Must Read Monday: The Fashion Designer by Nancy Moser

     The Fashion Designer by author Nancy Moser is Book Two following The Pattern Artist. Even though it is a sequel it could be read as a stand alone because the author provides enough information about prior events to allow readers to follow along easily.  This historical Christian fiction focuses on not only fashion but women’s rights, inspiration, faith, and character.
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     This book has been extremely well researched by author Moser.  It is well planned, organized, and well thought.  The novel is packed with historical details. Detailed descriptions of the time period and place took me right there. It was as if I had left my porch swing and was transported back in time to New York City in 1912 when women were still fighting for our rights.
     The characters are well rounded and defined.  The heroine, Annie, wants to design clothing that the normal, everyday woman can afford.  Even more scandalously she has plans to make a maternity line for those expecting.  This was definitely an eye opening experience reading about how much things have changed.
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     Faith is sprinkled throughout “The Fashion Designer”.  Some characters walk the Christian Walk and it is evident.  Others hide their light or not know God.  The main characters discuss their faith, pray, have faith and trust God.  It is inspiring and encouraging in many parts.

     Some tough issues are broached in this book.  Issues that unfortunately woman have always struggled with such as domestic abuse, marital issues, pregnancy problems, rape, and self esteem.  It was difficult to read how a husband treated his wife, but I am certain worse things actually happen.  For some people these topics might really hit close to home so they should be aware of this content.  There are definitely adult situations in this book.  Things such as smoking, drinking, rape, abuse, and losing one’s virginity should encourage you to steer younger readers away from this book.

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     This was a delightful, emotional tale of a time period I knew little about before but have learned much since reading this book.  I enjoyed the author’s style and characters.  The faith and inspiration were wonderful.  The adult themes were a bit too dark for this reader, but I would imagine it was true to life.  Everything is not always sunshine and puppies in the read world so why should we expect that of our books?
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     Book One, The Pattern Artist, was a wonderful story, too.  Both books may be read as stand alone, but together they make a powerful tale.  This is a redemption story.  A second chances can happen tale.  It isn’t a fluffy light chicklet book, but a heavy dose of ponder on this long after you’ve finished it book.  It is haunting in parts.  This is a book most women would enjoy reading in a book club so that they could discuss it.  It isn’t a light romance.  This is a heavy thought provoking inspirational book.  I highly recommend it and rated it 4 out of 5 stars.  A copy was provided by Barbour for my honest opinion.

 

Find a Book Friday: My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas – Madeline’s Search

Have you ever been to Galveston, Texas before and seen all of the sights?  Before you say yes, let me continue….in the year 1880?  That is a place in time none of us have ever been, but after reading this novel we will all feel as if we had. That, my friends, is the result of a good book.  My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas – Madeline’s Search by author Kathleen Y’Barbo is 256 pages of Christian fiction that will pick you up and take you on a journey to 1880 Texas.  You will be in the heart of action, mystery, intrigue, and even romance.
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Author Kathleen Y’Barbo has a unique style of writing, and I find it to be to my taste.  Her descriptions are on point and characters are well defined.  The dialog is plentiful and flowed easily between characters.  That makes a book more interesting for me.  The story had been researched well so that each detail would put me in 1880 Galveston.  I learned some things which I find to be a bonus in historical books.  It is always a treat to glean knowledge while reading for pleasure.  Don’t you agree?
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This is the tale of Pinkerton Agent Jonah Cahill and investigative reporter Madeline Latour.  Jonah is employed by Mrs. Smith to find her granddaughter.  Madeline is the illusive Mrs. Smith’s traveling companion in hopes of obtaining the story of a lifetime, an exclusive first hand account about this woman and all of her secrets.  Jonah normally travels alone while working, but Mrs. Smith insists that she and Madeline accompany him in his search for her granddaughter.  Who could refuse Mrs. Smith?  Certainly not Jonah.
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In this book a secret about Madeline and Jonah is revealed.  It adds an extra layer of tension and conflict which heightens readers interest and kept me invested in their lives.  This novel have something for everyone – intrigue, mystery, secrets, romance, twists, life lessons, and encouragement.  I found lost treasures, lost loves, and a wealth of historical information.
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I would recommend this book.  It is a delightful historical Christian mystery romance.  There is something for everyone within its pages.  Read it in a group or with friends so that you could discuss the “can you believe that just happened” moments.  It turns into quite the page turner after reading a few chapters.  I rated it a 4 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.  These are my own honest opinions.

Vacations are Nice, but I Yearn for Home

Have you been on vacation this year?  Most people take an annual vacation and often more than one.  Some people have a favorite spot to visit each year while others enjoy seeing new places. Me, I like both.  Seeing new places is great.  The sights, experiences, and tastes of somewhere I have never before been is an exciting adventure.  A new treasure could be awaiting me there.

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My favorite getaway is a cabin high in the Smokey Mountains with my family for the week.  I could handle that vacation at least once a year and probably more.  The majesty of God’s beautiful mountains take my breath away each time we drive to Gatlinburg.  Like a child I become excited when I see a chipmunk, raccoon, or bear off of the cabin’s deck while having coffee in the morning.

After vacation, there’s no place like home

Vacation, an extended period of recreation spent away from home or in traveling, is nice for a time, but after it is over it is nice to be home.  Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz emotionally repeats “there’s no place like home” and I agree.  No matter how good vacation has been, we are always happy to be home when it is over.

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My maternal grandmother often would tell me “you know, this old world is not our home.”  That was confusing to a child, but the older I got the more she explained.  Finally I understood.  Mammaw was talking about Heaven.  She would tell me her soul longed for “home” and to be with loved ones there.  When she spoke of Heaven it was beautiful and biblical.

“In Heaven there will be no sickness or pain, no tears, and affliction.  We will be whole with perfect bodies.”  She would laugh when I asked what we would do all day for eternity.  “Probably the same things we do now only better” she would brightly say and break out in song “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.  My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue….”

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What about you?  Do you ever feel like you are waiting to go home?  This world, like a vacation, is nice for a while, but your heart is yearning for someplace better.  It is homesick.  I know I am.  Vacations are wonderful.  This world is a nice place, too, but Heaven is our home.  Our Father is there.  Jesus is there.  Our family should be, too.  We have a home there.

Gather your treasures and pack for your trip home.  What will you take?  There aren’t a lot of things allowed.  The main thing on your list should be loved ones.  Make sure you have shared Jesus and His salvation with your family and friends.  You will want to see them after your vacation or theirs.

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“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” Hebrews 13:14

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”  John 14:2-3

 

HeartWings Devotional by Joyce Graves, Caryl McAdoo, Nyla Kay Wilkerson, and twenty seven other Co-Hearts

Today I am thrilled to introduce you to Heart“wings” Devotional, Volume 1, a collection of devotions by Heart“wings” Blog Co-Hearts.  There are thirty contributing authors and I am honored to be included in that number.  Have you heard of the Christian women’s group on Facebook named Heart“wings” – a women’s fellowship?  It is a wonderful God centered group founded by Joyce Graves, and as the group grew an additional companion group page was added called Heart”wings” – our readers’ nook.  These pages or groups provide places for prayer requests, sister support, book reviews, author support, blogs, and other fine things.  It offers prayer support and gives God glory for giving our heart wings to soar.  “As His daughters, we use our ‘wings’ of love to make a difference.”  I am one of the Heart“wings” sisters and Co-Hearts, which are the bloggers.
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Recently our co-administrator Caryl McAdoo, undertook the monumental task of compiling Heart“wings” first devotional from our daily blogs.  It is a beautiful red and white paperback of 281 pages.  Within these many pages are over one hundred messages to help readers deepen their walk with God.  Women from all ages, walks of life, and locations make up the blog team ministry.  There are bloggers, authors, pastors, retired nurses, teachers and many more. The devotions written are personal, transparent, and true. They were written for encouragement and inspiration by women who love God wholeheartedly.
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Each weekday has its own theme in the blog.  Likewise our devotional is divided into Monday Memories & Ministries, Tuesday Testimonies, Wednesday Words, Thursday Thanks, and Friday Fellowship & Focus.  The messages are as varied as the Co-Hearts, but each includes scripture and questions to ponder.  After all of the messages is a listing of the Co-Hearts, complete with a short bio and picture.
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Of course, I loved this fabulous book.  It came from the group that has blessed me in more ways than I could tell you right now.  The prayer support is immeasurable and floods Heaven for those in need.  Often I have requested it for myself or a loved one.  At times a blog seemed like it was custom written for me.  Just what I needed to read on just the right day is never a coincidence.  Instead of giving the author credit, I knew it was God using her as a vessel, and I thanked Him.  The Co-Heart listened to Him and was able to use her “wings” to help me and countless others.
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I hope you will give this inspiring devotional a try and then find that your time with Jesus deepens.  It would make a lovely gift for a woman of any age.  The topics and messages are relevant.  They are meant to uplift, enlighten, educate, and some even to entertain.  These devotions were written by women for women.  Most importantly these were meant to bring Glory to God.  Let me know what you think after you read it.  Maybe you will be moved so much you will be led to write a devotion yourself.  Please check out Heart“wings” on Facebook and message me, Joyce, Caryl, or Becky if you would like to join our sisterhood.
Joyce –  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009154950239
Caryl  –  https://www.facebook.com/caryl.mcadoo?ref=br_rs
or Becky –  https://www.facebook.com/lelandandbecky
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$14.99 at Amazon, released 7/24/18

Find a Book Friday: Unafraid by Carey Scott

Let me ask you a personal question.  How authentic are you?  Perhaps being authentic and allowing people to know the real you is frightening.  If so, this will be a book that you will enjoy.  I certainly did.  At times I felt like it was written just for me.  Other times I would nod my head knowingly in understanding having traveling that road.  Whether you are a reformed scaredy cat or struggling to find your footing, this book is a mind opening, thought provoking, helpful book taking biblical wisdom.
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“Unafraid – Be you. Be authentic. Find the grit and grace to shine.” by author Carey Scott is a delightfully encouraging book by Barbour Publishing, Inc.  This 256 page paperback was filled to the brim with inspiration and words to ponder long after the book has been finished.  It is a book I will keep around to share with others or read again when I need it.
This is an extremely well written book.  It was well thought, planned and organized.  The author’s style of writing is nice and easy to read as well as understand.  I felt like I was chatting with a new friend over coffee.  It was lovely to read some of the thoughts and ideas shared.  The author did her research and uses Biblical truths for encouragement and teaching.  For me that is crucial for any Christian book, fiction and non-fiction.
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This book was extremely uplifting and inspired me to persevere, trust My Heavenly Father’s direction, and be the person I was created to be. Failures happen and it is best to learn from them instead of sweep them under the rug.  The most important thing I took from this book was to be myself.  Don’t be afraid to be myself, to be authentic.  If I am having a good day, share the joy.  If I am having a bad day, don’t brood but don’t say everything is just fine.
Practical tips and tricks that can be applied are presented.  These are jewels that you will use now and want to share with friends.  This is a helpful book that would make a fabulous book club read.  Even if you just gather a few friends for some positive reinforcement, read this book together and discuss it.  You will be enriched.
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I highly recommend this terrific book.  Five out of five stars were gladly given for the rating.  Anyone or group would benefit from the wisdom, biblical teachings, and encouragement gleaned from it.  A copy was provided by Barbour Publishing for my honest review.

Reflections from a Word Nerd

Since I have been young, words have fascinated me.  Numbers do nothing for me, but words are exciting and powerful.  Okay, I will admit to being a word nerd.  Reading, writing, even listening to meaningful lyrics move me and put me in my sweet spot.  Even if you are a numbers person, words affect you.  Some words or phrases bring certain people to mind.

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My dear mother has a quaint way of terming kisses.  Our family doesn’t kiss each other we “give sugar.”  My hubby does not decide or conclude, he “reckons.”  When Dad is sincere about something, he states it “quite frankly.”  Pappaw Reeves was never hindered but “stymied.”  According to him, planets were never just in a straight line but in a “sygyzy.”  My Granddaddy was a Lockmaster at Dam 43 near us and my hubby worked in Engineering in a ship building company.  Many times both men replaced left and right with port and starboard, the nautical and aeronautical terms for left and right, respectively.79193B57-AC0C-44EA-9510-0B1FBE551571

Just think how important they are and moving in weddings.  In our wedding we had the song “Whither Thou Goest” sung.  Just hearing that phrase or the word whither takes me back decades to a church altar where I plighted my troth to my husband.  Isn’t that more romantic than saying at my wedding?  Words can be magical when used correctly and thoughtfully.  They have power to transform and transport.

For me, I love poetic, old fashioned words and Southern phrases.  Women in my family swoon over thing and say “I swan or swanee” because no proper lady should ever say I swear.  We don’t sweat but perspire.  One does not simply hug my Auntie June but must “hug her neck.”  Most importantly, never did I nor have I heard my grandparents, parents or aunts and uncles say what my Grandmother deemed “ugly words.”   Never.

 

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Ugly words or swearing abound in society today.  Using the Lord’s name in vain, cursing, and horrible four letter words are rampant.  Even name-calling seems to be at an all time high.  Tattoos are permanently imprinted on bodies with words that should not be written, spoken or seen.  14BC4EB3-1B26-459A-95DC-A93412EF1357Clothing prominently sports things that are “ugly” and offensive.  Even some “Christians” have attire proudly proclaiming “Yes, I am a Christian and I cuss a lot.”  What?!  So, I wonder how our Father feels about that?  Or if these people consider the example they are setting?  Ugly words take away from a person’s beauty.  They can sting and hurt.

When I think of my Savior there are many words that come to mind.  Beloved is the first and means dearly loved.  Definitely Jesus loves us dearly.  No doubt about that.  Redemption is another one.  It means being saved from sin or evil.  Christ sought us out before we were born and bought us with his blood on the cross.  He paid the entry fee to eternal life for us.  That fee was his own life.  Absolutely, freely given to us in love is our gift of salvation, which means deliverance from harm or destruction.

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Tell me about you?  What words do you relate to people?  Better yet, what words do you think people relate to you?  What if our words appeared on our skin?  Make them pretty words to inspire, bring about happy memories and smiles.  Don’t leave behind ugly words as your impression or influence on this world.  Let your children and grandchildren read “hug my neck” and “give me sugar” or remember you when they hear nice, virtuous, sweet words.  Don’t let #*@$ or worse be your legacy.

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Read a Book Monday: The Hope Jar, a 5 Star Read

Do you read to feed your mind just as you eat to feed your body?  Most people read but like we often eat we don’t consider the “nutritional contents” in reading.  Today I have a book that will nourish your mind.  No junk food in it at all.  It is a clean Christian Amish novel that is engaging, thought provoking, provides information, inspiration, and even recipes.  Are you interested?  Great, I will tell you more.

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New York Times Best Selling author Wanda Brunstetter has penned a new series entitles The Prayer Jars.  Book One, The Hope Jar, is a delightful 311 pages that will transport readers between the modern Englisch world and modern Amish world.  The book is much different than any other I have read by author Brunstetter.  Her writing style hasn’t changed but the story and information given has.  This book was extremely well thought, planned, and organized as well as well written.

The book centers around an elderly Amish couple, two twenty something young women, and two young men.  Many tough topics are tackled in this fiction work.  Things in which we can all relate are presented in these pages such as family issues, parental rules, teenage and young adult disobedience, death, deceit, lies, abuse, dishonesty, betrayal, and someone struggling with faith.  It would be an injustice to divulge much about the plot.  Reading it and discovering this delightful story on one’s own is much better.

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The characters are lovely and some despicable.  The author does a great job defining them and rounding them so that we come to love or really dislike them.  I became invested in their lives and emotions.  Certain situations were relatable either first hand or through a friend.  Dialog flows smoothly and some Amish words are slipped in with definition.  Readers will learn a few Amish or Pennsylvania Deutsch words by the end of this book.  Much information on the Amish is provided.  It would be the perfect book for someone wanting to know the what’s and why’s of Amish life.

After the story, readers will be delighted to find recipes that were mentioned in the story.  As a bonus there are discussion questions for book clubs or if you want to dig a bit deeper yourself.  Author information, a listing of all of the author’s works and a sneak peak at the cover of Book Two, The Forgiving Jar close out this book.

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Definitely I recommend for a variety of reasons.  It provides information some readers may not currently know about Amish, farm life, and scripture. Topics broached are tough, real life issues, and someone might need help with their situation.  Recipes used or discussed in a book and then given are a favorite thing of mine, and this book follows through with that.   Don’t tease me.  If you are going to tempt me with making a delicious dish, then please share the recipe.  The life lessons and inspirational lessons are phenomenal.  Rating this book a 5 out of 5 star is warranted.  This reader is eagerly awaiting Book Two.  A few of author Brunstetter’s works have been turned into plays.  I for one am hoping for a movie next.

A copy of The Hope Jar was provided by Barbour Publishing for my honest opinion.  I can and will give no other.

Find a Book Friday: River to Redemption by Ann Gabhart

River to Redemption was magnificent.  From the beginning pages I was enthralled.  Dishes piled up, chores went undone, but I could not put this masterpiece down.  I loved most everything about it.  Set in Springfield, Kentucky during 1833 the author tackles commoners’ views on slavery and abolition.  The fiction tale is rich with history, beginning with the tragic cholera epidemic.  Women’s rights, attire, and what society deemed proper were at times unbelievable, but rang true to stories I had heard from my grandmother who was raised in Kentucky.
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The characters, both main and secondary, are fabulous.  We first meet seven year Adria Starr and quickly it is twelve years later and she is a young lady.  Adria is a feisty southern young lady with a mind of her own and a huge heart.  Two young men are after her hand, but Adria has many things on her mind as well as in her heart.  Prim and proper Ruth is a character that like Adria lost family to cholera.  They become a family out of necessity.  A new young minister comes and with him good instruction on praying.
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Louis is the slave that rescues Adria at the beginning of the book and helps the entire town of Springfield.  His faith is as strong as his big heart.  His master is an old man and when he becomes ill things look grim for Louis.  Aunt Tilda is a sassy cook that brings life and laughter to the book.  She was one of my favorites along with a well-meaning match-making widow.  There are even more characters, some lovable and others not.
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Everyone is thrown together through tragedy and need.  Faith in God and believing in prayer sustains them and they thrive.  There are bumps and bruises along the way, but that is true to life.  The absence of a pet was disappointing for me, but I loved that the characters baked a lot.  The author described the cakes, breads, and pies so that I could almost smell the cinnamon.
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Author Gabhart has written a beautiful, captivating tale of love, disappointment, hope, loss, faith, freedom, and family.  There are so many inspirational messages in this book.  For me, that is the mark of a good Christian book.  This one had that and more.  Scripture, encouragement, life lessons, issues from the past and present are all found within these 319 pages.  It is full of emotion and thought provoking subjects.  In fact, it is so delightful I hate to give away any of the story.  You will revel in discovering it for yourself.
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I very highly recommend this charming book.  In fact, I devoured it in one sitting.  You will be entertained, educated, encouraged, and enlightened.  There are no study questions at the back, but like I often say, this would be a nice book club selection.  It would be nice to have someone to chat over coffee about this page-turner.  I rated it 5 out of 5 stars only because I couldn’t figure out how to squeeze one more out to make it 6.  This should win awards and yes, be made into a Hallmark movie.   A copy was provided by Revell for my honest review.
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Read a Book Monday: As the Tide Comes In by Cindy & Erin Woodsmall

Have you ever read a book that is hauntingly beautiful?  It is emotional, unbelievable yet believable, and has a multitude of twists and turns in it.  These types of books are ones that keep you reading and provide food for thought.  As the Tide Comes In by authors Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is a Christian novel unlike any I have read.  It is a contemporary Southern tale that softly took my hand to lead me into its story.  Within a few pages its grip tightened until I was unable to turn loose of this powerful book until I had finished it.  It held me tightly.  I experienced this book which is much better than merely reading it.
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In this exceptionally well written, well thought, and well planned book, the characters are so artfully crafted that they come alive on the pages.  The same with the scenes.  It felt like I was watching a movie play out before my eyes.  Yes, this book would make a wonderful movie!  The sights and sounds were spot on.  The authors did not over elaborate or bore, but they gave just the right amount.  Perfect wording to pick a reader up from a chair and magically transport her (in my case) in to her pages.  Dialog between characters flowed smoothly which is crucial for me in books.  Not only did I make new friends, but I could put myself in the place of the book’s heroine, Tara.  I felt her entire gambit of emotions and at times I was in tears.  Only an expertly written book could make that happen.
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Opening with an eighteen year old Tara, As the Tide Comes In tells her story.  She is contacted by her younger half-brothers’ grandmother, a favorite secondary character for me.  Things quickly move ahead twelve years in the future.  It is also the story of Firefighter Gavin and his four mothers.  Yes, I said four mothers.  There are twists and turns, heartbreaking moments, inspiration, encouragement, mystery, and intrigue.  No more details.  You really must read this fabulous book.
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It would be a disservice to disclose much about this amazing book in a review.  It should be savored and relished on its own.  Trust me when I tell you the authors do a great job writing a story that captivates, teaches, and inspires.  It brings glory to God.  This is a tale of faith, hope, trust, love, forgiveness, struggle, and triumph.  Character, overcoming crisis, family, and loss are topics tackled with finesse.  There are so many life lessons in this 339 page book.
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If you or your book club are looking for a great book, this is it.  You will want to discuss it with someone because of how stirring it is.  I highly recommend it and can only hope to see it on the big screen or television one day.  Five out of five stars are gladly given.  Don’t miss this experience.
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Kindness…..Let’s Start a Campaign!

Thanks for joining me today.  There is something I’d like to ask you.  Would you join me in something else?  I am wanting to start a kindness campaign.  What do you think?  There is absolutely no money involved unless you are moved in that direction for some reason.  Doesn’t this sound like a wonderful project?  Thanks!  I think so, too.

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First, we sorely need this now because electronic devices have taken personal interaction and emotion out of our conversations and day to day dealings with each other.  Isn’t it quicker to send a text than call?  However, many times words written are more harsh than those spoken.  In fact, the same holds true with telephone calls versus face to face conversations.  Right?  It is a bit harder to be mean and cold when looking someone in the eyes and being able to see the hurt you inflict.
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What would this kindness campaign be?  I suppose we need to get to read the definition of kindness first.  The dictionary says kindness is the quality of being friendly, considerate and generous.  Kind is an adjective meaning having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature.  Well, that sounds familiar.  Synonyms for kind are good-natured, caring, selfless, compassionate, understanding, friendly, thoughtful, loving, good, attentive, and hospitable.  Antonyms are mean, selfish, and inconsiderate.  Sounds reasonable to me.  What do you think?  Which would you rather be?
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Does the Bible say much about kindness and being kind?  Yes, it does.  Our instruction book for life is filled with verses about it.  Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  Who wants to wear kindness?  I bet that looks beautiful on everyone.  Another one in Ephesians 4:31-32 “All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”  Now that is very clear.  A simple be kind to one another.
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It is my true desire for us to show kindness to others.  Yes, some do mean to harm us, but there is an internal war going on here.  Friends and family are saying many hateful, absurd things that are fueled by mobs of people they have never met.  We need to step back, regroup, and be kind.  None of us are perfect.  We all mess up and sin.  Everyone needs grace, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness.
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Join me in being kind.  This movement needs to start some place, why not with us?  At least try it for the remainder of July.  Refrain from the negative political and newsy posts.  Stop demeaning and attacking people that have not personally interacted in a hurtful way with you.  Be part of the solution and stop fueling the fire.  Spread kindness, joy, and smiles.  Take a break from stress, meanness and finger pointing.  Recruit others to our Kindness Campaign.  Spread kind words and deeds.  Who knows, by August we all might feel so wonderful that we continue.  Most of all, please pray.  Pray for kindness in others and yourself.  Then just like the old song says….”and the world will be a better place for you and for me, just wait and see!”
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I Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant”
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Proverbs 16:23-24 From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.