Words for 2020

Posted on January 5, 2020January 4, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

As I begin each new year, God gifts me with a word or two for that year. Do you have a word for your year, also? It becomes something to ponder and work on making or doing better.

In the past I have had family, hope, victory, and other words. For 2020 my words, there are two, are pray and love. I was totally surprised. God will reveal in His time why He gave me each word. I might not even know until the end of the year when all of the pieces fall into place. What I do know is that for this year I will make a concentrated effort to pray more and love better.

Where do you get your word

People have asked me how to get a word for the year. Since it comes from God the first step is to pray for one. Then listen and look. I hear Him gently whisper my word to me. My best friend is inundated with her word. She sees and hears it multiple times after praying so it is hard to miss.

What to do with your word

I find it a place to start working, a goal for the year. Let’s take my word pray. In an earlier blog I challenged readers to pray for twenty people this year. I am taking extra time for intercessory prayer. Everyday I read prayer requests on Facebook or have a phone call requesting it. Honestly it did not take long to list twenty people.

My family is always on my list. Their safety, health, Walk or salvation are prayed for daily. I pray for my grandchildren, nieces, and nephews everyday, too. Asking God to watch over their future spouse is another prayer of mine. When we pray there is no limit to what we can bring to the Father.

Love is my other word. I am praying about the significance of this word for me. Perhaps I do not love my enemies and just think I do. There are so many types of love that I need to refresh my memory and read up on them.

Jesus has called us to love. In Matthew 22:36-39 it says: “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” That is pretty simple. Love is what we need to do. Right?

What is your word

I would love to hear your word if you received one for this year. Please tell me so that I can pray for you as you learn from it. Let’s make 2020 a year of learning, doing things for the Lord, and helping each other. Are you in?

Abraham Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on January 4, 2020December 28, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Author Jennifer Beckstrand has written Book Two in The Petersheim Brothers series. Abraham is Christian Amish fiction with romance, humor, faith and even recipes. It is a wonderful escape from everyday life to visit Amish friends.

I loved this book for so many reasons. Faith is never hidden. It is seamlessly woven throughout the story teaching lessons as it goes. I find that beautiful in any novel.

Emma Wengerd is an Amish girl living at home that loves exotic chickens. Abraham is the shy Petersheim brother. He is tall, considerate, tender, quiet, but lacks confidence. Alfie and Benji are the rambunctious eight year old twins determined to see their older brothers married. When that is accomplished, the twins will be able to have a bedroom of their own instead of sleeping in the cellar.

All of the characters shine and come alive through the delightful writing of author Beckstrand. Her style is captivating and grabs my attention immediately. I was unable to put down this book until the end, which included recipes from the tale. This is a well planned, organized, researched, and wonderfully written book.

When I read a novel, I love learning from it. This book did not disappoint. I learned some tidbits about the Amish. There were details about the youth gatherings that I did not know. Exotic chickens were new to me. It was very interesting reading about the different types of chickens and their characteristics.

This book has everything to keep a reader’s attention and put a smile on a face. There is humor from the boys’ antics and animals to enjoy with cats, a dog, cows, and chicken Many life lessons on family relations, manners, faith, gossip, forgiveness, truth, and obeying parents make this a book that encourages and inspires. The recipes finishing this book sound yummy and easy to make.

I highly recommend this book. Even if you aren’t a fan of Amish, you will be able to enjoy this. There is so much to learn in it. It would make a perfect reading group choice. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own, honest words.

About the Book

Book: Abraham

Author: Jennifer Beckstrand

Genre: Inspirational Amish Romance

Release Date: November 26, 2019

Things at the Petersheim house are getting too crowded for eight-year-old twins Alfie and Benji. As if things weren’t bad enough with three older brothers hogging all the bacon at breakfast and using more than their fair share of toilet paper, Mammi and Dawdi Petersheim have to move in because of Dawdi’s stroke. If Alfie and Benji have any hope of getting their own bedrooms, they have to get rid of their annoying brothers, and the only way to convince their brothers to move out is to make each of them fall in love. What could be so hard about that?

Abraham Petersheim is known as a man of few words. He’s painfully shy and doesn’t see the need to prattle on like other boys in the community do. That’s why he can’t understand his unexpected attraction to Emma Wengerd. For sure and certain she’s pretty, but she also has five or six boys buzzing around her all the time, and she seems to be constantly annoyed with Abraham and his little brothers. Emma would never be interested in someone as boring as Abraham, and he could never set his sights on someone as wunderbarr as Emma.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Jennifer Beckstrand is the two-time RITA-nominated, #1 Amazon bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, The Honeybee Sisters series, and The Petersheim Brothers series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer and Home on Huckleberry Hill were both nominated for the coveted RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America. Jennifer has written twenty-one Amish romances, a historical Western, and the nonfiction book, Big Ideas. She and her husband have been married for thirty-five years, and she has six children and eight adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

More from Jennifer

Alfie and Benji Petersheim will do just about anything to get their brother Abraham to fall in love with Emma Wengerd, even adopt a stray dog. But to catch that dog, they’re going to need Aunt Bitsy’ help. Alfie and Benji are about to get in a lot of trouble.

I hope you enjoy this excerpt from Abraham.

Benji pushed his coffee cake around his plate with his finger. “Maybe we could keep that stray dog.”

Maybe they could keep the dog. Alfie’s heart started pounding. A dog could find them if they ever got lost in the woods. A dog could fetch sticks and bring Dat his slippers. A dog would eat crumbs off the floor. Mamm would never have to mop again.

Bitsy shrugged. “That’s up to your mamm.”

Alfie’s heart sank to his toes. “Mamm would never let us have a dog. She won’t even let me have a goldfish.”

“I have a pet spider,” Benji said.

Alfie popped a small bite of coffee cake into his mouth. “He’s not your pet. He just lives in the corner of the cellar and kills other spiders.”

“You tried to spray him,” Benji said, “and I saved his life. He’s my pet now.”

Bitsy nodded. “Spiders are gute pets. They feed themselves and don’t poop on the carpet.”

Benji sat very still before wrinkling his forehead like he did when he was upset. “We need to help that dog.”

Alfie wanted a dog as much as anybody, but they had to be sensible. They’d been asking Mamm for a dog ever since they could talk. “Mamm won’t let us.”

Benji started crying. “But he’s going to get gassed.”

Bitsy reached over and patted Benji’s arm. “He might not get gassed. The pound might find a nice family that wants to adopt him. People like chocolate labs. I’m told they’re cute.”

Benji caught his breath and suddenly stopped crying, as if someone had turned off a faucet. “Do girls like chocolate lamps?”

“Chocolate labs?” Bitsy folded her arms. “Well, I’m a girl and I don’t think he’s cute, but most girls love dogs. Do you remember Vernon Schmucker? Poor fellow had a face like a potato, and the girls ignored him. One night he brought a puppy to the gathering, and he was surrounded by girls all night. That’s how he met his wife.”

Benji jumped from his chair and threw his arms around Alfie, making Alfie spill milk down his new shirt. “Hey. Watch it.”

“Alfie, girls like dogs!”

Benji was a good partner, but sometimes he made no sense. “So?”

“If Emma Wengerd saw us walking our chocolate lamp down the street, she’d run out of her house to pet him.”

Alfie’s heart started pounding. Benji was the best bruder in the world. “We could bring Abraham with us.”

Benji got more and more excited with each word. “And they could talk about dogs and chickens and maybe start kissing.”

Alfie set his milk on the table. “We’ve got to catch that dog.”

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, December 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 28

She Lives to Read, December 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 29

Older & Smarter?, December 30

Through the Fire Blogs, December 30

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 31

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 31

For the Love of Literature, January 1

SPLASHES of Joy, January 1

Book of Ruth Ann, January 2

Mary Hake, January 2

janicesbookreviews, January 3

Vicky Sluiter, January 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 4

Pause for Tales, January 4

Quiet Quilter, January 5

Southern Gal Loves to Read, January 5

The Avid Reader, January 6

Christian Bookaholic, January 6

Inklings and notions, January 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 7

Blossoms and Blessings, January 8

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 8

Reading Is My SuperPower, January 9

For Him and My Family, January 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 10

Batya’s Bits, January 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving a $10 Amazon gift card to three winners!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f383/abraham-celebration-tour-giveaway

Cooking in 2020, A Healthy Recipe

Posted on January 2, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

One of the most popular resolutions for the New Year is to cook and eat healthier. Anyone trying to do that? Me, too! There are many recipes, cookbooks, blogs, and sites out to offer us help. Honestly, if I used more common sense and less sugar I believe I could figure this thing out myself. Well, with prayer, too. Couldn’t you?

First off, pray for guidance. Secondly, I know I need to eat more vegetables. I love them so that should not be a problem. Right? Well, it can be. Creativity is the issue with me. Do you get bored with the same old way of fixing veggies? It is time to experiment.

Do you like cucumbers? Have you tried them in a salad with tomatoes, green peppers, and feta? Delicious! With a light dressing this fresh salad comes alive with flavor and has very few calories. Winner!

This Fresh Cucumber, Tomato, Feta salad comes from Pampered Chef. Yes, I’m a Pampered Chef Lady. My daughter-in-law brings a praise-worthy version of this to family gatherings. This would make a nice lunch choice. Even adding a lean protein and doubling the portion of the salad the calories would total less than 500.

The three lowest calorie cheeses are feta, Swiss, and mozzarella. Bummer about cheddar, I know. My cheese of choice is Swiss which I substitute in this recipe. I am an onion fan so occasionally I will toss in a few.

If I would just eat what God has given us, I know my body would be healthier. Just look at the historical account of Daniel in the Bible. God has provided so many fruits, vegetables, and proteins for us. Absolutely I love desserts, but I do not need them as often as I indulge. They will be reserved for a special occasion or treat. (I may need you to remind me of that later.)

My body is a temple for the Holy Spirit so I need to make 2020 a year of repairs on it. What about you? What shape is your temple in now?

Enjoy the salad recipe!

Salad

2 seedless cucumbers, cut into 3″ (7.5 cm) pieces and in half lengthwise
4 plum tomatoes, tops removed and cut in half lengthwise
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and quartered
4 oz (125 g) chunk feta cheese, cut in half lengthwise
Black pepper

Dressing

1/4 cup (50 mL) white balsamic or white wine vinegar
1/2 cup (125 mL) olive oil or vegetable oil
1/2 tbsp (7 mL) sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
garlic clove, pressed

DIRECTIONS

For salad, cut cucumbers with the Quick Slice, place in a large serving bowl; repeat with remaining ingredients, except pepper.
For dressing, combine all ingredients in Measure, Mix & Pour®. Mix until blended.
Drizzle 1/3 cup (75 mL) dressing over vegetables; toss. Refrigerate remaining dressing for another use. Top with black pepper, if desired.

Yield:

12 servings of about 3/4 cup /175 mL

Nutrients per serving:

Calories 45, Total Fat 2.5 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 170 mg, Carbohydrate 4 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 3 g

My 2020 Challenge for You

Posted on January 1, 2020January 1, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Happy New Year, my friends and welcome to 2020! Are you excited about a brand new year with endless possibilities? I know that I am. Are there things you want to do differently this year than last? Me, too. Let’s work on that together.

Contemplating the next twelve months, what would you like to accomplish? Do you have things you really yearn to do or maybe stop doing? I think some people call that resolutions.

Since I am a list maker, I took pen in hand and began. My list started and soon became overwhelmingly long. Immediately I felt discouraged. I would encourage you to keep yours challenging but still attainable. Don’t begin the year feeling defeated. Asking God to hone your 2020 aspiration list will make it perfect for you.

Tell me, do you have a strategically crafted plan to fulfill your dreams for this year? The first thing on that list should be to pray for that plan. Ask God to show you what to do and how to do it. That is what I intend. With His help it will be much easier.

Scripture tells us in Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

I find the above bible verse comforting. God, the Creator, will teach me what I need to know to accomplish my plans. Really? Me? God cares enough about me to do that? Absolutely, and He cares that much for you, also. He might place people in my life that will be able to help me. Perhaps a book or article will be brought to my attention. The ways He will help you and me are limitless.

My challenge for you for 2020 is to pray.

I want to challenge you to join me this year. Commit yourself to daily pray over your 2020 goals. Adopt a system using a prayer jar or journal. Record your specific prayer requests in a prayer journal or place them in a prayer jar. As your prayers are answered and results seen, make notes by the request.

Besides praying for yourself, add 20 people to your list. Ask God to place those people on your heart for prayer. Place these names after your list or in your jar. Each day lift one or all of these people up to our Heavenly Father. Maybe you are praying for health, healing, salvation, or financial issues. Perhaps you don’t even know why Abba brought this person to your mind. Just intercede for them in prayer.

Get a Prayer Partner

A prayer partner is someone that will be there for you to take your requests, thanks, and praises to God. My prayer partner lives many, many miles away but is ready within a few minutes of a text to pray. There is a deeper level of prayer coming before Jehovah with another Christian. She keeps me accountable, too. If you do not currently have a prayer partner, I would encourage you to try it. Ask at church or in your circle of friends. Better yet, ask God to send you one.

Let me know if you accepted my challenge and how you are doing. I’d love to hear if you are using a prayer journal or prayer jar. As always, if you have a prayer request for me, leave it below and I will most assuredly pray. Thanks for spending some time with me today.

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Goodbye, 2019, and Hello, 2020

Posted on December 31, 2019December 30, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Goodbye, 2019 and hello, 2020! Here we are again. Another year is winding down to a close. Don’t worry. There is a brand new one just waiting to take 2019’s place. The years seem to come faster and faster anymore.

How did 2019 treat you? Whether this has been your best, worst, or just an average year, it is time to take inventory and plan for the next one. Do you have expectations for this coming year, 2020, or yourself? A new year is exciting. It’s like getting a blank piece of paper to begin a new chapter in your story. Exhilarating, isn’t it?! The promises it holds are limitless.

What are your plans to escort the old year out and the new year in? Will you go out and celebrate or choose to party quietly at home? The past few years we have opted for the latter. Watching a movie and switching over to see the ball drop is exciting enough for my hubby and me.

The majority of people begin the year with a resolution or two. Not a bad idea, but how many resolutions make it all year? Grand plans and hopes turn to ashes when someone offers a piece of homemade fudge or favorite cookie. Even a 75% off sale can crash plans for saving money. My hubby made a resolution a decade or more ago that he continues to keep……”to stop making New Year’s resolutions.” Perhaps I should try that one. My resolutions don’t seem to make it very long. How about yours?

One tradition that I do at the end of each year is to review my prayer list. On it is usually one item that looms greater than any of the others. If you have a prayer list you know the one I mean. It is the one you give over to Jesus to handle and take to the Father. Then later that day you start fretting over it again, take it back, and give suggestions to Him on how to work it out. You pick it back up and cannot seem to give it away. It is your Velcro problem. It seems to stick with you no matter what.

The problem is so big and seems unsolvable. Oh, but I have great news for you. God is bigger and more powerful than anything. Period. He is also in the business of miracles.

This is my solution to permanently give it over to Abba. I take a piece of paper and jot down that problem which has now become a mountain. Then I pray about it, completely surrendering it to Jesus, throw the paper in the fireplace, and I watch it burn. As it is eaten up by flames and disintegrated, I give thanks that the problem is out of my hands and into His. I have totally relinquished it to my Maker. He is doing what needs done according to His perfect will. Before my prayer ends the paper has turned to ashes, tears stream down my cheeks, and my worry has vanished. I am at peace. Shalom.

Try it with one of your problems that has grabbed you and refuses to let go. God says not to worry. We can do that only by praying and turning things over to Him. He is good and He is faithful. God won’t let us down. In fact, He will give us His perfect peace. Go into 2020 with one less issue hanging over your head, and with you holding onto Jesus’s hand. Give it to Him. Trust Him. He has this, He has 2020, and He has you!

Wings Like a Dove Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on December 28, 2019December 23, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Wings Like a Dove by author Camille Eide is a Christian Historical Romance set in 1930’s America. It is a story of hope, resilience, prejudice, redemption, and love. This captivating story grabbed my attention immediately and refused to relinquish its hold until the very end.

Author Eide is new to me. This is the first thing I have read by her. I was impressed with her lovely writing style. Words flowed easily into a well planned story. Her subject matter was deep and haunting. It hurts my heart to read how cruel people were to those of different races and religions. Unfortunately the same holds true today.

From Poland Anna along with her mother and siblings now live in America. Their father came earlier but is nowhere to be found. Anna decides to search for him after having some trouble of her own.

The fictional town of Corbin, Indiana was not an ideal, Mayberry type town. It had residents filled with prejudice, hatred, bigotry, and lives that needed Jesus. My heart broke for the destruction and pain caused to so many.

The author did an exceptional job crafting her characters. They were realistic and relatable. I enjoyed the small town, rural setting. There were children that gave the story a sweet touch. Throughout the book Anna makes Challah bread, described in mouthwatering detail. Readers are rewarded with a recipe at the end.

Author Eide has penned a novel filled with mystery, misunderstandings, religious and racial prejudice, forgiveness, encouragement, faith, hope, love, and redemption. Scripture and faith are woven into it beautifully. It is a deep story that stayed with me. I hated for it to end because I became so attached to the characters.

I highly recommend this book. Early teen readers are too young for much of the subject matter. It has discussion questions so this is the perfect selection for a reading group or small group. My rating for this is 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Wings Like A Dove

Author: Camille Eide

Genre: Historical fiction/romance

Release Date: December 1, 2019

Can the invisible walls that separate people ever come down?

In 1933, Anna Leibowicz is convinced that the American dream that brought her Jewish family here from Poland is nothing but an illusion. Her father has vanished. Her dreams of college can’t make it past the sweat-shop door. And when she discovers to her shame and horror that she’s with child, her mother gives her little choice but to leave her family. Deciding her best course of action is to try to find her father, she strikes out…hoping against hope to somehow redeem them both.

When Anna stumbles upon a house full of orphan boys in rural Indiana who are in desperate need of a tutor, she agrees to postpone her journey. But she knows from the moment she meets their contemplative, deep-hearted caretaker, Thomas Chandler, that she doesn’t dare risk staying too long. She can’t afford to open her heart to them, to him. She can’t risk letting her secrets out.

All too soon, the townspeople realize she’s not like them and treat her with the same disdain they give the Sisters of Mercy—the nuns who help Thomas and the boys—and Samuel, the quiet colored boy Thomas has taken in. With the Klan presence in the town growing ever stronger and the danger to this family increasing the longer she stays, Anna is torn between fleeing to keep them safe…and staying to fight beside them.

Oh, that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest…

About the Author

Camille writes poignant, inspirational love stories some call “more than a romance.” She lives in Oregon with her husband and is a mom, grandma, office admin, lead foot, cinnamon roll baker, and a bass guitarist. She’s a fan of muscle cars, tender romance, and Peanut M&Ms.

More from Camille

If Only I Could Fly Away…

“Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.” -Psalm 55:6-8

What do you think of when you read this passage from Psalms? Does the idea of escape tempt you? Have you ever cried out for relief from life’s storms?

In Wings Like a Dove, Anna faces growing difficulties in her life. Psalm 55:6 is brought to her attention and she ponders it more than once, especially as the difficulties in her life steadily increase.

As Polish Jews in the early 1900s, Anna’s family lived in constant upheaval, so fleeing danger is nothing new to her. The problem is that Anna craves connection and community. While she was often uprooted, at least Anna enjoyed the security of family—until now. As the story begins, she is turned out of her home and must journey across the country alone, a heartache that only intensifies the persecution she faces as a Jew, an immigrant, and an unwed woman with child.

But her journey is temporarily delayed out of necessity, and she quickly falls in love with those who have taken her in. The idea of leaving them is as painful a prospect as leaving her own family, but because of the troubles that follow her, it seems she has no choice.

Psalm 55:6 isn’t tempting Anna to leave her surroundings; it tempts her to escape the negativity that robs her joy.

For Anna, and for the rest of us, we can’t flee trouble any more than we can grow wings and fly. The desire for relief is understandable. But what if there is a purpose in the difficult situations we face? What if we are called to more than simply outlast life’s storms? What if our weakest moment is exactly what God wants to use to show his power, love, mercy, and grace?

What if God is waiting for us to stop fluttering our wings and find joy in knowing that we are in the very place we need to be, for a purpose, for such a time as this?

Quote from Anna:

“If these past months have taught me nothing else, they have taught me that though I am only a seed blowing in the wind, I must still be fruitful wherever I land. I have learned that wherever we find ourselves, we must have the courage to stretch out roots and produce something useful, even in times of difficulty. We must bloom boldly in whatever field our seed has fallen.”

May you find the sweet spot of joy and purpose in the midst of your storm!

-Camille

Blog Stops

KarenSueHadley, December 17

My Devotional Thoughts, December 17

Reflections From My Bookshelves, December 18

Mia Reads, December 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 19

Genesis 5020, December 19

Emily Yager, December 20

mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 20

Betti Mace, December 21

To Everything A Season, December 21

Christian Bookaholic, December 22

April Hayman, Author, December 22

For the Love of Literature, December 23

For The Love of Books, December 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 24

Bloggin’ ’bout Books, December 24

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, December 25

For Him and My Family, December 25

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 27

Deanne’s Book Thoughts, December 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 28

janicesbookreviews, December 28

Pause for Tales, December 29

Texas Book-aholic, December 29

A Reader’s Brain, December 30

Inklings and notions, December 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Camille is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon card & a signed book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f2ec/wings-like-a-dove-celebration-tour-giveaway

Christmas, Cookies, and Memories

Posted on December 22, 2019December 22, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Christmas and cookies just seem to go together. Kids of all ages love cookies. Don’t you? From the simple chocolate chip and peanut butter to fancier bonbons and cookie press spritz, a tray of cookies is always a welcomed delight at any home.

I remember making Christmas candy with both of my grandmothers but not cookies. My mother and I made those along with treasured memories. Mother is a wonderful cook and baker. She is also a true Proverbs 31 woman even to this day. I am blessed to have a Christian mother to teach me many things, especially about Jesus.

One of our family’s favorite cookies is Spritz or Cookie Press Butter Cookies. A hint of almond mixed with pure buttery goodness in small shapes of wreaths, Christmas trees, stars, and hearts give the kitchen a heavenly aroma when baking. These are scrumptious any time of the year. The best thing about them is the fun I have when making them with a loved one.

Christmas memories don’t need to be about a gift you received. Make sweet memories this year by making cookies for family and friends with your mother, daughter, sister, or friend. Actually, that will be a gift in itself. I still smile when I travel back in time to a little red brick house and am making cookies with my mother and little sister. The smiles on faces of friends and family when we gave them a tin of homemade cookies warmed our souls. Yes, the gift we gave became a gift returned to us.

Need a cookbook for some great recipes? Amish author Wanda Brunstetter has a Christmas cookbook that even has a recipe for these cookies:

I love the Amish cookbooks. If you are not familiar with Amish, they love to cook, bake, and eat! Now that is a recipe for a great cookbook. Get it at Amazon or wherever you normally buy books.

The Wedding Dress Christmas Book Tour and Giveaway by Celebrate Lit

Posted on December 21, 2019December 21, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

During December I love reading Christmas books. They set the tone for celebrating our Savior’s birth with family and friends. Author Rachel Hauck has penned a mesmerizing novella with The Wedding Dress Christmas.

Rachel Hauck has an inspirational writing style. She includes God and what He does in her characters’ lives to subtly help readers in their walk. I love and appreciate that. Her story was well thought and written in such a way that I was drawn in immediately. High School friends, Christmastime in Tennessee, a country music star, and a vintage 1912 special wedding dress all blend together for a page turning read. Maybe a Hallmark Christmas movie, too? We can only hope.

JoJo and Buck are main characters with issues, but they are so likable. All of the “people” in this book are well-defined and relatable. The excellent writing took me away to the quaint town of Heart’s Bend and introduced me to new friends. I did not want the book to end so soon, but novellas have a tendency to be quick reads.

This is a lovely book filled with grace, hope, and trust. It will put a smile on your face and a little joy in your heart. Take a couple of hours and read this. You will be so glad you did.

I highly recommend this book. It is a perfect holiday escape. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: The Wedding Dress Christmas

Author: Rachel Hauck

Genre: Romance, Christmas

Release Date: October 22, 2019

December covers quaint Heart’s Bend, Tennessee with a blanket of white and the glitter of Christmas lights.

For JoJo Castle there’s no place like home. It’s her safe place. Her one-time love of adventure ended when life in the big city shattered her hopes and dreams. Now that she’s returned to Hearts Bend, she never wants to leave again.

Buck Mathews, the biggest country singing sensation in decades, has the world on a string – his guitar strings, to be exact. However, when news of his mother’s illness sends him back to Hearts Bend for the holiday season, he remembers how good it can be to live among family and friends.

Working with her cousin Haley in The Wedding Shop, JoJo has no aspirations of love. Leaving home, surrendering her heart again, is just too risky.

When she runs into her friend and high school crush Buck Mathews, she discovers Love might have other plans for her[BV1] .

Buck’s career is on the verge of an momentous leap. But seeing JoJo awakens feelings he’d buried long ago. Falling in love is easy, but winning her heart will take more than one of his melodic tunes and clever lyrics.

JoJo and Buck want opposite things for their lives, leaving no room for compromise. Can love, especially the kind that touches hearts at Christmastime, overcome her fears and his quest for greatness?

When a very special gown – the wedding dress – begins to make its presence known, JoJo and Buck’s hearts bend in a way neither ever thought possible.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.

Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.

A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.

At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.

A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.

She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.

More From Rachel

Hello Royal Rockstar Readers!

I’m thrilled to share The Wedding Dress Christmas with you. I’ve heard from so many how much The Wedding Dress has touched them, and as I noodled over new story ideas, my thoughts drifted toward the wedding dress and Christmas. What’s more romantic than a Christmas wedding?

This novella is set in Hearts Bend, Tennessee, the fictional town ofThe Wedding Chapel and The Wedding Shop. Even if you’ve never read one of books inThe Wedding Collection, you’ll enjoy this story, the mystery of the dress, and the women whose lives it changed.

I love weddings. They remind us of the purity and the hope of love, the power of commitment. Something powerful is released when two people pledge to spend their lives together, loving and serving one another in both good and bad times. Every wedding I attend reminds me of the vows I made to my husband and I sign up all over again.

Stories are a powerful reflection of life. Yes, fictional stories are often told with wild hyperbole, but that’s what makes them fun to read.

I also love wedding stories because they remind us of God’s love for us, and that one day there will be the grandest wedding of them all. Isn’t it wonderful that God planned a wedding before He created the earth?

In The Wedding Dress Christmas, JoJo and Buck have their issues, but love proves strong enough to conquer them all.

Thanks for going on this little tour with me and The Wedding Dress Christmas.

Yours,

Rachel

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, December 18

Through the Fire Blogs, December 18

Livin’ Lit, December 18

Robin’s Nest, December 18

Reading Is My SuperPower, December 19

By The Book, December 19

Wishful Endings, December 19

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 19

Among the Reads, December 20

Genesis 5020, December 20

Life as Lanhams, December 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 21

Daysong Reflections, December 21

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 21

Bigreadersite, December 21

Simple Harvest Reads, December 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Remembrancy, December 22

Britt Reads Fiction, December 22

She Lives to Read, December 23

Empowermoms, December 23

Inside the Wong Mind, December 23

Mia Reads Blog, December 23

Splashes of Joy, December 24

Christian Bookaholic, December 24

Hallie Reads, December 24

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 25

Where Faith and Books Meet, December 25

Blogging With Carol, December 25

For Him and My Family, December 26

Hebrews 12 Endurance, December 26

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 26

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 27

My Devotional Thoughts, December 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 27

Mamma Loves Books, December 27

Betti Mace, December 28

Batya’s Bits, December 28

The Christian Fiction Girl, December 28

Quiet Quilter, December 29

mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 29

janicesbookreviews, December 29

A Reader’s Brain, December 30

Inklings and notions, December 30

Texas Book-aholic, December 30

Carla Loves to Read, December 30

Back Porch Reads, December 31

CarpeDiem, December 31

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, December 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a print copy of the book and a Visa gift card for $25. Swag!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f1fe/the-wedding-dress-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

Let Me Tell My Story

Posted on December 19, 2019December 19, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Do you like stories? Me, too. I love reading novels. Those fictional tales take me away to places and times that are captivating. An excellent wordsmith is able to compose the most realistic tale. Each author should have an incomparable style and storyline.

Not all stories are written. Do you ever hear stories from someone that happen not to be theirs to tell? That, my friend, is called gossip. The dictionary defines gossip as “casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.” Whether true or not, information shared about another is gossip.

My husband has been ill for a few years. Recently a friend called to see if I wanted to join a lunch group now that my husband is in a nursing home. Totally bewildered, I thanked her and explained that he was sitting right beside me on the loveseat. Someone had told my story and evidently not correctly.

Scripture tells us in James 1:26 “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” Did that step on anyone’s toes besides mine? After the gossip incident about my husband, I have been increasingly more careful about not telling someone else’s story.

We should all be able to tell or keep our stories. Have you had someone tell something that was only for you to share? What were your feelings? Mine ran various directions. I was upset, embarrassed, confused, humored, and saddened. The information shared was not malicious. In fact, it was probably spoken lovingly and possibly even asking for prayer over my situation. The issue is it is incorrect and was given by a second or third editor and not the author, me.

Do you unintentionally gossip? Perhaps you don’t realize during an innocent conversation with your best friend that you are transgressing. It happens unknowingly and often. Be on guard with your words especially if you are sharing information about someone else. Make certain you have facts and they uplift your friend. Remember, unless you have heard the story from the leading character, chances are it is not a verified edition.

Crown 30 Wife-Changing Lessons Celebrate Lit Tour & $50 Card Giveaway.

Posted on December 18, 2019December 17, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

6BF9E402-A121-4CEB-BA3E-E56AFBB7929B — My Rating

My Thoughts

Author Nancy Kaser has written a Christian book for wives, all wives. Whether you are a new blushing bride or a seasoned golden one, you will enjoy and glean things from this encouraging book. Her title, Crown, and book are “Based on Proverbs 12:4, “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,” Crown includes concrete, scriptural truths and real-life examples that will equip you to be the excellent wife God created you to be.”

There are thirty lessons in this biblically based book divided into six chapters. Topics are so relevant to marriage that they seem simple. Her chapters are on yield, help, smile (yes, really), order, gift, and increase. Each lesson includes discussion and application questions. For those wanting to dig even deeper, additional materials are available on the author’s website.

There is so much I loved about this book. The author has an inviting style of writing. It is open, sincere, humorous, and inspirational. There were times I felt like I was chatting with a Christian friend about our marriages.

I highly recommend this book and will be gifting it to many. This would make a lovely wives’ small group study. It is going on my “keep” shelf because I know I will need to refer to it at times.

This gets a solid 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own, honest words.

About the Book

Book: Crown

Author: Nancy Kaser

Genre: Christian Non-Fiction, Biblical Marriage

Release Date: August 20, 2019

Whether you’re in the honeymoon stage or celebrating your fiftieth anniversary, you have never before been in this season of your marriage. Your family dynamics, finances, health, emotional state, location, ministry, employment status—all the factors of your life—are in a perpetual state of transition. As a married woman, you are continually wife-changing. The Scriptures never change, but they can always be freshly applied to every season of marriage.

Crown is a resource that combines solid Bible teaching, humorous and humbling tales from the author’s own marriage journey, and dozens of compelling stories from real women just like you. Based on Proverbs 12:4, “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,” Crown includes concrete Scriptural truths and real-life examples that will equip you to be the excellent wife God created you to be. Complex issues such as biblical roles within marriage, physical intimacy, communication, forgiveness, and home management are all addressed with candid honesty, encouragement, and biblical substance. In thirty wife-changing lessons, you will be instructed, challenged, and motivated to walk in obedience to God’s beautiful design for marriage.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Nancy Kaser is a passionate pastor’s wife and veteran missionary. For over twenty-five years, she has taught women’s Bible studies, provided biblical counseling, and been a dynamic women’s conference speaker. Based in Southern California, Nancy teaches literature and history classes at The Writtenburg Door. She and her visionary husband also lead short-term mission trips with the Calvary Chapel movement and run a child-sponsorship organization.

More from Nancy

Closing the church door after my seventh counseling appointment that week, I was overcome with the realization that every appointment had been relatively indistinguishable. The women I counseled our congregation were generally unsatisfied, disappointed, and disillusioned with their marriages, and some were downright rebellious in their role as wives. The same anxieties, the same troubles, (and the same sins creating the anxieties and troubles) came up in almost every meeting. Though these church ladies may have been well-versed in the scriptures, no one had taught them how to live out biblical principals in their everyday lives.

As a pastor’s wife, I wished I could meet with every married lady in my church and offer practical discipleship with this hope: that a glorious, fulfilling, and God-honoring marriage—to the same guy she is married to right now! —is absolutely possible through obedience to God’s word.

Crown – 30 Wife-Changing Lessons is a resource that combines solid Bible teaching, humorous and humbling tales from my own marriage journey, and dozens of compelling stories from real women just like you. Based on Proverbs 12:4, “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,” Crown includes concrete, scriptural truths and real-life examples that will equip you to be the excellent wife God created you to be. Complex issues such as biblical roles within marriage, physical intimacy, communication, forgiveness, and home management are all addressed with candid honesty, encouragement and biblical substance.

Whether you’re in the honeymoon stage or celebrating your fiftieth anniversary, you have never before been in this season of your marriage. Your family dynamics, finances, health, emotional state, location, ministry, employment status— all the factors of your life—are in a perpetual state of transition. As a married woman, you are continually wife-changing. The scriptures never change, but they can always be freshly applied to every season of marriage. In thirty wife-changing lessons, you will be instructed, challenged, and motivated to walk in obedience to God’s beautiful design for marriage.