“Uniquely Common” by Author Caryl McAdoo Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on April 28, 2019April 25, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to my stop on Celebrate Lit’s tour for “Uniquely Common” by Author Caryl McAdoo. We will talk about the Book, learn about the author, and hear her thoughts on the book. She has a generous giveaway so be sure to enter it at the end. Let’s get started.

My Thoughts

The first thing I noticed was the beautiful cover on Uniquely Common by Caryl McAdoo. The next thing was that it was part of the Lockets and Lace Collection. The title of the book “Uniquely Uncommon” struck me as intriguing, also. All that being said, I was ready to dive in.

From page one this book had my interest. I became invested in the characters lives quickly. Poor Asher, a widower with two daughters and a younger sister tagging along on his journey out West. Christine (Chrissy), his sister, had just been jilted by her scoundrel of a boyfriend. The girls, her adorable nieces, decide to become matchmakers for their beloved auntie.

Wow, what a delightful book. I giggled my way through it. Author McAdoo has a knack for combining inspiration, faith, humor, history, and romance into one entertaining book that keeps readers on their toes. Plenty of twists and turns are added to maintain interest throughout the story. For me, the faith element was not as strong as in some of her books, but it is still woven from beginning to end. There is no question that this is a Christian Fiction novel. This books lives up to its Christian Fiction categorization.

Set in 1851, this book takes readers on a train ride and then boat journey to California. It has many fun historical facts about the time period and pioneers. I love books that leave me with information. It is a fun way to learn.

Author McAdoo scoops readers right up and plops them down in the middle of her setting and storyline. Her characters become friends as I “live” each book. This brilliant offering was well thought, researched, and exquisitely written.

Whether you are a seasoned fan of Caryl McAdoo or this will be your first time to experience one of her books, you will no doubt love it. I certainly did. She brings characters, settings, and situations to live with her lovely engaging writing style.

I highly recommend this book. It is a fast paced one so be prepared to call out for dinner or eat left overs. You won’t want to stop reading to cook dinner! I didn’t. There are no discussion questions at the end, but there are sneak previews for upcoming books. “Uniquely Common” gets a 5 out of 5 stars from me. It was a page-turning delight for me. I think a book club would love reading and discussing this book. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own thoughts and opinions.

About the Book

Book: Uniquely Common

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 4, 2019

Steel sharpens steel, but will its sparks ignite unfailing love?

Instead of living a pampered life on the civilized east coast with a new husband, rejection compels Christina Adams westward with her widowed brother and his two daughters. Harboring ulterior motives, Ethan Cord, the man her brother hires to accompany the family, is more a match for her, and he appears almost perfect, but how could she possibly trust her instincts about him when she’d been so wrong about her previous fiancé? Will her past ruin her future?

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling novels—over forty published—delight Christian readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her—listen to a few at YouTube. Sharing four children and eighteen grandsugars with Ron, her high-school-sweetheart-husband of fifty years, she lives in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

One thing I love about this book is that as it draws to its end in Saint Joseph, Missouri, a new young woman is introduced, Remi, and her book—my May ‘Prairie Roses Collection’ story REMI—continues with the Adams family and segues into a new romance!

I hope readers will love that as well, praying my story gives God glory!

More from Caryl

I’m so excited about this year’s Lockets and Lace story! I’ve fallen in love with its characters. Asher and his sister Christina, his girls Samantha and Patricia, and his friend, Ethan Cord is certainly a man’s man though he has a checkered past to overcome.

His wife dies in childbirth, leaving him with two little girls, then when his parents pass, too, what’s to tie Asher Adams to New York?

His younger sister Christina is about to be settled into her new life, married and well cared for, so there’s nothing holding the wine merchant back from his dreams of owning a vineyard in the Napa Valley. He decides a new life in the west is the best thing for him and his daughters.

Then at the last minute, the family is turned upside down when the rogue engaged to Christina dumps her and calls the wedding off. Asher’s already sold the brownstone. She suddenly has nowhere to go and no one to watch over her if he leaves.

She never wanted to, but he insists her only choice is to go with them, accompany him and her nieces and make her new life in California . . . and he knows the perfect man for her, too!

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, April 23

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, April 24

Splashes of Joy, April 25

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 28

Bigreadersite, April 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 29

For Him and My Family, April 30

Texas Book-aholic, May 1

janicesbookreviews, May 2

A Reader’s Brain, May 3

KarenSueHadley, May 4

Inklings and notions, May 5

The Becca Files, May 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away

Grand Prize $50 Amazon Gift Card

1st Place – Print copy of UNIQUELY COMMON

2nd place – eBook copy of UNIQUELY COMMON

3rd place – Choice eBook of Caryl’s FORTY+ titles!!

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/de84/uniquely-common-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thirty Days Hath Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on April 24, 2019April 16, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

“Thirty Days Hath” is a very creative, original contemporary Christian romance offering from author Chautona Havig. She injects her unique writing style which lends humor, emotion, and twists into this unique novel just like she has her other ones. It’s a delightful tale unlike any I have ever read.

This is the story of bachelor Adric Garrison. His sister and her minister husband have come up with a plan to help Adric find Mrs. Right. Their scheme is a cross between the television show The Bachelor and an online dating service. Two ministers take applications for potential girlfriends for Adric. Each approved applicant along with her chaperone will come and live with Adric for a month. How’s that for discovering compatibility?

The Christian element could be stronger, but it is definitely there. I’m not sure how likely it is that a minister would be involved in an idea of this type, but this is not real life. It is a fun book. For me it was a page turner. I was invested in Adric’s life and had a hard time putting the book down.

There was a wide variety of characters in this book and I do mean characters. The women were all so different in very many ways. Secondary characters, Adric’s sister’s children, his friends, the chaperones, and his workers were all well done. Dialogue throughout this novel is plentiful and realistic.

The premise of someone actually doing this, going into a stranger’s home and living there with him for a month, sounds ridiculous. However, I’m sure if pitched as a television series it would get serious consideration. The idea of “calendar” girls competing for a man did not seem realistic to me, but then neither do a lot of the dating shows on tv.

It was a fun read and had me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. I loved the Christian element, the sweet romance, the lighthearted humor, and even the emotional side of it. Author Havig has written a quirky, delightfully transparent look into the world of mature dating. This is well written, well planned, researched, and organized great.

Definitely I would recommend. Anyone that likes Contemporary romance will love this. I rated this a 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided but I was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

About the Book

Book: Thirty Days Hath

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian fiction, contemporary romance

Release Date: Revised edition, Feb 26, 2019

Blind Dates Are for Wimps!

At least, that’s what Adric Garrison thinks.
Can you blame him? Thanks to his sister and brother-in-law, Adric is about to embark on a year of month-long, chaperoned, blind dates. Awkward.

He didn’t ask for it. But Adric still finds himself living what seems more like a bad TV reality show than a new life in Fairbury.

Once an ordinary (if prematurely gray and vertically challenged) guy, Adric is now Fairbury’s newest “most eligible bachelor,” and dreams of permanent bachelorhood loom on the horizon. Will he call it quits before the year is out, or will one of his “girls of the month” change his mind?

One man, twelve women, one happily ever after.

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

A SILENT TRUTH NO ONE ADMITS: BLIND DATES ARE FOR WIMPS

Maybe I’m not the one to talk. After all, I never dated. Not really. My best friend in high school was a guy. We went to the movies. We did things. Still, we were just great friends.

I had what might be considered one date in Lubbock, Texas in 1987. Maybe. I didn’t consider it one, but I suppose the guy might have. Maybe.

Then I went from best friends with the guy I’ve been married to for 30 years to engaged in the span of a few seconds after what might have been a rhetorical question. He’s under orders not to tell me if it was. After all, he’s the fool who went on to say, “I do.” Just sayin’.

Still, in the first decade of the 21^st century, I discovered a new “thing” in reality TV. The Bachelor. Though I tried watching it, I couldn’t after a while. It started out reasonably clean, but then it devolved into cat fights, spit-swapping sessions, and drama. Oh, the drama.

But one aspect intrigued me. The focused attention to finding the girl. What if Christians did that? What if we stopped playing the silly game of “pretend we’re not in this to see if you’re someone I could put up with for the next fifty or sixty years…”? Oh, man. What if the church rallied around its members and helped without pushing.

Trust me, you don’t want to push too much. You may discover that the people you’re pushing just get together and talk about it. Laugh at your antics. Mock the ridiculousness of it. Not that Kevin and I ever did that back in the day or anything. (Check out that story HERE.)

That “what if?” spurred an idea.

Sister churches. Chaperones. Not a couple of weeks in a giant house somewhere, but a whole month of real living with someone, day in. Day out. And again, with that chaperone to avoid that “appearance of evil” thing. If you could spend that much time with someone, seeing warts, virtues, best and worst sides… well, maybe you might just be right for each other.

At the least, you’d have a good idea if you even wanted to find out. That’s a healthier and quicker start than two or three months of a date here or there and hoping you’re seeing the real person. Right?

I created a character and ran with it. From giving him less than Hollywood good looks, to an anger problem and a blue-collar job, Adric had lots going for him… and not so much!

Then I tested it out. Acid test. I signed him up for eHarmony.

No, really. I did.

For the record, apparently short, prematurely graying mechanics with anger issues are a hot commodity. It took hours to get it set up, but man there were many women out there for him… supposedly.

And to this day, my Gmail email (that I never use) still says adricgarrison@gmail.com. No joke.

For what it’s worth, Adric learned one very difficult lesson that year.

As I’ve already confessed. I’ve never been on a blind date. I doubt anyone would even consider that I’ve been on a date. Still, after writing this book, I know for one thing.Blind Dates Are for Wimps.

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, April 15

Through the Fire Blogs, April 15

For Him and My Family, April 16

cultivating us, April 16

Godly Book Reviews, April 17

mpbooks, April 17

Among the Reads, April 18

Multifarious, April 19

Inspired by Fiction, April 19

EmpowerMoms, April 20

SusanLovesBooks, April 20

Remembrancy, April 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 21

Rebekah’s Quill, April 22

Texas Book-aholic, April 22

Aryn The Libraryan, April 23

janicesbookreviews, April 23

Lots of Helpers, April 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 24

A Reader’s Brain, April 25

Bigreadersite, April 26

Inklings and notions, April 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 27

The Becca Files, April 27

Real World Bible Study, April 28

God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae, April 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a grand prize of a paperback copy of Thirty Days Hath, book cozy, and a $25 Starbucks gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into to the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/dee7/thirty-days-hath-celebration-tour-giveaway

But, Who is Praying for Me?

Posted on April 23, 2019April 23, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Prayer Warriors are constantly praying for someone. There is so much to lift up to God and it seems so little time. We intercede for the sick, lost, hurting, and needy. For the mother whose baby is desperately trying to stay in her womb to grow strong. For the father trying to work overtime or a second job just to make ends meet. For the teenager caught in the middle of making some life changing decisions. For our President and government leaders. Let’s not forget our family and friends.

See what I mean? We have so many people depending and deserving of our prayers. Years ago my niece, Phoebe, and I were talking about praying. She was little and not even in school. A friend had called me and asked if I could pray for her granddaughter. One thing led to another and I told Phoebe if she listened with her heart instead of her ears she could hear who needed her prayers. Many times God will tell us.

A couple of weeks later she was excited to tell me she felt her first prayer request. After dinner the night before she heard her Daddy say that a lady he worked with was going to be out because of surgery. “I don’t even know her name, Aunt Sissy, but my heart heard for me to pray for her.” Wonderful! She did understand what we were discussing. Right then we stopped everything and prayed for the woman. Now in her mid-twenties, Phoebe is still a Prayer Warrior.

On the flip side, I have someone that has been mad at me for over two decades. I can’t say exactly why, buy I have apologized and shouldered the blame in hopes of reconciling with this friend. A few times I have tried to have a “peace talk” with her, but it always goes no where. This last time, I asked how things had been going in her life and told her that I had been praying daily for her and our relationship. Then I asked if she prayed for me and our relationship, too. She looked at me as if my hair had just turned turquoise and laughingly said “no, why would I?”

Out of all the vicious remarks this friend has made, none hurt even a fraction as much as this one did. I thought everyone prayed for the people they loved. Maybe that was it, she had stopped loving me. All I know is that in that moment I felt so lost and alone. No one was praying for me? Prayer is the biggest blessing to give someone.

Ever feel like you are lost and alone with no one to lift you up in prayer? I have great news. You may pray for yourself. Yep, it is allowed. Also, the Holy Spirit will lift you up, too. You might be surprised to find some little Phoebes that have been listening with their hears and are praying for you.

There are no special words needed. No super formula. Just have a heart to heart with your maker. The Bible tells us in Romans 8:26“…but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

We always have someone praying for us. No need to fret. Easy your mind and rest in the Lord. Oh, and keep praying!

The Governess of Penwythe Hall Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on April 22, 2019April 22, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to Celebrate Lit’s Book Tour for “The Governess of Penwythe Hall” by author Sarah E. Ladd. I hope you enjoy reading about this Regency romance. Be sure to enter the giveaway which is detailed at the bottom.

My Thoughts

The first thing that drew me in to this novel was the beautiful, serene cover. Next was the writing that captivated me from the very beginning. Author Ladd has done a brilliant job with this poignant tale.

This is the story of Cordelia (Delia) Greythorne. The book opens with her being newly widowed and threatened by her mother-in-law. Immediately my heart went out to her and I felt her emotions. I was invested in her story and could not put the book down.

The characters are very well thought in this English early 1800 fiction piece. Delia is a strong woman with an admirable character. She is employed as a governess and dearly loves the children under her care. Jac Twethewey of Penwythe Hall is the guardian for the children. He is also their estranged uncle. His character is also a strong willed one. The children are delightful, especially little Miss Sophy.

Many relevant timely issues are touched upon in this stirring book. Right at the beginning there is a major family issue and death. Faith, depending on God, caring for others, facing fears, smugglers, making choices, and forgiveness are all touched on in this book.

In this book I found intrigue, mystery, light romance, history, inspiration, as well as twists and turns. The writing was well done and took me to a place and time that I had never been. It was easy to imagine the crashing salty waves and crusty characters. I loved the attention to detail. It was evident the author did her research.

I would recommend this for Regency lovers. It is a very nice story that is engaging until the end. I rated it a 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was not required to write a review. These are my honest thoughts.

About the Book

Book: The Governess of Penwythe Hall

Author: Sarah Ladd

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: April 16, 2019

In the first of a new series from beloved Regency romance author, Sarah Ladd, Delia, a governess to five recently orphaned children, would risk anything to protect them . . . even her heart. Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811

Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.

Click here to purchase

About the Author

Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky golden retriever. Visit her online, Facebook, and Twitter.

More About the Governess of Penwythe Hall

5 things to know about Cornwall, England:

1. Throughout its early history, Cornwall’s inhabitants called the country Kernow.
2. Early inhabitants largely spoke their own language known as “Cornish,” which became nearly extinct in the 1800s
3. The country has a long and rugged coastline and there were frequent shipwrecks.
4. Fishing was a major industry, with herring, mackerel, and sardines being common catches.
5. In 1870, novelist and poet Thomas Hardy called Cornwall “the region of dream and mystery.”

Imagine yourself in The Governess of Penwythe Hall with these pictures of 19^th Century life in Cornwall

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2016/may/19/everyday-life-in-cornwall-captured-in-the-19th-century-in-pictures

Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads, April 11

LifeofLiterature, April 11

Moments, April 11

Genesis 5020, April 11

Maureen’s Musings, April 12

The Power of Words, April 12

Mary Hake, April 12

To Everything A Season, April 12

KarenSueHadley, April 13

EmpowerMoms, April 13

For the Love of Literature, April 13

Inklings and notions, April 13

The Avid Reader, April 14

Blogging With Carol, April 14

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 14

Rachel’s Back Talk, April 15

Wishful Endings, April 15

Simple Harvest Reads, April 15 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Kat’s Corner Books, April 16

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 16

Daysong Reflections, April 16

The Becca Files, April 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 17

Blossoms and Blessings, April 17

Remembrancy, April 17

Worthy2Read, April 18

By The Book, April 18

Texas Book-aholic, April 18

Just the Write Escape, April 19

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, April 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 19

Babbling Becky’s Book Impressions, April 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20

For HIm and My Family, April 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 21

Inspiration Clothesline, April 21

Pause for Tales, April 21

Through the Fire Blogs, April 22

Bigreadersite, April 22

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 22

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 22

Inspired by fiction, April 23

A Reader’s Brain, April 23

Hallie Reads, April 23

Henry Happens, April 24

Connect in Fiction, April 24

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, April 24

janicesbookreviews, April 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away a grand prize of a finished paperback copy of The Governess of Penwythe Hall. Be sure to comment on the blog stops (schedule below) for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter and Good Luck! Sarah Ladd has created audio clips from The Governess of Penwythe Hall that will allow readers to hear how the Cornish names are pronounced. The audio clips are available on Sound Cloud.

He Lives!

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

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah! Today is Easter, Resurrection Sunday. Lent has been finished. Have you prepared your body, mind, and spirit for worshipping our risen Savior? We have talked about why He came, what He did, what He expects of us, and learned many things these past forty days, but the most important thing about Lent is have we prepared ourselves for Easter and worship? Are you ready? Me, too!

Churches have all types of Easter services some started on Friday night and go through tonight. One of the most popular is the Sunrise Service. Did you go today? It is a special time to worship and usually done outdoors. If not today have you ever worshipped at dawn on Easter watching the sun come up and imaging Jesus Christ rising from the dead? It doesn’t matter when or where we worship, just that we do.

On Easter morning the women went about their normal routine of checking the tomb for Jesus. What they found today was quite different. An angel sat on the huge stone that had been rolled away.

The Bible says Mary, mother of James, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Salome gathered at the tomb and saw that the large stone had been rolled away from the entrance. An angel was there and said “Don’t be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen.” (Mt. 28:5-6, NLT).

When they looked inside the tomb it was indeed empty. The angel asked them “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you that He would be turned over to sinful men, be crucified, and rise again on the third day!” – Luke 24:6-7

The shroud covering Christ’s body was neatly folded and placed where His body had been. That is significant because during those times a folded napkin at a table meant the person would return. He was not finished. He was returning. Jesus took the time to send that message to His followers. “I am returning.” He was not finished yet.

Jesus had accomplished what was foretold by the prophets. God’s Son was beaten, accused, crucified, placed in a tomb, and He arose on the third day. He had done what He said He would. He conquered sin and death. Our sin debts had been stamped “paid in full” because of our Savior. He gave everything for our salvation, but what have we given in return? Do I give Him my love and devotion? My obedience? Have I submitted my will to His?

Take time this Easter to really worship and think about the great sacrifice Jesus made for you. He didn’t just die on the cross for the disciples and Bible people. We are included in the covenant, too. He died for Cheri, Janice, Joyce, Tom, Donna, Den, Vanessa, Jason, and even me. Yes, He died for us, but He arose. He paid the price so that we may reign in Heaven as heirs of the true King. He died so that we might live. Life after death is real. It is our gift for the taking. Rejoice! He is alive. Worship Him. He will return as promised. Let’s rejoice, worship, and stay ready.

Holy Saturday or Easter Eve

Posted on April 20, 2019April 18, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Holy Saturday, Easter Eve or Black Saturday is the name given to the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Some Christians recognize Holy Saturday as the day on which Jesus “rested” from His work of providing salvation. It is the seventh day of Holy Week. When Jesus died, He called out, “It is finished!” He had completed His job. Sin had been atoned for and salvation was now available. Jesus had built a bridge between the Father and us. We can now go straight to Him and not via priests and holy men.

This day is traditionally a time of reflection and waiting like Lent. Jesus’ followers spent this day waiting after his crucifixion on Good Friday. He had said He would rise from the dead so they would be watching for Him. Most likely they would be recalling every word He said to them.

It is also the day when Roman governor Pontius Pilate instructed guards to be posted at the tomb to prevent Jesus’ followers from removing the body to claim that He had risen from the dead. Pilate sealed the tomb, secured it, and posted guards. No one was getting in.

How have you felt reading the activities and what happened during the days of Holy Week? I learned some things when researching for this week’s blog that I did not know before now. I felt like I was there trailing around after Jesus, too. At the end of each day my emotions were raw. How could the people be so callus and blind not to see that Jesus was The Son of God? How could they beat and torture anyone to that degree, let alone Him? I was outraged and heartbroken. I cried heartfelt tears of anguish.

I know the ending. I also know this was God’s plan, but it still hurts. For those of us baptized, when we were baptized we died with Christ (going down under water) and arose with Him (rising up again).

Scripture tells us this in Romans 6:3-11 King James Version (KJV):

^”Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

So, while we await Resurrection Sunday, take a moment to reflect. Just as we were baptized and died with Jesus, we died to sin. We should sever the bond sin has over us and sin no more. After He died for us, it is the least we can do for Him.

Good Friday

Posted on April 19, 2019April 17, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Good Friday or Holy Friday. Where did that name come from for the awful day our Lord Jesus was falsely accused, condemned, beaten, and crucified? Good? How was that day good? Scholars say the word “good” comes from the Old English “good” meaning holy. Others argue that the good comes from Jesus sacrificing himself for us. That is the best thing that could ever happen for us. Jesus paid the ultimate price and we received the ultimate good gift.

Early Friday morning, Judas realized what he had done and was overcome by guilt. He threw the money on the ground and he hanged himself on a tree, not being able to live with what he had done. Around 9:00 a.m. Jesus was in the midst of being mocked, accused falsely, shamed, and horribly beaten. Horribly beaten is putting it mildly. He was whipped and scourged to the point His flesh was torn off. Some accounts say that His bones were exposed showing white against the bloody red. Still our precious Lord did not cry out. He endured true to scripture. Then after a corrupt trial He was sentenced to be crucified, which is one of the most agonizing, painful, and disgraceful deaths of that time or any.

They placed a crown made out of pointed, sharp thorns on His head and pressed it down. Hard. The large thorns cut into His head and face. Can you imagine the pain of just that one act? They mocked Him, spat on Him, and made Him carry His own heavy cross. The weight was so heavy He stumbled under it. The soldiers grabbed someone from the crowd to help carry it.

He was still being tormented. Even as the soldiers hammered the nails in His precious body to the wooden cross, He was being insulted and mocked. Did He respond in kind? No. Through it all He remained silent.

His followers were clustered at the foot of the cross. They were mourning, grieving, and suffering. Did Jesus finally say anything? What did Jesus say? He told Mary and John there were now mother and son. He lifted His head and asked: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34, NIV).

He asked for forgiveness for those crucifying and tormenting Him. Then, the soldiers divided His clothes among themselves. They continued to mock Him and baited Him saying if He was truly God’s Son, then save Himself. One of the thieves hanging beside Him asked Jesus to remember him for surely He was God’s Son. Jesus told the thief he would be in Paradise with Jesus.

Around noon it became very dark and gloomy. The sun stopped shinning. Around 2:00 Jesus asked “My God, why have You forsaken Me?” And then Jesus realized to fulfill scripture one more thing must be done, so He said “I am thirsty.” They gave Him some sour wine on a sponge and held it up with a branch. After tasting it, Jesus said “It is finished.” He then said in a loud, clear voice with head lifted “Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit.”

Then he died. This was about the ninth hour or 3:00 p.m. This literally shook the world. There was an earthquake, rocks broke, the temple curtains were torn in half, and tombs opened and bodies of Holy people were raised to life.” Wow! Can you imagine being there?

Rather than break his legs as they do at the end, the soldier took a sword and pierced Jesus in the side. Blood and water gushed out. They were positive He was dead. Oh, can you comprehend what His poor mother and followers went through watching that? The heartbreak?

Joseph of Arimathea asked for the body of Jesus so that He could be buried in a tomb on his land. Then before 6 p.m. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, took Jesus down from the cross and lay His body in a tomb. The tomb was sealed with a large, heavy stone that took more than one soldier to move. More soldiers were posted to guard overnight.

Did I take you through the events of Good Friday? I hope you were able to walk there and envision it. It is unbelievable the pain of that day, isn’t it. To say Jesus suffered and died is so understated. Jesus was tortured, beaten, mocked, flogged, had nails driven through his hands and feet, and was bloody almost beyond recognition. He did this for us. You and me.

Maundy Thursday, a New Commandment is Given

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

Today is Holy Thursday which is known as Maundy Thursday. Maundy is derived from a Latin word that means commandment. This is the day that Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment – to love others as He has loved them. (John 13:34). They were gathered in the Upper Room.

Jesus was at the table with His apostles and spoke to them of what was to come. He was preparing them for His suffering. They dined on the usual Passover meal, but Jesus stopped at the the bread and wine. He gave it a special meaning. Jesus said that these would be a symbol of His body and blood to His followers to remind them that through His death, our sins are forgiven.

” And He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” After taking the cup, He gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

Do you think of Him each time you take communion? He paid the ultimate price for our eternity. More than we could ever imagine.

Jesus and His disciples often gathered in the “Upper Room”. It was where they normally stayed while in Jerusalem. Today Jesus began His teaching by example. After they ate He washed the disciples feet. What a humbling experience for them! Even Peter told Him that Peter should be washing His feet, but Jesus said no. In John it says “Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

I cannot fathom what it must have felt like for the apostles. Jesus was telling them of His upcoming death but that through it we all might have eternal life. He was showing by example that we are to be humble and to love everyone, even our enemies – even those who are our Judas.

Afterwards Jesus and a few of His followers went to the Garden of Gethsemene to pray. It is there that Judas identified Jesus with a kiss and He was taken by the soldiers. Things start to get rowdy but Jesus quiets His apostles. He will not allow violence. In fact, He heals a soldier whose ear was severed. Jesus is arrested and taken to the authorities.

My heart is heavy writing this. Can you imagine how it felt to actually be there? Thank you for revisiting Maundy Thursday with me. Tomorrow we will see what Good Friday holds.

Holy Wednesday or Spy Wednesday

Posted on April 17, 2019April 17, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Spy Wednesday is an odd name for a day during Holy Week or at least it seems to be for me. There is no secretive or symbolic meaning. It is just what it says it is about – a spy or traitor among Jesus and a His followers.

Judas, we all know, was the one that betrayed Jesus to the Sanhedrin. Luke 22:3-6 tells us:

“Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray Him unto them in the absence of the multitude.”

Did you realize that Satan entered Judas? Of course, Satan always has his hand in bad things. He uses people. Twists words and situations around until evil doesn’t sound bad. He is the master deceiver.

Did you ever wonder why the Sanhedrin decided on paying Judas thirty pieces of silver? In the Old Testament, Exodus states that the price for a slave that accidentally dies by an ox is thirty pieces of silver. The Sanhedrin were paying the price of a dead slave to Judas for his deception. It was an insult to Jesus that they thought Him worth only what a dead slave was. Obviously Judas thought that, also. Our Redeemer and precious Savior, whose value is beyond measure, was sold out for the price of a dead slave.

There is something else that happened on Holy Wednesday. It is the anointment of Jesus at Bethany. Scriptures tell us that while Jesus was at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came in with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume. It was made of pure Spikenard. She anointed Jesus with this expensive oil and dried his feet with her hair.

Matthew 26:6-13:

“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Judas did not approve of this at all. He thought the oil should have been sold and the money put in the treasury for helping the poor. Satan used Judas’ love of money to gain a foothold in Judas’ life. Don’t let that happen to you.

I hope today’s blog has blessed you and given you a little more insight into Wednesday of Holy Week.

Holy Tuesday, Jesus Teaches in Parables

Posted on April 16, 2019April 14, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Tuesday the disciples walked back by the fig tree from yesterday that Jesus cursed. It was now withered and dead. Jesus used that to teach them about faith, true faith. A person or nation that does not produce fruit for God (do His work) will wither and die all the way down to its roots. The tree had leaves so by first sight it looked like it was producing. A closer look revealed no fruit. Then Jesus cursed it so it withered and died.

Are you producing fruit? Are you leading people to God? Helping them find salvation? Does the light of Jesus shine through you? Are you loving, kind, selfless, good, joyful, and have the fruits of the spirit? Don’t wither away. Grow tall and produce fruit. Increase in your faith. Flourish in your love for Jesus. You will be amazed at the things that will happen when you believe and have faith!

“Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then He said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.” Mt. 21:19

“Jesus replied, ‘Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Mt. 21:21-22

They returned to the Temple and the religious leaders were upset at Jesus for establishing himself as a spiritual authority. He had a large following now. Jesus evaded the traps the leaders set for Him with their questions. He scolded them in Matt. 23 and compared them to tombs – beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people.

Jesus took His disciples to the Mount of Olives and told them parables about end times and His return. Those who wait for the Master’s coming—the wise and faithful servant (Matthew 24:45-51), the five wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), and the good servant who uses his resources wisely (Matthew 25:14-30) are a few of the ones.

Do you remember any of these parables from Sunday School or Vacation Bible School? The point is to have faith and be ready for Jesus. He is coming back just like He promised. When? Well, that is not for us to know. We are just supposed to be ready at a moment’s notice.

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