Close Encounters of the Moose Kind By Linda Rondeau

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

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

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

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Eight Ways to Beat the Blues at Christmas By Poppy Smith

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

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

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

He Sees You When You're Sleepin'...

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

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

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

"He Sees You When You're Sleepin'..." is loaded at docstoc.com. If for some reason you have difficulty copying or downloading the article, we will be glad to email the article in .pdf or .doc format. Russ@kathycarltonwillis.com

Benny's Angel A God's Secret Garden Adventure by Laura Allen Nonemaker Review

     Who stole the flowers from God's Secret Garden?  That is the big mystery in this delightful story written for children.   Laura Nonemaker wrote this book to teach children that they can have joy in their hearts and trust God in every situation.
     One of the characters  is Count Slime.  Count Slime tries to destroy the garden and steal the animals' joy.  But the animals learn to pray to God for help.  God sends an angel  to them in their distress.  Soon the mystery is solved.  The Garden is once again a beautiful place to be.  This book uses animals, nature, and a visit from an angel to teach the importance of prayer and the value of trusting God.
     There is  a link to an audio version of the book included.  I love the characters in the story.  They are loveable and childlike.  It is nice to see that there are writers that care about our children's spiritual development.  I was given this book to read and give an honest review.  This is what I did and have not been paid for it.
 

About The Author

Laura Allen Nonemaker

Laura Allen Nonemaker’s desire to write took root as a child in Bermuda. Since then, Laura has written in a variety of genres and her work has appeared in Essence Treasury: Celebrating the Season, Alive! and Kentucky Monthly Magazine.

Laura has been involved in short-term missions, including trips to Russia, Poland, and the University of the Nations in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Three years ago, her interest in the arts motivated her to join the planning team for Artful Missions, which conducts juried art shows and donates to outreaches in the U.S. and India to rescue women and children from human trafficking.

Feel free to contact Laura at lauranonemaker@gmail.com

Connect with Laura at These Social Networking Sites:

facebook: Laura Allen Nonemaker
twitter: @DigInGodsGarden
Linkedin: Laura Nonemaker
Blog: www.diggingingodsgarden.com

Q & A with Laura:

Why did you write Benny’s Angel?

Benny’s Angel was the result of an occurrence in my “secret garden.” While seated on my garden bench praying, I noticed a rabbit hopping through the garden. The Benny’s Angel scenario came to me. I sensed it was significant and in about ten minutes, I developed the basic storyline.

Why do you think reading is important for parents to emphasize with children, both by reading to them and fostering a healthy reading appetite as they develop their own reading skills? 

I believe the time to instill a love for reading in children is when they are toddlers and beginning to experience the power of communication in their relationships. Children are ready to absorb whatever they see and hear going on around them, whether it is good or bad. It is important to read them stories that ignite their imagination and plant the seeds of sound moral principles.

What issues do you address in Benny’s Angel, and why do children need these sorts of stories to help them through life? 

In the story of Benny’s Angel, the animals in God’s Secret Garden encounter a problem. They are unable to solve it themselves and pray to God for an answer. God answers their prayer by means of an angel. Benny’s Angel teaches the importance of prayer and of trusting God to answer our prayers. These principles filter naturally through the storyline and without the need for sermonizing. Children will face all kinds of problems and challenges as they grow up and stories based on sound biblical principles lay a strong foundation for their future.

Tell us about the next book you have coming out after Benny’s Angel.

The next book in the God’s Secret Garden Adventure Series is about a little frog. Through some misadventures, he learns the importance of obedience.

 Grand Prize Giveaway!

Leave a comment by December 9, 2011 and be entered in this great giveaway! 

Grand Prize Giveaway

$85.87 Value

• 1 Vivitar Camcorder with Camera and 2X Zoom
• 1 Benny's Angel Picture Book
• 1 Benny's Angel 3-D Book
• 1 Benny's Angel Coloring Book
• 1 Benny's Angel Audio Book
• 1 Benny's Angel T Shirt 
• 1 Benny Christmas Ornament
• 1 Marietta Christmas Ornament
• 1 96-Count Crayola Crayons

The God Pocket by Bruce Wilkerson

  "The God Pocket" by Bruce Wilkinson

I read “The God Pocket” and was inspired to start  living a life of giving.  You can have joy by giving.  That is what this book teaches.  It explains  a simple way to help others.  You don’t have to be perfect to do this.  You don’t have to be a preacher or a teacher for God to use you.

He takes everyday people who make mistakes and uses them to be a blessing to other people.  One way to help others is by having a place in your wallet to keep money that you have given to God to use as He tells you to.  God will give you a nudge when you meet someone that needs the money you have put in a special place for just such a time.  It can be a small sum or a large one.  God can use whatever you are willing to part with. 

When you read the book I think you will get as excited as I did.  Try it and see what happens.

I was given a copy of this book to review by Waterhouse Multnomah.  I have given an honest review and have not been paid for it.

Waterhouse Multnomah

Dare to Live:Devotions For Those Over The Hill, Not Under It! by Elizabeth Van Liere Blog Tour & Give A Way

Hello I believe you will enjoy reading this book.  It is in large print and easy to read.  It hits the mark.  I love it! Dare to Live: Devotions for Those Over The Hill, Not Under It! is a jolt of spiritual inspiration, a quick boost for your soul. Rediscover God's grace, hope, and power for living—regardless of your place or age in life. In Dare to Live, 87-year-old author Elizabeth Van Liere leads readers through a thirty-day journey to a fuller understanding of what it means to "season slowly with a mighty and loving Savior." This journey pursues a life characterized by relevancy not regret, generosity not grumpiness, and compassion to the end. These quick shots of instant inspiration might be just what you need to keep going. Whether new to the faith or a lifelong follower of Christ, readers old and young will discover the joy of what it means to be transformed into the image of Jesus and used for His purposes to the very end.   Here is a sample devotion from the book!

Chocolates Are Yummy, But God Is Sweeter (from Dare to Live, Devotions for Those Over the Hill, Not Under It)   So then whatever you eat or drink or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31 (Amplified) What is the first goodie to disappear on a dessert table during the fellowship hour at church? Anything chocolate—especially brownies. Ask those among you who is a chocoholic and hands are lifted high with the enthusiasm of a praise and worship band. And happy day! I just read, “Dark chocolate is good for you.” Those words push aside my guilty feelings when I let a piece of chocolate slowly melt in my mouth. It’s not so much the one piece I savor. It’s when I buy a box of chocolates. Not a huge box—no more than a double layer of brown nuggets. One of my daughters-in-law can buy a Hershey’s candy bar and eat one square a day. Not me. I open the box … slowly inhale the aroma … linger over the choice. Will it be a chocolate-covered caramel, a chocolate-covered truffle, or a crunchy chunk filled with nuts? I snatch the truffle and shut the box. Moments later the lid is off again. Just one more piece, then I’ll stop. Sin is like my addiction to chocolate. To live as God wants me to live, especially in light of His grace, requires that I develop self-control in all things—including chocolate. Paul tells us we are to glorify God at all times. This includes eating, drinking, working or playing. “I will not be mastered by anything,” Paul told the church at Corinth. Chocolates are only one of God’s gifts to us. Gobbling one piece after another means the object masters us instead of our being the master, just as overindulging in anything can rule our lives. God’s sweetness is more important than craving for chocolate. Do you suppose a chocolate obsession reveals a soul that is weak and easily led astray? Prayer Heavenly Father, You know I cannot keep my hand out of the box of chocolates by myself. I need Your help. So let my eyes skip over the sale at Walgreens for chocolates. Keep my eyes on the road ahead instead of to the side where Stouffers beckons. Grow self-control in me in everything, so all I eat, drink, or do glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.    A Step Further Proverbs 25:16; I Corinthians 9:24-27 Building Blocks of Faith Taste and see that the Lord is good. Questions Why do I feel I can indulge myself just because I’m elderly? Does it really matter if I take four pieces of candy instead of one? Author of the Book!

Elizabeth Van Liere Elizabeth Van Liere ‘s first story, “The Early Bird,” sent in with numerous mistakes, was published by Child Life in 1961. Since then, with much learning, her inspirational articles, poetry, children’s stories, and devotionals have found homes. Now, some fifty years later, at age 87, her first book is available: Dare to Live, Devotions for Those Over the Hill, Not Under It. Elizabeth’s husband died in 1991, but she kept busy helping her daughter raise four sons. Others in her family: three sons, ten grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren. She loves the chance to visit them all, in Colorado and from California to Virginia, North Carolina, Florida and Germany. Grand Prize Giveaway

$32.95 Value  Dare to Live Gift Box Local (Durango, CO) products from Honeyville  Ummm! I can taste those luscious pancakes already and oh, that bumbleberry syrup! Or how about some hot, golden corn bread—topping each piece off with some Jalapeno jelly! The grand prize winner will receive a gift box from Honeyville that includes: Whole Wheat Pancake Mix Bumbleberry Syrup Corn Bread Mix Jalapeno Jelly Leave me a comment on my blog and one winner will be picked randomly.  It may be you!

Stress-Free Believers

I read "Stress-Free Believers Turn Your Worry into Faith, Turmoil Into Peace" by Harold Metzel. I got a lot out of this book. I have been going through some stressful times in different areas of my life. I had been having a tough time thinking things through. When you are in this situation it is difficult to know what to do. This book really helped me. One thing he said in the book is that the tools available to de-throne the stress bully are faith and the courage to act on it. This is a very practical book. If you are a believer and are wondering how to deal with the stress in your life I would suggest reading it and putting into practice the advice that the author gives.
I was given this book to review and I have given an honest review of the book and receive no compensation for it.Stress-Free Believers: Turn Worry into Faith, Turmoil into Peace

Harold's 10 Best
Stress-Busting Bible Verses

1. Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
2. Do not be afraid ... for the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15)
3. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
4. Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:4)
5. He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
6. Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. (Matthew 6:25).
7. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
8. The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
9. My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)  
10. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Author Bio

Harold Metzel, a 30-year veteran as pastor, missionary, Bible College president and VP of a large charitable foundation in San Diego, currently coaches individuals and pastoral staff on ways to become even better stewards of what God has given. When visiting churches across the nation, he demonstrates ways to avoid unnecessary taxation, increase income using current assets, and provide a more effective inheritance. After counseling with many stressed-out believers, he now offers practical steps to bring stress back to a healthy level.

For more information see: www.haroldmetzel.com or www.stressfreebelievers.com.

Perfect Calm made by NewChapter Organics Review

I was chosen to try New Chapter Organics Perfect Calm Multivitamin.  It is made from organic whole foods and is for soothing stress.  You can get pricing and more information at www.bestpricenutrition.com. I received them in the mail and read the directions.  I took them on an empty stomach and it did not upset my stomach.  Most vitamins and supplements bother my stomach if I don't eat something at the same time.  But these did not bother me.  I was excited to see if they would help me.  And they did seem to settle me down.  I have a stressful schedule at times and need something to help calm my nerves.  It has the anti-stress herb Supercritical Holy Basil, which scientific studies show to modulate cortisol and ease stress and worry.  Chamomile and Lemon Balm offer soothing effects by improving healthy levels of calming neurotransmitters. Perfect Calm provides 25 whole food vitamins and minerals.  They also include herbal blends to aid digestive problems that sometimes go along with stress.

Check their prices at www.bestpricenutrition.com.
You can get them in 144 tablets here.

1Peter 3:8,9

"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing."  1Peter 3:8,9

In this verse it tells us that we should be kind and courteous.  It says that we should not give evil for evil.  We should bless those that hurt us.  By doing this we will receive blessings on our own lives.  This is not an easy thing to do.  It is not easy to accept criticism or harsh words and do good back to the person that said them.  But Jesus says this is what we are called to do.  Just like He did when He was here on earth.  He knows what we are going through.  He went through it Himself. 

"You Were Born For This" by Bruce Wilkinson Book Review

  The book "You Were Born For This, 7 Keys to a Life of Predictable Miracles" by Bruce Wilkinson is one of the best books I have read in a long time.  I highly recommend reading it.  When I first read the title I had my doubts.  I thought it might be something a little on the flaky side but it was not.
    I started reading the book and I just got so excited.  It just seemed to explain the concept that God wanted to use me to be a blessing to others.  I try to do good things for others.  But this book explains how we can allow God to work through us to do things for others in such a way that the person receiving the blessing knows it is from God.  He gets the credit.  We can just enjoy being the one He worked through. 
    The book is easy to read.  It has several stories of true examples of God working through those who choose to let Him.  It also explains how we can be more aware of His leading. 
    I loved the book. This book was given to me by Blogging For Books.  I was not paid to review it.  This is my honest review.

Bad Link in My Last Post.

Hello
I am sorry about the bad link in my last post.  I have tried to fix it but so far I haven't been able to.  I will keep trying.  Thank you for your patience.

I was watching a christian exercise program and loved it.  It is easy and also inspirational.  I love the music and the positive encouragement.  Here is a link to their site on the web:  ChristianFitnessTV.com.  


"Christian Fitness is a unique, fun and interactive program unlike any other show on television. Intended to encourage and help guide you in living a healthier life, the hosts share nutrition tips, facts on fitness, and uplifting scripture in a variety of over 25 different themed shows."  This is an exert from their site.

We are having a family reunion before long in honor of my Mom and Dad.  I was trying to think of some memories to share and I thought of several.  The one that keeps coming to my mind is when I was a little girl.  I must of been about three or so.  We had gone out to a lake to swim.  There were two slides, one was for the bigger kids and then there was a little one.  My mom an dad said that I could not go on the big one.  I went anyway.  I remember sliding down and going under the water.  I kept turn over and over and all I could see were bubbles and sand.  All of a sudden I saw my dad's legs in the water.  He scooped me up and carried me to safety.

That memory makes me think of God.  He tells me not to do something and I do it anyway.  Then when I go under and there is no way up, I call on Him and He comes and scoops me up.  He forgives me and loves me.  Just like my Dad did. He carries me to safety.

Bible Verses - Encouragement and Inspiration

My Blogging Goals

    I have joined a blogging class and hope that you can see some improvement in my blog soon.  One of the assignments is to write down some of my goals for my blog.  My main goal is to help my readers in some way.  If I can do that, I have accomplished something worthwhile.
    Here is a list of my goals:

1.  My first goal is to get my ads and links updated.  I want to take down those that are not helpful and put up ones that are interesting and helpful.
2. I want to blog at least once a week.  Maybe more but at least that.
3. I hope also to learn how to put links to pdf files for you to download.

 

Concentrate on finding your goal, then concentrate on reaching it.

- Colonel Michael Friedman

 
 

 

You Don't Need to Feel Unloved.

Do you feel unloved?  Sometimes I do.  I don't feel lovable.  I found this verse as I was thinking and praying to God.  I was wishing I had a friend I could talk to.  He gave me this verse:



"The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;"  II John 1.


You may be around people that don't share your faith and think you are strange.  But God says you are loved.

3 truths in troubled times

3 truths in troubled times

what is your heartbeat, God?

what is your heartbeat, God?

Happy Fourth of July

This lens is written to honor our Veterans.


Thank you for all you have given to keep our country free. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made. Thank you for the sacrifices families of veterans have made.


I found three videos that shows how most people in our country feel.  To read the rest of this lens please click here.

Happy Fourth of July!

Seek After A Quiet and Gentle Spirit

"Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."
I Peter 3:3, 4

God puts value on things in a different way than we do. He says that a gentle and quiet spirit are precious to Him. Maybe this is something we should think about. Maybe we should seek after a gentle, quiet spirit. Kind of like sitting by a quiet stream and listening to the water flow gently by.

"This post is participating in the Seeking Virtue Sunday Blog Hop".

"The Golden Pathway" by Donna M. McDine Book Review

    "The Golden Pathway"by Donna M. McDine is set in the times of slavery in America.  It tells a poignant story of a boy that sees how his father treats his slaves.  He tries to help one of the slaves.  His father is a difficult task master for his slaves and his family.  After hearing his father beat one of the slaves he shows courage and compassion by slipping out to take care of the beaten slave.  The young man figures out a way to help this slave boy escape to freedom.  He has heard of the freedom trail and helps to send his friend to freedom and a new life.
    Even though this story is set in another time in history, it still speaks to children of our generation.  It teaches love, compassion and courage.  Many children of today see difficult things growing up.  They go through painful things.  I feel this story speaks to them in a special way.  It gives hope and shows the almost forgotten art of kindness. 


    I believe our children need to learn about history.  This book teaches a lesson in history and also teaches good character traits at the same time.  It is written for children ages 8 to 12.  It is beautifully illustrated by K. C. Snider. 
I was given this book to read and review and give my honest opinion.  I have not been paid to do this.  I have written an honest review of this book.

Sign up for a Daily Bible Verse

Click here to sign up for a daily Bible verse emailed to you.  Thomas Nelson Publishers are celebrating 400 years of the King James Bible.  You can go here and find out all kinds of information about the Bible.  There are videos and images of rare Bibles and artifacts.

Doing Good Works

Are we doing good works?  We do good works when we are willing to serve and to sacrifice for others.  It is a love sacrifice. 
We will be rewarded for our good works. When we do things for others we instantly are rewarded with the feeling of peace and of doing something honorable, of having helped someone else.  But one day we will be rewarded in Heaven because God rewards us for our sacrifices and our good works.
When we do good works, it may not seem to others like we are sacrificing.  It may not seem impressive.  But you know the sacrifice you have made.  You know what it has cost you emotionally or physically to do it.The person you do something for may not thank you and they may not appreciate it.  But anytime you do something for someone else, God sees.  He appreciates and rewards you for it.
One thing that is a small sacrifice for me is to write notes and cards and send them to people.  It is hard for me to write by hand and it is something I have to make myself do.  Somebody else may not see it as a sacrifice but I know how hard it is for me.
Sometimes the little things mean a lot.  If you are a shy person like me, speaking to a stranger is difficult.  But it may be just what the other person needs.  That person may need a smile and a kind word.  It might just change someone's whole day and make it better.
If you have in your mind that you want to help others, you will see opportunities all around you.  Start with your immediate family and then go from there.  It may be that helping someone else will be just the medicine you need to feel better yourself.

How Would You Live Out the Gift of This Day?

"When we woke this morning, we had been given one of the greatest gifts!  Today.  We were given a day to use.  If we knew it was the only day we'd ever be given, what would we do with it?  What name would pop into your mind that you'd like to call?  What do you need to say?  Where would you go?  With whom?  What adventure would you experience?  What gift would you send to someone you haven't seen for a while?  What would you do with your spouse, children, parents, neighbors?  What check would you write?  What trip would you take?"  This is from the Homecoming Magazine, written by Bill and Gloria Gaither.

    Hello and hope everyone has a happy Father's Day tomorrow.  Father's day can be special even if you don't have a lot of money.  I took my husband out to eat today and used coupons.  Then we came home and I made a simple inexpensive dessert using a pound cake I had bought at the Dollar Tree for a dollar.  He was pleased and our budget was intact.
    I have been putting a lot of hours in at work.  I work in a kitchen and sometimes it is very stressful.  I have been trying to figure out whether I should keep trying to blog.  I don't seem to have time to research and review things to put on my blog right now.   I am thinking and praying about how to keep blogging and having something relevant to say. I am beginning to think it might be good to blog about my experiences at work and possibly family happenings.
    If you have any ideas on topics that might help you please leave me a comment.  Thanks for sticking with me.

Creative Problem Solving Techniques

Do you have a problem that seems to have you completely stumped? Are you wondering if there is some sort of business problem solving technique you haven't heard of? I found these eight steps to problem solving in a book by Norman Vincent Peale called "Enthusiasm Makes the Difference". This doesn't sound like it would give you ideas on solving problems. But there is a section that explains a way to tackle problems without losing your mind. 

 Read the Rest of the Article Here.