Lil'Maddies MeeMaw

Sick, but much better....

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:03:00 +0000

Girls, I have been so sick!

After you have a transplant, every little sickness is such a big deal. There are so many drugs I cannot take, even over the counter stuff. I do take 18 pills a day every day, and will for the rest of my life. Crazy! I used to would not even take Tylenol unless I just had to. Only two of those are anti-rejection drugs, the others are pills to keep the other pills from eating up my stomach lining, and LOTS of vitamins. Plus my weight has caused me to have high blood pressure, so I take two for that. After the transplant, I basically have no immune system, well I guess I have one, it just doesn't work good.
I can catch things real quick, and it takes a long time to get over them.

Now don't get me wrong, these are just facts, not complaints. I wake up breathing every day and I am happy to be alive. It's just when I get sick, it is usually worse than everyone else gets, and it takes longer to go away. This little sickness, a stomach virus, sent me to the hospital for IV anti-biotics. Plus I have a touch of crud like everyone else where I live seems to have.

But I AM BETTER this morning. Actually am up at 5 am, which never happens. I will posts more today if I can, but thank you for checking on me... I appreciate it.

sick

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:52:00 +0000

I have been very sick since yesterday. Will be back asap with new posts, reviews, etc. Hopefully by Friday. Thanks

365Project - Day 21

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:55:00 +0000

Diet Killer

Have you made out your Santa wish?

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:14:00 +0000

Every year my sons ask what I want for Christmas, and I always tell them the same thing- pictures. Well, they always give me those anyway, so this year when they started asking, I decided to just be honest and tell them what I want. Otherwise they both go out and spend a lot of money on things I like but don't really need.

This year I asked for boxes of canning jars, because I want to completely redo my cabinets with jars.

I asked for a new journal, because I have resorted to writing in notebooks I bought at the first of the school year 3 for 99 cents.

Coasters because mine are worn completely out.

A GC to my fave store- Hobby Lobby.

A girly box of things I love like nail polish, makeup, make my face look younger items, etc... I have always had a passion for girly stuff and makeup, and now I still love it, even though I hardly wear it.

My big 'ask for' is a new sewing machine. WalMart actually has one on Thanksgiving night for half price ($46.) They could go in together for that.

But then I asked for crafty things I need - like toilet paper rolls, old light bulbs, altoid tins, pringles cans, an old spice rack, an old mug holder, and stuff like that I need for craft things I want to make. Freebies pretty much.

They usually spend about $100 each, and to me. that is way too much. I certainly can't do that, but they love their mama, and I love them.

So what do you want for Christmas????

Nablopomo

365 Project day 20

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:06:00 +0000

Rain Rain Go Away.....

365Project - Days 18 and 19

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:32:00 +0000

Looking up!

Birds flying all around the bridge.

The middle of this bridge is where MS and AR meet.

365Project - day 17

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:15:00 +0000

Why does air cost 75 cents?

Shouldn't air be free?

50 About Me

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:18:00 +0000

1. What time did you get up this morning? I got up around 8 , slept in today.
2. How do you like your steak? Well done, but not burnt
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema: Honestly, I don't remember. It's been a while.
4. What is your favorite TV show? Grey's Anatomy
5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Atlanta, GA
6. What did you have for breakfast? I have not had breakfast yet
7. What is your favorite food? Mexican
8. Foods you dislike? anything slimy like oysters and boiled okra
9. Favorite place to eat? Garduno's in Las Vegas
10. Favorite dressing? Catalina
11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? a crappy 94 Buick Century wagon
12. What are your favorite clothes? shorts and a tshirt
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Ireland
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? usually half empty but I am trying to change that

15. Where would you want to retire? I am retired, but not where I want to be.
16. Favorite time of day? I am at my best in the mornings.

17. Where were you born? Winston Salem, NC

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? baseball
19. What is your favorite fragrance? new one I love is Kim Kardashian (even I was very surprised about that)
20. What is your favorite face cream? ROC
21. Favorite baby/kids products? not applicable

22. People watcher? yes

23. Are you a morning or night person? morning

24. Do you have any pets? Yes, a hairy Chihuahua named Dexter

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Going home for a few days before Christmas
26. What did you want to be when you were little? a teacher
27. What is your favorite memory? Having my sons, being with my Mom
28. Are you a cat or dog person? both, but DIL is allergic to cats so we gave them away
29. Are you married? yes

30. Always wear your seat belt? always, its a habit
31. Been in a car accident? yes but no one was hurt
32. Any pet peeves? liars and hypocrites

33. Favorite pizza toppings? vege pizza
34. Favorite flower? Roses
35. Favorite ice cream? Nutty Coconut from Baskin Robbins
36. Favorite fast food restaurant? Taco Bell and McDonalds

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? none

38. From whom did you get your last email? from Rebi at "My Butterfly Garden"
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? I no longer max out cc's. Save your money and buy it. CC's are for emergencies and travel.
40. Do anything spontaneous lately? played cards with friends the other night on the spur of the moment
41. Like your job? No job anymore, but I loved my job when I was working.
42. Broccoli? yes, love it
43. What was your favorite vacation? Pleasure Faire Renaissance in CA right after we married. Best vacation ever!

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? Robert
45. What are you listening to right now? silence, Robert just went to work
46. What is your favorite color? green
47. How many tattoos do you have? two, one on left shoulder and big one on right calf
48. coffee drinker? no way
49. how tall are you? 5 foot 4 inches

50. hobbies? photography, travel, reading, cooking and eating, writing

Wordless Wednesday / 365Project - Day 16

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:14:00 +0000

Wall of Rain

After the storm passed

A good day

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:10:00 +0000

Hubby and I drove to Little Rock this morning to get my monthly labs. It is a 70 mile drive one way, but we enjoy it. Gives us a chance to chat. It was a gloomy cloudy morning, but that didn't mess with our spirit today. We mostly talked about Christmas and things we are planning for next year. It is now late afternoon and is raining cats and dogs. We (the farmers) need it.

Hubby is off two days in a row this week, Thursday and Friday. We have some "at home" plans for Thursday, like shampooing the living room carpet. On Friday we are going to Stuttgart and maybe to a matinee movie. We need some "US" time. So I am going to make sure we get it.

Hope you have had a wonderful day!

365Project - Day 15

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:04:00 +0000

UAMS Medical Center, Little Rock, AR

Today was lab day!

And gloomy, waiting for rain.

A Clean House?

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:13:00 +0000

I woke up this morning with all intentions of starting to clean my house. I want everything cleaned, organized, and purged by the time we go to Alabama in December. We are only going to be gone two days this trip, but I want for once to come home to a very clean house.

Oh well, that didn't happen; not today anyway. I woke up at 3 am and could not go back to sleep, probably because I fell asleep about 8 last night while watching tv. So I was on the computer catching up on everything for a few hours til hubby got up. By 6 I was sleepy again, went back to bed til 8:30. This time I started looking at a new book I had gotten in the mail to review, and it was really good from the start, so that was my day. I read almost all day.

Hubby was supposed to cook steak fajitas for supper. Then we remembered that he had a fireman's meeting tonight ( he is a volunteer fireman). So I am sitting here trying to decide what to eat and thinking of what I need to do tomorrow. lol

Good intentions are ok, but just doing it is the only way to get the job done. At least that is the only thing that works for me.

Hubby helping put out a fire (storage building for a farmer). No one was hurt, but the building was a loss.

So this is what old is like?

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 22:04:00 +0000

Our town is very small and almost everyone knows everyone else or so I thought. Everyone knows my hubby because he works at the only store in town. Anyway, we have a town meeting once a month and not many people ever come. At the Friday night meeting, we were discussing ways to honor our elderly in town and since we don't have a senior center, see if we could possibly start one. That has really opened up a can of worms in my little world, lol.

After the meeting one girl came up to me and asked if she could help me in any way. I wasn't sure why she was asking me that. So I asked her what kind of help did she mean. Lol, then I almost fainted when she answered me. She said since I was elderly, was there anything she could help me with. WHAT? Me? Elderly? I didn't know if to hit her or just run. But I did the proper thing and just said no thank you.

THEN, when we get to the car, and honestly I was almost in tears by then, my hubby was opening my door for me (yes he does that), and a man walking to his car stopped and told me I had such a nice son, to be helping me in the car like that. SON?

Ok, by this point I was hurt, and mad. How old do I look to these people? I am 57 but have never thought I looked that old, even though I sure feel it most days. But a double age whammy in one night was about more than I can take. It really has made me focus on how people see me.

How do you think people see you?

Do I really look almost 60 or "elderly"? NO, Wait, don't answer that! lol

Maybe at the next meeting we should discuss building an old folks home to put me in. Ugh!

365Project Day 13 and 14

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 21:40:00 +0000

My two Tracies (Traceys)

This is my sister Tracie.

This is my husband's sister Tracey.

I love both my T's very much!

How did you meet your husband? partner?

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 11:16:00 +0000

As you know, I lived in CA with my brother and his family for a while. I got a job that I loved, and was happy and content and had sworn off men forever, lol. That didn't last long. I went on a few dates with different guys, most of which either scared me or were just gross. I prayed for God to please send me somebody good, that I could spend the rest of my life with. I forgot about the prayer and went on with my life.

There was a girlfriend at work that was always trying to get me to go to church with her. I always made an excuse not to go, as I was not very into church going for a while. Finally I agreed to go with her. When we got there, we were met by a greeter at the door, who had the biggest smile and prettiest blue eyes I'd ever seen. Wow! He introduced himself as Robert. All during the sermon I felt like a stupid schoolgirl. I kept glancing at him and every time I glanced, he was always looking back at me. I would break out in this big sh*t eating grin, you know the kind.

After church every Sunday my friend and a bunch of people would go out for lunch. That day we went to a burger place right off Wilshire. He came in and sat by me, we talked all afternoon, long after everyone else left, and he took me home. During the ride home, he told me that he didn't want to scare me off, but that he had prayed for God to send him somebody to love and that would love him back just as much. He thought I might be that person. Talk about freaky! Watch what you pray for. God does answer prayers.

We have been together ever since that day. He is the best thing that ever happened to me, and still treats me like a queen. I guess my motto is: If you are looking for a good guy, pray about it. It works.

I love this man!!!

365Project - Day 12

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 10:39:00 +0000

Colorful Canopies

Downtown Helena, AR

Make 3 Wishes!

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:32:00 +0000

If you could make 3 wishes right now, what would they be?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mine are:

I want terribly to be healthy again, and I am so afraid that may not happen.

Money! I do not need to be rich. I just want enough to live comfortably and be able to take an occasional trip without having to save up for months to do it. Then:...........

Get one of these so I can go here -

I won a trip to Rome, Italy last year from the Rachel Ray show. Unfortunately, I did not get to take it. I was very sick, and did not yet have my passport. I wasn't even trying to win the trip, but a smaller prize. Bound for me to win the big one! So one day before I pass, I want to go to Rome for a week. Just me and hubby. On the honeymoon we never had.

What are your 3 wishes?

365Project - day 11

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Cotton picking is almost over in AR this year.

This field is a few miles from my house.

Nablopomo or Nablopoopedmo?

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:52:00 +0000

This is my Nablopomo post tost today. I am ashamed as this is not worthy of a post. I have felt like crap all day, got depressed, now coming back to normal, but anything I have to say would not be worth reading. Such as what you just read. Hanging in there....

365Project: Day 10

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:30:00 +0000

Arkansas sunset.

FIRST Wild CardReview: A Woman's Walk in Truth

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:00:00 +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:

Vonette Bright

and the book:

A Woman's Walk in Truth: Devotions for Living a Confident Faith

Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2011)

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Vonette Bright is an award-winning communicator, founder of Women Today, and cofounder of Campus Crusade for Christ International with her late husband, Dr. Bill Bright. A respected leader, sought after speaker, popular author, and well-known radio host, Vonette is committed to sharing God’s powerful truth with women all over the world.

Visit the author's website.

Vonette

Product Details:

List Price: $9.99
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736939296
ISBN-13: 978-0736939294

AND NOW...THE FIRST DEVOTION:

75 Candles

Have you taken an inventory of what’s important in your life? Birthdays are a great time to reflect and look forward. Imagine you were blowing out 75 candles on your birthday cake. What would you want to have accomplished by then?

Before Bill and I were married, I never would have imagined the Lord would use my husband and me so dramatically. God guided us to start Campus Crusade for Christ, an organization that has become a worldwide ministry with more than half a million workers.

Our goal from the beginning was to put God first in our lives and do all we planned for His honor and glory.

So, dear one, let me ask: Have you let God be the center of your life goals? Are you willing to let Him use you? Ask God today to take over every area of what you do. He will do a marvelous work with your life too.

Whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him (2 Corinthians 5:9).

This I Believe

You can never go wrong putting
God first in everything.

I love this little book. This small, yet thick book is filled with wonderful devotions for women. They are short, yet sweetly inspiring and tied to the truth of Scripture. Each page includes a scripture, message, and affirmation. This book would make a great gift for any woman walking with God. The front cover is attractive and the book addresses such a wide range of topics that anyone can benefit from using it.
5 out of 5 stars
Thanks to Harvest House Publishers for my review copy. I was not paid for this review and the opinions are my own.

Is your home like everyone elses?

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:03:00 +0000

Nablopomo:
When was the first time that you realized that your home was not like other people’s homes?

I grew up in a white house on a hill. We had a huge front porch that went all across the front of the house. I had my own room. I had no idea we were different than other people until I was about twelve or thirteen and started having friends over and going to their houses. My friends were daughters of a doctor, a lawyer, and a few businessmen. I lived with my Mom and Grandparents. My Mom was a waitress at that time, my granddad a barber and grandma was a beautician (hairdresser as she called herself). They were good Christian hardworking people.

Anyway, I noticed very quickly that my friends all had nicer homes and lots more stuff than I had. All of a sudden, I made a new friend and her Mom decided she could not come see me after she saw where we lived. I did not understand until my Mom talked to me about it. I understood, but really didn't. How could people be so mean and shallow? My Mom taught me the word Shallow that day and what it meant. Anyway, the older I got, maybe around 14, friends started to change and I discovered "class" and "cliques". Both are so stupid.

I started being more drawn to people in my social class, what I then considered us to be the in-betweeners. Not rich yet not dirt poor either.

I married my high school sweetheart when I was 17. He had a good job at 3M Company and is retiring with them next year. We were upper middle class for a while. So were most of our friends. But our families were both still the same old folks in their same old houses. I guess it all changes as we grow and change. We lived in a nice brick home and I raised my sons there.

After we divorced 25 years into our marriage, I left and went to my brother's house in CA. So I had no home for a year. After I worked awhile and got established, I moved into my own small apt. (very small). Things then changed because I changed. I was on my own for the first time in my life, and low and behold, I discovered I was happy. I thought I was happy anyway, but I had not been for a long long time.

Then I met my hubby now, moved with his job 5 times, and always had a nice apt until now. After my transplant and him becoming ill, we struggle, as many do today. I now live in a small government apartment in a very small town. Do I feel lower class or feel that my home is different from others? Here is the kicker: I No Longer Care! and I'm still happy!

So judge people for who they are and not what kind of house they live in. It doesn't matter if it's different.

Nablopomo

The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:27:00 +0000

I'm so excited to announce the first book in the new Stoney Ridge series,

The Keeper! The official release date is January 2. I can't wait to read this one.

365Project Day 9

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 06:30:00 +0000

Steamy Hot Beef Stew

(last night's dinner)

FIRST Wild Card: Supernatural Provision

noreply@blogger.com (SandyM204) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 06:00:00 +0000

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

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!

God heals believers not only physically, emotionally, and spiritually, but financially, as well. Speaking from personal experience with overcoming financial hardships, best-selling author Joan Hunter shares biblical wisdom and shows you how to:

See miraculous breakthrough
Overcome poverty and loss
Become debt-free
Prosper in the midst of adversity
Have all your needs net
Apply wealth-building secrets
Thrive in uncertain times

You can walk in Gods abundant blessings.

The essense of the book is that God can take what you have and make you plentiful. There are many prayers and personal testimonies, and I am going to try to live these priciples better in my own life. A bonus cd is also attached.

Thank you Whitaker House (Anchor Distributors) for sending this book. I was not paid for my review and the opinions are my own