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.

Another Christmas

Well, another Christmas has come and gone.  I hope everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed time with family and friends.  We had a white Christmas this year and that really made me feel "Christmasy"  (Is that a word?)  Oh well, I had a wonderful time and feel so good that everyone had a good time at my house for Christmas dinner.  It was a lot of work and play at the same time.

Again, I hope you all had a wonderful time and remembered to thank God for the real reason we celebrate Christmas each year. I watched the kids open their presents and paused and gave thanks to God for the many blessings.

SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just finished my Christmas Shopping.  Again spent too much but none of it is on credit.  I can only thank God for that blessing.  Of course, hubby is going to fuss but he hasn't even started his yet.

Hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season.  Hope you all are keeping warm.  I am going to hibernate today and tomorrow afternoon.  I forgot about a doctor's appointment I have in the morning. UGH!

Until next time--stay warm and happy and thank God for all His blessings you have received.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Well folks, Christmas is almost here.  I hope you are all having a great time during the holidays.  I have been running myself to death trying to get everything done in time--but isn't that what I'm supposed to be doing.  School is about to be dismissed for the holiday and Christmas parties and school programs are in full swing.  The only thing I wish for this season is that we remember the purpose of Christmas.

Well, I have got to go and settle the kids down and get things ready for school tomorrow.

So long for now from the edge.

Little Star by Anthony DeStefano

A king is about to be born!  All the stars compete for the chance to shine the brightest to welcome this anticipated arrival.  They were all being shined and dusted by comets; all, that is, except Little Star.  The other stars did not make fun of Little Star--they ignored him which hurt more.

When the stars saw the poor couple in the manger, they lost interest in the child's birth.  "Surely no king would come in such an ordianry style," they thought.  So interest was lost.  But of all the stars in the heavens, Little Star was the only one who understood the King's message.  His message is LOVE.

This is a beautifully written book for children.  The illustrations really add to the message of the book.  I read this story to my children and they absolutely loved it.  My six year old gathered her dolls together and "read" the book to them.

I must say I hightly recommend this book and it will be a new tradition in my household.

Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan

This is a delightful book.  It has words and music to 150 of our favorite hymns and the story behind their origins.  It is more than a historical account but is written in an interesting devotional style.

Before I read this book I knew the history of "It is Well With My Soul" but was truly amazed to learn fun factsd about some of my other favorites:  "Little Brown Church in the Vale" was written five years before the church was actually built.  This story almost has a supernatural aura about it--what might be called a God Thing;  The words to "Jesus Loves Me" was written in a novel written by Anna B. and Susan Warner.  The music was written years later by William Bradbury when he found the words in the novel.

I loved this book because I use hymns in my own worship time with God.  This book would make a wonderful gift to a music lover or for anyone (like me) who likes to learn interesting and fun facts.

I recommend this book highly.

This book was given to me by Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

The Devil is in the Details by Tony Kessinger

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tony Kessinger has more than twenty-five years ministry experience.  He is the president of Truth Seekers International and the author of several books.  He is an excellent Bible teacher who has taught in Bible institures on five continents.

Tony Kessinger has written a book that everyone should read.  He has   researched the material very well and speaks with great knowledge and authority on the wiles of the devil.  He gives his readers a firm foundation of scriptures to add to their arsenal against the devil.

The devil is alive and well today.  He is still using deceptive methods to entrap humans.  The enemy is sneaking and bombarding us daily with his subtle tricks.  As a grandmother rearing her four grandchildren, reading this book made me more aware of what these children are exposed to every day.  Satan can use something that seems innocent and harmless but is slowly weakening their defenses until Satan has established a stronghold on them.

This book is full of information and the chapter summaries really encapsulate the essence of each chapter.  This book is a must read for Christians who want to know more about the wiles of the enemy.  I highly recommend it.

This book was given to me by the author for an honest review.

A Mother's Holiday

This is for all of us mothers out there:

A Mother's Holiday

Up before dawn
Sweeping and mopping,
Too much to do
No time for stopping.
The family is nestled
All snug in their beds,
While visions of a turkey dinner
Dance in their heads.
There's cooking to be done,
And laundry to do,
Gotta scrub the floors
And clean the windows too.
The TV comes on--
The family is awake
How much more do you think I can take?
The relatives pour in with
Shouts of good cheer.
Why did I offer to have
The family dinner here?
Now that the meal is done
The relatives leave amid
Shouts of good wishes.
While hubby and the kids watch TV
Guess who gets stuck with the dishes?

Happy Thanksgiving to all and to all a good night.

Freedom is Not Free

Today is Veterans' Day.  It is not a day just for a select few but a day all free Americans should celebrate.  We owe a BIG THANK YOU to all the men and women who have risked and even given their lives so we can be free.  I am the wife of a veteran, the mother of a veteran, and the daughter in law of a veteran.  I love this country and thank God every day for the opportunity to live in this beautiful country.

Please watch the video on the sidebar and realize that our fighting men and women are not just anonymous faces.  They have wives, husbands, sisters, brothers, parents, and children.  This is not an impersonal battle--we must make it personal and give thanks to God.  I have seen signs saying "God bless America", but I have seen few if any signs that say America, thank God.

I hope you have had a wonderful day and spent at least one minute of your day saying a thank you to God and the men and women fighting for us.

Until tomorrow.

Crazy World

Today, another bomb threat was made to my granddaughter's high school.  This is the third one in a month.  What kind of person thinks this stuff is cool?  Today, there were bomb threats also found at 3 other schools in this county.  It is time that people open their eyes to see the shape of our world today.

Somebody said it was just a prank to get out of school.  What about old fashioned skipping?  Isn't that safer than putting hundreds of lives at risk?

All I can do is pray for the children--mine and the others in the schools?  Yes, even for the poor misguided person that thinks it is fun to scare others like this.

Second Gallon of Lemonade

OK, I am getting my fill of lemonade in the recent weeks.  Yesterday, I discovered my refrigerator-freezer has gone out.  I have several packages of meat that I have to cook today.  Kids will be eating good for awhile.  Luckily, I have another freezer to use so I do not have to cook everything.  Oh, I had just gone to the grocery the day before so you can imagine how I felt when I made this discovery.

Oh well, kids have to be fed so now we will a buffet to choose from.  Any leftovers will be saved so it's not a total waste.  Second thought.  What a wonderful opportunity to cook in mass and make home made TV dinners.  See the silver lining in this cloud?

This lemonade, I have to admit, is not as sweet as the first gallon.  But, at least all is not lost.   I guess I should be grateful for the food to cook.

Anybody want to join us for our buffet?  We will have chicken, burgers, steaks, and beef roast.  The only condition is you have to clean up afterwards.  After I do all this cooking, I definitely will not want to clean the kitchen.


Until next time, this is life on the edge

From Lemons to Lemonade

Sometimes life just does not seem fair does it?  I had some issues recently that really brought this home to me.  I was not feeling well and had no energy to do any of my normal day to day chores--clean house, laundry, etc.  I do not know what was wrong but for a couple of weeks all I could do each day was get the kids up and ready in time for their bus to come by.  After a few days, I got tired of being tired and decided I would just plug along and do what I could.  Well, by early afternoon I was totally exhausted so I would always lie down before the kids came home from school.  I knew I had a list of books to read and review plus stories I wanted to write.  Well, I decided that during my "off hours" I would work on a little bit of this backlog each day.  So by the time my bad two weeks had passed I had waded though over half of the books and have written about half of the stories I have had on file to write.

I can now say that although life had given me lemons for a while--I was successful in making lemonade and let me tell you, it did taste sweet to be able to say I did accomplish something during this bad time.

Oh by the way, the house has been cleaned although when the kids are home--I still don't do as much cleaning as I get done when they are not home.

So for now so long from life on the edge.

A Chapter Closes; A New One Opens

Life is lived in chapters.  There is the chapter of being young parents wanting the best for our children.  This includes the best education we can afford for them, the best activities that will give them the best advantage in life, as well as, teaching them values that will not leave them when they are older.

The next chapter is when the children grow into teenagers, achieve the milestone of driving and leaving us to sit up nights worrying about their safety while they are in the "wide world" behind the wheel.

Then hopefully, the chapter opens when they have their own families and visit "Mom and Dad" on birthdays and other special days that will make good memories for their own kids.

Well, if you have read my blog at all, you know I am not only hosting the grandkids for visits but have custody of the 4 precious ones.  Now, a brand new chapter has opened up for me--I now have a new 16 year old with a (I shudder when I say it) HER PERMIT.  Now this should not be so scary but at my age, my nerves are not as good as they used to be anyway.  SO--her I go again, teaching a new driver.

I just pray and ask for your prayers too that all of us will make it through this new chapter and come out on the other side with body and sanity intact.

Until next time, this is life on the edge.  The edge is getting more and more slippery every day.

Permission to Speak Freely by Anne Jackson

Anne Jackson posed this question on her blog:  What is the one thing yu feel you cannot say in church?" brought in an avalanche of responses that birthed this book.  In 194 pages, Ms Jackson uses art, anecdotes, and poetry to inspire the reader to tell their story.

I loved the layout and texture of this book.  It reminded me of an art book but was inviting and inspiring to me.  The beautiful artwork and poetry whet my appetite to digest the meat in the book.

Ms. Jackson writes in an open and honest manner and invites the reader to enter her life and learn from her past.

One truth that resonated with me (because it is a major issue I am faced with frequently) was found on page 4:  fear wants to stop our stories."  I realized I can't let fear stop me from telling my story if it helps one person to gain freedom from whatever bondage they find themself in.

Reading this book reinforced the fact that it is not only important to tell our stories--it is critical that we do,

I recommend this book to anyone who feels that church is too closed to the daily messes of life.  The church should be a safe haven where open and honest communication should be able to take place.  After all didn't Jesus communicate to the sinners and outcasts of society?

The One Year Choose Your Own Ending Devotional

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

This is an interactive and engaging devotional geared toward elementary aged children.  My kids really enjoyed using this devotional.  Each devotional starts with a situation, bible verses, and choices for the ending of the story.  My kids have had some very interesting discussions.  Through these discussions, each child was able to take something away that will help them in day-to-day life.
This devotional should be helpful for children to learn the right and wrong to behave and know what to do when faced with one of many temptations and pressures kids today face.

I intend to use and reuse this book and recommend it to families with children in this age group.