Monday, December 31, 2012

"Getting It Together" by Kayse Pratt: Book Review...

Kayse Pratt's Ebook, "Getting It Together" OFFICIALLY releases today. 

You can buy it for $3.99...
 OR
you can get it for FREE. 

Head over to her blog (follow the link below) to find out how:


 The book is a quick read but the information within is a powerful tool for organizing one's home and family. She has FREE printables to help you create the tool she personally uses for her family. Plus, she has made them cute. My personal favorite printable is the "Blogging Schedule." 

If you are the Mom of one little one or a houseful of children, Kayse's book will help you with the organization in your home. You can even use the tool to help with aging parents. 
Now, Kayse's system can't be done without a little work & discipline...YES, I went there! 
However, the rewards will definitely be worth the effort. 

I received an advance copy of this book with one request from Kayse:

"Please help me get the word out about the book's release and that I am wiling to give it to people for FREE for signing up for my newsletter."

 She also asked us to be honest in our reviews. 
Therefore, I will let you know that I have not created the tool Kayse discusses....yet. 

Here is the link one more time to be able to sign up for the newsletter and get the book FREE:



Thursday, December 27, 2012

Shannon Sullivan: Walking in His Word Guest Post...

Today, I would like to introduce everyone to Shannon Sullivan. Shannon is in a Proverbs 31 Critique Group with me and has graciously agreed to guest post on Dawn's Dialogue. She has been happily married to her best friend for 20 years. They live with their two children and three Boston Terriers. Enjoy the post and visit Shannon's blog:


"All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.  We have left God’s path to follow our own.  Yet the Lord laid on Him the sins of us all."  -- Isaiah 53:6

Photo Credit: Dew Photography
Everyone at some point in their life has strayed off the path and not followed God like we should.  It’s not that we have turned our back on Him, we just put ourselves and what we want first.  I personally have had more than a few speed bumps on my path.

As a teenager, I strayed.  I wanted to do what I wanted to do.  Unfortunately, that was drinking, drugs, smoking and premarital sex.  My parents had been divorced since I was eight and I had four step parents by the time I was seventeen.  I didn’t really have a curfew and pretty much did whatever I wanted.  My dad had always made sure we went to church when we were with him, but he moved to California when I was thirteen.  I lost my way but I was always conscious about it.  I knew what I was doing was wrong but did it anyway.  I felt like no one cared about me, so why should I?  There was someone who did care about me though.  God.  My guardian angel took quite a beating for a few years.  It took being raped to get my attention and starting back on my path.  I still drank and did drugs to cover up the pain.  I went to church one Sunday with my Meme and cried the whole time.  I felt God’s conviction and straightened up.  I asked for His forgiveness and things turned around.

Photo Credit: Dew Photography

I met my husband when I was twenty.  Jeff was raised in church.  He had done some partying but for the most part led a pretty honest and straight forward life.  His parents had never been divorced and I used to tease him about growing up in ‘Leave it to Beaver’ land.  We dated, got married and had a daughter then a son.  We have been together for twenty years and married for eighteen.  

Photo Credit: Dew Photography

Despite my picture perfect life, I strayed off my path again.

After nine years of marriage, I succumbed to the attention of another man.  Things with my husband and I were strained because of some extended family issues.  This man paid attention to me, told me I was beautiful and made me feel special.  I had three best friends at the time and we were all close with each other.  They knew about the friendship between this man and I.  One even encouraged me to cheat on my husband.  I had started drinking again and didn’t have my heart where it needed to be.  Ironically, I was teaching Kindergarten at the Academy our church supported and my friends were the principal, PTA president and homeroom mother.  I was also head of the Children’s Ministry at our church.  I was a huge hypocrite.  Eventually, my friend that had encouraged an affair told my husband that I was in fact having an affair.  I wasn’t physically but I was mentally.  I asked forgiveness from my husband and no longer had any contact with the other man.  I resigned my position at the church and lost my best friends.  I also quit my job because I needed to remove all traces of temptation and bad memories.  Slowly but surely, I got back on my path.

Photo Credit: Dew Photography
I have not yet found another church.  It has been over nine years since I regularly attended.  I am afraid of the hurt that I felt by my church family when we left our old church.  We had attended there for six years and I was known to everyone, young and old.  
When we left, no one, not even my pastor, called to ask why or check on us.  
No one else knew of my indiscretion except my three friends as far as I know. 

Photo Credit: Dew Photography

I lost my way for a while, but am back on track.  I work for a Christian man who lets me listen to Christian music while I work and decorate my office with Bible verses and crosses.  He encourages me and my other co-workers in our walks with the Lord and is always there lending an ear and offering prayer.  I have been blessed beyond anything I could have ever imagined.  My husband and I are closer than we have ever been and my children are the brightest part of my day.  I participate in online Bible studies and continue to visit churches.  I know God will tell me when I have found my new home.
Although I have strayed off my path and found my way back.  It breaks my heart to know that I broke the Lord’s heart and my sins are what held Jesus Christ on the cross.  His grace is a gift I don’t deserve.  I know the evil one will continue to throw things in my path but as long as I keep my eyes on the Lord, I know with His strength, I will be okay.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

"Plant the Seed"...Encouragement Cafe Guest Post Today (Dec. 26th, 2012)

I am guest posting over at Encouragement Cafe today. 
Here is a preview and the link to read the whole post. 

Photo Credit: Betty Images
"While praying over a red-faced, screaming 2-½ year old in a full-fledged temper tantrum, the thought of planting and nurturing seeds was the farthest thing from my mind. However, while contemplating a recent event, it became evident how Jesus was with me planting seeds..."

Read more over at Encouragement Cafe...

"Seeing through the Fog" Book Review

I apparently have read more books the past couple weeks then I realized. Here is another book review for you:


Ed Dobson's journey and book is definitely not what one would consider a "walk in the park."
However, I am extremely grateful this book came into my life.

Ed's raw candor and frankness about living with ALS became a source of support to me. With this last year of illness and maladies, there have been times of my wanting to just "pack it all up" and be a hermit for the rest of my days. Then Ed's book came into my path.

Ed's sincerity came through when he wrote:

"It is one broken person talking to another broken person. And there is power in that." 

This is what true ministry is meant to be. Not me being better than the person God has put in my path or vice versa...

Ed throughout the book shares how he has dealt with the idea of his body slowly deteriorating from a debilitating disease, facing the fact of being a Pastor no more, and the ultimate fact he is dying. But, are we all not dying since the day we were born?



I walked away from "Seeing Through The Fog" by Ed Dobson optismistic and expectant of what God plans to do in 2013.





Tuesday, December 25, 2012

"Trusting God": Book Review...

Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you.
Here is a book review for you. Maybe you got an Amazon gift card. 
What a great way to start the New Year with a new book!





"Trusting God" is a book with honesty. Each of the women tell the truth concerning trusting God and how it does not  get any easier in full-time ministry. Many in ministry and others get caught up in a mindset of people participating in full-time ministry; never have trials, trust or temptation issues. This is a lie straight from the devil, which sets up those in ministry to fail. 

The Girlfriends in God (GIG) authors, Sharon Jaynes, Mary Southerland, and Gwen Smith share the ministries theme verse, *"We loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."* They want us to know this invitation comes with the warning their lives are pretty messy sometimes.  I highly recommend this book for women in ministry. It can be done alone or with a group to support one another. 

One of my favorite parts of the book is when the ladies share about the shields from the armor of God: *"The shields had hooks on the sides so that, in difficult situations, the soldiers could link their shields together and march into battle as one."* 

The women share openly about distractions, feeling unproductive, doubt, and many other issues those in ministry have. However, we have mistakenly believed we should struggle and suffer in silence. I encourage you to pick up a copy of "Trusting God." Have a few laughs and knowing nods while you read the Girlfriends in God sharing their hearts. 

"Trusting God" is a book with honesty. Each of the women tell the truth concerning trusting God and how it does not  get any easier in full-time ministry. Many in ministry and others get caught up in a mindset of people participating in full-time ministry; never have trials, trust or temptation issues. This is a lie straight from the devil, which sets up those in ministry to fail. 

The Girlfriends in God (GIG) authors, Sharon Jaynes, Mary Southerland, and Gwen Smith share the ministries theme verse, *"We loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."* They want us to know this invitation comes with the warning their lives are pretty messy sometimes.  I highly recommend this book for women in ministry. It can be done alone or with a group to support one another. 

One of my favorite parts of the book is when the ladies share about the shields from the armor of God: *"The shields had hooks on the sides so that, in difficult situations, the soldiers could link their shields together and march into battle as one."* 

The women share openly about distractions, feeling unproductive, doubt, and many other issues those in ministry have. However, we have mistakenly believed we should struggle and suffer in silence. I encourage you to pick up a copy of "Trusting God." Have a few laughs and knowing nods while you read the Girlfriends in God sharing their hearts. 


Thursday, December 20, 2012

Merry Christmas and My One Word...

"God is Faithful to us, even in our suffering,regardless of our faithfulness to Him"
- Joyful Journey by Teri Lynne Underwood

The above quote has been on my mind lately. Even though it should not, it utterly amazes me how God is faithful even when I am not. My current health issue has caused me suffering and it has been way too easy for me to lose my focus and faithfulness to God. Those of you who follow this blog will remember that "focus" is My One Word for 2012. 



(Affiliate Link)

With 2012 coming to a close and Christmas just a few days away, I must admit to feeling like  I have  failed with My One Word. After a year, I don't feel any closer to understanding "focus". 

However, 2013 is a New Year and I serve a "God who is faithful...regardless of my faithfulness to Him" 

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 
I encourage each of you to check out the My One Word page. 

Monday, December 17, 2012

"Isn't It Time for a Coffee Break": Book Review


"Isn't it time for a Coffee Break?" caught my attention because of the word 'coffee'. Anyone who knows me understands my infatuation and love with this hot liquid gold. 

Amelia Rhodes covers a range of topics in this book to be released on January 1st, 2013 from 'good' to 'hospitality' in an easy to read style. There were times, I didn't completely agree with Rhodes but her discussion of true hospitality stuck with me. I even shared a hospitality example from her book. 

We just didn't see eye-to-eye on 'good'. Rhodes quotes her Pastor at one point, "Many of us want to be great, and because we want to be great, we look for something great...Meanwhile, all of these opportunities to do good go whizzing by."

My personal thoughts are many Christians miss God's best while being kept busy with 'good'.
Did this cloud my view while reading Rhode's discussion on 'good'?
Why do I ask? 

Because Rhodes says at another section in her book, 
"When God asks us to do things that are uncomfortable or unfamiliar, it isn't because He want to control or manipulate us. It's because He has an eternal view of our lives
 and knows what is best for us in the long run." (emphasis mine)

At other times, my heart resonated with understanding while reading. Such as when Rhodes wrote:

"For some reason, I felt the need to be the strong one, the one who holds everything together, who had the answers, who had the faith to withstand anything. It was exhausting..."

Rhodes explains how she gave up this exhausting behavior and learned the value of authentic relationships. She continues throughout the book with stories and examples of authentic relationships. 

 My recommendation: 3 1/2 stars

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Take the Next Step...Encouragement Cafe Devotion...

Today, join me over at Encouragement Cafe, I get to share again about "Until We All Come Home." 

 The book shares Kim de Blecourt's journey of bringing home her son home after his adoption. 



You can find her book on Amazon (not an affiliate link). 

CLICK ON OVER TO ENCOURAGEMENT CAFE FOR THE DEVOTION:


Being a part of the launch team for "Until We All Come Home" became a blessing in so many ways. I jumped and asked to please write the devotion the day Kim would be on the radio podcast at Encouragement Cafe. I truly believe people will see God in Kim's story. 

In true Kim generosity she gave me a special gift last month. 
Her family made a donation to "Food for Orphans" in my name. 

Check out Kim's story and read my devotion over on Encouragement Cafe.




Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Book Review: At the Feet of Jesus...


This is a newer feature of Dawn's Dialogue, a book review. I have recently started participating with two different programs. It is actually a sweet deal for an avid reader, like me. In short, the reader goes through an approval process. We fill out an application and wait for approval.
Once approved it is the reviewer's intent to help get the word out about the books. 

I have chosen two programs ,which allow me freedom in choosing books to review. This does not mean the request is always approved but it does give me the chance to share books that I think are worth reading. Another freedom, the publishers want us to give honest reviews.

What do I get for the reviews? What is in it for me?

Simple: Books and eBooks 

In return for the review, the reader receives a copy of the book. In addition, I will occasionally add an affiliate link to the bottom of the review page. Neither program requires the affiliate link. 
However, when you click on the link at the bottom of the page a portion of the sales
 helps our ministry and business. I will always disclose when an affiliate link is posted.

Why does the publisher do this? What is in it for them?

Simple: Free publicity and marketing of their books. 

The publisher's view is the more people reading, reviewing and discussing their books
 will lead to more sales. 

How does this fit with the mission of Dawn's Dialogue:

"Connecting with One Another and Jesus in a Communication Saturated World"

Simple: It is another way for us to connect. :-)

Here is my brief review of "At the Feet of Jesus" by Joanna Weaver

This devotional is a wonderful edition to Weaver's writings. It takes portions of her previous books, "Having a Mary Heart", "Having a Mary Spirit", and "Lazarus Awakening" and weaves them into a 365 day devotional. My favorite part of this book is the Outtakes. It is like in seeing the deleted scenes on a movie's DVD. This in no way means the outtakes are not worth every word. It is just in the real world of writing and editing, some portions are removed. This devotional proves"good" portions are edited out in the publication process. I am grateful that Weaver saved the outtakes.

With a New Year quickly on our heels and many looking for a devotional to start on January 1st, "At the Feet of Jesus" by Joanna Weaver is worth the time and investment.


This is an affiliate link. However, I do not recommend books that I would not want to personally own.