10 Days Without: A Book Review

"10 Days Without" is not the most inspiring read but is mildly interesting. The concept of the book follows the author, Daniel Ryan Day through different challenges of going 10 days without something. He went 10 days without his voice, touch, and furniture to name a few. WELL...it seems on almost all of the challenges there were exceptions, so he didn't really go 10 days without. 

The concept behind the 10 Days Without of focusing on an organization to help with each challenge is a good idea. 

Found: A Book Review...

Micha Boyett's "Found" will be a treasure for fans of Ann Voskamp. Boyett's writing style is similar to Voskamp's. Readers will not want to read in one sitting, but in small nuggets. Giving the necessary time for digestion and contemplation.  

When reading Boyett, it can resemble walking through soup-thick fog but the treasure is there. It is important the reader doesn't give up.  Boyett describes her own spiritual walk as 'trudging through' but worth the effort even with the struggles of what she had always been taught. 

"It's not that I believe Benedictine spirituality will be some magical answer to the spiritual sludge I've been drudging through. It's just that all the answers of my evangelical past...read more Scriptures, pray longer, try harder, serve more people...have become heavy burdens in my life."

Boyett further shares a story,told to her by a fellow traveler, "The Benedictines more than any other people...insist there is time in each day for prayer, for work, for study and for play. I thought, I ought to remember that. I thought, I need to believe that." 

The book explained it is may be easier to remember and believe this concept than to walk it out in day to day life. Boyett takes us on the journey of figuring out how to walk out this concept. 

Readers who enjoy the writing style of Ann Voskamp and/or stay-at-home Mom's will enjoy Boyett's voice in "Found." 

"The Road We Must Travel": A Book Review...

"The Road We Must Travel" is a compilation book with some well known authors and not so well known (at least to this blogger).  The book is a easy read, which can be read easily as a devotional or in small chunks of time. 

Gordon MacDonald discussing "Questions for Inner Conversation" will resonate with readers:

"The questions I (MacDonald) like most search one's heart...They are meant to test the inner space of one's life and prompt conversation that leads to light."

He further explores how each event in one's life is "often buried like gold or oil" that goes undiscovered. There are gold nuggets in this title and it will be dependent on the reader to search for them while reading. I believe each person's nugget will be different as God meets each of us. 

Eugene Peterson reminds us, "the bible is not a textbook, or a manual to be studied, mastered, and mechanically applied. Instead, we should listen to the Word of God and reflecting upon it...letting it filtrate our soul."  Charles Stanley says it this way, "We read and believe the Bible but we also need to absorb it." 

Some of my personal favorite portions are Eugene Peterson's "Reading the Spiritually", Ruth Haley Barton's "A Steady Rhythm" and Tullian Tchividjian's "Trouble Happens." 

Picking up a copy of "The Road We Must Travel" and spending a few minutes with each these wonderful teachers is definitely worth the time.

How I ended up seeing "Son of God"...

 "You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages." 

Yes, I did see the movie, "Son of God" Let me share how this adventure came about. A friend of mine works for a Christian retail store. She felt to adequately discuss the movie with her customers she needed to see it. She asked me to go with her and at first I wasn't going. Why? Because, I had no desire to see the movie. Especially, after some of the reviews I had read. I thought it was because of one of the reviews, which I shared on FB that made her hubby decide not to go with her. Therefore, when she offered to pay for my ticket, my Sweetie told me to go with her. Now, you have the long version, of how this blogger ended up at a Sunday afternoon showing of "Son of God" with her friend and a notebook in hand....

Here is my review on the movie, which I understand is suppose to be composed
 from the Book of John in the Bible.  

The movie is a cinematic portrayal of Jesus. In other words, don't go into this movie expecting
it to accurately depict THE Jesus of the Bible.  

During the viewing, my emotions went from sadly humorous to agitated to angry.

Sadly humorous that so many Christians are saying how wonderful and accurate the movie is. Those five pages were all the inaccuracies, I noted while watching. At one point, when the agitation set in, I quit writing and had some popcorn. Therefore, some inaccuracies were not listed in my notes. The anger set in at how gullible 'the church' is. But, that falls on us not Hollywood. Because we are the ones who don't know God's Word. We don't spend time in the Bible.

 I will not list all five pages of inaccuracies but a few:

~The female (Mary) portrayed as a 13th disciple.
~Wise men coming to see newborn baby Jesus (go check it out)
~Parable of Tax collector being the way Matthew became a disciple
~ Jesus acting as if He was going to stone the adulterous woman
~Lazarus being raised from dead. Yes, he was raised from dead but NOT as they portrayed....Jesus entering the tomb and kissing Lazarus' forehead is not how it happened.
These are just a few of the inaccuracies in my notes. With all this said, I am not going to tell you do or don't go see this movie. Why? Because, the majority of you reading this are adults. It is not my job to tell you what to do. My review's purpose is to put the facts out there.
Decide for yourself what to do....
"Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world." 1st John 4:1
One last caveat for you: My friend who took me said this on her FB status:
"Went to see the Son of God movie...not impressed! If you watched the bible series that was on the history channel. Don't waste your money you've already seen it."

Here are some other reviews:

Movie Review: 'Son of God' is most certainly not the Son of God

The "Son of God" movie is NOT what we think

"Son of God" more about faith than filmmaking

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!