Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose in Life - One Step Closer

 Title: One Step Closer; How a Life-Altering Accident Led Me To Everything I Almost Missed

Author: Ryan S. Atkins

Publisher: Binturong Books

Publication Date: November 19, 2020

Length: 214 Pages

Black and White Photographs

About the Author
After flipping multiple times across the highway left him paralyzed below the neck, Ryan Atkins began sharing hope and inspiration with the growing community on his blog "Flat on My Back". He has made it his mission to learn what it means to live with purpose no matter the circumstances.

Successful College Student Faces Life-Altering Car Accident
Ryan Atkins was on the path to graduate from the University of Cincinnati when a 2009 car accident left him paralyzed below the neck. This memoir gives the reader a glimpse into Ryan's life over the years since the accident. Mr. Atkins hoped and prayed for physical healing and regaining his ability to walk, but this was not to be. However, he gained insight and purpose for his life through his faith in Jesus Christ and the support of his friends and family. 

My Thoughts
I liked this book very much. I read it over a period of two days and found it difficult to put down. Ryan is a real overcomer. He had many difficult experiences in his treatment and recovery, but he never gave up. 

I love the way this accident brought a young lady who was Ryan's second-grade classmate back into his life. Their relationship grew over time and she played a vital role in Ryan's life. 

Mr. Atkins is an avid reader and believes the following words of Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl helped him move forward in his life; "If you find a why, then you can bear any how."
If you find your purpose, then you can overcome any challenge that life throws at you.

This book made me smile. I am so happy for the many successes in this young man's life. 

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF FIVE

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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New Memoir by Christian Writer Philip Yancey

 

Title: Where the Light Fell

Author: Philip Yancey

Publisher: Convergent Books

Publication Date: October 21,2021

Length: 320 Pages

About the Author

Philip Yancey is the author of over thirty books. His books have garnered thirteen Gold Medalion Book awards from Christian publishers and booksellers. 

"I'm a pilgrim, still 'in recovery' from a bad church upbringing, searching for the possibility of a faith rooted in grace instead of fear. I feel overwhelming gratitude that I can make a living writing about the questions that interest me."

Suffering and Grace
This book describes the harsh and turbulent upbringing that Philip Yancey and his brother Marshall experienced at the hands of their widowed, impoverished mother. The mother was a Bible teacher at work and a child abuser at home. The boys were victims of physical, emotional, and verbal abuse. They were indoctrinated with the extreme fundamentalist beliefs and culture of several Southern Baptist churches that they attended in Atlanta, Georgia. They were pressured into going to a fundamentalist Bible college after they graduated from high school.

The brothers both rebelled against their dysfunctional family life. Marshall rejected his Christian faith but Philip grew stronger in his faith. Philip found solace in reading, nature, and music. He explored questions about a God of love and grace and wrote about his feelings.

My Thoughts
This book gave me many things to think about. I am sure it was heart-wrenching for Mr. Yancey to go back and relive many of the difficult situations that he wrote about. His writing was brave and I believe he made an honest attempt to uncover the facts of his life as a child and young man.

The author pushed back hard against his mother and the Baptist Church. However, I would not call it "mother-bashing" or "church bashing". He was seeking the truth and I think he found it.

There's an old saying in Texas; "You got to rise above your raisin!". This is exactly what Philip Yancey has done. He became the shining light in his family. He forgave his mother and made many attempts to heal the relationship between his mother and brother. 

There are several incidents of animal abuse/neglect in this book that I found very disturbing.  These incidents involved a kitten, two dogs, and seventeen box turtles. The experiences with the kitten and dogs took place when Philip was very young and had no control over the situations. I think he loved those animals and was traumatized by their deaths/abandonment. I won't comment about the turtles except to say I wish I could unread the words that described their demise.

This is the first book by Philip Yancey that I have read. I am adding some of his books to my reading list. I think this book will mean more to me after I am more familiar with his work. I highly recommend this book to readers who are fans of this author and anyone who wants to expand and grow their faith in Jesus Christ.

MY RATING: 4 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

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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.

Kindle Books For Kids: Heaven Is For Real For Kids

Colton Burpo tells the story about how he got sick and went to Heaven when he was almost four-years-old. "Heaven is for Real for Kids; A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back", by Todd Burpo, is written in a child's words and is meant to be shared with other children. The color illustrations reflect the experience Colton had during his amazing trip to Heaven.


About The Author
Todd Burpo is the pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Imperial, Nebraska where his sermons are broadcast locally every Sunday via the local radio station. He volunteers at Chase County Public Schools as wrestling coach for Junior High school students, as well as serving as a member of the school board. Todd graduated from Oklahoma Wesleyan University in 1991 with a BA in Theology. He was ordained in 1994.

A Little Boy's Journey to Heaven
Colton Burpo was almost four-years-old when he became ill and was taken to the hospital. During his stay in the hospital, he closed his eyes and found himself being carried to Heaven by an angel.

Colton describes all the things he saw and all the things he experienced while in Heaven. The text is very simple and is written in a way that children can understand. Each page is illustrated with a beautiful color illustration that complements the text. There is also a Bible verse on each page that supports the experiences that Colton described while he was in Heaven.

My Thoughts
This book is a child's version of the best-selling adult book "Heaven is for Real; A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back." I have not read this original version of the book but plan to read it in the future.

I read this book on my Kindle 3 (black and white illustrations) and on the Kindle for PC Application (color illustrations). The illustrations and text are a good fit for the Kindle. Children will find this book easy and enjoyable to read on the small screen of the Kindle.

I think the child's version of "Heaven is for Real" is a book that is well-suited to share with children of all ages. This book will help parents explain what happens after a person dies. Colton remembers seeing all kinds of animals in heaven so this book would also be appropriate to answer questions about what happens to pets when they die.

Christian parents will find this book poignant and astounding. It is truly amazing that this young child could have an experience like this and be able to describe it in such vivid detail. There will always be skeptics, but I found Colton's story very believable and inspiring.

The theme of this book is "Jesus really, really loves children and Jesus really, really loves you." There is a FAQ section at the end of the book that provides more information about the Burpo family and Colton's experience. Highly recommended.

FYI ~ I checked-out this ebook from my public library.

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Book Review: Chopsticks (Friends For A Season)

Two 13-year-old girls compete in a song-writing contest. They both desperately need the $400.00 prize money to help others at Christmas.
Will their friendship survive?
Will this competition draw them closer together or tear them apart?
Will their Christian faith help them overcome the challenges that they face at home and at school?
Chopsticks, by Sandra Byrd, is a book for tweens/teens that includes fun, friends, family and faith.
About The Author
After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published more than three dozen books. A former textbook acquisitions editor, Sandra has also published many nonfiction articles and books. Sandra is also passionate about helping new writers develop their talent and their work toward traditional or self-publication. As such, she has mentored and coached hundreds of new writers and continues to coach dozens to success each year.

Two Young Musicians Become Friends
One girl sells the other a guitar and they seal their new friendship with a pair of chopsticks from a Chinese restaurant. The girls love music but their lives are very different.
Paige Winsome has always been in the shadow of her athletic brother and her academic sister. She feels like she has to fight for attention in her affluent family and that her musical talents are overlooked.
Kate Kennedy is an only child.  Her father is a pastor but has to work a second job to make ends meet. Kate uses her musical abilities in the youth group at church but she feels bad about always having to accept hand-outs from members of the church.
The girls both enter a singer/songwriter competition. The first place prize is $400.00 and an opportunity to sing at the annual Thanksgiving Day football game. Paige wants to use the prize money to donate to an animal rescue group. Kate wants to use the money to buy Christmas presents for needy American Indian children.
The girls are both talented and have what it takes to win the contest. The surprise ending of this story shows how faith and friendship can overcome all obstacles.


My Thoughts
This book is realistic Christian fiction for tweens/teens at it's best. The girls in the story face real-life challenges, pressures and heartaches. The one thing that gives them hope for a better future is their Christian faith.
The girls learn to put their own self-interests aside and concentrate on helping others. This book highlights strong family values without being overly saccharine or gooey. Highly recommended for tweens/teens ages 10 - 14!

The Friends For A Season Series
Chopsticks is Book #2 in the "Friends For A Season" series. It was first published as a paperback book in 2005 and was released in digital format in October, 2011.

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.

Book Review: 40 Days Without Food

This is the story of a young man's spiritual quest to find purpose in his life. He embarks on a 40 day journey of self-discovery and intimacy with God. He eats no solid food for 40 days and survives on fruit and vegetable juice.

 What can you learn from a 40 day fast? Does this experience help you discover the things that are MOST important in life?  40 Days Without Food; Divine Goodness To A Starving Soul, by Russ Masterson, will answer these questions and many more.

About The Author
Russ Masterson lives with his wife and two young daughters in Atlanta, Georgia. He received a BBA from University of Georgia and a Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a writer and pastor to college/20′s/30′s at The Church of the Apostles in Atlanta.

Favorite Quotes
As I read this book, I found myself highlighting many memorable passages. I would like to share a few of my favorite quotations from this book.

"We need something beyond shiny leaves, success and vanity. Affluence and struggle will both blow against us. Impatience will swirl, and unbelief will howl, but if we are wrapped in Christ's love, our roots will shoot deep----deep they'll run, through the shifting soil." 

"I closed my eyes and God's love spoke to me. "You are not alone in this. I have blue skies for you." It's easy to become consumed by regret of the past or fear of the future, to analyze or plan till you're stuck in the gray. But this promise----you are not alone in this----changes everything."

"But I realized this morning, like a revelation from God, that failure may be a comment on my abilities, but not on my value."

"I think the lesson in this is for us to refuse to treasure things that can't love. Things can entertain us, clothe us, and transport us, but they can't love us. "

My Thoughts
The title of this book literally grabbed my attention and I felt like I had to read it. I was not disappointed. I really didn't think he would be able to continue for 40 days without any solid food. He DID complete the fast!
I want to make it clear that food is not the main theme of this book, this book is about spiritual discipline, growth and faith in God.
Russ Masterson shares his victories, doubts, weaknesses and strengths in this inspiring memoir. At the end of the book, the author offers some tips on the practicalities of fasting.
This is a very worthy book to add to your Christian book collection. I think it delivers a powerful message for all ages. God is speaking to us today just like he spoke to Mr. Masterson..."You are not alone in this. I have blue skies for you".

Disclosure: I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from the Tyndale House Publishers.

I would love to hear from you ~ Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

FREE Bible Promise Book For Kindle

We are always seeking God's message for us. We often deal with anger, depression, money problems, relationship problems and more.
The Message Promise Book, by Eugene H. Peterson, contains passages from the Bible on 80 different topics, covering many areas in which we all struggle to know what to think, what to say and what to do. These passages are written in the kind of contemporary language we use every day.

Have you ever needed a word directly from God?  This little book provides Scripture on many different topics that we deal with daily. The Kindle version of this book has a clickable index of 80 topics.

Are you tired and worn out? Click on the word "Rest" in The Message Promise Book and you will find this message from the Word of God;

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest.
Matthew 11:28

My Thoughts
I find a Bible promise book very helpful when I am looking for Scripture on specific topics. This book is well-organized and easy to understand. I am really happy to have The Message Promise Book on my Kindle. The Scripture in this book is comforting to read and memorize during difficult times. It is a wonderful resource to use during daily Bible study. The modern language that is used in this version is popular with young and old alike. I am standing on the promises of God!

This book is being offered as a FREE download for the Kindle at the present time. NOW is the time to grab this book.

You might also be interested in the following FREE Kindle book;
The Message; The Book of Proverbs by Eugene H. Peterson

Disclosure: Sometimes FREE books are offered for only a limited amount of time from Amazon. Always check the price before making your purchase.

I love to hear from you ~ If you found this post helpful, please post your thoughts in the Comments Sections below.

The Spirit In Baseball Book Review And Giveaway

Take me out to the ballgame! Baseball season is in full-swing and boys and girls are flocking to the ballparks. Today I read a children's picture book about baseball, sportsmanship and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. I am pleased to announce that I have a brand new copy of "The Spirit In Baseball", by Kathryn Nixon and Ana Boudreau, to give away to one of my blog readers. I want to thank the good folks at B & B Media Group for making this book giveaway possible.

Christian Values In Baseball

Baseball is a great way to teach children how to play and win in the game of life. The authors of this book illustrate how the fruit of the Holy Spirit can be used to make children better baseball players, both on the field and off. The theme of this book is based on the following Scripture from Galatians 5: 22-23:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

The authors show how each of these Christian values apply to baseball in written prose and with colorful illustrations. These values encourage good sportsmanship and teamwork. I am reminded of the old saying, "It's not whether you win or lose. It's how you play the game." This book will teach children that you do not always have to win to be a successful player.
In this day of radical competition, this book is a great resource for parents, teachers and coaches who want to teach children Christian values. This book is appropriate for elementary and middle grade students. Highly recommended!


How To Enter To Win A FREE Copy Of "The Spirit In Baseball"
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 win a copy of The Spirit In Baseball." That is all there is to it. On Monday, June 13th, I will draw ONE lucky name out of a hat in a random drawing. Please leave an email address so that I can contact you. You will have until the end of Tuesday, June 14th 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 Wednesday 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. The book will be shipped via USPS Media Mail or 1st Class International. 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 June 13, 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.

Leave a comment below to win a copy of this awesome children's book ~ ONE lucky winner will be chosen on Monday, June 13th!

Rave Reviews For Lift Up Your Eyes

I recently wrote a review for Lift Up Your Eyes (Devotions For Everyday Of The Year) by Rev. Clyde E. Nichols.  This book is inspirational, motivational and will lead you to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.
Today, I would like to share the views and reviews of other people who have read this book. These reviews reflect the true value that is evident in this book.

"This book belongs on your coffee table or your night stand. Read it first as a cover-to-cover excursion and then read it during your daily devotions. It will bless and enrich your life." Temple Daily Telegram


Many times Christians living in 2011 feel frustrated and downhearted because we fall far short of living our lives as Christ intended. "Lift Up Your Eyes" by Rev. Clyde E. Nichols fills the reader with hope and encouragement. Each devotional gives us a scripture and then suggests simple ways to apply its meaning to our relationships at home, in the workplace and while we go about our daily responsibilities. The readings are enlightening, uplifting and in some cases very humbling! What a great way to start our morning or to give us a "lift" during the day when we need one. But be warned, reading the devotionals in "Lift Up Your Eyes" is like eating potato chips...it's hard to stop at reading just one!  Brenda Petillo

Rev. Nichols recently received the following email from Jim Gentil;

I received your book and am truly grateful for you including me as someone to write a review. You will be the featured person in the next Positive Spiritual Living newsletter. In addition to sharing one of your articles, I will be including info about your background, telling people they are lucky to be able to purchase such a wonderful book. I'm going to read as much as possible so people will know that my recommendation come from my heart.
I feel truly blessed to have this book in my home.
God bless both you and Marianne- Jim

"Clyde Nichols is an insightful student of the human heart. He loves God, and God's love shines through Clyde's writings. But more than that, he does something I think more difficult: he loves people. Using wonderful stories, humor Scripture and anecdotes, he speaks to the real life situations we all confront and helps us do a better job of meeting them. You will enjoy this book! And, as you read the devotions over the year, you will find yourself becoming more fully the person you most want to be."  Dr. Steve Wende, Senior Minister - First Methodist Church, Houston

The columns of Rev. Clyde Nichol's published weekly by the Temple Daily Telegram are eagerly awaited by his readers. Now many others have the opportunity to experience his engaging thoughts and stories in "Lift Up Your Eyes". His devotions combine things he sees, things he reads, and things that come from prayerful thoughts. He remembers these experiences and stands them up close by the good news of Jesus and the love of God in wondrous ways. Read his book in your daily devotions. Or when you are frustrated, just take up the book, open it anywhere, and let it touch and help you.   Joseph R. Jeter, Jr.  -  Emeritus Professor, Brite Divinity School

Have you ordered a copy of Lift Up Your Eyes? I promise this book will bless you!

Book Review: Wrestling Prayer

I am always striving to have a more intimate relationship with God. I was drawn to the title of this book; "Wrestling Prayer: A Passionate Communion with God".  The word "wrestle" means "to contend, as in a struggle for mastery; grapple, struggle".  I was eager to learn how wrestling prayer worked.
This book was written by Eric and Leslie Ludy, a husband-wife team who have been in the Christian ministry for many years and have written 18 Christian books.  I like the way that Eric wrote one chapter and then Leslie wrote the next.  The material is covered from both the male and female point-of-view.  The authors tell about a turning point in their lives when Leslie was pregnant but lost the baby.  They felt that God wanted them to put on the full armor of God...to seal up every breach that would allow the enemy to gain access into their lives.  He wanted them to call upon His name and allow Him to come to their rescue in time of need.  After much prayer and Bible study, the Ludys learned that when the enemy attacked, God didn't want them to accept it.  God wanted them to stand up and fight against the enemy's intentions for their lives. This was the beginning of their quest to become skilled wrestling prayer warriors.  
This book tells about many wrestling prayer warriors in the Bible and through-out history.  The Ludys explain how they have made many changes in their lifestyle to allow more time for meditation and prayer.  The couple learned that serious prayer and communication with God would take much more time than they had previously allowed.  They also learned that the rewards that come from "wrestling prayer" are greater than they could have ever imagined.
If you are serious about drawing closer to God, this book will really open your eyes to many new possibilities.  
I read this book in digital format on my Kindle.  I borrowed the book from a fellow member of the Kindle Lending Club.

Free Kindle Book For Kids

 Amazon is offering I Love You This Much: A Song of God's Love by Lynn Hodges and Sue Buchanan as a free digital ebook for the Kindle.  The book is illustrated by John Bendall-Brunello and is published by Zondervan.
This is a cute picture book about a baby bear and his/her parent.  The child could be either sex and so could the parent. The parent bear is expressing love to the child in words and actions.  The text is written in a rhyming prose that flows very nicely. Children will love the repetition of the words, "I Love You This Much!"
The parent bear goes on to explain to the child that God loves him and will always be with him.  The book provides a wonderful example of parental love and the love of God.
The illustrations are very good and they complement the text.  Unfortunately, the pictures will not be in color on the Kindle.  It does not appear that any special formatting was done to prepare this book for the Kindle.  I read the book in several different font sizes to see if that would make a difference.  It did not. 
The cover of the book states "Bonus Music CD" but that is not available on the Kindle.  The sub-title of the book is "A Song of God's Love" but there is no reference to music or singing in this version.
If you have a Kindle and a young child, I think you should definitely download this book and share it with him/her.  I look forward to seeing many more picture books for the Kindle from this publisher and from others.  These free offers ususlly don't last very long so download your book TODAY!

Me And My Big Mouth WINNER

We have a WINNER! Last week I sponsored a book giveaway to find a new home for Me and My Big Mouth: Your Answer is Right Under Your Nose by Joyce Meyer. The contest ran from January 16th until January 24th.  I had an excellent responce and I am thrilled that so many people are interested in reading this book.  I wish I had enough books to give each one of you a copy.
This afternoon, I assigned each comment that was posted on the book giveaway blog a number, cut the numbers apart and then put them in a large bowl.  I asked God to help me draw the name of a person who was truly seeking a closer relationship with God.

I honestly believe that each one of you are sincere in your desire to have a closer relationship with God BUT I just have one book to give away, so I asked for Divine assistance in drawing a winner.
I am not going to report the name of the winner this week because I would like to share the email that she sent me after I sent her the notification that she would be receiving this book. 

"Oh my goodness THANK YOU! That really brought tears to my eyes!  I would have commented alot more under there but I didn't want everyone to read it.  I used to be SO close to God, then I got married and moved 70 miles from my home church and had a baby.  I work weenends so I haven't gone to church in a year and I REALLY need something to help me get back on track.  Lord for some reason I'm just crying so much as I write this.  I mean, I could have bought the book but maybe its nice to know GOD still cares about me."

It is a real honor for me to sponsor these book giveaway contests.  I am so pleased that the books are going to people who will be blessed by them.
I will be sponsoring another book giveaway contest very soon so please check this blog daily and pray that these contests are making a difference and changing lives.

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.

Book Review: Preacher Creature Strikes On Sunday

 This book is funny...I mean REALLY funny.  Preacher Creature Strikes on Sunday (Tales from the Back Pew) by Mike Thaler is the story of a young boy going to church for the first time.  He dreads going to church because he has heard all about it. 
He heard that you have to stand up, sit down and kneel a hundred times. Then you have to stay awake while some guy called a preacher tries to keep you up.  And you have to be QUIET.  Next, the preacher gives a boring talk called a sermon.  It can last for hours...for days....sometimes even weeks!  That is why the preacher is called "The Sermonator"!
When the young man and his mother actually walk into the church, they are greeted by friendly faces (everybody's awake).  The boy is invited to join other children in the children's church where he plays games, sings songs, makes puppets and acts out Bible stories. He makes lots of new friends and is eager to return the next week.  He is so excited about going to church that he is going to invite his friends to go with him!
I have been a fan of Mike Thaler's books for many years.  He has written over 250 books for children of all ages.  When I was working as a school librarian, the kids loved The Teacher from the Black Lagoon and other books from "The Black Lagoon" series.  The illustrations in Preacher Creature Strikes on Sunday (Tales from the Back Pew) , by Jared Lee, are hilarious.  I downloaded this book on my Kindle so the pictures did not appear in color but I still loved them.  The illustrations add a great deal to the humor of this story.
I am delighted that Mr. Thaler has written a series of Christian children's books. This is an awesome book to use with children both at church and at home.  CAUTION:  This book might cause unsuspecting adults to crack a smile or even let a giggle slip out.

More Books from "Tales From The Back Pew":
Walking the Plank to the Baptism Tank (Tales from the Back Pew)
In the Big Inning... Bible Riddles from the Back Pew (Tales from the Back Pew)

The Three Wise Guys (Tales from the Back Pew)
Bible Knock- Knock Jokes from the Back Pew (Tales from the Back Pew)
Mission Trip Impossible (Tales from the Back Pew)

Easter Egg Haunt (Tales from the Back Pew)

Vacation Bible Snooze (Tales from the Back Pew)

Church Summer Cramp (Tales from the Back Pew)

Church Harvest Mess-tival (Tales from the Back Pew)