WordFilled Wednesday Dec 1,2010

Please join Amy for more illustrations of God's word.   Amy offered a great illustration today that you can download to use as a background.  Thanks Amy for sharing your beautiful work!

Before you go I am giving a way a book on Tues. Dec. 7th.  Check this out!

I am drawing on Monday the 6th.  To enter go here.

A little something to make you smile

If this doesn't make you smile I would just have to assume you are not a dog lover. I hope your day is blessed!

Before you go check out the give a way!

I am giving this book away on December 7th.  Go here to enter.

I Dare You To Change! Book Review & Give A Way

I chose a number and the winner was V.Westmyer.  Congrats!

A give a way copy is available.  I will draw on Tuesday Dec. 7th  to enter leave comments here.  Each post till the 6th will have a link here so you can enter. 

Pastor and Author Bil Cornelius challenges the reader  (from the back cover) . . . Do you ever say, "I just want to be happy" or "I just want a better job" or I just want to be able to pay all my bills this month:?  Are you fed up with where you are?  In order to make the changes that will make a difference in your life, you need to do something unexpected, bold and, at times, risky. 
  Let's journey together.  Let's learn to take courage and see God's best for our lives.  Let's discover how we can live that second life-the "unlived" life- that we so desire to bring into reality.  I Dare You to Change!  is a hands on, how-to-action plan for life.  I'm daring you to get to work right now and start on your plan.  I'm telling you the honest truth:  Taking the God-given principles in this book and applying them to your life will help you find the strength to change and to understand that there's a difference between dreaming of a better life and living it. 

I don't have a lot to say about this book.  Because there are others that say it so much better. 

Pastor Ed Young of Fellowship Church says . . . "Bil Cornelius lays the foundation for how to make change happen and experience the most out of life."    I live near Fellowship Church.  Actually my daughter is a member and I get to go to Fellowship frequently and personally I think if Ed Young recommends the book it is enough for me. 

But, in case you need more info.  check out these reviews:
Robert  . . .Pastor Bil has managed to take what some people believe to be complicated and made it simple. His writing is easy and the concepts are simple, but the message is powerful: you CAN change. It's hard not to get caught up in his energy and enthusiasm, so I recommend this book to anyone who has felt stuck and unable to get off the couch and do something meaningful in their lives.

JosephC - This is a great book. Bil uses great biblical principles and awesome business princples to create change. Do the excercises and you will start to change. Don't just read it, act on it.

And a little from an interview I found on the Guideposts (the publisher)  website . . .
 So many of the faith messages we hear today fall into the trap of helping you run into the arms of Jesus, but don’t explain that those arms also are there to stand you up, brush you off, offer a word of encouragement, and get you back out there to living life. Cornelius asks that you not buy into a passive theology like that, and instead take the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus’ forgiveness for the times you fall short, and dare yourself to keep moving, growing, and finding your way to new blessings.
If I was considering buying the book and I wasn't convenienced by Ed Young's endorsement the words above in bold would have been what I needed to check it out myself and to take the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus' forgiveness and to keep moving, growing and finding my way to new blessings.
 
Here's a link to the authors site and here's a link to read a chapter of the book. 
 
I Dare You To Change! is available at Amazon,  Barnes & Noble, Borders and  Books A Million. (Click on the red words for a direct link
 
I Dare You To Change! was released in September 2010 and has already become a USA Today and Wall Street Journal National Best Seller with over 60,000 books in print! The author, Pastor Bil Cornelius, is the founder and lead pastor of Bay Area Fellowship, which is one of Outreach Magazine’s Top 100 fastest-growing and largest churches.  
 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Caffeinated B Marketing  as part of their I Dare You To Change!  blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Mission 4 Monday Quilts and more Quilts

Today for Mission 4 Monday I thought I would share a few archived photo's of quilts made at Mission Makeover.  I was looking for blue to post for Blue Monday over here.  So I thought I would share them for Mission 4 Monday too.

 This great dining room table is where much of our ministry happened.  Each week day afternoon this table was filled with boys and girls.  We learned very early in the ministry that the meal that the kids got to eat with us that evening was the best meal most of them had in a long time.  So instead of sandwichs we prayed God would provide meals.  And he did!  Every evening we served a home cooked meal.   Most days the boys and girls ate seperately.  But occassionally depending on the group and the devotional we were doing we would all eat together as one big family.

And now on with the blue quilts!

 These are just a few examples of the hundreds of quilts that we produced.  I especially liked the combo of blue and orange. 

All the fabric was donated.  Some of it was quilt quality some was not.  I figured out a way to use the less desirable fabric and we began making pillowcases.  I have a couple made from polyester fabric and I love them. 

We always made simple straight line sewing so the girls could feel the accomplishment of finishing the project very quickly.

And, now I want to share how you can help our ministry without spending a dime!

Yes you can.  All you have to do is sign up at Good Search and instead of using google us this search engine.  It is powered by Yahoo and is completely safe.  I am now using it all the time.  But I know it is hard to make a change.  And so if you would consider just a couple of searches a day it would help us out. 

Need more info. about our ministry.  Here's the links.

Mission Photo's is where you can find the  archived photo's.

Automissionmakeover is our blog with current photo's and programs. 

And our website is here

Check us out and then check out Good Search!

Ready now to start GoodSearching and helping out Auto Mission?  Just click here and where it asks if you want to help a charity type in Auto Mission Bedford Texas.
It really is simple and it will really help us out.  And, after you start Good Searching you can also Good Shop and a % of your purchases will be donated to the ministry too.  Check it out!

And the Marathon Continues . . .

This weekend.  Come back here, here and here on Friday to read the latest book reviews.
I had such a great time doing it over the weekend and I got such great response that for a while at least I will be posting all my reviews on Friday evening and Saturday. 
I hope you enjoy.
You'll still be able to click on the 'Book Reviews' page located on the sidebar (for now) to visit the book reviews any day, any time.   And occasionally you'll find posts during the week because I do have a few assigned days coming up.
So visit often and get some great book ideas for Christmas.
And don't forget if you haven't signed up with Good Search would you consider it?  Each time you search our ministry receives a few cents.  It all adds up.  But the biggest thing is when you 'Good Shop' we can get a percentage of your purchase!  Check out the side bar and sign up at Good Search and help a worthy cause!
See you Friday. 

The Marathon Continues a little later!

Opp's I didn't know this was going on.  So, I hope you don't mind I am taking a couple of hours off from my Marathon Book Review Weekend. 

While I am gone you can read the other reviews . . .
Book One a Tender Vow is here
Book Two Hatteras Girl is here
Book Three is Jump is here
Book Four  is Tales of the Heart is here

And just to keep you interested these are on deck
A Rush of Wings by Kristen Heitzmann
A Higher Court by John L. Betcher
Kosher by Design 20 Somethings by Susie Fishbein
Me, Myself and Paris by Ruth Yunker

And later tonight I will be announcing a gift a way.  Every comment on every post counts. 

Thanks for visiting my Marathon.

The Marathon Book Review Weekend Book 3 Jump

I have to apologize . . . I have little to say about this book.  Because they say it so much better! 
Here's the trailer . . .

I even downloaded this to use Sunday morning at chapel to introduce the book and a song that came to mind when I saw this. 

I am puttin' this one on my list of fav's.  I think you'll like it too.  Need more convincin? 

And here's a link to the first chapter.   I enjoyed the authors blog and website go there for more info. 

Sounds great you ready to buy it? . . . I found where you can buy it.   If you haven't already checked out Good Search and Good Shop would you mind doing that?  If you happen to decide to buy this book at Amazon or Barnes and Noble our ministry will get a % of your purchase.  Or, you can go to Borders or Christian Book (dot) com it is available at all four.

I did notice when I was looking for links and the cover photo that there are a lot  of  blog reviews for this book.  I didn't read any of them but if your not convinced and want to check it out just go to Good Search you'll find links to the reviews. 

Here's the book info. from David C. Cook:
Jump is a powerful guide to becoming a vehicle of compassion, reconciliation, and transformation in our world.


Life is all about jumps. We jump from high school to college, school to the professional world, dating to marriage. Each leap launches us to new levels.

Even though we can't see what's on the other side of the wall, our faith jumps are about trusting that God is there. We experience the liberation when we jump into the arms of our Savior, then into a church family, and then into a world desperately in need.

Efrem Smith presents fresh insights into how Christians can say yes to the jump that takes them deeper into a loving, devotional, intimate life with God.

Publishing Details
Publisher: Cook, David C. Publishing Company
Date: September 01, 2010
ISBN13: 9781434764577

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from B&B Media Group, Inc.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Best Plans Sometimes go . . .(TSMS)

. . . way different than you imagined.  I managed to get two posts up and then I had a text from a teenager and spent the rest of the night diverting a crises.  All is well now and I am having my morning Dr. Pepper. 
The next agenda item today is taking the dog out.  And, then I will be back here (My Journey Back), here, and here to write some posts about some great books.  I want to give you guys lots of ideas for Christmas because you know once Thanksgiving is over Christmas is just around the corner. 

I have something I found last night I want to share with you though before I write my first post this morning.
I thought this was really nice and today is Saturday and that means Then Sings My Soul is going on over at
Amy Wyatt's.

Enjoy!

Tender Vow by Sharlene MacLaren-Book Review

I couldn't help but start my marathon of reviews with one I really enjoyed...

I really enjoyed this.  Yes I do have to admit it was somewhat predictable.  But it was a romance and as I have said before that is what we really like about these types of books.

I felt like this one was well written.  The characters are enjoyable. They are all well developed.  The plot is understandable.

I felt a part of the story of the struggles that the characters Jason and Rachel dealt with in the death of 'his' brother and 'her' husband.

This is the first book that I have read by Sharlene MacLaren and, I will definitely love to read more!

This was very easy to read and it was appropriate for the adult or teenage reader. 

A little sneak preview from the Prologue:

Icy breezes whistled through the trees in Fairmount Cemetery, prompting the faithfuls gathered there to pull their collars tighter and button their coat fronts higher, as the tent that had been set up for the occasion did little to protect them from the elements. Just two days ago, northern Michigan had experienced a warm front, unusual for late November, but today’s temperatures made a mockery of it. Twenty-nine-year-old Jason Evans shivered, no longer feeling his fingers or toes, and wondered if the numbness came from the dreadful cold or from his deliberate displacement of emotion. He still couldn’t believe it—it was just two days after Thanksgiving, and his brother, John, two years older than he, was gone. Gone.

Here's the link to the authors website.

It is available at: Amazon and Christian Book (dot) Com.   

Product Information

Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 432
Vendor: Whitaker House Publishers
Publication  Date: 2010
Dimensions: 9 X 6 X 1.38 (inches)
ISBN-13: 9781603740982


Thanks for visiting my Black Friday marathon review.  Go over to Sherry Reads N Writes for the next review.  Here's the link.

It wasn't my fault really!

I promise I really wasn't doing this . . . I really had some plans for posts today.   It was the whole idea of this . . . That gave me the inspiration for hourly posts.  Because I hear that some stores offer hourly sales.  But I wouldn't know because I have
never participated in Black Friday shopping.  I know some of you might think that I am just . . . well I have no idea what your thinking.   And, I really won't bore you with all the reasons why this particular event has never been a priority for me. 
But, I got to thinking about it when I was hearing all the adds and I decided since I have a lot of reviews ready that I would do my own kind of Black Friday.
But, alas the inter-net was not working today.  So my plans have gone awry (did I spell that right?).  So change of plans here's the new plan. 
I will begin posting tonight at 10:00.  You will find new reviews on all three of my blogs.  I'll include links.
I'll post until I am to tired to write.  And then tomorrow I will begin again when I am awake.  That would be after a Dr. Pepper and I take the dog out. 
I think that this will be crazy and fun and, I think I will make this a tradition.  And, I am even thinking of the day after Christmas and New Years day too.
So come on back and spend some time checking out all the books I have been reading!
See you at 10:00 p.m. sharp!

Good Search and help our ministry

 
Last year I began a test to see if this really worked.  I really didn't work too hard and now I wish that I did.  I got a few people to join our cause. The Auto Mission driving school.  We raised $780.00 when one of our board members chose 'our' cause for his birthday.  We got the $780.00 within 2 weeks!

And I began using the Good Search engine occasionally. 
And, just last week I received our year end check.  It wasn't a lot but it was worth the few minutes I spent when I clicked Good Search instead of Google. 
We received a $15.34 check.  Just because I used Good Search!  This was such easy money for our ministry! 
I put the link on my sidebar and I am hoping that you'll decide to use this simple way to help our ministry. 
If you have questions about what we do go check out our blog over here.  
Even if you only do a couple of searches using Good Search its helps us!  All you have to do is download the toolbar and put Auto Mission/ Bedford,Texas as your charity!  And, when you shop at the Good Shop stores we get a % of your shopping!  SWEEEET!
 
So if your planning on-line Christmas shopping maybe you could check out the Good Shop sites and help us help kids!
Thanks for checking it out!

And btw I know Good Search first!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving
They say it is fixed.  The cable I mean so; if all goes well I'll post and read emails on Friday.  Tommorrow I will be eating way too much.  I'll need to lay around Friday to recuperate!   So if your like me and your not out shopping come by here because I have a surpirse!

On Borrowed Time

Borrowing bits and pieces of time and equipment to write just a few words that will maybe give you a bit of encouragement today.
With Thanksgiving only a few hours away I want you all to know I am praying that you have a wonderful day.  A day free from stress.  A day free from the normal fast pace the we all live in.  A day of fun, food, family and time spent with God.  Sometimes I feel like my time with God is borrowed.  I have to stop an activity to just take a brief moment and be thankful. 
I am thankful that God is patient with me.  I am thankful he understands that I/we get ourselves so caught up just in doing life that sometimes we forget just how 'this life' came about.  I am thankful that even when I don't think about God he is thinking of me. 
And, he is thinkin of you.  I am gonna 'borrow' some time . . . wanna join me?

Thankful for a Friends Computer/Then Sings My Soul

Technically it's barely Saturday because it is 11p.m. here.

Still having computer and inter-net problems.

Thankfully where I do apartment ministry we have a computer hooked up to the inter-net that residents can use.

I wanted to share this song today for one of 'my boys'. Travis has been asking me to find this song for weeks. No one could remember the name. He actually sang most of the first verse for me. He finally received his box of belongings from orientation and inside the box where the lyrics to songs they sang there.

This is for Travis. I love this kid.  And I want to dedicate this also to someone that has been More than a Friend.  I love you.  I hope your o.k.  

I hope you enjoy!



Starting this on Monday . . .




Come and join us.  I found this here. 

Amy Wyatt inspirse us to Sing on Saturdays.

Lord I Lift My Friend To You . . .

Lioness Arising

About the Book:
In Lioness Arising, author and speaker Lisa Bevere offers the life and image of the lioness as a fierce and tender model for women. Revealing the surprising characteristics of this amazing creature, Lisa challenges women to discover fresh passion, prowess, and purpose.


Awaken. The lioness rises from her slumber, a magnificent image of strength, passion, and beauty. Her mere presence commands the landscape, protects her young, and empowers the lion. In groups, lionesses become a creative and strategic force to be reckoned with, acting as one to change the world around them.

You too are a lioness.

From the Back Cover:

Learn what it means to:
• be a stunning representation of strength
• fiercely protect the young
• lend your voice to the silenced
• live in the light and hunt in the dark
• raise a collective roar that changes everything

Here's what others are saying:
(The following are portions of reviews found on Amazon)
. . .I was stirred, challenged, encouraged, empowered, and enlarged by Lisa Bevere. I'm getting this book for each woman in my life...truly a must read.

. . .This book introduces a change into the landscape of Christian thinking concerning women's role in ministry. It has been anticipated by countless women who have known deep down inside that they have been created to be world-changers.

. . .She uses the lioness as a sort of word picture to describe the strength, energy and prowess of a woman, especially a Christian woman. Bevere encourages women readers without degrading our male counterparts. She sees the role of the "lioness" as one who nurtures, supports and exercises strength as God intended.

I really couldn't say it better than this from the back cover . . .
Passion, Edgy, Relatable and Funny these words describe Lisa Bevere.   And here's what Lisa has to say. . . "God is not looking for people who act like Christians.  He wants us to 'be' Christians."

So are you interested?  You can go here and read the first chapter.

Lioness Arising is available at Amazon and CBD (Christian Book (dot) Com) and Barnes and Noble.

Adding this one to m Christmas list. 

Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere  was provided for this review by Phenix & Phenix literary publicists. 
I received no compensation for this review. 

Being Thankful

I am thankful for friends that let you use their computer when your internet is acting up!

And I am thankful I backed up my favorite photo's on a c.d.

I love this one I did last fall.

Enjoy

Worfilled Wednesday

I have hidden your words in my heart that I might not
sin against you.

just a quick little photo and word this morning to bring you a smile.
Hope your days is Happy.   Stop over here to see more Wordfilled Wednesday posts.

Mission 4 Monday Family Day

Have you ever thought about adoption?  I know there a many young couples that are struggling to have children and they choose adoption.  And what a great thing to bring a baby into a loving family.  A family that spends major amounts of time and money for the child. 
But have you ever thought of adopting a teenager? 

One of the young men I work with was adopted when he was 13 years old.  He is now 18.  He is actually a very rare case.  His story is much different than the rest of them.  His adopted mother is a cardialogist.  The 18 tickets that he still had outstanding after coming to our prison unit his parents paid for.  (these were all traffic violations)  He is an amazing kid.  And now at 18 he is finally getting his head on straight.   He is my 'tech guy' on Sunday and he will help with our Drama team.   
He was one of the boys on Saturday that didn't have family come for family day.  (His mom and dad visit regularly)
The others either didn't have a family that cared enough to come or financially it was out of the question.
Texas is really a big state and many of the youth are from the far south end or far west side it costs a lot of time and money to travel to the northern part of our 'great' state.  (sorry I had to add that)

I wanted to share this photo.  It is the only one I managed to get without faces showing.  18 of  the 47 boys received certificates for memorizing more than 30 Bible verses since September. 
Tatooed Hearts is the program we help with on Wednesday nights. 
(The program is voluntary the boys don't have to participate) It is amazing to listen to the boys recite verses.  Not only single verses but long passages!  They put me in my place! 
It's been awhile since I have been able to post a M4M post.
I am hoping to be more regular about posting here and on our ministry blog. 
I want to urge you to consider the youth.  As I said many of them didn't have family that were able to come to family day. 
There are many ways to help.  Even if teenagers scare you there are ways to help without actually working directly in a prison unit or jail.  I urge you to investigate your local area and find a way to share the love of Christ with troubled youth. 
And BTW . . . Just to let you know they used to scare me

Yes it is still me . . .

I got that itch again to change my background.  It happens about once a month.
Well as you can see I am still working on it.  I think I really goofed this time.
Please you guys say a prayer for me.  Hopefully I can figure out how to find all the things I lost. 

Updated...
Word to the wise.  Don't try to change your blog while your cooking dinner. 
O.K. I have the sidebar back.  And do you see the lovely little background buried behind the template? 
Hmmm. 
This is all trial and error for me.
I don't think I am real happy with bloggers new templates and how to use them. 
I tried to go back to the original minima so I could use a pretty background and that is when I lost the sidebars. 
I am afraid this going to be slow going.
Stay tuned. 

On my shopping list . . . What's on yours?

How many shopping days till Christmas?  Is that something your thinking about?  Have you begun your shopping?  Are you one of those what's it called "Black Friday" shoppers?      

Or maybe planning some online shopping.  Maybe you need some ideas. 

Today I want to share something I discovered through an email from a B&B Media Group.  They have offered some really good books for review.  Today they shared this.

This is only one of the beautifully framed prints offered.
Here's the description from their website.

Heaven on Earth
Artist: Ron DiCianni
Children, it seems, more than most adults want to know the details about Heaven. Will there be trees? How about food and things to drink? Will we really be able to walk with the lions and tigers that now are seen only in cages at the zoo, safely away from eating us? Will there be sports in Heaven, or will it be one long church service?
When a child thinks of Disneyland, he is excited. When he thinks of our description of the North Pole, there is surely a leap in his imagination and wonder. But we have done a poor job of relating that Heaven will leave those fictional places in the dust. What God is preparing is beyond comprehension as to its excellence. Maybe a visual reminder will help them to finally realize that the best is yet to be! Isaiah described that one day:
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.”
Can we ask for more than that? However it is pretty certain that description is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when we finally experience Heaven on the new Earth that God has promised to create!

I visited the site there are some really nice pieces.  And they have books too.  Here's a little more info. from the site about the books they offer:
Each of these books represents collaboration between our artist’s and some of the best author’s in the country. Including Art by Ron DiCianni and writings by Jerry Jenkins, Max Lucado, Randy Alcorn and many more, each of these books masterfully lays out the truths of God in stories that children and adults can both enjoy. Most of the books on this list are bestsellers and all of them are designed to bring the reader closer to God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Here's the link to the website.

Here's a suggestion when you visit there. 
. . .When our children were young we were like most young families in that we spent a lot of time decorating our home.  One of the things that we really liked was artwork/prints.  We purchased some really nice pieces.  A couple of those happened to be prints that depicted Christmas scenes.  We had no long term plans we just really liked them.  When our son married that first Christmas I got out the prints and I realized one print in particular reminded me of them.  I didn't think much more about it and then when our daughter became engaged I realized what was going on with these two prints.  Each print was perfect for each of them.  And so that year each  main gift was the print.  They were both really surprised that we gave them these family treasures. 

. . . So does this give you any ideas for Christmas.  Go over and visit
Tapestry Productions.

Should I write this review here?

I really had to think long and hard and pray about writing the review for this book.  I hate to compare the two but as I thought about writing about Sarah Palin it reminded me about when I wrote about Kate Gosselin. 
I decided that I would write this review here as opposed on either of my other blogs because I think you guys will appreciate my opinion and you'll be gentle with me.
Let me be up front.  I admire Sarah Palin and Kate Gosselin.  You may wonder why I struggled with the review. 

Well I don't get into politics.  I try not to get into 'religion'. 

But honestly when I was offered this book by the publisher I jumped on the opportunity.  I received it a couple of weeks latter and I read it in a matter of only a couple of hours!  As you've probably guessed I enjoyed it.  Actually I really enjoyed it. 
And before I go further the only reason I agreed to read it is because I wanted to learn more about Sarah Palin.  I am not a fan of biographies.  But after reading Stephen Mansfield and David A. Hollands work I am a new fan.  I would be glad to read any of their other works.
I think I can say with much faith that this book is honest and up front.  I was surprised that the authors seemed to have such free rein in interviewing family and friends.
The book begins with background about Sarah's parents and how they ended up in Alaska.  And why they stayed in Alaska.  There is much detail about their faith and their journeys.   And it continues with Sarah's upbringing and her own personal faith journey. 
The second part of the book is about her political career. 
The book is well written and I enjoyed reading it. 
During and after reading this book and understanding more about Sarah Palin's faith.  And reading about how bold she is about it; it actually left me feeling how shallow I am.  It made me realize that I as an ordinary citizen need to follow her example and stand up for what I believe in. 

This book was offered to me for review by Anna Silva at Strang Communications. 
Here's the info. the publisher provides about the book.
Product Description
You know her as small-town mayor, governor of a sparsely populated state, vice-presidential nominee, and best-selling author. But what about the faith that's shaped Palin's life and worldview? Here Mansfield reveals the principles that influence her personal politics and what their implications hold for the Republican Party and the nation as a whole. 256 pages, hardcover from Charisma.


Product Information

Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 256
Vendor: FrontLinePublication Date: 2010
ISBN: 1616381647ISBN-13: 9781616381646
Availability: In Stock

This book may be purchased directly from the publisher or at Amazon

My Rating: 5 stars.

Then Sings My Soul Special Edition Book Review

I have to admit I haven't even finished it but I had to share this one with you. 
This is a breathtakingly  beautiful book.  I opened it today and I litterally gasped.  And then I was sad because I didn't get a give a way copy!
I showed it to my Cowboy who started naming off people that would love this book.  Our former music minister,  our friends husband who is a music minister, our children's former piano teacher.  The list goes on and on. 
And even the very none musical folks like me.  (In face I intend to be really selfish and keep this one myself!)  I know that Amy Wyatt who is the hostess for Then Sings My Soul Saturday and all her followers will love it. 
This is a paper back book and the pages are printed to appear to be old and tattered.  The edges are torn and are beautiful which cause the the book Then Sings My Soul Special Edition to look like a well worn and loved hymnal. The cover is really cool and I don't know if I can describe but behind the black printed words is a musical note. All of this makes it a lovely gift book.

From the publishers site:
Stories of the most favorite and beloved seasonal hymns of faith.
Don't look for a dry recounting of boring historical fact, the devotional-style stories in Then Sings My Soul show the emotion and drama behind the hymns of faith that have changed many lives throughout history. Designed to be personally reflective, these stories speak to the soul and add depth to a meaningful worship time with God through song.
Recounted are stories of the people whose faith led them to write these wonderful seasonal hymns and the people whose faith was affected by reading, hearing, and singing the songs.
· Includes words and music to each hymn
· Special, softcover, French flap cover design
· Ivory paper with brown ink
· Jagged edged paper, giving it a classic feel
· Complete with hymn index
· Use for devotionals, teaching illustrations, introductory remarks for song leaders and music ministers

I found a few places where you can purchase including:
Amazon and Christian Book (dot) com.

So if you've started Christmas shopping this is one I recommend you add to your list!

What's on my mind . . .

I don't know about you but the holidays are on my mind.  I guess that was probably a silly comment I am sure you are thinking about them too.  
I have missed posting for a few days.  The ministry becomes even busier this time of year. 
I hope you'll come by and see me.  I love the visits.  And because I don't get to be around adults much I especially love it when you leave comments. 
I know you girls out there with babies and preschoolers feel the same way. 
I tell ya what you come by here and leave a comment and I will come and visit you! 
Duty is calling me but I wanted to leave you with a cute little photo!

Everyone is into the holidays.  Look at the expression of determination!  If I know my daughter that batch of party mix won't make it to the end of the week!

Wishing you Blessings today.

Come back tomorrow for WFW I have a good one planned!

Thankful Thursday

I am Thankful that this morning I woke up to the sunshine for the first time in days.  At least 10 days to be exact! 
I guess your thinking it has been raining here alot.  Well no that isn't why.  It did rain all day Tuesday and most of yesterday. And we were happy to see the sun about 1:00  But the reason is I have had so many early morning meetings lately.   Personally I don't think morning happens until at least 8:00 but that is only fantasy on my part! 

• Seriously though I am thankful that the sun was shining and I got to spend a few minutes just basking in it and praying.   A prayer of Thankfulness and a petition for strength and organization and timing today. 

I am hosting a Thanksgiving dinner at our girls halfway house tonight.  So it will be a busy afternoon and evening and I will go to bed with my feet hurting!

• I am also thankful that I got to hear boys reciting Bible verses last night.  It is amazing to see the amount of verses they are learning. 

I pray that as they are hiding these verses in thier hearts that God's love and his desires and plans for them are being molded and shaped. 

• And I am thankful for the illustration below.  I used this yesterday for WFW.  I just couldn't help but include it today.

And I am thankful that I stumbled across another blog called Miracles Do Happen.  I love reading about the change that is happening in lives of young men.  Check it out!

And so, do you have a thankful list today!

Thankful Thursday is hosted by Laurie this month.

BTW it is not to late to enter the giveway for the Guideposts Devotional book.  I'll be choosing a name on Sunday!

Wordfilled Wednesday

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

Titus 2 Women

When I think of the Titus 2 Women I think of Miss June.  She has the sweetest blog.  I love her button.  The other day she wrote an amazing post about Treasures focusing on this amazing verse.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves do not breath through nor steal: for where you treasure is, there will you heart be also."
Matthew 6:19-21

Here post was very thought provoking and I wanted to share it with you.  It is so true that many times we treasure so many things other than our Lord Jesus Christ. 

I find myself doing that.  I know that my Father and my Savior are there but they get pushed to the back burner so to speak.

I am going to be real with you here.  I find it difficult to pray.  Gasp!  (I know you said it I heard you! LOL)  Now I must explain what I mean by that.  
If I pray at night I either fall asleep or my mind is going in a million different directions and I can't keep my thoughts straight.  I get distracted.  So sometimes (expect another Gasp here!)  I go days without speaking to my Father.  Yes it is true.  But I have figured out a way that works for me and I want to share it with you. 

Because that is what we Titus Women and Sisters are supposed to do right?

I write my prayers.  It is amazing.  I can sit down in just a few minutes and write page after page to my Father.   I have done this periodically over the years.  But I realized yesterday as I was thinking about my prayer life that it is the most positive way for me to spend time communicating and worshipping. 

I hope that you are able to find time to pray.  I hope that you are able to spend time just resting in your Father's arms.   I know if your like me it is hard to find a minute or two in your day.

Why not  try my idea. Take a journal along with you to soccer practise.  Or while your waiting for the kids to come out of the school.  I hear there are long lines waiting.   And you know if your like me I always feel like people are looking at me because I look like I am talking to myself. 

So today when I sit down and write another Love Letter to My Father I'll think of you.  I'll think of your treasures and I'll ask the Father to help you find time to be together today. 

Wishing you many Blessings. 

BTW I am giving away the Guideposts Devotional book leave a comment.

Halloween Are You On The Fence? (Mission Monday)

I couldn't help but use this analogy for the review of this book. 
                 Do witches Make Fishes? by Jason Mayo
You see the whole subject of Halloween just tends to put people on the fence. 
Personally I am sittin' right there with the best of them.  I mean those of us that are o.k.  with the dress up the kids for the Trick r Treat party part of the whole thing. 
                      
I just finished reading this fun little children's book.  It included a cute way of giving kids a lesson in eating healthy.  It is meant for ages 4-8. 

I have a personal custom of doing a little research about the books that I review.  I always check to see where they can be bought.  I check to see if the author has a website or I will include the publisher's site.  Because personally I think a lot of times the author or the marketing folk's can do a better job of describing the book than I can. 

I have to say I was in some ways  many ways I was pleasantly surprised about this book.  When I finished reading the book I noticed at the end that proceeds were going to charity.  So you know me I checked it out.   I was so intrigued I checked out the authors blog next.  And that is where I stopped.

 Here's what I found . . .
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2009 Hockey Heals...                                  
I've been going to New York Rangers games with the same buddies for the past 13 years. This year is different. Sometimes life throws you a curve ball. One of those buddies moved away. The other one has Cancer. This year, Opening Night at Madison Square Garden was a date marked on my calendar for all the wrong reasons. Hockey has always been a distraction for us. Through the good times and the bad. This year it was hard to predict who would even be at the game with me. Year after year, we would meet at the seats. The start of each new season brought a sense of hope. That's the beauty of sports. With each new year, comes a fresh start. With one of my friends hundreds of miles away and the other one battling for his life, Hockey season hardly seemed a priority.

Then I realized that Opening Night was actually more important this year than it has ever been. I spoke to my friend who is sick, during the week leading up to the game. I told him that I'd keep the ticket available for him until the last minute. I knew he'd been feeling awful as of late and it would be tough for him to commit


"Dude. If you feel up to it, just call me that day. I'd love to see you there on Opening Night."

He said he can't make any promises but he'd try his best to make it.

"I want to be there bro. I just don't know how I'm gonna feel."

The night before the game, I thought to myself that if my buddy was gonna make it out, then I needed to let him know how important it was to me to have him there. I wanted him to know that it was more than a game.

Adam Graves is a former New York Ranger. He happens to be one of the greatest Blueshirts to ever don the sweater. Adam is still a prominent figure in the organization and is known for his selfless commitment to local philanthropies, as well as, being a stellar human being. I took a chance and sent him an email in the hope that my buddy would indeed make it to the game.

This is what I wrote:

Adam,

I've been a Rangers fan my whole life and a season subscriber for 13 years. I'll be at opening night tomorrow and for many reasons, it will be an emotional night for me. For the past 13 years, myself and two of my best friends have been going to the games together. Lot's of great times. This year one moved away with his family, so he won't be going to the games with us. Then a few months ago, the other one found out that he has Cancer. He's been pretty sick. He had to stop working and he's lost about 30 lbs. It's in his stomach, liver and lungs. We've known each other since we were 12 and reconnected after years apart in 1994 at MSG of all places during the cup run. We've been going to the games together ever since. Obviously because of his health, it's impossible for him to commit to the games this year. This leaves me with an empty seat on most nights. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of my buddy and the battle he's having right now. We both have little kids and stuff like this really hits you in the heart. His health is obviously bigger than any game but The Blueshirts have always bonded us through the years. I spoke to him yesterday and he said he's going to do whatever he can to get to opening night tomorrow. I'm hoping he feels up to it. I know it's last minute but I was hoping that if he made it to the game with me, there might be some way you could arrange to have some sort of meet and greet or special experience, no matter how simple, for him before or after the game. I'm not sure how many of these he'll get to see in the coming months and something tells me that if I can, I should try and make it a special night for him. I understand if you're too busy. I know you probably get 100's of these a week. I just thought I'd give it a shot.

Respect,

Jason

The morning of the game, I received a call on my cell phone. It was Adam Graves. He asked how my friend was feeling and if I thought he'd make it to Opening Night. I told him that as of yesterday, he planned on coming. Adam said he would send someone to our seats to get us during the game. He said that he reserved a private sky box for us to watch a period with him. Just the three of us. I was blown away by his kindness. I had goosebumps.

My buddy made it out that night and we saw our beloved Rangers beat the Ottawa Senators 5-2. We also spent about 40 minutes with one of our heroes. My buddy cried when he realized that Adam and I arranged the whole night for him. I cried too. Everyone always asks me why Hockey is so important to me. Everyone always wants to know why I get so crazy over a Rangers win or a loss.

The answer couldn't be clearer. Hockey heals. Sometimes heroes really make a difference.

This story was the authors inspiration for the book Do Witches Make Fishes?  

There were two things that impressed me about the author Jason Mayo.

• He used his idea and talent to help others
• He stepped out and is making a difference

I have know nothing else about Mr. Mayo.  I have no idea which side of the fence he is on concerning Halloween or anything else for that matter.

And frankly I don't care.  But what I do know is that the proceeds of this book are helping kids. 

The proceeds for the book are donated to:

The Garden of Dreams Foundation is committed to helping children in crisis in the tri state area, whether they are suffering from devastating illness, homelessness, abuse, hunger, extreme poverty or tragedy. Garden of Dreams works closely with all areas of Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall to build meaningful, unforgettable programs for children affiliated with 18 local partner organizations.

Excerpts from Amazon reviews . . . 
This is a wonderful book for children from four to eight...perhaps even three. It's about a little boy who loves "sweets" so much that he refuses to eat the healthy vegetables and fish his mother cooks for him. Something he does causes his mother to disappear and a witch appears in her place. The witch threatens the boy with all kinds of silly things if he doesn't eat what she cooks for him. The boy is more surprised than frightened because this is not that kind of really scary witch. When he finds his voice, he demands his mother back, pulls some "boy tricks" on the witch and the problem is resolved in a very satisfactory manner. The boy has learned a lesson about minding his mother and about eating healthy, so perhaps your children will, also.

. . .
I love the illustrations by Justin Wolfson because they're colorful and placed in the appropriate places to match the text. But what I enjoy most about them is that they're extra-large, making the characters jump off the pages right into your life. My grandson Devon giggled when he saw them and his eyes just about popped out when I turned to where the boy's head fills the entire page. I giggled right along with him
. . .

So whether your on the fence about Halloween or not this is a great book recommended by many for your child.  

Linking with The Fabulous Fall Party.

Blue Monday

I had a really, really long week last week.  Did you miss me?  I missed you!  Even though it was worth the effort and it was a huge Blessing the week ended with some things that have put me in a little bit of a Blue state so today I need a little pick me up.  

  First I wil make the bed and add that great pillow to my mound of pillows. 

Then I will grab this just beautifully soft blue throw . . .

and

I'll grab this really cool book and just sit and rest and awhile.

But oh  . . . more Blues.  The book hasn't arrived! 

And the throw is only a dream.  At least for now I entered a give a way here to win it!

Adding all this to my sad weekend I am just so Blue I have to go and tell Sally about it!

BTW Sally is Blue every Monday over at her blog and she call's it Smiling Sally.

What a girl she always smiles over the Blues!

Updated: The book is actually on it's way.  It will be next review!

Now if I can just win that give a way!