Praying for the Kids

Posted on October 28, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

As you can tell from this blog, I am a Prayer Warrior. Praying for my family, friends, and myself is extremely important to me. I firmly believe in prayer. Time spent with my Maker in prayer is a necessary part of my life. Once a day is never enough to go to God because things or prayer requests continue throughout the day. Do you pray often, too?

I was taught the Acts Method of praying when I was young and it has stuck with me. There is no right or wrong way to talk to our Heavenly Father. Jesus outlined the perfect way in Matthew with the Lord’s Prayer.

ACTS Method of Christian Prayer

Adoration: Give God praise and honor for who He is as Lord God.
Confession: Honestly confess the sin in your life.
Thanksgiving: Say what you’re grateful for in your life and in the world around you.
Supplication: Pray for the needs of others and yourself.

How do you pray? Are there certain things you pray about each day? I certainly do. The main thing is the children in our family. That encompasses the generations under mine. Ever since my children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews (which include my cousins’ children – we are a close family) were born or little, I have prayed for them. With a family our size I use a prayer journal to keep me on track. It also allows me to write praises when the prayers are answered.

What would I pray? First I asked for health, safety, and protection. I want them to be safe from harm and health issues. Then I prayed that they would grow to know God, be saved, and baptized. It is my prayer that they will recognize the purpose God has for them, why He created each one. I prayed for their future spouses that Abba was preparing them for their future lives together. Marriage needs more than two people to survive. It needs God in it, too. I pray that their spouses will be Christian and that a God will bless their union. Finally I pray that they would do their best in life and be happy.

Even though many are grown with children of their own, I continue to pray for them all. We are never too old for prayers. My prayer might provide the extra protection needed one day. Intercessory prayer is important.

How long should we pray about something? In Thessalonians the Bible says to pray without ceasing. Prayer has no time limit. Keep praying or P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens).

The next generation of children are included in my prayers now. Protection and safety is a concern in this world. Happiness is what every Mama, Gram, and Auntie desires for her little chicks. Don’t you agree?

After years of praying I was recently rewarded as God’s Army gained another Warrior. Yes, a family member was baptized and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. I rejoiced as I know Heaven did. There have been many more victories and each one is recorded without surprise. I delight in knowing that we will be together in Heaven one day.

Don’t stop with your family. There are many friends that need prayer, too. Let’s not forget society. The shootings and violence. Our leaders need prayers to make the right decisions. Our military need pray for protection. Our nation needs prayer for so many reasons.

If you are praying for something or someone, don’t lose hope. It may take decades for your answer, but everything happens in God’s perfect time. If you haven’t started praying for your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, I would urge you to begin today. The reward is priceless.

God is the Ultimate Author

Posted on October 23, 2018October 20, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

I love to read. Always have loved books. When I was young I can remember telling younger children to be easy with book because “books are our friends.” My family read to me practically from day one. Certainly that instilled the love of reading which has blossomed into writing.

Do you appreciate a good book? One that has twists and turns, things you didn’t see coming, and yet when you look back everything was lining up perfectly. All of the pieces were being placed to make a beautiful story.

That is how our lives are, my friend. Written by the ultimate author, God knows our complete story beginning to end because He wrote it. He is able to add characters, subplots, and even take things out that do not match His will.

Thinking about a current situation I was becoming discouraged. The “poor me” was setting in. Then I was reminded that God knew about this situation before it happened, and I clearly saw how God was setting me up to thrive. The Lord does not want us to fail. In Jeremiah 29:11 it clearly states “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God placed people in my life to mentor, guide, and befriend me. Lovely women that had been on this journey and could offer experienced counsel have helped me tremendously. Scripture tells us “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.” Proverbs 27:9. Yes, sage advice from ladies that knew exactly what I was feeling was a blessing. One treasured friend gave biblically referenced counsel. Our meeting had been orchestrated by God, and I have understood why time and again.

My circumstances might not have changed but my attitude certainly has. Abba saw this difficult situation before I got here, has prepared me and given me what I need for it, but most importantly, He has never left my side. I have never been alone.

What about your story? Is it like mine with some twists and turns in it? I bet if you look back you can see how God lined things up for such a time as this. There are no coincidences, just God incidences. He puts people in your life because you will need them. A lifelong passion becomes a path for supplemental income, years of studying the Bible reminds you that we are to love each other as Christ did. We are to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. The instructions for a spouse and caregiver are clearly outlined and how to be a good friend.

Has God placed you in someone’s life to mentor them? Maybe you are to give help in a different way. When you know someone is going through a difficult time, pray for them and ask Jesus how you can be a blessing to them. In the end, you, too, will be blessed.

Book Review: Shelter of the Most High

Posted on October 22, 2018October 22, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Do you enjoy biblical fiction? Maybe you are like me and are on the fence about it. I don’t like having the Bible retold using extra little things. This series, Cities of Refuge, by author Connilyn Cossette, however, is a delight for biblical fiction. In her second book Shelter of the Most High, readers are able to follow along without having read Book One. It does continue the story of Moriyah and Darek so I want to go back and read Book One now.

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Author Cossette has an engaging style of writing. Her book was well researched and took me back in time to a place and era of which I have often read. This time instead of reading about it, I experienced it. The year was 1388 BC, a time before Christ had come to earth. People were much different.

My emotions ran deep as I read. I had become immediately invested in the lives of the well developed characters. Sofea was the daughter of a pagan high priest. She and her cousin, Perez, were violently taken from their home in Sicily and ended up in Canaan. Aboard the slave ship they were beaten and starved. The tragedy was heartbreaking. One minute you are home and the next your home is attacked. You are enslaved and sent on a ship to an unknown land that cannot understand your language. I needed tissues.

Times of joy brought happiness to me. I was frightened with the characters. They experienced violence and such trauma. The girls received love and compassion. I could relax then.

One of the things I really loved about this book is that it is not about a biblical, historical person. As I said earlier, I don’t like it when people add words or thoughts to an actual biblical person. This is much better. It still provides a venue to enlighten readers to the people, area, and customs of the time.

The Old Testament is known for being a bit violent. This book has manslayers, murder plots, kidnapping, and slavery. It also has love. There is a sweet love story and a greater one. One inspiration message is that God loves us. Another is to let our light shine forth to others. Not everyone really knows about the one true God, our God. We can share Him with others and help them.

I highly recommend this captivating book. If you like bible times, you will adore this. It is packed with action, intrigue, romance, history, culture, and inspiration. There is much food for thought in its 335 pages. After the story are Author Notes and Discussion Questions. I love books that include those because it makes reading groups so much easier. Rating this book 5 out of 5 stars was my recommendation. A copy was provided by the publisher but I was under no obligation to write a review. All thoughts are my own, honest ones.

Romancing the Bride by Melissa Jagears Book Review

Posted on October 20, 2018October 19, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Romancing the Bride is another homerun for the extremely talented author Melissa Jagears. This author writes Christian historical romance fiction, but it gets even better than that. Have I got your interest yet? She writes God glorifying books. Her books while exceedingly entertaining provide food for the soul. Bravo! We need more Christian authors that are not afraid to speak or shout the Christian message instead of softly whispering it to help ratings. Okay, if someone will help me off of this soapbox I will tell you about her latest and greatest work.

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This historical romance is the tale of Annie Gephart, a ranch widow with a teenage daughter and younger son. The book opens with Annie distraught because her hired cowboys have all left her for green pastures. Sheriff Jacob Hendrix, the town’s most eligible bachelor, delivers a tax notice and Annie must come up with money or a plan quickly to save her land. Jacob might possibly be the perfect man. (Swoon.)

In this book there are so many issues brought to light. Tough subjects that affect people today as well as back in Annie’s time. Death of a spouse, children, and parent, parental guidance, parental approval, peer pressure, greed, despair, rebellion, jealousy, stealing, special needs, deceit, betrayal, forgiveness, love, faith, hope, and letting God be in control are some of the things the brilliant wordsmith packs in her story. Good versus evil, coming of age versus experience, trusting God versus going off on our own, judging others versus helping are some of the not so subtle lessons woven into this captivating story.

Characters are extremely believable. (Obviously the author has children to understand the dynamics of a sibling relationship.) Annie and Jacob make a formidable pair. I would love to have them for friends. Each are well rounded including some flaws, but aren’t we all? The children are realistic. The author took me to a place back in time for a while and I really enjoyed it. I wanted to know what happened but I was sad when the book ended. How could I say goodbye to these people with whom I had become so invested.

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If you are a fan of love stories, author Jagears is a professional when it comes to penning them. The cat and mouse tension between Annie and Jacob became almost unbearable at times for this reader. The obstacles and setbacks they faced each knocked the wind from my sails and I could feel their emotions. With each victory I was elated. I really enjoy the books by Mrs. Jagears.

It took me from page one to get pulled in to this book. My interest was held throughout. This is a “pick me up and don’t put me down until I am finished” type of book. There are some twists and turns as well as some predictable moments. Author Jagears always provides a bit of humor in just the right spots. She does her research and always seems to leave readers with a bit of knowledge after finishing her book.

I highly recommend this delightful novel. This is a perfect reading group book because there is so much to discuss. Lovers of Christian fiction, romance, historical, and western fiction will love it. Get yourself a copy and escape for a while. Since it is Book One in the Frontier Vows Series that gives us more to anticipate. Am I excited about that? You betcha! It gets 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by the author but I was under no obligation to write a review. This is my own honest opinion.

“12 Days of Christmas” Celebrate Lit Book Tour, Review, and Giveaway

Posted on October 19, 2018October 13, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Review:

The 12 Gifts of Christmas by author Lena Dooley is a 240 page Christian fiction book published by Whitaker House. This contemporary romance is different from most of the books I have read by author Dooley. Normally I pick up historical fiction.

This is the whirlwind romantic tale of Malcom MacGregor and Alanza Cantalamessa. He is a successful Texas business executive from a wealthy family. A descendant from the Scottish MacGregor Clan, he is a perfect hero. Alanza Cantalamessa, the daughter of a wealthy gourmet pizza restaurant owner, is the woman he has fallen in love with while eating lunches at her family’s restaurant. It is love at first sight for each of them. Both characters are nice looking, mannerly, polite, wealthy, and Christian. However, they aren’t totally relatable or realistic. Parts of their characteristic are great, but others I cannot fathom.

Author Dooley’s leads are just perfect, too perfect. Readers will want to be friends with them or maybe even switch places with them for a while. It is rare these days to find a man with a heart for God like Malcolm’s. That causes him to be dedicated to family and friends, too. Malcolm even asks Alanza’s parents if he may date her. Wow!

I was actually surprised when I received this book because I did not expected it to be a contemporary romance especially set in Texas. The majority of the author’s books I have read have been historic. I was so intrigued by Alanza’s family’s gourmet pizza restaurant that I wanted to go there. The descriptions were spot on. I could envision the quaint place and wanted to taste the pizzas.

For the most part I found this to be a predictable story. There was a monkey wrench thrown in to make it interesting. It goes along smoothly and fast. I loved that there was prayer in it. Malcolm prayed for a wife, specifically Alanza. There are worship services, missions, and prayer. I love Christian books where I don’t need to search and search for the message. The message is clear in this fiction. We need to pray, trust God, and listen to His guidance.

I would recommend this sweet, love at first sight romance to anyone that enjoys Contemporary Christian Romance. It gets a 4 out of 5 stars from me. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own honest opinion.

About the Book

Book Title: The 12 Gifts of Christmas

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Romance/ Christmas

Release date: September 4, 2018

Malcolm MacGregor is a descendant of Scotland’s Clan MacGregor and a successful young businessman in Fort Worth, Texas. Alanza Cantalamessa works at a gourmet pizzeria owned by her Brazilian artist mother and her Italian Poppa. Both of them are smitten with each other but Malcolm is too reserved to do much more than make small talk—until a promotion at work that will send him away to Australia for six months. It’s December and he has to do something—fast.

Praying about the situation, Malcolm decides to give her twelve gifts leading up to Christmas. Their families and friends think they are moving too fast. And a gold-digger who tossed Malcolm aside in the past has now decided he’s the man of her dreams.

Can Malcolm and Alanza overcome their obstacles before he has to go abroad? Or is it really not meant to be?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, her local chapter in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, the Christian Authors’ Network, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. Her forty-plus books have sold more than 875,000 copies. Lena’s books have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, and Publisher Weekly bestseller lists, as well as some Amazon bestseller lists. She also writes a popular blog, A Christian Writer’s World, that features other authors’ books. The blog received the Readers’ Choice Blog of the Year Award from the Book Club Network.

Lena is a three-time finalist in the Carol Awards ACFW contest. Her 2010 release, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, won the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in publishing Western Fiction. Her next series, McKenna’s Daughters: Maggie’s Journey appeared on a reviewers’ Top Ten Books of 2011 list. It also won the 2012 Selah award for Historical Novel. The second, Mary’s Blessing, was a Selah Award finalist for Romance novel. Catherine’s Pursuit, released in 2013, was the winner of the NTRWA Carolyn Reader’s Choice contest, took second place in the CAN Golden Scroll Novel of the Year award, and won the Will Rogers Medallion bronze medallion. Her book, A Heart’s Gift, won RWA’s Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice Award in July 2017.

Lena is also the host of The Lena Nelson Dooley Show on the Along Came a Writer blogtalk radio network. She has experience in screenwriting, acting, directing, and voice-overs, and currently serves on the board of directors of Higher Ground Films. She has been featured in Christian Fiction Online Magazine, ACFW Journal, Book Fun Magazine, Charisma Magazine, and Christian Retailing.

Guest Post from Lena

She took the pan off the burner, dropped tiny marshmal-lows into the waiting over-sized mugs, and filled them with the fragrant hot chocolate. “Do you want to drink it here, or would you rather go in the living room? The sofa is more comfortable.”

“Whatever you want to do.” His honeyed tone wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

She handed a mug to him, picked up her own, along with coasters and two napkins, and headed into the living room. He followed.

Alanza’s Best Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

4 cups milk

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup good quality cocoa powder

3 tbls. honey

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 dark chocolate bar

1 can real whipped cream

Maraschino cherries

Instructions:

Heat milk over medium to low heat, stirring constantly until milk starts to bubble slightly (about 10 minutes). Meanwhile, mix sugar and cocoa together until well blended. When milk is ready, gradually add in sugar, cocoa, and honey, stirring constantly. Put heat on low and add shavings of chocolate bar and vanilla. Continue stirring until chocolate has melted. Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Add whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and cherries on top, as desired.

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, October 9

Two Points of interest, October 9

Among the Reads, October 10

A Diva’s Heart, October 10

Luv’N Lambert Life, October 11

Baker Kella, October 11

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 12

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 12

Britt Reads Fiction, October 13

Texas Book-aholic, October 13

Susan Loves Books, October 14

Proud to Be an Autism Mom, October 14

Splashes of Joy, October 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 15

Creating Romance, October 16

Bigreadersite, October 16

Mary Hake, October 17

Janice’s Book Reviews,October 17

Maureen’s Musings, October 18

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 19

Bibliophile Reviews, October 20

Pause for Tales, October 20

More Of Him, October 21

Carpe Diem, October 22

A Baker’s Perspective, October 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Starbuck’s Gift Card and a surprise Christmas gift!!

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/d5c9/the-12-gifts-of-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

“This Courageous Journey” Celebrate Lit Book Tour, Review, and Giveaway

Posted on October 18, 2018October 13, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Review:

“This Courageous Journey” is the first book I have read by author Misty Beller, but it will not be the last. While this was Book 3 in her Heart of the Mountains Series, it can easily be as a stand-alone. This reader loved it so much I am going back to read the other books now.

Author Beller is a talented storyteller. I quickly became invested in this book and stayed that way until the end. My emotions were all over the place while reading this book. I felt like I was on the journey with Noelle and Daniel. Frightened, happy, cold, excited, scared, tense, exhilarated, intrigued, worn out, awed, and even extreme romantic tension all transferred from the pages of this book into me.

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This is the tale of Noelle Grant who ventures through the Canadian Rockies with family friends to see her brother. Their guide, Daniel Abrams, is a rough mountain man, but when the two get together sparks fly. The journey is filled with danger and breathtaking adventure. They encounter fierce wild animals, severe weather, treacherous trails, and many trials. It took courage and faith to complete the trip.

The author did a fabulous job with her story. It was well researched, planned, and written. I love learning things from fiction books I read. This one taught me things I did not know. The author’s style of writing is nice. It flows smoothly and is easy to follow. Characters are well defined. I enjoyed the faith that Noelle had. If it is a Christian novel, I expect there to be some mention of faith, God, and prayer. This one excelled there. There are lessons in this book. God is faithful and always with us. When we do not know what to do, we should ask God for guidance. God gives us strength to carry on.

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If you are a fan of love stories, do not miss this one. The tension is so thick between Noelle and Daniel that I could feel it as I read. When he said “woman, you undo me” I started cheering her. When they kissed, oh, my! Oh, my! Author Beller knows her way around a good romance.

I highly recommend this page turning book. It is adventurous, romantic, historic, and inspirational. The book sweeps you up and takes you on a perilous journey across the Canadian mountains during a time you can only imagine. By the end of it, you feel like you have experienced it. It gets a 5 out of 5 stars from me. Celebrate Lit provided a copy of the book but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest opinions.

About the Book

Book Title: This Courageous Journey
Author: Misty Beller
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: October 9, 2018

As the fifth daughter in a family of nine children, Noelle Grant has spent her life working to be unique. Her love of stories helps define her goal—to be known around the country as one of the top news correspondents of her time. And what better way to uncover sensational stories than to travel through the mountain wilderness to visit the brother she hasn’t seen in years? The trip comes together perfectly as she plans to journey with family friends who will be settling in the same area. Her first inkling that things may not be as perfect as planned comes in the form of the mountain man they hire as their guide for the final leg of the journey.

When Daniel Abrams agrees to guide the small group of easterners along his usual journey northward to the Canadian mountains, his gut tells him he’s making the wrong decision. But if he doesn’t take them, who will? The man in charge refuses to consider turning back. As they start out, Daniel can’t help but notice the woman traveling under the care of her friends. Though she appears too genteel to last long in these mountains, she soon reveals a strength that draws him more than he should allow.

As the dangers of this wilderness become more than the group bargained for, Noelle is faced with the choice to delay her journey northward or proceed alone with the man she’s come to trust against all reason. She never imagines her decision will place her—and the man she loves—in a situation more hazardous than any story her imagination could conjure.

About the Author

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Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Guest Post by Misty Beller

Ever Been Struck by Lightning?

One of the fun things about being a writer is the crazy topics I get to research. Without giving away too much of the story, part of my research for This Courageous Journey included uncovering what happens when lightning strikes a person. It turns out anything can happen!

Surprisingly, about nine out of ten people struck by lightning live to tell their story. Each person’s experience seems to be different—some are knocked unconscious, while others are horribly aware of everything happening. One person who was struck said it seemed as if time slowed to a crawl and a white haze surrounded him like a bubble, as excruciating pain shot through him.

People usually try to determine the path the lightning traveled through them, based on where burn marks appear on both skin and clothing, but sometimes that can be difficult if jewelry or coins were touching the body. Survivors might suffer a variety of short- and long-term effects, including—but not limited to—cardiac arrest, confusion, seizures, dizziness, muscle aches, deafness, headaches, memory deficits, distractibility, personality changes, and chronic pain, among others. That may sound like an awful list, but it does beat the alternative!

As I considered the possible effects of a lightning strike when I was writing This Courageous Journey, I was reminded once again how magnificent God’s creation is. Both the incredible power contained in one streak of lightning, and the beautiful inner workings of the bodies He created for us. As the Psalmist said, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made!”

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, October 11

Among the Reads, October 11

Singing Librarian Books, October 11

The Power of Words, October 12

Multifarious, October 12

Maureen’s Musings, October 12

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 13

Real World Bible Study, October 13

Splashes of Joy, October 14

Artistic Nobody, October 14 (Interview)

Joy of Reading, October 15

Mary Hake, October 15

Janices book reviews, October 15

Kat’s Corner Books, October 16

Livin Lit, October 16

KarenSueHadley, October 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 17

Remembrancy, October 18

Carpe Diem, October 18

Pause for Tales, October 19

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 19

Bigreadersite, October 19

A Baker’s Perspective, October 20

Blossoms and Blessings, October 20

Bibliophile Reviews, October 20

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, October 21

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 21

Wishful Endings, October 22

Simple Harvest Reads, October 22 (Guest post Mindy Houng)

Inspiration Clothesline, October 23

proud to be an autism mom, October 23

Texas Book-aholic, October 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 24

Grow Old with Me, the Best is Yet to Be

Posted on October 15, 2018October 12, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

How many times have you heard this saying? “Grow old with me! The best is yet to be…”? Very romantic, isn’t it? Did you ever wonder where this often misquoted phrase comes from or perhaps you know. Do we really know what the poet meant?

Nineteenth century Victorian English poet Robert Browning wrote “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in His hand…” My heart swoons every time I hear this verse.

My husband and I often recite this to each other and then break out in laughter. Is right now the “best” that we had anticipated? How many times have we lost sight of the “best” on our journey because of inconveniences you wonder? Many times. We are, after all, only human. As we age life takes its toll on our bodies and sometimes throws some twists and turns in our story. Then the why me sets in. Why did my retirement get cut? Why is my husband so ill? And the list goes on.

Reflecting on what exactly is this “best is yet to be” I think it would be different for everyone. It is actually a perspective thing, too. For me, the best is in the little stuff. My husband and I have been together for so long we just know each other better than anyone else. It is the familiarity that comes with time, love, and going through things together. Children, moving, jobs, family deaths, grandchildren, illnesses, and retirement all have a tendency to knit a couple closer together or at least they did us.

The best is him bringing me strawberries because he knows I like them more than other berries. It is him knowing I like my coffee hot, not warm, and that Caramel Vanilla is my favorite. Being able to finish my sentences or hearing what I mean, instead of what I say is a big part of the best. Sharing inside jokes and communicating with just a look or touch. Mimicking accents on movies or television shows is silly, but he knows I love it so he plays along.

Having precious memories of a treasured life together and reminiscing while swinging on the deck is awesome. It doesn’t get much better than that. My table surrounded by my parents, children, and grandchildren is the best of the best. Sure I am getting old, have tackled obstacles, but the best is still coming each day.

The poet says “our times are in His hands” and I am so grateful for that. Actually the Lord’s hands on me is the only way to have a good life. My life would have been and would be so different without God holding me. I cannot imagine it, and I am glad there is no need. He has carried me through many trials and tribulations.

Maybe the “best is yet to be” refers to Heaven. When speaking of the best of any and everything, Heaven is just that. The best of the best. Personally I can think of nothing better than going to Heaven after my time on earth is done. Living everyday with Jesus and my saved loved ones will be the happiest of times. No more pain, heartache, or sorrow, doesn’t that sound like “the best” to you?

Book Review: Marked by Love by Tim Steven

Posted on October 13, 2018October 9, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Marked by Love: A Dare to Walk Away from Judgment and Hypocrisy by author Tim Steven is a frank, real, honest look at how we see and love others. It is an in your face, step on your toes, search inside yourself book that challenges readers. Are others able to identify us by our actions that we are Christians? Can they see Jesus shining through us?

It is not always easy but we are told to love everyone. Scripture says to love and pray for your enemies. Sinners, too, need your love. Perhaps you don’t agree with them, but you can still love them. Love the person and hate the sin.

How do you think we are doing? Are we Christians living as the Bible commands? Are we lovings others? Do we not judge? These are stinging questions but this book is a wake up call to anyone who has forgotten. We are to be Jesus to others and live as He taught us everyday, not just the hour or two on Sunday when we are in church.

The author explains God said twice in scripture “Jesus is marked by my love”. Jesus did not have a tattoo or certain color he always wore to mark Him. The only thing that marked Jesus Christ and the only thing that would mark His followers is love. We as followers are also marked by love. Do we act like it? Can we treat everyone with love? We are commanded to do just that. Not just people we like but everyone. Even those we disagree with in choices, politics, lifestyle, and anything.

I would highly recommend this walk the walk book to anyone. It is very upfront about people needing to change. We need to stop this bickering, judging, and hating. How would our world be if we treated everyone with love and showed them Jesus? Think of the changes! This is a great group read. Believe me, you will want to discuss it with people. You will want to change for the better. This reader did. It gets a 5 out of 5 stars from me. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own honest ones.

Book Review: A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson

Posted on October 12, 2018October 9, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

A Sparkle of Silver by author Liz Johnson is a contemporary Christian fiction. This 368 page romance mystery is set on Georgia’s coast. It is Book One in the author’s Georgia Coast Romance Series and the first book I have read by her. She does a lovely romantic mystery.

I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. Her book was interesting, well planned, and written so that it kept my interest. It was well researched and gave details and information on a time period and things I did not know. I love that in a book. This one flashed back to the 1920’s. Characters were realistic and believable. It was easy to imagine them and their feelings. The Christian element was present, another important issue for me with Christian books.

This is the story of Millie Sullivan. Years ago her great grandmother had a guest at an oil tycoon’s estate on St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. Now Millie is working as a guest at the same estate’s tourist attraction. Millie’s Grandma Joy insinuates there a clue to a treasure in the great grandmother’s old journal. It happens to be hidden in the chateau. Millie decides to search for the journal since she needs money and is caught by security guard Ben Thornton. A deal is hatched, sparks begin to fly, and the adventure begins.

The author does a wonderful job with this tale. The past and present are seamlessly interwoven to make a story that caught my attention early. A few twists were thrown in to keep readers guessing. Timely topics are touched on such as dementia, loyalty, family, forgiveness, money issues, and growing in faith. All in all this is a worthy read.

I recommend A Sparkle of Silver to anyone that likes Christian contemporary fiction, especially romantic mysteries. This one has adventure and history. It offers a lot. I liked it very much and rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

I was given this book by the publisher and not required to write a review. All opinions are my own honest ones.

Book Review: The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear

Posted on October 11, 2018October 9, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Cumberland Bride by author Shannon McNear is Book 5 in the Daughters of the Mayflower Series. This 256 page Christian historical novel was filled with adventure, romance, and of course history. Even though it is Book 5, readers that have not read the first four will be able to follow it without any issues.

Shannon McNear is a new author to me. I enjoyed her style of writing. The story caught my attention within a few pages and strongly held it until the end. Her style is easy to understand, flows smoothly, and I could tell this book had been well researched. I love a book that teaches me things, and this one did just that. Another thing I want from a Christian book is inspiration. This one provided that, also. The descriptions were detailed without being overlong. This book swept me back in time to 1794 and I was able to go on a journey in the wilderness. It took me through some twists and turns, emotions were raw at times, but I loved this captivating book.

The Cumberland Bride is the tale of Kate Gruener. Kate her family are venturing from Bean’s Station, Tennessee, through the Cumberland Gap into the wilderness of western Kentucky. It is also the story of Thomas Bledsoe, the scout for their party. Thomas has experience with Indians. As one might think, their journey is filled with adventure, danger, thrills, and peril. It is also filled with faith, hope, love, trust, and prayers to God.

The author has done a wonderful job with her characters. They are relatable, well rounded, and feel like friends. I could feel their emotions coming through the pages. Conversations sounded authentic. The love story was one of the best I have read in a while. All in all this is a charming book that begs to be read in one sitting. If only life would have cooperated, I would have done just that. It took me two days to read it, and I set it down begrudgingly.

I highly recommend this to anyone that likes historical fiction or historical romance. It is a page turner that you will learn from and provide you with reading enjoyment. If you like Colonial times, Appalachian Trail, or early Tennessee and Kentucky books, please don’t miss this one. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and all opinions are my own honest ones.