs to be done to earn your way to heaven is the same as saying Jesus died for nothing. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV

Nails were not what held Jesus to the cross. Jesus had the power to come down from that cross, but He knew this is what had to be done for His believers to be saved. He died on the cross for you and me because of His love for us. He loved us that much! "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 KJV

If you know of someone who is not saved, please pass this on to them. Share the greatest gift of all with them: a relationship with Jesus Christ and eternal life. Also, share this with your brothers and sisters in Christ so they may use this to share with others. God commands that we share the gospel with others. We need to help one another become passionate followers of Jesus Christ.

For a powerful resource to use while witnessing and for more answers as you seek to know Him, go to http://knowhim.afr.net.

Have a meaningful Holy Week and blessed Resurrection celebration!

Sincerely,

Monica Cole, Director
OneMillionMoms.com

P.S. Please forward this to your family and friends! Become a fan of OneMillionMoms on Facebook! If you use Twitter, keep up with the latest information by following us.

GriefShare ~ Help For Those In Mourning

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 04:41:00 +0000

Not long ago, I was speaking to a man at church who had suffered a great loss within his family. He had spent years trying to cope with the grief involved with losing a loved one. GriefShare is where he found the help he needed on the road to healing. I'm so glad he shared that information with me. Because now... it is needed.

At the beginning of this year, my best friend's mom went home to be with the Lord. A wonderful sweet woman who loved God with all her heart. We know she is with the Lord; Heaven is the reward that we as Christians look forward to. But, we are still left with our grief. The pain and emptiness that is left in her absence is at times, unbearable. Being a Christian doesn't exclude us from that. We are still human. The question is... How do we deal with it?

I believe that God is the center of all healing, but I realize that we also need a help from others. God never meant for us to go through it alone. Just as He may use doctors to heal us, He also uses friends, family members, or others who have lost someone special to speak into our lives. And sometimes... you need to seek out a counselor or group to help you.

The loss of a loved one touches many lives. Not just the immediate family. We all want to be there, to comfort and encourage. We want to be a part of the healing process, but we don't always know how. First, PRAY! Then... Find a group. Read and learn all that you can. If you want a place to start, check out GriefShare. If you've lost someone or helping someone who has, this can help you to understand the grieving process. It's not easy on anyone... but any help is a good thing. You don't have to do it alone.

Thanks for reading and God Bless!
Mary Ann

*Below are a couple of books I've begun to read and they seem very helpful. I didn't get paid to review them. I just found them in my search to learn more so I can be there for my best friend. You can check them out if you like... or do your own search.

Helping People Through Grief

Confessions of a Grieving Christian

The Duck Commander Family by Willie & Korie Robertson

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 03:19:00 +0000

My kids and I enjoy watching Duck Dynasty on A&E. Especially my 13-year-old son. So, when I saw this book sitting on the shelf of my local Barnes & Noble... I just had to buy it!

"The Duck Commander Family" by Willie & Korie Robertson is a fun read about the life of the Robertson family. If you're a fan of the show, you'll love reading about the early days of Duck Commander and how it's progressed to where it is today. They did it with a lot of hard work and a lot of faith. And God has blessed them for their diligence.

I was truly impressed with the devotion the Robertson family has to one another and to their family business. Clearly it comes from being rooted and grounded in a firm faith in God. The Bible says that "man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7) And the Robertson family has a heart for God. Phil and Kay have raised their family to have a firm foundation in the Lord, and they demonstrate their love of God in the way they live their lives.

You'll get to know them a little better with stories from Willie and Korie. You may even bump your cooking skills up a notch with the recipes found in the book. :)

This one's a fun read! You're gonna love it!

*I received no compensation for my review of this book. I bought the book myself, read it, loved it, and wanted to pass it along. That's all. :)

Cold Fire: Safe, Easy, and Affordable Fire Prevention for Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 07:49:00 +0000

Just a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a product that I thought was so amazing, I have to tell everyone about it! It's called Cold Fire. Let me tell you why I think this is such a great product.

Cold Fire is designed to extinguish small fires and instantly cool hot surfaces.

In my personal opinion, I think it is great for homes with kids and seniors. It's just an aerosol spray can. No pins! That's initially what got me excited about it. I know that my kids, ages 9 and 13, as well as my tiny 78-year-old mother, can pop the top off and spray the Cold Fire in case of an emergency. In fact, I actually tested it (rather, my kids tested it) in the fire pit in our backyard. We started a fire and each of my kids took turns spraying it before it was completely out. Immediately after it was out, my older son (21) touched the wood and found it was cold. Not even warm. That impressed me! Knowing that my kids can cook or be at home with their grandmother and have a simple fire extinguisher right there in their reach... one that they can use immediately, gives me a sense of peace when I'm not with them.

Not only that... but it can be used in so many other situations. How about 4th of July when you have that bucket of water sitting next to you in case of a fire? And Thanksgiving, when you want to deep fry your turkey? Camping. Boating. Or take it in your car, just in case. It's portable... you can take it anywhere!

The other product I bought is Fire Block, a fire retardant. With Fire Block you can actually PREVENT fires. Another amazing product! So many uses, but I really love the idea of using this on live Christmas trees. How wonderful to help prevent the terrible fires that happen because of Christmas trees. What a great way to keep the holidays safe.

Check out the demo for Fire Block...

Pretty cool, huh? This demo was done at my home, on my coffee table, in my living room! I saw how this product works up close and I already have my bottles of it sitting in my kitchen! :)

I have to give credit to my daughter. She was excited about it first when she saw a demo by a friend and then told me how great she thought the product was. So, when this friend came to our house for my daughter's get-together, she asked her if she had brought the Cold Fire with her. Fortunately, she did and she was kind enough to do a demo for us at the end of the evening, which another of her friends so kindly made into the video above. Great job!

Just so you know.... I wasn't asked to promote this product and I receive absolutely no compensation for my doing so. I simply wanted to share what I, as a mom, have found to be a great product at a reasonable price. No time like the present to be prepared! :)

If you'd like to know more, please contact:

Brittnay Barnes
Desert Mountain ColdFire
bbarnes@desertmountaincf.com
-Honesty You Can Believe In
Find Cold Fire on Facebook

Thanks for reading and God Bless!

Living in the Light/Dwelling in His Presence

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 04:37:00 +0000

Guest Post

by Rhonda Rhea

excerpt from Chapter 14 of:

How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take to Change a Person?

I admit it, I’m a cruise fan. I love everything about it. Especially the food. A cruise and overeating go together like a hand in glove. Well more accurately, they go together like a size ten hand in a size two glove. All the gourmet food you can eat, for crying out loud! I guess I was just asking for a trip back to maternity pants. I now refer to myself as “17 years post-partum.” The staff on the ship said the average person gains seven to ten pounds on a seven-day cruise. But then, I’ve always considered myself an overachiever.

On prime rib night, my husband and I were walking out of the dining room and, even though he was about to let his belt out a notch, Richie said he was thinking of ordering yet another prime rib. Another one! I figured that could cost him at least another two belt notches. I told him I thought that would be a mistake.

Get it? Prime rib? “Mis-steak”?

Anytime we’re going to overdo, though, it’s good to make sure we’re “overdoing” in all the right areas. First Thessalonians 4:1 talks about living right to please God and then it says, “Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.” To do and to overdo. It’s an encouragement to keep growing. Not so much growing in the “bring on the elastic waistbands” kind of growth. But growing in maturity.

We grow as we seek to stay in the light, dwelling in the presence of the Lord, making sure our lives are for Him and all about Him. Our growth is not an option. It’s a command. Verse 7 in that same passage in 1 Thessalonians says, “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.”

Rejecting His instruction? Rejecting the Father Himself? Mistake of the highest order.

Growing in Him and dwelling in His presence results in a life in which growing “a notch or two” spiritually is a regular happening. The good kind of growth. And seeking that consistency in growth diligently.

There’s a lot at stake. Sometimes also a lot at steak.

Rhonda Rhea is a radio personality, humor columnist, conference/event speaker and author of eight books, including I’m Dreaming of Some White Chocolate, High Heels in High Places, and her newest, How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take to Change a Person? She is presently working on her ninth nonfiction book, scheduled to release in early 2013, and just this week got a yes from a publishing board on a two-book fiction deal co-authored with her daughter, Kaley Faith Rhea. Rhonda is a pastor’s wife and mother of five mostly grown children. She chuckles through the hubbub with pastor/hubby, Richie Rhea, near St. Louis in Troy, Missouri.

Website: rhondarhea.com

About Rhonda's Latest Book:

How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take to Change a Person?—Bright Ideas for Delightful Transformation (New Hope Publishers, 2012). Author and speaker, Patsy Clairmont, calls the book “high voltage humor along with a biblical charge.”

In Ephesians 1:18, Paul prays, “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.” One version calls it “light” that will “flood your hearts.” God shines so much of His light through Scripture so that we can see—we can have understanding.

For every person longing for a change, for everyone who is getting weary in a grisly struggle to make a particular change, God-given enlightenment makes possible real change in every way. Lasting change.

The God who is powerful enough to create light, then create the sun—the God who keeps the sun blazing and the stars and moon reflecting—that same God is powerful enough, caring enough, and detail-minded enough to light our way. He wants to show us the path of change, and He longs to light the way for us in His magnificent plan for our lives.

How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take to Change a Person is a laugh-along-the-way journey into that light through God’s Word. His Word? Now there’s some enlightening! And I hear enlightening has even been known to strike twice in the same place.

Thanks for reading and God bless! :)

At the Feet of Jesus by Joanna Weaver

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 05:04:00 +0000

About At the Feet of Jesus:

You were made for more than serving God; you were made to know Him.

Intimacy with God-to know Him and be known by Him. It is what our hearts desperately need, but somehow life conspires to keep us busy and distracted.

For anyone who struggles when it comes to daily devotions, At the Feet of Jesus extends an irresistible invitation to set aside your duties and find the amazing peace and incredible joy that come from time alone with Him. Drawn from Joanna Weaver's beloved Bethany trilogy, each reading in this 365-day devotional includes a Bible reading passage and reflection question. All-new material and "Going Deeper" sidebars are also woven throughout.

Discover for yourself the riches that come from spending a portion of each day alone with God. At the feet of Jesus-where true life begins!

Includes a unique One-Year Bible Reading Guide.

Order a copy here.

Meet Joanna:

Joanna Weaver is known the world over for her transparent and life-changing books, Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit. Joanna has appeared on a wide variety of nationally syndicated radio and television broadcasts. She is also a highly sought after speaker and shares her message at intimate gatherings and several high profile events each year. But Joanna's greatest joy is found in being a wife and mother and her role as a pastor's wife.

Find out more about Joanna at http://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/.

My Thoughts:

"At the feet of Jesus" is a devotional that will place you right there... at the feet of Jesus. Giving you a little more than just a devotional, you will be encouraged to go deeper in your relationship with God. Touching on a range of topics from worry to depression to how to care for yourself or be a good friend, this book will challenge you. You will also learn about Scripture memory, prayer, and how to study your Bible. It's a perfect mix of encouragment and Bible Study in one book.

*Litfuse Publicity Group has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. ~ Thanks!

Win an iPad from Joanna Weaver and RSVP to her Live Webcast Event {11/8}

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 19:22:00 +0000

Celebrate the release of 
At the Feet of 
Jesus with Joanna 
Weaver by entering to win an iPad and RSVPing for the "True Life" 
Webcast Event on 11/8!

One blessed winner will receive:

An iPad

The Year in Bethany Trilogy (Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Having a Mary Spirit and Lazarus Awakening

At the Feet of Jesus for YOU and Five of your friends.

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at the "True Life" Live Webcast Event on November 8th. Connect with author Joanna Weaver and her special guest for an evening of encouragement, laughter and a Q&A! There will also be gift certificates and books given away to participants.

So grab your copy of At the Feet of Jesus (or one of Joanna's other books) and join Joanna on evening of November 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!

Women in High Def by Diane Markins

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 15:55:00 +0000

About the Book:

Women are as unique as snowflakes or butterflies, but after surveying hundreds of them, writer and radio host Diane Markins learned that the top needs they feel are the same. She also began hearing a recurring theme: I want more! I want to be better! I want to be bold!

Women in High Def aims to propel women out of a low-def, foggy life of going through the motions in a blur. The profound stories, intercessory prayer prompts and coaching elements work together to catapult women into living fearlessly for God…being bolder moms, having purposeful passions, pursuing marriage excellence, loving themselves with gusto, laughing with abandon, transforming mistakes into blasts of blessings and bravely seeking the Lord in all His majestic glory. The bonus Bible study at the back of the book points them to scripture to gain Biblical insight and direction for each need and role they play. It can be used alone or in a group.

Women in High Def is not passive reading. It cries out to the spirit of readers to be unafraid as they actively reach for clarity, vibrancy and intensity in all the meaningful areas of their lives.

About the Author:

Diane Markins has always aspired to live in High Def. She uses her radio show, writing and speaking to inspire women to transform their lives from mediocre and complacent to bold and vibrant. She settles for nothing less in her own life as a wife, mom, grandmother, friend and colleague. Diane writes two blogs, WomenInHighDef.com and WordsInHighDef.com, is a regular contributor to the Presidential Prayer Team website and CBN.com. She and her husband of 33 years work and live close to their children in Arizona.

My Review:

Women in High Def was that book that I would carry with me and steal a few minutes away from my daily routine to read. It is certainly one that you could read in one sitting but I really enjoyed that one quick bit of encouragement in the middle of my hectic day.

Diane Markins has put together a collection of stories by several women on a variety of topics. Each told from the heart of the author, I found myself relating to these women as I read their stories. Many had to be hard to share but with the Grace of God these lovely ladies did share and were willing to be used by God in the restoration of others.

It is refreshing to read that someone else understands what you are going through now or what you have been through before. And there is healing in knowing that others have not only survived but gone on to live full lives and be blessed and used by God.

At first glance I didn't think some of the topics were things I needed help with. But after reading it through I knew God had some work for me to do in those areas. This book will help you take a look at yourself and seek God for His help in making you more like Him.

"Going Boldly" Blog Tour Grand Prize

– Retail Value: $70

Book (Women in High Def: Boldly Living Your Purposes with Vibrant Clarity)
Bright and Vibrant Earrings
Sparkling Cider (to celebrate life)
Sumatra Coffee (Bold, Earthy Flavor)
Into the Wild body wash and spray fragrance from Bath and Body Works
Custom coffee mug: Women in High Def (front), BE YOUR BOLD SELF! (back)

Instructions to Enter the Grandprize Drawing:

Leave a comment about the book or author on the blog post during the blog tour.
Each blog tour host will draw one name from those comments to send to the tour coordinator by September 21.
The coordinator will put all the names into a drawing, and select a winner, using an online randomizer.
The coordinator will notify the blog tour host who submitted the winning name.
The blog tour host will notify the winner and collect the mailing info so the author can send out the prize.

*I received this book from Kathy Carlton Willis Communications in exchange for my honest review. You can check out their website at www.kathycarltonwillis.com. ~Thanks! :)

Free on Kindle "Women in High Def"

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 03:19:00 +0000

To celebrate the “Going Boldly” Blog Tour Women in High Def is available for free from September 10-September 14 on Kindle at: http://amzn.to/Oey7Sa.

Falling Down Gorgeous

(Excerpt from Women in High Def, Boldly Living Your Purposes with Vibrant Clarity)

Time takes its toll on all of us. Parts of me that were once up here are now down there. My face, once smooth and fresh was becoming a bit weathered and wrinkled. Other areas that used to be firm are now wiggly. As I turned fifty I began to notice that I was becoming invisible, based on my appearance. That’s a big fat horse pill to swallow for my ego. But that’s okay. The good news is that when people start to see less of me, they see more of Jesus. He’s much more appealing and has no hidden agenda.

I hate to admit it, but I still enjoy being noticed on occasion. My husband and I went on a date to a very fancy mountaintop restaurant overlooking the city. I dressed for the occasion in my fitted black slacks, silky blouse and high heels.

I followed the maitre de to our table, my husband right behind me. I was feeling pretty good about myself and strutted a bit as we crossed a large open expanse of the room. As my stilettos went from carpet to wood floor something strange happened…I began to skate, stumble and flail about, for what felt like ten excruciating minutes, before finally landing flat on my keister. For endless moments all sound ceased except the quiet music in the background. Diners, servers and kitchen staff gaped at me, frozen in mid-action.

Graciously, I was helped up, escorted to and seated at our table, where they elevated and iced my swollen ankle. Then—to my horror—the paramedics arrived, causing an even bigger stir. Servers and managers came by frequently to check on me. Finally, our fellow diners made their way to our table as they departed to share their own “fall down” tales.

Earlier that evening, I had hoped for a little extra attention. But this wasn’t what I had in mind. Now I was just grateful I hadn’t chosen the skirt I had considered that was still hanging on my closet door. My experience that night was a great reminder that the only beauty that matters is what the Lord puts in our hearts. Everything else “falls” short in the end.

Why Bold is Better

by Diane Markins

“Your dress has really bold colors.” Does that sound like an insult in any way? How about this one: “That was a really bold choice.” Would you consider this criticism?

I hope not! I’d never wear something that would melt into the background of a beige room. I’d hate it if someone said, “You made a very safe, easy choice.”

Being bold means taking risks, not fearing failure or rejection and requires intentional thinking. When we live boldly for God we have empowerment and passion to make our boldness meaningful.

Settling for mediocrity in marriage, as parents, in careers, friendship, faith or ministry is not bold. God wants us to pursue everything we do with intensity and decisiveness. This means we are frequently checking the pulse of our pursuits and rapidly responding when we get a distress signal.

Is your marriage (especially in bed) ho-hum? Find some bold ways to rev it back up. Are your kids struggling? Don’t just shrug and follow the “traditional wisdom,” think creatively about taking brave actions no one else would.

Do your prayers feel more like talking to the ceiling fan than conversations with a wise, cherished friend? Do something wild and new to transform.

Don’t confuse boldness with arrogance or recklessness. When your bold actions are paired with love, respect and clarity the results will translate as conviction with complete humility.

Jesus has a bold message and He is asking you to not only share it, but live it! Bold is truly better.

“Women in High Def will remind you that when God writes your story, you are in for the adventure of a lifetime! Diane Markins has written a book addressing topics women deal with on a day-to-day basis. If you are looking for a contemporary, captivating read filled with practical advice that will give you insight and wisdom for daily decisions, this is it!”

~ Carol Kent, Speaker and Author

Between a Rock and a Grace Place (Zondervan)

I'll post my review of Women in High Def later in the week along with the blog tour contest info, so please check back... but I wanted to be sure you get the free copy while it's available. Don't wait! Get it here:http://amzn.to/Oey7Sa

God bless! :)

Teach Your Children With The Child Training Bible

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 02:08:00 +0000

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

~Proverbs 22:6

I just had to share this great idea I saw about how to teach your children the Word of God.

It's called...

The Child Training Bible!

What a great idea!

It comes from Mindy at Child Training Bible. She and her husband are a homeschooling family and have come up with this fun and creative way to use God's Word in teaching their children.

Not only did they come up with the idea, but they will show you how to make one for yourself. You can order the Child Training Bible Key and the Scripture Tabbing Charts directly from their website and they also provide links to additional products you will need. AND... they even have a how-to video!

Yep! It's all there!

I am so excited to see this! I have been looking and praying for ways to teach my children the Word of God and I see this as an answer to prayer. Not only will it help my kids... it will help me too! I think it will make a great family project. :)

If you like this idea... please visit their site by clicking on the button below. They have a wonderful idea and I appreciate their willingness to share it. Give them your support and pass it along.

Please visit them at:

Child Training Bible

www.childtrainingbible.com

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

~Deuteronomy 6:7

Thanks for reading and God bless! :)

Lord, I Want to See!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:36:00 +0000

For most of this year, I've felt the Lord tugging my heart in His direction. A few months ago, I actually felt like He was leading me to read His Word.... and nothing but His Word... for the next year.

"Great idea!" I thought.

That was until this great new book series came out that I had to read because everyone else was reading it. Good books? Yes. Really enjoyed them. Did they do anything for my spiritual life? Not at all. Well... not exactly true. It had a negative effect. It took my eyes and my time away from God and the goal He had set before me. It was a distraction.

I'm finally beginning to get my focus back where it should be. I recently began a Bible study called "Desperate: Seeking Simplicity... Finding the Cross" by Cindi Wood. And I am loving it!

Yesterday and today I have been so blessed! Let me tell you what I've learned...

In Luke 18:35-43, we see the story of the blind beggar who receives his sight. It reads like this:

     "(35)As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. (36)When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. (37)They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."
     (38)He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
     (39)Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
     (40)Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, (41)"What do you want me to do for you?"
      "Lord, I want to see," he replied.
   (42)Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." (43)Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God."

Here is a man who was blind and sat at the city gates. I'm sure he was used to begging others for help and possibly, like we see today, he was looked upon as a burden. He can't see anyone. But I'm pretty sure he could feel the attitudes of those he sought help from. He could hear it in their voices. It must have been very difficult to ask those same people for help every day. Though he couldn't see the people physically, they were most likely his main focus. After all... he needed them to survive.

BUT... at the very moment Jesus passed by... his focus changed. He saw Jesus! He called out to Him "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Suddenly, he was blind to all those familiar people, the ones he had been begging for food or money. As they called out to him to be quiet, his focus was no longer on them, and he shouted all the more. "Son of David, have mercy on me!" He'd begged at the gates countless times only to find his need unfulfilled. But now he saw Jesus! The only One who could really supply all his needs and bring true healing! And he was desperate.

That's how I feel in my own life. Desperate. Desperate for Jesus. "Lord, I want to see!" I don't want my focus to be on everything that makes up life. Jesus is the giver of life. I don't want to seek answers... I want to seek God! The Bible says to "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)

Life is so full. I could go on to say it's full of this, that, and the other thing, but I think it's suffice to say "Life is full." We all have our own lists and they are filled with equally important things. Good things, bad things, busy things. The point is... don't let the 'things' take your focus off of Jesus. Don't just seek the answers.... seek THE ANSWER. Without Him, we will soon return to our own "city gates." Seek Jesus!

Thanks for reading and God bless! :)

*Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION.

Back to the Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 05:58:00 +0000

It's been quite a while since I've written anything on my blog... I almost feel like a stranger. I've missed it. I think the last time I posted was about November of 2011. I think it's finally time to get back to it. :)

I decided to take a break from blogging when I found out that my 12-year-old son had a tumor in his hip bone and needed surgery. A very complicated surgery for a boy his age. It was benign and he is doing very well now. He still has a way to go... but I will always be thankful to God for his healing! He is so good!

I contemplated writing during that time to share our experiences along the way. After much prayer, I realized that I needed to devote all of my time to my son and his recovery. A wise choice. Although, I do plan to share in the future what the Lord has done... and how He brought us through such a stressful time in our lives.

I've missed reading and reviewing books and I may still do that on occasion... but it will not be my first priority. I homeschool now and still have regular doctor visits out of town every 6-8 weeks for my son, so my time is very limited. I apologize to the publishers that I let down during that time. You were all so very understanding and I appreciate that very much. It was hard for me not to keep my word, and even though you were very supportive... I still felt terrible. I had a great time reviewing.

I really want to get back to the basics of what I wanted my blog to be about in the first place. Helping other people like me who just need a tip, encouragement, a suggestion, or simply the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles. Just a simple Mom With a Blog (and now a Grandmother, too!) willing to be used by God.

I have no expectations of what my efforts will bring. I guess I'll just take it one day at a time and see where God leads me. He's taught me so much these past few months... I look forward to what He has ahead for me.

God bless! :)

Supernatural Provision by Joan Hunter

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:30:00 +0000

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Joan Hunter

and the book:

Supernatural Provision

Whitaker House (November 2011)

***Special thanks to Cathy Hickling of Whitaker House for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For over 30 years Joan Hunter, President and Founder of Joan Hunter Ministries, has ministered tirelessly, preaching and teaching God’s Word worldwide and serving as a conduit for His healing power. She is the author of four books: Healing the Whole Man Handbook, Healing the Heart, Power to Heal, and her most recent, Supernatural Provision. Joan has been featured on many television and radio broadcasts in the U. S. and around the world. She lives with her husband, Kelley Murrell, in Pinehurst, Texas. A mother and grandmother, Joan has four grown daughters and Kelly, four sons. To learn more about her or attend one of Joan’s conferences or speaking events, go to her website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

In these uncertain economic times, many are struggling to make ends meet, allowing credit card bills to pile up with no plan on how to pay off their debts. Others may not be suffering financially, but fear the future and are unable to find peace. In her latest book, healing expert Joan Hunter has plumbed the pages of the Bible for wisdom on securing financial freedom and managing it according to God’s instructions that results in peace that surpasses all human understanding. Maintaining that God wants to bless His children in every area, Joan shares fresh revelations that will ignite readers’ faith to: overcome debt and loss, remove roadblocks to God’s blessings, discover the blessings of faithful stewardship, and unlock the windows of heaven. An audio teaching CD is included with each book.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (November 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603744355
ISBN-13: 978-1603744355

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

“WORD” ECONOMICS

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.

—Jeremiah 17:7–8

   When you hear the word economics, you probably think of the largely secular discipline that deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. You may think of the stock market, which rises and plummets in an alarming pattern. You may think of taxes and tariffs and currency exchanges. The realm of money may seem incompatible with faith, having little or nothing to do with the supernatural.

   Yet the Christian life is not a dichotomy of material and spiritual, natural and supernatural. Those of us who call God our Savior and Lord know that every aspect of life has a natural and a supernatural component—economics included. Our financial wellness matters as much to God as our physical health, and we should not look at our finances from a standpoint that’s informed solely by secular investment analysts and stockbrokers. No part of your life can be understood without revelation from the Holy Spirit.

   Understanding divine financial provision and the supernatural flow of money requires a personal revelation from God, just like every other area of Christian experience. Men cannot understand God’s methods using the world’s logic, which tells us to save x dollars each year, invest in certain funds, and otherwise make our own way. Most Christians have subscribed to worldly financial thinking: only 10 to 20 percent of all churchgoers tithe faithfully, which indicates that many do not believe that God will enable them to do more with the 90 percent they keep after tithing than with the money they save by refusing to tithe. Others are ignorant of the Bible’s teachings on tithing. They have not discovered that God keeps covenant with His children and provides for their needs from His inexhaustible riches in glory, not their limited incomes.

   Christians must know the difference between world economics and “Word” economics—the divine ways in which God provides for His children as they advance His kingdom on earth. His Word—the Holy Bible—is the answer book for questions about the realm of personal finances, especially as it concerns the call of God on your life. In these end times, the economy of God is not the same depressing picture that the world paints, with its buzz about deflation, inflation, recession, depression, unemployment, et cetera. His economy is thriving, with enough provision for you to do everything He has planned for you. He knows what works all the time.

A Steady Constant amid an Economy in Flux

   In the world’s economy, it’s a “buyer’s market” one day, a “seller’s market” the next. The stock exchange is unpredictable, with investment brokers changing their tune every day. The threat of market crashes haunts investors everywhere, so that an atmosphere of panic and confusion permeates Wall Street and financial analysts.

   Who is the author of confusion? Who is the author of scare tactics and lies? We all know that it’s God’s opponent, Satan. Because he is God’s enemy, he is also our enemy, and he will do anything and everything to discourage Christians. If he can get us to doubt God’s provision and live in paranoia about unemployment, bankruptcy, and the like, he has the upper hand.

   The great thing about God’s economy is, it never changes. While the world’s economy is in constant flux, the principles by which God’s economy operates are eternal; they do not shift according to the latest trends on Wall Street. The current economic conditions do not limit God. He doesn’t have more money when stocks are soaring and less when the market tanks. “The earth is the Lord’s” (Exodus 9:29); He owns it all, all the time. He could turn stones into loaves of bread if He chose to. (See Matthew 4:3–4.) He used ravens to feed the prophet Elijah. (See 1 Kings 17:6.) He supplied sustenance for Noah and the other inhabitants of the ark during the great flood. (See Genesis 6:13–9:1.) He can provide for those who trust Him in any situation.

   When the enemy tries to tell you something negative, laugh out loud! If he whispers fear and paranoia into your mind, call him a liar and quote God’s Word to him, just as Jesus did when Satan was tempting Him in the wilderness. (See Matthew 4:1–11.)

Heed the True Anchor, Not the News Anchor

   Most Christians read the Bible and pray when they are at a crossroads and need wisdom on what to do. Yet many of them make the mistake of seeking the Bible’s wisdom for every area of life except their finances! They consult the Word of God for answers to questions about health, emotions, relationships, and the like, but neglect to search the ultimate source of wisdom for financial advice—with tragic results.

   I know a woman whose husband could not stay away from the news. He listened to, watched, or read the news all day and long into the night. Panic invaded his mind on a daily basis and also permeated his marriage and family, and his wife was at a loss for how to deal with the spirit of fear that had taken over her home.

   Sadly, many people devote much of their attention to the news, whether by watching TV, listening to the radio, surfing the Internet, or checking Facebook, Twitter, or other social media sites for updates. The news from these sources is almost always from man’s perspective, not God’s. Granted, being informed about world events is useful—how else can we know when to pray for change or when to rejoice over the fulfillment of God’s promises? But the fact remains that most news broadcasts emphasize the negative and end up inciting panic and undermining our confidence.

Watch What You Lean On

   How many people do you know who trust the news without question? They are totally consumed with the opinions of man as their ultimate source of knowledge; they “lean on” worldly news and then wonder why they do not have peace and joy!

   Does the Bible say, “Trust in the news with all your heart, and it shall direct your path”? No! God’s Word tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6). In the midst of a seesawing stock market and high unemployment, trusting in God’s provision can be a challenge. The key is to be more focused on His promises—His economy, as revealed in His Word—than on the world economy.

Guard Your Ears

   You may be familiar with Romans 10:17: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” What you may not realize is that, like faith, fear also comes by hearing—listening to the news, to the world around you.

   If we try to keep up with the world’s financial reports and heed messages of economic doom and gloom, we are bound to become anxious and prey to fear. Fear, as you know, is the opposite of faith, and it is not from God: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Again, if the news is what you focus on, a spirit of fear will pervade your thoughts. Your spirit will be dominated by whatever you feed your mind.

   As I wrote earlier, the “news” that bombards us 24/7 should not be our primary source of information, especially when it comes to our finances. Instead of depending on the newscasters, we should turn to the Word of God. The more we depend on the Word, the more content and confident we will be. Where do you go for answers? God’s Word or the news broadcasts?

Guard Your Mind

   When you spend hours surfing the Internet, reading the newspaper, and watching TV news anchors broadcast their negative messages, what will enter your mind? Negativity. Junk. Trash. Fear. Poverty.

   Be careful about the thoughts you entertain. Instead of dwelling on negativity, use your God-given discernment. When the financial forecast is dire, you will be free from anxiety and fear, because the truths about God’s economy—the promise of His supernatural provision and inexhaustible resources—will keep your soul at peace.

   In addition, when you renew your mind (see Romans 12:2), you will have the “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). And, when you think with the mind of Christ, you end up making wise decisions based on your faith in God and your obedience to His Word.

Guard Your Tongue

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.    (Proverbs 18:21 kjv)

   It may come as a revelation to you, but your words can affect the level of your material wealth. You can bring in money by the words you use. You speak by faith and you act in obedience to the Word of God. No matter how you feel at the time or how much money you have, when you speak in faith and obey God’s Word, He blesses you and your offspring.

   Consider the words you speak. Are they words of peace and faith, or are they expressions of fear and panic? When you choose to fill your mind with God’s truth and speak words of faith alone, you withstand the spirit of fear and dwell in the prosperity of God. If anything is blocking your income, you must pray positive words over your finances. Declare good things. Speak increase and prosperity. The words of your mouth will determine your success, not the naysaying of the newscasters.

   We have this assurance in the Psalms:

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.   (Psalm 1:1–3 kjv)

   When we set our minds in agreement with the promises in the Word of God, we can expect incredible blessings from our Father, for He supernaturally blesses His people!

Faith for Finances in Tumultuous Times

   In the midst of the housing bust and economic downturn of 2008–2009, our ministry had to relocate. On top of that, my husband, Kelley, and I moved. The logistics of such an undertaking are usually overwhelming, not to mention the added difficulty of my having to help direct the process from a distance due to my extensive travel schedule. Yes, I continued to travel wherever God sent me during this time and usually found myself out of town.

   Despite the circumstances that surrounded us, our needs were met supernaturally. Our ministry has more workspace than ever before, and our new home is beautiful. We are grateful for God’s blessings, and we excitedly anticipate the blessings to come as we faithfully follow His leading.

   True prosperity is found in the Word of God. If we feed ourselves continually on the things of God, our souls will prosper. As our souls prosper, our bodies and minds also prosper. The effects of these blessings overflow into every corner of our lives.

   Is everything in our lives perfect 24/7? No! We still live on earth and daily face challenges to overcome. However, we are so blessed that we just hop over each challenge to catch the next blessing. We listen to God’s Word, speak His Word, and believe His Word.

   When you turn to the Word of God, you receive only good news—the promises He has in store for you. As we have discussed, a steady diet of world news produces nothing but fear, worry, and anxiety. What will you listen to? Whose report will you believe? (See Romans 10:16–17.) Will you continue to rely on the world’s economy, or will you walk into and stay within the economic principles designed by our Creator? Every day, you will make such a choice. Choose carefully.

   Man may fail you, but God never will. And He is the greatest “personal financial adviser” you could hope for, because He always has your best interests in mind.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”   (Jeremiah 29:11 niv)

   Which will you trust? The words of man with doom and gloom, which plant seeds of doubt and disbelief, or the wonderful Word of God with its promises of abundant life? If you answered “God’s news,” read on. In this book, I will reveal financial principles from the Word of God and show you the joy of putting your faith not in a paycheck or another source of income but in your ultimate Provider, the Lord God Almighty.

   God has only good things for you, but you have to turn to Him and open your mind and heart to hear, discern, understand, and follow His plans for you. When you deposit faith for your finances in the bank of heaven, you will receive the greatest possible return, and His peace and prosperity will permeate your life. May it be so for you today!

40 Days to Better Living: Depression by Dr. Scott Morris

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:23:00 +0000

Today's Wild Card author is:

Dr. Scott Morris
and the
Church Health Center

and the book:

40 Days to Better Living: Depression

Barbour Books (November 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings – The B&B Media Group – for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From the time Scott Morris was just a teenager, he knew he would do two things with his future—serve God and work with people. Growing up in Atlanta, he felt drawn to the Church and at the same time drawn to help others, even from a very young age. It was naturally intrinsic, then, that after completing his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia he went on to receive his M.Div. from Yale University and finally his M.D. at Emory University in 1983.

After completing his residency in family practice, Morris arrived in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1986 without knowing a soul, but determined to begin a health care ministry for the working poor. He promptly knocked on the doors of St. John’s Methodist Church and Methodist Hospital in Memphis inviting them to help, and then found an old house to refurbish and renovate. By the next year, the Church Health Center opened with one doctor—Dr. Scott Morris—and one nurse. They saw twelve patients the first day and Morris began living his mission to reclaim the Church’s biblical commitment to care for our bodies and spirits.

From the beginning, Morris saw each and every patient as a whole person, knowing that without giving careful attention to both the body and soul the person would not be truly well. So nine years after opening the Church Health Center, he opened its Hope & Healing Wellness Center. Today the Church Health Center has grown to become the largest faith-based clinic in the country of its type having cared for 60,000 patients of record without relying on government funding. The clinic handles more than 36,000 patient visits a year while the wellness center, which moved to its current 80,000-square-foot location on Union Avenue in 2000, serves more than 120,000 member visits each year. Fees are charged on a sliding scale based on income.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Depression is a serious condition—and 40 Days to Better Living: Depression provides clear, manageable steps for people to manage it, through life-changing attitudes and actions. Readers can select one or more elements of the 7-step Model for Healthy Living—Faith, Medical, Movement, Work, Emotional, Family and Friends, and Nutrition—and follow the 40-day plan to improve their lives, just a bit, day by day. With plenty of practical advice, biblical encouragement, and stories of real people who’ve taken the same journey, this book—from the Church Health Center in Memphis, the largest faith-based clinic of its type in the U.S.—may be one of the most important books your customers will read this year.

The 40 Days to Better Living series offers clear, manageable steps to life-changing attitudes and actions in a context of understanding and grace for all people at all points on the journey to optimal health. With plenty of practical advice, spiritual encouragement, and real stories of those who have found a better life, this simple and skillfully crafted book inspires readers to customize their own path to wellness by using the 7-Step Model for Healthy Living as a guide:

·         Nutrition: pursuing smarter food choices and eating habits

·         Friends and family: giving and receiving support through relationships

·         Emotional life: understanding feelings and managing stress to better care for yourself

·         Work: appreciating your skills, talents, and gifts

·         Movement: discovering ways to enjoy physical activity

·         Medical care: partnering with health care providers to optimize medical care

·         Faith life: building a relationship with God, neighbors, and self

Along with tips from the Model for Healthy Living, the easy-to-read format features a Morning Reflection and an Evening Wrap-Up as well as a place for documenting plans, progress, and perspectives. Targeted scriptures and prayers that undergird the focus of each day’s message make this compact book an excellent choice for a daily devotional.

Subsequent titles in the Better Living series will be released bi-monthly and address key health topics including hypertension, diabetes, depression, weight management, stress management, aging, and addiction. All promise substantial support to those who are ready for a newer, better way of living—body and spirit.

Product Details:

List Price: $7.99
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616262664
ISBN-13: 978-1616262662

AND NOW...THE FIRST FEW PAGES: Click on the images to see them larger:

Prayer Request For My Son

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:50:00 +0000

Would you please pray for my son today?

My Baby Boy, he's 12, is going in for an MRI today. He's pretty nervous. So am I. Would you please add him to your prayer list? Maybe you could pray for us both?

For the last two months my Baby Boy has had problems with his leg. It's been very painful and we thought he injured it in the pool over the summer, but they can't find anything wrong. They thought he may have dislocated his hip but after x-rays they found it was normal.

After a visit to his pediatrician (twice), the chiropractor, and the orthopedic surgeon... we still don't know what the problem is. He is in pain every day. He can't run or play like he used to because his leg is always hurting him. He doesn't have the range of motion that he should have and his leg is weak. It's even been hard for him to fall asleep at night because he can't get comfortable.

I know we serve a living, loving, healing God! Would you please bring my son before Him today? Maybe even pass this request along to any prayer chain you may belong to? There is power in prayer!

Thank you so much! Your prayers are appreciated. I'll be praying for you today as well.

God bless and have a great day! :)

Drew Manning's Journey From "Fit 2 Fat 2 Fit"

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 01:44:00 +0000

I don't know if you've heard of Drew Manning's quest to go from Fit 2 Fat 2 Fit in 1 year... but if not, let me tell you.

Can I just start out by saying... He is my new hero!!!

Drew Manning is a personal trainer who has willingly put on an extra 50-60 pounds over the course of 6 months, and now he will lose it all back in the following 6 months. AND... he's doing it publicly! Why? So he can better understand the struggles of those he is trying to help... all of us who are overweight and have a hard time shedding those unwanted pounds.

I've been following his blog for just a couple of weeks and I love it. I find him to be authentic. He is doing this amazing thing so he can have a better understanding of the food addictions, the depression, the poor body image, and everything else that people who are overweight are dealing with on a daily basis. He has never been overweight and yet he is putting on the pounds. Who would do that??? Someone who truly cares.

Check out this video...

You can read his story and find some great information on meal planning, workouts, and much more on his Fit 2 Fat 2 Fit site at http://www.fit2fat2fit.com/.

You can follow him on his blog at www.fit2fat2fit.com/blog.

Oh... and if you're on Twitter you can find him there too at https://twitter.com/#!/fit2fat2fit.

There you have it! All the links you'll need if you'd like to follow along on his journey... or maybe even join in his final 6 months of shedding the pounds.

Thanks for reading and God bless! :)

The Power of a Praying Wife Devotional by Stormie Omartian

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 07:01:00 +0000

Today's Wild Card author is:

Stormie Omartian

and the book:

The Power of a Praying® Wife Devotional: New Ways to Pray for Yourself, Your Husband, and Your Marriage

Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Karri James of Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stormie Omartian is the bestselling author (more than 13 million books sold) of The Power of a Praying® series, which includes The Power of Praying® for Your Adult Children, The Power of a Praying® Wife, The Power of a Praying® Husband, and The Power of Prayer™ to Change Your Marriage. Her many other books include Just Enough Light for the Step I’m On, The Prayer That Changes Everything®, The Power of a Praying® Woman, and The Power of Praying® Through the Bible. Stormie and her husband, Michael, have been married more than 37 years and are the parents of two adult children.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

New from bestselling author Stormie Omartian is a book close to her own heart—The Power of a Praying® Wife Devotional. Following up on the insights and prayers of The Power of a Praying® Wife (more than 3.5 million books sold) 100 brand-new devotions, prayers, and supporting Scriptures offer a praying wife fresh ways to pray for her husband, herself, and her marriage.

These easy-to-read devotions will increase any wife’s understanding, strength, and peace, as well as provide her with perspective on the situations and challenges she faces. And each prayer will help both husbands and wives be more attuned to the Holy Spirit so they can do what’s right without allowing negative emotions or unclear thinking to get in the way.

A must-have for anyone wanting God’s best for this most important relationship.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736926925
ISBN-13: 978-0736926928

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

When I Desire Greater Persistence in Prayer

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,
in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

As a wife, you need the kind of prayer habit that doesn’t give up or allow discouragement to get in the way, but instead persists and keeps on praying and asking.

When God told Abraham He intended to determine if Sodom was deserving of destruction, Abraham then interceded, praying on behalf of however many righteous people might be there. He asked God if He would destroy Sodom if fifty righteous people were found there, and the Lord said He would not. Abraham then asked if He would destroy the city if forty-five righteous people were found there, then forty people, then thirty, then twenty. Each time Abraham asked, God said He would not destroy it for that many people. Finally Abraham said, “Suppose ten should be found there?” And God said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten” (Genesis 18:32). As it turned out, only four righteous people were there, so God destroyed it. But Abraham had stopped asking at ten.

We need the kind of persistence in prayer that causes us to continue asking as Abraham did. Too often we stop short. Perhaps Abraham stopped asking because he couldn’t imagine that there wouldn’t be at least ten righteous people in Sodom. Or perhaps by then God had proved His point and revealed His intentions. God knew the city was wicked enough to destroy, but He saved the four righteous people—which were Lot, his wife, and their two daughters (Genesis 19:29).

Your prayers are powerful to save too. So keep asking and continue seeking, and don’t ask for crumbs when God wants to give you the banquet. When it comes to praying for you and your husband and your marriage, ask God to help you persist in prayer for even what may seem impossible. Ask for your marriage to not only be saved, but to be good. Ask for it to not only be good, but to be great. God doesn’t say “No” to what is His will. If your husband has a strong will that refuses to submit to God’s will, persist in praying that God’s will wins out.

My Prayer to God

Lord, I pray You would help me to be persistent in prayer—to ask and keep asking for what I believe is Your will. I know anything less than love, selflessness, kindness, peace, and generosity of soul is not Your will in my relationship with my husband. Help me to persist in praying for nothing less than the high standard You have for our marriage. Give me a vision of how You want me to pray. Show me the way You want our marriage to be and help me to pray accordingly so that it becomes all that.

I know I cannot force my husband’s will to be anything other than what it is, but You can touch his heart and turn it toward You. I pray You would do that. May he welcome Your Lordship in his life. Help me to pray consistently and passionately, and to persevere no matter what is happening. I thank You in advance for the great things You are going to do in both of us and in our marriage.

In Jesus’ name I pray.

My Review

The "Power of a Praying..." series is a true blessing. I have almost every book that Stormie Omartian has written, and they have transformed my prayer life.

The Power of a Praying Wife Devotional is going to be a favorite. It has all that the other books offer, yet it comes in quick devotions. Each chapter/devotion has a scripture, and short teaching or story, and is followed by a prayer for that topic. Easy to use and understand. It also includes prayers for us, the wives, as we are diligent in praying for our husbands. It's a great book that will be used for years to come.

Thanks for reading and God bless! :)

Great Thanksgiving freebie at Comfy in the Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:56:00 +0000

I have to tell you about this great Thanksgiving ebook that Comfy in the Kitchen and The Better Mom are offering... for FREE!

I downloaded it yesterday and it is amazing!!! So many great recipes and perfect for the holidays. If you're like me... you'll want to print them all. They have included pictures of each recipe as well as photos of 'how-to' along the way. I made the Thanksgiving Ham last year for Christmas and my family loved it!

Click on this link to download "Comfy in the Kitchen on Thanksgiving"
Then... click on the link at the end of their post.

Please... take a minute to look around at these great blogs.

Comfy in the Kitchen is my favorite blog for recipes. Janelle has many great recipes to choose from. She has photos of every recipe and includes all the steps along the way. Beautifully done. I'm sure it will become a favorite of yours as well.

The Better Mom is a great place to learn how to be.... well, a better mom. Who couldn't use more tips like that? Everything from meal planning to organization is offered here. Check it out. I'm sure you'll find something useful.

Both of these blogs are written by women who have a heart for the Lord and are willing to share what they know with others. They are both favorites of mine.

When you find something good.... you just have to share it.

Thanks for reading and God bless! :)

Start Here, Go Anywhere by Richie Hughes

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:01:00 +0000

Today's Wild Card author is:

Richie Hughes

and the book:

Start Here, Go Anywhere

Charisma House (August 9, 2011)

***Special thanks to Kim Jones | Publicity Coordinator, Charisma House | Charisma Media for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Richie Hughes is the founder of Richie Hughes Instructional Camps. A dynamic and sought-after speaker, he formerly served with Jentezen Franklin as the executive pastor of Free Chapel Church in Atlanta and Orange County, California. He holds degrees from Lee University and Lincoln Memorial University and lives in Cleveland, Tennessee, with his wife and their two daughters.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Start Here, Go Anywhere gives you the tools you need to make good choices and recover from the bad ones you may have already made. With moving stories from his own life—including losing his only brother to AIDS—and testimonials from former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz and Mac Powell of Third Day, Richie Hughes provides a fresh treatment of both failure and redemption.

No matter where you are today, with God’s help you can go anywhere. Poor choices in the past do not destroy your future potential to do great things. God loves you so much that He wants to transform your future for His glory.

Product Details:

List Price: $10.99
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Charisma House (August 9, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616382112
ISBN-13: 978-1616382117

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

You Have a Choice

It’s choice—not chance—that determines your destiny.1
—Jean Nidetch

I like to win. All my life I have believed that if someone is keeping score, I should come in first place.
Growing up, I played whatever sport happened to be in season at the time, and I spent the better part of my
adult life coaching student athletes. I am very competitive in everything I do, and I realize that’s not always a good thing. I battle this part of my personality on a daily basis. Although I still love to play sports, I can’t quite do at forty-five what I used to be able to do at age eighteen. My baseball and football days are over, and my basketball days are numbered. So like many other men my age who strive to be competitive, challenging their bodies and minds in hopes of staying in the game, I play golf.

One day while I was playing golf with a friend, I found myself very frustrated. I was having a series of especially bad breaks. The ball just would not bounce my way. If you know anything about golf, you know it is a sport that requires a high level of skill but gives a low level of success in return. There are just too many uncontrollable factors that can influence the outcome of the game—wind, the speed of the putting green, and the distance of the putt, just to name a few.

Both my friend and I are competitive, and each of us wanted to win badly that day. Of course, he got all the breaks. He hit shots into the trees and yet they would bounce back out into the fairway like magic. Everything was going just right for him. I on the other hand was having no such luck. I made some great shots. They left my club perfectly and actually landed in the fairway, but that’s where my good fortune ended.

Partly because the ground was hard and parched from the heat of summer, my shots kept flying down the middle of the fairway and, just as they hit the course, would begin to roll farther and farther away from the mark. I’d end up taking long walks back to the golf cart to follow my errant ball, my frustration increasing with every step. One shot rolled through the fairway, through the rough, and splashed into the creek. I was annoyed, but I shook it off trying to focus on the next hole. Then, unbelievably, the same thing happened with the next hole. My shot went flying through the air, hitting the fairway beautifully; then it too began to roll off course until it landed in water.

I should have known I was in trouble even before I started the game. The golf course was named after a series of lakes, and indeed there was water everywhere. With each stroke, I became more and more upset, until I was boiling inside. My partner’s shots were going into the trees, then coming back out, hitting the cart path, and advancing another fifty yards closer to the green. Why him and not me?

I pressed on, my competitive nature not allowing me to quit or to just enjoy the game and the time I was able to spend with my friend. I didn’t care about the beautiful scenery or that I was fortunate enough to not be sitting at my desk wishing I could play a few rounds. None of that mattered because, you see, it was all about the win. Finally, after battling every force of nature and beyond, I finally got to the green. It was time to make my putt. I was thinking, “OK, let’s see the water mess this up!” I told myself that I have perfect form, perfect delivery, and I will make the putt. My nice, firm stroke sent the shot toward the hole; then everything seemed to stop as I watched that little white ball roll toward the tiny hole in the middle of the green. I held my breath as my shot rolled into the hole and spun around in the cup. Then the unthinkable happened. It made a U-turn and jumped out of the hole! I was living every golfer’s worst nightmare.

I exhaled slowly but then succumbed to the frustration I had been feeling all day. I tossed the putter so far into the woods I might have made the Guinness Book of World Records for throwing a golf club the farthest distance (I’m kidding). My competitive spirit really got the best of me that day. My putter is probably still somewhere in the woods rotting and rusting to this day.

Yet what happened next was probably worse than the horrible tricks my golf balls were playing on me. My friend said, “Richie, the cart girl’s watching.” I looked up, hoping against hope, but there she was right behind the green. The young woman’s cart was full of cold beverages for the golfers, and she had stopped so she wouldn’t disturb my friend and me while we made our putts. Unfortunately, she had witnessed the whole thing.

What kind of spectacle had I made of myself? What kind of example was I setting for this young girl or my friend? Everyone at the golf club knew I was in the ministry. What did my behavior reflect about my ability to control my anger? I hadn’t thought about any of these things when I was throwing my putter. I was only concerned that I had missed the shot. What had once fueled my success on the playing field had become a stumbling block. My competitive spirit, my desire to win had crossed an invisible line, becoming a weakness instead of a strength.

Have you ever made a choice you regret? We all have at one time or another. Some of our choices are merely embarrassing while others lead to more serious consequences. That day on the golf course I harmed my witness as a believer in Jesus before both my friend and the young woman manning the beverage cart. I could only hope it wouldn’t sour her view of Christians in general. Yet I know of others who have struggled with addiction, financial hardship, and even a life-threatening disease because of the decisions they made.

Our lives are shaped by our choices. No matter where we begin, our decisions each day determine where we will end up. We choose to get up every day and go to work or school. We choose whether or not we are going to eat certain foods or exercise. We choose whether we are going to smoke or drink alcohol. We choose what type of sexual encounters we will participate in and with whom. We choose our spouses and our friends. Each of these singular decisions has a consequence that is powerful and lifelong. Even decisions that seem insignificant, like what we eat for lunch, can have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of others.

Choices Have Power

In his book The 21 Most Powerful Minutes of a Leader’s Day, John Maxwell describes a law of momentum that is shaped by our choices. I like his observation so much that I have shared this principle repeatedly and even used it in a Bible study I led for the Atlanta Falcons players. Two years later the players were still putting into practice the lessons learned. Using the first four kings of Israel as examples, Maxwell explains that we can choose to be momentum fakers, momentum takers, or momentum makers. David and Solomon were the momentum makers. David was a great warrior who conquered territory that gave Israel room to expand, and Solomon oversaw great wealth and built a temple for the Lord to dwell in. Rehoboam, however, was a taker because he obtained everything his predecessors had worked so hard for and disbanded it in just a matter of days. And Saul was what Maxwell calls a faker. He had tremendous potential, but his insecurities kept him from being all he could be; his successors David and Solomon took Israel to the next level.

As I told the players, every day our choices determine what kind of momentum we create. We can be fakers, who have tremendous talent but allow insecurity and doubt to rob us of our effectiveness. We can be takers, who make foolish mistakes or don’t give our full effort. Or we can be momentum makers, whose decisions bring great success. This is the kind of person we all should aspire to be. When I presented this concept during the Bible study, I brought cards the players could use to track their progress. Each card had the word momentum written in huge letters, and beneath it the three categories were listed: faker, taker, and maker.

The players periodically checked in with me to discuss their growth in becoming momentum makers, and sometimes I’d call and ask, “Hey, what were you today?” The guys knew what I meant, and they were very honest. Some days they’d say, “Rich, I was a taker. I got a penalty because of unsportsmanlike conduct.” Or, “I had a bad had a great day. I was an encourager. Our team did well in practice.”

Every day when the players made the right choice, their decision affected not only them individually but also those around them, and it helped make the team successful. The same is true for you and me. Our choices have tremendous power to set the course not only of a game but also of a day, a year, even a lifetime.

Lessons From the Garden

I thank God for giving us the freedom to make our own choices. He is powerful enough to force us to do whatever He desires, but He does not function that way. God wants to be in relationship with us, not to have us respond to Him like robots. Where’s the fun in that? Whether it’s coming from a child, a friend, or a spouse, the words “I love you” aren’t nearly as meaningful when they’re not said willingly.

The power to make choices is a gift from God, but it is not one we should take lightly. The choices we make either lead us closer to God or pull us further away from Him. Author C. S. Lewis observed, “Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different from what it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are slowly turning this central thing either into a heavenly creature or into a hellish creature.”2

The choices we make determine the people we become. Life would be so much easier if we realized this and lived our lives accordingly. A college student who doesn’t study for a test is likely to fail. A man who mistreats his wife shouldn’t be surprised when she is indifferent to him. A teenager who breaks curfew shouldn’t wonder why his parents don’t trust him. We need to heed the words of Galatians 6:7–8: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”

This can be seen from God’s earliest dealings with mankind. He gave Adam and Eve a choice—to obey Him
and not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, or to partake of the fruit and suffer the consequences. We all know how that story ended. Adam and Eve’s disobedience led to their separation from the intimacy they once had with God. He gave them everything they could possibly need, and He made a point to spend time with them each evening, but their rebellion cost them all of that. As a result of their disobedience, Eve and her descendants would suffer pain in childbirth, and Adam would have to toil to provide food for his family.

We are still reaping the fruit of Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Romans 5:12 says, “Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men.” Adam and Eve probably never thought their decisions would impact their descendants for generations, but that’s the tricky thing about consequences. We can’t choose them. We’ll discuss that point more fully later on, but suffice it to say that we have absolutely no control over the results of our choices, only on the choices themselves. This is why God sets before us one choice that is more important than all the rest.

The Most Important Choice

Christ died for our sins, removing the wall of sin that separated us from the Father, but our disobedience still causes us to live outside God’s best. Of the dozens of choices we are faced with every day, the most important one is whether we will choose to follow Christ. Deuteronomy 30:19–20says,
“I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your
descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you
may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days.”

Although God gives us the freedom to make any choice we desire, His will is that we choose Him and His ways. Why? Because He is our life and the length of our days. Choosing Him is the only way we can spend eternity in God’s presence, and He is the ultimate source of peace, joy, fulfillment, and eternal life. He created us, and He knows what we need even better than we do. Jeremiah 29:11 says God has plans to prosper us and not to harm us, ourselves will never match God’s best for us. It won’t even come close.

Sometimes we think we can serve God and still pursue our own ambitions. This too is a recipe for disaster. It is impossible to wholeheartedly love God and be attached to the world. Matthew 6:24 says, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.” When we attempt to serve two masters, our judgment gets cloudy, and we end up making faulty decisions.
“Decisions become easier when your will to please God outweighs your will to please the world.”3 —Anso Coetzer

This is because our choices will always reflect our values. When obeying God is a priority, our choices will reflect that. We will do our best to avoid making decisions that harm our witness or are contrary to God’s Word. I regret my actions on the golf course that day, but I know that if I weren’t committed to honoring God in all I do, I probably wouldn’t have been so embarrassed by my behavior. Nor would I have attempted to avoid making the same mistake the next time I was frustrated by my golf game.

I often think of the admonition of Joshua, whom God chose to lead the children of Israel after Moses’s
When Joshua was nearing the end of his own life, he gathered the Israelites together and prophesied to the people, reminding them of all that God had done for them. God had brought them out of captivity in Egypt, delivered their enemies into their hands in battle, and even gave them land for which they did not labor and cities they did not build.

You’d think that after seeing the Red Sea part and plagues of locusts and frogs descend on the Egyptians, the children of Israel wouldn’t want to serve anyone but the Lord. Yet Joshua didn’t make any assumptions. After recalling God’s goodness, Joshua gave the Israelites a choice that I believe God is extending to you right now. He said, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15).

Richie Hughes and his house are committed to serving the Lord, but you have your own choice to make. You may have seen God move mightily in a family member’s situation, for someone at your church, or perhaps even in your own life at some time in the past. But you still must choose. You won’t be guilty by association. Will you follow God or your own rules? This is the most important choice any of us will ever make.

Choosing Christ will ultimately lead to eternal life and bring God’s blessings, but that doesn’t mean life will be easy. Not even close. I grew up in a Christian home with parents who loved me and my siblings and taught us to follow the Lord. Yet easy is the last word I would use to describe the journey God allowed us to take. We experienced heartbreak, and we cried many nights as we grappled with choices that would turn our lives upside down.

My Review

This is one of those books that everyone should read. We don't always realize or think about the consequences of the choices we make. But be assured... every choice, no matter how big or small, has a consequence... be it good or bad.

Richie Hughes leads us with scriptures and personal experience to show just how the choices we make can change the course of our lives... and others' as well. No matter where you are in life or what choices we have made in the past, he reminds us that we serve a God who can wipe the slate clean and give us a new start. We can learn to make better choices... we just have to choose.

I can't recommend this book highly enough... not just for yourself, but for family and friends. Who wouldn't want to learn to make better choices?

Thanks for reading and God bless! :)

Catdog... My "Kids' Choice" Review

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 06:03:00 +0000

It's kind of funny... when I was offered the chance to review Catdog, I was thinking "It's a cartoon! That won't fit on my blog." Then as I was about to log off my email, a voice behind me said "Catdog! I love that show! Mom, you have to get it!"

And so, we now have an official "kids' choice" review. :)

My youngest kids are 12 and 8 years old... so they've actually only seen a couple of re-runs of Catdog. On the other hand, my oldest kids grew up watching it and have, I'm sure, seen every episode ever made. So in our family, as the saying goes... "Everything old is new again!"

I miss some of the older cartoons and prefer many of them over what is on today. My kids love watching them and some, like Catdog, actually have a moral to them. We enjoyed it!

CATDOG: SEASON 1 – PART 1

POUNCES ITS WAY ONTO DVD

The First 10 Episodes From The First Season Debuts On DVD

October 18, 2011 from Shout! Factory

A fan favorite, CatDog: Season One - Part One, is a tale of opposites attached starring CatDog, the most unlikely brother duo ever seen. The conjoined brothers love each other yet they are so different, they can’t help but annoy themselves silly with their contrarian activities. Prim and proper, Cat is the very definition of culture, while Dog is the ultimate tail-wagging, sofa-jumping, car-chasing roughneck. But despite their very different personalities, CatDog are the best of friends, sticking to one another — literally — through thick and thin, even when it comes to facing off against their devious neighbor Winslow and the rough ’n’ tough gang of Greaser Dogs!

Created by Peter Hannan, CatDog premiered on Nickelodeon in1998 and ran for four seasons until 2001. Reruns aired onNicktoons from 2002 to 2011.

CatDog: Season One, Part One

About Shout! Factory

Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company’s audio catalogue boasts GRAMMY^®-nominated box sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit shoutfactory.com.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 32nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and hasbeen the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years. Formore information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

*I received a free DVD from Click Communications in exchange for my honest review. ~Thanks! :)

Spiritual Housekeeping by Kimberly Daniels

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:30:00 +0000

Today's Wild Card author is:

Kim Daniels

and the book:

Spiritual Housekeeping: Sweep your life free from Satanic oppression and demonic strongholds

Charisma House (September 6, 2011)

***Special thanks to Kim Jones | Publicity Coordinator, Charisma House | Charisma Media for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kimberly Daniels is a sought-after conference speaker, preacher, and powerful prayer warrior. She pastors Spoken Word Ministries in Jacksonville, Florida, with her husband, Ardell and is on the Jacksonville City Council. Daniels graduated from Florida State University and Jacksonville Theological Seminary and is the author of Inside Out; From a Mess to a Miracle; Clean House, Strong House; Delivered to Destiny; and Give It Back! and the coauthor of More Than Just The Catch.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Stay Prepared for Satan’s Unexpected Attacks

Do life’s challenges seem to throw you off balance? Do you struggle with the should haves, could haves, and would haves? In Spiritual Housekeeping, Kimberly Daniels outlines the keys to defeating the devil and putting your spiritual house in order.

Using numerous Bible passages and experiences from her own life, Daniels provides proven principles that give you the balance to live in the world while pleasing God by…

Avoiding compromise and ungodly tolerance
Discerning the difference between what is holy and what is not
Understanding the realms of spiritual authority
Keeping the occult out of your house

Discover how to become a gatekeeper to your home and receive God’s instructions for the spiritual traffic there. You can depend on the Holy Spirit to help you with the devil’s unexpected attacks and difficult situations.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Charisma House (September 6, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616382384
ISBN-13: 978-1616382384

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Delivered From

Social Intercourse

The Bible tells us that believers are “in” the world but not “of” it (John 17:11, 16). God has called us to be a light to the world. At the same time He has warned us not to be unequally yoked with people, places, and things that would hinder our walk with Him. So with this in mind, how do we run our businesses, educate our children, and relate to society in a way that will not displease God or cause us to be unequally yoked with the world?
The answer is simple—beware of social intercourse! Let’s start by reading 2 Corinthians 6:14–15 (kjv, emphasis added):

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?
and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

I have read this scripture many times over the past twenty years of my salvation. I found it very interesting that the Holy Spirit would open it up to me in a new way, as He did recently. Though the foundation of my deliverance is rooted in this scripture, until now I never recognized the standard that it sets for a victorious
lifestyle in Christ Jesus. Second Corinthians 6:14–15 represents the line that God has drawn in the Spirit to give us:
• Spiritual strength to avoid compromise and ungodly tolerance
• Stamina and endurance against opposition and persecution
• Discernment to know the difference between what is holy and what is unclean

The key words of this passage are:
• Fellowship—People (becoming one in Him)
• Communion—Places (gathering in His name)
• Concord—God (agreement with God
• Part—Faith (having a belief that cannot be shaken)

Fellowship—righteousness vs. unrighteousness
The word fellowship is metochos (met’-okh-os) in the Greek, which means, “intercourse.” Intercourse is defined as: “connection or dealings between individuals or groups that causes a coupling or uniting that makes those who have come together one.” As I studied the word intercourse, I noticed the word interchange. When intercourse takes place, there is always an interchange. This means that the people who come together literally experience an exchange in the midst of their union. The word interchange means, “to put each in the place of the other; to cause to change places, or to give and receive things from each other reciprocally.” It also means to cause to follow one another. Based on the word study on fellowship, it is not difficult to see that when we fellowship or socialize with people on a continual basis, a union takes place in the spirit. This is why the Bible asks the question, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3). The interchange involves everyone and enables each person to get something out of the relationship. This is why we must know those that we labor among. God commands that we “come out from among them” (2 Cor. 6:17)! If you do not want what other
people have, it would not be wise to hang out with them. On the other hand, when believers come together, there is a sweet communion that takes place. Where two touch and agree, Jesus comes into the midst. One believer can put a thousand demons to flight, but two can put ten thousand to flight (Deut. 32:30). The Word of the Lord asks: “What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?” Whenever the Word asks a question, an alarm should go off in our spirits to do a self-evaluation. We should ask ourselves questions like:

• What kind of inner circles am I a part of?
• Are the values of those who are closest to me committed
to righteousness or unrighteousness?
• What am I depositing into my closest relationships,
and what am I getting out of these relationships that influences me spiritually?

Pause and think on these questions! Is there anything in your life that you are in fellowship with that will stop you from being one with Jesus? If so, break fellowship with it now!

Communion—light vs. darkness
We are called to be in communion with our God. Let’s look at the word communion. The Greek word for communion is koinonia, which means: “partnership, participation, social intercourse, communication
and distribution.” I was knocked off of my feet when I found out that communion means social intercourse. When Paul refers to communion, he relates it to light and darkness. He is actually saying that light and darkness
will never commune or agree. Because of this, we must choose one side with which to commune. There will always be controversy, combat, and a battle in the spirit when dealing with light and darkness. Many people get discouraged when they experience this kind of warfare. This is the kind of warfare we should rejoice about!
The Bible says that we must be watchful when all men speak well of us. The truth of the matter is that not all men are supposed to agree with us. All men are not walking in the light of the truth, and when you are confronted with darkness, there is supposed to be a battle!

If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would
love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Remember the word that I said to you, “A servant is not greater than his master.” If they persecuted Me, they will
also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. —John 15:18–20

The battle will rage when light and darkness collide. The only true light in the world is the light of Jesus Christ. The world hates Jesus! When believers get this down in their spirits, they will develop tougher skin. Those who represent Jesus must have tough skin and not take persecution from the world as a personal attack.
It is not personal; it is scriptural! The world is not supposed to love you when you love Jesus. When believers allow resistance and rejection from the world to get them down, it is a sin before God! Paraphrasing what Jesus said, He made it simple: “Who do you think you are? You are not greater than Me! They hated Me, and I
created them—I AM God! Do not be moved when they hate you.” This is the commandment of the Lord. Light cannot commune (be comfortable with) darkness.

No matter how good things may seem or how nice people may be, if you are a child of light, darkness will always oppose you. No matter how much you try to harmonize, there will be a screeching sound of discord in the spirit. We have Jesus on the inside of us, and demons will always be uncomfortable in His presence. When we step into a place, we bring Jesus with us. There are places where people do not want Jesus around. We should not be alarmed when we are barred and even kicked out of certain places. The power of manifested light in a dark place is a good thing. It reveals to the people that they are in darkness. It is a glorious thing when the children of God come together to let their light shine. When light connects with more light, the power of God is manifested in the earth realm.

The koinonia of God flows fluently in the midst of the saints. This is why the anointing of the saints increases with numbers. One can put one thousand to flight, but two . . . ten thousand! Koinonia promotes partnership, communication, and a balanced distribution among the people of God. It is a social intercourse that takes place to give birth to the will of God in the earth realm. Real communion causes God’s glory to radiate in the midst of a dark and lost world. There is something awesome that takes place when God’s anointed ones gather. We gain ground in the spirit, and the Lord has free course to move. On the other hand, because of negative agreement there were some places where even Jesus could not heal the sick. When we fellowship with people who are not children of light, we get stuck in a spiritual limbo. To be in limbo means to be caught between. Because light and darkness cannot agree, those who try to make them mingle always end up in limbo. The manifestations of limbo are the spirits of struggle, distraction, confusion, and heaviness. We are in the world but not of the world. We are commanded to go into the world to be witnesses for Jesus, but the approach and strategy we use means everything. We are called to influence and not to be influenced!

There is a difference between communion and compromise. Communion brings forth a unity that bonds believers together for God’s purpose. When we compromise there is no bonding, but a bowing that takes place. It causes a person to knowingly or subliminally submit to the spirit in charge.

Concord—Christ vs. Belial
The scripture also asks, “What concord hath Christ with Belial?” The word concord is sumphonesis (soom-fo’-nay-sis) in the Greek, and it is defined as: “to be in harmony with, agreement, to stipulate by compact; to concur and support.”
Agreement means everything! It affects every area of our lives. We need agreement within ourselves to achieve our everyday goals. Without agreement, our families are dysfunctional and our businesses will fail.

God showed me that agreement is a type of spiritual covering. I believe that this is why Paul used the analogy of Christ and Belial. When we agree with certain things, we come under the covering of a certain ruler. We cannot agree with Christ and Belial at the same time; only one will rule!

Let’s take a look at the meaning of Belial:
• A person considered morally worthless
• Good for nothing
• Diseased in the mind
• Hard-hearted
• One who promotes rebellion against God and constituted authority
• Another name for Satan
• Vile, lewd, licentious, corrupt
• That which works against and has no regard for God or the things of God

Understanding the meaning of Belial brings forth a greater understanding of why this spirit has no agreement with Christ. We can be effective in winning the lost in dark places and during dark times as long as we have the revelation that Christ has no agreement with Belial. This is what accursed means: “dedicated unto doom or
damned by God Himself.” If God has killed a thing, we cannot religiously resurrect it. If the root is holy, the fruit will be holy, but if the root is demonically dedicated, the fruit will be cursed. Christ and Belial simply cannot agree. A biblical meaning for the word agreement is, “to marry, betroth or to gather selves until they
become one.” We cannot attempt to attach Jesus to the accursed thing.

Part—believers vs. infidels
The Word of the Lord asks, “What part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” The word part in the Greek is meris (mer-ece’), and it means, “to share, to be in the same province of or to participate with.” It comes from another Greek word, meros, which refers to a coast, portion, or to have respect of.

When Paul asked the question, “What part hath he that believeth with an infidel?,” it was serious! The word infidel refers to one who does not have faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. There is a difference between believing in Jesus and believing that Jesus is the one and only living God. Few deny that Jesus walked on the earth. Many
consider Him a great man or even a powerful prophet. The problem comes in when they deny His lordship! Putting it simple, an infidel is one who denies the lordship of Jesus Christ. What part does a true believer have with a person who does not believe that Jesus is the Lord and Creator of the universe? None! Believers should have no part in activities that give homage or even respect to other gods. We should not spiritually hang out in territories where demons are attempting to make us bow to the gongs of the land with the intent to overthrow them. The persecution of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is the perfect example of having no part with infidels. The king made a decree that whenever the gong sounded, everyone had to fall down and give homage to the pagan deity of the land. The Hebrew boys were put in the fiery furnace because they refused to bow. Yeah,
I know this is an old Bible story (in the minds of many), but the reality of this story will one day be grafted into the hearts of the saints in America. Many gongs are sounding, and many people who call themselves believers are bowing in our country. Jesus told Satan, “You have no part with Me” (John 13:8). In this same way we must not be a part of, have a portion with, or participate in modern-day idolatries. There are gongs going off in the spirit bidding Christians in America to bow. These are not ancient gongs as in the times of the Hebrew boys. These are gongs of economic trouble, disasters in the weather, seducing spirits from the rich and the famous, political unrest, peer pressure, idolatrous temptation, and compromise. During times like these we can remain steadfast in the things of God if we focus on our portion. Looking to the left or the right will make us lose the race. We can win if we stay in our lane and allow Jesus to be the author and finisher of our faith. We must be able to stand and declare, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” (Josh. 24:15). God is using His people to do a great work in the days in which we live, and we cannot come down off the wall.

Let’s take a look at how Nehemiah dealt with the temptation to bow to the dictates of the world.
Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with
fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work. But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they laughed at us and despised us, and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?” So I answered them, and said to them, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.” —Nehemiah 2:17–20

The people of God were in a bad situation, yet Nehemiah bragged on His God. His enemies mocked him and called him a rebel, but Nehemiah had a revelation; God was his portion! His source was not in man, so he did not have to bow to them. He also let his enemies know that they had no portion in what God had for him. When we (as believers) know our portion and in whom it is placed, we also know the portion (or legal right) the enemy has to get involved in it—none! The portion of the wicked has no agreement with what God has for us.
The twentieth chapter of Job describes the portion of the wicked. It describes the portion of the wicked to be like a basket filled with curses.

It includes the following curses:
• The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment.
• He will perish forever like his own refuse.
• He will fly away like a dream and not be found; he will be chased away like a vision of the night.
• His children will seek the favor of the poor.
• His bones will lie down with him in the dust.
• His food in his stomach turns sour; it becomes cobra venom within him.
• He swallows down riches and vomits them up again.
• He will not see the streams, the rivers flowing with honey and cream.
• From the proceeds of business he will get no enjoyment.
• He knows no quietness in his heart; therefore his well-being will not last.
• In his self-sufficiency he will be in distress; every hand of misery will come against him.
• When he is about to fill his stomach, God will cast on him the fury of His wrath.
• A bronze bow will pierce him through.
• Terrors come upon him.
• An unfanned fire will consume him.
• The heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him.
• The increase of his house will depart, and his goods will flow away in the day of His wrath.

The scripture concludes by saying: “This is the portion from God for a wicked man, the heritage appointed to him by God” (Job 20:29). I praise the Lord because we have no portion in wickedness. Today, when the hearts of many are failing them for fear, we must continue to confess Psalm 73:26, which says: “God is the strength
of my heart and my portion forever.”

We must rebel against or disagree with the things or the ways of the wicked. This is the only way to avoid social intercourse. Social intercourse is the pathway to idolatry, which comes in the name of status quo social activities. God put the need to socialize on the inside of us, but we must do it according to the Word of God. There is a sweet anointing when the brethren dwell in peace under the covering of God’s covenant. We can operate in the midst of those who do not know Jesus, but we must lead and not follow. We must influence and not be
influenced. This is the calling we have as the salt of the earth. I call it blending without bending.

My Review

This is a powerful book! A must read, in my opinion. Spiritual Housekeeping will teach you not only how to break free from demonic strongholds and satanic oppression, it also tells us why it's important to do so, and what the consequences can be if we don't.

Kimberly Daniels does a wonderful job of teaching on this subject. I have learned more in Spiritual Housekeeping than I did attending a 2-day class. I know that I will be reading this book again, referring back to it for reference, and passing along what I've learned.

The Opposite of Art by Athol Dickson

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:45:00 +0000

The Opposite of Art

A great artist is cast into the icy Harlem River by a hit-and-run driver. His heart stops, and he sees something that defies description. Presumed dead by all who knew him and obsessed with the desire to paint the inexpressible, he embarks on a pilgrimage to seek help from holy men around the globe. But is it possible to see eternity without becoming lost within it? After a quarter of a century, when the world begins to whisper that he may be alive, two people come looking for the artist: the daughter he never knew existed, and the murderer who hit him on the bridge all those years ago.

My Review

Ok... first off, I'd have to say that I struggled with the idea of this book being a 'christian' book. Within the first few pages I found myself debating if I should keep reading. Obviously, I did. I committed to review it... so I continued. It certainly isn't your typical christain novel, but it does accurately portray a person in search of Someone greater than himself. It is true to real life... none of us get 'prettied up' before we are saved and many of us will delve into a myriad of things in search for the Truth. This is the story of one such person. That being said, it was pretty mild. No need for an 'R' rating, it just has more of a secular tone.

The christian issues aside... Athol Dickson did an incredible job of writing with such great detail that I had perfectly vivid images in my mind throughout most of the book. On occasion I felt as if the author has given a bit too much information, but when I reached the end of the scene, I was left with no doubt as to what he was trying to portray. His words were like that of a painter.

The characters are a very colorful cast. Ridler, the tormented painter... Suzanna, the girlfriend he left behind... Graves, the man who sold his paintings while robbing him blind... along with a host of others from many cultures who help to tell about Ridler's journey in search of the Glory.

The story is well written. It becomes very intense at times as you feel the torment and anguish of Ridler as he continues his quest for the Glory even though he isn't quite sure what the Glory is. The story will take you all over the world with action and adventure and gives you a strong sense of what the characters are feeling. It isn't a quick read. At times it seemed a bit much... but it kept me coming back until the end.

I enjoyed it. I think I'm going to try another Athol Dickson novel.

*Thank you, Glass Road Productions, for providing me with a copy of this book and allowing me to be a part of your review program! :)

About Athol Dickson

Athol Dickson is the publisher of the popular news website, DailyCristo.com, and the author of seven novels and the bestselling memoir, The Gospel according to Moses. His novels of suspense and magical realism have been honored with three Christy Awards and an Audie Award, and compared to the work of Octavia Butler (by Publisher's Weekly) and Flannery O'Connor (by The New York Times). He and his wife live in Southern California.