Mailbox Monday - March 11

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

It's Monday. Is there snow where you are? Gosh, I just want it all to go away so I can plan out my garden and see some birds.

I've had three closings since February 28 and I am gearing up for some listings, so we decided to take a quick trip to Cape Cod for some R&R. The Lil' Princess is still on school vacation and the Lil' Diva took half a day Friday.

It was nice to get away. I didn't even bring my laptop. Theo loved the beach, even though it was cool.

My mailbox was empty, but since we were away I got a chance to do some reading.

I am also reading this devotional for Lent, which started Wednesday. As an aside, did  you hear about the teacher who forced a student to remove his ashes that he got for Ash Wednesday? Sounds like the teacher didn't realize how important they are to Catholics. 

That's it from my neck of the woods. Hope you have a great week. Please share what your mailbox looked like.

Blessings from My Church Family

We knew heading to church this morning would bring with it sadness. In addition to our regular service, we were holding a potluck to celebrate the five years of dedication and direction our interim pastor and his wife have provided. A new pastor is starting next weekend.

It's been our privilege and honor to call Duncan and Gwen our friends. Duncan married us 18 years ago in the same church we still attend. There have been numerous events, meetings, and moments of fellowship along the way. In our times of struggle, Duncan and Gwen could always be counted on to lend an ear, pray, and guide.

As is typical of these selfless people, I arrived to service and was handed a gift--this book. Everyone in the church received a copy. We were encouraged to read it together, to read it with our spouses, and to read it as the church transitions to a new leader.

It was also a day for me to be humbled. At the end of service, Gwen went around the room to each person and shared thoughts about him/her. By the time she got to me, I already had tears in my eyes. Tears are swimming as I type now. Of all the things someone could say about me, I certainly didn't expect this to be how anyone could see me. Not me the impatient mom; not me the short-tempered wife; not me the negative self-talker. How could anyone see me as...the good Christian?

Have you ever looked up "how to be a good Christian?" When you Google it you get 1,550,000,000 results. If the few articles I read are accurate guidelines, I fail miserably.

But isn't that part of being a Christian? We seek to do God's will--we fail. We promise not to lose our temper again--we fail. We ask for God's help--we still fail. The Bible is filled with people who failed from time to time.  Aren't we reminded in Paul's Letter to the Romans "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)?

I'm not perfect. I could never hope to be. My friend's words have encouraged me to try harder to be the Christian I want to be.

Mailbox Monday - December 18

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

Happy Monday! Hard to believe this is the second to the last Monday of 2017. Where has the year gone? For those of you out shopping, I hope you're almost done. I'm in the home stretch now...just a few more things.

Tree is finally up. May not get the other two put up this year. We'll see. The funny thing is that the tree has been in the living room for weeks now and the dog has pretty much ignored it. Put some ornaments and ribbon on it and he chases the cat underneath it every chance he gets.

I'm in the middle of considering my personal and professional goals for next year. I'll be posting them when I get them finalized. More reading is definitely going to be on the list.

Speaking of books, nothing new in my mailbox this week but I picked up the following at a tag sale.

Drawing on the latest research in archaeology, human genetics, and environmental science, After the Ice takes the reader on a sweeping tour of 15,000 years of human history. Steven Mithen brings this world to life through the eyes of an imaginary modern traveler--John Lubbock, namesake of the great Victorian polymath and author of Prehistoric Times. With Lubbock, readers visit and observe communities and landscapes, experiencing prehistoric life--from aboriginal hunting parties in Tasmania, to the corralling of wild sheep in the central Sahara, to the efforts of the Guila Naquitz people in Oaxaca to combat drought with agricultural innovations.

Part history, part science, part time travel, After the Ice offers an evocative and uniquely compelling portrayal of diverse cultures, lives, and landscapes that laid the foundations of the modern world.

From the organization that has encouraged over two million women at its conferences nationwide comes the Women of Faith New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs in the popular New King James Version. This handy-sized Bible is packed with 24 full-color devotionals from the well-known Women of Faith conference speakers.

Parents work very hard to give their children what they desire. Whether it be the newest video game or the latest fashion, they strive to make their children's lives better, Reveals the one thing children need the most is often in the shortest supply - their parents' time. Encourages parents to make time for the things that are truly important.

After a storm strands her overnight in Will Slade's cabin, Blythe Granville's reputation is in shambles. The townspeople doubt that she was innocently nursing him back to health after saving his life. Now Blythe must accept Will's proposal: a marriage in name only to save her good name. But the former socialite is determined not to fall for her new husband…even if she's drawn to the gruff stranger who's vowed to stand by her, in sickness and in health.

Will never wanted to remarry after his ex-wife betrayed him. But now he finds himself hitched to a city girl who has no idea how to keep a house…but is somehow chiseling her way into his heart. As Blythe melts Will's crusty facade, though, they're discovering that this most unexpected union might just lead to true love.

That's it from me today. I pray you have a blessed week.

Book Spotlight Best Season Yet by Rebekah Trittipoe

It's the first practice. Your back against the cold, dented locker, you take your spot on the floor, waiting. A posse of other hopefuls surrounds you. A tense excitement is palpable. Or maybe you're the coach, and you feel that same electricity. What will the season bring? you ponder. How will these kids perform? How can I lead them and help them find their potential? Inhaling deeply, you scan the faces and begin.

There is nothing like a new athletic season, full of promise for both coach and athlete. Goals are set, commitments made. But as the season progresses, it's all too easy to lose focus in the fray.

Best Season Yet: 12 Weeks to Train is a book (with integrated journal) that guides the coach and team to embrace their God-given talents, discover a purpose beyond winning and losing, and spur each other to that place where fear and dreams collide. For a dozen weeks, the entire team will visit themes such as commitment, submission, goal setting, pain and suffering, and pursuing excellence. It offers an opportunity to discuss and journal practical ways to set the principles in motion. The format of five easy-to-read stories is ideal for use in a Monday-through-Friday school setting. Best Season Yet is a resource for the coach, team member, or individual athlete who desires to experience an exceptional season.

Paperback: 180 pages
Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas; 1st edition (February 28, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1938499557
ISBN-13: 978-1938499555

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Book Preview: Closet Words by Kim Hilton

Originally, I planned to write a first chapter review of this book. As I dove into it, however, I realized that wouldn't be possible. The style is such that there are headings to each small section, but they really aren't chapters. So, I'm offering a short preview of the book now with a full review to follow toward the end of the month.

Taken word for word as heard from God, Closet Words is a collection of powerful and penetrating words written down in the stillness of a prayer closet. Hearing from God for several years, Kim Hilton began writing down what she heard. Encouraging, uplifting, and challenging words with a clear message to His servants, Closet Words gives a renewal and refreshing word to the Christian believer.

COVER: I'm not usually a fan of dark covers, but this one works because it ties into the content of the book and also because that bright light peeking through the partially opened door makes a huge difference. That ends up being your focus; not the darkness.

BOOK PREVIEW:  Closet Words opens with an introduction from the author on what this book is all about. She's sharing what she heard from God word-for-word, beginning in August 2002. As Kim Hilton began fasting and praying, she kept a journal of the words that flowed from God to her. This journal became the basis for the book.

What is unique about Closet Words is that it includes images of Hilton's handwritten journal pages within the pages of the book. While a typed version is also included, these handwritten pages make it much more personal and relatable.

The Table of Contents lists out the section headings, which eludes to the content of the pages in that section. The last section of the book--with its own Table of Contents--is a Reflections and Study Guide.


Paperback: 174 pages
Publisher: WestBowPress (December 10, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1449774539
ISBN-13: 978-1449774530

PURCHASE FROM AMAZON!

Kim Hilton, MCC, PCC, has a master's degree in Christian counseling. Founder of Closet Words Ministries Foundation, Kim is a teacher on prayer and listening to God. An avid writer of several books, Closet Words was chosen as the first book to be published with the proceeds going to Closet Words Ministries Foundation. A sought-after speaker and Bible Study leader, Kim has spoken at both national and local events. She resides with her husband on a farm and enjoys spending time with their six grown children and grandchildren. For more information on Kim Hilton or her work, please visit: www.KimHilton.org.

Closet Words Book Blast - Win $25 Amazon Gift Card

From the Back Cover
"As the leopard moves quickly in the jungle awaiting its prey so the evil one is lurking around waiting for the moment to devour you. The spirit is deep within you. Do you have your shield to deceive the one who is looking for you? Is your armor in place? Have you prepared for the battle? The battle is not for the weak but for the strong. Only those who are prepared will survive. Do not approach the battlefield meekly. You must know your enemy and fight him or he will overtake you in the darkness before you are even aware he is there. Arise - awaken! - Hear My bugle! I am calling those who are prepared to battle. Your victory is near".

"The days of rain upon your soul arrive. My spirit is pouring upon you as the rain pours onto the earth. Lift your eyes. Lift up your heart and feel my rain upon you. Become drenched in my spirit. Allow your heart to be soaked..."

Purchasing information:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Closet-Words-ebook/dp/B00ANM5KLE

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/closet-words-kim-hilton/1113932452

WestBow Press: http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Author/Default.aspx?BookworksSId=SKU-000600577

Kim Hilton, MCC, PCC, has a master's degree in Christian counseling. Founder of Closet Words Ministries Foundation, Kim is a teacher on prayer and listening to God. An avid writer of several books, Closet Words was chosen as the first book to be published with the proceeds going to Closet Words Ministries Foundation. A sought-after speaker and Bible Study leader, Kim has spoken at both national and local events. She resides with her husband on a farm and enjoys spending time with their six grown children and grandchildren. For more information on Kim Hilton or her work, please visit: www.KimHilton.org.

Pump Up Your Book and Kim Hilton are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms and Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.

• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.

• This giveaway begins November 2 and ends November 29, 2013.

• Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, December 2, 2013.

• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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If Rafflecopter form doesn’t load, please visit: http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2013/10/17/pump-up-your-book-presents-closet-words-book-blast-25-amazon-gift-card-giveaway/

Free for All Friday: Two-Book Giveaway!

To make up for not holding a giveaway last Friday--though I never promised a giveaway every Friday--I am offering you writer type folks a two-book giveaway. These books are for my fellow writers or those who aspire to be writers. I enjoyed these books and I hope you will too.

A powerful motivator for aspiring writers, Grit for the Oyster offers wit, wisdom, and inspiration to take that first step and persevere through the writing journey. More than a how-to, this confidence-building book is designed to draw readers to a closer relationship with God, to affirm their calling to write, and to offer pithy practical guidance from successful writers like Terri Blackstock, Martha Bolton, James Scott Bell, Liz Curtis Higgs, Dr. Gary Chapman, and David Kopp.

Words to Write By: Author Devotionals compiled by Robin Bayne (autographed)

Join a variety of well-known authors as they share the Scripture or quotations they find inspiring to their writing. The devotionals they ve contributed reflect all aspects of the writing life: basic motivation, rejection, publishing and succeeding. Spend some time with the writers you love and discover what words they write by.


One lucky winner will take home both of these books. Fill out the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win.

Good luck!




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Author Spotlight: Susie Larson and Embracing Your Freedom

While our culture places great emphasis on comfort, security, control, and success, there are deeper rewards for those who take hold of God’s promises and reach out in the Name of Christ. Adventure, faith, miracles, and a deep knowledge of Jesus Christ. This is what Susie calls her readers to realize.

Many women feel stuck in their faith. They are bored living in a Christian bubble and long for the greater adventure of significance God designed for them! But just how do we move past our fears and the lies that keep us bound to our past? And are we really called to change the world? Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience of God's Heart for Justice will give you a deeper understanding of your freedom in Christ and a bigger view of God's heart for the world.

EXCERPT

“As you become more aware of God's heart for freedom, your heart will burn for it as well. If you will dare to put your foot down on the promises of God and refuse to relent until freedom becomes your reality, your appetite for the freedoms of others will increase as well. Take seriously what God has offered you here, because as a Believer living in this day, you are in a powerful position of influence." --Embracing Your Freedom

"'Embracing Your Freedom' was written for you--a woman who desires to live in personal freedom and is willing to help the helpless become free. Prepare to be challenged and emboldened. Prepare to change and become more like Jesus!" - Kendra Smiley, conference speaker, and author of Be the Parent, Journey of a Strong-willed Child, and Do Your Kids a Favor...Love Your Spouse

"In this important book, Susie invites women into life that really is life by naming them, naming us, as agents to extend God's justice to those who are bound. Women today are hungry for this kind of holy congruity. Thank you, Susie!" -Margot Starbuck, author of The Girl in the Orange Dress: Searching for a Father Who Does Not Fail


Ask Susie about her conviction for women, and she'll tell you, "The two pillars in my ministry, the two things I care most about are for women to be drawn into a 'deeper life in Christ' that they might live more 'powerful lives on earth.' When we pursue a thriving, personal, intimate walk of faith, we can't help but be compelled to make a difference in our world." With enthusiasm, humor, and conviction, author/speaker Susie Larson has spoken to thousands of women locally, nationally, and internationally. She is a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Women in Christian Media, and has served on the board of directors for the Christian Authors Network. Susie also regularly fills in as guest host for Along the Way - a two-hour talk radio show (AM Faith 900). Susie worked as a freelance writer for Focus on the Family, and published over fifty articles with them. She has been featured on radio and TV programs across the country, including Moody Midday Connection, Family Life Today, Chris Fabry Live!, The Harvest Show, and the LIFE Today Show with James and Betty Robison.

While in Washington D.C., Susie and her husband Kevin, along with Troy and Sara Groves, represented International Justice Mission's*concerns in meetings with Congress as part of their efforts to abolish and prevent human trafficking and slavery. The four of them serve as co-chairs for the IJM benefit banquet in Minnesota. Susie and her husband Kevin have been married since 1985 and have three wonderful, grown sons. Susie comes with a passion to share the love of a Savior who will never let us go. Susie's messages will help you to:

Cultivate a more personal and thriving relationship with Jesus
Understand God's promises and be more bold in your faith
Understand your value and the important call on your life
Comprehend God's heart for the least-of-these.

You can visit Susie online at http://susielarson.com/.

*IJM, among other things, rescues young girls from the horrific life of human trafficking. (visit www.ijm.org)

Book Review: Embracing Your Freedom by Susie Larson

I can count on one hand the number of books I've read that have moved me enough to inspire change. Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience of God's Heart for Justice is definitely one of those books!

Author and speaker Susie Larson calls readers to look beyond their self-focused lives and embrace their freedom in Christ so that they may bring that same freedom to those who need it. Journey with Susie as she shares her own challenges in seeking justice and finding the deeper rewards that await those who "take hold of God's promises and reach out in Jesus' name".

In this empowering book, Susie shares stories of women, who with help from the International Justice Mission, have embraced their freedom and become champions for others in need. Readers will be called to no longer be held captive by their pasts and to seek the freedom and justice only God can give.

In some ways, Embracing Your Freedom reminds me of another book by my favorite Christian author, Kathi Macias. Beyond Me: Living a You-First Life in a Me-First World also called on readers to be true disciples of Christ. Larson's call is stronger and bolder, but still manageable.

While reading this book, I felt Larson was speaking directly to me, encouraging me to let go of the things that have held my heart captive, so that I may become the person He created me to be.

You will be forever touched and forever changed by Embracing Your Freedom!


Title: Embracing Your Freedom
Author: Susie Larson
Publisher: Moody Publishers
ISBN-10: 0-8024-5280-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-8024-5280-1
SRP: $13.99

Book Spotlight: Embracing Your Freedom by Susie Larson

While our culture places great emphasis on comfort, security, control, and success, there are deeper rewards for those who take hold of God’s promises and reach out in the Name of Christ. Adventure, faith, miracles, and a deep knowledge of Jesus Christ. This is what Susie calls her readers to realize.

Many women feel stuck in their faith. They are bored living in a Christian bubble and long for the greater adventure of significance God designed for them! But just how do we move past our fears and the lies that keep us bound to our past? And are we really called to change the world? Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience of God's Heart for Justice will give you a deeper understanding of your freedom in Christ and a bigger view of God's heart for the world.

READ AN EXCERPT!

“As you become more aware of God's heart for freedom, your heart will burn for it as well. If you will dare to put your foot down on the promises of God and refuse to relent until freedom becomes your reality, your appetite for the freedoms of others will increase as well. Take seriously what God has offered you here, because as a Believer living in this day, you are in a powerful position of influence." --Embracing Your Freedom

"'Embracing Your Freedom' was written for you--a woman who desires to live in personal freedom and is willing to help the helpless become free. Prepare to be challenged and emboldened. Prepare to change and become more like Jesus!" - Kendra Smiley, conference speaker, and author of Be the Parent, Journey of a Strong-willed Child, and Do Your Kids a Favor...Love Your Spouse

"In this important book, Susie invites women into life that really is life by naming them, naming us, as agents to extend God's justice to those who are bound. Women today are hungry for this kind of holy congruity. Thank you, Susie!" -Margot Starbuck, author of The Girl in the Orange Dress: Searching for a Father Who Does Not Fail


Ask Susie about her conviction for women, and she'll tell you, "The two pillars in my ministry, the two things I care most about are for women to be drawn into a 'deeper life in Christ' that they might live more 'powerful lives on earth.' When we pursue a thriving, personal, intimate walk of faith, we can't help but be compelled to make a difference in our world." With enthusiasm, humor, and conviction, author/speaker Susie Larson has spoken to thousands of women locally, nationally, and internationally. She is a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Women in Christian Media, and has served on the board of directors for the Christian Authors Network. Susie also regularly fills in as guest host for Along the Way - a two-hour talk radio show (AM Faith 900). Susie worked as a freelance writer for Focus on the Family, and published over fifty articles with them. She has been featured on radio and TV programs across the country, including Moody Midday Connection, Family Life Today, Chris Fabry Live!, The Harvest Show, and the LIFE Today Show with James and Betty Robison.

While in Washington D.C., Susie and her husband Kevin, along with Troy and Sara Groves, represented International Justice Mission's*concerns in meetings with Congress as part of their efforts to abolish and prevent human trafficking and slavery. The four of them serve as co-chairs for the IJM benefit banquet in Minnesota. Susie and her husband Kevin have been married since 1985 and have three wonderful, grown sons. Susie comes with a passion to share the love of a Savior who will never let us go. Susie's messages will help you to:

Cultivate a more personal and thriving relationship with Jesus
Understand God's promises and be more bold in your faith
Understand your value and the important call on your life
Comprehend God's heart for the least-of-these.

You can visit Susie online at http://susielarson.com/.

*IJM, among other things, rescues young girls from the horrific life of human trafficking. (visit http://www.ijm.org/)