Across the Wide River by Stephanie Reed

About the Author:
During her childhood, Stephanie Reed’s family would often pass through Ripley on their way to her grandparents’ home.  The signs she read about the Rankin House were what prompted her to write this story. 
Synopsis:
Lowery Rankin has seen the horrors of slavery.  He has witnessed friends beaten because of the color of their skin.  He risked his life helping refugees get to freedom.  He feels he is being called by God to fulfill this mission but at times feels as though he is a failure in his life.  He acts with courage when he helps a refugee but feels he does not show courage when confronted about his beliefs about slavery.  Throughout the book Lowery battles to conquer his greatest fear.  He must learn to speak up with conviction about his stance on this issue that means so much to him.
My Reaction:
Ms.Reed has written a novel of the pre-civil war era that plunges the reader into the depths of this era.  She successfully captures the drama and dangers that are rampant in this period of American History.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about this time in our history.
Disclaimer:
I received this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for a review.  I was not required to write a positive review only that the review is honest.  The opinions expressed in this review are solely mine.

What’s It Like To Be Married To Me by Linda Dillow

 

About the Author:
Linda Dillow is the author of numerous books including the best-selling Creative Counterpart and Intimate Issues (with Lorraine Pintus), as well as a popular speaker at women's conferences around the world.
Linda lives in Monument Colorado with her husband, Jody. They have four grown children and 10 grandchildren.

Synopsis:
Linda Dillow has written the best " marriage handbook" for women that I have found. She has a guide that encourages women to look into the mirror that shows what we can become.
She uses biblical principles, Anecdotes  from women across the country, as well as, sharing her experiences in a 47 year marriage.
This book is a book every woman should read. It should be on everyone's bookshelf.

My reflections:
I was intrigued by this book since I heard an interview with the author. I never stopped to think about this question before. When I did stop and think about it – I really began to see a lot of fallacies I've been holding onto. The author asks the difficult questions that really hits the bull's-eye of self-examination. Some of the questions were  harder to answer that others but all of them started me on a journey of self reflection. I am taking the insights to heart and am slowly putting them into action in my life. My marriage is not reached the “aha!” moments where everything is rosy but I do see gradual improvements daily.

This review is part of the Amazon VINE program. The opinions expressed in this review are solely mine.

Shattered by Melody Carlson

 

About the Author:

Melody Carlson is the best-selling author of more than 150 books including the TrueColor series. She has won various awards for her writing, including the Gold Medallion and the Rita. Melody currently lives in the beautiful Oregon Cascades mountains with her husband.

Synopsis:

Everyone keeps secrets. Everyone sneaks out of the house at night.  But the night Cleo Nielsen left home against her mother's instructions, started her on a nightmare that threatened to destroy her and the one she loved. Because of her disobedience she could not tell anyone her secret. To ease the pain of her guilt she turned to drugs to push the events of that night away.

Through her aunt Cleo found the love and forgiveness that only comes through God.

My thoughts:
Melody Carlson writes books that addresses sensitive issues that face the youth of today. Her books and show readers the world were promises of broken and life is not always fair. Her books will strike a chord in the reader's hearts. Her characters are credible and her issues are real.

I received this book from NavPress in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely mine.

The World is a Puzzle

 

There was a man who had a little boy that he loved very much. Every day after work the man would come home and play with the little boy. He would always spend all of his extra time playing with the little boy.

One night, while the man was at work, he realized that he had extra work to do for the evening, and that he would be able to play with the little boy. But, he wanted to be able to give the boy something to keep them busy. So, looking around his office he saw magazine with a large map of the world on the cover. He got an idea. He removed the map, and then patiently toward up into small pieces. Then he put all the pieces in his coat pocket,

When he got home, the little boy came running to him and was ready to play. The man explained that he had extra work to do and couldn”t play just now, but he let the little boy to the dining room’, and taking out all the pieces of the map, he spread them on the table. He explained that it was a map of the world, and that by the time he could put it back together, his extra work would be finished, and I could both play. Surely this would keep the child busy for hours, he thought.

About half an hour later the boy came to the man and said,”Okay, it's finished. Can we play now?'”

The man was surprised, saying " that's impossible. Let's go say." And sure enough, there was the picture the world, all put together, every piece in its place.

The man said," that's amazing! How did you do that?" The boy said," it was simple. On the back of the page was a picture of a man. When I put the man together the whole world fell in the place."

Author unknown

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

About the author:
Andy Andrews has become one of America's most influential people. He is a best-selling author and an in demand speaker. He has been invited to speak by four presidents and at military bases worldwide.
He lives in Orange Beach Alabama with his wife Polly and their two sons.

Synopsis:
Andy Andrews has done it again! He has written another book that is a real page turner. In this sequel to the Traveler’s Gift we are again introduced to David Ponder. Ponder is now 74 years old, his wife, Ellen, has died and he is now alone.
Just as he thinks his life has sunk to its lowest point he is contacted by Gabriel, the Archangel. He is needed to lead “The Final Summit” to save humanity. Together with the help of fellow travelers Anne Frank, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Joshua Chamberlain, and hundreds of other travelers, he must come up with the one solution to save mankind. Time is running out and the solution must be found quickly to avoid the catastrophe that will befall humanity.
In this book, as well as its predecessor The Traveler’s Gift, Andrews explores the principles that some of our greatest leaders have used on their way to success. I highly recommend this book.
I received a copy of The Final of the Summit from BookSneeze in exand change for an open and honest review. The opinions in this review are solely mine.

Thank you all so much for following along with the Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. I pray you laughed, cried and were touched by the translucent stories of real life written by new moms, stepmoms, grandmas, adoptive moms, and moms without moms. Iridescent reality. And how poignant that the translucent nacre which coats the sand stuck inside an oyster’s shell is called Mother of Pearl. Mothers surround children with their love and with God’s love so they can grow in grace. I hope you'll join us this December for the third annual 12 Pearls of Christmas series. 

AND ... thanks too, to all of you who entered to win the beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. I'm thrilled to announce that the winner is ...

 

Jennifer (heavensent1)!

 

Jennifer, please email 

amy@pearlgirls.info with your mailing address.

 

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls

™, please visit 

www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. The purpose of Pearl Girls is to connect women so that together, we can make a difference in the world.  All proceeds of the Pearl Girls book go in full to two charities: 

Wings (women in need growing stronger) to help fund a safe house in the Chicago suburbs and to 

Hands of Hope to help build wells for schoolchildren in Uganda. Consider purchasing a copy of 

Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the

 Pearl Girls™ products to help support Pearl Girls.

 

Please stop by the 

Pearl Girls blog and connect with us there.

Coming Back Stronger by Drew Brees and Chris Fabry

 

About the authors:

Drew Brees was MVP winning quarterback for the New Orleans Saints in the 2009 Super Bowl.  I a 2001 graduate of Purdue University, Drew was a two-time Heisman finalist at led the Boilermakers to a big 10 championship and a Rose Bowl appearance during the 2000 season.
He takes pride in his professional success, but takes even more pride in his faith, family, and community achievements.  He lives with his wife and son in New Orleans.

Chris Fabry has published more than sixty-five books. He also hosts a radio program, Chris Fabry Live, which airs each weekday on Moody Radio.  He lives with his wife and children in Arizona.

Synopsis:
That which will not kill you will make you stronger.

Drew is open and honest about his adversities in life.  He has endured great hardships like his shoulder injury, dysfunctional childhood, and the loss of his mother through suicide.  It shows through examples from his own life that with God all things are possible.  He did not give up when others told him he should.  He kept his faith in God.  Drew believes that adversities offer opportunities to accomplish great things in life.  This story should motivate us all to keep on keeping on.

This book was provided through Tyndale publishers in exchange for an open and honest review.  The opinions expressed in this review are solely mine. 

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR MOTHER

 

Enjoy the answers given by elementary school-age children to the following questions:

Why were mothers created?
She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

Is anything about your mom perfect?
Yes, it must be her children.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.

Describe the world's greatest mom.
She'd always be smiling and keep her opinions to herself.

Why did your mom marry your dad?
My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

What's the difference between moms and dads?
Moms work at work and work at home, and dads just have to work at  work.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
I'd make my mom smarter.  Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.

What did your mom needs to know about your dad before she married him?
She had to know his background.  Like is he a crook?  Does he get drunk on beer?  Does he make at least $800 a year?  Did he say no to drugs and yes to chores?

I found this on the Internet and think it expresses children's opinions of their moms very well.

Welcome to Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. The series is week long celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today's best writer's (Tricia Goyer, Megan Alexander, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Beth Engelman, Holley Gerth, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and more). I hope you'll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother's Day.

AND ... do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. To enter, just {CLICK THIS LINK} and fill out the short form. Contest runs 5/1-5/8 and the winner will on 5/11. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls™ products (all GREAT Mother's Day gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
And to all you MOMS out there! Happy Mother's Day!

Each Life is Unique by Lucinda Secrest McDowell“God’s divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. II Peter 1.3 (NIV)Moms, God wants you to know that He has given you everything you need for life --- your unique life. He does not plan to give you what you might need to live the life of your best friend, or your neighbor, or even your favorite mother-model. No, God has called you to the life that He planned. I suspect that for most of us, it didn’t turn out to be the life we thought it might be… so long ago when we were young and dreaming of ‘growing up.’On Mother’s Day I often recall my own dreams to one day be a mother. I grew up playing with dolls and looking to my own Mama as a model for that particular role in life. However, by the time I reached my thirties I was still not a mother! God did, however, have a plan. It just wasn’t what I imagined. My own unique life would find me becoming a mother through the adoption of my first three children who were ages 9, 7 and 4; and then much later giving birth to our fourth child. Of course I was shocked when God revealed this to me, but I was ecstatic as well. It’s as though I could hear Him saying, “Well, you’re not getting any younger so I’m just going to just give you a jump start with three at one time!”A huge blessing! A huge adjustment! A joy and a struggle. Change is often like that, isn’t it? We finally get what we want then we have to deal with it. May I just offer a bit of advice if you just got a great answer to prayer, but perhaps not in the way or form you imagined? Just receive it. Embrace it. And be willing to move forward into a new paradigm for your life. So what if you’re not like all the other mothers you know? So what if you’re not like your own mother? So what if your family unit is different? I guarantee God has a plan.Not only did he want me

to embrace my own story, but He called me as a mother to do perhaps one of the most important tasks of all --- to nurture my children to live their own unique lives. Not for me to try and squeeze them into what I hoped and dreamed they would be. Not for me to try and live my life through them. But to recognize how God made them, gifted them, and called them to their own special place. All of my 4 kids are different from one another. Let’s take sports, for instance: I have one child who wins gold medals in international tennis competition, one who is a born equestrian, another who competes nationally in obstacle course shooting matches, and yet another who manages to dance onstage in 3 inch heels, do cartwheels and splits while singing at the same time. Now, honestly, I do none of these things. And yet they do. I don’t remember placing my order with God for these things.  But I do remember when that tennis player turned 9 years old and I enrolled him in Special Olympics for the first time and how it changed his life… and ours. I remember getting a counselor job at an exclusive summer camp so that my daughter could take English riding classes. I remember being a Cub Scout leader (even though I knew nothing about boys) so that son could one day become an Eagle scout and pursue his love of the great outdoors. And yes, I remember enrolling my preschooler in dance lessons. Later when all the little girls were scared to go on stage for the recital, she exclaimed that she had endured a whole year of lessons just so she could go on stage. Don’t compare yourself to someone else. And don’t live vicariously through your favorite reality show star. Live your own story. And Moms, raise your kids to embrace the unique life God has for them.Remember, He has given us everything we need for life!Lucinda Secrest McDowell, a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Seminary, is the author of 10 books including “Role of a Lifetime,” “Amazed by Grace,” “Spa for the Soul” and the new Bible Study “Fit and Healthy Summer.” She is an international conference speaker and enjoys being a Pearl Girl from “Sunnyside” - her home in a New England village. Visit Cindy at www.EncouragingWords.net

Welcome to Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. The series is week long celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today's best writer's (Tricia Goyer, Megan Alexander, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Beth Engelman, Holley Gerth, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and more). I hope you'll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother's Day.

AND ... do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. To enter, just {CLICK THIS LINK} and fill out the short form. Contest runs 5/1-5/8 and the winner will on 5/11. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls™ products (all GREAT Mother's Day gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

And to all you MOMS out there! Happy Mother's Day!

What is a Grandmother? by Suzanne Woods Fisher“A grandmother is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend.” Amish proverbI arrived late in the night in Rhode Island, anxious to meet my two-day-old grandson, Blake, after a full day of flying. My daughter and son-in-law had just returned home from the hospital and felt like they had been in a train wreck. There was stuff everywhere.  Already, the needs of this little eight-pound bundle of joy were enormous: an all-terrain stroller, plenty of diapers, onesies, spit-up rags, an assortment of pacifiers to try out until he found the ideal one. And he was perfect. I know, I know. “Every mother crow thinks her own little crow is the blackest.” But this little dark eyed, dark haired boy really was perfect. I spent the next seven days (and nights) getting to know this little guy. His schedule (he had none), his
hunger cries (very similar to his every other cry). His pirate look--one eye open, one eye squeezed shut, as if he was still surprised by all that had taken place to him in a week’s time. I felt surprised, too. How could my baby possibly have had a baby? How could I be a grandmother? I had just turned fifty-one. Shockingly young! How could a kid like me give up playing tennis three times a week to settle into knitting and crocheting and Friday night bingo? And shouldn’t I alter my appearance to fit this new label? Give up my jeans? Switch over to below knee-length calico dresses, thick black socks, practical shoes, gray hair pinned in a topknot. Think…Aunt Bee on Mayberry R.F.D. As soon as people knew my daughter was expecting, I was bombarded with advice from my well meaning friends—even those who weren’t yet grandparents. “The best way to avoid getting on the nerves of your daughter and son-in-law is to not say anything. Ever.” Or “You’d better pick your nickname or you’ll be stuck with something hideous, like MooMoo Cow.”  What should I be called? Granny? No…reminded me of The Beverly Hillbillies. Grandma? No…sounded like The Waltons. Grammy? No…it was already taken by the in-laws. But no one really explained what it meant to be a grandmother. I didn’t know myself, not until I held baby Blake in my arms. In that moment, I realized that he was one of mine. He belongs to me. He will be on my mind and in my prayers, every day, for the rest of my life. There’s a bond between us that can’t be broken. He has altered my life forevermore.I had become a grandmother. 
 
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, and The Search, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Welcome to Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. The series is week long celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today's best writer's (Tricia Goyer, Megan Alexander, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Beth Engelman, Holley Gerth, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and more). I hope you'll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother's Day.

AND ... do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. To enter, just {CLICK THIS LINK} and fill out the short form. Contest runs 5/1-5/8 and the winner will on 5/11. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls™ products (all GREAT Mother's Day gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

Welcome to Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. The series is week long celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today's best writer's (Tricia Goyer, Megan Alexander, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Beth Engelman, Holley Gerth, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and more). I hope you'll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother's Day.

AND ... do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. To enter, just {CLICK THIS LINK} and fill out the short form. Contest runs 5/1-5/8 and the winner will on 5/11. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls™ products (all GREAT Mother's Day gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
And to all you MOMS out there! Happy Mother's Day!

When Mother's Day is Difficult by Holley Gerth

I have a confession (anyone surprised?). I have mixed feelings about Mother’s Day.

On one hand, I love celebrating all the women who have made a difference in my life (thanks, Mom!).

On the other hand, a long journey of infertility has left my heart with some tender places.

On May 8th, we’ll celebrate Mother’s Day once again. For many, it’s a time of appreciation and joy. For others, it can be one of the most difficult days of the year. This is often true for women facing infertility, families who have recently experienced the loss of a mother, and many other painful situations.

At one point in my life it seemed as if I couldn’t take another step. In addition to infertility, I was facing several other losses. I felt as if I were in a dark cave. But then I sensed the Lord gently and lovingly speak to my heart, “You may be in a cave, but you still have a choice. You can sit in despair or you can diamond-mine your difficulties.” I decided I was not leaving that time in my life empty-handed. I was taking every hidden blessing I could find. Of course, I still had difficult days. But choosing hope made a difference.

As a reminder, I now wear two rings. The one on the fourth finger of my left hand represents my commitment to my husband. The one on the fourth finger of my right hand is a simple silver band inscribed with the word “hope” and it represents the commitment I have made to God and myself to hold onto hope no matter what happens.

The story of an inspiring woman named Terrie also reminds me to hold onto hope. She endured the loss of four pregnancies and waited seventeen years before adopting a little girl. She told me, “I think one of the most important parts of this journey is learning to trust God. I don’t mean the flippant kind of trust. It’s easy for people to say, ‘You just need to trust God.’ It’s much harder when you’re in the middle of all this pain. But he is trustworthy. Through it all, God has given us an amazing story. I wouldn’t have chosen this road, but he has been with us. I can look back and truly say every step was worth it.”
I don’t know how my journey will end and you probably don’t know how yours will either. I also don’t know how many of you will be silently grieving your losses as we sit in church together on May 8th. But I do know that God sees each one of us. He knows how many hairs are on our heads and how many cares our in our hearts. Whatever you’re going through this Mother’s Day, you’re not facing it alone. As King David, a man who experienced many losses in his life, expressed in Psalm 34:18 NIV, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” May God surround you with love, fill you with hope, and give you strength for each moment—especially this Mother’s Day.

Excerpted from When Mother’s Day is Difficult.

Holley Gerth is an award-winning writer for DaySpring, a cofounder of the popular web site (in)courage, and licensed counselor. Holley loves chocolate, coffee, Jesus and connecting with the hearts of women through words. Her next book, a devotional titled God's Heart for You: Embracing Your True Worth as a Woman (Harvest House) will release this July. You can find Holley online through her blog Heart to Heart with Holley.

We Be Big by Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey

About the Authors:
Rick Burgess and Bubba Burgess call themselves the two sexiest fat man alive.  Their radio show is a down-to-earth conversation with the listeners.  Together they have written several books, including:
The Rick and Bubba Code.
Rick and Bubba for President.
Rick and Bubba's guide to the most nearly perfect marriage.
Rick and Bubba's Expert Guide to God, Country, Family and Anything Else We Can Think Of.
They are not ashamed to talk about their faith in God, on the air.
Synopsis:
I have not heard the Rick and Bubba show but have read some of their books.  It is a pleasure to meet someone with my own sense of humor.
Reading about their struggles and trials in their climb to be the best at what they do reinforces my belief that God has a plan for us all and will put us in the right place at the right time in order to fulfill the plan.  I found it very refreshing to read about their faith and reliance on God in all situations.  I hope they do not stop sharing their faith with their listeners.
When I read about Rick and Sherry's child, Bronner's death, I cried for their loss.  Still, they do not lose their made and praised God through their grief.
I can honestly say that this book made me laugh and cry.  I want to thank Thomas Nelson, for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.  Although I received a complimentary copy of this book.  the opinions expressed here are mine.

Welcome to Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. The series is week long celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today's best writer's (Tricia Goyer, Megan Alexander, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Beth Engelman, Holley Gerth, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and more). I hope you'll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother's Day.
AND ... do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. To enter, just {CLICK THIS LINK} and fill out the short form. Contest runs 5/1-5/8 and the winner will on 5/11. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls™ products (all GREAT Mother's Day gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

And to all you MOMS out there! Happy Mother's Day!

A Mother's Day Wish by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

Heads up: Margaret McSweeney deserves a medal, or at least a commendation for giving everyone a much deserved Mother’s Day rest. Okay, y’all can be seated. I’m glad you agree, but you’re supposed to be taking a load off, remember? Oh, and full disclosure—Margaret didn’t know I was going to say that so I hope she leaves it in, and no, I didn’t do it just because I’m ridiculously nostalgic about the theme of her community, although I am. As the Belle of All Things Southern, one who is southern to the bone, I have a thing about pearls.

When I was a teenager, add-a-pearl necklaces were all the rage. They may not be as wildly popular anymore as they were back in the day but I still say they’ll always be a classic concept: a gift of a single pearl on a dainty chain given with the intentions of adding other pearls on important holidays and special occasions. Today, I see add-a-pearls as a beautiful reminder of the accumulated wisdom we learn from our mamas.  Oh, sure, we snicker as young girls because not all of their advice strikes us as useful and some of it seems positively fossilized, but hopefully, over time and with the Father’s blessing, we gain enough perspective to see that these mama-isms—the important values and the silly little lagniappe— are all increasing in value with the years.  By the way, that’s my Mother’s Day wish for each of you, that we’d each take the time and the responsibility to thread these precious heirlooms into treasures worthy of bequeathing to the next generation. Mother’s Day...
May I be honest? I’m looking ahead to the annual celebration with somewhat mixed emotions. I’m not feeling very Mother of the Year. Instead of cooking dinner for my most deserving mama and enjoying her company, instead of reveling in the love of my husband, kids, and grands, (known as the Baby Czars of All Things Southern), I’ll be on the road, touring with my latest book “Sue Ellen’s Girl Ain’t Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy.” I’ve got Mama’s gift bought, wrapped, and ready to be delivered by my beloved hubby, and my grown kids understand that I didn’t choose the release date, but the facts remain:  I won’t be there. (Shameless plugs time, anyone? My daughter blogs at Kitchen Belleicious and is raising funds to build an orphanage in Rwanda at Shelter a Child http://www.shelterachild.com/ and my daughter-in-law celebrates the daily details of getting to know the Holy One at Providence, http://providence-carey.blogspot.com). I won’t get to enjoy Mama tickling the ivory from the piano bench of Melbourne Baptist Church and I won’t be overdosing on baby sugah. Sigh.

But, then, I mentioned mixed emotions earlier, didn’t I? Well, before some sweet soul cues the violin music, perhaps I should lighten up and come clean on what Mr. Harvey would call “the rest of the story.”  It so happens that while the 8th of May will find me miles from home, it’ll also find me in Savannah, Georgia where I’ve secured myself a little reservation at that famous establishment belonging to Mrs. Paula Deen, the Queen of Southern Cooking. Indeed, y’all, I’ll be suffering for Jesus at The Lady and Sons. I know. It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.

Regardless of where you spend it, I wish you each a Happy Mother’s Day. I’d love to think that everyone reading my words had a mother like mine, a woman of faith who taught me from childhood of the Risen Savior who saves souls and anchors lives. But, dear reader, if that’s not your past, I hope you know it can be your future. I pray you’ll be the one that begins such a legacy, and that you’ll be moved to start building that heritage today.

I’d love to see y’all on the road somewhere. Watch for me, and I’ll watch for you. I’ll be the one with an empty glass of sweet tea looking, always looking, for a refill.

Hugs,
Shellie

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, known as the Belle of All Things Southern is a radio host, columnist, author, speaker and founder of the All Things Southern online community, www.allthingssouthern.com. She loves meeting, greeting, laughing and learning with the whole wide world or as many who wander her way. Shellie once dreamed of writing great important things that changed the world, only once she started writing the world grinned and christened her a humorist. Shellie saw this as a problem at first, until she discovered that the laughter softens hearts, builds relationships, and invites her into people’s hurting hearts where she can share her own, which is exactly where she wanted to be all along. Look for Shellie’s latest book, Sue Ellen’s Girl Ain’t Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy wherever fine books are sold.

Dare to Be Different by Nicole O'Dell

About the Author:
Nicole O'Dell is mom to six children, including two-year-old triplets.She hosts Teen Talk Radio and has written several books.  She has a heart for teens and is a speaker at conventions, churches and conferences.
Synopsis:
this is the first book of this series, I have read and I must say I am hooked.  I love the opportunity to find out what happens when the wrong choice is made and the opportunity to find out when the right choice is made.
Ms. O' Dell's characters are real and credible.  She deals with issues that are teens are facing today.  Peer pressure drugs, alcohol and sex are temptations our kids are confronted with on a daily basis.  Lindsay and Drew find out their choices affect not only them but they also affect their families and friends.
These books should be required reading for all teens and their parents.  Although this is my first book in this series, it will definitely not be my last. 
All the opinions contained in this review are mine.

Welcome to Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. The series is week long celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today's best writer's (Tricia Goyer, Megan Alexander, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Beth Engelman, Holley Gerth, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and more). I hope you'll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother's Day.

AND ... do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. To enter, just {CLICK THIS LINK} and fill out the short form. Contest runs 5/1-5/8 and the winner will on 5/11. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls™ products (all GREAT Mother's Day gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

And to all you MOMS out there! Happy Mother's Day!

Adoption, a Mother's Greatest Gift by Tricia Goyer
I held the small baby in my arms, wrapped up in a receiving blanket to keep her warm from the chill of the delivery room, and a voice spoke to me. "Congratulations, Mom."The congratulations came from an unlikely source--the grandmother of this child, the mother of the sweet birth mother who chose adoption for her baby girl.To say I was overwhelmed is an understatement. Thankfulness filled my heart--to God who'd answered my prayers and to the birth mom who'd chosen our family for her daughter. I also ached that my joy would be another's heartache. Working with teen moms for ten years, I was often an advocate for the young mother. I knew that while the weeks and months ahead would be a time of celebration for our family, they would be ones of heartache and grieving for this woman.Adoption is a wonder and the beauty, and the sacrifice of it is never so clear as on Mother's Day. My new daughter is one-years-old now and she huge is a part of my heart. Her life is a gift to my days and her smile can make even the most dreary afternoon bright. I can honestly say there is no difference in the love I feel between her and my three other children. If anything the love feels even more special because she was an unexpected gift. John and I learned about her life just 2 ½ months prior to her being born. The years of prayers to expand our family were answered quickly and beautmM…
ifully.The sacrifice of adoption makes my heart ache, for I know on this Mother's Day another woman will be thinking about my daughter—her daughter. As I rejoice, I'll be crying tears for her. I'll also be sending up prayers that God will wrap His arms around her in a special way.This Mother's Day I cannot help to think about Christ's sacrifice to make our adoption into God's family possible. Maybe it's because just a few weeks ago we were celebrating Easter, but I'm reminded anew that my gain required His loss, His pain. The greatest love, it seems, is not shown with flowers, chocolate or a diamond bracelet. The greatest love is shown when, because of your love for another, your desires and comfort are laid down for the greater good of someone else.As Ephesians 1:3 says, “How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son” (The Message).Perhaps you know an adoptive mother. Take time this Mother's Day to let her know that the beauty of her gift is not missed by you. Also, take time to thank God for adopting you into His forever family, thanking Jesus Christ for His sacrifice. I wouldn't be the mother I am without this Gift of Love.

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including Beside Still Waters, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. www.triciagoyer.com

Welcome to Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. The series is week long celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today's best writer's (Tricia Goyer, Megan Alexander, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Beth Engelman, Holley Gerth, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and more). I hope you'll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother's Day.
AND ... do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. To enter, just {CLICK THIS LINK} and fill out the short form. Contest runs 5/1-5/8 and the winner will on 5/11. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls™ products (all GREAT Mother's Day gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
And to all you MOMS out there! Happy Mother's Day!
A Merry Heart ... by Megan Alexander
Sometimes family is really all you need. This was reinforced to me when my Mother shared a story a few days ago about her mother, my Grandma. You see, when my Grandma was a very young girl, around age 10, she was diagnosed with polio. This meant long hospital stays, extremely limited interaction with children her own age and lonely days staring out the window from her hospital bed. In those days, with polio, they felt keeping the children very subdued and quiet was best, and this particular hospital was as drab as can be. It was also during the time of the Depression, which meant money was tight and life was tough. Day in and day out, she was given the best medicine and treatment, but she wasn’t thriving and recovering. Daily visits from adult doctors and specialists is not exactly stimulating for a young girl. Her health was so poor, at one point, a Catholic Priest had administered the "last rites" at her bedside. One day, her older brother and sister decided to sneak some brand new baby kittens into her hospital room. Their cat Fitzy had just had babies, and the cute kittens were small enough to put in a basket. Upon entering her room, my mother says they quietly took off the lid and showed my Grandma the sweet little kittens and let her cuddle with them. Her mother, my Great Grandmother, observed my Grandma’s mood instantly lift. Her eyes sparkled and she squealed with delight at the cute kitties! Her whole demeanor changed and she came to life.
My Great Grandma took all this in and made a decision that day. She decided that my Grandma would heal much better at home. She promptly checked my Grandma out of the hospital and brought her home with her family. My Grandma did gradually recover, among the love and warmth of her family. You know what Proverbs 17 says “ A merry heart does good like a medicine.” Also, I can imagine that she healed emotionally and physically and spiritually as well and that combined strength wouldn't have been possible in the hospital alone. When they left that day, the hospital instructed my Great Grandmother to massage my Grandma’s legs everyday, something she promised the hospital she would do, and she did. My Grandma was one of the few people we know who did not have a limp or shortened leg due to polio. And perhaps most importantly, the entire family was always praying for my Grandma.
I’m not saying that medicine is bad or not necessary. But there is no cure quite like the warmth of your family. Its like milk, it simply does a body good. As a pregnant Mom about to give birth to a baby boy, I am inspired to provide this same love to my child. May he feel the same warm love from his family that my Grandma felt from her’s. And in this same way, we are called sons and daughters of God. Galatians 4:1-7 “Now I say that the heir, as long as he is
a child,
does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” God claims you and I as his children. This is a wonderful gift and identity that is good for our heart and soul, and something that is more powerful than all the medicine in the world. Megan Alexander can be seen nightly as a television correspondent for the top rated news magazine show “Inside Edition”.  She also appears on the CNN program “Showbiz Tonight”. She especially enjoys reporting on stories with a heart. She graduated from Westmont College with a degree in Political Science. She loves speaking to youth and works with Girls Inc and National American Miss. She and her husband reside in the New York City area and attend Redeemer Church of Manhattan. For more on Megan, go to www.meganalexander.com. Megan’s mother, Mary, resides in Seattle and provided insight into this essay.

Refreshment in Refuge by Gina Burgess

 

About the Author:

Gina Burgess studied journalism, but took a thirty year break to raise her two daughters.  She then returned to school and earned a BAAS degree from the Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas.

She has been an editor for several publications, writes a weekly column for Studylight.org.,  As well as a biweekly column@everydayChristian.com.

Synopsis:

This book will bring refreshment to the soul and remind you that God's love will never fail.
This book contains short stories from the author's experience, as well as, studies of biblical man and women.  The author writes with honesty about her faith in God.  Some stories are touched with humor, while others will tug at your heartstrings.
A couple of my favorite chapters include:
seven habits of highly effective godly women.
Goodness, which retells the story of the two women claiming the same baby.  This story was told, so clearly you could feel the pain of the true mother and the joy she felt when King Solomon rendered the fair and just decision.
I was hooked from the first chapter to the last page.  I fully endorse this book as one you will read over and over again.
I received this complimentary copy from the author, but the opinions in this review are entirely mine.

Welcome to Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. The series is week long celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today's best writer's (Tricia Goyer, Megan Alexander, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Beth Engelman, Holley Gerth, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and more). I hope you'll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother's Day.

AND ... do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. To enter, just {CLICK THIS LINK} and fill out the short form. Contest runs 5/1-5/8 and the winner will on 5/11. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls™ products (all GREAT Mother's Day gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

And to all you MOMS out there! Happy Mother's Day!

3 DIY Mother’s Day Gifts that Celebrate Family By Beth Engelman This Mother’s Day, celebrate family with this crafty games the whole family can enjoy.  Block Photo Puzzle Not only does this 6-sided photo puzzle provide hours of family fun, but it’s also a great way to reuse favorite family photos.
Materials:•    9 - Wooden Blocks (Use old alphabet blocks)•    6 - 8 x 10 Photograph Prints or Colored Copies•    Ruler•    Scissors •    Mod Podge and Paintbrush
Directions: 1.  Arrange blocks in a square and measure the length and width of the square.2. Measure and cut print to the exact same size as the 9-block square. 3. Place blocks in a square on top of print. Position blocks so they’re lined up neatly and as close together as possible.4. Trace and cut the outline of each block.5. Glue print pieces to blocks using Mod Podge. Set aside to dry and then seal with 1-2 top layers of Mod Podge.6. Repeat process until all 6 sides of the blocks are covered with different photographs.Thank you to the creative folks at www.photojojo.com for sharing this idea!  “Go Fish with the Family” Card GameThis gift is perfect for Moms who like card games. Another bonus?  There’s always room to “grow” the deck.
Materials:•    Camera•    Double stick tape, or a glue stick•    Several pieces of cardstock (one color)•    ScissorsDirections:1.    Take pictures of each family member and develop the pictures in duplicates (3x5 or 4x6 is fine, just make sure all the pictures are the same size).2.    Turn the pictures into playing cards by gluing or taping a piece of card-stock to the backside of each picture. 3.    Game ideas include “Go Fishing with the Family” which is similar to “Go Fish” but, instead of matching numbers, the object is to collect matching pairs of photos. “Memory” is another fun game to play.  Place the cards face down in a grid and try to find matching pairs of photos.  Family Bingo In my house, Bingo is always a big hit because regardless of age or skill level, everyone has the same chance to win.  However this version is extra special because the playing boards are populated with pictures of family members.
Materials: •    Color Coordinated Game Boards (download here)  •    Images of Family Members (use photographs, drawings or clip art)•    Bingo Markers (pennies, pebbles or buttons)•    Glue and Scissors
Directions:1.    Create the game boards:  Download and print desired number of game-boards. Remember each player gets a different game board. 2.    Color-copy and paste images of family members onto each game board.  Remember to paste one person per square and make each board slightly different. 3.    Make “call-out cards” by writing the name of each family member in yellow, green, blue, purple and pink (which coordinates with the colors on the board)4.    To Play: Game play is similar to traditional Bingo except the caller will randomly select a call-out card and then read the color and person.  For example, “Blue, Grandma Mary” means there is a picture of Grandma Mary in a blue square.  Just like Bingo, the first person to get 5 in a row (horizontally, vertically or diagonally) wins!Beth Engelman is a columnist for the Sun Times News Group’s Pioneer Press. Her column “Mommy on a Shoestring,” appears in over 30 local papers around Chicago area as well as on the Sun-times website where you can also view her Mommy on a Shoestring video series. She is also a regular on “You and Me this Morning” on WCIU and is frequent contributor for WGN America’s Midday News at Noon.  Recently, Beth was chosen by a celebrity panel from NBC Universal and iVillage to become one of 15 national  “mom” correspondents for NBC’s popular website, www.ivillage.com (over 3 million visitors a day) where she reports on issues that affect moms, families and communities such as bullying, divorce and weight loss.  For more information visit Beth at www.mommyonashoestring.com

Mother of Pearls

Welcome to Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. The series is week long celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today's best writer's (Tricia Goyer, Megan Alexander, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Beth Engelman, Holley Gerth, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and more). I hope you'll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother's Day.

AND ... do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. To enter, just {CLICK THIS LINK} and fill out the short form. Contest runs 5/1-5/8 and the winner will on 5/11. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls™ products (all GREAT Mother's Day gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.


And to all you MOMS out there! Happy Mother's Day!

PEARL PINS by Margaret McSweeney

At age 49, I am a mom without a mom. This deep longing for my mother continues to surprise me. During milestone moments, I imagine phone conversations with her.

“Can you believe that Melissa is graduating from high school in June? I’m so glad you will be flying to Chicago to be here with us.” 

“Wasn’t that a fun family dinner we all had last weekend to celebrate Katie’s ‘sweet sixteen?’ I am so glad you could join us.”

“Isn’t this exciting? I just got a new book contract. Will you please edit my manuscript before I send it in?”
    
Sadly, this will be my eighth Mother’s Day to spend without my mother. She has missed some poignant milestones in my life and in the lives of my daughters. Both Melissa and Katie were very young when she died so they don’t have a full reservoir of memories about Grandmommy Rhea. However, they do have the legacy of faith that she helped instill in them as toddlers. She loved to send Veggie Tales tapes, Children’s Bibles and devotional books. 
     
Melissa and Katie were blessed to have Nana, (Dave’s mother) around for much longer. Nana passed away two years ago. A few years before Nana died, she gave me a beautiful necklace with a diamond pendant made from her wedding ring along with a pair of diamond earrings. She asked me to give these special gifts to Melissa and Katie for their sixteenth birthdays. Even though Nana wasn’t around to celebrate, my daughters were so happy to receive such special keepsakes from her. Hugs from heaven.

Last week on Katie’s 16th birthday, I discovered an unexpected blessing that had been tucked away in a cardboard container of my mother’s things. A jewelry box with three pearl pins! I gave one to Melissa as a belated 16th birthday gift, and I presented one to Katie for her 16th birthday. This Mother’s Day, I will wear my mother’s pearl pin as a tangible reminder that a mother’s love (and a grandmother’s love) is an everlasting gift from God.   ß

Finding these gifts made me think about what I might leave for my own daughters someday. It isn’t the external value of the gift that matters, but rather the love that it represents.

Is there a special gift or letter that you would like to leave your children?

Margaret McSweeney lives with her husband, David and two teenage daughters in the Chicago suburbs.  After earning a master’s degree in international business from the University of South Carolina, Margaret moved to New York City to work at a large bank where she met David.  Margaret is the editor of Pearl Girls, author of A Mother’s Heart Knows and co-author of Go Back and Be Happy. Charity and community involvement are very important to Margaret. She has served on the board of directors for WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger) for over eight years. For more information, find Margaret at www.pearlgirls.info and www.kitchenchat.info. 

Max on Life by Max Lucado

 

About the author:

Max Lucado is one of America's most widely read authors.  He has more than 100 million products in print.  He and  his wife ,Denalyn live in San Antonio, Texas, where he serves at the Oak Hill church.

Synopsis:

In his latest book Max Lucado fields questions about hope, hurt, and home.  He answers these questions with honest examples and a foundation in Scripture.  His answers with knowledge, directness, compassion and practicality.

Lucado's of God and his passion for ministry are evident on each page and in each answer.  He does not pretend  to be the final authority on life's important questions, but points the reader to the ultimate authority.  Max on Life is written in a Lucado style; interesting, honestly, and inspirational.

I received this book from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest and open review.  I highly recommend this book and plan to keep it as a reference in my library.

Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer

  About the Author:

Tricia Goyer is a prolific writer who has published hundreds of articles in national magazines.  She has also written more than 20 fiction and nonfiction books combined.  She helped write 3:16 teen edition with Max Lucado.  She has also written books on marriage and parenting and contributed notes to the Women of Faith study Bible.

Synopsis:

18-year-old Marianna summer has spent her entire life with the Amish in Indiana.  She plans to be baptized into the Church, marry Aaron Zook and start her own family.   

When her older brother decides to leave the community and follow the way of the Englisch, Marianna's father decides to move the family to Montana.  I Marianna is of legal age and is in her own.
Rumschpringe years, and not obligated to move with the family, she decides to go to help her mother, who is pregnant with another child.

She was surprised to find herself being influenced by many Englisch ways in Montana.  She finds herself desiring to pursue a deeper kind of joy and love for God.  She said Lawrence.  The move for me Indiana was not about losing that about finding out who God really is.  Through our experiences, both good and bad Marianna feels a peace in our soul.

I enjoyed reading this book because I learned about the Amish.  I will recommend this book to anyone.

I received this book from lit fuse publicity in exchange for an honest and open review.
.

Another birthday another year

 

Well here I sit reflecting on another birthday. So much as happened this past year, it's hard to believe that I am another year older. But, as they say, life goes on.

I know God has a plan for me, and his timing is perfect. Although I feel every year has brought more wisdom, I still feel there is more for me to do here.

As we get older our humor must remain intact. This year I had two cakes because, my darling grandkids, decided that all my candles would not fit on one cake. You just have to love the candor of kids.

Well, I must get started on the new year of my life. Until next time, this is another slice of life on the age.

Lazarus Awakening by Joanna Weaver

I recently had the opportunity to read and review Lazarus Awakening by Joanna Weaver, the best-selling author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit. This is the the third book in that trilogy. This book invites us to take a closer look at our relationship with God by showing us that God does love in spite of ourselves. To many people this idea is too overwhelming for them to believe. Many people fail to recognize the compassion of Jesus when He does not intervene in crises in their lives. But just as he waited for four days to go to Bethany when He heard of Lazarus' illness, he allows his children to experience tribulations in order to fulfill the plans and purposes he has for their lives. He works in His time frame and not ours.


Ms. Weaver takes the story of Lazarus found in the bible (John 11:1-12:11) and relates it to our lives today. Sometimes taking off the grave clothes we wear can be a painful process but is necessary if we want to experience the wholeness of God's love for us.

I found this book to be an enlightening read and realized that sometimes I am more comfortable wearing the grave clothes because I am afraid of what lies ahead if I take them off.

I do recommend this book to anyone who desires to find their place in the Heart of God.

Heart Of Ice by Lis Wiehl and April Henry

Lis Wiehl and April Henry have done it again!  The women of the Triple Threat Club have put their skills to the test and beat all odds to come out on top again.  This time the killer is right in front of their noses.


When Cassidy Shaw, reporter for Channel 4 news joins a boot camp class taught by Elizabeth she is drawn to her and becomes a "friend" to her.  What she doesn't know is that Elizabeth is a master manipulator who only uses people to get what she wants.  She has already used a former fellow inmate to burn a house and kill the ex of her wealthy boyfriend.  She also uses a lonely and insecure supermarket clerk to do her bidding and kill for her.

When   the Triple Threat Club realize what is happening, one of their own is in danger of losing her daughter and her own life

This book is a fascinating read but I must warn you: Do not open this book at bedtime orie you will not sleep at all because you won't be able to put this read down. The characters are real and credible and the action is fast paced.

I received this book in exchange for an honest and open review from Booksneeze.

Life Happens

Sorry, I haven't been faithful in posting lately.  My mom is in the hospital.  She had heart surgery this week and is doing fine.  My brother in law is also in ICU 2 doors away from Mom, and my husband recently got out of the hospital too.  It is getting bad when the nurses know you by your first name and have a cup of coffee waiting for you when you get there.

I can thank God that He has never left us alone through all of this and has had to carry us when the going got tough.

I just want to ask all of you for your prayers for me and my family.

Invasion by Jon S. Lewis

I did not really know what to expect from this book when I ordered it.  I am not a major sci-fi fan but I have grandsons who do enjoy this genre.  My oldest grandson read it after I finished and said he enjoyed reading it. 

Following the death of his parents, Colt is forced to move to Arizona to live with his grandfather.  The only person he knows in his new town is a childhood friend named Dani.  He also meets a boy, Oz whom he has not met before, yet seems strangely familiar.  The trio of friends are drawn into a world of shape shifters, flying morotcycles, and aliens.  Everything Colt thought was normal now seems to have disappeared.  His life will never be the same.

Although I did not enjoy this book as much as others I have read, I did find myself lost in the story at times.  I think this book would be a good book for young sci-fi fans.  I received this book from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest and open review.

The Life Ready Woman in a Do it All World by Shaunti Feldham and Robert Lewis

This is a book for women who want to live godly lives and thrive in the "do it all world."  When we live according to God's calling for our lives we will thrive.  When we attempt to live "in the world" without listening to God, we find ourselves stressed and overwhelmed.

The book is divided into two parts.  The first part contrasts the mold society attempts to fit us into vs the unique design and callings God has for us.

In part 2 we learn about "living from the inside out."  Inside out living is using our core calling to enhance our lives by putting God's design for us before the world's designs.

I was really impacted by the "seasons of life" descriptions.  I, personally, do not fit into a specific stage but find myself in several stages at once.  I am married with young adult children but since I have custody of four grandchildren I am also married with grade schoolers, and married with teenagers.  I do not know if I will ever be a married empty nester but I do know that I'm living God's purpose for my life.

This book did impact my life and provided me with several things to really think about.  I believe you will, after reading this book, also find yourself thinking about your core calling and God's design for your life.

I received this book from LitFuse in exchange for an honest review.

Another Chapter Opens

Well, life is definitely "on the edge".  My DH is in the hospital and has been for a week.  He has gall bladder problems, colon problems and yesterday, he had a minor heart attack--if there is such a thing.  No heart attack is minor in my opinion.

I have been running myself ragged and driving myself crazy(ier) by the minute.

Until next time, my foot is slipping further and further on the edge.

The Rhythm of Secrets by Patti Lacy

Sheila Franklin has lived a life of secrets but now these secrets must come to light.  She has married Edward, a conservative pastor.  Her life is one of happiness and fulfillment until a phone call from the son she was forced to give up years ago shatters that complacent life.  Should she come to the aid of her son and help him find and save the love of his life or should she not "rock the boat" and put her husband's career in jeopardy?

Once her secrets are revealed she finds that God's love has redeemed her past and reconciled her secrets.  She comes to understand that He does love her unconditionally and her past sins does not diminish that love.

This is an awesome story of redemption and forgiveness.  Everyone who reads this book will see parts of their own spiritual journey through Sheila's adventures.

Patti Lacy hasd done a wonderful job in bringing her characters to life.  I highly recommend this book.

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest and open review.

Living in the Overlap by Steve Schaefer

What an idea!  I did not fully understand what the overlap is until I read this book.  To be honest, I had not even heard of "living in the overlap" until I read this book.  According to Schaefer, the overlap is now--the time between the coming of the kingdom of God and the ultimate fulfillment of the kingdom at the end of time.  The implications of the overlap are astronomical--we can enjoy some of the blessings of the age to come but will only experience all the kingdom blessings when Christ comes again.

"Although we have not yet stood before God the the end time judgment we have already received our end time verdict of 'not guilty'. p.23.  What an awesome thought!  Because He sent His son to take our guilt we can enjoy the blessings of His kingdom.

Living in the overlap does not make us immune to Satan and conflicts.  Schaefer lists three forms of evil influence we face:
    the world
    the flesh
    the devil

This book is a great read for anyone who wants to know more about God's kingdom and how it affects us today.

I received this book in exchange for an honest and open review.

Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

This book is a amazingly easy read that is loaded with good information.  God is interested in every area of our lives--yes, even our eating habits.  Lysa offers practical tips that will ease the unhealthy food cravings and bring us closer to God.  She has battled with her weight and has "walked this walk" herself.  She is not throwing out useless advice in a condescending manner.  She has been there done that.

I found the scriptures she included helpful in other areas of my life.  I found they gave me the help I needed when I was in situations that required more willpower than I had on my own.   Lysa used an illustration regarding her running distance that struck a chord in my own life.  I have found that God gives me more strength than I could possibly have on my own many times.

Overall, I found this book very good and useful plan to keep it as a reference to augment my healthy eating and living plan.  I do recommend this book to anyone that needs encouragement to combat their cravings and to know that God is always there to help us.

I received this book from Litfuse blog tour in exchange for an honest review.

Change of Plans

I had the pleasure of reviewing this movie before it aired on television.  I must tell you that it is a must see movie that reinforces the power of family.

Jason and Sally are a professional couple without children.  Their lives and careers are fulfilling and they are happy with life and each other.  But their lives take a drastic turn when Sally learns her best friend and her husband are killed in a plane crash in Uganda where they were working in the peace corps.
The couple left four children, 3 of which were adopted.  One minute Jason and Sally were free to travel without worries and the next they become guardians of four children. 

Along with these new members of the household come the problems associated with parenthood.  From adjustments at new schools to teenage issues, Sally and Jason are given a quick indoctrination into the lives of parents.  Of course, tensions arise and a minor legal problem occurs but each member of this family do learn that sacrifice and compromise are necessary ingredients to a successful family life.

This movie airs tomorrow night (1/8) on Fox at 7:00 CST.  I urge you and your family to watch this amazing movie.  This is a family movie that will not disappoint you.