The Sweet By and By -- By Sara Evans

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

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!

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

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...

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...

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

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....