Listen to What I Mean and Not What I Say

Posted on March 22, 2019March 21, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Mammaw used to tell us often, “you need to listen to what I mean and not what I say.” To a kid that sounded ridiculously funny. As an adult, I get it. How many times have I lost a word when speaking or switched one for another? Anyone else ever do that?

My husband laughed at me as I asked him recently to put something in the dishwasher in the garage. At the time I was doing dishes and needed something put in the outside refrigerator. My daughter would have chuckled and complied. Not my comedian of a hubby. “Want me to put in dishwasher soap, too, honey?” he asked trying to maintain a straight face. Then I realized what I had actually said. (Watch for him in a comedy club near you – hahaha!)

Words are meant as a means of communications. Sometimes they work smoothly and others they just don’t. We share them with others. Sometimes when life gets tough and trials come, words fail me. They want to stay bottled up inside. Friends are always ready to lend a shoulder and ear, but it isn’t always that easy.

Abba hears us and knows exactly what we mean even before He hears the words. His Word assures us of that. Isaiah 65:24 says “…before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Our God is so powerful He know our prayers before we pray them. He always listens to what we mean.

Sometimes my soul is weary or hurts and words leave it. I want to pray but I can’t seem to form the words. Tears fall with no problem. Things in my life or the world seem insurmountable. There is a lot going on that should not be. In Romans 8:26 scripture tells me that “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” So God hears me even when I cannot form the words. The Holy Spirit knows.

I hope you take comfort as I do in knowing that our prayers are always heard even when we are so down hearted we can only “be silent” with God in prayer and let the Holy Spirit intercede for us. If you misspeak, like I often do, God hears what you mean. He sees us through the eyes of a Loving Father.

Reforesting Faith by Matthew Sleeth

Posted on March 21, 2019March 20, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

“Reforesting Faith, What trees teach us about the nature of God and His love for us, is a most interesting book on faith, walking with God, and trees of the Bible. Author Matthew Sleeth has written a 224 page Christian Living book divided into three parts.

The first part is “Laying the Groundwork”. It has three chapters followed by “Seeds of Faith” which has six. The last section is “Fruit of the Tree” with four chapters. The book finishes with an Epilogue, “Why I wrote this book”, and notes. I was disappointed there were no study or discussion questions .

This is a refreshing look at book nature, trees, and God’s love. It was the first selection from author Sleeth that I have read and I really enjoyed his style. He has an easy way of making his point as if in a conversation. The words moved steadily and effortlessly without a hitch across the pages.

Scripture was not sprinkled but given in a heavy handed dose throughout this God glorifying gem. The author had done research on every chapter and it shows. This book is well planned, well organized, and well written.

It gave me things to ponder. Did I realize all of these references were in the Bible which I have read numerous times? Well, no. I missed a lot. I thought of so many people I wanted to share this book with while savoring the nuggets of information it taught.

Both men and women will enjoy this wonderful book. Nature enthusiasts especially will appreciate it. I highly recommend it. It gets a 5 out of 5 rating from me for the writing, because I have never read anything like it, and it is a book that will help strengthen one’s Walk with God.

An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by the publisher but I was under no obligation to write a review. This is my honest opinion.

About the Book

The Bible talks about trees more than any living creation other than people. Perhaps you’ve missed the forest…and the trees.

In this groundbreaking walk through Scripture, former physician and carpenter Dr. Matthew Sleeth makes the convincing case why trees are essential to every Christian’s understanding of God.

Yet we’ve mostly missed how God has chosen to tell His story–and ours–through the lens of trees. There’s a tree on the first page of Genesis and the last page of Revelation. The Bible refers to itself as a Tree of Life (Proverbs 3:18).
Every major Biblical character has a tree associated with them. Jesus himself says he is the true vine (John 15:1). A tree was used to kill Jesus–and a tree is the only thing the Messiah ever harmed.

This is no accident. When we subtract trees from Scripture, we miss lessons of faith necessary for our growth.

This is the rare book that connects those who love the Creator with creation, and those who love creation with the Creator. It offers inspirational yet practical ways to express our love for God–and our neighbors–by planting spiritual trees and physical trees in the world.

Join Dr. Sleeth as he navigates the Bible’s trail of trees to explore the wonders of life, death, and rebirth. You’ll be amazed at how science is just beginning to catch up to the truths described in Scripture thousands of years ago. Once you discover the hidden language of trees, your walk through the woods–and through Scripture–will never be the same.

About the Author

MATTHEW SLEETH, MD, a former emergency room physician and chief of the hospital medical staff, resigned from his position to teach, preach, and write about the biblical call to be good stewards of the earth. A highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Sleeth has spoken at more than 1,000 churches, campuses, and events, including serving as the monthly guest preacher at The Washington National Cathedral for a year. Recognized by Newsweek as one of the nation’s most influential evangelical leaders, Dr. Sleeth is a graduate of George Washington University School of Medicine and has two postdoctoral fellowships. He is the executive director of Blessed Earth and author of Serving God, Saving the Planet; 24/6; the introduction to The Green Bible, as well as numerous creation care books and articles. Dr. Sleeth lives in Lexington, KY, with Nancy, his wife of nearly 40 years.

The White City Book Tour and Giveaway by Celebrate Lit

Posted on March 20, 2019March 16, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today is my day for the Book Tour and Giveaway for The White City by Grace Hitchcock. The author is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card as well as a copy of her book. Be sure to enter the contest at the end of my blog.

The White City is a Christian historical suspense, romance, mystery. Set in 1893 Chicago during the World’s Fair it was written by a new to me author, Grace Hitchcock. The author has a nice style of writing. She had done her research and it showed in her details.

Her heroine, Winnie, was feisty and made me smile as I read. This lady was a handful. The characters were engaging but I wanted to learn more about them. I felt I chardly knew most of them where in other books they all are like friends.

I found humor in some parts and a great mystery. The suspense was enough that I kept reading and reading. It was a bonus this was based on a real person, albeit a serial killer. The romance was sweet and light.

The faith element grew throughout the book. At first I was frustrated because I didn’t see it, but then it gradually began to make its way. It was worth the wait.

I did notice a thing or two that seemed unrealistic but without a spoiler it is diffficult to explain. However, I will say I was surprised Winnie’s father went along with some of her schemes. Even from this side of the page some seemed dangerous and too risky.

I would recommend this to anyone liking a good suspenseful read. It played out like an old black and white movie in my mind. There is a twist and turn to keep you on your toes. My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.

About the Book

Book: The White City

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Christian Historical/Suspense

Release Date: March, 2019

Mysterious Disappearances Taint the Chicago World’s Fair

Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.

Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

Click here to order your copy.

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the author of three novellas in The Second Chance Brides, The Southern Belle Brides, and the Thimbles and Threads collections with Barbour Publishing. The White City is her debut novel and releases March 2019 with Barbour Publishing. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in southern Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, and son. Visit Grace online at GraceHitchcock.com.

Guest Post from Grace

True Colors—Fiction Based on Strange, But True, American Crime Stories

True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through 6 unique stories of historical romantic suspense in the exciting new True Colors series.

In book one, The White City, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped while attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a detective, for bodyguard.

Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

The Real Criminal Behind the Story

While Winnifred Wylde is a fictional character, Doctor H. H. Holmes was very real and became infamously known as America’s first serial killer. Learn more about him HERE.

Blog Stops

Just the Write Escape, March 14

A Baker’s Perspective, March 14

The Lit Addict, March 14

janicesbookreviews, March 14

The Power of Words, March 15

Multifarious, March 15

Back Porch Reads, March 15

Livin’ Lit, March 16

Lis Loves Reading, March 16

Just Your Average reviews, March 16

Rev. Rebecca Writes, March 17

For the Love of Literature, March 17

Bibliophile Reviews, March 17

Reflections From My Bookshelves, March 18

Through the Fire Blogs, March 18

By The Book, March 18

A Reader’s Brain, March 18

Girls in White Dresses, March 19

Stories By Gina , March 19

EmpowerMoms, March 19

Inklings and notions, March 19

All-of-a-kind Mom, March 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20

Bigreadersite, March 21

Genesis 5020, March 21

Blossoms and Blessings, March 21

The Becca Files, March 21

Emily Yager, March 22

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, March 22

Pause for Tales, March 22

Inspired by fiction, March 23

Mary Hake, March 23

Book by Book, March 23

Real World Bible Study, March 23

Blogging With Carol, March 24

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, March 24

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 24

Maureen’s Musings, March 25

amandainpa, March 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 25

Older & Smarter?, March 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 26

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner , March 26

Godly Book Reviews, March 27

For Him and my Family, March 27

Texas Book-aholic, March 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The White City!!

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/dd7d/the-white-city-celebration-tour-giveaway

Of Fire and Lions by Author Mesu Andrews

Posted on March 18, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

I was well acquainted with the story of Daniel and Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego. My young years in Sunday School taught me those stories and we even sung songs about them. However, “Of Fire and Lions” taught me so much more about this biblical story.

Author Mesu Andrews is an exquisite author of biblical fiction. She does her research diligently and produces an exemplary novel. It took me one paragraph, that’s all, to become invested in her latest masterpiece. Her penned words picked me up and gently set me down in Daniel and his wife Abigail/Belili’s home. With the author’s talented style I was able to glimpse the land, feasts, customs, and life of Daniel’s time. Her eloquent words flowed gracefully and never stumbled.

Emotions seemed to transfer to me as I felt snubbed or frightened as Abigail admitted she did. Daniel became frustrated and so did I. Even with the three men, I felt their anxiety and then strength. This novel confirmed what we already know, our God is powerful and a safe refuge in times of trouble.

The author knows how to get readers involved and feel what she has written. Descriptions were vivid and to the point. Every word had a responsibility in this work of art and together they produced a stunning, God-glorifying retelling of a biblical story or two.

Each chapter begins with scripture. That was a favorite thing for me. The point of view alternates between Daniel and his wife throughout the book. I adored that. Since this was fiction, I had to remind myself that it did not necessarily happen this way. Blanks were just filled in by the author. However it seemed possible.

All of the essentials for a Christian book were met. First and foremost, it was easy to see this was a Christian fiction that honored a God. Secondly, I gleaned information. It is refreshing to come away from reading a novel with information that I previously did not know. Thirdly, there are discussion questions.

I highly recommend this book. It made me feel closer to God as I read it. Anyone would benefit from reading it. A reading group would find this to be the perfect choice. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by the publisher by I was under no obligation to write a favorable review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

About the Book

Paperback, 400 pages

Published March 5th 2019 by Waterbrook Press

Survival. A Hebrew girl first tasted it when she escaped death nearly seventy years ago as the Babylonians ransacked Jerusalem and took their finest as captives. She thought she’d perfected in the many years amongst the Magoi and the idol worshippers, pretending with all the others in King Nebuchadnezzar’s court. Now, as Daniel’s wife and a septuagenarian matriarch, Belili thinks she’s safe and she can live out her days in Babylon without fear–until the night Daniel is escorted to Belshazzar’s palace to interpret mysterious handwriting on a wall. The Persian Army invades, and Bellili’s tightly-wound secrets unfurl with the arrival of the conquering army. What will the reign of Darius mean for Daniel, a man who prays to Yahweh alone?
Ultimately, Yahweh’s sovereign hand guides Jerusalem’s captives, and the frightened Hebrew girl is transformed into a confident woman, who realizes her need of the God who conquers both fire and lions.

About the Author

Mesu grew up with a variegated Christian heritage. With grandparents from the Pilgrim Holiness, Nazarene, and Wesleyan Churches, her dad was a Quaker and mom charismatic. As you might imagine, God was a central figure in most family discussions, but theology was a battlefield and Scripture the weapon. As a rebellious teenager, Mesu rejected God and His Word, but discovered Jesus as a life-transforming Savior through the changed life of an old friend.

The desire for God’s Word exploded with her new commitment, but devotional time was scarce due to the demands of a young wife and mother. So Mesu scoured the only two theology books available–children’s Bible stories and her Bible. The stories she read to her daughters at night pointed her to the Bible passages she studied all day. She became an avid student of God’s Word, searching historical and cultural settings as well as ancient texts and original languages.

Mesu and her husband Roy have raised those two daughters and now enjoy a tribe of grandkids, who get to hear those same Bible stories. Mesu’s love for God’s Word has never waned. She now writes biblical novels, rich with spiritual insight learned through fascinating discoveries in deep historical research.

Her first novel, Love Amid the Ashes (Revell)–the story of Job and the women who loved him–won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year in the Debut Author Category. Her subsequent novels have released with high praise, shedding light on some of the shadowy women of Scripture. Love’s Sacred Song (Revell, 2012) tells the story of the beloved shepherdess in King Solomon’s Song of Solomon. Love in a Broken Vessel (Revell, 2013) tells the story of Hosea and Gomer and is the final stand-alone novel in the Treasures of His Love Series. Her fourth novel, In the Shadow of Jezebel (Revell, 2014) tells the fascinating story of Queen Athaliah and the courageous Princess Jehosheba.

The Treasures of the Nile series (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2015-16) included The Pharaoh’s Daughter and Miriam and spanned Moses’ life from birth to the Exodus. Her 2017 release, Isaiah’s Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah), explores the life and ministry of the prophet Isaiah and the tumultuous days of Judah under the reigns of Ahaz and Hezekiah but focuses on the woman Hephzibah–a fascinating character in Jewish legends.

Mesu writes in their log cabin tucked away in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. Her best friend is an American Staffordshire Terrier named Zeke, who keeps her company on long writing days. Zeke also enjoys watching movies, long walks in the woods, and sitting by the fireplace on rainy days.

St. Patrick’s Day Musings and Recipe

Posted on March 17, 2019March 17, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Well, top of the mornin’ to ya and Happy St. Patty’s Day! ‘‘Tis the day everyone claims to be at least a wee bit Irish, What about you? Are you really of Irish decent or just Irish today?

A sea of green will be flowing everywhere today because most everyone wears green clothes, Irish or not, on this day. It is the day many foods turn green on purpose. Even the river in Chicago turns green. This is also the one day of the year that we all put a “Mc” or “O” in front of our surname and become Irish. Yes, it’s St. Patrick’s Day!

St. Patrick was a soul saver. A soldier for the Lord. That is what we are really celebrating. He used a three leaf clover to teach people about the trinity. St. Patrick turned thousands of hearts, minds, and souls to the one true God. Now, doesn’t that sound like cause to celebrate! I think so, too.

It isn’t about having things green and being Irish. No fictional little leprechauns with rainbows and pots of gold were there. This is about celebrating the vast number of Druids, pagans that were saved and became Christians.

Irish are supposed to be lucky among a lot of other things. You’ve heard of the “luck of the Irish,” right? Hmm, I am not sure about that. Well, I guess you could say the ones that met St. Patrick were lucky, or could you? Was it luck that drew them to St. Patrick or something else? Perhaps the Holy Spirit.

Do you believe in luck? Do you think there is gold at the end of the rainbow? Personally, I don’t really believe much in luck or leprechauns. Maybe if I keep losing when playing a game I say I have bad luck, but outside of that I don’t put belief in luck. My faith and trust are in Jesus. He is the one that guides and directs me just like He did St. Patrick.

When I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, He was the Way or rainbow to my riches. I followed Him. My gold happens to be where Jesus prepared a place for me at the end of my earthly life – in Heaven. That is where my heart is, too. In Heaven the Bible says there will be beautiful streets of gold.

My saved loved ones will be there. There will be no more sickness, no more death, no more tears. My Savior, Jesus, is there. Our Almighty God, my Maker, is there. Talk about hitting the jackpot or pot of gold! That is everything I could ever want. Wow, no riches can compare to that. None. So what about you? Where is your pot of gold?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt. 6:19-21.

Traditional Irish St. Patrick’s Day Dish

Irish Colcannon, an Irish Treasured Dish

1 lb. potatoes peeled white or unpeeled red potatoes
½ lb. bacon (cut into small 1-inch squares)
1 T. Kosher salt
6 cups thinly sliced cabbage (approximately a head)
6 T. butter (four for the cabbage and two for the potatoes)
½ cup whipping cream (or milk)
Fresh parsley chopped finely-a few sprigs will do
A large onion, chopped
5 or 6 scallions or a clump (handful) of chives
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Wash potatoes and peel if you’re using thick skinned.
Cut the potatoes in quarters and place in a large pot of boiling water.
Add the Kosher salt. Boil for approximately 25 minutes.
Stick one of the potatoes with a fork to see if they’re cooked. They should be tender and easy to penetrate with the prongs.

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.
When they’re finished cooking, add 4 T. butter.
Add the cabbage and onions.
Sauté the cabbage mixture until almost done, with the onions translucent and cabbage a bit crispy. Some people prefer to cook the mixture until everything is soft. It just depends on whether you like a bit of crunch or not. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Drain the potatoes and add the butter and cream or milk, mashing it to silky smoothness—unless you left the skins on, then almost silky smoothness.

Add the onion, cabbage mixture and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot. Enjoy this Irish classic dish.

Been There, Done That, Let Me Help

Posted on March 16, 2019March 15, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The other day we were going somewhere new. The address did not sound familiar and the GPS often is unreliable. “Turn left” it tells me when there is no stree! My parents had been to our destination and offered for us to ride with them or follow behind. It was so much easier going with someone who had already been there.

Having made the trip before us, my parents knew what to look for and what might go wrong. They also knew where to turn to make the journey easier. Traveling together allowed quality time to chat and catch up. The drive which I was dreading turned out to be lovely and extremely enjoyable.

The journey of life is exactly like that. People who have travelled the same path can help us. By giving us direction, tips from their journey or just going with us, others can chase anxiety away. They can take our hand and walk beside us to let us know we have a traveling companion, a seasoned on. Not only are they assisting us, but they are serving God. Scripture says in Hebrews 6:10 “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”

Do you ever look to someone for counsel? Someone who has gone through a tough situation and made it through with flying colors? We need people to encourage us. My sweet grandson Isaac is special needs and my daughter Vanessa is always offering support to other parents of special needs children. Isaac is now seven so it is routine now, but she will never forget the trying first months.

Sometimes I forget that I am serving God by helping others. Do you? We need to make it such second nature that we just do helpful things. Chatting with someone on the phone recently we were able to offer encouragement to each other. Taking a meal to a new set of parents brought tears to their eyes. Offering to pray with someone immediately stunned them speechless, but they were very appreciative.

We have all “been there, done that” so let’s take those experiences to serve Abba and someone here in need. It makes a great Lenten project for however often you decide. Even if it isn’t for Lent, don’t ever give up doing good for others.

Storm Proof Book Tour and Giveaways

Posted on March 15, 2019March 14, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Be prepared to learn all about handling the storms in your life with today’s book tour. It is a book that you will want to keep in your non-fiction arsenal to remind you Who is in charge of everything, even the storms. The author has a nice giveaway so be sure to enter to win a grand prize of a $20 Starbucks Card and a Woman of God Umbrella or a prize of a copy of Guide Your Mind, Guard Your Heart, Grace Your Tongue, and a Whitaker House/Anchor adult coloring book!

Storm Proof, Weathering Life’s Tough Times, by author Carol McLeod is a Christian Living book for women. I have earmarked this as a great gift book. We all go through or have been through storms. That is just life. The difference is how we handle the journey and knowing we are not alone.

Author McLeod has written an encouraging, biblically based, God glorifying, gem of a book on how to ride out the storms of one’s life and come out closer to God. Using personal stories and scriptural ones, she explains her thoughts.

I loved her easy way of making her point. She has a nice style of writing and kept my interest throughout the entire book. It was easy to understand and I would nod my head in agreement in many places.

The author has provided pearls of wisdom, inspiration, hope, and let readers know they aren’t alone in their struggles. She is upbeat and positive. The stories she shares from the Bible were familiar but her view on the lessons learned is refreshing and gave me something to ponder.

There are 256 pages divided into twenty-six chapters in this helpful book. It would be a wonderful tool for a reading group. Haven’t we all gone through storms? There is a lot of material to discuss that would help any and every one.

I definitely recommend this book. It is spectacular. Faith filled, it will give your soul some sustenance. I found a whole new mindset as I readjusted my thoughts on the storms of life. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my own opinions.

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About the Book

Book: Storm Proof

Author: Carol McLeod

Genre: Religion/Christian life/Woman’s issues

Release Date: March 5, 2019

Go “storm chasing” through the pages of the greatest Book ever written!

What storm has blown into your circumstances? Are you—or someone you love—suffering from the trauma of plans that have been washed away, relationships that have been uprooted, or security that has been devastated? Many believers have been known to ask, “God, where are You in this storm?” or, “Lord, did You send this storm into my life?” Just what does a believer do during a stormy season? StormProof: Weathering Life’s Tough Times tackles these and other tumultuous questions.
Author Carol McLeod is a storm survivor—more than that, a victor—over infertility, depression, and cancer. She understands the spiritual, emotional, and physical challenges of the trials we face in our lives. A gifted Bible teacher, she provides “life preservers” of hope and faith through the eternal, practical wisdom found only in God’s Word.
By examining key storms in the Bible, and the lives of those affected by them, Carol guides you to uncommon comfort for your own storms, offering the shelter of hope, joy, and faith. In StormProof, you will step out of the boat to walk the waves with Peter, knowing that Jesus always comes to be with you in the midst of your storms; you will be rocked aboard a wind-driven ship with the apostle Paul, in danger of being smashed against the rocks, but be preserved by God’s power; you will watch the gathering storm clouds with Noah, holding on to faith in God’s purposes. You will also experience Jonah’s self-inflicted tempest while affirming God’s unconditional love, sit in silence with Job and ponder his questions about the greatest storm of testing, and huddle with the disciples as their boat is swamped by surging waves—only to hear Jesus’s eternal words, “Peace, be still.” You will also hear about storms of harsh circumstances that others from recent history have encountered and overcome.
Storms are common in every season of life. Yet, for a believer in Christ, the damage such storms cause can be contained, depending on how we navigate their tumultuous waves. There is a way—a triumphant way—to encounter the fierce gales of life and then exit the tempests with strength and resilience. There is a definitive way to walk through the most devastating of circumstantial tornadoes and emerge with grace, empowered for the future. There is a way to be StormProof.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Carol McLeod is a popular speaker at women’s conferences and retreats through Carol McLeod Ministries. She is the author of ten books, including Guide Your Mind, Guard Your Heart, Grace Your Tongue(Whitaker House, 2018), Joy for All Seasons (Bridge-Logos, 2016), Holy Estrogen (Harrison House, 2012), and Defiant Joy (Thomas Nelson, 2006). Carol hosts a daily podcast, A Jolt of Joy! on the Charisma Podcast Network, and a weekly podcast, The Joy of Motherhood, which is listened to by thousands of moms around the world. Her blog, Joy for the Journey (formerly A Cup of Tea with Carol), has been named in the Top 50 Faith Blogs for Women. After her 2013 devotional 21 Days to Beat Depression had nearly 100,000 downloads in the first month, YouVersion picked it up, where it has been read over 500,000 times in five years. She also has ten other devotionals on YouVersion, including Guide Your Mind, Guard Your Heart, Grace Your Tongue. Carol writes a weekly column for Ministry Today and often writes for Charisma magazine. She is also a frequent guest on and has cohosted 100 Huntley Street. Her teaching DVD The Rooms of a Woman’s Heart won a Telly Award in 2005 for excellence in religious programming. The first Women’s Chaplain at Oral Roberts University, she currently serves on the university’s Alumni Board of Directors. Carol has been married to her college sweetheart, Craig, for nearly forty years and is the mother of five children in heaven and five children on earth. Carol and Craig are now enjoying their new titles as “Marmee and Pa” to seven delicious grandchildren! She and her husband will soon be moving to Oklahoma, where Craig serves as the North American Director for Global Partners, a missions organization that plants churches in remote areas of the world.

More from Carol

I wrote this book and dedicated it to a lifetime friend and a woman who has survived the worst of life’s storms.

”You have danced in the sunshine…

been drenched by circumstantial downpours…

been threatened by windy situations…

and been attacked by the blinding blizzard of events.

But through it all, you have been faithful.

You have been a warrior.

You have been a worshipper.

You have kept your eyes on Jesus.

You have been StormProof.

You haven’t just weathered the tough times in life…you have rejoiced through them!

There is no one I would rather share an umbrella with than you, my friend.”

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 9

For the Love of Literature, March 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 11

Mary Hake, March 11

Texas Book-aholic, March 12

Carpe Diem, March 13

janicesbookreviews, March 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 15

A Reader’s Brain, March 16

Nighttime Reading Center, March 17

Inklings and notions, March 18

The Becca Files, March 19

A Diva’s Heart, March 20

Kelly Harrel, March 21

Godly Book Reviews, March 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away

Grand prize of a $20 Starbucks Card and a Woman of God Umbrella

1st Place prize of a copy of Guide Your Mind, Guard Your Heart, Grace Your Tongue, and Whitaker House/Anchor adult coloring 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/de82/storm-proof-celebration-tour-giveaway

I Love to Tell the Story Book Tour and Giveaway by Celebrate Lit

Posted on March 13, 2019March 13, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to the “I Love to Tell the Story” book tour and give away. Celebrate Lit is providing this to give readers an opportunity to learn about this wonderful book and author, Susan Barnett Braun. The author has a giveaway for not only her delightful book but also a $20 Amazon gift card.

My thoughts

Author Susan Barnett Braun has written a delightful memoir about growing up in an Indiana small town Baptist Church. Her conservative upbringing brought back many happy memories of my own, and I found myself nodding often as I read. I smiled while reading this book and often got her introductory hymn for a chapter stuck in my head.

Songs such as “Deep and Wide” or “I’m in the Lord’s Army” has me reliving my times singing at church using correlating hand motions. The closing chapter, “Amazing Grace” is extremely good. For this Christian woman the book was a trip down memory lane and made me ecstatic.

We had a lot in common as her hometown, Seymour, Indiana, is just a half hour up from me. That knowledge made me even more eager to read her book. Being a baby-boomer, too, was another commonality we shared. Don’t think you need to be either one to enjoy this feel good, inspirational book. It is for everyone.

Author Braun has a smooth style of writing. The book was well organized and read like a conversation with a friend over coffee. The author is totally transparent and writes with heartfelt honesty. Humor is sprinkled in just the right amount. There are memories of nostalgic television shows, crafts, and things adults will find take them back a few decades. I had forgotten about latch hook kits myself but never About I Love Lucy.

There is no negativeness associated with the church which I appreciated more that I can express. Bravo author Braun! We need more honest, Christian autobiographies and memoirs to tell that side. A lot of people, me included, have mostly or only happy memories of church.

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This book is a jewel. I absolutely loved it. My heart warmed at the stored treasures it found just reading this book. It would be a nice book for anyone to read and enjoy. Children today have been robbed of the upbringing we had. Teens should read this and hopefully glean a little insight for Christian growth.

For me it was a very quick read. “I Love to Tell the Story” left me feeling refreshed, renewed, and like I had a new friend. I highly recommend it. It would be a great book club read or for a small group. There is a lot of discussion material within those pages. It gets a 5 star rating from me.

A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest opinions.

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About the Book

Book: I Love to Tell the Story
Author: Susan Barnett Braun
Genre: Memoir

Is it possible to emerge unscathed from an evangelical upbringing? Yes, as surely as David slew Goliath!

I Love to Tell the Story is Susan Barnett Braun’s account of growing up Baptist in a small midwestern town, touching on many cultural icons common to those who came of age in the 1970s. Braun recounts childhood obstacles, which loom as large as the walls of Jericho in her eyes. She encounters a trio of Sunday school mean girls who make King Herod look tame. She worries about being “ugly as sin” due to her chubbiness, glasses, and braces. She’s so consumed with the idea of Jesus’ imminent return that she wonders whether it’s even worthwhile to brush her teeth at night.

Humorous, poignant, and ultimately triumphant, I Love to Tell the Story will stay with readers long after the last Vacation Bible School craft stick cross has fallen apart.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Susan Barnett Braun earned a BS in retail management from Indiana University and an MA in education from the University of Alabama. She taught for eight years in northeast Indiana, earning a Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Fellowship and a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Study Scholarship.

Susan has had work published in Parents, Children’s Ministry, and The Secret Place. She also writes online for Fort Wayne Visitor’s Bureau and blogs at Girls in White Dresses.

She is married with three wonderful young adult daughters. Susan enjoys reading, playing piano and organ, and spending her time with her family and pets (currently three rabbits and a chinchilla).

Guest Post from Susan

One of the reasons I began blogging, ten years ago now, was to document my childhood memories for my kids. Why? When I was a teacher, before I had kids, I used to tell my students stories from my youth. They loved them and begged for more. Same thing when I had my own kids. I wanted to document these tales, but the problem always came in finding the time and the motivation to actually get around to writing them down.

Childhood Memories Friday posts on my blog helped get me moving in the right direction. Eventually, I began thinking I’d like to compile a bunch of the memories into book form. Since many of my most vivid memories revolved around church, I decided that that was the perfect theme. And “I Love to Tell the Story” was born. Each chapter is titled with a hymn that reflects its theme. As I delved into the writing, I had a lot of fun reliving the decidedly memorable life I had led as a youth :). I realized, too, that many aspects of my conservative midwestern upbringing don’t exist anymore in the 21st century. I became nostalgic thinking about the many cultural markers of the 1970s — Lawrence Welk, the Flintstones, — even macrame and latch-hook!

Another goal in writing this book was to put out a positive Christian memoir. So many that I read started out fine, but then dissolved into abuse, disillusionment, or even worse. I began to wonder if anyone had grown up in the church and actually enjoyed the experience … surely I wasn’t alone, was I?

Treat yourself to a stroll down memory lane. It’s my hope that you’ll enjoy yourself.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 7

The Power of Words, March 8

Artistic Nobody, March 8 (Spotlight)

Spoken from the Heart, March 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 10

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, March 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 12

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 13

Texas Book-aholic, March 14

janicesbookreviews, March 15

A Reader’s Brain, March 16

Inklings and notions, March 17

The Becca Files, March 18

Real World Bible Study, March 19

Just the Write Escape, March 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away a grand prize of a copy of the book and a $20 Barnes and Noble gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/dcda/i-love-to-tell-the-story

“How the Light Gets In” by Author Jolina Petersheim

Posted on March 12, 2019March 11, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

This book was in one word – phenomenal. Yes, it really was that good. It took me on an emotional journey with Ruth and I am still suffering from some aftershocks. Even after finishing it days ago, my mind keeps wandering back to the story.

“How the Light Gets In” is a modern day retelling of the Bible story of Ruth. Author Petersheim has written her own version and has woven inspiration and life lessons effortlessly throughout it. A phenomenal wordsmith, the author rapidly caught my attention with her fluid style. I was captured from the first words. It is a haunting contemporary tale of Ruth and a Mennonite community she has gone to with her mother-in-law.

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The characters are believable. I envisioned them, felt their emotions, shook my head at them, and cheered them on. They were very well rounded, flaws and all. Details and descriptive writing took me to the cranberry farm or bog. I have learned a lot about cranberries from this. The children were perfect in the story. Obviously the author is a mother. Being a dog person I also loved Zeus.

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The one thing about this book is that it made me feel. I felt like I was there. I felt the characters’ emotions. I could almost smell the homemade cookies. Only a gifted writer is able to lift me up and gently place me in the pages of a book to live. I felt part of the community. Bravo, Mrs. Petersheim.

Unfortunately I found it disappointing that the author did not incorporate the threshing floor scene from the Bible. For me that is such a poignant, pivotal part of Ruth’s story. However, I am certain there was a reason for this.

This is a book about self discovery, marriage, trusting God and His plans, priorities, and family. It is about redemption, forgiveness, sacrifice, hope, and love. It is about life and death, sadness and joy, and helping each other.

My emotions are reeling, my mind is assembling a readers group so I can discuss a burning question about this book, and questions fill my head. Whenever a book evokes such responses, it must be excellent. This one is.

The book is divided into three sections. At the end are discussion questions and notes from the author. I highly recommend this for mature readers because it deals with marriage and relationships. There is nothing to offend. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars.

A copy was provided by the publisher but I was under no obligation to write a positive review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

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Giveaway

Be sure to enter the Goodreads giveaway by March 18th! They are giving away 100 ecopies of this amazing book for free!

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About the Book

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Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (March 5, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1496402235
ISBN-13: 978-1496402233

Biography

Jolina Petersheim is the highly acclaimed author of The Divide, The Alliance, The Midwife, and The Outcast, which Library Journal called “outstanding . . . fresh and inspirational” in a starred review and named one of the best books of 2013. That book also became an ECPA, CBA, and Amazon bestseller and was featured in Huffington Post’s Fall Picks, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and the Tennessean. CBA Retailers + Resources called her second book, The Midwife, “an excellent read [that] will be hard to put down,” and Booklist selected The Alliance as one of their Top 10 Inspirational Fiction Titles for 2016. The Alliance was also a finalist for the 2017 Christy Award in the Visionary category. The sequel to The Alliance, The Divide, won the 2018 INSPY Award for Speculative Fiction. Jolina’s non-fiction writing has been featured in Reader’s Digest, Writer’s Digest, Today’s Christian Woman, and Proverbs 31 Ministries. She and her husband share the same unique Amish and Mennonite heritage that originated in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, but they now live in the mountains of Tennessee with their three young daughters. Jolina’s fifth novel, How the Light Gets In, a modern retelling of Ruth set in a cranberry bog in Wisconsin, releases March 2019.

Mending Fences Book Tour & Kindle Giveaway

Posted on March 11, 2019March 11, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to my stop on Celebrate Lit’s book tour for Author Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Mending Fences. Today I have information on a delightful contemporary Amish novel by author Suzanne Woods Fisher. She is extremely talented and her books never disappoint. The giveaway for this book tour is big….Ms. Fisher is giving away an Amazon Kindle to one lucky reader. Be sure to enter.

My Thoughts on Mending Fences

This modern day tale was fun, charming, extremely well written and held my interest through its entirety. Author Fisher is an expert on the Amish and does her research well. I felt like I was in Stoney Ridge and Windmill Farm. I love her smooth style of writing. Her stories are easy to understand and imagine. There are twists, secrets, and mysteries to keep interest up, and characters are like old friends I want to sit down with and have kaffe (coffee).

My favorite thing about the book is that it is evident this is a Christian book without wondering or searching. The next is that I gleaned information I did not know. It is also a bonus to read for enjoyment and learn something. After the story I was thrilled to find a section of discussion questions.

There is so much to love about this book, an engaging plot, a variety of believable characters, the detail given to Amish, and the life lessons it taught. Relevant lessons lessons on trusting God, redemption, starting over, and forgiveness were woven throughout this powerful novel.

Would I recommend this book? In a New York minute I would! It is perfect for a book club. It has much material to discuss. I loved it and the characters. Could not put it down to see what was going to happen, but did not want it to end. Such a conundrum for a reader.

I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to write a positive review.

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About the Book

Book: Mending Fences

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Christian fiction, Amish, Mennonite

Release Date: February 5, 2019

Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.

Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him. He has been allowed to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, he must make a sincere apology to each person he’s hurt. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused.

Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused isn’t so simple. It’s gut-wrenching.

And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm, and Luke’s clumsy efforts to befriend her only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge.

“A funny, heartwarming story of friendship, love, and the possibility of happily ever after.”—Amy Clipston, bestselling author of Seat by the Hearth

“Suzanne Woods Fisher has written a sweet and poignant story you won’t want put down. Definitely a must read!”—Kathleen Fuller, bestselling author of the Amish of Birch Creek series

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher, author of Mending Fences on tour with Celebrate Lit and featured on CarpeDiem.fyi

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.

More from Suzanne

A Friend in Need

Luke Schrock was nearly friendless. He returned to Stoney Ridge in Mending Fences after a stint in rehab only because his bishop, David Stoltzfus, strongly encouraged him. And everybody knows you didn’t say no to your bishop.

But nobody else in town wanted anything to do with Luke. They forgave him for the trouble he’d caused in his last downward spiral, the one that went too far. The one that even scared Luke. Forgiving him was the easy part. The Amish of Stoney Ridge were intentional forgivers. It was their trust—that’s what he would have to earn. Trust was a fragile thing. Once broken, it wasn’t easily mended.

Somehow, David was still able to look past the behavior to see the best of Luke Schrock. He didn’t stop there. He found a family who was willing to take Luke in, and he spent hours with him—at times as a mentor, at times as a father figure, but mostly as a friend.

A loyal friend can have a powerful impact. Consider those friends in the town of Capernaum, who carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus for healing—so determined to get to Him that they dragged his stretcher up onto a roof, broke through the roof tiles, and lowered him down. Can you imagine being in the crowd, listening to Jesus, as straw and tile pieces and branches and bugs started to drop down from the ceiling? A shocking display…of devoted friendship. And what a miraculous outcome for that paralyzed man!*

I won’t tell you how Luke’s story ends—only that he works hard to find ways to make amends to those he hurt, to regain trust. Especially the hard-to-earn trust of a brown-eyed beauty named Izzy.

Do you have a real friend like David Stoltzfus, who walks in when the rest of the world has walked out?

Or maybe the better question, for you, for me, is to ask ourselves if we are friends to others like David Stoltzfus was to Luke Schrock. I know I want to be.

*This miracle is reported in three gospels: Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8, Luke 5:17-26.

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, March 4

The Avid Reader, March 4

Quiet Quilter, March 5

CarpeDiem, March 5

Among the Reads, March 6

Girls in White Dresses, March 6

A Reader’s Brain, March 6

Blossoms and Blessings, March 7

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 7

Southern Gal Loves to Read, March 7

Bigreadersite, March 8

Blogging With Carol, March 8

Eat, Read, Teach, Blog, March 8

God’s Little Bookworm, March 9

Just the Write Escape, March 9

Splashes of Joy, March 10

EmpowerMoms, March 10

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 10

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, March 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 12

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 12

Vicky Sluiter, March 13

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, March 13

Caffeinated Christian Raves – N – Reviews, March 14

Lighthouse Academy, March 14

Texas Book-aholic, March 14

For Him and My Family, March 15

Mary Hake, March 15

janicesbookreviews, March 15

Literary Reflections Book Blog, March 16

Pause for Tales, March 16

Inspiration Clothesline, March 16

Have A Wonderful Day, March 17

Hallie Reads, March 17

Inklings and notions, March 17

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 18

For The Love of Books, March 18

The Becca Files, March 18

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grand prize of an Amazon Kindle!!

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/de7d/mending-fences-celebration-tour-giveaway

“Mending Fences” is available in paperback:

Series: The Deacon’s Family (Book 1)
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (February 5, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800735595
ISBN-13: 978-0800735593
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 10516 KB
Print Length: 330 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800727517
Publisher: Revell (February 5, 2019)
Publication Date: February 5, 2019
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07FH6XVF8