Bounce Back: A Book Review

"Bad brainwashing is when someone attempts to control your thinking...Good brainwashing is when you invite the Lord to instruct and guide your thinking. Good brainwashing is submitting your own brain to God's Word so the Lord might cleanse the thoughts of your heart through the inspiration of His Spirit"---Julie Clinton

The practicality in Julie Clinton's new release, "Bounce Back" is spot-on. She shares in-depth how to rebound when we feel as if all is lost. If you had said 'brainwashing' could ever be a good word, I would have written you off as loony. However, the above quote shows exactly how brainwashing can be good. I finished reading this book in January and actually went back to refresh my memory...not a spring chicken anymore. It surprised me how many sections that had been highlighted in my ebook version. 

I leave you with one final quote before letting you go grab your own copy:

"No woman is ever too broken to be of value to the Lord. Now woman is ever beyond God's ability to fill her empty heart and to make her a blessing. I believe in God's ability to help you 

BOUNCE BACK"

Power of A Half Hour: A Book Review...

The author, Tommy Barnett shows how a span of 30 minutes can change our lives. At times it is for the good and at others it can be heart breaking. The author mentioned the book could be read in 30 minute increments.  His desire is for the reader to finish the book, because many books are never finished.

The book is one that I am reading in spurts instead of straight through. I am seeing lots of stories about Barnett's half hours but not as much of how the half hour increments will work for me. If approached from the view of Barnett's life and experience the reader will be satisfied. 

Redeemed: A Book Review

Who have all heard the song? Probably even belted it out during a worship service.

"I am redeemed. You set me free, 

So, I'll shake off these heavy chains, 

Wipe away every stain, 

Now I'm not who I used to be,

I am redeemed."

Now, we can have the devotional based on the #1 K Love Fan Award winning, "Song of the Year"

Each devotional chapter includes the devotion, scripture, more of God's Word, A prayer for today, and a place for your own thoughts. 

This volume is great for a gift. Plus, don't forget one for yourself. 

Happy New Year and My One Word 2014...

Goodbye to Christmas 2013

As we say "Goodbye to Christmas 2013", lets not pack Jesus away with all the Christmas decorations. 

We must remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season but He is not only available to us during the Christmas Season. He is available and wants to have relationship with us each and every day. 

Stepping into 2014, I want to say, "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

May this journey be one of many blessings for each of you.

At the beginning of a new year, it is always good to look at the previous year. 

Jesus is with us every day and we just need to look for Him.

  

My One Word in 2013 was Diligent. 

Diligent would become a reality as we:

~ Rebuilt my parent's home

~Walked with Mom through heart stint surgery

~ Continued to build photography skills

~ Worked my way through two injuries (on the same little toe)

My One Word for 2014 is RESPECT.

God has shown me that I don't understand RESPECT. 

As with each word, this will be a journey. 

However, God has shown me (yes, already by January 4th)

 that this journey with RESPECT will require quite a bit of refining in me. 

"If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if His love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand."

Philippians 2:1-4 The Message

May you have a blessed New Year. 

What is your One Word for 2014? 

Don't have a word and want to know more? 

Check out My One Word below:

MY ONE WORD

Early Christmas Present: Free Book on Amazon

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

What better way to celebrate Christmas than to give gifts?

Therefore, I have a gift for each of you. 

My first book, "Dawn's Dialogue Revisited" has been published and 

you each get a FREE copy.

Here are the details for getting your Christmas Gift copy of "Dawn's Dialogue Revisited"
Starting December 19th until December 21st click below to head over to Amazon.

Once there accept your FREE copy.

May you have a beautiful Christmas.
Have a blessed New Year!


P.S. Don't have a Kindle? Don't worry...Amazon has a Kindle Reader you can download.

Clear Winter Nights: A Book Review...

"You may feel alive when you go with the flow, but any dead thing can float downstream" 

-Pastor Gil (Gramps) from Clear Winter Nights. 

Chris has grown as a Christian but is know having doubts. Wax's fiction book, "Clear Winter Nights" tactfully tackles many issues the character, Chris has in this fiction book. Even written as a fiction book, Wax uses Pastor Gil to answer Chris' questions which a segment of Christians struggle with today. 

Pastor Gil, Chris' grandfather doesn't argue with his grandson. Instead, he shows him truth. There were times I forgot the story is a fiction book. 

"Clear Winter Nights" is a fiction book to put on your reading list. 

***A copy of the book was given in exchange for an unbiased review***

A Million Little Ways: A Book Review

"Being a mess doesn't disqualify you from having an influence" is one of the first things in Emily Freeman's latest title that made my heart leap.  Freeman in "A Million Little Ways" illustrates how each of us is an artist. Yes, a businessman, mother, & father are all artist. 

Each of us are artist but we are not our art. Hear it in Freeman's own words:

"You are art and you make art, but you are not your art. You are God's art."

God's art? Yep, we are God's art and what we create is meant to glorify Him. 

Freeman has authored a work of art, which glorifies the Father and enriches the hearts of the reader. 

Pick up a copy today. 

***A copy of the book was given in exchange for an unbiased review***

Unspoken: A Book Review...

All in all, "Unspoken" by Dee Henderson is a good read. The characters are well-developed and this reader had both interest and empathy for them. However, at times, I found myself waiting for the BIG SURPRISE. There is one part that could be seen as the one big event, but this reader saw it coming. 

Even though, the big event wasn't there for me, this is still a good read. Henderson carries the reader through each step of the plot line. Any Henderson lover will enjoy "Unspoken" especially if they enjoy other Henderson titles. 

***A preview copy of this book was provided for an unbiased review***

Ask Me Anything Lord: A Book Review...

 

"Yes, individuals matter to God." 

Wow, such a simple statement but empowering one at the same time. 

To be fair, I want to say upfront, this post would have happened even if the book wasn't being reviewed by me. "Ask Me Anything, Lord" by Heather C. King is not the book I expected it to be... I am so grateful for that. There has been one problem though while reading it. 

This reviewer wants to soak up each word. The problem comes when we need to write a review for a book in a timely manner. See my dilemma? :-)

Heather's writing draws me in. I find myself not wanting to miss one iota of what she is sharing. 

Here is another snippet of what I read this morning concerning 'individuals mattering to God':

Individuals mattering, 

"is why He (God) framed the Bible the way He did. It tells of God's activity among humanity through the stories of people---broken, messed up, sinning people--- just like you and me...As we learn about these people, we ultimately learn about God." 

(italics mine)

This is so freeing and wonderful. Who wouldn't want to sit here for a day or two and meditate and ponder on just these words. Hence, where my issue of a timely review comes into play. 

Here is the nitty-gritty, thus far, on "Ask Me Anything Lord" by Heather C. King:

~ I am about 50% finished with the book. 

~ Loving the book

~Plan on finishing the book

~Writing review now because review should be done in timely manner

Check out this book, it is available through Amazon:

***An electronic preview copy of this book was given for an honest, unbiased review***

***Links are Amazon affiliate links. These links are used sparingly by this blogger***

Weak or Strong: Which Are You?

Print available for purchase here

"Remember everyone loves a come back story." 

Those words were innocently spoke to me at a conference.  

This simple comment got stuck in my crawl. 

Why? 

Because I never intended to be a 'comeback story'

Only weak people fall....right? 

Us, Strong people can make it through anything thrown our way...right?

WHAT A CROCK OF BULL!!!! 

The sad part is we have all gobbled up this manure.

Didn't God say, "when you are weak, I am strong?"

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.""-2nd Corinthians 12:9

It is right there, "My power works best in weakness," so, why are we walking around being 'strong' and spouting "everything is fine"

 Things are far from fine. Fine isn't even on our radar. 

In all honesty, would it make a difference if we answered any other way than fine. 

"Fine" has become the standard response.

 Yesterday, I did an experiment, my daughter and I spent 6 hours at our photography booth during a local festival. It was a simple experiment. I decided to see how many people would notice me not answering to the standard greeting:

"Hi, how are you today?" or one of its many versions. 

Would anyone notice or is the phrase so ingrained they wouldn't even notice me not answering? 

My response was just "Hi" or "Hello". 

The results:

 ~no one noticed me not answering their question~

My simple response of "hi" would elicit responses such as, 

"good" "that's nice", and "good to hear"

 WAIT A MINUTE?!?!?

I didn't answer their question of 'How are you?" 

A few people looked at me with a strange expression or a head nod but kept walking. 

We must not be harsh with my unknowning 'guniea pigs'

 because all of us have done the exact same thing. 

Why do I bring this all up? Because we need to get real and acknowledge (scripture states "boast") in our weakness then God's power can work best.  

Therefore, today I am stating here for all to see:

~I AM NOT STRONG. 

~I AM WEAK

 ~BUT GOD'S POWER WORKS BEST IN MY WEAKNESS

It was not my intention to be a comeback story. 

However, we all know it is not about my intentions...

IT IS ABOUT GOD AND HIS INTENTIONS. 

P.S. Also, on some days, "I am not fine" 

Take Flight: A Devotional Review

A Short Review on the Sisterchick Devotional, "Take Flight"

The one thing that is wonderful is you don't have to know about Sisterchicks novels to love this devotional. However, if you have read a Sisterchick novel or two it just means you will love this devotional even more. The size of each devotion is just write and the two authors work so well together with each of their parts. Some days I would read two devotions but normally would stay at one per day. The personal examples from Robin where a nice touch to the book.

**An electronic version of the book was received for an honest review***

Coming to Understand....

2013 All Rights Reserved
Dew Photography VA

Can I be honest for a minute or two? 

I have really been struggling with my writing lately. While reading fellow Sister in Christ blogs, it is apparent this doesn't happen to only me. 

Does this make me feel better? No, not really. 

However, I just finished a book entitled,

"Called to Write: Biblical Advice for Authors and Bloggers." 

If you follow me on FB you have already seen these quotes.

"So, how can we know that people are reading our words?  We don’t. But the encouragement comes from the promise that what we sow, we shall also reap. We are not promised worldly success or copious amounts of money, but we are promised to bring glory and honor to God if that is our goal. So write for the purpose of glorifying God and you shall reap bountifully!" 

 "We must long to encourage the body of Christ with our words instead of worrying about how fast our blog is growing or how many books we’ve sold this month."

And this one, which seems to be the hardest for me to remember to do:

"Committing our writing to the Lord means a constant surrender of our ideas.  It means dying to ourselves in every area of our lives so God can shine through."

Yes, I am sure we have all heard or possibly even said these words before. But, what I am coming to understand is we need to hear them and say them more often than we do.

Let's try to commit to remind each other more often why we are doing this in the first place....to glorify God.  

P.S. I give you permission to remind me. :-)

Crazy Busy: A Book Review...

Kevin DeYoung tackles an issue everyone understands with his latest offering. 

"Crazy Busy" is a discussion about 'busy' not an answer book. 

DeYoung looks at some possible reasons for all of the busy in our lives and some stomp mercilessly on toes. Toe stomping begins, when we are asked the following question about how often we respond "yes" to request for our time: 

"Am I serving me or serving them?"

OUCH!!! Did you feel that steel toed boot on your toes? Or was it only me who got a good toe smashing by that question.

DeYoung further states:

"Saying yes always looks like the latter, but it's often all about the former."

Don't lose hope though. DeYoung wraps up the book with encouragement. He explains it is not ultimately about being busy but why we are busy. 

As advertised, this is a short book but it is filled with exactly what all of us need. A right perspective about being busy. 

***An advanced copy of the title was given for this honest and unbiased review***

Faking Grace: A Book Review...

"Faking Grace" by Tamara Leigh is a hilarious read. When Maizy becomes Grace and thinks she can 'fake' her Christianity, she doesn't know what she is getting herself into. 

One will have a difficult time putting the book down. We need to see how 'Grace' gets her self out of the many messes. The addition of the 'Dumb Blondes Book on Christianity' to help her be a Christian was amusing to this blogger; considering it could easily be found on a retail store shelf. 

Want a light hearted read? One in which you will smile and at the same time truly care what happens to each person in the story. Then pick up a copy of "Faking Grace" today. 

***An advanced copy of the title was given for this honest and unbiased review***

Simply Devoted: A New Beginning

God has given me the opportunity to be a part of a new beginning this week. This new adventure is "Simply Devoted." I am excited for this new beginning and want to share it with you all. There is one catch though...the first session is full. 

"Simply Devoted is a community of women. Of us. Women who yearn for Jesus, for encouragement in our daily devotions, and for the fellowship of other women."

Simply Devoted began because of obedience. Obedience to spending time with God daily. Kayse Pratt tells her story on her blog,

"If You've Got Bible Study Burnout...This Post is for You"

I am one of those people, who can start off well. However, when life happens, I fall behind and then catching up nearly kills me. See with my personality, quitting is not an option. Is this a bad thing? At times, yes...for I have been known to push myself beyond my limitations. Commitment is something I take seriously. 

How serious, you ask?

~I completed a study of Philippians online when I was the only person (oh by the way, I was also the leader) because it was a commitment. 

~ Another time as the part of a critique group, I persevered until Summer while walking through a major family crisis. Yes, I fell behind at times with my critiques (never caught up either) and it was a struggle but I was not quitting because a commitment was made.

Not to mention, the whole arguing with God for years over what commitment I should give up. To only tell Him (yes, I was pretty stupid) that none of them could be given up until I suffered a breakdown...I told you that I take commitment seriously.  

Some of you are thinking, "Ok, what is so great about Simply Devoted, besides 

another opportunity to make a commitment and then have life happen. So, I can feel defeated and overwhelmed while keeping my commitment?" 

Here is some truth, the same thought crossed my mind when first hearing about Simply Devoted. Yet, when taking the time to find about Simply Devoted, the realization came to me this can be different. Here's why:

Simply Devoted is not a bible study.

No particular book is being studied. The focus of Simply Devoted is encouragment and accountability to spend time with God each day. Most call this "quiet time with God." Something I work on doing everyday. Spending time with God but with encouragement and love from other women doing the same thing. 

 This also means: No other agenda.

What do I mean by no other agenda? 

The group will not be telling me about their blogs, books, or other marketing in our Simply Devoted small groups. This is not meant to be ugly, but it annoys me when I am in a study, at a conference or concert and the marketing rolls out....

"We have this book, ministry or etc...we would like you to consider buying." No, they don't come right ask us to buy but it is implied. 

Our first season with Simply Devoted starts this week. Excitement is in the air. Love and encouragment are in the air. We are anticipating our time with God and sharing it with our Sisters in Christ. 

As I mentioned earlier, the first season of Simply Devoted is FULL but I couldn't contain myself from sharing with you all. I will let you know when the second season opens up.

Have a blessed day and stay in touch with God throughout your day. 

Two years...A Reflection

"I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me."

Proverbs 8:17

August marks two years since I have been in VA, after being in NC for fourteen years. 

With the two year mark of being here it had me reflecting through the last two years. 

Here are some of my reflections...

 Things which made it feel as if the two years flew by: 

~ A year (in September) since my Dr gave me the green light to go and live life after major surgery on 45th birthday in 2012. 

~ Finally getting our house in NC rented in July of 2013. 

This was more complicated than we thought. The house had to be brought up to code before people could move in. As the original owners, when we lived in it, the new codes didn't apply. 

~ Overseeing the rebuild of my parents' house for 4 months at the beginning of 2013. We are still working on the insurance stuff as I write this and some minor issues with the rebuild. 

Things which made the two years feel it moved at a snail's pace:

~ My work in progress. It was started in 2012 but I became overwhelmed when a loving critique group critiqued it. It wasn't their suggestions that did me in but the format we chose for our critiques. I ended up with 7 different Word documents with each sweet ladies suggestions. 

~My photography. This has to be in God's timing not mine. He is the one who laid it on my heart. 

However, must admit to being human and being impatient. Impatient, more often than I want to admit. He is teaching me about "DILIGENCE" (My One Word) through this endeavor. 

Then there are the highlights & blessings from the last two years:

~Attending She Speaks in 2012 and meeting Liz Curtis Higgs

~ Seeing Needtobreathe in 2012

~ Celebrating 25 years of marriage to my Sweetie

~My first photography show at Carme Espresso in 2013

~ Having work in the 2013 Fredericksburg Fine Arts Show

~ Our daughter's Teacher Commissioning in February 2013

 & her  graduation from Campbell University in May 2013.

~Having the privilege to create a video for "Colton Rusk" a Fallen Marine 

God has been faithful as He always is during the last two years. He takes care of my family and I. 

He gives us mercy, love and grace each day. Even on the days, I blow it...especially on those days.

My prayer is to be able to serve Him to my fullest ability in whatever adventures He has planned for the next two, five, or even twenty years. 

Thanks for being a part of this community!

The Ripple Effect (The Book and More)...

The Ripple Effect it is the title of Michelle Lazurek's latest book and is definitely worth the price for the ebook. It is currently $1.99 on Amazon and free to Prime Members. 

Yet, I have been thinking of the ripple effect in other ways too. While reading blogs the last couple weeks it seems many of us, including myself, have fallen out of our writing/blogging grooves. It all started with missing one blogging day, which before realizing it had expanded into multiple blogging days. How does the ripple effect fall in here? Remember one rock throw in the water produces the ripple effect. Where more than one is effected? This is what has happened with our blogs. 

Even if it is a small group of people, we each of others reading our blogs. When we skip it doesn't just affect how God uses me but it spreads out to each of the people reading. 

My prayer is for each of us to get back into the groove God has for it. Not ones we think we should be doing but the plan God has for us. No more "if" and "but" excuses. Instead, letting our mighty Saviour live out in each of us. The thing we need to remember is it will look different in each of us. 

Lazurek's book deals with discipleship and leadership. Discipleship is more than a buzz word for me. It should be a way of life for each of us. We are called to make disciples.

"So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations..." 

Matthew 28:19 God's Word

My prayer for each of you is for God to move in you a mighty way this week. I ask the same prayer from each of you. I, further need to be diligent (My One Word for 2013) with the responsibilities God has given me. Whether this is with my ministry efforts, business or with my family. 

Thank you in advance for your prayers.

One Word Check Up...

Thank you to Tracy over at One Degree Ministries for reminding me to do a One Word Check Up. 

God gave me the word, "Diligent" back in January. It is hard to believe it is already July 10th. 

You can read more about how God gave me the word here.

I had big aspirations at the beginning of the year for me and My One Word. I planned on reading all the verses in Scripture with my word in it in various translations. The truth: I haven't read even a fourth of the verses with my word in one translation yet. 

So...what has God taught me so far about "Diligent"

This has been one question that I return to frequently.

The answer has been interesting so far. 

 Things don't get accomplished without someone being diligent. 

A dangerous thing for a 'reformed control freak' who has tendencies of backsliding. 

God wants us to be diligent but who remembers He is in control. 

Another question: 

Am I interacting with my word? 

When reflecting I see myself interacting with "Diligent" regularly and not even realizing it. 

Diligent and I interact when I :

~ Save receipts and fill out insurance forms for my parent's house fire reimbursment 

~ Spend 6 months looking for new home insurance after Mom and Dad were canceled by their old company two weeks after the fire

~ Continue to write and blog even on the days of discouragement

~ My photography outings produce better quality photos  

~ Feel invisible but remind myself for the thousandths time, I am never invisible to God

~ Read my chronological yearly bible plan even when I am more than a month behind

Long story short, My One Word adventure is not where I thought it would be on July 10th. 

However, it isn't about me and what I want...

Thanking God, He isn't finished with me yet. 

Do you have a One Word for 2013? How is your adventure going? 

Humble Orthodoxy: A Book Review...

I love when the highlighting starts in the Foreword section of a book. This is exactly what I did in "Humble Orthodoxy" by Joshua Harris. I was hesitant to review this book because the description just didn't entice me. The ending result is I am glad that I took the plunge and decided to review. 

Harris handles and reveals the balancing of orthodoxy and humbleness. Harris defines humble orthodoxy as "caring deeply about truth, and in the process we must also defend and share this truth with compassion and humility."

This is a balancing act an Harris shares succintly, passionately and humbly

 how to walk daily in this balance. 

***An advanced copy of the title was given for this honest and unbiased review***

Fear Has A Name: Book Review...

Where can an author take a story of stalking, if he gives away who the stalker when you have read only 25% of the book? Is it possible to have tension and suspense when the stalker is revealed so early. 

Creston Mapes shows us in his recent book, "Fear Has A Name" that he can take a story twisting and turning while keeping the reader on their seat even with a named stalker. 

"Fear Has A Name" takes on the journey with Jack Crittendon and his family. Jack is a reporter working on the story of a missing pastor when his home is broke into. However, it quickly becomes apparent this break-in is not a stranger's doing. As Jack and his family are walking in fear and at times doubting their faith, Jack is quickly realizing their is more to the story of the missing Pastor. 

The ending may not be what some expect but the ride there is worth every word read.

Grab "Fear Has A Name" for your Summer vacation read.

***An advanced copy of the title was given for this honest and unbiased review***