Book Review- Daily Gifts of Grace

Daily Gifts of Grace, devotions for each day of your year. This is a great little devotional so far by Thomas Nelson and Women of Faith. I've read and have several of the Women of Faith Bible studies and I hope to attend a conference in the future, but I enjoy the insight and stories that the ladies of Women of Faith share.

In this brightly colored devotional there is a page long devotion for each day in the year. The devotion starts out with a scripture and then a wonderful written devotion by one of the many authors. This is my first devotional like this (I usually use Upper Room or Daily Bread) and so far I've enjoyed the readings. They are simple and can get to the heart of the topic of the day, and I look forward to using the devotional daily as the new year starts. The book itself is compact enough to throw in my purse to read on the go if need be, and I enjoy the color of the book and the magnetic closure. The pages are easy to read with a good size font. The ladies of the Women of Faith group have such remarkable stories that I'm sure everyone will enjoy using this devotional for a daily devotional. 

BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for me to review for an honest review.

Guest Post by Poppy Smith- 8 Ways to beat the blues at Christmas

Eight Ways to Beat the Blues at Christmas By Poppy Smith   Instead of a houseful of kids and their little ones running around laughing, crying, playing with toys and sneaking treats, this year my husband, Jim, and I will be home alone for Christmas.  My automatic reaction is to feel sad—but I am glad that all of them will be celebrating the coming of Jesus with their in-laws.  After all, we are usually the ones who get that privilege!   But—it’s easy to be sucked down into a “poor me” mindset and play the blues, unless we decide to change our perspective.  So here are eight simple ways to help you enjoy the holidays whether you’re physically or emotionally alone. Why not join me and let’s beat those blues which aren’t where God wants us at this special time of the year—or at any time! Sing. Play music. Listen to the words and join in praising God. Singing is a guaranteed mood lifter and perspective changer. “Sing for joy to God our strength” Ps.81:1. Smile. Smile at little children. Their harried moms. The older shoppers who are trying to find just the right present. Make smiling your chosen expression (not through gritted teeth, however!). It will make you feel so much better and maybe lift up another lonely soul. Invite. Is there someone you haven’t had time for this past year? Could you suggest meeting for coffee, lunch, or even over to your home? Perfection isn’t needed—only a loving heart that looks beyond it’s own world. Rest. Remember all those too early mornings when you longed to just stay in bed? Now’s your chance. Take time to read a book of the Bible or several psalms. Choose a special book, magazine, or television program. Make or buy some once in a year yummy treats and ENJOY this gift of time! Give gifts to others. Go online and look for simple Christmas recipes. Make peppermint candy or a cranberry loaf and go drop it off at a homeless shelter or place that serves those without a home. Change your perspective from looking inward to looking outward—as God our Savior did when He gave us the most amazing gift of love any one can receive. Write a list of your blessings. Think back over this past year. Even if it has been one of the most difficult you’ve experienced, ask God’s Spirit to show you where He was present, loving and supporting and guiding you through. He will show you something and lift your heart. Go to a Christmas Eve Service. Even if you’re by yourself, don’t miss the presence of God amidst the beauty of this celebration. Let your senses feast on the beauty, your ears delight in the music, your heart be moved to new heights of gratitude and love. Pray about your dreams for 2012. What do you want to see happen in the coming year? Have you thought about changes you want to make? New paths to walk? Write out what comes to mind when you think of taking better care of yourself physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. (See my video: Take Care of Yourself, …….. or check my website on the media clips page). May your “Home Alone” Christmas fill you with joy and a fresh awareness that Christ is with you, whether you’re surrounded by people or peacefully alone.   Author Bio

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

Sign up for Poppy's THRIVE newsletter at: http://www.poppysmith.com/newsletters.htm

Guest Article by Dr. Charles Page- He Sees You When You're Sleeping

He Sees You When You’re Sleepin’... By Dr. Charles W. Page   Do you recall trying to sleep on Christmas Eve while waiting for Santa to come to town? The anticipation of Saint Nicolas and all his goodies was just too much—who could sleep? The lyrics of Santa Claus is Coming to Town taunted me. “He sees you when you’re sleeping—he knows when you’re awake…” I tossed and turned trying to fall asleep, fearful I’d miss out on Santa’s visit if he caught me awake. I never doubted Santa’s ability to be aware of my wakefulness. Unfortunately, as adults, the issues that keep us awake during the Christmas season are more complicated than those we experienced as kids. Financial burdens, strained relationships, difficult decisions, brooding regrets and fretful thoughts race through our minds and hinder our rest. There is someone who “sees you when you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake.” It’s not Santa Claus. The Bible reminds us, God’s eyes never close. Perhaps this truth can tuck us in for the night.     “He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:3-4)    We erroneously think that as we “turn in” that God somehow “turns off” or moves on to do more important things. But God doesn’t wait for us to wake up before He returns to work. God is just as active during our sleep—or sleeplessness. Believers can rest assured knowing God is awake guarding our lives. What does God do as we slumber? Psalm 127:1-2 reminds us that God gives to those that He loves as they sleep. What does God give? Understanding God’s generous nature, one rendering would be that God gives to the believer whatever is needed at the time. God can give you wisdom and direction with decisions as you “sleep on it” overnight (Psalm 16:7, James 1:5). Maybe there is a financial need. The scriptures are filled with examples of how God provided for the physical needs of those He loved as they rested (I Kings 19:1-8; Exodus 16:1-8). God’s gifts are good, perfect (James 1:17), eternal (Ephesians 1:3) and purposeful (Galatians 5:22-25). They do not require batteries, warranties and cannot be purchased in stores. But they are available 24/7/365—not limited to one night each year. God’s greatest gift did not arrive under a tree but on a tree (John 3:16). “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32) It’s plain to see, God has our back as we sleep. Try this Christmas recipe for rest.   Repent—in areas where we are aware of our transgressions. “A clean conscience makes a soft pillow.” Release—control of problems you’re facing and give them over to God. Relate—connect with God through prayer and meditation while in bed. Rest—allow God to do what you cannot do for yourself as you sleep. Receive—God’s unmerited forgiveness, grace and blessings while you sleep. An English proverb reminds us, “As you make your bed so you must lie in it.” The truth of God’s Word helps us face our situations. Although we cannot change the failures of our past, we can rest with a clean conscience based on God’s gift of forgiveness. Our current circumstances may appear overwhelming, but God gives His presence and His guidance in our hour of need. Our future is secure and hopeful when God’s greatest gift—His Son—is kept in view. A life supported by a vibrant, healthy relationship with the Shepherd of Sleep makes the most comfortable mattress. In childlike faith learn to trust Him as you lie down to sleep and remember: “He sees you when you’re sleeping.”   Author Bio

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

Surrendered Sleep A Biblical Perspective by Dr. Charles W. Page   PUBLISHER: Camino Real Publishers ISBN-10: 0983138109 ISBN-13: 978-0983138105 PRICE: Paperback: $14.95; Ebook: $10.95   Available at: Amazon Surrendered Sleep

Review of This is Your Brain in Love

This is Your Brain in Love by Dr. Earl Henslin

This book is a totally different way at looking at how we love others, and what kind of lover we are. Using a brain tests and research (SPECT brain-scan research by Dr. Daniel G. Amen), Dr. Henslin gives a different take on how our brain reacts to being in love, being compared to what it might be like to be on drugs. There are tests included in the book so that you can figure out if you a Scattered Lover, an Over-focused Lover, Blue Mood Lover, Agitated Lover, or Anxious Lover. Dr. Henslin even offers ways to help you to try and learn better ways to deal with whatever type of lover you are and resources to improve your marriage and love life.

One of my favorite parts of book is a story about a daughter and mother who were having issues since the husband had passed away and the mother remarried. The way the mother had described why she had remarried “God designed us to couple. We are here to couple and partner on this earth.” I love this description because it is how I feel about the relationship between a man and women. I also love the theory of soul care. “To care for my own soul means to take responsibility for all of who I am.” How awesome is that.

I really enjoyed the new take on looking at how our brain helps us to understand loving others. Being from a psychology background helped to enjoy the book all the more, and with my re-dedication to my Christian beliefs, I plan to use the book long term to help grow and strengthen my marriage.

BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for me to review.

Wanna read through the Bible in 90 Days in the new year with me?

Have you ever wanted to read through the Bible? The WHOLE Bible? I know it was something that I had always wanted to do. I had made my first attempt in January 2010, but that didn't go well. The stress of an infant and a husband gone didn't get me a lot of time for me. My second attempt was this summer/fall. I was so gun-ho about it, I couldn't wait, this was going to be it. I started on July 11 with Mom's Toolbox and the others who were joining her. There were many obstacles that presented themselves during my journey (illness of both myself and my son, hub's car accidents and underways, a hurricane and the evacuation, etc) but I didn't let them stop me. I'm sure I would have finished sooner than I did if things hadn't happened, but I still finished in 85 days (you can read about it here). And I'm a changed person because of it. So many stories that I had heard growing up, now I can actually say them and know them better because I've read them.

With all that being said, I really want to help others read through the Bible in 90 days. So starting February 6, 2012 (I'm not starting at the first of the year because I have too much to deal with and I want to be there for my readers) I'll be hosting my own Bible in 90 days challenge, with the help and resources from Mom's Toolbox of course. She has helped so many people read through the Bible that she wants to help others help others (yep that's typed right) read through the Bible and is hoping for just as much success when she hosts the challenge. So if you are ready to finally read through the Bible (or read again) join me starting February 6 and read the Bible in 90 days.

I'll be posting lots of the resources that Mom's Toolbox has used, and I'll be checking in with everyone regularly to make sure that you are progressing through your reading. I'll be on Twitter (@Sailorsprincess) tweeting with those that use Twitter with #B90days hashtag and prolly something just for us, and I am going to create a Facebook group so that we can keep in touch along with posting on the blog here. So I hope that you'll consider joining me along a wonderful journey in reading the Greatest Book Ever Written. Please leave a comment here if you are going to join me. I'll be posting more information as we get closer to the start. If the start date doesn't work for you, check out Mom's Toolbox for other bloggers that will be leading their own challenge.

Here is a Google Doc so that if you are interested in participating you can leave me your informaiton. Looking forward to helping people read through the Bible in 90 Days.

Send a Little You to Someone New by Cardstore

Have you ever wanted to send someone you didn't know a card to spread some cheer? Well Cardstore has a new program that allows you to do just that. Check out their Facebook page and this blog here about how to spread some cheer.

Why not spread holiday happiness beyond the confines of your mailing list?
Cardstore.com is excited to announce the Send a Little You to Someone New program. By simply visiting our Facebook page and signing up, you can send holiday greetings across the country and make the day of someone you’ve never even met! Even better? You’ll receive a card in return! What could be better than that? All compliments of Cardstore.com! (Think this can’t be topped? Sign up and see what’s delivered to your inbox!)

IdentityHawk: protection to keep your indentity safe.

Have you ever been a victim of Identity theft? Both my husband and I have, and it's not been a fun time. It wasn't too serious; his was someone getting his debit card info and using the info in another state (that he'd never been to) and purchasing lots of stuff. But it was refunded quickly. Mine, well I clicked on a link that said it was from my bank, and well then someone bought a couple of plane tickets to Peru.There are so many other types of Identity theft/fraud. 

 

There are many different ways available for you to keep yourself and your identity safe. IdentityHawk is one such site that is out there to help you with your identity theft protection. Right now they are offering a free 30 day trial so you can see if IdentityHawk is right for you. IdentityHawk was created to help consumers safeguard their assets, their properties, and their good names. Through our suite of protective benefits, IdentityHawk members can view the health of their identity protection, identify areas where they're most at risk, and take proactive steps to reduce those risks. Anyone can be a victim at any time, and they may not know it till it’s too late. Be proactive about your identity so that you don’t have to spend your hard earned money to clean up a mess and try to get back your good credit, etc.

Guest Post by Linda Rondeau- Close Encounters of the Moose Kind

Close Encounters of the Moose Kind By Linda Rondeau I gasped as the gigantic mound stepped from the woods into our path, heads taller than our compact car. My husband swerved and we missed the animal by inches. “Was that a moose?” my husband asked. I laughed. “What’s so funny?” “My heroine’s life is changed when she runs into a moose.” We both giggled over God’s sense of humor. That we found ourselves on the back roads of Franklin County at four in the morning was in and of itself God’s doing. I hadn’t planned on attending the ACFW Writers Conference in Minneapolis. “If I final in the contest then I’ll go,” I told my husband. I did final, and my words haunted me.  And so once again God changed my plans to fit into His. In rural upstate New York, flight connections often require a pre-dawn departure, and we had taken the country road to save time. I shared my moose tale with a writer friend who laughed her prophecy. “That moose was a smile from God. He has plans for this manuscript.” As time went on, God continued to smile affirmation after affirmation even through a dramatic relocation to Florida. Then, eleven years from the day that I felt God’s call to write professionally, my agent called with the news—a publisher had offered a contract. “It’s for Dawn’s Hope, but the editor wants to change the title to The Other Side of Darkness,” she said. I did agree the alternate title sounded better and trusted the editor’s choice. Yet, it wasn’t until later that God revealed His hand had been in the making of the book long before the first words were typed, long before I imagined my character’s accident, long before He sent a moose to confirm He would soon fulfill a promise made to me over a decade ago.  During a speaking engagement at a local women’s meeting, I shared my journey from call to call, reading a poem I wrote that very day God pulled me from one life to set me on another, one undefined and uncertain. I had obeyed His leading and He immediately gave me a poem, “The Song of Peace.” As I shared the poem with the women’s group, my eyes misted when I read the line, “Praise the Lord when Hope seems foolish…There is light on the other side of darkness.” Could it be that even then, God was smiling on a book not yet imagined? I believe He did. Author Bio

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

The Other Side of Darkness by Linda Rondeau PUBLISHER: Harbourlight Books ISBN-10: 161116138X ISBN-13: 978-1611161380 PRICE: Paperback: $16.99, Kindle: $5.99 Available at: Pelican Book Group Amazon

"Close Encounters of the Moose Kind" is loaded at docstoc.com. If for some reason you have difficulty copying or downloading the article, we will be glad to email the article in .pdf or .doc format. Russ@kathycarltonwillis.com This article content is provided free of charge by the author through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. You are welcome to place this article on your site or in your publication as long as 1) it’s used in its entirety, 2) the full bio is also used, and 3) you notify KCWC. All other standard copyrights apply.