A Heart For Prayer by C.J. Hitz -Book Review-Spotlight

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About book 

Do you desire to have a heart for prayer?

Psalms 27:8 says, "My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."

Our Father God longs for his children to spend time with him. Having a heart for prayer is simply having a heart for relationship. When we enjoy being with someone, we find ourselves lingering in their presence. One cup of coffee turns into two and before we know it, we lose track of time.

That's the way it can be when we linger with our Abba Father. He's never in a hurry to leave and never grows impatient in waiting for us. He's always excited when his children come running into his arms without prodding.

Prayer is the proof that we're relying on Father God. When we come to him in prayer, we're saying,

I love You.
I need You.
I want to be with You.

My hope is that each of these 21 days help whet your appetite to enjoy a lifetime of sweet prayer with your heavenly Father. May you find yourself agreeing with David in Psalms 34:8,

"Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!"

And I thought 

Honest. Open. Transparent.  Author C.J. Hitz opens his heart as he provides the reader a chance to see prayer from a new perspective and a different angle. 

In just 21 days the author offers the reader a chance at  a more meaningful prayer life.

Although the author is a man.  And to me the cover might make me think it is written for men don't judge this one by it's cover. 

I like that about it because I think guys might pick it up and read it.  

But us gals can get alot from the content.  

Maybe more than the guys.

The book is small.  Only 103 pages or so (I read a pdf copy).

There are 21 days (chapters) with topics from . . . 

I enjoyed the titles of each topic

Where are you? . . . on Day 1

Followed by  

Wilderness, Jackpot, Waiting . . . on Days 2,3,4

And one of my favorites I jumped ahead to Day 13 the title 

God Is A Hoarder jumped out to me and got my attention.  I enjoyed the devotional and how the author ended it with a Psalm. 

(Excerpt)

Prayers are not the only thing God is Hoarding. As David expresses...You keep track of my sorrows, you collected all my tears in your bottle.  You have recorded each one in your book."

Psalms 56:8. 

The author adds . . . My Father is hoarding my prayers and my tears. I am not complaining. 

Each days devotion begins with a scripture and ends with the authors thoughts and a reflection.  

Day 1 spoke to me 

(Excerpt)

We have a very patient Father who longs to spend time with us...

Making time for him is always worth it.  Hold on...

I think I hear my phone.

For the purpose of this review I read the table of contents that 

featured the days topics.  And a few of the devotionals. 

I enjoyed every moment of reading.  The author opens his heart and shares some beautiful moments. 

I look forward to beginning this devotional study and spending some quiet time seeking a closer prayer life. 

I am adding A Heart For Prayer to my Christmas wish list. 

This devotional book would make a great gift for a family member, teacher or purchase for a church library. 

I received a complimentary copy from the author C.J. Hitz for the purpose of promoting and sharing A Heart For Prayer.

My review will appear on retail sites and Good Reads. 

A Heart For Prayer and excerpts from this review will appear on social media and promoted in future posts on this blog. 

Buy the book

Amazon

Simple Sunday

Have A Blessed Day

Happy Homemaker In Texas

Hello Welcome back to Happy Homemaker my weekly post with my plans for the week and a little of this and that.  

 

Sandra provides the prompts

I add a few of my own

The weather (Sandra's)
Gorgeous Fall weather.  The last couple days were cool in the morning.  A bit cloudy but sunny in the afternoon.  Today is a beautifully sunny day.  The dogs have been out all morning playing!  We love Fall.

On the breakfast plate (Sandra's)

I found the mix on sale at my Kroger on close out for $1.50.  I wanted some Bisquick type mix for the holidays.  I made the pancakes one day for my dogs and they were so yummy.  I made them the morning.  I only put butter on mine.  I didn't care for the biscuits though.  Probably won't buy again.  We really don't eat pancakes and they are simple enough to make from scratch.  But if your a pancake eater you might try this mix.

Last week's menu...What worked/What didn't (Mine)
Monday
Shiner Sausage Links, Fried Potato's, Navy Beans, Cornbread ✔
Tuesday
Pork Fried Rice, Egg Drop Soup, Egg Rolls Monday ✔
Shiner Sausage Links, Fried Potato's, Navy Beans, Cornbread
Wednesday
Mexican Skirt Steak cooked like a roast with Potato's and Carrots
lots of gravy and Tortilla's for sopping up the gravy ✔
Thursday
Chicken Caccitori, Pasta, Salad, Garlic Bread ✔
Not a keeper.  Did not like the sauce
Friday Homemade Pepperoni Pizza 
Clam Chowder, Crawfish Boil, Potatoes, Corn on Cob

This weeks menu (Sandra's)
 Monday Chicken Tortilla Soup, Cheese Enchilada's
Tuesday Vegetable Beef Soup, Crusty Bread
Wednesday Meatloaf, Mashed Potato's, Green Beans
Thursday Chili's Chicken Enchilada Soup
Friday Crawfish Bisque, Crab Cakes, Salad

In the soup bowl (Mine)
I made Navy Bean Soup from Monday's leftovers.  It came out so good.  The Cowboy had some for a mid night snack.  I got a text the next morning from him tell me how good they were! He said they were 'Amazing'!

I am baking today (Mine)

I have no idea why this photo is so dark!  I am planning on making a kind of bundt cake.  Can't decide if I should use the White or Strawberry cake mix.  I want kind of want a more of a pound cake than a moist cake.  We'll see how it turns out. 

The fresh strawberries are in a little dish I found at my moothers. I wanted to photo them with the faux one.  This is a handmade velvet strawberry.  I was amazed at the detail.  I received a few and the supplies to make some more years ago from another crafter. 

On my To Do List (Sandra's)
Bake a cake today
Finish crochet flowers to mail on Monday
Finish getting out Fall 

My Ta Da Moment's (Mine)
I stayed on my menu this week. 
I blogged almost everyday

On my reading pile (Sandra's)
   


I am reading now (Mine)

In the craft basket (Sandra's)
 
These are fast and easy to make.  I am including in a Happy Mail box for a SWAP.  I added tiny beads to the light pink tat is the sparkle.  I have one more darker shade of pink to make today. 

From the camera
            
My last cucumber.  1 of 4. Yes I only got 4.  Last year I made pickles. I did get a few ears of corn.  They were small and I left them too long but I was happy I got some.  Maybe next year they will be edible. 

My last cucumber.  1 of 4. Yes I only got 4.  Last year I made pickles. I did get a few ears of corn.  They were small and I left them too long but I was happy I got some.  Maybe next year they will be edible.  And the last of my Zinnia's,  They did not do well either.

There's always next year!

Scripture/Devo. (Sandra's)

Thankful Thursday

Hi  Welcome to the blog.  It is so good to be back and Today I am

Thankful

...that I have been able to post!

...that so far I have managed to stay on track with our menu!

...that I was able to work on Monday and Wednesday!

...it is Fall!

...that I have celery, peppers and tomato's sprouting/growing in my green house.

...that I have a green house!  

It's turning out to be a Great week!

So what are you Thankful for today?

Wordless Wednesday-From The Archives

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday

 Have A Good Day

Release Day-Called to inspire- by Marsha DuCille- Lola's Bookstagram Tour

Blurb:
Step outside your comfort zone and find the strength and confidence to answer God’s calling on your life.

Do you sense God prompting you to do something special with your life? Do you feel totally unprepared to answer his call?

Get ready for your heart to be emboldened and your faith strengthened! In CALLED to Inspire, Marsha DuCille, founder and publisher of CALLEDmagazine, leads you through a 52-question devotional experience to help you discover a rich, victorious life guided by God. With each weekly devotion, you’ll find compelling answers to life’s most significant questions. Each reading is accompanied by a powerful prayer, a meaningful verse to hide in your heart, a declaration to defend and fortify your faith, and journaling space to record your thoughts.

Let CALLED to Inspire encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and give you the strength and confidence to hear God’s calling in your life. Cling to this companion week after week—and dare to render your answer.

Tuesday Teaser-Book Spotlight-Galliano gold by Traci Andrighetti

Welcome 

Today I am a book I read recently spotlighting Galliano gold by Traci Andrighetti. 

Here's a little teaser from page one . . .

. . .Your nonna has hired Private Chicks to investigate why you're a zitella.

And on about page 56 . . . 

. . . "Well I can count on one hand the number of people who've asked me about Captain Gallliano and the gold, and both of you have come in today."

I received a complimentary copy to read and review as part of the Great Escapes Tour. 

To read reviews interviews, guest posts, recipes posts and enter the giveaway click here. 

     

                      Teaser Tuesday                                                                  Click here

                                         

                                                Book Beginnings                                   56

Great Escapes

Happy Homemaker in Texas

Hello and Welcome today I am joining Sandra in her weekly blog party Happy Homemaker Monday... I am a bit of a rebel I post on 
Saturday to leave Monday open for the other things!

Sandra provides prompts . . . I add a few of my own because 

                  I am a Rebel

The Weather (Sandra's)

The only thing better than Springtime in Texas is Fall in Texas.

Today the high was 94 but next week we are getting much cooler weather upper 80's and some rain.

On My Reading Pile (Sandra's)

My list is long.  October is always a busy month for reviews! 

The one I just can't wait to read is this one . . . 


Waiting On The Mailman (mine)
                                
These are on the way can't wait to turn the pages. 

On The Menu This Week (Sandra's)
Monday
Shiner Sausage Links, Fried Potato's, Navy Beans, Cornbread
Tuesday
Pork Fried Rice, Egg Drop Soup, Egg Rolls
Wednesday
Mexican Skirt Steak cooked like a roast with Potato's and Carrots
lots of gravy and Tortilla's for sopping up the gravy
Thursday
Chicken Caccitori, Pasta, Salad, Garlic Bread
Friday
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

On My To Do List (Sandra's)
Finish putting up Fall decor.
Clean glass book shelves in family room
Crochet
Craft
Try to get some Fall Veggies planted

My Ta Da Moment (Mine)
Sorry no pics.  but the last 2 Saturdays I baked!  Had to dust off that Kitchen Aid but I am getting my groove back and loving it. 

What I Am Creating (Sandra's)
Lots of paper crafts and crocheting. 
                      
Vintage Button Theme Tags & Journaling card made for a SWAP
And I am working on a crochet A Long blanket

From The Camera (Sandra's)

Camera Archives (Mine)

My vintage mantle has been in different places around the house. 

The last couple of years it lived in my crafting room.  Here it is decorated for Fall. 

Scripture/Devo.

Visit the party.
Click here.

Simple Sunday

Have A Blessed Day

Hiding Out With A Royal Billionaire by Sophia Summers-Spotlight

Hello welcome to Fall Into Reading my October theme.  Today 

I am sharing a sweet romance.  This one however just a bit of a thriller.  I have read a few of Sophia Summers books and have 

enjoyed them all!

About the book 

Skye has loved Brooks for as long as she can remember, as a friend. Her very best friend. 
When suddenly friendship isn't enough, they get embroiled in a crazy plot which reveals Brooks is not everything he has always seemed. 

Brooks' world turns upside down when Skye is suddenly thrust in the center of one of his clandestine operations. And to over complicate things, he realizes he's falling for her right when he needs to keep a logical head on his shoulders. 

When the two go into hiding, and Brooks has to leave her in the hands of a hot blooded, interested bodyguard, no one knows when everything returns to normal, who's ending will be happy. 

Read this sweet romance with a touch of suspense and adventure to get your dose of happily ever afters.

Buy the book 

Amazon

The series

Hiding Out With A Royal Billionaire is book 2 in the Royal Prince Society series.  

The series are written as stand alones.  

Book 1 is also available on Amazon.  Here's the info. 

When Emily walked into the boathouse, I hoped she was walking back into my life. But things had changed. She had her daughter to worry about, and I...was king of a small Mediterranean country.

But no matter how much she got under my skin, now didn't seem like the time to push for anything more. Her company was struggling, her daughter needed her and her X was trying to sneak back into her life. I had the press breathing down my neck and a cabinet who thought Emily was the last thing our country needed. When things started to fall apart, I wondered if they might be right.

Read this fun story about commitments, both large and small, and how even when it seems impossible, love conquers all.

1st Line Friday-Feat-Hiding Out A Royal Billionaire by Sophia Summers

Featuring book 2 in the Royal Prince Society by Sophia Summers

Here are the first few lines . . . 

. . . Brooks Politano and Skye Costas jumped into the clear, blue green water off Spain.  Bubbles rose up in a soft tickle on Skye's skin. 

And on about page 56 . . . 

. . . They had flown an extra hour, starting in a wholly different direction than the one they eventually took. 

About the book 

Skye has loved Brooks for as long as she can remember, as a friend. Her very best friend.
When suddenly friendship isn't enough, they get embroiled in a crazy plot which reveals Brooks is not everything he has always seemed.

Brooks' world turns upside down when Skye is suddenly thrust in the center of one of his clandestine operations. And to over complicate things, he realizes he's falling for her right when he needs to keep a logical head on his shoulders.

When the two go into hiding, and Brooks has to leave her in the hands of a hot blooded, interested bodyguard, no one knows when everything returns to normal, who's ending will be happy. 

Read this sweet romance with a touch of suspense and adventure to get your dose of happily ever afters.

And linking with 

  

Come tomorrow to read my complete review!

Book Spotlight-She Prays by Debbie Lindell

About the book

God wants us to know him so well that we are comfortable talking to him about anything and everything. Yet there are times when we feel disconnected and insecure. We desire to grow in prayer, but we don't know where to begin, what to say, or how to listen for his voice.

In She Prays, Debbie Lindell invites you on a thirty-one-day journey to experience a confident and conversational relationship with your heavenly Father. She shows you how to replace the pressure to perform in prayer with a faith-filled expectation--trusting that God is delighted with every conversation and every word we whisper to him. Her desire is that your soul will be transformed as your confidence in prayer grows, and that your faith will be strengthened as you see God work through your prayers in ways you never imagined possible.

Endorsements
Below are only a few of the endorsements found on the info. page at Revell.  If you wish to read more click here. 

"If you have ever struggled to know how to pray or what to pray for, this book will be a gift and a guide."--Sheila Walsh, author of It's Okay Not to Be Okay

"Personal. Poignant. Accessible. She Prays will help you savor the privilege and power of prayer with a renewed awe at the tender care and absolute sovereignty of our heavenly Father, who listens to, delights in, cares for, and answers his children. With humor and warmth, Debbie Lindell infectiously communicates his invitation to communion made possible for us in Christ. Grab your girls and dive into this resource!"

Shelley Giglio, Passion City Church

"Prayer is a divine and profound invitation to partner with, engage with, and lean into the heart and intent of heaven. My gorgeous friend Debbie, over her many years of following Jesus and pastoring a thriving church, has gathered and now composed a beautiful journey sure to bring truth and revelation to every reader. She helps you to pray with assurance that your heavenly Father loves you, listens to you, and desires to converse with you."

Bobbie Houston, co-global senior pastor, Hillsong Church

"I absolutely love Debbie's new book, She Prays! Even though this is designed to be a 31-day devotional, I could hardly put it down. Finally someone writes a book that not only stirs up the desire in us to pray but also increases our faith that the prayers will actually be answered. Whether you are male or female, young or old, this book will surely inspire you to take your prayer life to the next level. Debbie's book clearly reveals prayer to be an exciting journey and adventure. Because she is my close friend, I know that this is the way she lives her life, and we can all join her."

Nancy Alcorn, founder and president of Mercy Multiplied

"Debbie is a woman of prayer. She lives this message of constant conversation with Jesus as a lifestyle and example. In She Prays, Debbie removes the shame and disappointment that we often attach to our possible lack of prayer, instead giving us practical tools and encouragement to unlock the power and potential of prayer in our lives. I love Debbie and her genuine heart for God and people, and it is therefore my great honor to recommend this spiritual game-changing book to every girl (and guy too). Prayer changes things, and this book will help transform us as we engage in conversation with the source of all power, Jesus!"

About the author


Debbie Lindell is the author of She Believes,and she and her husband, John, serve as lead pastors of James River Church in Springfield, Missouri. In 2003, Debbie launched the Designed for Life Women's Conference, which today draws 10,000 women annually from across the nation and around the world. As a dynamic leader and speaker, she has a passion to see women of all ages embrace their unique design, understand their purpose, and connect to one another through life-giving sisterhood. Learn more at DebbieLindell.com.

And I am thinking. . .
. . .That I am going to enjoy this study.  The cover just draws me in. I have flipped through it briefly and plan to sit down over the weekend and do a few of the devotionals so I can write a proper review in a few days.  

Author/Book Spotlight- Divine Decisions by Hope Callaghan

Hello

Welcome 

Today I am spotlighting a new release

I always enjoy finding new authors.   Hope Callaghan writes some fun Cozy Mysteries.  Divine Decisions is her newest release in a fun,  and funny at times Cozy Mystery Series.  

Here's what it is about. . .

With fall fast approaching in the tiny town of Divine, Kansas, Delta is certain she has the upcoming Fall Festival baking contest “in the bag” until an old rival returns to town with plans to enter and win the coveted prize.

Meanwhile, a valuable antique piece goes missing after being purchased by one of Jo’s friends. Since Jo was one of only a handful of people who knew about the piece, the police show up on her doorstep to question her.

Will Jo and her friends be able to clear her name by tracking down the antique before it’s too late…or will their decision to find the antique and uncover the culprit come back to haunt them forever?

Break out the apple cider & cinnamon donuts and join Jo and friends for another Divine Adventure!

And I thought

It was great!  You would not be reading about it here if I didn't.

I read and review alot of books over at My Reading Journeys. 

A few of them I bring here to share with you. 

Divine Decisions book 4 in the series was easy to get into for me and super fast to read because the characters and the story was engaging and drew me in.  

I enjoyed Jo and her feisty friend and co-worker Delta who just keeps you laughing all the way through.  

There's a little romance behind the scenes that seems to be developing throughout the series. 

 I love a good romance. Don't you?

Click here to read my complete review that appears on retail sites, Good Reads and has been promoted on Social Media because I want to get the word out about this great book, series and author. 

 About the Author

Christian mystery author Hope Callaghan has written more than 50 Christian mystery books since 2014.  Her first book, “Waves of Deception,” in the Samantha Rite Christian Mystery series, garnered much success and set the stage for Hope’s other mystery series.

Born and raised in West Michigan where the winters can be bitterly cold and sometimes seem to drag on forever, she developed a love for reading books, and was  affectionately known as the “bookworm” of the family.

She now lives in Florida with her husband and is the proud mother of three children.   When she’s not doing the thing she loves best – writing books – she enjoys cooking, traveling and reading.

About the series 

At the centermost point of the United States, lies the tiny town of Divine, Kansas, boasting a population of just over 1,200 and yet, thousands of tourists flock there every year.

So what’s so special about this mysterious little town smack-dab in the middle of nowhere?

For newcomer and businesswoman Jo Pepperdine, it’s the perfect site for not only a home for women to get back on their feet after being released from prison, but also her Second Chance Mercantile and Divine Baked Goods Shop.

After purchasing the sprawling McDougall property on the outskirts of town, she begins to experience strange and mysterious events in her life and the lives of those around her.

But not everyone is ready to welcome Jo and the “outcasts,” and it seems someone is determined to destroy their dream of a second chance, after vandalizing her property and a potentially deadly attack.

Can Jo and her friends get to the bottom of the crimes…or will it take a Divine Intervention to solve the mystery?

                 

 Visit the authors website for more information about this and all her other series.  There is a direct link to purchase on Amazon.