Tuesday, February 9, 2010 Blog Tour: Love and War
Summary:
What the Eldredge bestsellers Wild at Heart did for men, and Captivating did for women, LOVE & WAR will do for married couples everywhere. John and Stasi Eldredge have contributed the quintessential works on Christian spirituality through the experience of men and the experience of women and now they turn their focus to the incredible dynamic between those two forces.
With refreshing openness that will grab readers from the first page, the Eldredges candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the challenges they faced. Each talks independently to the reader about what they’ve learned, giving their guidance personal immediacy and a balance between the male and female perspectives that has been absent from all previous books on this topic. They begin LOVE & WAR with an obvious but necessary acknowledgement: Marriage is fabulously hard. They advise that the sooner we get the shame and confusion off our backs, the sooner we'll find our way through.
LOVE & WAR shows couples how to fight for their love and happiness, calling men and women to step into the great adventure God has waiting for them together. Walking alongside John and Stasi Eldredge, every couple can discover how their individual journeys are growing into a story of meaning much greater than anything they could do or be on their own.
My Review:
The theme of this book is "We live in a love story, set in the midst of war." Your spouse is not your enemy. Satan is; he wants to destroy this beautiful union between husband and wife because he knows that together they are powerful warriors making an impact for God's kingdom. The authors invite us to fight for a marriage that not only lasts a lifetime through storms and all but also is love-driven. Love like God does...like God is. The authors share with transparency from their own struggles in their marriage and lessons they have learned. I enjoyed getting insights from both a male perspective and a female perspective. This book will help you remember that you and your spouse are in this together for a mission and adventure that God has planned for both of you. Whatever the cost is, it is definitely worth fighting for! If you're looking for a Valentine's gift for your spouse, I recommend this book which will enrich your marriage and deepen your intimacy. Christ-centered marriages are the best marriages!
~This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah. |
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Thursday, February 4, 2010 Blog Tour: The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher
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ABOUT THE BOOK!
One moment, Carrie Weaver is planning to elope with Lancaster Barnstormer Solomon Riehl, leaving their Amish community behind. The next, she is staring into a future as broken as her heart. Now Carrie faces a choice. An opportunity. But will this decision, this moment in time, change her life forever? "Fisher kicks off a refreshing new series, Lancaster County Secrets, with characters that are strong, both in body and spirit. They also have weaknesses that develop into strengths with the choices they make."
4 stars, Romantic Times
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne is a wife and mom, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and an author of Christian books, both non-fiction and fiction.
Her relatives on her mother's side are Old Order German Baptist Brethren, also known as Dunkards. That's where her interest in Anabaptist traditions began. Suzanne's grandfather was born into a family of 13 children, started his career as a teacher in a one-room school house in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and ended it as one of the very first publishers of Christianity Today. "We called him "Deardad" even though he was a very stern fellow. Still, Deardad's life inspired me to write."
After college, Suzanne was a freelance writer for magazines and became a contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today. Her work has been featured in Today's Christian Woman, Marriage Partnership, Worldwide Challenge, among others. She took the plunge into books a few years ago and now she's hooked. To learn more about Suzanne, visit her website at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
Review: It was an interesting and enjoyable read. It is quite sad in parts but perhaps that leaves the most lasting impression. Don’t keep secrets. Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. It will save you a lot of heartache. The Choice showed that God is a God of love. I think a lot of Amish miss that. It’s nice to see that the author doesn’t try to portray that all the Amish ways are perfect-though they are still lauded in many ways throughout the book. Forgiveness also plays a key role in the plot and is always a good lesson to learn. Except for one notable exception, the plot was pretty predicable-which is not necessarily a bad thing. The Choice is a good book choice if you ask me :).
CONTEST
Enter to win a signed copy of the book! Tweet this: Psst... pass it on! Join @suzannewfisher for a Book Bomb & Author Talk! Details here http://ow.ly/W84r #thechoice
~This book is provided for review by Litfuse. To read other reviews for this blog tour, visit here. |
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Tuesday, February 2, 2010 Review: No Room At the Inn
Produced by Hungry Planet Media and Tyndale
List Price: $14.99
ISBN: 978-1-4143-3572-8
1 CD + 1 DVD
No Room at the Inn is part of The Hungry Planet Bible Project. No Room at the Inn is a multimedia experience that will help readers prepare their hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ. Through compelling stories, Scripture readings, and application, readers will learn what it means to “love your neighbor.” But what is The Hungry Planet Bible Project? The Hungry Planet Bible Project is raising awareness of the plight of the homeless and hungry. It will mobilize the church into action on behalf of the poor. The Hungry Planet Bible Project is traveling 10,000 miles across America to dozens of cities and rural communities, giving a face and a voice to the hungry and homeless. Using cutting-edge interactive multimedia, the experience they bring utilizes video, audio, print, photography, an interactive travelogue, social networking, forums, prayer walls, and donation sites to inspire us to put our faith into action on behalf of the poor. Along with their recitation of Scripture, the homeless and hungry will bless and teach us through their emotional stories of failure, life, and faith. This major initiative brings together retailers, churches, the media, food pantries, homeless shelters, and other organizations to help us as Christians achieve the ministry goals God has laid on our hearts.
My Review: I am very pleased with the Hungry Planet Bible Project which tries to help people see the desperate need of the hungry and the homeless by letting them share their stories. On this DVD, No Room At the Inn, you will get to hear how each of the homeless families journeyed from hopelessness to hope (found in Christ, our Savior). In addition, you will hear the Christmas story from Luke 1-2:20 read by these families (both on the DVD and the CD). The DVD-ROM also includes eight steps to coordinating a food drive in your church, small group Bible study guide (2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15), United States hunger and homelessness statistics, and practical ideas for reaching out to the hungry and homeless in your area. I would like to add another idea that they didn't mention: Giving out Gospel tracts, Bibles, along with dry food (fast food restaurants' gift cards work well, too) and water bottles to homeless people on the streets you meet (it's good to always have these items stored in your vehicles). I highly recommend this wonderful multimedia resource that helps a great cause. Remember that all are precious in God's sight. The hungry and homeless need food, shelter, and the Savior. What do you do to share Christ's love with them?
~This product is provided for review by Tyndale House Publishers. |
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010 Healthy Breakfast
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General Mills announced a commitment to further reduce sugar in cereals advertised to kids under 12 to single digit grams of sugar per serving. The company has already been reducing sugar in cereals while increasing key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, and providing whole grain.
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Did you know that ready-to-eat cereal eaters consume less fat, less cholesterol and more fiber than non-cereal eaters? Cereals also deliver important vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients, making cereal a top source of key nutrients in children´s diets.
Other cereal benefits:
- Ready-to-eat cereals, including presweetened cereals, account for only 5% of sugar in children´s diets.
- Ready-to-eat cereal is the No. 1 source of whole grains in a child´s diet today.
- More frequent cereal eaters tend to have healthier body weights and lower Body Mass Index measures.
Studies also demonstrate the benefits of eating breakfast. A 1998 study showed that children who eat breakfast tend to perform better at school. Compared to children who skip breakfast, children who eat breakfast score higher on tests, are less likely to miss class or be tardy, have fewer reported discipline problems, and make fewer trips to the office.
For more information about kids and cereals, please visit Cereal Health and Wellness.
Right now if you visit here you will find a $1 off coupon for one of four General Mills cereals.
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Thanks to MyBlogSpark, I received 4 coupons for 4 boxes of General Mills cereal. We used them to get 4 boxes of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day; therefore, we strive to provide healthy breakfasts for our children. Cereal is usually a good source of calcium and vitamin D and other vitamins & minerals. By the way, we enjoy Cinnamon Toast Crunch any time of the day :).
~The information (above my opinion) and free cereal coupons were all provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark. |
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Tuesday, January 5, 2010 Book Review and Giveaway: The One Day Way
| Did you make a resolution to lose weight and get healthy in 2010? If yes, this book is for you.
Author Chantel Hobbs breaks the chains of past diet debacles and frees readers from unrealistic goals. She teaches daily fitness tasks that develop into lasting habits. By focusing energy and attention on doing the right things every day, she frees readers to achieve their weight-loss goals one day at a time.
"I’ve got great news for you: You are about to feel better and look better beginning today! Today is truly a new opportunity for you to reach your weight loss goals. No, you won’t fit into your “skinny jeans” today, but I’m going to show you how each day will get you closer to that goal.
Yesterday’s mistakes are gone so let them go. You can’t control tomorrow, so stop worrying about it. Today is your opportunity to lose weight, get strong, and look great. It won’t happen overnight, but you can build a new life by changing your actions immediately and I’m here to show you how to make the changes that will create the new lifestyle you dream of: body, mind, and spirit. Best of all, you will start celebrating right away!
Come on, my friend. Let’s get started! By opening this book, I’ll show you how to unlock every tool you need to lose weight and get fit —and stay that way for the rest of your life. Success can be yours, what are you waiting for?" ~Chantel (quote from the book's back jacket)
Book :The One-Day Way
Author: Chantel Hobbs
Summary
The One-Day Way produces lasting results by taking you back to basics. No more complicated weight-loss strategies. No more expensive diet plans that achieve only temporary results. Instead, you will lose weight and get fit with Chantel Hobbs’s simple, high-energy meal plans and her at-home program for cardio exercise and strength training. She will teach you how to change the way you think, which leads to new actions. Before you know it you will be strong, fit, and healthy. All it takes is doing things differently for twenty-four hours—and then repeating it.
The One-Day Way gives you everything you need to lose weight and get fit in body, mind, and spirit:
- Break free from past dieting defeats
- Learn a realistic, life-changing way to measure success
- Change the way you think so you can change your life
- Translate your dreams into goals, and your goals into lasting achievements
- Get strong with thirty-one simple exercises, no fancy equipment required
- Take advantage of ten ways to eat better while you lose weight
By focusing on food, faith, and fitness, Chantel shows you not only how to lose weight, but how to build the new life you were designed to live. You don’t have to wait any longer. The One-Day Way gives you all the tools for success, starting right now.
Author Bio:
The author of Never Say Diet and The Never Say Diet Personal Fitness Trainer, Chantel Hobbs is a motivational speaker, life coach, personal trainer, marathon runner, wife, and mother of four whose story has been featured on Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, the 700 Club, and the covers of People and First magazines. She appears weekly on two fitness-themed radio programs and promotes her One-Day Way Learning System on television. Visit Chantel at ChantelHobbs.com for fitness updates and coaching tips.
My Review:
"Today is all the time you need to lose all the weight you want," the author, Chantel Hobbs, believes. She herself lost 200 pounds and became a life coach, personal trainer, and marathon runner because she decided to change her lifestyle. The key to changing your lifestyle is to change your way of thinking. She offers a simple and encouraging concept: taking it one day at a time. It reminds me of "Baby Steps" from the movie, What About Bob? Hobbs tries to help readers not to feel overwhelmed or fearful or discouraged about losing weight. She emphasizes one bite-size success that will lead to more victories. In this book, you will find samples of personal success stories, practical guidelines, insights regarding food, faith, & fitness, meal-plan examples, 31 strength-training excercises using one ball and one band, and more. In my opinion, it all boils down to your determination, self-control, and commitment. Without these three things on your side, no books/weight loss programs will be able to help you.
Giveaway: I have a copy of this book to giveaway. Please make sure you leave your email address or your blog address so that I can contact you if you're chosen (randomly) as a winner. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will be closed on January 15th at midnight (Pacific time).
To enter: Leave a comment here sharing one challenge you face if you're trying to lose weight and/or stay fit; sharing one advice if you have succeeded in weight loss and fitness.
For extra entries: 1. Post about this giveaway on your blog and link to this post. Please leave your post's link as a separate comment.
2. Announce this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter. Please leave a separate comment letting me know.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Update: This giveaway is now closed. The winner (randomly chosen) is April McGowan. Congratulations! |
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Tuesday, December 22, 2009 Blog Tour: Primal
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Summary:
We have a tendency to complicate Christianity. Jesus simplified it: Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. If we are to live out the essence of Christianity, we must commit to being great at this Great Commandment.
In Primal, Mark Batterson explores the four elements of Great Commandment Christianity: compassion, wonder, curiosity, and power. Along the way, he calls you to be a part of God’s reformation, starting in your own life.
As Mark writes, “Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you? A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God? Maybe it was a sermon that became more than a sermon. Maybe it was a mission trip or retreat. Maybe it was a vow you made at an altar. In that moment, God birthed something supernatural in your spirit. You knew you’d never be the same again. My prayer is that this book would take you back to that burning bush—and reignite a primal faith.”
Primal will help you live in light of what matters most and discover what it means to love God. It will help you become great at the Great Commandment.
Author Bio:
The author of Wild Goose Chase and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington , D.C. One church with nine services in five locations, NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the D.C. area. Mark has two Masters degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago . He and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children. www.markbatterson.com
My Review: This book is simple, yet profound. The author takes us back to the basic, yet underestimated command from the Lord. After all, it is indeed the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38)! Have you ever taken the time to ponder what it really means to love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength? This book will help you do just that. Our family is missions-minded so I am glad to see the author is, too :). I also appreciate Mr. Batterson's childlike faith that delights in God alone. The whole Christianity boils down to one primal thing: Amo Dei = Love God! "Everything minus God equals nothing. God plus nothing equals everything. At the end of the day, all that matters is God." (p.165) God is enough. Not God and job. Not God and house. Not God and ministry. Not even God and family. Just God!
~This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah. |
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Monday, December 14, 2009 Book Review and Giveaway: 40 Loaves
Update: This giveaway is now closed. The winner (randomly chosen) is Elizabeth. Congratulations!
Book: 40 Loaves: Breaking Bread with Our Father Each Day
Author: C.D. Baker
Summary:
Why don’t I have more faith?
Why does God seem silent in my life?
Why don't I feel safe at church?
These are the types of questions the religious establishment often makes it uncomfortable, if not impossible, to ask. And by asking them, C. David Baker, author of 40 Loaves: Breaking Bread with Our Father Each Day hopes to start a conversation in people’s hearts, then with others, and ultimately with God. Many circles of Christianity have led us to believe that certainty and confidence are the proof of true spirituality; questions are discouraged.
But Jesus offered His followers an ongoing conversation—a relationship built around a free, open-ended discussion. Questions were encouraged. They were often impertinent, sometimes alarming, and the religious establishment was distinctly uncomfortable with them … just as it is today.
“40 Loaves is something of a collection of the kinds of questions I felt finally free to ask of myself and of my relationship with Christ,” says Baker. “It’s my belief that these questions are shared by many others who long for the freedom to simply ask them out loud. I hope this book becomes a platform that frees others to search their hearts more deeply and be fed with the Bread of life.”
Each “loaf” here is a big question that stimulates discussion, investigation, and contemplation; it will take hours—or days—to digest. Conversational, inviting, disarming, and real, 40 Loaves nourishes self-examination and offers validation for those who feel discouraged, guilty, or even shamed when the realities of their lives don’t match up with the ideals of the Christian establishment.
Author Bio:
C. David Baker founded an award-winning business before redirecting his career to write full-time from his small farm in Bucks County , Pennsylvania . He is the author of eight books, including six novels, one of which was nominated for a Christy Award. He has contributed articles to the Christian History Institute’s international publication Glimpses, and to Christian Singles magazine. Baker has a Master’s degree in theological studies from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland .
My Review: I like asking questions. I encourage my kids to ask questions. Questions lead us to search for answers and dig deep for understanding. This book addresses 40 questions that some Christians may be struggling with. I truly appreciate Mr. Baker's transparency, humility, & honesty and his reliance on the Scriptures for answers. Each question in the book will help draw you closer to God and His Word. Each "loaf" ends with food for thought and a prayer. This book is definitely delicious and healthy to feast upon!
Giveaway: You can win a copy of 40 Loaves: Breaking Bread with Our Father Each Day. The deadline is Dec. 20th at midnight (Pacific time). One winner will be randomly chosen.
To enter: Leave a comment here sharing one question you're afraid to ask God or one question you think should be addressed in this book or future book.
For extra entries:
- Visit http://bornagainandblessed.blogspot.com/ , pick a post to read, and leave a comment there (include the word 40 Loaves).
- Watch this video made by my 16 year old daughter and come back to leave a comment here.
- Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment here with the link to your post.
Note: Remember to leave your email address or your blog address so that I can contact you if you win.
~This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. |
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Monday, December 7, 2009 Blog Tour: The Value Gifts
99 Ways to Build Job Security (ISBN-13:978-0-307-45840-7) by Gary Nowinski, veteran in corporate management and downsizing. Introduces key strategies to help employees keep their jobs during economic cutbacks.
My review: This is a great little book that is very helpful for anybody who has a job or is looking for a job. The 99 ways are fit into 7 chapters/topics which are: Behavior and Attitude, Education and Training, Communication, Appearance and Grooming, Soft Skills, Improving Presentation Skills, and Thoughts and Actions to Avoid. I am pleased to see that each chapter begins with a Bible verse and each chapter ends with a summary which helps us remember what we just read :). The author offers valuable advice and insights that are in line with the Scripture. I plan to give this book as a gift to my brother.
The Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group introduces 99…times six…practical and up-to-date ways to help families flourish despite present economic challenges, priced at just $5.99 per book (WaterBrook Press, July 21, 2009). These books are not only timely, but also inexpensive enough to fit into everyone’s tightening budget. Other titles in this series include:
99 Ways to Entertain Your Family for Free
99 Ways to Stretch Your Home Budget
99 Ways to Increase Your Income
99 Ways to Fight Worry and Stress
99 Bible Promises for Tough Times.
Written for families and individuals who are hoping to not only survive but thrive, during tough times. These value-packed, applicable resources offer relevant and reliable insights to endure the current economic downturn, and are sure to appeal to families in all stages of life.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------Just because the economy is suffering doesn’t mean relationships have to suffer, too. The Value Non-Fiction Line (September 15, 2009) offers insightful books on love, marriage, relationships and personal growth. At just $6.99, WaterBrook Press is offering readers on the most limited budgets, valuable resources to help them grow and succeed in their personal lives. Titles include: More Than A Match, Fool Proofing Your Life, How to Acts Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong, and What Women Don't Know and Men Don't Tell You.
 What Women Don’t Know and Men Don’t Tell You (ISBN: 978-0-307-45850-6)
by Michelle McKinney Hammond, best-selling author, speaker, singer and co-host, with Joel A. Brooks, Jr., senior pastor of Christian Life Center, clears up misperceptions, providing women with the information they need to succeed in a lasting male-female relationship, both while waiting and after the wait is over.
My Review: I would recommend this book to any single woman. The authors share 14 rules of finding lasting love. These rules are wise, healthy, practical, important, and supported by Biblical principles. I like the fact that the authors make sure women realize that they can only be whole/complete/fulfilled by God alone, not any man or any relationship. The authors also encourage women to wait for God's best, not to settle for less. At the end of each chapter, you will find questions that help you think and hopefully, apply what you learn.
Both books were provided for review by WaterBrookMultnomah. |
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009 Blog Tour: Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana
ABOUT THE BOOK!
In 1890, Julia Cavanaugh travels west from New York City to unite orphans in her care with new families.
Imagine her horror when she discovers that she's to be "delivered," too--as bride to an uncouth miner! But with no return fare, Julia's options are bleak.
What does God have planned for her on the lonesome prairies of Montana?
Read more!
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Tricia Goyer is the author of several books, including Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights, both past winners of the ACFW's Book of the Year Award for Long Historical Romance. Goyer lives with her family in Montana. To find out more visit her website: www.triciagoyer.com
Ocieanna Fleiss is a published writer and has edited six of Tricia Goyer's historical novels. She lives with her husband and their four children in the Seattle area. Connect with Ocieanna on Facebook!
My Review: This book is entertaining and well-written. It is interesting to see things from both the young man’s point of view and the young woman’s. Women had to be strong on the prairie but they did not have to lose their feminine loveliness. I am glad that the authors did not try to portray the women as tomboys or feminists but as women who were strong in the Lord! I like that children (both biological and adopted) were shown as a blessing. All in all it was a sweet book...the kind that makes you contentedly sigh after reading the last page :).
BUY THE BOOK!
http://www.triciagoyer.com/store.html?n=1
CONTEST
The authors, Tricia and Ocieanna, have put together one humdinger of a contest for this blog tour! Enter the Fall in Love With Lonesome Prairie Contest and WIN a perty Montana Gift Basket!
To enter, simply fill out the entry form (http://www.triciagoyer.com/contest.html ), (then tell 5 or more friends about the contest)! The winner will be announced December 14th, just in time for an old-fashioned Montana Christmas. Giddy-up!
The Winner of our ‘Fall in Love with Lonesome Prairie’ giveaway will receive a fantastic Montana Gift Basket, including:
*Winter fleece throw
*Huckleberry chocolate bar
*Paula Dean candle
*Burt’s Bees gift set
*Wild Huckleberry taffy
*Montana stationary notebook
*Montana greeting card set
*Montana ball cap
*Montana apron
*Montana refrigerator magnet
*Charlie Russell 2010 Montana Calendar
~This book was provided for review by the Litfuse Publicity Group.
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Tuesday, December 1, 2009 Blog Tour: Pearl Girls
 Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, compiled by Margaret McSweeney
About the book (Words from Margaret McSweeney):
With His love and grace, God covered the unexpected pain in my life of becoming an adult orphan and transformed this pain into a pearl. We are all Pearl Girls. Each of us has been touched by God's gift of love and grace, and it's a gift that I want to share with others. That's why I am launching Pearl Girls.
Actually, my very first gift from my parents was a pearl. The gift of my name. Margaret means "precious pearl." So perhaps this is what I was always supposed to do. My heart's prayer is that Pearl Girls will be a blessing to others - to the women who contribute their literary talent to the Pearl Girls projects; to the readers who are inspired and comforted by the life experiences shared through these projects and to the women and children who will benefit from the proceeds given by Pearl Girls to various charities. This is a win-win for everyone, and each of us has a special part in making the Pearl Girls projects "blessed sellers."
After the first Pearl Girls tea in Atlanta, I went to my brother, Claude's home to help sort through our parents' boxes in his basement. It was an emotional experience and tedious process to discover what was in each box, to decide what to do with each item and to discard those belongings which we needed to let go. After several long hours of sorting, I received an incredible hug from heaven - a confirmation that Pearl Girls is something that is meant to be. I discovered a three strand necklace of painted pearls belonging to my grandmother from the early 1900s! Isn't that amazing?
Excerpt: http://www.mpnewsroom.com/images/excerpt/PearlGirls.pdf
Note: Please turn off my music playlist on my sidebar before starting the video.
Pearl Girls from Michael J Garvey on Vimeo.
It’s about Connecting Hearts and Souls to Impact the World.
Margaret McSweeney doesn’t keep a penny of any proceeds. 100% of the royalties go directly to two charities:
WINGS (women in need growing stronger). The proceeds will help fund a Safe House in the Chicago suburbs. It costs $50 a night to provide safe shelter for a woman and her children. During this economy, WINGS is receiving even more phone calls for a safe place to stay. Already, the Pearl Girls have provided 60 nights with the advance royalties. www.wingsprogram.com
Hands of Hope. The proceeds will help build wells in Uganda for school children. Can you imagine a child at school without a water fountain in the hallway where he or she can grab a quick sip of water in between classes on a hot day? These children have to drink from puddles and other water sources which carry diseases and parasites. It costs $12,000 to build a well in Uganda. Already, the Pearl Girls have provided funds to build ¼ of a well. www.handsofhopeonline.org
My Review: I have always loved movies based on a true story, biographies, and autobiographies. I really believe real lives are more interesting than fiction. Pearl Girls confirms that. God is the God of transformation (Romans 8:28). Women from different backgrounds share in this book how God turned their pain, suffering, and trials into beautiful pearls...blessings to the world. I truly enjoyed reading all the essays and find them encouraging and inspiring. If you are facing challenges and are discouraged, please read this book ; you'll realize that you're not alone. God loves you just as much as He loves all these pearl girls. In Christ, we will always find hope and strength; His grace is always sufficient for us no matter what we're going through. I am so pleased to see that 100% of the royalties go directly to the two charities. Can you tell I love this book :)?
Spread the Word about Post-a-Pearl!
Inspired by the many women who opened their lives and shared their stories in Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, we have created sister site, Post-a-Pearl. A place to continue the connection and encouragement the book began. I hope you will take the opportunity to connect through the Post-a-Pearl site. Please post your own Pearl story and reach out to share your own story with others. Collaborating is an important purpose of Pearl Girls. We connect to make a difference in the world.
You can find all the info and instructions on the website. http://postapearlgirl.margaretmcsweeney.com/
~This book was provided for review by Litfuse Publicity Group. |
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Monday, November 30, 2009 Blog Tour: Treasured/ God Gave Us Love/ God Gave Us Christmas
 Summary: In Treasured, Leigh McLeroy considers tangible reminders of God’s active presence and guides readers in discovering evidence in their own lives of His attentive love.
“The idea for the book came from a cigar box filled with odds and ends of my grandfather’s life that arrived a few months after his death. Sifting through the objects in the box, I experienced him in a fresh new way. This made me wonder what treasures might be tucked away in Scripture that could frame God for me in an equally intimate, tangible way. This process also helped me uncover my own “treasures” of my walk with the Lord: objects that remind me of my history with Him and His faithfulness to me,” says McLeroy.
Drawn from the pages of Scripture, the author considers twelve such treasures and personalizes their meaning for readers, such as a green olive branch that offers proof of God’s “new every morning” mercy and a scarlet cord that demonstrates His willingness to adopt “strays” of every sort.
Weaving these treasures together with scenes from her personal history, Leigh McLeroy invites readers to discover God’s heart for them and embrace their unique role in His redemptive story. Treasured offers readers a guided experience of God’s love and character and invites them to consider their own treasures that point to their part in God’s ongoing story.
Author's Bio: Leigh McLeroy is the author of The Beautiful Ache and The Sacred Ordinary. An avid collector and recorder of everyday moments, words, and wonders, Leigh’s keen eye for God’s presence in ordinary life infuses her writing and living with a deep, insistent joy. A frequent conference and event speaker, the author makes her home in Houston , Texas , and posts often on www.leighmcleroy.com and www.wednesdaywords.com.
My Review: I enjoyed discovering each treasure described in this book which points to God's character such as The God Who Covers Me, The God Who Provides, The God Who Includes, The God Who Speaks, etc. I appreciate the author's transparency and passion for God and His Word. I can relate to her because I, too, have collected objects and recorded words (poems, journals, blogs) that remind me of God's love, grace, mercy, provision, protection, and faithfulness. God told the Israelites many times not to forget what He has done and they were to tell their children and grandchildren of God's miraculous and marvelous deeds. Likewise, it is important for us to never forget what He has done in our lives. Different "treasures" collected along our life's journey can help us remember and help us tell the generations after us the story (God's story) that goes with each one of them. Ultimately, after reading this book, you will realize (if you haven't already) that you are truly treasured by God! This book also includes guide for personal reflection and group discussion. Treasured is quite a treasure in itself :).
 Summary: In God Gave Us Love, Little Cub and Grampa Bear’s fishing adventure is interrupted by mischievous otters, and the young polar bear begins to ask questions like why must we love others . . . even the seemingly unlovable? Why is it easier to love those we like? Where does love come from? And why does God love her so much?
Grampa Bear patiently addresses each one of Little Cub’s curiosities by explaining the different kinds of love we can share: the love between friends, the love between families, the love between moms and dads, and the love for God.
He also assured Little Cub that because of the love God has given her through his Son, there’s nothing she can do to make God love her any more or any less. Through Grampa Bear’s encouraging Little Cub to love others with a “God-sized love,” children will be inspired to love others and to be patient, gentle and kind, so that in every way, they too can demonstrate God’s love.
Author's Bio: Lisa Tawn Bergren is the award-winning author of nearly thirty titles, totaling more than 1.5 million books in print. She writes in a broad range of genres, from adult fiction to devotional. God Gave Us Love follows in Lisa’s classic tradition of the best-selling God Gave Us You. She lives in Colorado , with her husband, Tim, and their children, Olivia, Emma, and Jack.
My Review: God Gave Us Love is a lovely book. Grampa Bear lovingly explains to Little Cub about different kinds of love in a way that is easy for kids to understand. I like the story and the beautiful illustrations. I'm glad Grampa teaches Little Cub that God is the One who gives us love. He also encourages Little Cub to choose to love others even when he doesn't feel like loving them and to trust (have faith) that God is always with us even though we can't see/touch/feel Him. Grampa points out that God shows us His love in many ways; you have to read the book to find out the different ways. This book will interest your little ones who are often curious and like to ask questions like Little Cub and help them embrace God's love. Throughout the book, Little Cub calls his grandfather "Grampa" except on one page he calls him "Grandpa" (a little oversight :)). Nevertheless, this is a sweet book for you to cuddle and read with your little cubs.
 Summary: In God Gave Us Christmas, as Little Cub and her family prepare to celebrate the most special day of the year, the curious young polar bear has something on her mind: “Who invented Christmas?” she asks. “Is God more important than Santa?”
Her questions reflect the confusion of so many children during the holiday season. And this heartwarming story takes them on a wonderful journey of discovery—right to the heart of Christmas.
Through Mama’s gentle guidance, Little Cub learns that God loves her and everyone— polar bear, moose, or human—so much that he gave us Jesus, the very best gift of all.
My Review: Mama Bear takes Little Cub on an adventure to find God and see how He gave us Christmas. I like the idea that Mama Bear tries to show her Little Cub God's presence by pointing out His handiwork; however, I don't like the wording such as "That is God, Little Cub." when Little Cub asked, "What is that?" (referring to the glacier broken off). God's creation is not the same as God. I'm afraid that some kids may get confused. Another thing I don't like is that the author still talks about Santa Claus when she tries to help kids celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Thankfully, she does mention in the book that "Jesus is the best present of all. And God would've given us that present, even if it was only for you."
~The above three books were provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. |
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Monday, November 23, 2009 Giveaway: Movie Moment Prize Pack
| UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. The winner (randomly chosen using www.random.org) is Jennifer. Congratulations, Jennifer! I already contacted her. Thanks to all who shared about their favorite movies or movie moments!
We had not been to a movie theatre for over 7-8 years. The tickets are expensive and we would rather save money and then buy DVDs of good movies so that we can watch them again and again. However, it was a wonderful treat for us, especially the kids, to be able to go see A Christmas Carol in the theatre this past Saturday. Thanks to General Mills for providing me with a "Movie Moment" prize pack (which includes 4 e-movie cash certificates and 1 free coupon for a General Mills cereal) through MyBlogSpark. Please read on to find out how to win an identical "Movie Moment" prize pack. General Mills is having a promotion where you can enter the codes found inside boxes of participating cereals to print out a free movie certificate.
When you’ve purchased two boxes of cereals, visit generalmills.com/moviecash to enter the code found inside each box and print your free movie certificate . Participating brands include: Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Trix and Reese's Puffs.
To find a participating theater near you, visit http://emoviecash.com/dis_locator/.
WIN IT!
General Mills is offering a "Movie Moment" prize pack for me to give away to one of my blog readers. This prize pack includes: four e-movie cash certificates (up to $12 each) and one free coupon for a General Mills cereal.
To enter:
- Leave a comment here sharing what your all-time favorite movie is or what movie you are looking forward to seeing or what your favorite movie moment/memory is.
- For extra entries, you may do one or all the following. Make sure you leave a separate comment for each one.
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Read one of my other posts and leave a comment here
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Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post
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Share about this giveaway on Facebook
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- Deadline is December 12th (my birthday) at midnight (Pacific time). One winner will be randomly chosen.
This giveaway is open to US residents only! 
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Friday, November 20, 2009 Christmas Giveaway 2009 Friday, October 23, 2009 Book Review: O2 Breathing New Life into Faith
About the book:
Your physical body needs oxygen in order to survive. Inhale, exhale ... one leads naturally to the other. Inhale too long and you feel as if your lungs will burst. Exhale too long and you get light-headed.
The same rhythm is essential in the life of faith. You inhale life-giving strength from God through things like prayer, study, solitude, and silence. You exhale generosity, hospitality, and service to the poor. If you try to do one without the other, you wont' last very long.
This fresh perspective on the classic disciplines of the faith will empower you to process the oxygen of the Spirit. Discover how you can develop a balanced spirituality that reflects the life of Jesus and keeps your faith growing stronger.
About the author: Richard Dahlstrom is Senior Pastor of Bethany Community Church in Seattle , WA , in the heart of the city, among university students, young professionals, families, the homeless, and the elderly. He is also a popular teacher in North America and Europe for the Capernwray Missionary Fellowship of Torchbearers. He holds a M.Div. from Talbot Theological Seminary. Find out more about Richard at: http://raincitypastor.blogspot.com/ .
My review: I found the beginning of this book not very interesting; however, the more I read on, the better it was. In this book, you will see an analogy between faith and breathing. Usually, we do not consciously think about our inhaling and exhaling. The author encourages us to be more aware of and to practice regularly our spiritual inhaling (prayer, studying God's Word, solitude, resting in Christ, paying attention to creation, silence) and exhaling (service, hospitality, generosity, being artisans of hope). We need both in living a life of faith. The author reminds us to breathe more purposefully. I appreciate Mr. Dahlstrom's insight, transparency, and humility. If you love God but somehow still feel exhausted or bored or confused, this book will help refresh you like a breath of fresh air :).
Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/O2-Breathing-Life-Faith-ConversantLife-com®/dp/0736922148/ref=sprightly-20
Watch a video about the book: http://www.conversantlife.com/life-with-god/o2-breathing-new-life-into-faith
Read the first chapter: http://www.conversantlife.com/files/resource_downloads/O2.pdf
Study Guide: http://www.conversantlife.com/files/resource_downloads/O2%20Discussion%20Questions.pdf
Contest: Win a signed copy of 02 for yourself! There are two ways to enter! The winners will be announced 10/26.
1. Jump over to Pastor Richard’s blog “Pastoral Musings from Rain City" and leave a comment between October 5th and October 24th. Just say hi or tell Pastor Richard what you liked about his book, or share with him how you’ve experienced ‘new life’ in your faith!
2. Tweet this: @raincitypastor Pub. Weekly voted Breathing New Life into Faith as top 10 book in 2008 check it out! http://tr.im/Au8q#02
Blog tour schedule: http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/92-02-breathing-fresh-life-into-faith-by-richard-dahlstrom-blog-tour
~This book was provided for review by Litfuse Group. |
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009 Yoplait Kids Review and Giveaway
Update: This giveaway is now closed. The two winners (randomly chosen) are Debbie (Graciousmommy) and Noreen (last commenter). I already notified them. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all the participants!
| Are you searching for a snack for the kids that tastes good and is good for them? Yoplait Kids yogurt is the perfect solution with 25% less sugar than the leading kidsì yogurt. With its thick and creamy texture that will hug your little oneìs spoon, you wonìt have to worry about a sticky mess to clean up afterwards. It also contains no artificial sweeteners or flavors, so you can feel good about serving it to your kids. In addition, Yoplait Kids is a good source of vitamin D and, according to two new studies that provide the first national assessment of the crucial nutrient in young Americans, millions of U.S. children have disturbingly low vitamin D levels, possibly increasing their risk for a variety of health concerns, including bone problems. About 7.6 million children, adolescents, and young adults have vitamin D levels so low they could be considered deficient. It can be challenging for growing kids to get enough vitamin D because this nutrient is only found naturally in very few foods; however Yoplait Kids makes it a little easier to incorporate a delicious source of vitamin D and calcium in your child's diet. ~Information provided by MyBlogSpark |
Thanks to Yoplait and MyBlogSpark, I received a Yoplait Less Sugar, More Fun prize pack which included coupon* for a free six pack of Yoplait Kids yogurt, a travel cooler, two fun spoons that change colors in warm water, a reusable place mat with games for kids, and a fuzzy tangle puzzle. I redeemed the coupon for a six pack of Yoplait Trix kids yogurt. My pack contained three cups of Strawberry Banana Bash and three cups of Raspberry Rainbow. My kids and I love both flavors. The texture is very smooth and creamy. It is a wonderful, heathy snack for kids (and adults, too :)). Each cup has fruity flavors and great nutrients such as Carbohydrate, Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Potassium, Protein, and Phosphorus.
*This coupon offer for a free six pack of Yoplait Kids yogurt is not valid in some states, including Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.
 As part of this review post, I have an opportunity to give away 2 Yoplait Less Sugar, More Fun prize packs to my blog readers. To enter, please leave a comment here sharing some of your or your kids’ favorite healthy snacks. Please remember to leave your email address or your blog’s address. If you post about this giveaway on your blog and/or on Facebook, you will receive an extra entry for each. Please leave a separate comment with the link to your post. The deadline is Sat., Oct. 31st at midnight (Pacific time).
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Tuesday, October 6, 2009 Review: The Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition
 Thanks to One2One Network, I received a copy of the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Diamond Edition Combo Pack to watch and review. This Diamond Edition Combo Pack includes 2 Blu-ray discs and a DVD. I am impressed with the exceptional picture quality and sound quality. If you did not know that Snow White was originally made in 1937 or did not already watch it when you were young, one probably would assume that it had just been made recently. I am still amazed at what Disney accomplished with Snow White in term of technical and artistic excellence back in the 1930's. I’m personally not fond of the plot, the magic spell, the unrealistic portrayal of "love" and "marriage", and the voice of Snow White. However, my sons (10 and 8 years old) seemed to enjoy the DVD. We still laughed and had a good time. We do not have a Blu-ray player. They claim that Blu-ray discs are scratch resistant which sounds nice to me. If you are a fan of Snow White, you would love this combo pack. For the first time ever, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is made in High Definition 7.1 Sound. From this combo pack, you will enjoy bonus features such as an all new music video, Dopey’s Wild Mine Ride Game, "Heigh-Ho"Karaoke Sing-Along, will be able to play games (What Do You See?, Mirror, Mirror On the Wall, Jewel Jumble), and will get to see behind the scenes stuff of "The One that Started It All."
Did you know that Snow White...
- was the first full-length animated film ever made?
- was one of the first films ever to be designated for preservation by the Library of Congress?
- was the first film ever to have a motion picture soundtrack?
- was the first film to use music to advance the story?
- has been released theatrically a total of nine times?
Now you do :).
If you would like to relive your childhood with this classic tale (written by the Grimm brothers), this Diamond Edition Combo Pack is the way to go.
I received the following websites for fun kids' activities in an email; however, I have not personally checked them out yet.
Snow White Coloring Page
http://www.learning treasures. com/snow_ white_coloring_ page.htm
7 Dwarves Coloring Page
http://www.learning treasures. com/7_dwarves_ coloring_ page.htm
Snow White Dot to Dot
http://www.learning treasures. com/snow_ white_puzzle. htm
Snow White Trivia Quiz
http://www.learning treasures. com/snow_ white_trivia. htm |
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Monday, September 28, 2009 Book Review and Giveaway: The Great Christmas Bowl
 UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. The winner (randomly chosen) is Angela (justanarmywife). I already contacted her. Thanks to everybody who entered the giveaway and shared their family Christmas traditions and/or favorite Christmas memories. I enjoyed reading them all. If you would like to read about our family Christmas traditions, please click here and here.
I usually do not like to read fiction; however, this book’s title interested me :). The story is about one loving mother who tried so hard to keep her family (including grown-up, moved-out children) happy and make the holiday memorable. Well, things did not turn out as she planned or hoped for. As I followed this mother who faced dilemma and challenges, I occasionally laughed and smiled. My oldest daughter is 16 and my youngest son is almost 8. I am reminded by this book that time flies by so fast; I need to consciously cherish every moment I get to spend with my children. We need not to be too busy to make memories together that will last a lifetime. The Great Christmas Bowl is an easy-to-read, light-hearted, and family-focused book that points out the real meaning of hospitality. I especially like the last chapter (don’t peek; you need to be patient and read the whole book :)). I was a little disappointed that the author wrote about a team mascot that was thought of as a lucky charm and the main character (who is obviously a Christian) said things like, "Wish me luck!" and her husband (who is also a Christian) replied, "Oh, you're the luck, babe!" Shouldn't she say, "Please pray for me!" instead? Nevertheless, if you love football, love Christmas, love being a mom, and/or love your neighbors as yourselves, you would enjoy this book.
Summary:
Marianne Wallace is focused on two things this holiday season: planning the greatest family Christmas ever and cheering on her youngest son’s team in their bid for the state championship. Disaster strikes when the team loses their mascot-the Trout. Is it going too far to ask her to don the costume? So what if her husband has also volunteered her to organize the church Christmas tea. When football playoffs start ramping up, the Christmas tea starts falling apart. Then, one by one her children tell her they can’t come home for Christmas. As life starts to unravel, will Marianne remember the true meaning of the holidays?
Author’s bio:
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-four novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year. Her larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in
football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com
Link to Buy the Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/great-christmas-bowl-susan-warren/9781414326788/pd/326788?event=AFFp=&
The Great Christmas Bowl website: http://thegreatchristmasbowl.blogspot.com/
The website features a note from the author, fun updates from Big Lake Gazette, info on how to host your own Great Christmas Bowl Tea to benefit a local ministry or charity and a fun Recipe Exchange contest!
CONTEST: Be a part of the Great Christmas Bowl recipe exchange! Susan loves getting recipes from friends, and sharing the delicious cookies, soups, breads and other fun fixings that go with celebrating the Christmas season. More than that, she loves the crazy stories about favorite Christmases – serious, touching, funny…whatever. Find the recipe contest here:
http://thegreatchristmasbowl.blogspot.com/2009/07/recipe-exchange.html
Will you share your story and recipe with Susan and the readers of the Great Christmas Bowl? She will post your story and recipe on the FRONT PAGE of the Great Christmas Bowl website, and send you a link when it goes up so you can tell all your friends. Then, at the Great Christmas Bowl party (December 5th, 10am, online! Details TBA) she’ll make the entire cookbook available for download!
For every recipe/story you submit (up to 3), you will be entered in a drawing to receive one of SMW’s collections (Noble Legacy, Team Hope, Heirs of Anton, Deep Haven Series, Josey series, or THE ADVANCED COPY of Sons of Thunder – Susie’s brand new epic World War 2 novel, due out in January 2010!)
If you would like to read other reviews of the book during this Blog Tour, visit
http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/91-the-great-christmas-bowl-blog-tour .
GIVEAWAY: The winner (randomly chosen) will receive a copy of The Great Christmas Bowl.
To enter: Please leave a comment here sharing one (or more) of your family Christmas traditions or one of your favorite Christmas memories. Please make sure you leave your email address or your blog's address. This giveaway is open for U.S. residents only.
Deadline: Saturday, Oct. 3rd, at midnight (Pacific time)
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Monday, August 24, 2009 Back To School Giveaway Monday, August 10, 2009 Book Review and Giveaway: The Friends We Keep by Sarah Zacharias Davis
 UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. The winner (randomly chosen) is Barb. Congratulations! I already notified her. Thanks a bunch to all who entered and shared about the qualities that they most appreciate in a friend! These qualities include: honesty/truthfulness, selflessness, forgiveness, shared experience/connection, caring, trustworthiness/no gossip, encouraging, love of Jesus, faithfulness, gentleness, ability to laugh together, reciprocity, and acceptance/not being judgmental. I agree and I hope I possess all these qualities :)...because if you want to have a great friend, be one yourself!
Summary for The Friends We Keep: A Woman's Quest for the Soul of Friendship
During a particularly painful time in her life, Sarah Zacharias Davis learned how delightful–and wounding–women can be in friendship. She saw how some friendships end badly, others die slow deaths, and how a chance acquaintance can become that enduring friend you need.
The Friends We Keep is Sarah’s thoughtful account of her own story and the stories of other women about navigating friendship. Her revealing discoveries tackle the questions every woman asks:
• Why do we long so for women friends?
• Do we need friends like we need air or food or water?
• What causes cattiness, competition, and co-dependency in too many friendships?
• Why do some friendships last forever and others only a season?
• How do I foster friendship?
• When is it time to let a friend go, and how do I do so?
With heartfelt, intelligent writing, Sarah explores these questions and more with personal stories, cultural references and history, faith, and grace. In the process, she delivers wisdom for navigating the challenges, mysteries, and delights of friendship: why we need friendships with other women, what it means to be safe in relationship, and how to embrace what a friend has to offer, whether meager or generous.
Author Bio:
Sarah Zacharias Davis is a senior advancement officer at Pepperdine University , having joined the university after working as vice president of marketing and development for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and in strategic marketing for CNN. The daughter of best-selling writer Ravi Zacharias, Davis is the author of the critically-acclaimed Confessions from an Honest Wife and Transparent: Getting Honest About Who We are and Who We Want to Be. She graduated from Covenant College with a degree in education and lives in Los Angeles , California .
My Review
I had never pondered much over friendship until I read this book :). The author dissects and analyzes friendship and provides deep thoughts about the subject. At times, it seems she asks a lot of questions (to make readers think or reflect). Other times, I cannot relate to what she shares because I have never seen most of the movies and TV shows that she uses as examples (which are quite a bit). I appreciate her honest, candid look at all the angles of friendship; however, I do not like some of her choices of examples. The book includes discussion guide (26 useful, thought-provoking questions) in the back.
My Thoughts
For me personally, Jesus is my Best Friend, my husband is my best (human) friend, and my kids are my closest friends. I have never had other close/bosom friends (kindred-spirit kind of friend). In Thailand, I had many friends and we did so many things together but still they were not my close friends. My faith in Christ and commitment to follow Him plus my moving to America made our friendship naturally drift apart. In America, I have friends, mostly Christian friends and homeschool friends. Still...they are not close friends although they are good friends. Then I have had several online friends who are also mostly Christian friends and homeschool friends. Somehow it seems I'm considered by others as the odd one in any group or circle of friends :) (either spiritually, culturally, ethnically, geographically, etc.) and perhaps that's the reason why they don't truly feel connected with me. Nevertheless, I am thankful for all my friendships because even though I don't have any bosom friends, I have never had to experience disappointment, hurt, conflicts, betrayal, or other problems caused by some friendships yet. I think there's an unspoken bond between Christ's followers (we are adopted into God's family as His children and we are one Body (the Body of Christ)). I do enjoy friendship with my brothers and sisters in Christ (regardless of nationality and cultural differences). I really like the song, "Friends Are Friends Forever" by Michael W. Smith. "And friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them. And a friend will not say never 'cause the welcome will not end. Though it's hard to let you go in the Father's hands we know that a lifetime's not too long to live as friends."
"For the life force of friendship is twofold: it is love, and it is also forgiveness, unconditional and infinite." (from page 66, The Friends We Keep) I agree that true, lasting friendship consists of unconditional and infinite love and forgiveness. Who always demonstrates (and never fails to demonstrate) those qualities but Jesus, our Forever Faithful Friend! He never forsakes, disappoints, hurts, or betrays us ever. He is full with love, compassion, and grace. In addition, He knows us inside out through and through (and still loves us!) and He only wants the best for us. What a Friend we have in Jesus! He is the best Friend anyone could ever ask for.
Giveaway: I have a copy of The Friends We Keep to giveaway. To enter, please leave a comment here answering this question: Which qualities do you most appreciate in a friend and why? Please make sure to leave your email address or your blog's address, too. You will receive an extra entry if you post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook (remember to include the link to your post in a separate comment). The deadline is August 14th at midnight (Pacific time). I will announce the winner (randomly chosen) some time on August 15th. This giveaway is open only to U.S. residents.
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Monday, August 10, 2009 Blog Tour: 40 Minute Bible Studies |
