Book Review: Get Your Hopes Up! by Joyce Meyer

ONE WORD BOOK REVIEW: HOPE

 Get Your Hopes Up!: Expect Something Good to Happen to You Every Day

 Author: Joyce Meyer

 Publisher: FaithWords

 Publication Date: April 7, 2015

 Length: 197 Pages

About The Author
Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. Her daily broadcast, Enjoying Everyday Life, airs on hundreds of television networks and radio stations worldwide. Joyce has written nearly 100 inspirational books.

Be A Prisoner Of Hope
Hope isn't something we wait to feel, it is something we decide to have. We can choose hope.

This powerful new book by Joyce Meyer is divided into the following sections:

Section 1: Hope To Go Higher
Your life will go only as high as the level of your expectations.

Section 2: Hope When You Are Hurting
Have a happy anticipation that God is going to show up on the scene, that He won't be late, and that He is going to calm the storm.

Section 3: Hope and Happiness
Whatever unexpected challenge or frustration you may face, decide in advance that you're not going to let it steal your joy.

Section 4: Hope is Here
God wants you to live in hope so that even on days when it seems like everything around you is spinning out of control, you can be firm in your belief that something good is going to happen.

My Thoughts
This is a very inspirational book based on the author's experiences, entertaining and meaningful stories and passages from the Bible.

We all need hope. This book explains how we can find it and make it a lasting influence in our lives. The most important thing is to place our hope in God. We must believe it, meditate on it, speak it, and encourage others who are also facing trials.

Joyce Meyer has written dozens of books and I believe this one is right up there with the best of them. This book will be life-changing if you read the words and hold them close to your heart.

RATING: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Power Thoughts Devotional by Joyce Meyer

Power Thoughts Devotional: 365 Daily Inspirations for Winning the Battle of the Mind
By Joyce Meyer
Publisher: Faith Words
Date:  October 22, 2013

About The Author
Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, her books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration.




Happy New Year!
I have taken a little break from blogging over the past two months. I appreciate all my readers and thank you for your encouragement and support. I am looking forward to a wonderful year of blogging in 2014.

An Inspirational Resource For The New Year
"Power Thoughts Devotional" is based on Joyce Meyer's New York Times bestseller, "Power Thoughts". This book provides 365 daily devotions to help eliminate negative thoughts and encourage power thoughts.

The devotions provide a Bible verse, a message and a brief power thought. These devotions are based on Joyce Meyer's teachings and are designed to change your thoughts and your life.

My Thoughts
I am very impressed with this devotional book. The devotions are very brief and can be read in a minute or two. It is amazing how the author presents such powerful content in just a few sentences.  You definitely get quality instead of quantity in this book.

The devotions always give you something to think about and to apply to your life. The "Power Thoughts" are only a few words and can be easily committed to memory. An example of a Power Thought is, "I will not live in fear".

Today is the first day of a new year. This book can make a difference in your life. I plan on starting today and using this book as my devotional book for the entire year of 2014. Take a few moments each day to renew your mind and receive guidance from the Word of God. Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.

Book Review: Notes to Aspiring Writers; Your Dream, God's Plan

Notes to Aspiring Writers: Your Dream, God's Plan

Author: Brooke McGlothlin

Published: Brooke McGlothlin Media (July 15, 2011) ~ 34 pages 



About The Author
Brooke McGlothlin, MA, is the author of the best-selling ebook "Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most", creator of the 21 Days of Prayer for Sons Challenge and co-founder of the well-loved online community for mothers of boys, the M.O.B. Society.

What Is God's Plan For My Life?
Brooke McGlothlin dreamed of writing a book her entire life. This ebook is a collection of five life lessons she learned as she pursued her dream of being a published author.

The author told of her early blogging experiences of writing and working hard to get an audience to read and comment on her posts. She learned that it is wiser to write for an audience of one...God. She has dedicated every aspect of her writing to Him and seeks guidance in Bible study and prayer.

Would it be a huge step of faith for you to stop striving in your writing career, and consider letting God bring the right opportunities to you instead?

The bottom line is that God has lifted up some and not others. More important than asking "why" when faced with disappointment is to humbly seek God's glory. Our life plans are less about us, and more about how He receives the greatest glory.


My Thoughts
Ms. McGlothlin opened her heart and wrote about the lessons she learned during her writing journey. These lessons have drawn her nearer to God and strengthened her Christian faith.

This ebook challenged me to seek God's will and to write for an audience of ONE. There is no formula for success that will work for all writers. This book will encourage you to follow your heart and discover your true life's purpose.

My Rating:  5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I purchased this book with my own funds on Amazon.Com.

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Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: The God Who Sees You

The God Who Sees You; Look To Him When You Feel Discouraged, Forgotten or Invisible.

Written by Tammy Maltby

With Anne Christian Buchanan.

Published by

David C. Cook.

Copyright
2012.

Do you remember a time in your life when you felt forgotten, ignored, rejected, or simply invisible?

About The Author

Tammy Maltby's multifaceted ministry can be summed up in one word: encouragement. Through her books, speaking events, and broadcasts, this Emmy-winning TV cohost encourages women to live more beautifully and transparently.

God Really Sees You

This book begins with the story of Hagar from Genesis 16 and 21. Hagar was a maidservant in the camp of Abram and Sarai. Sarai is unable to bear a son for Abram, so she compels Hagar to sleep with Abram in the hopes that the servant will produce a son for Sarai to raise. But when Hagar obeys and becomes pregnant, Sarai becomes jealous and abusive. Hagar runs away to the desert.

An angel appears to Hagar bringing a message from a God she barely knows. The angel says, "The Lord has heard of your misery."

He tells her to return to Abram and Sarai, have her baby, and name him Ishmael.

Ms. Maltby took the title of this book from the following Scripture;

She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her:
"You are the God who sees me,"
for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me."
Genesis 16: 13 

Tammy Maltby wants women to know their lives matter.  She invites you to explore the real-life implications of knowing God sees you, He loves you passionately, and He's intimately involved with every aspect of your life.

My Thoughts

I have been reading this book right before I go to bed for the past week. The book really opened my eyes and helped me understand that God sees me and cares about me ALL THE TIME.  He loves me and he wants to participate in my life.

This book will encourage those who feel like no one notices them, no one cares. I think we all feel like that at times. You will find hope and comfort in the pages of this book.

There is a section of "questions for thought and sharing" at the end of the book. These questions are excellent for individual or group study and meditation. This book is ideal for a women's group study or individual growth and fulfillment.

The author challenges readers with the following questions;

What would it take for you to say, "I have seen the God who sees me"?

What would it take to share this message with someone else?

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I ordered a digital copy of this book from Amazon.Com when it was offered as a FREE download. Please check the current price before ordering.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.



Book Review: Ten - How Would You Rate Your Life?

How would you rate your life on a fulfillment scale of one to ten?  "Ten; How Would You Rate Your Life"?, by Terry Smith, offers you a pathway to level-TEN living.

This book reminds us that God has a special future for each of us. Are you ready for your life to be a TEN?


About the Author
Terry A. Smith has served as a lead pastor of the Life Christian Church for twenty years. TLCC is a nondenominational faith community in West Orange, NJ, serving the New York City metro area. Terry is a co-founder of the New York City Leadership Center and an instructor in its Leadership Fellows program. A gifted communicator, Terry speaks in a variety of venues nationally and internationally. He is passionate about challenging, developing, and encouraging leaders.-

A Guidebook for the Journey
Pastor Smith has written a vibrant, inspiring book about how to find and live God's will for our lives. He believes that God has more in store for us than we realize and we must strive to create the best possible future for ourselves and others.

The book is divided into the following seven sections that instruct and guide the reader in living a TEN life;

• Awaken
• Discover
• Imagine
• Grow
• Act
• Lead
• Go

The author believes that people do not want enough. Not more stuff. More life. And not just for ourselves but also for others. Jesus Christ said that His purpose is to give us more "life - life in all its fullness" or "more and better life than [you] ever dreamed of" (John 10:10, NCV, MSG).

The author challenges and provokes the reader to go after the more and better life that God wants for you. The world needs people who would never be satisfied with anything less than a TEN.

My Thoughts
This book is written and organized in a very professional manner. The author makes a strong case for living your best life and he uses Scripture from the Bible as a foundation for his message.

There are "Reflection Questions" at the end of each of the seven sections. These questions are great for individual or group reflection and meditation. This book would be a very helpful resource for a Bible study group.

I love the enthusiasm and passion that the author communicates in this book. I can tell that this is a man who really "walks the talk" and "practices what he preaches". 

Pastor Smith believes we must have more than a dream. Our grand vision needs to be turned into an actionable plan. I recommend this book to anyone who is ready to start living a TEN life.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary hardback copy of this  book to read and review from Audra Jennings of The B & B Media Group.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Getting To Know God

My Rating: 5 Stars Out of 5

This book provides a rare opportunity to view passages from the private journal of celebrated artist Alice Ann Dobbin. “Getting To Know God; An Artist’s Journey” is an awe-inspiring collection of personal reflections, meditations, prayers and songs of praise to God. The author recognizes that her fears, feelings and thoughts are shared by many. The poignant prose in this book will encourage, inspire and give hope for a better tomorrow.

About The Author
  Alice Ann Dobbin has been drawing and painting since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She was selected to attend special classes for artistically gifted children while still in elementary school.

Ms. Dobbin graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in journalism and advertising. She later obtained her art degree from Washington and Jefferson College where she was awarded the prestigious Beta Scholar designation by the president of the college.

Ms. Dobbin and her husband own the Doddin Art Gallery in Johns Island, South Carolina.  Her art work appears in numerous private, public and corporate collections throughout the United States, Europe and Australia.

The Art Will Touch Your Imagination
“Getting To Know God” includes thirty-five original oil paintings that feature many aspects of nature. Ms. Dobbin portrays the beauty of nature in the most exquisite manner. She uses her God-given talent to highlight the wonder of creation.

The first chapter in the book is titled “Where Would I Be Without the Lord” and the painting “Storm Rising” is used to illustrate this chapter on faith. This painting features huge dark clouds invading the pale blue sky. You can see hints of the sunset on the horizon. This painting brings back vivid memories of hurricanes and tropical storms that I have experienced while living on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Ms. Dobbin does a lovely job painting birds, wildlife, farm animals and pets. She shares a painting of a mother with her baby lamb in the chapter “Being a Parent”.  The painting portrays the vulnerability of the lamb and the protective eye of his mother. The author expresses the challenges and joys of being a parent. She believes the best gifts a parent can give are a happy childhood, a sense of self-esteem and a heart full of faith in God.

Comforting Verses and Sincere Prayer
Alice Dobbin shares many of her favorite verses from the Bible in the chapters of this book. The treasured verses bestow faith, hope, love and peace. These are verses that Alice has reflected on during the most difficult and joyous times of her life. The prayers that are included in this book reflect the close personal relationship that she has with the Lord.  The author believes that “the more we seek the Lord and ways to please him, the more we will learn of different ways to pray”.

Reflection and Meditation
“Getting To Know God” includes a collection of intimate writings, reflections and meditations. The author’s sensitive portrayal of life is a testimony to her strong faith in the Lord. She writes about getting to know God and developing a personal relationship with Him.

Ms. Dobbin declares her thoughts in the following uplifting passages;

“As we commit the work of our hands
And our energy to You,
Small “miracles” begin to happen.”

“The small miracles in our lives
Are the many blessings
God has given us.”

These prayers, meditations and songs of praise were not written with the intent to publish them. The author has decided to share her personal writings with the hope that her readers will draw strength and comfort from them.

My Thoughts
I found reading this book to be a visual and emotional gift. I have always been an artist at heart and I truly enjoyed the beautiful oil paintings that illustrate this book. The author was able to successfully harmonize the content of the paintings with the subject of her prayers and meditations. This made the overall reading experience fulfilling and rewarding.

Alice Dobbin is an authentic woman of faith. This book will take you to higher levels of spiritual development and maturity. It demonstrates that we are not alone. We all need each other and we need God.

I recommend this book for your personal use and to share with loved ones. I think that reading a few chapters from this book at bedtime will provide a peaceful closure to the challenges of the day. I hope this book will inspire others to use their special gifts and talents to bring glory to God. “Getting To Know God” is available from Westbow Press, Amazon and in print and digital format at Barnes & Noble. Get a copy for yourself and another one for a treasured friend.

I want to thank Alice Dobbin for sending me a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review. If you would like to learn more about the book, please view Getting To Know God [Book Trailer].

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Pressing into Thin Places

Dr. Margaret Harrell Wills defines a "thin place" as the place where the veil that separates heaven and earth is nearly transparent. It is a place where we experience a deep sense of God's presence in our everyday world.

Pressing Into Thin Places; Encouraging the Heart Toward God is a collection of stories, experiences, and important lessons expressed through prose and poetry. Dr. Wills encourages readers to have eyes to see the gifts of thin places through their own experiences. This book tells personal stories of pain and heartache where great truths have emerged.


About The Author
Dr. Margaret Harrell Wills grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. She received her undergraduate degree from John Brown University, a master's degree from Arizona State University, and a doctoral degree in higher education with a teaching field of history from the University of Arkansas.
A writer and a poet, Dr. Wills is dedicated to the ministry of encouragement and helping people experience hope, wisdom, and faith in their spiritual journey.

This Book Is A Real Keeper
Dr. Wills opens her heart and shares some of the most difficult times in her life.
The book is divided into the following sections;

• Thin Places
• No Other Stream
• Tearing Off The Mask
• The Fall
• Speaking In The Waves
• A Listening Heart
• Our Starting Place
• The Way To Your Door
• The Reality Of Living
• Beauty From Ashes
• Rebirth
• Amen

I especially liked the part of the book where the author uses a verse in 1 Samuel 30. In verse 6, it says, "And David strengthened himself in the Lord." How do we strengthen ourselves in the Lord? We can go into His presence and let Him guide our thinking. It is wonderful to know that the Lord can take our wrong thoughts and make them right. A change of thinking can make all the difference in the world.

Dr. Wills also shares the difficulty of watching her parents growing old and dying. This is something that most of us will have to deal with. She shares the poignant story of the things that daughters remember about their father. It is the little things. Life is made up of the little things within the pleasures and challenges of our daily living.

This book is a source of hope during difficult times. It is a real treasure and I will certainly be going back to read treasured passages over and over again.

Thank you to the fine folks at The B & B Media Group for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to read and review.
Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

The Legend Of The Easter Egg

CI would like to share with you a children's book that I recently read. The Legend of the Easter Egg, by Lori Walburg, is a fiction story about the meaning and orgin of Easter Eggs. A legend is defined as "a story handed down through the years and connected with some real events, but probably not true in itself". This book was illustrated by James Bernardin and was published by Zondervan, a Christian publishing company.

The setting of the story appears to be a farm in the late 1800s. A young boy is sent away to stay with John and Mary Sonneman while his sister recovers from scarlet fever. The Sonnemans own a candy store so Thomas feels like he has died and gone to heaven. He helps John work in the store and on Good Friday he goes to church with the Sonnemans. Thomas listens to the story of Jesus's death. Mary Sonneman explains to Thomas that "just as a chick breaks out of an egg, so had Jesus broken free of the tomb of death. Easter eggs remind us that Jesus conquered death and gives us eternal life."
On Easter morning, Thomas fills a basket full of colored eggs and walks home to see his sister. Lucy is recovering and Thomas is anxious to tell her about his faith in Jesus, his hope for new life and the Easter eggs.
There is a page in the back of the book that explains the traditions and symbols of Lent and Easter.
I think this is a wonderful book to share with children. Children will hear the story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and learn the meaning of new life through the symbolism of the Easter egg. Parents and teachers will want to share the entire Easter story with their children after reading this book. This is a great story to read at Easter or anytime of the year.

Lori Walburg also wrote The Legend of the Candy Cane.

Book Giveaway: The Battle Belongs To The Lord

This week I am giving away a paperback copy of The Battle Belongs to the Lord: Overcoming Life's Struggles Through Worship by Joyce Meyer.  This book instructs you to trust God to do for you what you can never do for yourself---overcome your battles and live in lasting freedom and victory. With God there are no hopeless cases, and no situation is beyond His ability to deliver and redeem. Let Him strengthen and empower you to live in complete joy and peace, no matter what you are facing.

How To Enter
Just leave a comment on this blog and you will be entered to win this contest. Don't know what to write? Just tell me, "I want to read The Battle Belongs To The Lord!" That is all there is to it. On Monday, February 7th,  I will draw a lucky name out of a hat. Please leave an email address so that I can contact you. You will have until the end of Wednesday, February 9th to respond to my email and send me your name and shipping address. If I do not hear from you, I will pick another name on Thursday morning.

Who Can Enter
This contest is open to anyone age 18 or older. I am willing to ship this book (at my expense) to any location in the world so please do not hestitate to enter. I love my international readers. I ask that you just submit one entry per person.

Deadline
You must post a comment on this blog post no later than 12:00 noon (Central Time) on February 7, 2011.
I will announce the name of the winner on this blog the week after the drawing.


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An Anchor For The Soul

Dr. Ray Pritchard, founder of Keep Believing Ministries, has released a second edition of his popular book An Anchor for the Soul: Help for the Present, Hope for the Future. I read this book in the digital format on my Kindle.
This book explains the plan of salvation offered by Jesus Christ. Dr. Pritchard explains that we are all sinners and we can never be good enough to save ourselves. God loves us and wants to have a relationship with us but sin separates us from God. God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Savior. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. We are not saved by what we do but by what Christ did for us. Salvation is a free gift offered to anyone who trusts Christ as Savior.
This is an "in your face" book about salvation. Dr. Pritchard really lays it on the line. He explains why we need a savior, how to accept Christ, and how to live a Christian life. He emphasizes that we are all sinners and there is no sin in your past that is too bad to be forgiven if you repent and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. The author's writing style is informal and appropriate for "Christ seekers" or Christians who have been saved for many years. There are study questions at the end of each chapter that can be used for individual Bible Study or group study. This book is an excellent witnessing tool. Jesus Christ is the anchor for our souls and this book will make you a believer.

Lift Up Your Eyes

I recently learned that a long-time family friend, Pastor Clyde Nichols, is working on a new book of daily Christian devotions.  The name of the book is "Lift Up Your Eyes".  Pastor Nichols is Minister Emeritus of First Christian Church, Temple, Texas, where he served as senior minister for 23 years from 1963 to 1986.  He is a graduate of Texas Christian University and Brite Divinity School.  He severed as an associate pastor at LaPorte (TX) Community Church during the 1990s.  My husband and I came to know Pastor Nichols very well during those years.  On November 21, 1991, Pastor Nichols performed the marriage ceremony for Dean and I.  On October 16, 1992, Pastor Nichols was by my side when I was rushed into emergency surgery after I was seriously injured by a drunk driver.  In 1993, Dean and I were baptized by Pastor Nichols at LaPorte Community Church. He was everything you could ask for in a pastor...he was with us during joy and sorrow.
Pastor Nichols' Christian devotions have been published in local newspapers for many years.  I am delighted to learn that his wisdom and inspiration will now be published in a book.  Here is a sample of the material that will be in the book.

Thomas A. Dorsey, often called the Father of Gospel Music, was born in Villa Rica, Georgia in 1899. His father was a Baptist minister, and his mother played the organ and piano wherever her husband preached.
Thomas quit school early and was soon hanging around theaters and dance halls. Musicians there encouraged him to practice at home on his mother’s piano. He did, and by the age of 12 was earning money playing at parties and private get-togethers.
He moved to Chicago, and in 1920 was married to Nettie Harper, but the demanding schedule of playing at night, working at other jobs during the day and studying in between, led to a nervous breakdown. He was unable to work for two years. In order to survive, Nettie took a job in a laundry to support them.
His uncle encouraged him to attend the National Baptist Convention. There he was impressed by the singing of W. M. Nix. He soon began composing sacred songs and was hired music director at Chicago’s Pilgrim Baptist Church, a position he held for nearly 40 years.
In 1932 they were living on Chicago’s South Side, and he and Nettie were expecting their first child. Thomas was scheduled to be the featured soloist for a revival in St. Louis. The second night, as he finished his solo, a Western Union messenger brought the news that Nettie had died along with their new born son.
He managed to get through the funeral service, but when it was over, he withdrew from his family, his friends, and even his beloved music. In despair, he sat one evening at the piano idly running over the keys when suddenly he felt at peace and found himself playing a melody he had not heard or played before. The words for it came into his head—just seemed to fall in place. What has been called “the greatest gospel song of all time” was born. People around the world know it, sing it, and love it because of its profound message of hope and faith.

Precious Lord, take my hand,

Lead me on, help me stand,

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.

Through the storm, through the night,

Lead me on to the light,

Take my hand, precious Lord,

Lead me home.

The Promises Of God

Dr.James MacDonald, senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, has written a timely and inspirational book based on five life-changing promises that God has given His people.  In Always True: God's 5 Promises for When Life is Hard, Pastor MacDonald teaches about the following promises that God has given to all believers;
(1)  God is ALWAYS with ME.  I will not fear.
(2)  God is ALWAYS in CONTROL.  I will not doubt.
(3)  God is ALWAYS GOOD. I will not despair.
(4)  God is ALWAYS WATCHING.  I will not falter.
(5)  God is ALWAYS VICTORIOUS.  I will not fail.
Dr. MacDonald does a excellent job supporting these statements with Scripture from the Bible.  He explains exactly what the words of the Bible readings mean, and then he provides examples from everyday life to give us understanding and insight.  The author uses many examples from his own life to illustrate how he has come to believe that these promises are true and that they are available to all believers.  He states that God KEEPS His promises and these promises are activated by faith in Jesus Christ.
This book was a real blessing to me.  It reminded me that God is in conrol and I don't need to despair.  I found Dr. MacDonald's discussion on the subject of "dispair" very helpful.  It was almost like he was speaking directly to me.
I recommend this book for individual or small group Bible study.  It would be appropriate to read the entire book and then go back and really study and meditate on each lesson. 
Dr. MacDonald is a Bible teacher and radio speaker at Walk In The Word Ministries.  The Walk In The Word Fan Page on Facebook has thousands of followers.  He also has a YouTube Channel where you can view videos.
I read the Kindle  version of this book.  I can lend this book to one Kindle user for a period of two weeks.  If you would like to borrow this book, please leave a comment on this blog post and include your email address.  If you prefer, you can contact me directly at fullerjanette@gmail.com.  I will lend the book to the first person who requests it.

Book Giveaway: Me And My Big Mouth by Joyce Meyer

My book giveaway contest last week was a tremendous success, so we are going to do it again this week.  I am giving away a paperback copy of Me and My Big Mouth: Your Answer is Right Under Your Nose by Joyce Meyer. Is your mouth busy telling about all the troubles in your life?  Does it seem as though your mouth has a mind of its own? This book will show you how to put your mouth on a crash course to victory! 

"You and I go through life with an awesome power - like fire or electricity or nuclear energy - right under our noses, one that can produce death or life, depending on how it is used." - Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer will show you how to train your mouth to speak words that will put you over in this life.  She emphasizes that speaking the Word of God must be coupled with living a life of complete obedience to the Word of God in order to see the full power of God flowing in your life.

How To Enter
Just leave a comment on this blog and you will be entered to win this contest. Don't know what to write? Just tell me, "I want to read Me And My Big Mouth!" That is all there is to it. On Monday, January 24th, I will draw a lucky name out of a hat. Please leave an email address so that I can contact you. You will have until the end of Wednesday, January 26th to respond to my email and send me your name and shipping address. If I do not hear from you, I will pick another name on Thursday morning.

Who Can Enter
This contest is open to anyone age 18 or older. I am willing to ship this book (at my expense) to any location in the world so please do not hestitate to enter. I love my international readers. I ask that you just submit one entry per person.

Deadline
You must post a comment on this blog post no later than 12:00 noon (Central Time) on January 24, 2011.
I will announce the name of the winner on this blog the week after the drawing.

Follow Me!
I would love for you to push the "Follow" button and add your name to my group of loyal blog readers. If you are on Facebook, I now have a Networked Blogs widget that you can use. However, this is not a requirement to enter this contest.

Aging And Faith

I was recently introduced to the work of Missy Buchanan.  Mrs. Buchanan is an author, columnist and speaker on the subject of aging and faith.  Her ministry is meant to assist older adults and those who love and care for them.  She is the author of Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults.  I purchased this book in Kindle format and it is also available in paperback format.  This book features 41 short Christian devotions aimed specifically at elderly adults.  Many of these devotions refer to the challenges of living in a nursing home or assisted living facility. The devotions are approximately one page long and include a Scripture verse from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.  I was especially touched by the topics of these devotions.  These topics are very real worries to many elderly adults.  "Slow Motion" deals with the fact that everything takes more time...brushing teeth, getting dressed, cutting food, etc.  Yet the unhurried life can be a blessing because there is more time to notice the first bloom on the flowers blooming outside the window. 

It is truly inspiring the way the author finds praise and gratitude in each situation that an elderly adult might be faced with. The Scriptures that are used are some of the most loved verses in the Bible. These are verses that I will refer to in difficult times and in times when I feel a need to hear God's voice.  Each one of these devotions should be read slowly and then meditated on.  The author displays insight and compassion for the thoughts and feelings of elderly adults. This is also a wonderful resource for the children of elderly parents.  It opens the doors of empathy and understanding. 

Here is an interview with Missy that answers more questions about her writing and her ministry.

Questions And Answers With Missy Buchanan

Even when age creeps up on the body and mind, and life changes from what it once was, is it still possible to have a purpose in life? When it is no longer possible to venture out and do the things you once loved, can you still find a reason to look forward to each day? Missy Buchanan, a leading expert and advocate for senior adults, believes that you can. Buchanan wants to encourage older adults to find their purpose, share their stories, and make an impact on those around them.



Q: What made you decide to start ministering to and writing books for older adults?

Well, as a middle-aged adult, I never had any intention of becoming an author of books for older adults. But because of the journey that my own aging parents were on, I realized how they had become disconnected from their church as their lives changed. They started off as active older adults and then that circle got smaller as they had more needs and physical limitations. As I would visit them at their retirement community, I would also see so many others that were just like them. They needed spiritual encouragement. And so that’s why I got started. The first book began as a project just for my own parents. I wrote devotions and kept them in a loose-leaf notebook. But others started asking for them and things just spiraled from there.



Q: What do you think children need to know about their aging parents?

What I realized personally was that I had been so caught up in my parents’ physical needs that I had neglected their spiritual needs. They were no longer connected to their church, at least in regular worship attendance, and that had been such a huge part of their lives. I almost made that mistake of just totally missing that, and that was the point where I began to write. I looked and there were other books written about older adults but not very many that were written to them and for them. So the first thing I would tell their children is to pay attention not only to their physical needs but also to their spiritual needs.



Q: What is your opinion about role reversal with children and their aging parents?I hear the whole idea of role reversal where the older parent becomes a child and the grown children become the parent, and I understand what they are talking about because my own parents became more dependent on me. But I think that when we refer to it as a role reversal, and we begin to think of our aging parents as children, we strip away their dignity. We rob them of respect and we overlook the fact that they are not children. They have had a lifetime of experiences that a child has not had. And I think that is an important difference that grown children need to think about and pay attention to. It’s more of a role shift in responsibilities and not a role reversal. I know how much it hurts an aging parent to feel like they are being treated like a baby or like a child.



Q: Other than aging adults, who else has benefited from your writing?

A friend of mine in an assisted living facility asked me to bring some books for one of her tablemates. Her tablemate explained that these books were for her adult children. “They don’t understand what it feels like to grow old, and I can’t seem to make them understand, but your books say it better than I ever could.” My books are all written in the first person as if an older adult is speaking directly to God. There are a lot of adult children that are buying them for themselves and older adults buying them for their grown children. And I’ve heard of different youth groups that have been reading my books in order to better understand what it’s like to grow old. Instead of just mocking their older peers, they are learning that they share a lot of the same feelings—feelings of insecurity, feelings of fear. As a result of reading the books, one youth group in Tennessee has even adopted the residents of the senior living center across from their church.



Q: How can faith change our idea of growing older?

So many see aging as a punishment, and they dread it so much. But even though it is difficult to be limited by an aging body, they need to look at it as a gift that God has given them. They still have so much to give. They have great wisdom to share and stories to share. I always tell my older friends that their story is not yet over.

More books by Missy Buchanan;
Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms, Enlarged Print

Don't Write My Obituary Just Yet: Inspiring Faith Stories for Older Adults

Book Giveaway: Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer

I am going to give away another great book to celebrate the beginning of a brand new year.
I am giving away a paperback copy of Battlefield of the Mind; Winning the Battle in Your Mind by Joyce Meyer.  This was the first book that Joyce wrote and it is still one of her best selling books.
Joyce Meyer guides you through an honest self-appraisal by sharing the trials, tragedies and ultimate victories of her own marriage, family and ministry - including the truth she learned about what she was thinking and feeling every step of the way.  You'll gain insight into how Joyce won the battle in her own mind and how you can as well.

How To Enter
Just leave a comment on this blog and you will be entered to win this contest. Don't know what to write? Just tell me, "I want to read The Battlefield of the Mind!" That is all there is to it. On Friday, January 14th, I will draw a lucky name out of a hat. Please leave an email address so that I can contact you. You will have until the end of Monday, January 17th to respond to my email and send me your name and shipping address. If I do not hear from you, I will pick another name on Tuesday morning.

Who Can Enter
This contest is open to anyone age 18 or older. I am willing to ship this book (at my expense) to any location in the world so please do not hestitate to enter. I love my international readers. I ask that you just submit one entry per person.

Deadline
You must post a comment on this blog post no later than 12:00 noon (Central Time) on January 14, 2011.  I will announce the name of the winner on this blog the week after the drawing.

Follow Me!
I would love for you to push the "Follow" button and add your name to my group of loyal blog readers. If you are on Facebook, I now have a Networked Blogs widget that you can use.  However, this is not a requirement to enter this contest.

Book Review: International Children's Bible

I recieved a new edition of the  International Children's Bible from Booksneeze to review.  This is a paperback Bible (Old Testament and New Testament) that was published in 2010 by Thomas Nelson.  

The cover states; "The Translation Children Can Read And Understand."  This is not a storybook or a paraphrased Bible.  It is a translation of God's Word from the original Hebrew and Greek languages.  The editors wanted to provide a trustworthy translation and a clear translation.  Bible scholars worked with reading specialists to make the language simple enough for children in grades 2 - 6 to read and understand it for themselves.  Sentences have been kept short and uncomplicated.  Vocabulary choice has been based upon The Living Word Vocabulary which is the standard used by the editors of The World Book Encyclopedia.

The Bible is illustrated with full-page color computer generated illustrations.  Children will enjoy these pictures and will want to read about them in the Bible.  There is a Contents page in the front of the Bible that lists all the books of the Old Testament and New Testament with the page numbers.  In the back of the Bible there is a dictionary, an index of the most popular Bible stories, memory verses and Bible maps. 

I read several of my favorite Bible passages in this translation and I was very impressed.  This is the perfect Bible for your elementary school age child to take to Sunday School and church.  The best thing is your child can read and study Scripture that is discussed at church or in your home Bible study.  My only problem with this book is the paperback cover.  I would advise you to get this Bible with a hardback cover so that it will last for several years. 

Book Review: Surprised By Suffering

I read the Kindle edition of Surprised by Suffering: The Role of Pain and Death in The Christian Life by R.C. Sproul.  Pastor Sproul is an American Calvinist theologian and pastor. He is the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries and can be heard daily on the Renewing Your Mind radio broadcast in the United States and internationally.  He has written 60 books on Christian living. This book was first published in 1988.  This edition features a new chapter on God's sovereignty in relation to suffering (Chapter 4), as well as  new Scripture and subject indexes.

I think all people are surprised when faced with suffering and death.  We are never prepared to handle these unpleasant circumstances in life.  The author examines and discusses the following questions;

Why do good people suffer with sickness and disease?
Is there a heaven where we will live after death?
Will we see our loved ones again?

Pastor Sproul leads the reader in a detailed Bible study on these topics.  He examines both Old Testament and New Testament Scpritures to find the answers to these questions.  He uses the Scriptures to provide comfort to Christians who have lost loved ones.  He also shares his views on how to deal with family members who are terminally ill.
I was drawn to this book because my father recently had a heart attack.  He is very ill and I am having a hard time dealing with this.  Surprised by Suffering: The Role of Pain and Death in The Christian Life was like a gift straight from God.  Pastor Sproul helped me understand the process of death and grief. 
The index at the back of the book is a very helpful reference tool.  This book is well worth the time it will take you to read it. 

Voices Of The Faithful: A Book Review

"Voices Of The Faithful; Book 2 - Inspiring Stories of Courage From Christians Serving Around The World" is a book of 366 devotions from missionaries around the world. These daily devotions feature a Bible verse, a short story from a missionary in the field and a prayer.

I found this book of devotions to be very inspiring. This book helped me understand what a missionary really does on a daily basis. They sacrifice and face many hardships to save souls and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. In some countries, Christians face persecution and must take great risks to teach, preach and witness.

Beth Moore wrote a compelling Introduction to this book. She believes this book will make the reader feel connected to brothers and sisters in Christ all over the globe. I truly felt this connection as I read the stories of Christians working to spread the Word all over the world. Ms. Moore also encouraged readers to PRAY for missionaries. This book helped me realize that these missionaries need our fervent prayer and support.

There is an index of devotion titles arranged by each month of the year at the end of the book. There is also an index of scriptural references arranged in alphabetical order. These indexes are useful in coordinating the devotions with Bible studies and Sunday School lessons.

The last few pages of the book provide the plan of salvation and information about the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. It provides web sites to find more information about the missionaries and how to support them with resources and prayer.

This is one of the best devotional books that I have ever read. This book is about Christians who take their faith seriously and are working hard to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. It is really much more than just a one-year book of devotions. It is a wonderful resource for all teachers and pastors who are interested in missions.