Rolling along...

Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference -- by: Max Lucado

2011-08-22T14:12:00.003-05:00

These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.

Review: I loved this book! It is not only a book but it is one that calls us to action. The very heart of Jesus. It is written in typical Lucado style - easy to read and right where you are. If you feed someone, you have fed Jesus. If you clothe someone, you have clothed Jesus. Practical and motivating!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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.”

'Max on Life' by Max Lucado

2011-05-04T10:28:00.005-05:00

We have questions. Child-like inquiries. And deep, heavy ones.

In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of such questions. The questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. In Max on Life he offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter.

Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ultimate hope. He responds to the day-to-day questions-parenting quandaries, financial challenges, difficult relationships-as well as to the profound: Is God really listening?

A special addendum includes Max's advice on writing and publishing.

Including topical and scriptural indexes and filled with classic Lucado encouragement and insight, Max on Life will quickly become a favorite resource for pastors and ministry leaders as well as new and mature believers.

Review: I really enjoyed this book. It is an easy read and one that I will return to. Max really gets you thinking in this book - asking questions we all have, but no one either wants to or knows how to answer it. It really opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about certain aspects of my life. I highly recommend this book. It is a quick and easy read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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 Final Summit - Andy Andrews

2011-04-20T10:50:00.003-05:00

David Ponder is back. This time the fate of mankind is in his hands.

This is mankind's last chance. Centuries of greed, pride, and hate have sent humanity hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship, and it consists of only two words.

With time running out, it is up to David Ponder and a cast of history's best and brightest minds to uncover this solution before it is too late. The catch? They are allowed only five tries to discover the answer.

Readers first encountered David Ponder in The Traveler's Gift. Now, in The Final Summit, Andrews combines a riveting narrative with astounding history in order to show us the one thing we must do when we don't know what to do.

Many years have passed since David Ponder discovered the Seven Decisions during a divine journey through time. Now 74 years old, Ponder has lost the one thing that mattered to him most: his wife, Ellen. Despite his personal and professional success, he now sits alone at the top of his 55-story high-rise contemplating the unthinkable, just as he did 28 years ago.

However, just as things are looking their darkest, Ponder is informed through divine channels that he is needed now more than ever. Together, with the help of hundreds of his fellow Travelers, from Winston Churchill to George Washington Carver to Joan of Arc, he must work to discover the one solution that will save humanity. Time is running out, and the final summit of Travelers must work quickly to avoid dire consequences.

The Final Summit explores the historically proven principles that have guided our greatest leaders for centuries, and how we might restore these principles in our own lives...before it's too late.

Review: I loved this book. It was a fun, easy read that I finished quickly. It gives you principles to apply in your own life that really make you stop and think about what matters and what you can do. It does matter and it does make a difference. The choices we make daily - impact the world around us. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, easy, fun read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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 Way Home (DVD)

2011-02-15T16:51:00.002-06:00

'The Way Home' (DVD) is a great family movie. It is the story of a little boy that goes missing. It is in the search for him that it changes those involved. It is a heartfelt, up lifting story. I highly recommend this to everyone. My 5 year old girls loved this movie. So, it is a good watch for the whole family.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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 Summit

2010-11-18T22:41:00.000-06:00

The Sweet By and By -- By Sara Evans

2010-09-05T13:50:00.003-05:00

A redemptive story from multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans.

Jade Fitzgerald left the pain of her past in the dust when she headed out for college a decade ago. Now she's thriving in her career and glowing in the light of Max Benson's love.

But then Jade's hippie mother, Beryl Hill, arrives in Whisper Hollow, Tennessee, for Jade's wedding along with Willow, her wild younger sister. Their arrival forces Jade to throw open the dark closets of her past--the insecurity of living with a restless, wandering mother, the silence of her absent father, and the heart-ripping pain of first-love's rejection.

Turns out Beryl has a secret of her own. She needs reconciliation with her oldest daughter before illness takes her life. In the final days leading to the wedding, Jade meets the One who shows her that the past has no hold on her future. With a little grace, they'll meet in the middle, maybe even before that sweet by and by.

Review: The Sweet By and By is a story about Jade and her upcoming wedding. She has wounds from the past, deep family hurts that need to be worked through.

I loved this story. It kept my attention and the characters are so down to earth. I felt like I knew them personally. I didn't want to put it down and do anything else. I looked forward to getting to sit down and read this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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.”

Captivating (New and Revised) By John and Stasi Eldredge

2010-09-04T11:23:00.000-05:00

This is the new revised and expanded edition of Captivating, John and Stasi Eldredge seeks to "unveil the mystery of a woman's soul." God has created us to Love and be loved and He has given each one of us a heart that yearns to be close to Him.

In this book there are many things that I agree with and many things I had issues with. Overall, I think this is a good read that makes us (as women) stop and think about who He created us to be and How Much He does love us. I do think the book lacked scripture backing in some areas but that just caused me to go seeking the truth in my own time with Him.

I would encourage you to read this book and find God - wherever you are in your walk with Him.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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.”

Fearless is the way to life!

2010-01-06T23:04:00.004-06:00

I just finished reading Fearless by Max Lucado. I would recommend this book to anyone that has ever struggled with fear. Fear is something we all face - most everyday in our life. This book is such and easy read. I love Lucado's style and straight forward to the point writing. Lucado has a way of taking a a tough subject that we all experience at one point or another and show us ways to better ourselves - to grow through the fear.

I will use to book to draw from in the future. It is a resource I will keep around to reread and I can guarantee that I will find something new I had missed before.

The I Believe Bunny by Tish Rabe

2009-08-10T10:33:00.003-05:00

The I Believe Bunny written by Tish Rabe, published by Thomas Nelson is a book that teaches children about the power of prayer. Bunny is in a situation where he learns that he is powerless on his own but with God - He gives you the strength to accomplish great things. This is the first in a series of books to come.

The Illustrations by Frank Endersby are cute, vibrant water colors that are bound to please children

I highly recommend this book to anyone with children. They will see How big God is and He cares about the things we care about.

It's all in how you look at it...

2009-04-27T23:20:00.002-05:00

We all need a new, different perspective from time to time and “The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective” by Andy Andrews Published by Thomas Nelson will do just that.

Jones, as he is called throughout the book provides a look into the lives and daily problems affecting many different situations and groups of people. He offers ‘Perspective’ in a way that causes you to think and take a look for yourself.

I would highly recommend this book. It’s a short, fun read. My 12 year started reading it this afternoon and I had to take it away from her to get her to finish her homework. ‘Perspective’ is something we all need a healthy dose of daily.

On the right track...

2008-04-03T17:34:00.003-05:00

It seems I get headed in the right direction and something happens - like this past week I was sick - and then I get totally off track again. I am getting back into the swing of things. I want this to be a habit that sticks thru thick and thin. When I was in college - I read my Bible and journaled daily. You would think I wouldn't struggle with it the way I do. but alas, I do. :)

Psalms 3

³ But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.

He is the only one who can do that and not fail me.

Galations 5

¹ So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.

Funny how I needed to hear that today. I want to make reading my Bible a regular thing I do but don't want it to be a cut and dried - do or die slavery thing either. It's about a relationship and I know that - just tend to get busy and forget that. I needed that reminder.

⁴ For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace.

Grace - need I say more. :)

What is important is faith expressing itself in love. - Live by this and you'll go far.

²⁵ Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

Every part not just the parts I choose.

I just got back from group and left contemplating something that someone said that hit to close to home. That thing that was said was - When your busy, you don't deal with the inner stuff. I am seeing how my business keeps me from my inner stuff. Which is evident by my lack of posts. I want/need/desire that relationship - but fail to make things happen. Priorities.

God, change me - mold me. Make me more and more like you everyday, I know that will only happen as I seek you. From this day on I will seek time with you - for You alone. I will make time to meet with You, my king. Teach me you ways. I am yours. amen

Sickness

2008-03-27T21:32:00.003-05:00

This has been such and off week for me. I have been sick more than I have been well. Monday and Tuesday Sam did not go to school - Tuesday and Wednesday Lissa did not go to school. Most of the week - it has also been me. :) Last night when I had a fever of 103 - I knew I was sick. I keep tell myself it is allergies but when a fever is that high - I am sick. I had to admit the obvious. I was sick. I am feeling better and no fever (well 99 - which I don't count as a fever much) so I am on the upswing - Hopefully will get back to journaling here on a regular basis. Till tomorrow....

Rain

2008-03-18T20:57:00.000-05:00

I am so tired of the rain. I want sunshine - no, I need sunshine. It's funny how much the sunshine affects our moods. I am not down but definitely not woo-hoo, go God.

As I was reading Proverbs today, It was talking about our words and how we use them (which is a major theme of Proverbs) - made me think of all the rain we have been getting and how our words are meant to do good and soothe the soul. But is all the rain we have been getting kinda like someone who has flowing words all the time, almost to much - like all the rain we have been getting. That can kill things too. Like to much water is just as deadly as none. Anyway, just a thought I had. :)

Galations 1- I desire for the things I do to be pure and right where God has placed me to do them. I know I sometimes take control of that and take over His place but I do DEEPLY desire God to control every aspect of everything in my life.

²⁴ And they praised God because of me.
Wow, what a compliment that is. My heart is for Jesus to shine in me so brightly that others are drawn to that and He uses little me to draw people to Him. WOW! Isn't God Amazing!!

Light

2008-03-16T21:14:00.000-05:00

It seems everything I am reading and hearing this week is about 'light'. We are salt and light. At CC this morning Troy is talking about 'impacting the world around us' ie being light. Whether that is here or those we support in other countries as the Bromley's shared about today. I want to be light not just any light but one that is effective. But I have to wonder 'How effective am I'? I pray that I am moving closer to being more effective daily. Sometimes I wonder how I can be an effective light when I take care of children all day. I am learning that I am most effective when they see it burning brightly and it makes a difference in their lives and they seek that out. WOW, what a purposeful light is! That is how God created us to be. A light. Pure and simple.

I am covering 3 chapter in Ephesians and 3 chapters in Proverbs to get me ,blog wise, caught up to where I need/want to be. :)

Ephesians 3 -

¹⁰ God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. ¹¹ This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Church/the Body! Wow - and we GET to be a part of that!

¹² Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.

When I read this, I thought - if only I lived according to this and lived boldly and confidently. How much different would I be today? I desire and want to live confidently, I'm just not sure what that looks like for me. Jesus, help me to live confidently and boldly in You.

¹⁷ Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

AWWW what a beautiful word picture. I need my roots to go deep. I am taking steps so my roots do go deep. That is not something that just happens. Keep Seeking, Keep Seeking his face!

8 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.

There are days I think I get how much He loves me. Then the very next day, I realize that I don't even begin to comprehend the depth of His love for me.

...19 Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

That is the only way I will ever be complete! FROM GOD!!!

Ephesians 4

1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

This verse pretty much sums up this chapter for me. Lead a life worthy - called by god. It entails unity - different gifts, etc . God is incredibly creative!

Ephesians 5

¹ Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. ² Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Follow God, Seek Him - everything works together - just as He planned! Simple , right? I tend to complicate things. Make them harder than they need to be. Not sure why but I do. :) Jesus, Help me to imitate and follow You - that's all that I need. You.

Proverbs 14, 15, 16 will wait till tomorrow for my comments and then back on track with a chapter from proverbs and a chapter in Ephesians (well for another day, at least in Ephesians -then a new book) daily. :)

Desires

2008-03-15T22:11:00.000-05:00

I don't know why I do the things I do. I deleted the post from yesterday - I did not read yesterday. I needed to come clean with you about this. I so, did not want to screw up my plan - maybe that is the problem - my plan to spend time in His Word. :)

Reading today was refreshing to my heart. I need to get to bed for now. I did read today. Will journal about that tomorrow - after church.

Timing is everything

2008-03-13T21:08:00.000-05:00

It's already 9 O'clock and am I am just now sitting down to journal. I read earlier today but no time for putting thoughts to paper (or computer) ;0) Still not sure how much I am going to get done tonight but we shall see.

To start off the night - my parents show up at 6 to pick up my neice (who stays with them on Thursday nights) and fix the broken thing on my footplate and I had group at 6:30. By 6:23 I knew I was not going to make it to group. So, I called and let then know I was not going to be there. That was the start of it all. Then it took most of the evening to fix the silly thing. Once we got one fixed there was one in the garage that elevates that needed to fixed also. So, My dad went to a visitation of a guy he used to work with and mom worked on my chair and I played with Kendal.

And now here I am. Proverbs 13....

¹⁰ Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.

Doesn't it always. I need to do things my way, pride - which always lead to problems - problems around me, in me - you name it. Taking advice means I need something - heaven help us if Jami needs anything. :) Pride, plain and simple. It's funny how in big things, physical things I know I need help but when it comes to little things I think I have to know it all. Silly yet totally real.

²⁰ Walk with the wise and become wise;

That's good - I need some wisdom to rub off on me. :) Hopefully I can offer you something too. :)

Ephesians 2...

⁷ So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us,

I am living proof of that! You would think that once I know the benefits of living close to God - I would choose to walk there but do I - NO. Someday, someday. That's why I am so thankful He never gives up or lets go of me. We serve an amazing God!

There are so many thoughts for me to blog on but right now I need to get to bed. Hopefully this weekend I will have time. You may wish I didn't have time - with all I may leave for you to read. :)

Ready, set, grow...

2008-03-12T20:58:00.000-05:00

I am new to the whole blogging thing but excited to get started! There are parts of me that are a little nervous about being totally honest (with myself and with whomever is reading). This is definitely going to be a fun, excited, stretching, learning, growing journey and I am excited to be on it!

It's funny how when you make a decision and are all set to do it - Satan rears his ugly head - I sat down to read and journal today and all of a sudden I had to go to the bathroom like you would not believe, I thought my bladder was going to bust (it didn't). So, I did not get much reading or journaling done today cause I was HUGELY distracted with my bladder. Sarah came and I went but by then it was time to go pick kids up from school. Satan uses whatever tactics he thinks he's got but I am here now reading and journaling - he hasn't seen the last of me. :)

Wow, Proverbs was right where I am today. Funny how God plans things like that. :)
^12:3 Wickedness never brings stability,
but the godly have deep roots.

I NEED deep roots again! There was a time I had some pretty deep roots but somewhere along the way - the soil eroded, life washed it away and it all happened so slowly. One day I woke up with shallow roots, no accountability and just going thru the motions. I long for those life giving, deep roots. Lord, guide me, draw me to that place.

^12:14 Wise words bring many benefits,
and hard work brings rewards.
¹⁵ Fools think their own way is right,
but the wise listen to others.

These are our verses! Thanks for allowing God to use you, to give me wise words! I pray I am wise in listening and sharing. :)

Ephesians:

^1:15 Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere,

I want to look at people and see them thru Your eyes, Jesus. How much you love them and precious they are to you. Open my eyes to those around me.

^1:16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly,

Something I want to come naturally for me - living in a attitude of prayer. Not just something to do but always in an attitude of prayer. Open my heart to you, Jesus.

^{Finally - 1:23} And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

Christian Community!!! God you are so good!! Thank you for your body! Thank you that I GET to be part of YOU!