Daily Guideposts 2011 --Book Review

You'll be encouraged daily as you read the uplifting and inspirational stories and devotions found in this edition of Daily Guideposts.  This is the 35th anniversary edition of the long loved magazine devotional.  

Included are stories from 50 contributing writers. The writes share stories of how God has transformed their relationships, jobs, families and faith.  

As a daily devotional each day begins with a scripture and a true story.  And ends with a prayer.  Each month ends with a section titled Seeds of Love which encourages readers to write down their daily blessings. 

This hardback book would be a great gift for anyone.   It would be a great gift for a co-worker that you would like to share your faith with.  It would be a great gift for a church friend.  I know many ladies that have read the magazine version for years.  I know they would love this book version. 

I found this comment in a review over at Amazon . . . 'Anybody who picks up Daily Guideposts 2011 is bound to find something worth the read while thumbing through pages. The devotions are easy to understand, while the simplicity lends itself to a wide appeal.'

It's really not to early to begin your Christmas shopping go over to Amazon or the Guideposts website to purchase a copy or two. 

This book was provided for review by Phenix & Phenix literary publicists.  Thanks Shelby for offering another great read. 

BTW I just happen to have a copy to give a way so you might want to leave a comment. 

Book Info.
Title: Daily Guideposts:2011
Editor: Andrew Attaway
Publisher: Guideposts Books
Pub date: October 2010
ISBN: 9780824948092
Format: Hardcover
Pages:432
Category:Devotional/Spritual growth
Website: www.Guideposts.com

Praise Him In Advance and My Soul Sings

Have a Blessed Day

Thought I would Praise Him  . . .

. . . in advance

Enjoy

For a special friend that needs a little lift. 

For more songs visit Then Sings My Soul

Friday Fun at the Farm

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Thankful for Super Hero's

Today Thankful Thursday is hosted by Lynn  who suggested a theme 10 things about . . . (see below)

Today I am thankful that I don't have to rely on super hero's. 
I am thankful that the only super hero I need is our Father and our Savior. 
I am thankful for words like . . . I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Sometimes I may not get what is going on but I know who I believe and I know who is able.  Do you recognize that as a lyric? These are the words of a hymn that just went through my mind!

I am thankful that God has supplied our needs and has provided a way for us to be a part of the Wednesday night activities the boys prison. 

I am thankful that last night 2 boys accepted Christ as their savior!

Yes Lord. Yes Lord. Yes, Yes Lord.

Sorry these songs just keep popping into my head!

And lastly I am thankful that the problems here at our apartment are worked out.  Today I got the call from my supervisor that we will be having a new manager.   This week the morale here has been so different since the manage was sent on vacation.  And now with the official word I/we see much brighter days ahead! 

Thank you Father! 

I hope your day is filled with Blessings and Thanksgiving! 

Here are 10 things about me:
1. I love research.  I love to research topics on the computer.   
2. I write grants (the above comes in handy)
3. You already know this but I love dogs,rabbits,horses, donkeys,chickens,ducks.  Cat's are only o.k. but I
    always have one around.
4. I always end up with library fines. 
5. I lived in Boulder Colorado for 6 months.  And I cried when we had to move.
6. I homeschooled (10th grade)  our daughter when we were in Boulder and then for the rest of the year in
    Missouri.
7. Sorry for your Missourians but living there was "Misery".  The only bright side was homeschooling.
8. My first dogs name was Pierre he was a French Poodle.  
9. I cannot tell you my favorite food.  Easier to say what I don't like. . . Grits!
10. My favorite vacation w/o the kids is a cruise.  I dream of going on a 'just girls' cruise.

Sorry had to add one more.
11.  I grumble when blogger makes changes w/o telling us and w/o offering tutorials!

Don't forget to visit Lynn for more thankful posts and more lists!

Wordfilled Wednesday

Join Amy for more Wordfilled Wednesday illustrations of God's word.

Have a Blessed Day

Woman 2 Woman

May I share something with you woman 2 woman? I love women. Yes I love to talk to women. I love to sit and spend time having lunch or coffee. (Well actually that isn't right I would be drinking a Dr. Pepper which is what I am having now as I write this. ) I love talking on the phone or chatting on the computer.

Is this photo not precious? A wonderful photo of generations of women. I wonder the things that the older woman has taught the others?

That is what I want today to be about. Woman 2 woman. You teaching me. Maybe me teaching you!

Everyday I when I log on there are regular places that I visit. Some of the places I visit because I am expecting an encouraging word.
Some of the places I expect to read something funny and inspiring. And some places I just want to see a new decorating idea.
But even at those places that I get decorating ideas sometimes I come away with something more. I never know what to expect.
And I guess there is a little intrigued and a little excitement there.

I hope that is what you get here. I hope that when you visit that you receive something. Hopefully what you need that day or that moment. I pray that when you come here that the words you read are words that inspire you. To maybe keep going. To maybe trust God a little more. Or to maybe settle down, relax and realize it is all going to be o.k.

So today I pray that you have a Blessed Day. I pray that your day is filled with Sonshine and sunshine. I pray that even if your frazzled
(like I am today) that you will find a moment to rest and look around and be thankful for the things that you did accomplish today.

Even if the only thing you finished (because there is still laundry, there are still dishes there is still . . . ) was kissing your husband or your kids good bye I hope you realize that was/is the most important part of your day.

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not be slanders or addicted to much wine but to teach what is good. Then they can train the youner women to love thier husbands and children, to be self controlled and pure, to be busy at home to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2:3-5

Ponzied by Marvin Lindberg A Book Review

A simple cover for a great book.  Watch the trailer.




Forgive me but I have a complaint about this one. . . "Why didn't  I get to read the first two?" Just thought maybe in case the trailer didn't get you going I would try and get your attention!

I really enjoyed Ponzied and I really do wish I had gotten to read the first two.  Although this third book totally stands on it's own.  But I just happen to get into the characters when it is such a good read and I want more of the story. 

I think you'll feel the same way.  So go over to Amazon or to the publishers site or Barnes & Noble and get your copy.  I would go so far as to say buy all three for yourselves or for a Christmas gift. 

This was an easy book to read.  The story caught your attention and kept you interested all the way to the end.  I really enjoyed the main character Wayne although I do have to put in a little dig we really don't talk like that in Texas.  And most people don't dress much like Texans anymore at least not in the city.  But hey it is fiction so I'll let is slide. 

Many thanks to Mr. Lindberg for supplying a copy of the book for review. 

From the Back cover:
There is a Ponzi scam taking place in Las Vegas with tragic international consequences if not stopped.

Wayne Davis, a private detective in Amarillo, is lured to Las Vegas by a “friend” to help him out of a nasty mess. Little does he know that he is being drawn into a Ponzi scheme that has a terrorist connection. Time is not on his side, as he and his partner, Rhino, delve head first into something much more than they bargained for.

About the author: M.L. Lindberg is an author of several books of fiction. This is the third in a three book trilogy of Private Investigator, Wayne Davis, a red-blooded, no-nonsense, American hero, who is a modern throwback to cowboys and Texans. Mr. Lindberg resides in Racine, Wisconsin.


Ponzied by M.L. Lindberg

ISBN: 978-1432758646
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Date of publish: July 28, 2010
Pages: 308
S.R.P.: $13.95

This book was offered for review by the author through Bostick Communications.

Mission 4 Monday in Blue

Welcome to my regular (almost) Mission Monday post.  Today I am doing it in blue so I can link with Smiling Sally.
Enjoy the little virtual tour of our ministry

In 2007 Auto Mission (our boys ministry) replace dthe engine, recovered the seats and detailed this wheel chair van.  It was donated to a pastor in Mexico who's wife has polio. 

The summer of 2006 Auto Mission participated in VBS at a local church.  All the kids got to sit in a 'real' race car'.

This is a quilt that was donated to Mission Makeover our girls ministry.  It was used for a raffle. 

And last a darling little baby quilt that was made at Mission Makeover.  That year we made 40 teddy bear themed quilts and donated them to the parenting mom's at our local high school. 
Did you notice our floor is blue too!

Thanks for visiting.  It was fun for me to travel down memory lane and share a few blue memories with you!
For more info. about our ministries check out our blog.
Automissionmakeover(dot)blogspot(dot)com

Another Melody . . . Another Empty Song . . .

I try to pretend I've Praised Him. . .
Some amazing lyrics . . .
Enjoy




Dear Father,
As I sit and think about how I could be Praising you.  I do try and make believe sometimes when I realize that I have been so busy working that I miss the real reason for what I am doing.  I need to evaluate me.  I need to evaluate my motives.  I need to look for arrogance and pride and I need to give all that to you.  I need you to take it all and to give me your strength and your direction.  Thank you Father for being so patient with me.   Amen.

Book Review--Completely Whole

Completely Whole by Paulette Harper was a great book to read. 
It's cover quote was intrigueing to me suggesting...
"A must read for all who have the assignment of edifying the hurting."  Pastor Tony E. Johnson, Word of Faith Worship Center

Actually the first three pages of the book is filled with quotes from authors and pastors.  There are a lot of people talking about Completely Whole.  I think I could easily say that everyone agrees that it is Biblically sound and encouraging. 

It chapter refers the reader back to scripture and ends with a challenge and a prayer.  

Here's a couple of the chapter titles:
Lord, You Know What Is Best For Me
Lord, Your Forgiveness Makes Me Whole

From the back cover:
Life's daily struggles can often leave us perplexed and bewildered on how to cope with hard issues.  In Completely Whole, Paulette Harper offers keys to help those who are searching for answer that can lead to a life of complete wholeness: Spirit, Soul and Body.  Completely Whole focuses on how to overcome suffering caused by alcoholism, substance abuse, poverty and other obstacles blocking the path to a life of wholeness. 

I enjoyed reading Completely Whole by Paulette Harper and I would recommend this book to anyone that is wanting to get more out of their Christian life.  Angie Knight suggests this book for her next women's study group of retreat. (from the endorsement page in the book) I agree it would be great.   I am donating my copy to our apartment ministry library in hopes that it will help someone else. 


Completely Whole is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble and also on the authors website. 
I enjoyed the Author Spotlight here.

This book was offered by the author for review.  I was not asked to write a positive review.  I did enjoy the book and wrote the review but had some difficulties the day I wrote it with blogger.  Unfortunately it ended up in my draft folder.  I was reminded by the author that the review had not been posted.  I apologize for the delay. However...as I was doing a little more looking around today before posting I found some great reviews on the Amazon site.  If your not convinced to purchase Completely Whole check out what a few of the other blog reviewers had to say. 

Grumble, Grumble, Grumble

Yep I said . . .grumble,grumble,grumble.  And I know I shouldn't but I missed blogging today.  I missed bloggin' on Wednesday.  I barely got up a post on Thursday but I didn't get to link.
I don't really remember if I managed a post on Monday or Tuesday.
And so I am grumbling.  But I don't really want you to know so I am trying to hide it.  It isn't easy.
And then I feel guilty because I would rather have had time to post, and visit today. 
But instead I was at a rummage sale fundraiser.  I was also at a graduation at our halfway house.  It was a long hard day.

When I finally logged on I visited a friend that said this on Wednesday.

This is the day that the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice & be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

THIS is the day the Lord has made. What we do with that day is up to us.
Are we going to grumble and complain about it?
Or are we going to choose to rejoice & be glad in it?






Dear Lord, we thank You for this day. Help us to not grumble & complain, but instead to rejoice in You. You alone are our Savior & Redeemer. May we continually look to You for our help and our strength. Thank You for all that You are. Thank You for continuing to give us life THIS day & every day. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

This was posted by Alicia at Confessions of a Snowflake.  Thanks Alicia for reminding me to rejoice. 

Just a coincidence I wanted to leave you with a cheerful photo.  This is one of my favorites.  Funny it it represents Alicia's blog. 

I hope your day was Blessed.  Rejoice God is Good!

Tatooed Hearts Thankful Thursday

Hidden but not forgotten?  Last night I wrote briefly about the Tatooed Hearts program and how I realized as I worked with the young men that there are verses that are hidden, buried deep within me.  Verses that I have not used or thought about in a while. 
And, as I began to think about it I realized how sad I am.  I am sad to know that I have allowed activitiy and life to get between me and my Father who is the reason for all the activity and my life. 

I do have some words.  Some of his words.  Verses from the Bible hidden within my heart.  Tattooed onto my heart. 

I am thankful that with only a little encouragement those verses can pop into my head and I can remember them when I need to.  But I am rusty.  And I need practise just like those boys do. 

And I am thankful that God my Father is patient with me.  And that he gives me the ability to remember. 

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 
Praise be to you, O Lord teach me your decrees. 
With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. 
I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.  I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.  I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. 
Psalm 119:11-16

Today I am thankful that even when I neglect God he doesn't neglect me. 

Hidden n Forgotten?

Tonight I began to wonder how much scripture is buried in my head that I have forgotten. 
Sounds weird doesn't it?  Maybe forgotten is not the right word maybe 'hadn't thought of recently' is better. 
I am thinkin though that either description is sad. 

Tonight I got to go to the ranch to help with the Tatooed Hearts program with the boys.  It is Bible memorization program.  I sat and listened while boys recited verses. 

It was a huge Blessing to me to see the smiles on their faces and to watch them excitedly quote scripture! 

These are 15,16,17 and 18 year olds that are there because they have committed felonies.  The ranch is a prison unit. 

Tonight I heard Romans 3:23, John 3:16, Genesis 1:1 and a few others.  I also heard . . .
Psalms 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 
As I read it and then helped one of the boys remember it I began to think about the other scriptures I had memorized so long ago. 
One of the hardest things for me to remember is the references. 
I remember bits and pieces of verses.  But it usually takes looking at them again to remember the entire verse. 
Tonight I pray that as these boys learn and memorize these verses that they will absorb their meanings.  And that they will truly hide them in their hearts, in a place where they can find them. 
Tonight I shared Jesus.  Tonight I was Blessed. 
I won't be able to write a Thankful Thursday post but if I could I would have to include how thankful I am just to be a part of Tatooed Hearts.  
And how thankful I am to see the excitement on the faces of these boys.

Where is the Journey going?

Maybe you've wondered where I have been the last couple of days.
Since Friday well actually Thursday I have been busy with . . .

A little of this.

Some of this well actually a lot!

And a lot of this!  I have been doing a lot of reading in between the above!

For the last few days we have been having to do a little packing and a lot of moving of our records and boxes of supplies for our ministry.  Today we got the keys to a new 'little' building.  It is the smallest space we have ever had but the dynamics of our ministry has changed so much in the last few years we realize we don't need a lot of space. 

We were able to rent 1,000 square feet of office and workshop space.   Between our regular activities of chapel, meetings and working with the youth we've been sorting through supplies and figuring out what we need to keep, what needs to be stored for now and what needs to go. 

And during all the driving back and forth I have been reading. 

I have a bunch of books in various stages of the review process. 

Some still waiting.  Some finished. 

Some reviews ready to be published. 

So, I hope you haven't been disappointed when you've come by.  I promise I will get back to regular posting in the next couple days. 

So come on by and leave me a comment and let me know you've been here.

The Waiting . . . The Review

Sorry for teasing you a little this morning but the review is finally here and I think you'll agree it was worth the wait!

The Waiting is the 2nd book in the Lancaster County Secrets series by Suzanne Woods Firsher.   It is described as the 2nd 'stand alone' book.  I was a little surprised because I expected book 2 to be a sequel to The Choice which I had the opportunity to read a few months ago.  Here is the link to the review.   So now I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book.  I am a little curious if the characters are woven together into the third story.  Hmm. 

Here's a little about the book from the back cover: She was waiting for love–and found it in the most unexpected place.

Jorie King’s life is on hold. She has been waiting for Ben Zook to return to Lancaster County. Waiting for him to settle down and join the church. Waiting to marry him.
But when news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie is devastated. She finds unlikely comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. Friendship ripens into love, and two broken hearts plan for a life filled with the promise of a fresh beginning–until their worlds are turned upside down.
With her realistic characters whose weaknesses develop into strengths, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers a reading experience that rises above the others. You will love growing in spirit with these complex people living the simple life as The Waiting transports you into a world where things aren’t as simple as they seem.

As with the first book I think the author did a great job of showing the struggles that the Amish people face when they have to deal with the way the English or 'outsiders' think.   First when they deal with the tragedy of Ben's death and how the military handles the situation.  And then when the new veteranarian comes to town. 

I really enjoyed the characters even more than I did in the first book.  I found I was on Jorie's side as the school board members push Caleb to suspend her from teaching because they feel her teaching methods are  a little unorthodox.    And of course you are drawn to Caleb's character.  As he deals with personal struggles including raising his brothers after his parents unexpected deaths, running the family farm and then being elected as a minister in the church. 

For me it was a little easier to read The Waiting than it was to read the first book.  I think it was because there weren't as many characters that fight for your attention.   In the first book I caught myself getting absorb in each of the subplots.  But that didn't happen in this book.   

Even from the first page I was intrigued.  Here's an excerpt from the first chapter. 



I really enjoyed The Waiting and I am looking forward the next book. 

For more info. you can visit the authors blog or go to the website. 

Here's the info. about the book:
Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Revell; Original edition (October 1, 2010)

ISBN-10: 080073386X

ISBN-13: 978-0800733865

And what others are saying:
"More than a story of the Amish, The Waiting is the story of a woman, sometimes triumphant, sometimes struggling, carried through turbulent times by a plain faith."
Lisa Wingate, author Tending Roses & Never Been Kissed.

"Fisher takes the sweet story expected in Amish fiction and adds a kick of realism I treasured my time with Jorie King and the whole Zook family, sharing their grief and
laughter--what a lovely read."Sarah Saudin, author Wings of Glory series. 

Visit this blog for another review and information about The Kindle give a way.

You can purchase on line at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Thanks to Baker Publishing Group and Litfuse for allowing me to read and review this book. 

The wait is over almost . . .

Yes the waiting is over because Suzanne Woods Fisher's new release  "The Waiting" is on sale now.

But you will have to wait just a couple days to read my review. 

There are already a couple of reviews up so if your anxious go and check them out. 

Wanna see what I thought?  Come back here on Thursday for my complete review along with links to purchase and links for more info. 

The blog tour has started you can visit Lit Fuse to join the tour.

Simple Sunday

May your Sunday be filled with rest and peace.  And Simply Blessed.

Off to see the wizard!

Off to see the wizard . . . Nah not really but those words popped into my head.  
But I am off to see . . .

 My sweet litte grandson and my daughter & mom.
The plan for the day Mexican food.  Yum. Yum.
And maybe a short trip to JoAnn's.  We have to limit my mom who has been known to spend 2 hours there! 
I will return with photo's of the day. 
But while I am away.  Go and to visit Tiffany.

You will be Blessed.  I am skipping off to see . . .

BoBo's Daughter--Book Review

The darling cover photo depicts the first time the author met her famous father.  Two first's happened to Bonnie when she was 4 years old.  She went to the circus for the first time.  And she met her father for the first time. 

Back Cover:
Bonnie Barnett first met her father (Chester “Bobo” Barnett) at the circus. She was a four-year-old spectator; he was one of the world’s most famous clowns, a veteran performer for shows like the Shrine Circus and The Ed Sullivan Show. Though his star persona was always present in the periphery of her life, she rarely got to see him in person, and the inconsistency of her mother, a former clown herself, only increased her loneliness. As she entered adulthood, put herself through college, and sought spiritual fulfillment, Bonnie found herself seeking out her father at every turn. It wasn’t until she finally showed up at his doorstep that he stopped being a larger-than-life myth and became a very human father, full of faults, regrets, and love. Bobo’s Daughter recounts Bonnie’s quest for the affection and acceptance of her legendary father–and the lessons she learned along the way.

This is an amazing story filled with child hood memories.  It is a story filled with hope and hurt and healing.  It includes family photo's and gives the reader a glimpse into circus life. 

Here's what others are saying . . .
“I have worked with hundreds of memoirists, and I learn something from each, but no life story has taught me more about how to heal yourself through love than Bonnie Ann Barnett’s. Her father was literally a clown, and as clumsy at fatherhood as they come. If she could do the work of making a relationship with her parent, any of us may find a way.”
—Tristine Rainer, author of Your Life As Story and The New Diary, Director of Center for Autobiographical Studies

“This is a heart-griping story of one woman’s search for her roots simply begun, yet unfolding through twists and turns in the exciting circus world. You will laugh and cry as you walk thorough this heart-rending, yet thrilling journey with the author. You rejoice as you discover that the real purpose of the odyssey was ordained by God to bring the writer to the real meaning and purpose of life.”
—Pastor Jim Nelson, Associate Pastor, The Church on the Way, Van Nuys, CA


For more information visit http://www.bobo'sdaughter.com/

This book can be purchased at Amazon. 

Thanks to Lindsay at Phenix and Phenix for providing a copy for this review.

A Joyfully Thankful Journey Come Along!

Thankful Thursday is hosted by Lynn

Thanks for joining me on my Thankful Journey today . . .
First things first I am especially Joyful today read on. 
I am Thankful for Fall

I think I would say it is my favorite time of the year.  I love the cooler weather.  The colors.  I love to decorate and plan for . . .

Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Isn't this just a beautiful tablescape?  I am thankful that we will have Thanksgiving with our daughter and her family. 

I am thankful that a problem that I have been praying about has worked out splendidly and I will be activity planning activities here at our apartment.  One activity is photo'd above.  I will be doing activities for Mom's of Preschoolers and providing them with fun ideas for learning play. 

And I am very, very thankful that God supplies our needs and that Cowboy is working and we can buy eggs.  I love breakfast.  In fact I love it anytime of day and 11:00 in the morning (which is what time it is right now) Seem's like the perfect time.

So I am thankful I can stop what I am doing and go cook breakfast!

Hope your Journey is Thankful and  Blessed Today!