f you're feeling stuck in your WIP (work in progress) or just want to shake things up a bit, here's something different to try today:
Sometimes it takes more than once for me to learn a lesson...
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Monday, February 13, 2017
Monday Motivation
Some motivation to begin your week:
"You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club."
— Jack London
Have a wonderful week!
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Precious Prayers Bible (NKJV)
My review...
This Bible is wonderful for the small children in your
life. It has a cover featuring the adorable Precious Moments characters.
Inside, there are forty-eight pages of colored Precious Moments artwork,
accompanied by prayers. The prayers are focused on the following themes:
thanks, praise, school, meals, friends, family, bedtime, and faith.
In general, this is your standard NKJV Bible, but each
book does begin with a short introduction which includes the author, timeline,
theme, and key verse. The font size is 9.5. The Bible itself is a size which is a bit
smaller than some, making it easy to be used by people of all ages. I was a bit
surprised that there aren’t more illustrations throughout (outside of the
prayers), as this is geared toward children ages 3-12. However, this is a
beautiful Bible overall.
Some other features include sections on the following:
About the Bible, How to Start Reading the Bible, Getting to Know God, Ministry
of Jesus, Miracles of Jesus, and colored maps.
Disclaimer:
I received this Bible as part of the BookLook Bloggers program. I wasn’t
required to leave a positive review.
Amazon link for purchase...
Friday, February 10, 2017
"Control Girl" by Shannon Popkin ... and a GIVEAWAY! (Litfuse blog tour)
Contest entry link...
My review...
Popkin’s latest provides an in-depth look at some of
the famous “Control Girls” of the Bible. With statements such as, “I worry that everything is
spinning out of control,” and “I just want to be sure of a happy ending,”
Popkin’s latest is likely to be identifiable for many women. While it is not
uncommon to do everything possible to get a desired outcome, more often than
not, this pursuit leads to increased anxiety. The outcome? Instead of feeling
in control, it generally results in anger or fear.
This book contains an in-depth look at seven women in
the Bible. Each struggled with control in
some way. The women included are:
Eve, Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Leah, Rachel, and Miriam. In addition to sharing
these biblical stories, Popkin shares her own, as she is a self-proclaimed
“control girl.”
The book contains Bible studies, as well as questions
for personal reflection and meditation. The tips and ideas are practical.
Numerous Scripture passages are included, which makes it easy to apply the
lessons to daily life.
Some of my favorite quotes include:
- “Thoughts are powerful. What we believe shapes the direction we take in life. To change direction, we must change our thought patterns.”
- “As we try to control things we can’t control, we tend to lose control of the one thing we can — ourselves.”
- “We don’t always get to see God’s purposes. He asks us to trust him and to have faith.”
- “If it’s hidden, it’s out of our control.”
- “Fear is often what keeps us from relinquishing control.”
Disclaimer: I received a
complimentary copy as part of the LitFuse blogger program. I wasn’t required to
provide a positive review.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Takeover Thursday with Janell Butler Wojtowicz
I want to extend a warm welcome to Janell Butler Wojtowicz. She's giving away an electronic copy of her book, Embracing Hope. Enter using the Rafflecopter box at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends Feb. 16, 2017.) Now, here's Janell...
“The wisdom that
comes from above is … willing to yield.” – James 3:17, ISV
Obeying the yield sign
Perhaps
you’ve heard of P.R.A.Y., a simple yet effective way to do just that: pray.
It’s the acronym for Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield. I use it on occasion as a way
to organize my thoughts.
I’ve
found that P.R.A. is easy. I can always think of things: praising God’s
creation, repenting of jealousies, asking for guidance with a problem. But I often
get stuck on the Y. What does yield mean anyway? According to the dictionary, it
means “to give up under pressure, surrender, concede.” I interpret “give up” as
putting it behind me, moving on—like wadding up a 97,000-word manuscript and throwing
it away. I didn’t consider the aspects of surrender or concede—until the quest
to publish my novel.
It
took me nine years to publish Embracing Hope. I faced all the obstacles every
author has gone through, which wasn’t unexpected. In fact, I felt a part of the
huge “unpubbed” family. Life also interrupted my quest: jobs and job loss, moving,
health issues, loved ones’ deaths, the upheaval of the publishing industry. I
wavered between determination and disinterest in my quest.
Then
surrender and concede emerged, thanks to a divinely-timed devotional. “Okay, Lord,
I surrender my book. I’m not giving up or putting it behind me. I’m just
conceding that I can’t do this on my own so I’m stepping aside.” Surprisingly,
it wasn’t that hard to back off. It was a relief. I didn’t put the manuscript
through the shredder. Instead, I tinkered with it and toyed with the sequels
for enjoyment—there was no pressure. I didn’t belabor or bemoan what some people
would call stagnation.
A
year ago, I felt a nudge precipitated by the sudden and unexpected death of my
long-time friend and literary mentor. I wanted to try again because he never gave
up on me. It was as if he whispered in my ear from heaven, “It’s time, Janell.”
I pitched to three small traditional publishers I found on a database he had told
me about. One turned me down flat. That’s okay. The second offered me a contract!
I signed, praising God for finally answering a dormant prayer, and I withdrew my
pitch from the third. But the second publisher went out of business before I
even got started. What reason did God have for directing me there in the first
place, I puzzled?
A
month later, the pieces to the puzzle fell into place. Through a LinkedIn query
about re-pitching to the third publisher, I found Discern Products—or I should
say they found me. Lightbulb moment! I obeyed the “yield” sign years ago, and God
led me down His path in His time and in His way. The road had speed bumps, sharp
turns, dizzying curves, and dead ends, but I eventually reached my destination.
Now comes another “yield” sign as I surrender and concede to His plans for what
comes next.
Book blurb...
Christian college dean Drew McKinley mourns his dead wife and still wears his wedding ring. He stumbles on a desperate journey to understand God's motives for her tragic death. Crossing his perilous path is Allison, a graduate student and new employee in the dean's office. Even as she deals with financial hardships, she recognizes Drew's unresolved grief from her own loss. Putting up a roadblock is Chris Whitney, the handsome but egotistical student senate president. He carries the secret burden of a dysfunctional family and a below-the-surface temper. The road Drew must navigate is fraught with career upheaval, a reawakening heart, substance and domestic abuse, a violent assault, and the struggle for forgiveness and restoration.Will Drew finish his journey to embrace the hope God offers, the love Allison shares, and the guidance Chris needs, or will he turn his back on all three with catastrophic consequences?
Purchase link on Amazon...
About Janell...
Janell
Butler Wojtowicz, born and raised on an Iowa farm, was one of those kids who
loved to write the dreaded “What I did on summer vacation” essay. She has spent
her entire 30-year career in writing, including newspaper journalism, Christian
higher education and nonprofit public relations, and local government public
information. Much of her writing has been the “people stories” of trial,
tragedy, and triumph, which are reflected in her debut novel, “Embracing Hope.”
Janell is a freelance writer/editor, and a member of American Christian Fiction
Writers (ACFW). She and her husband, Frank, live in New Brighton, Minnesota. She has
two stepsons, a step-daughter-in-law and three step-granddaughters.
Where to find Janell online...
- www.Facebook.com/janellbwoj
- http://janellwoj.wordpress.com
- janellwoj@comcast.net
- http://discernproducts.com/?book_author=janell-butler-wojtowicz
- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16046310.Janell_Butler_Wojtowicz
- https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_13?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=janell+butler+wojtowicz&sprefix=janell+butler%2Caps%2C400&crid=2RKNVF7OLH34B
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Tuesday Tip: Been vs. Being
Been is the past participle of the verb to be. In order to form perfect tenses, been is used with the auxiliary verbs has, have, and had. For instance:
- How long have you been living in California?
- He had been riding his bike when he saw the robbery.
- How long has it been since you last saw the dentist?
Being is the present participle form of to be. It is used with the auxiliary verbs is, are, was, and were to form the perfect tense. For example:
- You were being stubborn.
- The car is being washed.
Being also has different meanings. Such as:
- The science fiction movie was about a being from another planet. (Here it means "creature.")
- We will leave him alone for the time being. (In this sentence, it means "the present.")
Sunday, February 5, 2017
"The Garden" ... a new release from Kari Jobe
My review...
Worship leader Kari Jobe’s fourth album is an
inspirational collection of songs which are perfect for personal reflection.
The album is peaceful overall, creating a spirit of worship which will bring
the listener closer to God.
The deluxe edition contains fourteen songs, many with
reminders of finding hope amid tragedy. Her songs demonstrate how God can turn
any situation around, making it a thing of beauty. Two of the songs feature vocals
by her husband, Cody Carnes.
The album contains some congregational anthems, as is
typical of many of Jobe’s career-defining songs, such as “Fall Afresh,” “Heal
our Land,” and “Closer to Your Heart.” Two songs on the album are cover songs:
“Miracles” by Jesus Culture and “Here as in Heaven” by Elevation Church.
Some of my favorite lyrics include:
- “Then I saw the garden, hope had come to me” (“The Garden”)
- “Lord, would you hear our cry. Lord, will you heal our land. That every eye will see, that every heart will know, the One who took our sin, the One who died and rose” (“Heal our Land”)
- “For the Lord is, He is able, He is faithful. Higher than the mountains that I face. Every season I will press on, for God alone is on the throne” (“On the Throne”)
Disclosure:
I received a complimentary copy of this album. I was not required to leave a
positive review.
Amazon link for purchase...
Friday, February 3, 2017
"Raging Storm" by Vannetta Chapman ... and a GIVEAWAY!
In celebration of her latest release, Vannetta has graciously offered to give away a copy of the book (US ONLY). To enter, click on the Rafflecopter link at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends February 10, 2016.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!
A Word from Vannetta...
Thank you so much for having me on your blog. I’m thrilled to talk to you today about my newest release, Raging Storm. This is the 2nd book in my Remnant series. It’s a story about a world where most technology has been destroyed by a massive solar flare and how a small group of friends from Abney, Texas learn to survive.
I’d like to share with you a few quotes from the story.
“The lights will come on again, folks. I might not live to see it. Some of you will. When they do, you’ll be surprised at how tough you have become. How you don’t need, or even want, that luxury. How you’ve learned to depend on the sweat of your own labor.”
This is one of my favorites, spoken by an older gentleman, and he’s talking to a group of farming neighbors who have gathered together to discuss their situation. I enjoyed this scene immensely. It highlights the wisdom and faith of our oldest generation. These are people that we all could learn a lot from, but we’re usually too busy to stop and listen. Our friends and family who are in the 70s, 80s, and 90s have been through difficult times before. Their wisdom comes from hindsight and from endurance. They have a different perspective because they’ve had to depend on their friends and family and faith. I think the older generation is a blessing from God to each of us, and I hope that we can appreciate that without having to go through what the characters in Raging Storm endure.
Max glanced out over the university buildings, but he didn’t let go of Shelby. He turned her in his arms, so that she was looking out at Austin, but he kept his arms wrapped around her, as if he could protect her from what lay ahead. “When I decided to go to law school, I thought I could change the world.”
He rested his chin on top of her head, breathed in the scent of her. “My dad admired my enthusiasm, but he warned me that the world doesn’t change that way—all at once.”
“Maybe it did, on the night of the flare.”
“Not our doing, though.”
“God’s?”
“Maybe. Or maybe it’s just the way of the physical world. Maybe we forgot that we’re susceptible to the laws of nature.”
“So no changing the world.”
“Not all at once.”
“But we can make a difference?” She pulled his arms more tightly around her until it felt as if they were one person, one force to be reckoned with.
“One person at a time. That’s what my dad told me. The world is changed one person at a time.”
This is definitely one of the themes of the book, that the world is changed one person at a time. It’s a truth that I believe we see in the gospels. How is the love of Christ shared? One person at a time. It’s a truth we see in our daily lives. How to we care for others? One person at a time. And it remains a truth even when the world is in upheaval. It’s not in our power to change everything, but we can reach out to one another. We can make a difference in one person’s life.
She saved Max for last. When she moved to slap his hand, he pulled her into his arms and whispered in her ear. “Carter’s going to be fine, and he’s lucky to have you for his mother.”
She touched his cheek once and started to answer. Changing her mind, she kissed him on the other cheek and whispered “thank you” before pulling away.
Something inside of Max blossomed, something he hadn’t felt in a long time. Certainly not since the flare, and maybe even before that. Maybe it was something he’d smothered well before the sun changed their world.
For the first time in many years, Max experienced hope. That they would get the supplies of medication back to the people who needed them and that Carter would be fine. He caught a glimpse of a future with Shelby, one that was more than friendship. He allowed himself to dream about the next day and the next one after that with Shelby in his arms, by his side, completing his life. And in that moment the thought crossed his mind that just possibly the life they were building could be better than the one they’d left behind.
And there is another theme of the book, that sometimes the things we fear, the things we would never wish for, give us joy that we couldn’t imagine. No one in this story would have wished for a solar flare, to lose all modern conveniences, to be thrown back into the lifestyle of their grandparents. But once these things happen, they find joy. They find hope in the future that God has planned. “The life they were building could be better than the one they’d left behind.” I think this is a truth for each of us, because God’s grace is always sufficient.
I’d like to share with you a few quotes from the story.
“The lights will come on again, folks. I might not live to see it. Some of you will. When they do, you’ll be surprised at how tough you have become. How you don’t need, or even want, that luxury. How you’ve learned to depend on the sweat of your own labor.”
This is one of my favorites, spoken by an older gentleman, and he’s talking to a group of farming neighbors who have gathered together to discuss their situation. I enjoyed this scene immensely. It highlights the wisdom and faith of our oldest generation. These are people that we all could learn a lot from, but we’re usually too busy to stop and listen. Our friends and family who are in the 70s, 80s, and 90s have been through difficult times before. Their wisdom comes from hindsight and from endurance. They have a different perspective because they’ve had to depend on their friends and family and faith. I think the older generation is a blessing from God to each of us, and I hope that we can appreciate that without having to go through what the characters in Raging Storm endure.
Max glanced out over the university buildings, but he didn’t let go of Shelby. He turned her in his arms, so that she was looking out at Austin, but he kept his arms wrapped around her, as if he could protect her from what lay ahead. “When I decided to go to law school, I thought I could change the world.”
He rested his chin on top of her head, breathed in the scent of her. “My dad admired my enthusiasm, but he warned me that the world doesn’t change that way—all at once.”
“Maybe it did, on the night of the flare.”
“Not our doing, though.”
“God’s?”
“Maybe. Or maybe it’s just the way of the physical world. Maybe we forgot that we’re susceptible to the laws of nature.”
“So no changing the world.”
“Not all at once.”
“But we can make a difference?” She pulled his arms more tightly around her until it felt as if they were one person, one force to be reckoned with.
“One person at a time. That’s what my dad told me. The world is changed one person at a time.”
This is definitely one of the themes of the book, that the world is changed one person at a time. It’s a truth that I believe we see in the gospels. How is the love of Christ shared? One person at a time. It’s a truth we see in our daily lives. How to we care for others? One person at a time. And it remains a truth even when the world is in upheaval. It’s not in our power to change everything, but we can reach out to one another. We can make a difference in one person’s life.
She saved Max for last. When she moved to slap his hand, he pulled her into his arms and whispered in her ear. “Carter’s going to be fine, and he’s lucky to have you for his mother.”
She touched his cheek once and started to answer. Changing her mind, she kissed him on the other cheek and whispered “thank you” before pulling away.
Something inside of Max blossomed, something he hadn’t felt in a long time. Certainly not since the flare, and maybe even before that. Maybe it was something he’d smothered well before the sun changed their world.
For the first time in many years, Max experienced hope. That they would get the supplies of medication back to the people who needed them and that Carter would be fine. He caught a glimpse of a future with Shelby, one that was more than friendship. He allowed himself to dream about the next day and the next one after that with Shelby in his arms, by his side, completing his life. And in that moment the thought crossed his mind that just possibly the life they were building could be better than the one they’d left behind.
And there is another theme of the book, that sometimes the things we fear, the things we would never wish for, give us joy that we couldn’t imagine. No one in this story would have wished for a solar flare, to lose all modern conveniences, to be thrown back into the lifestyle of their grandparents. But once these things happen, they find joy. They find hope in the future that God has planned. “The life they were building could be better than the one they’d left behind.” I think this is a truth for each of us, because God’s grace is always sufficient.
My review...
I rated this story 4/5 stars for RT Bookreviews Magazine.
About Vannetta...
Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace, including romantic suspense and Amish romance novels. She is the author of seventeen novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series, The Shipshewana Amish Mystery series and Anna’s Healing, a 2016 Christy Award finalist. Vannetta is a Carol award winner and also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She was a teacher for 15 years and currently resides in the Texas hill country. For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Monday Motivation
Some motivation to begin your week:
"Writing is its own reward."
— Henry Miller
Have a wonderful week!
Sunday, January 29, 2017
"Talk Yourself Happy" by Kristi Watts
My review...
Kristi Watts, former co-host of The 700 Club, has written a book which explores the factors
keeping Christians from being truly joyful. It is designed to remind the reader
that “true happiness is not simply acquired but rather cultivated.”
It is apparent that Watts has a genuine faith in God, despite the trials encountered, such as a divorce, being a single parent, and job loss. Watts is very open about a dark period in her life, but she is just as transparent about what helped her through the difficulties. She learned that happiness can be achieved, but it must be worked on. Watts found that it is possible to talk yourself happy. She was able to find power in God’s Word and promises versus focusing on faulty thinking.
The book focuses on eight principles: Compassion, Trust, Identity, Obedience, Forgiveness, Praise, Help, and Promise. In addition to explaining the steps she used, Watts also blends Scripture verses and biblical truths throughout the book. A simple prayer and Scripture wrap-up are included at the back of the book.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book include:
·
- “The purposeful act of aligning our words, our hearts, in our minds with God’s word — both Jesus himself and the Scriptures — is the key to happiness. Why? Because our words not only carry power — words are power!”
- “… not only do our negative words break down our faith in God, but they also create a breeding ground for discontented lives and discouraged hearts — ultimately making us miserable human beings.”
- “Words come by way of three different sources: God, the enemy, and ourselves… The question we must ask is, whose word are we choosing to believe?”
- “When we step aside and allow the Holy Spirit to step in, we will see the impossible become possible.”
- “Happiness is simply trusting God with every aspect of our lives by acknowledging His hand at work.”
Amazon link for purchase...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)