Granny's Perspective

Voices of the Faithful, Book 2 Book Review

2012-01-05T19:29:00.000-05:00

I love daily devotionals and this one has turned out to be one of my favorites. Voices of the Faithful book 2 is a collection of inspiring stories from Christian missionaries around the world. It is compiled by Kim P. Davis and Beth Moore is the Series Creator. Kim Davis writes a monthly introduction. Beth Moore has written an introduction in the front of the book.
This book has reminded me and admonished me that there are Christians around the world who are putting their lives on the line for the cause of Christ. Each story is about real people and the very real problems they are having. That includes the missionaries themselves and the people they are sent to serve. Each time I read one of the devotions I am pulled back from the world just a little bit and I remember what my life is supposed to be about. We are all to be missionaries. We don't have to go around the world to show others the love of God.

I was given this book to review by BookSneeze and give my honest opinions and that is what I have done.

What Are You Thinking About?

2011-12-31T06:04:00.000-05:00

"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7

We can change this a little and say, "As a woman thinks in her heart, so is she." What you think about determines what mood you are in. It determines what you say. Your thinking determines your actions. Think about what you are thinking about. Are your thoughts loving, kind, understanding? Or are they hateful, mean and selfish? What if you could change your new year by changing your thinking?

Planning is Key to Keeping Resolutions.

2011-12-30T18:20:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! Below is an article I found that is perfect for Ringing in the New Year. It shares some helpful tips on planning and keeping your resolutions and goals.

Planning is key to keeping resolutions. Most people have made New Year's resolutions at some point in their lives with varying degrees of success. The secret to making and keeping a New Year's resolution is to start thinking about it before New Year's Eve.

Be Realistic. The surest way to fall short of your goal is for it to be unrealistic. Resolving to never eat your favorite food again is a set up for failure. Set a goal that is attainable, such as avoiding that food more often than you do now. If your resolution is something like losing weight, do some research to see what a realistic, attainable goal would be.
Choose wisely. Don't decide on a resolution at the last minute on New Year's Eve. It may help to make a list of possible resolutions and develop this list over time. Keep it with you and ask others to contribute ideas. You should know what your goal is well before Decebmer 31st arrives.
Create a Plan. To be successful it helps to have clear steps to put into action. Write your resolution and plan down in a notebook or journal. Decide how you will deal with the temptation to backslide. This could include calling a friend for support, taking a walk around the block or simply thinking positively. Start your plan during the first few days of January to harness your motivation. Don't expect overnight miracles. Resolutions are accomplished with a hundred tiny steps that happen throughout the year. You should think of a New Year's resolution as nothing more than a starting point and that developing positive habits will keep your plan moving forward.
Talk About It. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better. The best case scenario is to find a friend or family member who has also made a New Year's resolution and agree to motivate each other.
Remain Flexible. Obsessing over the occasional slip won't help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day and keep moving forward. Expect that you can and will change. Sometimes even the goal itself will change. But most importantly, recognize partial successes at every step along the way. Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality. Give it time and your new habits are sure to become second nature.

This article was found in the Pasco Shopper. The author is not named.

New Year's Goals

2011-12-29T18:08:00.000-05:00

This is the time of year to start thinking about setting new goals for yourself. Setting goals is the easy part. Reaching them is the hard part. Some of my goals that I set last year I reached and felt a since of accomplishment. There were others that I did not do so well on.
Instead of kicking myself and lamenting over this, I have decided to go ahead and try again. If I don't set some goals and try to reach for them, I won't get too much accomplished this year.
I think about my grandson learning how to walk. He would take a step and fall. He would take another step and fall. He kept doing this over and over again until finally he has started walking. That is what it takes to reach a goal. Just take a step and if and when you fall, get up and take another one. Then take another one. Pretty soon you will have made some amazing strides in your life.

Get UNSTUCK (and Get Moving Toward Your Dream!)

2011-12-20T16:41:00.000-05:00

Get UNSTUCK (and Get Moving Toward Your Dream!)

Close Encounters of the Moose Kind By Linda Rondeau

2011-12-20T14:48:00.000-05:00

I gasped as the gigantic mound stepped from the woods into our path, heads taller than our compact car. My husband swerved and we missed the animal by inches. “Was that a moose?” my husband asked.

I laughed.

“What’s so funny?”

“My heroine’s life is changed when she runs into a moose.”

We both giggled over God’s sense of humor.

That we found ourselves on the back roads of Franklin County at four in the morning was in and of itself God’s doing. I hadn’t planned on attending the ACFW Writers Conference in Minneapolis. “If I final in the contest then I’ll go,” I told my husband.

I did final, and my words haunted me. And so once again God changed my plans to fit into His. In rural upstate New York, flight connections often require a pre-dawn departure, and we had taken the country road to save time.

I shared my moose tale with a writer friend who laughed her prophecy. “That moose was a smile from God. He has plans for this manuscript.”

As time went on, God continued to smile affirmation after affirmation even through a dramatic relocation to Florida. Then, eleven years from the day that I felt God’s call to write professionally, my agent called with the news—a publisher had offered a contract. “It’s for Dawn’s Hope, but the editor wants to change the title to The Other Side of Darkness,” she said.

I did agree the alternate title sounded better and trusted the editor’s choice.

Yet, it wasn’t until later that God revealed His hand had been in the making of the book long before the first words were typed, long before I imagined my character’s accident, long before He sent a moose to confirm He would soon fulfill a promise made to me over a decade ago.

During a speaking engagement at a local women’s meeting, I shared my journey from call to call, reading a poem I wrote that very day God pulled me from one life to set me on another, one undefined and uncertain. I had obeyed His leading and He immediately gave me a poem, “The Song of Peace.” As I shared the poem with the women’s group, my eyes misted when I read the line, “Praise the Lord when Hope seems foolish…There is light on the other side of darkness.”

Could it be that even then, God was smiling on a book not yet imagined? I believe He did.

Author Bio

Linda Rondeau

Award-winning author, LINDA RONDEAU, writes for the reader who enjoys a little bit of everything. Her stories of redemption and God’s mercies include romance, suspense, the ethereal, and a little bit of history into the mix, always served with a slice of humor. Walk with her unforgettable characters as they journey paths not unlike our own. After a long career in human services, mother of three and wife of one very patient man, Linda now resides in Florida where she is active in her church and community. Readers may visit her web site at www.lindarondeau.com.

The Other Side of Darkness

by Linda Rondeau

PUBLISHER: Harbourlight Books

ISBN-10: 161116138X
ISBN-13: 978-1611161380

PRICE: Paperback: $16.99, Kindle: $5.99

Available at:

Pelican Book Group

Amazon

"Close Encounters of the Moose Kind" is loaded at docstoc.com.

Eight Ways to Beat the Blues at Christmas By Poppy Smith

2011-12-19T20:02:00.000-05:00

Instead of a houseful of kids and their little ones running around laughing, crying, playing with toys and sneaking treats, this year my husband, Jim, and I will be home alone for Christmas. My automatic reaction is to feel sad—but I am glad that all of them will be celebrating the coming of Jesus with their in-laws. After all, we are usually the ones who get that privilege!

But—it’s easy to be sucked down into a “poor me” mindset and play the blues, unless we decide to change our perspective. So here are eight simple ways to help you enjoy the holidays whether you’re physically or emotionally alone. Why not join me and let’s beat those blues which aren’t where God wants us at this special time of the year—or at any time!

Sing. Play music. Listen to the words and join in praising God. Singing is a guaranteed mood lifter and perspective changer. “Sing for joy to God our strength” Ps.81:1.
Smile. Smile at little children. Their harried moms. The older shoppers who are trying to find just the right present. Make smiling your chosen expression (not through gritted teeth, however!). It will make you feel so much better and maybe lift up another lonely soul.
Invite. Is there someone you haven’t had time for this past year? Could you suggest meeting for coffee, lunch, or even over to your home? Perfection isn’t needed—only a loving heart that looks beyond it’s own world.
Rest. Remember all those too early mornings when you longed to just stay in bed? Now’s your chance. Take time to read a book of the Bible or several psalms. Choose a special book, magazine, or television program. Make or buy some once in a year yummy treats and ENJOY this gift of time!
Give gifts to others. Go online and look for simple Christmas recipes. Make peppermint candy or a cranberry loaf and go drop it off at a homeless shelter or place that serves those without a home. Change your perspective from looking inward to looking outward—as God our Savior did when He gave us the most amazing gift of love any one can receive.
Write a list of your blessings. Think back over this past year. Even if it has been one of the most difficult you’ve experienced, ask God’s Spirit to show you where He was present, loving and supporting and guiding you through. He will show you something and lift your heart.
Go to a Christmas Eve Service. Even if you’re by yourself, don’t miss the presence of God amidst the beauty of this celebration. Let your senses feast on the beauty, your ears delight in the music, your heart be moved to new heights of gratitude and love.
Pray about your dreams for 2012. What do you want to see happen in the coming year? Have you thought about changes you want to make? New paths to walk? Write out what comes to mind when you think of taking better care of yourself physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. (See my video: Take Care of Yourself, …….. or check my website on the media clips page).

May your “Home Alone” Christmas fill you with joy and a fresh awareness that Christ is with you, whether you’re surrounded by people or peacefully alone.

Author Bio

Poppy Smith

With her fun personality and passion for communicating life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person) uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages women (and men, at times) to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives.

http://www.poppysmith.com/newsletters.htm

He Sees You When You're Sleepin'...

2011-12-10T20:46:00.001-05:00

He Sees You When You’re Sleepin’...
By Dr. Charles W. Page

Do you recall trying to sleep on Christmas Eve while waiting for Santa to come to town? The anticipation of Saint Nicolas and all his goodies was just too much—who could sleep? The lyrics of Santa Claus is Coming to Town taunted me. “He sees you when you’re sleeping—he knows when you’re awake…” I tossed and turned trying to fall asleep, fearful I’d miss out on Santa’s visit if he caught me awake. I never doubted Santa’s ability to be aware of my wakefulness.

Unfortunately, as adults, the issues that keep us awake during the Christmas season are more complicated than those we experienced as kids. Financial burdens, strained relationships, difficult decisions, brooding regrets and fretful thoughts race through our minds and hinder our rest.

There is someone who “sees you when you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake.” It’s not Santa Claus. The Bible reminds us, God’s eyes never close. Perhaps this truth can tuck us in for the night.

“He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:3-4)

We erroneously think that as we “turn in” that God somehow “turns off” or moves on to do more important things. But God doesn’t wait for us to wake up before He returns to work. God is just as active during our sleep—or sleeplessness. Believers can rest assured knowing God is awake guarding our lives.

What does God do as we slumber? Psalm 127:1-2 reminds us that God gives to those that He loves as they sleep. What does God give? Understanding God’s generous nature, one rendering would be that God gives to the believer whatever is needed at the time. God can give you wisdom and direction with decisions as you “sleep on it” overnight (Psalm 16:7, James 1:5). Maybe there is a financial need. The scriptures are filled with examples of how God provided for the physical needs of those He loved as they rested (I Kings 19:1-8; Exodus 16:1-8).

God’s gifts are good, perfect (James 1:17), eternal (Ephesians 1:3) and purposeful (Galatians 5:22-25). They do not require batteries, warranties and cannot be purchased in stores. But they are available 24/7/365—not limited to one night each year. God’s greatest gift did not arrive under a tree but on a tree (John 3:16). “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)

It’s plain to see, God has our back as we sleep. Try this Christmas recipe for rest.

Repent—in areas where we are aware of our transgressions. “A clean conscience
makes a soft pillow.”
Release—control of problems you’re facing and give them over to God.
Relate—connect with God through prayer and meditation while in bed.
Rest—allow God to do what you cannot do for yourself as you sleep.
Receive—God’s unmerited forgiveness, grace and blessings while you sleep.

An English proverb reminds us, “As you make your bed so you must lie in it.” The truth of God’s Word helps us face our situations. Although we cannot change the failures of our past, we can rest with a clean conscience based on God’s gift of forgiveness. Our current circumstances may appear overwhelming, but God gives His presence and His guidance in our hour of need. Our future is secure and hopeful when God’s greatest gift—His Son—is kept in view. A life supported by a vibrant, healthy relationship with the Shepherd of Sleep makes the most comfortable mattress. In childlike faith learn to trust Him as you lie down to sleep and remember: “He sees you when you’re sleeping.”

Author Bio

Charles W. Page, M.D.

Dr. Charles W. Page is a sleep-deprived surgeon who completed medical school and residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Page is currently a rural surgeon and has taken numerous medical mission trips to South America and the Middle East. He and his wife Joanna live in Texas with their five children. He is the author of Surrendered Sleep: A Biblical Perspective. You can find more information at surrenderedsleep.com.

Surrendered Sleep

A Biblical Perspective

by Dr. Charles W. Page

PUBLISHER: Camino Real Publishers

ISBN-10: 0983138109
ISBN-13: 978-0983138105

PRICE: Paperback: $14.95; Ebook: $10.95

Available at:

Amazon

Surrendered Sleep

"He Sees You When You're Sleepin'..." is loaded at docstoc.com.

If for some reason you have difficulty copying or downloading the article,

we will be glad to email the article in .pdf or .doc format. Russ@kathycarltonwillis.com

Benny's Angel A God's Secret Garden Adventure by Laura Allen Nonemaker Review

2011-11-29T15:44:00.002-05:00

     Who stole the flowers from God's Secret Garden? That is the big mystery in this delightful story written for children.   Laura Nonemaker wrote this book to teach children that they can have joy in their hearts and trust God in every situation.
   One of the characters is Count Slime. Count Slime tries to destroy the garden and steal the animals' joy. But the animals learn to pray to God for help. God sends an angel to them in their distress. Soon the mystery is solved. The Garden is once again a beautiful place to be. This book uses animals, nature, and a visit from an angel to teach the importance of prayer and the value of trusting God.
   There is a link to an audio version of the book included. I love the characters in the story. They are loveable and childlike. It is nice to see that there are writers that care about our children's spiritual development. I was given this book to read and give an honest review. This is what I did and have not been paid for it.

About The Author

Laura Allen

Nonemaker

Laura Allen Nonemaker’s desire to write took root as a child in Bermuda. Since then, Laura has written in a variety of genres and her work has appeared in Essence Treasury: Celebrating the Season, Alive! and Kentucky Monthly Magazine.

Laura has been involved in short-term missions, including trips to Russia, Poland, and the University of the Nations in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Three years ago, her interest in the arts motivated her to join the planning team for Artful Missions, which conducts juried art shows and donates to outreaches in the U.S. and India to rescue women and children from human trafficking.

Feel free to contact Laura at lauranonemaker@gmail.com

Connect with Laura at These Social Networking Sites:

facebook: Laura Allen Nonemaker
twitter: @DigInGodsGarden
Linkedin: Laura Nonemaker
Blog: www.diggingingodsgarden.com

Q & A with Laura:

Why did you write Benny’s Angel?

Benny’s Angel was the result of an occurrence in my “secret garden.” While seated on my garden bench praying, I noticed a rabbit hopping through the garden. The Benny’s Angel scenario came to me. I sensed it was significant and in about ten minutes, I developed the basic storyline.

Why do you think reading is important for parents to emphasize with children, both by reading to them and fostering a healthy reading appetite as they develop their own reading skills?

I believe the time to instill a love for reading in children is when they are toddlers and beginning to experience the power of communication in their relationships. Children are ready to absorb whatever they see and hear going on around them, whether it is good or bad. It is important to read them stories that ignite their imagination and plant the seeds of sound moral principles.

What issues do you address in Benny’s Angel, and why do children need these sorts of stories to help them through life?

In the story of Benny’s Angel, the animals in God’s Secret Garden encounter a problem. They are unable to solve it themselves and pray to God for an answer. God answers their prayer by means of an angel. Benny’s Angel teaches the importance of prayer and of trusting God to answer our prayers. These principles filter naturally through the storyline and without the need for sermonizing. Children will face all kinds of problems and challenges as they grow up and stories based on sound biblical principles lay a strong foundation for their future.

Tell us about the next book you have coming out after Benny’s Angel.

The next book in the God’s Secret Garden Adventure Series is about a little frog. Through some misadventures, he learns the importance of obedience.

Grand Prize Giveaway!

Leave a comment by December 9, 2011 and be entered in this great giveaway!

Grand Prize Giveaway

$85.87 Value

1 Vivitar Camcorder with Camera and 2X Zoom
1 Benny's Angel Picture Book
1 Benny's Angel 3-D Book
1 Benny's Angel Coloring Book
1 Benny's Angel Audio Book
1 Benny's Angel T Shirt
1 Benny Christmas Ornament
1 Marietta Christmas Ornament
1 96-Count Crayola Crayons

The God Pocket by Bruce Wilkerson

2011-11-21T15:53:00.001-05:00

"The God Pocket" by Bruce Wilkinson

I read “The God Pocket” and was inspired to start living a life of giving. You can have joy by giving. That is what this book teaches. It explains a simple way to help others. You don’t have to be perfect to do this. You don’t have to be a preacher or a teacher for God to use you.

He takes everyday people who make mistakes and uses them to be a blessing to other people. One way to help others is by having a place in your wallet to keep money that you have given to God to use as He tells you to. God will give you a nudge when you meet someone that needs the money you have put in a special place for just such a time. It can be a small sum or a large one. God can use whatever you are willing to part with.

When you read the book I think you will get as excited as I did. Try it and see what happens.

I was given a copy of this book to review by Waterhouse Multnomah. I have given an honest review and have not been paid for it.

Waterhouse Multnomah

Dare to Live:Devotions For Those Over The Hill, Not Under It! by Elizabeth Van Liere Blog Tour & Give A Way

2011-10-18T15:15:00.001-04:00

Hello
I believe you will enjoy reading this book. It is in large print and easy to read. It hits the mark. I love it!

Dare to Live: Devotions for Those Over The Hill, Not Under It! is a jolt of spiritual inspiration, a quick boost for your soul. Rediscover God's grace, hope, and power for living—regardless of your place or age in life. In Dare to Live, 87-year-old author Elizabeth Van Liere leads readers through a thirty-day journey to a fuller understanding of what it means to "season slowly with a mighty and loving Savior." This journey pursues a life characterized by relevancy not regret, generosity not grumpiness, and compassion to the end.

These quick shots of instant inspiration might be just what you need to keep going. Whether new to the faith or a lifelong follower of Christ, readers old and young will discover the joy of what it means to be transformed into the image of Jesus and used for His purposes to the very end.

Here is a sample devotion from the book!

Chocolates Are Yummy, But God Is Sweeter

(from Dare to Live, Devotions for Those Over the Hill, Not Under It)

So then whatever you eat or drink or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God.

I Corinthians 10:31 (Amplified)

What is the first goodie to disappear on a dessert table during the fellowship hour at church? Anything chocolate—especially brownies. Ask those among you who is a chocoholic and hands are lifted high with the enthusiasm of a praise and worship band. And happy day! I just read, “Dark chocolate is good for you.” Those words push aside my guilty feelings when I let a piece of chocolate slowly melt in my mouth.

It’s not so much the one piece I savor. It’s when I buy a box of chocolates. Not a huge box—no more than a double layer of brown nuggets. One of my daughters-in-law can buy a Hershey’s candy bar and eat one square a day. Not me. I open the box … slowly inhale the aroma … linger over the choice. Will it be a chocolate-covered caramel, a chocolate-covered truffle, or a crunchy chunk filled with nuts?

I snatch the truffle and shut the box.

Moments later the lid is off again. Just one more piece, then I’ll stop.

Sin is like my addiction to chocolate. To live as God wants me to live, especially in light of His grace, requires that I develop self-control in all things—including chocolate. Paul tells us we are to glorify God at all times. This includes eating, drinking, working or playing. “I will not be mastered by anything,” Paul told the church at Corinth.

Chocolates are only one of God’s gifts to us. Gobbling one piece after another means the object masters us instead of our being the master, just as overindulging in anything can rule our lives. God’s sweetness is more important than craving for chocolate. Do you suppose a chocolate obsession reveals a soul that is weak and easily led astray?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You know I cannot keep my hand out of the box of chocolates by myself. I need Your help. So let my eyes skip over the sale at Walgreens for chocolates. Keep my eyes on the road ahead instead of to the side where Stouffers beckons. Grow self-control in me in everything, so all I eat, drink, or do glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Step Further

Proverbs 25:16; I Corinthians 9:24-27

Building Blocks of Faith

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Questions

Why do I feel I can indulge myself just because I’m elderly?

Does it really matter if I take four pieces of candy instead of one?

Author of the Book!

Elizabeth

Van Liere

Elizabeth Van Liere ‘s first story, “The Early Bird,” sent in with numerous mistakes, was published by Child Life in 1961. Since then, with much learning, her inspirational articles, poetry, children’s stories, and devotionals have found homes. Now, some fifty years later, at age 87, her first book is available: Dare to Live, Devotions for Those Over the Hill, Not Under It.

Elizabeth’s husband died in 1991, but she kept busy helping her daughter raise four sons. Others in her family: three sons, ten grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren. She loves the chance to visit them all, in Colorado and from California to Virginia, North Carolina, Florida and Germany.

Grand Prize Giveaway

$32.95 Value

Dare to Live Gift Box

Local (Durango, CO) products from Honeyville

Ummm! I can taste those luscious pancakes already and oh, that bumbleberry syrup! Or how about some hot, golden corn bread—topping each piece off with some Jalapeno jelly!

The grand prize winner will receive a gift box from Honeyville that includes:

Whole Wheat Pancake Mix
Bumbleberry Syrup
Corn Bread Mix
Jalapeno Jelly

Leave me a comment on my blog and one winner will be picked randomly. It may be you!

Stress-Free Believers

2011-09-16T20:59:00.000-04:00

I read "Stress-Free Believers Turn Your Worry into Faith, Turmoil Into Peace" by Harold Metzel. I got a lot out of this book. I have been going through some stressful times in different areas of my life. I had been having a tough time thinking things through. When you are in this situation it is difficult to know what to do. This book really helped me. One thing he said in the book is that the tools available to de-throne the stress bully are faith and the courage to act on it. This is a very practical book. If you are a believer and are wondering how to deal with the stress in your life I would suggest reading it and putting into practice the advice that the author gives.
I was given this book to review and I have given an honest review of the book and receive no compensation for it.Stress-Free Believers: Turn Worry into Faith, Turmoil into Peace

Harold's 10 Best
Stress-Busting Bible Verses

Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Do not be afraid ... for the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15)
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:4)
He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. (Matthew 6:25).
God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
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)

Author Bio

Harold Metzel, a 30-year veteran as pastor, missionary, Bible College president and VP of a large charitable foundation in San Diego, currently coaches individuals and pastoral staff on ways to become even better stewards of what God has given. When visiting churches across the nation, he demonstrates ways to avoid unnecessary taxation, increase income using current assets, and provide a more effective inheritance. After counseling with many stressed-out believers, he now offers practical steps to bring stress back to a healthy level.

For more information see: www.haroldmetzel.com or www.stressfreebelievers.com.

Perfect Calm made by NewChapter Organics Review

2011-09-09T18:02:00.024-04:00

I was chosen to try New Chapter Organics Perfect Calm Multivitamin. It is made from organic whole foods and is for soothing stress. You can get pricing and more information at www.bestpricenutrition.com. I received them in the mail and read the directions. I took them on an empty stomach and it did not upset my stomach. Most vitamins and supplements bother my stomach if I don't eat something at the same time. But these did not bother me. I was excited to see if they would help me. And they did seem to settle me down. I have a stressful schedule at times and need something to help calm my nerves. It has the anti-stress herb Supercritical Holy Basil, which scientific studies show to modulate cortisol and ease stress and worry. Chamomile and Lemon Balm offer soothing effects by improving healthy levels of calming neurotransmitters. Perfect Calm provides 25 whole food vitamins and minerals. They also include herbal blends to aid digestive problems that sometimes go along with stress.

Check their prices at www.bestpricenutrition.com.
You can get them in 144 tablets here.

1Peter 3:8,9

2011-08-27T18:19:00.000-04:00

"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." 1Peter 3:8,9

In this verse it tells us that we should be kind and courteous. It says that we should not give evil for evil. We should bless those that hurt us. By doing this we will receive blessings on our own lives. This is not an easy thing to do. It is not easy to accept criticism or harsh words and do good back to the person that said them. But Jesus says this is what we are called to do. Just like He did when He was here on earth. He knows what we are going through. He went through it Himself.

"You Were Born For This" by Bruce Wilkinson Book Review

2011-08-19T16:38:00.002-04:00

The book "You Were Born For This, 7 Keys to a Life of Predictable Miracles" by Bruce Wilkinson is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I highly recommend reading it. When I first read the title I had my doubts. I thought it might be something a little on the flaky side but it was not.
    I started reading the book and I just got so excited. It just seemed to explain the concept that God wanted to use me to be a blessing to others. I try to do good things for others. But this book explains how we can allow God to work through us to do things for others in such a way that the person receiving the blessing knows it is from God. He gets the credit. We can just enjoy being the one He worked through.
    The book is easy to read. It has several stories of true examples of God working through those who choose to let Him. It also explains how we can be more aware of His leading.
    I loved the book. This book was given to me by Blogging For Books. I was not paid to review it. This is my honest review.

Bad Link in My Last Post.

2011-08-18T17:45:00.000-04:00

Hello
I am sorry about the bad link in my last post. I have tried to fix it but so far I haven't been able to. I will keep trying. Thank you for your patience.

2011-08-12T18:04:00.000-04:00

I was watching a christian exercise program and loved it. It is easy and also inspirational. I love the music and the positive encouragement. Here is a link to their site on the web: ChristianFitnessTV.com.

"Christian Fitness is a unique, fun and interactive program unlike any other show on television. Intended to encourage and help guide you in living a healthier life, the hosts share nutrition tips, facts on fitness, and uplifting scripture in a variety of over 25 different themed shows." This is an exert from their site.

2011-08-05T18:27:00.000-04:00

We are having a family reunion before long in honor of my Mom and Dad. I was trying to think of some memories to share and I thought of several. The one that keeps coming to my mind is when I was a little girl. I must of been about three or so. We had gone out to a lake to swim. There were two slides, one was for the bigger kids and then there was a little one. My mom an dad said that I could not go on the big one. I went anyway. I remember sliding down and going under the water. I kept turn over and over and all I could see were bubbles and sand. All of a sudden I saw my dad's legs in the water. He scooped me up and carried me to safety.

That memory makes me think of God. He tells me not to do something and I do it anyway. Then when I go under and there is no way up, I call on Him and He comes and scoops me up. He forgives me and loves me. Just like my Dad did. He carries me to safety.

Bible Verses - Encouragement and Inspiration

2011-08-05T16:50:00.000-04:00

My Blogging Goals

2011-08-04T20:08:00.000-04:00

I have joined a blogging class and hope that you can see some improvement in my blog soon. One of the assignments is to write down some of my goals for my blog. My main goal is to help my readers in some way. If I can do that, I have accomplished something worthwhile.
Here is a list of my goals:

My first goal is to get my ads and links updated. I want to take down those that are not helpful and put up ones that are interesting and helpful.
I want to blog at least once a week. Maybe more but at least that.
I hope also to learn how to put links to pdf files for you to download.

Concentrate on finding your goal, then concentrate on reaching it.

- Colonel Michael Friedman

You Don't Need to Feel Unloved.

2011-08-01T19:36:00.000-04:00

Do you feel unloved? Sometimes I do. I don't feel lovable. I found this verse as I was thinking and praying to God. I was wishing I had a friend I could talk to. He gave me this verse:

"The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;" II John 1.

You may be around people that don't share your faith and think you are strange. But God says you are loved.

3 truths in troubled times

2011-07-25T19:07:00.000-04:00

3 truths in troubled times

what is your heartbeat, God?

2011-07-16T16:04:00.000-04:00

what is your heartbeat, God?

Happy Fourth of July

2011-07-02T21:24:00.000-04:00

This lens is written to honor our Veterans.

Thank you for all you have given to keep our country free. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made. Thank you for the sacrifices families of veterans have made.

I found three videos that shows how most people in our country feel. To read the rest of this lens please click here.

Happy Fourth of July!

Seek After A Quiet and Gentle Spirit

2011-06-25T15:59:00.000-04:00

"Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."
I Peter 3:3, 4

God puts value on things in a different way than we do. He says that a gentle and quiet spirit are precious to Him. Maybe this is something we should think about. Maybe we should seek after a gentle, quiet spirit. Kind of like sitting by a quiet stream and listening to the water flow gently by.

"This post is participating in the Seeking Virtue Sunday Blog Hop".