tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19243861787588005952023-11-16T05:48:12.215-08:00The Unashamed Diary of Just Plain MeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-66165687139040642822015-01-14T08:49:00.002-08:002015-01-14T09:22:39.506-08:00Bible Learning Cards by Words 2 Remember 4 Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Bible Learning Cards</b> are the work of children's illustrator, Vicky Enright. Vicky has visible talent as well as a heart to share God's Word with boys and girls. With careful thought, she created gorgeous, full color illustrations and paired the images with relevant scriptures to inspire parent/child discussions about Biblical concepts. Each card is designed to lead children to seek out answers to their problems in the context of scripture. <b><a href="http://www.words2remember4kids.com/">Words 2 remember 4 kids</a> </b>created <b>Bible Learning Cards</b> to be a fun resource that leads families into a habit of applying scripture in every day life.<br />
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<b>Words 2 remember 4 kids</b> currently offers three varieties of <b>Bible Learning Cards</b>. Each set features 20 5x7 flash cards plus a cover image that tops the deck. Each boxed set also includes a ring so you can keep all your cards together so none get lost. Scriptures are written in the NIV translation.<br />
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I received all three sets for my family to try out. I immediately put each set on it's ring, then combined the three rings onto my own larger ring. I keep them hooked onto the handle of our bible basket located on my book shelf. This makes them easily accessible and shows them off at the same time.<br />
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<b>These cards are beautiful! You'll want to show them off.</b></div>
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My favorite set is the <a href="http://www.words2remember4kids.com/preschool-cards.html"><b>Preschool Bible Learning Cards</b></a>. This set is intended for children 0-5 years old. Each of the 20 cards in this set feature adorable animals illustrating important concepts like . . .<br />
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<ul>
<li>God's love</li>
<li>His protection</li>
<li>How to show God our gratitude</li>
<li>How to accept our differences and recognize our gifts</li>
<li>How to behave</li>
<li>What Godly love looks and feels like</li>
<li>The importance of obeying God (and also Mom and Dad)</li>
<li>How to control emotions</li>
<li>How to control our words </li>
<li>Repentance. </li>
</ul>
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The giraffe card is my personal favorite in this set. The image is adorable and it features Psalm 36:5.</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.words2remember4kids.com/children-s-cards.html">The Children's Bible Learning Cards</a></b> are the next step up, featuring 20 cards for the 4-11 age range. My oldest is twelve (almost 13) and she found cards in the deck that really spoke to her as well. </div>
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This one was her favorite:</div>
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What child facing algebraic equations doesn't look like this sometimes? Honestly, sometimes <i>I</i> look like this.</div>
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The <b>Children's Bible Learning Cards</b> contain concepts like:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Being thankful in all circumstances</li>
<li>Pleasing God and doing our best</li>
<li>Self-image</li>
<li>Anxiety</li>
<li>Joy</li>
<li>Choosing your responses wisely </li>
<li>Noticing God's hand in your life</li>
<li>Perseverance</li>
<li>Guarding ourselves against the enemy</li>
<li>Sharing</li>
<li>Forgiveness</li>
<li>Courage</li>
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Two cards in this deck really stood out to me, The first shows kids on a sled going down a hill. It features John 10:10b which reads "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." The discussion section talks of sharing joy with others, but I think another scripture may have been a better choice. For me, it just doesn't click with the illustration. This was the only card in all three decks that seemed this way. </div>
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The other cars that stood out in this deck was this one . . .</div>
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The scripture is about laying your life down for your friend. Though the friend is noble to help his friend out of the tree, there could be wiser choices made. For instance, the child could have sought help from an adult. At first I thought this concept and the image may send an inappropriate message to children causing them to take unnecessary risks that could endanger them in their attempt to help others. As my children and I discussed this, I began to see this card as a very valuable teaching tool. We talked about how laying down your life doesn't always mean risking your safety. I gave an example of how I stop work and my "life activities" to let my friend's dog out every afternoon. Essentially I lay down my life for my friend and it blesses her that I do this for her everyday. We talked about choices and ways of helping those in trouble. The discussion this card brought out was priceless. </div>
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The final set, <b><a href="http://www.words2remember4kids.com/courage---comfort-cards.html">Courage & Comfort Bible Learning Cards</a></b>, were designed with kids 6-13 in mind. </div>
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The 20 cards feature topics like:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Determination</li>
<li>Courage and trust in God</li>
<li>Patience</li>
<li>How to handle teasing</li>
<li>Relying on God</li>
<li>Doubt</li>
<li>Helping others</li>
<li>Hospitality and accepting others</li>
<li>Blessings</li>
<li>God's presence</li>
<li>How to handle our worries</li>
<li>Encouraging others</li>
<li>Including God in your everyday activities</li>
<li>God's comfort in difficulties</li>
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I especially like this card . . .</div>
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Each set is available for $14.99. Cards are laminated and durable and the perfect size for little hands. </div>
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With repeated practice, each set could be used as a memory tool. However, I prefer to use them as conversation starters and reference tools. My children and I went through each set one card at a time and discussed the concepts on each card. Then, I refer back to them as similar issues came up in their own lives. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Order your own cards <a href="http://www.words2remember4kids.com/home.html">here</a>.</b></span></div>
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Watch the promotional trailer below.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="243" id="vp16GGQ3" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/embed.animoto.com/play.html?w=swf/production/vp1&e=1416967983&f=6GGQ350NUsbOfYJEWHPiQA&d=0&m=p&r=360p+720p&volume=100&start_res=360p&i=m&asset_domain=s3-p.animoto.com&animoto_domain=animoto.com&options=" title="Video Player" width="432"></iframe><br />
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You can read other reviews of these products <a href="http://www.cwareviewcrew.com/products/bible-learning-cards">Here</a>.</div>
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<b>Disclosure: I received the above items to review. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations. I am part of <a href="http://www.cwareviewcrew.com/">The CWA Review Crew. </a></b><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-52601486829037846522014-10-28T17:09:00.002-07:002014-10-28T17:09:28.464-07:00Sue Hooley's 2015 Daily Planner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photos-f.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpf1/891506_319213848260917_1609433667_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-f.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpf1/891506_319213848260917_1609433667_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Time goes so fast. I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that it's fall. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>A new year will be here before we know it. </b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Are you ready?</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not yet, but I will be soon, thanks to the help of </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Sue Hooley's 2015 Daily Planner</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 19.8545551300049px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sue, the creator of this beautiful and easy-to-use planner, is a wife and mother of six. Her experience with motherhood and homemaking is vast and she understands what moms like us look for in a daily planner, space. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 19.8545551300049px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The 2014 Daily Planner featured a glossy cover with an image of a wooden box filled with flowers and a pretty font quoting Proverbs 16:3. A black plastic coil was used for spiral binding. Pages were purple. The planner contained sections for the Year, Month, Week, Tasks, Projects, Info and shopping. Each section began with a reflective quote on subjects like attitude, contentment, and happiness. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 19.8545551300049px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's a page from my 2014 planner. . .</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1v1ugto-6UFHsSfA14lr4zDRAygw4XtIvY7FSH5jAzayYjGc1EwaLBttYUccc_J_NrWgKXVG8V7qDOaItVEp1NoLr_llrWGUjmOsfUc-Q1HET_QVO-TFeIPiZbMkQJDVxTVeg7Tu4HE-K/s1600/20141028_174819.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1v1ugto-6UFHsSfA14lr4zDRAygw4XtIvY7FSH5jAzayYjGc1EwaLBttYUccc_J_NrWgKXVG8V7qDOaItVEp1NoLr_llrWGUjmOsfUc-Q1HET_QVO-TFeIPiZbMkQJDVxTVeg7Tu4HE-K/s1600/20141028_174819.jpeg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's not too marked up yet, but it's also not November yet. Give me time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This page was in the Month section which contains the months at a glance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's my favorite section and the one I use the most. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, though I have been blessed to use the 2014 Daily Planner, it's actually the <b>2015 Daily Planner</b> that I can't wait to tell you about. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The 2015 Daily Planner is very similar in look, and almost the same except for a few minor changes:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The 2015 cover features a beautiful photo of an old wooden garden table invaded by Black-eyed Susan overgrowth. I love the green and yellow in the cover. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Exodus 33:14 is quoted just under the title. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Inside, you'll find all your favorite sections from 2014, but the color scheme has switched to olive green and yellow. These colors appeal more to me so I like the change. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The pages for notes have an image imposed on them which make them a bit fancier in my opinion. They also span the full width of the page which gives even more space for us note takers. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">At the start of each section, you'll find quotes about promises. I like that there is a consistent theme throughout the entire planner. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Scriptures are quoted in the Week section, just like in the 2014 version. In the 2015 Daily Planner, scriptures are quoted from various books throughout the Bible, not just from Proverbs as in the 2014 edition.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Next year's Daily Planner uses a different font and I'm okay with that. The new font is less formal which makes me feel a bit more comfortable about scrawling my plans throughout.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.homemakersfriend.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhSqp9we4k3Wkc4yCdes2Un2rRt9rQcN636HHp2EL__RCWrHeeCjBXSZKtrZjbauD3CsAz8Rkj3svp2QCvoWCzHqC1Ze-06GMYARd-tMO05RP_z-5eunztOecbTjs1FYW1VMemRRWskY8/s1600/2014-10-28_17.51.39.jpg" height="309" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Prepare for 2015 by ordering your Daily Planner today!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">List Price: $13.99 with free shipping on three or more</span><br /><span style="color: #2a2a2a; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Format: 6x9 Spiral bound </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Once more, the features include: </span><ul style="line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.4em 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Two-page Weekly layout with menu planning and to-do list</span></li>
<li style="line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.4em 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Two-page Month layout</span></li>
<li style="line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.4em 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Year Calendars with place for notations</span></li>
<li style="line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.4em 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Perforated Shopping Lists</span></li>
<li style="line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 0.4em 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Tasks Lists and Projects & Events Sections</span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Order at </span><a href="http://www.homemakersfriend.com/" style="color: #61001e; line-height: 19.8545551300049px;" title="">http://www.homemakersfriend.com</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Disclosure: I received a free copy of this product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for it. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am a part of <span style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://www.cwareviewcrew.com/products/sue-hooley-2015-daily-planner">The CWA Review Crew</a>.</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-60028008974360497822013-11-26T10:00:00.005-08:002013-11-26T10:10:22.975-08:00He Rejoices Over Me by Nicholas J. Skula Jr.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://nebula.wsimg.com/b7837d6c9f4fd8ded8bc45910d87b90f?AccessKeyId=7D36E6A5C874B50D81D3&disposition=0&width=200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://nebula.wsimg.com/b7837d6c9f4fd8ded8bc45910d87b90f?AccessKeyId=7D36E6A5C874B50D81D3&disposition=0&width=200" width="224" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>He Rejoices Over Me</i> is a heart-felt book written to commemorate the life of Crystal Marie Skula and point to the source of her hope, Jesus Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The story is written by Nicholas Skula Jr. as he remembers his <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">thirteen year old daughter who lost her battle with brain cancer.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the start of the book, readers fall in love with Crystal Skula, a spunky little girl built by the hand of God and packed full of courage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether facing an opponent in her martial arts class or the adversary himself as she faced the threat of death, Crystal's faith could not be shaken. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>He Rejoices Over Me</i> could be a strength zapping, heart wrenching, grab the kleenex kind of story. Though I freely admit to crying at parts, the overall story of Crystal's life, her family and her faith are not devoid of hope. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You'll find God all over Crystal's story and it's the family's hope that others in their shoes would be encouraged to face their grief with, and not apart from, God's amazing comfort. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every chapter reflects something that mattered to Crystal, life lessons they uncovered as a family and things that linger in a father's memory after he's laid his baby girl to rest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I appreciated the gentle and natural tone in Nicholas' writing. Though wracked with loss, the family made a beautiful and sincere decision to honor Crystal's memory and they have certainly done that within the pages of this book. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pick it up. Grab a kleenex, but cry for joy. Crystal's story doesn't end here and someday, we believers will get to meet this little firecracker of faith. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Purchase your copy of <i>He Rejoices Over Me </i><a href="http://www.herejoicesoverme.com/book-ordering.html">directly from the author</a> or through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/He-Rejoices-Over-Me-Lessons/dp/193998906X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384813271&sr=1-1&keywords=he+rejoices+over+me">Amazon</a>.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-69980495980210413652013-11-26T09:19:00.004-08:002013-11-26T09:19:44.436-08:00Pieces of Me: Life of A Recovering Dysfunctional by Diana Lynn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/M7-ZTbQuBuyCwZrjHQAvwIRiTOi9u9wSHGg3oPl4ngoFwjzqhUHzoOQxGCPjgvKByqG4yJWWEHW7a6YP8XMsXgYsFyDRBZfk/PiecesofMe.jpg?width=200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/M7-ZTbQuBuyCwZrjHQAvwIRiTOi9u9wSHGg3oPl4ngoFwjzqhUHzoOQxGCPjgvKByqG4yJWWEHW7a6YP8XMsXgYsFyDRBZfk/PiecesofMe.jpg?width=200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diana Lynn is like so many of us. She made a few choices that didn't go the way she planned and filled a suitcase full of regrets. Yet in spite of her choices, God still reached out and provided a way to learn and grow. He taught her the hard way and brought her to maturity. Diana's transparency is a beautiful testimony to God's work in her life. She is a recovering dysfunctional and we can be too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pieces of me is a 114 page book full of personal stories and raw honesty. The author shares significant events that shaped her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dysfunctional sounds like a strong word, but Diana explains through her first memory how she came to feel this way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She writes: <i>A tragic thing happens to a little girl when her father leaves. She's left with the unspoken message: "You're not worth it."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She shares her story with great honesty, explaining how she came to God. Stories also express her struggle through feelings of shame as a divorced, single Mom; the emotional toll of losing her own mother, battling a need for love and finding it in the wrong places, and making powerful changes that are anything but easy and so much more than rewarding. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In reading this book only one of Diana’s many stories concerned me. One of the stories in <i>Pieces of Me</i> describes how she, as a new believer facing the loss of her Mom, makes a decision to consult a psychic. This is not a decision I would personally ever support. I believe the Bible is very clear about psychics. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">However, I have lost loved ones and felt the pang of wanting and needing their imput on my life. Because I've lost crucial people myself, I understand what would drive someone to seek a psychic in times of loss. I hate that a Christian woman wasn't active in her life at the time, providing needed comfort and pointing her to God for healing. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Rather than reading this story with a disapproving air of pride, I hope believers will see it as a cautionary tale showing the importance of supporting the brokenhearted through their grief so they are not enticed by the strategies of the enemy. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">I would still recommend the book for this reason. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do we fix our flaws as a church? How we reach out to new believers in meaningful ways? How can we mentor them if we don't examine the experiences of a new believer? Diana shares something valuable, a glimpse into a life in process. Read <i>Pieces of Me </i>and recognize the changes that can occur in a life surrendered to God.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">You can </span><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">purchase <i>Pieces of Me</i> on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Pieces+of+me+Diana+Lynn" style="color: #61001e;" target="_blank" title="Amazon">Amazon</a>.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2013/11/21/my-journey-of-faith" style="border: 0px; color: #660510; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Listen here</a><span style="color: #555555;"> </span>to a radio interview with Diana Lynn on <i>My Journey of Faith</i>.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><br /></b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-9284900733236138532013-11-12T08:44:00.000-08:002013-11-12T08:44:03.145-08:00Mind the Gap!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was 16 when I traveled to England on a youth missions trip. They have an audio message that plays in the London Underground warning passengers of the gap between the train door and the platform. The recording says "Mind the gap". If you don't mind the gap you could be in serious physical danger.<br />
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Today I am thinking of Ezekiel 22:30 when God could find no one who would stand in the gap for a nation desperately in need of a wake up call.<br />
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While the subway warning would urge us to mind the gap by getting out of the way, we should be pulled by a spiritual call to mind the gap which is very opposite.<br />
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This spiritual call urges us to get <i>in</i> the way! Block the attacks of the enemy. Stand firm and don't budge. When the enemy throws a train at you and it's so close you can see your guts on the track don't budge. The life of another is on the line. Mind the gap.<br />
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When your leadership is floundering- Mind the gap!<br />
When your marriage is on the rocks- Mind the gap!<br />
When your children are forsaking the faith you raised them in- Mind the gap!<br />
When illness steals your energy- Mind the gap!<br />
When fear crouches at the door- Mind the gap!<br />
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Will you stand in the gap? Are you committed enough to put yourself in danger for the safety of another?<br />
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Will you lay down your life (your agenda, your finances, your very existence) for a friend? It's something to think about.<br />
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<i>Abba, Father, I will stand and intercede on behalf of the unsteady, broken, spiritually blind, weak and terrified. Help me to stand for the things I cannot see in this world, in this country, in this city, and in my home. I will (by faith) call those things as if they were. Help me to stand in this gap of danger for my loved ones, friends and those who I have never met but hold a special place in your heart. </i><br />
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<i>I ask for wisdom for our leaders. Prepare them for what you are doing. Make them strong in the right ways that they would bend their knees to you and protect those they serve. Help them to never bow to the schemes of distraction. </i><br />
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<i>I ask for protection on the family unit. That the leaders in the home would be united with one purpose and one heart. </i><br />
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<i>I pray for the children to be inspired and their faith to be awakened. Make them confident in what they have been taught, a generation that cannot be deterred. </i><br />
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<i>I pray for health, both physical and spiritual. Heal our nation inside and out. Pour your spirit out like a salve to repair the illness and teach us to be strong. </i><br />
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<i>Shoo away fear, sweep it from our porch. Let your peace rest in its place. Equip your people with soldier's hearts that we would mind the gap and stand in for the sake of those too weak or foolish to call on you. </i><br />
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<i>I pray that we would hold nothing back which could save one. Make us bold. Help us to love deeply, beyond our needs, ambitions. Make us in tune with others. Expose their needs so that we can fill the void with faith. See us. When you look for a people willing to stand. Find us. Hold back your anger. Pour out your grace. </i><br />
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<i>Amen.</i><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-9879363042505250382013-10-09T16:05:00.001-07:002013-10-09T16:05:20.529-07:00A Day To ForgetI should be working. I should be doing any number of tasks that flood my everyday, cuddling my children, running my company, making dinner. I should be, but I'm not. Instead, I have spent most of today paralyzed with fear and boiling with anger.<br />
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My day didn't begin this way. I had a migraine and had to cancel Caibry's therapy appointment because he had a bad cough all night. I had some errands to do still, but only a couple and all very close to home.<br />
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I ran to my doctor's first and dropped off a request order for a tens unit that my physical therapist needs him to sign.<br />
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Then we hit the library and picked up my daughter's next assigned book for school, <i>Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry.</i><br />
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Then we hit the post office. I had a letter waiting. I ran in and grabbed it and this is when my day stopped being pleasant.<br />
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Let's flash back. Spin with me. Whooosh.<br />
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We're now in late August. My son's new psychiatrist changed his medications. He was miserable. He was screaming and crying, completely not himself at all. He was panicking and couldn't breath. I paged the doctor in off hours. She said to cut the pill in half. I tried. Day two on this medicine was terrible. I called and left a message. No response. I sent an email with a video of my son having horrible fits, threatening himself and others. I needed help. No response. 6 days later they finally call and tell me to take him off the medicines. By then I'd already reached out to his primary doctor and sought advice there. Her first direction was to stop that medicine. They also wanted to schedule an "emergency appointment". By then he was under control, safe and regulated. They scheduled it for Sept.4th and I explained that that day was not good for me because I homeschool and could not get a babysitter. The receptionist said "no problem bring them, it's an emergency appointment so he needs to be here". For some reason, her tone or something, I heard it like a threat.<br />
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We all arrive Sept. 4th. We wait in the waiting room an hour and 15 minutes past the appointment time. We read through two Highlight magazines from cover to cover and we had resorted to playing a game called "rock". I say "rock" and they curl up in a ball. Then I say "shape of . . .worm" and they wiggle around like worms then back to rock again and so on.<br />
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The office manager comes out. She stares at them like they are infected with some lethal poison or something and says "What are you doing?" I'm sitting there thinking <i>really? you're asking me about a game? try getting the doctor to do her job </i>but instead I answer calmly "waiting on the doctor." She says "but what are <i>they</i> doing?" I say "we're waiting on the doctor" but I'm thinking r<i>eally lady, is it so hard to comprehend? The appointment was 75 minutes ago</i>. Again she says "What are they doing?" I give up and sweetly explain the game and show her how my children pretend to be roadkill armadillos on command (it really is kind of adorable). She looks at us with disgust (<i>c'mon lady they are kids!</i>) and says "Okay I asked wrong, Why are<i> they</i> here?" I answer, "We are here for my son's appointment". She says. "Well what are you going to do with <i>them</i>? They can't go back it's against policy"<br />
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"What policy?"<br />
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"The one you signed"<br />
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"I've never signed a policy saying my children can't come here and the receptionist said it was okay because of the situation. This is an emergency appointment (now I'm throwing their words back at them)."<br />
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"Well they can't go back there. It's only your son's appointment. Are you homeschoolers?" She talks really slow like I can't understand English and must not understand that she is in effect kicking us out. Okay, so I admit, I hadn't actually gone that far ahead in my mind and put that reality to work yet. I was still stuck on the "Are you homeschoolers" line.<br />
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She shakes her head, hands on hips and suggests disapprovingly that my oldest daughter could watch them in the lobby. I won't agree because, in Oklahoma, it is actually illegal for an 11 year old to be responsible for another child. She suggests the receptionist (that'd be the person who couldn't even do her job and return my call for 6 day, no thanks). This woman will not budge. She's aggressively standing over us with her hands on her hips. Finally I stand and tell the kids to get their stuff. I shuffle them out saying "I'm done. I'll find another doctor."<br />
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I step outside make sure everyone is accounted for stuff in tow and I think for a minute, actually consider and make the choice to slam the door. Their picture window doesn't even budge though I actually will it to shatter into a billion pieces. I'm angry but I'm under control. I head straight for the primary doctor and tell them everything. She's horrified that I was treated this way and can't apologize enough, even though I was the foolish one who hand picked the psychiatrist for her Christian practice.<br />
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His doctor is great. She gets us through and he has a new psychiatrist and counselor by the next day.<br />
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Somehow I knew it wasn't over.<br />
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Whirl with me we're going back to today.<br />
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I'm holding a certified letter in my hands. Something that will be on my child's medical record forever and you know what it says? It says the psychiatrist I fired over a month ago is accusing me of making verbal and physical threats against staff or physicians. It says there is a signed copy of the almighty policy attached but nothing is attached. There aren't even holes from a stapler or the crinkle from a paperclip.<br />
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She implies that I am a threat and yet she let me walk out with four children that day. She makes insinuations in the letter that I'm unstable and may be a danger to myself or others, but she let me walk out. If I'm so unbalanced why didn't they call for help?<br />
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Because I'm not unbalanced. I'm attentive. They knew I had accurate and detailed records of every call they ignored, videos of my child battling for help while the doctor was unavailable. They knew they were wrong.<br />
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September 4th I was angry. I was frustrated. I was emotional but I was also under control. I <i>chose</i> to slam a door. I felt the pressure I applied and even felt dissatisfied with myself for tempering my one obvious act of annoyance by not slamming it very hard.<br />
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It came down to the reality that I'm vulnerable. I'm a homeschooler. I have no letters behind my name, no college degree, no value to this woman. I'm something to be squashed.<br />
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I felt September 4th that they would try something. Everyone I told looked at me like I was paranoid. I hold a letter in my hand now and I still don't think it's over. They aren't done and I don't understand why. I can't understand anyone's motive to destroy someone or to slander them leaving them helpless.<br />
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This is why I asked for prayer today.<br />
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No one is dying, but I'm shaking inside. No one has touched me but I'm bruised and hurting. I'm literally dumbfounded.<br />
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There is one thing I'm sure of though. God hears and answers prayer.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">All who rage against you </span><span data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[2]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">will surely be ashamed and disgraced; </span><span data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[4]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">those who oppose you </span><span data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[6]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">will be as nothing and perish.</span><span data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[8]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[8]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Though you search for your enemies,</span><span data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[10]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">you will not find them.</span><br data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[11]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;" /><span data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[12]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Those who wage war against you </span><span data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[14]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">will be as nothing at all.</span><br data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[15]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;" /><span data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[16]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">For I am the Lord your God </span><span data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[18]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">who takes hold of your right hand </span><span data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[20]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">and says to you, Do not fear;</span><br data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[21]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;" /><span data-reactid=".r[2hc60].[1][4][1]{comment10200673521300348_52200533}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[22]" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">I will help you. ~ Isaiah 41:11-13</span></span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-46727587330178226442013-09-25T13:12:00.001-07:002013-09-25T13:12:36.714-07:00My Review of James Revoir's Priceless Stones: 42 Days of Hebrew Promises for Kingdom Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://booklikes.com/photo/max/200/0/upload/books/61/93/42d5017195e505bcfa268c99476dbada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://booklikes.com/photo/max/200/0/upload/books/61/93/42d5017195e505bcfa268c99476dbada.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.crosslinkpublishing.com/product_detail.php?product_id=119">Priceless Stones: 42 Days of Hebrew Promises for Kingdom Living</a></i> by James Revoir is a 42 day devotional which explores the Hebrew root words for scriptures. Each devotion begins with the Hebrew word and its English pronunciation. This is followed by a scripture and then a devotional explaining the root word and how it effects the context and depth of the passage. Each day's devotion concludes with a prayer, declaration and questions. The very back of the book contains a glossary of all the Hebrew words used in the study. There are 145 Hebrew words taught in this book. That's not bad for only 42 days of reading!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am currently studying Hebrew with my family. The language is so full and rich in meaning. James Revoir did a beautiful job of capturing the importance of the language and how knowing it (even the slightest bit) can greatly expound your understanding of scripture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite devotions are for Day 34 and 38. In Day 34 Revoir quotes Joshua 1:5 and expounds on the word raphah (spelled in Hebrew <span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 26px; text-align: justify;">רָפָה).</span> meaning "to sink or relax". He explains how this verse is telling us (in Yahweh's own voice) that he won't abandoned post and go enjoy a nap while you are facing a trail. He doesn't drop the ball but is consistently with us without fail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Day 38 the author tackled one on my big pet peeves and made me want to shout "Amen!". On page 163 Revoir writes, "Jesus bore all of our sorrows. He did not simply declare them to be gone by the word of His mouth, though He could easily have chosen to do so." Many believers (especially in Oklahoma near the biggest name it claim it denomination) can learn from this observation which is pure fact. You know what? I can learn from it too. We all say we want to reflect God, to follow his example in our corrupted world. Yet me miss this. He could have named and claimed his own healing and ultimately our healing but instead he took the pain. Why? Think about it. It's so much harder to just say your pain or the pain of your friend is gone in Jesus name. It's much harder to carry the burden of their illness and loving them and carrying their pain for them (whether it means making a meal, interceding on their behalf, or changing their bandages). This is what I gleaned from one day's study alone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was one thing that was odd to me. In a book that focused on Hebrew the author still uses the word Jesus which is known to be a poor transliteration that leans more to the Greek than Hebrew rather than his Hebrew name, Yeshua. I do understand why he made this choice, but felt Messiah might have been a better choice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In either case, there is still so much food of thought contained in Priceless Stones that it is a very worthy purchase.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can order yourself a copy from the publisher <a href="http://www.crosslinkpublishing.com/product_detail.php?product_id=119">here</a> for $13.88. If you prefer reading on a kindle, this book is available in that format for $2.99 on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Priceless-Stones-Promises-Kingdom-ebook/dp/B00BYJJNH2/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380139208&sr=1-1&keywords=priceless+stones+james+revoir">Amazon</a>. </span><br />
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #993300; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of <a href="http://www.bookcrash.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #cc6666; text-decoration: none;">BookCrash</a><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 1em;"><b style="font-size: 1em;">.</b></span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-86131662541187878062013-08-16T16:21:00.002-07:002013-08-16T16:22:31.117-07:00Christian Marriage Book Bundle Launches August 19th!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bundleoftheweek.com/christian-marriage-bundle-week-34/?ap_id=WrapITup" target="_blank"><img alt="BundleoftheWeek.com, 5 eBooks for $7.40!" border="0" height="140" src="http://bundleoftheweek.com/banners/bundle34-bookshelf.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16.796875px;">Are you working on improving your marriage? If so, you don't miss this amazing deal! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px;">This bundle features 5 Great Christian Marriage books, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px;">written with a Christian viewpoint and designed to spice up your marriage</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px;"> for just $7.40!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16.796875px;">Included in this bundle are:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16.796875px;">1. <b><i>The Wife Life </i></b>by Marla Taviano (kindle version valued at $2.99).</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16.796875px;"><u>The Wife Life description:</u></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Other people's marriages look perfect. Yours doesn't. And you've only been married 27 days!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For years, you dreamed about meeting Mr. Right, and finally you found him. Next came romantic dates, then a beautiful wedding, and now…reality!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is married life a little different than you thought it would be--or maybe a lot different? Do you wonder if something is wrong, if other people feel the same way about their new marriages? Are you sometimes intimidated by wives who seem to have it all together?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marla Taviano has been there. She knows what it's like to adjust from unrealistic expectations to real life. With tons of humor and the sensitivity of someone who's been in your shoes, she offers hope and encouragement.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Relax. You're not alone.</span><br />
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2. <b><i>31 Days to Great Sex</i></b> by Sheila Ray Gregoire (kindle version valued at $4.99)</span><br />
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<u>31 Days to Great Sex description:</u></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These 31 days of readings and challenges will help married couples rebuild intimacy, rediscover fun, and achieve great fireworks.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first few days are devoted to seeing sex in a positive way, and talking through your baggage and insecurities. Then we spend a few days on building emotional intimacy (your friendship), a few days on building physical intimacy (the fireworks, making sex feel wonderful!), a few days on spiritual intimacy (the oneness), and a few days putting habits in place so that you can keep the momentum going once you're done.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sex is so important in a marriage, and yet often we lose hope. It becomes blah. We wonder if we can ever recapture that spark--or if we can ever light that spark in the first place.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This series takes you step by step in the process of building a fun and intimate sex life. It doesn't only focus on the mechanics of sex--though there certainly are posts that will help you in that department. It also focuses on building friendship, experiencing real intimacy, and learning to have fun again, just the way God intended.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any two bodies can work together sexually. When we have problems in the bedroom, it's often not because of our bodies. It's usually because we aren't communicating well, or we feel distant from each other, or we're just nervous. The big benefit of this 31 days is that you'll actually TALK and communicate about this important part of your life. Talking about it is difficult to do, but the prompts and the posts make it much easier. That's often when breakthroughs happen!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who will benefit from this book?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Newlyweds who want to start off well!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Couples for whom life has become blah and too routine</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Couples who have almost given up hope that sex can become great</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Couples in conflict because one spouse wants sex more frequently than the other</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other words--just about every married couple. It doesn't matter where you are in your marriage, the 31 Days to Great Sex will help you talk about sex more, think about intimacy more, and feel much closer together.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">3. <b><i>Rekindling Romance</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">4. <b><i>The Irresistible Husband </i></b></span><span style="background-color: white;">by Jason Gratehouse (Kindle version valued at $4.99)</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Irresistible Husband description:</span></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Are you ready to restore the passion back into your marriage? In The Irresistible Husband, you will learn time-honored, Biblical principles for doing so – straight from the lips of Jesus. You will also learn three essential keys to winning your wife’s heart, the importance of pursuing her, the art of chivalry, how to put the “sizzle” back into your marriage, and so much more.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">The Irresistible Husband was written to help every husband live up to his potential to be irresistible to his wife. This book is simple, practical and easy-to-read, and if you will learn the principles within it, they will help you have the marriage that you and your wife have always dreamed of. If your marriage has reached a plateau, or is even in a state of decline, this book could be the spark to rekindle the flame.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Be the husband that she simply can’t resist!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. <b><i>Romance on A Budget</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> The <a href="http://bundleoftheweek.com/christian-marriage-bundle-week-34/?ap_id=WrapITup" target="_blank">Christian Marriage Bundle</a> goes </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">live on Monday (August 19th) at 8 am EST, </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and </span></b><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">will stay live until the following Monday (August 26th). </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">click the banner at the top of this post or the one in my sidebar to purchase.</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em style="color: #993300; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; text-align: start;">I am a member of the BundleoftheWeek affiliate program. Their site is owned by Christians and only bundles great, wholesome books at bargain prices. If you purchase through my links I will be compensated monetarily. You will benefit intellectually through the value and content of each book purchased. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. </em></span></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-25105512474672927242013-07-28T13:42:00.004-07:002013-08-16T15:35:38.812-07:00Clothed With Thunder: A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkK1leikXUlJkLKr_3qwSzs1wWLHDeD8jD7y3TAiC8k9r42QCgGwgYA9J5al3r3MN3eD1SFRID9Vcp8JCe4ysVIVFZyZZtl4gFGz6ppOQkvzYjZvIl2hn72wSW_o98j8axo96bZi5XEnn/s1600/book3-clothed-with-thunder230%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkK1leikXUlJkLKr_3qwSzs1wWLHDeD8jD7y3TAiC8k9r42QCgGwgYA9J5al3r3MN3eD1SFRID9Vcp8JCe4ysVIVFZyZZtl4gFGz6ppOQkvzYjZvIl2hn72wSW_o98j8axo96bZi5XEnn/s320/book3-clothed-with-thunder230%255B1%255D.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
Are you familiar with the Sonrise Stable Series yet?<br />
If not, you need to be.<br />
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Sonrise Stable is a fantastic series for both boys and girls. Follow the adventures of Rosie and Carrie as they embrace their love of horses and draw closer to God through the careful and wise influence of their Grandmother.<br />
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In book three, <i>Clothed With Thunder</i>, readers will learn all about the proposed evolution of the horse and how to argue a creationist worldview from an educated and convincing position.<br />
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There are several things I love about this book but I'll mention just a few:<br />
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First, Rosie and Carrie are homeschooled. This is rare in children's fiction and certainly appreciated. As a result, these girls really dig into the issue of evolution with the skill of true researchers. They examine both sides of the argument through careful study and organic life experience. Children will learn so much about creation versus the evolution argument while exploring the art of research.<br />
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Second, I am continually amazed by the covers and illustrations in this series as they seem to improve with every book. The covers are stunning. Horse lovers will truly be drawn to these books.<br />
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Third, Vicki Watson has really created so much more than meaningful fiction. She has developed a world for her books. Her <a href="http://www.sonrisestable.com/" rel="nofollow">website</a> includes behind the scenes looks at the author and illustrator. You'll also find a link to <a href="http://www.christiancowgirl.net/forum/index" rel="nofollow">The Christian Cowgirl Site</a> featuring a forum for horse lovers, games, puzzles, devotions and more.<br />
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Vicki merges her loves horses and her love of God into wholesome fiction that children, girls especially, will treasure.<br />
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You can order your copy of Clothed With Thunder <a href="http://www.sonrisestable.com/sonrise-stable-horse-books#!/~/product/category=3262339&id=16433747" rel="nofollow">Here</a>.<br />
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #993300; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am a part of The CWA Review Crew.</em><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-6614960491592387122013-07-28T13:01:00.001-07:002013-08-01T15:42:39.861-07:00A Book Review: Are You Playing By House Rules? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently had the pleasure of reviewing <b>one of the most thought provoking books I've ever held in my hands</b>. My belief system was challenged and a desire to know more about our constitution, written law and social security numbers was formed. <div>
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<i>Are You Playing By House Rules? </i>by Darren and Cara Grant is one of those extremely rare treasures that educates and entertains, illuminates and inspires. It's a wonderful read. </div>
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Joe Smith is a new believer who has just faced a major tragedy. Flooded with test after test, Joe struggles to stand in the face of such monumental trials.</div>
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It all begins with an accident in which his estranged wife, Mary, is injured. In the hospital, Joe's prayers for help and guidance are answered by the presence of Robert Forbes, a large Scottish man with equally large ideas. </div>
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If Joe's world wasn't shaken enough by the aftermath of the accident, Robert Forbes stirs it up even more by challenging Joe's long held beliefs and equipping him with the information to make positive changes that will effect his future and the futures of those around him. </div>
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This story is laced with a powerful agenda and packed with relevant research to engage and inform readers. </div>
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When my kindle battery died four pages from the end I wanted to cry. I was that bonded to the story. </div>
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The characters are believable and their motivations so clearly described that you would swear you've met these people in real life. </div>
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<b><i>Are You Playing By House Rules?</i> is a powerful story with rich writing; a book functioning as a true conduit for change. This is truly fiction at its best.</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">You can purchase this book on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Are-Playing-House-Rules-ebook/dp/B009XMDY4U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351364478&sr=1-1&keywords=Are+You++playing+by+house+rules%3F"rel="nofollow">Amazon</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;">I also recommend stopping by the author's website at<span style="color: #555555;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.realarkministries.org/_/Real_Ark_Ministries.html"rel="nofollow">http://www.realarkministries.org/_/Real_Ark_Ministries.html</a> to test your worldview.</div>
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #993300; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"> I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am a part of The CWA Review Crew<span style="color: maroon; font-size: 1em;"><b style="font-size: 1em;">.</b></span></em></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-3897650245748826092013-07-16T10:03:00.000-07:002013-07-16T10:11:39.211-07:00Freebie- Layered Paper Heart<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-10984169682991407322013-07-16T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-16T06:38:16.867-07:00I Am A Disobedient Fraud<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img height="214" src="http://www.rainbowgryphon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Jonah-Brueghel.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />
Well, maybe I should say I <i>was</i> a disobedient fraud.<br />
<br />
It all started about a month ago, maybe more. God asked me to do something and I ran.<br />
<br />
Now I had a reason for running, and I though it was a pretty good one. I guess Jonah did too.<br />
<br />
He asked me to fast. He didn't give a time frame, didn't say "Behold, thou must fasteth for three years" or something ridiculous like that. He simply said "fast".<br />
<br />
No time frame, no deep directions or King James lingo. Just "fast".<br />
<br />
That doesn't seem too hard, right? You might fast all the time and wonder why I would rebel from something so silly.<br />
<br />
Let me explain.<br />
<br />
I have a past. We all do, right? My past includes near hospitalization at 16 because I was determined to be 72 lbs. No clue why I was fixated on that number, but I was. I wouldn't eat much. I'd pick. I'd throw up. Now I'm not hear to coach you on how to form an eating disorder, so that's the end of my descriptions. What I want to tell you about isn't so much the physical aspects of this problem, but the spiritual.<br />
<br />
By adulthood I'd conquered this demon I thought. I reached a whopping 90 lbs (laugh with me). I got married and eventually became pregnant. After the baby was born I wasn't 90 lbs anymore. I couldn't wear the clothes I'd worn since High School. I had a womanly shape now and it terrified me. I began to struggle again and my doctor insisted I see a specialist. I was frustrated and defeated but also very determined to be that frail 90 lbs again. I wasn't seeing clearly.<br />
<br />
It took a lot of work to fight this battle. Counselors and a church friend (who had fought this battle and won) helped me through it. Since I'm already being honest, I'll go one more . . . since my recovery, I really believed it was only the reality that my daughters were watching me that kept me on the right path this long.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
When God said fast, he stirred up fear in me. Just like Jonah was afraid of the vicious Ninevites, I was afraid of the violence I might commit against my own body. I feared another relapse. I didn't trust His healing touch.<br />
<br />
This is where I was fraud. All the while rebelling against God, I continued to encourage others to listen to Him. I tried to ignore the conflict and persist in my disobedience.<br />
<br />
I was sick this past week. I couldn't keep food down. Couldn't eat anything. You know what? I didn't relapse. As soon as I could stomach food again, I ate. God used this illness to open my eyes to the reality that His request did not put me in danger at all.<br />
<br />
In fact it might result in healing.<br />
<br />
I confessed all of this inner wrestling with my Mom and she simply said "Obey God". So I decided I would. Did you catch that? <u>Obedience is a decision</u>. I had been making the wrong one for far too long.<br />
<br />
Since God didn't give me a time frame, I decided to do a one day fast. 24 hours. My fast is over now or I would not be discussing it with you. You know what? I survived. Not only that, but God fed me on His Word all through the night and day when food wasn't on my plate.<br />
<br />
I learned that my fear of failure had been bigger than my trust in God. I learned that perfect love drives out fear and His love was shooing mine away with every meal I skipped.<br />
<br />
Here's what I am not saying: I'm <i>not</i> telling someone actively struggling with an eating disorder to fast.<br />
<br />
Instead, I'm saying that if God asks you to do something, anything . . .obey. Disobedience may delay your healing.<br />
<br />
Am I healed in one day of fasting? Yes. We humans make it so much harder then it has to be. We doubt ourselves. We doubt Him. It's safe to trust. It's safe to believe that He will protect me. I can relax.<br />
<br />
And on that realization I'm <i>not</i> a disobedient fraud any longer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-56011037040926784232013-07-15T08:10:00.000-07:002013-07-16T06:52:51.695-07:00Hosanna! Oh Save Me!<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We all know the scriptures where Jesus is entering Jerusalem and
people shout “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!"</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The first time I heard the word hosanna I was just a little
kid. <i>Hose Anna? Who was Anna and why do
we have to hose her down? Wait! When they say we need to get on fire do they
mean real fire? Is that why we have to hose poor Anna down?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As I grew I understood there was no Anna in need of hosing.
Hosanna was a word and it had an important meaning. I just didn’t understand it
completely. Actually, until this morning, I always thought Hosanna meant “Blessed
is the one”, or something like that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Last night God laid it on my heart to study this word so I
began my study first thing this morning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today I began by searching Wikipedia. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">They say “The word<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i>hosanna</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> (Latin<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i><span xml:lang="la"><span lang="LA" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">osanna</span></span></i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Greek</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span xml:lang="grc">ὡσαννά</span>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>hōsanná</i>) is
from<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_language" title="Hebrew language"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Hebrew</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span xml:lang="he">הושיעה־נא</span></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span xml:lang="he">הושיעה נא</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="unicode"><i><span title="Semitic transliteration"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">hôšâ‘-nā’</span></span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">which is
short for<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="unicode"><i><span title="Semitic transliteration">hôšî‘â-nā’</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> from<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic_language" title="Aramaic language"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Aramaic</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span xml:lang="arc">הושע נא</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> meaning
"save, rescue" (possibly "savior").</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hmmm, interesting. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I looked up hosanna in Strong’s
concordance too (because, after all, one should not trust Wikipedia as the
final authority on anything, right?). Strong’s listed all references to the
word as tied to #5614 which defines the word “oh save!”. So Wikipedia was
actually right this time. This isn’t just some shout for joy it’s a plea for
help. I went back to Wikipedia and saw that they referenced Psalm 118:25 in
their discussion. I opened up The Word and put my finger on the verse. It
reads: “</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Save now, I beseech thee, O<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span>: O<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span>, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.” Sounds
an awful lot like hosanna, but you know what . . .I kept reading and I found
something interesting. Verse 26 reads: “<u>Blessed be he that cometh in the
name of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span></u>: we have blessed you out of the house of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span>.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hey, now it sounds like those verses when He entered
Jerusalem and people said Hosanna (Oh Save!). Blessed is the one (He) who comes
in the name of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I wasn’t through. I looked up the word in the dictionary. You
know what I got? “—used as a cry of acclamation and adoration</span>.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It’s part of the picture but not the whole thing. If we look
at hosanna as just a word for help we fall short of its meaning. If we see it
as just adoration, then we miss something too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hosanna is <u>both</u> a cry for help and a blessing on the
one who answers the need. Read Psalms
18:6 and Psalm 40:1. (I’ll let you do that yourself). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now, let that sink in and (as it does), think about prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">How often do we cry for help (oh save me from this or that
problem, rescue me from______ ) but we fail to bless him for who He is? Oh, let’s
never skip this step again! Let’s always
remember He <i>is</i> our answer. He hears us cry hosanna, (oh Save me!), and He acts.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The point: Always remember He is your <u>Savior</u> and <u>bless
Him</u> for who He is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-41598980830736613512013-07-02T16:11:00.001-07:002013-08-01T15:45:56.738-07:00The Christian Mom's Idea Book<br />
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<img alt="The Christian Mom's Idea Book" src="http://static.crossway.org/products/medium/9781581349504.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<br />
Eighty-two women contributed advice and ideas. Packed full of their collective wisdom and paired with a solid scriptural foundation, The Christian Mom's Idea Book is a phenomenal resource for all moms.<br />
<br />
The book begins with an acrostic of Motherhood that can be read in one sitting or spread out in tiny new-mom sized snippets like a brief devotional.<br />
<br />
In part two the advice is dished out courtesy of contributors who've been there and done that.<br />
<br />
Find tips on how to handle separation anxiety, make time for God's Word, plan a birthday party to remember, expose children to good books, manage a schedule, survive a road trip, discipline, chores and a host of other truly relevant topics.<br />
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There are about 40 topics total and 500 fantastic ideas recorded. Each idea is part of a bulleted list under the topic it covers. The reader can browse a topic of interest and get advice from several moms all at once. After all this information is absorbed it's easier to formulate your own effective plan. You get to pick and choose what you use.<br />
<br />
The Christian Mom's Idea Book is an essential handbook resource, the kind of parenting guide we all fantasized about but never expected to experience.<br />
<br />
This book is loaded with truly relevant suggestions, making it the perfect gift for moms.<br />
<br />
About the author: <strong style="background-color: white; color: #514d47; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.515625px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ellen Banks Elwell</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #514d47; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.515625px;"> is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and the American Conservatory of Music. She and her husband, Jim, live in Wheaton, Illinois, and have three grown sons and one daughter-in-law. Elwell has authored several books for women, including </span><cite style="background-color: white; color: #514d47; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.515625px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Christian Mom’s Idea Book</cite><span style="background-color: white; color: #514d47; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.515625px;">,</span><cite style="background-color: white; color: #514d47; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.515625px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">One Year Devotions for Moms</cite><span style="background-color: white; color: #514d47; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.515625px;">, and </span><cite style="background-color: white; color: #514d47; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.515625px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">When There’s Not Enough of Me to Go Around</cite><span style="background-color: white; color: #514d47; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.515625px;">.</span><br />
<br />
You can order your copy at <a href="http://www.crossway.org/books/the-christian-moms-idea-book-tpb/" rel="nofollow">Crossway</a> for $11.25.<br />
<br />
<em style="background-color: white; color: #993300; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am a part of Crossway's Homeschool Book Review Program<span style="color: maroon; font-size: 1em;"><b style="font-size: 1em;">.</b></span></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-12445911198628587652013-07-01T15:25:00.000-07:002013-07-01T15:27:24.801-07:00I Did Something Crazy!<br />
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<img height="150" src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4666714964559785&pid=15.1" width="200" /></div>
If you didn't know, I purchased <a href="http://christianwomenaffiliate.com/">Christian Women Affiliate</a> in February.<br />
<br />
This was probably the biggest decision I've ever made short of having children. There is so much involved in running this company. I don't even think I could have comprehended all of it if I had tried. It's just a big task.<br />
<br />
I'm still getting my rhythm and developing a rapport with CWA radio hosts, community members and reviewers. I wear a lot of hats and I'm juggling responsibilities and interests nonstop.<br />
<br />
I learned a lot about the company, social media, writing, marketing, community and self-care from the former owner, Noelle Mena. She is a fantastic mentor and a huge blessing to me. I think one of the greatest things she taught me was to set boundaries. This isn't something that comes natural for me. If I'm not careful this job could take over my life. With a dash of O.C.D and a heightened sense of responsibility I could easily become a slave to it without even trying. I have to intentionally set limits on my time and leave myself little windows to just be alone with God or nurture some of the other creative interests He has given me.<br />
<br />
One day last month I woke up at 4:30 A.M. to get some work done. I popped over to Facebook to check the posts that had gone up on CWA's Public page while I was sleeping and after doing that I checked in on some friends. It seemed that there were prayer requests all over Facebook that day. I found myself praying almost nonstop throughout my day. However, in the midst of my prayer I kept feeling this tug at my heart to be silent. Surely it couldn't be God, I reasoned. With so many needs I had to do "spiritual warfare" and I didn't have the time to listen. I put up a good fight before surrendering and asking God what he wanted so bad to tell me.<br />
<br />
His message: Dream bigger.<br />
<br />
What? Was He crazy? It was my dreaming that got me into this overloaded state of mind bouncing from task to task and monitoring a business and four children simultaneously. Dreams meant risk and I had risked too much already.<br />
<br />
Yet, He persisted. Each moment He spoke to my heart I felt more excited, more confident that as large as my dreaming had become He still had MORE for me.<br />
<br />
He kept bringing my writing to mind, reminding me that it wasn't just some wish I had to be an author, but a divine calling that God himself had placed inside me.<br />
<br />
I pulled out my manuscript, <i><a href="http://unashameddiary.blogspot.com/p/my-book.html">The Lemonade Stand</a></i>, read through it and began to dream.<br />
<br />
Then this crazy overloaded girl queried an agent.<br />
<br />
The website for the agency warns that they only respond to those that interest them. If they don't respond within 30 days it's safe to assume they aren't interested. It's been 21 days. I'm still dreaming.<br />
<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-81516565911937607272013-07-01T14:41:00.002-07:002013-08-01T15:46:53.396-07:00How Do We Know God Is Really There? -- A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every night Thomas and his Dad have a fun little habit of escaping to the tree house they built in the backyard. It was their special time together when they could look at the stars. On this particular night the sight of Saturn's magnificent rings brings out an enormous question concerning the existence of God. </div>
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Thomas's friend doesn't believe in God or go to church and this philosophy has caused Thomas to question his Dad.<br />
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<img alt="How Do We Know God Is Really There? " src="http://shop.apologia.com/328-large/how-do-we-know-god-is-really-there-.jpg" /></div>
This full color picture book is 46 pages and takes on a pretty profound topic in the gentlest manner possible. <br />
<br />
There is a lot of text in this picture book. The pictures themselves are water color illustrations that have a crude some what immature look to them. My 11 was unimpressed by the pictures especially the pages where the characters are drawn in profile. <br />
<br />
My youngest acted as though the story was a little too long for her attention span. My 9 year old boy liked it best. As the only boy in our house he is especially drawn to books with male characters.<br />
<br />
I felt that <b><i>How Do We Know God Is Really There?</i></b> was cute, but it bothered me that the question was not addressed as powerfully as I would have liked. The father starts out his explanation strong by referencing Hubble's discoveries which prove the universe had a beginning. When the son questions him directly "But how do we know the cause was God?" the father tells him it's pretty silly to think otherwise. Dismissing the question as silly is not the same as answering it. Thomas needed some real meat to tackle his friend's claims that God wasn't real. Calling atheism silly (though arguably true) isn't a strong enough point to stand on.<br />
<br />
I think that's a knee jerk response of most Christians to laugh away an atheists claims rather than thoughtfully addressing them.<br />
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This book wasn't a big hit in my house. As a stand alone argument for belief in God I think it falls flat, but as a discussion opener it has value. Maybe begin with this story and branch out into some practical ways a child can defend their faith and squash the claims that God is a fallacy.<br />
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You can order your book for $16 at <a href="http://shop.apologia.com/books/367-how-do-we-know-god-is-really-there-.html" rel="nofollow">Apologia</a>.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFHyodOxAKJE9YDjelxke4vUl9XfTE14zqUA6RwhhHrCJ4vPLIy5xbd4CzI7zlCN-pTU9kGoe33wf6AZfAwdPWaph7kPLMPSZ3RtL9m8_YWxc3nzKaXkfsrwGCgd1ikrkfUJjtO-9dCAe/s320/537838_537101152988075_1822039800_n%5B1%5D.jpg" /><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-5483680350432242852013-07-01T13:44:00.002-07:002013-08-01T15:48:04.705-07:00Eradicate<br />
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<img height="200" src="http://blottingoutgoddotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/eradicate_book_cover_med_rgb.jpg?w=253&h=360" width="132" /></div>
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<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We have all noticed the decline in our American culture. We sense the absence of a God fearing attitude and regret the lack of righteous leadership that would seek the will of God above the will of man. We are slipping from our claim to be a Judeo-Christian nation and blotting out God's presence in America. There is no denying it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">In <b><i>Eradicate: Blotting Out God In America</i></b> author, David Fiorazo, takes on the big issues of decline in our current civilization from the corruption of a Christian worldview to its effect on our government, education, media and even the unassuming believer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Fiorazo tackles issues like abortion and homosexuality which the church has been afraid to confront. He also creates a wake up call for the church by exposing false teachers who have strayed from the Word.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">He isn't afraid to take on pop culture icons like Oprah, Obama and Osteen either.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">His book is a radical, daring expose of all that is wrong with our country, shining a spotlight on the areas where the church has grown quiet. After informing themselves on the state of this land, readers have some immediate soul searching to do. Information is only power when you act on what you know. This book is intended to stir action. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Readers will find thorough research, exceptional references and shocking quotes all sited impeccably and easily verifiable. The facts cannot be ignored. It's time this generation rose up from its slumber and took the eraser back from the forces in power before they blot out God entirely.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">You can purchase your copy of Eradicate: Blotting Out God In America on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/ERADICATE-Understanding-Combatting-Overcoming-Anti-Christian/dp/1622450264/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1372711419&sr=8-3&keywords=Eradicate" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a1a1a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em style="background-color: white; color: #993300; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of <a href="http://www.bookcrash.com/" rel="nofollow">BookCrash</a><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 1em;"><b style="font-size: 1em;">.</b></span></em></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-10121990283451269652013-07-01T13:04:00.001-07:002013-08-01T15:49:40.463-07:00Kerri's Kreations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcuB8lRJViMXSk6T630IhoNg-4rhVCL3Hd6e1P9xnHkqHZnW4NhjdZxnXCL7QJg9WAsJDqvwLxmVo_QaFYrJAWNTsE0Bvvy2lRmjFjwZ-UbY9Gu6WYlkfj7CDV2UV2NTAqFHVhAFr_oUe/s270/earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcuB8lRJViMXSk6T630IhoNg-4rhVCL3Hd6e1P9xnHkqHZnW4NhjdZxnXCL7QJg9WAsJDqvwLxmVo_QaFYrJAWNTsE0Bvvy2lRmjFjwZ-UbY9Gu6WYlkfj7CDV2UV2NTAqFHVhAFr_oUe/s270/earrings.jpg" /></a></div>
I recently had an opportunity to test out some earring created by <a href="http://www.kerriscreations.com/">Kerri's Kreations</a>.<br />
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If you aren't familiar with this online store, I consider it a privelledge to introduce you to it.<br />
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Kerri's Kreations is a jewelry store with a purpose. For owner, Kerri Sweeris, that purpose is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness.<br />
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Myasthenia Gravis is an incurable neuro-muscular disease that can negatively effect vision, speech, swallowing, muscle strength and breathing.<br />
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As a sufferer herself, Kerri is pretty passionate in her advocacy for Myasthenia Gravis and she exerts the same passion into each piece of jewelry she creates.<br />
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From supplies to style Kerri works to create a wearable masterpiece.<br />
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Her favorite materials are Natural stones, Agate, Sea Glass and Swarovski crystals. Every piece is custom made and most are one of a kind.<br />
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Here is a close up of the earrings I was sent:<br />
<a href="http://www.kerriscreations.com/Metallic-Crackle-Finish-Glass-Earrings-EAR042.htm" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Metallic Crackle Finish Glass Earrings" src="http://www.kerriscreations.com/images/13621019931092056499230.jpeg" /></a><br />
The earrings feature three metallic crackle glass beads. The beads are a decent weight. Not heavy on my ears but not overly delicate to handle.<br />
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I love the color so much. I'm a sucker for sparkly greens.<br />
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I have paired my earrings with multiple outfits and had great success.<br />
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These earrings are priced at $13. If you click the image it will take you right to her website .<br />
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I think $13 is a reasonable price for these earrings especially considering the quality of her materials. This is truly wearable art.<br />
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I also enjoy knowing that ten percent of all sales go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PurelyMgAwareness" rel="nofollow">Purely MG Awareness</a>.<br />
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Kerri's Kreations has a host of products including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, book marks, key fobs and wine glass rings.<br />
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You're sure to find something at Kerri's Kreations that will make you smile. Visit today.<br />
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #993300; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">I received a free copy of this Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of <span style="color: maroon; font-size: 1em;"><b style="font-size: 1em;"><a href="http://cwa-review-crew-terms-for-members/" rel="nofollow" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0) !important; font-size: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="color: maroon; font-size: 1em;">The CWA Review Crew</span></a>.</b></span></em><br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.kerriscreations.com/Metallic-Crackle-Finish-Glass-Earrings-EAR042.htm" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-5066448130132911082013-06-09T07:58:00.003-07:002013-08-01T15:51:11.780-07:00Casa de Naomi: The House Of Blessing, Book 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I grew up hearing that Columbus was Catholic. That's why it shocked me when I heard someone in my church claim that Columbus was Jewish. That's when I began researching the topic and found these claims to be rooted in truth.<br />
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Though her story takes place much later Author Paula Rose Michelson begins her second book in the Casa de Naomi series, House of Blessing by laying this foundation. She examines the little known life of conversos who stowed away aboard Columbus's ship headed for a new world ripe with freedom and opportunity. Of course that freedom was short lived. With the Decree of Alhambra in effect for 500 years, these Jews were taught to keep their heritage hidden for fear of uprising against them in the new world. The onset of Hitler's movement and the rise of the KKK led to further withdrawal. Often times these conversos where hiding in plain site, posing as Catholics while privately maintaining their Jewish traditions. If discovered they faced public disgrace and the threat of lost relationships.<br />
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That is exactly why Naomi keeps her heritage a secret.<br />
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This book begins with the trauma of Naomi leaving her home in Spanish Harlem after being discovered to be a Jew.<br />
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As the people of El Barrio express their shock and gossip ensues among the town establishments, Naomi's husband is left to deal with his own surprise and anger at her dishonesty.<br />
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Of course Naomi never meant to be dishonest. The lie was a protection. It kept her safe and paved the way for her to help others in her community.<br />
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With a prominant position in the area, Naomi was instrumental in rescuing high risk girls from deportation. Most of these girls, like her, were of Jewish heritage. You can read more about that part of the story in book 1.<br />
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Now the gig is up and Naomi has fled her life, her home and her new husband.<br />
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Taken in by a friend's family, she is introduced to a faith that is rooted in Jewish tradition while professing a Messiah that died for her and rose with full intention of returning for her. This Messianic concept is at first alarming, but then comforting.<br />
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Meanwhile, Naomi's husband is on a search that may or may not lead to the restoration of their marriage.<br />
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The writing is captivating, the message is faith building and the concept is educational and entertaining.<br />
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I really think you will too. Though book one and two can be read seperately, I suggest reading from the beginning and following it through the series. This saga-like tale will leave you anxious for more.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Casa de Naomi: House of Blessing</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 27px;"> is available at </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Casa-Naomi-House-Blessing-Book/dp/1622951069/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1369349521&sr=8-2&keywords=casa+de+naomi+the+house+of+blessing" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5c1111; font-family: 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 27px;"> and</span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/casa-de-naomi-paula-rose-michelson/1106656697?ean=9781624637070" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5c1111; font-family: 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 27px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://cwa-review-crew-terms-for-members/" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 1em;">The CWA Review Crew</span></a></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">.</span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-10703300276557934692013-06-09T07:18:00.000-07:002013-08-01T15:52:34.084-07:00That Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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That Summer is the first book in the Caney Creek Series and I, for one, am looking forward to reading more titles in this series from author Jo Huddleston.<br />
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Jim is tired of farm life, but more than that he's tired of his father's abusive behavior and the weight of responsibility he feels for his younger siblings and his mother.<br />
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When the pressure is too tough, Jim packs up and leaves home with no concrete plans except a plan to make it work in the city.<br />
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He's hoping to build a life and eventually win the heart of Louisa, a pretty girl he met at a fair one summer before leaving home.<br />
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Located in the Southern Appalachians, Caney Creek is a bustling city to Jim, filled with opportunity. Unfortunately it's also filled with fierce competition for a coveted job at the Hosiery Mill, the leading employer in Sanford County. A job at the Hosiery offers Jim some level of security, until he catches the eye of the owner's daughter, Callie.<br />
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Louisa moves to the city to stay with her older sister just about the time things heat up with Callie. You won't even believe the twists and turns this story takes. It will keep you glued until the last page.<br />
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That Summer is a mix of love triangle, relational drama, and coming of age tale bubbling with heart and flowing with a message of hope, healing and forgiveness.<br />
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I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more as the series continues.<br />
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You can purchase your copy on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/That-Summer-Jo-Huddleston/dp/1939219035/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363034914&sr=1-1&keywords=That+Summer+by+Jo+Huddleston" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://cwa-review-crew-terms-for-members/" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 1em;">The CWA Review Crew</span></a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">.</span></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-22828579705516442882013-06-09T06:51:00.001-07:002013-08-01T15:54:15.551-07:00Twisted Wolf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In Perry Perrett' s novel <i><b>Twisted Wolf</b></i>, readers are introduced to Josh Davis - a wounded army Lieutenant with a somewhat ordinary life who, in a miraculous turn of events, becomes President of the United states.<br />
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His story is a modern-day David story complete with the best friend blazing a trail of opportunity and a prophetic man who encourages him to balance his blessings with humility.<br />
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When pride gets a hold of his life the consequences are devastating. The reader is caught up in the drama of Josh's poor choices and watching to see what becomes of his life as a result.<br />
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The beginning of this book was riveting as Josh is out hunting and attacked by a bear. He later wakes up in a hospital bed afraid of how the brutal bear attack will impact his military career.<br />
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As the story takes shape the parallels to the biblical story of David becomes much more visible. At this point the story sort of switches from being active to more passive with the author telling more than showing the events.<br />
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At points the story feels narrated and dialogue is infrequent. Stick with it to the end for a redemptive and hope-filled conclusion.<br />
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I think Twisted Wolf is a good first novel from Perry Perrett. I enjoyed his early characterization of Josh Davis and his fast paced writing style. His early chapters alone prove his knack for intensity and action in his fiction.<br />
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Overall I enjoyed this book.<br />
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You can purchase this book on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Wolf-ebook/dp/B00AZ00ZJG/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_t_1_HS6Y" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a> and read other thoughts from reviewers at <a href="http://cwareviewcrew.com/twisted-wolf-by-perry-perrett/">http://cwareviewcrew.com/twisted-wolf-by-perry-perrett/</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://cwa-review-crew-terms-for-members/" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 1em;">The CWA Review Crew</span></a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">.</span></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-79714564433568724962013-06-09T06:19:00.002-07:002013-08-01T15:56:17.193-07:00Peaceful Passage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cwareviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Peaceful-Passage-by-Kim-West.jpg" rel="nofollow" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cwareviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Peaceful-Passage-by-Kim-West.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the midst of her personal grief at the loss of her Mother, Kim West knew she had wisdom to share with caregivers facing the journey she had she just completed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through her relatable and empathetic style Kim explores practical areas that a family member/caregiver need to consider in hospice situations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her book, <b><i>Peaceful Passages</i></b>, provides help for the patient by teaching the caregiver how to help them and prepare for a healthy exit from this life and a peaceful entrance into eternity. She also offers a realistic view of the factors a caregiver needs to consider including: </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Consideration of financial and legal matters</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Learning the levels of hospice care</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Examining the emotional toll</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Balancing marriage, family and work </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Making decisions on pain management options</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Learning what to expect during the phases of death</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preparing post-passage tasks like informing family, preparing a funeral and closing an estate</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> . . . and more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each chapter includes workbook questions and journaling topics complete with space for writing in your thoughts and feelings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kim does a thorough job covering the needs of both patient and caregiver. This book should be a must read for anyone going through hospice care or struggling with the impending death of a loved one from illness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently my husband lost his mother to cancer. During this time we were in another state and unable to be active providing for her day to day needs. Other family was on that task. Reading this book helped me to know how to pray for my brother-in-law and sister-in-laws who were close by and carrying the weight of responsibility. It also helped to understand the physical changes that occur near the end so we could prepare ourselves for our trip home and the last visit we had with her. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Without a lot of planning to go on (people get your documents organized) I watched them struggle to figure out items like property ownership and taxes. There is so much to consider that it easily drains the family emotionally.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This book will strengthen you through this time and support you in your grief. It leads you to a new reality of life without your loved one and how you as an individual are better because of this journey of love and service.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The book ends with the author sharing personal journal entries and photographs from her mother's hospice journey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I highly recommend <b><i>Peaceful Passage</i></b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><i style="font-size: 1em;">Peaceful Passage</i></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"> is available for purchase online at </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Passage-Kim-West-PhD/dp/0984052666/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309229371&sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: rgb(153, 0, 0) !important; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">, however, you will find the best price </span><a href="http://www.peaceful-passage.com/order.html" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: rgb(153, 0, 0) !important; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">If you want to read other opinions on this book you can read them <a href="http://cwareviewcrew.com/peaceful-passage-by-kim-west/">here</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://cwa-review-crew-terms-for-members/" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 1em;">The CWA Review Crew</span></a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-15539419181330188782013-05-17T13:50:00.002-07:002013-08-01T15:58:50.190-07:00My Homeschool Grades~ A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I live in Oklahoma where Homeschool freedoms seem pretty secure and official reporting or recording are not a legal requirement. Though I'm thankful that I don't have to check in with our local Public School authority or gain the approval of any entity before schooling my children, I have noticed the negative effects of a lackadaisical reporting system on my end.<br />
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A few years ago my teenage cousin came from Michigan to live with me. I homeschooled her along with my kiddos. When she went home, it was quickly an issue. She was doing high level work but my transcripts looked less than impressive. Her school threatened to make her repeat courses and I quickly saw the importance of effective transcripts.<br />
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I love that with My Homeschool Grades I can easily create quality transcripts that represent my child's education flawlessly and take little time or effort on my part.<br />
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See this short video to understand how easy the process is:<br />
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Currently I'm just schooling my four, but as my oldest approached middle school I know that the importance of tracking her grades is going to be crucial.</div>
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<a href="https://myhomeschoolgrades.com/" rel="nofollow">My Homeschool Grades</a> is a simple to use tracking service which allows you to add and record data for multiple children. List their subjects and courses as well as the grades they received. If you don't use a grading scale you can choose to record it as a pass or fail. You can also assign and track by credits which will come in handy when I'm ready to pull out my cousin's copy of <a href="http://www.lyndacoats.com/?page_id=3" rel="nofollow">Far Above Rubies</a> to use with my oldest daughter.</div>
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My Homeschool Grades also allows you to track activities that occur outside of school to help you build a full and complete transcript that is sure to make colleges smile.</div>
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As a member of Mosaic Reviews I received Lifetime access to this amazing resources. Sorry, I can't pass along that greatness, but I can share some exciting news you will benefit from.</div>
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All subscriptions now include lifetime membership. Pay one time and keep this service forever. All future updates and enhancements will be included at no extra charge. How cool is that?</div>
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Okay, so what's it cost? Only $49.99! That's a really affordable price for twelve years of record keeping and stunning transcripts.</div>
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I'm completely impressed with My Homeschool Grades and I think you will be too.</div>
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Are you one of those try before you buy types? I don't blame you. It's a big reason why I review. Take advantage of their <a href="https://myhomeschoolgrades.com/learn-more" rel="nofollow">free 14 day trail</a> and see how it works for you. You have nothing to lose and your children may have everything to gain.</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFHyodOxAKJE9YDjelxke4vUl9XfTE14zqUA6RwhhHrCJ4vPLIy5xbd4CzI7zlCN-pTU9kGoe33wf6AZfAwdPWaph7kPLMPSZ3RtL9m8_YWxc3nzKaXkfsrwGCgd1ikrkfUJjtO-9dCAe/s320/537838_537101152988075_1822039800_n%5B1%5D.jpg" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-19144951320573219762013-05-16T17:03:00.002-07:002013-05-16T17:03:41.448-07:00A Tiger Sized Rant!<br />
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I need to rant and after all, this is my Unashamed Diary, right? If I can't rant here where can I?</div>
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This is actually a review that I attempted to post online for <a href="http://www.tigerministorage.com/">Tiger Mini Storage</a> located in Coweta, Oklahoma. Unfortunately, they only permit written reviews when followed with a four star rating or higher it seems. My one star shows up see:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6Y5_Wzl3MZT7JX_vksIWCqYwsOvW0eTUQws_zlXAyVXdlqWn_dwmzoezFghm9lknH3fFYIQoQMrFVnlYg4S3A1Jm7Sp2i4pQfKp8Dp4mE_dfUnM1zs3LilUw1xd8NYYJbXkW3JHoZDt-/s1600/tms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6Y5_Wzl3MZT7JX_vksIWCqYwsOvW0eTUQws_zlXAyVXdlqWn_dwmzoezFghm9lknH3fFYIQoQMrFVnlYg4S3A1Jm7Sp2i4pQfKp8Dp4mE_dfUnM1zs3LilUw1xd8NYYJbXkW3JHoZDt-/s320/tms.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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but what I wrote isn't visible.I guess they think a review is only worth reading if it's glowing. I disagree, so here it is . . .</div>
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<b>Unprofessional to say the least.</b></div>
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My mother has a unit and has received calls twice a month
about her payments. He calls well before she's due. I just went through my caller ID and this guy has called four times in the last month! It's to the point that we
refer to him as her stalker. He's seriously obsessed with getting payments.</div>
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My mom has been late once and when he called we went up and
paid it for her. We have not let her fall behind.</div>
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Last month she called and told him she would need to be late
and made arrangements with him. He seems to have forgotten as he's called
multiple times this month already.</div>
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When she made her account she gave two numbers hers and
mine. I have no clue why but he consistently calls mine. It;s bordering on
harassment.</div>
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Today he called.</div>
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I answered "Hello" and he said is this _____ ________ I said
no it's (my name). </div>
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He said "Well I want to talk to ______ ______!" with a
completely rude tone. </div>
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I said "Sorry, she's at work" (Where she usually is. Between
her hours and their limited time open it;s a wonder he s ever been paid at
all).</div>
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He said "I'm from Tiger Mini Storage and I m looking for
payment" . </div>
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I said "I'll let her know". </div>
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Then he got real sharp with me and said "Look, I've left
messages before and I don't hear back" (funny, we tried calling 5 minutes after
his harassing call and he'd closed up shop). "How do I know you even give the
message?"</div>
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I said "I guess you
don't. Okay, so let me get this right, you are calling my home calling me a
liar? I do give her messages, but I m not your creditor! If you want to talk to
her perhaps you should call <i>her</i> number instead of mine! </div>
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To which he said "You're quite the smart ass aren't you?" and
hung up.</div>
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Nice. </div>
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I called my husband immediately and asked him to go pay the jerk. He was only a block away. Guess
what? They were closed.</div>
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So how do you expect to run a storage unit when your office is only open when people are working? </div>
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It's simply impractical to think that people will leave their paying jobs to come make a payment. </div>
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Yes, they do have a drop box, but with such unprofessional business tactics who would consider leaving one there? Not me.</div>
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So yes, we are making room in the garage. Tiger Mini, you just lost a customer.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924386178758800595.post-50921066483637971302013-05-16T08:59:00.002-07:002013-08-01T16:00:17.856-07:00The Waterproof Bible~ A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6TcyxHWlYNTHjqvEH6APIS2w3fXjyl0dSQTCOh0-a6hNksXmy98oxrsPX5Hog5tGsG7i8UBgT5JCzEzKXzLh9L_SOTuMpb0cZX8TxkxsZelchint3DyQIRPbQLTa-SYwKkigzGKh-5QL/s1600/bible.jpg" rel="nofollow" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6TcyxHWlYNTHjqvEH6APIS2w3fXjyl0dSQTCOh0-a6hNksXmy98oxrsPX5Hog5tGsG7i8UBgT5JCzEzKXzLh9L_SOTuMpb0cZX8TxkxsZelchint3DyQIRPbQLTa-SYwKkigzGKh-5QL/s320/bible.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Have you ever heard of a <b>Waterproof Bible</b>? I hadn't.<br />
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Why would anyone need a Waterproof Bible?<br />
Imagine you are camping out and it starts to rain, you want to stay faithful to your daily devotions, but can't risk damaging those thin rice paper pages that curl and stick together then bleed and destroy the page. You miss your devotion.<br />
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Imagine you have four little kids (like me) and the only privacy you get in the day is behind the closed bathroom door. You know that if you begin your Bible reading out in public you will re-read the same sentence eight times over the sounds of bickering and baby voices. Whatever bits you retain are miracles. You'd love to read your Bible in the tub but you've tried it before and it was a massive bummer. The corners of the pages are still marked from your wet thumbs.<br />
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Back to those adorable kiddos. They mean well, but their new fascination with coloring has covered every surface of your home. Now it's on your Bible. Their name written large (and backwards) in red marker now fills the cover. You try to remove it but to no avail. You try to convince yourself that it will be a memento of their childhood, but it still eats at you.<br />
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What do you need? <a href="http://www.bardinmarsee.com/c-10-products.aspx" rel="nofollow">The Waterproof Bible by Bardin & Marsee Publishing</a>.<br />
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<b>This bible is so durable it even survived a trip through my dishwasher! It doesn't balk at rain, pages never stick, tear, bend or bleed. It is perfect for the bathtub and even floats! I challenge a child to scribble in this book. Their artwork just rinses right off (you may need to use your nail if they used crayon).</b><br />
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I was extremely impressed with this Bible and excited to take it with me places my Bible usually doesn't go.<br />
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Imagine the witness when you are sweating on it in the gym or reading it in a hotel pool. People ask about it and it opens doors to talk about our greatest love, God.<br />
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Are you a note taker? One of those people who likes to highlight and write in your bible? You can still do that. Just use a dry highlighter.<br />
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For this review I requested the <a href="http://www.bardinmarsee.com/p-68-nlt-waterproof-biblebrnt-ps-pr.aspx" rel="nofollow">NLT version with the New Testament and Psalm and Proverbs</a> (priced at $24.95). I'd like to purchase one with the entire bible (Old and New Testaments) too.<br />
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You never know when we may be in survival issues or a location that the standard Bible isn't suitable. Now we have no excuse for leaving God's Word behind. The Waterproof Bible is our solution.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1